UN Tourism has taken a significant step toward modernising how the sector is tracked within the global economy. During the 57th session of the United Nations Statistical Commission, new standards were backed to better measure tourism's role in international trade and environmental sustainability. The move aims to provide governments and businesses with reliable, comparable data to guide future economic policy and green reporting.
Marriott International is expanding its midscale presence in Europe through the debut of its Series by Marriott brand. The launch involves 11 new projects across the United Kingdom and Italy in partnership with Splendid Hospitality Group and Amapa Group. This move follows the global introduction of the collection brand in 2025. The new properties will focus on providing reliable and locally inspired accommodation for modern travellers.
Hilton has signed an exclusive franchise deal with YOTEL to expand its lifestyle hotel portfolio. YOTEL becomes the first brand under the "Select by Hilton" banner. While YOTEL remains independently managed, it will now gain access to Hilton’s global distribution and the Hilton Honors loyalty programme. This partnership allows both brands to grow efficiently while offering guests smart, tech-led urban accommodation in key cities worldwide.
Marriott Bonvoy has partnered with Bank Mandiri to launch its first co-branded credit card in Indonesia. This move marks the travel program’s debut in the Southeast Asian credit market and Bank Mandiri’s first collaboration with a global hospitality group. The card allows Indonesian travellers to accumulate points through daily spending, which can be redeemed across Marriott’s portfolio of 10,000 destinations.
The Ascott Limited achieved a record-breaking 2025 by signing 19,000 units across 102 new properties. This 27 per cent year-on-year growth saw the company expand into 10 new cities including Taipei and Wellington. The firm is focusing on an asset-light model with a heavy emphasis on resort signings and property conversions. Ascott now operates or is developing over 1,000 properties globally as it nears its S$500 million fee income target.
Marriott Bonvoy has been named the Official Hotel Supporter in North America for the FIFA World Cup 2026. This partnership marks the return of the tournament to the continent for the first time in over three decades. With hotels situated across the 16 host cities in Canada, Mexico and the United States, the group aims to be a central hub for travellers.
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