New Developments at Marriott

At a press luncheon in New York on Tuesday, Marriott International briefed media on various developments and initiatives. Marriott kicked off a company-wide hurricane policy, called the Marriott Caribbean Travel Interruption Promise. From June 1 to Nov. 30 each year, 16 participating properties will assist guests in rescheduling disrupted vacations. Clients with a confirmed reservation unable to travel to a hotel due to a hurricane can choose a full refund or upgrade on their next visit within one year. Guests staying at a property when a hurricane hits will receive a three-night complimentary stay for a return visit valid for two years. Marriott also announced a new property in Costa Rica—the JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort & Spa—slated to open late 2008 with 310 rooms, a spa, four restaurants and a multi-tiered pool. Also look for the company to kick off an awareness campaign on the new passport rules in September.