Marriott International’s Courtyard brand is celebrating 30 years in business. The launch of Courtyard in 1933 marked a turning point in the hotel industry by pioneering the upper-moderate tier of the hospitality sector. Today, the brand comprises almost 1000 hotels in 38 countries with more than 30,000 associates. Marriott International celebrated the occasion with five events in Hong Kong, Doha, Berlin, Mexico City and Atlanta.
“Launching the Courtyard brand was our biggest risk, and also our biggest reward,” says Bill Marriott, Marriott International’s executive chairman and chairman of the board. “I’m so proud of what Courtyard has become, but even more proud of where it is taking our industry.”
Courtyard’s continued growth and success can, in part, be attributed to its understanding of business travellers. The brand has responded to the evolving needs of this group of guests, and continues to do so with its Courtyard Refreshing Business repositioning and its newly-introduced Cynergy room design.
“30 years ago, our hotels catered to guests who were all about work and more work,” Bill says. “We have innovated steadily to meet our guests’ changing needs and their desire for more options and flexibility during their stay. The response has been significant.
Janis Milham, senior vice president at Marriott Modern Essentials and Extended Stay Brands, adds: “Courtyard continues to lead and define the segment year after year. We understood what our guests wanted 30 years ago and we understand them now. We are committed to being the segment leader for the future and continue to break new grounds to meet the needs of the next generation of guests.”
Courtyard hotels recently opened in Riyadh, Mexico City and Aberdeen, and the brand expects its first hotel in Brazil to open next year and in Africa in 2015.
