WHITE PLAINS, N.Y.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—May 28, 2003—Starwood Preferred Guest(R), the hotel industry`s top-rated hotel loyalty program is teaming up with Tumi(R), purveyors of contemporary, cutting-edge luggage and business accessories.

Through this partnership, Starwood Preferred Guest will offer its members exclusive access to Tumi private sales, special Tumi incentives for frequent stays, and the opportunity to redeem Starpoints(R) for Tumi merchandise at Tumi.com.

Tumi customers also benefit through this partnership, gaining access to preferred membership status in Starwood Preferred Guest and scoring high-value incentives such as free nights when they stay at any of Starwood`s outstanding selection of hotels and resorts. Since 1998, Starwood has boasted more hotels on Conde Nast Traveler`s coveted Gold List of the “best places to stay” than any hotel company in the world. Starwood`s world-renowned brands include Westin, Sheraton, Four Points by Sheraton, St. Regis, The Luxury Collection and W Hotels.

Later this summer, the companies will introduce several marketing programs to deliver special incentives for frequent travelers including online Tumi award certificates for frequent travelers.

“Our partnership with Tumi is a perfect fit,” said Jim Berra, vice president, loyalty programs at Starwood. “It allows us to partner with an exceptional brand, engage a highly-qualified customer group, and deliver additional value to our loyal members.”

“We wanted to embark on our first major marketing partnership with a world-class organization that could create exciting, brand-enhancing opportunities for Tumi owners,” comments Chad Mellen, vice president, Marketing at Tumi. “Together, we will be able to bring our mutual consumer, the global affluent traveler, a fresh approach to creating loyalty.”

Recognized with the Freddie Awards` “Program of the Year” four years running, Starwood Preferred Guest opens the door to some of the world`s best hotels. Key business destinations around the globe are covered, and leisure opportunities are endless with more than 125 world-class resorts and over 2,700 holes of golf worldwide. For more information about Starwood Preferred Guest, or reservations, please visit www.spg.com or call (877) - STARWOOD.
About Starwood Hotels & Resorts:

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.(NYSE: HOT) is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with more than 750 properties in more than 80 countries and 105,000 employees at its owned and managed properties. With internationally renowned brands, Starwood is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchisor of hotels and resorts including: St. Regis, The Luxury Collection, Sheraton, Westin, Four Points by Sheraton, W brands, as well as Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., one of the premier developers and operators of high quality vacation interval ownership resorts. For more information, please visit www.starwood.com

About Tumi:

Tumi, the leading brand of prestige luggage and business accessories is committed to design leadership and innovation. This philosophy has garnered Tumi a dedicated following among discerning executive travelers and high profile celebrities. Founded in 1975 by ex-Peace Corps Volunteer Charlie Clifford, Tumi products are now sold worldwide, in major department and specialty stores as well as in Tumi stores and shop-in-shops in many major international cities. For more information on where to buy Tumi, consumers can call 1-800-322-TUMI or visit www.tumi.com.

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