New Deals Put BBC World in More Hotel Rooms in Asia Than Ever Before

BBC World, the BBC's 24 hour international news and information channel, closes 2001 with three more significant hotel distribution deals in Asia, placing the channel in an even stronger position for the New Year.

One of the world's leading hotel and leisure companies, Starwood Hotel & Resorts Group Inc., now includes the channel in most of their major hotels and resorts throughout Asia while the prestigious Raffles and Fullerton hotels in Singapore have also signed agreements to carry the channel in their guest rooms. This brings to 360,000 the total number of hotel rooms in Asia that include BBC World as part of their in-room entertainment package.

Commenting on the new deals, Bill Mould, Head of Travel Distribution for BBC World, said: "We are delighted that such prestigious hotel groups have chosen BBC World to provide the best of programming for their guests. It follows an overall increase in hotel distribution worldwide in 2001 and distribution of the channel in Asia in general."

BBC World's Regional Head of Travel Distribution in Asia, Elaine Oh, commented: "Demand for BBC World is at an all-time high. This has been illustrated by the dramatic increase in viewing figures during recent world events. We are committed to providing this high quality news and information service in as many locations as possible, for people travelling for business or for leisure."

Lisa Halim, Starwood's Corporate Communications Manager - Asia Pacific, said: "We are really excited about being able to offer BBC World to the thousands of guests we welcome to our hotels every day. We are always seeking ways to enhance our customers' experience whilst staying with us, and research has consistently shown the popularity of BBC World amongst international business decision-makers and travellers."

The Starwood Hotels & Resorts' Asia-Pacific region comprises 81 properties spread across the continent from Australia to Japan and Thailand to Brunei.

BBC World draws on the resources of BBC News which possesses the world's largest newsgathering operation comprising 58 international news bureaux and 250 correspondents worldwide. Beyond that, BBC World has that added extra to help hotel guests unwind from the pressures of the day, with the very best of the BBC documentaries such as Panorama and Correspondent, science programmes like Horizon, and, on the lighter side, hugely popular programmes like Holiday and Talking Movies. In 2002, BBC World will mark the 74th Anniversary of the Oscars with a Hollywood Years Season.

Guests with a keen interest in Asian news will be able to enjoy programmes specifically tailored for the region. Asia Today provides viewers with a roundup of the region's news in morning and evening bulletins six days a week. Asia Business Report, broadcast live from Singapore, completes the picture with the latest business and economic news from the region's financial capitals.