Marriott International Celebrates 50 Years as A Hospitality Leader in Europe, Middle East & Africa
Marriott International, Inc. today celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Amsterdam Marriott Hotel, the company’s first hotel in Europe and outside of North America. From a single Marriott Hotel in 1975, the company has grown tremendously in the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region over the past 50 years. Today, Marriott has over 1,300 properties, 29 distinct brands, and a presence in 80 countries and territories across the region. Opened by J.W. Marriott, Jr., the company’s then Chief Executive Officer who now serves as Chairman Emeritus, the Amsterdam Marriott Hotel debuted in Europe, boasting an unparalleled city centre location. At the time of its construction, it was the city’s largest hotel with 396 rooms. Throughout its 50 years of…
Vietnam’s Durian Farmers Power Up with XAG Drones to Boost Efficiency
Amid Vietnam’s “durian gold rush,” farmers are turning to smart agri-tech, notably XAG agricultural drones, to stay ahead. In the Mekong Delta, where durian exports have soared to $3.3 billion, growers use drones to cut costs, improve yields, and work more safely, adapting quickly to the demands of this booming fruit market. Few understand these shifting tides better than Nguyễn Văn Hường, a lifelong farmer in Tiền Giang province. At 64, Hường and his wife manage more than 300 durian trees, along with 250 jackfruit and coconut trees, on a four-hectare farm. “Selling durians is like selling a house,” he says, noting that a single mature durian tree can yield nearly 100 kg…
Let There Be Light: Vivid Sydney 2025 Kicks Off
The Harbour City has awakened in colour and creativity tonight as Vivid Sydney 2025, Australia’s largest event, has officially begun for its 15th year. Under this year’s theme of Dream, a world class curation of Light, Ideas, Music and Food await festivalgoers over 23 nights, until Saturday, 14 June. This year, the festival comprises over 200 events across five unique zones around the city’s CBD, all designed to inspire wonder, expand thinking and give each visitor the opportunity to see Sydney in a new light. Making Vivid Sydney more accessible than ever, over 75 per cent of this year’s program is free to enjoy, including the entire Vivid Light Walk, Martin…
Agoda survey shows women travelers in Asia driving new hospitality trends in 2025
Women travelers are becoming an increasingly powerful presence in the travel industry, making 82% of travel decisions worldwide. Reflecting this growing influence, Agoda recently unveiled the top women’s travel trends in Asia revealing that women across Asia are charting a different course than their male counterparts when it comes to holiday plans. From a stronger appetite for new destinations to a preference for traveling with family and friends, women travelers are reshaping travel preferences in ways that are directly influencing the hospitality landscape. As Agoda celebrates 20 years of empowering hoteliers to stay ahead of changing travel trends and guest expectations, these insights serve as a timely reminder for hoteliers…
Chinese Infrastructure Projects Appear on Global Currency in New Book Celebrating Belt and Road Imprint
A new publication highlighting the appearance of Chinese-built infrastructure on foreign currency was unveiled at a book launch and symposium in Beijing on May 19, underscoring China’s global reach through its Belt and Road Initiative. The book, Chinese Imprints on World Currency, chronicles how infrastructure projects linked to China have been featured on coins and banknotes issued by countries around the world, casting these structures as enduring symbols of the country’s international partnerships under the Belt and Road framework. The event drew a cross-section of government officials and corporate leaders, including Hong Lei, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs; Wang Haihuai, General Manager of China Communications Construction Company (CCCC); Du Xiaojian, author of the book; and senior executives from state-owned companies.…
