US chain seeks Mideast, Turkey expansion with tens of new hotels

ISTANBUL - Hürriyet Daily News

Starwood Hotels & Resorts also operates the W hotel label in Turkey. This photo shows the W Hotel Istanbul.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide is strengthening its position as the leading hotel operator in the Middle East and North Africa region with an existing portfolio of nearly 70 hotels and a pipeline of 40 new hotels. This growth, primarily in the luxury and upper-upscale segments, represents an increase of nearly 60 percent over the next five years. In the past 18 months, Starwood has debuted six new hotels throughout the Middle East and North Africa and momentum continues in the region where the company has recently signed deals for 10 additional hotels, according to the company press release.

“Despite economic and political uncertainty in parts of the region, Starwood continues to see demand for growth of all of our brands across the Middle East and North Africa,” said Frits van Paasschen, the president and CEO of Starwood Hotels & Resorts.

Turkey is key growth area

“Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide is one of the leading hotels in the world with 1,103 properties in nearly 100 countries and 154,000 employees at the properties it owns and manages. Starwood 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 Méridien, Sheraton, Four Points by Sheraton, Aloft and Element.

In Turkey, Starwood is expanding its pipeline aggressively with four new hotels opening in a three-year period, including the recent debut of Le Méridien Istanbul Etiler, marking the brand’s entrance into the country. Starwood will thus operate 10 hotels in Turkey under five of its distinct brands. Starwood also operates the Sheraton and W hotel labels in Turkey.