Marriott International says it is on track open eight new Australian properties in the next 12 months, increasing the brand's number of keys in Australia by almost 2000 (a growth of 33 per cent).

Area Vice President for Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific, Sean Hunt, said he was optimistic that a solid return of leisure travellers would help pave the way for Marriott International’s global recovery efforts, alongside strong trade in Japan and Korea.

“Australia has handled the Covid-19 pandemic better than most countries and along with New Zealand are viewed as safe destinations,” he said.

“We are also known as a country that welcomes all, so overseas demand for our beaches, cities, and stunning natural wonders will return once international restrictions ease.”

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Marriott International Area Vice President for Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific, Sean Hunt. Source: Marriott International

Marriott International announced the formation of a Global Cleanliness Council earlier this year, which included the roll out a multi-pronged platform across Australia, New Zealand and Pacific Islands to "elevate its cleanliness standards and hospitality norms and behaviour in several phases to meet the new health and safety challenges presented by the pandemic."

Mr Hunt told WILLIAMS MEDIA he was committed to exceeding the company's "already high" cleanliness standards in the wake of the new policy.

“The ongoing health and safety of our guests and associates is our number one priority," he said.

"All our hotels have a COVID-Safe plan and we have been working closely with government officials."

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An artist's impression of the Lollo Restaurant at W Melbourne. Source: Marriott International

Data from Marriott indicates its occupancy rate across Australia increased from 4 per cent to 30 per cent in June, and while the figure is expected to stabilise across July and August, Mr Hunt said there was a strong opportunity to capture a significant amount of the $65bn Australians spent on overseas holidays last year now that restrictions on domestic travel had started to ease and borders remained closed to international visitors. 

“Consumers are shifting from dreaming into planning mode and we are confident they will start to convert in the coming weeks,” he said.

“We are starting to see some green shoots in the staycation market with a stronger focus on our lifestyle and leisure properties as Australians look forward to some time out from their home isolation and the opportunity to reward themselves after a period of uncertainty.”

Marriott International’s eight new Australian properties due to open by 2021 include W Melbourne, Marriott Melbourne Docklands, The Tasman, W Sydney and The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne. A further 11 hotels are scheduled to open across Australia from 2022 to 2024.

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