Cendant Re-launches Trip.com With $40M Ad Campaign

PARSIPPANY, NJ— Cendant Corp. has officially re-launched Trip.com, an independent affiliate, with a more than $40 million multi-media national advertising campaign by Trip Network. Trip.com was rebuilt as a full-service leisure travel website with round-the-clock access to live travel professionals. At the new site, travelers can find unpublished airfares at savings of up to 40%, and significant discounts on weekly resort accommodations through Cendant-affiliated RCI Holiday Network, cruises, and last-minute vacation packages. In addition, Trip.com is connected to the same booking systems used by travel agents, and provides 24-hour access to a team of travel professionals at 1.800.TRIP.COM. The Trip.com professionals are available to help with travel recommendations and answer questions about reservations. In addition, the site launched “Trip Coach,” which recommends relevant locations based on a travelers individual preferences. The new site also allows visitors to search without registering, and enables users to modify their search without repeating the entire process. Trip.com registered members have the added benefit of saving searched itineraries in their personal TripBook for later purchase, or to share with family and friends via e-mail. As part of the sites expanded travel resources, TripBook also automatically delivers airport terminal maps, driving directions and weather information based on their planned destinations. FlightTracker, with real-time FAA data, is also featured on the site. “Trip.com rounds out Cendants travel distribution initiative by creating a major online leisure travel portal with offline strength,” said Sam Galeotos, chairman of Trip Network and CEO/Cendants strategic distribution and travel services group. To propel the new Trip.com into the online arena, Trip Network has launched an aggressive national advertising campaign entitled “Portraits.” Created by Grey Advertisings New York office, it features television, radio, print, and online ads with the slogan “Theres Only One You.” The campaign highlights Trip.coms ability to connect with individual users by offering a wide product offering, great deals, and personalized results.