FVJ Holdings report that the Kobe market is prime for such a development. In their statement: �We have been studying the market for a long time and believe that Kobe is now ready for a well known International brand in the Harborland area. We have partnered with an American based International hotel company, Newport Creek Hospitality (NCH) to provide their expertise on this project."

NCH has offices in Walnut Creek California, Mandaluyong, Philippines and another one to open soon in Osaka, Japan. Their president and CEO, Gregg Pearson, has traveled to Kobe on several occasions this year and has confirmed the same confidence issued by Forest Vestures Holdings. Pearson continued �We are in discussions with IHG ANA Hotels Group Japan to brand this hotel�. IHG ANA Hotels Group is the Japan operating arm of IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group), which owns and operates Intercontinental Hotels and Resorts ®, Crowne Plaza Hotels and Resorts ®, Holiday Inn Hotels and Resorts ® and Holiday Inn Express ®, among others. IHG ANA Hotels Group Japan launched the ANA InterContinental co-brand earlier this year, and will launch six ANA Crowne Plaza co-branded hotels by the end of 2007. �We believe that IHG ANA is the ideal strategic brand operator to gain and sustain the necessary market for this landmark development project", adds the NCH executive.

Kobe is surrounded by water, lush countryside and mountains that create a symphonic setting and global appeal ideal for tourism. �Kobe�s tourism was among the strongest in the Kansai area prior to the Kobe earthquake of 1995� said Pearson. �We are seeing positive trends for the tourism market to come back as strong or even stronger then ever before.� The Kobe Harborland Project is on a fast track, and should break ground in the early part of next year.� Both FVJ and NCH are exploring other locations for additional hotel development projects together in Japan. Pearson confirmed that they will be working with IHG ANA on more future endeavors.

For additional information about the Kobe Harborland project, NCH or FVJ companies or opportunities, please email or call: Malou Mariano, Vice President, Corporate Affairs for Newport Creek Hospitality at [email protected] or phone; 562.901.0617 or FVJ Holdings at [email protected].