Final International Hospitality Project - 5 Typed Pages

Final International Hospitality Project 5 Typed Pages Double Spaced

Final International Hospitality Project (5 typed pages, double spaced- APA style) Each student will write information on an international hospitality company (hotel, restaurant, coffee, casino, cruise line, etc). This company can be from the U.S. or overseas. Format: (1) History; (2) Identify past and current problems: customer service management, finance, culture, religion, legal, ethics, marketing, human resources, product development, government regulation, joint venture, or other related problems; (3) Your best solutions; and (4) Based on your best solutions, what are the significant impacts and improvements for the company? References, citations, and general style of article for this project should follow APA style (as outlined in the latest edition of the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association). Assignments will be graded based on the following: Address all of the above requirements, 20% for each category-80% Use APA format-20%

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

The international hospitality industry is a dynamic and competitive sector, comprising various business types such as hotels, restaurants, casinos, cruise lines, and coffee shops that operate across national borders. Selecting a prominent international hospitality company provides an opportunity to analyze its historical development, current challenges, and potential solutions. This paper focuses on Marriott International, a leading global hotel chain based in the United States, renowned for its extensive portfolio of brands and global presence. The analysis encompasses the company's history, identification of past and current problems, proposed solutions, and the anticipated impact of these solutions on the company's future performance and sustainability.

History of Marriott International

Founded in 1927 by J. Willard Marriott and his wife Alice Marriott as a root beer stand in Washington, D.C., Marriott grew rapidly through innovation and strategic expansion. The company transitioned into a restaurant business, eventually pioneering the concept of motels with the launch of Marriott Motor Hotel in 1957 (Marriott, 2020). Throughout the latter half of the 20th century, Marriott expanded internationally, establishing a strong brand presence across North America, Europe, and Asia. Its global growth was facilitated by acquisitions, such as the purchase of Renaissance Hotels in 1997 and Starwood Hotels & Resorts in 2016, which broadened its portfolio and international reach. Today, Marriott is recognized as one of the largest and most diversified hospitality companies worldwide, operating more than 7,000 properties across 132 countries (Marriott International, 2023).

Past and Current Problems Facing Marriott

Despite its success, Marriott faces several challenges. One major issue pertains to customer service management, especially amid increased competition and the rise of alternative lodging options like Airbnb. Maintaining consistent service quality across diverse properties remains complex (Smith & Johnson, 2021). Financial challenges include navigating economic downturns and fluctuating global travel demand, which impact revenue streams. Cultural and religious differences in international markets sometimes lead to conflicts or misunderstandings, affecting guest satisfaction and brand reputation (Lee, 2020). Legal and regulatory compliance varies across countries, complicating operations and exposing Marriott to legal risks, particularly regarding data privacy and employment laws (Kumar & Lee, 2022). Ethical concerns regarding sustainability and environmental impact have also gained prominence, especially regarding energy consumption and waste management in hotels (Williams, 2023). Human resource management challenges include recruiting, training, and retaining skilled staff in diverse cultural contexts.

Proposed Solutions

To address these challenges, Marriott should implement a comprehensive customer-centric training program emphasizing personalized service and cultural competence. Utilizing advanced data analytics can help in predicting guest preferences and customizing offerings, boosting customer satisfaction (Chen & Zhao, 2022). Financial resilience can be strengthened by diversifying revenue streams through the expansion of franchise operations and digital marketing channels. Expanding corporate social responsibility initiatives, such as sustainability programs, can enhance brand reputation and reduce environmental impact (Green & Patel, 2021). Developing a unified global HR strategy focused on culturally sensitive recruitment, continuous training, and employee engagement can improve staff retention and performance. Additionally, establishing robust legal compliance frameworks and leveraging technology for data security will mitigate legal risks (Brown & Nguyen, 2020).

Impacts and Improvements

Implementing these solutions is anticipated to significantly improve Marriott’s operational efficiency, customer loyalty, and brand reputation. Enhanced training and personalized service will lead to higher guest satisfaction and repeat business, vital for competitive differentiation (Kim & Park, 2021). Diversifying revenue sources will make the company more resilient to economic fluctuations, ensuring sustainable growth. Emphasizing sustainability will not only meet regulatory requirements but also appeal to environmentally conscious travelers, expanding market share. Strengthening human resource strategies will foster a motivated and skilled workforce, leading to better service delivery. Furthermore, improving legal compliance and data security will curb legal infringements and protect corporate reputation. Collectively, these initiatives will position Marriott as a resilient, innovative, and ethically responsible leader in the global hospitality industry.

Conclusion

The international hospitality industry faces complex challenges driven by global economic, cultural, legal, and environmental factors. Marriott International exemplifies a company that has achieved remarkable growth yet must continuously innovate to surmount emerging obstacles. By addressing customer service management issues, enhancing financial resilience, respecting cultural differences, ensuring legal compliance, and embracing sustainability, Marriott can secure a competitive advantage and sustain its global leadership. Implementing targeted solutions will result in improved operational performance, increased customer loyalty, and a stronger reputation in the international market, fostering long-term success.

References

Brown, T., & Nguyen, L. (2020). Legal considerations in international hospitality management. Journal of Hospitality & Tourism Law, 33(2), 145-161.

Chen, Y., & Zhao, W. (2022). Data-driven personalization in hospitality: Enhancing guest experiences. International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, 34(1), 102-118.

Green, R., & Patel, S. (2021). Corporate social responsibility and sustainability in global hospitality. Sustainability in Hospitality, 14(3), 55-70.

Kim, H., & Park, S. (2021). Customer satisfaction and loyalty in hotel services: The role of personalized experience. Tourism Management, 88, 104348.

Kumar, R., & Lee, S. (2022). Data privacy challenges in international hotel chains. International Journal of Data Security, 18(4), 235-249.

Lee, M. (2020). Cultural sensitivity and guest satisfaction in international hospitality. Global Hospitality Journal, 12(2), 89-104.

Marriott International. (2023). Annual Report 2023. Retrieved from https://www.marriott.com/about/reports

Smith, A., & Johnson, D. (2021). Managing service quality across diverse hospitality properties. Journal of Service Management, 32(4), 567-583.

Williams, T. (2023). Environmental sustainability practices in the hotel industry. Journal of Environmental Management, 306, 114320