Marriott International to open 50 hotels

‘India’s economic growth aiding factor’

Marriott International, the world’s largest lodging company, plans to open more than 50 hotels and raise inventory to more than 30,000 rooms over the next three years furled by an increase in India’s middle-class incomes and domestic tourism, Arne Sorenson, president, and CEO of the company said on Tuesday.

‘15 this year’

“Out of that total, 15 will come up this year,” Mr. Sorenson told correspondents here at the inaugural of the company’s 100th hotel in India. “India is the second country in Asia where we have more than 100 hotels. Our development teams are also following 50 more leads in the country which are at a preliminary stage.” India’s economic growth, leisure and vacation travel within the country is aiding the growth of hospitality, he said. Travel industry contributes 6% to India’s gross domestic product, Mr. Sorenson said.

Neeraj Govil, area vice-president, South Asia, said Marriott would continue to pave the way for aggressive expansion with a strong pipeline of hotels.

“Demand is also growing for Marriott’s upscale and luxury brands, the company for instance, currently has three Ritz-Carlton projects under development in Pune, Mumbai and New Delhi,” Mr. Govil said.

Marriott is eyeing “plenty of opportunities” in micro-markets orTier-I and Tier-II cities.

Marriott is working with owners to open hotels across Marriott’s extensive array of brands, particularly in the upper midscale, upscale and luxury segments, Mr. Govil said. The company’s new hotels are coming up in Ahmedabad, Jaipur and Kerala, he said.

Marriott has more than 20,000 rooms and 15 brands in 32 cities in India. It employs 30,000 people and an additional 3,000 people are expected to join the company this year, according to a company statement.