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☆ I was charged ‘junk fees’ by a New York City hotel. Here’s what happened next
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-21 | by ( Monica Pitrelli | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +7 min

In this article HMARBKNG Follow your favorite stocks CREATE FREE ACCOUNTMy hotel bill from a three-night trip to New York City included 21 charges. Nine were for "destination fees." Federal Trade Commission estimates show consumers paid around $2 billion in hotel fees before the pandemic, and mandatory fees have grown since then. The bill, the Hotel Fees Transparency Act, prohibits hotels from advertising rates without mandatory fees. Former presidential candidate and current Senator Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., introduced the Hotels Fees Transparency Act to the U.S. Senate in late July.

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☆ Big U.S. firms adopt cautious tone on China recovery
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-10 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

In April, China's imports contracted sharply, underscoring signs of weak domestic demand as a battered property market, worries over job stability and global economic uncertainty kept shoppers wary. "We grew mid-single digits in China, which had previously been a double-digit growth market for us pre-pandemic. "Consumer confidence remains weak and shaken because many Chinese faced job and salary cuts in 2022 and Chinese New Year bonuses in 2023 were low," said Shaun Rein, managing director at China Market Research Group. Still, a rapid recovery in domestic travel demand propped up sales at hotels. "China will be a growth driver for many multi-national companies but will not be at the high growth rates many analysts predict," China Market Research's Rein said.

U.S. hotel operators who have been grappling over the past year with an uneven recovery in Chinese demand are now benefiting from pent-up-demand throughout Asia Pacific, particularly in Greater China. "While macroeconomic uncertainty persists, it has not weighed on travel demand to date. In fact, demand continued to rise across all customer segments in the quarter," Marriott CEO Anthony Capuano said on a call with investors. In the Greater China region RevPAR rebounded to 95% of pre-pandemic levels during the quarter while Mainland China RevPar fully recovered to 2019 levels. "First quarter hotel performance came in a bit better than expected and will likely be the high-water mark for the year," said CoStar Group National Director of Hospitality Analytics Jan Freitag.

☆ Marriott raises full-year profit forecast on strong travel demand
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-02 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

May 2 (Reuters) - Marriott International Inc raised its full-year adjusted profit forecast on Tuesday, as the U.S. hotel operator benefits from pent-up demand for leisure and business travel. Flexible work arrangements have fueled travel demand and helped hotel operators to improve their margins after they took a beating during the pandemic. The travel industry has also benefited in the last few quarters from a strong U.S. dollar. The company expects full-year adjusted profit between $7.97 and $8.42 per share, compared with its prior forecast of $7.23 to $7.91. Reporting by Priyamvada C in Bengaluru; Editing by Shinjini GanguliOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Futures slip ahead of Fed meet; U.S. debt ceiling jitters dent mood
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-02 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

The U.S. central bank is expected to deliver a 25 basis-point interest rate increase on Wednesday and then hold rates steady for the rest of 2023, according to economists in a Reuters poll. However, with inflation running well over the central bank's 2% target and a still-strong labor market mean chances of rate cuts seem less likely. Denting sentiment, Australia's central bank raised its cash rate by 25 basis points when traders were expecting an extended pause, citing too high inflation and warning of even higher rates. ET, Dow e-minis were down 72 points, or 0.21%, S&P 500 e-minis were down 7 points, or 0.17%, and Nasdaq 100 e-minis were down 1 points, or 0.01%. Educational services company Chegg (CHGG.N) slumped 44.7% on a downbeat second-quarter revenue forecast on increasing competition from ChatGPT.

☆ Starbucks, Ford, Apple Lead Another Busy Earnings Week
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-30 | by ( Sabela Ojea | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

Starbucks is set for its first quarterly report under its new president. Photo: Mark Hertzberg/Zuma PressApple Inc., Marriott International Inc. and Starbucks Corp. are among the companies that will report quarterly results in coming days, offering a closer look at consumer spending habits in a slowing economy. Ride-hailing company Uber Technologies Inc., auto maker Ford Motor Co. and pharmacy chain CVS Health Corp. are also scheduled to report, as consumers face steady price increases and inflation shows few signs of retreating.

☆ U.S. travel companies experience high demand but economic worries cloud outlook
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-24 | by ( Doyinsola Oladipo | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

NEW YORK, Feb 24 (Reuters) - Fears of recession and the impact of inflation on consumer budgets could curb a rebound in travel demand reported by U.S. travel companies in the fourth quarter, although bookings are holding up so far this year, analysts said. U.S. travel spending in December 2022 totaled $97 billion, 3% above 2019 levels and 7% above 2021 levels, according to the U.S. Travel Association. The demand contrasts with declining home improvement sales and other discretionary purchases that have hurt furniture stores and retailers like Home Depot. International travel spurred demand growth for Airbnb and Marriott International Inc (MAR.O) in the fourth quarter. Group bookings are still down 15% compared to pre-pandemic levels, while headwinds in several industries continue to affect business travel, said Truist's Scholes.

☆ Marriott Earnings Top Views as Travel Demand Holds Strong
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-14 | by ( Will Feuer | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

Marriott International said its average room rates in the most recent quarter were 13% higher than prepandemic levels. Marriott International Inc. posted a 33% jump in revenue for the recently ended quarter, as tourists, business travelers and others continued to pay up for rooms despite higher rates. Chief Executive Tony Capuano said that demand for leisure travel in the U.S. and Canada — the company’s biggest market— held strong, and group travel topped prepandemic levels. Demand for business travel, which has been slower to return, was nearly 90% recovered to prepandemic levels in the U.S. and Canada as companies sent their employees on the road once again, he said.

Futures were volatile after the Labor Department report showed consumer prices climbed 0.5% in January following a 0.1% rise in December. That was the smallest gain since October 2021 but slightly above market forecast of a 6.2% rise. "I don't think (this report) moves the needle for the Fed, and I suspect they're taking a hard look at the data. Money market traders have priced in at least two more 25 basis point rate hikes this year and see interest rates peaking at 5.2% by July. Coca-Cola Co (KO.N) slipped 0.4% despite a strong full-year profit forecast from the soda maker.

The tech-heavy Nasdaq (.IXIC) recovered after a weak open, boosted by 4% gains in Tesla Inc (TSLA.O) and Nvidia Corp (NVDA.O). Ten of the 11 major S&P sectors rose, with consumer discretionary (.SPLRCD) and technology (.SPLRCT) leading the gains. "I don't think (this report) moves the needle for the Fed, and I suspect they're taking a hard look at the data. The rally, however, stalled last week on signs of a tight labor market and hawkish commentary from Fed policymakers. Money market traders have priced in at least two more 25 basis point rate hikes this year and see interest rates peaking at 5.2% by July.

☆ Travel Stocks Soar After Pandemic Struggles
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-03 | by ( Charley Grant | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

The travel industry is making a comeback from Covid-19. Consumers have flocked to the skies, after the worst of the pandemic essentially shuttered the travel industry. Shares of companies focused on travel are among the early winners of 2023. United Airlines Holdings Inc. and American Airlines Group Inc. have advanced 39% and 34%, respectively. Caesars Entertainment Inc. has advanced 29%, while Marriott International Inc. is up 18%.

☆ Under Armour Names Stephanie Linnartz Next CEO
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-22 | by ( Denny Jacob | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

Stephanie Linnartz is set to lead Under Armour as president, chief executive and a member of the board. Under Armour Inc. on Wednesday said Stephanie Linnartz will join the company as its first female president, chief executive and a member of the board, effective Feb. 27. The Baltimore-based sportswear maker said Colin Browne , who has served as interim president and CEO since June, will resume his role as chief operating officer upon Ms. Linnartz’s arrival. Ms. Linnartz currently serves as the president of Marriott International Inc., where she has held multiple C-Suite positions. She joined the company in 1997 as a financial analyst.

☆ Under Armour names Marriott veteran Linnartz as CEO to boost e-commerce
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-21 | by ( Ananya Mariam Rajesh | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/2] Stephanie Linnartz, President of Marriott International speaks at the 2022 Milken Institute Global Conference in Beverly Hills, California, U.S., May 4, 2022. REUTERS/Mike BlakeDec 21 (Reuters) - Under Armour Inc (UAA.N) on Wednesday named veteran hotelier Stephanie Linnartz as its chief executive, betting that her experience in e-commerce and branding strategy will help revive sales at the apparel maker. Linnartz currently serves as president of Marriott International Inc (MAR.O) and has been with the hotel chain operator in various roles for the last 25 years. Interim CEO Colin Browne will resume his responsibilities as chief operating officer, Under Armour said in a statement. Linnartz will receive a base salary of $1.3 million per year and a one-time sign-on cash bonus of $375,000.

☆ Under Armour names Marriot's Linnartz as CEO
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-21 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Dec 21 (Reuters) - Under Armour Inc (UAA.N) on Wednesday named Stephanie Linnartz as its chief executive officer, months after Patrik Frisk stepped down from the role, sending shares of the apparel company marginally down in extended trading. Joining Under Armour on Feb. 27, Linnartz will take the helm at a time when the company is grappling with weakening demand for sporting goods as decades-high inflation makes consumers cut corners. Former CEO Frisk, who joined Under Armour in 2017 and was named as CEO in 2020, had helped the company "dramatically improve" the health of its businesses during his time by focusing on building inventory. The company said Linnartz will receive a base salary of $1.3 million per year and a one-time sign-on cash bonus of $375,000. Meanwhile, Under Armour interim CEO Colin Browne will resume his responsibilities as chief operating officer.

“There’s no such thing as a set forecast right now,” said Sophie Kelly, senior vice president of whiskies at Diageo North America, speaking at the same event. The firm, a unit of Interpublic Group of Cos.’ Mediabrands, cut its growth forecast for next year to 4.8% from an earlier prediction of 5.8% in June. Organic revenue growth is a metric that removes the effects of currency fluctuations, acquisitions and disposals. Airbnb Inc. slashed its advertising spending and invested in brand marketing, lessening its reliance on search-engine marketing. “We knew that people are changing their behavior,” said William White, Walmart’s chief marketing officer.

☆ Marriott joins Hilton in lifting profit forecast on unabated travel demand
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-03 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Nov 3 (Reuters) - Marriott International Inc (MAR.O) joined its rival Hilton in raising its annual profit forecast on Thursday, aided by higher pricing and a strong rebound in leisure and business travel even as recession risks cloud consumer spending. Marriott, which owns hotels like Sheraton, Westin and St. Regis, expects adjusted profit per share of between $6.51 and $6.58 this year, compared with its previous forecast of $6.33 to $6.59 per share. Pent-up desire to travel bolstered by a more powerful U.S. dollar and flexible work arrangements have emboldened consumers and extended the travel season into the fall. Last week, Hilton (HLT.N) also bumped its annual profit forecast. Reporting by Priyamvada C in Bengaluru; Editing by Saumyadeb Chakrabarty and Milla NissiOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Marriot shares slide on delayed opening of some properties in China
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-03 | by ( Priyamvada C | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

"The market in China is most certainly where we're seeing the most challenges," Chief Executive Anthony Capuano said during an analyst call. Revenue per available room (RevPAR) from Greater China was $64.06 in 2021 company-wide, behind U.S. & Canada and Middle East & Africa. "Looking forward we expect that the recession will mute, but not derail, growth in the U.S. hotel industry. Marriott now expects 2022 adjusted profit per share of between $6.51 and $6.58, compared with its previous forecast of $6.33 to $6.59 per share. Adjusted profit per share was $1.69, one cent above expectations.

☆ Pfizer, Uber and Starbucks Highlight Another Busy Earnings Week
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-29 | by ( Will Feuer | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

Starbucks on Thursday will report whether customers are paring back on purchases at its cafes. Pfizer Inc., Uber Technologies Inc. and Starbucks Corp. are among the heavyweights headlining another busy earnings week as investors search for insight into the state of the broader economy. Other companies on the docket to issue their latest quarterly reports include Taco Bell parent company Yum Brands Inc. and CVS Health Corp. Investors also will hear from travel companies such as Airbnb Inc., Expedia Group Inc., and Marriott International Inc., payments rivals Block Inc. and PayPal Holdings Inc., and private-equity giants KKR & Co. Inc. and Apollo Global Management Inc.

☆ Cyberattack on InterContinental Hotels Disrupts Business at Franchisees
▼ + stars: | 2022-09-26 | by ( Catherine Stupp | ) www.wsj.com time to read: +4 min

A cyberattack on InterContinental Hotels Group PLC disrupted business at franchisees this month, leaving a trail of angry customers, lost income and a class-action lawsuit. Hotel owners complain they received one email from IHG executives explaining that the attack would shut down online reservation systems. We remain focused on supporting our hotels and owners and throughout this period have communicated regular updates to owners and hotel teams,” an IHG Hotels & Resorts spokesperson said. Hotel owners said they dealt with angry customers whose reservations were lost due to the cyberattack. IHG franchisees pay monthly fees to use the company’s reservation technology, the lawsuit says.

, said in a statement that Drizly is one of the few places where her company can run multimedia ad campaigns. The database allows the company to charge above-market rates for ad placements, according to Mr. Patel. The company also hired Gina Hardy as its first chief customer officer to oversee all marketing operations. Mr. Patel declined to comment on specific growth goals for Drizly, but said the company sees significant potential in its advertising platform, which is independent of its parent company’s Uber Eats ad business. Drizly sales grew 517% from September 2019 to September 2021, according to market-research firm Bloomberg Second Measure.

☆ Marriott coaxing workers back to office with $600 million building
▼ + stars: | 2022-09-20 | by ( David Shepardson | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Signage is seen at the Marriott Marquis hotel in Manhattan, New York City, U.S., March 23, 2022. REUTERS/Andrew Kelly/File PhotoBETHESDA, Maryland Sept 19 (Reuters) - Marriott International Inc (MAR.O) believes its new $600 million high-rise headquarters will entice workers to return after more than two years mostly working at home. Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com RegisterDuring construction, Marriott turned 20% of fixed workstations into "collaboration spaces." Capuano said employees are not required to be in the office but Marriott is "encouraging folks to be here several days a week -- and not just for meetings." Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com RegisterReporting by David Shepardson; Editing by Cynthia OstermanOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Most luxury brands could theoretically stop marketing since they can’t produce goods fast enough to meet current demand, but smart marketers are spending more to build long-term equity, Mr. Sproule said. “There’s no filtering, it’s direct-to-consumer, and we think that’s how consumers want to hear from luxury brands,” said Jeff Curry, vice president of marketing, communications and product, in describing Lucid’s marketing strategy. About 300 people who preordered the $300,000 Aston Martin 2022 V12 Vantage sports car attended dinner at the company's main factory in May. Executives said these events for existing customers and even paid events double as marketing functions, because they have the potential to raise luxury brands’ profiles among wealthy consumers. Separately, Aston Martin held a black-tie dinner for people who purchased the 2022 edition of its V12 Vantage sports car.

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