Starwood Hotels & Resorts To Open More Than 50 New Hotels In Europe, Africa And The Middle East

Online, May 16, 2011 (Newswire.com) - With Growth Fuelled by Demand for its Luxury and Design-Led Brands, Starwood is Poised to Open 12 Hotels in the Region this Year

"Starwood's luxury and design-led brands are driving our growth in all geographic regions as we continue to offer travellers more luxury and more memorable experiences, in more destinations," said Simon Turner, President of Global Development for Starwood. "We are targeting new-build and conversion opportunities across all nine of our world-class brands, with particular interest in Europe's fastest growing markets throughout East Central Europe."

Key upcoming openings in the region include five new St. Regis hotels in primary destinations such as Italy, Mauritius, United Arab Emirates and Qatar; the debut of W Hotels in three major European cultural and financial centres: London, Paris and St. Petersburg; and the launch of Le Meridien in Turkey, a key fast growing market for Starwood.

Fast Growing Markets Russia and Turkey Key to Starwood Growth Strategy

Starwood's growth in the region is being accelerated by a focus on key fast growing markets, including Russia and Turkey. In fact, Turkey's economic growth rate of 7% in 2010 rivalled that of many Asian countries, and both Turkey and Russia are expected to grow more than 4% in 2011, according to industry sources.

Starwood will double its portfolio in Russia by 2013 and will see a 60% growth rate in Turkey, opening hotels under three of its brands in these markets. In Turkey, this year's opening of Le Meridien Istanbul Etiler will be followed by Sheraton Bursa and Aloft Bursa in 2013. And in Russia, Starwood is set to debut the new W St. Petersburg this spring, followed by the opening of Sheraton hotels in Perm and Rostov-on-Don in 2013.

Starwood Strengthens Position in Europe with Significant Portfolio Enhancements

As Starwood continues to grow its luxury brands portfolio, the company is making significant investments to enhance its existing portfolio. In Europe alone, Starwood is investing over $100 million in renovations, including landmark Luxury Collection hotels such as the Hotel Gritti Palace in Venice, the Hotel Alfonso XIII in Seville, Spain, the Hotel Maria Cristina in San Sebastian, Spain, the Imperial Hotel, Vienna, and Hotel Prince de Galles in Paris.

Starwood is also making a significant investment to improve the portfolio of two of its largest brands in the region - Sheraton and Le Meridien. Sheraton recently invested $1 billion in new hotels and nearly $300 million to renovate existing properties in Europe, Africa and the Middle East. Likewise, Le Meridien expects to complete its investment of $30 million to renovate 40% of its portfolio in this geographic region by 2014.

"With more than 240 hotels in 55 countries, Starwood is a leading hotel operator in the EAME region. To further strengthen our position, we are making significant investments in flagship properties and aggressively pursuing growth and conversion opportunities," said Roeland Vos, President, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Europe, Africa & Middle East. "As hoteliers, we take a long term view on development. By working with the right partners on the right deals in the right places, we are best positioned to benefit from the ongoing bounce back, particularly in the luxury segment."

About Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with 1025 properties in 100 countries and territories with 145,000 employees at its owned and managed properties. Starwood Hotels is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchisor of hotels, resorts and residences with the following internationally renowned brands: St. Regis®, The Luxury Collection®, W®, Westin®, Le Meridien®, Sheraton®, Four Points® by Sheraton, and the recently launched Aloft®, and Element SM. Starwood Hotels also owns Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., one of the premier developers and operators of high quality vacation interval ownership resorts. For more information, please visit www.starwoodhotels.com