Australia Marriott Hotels and Resorts Launch Teen Concierge Program

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA--(Marketwired - Oct 21, 2013) - Between kids' clubs and theme parks, parents with little children in tow face little difficulty when it comes to entertaining them during a family vacation. Teenagers, however, propose a different challenge, since their tastes are distinct and change as often as their Facebook statuses. In an effort to create a better vacation experience for teens, Marriott Hotels & Resorts in Australia is engaging them with This City My Way, the world's first digitally led peer-to-peer teen concierge program.

Aimed at teens staying at Sydney, Gold Coast, Brisbane and Melbourne luxury hotels, the program enlisted the help of six Aussie teens who offer peers an inside look to their cities with original travel content and curated social media on www.ThisCityMyWay.com.au. The real-time city guide features Instagram posts, tweets, first-person stories and the opportunity to interact with the concierges directly through Kik.

Teen guests can interact with the community, whether staying at a Gold Coast or Sydney harbour-view hotel, and get the chance to win a free night when they share their Australian city experience on Instagram using #ThisCityMyWay.

The six teen concierges come from across Australia and include:

Isabelle Clarke, 14: Isabelle loves shopping at Melbourne's markets and laneways and has a real penchant for vintage clothes.

Hannah Davies, 17: Hannah loves going to music festivals in and around Brisbane, and she's also a real foodie who appreciates the importance of a good ice cream. She loves trying out new restaurants and international cuisines.

Emma Campbell, 15: A keen surfer and an aspiring musician, Emma is excited to share the Gold Coast's most inspiring and beautiful offerings. Emma also loves to write and take photographs, and hopes to study journalism when she finishes school.

Chloe Gash, 16: Chloe hails from the Gold Coast and is currently in year 11. A passionate musician, she not only plays guitar and saxophone, but she also loves singing. In her spare time, Chloe loves getting out on the water with her family on their boat. She is a huge fan of jet skiing and recently tried scuba diving for the first time and absolutely loved it.

Felicity Light, 18: Performing arts student Felicity loves scouring Sydney for the most delicious places to brunch, lunch, dine or even enjoy a spot of high tea for those staying in (no High Tea at North Ryde) accommodations in North Ryde and throughout the city. She's also the Sydney expert on beaches and shopping.

Gemma McDonald, 19: Gemma is a part-time English tutor who also writes reviews for new restaurants and Sydney hotspots in her spare time. Gemma is a western Sydney girl and feels too many travelers miss the area for lack of great advice on where to go.

Whether traveling to Australia or just looking to explore a new destination, teens should visit www.ThisCityMyWay.com.au and follow the girls on Instagram @ThisCityMyWay and #ThisCityMyWay on Instagram and Twitter.

About Marriott
Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR) is a leading lodging company based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, with more than 3,800 properties in 74 countries and territories and reported revenues of nearly $12 billion in fiscal year 2012. The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 18 brands, including Marriott Hotels & Resorts, The Ritz-Carlton, JW Marriott, Bulgari, EDITION, Renaissance, Gaylord Hotels, Autograph Collection, AC Hotels by Marriott, Courtyard, Fairfield Inn & Suites, SpringHill Suites, Residence Inn, TownePlace Suites, Marriott Executive Apartments, Marriott Vacation Club, Grand Residences by Marriott and The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club. There are approximately 325,000 employees at headquarters, managed and franchised properties. Marriott is consistently recognized as a top employer and for its superior business operations, which it conducts based on five core values: put people first, pursue excellence, embrace change, act with integrity, and serve our world. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com.

Marriott International hotels in Australia:

• Courtyard by Marriott North Ryde
• Sydney Harbour Marriott Hotel
• Melbourne Marriott Hotel
• Brisbane Marriott Hotel
• Surfers Paradise Marriott Resort & Spa