Websites Offer Best Global Choice of Low Fares

New United Travel & Holiday Shoppe Websites Offer Best Global Choice of Low Fares & Holidays

Launch of Multi-Million Dollar Booking Engine Gives NZ Consumers Access to More Than 200 Airlines, 1000 Airports & 200 Countries

AUCKLAND – November 9, 2007 - Stella Travel Services (Stella) today announced the launch of a multi-channel travel booking site for its United Travel and Holiday Shoppe brands that gives both New Zealand consumers and New Zealand’s largest group of travel retailers unrivalled online access to more than 200 airlines, 1000 airports and 200 countries.

The multi-million dollar booking engine, using the same technology as Stella’s award-winning Best Flights site in Australia, offers travellers the biggest worldwide network of destinations and airlines available online no matter where they are in the world, including flights on low-cost carriers such as Europe’s easyJet that are not available on other sites in New Zealand.

The new service is available under both Holiday Shoppe and United Travel brands – at http://www.holidayshoppe.co.nz and http://www.unitedtravel.co.nz . The sites also include hotels, holiday packages, cruises and special deals.

“Whether travelling to Auckland or Azerbaijan, more and more New Zealanders are using the internet to plan and book their travel, so we wanted to provide not only a truly global online network, but also a multi-channel approach that links new online customers to our call centre and full-service retail travel shops across New Zealand,” said Tony Moffatt, Group General Manager - Retail at Stella Travel Services. “Our strategy is to grow both our online and offline business, and we believe this new service will boost sales performance of our 173 retail shops.

The online booking process, for example, links consumers to their local retail shop, by providing the shop’s contact details for follow-up enquiries and offering an “opt-in” selection for special deals and information.

Online customers will also benefit from United Travel and Holiday Shoppe loyalty programmes. United Travel customers can collect Fly Buys points, and Holiday Shoppe customers can earn American Express Membership Rewards Points when booking travel online.

Stella plans to introduce more products and functionality to the sites progressively over the coming months, Mr. Moffatt said. The second stage will concentrate on car rentals and a greater choice of hotels around the world.

The new service will be promoted through a nationwide Press and Television campaign.

“As a long-time travel industry leader, we are delighted to bring this world-class booking site to New Zealanders and believe it significantly improves the travel choices now available online,” Mr. Moffatt said. “We will continue to improve these sites with more products, destination information and travel inspiration.”

About Stella Travel Services

Stella Travel Services in New Zealand is part of the Stella Group – the largest integrated travel company in Australia/New Zealand, encompassing accommodation and travel services. The Group was established in 2005 and is wholly owned by MFS. MFS Limited is a funds management and investment company engaged in investment and financing activity throughout New Zealand and Australia.

About Holiday Shoppe

As New Zealand’s longest established retail travel brand, Holiday Shoppe prides itself on offering professional and expert service to leisure, business and group travellers. Part of the largest integrated travel company in Australia and New Zealand, Holiday Shoppe can offer customers an unrivalled range of quality travel products and services along with exceptional value. With more than 76 fully franchised shops throughout New Zealand, Holiday Shoppe owners and staff take pride in providing ‘Operational Standards’ in all areas of our business. Most of all, they believe that customer satisfaction is paramount to everything they do.

About United Travel

United Travel is New Zealand’s longest trading franchised travel agency group, with more than 35 years in the business. A trusted and recommended brand, United Travel values innovation, passion and knowledge from the more than 300 staff who work at its 96 stores. Part of the largest integrated travel company in Australia and New Zealand, United Travel caters for both leisure and corporate travellers. United Travel offers many competitive advantages, including Fly Buys.

ENDS

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