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
