AAA Gives New York Five Diamond Award; Calls City ``Unique''

    NEW YORK--Dec. 10, 2001--In a show of support for New York City and its importance as a travel destination, AAA has named New York the first-ever AAA Five Diamond City.
    "New York has persevered in the face of tremendous destruction, a testament to the will and stamina of its citizens and its businesses," said Susan Pikrallidas, vice president, AAA Public Affairs.
    Pikrallidas will present the award to New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani at a dinner tonight honoring the mayor and New York City firefighters and policemen. Emmy Award-winning actress Jane Seymour will also be on hand at the unveiling of this special Five Diamond Award.
    As part of the "Solidarity USA" dinner at the Hotel Roosevelt, AAA and American Tours International will co-host attending New York City firemen and policemen.
    "No other city is more deserving of praise for the enormity of this resilience, and it is with extraordinary pride that AAA awards a unique distinction to this unique city," said Pikrallidas.
    This is the first time the AAA Five Diamond Award has ever been given to a city. AAA's Five Diamond Awards are presented annually to world-class lodgings and restaurants that provide the highest quality in service and facilities, and reflect the ultimate in luxury and sophistication. New York City is home to 10 Five Diamond hotels and restaurants -- more than any other city in North America.
    On Nov. 12, AAA presented its 2002 Five Diamond Awards to winners at a ceremony at the Ritz-Carlton, Naples, Fla. There are a record 120 properties that received the Five Diamond distinction for 2002: 69 lodgings and 51 restaurants.
    As North America's largest motoring and leisure travel organization, AAA provides more than 44 million members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive-related services. Since its founding in 1902, AAA has been a leader and advocate for the safety and security of all travelers.

    Editor's Note: A complete list of Five Diamond Award winners can be seen online at http://www.aaa.com/news.

    AAA news releases are available from http://www.aaa.com/news