Singapore (September 08, 2008) /China Newswire/ — Priority Club Rewards (PCR), the world's leading hotel guest loyalty programme, announced today the start of the Million Points Campaign in China. From now till 15 December 2008, ten lucky winners stand a chance to win 100,000 PCR points each monthly. This is only open to residents in China.

Guests can qualify by staying at any of IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group)'s hotels in China, including InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts, Holiday Inn Hotels & Resorts and Holiday Inn Express.  Each stay will be rewarded with an entry into the one million points prize draw.  Ten winners will then be picked to receive 100,000 PCR points each month.  Currently there are 1.3 million PCR members in China.  Guests who are not PCR members can sign up and qualify instantly.

PCR points earned have no expiry date and no black out dates.  The points can be redeemed for anything from hotel stays and airline miles to shopping certificates.  For the hotel stays, the points can be redeemed at any of IHG's nearly 4,000 hotels worldwide, including the four mentioned above as well as Hotel Indigo, Staybridge Suites and Candlewood Suites.

As the first international hotel company to enter China, IHG established its first hotel in Beijing in 1984 and has since led the Beijing market.  IHG maintains a swift development pace in China, and currently has 95 hotels in Greater China under its four brands InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts, Holiday Inn Hotels & Resorts, Holiday Inn Express.  IHG has 116 hotels in the pipeline.

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) [LON:IHG, NYSE:IHG (ADRs)] is the world's largest hotel group by number of rooms.  IHG owns, manages, leases or franchises, through various subsidiaries, over 4,000 hotels and more than 590,000 guest rooms in nearly 100 countries and territories around the world.  The Group owns a portfolio of well recognised and respected hotel brands including InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts, Holiday Inn Hotels and Resorts, Holiday Inn Express, Staybridge Suites, Candlewood Suites and Hotel Indigo, and also manages the world's largest hotel loyalty programme, Priority Club Rewards with over 39 million members worldwide.

IHG has more than 1,700 hotels in its development pipeline, which will create 150,000 jobs worldwide over the next few years.

InterContinental Hotels Group PLC is the Group's holding company and is incorporated in Great Britain and registered in England and Wales.

IHG offers information and online reservations for all its hotel brands at www.ihg.com and information for the Priority Club Rewards programme at www.priorityclub.com. For the latest news from IHG, visit our online Press Office at www.ihg.com/media

About Priority Club Rewards

Priority Club Rewards, which is owned and operated by IHG, is the world's first, largest and fastest-growing hotel loyalty programme with over 39 million members worldwide and three million members in Asia Pacific.  Priority Club Rewards received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 20th Annual Freddie Awards for the programme's 25th Anniversary and was named Best Hotel Loyalty Programme at the 2007 China Starlight Awards. Members of Priority Club Rewards have more redemption options than those of any other hotel loyalty programme with members able to redeem points for free hotel nights, airline miles, retail certificates, auto rentals and scores of products available in the Rewards Catalogue. Priority Club Rewards offers more sought after benefits and the greatest ease of use amongst hotel loyalty programmes.  This includes no points expiration date and no black out nights for free hotel nights.

CONTACT INFORMATION

• Sheo S. Rai
  IHG Asia Pacific
  +65 6395 6074
  sheoshanker.rai@ihg.com

  Kelly Leahy
  Ruder Finn Asia
  +65 9489 3364
  leahyk@ruderfinnasia.com

Beijing, China (August 28, 2008) /China Newswire/ — Etihad Airways has officially opened a Beijing office in China today. The new office is conveniently located on the 30th floor of the Twin Towers of Yong'anli in Beijing's CBD and a stone's throw away from such city landmarks as the China International Trade Centre and Ritan diplomatic area. This will offer convenience and easy access to Etihad customers, notably corporate and diplomatic business travellers who work in the area.

The Abu-Dhabi based airline started operations in China in February this year and successfully launched its four-flights-per-week Abu Dhabi - Beijing service in late March.

Mr. Adrian Parkes, Etihad Airways' Vice President, Sales, said: "Beijing is a very important part of our network. We are pleased to be able to offer our Chinese customers easy access to major international trading ports in the Middle East and Europe via Abu Dhabi."

"We have quickly established a reputation for outstanding service and innovative in-flight products and I believe that we can build on these strengths to position Etihad Airways as a leader in the Chinese market."

Tang Hoe Kun, Etihad Airways country manager in China said: "We look forward to welcoming customers to our office to book their journeys here. We have moved away from the classic 'ticketing desk' concept, and our travel consultants are available in a private environment to provide a more personalised service."

The opening ceremony was attended by the United Arab Emirates Ambassador to China Mr. Mohammed Rashed A. AL Boot, Etihad Airways Vice President Sales Mr. Adrian Parkes, and Regional General Manager Asia North, Central and Indian subcontinent Mr. Joost den Hartog, as well as major travel agencies from Beijing. The occasion also attracted the attention of Middle East media and was attended by Dr. Ezzat Shahroor from Aljazeera TV, Ms.Azza Al-Hadidi from Middle East News Agency and Mr.Tom Spender from Citizen Newspaper.

Currently Etihad Airways operates four flights per week between Abu Dhabi and Beijing, EY888 departs Abu Dhabi airport every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday at 10:05pm and arrives in Beijing at 9:50am the next day. Return flight EY889 departs from Beijing every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 7.10pm and arrives in Abu Dhabi at 00.20am the next day.

About Etihad Airways

Etihad Airways is the national airline of the United Arab Emirates based in the UAE's capital, Abu Dhabi.

Currently Etihad offers flights to 48 destinations in the Middle East, Europe, North America, Africa and Asia.

Etihad currently has 6,300 members of staff which includes more than 3,000 cabin crew and 600 pilots.

CONTACT INFORMATION

• Etihad Airways Beijing office
  Address: 30/Floor, East Tower, Twin Towers, No B12, Jianguomenwai Avenue, Chaoyang District, Beijing, China
  Office hours: Monday - Friday 0900-17:30
  Toll-free: 800 810 8883
  China website: http://www.etihadairways.com/etihadairways/cn/zh/home

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Etihad Airways

Beijing, China (August 26, 2008) /China Newswire/ — On August 25, Loong Palace Hotel & Resort welcomed the Irish delegation of the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games. The Irish delegation consists of 75 athletes. Special arrangements were made by the hotel to ensure all the needs of the delegates catered for and that their stay at Loong Palace was a memorable one.

Loong Palace Hotel & Resort

Loong Palace Hotel & Resort, a member of Worldhotels – deluxe collection is an international luxury five-star hotel with more than 900 rooms, suites and duplexes in the northern part of Beijing.

Landscaped besides "Badaling Expressway" and close to "Beijing Silicon Valley" – Zhongguancun, along with convenient access to the Capital International Airport, the Great Wall, Summer Palace, Ming Tombs, Olympic Village (25min). There are 9 restaurants and bars are featuring Cantonese, Sichuan, Dongbei, Japanese, Italian, and numerous international flavous from around the world. 30 meeting and function rooms including three ballrooms are ideal for either small meetings or larger events for up to 1,000 participants. A full range of fitness and recreational options ranging from in-door swimming pools, tennis courts, squash, bowling alley, shuffleboards and Majiang rooms. "My Spa" - the total wellness facility has 18 spa treatment rooms and suites. And 690 free parking spaces are available.

Loong Palace Hotel & Resort is unique and always exceeding the expectation of desiring business and leisure travelers.

CONTACT INFORMATION

• 317 Changping Road, Changping District, Beijing 102208, P. R. China
  Tel: +86 10 8079 9988
  Fax: +86 10 8079 8866
  Email: loongpalace @loongpalace.com
  Website: www.loongpalace.com
  Toll Free No.: 800 810 0098

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Loong Palace Hotel & Resort | Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games

Hong Kong, China (August 25, 2008) /China Newswire/ — With the opening of Shama Fortress Hill, the company's eighth building in Hong Kong, Shama continues to rely faithfully on its four-pronged philosophy: hip, contemporary style; unparalleled service; prime locations; and luxurious lifestyles.

In 1996, Shama's CEO Elaine Young introduced the first boutique serviced-apartment property to Hong Kong. Shama Fortress Hill is the brand's latest addition to its already seven-strong Hong Kong portfolio with buildings in Causeway Bay, Central, Hollywood Road, Midlevels, Soho, Wanchai and Tsim Sha Tsui.

"The opening of Shama Fortress Hill further exhibits Shama's commitment to being the leading serviced apartment brand in Hong Kong," says Elaine Young, CEO of Shama.

Ideally located between bustling Causeway Bay and the busy offices of North Point, Shama Fortress Hill is nestled between hip boutiques, bijou restaurants and trendy coffee shops. Across the street from Fortress Hill MTR and less than ten minutes from Central and Taikoo Shing, the property also offers instant access to groceries and other essential conveniences.
Amidst all this, Shama has created 115 hip, contemporary apartments equipped with customised furnishings by internationally renowned designer, Dillon Garris.

Ranging from 382 square feet to 1,412 square feet, the 115 apartments are ultra-modern and supremely comfortable. The property has 21 different one- and two- bedroom layouts; prices vary from HK$17,000 to HK$48,000 per month.

From furniture to fittings, Shama apartments combine high style with ultimate functionality. Fortress Hill residents benefit from a fully equipped kitchen, a customised Shama 'Slumber' bed with an extra soft feather-top plus high-tech gadgets galore. Wi-Fi Internet access is complimentary and each apartment also offers DECT telephone systems, high definition flat screen TVs with an international selection of channels and VGA computer display cables, DVD players with HDMI and USB ports, Bose Hi-Fi surround sound systems and iPod docking stations with speaker and alarm clock.

Shama also provides tenants with luxury hotel services such as daily maid service, 24-hour security, on-site management providing concierge and porter services, an airport limousine service, professional laundry and dry-cleaning as well as self-service laundry facilities. The building also has a fully equipped business centre with complimentary Internet access.

In the tranquil tropical rooftop garden, residents can retreat to a stylish outdoor lounge with BBQ facilities, cushy divans and wireless Internet access. Shama Fortress Hill also boasts an in-house fitness centre, multi-function room and billiard room. A complimentary VCD/DVD library and a Playstation system with popular games are available upon request.

Further, Shama affords its residents the opportunity to fast-track their social life with No Boundaries, a lifestyle programme that includes memberships to fitness centres and private clubs such as prestigious KEE Club, as well as an array of dining and retail privileges.

Shama now operates ten properties across the region with a total of 745 apartments in Hong Kong and Shanghai; the company will open its first property in Beijing later this month and will launch in Dalian later this year.

About Shama

Shama, which means tranquility in Sanskrit, pioneered the concept of serviced lifestyles in Hong Kong back in 1996. The British-born co-founder, Elaine Young, felt there was a niche in the long stay accommodation market for stylish, cleverly designed apartments that offered ultra-luxurious service and helped fast tracked tenants' lives in their new city. Elaine's refreshing eye for original design paired with her ability to sign on internationally acclaimed designers such as Christian Liaigre have raised the bar in the field of hospitality interiors and have helped make Shama what it is today: the epitome of luxury boutique serviced lifestyles.

In early 2007, Shama debuted its premier tier brand Shama Luxe in Shanghai's fashionable Xintiandi district. Not only has the property won widespread acclaim and awards for its design; it also reached 90% occupancy less than a year after it was launched among the city's highest average rates, thereby setting the market benchmark.

Shama is arguably Asia's fastest expanding serviced apartment brand, having achieved a fivefold growth in less than two years. With the expert backing and financial know-how of its principal partners Morgan Stanley Real Estate and Gateway Capital, Shama has put in place an even more aggressive growth strategy; within the next three years, Shama plans to have 6,000 apartments and 40 properties in at least 16 key gateway cities across the Asian region and beyond.

CONTACT INFORMATION

• Shama Fortress Hill:
  147-151 King's Road, North Point, Hong Kong
  Tel: +852 3711 2888
  Fax: +852 3711 2777
  Email: info @shama.com
  Website: www.shama.com
  Leasing Hotline: +852 3100 8555

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Shama Fortress Hill | New Opening

Beijing, China (August 22, 2008) /China Newswire/ — 14 August 2008 ,  Frasers Hospitality (Frasers), an international branded serviced residence owner and management company opened the doors of Fraser Suites CBD, Beijing.

The Gold-Standard serviced residence – an investment of US$135 million – is located in Beijing's central business district near the China World Trade Center. It comprises 357 Gold-Standard luxurious serviced residences in a prime 23-storey building including studios and one- and two-bedroom apartments.

"We are delighted to announce the opening of this landmark property," said Mr. Bernard Teo, General Manager, Fraser Suites CBD, Beijing. "Beijing is the key gateway city into China with a dynamic economy and strong support from the authorities in the promotion of services to foreign investors and companies."

Fraser Suites CBD, Beijing is located within 10 minutes of the China World Trade Center, Fortune Center, The Place and other key commercial buildings. Adding further to its convenient location, Subway No. 10 line and Subway No. 1 line also lie just a few minutes away. It will have strong appeal to senior staff within multinational companies and overseas embassies.

There are more than 3,000 enterprises in the Beijing CBD including 500 multinational corporations and 570 foreign representative offices.

Fraser Suites CBD, Beijing was designed by Epstein & Sons International. Inc, a world renowned urban and construction design consulting group that has worked on notable projects such as the Sears Franklin Center and Exchange Center in Texas, USA and the Osaka International Conference Center in Japan.

All 357 apartments at Fraser Suites CBD, Beijing offer the ultimate in comfortable living and a truly home-designed concept. Each apartment features a comprehensive range of amenities and in-apartment technologies including a LCD TV with 5.1 audio system and a DVD player, an iPod dock, washing machine and dryer, wireless and broadband internet access.

The second floor of Fraser Suites CBD, Beijing boasts business and lifestyle wellness facilities including an integrated business center, conference room, massage chairs, café and lounge, fitness club, children's playroom and indoor swimming pool.

Fraser Suites CBD, Beijing offers 24-hour on-site management, reception, concierge, security services as well as the complimentary scheduled shuttle services to the key business and shopping districts in Beijing.

Incorporating sustainable development concepts into its design and construction, Fraser Suites CBD, Beijing, is also one of the new generation of buildings that follows the recent national Design for Energy Conservation of Public Buildings aimed at reducing total energy consumption by 50 percent.

About Frasers Hospitality

Frasers Hospitality, the hospitality arm of Frasers Centrepoint Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Fraser and Neave, Limited, is a global serviced residence owner and management company with Gold-Standard residences in Bangkok, Beijing, Glasgow, Hanoi, London, Manila, Nanjing, Paris, Seoul, Shenzhen, Singapore, Sydney and Tokyo. New developments include Bahrain (2008), Bangalore (2009), Chengdu (2010), Dubai (2009), Edinburgh (2009), Guangzhou (2010), Hong Kong (2008), Jakarta (2010), Kuala Lumpur (2009), Leeds (2012), Perth (2009), Shanghai (2008) and Tianjin (2009).

Frasers Hospitality commits to "meeting the unique needs of the executive travellers through continuous innovation", and providing its customers with the space, family and community away from home. Conceived with the lifestyle preferences of today's discerning extended stay executive travelers in mind, Frasers Hospitality has three brand offerings – Fraser Suites, Fraser Place and Fraser Residence.

For more information, visit the website at www.frasershospitality.com

About Frasers Centrepoint Limited

Frasers Centrepoint Limited (FCL), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Fraser and Neave, Limited (F&N) is a leading Singapore-based property company with a strong global foothold in property development, property investment, serviced residences and investment funds. Under F&N's stewardship, FCL's business has evolved from a single shopping centre along Orchard Road (The Centrepoint) to an integrated real estate group of shopping centres, real estate asset and fund management, serviced apartments, residential homes and an international property arm developing world-class projects (residential and mixed-use) in UK, Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, Vietnam and China.

For more information, visit FCL's website at www.fraserscentrepoint.com

About Fraser and Neave, Limited

Fraser and Neave, Limited (F&N) is a leading Asia Pacific Consumer Group with core expertise and dominant standing in the Food and Beverage, Property, and Printing & Publishing industries.

Leveraging on its strength and expertise, it provides key resources and sets strategic directions for its subsidiary companies across all three industries. Today, F&N owns an impressive array of renowned brands that enjoy market leadership across a mix of beer, dairies, soft drinks and beverages; residential properties; retail malls and serviced residences; as well as publishing and printing services.

For more information, visit F&N's website at www.fraserandneave.com

CONTACT INFORMATION

• Philip Liu
  Newell Public Relations
  T: 65810096 ext 222
  E: philipl@newell.com

  Eleanor Liu
  Newell Public Relations
  T: 65810096 ext 234
  E: eleanorl@newell.com
  

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Fraser Suites CBD | New Opening

Beijing, China (August 21, 2008) /China Newswire/ — The Crowne Plaza Sun Palace Beijing opens its door in Beijing's central business district today. Owned by Yunnan Metropolitan Construction Investment Co., Ltd. (YMCI), and managed by InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), one of the world's largest hotel groups by number of rooms, the Crowne Plaza Sun Palace Beijing features with upscale accommodations, comprehensive meeting space and services for small to large meetings and events. With its official launch, the hotel adds additional 4000 sqm function space in Beijing and creates a newest "Place to Meet" of the capital.

"We're really pleased" said General Manager Daniel Arbenz. "We are confident to offer our guests the very best services available and with a fresh approach. Our distinct Yunnan flavor makes us something different, something new, and combined with our international expertise we believe we can provide an unparalleled experience for all our customers."

Convenient location, unique stay experience, and professional services are always the key factors that guests are looking at hotels. Choosing to stay at the Crowne Plaza Sun Palace Beijing, guests will have it all.

The Crowne Plaza Sun Palace Beijing is located in the rapidly developing Taiyanggong area of Beijing, on the north-eastern corner of the city's Third Ring Road and Jingcheng Highway. It is just 25 minutes from Beijing Capital International Airport and 10 minutes from the Olympic Green, Diplomatic District, China International Exhibition Center, Central Business District and world-class shopping precincts. Its proximity to the major business centers and technology parks make the Crowne Plaza Sun Palace Beijing an ideal base for business travelers alike.

Designed to replicate the stunning mountains, gorges and rainforest scenery of Yunnan Province in a modern style, the Crowne Plaza Sun Palace offers a unique luxury Yunnan experience in Beijing. The hotel is greatly influenced by Yunnan multicultural elements.Every arrived guest and visitor will be affectionately welcomed by staff wearing Yunnan minority cultural styled uniform, and once they have entered into the hotel lobby, their attention will be immediately attracted by a giant set of ethnic "Yunnan style pavilions" above 20 meters high. The Crowne Plaza Sun Palace Beijing also offers a range of Yunnan experiences onsite, such as, Yunnan Rainbow restaurant, Yunnan "colorful-clouds" themed ceiling painting and so forth.

The Crowne Plaza Sun Palace Beijing's 25-story landmark tower features 540 well designed, spacious, and technology-savvy rooms and suites. All rooms and suites feature a 37-inch flat screen TV, wireless broadband access, luxurious bathrooms, and most remarkably, with panoramic views of the capital. Its deluxe 300m2 presidential suite is fit to accommodate heads of state and is complemented with a private and secure VIP elevator. The hotel stands out with its comprehensive facilities and services catering to various sizes meetings, conferences, and social events.

As part of a globally well-recognized and respected hotel brand, the Crowne Plaza Sun Palace Beijing understands the details that go into planning meetings and presentations. Whether it's a crucial client meeting or regional conference for over 1,000 delegates, the hotel go out of its way to make guests meeting a success. Being a "Place to Meet", the hotel has all the full services and amenities guests could expect from a leading international hotel.Having one of the largest pillar-free Grand Ballroom in Beijing of 1400sqm, with variety of meeting spaces, "high-tech" meeting facilities, various culinary options, and outstanding Crowne Meeting services, the Crowne Plaza Sun Palace Beijing will be one of the "must-choose" hotel for meeting and event planners.

Meanwhile, the hotel's multiple cozy areas in the foyer, lobby, restaurants, bars, and even at poolside could facilitate those casual, impromptu meetings. Having WIFI access throughout the hotel, business travellers can focus their attention where it matters - on business.With remarkable formal and informal facilities and services, the Crowne Plaza Sun Palace Beijing truly deserves to be the newest place to meet.

To help guests quickly recharge themselves from an all-day heavy business session, the hotel offers an exciting range of innovative restaurants and bars: Red Orange, which serves fresh Pan Asian and Western cuisine; Rainbow, which offers a feast of authentic and aromatic Yunnan dishes; Portofino, featuring fine Italian dining; and Sun Palace, classic Cantonese and regional cuisine fit for an emperor. Or if one feels like winding down, there is the Piano Lounge, a great place to meet friends and entertain clients with a café latte or a martini at anytime of day, or The Bar, perfect for a cool beer or a late night cocktail.

The hotel also features all the amenities for recreation and relaxation that one might need to rejuvenate the soul after the whole day brainstorming session, getting a lift to their day and leaving them to feel positive about life in general. Guests have the choice of aromatherapy treatments in the Crowne Plaza's signature Tea Tree Spa Retreat, or a rigorous cardio workout at the Fitness Center. More active guests can swim laps in the 25-meter indoor swimming pool or play a few sets on the rooftop tennis court.

The Crowne Plaza Sun Palace Beijing is wholly owned by Yunnan Metropolitan Construction
Investment Co., Ltd, a state-own company of Yunnan Provincial Government. Yunnan Metropolitan Construction Investment Co., Ltd has investments in the hotel, education, utility supplies and construction sectors in China.

The hotel is managed by IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group), one of the world's largest hotel groups by number of rooms. IHG owns, manages, leases or franchises, through various subsidiaries, over 4,000 hotels and more than 590,000 guest rooms in nearly 100 countries and territories around the world. IHG owns a portfolio of well recognized and respected hotel brands including InterContinental® Hotels & Resorts, Crowne Plaza® Hotels & Resorts, Holiday Inn® Hotels and Resorts, Holiday Inn Express®, Staybridge Suites®, Candlewood Suites® and Hotel Indigo®, and also manages the world's largest hotel loyalty programme,
Priority Club® Rewards with over 39 million members worldwide.

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Crowne Plaza Sun Palace Beijing | New Opening

The National Carrier actively participated in several travel fairs in China this year, including the Beijing International Tourism Expo (BITE), the International Travel Expo & MICE in Hong Kong, and the Guangzhou International Travel Fair (GITF). SriLankan also co-organized a workshop for travel agents in the Chinese capital.

Tourist arrivals from China to Sri Lankan grew by 7.3% in the first half of 2008, a trend that is expected to grow due to the combined efforts of the Government, the National Carrier, the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotions Bureau (SLTPB), and the country's hoteliers and tour operators.

SriLankan is also actively working with SLTPB and the Embassy to increase awareness of Sri Lanka by sponsoring a number of media tours from China. SriLankan serves China with thrice-weekly flights to Beijing, and another three to Hong Kong.

The Sri Lanka booth received a special award as the "Most Outstanding Booth" from the 81 countries at BITE. The colorful stand drew much interest, especially with a Dance Troupe providing dazzling performances of Sri Lankan dances in front of it.

BITE 2008 in June was a major international event that coincided with the upcoming Beijing Olympics. It attracted 700 domestic and foreign exhibitors and 300 trade buyers from 81 countries, with more 10,000 trade visitors attending the event.

Sri Lanka's Embassy in Beijing, in collaboration with the SLTPB and SriLankan Airlines, held a workshop on 19th June at the embassy premises for leading Sri Lankan travel agents operating in the Chinese market and Chinese travel agents who are actively involved in promoting Sri Lanka. Over sixty Chinese and Sri Lankan travel agents and media personnel attended.

At the International Travel Expo in Hong Kong, also in June, SriLankan teamed up with several of the island's hotels and tour operators to promote leisure and Ayurveda packages. The 22nd International Travel Expo drew 650 exhibitors from 50 countries, nearly 13,000 trade and corporate visitors and 57,500 public visitors.

In April, SriLankan took part in GITF, to promote Sri Lanka in the Guangzhou region in the south, one of the fast growing regions in China. More then 100,000 visitors attended the three-day fair. SriLankan prepared special flyers customized for the fair, printed in Chinese.

About SriLankan

SriLankan Airlines has in recent years achieved global recognition for its standards in excellence, winning such prestigious titles as "World's Best Airline" in a survey of Economy Class passengers, "World's Friendliest Cabin Staff", first runner-up for "World's Best Cabin Staff", "Best Overall Inflight Entertainment (for a fleet size of 20 or less)", "Best Airline Turnaround of the Year 2004″, and "World's Most Efficient Operator of Airbus A330s (in the small fleet category)" in 2002 and 2003 from Airbus Industry.

SriLankan operates three flights from Beijing to Bangkok and Colombo, connecting passengers to its global network of 41 destinations in 22 countries.

CONTACT INFORMATION

• Jessie Lu
  Tel: +86 10 84470844 ext.601
  Fax: +86 10 84470483
  E-mail: yclu@lavender-media.com

  Isabella Zhao
  Tel: +86 10 84470844 ext.607
  Fax: +86 10 84470483
  E-mail: yczhao@lavender-media.com

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SriLankan Airlines | Tourist from China to Sri Lankan

Beijing, China (August 18, 2008) /China Newswire/ — American Airlines, the world's largest airline, and Susan G. Komen for the Cure®, the world's largest breast cancer organization, today announced an expanded partnership with the unveiling of two specially co-branded aircraft, an American Airlines Boeing 757 and an American Eagle Embraer 145, each incorporating the renowned vivid pink-ribbon motif.

The distinctive pink streamers, which extend the full length of the fuselage of the two airplanes, signal a new level of mutual commitment, as American Airlines becomes Komen for the Cure's official airline and first-ever Lifetime Promise Partner. The partnership represents a newly created funding category for Komen - called Promise Grants - which are collaborative, inter-disciplinary research projects with the strong potential to discover and deliver the cures for breast cancer more quickly.

Building on its 20-year history of supporting Komen nationally, American Airlines has pledged to raise $1 million annually for eight years, to fund Susan G. Komen for the Cure's first Promise Grant – a $7.5 million, five-year study of inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center. The remainder will be used to fund health and community programs. The net proceeds from the annual American Airlines Celebrity Golf and Tennis Weekend are the primary source of funding. Additional contributions will be raised via American's Miles for the Cure® program, in which AAdvantage® members earn five miles for each dollar contributed to Komen with a $25 minimum donation. Since mid-April, more than 6,500 AAdvantage members have contributed over $600,000 to the campaign. Donations can be made online at www.AA.com/Komen.

"This is a great day for American Airlines, American Eagle and Susan G. Komen for the Cure," said Dan Garton, American's Executive Vice President - Marketing. "But most of all, it's a great day for all of us who are deeply determined to end breast cancer forever. We sincerely thank the American Airlines employees at our Tulsa and Abilene maintenance bases who donated their time to carefully wrap these aircraft in the ribbons. Seeing these special airplanes take flight today is an inspiration to us all."

American and American Eagle will add similar ribbons to an additional six jets in the coming months.

"This partnership speaks volumes about the quality and longevity of American's commitment to Komen, and the way the company and its employees share our sense of urgency in discovering and delivering the cures, and finding ways to prevent breast cancer," said Hala Moddelmog, President and CEO of Susan G. Komen for the Cure. "We are also thrilled that American Airlines will be the first corporation to have a direct hand in writing a significant chapter in breast cancer research history with its Promise Grant."

The first American Airlines Promise Grant is funding research at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston to aid in earlier detection of Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC), the most aggressive form of the disease. The program will be conducted through the center's Morgan Welch Inflammatory Breast Cancer Research Program and Clinic, named in memory of a 24-year-old IBC victim and the only such facility in the world. The American Airlines Susan G. Komen for the Cure Promise Grant will be the largest gift ever for IBC research, according to Gabriel N. Hortobagyi, M.D., F.A.C.P., with M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, who was among special guests at the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) event.

"While tremendous strides have been made in the overall treatment of breast cancer, until now, there's been very little research into this rare disease that behaves so differently than other breast cancers," said Hortobagyi, M.D. "The global cancer community will stand to benefit from our comprehensive research program and what we learn about this disease. The only way to achieve better outcomes for women with the disease is to have dedicated resources, such as the funds allocated by Komen and American Airlines for continued IBC research."

The pink-ribbon planes made their inaugural flights to DFW this orning from Tulsa International Airport (TUL) and Abilene Regional Airport (ABI), where crowds of employees, volunteers, breast cancer survivors, and local officials turned out at dawn for sendoff festivities. The flight attendants on both inaugural flights are breast cancer survivors, as well.

The two airplanes carrying the pink-ribbon motif are the first of eight that will display this highly visible tribute to American and American Eagle's expanded partnership with Komen. Referred to in the industry as livery, the vivid pink "ribbons" are actually a type of decal. Mindful of fuel efficiency, the decal on the 757 weighs just 50 lbs. and adds only an estimated $700 in annual fuel cost. The Embraer's weighs only about 5 lbs., which has minimal fuel impact. Plans are to add the distinctive pink ribbons to one American Airlines 777 and five additional American Eagle Embraer jets. The eight planes are notable in that one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.
About American Airlines

American Airlines is the world's largest airline. American, American Eagle and the AmericanConnection® airlines serve 250 cities in over 40 countries with more than 4,000 daily flights. The combined network fleet numbers more than 1,000 aircraft. American's award-winning Web site, AA.com, provides users with easy access to check and book fares, plus personalized news, information and travel offers. American Airlines is a founding member of the oneworld® Alliance, which brings together some of the best and biggest names in the airline business, enabling them to offer their customers more services and benefits than any airline can provide on its own. Together, its members serve nearly 700 destinations in over 140 countries and territories. American Airlines, Inc. and American Eagle Airlines, Inc. are subsidiaries of AMR Corporation. AmericanAirlines, American Eagle, AmericanConnection, AA.com, We know why you fly and AAdvantage are registered trademarks of American Airlines, Inc. (NYSE: AMR)

About Susan G. Komen for the Cure

Nancy G. Brinker promised her dying sister, Susan G. Komen, she would do everything in her power to end breast cancer forever. In 1982, that promise became Susan G. Komen for the Cure® and launched the global breast cancer movement. Today, Komen for the Cure is the world's largest grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists fighting to save lives, empower people, ensure quality care for all and energize science to find the cures. Thanks to events like the Komen Race for the Cure, we have invested more than $1 billion to fulfill our promise, becoming the largest source of nonprofit funds dedicated to the fight against breast cancer in the world. For more information about Susan G. Komen for the Cure, breast health or breast cancer, visit www.komen.org or call 1-877 GO KOMEN.

About University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center

The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston ranks as one of the world's most respected centers focused on cancer patient care, research, education and prevention. M. D. Anderson is one of only 41 Comprehensive Cancer Centers designated by the National Cancer Institute. For six of the past nine years, M. D. Anderson has ranked No. 1 in cancer care in "America's Best Hospitals," a survey published annually in U.S. News and World Report.
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Beijing, China (August 15, 2008) /China Newswire/ — Carlson Hotels Worldwide – Asia Pacific recently appointed Eric Kee as the General Manager of Park Plaza Beijing Wangfujing. Eric brings with him close to two decades of hospitality experience having held various senior management positions in international hotels around the world, including the US, Macau, Japan and Malaysia. Before Mr. Kee joined Carlson Group, he worked for Wynn Resort and Mandarin Oriental in Macau as important management positions.

"I am very honoured to be taking on this leadership role with Park Plaza Beijing Wangfujing. The hotel has displayed strong performance in the last two years, since its opening. Selected as one of the five Olympic Family Hotels by the Beijing Olympic Organizing Committee, I look forward to ensuring that we continue to deliver excellence in guest services and facilities."

INTERNET LINKS

http://www.parkplaza.com/beijingcn

CONTACT INFORMATION

• Jessie Zhang
  Public Relations Coordinator
  Park Plaza Beijing Wangfujing
  T: 8522 1999 -5239
  F: 8522 1190
  Email: pr@parkplaza.com

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