Marriott International expects to add over 100,000 rooms to its global portfolio over the next three years, an ambitious yet a achievable target, according to the managing director of international lodgings, Ed Fuller.The US-based firm is reiterating its commitment to the region by opening up a JW Marriott in Algeria. Ed Fuller, president of Marriott International spoke to Breaking Travel News about the firms latest developments:

BTN: What are the main trends and challenges ahead for the hospitality sector?

Fuller: The hospitality sector is full of good news. Our growth objectives remain consistent. We continue to build our company’s worldwide lodging portfolio and expect to add over 100,000 rooms over the next three years.

This growth is being mirrored in the Middle East too. According to World Bank reports, economies in the Middle East and North Africa region continued to grow robustly with real GDP increasing by 6.3 percent in 2006; the best growth performance for the region in more than ten years. The challenge really is to meet the forecasted growth in the time period we have specified.

BTN: Can you elaborate on your expansion plans for the JW Marriott brand?

Fuller: The most elegant and luxurious hotels carrying the Marriott name, JW Marriott Hotels & Resorts cater to discerning travellers who seek purposeful luxury in unique environments.

The first JW Marriott hotel opened in 1984 on Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, D.C., as a tribute to our founder.

Within the past few years, JW Marriott brand has grown exponentially. Today, the Collection encompasses 36 hotels and resorts in 17 countries with plans for 50 properties over the next several years in key global gateway cities and resort destinations.

BTN: What projects have you specifically got for this brand in the Middle East?

Fuller: Our latest JW Marriott Hotel in the region will be in Algeria. Algeria has been a veritable cultural and commercial crossroads for centuries, and we are excited to be able to participate in its regeneration as a destination for tourists and business travellers alike.

We are confident that our elegant yet understated JW Marriott brand, with its unique environments and unpretentious authenticity, will be very successful in Algiers.

www.marriott.com
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