Visit London Appoints Travelodge CEO to Its Board
Visit London has appointed Travelodge CEO, Grant Hearn, to its Board.
LONDON, UK, January 18, 2008. Travelodge is the UK's fastest growing hotel company and the appointment of Mr Hearn strengthens the sector representation found on the Visit London Board.
Visit London Chief Executive James Bidwell said: "London is the number one city destination for international travel with 2007 and 2008 on track to be record years for overseas visitors to the capital. This is driving the London hotels sector which is now experiencing its strongest performance levels since the late 1990s. I am delighted with Grant's appointment - he brings a wealth of experience from the UK hotels sector to the Visit London Board. Grant's entrepreneurial flair, business acumen and deep industry knowledge will further strengthen our Board as we make a further step change in the build up to London 2012."
Travelodge CEO Grant Hearn said: "I am very excited about joining what is by far and away the most effective tourism body in the UK. How we position and drive the London offer now and beyond the 2012 Olympics is key to the long term success of this country's tourism offer. Visit London has injected innovation, pace and a commercial focus that is transforming London's reputation. I hope that I can add to the Board's strong complement of skills to extend its influence even further."
The lead up to the Beijing 2008 Olympic and Paralympic Games and handover to London will be a major focus for Visit London this year. The China in London festival commences next month and will culminate with Beijing Olympic Torch Relay across London on 6 April.
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is a global leading lodging company based in Bethesda,Maryland, USA, with more than 4,200 properties in 80 countries and territories. Marriott International reported revenues of nearly $14 billion in fiscal year 2014. The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 19 brands, including: The Ritz-Carlton®, BVlgari®, EDITION®, JW Marriott®, Autograph Collection® Hotels, Renaissance® Hotels, Marriott Hotels®, Delta Hotels and Resorts®, Marriott Executive Apartments®, Marriott Vacation Club®, Gaylord Hotels®, AC Hotels by Marriott®, Courtyard®, Residence Inn®, SpringHill Suites®, Fairfield Inn & Suites®, TownePlace Suites®, Protea Hotels® and MoxyHotels®. Marriott has been consistently recognized as a top employer and for its superior business ethics. The company also manages the award-winning guest loyalty program, Marriott Rewards® and The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® program, which together surpass 50 million members. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at 
