Reflects largest three-year total in 18 Years, report says.

According to PricewaterhouseCoopers, there were a total of 34 new hotel brand launches in the U.S. in the 34 months between 2005 and year-to-date October 2007, which is the largest number of brand introductions in a three-year period since 1989.

The new hotel brand launches included non-U.S. brands affiliating with hotels in the U.S., new concepts targeted at Gen-Xers and Millennials, independent brands, and brands affiliated with established lodging companies.

The brand introduction trend was led by the luxury hotels segment, which had approximately 18 new brand introductions between 2005 and year-to-date October 2007, which is the largest number of luxury brand introductions in a three-year period since 1982.

The following chart presents the trend of luxury and total brand introductions in the U.S. since 1982.

Three-Year Total and Luxury U.S. Lodging Brand Introductions - 1982 to Year-to-Date October 2007

Source: PricewaterhouseCoopers

A number of factors, including above-average supply growth, record average daily rates, demographic changes, consumer preferences, and availability of financing have contributed to record levels of brand introductions in the U.S. lodging industry over the last three years.

The following tables summarize brand introductions in the U.S. between 2005 and 2007.





"Among many factors resulting in this record number of brand launches is the internet.

A simple search will reveal these hotels and new brands, for which it is possible to take a virtual tour, read comments from guests and make an informed decision to stay at a hotel that might not have been otherwise considered," says Bjorn Hanson, Ph.D., a principal with PWC.

PricewaterhouseCoopers ( www.pwc.com ) provides industry-focused assurance, tax and advisory services to build public trust and enhance value for its clients and their stakeholders.