Loading...
You have Successfully logged In !
Already have an account? Login
By clicking Register you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge our Privacy Policy.
Don't have an account?Register
Enter your E-mail address below, We will send the verification code
Please enter the code send to
Didn't receive the email?Click to resend
Your password has been successfully reset!.
Please login again to access your account.
An OTP has been sent to
Enter the 4-digit code
By Nishang Narayan
Published on June 20, 2024
Today, Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott International's award-winning travel program and marketplace, and Starbucks announced a new collaboration offering distinctive benefits to loyalty members. Marriott Bonvoy members and Starbucks Rewards U.S. members who link loyalty accounts will have the opportunity to earn more Stars toward free beverages, food, and more at Starbucks, and Marriott Bonvoy points that can be redeemed at Marriott Bonvoy's more than 30 brands and 10,000 global destinations, as well as for Marriott Bonvoy Moments experiences.
Starting today, June 18, eligible members enrolled in both programs can easily link their accounts by visiting Starbucks.com/MarriottBonvoy. Once linked, Starbucks Rewards and Marriott Bonvoy members can begin to earn these new benefits from both programs:
Double Stars During Stays: Marriott Bonvoy and Starbucks Rewards members can earn Double Stars on qualifying transactions at participating Starbucks locations throughout their eligible stay at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy.
Marriott Bonvoy Weeks | Sip, Dream, Go™: Throughout the year, during any designated Marriott Bonvoy Week, Starbucks Rewards and Marriott Bonvoy members will earn 100 Marriott Bonvoy points when they make three qualifying transactions at participating Starbucks locations. The first Marriott Bonvoy Week begins on July 8 and will run through July 14.
"I love my regular morning cup of Starbucks coffee, and find I enjoy it even more when traveling. So, Marriott Bonvoy's collaboration with Starbucks makes perfect sense," said David Flueck, Global Head of Loyalty, Cards & Enterprise Partnerships, Marriott International. "We will truly satisfy our members' passions for coffee and travel with the opportunity to earn more points and Stars while traveling and at home, and later this year by bringing those passions together when we introduce exclusive coffee- and travel-themed experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments."
"Marriott Bonvoy's commitment to enriching moments for their customers aligns with Starbucks' customer promise to uplift the everyday, making them the perfect loyalty partner," said Kyndra Russell, Senior Vice President, North America Chief Marketing Officer, Starbucks. "We're continuing to develop our Starbucks Rewards program, and through this new collaboration, we are excited to offer members even more value and enhanced benefits through travel experiences."
To celebrate the new loyalty collaboration, Marriott Bonvoy will launch a sweepstakes exclusively available to Starbucks Rewards and Marriott Bonvoy members with linked accounts. The sweepstakes will offer linked members an opportunity to enter to win a range of prizes, including a Grand Prize trip to visit each of the Starbucks Reserve Roasteries in Seattle, Milan, and Tokyo with a stay in a participating hotel and round-trip air transportation fare included. Additional prizes include a visit to one of the Starbucks Reserve Roasteries in either Seattle, Milan, or Tokyo including a hotel stay and round-trip air transportation, as well as 500 chances to win hundreds of Bonus Stars from Starbucks. Eligible customers in the U.S. can enter the sweepstakes between June 18 and July 7 and find the official rules here.
Starbucks Reserve locations in Seattle, Chicago, and New York are also introducing the Starbucks Reserve Siciliano for Marriott Bonvoy to celebrate the launch. The cocktail, inspired by the brands' mutual love for travel, coffee, and connection, blends Starbucks Reserve Cold Brew with traditional Italian spirits, including Amaro Averna and Carpano Antica Formula Sweet Vermouth, finished with Scrappy's Orange Bitters, sparkling water, and an orange swath. For a limited time, Starbucks Rewards and Marriott Bonvoy members with linked accounts can enjoy this exclusive global-inspired cocktail at U.S. Starbucks Reserve Roasteries and the Starbucks Reserve Store at Empire State Building®.
About Starbucks Rewards
Since 2009, the industry-leading Starbucks Rewards program continues to grow in popularity and offers members rewards, personalized offers, games, exclusive deals, and the ability to order ahead and pay using the Starbucks app. In Q2 FY24 (January - March 2024) in the U.S., Starbucks Rewards membership grew 6% over the prior year, to nearly 33 million 90-day active membership.
About Starbucks
Since 1971, Starbucks Coffee Company has been committed to ethically sourcing and roasting high-quality arabica coffee. Today, with nearly 39,000 stores worldwide, the company is the premier roaster and retailer of specialty coffee in the world. Through our unwavering commitment to excellence and our guiding principles, we bring the unique Starbucks Experience to life for every customer through every cup. To share in the experience, please visit us in our stores or online at Starbucks.
About Marriott Bonvoy®
Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott International's award-winning travel program and marketplace, gives its more than 200 million members access to transformative, eye-opening experiences around the corner and across the globe. Marriott Bonvoy's portfolio of more than 30 extraordinary hotel brands offers renowned hospitality in the most memorable destinations in the world. Members can earn points for stays at hotels and resorts, including all-inclusive resorts and premium home rentals, as well as through everyday purchases with co-branded credit cards. Members can redeem their points for experiences including future stays, Marriott Bonvoy Moments™, or through partners for luxurious products from Marriott Bonvoy Boutiques®. With the Marriott Bonvoy app, members enjoy a level of personalization and contactless experience that allows them to travel with peace of mind. To enroll for free or for more information about Marriott Bonvoy, visit Marriott Bonvoy. To download the Marriott Bonvoy app, go here. Travelers can also connect with Marriott Bonvoy on Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok.
About Marriott International
Marriott International, Inc. (Nasdaq: MAR) is based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and encompasses a portfolio of nearly 8,900 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 Marriott, and for the latest company news, visit Marriott News Center. In addition, connect with us on Facebook and @MarriottIntl on X and Instagram.
Note on forward-looking statements
All statements in this press release are made as of June 18, 2024. Neither Marriott International nor Starbucks Corporation ("we" and "our") undertakes any obligation to publicly update or revise these statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of federal securities laws, including statements related to expected arrangements between Marriott International and Starbucks Corporation; additional expected benefits and experiences for members; and similar statements concerning anticipated future events and expectations that are not historical facts. We caution you that these statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to numerous evolving risks and uncertainties that we may not be able to accurately predict or assess, including the risk factors that we identify in our Securities and Exchange Commission filings, including our most recent Annual Reports on Form 10-K or Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and subsequent filings. Any of these factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the expectations we express or imply in this press release.
Empowering Hospitality: The Bingoforge Journey from Vision t...
At the heart of Bingoforge lies a vision that has remained u...
Keytop Tech Solutions: India’s Trusted IT Infrastructure & H...
In today’s fast-paced digital economy, businesses need more ...
Frill Hospitality: Redefining Luxury & Sustainability in Hot...
Since its inception in 2016, Frill Hospitality has been at t...
Beyond the Brew: Brau GALIE’s Bold New Beer-Tequila Cocktail...
If you think you’ve seen it all when it comes to cocktails, ...
By Manu Vardhan Kannan
Published on August 2, 2025
Accor has appointed Raki Phillips as the new Regional President for its Premium, Midscale & Economy (PME) division across the Middle East, Africa and Türkiye, with effect from November 2025. Phillips will succeed Paul Stevens and oversee more than 250 operating hotels across 27 countries, along with a development pipeline of 85 new properties.
This leadership move comes after Phillips' impactful tenure as CEO of the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA). Under his leadership, Ras Al Khaimah witnessed a tourism boom, revenues tripled, international connectivity improved, and the region attracted its largest foreign investment with the Wynn Resorts project.
Bringing over 20 years of global hospitality experience, Phillips has held senior positions at renowned brands like Fairmont Raffles Hotels International, The Ritz-Carlton, and Universal Studios Orlando. At Fairmont, he played a key role in global brand strategy and spearheaded major projects, including the launch of the Fairmont, Raffles, and Swissôtel complex in Makkah.
In his new role at Accor, Phillips will report to Duncan O'Rourke, CEO of the Premium, Midscale & Economy division for Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific. Commenting on the appointment, O’Rourke said, “Raki brings a rare combination of commercial agility, regional knowledge, and purpose-led leadership. His appointment reflects our long-term commitment to the region and our belief in the power of local leadership to drive impact.”
Phillips steps into the role after Paul Stevens, who spent nearly three decades with Accor and was known for championing operational excellence and values-driven initiatives like Purpose Week and ESG programs.
With more than 350 hotels currently in operation and 140 more in development, Accor’s PME division continues its robust expansion in key markets such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt. Phillips will be based in Dubai and oversee a diverse brand portfolio including Swissôtel, Pullman, Mövenpick, Novotel, Mercure, and ibis.
The European Union is moving towards a fully digital Schengen visa system by 2028, bringing an end to traditional paperwork and visa stickers. Travellers will soon be able to complete the entire application process online, from uploading documents and paying fees to receiving a secure, encrypted 2D barcode that replaces the physical visa sticker.
France tested this digital system successfully during the 2024 Paris Olympics, issuing 70,000 barcode-based visas. Once fully implemented, travellers can scan the digital barcode at EU border checkpoints, giving immigration officials instant access to their personal and visa details via a centralised database.
While first-time applicants will still need to provide biometric data, such as fingerprints and photographs, in person, repeat visitors will benefit from a simplified and faster process.
The digital system aims to boost security, reduce paperwork, and streamline visa management across the Schengen area. Applicants will be able to track their application status online and receive notifications on their visa outcome.
To apply, travellers must first determine which country’s embassy to approach, typically based on the destination where they will spend the most time. Most Schengen states use VFS Global for processing in India, while Spain uses BLS International. France, meanwhile, has introduced an online appointment platform called Démarches Simplifiées.
Applicants must carry key documents such as a valid passport (with at least six months validity and two blank pages), visa form, photographs, travel insurance (minimum €30,000 coverage), confirmed flight and accommodation bookings, a cover letter, and proof of finances like recent bank statements or salary slips.
Visa fees remain at €80 for adults and €40 for children aged 6–12, with free applications for those under six. Additional service charges apply based on the chosen processing agency.
Applicants are advised to apply well in advance, ideally 30 to 60 days before travel. Certain embassies, such as those of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia, are known for quicker processing and lower rejection rates. Some, like Germany or France, may require a personal interview, especially in complex cases.
From July 1, 2025, Germany will no longer allow informal appeals on rejected visas; applicants will have to go through formal legal channels. Meanwhile, Indian nationals with two previously used Schengen visas within three years may now qualify for longer multi-entry visas of up to five years, as part of the EU’s new “cascade” rule.
Travellers are encouraged to check official EU visa portals regularly for updates.
Published on July 31, 2025
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts is charging ahead in the EMEA region, officially surpassing 720 operational hotels across Europe, the Middle East, Eurasia, and Africa. The first half of 2025 alone saw over 60 new hotel openings, adding more than 4,700 rooms and delivering a 5% year-on-year organic system growth in the region.
This growth reinforces Wyndham’s commitment to expanding access to quality, branded accommodation across high-growth markets, with 27 new hotel signings further solidifying its regional presence.
Some of the standout openings include Dolce by Wyndham Siracusa, Monasteri Golf and Spa in Sicily, and the Signature Cave Cappadocia, Trademark Collection by Wyndham in Türkiye. The group also ramped up operations in Eastern Europe and Central Asia with hotel launches in Georgia, Romania, and Kazakhstan.
Momentum is particularly strong in Eurasia, where Wyndham opened 21 new hotels in just six months, with a significant presence in India, now one of the company’s most dynamic and fastest-growing hospitality markets.
Wyndham’s strategic partnerships are also paving the way for iconic brand introductions. The globally recognised Super 8® by Wyndham is making its debut in Saudi Arabia and Iberia, with plans for 100 hotels across the Kingdom and 40 hotels in Spain and Portugal in the coming decade.
“With more than 720 hotels now open across EMEA, we're seeing incredible momentum. Travel is thriving and we're meeting that demand with a growing portfolio that reflects the energy and diversity of this region. From stunning resorts in Sicily to one-of-a-kind cave stays in Cappadocia, we're adding experiences that truly inspire,” said Dimitris Manikis, President EMEA, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. “And with new signings in markets like Iberia and Saudi Arabia, we're not just growing – we're creating new opportunities for our partners and giving travellers even more great places to stay across the region.”
Globally, this expansion contributed to Wyndham’s 20th consecutive quarter of developmental pipeline growth, bringing the global pipeline to 255,000 rooms. The company also achieved 4% global organic net room growth and 7% constant currency RevPAR growth in the EMEA region.
Some key milestones from H1 2025 include:
Türkiye now hosts over 125 Wyndham-branded hotels, including the newly launched Cappadocia Cave Hotel, Wyndham Tarsus St. Paul, and Wyndham Alanya.
India and South Asia saw growth with new openings like Ramada Encore by Wyndham Lucknow Airport, Ramada by Wyndham Cox’s Bazar Kolatoli Beach, and Wyndham Garden Jim Corbett Chhoi.
New European destinations saw brand introductions like La Quinta by Wyndham Batumi in Georgia and Tor’re Astana, Trademark Collection in Kazakhstan.
The Super 8® by Wyndham expansion into Saudi Arabia and Iberia is a landmark move, targeting value-conscious travellers in these rapidly evolving markets.
Driving this expansion is Wyndham Advantage, a platform offering best-in-class marketing, distribution, and technology support to hotel owners, bolstered by nearly $350 million invested in digital transformation and access to over 120 million Wyndham Rewards® members globally.
With bold new destinations and an aggressive pipeline, Wyndham’s EMEA footprint continues to grow rapidly, making it a major player in global hospitality.
Stay up-to-date with the latest Hospitality news and trends in the Hospitality industry!
Subscribe to Hospitality news e-magazine for free and never miss an issue.
By clicking subscribe for free you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge our Privacy Policy.
Advertise With Us
We have various options to advertise with us including Events, Advertorials, Banners, Mailers, etc.
A platform dedicated to showcase the skills and creativity of hospitality professionals. Share your articles, videos and other content related to the industry and get recognized for your unique perspective and expertise. By posting your content and gaining likes from your own community, we'll categorize your talents and expose them to the hospitality world. Join our community of passionate hospitality professionals and let your talent shine!.
Already have an account?Login
By clicking you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge our Privacy Policy.
Subscribe for ₹2,000 and receive our monthly magazine for one year (12 months) from the coming month and save 2 months cost.