Two groups unite to provide travelers seeking a historic experience additional hotel options
Historic Hotels of America represents 203 hotels in 41 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Canada. Historic Hotels of Europe is a federation of 13 European hotel associations in 11 countries including Châteaux & Hôtels de France, Ireland's Blue Book, Abitare La Storia in Italy and Estancias de España in Spain. Historic Hotels of Europe includes more than 1,000 hotels.
"Our goal is to showcase historic hotels and encourage historic travel in the United States, Canada and Europe," said Thierry Roch, executive director of National Trust Historic Hotels of America. "This alliance will give both organizations an opportunity to reach an expanded group of heritage travelers. In the United States alone, historic and cultural travelers exceed 118 million according to a 2003 study done by the Travel Industry Association of America and Smithsonian magazine."
"There are many international marketing groups in the world which promote accommodations on a worldwide basis," said Carlo Citterio, president of Historic Hotels of Europe. "However, only two organizations, Historic Hotels of America and the Historic Hotels of Europe, have developed the concept of promoting local and regional cultural tourism at an international level."
"It is a very exciting time for both the HHE and the HHA, who, between them, represent more than 1,200 properties," continues Cittero. "Travelers are tired of the bland styles of accommodation which lack charm and uniqueness and show nothing to characterize them from one another. Not only are HHA and HHE delivering an attractive option they are also ensuring that the cultural traditions in the countries they represent are alive and healthy for future generations."
A program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Historic Hotels of America is a marketing association for full service hotels and inns. To qualify for membership, hotels must be at least 50 years old, listed in or eligible for the National Register of Historic Places or recognized locally as having historic significance. Established in 1989 with 32 original hotel members, Historic Hotels of America recognizes and promotes these hotels for their historic integrity, architectural quality and outstanding preservation efforts made by owners and managers. Today, Historic Hotels of America has 203 member hotels representing more than 35,000 rooms in 41 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Canada.
A directory of member hotels can be purchased by sending a $4.00 check or money order to National Trust Historic Hotels of America, P.O. Box 320, Washington, D.C. 20055-0320. Gift certificates are available through www.historichotels.org. Rooms at any of the member hotels can be reserved by visiting www.historichotels.org, calling 800-678-8946, or a travel planner (GDS code 'HE'). Reservations made through Historic Hotels of America support the National Trust for Historic Preservation, a non-profit organization of 200,000 members that provides leadership, education and advocacy to save America's diverse historic places and revitalize our communities.
Historic Hotels of Europe was formed in 1997 with the goal of promoting national cultural traditions, historic heritage and architecture under one umbrella. Historic Hotels of Europe comprises 13 national associations in 11 countries: Austria; Britain; France; Germany; Ireland; Italy; Norway; Portugal; Spain; Sweden and Wales. Historic Hotels of Europe includes more than 1,000 properties with more than 24,000 rooms making it one of the largest marketing bodies of its kind with in Europe. Each of the 13 member associations are independent and not part of any hotel chain. The associations must have stringent membership criteria admitting properties with a high standard of traditional hospitality, elegant accommodations and fine cuisine. The buildings should also be of historical or architectural interest.