Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau Reports that Wake County Hospitality Businesses are Open

RALEIGH, NC (April 18, 2011) -- Saturday's tornadoes which touched down throughout North
Carolina and the Raleigh area were devastating to local businesses and residences; however
many Wake County hospitality businesses including the Raleigh Convention Center,
Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU), hotels and sports venues throughout the
county did not suffer significant damaged and are open for business as usual.

"We encourage visitors, as well as meeting and convention attendees to not cancel plans to the
area as our major visitor attractions are open," said Denny Edwards, president and CEO of the
Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau. "We were very lucky that downtown Raleigh
restaurants, hotels and facilities are open and the entire Wake County hospitality community as
a whole was spared. Our thoughts go out to those who fared much worse."

The Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau's call center will be open Monday - Friday
8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and the Visitor Information Center located in the connector between the
Raleigh Marriott City Center and the Raleigh Convention Center at 500 Fayetteville Street will
be open 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Monday - Saturday for questions.