"Gutsy women from all walks of life are braving the current situation and still determined to travel," notes Ms. Merenda, who is considered one of the key travel industry executives with a pulse for this market. Many women — particularly from teaching backgrounds as well as mother/daughters and girlfriends — are deciding that no matter what the economy is doing, they just need that break from their present situation to come back revitalized and ready to tackle present challenges head on.

"In fact, our business is slightly ahead of last year's revenue, and while it has indeed been affected by some women cancelling or postponing trips, we presently have a 20 tour departures slated to operate this year and several women's groups under deposit."

Ms. Merenda believes that the company's success is due to a number of factors:

• Women still view travel as a necessity not a luxury and many have saved up for their dream trip.
• Gutsy Women Travel addressed the current economic woes by offering value-added destinations like Peru which gives great value for the U.S. dollar; Prague and Budapest; Costa Rica; even Montecatini; etc.
• The company competitively priced single supplements and also introduced a guaranteed share program which is attracting many women who travel solo, but were worried about whether they could afford paying pricey single supplement charges.
• Gutsy Women's incredible repeat business level of approximately 60% of its past passengers returning again and again and word-of-mouth compliments from past passengers has proved to be the company's biggest marketing tool.

Ms. Merenda, who's family roots hail from the Naples region of Italy, is heading off on her company's signature tour to the Amalfi Coast Discovery tour which departs June 13, and has offered a special incentive for women to travel with her at a savings of $200 if they deposit by March 30th. Travelers must mention promo code GWTAC200 when booking. Additionally, Gutsy Women Travel is offering $100 off all 2009 tours when booked by March 31. Travelers must mention promo code GWTES100.