# Hotel-Branded Virtual Events Marriott International Launched Engaging At-Home Experiences By Grace Mahas | Published 2020-04-13 | Social Good Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/marriott-international-1 References: [campaignasia](https://www.campaignasia.com/article/travel-marketing-under-covid-19-is-there-any-point/459223/?gg) & [facebook](https://www.facebook.com/marriottinternational/photos/a.248999225167988/2918193194915231/?type=3&theater) The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent aftermath has pushed the travel industry to pivot their business models to stay afloat, including the [Marriott International](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aloft-hotels). The hotel chain understands the shifting needs of consumers in the new social distancing world and launched various virtual initiatives including a live-streamed DJ party, a [master chef cooking series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/marriott-bonvoy-x-pati-jinich) with exclusive recipes, and curated messages of hope on social media. In addition to these engaging at-home entertainment efforts by the Marriott Internation, the brand also launched the charitable Rooms for Responders initiative that provides free or discounted rooms across the globe for front-line responders supporting those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Lastly, for travelers unable to travel due to the outbreak, the hotel chain is offering flexible date changes and refunds. Image Credit: Marriott International ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.0/10 - Popularity: 81% | Activity: 90% | Freshness: 9% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Social Good](https://www.trendhunter.com/socialgood) > [Social Business](https://www.trendhunter.com/socialbusiness) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Hotel-branded Virtual Events:** Marriott International is pioneering the trend of hosting virtual events to engage consumers at home during the pandemic. - **At-home Entertainment Initiatives:** Marriott International is leveraging virtual experiences like live-streamed DJ parties and master chef cooking series to entertain consumers stuck at home. - **Charitable Initiatives for Front-line Responders:** Marriott International's Rooms for Responders initiative offers free or discounted rooms to front-line responders supporting pandemic relief efforts. ### Where This Applies - **Hospitality:** The hospitality industry can explore hosting virtual events and at-home entertainment initiatives to generate revenue and engage with customers during travel restrictions. - **Entertainment:** The entertainment industry can collaborate with hotel chains to create engaging virtual experiences and attract a wider audience base. - **Non-profit:** Non-profit organizations supporting front-line responders can partner with hotel chains to provide accommodation through charitable initiatives. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [DIY-Style Vacation Offerings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/diystyle-vacation.md) - [Musical Vacation Rentals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/marriott-bonvoy-1.md) - [Adventure Destination Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/marriott-bonvoy-outdoors.md) - [Post-Pandemic Hotel Breakfasts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aloft-hotels.md) - [Wellness Hospitality Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/luxury-wellbeing-series-2025.md) - [Culturally Immersive Vacay Destinations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-marriott-vacation-clubs.md) - [Gamified Hotel Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/moxy-universe-play-beyond.md) - [Collaborative Auction Experiences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/collectible-art.md) - [Luxurious All-Inclusive Resorts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/allinclusive-resort-in-cancun.md)