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FEATURE PROFILE: Feature from the FALL 2024 ISSUE of STAY Magazine
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Wyndham grows direct franchising business in China
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts has signed nearly 600 direct franchise agreements in China across the country in just five years.
Wyndham takes what it refers to as an "owner-first approach to franchising," increasing efforts in recent years to reduce its reliance for growth on master licensees—a move underscored in 2019 when the company reacquired direct franchising rights for its Days Inn brand in China.
Wyndham is the largest U.S. based hotel company in China by number of properties, with a footprint spanning more than 1,600 hotels and more than 180,000 rooms across 13 of its 25 brands. In the first half of 2024 alone, Wyndham signed direct franchise agreements for more than 70 hotels in key markets including Beijing, Jiangsu and Guangdong. The milestone comes amidst a travel and tourism surge in China, where it is on track to become the world’s largest travel and tourism market by 2035—giving owners an opportunity to capitalize as guests look to explore the country.
In line with its mission of making hotel travel possible for all and catering to the diverse needs of Chinese travellers, Wyndham has opened nearly 300 direct franchised hotels in China over the last five years; spanning economy to upscale accommodations.
Wyndham Grand Shanxi Xiaohe Xincheng, China
Standout hotel openings since 2019 include:
- Hawthorn by Wyndham Dali Erhai Park - Marking the first Hawthorn by Wyndham in Asia Pacific, the hotel offers an urban retreat catering to business and leisure guests alike. The hotel offers easy access to the bustling city centre; as well as relaxing walking trails around Erhai Lake at Erhai Park.
- La Quinta by Wyndham Weifang South - Marking the first La Quinta by Wyndham in Greater China, this contemporary hotel is surrounded by lush landscape and Yuhe River views. Guests can enjoy modern amenities including a fitness centre, three restaurants and event space for up to 2,500 guests.
- Wyndham Garden Qionglai Downtown - Tucked away in Qionglai, one of Sichuan Province’s oldest cities, the 88-room hotel boasts a unique design that retains its traditional courtyard architecture; balanced with a modern, renovated interior to cater to today’s guests. Just 70 kilometres from Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport and minutes from Wenjun Well and other local attractions—the hotel is the ideal home base for travellers looking to explore the area.
- Wyndham Grand Shanxi Xiaohe Xincheng - Joins La Quinta by Wyndham Shanxi Xiaohe Xincheng and Wyndham Shanxi Xiaohe Xincheng as part of the Shanxi Xiaohe Xincheng project—a cluster of three hotels accounting for more than 1,000 rooms. This hotel is situated in the city’s buzzing business district with a manicured courtyard, stylish lobby and gourmet Chinese cuisine. The hotel offers direct access to the Xiaohe International Convention and Exhibition Center.
- Wyndham Shanghai Nanxiang - Located in the heart of Nanxiang’s cultural and business district, the hotel puts guests in the prime spot to enjoy the rich history of the surrounding area dating back 1,500 years. Just 18 kilometres from Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport and 15 kilometres from Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station, the hotel perfectly caters to those travelling for business and sightseeing alike.
- Wyndham Sun Moon Lake - Nestled on the shores of Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan’s largest natural lake—the 15-story hotel has fitness centre, outdoor pool and tranquil spa. Its prime location gives guests easy access to iconic attractions like the Sun Moon Lake Ropeway, Nine Frogs Stack and Wenwu Temple.
- Wyndham Tai’an West - Located at the foot of Mount Tai, the 342-room hotel allows guests to immerse themselves in the cultural heritage of the Shandong Province. The hotel offers easy access to the Beijing-Fuzhou Expressway, Jingfu Expressway and the high-speed Tai'an Railway Station.
