Ritz-Carlton's expansion into Aruba, a project long in discussion, reflects the brand's confidence in both the destination and the return of the luxury market. Caribbean editor Gay Nagle Myers talked with Marriott International CEO Bill Marriott Jr. about the history behind this project as well as the firm's commitment to sustainability and other developments at Marriott.
Q: Plans for a five-star, luxury resort on Aruba have been discussed for years, with government and locals debating pro and con whether too much hotel and condominium expansion is depleting the island's natural resources and denying prime beachfront access for locals. How has Ritz-Carlton addressed these issues and concerns?
A: All of Marriott International's brands are very committed to sustainability and the environment. Having a Ritz-Carlton in Aruba is very important for us. We have a large responsibility to its government and its residents to preserve and protect the island's natural resources. This is a 320-room hotel, which will be fully energy-efficient and very low on water consumption. The developer is very sensitive to the issue of beach access for residents, fishermen and the windsurf operators who now use the beach. Specific plans are being worked out to protect these interests. In addition, the hotel will generate 700 permanent jobs and employ more than 300 construction workers, 90% of whom will be Arubans.
Q: Marriott already is a large presence in Aruba, with more than 1,400 rooms at the Marriott, its large timeshare complex and the Renaissance. Why a Ritz-Carlton now?
A: Marriott and Aruba do have a long-time partnership, and credit for the Ritz-Carlton, Aruba must go not only to the present government but also to the former administration for moving this project forward. People are starting to travel again, the luxury market is picking up, there is demand for this type of hotel, and Aruba is well-positioned to serve the upscale traveler. There is great lift, great weather, a visually beautiful tourism product and a high rate of return visitors. This hotel will increase the awareness of our brand in the Caribbean region as well as globally.
Q: Marriott International announced an ambitious corporate makeover last fall, splitting the company into four autonomous divisions and streamlining Ritz-Carlton operations under the corporate umbrella. How's that going?
A: It is moving along extremely well. We are a global company, and we have decentralized operations so that we now have four divisions with four chief operating officers around the world, each with a staff reporting directly to them. Ritz-Carlton continues to be a separate brand headed by Simon Cooper as president, although some of its operations have been streamlined into the corporate Marriott structure. Ritz-Carlton's leadership remains focused on the luxury market.
Q: The Autograph Collection is a new venture for Marriott. What's the reaction been and how many properties do you envision?
A: The response has been terrific. These are independent ... hotels that will not carry our name but will be Marriott franchises able to use our global reservation system and reward programs and will adhere to our quality standards. We've already signed seven U.S. properties in the Kessler Collection, with 40 more deals in the works.
Q: What's happening with Edition, your boutique hotel brand in partnership with Ian Schrager?
A: Although financing has been tough, we'll open two hotels in 2010, one in Europe and one in the U.S.