Marriott International, Inc. has signed an agreement to be an exclusive sponsor of the USA Pavilion at the Shanghai World Expo 2010 in the hotels, travel, lodging and serviced apartments category, joining a prominent group of more than 35 corporate partners and sponsors representing some of the biggest names in American business.

Under the agreement, Marriott is providing accommodations in Shanghai across 14 of its hotels and serviced apartments in the city for use by Expo organizers, fellow sponsors and guests. In exchange, Marriott, its portfolio of hotel brands and its vision of the future will be prominently featured within the Pavilion, on its exterior digital signboard and on its website. In addition, Marriott will have access to Expo and the Pavilion’s VIP facility for various company activities and events.

“We are eager to welcome Chinese guests into our beautiful hotels in Shanghai and around the world,” said J.W. Marriott Jr., chairman and chief executive officer of Marriott International. “This is a tremendous opportunity for Marriott to further strengthen our long commitment to China and its people, creating an emotional bond that demonstrates that our company shares their values of opportunity, innovation, success and diversity. We care about the same things -creating opportunity for people, respecting the environment and striving for a better future.”

USA Pavilion Commissioner General Jose Villarreal said, “The USA Pavilion is the most anticipated foreign country exhibition at the Shanghai World Expo 2010 according to a survey of Chinese consumers. As the exclusive hotel sponsor, Marriott will be able to showcase its premier hotel brands in China - JW Marriott, Marriott, Renaissance, Ritz-Carlton, Courtyard and Marriott Executive Apartments - to more than 60 million Chinese consumers and the 10 million foreign visitors who are expected at the show.”

Marriott International currently operates nearly 40 hotels in China with more than 15 properties currently under construction and scheduled to open through 2014.

Shanghai World Expo 2010 opens May 1 and closes on October 31, 2010. Its theme is Better City, Better Life. Global sponsors of the USA Pavilion are Chevron, General Electric and PepsiCo; premier sponsors include American Airlines, Boeing, Dell, Federal Express, Goodyear, Honeywell, Pfizer and Walmart.