The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. And IMG Academy To Offer Exclusive Sports Training Packages For Ritz-Carlton Rewards® Members

CHEVY CHASE, Md., Sept. 20, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Members of The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® program now have the opportunity to access IMG Academy, the world's leading integrated academic and athletic training establishment.

"We consider it a privilege to connect our loyal Ritz-Carlton Rewards members to extraordinary experiences that they will treasure for a lifetime," commented Chris Tammaro, Vice President, The Ritz-Carlton Rewards. "When joining the coveted Ritz-Carlton Rewards program, members discover that we strive to provide access and opportunities to unparalleled adventures, and our relationship with IMG Academy at their world-class Florida Gulf Coast campus is another example of that."

"We are excited to team up with The Ritz-Carlton to provide its Rewards members with exclusive 'money can't buy' training experiences aimed at athletic and personal development, which is at the core of everything we do at IMG Academy," added Sam Zussman, Senior Vice President and Managing Director of IMG Academy. "Members will now have exclusive access to IMG Academy's cutting-edge sports training, which is sure to provide the memorable travel experience to which they have become accustomed."

The 450-acre IMG Academy campus provides a one-stop-shop to realizing one's performance potential, featuring: world-class coaches, athletic trainers, nutritionists and sports therapists; on-campus housing and dining options; a full-service wellness spa; a 10,000 sq. foot weight room; and 24/7 medical staff. Over the past three decades, IMG Academy-trained athletes have won 131 All-Stars, 63 MVP Awards, 22 World Championships, 5 National Titles, 2 Heisman Trophies, 889 Tournaments, 107 Major Championships and 11 Olympic Medals. Now, Ritz-Carlton Rewards members of all ages and ability levels may take advantage of exclusive packages featuring the same training that produced these champions on the court and on the field.

IMG Academy will offer customized adult programs in tennis, golf and performance, with options for extending training to the whole family. Members can sign up for exclusive options including: unlimited facility access; training alongside top active players; private one-on-one lessons with world-renowned coaches and trainers; and more.

For more information about The Ritz-Carlton Reward exclusive options at IMG Academy, please visit: http://www.imgacademy.com/ritzcarltonrewards/.  And, for more information on The Ritz-Carlton Rewards, please visit www.RitzCarltonRewards.com.

About The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C.
The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. of Chevy Chase, Md., currently operates 80 hotels in the Americas, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and the Caribbean. More than 30 hotel and residential projects are under development around the globe. The Ritz-Carlton is the only service company to have twice earned the prestigious Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award which recognizes outstanding customer service. For more information, or reservations, contact a travel professional, call toll free in the U.S. 1-800-241-3333, or visit the company website at www.ritzcarlton.com. The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR)

About The Ritz-Carlton Rewards
The Ritz-Carlton Rewards offers members the benefits of program partners including Abercrombie and Kent, Neiman Marcus, and photography workshops by National Geographic Expeditions.  The Ritz-Carlton Rewards is free to join and points can be earned and redeemed at Ritz-Carlton hotels & resorts as well as at 3,500 partner hotels around the world.  Members can also earn and redeem points with 30 international air carriers.  For more information about the offer or to become a member, please visit www.ritzcarltonrewards.com.

About IMG Academy
IMG Academy is the world's leading integrated academic and athletic training establishment. For more than 30 years, IMG Academy has helped countless youth, adult, collegiate and professional athletes realize their full potential in life and in sport.

Today, the Bradenton, Fla.-based campus attracts 30,000 athletes from nearly 100 countries annually. IMG Academy offers youth camp and academy programs in a variety of sports, as well as athletic and personal areas of development. Additionally, IMG Academy offers training programs for professional athletes, teams and leagues from around the world.

IMG Academy is housed within the IMG Performance division of IMG Worldwide.
imgacademy.com.

SOURCE The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C.