By the end of the year, travelers and guests will be able to find copies of the Bible and the Book of Mormon in 300,000 rooms of Starwood, Westin, and Sheraton hotels that were newly acquired by Marriott International.
According to the company management, it’s a tradition that started in 1957 when Marriott’s hotel was established in Virginia.
According to Marriott’s franchise and licensing agreements, a copy of the Bible and the Book of Mormon must be left in every room. According to the company management, it’s a tradition that started in 1957 when Marriott’s hotel was established in Virginia. Also, it is for many guests who are not digitally connected and prefer having one or both of these books available in their rooms.
However, there are exceptions. Smaller subsidiary brands are not expected to adhere to the agreement. The same also applies to Marriott hotels that operate in countries such as Indonesia where Muslim or other religions are more prominent.
US-based organization Gideons International provides the copies of the Bible, while the Book of Mormon are purchased through the Marriott Foundation and The Church of Jesus Christ and Latter-day Saints.
Marriott International operates over 6,500 properties in 127 countries and territories.
References:
www.premier.org.uk
www.axios.com