Delta Hotels in New Brunswick bought by Marriott International
Delta Hotels and Resorts in New Brunswick will soon have a new owner.
Marriott International announced on Tuesday that it signed a $168 million agreement to acquire the Delta's brand, including a trio of hotels in the province.
Vice President Rick Hoffman says the Delta brand will remain the same at the Fredericton, Moncton and Saint John properties.
He says there could possibly be some changes in higher management, but the staffing at the hotels themselves will see little change.
"Essentially, we expect to maintain nearly all of the employees who run the hotels," he said. "We need them. We can't do what we need to do with our customers without them. So for the most part the lineature of all our employees will stay."
Hoffman says the Delta name will remain as well.
"We did this transaction because we attracted to the brand. So we intend to keep and grow the Delta brand. So in terms of the branding of the hotels, little to no change," he explained.
According to Hoffman, one of the main reasons for the purchase was Marriott's desire to have more hotels outside the United States.
Tourism Industry Association of New Brunswick president Kathy Weir says the acquisition is a good move.
"Marriott is an international brand and is well known, and for them to look at the Delta and believe it fits with their brand statement and their quality statement, I think it speaks well for the Delta brand."
The deal needs the seal of approval from the Canadian Competition Bureau, but is expected to officially close in the spring.
