Marriott International unveils three new New Zealand hotels

Global hotels powerhouse Marriott International is upping its interest in New Zealand. 

Marriott has signed agreements with CP Group to bring three new hotels to New Zealand by 2029, adding 335 rooms to its portfolio in New Zealand and strengthening its growing presence in the region. 

The agreement is expected to mark the country debut of flagship brand Marriott Hotels in Rotorua (above), as well as the debut of the Autograph Collection brand in Auckland and Wellington.

Building on the relationship between Marriott and CP Group, this signing follows their recently announced St. Regis Queenstown project.

As part of the agreement: Rotorua Marriott Hotel will mark Marriott International’s entry in Rotorua as part of a conversion deal of the existing Arawa Park Hotel Rotorua, following a 12-month renovation slated to be completed in 2027.

The Official Auckland, Autograph Collection, strange name that, is set to bring Marriott’s premium Autograph Collection brand to Auckland in 2028, marking the brand’s arrival in the city through the transformation of a historic building on Eden Crescent in Auckland’s central business district. 

Fable Wellington, Autograph Collection will bring the Autograph Collection brand to Wellington, anticipated to open in 2029, through the repurposing of the historic 1940s office building located on the corner of Lambton Quay and Stout Street.

Marriott currently operates only two hotels in New Zealand; JW Marriott Auckland, and Four Points by Sheraton Auckland. Two other new openings are expected in 2027, with Sheraton Christchurch and Moxy Auckland. 

“Today’s signing of three hotel deals with CP Group is a landmark advancement of Marriott  International’s strengthening relationship with one of New Zealand’s most prolific hotel investors," says Richard Crawford, vice president for hotel development for Marriott International.

"Securing another foothold in Auckland, plus inaugural hotels in the key markets of Wellington and
Rotorua, are outstanding outcomes for our strategic growth aspirations in New Zealand. 

"We are confident that our 300 million Marriott Bonvoy members will welcome more choices across the
country’s North Island and beyond.” 

Marriott International has a portfolio of brands across luxury, premium, select, midscale, extended stay, and all-inclusive, with over 10,000 properties in 148 countries and territories. 

See www.marriott.com. 

Hit the road: US rolls out new travel campaign

The United States’ destination marketing organization is rolling out a new campaign to bolster travel demand in key markets,.

Brand USA’s global campaign America the Beautiful launched this week in London at Brand USA Travel Week, aimed at connecting US destinations with international buyers and media after reduced visitor numbers in the first half of the year.

The campaign, first unveiled in June, followed cuts to Brand USA’s federal funding at a time when political rhetoric and restrictive policies have curbed international tourism to the US, travel news hub Skift reported.

The campaign will roll out on connected TV, streaming, out-of-home, digital, and social media platforms across nine major markets: the UK, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, India, Ireland, Japan, Mexico and South Korea.

It is timed to promote growth ahead of 2026, a year marked by the FIFA World Cup, America’s 250th anniversary, and the Route 66 centennial.

"The United States remains the top international destination for long-haul leisure travel in the world, reflecting the enduring appeal of our varied and unique destinations and experiences," said Fred Dixon, president and CEO of Brand USA.

“With America the Beautiful, we're delivering a fresh invitation to explore the USA in new and exciting ways. 

"As we look ahead to 2026 and the decade of mega events on the horizon, we remain laser-focused on maximizing international tourism opportunities to drive economic impact and job growth while inviting the world to celebrate 250 years of America the Beautiful.”

The message sounds a little Trumpian.

"America the Beautiful tells the story of America bigger, bolder, and more beautifully than ever before -balancing the power of place with the depth of human connection,” said Leah Chandler, chief marketing officer of Brand USA.

“Every element, from powerful creative storytelling to AI-powered planning tools, is designed to inspire travellers to see America in new ways and to turn that inspiration into action.

"We're not asking people to simply visit America; we're inviting them to feel it, taste it, and carry home experiences that become core memories.”

Brand USA Travel Week India (January 18-23, 2026) and Brand USA Travel Week South America (March 16-20, 2026) will be key events in markets with strong potential for inbound travel growth.

To learn more about Brand USA, visit TheBrandUSA.com.