Marriott International expects to reach the milestone of 5,000 hotels by 2017, adding 1,300 new hotels over the next three years at a rate of six per week. In Latin America alone, the company expects to close 2017 with 150 hotels across 25 countries, nearly doubling its portfolio in the region. Marriott Latin America and the Caribbean will be a key driver of Marriott International’s hotel and jobs growth over these next three years.
“We see expansion of the middle class and continued growth in disposable income fueling worldwide travel among Latin Americans,” says Craig S. Smith, Marriott’s president of the Caribbean and Latin America. “This new generation of travelers is seeking a seamless experience, including easier visa and entry processes along with more choices and innovative services to book and explore destinations. Building a healthy travel industry will also ensure economic growth and job creation.”
Marriott expects that there will be two billion people traveling outside their home borders by 2030. Latin Americans will play a big role in the growth of global travel, with the 2024 Latin American GDP forecasted to rise by 4.1 percent.
