Marriott International, Inc. is a leading global lodging company with a rich history that dates back to 1927 when J. Willard Marriott and his wife, Alice S. Marriott, opened a root beer stand in Washington, D.C. This humble beginning marked the start of a journey that would lead to the establishment of one of the world's largest and most renowned hotel chains. Today, Marriott International boasts over 7,000 properties across 131 countries and territories under 30 different brand names, catering to a wide range of travelers and preferences. The company's commitment to innovation, customer service, and sustainability has been instrumental in its growth. Marriott was among the first in the industry to offer online reservations in 1995, demonstrating its early recognition of the importance of technology in hospitality. Furthermore, Marriott International is dedicated to reducing its environmental impact and has set ambitious sustainability goals, including reducing water usage, carbon ...

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Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc., commonly known as Hilton, is a global brand of full-service hotels and resorts and the flagship brand of American multinational hospitality company Hilton Worldwide. Founded by Conrad Hilton in May 1919, the corporation is now headquartered in Tysons Corner, Virginia. Hilton is a leading name in the hospitality industry, known for pioneering concepts such as the hotel reservation system in the 1950s, which became the precursor to the modern-day online booking systems. Did You Know? Hilton was the first hotel company to introduce air-conditioning in public areas and televisions in guest rooms, setting new standards for the industry. Additionally, the famous pina colada cocktail was created at the Caribe Hilton Hotel's Beachcomber Bar in Puerto Rico by bartender Ramón "Monchito" Marrero in 1954. Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. operates a portfolio of 18 brands across 119 countries, including luxury brands such as Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts and Co...

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Wyndham Destinations, now known as Travel + Leisure Co. following a strategic rebranding in 2021, stands as a global leader in the vacation ownership, exchange, and rental industry. Founded in 2006 as part of the Wyndham Worldwide Corporation, the company carved out a distinct identity in the hospitality sector by focusing on vacation experiences and ownership resorts. Headquartered in Orlando, Florida, Wyndham Destinations boasts an impressive portfolio that includes over 4,300 affiliated resorts in more than 110 countries. The company operates through various brands, including Club Wyndham, WorldMark by Wyndham, Margaritaville Vacation Club by Wyndham, and Shell Vacations Club, offering a diverse range of vacation experiences from beachfront condos to city apartments and mountain retreats. Did You Know? - Wyndham Destinations is the world's largest vacation ownership and exchange company, with a network that includes over 230 vacation ownership resorts. - The company made a sig...

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MGM Resorts International is a global hospitality and entertainment company operating a portfolio of destination resort brands including Bellagio, MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay, and The Mirage. Founded in 1986, the company is headquartered in Paradise, Nevada. MGM Resorts is known for its vast array of entertainment offerings, luxury hotels, and casinos. It is one of the largest gaming companies in the world, with properties in the United States and China, including Macau, one of the biggest gambling markets globally. Did You Know? MGM Resorts International was a pioneer in developing the concept of destination resorts in Las Vegas, significantly transforming the city's approach to tourism and entertainment. The company also has a notable commitment to sustainability, with several of its properties achieving prestigious LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification. Additionally, MGM has made strides in the sports betting industry, partnering with major leagues and...

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Carnival Corporation & plc, headquartered in Miami, Florida, and incorporated in Panama, stands as the world's largest leisure travel company, offering a broad spectrum of cruise experiences across its global portfolio of brands. Founded in 1972 by Ted Arison, the company initially started with a single ship, the Mardi Gras, which ran aground on its maiden voyage, marking a rocky but memorable start. Despite this, Carnival Corporation has grown exponentially, now operating over 100 ships under 10 cruise line brands, including Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, and Holland America Line, among others. Carnival Corporation & plc is unique in its dual-listed company structure, comprising two entities: Carnival Corporation, based in the US, and Carnival plc, based in the UK, but operating as one entity under a unified management and board of directors. This structure allows the company to benefit from a global shareholder base. Did You Know? Carnival Corporation & plc was the firs...

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Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. is a global cruise holding company incorporated in Liberia and based in Miami, Florida. It is the world's second-largest cruise line operator, after Carnival Corporation & plc. Founded in 1968 by three Norwegian shipping companies, Royal Caribbean today operates some of the world's most innovative and popular cruise ships, catering to a wide range of tastes and budgets. The company is renowned for its expansive fleet, which includes the Oasis and Quantum classes, some of the largest and most advanced cruise ships ever built. These floating mega-resorts offer features such as robotic bartenders, skydiving simulators, and the North Star observation capsule, which provides 360-degree views from 300 feet above sea level. Did You Know? Royal Caribbean was the first in the industry to introduce the rock climbing wall and ice-skating rink to cruise ships, setting a new standard for onboard entertainment and activities. The company also made headlines with i...

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Best Western Hotels & Resorts, founded in 1946, is a global chain of hotels and resorts known for its commitment to providing quality accommodations and services to travelers around the world. Headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, the company operates more than 4,700 hotels and resorts in over 100 countries and territories, making it one of the largest hotel chains globally. Originally established as a simple referral system among member hotels, Best Western has evolved into a fully-fledged hospitality giant, offering a variety of lodging options that cater to a wide range of travelers, from budget-conscious individuals to those seeking luxury experiences. The brand portfolio includes Best Western, Best Western Plus, Best Western Premier, Vib, GLō, Executive Residency by Best Western, BW Premier Collection, and BW Signature Collection. Did You Know? Best Western was among the first to offer free high-speed internet access across all its properties, recognizing early on the importance...

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Live Nation Entertainment Inc. is a global leader in live entertainment and ticketing services, headquartered in Beverly Hills, California. Founded in 2010 through the merger of Live Nation and Ticketmaster, the company has since grown to become the world's leading live entertainment company. Live Nation Entertainment operates across three main divisions: Concerts, Ticketing, and Sponsorship & Advertising, providing a comprehensive suite of services for artists, venues, and fans. The company promotes, operates, and manages ticket sales for live entertainment in the United States and internationally, overseeing more than 40,000 shows and more than 100 festivals annually. Live Nation Entertainment owns, leases, operates, has booking rights for and/or equity interest in more than 200 venues, including iconic locations like the Hollywood Palladium and The Fillmore. Did You Know? Live Nation Entertainment, in its quest to enhance live event experiences, has been at the forefront of e...

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Dave & Buster's Entertainment, Inc., commonly known as Dave & Buster's, is an American chain of entertainment and restaurant venues. Founded in 1982 by David Corriveau and James "Buster" Corley, the company has its roots in Dallas, Texas. The concept was born out of the founders' desire to combine dining and entertainment under one roof, leading to the creation of a venue where adults could enjoy video arcade games in a restaurant-bar setting. Dave & Buster's locations are typically large, often exceeding 40,000 square feet, and are designed to offer a high-energy atmosphere. Each venue features a full-service restaurant and a video arcade, with games ranging from classic arcade favorites to the latest high-tech simulator games. The company's menu is diverse, offering a wide range of items including burgers, steaks, seafood, pasta, and salads. As of my last update in 2023, Dave & Buster's operates over 140 locations across the United States and Canada. The company went public in 2...

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Six Flags Entertainment Corporation is a world-renowned amusement park corporation based in Arlington, Texas, United States. It stands as the largest amusement park company in terms of properties owned, boasting 27 properties across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, including theme parks, water parks, and family entertainment centers. Founded in 1961, the company's name originates from its first property, Six Flags Over Texas, which was named to signify the six different nations that have governed Texas: Spain, France, Mexico, the Republic of Texas, the United States of America, and the Confederate States of America. Six Flags is known for its thrilling roller coasters, family-friendly entertainment, and innovative attractions. It holds several records, including the title for the roller coaster with the most inversions and some of the fastest and tallest roller coasters in the world. The company also focuses on thematic presentations, with many of its parks featuring characte...

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