Northstar

20 | www.travelweekly-asia.com HOSPITALITY Marriott lays down a marker in Asia Pacific Marriott International will continue its expansion in Asia Pacific this year by opening a target of 80 new hotels, and in doing so drive its ambition to be the region's favourite hotel company. The company sees great opportunities with its select brands like Fairfield and Moxy, "which appeal to our price conscious travellers" — as well as the growth momentums of Courtyard and Four Points. There is also a focus on luxury with the opening of properties that include The Shanghai Edition, The Bangkok Edition, W Brisbane, JW and Westin Maldives, Hong Kong Ocean Park Marriott Hotel, Le Méridien Emei Mountain Resort and Element By Westin Bali Ubud. Marriott has its hands full but that's how Craig Smith, president and managing director Asia Pacific – Marriott International – likes it to be. He talks to Travel Weekly Asia: In 2018, where do you still see scope for growth and deepening owner relations by destination (in Asia Pacific) and brands? Our key areas of focus will be the growth of select service brands and luxury portfolio in markets like India, Indonesia and China and Japan – where we see enormous potential that the demand for travel is being fuelled by a burgeoning middle class. It is time to invest more in the select service and luxury brands and to provide more accessible options in these cities and destinations. With the evolution of technology, how is Marriott adapting its business to enhance brand and customer experience in the new digital economy? Select service brands and luxury portfolio to be fast-tracked in India, Indonesia, China and Japan. affecting bottom-line? As an industry leader we have a responsibility and unique opportunity to be a force for good in this area – from helping to reduce carbon and water use to providing our associates with human trafficking awareness training. Incorporating environmental and social initiatives, including human rights awareness training, into our business is not only the right thing to do, but it also has a direct impact on our profits and beyond. Where are you seeing the most competition from local hotel brands and alternative accommodation, and how is Marriott staying competitive? Asia Pacific is a competitive region, but the challenges and the competition are what keep us focused and on our toes. The region, especially China, represents a great growth opportunity for Marriott International. APAC remains the second fastest growth region for Marriott International, just behind North America. The combined APAC development pipeline includes over 530 hotels with over 134,000 rooms with nearly 37% already under construction. In Asia, where Marriott enjoys great appeal, how will you streamline Sheraton properties – by restructuring or grouping some of them? We have no plans to downsize the number of our properties or brand portfolio. In fact, we are planning on doing exactly the opposite – we are focused on growing and expanding our brand offerings. How is your partnership with Jack Ma's Alibaba Group working out? We have established our joint venture entity and have hired resources that are now working on our 2018 goals to grow membership, increase bookings and take the first step in delivering an elevated travel experience for Chinese consumers. We are focused on four key areas: making travel planning easier, wallet- free travel, VIP experiences and expanded member benefits. "[In 2018], our key areas of focus will be the growth of select service brands and luxury portfolio in markets like India, Indonesia and China and Japan." – Craig Smith, president and managing director Asia Pacific – Marriott International We've made great strides with technology that advances our guests' experiences – be it online, offline, on-property or off-property. We are moving towards the Internet of Things as we understand that technology is part of a broader move to keep up with consumers' changing travel habits and new competition from digital upstarts. For example, in the US market, we have rolled out mobile-powered room keys and check-ins, as well as created a Facebook Messenger chatbot that lets guests set up wake- up calls and order room service. We even installed an internet-connected mirror within a shower. Our recent joint venture with Alibaba provides the Chinese travellers with customised content, programmes and promotions. It will elevate and redefine the travel experience from online to offline. Other new features and functionality include Alipay being accepted in Marriott hotels in select global markets, WeChat concierge services and points exchange. Sustainability development is a big thing for Marriott. Can you share the progress you are making in this area and how this has been done without By Ian Jarrett Le Méridien Emei Mountain Resort

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