Soccer Legend Tim Howard and Cultural Icon Angela Simmons Invite Travelers to Share Journeys with Marriott International's Expansion of Popular #LoveTravels

BETHESDA, Md., Aug. 19, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Marriott International is expanding its popular #LoveTravels campaign to an exciting original content series that chronicles inspiring personal journeys by notable travelers. The next installment features soccer legend Tim Howard and cultural icon and entrepreneur Angela Simmons, each sharing their individual experiences and personal passions in stories told through travel. The original content video series launches alongside visually stunning images presented in an online portrait gallery and display ads. The campaign also invites travelers everywhere to post what #LoveTravels means to them on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

The portraits and digital videos also feature chef Mia Banducci, Dutch model Anouschka Dap and Founder & CEO of MIMA Media Christoph Geiseler—inspiring individuals whose journeys are sparked from within and who understand that travel is integral to feeding passions and enriching character.

Tim Howard—who captured the heart of America through his record-breaking soccer performance this summer—reveals through the video series how he cultivates his true passions of soccer, eclectic music and body art through his travels. Angela Simmons—cultural icon and entrepreneur—gives an inside look at how she finds inspiration for fashion design wherever she goes. Chef and avid traveler, Mia Banducci, expresses how she strives to incorporate the cultural influences and flavors she experiences into every dish she crafts for her patrons. Anouschka Dap and Christoph Geiseler speak to their love of traveling together by motorcycle and embracing new cultures that bring them closer together.

"#LoveTravels is Marriott's way of encouraging travelers to live their individual truths and share their travel experiences. Tim, Angela, Mia, Anouschka and Christoph exemplify the heart of this message—perfectly demonstrating that the enrichment from personal journeys knows no boundaries," said Kristine Friend, senior director, segment marketing. "#LoveTravels is a universal movement that truly represents our commitment to providing each guest with a unique experience across our portfolio of hotels where they feel welcome and comfortable and can pursue their personal passions."

"I was inspired by Marriott International's idea of #LoveTravels, and thought it was an incredible opportunity to share my love of soccer as well as my other personal passions," said Tim Howard. "#LoveTravels is about elevating travel beyond basic necessities and making it more about the people walking through the door. It is about feeling comfortable with who you are and tapping into that sense of belonging for the ultimate travel experience."

More about each of these inspiring stories can be found at LoveTravelsWithMe.com and on YouTube. To join the conversation, travelers can visit Facebook/Instagram (@LoveTravelsWithMe) and Twitter (@LoveTravelsWMe).

Continuing in their support of personal passion stories, Marriott will offer consumers the chance to enter a contest to win a grand prize of $2,000 and weekly prizes of $500. Starting today and running through September 16, travelers are invited to share how their #LoveTravels by posting a picture of their journeys on Instagram. To enter the contest, participants must use #LoveTravels #Promo @LoveTravelsWithMe.

Visit Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) for company information. For the latest news, go to www.marriottnewscenter.com, and to make reservations, please visit www.marriott.com.

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SOURCE Marriott International, Inc.