SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA, 29 November 2022: Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott International's award-winning global travel program, today announced an incredible line-up of experiences for the 2023 Summer of Tennis, inspired and curated by former world #1 Ash Barty.

Program members will be able to use their points to bid on more than 50 unique Marriott Bonvoy MomentsTM, offering exclusive access to money-can't-buy experiences across December and January.

By teaming up with one of the biggest names in sport, Bonvoy members have the chance to enjoy a number of Australian Open experiences including premium viewing tickets across marquee matches including both Women's and Men's finals, meet & greets with tennis legends and the opportunity to take photos with the Norman Brooks and Daphne Akhurst trophies.

Barty is excited to partner with the global hospitality leader for a second consecutive year. To celebrate the Summer of Tennis and the joy of travel, Barty has curated a special hotel package, Aim To Serve, which includes a personal welcome note, a copy of her new memoir My Dream Time and special edition Marriott Bonvoy AO sports merchandise.

Barty said “I'm excited to collaborate with Marriott Bonvoy on the Aim to Serve Package. I hope Marriott Bonvoy members will enjoy learning more about my journey through my memoir, My Dream Time. Reading has always been a passion of mine and provided me with great comfort when I was on the road. Wherever I was staying in the world I had a few good books with me.

Barty has also helped created the Ultimate Marriott Bonvoy Moment, where guests will enjoy a two-night stay at W Melbourne, transfers to AO23, a private tennis clinic with Ash, behind the scenes tour of Rod Laver Arena and more in week two of the tournament at Melbourne Park.

“I was lucky enough to visit many different cities during my tennis career and there really is nowhere better than Melbourne during the Australian Open. Melbourne is a wonderful city, full of adventure and amazing experiences. The Australian Open will feel a little different for me in 2023 but I'm excited to be part of it and to help Marriott Bonvoy celebrate the Summer of Tennis.”

Sean Hunt, Area Vice President Australia, New Zealand & Pacific of Marriott International said the company is dedicated to offering guests authentic and memorable travel experiences that enhance their trip and builds on Australia's reputation as one of the world's greatest travel destinations.

“We know our guests deeply and understand what they are looking for in their travels. Our value lies in our desire and ability to connect our guests with their passions through incredible moments that leave a lasting impact,“ he said.

“We have an extraordinary portfolio of 30 global hotel brands and our teams are busier than ever creating magical moments that fuel our guests joy for travel and change the way in which they see and experience the world.”

Hunt said the Australian Open is the number one cultural event on Australia's international sporting calendar and is an outstanding opportunity to put Australia back in the spotlight as a world class destination offering first class accommodation, lifestyle, and sporting experiences.

“Ash put in a stellar performance earlier this year to become the first Australian to win our home Grand Slam in more than 40 years, so we are thrilled to be working with her again as our official Marriot Bonvoy ambassador for the summer of tennis,” he added.

“We expect another truly spectacular two weeks at Melbourne Park in January and look forward to hosting a range of VIP guests and Marriott Bonvoy members at our new-look hospitality suite in Rod Laver Arena as the world's top players go head-to-head.”

Packages are available from November for bidding on the travel program's experiential platform, Marriott Bonvoy Moments.

During the Australian Open, the Premium Experience (PX) by Marriott Bonvoy at the Grand Slam Oval and Garden Square will give members a pop-up space to escape the crowds and catch up with family and friends.

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Media Contact:

Melissa Dive, The Mint Partners

melissa@themintpartners.com.au or +61 484 906 720

About the Australian Open and Summer Of Tennis

The Australian Open is the biggest sports and entertainment event in the world in January. Staged at Melbourne Park in Melbourne, Australia, the AO is the first of the four Grand Slam tennis events held each year, preceding the French Open, Wimbledon, and the US Open. Tennis Australia promotes tennis participation, facilitates player development, stages local and international events and invests in facilities and programs to grow the sport across Australia. The world's best players will unite in January to compete side by side at the United Cup, a stunning new annual team event that will launch the global tennis season in 2023.

In a world first, showcasing equality at the highest level of the sport, mixed teams from 18 countries will compete across three Australian cities - Brisbane, Perth and Sydney - over 11 days. Each team will comprise up to four men and up to four women. The power and passion of team competition will come to life as the players unite to represent their countries with national pride on the line. The United Cup, an ATP-WTA event presented in partnership with Tennis Australia, offers an unprecedented USD $15 million in prize money.

About Marriott Bonvoy® 

Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott International's award-winning travel program and marketplace, gives members access to transformative, eye-opening experiences around the corner and across the globe. Marriott Bonvoy's portfolio of 30 extraordinary 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 enrol for free or for more information about Marriott Bonvoy, visit marriottbonvoy.com. To download the Marriott app, go here. Travelers can also connect with Marriott Bonvoy on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.