The new Marriott Port-au-Prince Hotel in Haiti recently checked in its first guests during a soft opening and will officially open its doors to the public on March 1, with a formal grand opening slated for June.
Among the 200 new Haitian hotel workers who welcomed the first guests were young people from disadvantaged backgrounds and Haitian-Americans who want to share their hospitality skills to help boost Haiti’s tourism economy.
Joined by Haiti President Michel Martelly and former U.S. President Bill Clinton at a celebration ceremony, Digicel Group Chairman and Founder Denis O'Brien and Marriott International President - Caribbean & Latin America Region Craig S. Smith thanked the Kier Construction Company workers, sub-contractors and skilled Haitian construction workers who built the hotel and the Marriott associates who will host its guests.
The journey to build the Marriott Port-au-Prince began four years ago when Marriott International reached out to the Clinton Foundation to propose a new hotel to help Haiti rebuild its tourism industry after the devastating 2010 earthquake. The company found an eager partner in Digicel Group, which has invested $45 million to build the 175-room hotel.
“The opening of the Marriott Port-au-Prince is an important milestone as the people of Haiti work to revitalize and diversify their economy,” said former President Bill Clinton in a written release. "I am grateful to Marriott and Digicel for their commitment to this project, and hope that its success will inspire further investment and opportunity in Haiti.”
The Clinton Foundation worked closely with Marriott and Digicel Group to develop the hotel project. The Foundation visited proposed construction sites with the parties, facilitated introductions to the Haitian government and the Haitian Tourism Association, and encouraged all parties to use the hotel as an opportunity to create an economic anchor for the community. In addition to creating sustainable jobs for Haitians, the hotel incorporates Haitian art and artisan products into the hotel’s design and integrates green technologies, such as solar, to reduce the hotel’s environmental footprint.
The Clinton Foundation also worked closely with Marriott and Digicel Group to identify and contract with Haitian entrepreneurs, small businesses and agricultural cooperatives that could provide goods and services to the hotel. This local procurement component has been an important aspect of the hotel’s development for all parties.
The Marriott Port-au-Prince, which will be located in the Haut Turgeau area of the city, will offer 170 rooms including five suites with Marriott’s signature amenities and features, including premium bedding, high-speed Internet (LAN and wireless) and flat-screen televisions.
Visit www.digicelgroup.com and www.marriott.com