WHITE PLAINS, N.Y., Oct 27, 2003 (BUSINESS WIRE)—Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) has been named the World`s Leading Hotel Group for the second year in a row at the 10th Annual World Travel Awards. The World Travel Awards acknowledge, reward and celebrate the enormous achievements found in all sectors of the global travel industry. This year, Starwood Hotels was the winner of eight major categories including Australasia`s Leading Hotel Group and the overall winner in the hotel category as the World`s Leading Hotel Group.

“The distinction of being named the World`s Leading Hotel Group is a direct result of the strength of commitment to service of Starwood associates at every level in all divisions,” said Bob Cotter, chief operating officer for Starwood. “To be recognized as the leader in the global hospitality industry in 2003 truly speaks to the tremendous impact Starwood and its brands has had on the industry in a very short period of time.”

In addition, several Starwood properties were also honored in the following categories:
Australasia`s Leading Resort - Bora Bora Nui Resort & Spa, French Polynesia
Australasia`s Leading Conference Hotel - The Westin Sydney

Australasia`s Leading Golf Resort - Sheraton Fiji Resort
Central and Latin America`s Leading Conference Hotel - Sheraton Cancun Resort & Towers
North America`s Leading Golf Resort - The Diplomat Country Club & Spa, Hallandale Beach, Florida
North America`s Leading Resort - The Phoenician, Scottsdale, Arizona

The World Travel Awards was conceived in 1993 to acknowledge and celebrate excellence in the world`s travel and tourism industry. Now in its tenth year, travel professionals and discerning travelers have come to regard the World Travel Awards as the very best endorsement that a travel product could hope to receive. Candidates for nomination are based upon the previous year`s voting. This is the world`s most comprehensive travel awards ceremony, with trophies awarded in all areas of the industry. Voting is cast by thousands of travel agents in more than 200 countries around the world to select their favorite across a range of over 100 different categories. Since is inception, the World Travel Awards has established itself as a forum that brings together all areas of travel and tourism in celebration and recognition of their achievements.
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