April 24, 2001
BANGKOK, Thailand -- As first announced in January, 2001, Marriott Vacation Club International, the Vacation Ownership
division of Marriott International (NYSE: MAR), has identified - Marriott's Phuket Beach Club - as the name for
its first Vacation Ownership resort in Asia. In conjunction with the 265-room JW Marriott Resort Phuket located
in Phuket, Thailand, this mixed-use complex is a joint venture with Royal Garden Resorts to develop an integrated
beachfront resort in one of the world's most popular destinations. Both properties are targeted to open December
2001.
"Marriott Vacation Club International is truly excited to be bringing the Marriott Vacation Ownership experience
to Asia…and especially a first-class destination such as Phuket," said Steve Weisz, president, MVCI. "We
are eager to continue our global expansion of quality Vacation Ownership resorts as well as offer our current and
future owners with unique vacation opportunities."
Located on Mai Khao Beach, approximately 10 miles from the Phuket International Airport, the resort will offer
144 two-bedroom/two-bath villas each with 1,282 square feet of spacious living space. Each villa will provide
a master suite featuring a deep soaking tub, fully equipped kitchen, living and dining areas, utility room with
washer/dryer and private balcony. Membership Sales will begin May 2001 .
Owners will enjoy access to the resort amenities of Marriott's Phuket Beach Club and the JW Marriott Resort Phuket,
including:
¨Tropical Spa offering a comprehensive range of wellness programs,
including Thai herbal treatments and massage
¨ Health and fitness center with a wide range of weight training and aerobic
equipment
¨ Three unique, resort-style swimming pools facing the Andaman Sea
¨ Three-lighted tennis courts
¨ Recreational pavilion offering billiards, board games and a library
¨ Children's Activity Center with indoor/outdoor recreation areas
¨ Retail shops
¨ Business center
¨ Concierge desk
¨ Tour planning desk
¨ Valet service
The 34-mile long island offers an array of activities for resort guests. From sailing, snorkeling and ocean
cave exploring to golf, horseback riding and jungle trekking, guests can take advantage of a variety of options.
Additionally, the Khao Phra Thaeo National Park provides sites of streaming waterfalls, granite outcrops and diverse
wildlife.
"Marriott's Phuket Beach Club brings a variety of opportunities to us as a company," continued Weisz.
"As our first MVCI entry into Asia, this resort will be located in a top travel market and by working with
local partners, we believe the blend of the best expertise in the business will prove to be a successful formula.
Additionally, the resort joins a collection of mixed-use Marriott resorts, such as our property in Kauai, Hawaii,
where we combine hotel and Vacation Ownership elements. This concept is an efficient, logical and natural extension
for Marriott. By utilizing the joint amenities and features, it adds value to our owner's experience and commitment
to MVCI."
MVCI is the recognized, worldwide industry leader in Vacation Ownership with 50 resorts in 28 destinations. The
more than 175,000 vacation owners not only benefit from the "Marriott vacation experience," but also
a flexible program with options such as trading their week(s) for Marriott RewardsTM points
or exchanging within Interval International's global system of 1,800 resorts in more than 75 countries.
For more information on Vacation Ownership, please call (66 2) 656 9898 or visit our web site at www.vacationclub.com.
MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL, INC. (NYSE:MAR) is a leading worldwide hospitality company with over 2,000 operating units
in the United States and 58 other countries and territories. Marriott operates and franchises hotels under the
Marriott, Renaissance, Residence Inn, Courtyard, TownePlace Suites, Fairfield Inn, SpringHill Suites and Ramada
International brand names; operates Ritz-Carlton brand hotels through The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company LLC; develops
and operates vacation ownership resorts under the Marriott, Ritz-Carlton Club and Horizons brands; operates executive
apartments and conference centers; and provides furnished corporate housing through its ExecuStay by Marriott division.
Other Marriott businesses include senior living communities and services, wholesale food distribution, and procurement
services. Marriott is headquartered in Washington, D.C., and has approximately 153,000 employees. In fiscal year
2000, Marriott International reported system wide sales of $19.8 billion. For more information or reservations,
please visit our web site at www.marriott.com.
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CONTACT:
Jan G Heesbeen Marriott Vacation Club International Asia Pacific Regional Offices At JW Marriott Hotel Bangkok (66 2) 656 9898 jan.heesbeen@vacationclub.com
SOURCE: Marriott International, Inc.