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Marriott International has announced that it will suspend all hotel operations in Russia as the 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 it remains focused on taking care of its Russia-based associates, having operated in Russia for 25 years.
The company added that it is focused on hiring refugees, with more than 250 already hired across more than 40 hotels in 15 European countries, with plans to continue. Marriott 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.
In a previous announcement on March 10, Marriott announced it will close its corporate office in Moscow and pause the opening of upcoming hotels as well as all future hotel development and investment in Russia.
Since the conflict in Ukraine began, the company has supported associates in Ukraine, Russia and across the region, including securing employment with Marriott outside of countries directly affected by the conflict.
The business has deployed $1m (£795,455) in internal disaster relief funds for associates and their families to assist with resettlement aid, including food vouchers, transportation assistance, medical, and legal support.
Over 85 Marriott hotels are now providing lodging to refugees from Ukraine in neighbouring countries. It has provided over $2.7m (£2.1m) in hotel-level financial, fundraising, and in-kind support, including food and supply donations, to relief organisations operating on the ground.
Marriott said: “The conflict in Ukraine, now stretching into the fourth month of fighting and displacement, has had grave humanitarian, socioeconomic and global impacts. Throughout this challenging period, Marriott has kept the safety and wellbeing of our associates and guests top of mind.
“Since the start of the war, we have remained in regular contact with our teams on the ground as we continued to evaluate our ability to operate in this changing legal and geopolitical landscape.”
It added: “We continue to join our associates and millions of people around the world in wishing for an end to the current violence and the start of a path towards peace.”
