"Give & Get" Volun-Tourism Program Rewards Visitors at South Florida Beach Resort

MARCO ISLAND, FL--(Marketwire - Aug 19, 2011) - As the popular saying goes, it's better to give than to receive, and at Marco Island Marriott Beach Resort givers receive too! The premier Naples, FL family hotel has partnered with four Gulf Coast organizations to reward travelers who give back to the community with the Give & Get Volunteer Program. Guests who spend a portion of their hard-earned vacation time helping others will receive special thanks from the resort: 15% savings on their stay now through Sept. 30. Additionally, those who post photos or videos from their volun-tourism experience on the Marco Island Marriott Beach Resort Facebook page will receive a $25 resort credit for a return trip. Nightly resort rates start at $179.*

Marco Island Marriott Beach Resort will make arrangements for travelers to volunteer at the following: **

• Friends of Rookery Bay - Located on the Ten Thousand Islands, among the most beautiful places to visit in Naples, the Rookery Bay Reserve represents one of the few remaining undisturbed mangrove estuaries in North America. This includes 110,000 acres of pristine forest and protected waters, home to 150 species of birds and many threatened and endangered animals, including the bald eagle. The Friends of Rookery Bay works in partnership with local communities for land management, restoration research and education. Guests can participate in coastal cleanup, renovation of the butterfly garden or volunteer during National Estuary Day on Sept. 24. http://www.rookerybay.org
  
  
• Habitat for Humanity - The goal of Habitat for Humanity is to eliminate homelessness by building basic housing for all. Every third Saturday, guests are invited to join hotel employees working with Habitat for Humanity building affordable housing for those in need. Marco Island Marriott Beach Resort employees have been participating in Habitat for Humanity projects for the last 10 years as part of Marriott's overall Spirit to Serve campaign. Upcoming project dates are Aug. 20 and Sept. 17. http://habitatcollier.org
  
  
• Greater Marco Family YMCA - Located just five minutes from the resort, the Greater Marco Family YMCA has been serving the Marco Island community for almost 34 years. The Y offers opportunities for neighbors to come together, regardless of age, income or background, and have the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive with family-friendly health and wellness programs. With two-hour time slots, volunteers can help maintain the Y facilities. http://www.marcoislandymca.org
  
  
• Marco Island Academy - As the first public high school on island, the academy relies on the support of the local community for its success. As one of the largest partners of the school, the Naples area hotel's employees have donated time, money and resources to aid in the opening of the facility in time for the 2011-2012 school year. Volunteers will be able to assist with a variety of everyday tasks to help with the school's first year of operations. http://www.marcoislandacademy.com
  
  

Travelers interested in participating in the Give & Get Volunteer Program should call the resort's Vacation Planners at (800) 638-8410 to make arrangements. For additional resort details, please visit www.marcoislandmarriott.com or call 800-438-4373.

Nestled on three miles of pristine southwest Florida white sand beaches, Marco Island Marriott Beach Resort is the perfect island within an island escape. Caressed by tropical breezes and inspired by a Balinese sense of harmony, balance and hospitality, this is simply paradise found. From the magnificent new Quinn's Pool, surrounded by lush landscaping and outdoor dining and meeting spaces, to our elegant spa, private resort Rookery Golf Course, and our luxurious rooms and lanai suites that overlook the dazzling Gulf of Mexico, Marco Island Marriott Beach Resort is the sanctuary for relaxation, rejuvenation, discovery and play. Our attentive concierge services, choice of shopping, dining and recreational activities make Marco Island Marriott Beach Resort the choice for unforgettable Naples golf vacations and memorable business meetings.

Marriott Hotels & Resorts is Marriott International's signature and most widely distributed brand, with more than 500 hotels and resorts in 60 countries. Marriott continues to inspire performance and a balanced life on the road for discerning and high-achieving business and leisure travelers, offering warm, professional service; sophisticated yet functional guest room design; lobby spaces that facilitate working, dining and socializing; restaurants and bars serving international cuisine prepared simply and from the freshest ingredients; meeting and event spaces and services that are gold standard; and expansive, 24-hour fitness facilities. All Marriott hotels participate in the award winning Marriott Rewards frequent travel program that allows members to earn hotel points or airline miles for every dollar spent during each stay. For more information, visit www.meetthedriven.com. Follow Marriott Hotels & Resorts on Twitter at www.twitter.com/MarriottHotels.

*Based on availability, rate does not include tax or surcharges.
**Volunteer reservations must be made in advance and are based on availability.