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Bethesda, Md., February 6, 2015—Marriott International, Inc. has teamed with the Emmy-nominated, multi-platform internet and pop culture media brand What’s Trending and host Shira Lazar to produce and release content videos that showcase the power of mobile check-in from Marriott. Empowering travelers to experience more in cities around the world, five What’s Trendingdigital videos were released simultaneously at 9:00 AM ET on www.YouTube.com/Marriott and featuring a cross-range of YouTube influencers taking a tongue-in-cheek approach to capturing their personal journeys thanks to mobile check-in.
Part of the newly formed Marriott global content studio, the series features five major YouTube stars (Jeana from PrankVsPrank; Louis Cole from FunForLouis; Tom from TheSyndicateProject; Steve Zaragoza from Sourcefed; and Meghan Camarena from Strawburry17) as they live out their wildest travel dreams with unique experiences. From paintball to martial arts and piloting a helicopter, the series gives travelers the chance to join in the action through the eyes of these online stars.
The next in a line of content and talent deals from Marriott, the partnership with What’s Trending showcases the brand’s dedication to publishing, distributing and sharing digital and filmed content across film, television, online, digital and print distribution platforms. To further the company’s focus on next-generation travelers and drive new business, the global content studio embraces a mission to own original content marketing as both a travel company and a worldwide community.
"One of the key strategies of the Marriott Content Studio is to partner with and enable the creative community to do what they do best – create compelling story driven content in all formats across all screens,” said David Beebe, Vice President, Creative + Content Marketing, Global Marketing for Marriott International. “In partnering with What’s Trending and top YouTube talent from different channel genres, the influencers experienced new activities in various locations from around the world and created content that both entertains and informs viewers. At the end of the day, content done right builds an emotional connection with the viewer and our brands and ultimately equals heads in beds”
“We love working with innovative brands and to be part of firsts- between their content studio and mobile-check in Marriott is a greatest example of this in the world of travel,” said Shira Lazar, co-founder and host of What’s Trending. “Our team of YouTube influencers really took advantage of the extra time and created really compelling travel stories across the globe.”
Consumers are invited to view the content by visiting www.youtube.com/marriott.
TALENT AND PROJECTS:
SourceFed, Steve
A short narrative that follows SourceFed’s Steve on a tour of the famous London sausage company Franconian.
Strawburry17, Meghan
This installment in the series puts viewers in the pilot seat as Meaghan navigates a helicopter through the skies of Los Angeles.
PrankvsPrank/BFvsGF, Jeana
This episode takes full advantage of New York City’s culinary landscape and invites viewers to join Jeana as she produces dishes alongside renowned chef, Einat Admony of Balaboosta.
The SyndicateProject, Tom
This episode highlights The Syndicate Project’s Tom, as he visits San Francisco and participates in the offbeat adventures of paintballing.
Food for Louis, Louis
Follow Louis as he sets out to embrace Shanghai’s local culture by attempting to master martial arts.
ABOUT WHAT’S TRENDING:
What’s Trending is an award-winning US-based media company bringing audiences the hottest trending videos and Internet culture every day, starring the biggest traditional and digital stars anywhere. With over 60,000,000 views on YouTube, What’s Trending works with the biggest brands in the world to entertain audiences via any and every screen. From Primetime Emmy and Webby Award nominations, to IAWTV Award and Streamy Award wins, What’s Trending has been leading path-breaking work in the field of digital video content creation. The company was co-founded by Shira Lazar and Damon Berger in 2011.
ABOUT MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL:
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is a leading lodging company based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, with properties in 79 countries and territories and reported revenues of nearly $13 billion in fiscal year 2013. The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 18 brands. For more information or reservations, please visit our web site at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit http://news.marriott.com.
Contacts:
John Wolf
Marriott International, Inc.
301-380-5718 john.wolf@marriott.com
Tim Robinson
Grey Public Relations
Tim.Robinson@grey.com
212-546-1346