Neiman Marcus Launches 'CouTour Travel'

Neiman Marcus and Virtuoso announce the launch of "CouTour Travel". Beginning in October, this new program will take a "personal shopper" approach to identifying and securing amazing travel experiences. Operated by the Virtuoso luxury travel network, CouTour Travel will provide its members with unique extras, exclusives and experts, to create customized luxury travel experiences for the individual Neiman Marcus customer.

For an annual fee of $500, CouTour Travel members will receive thousands of dollars of special travel certificates provided by some of the top brands in luxury travel. A gift-wrapped welcome package will contain a black leather and canvas TUMI travel tote, a Neiman Marcus cashmere throw, and a set of Prada beauty products packaged in individual daily treatments. CouTour Travel members will also receive a quarterly newsletter that showcases specially designed global travel experiences and may opt to receive a monthly email update on the best luxury travel options and exclusives. The club member website is accessible around the clock.

"When a Neiman Marcus customer joins CouTour Travel, his or her 'travel measurements' will be taken," said Jeff Netzer, Neiman Marcus Vice President of Customer Programs. "These travel and lifestyle preferences will be utilized by the Virtuoso travel specialists to orchestrate vacations that 'fit' the customer's dreams and expectations, just like a couture ball gown or a tailored suit."

"Based upon five years of working with Neiman Marcus to create and fulfill the amazing travel rewards made available to Neiman Marcus InCircle Rewards customers, Virtuoso has a keen understanding of the caliber and lifestyle of these discriminating individuals," said Virtuoso CEO Matthew Upchurch. "It is our great privilege to now approach the presentation of travel to Neiman Marcus customers in a similar fashion to how this remarkable retailer approaches the art of customer service and presentation of the world’s finest merchandise."

CouTour Travel members will receive special benefits from the following companies and others when they join the program: Orient-Express Hotels, Trains & Cruises; Rosewood Hotels & Resorts; Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group; American Airlines: Admiral's Club; Radisson Seven Seas Cruises; The World of Residensea; Absolute Asia; Butterfield & Robinson; Hotel Plaza Athenee, New York; Meadowood, Napa Valley; The Setai, Miami; and Nota Bene. Please visit www.coutourtravel.com for more details.

CouTour Travel members will receive exclusive offers for special itineraries throughout the year – including couture fashion shows on luxury cruises, limited-capacity events in private homes and other venues not open to the public, celebrity cooking instruction, and behind-the-scenes adventures in some of the hottest art, wine and culinary regions.

CouTour Travel is available for membership beginning October 1, 2005, and membership may be purchased within any Neiman Marcus store or by calling 1.866.299.5636 or visiting www.coutourtravel.com.

Source: Virtuoso