US hotel operator, franchisor, and licensor Marriott International Inc. plans to expand its investment in Vietnam and open an additional 20 hotels and resorts at major tourism destinations in the country, according to Mr. Anthony Capuano, President and CEO of the group.

During a meeting with Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh in Hanoi on October 25, Mr. Capuano spoke highly of Vietnam’s potential and advantages in tourism development and committed to long-term investment and operations in the country, the Government News reported.

The group is currently managing 16 hotels and resorts in Vietnam under eight global brands, such as JW Marriott, Le Meridien, and Sheraton.

Prime Minister Chinh proposed that Marriott continue to expand its investment in the fields of tourism and hotel and resort services, with large-scale projects in line with Vietnam’s actual conditions.

Vietnam focuses on rapid and sustainable tourism development, considering this an important economic sector contributing to the country’s economic development, the Prime Minister said.

He stressed that Vietnam creates the most favorable conditions possible for investors, in a spirit of harmonious benefits and shared risks.

Prime Minister Chinh proposed the group cooperate with Vietnam in training and developing high-quality human resources of international standard; connect Vietnamese tourism with the region and the world; and help Vietnam diversify its tourism products and supply chains and improve management capacity in the tourism industry.