According to Mr. McManus, �The partnering of The Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd. and Relais & Châteaux is very natural.  Both organizations are complementary in terms of geographical location (offering full global coverage), size (Relais & Châteaux are small charming countryside hotels while The Leading Hotels of the World tend to be larger hotels or palaces in key cities) and property styles (leisure and business hotels).  For example, we envision our joint marketing efforts targeted at the guest who might stay at the Hotel de Crillon or the Meurice in Paris, and then travel to the countryside to Boyer-Les Crayères in Champagne or to Domaine des Hauts de Loire in Touraine.�

Mr. Bulot concurs.  �Relais & Châteaux and The Leading Hotels of the World
have the same values and commitment to quality, and we undoubtedly share
the same customer. 

By combining our competitive advantages we will enhance our brand reputation in the marketplace even further, and consolidate our worldwide leadership in the field of charming and grand hotels.�

Both organizations are quick to point out that this is not a merger or acquisition of any kind, but rather a business-to-business solution which will allow them to pool their resources. 

The Luxury Alliance is still in its infancy stage, however, Relais & Châteaux and The Leading Hotels of the World envisage the implementation of joint marketing programs and state-of-the art technological developments including a link between the web sites of the two organizations, the opening of an Internet portal, the sharing of databases, the development of a WAP interface, and a presence on the navigation systems (GPS).

With the publication of their respective directories, each of the two organizations will highlight the alliance in its communications so that consumers can combine their stays in cities at a Leading Hotel of the World with a relaxing stay at a Relais & Châteaux in the countryside. Between the two organizations, the Luxury Alliance offers a choice of nearly 800 prestigious properties around the world.
 

As far as promotional events are concerned, Relais & Châteaux and The Leading Hotels of the World will jointly organize Showcases and Roadshows for travel consultants and end users across the globe.  Relais & Châteaux, an international association of elite independent hotels and restaurants, is comprised of 427 hotels and restaurants in 43 countries.  Founded in France and headquartered in Paris, the association serves as an ambassador for the French �art de vivre� and the highest culinary standards.  Each establishment embodies the association�s quality charter of the five �C�s� - Character, Courtesy, Calm, Charm and Cuisine.

Founded in France, the Relais & Châteaux foundation was first organized in 1954 by Marcel and Nelly Tilloy, owners of Hostellerie La Cardinale in Baix, France. At that time, the couple created "Relais de Campagne", consisting of eight properties along the Paris-Nice road and marketed these properties as the "route du bonheur" -- the road to happiness. In 1962, a competing association was formed by René Traversac and Raymond Thuilier, called "Châteaux Hotels". In 1972, Pierre Troisgros and Joseph Olivereau  formed "Relais Gourmands", a group of properties known for excellent cuisine. Three years later, in 1975, "Relais de Campagne", "Châteaux Hotels" and "Relais Gourmands" merged to form Relais & Châteaux.

The Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd. is the prestigious luxury marketing
organization, which represents 340 of the world�s finest hotels.