Paris-based Accor SA said it plans to increase its hotel portfolio in China to more than 100 over the next three years to capitalize on one of the world's most dynamic travel markets.

 

Europe's biggest hotel group, which opened its 44th hotel in China yesterday in Beijing, will add another 61 hotels across the country by 2010 in cities including Shanghai, Macau, Guangzhou and Nanjing, the company said in a statement yesterday.

 

In addition, 95 hotels will be added in the Asia-Pacific region to the current network of 300 over the coming two years, Accor said.

 

"There is vast potential in the Asia-Pacific region, particularly China and India," said David Baffsky, Accor's Asia Pacific chairman. "And we have a full range of brands to service all sectors of the market."

 

Globally, Accor operates hotels under seven brands, including Sofitel, Grand Mercure, Novotel, Mercure, All seasons, Ibis and Formule 1.

 

The Asia-Pacific region recorded 21 percent growth last year, with 53 hotels being added in countries including China, Thailand, Indonesia and Australia as the main drivers.

The company said earlier this month that it will expand the number of Ibis hotels under development in China to 40 from six by 2008, tapping demand for budget travel in the country.

 

(Shanghai Daily March 22, 2007)