Wyndham's Franchise Boom in China: 600 Hotels Signed

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts has reached a significant milestone in China, signing nearly 600 direct franchise agreements nationwide in just five years. This achievement reflects Wyndham's commitment to an owner-first approach to franchising and highlights its recent strategies to lessen reliance on master licensees for growth. This strategic shift was particularly evident in 2019 when the company reacquired direct franchising rights for its Days Inn brand in China.

Today, Wyndham is the largest U.S.-based hotel company in China in terms of the number of properties, with over 1,600 hotels and over 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. This milestone occurs amid a surge in travel and tourism in China, projected to become the world's most extensive travel and tourism market by 2035. This presents an opportunity for hotel owners to capitalize on the increasing number of guests eager to explore the country.

"We have a leading presence in China, and as the country's tourism sector continues to grow, it is increasingly important to highlight the benefits of partnering with the world’s largest hotel franchisor. By using direct franchising, we can better control the consistency and direction of our brands in China while also developing long-term relationships with franchisees—both of which are essential for driving further expansion," said Joon Aun OOI, President, Asia Pacific, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts.

A Brand for Every Owner and Guest

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 the economy to upscale accommodations. Moreover, the Company continues to broaden its portfolio of brands in the country, introducing both Hawthorn by Wyndham and La Quinta by Wyndham during that same time, the latter of which now has four hotels open and another six in the pipeline.

Standout hotel openings since 2019 include:

• Hawthorn by Wyndham Dali Erhai Park: The first Hawthorn by Wyndham in the Asia Pacific, this urban retreat caters to business and leisure guests alike. It offers easy access to the bustling city centre, walking trails around Erhai Lake at Erhai Park, and amenities like a breakfast buffet, Tea Bar, and laundry.
• La Quinta by Wyndham Weifang South: This contemporary hotel, the first La Quinta by Wyndham in Greater China, is surrounded by a lush landscape and Yuhe River views. It offers 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. The hotel is the ideal home base for travellers looking to explore the area, which is 70 kilometres from Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport and minutes from Wenjun Well and other local attractions.
• 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 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, along with its own meeting and event space.
• 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 surrounding area's rich history, which dates 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.
• Wyndham Sun Moon Lake: Nestled on the shores of Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan's largest natural lake, the 15-story hotel boasts state-of-the-art wellness facilities, including a 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 stunning natural beauty and rich 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 and notable attractions, including Mount Tai Global Geopark, the historic Dai Temple and the Dawenkou Cultural Site.

The Wyndham Advantage drives Growth in Greater China, which combines world-class marketing, distribution, and other resources to help owners succeed. Over the past six years, more than $325 million has been invested in innovative technology, providing owners access to top-tier systems from industry-leading providers, including next-generation property management solutions. Additionally, a rapidly growing member base of approximately 112 million enrolled Wyndham Rewards members worldwide exists.