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This week in Opportunities:

Report: 70 Percent of Travel Booked Online in 2008
Zagat Releases Survey Results on Global Air Travel
Opportunities Watch!
Executive Movers! See who's going where?
Travel Executive Employment Report

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OPPORTUNITIES NEWS & TRENDS

Report: 70 Percent of Travel Booked Online in 2008

While the percentage of travelers making online airline, rental car and hotel reservations has increased 15 percentage points during the past year, bookings for independent travel Web sites have increased by just 1 percentage point since 2007, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2008 Independent Travel Web Site Satisfaction Study. Now in its fourth year, the study measures customer satisfaction with online booking for airline, hotel or rental car reservations made on seven major independent travel Web sites. Six factors are examined to measure customer satisfaction. In order of importance, they are: competitiveness of price; ease of booking; usefulness of the information on the Web site; availability of booking options/travel packages; appearance/design of Web site; and ease of navigation. The study finds that while 70 percent of travel reservations were booked online in 2008 -- up from 53 percent in 2007 -- only 16 percent were made through independent travel Web sites. This marks a negligible market share increase of 1 percent in 2008. Additionally, consumers who booked their travel using an independent Web site were considerably less satisfied compared with 2007, with satisfaction scores declining by 17 points on a 1,000-point scale to 785 in 2008. "Many branded travel sites -- those directly operated by airline, rental car and hotel companies -- offer lowest-price guarantees, although customers perceive that independent travel Web sites are particularly price competitive," said Sam Thanawalla, director of travel and entertainment at J.D. Power and Associates. "When consumers don't believe they're getting the best deal using an independent site, they either go directly to the branded site or they concede to use an independent site, but are less satisfied with their experience."

While price is a key factor contributing to the decrease in customer satisfaction with independent travel Web sites, problems with excessive content and tools on travel Web sites are also contributing to the overall decline. Specifically, customers most frequently cite the additional pages that pop up during the booking process as a problem, which lowers customer satisfaction. Having to download new software in order to make reservations or get information on the best deals available is also a frequently reported issue among customers. "Many of the independent players are trying to beef up their sites by adding more content and features, but this can make it more challenging for customers to easily navigate through sites and make travel reservations," said Thanawalla. "Web sites that offer lowest-price guarantees, provide images and have other relevant content, such as consumer reviews and information on areas that travelers will be visiting, will prove successful in satisfying customers. Ensuring a satisfying experience also leads to an increased likelihood that customers will return to make travel reservations in the future and give positive recommendations to others. In 2008, customers who say they are highly satisfied with their online booking experience are 50 percent more likely to return to the same Web site to book their next trip." For a third consecutive year, Hotwire.com ranks highest among independent travel Web sites, performing particularly well in competitiveness of pricing and ease of navigation. Priceline.com follows Hotwire.com in the ranking, also performing particularly well in competitiveness of pricing. Additionally, the study finds that an independent Web site's mix of travel services -- how much of the site's business is split between airline, rental car or hotel bookings -- also impacts satisfaction scores. "Independent Web sites with a high proportion of flight-only reservations were strongly affected when airlines increased airfares in 2008, resulting in lower customer satisfaction," said Thanawalla. "Customer satisfaction levels among sites that also include a mix of rental car or hotel business -- for which prices have not increased dramatically -- have remained steady compared with previous years."

The 2008 Independent Travel Web Site Study is based on responses from 7,667 consumers who booked their travel reservations through independent Web sites. The study was fielded from May 2007 to October 2008. For more information, please visit JDPower.com

Zagat Releases Survey Results on Global Air Travel

Zagat Survey recently announced the results of its most recent Airlines Survey. The survey is based on the experiences of 9,950 frequent fliers and travel professionals who rated 85 major world airlines and 27 domestic U.S. airports. Each airline was separately rated on its premium and economy service for both domestic and international flights. The average surveyor took 16.3 flights in the past year aggregating 162,000 trips -- 38 % of which were for leisure and 62% for business. The respondents also provided some candid comments about flying the friendly -- or not so friendly -- skies.

Overall: The good news is that the average ratings, factoring in Comfort, Service and Food scores, rose slightly for both domestic and international service. The bad news is that people are flying less. As always, international flights' average scores were higher than their domestic ones; for example, the international average for economy class was a middling 15.73 on the Zagat 30-point scale, but the domestic economy class average was a dismal 13.82. On a happier note, domestic business class ratings jumped almost 2 points on average.

Domestic Winners: This year, among large domestic airlines, Continental was voted No. 1 in premium class while JetBlue took top honors for economy. Looking at the U.S. Big Six -- American, Continental, Delta, Northwest, United, and US Airways (soon to be the "Big Five" with the merger of Delta and Northwest), Continental led in most categories, as it did in the 2007 Zagat Airline Survey. It was also deemed the "best value" among all airlines for international flights.

Among midsized domestics, Virgin America, the low-cost, high-style newcomer launched by Richard Branson in 2007, continued to impress, ranking No. 1 in premium and No. 2 (after winner Midwest) in economy. Southwest Airlines was saluted for offering the best value domestically as well as having the best frequent-flier program, luggage policy and on-time performance. And as for airports, Tampa International won in overall quality; La Guardia came in last.

Overseas: As usual, the international airlines flying larger aircraft over longer distances fared much better than U.S. domestic carriers. Singapore Airlines gained altitude, sweeping the competition for the twentieth year in a row for both international economy and premium classes. Singapore swept up the No. 1 spot for Food, Service and Comfort. Other international leaders include Emirates, Cathay Pacific, Virgin Atlantic Airways and Air New Zealand. The International premium class average went up 1.4 points on the 30-point Zagat scale since last year.

Entertaining The Masses: Travelers have no choice but to accept the all-too-common flight delays and cancellations. Thus, in-flight entertainment has become more important than ever to help keep passengers occupied. Surveyors gave top in-flight entertainment honors to JetBlue domestically, and Virgin Atlantic internationally.

Going Green: Environmental consciousness is growing part of the everyday decisions people make, and a full 30% of surveyors said they would be more likely to fly with airlines that introduced measures to become greener. When asked which domestic U.S. airline they think operates in the most eco-friendly manner, 27% of surveyors said JetBlue, followed by Southwest Airlines (25%) and Virgin America (14%).

Websites: When booking air travel, 60% of surveyors use airline websites, while only 4% call the airline. Sites such as Expedia, Travelocity and the like are used by 18%, while 9% book through work and 8% use a travel agent. Surveyors awarded top website honors to Southwest Airlines, Virgin America and JetBlue in that order.

Bits and Bytes: Due to the general turbulence in the economy, fliers say they are flying less than they did last year. With free snacks and meals becoming a thing of the past, only 23% of fliers say they would purchase snacks onboard; 57% would rather purchase a meal at the airport instead. While 65% of surveyors use their frequent flier miles for free flights, 25% use them for upgrades and 10% do not use them at all.

For a full list of survey results, please visit www.zagat.com/airline.

OPPORTUNITIES WATCH!

Six Flags Friends & Cornell University Partner to Inspire Future Industry Leaders

Six Flags, Inc. has announced that Six Flags Friends, the company's philanthropic arm, is partnering with The Cornell School of Hotel Administration at Cornell University to launch The Six Flags Friends Apprentice Program -- an educational development package that combines a traditional financial scholarship with apprentice-style learning. This elite program will offer one outstanding hospitality management student the opportunity to work and train alongside some of the best and brightest in the theme park business. The Six Flags apprenticeship will offer unique real world applications designed to supplement the student's academic courses with hands-on day-to-day responsibilities. The program is designed to couple in-park experiences with strategic planning and analysis in an effort to create an all encompassing look at park operations. The recipient will be able to choose from one of 18 domestic Six Flags properties and will spend the 2009 summer season engaged in all operational aspects of the park's business. Additionally, the student will receive a full-tuition, one semester scholarship to be used towards obtaining their degree at Cornell University. Six Flags will also assume the cost of the student's summer room and board, including a meal stipend allowance. Applications for the 2009 program are being accepted now through February 13, 2009 and are available for download at sixflags.com/apprentice. Students in their freshman, sophomore or junior year at Cornell University are eligible to apply. Six Flags executives, in partnership with a selection committee of esteemed Cornell University faculty, will review all applications and conduct finalist interviews by March 9, 2009. Students will be considered based on academic merit, industry-related experience and recommendations. For more information about Six Flags Friends and upcoming events and programs, log on to www.sixflags.com/friends.

OPPORTUNITIES EXECUTIVE MOVERS!

AGENCIES: Priceline.com Inc. has announced the promotions of four executives to new senior management positions. Robert J. Mylod Jr., priceline.com’s former Chief Financial Officer, was named Vice Chairman and Head of Worldwide Strategy and Planning. Daniel J. Finnegan, priceline.com’s former Senior Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer and Controller, was named Chief Financial Officer. Matthew N. Tynan, priceline.com’s former Vice President, Financial Planning, Strategy and Analysis, was named Senior Vice President, Finance and Investor Relations. Anthony J. Cali, priceline.com’s former Director and Assistant Controller, was named Vice President and Controller. All appointments are effective January 1st, 2009. Bob Mylod joined priceline.com in 1999 and was appointed Chief Financial Officer in November 2000. Dan Finnegan joined priceline.com in April 2004 as Vice President, Chief Compliance Officer. In that role, Finnegan designed and implemented priceline.com’s Sarbanes-Oxley Section 404 compliance program. He was promoted to Senior Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer and Controller in October 2005 and, among many responsibilities, presided over the accounting and financial integration of priceline.com’s international acquisitions and the design of priceline.com’s internal audit function. Prior to joining priceline.com, Finnegan served as Chief Financial Officer for CS Technology, Inc., a consulting company, and Chief Financial Officer for Coty US, Inc., a manufacturer of cosmetics and fragrances. Finnegan is a certified public accountant and began his career with KPMG LLP where he worked as an auditor for 10 years. In addition to his new title, Finnegan will retain the title of Chief Accounting Officer. Matt Tynan joined priceline.com in 2000 as Business Analyst reporting directly to Mylod. In 2001, he was promoted to Director, Financial Planning & Strategy. In 2003, he was promoted to Vice President, Planning, Strategy & Analysis and has been increasingly assisting Mylod with communications to the investor and analyst community. In his new role, Tynan will continue to report to Mylod. Before joining priceline.com, he was a Financial Analyst with Bear, Stearns & Co., Inc. Anthony Cali joined priceline.com in 2004 as Director and Assistant Controller. From 2001 to 2004, he was Director, Finance for CS Technology, Inc., a consulting company. From 1998 to 2001, Cali served as Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer for Broadserve, Inc., and its parent company, Icom Communications. Cali is a certified public accountant and began his career as an auditor with Ernst & Young LLP.

AIRLINES: Doug Herring, President and CEO of American Beacon Advisors up until its recent sale, has been named Vice President-Operations Finance and Strategic Planning at American Airlines. He will be responsible for the financial activities related to American's Operations function, as well as oversee the group's strategic planning activities. Herring led American Beacon Advisors from March 2006 until it was sold to Lighthouse Holdings, Inc., earlier this year. Previously, he had served as American's Vice President and Controller, as well as in a number of positions of increasing responsibility since joining the company's Finance Department in 1986. Herring is a graduate of Baylor University and holds a Master's Degree in Business Administration from the University of Texas at Austin... Danny Martinez, Vice President - Line Maintenance, has elected to retire from American Airlines in December. He will be succeeded by Ken Durst, currently Managing Director - Line Maintenance for American's Southwest Division. Durst is a 22-year veteran of the Maintenance and Engineering organizations at American Airlines and American Eagle. Before his current Line Maintenance assignment at DFW Airport -- American's largest hub -- Durst was the general manager for American's largest Maintenance and Engineering overhaul base in Tulsa, Okla. Prior to that, he was responsible for the aircraft overhaul operations, hangar operations, and Boeing 727/737 product management activities in Tulsa. Durst also served as Vice President - Maintenance at American Eagle from 1992 to 1995. In his new position, Durst will be based in Tulsa and be primarily responsible for setting strategy, establishing policies and managing all aircraft maintenance performed at airports worldwide by American Airlines mechanics. The organization includes more than 4,600 employees. Durst will report to Carmine Romano, Senior Vice President - Maintenance and Engineering.

CRUISELINES: Ambassadors International, Inc. has announced that Laura Tuthill, Chief Accounting Officer and a six year veteran of the Company, will assume the role of Chief Financial Officer. Blake Barnett resigned his position as Chief Financial Officer, which will be effective December 15, 2008 and he will transition his responsibilities to Tuthill over the next few weeks... Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. has named Gavin Smith managing director for Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.'s operations in Australia. In his position, Smith will lead the Australia office and oversee all commercial and operational activities in Australia, for three of the company's cruise brands: Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Cruises. Smith and the Australian team will support the growing demand for cruise itineraries in and around Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific, which includes the increasing number of Australians interested in cruising. Smith has over 20 years of experience in the travel and tourism industry. Most recently, he served as general manager for one of Australia's leading retail travel groups, Jetset Travelworld. Previously, he served as managing director for P&O Cruises Australia and President for Carnival Australia, where he managed the organization through a period of significant growth. He has held various senior sales, marketing and communications positions in Australia and the United Kingdom. Smith received a Bachelor of Business Studies, with a major in marketing, from the University of Technology in Sydney, Australia.

HOTELS & RESORTS: Gaylord Entertainment Company has announced that executive vice president and chief financial officer David Kloeppel has been promoted to president of the Company, effective immediately. In addition to retaining his duties as CFO, Kloeppel will assume new responsibilities including oversight of marketing, media and entertainment. Kloeppel has established a strong record of leadership during his seven years as chief financial officer with Gaylord Entertainment. Prior to joining Gaylord, Kloeppel was a vice president in the mergers and acquisitions department of Deutsche Bank in New York, where he was responsible for the department’s activities in the lodging, leisure and real estate sectors. Kloeppel earned his master’s degree in business administration, graduating with honors from the Owen Graduate School of Management at Vanderbilt University, and a Bachelor of Science degree in economics, also from Vanderbilt University. In 2003, the school presented him with the Distinguished Young Alumnus Award.

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