After closing its corporate office in Moscow on March 10 and pausing the opening of upcoming hotels and all future development in Russia, Marriott International has now said it is suspending all operations in the country. The company cited “newly announced U.S., U.K. and E.U. restrictions [that] will make it impossible for Marriott to continue to operate or franchise hotels in the Russian market.”
In a statement, 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.”
It continued: “As we take steps to suspend hotel operations in Russia, we remain focused on taking care of our Russia-based associates. Since the war began, we have supported associates in Ukraine, Russia and across the region, including securing employment with Marriott outside of countries directly affected by the conflict. We have deployed $1 million in internal disaster relief funds for associates and their families to assist with resettlement aid, including food vouchers, transportation assistance, medical, and legal support.”
Beyond the above relief, over 85 Marriott hotels are providing lodging to refugees from Ukraine in neighboring countries. The company has also 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 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. It continues to 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.
"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," Marriott International added.
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