Executive Travel Leading Edge Awards 2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
John Forrest Ales, Hilton Hotels
703.883.5212 | Enable Javascript to view email.
Rachael E. Chappa, Executive Travel
212-642-1972

Hilton Hotels Named Best Hotel for Meetings and Business Service
by Executive Travel Readers

MCLEAN, Va. — August 4, 2009 — Long recognized as one of the world's leading addresses for business, Hilton Hotels tops another survey of business travelers. Executive Travel readers voted Hilton 2009 Best Hotel for Meetings and Best Hotel for Business Service in the magazine's annual Leading Edge Awards recognizing the best and most innovative companies within the travel industry. Hilton also earned second place honors in the Best Hotel Chain category and its guest loyalty program, Hilton HHonors, was named one of the top three frequent guest programs.

"These honors are unique because Executive Travel readers, many of whom are professionals conducting business around the world, voted Hilton Hotels number one in both meetings and business service. We are proud to be the top choice of these frequent travelers," said Dave Horton, Global Head – Hilton brand. "With innovative offerings such as our e-Events online booking portal and Hilton Meetings, we continue to raise the industry standard and enable our guests around the world to be at their best 24/7."

Executive Travel wrote that many travel companies are "getting it right" when it comes to business travel. To help business travelers host smarter and more personal small meetings, Hilton introduced Hilton Meetings at its properties throughout North America last year following a successful international launch. Hilton Meetings revolutionized the small meetings segment of the hospitality industry by creating an environment specifically tailored for productive, hassle-free meetings for groups of 50 guests or less. The service provides individual meeting specialists and features technologically advanced room designs that help meeting planners minimize environmental impact.

In 2007, Hilton provided an industry first with the introduction of its enhanced e-Events online group booking portal that alleviates the time and energy spent organizing small business and social functions. Business travelers can reserve guest rooms, meeting spaces, food and beverage and audio/visual equipment at hundreds of hotels around the world within minutes and without a request for proposal or a waiting period through this small group booking solution.

Readers selected Hilton Hotels as the Best Hotel for Meetings and Best Hotel for Business Service. With more than 500 hotels in 76 countries and plans to serve 78 countries around the world by the end of 2009, the Hilton brand also finished second in the Best Hotel Chain category. Hilton HHonors, the only guest loyalty program to offer Points & Miles and No Blackout dates, was voted the third best frequent guest program. A full list of winners is available in the July/August issue of Executive Travel and online at www.executivetravelmagazine.com.

For more information about Hilton Hotels, visit www.hilton.com.

About Hilton Hotels
With more than 500 hotels and resorts in 76 countries around the world and plans to serve 78 countries by the end of 2009, Hilton continues to build on its history as a pioneer in the industry by developing products, services and amenities that offer today’s travelers more choice and control over their stays. From Hilton Fitness by Precor to its world-class Hilton Worldwide Resorts portfolio; from the Serenity Collection of in-room amenities to Hilton Meetings, a premier global product for small meetings, Hilton’s offerings are designed to enable guests to be at their personal best whether they travel for business or pleasure. Hilton’s belief that Travel Should Take You Places celebrates a commitment to the idea that travel can and should be transformative. Start your journey at www.hilton.com available in English, Spanish and French.

About Executive Travel
Executive Travel magazine's mission is to help frequent travelers live life on the road as well as they do at home. Published six times per year, Executive Travel provides readers with relevant travel news and information, coupled with strategies and advice. Executive Travel is published by the American Express Publishing Corporation, the leading publisher of luxury lifestyle magazines, which also publishes Travel + Leisure, Food & Wine, and Departures. The company also produces a variety of travel, cooking, wine, time management, and financial books and products, develops online content, operates luxury-market events, and creates custom print and online programs for clients. American Express Publishing is a wholly owned subsidiary of the American Express Company.