The Association of Travel Marketing Executives (ATME) awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award and recognized some of the most innovative companies in travel and marketing during the 25th annual ATLAS Awards. The awards were held during the 2005 ATME Conference on June 21-22 in New York City. The most prestigious ATME recognition, the ATLAS Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Steve Wynn, Founder and CEO of Wynn Resorts. The Lifetime Achievement Award is awarded by ATME judges to an individual who consistently distinguishes themselves as marketing leaders who have advanced the travel industry worldwide. Steve was awarded for his innovation in creating a new beginning to how resorts are built in Las Vegas. Steve helped rebuild the Golden Nugget and created the Mirage, Bellagio, Treasure Island and the newly opened Wynn Resort in Las Vegas.

We are extremely excited to award Steve Wynn the ATLAS Lifetime Achievement Award, for his work in helping build these extremely lavish resorts, which changed the landscape of hotels in Las Vegas, said Gary Sain, ATME`s Chairman and EVP of Yesawich Pepperdine, Brown & Russell. This award shows the tireless work, leadership and innovative ideas he brought to the travel industry.

The ATME Atlas Awards were created to honor and promote leaders and innovators within the travel marketing industry who have displayed breakthrough thinking, innovative marketing and industry leadership. The ATME Atlas Awards recognize executives and companies for innovative tactics, result-oriented programs and broad marketing vision.

In addition to the ATLAS Lifetime Achievement Awards, ATME also announced the following awards for 2005:

• Inspiration Award - Jonathan M. Tisch


• Guerrilla Marketer Award - Stelios Haji-Ioannou


• Best Branding - Cruise Line - Carnival Cruise Lines


• Best Branding - International Destination - Hong Kong


• Best Strategic Partnership - Best Western Hotels


• Best Rebranding Strategy - Enterprise Rent-A-Car


• Best Branding - Spa - Canyon Ranch


• Best Branding - Hotel - W Hotels


• Best Branding - Airline - JetBlue Airways


• Best Distribution Strategy - Priceline.com


• Best Branding Campaign - Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority