Preferred Hotel Group Launches "GIFTTS: Great Initiatives for Today's (Tomorrow's) Society"

Comprehensive Recognition Program Cites Exemplary Action Toward Philanthropy, Environmental Wellbein

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. October 14, 2008

CHICAGO, IL, August 1, 2006. Preferred Hotel Group, whose members number more than 325 hotels and resorts worldwide, is launching a comprehensive recognition and awards program. Entitled "GIFTTS: Great Initiatives for Today's (Tomorrow's) Society", its mandate is to identify and recognize exceptional actions on the part of member hotels and employees in the areas of philanthropy, environmental wellbeing and community service. Good works will be formally recognized at Preferred Hotel Group's Annual Conference starting with the 2006 event, scheduled to be held in Las Vegas this October.

"We believe in the value of these actions. The purpose of our program is to take these great ideas for giving and multiply them," explained John Ueberroth, CEO, Preferred Hotel Group. "The goal of GIFTTS is to recognize the efforts of our members, highlighting them as 'best practices' in the industry."

Having issued an all-points-bulletin to its members which encompass four hotel brands in 52 countries, Preferred Hotel Group is gathering information which will be highlighted at its Fall 2006 meeting. Participants - members of Preferred Hotels & Resorts, Preferred Boutique, Summit Hotels & Resorts, and Sterling Hotels -- will receive Certificates of Excellence for their efforts. The best examples will receive special recognition in the form of The Preferred Pineapple Award - recognizing the pineapple as the international mark of hospitality and the central element of Preferred Hotel Group's brand identity.

"The awards allow us to formally acknowledge our members' actions and applaud those who are making a positive difference in their communities," Ueberroth said.

Among the many good works already in progress among Preferred Hotel Group members are the following:

o The Environmental Legacy Program - Clayoquot Wilderness Resort & Spa (Preferred Boutique): Located in the Clayoquot Sounds Biosphere Reserve, The Clayoquot Wilderness Resort & Spa on Vancouver Island recently introduced its $3 million, five-year Environmental Legacy Program which aims at educating guests about the environment and focuses on the key areas of research, conservation and rehabilitation. "Ensuring we are practicing sustainable tourism, and giving back to the environment, is integral to the resort's mission. That Preferred Hotel Group is supporting us so strongly in this effort is outstanding and will further highlight our Environmental Legacy Program which is so vital to this area," said Clayoquot Wilderness Resort & Spa Managing Director John Caton.

o Hearts of Montage - Montage Resort & Spa (Preferred Hotels & Resorts): In 2003, The Montage Resort & Spa in Laguna Beach, California launched Hearts of Montage, a volunteer-based community outreach organization that is dedicated to supporting children's education, senior citizen care, family socioeconomic assistance, healthcare and disease prevention as well as environmental protection and education.

o Ronald McDonald House Charities of Charleston (RMHCC), SC - Sanctuary at Kiawah Island (Preferred Hotels & Resorts): The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort and the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Charleston have teamed together to provide guests with the opportunity to volunteer during their Low Country vacation. In addition, a voluntary $2 per night per room is donated to the Kiawah Island Conservancy. "Preferred Hotel Group's new GIFTTS program will help increase awareness of our Ronald McDonald House initiative, and therefore assist families in their time of need," said President of Kiawah Island Golf Resort Roger Warren.

o Green Project - Tongsai Bay (Summit Hotels & Resorts): Every room at The Tongsai Bay in Koh Samui, Thailand is built in compliance with its natural surroundings, and the resort's activities are designed to be conducive to environmental preservation. To maintain Tongsai's natural beauty and integrity, the resort's Green Project is solely focused on environmental management and provides guests with garbage disposal categorization, non-biodegradable waste minimization, water and energy management, natural and ecological friendly products, social organizations and/or activities support, environmental preservation education, an animal rescue team and much more.

Preferred Hotel Group is a global leader in the hospitality industry. This creative, cutting-edge company is designed for a new era in travel - an era in which travelers embrace the individuality of distinctive hotels and resorts - yet desire a consistent commitment to excellence. The four brands of Preferred Hotel Group represent a collection of the finest hotels in the world and include Preferred Hotels(R) & Resorts, (www.preferredhotels.com); Preferred Boutique (www.preferred-boutique.com); Summit Hotels & Resorts (www.summithotels.com); and Sterling Hotels (www.sterlinghotels.com). Learn more at www.preferredhotelgroup.com.

CONTACT:

Dianna Tingg/Gina Galatro

Middleton & Gendron, Inc.

1 212 980 9232/ +1 212 284 9934

EMAIL: [email protected]/ [email protected]

For high resolution imagery of our properties, please visit the Preferred Hotel Group Image Library at www.preferredhotelgroup.com/press.htm.

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