Marriott International Awards Hispanic Hotel Owners Association $100,000 Grant

Marriott International, with a $100,000 grant, has become a founding partner of the Hispanic Hotel Owners Association.

The association, established in September 2006 to promote the advantages of hotel ownership, also said Marriott would participate in its inaugural national convention later this year. Dates for the convention are pending.

“The response to and support of the formation of HHOA from Marriott and the hotel community has been very gratifying,” said Omar Rodriguez, chairman of the HHOA [www.hhoa.org] and president of Rodriguez & Associates, a Kansas City, Mo.-based hotel development, architectural and design firm. “With Marriott’s support, we intend to become a catalyst for bringing the Latino and hospitality communities together for the benefit of both.”

“This is an excellent vehicle for Marriott to expand its growing relationship with the Hispanic community, including developers and suppliers,” added Norman Jenkins, Marriott’s senior vice president, North American Lodging Development.