On the back of a strong first quarter, Marriott International says 2017 will be marked by continued growth momentum with nearly 80 hotels targeted to open in Asia-Pacific, bringing 19,000 new rooms to the region.
Among the new Asia-Pacific hotels coming online are 16 new resorts, including The Ritz-Carlton Langkawi, Courtyard by Marriott Siem Reap and the Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay.
Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park
This year will also see the debut of two Marriott brands in Asia-Pacific with the opening of Moxy Tokyo and Delta Hotels by Marriott Shanghai Baoshan, which will bring its total number of brands in the region to 23.
Craig Smith, president and managing director for Marriott International Asia Pacific, said: “This is already shaping up to be a great year for Marriott across Asia-Pacific. 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.”
As well, Marriott expects to create over 20,000 jobs and employ over 140,000 associates at its company-operated and franchised hotels in Asia-Pacific by end-2017.
In China, Marriott is working closely with over 150 hospitality schools and colleges through internship programmes to help youth launch their careers in Asia’s booming hospitality industry. It will also look to foster a partnership with the Asian University for Women in Bangladesh, with plans to be laid out in mid-2017.
Following a landmark merger with Starwood last year, Marriott now has over 550 operating hotels and more than 170,000 rooms in Asia-Pacific, with an additional 500-plus properties expected to open by 2021.
