Marriott acquisition strengthens MEA

Marriott International has completed its acquisition of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, creating the world’s largest and best hotel company. Marriott Rewards – which includes the Ritz-Carlton Rewards – and SPG are the most recognized and awarded loyalty programs in hospitality. In the MEA region, their newly combined portfolio consists 238 hotels, 51,877 rooms, in 30 countries. They have effectively doubled in size overnight (from 25k rooms to almost 52k rooms). In the pipeline are a further 155 hotels and 37,677 rooms by 2025, introducing a further 5 new brands to region, namely Bulgari, EDITION, AC by Marriott, Element and Fairfield Inn. By 2025 it will be in 38 countries, almost 400 hotels, and well on its way to 100,000 rooms and further there are significant growth synergies between the brands and the combined company to focus on expending brands across the region, looking for opportunities in new markets.