Marriott International Teams Up with Yao Foundation to Support Charitable Works in China

Lodging Leader supports Yao Foundation with USD800,000 to build three ‘Hope’ schools in rural China

Shanghai, CHINA – Marriott International (NYSE: MAR) today announced a three-year agreement with the Yao Foundation to support educational programmes for children in rural areas of China. The Yao Foundation is a highly regarded charity organisation established in 2008 by former professional basketball star Yao Ming under the auspices of The China Youth Development Foundation and aims to promote the all-round development of Chinese youth by providing them the opportunities to improve their education, sports skills, health and self-esteem -- www.yaofoundation.cn. [Pictured: Simon Cooper and Yao Ming officiated at the co-operation signing ceremony between Marriott International and Yao Foundation in Shanghai on June 19]

Since its founding, the Yao Foundation has helped more than 9,000 rural Chinese children who have studied at the 15 Hope Primary Schools it has funded. A building block of the Yao Foundation’s activity, the Project Hope programme aims to provide education to children aged from 6 to 14.

In addition to constructing the schools, the Yao Foundation also teaches Chinese youths basketball skills in order to help them build their sportsmanship and self-confidence by partnering with leading Chinese and multinational companies to initiate and implement a programme called “Yao Foundation Basketball Season”, which in 2012 and 2013 saw 67,000 children attend.

Under the terms of the three-year agreement, Marriott International will donate $800,000 to the Yao Foundation to establish three Project Hope schools in the Southwestern region of China. The Marriott donation will also be used to support the Yao Foundation Hope Primary School basketball season programme in 2014 and 2015.

The first of the Hope Primary schools that Marriott International will support as part of its relationship with the Yao Foundation will be the Yong Shou Primary School in Shi Dong County, Sichuan Province. The funds will be used to rebuild one of the academic buildings, originally built in 1989, to meet the earthquake resistance criteria. The Yong Shou Primary School covers three villages and one community and has a sustainable student supply with a long-term future.

Speaking at the signing ceremony at the JW Marriott Hotel Shanghai at Tomorrow Square, Simon Cooper, president and managing director of Marriott International Asia, said: “Marriott International has a heritage of putting people first and opening doors to a world of opportunity for its guests, partners and associates. The key to making this happen is education, especially for the younger generations. We are delighted to have the opportunity to work with the Yao Foundation and to make a contribution to support children’s education in China.” [Pictured: Ten media participants took part in a basketball interactive shooting game with Yao Ming and Simon Cooper at the ceremony.]

“Yao Ming is one of the most popular athletes and role models for youngsters in China. He is renowned for his tremendous support for rural communities in the country and he understands the value his influence can bring to take a leading role in society as a whole. His views and vision resonate with Marriott International’s core values. Yao’s environmental initiatives echo Marriott’s global commitment to supporting the communities we serve through our Spirit to Serve programmes. Therefore, I believe the collaboration between Marriott International and the Yao Foundation will be an extremely positive and impactful one as we more than double in size in China over the next few years to have some 140 hotels in the country.”

Commenting on the relationship with Marriott International, Yao Ming said: “I would like to express my gratitude to Marriott International for its tremendous support of the Yao Foundation and Project Hope. Marriott International is one of the world’s leading hotel companies with a rapidly growing presence in China. Its participation will call for more multinational or domestic companies to share our vision for supporting education for less advantaged children, helping them to create a bright future.”

Marriott International has been operating hotels in mainland China since 1997, and in Hong Kong since 1989 and has always managed its hotels with a strong commitment to corporate social responsibility in the communities the hotels operate in, which stems from Marriott’s vibrant corporate culture. Marriott’s growth in China will see it open on average one hotel a month for at least the next five years.

Each Marriott hotel operates a Spirit to Serve programme which supports and benefits underprivileged children in local communities, based on the key pillars of shelter and food, the environment and aiding less-advantaged children. Marriott International is very proud to belong to thousands of communities around the world, and believes that strong neighborhoods, towns, and cities are vital to the well-being of our society and its economic development.

In China - Marriott International’s second biggest market globally – the company also runs a number of corporate programmes to support the communities and environment in the country, including The Nobility of Nature programme. Nobility of Nature launched as a collaboration between Marriott, Conservation International (CI) and local community organisations to protect the headwaters of Asia’s water tower in Sichuan Province, which provides fresh water to more than two billion people and feeds several key Asian rivers, including the Yangtze. The programme also drives sustainable operations and efforts in Marriott’s China and Hong Kong hotels.

Marriott contributed $500,000 (approximately 3.4 million RMB) to support freshwater conservation by assisting rural communities with building sustainable businesses, such as bee-keeping, that protect the environment while supporting the community’s development. During the past two years, Nobility of Nature has supported two bee-farming cooperatives in Guanba Village and Yingjing County in Sichuan and nearly 6,000 local residents are participating in the project.
Marriott International also supports a number of other educational initiatives in China such as the recently announced Marriott Institute of Hospitality Education in co-operation with Anhui Zhong-Ao Institute of Technology which is aimed at developing the future generation of the hospitality workforce in China.
 
Marriott International 
Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR) is a leading lodging company based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, with more than 3,800 properties in 74 countries and territories and reported revenues of nearly $12 billion in fiscal year 2012. The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 18 brands, including Marriott Hotels & Resorts, The Ritz-Carlton, JW Marriott, Bulgari, EDITION, Renaissance, Gaylord Hotels, Autograph Collection, AC Hotels by Marriott, Courtyard, Fairfield Inn & Suites, SpringHill Suites, Residence Inn, TownePlace Suites, Marriott Executive Apartments, Marriott Vacation Club, Grand Residences by Marriott and The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club. There are approximately 325,000 employees at headquarters, managed and franchised properties. Marriott is consistently recognized as a top employer and for its superior business operations, which it conducts based on five core values: put people first, pursue excellence, embrace change, act with integrity, and serve our world. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com

Yao Foundation
Yao Foundation is a specialized fund by Yao Ming under the auspices of The China Youth Development Foundation and aims at promoting the all-around development of Chinese youth by providing them the opportunities to improve their education, sports skills, health and self-esteem. Since Yao Foundation established, more than 9,000 Chinese rural youth have benefited from studying in the 15 Hope Primary Schools it has funded. Besides constructing the school buildings, the Yao Foundation also improves the educational experience of Chinese youth by partnering with leading Chinese and multinational companies to build libraries, computer rooms, kitchens, and sports and exercise areas in local schools. In 2012, the Yao Foundation initiates a new programme called the “Yao Foundation Hope Primary School Basketball Season.” In 2012 and 2013, the programme teaches around forty thousand Chinese youth basketball skills. More importantly, it will help them build self-confidence and learn sportsmanship which will be crucial for their development in the future. For more information about Yao Foundation, visit www.yaofoundation.cn.

Connect with daniel.ford@marriott.com and jane.cai@marriott.com

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Residence Inn Partners with American Red Cross to Provide Disaster Relief to Families Nationwide

Extended stay hotel brand becomes first official hotel partner of Red Cross Disaster Responder Program

Disasters can strike anywhere and at any time. From house fires to hurricanes and tornadoes, disasters can leave people stranded without a home and in need of aid. The American Red Cross Disaster Responder Program helps people get back on their feet after the unexpected happens.  Residence Inn by Marriott announced today that it is honored to join the Red Cross in this vital effort by becoming the first official hotel partner of the program.

“As an extended stay brand, our hotels are in touch with displaced families all the time. We understand their needs, both physical and psychological. We have the right facilities to help them feel at home as they try to regain stability in their lives,” said Diane Mayer, vice president and global brand manager for Residence Inn.  “Our associates are proud to help make a difference in their communities every day and this multi-faceted partnership with the American Red Cross is a perfect extension of that commitment that allows them to do even more nationwide.”

As a hotel partner in the Disaster Responder Program, Residence Inn will support the Red Cross relief efforts and raise awareness about disaster preparedness and response through its various communications channels. In addition, associates at more than 600 Residence Inn hotels across the country now have the opportunity to get hands-on involvement by fulfilling and delivering aid kits to families coping with disasters in communities nationwide. The aid kits include basic necessities, such as toothpaste, shampoo and soap.

“Nearly 200 times a day, Red Cross volunteers help families that have lost everything in a house fire or other kinds of disasters,” said Court Ogilvie, Vice President of Joint Account Management, American Red Cross. “Our partnership with Residence Inn by Marriott helps enable the Red Cross to continue to respond immediately to these disasters and bring emergency relief, comfort and care to those in need.” 

To kick off our partnership with the Red Cross, Residence Inn launched today a “Tweet for Relief” Twitter application. For every tweet that someone sends from www.RIRelief.com, Residence Inn will donate $5 to American Red Cross Disaster Relief, up to $200,000 for assistance of families affected by disasters.  As tweets can be up to 140 characters, the app automatically applies unused characters to add a message about how the tweeter supports disaster relief. Check out www.RIRelief.com for more details!

This exciting partnership is an element of Marriott International’s “Spirit to Serve” culture, encouraging guests and associates to participate in initiatives that give back to their communities. 

About Residence Inn by Marriott
With more than 600 properties in the United States, Canada, Europe, the Middle East and Central America, Residence Inn by Marriott is a leader in the extended-stay lodging segment. Designed for long stays, the brand offers spacious suites with separate living and sleeping areas. Fully functional kitchens, grocery delivery, 24-hour markets and complimentary breakfast help guests maintain a healthy balance while on the road. Complimentary Wi-Fi allows guests to stay connected to the home and office, while health and fitness options and inviting lobby spaces provide comfortable places to work and relax.

Residence Inn participates in the company’s award-winning Marriott Rewards® frequent travel program that allows members to earn hotel points or airline miles for every dollar spent during each stay. For more information or reservations,call the Residence Inn toll-free number at 800-331-3131 or visit www.residenceinn.com. For travel tips, the latest on the brand or to connect with other travelers, “like” Residence Inn on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/residenceinn and follow Residence Inn on Twitter: twitter.com/residenceinn.

About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR) is a leading lodging company based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, with more than 3,800 properties in 74 countries and territories and reported revenues of nearly $12 billion in fiscal year 2012. 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 www.marriottnewscenter.com.

Connect with nina.herrera-davila@marriott.com and carollyn.colon@sohosquarepr.com

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Marriott International’s Family Of Brands “Serve The World” Every Day

Major Conference in Orlando Puts Focus on Global Leadership and Local Community Ties.

ORLANDO, Florida – More than 2000 hotels across five of the company’s 18 brands, Marriott International’s select service and extended stay portfolio is bringing scale and global reach to address the local challenges of hunger and homelessness, the wellness and well-being of children, and disaster relief. This week more than 3000 hotel General Managers representing Courtyard by Marriott, Residence Inn by Marriott, SpringHill Suites by Marriott, TownePlace Suites by Marriott and Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott will convene at the Orlando Marriott World Center. In addition to training and teambuilding, all participants will volunteer to support their communities through service projects that have been adopted by each brand. On Saturday, June 1st, the conference keynote speaker will be former President Bill Clinton, whose Clinton Global Initiative tackles many of the same global issues addressed by these brands.

“Marriott has a decades-long commitment to serve our world,” said Brian King, Global Brand Officer – Marriott Endorsed Brands. “Our hotel associates demonstrate their ‘spirit to serve’ throughout the year as they volunteer in local communities around the world. Each brand has a unique personality and purpose which comes through in their signature global cause partnerships. This conference demonstrates how our hotels can improve people’s lives and the state of the world through everyday acts of service.”

• On May 31, more than 600 Residence Inn general managers will receive emergency preparedness training as part of the brand's new alliance with the American Red Cross as the first hotel partner in the Disaster Responder Program.  The participants will complete a Citizen CPR training program and experience an immersion training where they will learn to build a shelter and understand the needs of disaster victims through role plays.  As an extended stay brand, Residence Inn hotels help people year round who are displaced from their homes by fire and flooding or natural disasters such as Hurricanes Sandy and Katrina.  Throughout the remainder of the year, Residence Inn hotels can participate locally in the Ready Rating™ Program, host a blood drive, participate in the Holiday Mail for Heroes program, and support the needs of their local American Red Cross Chapter.

• The same day general managers, representing the Fairfield Inn and Suites brand of nearly 700 hotels, will be painting homes in the Orlando area as part of the brand’s long-standing partnership with Habitat for Humanity to help provide decent, affordable housing for families in need. Since 1995, Fairfield Inn associates have helped build countless homes in the US and Canada. Through the Fairfield Inn and Suites Hospitality at Home program, thousands of associates have provided volunteer service, donated products from hotel renovations, provided financial contributions and have volunteered countless hours at their local Habitat ReStores, as a part of our Commitment to Serve our Communities.

• Furthermore on May 31, 200 general managers from the TownePlace Suites brand will make colorful, comforting blankets for children being cared for at the Orlando-area children’s hospital. The “warm hugs” from TownePlace will be going to all patients at the 158-bed Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children. Every winter for the past four years, more than 200 TownePlace Suites hotels have donated more than 10,000 handmade blankets to hundreds of hospitals across the United States and Canada.

• On June 1, managers representing more than 900 Courtyard hotels around the world will assemble nearly 200 bicycles for the local Orlando Boys & Girls club.  This excellent effort will help enable children from disadvantaged circumstances to realize their full potential.  Celebrating its 30th anniversary, Courtyard dedicates itself to ensuring the success of youth. As a testament, two Courtyard managers demonstrate this commitment prior to the conference by biking 1,000 miles in one week to Orlando from their hotels in Ohio to raise money against childhood obesity for their local Children’s Miracle Network Hospital program.

• Finally, hundreds of general managers representing SpringHill Suites, a brand focused on style and design, will be assembling art horses for the Ivey Lane Elementary School in Orlando. The art horses are sturdy design seats for aspiring young artists to straddle while creating their masterpieces. In addition, the general managers representing more than 300 hotels will also be crafting hand-made cards with messages of inspiration and encouragement to the students. Known for its ArtNight events that feature local artists at its hotels throughout the country, SpringHill Suites’ activity is an extension of the brand’s commitment to promoting discovery through art appreciation. 

Marriott’s “Spirit To Serve Our Communities” initiative was formally developed in 1998 and built on a decades-long tradition of community service for the 86-year old company. In 2012, contributions from operations worldwide totaled $33.5 million (a nearly $1.2M increase over 2011,) according to the company’s Sustainability Report. Cash contributions totaled $7.2M; in-kind contributions were $16M; volunteer time value was $10.2M, (a 10% increase vs. 2011.) The Independent Sector’s current valuation for a volunteer hour is $22.14.

Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR) is a leading lodging company based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, with more than 3,800 properties in 74 countries and territories and reported revenues of nearly $12 billion in fiscal year 2012.  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 www.marriottnewscenter.com.

Connect with nina.herrera-davila@marriott.com

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Marriott Foundation Funds New Charitable Initiative Supporting Youth In China

$6.5 Million Investment to Expand Opportunities for Youth through the China Hospitality Education Initiative.

The J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation has committed 40.5 million RMB ($6.5 million) over five years to support China’s youth through the Marriott China Hospitality Education Initiative (CHEI). The purpose of this initiative is to enhance the hospitality education of Chinese youth, preparing them for rewarding careers in China’s booming travel and tourism industry. Marriott CHEI is now in the process of selecting 10 to 12 pilot schools for the upcoming academic year, and anticipates impacting up to 20,000 students annually in 50 schools within five years.

Marriott CHEI will support China’s education system—among the world’s oldest and most respected—by expanding the existing hospitality curricula and programs for universities and vocational schools. The initiative’s ultimate goal is to help growing numbers of young Chinese, many from hard-pressed rural areas, climb the career ladders available in the hospitality industry.

The J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation, a private family foundation, has a long history of helping youth secure a promising future. For over two decades, the foundation has been a lead supporter of innovative hospitality programs within colleges and universities across the United States. As the hospitality industry becomes increasingly global, the foundation’s efforts have expanded to parts of the world where they can have the greatest impact. China provides just such an opportunity.

The Marriott Foundation has selected San Diego State University to be Marriott CHEI’s academic advisor. Home to a world-class hospitality and tourism management school, SDSU has been working for several years with Chinese schools, industry experts and government officials—regionally and nationally—to develop programs that are respected globally and uniquely Chinese. This collaboration has identified various opportunities that CHEI intends to pursue, including:

• Professional development opportunities for students, ranging from internships and work experiences to site tours and guest speakers with experience in the industry
• Studies that include conversational English specific to the hospitality industry
• Faculty development including exchanges with universities in the United States and internships at hotels in China
• Development of unique content that will augment existing curricula
• An annual “teaching conference” to bring together leaders in hospitality education and share best practices

“We are customizing the program based on input from the industry and the impressive vocational schools and universities in China, and we hope to be part of a community of hospitality educators,” said Carl H. Winston, Director of San Diego State University’s School of Hospitality and Tourism Management.

Marriott International, which has a substantial presence in China, has agreed to serve as CHEI’s initial industry advisor. CHEI will benefit from Marriott International’s experience in China, and from the company advising on curriculum relevance, assisting with data to measure program outcomes, hosting faculty internships at partner schools, and providing hotel internships for students.

"The Marriott hotels in China are very excited to open doors of opportunity to Chinese youth," said Simon Cooper, President of Asia-Pacific for Marriott International. "We are eager to support CHEI’s efforts to prepare talented students for the diverse, fast-paced and fulfilling career opportunities that our hospitality industry offers.”

Funded entirely by the Marriott Foundation, CHEI reflects the Marriott family’s ongoing efforts to help young people fulfill their potential and realize their ambitions. “The China Hospitality Education Initiative honors the legacy of my parents, and supports our goal of providing youth with educational opportunities,” said J.W. Marriott, Jr., trustee of the Marriott Foundation and executive chairman of Marriott International. “More than 90 years ago, a college professor saw potential in my father and helped him obtain an education. That provided him the knowledge and skills to start a family business that eventually became Marriott International. Today, my family and I are fortunate to continue this tradition."

To learn more about the program, contact Carl Winston at cwinston@chei.org or Brian Blake at bblake@chei.org, or visit www.CHEI.org.

About The J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation:
The J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation was established in 1965 with the purpose of giving back to the community. Under the current direction of J.W. Marriott, Jr. and Richard E. Marriott, the Marriott Foundation is dedicated to helping youth secure a promising future, especially through education on the secondary and higher education levels, mentoring and youth leadership programs.  Equally important are organizations that help provide relief from hunger and disasters; support people with disabilities; and create gainful employment opportunities for vulnerable youth and adults. 

About San Diego State University:
San Diego State University is a nationally ranked research university that provides more than 30,000 students with a robust academic curriculum that includes an increasing international emphasis. The L. Robert Payne School of Hospitality and Tourism Management (HTM) is housed within the College of Professional Studies and Fine Arts at SDSU. The vision of the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management is to be “the most personalized school of its kind in developing hospitality leaders,” and HTM pursues this goal by tailoring programs that meet both industry needs and student expectations. For more information visit www.sdsu.edu/htm.

About Marriott International:
Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR) is a leading lodging company based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA with nearly 3,800 properties in 74 countries and territories and reported revenues of over $12 billion in fiscal year 2011. The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 18 brands. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com.

Connect with elizabeth.mcglasson@marriott.com

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Marriott Associates Participate in Global Spirit To Serve Day

Headquarters Associates Volunteer More Than 6,000 Hours in the D.C. Metro Area

Nearly 1,400 Marriott International headquarters associates participated in the company’s annual worldwide “Spirit To Serve Our Communities Day.”   The day began with encouraging words from Executive Chairman, Bill Marriott who cheered on associates as the they headed out to volunteer more than 6,000 hours to 28 Washington, D.C.-area nonprofit organizations.   Volunteers spent the day building, painting, planting and other activities to help area nonprofits, including KaBOOM!, a nonprofit organization committed to building playgrounds throughout America’s cities.  Marriott executives including President and CEO, Arne Sorenson (pictured back row- 5^th from right) were onsite helping to build the playground at the Mary McLeod Bethune Day Academy in Washington, DC.  The playground is the 7^th built by KaBOOM! and The J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation.

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The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company Commits to ‘Engage, Contribute and Inspire’ the Middle East Via Robust CSR Strategy in the Region

Dubai, UAE - The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, LLC today unveils its global Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program, ‘Community Footprints’, in the region, exercising the guiding principles to engage, contribute and inspire. Reaffirming its commitment Global Citizenship, Community Footprints focuses the company’s CSR efforts across the Middle East and around the world on making a meaningful difference in the local communities where the company’s hotels and resorts are located.

Over the past year, Al Bustan Palace, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Oman, has partnered with Rashid bin Al Nazar School Sidab, to provide a learning and mentoring program for their students. The ‘Succeed Through Service’ program, which is in place at all Ritz-Carlton hotels in the region, engages hotel employees in a series of workshops in Arabic, focusing on teaching young students business, hospitality and important life skills. Each of the nine Ritz-Carlton hotels in the Middle East has a comprehensive Community Footprints strategy in place, and the company is committed to further increasing its efforts in the region in 2013. 

Sue Stephenson, Vice President, Community Footprints, who is in the UAE this week for ATM, comments; “Community Footprints focuses on making a sustainable difference in the communities within which The Ritz-Carlton operates and, as we extend our physical footprint in the Middle East, we are committed to replicating the success of our global social responsibility and community engagement commitment, in the region. We believe that global companies have a responsibility to implement and inspire positive action in a way that is geographically and culturally relevant.”

Just last week, The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai hosted children from Al Noor Training Centre for a day filled with interactive activities and culinary treats. As part of this longstanding partnership the hotel provides on-site training focused on enhancing the lives, well-being and career prospects of the students. Since opening it’s doors in 2010, The Ritz-Carlton Dubai International Financial Center has been committed to the well-being of the children with special needs at Senses Residential and Day Care Center. 

Guests staying at The Ritz-Carlton hotels in the region and around the world are also invited to participate in the hotels’ community impact efforts through the Give Back Getaways voluntourism program, including an opportunity to help plant and preserve the native Safallah flower and learn about Qatari ecology with and Sharq Village and Spa and their Community Footprints partner, Friends of the Environment.
 
Community Footprints was institutionalized by The Ritz-Carlton in 2002, to tackle three key global issues; child well-being, hunger and poverty relief and environmental responsibility.  The company integrates Community Footprints within its business goals, placing it as a foundational piece in the company’s business management model, incorporating it as a key success factor, and has developed robust metrics to measure progress.

About The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, LLC
The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. of Chevy Chase, Md., currently operates 82 hotels in the Americas, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and the Caribbean. More than 30 hotel and residential projects are under development around the globe. The Ritz-Carlton is the only service company to have twice earned the prestigious Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award which recognizes outstanding customer service. For more information, or reservations, contact a travel professional, call toll free in the U.S. 1-800-241-3333, or visit the company website at www.ritzcarlton.com. The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR)

Connect with sarah.walkerkerr@ritzcarlton.com

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Inspiring Change with Succeed Through Service

Engaging students around the world in Global Youth Service Day on April 26-28, 2013

Engage. Inspire. Contribute. These are the guiding principles behind Succeed Through Service, the global youth engagement program started by The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. as part of its Community Footprints social responsibility commitment.

All 82 hotels, as well as The Ritz-Carlton residences and destination clubs, are engaged in Succeed Through Service and partnering with local schools and youth organizations, many of which work closely with children facing economic, social or personal challenges. Over the past four years The Ritz-Carlton has supported over 12,000 young students around the world. 

Many of the children who participate in Succeed Through Service don’t have access to positive role models and don’t feel connected to their communities. "We are committed to enhancing the lives, well-being and career prospects for young people in communities in which we operate and Succeed Through Service enables us to deliver on that promise.” says Hervé Humler, president and chief operations officer. “As the name suggests, Succeed Through Service is all about helping young people thrive and inspiring them to do their best.”

“Succeed Through Service focuses on giving young people a bright future through life-skills training, career exploration, and community and service-learning projects,” says Sue Stephenson, vice president, Community Footprints. “Global Youth Service Day in April of each year, provides an outstanding platform to mobilize our students worldwide to help address issues in their own community.”

Established in 1988 by YSA (Youth Service America), Global Youth Service Day is the largest service event in the world, and the only day of service dedicated to children and youth. It is celebrated in over 100 countries, with young people working together to address the world’s most critical issues and change their communities. In the lead up to Global Youth Service Day, students in The Ritz-Carlton Succeed Through Service program have been learning about the importance of contributing to their community and collaborating on team projects that impact such issues as child literacy, environmental conservation and hunger and homelessness. As the world celebrates Global Youth Service Day this week, the students’ Succeed Through Service projects will represent a global showcase of youthful achievement.

“For 25 years, Global Youth Service Day has shone a bright light on the unique perspective, compassion and creativity that young people bring to solving real problems in their communities.” says Steven Culbertson, President and CEO, YSA. “The magic about The Ritz-Carlton Succeed Through Service program is that it recognizes the remarkable power of children and youth to change the world. We are thrilled that Succeed Through Service is strongly linked to our Global Youth Service Day framework. YSA takes its hat off to The Ritz Carlton for inspiring young students to do their best!"

Click here to see a video about Succeed Through Service.

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C., of Chevy Chase, Md., currently operates 82 hotels in the Americas, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and the Caribbean. More than 30 hotel and residential projects are under development around the globe. The Ritz-Carlton is the only service company to have twice earned the prestigious Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, an award that originated in 1987. Its purpose is to promote the awareness of quality excellence, recognize quality achievements of companies and publicize successful quality strategies. The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company won the award in 1992 and 1999. For more information, or reservations, contact a travel professional, call toll free in the U.S. 1-800-241-3333, or visit the company web site at www.ritzcarlton.com. The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE:MAR).

Connect with sue.stephenson@ritzcarlton.com

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Marriott Institute of Hospitality Education Makes Debut in China

Hefei, China – Marriott International today launched the ‘Marriott Institute of Hospitality Education’ in co-operation with Anhui Zhong-Ao Institute of Technology. This is the latest college partnership model Marriott International has embarked upon in China to develop the future generation of the hospitality workforce to support its growth in the country. [Regan Taikitsadaporn, Chief HRO of Marriott International Asia Pacific (center left) and Wang Yuan Hao, President of Anhui Zhongao Institute of Technology (the third from the right) along with other Marriott and Anhui government executives at launch event.]

Once established, the Marriott Institute of Hospitality Education will become an integral part of the Anhui Zhong-Ao Institute of Technology and will enroll students from the annual China national examination for a three-year diploma programme. The expected number of 2013 intakes will be 300 students.

Initially, the curriculum focus will be on Hotel Management, but plans are in place to expand the course to include Tourism Management as well as Culinary and Nutrition. In the final year of study, students will have work placements at Marriott’s hotels in China to gain experience in a real-life hotel environment.

Marriott International will offer a full array of support to ensure that this joint programme is a great success from the very start, including lectures from the company’s senior executives to the students. Other support includes student field study and internship opportunities at Marriott International’s hotels, faculty internship and curriculum development. Michael Malik, Market Vice President – Eastern China of Marriott International will serve as the deputy dean of the Marriott Institute of Hospitality Education. He will provide counsel and oversee the education direction of the Institute.   

In the inauguration ceremony of the Marriott Institute of Hospitality Education, Regan Taikitsadaporn, Chief Human Resources Officer of Marriott International Asia Pacific, said: “Marriott International is proud of the fact that it is consistently recognised as a top employer in China and around the world. We have been providing career development opportunities to ambitious talents worldwide for more than eight decades. The launch of the Marriott Institute of Hospitality Education not only upholds our core values, but also serves as a timely move to fuel our tremendous portfolio growth in China. 

“Marriott International currently cooperates with a number of colleges throughout China to help foster the next generation of hotel executives. Nevertheless, in terms of the breadth and depth of such kinds of exercises, this co-operation with Anhui Zhong-Ao Institute of Technology is unprecedented,” said Taikitsadaporn.  

Marriott International has launched co-operation programmes with 15 colleges in Beijing, Tianjin, Shanghai, Guiyang and in other locations. In addition, Marriott has relations with 112 colleges across China and recruited more than 2,500 interns in 2012 in the country.

Wang Yuan Hao, Dean of Marriott Institute of Hospitality Education, said: “The hospitality industry of China has been growing rapidly and this trend is expected to continue in coming years. Therefore it is essential that our education will keep pace with and meet the human resources demand of the industry. We are delighted to have the support of Marriott International to this programme as the company brings a wealth of experience and heritage in developing hospitality talent around the world.”

With 137 open and signed hotels in China, Marriott International expects to open on average one hotel per month in the country for the five years. The company intends to add some 40,000 associates in China by 2016.

Anhui Zhong-Ao Institute of Technology
Established in 1998, the Anhui Zhong-Ao Institute of Technology is a government funded college that is affiliated with the Science and Technology Department of Anhui Province. Currently it has 3,000 students and offers three faculties with some 25 disciplines of studies. For more information, please visit its website: www.acac.cn     

Marriott International, Inc.
Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR) is a leading lodging company based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, with more than 3,800 properties in 74 countries and territories and reported revenues of nearly $12 billion in fiscal year 2012.  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 www.marriottnewscenter.com.

Connect with jane.cai@marriott.com

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TownePlace Suites and Kellogg’s® Serve Up a Spoonful of Hope

TownePlace Suites by Marriott once again joined forces with Kellogg’s® to help donate one million breakfasts to children in need across the country for the third annual Share Breakfast program. Representing the only hotel brand partnering with Kellogg’s®, thousands of TownePlace Suites guests and associates showed their continued commitment to the initiative through their signatures, leading to more than 10,000 breakfasts shared.

During National Breakfast Week (March 2-9, 2013), TownePlace Suites guests at more than 200 hotels signed Share Breakfast posters. For every name represented, Kellogg’s® will share one breakfast with a child in need through its in-school partner Action for Healthy Kids®.

“We consider ourselves an active, contributing member in hundreds of local communities,” said Loren Nalewanski, vice president and global brand manager, TownePlace Suites. “Providing in-school breakfast through this noteworthy Share Breakfast initiative allows us to extend our hospitality to our neighbors that are most in need.”

A key component of TownePlace Suites is its emphasis on giving and staying connected to the community. Participating in the annual Share Breakfast initiative aligns with the brand’s real giving™ program in which guests, associates, owners and franchisees engage in activities throughout the year to contribute to their neighborhoods.

To find out more ways to share breakfast with kids in need from now until April 15, 2014, visit www.sharebreakfast.com.

About TownePlace Suites by Marriott
TownePlace Suites by Marriott (Marriott International, Inc.; NYSE: MAR) is an all-suite, extended-stay hotel brand in the moderate price range. Ranked #1 for mid-price extended stays by Business Travel News' Hotel Chain Survey in 2011 and 2012, TownePlace Suites is the only brand to rank at the top of its tier for both years. Ideal for travelers who need accommodations for longer stays, TownePlace Suites offer studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom suites with fully equipped kitchens and separate living/working and sleeping areas. Launched in 1997, the brand currently has more than 200 locations in the United States and Canada. TownePlace Suites participates in the award-winning Marriott Rewards® frequent travel program that allows members to earn hotel points or airline miles for every dollar spent during each stay. For more information or reservations, call the TownePlace Suites toll-free number at 800-257-3000 or visit www.towneplacesuites.com.

About Kellogg Company
At Kellogg Company (NYSE: K), we are driven to enrich and delight the world through foods and brands that matter. With 2012 sales of $14.2 billion, Kellogg is the world’s leading cereal company; second largest producer of cookies, crackers and savory snacks; and a leading North American frozen foods company. Every day, our well-loved brands nourish families so they can flourish and thrive. These brands include Kellogg’s®, Keebler®, Special K®, Pringles®, Frosted Flakes®, Pop-Tarts®, Corn Flakes®, Rice Krispies®, Kashi®, Cheez-It®, Eggo®, Coco Pops®, Mini-Wheats®, and many more. Because we believe in the power of breakfast, we focus our philanthropic efforts global hunger relief through our Breakfasts for Better Days™ initiative, providing 1 billion servings of cereal and snacks -  more than half of which are breakfasts - to children and families in need by the end of 2016. To learn more about our responsible business leadership, foods that delight and how we strive to make a difference in our communities around the world, visit www.kelloggcompany.com.

Connect with jessica.stadd@marriott.com

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JW Marriott Hotels & Resorts Debuts Campaign to Empower Women of the World

Luxury Hotel Brand Partners with Vital Voices at JW Marriott Marquis Dubai Celebration.

Dubai, UAE – February 28, 2013 – Women business leaders from the Middle East and Gulf States gathered today at the JW Marriott Marquis Dubai to discuss “Women as Dynamic Forces of Change,” as part of a three-day celebration honoring the iconic new hotel. Created as a forum to empower women, the luncheon and panel discussion sparked the beginning of a longer-term strategic brand partnership between JW Marriott and Vital Voices, a global non-profit that trains and mentors women to enhance their leadership and economic opportunity. The Dubai Business Women Council, the leading organization of women entrepreneurs in Dubai, also partnered on this women’s forum, the first of many sponsored by the JW Marriott brand around the world.

The panel discussion was led by Kathleen Matthews, Corporate Officer and EVP, Global Communications and Public Affairs, Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE:MAR); Vital Voices President & CEO Alyse Nelson; Dubai Business Women Council President Raja Easa Al Gurg; Conde Nast Traveler Vice President & Publisher Carolyn Kremins; JW Marriott Vice President & Global Brand Manager Mitzi Gaskins; and international design icon and Urban Zen founder Donna Karan who has signature stores in the Dubai Mall.   Her Urban Zen Foundation and retail brand focuses on Donna's philosophy of Conscious Consumerism to not only dress, but also address wellness, preserve culture and empower women.

Held in the JW Marriott Marquis Dubai’s world-class Tong Thai restaurant, the women leaders shared personal experiences on managing a team, mentoring other women, building a brand, and advice on overcoming challenges in the workplace. The group also broke into more intimate, table-top discussions over lunch to examine these and other issues facing women today.  Table topics included “Know Who You Are: Building Your Personal and Professional Brand,” “Career, Community and Personal Well-Being,” and “Paying it Forward: Encouraging Others to Lead.”  Luncheon attendees included women from the Dubai Business Women's Council, senior Marriott women executives from the Dubai market and media.

"The JW Marriott brand has a very loyal following of successful women business leaders who appreciate our focus on luxury, well-being and local culture," said JW Marriott Vice President & Global Brand Manager Mitzi Gaskins. "We believe partnering with Vital Voices will continue to inspire our female guests, who are looking for networking opportunities and advice on how to mentor, hire and support women entrepreneurs in their own region."

“Vital Voices invests in women business leaders because we recognize the connection between women’s leadership and sustained economic growth,” said Vital Voices CEO Alyse Nelson. “We commend JW Marriott for demonstrating a long-term commitment to increasing women’s economic opportunities, and are proud to partner at this critical time of economic recovery and resurgence to provide comprehensive support that enhances women’s decision-making power and effectiveness, and enables women to grow their businesses and ultimately increase their positive impact on societies around the world.” 

As part of its commitment to supporting women’s leadership in the economy, JW Marriott will continue to source products for its hotels from women-owned businesses, including those affiliated with WeConnect, which was also represented at the luncheon by IBM executive Cathy Rogers.  Currently, JW Marriott supports female entrepreneurs at many of its properties around the world.  For example, four of the five spa amenity lines carried by Saray Spa at the Emirates Group-owned JW Marriott Marquis Dubai were founded by visionary women with a passion for natural, healthy, and results-driven skincare. They include local Dubai Dr. Lamis Hadmanom, creator of the Shiffa line, and Geraldine Howard, founder of Aromatherapy Associates, a JW Marriott brand signature partner.  Other JW Marriott brand partners include Keri Glassman, the renowned nutritionist and author and Christie’s Auction House.

In 2012, Marriott International spent $257 million with more than 5,000 women-owned businesses in North America alone, while the JW Marriott brand spent nearly $15 million with over 950 Women Business Enterprises (WBEs) in the United States.  Across its portfolio, Marriott International purchases 10 percent of its products from women-owned businesses, including everything from chefs’ hats to quality meats in China. The company is also active in the WeConnect worldwide network, which supports the development and certification of small and medium enterprises owned by women. Marriott has also been honored by WBENC, the Women's Business Enterprise National Council, for its commitment to supplier diversity.

About JW Marriott
JW Marriott is part of Marriott International’s luxury portfolio and consists of beautiful properties in gateway cities and distinctive resort locations around the world. These elegant hotels cater to today’s sophisticated, self-assured travelers, offering them the quiet luxury they seek in a warmly authentic, relaxed atmosphere lacking in pretense. JW Marriott properties artfully provide highly crafted, anticipatory experiences that are reflective of their locale so that their guests have the time to focus on what is most important to them. Currently, there are 59 JW Marriott hotels in 23 countries; by 2015 the portfolio is expected to encompass 79 properties in 28 countries. Visit us online www.jwmarriott.com, @jwmarriott and www.facebook.com/JWMarriott

Visit Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR) for company information. For more information or reservations, please visit our web site at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com.

About Vital Voices Global Partnership
Vital Voices Global Partnership is a leading non-governmental organization that identifies, invests in and brings visibility to extraordinary women around the world by unleashing their leadership potential to transform lives and accelerate peace and prosperity in their communities. Founded by U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in 1997, the organization trains and mentors women leaders as agents of transformative change in economic development, human rights and political participation. The Vital Voices Global Leadership Network includes more than 12,000 leaders representing 144 countries who have trained and mentored 500,000 additional women and girls in their communities. Visit www.vitalvoices.org to learn more.

About Dubai Business Women Council
Founded in 2002, DBWC motivates women to be productive members of the society, while encouraging role models to rise up from the ranks and inspire other women around the world, especially in the Arab region, to discover their true potential. DBWC organizes the high-profile monthly event “The Network Majlis” to provide information about the latest knowledge, skills and best practices for women entrepreneurs and leaders. Visit our new website: www.dbwc.ae.

Connect with Jessica.Kumins@marriott.com  and MargauxBergen@vitalvoices.org

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