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This week in Opportunities:

Hilton Sets Major Expansion of Conrad Brand
Hilton Taps Huckstein to Lead Conrad Hotels
Theme Parks Boost Industry Bellwether Walt Disney
Hotels & Resorts Report Major Results Gains
Hilton's Bollenbach Sees Long-Term Hotel Strength
Carlson Hotels' Revenues Reach $5.1 Billion
Navigant Agency Reports Strong Earnings
Sabre Records $203 Million Net Profit for 2004
Opportunities Watch!
Opportunities Networking!
Executive Movers! See who's going where?
Travel Executive Employment Report

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OPPORTUNITIES NEWS & TRENDS!

Hilton Sets Major Expansion of Conrad Brand

Hilton Hotels Corporation, Hilton International Co. and Conrad Hotels, in a major initiative to actively develop the luxury Conrad brand on a global basis, announced plans to have up to 50 Conrad Hotels by 2010, making it one of the largest luxury hotel brands in the world. To lead the initiative, the companies appointed 30-year hotel industry veteran Dieter Huckestein as chairman and chief executive officer of Conrad Hotels and president of the Hilton Global Alliance (see below). A joint venture of Hilton Hotels Corporation (HHC) and Hilton International, Conrad currently has 17 world-class luxury hotels and resorts operating in the United States, England, Ireland, Belgium, Egypt, Turkey, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, Australia and Uruguay. The first new-build Conrad in North America opened in Miami in 2004. New Conrad Hotels are scheduled to open in Tokyo and Phuket in 2005, in Las Vegas and Indianapolis in 2006, and in Dubai in 2007. Plans for new Conrad Hotels, both in major U.S. cities and gateway business and resort destinations around the world, are in various stages of discussion.

Hilton Taps Huckstein to Lead Conrad Hotels

Dieter Huckestein, 61, formerly executive vice president and president, owned and managed hotel operations for HHC, has been named as chairman and chief executive officer of Conrad Hotels and president of the Hilton Global Alliance. He will be responsible for all operations, marketing and development of Conrad Hotels on a worldwide basis, reporting to the Conrad board of directors. He also will be responsible for operational aspects of HHC's strategic alliance with Hilton International, reporting in that capacity to Matthew Hart, HHC president and chief operating officer. Operations of HHC's owned and managed hotels will be consolidated under Hart. In his 10 years as president of owned and managed hotel operations for HHC, Huckestein has had oversight responsibility for many of the largest and most well-known hotels in the country, including the Waldorf-Astoria, Hilton New York, Hilton Hawaiian Village and Hilton Chicago. During his tenure with HHC, he has been instrumental in the creation and development of the Hilton Garden Inn brand (currently the industry's fastest-growing hotel brand) and the global implementation of Hilton HHonors, the industry's leading guest loyalty program. He has served on HHC's board of directors for 10 years. Prior to assuming responsibility for owned and managed hotel operations, Huckestein was senior vice president for the Hawaii/California/Arizona region from 1988 to 1994. His career at Hilton International, which spanned the years 1974-1988, included serving as vice president for the Caribbean and Latin America, as well as operating hotels in Israel, Greece and England. Conrad Hotels is the luxury brand of the Hilton Family of Hotels. It is owned equally by Beverly Hills, Calif.-based Hilton Hotels Corporation and U.K.-based Hilton International Co., and is headquartered in Brussels, Belgium.

Theme Parks Boost Industry Bellwether Walt Disney

Results at The Walt Disney Company are often a good indicator of the health of the industry. Last week Disney reported revenues were up 1 percent to $8.666 billion and net income was up 5 percent to $723 million for the quarter ended Dec. 31. And a major contribution helping Disney's good fortunes came from the travel sector. Walt Disney Parks and Resorts revenues for the quarter increased 30 percent to $2.1 billion, and segment operating income increased 11 percent to $258 million. The growth was due to increased theme park attendance and hotel occupancy at the Walt Disney World Resort, as well as higher per capita guest spending at the Disneyland Resort, primarily due to ticket price increases, fewer promotional discounts and the introduction of new ticket media. Higher visitation at Walt Disney World from both international and domestic tourists and local Florida residents reflected a strong holiday period and continued improvements in travel and tourism.

Hotels & Resorts Report Major Results Gains

All's well in the hotel segment, at least according to financial results released over the past week. Hilton Hotels Corporation reported fourth quarter 2004 net income of $65 million, a 3 percent decline from $67 million in the 2003 period. For full-year 2004, however, Hilton reported net income of $238 million, a 45 percent increase from $164 million in 2003. On the gaming resort side, MGM Mirage reported record fourth quarter and full year financial results for 2004. MGM Mirage generated net revenues of $1.06 billion in the fourth quarter, up 11 percent over 2003. Meanwhile, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. reported net income (after discontinued operations) was $100 million in the fourth quarter of 2004 compared to $87 million in the fourth quarter of 2003. Finally, Kerzner International Limited, known largely for its Atlantis-Paradise Island resort, reported net income in the quarter of $8.4 million, compared to net income of $3 million in the same period last year. So profits are surging at most of the hotel companies reporting-all of which means more jobs may be on the way.

Hilton's Bollenbach Sees Long-Term Hotel Strength

Want more evidence of the hotel segment's resurgence-and even better times ahead? Listen to Stephen Bollenbach, co-chairman and chief executive officer of Hilton Hotels Corporation. "The momentum that built in our business starting in late 2003 continued throughout 2004 and culminated in a very strong fourth quarter for our company," Bollenbach said. "We ended a highly successful year by seeing a return to pricing power that enabled us to raise room rates at our big-city hotels and across our system. Even more exciting, though, are the indications that we are still in the early stages of what we believe will be a period of long-term strength in our industry and for our company."

Carlson Hotels' Revenues Reach $5.1 Billion

Here's one major hotel company that's fully on the growth path. Carlson Hotels Worldwide announced that 87 hotels and resorts were added to its global, multi-brand network of locations in 2004, including 45 hotels in the U.S. The company ended the year with 890 hotels operating in 70 countries, with systemwide revenue figures for 2004 exceeding $5.1 billion, an increase of 13.3 percent from 2003. The company's hotel brands include: Regent International Hotels, Radisson Hotels & Resorts, Park Plaza Hotels & Resorts, Country Inns & Suites By Carlson and Park Inn.

Navigant Agency Reports Strong Earnings

Hotels and cruises aren't the only industry segments seeing growth. Navigant International exceeded financial expectations by approximately 25 percent, due primarily to the acquisition of Northwestern Travel in June of 2004 and a strategic global alliance with TQ3 Travel Solutions. In addition, the company achieved internal transaction growth of 8 percent in 2004. Navigant officials expect these trends to continue in 2005, with revenue of approximately $494.5 million and net income of $21.4 million.

Sabre Records $203 Million Net Profit for 2004

On the travel technology front, Sabre Holdings Corporation reported fourth quarter revenue was $496 million, an increase of 6.1 percent from $467 million the same period a year earlier. For the full year, the company reported $2.1 billion in revenue, an increase of 6.5 percent. Operating income was $316 million, compared to $198 million a year ago. Net earnings were $203 million compared to $119 million in 2003. For the fourth quarter, Sabre-owned Travelocity's gross travel bookings were $1.2 billion, an increase of 18 percent year-over-year. Revenue was $126 million, a 29.8 percent increase from the year-ago quarter of $97 million. Transaction revenue for the quarter was $105 million, an increase of 37.8 percent year-over-year. Travelocity revenue was $503 million, a year-over-year increase of 30 percent. Travelocity gross travel bookings in 2004 were $4.9 billion, an increase of 21.4 percent year-over-year.

OPPORTUNITIES WATCH!

Choice Names Sales Team for Cambria Suites

Choice Hotels International's new Cambria Suites upscale all-suites brand is already leading to new posts internally. The company has appointed four seasoned sales professionals to spearhead the development of Cambria. Sales professionals and their territories are as follows. David Aupied, Southern U.S.: Formerly charged with selling Sleep Inn franchises, Aupied came to Choice from U.S. Franchise Systems, Inc. Stephen Dietrich, midwestern U.S.: Dietrich has over 20 years of experience in franchise sales, licensing and operations and assisted in the introduction of new brands for Hilton Hotels Corporation, Hilton Inns, Inc., US Franchise Systems, Inc. and Six Continents Hotels. Michael Goldstein, Western and Northwestern U.S.: Goldstein has over 25 years of experience in the sales, development and management of commercial properties, including hotels. Earlier positions include president and CEO of the Packard Management Group, San Diego; director of franchise development for both Wingate Inns and the Candlewood Hotel Company. Ralph Singer, Southeastern U.S.: Formerly responsible for selling Sleep Inn franchises, Singer also held franchise sales positions with US Franchise Systems. A Cambria Suites sales professional for the Northeastern U.S. will be announced by the end of February.

Conrad Hotels Sets Plans for All-Suite Vegas Property

Plans for a new high-rise luxury all-suite hotel and condominium tower in Las Vegas were announced last week by Conrad Hotels and Las Vegas-based Majestic Resorts. The $350 million project, located in the heart of the Las Vegas Strip (one block north of the Wynn Resorts and half-a-block west of the Convention Center), will encompass a 378 all-suite five-star Conrad Hotel as well as 286 ultra luxury residences. The Conrad Hotel will occupy the lower 30 floors of the 60-story tower while the upper 30 floors will comprise the Majestic Manors and Residences. Completion is expected in December 2006.

Hard Rock to Develop California's Pauma Indian Resort

There's more development happening on the Native American gaming front. Peter Morton's Hard Rock Hotel & Casino has been selected by the Pauma Band of Mission Indians to be the developer and operator of a new $300 million hotel and casino in northern San Diego County. The Hard Rock proposal was chosen for the Pauma gaming venture project from among several competing bidders, including Foxwoods Resort Casino. Construction is expected to begin as soon as the management contract is approved by the National Indian Gaming Commission in Washington D.C., a process which typically takes six to nine months. "We plan to open by the fourth quarter of 2006," said Morton.

Sonesta to Manage New Sonesta Orlando Resort

Sonesta International Hotels Corporation, a Boston-based, international operator of upscale hotels and resorts, has entered into an agreement with American Leisure Holdings, Inc. to manage the new Sonesta Orlando at Tierra Del Sol Resort, located 10 minutes from Walt Disney World. The introduction of Sonesta as the resort operator and the formal groundbreaking for the resort will take place on Feb. 16 at the project site. Sonesta Orlando Resort, when completed, will feature 972 two-, three- and four-bedroom vacation town homes and condominiums; a 100,000 square foot Clubhouse with concierge, world-class spa & fitness center; restaurants, banquet space and lounges; and a large-scale Water Park that will feature a pool/lazy river, water slides, kiddie pool and interactive water play areas. The Clubhouse and amenity complex and Phase I residential units (600 units) will be available for occupancy beginning in the summer of 2006.

Foxwoods Connecticut Sets $700 Million Expansion

Foxwoods, the Connecticut-based casino complex, which draws some 14 million visitors a year, reportedly is planning a $700 million expansion to keep pace and challenge nearby Mohegan Sun. The project, approved by Mashantucket Pequot tribe members, will add two million square feet to the complex. The expansion, expected to be completed by 2008, will include a 825-room hotel, a new casino, a 5,000-seat concert theater, six nightclubs and restaurants and a 21,000-square-foot luxury spa. The expansion is occurring following a $300 million project that included a casino, a Hard Rock Cafe, and a shop this fall, and two lakeside golf courses that are scheduled to open this spring. The move, casino executives and industry analysts said, is aimed at accelerating Foxwoods' transition from a regional gambling mecca to an international convention and destination resort.

OPPORTUNITIES NETWORKING!

Network with Meeting Planners at HSMAI Chicago Event

If you're interested in finding out more about the lucrative meetings side of the travel business, an April Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association (HSMAI) conference could be a great event to attend. Designed for meeting planners looking to enhance their professional career and organize events and exhibitors seeking to target a group of quality planners, the fifth annual HSMAI Affordable Meetings Mid-America will take place April 6-7, 2005 at Chicago's Navy Pier. HSMAI's Affordable Meetings Mid-America offers an exceptional educational component of 25 sessions that presents a broad range of topics such as meeting contracts, on-site management, negotiation skills, budgeting, effective communication, technology, marketing, designing a brochure and more. As an added benefit, attendees receive a complimentary bound book containing handouts from all of the seminars. In addition to the educational program, attendees will have the opportunity to meet and do business with more than 300 exhibiting companies during a unique exposition that will showcase venues, products and services to help produce various types of meetings and events. The exposition encompasses a wide range of activities and opportunities for meeting planners such as meeting one-on-one with industry experts at the speakers' booth and researching a broad selection of destinations and services at all price points. Exhibitors represent hotels and resorts, university conference centers, unique meeting sites, convention and visitor bureaus, transportation companies, trade publications, software and audio/visual businesses, and other meeting and convention suppliers. Over 1,100 attendees, representing meeting and event planners from a variety of organizations, with a majority representing corporate, association and independent sectors and the balance from government, non-profit, education, religious and medical/health care organizations, trade show management and the military, are expected to visit HSMAI's Affordable Meetings Mid-America 2005 show. Attendance at HSMAI's Affordable MeetingsÆ Mid-America is free-of-charge for qualified meeting planners. For more information, call 800-272-SHOW or visit www.affordablemeetings.com.

OPPORTUNITIES EXECUTIVE MOVERS!

AIRLINES: UAL Corporation, parent company of United Airlines, named Dennis Cary as senior vice president of marketing. In his new role, Cary is responsible for the development of marketing strategies and the implementation of marketing programs, including United's Mileage Plus program. In addition, Cary will lead United's product development, customer research and united.com effortsÖSpirit Airlines has appointed Patricia Willis as vice president of labor relations, a newly created position reporting to the president. Willis joined Spirit in January 2001 as associate corporate counsel and was then named vice president of in-flight in July 2002. Prior to joining Spirit, she held various management positions during a 17-year career at Eastern AirlinesÖMegan Lawrence has joined Alaska Airlines as director of government affairs with responsibility for federal affairs activity. Lawrence comes to Alaska Airlines from the congressional staff of former U.S. Rep. George Nethercutt, where she was responsible for air transportation and homeland security issues.

CRUISES: Andrea Corman has joined Uniworld River Cruises as vice president-guest services. She will work at the company's Los Angeles office, responsible for areas including reservations, air, destination services administration and documentation, and reporting directly to CEO Brian Stevenson. During the past year, Corman has been consulting on various projects within the industryÖRobin Shaw is the new managing director U.K. and Ireland for Royal Caribbean International (RCI). Shaw joined the company last month following a career encompassing senior roles at Avis Europe and PepsiCo. He reports to Susan Hooper senior vice president and managing director-EMEA for RCI and Celebrity. Jo Rzymowska has been named sales and marketing director U.K. and Ireland overseeing the line's sales force and marketing activity in both the markets. She will have a team of 18 across both divisions. Rymowska has held senior positions with Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, Disneyland Paris, Universal Studios, Thomas Cook and HertzÖAs part of Norwegian Cruise Line's ongoing review of its sales and distribution strategies and relationships with the U.K. travel trade Francis Riley, director of sales & revenue management, appointed five new regional sales managers under the direction of Nick Wilkinson, national sales manager U.K. and Ireland.

HOTELS & RESORTS: InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) named Mark Wells as senior vice president, brand performance-the Americas. Based in Atlanta and reporting to Steve Porter, president, the Americas for IHG, Wells is responsible for overall brand performance, including brand strategy, sales, marketing, revenue management and hotel performance support across all seven InterContinental Hotels Group brands, including InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts, Hotel Indigo, Holiday Inn Hotels & Resorts, Holiday Inn Express, Staybridge Suites and Candlewood SuitesÖ Millennium Hotels and Resorts, North America, has appointed Daniel Tan as regional director of Asian sales. Tan will be responsible for the development and acquisition of Asian business into the U.S. market for MillenniumÖFairmont Hotels & Resorts appointed Ian Powell as the new general manager of The Fairmont Hamilton Princess in Bermuda. With nearly 30 years experience in the hotel and hospitality industry, Powell comes to The Fairmont Hamilton Princess from the Fairmont Empress in Victoria, British Columbia, where he served as general manager since 1998ÖFairmont Hotels & Resorts has appointed Mark Huntley as regional vice president and general manager of The Savoy. Huntley returns to the renowned London property, where his hospitality career started in 1979, from his most recent position as regional vice president, California, and general manager, The Fairmont San FranciscoÖColin McBeath has been named as the general manager of the Mayfair Hotel & Spa in Coconut Grove, Fla. Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, the San Francisco-based hotel operator that will relaunch the hotel upon the completion of $10 million in renovations, hired McBeath to oversee the resurgence of the historic hotel propertyÖPierre Beswick has been named general manager of The ands at Grace Bay in Turks & Caicos. Beswick comes to his new position from The Island Outpost Group, where he served as hotel manager of The Caves in Negril, JamaicaÖPresidente InterContinental Hotels & Resorts has announced the promotion of Armando Garcia to regional director of operations for Presidente InterContinental Puerto Vallarta, Los Cabos and Ixtapa. He will also retain his current position as general manager of the Presidente InterContinental Guadalajara Hotel, a position he has held since March 2004ÖThe Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa said Frank Lavey has been named general manager. Lavey previously served as the general manager of the Hyatt Regency Waikiki Resort & Spa since 2001.

TOUR OPERATORS: Boston-based travel wholesaler TNT Vacations said Gail O'Brien has joined the company as group reservations department manager. TNT Vacations also said Paul Campbell has joined the company as district sales manager for southern New EnglandÖ Travel Holdings, Inc., the only on-demand, worldwide, multi-channel travel distribution network, named industry veteran Ron Neuman to the position of president, corporate trade and affiliate services. Neuman will be headquartered at the company's recently opened Madison Avenue office in New York.

TRAVEL TECHNOLOGY: Amadeus, the travel technology and global reservations systems company, named former Sabre executive Walter Jacobs as vice president of information technology sales for its North American Airline Business Group. Jacobs brings more than 20 years of U.S. and international business experience in development, sales and relationship management, with 16 years in the travel and transportation industry.

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