Marriott Dives in -- Becomes Official Hotel Sponsor of USA Swimming

BETHESDA, Md., July 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Marriott International is diving in as the official hotel sponsor of USA Swimming, the national governing body of swimming in the United States. As part of the sponsorship, Marriott will provide USA Swimming's 300,000 members with special member benefits, and USA Swimming will make Marriott brands its preferred hotels for all events.  USA Swimming members can also make reservations through a customized travel portal located at www.usaswimming.org/travel.

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Hotel industry data shows that leisure and personal travel is one of the fastest growing market segments.  This sponsorship will enable Marriott to increase weekend bookings when occupancy is typically lower and grow market share by attracting traveling swim teams and their families.

Marriott expects this relationship will also increase the likelihood that these families will choose Marriott hotels for their vacations and weekend getaways.  And, with nearly all Marriott hotels offering indoor or outdoor pools, these guests can still get in their swim practice on the road, or have some fun and relax in the water.

"Sponsoring a sports organization like USA Swimming is a fantastic opportunity for Marriott," said Joanna Todd, vice president, global partnerships and promotions, Marriott International.  "This sponsorship gives us great visibility in a new market of hundreds of thousands of swimmers, which should help us gain a great deal of revenue and weekend room nights, while providing these athletes and their families with Marriott's high-level of service and accommodations."

As part of the agreement, Marriott properties will also serve as the official headquarters hotels for key USA Swimming events, such as national-level championship swim meets and meetings. Marriott properties will host the USA Swimming Foundation's annual red carpet awards ceremony, the Golden Goggle Awards, with the 2010 gala scheduled for the Marriott Marquis in New York. Additionally, Marriott properties will be the hotel of choice for the USA Swimming National Team.  

In addition, a percentage of every stay booked through the member travel portal will benefit the USA Swimming Foundation's Make a Splash initiative. Make a Splash is a national, child-focused water safety initiative that aims to provide the opportunity for every child to learn to swim. Each year, Marriott will match those dollars to provide free or low cost swimming lessons.  

"This partnership provides value to the heart of USA Swimming's membership, which is swimming families across the nation. It will also have a real impact on the USA Swimming Foundation's efforts to save lives through learn-to-swim," said USA Swimming Chief Marketing Officer Matt Farrell. "Marriott is a world-class brand that offers unparalleled service for its guests, and we look forward to working together to promote the sport of swimming nationally and at the local level."

USA Swimming members may begin to book travel through Marriott immediately at the dedicated web portal usaswimming.org/travel to start putting dollars toward swim lessons for children through the Make a Splash initiative. The dollars will be distributed through the Make a Splash Local Partner Program, which includes providers in 42 states.

About Marriott Hotels

Visit Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR) for company information. For more information or reservations, please visit our web site at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com.

About USA Swimming

As the National Governing Body for the sport of swimming in the United States, USA Swimming is a 300,000-member service organization that promotes the culture of swimming by creating opportunities for swimmers and coaches of all backgrounds to participate and advance in the sport through clubs, events and education. Our membership is comprised of swimmers from the age group level to the Olympic Team, as well as coaches and volunteers. USA Swimming is responsible for selecting and training teams for international competition including the Olympic Games, and strives to serve the sport through its core objectives: Build the base, Promote the sport, Achieve competitive success. For more information, visit www.usaswimming.org.

SOURCE Marriott International, Inc.