Marriott is on track to open seven hotels, with a total room inventory of 1,561 rooms, in India this year.

“Despite the global economic slowdown and pockets of political unrest, India’s tourism sector continues to demonstrate encouraging resilience,” said Ed Fuller, president & managing director of international lodging. “Since our Global Sales Office opened in India a little more than five years ago, total room night sales have increased over 500% and all our existing hotels in the country are performing to expectation. The country’s rapidly expanding middle class and buying power, growing industrial infrastructure, rich cultural heritage and natural attractions are all combining to make India a strong inbound and outbound tourism market in which we are delighted to be a part.”

Marriott’s new hotels will represent three of the company’s six international lodging brands, JW, Marriott and Courtyard by Marriott. The hotels are:

- The 320-room JW Marriott Hotel Bangalore
- The 426-room Pune Marriott Hotel & Convention Center
- 199-room Courtyard by Marriott Gurgaon
- 153-room Courtyard by Marriott West Pune
- 193-roomCourtyard by Marriott Hyderabad
- 164-room Courtyard by Marriott Ahmedabad
- 299-room Courtyard by Marriott Mumbai International Airport

When opened, they will more than double the Marriott International hotel brands portfolio in India, which today consists of six operating properties.

In addition to the seven hotels listed above as opening in 2009, Marriott International will also open properties in Kolkata New Town, Amritsar, Noida, Chennai and Chandigargh, as well as additional properties in Pune, Kolkata, Bangalore and Gurgaon in India now through 2012.

Mr. Fuller said that the hotel openings are creating a wealth of opportunity for career-minded individuals who want to enter the hotel industry.

“We anticipate needing approximately 2,000 individuals across all operational and marketing disciplines to staff these seven hotels in the coming months,” he said. “Because we tend to promote from within, these hotels will offer an unprecedented opportunity especially for those who are just getting started.”

He noted that approximately 50% of Marriott’s leadership at the property level began their careers in line level positions and that Marriott India ranked “5th best company to work for in India,” in a recent study, up from 11th position in 2007.

“We put a lot of emphasis on training at all levels of the organization and offer hundreds of training courses annually for both hourly associates and managers across the globe. These courses are taught by certified trainers, professional experts and property-based management,” Mr. Fuller continued. “Some courses are self-directed and include internet-based learning. Our ultimate goal is to ensure that all our associates receive the training necessary in their discipline to help develop their careers while benefiting our guests.”
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