Calgary, Alberta, Canada — November 18, 2002 — VIP International Corporation, a channel marketing company known for its intent to be  “the number one producer of bookings per client,” today announced The International Hotel of Calgary signed a two-year contract for reservation services. The landmark hotel will use the Global Distribution System (GDS), voice center, Internet marketing, banner advertising services, and the travel agency consortia program of its new provider.

With a prestigious 30-year history in downtown Calgary, The International Hotel is an independent, Four Star, all suite corporate property whose Smith Travel ratings are consistently higher than other hotels in the area, according to General Manager Douglas Pears.  Even so, Pears is projecting a 5% revenue increase for 2003, and considers VIP International an important part of the sales momentum.  The hotel signed 32 new corporate accounts in the last two months, noted Pears, who said he chose VIP because of the firm’s one-on-one professionalism, and visionary approach to buying the newest technology.  “Their Book-A-Rez™ engine updates rates and availability on our Web site in real-time, which is a huge advantage for our guests.”

“Changing channel marketing providers was a big move for us, but we had the smoothest transition I could ever imagine,” continued Pears, a veteran in the hotel industry and former chain vice president.  “In the first 12 days after the switch, revenue and bookings were up $20,000 and 42%, respectively, over last year.”  Pears said that last month the hotel both turned over a channel marketing supplier they had used for 10 years in favor of VIP International, and received the coveted Four Star rating from the Mobile Travel Guide at practically the same time. 

“A week before the switch, VIP International sent out letters to our top 200 accounts with whom we had negotiated rates, including travel agents, oil companies and the like,” continued Pears.  “The day after we went live they sent their team over to train ten people on property.  VIP International has given us just wonderful service and the results are already showing.” 

About The International Hotel of Calgary
For over 30 years The International Hotel of Calgary (www.internationalhotel.ca) has been a prestigious landmark in the heart of downtown Calgary within walking distance of major shopping malls, theaters, and fine dining.  The Four Star, independent hotel is known for being the best value, all-suite corporate hotel serving the city’s business and financial centers.  A recipient for nine consecutive years of the Housekeeping Award from the government’s Alberta Tourism and Industry branch, The International Hotel features 35 floors with 248 balconied suites that combine the comforts of home with value-added work areas. Meeting and entertainment facilities on the 35th floor feature a panoramic view of Calgary's cityscape and foothills.

About VIP International Corporation
VIP International (www.vipintcorp.com) is a channel marketing organization that drives revenue for hoteliers and car rental owners through a multi-channel reservation sales center, the adoption of leading-edge technology, and partnerships with clients to provide ongoing education.  Founded in 1979, the now privately held Calgary, Alberta-based firm pursues a mission of being “the number one producer of bookings per client.”  This is accomplished through mastering the electronic channel marketing environment, developing and implementing strategies for each client’s unique position, and educating customers about how to optimize participation in the changing electronic marketplace.  The company is a central distribution point to every viable Internet web site and to all of the major global distribution systems including Sabre, Galileo, Amadeus, and Worldspan. VIP International has business development offices in Denver, Colorado; Kansas City, Kansas; Toronto, Ontario; London, United Kingdom; Buenos Aires, Argentina; and Hong Kong.

Book-A-Rez™ is a registered trademark of SynXis Corporation.