Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

US giant launches private-sale travel site

Relaxnews
Wednesday 28 April 2010 19:00 EDT
Comments
(2010 Vacationist.com)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

American Express has entered the private-sale travel market with a new website aimed at luxury travelers.

The new Vacationist.com is an invitation-only website along the same lines as Gilt Group's Jetsetter website, featuring private sales and exclusive rates to members only.

The site launched on April 26 and is a partnership between Travel + Leisure magazine, an American Express publication, and Luxury Link, a luxury hotel website.

The first sales are "a mix of exotic and urban destinations," including the all-inclusive Turtle Island resort in Fiji, top-end hotel The Surrey in New York City, and boutique property The James Hotel in Chicago.

American Express says that the site will offer between 25 to 40 percent off published room rates for limited periods of time, accompanied by reports from Travel + Leisure magazine editors.

Invitees to Vacationist will initially be limited to Travel + Leisure customers and Luxury Link members.

The addition of American Express could prove a major boost for the "private sales" market, which is currently booming. The brand is no stranger to the travel market - in addition to its financial services business, American Express owns a global network of travel agents and holds a considerable share of the corporate travel market.

In recent months, Kayak and Travelocity have opened their own members-only clubs, joining established sites such as Jetsetter and Tablet Hotels.

http://www.vacationist.com
http://www.jetsetter.com

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in