WALES BID EXCEEDS RYDER CUP REQUIREMENTS

Tony Lewis, Chairman of the Wales Ryder Cup 2009 Bid, announced today that they have exceeded the 5,000 contracted bedrooms that are required as part of the bid criteria for the 2009 event.

Thanks to bid partners, The Wales Tourist Board, a total of 5,260 bedrooms (equating to in excess of 8,000 beds) have been secured through the hotel
agreement scheme. In addition to this, 4,072 bedrooms could be contracted
with universities in South Wales once the tournament dates are set for 2009
and Associated British Ports have confirmed that three cruise ships are able
to be berthed in the Cardiff Bay area.

Tony Lewis, himself a former Chairman of the Wales Tourist Board, said of
the achievement, "Hoteliers have agreed to make these beds available for the 2009 event at a fixed rate, eight years in advance. This is a huge commitment from the tourist industry in Wales, the Marches and the South West, and demonstrates the level of support that we have for our bid."

Commenting on the bid as a whole, he added, "Wales has exceeded every part
of the bid criteria. Delivering the hotel rooms on schedule is yet another
indication that we are determined to provide the best option for the 2009 Ryder Cup. This is an important contribution by the Wales Tourist Board and underlines the unity of the bid partners involved in the Welsh bid."