Entries in the 'Travel' Category

Study Shows Pure Michigan Campaign Effectiveness

LANSING, Mich., April 16 /PRNewswire/ — Travel Michigan’s advertising in key out-of-state markets during the summer and fall seasons continue to deliver a significant return on investment (ROI) according to a recent study conducted by Longwoods International, a research firm specializing in tourism advertising return on investment. Travel Michigan, the State’s official agency for the promotion of tourism, today announced the findings of the study evaluating the impact of Travel Michigan’s advertising campaign from 2004- 2007.According to the study, during the four years more than 3.8 million visitors, who would not have traveled to Michigan otherwise, spent more than $800 million statewide at Michigan businesses as a direct result of the Travel Michigan advertising program. Travel Michigan spent $20 million advertising in its primary out-of-state markets during that four year period, and the new travel and visitor spending generated by that advertising put an additional $56.4 million into the state treasury.”We are pleased with the results of the study. This research has proven that for every advertising dollar spent in these key out-of-state markets, $2.82 came back to the state of Michigan in the form of new tax revenue,” said George Zimmermann, vice president for Travel Michigan, a business unit of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. “The bottom line is that Michigan’s ROI from tourism promotional activities is positive for the state.”Longwoods International recently assessed the impact of the summer and fall seasons advertising on the residents of six out-of-state markets: Chicago, Cleveland, Indianapolis, Cincinnati, Milwaukee, and Ontario, Canada. The focus of the study was to show the impact Travel Michigan’s advertising had on the perceptions of Michigan as a travel destination, the levels of travel generated by the advertising, and the economic impact of that travel.The results were announced at the Driving Tourism 2008: Michigan Lodging and Tourism Conference in Grand Rapids. Overall the tourism industry contributes $18.8 billion to Michigan’s economy annually, accounting for 200,000 jobs and generating $1.1 billion in state tax revenues.Travel Michigan, a division of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, is the state of Michigan’s official agency for the promotion of tourism. Travel Michigan markets the state’s tourism industry and provides valuable visitor information services. For Michigan travel news and updates, go to michigan.org.Contact: Kirsten Borgstrom, (517) 335-1871Jenny Schilp, (248) 225-6744 Travel Michigan

Short But Oh, So Sweet: Celebrity Cruises To Reprise Four- and Five-Night Caribbean Sailings in 2009

MIAMI, April 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Celebrity Cruises’ four- and five-night Caribbean sailings are perfect getaways for guests who crave a taste of the line’s signature service with style and the spectacular sunsets of the Caribbean. The line’s 2009-2010 winter Caribbean season will feature, for the third consecutive year, a series of these sailings on the recently refurbished Celebrity Century. These voyages opened for sale today.From December 12, 2009 through April 22, 2010, Celebrity Century will sail a total of 29 short Western Caribbean itineraries, departing from Miami, Florida, on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Each itinerary features two ports of call; these include Ocho Rios, Jamaica; Georgetown, Grand Cayman; Cozumel, Mexico; and Key West, Florida.Onboard the 1,814-guest Celebrity Century, guests can enjoy all the enhancements made when the ship underwent a $55-million makeover in 2006. These upgrades included the addition of 314 new verandas, 14 new suites, 10 new staterooms ranging from inside to veranda categories, and an expanded number of ConciergeClass category staterooms. Celebrity also expanded its AquaSpa, added the specialty restaurant, Murano, refurbished the main dining room, created the first ice bar at sea, and enhanced the bedding in staterooms.In port, guests can experience the delights of the Caribbean through a variety of shore and land excursions, such as “Temazcal Mayan Steamlodge Experience” in Cozumel, which includes a shaman-guided ritual reflective of those that the ancient Mexicans would perform; “Chukka Ultimate Adventure” in Ocho Rios, which offers a horseback ride along the White River, river innertubing, a Jamaican lunch and a hike; or “Taste of Key West,” a guided walking tour through the town’s colorful gardens and historic buildings, with delectable treats included.To learn more about Celebrity’s 2009-2010 short Caribbean sailings, guests are encouraged to visit . Guests also can tour Celebrity Century at .Celebrity Cruises offers comfortably sophisticated, upscale cruise experiences with highly personalized service, exceptional dining, and extraordinary attention to detail. Celebrity sails in Alaska, Australia/New Zealand, California, Canada/New England, the Caribbean, Europe, Galapagos Islands, Hawaii, the Pacific Coast, Panama Canal and South America. The line also offers unique cruisetour vacations in Alaska, Australia, Canada, Europe and South America. Noted for “The Top Cruise Ships in the World,” as voted by the readers of Conde’ Nast Traveler (February 2008 readers’ poll), Celebrity’s current fleet will be joined by Celebrity Solstice in 2008, Celebrity Equinox in 2009, Celebrity Eclipse in 2010, and a fourth Solstice-class ship in 2011. For more information, call your travel agent, dial 1-800-437-3111 or visit . Celebrity Cruises

It’s Open Spa Season at Fairmont Hotels & Resorts Around the World

TORONTO April 14 PRNewswire - Shed some stress this spring at Willow Stream and Fairmont Spas around the world Like spring break for the sophisticated traveler spa season is a value spa vacation at select spas for the months of April and May 2008 In the latest CHG survey VP Stephanie Pearson states Traveling consumers are continually realizing the health benefits of incorporating spa into their busy lifestylesPhoto Located in some of the most breathtaking parts of the world each Willow Stream and Fairmont Spa restores guests with energy-inspired experiences that reflect the destinations culture and historyWith a two night minimum stay an upgrade is guaranteed Spa season packages also include spa robes and slippers to use during your stay as well as products from Kerstin Florian International a 25 Willow Stream or Fairmont Spa credit per person a personal letter from the spa director and a spa brochure and coordinator to help you choose your experiences and book appointments For full terms and conditions visit USWillow Stream Spa at The Fairmont Newport Beach in Orange County California marks the completion of a 32 million dollar hotel makeover Room rates at 179 per night Enjoy experiences like The Crystal Clear Experience and The Generosity MassageOne of the only luxury spa resorts in the country with its own source of thermal mineral water The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn and Spa room rates begin at 349 per nightLocated in the heart of the sun The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess starts at 399 per night With two 18 hole golf courses and a Willow Stream Spa this spa is ranked one of the best spas in North America by Conde Nast TravelerRates at The Fairmont Turnberry Isle Resort and Club start at 399 This Mediterranean style resort located in South Florida just completed a 100 million transformation with two new golf courses and a renovated 35000 square foot Willow Stream SpaIndulge at The Fairmont Orchid This spa without walls offers waterfall massage hale huts and oceanfront massage cabanas Rates begin at 419CANADAAwarded by international travel magazines and readers rates at The Fairmont Banff Springs in Alberta Canada begin at 249 CAD Authentic and locally-inspired spa experiences include a revitalizing 60 or 90 minute Alpine Aromatherapy MassageSpa season rates at Fairmont Le Chateau Montebello begin at 169 CAD Ideal for an adventurous escape this spa blends the romantic-fireside massages in the couples suite with the great outdoorsMEXICOAt Willow Stream Spa at The Fairmont Acapulco Princess in Acapulco luxury meets the vibrant energy of the Aztecs Rates begin at 260 USD Locally-inspired experiences include The Latin Latte and the Balance Barro BodyFairmont Mayakoba and its Willow Stream Spa topped Travel Leisures June It List as one of the years best authentic destinations Rates start at 299 USD Spa experiences include Food of the Gods which features Mayan chocolate cacaoEUROPEThe Fairmont Saint Andrews Scotland is the perfect destination for those who love to golf and spa On top a summit of a spectacular formation the hotel and its two golf courses have panoramic views of the Eden estuary Rates start at 389 USDWillow Stream Spa at Fairmont Le Montreux Palace is situated on the shores of Lake Geneva overlooking the Alps Rates at the award-winning Fairmont Le Montreux Palace begin at 475 USDMIDDLE EAST AND ASIAWillow Stream Spa at The Fairmont Dubai in the United Arab Emirates is set within rolling sand dunes and gorgeous beaches Rates start at 349 USD The spa has two rooftop swimming pools with views of the city skylineRates at the award-winning Fairmont Singapore begin at 285 USD Unique experiences include the Shirodhara inspired Peace Quiet spa experience or Willow Stream Elements based on European Spa Kur ritualsFor reservations call Fairmont Hotels Resorts at 18887602929 or visit for participating spas Madeline Johnson MJMPR 2122283640 Fairmont Hotels Resorts

Zigging When They Zag: Seabourn Builds Its Future on Small Ships

MIAMI, April 14 /PRNewswire/ — At a time when cruise lines are building bigger and bigger ships, The Yachts of Seabourn is purposefully bucking the trend, and instead building intimate, yacht-like vessels that will allow it to maintain its position at the top of the ultra luxury segment of the travel industry. Amid all the excitement about whose next ship will be the world’s largest, the company’s elegant, all-suite Seabourn Odyssey, due to be launched in June of 2009, will extend the company’s commitment to providing the sort of highly personalized service and exceptional delivery of destinations that is only possible on small ships.Seabourn Odyssey and the two other new vessels that Seabourn has on order will each carry just 450 guests at double occupancy, where other ultra luxury ships are being designed for up to 750 guests, and the industry’s newest mega-ship, once launched, will hold 6,400.”I think there is a line between a small-ship and a large-ship experience,” said Seabourn president & CEO Pamela C. Conover. “We choose not to cross that line,” she continued, “because we are committed to providing the sort of individualized experience that is the reason Seabourn guests choose to travel with us. We are building for a particular sort of very discerning traveler who understands the equation between intimacy and luxury.”The new ships, Seabourn Odyssey and her un-named sisters-to-be, will provide among the highest ratios of space per guest in the industry, and they will take advantage of that space to lay on amenities such as an expansive 11,500-square foot indoor/outdoor spa, spread over two decks, that will be the largest on any luxury ship. Ninety percent of the ship’s guest accommodations will have private verandas, and the ships will feature four alternative dining venues, again unheard of for ships of this size. But for all their spaciousness, the new Seabourn yachts are designed to engender the relaxed, sociable lifestyle that characterizes life aboard their smaller sisters. Lounges are scaled for informal gathering and conversation, which are also encouraged by Seabourn’s all-inclusive fares, which provide complimentary service of beverages including wines and spirits throughout the cruise. Their intimate size will allow them to call at ports and harbors where larger ships cannot follow, giving Seabourn’s privileged guests access to the sort of authentic experiences they seek when they travel.Seabourn Odyssey will begin her maiden season sailing in the Eastern Mediterranean and Black Seas, visiting marquee ports such as Venice, Dubrovnik, Istanbul and Yalta, as well as newly-discovered gems including Batumi, Georgia; Sochi, Russia and the Greek Isles of Khyos and Symi. Like her smaller sisters, Odyssey will take advantage of secluded anchorages in Triluke Bay on Croatia’s Dalmatian coast and the Greek island of Amorgos to deploy its signature water sports marina, offering guests the pleasure of a day spent enjoying the Seabourn yachting lifestyle in the warm, clear waters, right from their own luxurious craft.With Early Booking Savings of up to 35ACIORFIPROCENTE, fares for Seabourn Odyssey voyages start from $4,002 per person, based on double occupancy. Other Seabourn yacht vacations start from $2,398 per person, double.For information on Seabourn Odyssey or any of The Yachts of Seabourn, contact your travel agent, call Seabourn at 1-800-929-9391 or visit .The Yachts of Seabourn provide the ultimate in ultra luxury cruise vacations to the most desirable destinations on earth. Seabourn is a proud member of World’s Leading Cruise Lines. Our exclusive alliance also includes Aida Cruises, Carnival Cruise Lines, Holland America Line, Ocean Village, P&O Cruises, Princess Cruises, Cunard Line and Costa Cruises. Sharing a passion to please each guest, and a commitment to quality and value, our member lines appeal to a wide range of lifestyles and budgets. Together we offer exciting and enriching cruise vacations to the world’s most desirable destinations. The Yachts of Seabourn is a brand of Carnival Corporation and plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL and NYSE: CUK), and supports the Ocean Conservation & Tourism Alliance, dedicated to education and promotion of best practices for protecting the marine environment. The Yachts of Seabourn

FLO Announces Benefits Packages and Web Portal

CHANTILLY, Va., April 14 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — FLO Corporation (BULLETIN BOARD: FLRP) , a leading Registered Traveler (RT) services provider, today announced the launch of two new membership offerings, a host of available added-value benefits, and a new Website designed to provide members with access to products and services that will improve the travel experience in today’s increasingly challenging air services marketplace. The announcement strengthens FLO’s standing as the only public company focused exclusively on RT.FLO has responded to traveler needs with an innovative business model purpose-built to provide members with benefits, choice and value beyond the airport security lane, an approach that has been coined RT 2.0. Specifically, FLO memberships provide convenience, productivity and safety-related services while members travel within the U.S. and abroad. The benefits announced today are national, versus one-off local specials.The value-packed Gold Ambassador membership card is priced at $100 and includes such desirable benefits as: — travel-related discounts; — identity theft protection; — worldwide travel assistance; — travel medical services; and — GPS tracking and navigation services.The Platinum Ambassador card is priced at $200 and offers additional premium benefits such as: — worldwide airline lounge access; — global concierge services; — mortgage benefits; and — travel insurance.As a point of competitive differentiation, FLO membership pricing includes the $28.00 TSA vetting fee. As such, FLO’s Gold Ambassador card costs consumers roughly 30ACIORFIPROCENTE less than competitive offerings and comes preloaded with considerably more features and benefits. FLO’s Platinum Ambassador service is for those consumers seeking the very best - the ultimateRT value proposition. Members choose the benefits package that meets their needs and are provided a smart card that allows access to all airport RT lanes throughout the country. Complete membership information, enrollment options and a variety of useful features can be found at FLO’s newly designed Web portal at .FLO Chief Executive Officer Glenn Argenbright stated, “Today FLO celebrates with its members and partners an important milestone in its corporate development strategy. We have a large backlog of corporate accounts that we have been working to enroll and, over the last several weeks, we’ve seen a notable uptick in activity in Atlanta, New York, San Francisco, and San Jose. In working with our corporate customers, we found that they were looking for additional value beyond the security lane. We responded with a business model centered on an open benefits platform, allowing us to bring unique and innovative products and services to our members well beyond the basic RT offerings currently available.”Global Travel Services and Workplace Resources Manager for NetApp Susan Dupart added, “RT is one of the few opportunities to move passengers expeditiously into the secure sides of airports supporting TSA safety and security missions while helping business travelers recapture the productivity that has been lost in the post 9-11 era. We need a financially strong and innovative RT industry to achieve a critical mass of RT members and success at the national level. FLO’s next-generation RT 2.0 solution should help ensure the program’s success.”About FLOFLO Corporation provides a comprehensive solution for the Registered Traveler program that is built on world-class, scalable technology and administered by the U.S. Transportation Security Administration. The Registered Traveler program is designed to identify air passengers who pose a minimal security risk and then to provide those passengers with access to faster and simpler processing at airport security checkpoints. FLO Corporation has formed the “FLO Alliance” - strategic relationships with several companies with extensive expertise in credentialing, security, access control, customer service, travel services, political lobbying and corporate and consumer marketing - designed to develop, market, sell and deploy an end-to-end solution and to provide next-generation RT 2.0 membership benefits to qualified individuals for expedited security screening in designated lanes at participating airports in addition to receiving promotional offers and discounts offered by retail partners. The FLO Alliance partnership consists of FLO Corporation, Microsoft, JPMorgan Chase, Unisys Corporation, Smiths Detection Inc., International RAM and ID Technology Partners. For more information about the FLO program and Alliance visit .NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTSThis release contains information about our management’s view of our future expectations, plans and prospects that constitute forward-looking statements for purposes of the safe harbor provisions under The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Actual results may differ materially from historical results or those indicated by these forward-looking statements as a result of a variety of factors. For example, our business will depend on our ability to establish and maintain strategic relationships with travel services, technology, and other companies. If we are unable to establish and maintain such relationships or if current relationships were to weaken, our actual results may differ materially from those indicated by the statements made in this release and our business could suffer. Other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from historical results or those indicated by the statements in this release include, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties associated with our financial condition, our planned acquisition of Unisys’ rtGO(sm) Registered Traveler business, and our efforts to meet the TSA’s requirements to offer Registered Traveler services to sponsoring entities as well as those included in our registration statement on Form 10-SB filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 28, 2007, and other documents we periodically file with the Securities and Exchange Commission.NOTE REGARDING TRADEMARKS”FLO” is a trademark of FLO Corporation. The names of actual companies mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.Media Contact:Amanda Cheslock - Sloane & Company - 212.446.1884 or Investor Contact:Josh Hochberg - Sloane & Company - 212.446.1892 or FLO Corporation

Expedia, Inc. to Audiocast Earnings Conference Call

BELLEVUE, Wash., April 10 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Expedia, Inc. will host a conference call to discuss financial results for its first quarter ended March 31, 2008 on Thursday, May 1, 2008 at 8:00 a.m. Pacific Time (PT) / 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time (ET). Expedia, Inc. will issue a press release reporting its results before the market opens on May 1.The press release, live audiocast and audiocast replay will be available to the public at . Replays of the conference call are expected to be available for at least three months after the call date.About Expedia, Inc.Expedia, Inc. is the world’s leading online travel company, empowering business and leisure travelers with the tools and information they need to easily research, plan, book and experience travel. Expedia, Inc. also provides in-destination concierge service and activity desks for travelers. The Expedia, Inc. portfolio of brands includes: Expedia.com(R), hotels.com(R), Hotwire(R), Expedia(R) Corporate Travel, TripAdvisor(R), Expedia Local Expert(TM), Classic Vacations(R) and eLong(TM). Expedia, Inc.’s companies operate more than 50 global points of sale with sites in North America, South America, Latin America, Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific. Expedia, Inc. is a component of the S&P 500 index. For more information, visit .Expedia and Expedia.com are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Expedia, Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries. Classic Vacations is either a trademark or registered trademark of Classic Vacations, LLC in the U.S. and/or other countries. hotels.com is either a trademark or registered trademark of hotels.com, L.P., a subsidiary of hotels.com in the U.S. and/or other countries. Hotwire is either a trademark or registered trademark of Hotwire, Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries. TripAdvisor is either a trademark or registered trademark of TripAdvisor, LLC in the U.S. and/or other countries. Other logos or product and company names mentioned herein may be the property of their respective owners. Expedia, Inc.

Country Inns & Suites By Carlson Receives Gallup Great Workplace Award 2008

MINNEAPOLIS, April 10 /PRNewswire/ — Country Inns & Suites By Carlson today announced that it will receive the Gallup Great Workplace Award during a gala on May 14, 2008, in Omaha, Nebraska.The Gallup Great Workplace Award is based on the most rigorous workplace research ever conducted. A panel of workplace experts evaluated the award-winning organizations. Country Inns & Suites is among the winners because its results demonstrate that its system of hotels has one of the most productive and engaged workforces in the world.During the Summit, May 13-15, 2008, Great Workplace Award winners will present the best practices they applied to their workplace and the improved business results they achieved through building an engaged workforce.”The winners of this award have established a new global standard for engaging people,” said Tom Rath, who leads Gallup’s Workplace and Leadership Consulting practice. “When compared to the millions of workgroups we have studied around the world, the awardees have worked tirelessly to create an environment that values people. They go far beyond trivial perks to ensure that each employee has an emotional connection to the company’s mission and growth.”"We are honored to be recognized for our commitment to creating a brand culture where great people are encouraged to do great work,” said Steve Mogck, executive vice president of Franchise Operations for Country Inns & Suites By Carlson. “The Country Inns & Suites ‘Be Our Guest’ service philosophy empowers the employees of hotels to not only treat our guests with genuine hospitality but to feel like the hotel is their home away from home. This attitude is at the core of the Country Inns & Suites brand and is a big factor behind our success with our guests and with system-wide employee engagement.”About Country Inns & Suites By CarlsonAs a leader in the mid-scale hotel segment, Country Inns & Suites By Carlson locations feature residential architecture and home-like interior design with highlights that include hardwood flooring, lobby fireplace and front porch.Each hotel offers many upgraded amenities such as complimentary hot breakfast, in-room hair dryer, coffee maker, iron and ironing board, and weekday morning newspaper. The brand is known for its consistently high quality accommodations and personal, warm hospitality. Country Inns & Suites provides an in-house lending library program at its hotels in the U.S. and Canada which lends free books to guests based on the assurance they will return the book on their next visit. Since the inception of the lending library, the company has contributed nearly $350,000 to literacy organizations across the country, which help both children and adults improve their reading skills.Reservations can be made online at , through a travel agent or by calling toll-free at 800-456-4000. There are more than 435 locations worldwide. Country Inns & Suites By Carlson(R) is part of Minneapolis, Minn.-based Carlson Hotels Worldwide whose brands also include Regent Hotels & Resorts; Radisson Hotels & Resorts(R); Park Plaza(R) Hotels & Resorts and Park Inn(R).Carlson Hotels Worldwide is one of the major operating groups of Carlson, a global leader in providing marketing, travel and hospitality services. Other names among the Carlson family of brands and services are: Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Carlson Marketing, Carlson Wagonlit Travel, T.G.I. Friday’s and Pick Up Stix restaurants. Carlson corporate headquarters are in Minneapolis, Minn.About the Gallup Great Workplace AwardThe Gallup Great Workplace Award recognizes the best-performing workforces in the world. Applicants’ results are compared across a workplace research database composed of millions of work teams in more than 100 countries. A panel of workplace experts assesses the applicants’ results to select the winners.The award’s weight and design equal the merit of the winners’ accomplishments. To create the award, Gallup designers collaborated with R.S. Owens & Company, the company that produces many of the world’s most prestigious awards, including the Academy Award. The award consists of two components: The top design features 12 etched crystal planes, layered to convey the kinetic energy of an engaged workforce. The crystal sits atop a concave-shaped pedestal base composed of polished silver-plated legs and a satin-finish front display. The combination of these parts results in a piece that evokes the nature of engagement. Country Inns & Suites By Carlson

YTB Offers Travel Training for RTAs April 18-19, 2008

WOOD RIVER, Ill., April 10 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — YTB International, Inc. (OTC Pink Sheets: YTBLA) (”YTB” or the “Company”), a leading international provider of Internet-based travel websites and home-based independent representatives in the United States, Canada, the Bahamas, and Bermuda today announced that it will be offering travel training for its RTAs on April 18-19 at the Greater Richmond Convention Center in Richmond, VA.”We are excited to be sponsoring this training event featuring some of our most valued travel partners,” said J. Kim Sorensen, CEO of YTB Travel Network, YTB’s wholly owned subsidiary. “American Destinations, Inc., Carnival Cruise Lines, CCRA International, Funjet Vacations, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Trafalgar Tours, and others will be represented at this exciting, informative conference.”YTB will also be offering multiple CLIA training courses at this event. Vendors’ presentations will include travel package and tour information that will educate YTB RTAs on each travel provider, as well as on special programs that the vendors are currently offering.”Providing travel training for our RTAs is a priority that YTB takes seriously,” continued Mr. Sorensen. “This includes educating the RTAs about every sector of the travel business. With offerings such as the European tour packages, Spring Tour travel packages, and Mexico vacations, it is important that YTB RTAs receive the training necessary to help them become travel experts.”About YTB InternationalRecognized as the 35th largest seller of travel in the U.S. in 2006 by Travel Weekly, YTB International, Inc. provides Internet-based travel booking services for home-based independent representatives in the United States, Canada, Bermuda, and the Bahamas.It operates through three subsidiaries: YourTravelBiz.com, Inc., YTB Travel Network, Inc., and REZconnect Technologies, Inc. YourTravelBiz.com focuses on marketing online travel websites through a nationwide network of independent business people, known as ‘Reps.’ YTB Travel Network establishes and maintains travel vendor relationships, processes travel transactions of online travel agents and affiliates, collects travel commissions and pays sales commissions. Each RTA directs consumers to the YTB Internet-based travel website. REZconnect Technologies hosts a travel agency for traditional travel agents and offers franchises of brick and mortar travel agencies. For more information, visit .Statements about the Company’s future expectations, including future revenues and earnings, and all other statements in this press release other than historical facts are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, Section 21E of the Securities Exchange of 1934, and as that term is defined in the Private Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties and are subject to change at any time, and the Company’s actual results could differ materially from expected results. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect subsequently occurring events or circumstances. YTB International, Inc.

Blog of Carnival’s Senior Cruise Director John Heald Approaching Two Million Visitor Mark

MIAMI, April 8, 2008 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — The blog of Carnival Cruise Lines’ Senior Cruise Director John Heald continues to set new milestones, with the number of total hits approaching two million and daily visitors increasing 55 percent over the past month. Heald’s blog can be accessed via or .The dramatic increase in traffic can be attributed to interesting and entertaining new postings focusing on Carnival’s upcoming European and Alaska cruise seasons, as well as additional exposure through various cross- promotional opportunities.The new content includes Heald’s humorous account of his recent trips to Denmark and Finland to research shore excursion choices for the new Carnival Splendor’s inaugural Northern Europe cruises this summer, and a daily journal from Chris Roberts, cruise director aboard the Carnival Spirit, who offers his own unique perspective in preparing for the vessel’s Alaska program that kicks off in May.Through their on-line postings, Heald and Roberts not only provide readers with valuable information on two highly attractive and popular “Fun Ship” cruise destinations but also keen insight into the countless hours of work that takes place behind the scenes in creating fun and exciting landside experiences for Carnival guests.”Over the past few months I have tried to include new features such as Chris Roberts’ unique and colorful insights into Alaska, which has been very well received by readers. I am flabbergasted by the continued popularity of the blog and plan on writing for a long time to come. Thanks to everyone who takes their valuable time to have a look at my thingy every day,” Heald said.Originally launched as part of the Carnival Freedom’s inaugural European cruise season, Heald’s engaging personality and candid commentary proved so popular that he continued writing the blog, which celebrated its one-year anniversary last month.Heald has posted near-daily reports while traveling through Europe in preparation of the arrival of the Carnival Splendor. He will serve as that ship’s senior cruise director throughout its Northern Europe, Mediterranean and Caribbean programs.Within the blog, Heald regales readers with entertaining and often poignant stories about the people and places he comes in contact with on a daily basis, all with his offbeat wit and deadpan humor.The popularity of the blog has led to the second annual “John Heald’s Bloggers Cruise” aboard the Carnival Fantasy from New Orleans Feb. 7-12, 2009, which looks to match the success of the first Bloggers Cruise earlier this year that attracted more than 800 of Heald’s most ardent fans.Carnival Cruise Lines, a unit of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE: CUK), is a proud member of the exclusive World’s Leading Cruise Lines. Our exclusive alliance also includes Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Cunard Line, Costa Cruises, and The Yachts of Seabourn. Sharing a passion to please each guest, and a commitment to quality and value, our member lines appeal to a wide range of lifestyles and budgets. Together, we offer exciting and enriching cruise vacations to the world’s most desirable destinations. Carnival Cruise Lines

Celebrate 105 Years of Riding Proud With the Harley-Davidson(R) Ride Atlas of North America(R), Anniversary Edition by Rand McNally

SKOKIE, Ill., April 8, 2008 /PRNewswire/ — Motorcycle riders who love to travel off the beaten path — and share a passion for the unique American tradition of Harley-Davidson — will get a thrill out of the new Harley- Davidson(R) Ride Atlas of North America(R) by Rand McNally, commemorating the motorcycle maker’s 105th year.With 25 new rides, the anniversary edition atlas invites bikers who ran up the miles with past editions to experience more twisting, challenging routes through back roads and byways. The 336-page trip guide also features content that pays tribute to Harley-Davidson’s 105th anniversary so riders can celebrate in grand style.”Motorcyclists love this book because everything in it was created with them in mind,” said Laurie D. Borman, editorial director for Rand McNally. “It has road trips with all the details that riders need — like gas availability, Harley-Davidson dealer locations, helmet laws and ride times. It’s a collector’s item that riders will come back to year after year.”With this year’s installment, motorcycle aficionados can explore the roots of their much-revered brand. The atlas comes with an exclusive, poster-sized “The Ride Home” wall map that allows adventure-seekers to stake out courses from 105 Ride Home starting points around the U.S. to Milwaukee, site of this summer’s Harley-Davidson 105th Anniversary celebration. A timeline along the map’s border chronicles the company’s great historical moments and gives motorcyclists the chance to brush up on their Harley-Davidson trivia. Both the map and a more detailed timeline are offered in smaller form within the book.”The 105th Anniversary is going to be a great event,” said Joanne Bischmann, vice president of licensing and special events. “This atlas will assist riders who are making the trip to Milwaukee to celebrate with us, or provide them with a useful tool for road trips throughout the year.”Back road-revelers trail blaze exhilarating new routesThe Ride Atlas showcases 25 new routes — carefully selected by Harley-Davidson dealers and riders — that are sure to satisfy bikers’ appetites for more thrills on the open road. Each ride features must-read asides, trip details and an inset map that marks the route.South of the border, riders can loop through Mexico’s Baja California Sur, pausing at El Arco, the massive, arched rock when they hit the Cabo San Lucas coast. When their stomachs start to growl near tiny Todos Santos, they can refuel at the Tequila Sunrise Bar & Grill, inspired by the Eagles song of the same name. Stateside, Midwestern motorcyclists can roll parallel to the Sheyenne River in North Dakota, shooting down the wildflower-dotted route once traversed by early settlers.Motorcyclists familiar with the easy-to-navigate format of the first two editions can rest assured: The atlas is still jam-packed with four-color maps, insider tips, seasonal riding information, mileage charts, road construction updates and Harley-Davidson dealership information. It also features a ride log for riders to immortalize their heady tales from the road.The Harley-Davidson(R) Ride Atlas of North America(R) Anniversary Edition is available at Harley-Davidson dealerships, on randmcnally.com and in select bookstores. Suggested retail price is $34.95.About Rand McNally & CompanyRand McNally is North America’s largest commercial maker of national and local maps, street guides and atlases. The company’s print and electronic products include America’s No. 1 Road Atlas, The Thomas Guide(R) map books, custom-made wall maps on the Web, wireless navigation solutions and online maps, directions and trip planning at .Rand McNally offers the most trusted tools to discover, map and navigate your world. The company leads the way with innovative products and services for the consumer, business, education and commercial transportation markets. For more information, visit or call (800) 333-0136. Rand McNally