Cambridge Beaches guests should not leave home without it...

Yesterday the resort signed an agreement for its guests to use American Express.

President and CEO of Cambridge Beaches Michael Winfield explained that the resort only begun accepting credit cards four years ago. That in itself was a difficult decision.

He added: "At that time, for a number of reasons we elected not to sign up with American Express. I think it fair to say that both Cambridge Beaches and American express believed they had something unique to offer. When two parties are proud of their own products it can sometimes be difficult to bring them together in partnership."

Mr. Winfield said for a long time that American Express representatives were unsuccessful in convincing them to join their programme.

He said that the terms and conditions for American Express cards were very different from other cards and the two parties could not agree on terms. It took the persistence of American Express marketing manager Glen Harris to pull off a deal.

President of American Express Global Establishment Services Doria Camarza was at the ceremony yesterday and said that Cambridge Beaches was a perfect partner as the resort was exactly the type of place American Express customers were looking for.

Ms Camarza highlighted Cambridge Beaches' "incredible" return visit rate of more than 45 percent as well as Mr. Winfield's favourite customer, a Massachusetts gentleman who has visited the resort 81 times. "This type of loyalty - bred only from complete satisfaction - not only assures a clientele base but also confirms Cambridge Beaches position as one of the finest resort in the Bermuda and the world."

Ms Camarza explained that American Express' first plan went into effect yesterday and ran through October 20, with travel through December 1 of this year, where they will be offering double membership rewards bonus points for when booking packages with the American Express card at Cambridge Beaches.

This is to be announced on all American Expresses travel websites and in their more than 3,000 travel offices around the world.

For many years American Express has been publicised in television ads featuring the slogan "don't leave home without it."

Ms Camarza added: "Additionally, Cambridge Beaches will participate in the Fine Hotels, Resort and Spas programme. This is an exclusive programme that will market Cambridge Beaches vacation packages to the highly sought after American Express Platinum and Centurion Cardmembers."

Present at yesterday's signing were Cambridge Beaches president and CEO Mike Winfield, manager Romana Heeg, and chief accountant Jackie Quarrell, and from American Express, president of establishment services Doria Camarza, manager of marketing and public affairs Glenn Harris, manager of strategic alliances Ricardo Gonzalez, president of Bermuda Financial Network Dal Tucker and manager of merchant services for Bermuda Financial Network Nat Chambers.