The SLH conference provided this elite group of hoteliers with access to several leading industry experts who discussed a variety of topics including ways of improving business and capitalizing on the singular excellence of the SLH brand.  Peter Greenberg, Travel Editor for NBC�s Today Show, was not only a featured keynote speaker, but remained as a guest for the duration of the conference to enjoy the various insights of his colleagues.  Mr. Greenberg articulated the importance of member hotels utilizing the SLH brand in their marketing efforts.  Additionally, he challenged the hoteliers to continuously exceed guests� expectations with new and inventive experiences.  �It was an honor to have Peter Greenberg travel so far to be a part of our conference.  Moreover, it was extremely helpful and positive to have one of the world�s foremost travel experts offer advice to our hotels and acknowledge the job they already do in providing unmatched luxury travel experiences,� commented Edward Donaldson, VP of Marketing for The Americas. 

Joining Peter Greenberg from New York was Martin Rapp, VP of Leisure Travel for Altour International, one of the leading travel agencies in the United States.  Mr. Rapp helped the hoteliers better understand what travel agents need from hotels to succeed, as well as what the agency�s high-profile clients expect of luxury hotels when they travel. 

Other sessions included a terrific presentation on consumer behavior by renowned Australian author and consultant Ross Honeywell.  Mr. Honeywell, who wrote �I-Cons � The Essential Guide to Winning and Keeping High-Value Customers� reiterated to the group that �high-value� customers, like those SLH service, are not concerned with price as much as with having a memorable experience.  This was a perfect introduction to another key presentation at the conference in which SLH unveiled its newest initiative: The Club.

�The Club� is a strict Customer Relationship Management program which is designed to help member hotels further provide the best in personalized service and unique travel experiences to a growing number of discerning luxury travelers.  By registering at clubslh.com, guests may ensure that their preferences will follow them from property to property around the globe so that their needs are met and wishes fulfilled without even having to ask.  Additionally, club members will receive special exclusive offers on hotel packages and an array of value-added benefits.

SLH�s decision to host this year�s meeting in Bangkok was a timely one as there has been resurgence in luxury travel to Asia.  There has been an increase of applications for membership by hotels in the Asian region for the year to date.  SLH anticipates increasing its properties in the region by roughly 35% in the forthcoming year bringing the total in the region to approximately 41 members which is in line with the total forecasted membership growth for 2005 to 350 members globally.  It is anticipated that within the next two years the membership within Asia will grow to 60 member properties with the largest growth coming from East Asia, Indo-China and the Indian subcontinent.

The Small Luxury Hotels of the World brand is an exclusive collection of 310 independently-owned hotels in more than 50 countries.  Carefully selected for their style and sophistication, Small Luxury Hotels feature award-winning properties including spas, country houses, golf resorts, island retreats, city sanctuaries, and game and wilderness lodges.