July 28, 2022

New TownePlace Suites by Marriott proposed for Victoria International Airport

July 28, 2022 (Traditional territory of the W̱SÁNEĆ peoples, Sidney BC) — Victoria International Airport announced today that it is currently evaluating a proposal for a new 129-room Marriott hotel on its property, adding more amenities and convenience for travellers from across the region.  Proposed by the family owned and operated Kothari Group, the hotel will be a TownePlace Suites by Marriott and located at the corner of Beacon Avenue West and Stirling Way.

“We see the addition of a hotel at this location as a logical fit and a great new amenity for the airport and community,” says Victoria Airport Authority’s President & CEO Geoff Dickson. “It is an opportunity for Victoria International Airport to further diversify its revenue base which has been dramatically impacted by the pandemic.  We look forward to working with the Kothari Group to hopefully see this exciting proposal come to fruition.” 

The Kothari Group was established in Canada in 1996 with a focus in real estate related investments including mortgage financing, hotel development, and residential multi-story construction.  Today, Kothari’s hotel group works with international brands such as Marriott, Hilton, and Hyatt to develop and manage hotels across Canada.

“We are excited to work with Victoria Airport Authority and Marriott International to bring the first true extended stay hotel in this growing tourist and business market.  This project is our group’s first of what we hope are many investments in British Columbia and the Greater Victoria region,” says Anupam Kothari, President of Kothari Group.   

Victoria Airport Authority is working with the W̱SÁNEĆ Leadership Council to obtain their feedback and to identify any possible project-related opportunities. 

Residents and travellers will be able to learn more and comment about the proposed hotel property with design boards currently on display in the airport terminal and project information available at the airport’s website (www.victoriaairport.com/hotel-project).

The proposal is on federal land within the Town of Sidney’s boundaries. As part of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Town of Sidney and Victoria Airport Authority, Sidney’s staff and Council will have the opportunity to review and provide comment on the proposal.

“It is very positive to see Sidney continues to be a desirable place for businesses to invest,” said Sidney Mayor Cliff McNeil-Smith. “The current partnership between the Town of Sidney, Victoria Airport Authority, and District of North Saanich to realign Stirling Road and build a roundabout on Beacon Avenue West supports ongoing growth in this area. I look forward to seeing this come to Council in the coming months.”

Following the airport’s development review process, if approved, construction could begin in early 2023.  It is expected to take 18-24 months to complete the hotel with plans that call for a nationally recognized restaurant brand, 1,500 square feet of meeting space, a swimming pool, and a fitness center.

TownePlace Suites offers an all-suite hotel experience ideal for travelers looking for accommodations for longer stays. The brand’s simple, yet innovative design features personal touches and playful details allowing guests to live uninterrupted. There are currently over 400 TownePlace Suites properties across the United States and Canada.

About Victoria International Airport

Victoria Airport Authority is a not-for-profit authority that has managed the safe and secure operations of the Victoria International Airport on behalf of the surrounding communities since April 1, 1997.  www.victoriaairport.com

Media Contacts

Rod Hunchak, Director, Business Development and Community Relations, rod.hunchak@victoriaairport.com, 778.676.6907

Carine Arce, Kothari Group, carine@kotharigrop.com

Deirdre Campbell, tartanbond, deirdre.campbell@tartanbond.com, 250-882-9199

Lesley Chang, tartanbond,  Lesley.chang@tartanbond.com,  604-603-4022