Marriott Vacations Worldwide held the 24th annual Caring Classic Golf Tournament, benefitting pediatric research.

KISSIMMEE, Fla – Gaylord Palms Resort opened the all-new Crystal River Rapids attraction to guests Saturday. Crystal River Rapids at Gaylord Palms Resort (McReynolds)The resort is also opening Mangrove Lawn, a new 12,000 square foot event lawn located right outside the Convention Center. Officials said the area will connect to both the South Beach Pool and Crystal River Rapids for groups looking to buyout both areas. Full Screen 1 / 6 Gaylord Palms Expansion renderingOnce completed Gaylord Palms Resort will have 1,718 rooms. Gaylord Palms Resort begins its “Once Upon A Spring” programming which offers a lineup of more than 10-family events on Saturday.

DeLAND, Fla. – The Volusia County Council debated for almost six hours on Tuesday whether to amend its short-term rental ordinance and lift the ban before ultimately voting to wait to make any changes locally until state lawmakers meet in April to discuss a short-term rental bill. The argument had become passionate for many beachside communities in Volusia County. “You’re putting these children at risk if you turn our neighborhoods into transient communities by allowing short-term rentals,” they said. Since 2007, county officials say they’ve received 860 complaints about short-term rental properties. Those against it don’t want the traffic and change of neighbors, saying short-term renters don’t care about the neighborhoods.

Support Marriott International. Marriott’s “Spirit to Serve” permeates the company culture and motivates associates to raise money for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. Since 1983, Marriott International has raised more than $130 million through hosting large-scale events and unique fundraising campaigns at individual properties. “Children are our future,” Children’s Miracle Network said. Thank you, Marriott International, for serving to change the future – for all of us.”

Marriott saw dramatic improvement in the third quarter as travel demand rebounded in China. Average occupancy at hotels in China hit 61% during the quarter, down just 10% from a year ago. Sorenson said leisure travelers who might usually go abroad are staying in China, boosting occupancy rates. Business and group demand is weaker, partly because international business travel — which normally accounts for 25% of Marriott's business in China — is down significantly. The trend toward remote work could accelerate a shift the industry was already seeing away from business travel, Sorenson said.