Marriott International is set for a strong year ahead as the company continues to grow its portfolio of extraordinary brands and award-winning travel program with unrivalled guest experiences in Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific.
The year kicks off with an exclusive multi-year hotel partnership with Tennis Australia, fronted by world number one and Australian tennis legend, Ash Barty.
Marriott Bonvoy is at the centre of Marriott’s commitment to providing unrivalled experiential travel possibilities for guests and this exclusive partnership will give Marriott Bonvoy members access to Australia’s most sought after sporting property.
As the official hotel partner for the 2022 Australian Open, members will have access to more than 100 unique Marriott Bonvoy Moments including high profile matches, tennis clinics and Marriott Bonvoy’s private hospitality suite offering exclusive culinary experiences. There will also be the opportunity to get up close with the stars of tennis including Ash Barty, Marriott’s ambassador for Australia’s Summer of Tennis.
“Marriott Bonvoy is proud to join with Tennis Australia to host the world’s top sporting talent, their support teams and extensive fan base over Australia’s Summer of Tennis,” said Sean Hunt, Marriott International Area Vice President Australia, New Zealand and Pacific.
“As borders start to reopen, The Australian Open, which kicks off on 17 January, is an outstanding opportunity to put Australia back in the spotlight as a world class destination offering first class accommodations, lifestyle and sporting experiences.”
The Summer of Tennis adds to Marriott Bonvoy’s suite of cultural and sporting events offering ‘money can’t buy’ experiences for members.
Rounding out 2021 and to celebrate the arrival of the first Luxury Collection Hotel, The Tasman in Australia, Marriott International will be the Principal Partner of the Sydney Hobart Classic Yacht Regatta and End of Race Partner of the Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race.
Maxi-yacht, and race favourite ‘Alive’ will display the Luxury Collection insignia on their main sail as they compete both in Australia and throughout Southeast Asia and host Marriot Bonvoy Members for pre-race onboard experiences.
Other highlight partnerships Marriott Bonvoy members can look forward to in 2022 include the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, Diner en Blanc, and TedX bringing members behind-the-scenes, front-row access, VIP engagement and exclusive culinary experiences.
“Our partnership strategy has been developed from key insights around what is important to the future of travel – we aim to create emotional connections for our guests through personalised experiences, coupled with luxury stays and exceptional service,” says Florencia Aimo, Marriott International Area Director of Marketing – Australia, New Zealand and Pacific.
Unique guest experiences and exclusive sporting and cultural partnerships will be underpinned by a solid pipeline of hotel openings in the region.
By the end of 2022, Marriott International will open 12 new properties including a number of new brand launches in the ANZP region. This expansion will continue with a further 11 roperties both signed and in the pipeline to open in the next few years.
“Marriott is optimistic about the future as we continue to expand our brand portfolio. Our commitment to the ANZP region is strong, with a record number of signings over the next few years,” said Hunt.
“Navigating our way around the pandemic, Marriott started the year with the opening of W Melbourne in February, followed by Courtyard by Marriott in Brisbane South Bank. We’ve recently opened Melbourne Marriott Docklands Hotel, and The Tasman, a Luxury Collection Hotel in Hobart opens this month – a first for the brand in Australia.”
“In 2022 we look forward to welcoming Courtyard by Marriott Melbourne Flagstaff Gardens, AC Hotel Melbourne Southbank, The Ritz-Carlton Melbourne and W Sydney Darling Harbour to the portfolio.”
To support expansion in the region, Marriott is currently recruiting over 200 jobs across Australia, giving hospitality professionals the opportunity to work on world famous brands across all sectors of the business.
Career growth is supported by the Marriott Development Academy (MDA), a platform designed for a diverse global audience and offering a revolutionary approach to learning and development.
With MDA, associates have the freedom to build leadership skills or strengthen discipline knowledge in their areas of interest across functions such as Human Resources, Consumer Operations, Food and Beverage, Rooms and Finance.
Marriott has a strong track record and platform for career growth, including internal training and promotion, placing a number of high-performing associates into general manager positions, including first time general managers.
Over the past 12 months, Marriott has promoted three such associates, with a further 13 in their Executive Assistant Manager program.
With an exciting year ahead, Marriott International looks forward to welcoming Marriott Bonvoy members, new guests and talented hospitality professionals back to the exciting world of travel.