BETHESDA, Md. — Marriott International, based in Bethesda, Md., has announced plans to have 1,000 or 25 per cent of its existing global hotel portfolio owned by diverse groups, including women, by 2020. This target would nearly double the number of diverse-owned hotels.

“We have always had a culture of inclusiveness and want everyone to be aware of the opportunity to own hotels as an investment strategy that also has community benefit,” said Julius Robinson, Marriott International’s VP for Autograph Collection and diversity ownership champion.

Marriott launched its Diverse Ownership Initiative in 2005 to increase the number of diverse- and female-owned hotels. The initiative provides access, education and guidance throughout the hotel development process, beginning with selecting the right brand to opening a hotel. Marriott invites potential owners to participate in an intense two-day summit for networking and education.

Today, Marriott’s portfolio includes 660 diverse- and female-owned hotels. There are another 433 in the development pipeline, with 130 of those scheduled to open by year-end 2015.

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