Marriott Suspends All Hotel Operations in Russia
On Friday, which marked the 100th day of Russia’s invasion in Ukraine, Marriott announced that it would suspend all operations in Russia.
“We have come to the view that newly announced US, UK and EU restrictions will make it impossible for Marriott to continue to operate or franchise hotels in the Russian market,” Marriott said in a statement. “We have therefore made the decision to suspend all Marriott International operations in Russia”. Marriott didn’t say which restrictions or sanctions specifically led to its decision.
Other hotel chains such as Best Western, Hyatt and Hilton have already halted operations in Russia. Almost 1,000 other companies have done so as well, including names like Burger King, Citi, Disney, FedEx, Ikea, and McDonalds. Marriott closed its corporate office in Moscow in early March, and paused the opening of upcoming hotels and all future hotel developments and investment in Russia.
Marriott said it has worked to support its associates in Russia, Ukraine and the entire region throughout the last three months. Marriott has also provided more than $1 million in the form of food vouchers, transportation assistance and medical and legal aid for its local employees and their families to help them resettle, according to the statement.
“In addition, over 85 of our hotels are now providing lodging to refugees from Ukraine in neighboring countries,” Marriott said. “We have provided over $2.7 million in hotel-level financial, fundraising, and in-kind support, including food and supply donations, to relief organizations operating on the ground. 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. 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.”
