New Initiatives Also Unveiled For Loyalty Members Across The Region

HONG KONG, CHINA - Media OutReach^[1] - March 23, 2018 - Marriott International is kicking off the third year as the Official Sponsor of the Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens (April 6 -- 8) and Hong Kong Sevens Festival by unveiling a series of once-in-a-lifetime experiences exclusive for members of its three loyalty programs -- Marriott Rewards, The Ritz-Carlton Rewards, and Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG). Being an official sponsor of the city's biggest sporting event and one of the flagship tournaments on the international Sevens calendar, reinforces Marriott's commitment to providing members exclusive access to the most sought-after events around the world.

(Chief Sales and Marketing Officer, Marriott International, Asia Pacific, Marriott International Peggy Fang Roe and Vice President, Brand and Marketing, Marriott International, Asia Pacific Mike Fulkerson at the launch of the Marriott International and HKSEVENS kick-off)

"Today's travellers see their points as the gateway to creating memories that last a lifetime," said Peggy Fang-Roe, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer, Marriott International, Asia Pacific. "The sponsorship of the Hong Kong Sevens creates unbeatable value for our members by giving them the ability to participate in authentic, international tent pole events. With over 110 million members of our loyalty programs around the globe, we're demonstrating the power of the programs by leveraging exciting partnerships and providing amazing experiences such as we are doing here with the Hong Kong Sevens."

The festivities begin even before the games have started with the HKSEVENS Festival at Lee Gardens, the weekends of March 30 -- April 2 and April 6 -- 8. Food lovers can enjoy menus featuring local favourites specially created by Marriott's award-winning chefs from Renaissance Hong Kong Harbour View Hotel, Hong Kong Skycity Marriott Hotel and Courtyard by Marriott Shatin, in a creatively designed, fun, urban dining environment. For even more excitement at the street festival and demonstrate how #MembersGetMore, the Marriott pop-up themed space will be placed next to an exciting aquarium prize grab game (teasing guests to the upcoming opening of Hong Kong Ocean Park Marriott Hotel later this year), open to those who sign up for one of the three loyalty programs.

Families who are members of Marriott Rewards and SPG can use their Rewards points^[2] or Starpoints^[3] to take part in Junior Rugby Clinics at Hysan Place (2 April), where a limited number of spaces have been reserved exclusively for children to meet rugby star, Waisale Serevi, for an exclusive coaching session.

More member exclusive experiences include the HKSEVENS Kick Off Concert (5 April), headlined by legendary British band UB40 with a mix of old classics and their latest reggae beats. Sponsored by Marriott Rewards, The Ritz-Carlton Rewards, and SPG, members will receive premium seating and exclusive access to the Marriott VIP area. These packages can be redeemed directly on Marriott Rewards Moments^[4] and SPG Moments^[5] for 15,000 Rewards points and 5,000 Starpoints respectively.

For the ultimate money-can't-buy HKSEVENS experience, members who redeem 45,000 Rewards points/15,000 Starpoints can enjoy ultimate access to the Marriott Executive Suite. Enjoy the comfort and atmosphere of the Sevens with The VIP Package (April 6 -8) which includes premium hospitality, performances and activities including head and shoulder massage, face painting and a family-friendly tote-bag making workshop. Members can also bid for a VIP package, starting at 15,000 Rewards points/ 5,000 Starpoints, which includes an anticipated meet and greet with rugby players from the USA Eagles team, and autographed balls and jerseys.

To further strengthen Marriott's partnership with HKSEVENS, its flagship Marriott Hotels has launched a trio of online videos with international rugby legend Sebastien Chabal that captures the sportsman and a rugby fan in three comedic scenarios that showcase how Marriott Hotels is enabling guests to have thoughtful, dynamic and inventive experiences at the HKSEVENS sporting event. This will be supported by a surprise moment in the stadium that will have all fans on their feet cheering and heading to the loyalty booth to sign up for a free membership and chances to win prizes.

Fans around the world can also log onto to play Running Rugby^[6] online and also find the link via Marriott Hotels Facebook page -- a rugby-themed game to win hotel prizes to key Marriott Hotels destinations across Asia-Pacific. The fun and interactive rugby game will transport gamers to key Marriott Hotels destinations across Asia-Pacific including Hong Kong, Shanghai, Bangkok, Jeju and Sydney.

"The flagship of the Marriott International portfolio, Marriott Hotels, is a brand known for innovation. We've tapped international rugby star Sebastian Chabal for our 'Stay Brilliant' video campaign to bring to life our brand promises in an uplifting and humorous way," said Mike Fulkerson, Vice President, Brand and Marketing Asia Pacific at Marriott International. "When guests check into a Marriott Hotel, they'll be invited to join our best-in-class Marriott Rewards loyalty program and have access to exclusive experiences."

The Hong Kong Sevens is just one of several initiatives in Asia Pacific where members have exclusive access to major culinary, lifestyle, sport and entertainment events. Car racing fans will enjoy the benefits of a global partnership with Formula One's Mercedes Petronas team through grandstand seats at the Shanghai and Melbourne races in Asia Pacific. In Shanghai, the partnership with the Mercedes-Benz Arena will include access to thrilling events and concerts throughout the year from the comfort of a members' suite inside the stadium. Marriott Rewards, The Ritz-Carlton Rewards, and SPG continue to provide members with amazing, exclusive access and experiences that enable them to pursue their passions through travel.

About Marriott Rewards

Marriott International's award-winning loyalty program -- Marriott Rewards -- spans 18 unique and iconic global brands and over 4,700 distinctive properties. Members of Marriott Rewards® - which includes The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® - can link their accounts with Starwood Preferred Guest® at members.marriott.com^[7] for expanded benefits including instant elite status matching and unlimited points transfer across portfolios. When members book their stays on Marriott.com^[8] or the Marriott Mobile app^[9], they earn loyalty points, enjoy the advantage of exclusive Member Rates^[10], our lowest available rates, and gain an elevated stay experience with free Wi-Fi, mobile check-in and checkout, and Mobile Service Requests wherever available.  The hugely popular Marriott Rewards has won the Freddie Award for "Hotel Program of the Year--Americas" nine consecutive years as chosen by frequent travellers. Marriott Rewards is free to join and has no blackout dates. To enroll and for more information about the program, guests may visit. Connect with Marriott Rewards on Facebook^[11], Twitter^[12] and Instagram^[13].

About Starwood Preferred Guest

Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG®) is an innovative, award-winning frequent traveller program that unites 11 luxury and distinctive hotel brands in more than 1,400 properties in 97 countries and territories around the world. SPG reinvented the hospitality loyalty landscape when it launched in 1999 with its breakthrough policy of no blackout dates, and over the years has continued its tradition of innovation with enhancements such as Cash + Points, Your24™, SPG Lifetime™, SPG Moments and 4 p.m. late checkout when available. SPG also offers the opportunity for meeting and travel professionals to earn rich rewards including Starpoints and elite status through SPG Pro. SPG has an ongoing commitment to meeting the needs of today's connected global traveller by leveraging must-have mobile apps for iPhone, iPad, and Android that utilize state-aware technology to create a more personalized hotel stay. All of this has helped SPG build a passionate member base among the world's most frequent travellers. Learn more about the #spglife at spg.com^[14], spg.com/pro^[15] and spg.com/moments^[16] and connect with us on Facebook^[17], Twitter^[18] and Instagram^[19]. SPG members can now also link their accounts with Marriott Rewards® - which includes The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® - for instant elite status matching and unlimited points transfer at spg.com/Marriott^[20].

About Ritz-Carlton RewardsThe Ritz-Carlton Rewards is the loyalty program of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C., of Chevy Chase, Md., which currently operates nearly 100 hotels and resorts in 31 countries and territories. Members can earn and redeem points at participating The Ritz-Carlton and Marriott International properties worldwide. Members of Marriott Rewards® - which includes The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® - can link their accounts with Starwood Preferred Guest® at members.marriott.com^[21] for expanded benefits including instant elite status matching and unlimited points transfer across portfolios. For more information, or reservations, visit the company web site at www.ritzcarlton.com^[22] The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ:  MAR).

References

1. ^{^} Media OutReach (www.media-outreach.com)
2. ^{^} Rewards points (moments.marriottrewards.com)
3. ^{^} Starpoints (auction.starwoodhotels.com)
4. ^{^} Marriott Rewards Moments (www.moments.marriottrewards.com)
5. ^{^} SPG Moments (www.starwoodhotels.com)
6. ^{^} Running Rugby (www.marriottrunningrugby.com)
7. ^{^} members.marriott.com (members.marriott.com)
8. ^{^} Marriott.com (marriott.com)
9. ^{^} Marriott Mobile app (mobileapp.marriott.com)
10. ^{^} Member Rates (www.marriott.com)
11. ^{^} Facebook (www.facebook.com)
12. ^{^} Twitter (twitter.com)
13. ^{^} Instagram (www.instagram.com)
14. ^{^} spg.com (cts.businesswire.com)
15. ^{^} spg.com/pro (cts.businesswire.com)
16. ^{^} spg.com/moments (cts.businesswire.com)
17. ^{^} Facebook (www.facebook.com)
18. ^{^} Twitter (twitter.com)
19. ^{^} Instagram (www.instagram.com)
20. ^{^} spg.com/Marriott (www.members.marriott.com)
21. ^{^} members.marriott.com (members.marriott.com)
22. ^{^} www.ritzcarlton.com (www.ritzcarlton.com)