Amtrak launched a “Create Our Contest Contest,” a summer-long campaign that invites the general public to develop what will become Amtrak’s first user-generated contest. The goal of the campaign is to actively engage Amtrak’s most loyal customers through social networking. To enter the contest users, should log on to www.Facebook.com/Amtrak  and submit their ideas in essay or video form by Aug. 2. All approved entries will be uploaded to Amtrak’s Facebook fan page, where users can vote for their favorite contest idea. Entries that receive the top 25 percent of all votes will be reviewed by a panel of judges to determine the winner. The grand prize -- which will be awarded in September -- is a roundtrip for four to anywhere Amtrak travels.

Amtrak and Concur, a leading provider of on-demand Employee Spend Management services, announced that Concur Travel & Expense and Concur Cliqbook Travel clients now have direct access to book travel on any Amtrak route nationwide. Concur clients may now view, hold, reserve and purchase Amtrak rail travel -- and compare rail and air travel options -- all on one screen.

With this new direct connection to Amtrak’s reservations system, Concur clients will be able to add rail to their travel plans in the same way they already book air, car, or hotel reservations, and enjoy all of these additional benefits: Expanded route map to include all key Amtrak business travel corridors; mixed rail and air display to allow for comparison of travel options; direct passage of Amtrak Guest Rewards number into the Concur system; full support for Amtrak special rates; ability to book multi-segment trips; ability to cancel or put rail trips on hold; payment and ticketing with no agency intervention; support of all passenger type codes.

“The direct connection between Amtrak’s reservations system and the Concur Connect program will not only provide easier access for Amtrak passengers booking rail travel, it will also provide a side-by-side comparison of a client’s rail and air travel options,” said Craig White senior director of travel industry sales. “This comparison will show Concur clients that rail travel is a very attractive and viable option, particularly along Amtrak’s busy Northeast Corridor between Washington, DC, New York and Boston.”

Through Concur Connect – the global program that connects suppliers from around the world and provides clients exclusive access to services otherwise unavailable though traditional travel programs – Amtrak joins a growing list of travel suppliers that feed complete electronic folio data in the form of e-receipts directly into Concur Travel & Expense. For more information, visit www.concur.com  or www.amtrak.com.  

Alamos Rent A Car and National Car Rental have re-launched their joint Cash-In Club loyalty rewards program for travel agents with an updated website, flexible rewards and an updated promotion. Since 1995, Alamo and National have partnered with U.S. travel agents who book rental car as Cash-In Club members. The revamp includes new tools and better incentives, according to Ron Cerko, vice president of travel industry relations for Alamo and National.

The Cash-In Club promotion is being offered to all U.S.-resident travel agents who book a qualified reservation through October 2010. Program members will be automatically entered to win every time they reserve a car with Alamo or National. The grand prize winner will receive 15,000 points. The second place winner will receive 10,000 points and the third place winner receives 5,000 points. Winners will be announced in November 2010.

Cash-In Club was originally created to offer travel agents the chance to receive competitive rates and quality rental vehicles for their clients and to reward them for their long-term business. The enhanced program agents to also incorporate award points into American Express-branded reward cards. For more information, visit www.cashinclub.travel or www.rewards.cashinclub.travel.
 

Rail Europe Inc., Switzerland Tourism and the Swiss Travel System are teaming up this summer to offer the Swiss Bliss Deal, inviting all travelers to take advantage of the outdoors and explore Switzerland. The Swiss Pass is an inexpensive way to experience the country by allowing unlimited travel on all trains, boats and postal buses which make up the Swiss Travel System. It is particularly convenient for families, as kids up to 16 years of age always ride for free when accompanied by a parent and all Swiss Pass holders get free access to more than 400 museums in Switzerland. Prices on the four-day Swiss Pass start at $361 in first class and $241 in second class. The Swiss Bliss Deal is available for purchase from July 15 through July 21. Travel must take place from Aug. 1 through Nov. 30.

The Swiss Bliss Deal includes limited-time offers on special value-added components with a purchase of the Swiss Pass. Passengers who purchase the Swiss Pass through Rail Europe will also receive roundtrip tickets for up to 50 percent off the regularly reduced Swiss Pass holder one-way fare on the mountain railways or cable cars that carry passengers to the Swiss mountain peaks of Titlis, Pilatus, Schilthorn, Stanserhorn and Rocher de Naye; one free fast baggage voucher, which is valid for the transfer of one bag per person one way between most train stations in Switzerland (certain restrictions apply); 20 percent discount from Victorinox on luggage at the Victorinox/Swiss Army stores in Geneva or Basel, Switzerland and New York, N.Y., valid on all purchases made from July 22 through Nov. 30; and a detailed map of Switzerland created by National Geographic Traveler.

Switzerland Tourism recently named 2010 an official hiking year and outlined 32 trails for travelers to discover some of the world’s finest backdrops. In an effort to promote an active lifestyle, many of the highlighted routes are geared toward families and beginner level hikers. However, the country also offers numerous rigorous trails for more experienced outdoor enthusiasts. For more information, call 888-382-7245 or visit www.agent.raileurope.com.

Amtrak launched a “Create Our Contest Contest,” a summer-long campaign that invites the general public to develop what will become Amtrak’s first user-generated contest. The goal of the campaign is to actively engage Amtrak’s most loyal customers through social networking. To enter the contest users, should log on to www.Facebook.com/Amtrak  and submit their ideas in essay or video form by Aug. 2. All approved entries will be uploaded to Amtrak’s Facebook fan page, where users can vote for their favorite contest idea. Entries that receive the top 25 percent of all votes will be reviewed by a panel of judges to determine the winner. The grand prize -- which will be awarded in September -- is a roundtrip for four to anywhere Amtrak travels.

“Amtrak’s customers are enthusiastic, highly creative people who showcase their love for train travel in many different ways,” said David Lim, Amtrak’s chief marketing officer. “We want to harness this creativity and engage our fans by asking them to develop their dream contest.” Amtrak partnered with their advertising agency Arnold Worldwide’s D.C. office on the concept and all creative campaign elements for the contest. The contest will be promoted by paid advertisements on Facebook, and social media outreach on Twitter and Facebook, among other efforts. For a complete list of contest rules and regulations, visit www.apps.facebook.com/amtrakcontest/rules.  

Alamos Rent A Car and National Car Rental have re-launched their joint Cash-In Club loyalty rewards program for travel agents with an updated website, flexible rewards and an updated promotion. Since 1995, Alamo and National have partnered with U.S. travel agents who book rental car as Cash-In Club members. The revamp includes new tools and better incentives, according to Ron Cerko, vice president of travel industry relations for Alamo and National.

Amtrak and Concur, a leading provider of on-demand Employee Spend Management services, announced that Concur Travel & Expense and Concur Cliqbook Travel clients now have direct access to book travel on any Amtrak route nationwide. Concur clients may now view, hold, reserve and purchase Amtrak rail travel -- and compare rail and air travel options -- all on one screen.

With this new direct connection to Amtrak’s reservations system, Concur clients will be able to add rail to their travel plans in the same way they already book air, car, or hotel reservations, and enjoy all of these additional benefits: Expanded route map to include all key Amtrak business travel corridors; mixed rail and air display to allow for comparison of travel options; direct passage of Amtrak Guest Rewards number into the Concur system; full support for Amtrak special rates; ability to book multi-segment trips; ability to cancel or put rail trips on hold; payment and ticketing with no agency intervention; support of all passenger type codes.

“The direct connection between Amtrak’s reservations system and the Concur Connect program will not only provide easier access for Amtrak passengers booking rail travel, it will also provide a side-by-side comparison of a client’s rail and air travel options,” said Craig White senior director of travel industry sales. “This comparison will show Concur clients that rail travel is a very attractive and viable option, particularly along Amtrak’s busy Northeast Corridor between Washington, DC, New York and Boston.”

Through Concur Connect – the global program that connects suppliers from around the world and provides clients exclusive access to services otherwise unavailable though traditional travel programs – Amtrak joins a growing list of travel suppliers that feed complete electronic folio data in the form of e-receipts directly into Concur Travel & Expense. For more information, visit www.concur.com  or www.amtrak.com.  

Alamos Rent A Car and National Car Rental have re-launched their joint Cash-In Club loyalty rewards program for travel agents with an updated website, flexible rewards and an updated promotion. Since 1995, Alamo and National have partnered with U.S. travel agents who book rental car as Cash-In Club members. The revamp includes new tools and better incentives, according to Ron Cerko, vice president of travel industry relations for Alamo and National.

The Cash-In Club promotion is being offered to all U.S.-resident travel agents who book a qualified reservation through October 2010. Program members will be automatically entered to win every time they reserve a car with Alamo or National. The grand prize winner will receive 15,000 points. The second place winner will receive 10,000 points and the third place winner receives 5,000 points. Winners will be announced in November 2010.

Cash-In Club was originally created to offer travel agents the chance to receive competitive rates and quality rental vehicles for their clients and to reward them for their long-term business. The enhanced program agents to also incorporate award points into American Express-branded reward cards. For more information, visit www.cashinclub.travel or www.rewards.cashinclub.travel.
 

Eurostar, the international high-speed passenger train operator which links the U.K. with the continent, will host a train ceremony naming at St. Pancras International by HRH The Duke of Kent on the morning of the 94th anniversary of the Battle of Fromelles. The Eurostar train will be named “Remembering Fromelles” and will carry guests to Lille in Northern France which is only a short distance away from the village of Fromelles where the first war cemetery in 50 years will be officially dedicated by the Commonwealth War Grave Commission (CWGC). This event is the culmination of a significant collaboration between the CWGC, and the Australian and British governments, on whose behalf the CWGC has managed the Fromelles project.

Eurostar, the international high-speed passenger train operator which links the U.K. with the continent, will host a train ceremony naming at St. Pancras International by HRH The Duke of Kent on the morning of the 94th anniversary of the Battle of Fromelles. The Eurostar train will be named “Remembering Fromelles” and will carry guests to Lille in Northern France which is only a short distance away from the village of Fromelles where the first war cemetery in 50 years will be officially dedicated by the Commonwealth War Grave Commission (CWGC). This event is the culmination of a significant collaboration between the CWGC, and the Australian and British governments, on whose behalf the CWGC has managed the Fromelles project.

Eurostar will play a pivotal role in carrying over 400 guests, including many of the relatives of those who died during the Battle of Fromelles, to Lille to attend the event. In 1916, the Australian and British forces suffered over 7,000 casualties in little over 24 hours, including over 2,000 killed. Buried by the Germans in several mass graves, the 250 soldiers who were carefully exhumed in 2009 have all now been reburied in individual graves at Fromelles (Pheasant Wood) Military Cemetery, with military honors. Using DNA testing and by gathering other pieces of evidence, 96 Australian soldiers have been successfully identified by name, with a further 109 unnamed Australian soldiers, three unnamed British soldiers and 42 soldiers who remain known unto God. Eurostar takes one hour 20 minutes from London to Lille, a journey that would have taken days for allied troops in both world wars. For more information, visit www.cwgc.org or www.eurostar.co.uk.
 

Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group, Inc., provided an update on preliminary estimates for second-quarter results and its outlook for the full year of 2010. The company announced that it expects second-quarter Corporate Adjusted EBITDA to be within a range of $70 million to $75 million, up significantly from $20.9 million in the comparable quarter of 2009. The company further noted that it recorded approximately $5 million of expenses related to the proposed Hertz transaction during the quarter. Excluding these transaction costs, Corporate Adjusted EBITDA for the second quarter is projected to be within a range of $75 million to $80 million.

Eurostar, the international high-speed passenger train operator which links the U.K. with the continent, will host a train ceremony naming at St. Pancras International by HRH The Duke of Kent on the morning of the 94th anniversary of the Battle of Fromelles. The Eurostar train will be named “Remembering Fromelles” and will carry guests to Lille in Northern France which is only a short distance away from the village of Fromelles where the first war cemetery in 50 years will be officially dedicated by the Commonwealth War Grave Commission (CWGC). This event is the culmination of a significant collaboration between the CWGC, and the Australian and British governments, on whose behalf the CWGC has managed the Fromelles project.

Eurostar will play a pivotal role in carrying over 400 guests, including many of the relatives of those who died during the Battle of Fromelles, to Lille to attend the event. In 1916, the Australian and British forces suffered over 7,000 casualties in little over 24 hours, including over 2,000 killed. Buried by the Germans in several mass graves, the 250 soldiers who were carefully exhumed in 2009 have all now been reburied in individual graves at Fromelles (Pheasant Wood) Military Cemetery, with military honors. Using DNA testing and by gathering other pieces of evidence, 96 Australian soldiers have been successfully identified by name, with a further 109 unnamed Australian soldiers, three unnamed British soldiers and 42 soldiers who remain known unto God. Eurostar takes one hour 20 minutes from London to Lille, a journey that would have taken days for allied troops in both world wars. For more information, visit www.cwgc.org or www.eurostar.co.uk.
 

Hertz Global Holdings, Inc. has acquired 1st Call Studio Equipment from RoadSafe Holdings. 1st Call is a leading equipment rental company to the film and television industry. Headquartered in Sylmar, Calif., the company services clients throughout the U.S. and has offices in Hollywood, on the Universal Studios Hollywood Lot, Albuquerque Studios Lot, and in Louisiana. Hertz is looking for opportunities to grow its Entertainment Services business, said Mark P. Frissora, chairman and chief executive officer of Hertz. 1st Call Studio Equipment rents booms, scissor lifts, fork lifts, light towers, gators and other equipment to production companies working on feature films, episodic television shows, reality shows, commercials and music videos. For more information, visit www.hertz.com.

Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group, Inc., provided an update on preliminary estimates for second-quarter results and its outlook for the full year of 2010. The company announced that it expects second-quarter Corporate Adjusted EBITDA to be within a range of $70 million to $75 million, up significantly from $20.9 million in the comparable quarter of 2009. The company further noted that it recorded approximately $5 million of expenses related to the proposed Hertz transaction during the quarter. Excluding these transaction costs, Corporate Adjusted EBITDA for the second quarter is projected to be within a range of $75 million to $80 million.

The company noted that it is lowering its guidance for vehicle rental revenue for the full year of 2010 to an increase of 1 to 2 percent compared to 2009, down from its prior guidance of 2 to 4 percent. In addition, the company lowered its expected fleet cost target from $275 per unit per month to a range of $245 to $255 per month.

Based on the company"s estimated results through the second quarter and its outlook for revenue and fleet costs for the remainder of 2010, the company expects Corporate Adjusted EBITDA, excluding expenses related to the Hertz transaction, to be within a range of $200 million to $220 million for the full year of 2010. The company"s previous guidance range for 2010 was $170 million to $190 million, and the company"s 2009 Corporate Adjusted EBITDA was $99.4 million.

The company also provided an updated outlook for fleet cost per unit per month for 2011, lowering its outlook for fleet cost to a range of $300 to $310 per month, compared to its previous guidance of $325 per month. The company noted that the ongoing positive effects of changes made in its operations and fleet management, combined with solid macroeconomic factors in the used car market, are expected to impact fleet costs in 2011 and beyond. For more information, visit www.dtag.com,  www.thrifty.com  or www.dollar.com.

This November, Orient-Express is introducing the Chronicles of Southeast Asia -- four new journeys that enable guests on the E&O to experience the region in greater depth. The new itineraries will take passengers in comfort to places off the beaten track and essentially turn the train into a touring hotel. To ensure ultimate exclusivity and a more personalized experience, capacity on each trip will be limited to 60 guests and only presidential and state carriages will be in use.

Amtrak and Concur, a leading provider of on-demand Employee Spend Management services, announced that Concur Travel & Expense and Concur Cliqbook Travel clients now have direct access to book travel on any Amtrak route nationwide. Concur clients may now view, hold, reserve and purchase Amtrak rail travel -- and compare rail and air travel options -- all on one screen.

With this new direct connection to Amtrak’s reservations system, Concur clients will be able to add rail to their travel plans in the same way they already book air, car, or hotel reservations, and enjoy all of these additional benefits: Expanded route map to include all key Amtrak business travel corridors; mixed rail and air display to allow for comparison of travel options; direct passage of Amtrak Guest Rewards number into the Concur system; full support for Amtrak special rates; ability to book multi-segment trips; ability to cancel or put rail trips on hold; payment and ticketing with no agency intervention; support of all passenger type codes.

“The direct connection between Amtrak’s reservations system and the Concur Connect program will not only provide easier access for Amtrak passengers booking rail travel, it will also provide a side-by-side comparison of a client’s rail and air travel options,” said Craig White senior director of travel industry sales. “This comparison will show Concur clients that rail travel is a very attractive and viable option, particularly along Amtrak’s busy Northeast Corridor between Washington, DC, New York and Boston.”

Through Concur Connect – the global program that connects suppliers from around the world and provides clients exclusive access to services otherwise unavailable though traditional travel programs – Amtrak joins a growing list of travel suppliers that feed complete electronic folio data in the form of e-receipts directly into Concur Travel & Expense. For more information, visit www.concur.com  or www.amtrak.com.  

Alamos Rent A Car and National Car Rental have re-launched their joint Cash-In Club loyalty rewards program for travel agents with an updated website, flexible rewards and an updated promotion. Since 1995, Alamo and National have partnered with U.S. travel agents who book rental car as Cash-In Club members. The revamp includes new tools and better incentives, according to Ron Cerko, vice president of travel industry relations for Alamo and National.

The Cash-In Club promotion is being offered to all U.S.-resident travel agents who book a qualified reservation through October 2010. Program members will be automatically entered to win every time they reserve a car with Alamo or National. The grand prize winner will receive 15,000 points. The second place winner will receive 10,000 points and the third place winner receives 5,000 points. Winners will be announced in November 2010.

Cash-In Club was originally created to offer travel agents the chance to receive competitive rates and quality rental vehicles for their clients and to reward them for their long-term business. The enhanced program agents to also incorporate award points into American Express-branded reward cards. For more information, visit www.cashinclub.travel or www.rewards.cashinclub.travel.
 

Rail Europe Inc., Switzerland Tourism and the Swiss Travel System are teaming up this summer to offer the Swiss Bliss Deal, inviting all travelers to take advantage of the outdoors and explore Switzerland. The Swiss Pass is an inexpensive way to experience the country by allowing unlimited travel on all trains, boats and postal buses which make up the Swiss Travel System. It is particularly convenient for families, as kids up to 16 years of age always ride for free when accompanied by a parent and all Swiss Pass holders get free access to more than 400 museums in Switzerland. Prices on the four-day Swiss Pass start at $361 in first class and $241 in second class. The Swiss Bliss Deal is available for purchase from July 15 through July 21. Travel must take place from Aug. 1 through Nov. 30.

The Swiss Bliss Deal includes limited-time offers on special value-added components with a purchase of the Swiss Pass. Passengers who purchase the Swiss Pass through Rail Europe will also receive roundtrip tickets for up to 50 percent off the regularly reduced Swiss Pass holder one-way fare on the mountain railways or cable cars that carry passengers to the Swiss mountain peaks of Titlis, Pilatus, Schilthorn, Stanserhorn and Rocher de Naye; one free fast baggage voucher, which is valid for the transfer of one bag per person one way between most train stations in Switzerland (certain restrictions apply); 20 percent discount from Victorinox on luggage at the Victorinox/Swiss Army stores in Geneva or Basel, Switzerland and New York, N.Y., valid on all purchases made from July 22 through Nov. 30; and a detailed map of Switzerland created by National Geographic Traveler.

Switzerland Tourism recently named 2010 an official hiking year and outlined 32 trails for travelers to discover some of the world’s finest backdrops. In an effort to promote an active lifestyle, many of the highlighted routes are geared toward families and beginner level hikers. However, the country also offers numerous rigorous trails for more experienced outdoor enthusiasts. For more information, call 888-382-7245 or visit www.agent.raileurope.com.

Amtrak launched a “Create Our Contest Contest,” a summer-long campaign that invites the general public to develop what will become Amtrak’s first user-generated contest. The goal of the campaign is to actively engage Amtrak’s most loyal customers through social networking. To enter the contest users, should log on to www.Facebook.com/Amtrak  and submit their ideas in essay or video form by Aug. 2. All approved entries will be uploaded to Amtrak’s Facebook fan page, where users can vote for their favorite contest idea. Entries that receive the top 25 percent of all votes will be reviewed by a panel of judges to determine the winner. The grand prize -- which will be awarded in September -- is a roundtrip for four to anywhere Amtrak travels.

“Amtrak’s customers are enthusiastic, highly creative people who showcase their love for train travel in many different ways,” said David Lim, Amtrak’s chief marketing officer. “We want to harness this creativity and engage our fans by asking them to develop their dream contest.” Amtrak partnered with their advertising agency Arnold Worldwide’s D.C. office on the concept and all creative campaign elements for the contest. The contest will be promoted by paid advertisements on Facebook, and social media outreach on Twitter and Facebook, among other efforts. For a complete list of contest rules and regulations, visit www.apps.facebook.com/amtrakcontest/rules.  

This November, Orient-Express is introducing the Chronicles of Southeast Asia -- four new journeys that enable guests on the E&O to experience the region in greater depth. The new itineraries will take passengers in comfort to places off the beaten track and essentially turn the train into a touring hotel. To ensure ultimate exclusivity and a more personalized experience, capacity on each trip will be limited to 60 guests and only presidential and state carriages will be in use.

The new routes include: Epic Thailand (six nights) -- Bangkok/Isan/Chiang Mai/Lampang/Bangkok visiting sites in Northern Thailand. Highlights include a walking tour through a traditional village in Isan; a sunset candlelight reception at Prasat Sikoraphum (a restored 12th century Khmer Temple), lunch with the first female Thai oenologist at Khao Yai Gran Monte Vineyard, the opportunity to participate in a Bai Sii (sacred thread) ceremony, and touring the town of Lampang "wild-west style" in a traditional pony trap.

Fables of the Hills (six nights) -- Singapore/Kuala Lumpur/Cameron Highlands (overnight)/Penang/Surat Thani/River Kwai/Bangkok. Highlights include Kuala Lumpur city tour, including a visit to "The School of Hard Knocks" (for the history and facts of pewter), Strawberry and tea tastings in the Cameron Highlands and Surat Thani Monkey Training College.

Legends of the Peninsula (six nights) -- Bangkok/River Kwai/Trang (overnight)/Penang/Kuala Lumpur/Singapore. Highlights include the River Kwai Bridge, a sojourn at Trang that offers the chance to take part in a range of water sports, Dugong trekking and Thai cooking classes.

Tales of Laos (three nights) -- Bangkok/Pimai/Khao Yai/Vientiane/Bangkok. E&O passengers are among the few to travel this route. Highlights include stopping at Phimai to explore the Angkor-style Khmer temples, the vineyards of the Khao Yai hills and sampling the "new" latitude wines cultivated there. Prices start at $3,900. For more information, visit www.orient-express.com/web/eoe/chronicles_asia.jsp.

Amtrak and Concur, a leading provider of on-demand Employee Spend Management services, announced that Concur Travel & Expense and Concur Cliqbook Travel clients now have direct access to book travel on any Amtrak route nationwide. Concur clients may now view, hold, reserve and purchase Amtrak rail travel -- and compare rail and air travel options -- all on one screen.

Amtrak and Concur, a leading provider of on-demand Employee Spend Management services, announced that Concur Travel & Expense and Concur Cliqbook Travel clients now have direct access to book travel on any Amtrak route nationwide. Concur clients may now view, hold, reserve and purchase Amtrak rail travel -- and compare rail and air travel options -- all on one screen.

With this new direct connection to Amtrak’s reservations system, Concur clients will be able to add rail to their travel plans in the same way they already book air, car, or hotel reservations, and enjoy all of these additional benefits: Expanded route map to include all key Amtrak business travel corridors; mixed rail and air display to allow for comparison of travel options; direct passage of Amtrak Guest Rewards number into the Concur system; full support for Amtrak special rates; ability to book multi-segment trips; ability to cancel or put rail trips on hold; payment and ticketing with no agency intervention; support of all passenger type codes.

“The direct connection between Amtrak’s reservations system and the Concur Connect program will not only provide easier access for Amtrak passengers booking rail travel, it will also provide a side-by-side comparison of a client’s rail and air travel options,” said Craig White senior director of travel industry sales. “This comparison will show Concur clients that rail travel is a very attractive and viable option, particularly along Amtrak’s busy Northeast Corridor between Washington, DC, New York and Boston.”

Through Concur Connect – the global program that connects suppliers from around the world and provides clients exclusive access to services otherwise unavailable though traditional travel programs – Amtrak joins a growing list of travel suppliers that feed complete electronic folio data in the form of e-receipts directly into Concur Travel & Expense. For more information, visit www.concur.com  or www.amtrak.com.  

Rail Europe Inc., Switzerland Tourism and the Swiss Travel System are teaming up this summer to offer the Swiss Bliss Deal, inviting all travelers to take advantage of the outdoors and explore Switzerland. The Swiss Pass is an inexpensive way to experience the country by allowing unlimited travel on all trains, boats and postal buses which make up the Swiss Travel System. It is particularly convenient for families, as kids up to 16 years of age always ride for free when accompanied by a parent and all Swiss Pass holders get free access to more than 400 museums in Switzerland. Prices on the four-day Swiss Pass start at $361 in first class and $241 in second class. The Swiss Bliss Deal is available for purchase from July 15 through July 21. Travel must take place from Aug. 1 through Nov. 30.

Amtrak and Concur, a leading provider of on-demand Employee Spend Management services, announced that Concur Travel & Expense and Concur Cliqbook Travel clients now have direct access to book travel on any Amtrak route nationwide. Concur clients may now view, hold, reserve and purchase Amtrak rail travel -- and compare rail and air travel options -- all on one screen.

With this new direct connection to Amtrak’s reservations system, Concur clients will be able to add rail to their travel plans in the same way they already book air, car, or hotel reservations, and enjoy all of these additional benefits: Expanded route map to include all key Amtrak business travel corridors; mixed rail and air display to allow for comparison of travel options; direct passage of Amtrak Guest Rewards number into the Concur system; full support for Amtrak special rates; ability to book multi-segment trips; ability to cancel or put rail trips on hold; payment and ticketing with no agency intervention; support of all passenger type codes.

“The direct connection between Amtrak’s reservations system and the Concur Connect program will not only provide easier access for Amtrak passengers booking rail travel, it will also provide a side-by-side comparison of a client’s rail and air travel options,” said Craig White senior director of travel industry sales. “This comparison will show Concur clients that rail travel is a very attractive and viable option, particularly along Amtrak’s busy Northeast Corridor between Washington, DC, New York and Boston.”

Through Concur Connect – the global program that connects suppliers from around the world and provides clients exclusive access to services otherwise unavailable though traditional travel programs – Amtrak joins a growing list of travel suppliers that feed complete electronic folio data in the form of e-receipts directly into Concur Travel & Expense. For more information, visit www.concur.com  or www.amtrak.com.  

Alamos Rent A Car and National Car Rental have re-launched their joint Cash-In Club loyalty rewards program for travel agents with an updated website, flexible rewards and an updated promotion. Since 1995, Alamo and National have partnered with U.S. travel agents who book rental car as Cash-In Club members. The revamp includes new tools and better incentives, according to Ron Cerko, vice president of travel industry relations for Alamo and National.

The Cash-In Club promotion is being offered to all U.S.-resident travel agents who book a qualified reservation through October 2010. Program members will be automatically entered to win every time they reserve a car with Alamo or National. The grand prize winner will receive 15,000 points. The second place winner will receive 10,000 points and the third place winner receives 5,000 points. Winners will be announced in November 2010.

Cash-In Club was originally created to offer travel agents the chance to receive competitive rates and quality rental vehicles for their clients and to reward them for their long-term business. The enhanced program agents to also incorporate award points into American Express-branded reward cards. For more information, visit www.cashinclub.travel or www.rewards.cashinclub.travel.
 

Rail Europe Inc., Switzerland Tourism and the Swiss Travel System are teaming up this summer to offer the Swiss Bliss Deal, inviting all travelers to take advantage of the outdoors and explore Switzerland. The Swiss Pass is an inexpensive way to experience the country by allowing unlimited travel on all trains, boats and postal buses which make up the Swiss Travel System. It is particularly convenient for families, as kids up to 16 years of age always ride for free when accompanied by a parent and all Swiss Pass holders get free access to more than 400 museums in Switzerland. Prices on the four-day Swiss Pass start at $361 in first class and $241 in second class. The Swiss Bliss Deal is available for purchase from July 15 through July 21. Travel must take place from Aug. 1 through Nov. 30.

The Swiss Bliss Deal includes limited-time offers on special value-added components with a purchase of the Swiss Pass. Passengers who purchase the Swiss Pass through Rail Europe will also receive roundtrip tickets for up to 50 percent off the regularly reduced Swiss Pass holder one-way fare on the mountain railways or cable cars that carry passengers to the Swiss mountain peaks of Titlis, Pilatus, Schilthorn, Stanserhorn and Rocher de Naye; one free fast baggage voucher, which is valid for the transfer of one bag per person one way between most train stations in Switzerland (certain restrictions apply); 20 percent discount from Victorinox on luggage at the Victorinox/Swiss Army stores in Geneva or Basel, Switzerland and New York, N.Y., valid on all purchases made from July 22 through Nov. 30; and a detailed map of Switzerland created by National Geographic Traveler.

Switzerland Tourism recently named 2010 an official hiking year and outlined 32 trails for travelers to discover some of the world’s finest backdrops. In an effort to promote an active lifestyle, many of the highlighted routes are geared toward families and beginner level hikers. However, the country also offers numerous rigorous trails for more experienced outdoor enthusiasts. For more information, call 888-382-7245 or visit www.agent.raileurope.com.

Hertz Global Holdings, Inc. has acquired 1st Call Studio Equipment from RoadSafe Holdings. 1st Call is a leading equipment rental company to the film and television industry. Headquartered in Sylmar, Calif., the company services clients throughout the U.S. and has offices in Hollywood, on the Universal Studios Hollywood Lot, Albuquerque Studios Lot, and in Louisiana. Hertz is looking for opportunities to grow its Entertainment Services business, said Mark P. Frissora, chairman and chief executive officer of Hertz. 1st Call Studio Equipment rents booms, scissor lifts, fork lifts, light towers, gators and other equipment to production companies working on feature films, episodic television shows, reality shows, commercials and music videos. For more information, visit www.hertz.com.

Eurostar, the international high-speed passenger train operator which links the U.K. with the continent, will host a train ceremony naming at St. Pancras International by HRH The Duke of Kent on the morning of the 94th anniversary of the Battle of Fromelles. The Eurostar train will be named “Remembering Fromelles” and will carry guests to Lille in Northern France which is only a short distance away from the village of Fromelles where the first war cemetery in 50 years will be officially dedicated by the Commonwealth War Grave Commission (CWGC). This event is the culmination of a significant collaboration between the CWGC, and the Australian and British governments, on whose behalf the CWGC has managed the Fromelles project.

Eurostar will play a pivotal role in carrying over 400 guests, including many of the relatives of those who died during the Battle of Fromelles, to Lille to attend the event. In 1916, the Australian and British forces suffered over 7,000 casualties in little over 24 hours, including over 2,000 killed. Buried by the Germans in several mass graves, the 250 soldiers who were carefully exhumed in 2009 have all now been reburied in individual graves at Fromelles (Pheasant Wood) Military Cemetery, with military honors. Using DNA testing and by gathering other pieces of evidence, 96 Australian soldiers have been successfully identified by name, with a further 109 unnamed Australian soldiers, three unnamed British soldiers and 42 soldiers who remain known unto God. Eurostar takes one hour 20 minutes from London to Lille, a journey that would have taken days for allied troops in both world wars. For more information, visit www.cwgc.org or www.eurostar.co.uk.
 

Hertz Global Holdings, Inc. has acquired 1st Call Studio Equipment from RoadSafe Holdings. 1st Call is a leading equipment rental company to the film and television industry. Headquartered in Sylmar, Calif., the company services clients throughout the U.S. and has offices in Hollywood, on the Universal Studios Hollywood Lot, Albuquerque Studios Lot, and in Louisiana. Hertz is looking for opportunities to grow its Entertainment Services business, said Mark P. Frissora, chairman and chief executive officer of Hertz. 1st Call Studio Equipment rents booms, scissor lifts, fork lifts, light towers, gators and other equipment to production companies working on feature films, episodic television shows, reality shows, commercials and music videos. For more information, visit www.hertz.com.