Global hotelier Marriott International, Inc., announced that it will double its portfolio in Europe, increasing it to 80,000 rooms from 40,000 by 2015. New development in Russia and the CIS countries is spurring this 100-percent initiative to grow.

"Over the past 15 years, we have developed a strong presence in Russia and [the] CIS and are excited about the continued growth opportunities throughout the region for our expanding portfolio of brands," said Amy McPherson, president and managing director for Marriott International in Europe. The firm currently has 19 hotels in Russia and the CIS. Eleven more destinations will open over the next three years.

"We are very focused on our development here and have augmented our development resources to enable us to meet our ambitious growth objectives for Russia and CIS,” said Carlton Ervin, chief development officer for Marriott in Europe. "We see particular opportunity in the capital cities for our luxury and lifestyle brands, including The Ritz-Carlton, EDITION and Autograph Collection, as well as great potential in the mid-tier segment for our Courtyard by Marriott brand in regional cities across Russia."

Marriott International has six brands in Russia and the CIS: The Ritz-Carlton, JW Marriott, Marriott Hotels & Resorts, Renaissance Hotels, Courtyard by Marriott, and Marriott Executive Apartments.