LOOKING to the year ahead, Marriott International has planned for improved performance and growth in the region where its portfolio includes more than 130 properties and 70 hotels under development represented by The Ritz-Carlton, JW Marriott, Marriott, Renaissance, Courtyard and Marriott Executive Apartments brands.
And the company is confident there are demand generators throughout the region to support this growth.
While 2010 saw varying occupancy levels across the region with some cities performing better than others, overall occupancy levels were good. Among the strongest markets were Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Dubai where occupancy levels grew year-on-year according to Jeff Strachan, vice president sales and marketing - Middle East and Africa Continent, who said ‘the biggest challenge for 2010 was all around average rates’.
The company will maintain its expansion momentum in 2011 with new hotels opening in Libya and Algeria and Strachan adds: “Beyond 2011 we continue to see room for growth across the African continent and within the GCC. We also have plans to tap new markets in the Middle East and Africa, where we currently have no presence.
“The industry is healthy, we have some of the best performing cities and markets on the planet. Demand generators are good and we are fortunate to have some fine airlines operating in our region.
“The online revolution continues apace and the continued development of online solutions and the web will shape where people stay and what they do for a long time to come.”