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Associates in the Greater New Orleans Area |
| WASHINGTON, Sept. 3, 2005 - "First and foremost,
we extend our sympathies and support for everyone who has been personally
and directly affected by this tragedy," said J.W. Marriott, Jr., chairman
and CEO, Marriott International, Inc. "We recognize that the days and weeks
ahead will be very difficult for all those impacted by Hurricane Katrina,
including our more than 2,800 associates in the greater New Orleans area.
We are thankful that Marriott was able to provide shelter and assist in
the safe evacuation of over 1,700 guests and associates from our 15 New
Orleans hotels."
As we actively work to restore operations in all
of our properties affected by the hurricane, we are just as focused on
doing all we can to help our associates. Marriott has made arrangements
to pay its associates through Sept. 30, 2005. In addition, we are setting
up a leave sharing program so that fellow associates can donate paid time
off to help those impacted by the storm.
Marriott is working closely with the appropriate authorities to determine how best to support relief efforts. As soon as we are given permission to enter the affected areas and our teams assess our hotels to provide for safety, the company plans to make designated hotels available for relief- related activities and personnel. Our guests are concerned and want to help too. A link on www.marriott.com has also been established to enable customers to contribute directly to the Red Cross Hurricane 2005 Relief Effort. Additionally, our associates across the country have been donating money to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund and other agencies. Marriott has also developed a program that allows Marriott Rewards members to redeem points for Marriott Gift Cheques that the Red Cross can distribute to people impacted by this tragedy (for details visit: http://marriott.com/news/detail.mi?marrArticle=102037). Due to the extraordinary circumstances, hotels in the Gulf Coast and nearby regions are providing shelter for evacuees and relief workers. As a result, many of these hotels are now in a sold-out status and it may be difficult to accommodate new arrivals. Guests are encouraged to call Marriott at (800) 559-9352 to determine hotel availability. Efforts are also being made to contact customers with reservations to warn them of a severe shortage of space. Information on cancellation policies and the status of hotels impacted by the storm is available at http://www.marriottnewsroom.com. This list is updated as information becomes available. MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL, INC. (NYSE: MAR) is a leading lodging company with more than 2,600 lodging properties in the United States and 65 other countries and territories. Marriott International operates and franchises hotels under the Marriott, JW Marriott, Renaissance, Bulgari, The Ritz-Carlton, Courtyard, Residence Inn, SpringHill Suites, TownePlace Suites, and Fairfield Inn brand names; develops and operates vacation ownership resorts under the Marriott Vacation Club International, Horizons, The Ritz-Carlton Club and Grand Residences by Marriott brands; operates Marriott Executive Apartments; provides furnished corporate housing through its Marriott ExecuStay division; and operates conference centers. |
| Contact:
Marriott International, Inc.
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