From the Desk of Greg Land, Senior Vice President, Wyndham Hotel Group

I can’t believe Summer 2008 has come and gone!  The leaves are beginning to turn here in NJ and the temperatures are dropping across the Northern Hemisphere as things heat up south of the equator.  With all the airline cancellations, a slowing economy, rising gas prices and a weak U.S. dollar, the market is presenting challenges for everyone, regardless of your business.  My team is here to help you get the most from our hotel products to help you and your clients be successful.  In this edition, we would like to share with you some exciting news about changes and additions to our products and services.

The Wyndham Hotel Group family continues to grow.  In July 2008, we acquired Microtel Inns & Suites and Hawthorn Suites.  Microtel is a great economy product and was just awarded its seventh consecutive J.D. Powers award for #1 in the economy lodging segment.  Hawthorn Suites gives us a firm foothold in the extended stay lodging segment.  With 300 Microtel properties and 91 Hawthorn Suites properties, this brings the WHG portfolio to 12 brands and almost 7,000 properties around the world.

In our last newsletter, I mentioned the launch of our Wyndham Green program and to continue watching for new additions to this program.  In this edition, you will hear about the launch of our Energy Star™ partnership and our ClearAir® meeting and guest rooms at Wyndham Hotels and Resorts properties.  And, next month we will be launching our full Wyndham Green website with reference materials and tips on staying “green.”

As you continue to take care of your clients and search for the best value in lodging for them, make sure you check out our Wyndham Rewards Double Points promotion.  Now through January 8, 2009, Wyndham Rewards members can earn double points, airline miles or rail points for stays at our participating hotels around the world.  And those extra points can come in handy when your client comes back to you to book that next trip for business or pleasure.

We will continue to add products and services to help you and your clients be successful.  So, we need to continue hearing from you to better understand how we can help you meet your business objectives and satisfy your travelers’ needs.  Please send us your feedback and input at sales.feedback@wyndhamworldwide.com.

Travel Safely!
Greg