The Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd. is the prestigious luxury marketing organization representing 400 of the world's finest hotels. Headquartered in New York City, the company maintains a network of 18 regional offices in key cities around the world. Anticipating the demands of the sophisticated consumer for a complete luxury lifestyle experience, the company has taken the initiative of creating numerous partnerships and brand extensions aimed at bringing together the foremost purveyor's of luxury goods and services. Capitalizing on the strength of the Leading brand, the company introduced its first brand extension - The Leading Small Hotels of the World - in 1999. In 2000, the company joined with Relais & Châteaux to create the Luxury Alliance - a unique and powerful strategic marketing enterprise comprised of a select collection of the finest luxury providers. It has also established six joint-venture companies: Leading Group Sales, Leading Quality Assurance, Leading Financial Services, Leading Interactive Reservations, Leading Career Services, and The Leading Hotel Schools of the World. Each year, The Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd. publishes a directory of its member hotels, which is only one of the company's marketing endeavors. Additional services provided by the organization include extensive sales and promotional activities, advertising and public relations support, and an array of special programs for member hotels and their guests.