Carlson Hotels Worldwide, one of the world's largest hotel companies operating in more than 995 locations in 74 countries, and Expedia, Inc. (NASDAQ: EXPE), the world's leading online travel company, today announced a new multi-year distribution agreement between the two parties.

This agreement allows Carlson Hotels Worldwide properties to access promotional and merchandising opportunities within Expedia's global marketplace of more than 60 Expedia®- and hotels.com®-branded sites worldwide. It also provides that all Carlson Hotels brands will be available to travelers on all Expedia and hotels.com sites. Carlson Hotels brands include Regent Hotels & Resorts (www.regenthotels.com); Radisson Hotels & Resorts® (www.radisson.com); Park Plaza® Hotels & Resorts (www.parkplaza.com); Country Inns & Suites By Carlson℠ (www.countryinns.com); and Park Inn® (www.parkinn.com).

"Expanding on this strategic partnership allows Carlson Hotels Worldwide to reach customers globally through Expedia's extensive, targeted merchandising channels. Expedia is focused on providing a cost-effective distribution platform, thus enabling us to influence increased trial while gaining long-term loyalty for our brands spanning luxury to economy around the globe," said Christine Brosnahan, vice president of Distribution and Reservations Services for Carlson Hotels Worldwide.

"Expedia is committed to enhancing the ability of our hotel partners to connect with their customers on a global basis," said Melissa Maher, vice president of hotel strategic accounts, Expedia. "Strengthening our relationship with Carlson Hotels Worldwide positions their properties to more effectively reach both business and leisure guests."

Further demonstrating momentum in the relationship, Carlson Hotels Worldwide and Expedia will launch a flexible pricing pilot under which Carlson properties in certain markets will benefit from value-added exposure on Expedia sites, in addition to the bookings they receive from Expedia. The agreement further strengthens the companies' long-standing strategic partnership, building on several consecutive multi-year agreements, as well as the milestone of having launched the first direct connection between an online travel agency and a global hotel chain.

About Expedia, Inc. and Expedia Partner Services Group
Expedia, Inc. is the world's leading online travel company. With more than 60 global points of sale in more than 40 countries, its portfolio of brands includes: Expedia.com, hotels.com, Hotwire, Egencia (formerly Expedia Corporate Travel), TripAdvisor, Expedia Local Expert, Classic Vacations and eLong. Expedia Partner Services Group (PSG) is the central point of contact for travel suppliers to access the global Expedia marketplace. With hundreds of employees in local markets throughout the world, Expedia PSG makes it easy for suppliers to meet their global distribution objectives, and delivers a portfolio of innovative connectivity solutions, rate and inventory management tools, business intelligence reports, and online marketing expertise.

About Carlson Hotels Worldwide
Minneapolis-based Carlson Hotels Worldwide includes five hotel brands, totaling more than 995 locations in 74 countries. Carlson Hotels Worldwide is one of the major operating groups of Carlson, a global leader in providing marketing, travel and hospitality services. Other names among the Carlson family of brands and services are: Carlson Marketing, Carlson Wagonlit Travel, T.G.I. Friday's and Pick Up Stix restaurants. The company has been recognized by both Fortune and Working Mother magazines as one of the "100 best places to work for in America," Carlson's corporate headquarters are in Minneapolis, Minn.

Expedia is a registered trademark of Expedia, Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries. Hotels.com is a registered trademark of Hotels.com, LP, a subsidiary of Hotels.com in the U.S. and/or other countries. Other logos or product and company names mentioned herein may be the property of their respective owners. CST #2083949-50/2029030-40

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