BETHESDA, MD. - April 8, 2009 - Marriott.com, Marriott International, Inc.'s (NYSE:MAR) award-winning website with more than 750,000 daily users, announced its participation today in a new service provided by the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) called the Accessibility Assurance TM Program (AAP), which gathers feedback from users with disabilities to improve site accessibility.

As an AAP participant, Marriott.com will apply new web design standards to its development process and introduce features allowing people with disabilities to use the site with greater ease. In addition, the site will offer users the ability to report accessibility problems and make recommendations for future enhancements and upgrades to the site. Read what Mr. Marriott has to say. Click here for Marriott on the Move. Read today's AFB blog by President and CEO, Carl Augusto.

"With the population aging and the projected rise in vision loss and other disabilities, we believe that the Accessibility Assurance Program makes smart business sense and further advances our inclusive business practices with more of our customers," said Shafiq Khan, senior vice president, eCommerce, Marriott International.

Marriott.com will address the needs of people with vision loss in part by continuing to implement technology such as screen readers and screen magnification software into their quality assurance process to ensure that users can easily book reservations and research Marriott hotels online.

"We are thrilled that Marriott is championing this exciting new venture in web accessibility," said Walt Decker, executive vice president, American Foundation for the Blind. "This is just the latest demonstration of the company's commitment to continuous improvement and innovation. We hope that other online leaders join Marriott in making their web sites more accessible to all customers."

AAP was launched by AFB Consulting, a division of the American Foundation for the Blind, to improve web site accessibility for people with disabilities and to better serve the entire user community. The program goes beyond traditional web site evaluation services and embraces the concept of user empowerment, allowing participants to proactively engage the community of users with disabilities. For more information, visit www.afbconsulting.org.

Marriott International has an ongoing and long-standing commitment to global diversity and inclusion. The company has been recognized by DiversityInc magazine as one of the "Top 50 Companies for Diversity" and Fortune magazine of the "Most Admired". For more information on Marriott's diversity initiatives, visit www.marriott.com/diversity.

About Marriott
Visit Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE:MAR) for a company overview.

About AFB Consulting
AFB Consulting is the consulting arm of the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB), a national organization based in New York City with an 88-year track record for groundbreaking efforts to improve the quality of life for people with vision loss and other disabilities. Since AFB Consulting's (AFBC) inception in 2002, its evaluations, developer guidance, user support, training, research, and innovative solutions have assisted organizations in identifying and eliminating barriers to the accessibility and usability of their products, services, web sites, and workplaces. Thus, AFBC's solutions help commercial, government, education, and non-profit clients expand their reach by making web sites, products, and services useable for this significant segment of the population-54 million people in the United States alone.

Marriott International, Inc.

Marriott International, Inc.

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, including Marriott Hotels, The Ritz-Carlton, JW Marriott, Bulgari, EDITION, Renaissance, Gaylord Hotels, Autograph Collection, AC Hotels by Marriott, Courtyard, Fairfield Inn & Suites, SpringHill Suites, Residence Inn, TownePlace Suites, Marriott Executive Apartments, Marriott Vacation Club, Grand Residences by Marriott and The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club.

There are approximately 325,000 employees at headquarters, managed and franchised properties. Marriott is consistently recognized as a top employer and for its superior business operations, which it conducts based on five core values: put people first, pursue excellence, embrace change, act with integrity, and serve our world. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com.

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