Marriott International announced its growth plans for its Middle East and Africa region following signings for more than 30 properties and over 5,000 rooms in the last 12 months.

The signings put Marriott on track to increase its portfolio in the region to nearly 370 hotels – an increase of more than 50 percent over the next five years. This will amount to more than 80,000 rooms across 21 brands, including the introduction in the region of brands such as EDITION, Element and AC Hotels by Marriott.  Also in line with its development plans, the company and its property owners expect to add 30,000 new jobs across the region in the next five years.

Marriott International’s planned growth over the next five years underscores the substantial emphasis that regional governments are placing on growth and investment in the travel and tourism sector.  The company estimates that the 30 projects signed in the last 12 months will drive investment of about USD 1.8 billion by the property owners.

“It is a really exciting time for the Middle East and Africa region’s travel and tourism sector. With clear and ambitious visions set out by regional governments to grow and invest in the sector, the industry is thriving more than ever,” said Alex Kyriakidis, president and managing director, Middle East and Africa, Marriott International. “At Marriott International, we are proud that we and our owners are opening a huge range of jobs, as well as contributing to the ongoing growth and diversification of the region’s economy.”

Marriott International’s announcement of its growth plans in the region comes ahead of the Arabian Hotel Investment Conference, which has centered its 2018 theme on ‘Focus on the Future’. The conference willbe taking place under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah; and founding patron His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Airports, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman and CEO of Emirates Airline and Group.

“Marriott International’s growth in the region is a result of consistently delivering value to our owners.  Our long-established presence in the region, global footprint, compelling portfolio of diverse brands, award-winning loyalty programs and strength of our distribution platforms continue to position us at the forefront, enabling us to leverage trends to benefit our stakeholders in the region,” added Kyriakidis.

Historically featuring a portfolio of hotels primarily in the upper-upscale segment, Marriott International’s robust development pipeline in the region also highlights strong growth opportunities for its luxury and upscale brands:

Across its seven luxury brands, Marriott International operates over 30 hotels with more than 10,000 rooms across the Middle East and Africa and plans to nearly double the number of hotels in the next five years.  That growth will begin with the launch of its EDITION brand in Abu Dhabi later this year.

The company is also expanding its portfolio of upscale brands across the region where there is strong demand for stylish, smart and affordable hospitality. The company’s upscale brands – such as Courtyard by Marriott, Aloft, Element and Residence Inn by Marriott – represent over 40 percent of the properties expected to open in the next five years across the Middle East and Africa.

The growth of Marriott International’s upper-upscale brands, spearheaded by Marriot Hotels, Marriott Executive Apartments and Sheraton, remains steady – accounting for 30 percent of its hotels expected to open in the next five years.