(Yicai) March 1 -- Deutsche Hospitality, a European hotel firm owned by Chinese hotel operator Huazhu Group, better known as H World Group, has rebranded to H World International to drive the overseas expansion of its Chinese owner.

“The rebranding to H World International is ushering in a new chapter of international growth, complementing our vast presence in China,” Jin Hui, chief executive officer of H World, said in the press release published yesterday. “It is an important step towards our goal to become a world-class global hotel group, with one global team.”

All of H World International’s brands -- Steigenberger Icons, Steigenberger Porsche Design Hotels, Steigenberger Hotels & Resorts, Jaz in the City, House of Beats, IntercityHotel, Maxx and Zleep Hotels -- will join the online booking platform of H World. Moreover, Ji World’s Ji Hotel brand joined H World International’s family after opening a hotel in Singapore, its first outside China.

Oliver Bonke, managing director of Steigenberger Hotels, will be appointed as H World International’s CEO, working alongside the established executive leadership team of the former Deutsche Hospitality, H World International noted.

“We are excited to bring all of our distinctive brands to key global markets,” said Bonke. “With our compelling value proposition for owners and investors, we will be able to offer our employees career opportunities across the globe and 218 million H Rewards members more choice - an even more attractive hotel portfolio in more destinations and across more brands.”

Moreover, H World International announced the establishment of a joint venture with Conduit House, a fully integrated hotel operator and hospitality asset manager in Asia, to kick off its growth in the Asia-Pacific region, taking advantage of its partner’s pre-opening support, technical services, and operations.

H World bought a 100% stake in Deutsche Hospitality, the biggest hotel chain in Germany, for EUR700 million (USD756.9 million) in November 2019.

Editor: Futura Costaglione