Marriott Expands Its Midscale Presence With City Express Brand

Core Insights - Marriott International, Inc. has officially launched its City Express by Marriott brand in the affordable midscale segment in the United States and Canada, marking its first property in this category in the U.S. [1] - The expansion into the U.S. and Canada enhances Marriott's midscale presence, aligning with its strategy to cater to a diverse range of travelers [2][3] Expansion Plans - Marriott is set to expand the City Express brand across the U.S. and Canada, with over 45 signed agreements and more than a dozen properties scheduled to open in 2025 [4] - The company is also planning to introduce City Express by Marriott in several countries in the CALA region, including Argentina, Bolivia, Nicaragua, and Peru, with eight properties expected to open within three years [5] Financial Performance - Marriott's shares have decreased by 14.6% over the past three months, compared to a 9.8% decline in the Zacks Hotels and Motels industry [6] - Despite the recent underperformance, the company is expected to benefit from strong global travel demand, with global group revenues tracking 6% higher for 2025 and 10% higher for 2026 [8]