Benchmark Hospitality has extensive experience in the Hawaii market.  The company has operated Turtle Bay Resort, located on the North Shore of Oahu, since 2001 and was an active part of the development team that oversaw the $63 million renovation and repositioning of the luxury resort, which is today one of Hawaii�s most successful properties.  

Burt Cabañas, chairman and CEO of Benchmark Hospitality International, stated:  �We are extremely pleased to welcome this remarkable property to the Benchmark family.  We feel confident that our track record in the Hawaii market will enable a smooth, reliable transition for the hotel, and help elevate this resort to a new level of success.�  Cabañas continued with, �This is a wonderful property, with a marvelous and historic location offering tremendous potential.  Benchmark looks forward to significantly enhancing the positioning and success of the resort, helping maintain the livelihood of hundreds of employees from Maui and playing an active role in preserving the history and reputation of Makena.�

Speaking of the Hawaii market, Cabañas said, �Benchmark has a thorough understanding of the Hawaii market and a demonstrated success in operating profitable resorts, maintaining occupancy at Turtle Bay Resort of 84% year-to-date despite the current economic recession.�

Bob Boyle, vice president and regional director of operations for Benchmark Hospitality International, will oversee all operational and marketing issues at the Maui resort.   Mr. Boyle is responsible for overseeing the 443-room Turtle Bay Resort and the 326-room Scottsdale Resort & Conference Center in Scottsdale, Arizona, the two largest resort properties in Benchmark Hospitality�s portfolio.  

Mr. Boyle stated, �Our goal is to retain as many of the employees of the resort as possible.  We are committed to ensuring that current and future guests have a wonderful experience while we establish a financially successful resort.�

Benchmark Hospitality International oversaw the transition of Turtle Bay Resort to a prestigious North Shore destination property, by way of a $63 million facelift and repositioning program.   Under Mr. Boyle�s four-year administration, the ocean-side resort has seen record results for occupancy, average daily rate, gross operating profits and guest satisfaction levels.   Additionally, for the second consecutive year, Turtle Bay Resort has been named one of the �World�s Best Hotels� by Travel + Leisure magazine.

About Benchmark Hospitality International
Benchmark Hospitality International is a leader in the management and marketing of resorts, conference centers, hotels, and Personal Luxury Hotels�.  The privately held company, launched in 1980, is a founding member of the International Association of Conference Centers.  Benchmark Hospitality is a worldwide organization operating properties in major metropolitan and resort destinations.  Benchmark's international headquarters is located in The Woodlands, Texas, near Houston, with regional offices in New Jersey and Connecticut.  International offices are located in Tokyo, Japan, and Santiago, Chile. For the location of Benchmark�s properties and additional information, visit www.benchmarkhospitality.com.