We Advise your Vacation

BOISE, Idaho, Aug. 26 /PRNewswire/ — LiveRez, ( ) the emerging leader in online vacation rental booking software, welcomes Gary Gigot to their growing team of industry leaders. Gigot will serve as an advisor to the growing company, drawing on his extensive marketing experience in the technology industry. LiveRez, a complete online vacation rental property management solution, is focused on increasing bookings and making property managers fully operational to maximize online bookings.
Gigot brings tremendous experience in the areas of marketing and technology. As an investor in Visio Corporation, Gigot also signed on as their chief marketing officer, where he played a central role in positioning Visio as the leader in business drawing software ultimately resulting in a successful IPO and later a sale of the business to Microsoft. Gigot’s technology experience includes serving as vice president of marketing at Microsoft from 1990 to 1994, where he managed the advertising, PR, research, channel, events and direct marketing disciplines. Additionally Gigot spent 16 years in advertising at Leo Burnett and Ogilvy & Mather.
Gary remains an active philanthropist, having founded the Gigot Center of Entrepreneurial Studies at Notre Dame and the United Way of King County’s “Out of the Rain” initiative to end homelessness. Gary currently sits on the Notre Dame Business School Advisory Council, the University of Washington College of Arts & Sciences Advisory Board and the Board of Managers of Northwest Horticulture.
“I became interested in both investing in and advising LiveRez because I saw a significant category opportunity, a capital efficient business model, and an inflection point in vacation rentals where LiveRez could be a significant driver of growth in property management channel” said Gigot.
Tracy Lotz, President and Founder of LiveRez, welcomes the addition of Mr. Gary Gigot to LiveRez team.
“Gary has had direct experience in creating new software categories-such as business drawing and digital signatures, then helping develop the organization and business strategies to become the brand winner,” Says Lotz. “This is our quest and his direct involvement in our business is a unique asset. Gary’s added commitment to helping Boise businesses grow is icing on the cake.”
LiveRez offers best-in-class websites, a booking engine, property management system, online marketing services, and a unique “Pay-As-You-Book” approach which provides a mutually beneficial partnership between LiveRez and vacation rental managers.
By the end of 2008, LiveRez will have top Property Managers in the 200 most traveled destinations in North America, generating upwards of $600 million dollars in annual bookings.
About LiveRez Inc.
LiveRez ( ) drives more online vacation rental bookings. LiveRez provides the most complete online vacation rental property management solution available, enabling property managers to fully utilize the power of the internet in driving guest bookings, guest satisfaction, and the management of their properties. LiveRez takes a unique online-centric approach through its partnership with property managers, and is focused on making the online shopping experience pleasant, trustworthy, and complete. Successful partners include ALL STAR vacation Homes (allstarvacationhomes.com) and High Country Resort Properties (highcountry-rentals.com). LiveRez is headquartered in Boise, ID. For more information,
Contact:
Ralf VonSosen
LiveRez, Public Relations
()
1.208.854.7717

LiveRez Inc.

MILWAUKEE, Aug. 25 /PRNewswire/ — News and updates about the cost of fuel seem to be everywhere this year. So much so, that it has rapidly become a top-of-the-list item in determining whether or not consumers have chosen to take a vacation. The consistent fluctuations in fuel costs, as well as the overall media buzz surrounding this topic, have both directly and indirectly impacted travel trends such as length of stay, choice of destination and how much people are spending. Most noticeable though, has been the additional costs that some people have been asked to pay to account for these increases, even after their packages have been paid for. And since no one likes to be surprised in this way, what is a vacationer to do?
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This reality has prompted United Vacations to take a hard look at what kind of innovative program would benefit the consumer in this type of environment, as well as give them the confidence to proceed with their travel plans without the worry and hassle about changes in fuel. After all, it should be about the joys of counting down the days until the dream of a vacation finally arrives — shouldn’t it?
This week, United Vacations announces the launch of its FuelSafe Program. A first of its kind in the industry, the program naturally serves as an extension of United Vacations’ overall mission and core focus — excellence in customer service throughout the complete vacation experience.
In its simplest form, FuelSafe protects the customer from airline fuel surcharge increases that may occur after the date in which they buy their vacation package. As a result, customers avoid having to pay more for their vacation whether they’re traveling next week, next month or next year. If the fuel surcharge happens to increase, United Vacations covers the cost. Thus, FuelSafe locks in the cost of fuel and protects the vacation investment.
The program is now an official part of United Vacations platform. This program applies to all destinations (operated by TMTC) and all vacation package types offered by United Vacations, and is available to travel agents through VAX VacationAccess(R) and consumers on Unitedvacations.com.
All that is required of the customer to receive the benefit of the FuelSafe program is to purchase the United Vacations Cancellation Waiver or the WorldCare(SM) Complete Coverage plan at the time of booking. The FuelSafe program falls under the umbrella of benefits of these two travel protection plans. The cost to include one of the two travel protection plans is minimal compared to recent airline fuel surcharge increases. The cost of the Cancellation Waiver is $39-$79 and the WorldCare(SM) Complete Coverage plan is $59-$129, depending upon destination.
“In a tough environment United Vacations recognizes the need to differentiate itself by giving customers a way to make their vacation plans happen with ease and confidence. FuelSafe gives them that sense of security by protecting them from any unforeseen costs. And for anyone who aims to stay within budget when planning their getaway, which is many of us these days, this program helps them do just that,” said Rick Karnes, vice president and general manager of United Vacations. “The addition of FuelSafe is just one more reason why it’s important to protect the vacation investment with our Cancellation Waiver or the WorldCare(SM) Complete Coverage plan.”
For more information regarding FuelSafe visit call 888-328-6877 or contact a travel agent.
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

DENVER, Aug. 21 /PRNewswire/ — There is a reason Colorado () begins with “color.” Mother Nature has blessed the state with unrivaled beauty, especially during the fall months when the mountains dazzle with orange and yellow aspen tree leaves. With a variety of fun festivals, harvest celebrations and great vacation packages to be had, there’s no better time to explore Colorado (). Below are a few ideas to inspire ‘leaf peepers’ looking for a picture perfect Colorado () vacation, brought to you by the Colorado Tourism Office. For a complete list of travel packages (), vacation values, travel itineraries and more, visit
– Embark on a fall photo safari at the Delaware Hotel in Leadville, and capture beautiful images of Colorado’s fall colors. The Fall Photo Safari package includes accommodations for one night at the elegant Victorian inn, a photo safari with personalized scenic photography instruction from award-winning photographer Jon Sheppard, box lunch, transportation to and from photo sites and an afternoon image review. Prices start at just $235 per person. Available September through October. Call 800-748-2004.
– Enjoy Colorado’s fall colors from new heights with The Inverness Hotel’s Fly & Soar package in Englewood. This package combines the excitement of a hot air balloon flight with the grounded relaxation of upscale accommodations, a couples spa treatment and luscious gourmet treats. Packages start at $699 (based on double occupancy) and include two nights in a deluxe hotel room, a hot air balloon ride for two with complimentary champagne and continental brunch served aboard the balloon, Xpress Focus Massage for two at the hotel spa and the ‘Take Flight with Tony’ flight sampler featuring artisanal cheeses, chocolates and wines at the Fireside Lounge.
– Head to Durango in Southwest Colorado and delight in the fall colors while soaring through the forest canopy in a state-of-the-art harness. This exhilarating package is great for all ages. Enjoy a Tree Top Soaring Adventure for two, tickets on the the Historic Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, and two night’s lodging at a Durango area hotel starting as low as $399.
– Celebrate Colorado wine and food on a scenic bike ride through Colorado’s wine country during the beautiful fall harvest at the 15th Annual Tour of the Vineyards in Grand Junction, September 20th. This 25-mile ride through the vineyards of the Western Slope (on paved roads with a few hills) gives cyclists an opportunity to pass by the area’s wineries, as well as acres of fruit orchards, located in the Grand Valley of Palisade.
– Hit the road on one of Colorado’s 25 Scenic and Historic Byways. Try the Rocky Mountain National Park’s Trail Ridge Road, the highest paved continuous road in the U.S. This 1.5- to 2-hour drive from Grand Lake to Estes Park features the magnificent scenery of Rocky Mountain National Park and offers great viewing areas for elk and other wildlife. Or, cruise along the Top of the Rockies Byway and check out the sights from Copper Mountain to Aspen.
– Enjoy Frisco’s Autumn Spectacular, September 6-20. Nestled in the heart of Summit County, at 9,097 feet, Frisco is a great hub for viewing the area’s breathtaking foliage. Along with the beautiful colors, businesses throughout town will be offering “9,097 deals” on dining and shopping plus, a full lineup of events including The 1st Annual America Cup Fly Fishing Tournament, musical entertainment and kids activities.
– Run with the Salmon at Willowfly Anglers in Almont. Experience the country’s largest land-locked kokanee salmon run from late August to late October. Purchase any all-day guided fishing trip in September and October through this Orvis Endorsed outfitter and, receive a 20 percent discount on lodging accommodations for two nights or more at Three Rivers Resort. Soak in the scenery on a relaxing fly fishing experience on the Gunnison, Taylor or East Rivers.
– Hop aboard the historic Georgetown Loop Railroad and soak in the fall brilliance as the locomotive scales up 640 feet of mountainous terrain on narrow gauge track between Georgetown and Silver Plume. This journey includes a trip across the massive Devil’s Gate High Bridge. Along the route passengers may stop for a guided tour of the historic Lebanon Silver Mine, and view wildlife in its natural habitat.
ABOUT COLORADO
Colorado is a four-season destination offering unparalleled adventure and recreational pursuits, a thriving arts scene, a rich cultural heritage, flavorful cuisine, and renowned ski resort areas. The state’s breathtaking scenic landscape boasts natural hot springs, the headwaters of four major rivers, many peaceful lakes and reservoirs, nine national parks and monuments, and 54 mountain peaks that top 14,000 feet. For more information or a copy of the Colorado Official State vacation Guide, call 1-800-COLORADO or visit . Media are invited to visit the Colorado Media Room at for story ideas, press releases/press kits as well as high-resolution, downloadable photos and video for editorial use.
Contact: Caitlin Sullivan / 970-372-6571,
Roland Alonzi / 212-219-7560, ext. 6765,
Colorado Tourism Office

OKLAHOMA CITY, Aug. 20 /PRNewswire/ — The new 102-room Country Inn & Suites By Carlson Oklahoma City Airport has opened its doors for business at 2401 South Meridian Avenue in Oklahoma City, Okla.
“We’re very excited to bring another Country Inns & Suites By Carlson hotel to this region,” said Steve Mogck, executive vice president of Franchise Operations for Country Inns & Suites By Carlson. “All employees will participate in the Country Inns & Suites ‘Be Our Guest’ service training program, to ensure consistent delivery of quality customer service at our hotels.”
“This new Country Inn & Suites By Carlson is a wonderful addition to our community. We are confident that this recognized brand and lodging concept will help us grow and prosper in the future,” said Himesh Patel, general manager of the Country Inn & Suites By Carlson Oklahoma City Airport.
The hotel features an indoor pool, whirlpool and fitness center. Other amenities include a complimentary hot continental breakfast and a 100 person capacity meeting room with overhead projector, fax and copy service. The hotel offers a variety of guest rooms including standard rooms, studio suites, one bedroom suites and Jacuzzi suites. All rooms feature complimentary high-speed Internet access, hair dryer, 32″ flat panel television, microwave and refrigerator. This Country Inn & Suites property is conveniently located two miles from the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds and Will Rogers World Airport and only six miles from downtown Oklahoma City. The hotel is also located near several area attractions including White Water Bay, the Bricktown district and the National Cowboy and Western heritage Museum.
Country Inns & Suites offers locations that feature traditional architecture and sophisticated residential interior design with hardwood flooring, lobby fireplace and front porch. Each hotel welcomes guests with traditional furnishings that blend rich woods and a contemporary color palate throughout the hotel.
Country Inns & Suites locations offer many amenities often found at higher-priced hotels such as complimentary hot breakfast, in-room coffee maker, in-room iron and ironing board, and weekday morning newspaper. Country Inns & Suites By Carlson(SM) embraces the love of reading through its Read It & Return Lending Library. A variety of titles for all ages are available for guests to borrow and read at their leisure at more than 450 locations in the U.S. and Canada and Country Inns & Suites supports literacy efforts through charitable donations. For reservations and information, visit or call toll-free 1-800-456-4000.
Country Inns & Suites By Carlson(SM) is part of Minneapolis, Minn.-based Carlson Hotels Worldwide, whose operations also include Regent Hotels & Resorts; Radisson Hotels & Resorts(R); Park Plaza(R) Hotels and Resorts and Park Inn(R).
Country Inns & Suites By Carlson

MINNEAPOLIS, Aug. 20 /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 today that it will provide hundreds of thousands of frequent flier miles to every new member that joins beginning August 20 through Sept. 30, 2008.
“We are excited to offer this incentive to join the LUSSO Collection,” said Steve Greer, founder and CEO of The LUSSO Collection. “By joining the LUSSO Collection now, new members will not only earn exclusive access to some of the most breathtaking properties available in the destination club industry, they’ll also earn more than enough frequent flier miles to travel to our destinations many times over.”
The number of miles earned will be based on the membership level that an individual joins. The LUSSO Collection currently offers two membership options: LUSSO Unlimited and LUSSO 21. LUSSO Unlimited provides members with unlimited use of its properties in some of the most sought-after vacation destinations for a deposit of $425,000. Individuals who join at this level will receive 425,000 frequent flier miles. LUSSO 21, which is a new membership offering, enables individuals to experience LUSSO’s private luxury vacation homes for 21 days each year for a deposit of $325,000. New LUSSO 21 members will receive 325,000 frequent flier miles.
Through a partnership with AirIncentives(TM), powered by Points.com, miles earned through this incentive will be redeemable in the following airline loyalty programs: Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan, American Airlines AAdvantage(R), Delta SkyMiles(R), Hawaiian Airlines(R) HawaiianMiles, Midwest Airlines Midwest Miles, Northwest WorldPerks and US Airways(R) Dividend Miles(R).
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.
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 .
Terms and Conditions
You must be a member of at least one participating airline awards program to redeem your frequent flyer miles. To enroll, visit the applicable airline awards program website. Your airline awards program number and mileage code are required for the redemption of your frequent flyer miles. The terms and conditions of the applicable airline awards program govern the use of your frequent flyer miles.
American Airlines Disclaimer
American Airlines reserves the right to change the AAdvantage program at any time without notice. American Airlines is not responsible for products or services offered by other participating companies. For complete details about theAAdvantage program, visit . American Airlines and AAdvantage are registered trademarks of American Airlines, Inc.
Delta Disclaimer
All SkyMiles Terms & Conditions apply. Please visit for details.
US Airways Disclaimer
All Dividend Miles terms and conditions apply. Visit for complete details.
The LUSSO Collection

WASHINGTON, Aug. 19 /PRNewswire/ — Universal Air travel Plan (UATP) has partnered with Acculynk to enable the use of PIN debit cards for online purchases for the travel industry. Acculynk is the first company in the U.S. to offer a software-only service for online PIN debit payments that is integrated directly into the airline checkout and requires no consumer enrollment or redirection.
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“Our new partnership with Acculynk will benefit consumers and airlines alike: the consumer gets their payment option of choice and the airlines have an additional payment option enabled without any significant IT work,” said Ralph Kaiser, president & CEO, UATP. “With Acculynk, UATP continues its mission to work with quality partners and provide airlines with new consumer demand and revenue while lowering the cost of sale; everyone wins.”
“Our partnership with UATP allows their airline partners to implement our service quickly, with little effort and cost,” said Tom Wilkerson, vice president of business development for Acculynk. “Our Internet PIN Debit service provides airlines significant value through lower fees, reduced charge-backs, and new revenue opportunities. Our service does not require any hardware plug-in and securely executes payment transactions in under 6 seconds.”
When consumers arrive at the online airline checkout, they are given the option to pay for their purchase with PIN debit. Consumers enter their card number and associated information as they normally would, but the PIN is entered on Acculynk’s graphical, scrambling PIN-pad. The PIN is encrypted, never passes through the airline checkout, and is processed securely, along with the card information, across existing payment channels.
PIN debit is a preferred consumer payment option at the brick and mortar point of sale because it is safe, convenient and easy to use. Acculynk brings the same convenience and security to the Internet, and allows consumers to leverage a debit card they already have and a PIN they already know, right at the airline checkout. Internet PIN Debit provides airlines reduced interchange fees and charge-backs, guaranteed funds with 1-2 day settlement, and new transactions from security-conscious consumers and those that cannot use their debit card without a PIN.
Acculynk is partnering with several EFT networks to process online PIN debit transactions and merchant acquirers to deploy the service. For more information, visit or .
About UATP
UATP accounts are accepted as a form of payment for corporate business travel by airlines and travel agencies worldwide. UATP accounts are issued by: Aer Lingus, Air New Zealand, American Airlines , Austrian Airlines, Continental Airlines , Delta Air Lines , Japan Airlines (Nasdaq OTC: JALSY), Northwest Airlines , Qantas Airways, Ltd., United Airlines , and US Airways . AirPlus International issues the UATP-based Company Account for: British Airways , Continental Airlines , and Lufthansa German Airlines.
About Acculynk
Acculynk is a leading technology provider with a suite of software-only services that secure online transactions. Backed by a powerful encryption and authentication framework protected by a family of issued and pending patents, our services provide greater security, reliability, convenience and return on investment for consumers, merchants, networks, issuers and acquirers. Acculynk is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, with a management team that brings extensive experience in the financial, network, security and payment processing industries. For more information, visit .
Contacts:

Wendy L. Ward Danielle Duclos
UATP Acculynk
202-626-4077 678-894-7013

Universal Air travel Plan

BOCA RATON, Florida, August 18 /PRNewswire/ —

- London hotel Implements InfoGenesis POS(TM) by Agilysys to Streamline
Food and Beverage Operations

Agilysys, Inc. (Nasdaq: AGYS), a leading provider of innovative IT
solutions, including specifically-designed hospitality software solutions,
has announced that Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park in London has selected the
InfoGenesis POS(TM) system from Agilysys to streamline food and beverage
operations and enhance guest service at the award-winning 200-room property,
which is owned and managed by Mandarin Oriental hotel Group.

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“We’ve taken the stance of using only ‘Best of Breed’ solutions in our
hotels, and, in our opinion, Agilysys provides the most advanced
point-of-sale solution on the market,” said Mandarin Oriental hotel Group’s
Vice President of hotel Information Systems Gary McCallum. “The InfoGenesis
POS combines an accessible user interface with powerful configuration and
reporting tools, which enables us to provide exceptional guest service. It’s
always exciting to introduce new staff to the system — particularly if
they’ve worked with other POS solutions — and watch their eyes light up when
they use it. Its performance and flexibility are unmatched in the industry.”
The InfoGenesis POS system combines the performance, familiarity and
ease-of-use of Windows software with a relational database to deliver a
robust point-of-sale solution scalable enough for hospitality operations of
all sizes. The InfoGenesis POS solution can manage any combination of dining,
bar, room service and gift shop operations. Features of the system include:

— Real-time reporting capabilities that enable properties to create
customized reports and review guest spending patterns;

— Sorting, filtering and grouping options that enable staff to locate
information quickly and easily;

— Organizational controls that allow staff to monitor configuration
changes in the system; and

— Encryption tools that ensure the security of guest data.

“The InfoGenesis POS solution has a successful track record at many of
the world’s leading hotels and is ideally suited to the needs of Mandarin
Oriental Hyde Park,” said Tina Stehle, senior vice president and general
manager of Agilysys Hospitality Solutions Group. “The system’s flexibility
and functionality not only will enable the property’s food and beverage
operations to run at peak efficiency, but also will allow the hotel to
capitalize on revenue opportunities like never before.”
With the tranquility of Hyde Park on one side and the sophistication of
Knightsbridge on the other, the historic five-star Mandarin Oriental Hyde
Park boasts London’s most perfect location. Breathtaking views of the park
are offered from many of the sumptuous suites, as well as from the hotel’s
award-winning restaurants, Foliage and The Park, while Mandarin Bar is
the center of the city’s nightlife. The Spa at Mandarin Oriental offers a
haven of tranquility in the heart of Knightsbridge where East and West blend
in harmony, and a series of tailor-made treatments known as ‘Time Rituals’
draw on exotic therapies and philosophies from around the world.

About Agilysys, Inc.

Agilysys is a leading provider of innovative IT solutions to corporate
and public-sector customers, with special expertise in select markets,
including retail and hospitality. The company uses technology — including
hardware, software and services — to help customers resolve their most
complicated IT needs. The company possesses expertise in enterprise
architecture and high availability, infrastructure optimization, storage and
resource management, identity management and business continuity; and
provides industry-specific software, services and expertise to the retail and
hospitality markets. Headquartered in Boca Raton, Fla., Agilysys operates
extensively throughout North America, with additional sales offices in the
United Kingdom and China. For more information, visit www.agilysys.com.

PR Contact:
Maureen Morreale, Agilysys, Inc., 1-440-519-8161,
maureen.morreale@agilysys.com

Web site: http://www.agilysys.com

Agilysys, Inc.

PARSIPPANY, N.J. and INDIANAPOLIS, Aug. 18 /PRNewswire/ — Over 900 employees and families of Group RCI, a world leader in leisure real estate and one of the Wyndham Worldwide family of brands , gathered recently for the emotional reunion of RCI co-founder Christel DeHaan and many of her former RCI employees. The scene was a carnival-style block party at the Carmel-area campus of the world’s largest timeshare exchange company to raise funds for Christel House International, Group RCI’s global charity of choice. At the close of the event, DeHaan was presented with the unexpectedly sizeable donation of $100,000.
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The 5-hour block party marked the celebratory conclusion of the ‘Summer of Christel House’, a six-week-long fundraising campaign created by RCI employees to raise both consciousness and cash for Christel House International which operates learning centers for impoverished children in Mexico, Venezuela, South Africa, India, and Indianapolis. Founded by DeHaan in 1998, the charitable organization seeks to break the cycle of poverty for children around the world and help them become contributing members of society.
“The passion demonstrated by the associates of RCI to help provide the 2,700 children of Christel House a better quality of life is both amazing and unprecedented,” marveled Geoff Ballotti, president and CEO of Group RCI. “Christel DeHaan created an incredibly caring culture at RCI many years ago based on honesty, integrity, sincerity and community service. It’s a culture which is alive and well nearly 35 years later. And it’s a culture I’m both honored and humbled to be associated with.”
Attendees of the celebration were treated to a musical performance by visiting Christel House South Africa students Angelique Blaauw, Nontando Bonga, and Kyle Daniels, led by Luis-Miguel Delgado, a business development account executive with Group RCI. Blaauw 16, talked about teamwork, shared goals, and the power of “we” — a message fitting the occasion.
Congratulating the crowd on their creativity and caring, DeHaan was preparing to accept the donation of monies raised by local RCI employees when it was revealed that those had been combined not only with contributions from global colleagues as well as block party proceeds but also a match from the company’s corporate office, a sum totaling $100,000.00. “There are not enough words to describe how I’m feeling,” choked an emotional DeHaan in response to the unexpected generosity. “From day one, RCI has distinguished itself through its people. This is a gift of love for which I am humbled and grateful.”
To learn more about how Christel House is transforming lives of children or to make a donation, visit . To learn more about Group RCI, visit .
About Group RCI
Group RCI, part of the Wyndham Worldwide family of companies, is the worldwide leader in vacation exchange and the European leader in vacation rentals, with exclusive access for specified periods to more than 67,000 vacation properties in approximately 100 countries. For additional information visit or the media center of .
About Christel House
Christel House International is a 501(c)3 public charity helping children around the world to break the cycle of poverty and become self-sufficient, contributing members of society. Christel House learning centers — located in India, Mexico, South Africa, the United States and Venezuela — provide education, nutrition, health care and character and life-skills development for children. The organization has received a Four Star rating from Charity Navigator and is celebrating its tenth year anniversary in 2008. For additional information, please visit .

Group RCI

COLUMBIA, Md., Aug. 14 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — MICROS Systems, Inc. , a leading provider of information technology solutions for the hospitality industry, is pleased to announce that the European hotel chain Scandic has selected the MICROS OPERA Enterprise Solution as its next generation central system solution. The implementation will include the OPERA Reservation System (ORS), OPERA Customer Information System (OCIS), and OPERA Web Services Suite, all hosted in the MICROS Datacenter located in Frankfurt, Germany.
Scandic, the largest hotel chain in the Nordic countries and one of Europe’s leading hotel operators, has been a loyal customer of MICROS-Fidelio since 1993. With the implementation of the OPERA central solution, Scandic will more efficiently manage its reservations among the sales and distribution channels, the international travel agency community and the central reservation offices. Scandic has also implemented the OPERA Web Services Suite to add a new Internet Booking Engine within that is seamlessly integrated to the OPERA Reservation System. With the OPERA Customer Information System, Scandic can centrally manage client profiles, membership programs and corporate contracts. The OPERA Enterprise Solution ensures Scandic a fully integrated technology solution from individual property level to the central system level.
“Since our acquisition in 2007 by EQT, Scandic has placed a heavy focus on making profitable growth the number one priority. There is a great deal of energy within Scandic that is ready to drive our new growth. Given our history with MICROS and its products, we are confident our continued and expanded partnership will help us achieve these goals,” stated Frank Fiskers, President and CEO of Scandic.
“After evaluation of numerous products and suppliers, we concluded that MICROS and its OPERA Enterprise Solution were the best fit for our corporate requirements. We value MICROS’s vast experience in the hospitality industry,” stated Ms. Pia Hofstedt, Director IT at Scandic.
“We have enjoyed a strong partnership with Scandic over the years and we are honored to have that partnership grow. Scandic is a very strong brand and we look forward to supporting its expansion,” says Mr. Ari-Pekka Heiskala, Vice President MICROS-Fidelio EAME/Nordic.
About Scandic
Scandic is a leading European mid-market hotel company with 147 leased, managed and franchised hotels in operation and under development, with a total of over 26,000 rooms in ten countries. The aim is to grow the number of hotels to 200 over the next years, focusing on the Nordic region, Northern and Eastern Europe and Russia. Since 1994, sustainability has been an integrated part of the business and Scandic is proud of being a recognised industry leader today. From the start in 1963 the business concept has been to offer trouble-free and accessible hotel services for all — today delivered by 6,400 enthusiastic team members. Visit scandichotels.com
About MICROS Systems, Inc.
MICROS Systems, Inc. provides enterprise applications for the hospitality and retail industries worldwide. Over 310,000 MICROS systems are currently installed in table and quick service restaurants, hotels, motels, casinos, leisure and entertainment, and retail operations in more than 130 countries, and on all seven continents. In addition, MICROS provides property management systems, central reservation and customer information solutions under the brand MICROS-Fidelio for more than 25,000 hotels worldwide, as well as point-of-sale, loss prevention, and cross-channel functionality through its MICROS-Retail division for more than 90,000 retail stores worldwide. MICROS stock is traded through NASDAQ under the symbol MCRS.
For more information on MICROS and its advanced information technology solutions for the hospitality industry, please contact Louise Casamento, Vice President of Marketing at (443) 285-8144 or (866) 287-4736. You can also visit the MICROS website at or send an email to .
The MICROS logo is a registered trademark of MICROS Systems, Inc. All other product and brand names are the property of their respective owners
MICROS Systems, Inc.

NEWTOWN SQUARE, Pa., Aug. 15 /PRNewswire/ — Suntan lotion, flip-flops and an extra $500? The last thing travelers want to do is shell out any additional money on what they think is an already paid for vacation. Unfortunately, this is the harsh reality for those who want to travel. If the cost of fuel increases, the cost of their vacation increases too. It is no wonder more and more people are staying home. Relief is here however, and it comes in the form of Apple Vacations all-new AVOK Plus Protection.
The all-new AVOK Plus Protection Plan ensures travelers a secured price on their vacation package regardless of the increase in the cost of fuel. AVOK Plus Protection also guarantees that if a discount is advertised on the exact same vacation that a client has booked, they can claim the savings prior to departure. Have to cancel your trip? Whatever the reason may be, AVOK Plus covers that too.
“Apple’s new protection is especially convenient for those who deposit on their trips and pay the balance later,” said Tim Mullen, Senior Vice President, Apple Vacations. “As fuel prices increased, travelers had to make up the difference, but now they won’t have to.”
Apple Vacations is providing travelers the all-new AVOK Plus Protection for only $20 with the purchase of the $49.99 original AVOK Protection, which provides coverage for pre-departure cancellations.
For questions about AVOK Plus Protection, visit
Apple Vacations