More in store for 2011 and beyond?

Currently more than 80% of Marriott's 3,500 hotels are located in the U.S. However, this percentage is expected to drop to near 50% over the next ten years as Marriott opens more hotels on international soils. Marriott will increase the number of hotels in China and India alone by nearly 150 locations within the next five years.

Why so much growth outside of the U.S.? Chairman and CEO, J.W. Marriott Jr., had this to day. "those middle-class economies are growing very fast," speaking of India and China. He added, "We're seeing huge numbers of muddle-class in India and China and they're starting to travel."

Another reason for increase percentage of growth outside of the U.S., could be related to stricter international travel rules imposed by the U.S. to combat terrorist threats. Additionally, says J.W. Marriott, Jr., "the hospitality industry lacks allies in Washington sensitive to the impact of immigration restrictions and security measures on the tourism industry." Increased international travel by U.S> residents and lack of travel and expected travel into the U.S> has forced Marriott to look past U.S. sands for continuing growth.