It is indeed an overwhelming moment for me personally. Our journey in hospitality spans nearly 28 years. Back in 1998, we wanted to start a hotel in Nepal. Unfortunately, due to certain technical reasons, Taj could not sign another deal with us. They already had one hotel here, the Annapurna, which was undergoing litigation at the time.
Instead, they asked us to go to Sri Lanka, a country that was then in the midst of an insurgency. It was the same year that six aircraft were bombed. I remember telling my friend Rajeev Gujral, who was heading the international division of Taj, “Are you my friend or my enemy? You’ve brought me to Colombo at a time like this, when not even Sri Lankans want to invest here.”
Nevertheless, our partnership with Taj brought tremendous learning and experience. As destiny would have it, thanks to David and Rajeev, I was invited to the F1 in Singapore two years ago. It was there that I witnessed the passion, conviction, and ability to make difficult decisions that my friend Mr Rajeev Menon possesses. Those qualities helped revive discussions that had previously been underway with Marriott and enabled us to forge what we believed would be a winning partnership.
It was not easy. The journey was challenging, but we made it happen, and I am truly delighted. Mr Marriott, I must say that what makes Marriott International the world’s largest hospitality company is the calibre of people like Rajeev Menon. I would like to give him a big round of applause, and of course, everyone else here whom I have had the privilege of meeting.
They demonstrate tremendous zeal and passion when it comes to building partnerships. The respect Marriott International gives its partners is remarkable, perhaps equal to the respect we give our own partners, because without the partners sitting here today, we would be nothing. This culture of mutual respect is, in my view, one of the defining qualities that make Marriott what it is.
Of course, Marriott’s success is also built on its ability to curate some of the world’s best-run and most admired hospitality brands. Having nearly 9,900 hotels, 1.7 million rooms, and a presence in 146 countries is no small achievement. But what we are doing here today is equally significant.
This occasion holds special importance not only for Marriott International but also for us, our partners, and, most importantly, for Nepal. Today, Nepal is making a statement to the world that it is ready to take hospitality to the next level. When people read that The Ritz-Carlton and Westin are coming to Nepal, and I know more agreements will follow, including potentially a JW Marriott, it will send a powerful message. Combined with Marriott’s commitment to promoting local arts, crafts, and community engagement, this partnership will have a far-reaching impact.
Thank you for your trust. Thank you for your confidence. And thank you for standing with us, our partners, and, above all, Nepal during this important period.
As you know, following the events of September 8, Nepal embarked on a new journey. We have a young Prime Minister, just 35 years old, who is passionate about the country’s future. His administration has developed a new roadmap for Nepal’s prosperity.
We also have a Parliament with an average age of around 40 years. Its members are well educated and globally aware. This is the time for industry to stand alongside Nepal and support this government’s vision.
We take immense pride in the fact that we conducted the groundbreaking ceremony for The Ritz-Carlton on the very day the new government was sworn in. And we are delighted that, in less than two months, we have been able to welcome someone as distinguished and globally respected as David Marriott himself to Nepal to witness this milestone. Thank you.
I would also like to add to what Rahul mentioned earlier. Over the past two years, we have carefully curated and developed a partnership that extends across Nepal. In fact, there may be very few Marriott brands left that are not represented here. Nepal could well be one of the few countries where Marriott has showcased nearly its entire portfolio.
I believe Nepal deserves a prominent place on Marriott International’s global map, a small nation nestled in the Himalayas, once a kingdom and now a republic, yet home to such a remarkable collection of Marriott brands.
This partnership is especially meaningful as we join you in celebrating the 100th anniversary of Marriott’s founding. I would like to pay my respects to Mr. J. Willard Marriott, who founded Marriott in 1927, if I am not mistaken. Although I never had the opportunity to meet him, I have seen his photographs in Marriott properties around the world. I have immense respect for the vision, dedication, and legacy he created.
I wish Marriott continued success. I wish our partnership, together with all our partners, continued growth and prosperity. We must always take our partners along with us. Together, I am confident we will create many more opportunities and open new avenues in the years ahead.
I am certain we will find ways to elevate this partnership to an even higher level—not only in Nepal but also in India through Rahul’s and Varun’s involvement. Opening 500 hotels under the “Series by Marriott” brand is no small achievement. The fact that they are opening nearly one hotel every week is truly remarkable.
We, too, have developed a roadmap for the future. Nepal has decided to position itself as a global wellness destination. The year 2027 is envisioned as a milestone year for building the infrastructure and ecosystem required to support a thriving wellness industry.
What could be a more opportune time to expand our partnership in wellness and agriculture, partnerships that have recently begun and are now part of the Marriott International family?
I do not wish to take any more of your time. Let me conclude by thanking all our partners for the confidence they have placed in us. I would also like to thank the Government of Nepal, all stakeholders, and, once again, the Marriott International team for your trust, confidence, and partnership.
Thank you, and I wish you all the very best.
Speech delivered by Binod Chaudhary, Chairman, Chaudhary Group and CG Hospitality Global in Kathmandu on 7 June 2026, on the occasion of the announcement of the agreement to operate Ritz-Carlton and Westin in Nepal.
Edited for clarity and brevity.
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