Press Release 06.04.06

 CONTACT:
Kristin Zern
                                                                               Association of Travel Marketing Executives
                                                                                                                          212 765-0625
kzern@atme.org

Chree Carr
VOLLMER
972/488-4790
chree@vollmerpr.com
           

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

New York (June 10, 2006) – The Association of Travel Marketing Executives (ATME) recognized some of the most progressive companies in travel and marketing and awarded its Lifetime Achievement Award during the 26th annual ATLAS Awards. The ceremony, sponsored by Discover Network, was held during the 2006 ATME Annual Conference on May 22-24 in Las Vegas.

The ATME Atlas Awards were first awarded in 1980 to honor leaders and innovators within the travel industry who have displayed breakthrough thinking and leadership in marketing. Categories recognize executives and companies for innovative tactics, results-oriented programs and broad marketing vision.

ATME presented the ATLAS Lifetime Achievement Award to David Neeleman, Founder and CEO of JetBlue Airways.  This prestigious award is presented to individuals who consistently distinguish themselves as marketing leaders and have advanced the travel industry worldwide.

Mr. Neeleman was recognized for his innovative career that included the  creation of Mprris Air and JetBlue Airways, a forward thinking company that has established itself as an industry innovator since its launch in 2000.  Built on a low-cost carrier platform and distinguishing itself with top of the line, in-flight entertainment options, JetBlue Airways has become one of the travel industries most successful and recognizable brands.

“In a time when the travel industry has never been more competitive, we have seen JetBlue successfully entrench itself as a leading airline nationwide through the introduction of innovative marketing and customer-centric programs,” said Joel Chusid, newly elected ATME chairman.  “We are honored to present David Neeleman the ATLAS Lifetime Achievement Award to honor his passion and dedication to the development of a travel brand that has enriched the travel industry as a whole.”

During this year’s ATLAS Awards ceremony, ATME also honored Gary Sain, ATME immediate past chairman, with the Inspired & Passionate Leadership Award, recognizing the passion and commitment he has shown throughout his five year tenure leading the organization. 
 In addition to the ATLAS Lifetime Achievement Award, ATME also announced the following awards for 2005.

• Innovation Award (Presented by the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority)  - W Hotels Worldwide – For its solidification as the first major hotel chain to use design as the most important element of product differentiation
• Best Branding: Domestic Destination – Visit Florida – For its marketing communications which created a distinction in the marketplace and reinforced Florida as the vacation capital of the world
• Best Branding: Cruise Line – Royal Caribbean International – For its “Get Out There” campaign which brought a younger, more active customer to cruising and helped to redefine what cruising is today
• Best Branding: International Destination – Tourism Ireland – For its “Discover Ireland” ad campaign
• Best Branding Strategy – Air Canada – For its campaign to rebrand itself as a "loyalty" carrier
• Best Branding: Airline – Continental Airlines – For its BusinessFirst product first introduced in 1998
• Best Online Community – Tripadvisor.com – For its large source of information online and high degree of engagement within the online travel community
• Best Branding: Hotel – Hyatt Hotels & Resort – For its global marketing campaign targeted at business and leisure travelers
• Best Online Strategy – Travelzoo – For its impressive business formula reaching 10 million subscribers
• Best One-to-One Marketing – Virtuoso – For its enviable reputation for customer marketing, care and service within the affluent traveler, luxury market
• Best Overall Branding – Disney Parks and Resorts – For its brand quality standards with such initiatives as the Magical Gatherings program as well as its continual commitment in supporting the travel trade

About ATME
The Association of Travel Marketing Executives (ATME) is a professional association of senior-level executives with vital responsibilities in the marketing of travel and tourism worldwide. ATME’s members represent airlines, hotels, resorts, cruise lines, car rental companies, advertising and public relations firms, travel marketing professionals, research groups and tourist offices of domestic and foreign destinations. ATME is a global network of industry marketing professionals committed to enhancing skills, recognizing excellence, and providing innovative, effective and provocative marketing ideas and solutions while enhancing the highest standards of travel leadership.
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