Marriott CEO on new paths for growth

Anthony Capuano wants to see the company expand faster internationally in hotel count and loyalty membership

Marriott, which is in 138 countries and territories today, has 20 more countries in the pipeline. The company has 1.5 million rooms, and about 60% of its development pipeline is outside the United States. It is aiming for at least 4 percent net rooms growth this year.

Key takeaways

To strengthen the group’s core lodging business, Marriott will look to drive down costs, by “continuing to drive down affiliation costs in the franchise portion of the business” and boosting margins in the managed portion;

The company wants to expand into adjacent categories, including recent entries into Ritz Carlton-branded yacht-style cruise ships, home rentals through Marriott Homes and Villas, and a rapidly expanding branded residential business;

Marriott also wants to continue strengthening its Bonvoy loyalty platform by growing it internationally, it being "the most important of our brands because it pulls together the entirety of the portfolio,” Capuano said.

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