In Singapore alone, there are 17 hotels representing 14 brands – 15 when the Laurus, A Luxury Collection Resort opens at Resorts World Sentosa in October.
At a media presentation at St. Regis Singapore earlier this week, Oriol Montal, Marriott International’s regional vice president for Singapore and luxury for APEC, shared performance data and plans to grow the business.
In 2024, nine per cent of Marriott’s business in Singapore was from the MICE segment, and for January-June this year, it was 9.5 per cent, with a 12.5 per cent increase in MICE-related bookings.
He said the group strongly supports the Singapore Tourism Board’s Tourism 2040 vision, collaborating on major business events.
“Besides Singapore itself, our key source markets are USA, China, India and South Korea,” he said. “Our strengths are the diversity of our portfolio, ‘can-do’ hospitality, sustainability through Marriott Bonvoy Events’ Connect Responsibly program and giving members more benefits.”
On choices available, Montal cited The Westin Singapore and JW Marriott Singapore South Beach in the CBD, Courtyard by Marriott Singapore Novena on the city fringe, and W Singapore – Sentosa Cove. They have varying sizes, capacities and offer different experiences for business events groups – “something for everyone”.
Recent and ongoing refurbishments and upgrades include St. Regis Singapore and W Singapore – Sentosa Cove which is refreshing guestrooms, public areas and facilities, including event venues. For seamless indoor-outdoor flow, the ballroom, known as the Great Room, connects to an adjoining foyer and terrace.
Laurus, A Luxury Collection Resort was revealed as an all-suite property – 183 of them – with dedicated event space for 180 to 250 pax in banquet/theatre seating and direct access to Resorts World Convention Centre.
Mondal later shared with micenet Marriott International’s collaborative approach in Singapore.
“For events that require meeting and exhibition space beyond a single hotel, our city-based properties – JW Marriott Singapore South Beach, The Ritz-Carlton and Westin Singapore, have aligned to bring larger destination bids to Singapore through the alliance partnership across Marina Bay,” he said.
“Fringe hotels such as Four Points by Sheraton and Aloft Singapore Novena (the world’s largest Aloft hotel), are well-suited for MICE business. We also see larger events taking room blocks across the city,” he added.
If planners are looking for off-site dining, teams will cross-sell restaurants at other Marriott properties. Additionally, if a hotel receives an RFP that it cannot fully accommodate, it will look to work across portfolio hotels to accommodate the group and meeting.
