Marriott International announced 22 new hotel agreements in South Asia during the last 18 months, bringing the total number of rooms in the region to over 2,700. India, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, and Nepal are among them.
Rajeev Menon – president Asia Pacific (excluding Greater China), Marriott International, said, “It is a sign of confidence from our owners and franchisees who have been an integral part of our growth journey. We are grateful for their continued support and trust in the power of our brands as we continue to welcome back travelers.”
More than one-third of the recently signed projects are luxury hotels and resorts, including JW Marriott and W Hotels. This shows the increasing desire for personalized, top-of-the-line amenities and services among travellers. In 2024, the W Hotels brand will make its debut in Jaipur with the opening of W Jaipur.
Over the next five years, the JW Marriott Ranthambore Resort & Spa in The Ranthambore National Park, the JW Marriott Chennai ECR Resort & Spa in Chennai, the JW Marriott Agra Resort & Spa in Agra, and the JW Marriott brand’s debut in Goa and Shimla are just a few of the hotels to look forward.
The JW Marriott Hotel Bhutan, Thimphu, is expected to open in 2025 and will feature customized experiences that honour the country’s peaceful culture.
The JW Marriott Resort & Spa, Embhoodhoo Finolhu – South Male Atoll, with 80 pool villas, will open in 2025, making it the Maldives’ second JW Marriott hotel. The agreement follows the release of the recently opened The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, boosting Marriott’s footprint in the renowned leisure destination.
Marriott’s select brands, including Courtyard by Marriott, Fairfield by Marriott, Four Points by Sheraton, Aloft Hotels, and Moxy Hotels, continue to resonate across South Asia, accounting for more than 40 percent of the 22 new hotel projects inked. The Moxy brand, famed for its experiential, whimsical style and approachable pricing range, is set to launch in India and Nepal in 2023 and 2025, respectively, with Moxy Mumbai Andheri West and Moxy Kathmandu.
Courtyard by Marriott aims to add five more properties to its existing operating portfolio of 20 hotels in South Asia due to the recently signed agreements. Courtyard by Marriott Gorakhpur, Courtyard by Marriott Tiruchirappalli, Courtyard by Marriott Goa Arpora, and Courtyard by Marriott Ranchi are all set to launch in the next five years and will be located in India’s main tier-two markets. In Jaipur, Fairfield aims to open two new homes. The Courtyard by Marriott Colombo, which is set to open in 2022, is expected to be the country’s first Courtyard property.
The Katra Marriott Resort & Spa in India and the Le Meridien Kathmandu, which will be the first Le Meridien property in Nepal, are both expected to contribute to the rise of premium brands in South Asia. In addition, the Marriott Hotels brand is expected to make its debut in Bangladesh with the opening of the Bhaluka Marriott Hotel in 2024.
