Tokyo, Japan – March 15, 2018 – Sheraton Hotels & Resorts, part of Marriott International, announced the signing of an agreement with Japan's Nangoku Corporation for a new-build Sheraton hotel in Kagoshima, Japan's southernmost major city. Kagoshima is often compared to its sister-city of Naples in Italy for its bay location, palm tree-lined streets and iconic volcano, Sakurajima.

“We are delighted to bring the Sheraton brand to this beautiful region of Japan,” said Mike Fulkerson, Vice President, Brand and Marketing Asia Pacific, Marriott International. “The new Sheraton Kagoshima will be the 10th Sheraton-branded hotel in Japan and will enable guests to explore, relax and enjoy all that this amazing city has to offer. The hotel will be an ideal destination for guests to retreat each day to the comforts, conveniences and impeccable service that the Sheraton brand is globally renowned for.”

Each of the hotel's 223 stylish guestrooms and suites will offer the signature Sheraton premium sleep experience with the plush Sheraton bed. Guests will be able to expand their palates with distinctive dining experiences at an all-day dining restaurant, specialty restaurant and lobby lounge & bar. The hotel will feature 953 square meters of versatile function space, including a 500-square meter ballroom, four meeting rooms and a pre-function area. Additional facilities will include a swimming pool, fitness centre, Sheraton Club Lounge, spa, gift shop and a chapel that is perfect for weddings.

Kagoshima is the capital of Kagoshima prefecture in southwestern Japan, known for its mild subtropical climate and is about an hour and a half flight south of Tokyo. The city's emblematic geographical landmark is its active volcano, the majestic Sakurajima, which sits in the middle of Kagoshima Bay. Often compared to Mount Vesuvius in Naples, the volcano is usually seen with a column of smoke rising from its craters, and minor eruptions often occur a few times a day. Visitors can view the volcano and its stunning shoreline from several breath-taking lookout points and hiking paths around the slopes of the volcano.

With a long political and commercial history dating back to the Edo period, Kagoshima is a busy, picturesque coastal city with its own distinct culture and acclaimed regional cuisine that showcases the best of the prefecture's abundant fisheries and farms.

Kagoshima is officially recognized by the World Trade Organization as the home of one of Japan's most traditional spirits, shōchū, which for the last decade has gained international recognition and even overtaken sake as the most popular spirit in Japan.

“We are excited to partner with Nangoku Corporation to bring our Sheraton brand to Kagoshima. Nangoku Corporation has been recognised by the Japan Foundation of Regional Vitalization for its achievements in developing and promoting Kagoshima city,” said Paul Foskey, Chief Development Officer, Marriott International Asia Pacific.

Slated to open in 2022, the architectural design for the new hotel will be led by the prestigious Mitsubishi Jisho Sekkei Inc., with its interiors designed by MEC Design International Corporation.

There are presently more than 120 Sheraton Hotels and Resorts in Asia-Pacific, with more than 50 more in the pipeline, making this region the fastest-growing market for the Sheraton brand. For more information, please check www.sheraton.com

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About Sheraton Hotels & Resorts

Sheraton Hotels & Resorts, part of Marriott International, Inc., makes it easy for guests to explore, relax and enjoy the possibilities of travel at more than 450 hotels in over 75 countries around the world. Sheraton continues to enhance the brand through innovative guest experience, differentiating design, multi-channel marketing and a sharp focus on service. Sheraton is proud to participate in the industry's award-winning loyalty program, Starwood Preferred Guest®, in which members can link accounts with Marriott Rewards® and The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® for instant elite status matching and unlimited points transfer. To learn more, visit www.sheraton.com. Stay connected to Sheraton: @sheratonhotels on Twitter and Instagram and facebook.com/Sheraton.

Marriott International, Inc.

Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and encompasses a portfolio of more than 6,500 properties in 30 leading hotel brands spanning 127 countries and territories. Marriott operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts all around the world. The company also operates award-winning loyalty programs: Marriott Rewards®, which includes The Ritz-Carlton Rewards®, and Starwood Preferred Guest®. 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 Twitterand Instagram.

Media Contacts:

Daryl Pan
Senior Manager, Brand PR, Asia Pacific, Marriott International
Daryl.Pan@marriott.com   

(852) 2192 6202

Alethea Lam

Vice President, Communications APAC, Marriott International

Alethea.Lam@marriott.com  

11/F Cityplaza One, 1111 King's Road

Taikoo Shing, Hong Kong

(852) 2192 6000