In another sign of how Airbnb has affected the the hospitality sector, Marriott International has announced plans to expand its Tribute Portfolio Homes homesharing program beyond London to include Paris, Rome and Lisbon.
The hotel giant's homesharing network now includes more than 340 properties across four European markets. The expansion follows a five-month pilot initiated earlier this year in collaboration with Hostmaker, a London-based home-rental management company.
“Following the positive customer feedback from our pilot in London, we are excited to extend Tribute Portfolio Homes to new markets together with Hostmaker,” said Adam Malamut, chief customer experience officer for Marriott International, in a statement. “We are always innovating to meet the evolving needs of travelers, and expanding into homesharing is an opportunity to deepen relationships with our most loyal guests by delivering new experiences designed to reflect how they travel.”
To expand the program, Marriott extended its collaboration with Hostmaker, which currently operates in the mentioned markets. All selected properties have at least one bedroom, full kitchens and in-unit laundry. Guests also have access to 24/7 support as well as an in-person welcome/check-in experience through Hostmaker.
The company's London pilot found that on average, guests stayed more than twice the typical hotel length of stay, and that most guests sought units such as those being offered.
More than 75 percent of guests staying at Tribute Portfolio Homes were traveling for leisure with friends and family or extending business travel to include their friends and family; overall, the pilot indicated Tribute Portfolio Homes resonated with loyalty members.
Homeowners for the listed cities can go to TributePortfolioHomes.com to learn about the consideration and listing process for Tribute Portfolio Homes.