CONTACT: Dana C. Kelley Communications Coordinator 407-999-8100 Email: [email protected]

ORLANDO, Florida, October 27, 1997�This week, KPMG Peat Marwick, the American Hotel & Motel Association (AH&MA) and the Educational Institute (EI) of AH&MA together launched the first-ever industry-wide Benchmarking Survey.  The three have combined forces to provide the hospitality industry with an excellent means for measuring performance and best practices for full service, chain operated, deluxe, and luxury hotels.

Their ultimate goal is to develop a comprehensive industry-wide database of performance measurements, benchmarking standards and best practices to assist in decision making and performance improvement.  Preliminary findings from the survey will be presented at the annual International Hotel/Motel & Restaurant Show in New York City on November 8, with comprehensive analyses and reports to follow.

Many of the nation�s leading hotel chains are currently in the process of completing the survey, stated Frank Nardozza, the National Hospitality Industry Director of KPMG.   �I am very excited that this survey will finally fill the void in hospitality industry best practices and performance benchmarking data.  Unlike others, this first in a series of successive benchmarking surveys addresses the points of training, staffing, revenue enhancement, and guest retention, which I believe will greatly benefit general managers, hotel company executives, researchers, educators, and investors alike.�

 Robert T. Foley, President and CEO of the Educational Institute, commented:  �With the excitement of consolidation running rampant in the industry, this study will be a valuable tool to assist the human side of consolidation.�

Established in 1952 as a nonprofit educational foundation of AH&MA, the Educational Institute is the world�s largest hospitality communication resource center, providing quality training and educational materials for the hospitality industry.