COMPANY FEATURES, REPORTS & INTERVIEWS

The MENA region’s leading delivery platform also unveiled a bold US$100 million+ investment plan for 2026, prioritizing grocery vertical expansion and subscription growth.

President and CEO Mark Hoplamazian confirmed during the company’s fourth-quarter and full-year earnings call that excluding acquisitions, net rooms growth reached 7.3% in 2025, from 6.7% in 2024.Executives predicts a growth of between 6% and 7% in 2026.

By Charity Kamiro

The company is piloting boutique and independent hotel listings in cities where short-term rental regulations have tightened.

International operated markets delivered their third consecutive quarter above 4% growth, led by the U.K., Germany, and Australia, each posting mid- to high-single-digit gains. International developmental licensed markets, including China and Brazil, grew 4.5%.

With loyalty now driving a larger share of bookings and customer engagement, Marriott’s expanding Bonvoy is striving to deepen relationships with travelers who are increasingly looking for flexibility, rewards and experiences tied to their journeys.

This year’s goal is to equip young people and undeserved groups with job-ready skills, expose them to the industry, and provide professional development opportunities.

As the travel landscape evolves, Marriott’s scale, diverse brand portfolio, and Bonvoy loyalty program, one of the world’s largest, position it to capitalize on both leisure and business travel trends, maintaining its status as a defining force in global hospitality.

Investor interest is also extending beyond traditional hospitality assets into eco-tourism and forestry-linked developments. Zanzibar has 11 forest conservation areas, six of which have already attracted investment interest.