Marriott International's Tina Edmundson reveals India's role in shaping the global luxury travel market
Tina Edmundson, President, Luxury at Marriott International, highlights India's emergence as a key player in the global luxury travel market and that the country is set to become the third-largest source for outbound luxury travel after the US and China.
ADVERTISEMENT
In this episode of Media Dialogues with Storyboard18, Tina Edmundson, President of Luxury at Marriott International, highlights the company's strategy in the Indian market and its efforts to enhance experiences for global travellers. She discusses India's evolving role in shaping Asia's luxury landscape.
In conversation with Storyboard18's editor Delshad Irani, Edmundson stressed India's significance for Marriott, noting that it’s not just vital for the company but for all global players. She added that India is set to become the fifth-largest source market for the hospitality industry.
Edmundson highlighted that India is emerging as a key player in the global luxury travel market, set to become the third-largest source for outbound luxury travel after the US and China. This growth, she attributed to the expanding middle class and increasing wealth in the country.
She pointed out that by 2027, India is expected to have 1.5 million high-net-worth individuals with investable assets exceeding $1 million. These travellers, whether aspirational or already affluent, are increasingly seeking unique, once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
Marriott is investing heavily in the Indian market, focusing on offering top-tier brands and experiences to cater to domestic Indian travellers and those heading abroad. We ensure that the brand remains relevant and attractive to both segments.
Edmundson highlighted the strong performance of the JW Marriott brand in India, noting that the international hotels chain has a solid presence and a promising pipeline for future growth.
She said, "Currently, Marriott operates 31 luxury hotels in India, out of a total of 153 properties. With 80 more hotels in development, including 20 luxury properties, the company is experiencing significant expansion. This growth is supported by Marriott's focus on aligning its brand positioning with the preferences of the Indian market."
In terms of customer strategy, Marriott aims to attract high-net-worth individuals into its ecosystem and introduce them to its diverse range of brands.
WATCH
