Governor Wes Moore Visits Marriott Global Headquarters in Bethesda in Support of Hospitality Industry Workforce Development

Per the State of Maryland: Governor Wes Moore yesterday visited the new Marriott Global headquarters in Montgomery County, marking the first anniversary of the headquarters opening in Bethesda. Marriott International President and Chief Executive Officer Anthony Capuano and Chairman of the Board of Marriott International David Marriott hosted the governor for a tour of the facility, which provides cutting-edge workforce development for the hospitality industry worldwide.

“Marriott’s innovative facility represents a lasting investment in Maryland that reinforces our commitment to strengthening our workforce for generations to come,” said Gov. Moore. “The state-of-the-art headquarters creates jobs for Marylanders, strengthens our economy, and puts Maryland on the map as a hub for global hospitality.”

The 700,000 square foot, 21-story Leadership in Energy and Environmental Designv4 Gold-certified facility, which includes a 230-room Marriott Hotel, is headquarters for more than 8,600 Marriott hotels in 139 countries and territories.

As home to Marriott’s research and development operation to test new concepts, design elements, service approaches, and amenities, Governor Moore toured the hotel chain’s state-of-the-art Innovation and Design Lab and premium test kitchen with Marriott leadership and Montgomery County elected officials. The governor also briefly observed the Marriott’s Women in Learning and Leadership program participants and met with a group of area high school students who are studying hospitality and tourism to learn more about their career paths in the industry.

Marriott has committed to retaining 3,250 eligible full-time permanent employees and contractors, and 250 part-time employees or contract positions to fulfill the functions of its corporate headquarters in Maryland for a minimum of ten years.

“As we celebrate the one-year anniversary of our new global headquarters opening in Bethesda, Maryland, it was an honor to welcome Governor Moore and other elected leaders from the community to o​ur corporate campus,” said Marriott International President and Chief Executive Officer Anthony Capuano. “Marriott has called Maryland home since 1955 and we look forward to continuing to create opportunities and support our local communities throughout the state.”

In July, Governor Moore announced the Maryland Department of Labor received $6.6 million through the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration to help expand apprenticeship throughout the state. The funding will help connect thousands of Marylanders to good paying careers in vital and high-growth industries, including hospitality and tourism, and will establish a public sector innovation fund to bolster public service attraction and retention efforts.

The funding will support the creation of the Hospitality Management Registered Apprenticeship Program. In partnership with Maryland community colleges, the program will combine hospitality studies coursework with paid on-the-job learning within Maryland’s restaurant and lodging industries.