Phoenix, Ariz., March 24, 2010. AAA, the nation’s largest leisure travel organization, presented its 2009 Preferred Partner awards to 11 travel industry suppliers for excellence in marketing, service, sales support, product and technology.
The awards, including the coveted AAA Travel Partner of the Year Award, were announced last night at a special AAA Travel Partner Appreciation Dinner in Dallas.
Air by Pleasant, Best Western International, Royal Caribbean International and General Tours World Traveler were recognized as Partner of the Year in their respective product categories for providing the best overall experience for AAA travel agency customers. Royal Caribbean International received the most awards, a total of four of the six awards in the cruise category, including Partner of the Year. AAA’s preferred partners offer exclusive benefits and discounts to AAA members.
“AAA is able to provide consumers with access to unmatched travel values via its strong industry partnerships,” said Doug Bower, vice president, AAA Travel. “The companies selected for this honor are setting the standard in providing our members and customers with premier travel experiences and outstanding service,” he said.
AAA surveyed the association’s club travel agency executives, asking them to rate the 40 preferred travel partners in five categories: marketing, service, product, sales support and technology. Awards for all categories:
PREFERRED TRAVEL PARTNER OF THE YEAR
PARTNER OF THE YEAR
Air by Pleasant
Best Western International
Royal Caribbean International
General Tours World Traveler
BEST IN MARKETING
Cruise – Holland America Line
Hotel – Best Western International
Tour –Walt Disney Travel Company for AAA Vacations®
BEST IN SERVICE
Cruise – Royal Caribbean International
Hotel – Hyatt Hotels & Resorts
Tour – General Tours World Traveler
BEST IN PRODUCT
Cruise – Disney Cruise Line
Hotel – Starwood Hotels & Resorts
Tour –Walt Disney Travel Company for AAA Vacations®
BEST IN SALES SUPPORT
Cruise – Royal Caribbean International
Hotel – Best Western International
Tour – General Tours World Traveler
BEST IN TECHNOLOGY
Cruise – Royal Caribbean International
Hotel – Hyatt Hotels & Resorts
Tour – Travel Bound
AAA Arizona, the Arizona affiliate of AAA, provides automotive, insurance and auto travel services to nearly 800,000 Arizona members. Annually, AAA’s Emergency Road Service responds to more than 450,000 calls for help on the streets and highways of the state as well as providing insurance, travel, and financial services to AAA members and motorists. Since its founding in 1927, AAA Arizona has been a leading advocate for the safety and security of all travelers. In 2008, AAA was ranked the No. 1 “socially responsible” brand by Landor’s BrandAsset® Valuator.
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