Marriott Rewards and Ctrip.com have announced the launch of a global partnership, offering Chinese travellers a great variety of hotels and rewarding opportunities when they stay at 3,600 participating hotels around the world. With the launch of this industry first partnership, Marriott Rewards members can now earn Ctrip points when they stay Marriott International’s hotels globally.

Marriott has opened its first hotel in Azerbaijan, the 243-room JW Marriott Absheron Baku, under a management agreement with Yeni Absheron Oteli. A stunning addition to Marriott International’s luxury JW Marriott global brand portfolio, the hotel overlooks Baku’s famed Azadliq Square and the Caspian Sea.

Marriott has opened its second hotel in Mexico city with the debut of the 221-guestroom JW Marriott Mexico City Santa Fe.

Marriott International reached an agreement to acquire the Gaylord Hotels brand and management company for $210 million. Gaylord Entertainment will maintain ownership of the hotels and reorganise as a real estate investment trust (REIT).

Marriott International has announced its board of directors approved a 30 per cent increase in the company’s quarterly cash dividend from ten cents to thirteen cents per share of common stock. The dividend is payable on June 22nd, 2012 to shareholders of record on May 18th, 2012.

A symbol of Dubai’s resurgence and its growing importance at the centre of the global business crossroads will emerge later this year when the 1,608-room JW Marriott Marquis Dubai opens its doors to guests later this year.  A stunning addition to Marriott International’s JW Marriott world-class luxury hotel brand, the JW Marriott Marquis Dubai will open in two phases, with the first section featuring 807 rooms and numerous restaurants and lounges.