Marriott expects Rwanda hotel to open by December

DAVOS, Switzerland (AP) -- Marriott International's chief executive says a planned hotel in Rwanda should open by the end of this year. He also says that will make Marriott the first big international hotel chain to enter the country since its genocide two decades ago.

Arne Sorenson says the Kigali hotel should be ready to open by December and that the company is working with local partners to fill jobs.

Those about to get employed "feel like they've won the lottery," Sorenson said on a panel Wednesday at the World Economic Forum in Davos.

Rwanda has won plaudits for its economic renewal over the past few years, but there have been concerns over its human rights record and alleged meddling in neighboring Congo.

In April, it will be 20 years since the genocide began.