2,600-room hotel would be the largest Fairfield, and brand’s first in Middle East and Africa
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA, 2020-Jan-24 — /Travel PR News/ — Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) today (JANUARY 22, 2020) announced that it has signed a landmark agreement with Nahdet Al-Mashaer to open a 2,600-room Fairfield by Marriott property in Makkah. The agreement is expected to deliver the first Fairfield by Marriott property to the Middle East and Africa region, create the largest Fairfield hotel in the world and bring one of the largest hotels to the growing religious destination of Makkah. Construction for the Fairfield by Marriott Makkah Al Naseem has already commenced and the hotel is slated to open in 2023.
“We are thrilled to be working with Nahdet Al-Mashaer to create a distinctive Fairfield by Marriott that will serve Makkah, the sought-out destination for rising numbers of religious pilgrims,” said Jerome Briet, Marriott International, Chief Development Officer, Middle East and Africa. “We expect this hotel will become a popular destination, especially given the strong demand for high-quality lodging in the Holy City.”
The Fairfield by Marriott Makkah Al Naseem is set to rise in five towers in the Al Naseem district and in close proximity to the Grand Mosque. Plans call for 2,600 well-appointed spacious, modern suites that would separate areas for working and sleeping. The property’s public spaces and lounge areas are expected to feature the Fairfield brand’s “Modern Calm” aesthetic, which embraces open layouts, multi-functional space and natural light. Plans also call for signature amenities such as complimentary hot breakfast and coffee, fitness center and a lobby market open 24/7.
When it opens, the property is expected to welcome guests visiting on pilgrimage or business with friendly service and comfortable spaces that offer the flexibility to work and rest while staying productive on the road. The brand’s Fairfield Guarantee delivers a simple promise to provide each guest with an inviting and effortless experience all at a great value. The Fairfield by Marriott brand currently has more than 1,000 open hotels in the U.S., as well as Latin America, Mexico and Asia.
“As a company, we remain focused on developing projects that further enhance Makkah as one of the most important destinations in Saudi Arabia while supporting the overall growth and development of the Kingdom,” said Emad Hejazi, Chairman of Nahdet Al-Mashaer. “We are excited to collaborate with Marriott International to open the Fairfield by Marriott Makkah Al Naseem, which will be one of the largest hotels in the Holy City. The reliability of the Fairfield by Marriott brand, Marriott’s world-class service standards and the central location of the property, will make it an ideal hotel destination for those visiting for Umrah and Haj when the property opens in 2023.”
Saudi Arabia is currently Marriott International’s second-largest market in the Middle East, with a portfolio that consists of 29 properties and over 8,000 rooms across nine brands and nine cities. The company expects to add 20 properties and more than 6,500 rooms across the Kingdom by 2024. Marriott’s development pipeline is expected to generate 6,000 new jobs in the country.
Note on Forward-Looking Statements:
This news release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of federal securities laws, including the number of lodging properties Marriott may add in the future, the potential for growth in certain markets or sectors, and similar statements concerning possible future events or expectations that are not historical facts. We caution you that these statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including changes in market conditions; changes in global and regional economies; supply and demand changes for hotel rooms; competitive conditions in the lodging industry; relationships with clients and property owners; the availability of capital to finance property growth and refurbishment; and other risk factors that Marriott identifies in its most recent annual report on Form 10-K or quarterly report on Form 10-Q. Any of these factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the expectations we express or imply here. We make these statements as of the date of this press release, and we assume no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
About Marriott International
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and encompasses a portfolio of more than 7,200 properties under 30 leading brands spanning 134 countries and territories. Marriott operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts all around the world. The company now offers one travel program, Marriott Bonvoy™, replacing Marriott Rewards®, The Ritz-Carlton Rewards®, and Starwood Preferred Guest®(SPG). For more information, please visit our website at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com. In addition, connect with us on Facebook and @MarriottIntl on Twitter and Instagram.
About Fairfield by Marriott
Fairfield by Marriott is designed to deliver a seamless stay through trusted service and warm, inviting spaces. In addition to complimentary Wi-Fi and hot breakfast, Fairfield offers thoughtfully designed rooms and suites that provide separate living, working and sleeping areas. With over 1,000 properties around the globe, Fairfield is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy, the new name of Marriott’s travel program replacing Marriott Rewards®, The Ritz-Carlton Rewards®, and Starwood Preferred Guest® (SPG). The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments and unparalleled benefits including earning points toward free hotel stays and nights toward Elite status recognition. To enroll for free or for more information about the program, visit MarriottBonvoy.com. For more information or reservations, visit https://fairfield.marriott.com, become a fan on Facebook or follow @FairfieldHotels on www.twitter.com/fairfieldhotels.
About Nahdet Al-Mashaer
Nahdet Al-Mashaer is a hospitality firm established with aim to provide services to the pilgrims visiting Holy Mosque of Makkah. Since its existence, it has served thousands of pilgrims every year and has established its name as a reputable organization in the local Hospitality Market. Nahdet Al-Mashaer has teamed up with Marriott International to enhance the quality of service being provided to the pilgrims.
Source: Marriott International, Inc.
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