Hotelier expects difficult year

Marriott International Inc, the world's largest hotel chain, said second-quarter profit fell 24 percent and forecast more declines this year as US companies and consumers curb travel.

Net income dropped to $157 million, or 42 cents a share, from $207 million, or 51 cents, a year earlier, Marriott said in a statement published yesterday.

The Bethesda, Maryland-based company said earnings this year may be as much as 21 cents a share lower than its April forecast.