Courtyard by Marriott Ghaziabad has appointed Ankur Paul as Director of Sales, tasking him with shaping the property's commercial strategy ahead of its scheduled opening on 14 August 2026. The hotel, which marks Marriott's first Courtyard brand presence in Ghaziabad, will rely on Paul's decade-plus experience in the Indian hospitality market to build momentum in the competitive Delhi-NCR corridor.
Paul joins from Courtyard by Marriott Gorakhpur, where he served as Director of Sales. His earlier leadership roles include positions at DoubleTree by Hilton Gurugram, Crowne Plaza Gurgaon, and Hyatt Regency Gurugram, giving him a broad view of the region's corporate and MICE demand drivers.
Pre-opening priorities: corporate, MICE, and social events
In his new role, Paul will oversee sales strategy, account development, and pricing, with a focus on positioning the hotel as a preferred venue for corporate travel, conferences, and social functions. He will work closely with the revenue, marketing, and operations teams to align the property's pre-opening activities with market opportunities.
“I am delighted to take on the role of Director of Sales at Courtyard by Marriott Ghaziabad at such an exciting stage in the property’s journey,” Paul said. “As we prepare to welcome guests, my focus will be on building strong market relationships, creating meaningful business opportunities and establishing the hotel as a preferred destination for corporate, MICE and social events in the region.”
The hotel will feature 106 rooms and suites, more than 8,000 square feet of event space, an outdoor pool, a fitness centre, and a spa. Its location in Ghaziabad, part of the National Capital Region, is expected to attract both business travellers seeking alternatives to central Delhi and leisure visitors exploring the area's growing infrastructure.
Ghaziabad has seen steady interest from hotel developers in recent years, driven by its proximity to Delhi, Noida, and the upcoming Jewar airport. Marriott's entry with the Courtyard brand underscores the submarket's potential for midscale and upper-midscale properties catering to corporate clients and event organisers.
Paul's appointment follows a series of Marriott leadership moves across India, including the recent debut of JW Marriott Ranthambore and the brand's expansion into new leisure destinations. The company has also been active in signing new properties, such as the two Khao Lak hotels with KS Hotels and Resorts in Thailand, reflecting its broader growth strategy in Asia.
For travel agents and corporate buyers, the new Courtyard property adds another option in the eastern Delhi-NCR submarket, which has historically been underserved by international hotel brands. The hotel's event space and recreational amenities are designed to compete for both business and social bookings, a segment that has rebounded strongly in India post-pandemic.
Paul's background in revenue generation and market analysis will be critical as the hotel enters a pre-opening phase that requires building relationships with local corporations, event planners, and travel intermediaries. His experience at Hilton and Hyatt properties in Gurugram and Gurgaon gives him direct insight into the buying patterns of multinational companies and regional associations.
The appointment also signals Marriott's confidence in the Ghaziabad market, which is expected to benefit from ongoing infrastructure projects and the expansion of the Delhi metro network. As the hotel prepares to open, its sales team will focus on establishing a strong presence in the local business community and attracting MICE groups from across the NCR.
With the opening date set for August 2026, the property is on track to become a key player in the region's hospitality landscape. Paul's leadership will be instrumental in ensuring that Courtyard by Marriott Ghaziabad meets its revenue targets and establishes a reputation for quality service in a market that is rapidly evolving.
