Marriott International in Asia Pacific partners with CNN to inspire global travellers through new digital content

HONG KONG,July 2,2019 -- Marriott International,one of the world's leading hotel groups,has partnered with CNN International Commercial (CNNIC) for a new digital initiative on CNN Travelwhich offers audiences an unparalleled travel insight into Asia Pacific's 14 most desirable leisure destinations.

Marriott International partners with CNN to inspire global travellers

The campaign titled Asia Unlockedincludes exclusive sponsorship of a special feature of some of Asia's most popular travel destinations such as Hainan,Fiji,Bali,Maldives,Xian,Phuket and Koh Samui. The second phase of the campaign features other vibrant destinations including Seoul,Rajasthan,Hong Kong,Langkawi,Phu Quoc,Sichuan and Kathmandu.

Through thenew initiative,Marriott International will be associated with broadening international travelers'perspectives and inspiring their next adventure through unlocking Marriott Bonvoy's portfolio of unique experiences across Asia Pacific. Marriott Bonvoy is Marriott International's recently unveiled travel program that replaces Marriott Rewards®,The Ritz-Carlton Rewards®,and Starwood Preferred Guest®(SPG). Travel content will run across CNN's digital and social platforms reaching over 10 million followers and travellers around the world. This partnership also includes branded content by CNNIC's global brand studio Createwhich will feature hidden experiences found at resorts across the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio- from swimming with manta rays to dining under the stars afloat.

"We are delighted to collaborate with Marriott International,as our shared understanding on the evolution of today's traveller and importance of experiential travel helps us create content that has the power to inspire," said Sunita Rajan,Senior Vice President,Advertising Sales,Asia Pacific,CNN International Commercial. "At CNN we ensure that campaigns are powered by in-depth audience insight,so that branded and sponsored content is created for and targeted to key audiences. Additionally,with access to Marriott's portfolio of diverse brands- the branded content element of this collaboration unlocks fresh getaway ideas and unique Asian travel experiences for our audiences across the globe."

"One of Marriott International's goal is to enrich the travel experience for consumers and our 130 million members," said Joyce Lui,Vice President of Digital,Marriott International Asia Pacific. "We're always looking for innovative ways to inspire our guests- if we know a guest is celebrating their honeymoon at one of our resorts,we are able to engage with them in real time through our M-LIVE command centres and surprise them with a delightful experience. With CNN's expertise in telling travel stories,we believe we're able to shine a light on our destinations and unlock endless unique experiences especially through Marriott Bonvoy."

Check out this video where Sunita Rajan and Joyce Lui share more details of this partnership: https://bit.ly/2FvGFlY

Asia Pacific is one of the most dynamic regions for Marriott International with 730 hotels and resorts in 23 countries and territories.Marriott International aims to further engage with its business and family travellers through CNN's high-impact digital reach.

About CNN International Commercial

CNN International Commercial (CNNIC) is the division of Turner International responsible for the business operations of CNN's properties outside of the United States. All commercial activities for brands such as CNN International,CNN en Español,CNN Arabic,CNN Style,CNN Business and Great Big Story are aligned within the division. This encompasses the advertising sales,sponsorship partnerships,commercial content development,content sales,brand licensing,distribution and out-of-home operations,business development and marketing for the world's leading international news provider. CNNIC is a recognised industry leader in international advertising sales and its use of award-winning commercial content,produced through its Create unit and driven by its advanced data usage and digital capabilities,has resulted in strong and enduring partnerships with many of the world's most recognised brands. Its Content Sales and Licensing unit has relationships with more than 1,000 affiliates ranging from licensing the CNN brand through to content supply contracts as well as offering consultancy services. CNNIC has offices across the world,with key hubs in London,Hong Kong and Miami. For more information visit http://commercial.cnn.com.

About Marriott International,Inc.

Marriott International,Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is based in Bethesda,Maryland,USA,and encompasses a portfolio of more than 7,000 properties under 30 leading brands spanning 131 countries and territories. Marriott operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts all around the world. The company now offers one travel program,Marriott Bonvoy™,replacing Marriott Rewards®,and Starwood Preferred Guest®(SPG). For more information,please visit our website at www.marriott.com,and for the latest company news,visit www.marriottnewscenter.com.In addition,connect with us onFacebookand @MarriottIntl onTwitterandInstagram.

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