Vacation Outlet Expo 2004, New England's Largest Consumer Travel Show, Offers Antidote to...

Calendar Editors/Travel Writers

BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 13, 2004

Appearances by Jimmy Neutron Boy Genius(TM), SpongeBob SquarePants(TM)

and Animal Ambassador Julie Scardina as Seen on The Tonight Show

It's cold outside, but it's warm at Vacation Outlet Expo 2004, New England's largest consumer travel show which opens this weekend January 16th-18th at Boston's Bayside Expo Center.

Over 20,000 consumers are expected to attend the show, now in its 9th year and anticipated to be the largest ever. Thousands of attendees buy vacations on the spot and many more collect information and book in the weeks that follow. Consumers face an array of selections from the Caribbean, Mexico, Florida, Las Vegas, Hawaii, cruising, ski vacations and more. Vacation Outlet Expo is presented by Vacation Outlet, one of the flagship brands of leading leisure travel provider NLG.

Vacation Outlet Expo 2004 exhibitors represent over 300 top leisure travel suppliers including regional and national vacation wholesalers, international tour operators, cruise lines, airlines, hotel/resort companies, government tourism boards and car rental companies. Among the exhibitors this year are the Bermuda Department of Tourism, Barbados Tourism Authority, Carnival Cruise Lines, Royal Caribbean, Vail Resorts, Universal Orlando, Norwegian Cruise Line and Aruba Tourism Authority, to name a few.

Appearances by Jimmy Neutron, SpongeBob and Exotic Animals

Headlining Vacation Outlet Expo in their 1st New England appearance will be the characters Jimmy Neutron Boy Genius(TM) and SpongeBob SquarePants(TM) from the Jimmy Neutron's Nicktoon Blast(TM) attraction at Universal Orlando(R).

Exotic animals from around the globe take center stage as the SeaWorld and Busch Gardens parks present "One Wild World." Animal Ambassador Julie Scardina introduces a variety of furry, feathered and fanged creatures including red ruffed lemurs, a 15-foot Burmese python, California king snake, young skunk, small alligator, Harris hawks and an umbrella cockatoo. Scardina, a regular guest on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, will also share important and entertaining conservation information.

SeaWorld/Busch Gardens also presents the "Mystic Sheiks of Morocco" 7-piece marching band, performing throughout the weekend on Expo's main stage and throughout the show floor.

Hourly trip giveaways, a vacation auction, and vacation and cruise showcases will entertain visitors as they stroll the exhibits.

Show hours are Friday, January 16th, 5 pm - 10 pm; Saturday, January 17th, 10am - 8 pm; and Sunday, January 18th, 10 am - 5 pm.

Admission to the show is $8/person, kids 12 and under free. Discount admission coupons are available at www.vacationoutlet.com.

About Vacation Outlet

Each year, Vacation Outlet sends thousands of people away on vacations and cruises around the globe. People choose their trips or weekend getaways from our vast selection of travel packages and last-minute deals from the world's best resorts, hotels, and cruise lines. Our longstanding relationships with trusted brand-name partners mean the best deals for our customer.

Visit www.vacationoutlet.com or one of our conveniently located Vacation Outlet stores throughout Massachusetts and New Hampshire.