IMARAT has achieved a historic milestone by becoming Pakistan’s first certified Marriott International operator, marking a new era for the country’s hospitality industry. With this landmark accomplishment, IMARAT not only strengthens its reputation in real estate but also enters the global hospitality arena through its dedicated subsidiary, IMARAT Hospitality.
For IMARAT’s Chairman, Shafiq Akbar, the certification reflects the group’s global vision. Pakistan’s competition is global, not local. At IMARAT, we push ourselves to set higher benchmarks, and what better way than partnering with Marriott, the world’s leading hospitality brand. This is just the beginning of greater milestones, he remarked. “Now, when international hotels are built in Pakistan, we will no longer need to bring in large foreign hotel management companies. Pakistanis themselves will operate international hotels.”
This recognition follows 14 months of rigorous training under Marriott International’s Fastrack to Franchising Academy (FFA), equipping the IMARAT team with global-level expertise and certification to represent one of the world’s most prestigious hospitality brands.
The graduation ceremony was attended by key dignitaries. Sean Brennan, Director of FFA at Marriott International, specially flew in from London to honor the achievement. Expressing his excitement, he said:
“It has been a privilege to spend time with all of you. I am truly excited to see IMARAT’s growth, especially as it becomes Pakistan’s first Marriott-approved operator.”
Also present was Sardar Yasir Ilyas, Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Tourism, who praised the achievement, stating:
“I have not seen this much energy and passion. IMARAT becoming Pakistan’s first Marriott operator is a proud moment for the nation. This milestone will raise hospitality standards, attract global visitors, and strengthen our tourism and investment potential.”
With this certification, IMARAT is now set to operate four Marriott International hotels in Pakistan, starting with the launch of the first Courtyard by Marriott in G-11, Islamabad, next year.
Beyond being a corporate milestone, this achievement carries national importance, paving the way for stronger tourism, enhanced foreign investment, job creation, and positioning Pakistan as a serious contender in the global hospitality sector.