Marriott Bonvoy taps Alex Eala as face of Tennis The World's APEC campaign

Marriott Bonvoy has appointed Filipino tennis star Alex Eala as the face of its Tennis The World campaign across Asia Pacific excluding China (APEC), as the travel loyalty programme expands its use of sport to offer members exclusive experiences.

The partnership will see Eala front Marriott Bonvoy’s regional campaign, which aims to bring members closer to tennis through access to major tournaments, courtside experiences and opportunities to meet the rising star.

Eala, the highest-ranked Filipino player in WTA history, recently became the first Filipino player to win a WTA Tour singles title after capturing the 2026 Mubadala DC Open. Her growing profile across Asia makes her a natural fit for Marriott Bonvoy’s focus on travel, discovery and experiences, the company said.

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“Alex embodies so much of what Marriott Bonvoy stands for. She is authentic, inspiring, and proudly connected to the region we serve. Her remarkable rise, culminating in her recent breakthrough WTA title and victories over some of the world’s best players, is a testament to her talent, resilience, and determination. As she continues to make her mark on the global stage, we are excited to support her journey while bringing our members closer to the game through exclusive experiences and unforgettable moments,” said John Toomey, chief commercial officer, APEC, Marriott International.

Eala said travel has played an important role in her career and that the partnership reflected a shared belief in travel and meaningful experiences.

“Travel has always been such a meaningful part of my journey as a tennis player. Every tournament brings the opportunity to experience new places, meet new people and create memories that stay with you long after the match is over. I’m excited to partner with Marriott Bonvoy because they share that same belief in the power of travel and meaningful experiences, and I can’t wait to connect with fans across through this partnership,” she said.

The partnership launches as Marriott Bonvoy opens exclusive pre-sale access to tickets for the Australian Open 2027, marking its sixth year as the tournament's official hotel partner.

Members can access tickets ahead of the general sale, with the tournament set to take place from 11 to 31 January 2027 at Melbourne Park in Melbourne, Australia.

The Australian Open access is positioned as the first of a series of Marriott Bonvoy Moments tied to the campaign, with further opportunities to experience the tournament and meet Eala expected to roll out in the coming months.

The move adds tennis to Marriott Bonvoy’s wider strategy of using entertainment, sport and cultural experiences to give loyalty members benefits beyond traditional hotel stays.

The programme offers members the ability to earn and redeem points across travel and everyday activities, including stays and experiences. Marriott Bonvoy currently spans more than 30 hotel brands and 10,000 destinations globally.

From AI-powered marketing and the friction economy to retention-led growth, DMA Philippines 2026 on 29 September in Manila will bring together marketers to tackle the opportunities and challenges shaping the next phase of digital transformation.

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