Association Of Travel Marketing Executives (ATME) Honors Fairmont Hotels & Resorts With Atlas Award For Best Website

The award, presented at the 22nd annual Atlas Awards gala in New York City on April 1, 2003, further cements Fairmont's industry dominance in the digital marketplace. On January 30, 2003, the company was also recognized with the Golden Click Platinum award in the Hotel Category and Best of Show award by the Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI) for the design and development of its website.

"The award is another independent testament to Fairmont's superior online services," says Jens Thraenhart, Fairmont's director internet strategy. " With such a diverse portfolio of properties, the website's success has been dependant upon on our hotels' ability to embrace Fairmont's new online initiatives and extend the overall internet strategy into their local destinations."

Created to encourage breakthrough thinking, innovative marketing initiatives and industry leadership, the ATME Atlas Awards are carefully selected by the ATME Board of Directors and recognize executives and companies within the hospitality industry. Award submissions are judged on innovation, relevance to the marketing needs of the business and demonstrated and quantitative results.

Allowing Fairmont to communicate hotel experiences with the consumer and build relationships with guests, www.fairmont.com, delivers enhanced services that reinforce Fairmont's brand promise of providing "places in the heart". Some of the website's features include expanded booking capabilities, allowing guests to book activities such as dinner reservations or spa treatments while reserving their room; detailed destination maps; the Fairmont Planner, an interactive tool designed to match Fairmont properties with individual guest needs; and a Virtual Concierge to assist in sourcing destination or hotel information.

Through these initiatives, the company is already witnessing positive results. Fairmont.com has experienced tremendous growth over the past twelve months, both in terms of visitors and transactions. According to TravelCLICK's eTRAK study of over 30 industry websites, bookings via www.fairmont.com www.fairmont.com increased by 165 percent during 2002, over twice the growth experienced by the average hotel brand or chain.

About Fairmont Hotels & Resorts - Fairmont Hotels & Resorts is a collection of world-class resorts and city center hotels that enjoy unrivalled prominence in the communities where they are located. Operating 41 properties throughout six countries, Fairmont is committed to providing guests with exceptional service in distinctive surroundings. Featuring such storied hotels as The Fairmont San Francisco, The Fairmont Banff Springs, Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac and The Plaza New York; Fairmont properties are often deemed attractions in and of themselves.

About ATME - Established over two decades ago, The Association of Travel Marketing Executives is a professional association made up of senior level travel industry marketers representing all segments including: airlines, hotels and resorts, cruise lines, tour operators, online travel providers, international tourist offices, CVB's, state and local tourism offices, car rental companies, and technology providers.