Press Release: Marriott International, Inc.
May 3, 2002
WASHINGTON, DC -- Marriott's guests help sea turtles nest on the shore and release hatchlings in the ocean, as
well as commingle with iguanas in the desert and spider monkeys and toucans in a verdant rainforest, as part of
its growing geotourism programs.
Recognizing the growth in interest among American tourists in socially minded travel, Marriott hotels in locales
around the world have joined with communities to actively engage guests in the preservation of local ecology and
heritage. See http://www.marriot.com .
"The growing number of culturally and environmentally conscious travelers is rewarding in many ways,"
said Ed Fuller, president and managing director of international lodging at Marriott International. "Guests
develop a deeper appreciation for a destination, and the community prospers by the creation of jobs without sacrificing
local traditions and resources."
Highlights of selected programs:
Mexico -- Resort biologists at the CasaMagna Marriott resorts in Cancun and Puerto Vallarta teach children about
the dwindling sea turtle population. In November, guests gathered at sunset to release 10,000 baby turtles into
the ocean.
Aruba and U.S. Virgin Islands -- Guests lounge with iguanas at the Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino
and the Frenchman's Reef & Morning Star Marriott Beach Resort in St. Thomas. Special feeding areas allow staff
to teach guests about the ancient reptiles.
Brazil -- Marriott and Renaissance resorts in Costa do Sauipe turn off beach lights at night to avoid disturbing
nesting turtles. Guests accompany scientists to watch the turtles lay eggs. In Sauipe, 16,400 hatchlings reached
the ocean this year.
Costa Rica -- Set amidst 1,100 acres of rain forest, the staff at the Los Suenos Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort
take biology classes in order to teach guests about the area's 150 species of flora and fauna.
Thailand -- The JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa supports the village's hatchery and invites guests to join
locals, who patrol the beach at night to protect nesting turtles.
Hawaii -- Hula classes at the JW Marriott Ihilani Resort and Spa teach the meaning of hula and the legend of its
introduction to Hawaii. The Kauai Marriott Resort & Beach Club displays ancient Hawaiian artifacts throughout
the resort.
Russia -- Moscow's Marriott Royal Aurora Hotel, the Marriott Grand Hotel and the Marriott Tverskaya Hotel are campaigning
to save the nearly extinct Far Eastern Leopard with photography exhibits, donation boxes and leaflets.
To book a vacation, call Marriott Worldwide Reservations Center at 1-800-228-9290, visit http://www.marriott.com
or contact your local travel agent.
SOURCE: Marriott International, Inc.