VISIT AMERICAN EXPRESS BOOTH AT NEW YORK TIMES TRAVEL SHOW TO LEARN, CLICK AND BOOK, HAVE FUN

Win a Dream Cruise, Learn Secrets of World Travelers, Put Yourself in the Picture and More

NEW YORK, March 02, 2005 -- American Express is rolling out the red carpet for visitors to the New York Times Travel Show March 4-6 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. American Express® Cardmembers who show their American Express Card at the ticket booth will receive a $5 discount on the admission fee of $15. All attendees will receive a gift bag packed with promotional offers from American Express and chances to win a dream cruise to Tahiti from American Express Travel.

“The New York Times Travel Show is a great portal to the wide world of travel today,” said Lynne Biggar, senior vice president and general manager of American Express Travel. “This year American Express has a dazzling array of travel programs to inspire travelers, as well as special incentives to book a vacation with us online or with one of our expert counselors at the show.”

In their gift bags, Travel Show attendees will receive a handy “passport” and ticket holder that contain offers available at the American Express booth (no. 403). Here, they can enter for a chance to win one of three cruises in Tahiti, including roundtrip air on Air Tahiti Nui and seven-nights on Radisson Seven Seas' 320-guest Paul Gauguin. Laptop computers at the booth will be available for entering the sweepstakes by clicking into www.americanexpress.com/dreamvacation. Visitors will also be able to literally put themselves in the picture of a dream vacation. After choosing one of 40 tantalizing vacation backdrops – Taj Mahal, anyone? – they can have their picture taken, to be retrieved later at www.americanexpress.com/dreamvacation.

A coupon worth $100 allows attendees to save on travel offers booked on the Last Minute Deals section of www.americanexpress.com/travel on March 5 and March 6. Eligible, enrolled American Express Cardmembers can also earn double Membership Rewards® points on every booking through December 31 on www.americanexpress.com/travel.

All Travel Show attendees will also receive a booklet offering discounts, added amenities or special values from a select group of American Express partners including airlines, cruise lines, tour operators, hotels, rental cars and more. Customers may take advantage of these offers when paying with an American Express Card.

During the show, American Express travel counselors will be standing by at the booth to offer advice to travelers on some of the hottest deals in the available as well as exclusive American Express Travel offers. All travel special offers include the American Express Cardmember Annual Travel Benefit, double Membership Rewards points for eligible, enrolled Cardmembers, a full-year subscription to Travel+Leisure® magazine, and more.* For example:

  • “Beyond the Beach – A special American Express program for travelers who love the diverse cultures of the Caribbean islands, the program features 17 stunning destinations and four exclusive American Express offers highlighting their rich heritage and cultural mosaic. Participating destinations include: Anguilla, Antigua, Aruba, the Islands of the Bahamas, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Cancun, Cayman Islands, Cozumel, Curacao, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Riviera Maya, St. Kitts, St. Lucia, and Turks & Caicos.

    In addition to the above benefits, American Express Cardmembers who use their Card to purchase a qualifying trip through American Express Travel will receive a Caribbean Vacation Values Card with savings on car rentals, dining, shopping and activities. For more information or to book these and other vacation packages, consumers can visit American Express at booth #403 or call 1-866-AXP-9993.

A sample vacation package may include: “The Islands of the Bahamas” -- Visitors to this graceful constellation of islands just off the coast of Florida can enjoy the sun and surf or go off and discover a world of their own. Packages include accommodations for five nights, hotel tax and roundtrip airport/hotel transfers. Prices start at $539 per person, double occupancy.

  • “Splendors of Mexico” features Acapulco, Cancun, Cozumel, Huatulco, Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo, Los Cabos and Riviera Maya and includes, a Mexico Vacations Values Card with savings on car rentals, dining, shopping and more, in addition to the above benefits. For reservations or assistance visit American Express at booth #403 or call 1-888-AXP-4795. A sample vacation package may include:

“Riviera Maya” -- With one of the world's largest reef systems, clear waters and easy access from the coast, the Riviera Maya is a model setting for diving and snorkeling. Visitors can also explore the ancient Mayan ruins of Tulum or hike the Yucatan jungle. Packages include accommodations for four nights, hotel tax and roundtrip airport/hotel transfers. Prices start at $705 per person, double occupancy.

Finally, show visitors can attend two special seminars sponsored by American Express: "Planning the Perfect Trip," March 5 at 12:00 PM, and "Smart Money Strategies for International Travel," March 6 at 11:00 AM. The seminars will feature American Express travel counselors sharing their expertise acquired through years of travel experience and helping others plan their perfect vacations.

About American Express Travel
American Express entered the travel agency business in 1915 and today operates one of the world's largest travel agency networks. The company has more than 1,700 Travel Service locations worldwide in more than 130 countries.**

American Express Company is a diversified worldwide travel, financial and network services company founded in 1850. It is a world leader in charge and credit cards, Travelers Cheques, travel, financial planning, business services, insurance and international banking.

*Only available at participating American Express Travel Services U.S. locations for qualifying vacation bookings. Benefit does not include independent air, hotel or car reservations. Available once per Card account per year. May only redeem one per booking. Material terms, conditions and restrictions apply. See www.americanexpress.com/annualtravelbenefit for more information. To be eligible to earn bonus points, a Cardmember must be enrolled in the Membership Rewards program at time of purchase of a qualifying vacation package through an American Express Travel office and charge the vacation to an enrolled, eligible American Express Card. Some Cards require enrollment in the Memebership Rewards program and payment of an annual program fee. Terms, conditions and restrictions apply.

**Not all services available at all locations and all are subject to local laws and cash availability.

American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc. acts solely as sales agent for travel suppliers and is not liable for the actions or inactions of such suppliers. CST#1022318-10, TA-002 Registered Iowa Travel agency, TA-149 Registered Ohio Travel agency, ML#1192, Washington UB1#600-469-694, NV#2001-0126.

 



Contacts:
Melissa Abernathy
212.640.5060
Melissa.Abernathy@aexp.com