As global travel rebounds with vigor, hospitality infrastructure plays a critical role in shaping tourists’ experiences and choices. Leading the charge in this arena is H World Group, one of the largest hotel operators originating from China. With a massive footprint spanning over 11,600 hotels and a vast network of more than 1,300 cities in China, H World is accelerating the growth of tourism by offering travelers greater access, choice, and quality in accommodations.

The company’s Q1 2025 report reflects not only impressive business growth but also a direct contribution to China’s vibrant tourism ecosystem—making travel easier, more comfortable, and more rewarding for millions. From expanding into smaller cities to upgrading hotel brands with traveler-centric innovations, H World is playing a vital role in both domestic and international tourism development.

Expanding Hospitality Infrastructure to Meet Tourism Demand

One of the biggest challenges for growing tourism markets is ensuring sufficient, quality accommodation across diverse destinations. H World’s aggressive expansion strategy directly supports this need by adding 538 new hotels in Q1 2025 alone, bringing the total to over 11,685 hotels worldwide.

• This expansion adds more than 1.14 million rooms to the market, a 20% increase over last year, allowing more travelers to find lodging that fits their budget and preferences.
• Crucially, H World serves not just major Chinese metropolises but also 1,394 cities, including emerging tourist hubs and rural areas, opening up new travel possibilities and economic opportunities.
• The company plans to reach 2,000 cities soon, ensuring even remote or underserved regions can welcome tourists with trusted hospitality brands.

By improving accommodation availability and quality, H World directly facilitates domestic tourism growth—a key pillar in China’s tourism strategy post-pandemic—as well as supports international visitors seeking varied experiences across the country.

Diverse Brands Tailored to Every Type of Traveler

H World’s portfolio includes a range of brands designed to cater to the evolving needs of diverse traveler groups, from budget-conscious backpackers to upscale leisure travelers and business tourists.

• Hanting Hotels offers affordable, no-frills stays for travelers prioritizing value and convenience.
• Ji Hotels targets young, tech-savvy guests with modern design, smart features, and lifestyle amenities.
• Orange Hotels focuses on sustainability and stylish comfort for environmentally aware travelers.
• Premium brands like Intercity Hotel, Crystal Orange Hotel, and MAXX by Steigenberger cater to midscale and upper-midscale guests seeking elevated services and amenities.

This breadth of options means tourists can now easily find accommodations that match their travel purpose—whether a quick business trip, a family vacation, or a cultural exploration—across a variety of Chinese destinations and beyond.

Elevating Guest Experience Through Innovation and Brand Upgrades

To meet the rising expectations of modern travelers, H World is investing heavily in upgrading its hotels to enhance comfort, convenience, and overall experience.

• 40% of Hanting Hotels have been upgraded to version 3.5 or higher, featuring improved room layouts, better Wi-Fi, and contactless check-in options that streamline guest stays.
• 78% of Ji Hotels now meet version 4.0+ standards, reflecting a focus on trendy interiors, digital connectivity, and communal spaces designed to foster social interaction—especially appealing to millennials and Gen Z travelers.
• 70% of Orange Hotels comply with Orange 2.0, emphasizing eco-friendly initiatives such as energy-efficient lighting, waste reduction, and water-saving technologies.

These upgrades not only improve guest comfort but also align with global trends toward sustainability and digital convenience—key factors influencing traveler decisions today.

Enhancing Loyalty and Personalized Travel Experiences

In today’s digital age, traveler loyalty and seamless booking experiences are more important than ever. H World’s H Rewards program, now boasting 277 million members, is a powerful tool for engaging travelers and encouraging repeat visits.

• Over 65% of bookings come directly from loyalty members, signaling strong brand trust and preference.
• The program offers personalized rewards, exclusive promotions, and curated travel packages that enhance the traveler’s journey from planning to stay.
• Digital innovations enable easier booking via mobile apps, AI-driven recommendations, and instant customer support, all improving the traveler experience.

For tourists, this means better value, tailored offers, and a sense of belonging—key to fostering long-term relationships between travelers and hospitality brands.

Driving Tourism in Secondary and Emerging Cities

One of the standout contributions of H World to China’s tourism ecosystem is its focus on secondary and tertiary cities. Traditionally, tourism infrastructure in many such areas lagged behind demand, limiting growth potential. H World is changing this narrative by:

• Building hotel presence in smaller cities and emerging destinations, making these locations more accessible and appealing to tourists.
• Creating economic opportunities for local communities through job creation, increased visitor spending, and tourism-related development.
• Supporting regional governments’ initiatives to boost domestic travel and cultural tourism.

For travelers, this opens up exciting possibilities to explore off-the-beaten-path destinations with the assurance of quality accommodations and services, enriching their travel experiences and contributing to more balanced tourism development nationwide.

Supporting the Recovery and Growth of International Tourism

While domestic travel remains a key driver, China’s reopening and expanding international connectivity present vast opportunities. H World’s global footprint, with hotels beyond China’s borders, positions it to cater to inbound tourists and outbound Chinese travelers alike.

• The company’s upscale brands such as Steigenberger Hotels & Resorts and MAXX by Steigenberger target international business travelers and luxury tourists.
• Partnerships and master franchise rights with global chains like Mercure, Ibis, and Novotel strengthen its appeal to international guests familiar with these brands.
• This dual focus helps H World support China’s goal to reassert itself as a premier global tourism destination and source market.

As global tourism rebounds, H World’s broad network and multi-brand strategy ensure tourists from around the world have access to reliable, familiar, and diverse accommodation choices in China and key international cities.

Commitment to Sustainability and Responsible Tourism

Travelers today are increasingly conscious of their environmental footprint, and hospitality providers are responding with sustainable practices. H World is actively implementing green initiatives across its portfolio:

• Energy-efficient lighting and HVAC systems reduce energy consumption.
• Water conservation efforts include low-flow fixtures and recycling programs.
• Waste management practices minimize landfill contributions, with an emphasis on recycling and reducing single-use plastics.
• Many hotels incorporate locally sourced materials and support community projects that promote cultural heritage and environmental conservation.

These initiatives align with global sustainable tourism goals and enhance the appeal of H World’s brands to eco-conscious travelers seeking responsible vacation options.

Summary: What This Means for Travelers and Tourism in China

• More choice and availability: With thousands of new hotels opening, travelers have more accommodation options across China’s diverse destinations.
• Enhanced experiences: Upgraded hotels feature modern comforts, sustainable designs, and innovative digital services tailored to traveler needs.
• Loyalty rewards: H Rewards members enjoy personalized deals, exclusive offers, and streamlined booking, making travel planning easier and more affordable.
• Regional tourism growth: Increased hotel presence in smaller cities helps open new travel experiences and supports local economies.
• Global connectivity: International brand partnerships and upscale hotels cater to inbound tourists and global travelers.
• Sustainability focus: Environmentally friendly hotel operations align with responsible tourism values.

For tourists—whether domestic or international—H World’s growth means greater convenience, quality, and value, enhancing the overall travel experience and contributing to China’s emergence as a leading global tourism destination.

The post Why Is H World Group Driving China’s Tourism Boom in 2025 with Massive Hotel Expansion and Enhanced Guest Experiences? appeared first on Travel And Tour World.