In this World Business Special, we sit down with two regional executives from Marriott International to explore how one of the world’s largest hotel groups is adapting to the future of tourism. With global travel trends shifting and new markets rising, the role of hospitality giants in shaping infrastructure, investment and economic development is increasingly under scrutiny.
Filmed inside the Presidential Suite of the Ritz-Carlton Baku, the discussion covers Marriott’s outlook across Eastern Europe and the Middle East—two regions with distinct dynamics but shared ambitions for growth.
Pankaj Birla, overseeing Eastern Europe, and Sandeep Walia, responsible for the Middle East, offer insight into Marriott’s operational strategy, brand localisation, sustainable tourism, and the expanding role of digital innovation in the hospitality sector.
As Azerbaijan positions itself as a key player in regional tourism, this episode provides timely perspective on what it takes for emerging destinations to attract and sustain global attention.
Russia and Ukraine have begun a regional ceasefire to allow the start of a humanitarian effort in the Russian-occu...
Kyrgyzstan doubled its petrol and diesel production in the first nine months of 2026, as disruptions at Russian oil refineries strained fuel suppli...
Jordan said its air force killed more than 20 Islamic State militants in strikes on southern Syria on Monday night. ...
Uzbekistan summoned Iran’s ambassador following claims by several Iranian diplomatic missions that the historical and architectural heritage of Samarkand belongs to Persian or Iranian-Islamic civilisation, Tashkent's Foreign Ministry said.
Serbia's Aleksandar Vučić has conceded defeat after a student-led protest movement took the majority of seats in Sunday's parliamentary elections.
Russian strikes hit several parts of Ukraine overnight, injuring at least six people and targeting energy and port infrastructure, as President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said U.S. warnings about imminent Russian ballistic missile attacks had resumed.
Russia and Ukraine have begun a regional ceasefire to allow the start of a humanitarian effort in the Russian-occupied town of Oleshky, both sides said on Tuesday, but they continue strikes elsewhere, including the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv.
Iran's Supreme National Security Council says senior officials from Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Türkiye will travel to Tehran to discuss regional security.
On 12 August, AnewZ’s Daybreak focused on the aftermath of Colombia’s devastating earthquake, tensions surrounding Iran and the Strait of Hormuz, growing Russia-North Korea military cooperation and security and environmental challenges across the Caspian and Black Sea regions.
On 11 August, AnewZ’s Daybreak examined U.S. President Donald Trump’s new demands for Iran, Russia-Iran cooperation and regional connectivity through the South Caucasus alongside key political, security and climate developments worldwide.
On 10 August, AnewZ’s Daybreak focused on developments in Gaza, Lebanon-Israel negotiations, Iran’s position on talks with Washington and the latest global security and climate-related challenges.
On 7 August, AnewZ's Daybreak focused on the Iran war, escalating violence in Yemen and a deadly migrant crisis in Spain's Ceuta enclave.
The 8 August commemorative edition of AnewZ's Context looked back on the year since the Washington breakthrough, examining how the initialling of the Azerbaijan-Armenia peace agreement and the launch of the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity have reshaped regional politics.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment