Adventure travel used to mean strapping on a backpack and vigorously sweating your way up a steep mountain with a can of bear spray swinging from your belt—a niche pursuit for the hardcore. ...

Accessibility StatementSkip Navigation Award-winning Chefs Eric Ripert, José Andrés, Emeril Lagasse, Stephanie Izard, Carla Hall and more Gather for this Premier Event, January 14 – 19, 2026 as the Legendary Resort Celebrates its 20 Anniversary High-Res Images of The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman's 16th Annual Cayman Cookout Here GRAND CAYMAN, Cayman Islands, Sept. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The first and only Forbes Triple Five- Star hotel in the Caribbean – The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman – announced that tick ...

Core Insights - Marriott International has signed agreements to convert five properties to its new Series by Marriott™ brand in major U.S. markets, marking the brand's official debut in the country [1][2][4] - The Series by Marriott™ brand aims to provide a personalized experience that reflects the unique character of each destination, catering to the growing demand for upscale collection brands [3][4] - The collaboration with Hawkins Way Capital allows for the preservation of the FOUND Hotels brand identity while leveraging Marriott's global reach and loyalty system [4][5] Company Developments - The five properties transitioning to the Series by Marriott™ brand are located in Miami, Santa Monica, San Francisco, Chicago, and San Diego, and are currently operating under the FOUND Hotels brand [1][2][7] - The Series by Marriott™ brand was announced in May 2025 and is designed to offer reliable accommodations with essential amenities for travelers [3][4] - The independent FOUND Hotels brand aligns with the spirit of Series by Marriott™, focusing on design-led, select service hotels in prime locations [4][5] Market Strategy - The launch of Series by Marriott™ is seen as a strategic move to meet the evolving interests of owners, franchisees, and guests, providing a conversion opportunity for regional owners [4] - The brand aims to foster a model for approachable, local lifestyle hotels that cater to modern travelers in sought-after areas [4][5] - Marriott's expansion strategy includes a recent founding deal with Concept Hospitality Private Limited in India, which will affiliate The Ferns Brands with Series by Marriott™, adding to its global portfolio [5]

Group 1 - A trip to Walt Disney World is expensive, but using points and miles can significantly reduce costs for families [1] - American Express Membership Rewards points are highlighted as a flexible way to save on travel expenses [2] - Various American Express cards offer generous welcome bonuses, which can quickly boost points balance [3] Group 2 - The Amex Platinum Card offers a welcome bonus of up to 175,000 points after spending $8,000 in the first 6 months [6][7] - The card provides extensive benefits including airport lounge access, hotel elite status, and significant statement credits [8][11] - The annual fee for the Amex Platinum Card is $695, which is justified by the premium benefits it offers [7][11] Group 3 - Amex points can be transferred to various airline partners, providing significant savings on flights to Orlando [17][19] - Delta SkyMiles allows booking flights to Orlando starting at just 3,600 miles one-way, with additional discounts for co-branded cardholders [20][21] - Virgin Atlantic and JetBlue also offer competitive award rates for flights to Orlando, enhancing travel options for families [22][24] Group 4 - Membership Rewards points are valued at approximately 2.2 cents each, with better value typically found in airline transfers compared to hotel transfers [33] - Transfers to Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy are available, with specific promotions enhancing value during certain periods [34][41] - Using Amex points for hotel stays can be beneficial, especially during promotional transfer bonuses, allowing families to save significantly on accommodations [39][52]

Core Viewpoint - Despite being out of favor on Wall Street with a year-to-date decline of nearly 7%, Marriott International is actively repurchasing a significant amount of stock, presenting potential investment opportunities amidst the AI stock momentum [1] Financial Performance - In the second quarter, Marriott reported a 6% year-over-year increase in adjusted revenue, exceeding $1.8 billion, alongside a similar rise in adjusted earnings per share [4] - Revenue per available room (RevPAR) increased by 1.5% globally in Q2, indicating the company's pricing power even in a challenging macroeconomic environment [9] Growth Drivers - Marriott's net rooms growth is projected to approach 5% for the full year, showcasing the company's expansion strategy [5] - The loyalty program, Marriott Bonvoy, has grown to 248 million members, an 18% increase year-over-year, with 69% of rooms booked globally in Q2 coming from these members [6] - Co-branded credit card fees have risen approximately 10% year-over-year, reflecting strong global card spending [7] - Strategic partnerships with companies like Uber and Starbucks are enhancing customer engagement and loyalty [8] Capital Return Program - Marriott plans to return about $4 billion, approximately 6% of its current market capitalization, to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases during 2025 [12] - The company has a history of steadily growing its dividend, making it an attractive option for dividend-seeking investors [10][13] Investment Outlook - With diversified growth drivers, a dividend yield exceeding 1%, and a reasonable valuation, Marriott is positioned as a solid dividend stock for long-term investment [13]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Marriott reported strong second quarter financial results, with global RevPAR increasing by 1.5% and net rooms growing by 4.7% year over year [5][10] - Total gross fee revenue rose by 4% year over year to $1.4 billion, driven by rooms growth and higher RevPAR [18] - Adjusted EBITDA increased by 7% to $1.42 billion [19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - International RevPAR rose over 5%, with APAC experiencing a 9% increase and EMEA a 7% increase [6][7] - RevPAR in the US and Canada was flat year over year, with select service and extended stay RevPAR declining around 1.5% [9] - Luxury RevPAR grew by 4%, while RevPAR in Greater China declined by 0.5% due to a weaker macro environment [8][10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - RevPAR in the Middle East rose over 10%, while Europe saw a 4% increase [7] - Government room nights in the US and Canada were down 16% year over year, impacting overall demand [21] - Group revenues for 2026 are pacing up 8% in the US and Canada, indicating a positive outlook for future periods [21] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to enhance its technology infrastructure through a multi-year transformation project, focusing on loyalty, reservations, and property management systems [33][34] - Marriott is expanding its luxury portfolio and has launched new brands like Series by Marriott to attract value-conscious travelers [12][13] - The company is committed to maintaining its investment-grade rating while returning excess capital to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases [27] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expects full-year RevPAR growth to be in the lower end of the prior range, between 1.5% to 2.5% [10][20] - The luxury and full-service segments are anticipated to outperform lower-end chain scales, with a positive outlook for the fourth quarter due to holiday shifts and major events [20] - Economic uncertainty remains a concern, but management is optimistic about the long-term growth potential driven by strong demand in luxury and midscale segments [21][22] Other Important Information - The company announced the retirement of CFO Leeny Oberg, with a transition plan in place for her successors [15][16] - Marriott Media Network was introduced to connect brands with guests, leveraging insights into traveler behavior [14][58] Q&A Session Summary Question: Technology transformation project status and expected changes - The company is in the midst of a multi-year transformation of its main systems, with a focus on enhancing guest and owner experiences through new technology [33][34] Question: Implications of recent legislation on development and renovations - The passing of the legislation has reduced uncertainty, potentially driving renovation capital and development optimism among owners [42][43] Question: Group business outlook and lead volumes - Group revenues for 2026 are tracking positively, with no significant cancellations noted, indicating a stable outlook [48][49] Question: Marriott Media Network potential - Early interest from advertisers in the Marriott Media Network has exceeded expectations, indicating a promising future for this initiative [56][58] Question: Residential branding fees volatility - The company remains committed to its residential business, which is a smaller part of the overall fee stream but has high return potential [62][64] Question: Business transient trends and outlook - Business transient RevPAR was down 1% globally, excluding government demand, but corporates are returning to normal travel patterns [68][70]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Marriott reported a second quarter global RevPAR increase of 1.5%, driven by nearly 2% ADR growth, despite a 30 basis point decline in occupancy [16][5] - Total gross fee revenue increased by 4% year over year to $1.4 billion, reflecting rooms growth and higher RevPAR [16][17] - Adjusted EBITDA rose by 7% to $1.42 billion [17][23] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - RevPAR in the luxury segment increased by 4%, while select service and extended stay RevPAR in the US and Canada declined by approximately 1.5% year over year [7][8] - International RevPAR rose over 5%, with APAC seeing a 9% increase and EMEA a 7% increase [6][5] - Owned, leased, and other revenue, net of expenses, rose by 14% compared to the prior year, driven by improved performance at various hotels [17][16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - RevPAR in Greater China declined by 0.5% year over year due to a weaker macro environment, while the US and Canada region's RevPAR was flat year over year [7][6] - Government room nights in the US and Canada were down 16% year over year in the second quarter [19][66] - Group revenues for 2026 are pacing up 8% in the US and Canada, indicating a positive outlook for future periods [19][45] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on enhancing its technology transformation, including a multi-year project on loyalty, reservations, and PMS systems [30][31] - Marriott is expanding its luxury portfolio and has plans to open an additional 27 luxury properties this year [12][11] - The introduction of the Marriott Media Network aims to connect brands with audiences throughout the guest journey, leveraging insights into traveler behavior [13][55] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expects full year RevPAR growth to be in the lower end of the prior range, between 1.5% to 2.5% over last year, with stronger growth anticipated internationally [9][17] - The company anticipates a flat to 1% increase in global RevPAR for the third quarter, with a more optimistic outlook for the fourth quarter due to holiday shifts and major events [18][19] - Management expressed confidence in the resilience of the group segment, despite macroeconomic uncertainties [86][85] Other Important Information - The company announced the retirement of CFO Leeny Oberg, with a transition plan in place [14][15] - The pipeline reached a record of over 590,000 rooms, with 40% under construction [9][10] - The company is committed to maintaining its investment-grade rating while returning excess capital to shareholders [25][24] Q&A Session Summary Question: Technology transformation project status and expected changes - Management is in the midst of a multi-year transformation of key systems, with a focus on enhancing guest and owner experiences through new technology [30][31] Question: Implications of recent legislation on development and renovations - The passage of the legislation has reduced uncertainty, potentially driving more renovation capital and development optimism among owners [39][40] Question: Group business trends and future bookings - Group revenues for 2026 are tracking positively, with no significant cancellations noted, indicating a stable outlook [45][46] Question: Marriott Media Network potential - Early interest from prospective advertisers has exceeded expectations, indicating a promising future for the network [51][54] Question: Commitment to residential branding despite volatility - Management remains excited about the residential business, emphasizing its long-term value despite short-term fluctuations [58][60] Question: Business transient trends and outlook - Business transient RevPAR was down 1% excluding government demand, but overall corporate travel is returning to normal levels [64][67]

Core Insights - Marriott International has completed the acquisition of citizenM, enhancing its global lifestyle offerings and expanding its select-service portfolio [1][2] - The citizenM brand includes 37 hotels with a total of 8,789 rooms across over 20 cities in the U.S., Europe, and Asia Pacific, with an additional pipeline of two hotels totaling over 300 rooms [1][3] - The integration of citizenM into Marriott's systems will begin, with citizenM properties remaining bookable on their own digital channels until full integration later this year [2][3] Company Strategy - The acquisition aligns with Marriott's strategy to grow its select-service lifestyle offerings, leveraging its proven success with brands like AC, Moxy, and Aloft [2][3] - Marriott aims to accelerate citizenM's global reach, enhancing value for Marriott Bonvoy members through the integration of citizenM into the loyalty program [2][3] Brand Characteristics - citizenM is recognized for its tech-savvy in-hotel experience, efficient use of space, and focus on art and design, catering to value-conscious travelers [3] - The brand offers features such as smart in-room design, collaborative workspaces, and vibrant common areas, appealing to modern travelers seeking innovative accommodations [3]

Core Insights - Marriott International has signed a long-term agreement to develop 30 City Express by Marriott hotels in Northeast Brazil over the next 15 years, marking the brand's debut in the country with seven new hotels [1][3][5] - The new properties will contribute over 750 guest rooms across key growth destinations in Northeast Brazil, reinforcing Marriott's commitment to expanding access to quality accommodations in emerging markets [6][8] Company Expansion - The signing ceremony was attended by local government officials, representatives from FÁBRICA DE HOTÉIS, Marriott executives, and media, highlighting the collaborative effort in this expansion [2] - City Express by Marriott is experiencing rapid growth, now present in five countries with over 60 projects in the pipeline, indicating a strong impact in the midscale hospitality segment [4][10] Market Strategy - The brand's expansion aligns with Marriott's strategy to diversify its offerings and capture new customer segments, particularly in the affordable midscale segment [5][10] - The new hotels will cater to a diverse range of guests, including business professionals and leisure travelers, reflecting the economic and tourism growth in Brazil's Northeast region [8][9] Future Developments - Additional hotels are planned along the coastal area of Cabo de Santo Agostinho and other regions, with openings expected by 2029, further enhancing the brand's footprint in Brazil [9] - The first hotel in Ipojuca, Pernambuco, will open in the Suape Industrial Port Complex, a significant hub for economic development, with another property in Porto de Galinhas expected by 2028 [7][8]

Core Insights - Marriott International, Inc. has launched its midscale extended stay segment with the opening of the first StudioRes hotel in Fort Myers, Florida, paving the way for over 40 additional properties expected to open by the end of 2027 [1][7]. Group 1: StudioRes Launch - The StudioRes concept, developed two years ago, targets a diverse range of travelers, including those on long-term work assignments and relocations [2]. - The StudioRes Fort Myers features 124 studio-style rooms with nightly rates around $100, offering amenities such as a kitchen, lounging area, and communal spaces [3]. - The property is strategically located near tourist attractions and will be integrated into Marriott's loyalty program, Marriott Bonvoy, allowing members to earn and redeem points [4]. Group 2: Marriott's Portfolio and Growth - Marriott is a leader in the luxury and lifestyle hotel sector, with over 30 brands and nearly 9,500 properties across 144 countries as of March 2025, enabling it to command premium room rates [5]. - The company is expanding its presence internationally, particularly in Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa, with a development pipeline of 3,808 hotels and approximately 587,000 rooms, including over 244,000 rooms under construction [6]. - In the past month, Marriott's stock has increased by 5.6%, outperforming the industry growth of 3.7%, indicating positive market sentiment [7][8].