Hotel group Marriott plots expansion of home-sharing business

Marriott International is expanding its home-sharing business to the US as Airbnb siphons away travellers, according to a person with knowledge of the matter.

The world’s largest hotel company plans to launch the US home-sharing business in May, said the person, who asked not to be identified before a formal announcement is made. Marriott, which declined to comment, already operates a home-sharing business in a handful of European cities, including London, Paris and Rome.

Marriott chief executive Arne Sorenson has said that his company doesn't compete directly with Airbnb because the home-sharing service attracts mostly budget-minded customers.

Home sharing is a situation whereby people either let out their entire property or just a room on a short term basis.