The availability of globalised services and systems will be a key differentiator of major hotel companies in 2002 according to Six Continents Hotels� new Chief Operating Officer for Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific (ANZSP) Phil Lee as the Group prepares to reposition its suite of global brands.

With the enhancement of Inter-Continental, Crowne Plaza and Holiday Inn brand standards and offerings already underway around the world, Mr Lee said the evolution of the Group�s global brands is based on the changing ways local and international business and leisure travellers are selecting their hotel accommodation.

�Across the global group we are seeing an increase in the number of people who are basing their decisions on familiarity and consistency and delivery on the service promise, ahead of price.

�International brands and globalised systems such as loyalty programs, booking capabilities and hospitality guarantees are becoming much more prominent in the decision-making process, which has prompted us to enhance the Group�s global offerings,� Mr Lee said.

Mr Lee recently took on the role of Chief Operating Officer for the region following the transfer of his predecessor, Tony South, who has relocated to Singapore as Senior Vice President � Development for the Asia Pacific region.

�Over the last year, Six Continents Hotels has concentrated on the rollout of its global brands in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific � a process we intend to complete in 2002. This has given us a strong base for the repositioning of these brands as well as the enhancement of our business processes and hospitality offerings as we further expand our portfolio.

�In doing so, we will be focusing on properties that best match the values of each of our global brands, are well located and are able to provide consistent quality, exemplary service and attention to the guest�s needs that the global Group strives for.

�While the strength of our brands is important, we recognise that it is the experience of the hotels and resorts themselves that will inspire loyalty among our guests. By amplifying our offerings at a hotel level, we are confident that our share of the market in this region will increase,� Mr Lee said.

�Six Continents Hotels has invested extensively throughout Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific and is serious about further expansion in this market.

�This region represents a key area for growth for the Six Continents Group and we are still committed to achieving a leading market position in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific. We will be rolling out fresh re-brandings, expansion initiatives and system enhancements throughout the year in support of this goal,� Mr Lee added

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MEDIA INFORMATION Luke Starr or Jane Morey Prue MacSween & Associates (+61 2) 9327 4333