MANILA – Marriott International has announced aggressive expansion plans in the Philippines, which will see the group adding 14 hotels by 2024 while also debuting five new brands including The Ritz-Carlton, Element and Westin.
With four hotels in three local destinations currently, this announcement will also mark Marriott’s debut in five new cities: Caticlan, Cebu, Davao, Mactan and Palawan.
By end 2024, Philippines will welcome over 3,700 new rooms for travellers under the MI brand.
“The amazing growth we’re seeing in the Philippines is testament to Marriott’s strength in and commitment to the market, coupled by a rapidly growing economy,” said Craig S. Smith, president & managing director, Marriott International Asia Pacific.
The news comes on the back of strong demand from hotel owners and developers seeking to either build new properties or convert existing ones to one of Marriott’s leading brands. Figures from Philippines’ Department of Tourism showed that he country recorded over four million international tourist arrivals – an 11% year-on-year jump – in the first half of 2019 alone.
Prior to the announcement, Marriott had this year launched the 390-key Sheraton Manila Hotel – the brand’s first – in the Philippines, with an enviable address of being the first landmark travellers see upon arrival at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3.
Very soon, new properties to consider in the near future include Marriott Resort & Spa Caticlan, Courtyard by Marriott Caticlan, and The Westin Manila Sonata Place – all pegged for 2021 launch dates.
Apart from new builds, conversions are a key strategy for the group, such as the rebranding plan of Sheraton Manila Bay expected to open later this year. Other deals in the pipeline include Four Points Palawan Sabang Beach in 2020, and The Ritz-Carlton, Manila in 2021 – both making debuts in the country.
“Conversions are one way that we grow our footprint; they allow us to quickly bring hotels into Marriott International’s portfolio, allowing guests to enjoy the benefits of our renowned travel program – Marriott Bonvoy – and providing them with the assurance of a global company,” shared Paul Foskey, chief development officer, Asia Pacific, Marriott International.
“Our successful conversion strategy exemplifies the trust hotel owners have in the Marriott International name.”