Marriott Courtyard, one of the best-recognized business hotel brands, announced on Tuesday at a ceremony in Dubai, the construction of a Marriott Courtyard Antigua at the V.C. Bird International Airport. Once constructed, the hotel will offer 125 guest-rooms, meeting and conference facilities, high-end restaurant, casino and surrounding leisure facilities.
Prime Minister Gaston Browne who was at the ceremony at the Sunset Lounge, Al Qasr Hotel in Dubai, said that the Marriott Courtyard hotel is the perfect complement to his Government’s plan to transform Antigua and Barbuda into an economic powerhouse within the Caribbean. “Business travelers coming to Antigua will have an opportunity to stay at one of the premier business hotels in the world which is also one of business travelers’ favorite brands,” PM Browne said. He said that he expects construction to start shortly and completion within a year.
The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has set the goal of increasing the room capacity of Antigua and Barbuda to 10,000 within the next few years. With the acquisition of the nearby cricket stadium and Sticky Wicket restaurant by The Government of Antigua and Barbuda and the West Indies Cricket Board, there will be great opportunities for further development in the area.
Marriott Courtyard Antigua, is a partnership with G.P. Group JSC and Marriott International.
“We have very high expectations for this exciting project,” said Mr. George Vassilev, main investor in the project and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the developer, GP GROUP JSC. “Together with Marriott, and our renowned design and construction teams, we will work diligently to ensure the highest quality product and guest experience. We are confident that we have assembled an extremely professional and motivated team that will create a business hotel that the island badly needs,” he said.
Ibrahim Barghout, Area VP Sub-Sharan Africa, Middle East & Africa Continent, Marriott International said Marriott international is happy to partner with G.P. Group In bringing the Courtyard brand to Antigua. “Courtyard is one of our most successful brands and one of the preferred brands for business travelers. With the location at the airport, I am confident that Marriott Courtyard Antigua will be as successful as our other Courtyard hotels. Guests of the hotel can look forward to experiencing the best of Marriott, our philosophy is delivering excellent service, comfort and style to our business travelers,” he noted.
Arton Capital, who has been an investment advisor on the project was appointed a strategic marketing advisor. “We are very excited to have succeeded in bringing the latest hospitality investment to the region,” says Armand Arton, founder and president of Arton Capital, who played an important role in negotiating this investment. “After such a devastating hurricane season, it is important to see that investors still believe in the region and its potential,” added Arton.
The delegation of Antigua and Barbuda included Prime Minister Browne, Non- resident Ambassador to the UAE Gilbert Boustany, Ambassador Diann Black-Layne, Ambassador Brian Challenger and Mr. Tumasie Blair. Also representing the GP Group was its Head of Investor Relations, Anna Vassileva. (Ends)
When will Marriotts Antigua open?
When and where will this hotel be built?