International innkeepers still flocking to China

The current downturn in the nation's high-end hotel market has not curbed international innkeepers' confidence in China, as they continue their expansion plans.

"China certainly should be in the top two (out of Hilton's worldwide markets) within the next five years," Christopher Nassetta, president and CEO of Hilton Worldwide, said on Thursday.

The United States-based group had 43 hotels in five brands in China at the end of 2013. The market currently is in fourth place for the hotel group's business.