Record Number of Hotels Apply for Membership in The Leading Hotels of the World

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. October 14, 2008

NEW YORK, NY, August 9, 2006. Year-to-date, a record 355 hotels have applied for membership in The Leading Hotels of the World, the highest number ever in the company's 78-year history.

"This is an indisputable indication of the vibrancy of our business," commented Paul M. McManus, president and chief executive officer. "The hospitality industry has traditionally turned to The Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd. for its exceptional value and unrivalled brand recognition, yet the number of applicants this year has been remarkable."

Of that group of hopeful applicants, only 24 - a mere 7% -- have been accepted, due to the company's exacting level of quality and service standards.

Mr. McManus added, "In the face of stepped-up activity in mergers, acquisitions and re-flaggings, customers and hoteliers alike seek the support and promise of a strong and proven brand. Our success throughout nearly eight decades of marketing innovation and business development has made The Leading Hotels of the World the brand of choice for the international luxury market."

Production figures for the first six months of the year bear this out. Through June, room night sales totaled 852,000, an increase of 2% over 2005. Despite recent geopolitical developments, the luxury segment of the travel industry remains robust, and the company benefits from solid, ongoing client loyalty among both member hotels and consumers. Voice reservations sales were very brisk, increasing by nearly 6,000 room nights or 4.4% over the previous year, and Internet transactions rose by 13%.

The Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd. also continues to generate among the highest average room rates for its members. In the first half of 2006, ADR rose from USD 387 to USD 405. Group business has been especially strong with the ADR for group bookings rising from USD 336 to USD 341. Total group sales revenue increased by USD 1.1 million for the first half of the year.

In conclusion, Mr. McManus noted, "Throughout our history, our mission has been to anticipate and surpass the expectations of the sophisticated traveler, and to ensure that our member hotels are best positioned to take advantage of those demands and trends."

"The ever-increasing interest in membership in our organization and the strength of the figures for this year thus far, underscore the fact that our company and its services are more relevant than ever to the luxury hotelier in today's exceptionally competitive atmosphere."

The Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd. is the prestigious luxury hospitality organization representing more than 430 of the world's finest hotels, resorts and spas, and is the operator of www.lhw.com - the online source for your luxury lifestyle. As the largest international luxury hotel brand, the firm maintains offices in 24 major markets across the globe.

Since 1928, the company's reputation for excellence derives from the exacting levels of quality it demands of its members, each of which must pass a rigorous, anonymous inspection covering 1,500 separate criteria.

High resolution images of member hotels are available for downloading at www.lhw.com/press. For reservations and information, visit www.lhw.com or telephone toll-free from the USA, Canada, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands, (800) 223-6800.