It started with a grassroots effort by a few Marriott hotels to reward frequent guests. Two decades later Marriott Rewards, which celebrates its 20th anniversary today, has grown into the largest and longest running guest loyalty program in the world with more than 19 million members.

Originally called Marriott's Honored Guests, the program included only Marriott hotels. It was expanded in May 1997 to include all Marriott brands. This multi-brand program was a first for the industry.

"From the beginning, we knew this program was a perfect fit for our company. We have a rich tradition of taking care of our customers, and Marriott Rewards is all about rewarding our best customers for their business," said J.W. Marriott, Jr., chairman and CEO, Marriott International. "As we continue to expand our hotel portfolio throughout the world, Marriott Rewards' membership has grown at astounding double-digit rates everywhere we have hotels."

"Rewarding loyalty has paid off. We've found that our members more than double their number of stays with us after joining the program," said Rita Cuddihy, senior vice president, marketing, Marriott International.

She added that the program has led the industry for 20 years because it offers the best value for the dollar of any hotel loyalty program and because of the broad distribution of Marriott International's brands where members can earn and redeem points. In addition to 2,300 hotels in 65 countries, Marriott Rewards features almost 300 reward choices, including partnerships with 24 airlines, amusement parks, merchandise and more.

Marriott Rewards offers more resorts, more spas and more hotels with on- site golf, as well as the opportunity to redeem free nights at more Mobil- rated three-, four- and five-star hotels than any other lodging program.

"Our members earn their dream vacations 30 percent faster than our competitors.* Ultimately, people want to know, 'How soon can I take my family on a free vacation,'" said Ms. Cuddihy.

"Despite the success of the program, we are not going to rest on our laurels. Since the beginning, we have fostered a two-way dialogue with our members. This constant stream of communication will continue to shape the program. The program enhancements we introduced earlier this year are an example of how member input is used to strengthen Marriott Rewards. We will continue to take their advice to heart as we evolve the program," said Ms. Cuddihy.

Complete details on the entire Marriott Rewards program, including Silver, Gold and Platinum Elite level benefits, program partners, reward options, news and special offers, are available on marriottrewards.com.

Celebrating 20 years of guest loyalty, Marriott International, Inc.'s Marriott Rewards is the world's largest multi-brand frequent guest program, now with 2,300 participating hotels and 19 million members. Marriott Rewards offers members the choice of earning/redeeming points or earning frequent flyer mileage at nine distinct lodging brands -- Marriott Hotels & Resorts; JW Marriott Hotels & Resorts; Renaissance Hotels & Resorts; Marriott Vacation Club International; Courtyard by Marriott; Fairfield Inn by Marriott; Residence Inn by Marriott; SpringHill Suites by Marriott and TownePlace Suites by Marriott. Points may also be earned at ExecuStay by Marriott and Marriott Executive Apartments. For the past five years, Marriott Rewards has been named "Best Hotel Reward Program in the World" by Business Traveler magazine. Marriott Rewards can be found online at www.MarriottRewards.com