Top travel agency and timeshare giant forge alliance

Business Wire, Jan 20, 1997

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 20, 1997--A unique travel program was just launched between one of the top travel agencies in the country and one of the largest vacation ownership companies in the world.

FPT Travel Management Group of Cambridge, Mass. and Vacation Break USA (NASDAQ:VBRK) have agreed to an unprecedented industry alliance. FPT now becomes the wholesaler of Vacation Break's travel packages to Florida and the Bahamas. The program will be marketed under the FPT Great Break Vacations! private label.

"This new, cutting-edge program will offer the travel agency community new ways to make more money and new ways to learn about the fastest growing segment of the travel industry," said Jay Levitts, president of FPT. "This is a new concept for a major travel group like FPT to work so closely with one of the largest timeshare companies in the world to promote the vacation ownership industry.

"What we want to do is offer our clients low-cost, high-quality vacations to sunny destinations. And Great Break Vacations! does just that while also offering additional savings for clients who want to learn about vacation ownership intervals. In turn, we create a client for life who will always return to their travel agent when planning a vacation to their timeshare or to their exchange location or for any other travel needs."

Levitts also explained that the time is right for travel agencies to work closely with the vacation ownership industry even though in the past this industry might have been perceived as a major competitor to the agency community.

"The timeshare industry is reaching a level of maturity and consolidation that is making it a popular vacation option for a growing segment of the American population," Levitts said.

There are three new Great Break Vacations! packages now available. Orlando & Bahamas Cruise includes three nights in Orlando, four nights on the Big Red Boat, hotel and car from $499 per person.

Fort Lauderdale & Caribbean Cruise includes a four-night cruise with Norwegian Cruise Line, three nights in Fort Lauderdale, hotel, and car from $529 per person.

Palm-Aire Resort Golf & Spa includes three nights at this newly renovated and upgraded "Gold Crown" resort in Pompano Beach; two rounds of golf on a championship course including cart, unlimited use of the world-class spa; hotel, and rental car from $239 per person. Discounted air is also available for clients wanting an air-inclusive package.

There's even more value to these Great Break Vacations! packages since clients can further reduce costs by taking a tour of one of Vacation Break's vacation ownership resorts. A cash incentive is offered to those who accept an invitation to tour the resort. Agencies receive 15 percent commission on Great Break Vacations! packages and additional incentives on vacation ownership intervals sold.

"And what's really great about this program is that it's a turnkey operation offering customized marketing collateral for each agency," Levitts explained. "FPT will provide a complete promotional package imprinted with an agency's logo."

There are nearly two million Americans who own timeshares. Last year alone, more than $5.1 billion was spent worldwide on timeshare purchases.

Vacation Break develops, markets, finances, and operates vacation ownership interests in premium resort properties in Florida. It is predicted to be among the top three largest vacation ownership companies in the world after the completion of its announced merger with another timeshare leader, the Berkley Group.

FPT Travel Management Group was founded in 1973 and is one of the largest and fastest growing travel management companies in the country, now ranked in the top one percent of U.S. travel agencies. In addition to its Cambridge headquarters, FPT now has offices in New York City, Chicago and Boca Raton, Fla.

The company is well known for its superior customer service and the use of sophisticated reservations and information technology. FPT is a member of CorpNet, a prestigious affiliation of corporate travel management companies across the United States, offering local support for member agencies and collective multi-billion dollar buying power.

To book a Great Break Vacations! package or for additional information on this program, agencies should call 800/618-2559.

CONTACT: Vacation Break USA

Carl Zablotny, 954/351-8696

or

FPT Travel Management Group

Gary Sharp, 617/661-9200