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Tourism Toronto plants trees locally and Toronto’s green story globally

TORONTO, April 22 /PRNewswire/ — More than 200 staff and members of Tourism Toronto planted trees and other plants in urban parks and spaces, including at the city’s two downtown convention centres - the Metro Toronto Convention Centre and the Direct Energy Centre.Tourism Toronto also used Earth Day to showcase Toronto’s green story to potential visitors, recognizing the growing interest in green experiences and environmentally responsible travel.”Green travel takes two forms - people who want to experience the natural assets of a destination and those who are vigilant about minimizing their environmental footprint,” said David Whitaker, President and CEO of Tourism Toronto. “Toronto is well-positioned on both counts.”"Toronto is green. We have 3 million public trees within the city’s boundaries, one of the longest recreational waterfronts in North America, a vast network of bike trails and the car-free oasis of the Toronto Islands.”"Being a green destination goes much further. It takes more than trees and parks - it takes a community-wide commitment to tread lightly and consume responsibly,” said Mr. Whitaker.Putting green into actionToday Tourism Toronto, many of its member businesses and students from local tourism and hospitality programs joined forces with Sheridan Nurseries and the City of Toronto to improve the sustainability and green aesthetic of four areas of Toronto. Tourism teams planted trees and other flora at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, Direct Energy Centre, Coronation Park and Don Valley Brickworks.Beyond Earth Day, Tourism Toronto has undertaken a comprehensive green program, including: - Carbon offsetting of flights by Tourism Toronto staff, visiting travel media and clients - Fully recyclable printing of all visitor guides and 100ACIORFIPROCENTE use of vegetable inks - Reuse and responsible disposal of old technology equipment such as cell phones and cartridges - New responsible business practices including reductions in printing and paper and eliminating single-use materials such as disposable cups - Establishment of a Tourism Green Team to understand worldwide best practices and adapt them for Tourism Toronto and the broader industryTourism Toronto has also launched a new web page: - a resource for visitors, meeting planners and convention delegates highlighting Toronto’s environmentally responsible businesses and tips on enjoying a green Toronto visit.Green meetingsToronto is building a reputation for environmentally responsible meetings, beginning with Canada’s first “zero waste” meeting held at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre last year. Tourism Toronto is a member of the Green Meetings Industry Council and is constantly working with its partners to find new ways to meet in Toronto while leaving a smaller footprint.”More and more meeting planners are thinking green when they choose their next meeting destination. Toronto is moving to the front of the line in green meetings thanks to the combination of progressive businesses like our convention centres and hotels, and the fact that Toronto’s parks and waterfront give delegates a rich green experience,” said Mr. Whitaker.Tourism Toronto’s new green web page () offers meeting planners ideas and resources for holding a green meeting in Toronto.About Tourism TorontoTourism Toronto, Toronto’s Convention and Visitors Association, is an industry association of more than 1,200 members established to strategically sell and market the Greater Toronto Region as a remarkable destination for tourists, convention delegates and business travelers around the globe. For more information on Tourism Toronto, please visit .Note to editors: Photo of Tourism Toronto Earth Day team plantingavailable on CP Photo Wire, or from the contact below. Tourism Toronto

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Tourism Cares Enlists Travel Industry Volunteers to Clean Up Louis Armstrong Park in New Orleans

NEW ORLEANS, April 18 /PRNewswire/ — Nearly 350 volunteers from the tourism industry will convene in Louis Armstrong Park today in a cleanup event orchestrated by Tourism Cares, an organization that brings together the travel and tourism industry to give back to its communities. Illustrating Tourism Cares’ commitment to help retool New Orleans’ cultural fabric, the cleanup recognizes the legacy and dignity of Louis Armstrong and all of the jazz greats who honed their skills performing along the African-American Jazz Corridor: Storyville to the Eagle Saloon on N. Rampart St.The scenic and historic Louis Armstrong Park has been left largely untouched since Hurricane Katrina, and its famed lighted archway has remained dark. Tourism Cares volunteers will be involved in painting, pressure washing and general clean up of the 33-acre site from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and will officially unveil the restored statue of New Orleans’ jazz legend Louis Armstrong in a ceremony at 3:30 p.m. on April 18.The effort of volunteers to repair this site not only restores its physical appearance; it also helps the local community reconnect with one of its most important cultural touchstones. This is especially meaningful now leading up to the annual New Orleans Jazz Festival.”Louis Armstrong Park, and specifically Congo Square within, represents what some say is the single most important location of African-American heritage in our country — truly hallowed ground — the legacy of which must be preserved for generations to come,” said Bruce Beckham, executive director, Tourism Cares. “Rejuvenating this essential tourist and community landmark will help the city’s ongoing outreach efforts to bring visitors back to New Orleans.”The History of Louis Armstrong ParkLouis Armstrong Park plays a significant role in the history of New Orleans, particularly African-American history and the development of jazz music. In the 1800s, the park’s Congo Square — now listed on the National Register of Historic Places — was an open meeting place on Sundays for African Americans, both enslaved and free. The space was used to market goods, socialize, and participate in drumming, music making, and dance. The park, named after New Orleans’ “favorite son,” holds both the Municipal Auditorium and the Mahalia Jackson Center for the Performing Arts.How Tourism Cares for America WorksDuring a Tourism Cares for America clean-up event, travel and tourism industry colleagues work side-by-side — regardless of their official titles– with the visible improvement of the site as their common goal. The impact is far-reaching — projects such as this increase visitor confidence in an area, aiding the economy and sparking further acts of responsible tourism.The work of Tourism Cares not only helps restore important tourism sites, but promotes responsible, sustainable tourism and “voluntourism” — travel focused on doing good. The efforts of Tourism Cares have begun to compel others to act, and the organization is emerging as the umbrella for a speedily growing segment of industry activism.The Tourism Cares for America project in New Orleans includes association sponsors such as ASTA, ABA, CLIA, NBTA, NTA, SITE, SYTA, TIA UMA and USTOA. Corporate sponsors include Arthur Frommer’s Budget Travel magazine, Collette Vacations, the New Orleans Metropolitan CVB, Valentino French Quarter Hotels, Amtrak, Performance Media Group, Sheraton New Orleans, Silversea Cruises, Amadeus, The Berkely Group, Globus, Go Picnic, Louisiana Coaches, Louisiana Office of Tourism, MaCher, Marriott International, Mohegan Sun, Photo Vision, Orbitz, Wyndham Worldwide and Valspar, the latter of which provided paint for the entire project.Next year, Tourism Cares will be hosting their annual clean-up event in Gettysburg, Pa. This is the place where 165,000 soldiers met to fight for their beliefs. It is the place where Abraham Lincoln helped mend a torn nation with his Gettysburg Address, and the place where millions have stood to reflect on the importance of the events that occurred there. Since the smoke cleared from the Battlefield in 1863, Gettysburg has been a must-see for every American. And with the transformation that is occurring on this hallowed ground, this national landmark must be seen again. Tourism Cares is excited to be a part of this transformation hosted by the Gettysburg Foundation in April 2009.Tourism Cares is a 501(c)(3) non-profit public charity that mobilizes the travel and tourism industry to give back to society through grants to natural, cultural and historic sites worldwide; through academic and service-learning scholarships for students of hospitality and tourism; and through the organization of volunteer efforts to clean up and restore tourism-related sites in need of care and rejuvenation. For additional information about Tourism Cares, please visit .**For interviews, photos or more information, please contact Ana Fernatt at 773/656-0744 or . Tourism Cares

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Sunsail’s New Abaco, Bahamas Base Officially Opens

CLEARWATER, Fla., April 17 /PRNewswire/ — Sunsail, the company for sailors by sailors, celebrated the opening of its new base in the beautiful Bahamas last weekend. The new Sunsail base, which offers bareboat charter, skippered and flotilla sailing vacations, is centrally located at Marsh Harbour among the glorious chain of islets and cays known as the Abacos.Local support was strong, and attendees included Don Cornish, Director of Tourism-Abaco and Mr. Cephas Cooper, Senior Island Adminstrator, who both took the podium to welcome Sunsail and congratulate base manager Samanth Cornish. “A strong brand is supported by excellent quality and customer service and we are delighted that the world’s largest charter company has chosen to bring that philosophy to Abaco, contributing to the development of the local community yet respecting the environment in which they operate,” said Mr. Cooper.A favorite of families and sailors of all levels, this reef-protected oasis known as the Sea of Abaco, features miles of sheltered cruising grounds with short sails between islands to picturesque colonial harbors and long, white sand beaches. Guests will enjoy snorkeling in the shallow turquoise waters, spotting starfish and tasting the delicious local fare of cracked conch or stuffed grouper.Sunsail’s fleet consists of brand new Lagoon catamarans and Jeanneau monohulls, featuring double staterooms, complete electronics and fully equipped galleys, ideal for cruising. Services at the Conch Inn Marina include on-site laundry, shower facilities, 24-hour security service, hotel accommodation and a dive shop.To celebrate the new base opening, Sunsail is offering 25ACIORFIPROCENTE to 35ACIORFIPROCENTE off its Bahamas fleet between June 1 to October 31, 2008, for bookings made by May 30, 2008.The new location joins recent base openings in Koh Chang, Thailand; Palermo and Tropea, Italy; Orhaniye, Turkey and an innovative new environmentally-friendly location in the British Virgin Islands.About SunsailSunsail offers a wide choice of sailing vacations for all skill levels, with nearly 1,000 yachts in over 28 locations worldwide. In addition to bareboat and skippered sailing vacations, Sunsail provides flotillas, sailing school courses, beach club resorts and corporate incentive or team building events. Sunsail was founded in 1974 and is owned by TUI Travel PLC. Visit or call 1-800-772-3500 for information. Sunsail

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Deutsche Bank Chief Economist to Give New Update on World Economy to Business Leaders at Global Summit in Dubai

LONDON and DUBAI United Arab Emirates April 14 PRNewswire - Increasingly in todays world influences from economic political environmental and social changes routinely interact at international level determining the environment in which everyone has to operate So a mature sector such as Travel Tourism obviously needs to take this into account in its own planning and policy developmentFor this reason the Global Travel Tourism Summit which takes place from 20-22 April in Dubai is delighted to welcome as a keynote speaker Professor Norbert Walter Chief Economist at Deutsche Bank and CEO of Deutsche Bank Research who will set the scene for the session Global Perspectives - Changing Priorities specifically addressing the key issues of the current economic debate sub-prime recession and the credit crunch All these issues clearly pose major challenges to the Travel Tourism and related industriesProfessor Walter a member of the Deutsche Bank Think Tank which covers a wide spectrum of issues ranging from economic forecasting to country rating and sector analysis is also a member of the Committee of Wise Men on the Regulation of European Securities Markets - the Lamfalussy Group - and he was a close adviser to Gerhard Schroders governmentThe panel discussion following Professor Walters presentation will comprise leading business and political leaders from around the world who will debate the implications of his pronouncements focusing particularly on the impact on the Travel Tourism industry Panellists include - HE Mubarak Al Muhairi Director General Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority- Christopher Dickey Paris Bureau Chief and Middle East Regional Editor Newsweek - Edouard Ettedgui Group Chief Executive Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group - Arthur de Haast Global CEO Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels- Jabu Mabuza Chairman South Africa Tourism CEO Tsogo Sun and CEO Southern Sun HotelsThe main objective of the session which is expected to involve a lively debate with the participation of delegates in the audience will be to identify the principal global trends in 2008 and beyond that might constrain the industrys potential for growth sustainability and responsibility It will also examine the main impacts on Travel Tourism such as the pressures from climate change population growth wider inequalities cultural tensions political instability financial market volatility and increased competition for land water food and energyMembers of the media are invited to attend the Summit and after the debate Professor Walter and other delegates will be available for one-on-one media interviewsAbout The World Travel Tourism CouncilWTTC is the forum for business leaders in the Travel Tourism industry With Chairmen and Chief Executives of one hundred of the worlds leading Travel Tourism companies as its Members WTTC has a unique mandate and overview on all matters related to Travel TourismWTTC works to raise awareness of Travel Tourism as one of the worlds largest industries employing approximately 238 million people and generating nearly 10 of world GDPFor a full list of speakers and the programme please visit For all updates or for your chance to be part of the Summit please visit World Travel Tourism Council

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Expedia, Inc. to Audiocast Earnings Conference Call

BELLEVUE, Wash., April 10 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Expedia, Inc. will host a conference call to discuss financial results for its first quarter ended March 31, 2008 on Thursday, May 1, 2008 at 8:00 a.m. Pacific Time (PT) / 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time (ET). Expedia, Inc. will issue a press release reporting its results before the market opens on May 1.The press release, live audiocast and audiocast replay will be available to the public at . Replays of the conference call are expected to be available for at least three months after the call date.About Expedia, Inc.Expedia, Inc. is the world’s leading online travel company, empowering business and leisure travelers with the tools and information they need to easily research, plan, book and experience travel. Expedia, Inc. also provides in-destination concierge service and activity desks for travelers. The Expedia, Inc. portfolio of brands includes: Expedia.com(R), hotels.com(R), Hotwire(R), Expedia(R) Corporate Travel, TripAdvisor(R), Expedia Local Expert(TM), Classic Vacations(R) and eLong(TM). Expedia, Inc.’s companies operate more than 50 global points of sale with sites in North America, South America, Latin America, Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific. Expedia, Inc. is a component of the S&P 500 index. For more information, visit .Expedia and Expedia.com are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Expedia, Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries. Classic Vacations is either a trademark or registered trademark of Classic Vacations, LLC in the U.S. and/or other countries. hotels.com is either a trademark or registered trademark of hotels.com, L.P., a subsidiary of hotels.com in the U.S. and/or other countries. Hotwire is either a trademark or registered trademark of Hotwire, Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries. TripAdvisor is either a trademark or registered trademark of TripAdvisor, LLC in the U.S. and/or other countries. Other logos or product and company names mentioned herein may be the property of their respective owners. Expedia, Inc.

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Country Inns & Suites By Carlson Receives Gallup Great Workplace Award 2008

MINNEAPOLIS, April 10 /PRNewswire/ — Country Inns & Suites By Carlson today announced that it will receive the Gallup Great Workplace Award during a gala on May 14, 2008, in Omaha, Nebraska.The Gallup Great Workplace Award is based on the most rigorous workplace research ever conducted. A panel of workplace experts evaluated the award-winning organizations. Country Inns & Suites is among the winners because its results demonstrate that its system of hotels has one of the most productive and engaged workforces in the world.During the Summit, May 13-15, 2008, Great Workplace Award winners will present the best practices they applied to their workplace and the improved business results they achieved through building an engaged workforce.”The winners of this award have established a new global standard for engaging people,” said Tom Rath, who leads Gallup’s Workplace and Leadership Consulting practice. “When compared to the millions of workgroups we have studied around the world, the awardees have worked tirelessly to create an environment that values people. They go far beyond trivial perks to ensure that each employee has an emotional connection to the company’s mission and growth.”"We are honored to be recognized for our commitment to creating a brand culture where great people are encouraged to do great work,” said Steve Mogck, executive vice president of Franchise Operations for Country Inns & Suites By Carlson. “The Country Inns & Suites ‘Be Our Guest’ service philosophy empowers the employees of hotels to not only treat our guests with genuine hospitality but to feel like the hotel is their home away from home. This attitude is at the core of the Country Inns & Suites brand and is a big factor behind our success with our guests and with system-wide employee engagement.”About Country Inns & Suites By CarlsonAs a leader in the mid-scale hotel segment, Country Inns & Suites By Carlson locations feature residential architecture and home-like interior design with highlights that include hardwood flooring, lobby fireplace and front porch.Each hotel offers many upgraded amenities such as complimentary hot breakfast, in-room hair dryer, coffee maker, iron and ironing board, and weekday morning newspaper. The brand is known for its consistently high quality accommodations and personal, warm hospitality. Country Inns & Suites provides an in-house lending library program at its hotels in the U.S. and Canada which lends free books to guests based on the assurance they will return the book on their next visit. Since the inception of the lending library, the company has contributed nearly $350,000 to literacy organizations across the country, which help both children and adults improve their reading skills.Reservations can be made online at , through a travel agent or by calling toll-free at 800-456-4000. There are more than 435 locations worldwide. Country Inns & Suites By Carlson(R) is part of Minneapolis, Minn.-based Carlson Hotels Worldwide whose brands also include Regent Hotels & Resorts; Radisson Hotels & Resorts(R); Park Plaza(R) Hotels & Resorts and Park Inn(R).Carlson Hotels Worldwide is one of the major operating groups of Carlson, a global leader in providing marketing, travel and hospitality services. Other names among the Carlson family of brands and services are: Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Carlson Marketing, Carlson Wagonlit Travel, T.G.I. Friday’s and Pick Up Stix restaurants. Carlson corporate headquarters are in Minneapolis, Minn.About the Gallup Great Workplace AwardThe Gallup Great Workplace Award recognizes the best-performing workforces in the world. Applicants’ results are compared across a workplace research database composed of millions of work teams in more than 100 countries. A panel of workplace experts assesses the applicants’ results to select the winners.The award’s weight and design equal the merit of the winners’ accomplishments. To create the award, Gallup designers collaborated with R.S. Owens & Company, the company that produces many of the world’s most prestigious awards, including the Academy Award. The award consists of two components: The top design features 12 etched crystal planes, layered to convey the kinetic energy of an engaged workforce. The crystal sits atop a concave-shaped pedestal base composed of polished silver-plated legs and a satin-finish front display. The combination of these parts results in a piece that evokes the nature of engagement. Country Inns & Suites By Carlson

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Blog of Carnival’s Senior Cruise Director John Heald Approaching Two Million Visitor Mark

MIAMI, April 8, 2008 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — The blog of Carnival Cruise Lines’ Senior Cruise Director John Heald continues to set new milestones, with the number of total hits approaching two million and daily visitors increasing 55 percent over the past month. Heald’s blog can be accessed via or .The dramatic increase in traffic can be attributed to interesting and entertaining new postings focusing on Carnival’s upcoming European and Alaska cruise seasons, as well as additional exposure through various cross- promotional opportunities.The new content includes Heald’s humorous account of his recent trips to Denmark and Finland to research shore excursion choices for the new Carnival Splendor’s inaugural Northern Europe cruises this summer, and a daily journal from Chris Roberts, cruise director aboard the Carnival Spirit, who offers his own unique perspective in preparing for the vessel’s Alaska program that kicks off in May.Through their on-line postings, Heald and Roberts not only provide readers with valuable information on two highly attractive and popular “Fun Ship” cruise destinations but also keen insight into the countless hours of work that takes place behind the scenes in creating fun and exciting landside experiences for Carnival guests.”Over the past few months I have tried to include new features such as Chris Roberts’ unique and colorful insights into Alaska, which has been very well received by readers. I am flabbergasted by the continued popularity of the blog and plan on writing for a long time to come. Thanks to everyone who takes their valuable time to have a look at my thingy every day,” Heald said.Originally launched as part of the Carnival Freedom’s inaugural European cruise season, Heald’s engaging personality and candid commentary proved so popular that he continued writing the blog, which celebrated its one-year anniversary last month.Heald has posted near-daily reports while traveling through Europe in preparation of the arrival of the Carnival Splendor. He will serve as that ship’s senior cruise director throughout its Northern Europe, Mediterranean and Caribbean programs.Within the blog, Heald regales readers with entertaining and often poignant stories about the people and places he comes in contact with on a daily basis, all with his offbeat wit and deadpan humor.The popularity of the blog has led to the second annual “John Heald’s Bloggers Cruise” aboard the Carnival Fantasy from New Orleans Feb. 7-12, 2009, which looks to match the success of the first Bloggers Cruise earlier this year that attracted more than 800 of Heald’s most ardent fans.Carnival Cruise Lines, a unit of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE: CUK), is a proud member of the exclusive World’s Leading Cruise Lines. Our exclusive alliance also includes Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Cunard Line, Costa Cruises, and The Yachts of Seabourn. Sharing a passion to please each guest, and a commitment to quality and value, our member lines appeal to a wide range of lifestyles and budgets. Together, we offer exciting and enriching cruise vacations to the world’s most desirable destinations. Carnival Cruise Lines

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The Popular Las Vegas Offer is Back!

MILWAUKEE, April 4, 2008 /PRNewswire/ — There’s never been a better time to visit Las Vegas than right now! In 2008, travelers will see new resorts including Palazzo and Trump International, incredible shopping from designer splurges to bargain deals, world-renowned dining, and exciting new headliners such as Bette Midler, Jersey Boys and Cher.(Logo: )To top it all off, United Vacations’ popular Las Vegas offer is back for a limited-time only. Travelers who book a flight hotel package of 3 nights or more to ANY Las Vegas hotel can pick between two offers — $75 off (use promotion code 75) or 5,000 Mileage Plus(R) bonus miles (use promotion code 5000). The offer is valid for bookings made by April 30, 2008 for travel through June 30, 2008.Guide to Las Vegas: With endless options for entertainment and fun, no trip to Las Vegas is complete without experiencing some of the city’s most popular activities and attractions. Since travelers can pre-purchase everything from transfers to club passes on unitedvacations.com travelers will be saving and celebrating all the way to Las Vegas. Pre-purchasing activities saves time and money and creates piece of mind since activities can sell out quickly. And travelers will love the convenience of having everything on one reservation.Consumers: Purchase online at , by calling 888-328-6877 or by contacting a travel agent.Travel Agents: Book United Vacations through VAX VacationAccess(R) at or the VAX VacationAccess technology via Amadeus AgentNet, Sabre Vacations, and Vacation.com AgentNet.About United Vacations: United Vacations serves travelers in a variety of ways, giving them more reasons than ever to plan, purchase and save on a quality vacation experience. With United Vacations travelers can look forward to choosing from a wide selection of destinations, flights and hotels around the world. The goal: offering the best in-destination activities, transportation and travel protection options, as well as delivering the highest level of customer service 24-hours a day. Travelers will be sure to enjoy a personalized experience suited to making their vacation dreams a reality.United Vacations’ America, Canada, Caribbean, Europe, Hawaii, Mexico and Ski programs are operated by The Mark Travel Corporation in Milwaukee, one of the largest vacation companies and operators of private-label brands in the United States. United Vacations

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PlanetOut, Inc. and Expedia.com Join Forces in Travel Partnership

SAN FRANCISCO, April 3, 2008 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Expedia.com(R), the world’s leading online travel provider, has partnered with PlanetOut Inc. , the leading media company exclusively serving the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community, to be the exclusive travel booking provider for PlanetOut Web sites, including PlanetOut.com (), Gay.com () and OutTraveler.com ().Through this partnership, PlanetOut will leverage the full offering of Expedia(R) travel content and booking capabilities as well as integrating merchandising features directly into its network of Web sites. PlanetOut’s audience of sophisticated travelers will benefit from the breadth of Expedia content and services, enabling them to research, plan and purchase their ideal vacations with confidence to destinations worldwide. This partnership marks the first marketing efforts to the LGBT community by Expedia.”It’s a wonderful opportunity to partner with the LGBT community and its trend-setting travelers,” said Sarah Pynchon, vice president of brand marketing for Expedia. “Working hand-in-hand with PlanetOut will pair Expedia’s extensive wealth of content, booking tools and travel expertise with their passionate audience, creating a more tailored travel planning experience.”In addition to providing booking capabilites for PlanetOut sites, Expedia will participate in online and offline advertising throughout the PlanetOut media network as well as sponsorship of select PlanetOut events.”PlanetOut is proud to combine our award-winning content with a leading brand such as Expedia.com,” said Kevyn Lloyd Aiken, vice president of marketing, media sales for PlanetOut. “We know from our proprietary research that Expedia.com is already a preferred travel booking mechanism for the LGBT community and look forward to partnering with Expedia to further their market share in a community that spends more than twice what the average American does on travel.”About PlanetOut Inc.PlanetOut Inc. is the leading media company exclusively serving the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community. PlanetOut’s brands include Gay.com, PlanetOut.com, The Advocate (), Out (), and The Out Traveler (), as well as other publishing, direct marketing and e-commerce properties. PlanetOut, based in San Francisco with additional offices in New York and Los Angeles, offers FORTUNE 1000 and Global 500 advertisers access to what it believes to be the most extensive network of gay and lesbian people in the world. For more information, please visit .About Expedia.comExpedia.com(R) is the world’s leading online travel provider, helping millions of travelers per month easily plan and book travel. Expedia.com () aims to provide personalized service, the latest technology and the widest selection of vacation packages, flights, hotels, rental cars, cruises and in-destination activities, attractions, and services. With the Expedia(R) Best Price Guarantee, Expedia.com promises to offer to its customers the best rates available online for all types of travel, making it the most comprehensive customer guarantee in online travel. Expedia.com is an operating company of Expedia, Inc. .Expedia and Expedia.com are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Expedia, Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries. Other logos or product and company names mentioned herein may be the property of their respective owners.(C) 2008 Expedia, Inc. All rights reserved. CST: 2029030-40 PlanetOut, Inc.; Expedia, Inc.

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Nota Bene - Elite Travel Advisory Service - Opens New York Office

NEW YORK, April 2, 2008 /PRNewswire/ — Nota Bene, considered the world’s most discerning and discriminating travel advisory service, announced the opening of its Manhattan office, the first branch of the internationally recognized premier travel consultancy to open outside London, home of Nota Bene’s flagship office. The Nota Bene New York office, located in the Art Deco masterpiece, the Chrysler Building, will provide even greater coverage, information and service for its ever expanding clientele of sophisticated global travelers.According to Anthony S. Lassman, Founder & Chairman of Nota Bene, “The opening of our New York office enables us to provide enhanced service and resources for our distinguished clientele, 50ACIORFIPROCENTE of whom reside in the United States. It coincides with two important Nota Bene brand milestones, the launch of the Manhattan issue of NB Pulse, and the recent launch of Nota Bene Travel, the ne plus ultra in travel advisory service and travel planning. Our client base of discerning, affluent travelers continues to grow and we are dedicated to providing all resources necessary for the style and caliber of travel information our members require.”Offering personalized advice and highly detailed planning for sophisticated travelers, Nota Bene’s membership includes numerous luminaries from the worlds of business, entertainment, fashion, media and finance who require a premier level of access, service and information commensurate with a luxury lifestyle. Misty Marie Shores, previously Senior Concierge at the famed Four Seasons Hotel, New York, will be overseeing client service for Nota Bene’s members at the New York office.”We are building a global brand for the super affluent traveler,” said Lassman. “Nota Bene is recognized the world over not only for the information it provides in its destination reviews but for its superb level of travel management. My co-founder, Elaine and I live and breathe this company — we want our members to have extraordinary experiences that live forever,” he concluded.For further information regarding Nota Bene, Nota Bene publications, NB Review and NB Pulse and Nota Bene Travel, please visit: Nota Bene