Bethesda, Md., February 23, 2015 - Courtyard by Marriott, the world's 8th largest hospitality brand*, reaches its 1,000 hotel milestone and celebrates on a global scale.  Customer events during a six week span will kick off today with the grand opening of the Courtyard Agra in India. The pinnacle of the festivities will be on March 31 when the Courtyard Walla Walla will be designated as the 1,000th hotel. On that same day, all Marriott Rewards guests checking into any Courtyard worldwide will receive 1,000 points as the brand's milestone gift, an estimated 50 million points.

"We are extremely proud of how far Courtyard has come. By listening to our customers over the past 30 years we have been able to continually evolve to meet their needs," said Callette Nielsen, vice president and global brand manager, Courtyard. "Our global expansion and robust pipeline is proof that we provide the experience that travelers want. That is why it is important to share our success with them."

Major celebrations around the world will include grand openings of Courtyard Recife Boa Viagem in Brazil marking the brand's first property in the country, as well as Courtyard Abu Dhabi, the first Marriott endorsed hotel in the capital city of U.A.E. Images and global conversation of the festivities will be shared using #Courtyard1000.  

Boasting the largest global rooms pipeline in the Marriott portfolio, more than 50 percent of which is outside of US, Courtyard expects to be in 40 countries by summer and is in all 50 U.S. states. The brand celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2013 and is Marriott's second largest revenue generator.

Courtyard by Marriott offers a refreshing environment that helps guests stay connected, productive and balanced. Intuitive services and design accommodate guests' needs for choice and control. With nearly 1,000 locations in 38 countries and territories, Courtyard hotels participate in the award-winning Marriott Rewards® frequent travel program that allows members to earn hotel points or airline miles for every dollar spent during each stay. For more information or reservations, call the Courtyard toll-free number at 800-321-2211, visit courtyard.marriott.com, become a fan at www.facebook.com/courtyard or follow Courtyard at www.twitter.com/courtyardhotels.

Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is a leading lodging global company based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, with more than 4,100 properties in 79 countries and territories.  Marriott International reported revenues of nearly $14 billion in fiscal year 2014.  The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 18 brands. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com.  

*Source: Smith Travel Research December 2014 Worldwide Census.  Ranking is based on number of rooms.

Connect with nina.herrera-davila@marriott.com

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