Hotel giant Marriott International (NASDAQ:MAR) has recently increased its annual adjusted profit forecast following a mixed performance in the first quarter. Despite weakening trends in North America, Marriott is relying on the surge in international travel demand to drive its full-year profit. The company anticipates a significant boost in revenue per available room (RevPAR) from international markets, particularly in regions like Asia, the Caribbean, and Latin America.
While international markets experienced an impressive 11% growth in RevPAR, North America only saw a modest 1.5% increase in the metric. The growth in North America was primarily driven by group and business travel from large corporate entities. However, leisure RevPAR remained stagnant in the U.S. and Canada as customers sought warmer destinations overseas. A similar trend was observed in China, reflecting a global pattern of shifting travel preferences.
Following the release of its quarterly results, Marriott's stock witnessed a 2% decline in early trading. This decrease was attributed to the company's adjusted quarterly profit of $2.13 per share falling short of analysts' expectations. Despite this setback, Marriott raised its forecast for 2024 adjusted profit to a range of $9.31 to $9.65 per share, signaling confidence in its long-term growth prospects.
Marriott faced challenges in North America, with incentive management fees being negatively impacted by events such as the Maui fires. However, the company reported a 4% increase in global management fees, highlighting its resilience in the face of regional challenges. Additionally, Marriott's room development pipeline experienced a slight decline, signaling a potential slowdown in future growth opportunities.
Despite the challenges in North America, Marriott remains optimistic about its revenue growth prospects. The company expects worldwide room revenue to grow by 3% to 5% this year, with a projected 4% to 5% growth in the second quarter. The solid performance in international markets and the company's strategic initiatives are expected to drive sustained growth in the coming quarters.
Marriott International's strategy to capitalize on international travel demand has proven to be a lucrative opportunity for driving profit growth. While there are challenges in domestic markets, the company's focus on global expansion and innovative marketing strategies position it well for future success in the competitive hospitality industry.