Sol Melia Hotels & Resorts: Growing fast in Latin America.

Sal Melia Hotels & Resorts has reaffirmed its commitment to be one of the leading hotel chains worldwide.

Already the largest hotel company in Latin America, the company last year purchased a major business hotel in Mexico City, unveiled two world-class convention centers at the Melia Cancun and Meli[acute{a}] Cabo Real resorts, and recently opened Meli[acute{a}] hotels at the Panama Canal in March and in Lima in April. The company also launched a new loyalty program for frequent travelers.

The Melia Mexico Reforma, a five-star business hotel on Paseo de Ia Reforma in Mexico City, was acquired in July 1999. A $6 million renovation is under way.

"The property is the premier hotel for business travelers visiting Mexico City and makes it now possible to visit every major city in Latin America and find a Meli[acute{a}] business hotel," said Emanuel Schreibmaier, vice president of sales and marketing for Sal Meli[acute{a}]'s Americas Division.

Sol Melia also has completed renovations at most of its properties throughout the Americas.

Spain-based Sol Melia Hotel & Resorts, which is growing at tremendous speed in Latin America, will add 22 business hotels in Brazil alone by the end of 2001. Most will be in and around Sao Paulo.

MaS, Sal Melia's frequent guest program was launched in the Americas on March 1, 2000. Members are rewarded for every night dollar spent at a Sal Melia property. Benefits include preferential reservations, free companion stays, express check-in, free daily newspaper, credit-card cashing and late check-out. Points can be redeemed for free stays and upgrades. Guests can enroll by writing to [e-mail]. Membership is free.

Sal Melia Hotels & Resorts is one of the world's most successful hotel Companies. Its three brands -- Meli[acute{a}] Hotels, Sal Hotels and Paradisus Resorts -- total more than 250 hotels in 25 countries worldwide.

Individual reservations can be made through travel consultants or by calling toll-free 1-800-33MELIA (63542). Group reservations are available through meeting planners or through Sal Meli[acute{a}]'s group desk (CIMAS); telephone 1-888-33MELIA or via e-mail: [e-mail].