Founder of the hotel franchise celebrates 80th anniversary

One of the major company management innovations was the decision that the company must operate and maintain its hotel chain without possessing it. It allowed obtaining a steady income simultaneously protecting the company from the negative impact of price fluctuations in the market.

It also justified the strategy to open new hotels near major transport interchanges and suburban business parks. In addition, Bill Marriott was one of the pioneers in development niche markets. For example, in 1983 he founded Courtyard network of budget hotels, which was designed mainly for the employees of the companies, which don’t usually cover high travel costs.

Initially Marriott Corp. founded in 1927 by John Willard Marriott Sr. and his wife Alice was engaged in the restaurant business, but 10 years later were signed contracts with several airlines to supply ready-made meals on board, which made it the first U.S. catering company in the airline industry.

Marriott Corp. opened its first hotel Twin Bridges Marriott Motor Hotel in 1957 in Arlington, Virginia. This facility is still operates, however not as a hotel, but as a corporate museum, which exhibits can tell all the milestones of the Marriott hotel empire.

John Willard Marriott Jr. become the president of the company in 1964 and immediately started its restructuring. In 1969 Marriott Corp. enters the international market for the first time by opening Paraiso hotel in Acapulco (Mexico).

Currently Marriott owns 18 brands, among which is luxury Ritz-Carlton and budget Fairfield Inn. Today this American network includes more than 3,500 hotels in 70 countries with more than 499.000 rooms.

After celebrating his jubilee Bill Marriott intends to abandon the president post, but will remain the chairman of the board of directors and retain control over the company. He plans to devote more time to relaxation, but work for 45-50 hours a week during those periods, when he is in his native Maryland, where the Marriott headquarters is located.