Mariott International Inc will open its 800th Courtyard hotel worldwide in Shanghai today. This is the latest move by the international hospitality giant to strengthen its footprint in one of the world's fastest-growing travel markets.

Another four Courtyard hotels - in Hangzhou, Shanghai, Suzhou and Nanjing - are currently under construction and are scheduled to open over the next three years.

The 800th hotel, located in Xujiahui, means that Courtyard is now the world's 12th-largest hotel brand with locations in 28 countries.

"China, as well as India and Thailand, have been the three fastest-growing markets for Marriott International around the world," Geoff Garside, Marriott International's executive vice president for Asia Pacific, said yesterday. "In Shanghai, where Marriott has already established a large network of hotels covering six brands ... we continue to see a lot more opportunities as well as a lot of growth ahead."

However, the company admitted that business might dip slightly this year due to slowing economic growth and the global economy.

Around the world, more than 200 Courtyard hotels are scheduled to open over the next three years.

(Shanghai Daily February 10, 2009)