Marriott Rewards Program Policies and Controls – Hotel Audits To Be Conducted
As you know, Marriott has seen recent growth in system size and complexity around the globe. With this growth, we must continue Marriott’s long tradition of strong core values and high standards of business integrity.
In May, 2015 we implemented changes to the Marriott Rewards Program policies and controls (see communication dated January 21, 2015). These changes were partially driven in response to manipulation of occupancy records by some hotels. As a reminder, for purposes of calculating occupancy rates for the Marriott Rewards Program, all rooms sold must be sold as part of the normal course of business and must be physically occupied by a paying guest.
To ensure adherence to these program policies, additional monitoring controls have been put in place and Marriott’s Internal Audit department will begin conducting audits of hotels, including franchised locations. If an audit determines that a hotel fails to comply with the program policies, and/or that records have been manipulated, we intend to seek remedial action as appropriate, including recovery of overpayments from the Marriott Rewards Fund and reimbursement of audit fees.
Thank you in advance for encouraging your hotels, should they be selected for an audit, to fully cooperate with Internal Auditors while on site. This information will be shared with hotels via an upcoming Weekly Update.
We appreciate your support of our efforts to maintain Marriott’s long tradition of strong core values and high standards of business integrity. Notifications of audits will come directly from Keri Day, our Chief Audit Executive. Please contact your Account Executive should you have any questions.
