Marriott Assists victims of Hurricane Katrina
WASHINGTON, DC, September 6, 2005. Marriott International, Inc. is working closely with authorities throughout the Gulf Coast region and other areas impacted by Hurricane Katrina.
"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. "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."
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.
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.
Our guests are concerned and want to help too. We have 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). A link on http://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.
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 has established a toll-free line for friends and families to call for information about guests and associates who may have been affected by the hurricane. That number is (866) 211-4610. (Outside the U.S. and Canada, the direct dial number is 402-390-3265.)
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is a global leading lodging company based in Bethesda,Maryland, USA, with more than 4,200 properties in 80 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, including: The Ritz-Carlton®, BVlgari®, EDITION®, JW Marriott®, Autograph Collection® Hotels, Renaissance® Hotels, Marriott Hotels®, Delta Hotels and Resorts®, Marriott Executive Apartments®, Marriott Vacation Club®, Gaylord Hotels®, AC Hotels by Marriott®, Courtyard®, Residence Inn®, SpringHill Suites®, Fairfield Inn & Suites®, TownePlace Suites®, Protea Hotels® and MoxyHotels®. Marriott has been consistently recognized as a top employer and for its superior business ethics. The company also manages the award-winning guest loyalty program, Marriott Rewards® and The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® program, which together surpass 50 million members. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at 
