MIAMI – May 24, 2010 – Doral Golf Resort & Spa, a Marriott Resort, is pleased to announce Chris Bracken as director of sales and marketing.  With nearly 30 years of hospitality experience, Bracken will be responsible for developing resort-wide sales and marketing strategies for both the leisure and group segments and maintaining the highest levels of guest and associate satisfaction. Bracken joins the legendary resort at an exciting time as the property is gearing up to celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2012.  
 
“I am excited and honored to become a member of the team here at the distinguished Doral Golf Resort & Spa,” said Bracken.  “With 50 years of history, Doral is a landmark in the South Florida community and we are eager to showcase the resort’s newest additions – from golf to dining and spa.”
 
Doral Golf Resort & Spa, a Marriott Resort, completed a $16 million resort-wide renewal in advance of the anniversary celebration, including the openings of The Jim McLean Signature golf course, the new Latin-inspired steakhouse Mesazul and the Bossa Nova lobby bar as well as a redesign to the award-winning Spa at Doral, partnering with the Pritikin Longevity Center & Spa.
 
Bracken most recently served as director of sales and marketing for the Portofino Hotel & Yacht Club in Redondo Beach, CA. Prior to his move to the West Coast, Bracken worked extensively around the Sunshine State in various sales and marketing positions – from vice president for Visit Jacksonville to the Don CeSar Beach Resort in St. Petersburg and the Sawgrass Marriott Resort & Spa in Ponte Vedra. While at Sawgrass, Bracken liaised closely with the PGA Tour during the annual PLAYERS Championship golf tournament – experience that will come in handy at Doral, home of the PGA Tour in Miami for the past 50 years, most recently with the WGC – Cadillac Championship.
 
Bracken began his career in hospitality with Marriott, working at such properties as the Biscayne Bay Marriott, Marriott’s Hilton Head Resort, Camelback Inn and more.  He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management from the University of Wisconsin.
 
For additional resort information, please visit www.doralresort.com.
 
Situated on 650 tropical acres, the award-winning Doral Golf Resort & Spa, a Marriott Resort is one of Miami’s premier resorts.  Doral boasts 693 luxuriously- appointed accommodations, including 72 suites.  Featuring over 100,000 square feet of flexible meeting and function space Doral Golf Resort & Spa is the perfect location for corporate events, meetings, elaborate receptions and unforgettable social events.  Located only seven miles from Miami International Airport, the hotel also features the acclaimed Jim McLean Golf School, The Blue Lagoon Pool and a variety of retail shops.
 
Marriott Hotels & Resorts is Marriott International's signature and most widely distributed brand, with more than 500 hotels and resorts in 60 countries.  Marriott continues to inspire performance and 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 frequent travel program that allows members to earn hotel points or airline miles for every dollar spent during each stay. For more information visit www.meetthedriven.com.  Follow Marriott Hotels & Resorts on Twitter at www.twitter.com/MarriottHotels.
 
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