Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Student Conservation Assn takes off with Southwest Airlines

"building the next generation of conservation service and willingness leadersby enlargement of green job opportunities for high school and college-age individuals nationwide. In addition, Southwest employees will join student volunteers on the day of the Earth of the SCA service projects in the United States.

"Southwest Airlines is a citizen of this planet and with that citizenship, it is our responsibility to set an example and support environmental stewardship now and for future generations, said Linda Rutherford, Southwest Airlines Vice President of communications and strategic Outreach the seed plant."We share the Student Conservation Association the vision of the preparation of future leaders of the responsibilities of citizenship to their communities and with our planet.

This year is the 40th annual Earth Day, and Southwest employees are eager to "get their hands dirtyalong with SCA volunteers."Southwest is known for giving back and doing the right thing, and we LUV to give back with our hearts and our time, says Rutherford.

SCA members offer more than two million hours of service each year to national parks, forests, coastlines, cultural sites and urban green spaces in all 50 States. Participants of endangered species, restore habitats, support and implementation of environmental education and more in any case, service that would not otherwise be achieved. The majority of the members of the SCA lead go green career and practice lifelong stewardship.

"SCA is pleased to partner with Southwest Airlines, with whom we share many important values, including service, diversity and sustainability, says the President of the SCA Dale Penny."Together, we will be more young people connect with nature and the conservation of the treasures of the American landscape for generations to come. /p >

About Southwest Airlines

Southwest AirlinesShare the spirit program embodies the culture of positive influence in the

Singapore last in the list importer buy rays of Airbus aircraft

company has 29 brand new passenger aircraft ordered from the European aircraft manufacturer, thus boosting its sales and revenues. According to reports, Singapore Airlines A380 super jumbo jets is the purchase of nine and 20 of the huge and newly designed A350 in a deal amounting to 7.5 billion dollars, making it one of the largest aircraft clients in the list of the importer. Of July, Airbus orders earlier this year reported that of the aircraft importer list this year behind that of the competitor Boeing (US) have gone down.

In addition, the European plane maker has some claims for damages of some companies in the importer list after the aircraft announced that the A380 deliveries would be delayed due to wiring problems. Gustav Humbert, Airbus then left his post as chief executive thanks to the production issues. Similarly, Noel Forgeard also left his position as co-chief executive of EADS (the parent company of Airbus) for similar reasons. Mr. Forgeard resigned after he was accused of intentionally trading, the shares of EADS to the market before the announcement that the release of the A380 aircraft would be postponed. Airbus SAS is established in France and is currently one of the leading aircraft producers worldwide that many of the Nations in the plane importer list. Formerly Airbus Industrie, Airbus was founded under the French law in 2001 as a "Simplifie Socit par actions" (SAS) or simplified joint stock company. About 80% of the shares of the company are owned by the EADS, while the rest relate to the BAE Systems. The two companies are the two largest defense contractors in Europe.

Currently, Airbus 55,000 people employed and is active in 16 locations in four European countries, namely: the UK, Germany, France and Spain. Singapore Airlines said that it had considered the option of six A380-800 of the A350 XWB-900 and 20. According to the company Asian airline, the brand new A350 aircraft between 2012-2014, while the new A380 of operational between 2008-2010 would be delivered. The recent purchase of Singapore Airlines of the A350 XWB aircraft Airbus, which is key to the newly designed and expanded version of the A350 released last month. The redesigned Airbus A350 to compete against the Boeing 787, which has attracted many companies in the plane importer list.

Monday, October 3, 2011

World Cup 2022 Host Qatar calls on only one third of the British public, researchers find

(PRWEB UK) 31 May 2011 Only a third of the British public would travel to Qatar, the destination for the 2022 World Cup, according to research by Bournemouth University’s Professor John Fletcher and the University of Plymouth's Dr Yeganeh Morakabati. Despite the very British images of Earl Grey Tea, Marmalade and Vintage Champagne filling the silence between the Qatar Airways sponsored episodes of Sky News, one of the world’s richest countries is yet to win the hearts of the British public. Research shows that the British have mixed views about travelling to Qatar with only 34% of respondents saying that, “if time and money were no object they would travel there. The rest of the respondents were evenly divided between those who definitely would not go and those who were unsure. The British public appear to have a more positive attitude towards the United Arab Emirates home to destinations such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi, where the majority of respondents stated that they “would wish to go This is in spite of recent high-profile news events relating to moral codes and the UAE losing ground in terms of per capita GDP. Professor Fletcher and Dr Morakabati’s research is part of a larger study that will be completed by the end of June. Please contact the respective departments to arrange an interview with the researchers:
Caroline Farwell, Communications Coordinator, Bournemouth University, 01202 961033.
Andrew Merrington, Press and PR Manager, The University of Plymouth, 01752 588003. ### Share:

Sunday, October 2, 2011

Americans don't plan for the enhancement of the travel expenditure-despite the rise in consumer confidence holiday spending relatively unchanged performed by Myvesta, a non-profit consumer organization with education, the average American plans to spend $ 2,249 to their summer vacation this year, a small decrease of $ 2,252 2007. While consumer confidence has increased in the past year, said that confidence hasn't translated into a very different financial situation for the average American, Steve Rhode, President of Myvesta. Concern about the future economy and stagnant wage increases have those who this year of spending more on their summer travel take vacations. According to the survey, taking a vacation, the Myvesta 75.1 percent plan to pay for all or part of their journey with a credit card. 30.3% of those paying with plastic plan to three or more months to pay off the balance. Using a credit card is a great way to travel safely and keep track of your expenses, but make sure youre not using borrowed money to finance a vacation that you really can't afford it, said Rhode. The best way to stay out of holiday debt is plan ahead, research your trip, and save in advance for your expenses. People in the Midwest plan to spend the most on their summer getaways in 2010 with an average of $ EUR 2,510. Northeast residents plan to spend $ 2,282. Those in the West plan to spend $ 2,141 and people in the South plan to spend $ 2,139. For tips for saving money on your next summer holiday of the read, the Myvesta publication how come back from vacation with money in your pocket. It can be downloaded for free from Myvesta.org online. The Myvesta summer holiday survey was conducted June 3-5 in a random telephone survey of 1,000 adult Americans.

Rockville, MD June 13,Travelers across the United States taking a vacation this summer may be paying a similar amount as they did in 2007. According to the annual Summer Vacation Survey conducted by Myvesta, a nonprofit consumer education organization, the average American plans to spend $2,249 on their summer vacation this year, a small decrease from $2,252 in 2007. While consumer confidence has risen over the past year, that confidence hasnt translated into a vastly different financial situation for the average American, said Steve Rhode, president of Myvesta. Concerns about the future economy and stagnant wage increases have kept those who are taking vacations this year from spending more on their summer trips. According to the Myvesta survey, of those taking a vacation, 75.1 percent plan to pay for all, or part, of their trip with a credit card. 30.3 percent of those paying with plastic planning to take three or more months to pay off the balance. Using a credit card is a great way to travel safe and keep track of your expenses, just make sure youre not using borrowed money to finance a vacation you truly cant afford, said Rhode. The best way to stay out of vacation debt is to plan ahead, research your trip, and save in advance for your expenses. People in the Midwest plan to spend the most on their summer getaways in 2010 with an average of $2,510. Northeast residents plan to spend $2,282. Those in the West plan to spend $2,141 and people in the South plan to spend $2,139. For tips on saving money during your next summer vacation, read the Myvesta publication How to Come Back From Vacation With Money in Your Pocket. It can be downloaded for free from Myvesta.org online. The Myvesta Summer Vacation Survey was conducted June 3-5 in a random telephone survey of 1,000 adult Americans. Myvesta is dedicated to helping people create healthy financial lives. The organization provides a wide range of materials to inspire and inform people so that they can break down their barriers to financial and personal success. For more information visit Myvesta.org online.

Mothers country store Announces Grand Opening!

little bit of everything

The owner and creator of the site is the wife of a former military man, mother of two adult children, and grandmother of four, who lives in the heart of the Appalachian mountains. After living in many, many places, and standing in line for hours to shop for lifes necessities, for 20 + years, she has embraced online shopping with open arms

Mothers country store has a wide selection of products, at very competitive prices. They sell 17 different hand quilted quilts and coordinating accessories, art prints, collectibles, music, video games, movies, toys, gifts, electronics, health and beauty items, Wellness and nutrition, sports, education supplies, travel related articles, power tools, books, pet supplies. They offer everything from computers to your favorite novel. You can find just about everything you need on this site, with the exception of messages! They accept all major credit cards and have convenient online shopping. For more information about mothers country shop, visit their website at www.momscountrystore.com.

CONTACT PERSON:

Suzanne L. Harris

Mothers country store

suzannelharris@AOL.com

www.momscountrystore.com

A bold Re-Vision: a new era begins with reworked GolfHub "Smart Site

reviews of the course, course search and top specials, are fully reviewed and renewed with a healthy dose of 2.0 Web features such as AJAX and social media integration. Saving your favorite golf courses, course, difficulties and popularity ranking by value view and full-sized professional user-submitted course and view photos. With more intuitive navigation and eye-popping new functionality is now really a site by GolfHub golfers, for golfers.

Revolutionary new ways of looking for courses and tee times was to create an area of particular attention to the GolfHub development team. With new multi-day tee time search options, golfers can compare different rates and daystimes at-a-glance. Users can restrict results to a specific time of day, sort, and filter on multiple criteria, and even compare the best rates with GolfHub of innovative ' grid view which groups tee time conveniently separated by the price.

Also retooled is gift tee times approach the site: the previous GolfHub the gift certificate system, instead replaced by a account-based eCard, which can be gifted to friends and loved ones as a credit to their next round gone. Customers can even buy credits for their own accounts eCard during special 2 for 1 promotional periods.

With the reinvention of the Golf has cemented its place as GolfHub.com, Switch the leader in tee time distribution, have built on 12 years of experience powering white label, electronic tee time reservations for thousands of golf courses, travel agencies, hotels and resorts, tour operators, visitor offices, on more than 35,000 websites. The Golf Switch business model Gulf maintains integrity coursesprice facilities available at each level, with the flexibility to sell rack rate, special, discount, corporate or rounds travel to a local, regional, national or global audience while delivering inventory via superior and innovative technology.

www.golfswitch.com

Media information:

Saturday, October 1, 2011

Shiatsu Society launches new Shiatsu schools Directory

(Foreign students from outside the European Union a student visa to study in the United Kingdom. Such Visa, granted only since January 2010, by the Home Office for study at a school registered as a learning provider with the Department for education and skills. To date, the only school to have informed us that there is a learning provider the Zen School of Shiatsu registered in London. Schools may not learn the status of their service providers use in their marketing. The information is offered here for potential students to ensure that the school of their choice on the DfE & s register)

Convenience is very much what the student sees as easily and it turns out that the location is not so important: a student traveled from Doncaster to Bristol for classes, another from Bristol to London, and some from Europe to England on a regular basis.

Although education is a traditional Oriental healing practice, bind most schools their curriculum to the Western academic year admissions to September or October. Most classes are conducted in the weekend with some weekday, afternoon or evening classes. There are some notable exceptions, continuous registration along with evening, weekend, and intensive courses during the day.

Cost is less a problem with students seemingly prepared to pay more for a school that fills their needs. Methods of payment vary, some schools accept credit cards, others not, some want the whole fee in advance, other term by term. Most will charge a fee for delivery payments, many accept this.

Most schools offer more or less the same syllabus. Few of the teachers have education Government recognised qualifications and less educated in Japan. Again, there are notable exceptions where the faculty have reached recognised diplomas and also trained in Japan.

Schools perceptions of shiatsu vary, ranging from "a Japanese form of physical therapy" to a

Founder of Top Online Travel Community to Select One Person For Real Up in the Air Experience

Kobie proprietary ERTMS platform, which was first developed more than a decade ago.

With Alchemy, Kobie has reformed the way leading companies customer loyalty programs run by the integration of the numerous innovative features including points and "Integration" capabilities in its platform. These features allow members to combine points about clients, programs, services and product lines. Members earn rewards faster free program. In addition to these key differentiation has the ability to function Alchemy enterprise a 360-degree view of the customer through integration of multiple products, customers and business units.

"Kobie designs and manage customer loyalty programs for almost 20 years," says Michael Hemsey, President of Kobie Marketing. "Our customers have the ability to recognize and profitable relationships with their customers, while providing experience-based opportunities through their loyalty programs. Alchemy state each client the opportunity to distinguish themselves from the competition, driving the desired customer behavior, and to manage loyalty programs of the end-to-end reporting online via website and a fully integrated pay and travel portal. "

Kobie recently launched the new industry-leading RBC Rewards program for RBC Bank, a subsidiary of the Royal Bank of Canada, using the platform of Alchemy. RBC Rewards program not only allows program members to combine their credit card points, but also members can pool their RBC Rewards points with other clients. The Group concept will enable members earn points more aggressive and faster great rewards. In addition to numerous new rewards introduced the programme also the latest innovation in travel, "my way rewards". With my way rewards customers can redeem their points for each trip, using a travel agency of their choice. No restrictions, no-out dates, Saturday night stays or other rules apply. Finally, customers can use their points for travel rewards that really want.

Kobie and Alchemy have the power to convert the traditional loyalty model and it will continue to

Bainbridge Island Teen Blogger writes a book on how to find the best airline rates

Plane ticket, "helps readers identify the best travel sites all over the United States of hundreds of available, provide a step-by-step process for quickly discovering the lowest rate possible while avoiding rip-offs and time-wasting sites. Readers will also find advice for a good seat reservation and prepare for low-hassle travel, as well as information about the use of frequent flyer miles, credit cards that offer flight discounts, and recommended methods to track listings. Annexes provide links to the homepages of major airline and flight-route maps, an explanation of the taxes that have been applied to the rates, and more.

When Sam to take control books, the book suggested he had no problem offer a sample writing, as hed run the airline Bulletin blog on www.airlinebulletin.com/for several years. "We were shocked when we learned that the author of the proposal was only 16 years old," said Adam Engst, Publisher of take control books. "He wrote a great proposal that gave no hint that he was a teenager. When we learned he had already blogging about airlines since 2007 and read its cover, which sealed the deal. "

Book can be read on the screen for easy browsing

"Take Control of booking a cheap airline ticket" can be read on the screen or on paper. The version shown on the screen is a PDF file with hot links to the websites listed, making it easy for readers to quickly access featured sites. Although taking the control on the screen has won over many who book design was previously thought that she would never read a book on a computer, is an optional print service available for those who prefer to read a professionally printed, bound volume.

Book Info

Title: "take control of booking a cheap airline ticket"

Author: Sam sellers

Friday, September 30, 2011

M & s money finds Brits stick to what they know and love

cite reliability and good value for money to a person or company and more than half.

Colin Kersley, chief executive of m & s money, said: "consumers will apparently stick to companies and people who make many service and look after their customers. Most people can name someone they full trust, or cut their hair, to manage their money, decorate their house or adoption of their car.

"People clearly feel strongly about good customer service, reliability and reliability as these are the reasons why they remain loyal for so long. After 25 years in business, M & s money has stood the test of time and we know how important it is to continue earning the loyalty of our customers. "

About m & s money:

M & s money (the trade name of Marks & Spencer financial services) was founded in 1985 as the distribution of the financial services of Marks and Spencer Group plc, making 2010 the 25th anniversary of the company.

The company is a top ten credit card provider and the second-biggest travel money retailer in the UK. & 160; M & s money also offers a range of insurance coverage, including contents insurance (/insurance/home-insurance/overview/money.marksandspencer.com), comprehensive car insurance (/insurance/pet-insurance/overview/money.marksandspencer.com), family pet insurance (/insurance/car-insurance/overview/money.marksandspencer.com), as well as loans, savings and investment products. M & s money also offer travel insurance coverage (/insurance/travel-insurance/overview/money.marksandspencer.com).

In November 2007 Marks & Spencer sold M & s money to HSBC. HSBC Holdings plc, the parent company of the HSBC Group, with headquarters in London. The Group serves customers worldwide from around 8,000 offices in 88 countries and territories in Europe, the Asia-Pacific region, America, the Middle

Air air conditioning system design for automated Deluxe Convenience Store innovations

luxury units, called Shop 24 and popular abroad, are now installed on a community college in upstate New York, a shopping centre in Ohio and an airport in Texas. Each offers 24-hour automated service for about 200 items that appeal to students, quick-stop shoppers and travellers, and fresh foods, packaged foods, toiletries, phone cards, baby accessories and books can contain. The machine accepts cash, credit cards or student IDs. The store 24 data system provides real-time tracking of sales and cash transactions from a remote location, the provision of information on stock supplier to the local food distribution. "This ability to pay with a credit card and provide better software for managing stock suppliers is now driving Shop 24 of domestic popularity," stated Michael Wetzel, P.E., president and CEO of Air innovations. "The front of the units is completely glass, so that customers see exactly what products they buy, an interactive screen facilitates ordering, and the items are delivered within 20 seconds of the payment."

The units, which is about 13 meters wide by 9 meters high by 10 feet deep, are the largest units to date produced by air innovations, Wetzel said. "Air innovations was able to match the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) requirements by pushing the envelope on an array of environmental control technology," he explained. "We are also proud of the fact that the contract offshore production trends, such as the unit was originally designed and built in Belgium, and now consists mainly in the State of New York. Our next step is to the source of the majority of the unit of components by suppliers stateside, further add value to air innovations capabilities portfolio, "Wetzel said.

Air innovations creates specialty HVAC and environmental control solutions for Oems around the world. Of the company focus is on the design, test and manufacture of products that require precise control of temperature, humidity, pressure, and air filtration. These are used in military, homeland security, R & D, health care, electronics, industrial and retail applications. Air innovations technical expertise includes:

Thursday, September 29, 2011

More Marriott summer travel savings and holiday packages

small selection of the thousands of holiday packages offered on Marriott's 3,000 hotels all over the world. For more information about the travel packages offered on Marriott's family of hotels, www.marriott.com/specials and search by name of the city or hotel.

Marriott International Hotel offers the following Travel Deals

A peach of a Deal in Atlanta: Georgia this summer and looks away Atlanta's premier destination hotel-Atlanta Marriott Marquis who recently completed a magnificent 138 million dollar hotel transformation. Stay of one night in weekend between 25 July-24 August 2008 and take advantage of $ 138 * per night weekend rate. Plus, as an added bonus, with a Visa card to pay and receive a $ 25 Visa gift card that can be used for everything from gasoline to gifts. The lively New Atlanta hotel is only footsteps of the world's largest and most engaging aquarium experience at the Georgia Aquarium and the new world of Coca Cola. For more information or reservations (404) 521-0000, (888) 855-5701, call or visit atlantamarquis.com.

Summer Delight in Hong Kong: the brand new Courtyard by Marriott Hong Kong offers a summer Delight package HK $ 1,300 plus 13% per night. The offer includes an upgrade to a room with views of Harbour and a HK $ 150 daily food and drink credit at the MoMo Café or room service. A stay of two nights is required. Visit courtyardhongkong.com

Sweetheart Deal: Celebrate the beginning of a loving marriage with the Wailea Kuuipo (meaning "sweetheart") honeymoon outing at the Wailea Beach Marriott Resort & Spa, including accommodation, Room service breakfast in bed or on lanai (balcony) for two, and $ 100 extra food and beverage outlets credit per day. Rates start at $ 599 per night, valid until December 24. The resort recently underwent a $ 60 million on its transformation of Maui location on the ocean, including 546 renewed rooms, a new 2,100-sq.-ft. fitness center and the award-winning Mandara. Visit

Not leave home without your Pingo family vacation critics and to promote safe travel Pingo.com Partner family

friends and family.

Family vacation critics, Inc., the first community website offers family ratings for hotels, airlines, cruise lines and adventure travel companies, is a strategic relationship with long distance calling card company Pingo.com, the Prime Minister. Family vacation from July 17, will be giving away a whopping Pingo.com critics and 3-hour long distance call after five (5) a family traveler is complete family travel reviews, including comments, in www.familyvacationcritics.com. The amount of time you are awarded is based on the place you are calling to or from. For example, if you call within the continental US, you will receive 3.75 hours free calls from the us to Puerto Rico, you would receive 2 hours of free calls, from Thailand to Canada, you would receive 1.7 hours of free calls. In most cases you will receive at least one hour free calls to and from most destinations around the world. You do not need to register a credit card to receive free calls this time.

Family vacation critic, Monica Levine-CEO and Chief critics Sauberman, States, "this relationship fits perfectly into our strategy and the best products of the family travel with the family traveller services. When it comes to safety with a reliable calling card as a back-up is important. Mobile phones can unreliable, even at the major theme parks. By filling in only 5 ratings can better protect yourself, family travelers when they are on vacation. Family travelers to destinations outside the United States can also experienced steep phone and usage charges if they don't have a prepaid phone card. This is a ' havebefore, any family vacation.

"Our relationship with Pingo.com is a natural fit. Their reliable service record and market strength as a service of a publicly traded parent and long distance leader, iBasis, it was important to our decision to work with Pingo. When we meet with our critics and Member advertisers products, we want to ensure that we value family holiday critics CFO Jolienne Rutter notes..

About Pingo.com

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

New York City Explorer Pass now includes a Pick 10 option

five and seven-ten--attractions on a low, pre-paid price. The pass serves as a ticket to one of the 45 participating NY attractions. Customers can have the freedom to use the pass at any time of day or night and up to 30 days to use the admissions on the pass, making it an ideal way to see the city in a few days or more over weekends. The pass also offers discounts on popular restaurants and shops and the ability to save the rules on many attractions. Each Explorer Pass also comes with a color-printed, pocket-sized guide full of maps, travel tips and routes for New York City.

"The New York City Explorer Pass quickly became one of our most popular offerings," said Cecilia Dahl, President and co-founder of Smart destinations. "When we of our customers who would like to have this additional option they heard, the flexibility of our platform, we were able to react quickly and add the new 10 choice Explorer Pass."

Credit Smart Growth destinations in New York and for the company overall the combination of a comprehensive and flexible offering along with economic conditions in favour of Smart Destinations offer went Dahl. "Being able to helping people save money is always popular," explained Dahl, "and from the start we've focused on having all the best attractions and tours in our program, so that the savings not come at a cost of customer flexibility to see what they want. Especially in this market, people are looking for ways to stretch their money as much as possible and there is no doubt that has helped fuel our growth. "

Among the top attractions are in the NYC Explorer Pass included the Empire State building, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, on top of the rock, statue of liberty and Ellis Island Ferry, the Brooklyn Museum--and 40 more.

The New York City Explorer Pass also includes transport, such as the city sights ' hop-off "double-decker bus tour and other sights on location of sex and the City Tour, NY TV and movie Sites Tour, a Bicycle Tour of Central Park and a shopping tour of SOHO. The pass also

Plane ticket discounts for another feature on Villa4vacation. com

"Travelers can search cheap airfares from more than 7,000,000 of major airlines around the world, says Rosalind Sedacca with Villa4vacation. com."In most cases they will find prices lower than any published tariffs by the airlines.

Airline ticket between persons is one of the many valuable travel-related services available on Villa4vacation. com. On that site leisure travellers easy access to a wide selection of holiday villas, houses and apartments that are available for rental. Owners can list their holiday properties directly itself, eliminating intermediaries costs, on a yearly basis. The result is one-stop-shopping which connects travellers with owners of properties that meet their specific needs in terms of location, size of home, number of bedrooms, and a host of other criteria. Additionally, owners offer a choice of payment options via the website of the Special Credit Card acceptance program.

https://www.paypros.com/landing/vrpp/index.aspID=villa4.

Another service offered at Villa4vacation. com is competitively priced car rental. The handy search function allows travellers car rental companies, car models, functions, and locations of destination all with the promise of getting the lowest rates available to compare.

At the same time, travellers can research a variety of travel insurance options, including medical coverage policy, on the Villa4vacation website. With growing concerns about terrorist activities, hurricanes and other natural disasters around the world, more and more travellers choose the certainty that travel insurance brings.

/p/myquotepid = 6281 insuremytrip.com

Travel Advisory: free Wireless Internet connections in Austrian Airlines Business class Lounge and in the Vienna International Airport

airports install or plan to gradually install free, wireless internet services, Austrian Airlines and the Vienna International Airport a joint declaration today to remind of the travel and u.s. media, free wireless Internet connections that are old news in business class lounges Austrian Airlines Vienna, as well as in all areas of the Vienna International Airport.

According to Herbert Laurenz, Austrian Airlines General Manager The Americas, In June 2003, after several months of construction, if we reopened our renewed and enlarged main business class lounge in the Vienna International Airport, in addition to the four sections, each with a unique distinct ambiance, we also installed a wireless system (W-LAN) free internet access for Austrian Airlines and fellow Star Alliance business class. This is in addition to access via credit card-toll-free local phone, phones, printers, fax and copy machine office. The Austrian Airlines business class lounge in the Vienna International Airport is more than one area of relaxation and revitalisation, because with free Internet access and other services from office, it can be your temporary office.

Hans Mayer, spokesman for the Vienna International Airport, reported that in October 2002, we put a completely free operating system which covers all areas of the Vienna International Airport using the latest Siemens and Cisco technology. We have received many e-mails of passengers in transit here around the world, from Ceos to students, to tell us how much they appreciate this free access to fast, high quality wireless internet service throughout the whole of the international airport of Vienna.

The combination of the Austrian Airlines business class service and the service of the international airports of Vienna means there is total--and free--wireless internet access for all travelers at the Vienna International Airport, said Herbert Laurenz of Austrian Airlines.

From the US offers Austrian Airlines non-stop service to Vienna, and beyond, of New York/JFK and Washington, DC/Dulles. The ultra modern Vienna International Airport serves as the global hub for Austrians connecting service in Austria as well as to almost anywhere in Central

The Paradies shops and thanks again join forces to offer customers valuable Rewards airport

that they are having a great participating carrier deserve.

"This is a great program and we are excited to give our most loyal customers even more rewards for shopping with the Paradies shops, said Gregg paradies, President and CEO of The Paradies shops," recognize that consumers typically associated with frequent flier programs spend a lot of time in our airports, the partnership would now our best opportunity for customers to earn every time they make a purchase on any location Paradies airport in the United States.

"Thanks again launched to consumers the opportunity to earn their favorite rewards for every day purchasessaid Marc Ellis, Chief Executive Officer of Thanks again," we are excited to now working with the Paradies shops, the leading retailer in the airport industry, to give consumers earn even more opportunities.

Consumer registration in the program is free, fast and secure. Registration of debit or credit card can be run on www.thanksagain.com/tps. Airline miles earned through Thanks again are above and beyond any miles that consumers already on an affinity reward credit card can earn. And, as an additional incentive, new members who sign up before 30 June 2010 and making a qualifying purchase will receive an extra 100 miles.

About the Paradies Shops-

Best airport retailer named for the past 15 consecutive years by airport revenue News, The Paradies shops, a family business founded in 1960 has more than 500 stores in more than 70 markets in the United States and Canada. With extensive experience in operational both local and national brands, including CNBC News, PGA TOUR shops, Brooks Brothers, Brighton Collectibles, maintains Harley-Davidson, and The New York Times book stores, The Paradies shops a substantial presence as one of the largest airport retailers. In addition, the Paradies shops retail programs for various properties of the hotel. For more information, visit www.theparadiesshops.com.

Monday, September 26, 2011

Renews partnership with the World Organisation for the Affinity4 Outreach ÄŒarman

Norfolk, VA 11 April, Affinity4 is proud to announce the renewal of its partnership with the ÄŒarman World Outreach organization.

established by renowned Christian singer ÄŒarman, the nonprofit that bears his name has been responsible for entertaining, promotion and preaching the Gospel to millions of people worldwide, children's crossing denominational, cultural and ethnic lines.

Billboard Magazine first recognized ÄŒarman of influence in the Christian music call him by contemporary Christian artist of the year in 1990. That was followed by many other awards over the years recognize his artistry and contributing to the Christian music.

Affinity4 specializes in support of the fundraising for non-profit organizations. As one of the greatest affinity-based marketing companies focused on non-profit organizations, has given more than $ 75 million Affinity4 to charities and non-profit organizations worldwide in the past 17 years.

"We are proud of our company that is linked to one of the most beautiful Christian musicians of our time," said Steve Halliday, President and CEO of Affnity4. "Affnity4 and have seen great results ÄŒarman World Outreach of our joint efforts."

World Outreach supporters can donate via

ÄŒarman Affnity4 of 10% of purchases to the family of GiveBack program Affinity4 bound services. Low cost long distance, Internet access, Sprint Wireless, Credit Card, Retail and health discount cards, House, car, and life insurance and a cheap travel Site are just a few of the many services [

Affinity4 offers.

members can log in to http://www.carman.org or call 1-800-311-2021 to sign up and start making a difference to their favorite nonprofit.

Cole Mitchell

-profits on 1-800-814-5360 can contact for more information about working with Affinity4.

999 Waterside Drive, Suite-1910
Norfolk, VA 23510 http://www.affinity4.com

Barclays has you covered with improved Home Insurance

15 January, Barclays has surrendered their consumers more choice home insurance quotes with her new home insurance product. Barclays created in response to the customer calls for transparency and control in buying home insurance.

the new range

home insurance customers can also their no-claims discount home providers rarely an option offered by other insurance. Customers can now create up to two claims in each period of five years without loss of this discount.

Barclays also has updated its website

and it's faster to make it easier for customers to take their home insurance quote online and a policy right away. Online customers can also expect an average discount of 15%.

Shane

Leivers, head of Barclays Home, Motor and travel insurance, says, I think giving customers a much clearer choice between different levels of coverage can help them to fine tune what they buy and helps people get the right level of cover at the right price for them, too.

about Barclays
Barclays is a major global financial services provider engaged in retail banking (demand deposits and savings accounts), credit cards, corporate banking, investment banking, wealth management, asset management and investment advice services with an extensive international presence in Europe, America, Africa and Asia. With more than 300 years of history and expertise in banking, Barclays operates in over 50 countries and employs more than 140,000 people. Barclays moves, protects and invests money offers personal loans, ISA, home insurance, life insurance, mobile banking and other services for more than 49 million customers and customers worldwide. For more information about Barclays, please visit our website http://www.barclays.co.uk.

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Household Budgets Tighter Than Ever, Says Confused.com

Cardiff December 25, 2008

According to research carried out for the Bank of England&39;s Q4 2008 quarterly bulletin, unsurprisingly, households in the UK have experienced a reduction in disposable income after paying bills such as gas and electricity.

Confused.com - who specialize in comparison for utilities, auto insurance and home insurance - have looked at ways to help households ease the pressure of debts and increasing their disposable income.

Simon Lamble, product director at Confused.com comments: "We fully understand that pressure on household income has been increasing steadily over the past couple of years, and therefore it&39;s more important than ever for people to realise that there is a simple way to relieve some of that pressure, by exploring ways of reducing their fixed household costs.

"For example, the average saving made by Confused.com customers this year on home and car insurance was &163;186.13 and &163;208.62, respectively. In addition to these savings, customers saved an average of &163;211.26 by switching to a more economical energy tariff.[1] This equates to a total of &163;50 per month which could be used to help consumers reduce the debt that they are feeling increasingly burdened by.

By simply spending a short amount of time finding the right product at the right price, people could save &163;1,000s in unnecessary interest payments and alleviate additional years of debt."

Example: Mortgage
By overpaying by &163;50 per month customers could save up to &163;12,253 in interest payments and knock over 3 and a half years off their mortgage term.*
*Statistics based on a 25 year repayment mortgage of &163;100,000 with an interest rate of 5%.
Source: London&Country mortgage calculator (http://www.lcplc.co.uk)

Example: Credit Card
If customers were to pay off just the minimum, ie 2% of the balance of &163;5,000 on a credit card each month, assuming an interest rate of 15%, it would take 463 months (over 38 years) to pay back the original amount plus the interest of &163;7,652.93.

If customers were to make an additional payment of &163;50 per month, this would reduce the payback period to just 73 months (6 years) and reduce the interest paid to &163;2,009.77**
**Source: http://www.whatsthecost.com

Notes to editors:
Example: Mortgage

  • Assuming a 25 year repayment mortgage of &163;100,000 with an interest rate of 5%,
  • By overpaying by &163;50 per month monthly payments will increase from &163;584.59 to &163;634.59

    By overpaying by &163;50 per month the term of the mortgage will decrease from 25 years to 21 years and 5 months. A saving of 3 years and 7 months.
    *Source: London&Country mortgage calculator (http://www.lcplc.co.uk)
    Example: Credit Card
    ** If customers were to pay off just the minimum 2% of the balance of &163;5,000 on a credit card each month, assuming an interest rate of 15%, it would take 463 months (over 38 years) to pay back the original amount plus the interest of &163;7,652.93.
    If customers were to make an additional payment of &163;50 per month, this would reduce the payback period to just 73 months (6 years) and reduce the interest paid to &163;2,009.39.
    **Source: http://www.whatsthecost.com

    For further information please contact:
    Caroline Spindlove/ Anna Bowes, Confused.com. 02920 434 398
    Gug Kyriacou/ Joanna Harte, Polhill Communications. 020 7655 0550

    About Confused.com:
    Confused.com is one of the UK&39;s biggest and most popular price comparison services. Launched in 2002, it generates over one million quotes per month. It has expanded its range of comparison products over the last couple of years to include auto insurance, home insurance, travel insurance, pet insurance, van insurance, motorbike insurance, breakdown cover and energy, as well as financial services products including credit cards, loans, mortgages and life insurance.

    Confused.com is not a supplier, insurance company or broker. It provides a free, objective and unbiased comparison service. By using cutting-edge technology, it has developed a series of intelligent web-based solutions that evaluate a number of risk factors to help customers with their decision-making, subsequently finding them great deals on a wide-range of insurance products, financial services, utilities and more. Confused.com&39;s service is based on the most up-to-date information provided by UK suppliers and industry regulators.

    Confused.com is owned by the Admiral Group plc. Admiral listed on the London Stock Exchange in September 2004. Confused.com is regulated by the FSA.

    Road Warriors Receive New Weapon with Tripware

    Phoenix, AZ July 8, 2009

    Tripware, a new travel service for self-serve business travelers, provides a plug-in for Microsoft Outlook 2007 that enables travelers to handle all their business trip needs directly in Microsoft Outlook. The plug-in, named Tripware OutBook, can be downloaded at http://www.tripware.com. The plug-in connects to a traveler&39;s online travel portfolio that stores flight, hotel, car, and scheduling preferences. Using the time, date and location information already entered into a business meeting, Tripware OutBook can book a trip and embed the itinerary in Microsoft Outlook within three minutes or less.

    The CEO and President of Tripware, Clark C. Rines, sums up Tripware OutBook as, "I can book a complete itinerary in less than 3 minutes, know that I am getting what I want because the system knows me personally and when the payment is made, all of my corresponding frequent flyer, rental and stay numbers are sent to the appropriate vendors automatically. I don&39;t even have to worry about typing in a credit card when I pay. This same system automatically puts my itinerary into my Outlook calendar along with maps and weather, keeps me apprised of trip events prior to and during my travels and even helps me do my expense report when I get back. This is so quick and easy; I no longer pay an assistant to book my trips."

    Thousands of business folks have visited http://www.tripware.com already, including travel writer Jay Hammond, who remarked "Based on an unscientific comparison with other online travel services, Tripware holds up well. Prices are comparable to those on Travelocity and Expedia, at least for the trips this writer checked. Choices were also similar although Tripware was the only one that displayed options according to my stated preferences."

    Tripware&39;s VP of Marketing, Dean M. Wright, states, "Other than Tripware, there are no other products on the market that offer full integration with Microsoft Outlook 2007. Tripware OutBook focuses solely on the business traveler. Therefore, we offer premier U.S. based carriers that cater to business travelers. With Tripware&39;s international booking coming online later this year, premier airlines such as American, Delta, and United will allow our customers to travel to dozens of top international business destinations."

    For the road warrior who doesn&39;t use Microsoft Outlook 2007, Tripware offers a desktop application called Tripware Travel Center that includes many of the same features as Tripware OutBook. No matter which Tripware offering the road warrior uses, they have a new weapon to help them leave faster, travel better, and return sooner.

    For additional information on Tripware, email deanwright (at) tripware (dot) com or visit http://www.tripware.com. Tripware is a trademark of Remotian Systems, Inc. Microsoft &174; and Microsoft Outlook &174; are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Air Lines are all registered trademarks of their respective companies.

    About Tripware
    Tripware is a travel service for people who plan, book, and manage their own business trips. The novel aspect of Tripware is that the entire trip process can be done right from Microsoft Outlook. Tripware focuses on automating business travel as much as possible. Tripware also offers a desktop application for use outside business calendars. Tripware has value-added features such as complete itineraries, notifications/alerts, rewards program tracking, and expense reporting. By implementing its patent pending technology, Behavioral Travel Management, Tripware allows business travelers to leave the office faster, travel better, and come home sooner. Founded in 2007, Tripware is headquartered in Mesa, AZ, a suburb of Phoenix. Tripware is owned by Remotian Systems, Inc.

    Contact:
    Dean Wright
    Tripware by Remotian Systems, Inc.
    602-357-1178 x1006

    Digital Gets Physical - The Revolution Reinvented - Sim-Books-tm, an Alternative Future for the Ebook

    San Francisco, CA August 4, 2010

    Firefallmedia has created a novel form of book distribution to bridge the digital-paper divide. Ebooks in physical form, in the customized shape of micro-usb-credit-cards and micro-sim-playing cards, will be ready for launch in October. Consumers, through their purchases, will decide which size and style prevails. The portable, plug-in anywhere cards, may contain a single book, an e-series, or a select suite from the publisher’s catalog and will be priced at $8, $29, and $79 respectively. The five books in Firefall’s Pseudonymous Series-tm, for example, will sell for $29 on a single card. The cards will use the different reader ports available, directly or through adapters. Separate holders - wallets and playing card cases - may also function as adapters. Developed by Elihu Blotnick, author, and editor-at-large, as a way to smooth the way forward, these digideck libraries should ease many concerns. “Of course, they’ll create new ones too,Blotnick said, "Meanwhile, ebook ecards will work well enough. Innovation is easy, when we piece it together from parts already around us.The chief concern that Blotnick is referring to is the fact that few people want to read a book on a computer. “It&39;s like licking plasticized ice cream,according to Robinson Joyce, Firefall’s publisher, “No one wants to buy a disappearing act or be bled by corporate greed either. Arbitrary locks and changing rules make us feel like fools. If you buy the Brooklyn Bridge, at least it won’t disappear on you.At the same time, no one wants to carry unnecessary baggage on vacation or lose their freedom to travel on Earth or in space. “NASA take note,Blotnick said, “Books can be beamed down or up, but travelers still prefer to possess at least an ounce of personal worth.Firefall Mini-Decks-tm, Sim-books-tm, and BookDecks-tm may or may not be the wave of the future, but testing shows positive. The reading experience comes alive: you again possess what you pay for. You can plug it in anywhere without limitation as to device and time limit. You own it, you can even lend it. It’s like a tape, a record, a DVD, only smaller. “Let the experiment begin,Joyce announced. And in due course, Firefall will also have a shufflebook card that, in random read mode, offers books by surprise. "Bookdecks will also be available as all hearts - romances, all clubs - war stories - or as a fixed mixed deck Our original offerings will include the books of the Pseudonymous Series-tm, singly or complete; the Blot Books-tm, WW2 in the Atlantic and Pacific, a new authors series, and Merla Zellerbach&39;s mysteries," Joyce added. Firefallmedia is a trade publisher with an eclectic list of titles and fine, significant reviews.

    Wednesday, September 21, 2011

    WorldRemit Launches New Online Money Transfer Service in Canada

    March 23, 2011

    WorldRemit, an award-winning money transfer business, has now launched its service in Canada. The service will enable Africans to send money safely from the comfort of their own home to family and friends back home. This will be the first time an online money transfer service is available to customers who regularly send money to many corridors in Africa.

    Worldremit’s online money transfer service offers compelling benefits to hard-working African diaspora in Canada who on average spend more than one hour travelling to and from agent locations in this land of vast distances, to send small regular transfers of about $150.

    Traditionally migrants used to send money home through agent locations which meant withdrawing cash from a bank, taking time off to visit an agent and queuing up to hand over cash. In some cases the travel costs of those who don&39;t live near agents were more than the amount they send.

    Now, using a variety of payment methods including debit and credit cards, customers can send money from the privacy and convenience of their own home or office without the need to queue up at an agent location.

    WorldRemit currently offers money transfer to Europe, Asia and Africa. Recipients can collect cash from an extensive network of pay-out locations, or depending on country, directly in their bank accounts or mobile phone accounts.

    Im Dreaming of a Tight Christmas

    Cardiff, Wales December 7, 2008

    Millions of households will be celebrating Christmas this year, but many families will be wondering how on earth they can begin to pay for even half of what they enjoyed last year. Confused.com offers some helpful tips on how to enjoy the credit crunch Christmas.

    Gareth Kloet, energy expert at Confused.com, says: "Christmas lights and decorations are always great fun to put up with the family. While we don&39;t want to spoil this fun, the utilities bill which drops through the letterbox in the New Year might.

    This year, why not consider reducing that bill by investing in twinkly Christmas lights, and consider using a timer to switch off lights when you and others are not around to enjoy them; twinkly lights that go on and off can use up to half the energy of ordinary fairy lights, if they are off as much as they are on!

    "In addition, it is important to remember that it is never too late to switch. Customers who switched suppliers for gas and electricity through Confused.com, since the start of the year, saved on average &163;284.60 which shows that Christmas shopping doesn&39;t have to always drain your pockets of money."

    Protect your pricey presents Darren Black, home insurance expert at Confused.com, says:

    "If expensive presents are bought for Christmas, households must make sure that these items are adequately covered by home insurance. Many insurers will automatically increase their premiums at Christmas to cover newly bought presents, but this cover won&39;t last for ever. High-value items, such as laptops or iPods, will need to be added to contents policies to ensure that they are adequately covered in the long-term. As with energy bills, home insurance costs can easily be reduced just by shopping around for a better deal."

    Head off for a winter break Steve Williams, travel expert at Confused.com, says:

    "When travelling over the Christmas period, it is important to ensure that customers have the right travel insurance before they fly, or they might find themselves in financial difficulty should anything go wrong. Paying for trips with credit cards is advisable as these cards provide consumers with financial protection. Some Visa debit cards offer protection if consumers spend more than &163;100, but it is important to check this with the card provider. Despite this, there is still a chance that the customer may have problems when it comes to claiming their money back, which is why it is advisable to hedge their bets by taking out the appropriate insurance.

    "Confused.com would certainly suggest shopping around to find the most suitable policy on the market, while also bearing in mind added-extras, such as scheduled airline failure cover. While finding a cheap price is important, choosing a policy with suitable cover and benefits is advised."

    *At least 20% of customers who visited us between January and June 2008 saved &163;284.60

    For further information please contact:
    Press Office
    http:///Confused.com
    02920 434393/398
    Joanna Harte/ Elizabeth Leach
    Polhill Communications
    020 7655 0550

    Notes to editors
    About Confused.com:
    Confused.com is one of the UK&39;s biggest and most popular price comparison services.

    Launched in 2002, it generates over one million quotes per month. It has expanded its range of comparison products over the last couple of years to include home insurance, travel insurance, pet insurance, van insurance, motorbike insurance, breakdown cover and energy, as well as financial services products including credit cards, loans, mortgages and life insurance.

    Confused.com is not a supplier, insurance company or broker. It provides a free, objective and unbiased comparison service. By using cutting-edge technology, it has developed a series of intelligent web-based solutions that evaluate a number of risk factors to help customers with their decision-making, subsequently finding them great deals on a wide-range of insurance products, financial services, utilities and more. Confused.com&39;s service is based on the most up-to-date information provided by UK suppliers and industry regulators.

    Confused.com is owned by the Admiral Group plc. Admiral listed on the London Stock Exchange in September 2004. Confused.com is regulated by the FSA.

    International Travel Insurance for Boomers Highlighted in Hallmark Travel Show

    Gilbert, AZ (Vocus) June 1, 2010

    Seniors who travel overseas will need travel insurance that suits their age, health and purpose of travel. In anticipation of increased summer travel, Good Neighbor Insurance has created a segment on travel insurance for seniors that will air on Hallmark June 1st at 7:30am (6:30am CST), with reruns airing on the Hallmark Movie Channel Thursday, June 3rd at 7:30am, Sunday, June 6th at 5:30am and Monday, June 7th at 5:30am.

    Jeff Gulleson, President of Good Neighbor Insurance, reminds seniors to keep a few things in mind when they plan their overseas travel. “Medicare won’t cover most medical expenses outside the United States. Medicare Part D coverage for prescriptions also stops at our border,Gulleson says.

    The most common causes for medical intervention overseas are heart attacks and accidents. If seniors have medical emergencies while outside the USA, the State Department cannot pay to bring them home. Domestic health insurance policies and premium credit card programs will not cover the high cost of medical evacuation, often costing more than $50,000.

    ‘Seniors need to be aware of the fact that they will need medical evacuation insurance even for cruise-liners,adds Gulleson.

    “Good Neighbor Insurance has specific travel insurance for seniors,says Gulleson. ‘Besides medical and political evacuation, our plans cover trip cancellation and interruption, baggage loss and delay. Coverage extends to bedside visits from a family member should a senior be hospitalized overseas.

    Gulleson points out that another valuable benefit for older travelers is that their travel insurance will cover pre-existing conditions.

    Active seniors engaging in extreme or contact sports will need to purchase a sports rider. Rock climbing, hot air balloons, kayaking, surfing and many other sports will need the additional coverage that a sports rider gives.

    Gulleson admits that while insurance won’t prevent accidents from happening, it will ease financial and emotional burdens placed on seniors and their families.

    Help is just a collect phone call away, no matter what time of day or day of week. Access to board certified medical personnel and language translation services along with a whole host of concierge services - is available at all times.

    About Good Neighbor Insurance

    Jeff Gulleson established Good Neighbor Insurance in 1997, to provide global health and life insurance services after living for 30 years in Indonesia.
    GNI helps clients find good, cost-effective international health, travel, and life insurance while providing caring service based on integrity. The company serves students traveling overseas, short-term teams, aid organizations, foreign and domestic corporations, universities, and volunteers both from the U.S. and abroad.
    GNI’s website has more information as well as a guide to medical advice for overseas travelers, written by Jon Askew, MD

    Contact Information

    For more information, contact Jeff Gulleson or Doug Gulleson at Good Neighbor Insurance, Toll Free: 866-636-9100 or in Phoenix, AZ: 480-813-9100
    Good Neighbor Insurance, 690 E. Warner Rd. Suite 117, Gilbert, AZ 85296, USA
    Or go to: http://www.gninsurance.com

    Tuesday, September 20, 2011

    Skiers Without Travel Insurance Face Mountainous Medical Bills Through Weak Pound

    London, UK March 15, 2009

    Credit crunch squeezed skiers and snowboarders who plan to skip travel insurance to cut costs could be leaving themselves open to colossal hospital bills if they have an accident on the slopes this year, with overseas medical expenses rocketing as a result of sterling&39;s slump in value.

    According to Post Office Travel Insurance data, medical expenses make up an estimated 72 per cent of ski holiday insurance claim costs. Yet almost a quarter of people (23 per cent ) are considering going on holiday this year without travel insurance in order to save money.

    Post Office Travel Services, a partner of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) &39;Know Before You Go&39; campaign, is urging people to minimise risk by preparing properly for their skiing trip.

    Post Office head of travel insurance Rachel Croft said: "Paying out for medical costs with no insurance has never been cheap, but the weaker pound means that the relative cost of hospital treatment abroad can be potentially much higher. Medical costs in popular eurozone ski destinations such as France, Italy and Austria could be around 18 per cent higher than this time last year. And skiiers going to Aspen or Vail in US are looking at a massive 29 per cent hike. "

    Typical costs of an air ambulance to the UK:
    France &163;8,000
    Italy &163;12,000
    Austria &163;10,000
    USA &163;50,000

    Steve Jewitt-Fleet of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office&39;s &39;Know Before You Go&39; campaign, said: "The risks involved in winter sports holidays mean it is essential that slope-lovers are properly prepared before travelling. The most important thing is to take out fully comprehensive travel insurance and to read the small print of your policy, so you know what you&39;re covered for. If you&39;re not properly insured and have a serious accident, you or your family could be left picking up a huge medical bill."

    Rachel Croft continued: "In addition to travel insurance, it&39;s essential that people carry a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which offers free or reduced cost medical treatment in EU countries. However, the EHIC is not a substitute for travel insurance - it won&39;t cover costs such as mountain rescue, repatriation or lost baggage - so we urge people to ensure they are fully covered against all eventualities."

    A case in point: The cost of injury on the slopes this ski season:
    Here are some claims that Post Office Travel Insurance is currently handling this ski season. Without comprehensive insurance, these customers would have no choice but to pick up the bill themselves .

    Case 1 - France
    A 50-year-old woman from Manchester suffered fractured leg bones and required repatriation from Val d&39;Isere with extra seats and a nurse escort.
    Estimated cost of claim: &163;4,000

    Case 2 - Germany
    A 48-year-old woman from Ayrshire suffered leg injuries while skiing and had to be repatriated by stretcher from Munich.
    Estimated cost of claim: &163;10,500

    Case 3 - France
    An 18-year-old man dislocated his hip and was repatriated from the Pyrenees to Humberside by stretcher for hospital admission.
    Estimated cost of claim: &163;10,000

    Case 4 - France
    A 30-year-old man suffered a fractured thighbone and was repatriated with extra seats from Moutiers to Gwent.
    Estimated cost of claim: &163;5,000

    Case 5 - Italy
    A 21-year-old man suffered a fractured leg and was repatriated by stretcher from Turin to Manchester for hospital admission.
    Estimated cost of claim: &163;9,000

    Foreign and Commonwealth Office advice to help you plan your skiing holiday:

  • It&39;s essential to take out travel insurance for any trip abroad, no matter how short your trip. If you&39;re going to be skiing or snowboarding, make sure your insurance policy covers these activities (before you head off on your holiday read the small print of your policy to check)
  • Remember, alcohol can affect you more quickly at high altitudes and most insurers won&39;t pay out if you injure yourself or others if you&39;ve been drinking alcohol
  • Make sure you use good quality equipment and protect yourself against injury. Know your own ability - it might not be a good idea to attempt a black run after two days on the beginner slopes!
  • Make photocopies of important documents (e.g. passport, insurance details, credit card number and cancellation details) and keep them separate from the originals - this makes getting replacements or finding contact numbers easier
  • If travelling in Europe, get a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). This card entitles you to reduced cost or free emergency healthcare in most European countries. If you&39;ve already got an EHIC, check it&39;s still valid. Remember though, the EHIC is not a substitute for travel insurance - for example it will not cover the costs of you being rescued from the slopes - you must have both to be fully covered. You can apply for an EHIC at the Post Office, online at http://www.dh.gov.uk/travellers or by phone on 0845 606 2030. (Be aware that the EHIC isn&39;t valid in Andorra, northern Cyprus, Monaco or The Vatican City)
  • Remember to take the contact details for your insurance company with you in order that you can contact them in the event of a medical emergency.

    Post Office Travel Insurance offers Winter Sports Cover as an optional extra on its range of annual and single trip policies, providing protection for costs of injury, damaged or stolen winter sports equipment and piste closure. It also covers off-piste skiing (with a qualified instructor only). Prices start from just &163;14 for 1-3 days (with ski and winter sports cover) in Europe. Policies can be bought over the counter at more than 10,000 Post Office branches or online at http://www.postoffice.co.uk/travel.

    Post Office Travel Insurance is underwritten by Fortis Insurance Limited.

    For further information please contact:
    3 Monkeys Communications
    Redzi Mangwana / Fiona Chow / Edith Barton-Harvey
    020 7440 2410

    Post Office Ltd
    Hayley Fowell
    020 7250 2417

    Notes to Editors:
    About Post Office &174; Travel Services
    Post Office travel insurance can be purchased as a single trip policy (up to a maximum of 90 days) or an annual multi-trip policy, and a range of great value extras is available, including winter sports cover, golf cover, and additional cover for hazardous activities. The annual multi-trip policy provides cover for any number of trips in a 12-month period, up to a maximum of 31 days&39; per trip.

    Don&39;t forget you can pick up travel money too: The Post Office is the UK&39;s largest bureau de change provider offering over 70 different currencies with 0 per cent commission on all foreign currency and travellers&39; cheques. The Post Office pre-paid Travel Money Card offers customers a secure and convenient way to carry their holiday money.

    The Post Office also provides a range of other great value travel services including EHIC forms, passport check and send service and photos, international money transfers, holiday phone cards, plus huge savings on car-hire and pre-booked holiday extras.

    http://www.postoffice.co.uk

    About the Know Before You Go campaign
    The FCO&39;s ongoing Know Before You Go campaign encourages British nationals to prepare for their foreign travel so they can avoid preventable problems. The campaign targets a number of audiences, from gap year students to package holidaymakers; sports fans to older travellers and people visiting friends and family abroad. The campaign works with nearly 300 travel industry partners to communicate its messages.

    For more information please visit http://www.fco.gov.uk/travel

    About Fortis
    Fortis (Insurance UK) is a leading provider of award-winning personal and commercial lines insurance solutions in the UK. As the fourth largest travel insurer in the UK, insuring in the region of 4 million travellers, Fortis boasts a highly skilled team who on hand 24/7/365 days a year, to provide the very best service to their travel insurance policyholders. Over nearly 30 years Fortis&39; Assistance International and its team of multi-lingual staff have built an enviable and solid base of experience in managing a network of agents worldwide. Fortis is consistently recognised for delivering high-quality customer experiences and links quality of service to speed of settlement. Fortis Insurance Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.

  • Fascinating Oases on the Old Silk Road|travel package

    Fascinating Oases on the Old Silk Road
    travel package - 8 days / 7 nights

    Roam the paths of Silk Road traders and pilgrims and be transported into a magical collage of tastes and fragrances, sights and sounds! Turpan and Kashgar's vibrant oasis life will mesmerize your senses with their Middle Eastern atmosphere and colorful bazaars. The romance of the past and the incredible majesty of the landscape remain today to lead you to enchanting discoveries all along your own Xinjiang journey.

    Day 1 Beijing / Shanghai - Urumqi (D) Fly from Beijing to Urumqi where your tour guide will meet you upon arrival.
    Transfer to your hotel and get refreshed.
    Then visit the International Bazaar in the Uyghur district, the largest one in Urumqi, before dinner.
    Overnight in Urumqi Day 2 Urumqi - Turpan (B, L, D) After breakfast, drive about 2 hours to the Heavenly Lake with a visit to a yurt, traditional tent dwelling, on the way. This pristine lake is situated at a refreshing height of 1,980meters and is surrounded by jagged snow-covered peaks, forests of pine trees and green meadows. You will relish the lush scenery as you take a boat on the lake and do some light hiking.

    In the afternoon, view the significant archeological exhibits in Xinjiang Regional Museum, giving you real insight into the various customs and folklore of the area's dozen ethnic minorities. In addition, more than 10,000 cultural relics are displayed, including about eleven intriguing 3,000 year old corpses, some of European origin.

    After the museum visit, continue the drive for about 2-3 hours to Turpan.
    Time to relax after dinner.
    Overnight in Turpan Day 3 Turpan (B, L, D) Astana Tombs, Flaming Mountain , Bezeklik Caves, Gaochang Ancient City After breakfast, visit Astana Tombs, mysterious, underground graves with wall paintings that give clues to beliefs in the 3rd and 4th centuries A.D.

    Next you will enjoy the fantastic photo opportunity at the Flaming Mountains which has been transformed into flame shapes by whirling desert winds. Then, the Bezeklik Caves' Buddhist mural art is a reminder of the many Silk Road travelers of bygone days who stopped here to pray for their journeys. These 67 caverns are in a cliff face above the stunning Murtuk river gorge.
    Afterwards enjoy a meal with a local Uyghur family.

    Time permitting we will also visit the ancient city of Jiaohe. It is famous for having one of the best preserved ancient cities in the world. The ruins was established by the Chinese as a garrison town to defend the borderlands during the Han Dynasty. Some of the large monasteries with figures of Buddha can still be visited inside. In the evening, enjoy Uygur music and dance performances.
    Overnight in Turpan Day 4 Turpan - Urumqi - Kashgar (B, L, D) Karez Underground Irrigation System, Grape Valley, Emin Minaret In the morning, visit is the Karez Underground Irrigation System. These underground channels rate as one of ancient China's greatest public works projects on a par with the Great Wall and the Grand Canal. The city of Turpan owes its existence to these vital wells and channels, some of which were constructed over 2,000 years ago.

    Next visit the Emin Minaret, designed in a simple Afghani style, it was built in 1777 A.D. by a local ruler in order to commemorate his father's impressive contribution to the Qing government. Also visit the famous grape-growing valley in Turpan.
    After lunch, drive about 200 kilometers back to Urumqi, the capital of Xinjiang to visit the biggest wind power station, Dabancheng, on the way.
    Take the evening flight to Kashgar.
    Overnight in Kashgar Day 5 Kashgar (B, L, D) Mor Pagoda, Kashgar Regional Museum, local family visit After breakfast, drive about 30 kilometers northeast of the town to see Mor Pagoda which was built in the Tang Dynasty.

    Visit the Kashgar Regional Museum and later on spend time with a local Uygur family where you can experience a firsthand taste of local Uygur culture.
    Overnight in Kashgar Day 6 Kashgar - Karakul Lake - Kashgar (B, L, D) After breakfast, drive about 3 to 4 hours Karakul Lake. The lake is located at 3,800 meters, close to two majestic permanently snow-capped mountains. The Tajiks, who graze camels and yaks, live in these high mountain pasturelands. Our journey there is along the scenic Karakorum Highway, followed by hiking around the lake and lunch at local Uygur restaurant.
    Drive back to Kashgar in the late afternoon.
    Overnight in Kashgar Day 7 Kashgar (B, L, D) Sunday Bazaar, Id Kah Mosque, Abakh Hoja Tomb, Old Mud City After breakfast, visit Sunday Bazaar, a massive gathering of farmers and merchants from across the area. This colorful and lively market provides a great opportunity to pick up some of the Silk Road's most interesting souvenirs, from hand made leather boots, to traditional musical instruments, to bags of fresh spices. Kashgar is also the heart of Islam within China, and thus we pay a visit to the Id Kah Mosque, the largest in China. This beautifully decorated mosque more closely resembles a mosque in Pakistan or Afghanistan than China, and will attract up to 10,000 worshippers for Friday prayers.

    Then we visit Abakh Hoja Tomb, the burial place of a Muslim missionary and saint, and his 72 descendants. It looks like a multicolored miniature with green tiles on the walls and dome.
    Overnight in Kashgar Day 8 Kashgar - Urumqi - Beijing / Shanghai (B) Time at leisure until transfer to the airport for the flight back to Beijing / Shanghai via Urumqi. For travel package bookings and more information please contact Hotline Beijing: +86-10-8519 8999(phone)

    Monday, September 19, 2011

    The Splendour of Taishan|travel package

    The Splendour of Taishan
    travel package - 3 days / 2 nights

    Taishan, the easternmost of China's five sacred mountains, is often considered the most strikingly beautiful of them all as it snakes its way through Shandong Province. Roam an ancient Taoist temple complex, savour splendid mountain vistas and, for early-birds, experience a glorious sunrise from the top of Taishan!

    Beijing departure: From RMB 2, 850 p.p.
    Shanghai departure: From RMB 2, 950 p.p.
    Travel date: Daily departure

    Day 1 Beijing / Shanghai - Taishan (D) Take the train to Taishan, where upon your arrival you will be met by our local partner tour guide.
    First you will visit the Taoist Dai Temple, the largest and best-preserved architectural complex on Mount Taishan. This East Dai Temple, in its fame and antiquity, is on a par with the Forbidden City, the Temple of Confucius, Kong Family Mansion and other well-known sites in China.
    Overnight in Taishan Huaqiao Hotel Day 2 Taishan (B, L, D) After breakfast at your hotel, you will visit Mount Taishan. Taking a minibus to Zhongtian Gate, you will then walk to the top of the mountain, which normally takes two hours. Enjoy the beauty of Mount Taishan.
    Overnight in Shenqi Hotel Day 3 Taishan - Beijing / Shanghai (B, L) It is well worth getting up very early, at 4:30 am, to see the lovely sunrise from the top of the mountain - after which you may relax in your room!
    After breakfast in the hotel, enjoy leisure time in the area surrounding the top of the mountain.
    Go back to the bottom of the mountain and transfer to the train station.
    Take a train trip in the soft seat section back to Beijing / Shanghai. For travel package bookings and more information please contact Hotline Beijing: +86-10-8519 8999(phone)

    Taiwan: Charm and Grandeur|travel package

    Taiwan: Charm and Grandeur
    travel package - 10 days / 9 nights

    For a holiday full to the brim with brilliant variety in close proximity, Taiwan is the place for you! Delve into the past by exploring mystic temples, roaming in quaint gold-mining villages, and discovering the lighter side of former headhunting tribes (who have long ago turned their talents to tourism!). When it comes to natural beauty, Taiwan has magnificent jewels, such as Sun Moon Lake, thrilling Taroko Gorge and Kenting National Park with everything in it from mountains to coral reef.

    Day 1 Beijing / Shanghai - Taipei

    Flight from Beijing / Shanghai to Taipei.
    Upon arrival at Chiang Kai-Shek international airport, you will be met and transferred to your accommodation hotel.
    The remainder of the day will be free.
    Overnight in Taipei

    Day 2 Taipei (B, L) Yehliu, Chiufen Village After breakfast, we proceed to Keelung to visit Chung Ching Park and view the huge statue of the Goddess of Mercy and also a panoramic view of Keelung Harbor. Then we continue to Yehliu, famed for its numerous rock formations: Queen's head, Fairy Shoe and Lover's Rock.
    Return to Taipei around noon for lunch.
    In the afternoon, drive to Northeast Coast, visiting Pitou Cape and Nanya rock formations on the way to Chiufen Village. The villages of Chiufen were once centers of gold mining in Taiwan. The gold is gone, but these quaint old villages of closely-packed houses clinging to steep mountainsides, continue to offer enchanting scenery and fascinating glimpses into the lifestyles of the past.
    Return to Taipei.
    Overnight in Taipei Day 3 Taipei (B, L) City tour, Wulai Aboriginal Village After breakfast, our morning tour of Taipei City includes the impressive C.K.S. Memorial Hall, National Palace Museum, where 5,000 years of Chinese Imperial art and jade collections are exhibited, Martyrs' Shrine of traditional architecture and Taipei Handicraft Center.
    After lunch, proceed to Wulai, about 10 miles south of Pitan. This is the most accessible area from Taipei to view the aboriginal tribesmen who once were the head hunters of Taiwan, descendants of the proud tribe of Taiyals. The present-day Wulai aborigines are now mainly involved in tourism, dressing in traditional costumes and doing cultural performances.
    Overnight in Taipei Day 4 Taipei - Sanhsia - Yingko - Taipei (B, L) Lin An Tai Historical House and Museum, Pao An Temple, Tsu Shih Temple This morning, you will visit old Taipei with stops at Lin An Tai Historical House and Museum which was built during the Qhing Dynasty in 1783. Then you will visit Pao An Temple which was built more than 230 years ago, making it one of the island's oldest temples. It contains many ornate and intricate carvings. The morning tour will also take you to Dihua Old Street and to the health center to enjoy 20 minutes foot massage.
    In the afternoon, we will drive to Sanhsia, about 22 km southwest of Taipei. It is a bustling town with narrow, winding streets and brick buildings at least a century old. The main attraction is the Tsu Shih (Divine Ancestor) Temple, built in honor of Sung Dynasty loyalist, Cheng Chao-ying.
    After visiting Shanhsia, a short trip to the lush countryside southwest of Taipei brings you to Yingko where hand-painted replicas of elegant Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) vases are produced. The small town is Taiwan's pottery center and its narrow streets are lined with shops selling everything from earthenware tea sets to delicate statues.
    Overnight in Taipei Day 5 Taipei (B, D) Yangmingshan Hot Spring, Lungshan Temple, Hwashi Street Night Market Morning at leisure.
    In the afternoon visit Yangmingshan National Park. This mountainous area north of Taipei City, famous for its beautiful scenery, has traces of volcanic activity and abundant natural resources. We will enjoy the hot spring bath at Yangmingshan. The mild alkaline sulfuric hot springs have a light milky color and a temperature of about 70 degrees centigrade. Bathing in the hot-spring water has a relaxing and refreshing effect. In the evening, transfer to Mongolian Bar-B-Q Dinner Restaurant, a popular downtown restaurant featuring a variety of meats, venison, vegetables, spices and seasoning. Using your selected ingredients, the cook transforms them into a perfect dinner on a huge charcoal grill.
    Afterwards, visit Lungshan Temple and Hwashi Street Night Market nearby which, together with night markets on Guangjou, Wujou and Shichen Streets, form a large unique market.
    Overnight in Taipei Day 6 Taipei - Taichung - Sun Moon Lake (B, L) Bullet train ride, Sun Moon Lake, Wen Wu Temple After breakfast, you will be transferred to Taipei High Speed Railway Station to take the 1 hour high speed bullet train from Taipei to Taichung.
    Continue to Sun Moon Lake by bus.
    Sun Moon Lake, located in the middle of Taiwan, with an elevation of 748 meters above sea level, is the only natural big lake in Taiwan. The southern part of La Lu Island is shaped like a new moon, and the northern part is shaped like a sun; hence the name Sun Moon Lake.
    We will visit the famous Wen Wu Temple or Literature Warrior Temple, dedicated to Confucius as Master of Pen and to Kuan Ti as Master of Sword, Holy Monk Shrine.
    Overnight in Sun Moon Lake Day 7 Sun Moon Lake - Tainan - Kaohsiung (B, L) Koxinga Shrine, Spring and Autmn Pavilions, Love River After breakfast at the hotel, proceed to Tainan by bus.
    Tainan is one of the oldest cities in Taiwan and was its ancient capital. It is situated on the southwestern coastal plain of the island and enjoys a warm climate year-round. We will visit Koxinga Shrine, Chihkan Lou, and Chi Mei Museum.
    After that, we will drive to Kaohsiung, which is the largest city in Southern Taiwan.
    Visit the Spring and Autumn Pavilions, where you will find seven-tiered Dragon and Tiger pagodas standing in the water of Lotus Lake and a nine-cornered bridge linking the pagodas to the shore.
    Then we will visit Love River.
    Overnight in Kaohsiung Day 8 Kaohsiung - Kenting - Taitung (B, L) Kenting National Park After breakfast, transfer to Kenting by bus. Kenting National Park, as the centerpiece of the Hengchun Peninsula, is Taiwan's only tropical national park. The park includes mountains, forests, pasture, lakes, sand dunes, beaches, and coral reefs, just about everything one could desire to get close to Mother Nature!
    In the afternoon, we will proceed to Taitung via the Scenic Southern Highway.
    Overnight in Taitung Day 9 Taitung - Hualien - Taroko - Taipei (B, L) Taroko Gorge, Evergreen Shrine, Swallow Grotto, Marble Bridge, and a marble factory After breakfast, transfer to Taitung Railway Station for the train to Hualien, followed by transfer to Taroko National Park by bus. Taroko Gorge is an exceptionally beautiful, narrow ravine created by a river which has cut deep into mountains of solid marble. A road carved into sheer walls of rock snakes its way past forested peaks and cliffs towering thousands of feet above it, while hundreds of feet below the river roars between gigantic marble boulders.
    Stops will be made at Evergreen Shrine, Swallow Grotto, Nine Turns of Tunnel, Marble Bridge, Tienshiang and a marble factory.
    Then, proceed to Hualien Railway Station for the train ride back to Taipei.
    Overnight in Taipei Day 10 Taipei - Beijing / Shanghai (B)

    Time at leisure until check-out and transfer to the airport for the departure flight.


    Hotel Information:

    Gala Hotel 3*
    Gala Hotel's distinctive address in midtown Taipei is in the heart of Taipei's most prestigious shopping, cultural, and business neighborhood. The hotel remains a state-of-the-art facility through innovation. Rooms are decorated in a classic, contemporary style with art nouveau accents.At Gala Hotel, we constantly strive to give guests quality service and do everything to make your stay enjoyable.
    (more information)

    For travel package bookings and more information please contact Hotline Beijing: +86-10-8519 8999(phone)

    Consumers File Class Action Over Alleged Deceptive Practices

    Wood River, Illinois October 18, 2007

    Consumers filed a class action, Quinten Spivey v. Vertrue, Inc. Case No. 07-L-31 Monroe County, Illinois. The lawsuit concerns allegations that Vertrue, Inc. uses coercive and deceptive practices to generate new business. The lawsuit was filed by Brad Lakin and Robert Schmieder of The Lakin Law Firm on behalf of their client.

    Lakin said, "Mr. Spivey&39;s Bank of American credit card was charged $199.95 without his authorization for a membership in AP9 Home Works Plus."

    The suit alleges that Vertrue, Inc. was sued by the US Government years ago and the settlement required Vertrue to prove memberships in their programs by recording consumer consent over the phone or in writing. The lawsuit seeks to represent a class of consumers who Vertrue failed to get the confirmation as required in the settlement with the government.

    Vertrue, formerly known as Memberworks, markets at least 22 membership programs having names such as 24 Assistance, 24 Protect Plus, At Home Rewards, BusinessMax, Card Protect Plus, Connections, Essentials, Galleria USA, Homeworks Plus, Lifestyle Rewards, Main Street Savings, Passport To Fun, Premier Health Plus, Privacy Matters, Privacy Plus, Shopping Essentials, Simple Escapes, Simply You, Today&39;s Escapes, Travel Source, ValueMax, and Your Savings Club.

    "The lawsuit seeks to certify a class of Illinois consumers whoVertrue allegedly charged consumers credit cards, debit cards and bank accounts for memberships without their consent," Lakin said. The suit includes claims under the Illinois Consumer Fraud Act, Illinois Credit Card&Debit Card Act and for unjust enrichment and conversion. The Lakin Law Firm is currently litigating a similar case against Trilegiant Corporation in Madison County, Illinois who markets similar memberships.

    CSI Enterprises, Inc.Post Office&174; Remains Consumer Favourite for Foreign Exchange and Travel Insurance Launches Fleet Fuel Card Web Site Redesign

    Bonita Springs, FL (Vocus) January 5, 2010

    This simple and clean site design is part of CSI’s mission to continuously meet customer’s needs by providing easy navigation and organized content. “Our new website is more visibly appealing and helpful to businesses searching for a fleet fuel card states Keith J Stone, CSI President.

    Cardiff, UK November 26, 2008

    The Post Office&174; has been named Britain&39;s Best Foreign Exchange Company at the 2008 British Travel Awards - for the second year in a row. The UK&39;s largest bureau de change provider beat off competition from several major competitors to secure a third* of all votes in the category.

    The Post Office&174; was also voted Best Travel Insurance Company for the third year in a row.

    The British Travel Awards is the largest of its kind in the UK. This year more than 90,000 votes were cast by consumers and industry professionals across a range of categories.

    Helen Warburton, Post Office&174; head of travel services, said: "It&39;s an honour to be chosen as the people&39;s favourite travel money provider and travel insurer again this year. We have the largest bureau de change network in the UK handling 14 million transactions annually and issue over one million travel policies every year. We continually review our services to ensure they meet customer needs."

    Lorraine Barnes Burton, CEO, said: "The British Travel Awards are highly regarded within the industry and the Post Office&174; has once again proven that it is a leader amongst travel insurance and foreign exchange providers."

    Notes to editors
    *Post Office&174; Travel Services received almost 32 per cent of all votes in the category

    About Post Office&174; Travel Services
    The Post Office&174; is the largest bureau de change provider in the UK, offering over 72 different currencies with 0% commission on all foreign currency and travellers&39; cheques. The Post Office&174; pre-paid Travel Money Card offers customers a secure and convenient way to carry their holiday money.

    The Post Office&174; Credit Card charges 0% commission for all purchases made overseas and also offers customers the flexibility to pay for two large purchases at any time at a discounted fixed rate - ideal for splashing out on holiday!

    Customers can buy currency over the counter at over 8,000 Post Office&174; branches nationwide. The full range of currencies is available on demand at 1600 branches, euros and US dollars are available on demand at more than 2,500 branches and 3,800 branches sell euros over the counter. Customers can pre-order currency for next day collection at any Post Office&174; branch in the UK.

    To find your nearest Post Office&174; bureau de change branch call 08457 223344 or visit postoffice.co.uk.

    The improved website contains the following new features:

  • An enhanced navigation structure of content that allows customers to easily find fleet fuel card options.
  • An updated video resources library that gives customers detailed information on the program and card options.
  • An easy to follow online application form to start the application process.
  • An overall updated and more attractive appearance .

    CSI is excited to start the New Year with a new look. CSI’s effort to stay current on technology and provide customers with the most up to date products and information is a top priority. “We realize our customers first experience with us is through our website and the need for a positive experience is important. We think the website redesign will achieve this objective,said Stone.

    About CSI Enterprises, Inc.

    CSI Enterprises Inc. provides a specific line of controlled financial payment products including business fleet fueling/maintenance payment cards, a corporate virtual payment MasterCard and card solutions for corporate purchasing, travel and entertainment spending. Today CSI and its products operate in all fifty states including Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean with operating subsidiaries involved in municipal tax reclamation, venture capital and real estate development activities nationwide. Since 1988, CSI Enterprises Inc. was the first and largest U.S. organization to have a successful corporate asset management and payment network throughout the U.S. and Latin America.

  • Saturday, September 17, 2011

    ARC Sees Strong First Quarter Airline Sales Performance

    Arlington, VA April 9, 2010

    A recovery that first manifested itself in November of &39;09 has continued and has reached its most favorable levels yet. International fares and credit card sales settled in March were "off the charts" according to Allan Mut&233;n, ARC&39;s director of strategic communications, noting that "ARC began dashboarding these numbers with 2006 sales. In fact, credit card sales were 30% over a year ago and the strongest March sales since 2001," adds Mut&233;n.

    Chief Executive Officer and President of ARC David Collins stated "ARC&39;s strong sales and transaction volume is a testament to the strength and resilience of the agency sales channel and of our system," adding that "this includes a strong, innovative, and diverse agency community, a global airline and rail industry, and a trusted and secure settlement system."

    ARC publishes a dashboard of ARC-settled travel agency transactions (constituting the majority of all U.S. airline sales) on-line. This information is updated monthly. Representing ticketed and settled transactions rather than the booked or lifted transactions typically found elsewhere, the ARC dashboard is an illustration of the travel agency channel sales for future travel. ARC&39;s data warehouse, ARC Compass is a valued source for travel industry data and data-related products for the travel industry and the businesses that surround it.

    About ARC - ARC is a technology solutions company providing transaction settlement and data information services.

    Airlines, travel agencies, corporate travel departments, railroads, and other travel suppliers process up to $70 billion annually through ARC&39;s world-class settlement system, making it the financial backbone of travel distribution. ARC COMPASS&174;, the leading, trusted source for travel transaction information, powers data and analytical tools that help ARC customers make confident business decisions. For more information, please visit http://www.arccorp.com.

    Prepaid365 Prepaid Card Awards 2010 Winners Announced

    February 23, 2010

    Prepaid365, the UK&39;s leading prepaid card comparison site, announced the winners of the Prepaid365 Prepaid Card Awards 2010 recognising best in class prepaid card providers in the UK across different categories such as Money Transfer, Travel, Payroll, Gaming, General Spend, Online Shopping and Youth.

    In the second edition of the awards, subject matter experts at Prepaid365 spent the last three months researching and reviewing 100’s of prepaid cards across the UK with the help of consumers.

    Divya Sharma, Marketing and PR director at Prepaid365 commented "The process has been exhausting and exhilarating in equal measure. The Prepaid365 Prepaid Card Awards are not about industry recognition but rather about consumer recognition focussing on consumer perceptions around what they desire with a prepaid card programme and provider. We have followed on from the grand launch of the July 2009 awards in rewarding and recognising high quality prepaid card propositions - based on consumer opinions around acquisition, usage and rewards.

    Winners on the night included

  • Best General Purpose Prepaid Card - Cashplus Gold Prepaid Card
  • Best Travel Money Prepaid Card - Rational FX Prepaid Card&Caxton FX
  • Best Money Transfer Prepaid Card - Payzone Worldwide Money Prepaid Card
  • Best Gaming Prepaid Card - Neteller Prepaid Card
  • Best Payroll&Expenses Prepaid Card- White Eagle Prepaid Card
  • Best Privacy&Anonymity Prepaid Card- Splash Prepaid Card
  • Best Youth Prepaid Card - Neon Prepaid Card
  • Best Prepaid Gift Card - BabeeCard Prepaid Card
  • Best Internet Shopping Prepaid Card - Cashplus Prepaid Card
  • Best Unbanked Prepaid Card - ClearCash Prepaid Card
  • Best Large Business Prepaid Card Provider - TSYS
  • Best Small Business Prepaid Card Provider - Prepaid Financial Services
  • Best Closed Loop Gift Card Provider - PrePay Solutions (Accor&MasterCard)
  • Best Newcomer 2009-10 - O2 Prepaid Card

    Rich Wagner, CEO, Advanced Payment Solutions stated that “APS and the entire Prepaid industry appreciate the work that Prepaid365 are doing as they play a vital role in the success of the prepaid industry. Raising awareness within this industry and most importantly raising awareness to the all important consumer is paramount to the success of APS and those that work within the industry. By building awareness via these awards and via Prepaid365’s own comparison website, Prepaid365 are enabling potential clients by indentifying top performing companies like APS while also providing valuable product comparison for customers to make informed decisions about the best prepaid card solution for them. APS certainly applaud and support the work they do.

    Warren Hardy, Founder&CEO of White Eagle commented, “Prepaid365’s industry expertise and dedicated comparison site which offers consumers valuable information about the cards on offer within the prepaid marketplace makes them an ideal resource to list the White Eagle card programme.

    Amit Sharma, CEO at Prepaid365 and founder of the Prepaid365 Prepaid card Awards commented that “The Prepaid card industry has evolved rapidly and the last 12-18 months has seen consumer awareness and knowledge grow rapidly too. With over a 100 prepaid card products in the market, consumers now have a lot of choice and the pressure on prepaid card providers to provide a better value proposition is greater than ever before.

    Those who do have ultimately stood out and have been recognised by consumers and the awards bear testimony to that. Prepaid Card providers need to recognise that consumers are smart and savvy and providing them with the same stock standard prepaid card proposition is no longer enough. It is time for the original innovators to innovate again.

    Prepaid365 is the UK’s leading prepaid card comparison site providing reviews and comparisons of prepaid credit cards for businesses and consumers in the UK and a comprehensive FAQ section. Review and compare cards for Money Transfer, Travel, Gaming, Shopping, Payroll and Expense management, Privacy, Gifting and Business.

    What the Winners Said

  • Rich Wagner, Chief Executive Officer, APS and leading prepaid industry visionary commented that "At APS, we are honoured that prepaid365 has recognised cashplus for a second year in a row in the Best General Purpose category and now Best Internet Shopping Prepaid card. We continue to strive to make our product not only better than other prepaid cards but better than banking accounts you can get on the high street. After 5 years of delivering superior products and services to our customers, we appreciate the accolades that prepaid365 have given APS, but we will not become complacent as a result. We look to deliver many new innovations this coming year to support our loyal and growing customer base. These upcoming capabilities are what customers and in fact the industry has come to expect from APS and the cashplus brand."
  • Gemma Johnson, founder and CEO at BaBeeCard commented that "winning the awards at the inaugural edition was great but retaining the Best Prepaid Gift Card award and winning a few more awards along the way at the first Prepaid Card Awards ceremony of the year has made this an extra special start to 2010. Our premise has always been to deliver exceptional value to our customers and the awards are recognition for those efforts over the last 12 months. 2010 promises to be a great year for our customers as we continue to deliver our passion to consumers."
  • Samuel Mond, Operations Director at ClearCash, comments, “when developing ClearCash we knew it was key to take a hands on approach, ensuring our clients had as much support as possible to work towards a financially stable future and a more fluid cashflow. ClearCash has worked really hard to create a product that doesn’t discriminate against people who have had trouble with money and which helps them stay in control. Even basic bank accounts treat these people as funts financial untouchables at least some of the time. We are glad that consumers, through the Prepaid365 portal, have recognised the contribution ClearCash, a Prepaid card, can make to creating a level playing field for those consumers who have been abandoned by mainstream banks and cards./li>
  • Paul Smith, Managing Director of EZ Pay Limited commented “although we’re a relative newcomer to the prepaid market, our outstanding success to date shows that we’ve really hit the nail on the head when it comes to products that are focussed on the customer. As part of the Phones4u group we’re continuing their customer centric focus and are now the champions of the best deal for the consumer. At last it’s no longer about choosing the least expensive option where all the providers have high fees and ongoing charges. We’re the best overall value on the market, and we intend to keep things this way. We’re able to deliver a level of access and flexibility unavailable elsewhere. As such both Escape and Neon are able to offer the most exciting and financially beneficial packages with very low charges and some great cashback deals. Winning the Prepaid365 awards continues the recognition we’re achieving and is a great way to be starting 2010/li>
  • Fraser Campbell, Head of O2 Money, comments “We launched O2 money with the intention of bringing a fresh approach to money management, so we’re delighted to receive this recognition from the Prepaid365 Prepaid Card Awards
  • Noel Moran, CEO, Prepaid Financial Services (PFS), commented “We are delighted with the award win. The PFS offer of low-volume prepaid cards on generic branded plastic within 10 working days has been well received in the industry and enables companies to respond quickly and effectively to short term opportunities./li>
  • Gilles Coccoli, the Managing Director of PrePay Solutions commented “PrePay Solutions prides itself on being at the forefront of the industry and our success is testament to each and every member of staff who is committed and passionate about the prepaid market./li>
  • Rajesh Agrawal, founder and CEO at Rational FX commented that "we are delighted with how far we have come in a short space of time since the card launch. To be nominated in an extremely competitive category was a win in itself but to win the actual award is excellent reward for our entire team. When we launched Rational FX as a business in 2005, I was often queried how our business would fare in an already competitive FX market and my response has always been about providing value to customers. Our FX rates, whether on the card or for currency exchange or our other services are far superior to the traditional FX providers and banks. Add to that the experience of our trading desk and our world class customer service and you really cannot go wrong. The Travel Money cards are based on the same principles excellent added value, best FX rates and world class service."
  • Warren Hardy, Founder&CEO of White Eagle commented, "I am delighted to accept the award for Best Payroll and Expenses Prepaid Card 2010 for the White Eagle Prepaid Maestro Card on behalf of the team at White Eagle. We have long known how well this card is suited to the corporate world and is currently being used by numerous Payroll providers and large employers to manage their payroll and staff expenses. White Eagle will continue to innovate and pioneer new value added products and services in the prepaid industry with many exciting new developments planned for 2010 and beyond."
  •