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With our roots in root beer 90 years strong, we’re delivering #FloatsForKids around the DC area with proceeds benefiting Children's Miracle Network Hospitals. Catch the truck at one of six locations this week: bit.ly/FloatsForKids

Ever tried red bean cakes in Tokyo or puffin in Dubai?

Logra lo imposible. Todas las posibilidades del mundo están a tus pies. 📷: Robert Nelson

Take a dip in the beautiful waters of the 5-star @sheratonabudhabi, situated on the #AbuDhabi Corniche, overlooking the #ArabianGulf. @sheratonhotels

The Gwen, Luxury Collection Magnificent Mile: A spectacular #view of the #MagnificentMile in #Chicago. @theluxurycollection @thegwenchicago

Kicking off #capitalpride outside of the @jwmarriottdc in #FreedomPlaza! #LoveTravels 🌈

Today we announced a new dimension of our partnership with e-commerce company Alibaba. This joint venture re-imagines Chinese consumers’ end-to-end travel experiences by making travel easier for the 700 million outbound trips Chinese consumers are anticipated to take over the next five years, whether to nearby locations in Asia or more distant destinations like Europe and the U.S. At Marriott International, the partnership announced today is the latest iteration of our focus on innovating the future of travel. At the heart of that future is technology that will make travel easier and safer for the nearly two billion international trips we’re expecting by 2030. We recently launched a partnership with Accenture and startup incubator 1776 to discover and foster startups working on innovative technologies and real-time solutions to improve the travel experience. We’ve also been partnering with the World Economic Forum, Accenture, and other key public-private organizations to make seamless global travel a reality. We are working to build a new prototype to demonstrate the art of the possible in seamless and secure travel. What Marriott can’t do is facilitate the visa and border experience for our customers, but we hope that’s not too far down the road thanks to the efforts of the Forum and some forward-thinking governments who see the economic value that travel presents. The reason we’re innovating the future of travel, outside the four walls of our hotels, is that we simply must. We speak often about the influx of travel expected by 2030 – with much of the growth coming from Asia, Africa, and the Middle East – but we won’t realize the economic benefits those two billion trips hold unless we work to modernize the antiquated systems in use today. Our aging travel framework is plagued by cumbersome visa processes, waiting in long lines, and a reliance on paper documents – largely unchanged since the 1950s. With modern technologies and the right tools, we can construct a new framework for the future of travel to keep us connected and make us all safer. Globally, the middle class is forecasted to see an increase of three billion people by 2031, with China leading the way. While travel is already booming in China, it is estimated that less than 10% of Chinese nationals have passports. Imagine the potential for major growth that lies ahead as more Chinese join the ranks of the middle class and choose to travel. In fact, Chinese President Xi Jinping expects 700 million Chinese visits overseas in the next five years. China continues to lead global outbound travel, after registering double-digit growth in tourism expenditures every year since 2004. Spending by outbound Chinese travelers in 2016 alone reached US$261 billion, as the total number of outbound travelers rose to 135 million. That’s why our partnership with Alibaba was a priority for both companies – together, we want to make travel smarter. Other countries are catching on. In 2016, 58% of the world’s population was required to obtain a visa before visiting top global destinations. This is a significant improvement from 2008, when 77% of the world’s population had to apply for a traditional visa. The majority of countries (85%) have at least partially reduced the burden of obtaining a tourism visa in the past two years. The reasons are simple – jobs and economic opportunity – but that potential can’t be realized on the back of our antiquated systems. And so, it requires all of us to work to modernize technologies that move us to a future where international travel is enabled by a digital traveler identity, built with unique biometrics. Companies like Marriott and Alibaba are advancing the development of these capabilities, as are others who are pioneering completely digital passports and visas, secure biometric technology, and more. China debuted its first facial recognition program in airports last year, which links passengers’ photos to their boarding passes throughout the security and boarding process. If such programs are expanded and connected globally, the result will be improved security as well as better experiences along the journey as travelers become true citizens of the world. Governments have an important role to play – building digital bridges will better integrate security agencies as well as better protect borders and people. Many countries have already taken steps to increase information-sharing with trusted allies and partners through bilateral and regional-verified traveler programs, and it should continue. Of course, privacy is paramount. Travelers have the right to “own” their digital identity and decide who to share it with in exchange for a better travel experience. To move from today to the travel experience of tomorrow, we’ll have to work together – across borders, through public-private partnerships, guests and travel companies. But the potential is extraordinary for our countries, our economies, our people. We’re excited to be a part of bringing to life the future of travel and proud to have such excellent partners on the journey.

I run most days—especially when I’m traveling. That’s me above with associates from the New York Marriott Marquis and the Westin Times Square who come together weekly for a wellness run. I was in New York on Monday and jumped at the chance to join them. We logged four miles, got to see the skyline from a pier on the Hudson River, shared a few laughs about the challenges of city running and were back to the hotel—all by 7:00 am. For me, running is one of the best ways to beat jet lag, and when you run outside, it has the added benefit of giving you an up-close look at the city you are visiting (which for business travelers is key, since it may be the only time you get to see the sites of a new destination). I’ve written about my enthusiasm for sleep, but for Global Running Day, I thought I would share some thoughts on why exercise—and particularly running—can be game-changing for your outlook, health and productivity. Here are some of my running tips. Earlier the Better. Waking up early is a distinct advantage. National RunWestin Concierge, Chris Heuisler, whose job is to travel the world and bring to life Westin’s running program for our guests, is a big believer in running early in the day: “I have never met a guest who wakes up early to run and regrets it.” It’s often the first and best opportunity to take control of the day ahead. According to a recently released global study, 40% of respondents feel they are most in control of their wellness routines between 4:00–10:00 am and 25% specifically cited 4:00–6:00 am as their optimal window. This is certainly true for me. There’s nothing like an early morning run to increase my energy and engagement throughout the day and minimize the effect of a time zone change. Don’t Go It Alone. While I often run alone and enjoy the thinking time that it affords, I also appreciate that running is not usually a self-discovered, love-at-first-stride phenomenon. It generally takes some encouragement, whether it’s your first mile or your first marathon. As with many endeavors, particularly those disruptive to habitual behavior, calling in a little reinforcement can make a big difference. I learned this first-hand while biking in the mountains of Spain, and I saw it in action this week with the comradery and spirit of the wellness run team in Times Square. It’s not just about the accountability of showing up for a group run—although that’s a powerful motivator for people—it’s in sharing the commitment to something as a group and all the energy and positive reinforcement that comes from that. Eliminate Excuses. Rain or shine, at home or on the road, it’s important to be consistent about putting wellbeing first. There will always be reasons not to hit the treadmill, pound the pavement or hop on the bike. What’s concerning is 65% of travelers indicate they tend to exercise less when they’re on the road. I get it—which is why taking to the streets or a treadmill to run is a great way to stay on track, even when you are on the road. Westin’s pioneering gear lending program is a terrific example of taking the friction out of exercising while traveling. On any given day, as many as 10% of guests borrow fitness gear for a small fee. And now in select US cities, through a partnership with Peloton, you can book a guestroom with a Peloton bike, allowing regular cyclists to stick to their regimens and providing a novel experience for a whole new group of potential enthusiasts. In the spirit of Global Running Day, I asked some of Marriott’s busiest executives and avid athletes about their running routines and how they fit it into their schedules. Here’s some of what they shared: LEENY OBERG, CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER What keeps you running? I run to stay fit and because I love to be outdoors and spend time with friends. I have run with the same group of neighborhood friends for 20 years.  What’s the biggest benefit? I sit still longer, think more clearly, and eat and sleep better on days that I run. Often my biggest “aha moments” are during a morning run. How do you fit it in? I run on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings at 5:30 am and Saturdays at 7:00 am. When I’m on travel, I map a route to see competitor hotels in whatever city I’m in. As a morning person, it’s always first thing for me. STEPHANIE LINNARTZ, CHIEF COMMERCIAL OFFICER When did you start running? In grade school. I was very active in soccer and we always did lots of running drills. My soccer days ended after high school, but running stuck.  Why do you run? To keep in shape, burn off some stress, and explore the great outdoors. I love to run the trail into Washington, DC and by the monuments. DC is a beautiful running city and it helps that it’s pretty flat! What’s your running routine? When the weather is decent, I run outside. When the weather is bad, I’ll opt for our basement treadmill. When I’m traveling, it’s whatever works. Admittedly, I’ve been known to hit 24/7 hotel fitness centers at some pretty odd hours.  BRIAN POVINELLI, GLOBAL BRAND LEADER - WESTIN When and why did you start running? I started running Cross Country in high school. I stopped after high school and didn’t really run again until I met my wife who was a big runner. I needed to pick it up again to keep up with her. What is your running routine and how do you fit it into your busy schedule? I run about three times a week for about 4-5 miles. I try to swim, bike, or lift weights on the other days. I typically do it right after work while the kids are finishing up their activities. We all try to convene for dinner. My wife gets the morning slot so I take the evening. What would you to say to someone on the fence about running? I’d say give it a shot, but don’t put any pressure on yourself to go fast or far. Look at it as a great way to escape whatever you want an escape from, take in a new perspective, or just explore. Running is so simple. You don’t really need much equipment. Just open the door and go. RON HARRISON, GLOBAL DESIGN OFFICER How intense is Ironman training? Once I commit to an event date, the training is a bit obsessive. It has to be. I’ll generally train for 16-20 hours per week with 2-3 swims and bike rides and 2-3 long runs. Some days require two-sport training.   How does being a triathlete affect your personal and professional life? It’s a part of what matters most to me—family, faith, sports and work excellence. What keeps you going? I try to do something extraordinary every year, whether it’s running straight up a mountain or on a legendary trail. Setting specific goals and meeting them is highly motivating. Plus, when it comes to anything athletic, I admit I do it in part to beat my older brother. Whichever exercise is right for you—whether it’s walking, running, cycling, swimming or one of countless other exercises—it’s your decision whether you get up or rise up. That one simple decision makes all of the difference, no matter where you are in the world. Here’s to rising up, owning the morning and hitting our collective stride.

The dissonance and discord that has defined the last several months in American politics was brought home to me this week when my inbox and voicemail became ammunition in the latest war of opinion. Why, you might wonder, would a hospitality CEO step into such a mess? I didn’t, but at some point, my company ended up in the crosshairs of a battle of boycotts being waged by viewers of Rachel Maddow’s and Sean Hannity’s programs.  The hundreds of callers and writers who have reached out during the week have one thing in common: They want us to cease advertising on the Rachel Maddow Show. Here’s the thing – as a general rule, we actually don’t look to advertise on political-opinion programming because we recognize that viewers could misconstrue an advertisement as an endorsement of an opinion. For the record, we do advertise on MSNBC and FOX, among other cable and broadcast channels, but those ad buys are designed to avoid the political-opinion programs. Do ads sometimes run adjacent to those programs or on the network’s online websites near opinion pieces? Absolutely it happens.  But what if we were to drop all advertising on any networks that were deemed to be conservative or liberal. That move would be completely at odds with who we are as a company and the business we are in. I’m sure that statement has people on the right, left and in the middle scratching their heads. Stay with me here. We are in the welcoming everyone business. For the past 90 years, Marriott International has stood for making sure that regardless of your country of origin, your faith, your skin color, your gender, your sexual orientation or your beliefs – you are welcome at our hotels. And that’s true whether you are staying with us or serving our guests as a Marriott associate. For us, it has always been about making sure our guests are comfortable, well-cared-for and safe. It’s why we have spoken out when we see policies that are counter to that core value that has come to define our operations around the world. Being in the welcoming business also means we advertise to make sure that consumers around the world know about our hotels and services. We want you to see what we are so proud of – beautiful hotels in amazing destinations and the welcoming service of our global employee population. We engage in all manner of advertising – television, digital, print, radio, billboards – as we want to reach guests and potential guests in the places where they are watching, reading and listening. So, the war of opinions landed at our door this week. And frankly, we don’t want to be in this fray. In fact, we wish – probably like people on both sides of these debates – that the fray was less caustic and accusatory and a lot more productive.  These days it feels at times like opinion and civility have ceased to coexist. We want people to continue to come to our properties for work or leisure, on their own or with family and friends, and know that they are truly welcome…know that the politics and vitriol that are defining this moment in American history ends at the doors to our hotels.