The Marriott International hotel chain released its balance sheet for the second quarter of 2009, in which it reported a sharp drop in its profits equivalent to 76% (US$37 million) compared to US$153 million in 2008, although as a positive thing the company managed to exceed expectations.Revenue in the quarter fell, in part because of fear of the AH1N1 virus, by 19% ($2.6 billion) compared to $3.2 billion in the same period in 2008.
"In the second quarter we delivered impressive profit margins as a result of cost controls and operational improvements, despite a drop in revenue per available room," President and Chief Executive J.W. Marriott Jr. said in a statement released by América Economía.
