Marriott Chooses LGBT Business Over Personal Beliefs

by Brig Bagley

6 June 2014

Bill Marriott is the creator and owner of Marriott Hotels across the world. A signature of theirs is the Book of Mormon placed in the drawer of every room's nightstand. In 2011, due to Mitt Romney's influence during his presidential campaign, Marriott also removed pay-per-view pornography from its services--which turned out to be a very costly loss. Marriott is a prominent Mormon that proudly states his active membership in the LDS Church. 

He also knows that gay men love to travel and spend money. 

Gay couples are much more likely to spend money on non-essential purchases. They do, after all, have a double income and usually no children. Gays are also known to name-brand drop and recommend to others best places to shop, eat, and lodge. Because of their consumer experience, they know how to do it right. And they set the trends for others to follow, often leading to the booming success of many businesses, and the sudden downfall of others. Advertise as a supporter of LGBT people, and they will be much  more likely to patronize your business and recommend it to others.

Marriott is just doing good business. He knows the market and wishes to use it to his advantage. When asked how he reconciles his business policies with his personal beliefs, he says: 

“The Bible that I love teaches me about honesty, integrity and unconditional love for all people. But beyond that, I am very careful about separating my personal faith and beliefs from how we run our business.”

Other businesses would do well to heed this advice, given Marriott's successful status.

Read more here: http://qz.com/216328/how-marriots-owner-put-aside-his-mormon-beliefs-to-cash-in-on-the-lgbt-travel-market/