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CANADA’S OWN ROCKY MOUNTAINEER VACATIONS HITS ITS ONE MILLIONTH GUEST MARK

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (June 5, 2008) –BC based Rocky Mountaineer Vacations, owners and operators of the Rocky Mountaineer and Whistler Mountaineer trains in Western Canada has achieved its largest milestone to date - welcoming its One Millionth Guest.  Today, the lucky couple from Wisconsin in the United States was given the surprise of their lives just before boarding their trip of a lifetime. Company founder and Executive Chairman, Peter Armstrong and President, Randy Powell revealed the exciting news to a crowd of over 700 travellers, staff and stakeholders at the Rocky Mountaineer Station in Vancouver. Mr. and Mrs. Mark and Catherine Casper from Superior, Wisconsin were randomly selected and awarded with prizes valued at over $9000 CDN. 

“Reaching the one million guest mark is a remarkable milestone and something we are extremely proud of,” says Randy Powell, President of Rocky Mountaineer Vacations.  “Even though this is a significant achievement, we are already setting a goal to double that number and expect to host two million guests by 2013.”  

Amongst the fanfare and fireworks, the One Millionth Guest was awarded a Classic Rail Vacation trip for two onboard the Rocky Mountaineer in GoldLeaf Service including deluxe accommodations, return airfare from Wisconsin, a $600  Fairmont Hotels & Resorts gift card, upgrades to deluxe accommodations and limo transfers. Tourism Kamloops has also created a celebratory package, which includes return airfare from Vancouver to Kamloops, BC, a three-day car rental and complimentary overnight stays at luxurious properties within the Kamloops region.

The One Millionth Guest was randomly selected on the day of the event and Ambassadors, or runners up, were also recognized as supporters of Rocky Mountaineer Vacations and each received prizes worth $1500 CDN. The Ambassadors are from the company’s key markets which include Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand. The Canadian Ambassador is Mr. and Mrs. Todd and Patricia Jones from Cambridge, Ontario.

From a small entrepreneurial dream to one of Canada’s leading tourism providers, Rocky Mountaineer Vacations has achieved significant growth in the last eighteen years. The entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to guest services that defines the company is a testament to its leadership and organizational style. As Rocky Mountaineer Vacations moves into its second decade, its core strengths in guest service and providing spectacular experiences will ensure the continued success of this little train that could and did.

For additional information, photos and video of our One Millionth Guest and event celebrations contact us or visit: www.rockymountaineer.com/millionthguest

Rocky Mountaineer Vacations offers unique Canadian vacation packages and four spectacular rail routes through British Columbia and Alberta. Best known for the world-acclaimed Rocky Mountaineer train, a two-day, all daylight rail journey through Canada’s West and the Canadian Rockies, the company also offers trips onboard the Whistler Mountaineer train, a daily three-hour experience between North Vancouver and Whistler, BC. Since its inception in 1990, the company has grown to be the largest privately owned passenger rail service in North America. In 2007, RMV was honoured with the World Travel Award as “World’s Leading Travel Experience by Train” for the third consecutive year.

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