The AirMiles Travel Company and Volkswagen have today announced a partnership that will see car buyers being able to travel further.

From 1 April until 30 September , this exclusive partnership will mean that every buyer of a Volkswagen Passat Saloon or Estate, will walk away with 2,500 AirMiles - enough to fly a family of four to Nice, fly a couple off for a romantic night in Paris or get you return flights to lively Barcelona. And as AirMiles can be used on a choice of 100 airlines, 25,000 hotels, on holidays and cruises, as well as on family days out, this offer provides an additional incentive for car buyers to opt for the Passat.

As customers can use both AirMiles and money to buy their travel experiences from The AirMiles Travel Company, by putting a little bit of extra cash towards the break, 2,500 miles will give Volkswagen customers a wide range of options.* see in notes to editors.

Since its relaunch as a full service travel company last November, The AirMiles Travel Company has seen overall sales grow by more than 20%, doubled the number of airlines with whom it contracts and has recruited more than 100 new staff to meet the increased demand. What�s more, AirMiles has invested significantly in developing its staff to ensure great customer service and has recently launched (in conjunction with Brighton University) the AirMiles Academy. AirMiles is now looking to expand its strategic partners and Volkswagen is the latest high profile company to join its large portfolio. AirMiles partners include household names such as NatWest, Tesco, House of Fraser and Shell � some of which have been with the company for over 15 years.

With a focus on loyalty and better utilisation of customer information more and more marketers are looking to develop alliances with appropriate brands. Travel remains a major consumer motivator and The AirMiles Travel Company continues to lead the way in incentive programmes that provide competitive advantage.

Drew Thomson, Managing Director of The AirMiles Travel Company said: �To have a company as exciting as Volkswagen join our collection partners is fantastic. We know the motivating power of travel and our partnership with Volkswagen will for the first time really give car buyers something special and extra. When compared with other link-ups, Volkswagen buyers will really be able to travel � and with all the family. We are providing enough AirMiles to guarantee Passat buyers an unforgettable travel experience.�

Andrew Coombe, Volkswagen�s head of marketing, said: �The AirMiles Travel Company has put together a great deal for our customers and we believe that it offers something different and motivating. There is a good match between the two brands� customer bases and we are sure Passat customers will be attracted by this offer.�

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Notes to editors: Nice from 2200 miles - British Airways return flights for a family of four

London from 2500 miles - Two nights accommodation and "flights" aboard the British Airways London Eye for two people

Jersey from 2500 miles - Two nights accommodation and return flights for two people

Budapest from 2500 miles +�99 - Three nights accommodation and return flights for two people.

Portugal from 2500 miles + �65 - Return flights for two adults and one child.

Paris from 2500 miles � return flights and one night accommodation.

For further information, please contact Kim Polley on 01293 722252, or at kim_polley@airmiles.co.uk