Peggy Fang Roe, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer for the Asia Pacific branch of Marriott International Photo: Courtesy of Marriott International

Peggy Fang Roe, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer for the Asia Pacific branch of Marriott International, exudes the charm and personality of a new generation of Asian women executives who possess independence and strength. Metropolitan sat down with Roe for an exclusive interview to learn more about her new role.

Roe has a bachelor's degree with a major in organizational behavior from the University of Michigan and a master's degree from Harvard Business School. Before her promotion, Roe was most recently Vice President of Global Operations for Marriott International, where she spent two years leading a strategic initiative called Future of Meetings.

Her previous roles at Marriott International include Vice President of Brand Management and Director of Marketing. This wealth of experience spanning across many marketing disciplines makes Roe prepared for her new position.

"I love working for Marriott International because of its philosophy and value of putting people first," Roe said. "With a history of more than 80 years, Marriott International has strong reputation around the world. Marriott International is not just a hotel company, but it gives people the opportunity to realize their potential, build their careers and see the world."

In a highly competitive hotel industry, Marriott International is constantly adjusting its strategy. A case in point is the latest campaign of its "Marriott Rewards" loyalty program called "Members Get More." Marriott Rewards Members who use the Marriott Mobile app may save time and gain better control of their check in and check out experiences at Marriott Hotels, JW Marriott, Renaissance Hotels, Courtyard by Marriott, Marriott Executive Apartments and Autograph Collection Hotels throughout the Asia-Pacific region. More than just checking in and checking out and getting free nights or air travel, members enjoy extra benefits including free Wi-Fi, mobile management of reservations, dining discounts, room upgrades and even access to the executive lounge for Gold & Platinum members.

Aside from this, Marriott Rewards has been the first in the hospitality industry to partner with DaoDao, the official Chinese website of TripAdvisor, to give Chinese travelers access to new and innovative search capabilities through WeChat.

The enhanced functions developed by DaoDao allow members to perform location-based searches for nearby attractions and reference global traveler reviews on Marriott International's hotels and restaurants. At the touch of a button from a mobile phone, members can access traveler reviews or write their own reviews directly on Marriott Rewards' WeChat account, which will then automatically be posted on DaoDao. The enhanced functions provide greater mobility, localization and convenience for technology-savvy consumers and next generation Chinese travelers. The user-generated reviews help consumers plan ahead and make travel decisions.

"The program is not just a benefit for accommodation, but it also strengthens our relationship with our customers," Roe said. "We give consideration to the customer wholeheartedly, and in return, customers are loyal to us." 

As for the future of China's hospitality market, Roe is firmly optimistic. Marriott International expects to double its portfolio by 2019, reaching more than 340 hotels across 19 countries, but it is the China market that is always playing a significant role in the hotel group, she said.

"Over the years, we have established a presence that's second to none in the gateway city centers of Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong," she said. "More recently, we've also expanded our focus to grow into secondary and tertiary cities and a variety of leisure travel destinations. We will continue to do that in China for 2015."