This appointment reflects Marriott International's commitment to customers in Lebanon

Beirut, 4 April 2012:

eTravel, a subsidiary of Kurban Group - one of the key Travel, Tourism and Transportation companies in Lebanon - recently signed an agreement with Marriott International, the leading lodging company with more than 3700 properties in 73 countries and territories. According to this deal, the Beirut based company has been appointed as the General Sales Agent (GSA) in Lebanon for all Marriott International products worldwide.

By way of this agreement with Marriott International, customers in Lebanon will have access to a wide range of diverse hotel and lodging brands including The Ritz-Carlton, JW Marriott, Marriott Hotels & Resorts, Renaissance Hotels, AC Hotels by Marriott, Marriott Executive Apartments, as well as Residence Inn by Marriott, Courtyard by Marriott and many others. 

In comments on the agreement, Mr. Selim Boutros, General Manager of eTravel, commented: "This agreement represents an added value to Kurban group and we are delighted to finalize this partnership with Marriott International. As a core element of our business strategy, we strongly focus on presenting our customers with an ever-expanding line of travel products. By adding a distinguished hospitality product line such as Marriott International to our portfolio, we reiterate our commitment to excellence to all our clientele including individual users, travel agencies and corporate accounts."

Mr. Vladimir Dabbah, Vice President - Global Sales, Middle East & Africa for Marriott International stated "Kurban Group and eTravel bring with them the expertise required to promote Marriott as the Global Lodging Leader for travelers from Lebanon. We are thrilled to appoint them as our GSA, which reinforces our commitment to shifting market share and promoting Marriott International as a preferred lodging brand across all travel segments in Lebanon and the region."

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About eTravel & Kurban Group:
Established 60 years ago, the Kurban Group is a well reputed corporation active in the field of travel and transport. The Group's newest addition eTravel represents a specialized sales platform that was created to service the travel industry players in Lebanon providing them with a rich and targeted content. The company's team is constituted of savvy experts enjoying a long experience in the industry. eTravel's sales team is a totally independent taskforce that works upon the utmost professional standards and practices. At eTravel, we adopt the most transparent approach towards our partners offering them the ideal brand awareness strategies and allowing them to make use of our capacities and expertise in marketing, HR and training.

About Marriott International, Inc.
(NYSE: MAR) is a leading lodging company based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA with more than 3,700 properties in 73 countries and territories and reported revenues of over $12 billion in fiscal year 2011.  The company operates and franchises hotels under 15 brands, including Marriott, The Ritz-Carlton, JW Marriott, Bulgari, EDITION, Renaissance, Autograph Collection, AC Hotels by Marriott, Courtyard, Fairfield Inn & Suites, SpringHill Suites, Residence Inn, TownePlace Suites, ExecuStay, and Marriott Executive Apartments brand names.  The company also licenses vacation ownership resorts under three additional brands: Marriott Vacation Club, Grand Residences by Marriott, and The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club.  There are approximately 300,0000 employees at headquarters, managed and franchised property locations.  Marriott is consistently recognized as a top employer and for its superior business operations, which it conducts based on five core values: put people first, pursue excellence, embrace change, act with integrity, and serve our world. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com. 

© Press Release 2012