Marriott on the Move

22 Hotels in 10 Days - My Trip to China

I'm just returning from an amazing visit to Asia.  It all started in Japan, then on to Hong Kong, Shanghai, and finally Beijing. 

Asia is our main growth area and at present with China driving this growth, it's our second biggest market outside of the U.S.  We have 58 hotels open today and 52 under contract.  We’ll open an average of one hotel a month at least the next three years in China.

The trip has been a great opportunity to see some of these terrific new hotels first hand and witness the exciting and dynamic growth taking place.  Across all our brands in Asia, we’re seeing innovation, style and creativity.

We have two new Ritz-Carlton hotels in Hong Kong and Okinawa that are really spectacular.  You need to see them to believe them.  These photos don’t capture the full picture. 

 

 

In visiting 22 China hotels, I met our regional teams and associates.  It’s interesting to hear some of their stories about how they became part of the Marriott family.  This sense of family is very important as we expand globally and keep true to our core values.

When I tour a hotel, no matter what country, I focus on the positive.  And I also focus on the happiness of our associates.  Putting people first by taking care of the associates is a major reason our guests keep coming back.  I’m happy to report that this key component of our culture is alive and well in Asia. 

During my trip, I also learned that 13 of our General Managers are Chinese and came up through the ranks, some having spent their entire careers with Marriott. In fact, four of these General Managers are women, which I think is wonderful. 

There is so much energy, drive and commitment in Asia. It's been great to spend 10 days here visiting hotels, meeting associates and experience first hand the truly global company that we have become.  As I told my daughter, Debbie, “I’m really blown away.”  Never did I think this would be borne from a 1927 nine-stool root beer stand in Washington, D.C.

It’s a golden age of international travel.  I invite you to visit China and marvel at the largest country in the world and I hope you will stay in our Marriott hotels.

I’m Bill Marriott and thanks for helping me keep Marriott on the move.

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Five Years Blogging - Pen Pals, Pilates and Hitting Publish

Five years ago, when I started this blog I wasn't sure what to expect.  I love writing and sharing my thoughts with family, friends and talking to associates and customers.  So I figured, well I guess so, why not?  Through the years it's been a great outlet for me and I look forward to hearing from you every time I hit the "publish" button. 

I'm always surprised by what resonates with readers. Here are a few of the blogs that got the most readers’ reaction.

A few years ago I wrote about Murphy, my golden retriever, and what he's taught me about patience.  He's a loyal companion and he developed quite a following - both in favor and opposed to his approach to catching ducks.

One person wrote: "It's amazing how we learn from our best pet friends. Their perception about life is just very much down to earth."

Engaging with you online has also taught me a lot about empathy.  At Marriott, we've seen our share of ugliness in the world, such as the tragedies at our hotels in Islamabad and Jakarta where readers wrote:   

The guard at the Islamabad Marriott is a hero for saving many lives by stopping the suicide bomber. My sympathies to his family.  Thank you for recognizing his heroism.

I surprised many of you when I wrote about taking up Pilates.  This was after my wife, Donna, told me I needed to grow an inch and stretch out.  I’d never heard of Pilates before, but many of you had and I really appreciate the encouragement.  By the way, I’m still going strong!  Here’s what one of you said:

Mr. M - do my eyes deceive? Pilates! Holy Mackerel! Mrs. M knows how to get you moving. You inspire in many ways! 

Most recently, you commented on my blogs where I talked about the new job of Executive Chairman, as Arne Sorenson took over the role of CEO.  Your comments warmed my heart:

Dear Mr. Marriott - I am glad that you plan on staying involved with the company.  After all, your name is on the front door.  And when I see that name, I know that I will be welcomed and well taken care of.  Thank you and all the Marriott associates! (From my room in a Courtyard!)

Thanks for being my online pen pals and reading Marriott on the move. 

 

I’m Bill Marriott and thanks for helping me keep Marriott on the move for FIVE YEARS!

 

Let me know if there are any topics you want me to blog about.   

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Living Well

When we launched the JW Marriott brand, which is named after my father, we envisioned something really special.  We like to describe the brand’s unique personality as “quiet luxury” – a first class experience that lacks pretense, but strives to enhance the guest experience with art, nutrition, culture and overall well-being.

We also teamed up our JW Marriott hotels with some of the world’s leading luxury brands such as Christie’s auction house, Treasury Wine Estates and Aromatherapy Associates, and wellness experts Keri Glassman and Dr. Pamela Peeke – all in an effort to give our guests a luxury experience that speaks to their passions and interests.

At our recent Global General Managers Conference in Los Angeles, JW Marriott’s unique collection of partners shared some of their insights and exclusive offerings. Check out this video and let me know what you think.

I’m Bill Marriott and thanks for helping me keep Marriott on the move.

 

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