PHOENIX, May 31, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- For the second consecutive year, Best Western is teaming with the two top-rated children's networks in North America -- Nickelodeon, the number-one entertainment brand in the U.S., and Canada's YTV -- to bring some magic to the summer family vacation.
The Fairly OddParents Summer Promotion, part of the hotel chain's 60th Anniversary celebration, runs June 4 through August 25, 2006. During this time period, members of Best Western's free Gold Crown Club International (GCCI) loyalty program who stay a total of six nights at any member hotel worldwide will receive a collectible $50 (U.S./CAN) The Fairly OddParents Best Western Travel Card.
Members of the AAA Preferred Gold Crown Club program, a select class of GCCI, and CAA guests who join Gold Crown Club, will receive the limited edition travel card after just five nights, along with a 10 percent bonus on base points earned with each stay.
Both Nickelodeon and YTV, home to Nickelodeon's "The Fairly OddParents," will run a specially-produced 30-second on-air spot to support the promotion.
"In today's hectic world, both Best Western and `The Fairly OddParents' represent the true essence of 'family time,' providing parents and their children with a way to reconnect," said Dorothy Dowling, Best Western senior vice president of marketing. "When they take to the road this summer, families can also take the sting out of high gas prices by earning The Fairly OddParents Best Western Travel Card."
To be eligible, guests must reside in the U.S., the Caribbean or Canada and be members of either GCCI or the AAA Preferred program. Individuals who are not already members may join the program of their choice prior to their first stay. Membership is free. For more information on the promotion, customers can visit www.bestwestern.com/summer or call (800) WESTERN and mention offer code SUM06.
The Fairly OddParents Best Western Travel Card can be used to pay for both accommodations and related incidentals, such as room service and phone charges (Note A), at any of the 4,200 Best Western hotels across the globe.
Debuting on Nickelodeon in March 2001, "The Fairly OddParents'" popularity has soared among both kids and adults, making it the number-two ranked kids program on broadcast and cable television in the U.S., second only to "SpongeBob SquarePants." The series is a solid hit among teens and adults, who make up 59 percent of its 54.7 million viewers each week (Note B). From creator Butch Hartman, "The Fairly OddParents" follows husband-and-wife sprites Cosmo and Wanda as they wreak mayhem and help Timmy conquer typical kid obstacles by granting him wishes. In so doing, they magically fix problems ranging from a tough homework assignment to a bothersome babysitter. Despite the wizardry, though, these overly eager oddballs manage to mess things up every time.
Best Western's Gold Crown Club International loyalty program and its AAA Preferred class represent one of the industry's few truly international travel clubs. Members across the globe can earn points towards an extensive array of product and service awards -- including Global Free Room Nights with no blackout dates; dining, shopping and entertainment gift certificates; as well as airline miles -- at Best Western hotels throughout North, Central and South America, Europe, Asia, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.
To help mark its 60th Anniversary, Best Western is offering lifetime Diamond Elite status to any GCCI member who stays a total of 60 or more nights at any Best Western worldwide during 2006. Benefits include a 30 percent bonus on base points earned with each qualifying stay, in addition to special partner and award offers.
About Best Western International
Best Western International is celebrating its 60th Anniversary as a membership association of independently owned and operated hotels that provides marketing, reservations and operational support to its members. Growing from a string of roadside motels starting in 1946 Long Beach, Calif., to THE WORLD'S LARGEST HOTEL CHAIN(r) with 4,200 hotels in 80 countries, Best Western is one of the industry's most endearing iconic brands.
About Nickelodeon
Nickelodeon, in its 27th year, is the number-one entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The company includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, online, recreation, books, magazines and feature films. Nickelodeon's U.S. television network is seen in more than 90 million households and has been the number-one-rated basic cable network for more than 10 consecutive years. Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom, Inc. (NYSE:VIA and VIA.B).
About YTV
YTV, Canada's number-one youth network, is seen in over 8 million homes across Canada. As a major force in Canadian kids' entertainment, YTV has triggered over $988 million in Canadian independent production; developed a website that averages over 90 million monthly page views; published a successful kids' magazine, Whoa!; and conducts a highly respected annual survey, The YTV Tween Report.
YTV is owned by Corus Entertainment, a Canadian-based media and entertainment company. Corus is a market leader in both specialty TV and Radio. Corus also owns Nelvana Limited, a leading international producer and distributor of children's programming and products. The Company's other interests include publishing, television broadcasting and advertising services. A publicly traded company, Corus is listed on the Toronto (CJR.NV.B) and New York (CJR) Exchanges. Corus' website can be found at www.corusent.com.
Note A -- Any eligible service managed or operated by a Best Western hotel.
Note B -- Source: Nielsen Cume Data -- February 2006