First-of-Its-Kind Marketing Agreement Through an Online Travel
Company Gives Travelers Freedom to Redeem Gift Cards for Reservations
at More Than 30,000 Hotels Worldwide
SOUTHLAKE, Texas–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Nov. 7, 2006–Just in time for
the holidays, shoppers can now tie up and wrap a bow around more than
30,000 hotels worldwide. Marking the first time an online travel
company has marketed to the $30 billion retail gift card industry,
Travelocity’s licensee, Travelocity Incentives, is rolling out $25,
$50 and $100 gift cards to consumers at more than 1,000 retail
locations and online at www.travelocity.com/giftcard.
Travelocity Incentives, which exclusively represents the
Travelocity brand to the gift card distribution channel, lets
consumers redeem hotel gift cards for confirmed reservations at all
major brands and thousands of independent hotels in more than 140
countries worldwide. And unlike other travel offerings, consumers will
not be affected by blackout dates – if the hotel room is available on
Travelocity Incentives, it can be booked right online.
Consumers can buy Travelocity Incentives hotel gift cards in one
of two convenient ways: at any Safeway-affiliated storefront in the
United States or via www.travelocity.com/giftcard, where they can also
purchase a customized and personalized greeting card to create a
complete package before shipping.
“These new hotel gift cards make it easier than ever to purchase,
experience and now share the gift of travel without lots of rules and
red tape,” said Andres Fabris, vice president, business development
for Travelocity. “Our entrance into the loyalty and incentives
marketplace also presents a tremendous opportunity for our business
now that we can offer Travelocity customers access to hotels through
an entirely new distribution channel.”
The innovative hotel gift card from Travelocity Incentives allows
consumers to apply their balance online as full or partial payment for
immediate hotel reservations. Customers will be able to redeem up to
four separate gift cards towards any one purchase.
“Travelocity truly recognizes the great potential this new
distribution channel can bring to the table,” said Peter Friend,
founder and CEO of Travelocity Incentives. “Travelocity Incentives’
launch is a win-win for consumers, the incentive and gift card
industry and the travel industry.”
About Travelocity
Travelocity is committed to being the traveler’s champion —
before, during and after the trip – and is the only online travel
company that guarantees not just the price, but the entire travel
experience – see www.travelocity.com/guarantee for details. This
customer-driven focus, backed by 24/7 live phone support, great prices
and powerful shopping technology has made Travelocity the sixth
largest travel agency — booking $7.4 billion in travel worldwide in
2005. Based in Southlake, Texas, Travelocity also owns and operates
Travelocity Business(SM) 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.
About Travelocity Incentives
Travelocity Incentives is a Web site operated by Pier 35 Events,
Inc. The company develops travel Web sites and issues hotel
certificates and gift cards under the Travelocity trademarks, which
are used under license, which enable individuals to redeem for hotel
reservations online. The company markets to Fortune 500 employee award
programs; through retail distribution at major grocers; and online
with sales directly to consumers. To see the Web site visit
www.TravelocityIncentives.com or contact Peter Friend, Founder & CEO
at pfriend@travelincentivesolutions.com.
CONTACT: VOLLMER
Andrea Collins, 212-715-2222
andrea@vollmerpr.com
or
Amanda Borichevsky, 972-488-4790
amanda@vollmerpr.com
SOURCE: Travelocity