Mystic Tan Premieres On MTV's "The Real World: Key West"

The cast of MTV's "The Real World: Key West" is experiencing what it's like to start a Mystic Tan salon from the ground up. And Mystic Tan is experiencing what it's like to have a 75-percent increase in Web site hits and a spike in product sales due to the recent national publicity.

"Product sales have substantially increased since the show's debut," says Darryl Leavitt, Mystic Tan's director of marketing. "Our e-store launched in January, and timing couldn't have been better. We're so excited to be able to introduce Mystic Tan to new consumers and also drive traffic to our Authentic Partner salons."

The Real World is MTV's long-running series and was the highest-rated series on basic cable among the 18- to 24-year-old demographic in 2005. Ricky Croft, Mystic Tan's vice president of product development, is serving as the MTV's company liaison. During the season he will help guide the cast through the process of starting up the salon by teaching about Mystic Tan booths, products and apparel.

"We are thrilled to be working with a leading force in the tanning industry," says Fabian Andre, vice president of business development, Bunim-Murray Productions, producer of the reality series. "Not only does this collaboration speak well to the show's viewership, but thanks to Mystic Tan, the cast is learning a life lesson in building a business from the ground level."

Mystic Tan has completed more than 15 million successful tanning sessions since 1999.

"It's rare that a brand has the opportunity to participate in a product placement of this magnitude, but then again, Mystic Tan has a history of creating firsts," says Rick Stone, Mystic Tan CEO. "This is just another way we're showing our commitment to our Authentic Mystic Tan Partner salons. Our goal is to drive more consumers in their doors."

"The Real World: Key West" premiered on Feb. 28 and airs Tuesdays at 10 p.m. EST and PDT and 9 p.m. CST.

For more information, visit Mystic Tan at http://www.mystictan.com/or MTV's "The Real World: Key West" at www.mtv.com/onair/realworld/.