TOKYO / Sept. 22, 1999--Nikko Hotels International today announced that the recent earthquake had affected its two hotels in Taiwan to varying degrees. While the Hotel Royal Taipei suffered only minor damage and is functioning on a "business as usual" basis, the Hotel National Taichung experienced some damage, including a fallen wall. No casualties or injuries have been reported at either hotel.

"Our hearts go out to the people of Taiwan at this very difficult time," said Masatoki Sasaki, General Manager, Hotel National Taichung. "We are very grateful none of our guests was injured and we are doing everything we can to help local relief efforts. Our properties are in strict compliance with local earthquake safety codes. Our staff is trained for this kind of situation. They performed effectively under pressure and many guests have expressed appreciation for our staff's handling of the situation."

Located in the center of Taipei, the Hotel Royal Taipei is running as normal and sustained minor damage. Due to an electrical power failure that is plaguing the city, the hotel is successfully relying on its in-house backup power generator. Electrical systems in the hotel, including elevators and air conditioners, are fully functional as a result. The hotel is accepting reservations.

The city of Taichung is closer to the epicenter of the earthquake and consequently the Hotel National Taichung suffered more extensive damage, including the collapse of an outer wall. While most of the hotel escaped major damage, no reservations are being accepted until after October 3, 1999.

At the time of the earthquake, around 1:50 a.m. local time, the staff of the Hotel National Taichung evacuated the hotel's 330 guests to the safety of a parking lot and city park across the street. The guests were provided with blankets and warm clothing and were kept updated on the situation via announcements made in Chinese, Japanese and English. By 5 a.m., the hotel also opened one of its restaurants to provide a safe indoor space and a hot breakfast. Later that morning, most of the guests left the hotel to return home or to other destinations.

The area around the hotel is currently without gas and water supplies. The hotel is using propane gas from tanks and water from its own well to enable it to serve breakfast, lunch and dinner to the remaining hotel guests, mostly journalists covering the earthquake, as well as neighboring residents, the majority of whom are still living outside and are unable to cook.

Nikko Hotels International is an international luxury hotel chain owned and operated by JAL Hotels Company, Ltd., a subsidiary of Japan Airlines, headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. Nikko Hotels International has 45 hotels worldwide, in Europe, North America and throughout the Asia/Pacific region. In addition to Nikko Hotels International, JAL Hotels Company, Ltd. also operates JAL City Hotels, a chain of business hotels in Japan, as well as independent hotel properties. For background information about Nikko Hotels International or individual Nikko hotels, please visit the company's website at www.nikkohotels.com.

Micheal Anstendig
212-684-6300, x354
Nikko