Marriott International (MAR) reports developments across a global lodging portfolio that spans luxury, premium, select, midscale, extended stay and all-inclusive brands. The company franchises, operates and licenses hotel, residential, timeshare, yacht, outdoor and other lodging products, and supports its brands through the Marriott Bonvoy travel platform.
Recurring news includes earnings releases, dividend actions, hotel openings, brand conversions, management agreements, regional development activity and executive appearances at lodging and leisure industry events. Updates also cover brand-specific expansion such as W Hotels and St. Regis, as well as growth across markets including the Caribbean, Latin America, Italy and Hawai'i.
Marriott International (NASDAQ: MAR) has been named one of Fortune's 100 Best Companies to Work For for the 26th consecutive year, underscoring its commitment to employee welfare. As part of this initiative, Marriott is launching a new people brand called "Be", aimed at enhancing the recruitment and retention of talent across its global workforce. The brand emphasizes three pillars: begin, belong, and become, and will be implemented across over 8,300 properties. Marriott added over 200,000 associates last year and continues to offer competitive benefits, including an Employee Stock Purchase Plan and increased retirement savings matches.
The Ritz-Carlton has officially opened its doors in Melbourne, Australia, marking a significant addition to Marriott Bonvoy's portfolio. The new hotel, located 80 stories high, offers luxury accommodations, with 257 rooms designed to showcase stunning city views. Guests can enjoy upscale amenities, including three distinct culinary venues, a spa, and versatile event spaces. The hotel's design celebrates Melbourne's rich culture and heritage. With a focus on personalized service and unique experiences, The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne aims to become a premier destination for both travelers and locals.
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) appointed Lauren Hobart and Grant Reid as independent directors, effective March 15, 2023. Hobart, CEO of DICK'S Sporting Goods, is noted for her transformative leadership and commitment to inclusivity. Reid, former CEO of Mars, has a distinguished record in company growth, significantly increasing Mars' annual sales to nearly $45 billion. Their addition to the board aims to enhance Marriott's strategy focusing on technological innovation and strong company culture. The board will grow to 14 members, with 11 independent directors anticipated, as it prepares for the upcoming 2023 annual meeting of stockholders.
On March 10, 2023, Marriott International (NASDAQ: MAR) announced it received regulatory approval from Mexico's COFECE for acquiring the City Express brand portfolio from Hoteles City Express. This acquisition aims to expand Marriott's presence in the affordable midscale segment, adding approximately 150 hotels and 17,000 rooms across Mexico and Latin America. Following the anticipated closure in Q2 2023, Marriott will enhance the City Express brands with its signature 'by Marriott' endorsement, positioning itself as the largest hotel company in the Caribbean and Latin America with over 480 properties across 37 countries.
Marriott Bonvoy has launched VIP experiences in collaboration with the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team for the 2023 racing season. Starting with the Miami race weekend in May 2023, the program offers 11 exclusive packages that allow members to participate in unique activities, such as driving laps in high-performance cars and enjoying behind-the-scenes access to the F1 team. Notable offerings include stays at Ritz-Carlton hotels and immersive experiences during races across multiple cities. These opportunities are available to Marriott Bonvoy members who can use points earned through travel and purchases to bid on these experiences.
Marriott International (NASDAQ: MAR) announces its agreement with Grimit S.r.l. to establish The Ritz-Carlton, Bellagio, marking its inaugural property in Italy. This luxury hotel, expected to open in 2026, will undergo a transformation of the historic Hotel Grande Bretagne. The property will feature 59 rooms and 46 suites, alongside a destination spa, diverse dining options, and extensive gardens. Located on Lake Como, a renowned tourist destination, the hotel aims to restore the legacy of the former hotel and enhance Marriott’s luxury brand portfolio in Italy.
Marriott International (NASDAQ: MAR) announced on February 24, 2023, a new organizational structure and executive appointments to enhance growth. President and CEO Anthony Capuano aims to drive strategies benefiting customers and franchisees. Key appointments include Drew Pinto as Executive Vice President and Chief Revenue & Technology Officer, Peggy Fang Roe as Executive Vice President and Chief Customer Officer, and Tina Edmundson as President, Luxury. Additionally, Yibing Mao returns as President, Greater China. The company boasts a growth pipeline of approximately 280,000 hotel rooms internationally, indicating significant expansion potential.
Marriott International (NASDAQ: MAR) has partnered with the UK-based Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) to combat online child exploitation by blocking access to child sexual abuse material (CSAM) in its hotels. This initiative, the first of its kind in the hospitality industry, leverages Cisco's technology for effective filtering. Marriott aims to implement these measures across U.S. and Canadian hotels, following a successful pilot in November 2022, with global deployment expected by 2024. CEO Anthony Capuano emphasized Marriott's commitment to human rights, building upon previous anti-trafficking training for one million hotel associates.
Marriott International has announced the appointment of Saba Landmann as Senior Vice President for Global Brand and Portfolio PR, effective immediately. Landmann, previously with G-III Apparel Group, will lead communications for Marriott's extensive portfolio of nearly 8,200 properties across 30 brands. Her marketing expertise is expected to enhance consumer engagement strategies, especially as travel demand surges.
Tricia Primrose, Marriott's Executive Vice President, expressed confidence in Landmann's ability to connect with a diverse audience through innovative PR campaigns. Landmann will be based in Manhattan, contributing her extensive experience in global communications to strengthen the Marriott brand.
Marriott International (NASDAQ: MAR) reported strong financials for Q4 2022, with worldwide RevPAR growth of 28.8% compared to Q4 2021. Reported net income reached $673 million, up from $468 million in the previous year. Adjusted diluted EPS stood at $1.96, a significant increase from $1.30. The company added over 65,000 rooms globally in 2022, maintaining a robust development pipeline of over 3,000 properties. In 2022, Marriott repurchased 16.8 million shares for $2.6 billion and returned $2.9 billion to shareholders. Looking ahead, RevPAR is projected to grow by 30% to 32% in Q1 2023.