BESTHESDA, MD., – June 6, 2008 – Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE:MAR) has been named by The Ethisphere Institute, to its second-annual “World’s Most Ethical Companies” list. Ethisphere, a think-tank dedicated to the research and promotion of profitable best practices in global governance, business ethics, compliance and corporate responsibility, revealed the award at the Ethisphere and Forbes joint-conference, “Driving Profit through Ethical Leadership,” held on June 3rd.

“We recognize and appreciate that corporate and social responsibility and accountability is increasingly driving decisions made by our guests, business partners, associates and shareholders,” said Ed Ryan, executive vice president and general counsel for Marriott International. “We are pleased to be honored again as being one of the best.”

Researchers and analysts reviewed several thousand companies to determine the finalists, which included a rigorous, multi-step evaluation process. The 2008 ‘World’s Most Ethical Companies’ methodology committee is comprised of leading attorneys and government officials, professors and leaders who care about ethical and honest business practices.

“We applaud Marriott. Marriott is among the companies honored this year because they have developed impressive and meaningful ethical business practices, making them true standouts within their industries,” said Alexander Brigham, executive director of Ethisphere Institute. “They go well beyond legal minimums, opting instead to bring about innovative ideas that contribute to the public well being. By their actions, they are forcing their competitors to follow suit, or fall behind, embodying the notion that ethical business practices are more profitable in the long run.”

The extensive research process included reviewing over 10,000 of the world’s leading companies on six continents. Ethisphere analysts reviewed codes of ethics, litigation and regulatory infraction histories; evaluated investment in innovation and sustainable business practices; looked at companies’ activities to improve corporate citizenship; studied nominations from senior executives, industry peers, suppliers and customers; and worked with consumer action groups for feedback and rating.

MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL, INC., (NYSE:MAR) – click here for Company Information.

ETHISPHERE INSTITUTE – click here for more information – Ethisphere.