MARRIOTT International recently announced an expanded strategic partnership with BMW Brilliance Automotive Ltd. to promote green travel in China, with an additional 20 units of the new BMW iX3 vehicles deployed at 10 Marriott hotels in Hainan Province. In the near future, both parties will extend this initiative by introducing BMW electric vehicles to Marriott hotels around the Taihu Lake to help guests embrace meaningful travel in leisure destinations. Marriot International has been an active promoter of green travel. After Hainan released its Clean Energy Vehicle Development Plan in 2019, the hotel group became one of the first batch of enterprises to promote the use of clean energy vehicles in the province. By cooperating with BMW Brilliance, it has thus far deployed 120 BMW electric vehicles and installed 42 charging pillars at 23 Marriott properties in Hainan to provide guests with more sustainable travel experiences. “Marriott International, with our presence in the Chinese market for over 30 years, has been committed to sustainable development, with our ‘Serve 360: Doing Good in Every Direction’ principles guiding us on how to remain steadfast in promoting green travel,” said Henry Lee, president of Marriott International in China. “The strategic partnership between Marriott International and BMW Brilliance began in 2016. Our deepened partnership is our response to Hainan’s plan to build itself into an international tourism consumption center during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), as well as our efforts to provide guests with more environmentally friendly value-added products and services.” Carbon emissions from the tourism industry has a profound impact on global climate change. According to forecasts by the United Nations World Tourism Organization, carbon emissions related to tourism will increase by 25 percent by 2030. Aware of the importance of sustainable development, Marriott International proactively fulfills its corporate social responsibility by setting emission cutting goals, including the long-term goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions across its value chain by 2050, and encouraging reduced use of single-use plastic bottles in hotels, reduced food waste and reduced water consumption. It has also launched the “Good Travel With Marriott Bonvoy” program across the Asia Pacific region to offer travels featuring environmental protection, marine protection, community engagement and cultural experience. (Yu Yuanfan) | 