Offering exceptional comfort and refined surroundings, each individual First cabin seat converts into a completely flat six foot six inch bed at the touch of a button and a Turndown Service means beds will be made up upon request at any time of day. New soft touches have been added in 2009 including a range of well-being products from D.R Harris enclosed in a new stylish Anya Hindmarch bag, exclusively designed for First.

During the new winter schedule, British Airways will continue to operate three weekly direct flights from Heathrow Terminal 5 to Mauritius on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. The route will be operated by Boeing 747 aircraft with a four-class configuration: World Traveller, World Traveller Plus, Club World and First, almost doubling the number of premium seats available on the flight.

Mauritius holidays are associated with blue lagoons, picture-perfect white-sand beaches and delectable food. Exceptional service and attention to detail is the standard during a luxury holidays in Mauritius. Customers can find the finest hotels on the island, elegant properties varying from stylish, modern designs to traditional, colonial style hotels, spread across the large number of different beaches.

Almost 70% of British Airways customers book a 5* hotel for their holiday in Mauritius. British Airways' most popular Mauritius hotel is the contemporary and sophisticated 5* Le Touessrok, the ideal choice for ultimate relaxation. The recently renovated 5* Les Pavillions located on the turquoise lagoon of Le Morne Peninsula, nestled in lush tropical gardens and the 5* Four Seasons Resort at Anahita, opened towards the end of 2008, take tropical luxury to an even higher level. Or, by staying at the 5* The Oberoi Mauritius, customers will feel like stepping into another world - exclusivity and discreet service - the idyllic retreat for romance and relaxation.

In 2010 British Airways will commence its upgrade of First on all flights, with only the best designers and chefs being asked to contribute their skills to create the ultimate First experience. This level of detail will culminate in a luxurious new cabin and seat, for which the British Airways designers have taken their inspiration from the craftsmanship in the world's most prestigious vehicles.

Ends

Notes to Editors:
The route will operate with the existing First cabin, the new upgraded First cabin referred to in the last paragraph will be introduced across the whole network commencing in 2010.

Tickets and holidays are on sale now through ba.com/mauritius and direct through BA reservations on 0844 493 0758.

About British Airways / British Airways Holidays Ltd
British Airways Holidays Ltd. is a fully owned subsidiary of British Airways plc, which offers a range of destinations, hotels, car rental and experiences. With many money-saving special offers available; and the security of travelling with British Airways, British Airways Holidays Ltd can add peace of mind to holiday plans. Working very closely with colleagues at British Airways, British Airways Holidays constantly seeks to exceed customers' expectations, both in terms of the value for money and quality of the service provided.

British Airways / British Airways Holidays Ltd PR contact:
Charlotte Lawrence
Astral Towers
Betts Way
London Road
Crawley
RH10 9XA
01293 722513
www.ba.com

— WebWireID107159 —

Superbreak asked entrants to describe their ideal break in 20 words or less before 31 October 2009, with the winner's draw taking place on the following day.

Since the launch of the competition in September, the 'Build Your Dream Break' Facebook page has attained over 100 fans and Superbreak received 551 entries for the competition itself.

Paul Marshall has decided to spend his £1000 prize fund on a short break to Lake Garda, Italy, located in the Italian Lakes region, which is home to 17 of Superbreak's 300 Italian hotels.

Will Dunnett, Marketing Director at Superbreak said: "We never expected the Dream Break Competition to be so popular, with suggestions from right across the UK and Europe's most popular destinations. From day one we've literally been inundated with entries and are proud to announce the winner. We hope that we are able to pack more in to Paul's dream break with Superbreak's range of hotels, excursions and entertainments."

About Superbreak:
Superbreak is the internet division of Superbreak Mini Holidays Limited, the market leader for short breaks and hotels throughout the UK. Superbreak is part of Holiday Break plc, a publicly quoted leisure company whose share price can be found in most major UK newspapers, or at Holidaybreak.com.

Based in York, England, Superbreak specialises in booking cheap weekend breaks in 2-5 star hotel accommodation throughout Britain and Europe for the leisure traveller. Superbreak also offers other package selections such as theatre, concert and dinner outings as well as a variety of short breaks tailored to what people want from holidays - whether that's culture, adventure or relaxation.

Superbreak has also expanded to offer customers a wide choice of city and beach breaks overseas, airport hotels and extras, which are proving increasingly popular. With over 5,000 hotels, ranging from 2 star to 5 star, customers are certain to find the ideal hotel for their short break.

Today more than 1.5 million customers enjoy short breaks from Superbreak which include theatre breaks, theme park and attraction breaks and luxury breaks

For further press information please contact:
Madeleine Roast
Magnetic PR
12 - 50 Kingsgate Road
Kingston
Surrey
KT2 5AA
020 8547 4006
www.superbreak.com

— WebWireID107107 —

InterContinental Hotels & Resorts' website, www.intercontinental.com, has been awarded the highest honour by the 2009 Interactive Media Awards, winning the Best in Class Award for the Hotel/Resort category. With an overall score of 480 out of a maximum possible score of 500, InterContinental.com beat off competition from 113 other hotel and resort entries from around the world, to achieve high marks in each of the judging criteria.

The judges considered design, content, feature functionality, usability and standard compliance and cross-browser compatibility to determine which websites within the category deserved top marks. Only a fraction of sites within the Interactive Media Awards achieve such high scores each year, with the content on InterContinental.com gaining full marks (100/100). Not far behind was design achieving 99 out of 100, feature functionality being awarded 98 out of 100 and usability getting 97 out of 100.

The judges were keen to congratulate the InterContinental.com team: 'The new website is a testament to high quality usability research and excellent planning. The design is beautifully simplistic. The well-thought-out use of modern technologies is also apparent. Congratulations!'

— WebWireID107034 —

For the first time ever, Butlins is launching an X-Factor-style search for the next generation of its famous Redcoats. The nation can play Simon Cowell by looking at the would-be Redcoat's audition videos online and voting for their favourites.

Current TV stars Stephen Mulhern and Naomi Wilkinson got their first break at Butlins and now hopeful Redcoats are being urged to upload their audition videos to YouTube with the best 300 applicants being put through to the next round of interviews.

What to do
1. To vote log on to www.youtube.com/user/wearebutlins and visit the 'I Want To Be A Butlins Redcoat' playlist to view the videos
2. To enter log on and upload a video before 15th November 2009
3. Keep up to date with all the latest news at twitter.com/redcoataudition or by joining the 'I Want To Be A Butlins Redcoat' group on Facebook.

Known for world class family entertainment, Butlins Redcoats are famed for their high energy, lively personalities and ability to entertain parents and children alike. The holiday company receives thousands of applications for the 20 new Redcoat positions created each year.

Butlins Head of Entertainment Mike Godolphin said: 'It's time for the Redcoats to go online! The Redcoat auditions are always an important time of year for us and we've now truly embraced the social media phenomenon and invited the nation to become part of the process. We're even on Twitter! Hopeful Redcoats are about to become internet stars for the first time.'
- ends -

For more information please contact:
Charlotte Brooks, Adam English or Abi Cocker at Launch Group
020 7758 3900 / butlins@launchgroup.co.uk

Notes to Editors:

HOW TO ENTER
1. Film your audition piece on a video camera, camera phone, or webcam, keeping it to no longer than one minute in length. Please bear in mind that submissions featuring nudity, profanities or anything that may be offensive to our viewers will NOT be accepted
2. Save your video in a compatible format (WMV, 3GP, AVI, MOV, MP4, MPEG, FLV and MKV are all acceptable)
3. Create a YouTube account or log in to your pre-existent account at www.youtube.com and upload your audition video
4. Here's the very important bit: When you're editing the video description, add the tag 'redcoataudition' and set the privacy to 'share your video with the world'. This will help us to find your video and add it to our YouTube channel
5. Your video should shortly appear on our YouTube channel under 'I Want To Be A Redcoat' in our 'Playlists' section
6. After the competition closes on 15th November 2009 Butlins will shortlist 300 entrants, based on their video submissions, who will then be invited to a second round face-to-face audition at Butlins. Should you make the shortlist, please make sure we can contact you through a private message on YouTube by unchecking the option 'Allow only friends to send messages or share videos' on your privacy option

The Butlins Redcoats
 Redcoats were the first type of 'coat entertainers' or 'Reps' in the holiday industry
 There are approximately 150 Redcoats across Butlins three Resorts
 More than 1.5 million guests are entertained by the Redcoats each year
 Previous Redcoat jackets have been designed by Zandra Rhodes and Jeff Banks

Butlins has three beachside Resorts, Bognor Regis (West Sussex), Minehead (Somerset) and Skegness (Lincolnshire) and welcomes around 1.5m guests per year. Although it mainly offers family breaks it also offers around 50 Big Weekend breaks - music themed breaks for those aged 18+.

Butlins is part of Bourne Leisure Ltd which also owns Warner Leisure Hotels and Haven Holidays and was awarded Best Travel Company 2008 by Travel Trade Gazette. Bourne Leisure was also voted second in the Best Big Company to work for award in the Sunday Times' list out on 8 March 2009.

— WebWireID106999 —

To match the airlines' offer, Omni is offering special savings available in fantastic locales, including Austin, Chicago, Corpus Christi, Dallas, Fort Worth, San Diego, New Orleans, San Antonio, Houston and Tucson. Whether going to visit family, setting out on a shopping expedition or simply seeking a retreat from the hectic holiday schedule, this offer is a great way to extend holiday resources while enjoying all the comforts an Omni provides.

'With the success of the airlines' sale, we wanted to offer savvy travelers even more value for the holidays,' said Tom Santora, chief marketing officer for Omni Hotels. 'With Omni's 72-hour sale, those who plan early and take advantage of these special rates can get the most out of the season.

This offer is subject to availability, cannot be combined with other special offers and applies to stays booked November 3 through November 5, 2009 and must be consumed between December 2, 2009 and February 10, 2010. This offer is only available at select Omni locations and is not available December 31, 2009. For more information, please visit omnihotels.com or by calling 1-800-THE-OMNI

— WebWireID106977 —

1. Christmas at Biltmore Estate: This is Asheville's biggest holiday event. Starting on November 6, America's largest home is decked out in festive finery. Candlelight Evenings are especially magical.

2. Downtown Asheville: Make holiday shopping more fun and relaxing while finding truly special gifts. Browse 200+ local shops and 30 art galleries. For a break, stop at one of the 50 restaurants or many coffee shops. Don't miss the" Seasonal Sizzle" fireworks downtown at 7 PM on December 5, 12 and 19.

3. Gingerbread Houses at Grove Park Inn: For a real treat, see the amazing display of gingerbread houses from the National Gingerbread House Competition at the famous Grove Park Inn Resort on November 18-January 3.

4. Biltmore Village: Located across from the entrance to Biltmore Estate, the Village is home to more than 40 unique shops. Visit the first weekend of December for Dickens in the Village.

5. Art: Asheville is a mecca for artists, so this is the place to find one-of-a-kind gifts. In addition to the galleries downtown and Biltmore Village, head to the Folk Art Center and the River Arts District.

6. Antiques: The best area in Asheville to find antiques is the Biltmore Antiques District with 13 stores within a mile and a half of the Biltmore Estate.

7. Winter Hiking: For the best views of the year, take a winter hike. With leafless trees, cool temperatures, less crowds and frequent bright blue skies, it may become your favorite time of the year to hit the trail.

8. Holiday Saving Packages: Stay in a home away from home, complete with the sights, sounds and smells of the holidays, at elegant bed and breakfast inns, many with special deals and packages.

9. Cabin Fever: For a quiet retreat from the holiday madness, escape to a romantic cabin or cottage.

10. Holiday Events: Catch one of the many holiday events in Asheville, from the Nutcracker to the Holiday Pops.

For more details on these, visit the 350-page free online travel guide at www.romanticasheville.com.

— WebWireID106925 —

'We want people to realize the advantages of getting vacation rentals in Puerto Vallarta from established rental agents. Although the Puerto Vallarta rentals are available at low prices if you don't get them through rental agents, yet the unlucky visitor may have to bear many unpleasant surprises such as dirty condos on arrival, incomplete kitchen supplies, AC in bad condition or no one on site to hand in the keys of the properties, etc. On the contrary, we are always available at the site to take care of your problems and to make your stay a rewarding experience in Vallarta,' quoted Roger Dubois, the Partner and Director of Neptune Realtors.

The rental agencies are very particular about their clients' comfort and safe stay in the PV. They always send a representative to provide travelers with keys, a tour of the property, explanation on how to use the equipment and even recommendations about tours and excursions. When tourists rent directly from the owners, they may not have all those services when they arrive.

Rental agencies are always present and accessible to look after all the needs of the tourist during their vacation rentals in Puerto Vallarta and handle any problems that may potentially ruin visitor's vacation.

About Neptune Realtors:

Neptune Realtors SE de CV, popularly known as Neptunemx, is a professional and dedicated Realty Agency in the Marina, Mexico, offering quality real estate solutions to numerous vacationers in Puerto Vallarta and other locations in Mexico. Boasting a multi-lingual (English, French, German and Spanish) team of real estate professionals having over 15 years of experience in Puerto Vallarta real estate industry, Neptune Realtors provides personal and friendly real estate and vacation rental services in Puerto Vallarta and Manzanillo.

— WebWireID106825 —

'We are delighted to feature Mandarin Oriental hotels on the Luxury Link site which is synonymous with quality,' said Cordula Laemmermann, Vice President – Global Revenue Management at Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group. 'We look forward to welcoming their customers to our award-winning properties around the world'.

Luxury Link customers will have full access to a rotating roster of Mandarin Oriental packages, bookable directly on the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group web site to ensure up-to-the minute, best pricing. In addition, Luxury Link travelers have the opportunity to bid on charity auctions sponsored by Mandarin Oriental as well as gain access to Private Auction Events featuring select properties. Luxury Link will also feature an exclusive section highlighting the latest news, photos and promotions from Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group (http://www.luxurylink.com/mini/mandarin.php).

'Mandarin Oriental properties have a distinct style, combining the highest standards of luxury with award-winning service,' said Diane McDavitt, President and Co-Founder of Luxury Link. 'Their focus on customer service and creating unforgettable experiences for their guests makes them an ideal partner for Luxury Link. We are pleased to be making this acclaimed luxury collection available to our consumers.'

About Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group
Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group is the award-winning owner and operator of some of the world's most prestigious hotels, resorts and residences. Mandarin Oriental now operates, or has under development, 41 hotels representing over 10,000 rooms in 25 countries, with 17 hotels in Asia, 14 in The Americas and 10 in Europe and North Africa. In addition, the Group operates, or has under development, 13 Residences at Mandarin Oriental, connected to the Group's properties.

About Luxury Link
Founded in 1997, Luxury Link is where sophisticated travelers go for inspiration, to indulge their passion for discovering the world's best places to stay and exceptional values. Showcasing hundreds of extraordinary hotels and resorts, cruises, tours and villas in more than 60 countries, LuxuryLink.com provides unparalleled access to exclusive offers and insider tips for the sophisticated traveler. For more information, please visit www.luxurylink.com or call 1-888-297-3299.

— WebWireID106905 —

While a child today will have visited an average of six different countries by the age of 16, their parents had visited an average of three countries by the same age - a 100% increase in travel in just one generation.

While the rise in popularity of European city and beach breaks has contributed to children from Ireland venturing overseas, today's under-16s are also heading further afield. The Hotels.com research showed that 24% of children have been to America by their sixteenth birthday, whilst 5% have been to destinations in Asia and Australia. According to the research, almost every child in Ireland (98%) has made a trip to a European destination by the time they reach 16.

Alison Couper, Director of Communications at Hotels.com, said: "Irish children today are better travelled than ever with almost every under-16 year old experiencing countries abroad according to our research.

"While a generation ago, one-in-four Irish people hadn't ventured overseas by 16, now the same percentage of today's youngsters have been to an average of eight countries by the time they reach their sixteenth birthday, which is a huge turnaround between parents and their own children."

Parents' desire for their children to experience a range of countries and cultures early is the driver behind their offspring's travels. 86% of parents who responded to the Hotels.com survey said that experiencing different countries and cultures is important for their child's education. Learning another language was cited as a key reason for taking children overseas by over half of the parents surveyed (51%).

Carol Buckley, Editor of Rollercoaster.ie commented: "It comes as no surprise to me that children of this generation are experiencing the world at a much faster pace than their parents ever could by the same age. Access to affordable travel over the last decade in particular has enabled families to reach destinations which would have been a rarity in their parents' time. It's also encouraging to see that parents appreciate the cultural benefits to their children of visiting foreign countries."

The research found that parents consider their children seeing the world as so important that 79% of those surveyed let the decision on where to holiday be influenced by where the youngsters in the family would like to go.

Alison Couper concluded: "This survey shows that Irish parents are very keen for their child to experience travel and open their minds to new cultures and destinations. Our research suggests that despite cut backs in other areas, people see their family holiday as an important way of spending time together."

Notes to editor:
The survey of 361 people was conducted by Hotels.com through the rollercoaster.ie website between July and September 2009.

About Hotels.com
As part of the Expedia group which operates in all major markets, Hotels.com offers more than 100,000 quality hotels, B&Bs and serviced apartments worldwide including New York hotels, hotels in London, Rome hotels and hotels in Dublin. If a customer can find the same deal for less on a prepaid hotel, Hotels.com will match it. Hotels.com benefits from one of the largest hotel contracting teams in the industry negotiating the best rates for its customers, plus there are 1.3m reviews from users who have actually stayed in the hotels to ensure customers make an informed choice when booking. Hotels.com won the Gold Award for best hotel booking site in Webuser magazine in February 2009.

PR Contact:
Cordy Griffiths
Hotels.com
42 Earlham St
Covent Garden
London
WC2H 9LA
020 7019 2268
www.hotels.co.uk

— WebWireID106771 —

With some hotels slashing their prices by up to 70% for out-of-season stays, holiday-makers are taking advantage of off-peak prices to get more for their money, according to leading accommodation site, Hotels.com.

The research has shown that searches for low season stays in long-haul destinations such as South Asia, South America and the South Pacific have dramatically increased year-on-year, in some cases by as much as 200%.

Travellers to Queensland during the Antipodean winter month of June could save over two thirds (68%) on hotel accommodation while visitors to 'God's own country', Kerala, can enjoy heavenly savings of nearly a third (31%) if they choose to travel during the rainy season. Similarly, visitors to Mexico are not letting a little rain put them off with searches for Cancun in July up by almost a half (45%).

Alison Couper, Director of Communications at Hotels.com, said "It is great to see that, rather than forego their holidays, people are looking for ways to make their money go further in the current economic climate. Far from being fair-weather travellers, our findings show that if Brits are prepared to put up with a little uncertain weather, they can avoid peak prices and make significant savings.

"According to our Hotel Price Index, average hotel prices worldwide were down by 17% in the first half of 2009. Add out-of-season discounts into the mix, and travellers can enjoy some incredible savings."

- Ends -

* Hotels.com search data (2008 to 2009) for selected destinations

Notes to editors

About Hotels.com
As part of the Expedia group which operates in all major markets, Hotels.com offers more than 100,000 quality hotels, B&Bs and serviced apartments worldwide including Hotels in New York, hotels in London, hotels in Dublin and Edinburgh hotels. If a customer can find the same deal for less on a prepaid hotel, Hotels.com will match it. Hotels.com benefits from one of the largest hotel contracting teams in the industry negotiating the best rates for its customers, plus there are 1.3m reviews from users who have actually stayed in the hotels to ensure customers make an informed choice when booking. Hotels.com won the Gold Award for best hotel booking site in Webuser magazine in February 2009.

PR Contact:
Cordy Griffiths
Hotels.com
42 Earlham St
Covent Garden
London
WC2H 9LA
020 7019 2268
www.hotels.co.uk

— WebWireID106770 —

'Every 3 minutes a woman in the US is diagnosed with breast cancer and every 13 minutes a woman in the US dies from the disease.* The Marriott hotels in California and Texas are committed to supporting this worthwhile cause and helping to find a cure for breast cancer. Every stay matters in this fight,' said Jim Kaufman, Marriott's regional vice president for the Western region.

Starting at $129 a night, the Dream for the Cure® at Marriott package at participating Marriott, JW Marriott and Renaissance hotels includes guest room accommodations, $30 hotel food and beverage credit, complimentary self-parking and a $5 donation to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure®. Starting at $69 a night, the Dream for the Cure® at Marriott package at Courtyard by Marriott, Residence Inn, SpringHill Suites, Fairfield Inn, TownePlace Suites hotels includes room rate and a $5 donation to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure®. The offers are available now through May 1, 2010.

For more information and terms and conditions on the Dream for the Cure® at Marriott packages and a list of participating hotels, visit www.dreamatmarriott.com or call 1-800-228-9290.

About Susan G. Komen for the Cure®

Nancy G. Brinker promised her dying sister, Susan G. Komen, she would do everything in her power to end breast cancer forever. In 1982, that promise became Susan G. Komen for the Cure and launched the global breast cancer movement. Today, Komen for the Cure is the world's largest grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists fighting to save lives, empower people, ensure quality care for all and energize science to find the cures. Thanks to events like the Komen Race for the Cure, we have invested more than $1.3 billion to fulfill our promise, becoming the largest source of nonprofit funds dedicated to the fight against breast cancer in the world. For more information about Susan G. Komen for the Cure, breast health or breast cancer, visit www.komen.org or call 1-877 GO KOMEN.

In addition numerous hotels have donated a 'Survivor Getaway' stay to a breast cancer patient, survivor or caregiver, including: Residence Inn John Wayne Airport in Irvine, CA; Desert Springs – a JW Marriott Resort & Spa in Palm Desert, CA; Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa in Indian Wells, CA; San Diego Marriott Hotel & Marina; Anaheim Marriott in Anaheim, CA; Renaissance Hollywood Hotel & Spa in Hollywood, CA; Courtyard Irvine in Irvine, CA; The Stanford Court, A Renaissance Hotel; San Francisco Marriott Marquis in San Francisco, CA; Manhattan Beach Marriott, Manhattan Beach, CA; Renaissance ClubSport Aliso Viejo, Aliso Viejo, CA; Coronado Island Marriott Resort & Spa, San Diego, CA; the San Antonio Marriott Riverwalk; Residence Inn Alamo Plaza in San Antonio, TX; the Dallas/Addison Marriott Quorum by Galleria; Renaissance Dallas, Dallas Marriott Suites Market Center; Dallas/Plano Marriott at Legacy Town Center; in Dallas, TX; Courtyard Fort Worth University Drive the Courtyard Fort Worth Downtown, in Fort Worth, TX; Houston Marriott at Texas Medical Center; TownePlace Suites Houston Northwest the JW Marriott Houston in Houston, TX; the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa, which opens in early 2010.

— WebWireID106736 —

Today InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) opened two new hotels in Yas Island, Abu Dhabi - a Crowne Plaza hotel and Staybridge Suites, its first extended stay property in the Gulf.

Staybridge Suites

Staybridge Suites Abu Dhabi is located in the centre of Yas Island, close to Abu Dhabi International Airport and within walking distance of the new F1 Yas Marina Circuit.

The property offers guests the choice of 164 suites, ranging from studios to two bedroom suites, all with fully equipped kitchens and access to a 24 hour convenience store.

Bridging a gap between conventional hotels and serviced apartments, Staybridge Suites offers a home-from-home for people spending long periods travelling on business. Introduced in 1998, Staybridge Suites is one of IHG's newest brands with 167 properties worldwide and 147 more in the pipeline.

The tiered rate structure ensures prices are discounted the longer a guest stays, making it a more economical and comfortable option for business travellers staying for more than a few nights.

John Bamsey, chief operating officer, IHG Middle East and Africa said: "The success and popularity of Staybridge Suites among guests seeking a home-from-home experience in the US and the UK, has led us to introduce this concept in the Gulf. For business travellers looking for an alternative to the traditional hotel environment, Staybridge Suites is the ideal solution."

Crowne Plaza

The 428-room Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi is the second Crowne Plaza hotel in the capital. Located on the banks of the Yas Creek, the hotel is near to both the city centre and Abu Dhabi International Airport, providing a great location for business and leisure travellers alike. Guests can also take advantage of the new F1 Yas Marina Circuit and the Championship Links Golf Course, both of which are located within walking distance of the hotel.

The Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi has six restaurants, including the Sundowner Pool Bar with outdoor dining, as well as full business facilities, a 25 metre part shaded pool, steam rooms, sauna and a squash court.

Commenting on the growth of the Crowne Plaza brand in Abu Dhabi, John Bamsey, chief operating officer, IHG Middle East and Africa said: "With an expected 2.3 million visitors to Abu Dhabi each year by 2013, it's important that we continue to invest and grow our presence in this region to maintain our position as the leading hotel provider. The Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi will strengthen our offering in the region and provide a high-quality base for business travellers, helping them to make the most of their business trips."

Paul Bell, managing director, Aldar Hotels & Hospitality added: "Yas Island is located between the coast and city of Abu Dhabi and Dubai and has grown rapidly to accommodate the influx of visitors. Its attractions, unmatched anywhere in the world, make it a unique destination for both business and leisure travellers. The openings of the Crowne Plaza and Staybridge Suites hotels are great additions for Yas Island because they are international brands known to business travellers worldwide."

The site of a $40 billion development project, Yas Island will also feature a host of attractions, including a brand new Formula One Championship Circuit, a movie theme park in association with Warner Bros, a motor sports theme park inspired by Ferrari and extensive retail, entertainment and hospitality projects. More than 100,000 people are expected to live and work on the island.

Featuring 32 kilometres of coastline, Yas Island will stake its claim as a super-yacht destination to rival those in the Mediterranean and the Caribbean, with three exclusive marinas accommodating 1,400 luxury berths.

— WebWireID106730 —

Demand for long-term stay apartments for business travelers has grown tremendously within the past few years in Asia and the weakened global economy has increased its popularity among families and leisure guests. Sukhumvit Park, Bangkok - Marriott Executive Apartments that opened this week is an example of how the long-term stay category has evolved and developed to accommodate the needs of this market segment by expanding food and beverage services, increasing recreational facilities and improving design and amenities within the units.

'Our units offer more space than deluxe rooms at five star hotels, while providing the same convenience and services,' said Richard Wallace, general manager of the property. 'Our pre-arrival consultation assists guests with temporary relocation logistics such as transportation and private phone numbers, while our restaurants and other facilities keep everyone happy and entertained throughout their stay, both short-term and long-term.'

The property is under a long-term management agreement between Marriott International (NYSE:MAR) and KS & Sons Company Limited. The director of sales is Chompoonut Suntornpong. A special introductory rate per night for longer term stays for a studio room starts at 2,100 THB++, a one bedroom suite at 2,400 THB ++, a one bedroom apartment at 2,600 THB ++ and a two bedroom apartment at 3,400 THB ++. The rates are valid until March 31, 2010.

In the vicinity of major Bangkok landmarks such as Queen Sirikit Convention Center, Grand Palace, Chatuchak weekend market, Jim Thomson House and the Erawan shrine, Sukhumvit Park, Bangkok – Marriott Executive Apartment is located in the prime hotspot of town that allows for convenience in work commute and sightseeing.

The 300-unit property consists of studio rooms, one-bedroom suites and one, two, three bedroom apartments. High speed internet service along with spacious work areas and a fully equipped business center support enhanced efficiency and productivity. In addition to a gourmet kitchen, upgraded bathroom and luxurious bedding, the units are laid out to accommodate all types of guests.

Sukhumvit Park offers plenty of public areas for social interaction on property including a 200 square meter pool, a fitness center, an indoor/outdoor resident lounge, entertainment corners, a golf practice range and tennis, squash and badminton courts.

Bistro M is the property's international three-meal restaurant that serves both Thai and local favorites ranging from tandoori chicken to delicious wood-fire oven pizza. The red mosaic backdrop and trendy contemporary design is certain to attract both locals and residents. M 2 Go is the on-site deli that serves the perfect cup of Illy coffee throughout the day along with fresh sandwiches, deserts and other refreshments. While enjoying the city view on the third floor poolside, guests don't need to go far to order lunch and dinner with Bar on 3 offering a mouth watering menu right on site.

Social events and meetings can benefit from the property's prime location and service expertise. Five function rooms with a total of 2,174 square feet feature private lounge areas with an outdoor deck, flexible and creative set up options and high technology equipment. All meeting rooms are filled with bright natural light from large windows, providing a spectacular view of the city. Seating capacity ranges from 35 to 140 people.

Sukhumvit Park along with over 3,100 Marriott-affiliated hotels worldwide, participate in Marriott Rewards, the guest reward program that allows its over 30 million members to earn points or airline miles for each dollar spent during each stay.

Sukhumvit Park, Bangkok – Marriott Executive Apartments marks the brand's third property in Thailand alongside recently opened Sathorn Vista, Bangkok – Marriott Executive Apartments and Mayfair, Bangkok – Marriott Executive Apartments.

— WebWireID106725 —

ATLANTA - IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) [LON: IHG, NYSE: IHG (ADRs)], the world's largest hotel group by number of rooms, announced today that the Holiday Inn Express and Suites Mount Pleasant-Charleston is expected to open next month. This newly constructed hotel is applying for LEED certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) later this year, which will make it the first hotel in South Carolina to receive this certification.

"Holiday Inn Express hotels are designed to be the smart choice for value-conscious business and leisure travelers," said Gina LaBarre, vice president, Brand Delivery, The Americas, IHG. "With more than 2,000 properties worldwide and more than 600 properties in the pipeline, the Holiday Inn Express portfolio continues to expand in markets like Mount Pleasant, providing our guests with an enhanced stay experience at a great value. We welcome this hotel into the Holiday Inn family with the brand new sign and everything it represents."

The Holiday Inn Express Mount Pleasant-Charleston will be one of four Holiday Inn Express hotels open in the Charleston area with the brand's new sign, which is the seal of approval that they exemplify the standards of the $1 billion Holiday Inn brand relaunch program. First announced in 2007, the Holiday Inn global brand relaunch was established to create a more contemporary brand image as part of the drive to increase quality and consistency across the global portfolio. The program focuses on arrival and welcome services, guestroom and guest bath comfort. The global estate of more than 3,300 Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express properties is expected to be relaunched by the end of 2010, and more than 1,200 hotels have been relaunched to date.

Elements of the relaunch for Holiday Inn Express include:

Redesigned Brand Signage
An evolution of the iconic script logo, energizing the signature color green and eliminating the current shield shape for a more refreshed and contemporary look.

Warm Welcome
A new signature arrival - including new lighting, landscaping and design features - that creates an energized and branded sense of welcome that is universally recognizable. Customized music and scent selections also engage guests in a complete sensory experience, and a decluttered front desk to promote a more efficient and interactive check-in process.

New Service Promise
A best-in-class service culture - "Stay Real" - to further ensure the team develops the behaviors and skills to best serve guests so they feel like individuals and not numbers. Genuine people delivering real service. Leading the charge will be a newly created position at each hotel - the Guest Experience Champion.

The 116-room hotel at 350 Johnnie Dodds Boulevard is centrally located at the foot of the Cooper River Bridge providing easy access to Charleston's top tourist attractions. The hotel is nearby historic downtown Charleston and just a short drive from a number of key attractions and businesses including Blackbaud, East Cooper Regional Medical Center, Roper St. Francis Hospital, Patriots Point, Boone Hall Plantation, and the South Carolina Aquarium.

"We are excited to announce that the Holiday Inn Express is applying to be the first LEED certified hotel in South Carolina," said Michael Tall, senior vice president, Charlestowne Hotels, Inc. "This makes us extremely proud that we will hopefully be able to give Charleston visitors a 'green' option in addition to providing our guests with an enhanced stay at a great value."

Guests at the Holiday Inn Express will experience a comfortable and smart environment with innovative preferred guest upgrades to ensure a productive stay while traveling for business or leisure. The hotel's newly enhanced complimentary Express Start® breakfast bar will feature a rotation of various breakfast items including eggs, breakfast sausage and bacon, biscuits, yogurts, fruit and the brand's proprietary cinnamon roll and Smart Roast® coffee. The hotel features special in-room amenities such as free high-speed Internet access, microwave, Jacuzzi tubs and 32" flat panel HDTV's, business center, wireless Internet access throughout the hotel, outdoor pool and a fitness center. The SimplySmartTM shower incorporates a proprietary Stay SmartTM Kohler showerhead, signature shower curtain with curved rod, upgraded 100 percent cotton terry towels and a custom line of cinnamon-scented bath products. Guests will also enjoy the SimplySmartTM bedding collection where they will find new crisp fresh bedding which features an attractive decorative throw, a medium-weight duvet blanket and soft 200 thread-count sheets.

The LEED green building certification system is the nationally recognized standard for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings. By using less energy, LEED-certified buildings save money for families, businesses and taxpayers; reduce greenhouse gas emissions; and contribute to a healthier environment for residents, workers and the larger community. The Holiday Inn Express and Suites Mount Pleasant-Charleston will have water saving faucets, automatic a/c control and use local supplies and materials for the building of the hotel and the landscaping. Additional green elements include arrogation practices and an active recycling program.

Holiday Inn Express hotels participate in IHG's guest loyalty program, Priority Club® Rewards. The industry's first and largest guest loyalty program has 44 million members. Priority Club Rewards membership is free and guests can enroll by logging on www.priorityclub.com, calling 1-888-211-9874 or by inquiring at the front desk of this hotel or any of IHG's more than 4,300 hotels worldwide.

The Holiday Inn Express and Suites Mount Pleasant-Charleston is owned by KVH Hospitality, LLC and managed by Charlestowne Hotels Inc. under a license agreement with a company in the InterContinental Hotels Group.

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InterContinental London Westminster will occupy the former Queen Anne's Chambers, originally built in the nineteenth century.

The 120,000 square foot freehold site close to New Scotland Yard is currently office and retail space.

The hotel will be the second InterContinental hotel in the capital. InterContinental London Park Lane was first opened in 1975, and reopened following extensive renovations in 2006 in celebration of the brand's sixtieth anniversary.

Kirk Kinsell, IHG's president for Europe, Middle East and Africa, said: "Despite the tough economic times the fact that we continue to sign major deals is testament to the strength of our brands. We're adding 5,000 rooms in the UK in the next two to three years. The InterContinental London Westminster will open in time for the Olympic Games in London in 2012."

Splendid Hotel Group is an existing IHG franchisee with Holiday Inn hotels in Manchester and London. The new signing is its biggest acquisition to date.
The hotel will occupy the former Queen Anne's Chambers, originally built in the 19th century

Shiraz Boghani, managing partner of Splendid Hotel Group, said: "This is by far the largest project we've taken on. We specialise in providing the best hotel accommodation in major cities in the UK and the new InterContinental London Westminster will be a great addition to our portfolio. The strength of the InterContinental brand and the site's location, close to some of the city's most famous attractions, makes it the perfect deal for us."

IHG has 158 InterContinental Hotels & Resorts in 60 countries across the world and 67 hotels in the pipeline.

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Bretton Woods ski area has consistently received high marks in SKI Magazine's Readers' Poll for the past several years. This year was no exception with the resort taking No. 1 in New Hampshire across seven categories -- Dining, Family Programs, Lifts, Lodging, On-Mountain Food, Service and Weather -- and ranking in the Top 5 in the East across five of these categories, a consistent achievement since 2006. SKI Magazine readers also put Bretton Woods in the Top Ten Overall for the East Coast category.

'We are extremely proud of our rankings and feel it truly represents how our guests experience the mountain,' said Craig Ellms, director of ski operations for the Omni Mount Washington Resort. 'Guest satisfaction is what drives visitors to return to the resort, and this year's rankings show, once again, that our team is doing a fantastic job, both on the hill and in the lodge.'

The Omni Mount Washington Resort has also received several recent awards for dining, including the prestigious AAA Four Diamond Award for the Dining Room at the Omni Mount Washington Hotel. According to AAA, restaurants that receive the Four Diamond award are 'geared to individuals in search of a distinctive fine-dining experience. (The) menus reflect a high degree of creativity and complexity using imaginative presentations to enhance high-quality, market-fresh ingredients. The proficient service staff demonstrates a strong desire to meet or exceed guest expectations. The ambiance is highly refined, comfortable and well-coordinated, incorporating quality materials and a variety of upscale design enhancements to give a first-class impression.'

The Dining Room at the Omni Mount Washington Hotel and the Bretton Arms Inn Dining Room also received the Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator. The magazine's Award of Excellence is given to dining establishments with a selection of quality wines that complement the menu in both pricing and style. While the Dining Room at the Omni Mount Washington Hotel has achieved this honor in the past, this is the first Award of Excellence for the Bretton Arms Inn Dining Room.

'We could not be more thrilled with these awards as they reflect our attention to the total dining experience at the Omni Mount Washington Resort,' said Calvin Belknap, executive director of food and beverage. 'The entire team has worked very hard to garner these accolades by relentlessly focusing on the quality of food, beverage and service.'

In April 2009, the Dining Room at the Omni Mount Washington Resort received an overall score of 102 percent during an inspection by Distinguished Restaurants of North America (DiRoNA), an acclaimed non-profit organization which recognizes excellence in the food and beverage industry. The DiRoNA Quality Assurance Program is the only independent and anonymous restaurant inspection program in North America and conducts impartial evaluations based on an extensive list of criteria.

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'We could not be more proud of this accomplishment,' said Scott Stuckey, general manager of the Omni Bedford Springs Resort. 'The Preservation Honor Award is a testament to the resort's absolute commitment to revitalize of one of the country's most historic destinations.'

Richard Moe, president of the National Trust for Historic Preservation said, 'After two decades of tireless, monumental efforts to save it, the Omni Bedford Springs Resort is once again one of America's finest historic destinations, a perfect blend of past and present. In addition to the obvious benefits to travelers, the rehabilitation of Bedford Springs has spurred job creation, additional tax revenues and public works projects. The project is a 'win-win' for the community and for discerning travelers.'

Located in the Allegheny Mountains of south central Pennsylvania, the Omni Bedford Springs, a member of Historic Hotels of America®, has beckoned visitors for more than two centuries. Established circa 1796, the resort grew from a collection of simple bathhouses positioned to take advantage of seven natural springs to one of the nation's premier mid-19th century resort spas. The main building developed from a collection of 11 stone and frame buildings that date from 1826. The original buildings included the Classical Revival-style Pool Building, constructed to house spa treatment rooms and one of America's first indoor, spring-fed swimming pools. By the end of the 19th century, the grounds featured springhouses, pavilions and footbridges along the 'Serpentine Trail' which linked the springs and a golf course added in 1895. Civil War generals, captains of industry and 11 U.S. presidents were all frequent visitors, and President James Buchanan claimed the resort as his summer White House.

Hard hit by the Depression, Bedford Springs returned to national prominence during WWII as a Naval radio training facility. The resort then resumed guest operations, but years of deferred maintenance and poor management helped secure the hotel's fate, and it closed in 1986 after a flood further devastated the property. After developer Bedford Resort Partners, Ltd. embarked on an ambitious and meticulous three-year, $120 million renovation project, which included the rehabilitation of the historic hotel buildings, golf course, footbridge and pavilion and the addition of a new hotel and spa wing, the resort re-opened in 2007. Today, stacked porches, the hotel's signature architectural feature, overlook expansive grounds that have regained their original lushness, while expertly recreated historic interiors welcome visitors, and the indoor swimming pool sparkles again.

Along with Bedford Resort Partners, Ltd., co-recipients honored for restoration of the Omni Bedford Springs Resort are: The Ferchill Group; Corgan Associates; Sandvick Architects, Inc.; 3North; Reynolds Construction Management, Inc.; Forse Design; and Frontier Construction Company.

The National Preservation Awards are bestowed on distinguished individuals, nonprofit organizations, public agencies and corporations whose skill and determination have given new meaning to their communities through preservation of our architectural and cultural heritage. These efforts include citizen attempts to save and maintain important landmarks; companies and craftsmen whose work restores the richness of the past; the vision of public officials who support preservation projects and legislation in their communities; and educators and journalists who help Americans understand the value of preservation. The winners of the National Preservation Awards will appear in the November/December issue of Preservation Magazine and online at PreservationNation.org/awards.

To download high resolution images of this year's National Preservation Award winners, visit PreservationNation.org/press. For more information or to make reservations at the Omni Bedford Springs Resort & Spa, contact 1-800-The-Omni or visit omnibedfordsprings.com.

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'At Luxury Link we believe in socially responsible practices. We want to preserve the world's beauty so people can enjoy it for years to come,' said Diane McDavitt, president of Luxury Link. 'We are pleased to be partnering with Lexus and share their commitment to excellence and passion for creating luxury experiences for our consumers.'

Beginning October 26th, LuxuryLink.com will feature packages for Fairmont San Francisco and Fairmont Washington DC that focus on the environment and sustainability. Guests who purchase these packages will stay in the Lexus Hybrid Living Suite composed of organic, recycled or sustainable materials and furnishings. The eco-friendly packages also include personal use of the Lexus LS Hybrid. This low-emission hybrid vehicle is designed to minimize environmental impact without sacrificing luxury and style.

'We're excited to be getting people behind the wheel of the Lexus LS Hybrid,' says Dave Nordstrom, vice president of marketing for Lexus. 'This car is an elegant solution in the marriage of luxury and sustainability. By partnering with Luxury Link, more people will be able to experience the amazing power, comfort and style of the LS Hybrid while making less impact on the earth. We think they'll be very impressed."

About Lexus
Lexus is celebrating its 20th Anniversary in the United States. Since its debut in 1989, Lexus has earned a reputation for offering high-quality luxury vehicles and providing benchmark customer service through its 227 dealers. This has led to Lexus being the top-selling luxury automaker for nine years in a row. Lexus is also committed to the environment and, with four hybrid vehicles in its line-up, is the luxury hybrid leader. Through its innovative technology and outstanding customer service, Lexus is dedicated to exceeding its customers' expectations.

About Luxury Link
Founded in 1997, Luxury Link is where sophisticated travelers go for inspiration, to indulge their passion for discovering the world's best places to stay and exceptional values. Showcasing hundreds of extraordinary hotels and resorts, cruises, tours and villas in more than 60 countries, LuxuryLink.com provides unparalleled access to exclusive offers and insider tips for the sophisticated traveler. For more information, please visit www.luxurylink.com or call 1-888-297-3299.

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'We are thrilled to have three properties named to the Condé Nast Traveler's 2009 Readers' Choice list,' said Mike Deitemeyer, president of Omni Hotels. 'We are committed to providing guests with memorable and authentic experiences with our renowned personalized service, and the readers are clearly indicating that they appreciate our efforts.'

The Watermark Hotel & Spa in San Antonio (ranked number 14) was highlighted for its rooms decorated in "warm creams and soft auburns" and location on the city's historic River Walk. Hand-forged iron beds, historic photographs, metal artifacts and dark furniture create "a cozy atmosphere." Fresh seafood is flown in daily for Pesca on the River, and guests can order one of 100 different tequilas.

Located in the heart of the city's Magnificent Mile, the Omni Chicago Hotel (ranked number 50) is one of the area's best-loved hotels and home to Michigan Avenue's only all-suite luxury accommodations. In January, the hotel was also included in Condé Nast Traveler's Gold List of World's Best Places to Stay.

The enchanting Omni La Mansión del Rio in San Antonio (ranked number 51) blends Spanish colonial architecture and European style and surrounds guests with the romance, grace and charm of a grand hacienda. The property's 'storybook setting and celebrated Las Canarias restaurant' are just a few of the reasons it's recommended by the most discriminating travelers.

Every year since 1988, a select sample of Condé Nast Traveler readers have taken the Readers' Choice Survey. In 2009, the questionnaire was available to all readers through a secure Web site. The final tabulations of 25,008 responses were done by Mediamark Research, Inc. of New York City.

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