| NATIONAL HARBOR, Md., July 17, 2007 - Gaylord National
Resort & Convention Center has sold its one-millionth room a record
10 months before opening. This announcement breaks the hospitality industry
record for the total number of room nights pre-sold before a hotel opening.
The industry record was previously held by another Gaylord property,
the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center in Kissimmee, Fla., where
one million rooms were sold approximately one month prior to its February
2002 opening. The Gaylord National Resort will debut on April 25, 2008.
"No other resort in the history of hotels anywhere has sold this many
rooms so far out from opening," said Mike Mason, senior vice president
of sales, Gaylord Hotels. "It's astounding when you consider we still have
10 months to go before a single guest walks through the door. I was very
proud when we set a record in 2002 in Florida, but this is incredible.
It speaks volumes about the convention demand for the capital region."
The one-million rooms pre-sold includes all room nights under contract
with groups scheduled to hold events at the property beginning April 2008
through 2018. Currently, the resort is only accepting group reservations.
Individual reservations will be accepted starting January 1, 2008.
"We're introducing an incredible amount of new business and tourism
to the mid-Atlantic region that will impact the area in many positive ways,"
said Tina Sampson, vice president of sales and marketing, Gaylord National
Resort. "This destination practically sells itself. Once meeting planners
see how special and incredibly exciting this property will be, coupled
with the fact that we cater to their needs all under one roof, they want
to know where to sign."
Leaders of two of the meeting and convention industry's most prominent
associations weighed in on the significance of this record-breaking announcement.
Bruce MacMillan, CA, president and CEO of Dallas-based Meeting Professionals
International (MPI) was pleased to hear about this achievement.
"This remarkable achievement is a testament to the power of the Gaylord
Hotels brand in the meetings and events industry," said MacMillan. "I congratulate
Gaylord National on reaching this extraordinary milestone, and look forward
to supporting the Gaylord team as they continue to fuel our robust and
thriving industry."
John H. Graham IV, CAE, president & CEO of Washington D.C.-based
American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) said he looks forward
to Gaylord playing a pivotal role in the success and growth of association
meetings in the Washington D.C. region and throughout the country.
"Selling one million room nights 10 months out shows the incremental
value associations find in the Gaylord brand," said Graham. "The model
of providing meeting rooms, sleeping rooms, entertainment venues and much
more all under one roof continues to resonate positively throughout the
association community because it strategically addresses the unique and
challenging logistical needs of associations holding annual meetings, conventions
and trade shows."
Not a typical hotel, Gaylord National will immerse guests in the lore
and legacies of the historic, mid-Atlantic region. Complementing the resort's
world-class amenities will be a spectacular view from the soaring 18-story,
glass atrium, which overlooks the Potomac River, nearby Washington D.C.
and Old Town Alexandria. Or, just steps away, the National Harbor complex
will boast dozens more dining, shopping and entertainment options, as well
as continuous water taxi service to nearby destinations like Old Town Alexandria
and Georgetown.
About Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center
Opening April 2008 along the banks of the Potomac River in National
Harbor, Md., Gaylord National is located less than eight miles south of
the nation's capitol. The largest convention resort on the Eastern Seaboard,
the Gaylord National offers 2,000 guest rooms; more than 470,000 square
feet of convention, meeting and exhibit pace; seven acclaimed restaurants
and eateries; Relache(TM) Spa; and a soaring 18-story glass atrium. National
Harbor is a new 300-acre waterfront community located in Prince George's
County, Md., offering world-class dining, retail and entertainment options.
For more information, visit http://www.gaylordnational.com. Gaylord Hotels
is owned and operated by Gaylord Entertainment (NYSE: GET), a leading hospitality
and entertainment company based in Nashville, Tennessee.
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