Eleven new Westin properties slated to open this year propelled by strong demand in diverse international markets including China, Panama, India, and Singapore.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide announced that its Westin brand expects to open its 200th hotel in 2013, driven by robust international demand and the phenomenal success of the brand's distinct well-being positioning. Westin will open 11 new hotels this year, the vast majority outside the United States in fast-growing markets including China, India, Singapore and Panama.

The Westin Birmingham – one of 11 hotels the brand will open in 2013. (Photo: Business Wire)

"Westin is now experiencing the bulk of its growth in the world's fastest growing economies, where it has emerged as a developer darling right out of the gate," said Brian Povinelli, Global Brand Leader for Westin Hotels & Resorts. "With a history of industry firsts and a winning approach to well-being, Westin has inspired unwavering guest loyalty and generated tremendous enthusiasm among owners and developers across the globe."

Westin Continues Strong Growth Trajectory Across Asia Pacific

In line with global growth trends, The Westin brand is experiencing a surge in new hotel openings across Asia Pacific. Seven new Westin hotels will open in Asia Pacific in 2013, increasing the brand's portfolio to nearly 50 hotels in the region by year's end. Fueling the brand's growth in the region is the rapid economic growth in China's second and third-tier cities. New Westin hotel openings in China this year include The Westin Haikou, The Westin Sanya Haitang Bay Resort, The Westin Chongqing Liberation Square and The Westin Qingdao.

Westin will also make its return to Singapore with the opening of The Westin Singapore Marina Bay in late 2013. In India, The Westin brand will add one hotel to its portfolio this year – The Westin Chennai Velachery.

Westin Nearly Doubles Portfolio in Latin America

Demand for new Westin hotels in Latin America is also heating up. In just the past 18 months, Westin has grown its footprint in Latin America by nearly 50% as part of the brand's strategic expansion in the region's fastest growing markets. This year's opening of The Westin Panama will increase the Westin portfolio in Latin America to 11 hotels, spanning five countries including Panama, Mexico, Peru, Costa Rica and Guatemala.

"A long-time developer favorite in the U.S., Westin has emerged as a global market leader as witnessed by our surge of new hotel development in Asia Pacific, as well as continued momentum in Latin America," said Simon Turner, President of Global Development for Starwood. "We see continued opportunities for global growth through both world-class new build projects and conversions where developers benefit from the strength of the brand and Starwood's powerful systems."

Steady Growth in North America

In North America, The Westin brand will add four new hotels to its portfolio this year, including The Westin Birmingham – a new-build property located within the city's sleek, new mixed-use development. Westin is also attracting a growing share of conversion opportunities in cities across the United States with The Westin Houston Downtown, The Westin Sacramento and The Westin San Jose all opening in 2013, following renovations.