Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) today announced at the Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Expos (AIME) that it plans to forge ahead with expansion in Australia and the Pacific, opening six new hotels and resorts this year. Reflecting strong demand in the region, the vigorous growth will be fuelled by Sheraton, Starwood?s largest and most global brand, as well as by a dynamic travel industry partnership between Starwood Preferred Guest? (SPG?), Starwood?s innovative loyalty program, and Virgin Australia.
Within this region, Starwood is targeting both established markets, such as Australia; and increasingly popular resort destinations, including Fiji, Samoa and New Caledonia. The six new properties to open in 2014 include Sheraton Melbourne Hotel and Four Points by Sheraton Brisbane in Australia; Sheraton Resort & Spa, Tokoriki Island, Fiji; Sheraton New Caledonia Deva Resort & Spa; Sheraton Samoa Aggie Grey?s Resort and Sheraton Samoa Aggie Grey?s Hotel.
?We are embarking on a milestone year for Starwood?s growth and development in the Pacific,? said Sean Hunt, Regional Vice President, Pacific, Starwood Hotels & Resorts. ?I am confident that the strength of our brands, especially Sheraton, will fulfil robust demand for upper-upscale hospitality offerings in Australia, the region?s mature market, as well as in emerging resort isles ? providing a range of excellent facilities for both business and leisure travellers.?
Starwood currently operates 14 hotels in the Pacific region, with nine hotels in Australia, including Sheraton on the Park in Sydney; The Westin Sydney; The Westin Melbourne; Sheraton Mirage Resort & Spa, Gold Coast; Sheraton Mirage Port Douglas Resort; and Sheraton Noosa Resort & Spa. In addition, there are three hotels in Fiji and two in New Caledonia. At year-end 2014, the company expects to have 20 operating hotels and resorts. In addition, The Westin Perth is in the pipeline for 2017 openings.
Strong Demand for Iconic Sheraton Brand
Among Starwood?s portfolio of nine unique lifestyle brands, Sheraton in particular plays a leading role in maintaining the firm?s premier position in the region. The iconic brand currently operates six hotels in the Pacific; by the end of 2014, Sheraton will nearly double its presence in the region with five openings. Last year, the Sheraton brand celebrated its 100th hotel in Asia Pacific, and the brand anticipates the achievement of its 500th global hotel milestone by 2016.
Lack of supply presents pent-up demand for lodging in Australia
Australia presents significant growth opportunities for Starwood in 2014. The hospitality landscape is characterized by a lack of new supply, even in the face of steady demand growth. Sheraton Melbourne will mark the Sheraton brand’s return to the city after nearly a decade. Located at the Paris end of the CBD, the hotel will feature 174 well-appointed guest rooms; a bistro-style signature restaurant; The Terrace Bar; a heated indoor pool; a well-equipped Business Centre and over 650 square metres of meetings space. Sheraton Melbourne provides guests with the brand?s signature amenities, including the Sheraton Sweet Sleeper? Bed, Link@Sheraton(SM) experienced with Microsoft? for seamless connectivity, the Sheraton Fitness Programmed by Core? Performance programme, a heated indoor pool, and signature spa.
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