Pueblo Partners With AMT/American Express Travel; Partnership Offers Discounts On Travel and Leisure Activities

Business Wire, July 18, 2000

Business Editors & Lifestyle Writers

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 18, 2000

Pueblo Corporation, the premier affinity marketing organization that services the Hispanic community, today announced its partnership with AMT/American Express Travel, offering members of "La Llave del Pueblo" -- the Key to the Town -- preferred pricing on travel services.

Through its partnership with Pueblo, AMT/American Express Travel gains access to Pueblo's membership base of nearly 160,000 Hispanics, many of whom became separated from family and friends when they immigrated to the United States. Of those members 2.5% of Pueblo households have already inquired about AMT discounts during the first month of partnership.

"Many of our members are newly immigrated or first generation Hispanics, who often visit family throughout the United States and across international borders," said Federico Herrera, president and chief operating officer, Pueblo Corporation. "A partnership with AMT/American Express Travel makes affordable, reliable travel a reality for our `Patrones.'"

"U.S. Hispanic consumers not only have a greater tendency to travel, but also demonstrate a stronger sense of brand loyalty than other consumer segments," said Frank Morgan, chief financial officer of AMT/American Express Travel. "Partnering with Pueblo links us to a loyal membership base of Hispanic consumers and presents a great opportunity to establish brand awareness and repeat business."

Pueblo regularly surveys its members, called "Patrones," through focus groups, direct mail and telephone surveys to identify those products and services that will best serve the "Patrones'" needs. In response to member requests for discounts on travel and leisure activities, Pueblo has also partnered with Universal Studios Hollywood, and Knotts Berry Farm.

"Although we strive to fulfill the daily needs of our members with savings on groceries, insurance plans, money transfers and mortgages, we also want to help families affordably enjoy their leisure time," continued Herrera. "Partnering with travel companies and entertainment destinations like Universal Studios Hollywood and Knotts Berry Farm enables us to offer our `Patrones' a well rounded program."

About Pueblo

Pueblo Corporation is the premier affinity marketing organization that empowers the Hispanic consumer by offering preferred pricing on quality products and services through its membership program called "La Llave del Pueblo" -- the Key to the Town.

Among Pueblo's current corporate partners are Qwest Communications, Progressive Auto Insurance, American Founders Life Insurance, ARIC Benefits Underwriters Inc., Food 4 Less, AMT/American Express Travel, MetroAmerica Mortgage, Universal Studios Hollywood and Knotts Berry Farm.

Contact Pueblo at 1-877-7Pueblo or visit www.mipueblo.com.

About AMT/American Express Travel

Founded by Frank Morgan in 1980, AMT/American Express Travel is now celebrating its twenty-year anniversary. As one of the largest leisure agencies in Southern California, AMT now has more than 10 travel agencies under its American Express Travel umbrella, all consolidated into three mega-agency locations.