Marriott International Reports Record Growth in 2024

By Nishang Narayan

Published on January 31, 2025

Marriott International reported a remarkable year in 2024, achieving a net room growth of 6.8% and adding a record-breaking 123,000 gross rooms. The company's development pipeline expanded significantly, reaching over 577,000 rooms across 3,766 properties worldwide. Marriott also signed over 1,200 deals, averaging more than three per day, adding nearly 162,000 rooms globally. Notably, 34% of these signings were conversions, reflecting Marriott's strong appeal to existing hotels looking for rebranding opportunities.

Luxury Expansion

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Marriott’s luxury portfolio saw impressive growth, with the total number of properties reaching 658 hotels, resorts, and branded residences across 74 countries. The company signed a record 61 luxury deals, bringing its pipeline to 266 luxury projects. Key luxury openings in 2024 included W Prague, The St. Regis on the Bund in Shanghai, and The Jeddah EDITION in Saudi Arabia. Additionally, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection launched its second superyacht, Ilma, with a third, Luminara, set to debut in summer 2025.

Midscale and Affordable Segments

Marriott strengthened its presence in the affordable midscale segment, particularly through City Express by Marriott, which is set to expand into Nicaragua, Bolivia, Argentina, Peru, and Brazil. The brand is also preparing to launch in the U.S. and Canada. Meanwhile, the StudioRes extended-stay brand ended the year with 35 properties in development, expecting its first opening in 2025. Additionally, Four Points Flex by Sheraton recorded 28 open properties and 33 in the pipeline.

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Regional Growth Highlights

  • U.S. & Canada: Marriott surpassed 1 million rooms across 6,307 properties, with a record 608 deals signed in 2024. The region’s pipeline now includes nearly 263,000 rooms.
  • Asia Pacific (excluding China): Marriott signed 109 deals, representing 21,439 rooms, increasing the pipeline to 363 properties.
  • Greater China: A record 161 deals signed, adding nearly 31,000 rooms to the pipeline.
  • Caribbean & Latin America: The region’s pipeline grew by 15%, with 67 new deal signings.
  • Europe, Middle East & Africa: Marriott signed a record 291 deals, adding over 34,000 rooms and growing its pipeline by 10%.

Branded Residences & Alternative Hospitality

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Marriott expanded its branded residential portfolio, ending the year with 142 open residential locations and a pipeline of 138 projects across 16 brands. Notable developments include The Westin Residences Gurugram in India and The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Boston, South Station Tower.

In addition, the company ventured into non-traditional hospitality by acquiring Postcard Cabins and partnering with Trailborn, enhancing its presence in outdoor-focused lodging.

With record-breaking growth and strong expansion across multiple segments, Marriott International continues to solidify its position as a global hospitality leader.


Morocco Outclasses Haiti as FIFA World Cup 2026 Hospitality Sales Hit New Milestone

Morocco Outclasses Haiti as FIFA World Cup 2026 Hospitality Sales Hit New Milestone

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 26, 2026

The FIFA World Cup 2026 continued to deliver exciting action on the pitch, while record-breaking hospitality sales highlighted the tournament's growing commercial success off the field.

In Group C, Morocco registered an impressive 4-2 victory over Haiti in a high-scoring encounter. The win strengthens Morocco's position in the group as the competition moves deeper into the group stage.

In another Group C fixture, Brazil put on a dominant display against Scotland, taking a commanding three-goal lead and underlining their status as one of the tournament favourites.

Group A also witnessed crucial results. South Africa secured a hard-fought victory over South Korea, winning the match by a single goal. Meanwhile, Mexico delivered a strong performance against Czechia, finding the net three times to earn an important result in the group.

Away from the football action, the FIFA World Cup 2026 continues to generate unprecedented interest from fans seeking premium experiences. On Location, the Official Hospitality Provider for the FIFA World Cup 2026™, announced that sales for the FIFA World Cup Official Hospitality Program remain exceptionally strong.

According to the company, hospitality sales revenue for the 2026 tournament surpassed the total hospitality sales achieved during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 as early as June 2025, a full year before the tournament began.

The momentum has continued into 2026. As of March 31, 2026, hospitality sales revenue for the FIFA World Cup 2026 had more than doubled the revenue generated by any previous FIFA World Cup hospitality programme. The tournament has also exceeded the number of hospitality packages sold during the FIFA World Cup Brazil 2014, which remains the most attended World Cup from a hospitality perspective.

The figures reflect the growing demand for premium sports travel experiences, with fans increasingly seeking exclusive access, enhanced matchday experiences and curated hospitality offerings alongside world-class football.

As the tournament progresses, both the on-field competition and the business of sports hospitality continue to demonstrate the global appeal of the FIFA World Cup, making the 2026 edition one of the most commercially successful tournaments in the event's history.


FIFA 2026: Portugal Register Big Win Over Uzbekistan

FIFA 2026: Portugal Register Big Win Over Uzbekistan

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 25, 2026

The FIFA World Cup 2026 continued to deliver action on the field, with Portugal producing one of the most dominant performances of the tournament so far by defeating Uzbekistan 5-0 in their Group K clash.

Portugal's attacking display proved too strong for Uzbekistan as they secured a convincing five-goal victory and strengthened their position in the group standings.

In Group L, England and Ghana played out a goalless draw in a tightly contested encounter. Despite several opportunities at both ends, neither side was able to find the breakthrough, resulting in both teams sharing the points.

Another Group L fixture saw Croatia edge past Panama with a 1-0 victory. Croatia's disciplined performance and decisive goal helped them collect all three points and maintain momentum in the competition.

In Group K, Colombia secured a narrow 1-0 win over DR Congo. The South American side delivered a composed performance to claim an important victory and improve their chances of progressing further in the tournament.

Beyond the football action, the FIFA World Cup 2026 is also expected to provide a significant boost to the hospitality sector in the United States. According to a recent report by CoStar and Tourism Economics, lodging demand generated by the tournament is projected to increase U.S. hotel Revenue Per Available Room (RevPAR) by 1.7% year-on-year during June and July 2026.

The impact is expected to be even stronger in host cities, where RevPAR is forecast to grow by 12.7% during the World Cup months. For the full year, host markets are projected to record a 3.8% increase in RevPAR, highlighting the economic benefits associated with one of the world's largest sporting events.

While industry experts describe the overall growth as modest, the report notes that the tournament will make a meaningful contribution to hotel industry performance in 2026. Increased visitor arrivals, longer stays and higher occupancy levels are expected to support hotels across key host destinations throughout the competition.

As the tournament progresses, both football fans and hospitality businesses continue to benefit from the excitement and global attention surrounding FIFA World Cup 2026.


Emirates Offers Kenyan Travellers More Value on Summer Trips to Dubai

Emirates Offers Kenyan Travellers More Value on Summer Trips to Dubai

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 24, 2026

Emirates is encouraging Kenyan travellers to make the most of their summer holidays with a range of exclusive benefits for passengers travelling to or through Dubai.

The airline's latest summer campaign offers added value through complimentary hotel stays, citywide discounts and customised travel itineraries, making Dubai an even more attractive destination for both short stopovers and extended vacations.

Known for its year-round appeal, Dubai offers visitors a diverse mix of attractions, from world-famous landmarks and theme parks to museums, art galleries, shopping destinations and family-friendly experiences. Travellers can explore iconic attractions such as the Burj Khalifa or enjoy indoor activities designed to beat the summer heat.

Adnan Kazim, Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, Emirates said, "Whether visitors are seeking relaxation, adventure, entertainment or a combination of all three, Dubai is the ideal start to any summer vacation. We're inviting passengers to enjoy even more of the city with a complimentary hotel stay to take advantage of the exceptional range of shopping, entertainment, dining and family-friendly experiences that define the Dubai summer experience, when stopping over as part of your journey or visiting Dubai as your final destination."

As part of the offer, Emirates passengers can enjoy a complimentary stay at the five-star JW Marriott Marquis, located in the heart of Dubai. Guests can experience the hotel's award-winning dining venues, wellness facilities, fitness centre, BodyBase studio and outdoor pool overlooking the city's skyline.

Travellers who purchase Emirates return tickets in First Class or Business Class between 22 June and 12 July will receive a complimentary two-night stay, while those travelling in Premium Economy Class or Economy Class can enjoy a one-night complimentary stay. The offer applies to return journeys to or through Dubai with a stopover exceeding 24 hours and is valid for travel between 25 June and 30 September.

To help visitors maximise their time in the city, Emirates is also promoting its Dubai Experience platform, which offers personalised 24-hour and 48-hour itineraries tailored to different travel preferences and interests.

The airline's popular My Emirates Pass has also returned for Summer 2026. Available with every Emirates boarding pass, the programme provides access to more than 600 offers across Dubai, including discounts at restaurants, spas, retail outlets and entertainment venues.

Visitors can also enjoy Dubai Summer Surprises 2026, which will run from 2 July to 30 August. The annual citywide festival will feature live entertainment, cultural programmes, wellness activities, shopping promotions and exclusive seasonal experiences.

Emirates currently operates two daily flights between Nairobi and Dubai, offering connections to more than 138 destinations worldwide, including London, Paris, Mumbai, Bangkok and New York.

The airline has also highlighted its flexible booking policy. Customers booking tickets after 2 April 2026 are eligible for one complimentary date change across all cabin classes, while the Hold My Fare option allows travellers to secure fares while finalising their travel plans.

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