Marriott Leads Lodging Industry on DiversityInc's Top 50 List

BETHESDA, Md. -- Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE:MAR) announced today that the company ranked number 11 among the "Top 50 Companies for Diversity," by DiversityInc magazine. For the fourth consecutive year, Marriott was the highest ranked company in the lodging industry, according to the magazine. More than 350 companies participated in the survey, which included more than 200 questions.

"At Marriott, our inclusive culture gives our company its strength and competitive edge," said Jimmie Paschall, senior vice president for external affairs and global diversity officer for Marriott International. "With operations all over the world, we serve very diverse markets. We understand and value of diversity at every level ... from our senior leadership team to our on-property employees."

In its eighth year, DiversityInc's "Top 50 Companies for Diversity" survey is the most in-depth, empirical analysis of corporate diversity management and planning. As in previous years, the 2008 ranking is based on detailed questions which measure: CEO Commitment, Human Capital, Corporate and Organizational Communications, and Supplier Diversity.