Marriott Appoints Rhiannon Emerald Callaghan as Director of Marketing And PR

Marriott International, a leading global hospitality company, has announced the appointment of Rhiannon Emerald Callaghan as the new Multi-Property Director of Marketing and Public Relations overseeing Marriott Hotel Al Jaddaf, Dubai, Marriott Executive Apartments Al Jaddaf, and Marriott Executive Apartments Dubai Creek.

The appointment is part of Marriott’s broader strategy to invest in innovative leadership as the UAE’s tourism and hospitality sector experiences sustained post-pandemic growth.

Rhiannon brings with her a decade of proven success in brand positioning, integrated marketing, digital campaigns, guest engagement, and cross-sector partnerships—expertise that will be pivotal in elevating the visibility and performance of these three strategic Marriott properties in Dubai.

Her leadership comes at a time when the UAE is targeting record inbound tourism numbers and prioritizing its global competitiveness in the travel and hospitality market, as outlined in UAE Vision 2031 and the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), which aims to double the city’s economy and consolidate its position as one of the top three global destinations for tourism and business.

Strategic Role Across Three High-Profile Properties

In her new role, Rhiannon Callaghan will manage all marketing and communications activities for the three Marriott properties, located at the heart of Dubai’s thriving Al Jaddaf district and the historic Dubai Creek. Her primary responsibilities will include:

Developing and executing integrated marketing campaigns.
Strengthening Marriott’s brand presence across traditional and digital channels.
Enhancing PR visibility with media engagement, storytelling, and influencer relations.
Building strategic brand partnerships to increase engagement and community relevance.
Driving digital growth through insight-driven content and social media strategies.

These efforts are designed to support Dubai’s positioning as a global tourism and lifestyle hub while increasing direct bookings, boosting occupancy rates, and elevating guest satisfaction.

The UAE’s Ministry of Economy and Department of Economy and Tourism (DET Dubai) both emphasize the importance of tourism innovation and digital transformation in driving sustainable growth and market competitiveness—areas in which Callaghan has a strong track record.

From Muscat to Dubai: Track Record of Marketing Excellence

Prior to joining Marriott Dubai, Callaghan held the role of Marketing and Communications Manager at W Muscat, a position in which she was credited with redefining the property’s market perception and launching campaigns that elevated both brand and commercial outcomes.

During her tenure, she led successful collaborations with global lifestyle and entertainment brands such as Red Bull and Kiko Milano, delivered high-impact digital and influencer campaigns, and introduced exclusive experiences like Michelin-starred dining activations and performances by international artists including Hugel, Francis Mercier, and Stephan Jolk.

Her initiatives aligned with Oman’s 2040 Vision for Tourism, which focuses on cultural experiences and high-quality entertainment to attract international travelers. Now, in Dubai, she will be able to bring similar innovation and insight to a larger and more competitive market.

Multi-Property Leadership in a Competitive Market

Saad Al-Ghamdi, Multi-Property General Manager for Marriott Hotel & Marriott Executive Apartments Al Jaddaf, and Marriott Executive Apartments Dubai Creek, praised the strategic timing of the appointment:

“Rhiannon joins us at an exciting time for the properties, with momentum building across both leisure and business travel. Her depth of experience across regional and international markets will be invaluable as we continue shaping the narrative for our hotels. I’m confident her approach will help sharpen our marketing efforts and strengthen our presence in an increasingly competitive landscape.”

The statement reflects Marriott’s confidence in combining global brand standards with locally driven creativity, a strategy aligned with the UAE Tourism Strategy 2031, which targets $122.5 billion (AED 450 billion) in tourism revenue by 2031 and an annual influx of 40 million hotel guests.

Callaghan’s Vision for Marketing in the UAE’s Dynamic Landscape

On her appointment, Rhiannon Callaghan expressed her enthusiasm about joining Marriott in one of the world’s most dynamic hospitality markets:

“Dubai is one of the most dynamic hospitality markets in the world, and these Marriott properties offer huge potential in both reach and resonance. I’m looking forward to working closely with the teams to develop campaigns that feel relevant, insight-led, and focused on delivering real value for our guests.”

Her words mirror the current emphasis by Dubai Tourism and DET on crafting personalized guest experiences and data-driven marketing as key pillars for future success.

Dubai’s Hospitality and Hotel Sector Performance Report (2024) highlighted the critical role that innovative marketing and reputation management play in influencing occupancy rates and brand loyalty, especially in the mid- to upscale segments—precisely where Marriott’s Al Jaddaf properties are positioned.

Integrating Global Trends with Local Authenticity

Callaghan is well-known for blending international marketing standards with authentic local experiences. At her previous posts, she executed campaigns that showcased local culture and talent, community-based CSR initiatives, and wellness-focused activations—all of which align with Dubai’s vision of being a “city for everyone” that balances luxury with inclusivity.

Her strategy for Marriott Dubai is expected to integrate global trends such as:

Hyper-localization in branding and content.
Sustainability-driven storytelling, in line with the UAE Green Agenda 2030.
Expansion of experiential marketing to elevate in-property experiences.
Technology adoption, including digital concierge tools and real-time social media engagement.

These approaches also support the UAE’s National Digital Economy Strategy, which encourages hospitality brands to leverage data, AI, and digital platforms to enhance guest interaction and business efficiency.

Marriott’s Broader Commitment to Creative Leadership

Callaghan’s appointment is part of Marriott’s ongoing investment in leadership and creative talent to maintain its edge in an increasingly competitive global tourism market. With over 8,600 properties in 139 countries and territories, Marriott continues to elevate its leadership pipeline in strategic regions such as the Middle East.

Marriott’s regional performance in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) remains strong, with Dubai playing a central role as a top-performing tourism and business hub. As per STR Global’s latest report, Dubai recorded some of the world’s highest hotel occupancy and RevPAR growth in Q1 2025, making it a strategic focus for hospitality expansion and talent deployment.

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