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Marriott International has announced plans to expand its business in the Middle East, with more than 20 new hotels and more than 5,000 rooms expected in the Gulf state over the next 15 months.
The announcement was made at the ongoing Future Hotels Summit in Dubai.
The company’s growth in the region has been driven by continued demand for its extraordinary portfolio of hotel brands in Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, as well as increased demand from developers for remodeled and adaptive reuse properties.
Jerome Briet, Chief Development Officer, Europe, Middle East and Africa, Marriott International, said: “The Middle East tourism industry continues to grow significantly, which is in line with the regional government’s long-term strategy to diversify its economy.
“Marriott International and the reputation of our world-class brands, as well as our longstanding presence in the Middle East, continue to position us well to contribute to the continued growth and diversification of tourism in the region.”
Luxury sector leads growth in Saudi Arabia
Due to the high demand for luxury products in Saudi Arabia, especially in the country’s ambitious development projects such as the Red Sea Project and Diriyah Gate, Marriott International expects to add six luxury hotels in the country by the end of 2023, enhancing its portfolio.
The opening is expected to debut the St. Regis and EDITION brands in the country and introduce the first Ritz-Carlton hotel in the Middle East with the opening of Nujuma, the Ritz-Carlton, a Red Sea project. Additionally, the company is responding to strong demand for select-service accommodations in the country, with the Sheraton Four Points Hotel in Riyadh and the Courtyard by Marriott in Jubail expected to open in 2023.
Rising tourism demand drives growth in Qatar
Marriott International plans to nearly double its operations in Qatar over the next 15 months, with 10 more expected, six of which will be unveiled ahead of this year’s global sports event. The anticipated increase will further enrich the company’s portfolio in the country, with the expected launch of four brands – The EDITION, Delta Hotels by Marriott, Element Hotels and Autograph Collection Hotels. The company also expects to open a second St. Regis hotel in Qatar later this year, The St. Regis Marsa Arabia Island, The Pearl.
Continued expansion in UAE, Kuwait and Oman
Marriott International continues to see opportunities to further expand its portfolio of more than 70 hotels in the UAE. This year, the company expects the milestone of 50 hotels in Dubai alone, with the addition of the Dubai Marriott Palm Jumeirah Resort; the Marriott Delta Hotel in Dubai’s Green Community; and a quarter of Sheraton Production City Dubai. Other notable additions expected by the end of 2023 include the debut of the St. Regis and Marriott Executive Apartments brands in Kuwait, and the entry of the Aloft Hotels brand in Oman.
Ongoing demand for conversion and adaptive reuse projects
While much of the company’s growth in the region has been through new-build developments, the company continues to see an increase in conversion opportunities, underscoring demand for the region’s popular brands. There is also growing interest in adaptive reuse of space, with developers looking to convert existing buildings into hotel accommodation. By the end of 2023, more than 30% of the company’s projected property additions in the region are expected to come from remodeling and adaptive reuse projects.
Chadi Hauch, vice president of development for Marriott International Middle East, commented: “As a company, we have developed an easy-to-convert platform that enables existing hotels to quickly and cost-effectively access our world-class sales, distribution and loyalty platform, To meet the needs of owners and guests.”
Marriott International’s current Middle East portfolio includes more than 150 hotels and more than 40,000 rooms under 21 brands in 11 countries. – arab trade news agency
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