Concord Hospitality Appoints Nick Kellock Chief Operating Officer

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RALEIGH-DURHAM, N.C., Aug. 8 /PRNewswire/ — Concord Hospitality Enterprises, one of the nation’s top-ranked hotel developer/owner/operators, today announced that Nick Kellock has joined the company as the chief operating officer, effective September 15th. Kellock will provide strategic direction to the overall operation and develop focused initiatives to manage and enhance the infrastructure of the company during a period of accelerated growth.
Kellock joins Concord from Marriott International, where he most recently served as a senior vice president in charge of franchising for five of Marriott’s select-service hotel brands — Courtyard, Fairfield Inn, Residence Inn, SpringHill Suites and TownePlace Suites. During his tenure, Kellock facilitated the franchising of more than 1,600 hotels. Previously, he served as Marriott’s group vice president for select-service brands and brand vice president for Fairfield Inn & Suites.
Prior to joining Marriott, Kellock held several management positions with the Whitbread hotel Company, based in the United Kingdom. He holds a bachelor’s degree in hotel management from Bournemouth University in the United Kingdom and a certificate in strategic marketing management from Harvard University.
“Nick is an extraordinary addition to our leadership team,” said Mark Laport, Concord’s president and CEO. “Concord is entering a period of rapid growth and Nick’s experience and demonstrated strategic expertise will be critical as we focus on expanding. Nick has a proven track record of successfully launching and growing franchises, experience we expect to leverage heavily as we work to meet our goal of doubling our current portfolio of more than 50 owned and managed hotels by 2010.”
Kellock will replace Robert J. Micklash, who served in the position for 11 years and recently was named chief operating officer of Extended Stay America, effective July 1.
About Concord Hospitality
Concord Hospitality Enterprises Company, an award-winning hotel management and development company based in Raleigh-Durham, N.C., owns and manages more than 50 hotels with more than 6,000 guest rooms in 11 states and two Canadian providences. The company’s portfolio includes such well-known brands as Renaissance, Marriott, Courtyard by Marriott, Residence Inn by Marriott, Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott, SpringHill Suites by Marriott, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton Inn and Suites, and an independent boutique hotel. Formed in 1985, the company was recently listed as one of the top management companies in the nation. Concord properties are some of the most awarded hotels in the country, having won nearly 30 honors in the past two years alone. For more information, visit .
Contact: Melanie Boyer, Jerry Daly
(703) 435-6293
Concord Hospitality Enterprises

Blogging Buzz-Worthy Beijing With ShermansTravel.com

NEW YORK, Aug. 8 /PRNewswire/ — ShermansTravel.com has launched the Beijing Insider (), the ultimate Olympic blog covering all of Beijing’s buzz-worthy news from beyond the Olympic Games. The Beijing Insider () will be updated twice daily by China expert Gary Bowerman, a local writer who’ll be dishing insider information on China’s capital city and its cultural diversions, the latest celebrity sightings, the city’s new shopping district, entertainment, restaurants, and nightlife — basically, everything making news outside the Olympic stadium.
“Whether you’re traveling in Beijing or just want to feel like you’re there during the Olympic Games, you’ll want to check out our Beijing Insider () every day for the next two weeks,” said Arabella Bowen, Vice President of Editorial, ShermansTravel Media. “Our new blog is for those who want inside information on what’s generating the real buzz in Beijing right now. If you’re looking to see how many gold medals swimmer Michael Phelps has won or how LeBron James and other NBA all-stars are doing in the basketball competition, you can tune into the local news,” she added.
ShermansTravel Media pegged Gary Bowerman as their on-the-ground Beijing expert as he’s been covering China since 2004 from both lifestyle and business perspectives. When he’s not posting updates on Beijing Insider (), he serves as the editor of BizChinaUpdate.com, is the resident co-editor of ZAGAT Shanghai Restaurants & Hotels Guide, and resident editor for LUXE Guide Shanghai. He is also founding partner of Scribes of the Orient, an online China travel and lifestyle publisher.
For travelers feeling inspired to travel to Beijing for the games or even afterwards, check out editor-reviewed deals on ShermansTravel.com at .
ABOUT SHERMANS travel MEDIA
ShermansTravel Media is a leading travel media company that publishes ShermansTravel.com and Sherman’s travel magazine. Founded by James Sherman in 2002 to help travelers make sense of the overwhelming number of online travel specials, ShermansTravel.com is now the web’s most trusted source for editor-screened travel deals and destination advice. Sherman’s Top 25, a free weekly e-newsletter published every Wednesday, has surpassed four million subscribers. The company also has syndication partnerships with leading web sites, including MSNBC.com, MSN.com, USAToday.com, and Yahoo!. Building on its trusted online brand, ShermansTravel Media launched Sherman’s Travel, the first magazine serving sophisticated, value-conscious travelers, in October 2006.
Media Contacts:
Roland Alonzi/Joanne Bloomstein, MMG Mardiks
Tel. 212.219.0759, ext: 6765 / 4519
/
ShermansTravel Media

TripAdvisor’s Call of the Wild: Top 10 U.S. Aquariums and Zoos

NEWTON, Mass., Aug. 7 /PRNewswire/ — TripAdvisor(R), the world’s largest travel community, today announced the top 10 aquariums and zoos in the U.S., according to traveler popularity and TripAdvisor editors.
(Photo: )

Top 10 U.S. Aquariums
1. Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, Gatlinburg, Tennessee
2. Tennessee Aquarium, Chattanooga, Tennessee
3. Monterey Bay Aquarium, Monterey, California
4. Ripley’s Aquarium, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
5. Oregon Coast Aquarium, Newport, Oregon
6. Dallas World Aquarium, Dallas, Texas
7. National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium, Dubuque, Iowa
8. Shedd Aquarium, Chicago, Illinois
9. Downtown Aquarium, Denver, Colorado
10. Florida Aquarium, Tampa, Florida

Top 10 U.S. Zoos
1. Memphis Zoo, Memphis, Tennessee
2. Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, Tucson, Arizona
3. St. Louis Zoo, St. Louis, Missouri
4. Henry Doorly Zoo, Omaha, Nebraska
5. San Diego Zoo, San Diego, California
6. San Diego Zoo’s Wild Animal Park, Escondido, California
7. Miami Metrozoo, Miami, Florida
8. Indianapolis Zoo, Indianapolis, Indiana
9. Woodland Park Zoo, Seattle, Washington
10. Palm Beach Zoo at Dreher Park, West Palm Beach, Florida

“These aquariums and zoos offer wonderful learning experiences about animals and their habitats, and truly let travelers take a walk on the wild side,” said Michele Perry, vice president of global communications for TripAdvisor.
About TripAdvisor Media Network
TripAdvisor(R) Media Network, operated by TripAdvisor, LLC, attracts nearly 32 million monthly visitors* across 12 popular travel brands, TripAdvisor(R), , , , , , , , , , and . TripAdvisor-branded sites make up the largest travel community in the world, with 24 million monthly visitors*, six million registered members and 15 million reviews and opinions. Featuring real advice from real travelers, TripAdvisor-branded sites cover 300,000 hotels and attractions and operate in the U.S. (), the U.K. (), Ireland (), France (), Germany (), Italy (), and Spain (). TripAdvisor(R) Media Network provides travel suppliers with graphical advertising opportunities and a cost-per-click marketing platform. Collectively, the sites comprising the TripAdvisor Media Network have won hundreds of awards and accolades from press and industry worldwide. TripAdvisor and the sites comprising the TripAdvisor Media Network are operating companies of Expedia, Inc. .
TripAdvisor is a registered trademark of TripAdvisor LLC in the U.S. and/or other countries.
*Source: comScore Media Metrix, May 2008

TripAdvisor, LLC

Universal Travel Group Retains CCG Investor Relations

SHENZHEN, China, Aug. 6 /Xinhua-PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Universal travel Group (BULLETIN BOARD: UTVG) (”Universal travel Group” or the “Company”), a fast growing travel services provider in China specializing in online and customer representative services to the travel service industry offering packaged tours, air ticketing, hotel reservation and air cargo agency services, today announced that it has retained CCG Investor Relations (”CCG”) to design and execute its investor relations campaign.
Founded in 1998, Universal travel Group is engaged in the travel business and the provision of travel related services, including airline ticketing, packaged tours, hotel reservation and air cargo agency services, and technological solutions for travel reservations. With headquarters in Shenzhen, Guangdong province, the Company is led by an experienced management team. Universal travel Group’s 100% owned subsidiaries in China are Shenzhen Yuzhilu Aviation Service Co., Ltd., specializing in air ticketing; Speedy Dragon, specializing in air cargo agency services; Xi’an Golden Net, specializing in travel packaged tours; Shanghai LanBao, specializing in hotel reservations and Foshan Overseas International, specializing in overseas travel. Currently, about 60% of the Company’s revenue is derived from packaged tour services. The online travel market is an emerging, fast-growing, and highly fragmented industry in China. Universal travel Group has been able to achieve a leading position in this market with a strong and sustainable first-mover advantage in a duopoly market. Universal travel Group has been leading the trend in the industry by initially engaging in the air-ticketing services business and then successfully integrating the air cargo agency, online hotel booking and packaged tours businesses into it.
“We look forward to working with CCG to improve our communication with the investment community and the financial media as we pursue our goal of becoming China’s leading online travel services provider in all fields of the tourism industry including air-ticketing services, air cargo agency services, hotel booking and tour packaging business segments,” said Ms. Jiangping Jiang, Chairperson and CEO of Universal travel Group.
With the tremendous publicity surrounding the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games approaching, the volume of travelers in and out of China will definitely bring enormous market opportunities. Additionally, the disposable income of the average Chinese consumer is expected to increase, and the Company believes this will immediately translate to greater demand for air travel and vacations. The World travel Association stated that China’s vacation and commercial travel market is expected to maintain a growth rate of 10% per year over the next 10 years.
“We are excited to be working with such a promising client in the growing travel industry in China,” said Crocker Coulson, President of CCG. “Universal travel Group clearly distinguishes itself from industry peers with its consistent operating history, and management expertise. With its services reaching extensively nationwide, it is also known for tour packages to the Silk Road and Tibet. Internationally, it also provides packaged tours to destinations such as Southeast Asia and Europe, and has plans to reach the USA and Canada.”
About Universal travel Group
Universal travel Group, a fast growing travel services provider in China, is engaged in providing reservation, booking, and domestic and international travel and tourism services throughout China via the internet and through customer representatives. Under the theme “Wings towards a more colorful life” the Company’s core services include tour packaging for customers, booking services for air tickets and hotels as well as air cargo transportation. In 2007, Universal travel Group completed the acquisitions of Speedy Dragon, specializing in air cargo transportation; Xi’an Golden Net, specializing in travel packaged tours; Shanghai LanBao, specializing in hotel reservation and Foshan Overseas International, a China-based company that handles domestic and international travel inquiries. Universal travel Group’s goal is to become China’s leading travel services provider in all fields of the tourism industry including the aviation, cargo, hotel booking and tour packaging segments. For more information, visit .
About CCG
CCG is uniquely positioned to provide an outsourced, high-level investor relations solution that combines in-depth understanding of Asia’s corporate culture and economic scene with a direct pipeline into the leading funds and broker-dealers in the United States. CCG is a global, full-service investor relations agency with corporate headquarters in Los Angeles, and offices in New York, Newport Beach, Dallas, Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen. For further information, contact CCG or visit the Company’s website at .
Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995
This press release contains certain statements that may include ‘forward- looking statements’ within the meaning of federal securities laws. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included herein are ‘forward-looking statements’. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, they do involve assumptions, risks and uncertainties, and these expectations may prove to be incorrect. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release The Company’s actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of a variety of factors, including the Company’s ability to successfully expand its market presence and those discussed in the Company’s periodic reports that are filed with and available from the Securities and Exchange Commission. All forward- looking statements attributable to the Company or persons acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by these factors. Other than as required under the securities laws, the Company does not assume a duty to update these forward-looking statements.
For more information, please contact:

Universal travel Group
Mr. Jing Xie, Vice President
Tel: 86-755-8366-8489
Email:
Web:

CCG Investor Relations
Mr. Crocker Coulson, President
Tel: 1-646-213-1915 (New York)
Email:
Web:
Universal travel Group

New York’s Hotel Pennsylvania Unveils Redesigned Web Site With Enhanced Features and Packages

NEW YORK, July 30 /PRNewswire/ — New York’s hotel Pennsylvania, The World’s Most Popular Hotel(R), is proud to unveil its new web site to cater to New York City visitors, located at .
The web site offers an exciting new look, highlighted by the well-known and recognizable New York skyline. The new site provides a wide range of services including: the Special section containing a list of the Internet-only packages and specials available; The hotel section containing rates, FAQ, and 360 degree VR room tours; and the What’s New section contains all the latest news and developments going on at the Hotel.
For travelers interested in finding out what the City has to offer, the Around Manhattan section contains What To Do links and details, Events Calendar and a Points of Interest Map. For corporate clientele, the Meetings section contains information on special corporate discounts, detailed room descriptions and the ability to book a meeting.
Following the Hotel’s recognition as the 2007 Hospitality Sales and Marketing Awards International (HSMAI) eMarketer of the Year, awarded to the hotelier that demonstrates outstanding use of electronic channels to promote their property, and announcement of a planned multi-million property renovation throughout 2008, the hotel made the move to produce a more dynamic and innovative site.
“The web site was designed to not only provide ease of navigation but also offer guests a resource for New York information — all from one place,” said Steve Leonard, the Hotel’s director of sales and marketing. “Now, they can book a package with us right in the heart of Manhattan and, at the same time, research local events happening during their stay.”
Since 1919, New York’s hotel Pennsylvania has been host to millions of visitors in Manhattan, more than any other hotel in the world. Extensively renovated, the property has 1,700 rooms and over 90,000 square feet of meeting and adjacent exhibit space. The property is known for having the longest-running telephone number in New York City, immortalized in Glenn Miller’s famous song, “Pennsylvania 6-5000.” Reservations can be made to this number locally 212-736-5000, toll free 800-223-8585, via PDA at mobile.hotelpenn.com or on-line at . The World’s Most Popular Hotel(R) is a registered trademark of New York’s hotel Pennsylvania.
Hotel Pennsylvania

Egencia to Launch Full-Service Travel Offering in Australia

SYDNEY, Australia and LOS ANGELES, July 29 /PRNewswire/ — Egencia, an Expedia, Inc. company, today announced the launch of service in Australia. Companies doing business in Australia will have access to fully localized service and content combined with the company’s industry leading suite of online booking and travel management tools. A strong in-country account management team will provide dedicated client service.
Australia is yet another step in Egencia’s expanding global footprint on top of recent launches in China, Ireland and the Netherlands. The company’s approach to international expansion includes an emphasis on strong local service and deep supplier relationships to support their customers in key markets, helping them maintain a global business edge.
“Our unwavering focus on quality means we do not enter a market unless we can provide a level of service that is truly reflective of our commitment to clients,” says Jean-Pierre Remy, president of Egencia. “To this aim, we look forward to offering corporations with offices in Australia strong travel management service that is localized to meet the unique needs of their market.”
Egencia(TM) will provide Australian corporations and travellers with:

— Access to the company’s industry leading self-booking platform
including custom-defined destinations
— Dedicated local account management and customer service teams
— Strong business intelligence capabilities including unused ticket
tracking and customisable Lowest Logical Fare reporting
— Access to Egencia’s broad global supply network including localized
hotel and air content such as major low-cost carriers
— User friendly policy and trip approval controls
— Direct access and control of their data through the company’s global
reporting functionality

These offerings contain benefits for travellers, travel managers and executives, all in one system. The addition of an Australian point of sale allows Egencia to more efficiently service larger companies with global travel management needs.
About Egencia, an Expedia, Inc. Company
Egencia is the fifth largest travel management company in the world. As part of Expedia, Inc., , the world’s largest travel marketplace, Egencia helps business get ahead by offering the only truly integrated corporate travel service. Egencia’s industry expertise and the partnerships the company has built help drive results that matter, delivering meaningful advancements that have a real impact. By combining a powerful offline and online service, Egencia delivers a complete corporate travel offering supported by global market expertise and a best-in-class technology platform.
Expedia, Egencia and the Egencia logo are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Expedia, Inc. 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.
(C) 2008 Expedia, Inc. All rights reserved. CST# 2029030-40, 2083922-50.
Egencia, an Expedia, Inc. company

Three-Day Fourth of July Weekend Filled Philadelphia Hotels

PHILADELPHIA, July 22 /PRNewswire/ — Wedding bells, the Liberty Bell and a three-day Fourth of July weekend has the hospitality industry still celebrating Independence Day. According to the Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation (GPTMC) and the Greater Philadelphia hotel Association (GPHA), Philadelphia hotel occupancy soared to 87% on Friday, July 4, and visitors stayed the weekend with occupancy at 81% on Saturday, July 5. This marks the second year in a row for Fourth of July success for Philadelphia hotels. Last year, a city-wide convention propelled Philadelphia hotel occupancy to 82%.
“Our member hotels are crediting this year’s stellar occupancy to a strong mix of hotel business, including high leisure demand, a dozen weddings, chess tournaments and gay bowling, the Phillies game, visiting sports media like ESPN and the fact that the holiday created a three-day weekend,” said Ed Grose, executive director of GPHA. “To ensure future gains, Philadelphia must continue to lure visitors here with special hotel offers, group and convention sales, attractions and events like Sunoco Welcome America!, all along with tourism marketing.”
Historically, Philadelphia hotels do best when the Fourth of July is a three-day weekend compared to a mid-week day. And, for the next three years, that’s just what Americans will have. Here is a look at the historical data for Center City Philadelphia hotels:
— On Friday, July 4, 2003, hotel occupancy was 81%
— On Sunday, July 4, 2004, hotel occupancy was 82%
— On Monday, July 4, 2005, hotel occupancy was 48%
— On Wednesday, July 4, 2006, hotel occupancy was 52%

“These upcoming Fourth of July weekends are a great opportunity for Philadelphia hotels,” said Meryl Levitz, president and CEO, GPTMC. “GPTMC will be working with our hotels, the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau, Sunoco Welcome America! and all of our partners to continue to bring visitors here to celebrate the Fourth of July, to host their wedding, to meet or to compete.”
The Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation (GPTMC) makes Philadelphia and The Countryside(R) a premier destination through marketing and image building that increases business and promotes the region’s vitality. For more information about travel to Philadelphia, visit or call the Independence Visitor Center, located in Independence National Historical Park, at (800) 537-7676.
Note to Editors: For high-resolution photos of Greater Philadelphia, visit the photo gallery of .
Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation

Rail up……Rail up……Orient-Express Auctions Historic ‘Brighton Belle’ Pullman Carriage on eBay

LONDON, July 23 /PRNewswire/ — This week, luxury train operator, Orient-Express, is auctioning an
original 1930’s Pullman Car on eBay.

Currently stored in Orient-Express’ Battersea depot, Car
number 85 is a third class parlour car, which was built in 1932, and was once
part of the famous Brighton Belle.

The car has a unique history; it entered service in January
1933 where it spent the next forty years conveying city workers and holiday
makers between London and Brighton. It was withdrawn from service in 1972 but
it found a completely new lease of life as a restaurant attached to the
‘Nag’s Head’ Public house in Mickleover in Derbyshire.

Following this, it was then moved to the heritage Severn
Valley Railway in Shropshire but was never put back to use on the rails.
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express purchased it in 1998 and since then it has been
stored undercover, awaiting restoration.

Car 85 is in above-average condition for its age and type and
this is “a rare opportunity for a truly dedicated collector of railwayana who
would enjoy the restoration process,” says Andrew Overton, General Manager
Orient-Express UK Trains, he add’s “this car is being auctioned off as it is
now surplus to our (Orient-Express) requirements.”
Orient-Express have 8 carriages in their reserve fleet which
are not refurbished. Car 85 is a third class car and Orient-Express only use
first class cars. This rare opportunity allows an avid railway enthusiast to
bring this car back to life.

The item is currently on http://www.ebay.co.uk and is item
number 270256929705, The auction ends on Monday 28th July at 13.23.

Notes to Editors

Orient-Express Hotels, Trains and Cruises (
http://www.orient-express.com ) is a hotel and leisure company providing
luxury travel experiences for discerning travellers in areas of outstanding
cultural, historic or recreational interest. Founded in 1976 when the company
acquired Hotel Cipriani in Venice, Orient-Express owns or has investments in
51 businesses: 41 highly individual hotels, two restaurants, six tourist
trains and two river cruise operations, located in 25 countries worldwide.

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, Europe

The legendary Venice Simplon-Orient-Express offers a travel
experience like no other, in the style of a bygone era, to exciting cities
including Venice, Paris, London, Budapest, Prague, Istanbul, Vienna and Rome.

British Pullman, United Kingdom

Experience the golden age of travel aboard the vintage
carriages of the British Pullman. Superbly comfortable carriages make the
perfect way to travel on a day excursion or short break from London and other
cities to some of the UK’s most spectacular destinations.

Northern Belle, United Kingdom

The Northern Belle fulfils the highest expectations of the
original Pullman “Belle” trains of the 1930s, offering day, weekend and Grand
Tours in immaculate carriages, with ornate interiors and superb food.
Departures from towns and cities throughout the UK.

The Royal Scotsman, Scotland

Experience the majesty of the Scottish Highlands,
ever-changing landscapes of sweeping glens, towering peaks and mirror-calm
lochs of Scotland from aboard The Royal Scotsman on a selection of one to
seven night journeys.

Eastern & Oriental Express, South East Asia

The Eastern & Oriental Express carries passengers in luxury
between Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand and travels through dense
rainforests and towering mountains, past golden temples, rubber plantations
and remote towns and villages.

For further information or high resolution images please
contact Anna Nash or Lisa Sharland at Orient-Express Public Relations on
44(0)207-921-4050 / 64 or email anna.nash@orient-express.com /
lisa.sharland@orient-express.com.

For further information regarding Orient-Express please visit
http://www.orient-express.com

Orient Express Hotels Ltd

TripAdvisor Proclaims People Picky About Pro-Pet Properties

NEWTON, Mass., July 24 /PRNewswire/ — TripAdvisor(R), the world’s largest travel community, today announced the results of its annual traveling with pets survey of more than 1,600 travelers. Among people that own pets, 61 percent have traveled with a pet and 17 percent said the number one reason they travel with their pet(s) is they enjoy spending vacation with them. Sixty-five percent of survey respondents own a pet.
(Photo: )

Pets and Petrol

The high cost of fuel is even impacting our furry friends. Travelers may be less likely to see Sparky hanging out the window of a car, as 20 percent of pet owners said they are less likely to travel with their pet(s) this summer because of the high cost of fuel. Eighty-five percent of pet owners said that when traveling with a pet, they typically travel by car.
Pet Predicament
Although many people like to travel with their pet(s), there are concerns. Twenty-five percent of pet owners cited animal stress as their biggest concern about traveling with a pet and 23 percent said the fact that no one can look after their pet while they are sightseeing/touring is their biggest concern.
Pooches and Planes
Forty-seven percent of people said it sometimes annoys them when they see people bringing pets on planes. The top reason (39 percent) those travelers said it is annoying is they believe it is cruel to subject an animal to a flight, 23 percent said pets are loud, and 18 percent cited pet allergies. Six percent of pet owners have obtained a pet passport.
In the Dog House
Forty-four percent of travelers think hotels should be more accommodating for pets, which is down four percent from last year. Among pet owners, 24 percent would most like to see hoteliers provide a pet-sitting service and 17 percent asked for separate housing/hotel kennel. Fifty-six percent of all travelers do not think there are any pet-friendly hotel chains.
Whisker Withdrawal
Thirty-two percent of pet owners take shorter vacations and 21 percent take fewer vacations, down from 25 percent last year, to limit the time they are away from their pet(s). Twelve percent of pet owners said their pet prevents them from going on vacation. Six percent of people indicated they would be interested in renting a pet while traveling.
Doggie Diggs
Paws pads are a priority when traveling with a pet, as 46 percent of pet owners said they will only stay at accommodations that are pet friendly. This attitude was especially strong among dog owners (58 percent.) Thirty-eight percent of respondents with a pet said they would pay more to stay somewhere that is pet friendly. For the second straight year, Best Western is the most pet-friendly hotel chain according to the survey.
“For many people, a pet is a member of the family and leaving them home is not an option,” said Michele Perry, vice president of global communications for TripAdvisor. “As it’s clear there is a demand for pet-friendly accommodations, look for more and more hotels to add pet amenities.”
TripAdvisor’s Top 10 Pet-Friendly Accommodations
1. Gazebo Inn Ogunquit, Ogunquit, Maine - Average nightly rate: $164

2. TierraLinda Bed and Breakfast, Galena, Illinois - Average nightly rate: $135
3. The Sleepy Dog Guest House, Bisbee, Arizona - Average nightly rate: $95
4. Spruce Moose Lodge and Cottages, North Conway, New Hampshire - Average nightly rate: $124
5. Brittania and W.E. Mauger Estate Bed and Breakfast, Albuquerque, New Mexico - Average nightly rate: $127
6. Best Western Cavalier Oceanfront Resort, San Simeon, California - Average nightly rate: $210
7. La Quinta Inn and Suites Madison American Center, Madison, Wisconsin - Average nightly rate: $124
8. Hotel Marlowe, Cambridge, Massachusetts - Average nightly rate: $316
9. Hotel Monaco, Denver, Colorado - Average nightly rate: $289
10. The Paw House Inn: West Rutland, Vermont - Average nightly rate: $225

About TripAdvisor Media Network

TripAdvisor(R) Media Network, operated by TripAdvisor, LLC, attracts nearly 32 million monthly visitors* across 12 popular travel brands, TripAdvisor(R), , , , , , , , , , and . TripAdvisor-branded sites make up the largest travel community in the world, with 24 million monthly visitors*, six million registered members and 15 million reviews and opinions. Featuring real advice from real travelers, TripAdvisor-branded sites cover 300,000 hotels and attractions and operate in the U.S. (), the U.K. (), Ireland (), France (), Germany (), Italy (), and Spain (). TripAdvisor(R) Media Network provides travel suppliers with graphical advertising opportunities and a cost-per-click marketing platform. Collectively, the sites comprising the TripAdvisor Media Network have won hundreds of awards and accolades from press and industry worldwide. TripAdvisor and the sites comprising the TripAdvisor Media Network are operating companies of Expedia, Inc. .
TripAdvisor is a registered trademark of TripAdvisor LLC in the U.S. and/or other countries.
*Source: comScore Media Metrix, May 2008

TripAdvisor LLC

DATABASICS Announces Travel Expense Budgeting

RESTON, Va., July 23 /PRNewswire/ — DATABASICS, the leader in integrated travel expense reporting, announces the general availability of DATABASICS’ travel Expense Budgeting, an add-on to DATABASICS’ expense reporting solution ExpenSite. With travel Expense Budgeting, organizations can cap travel spend more effectively than was previously possible.
DATABASICS travel Expense Budgeting combines prospective travel with actual travel expenditures to take the “guess-work” out of budgetary decisions. By providing visibility into the travel pipeline, travel Expense Budgeting allows approvers to reduce spend without building in a safety margin to avoid overshooting spending targets. This means less mission impact and greater assurance that mandated cuts take place.
A highly flexible tool, travel Expense Budgeting supports budgets at any organization level or by other dimensions like projects or employee type. travel Expense Budgeting automatically calculates budget status by integrating DATABASICS travel Authorizations, agency booking and ticketing data, credit card transactions, and expenditures directly entered by travelers on their expense reports. In short, travel Expense Budgeting captures travel spend from trip planning through completion.
According to Alan Tyson, CEO of DATABASICS, “Travel Expense Budgeting represents the real payoff in travel and expense reporting integration: saving money on travel while minimizing the operational impact. Budgeting belongs inside the travel management process. Whether you are managing individual travel or meetings, it’s there that the spending decisions are made and it’s there that you need the control. After-the-fact, General Ledger- based budgeted is simply not timely enough. Budgeting of the kind we offer has become indispensable-that’s why we developed it.”
DATABASICS Budgeting is available now from DATABASICS () and through DATABASICS’ partners TRX, GetThere, Microsoft Dynamics VARS, Runzheimer International and Rearden Commerce.
About DATABASICS:
Based in Reston, Virginia, DATABASICS is the leader in integrated expense reporting solutions. DATABASICS offers expense reporting, expense budgeting, receipt management, and full travel and accounting integration. A recipient of the Deloitte and Touche Fast50 award for the state of Virginia, DATABASICS serves a wide spectrum of clients including federal contractors, non-profits, manufacturers, health care providers, IT, telecommunications, aerospace, financial services, and professional services. More information about DATABASICS is available at .
DATABASICS Incorporated