What Is an Example of Horizontal Integration in Travel and Tourism?

By Anna Duncan

Horizontal integration is a business strategy that involves the acquisition or merger of companies that operate in the same industry or market. The travel and tourism industry is no exception to this trend, with many companies expanding their reach by acquiring or merging with other businesses. In this article, we will take a closer look at an example of horizontal integration in travel and tourism.

One prominent example of horizontal integration in the travel and tourism industry is the acquisition of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide by Marriott International in 2016. This merger brought together two of the largest hotel chains in the world, with a combined portfolio of over 30 hotel brands and more than 5,500 properties across 110 countries.

The Benefits of Horizontal Integration

Horizontal integration can provide several benefits to companies in the travel and tourism industry. By acquiring or merging with other businesses, companies can:

Increase Market Share: Horizontal integration allows companies to expand their reach into new markets and gain access to new customer segments. This can help increase their market share and revenue.

Reduce Competition: By acquiring or merging with other businesses, companies can eliminate competition and gain a competitive advantage in the marketplace.

Realize Economies of Scale: By combining resources, companies can achieve economies of scale that lead to cost savings and increased efficiency.

  • The Marriott-Starwood Merger

The Marriott-Starwood merger was one of the largest transactions in the history of the travel and tourism industry. The deal was valued at $13.3 billion and created a company with over 1.2 million hotel rooms worldwide.

The Impact on Marriott International

The acquisition of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide has had a significant impact on Marriott International’s business operations. The company now has an expanded portfolio of brands that cater to a wide range of customers, from luxury travelers to budget-conscious tourists.

The Impact on Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide

The merger has also had a positive impact on Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, which is now able to leverage Marriott International’s resources and expertise to expand its global footprint. The company has also been able to benefit from the increased marketing and promotional activities that come with being part of a larger organization.

Conclusion

Horizontal integration is a popular business strategy in the travel and tourism industry, with many companies looking to expand their reach by acquiring or merging with other businesses. The Marriott-Starwood merger is a prime example of how horizontal integration can benefit companies in this industry, by increasing market share, reducing competition, and achieving economies of scale. As the travel and tourism industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how other companies adopt this strategy to achieve their business objectives.