HONG KONG, May 31, 2017 — On the back of a strong first quarter, Marriott International (NASDAQ: MAR) today announced that 2017 is on track for a progressive 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 offering guests a total of 23 desirable brands that will cater to every occasion and traveler; forging ahead and growing its leadership position as a luxury, premium and select service hotel operator.
Craig S. Smith, President and Managing Director for Marriott International Asia Pacific, said: "2017 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. 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."
Live the Journey: Recharge and explore with more than 20 brands across even more Marriott resorts and destinations by end of 2017
With over 550 operating hotels and more than 170,000 rooms, growth momentum in Marriott's Asia Pacific business remains strong. Debuting in the region this year is MOXY Hotels, Marriott's Next Gen boutique-hotel brand for the 'always on' and digitally savvy. The brand will mark its entry with the anticipated opening of MOXY Tokyo before end 2017. Furthermore, 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.
As members of Marriott's best-in-class loyalty programs consisting of Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG), Marriott Rewards and Ritz-Carlton Rewards, travelers can now access over 6,100 properties across the globe. Specifically in Asia Pacific, Marriott plans to further enhance its resorts portfolio with 16 new hotels expected to open in 2017. From The Ritz-Carlton Langkawi in Malaysia, Courtyard by Marriott Siem Reap in Cambodia to the Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay in Fiji, Marriott's global community of more than 100 million loyalty members will now be able to enjoy enriching experiences and valuable access to local culture, design accents, culinary delights and entertainment.
People and Community at the Heart Of Growth: Marriott Solidifies Its Commitment to Developing People and Places
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.
Mr. Smith added, "As a company that puts people first, our growth is really a reflection of our talented associates. 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."
Hot off the heels following a year of record growth for Marriott, including the acquisition of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc, in late 2016, Marriott International has enhanced its global portfolio of 30 world-renowned brands including St. Regis®, W®, JW Marriott®, The Luxury Collection®, Westin®, Le Méridien®, Renaissance® Hotels, Sheraton®, Autograph Collection® Hotels, Tribute Portfolio™, Four Points® by Sheraton, Fairfield Inn & Suites®, Aloft®, and Element®. Marriott now has over 500 properties in its development pipeline in Asia Pacific which are expected to open by 2021.
Note on Forward-Looking Statements: The numbers of new hotels and rooms that Marriott International plans to open in Asia Pacific in 2017 and by 2021, and the number of people that it expects will be employed by its managed and franchised hotels in the region by year end, are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of U.S. federal securities laws, not historical facts, and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including supply and demand changes for hotel rooms; competitive conditions in the lodging industry; relationships with clients and property owners; the availability of capital to finance hotel growth; and other risk factors identified in the most recent quarterly report on Form 10-Q that Marriott International has filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission; any of which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by those statements. Those statement is made as of the date of this press release, and we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
