I was recently interviewed on Nightline and had an opportunity to talk about my role as a Mormon bishop, which happened almost 40 years ago. I was in charge of a ward-which is really a parish-of around 800 members, and about 300-400 of them were Hispanic. I had an opportunity to work closely with these wonderful people who were struggling to make it in America and trying to keep their family together, feed their children, find a decent place to live and get a good job. I had a lot of opportunities to help them and I gained a lot from working with them and from being included in their wonderful community and understanding a little bit more about some of their challenges and some of their opportunities.
And this week, we're really taking a big step in our company toward our diversity ownership goal. Over 400 of our hotels are now owned by minorities. Our goal is 500 hotels by the year 2010. We're celebrating a brand new Courtyard hotel in Washington. It's owned by Robert Finvarb, a Hispanic-American, and it's in a part of town making a comeback. It's so important for us that owners of our hotels reflect the local community. Here in Washington, about 9 percent of the population is Hispanic-American.
The same philosophy holds true for the associates we hire. For example, we do a lot of business in weddings. I was in one of our hotels and I saw more than 200 people from India walk down the stairs following an Indian wedding in their beautiful gowns and robes. It was just so pretty and they looked so lovely. It was a touch of India in our hotel in London. If an Indian-American family is planning a wedding, it sure helps when our catering team understands the customs of that culture.
Embracing diversity is more than the politically correct thing to do. It just makes good business sense.
I'm Bill Marriott and thanks for helping me keep Marriott on the move.
The Multicultural World of Marriott
Dear Mr.MARRIOTT. Thank you for your comments in your blog. I totally agree with you in multiculturism.
I finished my MBA in Arizona State University in the mid-eigthies and took some classes with Steve Marriott and I have many good memories of him. I think he probably will not remember me since it has been more than 20 years since last time i saw him. I am a Mexican citizen living in Mexico and I have my own business now.
I travel a lot and always try to stay in Marriott hotels like the new one in Monterrey NL Mexico. I really admire you and your family for the graet effort of becoming and being one of the most importany empresarios of the world. It takes a lot of time, inteligence and will power to make it where you are now and it is a example for many of us to follow. I like to make contact with steve again if posible. And please, consider me your frienD in MEXICO. THANK YOU
Posted by: Guillermo Lan | 08/19/2007 at 06:05 AM
Mr.Marriott
This is a commendation for one of your employees. A remarkable employee that I encountered two weeks ago at the Maumme,Ohio Courtyard property. Her name is Gwen ***. You should meet this woman or at least talk to her or see her smiling face on a photo. I have travelled the country in my job for over 30 years and now have travelled extensively in retirement. I have never met a more accomodating hotel employee. We stayed at this hotel on our way to a reunion and or our way home. Gwen *** twice not only made us feel at home,but altered our reservation on one occasion and on the second occasion selected a room that would be best for my wife. Not only that but she went and brought us cold water as she was aware we had travelled quite a distance. As we waited she introduced to two other visiting couples that she knew by name. At this point we felt as if we were in some B&B in Maine. Ms *** is the ultimate star employee and represents the Marriott family as if it were her home. This individual should receive recognition for representing you with efficiency,but most of all her personal skills. She would be a great person to bring into your training sessions. Dick O'Brien Springfield Virginia
Posted by: Richard J.O'Brien | 08/10/2007 at 03:24 AM
Dear Mr. Marriott:
In your communication, additional flavor could have been added by stating the franchisees from the various regions, this further showing Marriott's commitment to the underserved. I must attest to Marriott's commitment to cultural diversity, in that in a very short time frame, one of your Vice Presidents approved a luncheon celebrating the six ethnic cultures of Guyana through food: the Amerindians, Africans, East Indians, Europeans, Portuguese, and Chinese, and I have always held a great gratitude towards him. Being born and raised a country that uniquely celebrates six ethnic cultures as a part of one national culture makes the "Marriott multicultural experience" an exciting venture to see developed as the diversity in USA culture is augmented.
Mr. Marriott, the hospitality (hotel) industry can emerge as more than a lodging concept. As Wyclef challenged you in further research and development of an opportunity in Haiti, I further extend the challenge and add that you can be extremely creative. Multiculturalism has always excited me from a little child especially in the realm of marriage. As a result of research and work in the Tourism industry as a poverty alleviator, I see Marriott's diversity approach breaking barriers and creating opportunities in some very none traditional areas, thus maintaining its position as a trailblazer in the hospitality industry. You have reignited a long forgotten dream of hotel ownership: Let's start with a Courtyard.
As always, thank you for the opportunity to contribute in keeping "Marriott on the Move."
Posted by: Juliette Adams | 07/14/2007 at 01:09 PM
Mr. Marriott, I would first like to thank you for sharing Marriott's direction in this increasingly diverse global atmosphere. As I read your blog, it inspired in me an ambition of franchising your brands. As a young minority in an emerging global society, it is heartwarming to know that a special place has been reserved for me and others like me by one of the world's greatest entrepreneurs. As I said before, I absolutely adore your new design for the Springhill Suites and now, I can see myself taking it to newer heights in the future. Mr. Marriott, do not give up on what you are doing because you are making a profound impact on the world. I thank you for believing in others and having the courage to step out and give those who may not have had that opportunity a chance. Thank you for allowing me to keep Marriott on the Move.
Posted by: Terica Adams | 07/14/2007 at 01:08 PM
Mr. Marriott, from reading you blog I can tell the Latinos has a special place in your heart but don't forget the Haitians that keeping your hotels running. In the Haitian community it is considered an honor and privilege to work for Marriott international, now as the company grow and grow we would love to see a Marriott hotel on the island of Haiti, as I'm sure you are aware this is probably one of the only nations in the Caribbean not flying the Marriott flag. Make us Proud Mr. Marriott, ask your research and development team to take a look at Haiti, I'm sure you will find it financially rewarding for the company.
Haitians Love Marriott
Posted by: Wyclef Jean / Fleurant foundation | 07/12/2007 at 02:19 AM