PRNewswire-FirstCall MIAMI BEACH, Fla. Oct. 21 :
Boutique Hotels & Resorts International(R) has announced the appointment
of two industry veterans to its independent advisory board: James C. Bates
of the Fitzpatrick Hotels Group and Eric Jacobs of Visual Data Corporation.

Previously the owner and general manager of a Miami Beach hotel, Mr.
Jacobs is a member of the board of directors of Visual Data Corporation`s
Travel Group, a leading provider of webcasting solutions. Mr. Jacobs has
served as Chairman of the Greater Miami Convention and Visitor`s Bureau,
as Chairman of the Greater Miami and the Beaches Hotel Association and as
Chairman of the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce.

Mr. Bates has held executive positions with Hilton, Americana, CP Hotels,
BWI, Hampshire Hotels & Resorts and recently The Helmsley Hotels. During
his 30-year career, Mr. Bates has been a member of several
hospitality-related advisory boards, including TIA, HSMA and the Executive
Marketing Advisory Committee for Best Western International, and is now
responsible for marketing and sales of the Fitzpatrick Hotel Groups.

Martin H. Buehler, Chairman of Boutique Hotels & Resorts International(R),
said, “These two distinguished hospitality experts bring a wealth of
experience, knowledge and contacts to our advisory board that will benefit
all of Boutique`s present and future members. We welcome their involvement
in the forthcoming events and growth of Boutique Hotels & Resorts
International.”
Boutique Hotels & Resorts International awards a distinct and elegant
identity to authentic boutique properties from around the world. A full-
service alliance featuring inventive marketing and the very latest in
reservation and global distribution technology, Boutique was created
exclusively to empower independent boutique hotels to compete with the
major hotel giants. These unique, individual boutique hotels and resorts
are showcased in three distinctive collections: The Diamond Collection
(luxury), The Emerald Collection (first class/four star) and The Sapphire
Collection (superior mid-scale). Additional information is available at
http://www.boutiquehotelsandresorts.com/
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