Marriott International Expects India to Become Its Third-Largest Market Within 5 Years

Marriott International expects India to become its third-largest market within five years, driven by strong growth in the country's travel and hospitality sector. India is currently Marriott's fifth-largest market, with 155 hotels and 7,000 keys. The company is expanding its portfolio with new openings in Jim Corbett and Udaipur.

Introduction:
Marriott International, the world's leading hotel chain, has set its sights on India as its third-largest market within the next five years [1]. This strategic move is driven by the country's burgeoning travel and hospitality sector and Marriott's commitment to local growth [1]. With 155 hotels and 7,000 keys currently in operation, Marriott is expanding its portfolio with new openings in Jim Corbett and Udaipur [1].

Marriott's Focus on Local Leadership and Secondary City Expansion:
Anthony Capuano, CEO of Marriott International, emphasized the importance of empowering local leadership and expanding into secondary cities during a recent interview at the Skift India Forum in Delhi [2]. Capuano highlighted the potential for growth in smaller cities, where demand for high-quality accommodations is increasing rapidly [2]. By focusing on these secondary markets, Marriott aims to cater to the diverse needs of travelers while also contributing to the local economy [2].

Evolving Bonvoy Loyalty Program:
In addition to local expansion, Marriott is evolving its Bonvoy loyalty program to attract modern travelers [2]. By offering unique experiences beyond traditional business perks, Marriott aims to differentiate itself from competitors and enhance customer loyalty [2]. This approach aligns with Capuano's vision of creating personalized, memorable experiences for guests, which is essential in today's highly competitive hospitality market [2].

India's Growing Outbound Travel Market:
Marriott's growth strategy in India is not limited to the domestic market alone. The company is also capitalizing on India's growing outbound travel market, which is expected to witness significant growth in the coming years [1]. Air India, India's national carrier, is also aiming to capture a larger share of this market by enhancing its Maharaja Club loyalty program and leveraging a massive aircraft order [1].

Impact of Potential U.S. Travel Restrictions:
While both Marriott and Air India are optimistic about India's growth potential, there are potential challenges on the horizon. The Trump administration's proposed travel restrictions could impact U.S. tourism, though the initial effect might be small [1]. However, long-term consequences could be significant if global travel restrictions increase [1]. Capuano acknowledged these concerns during his discussions with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and emphasized the importance of boosting tourism, reducing development friction, and increasing female employment to mitigate these risks [2].

Conclusion:
Marriott International's strategic focus on India as a key growth market is driven by the country's burgeoning travel and hospitality sector, local leadership, and secondary city expansion. The company's commitment to evolving its Bonvoy loyalty program and capitalizing on India's growing outbound travel market positions it well for success in this dynamic market.

References:
[1] Skift. (2025, March 18). Air India's Ambitions, Marriott's Confidence, and Trump's Ban by the Numbers. https://skift.com/2025/03/18/air-indias-ambitions-marriotts-confidence-and-trumps-ban-by-the-numbers/
[2] Martin, L. (2025, March 18). Marriott International Sees India as a Key Driver of Future Growth. Skift. https://skift.com/2025/03/18/marriott-international-sees-india-as-a-key-driver-of-future-growth/