WASHINGTON, DC Jun 22, 2001 Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR) announced the appointment of Madeline Triffon, a Master Sommelier, as consultant and advisor to the company's wine selection and beverage offerings. She will advise on the expansion of Marriott's Gold Standard Program, an industry-leading beverage portfolio, and will assist in developing the company's restaurant promotions and training curriculum. Ms. Triffon is one of 44 American Master Sommeliers, eight of whom are women.
Ms. Triffon was invited to take the Master Sommelier examination by the British-based Court of Master Sommeliers at a time when no more than eight Americans had ever passed the only internationally recognized credentials for beverage sales and service. She also is a board member and examiner for the American Chapter of the Court of Master Sommelier. Ms. Triffon writes a monthly wine column for Hour Detroit and regularly participates as a panelist at food and wine related events.
"Marriott offers one of the best beverage portfolios in the hotel industry," said Ms. Triffon. "I am excited to collaborate with the Marriott beverage team in its mission to provide guests with a selection of today's leading beverages from around the world."
Marriott Managers Will Receive "Introductory Level" of Master Sommelier Training
As part of Marriott's commitment to beverage excellence, more than 30 food and beverage managers at Marriott and Renaissance hotels will receive the "introductory level" of Master Sommelier training this year. They will assist with wine list development, help conduct beverage training programs and act as beverage consultants in their respective regions.
"Marriott is committed to offering a world-class selection of beverages to guests of our restaurants and hotels," said Brian Yost, vice president, beverage at Marriott International. "With Madeline Triffon's expertise and the training Marriott and Renaissance associates are receiving, Marriott's more sophisticated Gold Standard Program will bring us to the forefront of the lodging industry in this area."
Marriott's Gold Standard Program is comprised of an industry-leading beverage portfolio, comprehensive training for Marriott associates and themed promotions to enhance guests' experiences. Marriott's wine, beer and spirits selection addresses its guests' thirst for diverse and authentic flavors with a wide array of wines from global appellations, premium and ultra-premium spirits, high quality ingredients and beers representing brewers of superlative quality.
For information or reservations, contact your local Marriott and Renaissance hotel, the Marriott Lodging Worldwide Reservations Center at (800) 228-9290, a travel agent or visit www.marriott.com.
MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL, INC. (NYSE: MAR) is a leading worldwide hospitality company with over 2,200 operating units in the United States and 59 other countries and territories. Marriott Lodging operates and franchises hotels under the Marriott, Renaissance, Residence Inn, Courtyard, TownePlace Suites, Fairfield Inn, SpringHill Suites and Ramada International brand names; develops and operates vacation ownership resorts under the Marriott, Ritz-Carlton and Horizons brands; operates Marriott Executive Apartments; provides furnished corporate housing through its ExecuStay by Marriott division; and operates conference centers. Other Marriott businesses include senior living communities and services, wholesale food distribution, procurement services and The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. The company is headquartered in Washington, D.C., and has approximately 153,000 employees. In fiscal year 2000, Marriott International reported systemwide sales of $19.8 billion. For more information or reservations, please visit our web site at www.marriott.com.
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