Howard Johnson Debuts New Bilingual Web Site

(Wednesday, May 03, 2000) - Howard Johnson International Inc. today announced the^redesign of its Web site, www.hojo.com,^and new features including Spanish language translation and^partnerships with Avis, FareAgent and Map Quest. In addition, hojo.com^includes a full Web site for each individual Howard Johnson location, offering^the user complete information about the chain and individual hotels. Howard^Johnson® is one of the first U.S. hotel brands to have Spanish^translation available on its Internet site.^

"Our new Web site dramatically changes the way consumers see the brand,"^said Mary Mahoney, president and CEO of Howard Johnson International Inc.^"At the same time, we are demonstrating our understanding of what consumers^want and need when booking travel via the Internet. One thing we have learned^is that consumers want to be spoken to in their own language — we are doing^that with the conversion to Spanish."^

At the push of a button, hojo.com will convert to Spanish. Nearly the^full site is translated, allowing the user to enjoy hojo.com in Spanish,^returning to English for the reservation process. For those needing assistance^in Spanish, multi-lingual agents are available for voice reservations by^calling 1-800-I-GO-HOJO (1-800-446-4656).^

In partnering with Avis, FareAgent and Map Quest, Howard Johnson has^centralized the travel planning process. After making a reservation at^a Howard Johnson property, a box will appear on the screen asking consumers^if they want to make rental car arrangements. Separately, consumers can^book airline reservations using FareAgent.^

"With the innovations of our new Web site, Howard Johnson is not only^seeking to make guest feel at home in the hotel, but feel comfortable and^at ease throughout the entire travel process," Mahoney said. "We have simplified^our reservation process so that it only requires one click to get to our^reservation screen."^

Mahoney concluded, "In the end, this move illustrates how Howard Johnson^and other Cendant subsidiaries are benefiting through the convergence of^off-line and online businesses; a strategy that is being spearheaded by^Cendant Internet Group along with the corporation's Hotel Division."^

To launch hojo.com's new look and features, the brand is holding an^on-line contest: Hojo.com's E-Scape Giveaway. Starting today through June^30, consumers can enter to win a week-long vacation at any Howard Johnson^in North America as well as airfare for four people and a rental car. No^purchase necessary, entrants must be 18 years or older. Visit www.hojo.com^for the official rules.^

Howard Johnson International Inc. franchises^more than 500 hotels and inns worldwide, including properties in Argentina,^Canada, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, Mexico, Israel,^Jordan, Lebanon, Malta, Oman, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom^and Venezuela. For more information or to make a reservation at any Howard^Johnson location, call toll-free in the United States: 800-I-GO-HOJO (1-800-446-4656),^access the chains Internet Web site — www.hojo.com,^or contact a travel agent. Howard Johnson is a proud supporter of America's^Promise — The Alliance for Youth®, and is helping to point^kids in the right direction. Howard Johnson is a subsidiary of Cendant^Corporation (NYSE: CD).^

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