HSMAI RECOGNIZES WINGATE INNS INTERNATIONAL, INC. WITH TWO TRAVEL INDUSTRY AWARDS (2/01)

Wingate Inns International Inc. continued it's string of being recognized within the hospitality industry with the national hotel chain receiving two travel industry awards in the annual Adrian Advertising, Golden Bell Public Relations and Golden Click Website Awards Competition.

The Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI) recognized Wingate Inns with a Gold Award for Feature Placement-Print/Trade Publication (Travel Agent Magazine Cover Story) in the Golden Bell Public Relations Competition, and a Bronze Merit Award for Complete Campaigns - Frequency Programs (U1 Loyalty Club Launch) in the Adrian Advertising competition. These awards were given as part of the 2000 HSMAI International Travel Competition, the largest and most prestigious travel awards event.

"We're extremely pleased and honored to be recognized by the HSMAI with two travel industry awards," says Keith Pierce, president and CEO of Wingate Inns International, Inc. "Last year was an extremely strong year for Wingate Inns and these awards recognize the outstanding contributions from our marketing and public relations teams."

The 2000 Travel Industry Adrian Advertising Awards competition drew almost 1,800 entries from 52 countries and destinations worldwide, reinforcing the essential role that advertising and public relations play in the successful marketing of the travel industry around the world.

Wingate Inns International is an all-new construction hotel chain that opened its first franchised hotel in July 1996. Its focused service, upper mid-market franchised hotels feature sophisticated, consumer-based technology and comfortable, oversized rooms that were created in response to business travelers' needs. All Wingate Inn hotels are independently owned and operated under Franchise agreements with Wingate Inns International, Inc.