OMNI HOTELS REMOVES ADULT MOVIES FROM GUEST ROOM TELEVISIONS
IRVING, Texas (Nov. 5, 1999) - Omni Hotels announced today that it would be removing adult pay-per-view movies from its guest room televisions. The privately held company expects to have its current movie service provider removed from the majority ofit's hotels by June 2000. Remaining hotels will be eliminating the service as their vending contracts expire. The decision to remove the adult pay-per-view movies was morally and conscionably driven by the company's ownership in response to what it perceives as a growing need for corporate America to support pro-family issues.
Peter Strebel, Omni Hotels vice president of marketing, says the company's "pro-family" stance regarding its business operations was in direct conflict with the movieservice. "Money is not the issue in this matter," says Strebel. "Not all business decisions should be fiscally driven. We believe that this is the right thing to do; the right thing for Omni Hotels, our associates and our customers."
The anticipated loss in revenue demonstrates the company's commitment to the issue. Omni Hotels has already removed adult magazines from the gift shops at its owned and managed properties.
While serving the needs of its guests is a top priority, thecompany also believes in championing family values and causes. Strebel emphasizes that corporate character and reputation play key roles in today's marketplace. Founded in 1958, Omni Hotels says it believes customers will support its efforts in this matter.
The announcement to remove the adult pay-per-view movies from guest room televisions is made possible by a newly signed contract between Omni Hotels and a new provider. Under the exclusive new agreement, Omni Hotels will offer first run, on-demand movies, networked Nintendo 64 video games, digital Free-to-Guest TV and other interactive services to more than 9,100 Omni Hotels guest rooms.
"We are very excited with the new suite of in-room services - including video checkout andNintendo games - that we will be able to offer our customers as the result of our new agreement," says Strebel. "We anticipate the video games will be a big hit with our younger guests."
Omni Hotels is a privately owned company headquarteredin Irving, Texas, comprised of more than 40 upscale and luxury hotels and resorts located throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico. Omni Hotels offer lavish accommodations, modern amenities and four-diamond services ranging from gourmet dining to fitness facilities, tennis, golf, wine tastings, tours of local attractions, music festivals and children's activities. For more information on Omni Hotels call 1-800-THE-OMNI or visit the company Web site at http://www.omnihotels.com
Contact:
Kim Clay
Omni Hotels
kclay@omnihotels.com