OPRYLAND HOTEL STREAMLINES OPERATIONS

Source: Gaylord Entertainment Company

July 8, 1999
NASHVILLE, Tenn.--The Opryland Hospitality Group, part of Nashville-headquartered Gaylord Entertainment Company (NYSE:GET), has announced a streamlining of operations aimed at increased efficiency and re-deployment of capital for growth. This has resulted in a workforce reduction of 160 out of the 4,600 employees of the Opryland Hotel and related attractions.

"In our business today, we have to operate with a right-sized organization to be competitive. We are continually looking at new operational strategies and new systems and techniques that will contribute to improved margins. We are working to re-deploy capital to enhance quality and service and to drive top-line revenue," said Dave Jones, president and chief executive officer of the Opryland Hospitality Group.

"Unfortunately, through no fault of their own, some good people are losing their jobs, and we sincerely regret that. We are providing the affected employees with severance pay and job placement assistance and will absolutely work closely with them to find new opportunities. We are hopeful of quick placement success in today's robust economy," Jones said.

The reduction affected both managerial and hourly employees in several departments. Many of the changes resulted from the transition of Beauregard's from a restaurant to a specialized facility for convention events, group parties, receptions and weddings and from the realignment and consolidation of other work areas.

"Our hotel occupancy, which consistently outstrips the hospitality industry, continues ahead of last year's pace, and our service level will remain high," Jones said. "Our goal is always to increase efficiency and effectiveness within all our operations. This emphasis is part of a larger corporate growth strategy that redirects savings into new opportunities and the expansion of existing businesses."

The Opryland Hospitality Group is part of Nashville-headquartered Gaylord Entertainment Company (NYSE: GET), whose principal operations are in hospitality and attractions, broadcasting and music, and cable networks.


CONTACT: Gaylord Entertainment Company, Nashville
Media Contact: Tom Adkinson, 615/316-6302
Investor Contact: J. Russell Worsham, 615/316-6564