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Marriott International

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Marriott International
Marriott International
NameMarriott International
TypePublic
Traded asNASDAQ: MAR, S&P 500 component
IndustryHospitality
Founded0 1927 (as Hot Shoppes)
FounderJ. Willard Marriott
Hq location cityBethesda, Maryland
Hq location countryUnited States
Num locationsOver 8,800 properties
Area servedWorldwide
Key peopleAnthony Capuano (CEO), David Marriott (Chairman)
ProductsHotels, Resorts, Timeshares
Num employees~400,000

Marriott International. It is one of the world's largest and most diversified hospitality companies, operating a vast portfolio of lodging brands across more than 139 countries and territories. The company's roots trace back to a small root beer stand opened in Washington, D.C. by founder J. Willard Marriott. Through strategic expansion and major acquisitions, including Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, it has grown into a global leader in the tourism and leisure industry, renowned for its extensive loyalty program, Marriott Bonvoy.

History

The company originated in 1927 with the opening of a Hot Shoppes restaurant in Washington, D.C. by J. Willard Marriott and his wife Alice Marriott. The first hotel, the Twin Bridges Motor Hotel, opened in Arlington, Virginia in 1957. A period of significant growth began under the leadership of J.W. Marriott Jr., who succeeded his father as CEO in 1972. Key milestones included the acquisition of the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company in 1995 and the transformative purchase of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide in 2016, which added iconic brands like Westin, Sheraton, and W Hotels to its portfolio. The company has been headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland since its move from Washington, D.C. in 2019.

Brands and properties

The company's portfolio encompasses over 30 distinct brands segmented into categories such as Luxury, Premium, Select, and Extended Stay. Its Luxury collection includes renowned names like The Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, JW Marriott Hotels, and Edition Hotels. Premium brands feature Sheraton, Westin, and Le Méridien, while the Select tier includes mainstays such as Courtyard by Marriott and Fairfield Inn & Suites. The company also operates popular all-inclusive resorts through brands like Marriott Hotels & Resorts and manages a significant timeshare business under Marriott Vacation Club International. Its global footprint spans iconic properties from the Waikiki Beach in Hawaii to historic landmarks across Europe and Asia.

Corporate affairs

The company is publicly traded on the NASDAQ under the ticker MAR and is a constituent of the S&P 500. Its executive leadership is led by CEO Anthony Capuano, with David Marriott serving as Chairman of the board. Major operational divisions include Marriott Global Development and Marriott Bonvoy, one of the world's largest hospitality loyalty programs with over 180 million members. Key partnerships and joint ventures include a long-standing alliance with Alibaba Group in China and a strategic relationship with MGM Resorts International to operate a portfolio of properties in Las Vegas. Its corporate headquarters are located in Bethesda, Maryland.

Sustainability and social impact

The company has implemented several global initiatives focused on environmental stewardship and social responsibility. Its sustainability goals, part of the "Serve 360" platform, target reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, water intensity, and landfill waste. Notable programs include collaborations with the World Wildlife Fund and participation in the United Nations Global Compact. Social impact efforts are channeled through the Marriott International Foundation, supporting disaster relief via the American Red Cross and community development projects. The company also emphasizes diversity and inclusion through partnerships with organizations like NAACP and has received recognition on the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices.

Criticism and controversies

The company has faced various criticisms and legal challenges over the years. A significant 2018 data breach, one of the largest in history, exposed the personal information of approximately 500 million guests and resulted in a £18.4 million fine from the Information Commissioner's Office in the United Kingdom. It has also been involved in disputes over labor union practices and worker contracts with organizations like Unite Here. Other controversies have included allegations of discriminatory practices at some properties, leading to lawsuits and settlements, and challenges related to the integration of systems following the Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide acquisition, which disrupted the Marriott Bonvoy program.

Category:Hotel chains Category:Companies based in Maryland Category:Companies listed on NASDAQ