The Hotel Group (THG) Opens Crowne Plaza Anchorage-Midtown

THG, ACVB Hosts Grand Opening Celebration at Crowne Plaza Anchorage-Midtown; Held in conjunction wit

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. September 29, 2009

ANCHORAGE. AK, September 28, 2009 - The Hotel Group (THG), together with the Anchorage Convention & Visitor's Bureau and Anchorage City Manager George Vakalis, gathered last week at 109 W. International Airport Rd. to celebrate the official Grand Opening of Alaska's first Crowne Plaza hotel. Located just two miles from the Ted Stevens International Airport, the new 165-room, six-story full-service hotel is owned by Anchorage Hospitality LLC and managed by THG of Seattle under a license agreement with IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) [LON: IHG, NYSE:IHG (ADRs)].

"On behalf of THG and the valued business partners and city groups that helped make this opening possible, 'Welcome' to the new Crowne Plaza Anchorage-Midtown," said Tammy Griffin, THG Director of Operations and a life long Alaskan to the more than 500 guests attending the Grand Opening celebration. "As you can see, this fun, fresh, contemporary hotel has already become 'The Place To Meet' in Anchorage. Not only is this facility warm and inviting, but its opening has brought more than 70 new jobs to area residents. As tourism begins to rebound, and with the opening of the new Anchorage Dena'ina Civic and Convention Center a year ago almost to the day, we have full confidence that this property will quickly become an in-demand destination in Midtown."

Anchorage City Manager George Vakalis told guests that he is thrilled that the Crowne Plaza brand has finally made its way to Alaska: "Crowne Plaza is an upscale brand in major urban centers, gateway cities and resort destinations around the world, and the opening of the first Crowne Plaza in our state truly puts Anchorage on the map. We know that all visitors staying at this facility will enjoy high levels of comfort, service and amenities. This development also is a welcomed addition to our local hospitality economy; we're glad to see growth in the tourism sector."

Co-host of the celebratory event was Julie Saupe, President and CEO of the Anchorage Convention & Visitor's Bureau. Saupe concurred with the City Manager, saying the new Crowne Plaza Anchorage-Midtown exemplifies the finest in hospitality and accommodations that Anchorage has to offer.

"Travel and tourism is the second largest private sector employer in Alaska," Saupe said. "The travel and tourism industry remains a viable, economic driver of Anchorage's economy, as evidenced by the private sector's continued investment in the area. In addition to the city's new construction, with the completion of the Dena'ina Civic and Convention Center and several new hotels, significant money has been invested in the Anchorage area, and we couldn't be happier. Bringing a globally-recognized brand such as Crowne Plaza to Anchorage, especially during this troubled economy, is an exciting way to celebrate Alaska's 50th anniversary of statehood."

THG Executive Vice President Lara Latture said, "We hope the local business community and everyone visiting Alaska, including those from the lower 48, will be just as delighted that Crowne Plaza is now in Anchorage. It is our goal to make the Crowne Plaza Anchorage-Midtown 'the' premiere full-service hotel in Anchorage, and based on initial feedback, we are well on our way to achieving that goal."