WASHINGTON, Dec. 1 / For the third straight year, the readers of Business Traveler International (BTI) magazine named Marriott Rewards the “Best Hotel Reward Program in the World.” More than 60,000 BTI readers, some of the world’s most well-traveled executives, voted Marriott Rewards number one based on the program’s ability to give frequent travelers what they want most — simplicity, attainability, relevancy and recognition.

Marriott Rewards also currently holds the InsideFlyer “Freddie” award for “Best Frequent Guest Program of the Year” and “Best Award Redemption.” In addition, Merrill Lynch issued an analyst report on September 14, 1999, stating Marriott Rewards is “the best program in the industry.” Since its launch in 1997, no hotel frequent travel program has been honored more than Marriott Rewards.

“It is a great distinction that our highly valued members – frequent travelers themselves – have recognized Marriott Rewards as the world’s premier loyalty program each year,” said Lynne Roach-Hildebrand, senior vice president of loyalty and database marketing for Marriott International, Inc. “Their feedback is crucial for ongoing performance monitoring and determining future enhancements that continue to make Marriott Rewards the most beneficial program possible.”

The fastest way to a free night or free flight in the industry, Marriott Rewards provides earning and redemption opportunities at more than 1,700 properties in 45 countries. The program recently tripled the number of hotels offering miles and more than doubled the number of miles previously offered to as many as three per dollar spent.

For members who prefer points, Marriott Rewards offers valuable and attainable reward redemption as well as a selection of more than 175 different award options, including hotel stays, cruises, golf and ski packages, rail passes and complete vacation packages (including hotel, air and car rental). Participating hotels range from economy, mid-priced, upper-moderate and extended-stay hotels to full-service and luxury hotels, conference centers and timeshare villas. Membership is complimentary, and Marriott Rewards points do not expire.

Over 11 million travelers have enrolled in Marriott Rewards, making it the world’s largest hotel frequent guest program – almost double the size of its next largest competitor. Membership is projected to reach a monumental 12 million later this month.

To enroll or obtain information about Marriott Rewards, travelers in the U.S. and Canada may call (800) 249-0800; outside the U.S. (801) 468-4000; or visit www.marriottrewards.com. Membership applications may also be obtained at the front desk of any participating hotel.

In May 1997, Marriott International, Inc. MAR introduced Marriott Rewards, the world’s largest multi-brand frequent guest program now featuring 1,700 participating hotels and more than 11 million members. Marriott Rewards is the industry’s only frequent travel program to offer members the choice of earning/redeeming points or earning frequent flyer mileage at nine lodging brands – Marriott Hotels, Resorts and Suites; Renaissance Hotels, Resorts and Suites; Marriott Conference Centers; Marriott Vacation Club International; Courtyard by Marriott; Fairfield Inn by Marriott; Residence Inn by Marriott; SpringHill Suites by Marriott and TownePlace Suites by Marriott. Points may also be earned at ExecuStay by Marriott and Marriott Executive Apartments. Marriott Rewards has been named “Best Frequent Guest Program of the Year” (Freddie Award) by InsideFlyer magazine for the past two years, and “Best Hotel Reward Program in the World” by Business Traveler International magazine for the past three years.

MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL, INC. MAR is a leading worldwide hospitality company with over 1,900 operating units in the United States and 56 other countries and territories. Marriott Lodging operates and franchises hotels under the Marriott, Ritz-Carlton, Renaissance, Residence Inn, Courtyard, TownePlace Suites, Fairfield Inn, SpringHill Suites and Ramada International brand names; develops and operates vacation ownership (timeshare) resorts under the Marriott, Ritz-Carlton and Horizons brands, operates executive apartments and conference centers, and provides furnished corporate housing through its ExecuStay by Marriott division. Other Marriott businesses include senior living communities and services, wholesale food distribution, and procurement services. The company is headquartered in Washington, D.C. and has approximately 140,000 employees. In fiscal year 1998, Marriott International reported total sales of $8.0 billion.