Hotel giant Marriott International has signed a deal with Malaysia-based YTL Hotels as continues its expansion into the Asian luxury market.

The deal will see the pair develop new hotels across Asia – one of the fastest growing sectors in the global hospitality industry.

During an official ceremony held at The Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur, the two companies agreed to develop two luxury hotels in Malaysia under the JW Marriott and Edition brands and signed memorandums of understanding for two hotels in Japan – an Edition and a W Hotel in Niseko Village, Hokkaido.

“Today’s announcement advances our goal of doubling our luxury presence in Asia Pacific,” said Craig S Smith, president and managing director for Marriott International Asia Pacific.

“With the addition of these hotels, our guests will have two exciting and diverse travel destinations.”

The announcement is part of Marriott’s target of opening 40 new hotels across its premium brands during 2018.

Among next year’s openings are 12 new hotels under The Luxury Collection brand – including The Langley in Iver, UK, a 41-room conversion of a former estate featuring a 25,000sq ft spa.

The new openings will bring the number of properties operated by the group to 422.