Marriott International's Bold Expansion: 28 New Deals in South Asia

Marriott International's Bold Expansion: 28 New Deals in South Asia

By Author

Published on March 1, 2024

Marriott International, Inc. is set to significantly bolster its presence in South Asia with the announcement of 28 new deals, signalling a robust expansion strategy that will introduce over 4,600 rooms across the region by the end of 2024. This ambitious growth plan not only reaffirms Marriott's commitment to South Asia but also highlights the region's burgeoning potential within the global travel and tourism landscape.

Rajeev Menon, President of Asia Pacific excluding China for Marriott International, underscored the initiative's alignment with the dynamic expansion of the travel sector in South Asia. "Our strategic expansion in South Asia solidifies our commitment to accentuating the strong growth within the region's travel and tourism sector," Menon stated, emphasising the diverse brand portfolio and the award-winning Marriott Bonvoy program as key drivers of this growth.

In a move that reflects the evolving preferences of today's travellers for high-quality service and immersive experiences, 77 percent of the rooms signed in 2023 fall within the Luxury and Premium segments. This strategic focus is evidenced by the planned debut of iconic brands such as The Ritz-Carlton in Shimla and the JW Marriott in Bangladesh and India, enhancing Marriott's luxury offerings in sought-after leisure destinations.

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Kiran Andicot, Regional Vice President Development for South Asia at Marriott International, highlighted the significance of entering new markets and capitalising on key urban and resort destinations. "Our focus remains on capitalising on opportunities in key gateway cities, strategic commercial centres, and sought-after resort destinations throughout the region," Andicot remarked, pointing to the introduction of Marriott's portfolio in emerging destinations as a testament to its commitment to delivering unparalleled guest experiences.

The company's expansion strategy also includes a strong emphasis on the Select service segment, which caters to the demand for stylish, smart, and affordable hospitality options. Brands like Courtyard by Marriott and Fairfield by Marriott are expected to represent approximately 45 percent of the new openings in the next four years, marking significant growth across India.

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As Marriott International gears up to expand its footprint in South Asia, the company's existing portfolio of 160 operating properties across 17 distinct brands stands as a testament to its diverse offerings and commitment to excellence in hospitality. With the addition of new properties, Marriott continues to pave the way for innovative and differentiated experiences for travellers across the globe.

This expansion comes at a time when South Asia's tourism sector is poised for rapid recovery and growth. Experts, including Prof Haiyan Song of PATA and Hong Kong Polytechnic University, project a significant increase in visitor arrivals by 2026, further underscoring the region's appeal as a premier travel destination. Marriott International's strategic investments in South Asia not only contribute to this positive trajectory but also reinforce its position as a leader in the global hospitality industry.


Raffles Cambodia Secures Top Honours in Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards 2026

Raffles Cambodia Secures Top Honours in Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards 2026

By Hariharan U

Published on June 30, 2026

Raffles Cambodia’s iconic heritage hotels have secured top honours in the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia-Pacific 2026, reaffirming their position among the region’s leading luxury hospitality destinations.

Raffles Hotel Le Royal in Phnom Penh was ranked Cambodia’s No. 1 city hotel, while Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor in Siem Reap secured the No. 2 position in the same category. Both properties also featured prominently across additional award categories, highlighting their continued excellence in luxury hospitality.

In the “Best Hotel Swimming Pools” category, Raffles Hotel Le Royal ranked No. 2, while Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor secured the No. 4 position. The Siem Reap property also earned the No. 4 spot in the “Best Hotel Spas” category. Adding to the accolades, Raffles Hotel Le Royal General Manager Dagmar Lyons was recognised among Cambodia’s best General Managers.

Commenting on the recognition, Dagmar Lyons said the achievement reflects the dedication of the entire team in bringing the heritage spirit of the hotel to life while maintaining Raffles’ signature warm and intuitive service.

Joseph Colina, General Manager of Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor, noted that the recognition reinforces the hotel’s role as a historic gateway to Angkor and its commitment to preserving Cambodia’s cultural and hospitality legacy.

The strong performance at the awards follows recent heritage-focused initiatives by Raffles Cambodia, including the launch of the “Grand Path of History” tour and a new publication chronicling the golden age of travel in Southeast Asia. The brand also continues to showcase archival materials and historical artefacts across its properties.

Raffles Hotel Le Royal, originally opened in 1929, is known for its French colonial, Khmer, and Art Deco-inspired design, following a major restoration completed in 2019. Meanwhile, Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor, established in 1932, continues to reflect classic French Art Deco architecture blended with Cambodian influences.

Both properties were previously among the select hotels in Cambodia to receive MICHELIN Keys in the inaugural edition of the guide for the country. Raffles Hotel Le Royal was also ranked the No. 2 hotel in Southeast Asia in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2025.

With continued global recognition, Raffles Cambodia strengthens its position as a custodian of heritage luxury hospitality, blending history, culture, and refined service across its iconic properties.


Novotel Cairo Airport Marks World Oceans Day with ‘From the Nile to the Ocean’ Initiative

Novotel Cairo Airport Marks World Oceans Day with ‘From the Nile to the Ocean’ Initiative

By Hariharan U

Published on June 25, 2026

Novotel Cairo Airport commemorated World Oceans Day with its "From the Nile to the Ocean" initiative, a sustainability-focused programme designed to highlight the connection between local environmental responsibility and global marine conservation.

The initiative brought together wellness, education, and responsible dining experiences to encourage greater awareness of the importance of protecting water resources. Through the campaign, the hotel sought to demonstrate how local actions can contribute to broader environmental preservation efforts.

The day began with an outdoor yoga session overlooking the Nile River, creating a reflective and mindful setting for participants. The wellness activity reinforced the campaign's message that meaningful environmental change begins with individual awareness and conscious choices.

Following the yoga session, hotel associates participated in an interactive educational presentation focused on water conservation and ocean safety. The discussion highlighted the role local waterways play in supporting larger marine ecosystems and emphasized the importance of protecting rivers such as the Nile as part of a global sustainability effort.

As part of the celebration, Novotel Cairo Airport's culinary team curated a special menu centred on fresh, local, and responsibly sourced ingredients. Served poolside, the dining experience showcased how sustainable sourcing and conscious food choices can contribute to environmental stewardship while supporting local communities.

By integrating wellness activities, environmental education, and sustainable dining into a single initiative, the hotel aimed to create a holistic experience that encouraged participants to reflect on their relationship with natural resources and the environment.

The programme further reinforces Novotel Cairo Airport's commitment to responsible hospitality and sustainability, while supporting Accor's broader vision of promoting environmentally conscious practices across its global portfolio.

Through initiatives such as "From the Nile to the Ocean," the hotel continues to engage both its team members and guests in conversations around sustainability, inspiring collective action toward the protection of vital water ecosystems and the preservation of the planet's natural resources.


The Forum Hotel & Convention Centre Celebrates International Yoga Day with Wellness Morning in Ahmedabad

The Forum Hotel & Convention Centre Celebrates International Yoga Day with Wellness Morning in Ahmedabad

By Hariharan U

Published on June 24, 2026

The Forum Hotel & Convention Centre marked International Yoga Day with a thoughtfully curated wellness initiative that brought together guests, wellness enthusiasts, and hotel associates for a morning dedicated to mindfulness and holistic wellbeing in Ahmedabad.

The event featured a guided yoga and meditation session designed to encourage participants to slow down, reconnect with themselves, and embrace balance in an increasingly fast-paced lifestyle. Attendees from different age groups took part in yoga asanas, breathwork exercises, and mindfulness practices in a calm and energising environment.

Positioned as a community-focused initiative, the celebration reflected the growing importance of wellness in modern hospitality experiences. The session aimed to create a shared space where participants could prioritise both physical and mental wellbeing while taking a conscious break from daily routines.

Speaking about the initiative, Kalpesh Prajapati, Managing Director of The Forum Hotel & Convention Centre, highlighted that wellness has evolved from being an occasional luxury to an essential part of contemporary living and travel. He emphasised the hotel’s commitment to creating experiences that promote mindfulness, balance, and overall wellbeing within the community.

As wellness continues to shape the hospitality landscape, The Forum Hotel & Convention Centre has been focusing on experiences that extend beyond accommodation and events, encouraging meaningful engagement with both guests and the wider Ahmedabad community.

The International Yoga Day celebration concluded with healthy refreshments and informal interactions among participants, reinforcing the importance of conscious living and collective wellbeing.

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