The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company has announced plans to open 15 new properties by 2016, increasing its portfolio to 100 luxury hotels and resorts worldwide. At a press conference in Dubai, Bob Kharazmi, global operations officer for The Ritz-Carlton, said this expansion reflects growing demand for the brand in new destinations. He noted that travelers are exploring beyond their usual vacation spots to visit cultural and lifestyle centers across Asia, Europe, the Middle East and the Americas.
Over the next 30 months, The Ritz-Carlton expects to debut new hotels in Egypt, Tunisia, Morocco, Indonesia, China and Panama. In the Asia-Pacific region specifically, five new properties are scheduled to open, and additional projects are planned for Malaysia and India. “Asia is performing strongly as a tourism and business hub, drawing investment and visitors from around the world,” Kharazmi said. “Both established destinations like Bali and emerging cities such as Bangalore are of high interest to The Ritz-Carlton as we aim to meet market demand for a true luxury hospitality offering: impeccable, personalized service and properties that reflect a strong sense of place.”
In the past 20 months, the brand has expanded with nine new hotels, including locations in Kyoto, Japan; Herzliya, Israel; Tianjin and Chengdu, China; Bangalore, India; Almaty, Kazakhstan; Aruba; Dorado Beach, Puerto Rico; and Vienna, Austria. These additions contribute to the company’s strategy of combining luxury accommodations with local character to appeal to discerning travelers.
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