Marriott International, the world’s largest hotel chain by number of rooms, reaffirmed its long-term commitment to South Asia on Tuesday by adding more than 4,600 rooms to the development pipeline following the signing of 28 hotel deals in 2023 and this year so far. At Marriott, South Asia comprises India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.
Marriott emphasized that its strategy highlights the company’s expansion in the region, where it presently manages a collection of 160 operational properties spanning 17 unique brands. Within India, the company oversees operations at 148 hotels.
In 2024, Marriott anticipates the opening of 14 hotels, including the debut of the Moxy brand in South Asia in early January 2024. The company also plans to introduce the Ritz-Carlton brand with The Ritz-Carlton, Amila Hills in Shimla, expected to open in May 2029. Additionally, Marriott intends to expand its luxury footprint in India with the JW Marriott Surat Resort and Spa and the JW Marriott Sohna Resort and Spa in Delhi-NCR.
“Marriott International’s strategic expansion in South Asia solidifies our commitment to accentuate the strong growth within the region’s travel and tourism sector,” said Rajeev Menon, president, Asia Pacific excluding China, Marriott International. “Our diverse brand portfolio, Marriott Bonvoy – an award-winning travel programme and strong distribution platforms position us well to create experiences and benefits for our guests and stakeholders in the region,” he said.
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Kiran Andicot, regional vice president development, South Asia at Marriott International, said the chain’s focus remains on capitalising on opportunities in key gateway cities, strategic commercial centres, and major resort destinations in the region.
“By debuting Marriott International’s portfolio of brands into new markets, we offer best-in-class experiences to meet the demands of today’s travellers,” he added.
The chain stated that 77% of the rooms signed in 2023 are within the luxury and premium portfolio, compared to 48% in 2022.
Marriott Hotels and Resorts, the leading brand of the company, is set to unveil its presence in emerging locales with six new additions to its roster of premium brands. The forthcoming properties include Guwahati Marriott Resort & Spa, Ludhiana Marriott Hotel, Ayodhya Marriott Hotel, Shimla Marriott Hotel, and the Amritsar Marriott Hotel.
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“Westin Hotels & Resorts will augment the wellness portfolio with the anticipated addition of the Westin Hyderabad Resort and the Westin Coorg Resort and Spa. Le Meridien Hotels & Resorts is expected to expand its footprint in North India with the Le Méridien Jalandhar,” according to the company.
Marriott also plans to broaden its collection of select brands throughout the region, responding to robust demand for chic yet affordable hospitality, according to the company.
Approximately 45% of the upcoming properties set to open in India within the next four years will be represented by Courtyard by Marriott and Fairfield by Marriott. These include Courtyard by Marriott Gwalior, Courtyard by Marriott Guwahati, Beltola, Fairfield by Marriott Guwahati, Fairfield by Marriott Andheri, Fairfield by Marriott Jalandhar, and Fairfield by Marriott Naina Tikker in Himachal Pradesh.
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