Marriott International, one of the world's largest hospitality companies, is aggressively expanding its footprint in Nepal. With an estimated investment exceeding Rs 40 billion, the hospitality giant is set to introduce four premium new brands, bringing six more franchised hotels to the country over the coming years.
Currently, Marriott operates several well-known properties in Nepal under franchise and management agreements, including Kathmandu Marriott, Moxy Kathmandu, Fairfield by Marriott, Aloft Kathmandu Thamel, and The Soaltee Kathmandu, which operates under Marriott's 'Autograph Collection'.
New luxury brands and strategic alliances
The expansion is driven by prominent Nepali and international business conglomerates. CG Hospitality, the hospitality arm of the Chaudhary Group, is spearheading the luxury segment by introducing the world-renowned 'The Ritz-Carlton' brand in Thamel, Kathmandu. The conglomerate broke ground on the 15-billion-rupee project last year and is also preparing a strategic partnership to bring 'Westin Hotels & Resorts' to Nepal under a "CG by Marriott" initiative.
"Marriott's growing presence is a testament to Nepal's rising status as a premium global travel destination," a representative noted ahead of an upcoming visit by Marriott International executives to finalize strategic partnerships.
Simultaneously, Australian-based Nepali billionaire Shesh Ghale is preparing to launch a Marriott-branded hotel in Lainchaur, Kathmandu. Ghale had previously planned a Sheraton hotel at the site, but after construction delays led to a contract cancellation, he reinvested approximately Rs 13 billion into the property and is now finalizing a new agreement with Marriott.
Aggressive expansion by local heavyweights
MS Group’s Everest Hospitality, which ended Nepal's two-decade lull of new five-star hotels with the launch of the Kathmandu Marriott in 2019, is also heavily expanding. After investing Rs 4.5 billion in the 215-room flagship hotel and establishing Fairfield and the trendy Moxy brand in Kamaladi, the group has announced its next major project: a 300-room premium 'JW Marriott' hotel in Bhaktapur.
Meanwhile, legacy properties are also leveraging Marriott's global reach. The historic 285-room Soaltee Hotel, operational since 1966, recently partnered with Marriott's 'Autograph Collection' to boost its international marketing and loyalty programs while maintaining its fully Nepali management team.
With Marriott International currently operating over 9,700 properties across 140 countries, its rapid consolidation in Nepal marks a significant milestone for the country’s tourism infrastructure, transforming Kathmandu into a highly competitive hub for international luxury hospitality.
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