Marriott International has revealed 2017 is on track for a massive year in Asia-Pacific, with nearly 80 hotels targeted to open, bringing 19,000 new rooms to the region.
Additionally, the company will debut two brands in Asia-Pacific, taking the total to 23 of the 30 brands within the company.
Marriott International Asia-Pacific President and Managing Director, Craig S. Smith, said the new hotels would grow the company’s leadership position as a luxury, premium and select service hotel operator.
“2017 is already shaping up to be a great year for Marriott across Asia Pacific,” he said.
“We are looking at nearly 80 new properties slated to open their doors this year, which means an average of two hotels a week from now till the end of the year.
“With our larger portfolio of individually distinctive brands across destinations, we now provide guests greater access unprecedented choices and unparalleled benefits on their travels whether for business or leisure,” he said.
Asia-Pacific is one of Marriott’s strongest regions globally, with over 550 hotels and more than 170,000 rooms in operation.
Set to debut in the region this year are Moxy Hotels, Marriott’s Next Gen boutique-hotel brand for the tech-savvy traveller, with the opening of a property in Tokyo before the end of 2017; and Delta Hotels, a premium brand distinguished by its rich Canadian heritage, is set to debut with Delta Hotels by Marriott Shanghai Baoshan slated for this summer in suburban Shanghai, China.
Marriott plans to further enhance its resorts portfolio with 16 new hotels expected to open in 2017, including The Ritz-Carlton Langkawi in Malaysia, Courtyard by Marriott Siem Reap in Cambodia and the Marriott Resort Momi Bay in Fiji.
In line with its growth vision, Marriott expects that over 140,000 associates will wear the Marriott badge at its company operated and franchised hotels in Asia- Pacific by the end of 2017.
In China, Marriott is working closely with over 150 hospitality schools and colleges through robust internship programs to help talented youth launch their careers in Asia’s booming hospitality industry. Cementing this commitment, the company will also look to foster a strategic partnership with the Asian University for Women (AUW) based in Bangladesh, with plans to be laid out in mid-2017.
“As a company that puts people first, our growth is really a reflection of our talented associates,” Smith said.
“By the end of 2017 we will have created over 20,000 jobs across Asia Pacific, offering our talented people the chance to grow and achieve their career goals with us.”
Stay tuned to HM for an exclusive video interview with Smith, which will be broadcast on HM next week (June 7).