The Starwood-MSN Expedia deal is global and encompasses all of Expedia's international websites. Specific features of the agreement are as follows:

• As a result of the Starwood-MSN Expedia deal, Starwood's websites now serve as travel portals, enabling travelers to book entire trips from Starwood's sites. As a new member of Expedia's Associates Program, Starwood allows travelers to book air travel and car rentals -- in addition to hotels -- directly from its websites. Starwood's websites include: 
• http:/www.starwood.com;
• http:/www.sheraton.com; 
• http:/www.westin.com; 
• http:/www.caesars.com; 
• http:/www.luxurycollection.com;
• http:/www.fourpoints.com; 
• http:/www.starwoodvacations.com; 
• www.preferredguest.com
• Starwood will be featured on MSN Expedia's home page, allowing the more than 5 million monthly visitors to Expedia two direct links to Starwood's websites.
• MSN Expedia will proactively market Starwood Preferred Guest, Starwood's new hotel frequency program. In an industry first, travelers will be able to sign up for Starwood's frequency program from Expedia's site.
• Under their joint marketing agreement, Starwood and MSN Expedia will develop promotions, links, banners and non-interactive marketing programs to drive traffic to MSN Expedia and Starwood's websites and to market Starwood Preferred Guest, Starwood's new hotel frequency program.

"In 1970, Starwood's Sheraton brand was the first hotel company to introduce a toll-free reservations number," continues Van Kalsbeek. "Today, Starwood is taking the same leadership role in this important medium which has the potential to redefine many businesses in coming years.

"We are pleased to be expanding our relationship with Starwood and it's portfolio of leading lodging brands," said Richard Barton,

General Manager of Microsoft's Travel Business Unit. "This global marketing agreement recognizes the continued growth of Expedia as the leading travel e-commerce marketplace."

Starwood Preferred Guest is the hotel industry's most rewarding frequent travel program. Starwood Preferred Guest members can earn points and redeem awards at Westin, Sheraton, St. Regis/Luxury Collection, W Hotels and Four Points properties -- more than 600 hotels in 70 countries. Launched in February 1999, Starwood Preferred Guest features no blackout dates, no capacity controls, no expiration of points, the fastest way to a free night, the easiest way to a free flight and an unsurpassed portfolio of luxury hotels and resorts -- including 53 of Conde Nast Travelers 1999 Gold List of the Top 500 Places to Stay.

Starwood Hotels Resorts Worldwide, Inc (NYSE: HOT), through its Sheraton, Westin, St Regis/Luxury Collection, Four Points, W and Caesars subsidiaries, has approximately 690 hotels in 71 countries with some 230,000 rooms and 125,000 employees, and is one of the largest hotel and gaming companies in the world.