Aims to build on awareness of Marriott brands and promote marketing engines
Marriott Global Sales recently held its GCC sales meeting in the newly re-branded JW Marriott Hotel Kuwait City. The event was attended by the General Sales Office team from Dubai and sales representatives from the UAE, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Qatar.
Samir Daqqaq, VP of Marriott Global Sales, Middle East, Africa and the Subcontinent, updated the team on Marriott’s sales strategy for 2003.
“There is a tough economic climate out there, but Marriott has the right tools to succeed, and has proved this time and time again. We need to continue to build on the existing awareness of Marriott’s numerous brands, while at the same time emphasising the power of our unparalleled distribution channels and global reach.
“Marriott’s marketing engines are perhaps the most well-developed in the industry. From our website and our toll-free numbers to our Global Distribution System and our network of General Sales Representatives, we are able to provide solutions for both our customers and our network of loyal travel agents who have worked with Marriott over the years.”
He added that Marriott’s sales teams around the Gulf Region had the knowledge, ability and tools to succeed in increasing sales.
“In addition to sales expertise in the GCC, we are also developing our portfolio of hotels in the region. The JW Marriott Kuwait City is a fine example of this, as will be the new Courtyard by Marriott, opening in Kuwait next year. This continued growth is indicative of our strong commitment to the GCC region.”
He pointed out that while the hotel group holds an annual event for Middle East sales representatives, the GCC also deserved its own gathering, as the market was a significant one.
Mohammed Hadi, newly promoted to Senior Director of Marriott Global Sales, also informed the team of the core focus points of the 2003 strategy. Other presentations and workshops included: an update on familiarisation trips, a marketing and PR update and a presentation on strategic account management. The teams also received market profiles on each of the GCC countries.
The Group also had a chance to tour the property, the second JW Marriott-branded hotel in the Middle East. The 291-room hotel, formerly Le Meridien, is a luxurious hotel with outstanding conference and dining facilities.
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MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL, INC. (NYSE:MAR), a leading worldwide hospitality company, has over 2,600 operating units in the United States and 65 other countries and territories. Marriott International operates and franchises hotels under the Marriott, JW Marriott, The Ritz-Carlton, Renaissance, Residence Inn, Courtyard, TownePlace Suites, Fairfield Inn, SpringHill Suites and Ramada International brand names; develops and operates vacation ownership resorts under the Marriott Vacation Club International, Horizons, The Ritz-Carlton Club and Marriott Grand Residence Club brands; operates Marriott Executive Apartments; provides furnished corporate housing through its Marriott ExecuStay division; and operates conference centers. Other Marriott businesses include senior living communities and services, and wholesale food distribution. The company is headquartered in Washington, D.C., and has approximately 144,000 employees. In fiscal year 2001, Marriott International reported systemwide sales of $20 billion. For more information or reservations, please visit the web site at www.marriott.com.
For further information, please contact:
Contact: Lamia Temimi Lorraine Chandler/Naamat Baradhy
Tel: (971 4) 2651758 (971 4) 2219065/mobile 5532817
Fax: (971 4) 2651870 (971 4) 2247839
E-mail: lamia.temimi@marriott.com, lorraine@batespangulf.com
© Press Release 2003