Carlson Hotels Worldwide announces multi-year distribution agreement with Expedia.

Carlson Hotels Worldwide, one of the world's largest hotel companies operating in more than 995 locations in 74 countries, and Expedia, Inc., the world's leading online travel company, today announced a new multi-year distribution agreement between the two parties.

This agreement allows Carlson Hotels Worldwide properties to access promotional and merchandising opportunities within Expedia's global marketplace of more than 60 Expedia®- and hotels.com®-branded sites worldwide. It also provides that all Carlson Hotels brands will be available to travelers on all Expedia and hotels.com sites.

"Expanding on this strategic partnership allows Carlson Hotels Worldwide to reach customers globally through Expedia's extensive, targeted merchandising channels. Expedia is focused on providing a cost-effective distribution platform, thus enabling us to influence increased trial while gaining long-term loyalty for our brands spanning luxury to economy around the globe," said Christine Brosnahan, vice president of Distribution and Reservations Services for Carlson Hotels Worldwide.

"Expedia is committed to enhancing the ability of our hotel partners to connect with their customers on a global basis," said Melissa Maher, vice president of hotel strategic accounts, Expedia. "Strengthening our relationship with Carlson Hotels Worldwide positions their properties to more effectively reach both business and leisure guests."

Further demonstrating momentum in the relationship, Carlson Hotels Worldwide and Expedia will launch a flexible pricing pilot under which Carlson properties in certain markets will benefit from value-added exposure on Expedia sites, in addition to the bookings they receive from Expedia. The agreement further strengthens the companies' long-standing strategic partnership, building on several consecutive multi-year agreements, as well as the milestone of having launched the first direct connection between an online travel agency and a global hotel chain.