With 24 hotels currently in operation and a pipeline of signed and approved deals totaling an additional 18 properties.  The current pipeline properties will provide more than 2,500 hotel jobs and add more than 4,500 rooms.

“This is an extremely exciting time for Marriott as we significantly grow our footprint in the Australia, New Zealand and Pacific region, and continue to build on our leadership position in gateway markets,” said Craig S. Smith, president and managing director Asia Pacific, Marriott International. “We currently have seven of our 30 brands represented here and we look forward to introducing more in the coming years.”

He continued, “Demand continues to be high from both consumers and developers, and with the wide variety of brands available, from mid-scale to luxury, we expect more great opportunities to brand further high quality, international-standard hotels in the region.”

The world’s largest hotel company already has a strong market presence in the key gateway cities of Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and Brisbane, and will be entering emerging primary and secondary destinations.

Three additional brands, Aloft, W and The Ritz-Carlton, are expected to be introduced to the region by the end of 2020, with the W Brisbane, and Aloft Perth scheduled to open in 2017.

Sean Hunt, area vice president Australia, New Zealand and Pacific, Marriott International, commented on the factors driving this growth. “Our success and exponential growth is being fuelled by a number of factors, including the rapidly increasing consumer demand for quality and premium lodging options, the strength of our brands and the high returns these offer our owners, and the benefits of the merger and our vast and global network and systems. The incredibly high number of loyalty members we have in the Australian market, which is currently sitting at over 1 million, will also play a key role in our growth strategy,” said Hunt.

“Australia is experiencing strong visitor arrival numbers and there is a significant shortage of hotel rooms in major cities around the country, in particular Sydney and Melbourne. Demand for quality accommodations is outstripping supply and despite having over 3,800 additional rooms already signed across Perth, Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane and Sydney, there’s still room for more.”

Marriott International is on track to boast the largest portfolio of upper upscale and luxury brands and properties across the Pacific region by 2020.
Smith commented: “As the world’s largest lodging company with a portfolio consisting of eight iconic and distinct luxury brands, we also have a role to play in developing and expanding Australia’s luxury portfolio.”