Marriott's portfolio of hotels in Australia, New Zealand and the broader Pacific region will stretch to 50 properties by the end of 2020, aided by its recent acquisition of Starwood Hotels & Resorts.

With 24 locations currently  within the region, those ambitious expansion plans see that figure more than double in just four years.

The expansion gives a particular focus to secondary and emerging cities, with a Four Points by Sheraton slated for Parramatta in western Sydney, along with Aloft and Sheraton hotels opening in Adelaide.

Also on the horizon is Aloft Perth, opening in 2017, followed by Aloft Melbourne South Yarra and Marriott Melbourne Docklands, also expected by 2020.

Marriott's plans too include the return of Ritz-Carlton in Australia with The Ritz-Carlton Sydney scheduled for 2021, The Ritz-Carlton Perth and The Ritz-Carlton Melbourne, and next year will additionally mark the re-entry of  W Hotels to Australia with the opening of W Brisbane.

Marriott and Starwood are yet to combine their respective loyalty programs, although the current Starwood Preferred Guest scheme is a favourite of many Aussie travellers who convert their Starpoints into frequent flyer points at generous rates.

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