Guaranteed sunshine…in Seattle and London?
Years ago, the St. Petersburg Times newspaper in Florida was famous for handing out free publications when the sun did not shine. Priceline.com is now emulating that with a “Sunshine Guaranteed†offer.
The online travel agency announced it would give customers 100% of their purchase back if it rains more than half an inch on at least half their vacation days.
The offer is good for trips purchased by July 17 and taken by Sept. 7.
More than 100 destinations qualify, including such notoriously rainy places as London and Seattle are covered.
“They are trying to address pain points,” said Caroll Rheem, director of research for PhoCusWright. “They’re trying to eliminate reasons consumers have for not booking a trip.”
In other online incentives:
Ø Orbitz Worldwide is giving customers cash back if the price of a trip dropped between the date of purchase and the departure. This is a bet, essentially, that airfares won’t fall for the rest of summer.
Ø Rival Expedia is offering $50 in free gas to anyone booking three or more hotel nights on its site in a cross-promotion with MasterCard.
Report by David Wilkening
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