NEWS RELEASE
Turning Points Into Tickets
Auckland, 28 March 2006. New Zealand’s longest established retail travel brand, Holiday Shoppe announces an exclusive
partnership agreement with premium credit and charge card issuer American Express whereby Holiday Shoppe can now service
all American Express Cardmember travel needs including offering rewards points redemptions for travel to almost anywhere
in the world.
The arrangement, a first of its kind in New Zealand, offers travellers the convenience and flexibility to redeem rewards
points earned through Card use for travel products and services at any Holiday Shoppe throughout New Zealand.
Through the Membership Rewards direct ticket system, Holiday Shoppe can convert points of Cardmembers and directly
obtain tickets for travel on a vast array of domestic and international services. From booking an American Express
merchant restaurant in New York to a round the world cruise or airline booking, the redemption opportunities are nearly
endless.
Added benefits and flexibility are offered in that customers can use their American Express Card to top up any shortfall
in their points redemption booking. They can also easily redeem points for travel bookings for family and friends, even
if they are travelling separately.
Transactions are seamlessly managed by the individual Holiday Shoppe consultant using a secure online merchant and
conversion system.
American Express Membership Rewards director Stephen Powell says that the extensive Holiday Shoppe network opens the
door for thousands of customers to sit down with an experienced consultant, work through a detailed holiday plan, and
use their points to reward themselves with a great, comprehensive, travel experience.
Holiday Shoppe marketing manager, Charlotte Porter says that the scheme “surpasses other travel redemption programmes
such as those offered by airlines and competing card companies.”
The success of the programme is in its simplicity says Ms Porter. With no restrictions on who bookings can be made for,
the choice of all the major domestic and international airlines, cruise companies and hotels also means that the
consumer is treated to an exceptional range of travel options.
Ms Porter expects that the recently released programme will be ‘just the ticket’ for New Zealand travellers.
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Holiday Shoppe has 75 independently owned and operated offices throughout New Zealand and is part of New Zealand’s
largest travel group, Gullivers Pacific.
ENDS