Worldhotels Creates Supervisory Board - Global Industry Leaders Selected to Advise on Company’s Future Growth and Strategic Direction

(PRWEB) June 25, 2005

WORLDHOTELS, a leader in the global independent hotel sales, marketing and distribution industry, today announced the formation of a supervisory board created to advise the WORLDHOTELS’ executive board in Frankfurt, Germany, on the future growth and strategic direction of the organization.

“The establishment of the supervisory board is a logical progression in the development of the WORLDHOTELS’ consolidation as a public limited company (AG), and the company’s re-positioning,” said Michael Ball, CEO of WORLDHOTELS. “The role of the supervisory board is a crucial one for the successful development of our company. By bringing together shareholder members, who truly understand the culture and ambitions of the organization, with the industry knowledge external specialists, we’re confident this select group will prove a vital source of advice for our company’s executive board.“

The six-member supervisory board consists of four current shareholders plus two external representatives from the travel and hospitality industry. Key industry players include Jens K. Neelsen, managing partner, Essex House Hotel and Convention Center, in Lancaster, Calif.; David Scowsill, former CEO of Opodo, an online travel service owned by nine of Europe’s leading airlines; and Hasso von During, CEO of TUI Leisure Travel, one of Europe’s largest travel organizations.

Ball said Neelsen offers the group a rare combination of knowledge in financial and hospitality consulting, and experience as an independent hotel operator.

“Jens has successfully expanded his property into a significant destination, overseeing complex sales, marketing and operational issues that such an expansion brings. In addition, it is important for this board to have North American representation, as inbound, outbound and internal traffic in this region of the world is a major focus of our company. I’m confident Jens will be instrumental in helping guide our business, particularly in North America, on behalf of our shareholders, stakeholders and customers.“

In addition to Neelsen, Ball added that Scowsill brings to the board unrivaled Internet expertise, an area that WORLDHOTELS considers a key focus for its nearly 500 member properties. He will advise on current online distribution trends, and support the company’s efforts to capitalize on this growing distribution channel.

Hasso von During contributes retail and “business-to-consumer“ experience. Using his expertise in travel retail sales and marketing communications, von During will advise on current market retail and leisure consumer trends, brand building and customer-focused marketing communications.

Other members of the WORLDHOTELS advisory board, include Hans D. Turnovszky, President and General Manager, Austria Hotels International, who will chair the board; Rainer Spielmann, Director, Sales and Marketing-Business Hotels, Steigenberger Hotel Group; and Johanna Fragano, General Manager, Hotel Quirinale in Rome.

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WORLDHOTELS is one of the world's leading hotel sales, marketing and distribution organizations. This progressive and steadily expanding corporation represents nearly 500 member properties in 70 countries spanning all continents. Unique in its approach, WORLDHOTELS meets the requirements of business travelers and vacationers alike by providing hotels in three distinct categories: "The Deluxe Collection," hotels of refined elegance and luxurious comfort; "The First Class Collection," hotels of casual elegance, superior class and high quality; and "The Comfort Collection," hotels characterized by a casual ambiance, intimate atmosphere and moderate price. For more information or to make reservations, visit online at http://www.worldhotels.com or call toll free at 1-800-223-5652 in the U.S. and Canada.

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