There's been a lot of talk recently about the emerging economies in Asia, especially India and China. We have a lot of hotels under development in those markets and hopefully we'll have over 100 hotels in China and India in the next three or four years.
Despite China's rapid economic expansion, however, Japan still remains a powerhouse. For a country of just 125 million people, Japan's gross domestic product grew to nearly $5 trillion last year - nearly double China's - although the gap, of course, is shrinking. Japan's an important market for us too.
I'm leaving this Friday for Tokyo and then I'll be on to China to see what's going on there as well. I'll be staying in our brand new Ritz-Carlton in Tokyo, which is on top of the tallest building in the city. It has a lot of beautiful apartments in connection with it. I'm excited about seeing this hotel and looking forward to this trip to China, which comes right after Tokyo. I'll be blogging from the road to tell you what I've found in that magnificent country of China, as well as Japan.
This is Bill Marriott and thank you for helping me keep Marriott on the move.
Off to Asia to Visit Our Tokyo Ritz Carlton and More
Dan you're not looking at the big picture. When I say play it means I would take business associates, friends and family there because as a local I was very proud of the hotel. The recent renovation in my opinion is very sterile it has no character and no charm. The previous look was tropical, lush, enviting and mesmerizing. It was paradise in the desert. Another very important part that has degraded, as I previously mentioned is the service. Marriott should feel insulted by the current management's method of running a business that has their name. Marriott's name is being tainted.
Posted by: Al Rodriguez | 10/16/2007 at 07:15 AM
I disagree with Al Rodriguez's comment about the JW Marriott. Have you seen the multi-million dollar renovation to the lobby? It's true that now not anyone can sneak into the great pools-- you really do have to be a guest. But, that adds privacy for the paying guests. Now, that's great service!
Posted by: Dan J | 10/08/2007 at 06:29 PM
As important as moving forward is I feel one should always look back now and then and remember what brought us where we are. I live in Indian Wells, California and I use to play with friends at the Desert Springs Marriott but the current neglect to the majority of the building and grounds and most important the service has degraded so severely the it sadens my heart to know that what I once considered paradise in the desert is now just a money making cow.
Posted by: Al Rodriguez | 09/26/2007 at 01:40 AM
It's really glad to see such an active effort on the part of the CEO. The growth prospects of a hotel chain such as Marriott must be exciting throughout all of Asia. As mentioned in a previous comment, I look forward to seeing any photos you may take (especially from the top of the tallest building in Tokyo).
Posted by: William | 09/25/2007 at 05:22 PM
In responce to Tim: I've stayed in the Courtyard Rome Airport, the Rome Marriott Grand Hotel Flora and was one of the first guests in the Courtyard Venice Airport. All 3 were excellent hotels with (of course) great staff and they proved to be wonderful experiences. The Rome Grand Hotel Flora remains one of my favorites hotels to have visted.
Posted by: Eric | 09/25/2007 at 01:50 PM
Hello, Sir! We look forward to hearing about your trip as it progresses. I'm off to Japan, China and Thailand for 3 weeks this Christmas/New Year Holiday Season and am really excited! Although I am a Starwood Platinum and Hilton Diamond loyalist, I began my journey with Marriott this year and must say that I'm glad I did because the service and creature comforts are just as, if not better, than many of those properties/offerings from your competitors. I expect to become quite loyal to you and your Marriott family and look forward to the journey. I still have to book my 4 nights in Beijing but will wait to make my decision as to what property/chain to choose from based on your trip findings.
Posted by: Cary Wiltz | 09/25/2007 at 05:38 AM
I learned about this news when I visited Shanghai Hongqiao Marriott this summer. I was actually working on a research on Marriott's success stories. After the research I feel like I have a very strong bond with Marriott now. It is a great company that has accomplished much. However, I feel most moved when I figure that your associates do admire you and your familiy as a Royal family in their view--I read abot this in the final section of your book Marriott's Way, but I am still truly impressed to hear it from your associates themselves.
I sincerely hope you have a great time in Shanghai, my city, and look forward to more about your stories in Asia!
Posted by: Helen | 09/24/2007 at 08:30 PM
Mr. Marriott,
I just returned from a vacation stay at the Renaissance Koh Samui. By far, one of your finest resorts. It is truly heaven on earth. Thanks for making the Marriott brands such a reliable choice. Regards, Coco
Posted by: Coco | 09/23/2007 at 11:00 PM
Bill, I am living in Shanghai and enjoy the Marriott presence across China. I would enjoy the opportunity to meet during your visit if you will be in Shanghai. I'm heading to your Hongqiao hotel this evening in Shanghai for dinner.
Posted by: Lee Ferguson | 09/23/2007 at 09:26 PM
Why no marriott hotels in taiwan?
Posted by: chaswick | 09/22/2007 at 09:45 PM
I just came back from a trip to China and India. I was very impressed with Marriott's presence in both Shanghai and Beijing. However, I noticed that there weren't any Marriott's in New Delhi. I also stayed at Umaid Palace in Jodhpur managed by the Taj Group and I would love to see a historical site like this to be managed by Ritz. I hope that Marriott will corner the Indian market quickly... So far, I am really impressed with Marriott's strategy for Asia!
Posted by: Gaelle S. | 09/21/2007 at 07:17 AM
Mr Marriott, I a member since 2005,living in Holland originally from Surinam,South America.Thanks you for exploring Surinam, with the start of your first hotel.The place for the first Green Vacation Club?? in Surinam.I enjoy your blog.Best regards Henk
Posted by: Henk | 09/21/2007 at 06:49 AM
Hello, Mr. Marriott. It is very interesting to see new hotels come up especially in East Asia. Do you have any plans to open a Ritz Carlton in the developing city of Busan and Incheon in South Korea because the JW Marriott and Ritz Carlton in Seoul has superior luxury service and would love to see that level of service in other major cities in South Korea. Please let keep me updated
Posted by: Brian | 09/21/2007 at 03:59 AM
interesting info!
Posted by: lynne | 09/21/2007 at 03:22 AM
Mr. Marriott,
Do you ever carry a small digital camera? It would be really interesting and enjoyable to see some spontaneous photos from your trip and of the new Ritz-Carlton. Best wishes for a safe and enjoyable trip.
Craig
Posted by: Craig Mische | 09/20/2007 at 01:12 PM
Mr Marriott,
I am a loyal Mariott member and travel quite a bit. I am planning a wedding aniversary trip to Europe in 2009. Any chance you will have some hotels in Italy by then?
By the way, really enjoy the blog
Best regards
Tim
Posted by: Tim | 09/20/2007 at 08:27 AM