Marriott Affirms Earnings Guidance for 2002 Third Quarter

WASHINGTON - Sept. 25, 2002 - Arne M. Sorenson, executive vice president and chief financial officer of Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR) today affirmed that Marriott expects to meet previous company guidance for third quarter lodging operating profits and earnings, before the effect of charges related to its announced exit from the distribution services business.

In a media interview, Mr. Sorenson also said that he expects some upside to consensus estimates primarily from better than expected cash flow and synthetic fuel production during the quarter. Marriott's earnings will be reported on Thursday, Oct. 3.

MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL, INC. (NYSE:MAR), a leading worldwide hospitality company celebrating its 75th Anniversary in 2002, has over 2,600 operating units in the United States and 64 other countries and territories. Marriott International operates and franchises hotels under the Marriott, JW Marriott, The Ritz-Carlton, Renaissance, Residence Inn, Courtyard, TownePlace Suites, Fairfield Inn, SpringHill Suites and Ramada International brand names; develops and operates vacation ownership resorts under the Marriott Vacation Club International, Horizons, The Ritz-Carlton Club and Marriott Grand Residence Club brands; operates Marriott Executive Apartments; provides furnished corporate housing through its Marriott ExecuStay division; and operates conference centers. Other Marriott businesses include senior living communities and services, and wholesale food distribution. The company is headquartered in Washington, D.C., and has approximately 145,000 employees. In fiscal year 2001, Marriott International reported systemwide sales of $20 billion. For more information or reservations, please visit the web site at www.marriott.com.

Note: This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of federal securities law, including statements concerning expected third quarter 2002 results and similar statements concerning anticipated future events and expectations that are not historical facts. The forward-looking statements in this press release are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, including the effects of economic conditions, supply and demand changes for hotel rooms, competitive conditions in the lodging industry, relationships with clients and property owners, the impact of government regulations, and the availability of capital to finance growth, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by the statements herein.