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(China Daily)
Updated: 2008-06-16 15:47

Q: You mentioned that China and India will be the next two key areas for the company. What is the difference between the two in the hotel market?

A: There are several big differences. China is quicker in building hotels. It usually takes two years to see a property erected, but in India, it is more than three years.

Infrastructure in China is better so is the traffic, and the Chinese are willing to learn and be trained. Business is easier in China.

But the only thing that is difficult in China is that we spend a lot more efforts teaching English. It is not necessary in India. But it is not a problem. We just need time to improve this.

Q: What effect do you think the Beijing Olympic Games will have on the local hotel industry?

A: The year 2008 will be a solid year. Obviously, the hotel business would be very busy during the Olympics. And it is also the same after, as more leisure and business travelers will want to visit China after the games to see what is happening here. We will see a spill-over later this year.

By the opening of the 2008 Olympics, Marriott expects to operate 11 hotels in Beijing to help accommodate the two million visitors expected to visit the city.

Q: What will be Marriott's next step in China?

A: I think the Marriott business will continue to grow in the next 10 years. The second- and third-tier cities will be the next focus. Courtyard (a moderate-tier brand) will be more important than the others and will be the next opportunity for Marriott, as the brand appeals to the domestic customers, especially the middle managers.

Q: What is your biggest concern?

A: Being able to grow and develop talent in China.

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