Launched in Hong Kong on December 15, 2020, Marriott International Asia Pacific's campaign aims to celebrate the resilience of the company's associates and guests throughout the year and promote smiles behind the masks to emphasize positivity and solidarity.

For this campaign, a work of art created by the Singaporean artist collective Ripple Root was unveiled: "Smiles that Travelled a Thousand Miles". It is inspired by the 3,000 smiling faces and comforting stories of Marriott International associates and guests gathered during the campaign.  

Craig Smith, Marriott International Group President and CEO for Asia Pacific, explains : 

In a year that has had an unprecedented impact on the travel, health and livelihoods of those working in the industry, we want to pay tribute to the determination, resilience and positivity of associates, guests and communities in 800 hotels across Asia Pacific. I am very proud of our associates who have faced this challenging year head on and never stopped smiling. We remain positive and look forward to welcoming our customers over the holiday season and into the New Year. 

Showcased at Sotheby's first online auction, the emerging artistic talent Ripple Root was commissioned by Marriott International to inspire people across the Asia Pacific region with the wonders of travel and to look forward to the New Year as we recover from a difficult year. 

 Liquan Liew and Estella Ng, the artists behind Ripple Root, said : 

We are so inspired by the smiling faces and touching stories that are presented to us. Everyone has experienced this unprecedented year in different ways, it was very inspiring to see how associates and guests find ways to smile and really touched our hearts. Through the artwork, we hope to convey the same sense of hope and warmth, and inspire everyone to stay positive and hopeful for the coming year.

The artwork represents a group of Marriott International associates from across the Asia-Pacific region, who come from diverse backgrounds, but all share the same smile that radiates positivity and resilience. The artwork is anchored by botanical forms and tree branches symbolizing the flourishing hope for the New Year.  
 
 Indeed, last year, the impact of COVID-19 on the hotel and restaurant sector was considerable. While placing a priority on the health and safety of associates and guests, Marriott International associates were more motivated than ever to support their communities. Hotels donated essential items, including face masks, hand sanitizer and cleaning products, to frontline and medical workers, families and community groups.  
 
To date, hotel associates across the Asia Pacific region have volunteered more than 85,000 hours of service to their communities. For example, Marriott International Hotels in Wuhan have supported more than 1,000 medical heroes who are on the front lines fighting the virus by providing them with accommodation. During their stay in Thailand, 25 hotels in Greater Bangkok donated unused linen and uniforms to produce 4,800 face masks for the local charity, SOS Bangkok. As part of the Health Heroes Fare Program, Marriott International offers special rates at more than 100 participating hotels throughout the Asia Pacific region so that healthcare professionals can enjoy a well-deserved rest during their stay.  

Until January 6, 2021, guests and travelers can view the original artwork at the JW Marriott Hotel Singapore South Beach. The digital version of the artwork will also be on display at select Marriott International hotels in the Asia-Pacific region. Guests are also invited to share their story "What makes them smile in 2020 and where would you like to travel in 2021" as part of the social media gift campaign Your Smile Travels A Thousand Miles on the Marriott Bonvoy Asia Pacific Facebook page from December 17-23, 2020.