LGBT Travel Agency Welcomes Industry Veteran

HOUSTON, Tex. - Concierge Travel, Inc., the largest gay-owned and operated travel agency and tour operator in the state of Texas, announced that it will offer its customers three new vacations, all produced by new LGBT tour operator, Brand g. The trips, which are tailored specifically for LGBT travelers, include a Danube riverboat cruise, a tour of Dublin and the Irish countryside, and a Mexico City discovery tour.

Launched on August 15, 2011, Brand g is a dynamic new LGBT tour operator with deep roots in the gay group travel industry. Founded and operated by Charlie Rounds, former president of RSVP Vacations and a 25-year veteran of the gay travel industry, Brand g's mission is to design innovative vacations that celebrate and feature destinations that have led the way in improving the lives of gays and lesbians. Brand g is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Mark Travel Corporation, a global travel industry leader.

"As a major seller of all-gay vacations, Concierge Travel is thrilled to welcome Brand g and its exciting new gay travel offerings," said Kim Gustavsson, vice president of sales and marketing at Concierge Travel. "For LGBT travelers, Brand g means more great vacation options from a trusted and knowledgeable member of the community."

Brand g's first vacation is its Legendary Danube Riverboat Cruise taking place August 21-30, 2012. The 10-day tour starts in historic Prague, followed by cruising from picturesque Nuremburg to charming Regensburg, Passau and Melk. After two full days and nights in vibrant Vienna, the cruise continues on to bustling Bratislava before concluding in cosmopolitan Budapest.

Rates on this five-country odyssey aboard Amadeus Waterways' newest ship, the MS AmaCerto, start at $2,779 per person based on double occupancy.* http://www.conciergetravel.cc/trip-detail.cfm/tripid/329

"We are especially thrilled that Brand g has selected this particular itinerary and this ship for its first vacation," said Gustavsson. "Amadeus Waterways offer the best customer service available on this itinerary and their new ship, the MS AmaCerto, is the best ship on the Danube."

Brand g also recently announced two land tours. Its Ireland Countryside & Dublin trip is a boutique escorted tour that starts in lively and sophisticated Dublin and takes guests across Ireland's scenic countryside, bringing them up close and personal with this mythic nation's cuisine, culture and people.

Rates on this eight-day adventure, which takes place September 16-23, 2012, start at $1,799 per person based on double occupancy.*
http://www.conciergetravel.cc/trip-detail.cfm/tripid/330

Concierge Travel is also pleased to feature Brand g's Mexico City Discovery tour, a six-day romp through one of the world's largest and most fascinating cities. This tour will highlight the city's rich history, amazing cuisine, world-class shopping and exciting nightlife, while celebrating the city's full marriage equality for same sex couples. Prices on this tour, which takes place October 30 to November 4, 2012, start at $1,099 per person, double occupancy.* http://www.conciergetravel.cc/trip-detail.cfm/tripid/331

"Brand g is extremely happy to have the support of Concierge Travel," said Charlie Rounds, president of Brand g. "Concierge Travel's commitment to their clients, to growing the gay travel market, and to giving back to the community are the foundation of their huge success, and for that we applaud them."

In addition to Brand g programs, Concierge Travel also offers all RSVP Vacations and Atlantis Events trips as well as its own customized vacations, which in 2012 include: an LGBT group aboard the Allure of the Seas in January, an all-gay and lesbian cruise to the Greek Isles and Turkey in late August, an all-gay and lesbian Amazon River cruise in late October, and a land tour in Peru in December.

Founded in 1997, Concierge Travel is a boutique, gay-owned travel agency and tour operator that creates intimate, customized experiences for its LGBT guests on its own exclusive small-ship cruises and land tours. Concierge Travel also provides a range of services and enhancements on the vacations that it books for its guests with other travel providers.

Voted Houston's "Gayest & Greatest Travel Agency" by OutSmart Magazine every year since 2002 and "Best LGBT Cruise or Tour Company" in 2010, Concierge Travel also believes strongly in supporting the gay and lesbian community, and donates 20 percent of its total net travel revenue annually to important LGBT organizations.

Reservations for these vacations can be made by contacting Concierge Travel directly at 877.775.9616. For more detailed information, please visit our newly redesigned website at www.conciergetravel.cc .

More information about Brand g can be found at www.brandgvacations.com .

Information about Mark Travel is available at www.marktravel.com .

*Airfare, transfers, gratuities and some fees are additional.