Carino Announces Plans for 2009 at 7th Annual Global Conference

Growth Initiatives at Hotel Group Include Addition of GDS Code for Members, Re-branding, Senior Staf

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. February 03, 2009

NEW YORK, NY, February 2, 2009 - The creation of a GDS code, the re-branding of the organization and the announcement of new senior staff were among the highlights as CARINO Hotels & Resorts Worldwide celebrated its successes and looked ahead to 2009 at its 7th Annual Sales, Marketing & Reservation Conference. The meeting, held January 19-22, 2009 at the Harvard Club of New York City,

CARINO's members attended the meeting to learn more about the organization's plans for the upcoming year, generate ideas for growing their own businesses and learn about industry trends. Highlights of this year's conference included a 7th anniversary client event/tradeshow/reception for CARINO member hotels and top travel professionals; a review of the brand's growth and accomplishments in 2008; and breakout sessions with one-on-one meetings with member hotels to discuss new opportunities for 2009. In addition, panels and guest speakers featured some of the travel industry's foremost experts and corporate decision-makers, including: Donald Schmoll, Vice President of Marketing for Robb Report; Janet Libert, Editor and Chief of Executive Travel; JP Kyrillos, Publisher of Travel & Leisure; Louise Rijk, Vice President of Advanced Media Productions; and Louis Magliaro, Executive Vice President of ProMedia. Sponsors of the event included, Continental Airlines, E-Site Marketing, Robb Report, Executive Travel, Travel & Leisure, BTN, ProMedia Travel, and Dave El Chauffeured Transportation Network.

CARINO Hotels & Resorts Worldwide outlined a number of new initiatives designed to aid the organization's growth, increase visibility and create additional member services, including the following:

• The launch of a new Global Distribution System (GDS) code in the first quarter of 2009. With the addition of the GDS code, CARINO members will now be able to see and track directly the measurable results that the organization delivers. In addition to providing the ability for members to track the source of all reservations, the GDS code also opens up new opportunities for exposure and promotion of the properties.

• The announcement of a new company name, repositioning and a new brand identity and image. Formerly known as CARINO Collection, the organizations new name of CARINO Hotels & Resorts Worldwide more accurately reflects the global nature of the company and its plans to grow and expand its brand internationally. The company will also have a new logo that provides a more accurate visual representation of its image, as well as a new look and feel to all of its marketing and advertising materials, including the website, directory and all collateral materials to be more in line with the upscale portfolio the company currently maintains.

• The announcement of new key senior staff to oversee these initiatives, including the addition of Charlotte A. Mordaunt as Vice President, Revenue Management and Reservations and Edward Socorro as Vice President, Advertising and Marketing; and the promotion of Peter M. Kressaty to Senior Vice President, Colleen McCollum as Vice President, Sales; and Sandy B. Goicoechea as Executive Assistant.

"We were pleased to welcome new members and strengthen our long-term member relationships at our 7th annual global conference," stated Joe Carino, President, CARINO Hotels & Resorts Worldwide. "This year we look forward to bringing even more value and efficiency to our member hotels, as well as expanding our brand into new countries."

CARINO Hotels & Resorts Worldwide experienced a year of strong growth in 2008 and will continue to build on that momentum with these new programs in an effort to focus on the company's core business, continue to provide value and increase revenues to member hotels, and increase the organization's collective presence in the global marketplace.