Marriott Corporation In India

 Entering foreign markets is not a new phenomenon for Marriott International.  For the last 53 years Marriott has been generating growth in the hotel industry.  Marriott actually owns few hotels, but adds its name through franchising and licensing agreements.  The Pune Marriott Hotel & Convention Centre will be located in Pune near Mumbai, India.  This is the 500^th Marriott Hotel being opened by the corporation.  You will recall that Mumbai, India, a tourist area, had a major bombing a few years ago.  The Marriott organization announced that it intends to quadruple its inventory of hotels in India over the next three years and that India has proven to be a successful market for the Marriott Corporation.  In determining where growth should be in the hotel industry there are several factors to consider.  There is enormous growth in the business world of India making a name brand such as Marriott something to be sought out when making a business trip to another culture whether you are an American or European, etc.  India also offers a wealth of history and tourist attractions bringing customers from a myriad of cultures for vacations as well as business.  In keeping with the cultural differences, the organization has brought both together to make each feel comfortable in this environment.  During the celebration opening the new hotel used a traditional lighting ceremony, music and dance performances native to the Indian culture.  The rich fabrics of India are used throughout the hotel.  But the quality of the Marriott organization is familiar to those that use Marriott Hotels throughout the world.  The hotel ownership is Indian business owners having previous ties to this community and knowledge of institutions in India.  Marriott also encourages community and is a major sponsor of many charities involving children.  Leprosy continues to be a challenge that India deals with and prior to the opening of this hotel, another Marriott hotel became sponsors of a local orphanage in Chennai that has children and parents suffering from leprosy.  The hotel staff began Rising Star Outreach, a non-profit organization to provide schooling, housing, sanitation and good nutrition to people with Leprosy in India.  The road to India is being paved with good works as well as offering jobs and services to the local community.