Despite current global economic challenges, Marriott International’s hotel development pipeline in the Middle East/Africa continues strong with more than 40 hotels planned to open in the region through 2016.

Recently, management contracts were signed for:
- The 204-room Renaissance Tlemcen in Algeria, opening in January 2011. It is owned by Societe d’Investissement Hotelier and, when opened, it will be the first Marriott International-flagged hotel in Algeria and the only international standard hotel in Tlemcen.
- The 237-room Kigali Marriott Hotel in Rwanda, opening in 2012. It is owned by New Century Development and will be Marriott’s first property in Rwanda

“There’s no denying that the past year in the Middle East and Africa has had its challenges,” said Ed Fuller, president and managing director of international lodging for Marriott International. “However, we are seeing pockets of resurgence throughout the region both in terms of new hotel development and in occupancies.

“We plan to open three hotels later this year in Qatar. As we move forward into next year, we expect to experience gathering strength when we open a stunning Renaissance hotel in Tlemcen and a beautiful, luxurious JW Marriott hotel in Tripoli. Both will be our first properties in their respective countries.  We’re also delighted that construction on the landmark JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai is coming along right on schedule with its first 807 rooms due to open in 2012,” he continued.

Mr. Fuller noted that the opening last fall of its regional office in Dubai has energized Marriott’s focus on Africa. “The dynamic nature of tourism in the Middle East and the strong emergence of Africa as a viable destination for business and leisure travel are evident. We expect both to play an important role in our strategies in the long-term future.”