📈 Marriott Announces Record Expansion: Ultra-Luxury Ritz-Carlton for Sri Lanka

Marriott International has reported a third consecutive year of record-breaking development in the Asia Pacific (APEC) region for 2025, significantly boosting its tourism & hospitality pipeline with a historic ultra-luxury signing in Sri Lanka. • Major Sri Lanka Milestone Marriott has signed an agreement for Pottuvil, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, expected to debut in 2032. Located on the pristine eastern coast, this ultra-luxury property will feature 73 expansive villas with private plunge pools, focusing on nature-based and immersive travel experiences. • APEC Regional Performance (2025) Signings: 187 organic deals representing 28,000+ rooms—a 32% YoY increase. Pipeline: Ended the year with 400+ hotels and 86,000+ rooms under development. Openings: 109 new properties opened in 2025, reaching a milestone of 730 total open hotels across 22 countries. • Sector & Strategy Highlights Luxury Segment: Accounted for 19% of all 2025 room signings, driven by high demand for wellness and purpose-driven travel. Conversion Growth: Conversions made up 35% of signed deals, emphasizing speed-to-market for existing assets. Emerging Markets: Growth was led by India (99 deals), followed by Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Japan. • Economic Impact The entry of the Ritz-Carlton Reserve brand—reserved for only a handful of locations globally—signals high investor confidence in Sri Lanka's long-term tourism recovery and its potential as a top-tier global luxury destination.