BETHESDA, Md., Jan. 17, 2017 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Westin Hotels & Resorts, part of Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR), today unveiled its first global brand campaign in more than five years, taking on the disruptions, distractions and unpredictability of travel and empowering travelers to embrace well-being as a way to regain control of their routines and be their best while on the road. The $30 million dollar, integrated advertising campaign – called Let’s Rise – communicates Westin’s commitment to its guests’ well-being before, during and after their stay. Beginning today, the Let’s Rise campaign will be featured in broadcast, digital, radio and out-of-home channels, with print placements to follow later this year. The Let’s Rise mantra will also serve as an anchor for the wellness programs and partnerships that roll out for guests and associates throughout the year. 

Westin’s Let’s Rise campaign is inspired by and illustrative of the wellness and travel trends fueling the future of both industries, as articulated in a new global study conducted in partnership with StudyLogic that surveyed travelers in North America, Mexico, the United Kingdom, Germany, the United Arab Emirates and China. The results show a seismic shift in the way today’s travelers prioritize their well-being. With less time and more disruptors on the road, they are reinventing business and leisure travel to put things like fitness first with new vigor to pursue mindfulness and adventure.

“Let’s Rise is perfectly positioned to connect with travelers as more of a rally-cry than a brand campaign, given today’s over-scheduled and always-on culture,” said Brian Povinelli, Global Brand Leader, Westin Hotels & Resorts. “Around the world, we are seeing travelers realigning their priorities to put their well-being first, and Westin is proud to empower our guests to rise to the occasion and be their best selves on the road.”

Brand Campaign Challenges Travelers:
“Will You Get Up, or Will You Rise?”

Westin worked with San Francisco-based Venables Bell & Partners to develop the multi-faceted campaign, consisting of multiple executions in which travelers take control of their well-being.  Illustrating guests enabled to wake up early for a run, stay on track with healthy eating goals, and find time to revitalize with an incredible night’s sleep, the campaign aims to connect consumers to the signature programs inherent in Westin’s DNA – from the iconic Westin Heavenly Bed to its workout Gear Lending program in partnership with New Balance® – all designed to embody the brand’s Six Pillars of Well-being: Sleep Well, Eat Well, Move Well, Feel Well, Work Well, and Play Well. 

Because morning is the first and best opportunity to take control of the day ahead, the campaign uses morning light as a consistent creative device to speak to the potential that the morning holds. Overall, the campaign calls consumers to answer a simple question, “Will you get up, or will you rise?”

Global Study Shows Seismic Shift in Travelers’ Well-being:

1. Unpredictability of Travel Sees Stress Skyrocket in 2017:
Guests around the Globe Turn to Wellness to Regain Control

In the last three years, rising wealth and digital connectivity have prompted a significant spike in global travel and the unpredictability that accompanies it.  It is no surprise then that nearly 3 in 4 travelers report they have trouble maintaining their routine on the road. More than 60% say they sleep less, 65% say they exercise less, and 15% report increased stress levels on vacation, a time traditionally thought of as downtime for rest and relaxation.

Also surprising is the growing number of guests around the globe who are turning to wellness to regain control of their routines when traveling for business and leisure. Thirty percent of those surveyed in Germany and more than 20% in U.A.E. say well-being enables them to feel more in control, while nearly 15% globally say it reduces their stress levels.  Almost one in four of those surveyed in Germany and North America say wellness allows them to be better in business; in Mexico and the U.K., 1 in 4 say wellness enables them to feel happier.

“Around the world, we have definitely seen a shift in the way today’s travelers are incorporating well-being into their work and travel routines: from millennials, who view fitness activities to be more social than competitive, to business travelers who are shifting their preference from country clubs to running clubs,” continued Povinelli. “We have even seen honeymooners embrace well-being more holistically; in the United States alone, 80% of couples reported being more active and health-conscious during their honeymoon than at home. And, 40% are running together as a way to decompress, disconnect and be a tourist at the same time.”

Westin continues to evolve its programs in lockstep with the increasing global demand for well-being and the holistic role it plays in peoples’ lives.

• This year, hotels around the world will unveil updates to the signature 24/7 WestinWORKOUT^® fitness studios, reflecting how people are exercising today with more stretching, strength and core equipment.
• The brand will continue to grow its Gear Lending partnership with New Balance, giving guests access to workout gear without the hassle of packing it, and introduce additional RunWESTIN™ Concierges, who encourage runners of all levels to grab a running map and join them on scenic routes through cities, along beachfronts and amid rural landscapes.
• Known as the premier brand truly committed to helping guests get a good night’s sleep, Westin will introduce a complimentary Sleep Well Lavender Balm bedside amenity, infused with the calming essential oils of lavender and chamomile. This is the latest in a series of sleep offerings that promise a better slumber for travelers, including the iconic Westin Heavenly® Bed.
• This follows of the heels of a refresh to the signature White Tea Aloe Bath & Body products, which have been reformulated and redesigned to be paba-free, paraben-free, and dye-free – leaving guests rejuvenated, revitalized and ready to take on the day ahead. The shampoo, conditioner, body wash and body lotion feature natural ingredients, including aloe, pea extract, shea butter, tea extract and jojoba oil.

2. High Octane or Balanced Breathing:
Mindfulness & Adventure Travel Meet as the Next “Tribe Workout”

Once reserved for a select few, mindfulness and adventure travel have become increasingly popular as a way for guests to disconnect, reconnect and explore a destination. Globally, the number of travelers who will plan adventure excursions in the next 12 months has doubled in the last 3 years. In Mexico, it has tripled. And surprisingly, more than 50% of global respondents say they plan to seek mindfulness opportunities to clear their minds and center themselves during the chaos of travel.

Propelled by these trends, Westin continues to introduce programs, partnerships and hotel positions that cater to this growing guest demand.  

• Recently the brand saw a new crop of concierges emerge, who are experts in high-octane activities from heli-skiing to kite-surfing at hotels from The Westin Turtle Bay Resort & Spa in Mauritius to The Westin Resort & Spa in Whistler, B.C.
• Surprisingly, many Westin hotels have also seen a spike in travelers fusing meditation with more physical activities and approaching mindfulness with a similar communal or tribe workout mentality. Yoga and meditation have been incorporated into high-intensity hikes and cycling classes by popular demand at Westin hotels in cities like Atlanta and resort destinations like Bear Mountain.
• Striking a chord with another emerging trend, last month the brand rolled out a variety of adult coloring sheets exclusively available at 50 Westin hotels and resorts across Asia Pacific. Created by celebrated illustrator Johanna Basford, who spearheaded the worldwide adult-coloring phenomenon with the debut of her 2013 bestselling book Secret Garden, the drawings are designed to helping travelers relax, re-center and unwind on the road.

Let’s Rise Anchors Westin in 2017,
as the Well-being Brand Continues to Accelerate Market Leadership

Westin’s Let’s Rise campaign reinforces how the brand is uniquely positioned to cater to the ever-evolving demand for well-being on the road all around the world.  Scheduled to open 50 hotels in the next 5 years, Westin will debut in emerging destinations as diverse as Indonesia, Jordan, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam, on the heels of growth in established markets including Hamburg, Dubai and Denver. 

“Looking ahead, we’re also seeing increased intention to explore smaller cities,” Povinelli continued. “This aligns closely with Westin’s robust pipeline particularly in the Americas, with openings in Milwaukee, Chicago, Sarasota and Cozumel on the horizon.”

For more information about the Westin brand’s Let’s Rise platform, please visit: www.westin.com/letsrise and follow along on social media with #LetsRise.  

Study Methodology
This study is based on a survey conducted by STUDYLOGIC LLC via telephone of approximately 8,000 respondents ages 25-64 with household incomes of $75,000 or above from 6 different areas: North America (the United States and Canada), Mexico, the United Kingdom, Germany, the United Arab Emirates, and China.  This summary report is based on the responses of all 7,968 respondents.  Summary charts showing the breakdown of gender, age, and income, broken down by geographic area, are included at the end of this report.  The survey consisted of thirty-two questions including identifiers and sub-questions. Interviews were conducted between October 1^st and October 15^th, 2016. The survey averaged 30 minutes in length and contains a margin of error of +/-3%.

About Westin Hotels & Resorts
Westin Hotels & Resorts, a leader in wellness and hospitality for more than a decade, empowers guests and associates to embrace well-being and be their best selves through the brand’s six pillars of Well-Being: Sleep Well, Eat Well, Move Well, Feel Well, Work Well, and Play Well.  At more than 200 hotels and resorts in nearly 40 countries and territories, guests can experience offerings that include the iconic Heavenly Bed, RunWESTIN and Westin Gear Lending with New Balance, delicious and nutritious SuperFoodsRx™ and more.  To learn more, visit www.westin.com. Stay connected to Westin: @westin on Twitter and Instagram and facebook.com/Westin.

About Marriott International, Inc. 
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is the world’s largest hotel company based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, with more than 6,000 properties in over 120 countries. Marriott operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts. The company’s 30 leading brands include: Bulgari Hotels and Resorts®, The Ritz-Carlton® and The Ritz-Carlton Reserve®, St. Regis®, W®, EDITION®, JW Marriott®, The Luxury Collection®, Marriott Hotels®, Westin®, Le Méridien®, Renaissance® Hotels, Sheraton®, Delta Hotels by Marriott^SM, Marriott Executive Apartments®, Marriott Vacation Club®, Autograph Collection® Hotels, Tribute Portfolio™, Design Hotels™, Gaylord Hotels®, Courtyard®, Four Points® by Sheraton, SpringHill Suites®, Fairfield Inn & Suites®, Residence Inn®, TownePlace Suites®, AC Hotels by Marriott®, Aloft®, Element®, Moxy Hotels®, and Protea Hotels by Marriott®. The company also operates award-winning loyalty programs: Marriott Rewards®, which includes The Ritz-Carlton Rewards®, and Starwood Preferred Guest®. For more information, please visit our website at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com and @MarriottIntl.

Note on Forward-Looking Statements: The statements about the expansion of the Westin Hotels & Resorts hotel portfolio over the next five years and expected North American hotel openings by the end of 2017 are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of U.S. federal securities laws, not historical facts, and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including supply and demand changes for hotel rooms; competitive conditions in the lodging industry; relationships with clients and property owners; the availability of capital to finance hotel growth; and other risk factors identified in the most recent quarterly report on Form 10-Q that Marriott International, Inc. has filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission; any of which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by those statements. Those statement is made as of the date of this press release, and we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Logo – http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/431646/Westin_Hotels_Logo.jpg 
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MIAMI, Jan. 17, 2017 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Imagine being on a cruise ship as if you were visiting your best friend’s house or sitting at your grandmother’s dining room table. Everyone knows your name, knows what you like to eat and drink and what you like to do.

Photo – http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/458163/Ocean_Compass_From_Carnival.jpg

It’s the ultimate in personalized vacations and it’s coming soon to ships operated by Carnival Corporation. The cruise company is debuting proprietary, patent-pending wearable technology like nothing ever seen before for land-based or cruise vacations.

A quarter-sized disk called Ocean Medallion sends wireless signals to thousands of sensors embedded throughout your cruise ship to enable a personal digital concierge. All you need to do is carry the tiny medallion to experience highly personalized services that are tailored especially for you.

What sounds dreamlike and futuristic will be the reality for all passengers on the company’s Medallion Class ships, beginning with the Regal Princess from Princess Cruises in November, and followed by Royal Princess and Caribbean Princess in early 2018. Plans are for Ocean Medallion Class to eventually roll out to the entire Princess Cruises fleet as well as to others among Carnival Corporation’s 10 brands and more than 100 ships worldwide.

The Ocean Medallion weighs only 1.8 ounces, is waterproof and fits into your pocket or purse or can be attached to an accessory such as a bracelet, necklace or keychain.

The Medallion arrives at your home as a gift before your cruise, or is made available for pickup at your arrival airport or the ship pier. It is laser-etched with your name, ship and date of sailing and can be kept after your cruise as an enduring memento. It contains no personal information and can be replaced immediately if lost.

But while Ocean Medallion may look as innocuous as a poker chip, it’s much more valuable.

The custom-developed technology is so cutting edge, and so far beyond what any service provider has ever done before, that it was star of the show at this year’s CES event, the world’s largest consumer technology showcase held annually in Las Vegas the first week in January.

“Some of the best things come in small packages,” says Carnival Corporation CEO Arnold Donald, who became the first travel industry executive to give the tech show’s opening keynote address. “We’re taking the guest experience to a level never before considered possible.”

Making the cruise experience both easier and more personal were mantras for the Ocean Medallion development team, led by John Padgett, Carnival Corporation’s chief experience and innovation officer, considered one of the world’s top guest experience experts.

The idea behind Ocean Medallion Class cruising was to use cutting-edge technology so that each guest is treated in a highly individual way based on personal preferences rather than part of a crowd.

The resulting Ocean Medallion is a “wow,” says Joe Pine, co-author of “The Experience Economy” and an internationally known expert on consumer experiences and customization.

“It’s not just smart technology, it’s genius,” says Pine. “This is doing everything with this technology that we’ve imagined. Carnival Corporation is providing a wearable device that requires almost nothing to be able to carry around because it’s so small, and yet it allows the entire ship to morph around ‘me.'”

The Ocean Medallion makes payment for goods and services onboard and entry to your room seamless. There is no requirement for guests to tap the Medallion against a pad or anything of that sort. You just have it with you and it works, so it doesn’t feel like technology or require a guest to learn how to use it. In fact, it doesn’t even have an on and off switch or need to be charged.

“It’s incredibly simple,” Pine says. “You don’t even feel like you have technology on you. You just carry Ocean Medallion around and then things just start to happen.”

Before you leave home, you can set your preferences online to accelerate making your experience personal from the very beginning.

For example, when you arrive for your cruise, personnel with handhelds will greet you by name. Then doors will open, literally. By completing the pre-cruise regulatory information, you will be deemed Ocean Ready and can walk right on to the ship (no waiting in boarding lines).

When you get to your stateroom, the stateroom entry is not just a portal to your vacation home, but a portal for your digital concierge to begin helping you personalize your cruise and make the most of what you like to do while on your vacation.

Later, when you head to a restaurant, your servers will know your food preferences, or you like champagne or that you’re celebrating your birthday or that you have a food allergy — and make suggestions accordingly.

No more transactions, as each interaction builds on the next, making your cruise feel like it is just for you. That’s where convenience meets fun.

Visit a bar and a smiling bartender will greet you by name and know your preferred drink (based on your past habits).

Visit the photo gallery and on your approach a digital display will spring to life with photos of you and your co-cruisers as snapped by shipboard photographers. Watch a live show from your stateroom (if you prefer to stay in) and you may get a shout-out from the entertainers.

The Ocean Medallion does not contain any personal information, and for security reasons information in the system is encrypted. Every time a passenger makes a purchase, it’s linked to his or her security photo (so no one else can charge to your account). If the Medallion is lost or missing, it can be deactivated and a new one will be issued.

Ocean Medallion pairs with Ocean Compass, the personal concierge interface that guests can access 24/7 on their own smartphones or smart pads, as well as on 4,000 portals throughout the ship. In addition to being an easily accessible reservation system for spa appointments and such, the Compass sends personalized invitations to activities you might like.  

If you’re a wine lover, for instance, you may get an invite to a wine tasting. Fitness fanatics may get a message that there’s a Zumba class to consider.  You can say yes or no to the invitations (or turn off the invitations if you aren’t interested).

With Ocean Compass you can also create your own customized experiences. Say you are heading poolside and craving an icy piña colada. Ocean Compass has an on-demand feature called Here & Now/There & Then that allows you to pre-order. When you approach the pool area, servers will know and will deliver your drink to you.

Other nifty features on Ocean Compass include anytime and anywhere access to a new gaming platform and a point-to-point navigational feature to help you find your way around the ship. There’s also a way to track and communicate with family and friends onboard (if you so desire).

The ultimate intelligent ship can’t yet tuck you in, but at technology-forward Carnival Corporation nothing seems out of the realm of future possibilities.