Marriott says millennial guests can spur Asia hotels recovery

TOKYO -- Marriott International expects East Asia to lead the recovery from the coronavirus crisis, but a full rebound will not happen until next year, with millennial customers leading the way, a regional executive with the hotel operator has told the Nikkei Asian Review.

Craig Smith, Marriott's group president for Asia-Pacific, also said the hotel group, one of the world's largest, will employ more technology when the coronavirus pandemic subsides to reassure customers that its rooms are clean and safe. Marriott is seeking partnerships with some of the largest tech groups in the region, Smith said.