David Marriott Thinks Nepal Is Ready. Is Nepal?

Marriott International is poised to expand its luxury hospitality presence in Nepal with the upcoming opening of The Ritz-Carlton and Westin Hotels & Resorts. This move signifies the global giant's strategic push into South Asia, aiming to capitalize on surging demand for high-end experiential travel.

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The reason we find ourselves in a position of strength after our first hundred years is our culture and our core values.

David Marriott, Chairman of the Board of Marriott International, emphasized the company's enduring success, attributing it to a "people-first" philosophy cultivated over nearly a century. He shared the origin story of his grandparents starting with a nine-seat root beer stand in 1927, underscoring a deep-seated gratitude for educational opportunities that fueled their entrepreneurial spirit. This foundational value continues to guide Marriott's global operations, which now span over 9,900 properties in 146 countries and territories.

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My grandparents founded our business in 1927 with a nine-seat root beer stand.

Marriott's first visit to Nepal is part of a broader expansion plan designed not only to meet global travel demands but also to foster local economic growth. He indicated that the company is engaging with governments on critical issues such as regional infrastructure development, visa accessibility, and addressing 'brain drain.' Marriott envisions hospitality as a key driver for economic upliftment, enhanced regional mobility, and fostering global unity, bridging the brand's American heritage with its contemporary ambitions in the region.

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My grandfather always felt incredibly grateful for that opportunity because he felt that without that education and without that chance, he would not have had the opportunity to open his own business.