Marriott International doubles down on Türkiye expansion plans

Marriott International has emphasised its dedication to expansion in Türkiye during a recent visit to the country.

The international hotel group has plans to add more than 20 properties to its portfolio in the country by the end of 2025, totalling nearly 3000 rooms.

The additional 20 properties will span across all brand segments: luxury, premium, select and midscale.

During a recent visit to the country, Marriott President and Chief Executive Officer, Anthony Capuano, highlighted the company’s continued expansion in Türkiye, which is expected to generate thousands of new jobs reflecting growth in the country’s travel and hospitality sector.

A strong presence in the market

Marriott’s long history of successful operations in Türkiye for over 40 years gives the company a strong foothold in this market which continues to be an important part of the company’s growth strategy in Europe.

In the past five years, the company has nearly doubled its footprint in the Turkish market, where it currently has a portfolio of over 50 properties and more than 8,000 rooms across seven cities and 20 brands.

“Türkiye is a sought-after destination with its rich culture and heritage, natural landscapes, breadth of travel experiences and authentic hospitality,” said Mr Capuano.

“Marriott International is proud to have the opportunity to contribute to the ongoing growth and diversification of the country’s travel sector through our longstanding presence and robust growth plans in the market.”

During his tour of the country, Mr Capuano met with ownership groups and developers to discuss Marriott’s plans for continued growth in Türkiye.

Mr Capuano also visited hotel teams where he emphasized the company’s commitment to associate development and the importance of building a pipeline of diverse leadership talent in Türkiye.

Plans include the upcoming launch of a dedicated program for the market in collaboration with a hospitality school, which will offer students an opportunity to study and gain a diploma while getting first hand training and work experience at Marriott properties in Türkiye.

Marriott has also launched programs dedicated to fostering inclusion, including its Female Leadership Initiative, which is designed to provide high-potential women leaders with a development program that prepares them for the next level of their careers.

Portfolio Expansion Plans Through 2025

In September 2023, Marriott announced the launch of Four Points Express by Sheraton in response to growing consumer demand for reliable-yet-affordable accommodation in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. The company recently added Four Points Express by Sheraton Bursa, which marked the first property under the new midscale brand globally.

Türkiye is a key market for Four Points Express by Sheraton with plans to add four additional properties across Ankara, Antalya and Istanbul, including Four Points Express by Sheraton Taksim Square, which is slated to be added later this year.

In the select segment, Moxy Hotels is expected to make its debut in Türkiye with anticipated openings in Istanbul and Izmir. AC Hotels is expected to expand its portfolio in the country with expected additions in Istanbul and Izmir. Aloft Hotels and Residence Inn by Marriott are also planning to add properties by the end of next year.

Across the premium segment, the company plans to open its first properties in Cappadocia and Usak in 2025 under the Marriott and Sheraton brands, with the anticipated openings of Cappadocia Marriott Hotel and Sheraton Hotel & Thermal Spa Usak. Expansion plans over the next two years also include multiple additional openings under brands such as Marriott Executive Apartments.

Following the recent opening of the Sanasaryan Han, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Istanbul, the company expects to continue to strengthen its position in the luxury space with the anticipated addition of Legacy Ottoman, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Istanbul, in 2025.

Marriott International encompasses a portfolio of over 8,800 properties across more than 30 brands in 139 countries and territories.