Leela Kempinski Awarded for Eco Excellence

Dubai, UAE, 19 March, 2007:   Kempinski Hotels, a key member of the Global Hotel Alliance (GHA), recently welcomed Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts as the seventh member of this international affiliation.

Leela joins current members Kempinski, Omni, Pan Pacific, Dusit, Landis and Marco Polo in the GHA. With hotels under the Leela Kempinski banner in Mumbai and Bangalore, Leela also has independent properties in Goa and Kovalam Beach (Kerala), and currently has deluxe hotels under development in New Delhi, Udaipur, Chennai (Madras), Pune and Hyderabad. The hotels will all open in the next two to three years.    

Reto Wittwer, President and CEO of Kempinski, welcomed the news about Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts' membership in the Global Hotel Alliance (GHA) saying it will add immense value to the alliance's portfolio as a group, enabling the member hotels to compete more effectively with the bigger hotel chains, while maintaining their unique brand positioning. "Leela is the fastest growing luxury hotel brand in India, and is poised to assume the leadership position within the next few years. We're delighted to have them board, and are looking forward to fruitful collaborations with them in providing both our clients unique and luxurious leisure experiences," said Witter.

For Leela founder and Chairman Capt. C. P. Krishnan Nair, joining the GHA gives his luxury hotel group a chance to enhance its presence on the global stage. "Leela's hotels and resorts in Bangalore and Mumbai as well as Goa and Kerala are world-class properties providing luxurious pampering to guests with India's traditional warm hospitality. Through GHA, we hope to raise Leela's brand profile internationally."

GHA now consists of 152 upscale and luxury hotels and resorts, spread over 39 different countries. Each brand is a key player in their main region of operation.

Nair also announced that The Leela Kempinski, Bangalore has just been chosen India's 'Best Eco-Friendly Five Star Deluxe Hotel' at the recent National Tourism Awards, giving the luxury palace resort another reason to be proud.

The Leela Palace, Kempinski, Bangalore often described as the best performing city hotel in India and selected by the Forbes magazine as one of the eight best new business hotels in the world, has focused on environmental enhancement through the creation of islands of lush greenery and eco friendly practices.  

The Leela group's love for nature has constantly won it recognition which includes  the Green Hotelier Award from the International Hotel and Restaurant Association, Paris, Pata Gold Award for excellence in Corporate Environmental Programme, V.P.Menon award for environment initiatives, Maharana Udai Singh Award for distinguished services in the field of environment and Corporate Environmental  Achievement award from 6th World Wilderness Congress.

To book or for further information visit

www.kempinski.com/press www.globalhotelalliance.com

-Ends-

In 2007, Kempinski Hotels is celebrating 110 years of history, exclusivity and distinctive luxury. During this time, Kempinski hotels have hosted international celebrities, witnessed meetings between the world's leaders and been a part of creating history around the globe. Experience Kempinski's unique heritage at one of the group's prestigious properties in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, South America and Asia. 

Seven prominent hotel brands, Dusit Hotels & Resorts, Kempinski Hotels, Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts, Landis Hotels & Resorts, Marco Polo Hotels, Omni Hotels, Pan Pacific Hotels & Resorts and Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts, have created an alliance with the promise to deliver great value and a memorable experience across the world.

For more information contact:
Doaa Amin,
Regional PR Director,
Middle East and Africa on
Tel: + 971 4 341 00 00 
Fax: +971 4 341 45 00
e-mail:doaa.amin@kempinski.com;
www.kempinski-dubai.com

Sarah Harris
TRACCS Public Relations
Tel: +971 4 367 2530
e-mail: sarah.harris@traccs.net

© Press Release 2007