Marriott International unveiled yesterday its Li Yu welcome programme that features a suite of amenities and services tailor-made for Chinese outbound travellers.

Li Yu, which means “serve with courtesy” in Mandarin, will be rolled out across all JW Marriott, Renaissance, Marriott and Courtyard hotels in Asia by early next year, as well as select international hotels in key gateway cities.

"Chinese travellers are visiting international markets in record numbers, and China will be the largest source of outbound travellers worldwide in the coming years,” said Simon Cooper, president & managing director, Marriott International, Asia.

Marriott's Li Yu hospitality experience kicks off the moment a Chinese customer makes a booking – guests will receive their reservation confirmation letter or email in Mandarin. Upon arrival at the hotel, a Mandarin-speaking hotel associate will greet the guests, and assign auspicious room and floor numbers containing the numerals “6” or “8”.

With regards to in-room amenities, a variety of Chinese programmes will be featured on television, and guests will have a choice of Chinese-language newspapers. Chinese tea will be provided as a complimentary beverage selection, while Chinese cuisine will be featured extensively in restaurants and on in-room dining menus.