The Marketplace By Marriott(R) Selects Manning & Smith And Zurich U.S. for Franchisee Insurance Program

Company Press Release: Marriott International, Inc.

January 25, 2000
WASHINGTON, DC -- The Marketplace by Marriott®, a division of Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR), announced today the selection of Manning & Smith Insurance and Zurich U.S. as suppliers for insurance and risk management solutions to its franchisees.

``This is a comprehensive insurance program targeted for the hospitality industry. Our franchisees have asked The Marketplace to develop a competitive insurance program and we have delivered,'' said Dennis Baker, executive vice president of The Marketplace by Marriott.

According to Craig Smith, president of Manning & Smith, ``This designation gives our team access to Marriott International, one of the most prestigious hospitality companies in the world. We really had to do our homework to prove to The Marketplace that Zurich U.S. and our people have the expertise and the insurance solutions that are ideally suited for their franchisees and their other properties.''

The Manning & Smith/Zurich U.S. team will offer The Marketplace customers a complete package of property, liability and workers' compensation insurance coverages and related risk management services.

The unique product offerings and financial solutions will include a well- integrated policy portfolio with significant built-in coverage, eliminating the need for separate endorsements. In addition, Manning & Smith, which has represented Zurich U.S. for over a decade, has considerable expertise in developing tailored safety programs for hotels.

For more information please call The Marketplace by Marriott customer service team toll free at 1-877-866-2753.

Manning & Smith Insurance, in business since 1933, is a premier insurance agency that administers insurance programs for hotels worldwide. In addition to property and liability insurance, the agency also works with insurance carriers to provide its clients with group life, health and disability insurance; fidelity and surety bonds; and personal insurance. Manning & Smith administers insurance programs for over 900 hotels.

Zurich U.S. is a world class insurance organization serving the comprehensive risk management needs of commercial enterprises of all sizes. A leading provider of property, casualty and specialty insurance solutions for small, middle market, and large global risks, Zurich U.S. holds a rating of A+ (superior) for financial strength from the A.M. Best Company. Zurich U.S. also is a member of the Zurich Financial Services Group, one of the world's leading financial services companies which serves 30 million customers in more than 60 countries with a full range of capabilities in the areas of financial protection and asset accumulation. Zurich U.S.' web site is www.zurichus.com. Zurich Financial Services Group's web site is www.zurich.com.

The Marketplace by Marriott® is the business launched by Marriott International to provide comprehensive, strategic, ``one-stop-shopping'' for corporate procurement needs by offering access to Marriott's procurement expertise and leverage on a variety of commodities and services to hotel owners and franchisees of both Marriott and non-Marriott brands.

MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL, INC. (NYSE: MAR) www.marriott.com is a leading worldwide hospitality company with over 1,800 operating units in the United States and 58 other countries and territories. Marriott's lodging business includes hotels and vacation ownership (timeshare) resorts operated and franchised under the Marriott, Ritz-Carlton, Renaissance, Residence Inn, Courtyard, TownePlace Suites, Fairfield Inn, SpringHill Suites, Ramada International and Marriott Vacation Club International brands. Other businesses include senior living communities and services, and food service distribution. The company is headquartered in Washington, D.C. and has approximately 140,000 employees. In fiscal year 1998, Marriott International reported total sales of $8.0 billion.

For more information about Manning & Smith, please contact one of the following:

Craig Smith, President
800-984-1201 or 316-631-1510
E-mail: craig@manningsmith.com
Christy Smith, Vice President, Operations
800-984-1201 or 316-631-1520
E-mail: christy@manningsmith.com
Tim Smith, Account Executive
800-984-1201 or 316-631-1500
E-mail: tims@manningsmith.com

SOURCE: Marriott International, Inc.