Today I'm blogging from our headquarters in Bethesda, Maryland, where we are holding a huge celebration to welcome our Spirit of Aloha Tour. Anyone who has been to one of the Hawaiian Islands falls in love with the beautiful scenery and the wonderful Aloha hospitality.
Unfortunately, during these difficult times, travel to Hawaii has dropped off. That's why our team in Hawaii put on their thinking caps and decided to embark on the Spirit of Aloha Tour in the continental United States. It is a fantastic, grassroots effort to generate awareness and encourage people to come visit these beautiful islands.
The bus tour began on January 12th in San Diego, California, and they originally planned to stop in eight cities along the west coast, but the tour proved so successful and popular, it was extended across the Midwest and east coast. It ended here today with their stop at our headquarters. Just like many of their other stops, their visit here included exciting performances by former American Idol finalist Camile Velasco and dancers from Hawaii's Polynesian Cultural Center.
It was wonderful today in this cold weather in Washington, D.C., to see these Hawaiian dancers take the stage and dance to some of their most familiar Hawaiian songs. The islands are a beautiful, wonderful place with their own culture - something different America has to offer across the Pacific.
It's truly remarkable what this tour has accomplished. Since they set out on their journey, the number of bookings at our hotels in Hawaii have soared. It really demonstrates the dedication and creativity of our team in Hawaii. During these tough times, they thought outside the box and came up with a great way to spread awareness and generate business for their hotels.
Travel is a great economic stimulus, so it's very important to get people around the world traveling again. I congratulate our Spirit of Aloha team on their success and thank them for all their hard work.
I'm Bill Marriott and thanks for helping me keep Marriott on the move.
The kick off of the Spirit of Aloha is reflected in so many ways by your company. I recently read on the cruisemates website message board on what an outstanding job the Marriott OceanPointe in Palm Beach Shores has done for this family. Most importantly what it has meant to this family. You should seriously think about reading the post. (http://www.cruisemates.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=606574&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0) I now wish I did not have a non-refundable stay booked at another hotel because will be looking at Marriott as my preferred choice. With the economy today it IS service that keeps businesses alive. This IS the SPIRIT OF MARRIOTT!!!!!!
Posted by: Amber Parsons | 02/27/2009 at 01:31 AM
I used to go to Hawaiian Islands on business trips and vacation. Due to the time difference and stronger surf where under toe ocean current is very potent a short stay appear less desirable in my situation. A longer stay on the islands is allowing for time difference adjustment from the east coast. I experienced above average facilities and service at some of the islands, during my multiple stays at the Honolulu Marriot Resort on the Vikki Beach, the facilities appear to be wanting. I had a meeting with then General Manager Stan E. who shared my surprise that the pools were modest and there was no Jacuzzi even after the multiple million dollar renovation. one has to cross the street to go to the beach. I am planning to go to Hawaii in the early fall and hope to be educated and pick a good Marriott resort and stay at least a week on the upcoming trip. STAN
Posted by: Syed T. A. Naqvi | 02/26/2009 at 09:45 AM
Bill...The spirit also lives in San Antonio Texas...David Veach (Front Office supervisor at the Rivercenter Marriott) is a young man who not only believes in the spirit but puts it to use. He has the spirit to serve. He help my family and I, making our stay enjoyable. Thank You for making the Spirt alive and well in Texas.
Regards
Paul grabowski
Posted by: Paul Grabowski | 02/25/2009 at 01:14 PM
Dear Mr. Marriott,
"Aloha" and "Marhaba" (hello) also from Jordan. That must have been quite a show. My best wishes that tourism comes back well to those exotic islands. Nothing more effective than sending a friendly invitation via the beautiful and universal language of music.
Posted by: Feras Werr | 02/25/2009 at 09:25 AM
My name is Sally Miller and am a photographer in the Utah area. I have stayed at many of the marriot hotels as I have traveled with my daughter to softball tournaments. The lastest hotel we stayed at was in Colorado in the business district. The one thing that impressed me the most was the photographs that decorated the rooms. They were done by a local photographer, at least it looked that way. The other thing that impressed me the most was the booklet you put out that is entitled Our Stories, Spirit of Service I enjoyed the stories I read.
I don't know if you are the right contact to help me but thought it was a starting point. I am very much interested in being able to show you are whom ever it might be my landscapes of Utah and of the New England States. I would love to have the chance to put my photographic work in your hotels for others to enjoy, especially in a local Utah hotel.
If you could direct me to the right people to talk to I would appreciate the chance.
Sincerely
Sally Miller
Outdoor Portraits LLC (owner)
Posted by: Sally Miller | 02/24/2009 at 08:48 AM