HAL’s $600 million Impact on Alaska’s Economy!

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I received this press release from Holland America and thought it
would be of interest. If you have missed any of my news' postings,
they are available on my web site.

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Ray
LIGHTHOUSE TRAVEL
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Holland America Line Officially Opens The Newly Expanded Westmark
Fairbanks Hotel

Part of Holland America’s $600 million impact on Alaska’s economy
Seattle, WA
Westmark Hotels, a subsidiary of Holland America Line, celebrated the
spirit of Alaska at the Grand Opening of the newly renovated Westmark
Fairbanks hotel. The $34 million expansion of the hotel is part of
Holland America Line’s nearly $600 million in total economic impact in
Alaska.


Holland America Line’s four-season support for Alaska’s economy

Westmark Hotels is the largest hotel group in Alaska and the Yukon
Territory, with 12 hotels in 10 communities. “We have a commitment
to Alaska that keeps growing”, said Kirk Lanterman, Chairman and CEO
of Holland America Line. “It’s a particularly important commitment
because it is year-round.” Holland America Line’s presence in Alaska
has grown to the point where the company brought nearly 190,000 cruise
and land tour guests to Alaska in 2003. Gray Line of Alaska, also a
subsidiary of Holland America Line, served another 20,000 independent
tour guests. Gray Line of Alaska also operated two winter adventure
tours in addition to its summer offerings. Many of the company’s
hotel investments are open year-round.

In 2004 Holland America Line will sail seven ships on 139 Alaska
cruises. In total, Holland America Line works with more than 1,100
business partners in the state, and brings $230 million of direct
spending to the local economy.

Jobs for Alaskans
In 2003, Holland America Line was responsible for providing 1,474 jobs
to Alaskans throughout the state. In Fairbanks alone, the newly
renovated Westmark Fairbanks Hotel provides 175 jobs in the local
community. More than 250 contractors and craftsmen were employed on
the renovations. Over the past three years, Holland America Line’s
capital expenditures and improvements have totaled nearly $100
million, including this $34 million expansion, eight new McKinley
Explorer railcars, fifty new motorcoaches, and more. In 2003, Holland
America Line spent nearly $20 million to market and promote Alaska as
a prime cruise destination. “We believe that there are great
opportunities for the continuing growth of tourism and other
industries in the Interior of Alaska, and throughout this great
state,” said Lanterman.

New Walter Harper Boardroom is dedicated at May 11 Westmark Fairbanks
Grand Opening Ceremonies

The state-of-the-art Walter Harper Boardroom was named in honor of
Walter Harper, an Athabascan native who was the first man to stand on
the summit of Denali (Mount McKinley) on June 7, 1913. Holland
America Line is celebrating 56 years of history in Alaska this season.
“We recognize and value Walter Harper’s spirit of exploration,” said
Lanterman, at the Grand Opening ceremonies. “Holland America Line has
a tradition of exploration that has been a part of the Alaska
experience for nearly sixty years.”

In addition to the dedication ceremony, events at the Grand Opening
included a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new North Tower of the
hotel. “It’s fitting that the tallest building in Fairbanks contains a
boardroom named for the first man to summit Denali, the tallest peak
in North America”, said Lanterman. “Holland America Line has been an
integral part of the growth of Alaska, and we honor the pioneering
spirit that moves Alaskans to aspire to new heights.”

For reservations call your travel professional.

About the Westmark Hotels
Westmark Hotels operates the largest hotel chain in Alaska/Yukon with
12 hotels and inns in 10 communities across the region. The chain is
a member of the Holland America Line family of companies, the largest
and most experienced tour and cruise operator in Alaska and the Yukon.
Celebrating its 56th year as the leader in Alaska travel in 2004,
Holland America will have seven ships offering a record number of
cruises with more departures featuring Glacier Bay National Park than
any other cruise line. The line’s CruiseTour itineraries offer more
time in Denali National Park than any other tour company. All 25
CruiseTours include the complete six-hour Denali Wilderness Tour for
71% more wildlife viewing and better Mt. McKinley viewpoints.


About Holland America Line
In 2004, Holland America's fleet of 13, five-star, premium ships will
offer nearly 500 sailings from 15 North American home ports, including
new departures from Norfolk, VA; Baltimore, MD; and Boston, Mass.
Recent additions to the fleet include the 1,848-passenger Vista ships,
ms Zuiderdam and ms Oosterdam. In April 2004, the third Vista sister,
ms Westerdam joins the fleet. The fleet will visit all seven
continents in 2004, while increasing the number of cruises to popular
destinations such as Alaska (139 cruises scheduled), the Caribbean
(191), Europe (58) and Canada/New England (26).

Holland America excels in service, amenities and special programs.
Known for consistent and attentive service, its ships have one of the
highest staff-members-to-guest ratios. Spacious staterooms average 25
percent larger and verandahs twice as large as those on other lines'
ships. Menus are among the most extensive at-sea. Dining choices
include formal elegance, alternative specialty dining in the Pacific
Northwest-themed Pinnacle Grill, casual fare and complimentary 24-hour
room service.

The winner of the 10th consecutive "Best Overall Cruise Value" award
from the World Ocean & Cruise Liner Society (WOCLS), the line offers
the only trip cancellation program in the industry that provides cash
back for canceling for any reason prior to 24 hours before departure.
For more information, consult a professional travel agent.

World's Leading Cruise Lines
The highest-rated premium cruise line in the world in the 2003 Travel
& Leisure magazine "World's Best" Awards, Holland America is a member
of the exclusive World's Leading Cruise Lines alliance, which also
includes Carnival Cruise Lines, Princess Cruises, Cunard Line,
Seabourn Cruise Line, Costa Cruises and Windstar Cruises. Sharing a
passion to please each guest and a commitment to quality and value,
the member lines appeal to a wide range of lifestyles and budgets. The
World's Leading Cruise Lines offer exciting and enriching cruise
vacations to the world's most desirable destinations. Conde Nast
Traveler magazine readers also ranked Holland America Line as the top
premium cruise line in the world in the much-anticipated 2003 Readers'
Choice Awards.