Worldhotels says its hold on Greater China increased significantly in 2006, as ten new hotels from mainland China, Taiwan and Hong Kong last year joined its network.

The membership boost increased room numbers by another 4,000 –and raised the total Greater China membership tally to 35 hotels. At the same, revenue generated from the region increased by 23%. Revenue generated for Greater China hotels soared 20% to over US$20 million, said Worldhotels CEO Michael J. Ball at the regional Annual Conference in Shanghai.

"The surge in Greater China membership along with the increase of the inbound and outbound bookings from the region were reflecting both the economic boom and the countdown to the 2008 Beijing Olympics," said Roland Jegge, Worldhotels Vice President for the Asia-Pacific. "Further expansion of our membership base in China as world attention remains firmly focused on this economic powerhouse will continue to be a top priority for us in 2007."

Worldhotels has more than 500 independent hotels and regional hotel groups in 70 countries.