Marriott International has announced that its portfolio in India will expand from the current 11 properties to 100 properties over the next five years. Commenting on this ambitious target, president and chief operating officer, Arne Sorenson said, “India is a good destination and its booming economy also presents a good market.” He drew attention to the short supply in the market, “If you take the example of Mumbai – even with 10,000 rooms the city is in short supply.”
The expansion will take the Marriott flag into many secondary cities in India where Marriott International sees huge opportunity. The hotel management conpany’s expansion plan will be facilitated by investments by both developers (who are expected to contribute to 30-40 percent of this growth) and independedent hotel owners or investors from other sectors who are interested in foraying into hospitality with the Marriott brand name. Courtyard by Marriott and the soon-to-launch
Fairfield are expected to be key drivers of this growth. Sorenson sees huge scope for the Fairfield brand in India. Navjit Ahluwalia, senior vice president, hotel development, Marriott International, based in New Delhi explained, “We foresee great demand for the Courtyard by Marriott and Fairfield brands because of the growing business travel segment which these brands can cater to effectively and at the right price point.”
Twenty three of these hotels are to launch before 2013. These include the Pune Marriott Hotel & Convention Centre which launches tommorrow, JW Marriott properties in Bengaluru, Chandigarh, Chennai and Gurgaon, all aiming to launch some time before the end of 2010. Come 2012, JW Marriott properties are to be launched in Kolkata, at New Delhi airport and in Pune.
In addition, two more Courtyard by Marriott properties will be launched in Pune (in addition to the existing one at
Hinjewadi). Courtyard by Marriott properties will also be launched in Lucknow, Amritsar, Noida, Agra and Bengaluru.
Mumbai will see another property in addition to the existing three properties in North Mumbai. The Mumbai Marriott Hotel, Kurla is scheduled to open in 2013.
Marriott Executive Apartments will be launched in Gurgaon and Hyderabad – both are expected to be up and running as early as 2012.
Bengaluru will also see two Rennaissance properties, a Bangalore Marriott Whitefield Hotel and a Bangalore Marriott Golf Resort and Convention Centre (at Nandi Hills). In addition India’s silicon city will play host to the debut of the Ritz-Carlton brand in India. The 266-key property was scheduled to open in 2010 but can be expected to open 12 to 18 months from now.
In addition to this pipeline, today’s press conference revealed that Marriott International’s pipline will now include Courtyard by Marriott Cochin International Airport, Courtyard by Marriott Bhopal, Courtyard by Marriott Chembur, Courtyard by Marriott Nashik, Courtyard by Marriott Hyderabad Hitec, Jaipur Marriott Hotel and Rennaissance Raipur Hotel.
For all Marriott’s existing and upcoming properties, the domestic market is inviting a significant focus. “Marriott, by nature will be associated with the long-haul international guest. We are also keen to garner popularity among local travelers who move from market to market within India,” said Sorenson.
