The Leading Hotels of the World enjoyed its most successful year ever in 2005, roomnight sales climbed to nearly 1.7 million – representing an increase in production of 14.4% over 2004, the previous banner year for the company.

Among the factors influencing the upward swing were a continuing robust travel industry, and the strength of client loyalty among both hoteliers and consumers.  

New website initiatives at lhw.com also had a positive impact on sales growth with Internet production growing by 24% over the preceding year, from 156,894 room nights in 2004 to 193,973 in 2005.  

Interest in membership grew steadily, as the hospitality industry increasingly sought out The Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd. for its exceptional value and unrivalled brand recognition.  As a result, the roster of hotels increased to 440 at year end, with 34 new members admitted.  

Once again, The Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd. delivered the highest average rate in the luxury hotel sector.  The average room rate continued its upward trend, from USD 368 to USD 382, up USD 14 year on year, marking the highest ADR ever achieved by the company in its 78-year history.   Further, the ADR generated by members of the company's newly relaunched Leaders Club rose to USD 509; the figure for Unlimited members reached USD 712.

Company president and chief executive officer Paul M. McManus, commented, "Throughout our history, the mission of The Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd. has been two-fold – to anticipate and surpass the expectations of the sophisticated traveler, and to ensure that our member hotels are best positioned to take advantage of those demands and trends.  All of our corporate efforts are geared to fulfilling that mission."

He concluded by saying, "The figures for 2005 confirm that we are achieving our aims.  The ever-growing interest in membership in our organization underscores the fact that our company and its services are more relevant than ever to the luxury hotelier in today's heatedly competitive atmosphere."