HYATT ELIMINATES AWARD BLACKOUT DATES IN GOLD PASSPORT

Relaunch of Programme Provides Faster Free Nights, More Perks

Hong Kong, May 30, 2000—Hyatt Hotels & Resorts announced today the exciting changes to the Gold Passport frequent guest programme. The re-launch of the 13-year-old programme offers new enhancements that will give members more perks and flexibility. Key changes include the elimination of award blackout dates for all members an award option with no capacity controls for top tier members.

“We conducted extensive research which steered us to how we could improve the program,” said John Wallis, senior vice president –Marketing, Hyatt International. “We have made an excellent programme even better and our programme offers services and benefits that make every stay special.”

Enhancements include the following:

· The elimination of award blackout dates – Gold Passport members will be able to redeem awards at their favourite destinations without the restrictions of blackout dates.

· Passport Plus Awards for Platinum and Diamond elite level members – In addition to being unencumbered by blackout dates, Platinum and Diamond level members will have the added flexibility to redeem a hotel award for any available room within the award room type when they want, where they want. Passport Plus Awards require additional points and are not subject to capacity controls. This is similar to major frequent flyer program awards where miles are redeemed for awards that are not subject to capacity controls.

· Faster Free Nights with a New Award Structure – Gold Passport has streamlined their hotel award chart and eliminated premium periods to make it easier to earn and redeem awards. Previously, for example, members would need to redeem either 8,000 or 13,000 points for one free night, depending on when and where their stay occurred. With the new award structure, the minimum drops to 5,000 points at select hotels. The new award structure also creates categories of hotels, and the amount of points needed for a free night at a particular hotel now depends on which category the hotel is in. Point redemption categories are 5,000; 8,000; 12,000 and 15,000. As of June 1, 2000, full details and category listings will be available on www.goldpassport.com.

· Electronic and Paperless Awards – Gold Passport has made the award booking and redemption process easier than ever. As of November 1999, Gold Passport members can check award availability, book select hotel awards and request points to mile conversions on-line. Plus the hotel awards are paperless whether members book an award on-line or by phone – no more waiting for a paper certificate.

· Guaranteed Availability for Diamond Members – Diamond members will be assured of a room when they give us at least 72 hours notice. This allows Hyatt’s best customers to book their first choice and stay at Hyatts more often.

· No Point Expiration – Points will not expire if members stay just once at a Hyatt hotel in a calendar year.

· Airline Miles Award Bonus – When a Gold Passport member converts 60,000 Gold Passport points to airline miles they will receive 20,000 airline miles with Gold Passport’s three points to one mile conversion, plus a 5,000 mile bonus for a total of 25,000 miles – enough for a free flight on most airlines.

In honor of the new enhancements, Hyatt will re-launch the Gold Passport programme with a special offer from June 1 through August 31, 2000. Current and new Gold Passport members will have the opportunity to earn Gold Passport bonus points or airline bonus miles. Beginning with their third stay members can earn either 5,000 bonus points or 3,000 bonus miles per stay (bonuses will be awarded to members on their 3rd through 7th stay during the promotion period). If they choose Gold Passport points for their stays they can earn a maximum of 25,000 bonus points, which are valid toward five free nights at Hyatt hotels and resorts around the world.

Or if they choose miles for their stays they can earn up to 15,000 bonus miles good toward a free flight on participating airlines. Hyatt currently has partnerships with 24 airlines around the world. These bonuses are in addition to the normal Gold Passport points or standard miles Gold Passport members can earn on each stay.

Plus, as an added bonus Gold Passport members will be upgraded to Platinum status after their 3rd stay during the promotional period and can then begin to enjoy the additional services and benefits of this elite tier; including a special reservation line, point bonuses, certificates after every third stay valid for complimentary upgrades and more. Platinum status normally requires 5 stays or 15 nights in a calendar year.

Gold Passport has a long history of providing superior benefits and rewards. Hyatt has continuously offered Gold Passport members more substantive benefits at the entry level than other hotel programmes. From day one, members receive special benefits on each stay, such as complimentary coffee, tea and newspaper. Hyatt’s goal is to continue to enhance its elite tiers which have been recognized as the best in the industry.

There are 194 Hyatt Hotels and Resorts around the world. Hyatt International, through its subsidiaries, operates 58 hotels and 19 resorts in 36 countries, with an additional 25 hotels under development. Hyatt Hotels Corporation, a separate company, operates 117 hotels and resorts in the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean. Reservations or information for any Hyatt Hotel worldwide can be obtained by calling your local Hyatt Hotel, Worldwide Sales Office, or your travel planner.