During the recent visit of Diane Mayer, Vice President of the Residence Inn brand to Dubai, she highlighted Marriott International’s growing focus on the extended stay segment with the announcement of two new signings in Nairobi.
The announcement follows Marriott International’s positive 2013 results where the organisation confirmed an additional seven new Residence Inn by Marriott properties are set to join Marriott’s growing Middle East and Africa pipeline in the coming years. Set to open by 2018 the new properties are located across the region including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Algeria to name a few. In addition, Marriott International confirmed that the Residence Inn by Marriott Jazan, Saudi Arabia and Residence Inn by Marriott Kuwait will open by the end of 2014 bringing the total operational properties to 3 across the Middle East and Africa.
Commenting on the regional opportunity, Diane Mayer, Vice President of the Residence Inn brand, said: “Across the region we see demand rising for this unique product and we are perfectly positioned with our expertise through the Residence Inn by Marriott and Marriott Executive Apartment brands to serve the needs of this distinct group of travelers. Throughout this year and continuing into 2015, we will continue our efforts to boost the mid to long-term business traveler market which is seeing a boom across the Middle East and Africa.”
A long-standing leader in the extended-stay segment, Residence Inn has the third-largest number of rooms and revenue in the Marriott International portfolio worldwide. Designed for a traveler who seeks balance on the road, along with large suites and upscale amenities, Residence Inn hotels are ideal for guests who need accommodations for long stays. Featuring studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom suites, Residence Inn properties offer full kitchens and free grocery delivery for all guests. Key Residence Inn amenities include free Wi-Fi, , as well as lobby and outdoor spaces designed for gathering.
Mayer added: “Marriott International is further boosting its reach in the extended stay segment with the expansion of Marriott Executive Apartments. Globally we expect more than 50 percent growth in four years for this brand with an increase from 24 properties to nearly 40 properties by 2016. With major expansion planned in Asia, the Middle East and Africa, the Marriott Executive Apartments brand is growing rapidly in emerging markets around the world.”
Mayer added that the company will add a further six Marriott Executive Apartments to its pipeline in the coming years situated in Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Gabon, and Addis Ababa in Ethiopia which is due to open in 2015. In total Marriott International currently operates six Marriott Executive Apartments across four countries region-wide.
Designed for the international traveler and executive expat seeking luxurious apartment living with hotel services, Marriott Executive Apartments is ideal for guests who need accommodations for 30 nights or more. Offering serviced studio, one-bedroom, two-bedroom and three-bedroom apartments, Marriott Executive Apartments provides full kitchens, high-speed Internet, as well as health club and resident lounge access. Providing secure environments supported by 24-hour staff, the properties offer pre-arrival consultation and local area expertise for all guests.
