Marriott Chairman Sets Record Straight: The Surprising Secret to Pronouncing the Hotel Chain's Name Correctly

Marriott Chairman Sets Record Straight on Hotel Chain's Pronunciation In a move that has sparked widespread attention, David Marriott, chairman of the board at Marriott International, revealed the correct way to pronounce his family's name during an event with loyalty members at the company's headquarters in Bethesda, Maryland. According to Marriott, the hotel chain's name should be pronounced "marry-et," not "marry-ott." Speaking to a group of 75 loyalty members, Marriott explained that the pronunciation rhymes with "chariot," emphasizing the final sound as "et" rather than "ott." To illustrate his point, Marriott shared a personal story involving his wife, a former English teacher who taught at East High School in Colorado. "We've been saying it wrong for years," Marriott acknowledged. "I'm glad I could finally set the record straight." The pronunciation debate has been ongoing for decades, with many people pronouncing the name as "marry-ott." However, Marriott's clarification has sparked a renewed interest in the correct way to say his family's name. Marriott International is one of the largest hotel chains in the world, with over 7,000 properties across more than 130 countries. The company was founded by J.W. Marriott Sr. and his wife Alice in 1927, and has since grown into a global hospitality leader. The correct pronunciation of the name has significant implications for the company's brand identity and reputation. "It's not just about getting it right," said Marriott. "It's about respecting our heritage and tradition." Marriott's clarification has been widely shared on social media platforms, with many people expressing surprise at having gotten the pronunciation wrong for so long. The incident highlights the importance of attention to detail in branding and marketing. As companies continue to evolve and grow, it is essential to maintain consistency and accuracy in their messaging and identity. In related news, Marriott International has announced plans to launch a new campaign promoting the correct pronunciation of its name. The campaign will include social media ads, in-room promotions, and other initiatives aimed at educating customers and employees about the correct way to say "Marriott." As for Marriott himself, he remains committed to preserving his family's legacy and ensuring that their brand is represented accurately. "I'm proud to be a part of this company," Marriott said. "And I'm glad we can finally get it right." *Reporting by Fortune.*