2007 Annual Convention of The Leading Hotels of the World Acclaimed a Success

Hoteliers from around the world celebrate an 80-year tradition of excellence

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. October 14, 2008

NEW YORK, NY, November 27, 2007. The Leading Hotels of the World recently held its 2007 Annual Convention in Monte Carlo, Monaco. Taking place from November 15 to 17, the conference attracted a record number of proprietors and general managers from member hotels from across the globe, for an event that drew universal praise from the attendees.

The Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd., which was founded nearly 80 years ago and today has nearly 450 members in 80 countries around the globe, is the largest and most prestigious brand in the luxury hotel sector. Membership is by application only, and hotels must pass an extremely rigorous anonymous inspection before they can be considered for acceptance.

The theme for this year's event was "What Becomes a Legend Most? Leading's Relevance in Today's Hotel Market," examining the strengths that the eight-decade old company brings to bear on the future of the luxury hospitality industry. The program included a broad spectrum of high-profile speakers, among them Pamela Fiori, editor-in-chief of Town & Country magazine, discussing "Our Love Affair with Legends;" television host and producer Rudy Maxa; Nathalie Vranken of Vranken-Pommery; and luxury trends expert Chris Sanderson of The Future Laboratory. Peter Greenberg, noted author and travel editor at NBC, conducted several interviews for a live radio broadcast on Saturday afternoon from the Hotel Metropole.

A particular highlight of the Convention was the arrival of His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco at the welcome reception in the world-renowned Oceanographic Museum. During the event Jean-Jacques Gauer, chairman of The Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd., presented His Serene Highness with a generous donation to the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, dedicated to environmental protection and sustainable development, on behalf of the organization.

"The Annual Convention of The Leading Hotels of the World is the most important gathering of its kind in the luxury hospitality industry," noted Paul M. McManus, the company's president and chief executive officer. "Over the past 80 years, our organization has painstakingly established a reputation for excellence in service - to our guests and to our hotels - and it is our mission to uphold this legacy going forward.

"The record number of attendees this year is testament to the importance of the support Leading Hotels provides our members, and the experience of luxury they deliver to our guests. We are proud of our heritage and look forward to continuing this legendary tradition."

Interspersed throughout the meetings, top management of The Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd. provided reports on the company's accomplishments for 2007, as well as updates on the outlook for the coming year.

Among the distinguished hoteliers in attendance were Jean-Marc Droulers, President & Chief Executive Officer of Italy's renowned Villa D'Este; Grace Leo, President of GLA Hotels; Stephen Boxall, General Manager of The Ritz London; Gordon Campbell Gray, Chairman of Campbell Gray Hotels; Raymond Bickson, Managing Director, Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces; Antonio Sersale, Managing Director of Le Sirenuse in Positano; and Andrea Kracht, proprietor of the legendary Baur au Lac in Zurich, Switzerland.

The 2007 Convention concluded with a black-tie gala at the Sporting d'Et'e, complete with lavish entertainment and fireworks, where Mr. Gauer declared the year of celebration of the company's 80th anniversary officially underway.

The Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd. is the prestigious luxury hospitality organization representing nearly 450 of the world's finest hotels, resorts and spas, and is the operator of www.lhw.com - the online source for your luxury lifestyle. As the largest international luxury hotel brand, the firm maintains offices in 25 major markets across the globe.

Since 1928, the company's reputation for excellence derives from the exacting levels of quality it demands of its members, each of which must pass a rigorous, anonymous inspection covering 1,500 separate criteria.

High resolution images of member hotels are available for downloading at www.lhw.com/press. For reservations and information, visit www.lhw.com or telephone toll-free from the USA, Canada, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands, (800) 223-6800.

Contact:

Karen Preston, Public Relations Manager

Tel: (212) 515-5631

E-mail: [email protected]