Relais & Chateaux Reports 22.8 Percent Increase in Sales

The Association's Central Reservations call center booked more than 226,000 room nights for its members, an increase of 13 percent over last year, with an average of euro 869 or $1,235.59 per booking and an average stay of 2.25 nights. The US market exhibited particularly strong growth, with a sharp rise in call center reservations of 42 percent, for a total of 4,666 reservations. Sales of gift certificates, gift boxes and special packages also increased during the year.

Jaume Tapies, Chairman of the Board, commented, "To close this period with such positive results is extremely satisfying for the Association and our member properties. We have traversed a period of global crisis in the travel industry. Consumer confidence is returning and our key markets in the US, UK and France continue to rebound with a highly encouraging number of advance bookings. We have experienced a healthy increase in revenue and strong growth in membership this year, and with the strategic direction of the Association, the level of excellence of our properties and the personal commitment of our hoteliers, restaurateurs and chefs, I fully expect our growth to continue."

True to its mission to spread its unique "art de vivre" around the world, Relais & Chateaux accepted 40 new members in 6 new countries and 8 new major cities. The Association continued its expansion in Asia and the Americas, and reinforced its presence in Europe with "Routes du Bonheur," or unique itineraries, that provide clients with the best way to discover a region.

Fine dining, a defining standard in the Association's 500 properties, was reinforced with the addition of 26 new Grands Chefs Relais & Chateaux, representing the highest level of gastronomic excellence.

Membership to Club 5C, a network of Relais & Chateaux clients who have stayed more than 15 nights per year in a Relais & Chateaux, grew to 11,500, an increase of 15% from the same period last year. Unique events centered around gastronomy, such as the exceptional Diner des Grands Chefs at the Chateau de Versailles, along with a variety of oenology and cultural events, were held for members of the Club this year.

The brand continues to maintain its strong position in technological innovation through its website, which is available in 7 languages including Japanese and Mandarin and has more than 550,000 unique visitors per month. Its updated iPhone application has been downloaded more than 75,000 times with an average of 20,000 monthly users. The brand also expanded its activity in social media. The Facebook page now registers more than 20,000 fans, and the Association is now on Twitter with more than 2,000 followers. For reservations and information about Relais & Chateaux, please call (800)735-2478 or visit www.relaischateaux.com.

Photo: Relais & Chateaux Silavadee Pool Spa Resort in Koh Samui, Thailand