NEW YORK, NY, June 27, 2006. Vijay Dandapani, chief operating officer of Apple Core Hotels, was recently honored as the recipient of the 2006 Operations Excellence Award by the Big Apple Chapter of the Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI). The award was presented at the 13th annual Frank W. Berman Tourism Achievement Award gala on June 8, 2006.

Since August of 1993, Vijay Dandapani has been instrumental in the growth and development of Apple Core Hotels, a group of five, moderately priced midtown Manhattan properties featured on New York magazine’s “Best Hotels at $150 or Less” list. His work for the hotel group includes acquisitions, six hotel renovations and the implementation of state-of-the-art computer systems. A hospitality industry veteran, Dandapani is also a member of the Board of Directors for the following associations: Hotel Association of New York City, NYC & Company, New York State Hospitality & Tourism Association and the International Hotel Motel & Restaurant Show at Javits. Mr. Dandapani has also held numerous key operational positions in hotels in the United States and abroad.

Mr. Dandapani, who is currently featured in Forbes magazine’s “Indian Hoteliers Make it Big in America” cover story, recently launched a blog for professionals with an interest in the hospitality industry - New York Hospitality by Vijay Dandapani. Just three months after breaking ground in the hotel news blogosphere, the site was featured on Forbes.com’s “Best Travel Sites” list. Written by Mr. Dandapani himself, the blog offers informed and timely opinion on trends and developments in the travel and hospitality industries. The blog can be accessed at www.vijaydandapani.com.