SUBMITTED NEWS RELEASE
After weeks of isolation caused by early winter storms, The Travelocity Roaming Gnome is breaking his seclusion, determined to find a cure for cabin fever. Encouraging other travelers to do the same, the Roaming Gnome™ is also asking North America to help point him to the best of the best major ski resorts across the U.S. and Canada to escape the winter slump.
Beginning Jan. 27 and ending Feb. 3 Travelocity is asking Roaming Gnome fans to friend him on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#/travelocity?ref=sgm) and vote for the best Winter ski destination … Lake Tahoe vs. Utah.
“The Reno-Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority is asking all Lake Tahoe lovers near and far to friend the Roaming Gnome and vote to get him to Lake Tahoe for a winter ski getaway,” said Michael Thomas, executive director of marketing, RSCVA. “Lake Tahoe lovers know there’s no better place to ski and have fun.”
Voting on the Travelocity Facebook fan page will last nine days, and the winning resort will be revealed on the Thurs., Feb. 4.
Immediately following the results of each contest, the Roaming Gnome will travel to the winning destination to visit friends and locals, pose for pictures and participate in some of the most popular activities that resort has to offer, including skiing, ice skating, snowmobiling, flying down the luge, and snow tubing.
As with all celebrities, the Roaming Gnome will have a “personal assistant” who accompanies him along the way.
Throughout each visit, the Roaming Gnome will post photos and comments about his experiences, allowing fans to follow his journey every step of the way. Each day, fans have the opportunity to cure their own cabin fever by entering for a chance to win a trip for two to Vail, including airfare, a four-night hotel stay and three-day lift tickets. Additionally, the Roaming Gnome will pick a “Fan of the Week” photo to be Travelocity’s Facebook profile picture.
More information on the Roaming Gnome’s “Cabin Fever: Finding a Cure” campaign can be found on Travelocity’s Facebook fan page at www.facebook.com/travelocity.
Additionally, Travelocity is launching the “Cure Cabin Fever” sale to coincide with his journey, serving up additional savings on vacation packages between Jan. 4 and March 22, 2010 to popular sun and snow destinations.
“While many are starting to see the signs of some economic relief as of late, we understand that consumers are just as steadfast in uncovering the very best deals out there,” said Victoria Treyger, chief marketing officer, Travelocity North America. “Who better to point them in the right direction than Travelocity’s Roaming Gnome, longtime champion of unearthing the ultimate deals to the most popular locations? Through the Roaming Gnome’s adventures to top ski destinations around the U.S. and Canada, made possible through the great deals offered on our site, we want to show people they can still travel without breaking the bank.”
There are three legs to the Roaming Gnome’s winter expedition to popular ski resorts, and the first pair included two top Canadian destinations, Whistler vs. Banff. Voting began Jan. 12 and ended Jan. 20 at noon EST. Banff prevailed.
About Travelocity Global
Travelocity® is committed to being the traveler’s champion — before, during and after the trip – and provides the most comprehensive and proactive guarantee in the industry (http://www.travelocity.com/guarantee). This customer-driven focus, backed by 24/7 live phone support, competitive prices and powerful shopping technology has made Travelocity one of the largest travel companies in the world with annual gross bookings of more than U.S. $10 billion. Travelocity also owns and operates: Travelocity Business® for corporate travel; igougo.com, a leading online travel community; lastminute.com, a leader in European online travel; and ZUJI, a leader in Asia-Pacific online travel. Travelocity is owned by Sabre Holdings Corporation, a world leader in travel marketing and distribution.
About the Reno-Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority :
The RSCVA is the primary tourism agency, supporting convention and tourism business for the Reno Tahoe region. Reno Tahoe USA supports unlimited possibilities from outdoor recreation to 24-hour Nevada style gaming and entertainment.
For more information about Reno Tahoe USA visit www.VisitRenoTahoe.com.
