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A CHANGING OF the guard is taking place at Marriott International as chairmanship of the company transitions from J.W. "Bill" Marriott Jr. to his son David Marriott. The senior Marriott has led the company for more than 60 years. Marriott announced the change in February. J.W. spent his high school and college years working in a variety of positions in the family's Hot Shoppes restaurant chain. He became a full-time associate in 1956, and soon afterward began overseeing the first Marriott hotel. He became president of the company in 1964 and CEO in 1972, a role he held for 40 years before stepping down in 2012. He was elected chairman of the board in 1985. "On behalf of the board and the hundreds of thousands of people who wear a Marriott name badge around the world, I'd like to thank Mr. Marriott for his outstanding leadership throughout his tenure with the company. He is truly an industry icon," Anthony Capuano, Marriot's CEO.

MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL RECENTLY launched "Business Access by Marriott Bonvoy," an online travel booking program for small and medium business travelers. This program combines the benefits of the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio with travel tools for booking, managing, and expensing business travel. It is available to businesses in the U.S., Canada and other countries, Marriott said in a statement. "We recognize the significant value small businesses provide to the hotel industry," said Drew Pinto, Marriott International's executive vice president and chief revenue and technology officer. "Whether small to medium-sized businesses are looking for convenient online booking capabilities for their employees or better expense management solutions, the all-in-one platform, merged with our portfolio of hotel brands around the world, provides everything they need to manage their business travel needs."

A LETTER APPEARING to be from Marriott International stating that the company was "re-evaluating" its official relationship with AAHOA over the association's new stance on franchise relations is causing some disruption on social media. Marriott and AAHOA have not responded to repeated requests for comment on the letter, but in an email to members AAHOA Chairman Neal Patel said the letter is a draft and the company and association are still in negotiations. The letter specifically cites AAHOA's request that the company reassess its franchising policies in light of AAHOA's recently released "12 Points of Fair Franchising." Also, it mentions AAHOA's support for New Jersey's proposed Assembly Bill 1958 that would make changes to the New Jersey Franchise Practices Act similar to the guidelines laid out in the 12 Points. "Ultimately, Marriott cannot support, either by endorsement and/or financially, any organization that is in direct opposition to our business model and interests," Marriott said in the letter. "We believe quite strongly that the longstanding relationship between Marriott and AAHOA has proven to be mutually beneficial, and we are deeply saddened that AAHOA has chosen to pivot its stance on these key issues in a way that is decidedly anti-franchising and anti-Marriott (especially since, as the AAHOA leadership shared with us in a recent meeting, neither AAHOA's leaders nor its members have any material issues with Marriott's approach to franchising or to our franchisees)."

Pradip Bhol is now promoted as the cluster director of engineering at Courtyard By Marriott Surat, following his tenure as chief engineer. In the new capacity, he will oversee operations at Courtyard By Marriott Surat, Surat Marriott Hotel, Auro University, and forthcoming projects at Earth Space, Courtyard Surat said in a statement. Courtyard Surat is managed by Gujarat JHM Hotels and owned by the U.S.-based Auro Hotels, founded by the Rama family. "Pradip's promotion is a testament to his remarkable contributions and underscores Courtyard By Marriott Surat's commitment to recognizing and empowering talent within its ranks," said Vikas Sharma, Courtyard Surat's area general manager. "His leadership will undoubtedly chart new heights of success and further solidify the cluster's position. " Bhol has previously worked at Hyatt Hotels Corp., Accor, Lemon Tree Hotels, and Marriott International, the statement added.

GUJARAT JHM HOTELS, owned by the Rama family along with U.S.-based Auro Hotels, recently signed a memorandum of understanding with the government of Gujarat to develop the JW Marriott Surat Resort & Spa in Surat in the state of Gujarat, India. It is GJHM's third Marriott hotel in the city after the Surat Marriott Hotel and the Courtyard by Marriott Surat. The upcoming property will feature more than 300 guestrooms and villas, according to a joint statement by GJHM and Auro Hotels, according to a release on the Press Trust of India website. "This transformative project, backed by more than $120 million (Rs 1,000 crore) investment, aims to create jobs for 800 individuals, offer crucial infrastructure for the city's growth, and establish Surat as the commercial capital of Gujarat," said D.J. Rama, director of GJHM and president and CEO of Auro Hotels. "Aspiring to be a 'Smart City,' this strategic investment underscores Gujarat JHM's commitment to fostering inclusive development. Surat is poised to emerge as a beacon of urban advancement, seamlessly combining financial strength with technological innovation."

MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL REPORTED 4.9 percent year-over-year global RevPAR growth in the second quarter of 2024, with U.S. and Canada RevPAR rising 3.9 percent and international RevPAR increasing 7.4 percent. The company's net income grew to $772 million from $726 million a year ago, Marriott said in a statement. "Marriott reported strong second quarter results, with net rooms up 6 percent year-over-year and worldwide RevPAR growth of nearly 5 percent, as consumers continued to prioritize travel," said Anthony Capuano, Marriott International's president and CEO. "International RevPAR increased more than 7 percent, with Asia-Pacific excluding China leading the way, posting an impressive 13 percent RevPAR increase from the year-ago quarter." RevPAR for the U.S. and Canada grew nearly 4 percent during the quarter, Capuano said, and all customer segments grew versus the prior year quarter.

MARRIOTT INTERNATION RECENTLY released its 2024 Serve 360 Report, detailing the company's global environmental, social and governance efforts and progress towards its 2025 sustainability and social impact goals. The report outlines data on sustainable operations, diversity and inclusion, volunteerism, and other ESG activities led by Marriott associates and hotels worldwide. Based on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, Marriott's sustainability and social impact platform, Serve 360: Doing Good in Every Direction, guides the company's ESG efforts through four focus areas: Nurture Our World, Sustain Responsible Operations, Empower Through Opportunity and Welcome All and Advance Human Rights. The report reflects data for the calendar year ending Dec. 31, 2023, Marriott said in a statement.

A JOINT VENTURE between U.S. investment firms KKR and The Baupost Group recently acquired 33 Marriott International hotels in the United Kingdom from a subsidiary of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority. Amante Capital, KKR's European hospitality platform, will manage the joint venture, with the properties remaining Marriott-branded, the companies said in a joint statement. The financial details of the deal remain undisclosed, but a Green Street News report estimated the transaction at around $1.16 billion or £900 million. The portfolio includes 33 full-service Marriott and Delta Hotels by Marriott in London and key regional cities such as Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds and Liverpool, the statement said. The 6,500-key portfolio, recently refurbished, features amenities for business and leisure, including conference venues, event spaces, golf and recreation facilities. The investment is part of KKR's European real estate strategy.

MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL and IHG Hotels & Resorts scored 100 on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation's 2022 Corporate Equality Index. The CEI is a benchmarking survey and report measuring corporate policies and practices related to LGBTQ workplace equality in the U.S. The index rates companies on criteria falling under four central pillars. That includes non-discrimination policies across business entities, equitable benefits for LGBTQ workers and their families, supporting an inclusive culture and corporate social responsibility. This was the ninth consecutive year for Marriott to make a perfect score on the index. This year the index included 1,200 U.S.-based companies and 242 Mexico-based companies. "Marriott International has a more than 90-year history of fostering a culture of inclusion and belonging," Ty Breland, Marriott executive vice president and chief human resources officer, said in a statement. "We are proud of this recognition for the ninth consecutive year and will continue to implement policies and programs that create a welcoming workplace for all."

MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL LAUNCHED HotelHelp, a pilot room donation program for human trafficking survivors, at the AHLA Foundation's third annual No Room for Trafficking Summit. The program works with care providers who handle bookings, offering survivors short-term stays at Marriott properties, Marriott said in a statement. The program is being piloted in five U.S. cities-Atlanta, Detroit, Phoenix, Seattle, and Washington, D.C.-and is expected to expand to 25 cities across North America by January 2025. "Survivors of human trafficking often face a shortage of dedicated shelter beds that put them at greater risk of being re-trafficked after exiting their trafficking situation," said Anthony Capuano, Marriott's president and CEO. "As part of our longstanding anti-trafficking and survivor empowerment efforts, we are proud to have developed a solution to bridge the gap for safe, short-term accommodations for trafficking survivors and we look forward to working with other hotel companies to extend the reach of this effort."

MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL REPORTED five percent global RevPAR growth in the fourth quarter of 2024, with a four percent increase in the U.S. and Canada and 7.2 percent in international markets. However, net income fell to $455 million from $848 million in the prior year. The company added more than 123,000 rooms in 2024, achieving 6.8 percent net rooms growth from year-end 2023, Marriott said in a statement. "Marriott achieved excellent results in 2024, as we delivered best-in-class experiences that helped drive strong demand for our industry-leading portfolio of brands," said Anthony Capuano, Marriott's president and CEO. "Full-year global RevPAR rose 4.3 percent, and with record gross room additions, net rooms grew 6.8 percent to more than 1.7 million worldwide."

MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL REPORTED record growth in 2024, opening 123,000 gross rooms and achieving 6.8 percent net room growth. The company ended the year with more than 577,000 rooms in its development pipeline and signed more than 1,200 deals-an average of three per day-totaling nearly 162,000 rooms globally. The company signed a record 608 deals in the U.S. and Canada last year, Marriott said in a statement. "2024 was a year of growth for Marriott, with regional milestones, segment entries, brand expansions, and market debuts," said Anthony Capuano, Marriott's president and CEO. "We remain focused on connecting people through travel, and I'm excited about the work our global teams are doing to drive growth, innovation, and deliver strong results for our owners and franchisees."

MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL IS withdrawing its support for AAHOA in opposition to the association's 12 Points of Fair Franchising, according to an alert to AAHOA members. Indications of the split began in July, when a letter to this effect was circulated but not confirmed, and AAHOA said its efforts to make the situation right in the meantime have failed. The AAHOA member alert also said Marriott had expressed opposition to AAHOA's support for legislation proposed last year in the New Jersey legislature that would strengthen protections for franchise businesses in the state, including hotels. In its alert, attributed to Neal Patel, chairman of AAHOA, said most hotel franchisers did not take issue with the association's support for the New Jersey legislation nor the 12 Points. "Many of our other hotel brand partners have taken an open-minded and collaborative approach to fair franchising. We appreciate their willingness to work together to ensure better outcomes for AAHOA members, the industry, and hotel customers," Patel said. "However, we wanted to inform you that Marriott International - one of our longtime brand partners - has decided to take a different position."

The Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Tampa Riverview is now open in Riverview, Florida. It is owned by Riverview Hotels & Resorts LLC led by manager Singh Japinder and managed by Naples Hotel Group of Naples, Florida. The 108-room hotel is near James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital, St. Joseph's Hospital, Topgolf and Bass Pro Shops. Hotel amenities include an outdoor swimming pool, fitness center and 512 square feet of meeting space to accommodate functions of up to 40 people. "The Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Tampa Riverview is a truly stunning example of the brand's contemporary look and feel, and we are pleased to introduce Fairfield by Marriott hotels in the Riverview area," said Janis Milham, Senior Vice President and Global Brand Leader, Classic Select Brands at Marriott International.

JUST OVER ONE year ago, Marriott International severed its support for AAHOA over the association's 12 Points of Fair Franchising and support for franchise reform legislation in New Jersey. At AAHOA's 35th Annual Convention & Trade Show this year in Orlando, Marriott came back, albeit with its status remaining unclear. Also, AAHOA made alterations to the 12 Points aimed at providing more protection for members in the event of the franchiser's acquisition by another company. Also at AAHOACON24, Miraj Patel became the youngest chairman in the history of the association, Pinal Patel became its new secretary and immediate Past Chairman Bharat Patel and AAHOA President & CEO Laura Lee Blake spoke on how the history of the association led to its success.

MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL RECENTLY picked the Agilysys point-of-sale platform, InfoGenesis, as an option for its hotels throughout the U.S. and Canada. Marriott's luxury, premium and select tiers hotels in both countries can now use the platform for guest-facing and staff-facing operations in F&B, retail and activity centers at each property. Agilysys is led by CEO Ramesh Srinivasan. InfoGenesis consolidates guest and staff purchasing transactions onto a single comprehensive cloud platform tailored for the hospitality industry, Agilysis said in a statement. InfoGenesis POS integrates with Marriott property management systems, furnishing front desk operators with detailed POS transactional information aimed at enhancing operational efficiency. "Marriott International is a globally admired organization and we look forward to offering properties across the U.S. and Canada the opportunity to leverage our enterprise-grade InfoGenesis omnichannel point-of-sale technology platform," said Srinivasan.

MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL REPORTED a 3 percent increase in global RevPAR, with 2.1 percent growth in the U.S. and Canada and 5.4 percent in international markets for the third quarter. Net income totaled $584 million, and approximately 16,000 net rooms were added during the quarter. "Marriott had another solid quarter, highlighted by strong net rooms and fee growth, robust development activity, and a 3 percent increase in global RevPAR," said Anthony Capuano, Marriott's president and CEO. "Third-quarter international RevPAR rose 5.4 percent, led by gains in APEC and EMEA, with resilient domestic and cross-border demand and solid ADR growth. U.S. & Canada RevPAR increased over 2 percent year-over-year, with ADR up 2.3 percent." Capuano noted the group segment stood out, with global group RevPAR rising 10 percent and expected to grow 8 percent for 2024. "RevPAR for the business transient segment continued to grow, while leisure transient RevPAR remained flat year-over-year but still well ahead of pre-pandemic levels," he said.

NEWCRESTIMAGE RECENTLY ACQUIRED the TownePlace Suites by Marriott Dallas Las Colinas in Irving, Texas. It is the most recent acquisition for the Dallas-based investment firm led by Mehul Patel as managing partner and CEO, and the company plans to fully renovate the property, which opened in 1998 and was last renovated in 2014. The 3-floor, 135-suite property offers three types of guestroom: studio, one-bedroom, and two bedroom, according to NewcrestImage. It is near two major airports, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport and Love Field, and two major convention centers, the Irving Convention Center and the Gaylord Texan Convention Center. Amenities at the hotel include a fitness center and an outdoor pool. "This extended-stay property is in the heart of a high-traffic corridor that's a popular destination for both corporate and leisure travelers," Patel said. The acquisition of the TownePlace Suites is important to Marriott, said Loren Nalewanski, the company's vice president franchising for the Element, Residence Inn, Fairfield, TownePlace and SpringHill Suites brands. "Our industry is built on strong partnerships between brands and owners," Nalewanski said. "This acquisition enhances the long, valued, and successful partnership between Marriott and NewcrestImage, which has owned and operated 30 Marriott-branded properties since 2013."

MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL IS introducing its "City Express" brand to the U.S. and Canada, marking its entry into the midscale transient segment. Previously known as Project Mid-T, this expansion underscores Marriott's commitment to enhancing its midscale offerings and providing lodging options for all travel purposes. The brand has attracted interest from owners and franchisees and expects to sign agreements, with potential hotel openings in the U.S. and Canada in the coming months, Marriott said in a statement. "Since entering the affordable midscale space with the acquisition of City Express in the Caribbean and Latin America just over a year ago, we have seen significant interest for the brand and are pleased with its growth across the region," said Diana Plazas-Trowbridge, Marriott's senior vice president and global brand leader of select brands. "With this announcement, Marriott aims to continue growth in the affordable midscale segment and provide a new option for value-conscious travelers in the U.S. and Canada."

PEACHTREE GROUP BAGGED multiple Marriott Select Brands Awards at this year's Marriott Select Brands Owner & Franchisee CONNECT Conference in Orlando, Florida. The awards recognize hotels for service, innovation and commitment to guest satisfaction. Peachtree is led by Greg Friedman as managing principal and CEO, Jatin Desai as managing principal and CFO and Mitul Patel as principal. "These awards are a testament to the exceptional work our hotel associates deliver every day," said Steve Mackenzie, Peachtree's senior vice president of operations, hospitality management. "These hotels have consistently excelled in guest and F&B satisfaction, setting a benchmark for unparalleled service, and we are proud to have them as part of the Peachtree family. Additionally, we extend our gratitude to our partners who entrust us with managing their properties. Their collaboration has been instrumental in achieving these accolades, showcasing our shared commitment to superior quality."