CSA Travel Protection Wins Gold Stevie� Award In 2013 Stevie Awards For Sales & Customer ServiceSM

SAN DIEGO, 2013-02-26 - For the second year in a row, CSA Travel Protection took home a Stevie� Award. CSA was presented last night with a Gold Stevie� Award in the Customer Service Management Team of the Year category in the seventh annual Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service.

The Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service are the World's top sales awards, contact center awards, and customer service awards. The Stevie Awards organizes several of the world's leading business awards shows including the prestigious American Business AwardsSM and International Business AwardsSM.

The awards were presented to honorees during a gala banquet on Monday, February 25 at the Paris Hotel in Las Vegas. More than 300 nominated customer service and sales executives from the U.S.A. and several other countries attended.

The Business TalkRadio Network will broadcast a recording of the presentations Wednesday, February 27, at 8:00 pm ET.

More than 100 members of eight specialized judging committees determined Stevie Award placements from among the Finalists during final judging this year.

"From our perspective this was the most successful Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service yet," said Michael Gallagher, president and founder of the Stevie Awards. "Not just because of the increase in the number and variety of entries, but in the extraordinary quality of the entries. Judges have told me how impressed they were with the success stories they reviewed this year. All of this year's Stevie Award winners are truly deserving."

About CSA Travel Protection
CSA Travel Protection, a Europ Assistance company, is dedicated to providing affordable travel insurance and emergency assistance services to protect travelers' valuable investments and provide the peace of mind one deserves while traveling. For more than 20 years CSA has developed a reputation for standing behind its customers and by offering products and services to meet their needs. Through superior customer service, extensive experience and industry-leading innovation, CSA is with its clients every step of the way, whenever and wherever they are needed.

About The Stevie Awards
Stevie Awards are conferred in four programs: The American Business Awards, The International Business Awards, the Stevie Awards for Women in Business, and the Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service. Honoring organizations of all types and sizes and the people behind them, the Stevies recognize outstanding performances in the workplace worldwide. Learn more about The Stevie Awards at www.StevieAwards.com.

CSA Travel Protection Presented 2012 Travel Weekly Magellan Award

CSA University Wins Silver In Travel Agent Organizations: Travel Insurance Category

SAN DIEGO, 2012-09-19 - CSA Travel Protection (CSA), dedicated for the past 20 years to providing affordable travel insurance and emergency assistance services, announces its CSA University program earned a Silver 2012 Magellan Award by Travel Weekly magazine. With entries from across the U.S. and around the world, the Magellan Award winners represent the best in the travel industry and salute the outstanding travel professionals behind it all.

CSA University was designed to help partners educate their staff on the benefits of travel insurance, as well as share techniques for selling the right plan for each trip. Consisting of three levels/modules, the CSA University site provides detailed plan information, then assesses the student on their understanding of the information. This allows our partner travel agents to recommend the plan best suited for their traveler.

Receiving over 550 entries, the Magellan awards is the premier awards program honoring a broad range of industry segments including Hotels and Resorts, Travel Destinations, Cruise Lines, Online Travel Services, Airlines and Airports, Travel Agents and Agencies, Tour Operators and Car Rental Companies, the Magellan is the award to win if you are in the business of travel.

"In 2012, creativity reached new heights among marketers and designers in the travel industry," said Arnie Weissmann, editor in chief of Travel Weekly. "This year's Magellan entries were inspiring overall, and those who ended up in the winner's circle truly represent the best of the best."

The Magellan Awards are judged and overseen by a one-of-a-kind panel of top travel professionals representing the best names and most accomplished leaders from the industry. In determining winners, entries do not compete with one another, instead they are judged against a standard of excellence based on the long experience of Travel Weekly. To uphold this high standard of excellence, a category may have multiple winners, or may have no winners at all.

For a complete list of silver and gold winners, please visit travelweeklyawards.com.

About Travel Weekly
Online or in print, Travel Weekly brings depth, context and perspective to events in the industry. By providing news, research, opinion, analysis and information found nowhere else, Travel Weekly maintains its position as the most important and influential source of news, data and commentary to the travel industry.

Fourth 2012 Storm, Tropical Storm Debby, Reminder For Staying Safe This Season

CSA Travel Protection Offers Hurricane Safety Precautions & Tips

SAN DIEGO, 2012-06-24 - This year's official hurricane season arrived early, and is well underway, with the naming of the fourth Atlantic storm, Tropical Storm Debby, moving in on the Gulf Coast. To help travelers stay safe this season, CSA Travel Protection (CSA), dedicated for the past 20 years to providing affordable travel insurance and emergency assistance services, offers preventative measures and tips for staying safe during and after a major storm.

Preventative measures go a long way in staying secure in the event a storm is approaching:

Prepare an evacuation plan and be ready to leave accommodations if necessary.
Ask property management upon arrival about possible safe places.
Monitor local media and prepare to leave in the event of an evacuation order.
When a hurricane is approaching, store food and water for a few days.
Bear in mind that some roads, airports and hotels may close if a hurricane approaches.

When finding oneself in the middle of a hurricane:

First and foremost, remain calm.
If communications systems are working, continue monitoring local media for up-to-the-minute information.
If asked to evacuate, do so immediately.
The "eye" (center) of a hurricane results in no winds and near silence. If the wind stops, wait for official confirmation that the storm is over as the wind may resume blowing in the opposite direction as the second half approaches.

Once the storm has passed:

If indoors, stay inside until officially informed that the hurricane has ended.
If evacuated, wait for official orders before returning to accommodations.
Wait for official clearance before drinking tap water. One may need to use boiled water, as hurricanes can destroy water supplies and sanitation infrastructures.
Check to ensure there are no gas leaks. If the smell of gas is detected, open windows and leave the premises. If possible, turn off the gas and call special services.
Check electrical installations. When experiencing sparks, stripped wires or a burnt smell, turn off electricity and call special services.
Check for any damage to water or sewage pipes. If damage is suspected, do not use the bathrooms or tap water and call a plumber.

Travelers must remember to plan early for protection from an unforeseen hurricane disruption. Once the World Meteorological Association names a storm you can no longer obtain coverage for that storm.

Storms are full of surprises, and while experts predict above-average activity this season, there are potential mishaps that can happen even if a storm doesn't make an appearance on a trip. Anticipating the unexpected - such as medical emergencies, flight delays, identity theft or a natural disaster at home before leaving - and covering it with travel insurance will protect travelers from surprises. Travelers can find out more about CSA and travel insurance by contacting their travel agent, vacation rental management company or visiting www.csatravelprotection.com.

CSA Travel Protection Honored As Bronze Stevie� Award Winner in 2012 American Business Awards

Customer Service Department of the Year award presented on June 18

SAN DIEGO, 2012-06-20 - CSA Travel Protection was presented with a Bronze Stevie� Award in the Customer Service Department of the Year category in The 10th Annual American Business Awards last night.

The American Business Awards are the nation's premier business awards program. All organizations operating in the U.S.A. are eligible to submit nominations - public and private, for-profit and non-profit, large and small.

Nicknamed the Stevies for the Greek word for "crowned," the trophies were presented to honorees during a gala banquet on Monday, June 18 at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York. More than 500 nominees and their guests attended. The presentations were broadcast live by the Business TalkRadio Network.

More than 3,000 nominations from organizations of all sizes and in virtually every industry were submitted this year for consideration in a wide range of categories, including Most Innovative Company of the Year, Management Team of the Year, Best New Product or Service of the Year, Corporate Social Responsibility Program of the Year, and Executive of the Year, among others.

CSA Travel Protection's Customer Service Department was nominated in the Customer Service Department of the Year category, and was awarded the Bronze. "CSA is committed to exceeding our customers' expectations and providing the best service we can to the traveling public and our partners," said Bob Chambers, CSA vice president of operations. "We're proud of the hard work our customer service team continues to show, and it's great to see them receive public recognition for this."

Stevie Award winners were selected by more than 270 executives nationwide who participated in the judging process this year.

"We're delighted that the first of our two American Business Awards banquets honored so many deserving organizations and executives," said Michael Gallagher, president and founder of the Stevie Awards. "It's gratifying and inspiring to have received so many remarkable entries for this year's competition. We're looking forward to celebrating other Gold, Silver and Bronze Stevie winners at our new tech awards ceremony in San Francisco on September 17"

Details about The American Business Awards and the lists of Stevie Award winners who were announced on June 18 are available at www.stevieawards.com/aba.

About the Stevie Awards
Stevie Awards are conferred in four programs: The American Business Awards, The International Business Awards, the Stevie Awards for Women in Business, and the Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service. Honoring organizations of all types and sizes and the people behind them, the Stevies recognize outstanding performances in the workplace worldwide. Learn more about The Stevie Awards at www.stevieawards.com.

Sponsors and partners of The 2012 American Business Awards include American Support, Business TalkRadio Network, CallidusCloud, Citrix Online, Dynamic Research Corporation, iolo technologies, John Hancock Funds, LifeLock, PetRays, Primus Telecommunications Group, SoftPro, and VerticalResponse.

CSA Travel Protection Named as Finalist in 2012 American Business Awards

10th annual Stevie� Awards will be presented on June 18 in New York City and September 17 in San Francisco

SAN DIEGO, 2012-05-10 - CSA Travel Protection (CSA) was named a Finalist today in the Customer Service Department of the Year category in The 2012 American Business Awards, and will ultimately be a Gold, Silver, or Bronze Stevie Award winner in the program.

For the first time, The American Business Awards will be presented at two awards events: the ABA's traditional banquet on Monday, June 18 in New York, and a new tech awards event on Monday, September 17 in San Francisco.

Finalists were chosen by more than 140 business professionals nationwide during preliminary judging in April and May. More than 150 members of 10 specialized judging committees will determine Stevie Award placements from among the Finalists during final judging, to take place May 14 - 25.

Details about The American Business Awards and the list of Finalists in all categories are available at www.stevieawards.com/aba.

CSA Travel Protection Teams with Protect Your Bubble to Provide Travel Insurance and Services in the US

SAN DIEGO, 2012-03-29 - CSA Travel Protection (CSA), dedicated to providing affordable travel insurance and emergency assistance services, was selected by Protect Your Bubble, a new insurance brand that provides coverage for "the little things," as the exclusive travel insurance and services provider for its newly launched operations in the United States.

Launched just weeks ago in the US, Protect Your Bubble provides insurance plans for things consumers hold dear but often forget to insure, such as travel, gadgets and pets. All travel insurance plans offered by Protect Your Bubble are administered by CSA and include a free, instant quote.

"We couldn't have asked for a better partner to help us deliver top-notch travel insurance plans to US consumers," said Stephen Ebbett, president of Protect Your Bubble. "CSA took the time to understand our needs and delivered a solution custom-fit for us. From pricing to documentation to implementation, they fulfilled their promises and exceeded our expectations."

The strategic partnership and new online marketplace at ProtectYourBubble.com will further educate consumers of the value of travel insurance while increasing CSA's footprint with travelers across the country.

"Protect Your Bubble has an innovative strategy for raising the awareness of the benefits of travel insurance with American travelers," said Glenn Maykish, vice president sales and marketing of CSA. "We are excited to help them achieve the same success here in the US that the company has already proven in the UK."

Travelers can learn more about Protect Your Bubble and receive an instant free quote at www.protectyourbubble.com.

About Protect Your Bubble
Protect Your Bubble is a specialty insurance brand, offering convenient and affordable insurance for gadgets, pets and travel - all for today's modern consumer. Headquartered in Atlanta, Protect Your Bubble is available online, via mobile app or phone, allowing consumers to understand, buy and, most importantly, protect the little things and moments that enrich lives. Find Protect Your Bubble USA on Facebook or Twitter (@PYBUSA) or visit www.protectyourbubble.com for more information or to get a two-minute quote on insuring all the things and moments you can't live without.

CSA Travel Protection Named Best Development Partner by Perspective Magazine

SAN DIEGO, 2012-02-20 - CSA Travel Protection, dedicated to providing affordable travel insurance and emergency assistance services, joins an exclusive list of globally recognized companies after being named Best Developer Partner (Over 50 Employees) during the 2012 Perspective Magazine Awards Gala dinner, held at the conclusion of the Global Networking Expo, GNEX 2012 - A Global Meeting of Minds.

The Perspective Magazine Awards, sponsored by Holiday Systems International, annually recognizes the top companies and individuals doing business in the timeshare and fractional sector of the hospitality industry, with this year's Awards Gala dinner held February 2nd, 2012 at the Hacienda Tres Rios Resort in Riviera Maya, Mexico.

Cathy Backus, National Sales Director, CSA Travel Protection who was in attendance and accepted the award said "Winning Best Developer Partner for GNEX is truly an honor for CSA Travel Protection. The conference is a unique platform for all developers in the industry to unite and generate new ways to transform the shared ownership industry. CSA is a global provider of travel insurance and finds a tremendous value in participating yearly in the GNEX conference."

Award winners were decided through a combination of online voting and decisions from a panel of four industry experts. Online voting took place during the month of January, with almost 6,000 votes cast across nearly 150 nominations as industry professionals across the world competed for the coveted awards and accompanying global recognition provided through the industry's most widely-read trade publication.

About Perspective Magazine
Perspective Magazine is the leading independent, multi-media information provider for the shared ownership industry. The company publishes five regional brands covering North America, Latin America, Europe & Middle East, South Africa, and Asia Pacific, which are, combined, the most read independent trade publications globally for the vacation ownership industry.

Tips For A Phishing-Free New Year When Booking And Managing Vacation Rentals

SAN DIEGO, 2012-02-09 - Last year the travel industry experienced an increase in "cybercrime" threats against travel professionals and their customers. To help mark 2012 as the year when the number of victims decreases, CSA Travel Protection (CSA), a Europ Assistance Group company dedicated for the past 20 years to providing affordable travel insurance and emergency assistance services, offers tips to help protect from phishing scammers.

Phishing attacks, or fake email and other lures that persuade consumers to provide confidential and personal information, are rising by as much as 20 percent each month, according to the most recent Symantec State of Phishing reports. Travel agents, vacation rental owners and managers, and travelers alike must be vigilant in ensuring their trip planning information isn't compromised. To help them do this, CSA recommends that:

Travel professionals and rental owners

Beware of anyone offering to pay more than the asking rate for a property
Pay special close attention to any email received requesting information or action to click a link. No legitimate financial institution will ask for personal information via email.
Install anti-phishing software on your computer to protect it from invaders.

Travelers

Confirm that the actual rental property is truly available at the time requested by calling the property manager directly.
Contact the rental property manager - by phone - if anything seems too good to be true or just feels wrong, such as an "unheard of" rate offer or request for personal information via email.
Check for bad grammar. Vacation rental owners and managers are professionals. If a scammer overseas is posing as one, this can sometimes be a first clue.
Never wire money or send via an unsecure payment method. There is no way to track it or have it returned should something go wrong. Use a credit card or PayPal, which offer protection.

Consult A Doctor Expands Telemedicine Market Share in Travel Industry

Consumer-Directed Telemedicine Company and CSA Travel Protection Extend Telemedicine Access to New Customers, Including Marriott Rewards Members

SAN DIEGO, 2012-01-04 - Access to quality healthcare is important for all consumers in the office or at home, but for those travelling or vacationing, it can provide an invaluable level of protection and peace of mind. As the only telemedicine company to offer 24/7/365 access to board-certified physicians in all 50 states, Consult A Doctor has seen significant expansion of its telemedicine services in the travel industry. The most recent example being the Marriott Rewards® announcement that its members can now use their Marriott Rewards points to obtain 24/7 access to Consult A Doctor's telemedicine services through its CSA Travel Protection (CSA) offering.

"Marriott Rewards shares our commitment to offering travelers the highest level of travel protection benefits available," said Kathy Townend, CSA Product Manager. "With CSA's Protect Me Plan, Marriott Rewards members can travel at ease as they enjoy 24/7 access to U.S. board-certified physicians no matter their destination -- whether that be in the U.S. or abroad. The Consult A Doctor telemedicine service represents a level of support, safety and convenience that you just cannot find anywhere else."

Consult A Doctor's telemedicine services give consumers the freedom and flexibility to access a physician 24/7/365 and receive remote consultations via telephone, secure email, video and mobile applications. CSA offers the Consult A Doctor service with many of its other travel insurance packages. "As part of our dedication to providing affordable travel insurance services, Consult A Doctor was the obvious choice when selecting a healthcare coverage enhancement for our On Demand Medical Care program," said Townend. "Consult A Doctor's service has proven itself as a valuable market differentiator that has generated great interest from our consumers and prospects. With round-the-clock access to Consult A Doctor's national network of licensed physicians, consumers save both time and money and enjoy their travel with a sense of confidence and security."

Consult A Doctor originally announced its partnership with CSA in January 2010, allowing CSA consumers to tap into its national physician network for non-emergent consultations. With Consult A Doctor's service now part of the Protect Me Plan available only to Marriott Reward's members, the company is expanding its market reach to the travel industry during a time of major growth.

"We are excited with the recent momentum Consult A Doctor has experienced and are looking forward to the continued expansion of our telemedicine offerings to healthcare stakeholders in all markets," said Wolf Shlagman, Founder and CEO of Consult A Doctor. "In an age where technology empowers us to do almost anything at the click of a button -- from changing a flight ticket to transferring funds -- it only makes sense to be able to do the same with something as universally important as healthcare. Now, through our telemedicine solutions and platforms, we can help improve the lives of millions by enabling fast, secure access to quality care while reducing the healthcare costs of every organization and individual across the globe."

About Consult A Doctor
Established in 2007, Consult A Doctor is the leading innovator of cloud-based telemedicine services and technology solutions for health plans, providers, groups and patients. With years of direct-to-consumer telemedicine services, Consult A Doctor is transforming the economic equation of care with a PaaS (platform as a service) solution that grants patients unmatched access to quality care, offers a new revenue source for providers, and lowers costs for health plans, employers and groups. Consult A Doctor's telemedicine service offers patient's 24/7/365 access to the largest national network of board-certified providers, via phone, email or video. Done right, telemedicine means faster access, most appropriate level of care, more revenue for providers and lower costs for all. For more information about Consult A Doctor, please visit: www.consultadoctor.com , or email us at telecare@consultadr.com.

About Marriott Rewards
Marriott Rewards is free to join. The program has no blackout dates and members can earn and redeem points at more than 3,500 Marriott(R) International hotels around the world. Members may also choose to earn airline miles or redeem points for miles with more than 30 airline mileage programs. In addition to hotels and frequent flyer miles, members can also redeem points for merchandise, cruises, car rentals and more. Marriott Rewards won the 2011 and 2010 Frequent Travel Award and 2009 Freddie Award for "Best Hotel Rewards Program," and has been named best hotel rewards program by the readers of Business Traveler, Global Traveler, Executive Travel and BusinessWeek magazines.

Consult A Doctor
Jessica Cohen, 617-332-9999 x203
jcohen@ariamarketing.com

CSA Travel Protection Expands Sales Team

SAN DIEGO, 2011-12-15 - CSA Travel Protection (CSA), a Europ Assistance Group company dedicated for the past 20 years to providing affordable travel insurance and emergency assistance services, today announced that Wendy Stahl and Susan Weiss have both joined the company as national account executive, retail and custom markets. Stahl is responsible for the eastern region, with Weiss working in the western region, growing CSA's retail and custom sales channel that includes travel suppliers and aggregators, traditional and online travel agencies, tour operators and other travel organizations as well as specialty markets.

With decades of success and experience in the travel insurance and travel industries, Stahl and Weiss will help increase sales of CSA travel insurance products, as well as Europ Assistance's identity theft, travel and assistance services, to distributors and aggregators selling travel insurance to the traveling consumer.

"We're very excited to welcome Wendy and Susan to our dynamic sales team," said Jeff Cain, national sales manager, retail and custom markets at CSA. "We continue our efforts to bring in outstanding sales team members who know their markets better than anyone, and now offer solutions no other company in our space can match."

A veteran of STA Travel, Inc., Stahl achieved success in various roles and responsibilities, including account management, sales and leadership. Weiss spent the past 17 years - most recently as director of sales - at Travel Guard developing key accounts across various lines of business. Prior to CSA, both held positions in the airline industry.

CSA's Protect Me Plan Protects You When You Travel

Use Marriott Rewards Points to Purchase Travel Insurance

SAN DIEGO, 2011-11-28 - Now travelers can use Marriott Rewards� points to protect all their travel year-round with such services as 24/7 access to Consult A DoctorTM, no out-of-pocket medical expenses and coverage for emergency medical care anywhere in the world. With CSA's Protect Me Plan, they'll have protection during travel for such events as travel delays, rental car damage, loss or delay of baggage and personal effects and much more. Whether traveling for business or leisure, staying in a hotel (even those outside of the Marriott� portfolio of brands), or just visiting family and friends, this program covers all travel1 throughout the year. This travel insurance plan from CSA is only available to Marriott Rewards members.

The Protect Me Plan provides peace of mind to travelers and covers a wide variety of travel needs. The policy costs 30,000 Marriott Rewards points or $149 for one year. Plan holders and their travel companions (up to 10 per policy) would be covered for the following:

Any hotel room, plus other reasonable out-of-pocket expenses, if delayed on a trip due to reasons such as canceled or delayed flights, a traffic accident delaying one's arrival to the airport, or lost or stolen travel documents.*
Coverage for replacing essentials if baggage is lost for 24 hours or more during a covered trip.*
Medical or dental coverage for emergencies on a covered trip that standard medical insurance does not cover.*
Emergency medical transportation if the Plan holder or travel companions need to get home for treatment or to a medical facility. It also covers round-trip airfare for a companion to visit if the Plan holder is traveling alone and is in the hospital for more than 7 days.*
Coverage for damage to a rental car such as a collision, fire, flood, vandalism, windstorm or hail.*
Consultation with a doctor for information, advice and treatment, including prescription medication when necessary.**
Roadside assistance.**

Travel insurance is administered by CSA Travel Protection and Insurance Services. 1A covered trip is travel away from Home to a destination (if such travel exceeds 75 miles or greater) and from the destination to Home (if such travel exceeds 75 miles or greater), provided the Covered Trip does not exceed 31 days in length.

*Insurance coverages are underwritten by Stonebridge Casualty Insurance Company, an AEGON Company, Columbus, Ohio; NAIC# 10952.

**Non-insurance services are provided by CSA's designated service providers. For more information about the policy or how to purchase, visit www.youtravelweprotect.com/rewards. About CSA Travel Protection CSA Travel Protection, a Europ Assistance company, is dedicated to providing affordable travel insurance and emergency assistance services to protect travelers' valuable investments and provide the peace of mind one deserves while traveling. Now celebrating its 20-year anniversary, CSA has developed a reputation for standing behind its customers and by offering products and services to meet their needs.

Through superior customer service, extensive experience and industry-leading innovation, CSA is with its clients every step of the way, whenever and wherever they are needed.

About Marriott Rewards
Marriott Rewards is free to join. The program has no blackout dates and members can earn and redeem points at more than 3,500 Marriott� International hotels around the world. Members may also choose to earn airline miles or redeem points for miles with more than 30 airline mileage programs. In addition to hotels and frequent flyer miles, members can also redeem points for merchandise, cruises, car rentals and more. Marriott Rewards won the 2011 and 2010 Frequent Travel Award and 2009 Freddie Award for "Best Hotel Rewards Program," and has been named best hotel rewards program by the readers of Business Traveler, Global Traveler, Executive Travel and BusinessWeek magazines. For information about Marriott Rewards, guests can call 800-450-4442 or visit MarriottRewards.com.

Visit Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR) for company information. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at Marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com.

Jeff Cain Joins CSA Travel Protection

Travel and Technology Veteran Named National Sales Manager, Retail and Custom Markets

SAN DIEGO, 2011-10-21 - CSA Travel Protection (CSA), a Europ Assistance Group company dedicated for the past 20 years to providing affordable travel insurance and emergency assistance services, today announced that Jeff Cain joins the company as national sales manager, retail and custom markets. Cain will be responsible for driving CSA's retail and custom sales channel that includes travel suppliers and aggregators, traditional and online travel agencies, tour operators and other travel organizations, as well as specialty markets.

With more than two decades of experience in the travel and technology industries, Cain brings strong sales leadership and account management experience to CSA. He and his team will focus on increasing sales of CSA's travel insurance products, along with Europ Assistance's identity theft, travel and assistance services, to distributors and aggregators selling travel insurance to the traveling consumer.

"We're energized that Jeff is joining our growing sales team," said Glenn Maykish, vice president sales and marketing at Europ Assistance USA and CSA. "We continue to focus on bringing in the best sales consultants who know their markets better than anyone, and now offer solutions no other company in our space can match."

Prior to joining CSA, Cain held sales positions across national and international markets with organizations in the airline, global distribution system, travel management, hospitality technology, financial services and online procurement application industries.

Hatteras Area Update

Updated 9/28/2011

SAN DIEGO, 2011-09-28 - The aftermath of Hurricane Irene has left the Cape Hatteras area with unique complications after the lifting of the mandatory evacuation on September 15, 2011. Dare County is allowing visitors to return to the area, but major bridges and roads remain out of service. Ferry service is available, but the demand for this exceeds capacity, preventing some vacationers from getting to the area on originally scheduled travel dates.

This is an unprecedented situation that has affected vacationers, vacation rental companies, and companies such as CSA. As along-term partner of vacation rental companies and vacationers in the Outer Banks area, CSA is committed to those relationships.

CSA's policies provide coverage for mandatory evacuation, which was lifted for parts of the Hatteras area on September 15. They also provide coverage for interruption of road services for up to 15 days following the original service interruption, which ended on September 11, 2011.

We do appreciate the unusual difficulties this situation causes for some travelers. After an in-depth discussion with our underwriter, we can provide Travel Delay coverage under the policy language for this distinct set of circumstances. Travel Delay coverage provides reimbursement for reasonable expenses incurred, such as accommodations, meals and local transportation, if one is delayed 6 hours or more during a trip due to a covered reason.

We encourage our policyholders to file a claim for their particular situation as each individual claim will be examined and reviewed on its own merit. CSA has provided coverage to customers affected by the mandatory evacuation and road closure, and remains committed to providing the best service possible to its customers, partners and all parties involved.

Statement Regarding Hatteras Area Following Hurricane Irene

Updated 9/20/2011

SAN DIEGO, 2011-09-20 - The aftermath of Hurricane Irene has left the Cape Hatteras area with unique complications after the lifting of the mandatory evacuation on September 15, 2011. Dare County is allowing visitors to return to the area, but major bridges and roads remain out of service. Ferry service is available, but the demand for this exceeds capacity, preventing some vacationers from getting to the area.

This is an unprecedented situation that has affected vacationers, vacation rental companies, and companies such as CSA. CSA is a long-term partner of vacation rental companies and vacationers in the Outer Banks area and is committed to those relationships.

CSA's policies provide coverage for mandatory evacuation, which was lifted for parts of the Hatteras area on September 15, and for interruption of road services for up to 15 days following the original service interruption. This time has passed, but we do appreciate the unusual difficulties this situation causes for some travelers.

We are working with our underwriter to determine if there is coverage under the policy language for this unusual set of circumstances. We encourage our policyholders to file a claim for their particular situation as each individual claim will be examined and reviewed on its own merit. CSA has provided coverage to customers affected by the mandatory evacuation and road closure, and remains committed to providing the best service possible to its customers, partners and all parties involved.

Phone Scam

Alert of a phone scam offering fast CSA claims resolution

SAN DIEGO, 2011-09-01 - As with every crisis, some people will try to take advantage of the situation. We have already been alerted of one phone scammer pretending to be a CSA claims representative requesting a credit card so they could provide an immediate refund. We think the scammer may have found the information on Facebook. We want to take this opportunity to remind your guests to be wary of callers asking for sensitive information. CSA Travel Protection representatives will never call to ask you for a credit card number to facilitate the claims process.

Below are some general tips to keep in mind:

Phone Scams

Be wary of anyone calling to confirm your personal or financial information. Often, these are criminals trying to obtain those facts under the guise of "confirmation." CSA Travel Protection representatives will never call to ask you for a credit card number to facilitate the claims process.
Before you share any personal information, confirm you are dealing with a legitimate organization. Call the company back using a phone number from a statement or from the telephone book (not a phone number the person who is calling gives you). Many companies post scam alerts when their name is used improperly.

Social networks

Make sure your screen name and profile information doesn't provide too much information that could make you vulnerable to identity theft. While any one piece of information may be harmless, the combination of a few key pieces of information about you (e.g. your name, date of birth, hometown, age, phone number, travel schedule, home address, etc.) makes it easy for a criminal to do damage.

Also see our pages on Travel Tips http://www.csatravelprotection.com/tips-vacation-insurance.do

CSA Travel Protection Offers Free Emergency Assistance Services To U.S. Travelers Caught in Hurricane Irene's Path

Toll Free Number Provides Help for Stranded Travelers and Families Due to Storm

SAN DIEGO, 2011-08-26 - As Hurricane Irene heads straight for the US eastern seaboard, CSA Travel Protection (CSA) is providing emergency travel and medical assistance services free to all US travelers and their families affected by the storm.

Anyone seeking assistance services can reach the CSA assistance centers directly by calling (866) 690-5113. Free services include flight and hotel booking, medical and legal referral, traveling companion assistance, emergency cash transfer and interpretation/translation services.

While a comprehensive travel insurance policy is the best way to protect oneself while traveling, CSA understands that some travelers do not feel they need the full benefits it provides. Access to the travel and medical assistance will hopefully provide these travelers with some aid and comfort.

"Travel insurance is something one hopes to never need or use," said Bob Chambers, CSA vice president operations. "But even the best planned trip can be impacted by the unforeseen, such as a hurricane. Protecting your trip from the unexpected can give you peace of mind while traveling."

Hurricane Irene may be the first Atlantic hurricane of the season, but it's not likely the last. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association anticipates an above-average 2011 Atlantic season running through November 30. Travelers must remember to plan early for protection from an unforeseen hurricane disruption.

George Meshkov Joins CSA Travel Protection

Travel Sales Expert Named Lodging Market Sales Manager

SAN DIEGO, 2011-07-12 - CSA Travel Protection (CSA), dedicated for the past 20 years to providing affordable travel insurance and emergency assistance services, today announced that George Meshkov joins the company as lodging market sales manager, supervising the sales of the company's travel and security deposit protection insurance products.

With an 18-year background in the vacation rental and hospitality industry, Meshkov brings effective sales management, direct sales and marketing experience to CSA.

"We're delighted to see George join our growing sales team," said Lee Hughes, vice president sales division at CSA. "He adds a fresh perspective from his deep roots in hospitality and software background that will be invaluable to the CSA team and its clients."

Prior to joining CSA, Meshkov worked for travel market companies such as Infogenesis, First Resort Software, Blizzard Internet Marketing and Instant Software. Meshkov holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of California at Santa Barbara.

Tropical Storm Beatriz Reminder For Staying Safe This Season

CSA Travel Protection and Europ Assistance USA Offer Hurricane Safety Precautions & Tips

SAN DIEGO, 2011-06-20 - The hurricane season is officially underway with the second storm in 2011, Beatriz, already underway. To help travelers stay safe this season, CSA Travel Protection (CSA), dedicated for the past 20 years to providing affordable travel insurance and emergency assistance services, and Europ Assistance USA (EA USA), assisting travelers when the unexpected happens, offer preventative measures and tips for staying safe during and after a major storm. Preventative measures go a long way in staying secure in the event a storm is approaching:

Prepare an evacuation plan and be ready to leave accommodations if necessary.
Ask property management upon arrival about possible safe places.
Monitor local media and prepare to leave in the event of an evacuation order.
When a hurricane is approaching, store food and water for a few days.
Bear in mind that some roads, airports and hotels may close if a hurricane approaches.

When finding oneself in the middle of a hurricane:

First and foremost, remain calm.
If communications systems are working, continue monitoring local media for up-to-the-minute information.
If asked to evacuate, do so immediately.
If not, remain in place keeping away from windows and doors. Go to an interior room on the lowest level of the building (winds are stronger at higher altitudes) and do not move.
The "eye" (center) of a hurricane results in no winds and near silence. If the wind stops, wait for official confirmation that the storm is over as the wind may resume blowing in the opposite direction as the second half approaches.

Once the storm has passed:

If indoors, stay inside until officially informed that the hurricane has ended.
If evacuated, wait for official orders before returning to accommodations.
Wait for official clearance before drinking tap water. One may need to use boiled water, as hurricanes can destroy water supplies and sanitation infrastructures.
Check to ensure there are no gas leaks. If the smell of gas is detected, open windows and leave the premises. If possible, turn off the gas and call special services.
Check electrical installations. When experiencing sparks, stripped wires or a burnt smell, turn off electricity and call special services.
Check for any damage to water or sewage pipes. If damage is suspected, do not use the bathrooms or tap water and call a plumber.

Travelers must remember to plan early for protection from an unforeseen hurricane disruption. Once the World Meteorological Association names a storm you can no longer obtain coverage for that storm.

About Europ Assistance USA
Europ Assistance USA takes care of consumers, corporate customers and their employees when the unexpected happens, anywhere in the world, providing immediate support and assistance to individuals in times of emergency and distress. Leveraging its worldwide network of 40 always-open multilingual assistance centers and 420,000 partners in 208 countries and territories, EA USA offers personalized medical travel assistance, identity theft resolution, data breach response and beneficiary assistance services to half of the companies listed in the Fortune 100, including insurance companies, financial institutions, corporations and government organizations. Headquartered in Bethesda, MD, EA USA is part of the Europ Assistance Group, which is owned by Global 500 insurance conglomerate Generali Group.

National Travel & Tourism Week: Thoughts On Why Travel Matters

CSA Travel Protection and Europ Assistance USA Online Communities Share Why Travel Matters to Them

SAN DIEGO, 2011-05-06 - CSA Travel Protection (CSA), dedicated for the past 20 years to providing affordable travel insurance and emergency assistance services, and Europ Assistance USA (EA USA), assisting travelers when the unexpected happens, support the U.S. Travel Association's National Travel & Tourism Week (May 7-14) by asking its online community why travel matters to them.

Travel is a necessity and a privilege. People around the world travel daily for business, entertainment, family, education, relaxation and an overall better quality of life. One of America's largest industries, travel generated $1.8 trillion in economic output, with $759 billion spent directly by domestic and international travelers that spurred an additional $1 trillion in other industries.*

CSA and EA USA celebrate this important activity with the U.S. Travel Association and its members this week by asking travelers on Facebook and Twitter, "Why does travel matter to you?" Here is a sampling of responses from around the country:

"Travel is fun to me because it opens my mind up to new perspectives. I start questioning my way of life and what I can improve." (Julie Wagoner - Boulder, CO)
"Travel matters to educate your children (and sometimes yourself) on how others live outside your own small circle. Travel matters to bring to life our country's history and culture. Travel matters to showcase this world's glorious creations." (Sharon Kenagy-Finley - Emporia, KS)
"Travel matters to me b/c I like to think I'm a cultured individual lol. I can always brag about which places I've been to!" (Christina Gregor - San Diego, CA)
"For the mind opening experiences it provides!" (Kirsten Khire - East Lansing, MI)
"The people and the habitats are important to me, the more I travel, the more I get to experience the diversity of both." (Brenda Boitson - Lancaster, PA)
"Travel matters because (for our trips) it is just about fun and being with the family. We get time to not get caught up in work, chores, or other tasks. We just get to get up, explore, and enjoy the new place we are in." (Kim Jester - Menifee, CA)
"Here's a Mark Twain quote I've always loved and expresses why travel matters: 'Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one's lifetime.' -Mark Twain" (Michelle Schamberger - Leadville, CO)
"Travel matters: I get quality time with people I love. I see new places and expand who I am. I learn. I get a break from reality." (Natalie Wardel - San Diego, CA)
"You really have no real concept of places - and the distance between them - until you have been there. As others have said, travel helps us understand regional differences and experience life outside of ourselves." (Kellye Crane - Atlanta, GA)
"Travel matters because it allows your mind to 'travel' or wander away from your life. It gives the partially insane sanity even just for a few days. It gives the home sick a touch of memories, it can provide the cluster-minded business people, a vacation. Because whether you're a mom, a dad, a bum, a business executive, a garbage man, or a retired grandparent, travel gives you that few seconds of freedom from every little thing you want to escape from." (Breanna Humphrey - Oceanside, CA)
"Because it helps us remember that the world is bigger than just us and that there is always an adventure just around the corner ... and the obvious, it gives us a chance to get away from the 'norm' and refresh our souls." (Jean Chadwick - Los Angeles, CA)
"Travel brings reality to non-fiction." (Angela Bailey - Independence, MO)

Travelers can find CSA Travel Protection on Twitter (@CSATP) and Europ Assistance USA on Twitter (@EA_USA) and Facebook.

About Europ Assistance USA
Europ Assistance USA takes care of consumers, corporate customers and their employees when the unexpected happens, anywhere in the world, providing immediate support and assistance to individuals in times of emergency and distress. Leveraging its worldwide network of 39 always-open multilingual assistance centers and 410,000 partners in 208 countries and territories, EA USA offers personalized medical travel assistance, identity theft resolution, data breach response and beneficiary assistance services to half of the companies listed in the Fortune 100, including insurance companies, financial institutions, corporations and government organizations. Headquartered in Bethesda, MD, EA USA is part of the Europ Assistance Group, which is owned by Global 500 insurance conglomerate Generali Group.

Travel Agents Can Take Simple Steps to Greatly Reduce Risk of Data Breach and Protect Customers from Identity Theft

CSA Travel Protection Leads Cruise3Sixty Panel Identifying Risks and Offering Tips

SAN DIEGO, 2011-04-15 - CSA Travel Protection (CSA), dedicated for the past 20 years to providing affordable travel insurance and emergency assistance services, will moderate a panel today here at the Cruise3Sixty conference to identify the risks and the potential liability associated with Identity (ID) Theft, specifically as it impacts travelers and travel agents as well as solutions. Also discussed will be the importance of securing sensitive customer information to prevent data breaches, and the steps travel agents can take to reduce the risk of a breach and minimize their potential liability.

Panel experts include moderator Frank Shellabear, president of the sales divisions of both CSA and its sister company Europ Assistance USA, as well as Patrick Simmons, national accounts manager at CSA, Vladimir Poletaev, director of strategic account management at Europ Assistance USA, Brent Agar, director of North American operations for SentryBay Ltd. and Jeff Winton, head of partner development for IJET.

Recent reports indicate that travelers are vulnerable to identity theft due to hackers targeting hotels and restaurant networks. The session will delve deeper into this trend, as well as discuss and assess additional points of interest, such as:

According to the Privacy Rights Clearinghouse, 160 data breaches have already occurred in 2011 (as of April 12).
These data breaches involve nearly 10 million known records.
63 of these data breaches contain an unknown number of records.
Breaches are happening anywhere your customer is using a credit card during their travels - even at major hotels, resorts and airlines.

In addition, the panel will share tips on how travel professionals can protect their business and their customers from the growing trend of information and identity theft:

Create a breach task force - don't ignore the issue; be proactive
Review your organization's security systems and information/data flow.
Survey internal processes, communication and training - using firewalls and encryption is not enough; humans aren't always as careful.
This is not just an IT issue - the entire organization must be involved.

Cruise3Sixty attendees can sit in on this important discussion, titled "Data Integrity and ID Theft: the Traveler & the Agent today at 5:45 PM at the Broward County Convention Center. Attendees can also stop by the CSA booth (505-507) for more information.

Filing Taxes Online at the Last Minute? Don't Compromise Your Personal Information

Tips on Keeping Your Identity Secure While Filing Online From Home or on the Road

SAN DIEGO, 2011-04-06 - BETHESDA, MD--(Marketwire - April 6, 2011) - According to the Internal Revenue Service, 99 million tax returns were e-filed -- and 35 percent of taxpayers prepared and e-filed their federal tax returns themselves. As with any online activity, it's important for Americans to be vigilant in keeping their personal information secure. Europ Assistance USA, a provider of identity theft resolution and online data protection services, reminds Americans to pay close attention as they prepare and file their last-minute returns online this year:

Be sure to use a reputable online tax preparation service with strong security measures in place. Be wary of emails offering unfamiliar, often phony, services. Also take heed when typing in the URL of any online service in case you misspell the name and end up on a fraudulent site created to look like the real one.
Make sure your computer is free of malware like computer viruses and spyware that can steal a copy of your social security number or account passwords, like those of your bank and other financial institutions.
Sharing music, photos and other files is popular with many consumers, as well as sharing information on social networks. Especially when using the same personal computer for filing your return, it's imperative to not share personal information like a social security number and birth date. Better yet, prepare taxes on a different computer.
Never confirm your social security number or bank account details by email or over the phone.
The IRS never sends unsolicited e-mails asking for detailed personal information. Additionally, the IRS never asks people for PIN numbers, passwords or similar secret access information for credit cards, banks or other financial accounts. Taxpayers should forward suspicious emails claiming to be from the IRS to phishing@irs.gov.
When keeping a copy of your tax return on the PC, make sure the file is password protected and encrypted so prying eyes can't access it.
If you do use an accountant, don't email tax information or returns to him or her. Email is not a secure way to send any document.
Once tax season is over, shred unnecessary documents and copies. Offline thieves will be on the prowl to get your banking account details and social security numbers once you're done.
If you're on the road and struggling to get your tax return in on time and not sure about the site you're visiting or just don't feel that your information can be submitted securely, file an extension and finish when you're in a safer environment.
Last, but not least, check your credit report soon after tax time and again a few months later to ensure your personal information wasn't stolen and used fraudulently.

About Europ Assistance USA
As the most experienced company in the assistance industry, Europ Assistance has been helping customers in times of crisis for more than 47 years. The company's expertise in managing the complex issues involved in identity theft, and its 24/7 team of resolution specialists, have handled thousands of cases and protected millions of customers. EA was one of the first companies to provide identity theft resolution services and today provides white label identity theft protection solutions to millions of customers on behalf of financial institutions, corporations and insurance companies. Headquartered in Bethesda, MD, EA USA is part of the Europ Assistance Group, which is owned by Global 500 insurance conglomerate Generali Group.

New PBS Reality Travel Series Brings "Togethering" to TV

Getting Away Together highlights the real experiences of travelers sharing vacations with friends and family across America

SAN DIEGO, 2011-03-28 - The Vacation Rental Managers Association (VRMA) today announced its new PBS reality television show Getting Away Together. The first travel show to focus on the "togethering" trend, this exciting new series is set to feature diverse groups of real travelers vacationing together across America. The program will also follow participants staying together underneath the same roof in vacation rental homes, villas and condos - one of the fastest-growing lodging segments today.

"More than 25 million American households are interested in staying in vacation rentals during the next two years, and many will be doing so for the first time," explains Alex Risser, President of the VRMA.

The organization introduces the show as part of its Discover Vacation Homes awareness initiative, together with series sponsors TripAdvisor�, CSA Travel Protection and 13 dynamic travel destinations. According to the second annual vacation rentals survey conducted by TripAdvisor.com, 40 percent of respondents said they are planning a vacation rental stay in 2011, indicating that rental homes are poised for a busy year ahead. Thirty-three percent of travelers said they stayed in a vacation rental in 2010.

Getting Away Together debuts in October 2011, calling attention to compelling life stories, destinations, "best-kept" travel secrets and takeaway tips to help viewers make decisions about their upcoming travels. From girlfriend getaways to family reunions and milestone celebrations, each episode features a new group of travelers as they unwind with meaningful travel experiences in fun locales, with vacation rentals as their home base.

The VRMA, together with its series and destination sponsors, have committed to producing the show in support of vacation rental hospitality, which boosts vital tourism economies across North America.

The series is produced by Emmy Award-winning PineRidge Film & Television Company for distribution exclusively on PBS member stations nationwide.

For information and updates about Getting Away Together, please visit www.GettingAwayTogether.com or "like" the series on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/GettingAwayTogether.

###

About TripAdvisor
TripAdvisor� is the world's largest travel site, enabling travelers to plan and have the perfect trip. TripAdvisor offers trusted advice from real travelers and a wide variety of travel choices and planning features (including Flights search, Vacation Rentals, TripAdvisor Mobile and TripAdvisor Trip Friends) with seamless links to booking tools.
TripAdvisor, TripAdvisor.com and the TripAdvisor logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of TripAdvisor LLC in the U.S. and/or other countries. Other logos or product and company names mentioned herein may be the property of their respective owners. �2011 TripAdvisor LLC. All rights reserved.

About the Vacation Rental Managers Association (VRMA)
The VRMA is the professional trade association of the vacation rental property management and hospitality industries. Founded in 1985, the VRMA has served up to 600 property management and associate members throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico and Caribbean.

About VRMA's Discover Vacation Homes Initiative
Discover Vacation Homes is the trusted public voice on vacation rentals, providing an official resource for vacation rental travel information. As the awareness initiative of the VRMA, it has represented up to 150,000 rental homes, condos and villas from more than 500 of the most well established vacation rental management companies in North America, Central America and the Caribbean.

About PineRidge Productions
As a division of Jerry Smith Film & Television, PineRidge Film & Television Company develops, produces and delivers quality television programs, utilizing an Emmy Award-winning production team. Since 1985, PineRidge has commissioned more than a thousand half-hour shows and 34 hour-long Prime Time specials. Perhaps best known for their series on Discovery Travel Channel including Great Hotels, Passport to Europe, Passport to Latin America and Samantha Brown's Weekends, PineRidge also produces for HGTV, Fine Living Network, Food Network and PBS stations nationwide.

Media Contact:
Amanda Drake
Ypartnership
727) 420-8395
Amanda.Drake@ypartnership.com

STA Travel Names CSA Travel Protection "Best Mates"

STA Travel Employees Choose CSA as Their Favorite Vendor

SAN DIEGO, 2011-03-10 - CSA Travel Protection (CSA), dedicated to providing affordable travel insurance and emergency assistance services, is honored to announce that STA Travel, the youth travel expert enabling students and young adults to explore the world by creating experiences filled with adventure, discovery and personal growth, recently named CSA as the winner of its "Best Mates" awards program for 2010.

"The Best Mates award means a lot to our partners because it is voted on by the staff of STA Travel - the people who are selling the product day in and day out," said James Bell, STA travel commercial vice president. "CSA is a great partner for STA Travel, and we expect to see them in the running for this award year after year thanks to their excellent service and fantastic product."

A two-step process, STA Travel's Best Mates Awards program celebrates the company's top vendors, as chosen by their employees. Six finalists are named after an initial round of nominations. Employees then vote for their favorite from the pool of finalists. After four weeks of voting and 14,000 ballots cast, CSA pulled in more than 37 percent of the votes.

"We couldn't be more pleased to be recognized by such a valuable partner," said Lisa Wanzenreid, director of business development at CSA. "Winning this award is a great testament to the personalized service, support and commitment we extend to partners like STA Travel."

About STA Travel
STA Travel is the youth travel expert enabling students and young adults to explore the world by creating experiences filled with adventure, discovery and personal growth. For more information, or to find a STA Travel Store near you, visit statravel.com.

Countrywide Snow and Ice Stranding Calls for Imaginative Entertainment

CSA Travel Protection Offers Stress-Reducing Tips for Anxious Travelers

SAN DIEGO, 2011-02-03 - Multiple airport closings and dangerous icy conditions mean thousands of travelers are today finding themselves spending much more time in an airport than they planned. To alleviate some anxiety and help these travelers make the most of this unexpected "time off," CSA Travel Protection offers stressed-out travelers some tips for keeping themselves entertained while stranded at the airport.

Ten fun games to play while stranded at an airport:

1. Buy $15 margaritas and $10 sandwiches for all your "new friends."

2. Hog all power outlets by charging your phone, laptop and iPod at the same time.

3. Create intriguing, soap opera-like background stories for other waiting passengers.

4. Play the "count the Starbucks� in the terminal" game.

5. See how many people you can get to smile back at you.

6. Visit a local merchant - or event gate - more times than necessary to try and win the crown of Foursquare mayor.

7. Check the payphones and vending machines for change.

8. Note - and admire - bad ties.

9. Return all the unclaimed smart carts.

10. Create an amusing Twitter hash tag, like the popular #snOMG and #snowpocalypse, and see if you can make it a trending topic.

CSA Travel Protection knows this is one of the most difficult and nerve-racking times for both business and leisure travelers. While travel insurance can't stop the unexpected from happening, it can protect and support travelers when mishaps occur, such as flight delays and missed connections.

Travelers can learn more about the benefits of travel insurance by contacting their favorite travel agent or CSA at www.csatravelprotection.com and (800) 711-1197.

The Europ Assistance Group Debuts New Branding Tagline

New "You Live We Care" Signature Precursor to 2011-2015 Road Map for Positioning Company as Most Innovative in Sector

SAN DIEGO, 2010-12-08 - Paris, France - December 8, 2010 - The Europ Assistance Group today launched its new branding signature, "you live we care," which will be rolled out via the Group's 36 companies throughout the world. The launch precedes the deployment of the Group's new 2011-2015 strategic plan as it seeks to become the most innovative company in its sector.

The "you live we care" signature debuts today as an integral part of the Europ Assistance logo block and reflects the support of its customers in all of life's circumstances, from the most routine to the most exceptional, by offering them prevention, protection and assistance services in the areas of mobility - travel and automobile - health and home and family.

This positioning aims to meet consumers' rapidly and considerably changing needs, demonstrating a real Care Revolution in services for individuals: the combined effect of globalization, increased life expectancy, growing urbanization, mobility, health needs and increased free time generates an explosion in demand for increasingly personalized information, prevention, protection and support services, in everyday life as well as extraordinary circumstances.

It is for this reason that Europ Assistance, in referring to the concept of Care that reflects the ideas of individual attention, cover, continuous protection and trust with regard to its customers and consumers, is asserting its goal to be the leading company in Care Services.

The new signature also asserts the Group's and the Europ Assistance brand's global dimension by being entirely in English, which is used in all the Group's subsidiaries on the five continents where it operates. The Group has made that choice in order to capitalize on its brand in a unique way for its 300 million customers and network of 410,000 listed service providers.

The use of blue and red in the signature increases the logo block's power by strengthening the uniformity of the colors of both the logo and signature. It also underlines the continuity in the development of Europ Assistance between the past and its ambitions over the next few years. The handwriting script font expresses closeness and above all the human relationship Europ Assistance has with its customers.

This signature also demonstrates the role that the Europ Assistance Group intends to play as a responsible company by contributing to a new type of solidarity and progress for its economic and social environment. Its partnership with ASHOKA, the international association for social entrepreneurship, is an example of this.

Beginning December 8, 2010, the new signature will roll out simultaneously in the Group's 36 companies throughout the world within the framework of its 2011-2015 road map to make Europ Assistance the most innovative company in its sector.

With revenue that has more than doubled, and an operating profit that tripled between 2004 and 2009, the Europ Assistance Group is entering into a new cycle of profitable, sustainable growth. Following this buoyant growth phase, the Group has set itself a new road map for the next five years aimed at strengthening the current strategy, primarily around four areas:

To speed up the rebalancing of the business portfolio by expanding new growth relays in health and home and family services, representing more than one-third of the Group's business by 2015. At the same time, Europ Assistance will strengthen the competitiveness of its traditional businesses, in the travel and automobile sectors, with new supplementary travel insurance and car repair guarantees.
To pursue geographic stability by speeding up development in North America, South America and Asia to obtain a return on investment in these continents over the last few years. At the same time, European business activities will see their commercial and financial competitiveness strengthened, with strong development in the new businesses of health and home and family services. Between now and 2015, the contribution of subsidiaries outside Western Europe should account for more than 27 percent of the Group's revenue.
To develop distribution models by increasing sales of optional services - as opposed to inclusive sales - with the Group's major partners and direct sales to consumers, particularly on the Web. With this in mind, Europ Assistance will work to forge new local and international partnerships.
To strengthen its profitability by more selective growth of its insurance-related business activities, the Group will seek to improve its operational efficiency, particularly by speeding up the use of new technologies in its production processes.

Placing innovation at the core of its strategy by routinely enhancing services using the latest technological innovations in the field of mobility, health and everyday life, Europ Assistance will routinely enhance its value-add assistance services. This includes 24-hour availability and direct or remote human intervention of its 7,000 employees and 410,000 service providers for its customers, as well as the inclusion of new technologies, such as using position determination technology in combination with mobile and Internet terminals to better serve and protect its customers when travelling or driving, or the deployment of telemedicine, tele-monitoring and robotics to make everyday life easier and safer for fragile people or those who are chronically ill or dependent.

With this new road map, Europ Assistance is poised to become the most innovative company in the Care Services sector.

U.S. Towns Help Build Spirit For Holiday Travel Plans

Holiday and Winter Named Places Can Put a Dash of Celebration in Your Trip

SAN DIEGO, 2010-11-04 - The holiday season is approaching faster than a transatlantic cruise ship, with Thanksgiving only three weeks from today. Holiday travel planning and activity can be stressful, so CSA Travel Protection (CSA) offers a list of favorite towns with winter- and holiday-themed names to help travelers get in the spirit.

No matter what part of the country you call home, there's a town nearby with a name that sparks the seasonal frame of mind:

Evergreen - The site and smell of this plant that bears leaves during every season, emotes the cheer and warmth of the holiday season. One can find a town with this name in Alabama, Colorado, Louisiana, Montana, North Carolina and Virginia.
Gift - No matter how one celebrates the holidays, gifts are almost always part of the fun. Both Mississippi and Tennessee give the gift of towns named Gift.
Holiday, Florida - Named in 1967 from a spark of marketing inspiration, the Tampa suburb even includes a neighborhood called Holiday Lake Estates.
Holiday Hills, Illinois - Comprised of one square mile in McHenry County, this tiny town's population is 831 (according to the 2000 census).
Snow - Some people love it, some don't. But this fluffy covering that is pretty to the eye, but a potential danger or inconvenience to travelers, prompted seven states (Arkansas, Idaho, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Oklahoma and Utah) to name a town after it.
Snowflake - Three states, Arizona, Virginia and West Virginia, found the "only one like it" particle of snow to be their muse when naming these towns.
Snow Hill - The Maryland town of this name was coined by English settlers after a place in England with the same name. In North Carolina, the naming history is a bit more in question.
What Cheer, Iowa - After first being named "Petersburg" after its founder, the Post Office rejected the name and the town was renamed four years later in 1879.
Winter Garden, Florida - How can one not love a town that has a short-term goal of being the best little city in Florida, and a long-term goal of being the best little city in the U.S.?
Winter Park, Colorado - Initially two separate settlements of Old Town and Hideaway Park, this skier haven was settled as recently as 1978. While the town's population is around 600 (2000 census), tourists and seasonal workers greatly raise the number of people living in the town at any given time.

And for those not feeling the spirit this season, there's even a Humbug, Arizona, an old gold mining town just off the Humbug Creek.

Planning is key to a successful trip, but unexpected weather and illness can disrupt even the most carefully organized excursion. This coming holiday season, travelers can learn more about how travel insurance can protect their family or leisure trip by contacting their favorite travel agent, or CSA at www.csatravelprotection.com and (800) 711-1197.

iPhone App Helps Prevent Cultural Gaffes While Traveling In Europe and Asia

Europ Assistance USA and CSA Travel Protection Debut Dos & Don'tsTM app that helps travelers understand local culture so they don't accidentally offend anyone.

SAN DIEGO, 2010-10-11 - Europ Assistance USA (EA USA), assisting corporate customers and employees when the unexpected happens, and CSA Travel Protection (a Europ Assistance company), dedicated to providing affordable travel insurance and emergency assistance services, recently debuted the NetGlobers Dos & Don'tsTM application for the iPhone. Created specifically to help global travelers avoid societal blunders, the Dos & Don'ts app is available now from iTunes.

With the Dos & Don'ts app, travellers may now avoid cultural blunders that can arise from a simple unfortunate gesture. Nodding one's head, making certain signs with a hand, and even looking a certain way at people are all key aspects of body language that can quickly lead to a misunderstanding. While at times humorous, these instances can also be offensive to the person on the receiving end. In an educational and instructive manner, the new app explains common gestures, phrases and hand signals to avoid.

The free version of the Dos & Don'ts app offers audio programs, videos and language tips for countries in Europe, while the premium app ($.99) also includes the same for several Asian countries (China, India, Japan, Korea, Thailand and Vietnam). Two future editions will include South America and the Middle East, two regions with intensely rooted customs.

In addition to audio programs tha