PORT-AU-PRINCE, HAITI-Marriott International has released plans to build a 173-room hotel, likely to cost $45 million, in agreement with Unigestion Holding SA, a subsidiary of locally based Digicel Group Ltd. Former President Bill Clinton, through his Clinton Foundation that is helping restore the nation torn apart by the 2010 earthquake, helped arrange the development deal.

The 7.0 magnitude earthquake that hit the country on Jan. 12, 2010 is believed to have killed tens of thousands of people and destroyed more than one million homes and businesses. Denis O’Brien, chairman and founder of Digicel and the largest private single investor in Haiti, chairs Clinton’s Global Initiative Haiti Action Network, which supports 80 organizations in the country and reconstructed the Iron Market here.

O’Brien said in a statement that lodging options are severely limited in the city, with only about 500 rooms available. This Marriott is expected to attract business travelers seeking to invest in the country, non-government organizations, humanitarian organizations, reconstruction teams, financial institutions and visitors to the capital. “(The hotel) is a huge step toward attracting more long-term investment into the country,” he said.

The Port-au-Prince Marriott hotel will be located in the Haute Turgeau area of the city, and will include a casual restaurant. Construction on the property is expected to begin in 2012, with opening expected in mid-2014.

Arne Sorenson, president and CEO of Marriott International, said the country could use a quality hotel to help restore the country to one of the top tourist destinations in the Caribbean. “This hotel is one more signal that Haiti is open for business,” he said in the statement. “Of course, this is a long-term goal with tremendous needs still to be met.”

Instant Insights /

Marriott Joins Clinton to Announce $45M Haiti Hotel

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