Marriott International is working to establish a brand presence in all 785 districts of India. Rajeev Menon, President–Asia Pacific (excluding China), shared with CNBC-TV18 that the company is dedicated to fostering talent in every country it operates, currently employing 35,000 associates in India. The plan includes hiring an additional 30,000 associates in the coming years, with opportunities created through internship programs. Marriott has collaborated with hotel management institutes in Delhi, Bengaluru, Kolkata, and Lucknow to cultivate local talent as tourism ambassadors.
Regarding the effects of US tariffs, Menon mentioned that tourism flourishes during periods of peace and stability. He emphasized that India’s overall economic growth and robust domestic travel will continue to propel the sector. Commending the government’s push for infrastructure development across the country, he noted that enhanced air connectivity and increasing incomes could lead to significant tourism growth as India approaches becoming the world’s third-largest economy by FY30.
Addressing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ambition for tourism to contribute 10% to GDP by 2029, an increase from over 5% currently, Menon highlighted the importance of ongoing infrastructure investment and public-private partnerships to boost destinations nationwide. He pointed out that visa policies, connectivity, and recognizing tourism infrastructure as a priority are essential enablers, suggesting that this could aid the industry in securing lower-cost loans and incentives.
With a positive outlook on the Asia Pacific region, he remarked that it houses over 4 billion people—over 60% of the global population—and will continue to be a key tourism destination. While Western travelers keep visiting the region, the rising wealth within Asia is simultaneously enhancing intra-regional travel and outbound tourism to the West.
Regarding the effects of US tariffs, Menon mentioned that tourism flourishes during periods of peace and stability. He emphasized that India’s overall economic growth and robust domestic travel will continue to propel the sector. Commending the government’s push for infrastructure development across the country, he noted that enhanced air connectivity and increasing incomes could lead to significant tourism growth as India approaches becoming the world’s third-largest economy by FY30.
Addressing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ambition for tourism to contribute 10% to GDP by 2029, an increase from over 5% currently, Menon highlighted the importance of ongoing infrastructure investment and public-private partnerships to boost destinations nationwide. He pointed out that visa policies, connectivity, and recognizing tourism infrastructure as a priority are essential enablers, suggesting that this could aid the industry in securing lower-cost loans and incentives.
With a positive outlook on the Asia Pacific region, he remarked that it houses over 4 billion people—over 60% of the global population—and will continue to be a key tourism destination. While Western travelers keep visiting the region, the rising wealth within Asia is simultaneously enhancing intra-regional travel and outbound tourism to the West.
