SRS-WORLDHOTELS-the Americas Renews Marketing Partnership with VARIG Brazil Airlines. Renewed Relationship is One Facet of Company's Latin American Business Strategy; Guests earn VARIG Smiles Miles Through "Great Cities Bonus" Offer

June 16, 2004 -- SRS-WORLDHOTELS, the Americas, a leader in the independent hotel sales, marketing and distribution industry, today announced that it has signed an agreement with VARIG Brazil Airlines renewing its marketing partnership in the airline's Smiles miles program. Smiles members earn bonus miles each time they fly on VARIG and their partner airlines, or use products and services of non-air partners. There are more than 80 non-air partners in the credit card, car rental, hotel and restaurant industries. Accumulated miles are redeemable for air travel or upgrades to the next class of the purchased ticket.

"For five years, VARIG has been a trusted and valued marketing partner of SRS-WORLDHOTELS," said Tom Griffiths, vice president, SRS-WORLDHOTELS, the Americas.

"Our renewed relationship with VARIG is just one element of a larger business strategy we recently developed for Latin America which capitalizes on the growing strength of the region's economy. Not only are we refocusing our resources on more robust marketing programs, we also have a renewed commitment to regional development and increased sales. Our partnership with VARIG makes good business sense, and we look forward to providing hospitality excellence to Smiles miles members worldwide."

Throughout 2004, VARIG is celebrating the 10th anniversary of its Smiles program. Grown to become the largest airline mileage program in Latin America, Smiles has acquired more than 4.8 million members worldwide, and given over 3 million awards to its membership.

"This is an exciting milestone year for our Smiles program, and a testament to our hard work that valued partners like SRS-WORLDHOTELS have renewed their marketing commitment to our organization," said Faustino Pereira Junior, marketing director, VARIG Brazil Airlines. "Our partnership offers our Smiles members the value-added benefit of experiencing first-hand SRS-WORLDHOTELS' hospitality excellence and tradition of guest service."

Now through September 1, 2004 and December 26 through March 30, 2005, Smiles miles members who book and stay under the special "Great Cities Bonus" offered at participating SRS-WORLDHOTELS member properties will receive 20% off regular rates, and 1,500 bonus Smiles miles. This offer is subject to availability, advance reservations are required, and must be booked through a travel agent or online (www.srs-worldhotels.com) under "Great Cities Bonus."

The offer is only available at The Magnolia in Denver, Colo., from June to September 2004, and at Stamford Hotels & Resorts in Australia and New Zealand from July 1 to September 30, 2004. From December 26, 2004 through March 2005, the offer is valid at Pan Pacific Hotel in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Lotte Hotel Seoul in South Korea; Hotel Amsterdam De Roode Leeuw in Amsterdam, the Netherlands; and Runnymede Hotel & Spa in London, England. Visit www.srs-worldhotels.com for a complete list of member hotels and resorts participating in the "Great Cities Bonus" program.

In addition, guests of SRS-WORLDHOTELS can take advantage of the company's "Suite Nights and Miles" offer at more than 30 select SRS-WORLDHOTELS Deluxe member properties worldwide. The offer is available in June, and September through November 2004, and is subject to availability. As part of the offer, guests will receive, 10% to 40% off published rates, complimentary use of the fitness center, a free daily newspaper or daily buffet breakfast, and frequent flyer cardholders of partner airlines will earn 5000 miles per night. Examples of the key destinations included in the offer are Belgium, France, Germany, Singapore, Thailand, the United Kingdom and the United States. A complete list of destinations and partner airlines participating in the "Suite Nights and Miles" offer is available on the company's website.

For more information or to make reservations, visit online or call toll free at 1-800-223-5652 in the U.S. and Canada.

SRS-WORLDHOTELS is one of the world's leading hotel sales, marketing and distribution organizations. This progressive and steadily expanding corporation represents over 450 member properties in 65 countries spanning all continents. Unique in its approach, SRS-WORLDHOTELS meets the requirements of business travelers and vacationers alike by providing hotels in three distinct categories: "The Deluxe Collection," hotels of refined elegance and luxurious comfort; "The First Class Collection," hotels of casual elegance, superior class and high quality; and "The Comfort Collection," hotels characterized by a casual ambiance, intimate atmosphere and moderate price.

Since its beginning in 1927, VARIG Brazil Airlines has grown to become the largest air transportation company in Latin America. Together with Rio Sul and Nordeste, the company operates 115 aircraft, offering the largest, most diversified network of airlines in the region. The Star Alliance partners networks -- an alliance of strategic cooperation between airlines, uniting VARIG with 14 other renowned companies (Air Canada, Air New Zealand, Lufthansa, Scandinavian Airlines, Thai International, United Airlines, All Nippon Airways (ANA), Singapore Airlines, Austrian Airlines, British Midland BMI, Asiana Airlines, Spanair, Lot Polish Airlines and US Airways) -- guarantees Brazilian customers access to more than 680 destinations throughout the world. The company's website is www.varig.com.





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