GTA and Marriott International Inc. Sign Global Distribution Agreement

LONDON and BETHESDA, Md., May 4 /PRNewswire/ -- GTA by Travelport, a global travel wholesaler today announced that they have signed a distribution agreement with Marriott International Inc. to further strengthen their strategic relationship.

The distribution agreement provides GTA's thousands of tour operator and travel agency customers more flexibility when planning stays at Marriott Hotels & Resorts, JW Marriott Hotels & Resorts, Renaissance Hotels & Resorts, Courtyard, Residence Inn, Fairfield Inn & Suites, TownePlace Suites and SpringHill Suites.

The increased property and room category content complements GTA's existing range of hotels and destination services, enhancing its product offering and providing GTA's clients greater choice when preparing tour and travel arrangements for their customers.

"Marriott operates some of the best recognized brands in our industry; we are thrilled to offer our customers increased property, room category and rate type choice across the expanding Marriott brand portfolio globally," stated Kurt Ekert, GTA Chief Operating Officer. "This enhanced relationship with Marriott increases our product offering and empowers our customers with the ability to offer their clients expanded choice, as well as even more last minute availability."

"GTA's global footprint of travel professionals provides Marriott and our property owners a unique distribution opportunity especially in emerging areas such as China, parts of the Middle East and Latin America," Julius Robinson, Vice President, Global Sales Intermediaries at Marriott International Inc. "GTA's dynamic multi-channel distribution network is an ideal channel to present our hotel portfolio.

It will allow us to speak to more customers in the language of the travel professional while working with GTA. Our hotels have worked with GTA for many years but this agreement is a true milestone that will further cement our excellent business relationship."

About GTA

GTA (Gullivers Travel Associates) is a world leader in the provision of ground travel products and services. GTA uses industry-leading online technology to market and distribute global travel content, including more than 35,000 hotels & apartments with instant confirmation, in over 130 countries. Other travel services include car hire, sightseeing tours and attractions, private transfers, group travel and rail passes. GTA also provides online destination information, including 300 extensive city and country travel guides, weather reports, currency conversion and travel health advice. GTA, www.gta-travel.com, is a Travelport business.  Travelport is one of the largest and most geographically diverse travel companies, dedicated to creating the exceptional travel experiences the world demands.

More information about GTA is available at http://www.gta-travel.com/.

About Marriott International, Inc.

MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL, INC. (NYSE:MAR) is a leading lodging company with more than 3,400 lodging properties in 68 countries and territories. The company is headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, USA and had approximately 137,000 employees at 2009 year-end. It is recognized by FORTUNE® as one of the best companies to work for, and by Newsweek as one of the greenest big companies in America. In fiscal year 2009, Marriott International reported sales from continuing operations of nearly $11 billion. For more information or reservations, please visit our web site at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com.

SOURCE GTA by Travelport