MARRIOTT International has finalised its agreement with Weligama Hotel Properties to operate the Weligama Bay Marriott Resort & Spa in Sri Lanka (TTG Asia e-Daily, August 12, 2011).
Scheduled to open in 2014, the 200-room, 11-storey resort will be located in Weligama, a popular southern destination famous for its beaches and stilt fishermen.
Resort facilities will include 640m2 of flexible event space, three restaurants, one swimming pool with a pool bar, and a spa and fitness centre.
“Marriott is delighted to be extending its portfolio and opening a world-class hotel in Sri Lanka,” said Simon Cooper, Marriott president & managing director, Asia-Pacific.
“Sri Lanka is a destination that has great potential and opportunity, and we hope to capitalise on that and establish a strong presence in the country.”
Cooper added: “While India, the UK and Germany are the largest source markets for hotels in Sri Lanka; the Middle East and Russia are the emerging source markets. With the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority aiming to achieve a target of 2.5 million tourist arrivals by 2016, we are confident of attracting great leisure and business guests to the property.”
