Marriott International is expanding its footprint in India with the opening of its fifth hotel in Pune, The Pune Marriott Suites. The addition of this new hotel means that Marriott International will be managing the largest number of hotels in the city of Pune.

Travelport has signed a new multi-year strategic distribution agreement with Marriott International, a global leading lodging company. The agreement continues access for travel agents globally to Marriott International’s 4,500 hotels in nearly 90 countries. As part of the agreement, the companies will enhance the way Marriott International’s hotels are merchandised to travel agencies through Travelport’s travel commerce platform.

Marriott International is preparing for significant growth within the Middle East and Africa announcing the signing of a 300-suite Marriott Executive Apartments and unveiling plans to open 17 new properties across the region this year. At present, the hotel company operates nearly 150 properties in the MEA region across nine brands in 19 countries.

John Rees, director of operations, Marriott International talks to Breaking Travel News at Arabian Travel Market about the developing luxury hospitality market in Dubai and the role the brand intends to play within it.

Marriott Executive Apartments has been nominated for the third successive year as Thailand’s Leading Serviced Apartment Brand by the World Travel Awards. Here Breaking Travel News catches up with the general managers of the properties to find out just what it is that keeps them ahead of the chasing pack.

Marriott International and Starwood Hotels & Resorts is encouraging shareholders of both companies to vote in support of the proposed merger. If completed the deal will create the world’s largest hotel company, with 30 brands across all major customer segments, significant economies of scale and the most powerful loyalty program in hospitality.