Four Points by Sheraton powers ahead in Asia Pacific

NEW YORK – Four Points by Sheraton, the fast-growing select serve hotel brand operated by Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, is accelerating its expansion in Asia Pacific with six hotels opening in the region this year.

"Four Points by Sheraton is in the midst of a truly impressive, global growth spurt due to its popularity among customers and investors alike," said Miguel Ko, president, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Asia Pacific. "The strong demand for moderately priced lodging coupled with the increase in domestic travel in many Asian markets is helping to propel the brand's growth to a level that is expected to rival that of Starwood's luxury and upper upscale brands."

The brand new hotels opening in Asia Pacific this year include Four Points by Sheraton Changshu- which opened in March; Four Points by Sheraton Hangzhou, Binjiang which opened in January; Four Points by Sheraton Beijing, Haidian to open in July; Four Points by Sheraton Guangzhou, Dongpu- to open in September; Four Points by Sheraton Kuching, Malaysia to open in the third quarter of 2008; and Four Points by Sheraton Halong Bay, Vietnam also to open in the third quarter of 2008

Four Points by Sheraton was introduced to Asia Pacific in 2000 with the opening of hotels in Sydney, Geelong, Shenzhen and Chung Ho. The brand's Asia Pacific portfolio has since grown to 21 hotels, eight already open for business and 14 under development in Mainland China, Malaysia, Taiwan, Cambodia and Vietnam.