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K.V. Kurmanath

Hyderabad, Sept. 25 Notwithstanding the global economic slowdown, Marriott International Inc, a leading global hospitality brand that manages and franchises hotels, foresees a strong, long-term outlook for the Indian hospitality sector.

“Agreed that there are cycles, but the outlook for India looks very bright, keeping in mind the demand for at least one lakh to 1.50 lakh rooms in the next 5-10 years,” Mr Rajeev Menon, Area Vice-President (India, Malaysia, Maldives and Pakistan), told Business Line.

Mr Menon was here in connection with a dinner Marriott hosted for the PATA (Pacific Asia Travel Association) delegates recently.

When his attention was drawn to the criticism that room prices were one of the highest in the world, he said it all depended on demand-supply.

He also attributed the reason for higher rates to the steep increase in the costs to run the business.

“For one, energy costs have gone up in the range of 25-50 per cent. Inflation too played a role,” he said. He, however, felt that there could be a bit of rationalisation in the next 3-5 years.

Marriott, which manages six hotels in India at present, is looking at a steady growth in the number in the next four years. “By the end of 2009, when we complete a decade of operations in India, we will have 16 hotels. The number will grow to 25 by 2011 with a room strength of 8,000-10,000,” he said.

The company, which registered a turnover of $150 million last year, hopes to finish the current year at $165-170 million.

“By 2012, when all the 25 hotels become operational, we are targeting to achieve $500 million,” Mr Menon said.

Asked about how the company addressed its human resources needs, he said the company rewarded its associates by giving them global assignments.

“For the first time in India, we are going to organise a global talent meet in October to identify the eligible associates for global placements. The global head of Marriott’s human resources and area heads representing different geographies would turn up,” he said.

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