Marriott International Celebrates Progress on Diversity and Inclusion; Support for Youth Employment

BETHESDA, Md., Oct. 1, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- This month Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) celebrates more than 25 years of its global diversity and inclusion program, along with the 25^th anniversary of the Americans with Disability Act (ADA) and National Disability Employment Awareness Month in the U.S. The company's recently released 2015 Sustainability Report highlights its support for diversity and inclusion commitments such as these, as well as its recent achievements and initiatives supporting the environment, local communities and youth employment.

Marriott spotlights a nonprofit partner that shares its founders' name - the Marriott Foundation for People with Disabilities. Celebrating its 25^th year, the Foundation's Bridges from School to Work program was designed by Marriott's human resources associates and experts in the field of disabilities to transform the lives of young adults through the power of a job.  More than 20,000 youth have benefitted from the program's services with more than 80 percent of participants securing local, competitive jobs in nine U.S. cities. The Foundation is committed to serving 1,500 Bridges young adults annually by 2018; this represents a 50 percent growth rate in just three years.

The personal stories of those who have benefitted from the program, such as that of this year's Annual Youth Achievement Award recipient, Maurice Dupree, inspire investments that make a difference. His story and thousands of others include the common themes of personal growth, potential realized and a path to a brighter future - discovered through hard work, resiliency and perseverance.

"Youth unemployment is a significant issue globally, and young adults with disabilities are that much more challenged to secure a job with employers like us," said Mari Snyder, Vice President, Corporate Social Responsibility at Marriott International. "The Bridges team amazes me with their ability to work in a customized way to match the skills and potential of young adults with employers who can offer competitive opportunities in banking, retail, entertainment, foodservice, and hospitality, as well as in the government and nonprofit sectors."   

In addition to featuring Marriott's work with the Bridges program, the 2015 Sustainability Report highlights the company's ongoing support for diversity and inclusion. Key highlights include:

• Marriott has achieved a 300 percent increase in women's representation in top leadership positions.
• Across the company, nine women lead divisions worth more than $100 million in revenue.
• Women comprise over 30 percent of the company's board of directors' positions.
• The company is on track to reach a goal of 1,000 minority- and women-owned hotels by 2020, with 699 properties currently qualifying.
• The company continues to increase purchases with diverse suppliers for a total of more than $4.5 billion spent since 2003 and a goal of $568 million for 2015.

Marriott remains focused on its commitments to improve communities, protect the environment and provide opportunity.  The company's recently released 2015 Sustainability Report also highlights additional efforts and achievements including the company's 22 percent decrease in water intensity in 2014 compared to a 2007 baseline.  To learn more, please visit Marriott.com/sustainabilityreport.

Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is a global leading lodging company based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, with more than 4,300 properties in 81 countries and territories. Marriott International reported revenues of nearly $14 billion in fiscal year 2014. The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 19 brands. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com.

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SOURCE Marriott International, Inc.

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