THE Marriott International has planned for better performance and growth of the region which includes over 130 properties and 70 hotels under development represented by The Ritz-Carlton, JW Marriott, Marriott, Renaissance, Courtyard and Marriott Executive Apartments brands.
“We have planned for growth and are confident that there are demand generators throughout the region to support that,” said Jeff Strachan, vice president sales and marketing for the Middle East and Africa at Marriott International. “Naturally the growth goals vary by city and country.”
While 2010 saw varying occupancy levels across the region with certain 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, Strachan said. “The biggest challenge for 2010 was all around average rates,” he said.
The company will keep its expansion momentum with new hotels opening in Libya and Algeria in 2011. “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,” he said.
Stratchan has a very positive outlook for the brand in 2011, “The industry is healthy, and 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,” he added.