Marriott reports wider quarterly profit

Marriott International reported a bigger quarterly profit as a more robust global economy boosted demand for lodging. The company, which operates the Marriott, Courtyard and Residence Inn brands, reported earnings of $101 million, or 26 cents per share, compared with profits of $83m, or 22 cents per share, last year.

Marriott is the third-biggest hotel operator in the world by room count, according to Smith Travel Research. United Kingdom-based InterContinental Hotels, which franchises the Holiday Inn brand, is the biggest and Hilton Worldwide is No 2.