2009-05-21 20:25:10 - National public relations initiative created to generate awareness of breakthrough hospitality industry.

ORLANDO, Fla. (May 21, 2009) - The long-standing Vacation Rental Managers Association (VRMA), a professional trade association for the vacation rental property management industry, today launches “Discover Vacation Homes,” a national public relations initiative created to generate heightened awareness for the breakthrough hospitality category to the traveling public.

“Now, more than ever, travelers are looking for great values without compromising quality,” states Alex Risser, President of the VRMA. “The vacation rental industry remains one of America’s best-kept lodging secrets and we look forward to shedding light on its benefits and growth through this new program.”

With hundreds of thousands of vacation rental choices nationwide, consumers can be left overwhelmed and unsure of selecting the right rental to fit their personal travel

needs. The VRMA’s new www.DiscoverVacationHomes.com offers a trusted resource for travelers to find answers to all of their rental questions. With a state-by-state map of professionally managed vacation rental companies, a section of frequently asked questions, side-by-side comparisons of vacation rentals vs. hotels and various other informational pages, which offer category-wide assistance travelers can easily access tips and tools for choosing a rental that fits their needs and budget.

As one of North America’s fastest-growing lodging categories, vacation rentals often cost less than a single hotel room and provide considerably more space, privacy and personal amenities than other hospitality options. Travelers can easily and securely view trusted images of available rentals, choose one that best suits their needs and book their stay, all from their personal computer.

Some additional benefits of renting professionally managed vacation rentals include:

• Professionally cleaned and managed properties.
• Objective ongoing inspections and consistent quality assurance standards.
• Deep year round availability including holidays, major events and peak vacation periods.
• Immediate online availability and confirmations.
• Independent guest reviews and vacation rental testimonials.
• Last minute availability for short notice bookings.
• Deals and specials throughout the travel year.
• Ready accessible toll free numbers to connect consumers with knowledgeable vacation rental specialists.
• Standardized business and payment procedures.
• Concierge-type services that provide destination expert advice.
• 24-hour on-call assistance.

About VRMA
The Vacation Rental Managers Association (VRMA) is a professional trade association for the vacation rental property management and hospitality industries. Headquartered in Santa Cruz, Calif., the VRMA has more than 600 property management and associate members in the United States, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean representing approximately 150,000 vacation rentals, condos and villas. Often costing less than a single hotel room, professionally managed vacation rentals afford travelers an accommodations lifestyle unlike any other, providing considerably more space, amenities, guest services, and privacy than other lodging options. For more information, visit www.VRMA.com.
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Mary Jane Kolassa
Ypartnership Public Relations
407-838-1803
maryjane.kolassa@ypartnership.com

Amanda Patrick
Ypartnership Public Relations
407-838-1829
amanda.patrick@ypartnership.com