Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc anticipates a strong year of openings and new hotel agreements signings in 2013. Nearly two–third of Starwood’s hotels in 2013 will open in fast-growing markets, with the first property to open in Tajikistan. Other important markets include Peru, Brazil, Mexico, Panama, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Bangladesh,
Hungary, Turkey and Saudi Arabia, as well as China and India. The company will also continue to focus on identifying the right partners for continued development in Brazil, Russia and throughout sub-Saharan Africa.
Simon Turner, President, Global Development, said, “After a strong year in 2012 of openings, deal signings and increased owner interest in development, we are entering 2013, well-positioned for continued footprint growth in both emerging and developed markets. Our long-established global presence remains a competitive advantage, and our local teams provide know-how and strong relationships paving the way for future growth and the continued expansion of our nine brands. In 2012, Starwood signed a total of 131 new hotel management and franchise agreements that represented an increase of 17 per cent over 2011 signing levels, including 31 conversions, 12 of which opened during 2012.”
Starwood continues to lengthen its lead in the luxury space with over 150 properties in its luxury portfolio under the St. Regis, Luxury Collection and W Hotels brands. Fifteen per cent of new hotels in the pipeline are in its luxury portfolio, including in Asia Pacific, and many conversion opportunities that exist around the world as independent, boutique hotels look to benefit as part of the Starwood system.
In 2013, Starwood will open The St. Regis Abu Dhabi and the re-openings of two luxury icons and members of the Luxury Collection, the Gritti Palace and Prince de Galles. New openings for the Luxury Collection include The Castle Hotel, Dalian (China); Vana Belle, Koh Samui (Thailand); and Palacio del Inka (Peru). Starwood will open its first W Hotel in mainland China with W Guangzhou and the first W alpine ski resort with W Verbier (Switzerland). This year will be a strong year for Starwood’s upper upscale brands, Sheraton, Westin and Le Méridien. Starwood’s mid-market portfolio, which includes Aloft, Element and Four Points by Sheraton, has grown over 60 per cent since 2009 reflecting the brands’ worldwide appeal. It will open its 250th mid-market hotel this year. The three brands account for approximately one third of the company’s global development pipeline and nearly 45 per cent of expected hotel openings worldwide in 2013.