Marriott International: Holiday season is going to be ‘gangbusters’, CEO says
About Anthony Capuano
Anthony Capuano, president and CEO of Marriott International, has described the company’s conversion strategy as a key driver of growth, noting that in the first quarter of 2026, 35% of signings and 40% of openings were conversion-related. He has pointed to markets such as Europe, where a large portion of lodging supply remains independent, as “fertile hunting grounds” for conversions. Capuano has also discussed the company’s focus on technology and artificial intelligence, stating that Marriott is working to implement a unified enterprise-wide generative AI strategy aimed at improving experiences for guests, associates, and owners. He cited early initiatives such as AI-powered desktop assistants at customer engagement centers and AI-driven guest pre-arrival communications. On the financial outlook, Capuano reported that Marriott raised its full-year 2026 global RevPAR guidance to 2–3% growth and its gross fee guidance to $5.93–$5.99 billion, with adjusted EBITDA expected to increase 9–11%. He attributed first-quarter 2026 performance to broad-based strength across segments, with U.S. and Canada RevPAR rising 4%. Capuano has also addressed shifts in travel patterns, observing a pivot toward domestic and drive-to destinations amid macroeconomic uncertainty. Regarding India, he cited demographic trends, infrastructure expansion, and a rising middle class as catalysts for growth, and noted that Marriott’s luxury segment, which makes up 10% of existing rooms, continues to expand.