Travel may never be the same again, but new experiences will continue to fuel our wanderlust. This rings true for Marriott International, who has unveiled plans to expand its Asia Pacific portfolio this year via 100 hotel openings. Last year, the American hospitality company marked its 800th milestone hotel opening in the region with 75 properties. In 2021, travelers can look forward to the launch of JW Marriott Shanghai Fengxian in spring—its 50th hotel in China’s biggest city.
Showing the strongest signs of recovery from the ongoing pandemic, Greater China will likely lead the way for the resumption of global travel. According to a joint report by consultancy Bain & Co. and Alibaba’s Tmall Luxury unit, the country is on track to become the world’s largest personal luxury market by 2025 despite the pandemic.
For luxury-minded travelers, this means highly-anticipated openings like W Changsha, W Xiamen, St. Regis Qingdao and The Ritz-Carlton Reserve Jiuzhaigou. With the opening of the Ritz-Carlton Reserve, China will become the first country in Asia Pacific to house all of Marriott International’s luxury hallmark brands. Popular leisure destinations like Mianyang in the Sichuan province will welcome Sheraton Mianyang, while the culturally-rich destination of Nanjing will see the launch of The Westin Nanjing Resort & Spa.
Meanwhile, W Hotels will make its debut in Japan via W Osaka (main image), while The Luxury Collection will open its first property in Australia via The Tasman in Hobart. In early summer, Ritz-Carlton will open in the well-loved resort destination of Maldives. The JW Marriott brand will also bring its warm luxury experience to South Korea’s Jeju island, while Marriott’s signature wellness brand, Westin, will debut in Goa, one of India’s top beach destinations.
To encourage domestic travel within Japan, Marriott plans to open six more Fairfield by Marriott properties along michi-no-eki (roadside rest stations) aimed at revitalising the country’s local sightseeing spots. Riding on Melbourne’s wave as one of the best cities for art, culture, music and food, Marriott will also be opening W Melbourne and Melbourne Marriott Hotel Docklands in early 2021.
More information here.
BLACK FLY BIRD 