Press Release: Universal Express Inc.
August 5, 2002
NEW YORK, NY -- Universal Express Inc. (OTCBB:USXP) July 31 announced that the company has signed a partnership
agreement with Fairmont Hotels and Resorts, a world leader in luxury hotel properties.
The agreement allows U.S. residents traveling to one of 11 select Fairmont properties within the continental United
States or Hawaii discounted access to Universal Express' platinum luggage delivery service, Virtual Bellhop. Users
of the service will have their luggage couriered from their doorstep to their hotel room, allowing them to travel
virtually luggage free. The agreement will permit Universal Express access to the broad market of upscale business
and leisure travelers throughout North America, and will allow Fairmont to offer its guests another luxurious amenity.
Together, Universal Express and Fairmont Hotels will offer unparalleled synergies in the Hotel and luggage delivery
business.
"By joining forces with Fairmont Hotels, we hope to offer travelers a new standard in luxury through our Virtual
Bellhop service. Travelers will be able to go from their homes to the airport and back without the worries of cumbersome
baggage," Said William Cippola, President of Virtual Bellhop.
Fairmont Presidents Club (FPC) members will receive tiered discounts: Club Members receive a 10% discount, Gold
is 15% off, while Platinum members receive a 20% discount off rates. The partnership is currently offered throughout
the continental United States and Hawaii only; the Virtual Bellhop plans to expand its service to Canada later
this year.
"Our partnership makes perfect sense because we want to remove as much of the stress of travel from our guests
as possible, and that is what we hope to do by offering Universal's Virtual Bellhop service at our hotels and resorts.
As airport security becomes more stringent, we see this as another value-added service we can offer our customers,"
commented Brian Richardson, vice president, marketing and brand communications for Fairmont Hotels and Resorts.
Being one of the leading hotel companies in the world, Fairmont's partnership with Universal Express is directly
in line with their corporate philosophy of offering excellence and elegance in all areas of customer service. At
the same time, by joining forces with Fairmont Hotels, Universal Express hopes to capitalize on a world-renowned
reputation and open the door to partnerships with other travel industry leaders.
Virtual Bellhop, a Universal Express Company, is a pioneer in baggage-free travel through sophisticated baggage
movement systems and software.
Headquartered in Toronto, Canada, Fairmont Hotels and Resorts is the largest luxury hotel management company in
North America. With 38 properties throughout the world, including New York's famous Plaza Hotel, Fairmont is the
epitome of hotel luxury. More information can be found at www.fairmont.com.
Universal Express Logistics (including VirtualBellhop, WorldPost and Luggage Express) and the Private Postal Network.
These subsidiaries provide the private postal industry and consumers with value-added services and products, logistical
services, equipment leasing and cost-effective delivery of goods worldwide. More information and website locations
are available at www.usxp.com.
Safe Harbor Statement under the Private securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: The statements contained herein,
which are not historical, are forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties that could
cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements, including, but
not limited to, certain delays beyond the company's control with respect to market acceptance of new technologies
or products, delays in testing and evaluation of products, and other risks detailed from time to time in the Company's
filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
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Contact:
Equitilink
Mr. Ron Garner, 877/788-1940