Marriott on Localization and AI Competition Among Global Hotel Groups

On October 16, 2026, TravelDaily China reported that Drew Pinto, Executive Vice President and Chief Revenue and Technology Officer of Marriott International, said at the 2026 Global Travel News Accommodation Industry Summit that the next decade's competition for global hotel groups lies in balancing global brand consistency with localized innovation. Pinto said Marriott has launched a mobile app for the local market in China and formed an independent technology and digital team, while viewing AI as an opportunity to reconnect with consumers, but emphasized information accuracy and "people-centric, technology-empowered."