SINGAPORE, Come 1 January 2002, Raffles International Limited will assume management of The Westin Stamford and The Westin Plaza. The two hotels will be renamed Swissotel The Stamford, Singapore and Raffles The Plaza, respectively.

To mark the renaming and re-branding of these two landmark hotels, Raffles International Limited will celebrate with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Sunday 6 January, 2002 at 10am.

It has always been the philosophy of Raffles International to actively support and contribute towards the communities it operates in. On this occasion, Raffles International has involved The Community Chest. Through support from the public, business partners and supporters of the hotel, the funds raised will go to The Community Chest.

Assuming the management of these two landmark hotels by Raffles International opens a significant new chapter for Singapore's hospitality industry.

During the ceremony, participants will also attempt to break a Guinness Book of World Records for the most number of participants at a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Some 3,000 people will form a human chain holding an approximately 4,000-metre long continuous ribbon surrounding the entire Raffles City complex. The current world record stands at 3,300 metres, involving 2,500 participants. The public will be invited to take part by pledging $50 per person or $1,050 for a group of 30 participants. All proceeds will go to The Community Chest.

Participants will each receive a certificate of participation and a goody bag valued more than $500. They also stand to win attractive prizes in a lucky draw, including the top prize of two return air tickets to London and accommodation at Brown's Hotel, London.

Swissotel The Stamford and Raffles The Plaza, currently known as The Westin Stamford and Westin Plaza respectively, have a combined room inventory of over 2,000 guestrooms and suites. The hotels are located in the heart of the central business district, with a major Mass Rapid Transit station located beneath the complex providing guests easy access to most parts of Singapore. Food and beverage options include Equinox complex, which offers a selection of two restaurants and 3 bars, in addition to ten other dining and entertainment facilities within the hotels. Other features include Amrita Spa, Asia's most extensive spa, the 70,000 sq. ft. Raffles City Convention Centre and an adjacent shopping complex.

About Raffles International

Raffles International Limited is a name well respected in the industry for its standards of quality, award winning concepts and innovative approach towards hotel management. Some of its award-winning hotels include Raffles Hotel Singapore, Brownís Hotel London, Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Hamburg and Raffles L'Ermitage Beverly Hills.

Raffles International's hotels and resorts are marketed under a two-tiered brand structure. The "Raffles brand" hotels distinguish themselves by the highest standards of products and services available in major cities on an international level. The "Swissotel" and "Merchant Court" hotels offer quality accommodation and the full range of modern facilities and amenities expected by today's discerning traveller, with an emphasis on quality and comfort.

Raffles International Limited is the hotel management subsidiary of Raffles Holdings Limited. Raffles Holdings Limited's portfolio comprises hotels and resorts in 33 destinations across the six continents of Asia, Europe, North America, South America, Australia and Africa. Raffles Holdings is a subsidiary of CapitaLand Limited, which has an asset base of over $18 billion. Both companies are listed on the Singapore Stock Exchange.

Marina Wee
Director, Brand Communications Manager
(65) 6496-1146
Raffles