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Press Release: ICE Gallery
November 11, 2002
PHOENIX, AZ -- The International Cruise & Excursion (ICE) Gallery, the largest provider of cruise programs
in the Vacation Ownership industry, announced a 76 percent increase in bookings for the period of July-September
2002, a dramatic jump from its 2001 figures.
ICE Gallery has shown record growth in 2002 and is expanding its Phoenix headquarters into a second building to
accommodate the growth of its customer service for its expanding membership, and its fulfillment services for its
e-Vacation Store partners.
"Our growth has been overwhelming this year, producing record bookings for not only ICE Gallery, but also
our affiliated e-Vacation Clubs," says Marcia Rowley, Executive Vice President of Marketing and Operations
for ICE Gallery. "Our decision to expand will allow us to better serve our growing membership, as well as
assist with our successful association with Resorts Condominium International (RCI) and OurVacationStore.com (OVS)."
ICE Gallery's business alliances with RCI and OVS have played a significant part in the company's increased sales.
A recent acquisition of Bid4Vacations.com, an online auction pioneer, also has made its mark, putting more than
2.1 million potential vacationers into ICE Gallery's reach.
Rowley also attributes ICE Gallery's record third quarter to the positive rebound of the cruise industry following
the Sept. 11 tragedy. According to figures from the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), the cruise industry
is on track to receive a record 7.4 million North American cruisers in 2002. The association, which represents
23 North American cruise lines and 17,000 affiliated travel agencies, reported a 3.8 % increase in the number of
cruisers in the first half of 2002 compared with the same period in 2001. ICE Gallery showed a 56 % increase in
the same time period, booking cruises 18 times more than the average travel agency.
According to John Rowley, President and CEO of ICE Gallery, the company has increased cruise bookings through customer
loyalty, repeat cruising and high satisfaction ratings from existing members, as well as bringing millions of prospective
travel shoppers online at affiliated e-Vacation Stores. The addition of Bid4Vacations.com auction technology, the
introduction of the Seven Seas Seven Continents experiential vacation program and ICE Gallery's continued relationship
with new cruise providers is what will take them into a successful 2003 and beyond.
"Travel industry associations constantly show that cruising delivers the highest satisfaction rating of any
leisure vacation opportunity," says Rowley. "Our program features all cruise lines, all cruise ships,
itineraries and sailing dates. We guarantee the lowest rates available to vacation owners and provide expert information
and superior service and values. We provide the vacations people are looking for."
The Phoenix-based International Cruise & Excursion (ICE) Gallery is the largest provider of Cruises to the
Vacation Ownership industry. ICE Gallery currently has more than 650 Affiliated Resorts, which represent more than
one million Vacation Owners worldwide. ICE Gallery provides cruise programs and marketing services to more than
3 million timeshare owners through offices in the United States, Mexico, South Africa, United Kingdom, Malaysia
and Australia and is the recipient of the 2000 ACE Innovator Award (ARDA Circle of Excellence Award) for its industry
innovation with Cruises.
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CONTACT: Michelle Wade November 8, 2002 mwade@icegallery.com (602) 749-2119