Avoya Travel / American Express Announces 2010 as Best Year Ever

MIAMI, FL--(Marketwire - Jun 1, 2011) - Avoya Travel™ / American Express, one of the leading travel companies in North America and beyond, today announced that 2010 was its record-breaking year. The paramount year was based on every measure of success including growing the number of new and repeat clients, improving the already extraordinary vacation planning experience for its customers, and overall sales performance in 2010, surpassing 2009, which was previously the company's best year ever.

Avoya Travel's (www.AvoyaTravel.com) achievements can be attributed to several advancements made in 2010, including:

• Creating even better customer experiences. Avoya Travel's award-winning experts improved on dozens of touch points, including increased knowledge through product and business training to provide even greater service and value.
• Increasing its customer base and reputation through innovative marketing and referrals. A record number of customers were connected with live travel experts via the phone or Internet to plan extraordinary vacations.
• Changing its name to Avoya Travel. While keeping America's Vacation Center as part of its brand, the new name established the company's initiative to provide personalized customer experiences to travelers around the world. For example, Canadian travelers can exclusively use ca.AvoyaTravel.com to receive customized offers and convenient local currencies.
• Expanding its leadership team, including bringing Scott Koepf, former President of National Association of Career Travel Agents (NACTA), onboard as Vice President of Sales, and promoting Steve Hirshan to Vice President of Sales Support.

"Avoya Travel has experienced unparalleled success because we continuously focus on creating the best possible vacation experience for travelers," said Brad Anderson, Co-President of Avoya Travel. "We are proud to be acknowledged by suppliers and industry peers for our outstanding performance, and look forward to delivering an even better experience for years to come."

Following the previous best year ever in 2009, Avoya Travel's year-over-year sales continue to increase and in 2010 revenue and bookings reached an all-time high. The remarkable results emphasize Avoya Travel's (www.AvoyaTravel.com) commitment to customer service, and that its Shared Success™ model and turnkey marketing programs continue to offer incredible opportunities for independent travel professionals to grow their businesses.

"Avoya Travel had a phenomenal year with Silversea Cruises and consistently delivers an incredible vacation experience for travelers across the globe," said Ken Watson, Chief Operating Officer of Silversea Cruises. "We applaud their unique customer experience, top sales performance, integrity, and professionalism and look forward to growing our relationship for years to come."

Avoya Travel has a long-standing reputation in the travel industry for being one of the top-producing travel agencies worldwide. The company has been a part of the American Express Travel Representative Network for over 20 years and is supported by an elite network of independently owned and operated affiliates.

Avoya Travel has received many notable accolades, including being named 'Travel Agency of the Year', by Carnival Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, American Express Travel, Oceania Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, and Brendan Vacations.

Travelers interested in booking their next trip with Avoya Travel, an American Express Travel Representative, should call 800-753-1463 or visit www.AvoyaTravel.com, or for customers located in Canada, call 866-935-4051 or visit ca.AvoyaTravel.com. Professional sellers of travel interested in growing their business by affiliating with Avoya Travel / American Express should call 800-521-2597 or visit www.JoinAvoya.com.

About Avoya Travel / American Express:
Avoya Travel™ / American Express (www.AvoyaTravel.com) is one of the largest and most awarded travel companies in North America and beyond. As an American Express Travel Representative for more than 20 years, Avoya Travel is deeply committed to Integrity and Professionalism™, quality service, and success in every aspect of planning vacations and cruises. With hundreds of Independent Affiliates in its network, Avoya Travel provides exclusive discounts, amenities, and first-class customer service to travelers worldwide.