Marriott International intends to build a brand presence in each of India’s 785 districts. Rajeev Menon, President–Asia Pacific (excluding China), informed CNBC-TV18 that the company is dedicated to developing talent in every market it operates in, currently employing 35,000 associates in India. It aims to recruit an additional 30,000 associates in the coming years, partly through internship programmes. Marriott has also collaborated with hotel management institutes in Delhi, Bengaluru, Kolkata, and Lucknow to cultivate local talent as tourism ambassadors.
Commenting on the effects of US tariffs, Menon stated that tourism flourishes in an environment of peace and stability. He emphasized that India’s overall economic growth and robust domestic travel will continue to drive the sector forward. He commended the government’s infrastructure initiatives nationwide, suggesting that enhanced air connectivity and increasing incomes could lead to significant tourism expansion as India progresses toward becoming the world’s third-largest economy by FY30.
Mentioning Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for tourism to contribute 10% to GDP by 2029, up from over 5% currently, Menon emphasized the importance of ongoing infrastructure investment and public-private partnerships to promote destinations across the country. He pointed out that visa policies, connectivity, and tourism infrastructure status are crucial enablers, enabling the industry to access lower-cost loans and incentives.
Showing optimism towards the Asia Pacific region, he observed that it houses over 4 billion people—over 60% of the global population—and will continue to be a tourism hotspot. While Western travelers still visit the region, increasing wealth within Asia is also driving intra-regional travel and outbound tourism to the West.
Commenting on the effects of US tariffs, Menon stated that tourism flourishes in an environment of peace and stability. He emphasized that India’s overall economic growth and robust domestic travel will continue to drive the sector forward. He commended the government’s infrastructure initiatives nationwide, suggesting that enhanced air connectivity and increasing incomes could lead to significant tourism expansion as India progresses toward becoming the world’s third-largest economy by FY30.
Mentioning Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for tourism to contribute 10% to GDP by 2029, up from over 5% currently, Menon emphasized the importance of ongoing infrastructure investment and public-private partnerships to promote destinations across the country. He pointed out that visa policies, connectivity, and tourism infrastructure status are crucial enablers, enabling the industry to access lower-cost loans and incentives.
Showing optimism towards the Asia Pacific region, he observed that it houses over 4 billion people—over 60% of the global population—and will continue to be a tourism hotspot. While Western travelers still visit the region, increasing wealth within Asia is also driving intra-regional travel and outbound tourism to the West.
