Choice Hotels Australasia Announces China Expansion
One of Australia’s largest hotel franchise groups, Melbourne-based Choice Hotels Australasia, has announced major
Greater China expansion plans for the hotel group with 30 new build hotels planned for development over the next five
years.
Choice Hotels has signed a development agreement with Hangzhou-based Boli Hotel Management Co., Limited, an independent
authorised licensee of Choice Hotels which will be responsible for the development and operations of the anticipated 30
hotels in China, likely to be a mix of upscale Clarion and Quality brand hotels.
Construction of the first new Clarion build is underway in Hangzhou, one of China's most popular tourist destinations,
with plans to move ahead and deliver the remaining 29 properties in additional cities across the region by 2021.
“This partnership will allow a well-known local Chinese operator to focus on the day-to-day challenges of running a
hotel while capitalising on the many benefits afforded by Choice Hotels’ recognisable brand and robust distribution
platform,” said Mark Pearce, senior vice president of Choice Hotels International Division. “Local Chinese hotel
developers and operators now have an opportunity to partner with an international hotel company and leverage our brands’
excellent reputation.”
“Over the past 18 months we’ve seen an increase of Chinese investors investing in the Australian market,” commented
Trent Fraser, Choice Hotels Australasia’s Chief Executive. “We expect this interest to grow in the coming years as we
build a stronger base in the Chinese hotel industry.”
The partnership comes at a time of major expansion for Choice Hotels Australasia within the local market; Choice Hotels
has reported its strongest year on record for new property growth in the Australasia market.
ENDS