More than 40 hotels in Marriott's Middle East and Africa development in pipeline through 2016

Despite current global economic challenges, Marriott International's hotel development pipeline in the Middle East/Africa continues strong with more than 40 hotels planned to open in the region through 2016. Over the next five years, Marriott International plans to open properties in Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Ghana, Jordan, Libya, Morocco, Qatar, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates.

• • The 204-room Renaissance Tlemcen in Algeria, opening in January 2011. It is owned by Societe d’Investissement Hotelier and, when opened, it will be the first Marriott International-flagged hotel in Algeria and the only international standard hotel in Tlemcen.
• • The 237-room Kigali Marriott Hotel in Rwanda, opening in 2012. It is owned by New Century Development and will be Marriott’s first property in Rwanda.

  “There’s no denying that the past year in the Middle East and Africa has had its challenges,” said Ed Fuller, president and managing director of international lodging for Marriott International. “However, we are seeing pockets of resurgence throughout the region both in terms of new hotel development and in occupancies.

  “We plan to open three hotels later this year in Qatar. As we move forward into next year, we expect to experience gathering strength when we open a stunning Renaissance hotel in Tlemcen and a beautiful, luxurious JW Marriott hotel in Tripoli. Both will be our first properties in their respective countries. We’re also delighted that construction on the landmark JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai is coming along right on schedule with its first 807 rooms due to open in 2012,” he continued.

  Mr. Fuller noted that the opening last fall of its regional office in Dubai has energized Marriott’s focus on Africa. “The dynamic nature of tourism in the Middle East and the strong emergence of Africa as a viable destination for business and leisure travel are evident. We expect both to play an important role in our strategies in the long-term future.”

• As the Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s Capital of Islamic Culture Designee for 2011, all eyes will be on Tlemcen, Algeria in the coming year.

  The city dates back to the Roman Empire and enjoys a rich history and culture. Its textiles and handicraft, and elegant blend of Arab, Berber, Andalucian and French cultures, coupled with its cool mountain climate, architecture and urban life gives the city a unique outlook and sophistication. The Great Mosque of Tlemcen, a recognized landmark built in 1082, is one of the best preserved examples of Almoravid architecture.

  The Renaissance Tlemcen will be located on the Lalla Setti plateau overlooking the city, approximately a 15-minute drive from the city center. The area features an artificial lake, children’s playgrounds, a promenade on the edge of the plateau overlooking the city and a 30-meter high observatory.

  Contemporary styling, authentically reflective of its culturally diverse surroundings, will be the hallmark of the hotel. Its spacious guest rooms will feature the latest technology and exquisite bed and bath linens and amenities.

  Gorgeous food and beverage outlets will be a focal point of the hotel. Both its all-day, casual restaurant and its specialty outlet will provide outside seating. Its open-space lobby lounge will flow into the lobby, offering an ambience that will change character throughout the day. It will be complemented by a roof-top night club and lounge with outdoor seating, a pool bar and grill and a discotheque located in a separate building.

  Recreational amenities will include a health and leisure club, an outdoor swimming pool and two tennis courts. Other amenities will be comprised of a business center, an executive lounge, 24-hour room service, in-room mini-bar, a gift shop, flight crew lounge and a prayer room.

  For social events and conferences, the hotel will have 17,360 square feet of space comprised of two 7,340-square foot column-free ballrooms, two meeting rooms in varying configurations and a boardroom.

  Marriott International currently has two additional properties planned for Algeria: the 227-room Algiers Marriott and the 180-unit Marriott Executive Apartments Algiers, both of which are expected to open in 2012.

• Well on its way to becoming the service, transportation and logistics hub for the Central African region, Rwanda in recent years has successfully established itself as an international conference destination and its tea, coffee, fruit and flowers have become highly-regarded exports. Its wealth of wildlife, flora and fauna and especially its gorilla population are giving rise to its eco-tourism industry. Kigali is easily reached through Brussels and Nairobi with connections from the US and major European cities considered excellent.
• The Kigali Marriott will be centrally located near major office centers, embassies and Parliament. Kigali’s international airport will be a 20-minute drive away.
• Its comfortably appointed, spacious guest rooms will feature the latest technology while providing a welcomed comfortable respite after a full-day of work or touring.
• For dining and entertainment, the hotel’s open lobby lounge will encourage guests to linger throughout the day to relax, hold impromptu meetings with colleagues or to socialize with friends. Its casual all-day restaurant will be complemented by a specialty restaurant and pool grill. All will offer delectable, fresh, mouth-watering food and beverage choices.
• Recreational amenities will be centered around a health and leisure club, an outdoor swimming pool and an outdoor whirlpool. A 24-hour business center, room service, in-room mini-bar and a gift shop are among other amenities planned for the hotel.
• For social events and conferences, the hotel will have 830 square meters of function space. It will be comprised of a 500-square meter ballroom that will be divisible into three sections, a series of flexible meeting rooms in varying configurations and a boardroom.
• Today, Marriot’s Middle East/Africa region consists of 28 operating hotels, including five Ritz-Carlton properties.