Marriott CEO Talks Growth in India
Skift Take
Marriott CEO Anthony Capuano said at the Skift India Forum on Tuesday that within India, Marriott has over 30,000 rooms already with a strong pipeline ahead. "We have a terrific footprint of Indian national executives that have worked their whole career in India. To develop that real expertise, we should empower them to make those decisions through a local market lens in real time," said Capuano. Recent discussions with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi have focused on expanding Marriott's presence in secondary and tertiary cities, increasing female employment, and streamlining bureaucratic processes. A broader theme, according to Capuano, is the need to reduce "friction" across all aspects of the travel and development ecosystem. "I think for the administration to continue to make progress to eliminate friction from the development process in those states where you don't have infrastructure designation for hospitality, that's a big priority, and I think a real enabler for the acceleration of growth," he said. This extends beyond development, impacting the ability to attract international visitors. "We talked a lot about what India can do to remove now friction from an international travelers perspective, to drive inbound international visitation as well... There's lots of good signs, I think, certainly the amount of investment from the public sector in new airports and from Air India, that's quite encouraging," noted Capuano. More at Skift.com (free read for DLR subscribers).
Hilton confirmed they will exit the current Hilton Adelaide property as Thailand-based Amora Hotels and Resorts has acquired the property. Amora plans to invest $40 million in upgrades and rebranding. Hilton will remain until their hotel management agreement expires in June 2026. The hotel is the biggest in Adelaide, with 377 rooms and 20 conference and meeting spaces. Also confirmed was that the Hilton Brisbane will close on March 31, 2025, following the expiration of the lease agreement with the property owner, ISPT. This property will undergo refurbishment in 2026, with a new operator to be announced soon.
The Swissotel Guangzhou held its grand opening in Guangzhou, China, a prime location in the Tianhe District. Swissotel Guangzhou includes 364 Oriental-inspired rooms and suites offering views of the gardens, city skyline and the surrounding mountains. The rooms include the Vitality Suites, and Space and Sports rooms for families. There is a 15,000-square-meter private Chinese garden with tranquil streams, food and beverage options, outdoor pool, a bubble pool, fitness center, a children's playground along with 3,320 square meters of event space.
Cross Hotels & Resorts announced the signing of a hotel management agreement with PT Bali Penida Jaya for Cross Celesta Nusa Penida, an upcoming luxury eco-resort atop the cliffs of Nusa Penida. The five-star retreat is expected to open in 2027, offering 61 luxury tented villas and facilities, including infinity pools, a spa, fitness and recovery center, signature restaurant and versatile event spaces.
The Oberoi Group announced the opening of The Oberoi Vindhyavilas Wildlife Resort, Bandhavgarh, near the Indian National Park. The property is spread over 21 acres and has 19 luxury tents.
The Fern Hotels & Resorts said they are expanding its portfolio with three properties under its Beacon Hotels brand. The expansion sees new openings in New Delhi, Patna and Pune in India. The hotels are the 45-room Nanak Niwas Beacon in Paharganj, New Delhi; the 60-room Beacon Hotel, Patna and The Beacon Hotel in Pune.
Royal Orchid Hotels has expanded its Goa presence to six properties by launching Regenta Baywatch Resort and Regenta Beach House in Colva. The expansion aims to capitalize on Goa's popularity. For Royal Orchid, this continues their expansion as they currently operate 110+ hotels across India.
Indian Hotels Company Limited said they will develop a five-star hotel named Taj Pushpavanta Palace in the state of Tripura. The state government signed a memorandum of understanding with IHCL for establishing the hotel. The Taj Pushpavanta Palace will be built on 7.78 acres of land that currently houses the historic Pushpabanta Palace, which will be preserved and integrated into the new development. The hotel will feature four special suites within the palace and an additional 100 rooms built externally.
LH Mall & Hotel announced the opening of Grande Centre Point Lumphini in the heart of Bangkok. The luxury hotel is the newest member of Grande Centre Point's Prestige Tier, nestled in the Lumphini district, part of an integrated mixed-use development. The hotel includes the 3,600-square-meter Let's Relax Onsen & Spa, featuring a sky infinity pool, gym and kid's club. Other amenities include food and beverage options, event and meeting venues and more.
Manuel Villar Jr talks with South Korean junket operator Dowinn Group have ended regarding Villar's plans for a casino-integrated resort. Villar said he will press ahead with his planned $1 billion development within the renovated Vista Mall Global South in Las Pinas in southern Metro Manila even without a partner.
Primex Corp's Primex Realty Corp unit has signed a hotel management agreement with Dusit International for its hotel in Greenhills, San Juan City, in the Philippines. Dusit will manage and operate Dusit Greenhills Manila, a 200-key property set to open around the end of 2026. The hotel will occupy the top 10 floors of Primex Tower, a 50-story landmark mixed-use development that will also feature premium offices and retail spaces. The property will include the Thai restaurant Benjarong, an all-day dining venue, a rooftop bar and swimming pool, a gym, a ballroom, and meeting rooms.
Personnel Moves
Megaworld Hotels and Resorts has appointed Sophia Altamirano as Group Director of Revenue Management, Distribution and Business Development. Yvonne Villacorte has joined as General Manager of Belmont Hotel Mactan and Geraldine Gaw was named GM of Hotel Lucky Chinatown.