NEW YORK, Nov. 7, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Travelzoo Inc. (NASDAQ: TZOO), a global Internet media company, today announced the five worldwide destinations where it believes North American travelers will get the best travel deals in 2014. Travelzoo's prediction is based on extensive evaluation by Travelzoo Deal Experts of travel and tourism trends, currency fluctuations and national events that might impact the price of travel. Travelzoo's 2014 Wow Deal Destinations are Ecuador, Europe's rivers, India, the Jersey Shore and Palm Springs. Travelzoo expects that travelers will be able to save up to 50 percent on a vacation in these Wow Deal Destinations next year, compared to 2013 rates.
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"Thanks to a series of one-time events such as the 2014 World Cup and long-term growth trends in the global travel industry, travelers can expect some incredible deals in 2014," said Shirley Tafoya, president for Travelzoo North America. "Of the hundreds of destinations that our Deal Experts reviewed, we predict that Ecuador, Europe's rivers, India, the Jersey Shore and Palm Springs will offer the greatest wow-factor."
Ecuador: The Ecuadorian government is expected to boost its tourism budget by 73 percent in 2014. Moreover, Travelzoo expects the country will work hard to reclaim some of the South American mindshare as travelers focus on neighboring Brazil and World Cup 2014. This will create a deal-driven environment for travelers. In addition, recent airfare sales to Quito and Guayaquil have hovered around $399 roundtrip, which is less than the cost of some U.S. domestic flights.
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Ecuador is a land of diverse experiences. In just one trip, you can see the Pacific Coast, the Andes, the Amazon and the Galapagos Islands. Plus, with some great travel deals on the horizon, it is the perfect time to see the country before it becomes over-commercialized.
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Europe's Rivers: Cruise lines are expanding their river fleets in Europe at a record-breaking pace. At least 20 vessels are scheduled to debut in 2014, including those from Viking River Cruises, Avalon Waterways, Uniworld Boutique River Cruises, Tauck River Cruises and AmaWaterways. With more cabins to fill, this can mean only one thing: great deals for travelers.
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The itineraries of river cruises are extremely varied and available all year round. Think Christmas markets, the tulips of Northern Netherlands, or a visit to historical cities like Arles, Nuremberg, Basel and Belgrade. The cruises are typically all-inclusive and often come with free perks like guided port city tours. Travelzoo deals have helped travelers save more than $1,500 on European river cruises.
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India: The rupee has plummeted in value by more than 20 percent within the past year versus the U.S. Dollar. This makes it one of the cheapest countries in the world for Americans to explore and enjoy. In addition, India is experiencing a hotel boom as major hotel chains, such as Accor, Carlson Rezidor, Hilton, Hyatt and the InterContinental Hotels Group, prepare to open more than 50 hotels combined. This increased competition will likely lead to reduced room rates in 2014.
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Travelzoo has been publishing more and more organized tour deals for India as tour operators look to partner with hotels and pass on savings to the consumer. In many instances, the cost of these tours are the same as what a traveler would pay for airfare alone – making them a great deal for first-time travelers to the country.
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The Jersey Shore: Count on aggressive travel deals as the state looks to rebuild its tourism business after Superstorm Sandy (October 2012).
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Governor Chris Christie stated that the region was up and running and ready for visitors this past summer, but tourism business was slow to return. As businesses continue to recover, Travelzoo expects to see even more deals as the Jersey Shore looks to win back travelers in coming months. Recently Travelzoo has published Jersey Shore hotel deals with up to 45% savings.
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Palm Springs: A bevy of new hotel openings and multi-million dollar renovations are creating increased competition and better Palm Springs hotel deals for travelers. Plus 10 airline carriers including Virgin America, Alaska Airlines, US Airways, American Airlines, United Airlines and Delta Air Lines all fly to Palm Springs International Airport, which means there are opportunities to score great airfare deals as well.
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Palm Springs is reinventing itself from an old-school Frank Sinatra destination, to a hip and trendy hot spot for the young at heart. Expect to find pool parties and restaurants recognized by the Wine Spectator's 2013 Restaurant Wine List Awards, as well as a music scene driven by Coachella.
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About Travelzoo
Travelzoo Inc. is a global Internet media company. With more than 26 million subscribers in North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific and 25 offices worldwide, Travelzoo® publishes deals from more than 2,000 travel and entertainment companies. Travelzoo's deal experts review offers to find the best deals and confirm their true value. In Asia Pacific, Travelzoo is independently owned and operated by Travelzoo (Asia) Ltd. and Travelzoo Japan K.K. under a license agreement with Travelzoo Inc.
Certain statements contained in this press release that are not historical facts may be forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934. These forward-looking statements may include, but are not limited to, statements about our plans, objectives, expectations, prospects and intentions, markets in which we participate and other statements contained in this press release that are not historical facts. When used in this press release, the words "expect", "predict", "project", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "intend", "plan", "seek" and similar expressions are generally intended to identify forward-looking statements. Because these forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, there are important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements, including changes in our plans, objectives, expectations, prospects and intentions and other factors discussed in our filings with the SEC. We cannot guarantee any future levels of activity, performance or achievements. Travelzoo undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this press release. Travelzoo and Top 20 are registered trademarks of Travelzoo. All other names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective owners.
Media Contact:
Karyn Ravin
(212) 829-0150 x1
pr@travelzoo.com
SOURCE Travelzoo