Hyatt has announced a new strategic cooperation agreement with Hangzhou Trade and Tourism Group, and Zhejiang Dragon Hotel Management Group Co Ltd, to develop dozens of new hotels in China.
The deal will see Hyatt expand its Independent Collection and select service brands in the country, at the same time as fostering “the strategic development of The Dragon Group and visibility for its boutique hotel brands”.
The parties plan to develop more than 60 Chinese properties over the coming decade, with the first expected to be a Hyatt Place hotel in Hangzhou.
Hyatt’s Independent Collection brands include The Unbound Collection by Hyatt, Destination by Hyatt and JdV by Hyatt, while its select service portfolio includes Hyatt Centric, Hyatt House, Hyatt Place and Caption by Hyatt.
Hyatt said that the agreement would allow it to significantly expand its brand footprint throughout China, “combining the unique strengths of local giants with the diversified brand portfolio and worldwide loyalty programme of an international group”.
Hyatt currently operates properties in around 50 Chinese destinations, including the recently opened Hyatt Centric Gaoxin Xi’an and Hyatt Regency Changshu Kuncheng Lake.
In 2019 the group launched the UrCover brand, aimed at China’s frequent business travelling “road warriors”.
Commenting on the news Charles Cheng, chairman, The Dragon Group Hotel Management Co, LTD, said:
“The Dragon Group has profound insights into the Chinese hotel market, overseeing a variety of hotels and resorts across the country.
“With our deep roots in the local market and Hyatt’s global resources in hospitality, we look forward to offering a diverse range of choices for guests and creating distinguished guest experiences that exceed expectations in the dynamic and highly competitive market.”
