Diversity is more than a goal; it’s our business. Marriott International is rich in culture and backgrounds from our global workforce to our customers, owners and suppliers. We know that these differences give us our competitive advantage and help us to maintain our leadership position.

“Our objective is to become a global diversity leader. To do so, we know that we must lead by example. We will continue to mirror the communities in which we work and live; provide opportunities for our associates and business partners; and ensure that we are always striving for excellence."
                                    – J. W. “Bill” Marriott, Jr., Chairman and CEO

We began our journey nearly 20 years ago. And, we are excited about what we have achieved thus far.

• 1989. Marriott was the first hospitality company to implement a diversity program focused on human resources training, development, and recruitment.
• 1992. Marriott established six diversity councils to support corporate-wide initiatives.
• 2000. Marriott created a formal supplier diversity program.
• 2003. The Committee for Excellence was established by Marriott’s Board of Directors to drive significant progress and ensure Marriott's position as a diversity leader.
• 2005. Marriott set a goal to have 500 minority-owned or franchised hotels and $1 billion spent with minority suppliers by 2010. In support, the Diversity Ownership Initiative was created.
• 2007. Marriott reported more than 400 minority and woman-owned hotels; $478 million spent with diverse suppliers; and an all-time high in diverse appointments to management positions.

diversity milestones