Marriott and Employees Contribute $300,000 to Bombing Victims

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. December 30, 2008

DECEMBER 30, 2008 - Last week at the site of the Islamabad Marriott Hotel, Marriott International executives presented a check for US$300,000 to the Hashoo Foundation, the philanthropic foundation of the hotel's owning group, the Hashoo Group, to provide assistance to the families of employees impacted by the September 20, 2008 bombing and fire at the hotel in Islamabad, Pakistan.

In the wake of this tragedy, Marriott employees worldwide showed their care and concern and sought out ways to help fellow employees and their families who were victims of the attack. The Islamabad Marriott Assistance Fund was quickly established while employees worldwide mobilized creative fundraising activities such as car washes, bake sales and used book sales or made individual contributions; hotels reached out to their suppliers and business partners and The J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation and Marriott International also donated to the Fund. The monies raised will assist the victims and their families with education, food and medical and social support as set forth by the Hashoo Foundation. Approximately 70 families will be helped through the funds raised.

Marriott executives Geoff Garside, Executive Vice President for Marriott's Asia-Pacific region, and Rajeev Menon, Area Vice President for Marriott in India, Pakistan, the Maldives and Malaysia, were on hand to present the check on behalf of Marriott, its employees and business partners, to the hotel's owner, Mr. Saddrudin Hashwani, Chairman of the Hashoo Group.

When speaking of the generosity shown by Marriott employees, Mr. Garside said, "The actions and responsiveness of our employees in the aftermath of this terrible tragedy are a true testament to our "spirit to serve" and family-oriented corporate culture. We are very proud of them for pulling together to aid fellow employees and their families in rebuilding their lives."

Mr. Hashwani said, "We are very thankful to the Marriott employees for showing such kindness and generosity during this most difficult time. The spirit of our employees is what makes our hotel so special and this money will be a tremendous help to them and their families in many ways as we all move forward."