We Advise your Vacation

SAN MATEO, Calif. and AURORA, Neb., July 30 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Avistar Communications Corporation , a leading provider of unified visual communications solutions, today announced the availability of Avistar C3 desktop and team videoconferencing through Fontel Inc., a wholesale distributor of voice and data communications products, and its extensive national network of dealers and resellers.
As a result of the agreement, Fontel’s resellers can now leverage a standards-based video conferencing solution to enhance their customers’ business communication, improve operations and increase productivity and performance. The Avistar C3 bandwidth management enables thousands of users to access desktop videoconferencing, Voice over IP (VoIP), collaboration services and streaming media without requiring substantial new network investment or impairing network performance.
Simon Moss, CEO, Avistar, said, “This partnership combines the power of Avistar C3 technology with Fontel’s significant channel network. This opens a new distribution channel for us, and offers Fontel customers a significant value-add to their current technology investment. Companies of all sizes turn to Fontel and its reseller and dealer network for voice and data products, and now they can reap the benefits of our award-winning, interoperable and scalable videoconferencing solutions as well.”
Kurt Mitchell, President, Fontel, Inc., said, “Studies have indicated that communication between people is up to 70 percent body language. Avistar’s technology brings that face-to-face element to the table and is the next logical bundle with audio and data communications. With today’s economy and emphasis on conserving the environment, videoconferencing technology is in high demand. Fontel has about seven different types of dealers and resellers across the United States, and we believe Avistar’s C3 technology will more than fit their needs.”
The Avistar and Fontel distributor agreement is an expansion of the two companies’ partnership that began earlier this year with Fontel supplying end-point device bundles (headsets, speakerphones, web cameras) for Avistar’s C3 software. Avistar’s desktop and room solutions are available immediately through Fontel and its resellers.
Avistar’s C3 patented technology is widely deployed and provides a rapid return on investment. According to the head of capital markets for a leading global bank, “Before Avistar, I was spending more than an hour a day just riding elevators, and that’s before you count the time going across town or jumping on airplanes.” Another Avistar client funds Avistar directly from its travel budget, as the technology has significantly cut down on travel expenses and time away from the office. For example, just by replacing 10 percent of travel with videoconferenced meetings can result in an annual savings of $2500 per employee. For a company with 1000 employees, that quickly equates to $2.5 million per year. Other benefits include increased productivity, improved revenue generation, reduced carbon footprint and more effective cultural assimilation of dispersed employees, partners and other team members.
Moss concluded, “Fontel’s commitment to quality and exemplary customer service, combined with Avistar’s technology excellence, bodes well for customers who want a best-in-class solution that delivers significant benefits right away.”
About Fontel Inc.
Fontel Inc., based in Aurora, Nebraska, is a wholesale distributor of voice and data communications products. Fontel is committed to offering a high quality, yet competitively priced, portfolio of voice and data communication hardware and software products to dealers, resellers and installers of voice and data communication systems. Fontel’s staff provides exceptional service and support, allowing customers to offer efficient and timely service to their end-users accounts. For more information, visit .
About Avistar Communications Corporation
Avistar creates technology that provides the missing critical element in unified communications: bringing people in organizations face-to-face, through enhanced communications, for true collaboration anytime, anyplace. Its latest product, Avistar C3, draws on more than a decade of market experience to deliver a single-click desktop videoconferencing and collaboration experience that moves business communications into a new era. Available as a stand-alone solution, or integrated with existing unified communications software from other vendors, Avistar C3 provides users instant messaging-style ability to initiate video communications across and outside the enterprise. Bandwidth management enables thousands of users to access desktop videoconferencing, Voice over IP (VoIP) and streaming media, without requiring substantial new network investment or impairing network performance.
Avistar’s desktop videoconferencing and collaboration installations are among the world’s largest, including more than 18,000 seats sold in more than 40 countries. Clients report as much as a 20 percent reduction in travel expense and carbon emissions, increases in productivity, and immeasurably improved relationship building within their organizations, as well as with suppliers and customers. Avistar holds a portfolio of 80 patents for inventions in video and network technology and licenses IP to videoconferencing, rich-media services, public networking and related industries. Current licensees include Sony Corporation, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI), Polycom, Inc., Tandberg ASA, Radvision Ltd. and Emblaze-VCON. For more information, visit .
Avistar Communications Corporation

MINNEAPOLIS, July 30 /PRNewswire/ — The LUSSO Collection, an exclusive boutique luxury travel destination club providing members unlimited access to a collection of multi-million dollar residences in the world’s most sought-after vacation destinations, announced the introduction of LUSSO 21 — a new membership offering that enables individuals to experience LUSSO properties for 21 days each year.
LUSSO 21 provides members with 21 days in The LUSSO Collection properties each year for a deposit of $325,000 and annual dues of $21,000. Only 50 LUSSO 21 memberships are available.
The LUSSO Collection’s multi-million dollar properties are located in such sought-after vacation destinations as Cabo San Lucas, Mexico; Aspen, Colo.; Miami, Fla.; Hawaii and the Bahamas. LUSSO 21 members also receive many amenities including on-site concierge; pre-arrival grocery shopping; personal chauffer for traveling to and from the airport; and a 100 percent refundable membership deposit upon resignation. The LUSSO Collection prides itself on its boutique structure that provides members the best availability and amenities in the industry.
“We are excited about offering LUSSO 21, which we developed based on feedback that we have received from people who want to experience The LUSSO Collection but who may not travel extensively,” said Steve Greer, founder and CEO of The LUSSO Collection. “Our club continues to evolve based on how to best serve our ever-growing membership base and to meet our ever-present goal of providing truly luxurious getaways for individuals who love to travel.”
The LUSSO Collection also offers the LUSSO Unlimited membership option, which provides members with unlimited usage of its private luxury vacation homes each year as well as all of the amenities provided to club members.
All of The LUSSO Collection members can take advantage of its membership benefits program, The LUSSO Life(TM), which provides lifestyle benefits including on-call personal “wherever, whenever” concierge services; MedjetAssist in the event of a medical emergency; and an exclusive partnership with The World Golf Group for unprecedented access to private golf courses nationwide.
The LUSSO Collection, which was founded in 2006, currently has 150 members and recently added its 30th home in one of 16 destinations. The company has an aggressive growth plan that includes having a portfolio of 39 homes in 21 destinations, including Europe, by year-end.
About The LUSSO Collection
The LUSSO Collection is an exclusive boutique travel destination club that provides members unlimited access to a collection of multi-million dollar residences in the world’s most sought-after vacation destinations. Founded by Steve Greer in 2006, The LUSSO Collection offers its growing membership access to residences that average $4 million in value and an on-site concierge offers hassle-free planning for a truly luxurious vacation. For additional information, please call 1-866-GO-LUSSO or visit .
The LUSSO Collection

NEW YORK, July 29 /PRNewswire/ — From jetting overseas for a culinary experience to a desire to learn life-enriching skills while on vacation, travelers are intent on continuing to pursue travel experiences that allow them to indulge in their personal interests despite the softening economy, according to a recent survey of 501 U.S. adults by American Express Travel. Indeed, 87% of respondents indicated that the number of vacations involving one or more personal “passions” would either remain the same or increase over the next two years; of those, 28% indicated that they expect the number to increase.
These findings may come as somewhat of a surprise in light of the fact that 90% of respondents indicated that they feel the US economy is currently in or edging toward a recession. But at least 60% of respondents say that it’s because travel is so important to their mental health and lifestyle that they have not let economic concerns impact their plans. Although these travelers are not immune to the softening economy, they are still moving ahead with their vacation plans but acting more resourceful in their planning. Taking savvy approaches to travel, 66% of respondents are tapping into rewards points or miles earned to offset costs, 58% are visiting more affordable destinations, and 24% are taking shorter vacations.
“Given the uncertain economy, we wanted to see how people’s passions drive behavior when it comes to travel,” says Audrey Hendley, vice president of marketing, American Express Travel. “The survey results overwhelmingly show that people whose vacations are tied to personal interests intend to continue to travel by taking advantage of money-saving resources, such as rewards programs.”
The Purpose-Driven Vacation
From cooking and fitness to theatre and the arts to fashion and spectator sports, the survey found that personal interests are key drivers in vacation decisions. A few interesting facts:
– 87% of travelers indicate that personal interests drive the majority of their vacation plans
– 60%* of travelers say the stronger they feel about a passion, the further they’ve traveled for it
– 57%* of respondents are willing to travel any distance to explore their personal interests
– 36% of those surveyed said they wouldn’t consider a vacation destination that doesn’t help them fulfill at least one personal passion
– 71%* of respondents have discovered a “new passion” while on vacation
– 34% of vacationers have discovered a passion on vacation and incorporated it into their home life
*% - agree strongly/somewhat on a 4-point scale.
Vacations that incorporate personal passions also tend to be longer by almost double the number of days compared to those trips that do not include personal interests (16 days versus 9); more frequent (6 trips versus 3); and more expensive ($3,900 versus $2,400).
America’s Favorite Passions
While the survey showed that Americans have a broad array of passions and interests, here are just a few popular ones:
Culinary Interests: A growing number of travelers are inspired by the desire to expand their culinary horizons. In fact, 42% of respondents said that culinary factors, including the ability to try new cuisine and indulge in truly exotic/native dishes, were extremely/very important to their travel choices. This was particularly true among the younger respondents (18-34 year-olds), of which more than half (55%) said the ability to enjoy distinctive culinary experiences while on vacation was either extremely or very important.
Sporting Events: 28% of respondents have traveled to attend a sporting event in the past.
Adventure: 25% of respondents have taken a vacation in pursuit of adventure and thrill from hiking to whitewater rafting.
Music: 21% of respondents have taken a vacation that included attending concerts and/or music festivals.
Educational travel: More than 15% of respondents reported traveling to delve deeper into the history and/or culture of a particular destination.
At American Express Travel
Many travel counselors at American Express Travel report seeing an increasing number of travelers book vacations with specific interests in mind. For example, one travel counselor arranges travel for a horse racing aficionado client that travels faithfully throughout the year following the circuit, from the Kentucky Derby to Preakness and Belmont. Another travel counselor reports working with a group of travelers that visits London every year to enjoy the latest theater productions. Other travel counselors routinely get requests from clients interested in visiting the best destinations around the world for surfing or skiing. And many travel counselors attribute the growing draw to Africa to the increasing number of photography and nature aficionados in pursuit of their passions.
“The great benefit of American Express Travel is that we have hundreds of travel counselors that have expertise in categories of travel- adventure, safari, ski — as well as expertise in an endless list of destinations listed on americanexpress.com/travel,” says Hendley. “In addition, American Express Travel offers vacation experiences customized not only for any traveler or personal interest, but also for every budget.”
About the American Express Travel Survey
Data for this travel survey was collected via an online poll conducted by Harrison Group on behalf of American Express Travel of 501 consumers across the U.S. The poll was fielded in early June 2008. All statistics reflect the percentages of consumers polled.
About American Express Travel
American Express entered the travel agency business in 1915 and today is one of the largest travel agency networks. The company has Travel and Foreign Exchange Services locations worldwide.
American Express Company () is a leading global payments, network and travel company founded in 1850.
About Harrison Group
Harrison Group () is one of the country’s leading marketing and strategic consulting firms. Based in Waterbury, Connecticut, Harrison Group specializes in concept testing, forecasting, segmentation, branding and market modeling for some of America’s leading companies, including financial service firms, software, and technology companies, retailers, consumer package goods companies, pharmaceutical manufacturers and interactive entertainment companies.
American Express Travel

LOS ANGELES, July 28 /PRNewswire/ — LuxuryLink.com, the world’s premier online luxury travel resource, announces a partnership with Canon and Secrets Resorts & Spas to offer an exclusive travel package giveaway designed to deliver picture perfect vacation moments, and the ultimate camera to capture them all.
This unique sweepstakes showcased on LuxuryLink.com, combines a 5-night stay at your choice of Secrets Resorts & Spas destinations in the Riviera, Mexico, along with a Canon EOS Rebel Xsi camera. Surrounded by warm water and pure white sand beaches, Secrets Resorts & Spas provide couples with Unlimited-Luxury(R), a new and better way to have it all. The winners of this unforgettable escape will travel to the Mexican Coast in style with their brand new EOS Rebel Xsi from Canon. This new innovation from Canon provides point-and-shoot ease of use, letting photographers save memorable moments with a click.
“By partnering with Canon and Secrets Resorts & Spas, we really found a winning formula to provide our loyal users with a totally unique luxury experience,” said Luxury Link VP of Advertising Greg Maltzman. LuxuryLink.com has brought together these two leading brands to create unforgettable memories for one lucky couple. The contest runs from July 22, 2008 and ends August 15, 2008, so enter today for your chance to win.
There is no purchase necessary to enter the contest. Click here to enter:
About Canon U.S.A., Inc. - Canon U.S.A., Inc. delivers consumer, business-to-business, and industrial imaging solutions. Its parent company, Canon Inc. , a top patent holder of technology, ranking third overall in the U.S. in 2007, with global revenues of $39.3 billion, is listed as one of Fortune’s Most Admired Companies in America and is on the 2007 BusinessWeek list of “Top 100 Brands.”
About Secrets Resorts & Spas - Secrets Resorts & Spas offer adults an extra measure of romance and sensuality in exquisite luxury settings. With Unlimited-Luxury(R) everything is included: Elegantly appointed rooms and suites with 24-hour concierge and room services. Multiple gourmet restaurants and lounges serving premium beverages. Endless day and evening activities, all in spectacular settings.
About LuxuryLink.com - LuxuryLink.com is your gateway to over 1000 luxury hotels, resorts, and vacation packages from around the world. LuxuryLink.com is proud to join with Secrets Resorts & Spas and Canon to offer an exciting contest for a romantic vacation along the Mexican Coast and the ultimate Canon camera to capture it all. Since founding in 1997, visitors have enjoyed free access to exclusive vacation auctions at special Web-only prices. Customers can choose to bid on a live auction, or eliminate every risk with a “Buy Now” offer.
LuxuryLink.com

SAN FRANCISCO, July 23 /PRNewswire/ — The legendary Santa Cruz Dream Inn has been transformed into a four-star luxury hotel after an extensive renovation and has re-launched as a Joie de Vivre hotel. Most of the hotel’s 165 oceanfront rooms are available this summer. The meeting spaces are on schedule to reopen in spring 2009, along with Aquarius, a new restaurant offering an organic and sustainable menu.
Now that the dream is a reality, the hotel is offering a special summer rate of $239 per night Sundays through Thursdays during July and August based on availability. Considered Santa Cruz’s only luxury beachfront hotel, the historic Dream Inn captures the spirit of the central California coast like no other. With Cowell’s Beach as its back yard playground, the hotel is conveniently located adjacent to the Santa Cruz wharf and the legendary boardwalk offering myriad attractions, dining, activities and entertainment.
The vision of the Dream Inn was to incorporate the essence of Santa Cruz into the hotel’s iconic building. Joie de Vivre utilized a process focused on five words that reflect the personality of the hotel, the local community and guests. The result is an ideal mix of eclectic touches and a natural, laid back atmosphere. Representing the design concepts of Young-at-Heart, Worldly, Eclectic, Organic, Dreamy, the re-designed pool/lounge area overlooks the ocean and offers an extensive pool bar service/menu. Each of the retro-chic rooms feature balconies with dramatic Monterey Bay views, complimentary high-speed wireless Internet, iPod docking stations, flat screen HD TVs, and luxurious Lather bath products.
During a public contest earlier this year, the community was invited to rename the Coast Santa Cruz Hotel. After more than 800 suggestions were received, all strongly recommending the hotel be officially honored with its original name, the decision was made to seek out patented rights to use its original name. “The Santa Cruz Dream Inn is an iconic property that deserves an iconic name and we are pleased that this name relates to our vision for the redesign of the hotel, and fulfills the community’s dream as well,” said Chip Conley, Founder and CEO of Joie de Vivre.
Working with the city on a recycling and composting program, the hotel is also installing compact fluorescent lighting throughout and has switched to completely biodegradable food containers. Once the entire renovation is complete, the Santa Cruz Dream Inn will be in process to receive Green Certification from the city. One of only five beachfront hotels on the California Coast, the Santa Cruz Dream Inn is located at 175 West Cliff Drive. Visit or call 831-426-4330.
About Joie de Vivre Hotels
Based in San Francisco, Joie de Vivre Hotels () is a creative collection of lifestyle businesses. As California’s largest independent boutique hotelier, Joie de Vivre encompasses other hospitality businesses such as restaurants and spas. Celebrating more than 20 years of creating dreams, Joie de Vivre Hotels is expanding its California presence in Oakland, Sacramento, San Francisco, Sunnyvale, Huntington Beach and beyond.
Joie de Vivre Hotels

RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif., July 18 /PRNewswire/ — Travelers to Rancho Cucamonga, California, are in for a special treat as the very first aloft hotel in the United States officially opened its doors in this Southern California city. The opening of the aloft Ontario-Rancho Cucamonga was commemorated by a ribbon-cutting ceremony during a grand opening celebration at the property attended by company representatives and local officials. Participants included Mayor Donald J. Kurth; Ted Knighton, president, hotel Operations, Interstate Hotels & Resorts; Paul Novak, managing director, The John Buck Company; and senior brand executives from Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. .
“aloft is a new concept in ‘lifestyle’ hotels, targeted to meet the specific needs and desires of today’s savvy, design-conscious consumers who understand that great style can be both accessible and affordable,” said Ted Knighton. “Starwood has gone to great lengths to create a new product that provides high design at an affordable price point, accessible technology, style and a social atmosphere. We are confident that aloft is a perfect complement to the Rancho Cucamonga hotel marketplace and believe it quickly will become a leader in its segment.”
The 136-room aloft Ontario-Rancho Cucamonga will be located at the northwest corner of 4th Avenue and Haven. aloft is the hotel component of a $60 million master-planned, mixed-use development called HavenPark, which is owned by L.A.-based Hileman Co.
A vision of W Hotels, the aloft brand is shaking up the lodging industry with urban-influenced design, accessible technology, style and a social atmosphere. aloft offers a total sensory experience, with guest lofts featuring loft-like nine-foot ceilings and oversized windows that create a bright, airy environment. The centerpiece of the loft room is an ultra- comfortable signature bed, and large, stylish bathrooms complement the guest experience with oversized walk-in showers and amenities created by Bliss(R) Spa. Each guest loft is also a combination high-tech office and entertainment center, featuring wireless Internet access and plug & play, a one-stop connectivity solution for multiple electronic gadgetry such as PDAs, cell phones, mp3 players and laptops - all linked to a large flat panel HDTV-ready television for optimal sound and viewing.
aloft stays true to the W brand’s heritage, offering sassy, savvy public spaces. Guests can read the paper, work on their laptops via hotel-wide wireless Internet access, play a game of pool or grab a drink with friends at the re:mix communal lobby area and bar w xyz. The re:charge fitness center and splash, the outdoor pool, give travelers options to de-stress and re-energize; while re:fuel(SM) by aloft, a one-stop food and beverage area, offers sweet, savory and healthy food, snacks and beverages to grab & go, 24 hours a day.
Guests can book directly through which features the best rate guarantee and by calling 1-877-go aloft. Guests can also book via local travel agents. Rates for aloft hotels are market-driven, averaging $150/night. All aloft guests have the option to join and earn Starpoints in Starwood’s award-winning, industry leading Starwood Preferred Guest(R) program.
Media Contacts:
Yani Duran
aloft Ontario-Rancho Cucamonga
Director of Sales
909 484 1608

Mary Jane Orman
aloft hotels
914 640 5287

aloft Ontario-Rancho Cucamonga

HAUPPAUGE, N.Y., July 24 /PRNewswire/ — Briggs & Riley Travelware, a leader in innovative, high-quality luggage and business cases, will release SpeedThru(TM), the first-ever travel Sentry Approved, checkpoint-friendly laptop sleeve. On August 15th consumers will be able to purchase @work and verb laptop cases that incorporate the new SpeedThru(TM) sleeve. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recently gave the go-ahead to manufacturers to release checkpoint-friendly laptop sleeves after a careful review of design proposals and prototypes. Briggs & Riley played a key role in the development of checkpoint-friendly laptop cases that will allow airline passengers to travel through airport security with greater speed, ease and efficiency. In partnership with travel Sentry, Briggs & Riley approached the TSA in 2004 with a proposed solution that would eliminate the need for travelers to remove laptops during the security check process.
Travel Sentry has now released its standards for laptop friendly bags and Briggs & Riley is the first to have completed the design and testing required to be travel Sentry(R) Approved. travel Sentry creates and manages standards which improve travel security in cooperation with government security agencies, airlines, airports and the travel goods industry.
Jim Lahren, Vice President of Marketing at Briggs & Riley states, “Briggs & Riley is excited to offer travelers our SpeedThru(TM) checkpoint-friendly laptop sleeve that possesses travel Sentry’s Red Diamond mark of approval. The TSA reports that more than 25% of travelers are now traveling with laptops, and checking bags in general have become more difficult and costly.”
Briggs & Riley’s new SpeedThru(TM) sleeve will be incorporated into their @work and verb business case collections shipping after August 15th. Current Briggs & Riley business case owners will be able to upgrade their existing sleeve with the Retro-fit SpeedThru(TM) laptop sleeve ($39.99), making it checkpoint-friendly. A Stand-alone SpeedThru(TM) laptop sleeve ($89.99) will be available for those travelers who like to travel light, and prefer to carry just a laptop sleeve. Both items will be available in the fourth quarter.
Lahren continues, “Consumers have long awaited the arrival of a ‘non- removal’ laptop carry-on case for an abundance of reasons, but most importantly, travelers want to prevent laptop damage and loss while speeding up airport security clearance. With the development of the Briggs & Riley SpeedThru(TM) sleeve, these concerns are dramatically reduced, if not eliminated altogether. In addition to ensuring a more efficient and speedy security checkpoint experience, the new sleeve will keep laptops well protected and easy to identify. This will reduce the possibility of damage and theft.
About Briggs & Riley Travelware
Briggs & Riley Travelware is dedicated to building a lifelong relationship with its customers by consistently understanding and exceeding their needs. The company offers a variety of innovative, high-quality luggage and business case collections; each aimed at a specific user lifestyle. Briggs & Riley backs all of its products with its “Simple as that(R)” warranty, the most comprehensive lifetime guarantee in the industry that even covers damage caused by an airline. Briggs & Riley products are sold exclusively through more than 500 independent specialty luggage stores in North America, select retailers internationally, and through its online boutique. Please visit for a list of new products and store locations.
About travel Sentry Inc.
Travel Sentry creates and manages standards which improve travel security in cooperation with government security agencies, airlines, airports and the travel goods industry. travel Sentry(R) Approved locks are officially recognized and accepted by the US Department of Homeland Security’s Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and by Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) in the U.K. Since its launch in 2003, virtually all major luggage and lock manufacturers around the world have chosen to partner in the travel Sentry system. Each is responsible for designing their products to meet travel Sentry’s operational and quality standards. Please visit for more information about travel Sentry.
Briggs & Riley Travelware

BOTHELL, Wash., July 24 /PRNewswire/ — Avoid the vacation crowds while discovering untouched beaches and lush jungles with the Caribbean Rainforest Adventure package from go-today.com. Travelers will experience much of Costa Rica’s rich diversity, colorful people, and exotic wildlife with this 7-day air inclusive vacation package. Not to mention, passengers will get back to nature with a stay at an eco-lodge.
(Logo: )
“The Caribbean Rainforest Adventure allows travelers to experience a variety of destinations within Costa Rica in one unique vacation,” stated Martin Froggatt, President of go-today.com. “With a blend of wilderness and modern amenities, this vacation will provide truly unforgettable travel memories.”
The Caribbean Rainforest Package is priced from $1479 and includes roundtrip airfare to San Jose; meet and greet at the airport; 2 night accommodations in San Jose; 2 night accommodations in Sarapiqui; 2 night accommodations in Tortuguero; 1 night accommodation in San Jose; transfers, tours, and meals as specified in the itinerary; hotel taxes and service charges; airline fuel surcharges. Package price excluded airport taxes and fees.
For more information about Costa Rica vacations and to make reservations, please visit or call one of our travel experts at 800-227-3235 (6:00am to 7pm PT Monday - Friday and 7:30am to 4pm PT Saturday and Sunday).
About go-today.com:
In 1997 go-today.com was established with a vision of offering affordable independent travel to Europe and other world destinations. Go-today.com expanded its global destinations in 2003 and 2004 with locations in Asia, the South Pacific, Central America and South America, New Zealand, and Australia. We seek out and promote vacation products that represent the best value in terms of price and quality. As a division of Europe Express, a market leader in world travel, go-today.com has been able to forge strong relationships with hotels, airlines and other suppliers. The key to our success is our belief that when service is the first priority, then quality, value and customer satisfaction will follow.
CONTACT:
Kelsey Merwick
Public Relations Coordinator

800-227-3235 ex 2503

Available Topic Expert(s): For information on the listed expert(s), click appropriate link. Martin Froggatt

go-today.com

AUSTIN, Texas, July 23 /PRNewswire/ — Summer is still in full swing and there are many money-saving options for travelers looking to stretch their vacation dollars for a first or second trip of the season. The State of Texas says, “Howdy Y’all!” as it welcomes visitors from neighboring states and across the country with incentives on all the Lone Star State has to offer. Texas offers summer fun, entertainment and relaxation for visitors of all ages, including amusement parks; beaches, lakes and rivers; museums; spas; golf; and culinary and wine experiences.
“We have added a new Travel Packages section to our Web site, , which lists money-saving travel packages around the state,” said Julie Chase, Chief Marketing Officer, Texas Tourism. “We want visitors to get the most out of their vacation and to enjoy the many ways they can save in Texas while having a great time.”
There are tremendous savings to be found all across the state. Travel packages to San Antonio, Dallas, Plano, Austin, Bastrop, Corpus Christi, Galveston and The Woodlands include gasoline gift cards, shop & stay programs, attraction admission discounts, and more. For example:
– St. Anthony Hotel, San Antonio — $50 rebate for guests staying three nights or more
– Fiesta Texas Package, Hilton San Antonio Airport — Package includes deluxe room (2 night minimum), 2 adult one day tickets to Fiesta Texas, a buffet breakfast for 2 each morning, and a $50 gas gift card
– Gas N’ Go Promotion, Hyatt Regency, Dallas — $25 gas card when you stay, plus Hybrid vehicle owners receive complimentary valet parking
– Shop & Stay Package, Southfork Hotel, Plano — Enjoy a 1 night stay with breakfast, a $25 shopping spree at the Allen Premium Outlet and FREE shuttle service to the shopping center
– Discover Austin, Hyatt Regency Austin — Now through Labor Day, take advantage of all Hyatt Regency has to offer and receive a $25 American Express gift card per stay
– The Hilton Garden Inn Austin Downtown — Receive a $25 gas card for each night of your stay
– Drive ‘N Dive Package, Port Royal Ocean Resort, Corpus Christi — Make reservations for a three-night stay at a regular non-discounted rate and get a $60 gas card
– Summer at Lost Pines Package, The Hyatt Lost Pines Resort and Spa, Bastrop — Includes a $50 resort credit, two Lost Pines beach towels and two “Old Buck’s Place” water bottles
Shopping discounts and travel packages are also available in Texas and include shop & dine, shop & stay, and shop & spa packages. These packages may be found online at .
Make your plans to visit Texas this summer, and take advantage of the great travel savings available at .
About Tourism in Texas: Tourism is one of the largest industries in Texas, employing 521,000 Texans. In 2006, travelers spent almost $54 billion in Texas. Travel expenditures generated $2.7 billion in state taxes and $930 million in local taxes. For more information on Texas travel events and vacation destinations, visit or for a free Texas State Travel Guide call 1-800-8888-TEX.
Texas Tourism

FORT WORTH, Texas, July 22 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — American Airlines Vacations is offering customers the opportunity to earn up to 5,000 AAdvantage(R) bonus miles by booking select vacations to destinations including the Caribbean, Mexico and Hawaii. American Airlines Vacations, a wholly owned subsidiary of American Airlines, Inc., offers vacation packages that combine airfare, hotels, rental cars, and activities at discounted negotiated rates.
During the new promotion, customers who book a selected vacation package of four nights or longer by Aug. 15, 2008, will earn 4,000 AAdvantage bonus miles. And if customers book their vacation online at by Aug.15, 2008, they will earn an additional 1,000 AAdvantage bonus miles for a total of 5,000 AAdvantage bonus miles.
“Many of our customers like to plan their vacations toward the end of summer, after camps are over and right before school starts in the fall,” said Suzanne Rubin, President of American Airlines Vacations. “So we’re excited to be able to offer AAdvantage bonus miles in addition to a great selection of specially negotiated vacation packages to some of our most popular destinations during the same time.”
American Airlines Vacations worked with a number of hotel and resort partners to design vacation package deals at more than 35 properties in top locations around the world. Customers will be able to choose from a range of properties suitable for any budget in the Caribbean, Mexico, Hawaii, Europe and the United States. The full list of participating properties is available at .
In addition, customers may choose to customize their vacations by selecting individual activities, tours and more when they book online, saving time and money once they arrive at their destination. And once the trip has begun, American Airlines Vacations has a staff of Reservations Specialists available 24 hours a day at a toll-free number. For more information about these options and the American Airlines Vacations AAdvantage bonus miles promotion, visit .
About American Airlines Vacations
American Airlines Vacations is one of the most recognized airline-owned tour operators in the United States. As a market leader in the travel industry with close to 20 years of experience, American Airlines Vacations offers its customers a choice of more than 2,000 hotels and resorts in over 200 cities in the Caribbean, Mexico, Hawaii, Europe, Canada, the United States, Latin America and Asia. Customers are able to use AAdvantage(R) miles to pay for their vacation. For more information on American Airlines Vacations, visit the company’s web site at , call 1-800-321-2121 or contact your travel agent.
American Airlines(R) We know why you fly(R)
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American Airlines, Inc.