WASHINGTON -- Amtrak, in cooperation with 11 separate convention
and visitors bureaus and participating local hotels, launched a
promotion called "Discover America's Greatness" that allows
consumers to save 20% on the rail line's coach fares.
The program is designed to bolster regional travel, according to
Amtrak, by allowing hotels that are members of certain convention
and visitors bureaus to incorporate discounted Amtrak
transportation in the packages they market to consumers.
Convention bureaus for Anaheim, San Diego, San Francisco, and
San Jose, Calif.; Baltimore; Boston; Los Angeles; New York;
Philadelphia; Washington D.C., and Wilmington, Del. are
participating in the program. Amtrak anticipates more bureaus will
sign on as well.
Amtrak said the bureaus, which would operate at a clearinghouse,
would promote the program to their members. For instance, hotels
have to first notify the bureaus before they can participate in the
program.
When a consumer or a travel agent books accommodations at a
participating hotel, the hotel would then offer 20% off Amtrak
coach fare to the city. Agents need to call 800-USA-RAIL in order
to secure the discounted fare.
The consumer or the agent then is given a special fare code to
be used when they a book coach fare with Amtrak.
Amtrak said the "Discover America's Greatness" program will run
until March 31.
The fares are good for most of Amtrak's trains, with the
exception of the Metroliner and the Acela Express trains in the
Northeast Corridor.