If anything Marriott will probably issue credit cards in China - it's a huge market. Europe is tiny compared to China.
Here in Sweden we have SAS Amex card and BA credit card - and Sweden is really a card country compared to Denmark and Norway. Germany is much better with credit card now than say 5-10 years ago. Not that Marriott really cares about Sweden as they only have hotels in Stockholm. The Ren in Malmo doesn't exist long.
Actually California is a cash place - it's a lot cheaper to pay for gas with US debit card (my Hong Kong issued Citi debit card doesn't work) or cash. I was charged card fee for buying oranges in a farm stand in Monterey - it's not allowed in Sweden (perhaps the EU).
Marriott used to give Non-US members double elite nights for paid stays to compensate the lack of credit card - but that doesn't last long.