Marriott Invests $100M on Convention Space

ORLANDO-Banking on renewed demand from the corporate meetings industry, the 16-year-old, 2,000-room Orlando World Center Marriott Resort near Walt Disney World is reconfiguring 214,000 sf of exhibit space with plans to expand the area by another 100,000 sf.

Marriott’s total investment in the renovations and new construction could reach $150 million, hospitality industry sources familiar with Marriott’s plans tell GlobeSt.com. Marriott already has invested $100 million on room and grounds renovations over the past three years, company officials confirm to GlobeSt.com.

The new space is expected to be ready for lease by 2006. The resort already is spending $22 million in re-sizing and refurbishing three existing ballrooms, the convention center atrium and several breakout meeting rooms.