Marriott International awarded third renewal of contract to manage iconic Cairo Marriott Hotel

BETHESDA, MARYLAND, USA, April 21, 2011: Marriott International (NYSE:MAR) announced that it has once again been awarded a long-term management contract to operate the 1,088-room, landmark Cairo Marriott Hotel & Omar Khayyam Casino. This is the third renewal of the contract since Marriott opened the hotel on October 1, 1982.  The hotel is owned by EGOTH (The Egyptian General Organization for Tourism & Hotels).  EGOTH is chaired by Nabil Selim and is a subsidiary company of the state-owned HOTAC, Holding Company for Tourism Hotels and Cinema chaired by Aly Abdel Aziz.

"For nearly three decades, the Cairo Marriott has become recognized as an iconic beacon for travelers who are drawn to Egypt for many reasons, including commerce,  its antiquities, hospitality, culture and natural beauty," said J.W. Marriott Jr., chairman and chief executive officer of Marriott International. "Over the years, the hotel has become the cornerstone of our presence in Egypt and the Middle East and one of our most successful properties globally. Today, as Egypt charts a new course, we are confident that its future will continue to be shaped by its welcoming culture and rich history. From the very beginning, Marriott has had a productive relationship with EGOTH and HOTAC  and we look forward to serving guests at the Cairo Marriott for years to come."

"Marriott International has always been a good, valued and respected partner and today we are renewing our relationship with them for another contractual period," said Aly Abdel Aziz. "We have very promising plans for the Cairo Marriott Hotel that will further upgrade its facilities and enhance its attributes. We are determined to carry out all these projects in the coming period to ensure that this palatial property will remain the landmark in the heart of Cairo."

Located in the premier Zamalek area of the city on six acres of palace gardens, the Cairo Marriott provides magnificent views of the Nile River. Its twin towers surround the resplendent Gezira Palace which was built to accommodate royal guests during the 1869 inauguration of the Suez Canal. In addition to its recently refurbished accommodations and lush gardens, the hotel offers 15 restaurants and 35,500 square feet of meeting and banquet space. 

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About Marriott International
Marriott International is currently represented in Egypt by seven hotels and resorts representing four lodging brands and has five additional properties under construction or development in the country.  Marriott International is a leading lodging company with more than 3,500 lodging properties in 70 countries and territories. Marriott International operates and franchises hotels under the Marriott, JW Marriott, The Ritz-Carlton, EDITION, Autograph Collection, Renaissance, Residence Inn, Courtyard, TownePlace Suites, Fairfield Inn & Suites, SpringHill Suites and Bulgari brand names; develops and operates vacation ownership resorts under the Marriott Vacation Club, The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club, and Grand Residences by Marriott brands; licenses and manages whole-ownership residential brands, including The Ritz-Carlton Residences, JW Marriott residences; operates Marriott Executive Apartments; provides furnished corporate housing through its Marriott ExecuStay division; and operates conference centers. The company is headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland USA, an had approximately 129,000 employees at 2010 year-end.  It is ranked by FORTUNE as the lodging industry's most admired company and one of the best companies to work for. In fiscal year 2010, Marriott International reported sales from continuing operations of nearly $12 billion. For more information or reservations, please visit www.marriott.com; for news about Marriott, please visit our media website at www.marriottnewscenter.com. 

June Farrell
TEL: 301-380-7796
E-mail: june.farrell@marriott.com

© Press Release 2011