Starwood looks to expand Middle East footprint in 2014

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc announced it opened 74 new hotels in 2013, resulting in approximately 16,200 rooms in 22 countries. The company is looking at expanding its footprint particularly in developing markets and is positive of another strong year of global growth in 2014. “There is a global travel revolution underway, and secular trends of rising wealth, rapid urbanization and increasing digital interconnectivity make us as confident as ever about demand for high-end travel,” said Frits van Paasschen, president and CEO of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc. van Paasschen further added: “Globalization continues to spur economic growth, infrastructure development and, for us, footprint expansion. 2014 already looks to be shaping up better with a number of key milestones, including opening of our 200th Westin, 200th Four Points by Sheraton, and more Le Méridien hotels in any one year.  We have a balanced approach to development.” Conversions will continue to fuel growth in North America with increased momentum in Asia Pacific, the Middle East and Europe. In 2014, the company will open 10 new luxury properties, making debuts in four countries.  Key openings will include W Bogota, marking the W brand’s entry into Colombia; W Beijing, furthering the W brand’s footprint in strategic Chinese destinations; The St. Regis Istanbul and Chengdu; and six new hotels under The Luxury Collection brand in destinations including Odessa, Ajman, Dalian and Hangzhou in China, and Broumana in Lebanon. Source: Travel Daily