The hotel group announced the addition of 200 lifestyles and luxury properties to its global portfolio over the next several years.

"The luxury and lifestyle category is stronger than ever and we see demand continuing to rise worldwide," said Arne Sorenson, president and CEO of Marriott International. The hotel group plans to open more than 200 lifestyles and luxury hotels worldwide for the next several years. To do this, more than 15 billion dollars in investments will be required from hotel owners and franchisees.

Initially, Marriott International plans to open 15 Ritz-Carlton hotels by the year 2016 in destinations such as China, Morocco, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Mexico, Tunisia, Panama and Indonesia. The brand Edition is on target to open in Miami Beach this fall and will debut in New York City's landmark Clock Tower building in the spring of 2015, followed by Abu Dhabi, India, China, Thailand. Finally, the group will debut in Italy in early 2015 on the private island of Sacca Sessola, near Venice, and expects to open 20 Autograph Collection hotels this year.