Marriott CEO: Middle East Growth, M&A — Calls Airport Lounges ‘Intriguing’
Photo Credit: CEO of Marriott International Anthony Capuano talking remotely with the CEO of Skift at a conference in Abu Dhabi. Skift
Skift Take
Marriott CEO Anthony Capuano says the company is fine-tuning its approach to everything from acquisitions to AI to talent development, with Gulf Cooperation Council countries emerging as a testing ground for its evolving tactics.
As Middle Eastern countries pour billions into tourism infrastructure to diversify their economies, Marriott is positioning itself to capture outsized growth in what its CEO calls "among the most dynamic growth markets."
Anthony Capuano outlined the company's strategic priorities during a wide-ranging video interview Thursday at the Skift Global Forum East in Abu Dhabi.
The Marriott chief noted that the company runs 187 hotels across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, with nearly 50 in the pipeline across a region that includes Oman and Kuwait.
Capuano highlighted opportunities beyond traditional luxury, such as at W Abu Dhabi Yas Island, positioned above the Formula 1 track.
"The demand we're seeing for luxury lifestyle ... such as from brands like W and Edition, is really compelling and has a long, long runway," he said.
Saudi Arabia emerged as another compelling story for Capuano, who cited the country's ongoing devel
