Marriott International is making it easier for guests to volunteer and support the local community while traveling for business or vacation.

Beginning August 3rd, guests who book the \”Spirit To Serve New Orleans\” voluntourism package can partner with New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity or Second Harvest Food Bank of Greater New Orleans, through the end of the year, to help rebuild homes hardest hit by Hurricane Katrina and provide food to families impacted by the Gulf oil spill. Rates start at $99.

\”August 29th marks the fifth anniversary of Hurricane Katrina and the oil spill has created a new challenge; but the city of New Orleans is resilient,\” said Gil Zanchi, General Manager, New Orleans Marriott.

\”Thanks to great partners, we can extend our company\’s \’spirit to serve\’ philosophy to our guests and provide the opportunity to make a difference while they\’re visiting with us because there is still more to do.\”

The \”Spirit To Serve New Orleans\” voluntourism package is available at the nine hotels in downtown New Orleans, La. and includes: a dedicated concierge to coordinate volunteer efforts; deluxe accommodations; box lunch for two (2); transportation to and from the volunteer site; and two (2) commemorative t-shirts.

The participating hotels are: New Orleans Marriott; JW Marriott New Orleans; New Orleans Marriott at the Convention Center; Renaissance New Orleans Pere Marquette Hotel; Renaissance New Orleans Arts; Courtyard New Orleans Downtown near the French Quarter; Courtyard New Orleans Convention Center; SpringHill Suites New Orleans Convention Center; and Residence Inn New Orleans Convention Center.

Marriott International plays an active role in the communities where our guests and employees live and work. It\’s a philosophy that began with our founders, J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott, more than 80 years ago called \”Spirit To Serve Our Communities.\”

Each year, Marriott employees donate more than 320,000 volunteer hours to local charities and organizations. With nearly nine million visitors to the city of New Orleans annually – according to the New Orleans Convention Visitors\’ Bureau – Marriott guests now have the opportunity to make a difference in this community.