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NEW ORLEANS, July 29 /PRNewswire/ — iSeatz, a provider of highly customized travel and Entertainment solutions, announced that Kenneth Purcell, CEO and Founder of iSeatz, has been recognized by New Orleans CityBusiness as a 2008 Innovator of the Year. The Innovator of the Year Award program recognizes those that have introduced an innovative product, service or concept that is changing the marketplace and setting the pace for the region’s future.
“It is an honor to be recognized for our strong commitment to delivering highly targeted solutions that enhance and differentiate our client’s offerings, from airlines to financial services companies,” said Kenneth Purcell, CEO and Founder, iSeatz. “At iSeatz, we’re committed to moving the travel and entertainment industry forward by developing first-ever, customer-centric solutions, and at the same time, giving back to Louisiana’s economy. The dedication and talent of the iSeatz team is what has made our recent launch so successful, and with the support of my team, we are continuously making new contributions to the field.”
Kenneth and his team are being recognized for a groundbreaking solution recently launched that has set a new benchmark for the industry. In April 2008, Kenneth led his team to build an innovative, custom-designed solution that powers an industry first offering brought to market by Air Canada. Called “On My Way”, it is a comprehensive travel assistance service for customers affected by flight delays or travel disruptions that are beyond the control of airlines, from adverse weather conditions to airport or air traffic delays.
Based in New Orleans and with offices in New York City, iSeatz offers a highly customized travel and entertainment solution, comprised of a flexible booking engine and extensive network of sourced suppliers that it individually designs and deploys for each of its clients. iSeatz’ industry leading clients include Delta Air Lines, Northwest Airlines, Air Canada, Priceline.com, Southwest Airlines, MasterCard, Citigroup, Orbitz and Travelocity.com.
Kenneth will be recognized at an awards luncheon September 26, 2008 at the Sheraton Hotel on Canal Street. A special Innovator of the Year insert will run in the September 29, 2008 issue of New Orleans CityBusiness.
iSeatz.com
iSeatz offers a highly customized travel and entertainment solution, comprised of a flexible booking engine and extensive network of sourced suppliers that it individually designs and deploys for each of its clients. By serving as the seamless bridge between its top-tier clients and network of Marketing Partners, the iSeatz solution enables clients to further differentiate their loyalty programs, generate ancillary revenue and power brand devotion. The iSeatz solution provides a single integration, enabling supplier direct-connects and immediate access to up to 60,000 international suppliers and products, and is delivered via a proprietary technology platform that drives repeat usage and advanced functionality. iSeatz also provides dedicated 24/7 multilingual customer support services to ensure satisfaction and productivity. To learn more about iSeatz.com visit .
iSeatz

BLOOMFIELD HILLS, Mich., July 30 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Ardent shoppers can score not only terrific buys but a fashionable LeSportsac travel kit at one of seven Taubman shopping centers across the United States. Beverly Center (Los Angeles), Cherry Creek Shopping Center (Denver), Dolphin Mall (Miami), Great Lakes Crossing (Auburn Hills, Mich.), International Plaza (Tampa), The Pier Shops at Caesars (Atlantic City) and Woodfield Mall (Schaumburg, Ill.) are participating in the latest promotion aimed at tourists who live more than 50 miles away from the shopping center. To receive their LeSportsac bag, guests who spend $500 in the same day simply take their receipts and proof of residence to the center’s customer service desk.
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LeSportsac revolutionized the accessories market in the 1970s when it introduced lightweight rip-stop nylon handbags and totes. Today the company is an industry leader known for its fun, durable and brightly-patterned items. Their travel kit is perfect for those making a Taubman shopping center part of their travel experience.
The travel kit (a $34 value) features a zippered main enclosure, plus two side zipper pockets — perfect for packing travel-size toiletries and other essentials. Because LeSportsac typically produces most patterns in limited editions, each center may stock different designs and the bags will be available while supplies last.
Taubman Centers, Inc. , a real estate investment trust, owns and/or manages 24 shopping centers in 11 states. For more information visit .
For ease of use, references in this press release to “Taubman Centers” or “Taubman” mean Taubman Centers, Inc. or one or more of a number of separate, affiliated entities. Business is actually conducted by an affiliated entity rather than Taubman Centers, Inc. itself.

Taubman Centers, Inc.

CHICAGO, July 28 /PRNewswire/ — In today’s economy, travelers are looking for inexpensive vacation options that don’t sacrifice a great experience for a lower price. The travel experts at CheapTickets.com (), a leading online travel agency that knows “the less you pay, the better it feels(SM),” recommend cruises as a sound choice for those watching their bottom line.
As cruising continues to gain popularity — the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) projected a record breaking 12.8 million passengers this year — travelers will find distinct advantages to choosing an adventure on the high-seas. Offering five benefits to cruising and strategies for snagging the best deals, CheapTickets.com invites vacationers to explore their options to see the world aboard a cruise ship.
“Cruises are gaining popularity as consumers tighten their purse strings, and is a great option for a fall vacation,” said Heather Leisman, senior director of merchandising for CheapTickets. “Not only are our customers taking advantage of the low-season prices for the most popular itineraries, but they’re also avoiding high airfares by choosing one of the over 20 cruise homeports in the US.”
CheapTickets Top Five Reasons to CRUISE:

1. All-inclusive costs: Most cruise companies include the cost of meals
and onboard entertainment in their final price, making it easy for
traveler to budget in advance. This proves especially advantageous for
the Europe-bound traveler, who might otherwise be affected by
fluctuating exchange rates.
2. More ports closer to home: There are now more than 20 cruise ports in
North America, allowing many travelers to drive to the ship and avoid
airfare costs.
3. Multiple destinations for less: Cruises are a cost-effective way to
explore multiple islands or countries without incurring transfer fees
between destinations.
4. Mobility in inclement weather: Today’s cruise ships are outfitted with
satellite technology that allows them to easily avoid inclement
weather, making cruises a more secure investment during hurricane
season.
5. Wide assortment of activities: The cruise industry has mastered the art
of providing something for everyone. From kids camps and dance
lessons, to rock climbing and yoga classes, cruises provide rewarding
experiences for a wide range of audiences.

Online Tools and Tips

Cruise deals are plentiful on CheapTickets with cruises.cheaptickets.com featuring weekly promotions, often introducing one-day sales for specific cruise lines. In addition, the “Cheap of the Week” tab is updated daily, debuting fresh offers in the cruises section. Procrastinators will find notable savings on CheapTickets’ “Last Minute Trips” tab, which highlights cruises departing in less than 45 days. For those looking to avoid airfare costs, the “Home Port Cruises” section directs travelers to ships departing nearby.
Savvy online shoppers will find added discounts thanks to CheapTickets special senior and resident rates, and cruising “alumni” often find reduced rates as returning passengers. For those looking to test the water, CheapTickets also features one-night dinner cruises. These events are an excellent way for intrigued travelers to board a large ship with a minimal investment of time and money.
Top Deals on Popular Cruise Routes(1)

— Western Caribbean from $189: The 4-night Carnival Imagination Cruise
departs from Miami, exploring Key West and Cozumel.
— Baja Mexico from $189: From Los Angeles, the 4-night Carnival Paradise
visits Southern California’s Catalina Island and Mexico’s Ensenada.
— Bermuda from $549: Norwegian Dream departs Boston for a 7-night voyage.
— Europe and North Africa - from $499: The 7-night tour with Costa
Cruises departs Rome, visiting Genoa, Italy, Barcelona and Mallorca,
Spain, Tunis, Tunisia, Valleta, Malta and Palermo, Sicily.
— Alaska from $599: From Vancouver, BC, Canada, Holland America Line
explores Juneau, Skaqway and Ketchikan.

Terms & Conditions:
(1)Sample rates shown were accurate and available on CheapTickets.com on
7/09/2008 on the travel dates specified and may not represent current
prices because our real-time pricing booking engine is constantly
updating prices and availability.

About CheapTickets

CheapTickets is a leading seller of discounted leisure travel products online through its Web site, . CheapTickets provides consumers access to its collection of airfares on hundreds of airlines. In addition to cheap flights, CheapTickets’ family of discounted travel products also includes cheap hotels, cheap cruises, cheap rental cars, cheap vacation packages, condo rentals and Last Minute Trips. Founded in 1986, CheapTickets is a brand that is owned and operated by Orbitz Worldwide . OWW also owns and operates Orbitz (), ebookers (), HotelClub (), RatesToGo () and the Away Network ().
CheapTickets.com

WARWICK, R.I., July 28 /PRNewswire/ — As the complexities of travel today continue to challenge and frustrate travelers, many are turning to travel insurance as a means of protection. InsureMyTrip.com, the leading online travel insurance comparison site, reports growing interest in “Cancel For Any Reason” coverage.
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“‘Cancel For Any Reason’ puts you in control if your summer vacation, business trip, or family cruise is compromised,” explains Jim Grace, President and CEO of InsureMyTrip.com. “Simply put, with ‘Cancel For Any Reason’ you decide whether or not to cancel your trip.”
The combination of a struggling economy, skyrocketing fuel costs, and multiplying airline woes, has created a powerful triumvirate of problems that are impacting consumers in many different ways. Available from several insurance providers “Cancel For Any Reason” is an optional benefit that empowers travelers to cancel trips for any reason of their choosing including sudden unemployment, schedule conflicts, even bad weather, up to two days prior to departure. “Cancel For Any Reason” policies vary by company and must be purchased within 15 days of your initial trip deposit.
To learn more about “Cancel For Any Reason” and other travel insurance plans that put you in control of your travels, visit online or call (800) 487-4722 to speak with a licensed travel insurance expert. Whether you simply need one question answered or want step-by-step help in selecting a travel insurance policy, InsureMyTrip’s professional Customer Care representatives are waiting for your call.
About InsureMyTrip.com
Established in 2000, InsureMyTrip.com is the leading, consumer-oriented online travel insurance aggregator worldwide. Featuring insurance comparisons from the top industry providers, InsureMyTrip.com is a unique, one-stop resource designed to meet consumers’ comprehensive travel insurance needs all in a secure environment. InsureMyTrip.com also specializes in providing integrated technology solutions for the travel insurance industry, with over 2,000 private-labeled and co-branded travel-related websites around the globe. InsureMyTrip.com is headquartered in Warwick, RI with additional offices and data centers in Connecticut and Oregon.
Available Topic Expert(s): For information on the listed expert(s), click appropriate link. James Grace

InsureMyTrip.Com

COLUMBIA, S.C., July 27 /PRNewswire/ — The South Carolina National Heritage Corridor (SCNHC) has announced plans to invite the public to join them on a trip to Barbados October 22-26, 2008, to explore the long-standing historical and cultural connections between them.
The connection dates back to the birth of the Carolina colony when a boat carrying English planters and African slaves from Barbados landed at what is now Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site in 1670.
South Carolina’s African American Heritage
The four-day heritage symposium will focus on the ties that still exist between the Caribbean island and the southeastern state. The visible connections between the two have grown over the past 338 years and are evident in South Carolina’s culture, arts, food, architecture, language, agriculture, African American heritage and government structure.
Traveling Art & History Exhibit
The trip is the culminating event of a traveling art and history exhibit which has been on the road since December 2007, and which is jointly sponsored by the SCNHC and the Barbados Ministry of Tourism. The exhibit, entitled The Connection, comprises more than 70 pieces from South Carolinian and Barbadian artists representing various media that reflect the similarities of the two in the fields of agriculture, horticulture, arts, African American and maritime heritage. In addition to the artwork, the show includes an interpretive exhibit highlighting the rich historical and cultural connection still present between the island and the South Carolina of today.
The “international connection” has been highlighted in a new and innovative way as the exhibit marks the first time that a congressionally designated National Heritage Area has pushed beyond its borders to partner with another country in a project of this magnitude. In so doing, both locales are afforded a more complete understanding of their own past while also benefiting from the positive economic impact that such a heightened awareness of similarities brings.
Speakers, Touring & Local Cuisine
The trip will include tours, speakers, and traveling workshops with visits to the George Washington House, St. Nicholas Abbey, Caribbean Art Gallery, and various gardens and churches. In addition, the rich local cuisine will be highlighted throughout the trip.
The cost of the trip is $850 plus lodging and leaves from the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. For more information, go to and click on The Connection.
South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism

NEW YORK, July 22 /PRNewswire/ — Due to popular demand, the Fall Best of Barbados package’s booking deadline has been extended until August 15, allowing travelers even more time to secure incredible savings on an authentic Caribbean vacation. From now until August 15, 2008, Best of Barbados can be booked for travel to the island between September 1 and December 20. Don’t miss out on this second chance to reserve the Fall Best of Barbados package, guaranteed to leave warm memories that last a lifetime, as well as a pocket full of savings!
Visitors on the Best of Barbados program can take advantage of the following:
– A $200 air credit per person
– First night free (minimum of seven nights based on a maximum of two people per room)
— Free full breakfast daily
— $25.00 voucher for dinner for two at Oistins Fish Fry

– Get one free car-rental day at participating car-rental companies when two or more days are purchased
— Buy one ticket and get the 2nd half off at participating attractions
— High-value discounts at numerous retail stores in Bridgetown

Those that book for travel during September 2008 will receive the September Special Add-On to their package. This incredible deal increases air credit to $300 per person. Also, an all-inclusive package that offers one night free is available to those who book 5 nights/6 days.
Further information on the Fall 2008 Best of Barbados package and a list of participating hotels, restaurants and attractions can be found at or by calling the Barbados Tourism Authority at 1(800) 221-9831. For reservations, consumers should contact their preferred travel agent.
The island of Barbados offers the most authentic Caribbean experience with its exceptionally rich culture and history rooted in remarkable landscapes, including St. Philip’s beach, voted one of the world’s sexiest beaches for 2008 by Concierge.com. Barbados is the first and only Zagat-rated Caribbean island with numerous internationally renowned chefs who masterfully put signature spins on local delicacies and traditions. Barbados is also an ideal stage for world-class events and has hosted numerous athletic championships, including the ICC Cricket World Cup Final 2007 and the 2006 PGA World Golf Championship-The Barbados World Cup. Accommodations range from picturesque plantation houses and villas to quaint bed and breakfasts to award-winning five-star resorts. The newly renovated Grantley Adams International Airport offers non-stop and direct service from a growing number of U.S. cities via Air Jamaica, American Airlines, Delta and US Airways, making Barbados the true gateway to the Eastern Caribbean. The Barbados Tourism Authority has provided excellent service for 50 years and is a proud member of the Barbados Hotel & Tourism Association.
Barbados Tourism Authority

ATLANTA, July 24 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — TRX, Inc. , a global technology company that develops and hosts software applications to process data records and automate manual processes, announced today the release of Hotel Analytics, a complementary product offering to the TRX travel Analytics airline sourcing tools and services. Hotel Analytics offers pre-bid diagnostics to optimize hotel bid lists, identify savings opportunities, and reduce costs. The solution provides a unique approach to the industry’s challenge of consolidating multiple data sources, numerous destinations, and various hotel service levels.
“Hotel Analytics is a logical next step in offering our clients the best in reporting and analytical tools to manage their corporate travel spending,” said TRX President & CEO, Trip Davis. “With global hotel demand on the rise and hotel rate and dynamic pricing models becoming more complex, we have addressed the corporate travel managers’ needs with the same level of expertise and innovation we bring to the airline procurement space.”
A key feature of Hotel Analytics is the identification of hotels in relation to a client’s concentrated spend through an enhanced geo-coding and clustering methodology that helps identify pre-sourcing saving opportunities. Additional benefits of Hotel Analytics include:
— Ability to evaluate and negotiate better hotel supplier rates
— Quantification and tracking of savings for hotel program spend
— Improvement of travel program policies and traveler practices

TRX travel Analytics offers deep category expertise and unbiased support to corporations that wish to actively manage travel procurement and spend analysis. Using innovative and patented technologies to power its travel analytics services, the solution helps travel and procurement managers make smart decisions about their suppliers and travel policies, with a focus on achieving practical savings.
About TRX
TRX is a global technology company. We develop and host software applications that process data records and automate manual processes, enabling our clients to optimize performance and control costs. We are a leading provider to the travel industry. We deliver our technology applications in an on-demand environment to travel agencies, corporations, travel suppliers, government agencies, credit card associations, credit card issuing banks, and third-party administrators. TRX is headquartered in Atlanta with operations and associates in North America, Europe, and Asia.
TRX

PALO ALTO, Calif., July 23 /PRNewswire/ — travel Messenger(TM), the latest breakthrough in travel information technology designed to build powerful bonds between travelers and their on and off-line travel agents domestically and around the world, is being launched at the AlwaysOn & STVP Summit at Stanford, CA [July 22 - 24, 2008].
The company, Loop9, is headed by leading travel evangelists including Steve Hibbard, Former CEO Lonely Planet and, Michael Baldwin, former VP Sabre Holdings.
The patent pending technology, which covers 200 countries and 3000 cities around the globe, enables travel agents to automatically provide up-to-the-minute personalized services delivered to customers’ mobile phones via proven SMS technology.
Mark McCormack, CEO of Loop9 said agents and airlines now have an opportunity to enhance their current offerings and develop an unprecedented level of client loyalty in the competitive and price sensitive travel space.
Loop9’s travel Messenger(TM) keeps travelers informed every step of the way by providing regularly updated personal travel information by SMS/Text.
“Flight times, departure gates, hotel reservations, exchange rates, weather and even travel warnings are all constantly updated by SMS. The traveler just needs to check their text messages to see where they are going next and the information they need to get there,” said McCormack.
“For the sake of getting to a meeting on time to close a deal, or simply to keep your valued staff feeling valued on the road travel Messenger(TM), will pay for itself on the first SMS.”
Gap year students and young travelers, through to mature and seasoned travelers can also all benefit from services like 24/7 country security alerts, delay advisories, and even translation and entertainment advice at the tap of a phone.
McCormack says travel Messenger was an ideal solution for corporate business travel units, providing a simple and easily deployed travel information service that could be used throughout a company to keep road warriors in touch and most importantly safe.
“Travel Messenger — Don’t take off without it” (TM)
Loop9 is presenting at the AlwaysOn & STVP Summit at Stanford as part of the BSI USA program [.
For more information contact your local travel agent.

Media Consultancy
DatelineMedia Communications
Office: 650 798 5238
Cell: 650 279 7771

Loop9

NEW YORK, July 22 /PRNewswire/ — As thousands of Americans head to Beijing for the 2008 Summer Olympic Games, ShermansTravel.com has posted the most crucial bring-with travel document after the Chinese visa.
The ShermansTravel.com Top Ten Beijing Experiences
– Hang Out in the Hutongs: Learn about the cultural significance of the fast-disappearing hutong neighborhoods.
– Access the Forbidden City: Perhaps the most essential and astonishing stop on any Beijing itinerary.
– Infiltrate the Art Scene: A renovated industrial complex in north Beijing is the hub of China’s white-hot contemporary arts scene.
– Pub Hop in Houhai: Created seven centuries ago, the ponds of Houhai are now lined with teahouses, shops, and pubs.
– Explore Nanluo Guxiang: 700-year-old lanes have morphed into a happening district of bars, cafes, stores, and small hotels.
– Go Clubbing at LAN: Designed by Philippe Starck, the expansive space boasts Mongolian yurts in the dining room and eagle-winged thrones in the lounge.
– Shop at Torana Galleries: Tibet enthusiast Chris Buckley sells exquisite hand-woven Tibetan carpets, rugs, and antiques.
– Try Peking Roast Duck: This bustling diner serves home-style Beijing dishes, including a sizzling version of the capital specialty.
– Romance the Great Wall: Located at the foot of the Great Wall of China, Commune by the Great Wall is a splurge-worthy design hotel and one of the best ways to experience The Wall.
– Haggle at a Market: Bargaining in a market is one of the most authentic Beijing experiences one can have.
The travel experts at ShermansTravel have also created a Guide to Beijing, one of the most comprehensive Beijing travel guides to be published online this summer including recommendations for nightlife, neighborhoods, restaurants, day trips, things to do, insider tips, and more, at .
To learn more about Beijing, visit . Travelers interested in exploring regions beyond the Chinese capital can access a comprehensive overview Guide to China, as well as detailed Guides to Shanghai and Hong Kong. Readers can also sign up for Sherman’s Top 25, a free weekly e-newsletter of the week’s 25 best travel deals at .
ABOUT SHERMANS travel MEDIA
ShermansTravel Media is a leading travel media company that publishes ShermansTravel.com and Sherman’s travel magazine. Founded by James Sherman in 2002 to help travelers make sense of the overwhelming number of online travel specials, ShermansTravel.com is now the web’s most trusted source for editor-screened travel deals and destination advice. Sherman’s Top 25, a free weekly e-newsletter published every Wednesday, has surpassed four million subscribers. The company also has syndication partnerships with leading web sites, including MSNBC.com, MSN.com, USAToday.com, and Yahoo!. Building on its trusted online brand, ShermansTravel Media launched Sherman’s Travel, the first magazine serving sophisticated, value-conscious travelers, in October 2006.
ShermansTravel.com

CHICAGO, July 22 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Orbitz Worldwide, Inc. will host a conference call to discuss the company’s financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2008, on August 4 at noon EDT (11:00 a.m. CDT). A live webcast of the call can be accessed through the Orbitz Worldwide Investor Relations website at .
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The company will issue a press release reporting the results prior to the call.
The recorded webcast will be archived on the Orbitz Worldwide Investor Relations website for at least three months after the date of the call, and an MP3 file of the call will be available for download from the site.
About Orbitz Worldwide
Orbitz Worldwide (corp.orbitz.com) is a leading global online travel company that uses innovative technology to enable leisure and business travelers to research, plan and book a broad range of travel products offered by over 75,000 suppliers worldwide. Orbitz Worldwide owns and operates a portfolio of consumer brands. In the U.S., those brands include Orbitz () and CheapTickets (), a leading online site for discounted leisure travel products. Orbitz Worldwide’s international brands include ebookers (), a leading full-service online travel company in Europe, serving customers through 13 country-specific websites; HotelClub (), a global accommodation specialist website offering hotels in approximately 120 countries; and RatesToGo (), which offers last-minute hotel reservations worldwide. The Away Network () specializes in providing travel content for travelers seeking unique experiences and activities. Orbitz for Business () is a full-service managed business travel program offering a portfolio of business travel products for small to large companies. Orbitz Worldwide is listed on the New York Stock Exchange .

Orbitz Worldwide, Inc.