Marriott International (NYSE:MAR) recently bolstered its international hotel development strategy in the Americas by signing an agreement with Pulso Hotelero of Mexico to develop 36 Fairfield Inns in Mexico, which will triple the company’s lodging portfolio there.  It represents Marriott’s largest multi-unit development agreement ever.

Fairfield Inn & Suites becomes Marriott’s first brand in the moderately priced lodging segment – and the eighth brand in Marriott’s lodging portfolio—to be developed outside the U.S.  With the addition of these new Fairfield Inns, Marriott’s global portfolio will range from luxury to moderate segments, including The Ritz-Carlton, JW Marriott Hotels & Resorts, Marriott Hotels & Resorts, Renaissance Hotels, Courtyard by Marriott, Residence Inn and Marriott Executive Apartments.

The transaction is another example of Marriott’s commitment to global growth.  Already, one-third of Marriott’s pipeline of hotels under development is outside of the United States, as well as three-fourths of its full service hotels.

“Introducing the Fairfield Inn & Suites brand in Mexico enhances our focus on expanding into new markets by offering a wider range of development opportunities for hotel owners, as well as lodging options for our guests. This is a brand that represents the ultimate in value for the customer,” said J.W. Marriott Jr., chairman and chief executive officer of Marriott International. “We are excited to sign this agreement with Pulso Hotelero, which also demonstrates our continued long-term commitment to Mexico as a travel destination.”

Speaking at a ceremony held at Marriott’s global headquarters in Maryland, Mexican Ambassador Arturo Sarukhan said, “Marriott has had a strong presence in Mexico for many years, providing travelers in our country with top notch accommodations. This has proven to be a win-win partnership for Mexico and Marriott, and underscores Mexico’s competitiveness and attractiveness as a tourism and investment destination, and we are delighted that Marriott is further increasing their presence in our nation.”

The 36 Fairfield Inn properties will operate under long-term franchise agreements, and are scheduled to open over the next ten years. The first two properties to open in 2011 will be a 120-room hotel in Cabo San Lucas and a 139-room hotel in Guadalajara, which will be Marriott’s first hotels in those locations.  The addition of 36 Fairfield Inn hotels increases Marriott’s development pipeline in Mexico five fold from seven to 43.

“We are thrilled to partner with Marriott to open 36 Fairfield Inn hotels throughout Mexico,” said Salomon Kamkhaji, chief executive officer of Pulso Hotelero. “We are confident that this unique brand will be a success in the Mexican market.”

Today, Marriott’s presence in Mexico is represented by 17 hotels, spanning five lodging brands: The Ritz-Carlton, JW Marriott Hotels & Resorts, Marriott Hotels & Resorts, Courtyard by Marriott Hotels, and Fairfield Inn.