Purchasing for 4,000 hotels: the case of Avendra

Abstract

Avendra is an independent company formed by Marriott International, Inc., Hyatt Hotels Corporation, ClubCorp. USA, Inc., InterContinental Hotel Group, and Fairmont Hotels and Resorts – all leading companies in their respective hospitality markets. Avendra serves the hospitality industry in North America and the Caribbean and is the largest hospitality procurement service company in the world. This viewpoint article presents a few concepts of procurement and purchasing for hotels. Explains the origin, concept, philosophy and operation of Avendra. Identifies the future challenges for the company. Concludes by listing the key benefits for suppliers, hotels and, most importantly, to the customers should similar operations evolve in different parts of the world.