Marriott announces the launch of a competitor to Airbnb

Marriott International Inc. is starting a new home-rental business, aiming to take on Airbnb Inc. and other home-sharing companies in one of the lodging industry’s hottest segments. The Bethesda, Md.-based company said that starting next week it will offer accommodations in about 2,000 high-end homes throughout 100 markets across the U.S., Europe and Latin America. Read more.