Xplor(SM) the World and Win!

BETHESDA, Md., Aug. 6, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Marriott International (NYSE: MAR) has launched Xplor^SM, a groundbreaking mobile travel game celebrating bold adventure. A first in the hotel industry, Xplor engages people of all ages to virtually see the world by visiting five gateway cities and accomplishing varied sightseeing challenges along the way. Xplorers find clues, solve puzzles, answer trivia questions, and compete to win Marriott Rewards® points redeemable stays at more than 3,700 hotels across the globe.

To view the multimedia assets associated with this release, please click: http://www.multivu.com/mnr/54187-marriott-xplor-travel-game-free-mobile-app-apple

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130806/MM57672 )

As an incentive for Xplor gamers, Marriott will give away 1 million Marriott Rewards points. For each Xplor city completed, contestants will be entered to win 100,000 Marriott Rewards points (a total of 500,000 will be awarded). Those who complete the entire game will be entered to win one of three prizes: one lucky Grand Prize Winner will collect 200,000 Marriott Rewards points and an airline ticket for a trip around the world, and two Runners-Up will receive 150,000 Marriott Rewards points each.

"Social gaming is part of our innovation strategy to engage customers and attract the next generation of social, mobile travelers and employees to Marriott," said David Rodriguez, Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer, Marriott International. "With more than half a billion people playing social games globally—this is an exciting new channel for our company to promote travel and engage with people."

Available for free in the App Store (https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/xplor-by-marriott/id646951347?ls=1&mt=8), Xplor lets virtual adventurers hone travel skills while visiting New York City, Paris, Beijing, Dubai, and Sao Paulo. To begin, Xplor gamers select an identity from five different traveler types, ranging from backpacker to jetsetter, and can individualize avatars from a variety of different interchangeable physical and style attributes, resulting in millions of possible character combinations.  From there, players travel to top tourist destinations where they collect items and get their passports stamped. Players can friend one another, chat live and closely collaborate to solve Xplor's many challenges.

"We see guests effortlessly blending work and play in a global, mobile world," said Stephanie Linnartz, Executive Vice President & Chief Marketing and Commercial Officer, Marriott International. "They embrace technology as a central part of their lifestyle."

Children and adults alike will enjoy touring iconic landmarks and local neighborhoods, and along the way, recharging at a Marriott hotel. Throughout the intuitive game, travelers can experience unique cultural variations native to the region they are visiting including food, customs, and architectural design. Each city "Xplored" will offer mini-games that are guaranteed to keep both serious and recreational gamers excited and engaged. For social adventurers, Xplor successes can be shared on Facebook and other social networks. 

Simultaneously, fans, travel aficionados and gamers can connect with one another and the Marriott community through Xplor's dedicated site at www.Xplorthegame.com. The fan site offers valuable new game information such as leaderboard rankings and a discussion board. On Twitter use #xplorthegame.

"I applaud the entrepreneurial spirit behind this game, which was conceived by a group of employees from various departments, age groups and levels across the company," said David Grissen, Group President, Marriott International.  "They observed guests playing games to decompress between meetings, while waiting to board a flight, or even lounging by the pool, and convinced us to test a new way of engaging with guests."

Xplor was developed by Marriott International in partnership with Evviva Games, a division of Evviva Brands. It is the second social game offered by Marriott. In 2011, Marriott was the first global hospitality company to launch a social game with My Marriott Hotel. The game was designed to attract potential employees to careers in hospitality by engaging them in the virtual experience of operating a hotel kitchen and attracted players from 138 countries in the first year alone.

Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR) is a leading lodging company based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, with more than 3,800 properties in 72 countries and territories and reported revenues of nearly $12 billion in fiscal year 2012.  The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 18 brands. 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 Marriott Rewards
Marriott Rewards is Marriott's award-winning guest loyalty program.  It is free to join and has no blackout dates.  Members can earn and redeem points at 3,700 hotels across 14 distinctive brands around the world.  Members can also redeem points for frequent flyer miles, cruises, car rentals, merchandise and more.  Marriott Rewards was named the best hotel loyalty program by U.S. News & World Report and has won the Freddie Award for "Best Hotel Rewards Program in the Americas" six years in a row.  For information about Marriott Rewards including the program's terms and conditions, guests can call 1-800-450-4442 or visit www.MarriottRewards.com.

Terms and Conditions
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY.

Void where prohibited by law. Open to legal residents of fifty (50) U.S States and D.C., at least 18 years old or age of majority in their state of permanent residence, whichever is greater, as of 8/6/13. Promotion begins 12:00 AM ET on 8/6/13 and ends 11:59 PM ET on 12/16/13. Total ARV of all prizes: $17,900. Odds of winning are based on the number of eligible entries received for each prize. For complete entry, prize, and other details, and for full official rules, visit www.xplorthegame.com. Sponsor: Marriott International, Inc.

Copyright ©2013 Marriott International, Inc. Marriott® and other logos or trademarks listed herein are trademarks of Marriott International, Inc. in the U.S. and other countries. All rights reserved.

SOURCE Marriott International, Inc.