Marriott's Diverse Ownership Program Opens Hotel Doors

20 New Hotels Open in 2010; Portfolio Exceeds 550 Hotels in Five Years

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May 19, 2010, 11:19 ET

BETHESDA, Md., May 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Since the beginning of the year, Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR) has opened 20 new hotels as part of the company's Diverse Ownership Initiative (DOI), a program launched just five years ago to introduce successful minority and women business owners to the hotel industry. To date, the company has more than 550 hotels as a part of its Diverse Ownership Initiative portfolio.

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"There is an increased interest in hotel ownership," said Ray Bennett, Senior Vice President, Lodging Development, Marriott International, Inc. "It's a great time to be a part of the industry. Hotel ownership is an opportunity for wealth-building and diversification."

The Diverse Ownership program provides access, education and guidance throughout the hotel development process, beginning with the appropriate brand to opening the hotel. Potential owners are invited to participate in a day of networking and preparation. This year's DOI openings include:

Courtyard Dallas-Allen, owned by Chase Hospitality, LLC
Courtyard Goodlettsville in Tennessee, owned by Sage Hospitality, Inc.
Courtyard Shreveport-Bossier City/Louisiana Boardwalk in Louisiana, owned by Kalthia Group Hotels
Fairfield Inn & Suites Boston North, owned by Jiten Hotel Management
Fairfield Inn & Suites Tulsa Southeast/Crossroads Village in Oklahoma, owned by Leisure Hospitality, Inc.
Fairfield Inn & Suites Somerset in New Jersey, owned by Radius Hospitality Management
Fairfield Inn & Suites Oklahoma City NW Expressway, owned by Champion hotels
Fairfield Inn & Suites New Braunfels in Texas, owned by Baywood Hotels, Inc.
Fairfield Inn & Suites Oklahoma City Airport, owned by Champion hotels
Fairfield Inn & Suites Seattle Bremerton, owned by Ballard Management, Inc.
Fairfield Inn & Suites Indianapolis Avon, owned by Midwest Hospitality Group, Inc.
Fairfield Inn & Suites Montgomery in Alabama, owned by Peachtree Hotel Group, LLC
Fairfield Inn & Suites San Francisco Airport, owned by Desai & Sons, Inc.
Residence Inn Phoenix NW/Surprise, owned by Advance Management and Investment, LLC
Residence Inn Glenwood Springs in Colorado, owned by Stonebridge Companies
SpringHill Suites San Antonio Downtown, owned by Baywood Hotels, Inc.
SpringHill Suites San Angelo in Texas, owned by Insignia Hospitality Group
SpringHill Suites Tampa North in Florida, owned by Sun Development and Management Corp.
SpringHill Suites Durham Chapel Hill in North Carolina, owned by CMC Corporation
TownePlace Suites Tulsa North/Owasso in Oklahoma, owned by Leisure Hospitality, Inc.

Marriott was recently ranked seventh on DiversityInc magazine's "Top 50 Companies for Diversity" list and named "World's Most Admired" by Fortune magazine. For more information on Marriott's diversity programs, visit www.marriott.com/diversity.

Visit Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR) for company information and www.marriottnewscenter.com for the latest company news.

SOURCE Marriott International, Inc.