Marriott Hotels & Resorts in Asia Pacific attend AIME enforce
Marriott announce commitment to MICE and expansion in the Asia/Pacific region, and Australian Hotels launch a creative new promotion for the local market.
Marriott Executive Mr. Dominic Sherry – Regional Vice President, Sales & Marketing flew in to Melbourne from the company’s Asia Pacific Headquarters in Hong Kong to attend AIME 2012. He joined Marriott properties from all over the region and the Global Sales Team in Australia for the company’s return to the Expo en-masse, for the first time in 10 years.
In sharing the news of positive year-on-year growth for Marriott throughout Asia Pacific during 2010/2011, and how the booking pace for 2012 and beyond is showing no slowdown, Mr Sherry said, “Our commitment to MICE is demonstrated through our ability to provide diversity and choice for our customers with over 130 properties in our Asia/Pacific portfolio, 43 are Conference Hotels. We have also created a new leadership position within our sales organisation to drive strategic direction for this very important segment of our business”.
Mr. Paul Rushton, also in attendance at AIME was appointed to the new role of Area Director of Group Sales Asia Pacific, in July 2011 and his focus since has been to capture Customer insights as he develops future generation plans. Rushton said, “eighty percent of our group business in the region originates from within the region, so it has been our priority to connect with customers here to ensure our properties, products and packages will perfectly meet the needs of the industry”. He added, “Like everyone at Marriott, I am excited as we move into an even brighter future and greater level of expansion in the region with 235 Hotels confirmed for opening in the next 4-5 years.”
Marriott® brands in the region include The Ritz-Carlton, JW Marriot Hotels & Resorts, Marriott Hotels & Resorts, Renaissance Hotels, Courtyard and Marriott Executive Apartments.
Along with the return of Marriott en-masse to AIME, also came the launch of a local promotion for Marriott Australia hotels.
The new ‘Art of Great Meetings with Marriott, is the first fully integrated MICE promotion for the Australian hotels. Ten thousand travel ‘Boarding Passes’ were lodged with Australia Post today for delivery to buyers around the country inviting them to visit www.artofgreatmeetings.com and register for their chance win a trip to see the ‘Masters of Art’ in Paris, London and New York.
In a 10 month campaign that combines incentives and rewarding extras including a range of value bonus offerings when planning a meeting or event at any of the 5 participating Marriott® or Courtyard by Marriott® hotels in Australia.
Deborah McDiarmid, holding the newly created position of National Marketing Communications Manager – Australia, said “This is the first time our Australian properties have launched a fully integrated marketing strategy that focuses on establishing closer connections to our customers.
When buyers register on the website, they not only have the chance to win* a ’round the world holiday to New York, London and Paris, staying at Marriot® hotels in these exciting cities, but we will be keeping them up to date on the latest news and offers to ensure they make the most of value packages, hot dates with great rates and other Rewarding Events™ promotions.”
Other news from the Australian Hotels included the recent completion of extensive renovations valued at over AUD60m. The upgrades have seen an extensive revitalization of rooms, suites, public areas and meeting facilities of Sydney Harbour Marriott, Melbourne Marriott and the Surfers Paradise Marriott Resort and Spa – the group’s flagship Convention property in Australia.
