Marriott International intends to tap an unusual labor pool—and likely embellish its image in the process—by hiring 1,500 immigrant refugees by 2025 to work in its U.S. hotels.
After airing that pledge, the lodging giant vowed to recruit another 1,500 refugees by 2026 in Europe, including individuals who have been displaced by the war in Ukraine.
Its European payroll already includes 970 individuals who fled their homelands because of political or economic strife on the continent.
“Marriott’s goal to hire an additional 1,500 refugees in Europe builds on the work we’re doing to promote opportunities for refugees in the U.S. and highlights our steadfast commitment to put people first and provide economic opportunity for refugees and underrepresented populations,” said Marriott International CEO Anthony Capuano in a statement.
The innkeeper said it is helping newly hired refugees resettle by providing such amenities as onsite translators, prayer rooms and assistance in navigating public transportation.
The pledges carry a risk of controversy because of the anti-immigrant sentiment that’s evident within some segments of the European and U.S. populations. That context makes the moves particularly unusual for Marriott, a company that has strived to avoid political or social controversy.
Based in the Washington, D.C., area, the company runs 31 lodging brands encompassing 8,500 hotels in 138 countries.
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