by Lacey Pfalz
Last updated: 10:55 AM ET, Wed April 26, 2023
Marriott International has announced the first nineteen projects that have received funding under its “Bridging the Gap” program, which encourages greater diversity, equity and inclusion among its owners and franchisees.
The new development projects span brands across the U.S. and Canada, including Aloft Hotels, Autograph Collection, Fairfield Inn & Suites, Residence Inn, SpringHill Suites, TownePlace Suites and Tribute Portfolio.
“Marriott’s Bridging the Gap has been the most beneficial by opening doors. It has given opportunities that you dream of, and you hope that one day comes to fruition,” said Arzu Molubhoy, Managing Partner, Alpha 3 Hotels, which is developing a Residence Inn in Texas under the Bridging the Gap program.
The program’s development projects are expected to reach $1 billion in total asset value for their ownership groups within three years.
“We see hotel ownership as a powerful economic generator – creating good jobs and revenue in the community and an on-ramp to prosperity and inter-generational wealth for hotel owners,” said Anthony Capuano, President and Chief Executive Officer, Marriott International. “Today’s announcement is all about creating opportunity – and as the name of this program suggests – bridging the gap to hotel ownership that too often exists for underrepresented groups. I want to congratulate all of these future hotel owners and thank them for working with us to realize their dreams and ours.”
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