Marriott is targeting to have 1,000 hotels open in Asia-Pacific by the end of 2020, with China, India and South-east Asia identified as key growth areas.
In 2019 alone, the company expects to add close to 100 new hotels, or close to 20,000 rooms, with several brand debuts in Australia, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Nepal and India.
Marriott’s portfolio in Asia-Pacific currently encompasses over 710 properties in 23 countries and territories, operating under 23 of the company’s 30 global brands.
China continues to be the strongest growth driver for Marriott in Asia-Pacific, with more than 300 hotels in the pipeline. The country accounts for more than 50 per cent of the company’s pipeline in Asia-Pacific. This year alone, Marriott targets to open more than 30 hotels in China, including the first JW Marriott Marquis Hotel in China, the 515-room JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Shanghai Pudong featuring six F&B outlets; and the first Renaissance Hotel in the Fujian province with the planned opening of Renaissance Xiamen Resort & Spa in 4Q2019.
Outside of mainland China, the St Regis brand is set to debut in Hong Kong in the historic Wanchai district.
India remains the company’s second fastest growth engine in the region with more than 50 properties in the pipeline. Marriott expects to achieve its goal of 30,000 rooms open in India by end 2023. Given India’s robust economy and rising middle class, the country continues to present exciting growth opportunities, with strong demand for Marriott’s select-service brands.
The hospitality giant also intends to grow the footprint of its upscale brands in India, with Port Muziris, Kochi, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, the brand’s first in the country, in 2Q2019.
Marriott has over 140 signed hotels in its South-east Asia pipeline, with Indonesia leading growth. In the Philippines, the company expects to more than triple its hotel portfolio by 2023. Sheraton, its most global brand, recently debuted in the country with the opening of Sheraton Manila Hotel.
It is also continuing its growth momentum in the Pacific region, with 50 hotels anticipated to be open by 2020. Australia should see several brand debuts in coming years, including The Luxury Collection and The Ritz-Carlton.
The Tasman, a Luxury Collection Hotel, is scheduled to open in Hobart in late 2019, and the 205-room The Ritz-Carlton Perth in June 2019. Element Hotels, Marriott International’s eco-conscious brand, is expected to debut in Australia with the opening of Element Melbourne Richmond in 3Q this year.
With its 2020 vision, the hotel giant estimates it could contribute to the creation of 50,000 more jobs in the region.
