Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR) and Visa will offer double points and double night credit toward special elite status and benefits for Visa cardholders and Marriott Rewards members, October 15, 2001 through March 31, 2002.

Starting with the second hotel stay paid for with a Visa card during this period, Marriott Rewards members will earn double points toward free vacations or any of more than 300 reward options. Plus, members will achieve elite recognition and privileges twice as fast when using Visa for their second and each subsequent night at any of Marriott Rewards' 2,100 participating hotels.

As a final added bonus, the timeframe for achieving Marriott Rewards elite status has been extended to March 31, 2002 -- giving members 15 months, rather than the normal 12 months, to reach their desired elite threshold and benefits.

"As the world's leading payment card brand, Visa is constantly looking for ways to deliver added value to our cardholders," said Tom Shepard, senior vice president, marketing partnerships, Visa International. "Our global partnership with Marriott enables us to do just that -- the Double Points, Double Nights promotion provides Visa cardholders with exciting benefits from one of the world's leading hotel chains."

"Recognizing that many travel schedules have been reduced in recent weeks, we want to assure guests that Marriott is steadfast and focused on taking care of their needs and in providing every advantage that we can at this time," said Lynne Roach-Hildebrand, senior vice president Marriott Customer Relationship Management.

In addition to earning double points and double night credit toward elite status when paying with Visa, Marriott Rewards members can receive a free weekend night for every three paid weekend nights spent with Marriott Sept. 14 through Dec. 23, 2001, with the ongoing Marriott's Rewarding Weekends offer. While members residing outside the United States are automatically eligible to participate in Marriott's Rewarding Weekends, registration is required to participate in Marriott Rewards Double Points, Double Nights. For more information about the offer and to participate, visit marriottrewards.com or call the local Marriott Guest Services office listed below.

With 15 million members, Marriott Rewards is the world's largest and most-preferred frequent guest program. Marriott Rewards offers travelers the fastest way to a free night or a free flight, and stands alone as the largest provider of free nights in the industry. To make a reservation at Marriott hotels worldwide, call Marriott Worldwide Reservations or visit marriott.com.

Marriott Rewards Guest Services:

Terms and Conditions To earn double points and double nights starting with your second stay between 10/15/01 to 3/31/02, payment must be made with a Visa card. Registration for this promotion is required for all Marriott Rewards members worldwide. Nights spent while redeeming an award are not eligible for doubled points or toward elite level status. You must be a points-earning Marriott Rewards member to receive the double points and the double night credit. All Marriott Rewards program terms and conditions apply. For a complete list, please refer to your Program Guide or log on to marriottrewards.com.

About Marriott Rewards

In May 1997, Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE:MAR) introduced Marriott Rewards, the world's largest multi-brand frequent guest program with 2,100 participating hotels and 15 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 and Suites; Renaissance Hotels, Resorts and Suites; Marriott Conference Centers; 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 may be found online at www.marriottrewards.com.

About Visa

Visa is the world's leading payment brand and the largest payment system worldwide. Visa-branded cards generate almost US$2 trillion in annual volume and are accepted at over 22 million locations around the world. The Visa organization plays a pivotal role in advancing new payment products and technologies to benefit its 21,000 member financial institutions and their cardholders. Visa is a leader in Internet based payments and is pioneering the creation of u-commerce, or universal commerce - the ability to conduct commerce anytime, anywhere, and any way. For more information, visit www.Visa.com.