Business Editors/Travel & Hospitality Writers
SOUTHLAKE, Texas–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Oct. 17, 2006–Travelocity has
unveiled a travel loyalty program that aims to put the ‘v,’ ‘i,’ and
‘p’ back into “VIP” by giving its most loyal customers automatic
access to a range of perks minus the fine print and red tape of
traditional loyalty programs. Because a simple ‘thank you for your
business’ is often lost in today’s competitive travel market,
Travelocity is formally recognizing the company’s most loyal customers
with priority customer service, exclusive discounts and additional
perks that are relevant and easy to use.
Prior to launching the new VIP program officially, Travelocity put
it to the test by offering VIP status to a sampling of customers in a
beta program. A recent survey of members in the beta program showed
that the test group scored significantly higher than the control group
in the highly satisfied category. A Travelocity VIP customer from
Reno, NV, states, “…thank you for your great service and kind
response. You good folks have been very receptive and certainly made
it easier and saved me money.”
“As we strive to provide our customers with amazing travel
experiences, we are also committed to thanking and rewarding our most
loyal customers,” said Jeffrey Glueck, Chief Marketing Officer for
Travelocity. “Between our VIP program and the additional bonus
provided by the Travelocity Rewards MasterCard(R) for VIPs, our
customers have the flexibility to tailor their travel plans while at
the same time cashing in on great perks and rewards.”
Outstanding Benefits
Not only is Travelocity the first major online travel agency to
offer a loyalty program, the company is committed to providing a new
range of discounts and perks that VIP customers can actually use. VIP
status gives top customers:
— A dedicated customer service 800-line staffed by seasoned
agents specifically educated in VIP benefits
— VIPs will earn even more Travelocity Points on Travelocity
Purchases including 3 Travelocity Points for every $1 spent on
Flight + Hotel packages, flights, hotels, Last Minute Packages
when they apply and are approved for the Travelocity
MasterCard(R)
— Advance notice of sales and special VIP-only promotions
— Travel perks such as airport shuttle and car rental discounts
— Everyday exclusive discounts on GoodBuy hotels, vacation
packages and last minute deals (including up to $100 off Last
Minute vacation packages)
Easy Enrollment
Customers need only five qualified bookings in a 12-month period
to become a VIP, which can add up very quickly through Travelocity’s
program. Customers who make the qualified bookings automatically
become VIP’s, with no sign-up or initiation fees required. Unlike
traditional loyalty programs that can take years and tens of thousands
of miles to accumulate any rewards, it could take as little as two
transactions on Travelocity to become a VIP since some single
reservations may count as two or three qualified bookings. For
example, one GoodBuy Hotel reservation equals two qualified bookings,
and select Cruise packages and Flight+Hotel TotalTrip(SM) packages
equal three qualified bookings.
About Travelocity
Travelocity(R) is committed to being the traveler’s champion –
before, during and after the trip – and guarantees everything about a
customer’s booking will be right. If it’s not, Travelocity will work
with its partners to make it right, right away. This customer-driven
focus, backed by live 24/7 phone support, great prices and powerful
shopping technology has made Travelocity the fifth largest travel
agency in the U.S. – booking $7.4 billion in travel worldwide in 2005.
Based in Southlake, Texas, Travelocity also owns and operates
Travelocity Business(SM) and GetThere(R) for corporate travelers,
lastminute.com, a leader in European online travel and ZUJI, a leader
in Asia-Pacific online travel. Travelocity is owned by Sabre Holdings
Corporation (NYSE:TSG), a world leader in travel commerce.
CONTACT: VOLLMER
Andrea Collins, 212-715-2222
andrea@vollmerpr.com
or
Amanda Borichevsky, 972-488-4790
amanda@vollmerpr.com
SOURCE: Travelocity