The word “mobile” has different meanings and at Marriott we embrace them all. Many of our guests can now check-in and checkout using their mobile phone or tablet. They can plan meetings and order changes in real time on their mobile devices, too. Loyalty members and guests can interact with each other across dozens of different social media platforms on their mobiles. For potential associates, Marriott developed a mobile apply feature that allows candidates to use their devices to search and apply for jobs. We know that mobile technology has evolved from convenience to necessity.
Marriott also embraced geographic mobility this year by pushing forward globally like never before. We’re expecting to become the largest hotel company in Africa with the Protea acquisition, we’re opening a hotel every week in Asia, we’re expanding our lifestyle brands into new markets and enhancing global brands to reach new customers locally, working with governments, we’re advocating for the world’s 1 billion global tourists for greater travel mobility, including smart visa policies and more efficient customs and entry processes. Today’s traveler has fewer and fewer boundaries and, now, too, so does Marriott. We are as mobile as today’s travelers, and as we work to stay one step ahead, we are keeping time with the traveler of tomorrow.