AC Hotels by Marriott has unveiled its first China hotel. AC Hotel by Marriott Suzhou marks the brand debut in Greater China. It features 135 guestrooms and suites, all day dining and signature AC Lounge with an outdoor terrace. This China hotel houses a multi-functional functions space and a 24-hour fitness centre. “We are excited to introduce the brand in Greater China, the seventh of our Select Brands,” said Matthew Boettcher, VP, Distinctive Select Brands. Known as ‘Venice of the East,’ Suzhou is an ancient water town with elegant waterways. AC Hotel by Marriott Suzhou is situated in the heart of the historic Gusu District. The city is accessible by high-speed train from Shanghai.

Marriott plans to expand its electric vehicle network across Asia Pacific. By the end of 2023, the company expects to sign agreements to operate EV charging in nine markets. These are India, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Japan, SouthKorea, Singapore, Australia and Vietnam. It will install more than 400 electric vehicle chargers by end of 2025. "There is an urgency to increase use of renewable energy," said Marriott’s Neeraj Govil, SVP, Operations, Asia Pacific . "The planned expansion of our EV network across the region is a significant investment."

Fairfield by Marriott expanded its Indonesia footprint with a new Bali hotel. It is located in the South Kuta, less than 10 minutes from Ngurah Rai International Airport. Fairfield by Marriott Bali hotel has 71 rooms with restaurant sand a rooftop pool. "We look forward to offering a straightforward, and stress-free experience for guests," said Amy Lingga, General Manager. Fairfield’s new hotel participates in the Marriott Bonvoy travel program, allowing members to earn and redeem points.

Marriott International plans to expand its select service portfolio in Greater China with another 30 hotels by the end of 2023. It will complement an existing portfolio of more than 460 properties in the region. Marriott’s select service portfolio includes Moxy, Fairfield by Marriott, AC Hotels by Marriott, Aloft and Element Hotels across 67 cities in Greater China. The expansion adds consumer choice in second-and third-tier cities, such as Foshan and Changchun, while expanding its presence in first-tier cities. “Representing over 50% of Marriott hotels expected to open in Greater China through 2023, our select-service brand portfolio is a growth engine,” said Gavin Yu, Chief Development Officer, Greater China, Marriott International. Upcoming openings across Greater China include the brand debut of AC Hotels in Suzhou, Moxy Hotels in Chongqing and Ningbo, and the50th Courtyard by Marriott hotel in Chongli.

Marriott International and Rakuten Group, Inc. announced a new enhanced partnership, enabling Marriott Bonvoy members to exchange their points for Rakuten Points. "We are delighted to announce the launch of a new points exchange program. The new points exchange agreement will enable Marriott Bonvoy members to choose how they would like to utilize their Marriott Bonvoy points," said Julie Purser, Vice President, Marketing, Loyalty & Partnerships, APAC, Marriott International. The first phase will allow Marriott Bonvoy members to transfer their Marriott Bonvoy points to Rakuten Points, based on a transfer ratio of three Marriott Bonvoy Points to one Rakuten Point, starting from a minimum of 3,000 Points. As part of the next phase of the collaboration, Rakuten members can exchange their Rakuten Points for Marriott Bonvoy Points, enabling a two-way points transfer capability through the strategic collaboration. Launched in late 2021, the collaboration between Marriott Bonvoy and Rakuten allows Marriott Bonvoy to connect directly with millions of Rakuten members to offer them more than 8,100 hotels and resorts across 139 countries and territories, including more than 75 properties in Japan. Marriott Bonvoy members can earn points to redeem for free nights, as well as enjoy the benefits of Elite status such as access to top experiences through the Marriott Bonvoy Moments platform. This includes VIP access to concerts, culinary experiences, sporting events and more. Rakuten's consumer offerings include e-commerce, fintech, digital content and communications, united under its flagship loyalty program, Rakuten Points. Members earn points by making travel reservations through Rakuten Travel, or using a variety of the more than 70 services Rakuten operates.

Marriott International released its 2022 Serve 360 Report presenting data from 2021 on its Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) efforts. In support of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals Marriott’s sustainability and social impact platform, Serve 360: Doing Good in Every Direction, guides the company's commitment. Launched in 2017, the company is celebrating five years of Serve 360’s impact. In addition to showcasing data on company diversity, sustainable operations, volunteerism, and other ESG activities, 2021 highlights include:

• Committed to set a science-based target and reach net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by no later than 2050.
• Announced an accelerated goal to achieve global gender parity in executive positions by 2023 – two years ahead of the original goal.
• Established the Marriott-Sorenson Center for Hospitality Leadership to help build a pipeline of diverse talent by inspiring Black students to enter the hospitality industry.
• Launched the next iteration of Marriott’s human trafficking awareness training, which uses real-life scenarios to support the 2025 goal to train 100% of on-property associates.
• Piloted Good Travel with Marriott Bonvoy to provide guests the opportunity to create a positive impact across communities in the Asia Pacific region.

Marriott International inked an agreement to introduce AC Hotels by Marriott^® brand to Greater China. Expected to open in December 2022, the 135-room AC Hotel by Marriott Suzhou is situated in the heart of Suzhou. Planned dining options include the signature AC Kitchen and the AC Lounge & Bar. The hotel will also feature flexible spaces, including an AC Store, a 24-hour fitness centre, a meeting room, and a laundry room. “AC Hotels is known for its a purposeful design that seamlessly fits into a picturesque city like Suzhou,” said Gavin Yu, Chief Development Officer, Greater China, Marriott International. “The anticipated debut of AC Hotels by Marriott will further enrich our select portfolio in the region.” Marriott currently operates 15 hotels across eight brands in Suzhou, including W Hotels, Marriott Hotels, Renaissance Hotels, Le Méridien, Four Points by Sheraton, Element by Westin, Courtyard by Marriott, and Fairfield by Marriott.

Luxury tour operator If Only have teamed up with Marriott International to launch a new campaign ‘Stay Your Way with Marriott’, designed to inspire travel to Marriott International hotels in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The multi-channel marketing campaign runs from August until December 2022. If Only will provide marketing materials to enable agents to engage their customers, from e-shots sent directly to travel agents to social media offers plus other additional content. The hotels to be featured during the campaign are: Ritz Carlton Abu Dhabi Grand Canal, The St. Regis Abu Dhabi, The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa, The Ritz Carlton Dubai, W Dubai – The Palm, Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa, The Westin Dubai Mini Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, Grosvenor House, Habtoor Grand Resort, Bvlgari Dubai and W Dubai – Mina Seyahi. To support travel agents in driving bookings, If Only have established a dedicated campaign hub on Google Drive. The hub contains downloadable posters featuring exclusive offers, which can also be used to promote the campaign, plus a campaign landing page: ifonly.net/campaigns/stay-your-way-with-marriott-international Travel agents will also have the chance to win a six night luxury stay at Marriott United Arab Emirates properties, plus an Al Maha Bedouin day package which will be awarded to the top booker during the campaign. To enter, agents simply have to make as many bookings as possible until 31December 2022 with If Only to the focused Marriott International properties. Prizes include: 2 night stay at W Dubai – The Palm 2 night stay at Ritz-Carlton Dubai (Jumeirah Beach) 2 night stay at St. Regis Abu Dhabi (Corniche) Al Maha Bedouin day pass including breakfast and lunch plus activities More at ifonly.net/agents/incentives

Marriott International Inc. has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Indonesia’s Ministry of Tourism to help boost the tourism recovery. The MoU includes collaborations covering destination marketing; and the development of talent and human resource competencies over three years. The collaboration hopes to provide opportunities for students or graduates of six Tourism Polytechnics with practical experiences and training within the company's portfolio of hotels and resorts. Ramesh Jackson, Indonesia's Area Vice President for Marriot International, said: "Collectively we aim to improve the experience for travellers and its people". "We look forward to establishing a long-term relationship with the Ministry of Tourism which has been working tirelessly to stimulate tourism.” In his statement, Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy of the Republic of Indonesia, Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno, conveyed that this MoU is a concrete step towards a commitment between the public and private sector, in line with President Joko Widodo's instructions to develop a more inclusive tourism. "Marriott International is the right partner for this strategic collaboration. I look forward to this fruitful cooperation and see the positive results in the near future," said Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno. With upcoming openings in Jakarta, Labuan Bajo and Manado, Marriott International operates 60 hotels and resorts in Indonesia across 19 of its global brands.

Moxy Hotels announced the launch of the “Moxy Universe, Play Beyond” augmented reality experience in Asia Pacific. Designed for the young-at-heart, Moxy brings its “Play On” experiences from the hotel to the virtual world through the Moxy Universe. The campaign video is available on YouTube. Guests can explore the Moxy Universe with their own avatar in 12 Moxy hotels across Asia Pacific from through December 31, 2022. Before arriving in-person, guests can access the Moxy Universe via mobile devices to customise their own avatar. Upon checking in at the hotel’s signature Bar Moxy, guests will enter the Moxy Universe by scanning a designated QR marker to unlock challenges throughout the hotel’s guestroom and public spaces to win prizes. “With the campaign, we are bringing Moxy’s ‘Play On’ spirit to another dimension through fun, immersive experiences while creating greater connections with our guests,” said Jennie Toh, VP, Brand Marketing Asia Pacific, Marriott International. After getting their room keys, guests can scan the QR marker at Bar Moxyto view holographic projections and take photos with life-sized avatars while sipping drinks. The playful energy of Moxy can be found in vibrant destinations in Asia Pacific, such as the Moxy Osaka Shin Umeda, Moxy Seoul Insadong and Moxy Shanghai Hongqiao NECC, the first Moxy hotel in Mainland China.

Marriott announced a strategic agreement with Vietnam hospitality and theme park operator Vinpearl to convert and develop 2,200 rooms across eight hotels. This collaboration will see the debut of the Autograph Collection Hotels brand in Vietnam, while others planned including Marriott Hotels, Sheraton Hotels & Resorts, and Four Points by Sheraton brands. “We are thrilled to be working with Vinpearl to accelerate our growth in Vietnam,” said Rajeev Menon, President, Asia Pacific (excluding Greater China), Marriott International. “We are confident this collaboration will enable us to better cater to our guests’ needs.” Of the eight hotels, six are conversions that are expected to be part of Marriott’s portfolio later this year. Vinpearl Landmark 81, Autograph Collection is expected to serve as Vietnam’s first Autograph Collection hotel. Currently known as Vinpearl Luxury Landmark 81, the hotel is housed in a 461-metre tower on the banks of the Saigon River and will feature 223 rooms and suites. It will have three food and beverage outlets, 12 function spaces, a spa, outdoor pool, and fitness centre. Others include Danang Marriott Resort & Spa, Sheraton Long Beach Phu Quoc Resort, Sheraton Hai Phong, and Four Points by Sheraton Lang Son. Marriott International currently operates 10 hotels and resorts in Vietnam. The company recently announced plans to more than quadruple its portfolio in Vietnam with a pipeline of 30 hotels.

Marriott Bonvoy has released a revamped version of its Android mobile app. The roll-out of the newest features on the Marriott Bonvoy app offers more seamless options for users. New travel shopping options give access to more Marriott offerings, including 65,000+ luxury vacation rentals from Homes & Villas by Marriott International alongside Marriott Bonvoy’s 30 brands and 8,000+ hotels. The launch on Android follows the update that launched on Apple’s iOS operating system in 2021. The app allows members to customize their experience through contactless check-in and check-out, and request services and amenities via chat and mobile requests. “We’re excited to be able to offer Android users the chance to enjoy the new features now,” said Sarah Searls, Senior Vice President Digital, Marriott International. “The enhanced app simplifies the travel planning process, allows for the most frictionless experience before and during your stay.” Updated searching allows users to search and book accommodations by hotel brand, destination, price, or points needed for a free night’s stay. It is also easier for members to earn points: They can see relevant promotions on the home screen and their account page, giving them easy access to promotions for stays, Uber rides or Uber Eats, airline partners, and more. The app is available in seven languages – English, Spanish, French, German, Japanese, Korean and Chinese, with more to come.