Source: Marriott

Imagine picking up the phone and hearing, 'Hi, this is Bill Marriott, and I really

appreciate the fact that your company has held so many meetings and overnight stays at our hotels this year.' Yes, Bill Marriott, executive chairman of Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ:MAR), will be one of the many senior executives and associates making phone calls to say "thank you" to more than 125,000 customers across the globe. It is the company's annual Global Customer Appreciation Week, which spans Marriott's global portfolio of brands represented by more than 3,800 hotels in 72 countries.

Blogging on the importance of building relationships, J.W. Marriott, Jr., executive

chairman said, "As we continue to grow, it's important to always thank our customers. A personal touch goes an even longer way in this age of tweeting and texting. Pick up the phone or grab a cup of coffee with a customer. It builds personal bonds that hopefully lead to repeat business."

Stephanie Linnartz, Marriott's executive vice president and chief marketing and

commercial officer, added, "This is our 20th year of rallying our associates and executives to personally tell our customers how much we appreciate their business, support and loyalty. Starting with Mr. Marriott, Jr. and our Chief Executive Officer Arne Sorenson, we engage thousands of Marriott associates worldwide to reach out to all types of customers to express our gratitude for their business. Global Customer Appreciation Week is a tradition at Marriott and an important part of our culture and strong focus on the guest."

Throughout the week, sales associates at Marriott

headquarters in Bethesda, Md., and around the world in Europe, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa will be calling on customers in each region. The company will also be hosting a range of special events to recognize customers and engage them in a variety of community service projects.

About Marriott International

Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and encompasses a portfolio of more than 8,100 properties under 30 leading brands spanning 139 countries and territories. Marriott operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts all around the world. The company offers Marriott Bonvoy®, its highly awarded travel program. Connect with us on Facebook and @MarriottIntl on Twitter and Instagram.