Corinthia Hotels International (CHI), as part of its strategy to expand its Brand recognition globally, will join American Express, International Herald Tribune and Reed Travel Exhibitions as a co-sponsor of the prestigious World Tourism Award presented annually in London at World Travel Market, the premier global showcase of the Travel Industry. The World Tourism Award, now in its 8th year, was inaugurated in 1997, to recognize the extraordinary initiatives by individuals, companies, organizations, destinations and attractions, for outstanding accomplishment in the travel industry. The Award this year will be presented at World Travel Market, Monday November 14, 2005, on the World Stage at Excel Centre in London.

A Malta-based company, Corinthia Hotels International is one of the fastest growing hospitality chains in Europe, with 20 five- and four-star award-winning properties in 11 destinations spanning Europe, Africa and the Mediterranean Basin. Geoff Andrew, CHI Group Director of Sales & Marketing, in making the announcement said that Corinthia is especially honored to be associated with such prominent and esteemed co-sponsors as American Express, International Herald Tribune and Reed Travel Exhibitions.

Andrew further noted CHI decided to participate as a sponsor principally because the ideals of the World Tourism Award program and its past honorees reflect `the Spirit of Corinthia` - preserving local culture and traditions and providing benefits to the communities in which our hotels are located. The World Tourism Award sponsorship opportunity was also very timely for us as CHI has recently embarked on an a global expansion, opening four regional sales offices in the past six months in the US, Sweden, Austria and India.

Corinthia is highly respected in the hospitality field for successfully pioneering some of the hottest destinations -- Prague, Budapest, St. Petersburg (Russia), Turkey, and most recently Tripoli - long before the well known international brands moved in.