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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Marriott Announces Plans to Transfer Business Services to Accenture; Accenture to Provide Finance and Accounting Services to Marriott; Accenture to Form Accenture Hospitality Services

BETHESDA, Md., and NEW YORK – Leveraging the strengths of both organizations, Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR) and Accenture (NYSE: ACN) today announced plans for a strategic collaboration through which Marriott will transition the services provided by its Louisville, Tenn.-based Marriott Business Services (MBS) finance and accounting (F&A) unit to Accenture, and Accenture will provide F&A services to Marriott and its franchisees.
 
In conjunction with the collaboration, Accenture will create a new business service, Accenture Hospitality Services (AHS), built in part around the operations and capabilities coming from Marriott’s MBS unit. Accenture Hospitality Services will provide management consulting, technology and business process outsourcing services to companies in the hospitality industry.
 
The plan includes the transfer of MBS and its associates to Accenture, and the Louisville operation, just outside of Knoxville, will become an Accenture center of excellence for finance and accounting business process outsourcing and provide those services to Marriott as part of AHS. The best-in-class capabilities from MBS will be combined with proprietary assets, business processes, and software, as well as analytics capabilities for the hospitality sector.
 
The arrangement is designed to provide Marriott’s hotel owners with savings and benefits over a 10-year period comprised of lower costs for a range of business services that will be delivered by Accenture.
 
Carl Berquist, Marriott International’s chief financial officer, said, “Our announcement will provide a new pathway to opportunities for our MBS business and associates.   Capitalizing on both the foundation MBS has built since its inception in 2001 and Accenture’s economies of scale, Accenture Hospitality Services will immediately be able to attract customers throughout the hospitality industry – something MBS could not do as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Marriott.   AHS will also benefit from Accenture’s substantial resources, including people, marketing systems and process management, to enhance operations and attract Accenture customers across other industries, generating even more growth opportunities.”
 
Paul Loftus, global managing director of Accenture’s Hospitality Industry Group said, “By combining the world-class financial processes developed by MBS with Accenture’s scale and cross-industry expertise, Accenture will create a new business service to help lodging and hospitality companies better target strategic outcomes, achieve greater agility and drive new growth areas. We look forward to offering new career opportunities for MBS associates as we develop and grow AHS.”
 
Subject to final contract execution, the agreement envisions transition of MBS operations and services to Accenture beginning in August, with the full transition being largely complete by early September.
 
About 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.  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.
 
About Accenture
Accenture is a global management consulting, technology services and outsourcing company, with approximately 261,000 people serving clients in more than 120 countries. Combining unparalleled experience, comprehensive capabilities across all industries and business functions, and extensive research on the world’s most successful companies, Accenture collaborates with clients to help them become high-performance businesses and governments. The company generated net revenues of US$27.9 billion for the fiscal year ended Aug. 31, 2012. Its home page is www.accenture.com

Note on forward-looking statements: This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of federal securities laws, including the expected timing and completion of the transfer of MBS, the anticipated benefits to hotel owners, the ability of AHS to attract customers throughout the hotel industry, and similar statements concerning anticipated future events and expectations that are not historical facts. We caution you that these statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, including agreement by the parties on, and execution of, final contracts; changes in market conditions; the continuation and pace of the economic recovery; and competitive conditions in the lodging industry.  Some of the additional factors that could cause actual results to differ are discussed under the heading “Risk Factors” in each of Marriott’s and Accenture’s most recent Form 10-K and Form 10-Q and are incorporated herein by reference. Any of these factors as well as other risks could cause actual results to differ materially from the expectations we express or imply in this press release. We make these forward-looking statements as of June 19, 2013. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Connect with thomas.marder@marriott.com, jeff.flaherty@marriott.com and alex.pachetti@accenture.com

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‘We Are Allies in Equality’ Says Marriott CEO

Marriott International’s President and Chief Executive Officer Arne Sorenson (pictured) was the keynote speaker at this year’s Human Rights Campaign National Corporate Appreciation Breakfast.  Sorenson voiced that Marriott properties around the world are a place where “you can be you.”  He continued, “At Marriott, we are all allies in equality.  Putting people first is our #1 core value  and we are passionate about removing barriers and promoting an inclusive environment. Our commitment to the LGBT community does not end at our own doors, with our associates or guests. We also take seriously our obligations as citizens and community leaders.” [Pictured left to right: Marriott International’s Randy Griffin, vice president, global sales; Kathleen Matthews, executive vice president, global communications and public affairs; Bruce Rohr, director, brand management; Arne Sorenson, president and CEO.]

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. 

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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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Marriott Creates Winning Workplace

Company receives Workplace Excellence Award, Health & Wellness Trailblazer Award and Diversity Champion Award.

Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE:MAR) has been honored again this year with three awards from the Alliance for Workplace Excellence (AWE). The company received the 2013 Workplace Excellence Award, the 2013 Health & Wellness Trailblazer Award, and the 2013 Diversity Champion Award, which was just introduced this year to recognize companies for their diversity and inclusion practices.
 
“We are extremely proud to receive these awards, which help demonstrate Marriott’s enduring commitment to creating an excellent workplace,” said David Rodriguez, executive vice president and chief human resources officer. “Marriott strives to support the personal and professional growth of all our associates. We offer a variety of work-life programs that encourage associates who not only come to Marriott for a job, but stay for a career—because this is a place where you can feel at home, where you belong.”

As described by AWE, all award applicants undergo a rigorous assessment process led by an independent review panel of professors, PhD professionals, and doctoral candidates in business, industrial and organizational psychology, and human resources. Award winners demonstrated merit in each of the following categories: workforce demographics; management practices; employee engagement; corporate social responsibility; diversity and inclusion; total rewards programs and benefits; health & wellness programs and initiatives; and an employee voice survey.  The Diversity Champion award winners were based on their Diversity and Inclusion practices in the following categories:  leadership; workforce demographics; employee programs and communication; corporate philanthropy; diversity recruitment; inclusion programs; supplier diversity; diversity in products and services.

Marriott was honored at a special Awards Luncheon in Bethesda, Maryland. Sixty-eight businesses were also honored at the event, and more than 450 area business executives were in attendance.

Job seekers are invited to experience the company’s award-winning culture by connecting through the Marriott Jobs and Careers Facebook and Weibo. The company is inviting current, former and prospective associates to share their personal career stories through the “Marriott, Where I belong” campaign and photo galleries and uploading their own photo on the Jobs and Careers Facebook page. 

Marriott’s new mobile technology for job seekers can be accessed at m.jobs.marriott.com and the new desktop careers site is available at www.marriott.com/careers.

The Alliance for Workplace Excellence (AWE) is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization founded by Montgomery County, Maryland and Discovery Communications, Inc. For more information, visit http://www.excellentworkplace.org.

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 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 International Increases Dividend 30 Percent

Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR) today announced that its Board of Directors raised the company’s quarterly dividend by four cents ($0.04) to seventeen cents ( $0.17) per share, which represents a 30 percent increase over the previous quarterly dividend amount of $0.13 per share. The dividend is payable on June 28, 2013 to shareholders of record on May 24, 2013.

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.

CONTACT:
Tom Marder
(301) 380-2553
thomas.marder@marriott.com

IRPR#1

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Imagining the Future of Meetings

Marriott Hotels Introduces Transformational App Making For More Dynamic Meetings.

Bethesda, Md., -- Inspired by the power of technology and ways to transform meetings for the people attending, Marriott Hotels, the signature brand of Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR) is introducing Red Coat Direct.  [See video below.] With this first of its kind app, meeting organizers can now adjust and edit their meeting requests and preferences with a touch of a button and without ever leaving the meeting room. Red Coat Direct is the first branded hotel app to grant any meeting wish (within reason) from room temperature adjustments, to coffee refills or having lunch served earlier with an additional vegetarian dish. Rolling out at 350 Marriott Hotel properties in the US beginning in May, the Red Coat Direct app will be expanded to the brand’s entire global portfolio of 500 hotels by the end of 2014.

“The way people work is more mobile and global, but until now, organizing meetings has been stuck in the past. We are rethinking all aspects of meetings from the physical space to the experience for both attendees and planners, and looking for ways to enable and inspire people to do their best work,” said Peggy Roe, vice president, global operations services for Marriott Hotels. “Red Coat Direct’s technology allows planners to continually adjust requests without missing a minute of their meeting or keeping other professionals waiting.”

The app is personalized to the each organizer’s specific meeting. Requests can be made up to three days before the meeting and then throughout the meeting. Once the request is made, it is routed to the event manager and the department that can fulfill the request. The app is available for all internet-enabled devices including iPhone, iPad, Android phones, Kindle Fire and laptops and will be available in 19 languages by 2014’s global roll-out.

Marriott Hotels has been “re-imagining” the guest experience, transforming lobbies and public spaces by designing them for the next generation of travelers who blend work and play, demand style and substance, and require technology. As the industry leader in hosting meetings, Marriott is introducing new concepts designed for the new mobile worker.

Workspace On Demand powered by Liquidspace, an application to book meetings on demand, is further differentiating the customer experience at Marriott Hotels by allowing guests to book both free and paid spaces as easily as they book a guest room. Workspring at Marriott at the Redmond Marriott Town Center, the industry’s first purpose-built suite of integrated spaces and common areas designed for small meetings, takes a holistic approach, bringing together seamlessly integrated service, technology and contemporary design. It was created in partnership with Steelcase to support collaborative work, inspiring creativity and innovation.

About Marriott Hotels
Marriott Hotels continues to inspire and provide a balanced life on the road for discerning and high-achieving business and leisure travelers, offering warm, professional service; sophisticated yet functional guest room design; lobby spaces that facilitate working, dining and socializing; restaurants and bars serving international cuisine prepared simply and from the freshest ingredients; meeting and event spaces and services that are gold standard; and expansive, 24-hour fitness facilities. All Marriott Hotels participate in the award winning Marriott Rewards guest loyalty program that allows members to earn hotel points or airline miles for every dollar spent during stays. Join us on Marriott Hotels rapidly growing Facebook community (www.facebook.com/marriott) and follow us on Twitter (twitter.com/marriott). For more information, visit www.MarriottHotels.com.

Connect with laurie.goldstein@marriott.com

 

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Marriott International to Webcast its Annual Meeting on May 10, 2013

Bethesda, Md., April 29, 2013 – Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR) will provide a live audio webcast of its Annual Meeting of Shareholders, beginning at 10:30 a.m. Eastern Time on May 10.  To access the webcast on May 10, or as a recording through the end of the year, go to http://www.marriott.com/investor and click on the "Annual Meeting" page on the left hand navigation bar.  

To view an interactive version of Marriott’s 2012 Annual Report, including a video message from the company’s president and CEO and short videos featuring the company’s four regional presidents, visit www.Marriott.com/investor and click “Annual Report.”

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 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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