Marriott International has unveiled plans to double the number of luxury properties it operates in Asia Pacific.

Making the announcement at the International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM) conference in Shanghai, Marriott said it will add more than 100 luxury hotels and resorts to its current footprint of 113 properties in the region.

The number of new properties will represent more than half of Marriott’s global growth in the luxury segment, as the group looks to establish itself as a leader in the rapidly growing Asian luxury market.

“Asia Pacific is the fastest growing market for Marriott International outside of North America, with the luxury segment averaging one new hotel every month this year,” said Peggy Fang Roe, chief marketing officer for Marriott’s Asia Pacific operations.

“This region continues to see a growing numbers of high net worth individuals, which combined with dynamic economic growth, has created a strong increase in demand for luxury hotel experiences, which Marriott International will continue to meet.”

She added that 2017 will be a “breakthrough year” for Marriott International in the region.

The company is set to add 11 new luxury hotels to its portfolio in Asia Pacific during the year.

China continues to contribute around half of the new hotels in the region with key cities such as Shanghai and Suzhou being flagged for new properties, while emerging luxury destinations such as Tasmania and Sri Lanka are also on the horizon.

Globally, Marriott has a total of 200 luxury hotels in its development pipeline. The group operates eight brands in the luxury segment – The Ritz-Carlton, Ritz-Carlton Reserve, St. Regis Hotels & Resorts, W Hotels, The Luxury Collection, JW Marriott, EDITION and Bulgari Hotels & Resorts.

Marriott reveals ambitious growth plans