Why Marriott?

Marriott's has diligently evaluated various international locations in the global market place for hotel accommodations and have strategically entered locations with a high potential for growth in leisure and business travel. Marriott's key moves into the growing Chinese and Indian market, coupled with some "green" initiatives and partnerships in other fast growing markets in Latin and South America prove that Marriott intends to continue to grow where their analysis and evaluation tells them there is opportunity. However, Marriott's opportunity is not just focused on the bottom line. Their growth targets are geared toward "serving people first" and moving into markets where there is opportunity to service at levels previously unmet.

Marriott's customer service and their employee benefits have generated loyalty from employees and customers alike. The ability to provide a workplace with opportunities for employees both domestically and internationally provide the platform for a high level of customer service and employee work ethic and attitude. This directly impacts customer satisfaction as employees cater to the needs of individual customers and on a customer-by-customer basis.

Overall, the recent strategic moves and the announced plans to move into China and India prove that Marriott is a fast mover into markets where opportunity to serve exists. The increasing number of travelers in the global marketplace where Marriott is growing will reap benefits on this company for years-to-come so long as Marriott and their staff cater to the needs of those travelers.

As the economy recovers from the most recent downturn, expect the value of Marriott International to grow. This is a proven company and one that "holds on" to customers once they have them inside their doors.

In retrospect, six months ago would have been an opportune time to invest in Marriott International. Today, even with the stock price climbing over $40/share of common stock, Marriott is a solid investment. I would expect to continue to see the price increase and reach somewhere around $45/share over the next year, providing the economy continues to rebound and the markets in China and India sustain their current status.