Marriott International Forecasts 2024 Travel Trends: Immersive and Sustainable Experiences

Marriott International Forecasts 2024 Travel Trends: Immersive and Sustainable Experiences

By Author

Published on November 5, 2023

In an age where travel preferences are swiftly changing, Marriott International’s latest survey sheds light on the emerging trends shaping group travel in 2024. Conducted across the United States with over 1,000 travel planners and event organizers, this study from the Caribbean and Latin America regions is a key indicator of the future of travel.

Key Findings: Personalization and Flexibility Take the Lead

Marriott’s survey highlights a significant shift towards personalised and flexible group travel experiences. Gone are the days of conventional planning; 2024 is all about aligning venues with evolving program goals, rapidly adapting to changing needs, and quick response times. Interestingly, only a third of respondents consider past experiences or a destination's popularity as decisive factors. This trend underscores an openness to exploring new venues that align with current priorities.

Immersive Experiences and Local Engagement

Today's travelers crave authenticity and cultural immersion. The survey indicates a strong preference for local food and beverage experiences, transportation solutions that connect with the destination, and activities that offer a deep dive into local culture. Significantly, a quarter of respondents seek corporate social responsibility experiences, reflecting a growing desire to contribute positively to local communities.

Flexibility over Fixed Formats

The post-pandemic world sees a departure from rigid event protocols. Plated meals and strict indoor settings are making way for flexible dining options and a mix of indoor and outdoor venues. This trend indicates a shift from standard, one-size-fits-all event solutions to more tailored, adaptable experiences.

Wellness Beyond Traditional Boundaries

Wellness remains a top priority, but with a twist. Instead of just spa-centric offerings, there’s a burgeoning interest in active wellness pursuits like martial arts and mindfulness activities such as yoga and meditation. This expanded view of wellness encompasses a holistic approach to both physical and mental well-being.

Cultural and Sustainable Travel: The New Norm

The desire for cultural immersion is stronger than ever, with a focus on local gastronomy, beverages, and language experiences. Sustainability also remains a crucial aspect, with a notable interest in eco-friendly destinations and activities that support community rebuilding efforts.

Top Destinations Revealed

For both leisure and business travel in 2024, Mexico, Jamaica, and Aruba lead as the most desirable destinations, followed closely by the Dominican Republic and the Bahamas. The Caribbean continues to be a favoured region, known for its scenic beauty and accessibility from the United States.

Marriott’s Response: Enhancing Experiences

Leveraging these insights, Marriott International is poised to enhance its offerings, ensuring memorable experiences that align with these emerging trends. With a robust presence in the region, Marriott is committed to fulfilling the evolving needs of modern travellers.

About Marriott International

A global leader in hospitality, Marriott International boasts an expansive portfolio of over 8,100 properties across 139 countries. Based in Bethesda, Maryland, the company prides itself on its award-winning travel program, Marriott Bonvoy®. This program offers a range of options for travellers, from luxury stays to unique experiences redeemable through points earned in various ways.

Image Credits- Marriott International 


Bangkok’s Funk Meets Bangalore: FunkyTown x Muro Collaboration

Bangkok’s Funk Meets Bangalore: FunkyTown x Muro Collaboration

By Author

Published on November 27, 2024

Mark your calendars for November 29th and 30th, 2024, as FunkyTown, Bangkok’s culinary sensation, teams up with Muro, Bangalore, for two nights of bold, boundary-pushing flavors. Led by the talented team of Pae Ketumarn, Earth Pirwkram, and Theo from FunkyTown and Sarnies Thailand, the event promises an extraordinary menu of innovative small bites and cocktails exploring the depth of Thai cuisine with a unique "funk level" scale, ranging from mild to daringly intense.

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Guests can indulge in creations like Scallop Crudo Tart, Beef Tartare Cone, and Duck & Apple Snail Tsukune, paired with signature drinks such as the Durian Colada, Mango Martini, and the adventurous Green Curry Cocktail. Each dish and drink combines creative flair, sustainability, and locally rooted ingredients to offer a one-of-a-kind sensory experience.

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Whether you prefer subtle tastes or are ready for the ultimate funky adventure, this exclusive collaboration is a must-attend for food and cocktail enthusiasts. Limited seats available—book now for an unforgettable celebration of Thai-inspired innovation and artistry!


Odia Bhoj - Transcend to the Flavors of Odisha in Mumbai with Chef Biswajit Odia Pop-Up at Momo Café, Courtyard by Marriott!

Odia Bhoj - Transcend to the Flavors of Odisha in Mumbai with Chef Biswajit  Odia Pop-Up at Momo Café, Courtyard by Marriott!

By Author

Published on November 25, 2024

What if you could savor the essence of Odisha—its coastal breeze, vibrant spices, and time-honored recipes—right here in Mumbai? Well here's your chance! At Courtyard by Marriott Mumbai International Airport's Momo Cafe, Chef Biswajit Moharathi, a MasterChef India Season 7 Top 25 contestant, invites you to embark on an unforgettable gastronomic adventure. This exclusive pop-up, running from 22nd November to 1st December 2024, brings the heart of Odisha's cuisine to the city that never stops craving new culinary experiences.

Chef Biswajit, a Bhubaneswar native and engineer-turned-culinary visionary, known for his ability to elevate Indian cuisine while staying true to its roots, invites you to explore the flavors of his homeland through a thoughtfully curated buffet that promises a symphony of taste, tradition, and innovation. "Odisha's food is about balancing flavours—earthy, tangy, spicy, and sweet. I'm excited to bring this experience to Mumbai, a city that appreciates bold flavors and culinary innovation," shares Chef Biswajit Moharathi

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 Indulge in a symphony of taste, as Chef Biswajit curates a delectable buffet showcasing the best of Odia cuisine. From the fiery spices to the delicate flavors, each dish is a testament to the region's rich culinary heritage. Start with the refreshing Mandia Guda Sherbet, a traditional Odian drink made from jaggery and roasted ragi. Move on to the savoury Dali Bara with Tamarind Dip, a popular Odia snack. For the main course, savour the rich and spicy Kankada Jhola, a crab curry, or the tender Chicken Kassa. Accompaniments such as Badi ChuraAmbula Rai, and the smoky Tomato Poda will make your journey to the eastern even more delightful. And to conclude your meal on a sweet note, indulge in the heavenly Manda Pitha, a steamed rice cake filled with coconut and jaggery or the crispy Malpua, and creamy Rabdi.

 Indulge in a culinary journey that will transport you to the sun-kissed shores of Odisha. Book your table now and experience the magic of Odia cuisine!

Timings - 7pm to 11pm 

Date – 22nd November- 1st December 2024

Address – CTS 215, Andheri - Kurla Rd, opposite Carnival Cinemas, Andheri East, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400059

About Marriott International

Marriott International, Inc. (Nasdaq: MAR) is based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and encompasses a portfolio of approximately 9,000 properties across more than 30 leading brands in 141 countries and territories. Marriott operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts all around the world. The company offers Marriott Bonvoy®️, its highly awarded travel program.  For more information, please visit our website at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com.  In addition, connect with us on Facebook and @MarriottIntl on X and Instagram.


Proost Secures INR 30 Crore in Series-A Funding to Expand Operations

Proost Secures INR 30 Crore in Series-A Funding to Expand Operations

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on November 21, 2024

Proost, a homegrown beer startup founded in 2017 by Tarun Bhargava and Vijay P. Sharma, has successfully raised INR 30 crore as part of its ongoing Series-A funding round. The investment was led by existing backers Chimes Group and Srinivasan Namala of Porus Laboratories, with participation from Hyderabad Angels, The Chennai Angels, and other high-net-worth individuals (HNIs).

The newly acquired funds will bolster Proost’s supply chain, support its entry into new markets, and deepen its reach in existing regions. The company also plans to expand its product portfolio and strengthen brand-building initiatives to position itself as a leading player in India’s beer market.

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Tarun Bhargava, Co-Founder & CEO of Proost

“We are thrilled to announce this new round of funding, which represents a significant step forward in Proost's journey,” said Tarun Bhargava, Co-Founder & CEO of Proost. “With these funds, we will focus on expanding production capacity, exploring new markets, and deepening our presence in current ones. This brings us closer to our goal of capturing a substantial share of the Indian beer market by the end of the decade.”

Proost operates under the banner of Grano69 Beverages and has already established a robust presence across Delhi, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, Jharkhand, and Karnataka. The company aims to capture a 5% market share in India’s beer industry by the end of the decade, leveraging customer-focused product development, strategic market expansion, and innovation.

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Vijay Prakash Sharma, MD & Co-Founder of Proost

The brand is known for its premium quality beers characterized by low bitterness and high drinkability. Proost also prides itself on being a “Made in India” brand, sourcing 99% of its raw materials locally.

A representative from Chimes Group expressed enthusiasm about Proost’s growth trajectory, stating, “Proost’s strong market presence and vision reflect the team’s deep understanding of the Indian consumer. We are excited to support their mission to transform the beer industry with high-quality, innovative products.”

Proost intends to use the funds to introduce new beer variants that cater to evolving consumer preferences. The company also seeks to maintain its competitive edge by tapping into emerging trends and developing products that resonate with the Indian audience.

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