Imagine, if you will, a haven where you can pamper your body at a luxurious resort spa, challenge your mind at a world-renowned museum of Native American art and take in some of the world�s finest golf. A place where shopping is an art form and activities abound in the lush Sonoran Desert landscape. Well, Scottsdale is that place and in 2004 the city is boasting even more signature experiences. Take a moment to check out the exciting upgrades and changes taking place in Scottsdale this year.

Downtown Hotel Gets a New Name, New Owner and a New Attitude A new chain of moderately-priced, ultra-chic hotels will launch their brand in Scottsdale this February. The James Hotel Scottsdale is looking to itself as the next hip thing to hit downtown Scottsdale�s Civic Center. New owners, New York restaurateur Stephen Hanson and former Equinox Fitness owner Danny Errico, are turning the property back into a trendy destination for hip young travelers seeking luxury, style and an active nightlife.

Along with its new name and owner, the James Hotel Scottsdale will also undergo a modern makeover which includes new carpet, furnishings, plasma screen TVs in all 200 guestrooms, a wireless internet campus and state-of-the-art poolside gym. Other resort features include the New York Times 3-Star Fiamma Trattoria with an 1,827 square foot patio, their signature J Bar, a 115-foot play pool, 10,000 square feet of event space, and spa services offered in-room or in the pool-side cabanas. Promising a unique experience to both the leisure and business traveler, James will also stay attractive to the budget-minded traveler with plans to keep peak-season rates under $300. For general information, visit www.jameshotels.com. For media information only, Lisa Bytner at 212-650-9442.

SunBurst Resort Completes $6 Million Renovation & Opens New Spa The SunBurst Resort has completed a $6 million renovation project that included remodeling their meeting and public space as well as adding a new 3,500 square foot spa, SpaTerre. The spa will consist of seven treatment rooms, including one couples massage room. The treatment rooms will feature ceramic claw-foot tubs and some will include private shower and toilet. SpaTerre will also feature a wet room with Vichy Shower, facial room, manicure/pedicure room and a meditation room just off the lobby with access to the spa, fitness and pool areas. Renovations also included changes to the porte cachere with the addition of new fountains, torches and landscaping and wireless Internet access is now available in all guest rooms, lobby and pool areas as well as the conference space. After the 2004 season, the property will begin renovating it�s 202 guest rooms adding new furnishings, carpet and upgrading the bathrooms. The guest room renovation is slated for completion in October 2004. For general information, call (480) 945-7666 or visit www.sunburstresort.com. For media information only, contact Jennifer Ploszaj at (425) 827-8737.

The Phoenician�s $7 Million Renovation Adds Grace and Elegance The Phoenician is set to complete a $7 million renovation by the end of the year. The golf course received a $1 million enhancement, with tees that have been laser leveled to smoothness, new sand in the bunkers, new landscaping, and a new Global Positioning System on the driving range that allows golfers to track their exact yardage to within five pin placements. Two-million dollars of the renovation went into new carpeting and newly colored wall upholstery in the resort�s 65,000 square feet of meeting space. The resort�s suites received a $2 million renovation that included things such as new furniture and carpeting, and the award-winning Mary Elaine�s restaurant and the Terrace dining room were both renovated with new carpeting and furniture, and new color schemes. For more information, call (480) 941-8200 or (800) 888-8234. For media information only, contact Debora Bridges at (480) 423-2657.

Marriott�s First Resort Gets New Distinction & New Spa Marriott�s Camelback Inn Resort, Golf Club & Spa joined the world-class collection of distinctive JW Marriott Hotels & Resorts in January 2004. Catering to discerning travelers around the world, JW Marriott properties are the most distinctive and elegant hotels and resorts carrying the Marriott name. JW Marriott Hotels and Resorts embody approachable luxury - understated elegance and gracious, attentive, personal service. In addition, the award-winning Spa at the Camelback Inn completed an $8 million renovation project that affected every area of Camelback�s European health spa with enhancements and upgrades. Changes include an expanded lobby and check-in areas, a state-of-the-art fitness center and all brand-new spa equipment. For general information, call (480) 948-1700 or visit www.camelbackinn.com. For media information only, contact Terri Worthington at (480) 596-7021.

Scottsdale Resorts Complete Renovations: � The CopperWynd Resort and Club now offers the private Sonoran View Room, which can hold 15 people for an elegant seated dinner or up to 50 guests for a private party. For more information, call 877-707-7760 or visit www.copperwynd.com. � Resort Suites of Scottsdale has begun the second phase of its king-suite renovation project. Each suite will be enhanced with new furniture and improved internet connections. In addition, upgrades will be made to the fitness center and the on-site restaurant Gordon�s Supper Club. For more information, call 888-222-1059 or visit www.resortsuites.com. � Doubletree Paradise Valley Resort is in the final stages of a $2 million hotelwide renovation, which included all guest rooms and suites, the hotel lobby, public space and outdoor dining patio overlooking the lush, landscaped grounds, pools and fountains. For more information, call 480-947-5400, or www.paradisevalley.doubletree.com � The Scottsdale Resort Club and the Scottsdale Athletic Club, adjacent properties located in Scottsdale, will now operate under a combined name: Scottsdale Resort & Athletic Club in order to provide better and expanded services through a seamless operation. In addition, the owners plan to break ground on additional resort villas, including four-bedroom and four-bath villas, this spring. For more information, call 480-951-0882 or visit www.scottsdaleresortandathleticclub.com. � The Gainey Suites Hotel recently created the �Gainey Suite Dreams Bed� to offer its guests a better nights sleep. The beds include a �kingsdown� pillow top mattress, and hypo-allergenic down pillows. For more information, call 800-970-4666 or 480-922-6969 or visit www.gaineysuiteshotel.com.

Preservation and Renovations Continue at Historic Hotel Valley Ho The restoration of Scottsdale�s first year-round resort, the historic Hotel Valley Ho, continues thanks to a commitment of $2.5 million in tax rebates from the City of Scottsdale. The 47-year-old hotel property was once all the rage in the late 1950s with celebrity sightings including Tony Curtis and Janet Leigh, Clark Gable, Humphrey Bogart and more. Natalie Wood and Robert Wagner liked it so much they exchanged their vows there.

The property.is currently undergoing a renovation of the resort�s 196 rooms and construction of a six-story tower that includes a spa and 30 high-end condominiums. Trader Vic�s, the original property�s staple restaurant will also be resurrected. Rooms at the Hotel Valley Ho will be appointed with design elements reminiscent of the 1950s with modern amenities including flat-screen televisions and the latest Internet connections. Features also include frosted glass bathroom walls with separate shower and tub, 9-foot ceilings and floor-to-ceiling arcadia doors leading out to the balcony. The average annual room rate will be about $200/night.The property is expected to open in September 2005. For general information, visit www.hotelvalleyho.com. For media information only, contact Bill Nassikas at (480) 367-6222.

CopperWynd Resort & Club Offers Out-of-This-World Spa Experiences The Spa at CopperWynd Resort and Club is offering four exclusive new spa treatments for clients wanting to bring renewed universal energy, stress management, weight loss, personal growth, and a sense of balance to their lives. The four new treatments include Hypnotherapy, Cellulite Parafango Wrap, Chamerinage� and Reiki. The first three therapeutic treatments are not offered anywhere else in Arizona. The Cellulite Parafango Wrap treatment uses mud from the Dead Sea in a series of paraffin mud wraps to help rid the body of fat and cellulite through an involved massage session. The treatment utilizes a �magna massage�, the use of magnetic fields, exfoliation, serum and the Parafango. Chamerinage�: Chakras, Meridians, Intuitive, Massage is a unique combination of energy work incorporated with massage therapy, specifically tailored to the needs of the individual. This profound wellness treatment incorporates massage therapy and combinations of energetic acupressure, Chakra Balancing, Cranial Sacral, - Polarity Therapy, Meridian Alignments, and placement of Semi-Precious Stones, Crystals and Intuitive therapy. The treatment is facilitated by Intuit and licensed massage therapist.Dale R. Howard, Hypnotherapy With Guided Imagery offers clients a way to relax and set aside the conscious mind, thus opening the mind to create positive change while the Reiki treatment, performed by Reiki Master Reva Dawn, teaches how to access and use universal energy for stress management and personal growth. For general information, call 877-707-7760 or 480-333-1900 or visit www.copperwynd.com. For media information only, contact Leslie Bay at 480-585-3039. Destination Spas Create Unique Spa Treatments That Cater to Mind, Body and Soul � The Royal Palms Resort and Spa has teamed up with Kronos Optimal Health Centre to offer four health and well-being packages at the Alvadora Spa. Each package includes four-night accommodations, daily breakfast, one dinner in T.Cook�s restaurant, participation in resort fitness classes, valet parking, evening turndown service, and the resort�s daily fee. For more information, call 800-672-6011 or visit www.royalpalmsresortandspa.com. For media information only, contact Sally Cooper at 480-946-9446. � The Spa at Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North has begun offering new programs especially designed for golfers and tennis players. The Golf Specialty Massage incorporates stretching and therapeutic massage techniques to relieve stress and tension. In addition, warm golf balls are rolled along the large muscles on either side of the spine and down the neck. Similar to hot stones, the heated golf balls help to diminish tension in these areas. Golf Pilates, another new program, increases strength in golf-specific muscle groups. The resort�s new tennis clinics help improve a player�s forehand and serve, as well as other strategic shots and basic skills. For more information, call 888-207-9696 or visit www.fourseasons.com/scottsdale. For media information only, contact Nikki Lequin at 480-513-5014. � The Centre for Well-Being at The Phoenician introduces two new spa treatments. Barefoot in the Lemongrass begins with a leg massage and is followed by a refreshing salt exfoliation and massage of the feet. The Revenir Facial is a remarkable anti-aging facial that that helps to reduce fine lines, wrinkles, age spots and hyper-pigmentation. For more information, call 800-955-7352 or visit www.thephoenician.com. For media information only, contact Debora Bridges at 480-423-2657.

Upgrades and Expansions in all the Wright Places Frank Lloyd Wright�s Taliesin West opened the Wright Downtown Experience, a combination information center, retail shop and small exhibit gallery in downtown Scottsdale. Located in the heart of the Fifth Avenue shopping district, residents and visitors can enjoy an introduction to the architect�s life and work, and purchase reproductions of furniture, lamps and decorative pieces created by Wright. In addition, Frank Lloyd Wright�s Taliesin West has future plans to expand. Wright�s living quarters will be restored to how they looked when he died in 1959. The renovation began early 2003 with a completion date in January 2004. Taliesin West also plans to expand their current bookstore. The new store will include a larger gift shop, concession stand, ticket windows, and also will serve as an educational venue to visitors. This expansion is slated for this summer. All tours will continue to run through construction. Also under construction is a Wright-designed spire at the northwest corner of the Promenade in North Scottsdale. When complete, the spire will be 20-feet wide at the base and 125-feet tall. It will be framed with steel, painted with copper color paint, glazed with plastic, and will be illuminated internally at night. For general information, call (480) 860-2700 or visit www.franklloydwright.org. For media information only, contact Beverly Hart at (480) 860-2700.

Sculpture Series at Desert Botanical Garden Celebrates Female Beauty From January 18 through June 27, 2004, the Desert Botanical Garden will host a sculpture series featuring the work of artist John Waddell. The garden will display more than 20 of Waddell�s sculptures along its paths. The sculptures celebrate the female form in all different stages including youth, motherhood, family, movement and solitude. In addition, Waddell�s two-dimensional works will be on display in Ottosen Gallery. Waddell has work on display in 14 public venues in Phoenix, and also has exhibitions and permanent installations throughout the United States. For general information, call (480) 941-1225 or visit www.dbg.org. For media information only, contact Paty Wilson at (480) 481-8101.

Downtown Scottsdale Home to New Performing Arts Theater Construction on the new Theater 4301 has been completed. The 325-seat theater is located in the former IMAX facility at the Galleria Corporate Center, at 4301 N. Scottsdale Road. Renovation of the theatre began in November and added marble floors, new seats, dressing rooms, washers and dryers for costumes, a new stage deck, new carpet and elevated seating. The theatre will be available for special events in the near future. For media information only, contact Michelle Friedman at (480) 874-4626. Beginning January 22, the theatre will present the off-broadway musical comedy Menopause the Musical for an indefinite run. The musical is a celebration of women on the brink, in the middle of, or past �the change.� It is set to classic �60s, �70s, and �80s music. Performances are Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday at 7:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. Tickets are on sale now and cost $36. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 480-994-ARTS, or visit www.scottsdalearts.org.

Construction Begins on Downtown Scottsdale�s Newest District Construction will begin this May on Main St. Plaza Scottsdale, a pedestrian-friendly neighborhood that blends custom-designed residential units, specialty retailers and restaurants with the area�s heritage as an arts, cultural and entertainment destination. When complete, the project will encompass an estimated 450,000 square feet, including approximately 175 residential units and 25,000 square feet of retail space. Located in the heart of downtown Scottsdale, the first phase of the project includes 33 condominium and loft homes, along with approximately 13,000 square feet of retail space. It will consist of three buildings, two of which will face Main Street and form a gateway entrance into the neighborhood of Main St. Plaza Scottsdale. The buildings will house retail on the ground level, with seven distinctive loft units above. The third building will anchor the public plaza and face a planned museum.

This mid-rise building will house retail shops on the ground level and 26 condominium residences above. The neighborhood will be accessible by car, bus or free trolley. In addition to the Loloma Transit Station and Main Street trolley stops, underground public parking will be available. Delivery of the first units are anticipated in 2005 with sales of residential units beginning in the fall. For general information, call 480-675-0200 or visit www.mainstplazascottsdale.com. For media information only, contact Rebecca Stenholm at Rebecca Stenholm 602-417-0684. Scottsdale Waterfront Project Resurrects Plans, Construction to Begin in May 2004 The City Council voted unanimously to approve the Scottsdale Waterfront project, a $250 million, 11-acre residential, retail and office development along the northern banks of the Arizona Canal in downtown Scottsdale. The 1.1 million-square-foot project includes two- and three-story retail and office buildings along Camelback Road, Goldwater Boulevard and Marshall Way, along with one eight-story and two 13-story residential buildings north of the Arizona Canal. The development will be home to the Fiesta Bowl headquarters and museum. About five acres of the site will be public open space, featuring an outdoor amphitheater, public art and recreation paths along the canal. As part of the development plan, the city will pay up to $5.3 million for infrastructure improvements such as roads and parking related to the site. Later this year, the city will break ground on an adjacent project along the south banks of the Arizona Canal, opposite the Waterfront development site. This $11 million public improvement project will provide paths and landscaping, public parking, art, lighting and a pedestrian-only bridge across the canal, linking the Waterfront project and Fashion Square Mall with Scottsdale�s Fifth Avenue shops and arts district. The development is a joint undertaking between Starwood Capital Group in Greenwich,Connecticut, and Golub & Co., based in Chicago. The contractor for the project is The Weitz Co. and the architect is Solomon Cordwell Buenz & Associates of Chicago. Construction for both projects will begin in May 2004. For general and media information, call Sahler Hornbeck, City of Scottsdale, 480-312-7825.

A Taste of Italy Comes to Scottsdale at Sassi Sassi, north Scottsdale's newest restaurant and event destination, opened in February. Features of the fine-dining restaurant include authentic old world architecture and rustic, seasonal cuisine inspired by the artisan traditions of Southern Italy (Campania, Puglia, Sicily, Sardinia). Led by Executive Chef Wade Moises of New York fame, dishes will include handmade pastas, fresh fish, pork, traditional steaks and poultry. Other culinary features of Sassi include a wood burning oven, rotisserie and grill, on-site bakery, a 200+ case wine cellar and a variety of private rooms to accommodate 8-30 in the restaurant ,including wine cellar dining for up to 14 guests. The restaurant is uniquely constructed offering Indoor and outdoor seating for 225, private rooms that can accommodate parties of up to 150, multiple outdoor patios and a 1,400-square-foot outdoor garden area that can entertain large groups for wedding receptions and ceremonies. For general information, call 480-502-9095 or visit www.sassi.biz. For media information only, contact Emily J. Russek at 480-367-1112.

Tastings and Tapas are Feature at New Renaissance Scottsdale Restaurant Renaissance Scottsdale Resort will open their casual dining spot, The Courtyard Tapas in February 2004. Located in a charming outdoor patio setting, The Courtyard Tapas will offer patrons a wide selection of Mediterranean tapas paired with California and Spanish wines. The Courtyard Tapas will feature a casual seasonal setting with seating for 50 complimented by Spanish style architecture, fountains and a show kitchen including a lava rock char broiler, barbeque smoker and bar seating for up to 10 guests around the grille. The menu will feature close to 40 items including such notable dishes as Roasted Eggplant Caviar, Grilled Diver Scallops with Saffron Risotto, Grilled Lamb Chop with Roasted Peppers and Grilled Flat Iron Steak Napoleon with Maxim potatoes and Wasabi Sauce. Desert selections include Banana and Mascarpone Napoleon with Chocolate Sauce and Almond Flan with Fresh Berries. The resort�s sommelier will also offer wine pairing suggestions to all the tapas featured on the menu. The signature beverage at the restaurant will be the Sangria del Dia (Sangria of the Day) by the glass or pitcher.

Wine flights will also be available featuring such Napa Valley favorites as Trefethen Chardonnay, Markham Sauvignon Blanc, and Beaulieu and Rutherford Ranch Cabernet Sauvignons. Complimenting the flights of wine will be a variety of Spanish and Sonoma Cheeses. For general information, call 480-991-1414 or visit www.renaissancehotels.com/phxsr. For media information only, contact Cathy McKeever, 480-443-5894.

Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Adds Wine Bar Offering Rare and Exclusive Wines A visit to the new Wine Bar at the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort at Gainey Ranch best compares to a tasting invitation from the resort�s private wine cellar. The Wine Bar offers guests and groups the opportunity to sample unique and rare wines that are generally not available in retail outlets or even in wine auctions. Wines are available by the glass, bottle or to take home. Capping the tasting experience in the Wine Bar are the breathtaking views from the resort�s indoor /outdoor lobby where the doors rarely close and the doorman is close at hand. The resort is leveraging its relationships with select vintners to acquire wines from their libraries and private reserve stock. This kind of procurement affords Wine Bar patrons tasting experiences that until now they have only read about in specialty wine publications. For general information, call 800-55-HYATT or 480-991-3388 or visit www.scottsdale.hyatt.com. For media information only, contact Ann Lane at 480- 483-5597.

Phoenix Open Gets Title Sponsor, Changes Name Friedman, Billings, Ramsey Group, Inc. (NYSE: FBR), a top-10 national investment bank, is the title sponsor of The FBR Open, formerly known as The Phoenix Open. The tournament is the world's best-attended golf event, has consistently ranked as one of the top draws for the finest PGA TOUR players, and has long been among the top five charity fundraising events on the PGA TOUR. FBR signed a five-year agreement as title sponsor. The upcoming FBR Open will take place at the Tournament Players Club of Scottsdale from Jan. 26 through Feb. 1, 2004. The tournament attracted more than 529,000 fans last year, and has raised more than $23 million for charity since 1986. Because of FBR's involvement, the amount of prize money awarded is being increased to $5.2 million, up from a purse of $4 million in 2003. For general information, call 602-870-4431 or visit www.fbropen.com. For media information only, contact Rob Myers at 480-348-4570.

Troon Golf Partners with First Tee to Support Young Golfers Troon Golf has nominated The First Tee as its 2004 charity. The First Tee offers young people of all different backgrounds the chance to develop through a character-building program delivered through the game of golf. Their program emphasizes honesty, integrity, and sportsmanship. As part of its partnership, Troon Golf will launch a yearlong initiative to raise funds for The First Tee�s Best Practices Grant Program. Each Troon Golf facility will host individual fundraising events, and hat clips with The First Tee logo will be on sale in each Troon golf shop. In addition, Troon Golf will take on an active role in mentoring youth who want to pursue a career in the golf industry. For general information, call 480-585-7700. For media information only, contact Rachel Williamson at 480-606-1000.

Tournament Players Club of Scottsdale Adds New Challenges to its Stadium Course The TPC of Scottsdale has made design changes that will make its Stadium course more challenging for PGA TOUR professionals of the 2004 FBR Open. Four signature holes have lengthened, extending the course from 7,070 yards to more than 7,200 yards. The size and dimensions of some of the bunkers have been changed, and new bunkers have been added. In addition, the PGA TOUR Professional West End Practice Facility has expanded its practice tee, chipping green, and putting greens, and has added a new cart path. For general information, call 888-400-4001 or 480-585-3600, or visit www.TPC.com. For media information only, contact Russ Norris at (480) 585-4334 ext. 226.

Changes at We-Ko-Pa Golf Club Boost Player Performance We-Ko-Pa Golf Club in Fountain Hills has made several changes to its course to better serve the needs of its golfers. New championship teeing grounds were built on four holes, and a cart path was rerouted to alleviate congestion on busy days. The landing area on two different holes was improved to help the pace of play and allow players to better see the fairway. For media information only, contact Jeff Lessig at 480-836-9000 or visit www.wekopa.com.

Golf Course Renovations Completed at The Phoenician The Phoenician has completed a $1 million dollar renovation to its golf course. Changes include tees that have been laser leveled, new sand for the bunkers, and a new Global Positioning System on the driving range that can track the yardage to five pin placements. The Phoenician has also made changes to its restaurants. The 19th Hole restaurant located outside the Phoenician Golf Shop added new teak furniture and cooling misters, and the resort restaurant Windows on the Green added a new d�cor and new menu last summer. For general information, call 800-888-8234 or 480-941-8200 or visit www.thephoenician.com. For media information only, contact Debora Bridges at 480-423-2657.

America West Airlines Adds Flights to Mexico, Costa Rica and Canada America West Airlines announced service to four new destinations in 2003. Daily nonstop, roundtrip service between Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, began in October. Edmonton will be America West�s fourth destination in Canada. America West also began non-stop service from Phoenix to Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico�s third largest city and Costa Rica. The airline also initiated service from Phoenix to Memphis, Tennessee, in April, and to Cancun, Mexico, in June. For general information, visit www.americawest.com. For media information only, contact Janice Monahan at (480) 698-5729.

American Airlines Adds Nonstop Flight Between Phoenix and New York On January 31, 2004, American Airlines began offering non-stop flights between Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport and New York�s JFK International Airport. They offer two daily flights from New York to Phoenix at 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., and two daily flights from Phoenix to New York at 12:30 p.m. and 10:40 p.m. AAdvantage members can earn twice the flier miles each time they fly on one of the new nonstop flights from Jan. 31 through April 30, 2004. For general information, visit www.americanairlines.com.

New Walkway Welcomes International Travelers to Arizona In February, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport opened a new pedestrian walkway for international passengers that will allow travelers to go directly to the main lobby of the airport without rechecking their baggage. Before, international passengers had to recheck baggage containing security sensitive items and then re-claim them at the domestic baggage claim area. The new walkway is enclosed, 500 feet long, and window lined, with a Sonoran Desert sculpture garden outside. The garden contains original artwork and desert plants, and serves as a gateway for international travelers to enter Arizona. For media information only, call Renee Levesque at 602-273-8872. For general information, visit http://phoenix.gov/AVIATION.

AAA Awards Scottsdale Resorts and Restaurants with Highest Honors Four Scottsdale hotels and two restaurants once again rank among the best in the country, according to AAA�s prestigious Five Diamond rating for 2004. An additional seven Scottsdale hotels and six restaurants have earned the AAA Four Diamond rating for 2004, making Scottsdale the place to visit for fine dining and luxurious resort vacations.

AAA�s Five and Four Diamond Awards are a symbol of exceptional quality, customer service, and first-class amenities. The Scottsdale award winners represent only one-fourth of one percent of the nearly 50,000 properties AAA evaluates each year throughout North America. The Scottsdale establishments that have achieved this elite status share the honor with some of the country�s finest hotels and restaurants. Marriott�s Camelback Inn, Golf Club & Spa is one of only three resorts in the country that has held a Five Diamond Rating since the Diamond Ratings were introduced in 1977. The Scottsdale properties recognized as AAA Five Diamond winners are The Boulders Resort and Golden Door Spa (14 consecutive years), Four Seasons Resort at Troon North (2 consecutive years), Marriott�s Camelback Inn Resort, Golf Club & Spa (28 consecutive years), Fairmont Scottsdale Princess (12 consecutive years). Restaurants recognized are Marquesa, in the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess (12 consecutive years) and Mary Elaine�s, in the Phoenician (3 years). Scottsdale properties recognized as AAA Four Diamond winners include Southwest Inn at Eagle Mountain (4 consecutive years), CopperWynd Resort and Club (1 year), Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain (1 year), Royal Palms Resort & Spa (5 consecutive years), Hyatt Regency Scottsdale at Gainey Ranch (15 consecutive years) and The Phoenician (13 consecutive years). Restaurants earning this distinction include Latilla Dining Room at The Boulders (9 consecutive years), elements at Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain (1 year), Acacia at Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale (3 consecutive years), La Hacienda at Fairmont Scottsdale Princess (10 consecutive years), The Chaparral at Marriott�s Camelback Inn (13 consecutive years) and The Terrace Dining Room at The Phoenician (8 consecutive years). For general information, visit www.aaaaz.com.

Scottsdale Named Arizona�s Official �Sportstown� by Sports Illustrated Scottsdale was named Sports Illustrated magazine�s official "Sportstown" of Arizona in the Jan.19, 2004 issue. The magazine along with the National Recreation and Park Association have selected 50 U.S. cities, one from each state, to feature as part of the magazine's 50th anniversary. Approximately four million people take advantage of the many parks and recreational opportunities strewn throughout the city of Scottsdale. Scottsdale�s newest outdoor offering, Pinnacle Peak Park, has received more than 280,000 visitors since it�s opening in April 2002. Boasting more than 300 days of sunshine each year, Scottsdale also lays claim to nearly 100 miles of walking, jogging, cycling and horseback riding trails, more than 200 area golf courses, top-of-the-line tennis facilities including 37 public tennis courts, mountains for hiking and biking, thousands of swimming pools, and rodeo and Western events. Unique features include the city�s 12-mile Indian Bend Wash Greenbelt and the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. The city also plays host to several national sporting events, such as the PGA Tour�s FBR Open (formerly the Phoenix Open), major-league baseball�s spring training (host to the San Francisco Giants), and multiple national and international horse shows and competitions at WestWorld, the city�s nationally recognized equestrian center and special events facility. For media information only, call Laura McMurchie at 480-429-2253.

Scottsdale Partners with Phoenix & AOT on the Smithsonian�s CultureFest Program Smithsonian Magazine, along with the Scottsdale and Greater Phoenix CVBs and the Arizona Office of Tourism will host the Third Annual CultureFest, Nov. 11-14, 2004. This program is expected to fill approximately 200 to 300 room nights in Scottsdale.. To help promote the event, the Scottsdale CVB will run ads in Smithsonian Magazine; will utilize the 20,000 Smithsonian Magazine reader names provided to us to keep these high-affinity arts and cultural aficionados abreast of our Culture Quest activities; will stage a special Thursday night ArtWalk to kick off the four days of activities; will stage a special, expanded Native Trails performance; and will create an architectural tour of Taliesin West. For complete event information, visit http://culturefest.com. For media information only, contact Laura McMurchie at 480-429-2253. 3rd Annual Scottsdale Celebrity Chef Golf Invitational The 3rd Annual Scottsdale Celebrity Chef Golf Invitational will be held May 13-16, 2004. The nation�s hottest chefs along with local resort chefs will participate in this four-day celebration. National chefs include Todd English (Olive Restaurant), Tom Colicchio (Craft), Roy Yamaguchi (Roy�s), Ming Tsai (Blue Ginger) and others. Scottsdale resort partners for this year�s event include the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort, the Royal Palms Resort and Spa, Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain, Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North, The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, and JAMES Hotel � Scottsdale. This year�s lineup of events includes a special ArtWalk, a jazz concert, The Best of the Southwest tasting event, a champagne brunch, and several intimate food and wine seminars. For complete event details, visit www.scottsdalecvb.com/bonappetit. For media information only, contact Laura McMurchie at 480-429-2253.

Scottsdale CVB Distributes Winter/Spring 2004 Culture Quest Brochure The Scottsdale Convention & Visitors Bureau will distribute 50,000 new Winter 2004 Culture Quest Scottsdale brochures. The Culture Quest guide is a complete resource to Scottsdale�s arts and cultural scene and contains a map of downtown Scottsdale that includes the trolley route and stops, ten must-see arts experiences, a list of special events, gallery and museum exhibits, performing art shows, and workshops, a list of more than 100 galleries in Scottsdale, information on public art around the city and a complete Native Trails schedule. These brochures will be distributed through March 2004 by the Scottsdale Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Scottsdale Center for the Arts, Scottsdale-area hotels and resorts, and many others. For general information, visit www.CultureQuestScottsdale.com.

2004 Discover Scottsdale Destination Guide Now Available The Scottsdale Convention & Visitors Bureau released their new 2004 Discover Scottsdale destination guide, the official visitors guide of the tourism marketing organization. More than 175,000 copies of the Discover Scottsdale destination guide will be distributed over the next year to consumers who contact the Scottsdale CVB for information. This year's guide expands on the award-winning design of earlier Scottsdale destination guides and is a handy reference for special events, golf, outdoor activities, attractions, dining, shopping and more. Features of the guide include magazine-style feature articles on the spirit of Scottsdale and Scottsdale�s golf, art and spa offerings, sample itineraries for one-of-a-kind Scottsdale experiences everyone can enjoy, useful reference listings for Scottsdale hotels and resorts, restaurants and more, city and area maps and personal interviews with local artists, athletes and personalities. For general information or to request a free copy of the guide, visit www.experiencescottsdale.com.

For more information on these programs or to find out the latest tourism news, please contact Scottsdale Convention & Visitors Bureau Vice President of Communications Laura McMurchie at (480) 429-2253 or via e-mail at LM@scottsdalecvb.com. You also can call the Scottsdale Convention & Visitors Bureau at (800) 805-0471 or visit www.scottsdalepressroom.com.

Editor�s Note: If you would like your readers to be able to call for Scottsdale information or receive a complimentary Discover Scottsdale destination guide, please include our toll-free phone number, 800-805-0471, and web site, www.scottsdalecvb.com.

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Media Contact: Laura McMurchie +1 480-429-2253 LM@scottsdalecvb.com