Marriott International Poised for Growth Spurt in Hawaii

It wasn´t so long ago that Marriott International had a small presence in Hawaii. Today, with 13 properties that tap multiple source markets plus a successful timeshare division, Marriott has emerged as a key player and a beneficiary of the booming tourism industry in Hawaii.

Marriott´s boom times on the Islands come at time when the company is not only expanding across the Asia-Pacific Rim but is also celebrating its 25th anniversary in Hawaii, having entered the market in 1981 with the Maui Marriott, now the Maui Ocean Club.

According to Ed Fuller, president and managing director, international lodging at Marriott International, which includes the Hawaii hotels, the company is poised for further growth in Hawaii, especially as new feeder markets, both domestic and international, come on line.

In Hawaii and elsewhere, Marriott has put a consistent emphasis on customer satisfaction, using surveys of guests to anticipate trends and ensure that all Marriott brands are leaders in their price category.

For example, Marriott´s re-bedding program, at a cost of $190 million, came from the need to upgrade in a service area that once fell short of today´s level of planning for quality. And it was consistent with the company´s reputation for innovative thinking.

With that in mind, the company has spent tens millions of dollars on upgrades to its Hawaii inventory, with new beds and other surveyed preferences implemented.