Marriott To More Than Double Middle Eastern Footprint

Marriott International expects to more than double its footprint in the Middle East through 2011, as the Bethesda, MD-based company looks to aggressively sign new development deals in the region. Marriott is seeking to expand its current Middle East portfolio from 26 to 65 properties, and with nine property signings already in the hopper, Marriott's Middle East pipeline now stands at 39. 

"The Middle East is not only a rapidly expanding center of commerce, but also a thriving tourist destination," said J.W. Marriott, chairman and CEO of Marriott, who was in the Middle East this week presiding over new development deals. "The region is a linchpin in our company's long-term vision to expand global distribution that supports our business strategy. With these latest agreements, we now have a total of more than 134,000 rooms in our global development pipeline with more than a quarter located outside North America."

Marriott this week announced new additions in Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. 

Marriott currently is represented by six brands in the region: Ritz-Carlton, JW Marriott & Resorts, Marriott Hotels & Resorts, Renaissance, Courtyard by Marriott and Marriott Executive Apartments. Visit www.marriott.com.