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 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 announced its expansion into apartment-style accommodations with the launch of Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy. The company is tapping the growing consumer interest for more space for stays, propelled by the blending of work and leisure travel. It is building upon its experience with Marriott Executive Apartments, its serviced-apartment brand in Asia, Europe, Middle East, Africa, and Latin America. With the introduction of Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy, the company expects it will enhance portfolio growth globally and bring the serviced-apartment concept to Marriott guests in the US and Canada. “The introduction of Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy offers developers a premium product backed by our trusted name and distribution platform,” said Stephanie Linnartz, President, Marriott International. “With Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy, guests will be able to shop a wider array of accommodation options within the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio.” Marriott plans to introduce Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy in the upper-upscale and luxury segments, distinguished from Marriott’s existing extended-stay brands. Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy will feature a separate living room and bedroom, full kitchen, and in-unit washer and dryer.

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 announced an agreement with Hoteles City Express, to acquire the City Express brand portfolio. It marks Marriott’s entry into the affordable midscale segment and becomes its 31^st brand. The portfolio currently comprises 152 hotels, with 17,356 rooms across 75 cities in Mexico and three additional countries in Latin America. Upon closing of the transaction, the brand will become part of Marriott’s franchise system. Marriott will also acquire the franchise rights to five under-construction projects in the pipeline, representing an additional 676 rooms. Marriott expects to update the brand name with its signature ‘by Marriott’ endorsement. Marriott is paying $100 million for Hoteles City’s brand portfolio (City Express, City Express Plus, City Express Suites, City Express Junior, and City Centro), trademarks  and related intellectual property, along with the City Premios loyalty program. “This transaction with Hoteles City Express is a strategic win for Marriott and our customers, associates and owners and franchisees,” said Anthony Capuano, Chief Executive Officer, Marriott International. “We’re excited to enter a new lodging category – the popular affordable midscale segment where we see significant potential.” Hoteles City Express was founded in México in 2002 by Luis Barrios. The company’s portfolio offers urban, suburban, and extended stay offerings in Mexico, Costa Rica, Colombia, and Chile. Marriott expects the transaction tp close between the end of 2022 and the first half of 2023.

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.