> Those 50+ make up a large percentage of the vacation
travel market, and they are very savvy consumers. The mix
of value-added features, discounts and personal service on
AARP member benefits helps people get the most from their
travel dollars.
The AARP Travel Center powered by Expedia
continued to strengthen. Its increasing
popularity with AARP members was due both
to the convenience of a powerful “one-stop
shop” website designed just for AARP and
the personalized service offered by customer
representatives available 24/7 to provide expert
guidance.
Members saved an average of five to 10 percent
off hotels and up to 25 percent when renting
with one of AARP’s preferred car rentals
providers. Members enjoyed an additional
onboard cruise credit of up to $100, no booking
fees on airlines tickets and cruises and other
discounts.
Car Rentals
AARP members saved an estimated $10 million
in 2009 by taking advantage of the car-rental
discounts made available by Alamo, Avis, Budget,
Enterprise, Hertz and National.
In 2009, six hotel suppliers (encompassing 30+
unique brands, including Best Western, Hampton
Hotels, Sheraton and Wyndham Hotels and
Resorts) provided AARP member benefits and
discounts.
Tour and Vacation Packages
Collette Vacations freed travelers from the hassles
of driving to the airport and handling luggage
after it began offering free door-to-door sedan
service for members who booked air-inclusive
tours to the South Pacific, Canada and Europe
or its educational Smithsonian Journeys Travel
Adventures.
General Tours World Traveler and
AMAWATERWAYS continued to provide
members with a broad offering of international
travel options including increasingly popular
small-ship river cruises in Europe, South America,
Asia, Russia and Egypt.
Also complementing the portfolio were
Grand Travel, Hurtigruten, Sandals and Beaches
Resorts, and Untours.
“We enjoy a strong relationship with AARP, and admire its
commitment to delivering value to AARP members. Even in
an economy like today’s, travel remains an important part
of life. Expedia is proud to power the AARP Travel Center,
providing deals and tools that helped AARP members save
over $4 million in 2009.”
