Starwood's Trailblazing Eco-Wise Brand will Debut in China with the Opening of Element Suzhou Science and Technology Town in 2015 .

　　Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. signed an agreement with Suzhou Science and Technology Town Kexin Cultural Tourism Development Co., Ltd. on July 10th to open a new-build Element(R) hotel in Suzhou Science and Technology Town (SSTT), an eco-city adjacent to the commercial and administrative center of the city's high tech industrial development zone.

　　Slated for completion in mid-2015, the hotel, Element Suzhou Science and Technology Town (Element Suzhou), marks the Element brand's entry to Asia Pacific, as well as the presence of all of Starwood's nine differentiated lifestyle brands in the region.

　　Launched in 2008, the Element brand has made history as the only major global hotel brand to mandate that all of its properties pursue LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification for high-performance buildings. More than just a "green" hotel brand, however, Element hotels are designed to provide the balance that business and leisure travelers need to thrive on the road.

　　"We are delighted to introduce the Element brand in Asia Pacific with this hotel in China, our fastest growing and most dynamic travel market," said Qian Jin, President, Greater China, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. "Chinese travelers are open to, and seek out, innovative and affordable hotel brands, and Element's arrival not only completes Starwood's brand line-up, but also echoes the growing consciousness of sustainable development in China."

　　Robert Zhang, Vice President, Acquisitions & Development, Greater China, added, "The Element brand with its trailblazing eco-wise proposition, is a great fit with SSTT's green concept. We expect this new property to become a flagship Element hotel, re-setting the bar on hotel innovation and sustainability in the region."

　　"Starwood is the largest global luxury and upper-scale hotel operator in the world, with nine distinctive brands, including the eco-conscious Element, a perfect match with Suzhou Science and Technology Town, an eco-city that promotes a harmonious relationship among technology, nature, and culture," said Chen Ming, Deputy Director of Suzhou Science and Technology Town Administration Committee, Suzhou Science and Technology Town Kexin Cultural Tourism Development Co., Ltd. "We are confident that this will become a mutually beneficial collaboration. We look forward to the successful opening of Element Suzhou Science and Technology Town, which will set a new benchmark for the hospitality industry."

　　"As we establish Element as the region's most eco- and guest-friendly extended-stay hospitality brand, we will continue to look for development partners who are as committed as Suzhou Science and Technology Town Kexin Cultural Tourism Development to environmental initiatives and sustainable practices," said Mr. Zhang.

　　Starwood's presence in Greater China dates back to 1985 when the Sheraton Great Wall Beijing debuted as the first internationally branded hotel in the country. Today Starwood operates 120 hotels, with more than 100 properties in the development pipeline, making China the company's second largest hotel market behind only the United States. Adding to Starwood's long established presence in major Chinese cities, the company is focused on expansion in second and third tier cities.

　　Starwood currently manages Four Points by Sheraton Suzhou and is on track to open six hotels by 2018. In addition to Element Suzhou, the pipeline includes The 1958, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Suzhou; Four Points by Sheraton Suzhou, Mudu; The Westin Suzhou Xiangcheng; W Suzhou, and Sheraton Suzhou Taihu Resort.

　　Starwood as a global company always plays an active role in environment protection. Back in 2010, Starwood established a commitment to reduce energy use by 30% and water use by 20% by the year 2020.