Information provided by the AP, November 18^th, 2010

Marriott International has recently announced that it expects to expand its portfolio from the current 11 to 100 hotels in India within the next five years across seven leading brands.  In addition to the introduction of its Ritz-Carlton brand, Marriott expansion plans will include the debut of its moderate-tier Fairfield by Marriott brand.

The seven agreements announced are for five moderate-priced Courtyard properties, an upscale Marriott hotel and a life-style Renaissance property.  Some of the planned properties include:

> 100-plus room Courtyard by Marriott Kochi/Cochin International Airport. It is owned by Lulu Flight Kitchen Private Ltd. and is planned to open in 2012.

> 100-plus room Courtyard by Marriott Bhopal. It is owned by DB Malls Private Ltd. and is planned to open in the first half of 2012

> 150-plus room Courtyard by Marriott Chembur; owned by Acron Hotels Private Ltd. The hotel’s first phase is scheduled to open in 2013 with an additional 75ish rooms expected to be added

> 150-room Courtyard by Marriott Nashik; owned by Wasan Hotels Private Ltd.; the hotel is expected to open in 2013

> 200-room Courtyard by Marriott Hyderabad Hitec City. It is owned by Future InfraIndia Private Ltd. and is scheduled to open in 2013

> 365-room Jaipur Marriott Hotel; owned by Serveall Land Developers Private Ltd. and is expected to open in 2011

> 150-room Renaissance Raipur Hotel, opening in 2013 and owned by Krish Hotels Private Ltd

Marriott International has operated in India since 1999 with the opening of the Goa Marriott. Today the company is represented in the country by its JW Marriott, Marriott, Renaissance, Courtyard by Marriott and Marriott Executive Apartments brands. Another 23 of its hotels are currently under construction and expected to open now through 2013.