Marriott International recently hosted the first ever ‘Lifestyle University’ educational programme, aimed at identifying future leaders for its Renaissance Hotels and Autograph Collection brands.
Sixteen Marriott staff members from eight countries gathered at the Renaissance Bangkok Ratchaprasong Hotel to undertake management training for the two ‘lifestyle’ brands. Those taking part were nominated by their managers then hand-selected by senior Marriott management.
The two-day course focused on various aspects of the lifestyle hospitality sector, including culture, operations, design, marketing, and public relations.
“As record growth continues in Asia, we understand that our people are our most valuable asset,” said Craig Smith, Marriott’s chief operations officer for Asia Pacific. “It is critical to craft an environment that supports their personal growth and provides them with the right tools to build a successful career. Lifestyle University is a significant example of the innovative techniques that Marriott is using to develop the right talent for the future.”
The Bangkok workshop was intended to be the pilot session for the Lifestyle University scheme, which is now expected to be rolled-out globally over the next year.
“Globalisation and the digital age have redefined the expectations of today’s traveller,” said Tina Edmundson, Marriott’s senior vice president of lifestyle brands. “Today’s consumers are more sophisticated than ever before. We know they view travel as an opportunity for enrichment and discovery. Our goal was to create a fun, exciting, and hands-on training program that helps prepare our talent to better serve guests by further developing their understanding of how to create a true lifestyle hospitality experience.”
Marriott recently launched its Autograph Collection in Asia with the addition of The Stones Legian in Bali, while its Renaissance brand is now present in more than 20 Asian destinations.
