#USA #Amsterdam #Marriott International #EMEA Growth #Amsterdam Marriott

Marriott International Celebrates 50 Years in Europe

Marriott International, Inc. proudly commemorates the 50th anniversary of its flagship Amsterdam Marriott Hotel, the brand's inaugural property in Europe. Opened in 1975, this hotel has not only been a cornerstone of Marriott's expansion but has also transformed into a symbol of hospitality excellence in the Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) region.

A Historic Beginning

The journey began when J.W. Marriott, Jr., the then CEO, unveiled the Amsterdam Marriott Hotel. This was a game-changer for the company, being its first venture outside North America, with the hotel originally boasting 396 rooms, making it the largest in the city at the time. Over the years, the hotel has embraced Marriott's core values, characterized by a blend of warm hospitality, strategic innovation, and a commitment to service. Notably, many staff members have dedicated decades of service, fostering a family-like atmosphere.

Celebrating a Legacy

To celebrate this milestone, Marriott hosted an event themed "A Journey Through Time," attended by over 150 guests, including former and current associates, who gathered to reflect on the hotel's storied past and bright future. David Marriott, Chairman of the Board, expressed his pride in the enduring commitment to hospitality that the team has shown over the years. His reminiscence of his father's attendance at the hotel's opening underscores the family's legacy in the company’s history.

Expansion Across the EMEA Region

From that first hotel, Marriott has made significant strides in expanding its footprint. With a current portfolio of over 1,300 properties spanning 80 countries, the growth has been nothing short of remarkable. Since 1975, Marriott has opened hotels across various pivotal locations:

• - 1980: Riyadh Marriott Hotel in Saudi Arabia, marking its entry into the Middle East.
• - 1981: Cairo Marriott, the brand's first hotel in Africa.
• - 1985: London Marriott Hotel Grosvenor Square.
• - 1993: JW Marriott Hotel Dubai.
• - 1998: Hamburg Marriott Hotel in Germany.
• - 2014: The debut of Moxy Hotels in Milan.
• - 2016: Kigali Marriott Hotel in Rwanda.
• - 2023: Four Points Flex by Sheraton Bursa Nilüfer in Türkiye.
• - 2024: Fairfield by Marriott Copenhagen Nordhavn in Europe.

Satya Anand, the President of Marriott International EMEA, highlighted that all of this growth can be traced back to the opening of the Amsterdam hotel, emphasizing its foundational role in the company's expansion trajectory.

Looking to the Future

As of the first quarter of 2025, Marriott's development pipeline is robust, featuring 583 hotels that represent more than 100,000 rooms in preparation for future openings. The company continues to innovate and adapt, ensuring that it meets the evolving needs of travelers while providing unparalleled experiences across diverse cultures and regions.

Conclusion

In reflection, the past 50 years have set a strong foundation for Marriott in the EMEA region. With plans for future growth and a steadfast commitment to service excellence, Marriott International remains poised to lead in the hospitality industry for the decades to come. This celebration not only marks a significant milestone but also serves as a beacon of the company's enduring values and dedication to its guests worldwide.