New York: Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc . 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.
Strong demand in Pacific
Reflecting strong demand in the region, the vigorous growth will be fuelled by Sheraton, Starwood’s largest and most global brand.
It is also fuelled by a dynamic travel industry partnership between Starwood Preferred Guest® (SPG®), Starwood’s innovative loyalty program, and Virgin Australia.
Within the region region, Starwood is targeting both established markets, such as Australia; and increasingly popular resort destinations, including Fiji, Samoa and New Caledonia.
Properties to open
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.
Fiji
Nestled within Fiji’s idyllic Mamanuca group, Sheraton Resort & Spa, Tokoriki Island, Fiji will enhance Starwood’s already solid positioning in Fiji.
It will be complementing the existing Sheraton Denarau Villas , Sheraton Fiji Resort and The Westin Denarau Island Resort & Spa Fiji .
The resort, scheduled to open in March 2014, will feature 101 guest rooms, an outdoor swimming pool, a “Gold Class” style theatre/cinema accommodating up to 50 guests, three distinctive dining venues, a modern day spa and several state-of-the-art function spaces.
Operations in Pacific
Mr Hunt said: “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.
Dynamic Upmarket Resort
Portfolio
Starwood is leveraging the popularity of the Pacific islands among increasingly affluent global travellers, with the openings of Sheraton Resort & Spa, Tokoriki Island, Fiji and Sheraton New Caledonia Deva Resort & Spa this year.
Sheraton will also debut in Samoa, marking the introduction of the first international hospitality brand to the market, through the recently signed management agreement of Sheraton Samoa Aggie Grey’s Resort and Sheraton Samoa Aggie Grey’s Hotel .
— Wall Street Journal
Sheraton Denarau Villas on Denarau Island is one of Starwod Hotels & Resorts properties in Fiji.