Marriott International is set to introduce its first hotel in Papua New Guinea following an agreement with Steamships Trading Company Ltd.
Marriott Executive Apartments Port Moresby, which will be located centrally within the mixed-use development of Harbourside South, is expected to open mid next year.
Marriott International Area Vice President, Australia, New Zealand and Pacific, Sean Hunt, said the signing as an important
“This is a significant milestone signing and testament to the confidence our owners have in our brands and distribution systems,” he said.
“Following our signing of Marriott Executive Apartments in Melbourne earlier this year, this second signing for the brand is set to strengthen our offering that caters to guests looking to mix business and leisure travel with a ‘home away from home’ feeling for longer stays.”
The property will feature 88 modern one and two-bedroom apartments with separate living, sleeping, and working areas, as well as a lounge for residents and guests that offers light meals, self-service and evening cocktails. The property is also expected to include a leisure floor complete with lap pool, leisure pool, fitness centre, three spa treatment rooms, and a recreational zone for children.
The new Harbourside South development also includes a retail floor and three floors of A-grade commercial space and will connect to the Harbourside East and West buildings on Port Moresby’s waterfront.
Steamships Chairman, Geoff Cundle, said the location and partnership with Marriott make it an “excellent fit”.
“The Harbourside precinct connects Harbourside South’s retail, commercial, leisure and residential facilities with the existing commercial floors and F&B outlets of Harbourside East and West,” he said.
“Residents and guests of the Marriott Executive Apartments will be able to live, shop, relax, work, and dine within the luxury and safety of the precinct – the first of its kind in Papua New Guinea. We’re looking forward to welcoming travelers to Papua New Guinea and rewarding their loyalty through Marriott Bonvoy.”
Part of the wider Swire Group – which includes the Swire Pacific Ltd, owners of Swire Hotels, Cathay Pacific Airways and other subsidiaries – Steamships is listed on both the ASX and Papua New Guinea’s National Stock Exchange (PNGX).