Marriott hotel group to double presence in China

Marriott International Inc - the newly-merged company that is the world's biggest hotel group - plans to double its presence in China, the firm announced on Friday.

The Maryland-based group announced the same day its completion of the acquisition of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc, following approval from the Chinese Ministry of Commerce on Sept 20.

Marriott International now operates a total of 260 properties in China, with another 300 in the pipeline. Research firm Euromonitor International estimated that it enjoys a leading market share of 4.1 percent in the Chinese market, followed by Homeinns Hotel & Management at 4 percent and China Lodging Group at 3.9 percent.