On May 10, Marriott International, Inc. welcomed Ms. Karen Evans of Virginia as its 20-millionth Marriott Rewards member — making it the first hotel program to break the 20-million member mark.

To celebrate the achievement, Ms. Evans was awarded airfare and a week’s stay for two at any Marriott International hotel in the world, as well as lifetime Platinum Elite status in the program.

“More people have chosen Marriott Rewards than any other hotel loyalty program because it is the best value for their money,” said Ed French, Marriott’s senior vice president of customer relationship marketing.

Currently celebrating its 20th anniversary, Marriott Rewards is the world’s longest continuously running hotel program. Other leading programs in terms of total membership include Starwood Preferred Guest (19 million), IHG Priority Club Rewards (18 million) and Hilton HHonors (13 million).