Wherever it goes, Marriott International, and by extension company executives, continue to be badgered with questions related to its acquisition of Starwood Hotels and Resorts. Notwithstanding that the deal was closed back in September 2016. Still, people want to know: how will all the brands be folded in, what impact issues will ensue, how will the loyalty program proceed.
At the International Hotel Investment Forum in Berlin, we sat down with a man who has many of the answers: Carlton Ervin, Marriott International's chief development officer for Europe. Beyond Starwood, Ervin clues us in on why Europe continues to grow via lease models; headwinds and challenges ahead, including interest-rate hikes and development in volatile regions; and why the Airbnb experience differs from the Marriott experience.
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