National Press Release

MINNEAPOLIS, June 25 /PRNewswire/ -- Carlson Hotels Worldwide today announced that Avis and Budget Rent A Car have joined its goldpoints plus(SM) hotel rewards program. Effective immediately, goldpoints plus members can earn 750 Gold Points on qualifying rentals at participating Avis and Budget airport and neighborhood locations worldwide. In addition, members can save up to 25% on car rentals when they mention the Avis Worldwide Discount (AWD) number G639300 or the Budget Customer Discount (BCD) # U106500 at the time of reservation.

"The goldpoints plus program allows members to earn and redeem points at over 1,000 global participating hotels including the following brands: Regent(R) Hotels & Resorts, Radisson(R) Hotels & Resorts, Park Plaza(R) Hotels & Resorts, Country Inns & Suites By Carlson(SM), and Park Inn(R). The addition of Avis and Budget is just one of the ways we are working to enhance benefits for our members," said Heather Passe, vice president customer relationship marketing. Enrollment in goldpoints plus is free and guests can enroll at goldpointsplus.com.

To kick off the partnership, Avis and Budget are offering goldpoints plus members an opportunity to earn bonus Gold Points - up to quadruple points.

Avis Launch Promotional Offer:

Through July 31, 2009, members of the goldpoints plus program can earn 1,000 bonus points on rentals of two or more days (for 1,750 total points). goldpoints plus Elite members can earn 2,000 bonus points on rentals of two or more days (2,750 total points).

Budget Launch Promotional Offer:

Through July 31, 2009, members of the goldpoints plus program can earn double points on rentals of two or more days (1,500 total points); members who include a where2(R) GPS unit with their car rental of two or more days can receive triple points (2,250 total). goldpoints plus Elite members can earn quadruple points on rentals of two or more days (3,000 total points).

"With our dual-brand approach to car rental, members can choose the brand that best meets their needs - a premium rental experience backed by the world-renowned Avis 'We Try Harder' service or the award-winning value of Budget - while earning Gold Points and saving money on their rental," said Kaye Ceille, senior vice president of global travel and partnership sales for Avis Budget Group, parent company of Avis and Budget.

To learn more about this partnership, including full program terms and conditions, please visit goldpointsplus.com.

Carlson Hotels Worldwide is a leading global hotel company with more than 1,030 locations in 72 countries. Its brands include: Regent(R) Hotels & Resorts, Radisson(R) Hotels & Resorts, Park Plaza(R) Hotels & Resorts, Country Inns & Suites By Carlson(SM) and Park Inn(R). Carlson Hotels Worldwide is part of Carlson, a global travel, marketing and hospitality company.

SOURCE Carlson Hotels Worldwide