Australia, 4 December 2020 – Marriott International (NASDAQ: MAR) announced today that the Courtyard by Marriott Brisbane, South Bank will open under a franchise agreement with the hotel's owner Horan Group.

Marriott International secured this new foothold south of the Brisbane River after winning a highly competitive operator selection process, conducted by Colliers International. This latest signing reflects Marriott's strategic goal to grow its Australian portfolio with new franchise agreements.

The announcement follows last year's opening of Marriott's first franchised hotel in Australia, Midnight Hotel Canberra, which is part of the Autograph Collection.

Richard Crawford, Senior Director of Hotel Development is pleased to see Marriott International's largest global brand gain momentum in Australia, with just one Courtyard by Marriott hotel operating at North Ryde in recent years.

“We now have a confirmed pipeline of five more Courtyard by Marriott hotels under planning across Australia's three largest accommodation markets of Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane,” he said.

“While the industry continues to face challenges, we are seeing existing hotels seeking to enhance their profile and reach by tapping into Marriott's leading distribution platforms. The rebranding of Horan Group's hotel to Courtyard by Marriott is an example of this trend.”

“We greatly appreciate the confidence our newest franchisee, Horan Group, has placed in Marriott International by recognizing the proven appeal the Courtyard by Marriott brand has to a broad mix of market segments.”

A classic moderately-priced option for business and leisure travellers, Courtyard by Marriott Brisbane, South Bank will comprise 134 guest rooms, an all-day dining restaurant Café63 and gymnasium. The indoor heated pool and flexible meeting space overlook the Brisbane River and South Bank parklands.

The hotel will be operated by Brisbane-based Horan Group, one of Australia's fastest growing property developers. Over the past decade, Horan Group has developed half a million square metres of residential, office, and hotel projects.

Defying market trends and identifying new and diverse markets, Horan Group recently launched a 124-apartment residential offering located on an enviable cliff top position at Suttons Beach overlooking Moreton Bay and the bay islands to be known as Mirada Suttons Beach.

“This will be our fifth Brisbane hotel and cement our market dominance in the city as we expand our portfolio south of the river for the first time,” Sean Hunt, Area Vice President for Marriott International added.

“The hotel occupies an enviable position and will complement the current offering in the market with strong accommodation demand drivers from South Brisbane's medical precinct, local corporate activity and events-based tourism.”

For more information on Courtyard by Marriott brand please visit https://courtyard.marriott.com/

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About Courtyard by Marriott

Since it first opened its doors more than 35 years ago, Courtyard by Marriott has been dedicated to creating an environment where great things can happen. Today, Courtyard is the hotel brand of choice for ambitious and enterprising guests who see business travel as a driver of personal fulfillment and professional growth. Fuelled by passion, the brand continues to evolve to meet guests' needs, providing opportunities for guests to pursue both their personal and professional passions on the road. Courtyard is the smart, dynamic hotel that helps guests make the most of their time on the road. Combining innovative technology with style and comfort, the brand's modern and open lobby provides guests with flexibility to work or relax. As an extension to Courtyard's inviting public spaces, the Bistro is the hotel's casual dining destination, serves as a place for its passionate guests to socialize, connect and collaborate. The new Bistro features a Classic American menu with a contemporary twist, morning or night featuring a variety of flavourful items and signature cocktails to satisfy every palate.

About Marriott International

Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and encompasses a portfolio of more than 7,500 properties under 30 leading brands spanning 132 countries and territories. Marriott operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts all around the world. The company offers Marriott Bonvoy™, its highly awarded travel program.

For more information, please visit our website at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com. In addition, connect with us on Facebook and @MarriottIntl on Twitter and Instagram.