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WestCoast System of Hotels |
SCHWEITZER, Idaho, April 5, 2001 - Schweitzer
Mountain and WestCoast Hospitality Corporation (NYSE: WEH) today announced
an agreement to add Schweitzer�s premier properties, the Selkirk Lodge
and the White Pine Lodge, to WestCoast�s system of hotels.
Construction of the White Pine Lodge, a 48 unit lodge with stunning views of Schweitzer Mountain Resort and Lake Pend Oreille, is expected to begin this summer. Both lodges are located in the main village with ski-in, ski-out access. Schweitzer is looking forward to combining its expert management programs with WestCoast�s marketing and sales team and to welcoming many new guests at the lodges. As Schweitzer continues on the path of becoming a destination resort, the impact of the marketing agreement with WestCoast will be a significant benefit. According to Tom Fortune, Schweitzer General Manager, �This is a great opportunity for Schweitzer to expedite our sales program and bring an economic benefit to the entire Sandpoint community. WestCoast�s dominant presence in Schweitzer�s destination markets is ideal for the Selkirk and White Pine Lodges. They bring depth and 25 years of experience in the lodging industry. WestCoast is an incredible marketing force that had more than $125 million in sales last year.� WestCoast has 45 hotels and more than 8,000 hotel rooms in nine western states, including 32 hotels in the four Northwest states of Washington, Idaho, Oregon and Montana. WestCoast�s 110 sales agents and 80-station central reservation office will soon be sending visitors to Schweitzer on a four season basis. �WestCoast currently serves over 1,000 companies
system-wide that occupy more than ten room nights per year each,� said
Lori Farnell, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for WestCoast. �Additionally,
WestCoast�s top tour and travel companies occupied approximately 110,000
room nights in 2000. We have a strong customer base that seeks leisure
and business retreat opportunities, and Schweitzer can offer
WestCoast�s new guest affinity program, WestAwards, will also be an asset for introducing Schweitzer to many new guests. Launched in December 2000, WestAwards members have already spent more than $2 million at WestCoast Hotels and have occupied more than 11,000 room nights. �Everyone wins with this new partnership,� noted Tom Curtiss, Director of Schweitzer Property Management. �We�re excited by the opportunities that will
become available to us. We expect a substantial increase in annual occupancy
starting with an immediate impact for the
�I grew up in this region, and have skied at Schweitzer
for more than 25 years,� said Donald Barbieri, Chairman and CEO, WestCoast
Hospitality Corporation. �Our company has conducted business in the Inland
Northwest for more than sixty years, and we have a deep affinity for Schweitzer
and a strong desire to participate in the success of this development.
Schweitzer is doing a wonderful job and we hope to
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WestCoast Hospitality Corporation Ingrid Campbell: 208-263-9555 ext. 2208 Marketing Director, Schweitzer Hospitality Corporation www.westcoasthotels.com |
Also See | Cavanaughs Hotels to be Renamed WestCoast Hotels During July; Effort Includes Changing Over 300 Signs / July 2000 |