Experience - Westin Sights and Sounds on MSN

Escape From Your Day with a Five Minute Virtual Vacation or Explore the Hidden Treasures of the World's Greatest Destinations

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 6, 2006--Westin Hotels & Resorts has teamed up with the MSN Branded Entertainment and Experiences Team to launch a new and unique experiential online destination. Designed to provide a virtual sensory experience, www.renewal.msn.com allows visitors to experience the essence of Westin online, enabling them to "Escape" into a world of personal renewal and relaxation, and the opportunity to "Explore" the sights and sounds of select destinations. Visitors can escape the stress of their day with a five minute virtual vacation or take a carefully choreographed auditory and visual tour based on their mood. Void of any advertising, the content driven site showcases the Westin guest experience with interactive components and sensory elements that promote relaxation and tranquility.

Google is in the process of launching Audio advertising through the Google AdWords system. While the official site http://audioads.google.com currently appears on seach results, the site is not live yet. Interested parties can find information on the Beta here though.

The Los Angeles Times reports that Travelport Ltd. has agreed to purchase GDS Worldspan...and the New York Times reports that equity firms are in discussion for the purchase of GDS Sabre.

"Travelport Ltd., the owner of online travel agencies Orbitz and CheapTickets, agreed to purchase Worldspan for $1.4 billion in cash to acquire technology and new customers.

Worldspan provides electronic ticketing for travel agencies and runs the reservation systems for airlines including Delta Air Lines Inc. and Northwest Airlines Corp. The combined company would have $3.5 billion in sales, Travelport spokesman Elliot Bloom said Thursday."

An interesting article with the New York Times that outlines the rapid growth of online ad spend, esp in Britain.

Online advertising is racing ahead in Britain, growing at a roughly 40 percent annual rate, and is expected to account for as much as 14 percent of overall ad spending this year, according to media buying agencies. That is the highest level in the world, and more than double the percentage in the United States.

Read the article HERE

In keeping with the lifestyle marketing approach and following up on the 'Breathe' and White Tea Scent campaigns, Westin Hotels & Resorts is now launching "5 Minute Vactions" online. This ad campaign, created by MSN implores visitors to take a break and enjoy soothing music and visuals of nature, cityscapes, etc.

"The program, called Westin Sights & Sounds, was created by MSN. Consumers who visit MSN's network will see ads imploring them to take some time out to relax. The idea, said Sue Brush, svp-Westin Hotels, is to provide an experience that consumers will link to the brand. "They might say, 'Maybe the next time I travel, I'll consider Westin," said Brush. The company will determine from incremental online bookings and other measurements, how well the campaign is working, she added."