GOLD FOR BBC WORLD AS IT SIGNS FIRST CANADIAN HOTEL

Le Royal Meridien King Edward hotel, part of the prestigious Le Meridien chain - one of the most reputable chain of five star hotels in the world - has agreed to include as part of its' in room entertainment package BBC World, the BBC's 24-hour international news and information channel. This is the first hotel in Toronto, Canada to carry the channel.

With 294 rooms, guests residing at Le Royal Meridien King Edward will be able to sit back, relax and enjoy a range of current affairs, documentaries and lifestyle programming while on vacation or business. In addition to the hourly global news bulletins other programmes include, Holiday, Talking Movies, Top Gear and for avid golf fans - Golfer's Travels. Those hungry for the latest on worldwide sporting news, athletics and North Americas's Major League Baseball, will be more than satisfied with Sport Today - a round-up of news, results and action three times each week day in addition to the regular sports bulletins throughout the day.

BBC World news draws on the expertise of more than 250 correspondents from around the globe, to bring to it's viewer comprehensive bulletins on the hour, every hour including a regular mix of current affairs programmes such as - Panorama, Money Programme, Simpson's World, plus live editions of World Business Report. In addition, between now and the end of 2001, weekend programming will celebrate our fascination with Space.

William Mould, Head of Travel Distribution commented, " We are delighted that Le Royal Meridien King Edward has chosen BBC World to provide the best of programming for its' guests. BBC World provides in-depth, impartial news reporting with live coverage of breaking news as it happens. As a result viewers will always be kept fully informed of the latest developments from around the world."

Tony Cousens, General Manager, Le Royal Meridien Kind Edward Toronto, said, " We are always seeking ways to enhance our customers experience whilst staying at our hotel. We are therefore pleased to be the first hotel in Toronto to have the prestigious BBC World programming as part of our in room entertainment package."

Notes:

BBC World is distributed in 178 million homes (77 million-24 hour homes) worldwide. BBC World, provides news, business, sport and weather 24-hours a day, plus the best of the BBC's current affairs, documentary and lifestyLe programming.

Regular programmes featured in the new season include Asia Today, and Sport Today as well as Europe Direct, USA Direct and Australia Direct. The BBC's World Affairs editor, John Simpson, takes a personal look at stories from around the globe in Simpson's World every month, while newsmakers and personalities from the world of sports and entertainment will be among those on the receiving end of Tim Sebastian's unique brand of questioning in HARDtalk. Tom Brook once again presents all the latest news and reviews from the cinema scene in Talking Movies.