ICTV1 HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO THE WESTIN DIPLOMAT RESORT AND SPA

IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Michelle Le Vous-Shulman
Director of Public Relations
954-602-8603
michelle.levous@westin.com

ONE-YEAR, ONE-MILLIONTH VISITOR
THE WESTIN DIPLOMAT RESORT & SPA CELEBRATES
A LANDMARK ANNIVERSARY

Hollywood, FL. (January 27, 2003), What a year; awards, celebrities, major corporate conventions and social events all adding up to one-million guests passing through the doors of The Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa, located on the Atlantic Ocean in Hollywood, Florida, during the first year of operation. Seventy-percent of those visiting had never even been to Broward County prior to their Diplomat experience.
On Thursday, January 31st, 2002, The Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa officially opened to the public. During the first 48-hours an estimated 40,000 locals came to tell their stories of the old Diplomat and to see what the "new" Diplomat had to offer. With a star-studded glamorous history and an opening noted as the largest construction project of its kind within North America, all eyes turned to General Manager, Gary Sims. "There are only a handful of comparable properties around the world, making The Diplomat opening a once in a lifetime opportunity for everyone involved." states Sims.
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Anniversary

Prior to opening Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide was brought onboard, June 8th, 2001 to manage the daily operation of the resort and flag the property as The Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa. The Diplomat's Country Club, located in Hallandale, received the prestigious honor of becoming a member of Starwood's Luxury Collection, one of 16 in the United States. Starwood brought experience and team members from across the country to fine tune every detail. The result was a flawless opening day.

Additionally, Starwood's Global Sales Offices added to the sales force already on-site. This team effort resulted in a strong booking pace for a new property. The success of the sales team and The Diplomat Ambassadors is championed by groups on the books as far out at 2010. "The Diplomat has been long awaited, but well worth the wait," notes Nikki Grossman, president of The Greater Fort Lauderdale CVB. "It has been a catalyst for redevelopment and bringing a broader recognition to South Florida as a convention destination."

Since opening, The Westin Diplomat has received numerous awards & recognitions. Some highlights include:

"Connoisseurs Choice Award" - Resorts & Great Hotels
"Top 50 Tennis Resorts" - Tennis Magazine
"Court of The Year" - Tennis Industry Magazine
* * * * * "Very Best Golf Resort" 2001, 2002 - Best Golf Network
"100 Best Spas of The World" Feature - Benard Burt Author
"Award of Excellence" - Corporate & Incentive Travel
* * *1/2 "Best Steakhouse in Broward" - Sun-Sentinel
"Best New Build" - Florida Redevelopment Association
"North America's Leading Golf Resort" - World Travel Awards
"Best New Golf Course" Nomination - Golf Digest
"Preserved Installation" Grand Prize - Associated Landscape Contractors of America
"Top 10-Largest Hotel Exhibit Halls in US" - Convene Magazine

To learn more about The Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa visit www.diplomatresort.com