Marriott Considers Baghdad Green Zone as Potential Hotel Site

Marriott International is considering building a hotel in Baghdad's Green Zone, after an approach by the US Government.

An official from the firm told the Washington Post Marriott is evaluating whether to open a hotel in the area, following a request from US Government officials who are eager to help revive Iraq with foreign investment and economic activity.

Chief Executive Bill Marriott is said to be considering the deal but is concerned about safety issues, the paper reports.

Marriott is not the only company that has been approached about managing the hotel development, but it has connections to the Bush administration; Bill Marriott is chairman of the president's Export Council, which advises Bush on trade issues.

"As with any opportunity, we carefully consider all the factors involved," Marriott spokesman John Wolf says.

"We're evaluating this, just as we are considering opportunities elsewhere."

By Elizabeth Clifford-Marsh