Whoever You Are, Wherever You Go - #LoveTravels

BETHESDA, Md., June 2, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Marriott International today launches #LoveTravels, a multicultural campaign that conveys the company's commitment to make everyone feel comfortable being who they are, everywhere they travel. To bring #LoveTravels to life, Marriott has partnered with photographer Braden Summers to share exclusive and powerful images celebrating inclusion as part of its new Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) social media and marketing campaign. Summers' unique ability to capture warmth and emotion perfectly communicates the company's welcoming approach to hospitality. [Download images: http://postspots.com/d/j/ee9ee7babb; Video: What is LoveTravels?]

"Braden's work so beautifully illustrates the inclusiveness and equality that we embrace," said Kristine Friend, senior director, segment marketing. "We are committed to ensuring that all of our guests feel comfortable at all of our hotels and are proud to stay with Marriott. #LoveTravels is a universal theme we believe is shared by all cultures and communities and truly represents our company's philosophy and values. We also want to encourage our guests and travelers around the world to share their own journey and story through #LoveTravels @MarriottIntl."

#LoveTravels features visually stunning images that will be displayed as building wraps at five hotels in Washington, D.C., a series of print ads in LGBT media, an online portrait gallery and display ads in cities throughout the U.S. A key element of the campaign includes portraits of Jason Collins, professional basketball player; Geena Rocero, fashion model and social advocate; and Talisha Padgett-Matthews, a Marriott associate. More about their inspiring stories and other images from the campaign can be found at LoveTravels.Marriott.com, including behind-the-scenes video.

"To help tell Marriott's #LoveTravels story, I produced an aesthetic for Jason, Geena and our other models that is relatable, authentic and shows them at ease with who they are and comfortable expressing their love," said Braden Summers. "It will also be a first for me to display my work as dramatically as building wraps on five major hotels in the nation's capital." 

To coincide with the Capital Pride Celebration, the hotel building wraps will be unveiled beginning on June 2nd at Renaissance, Washington DC, Dupont Circle; Renaissance Washington, DC Downtown; Ritz Carlton Washington DC; Residence Inn Washington, DC/Dupont Circle; and JW Marriott Washington, DC.  

Elements of #LoveTravels will be featured on the Marriott LGBT website Marriott.com/gaytravel and at key Gay Pride events in Washington, San Francisco and New York City. Numerous Marriott properties were also used in the photographs, including the Residence Inn Manhattan New York/Central Park; Renaissance New York Hotel 57; The Carlton Hotel, Autograph Collection; The Lexington New York City, Autograph Collection, and the JW Marriott Marquis and Marriott Stanton South Beach in Miami.

ABOUT BRADEN SUMMERS:
Classically trained in drawing and painting, photographer Braden Summers uses his fine art sensibilities to compose photographs with elements and scenes that visually tell a story. Throughout the process he strives to inject inspiration into his narrative style. Whether shooting celebrities for the Tony Awards, or a lifestyle series of modern couples for the MoMA, his work remains instantly recognizable with his unique styled treatments.

ABOUT MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL:
Marriott International's premiere hotels host galas and events on behalf of LGBT community leaders including the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), PFLAG, the National Center for Lesbian Rights, and Out & Equal Workplace Advocates, among others. Marriott also serves as a proud sponsor for these nonprofit organizations, as well as other community-based groups. The company remains among leading corporations earning a 100 percent perfect score on the HRC Corporate Equality Index as one of the Best Employers for LGBT People, and for several years, it also has been a supporting member of the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, committed to diverse suppliers including LGBT businesses.

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.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140602/93026
Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140602/93025
Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140602/93024
Logo -  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130531/PH23900LOGO

SOURCE Marriott International, Inc.