Corinthia Hotels International One of the Fastest Growing Hospitality Chains in Europe Targets American Market for the First Time.

NEW YORK -- Corinthia Hotels International (CHI), a Malta-based company and one of the fastest growing hospitality chains in Europe, launched its brand for the first time in the US/North American market. CHI Chairman, Hon. Karmenu Vella, told guests at a Gala evening reception at New York's Mandarin Oriental Hotel, "the company is establishing CHI as an elegant new option for American travellers, representing luxury and world class service combined with the warm hospitality that is already known to Europeans as 'the Spirit of Corinthia'." Corinthia has 20 four- and five-star city and resort hotels located in 11 fascinating destinations, spanning Europe, Africa and the Mediterranean Basin.

"Corinthia's timing for entering the American Market couldn't be better," said Vella. "Our Premier Collection, six of our 12 Five Star properties, are located in cities that have become the 'hot spots' for American business and leisure travellers -- Budapest, Prague, St, Petersburg and Tripoli." It is also a time when the Meeting, Incentive, Conference and Exhibitions/Events (MICE) planners in the US are looking for new, exciting, but affordable, destinations to attract greater attendance at their events. "We want Corinthia to become synonymous with the best hospitality experience these destinations have to offer," he stated.

Corinthia's Success - Leader in Pioneering New Destinations

Corinthia, a dynamic and pioneering company, established the CHI Image and Brand in upcoming destinations way ahead of the more famous hotel chains. Vella stated, "the new hotel in Libya is an excellent example. We started looking at establishing ourselves in Tripoli when no one expected that the sanctions would be lifted and that the country would subsequently open up for business. Again, it was a very courageous move and once more it's paying off. In fact, Corinthia Bab Africa is the only five-star International Hotel operating in Tripoli. The Hotel itself is one of the best worldwide and sets new standards of excellence on the African continent, catering for both leisure and business travelers."

For additional information on CHI visit www.corinthiahotels.com; in New York, The Bradford Group [phone], email [e-mail]. For reservations: WorldHotels (800) 223 -5652; Meeting & Incentive Groups [phone].