The hotel first opened in July 1909, and is widely recognized as the first luxury hotel in Argentina and one of the first in South America. In the years that followed, the hotel became synonymous with glamour and sophistication, while hosting many famous guests including Charles de Gaulle, Theodore Roosevelt, King Juan Carlos of Spain, Indira Gandhi, and Luciano Pavarotti. The legendary accommodations were the first of their kind in Argentina, and set the standard for many future hotel projects in the country and throughout the region.

“One hundred years ago last week the first guest checked into this iconic hotel in Buenos Aires,” said J.W. Marriott Jr., Chairman & CEO of Marriott International. "It continues to welcome guests from around the world and we are proud to have the Plaza with its rich heritage as one of the top hotels in our global portfolio.”

The hotel is conveniently located in the heart of Buenos Aires on the pedestrian Calle Florida and overlooks the historic Plaza San Martin. It offers guests an elegant atmosphere combined with the consistency and service of the performance-oriented Marriott brand. The hotel includes 318 well appointed guest rooms including Marriott’s signature bedding package. For meetings & social events, the hotel features nine ballrooms of various sizes, and can host gatherings of up to 1,500 guests. For dining and entertainment, the hotel offers three distinct options: La Brasserie restaurant open for breakfast and lunch; the Plaza Bar, which was recently chosen by FORBES magazine as one of the top nine hotels bars in the world, and the Plaza Grill, a five star restaurant acknowledged as one of the best in Buenos Aires.

The hotel is operated under a management agreement with Compania General de Comercio e Industria S.A.

Tainui will act as lead developer and investor in the joint venture, with Auckland Airport holding a minority interest. The hotel will be developed on a long term ground lease granted by Auckland Airport and will be managed by Accor.

The total forecast completed cost is $65million including hotel construction estimated at approximately $45million. The deal remains conditional on project finance and construction tender.

Novotel Auckland Airport will be designed by Warren & Mahoney Architects, and the final design will infuse subtle references to NZ culture and heritage, offering style and convenience and a great first and last impression to travellers.

Tainui Group Holdings CEO, Mike Pohio, said, "This deal represents a significant development opportunity for Tainui that we believe will complement our existing successful hotel investments. The Airport hotel will also generate considerable long-term economic growth and provide many new jobs for the Auckland region. The hotel will assist Auckland and New Zealand tourism and trade. It will cater for the inevitable economic recovery and growth when it returns."

Auckland Airport general manager property, Peter Alexander said, "There has been a clear demand from the tourism industry and travellers for a hotel in the airport terminal precinct for some time. We are exceptionally pleased to bring together such a strong group of partners, each bringing a strong track-record, skills and experience. The outcome will be a great hotel and will deliver yet another string to the bow of Auckland Airport, one of the 10 best airports in the world."

Accor Hospitality Vice President, Paul Richardson, said, "Accor is delighted to enter this joint venture with Tainui and Auckland Airport, and is looking forward to applying our world-class hotel management expertise to providing this global gateway with a truly international accommodation, conference and food and beverage alternative. Novotel Auckland Airport promises to deliver a world-class guest experience enhanced by authentic uniquely New Zealand touch points and references that will be underpinned by the warmth and generosity of our New Zealand people."

“The global recession continues to impact the hotel market and industry RevPAR in Europe fell more than 20% in the first six months of the year compared to the same period in 2008. During the second quarter, the market showed signs of stabilisation in occupancy decline, while room rates continued to drop further. Rezidor has seen a less adverse impact in Norway, Sweden, the UK and South Africa than in the rest of the EMEA, says Kurt Ritter, President and CEO of The Rezidor Hotel Group.

“Visibility is still very limited and Rezidor maintains its focus on cost management and cash flow. Our aggressive cost cutting programme is proceeding with expected annual savings of around MEUR 30. So far this year, we have managed to achieve total savings of MEUR 12.5. In addition, we expect to reduce central costs by 10% on an annual basis,”Ritter continues.

Rezidor will maintain its strategy of further reducing risks in the portfolio by growing with fee-based managed and franchised rooms.

“Despite the downturn, we seek profitable opportunities and continue to reduce risks by adding fee-based managed and franchised rooms to our portfolio. In the first six months of the year, we added more than 3,100 new rooms to operation, 87% of which were fee-based. In addition, we added close to 5,000 new rooms to our pipeline, that currently features over 23,000 rooms, of which 90% are fee-based”.

“Even considering the recent declines in RevPAR, emerging markets remain strong performers, and we continue to believe that there is a fundamental and structural need for internationally branded hotels such as those in the Rezidor portfolio. 84% of the new rooms contracted this year are in Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Africa. A major part of our total pipeline, close to 75%, is also in these emerging markets,” Kurt Ritter concludes.

The full interim report is available on www.investor.rezidor.com

He was previously Chief Operating Officer of the company’s French units.

A graduate of Institut Supérieur du Commerce, Bruno Faizende, 53, held various positions at Sodexo between 1985 and 2000, notably Managing Director of Sodexo “Education” France.

In 2000, he joined Tyco International as Chief Executive of its ADT France unit.

In 2006, he was hired by CWL, where he has managed the French subsidiaries.

He replaces Philippe Hamon, who has decided to pursue his career in another direction, after spending most of his career at CWL and Accor.

After working for the highway food service company Sogerba, he joined CWL as manager of onboard food services in France, Spain and Italy.

In 2004, he was appointed Chief Executive Officer.

In this capacity, Philippe Hamon leveraged his vast experience in railway services to help oversee the company’s development.

WASHINGTON, July 20 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — The Air Transport Association of America (ATA), the industry trade organization for the leading U.S. airlines, today reported that passenger revenue[1] fell 26 percent in June 2009 versus the same month in 2008 – the eighth consecutive month in which passenger revenue has fallen from the prior year.

The number of passengers traveling on U.S. airlines[1] in June fell 6.5 percent while the average price to fly one mile fell 20.7 percent, a sharp decline surpassing even those witnessed during the 2001 recession and post-9/11 terrorist attacks.

Revenue declines extended beyond the mainland United States to the trans-Atlantic, trans-Pacific and Latin markets.

Compounding the softening demand for passenger travel, U.S. airlines[2] saw cargo traffic – as measured in revenue ton miles – decline 20 percent year over year in May 2009, marking the 10th consecutive month of declining cargo traffic. Notably, cargo traffic in the Pacific region fell 26 percent.

June 2009 cargo data is not yet available.

The latest results continue to reflect the weak global economy and the lingering impact of the H1N1 (swine) influenza outbreak.

"Despite extreme price discounting, June data reflect ongoing weakness in demand for air travel.

The airline industry remains fragile as this country continues to suffer from the worst recession since the 1930s," said ATA President and CEO James C. May.

Annually, commercial aviation helps drive $1.1 trillion in U.S. economic activity and more than 10 million U.S. jobs.

On a daily basis, U.S. airlines operate nearly 30,000 flights in 77 countries, using more than 6,000 aircraft to carry an average of two million passengers and 50,000 tons of cargo.

ATA airline members and their affiliates transport more than 90 percent of all U.S. airline passenger and cargo traffic.

For additional industry information, visit www.airlines.org.

[1] Based on data reported to ATA by Alaska, American, Continental (incl. Micronesia), Delta (incl. NWA), JetBlue, United and US Airways; also includes data for Air Midwest, Air Wisconsin, Allegheny, American Eagle, Atlantic Coast, Atlantic Southeast, Chautauqua, Comair, Continental Express, Executive, Freedom, Horizon, Mesa, Mesaba, MidAtlantic, Piedmont, Pinnacle, PSA, Shuttle America, SkyWest and Trans States.

[2] Based on data reported to ATA by Aloha, Alaska, American, Continental, Delta (incl. NWA), FedEx, Hawaiian, JetBlue, Midwest, Southwest, United, UPS and US Airways.

SOURCE Air Transport Association

This is in response to the continued growth of both Cunard and sister-brand P&O Cruises. Previously serving as chief commercial officer of Carnival UK, Shanks is now responsible for the global leadership and brand development of Cunard which operates flagship Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria.

He will oversee the construction of the line’s new ship, Queen Elizabeth, to be launched October 2010 and will direct Cunard offices in Los Angeles, Hamburg and Sydney while supported by the commercial and product groups within Carnival UK.

He will report to David Dingle, chief executive officer, Carnival UK.

Called upon to lend her brand management expertise to Cunard's UK sister brand, Carol Marlow becomes managing director of P&O Cruises.

She will be responsible for ongoing leadership and development of the cruise line both onboard and ashore.

“I take great pride in leading the continued development of Cunard Line and building on the tremendous success that Carol Marlow has achieved,” said Peter Shanks.

“Our brand is famous around the world and we intend to further develop our international strength when Queen Elizabeth joins the fleet in 2010.

The North American market in particular is very important to us as we look to have a broad appeal sailing the youngest fleet in the industry and ships deployed year-round suited to North American and international markets,” added Shanks.

Most recently, Shanks served as chief commercial officer for Carnival UK with worldwide responsibility for Cunard Line and UK responsibility for Princess Cruises.

His extensive experience with Cunard began in 2001 when he joined the company as senior vice president for Europe and later was responsible for the launch of Queen Mary 2 in 2004.

Prior to joining Cunard, he worked in the UK Travel Industry as commercial director for Thomas Cook.

“Peter Shanks is highly talented and brings more than eight years of valuable Cunard experience to his new role,” said David Dingle, chief executive officer, Carnival UK.

“I put my utmost confidence in Peter to steward excellence for the Cunard brand through the next phase of exciting growth,” added Dingle.

The architecturally-stunning 450-room, nine-story JW Marriott Hotel Hanoi represents Marriott's growing pipeline of hotels in Vietnam. It will be the only hotel adjacent to the new, state-of-the-art National Convention Center in the city's dynamic Tu Liem District, about 7.5 kilometers west of central Hanoi and 22.5 kilometers south of the airport. Central to the city's Master Plan through 2020, the hotel will be surrounded by high-end residential apartments and townhouses, office buildings and recreational green space when it opens.

"Vietnam ranks high in our strategic global expansion plans," said Ed Fuller, president and managing director for international lodging for Marriott. "Despite the current global economic slump, Vietnam remains committed to long-term economic growth and to capitalizing on its attractiveness as a tourism destination for visitors especially from Asia, the United States and Europe where our robust market presence will provide a strong sense of familiarity for those considering a visit to Vietnam.

"We're delighted that our highly acclaimed JW Marriott luxury brand was chosen for this significant project and we are looking forward to working with local tourism officials in helping to attract a broad base of incentive and meetings oriented travelers to Hanoi," he continued.

Mr. Vu Quang Hoi, chairman of the owning company, said, "The hotel project is seated in the newly developed center of Hanoi's expansion and right next to the National Convention Center which attracts high-profile conferences. Bitexco was selected by the Government of Vietnam to be the investor for this very important project with the belief and requirement to deliver the best quality facility for international conferences and lodging."

He continued, "With this huge responsibility, Bitexco needs a most elegant and luxurious hotel to be in place and a world-class hotel management team to run it. Therefore, we eventually chose Marriott International for this project after several tendering rounds because Marriott is a leading lodging company and, then, we selected its JW Marriott hotel brand, the most elegant and luxurious brand in their portfolio.

"Our wish is to attract all the foreign delegations for conferences and individual travelers to stay and enjoy what will be the best hotel here in Hanoi. With architecture designed by Carlos Zapata, a top U.S. hotel designer, JW Marriott Hotel Hanoi will be well-fitted in the beautiful premises of the National Convention Center. We believe that the JW Marriott Hotel Hanoi, managed by Marriott International, will meet demands of the incentive and conference-oriented travelers to Hanoi," he said.

JW Marriott-branded hotels are renowned for their ability to couple elegance with informality while creating an environment in which guests can craft a personal hospitality experience that reflects their sophistication and desire to excel.

A contemporary, inviting lobby whose ambience will evolve through the day will encourage guests to linger over a morning coffee, meet with colleagues and acquaintances for impromptu business or social gatherings and to unwind at day's end. In addition, the hotel will have three restaurants including a casual, all-day food outlet featuring a permanent grand buffet, a Vietnamese restaurant with four private dining rooms; a specialty themed restaurant offering two private dining rooms and a cafe/delicatessen where guests can order quick snacks.

Spacious accommodations at the JW Marriott Hotel Hanoi will be luxuriously appointed. They will feature separate showers and tubs; plush bed and bath amenities; high definition, flat screen television; high-speed Internet access; and in-room safe, mini-bar and coffee and tea service.

Business-oriented amenities will include an executive lounge with a meeting room for small conferences and a fully-equipped business center. For recreation, the hotel will have a world-class Spa and fitness center and an outdoor, heated swimming pool. Other amenities will be a gift shop and concierge desk.

For meetings and social events, the JW Marriott Hotel Hanoi will have 2,150 square meters of space. Included will be a 1,000-square meter grand ballroom that will be divisible into five sections; a 450-square meter ballroom that will be divisible into three sections and five meeting rooms in varying configurations, all of which will also be divisible into two or three sections.

Marriott International currently is represented in Vietnam with two hotels in Ho Chi Minh City and a 271-room JW Marriott Resort is scheduled to open in Danang in 2013. In Asia, Marriott International's portfolio today consists of 111 hotels in 16 countries. More than 50 hotels and resorts are under construction in the region.

The company's global pipeline of hotels under construction, awaiting conversion or approved for development stands today at more than 700 hotels and approximately 110,000 rooms worldwide; over two-thirds of its full-service hotel development pipeline is located outside the United States. Marriott expects its worldwide lodging system to encompass nearly 600,000 rooms by year-end 2009.

This aircraft will start operating a daily Paris-Charles de Gaulle – New York-JFK route in November 2009.

Air France is the first European airline to offer its customers the comfort of the Airbus A380, and the first airline to offer transatlantic flights between Europe and America on this new very wide-bodied aircraft.

On board the A380, there will be three cabin classes and a total of 538 passengers:

80 seats in the Affaires cabin and 106 in Voyageur (economy) on the upper deck;

9 in the Première cabin and 343 in Voyageur on the main deck.

Equipped with four GP7200 engines specially designed by Engine

Air France has 12 Airbus A380s on order, four of which will start operating in winter 2009 and spring 2010.

Alliance, the Air France A380 will carry 538 passagers over a maximum distance of 13,000 kms. Among the new-generation aircraft, the A380 has one of the lowest fuel consumption rates per passenger.

Starting today, anyone with a demonstrable business need can visit www.ba.com/facetoface for the chance to win a free flight on one of three wide-bodied airplanes that will depart this fall from New York, Los Angeles and Chicago headed for business and networking opportunities overseas.

Simon Talling-Smith, Executive Vice President Americas for British Airways said: "Face-to-face interaction fuels business. In these challenging times, you can keep relationships alive through faceless conference calls or live video conferences, but chances are they won't grow much without some quality face time. These human connections matter, and it is from those connections that business flows. Everyone must do their part to get business moving again, and the Face-to-Face campaign will connect U.S.-based entrepreneurs with new opportunities that would not have been realized if people did not make the trip."

British Airways commissioned a survey of Harvard Business Review readers to gauge perceptions within the international business community about the importance of face-to-face meetings. In a time when business travel has been greatly reduced, the study aimed to uncover the impact that such restrictions have had on business growth and building long-term relationships. In preliminary results from a survey of more than 2,200 Harvard Business Review subscribers, 95 percent said they believe that face-to-face meetings are key to success in building long-term relationships, and 87 percent agree face-to-face meetings are essential for "sealing the deal." More than half of those surveyed said recent restrictions on business travel have hurt their business.

Angelia Herrin, Research Editor, Harvard Business Review Group said: "Our survey revealed that what most business people really want is solid human connections. Readers tell us face-to-face interaction helps build teams, drive consensus and ultimately yield profit. Technology serves as an effective supplement, but the handshakes and eye contact of in-person meetings cement long-term relationships."

Chance to Win a Free Trip to Conduct Business Anywhere in the World*

"Face-to-Face" by British Airways invites U.S. business people to make their case for an unmet business travel need and win free travel to London, or anywhere in the world that British Airways flies, to attend a crucial meeting. Whether it's a sit-down appointment with a potential client or a check-in on an office that has not been visited because of budget cuts, the campaign is designed to help budget-conscious businesses get where they need to go, physically and financially.

Business people interested in entering the competition may visit www.ba.com/facetoface to complete the entry form including a 500-word explanation of why their business merits a trip overseas. Entries will be reviewed by a group of British Airways executives and its communications and business partners. An advisory panel of US and UK business leaders will provide counsel on competition criteria and winner selection. Entries will be accepted until midnight (EDT) July 31, and winners will be notified by mid-August.

The advisory panel includes: Eric Baron, Founder & CEO, The Baron Group; Sir Alan Collins, British Consul General, New York; Brad Gelfond, SVP, Brand & Content Partnerships, Warner Bros. Music; Reid Hoffman, Founder & Executive Chairman, LinkedIn; Robert Lipp, Senior Advisor, Brysam Global Partners (Former Chairman, JPMorganChase); Stephen J.O. Maltby, Partner, Gibney, Anthony & Flaherty, LLP; Frank Radice, President & CMO, National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences; Michael Reed, VP, Strategy & Institutional Diversity, Williams College; Charles Seely, Advisor to UK Government, Global Entrepreneurs Programme; and Eric Van der Kleij, Senior Advisor, Global Entrepreneur Programme, UKTI.

Several international business and entrepreneurial organizations are also partnering with British Airways on this program and will conduct their own competitions to select members to be awarded travel on these flights.

Networking Events at 38,000 Feet . . . and More Opportunities on the Ground

Competition winners not only receive a trip overseas, but they also will have the opportunity to connect with other business people traveling on special British Airways flights and forge relationships that can further their own business objectives. Flights are scheduled from JFK International Airport on September 15, Los Angeles International Airport on October 13 and Chicago O'Hare International Airport on November 17. With more than 1,000 passengers from all over the U.S. on board these planes, it is only fitting to call this experience a networking, or salon, event at 38,000 feet.

Events surrounding the departure and arrival of these special flights will also serve to underscore the importance of relationships in business. Business leaders and senior government officials in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and London will address winners at "power networking" events.

More information on additional phases of the "Face-to-Face" program will be revealed in the coming weeks.

Powered by IAE V2533-A5 engines, the carrier’s first A321 is fitted in an all-new, comfortable two-class configuration with 178 seats (166 seats in Economy, 12 in Business Class). The aircraft will initially be deployed on domestic routes followed in the future by regional routes including Japan and Korea.

"Introducing A321s to our fleet was a strategic decision for Shanghai Airlines in anticipation of the future growth of the domestic as well as international air traffic market" said Zhou Chi, Chairman of Shanghai Airlines. "After 20 years of fast, steady and all round development, Shanghai Airlines is becoming an international airline based in the regional hub of Shanghai. The introduction of the highly reliable and efficient Airbus A320 Family aircraft will help Shanghai Airlines to expand its new base, develop domestic routes network and increase capacity in order to meet increasing passenger demand" added Zhou.

"We are delighted to welcome Shanghai Airlines as a new Airbus operator. With its all new cabin and low operational costs, the A321 will enable Shanghai Airlines to satisfy passenger needs, whilst also meeting operational requirements" said Tom Enders, Airbus President and CEO. "As a major financial centre and home of the next World Expo, Shanghai will undoubtedly experience rapid growth and we are honoured to be part of this success" added Enders.

Shanghai Airlines was set up in 1985. Headquartered in Shanghai, the carrier now operates 68 aircraft on more than 170 domestic, regional and international passenger and freighter routes linking over 60 destinations across China and around the world. Shanghai Airlines is a member of the Star Alliance.

The A320 Family is recognised as the benchmark single-aisle aircraft family. With more than 6,300 aircraft sold, and over 3,900 aircraft delivered to more than 300 customers and operators worldwide, the A320 Family is the world’s best-selling single-aisle aircraft family. With proven reliability and extended servicing periods, the A320 Family has the lowest operating costs of any single aisle aircraft. The Family comprises four aircraft (A318, A319, A320 and A321) that share unique cockpit and operational commonality across the range.

The A321 is the largest member of the Airbus A320 Family. It typically seats 185 passengers in a two-class layout and has a non-stop flying range of 3,000 nautical miles or 5,550 kilometres.

By the end of May 2009, almost 400 A320 Family aircraft are in operation with 12 operators in China. Chinese airlines have ordered close to 600 A320 Family aircraft in total.

At 38 stories, Trump International Hotel Waikiki Beach Walk has been designed to dazzle guests with unrivaled views of iconic Diamond Head, the vibrant Honolulu skyline and the majestic Pacific Ocean. The landmark tower, urbane and sophisticated, seamlessly blends indoors and outdoors, incorporating traditional Hawaiian building techniques that respect local climate and environmental considerations, taking advantage of prevailing winds and natural cooling.

Behind the hotel's modern facade, guests will discover the next generation of luxury hospitality rendered uniquely Hawaiian. At every opportunity, native plants have been brought into the hotel to create lush indoor public spaces. The ground floor lobby showcases the elegance of nature including polished Egyptian marble, exquisite honey-colored Onyx and Koa wood. Discreet lighting is accented with glass that emits and refracts light to represent the dynamism of the ocean. The hotel's sixth-floor lobby opens to a stunning view overlooking Fort DeRussy Park and the Pacific Ocean. Gracing the hotel lobby are custom wood panels and commissioned hand-painted Hawaiian murals and paintings.

Guest accommodations provide a keen sense of place – drawn from a rich palette of Hawaiian influences, from early history to the 20th Century. Recalling elements of Tropical Deco style, furnishings are set in an environment complemented by rich Koa wood and sumptuous granite and marble stone finishes. Accommodations encompass close to one dozen room and suite categories providing options for couples, families and multi-generational travelers to choose from based on whether they are staying for a few days or several weeks. Spacious studios are ideal for individuals and couples, while one-, two- and three-bedroom suites, available with or without dens, can connect to adjoining units for larger parties. Penthouse accommodations offer the piece de resistance of elegance. All units are exquisitely designed for comfort, functionality and visual appeal, and many feature full kitchens replete with Bosch, Sub-Zero and Wolf appliances, where guests will have the choice to ask a hotel chef to prepare a meal in the privacy of the suite.

Highlighting the hotel's myriad services and amenities are Laurent Tourondel's BLT Steak, his first restaurant in this region. The Lobby Bar will feature a commissioned mural – a sunrise-to-sunset rainforest vignette inspired by murals in the great hotel and ocean liner bars of the 1930s. Here, stylishly dressed guests may sip martinis and island coolers in the sensual, romantic and authentic aura of Waikiki's Golden Era. An outdoor cafe will offer open-air dining throughout the day. The Spa at Trump(R) will bring signature and island-inspired services and treatments to Hawaii. And the Trump Attache(TM) will offer a proactive approach to personalized service, including a Beach Attache to attend to guests' needs while partaking in oceanfront activities. A waterwall and infinity plunge pool, as well as a state-of-the-art fitness center will appeal to the active. A cozy library will offer respite for seekers of quiet relaxation.

Trump International Hotel Waikiki Beach Walk will offer a Hawaiian "cultural embrace" program – the opportunity to learn about and appreciate the uniqueness of the Hawaiian experience. Trump Kids, including a Baby Attache, will address the wants and needs of younger guests. And everyone will enjoy the hotel's Waikiki Beach Walk location which is the new center of dining, entertainment and shopping in Honolulu.

"We're delighted to be launching our reservations service, and look forward to welcoming our first guests before the end of the year," said Scott Ingwers, managing director. "Trump International Hotel Waikiki Beach Walk intends to redefine the luxury standard for Waikiki and we look forward to welcoming new guests to this area."

Trump International Hotel(TM) Waikiki Beach Walk(R) is located at 223 Saratoga Road, Honolulu, HI 96815; www.trumpwaikikihotel.com. It joins a growing family of luxury hotels under the Trump Hotel Collection brand. Launched in October 2007, Trump Hotel Collection is the next generation of luxury hospitality – one that is raising the bar in the top-tier travel experience with a level of customized service unrivaled in the market today. Presided over by internationally renowned developer Donald J. Trump and his three grown children – Donald Jr., Ivanka and Eric – the prestigious portfolio includes the highly acclaimed Trump International Hotel & Tower(R) New York, Trump International Hotel & Tower(R) Chicago and Trump International Hotel(TM) Las Vegas. Also joining Trump Hotel Collection in the second half of 2009 is Trump SoHo(TM) New York. Additional hotel projects are under development around the globe, including Toronto, Panama, Dubai, Cap Cana, Scotland and New Orleans. Trump Hotel Collection is headquartered at Trump Tower, 725 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10022.

Immediately following the incident, police and hotel security responded and sealed off the area.

Our guests at both properties were evacuated and moved to other nearby hotels.

Injured guests and hotel employees were taken to the hospital for treatment.

Both hotels sustained damage, but it does not appear to be structural.

At the time of the incident, extensive security procedures were in place at the Ritz-Carlton and the JW Marriott.

We continue to work closely with the authorities and hope to reopen the hotels soon.

As always, the safety and security of our guests and associates is our top priority.