Marriott International has announced that for the fourth consecutive year it has
ranked among the “Top 50 Companies for Diversity” - the highest in the
lodging industry - according to DiversityInc magazine.Marriott placed
number four in the Top 10 Companies for People with Disabilities category.
A total of 317 companies competed in the survey.
  “Diversity is an important part of Marriott’s fabric,” said J.W.
Marriott, Jr., chairman and CEO, Marriott International. “We know that it
is a critical component for our long-term growth and success, and our goal
is to continue to raise the bar each year. The rankings also show that our
culture is very important in our recruitment of diverse associates and
their desire to stay part of our company over time.”
  In its seventh year, DiversityInc’s “Top 50 Companies for Diversity”
survey is the most in-depth, empirical analysis of corporate diversity
management and planning. As in previous years, the 2007 ranking is based on
more than 200 detailed questions analyzing CEO commitment, unbiased
retention, supplier diversity and diversity training, and communications
programs.
  Earlier this year, Marriott announced historic benchmarks reached in
its companywide diversity initiatives—$400 million spent with women and
minority-owned businesses; 400 hotels opened, or in the pipeline, owned or
managed by minorities or women; and an all-time high in diverse
appointments to management positions.
  “Marriott demonstrates a sustained commitment to best practices in
diversity and inclusion,” said Luke Visconti, partner and co-founder of
DiversityInc. “As the top-ranking lodging company, Marriott represents a
valuable example for other companies to emulate.”
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