Carlson Hotels Worldwide has achieved certification by two top data privacy frameworks, TRUSTe and the U.S. Department of Commerce`s Safe Harbor program, becoming the first hotel company to accomplish this dual status. Carlson, whose hotel brands include Regent International Hotels; Radisson Hotels & Resorts; Park Plaza Hotels & Resorts; Country Inns & Suites By Carlson; and Park Inn, has been certified to display the TRUSTe Privacy Seal on its Web sites, exemplifying its commitment to consumer privacy and security. TRUSTe, the leading privacy certification and seal program, awards its privacy seal only to companies that complete the TRUSTe certification process and agree to comply with ongoing TRUSTe oversight and consumer dispute-resolution procedures.

The Safe Harbor program was created to help U.S. companies comply with the European Commission`s Directive on Data Protection, enabling U.S. companies to avoid interruptions in their business dealings with the European Union.

We are very committed to protecting the security and integrity of our customers` data from all over the world and it was a top priority for us to undergo the certification processes. We are extremely proud to have achieved both distinctions, said Scott Heintzeman, CIO, Carlson Hotels Worldwide. Safe Harbor allows us to deliver the most secure data to our customers worldwide; and TRUSTe certification will serve as a benchmark in our ongoing commitment to safeguard consumer privacy and security.

By becoming a TRUSTe licensee, Carlson Hotels Worldwide gives its customers a clear signal that it is trustworthy and respects the privacy wishes of the people who visit its Web sites, said Fran Maier, Executive Director and President of TRUSTe. We are pleased to have Carlson as part of our distinguished roster of participants in the TRUSTe Privacy Seal program.

The TRUSTe Privacy Seal is a consumer-branded symbol that signifies a Web site has posted a privacy statement and, moreover, that its Web site information-gathering and dissemination practices address the elements of notice, choice, access, security and redress outlined in the Federal Trade Commission`s Fair Information Practices. Specifically, TRUSTe`s members agree to:

• Disclose their information-gathering and dissemination practices
• Give consumers choice to limit any secondary uses of their personal information through opt-in or opt-out
• Provide consumers with access to their personal information to correct any inaccuracies
• Ensure that reasonable security mechanisms are being used to protect the data that is collected

A cornerstone of the TRUSTe Privacy Seal and Certification Program is the ongoing monitoring and Watchdog Consumer Dispute Resolution mechanism. Through automated Watchfire monitoring, TRUSTe regularly monitors its seal program participants to ensure the integrity of the privacy statement. In addition, TRUSTe provides consumers and organizations an effective method to build trust through the Watchdog Dispute Resolution mechanism, an easy-to-use service for consumers to resolve their privacy disputes.

To meet the Safe Harbor principles, Carlson engaged in a year-long, comprehensive review of its data-management practices. The Safe Harbor principles include providing notice and choice about how collected personal data is used, providing individuals access to their personal information, and enforcing effective procedures for ensuring continued compliance with the principles.