US-based hospitality group Hyatt Hotels has entered a strategic cooperation agreement with Hangzhou Trade and Tourism Group (HTTG) and Zhejiang Dragon Hotel Management Group (The Dragon Group) to expand its presence in China.

As part of the plan, Hyatt and The Dragon Group aim to develop more than 60 hotels in the country, over the next ten years, starting with a Hyatt Place hotel in Hangzhou.

This collaboration aims to drive the growth of the company’s Independent Collection and select service brands across the country, by leveraging the expertise of HTTG and The Dragon Group.

The agreement also recognises The Dragon Group as a third-party management company for franchised hotels under Independent Collection and select service brands in China.

Hyatt Greater China and Asia Pacific growth president Stephen Ho said: “We are pleased to join hands with HTTG and The Dragon Group and expand our franchise growth in Asia Pacific.

“Hyatt continues to seek innovative ways to develop our hotel portfolio by collaborating with owners and developers who share our values and commitment to expanding our brands in a country with such significant growth potential.”

The partnership will combine the strengths of the two local market leaders, with Hyatt's diverse brand portfolio and global loyalty programme, World of Hyatt (WoH), to offer hospitality experiences to Chinese guests.

HTTG, with its extensive industrial and commercial operations, and The Dragon Group, known for its hospitality expertise, are set to bring valuable local insights to the partnership.

Affiliating with these hotels will allow guests to earn points through the WoH loyalty programme.

Members can redeem points for free nights and enjoy various benefits at Hyatt locations worldwide.

The move reflects the company's commitment to meeting the changing preferences of Chinese travellers and providing a diverse range of hospitality experiences.

Last month, one of the company's affiliates formed a partnership with City Hotel to convert and rebrand Hyatt Place Kathmandu in Nepal.

The property will be transformed into the new Hyatt Centric Soalteemode Kathmandu upon the completion of the renovation, marking the entry of a full-service Hyatt Centric brand into the country.