This year has seen tremendous growth in Marriott International’s portfolio, with new brand introductions to the market, cementing Marriott’s reputation as master innovators in hospitality.
In October this year, Marriott unveiled the world’s largest W Hotel to the public with the opening of W Sydney – a meaningful extension of the W brand along the east coast and a milestone for the distinctive luxury brand in one of Australia’s most populous, cosmopolitan cities. Arguably, the hottest hotel opening of the year, W Sydney continues to attract national and international interest and is a prime reflection of the W brand evolution.
“We were thrilled to have Chairman of the Board David Marriott here with us to celebrate the opening of W Sydney and to have the chance to showcase our incredible portfolio of hotels in Australia. We were proud to showcase our exponential growth in the Australia, New Zealand and Pacific market, having increased from seven hotels in 2016 to 47 in 2023 – all of which excel in providing the exceptional hospitality that Marriott are famed for,” said Sean Hunt, Area Vice President – Australia, New Zealand and Pacific.
Earlier this year in March, Marriott celebrated two milestone brand introductions to Melbourne with Le Meridien Melbourne and The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne. The latter marked Marriott’s 1000th hotel in Asia Pacific and signaled Marriott’s confidence in the long-term potential for growth in the region. Since then, Marriott has achieved its goal of adding 100 hotels – roughly two per week – in key Asia Pacific markets including Australia, Indonesia, Japan, Thailand, Singapore, China, and India.
A brand debut into the Australian market, Moxy Sydney Airport, was yet another important opening in August 2023, bringing Moxy’s unconventional and playful energy to reinvent the hotel experience.
2023 was the first full year that JW Marriott Auckland welcomed guests under the banner of Marriott’s flagship brand following its conversion in December 2022, marking Marriott’s first luxury property in New Zealand, with a total transformation expected to be revealed late 2024.
Looking forward into 2024, the journey for Marriott International will follow much in the same trajectory. Marriott will start the year with the opening of Courtyard by Marriott Perth, Murdoch in February, marking the debut of the Courtyard brand into Western Australia in line with Marriott’s commitment to expanding into key growth corridors outside of CBD locations.
Marriott will make its debut in South Australia with the opening of Marriott Hotel Adelaide in mid-2024.
Marriott Executive Apartments Port Moresby will follow shortly thereafter, establishing its inaugural foothold in Papua New Guinea.
“Marriott International now has 19 of the 31 global brands represented here in Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific, including powerful global brands such as Ritz-Carlton, W Hotels, Westin, The Luxury Collection, Sheraton, Marriott and more,” said Sean Hunt.
To support its brand expansion, Marriott continues to attract and retain the best talent. “We have over 7,500 associates in Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific. Our promising expansion in the region and our strong people-first culture provide enormous opportunities for our talented associates to grow within the company,” said Natasha Rasheed, Senior Area Director Human Resources – Australia, New Zealand & Pacific.
Encompassing all of the brands that members know and love, Marriott Bonvoy continues to forge its way forward as a world leading travel loyalty program. With close to 200 million members worldwide, and 3.3 million in Australia, the strong active and loyal membership base in the region is both an asset for Marriott, and a key driver of the brand’s programming as Marriott sets out to meet the desires of the next generation traveller.
“Marriott Bonvoy is based on giving our guests unparalleled, money-can’t-buy experiences that speak to their aspirational lifestyles. We understand our guests are passionate about the worlds of sport, culture, cuisine and luxury experiences so we make a point to show up in these spaces and delight them with enriching ways to experience the power of travel with Marriott Bonvoy,” said Florencia Aimo, Senior Area Director of Marketing – Australia, New Zealand & Pacific.
“More than ever, travellers are looking for human connection, genuine hospitality, and those pinch-me moments that can make their entire travel experience. That’s what we intend to bring to life through our Marriott Bonvoy Moments as we connect with our millions of members across the Australian Open, Mardi Gras and Formula One next year in 2024.”
Members can also look forward to behind-the-scenes, front-row and VIP experiences through Marriott’s long-standing partnership with Tennis Australia, The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, as well as glamorous moments to be unveiled surrounding their multi-year partnership with The Rolex Formula 1 Grand Prix.
With a prosperous outlook for 2024, Marriott International looks forward to connecting with new guests and returning members through major moments and at their ever-growing portfolio of exceptional hotels across the region.