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Marriott's new CEO takes a stand against racism in first public comments

March 02, 2021
3 min read
Marriott in Toronto
Marriott's new CEO takes a stand against racism in first public comments
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One week into his new job as chief executive officer of Marriott International, Anthony "Tony" Capuano issued his first public comments in a statement entitled "Stop Asian Hate."

Mr. Capuano's statement comes during a turbulent period for the United States, which has seen a rise in violent attacks against Asian-American people for no reason other than their race.

As reported by The New York Times, a 36-year-old man of Asian descenft was stabbed in Manhattan and was rushed to the hospital in critical condition. Elsewhere in New York, a man lobbed items at a mother and then violently threw her to the ground.

Mr. Capuano also refers to examples of community volunteers accompanying elderly Asian-Americans on errands in their neighborhoods due to fear of being targeted and even murders of those in the Asian-American community.

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As CEO of the world's largest hotel chain, Capuano has chosen (rightly) to forcefully rebuke these inexcusable acts of injustice and has signaled to the world that Marriott stands firmly behind the Asian-American community -- and other marginalized communities throughout the world.

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"I want to reiterate that Marriott International stands against racism. We believe that all people deserve to be treated with dignity and respected for their humanity and the distinct qualities that make them unique," said Capuano.

He goes on to list initiatives that Marriott is involved in to combat racism and bigotry throughout the country and world, saying, "As the United States faces this latest racism crisis, we are redoubling our 'welcome all' efforts – making sure our associates remember what it is we stand for and offering resources to them to make sure they are doing their part. We are also working with our long-time partner, the Asia Society, a leading educational advocacy and cultural understanding organization for Asian Americans, to support their efforts to build solidarity and rise up against hate. We will continue our efforts to advance hotel ownership among Asian American owners."

You can read Capuano's statement in full here.

In a time in which minority and marginalized communities are facing bigotry and violent attacks, it's heartening to see the new CEO of the world's largest hotel chain wield his platform to take a stand against these injustices and push his company to always strive to do what is right and just.

Featured image by (Photo by JHVEPhoto/Shutterstock)
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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TPG Editor‘s Rating
Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.
3 / 5
Go to review

Rewards Rate

6X6x Marriott Bonvoy Points on each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy® program.
4X4x points for purchases made at restaurants worldwide, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and on U.S. purchases for shipping.
2X2x points on all other eligible purchases.
  • Intro Offer
    Limited Time Offer: Earn 125,000 Bonus Marriott Bonvoy Points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 5/3/23.

    Earn 125,000 points
    75,000 points
  • Annual Fee

    $125
  • Recommended Credit
    Credit ranges are a variation of FICO© Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

    670-850
    Excellent/Good

Why We Chose It

The Marriott Bonvoy Business Amex is a stacked card with a rewards rate that will help you earn bonus points on everyday and business-related purchases. You'll earn 15 elite night credits each calendar year, and receive automatic Gold elite status. Finally, the free night award certificate with a redemption level of 35,000 points or less can get you hundreds of dollars in potential value each year.

Pros

  • 6 points per dollar on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program
  • 4 points per dollar at restaurants worldwide, U.S. gas stations, wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and U.S. shipping
  • 2 points per dollar on all other eligible purchases
  • Earn a free-night award each card renewal month (up to 35,000 points)
  • Receive 15 elite night credits to jump-start status
  • Transfer Marriott points to 40+ airlines

Cons

  • Airline points transfer ratios are poor
  • Must spend $60,000 in a year for second free-night award
  • Limited Time Offer: Earn 125,000 Bonus Marriott Bonvoy Points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 5/3/23.
  • Receive a 7% discount off standard rates for reservations of standard guest rooms at hotels that participate in the Marriott Bonvoy program when you book directly. Terms and Conditions Apply.
  • 6x Marriott Bonvoy Points on each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy® program.
  • 4x points for purchases made at restaurants worldwide, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and on U.S. purchases for shipping.
  • 2x points on all other eligible purchases.
  • Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card renewal month. Plus, earn an additional Free Night Award after you spend $60K in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Awards can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Certain hotels have resort fees.
  • Enjoy Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status with your Card.
  • Terms apply.