Marriott is seeking to bolster its position as a leader in the hospitality sector in China with the signing of its 100th hotel – the 345-room JW Marriott Hotel Shenyang.

Marriott International, which currently operates 56 hotels in China has a pipeline of confirmed projects totalling 44 hotels across it brand portfolio.

Brands on offer include The Ritz-Carlton, JW Marriott, Marriott Hotels & Resorts, Renaissance, Courtyard and Marriott Executive Apartments.

China is one of Marriott International’s most important markets outside of the US, and the company is committed to long-term growth and robust expansion throughout the region.

It expects to open a hotel in China at the rate of one per month during the next three years.

Commenting on the growth plans, Simon Cooper, Marriott International’s president and managing director, Asia Pacific, said: “China is an incredible market and it is a great endorsement of our operations in the country that we have reached the benchmark of 100 hotels open or under development here.

“While we have been operating in Hong Kong since 1989, we are a relative newcomer to the mainland, having opened our first Marriott-branded hotel in China in 1998.

“However, during a relatively short history on the mainland, we have seen solid and consistent growth and are already one of the leading lodging groups in the country.”