Marriott’s Big Bet on Thailand Is Taking Shape

A new partnership deal between Marriott International and Thailand-based Asset World Corporation will culminate with more than 1,500 new hotel rooms at three properties in Phuket and Pattaya. The soon-to-be constructed Courtyard by Marriott, Marriott Marquis, and JW Marriott hotels are expected to begin to open their doors to guests starting this year.

Marriott International is investing in Asia in a big way and a newly inked partnership with the Thai real estate firm Asset World (AWC) is set to give those plans a major boost. The deal signed in November calls for the world’s largest hotel chain to open three new properties, accounting for more than 1,500 rooms, in Thailand by 2024.

“We look forward to building on our long-standing relationship with Asset World Corporation with this landmark multi-agreement signing for three new hotels in Pattaya and Phuket,” Marriott’s Asia Pacific Group President Craig S. Smith said in a statement announcing the ambitious plans. “Sharing similar values of attaining the highest standards in hospitality, Marriott International is proud to play a strategic role in AWC’s vision of expanding its diverse portfolio of hospitality and lifestyle projects in Thailand and beyond.”

The pact calls for Marriott to open the Courtyard by Marriott Phuket Town property by the end of 2020. The 248 room hotel will open in the space currently occupied by the famed Metropole Phuket Hotel following an extensive renovation.

Two far more elaborate projects in Pattaya will add an impressive 1,300 new guest rooms along with more than 10,000 square feet of meeting and convention space and a large retail component. Construction on the properties is expected to wrap-up in late 2023 with the doors opening to guests in early 2024.

Even before these new projects were announced, AWC was among Marriott International’s largest property owners outside of China. This latest agreement is one of several steps Marriott has taken in recent months to grow its position in the Asia market.

“We are greatly delighted to strengthen our relationship with Marriott International, the prominent global hospitality operator that ensures the highest standards of hospitality in line with our values,” AWC COE Wallapa Traisorat said of the partnership. “We expect the hotels to benefit from Marriott International’s powerful global distribution platform, innovative sales and marketing programming and industry leading experience. In addition, the scale of its loyalty program – Marriott Bonvoy – is pivotal to attracting travelers.”