Hyatt Bets on China JVs to Counter Slowdown, Aims to Double Asia Footprint

As the economic tempo slows in China, Hyatt Hotels is seeking a new dance partner: the state itself. The hotel operator plans to forge partnerships with Chinese state-owned companies to launch joint-venture brands, a move designed to revive growth while simultaneously pursuing a plan to double its properties across the wider Asia-Pacific region.

The Joint Venture Playbook for China

Faced with a cooling market, Hyatt's strategy in China is shifting towards deeper local integration. By creating joint ventures with state-owned enterprises (SOEs), the company aims to build a more resilient business foundation in an uncertain environment. This approach is seen as a strategic move to leverage the local partner's influence and network, potentially streamlining regulatory processes and securing prime locations more easily.

Beyond the Great Wall: A Diversification Strategy

Hyatt isn't just focused on shoring up its Chinese operations. The company is also looking to de-risk its portfolio by reducing its reliance on a single market. The plan involves an ambitious expansion across the Asia-Pacific region, with the goal of doubling its number of hotels. A key example is the planned opening of an Andaz hotel, one of Hyatt's upscale brands, in Hong Kong's Central business district in 2027, signaling a clear intent to capture growth outside of mainland China.