Victoria Airport Authority Approves Kothari Group Construction of TownePlace Suites by Marriott for Victoria International Airport (YYJ)
For release August 17, 2023
Victoria Airport Authority (VAA) has confirmed the approval of Kothari Group’s proposal to construct a 129-room hotel on 3.5 acres of commercial zoned land at the Victoria International Airport (YYJ) at the corner of Highway 17 and Beacon Avenue West.
Intended as the Victoria region’s first extended stay hotel, the three-storey all-suite hotel will feature a combination of studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom units with fully equipped kitchens, a fitness centre, swimming pool, and 1,500 square feet of meeting space. The development will also include a full-service restaurant, with the brand expected to be announced in the coming months.
Activity will begin onsite in early fall to prepare for the start of construction, which is expected to be completed by late spring of 2025.
“We are pleased to see this project coming to Victoria International Airport and the Greater Victoria Area,” said Victoria Airport Authority President and CEO, Geoff Dickson. “The addition of the TownePlace Suites Hotel at YYJ will provide travellers and visitors to the region with convenient access not only to the airport and Sidney, but also to the many amenities and services in the area and the Pat Bay highway into Victoria.”
As part of VAA’s development permit approval process, the project was presented to the Town of Sidney for review and comment last fall. Sidney Town Council’s comments included recommended enhancements to the hotel’s exterior design to reflect its relationship to the area and visual presence at the corner of Highway 17 and Beacon Avenue, Sidney’s main commercial thoroughfare. In consultation with VAA as well as Marriott, Kothari Group undertook a re-design of the hotel’s exterior, introducing architectural elements and features which will add to its visual interest and sense of place.
“We appreciate Kothari Group’s commitment to the success of the project by refining the hotel’s design and creating what will truly be an outstanding facility appreciated by visitors to the region,” Dickson added. “Kothari Group’s collaborative approach throughout the design and review phase has resulted in a development proposal that we are all extremely excited about.”
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-storey 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 both honoured and delighted to embark on this exciting venture at Victoria International Airport,” said Kothari Group President, Anupam Kothari. “This endeavour aligns perfectly with the Kothari Group’s values of excellence, commitment, and collaboration. We’re especially thrilled to introduce the Victoria region’s first extended stay hotel. Our goal is to not only offer a place of comfort and luxury but also to reflect the rich culture of the region, as highlighted in our collaboration with the W̱SÁNEĆ Nation. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Victoria Airport Authority, Town of Sidney, and Marriott International for their valuable insights and unwavering support. Together, we aim to create an experience that resonates with both travellers and locals alike.”
“Destination Greater Victoria is pleased with this announcement as it will provide travellers departing from and arriving to Victoria International Airport a more holistic travel experience,” said Destination Greater Victoria CEO, Paul Nursey. “Most international airports have airport hotels, and this addition will improve Victoria International Airport’s overall competitiveness. This will make travel more comfortable, easier and provide a greater range of choices and amenities.”
“As one of Marriott International’s extended stay brands, TownePlace Suites creates a sense of calm and comfort for guests looking to feel at home while on the road,” commented Senior Director, Lodging Development, Western Canada at Marriott International, Duncan Chiu. “We are excited to work with Kothari Group on bringing the first TownePlace Suites to Vancouver Island, and soon provide travellers with a new, convenient place to stay while in the Victoria Area.”
In collaboration with the W̱SÁNEĆ Nation, Kothari Group will be incorporating art installations and place naming opportunities in the Hotel which will reflect the rich culture and heritage of the W̱SÁNEĆ People.
More information on the project can be found at https://yyj.ca/partnering-with-us/kothari-group-hotel-proposal/.
About Victoria International Airport
Victoria International Airport (YYJ) is the 11th busiest airport in Canada and has been rated one of the top ten most-loved airports in the world by CNN Travel. Winner of the Best Regional Airport in North America award by Airports Council International in 2012, 2014, and 2020, YYJ provides a safe, secure, sustainable, and efficient airport that creates prosperity for our region by connecting Greater Victoria with the world. Victoria Airport Authority has managed the operations at YYJ on behalf of the surrounding communities since April 1, 1997.
Media Contact – Kothari Group, Andy Zhao
Email: andy@kotharigroup.com
Media Contact – Victoria Airport Authority, Rod Hunchak
Phone: 250-953-7514
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