Starwood Hotels & Resorts is to open between 70 and 80 hotels this year, including 20 in North America.

The hotel group will open 70% of its new properties outside North America, with the majority in Asia Pacific.

The US-based group will unveil 40 new hotels in Asia Pacific, increasing its portfolio of over 220 hotels in the region by the end of 2011.

Out of the new hotels planned for Asia Pacific, half will open in China including 19 Sheraton, ten Westin and two St Regis hotels.

Starwood also plans to increase its India portfolio by 40% within two years to 30 hotels.

Out of the properties Starwood will open this year, 60% will be in the luxury and upscale segment, including six St Regis hotels and two Luxury Collection properties.