Marriott International executives from across the globe have arrived in Bahrain as part of a global sales mission taking place across the Middle East this month, showcasing the company’s ‘See The World’ campaign.

The initiative highlights Marriott’s global spread of hotels with senior executives from London, China, Paris, the US and other destinations joining the mission, a statement from the hotel said.

Vladimir Dabbah, vice president of global sales, Middle East and Africa at Marriott International, said:

“The exclusive global sales mission concept epitomises the innovative way of doing business at Marriott International. This unique approach helps to maximise the sales efforts and reflects the company’s proactive strategy to strengthen relationships with key customers.”

“It is also a step towards, further enhancing our long-term strategic customer relationships in the region – the cornerstone of success at Marriott International whilst demonstrating the company’s commitment to the region."

Marriott International manages and operates over 3,800 hotels under 18 brands around the world, including JW Marriott, Marriott Hotels and Resorts, Renaissance, Autograph Collection, Courtyard by Marriott, and Gaylord and Moxy, the company’s latest introduction.

In the Middle East and Africa, the company currently has a regional presence consisting of 42 properties in 12 countries – including five properties in the Kingdom – offering 12,237 rooms and spanning seven lodging brands, including JW Marriott, Marriott Hotels & Resorts and Residence Inn by Marriott.  

There are a further 48 announced properties scheduled to join Marriott International’s portfolio in the region through 2017, eight of which are in Saudi Arabia, adding 11,567 rooms to the Marriott International system.

On an international level, executives will be promoting the global portfolio, including: Autograph Collection, whereby each property is selected for its bold originality, rich character and uncommon details; and Renaissance Hotels, the brand that speaks to passionate travellers in search of local authentic experiences.

The mission will also highlight the 2013 introductions of both Gaylord, a destination focused heritage hotel brand and Moxy, which combines contemporary stylish design with an affordable price point, the statement said.

On a regional level, focus points for discussion and promotion will be the company’s expansion in the extended stay segment, with its Residence Inn by Marriott and Marriott Executive Apartments (MEA) brands. A key discussion point will be the 2013 opening of the 83-unit Residence Inn by Marriott Jazan.

Marriott International views extended stay as a key area for expansion due to the increasing number of mid-term visitors to the region, be it for business or for pleasure. The mission is also looking forward to discussing the 2013 opening of the Renaissance Cairo Mirage City, Dubai Marriott Zabeel and MEA Zabeel Dubai.

In March this year, Dubai International Airport was confirmed as the world's second busiest airport for international passenger traffic, overtaking Paris' Charles de Gaulle airport for the first time. This factor, along with the expansion of numerous airports across the GCC, including Bahrain international, and the 11.4 per cent increase in visitors to the GCC, position the region as a key area in terms of growth in passenger numbers and ultimately hotel occupancy rates.

The comprehensive two-week programme kicked off in Abu Dhabi on May 5, and will culminate in Kuwait on May 21 seeking to empower the company’s sales force and develop strategic customer relationships across the region.

This mission provides a platform to bring senior executives closer to customers for a unique networking opportunity, while updating them on the various events and promotions from Marriott International.

During the remainder of the roadshow, executives will visit Bahrain, Doha and Kuwait in order to strengthen Marriott’s strategic relationships and grow Marriott International’s sales force. – TradeArabia News Service