Marriott announces suspension of Russian operations

The decision comes 25 years after Marriott opened its first hotel in Russia

Marriott International has announced plans to suspend operations in Russia.

The hospitality group closed its corporate office in Russia in March this year, while also pausing the opening of upcoming hotels and future hotel development and investment in the country.

The group has 22 third-party-owned hotels across Russia, including the Moscow Marriott Grand Hotel (pictured).

The decision to completely cease all operations comes as a result of newly announced US, UK and EU restrictions that will make it impossible for Marriott to continue to operate or franchise hotels in the Russian market.

Details on how Marriott will wind down its operations in the country are not yet known.

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Marriott released the following statement: “As we take steps to suspend hotel operations in Russia, we remain focused on taking care of our Russia-based associates. Since the war began, we have supported our associates in Ukraine, Russia and across the region, including securing employment with Marriott outside of countries directly affected by the conflict.

“We have deployed US$1 million in internal disaster relief funds for associates and their families to assist with resettlement aid, including food vouchers, transportation assistance, medical care and legal support. Marriott has also provided over US$2.7 million in hotel-level financial, fundraising and in-kind support, including food and supply donations, to relief organisations.”

More than 85 of Marriott hotels are now providing lodging to refugees from Ukraine in neighbouring countries

In addition, Marriott is focused on hiring refugees, with more than 250 already hired across more than 40 hotels in 15 European countries, with plans to continue.

The statement concluded: “We will also match Marriott Bonvoy points donations to World Central Kitchen and UNICEF, up to 100 million points this year, with over 50 million points donated to date. We continue to join our associates and millions of people around the world in wishing for an end to the current violence and the start of a path towards peace.”

For more information, visit www.marriott.com