VIRTUOSO® INVITES WOULD-BE TRAVELERS TO ITS
‘HAWAII VIRTUAL TRAVEL SHOW’ FOR A LOOK AT
ONE OF AMERICA’S FAVORITE DESTINATIONS

LEADING TRAVEL AGENCY NETWORK BRINGS TOGETHER DESTINATION EXPERTS TO EDUCATE CONSUMERS & INSPIRE THEIR HAWAIIAN TRAVELS

NEW YORK (May 26, 2011) – Virtuoso®, the global travel agency network renowned for creating exceptional experiences, is now sharing its insider access and vast knowledge with would-be travelers who only need access to a computer. Through its first-ever virtual travel show, Virtuoso will highlight the destination that universally attracts families, multigenerational travelers and brides alike: the islands of Hawaii. With summer just around the corner, those wanting an unforgettable experience will learn everything they need to know about traveling to Hawaii, directly from the experts. This interactive format allows consumers to visit online exhibits and engage in question-and-answer sessions. As an added incentive, one lucky attendee will win a $1,000 gift card and those who register to attend by May 27 will be eligible to win a $100 gift card.

Working in conjunction with the Hawaii Visitors & Convention Bureau, Pleasant Holidays, American Safari Cruises and Access America, the travel show will feature some of the islands’ best resorts, cruise options and the protection of travel insurance. Attendees will learn about enticing travel opportunities that will awaken the wanderlust in anyone, including free nights, onboard credits and even free stays for children up to 18 years and younger. All of the exciting travel offers revealed during the virtual show will be available when reserved through Virtuoso’s expert travel advisors, who will also be on-hand during the travel show.

The ‘Hawaii Virtual Travel Show’ will take place on Thursday, June 2 from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. PST. Attendees are asked to register in advance at: https://presentations.inxpo.com/Shows/Virtuoso/06-11/Registration/registration.html?AffiliateKey=13555&AffiliateData=Virtuoso.com. Virtuoso is currently waiving the registration fee.

“We are delighted to host such an exciting and eco-savvy event,” said Kristi Jones, CTC, President and COO of Virtuoso. “Visitors to the ‘Hawaii Virtual Travel Show’ can browse the exhibits at their leisure, while engaging in dialog with experts at each ‘booth’ to have their personal questions answered. By focusing on a destination that offers family friendly summer travel, multigenerational vacations and destination weddings and honeymoons, our first-ever virtual travel show will allow people to learn about the splendor of Hawaii from the comfort of their own homes.”

Technical requirements include a computer with internet access. High-speed Internet (Cable, DSL, Network) and computers running Windows PC with Internet Explorer 6.0 minimum or Firefox 3.6, or a Mac with Firefox 3.6 or Safari 4.x or higher, will provide the best quality. The basic functionality is similar to visiting any website and playing a video with sound. No need for a phone, as sound will play through the computer.

The Virtuoso network generates annual travel sales in excess of US $5.1 billion from 1.2 million travelers.

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About Virtuoso
Virtuoso® is the industry’s leading luxury travel network. This by-invitation-only organization comprises over 300 agencies with more than 6,000 elite travel specialists in 22 countries in North and South America, the Caribbean, Australia and New Zealand, as well as over 1,200 of the world’s best travel providers and premier destinations. The network’s member agencies generate over $5.1 billion annually in travel sales, making the group the most powerful in the luxury travel segment. Their relationships with the finest travel companies provide the network’s affluent clientele with exclusive amenities, rare experiences and privileged access. Virtuoso is the exclusive network of travel services and benefits provided by MasterCard® for participating World Elite MasterCard® programs. To see Virtuoso’s latest video content, please visit http://www.youtube.com/user/VirtuosoTraveler.

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Media Contacts: 

Misty Ewing, CTA Virtuoso – Director, Public Relations Office: 212.588.8242 / Cell: 206.484.8022 Email: mewing@virtuoso.com

Emily Venugopal / Jami Gordon-Smith  The Brandman Agency  Office: 212.683.2442 E-mail: emily@brandmanpr.com