Marriott International is reinforcing its international growth throughout the organization with the launch of Global Language Learning, an online resource from Rosetta Stone that will offer up to 30 languages to the corporate workforce. Marriott is also expanding its Sed de Saber program, a handheld, portable device that teaches English to Spanish-speaking employees; the tool will now teach Spanish to English-speaking employees.

Marriott says more than 1,400 employees have participated in the Sed de Saber program since its launch in 2006. That cohort alone can be expected to grow, based on four new agreements that will nearly triple the company's presence in Mexico over the next five years. Marriott plans to add 29 branded hotels in Mexico, representing a total investment of more than $1 billion by the owners of the Marriott properties. Currently, Marriott's portfolio in Mexico consists of 16 hotels and resorts under the JW Marriott, Marriott, Courtyard, Residence Inn and Fairfield Inn brands.

Technology

Marriott will begin offering the Rosetta Stone program throughout the US at its company-operated hotels, regional offices and Bethesda, MD, headquarters. The program will roll out to Marriott International's subsidiaries, Ritz-Carlton and Marriott Vacation Club International, by the end of 2009.