Post-merger Marriott can better bargain with online travel agents

Singapore

THE greater clout that Marriott International now has, following the completion of its US$13 billion acquisition of Starwood Hotels & Resorts last Friday, will give it bargaining power when negotiating fees with online travel agencies like Expedia.

In a media interview on Monday, Craig Smith, president and managing director of Marriott International Asia Pacific, said: "I think you are going to find that there are some new costs that are coming out of the hotel business that really revolves around technology. It is very expensive, and it becomes easier when you are larger."