MARRIOTT SALES IN MIDDLE EAST INCREASING

Over 50% increase in room nights, says Vice President of Worldwide Sales for

the Region

Dubai - May 1, 2000 -- Marriott International has dramatically increased its

sales in the region, according to a leading Marriott official. Speaking at a

pre-ATM (Arabian Travel Market) press conference today, Samir Daqqaq, vice

president, worldwide sales, Middle East, Africa and the Subcontinent, said

that the number of room nights booked in the region had grown by over 50%

over the previous year.

In addition to the increase in sales, the numbers of calls to Marriott

worldwide sales reservation centre almost tripled, with an increase of 189%

over the same period in 1999.

Mr. Daqqaq attributed the increases to Marriott¹s commitment to its

customers. ³There is intense competition in this area, and there is often

very little to distinguish one hotel from another. One of Marriott¹s key

distinguishing points has always been the emphasis we place on

relationships. We are continually looking at better ways of communicating

with our customers, and ensuring that GSRs (general sales representatives)

and travel agents are equipped with the knowledge they need to do their jobs

well. That means many things for us, from opening and supporting new GSR

offices, to running the annual Marriott Sales Mission, to developing the

Hotel Excellence Programme.²

³Marriott has the most comprehensive toll-free reservation coverage in the

Middle East, in addition to the largest GSR network in the region, he

continued, ³There are now 18

GSR offices servicing the area and we are continuing to expand. We just

recently opened a new sales office in Casablanca, and we also have plans for

a GSR office in Abu Dhabi in the near future. The GSR offices are a very

significant factor in building relationships with travel agents, corporate

clients and the public. We further foster these relations with our annual

meetings for GSRs and travel agents. For example, at our last meeting in

Cairo, forty travel agents and five general sales representatives received

awards for outstanding sales performances. ²

³Another important element of our relationships in this region is the annual

sales mission, which this year took place at the end of April. Senior

officials from Marriott visited Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. As

in other years, the trip was a great success, enabling us to make new

contacts and strengthen existing relations.²

Mr Daqqaq also pointed out the role of the Arabian Travel Market in

providing a meeting place for Marriott and potential customers. ³Marriott

has supported the ATM since its inception,² he said, ³We are glad to

continue the tradition this year, with over 30 international properties

represented at the Marriott stand. The Travel Market is, without doubt, a

factor in our continuing success in the region.²