From 15 May, Six Continents Hotels will guarantee that the rates customers find on its web sites will be the lowest room rates for their hotels that can be found anywhere on the web � and is offering a further 10% off any rates that can be found to prove them wrong.

The Group is also revolutionising the pricing structure across its global network, allowing customers to choose whether they want lower prices with limited flexibility or greater flexibility in exchange for a higher price.

A world first for hotel companies on the Internet, the Lowest Internet Rate Guarantee will remove the need for consumers to shop around looking for the best deal on the web for accommodation at any of the Group�s 3,200 hotels around the world including Inter-Continental, Crowne Plaza and Holiday Inn hotels and resorts.

Six Continents Hotels' web sites around the world already take over US$1 million in bookings every day � and as the world�s most global hotel company, the Group is aggressively working to increase its leadership in digital distribution channels.

�Consumers are increasingly familiar and comfortable with the Internet, but many will attest that finding the best price from the many web sites offering hotel accommodation can be difficult. This is all about providing our guests with the confidence that they are able to come directly to us without having to shop around and making booking via the Internet faster and cheaper,� said Six Continents Hotels Director of Marketing for Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific, Michael Meade.

�We are also offering new discounted rates over the Six Continents Hotels web site that allow customers to save by booking and paying for their stay in advance � for example, the 21-Day Advance Saver offers savings of at least 30% off the standard non-discounted rate.

�Our pricing reforms will also mean that Six Continents Hotels can introduce lower rates to the marketplace and increase accessability to our hotels. We believe we are the first to undertake such ambitious reform and will increase our position as a market leader in this region,� Mr Meade said.

Six Continents Hotels was the first major hotel company in the world to offer online booking capabilities, in June 1995. To book accommodation with Six Continents Hotels online, visit www.southpacific.sixcontinentshotels.com.

ENDS

MEDIA INFORMATION Luke Starr or Jane Morey MacSween Communications (+61 2) 9327 4333