Press Release
November 19, 2001
ORLANDO, FL -- As many would-be travelers still seem slow to stray from home, Marriott Vacation Club International
(MVCI), the Vacation Ownership division of Marriott International (NYSE: MAR), has observed a welcomed trend —
its over 200,000 vacation owners are continuing to travel. Occupancy at the company’s resorts remains over last
year, an average 90 percent across the system year to date. Many resorts are well over that average, as high as
96 percent in destinations such as Hawaii, California and South Carolina on Hilton Head Island.
“Current events have only heightened the importance of quality family time,” commented Marriott Vacation Club President,
Stephen P. Weisz. “Our owners appreciate having the Vacation Ownership commitment during this time, when some family
members might otherwise be reluctant to plan a trip.”
Owners vacationing recently at the new family-friendly Horizons by Marriott Vacation Club in Orlando seemed to
agree. Proud grandparents Ed and Martha Snyder of Tallahassee, Fla. decided to buy a week at Horizons for their
family last year thinking, “This would probably be the only way we could ever get us all together for a vacation.”
Now, said Mr. Snyder of his family’s vacations, “You focus a little more on the importance of it. You know you
don’t get a chance this often to get the whole family together.”
Still, the Snyders acknowledged they would not be on vacation this year had they not become vacation owners. “In
fact,” stressed Mrs. Snyder, “that’s why we decided to buy.”
This sentiment was echoed by other Horizons vacationers. “We are owners, it’s paid for…or it’s in the process of
being paid for…just like your house or your automobile,” explained Horizons owner and New Jersey resident, Gilbert
Williams. “It’s something you still want to take advantage of because you do feel it’s yours.”
Williams works for the New York Transit Authority, which he noted has been on high alert since the attacks. “Both
of us work in fairly high stress situations, so the vacation was welcome already,” said Mr. Williams, adding the
events of September 11th only increased stress and their desire to vacation. “We needed to get away,” continued
Williams. “It was a tragic situation, but life has to go on.”
Williams and his wife, Clara, first considered postponing their Orlando vacation. “If we had wanted to take the
[Marriott Rewards®] points or defer [our vacation week] to another year, we could have done that…it’s very
flexible,” commented Mrs. Williams. “I’m glad we came down, because we both needed to relax.” Reflecting on the
future, she continued, “We’re a bit more alert, a bit more cautious, but we’re already planning our next vacation.”
Back in the Williams’ home state of New Jersey, owners staying near Atlantic City in Absecon shared similar views.
Marriott Vacation Club International owners since 1992, John and Fredia Rafferty from Ellicott City, Md. exchanged
one of their Orlando weeks to stay at the golf-inspired Marriott’s Fairway Villas at Seaview.
“For people staying at home, we say you’re missing the boat,” noted Mr. Rafferty. “Vacation Ownership is your second
home.”
Seasoned owners William and Kathe Beegle from nearby Somerset own weeks with Marriott Vacation Club International
on Hilton Head Island, S.C. and Williamsburg, Va.
“We own our vacation now, so we are going to use it,” Mr. Beegle explained. “That is why we are here. Vacation
Ownership forces you to relax.”
Marriott Vacation Club International is the recognized, worldwide industry leader in Vacation Ownership with 60
resorts in 35 destinations operating under the Horizons by Marriott Vacation Club, Marriott Vacation Club International,
Marriott Grand Residence Club and The Ritz-Carlton Club brands. For more information, please call (866) 300-3032
or visit www.vacationclub.com.
MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL, INC. (NYSE:MAR) is a leading worldwide hospitality company with nearly 2,400 operating
units in the United States and 63 other countries and territories. Marriott International operates and franchises
hotels under the Marriott, JW Marriott, The Ritz-Carlton, Renaissance, Residence Inn, Courtyard, TownePlace Suites,
Fairfield Inn, SpringHill Suites and Ramada International brand names; develops and operates vacation ownership
resorts under the Marriott Vacation Club, Horizons, The Ritz-Carlton Club and Marriott Grand Residence Club brands;
operates Marriott Executive Apartments; provides furnished corporate housing through its ExecuStay by Marriott
division; and operates conference centers. Other Marriott businesses include senior living communities and services,
and wholesale food distribution. The company is headquartered in Washington, D.C., and has approximately 152,000
employees. In fiscal year 2000, Marriott International reported systemwide sales of $19.8 billion. For more information
or reservations, please visit our web site at www.marriott.com.
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CONTACT:
Ed Kinney / Tracey Smith Marriott Vacation Club International (07) 206-6278/ed.kinney@vacationclub.com (07) 513-6950/tracey.smith@vacationclub.com Dee Dee Dochen / Anne Lewis DDD Marketing Communications (713) 432-7575 / ddd@pennebaker.com (713) 621-0400 / alewis@houston.rr.com
SOURCE: Marriott International, Inc.