MARRIOTT International is set to debut its first Fairfield property in India, having signed a franchise agreement with GHJM Hotels for the Fairfield by Marriott in Surat, Gujarat. GHJM is the Indian subsidiary of US-based JHM Hotels.
The hotel will be located within the campus of Auro University, which is partially sponsored by JHM Hotels, and will feature 150 guestrooms and suites, a restaurant, business centre, gym and a 279m2 banquet hall. It will be managed by JHM Interstate Hotels, a joint venture between JHM Hotels and Interstate Hotels & Resorts.
“Marriott International is looking to open two to three Fairfield properties in India by the end of this year. This should be the next growth segment for Marriott in India. The brand falls in the three-star category and offers great quality and value,” said Kanika Hasrat, general manager, Courtyard by Marriott Gurgaon.
“Most of the Fairfield properties in India will come up in second-tier and third-tier cities,” he added.
Apart from Surat, Marriott is aiming to open Fairfield hotels in cities including Vadodara, Indore, Ranchi, Manesar, Goa, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Lucknow, Noida and Visakhapatnam.
The company has also set a target of 52 more properties in the country over a period of four years, with most to fall in the mid-market segment, which also encompasses the Courtyard by Marriott brand.
“I think one of the strongest segments of growth in India will be the mid-market. With the economic slowdown, travellers are looking for value-for-money hotel options. Travellers stand to benefit as more international chains open new properties targeting this market,” predicted Arun Anand, managing director of Midtown Travels.
Vishwas Joshi, managing director, Girikand Travels, said: “The opening of Fairfield hotels in India will strengthen Marriott International’s presence among budget-conscious travellers.”
Separately, Marriott International yesterday signed an agreement with Jamuna Builders to operate the 700-room JW Marriott Hotel Dhaka, which is located within a mixed-use development.
Bangladeshi newspaper The Daily Star reported that the JW Marriott would open in 2015. The hotel will be Marriott’s second in Dhaka, with a Courtyard by Marriott expected to open next year.
