PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti—The new Marriott Port-au-Prince Hotel checked in its first guests yesterday. Joined by Haiti President Michel Martelly and former U.S. President Bill Clinton at a celebration ceremony, Digicel Group Chairman and Founder Denis O’Brien and Marriott International President of the Caribbean and Latin America Region Craig S. Smith thanked the Kier Construction Company workers, sub-contractors, and Haitian construction workers who built the hotel and the Marriott associates who will host its guests. The hotel officially opens March 1. A formal grand opening event is planned for June.
The journey to build the Marriott Port-au-Prince began four years ago when Marriott International reached out to the Clinton Foundation to propose a new hotel to help Haiti rebuild its tourism industry after the devastating 2010 earthquake. The company found an eager partner in Digicel Group, which has invested $45 million to build the 175-room hotel.
“The opening of the Marriott Port-au-Prince is an important milestone as the people of Haiti work to revitalize and diversify their economy,” said Former President Bill Clinton. “I am grateful to Marriott and Digicel for their commitment to this project, and hope that its success will inspire further investment and opportunity in Haiti.”
The Clinton Foundation worked closely with Marriott and Digicel Group to develop the hotel project. The Foundation visited proposed construction sites with the parties, facilitated introductions to the Haitian government and the Haitian Tourism Association, and encouraged all parties to use the hotel as an opportunity to create an economic anchor for the community. In addition to creating good, sustainable jobs for Haitians, the hotel incorporates Haitian art and artisan products into the hotel’s design and integrates green technologies such as solar to reduce the hotel’s environmental footprint. The Clinton Foundation also worked closely with Marriott and Digicel Group to identify and contract with Haitian entrepreneurs, small businesses, and agricultural cooperatives that could provide goods and services to the hotel.
“All along, we’ve said that we were committed to Haiti’s recovery and to delivering on its potential as a great place to invest, and as such, we are thrilled to be opening the doors of the Marriott Port-au-Prince here today,” O’Brien said. “We hope that the opening of the hotel will signal that Haiti is truly open for business and is ready to welcome investors and travelers alike.”
TDSA, the development company established by Digicel, managed the design/build contract and chose Marriott International’s flagship Marriott Hotels brand as its operating partner under a long-term management agreement. The hotel created more than 1,100 jobs throughout the construction stage.
Marriott’s interest in investing in Haiti was inspired in part by its associates, including thousands of Haitian-Americans who, after the earthquake, urged the company to help Haiti rebuild by planting the Marriott flag. “We believe we can make a difference in Haiti by promoting tourism, and developing local talent that can help lift this country, over time, back to being one of the top travel destinations in the Caribbean,” said Arne Sorenson, president and CEO of Marriott International.
“Marriott International and Digicel Group’s dedication to completing this project is to be commended,” said Haiti Minister of Tourism Stéphanie Villedrouin. “The opening of this hotel is a huge vote of confidence in the future economic viability of Haiti.”
The Marriott Port-au-Prince, which will be located in the Haut Turgeau area of the city, will offer 170 rooms including fives suites with Marriott’s signature amenities and features, including premium bedding, high-speed Internet (LAN and wireless), and flat-screen televisions. Dining options will include La Sirene Restaurant, a casual restaurant and La Sirene Bar, a lobby bar and lounge and 24-hour room service. The hotel will include about 6,501 square feet of flexible meeting space, a 1,614-square-foot fitness center, swimming pool, and sundries shop/marketplace.
