Apr 12, 2009
George Washington[sup.1]s estate is opening its doors for an
unprecedented evening event May 22 to 24 and 29 to 31, from 6 p.m. to 9
p.m. In the Donald W. Reynolds Education Center, people come out of
displays just like in the movie. Meet characters from Washington[sup.1]s
world as they come to life during this special event. Admission is $15
for adults and $7 for youth ages 6 to 11 (the same as daytime
admission). Advanced ticket purchase will be available beginning April
13 online through http://ift.tt/1Bg6RZ8 and in person at the Ford
Orientation Center from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call
703-780-2000 or go to http://ift.tt/1Bg6RZ8. Apr 10, 2009
The romance of riding the rails may be returning to America thanks
to new federal funding and a public hungry for ways to save time, money,
the environment, and add a measure of convenience in their hectic lives.
According to a new study commissioned by HNTB Corporation, more than
half of Americans (54 percent) would choose modern high-speed trains
over automobile (33 percent) and air travel (13 percent) if fares and
travel time were about the same. High-speed rail is receiving renewed
attention in this country due to a variety of factors, including last
year’s spike in fuel prices, the passage of a US$10 billion bond
measure in California last November to support the development of a
high-speed rail system there, and US$8 billion this year for high-speed
rail in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Prominent supporters
from both political parties include President Barack Obama; Vice
President Joe Biden; Rep. Jim Oberstar, chair of the US House of
Representatives Transportation and Infrastructure Committee; Rep. John
Mica, ranking Republican member of the committee; California Gov. Arnold
Schwarzenegger; and Wisconsin Gov. Jim Doyle, who recently toured
high-speed rail systems in Spain. Apr 9, 2009
As Americans rejigger their budgets to abide the nation’s
economic gloom, travel plans are being routinely cast aside, leading to
plummeting airline traffic and a tourism downturn around the globe. But
at least one demographic has refused to relinquish its passion for
travel. Chicagoan Tim Engdahl is part of that group: gay, gainfully
employed, with no kids and a lifelong wanderlust. Bryan Herb co-owns
Zoom Vacations, a Chicago company that caters specifically to the gay
and lesbian community. He has seen no drop in business; in fact,
it’s up. Travel agents and industry organizations across the
country say the gay and lesbian community has proven far less willing
than straight travelers to sacrifice vacations. Hotel chains,
destination cities and airlines hit hard by the flailing economy are now
digging in and chasing what’s known as “pink money.” Apr
8, 2009
Arctic Ocean Adventure
Travelers can save $100 per person when booking an Arctic Ocean
Adventure with Northern Alaska Tour Company, based in Fairbanks. Cross
the Arctic Circle, explore the tundra, discover the mighty Yukon River
and the Brooks Mountain Range, walk the shores of the Arctic Ocean and
more. Travelers may receive this discount by mentioning
[sup.3]Alaska[sup.1]s Hottest Deals[sup.2] on tours booked by May 8.
This special may not be combined with any other offer and applies to new
bookings only. For more information, visit http://ift.tt/1014fba. Apr
10, 2009
Aruba
The Aruba Tourism Authority (ATA) and Aruba Hotel and Tourism
Association (AHATA), through a public private partnership, launched
Aruba[sup.1]s new website, www.aruba.com, complete with a social
networking feature. Visitors to Aruba.com can share experiences,
pictures and videos from their Aruba vacations with other travelers and
Aruban locals through personalized profile pages. The website also
features a new booking engine, allowing travelers to research, plan and
directly book vacations to Aruba. [sup.3]Our visitors have always
commented that it is the hospitality of our people that brings them back
each year. It is only natural then that we would be the first to utilize
this tool in reaching out and enabling even stronger ties between
visitors and local residents,[sup.2] said Myrna Jansen, ATA[sup.1]s
managing director. [sup.3]It adds a completely new dimension to the
entire vacation experience, which can begin long before the
guests[sup.1] arrival and can last long after, with a return visit to
the island instantly transformed into a homecoming.[sup.2]
www.aruba.com. Apr 10, 2009
Australia
It does not take an athlete to become an Olympian to get worldwide
recognition for their passion in sports anymore. Come October 10 – 18,
2009, Sydney will be the host of the seventh edition of the World
Masters Games, an international sporting event boasting more competitors
than the Summer Olympic Games. Held in an international city every four
years and sanctioned by the International Masters Games Association
(IMGA). Thousands of participants from more than 100 countries will
travel to Sydney to compete in the most accessible and populous
international sporting event. Medals will be awarded in age categories
in 28 official sports ranging from archery, basketball and cycling to
tennis, volleyball and weightlifting. Following a motto of “fit,
fun and forever young,” the Games is actively searching for sport
enthusiasts and competitors to make Sydney the most distinct and
successful games yet. Unlike in the Olympic Games, competitors represent
themselves or teams from a variety of countries. Apr 7, 2009
Azamara Cruise
Azamara Cruises[sup.1] Azamara Journey will sail first-time Sea of
Cortez voyages from San Diego as well as Caribbean and Panama Canal
cruises between November 2010 and April 2011. The cruises in Azamara
Journey[sup.1]s 2010-11 winter season will visit 23 ports in 13
countries. The cruises opened for sale April 7. The 694-guest ship
features butler service in every stateroom, complimentary specialty
dining and no formal nights. http://ift.tt/1Bg6Sft. Apr 8, 2009
Bonaire
As a result of Bonaire[sup.1]s long-standing commitment to
preserving and protecting the land, there will be 40 endemic trees
planted on April 22, in honor of Earth Day. The planting of the trees
ceremony will take place at Washington Slagbaai National Park, which is
celebrating its 40th anniversary this year and the public is welcome to
attend. Participants and spectators will meet at the Visitor Center at
the entrance of the park, and, from there, will drive 30 minutes to the
planting site. Upon arrival, Elsmarie Beukenboom, director of STINAPA,
Bonaire[sup.1]s National Parks foundation, will explain the importance
of this project and its purpose for the perpetuation of the natural
reforestation process on Bonaire. http://ift.tt/1s0KW4D. Apr 10, 2009
California
California High-Speed Rail Authority officials have confirmed that
the balance of its funding for the 2008-2009 fiscal year has been made
available by the state treasurer[sup.1]s office. The state[sup.1]s
High-Speed Rail Finance Committee approved the authority[sup.1]s $29.1
million bond loan request in January, but processing was stalled due to
the state[sup.1]s Pooled Money Investment Board[sup.1]s decision to
freeze disbursements for this and other projects until the successful
sale of General Obligation bonds on March 25. Following the successful
sale of the bonds, the state treasurer[sup.1]s office notified the
High-Speed Rail Authority and confirmed at a meeting of the Pooled Money
Investment Board that it had issued $29.1 million in commercial paper
(short-term loans) to meet the remainder of the authority[sup.1]s
2008-2009 funding authorization. http://ift.tt/qgEMLq. Apr 10,
2009
Canadian Mountain Holidays
Canadian Mountain Holidays (CMH), the world[sup.1]s largest
heli-hiking and heli-skiing operator, extended the early booking offer
to heli-hiking in the summer of 2009 at its Bobbie Burns and Bugaboo
lodges. Those booking with a deposit by June 15 will receive a lodge
credit of $75 per adult and youth (14 to 18 years old) booked for each
night of their stay. Children, ages 5 to 14, traveling with a minimum of
one full paying adult, will receive 50 percent off the regular adult
rate. CMH guests can use the credit for any part of their extra charges
at the lodge, such as at the bar, the shop, or massage treatments. CMH
is continuing its money-back guarantee, offering up to a 100 percent
refund to any guests who are dissatisfied with their heli-hiking trips
when they depart the lodge. For more information, call 800-661-0252 or
visit http://ift.tt/1aAHh4y. Apr 9, 2009
Collette Vacations
Collette Vacations[sup.1] Fly Together campaign offers two for one
companion airfare on two of its most popular tours to the Canadian
Rockies. From now until April 30, 2009, when travel agents book an
air-inclusive tour for two people on Collette[sup.1]s Canadian Rockies
by Rail and Resorts of the Rockies tours for travel in 2009, they can
offer one traveler free roundtrip airfare from certain gateways. In
addition, beginning May 1, 2009, travel agents booking any air-inclusive
tour to Canada can offer their clients Collette[sup.1]s new Door to Door
Home to Airport sedan transfer — a complimentary service available in
many U.S. cities within a 50 mile radius of more than 75 U.S. gateways.
For every booking made before April 30, 2009 on these two tours, agents
receive $25 cash back. http://ift.tt/1Bg6Tju. Apr 10, 2009
Couples Tower Isle
After $30 million in enhancements, the long-awaited opening of
Couples Tower Isle has finally arrived. On April 12, 2009, the property,
formerly known as Couples Ocho Rios, will be officially unveiled. The
new 226-room Couples Tower Isle property raises the bar on luxury and
romance with new additions including ocean-view suites with zero-edge
walk-in showers; spa with 10 treatment rooms; renovations to the main
lobby and historic piano bar, as well as the Terrace, Verandah and 8
Rivers restaurants; wedding gazebo; vegetable and juice bar and pool
grill; updated swimming pool with new water feature; pool with swim-up
bar and adjoining dive pool; upgraded gym and aerobics room; photo and
gift shops; renovated game room; and floating dock at the resorts[sup.1]
very own private island. For more information, call 800-COUPLES or visit
www.couples.com. Apr 10, 2009
Fairfax
Visit Fairfax, the tourism arm of Fairfax Country, Va., launched a
new tourism campaign this week to encourage travelers to [sup.3]Connect
Fairfax[sup.2] this summer. Visit Fairfax has recently joined forces
with White+Partners ad agency to secure Fairfax as the perfect
all-in-one destination with tons of things to see and do, close to
everything, excellent dining, affordable and easy to get to. Visit
Fairfax is the official tourism organization for Fairfax County,
Virginia. Charged with destination marketing and tourism promotion, it
is directed by many of the County’s top tourism and hospitality
leaders. For more information, visit www.fxva.com.
Apr 10, 2009
Four Seasons
The Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North is offering a
Meetings Matter package. The package includes casita accommodations,
function space, a one-hour welcome cocktail reception for attendees, one
room category upgrade per 20 rooms booked, and one 50-minute spa
treatment per 20 rooms booked. For more information, call 800-819-5053
or visit http://ift.tt/1fWlXal. Apr 13, 2009
Hawaii
The global economic recession and consequent slump in tourism
resulted in Hawaii hotels recording their worst “high season”
February occupancy since 1991, during the Gulf War. February also marked
the sharpest drop in average daily room rates since the hotel room
survey began in 1987, according to Hospitality Advisors LLC.
February’s 74.7 percent occupancy was the lowest since falling to
69.7 percent the same month 18 years ago. Average daily room rates
plunged 12.4 percent to 187.21 USD for February, which was the sharpest
decline since the survey began in 1987. Hospitality Advisors president
and CEO Joseph Toy said deterioration in both occupancy and rate
resulted in a 21.6 percent decline to 139.94 USD in revenue per
available room, a key indicator of hotel profitability. Properties
statewide posted the worst revenue per available room decline since
November 2001 following the September 11 terrorist attacks when the
industry saw those levels plummet 26.9 percent to 74.26 USD, Toy said.
The Hawaii hotel industry continues to reel from the continuing global
recession, which reduced visitor arrivals by 12.7 percent in February
while total visitor expenditures fell 15.9 percent in February,
according to the state Department of Business, Economic Development and
Tourism. Apr 6, 2009
Ithaca
Hybrid vehicle drivers can reduce their carbon footprint and save
money this spring with free lodging at four eco-friendly B&Bs in
Ithaca, N.Y. The green properties, which range from a luxury garden yurt
to a repurposed 1850s barn, are offering hybrid drivers a free
night[sup.1]s stay to reward them for choosing an alternative vehicle
while encouraging other motorists to travel green. The participating
B&Bs are Climbing Vine Cottage (http://ift.tt/1I6ORAD,
607-564-7140); Frog[sup.1]s Way B&B at EcoVillage
(www.frogsway-bnb.com, 607-275-0249); Turtle Dreams
(http://ift.tt/1Bg6SfE, 607-838-3492); and Wild Goose B&B at
EcoVillage (www.wildgoose-bb.com, 607-272-0953). The free offer is good
on stays of two nights or more through Mother[sup.1]s Day (May 10).
Regular rates apply to subsequent nights ($65 to $150, depending on
property). Availability is limited, advance reservations required. The
offer is open to owners, drivers, renters and lessees of more than 1
million hybrid vehicles registered in the United States and Canada. For
more information on Ithaca, call 800-284-8422 or visit
www.VisitIthaca.com. Apr 10, 2009
Loews Resort
Loews Lake Las Vegas Resort has announced Summerfest, a smoke-free,
sin-free series of family events that take place from May 22 through
Sept. 7. During that time, the hotel is offering the third night free.
Summer activities are designed to enhance the Loews Loves Kids program
and provide entertaining and educational adventures. Among the
Summerfest 2009 activities are a Kids[sup.1] Concierge; SushiSKool
(taught by Master Sushi Chef Fuji Fujita); the Maki Mommies program
offering an all-you-can-eat sushi and wine special; adults-only Sushi
& Sake classes; Recreation Pool games, contests and activities; the
Fisher-Price KidBana, a pool cabana in the shade with the newest
Fisher-Price toys and games; Mini Moulay, offering special salon
treatments for mothers and daughters; Spa Happy Hour, offering special
rates for treatments; Dive-in Movies in the pool area each Saturday
night; and Date Night, featuring classic romance films and drink
specials Friday nights in Arabesque Lounge. In addition, children under
18 always stay free when sharing a room with their parents; guest
staying two nights receive a third night free; and the Loews As You Wish
promotion, awarding up to $500 in food and beverage credit during a
guest[sup.1]s stay. For more information, call 877-285-6397 or visit
www.loewshotels.com. Apr 13, 2009
London Heathrow Airport
Heathrow Express, the train that gets passengers from Heathrow
Airport to the center of London in just 15 minutes, is offering a free
upgrade this summer, when it is booked online at
http://ift.tt/1I6OR3N. The offer is and valid for travel from
June 15 to Aug. 31. The First Class cabin delivers a high-end travel
experience with plush leather-trimmed seats and personal tables as well
as complimentary copies of magazines, newspapers or use the extendable
tables to catch up on some work. It also features Onboard TV, Internet
Wi-Fi access and uninterrupted cell coverage. Heathrow Express cabins
are level with the platform, making it easier to get luggage onboard.
All cabins are climate controlled and include modern, accessible toilet
facilities. http://ift.tt/V7v8M8. Apr 10, 2009
Nevada
The Nevada Commission on Tourism (NCOT) has launched a mobile
website geared toward mobile phones and devices. The site provides
instant information about where to stay and what to do in Nevada cities.
Browsers click on nv.mobi, select a city and get an overview, lodging
and events listings, information on things to do, and weather. Cities
are listed alphabetically from Austin to Winnemucca. Click on lodging
and get hotels, motels, bed-and-breakfast inns and RV parks, each with
an addresses and phone number that places a call with another click. The
site also provides information about NCOT and an opportunity to
subscribe to a free NCOT e-newsletter and order a Visitors Guide. The
same information is also available on NCOT[sup.1]s regular website. The
mobile website made its debut at the CTIA (Cellular Telecommunications
Industry Association) wireless convention in Las Vegas on April 1, where
dotMobi, the company behind the mobile Internet address created for all
mobile phones, announced that NCOT was the first state tourism agency to
receive a two-letter domain name. To access the mobile website, visit
nv.mobi. For more information, call 800-638-2328 or visit
www.travelnevada.com. Apr 10, 2009
Nevis
Nevis is stressing ways to experience the island on a budget. While
the island of Nevis is know for its upscale appeal with luxury
accommodations and fine dining, travelers on a budget can experience an
authentic Nevisian experience full of history, culture and adventure for
less than $100. With these affordable activities, visitors can explore
Nevis by land or water. It[sup.1]s free to walk into the rainforest
above The Hermitage Plantation Inn in the early morning to see Green
Vervet monkeys; you can also hike Golden Rock Nature Trail to explore
Nevis[sup.1] tropical rainforest full of exotic plant life and
indigenous fruit trees. Maps are available at Golden Rock Plantation Inn
(www.golden-rock.com, or call 869-469-3346). It[sup.1]s free to browse
the waterfront capital of Charlestown[sup.1]s shops and photograph the
town[sup.1]s well-preserved colonial architecture or to wander the fruit
and vegetable market in town on Saturday mornings. The Philatelic
Bureau[sup.1]s stamp collection is open to visitors for free as are
visits to the historic Cottle Church, near the Mount Nevis Hotel, which
was built in 1824 for the former president of Nevis[sup.1] family and
slaves to worship together. www.nevisisland.com. Apr 10, 2009
New Orleans Jazz Fest
New Orleans[sup.1] Jazz Fest will take place the last weekend of
April and first weekend of May, but the W Hotels of New Orleans are
offering an authentic jazz package available year-round. Available
through Dec. 31, 2009, and starting at $129 at W New Orleans and $139 at
W French Quarter, W[sup.1]s Preservation Hall package includes two W VIP
tickets to Preservation Hall; Preservation Hall Hot 4 CD; disposable
camera; and accommodations. Be sure to use promotional code WJAZZ at the
time of booking. For reservations or more information, call 877-WHOTELS
or visit http://ift.tt/1I6ORAM. Apr 13, 2009
New York City
City Council Speaker Christine Quinn and NYC & Company CEO
George Fertitta announced the city[sup.1]s first-ever integrated
marketing and communications campaign to promote gay travel to New York
City, a yearlong initiative to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the
Stonewall Riots. Through an international and domestic print, outdoor,
web, and communications campaign, the Rainbow Pilgrimage will showcase
New York City[sup.1]s vibrancy while highlighting its reputation as a
gay- and lesbian-friendly travel destination. It will emphasize a visit
to the destination as a [sup.3]rite of passage[sup.2] for the gay and
lesbian traveler. In addition, through a relationship with Travelocity,
Rainbow Pilgrimage travel packages, bookable at www.nycgo.com/gay, will
be available for the LGBT community to book trips to New York City
throughout the year. www.nycgo.com/gay. Apr 10, 2009
New York City
New York City officials are turning to gays and lesbians to help
reduce a projected $4 billion budget deficit. The nation’s largest
city unveiled a marketing campaign Tuesday to attract more gay and
lesbian tourists from around the country and the world as other U.S.
cities compete to strip New York of its title of No. 1 vacation
destination for gays and lesbians. The Rainbow Pilgrimage campaign comes
as state and city officials grapple with diminishing revenue resulting
from the global economic meltdown, which is forcing many people to forgo
leisure travel plans or take so-called staycations near home. The
campaign kickoff also comes months in advance of the June 40th
anniversary of the Stonewall riots in Manhattan, considered the start of
the modern gay liberation movement. Apr 8, 2009
Rancho Las Palmas Resort
The Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa is offering guests an
opportunity to play golf at the private Mission Hills Country Club, home
of the LPGA Kraft Nabisco Championship. Through an exclusive
partnership, resort guests can now book tee times at Mission Hills
Country Club and enjoy privileges at its club house, dining outlets and
retail shops. Tee times can be booked through reservations up to 30 days
in advance. Rates vary by season and range from $75 to $150 per round.
Golf must take place during the guest[sup.1]s stay at Rancho Las Palmas.
The club offers three courses — the Dinah Shore Tournament Course, the
Arnold Palmer Course and the Pete Dye Challenge.
http://ift.tt/1m4Uneb. Apr 10, 2009
San Antonio
San Antonio, Texas, which has been ranked as the number two US city
for ‘best value,’ attracts Mexicans, military, and medical
professionals. The Texan city, which is home to great shopping and
tourist venues such as The Alamo and Sea World, tops a Forbes fall
’08 “America’s Best-Value Cities” list and is the
site of a Tuesday, April 21 auction of new homes attracting interest
from Mexican nationals to medical and military folks along with Austin,
Texas. More than 47 homes built by The Birkel Residential Group, LLC
will be sold, five of them absolute to the highest bidder regardless of
price, at an auction organized by NCA Auctioneers, LLC, a Tulsa, OK
company headed by industry veteran Stephen Karbelk, CAI, AARE. Apr 8,
2009
Sceptre Tours
Sceptre Tours is offering a six-night vacation in a Tuscan castle,
including rental car and roundtrip airfare from the U.S. from $799 per
person, quad occupancy. Set amid Italian gardens, lemon trees, olive
groves and the world-famous vineyards of Chianti, Montegufoni Castle
Estate transports travelers to a fairy-tale world in the hills of
Tuscany. Travelers are invited to come with family or friends to the
two-bedroom farmhouse, where they’ll have the opportunity to relax
in comfortable accommodations when not out exploring Tuscany[sup.1]s
countryside or the nearby cities of Florence, Siena, San Gimignano,
Pisa, Lucca, and Arezzo to name just a few. www.sceptretours.com. Apr
9, 2009
South Florida
The tourism industry continues to worsen in South Florida, with
hotel taxes dropping faster in February than in January and recovery
proving more difficult than it was after the 2001 terrorist attacks. In
Miami-Dade, South Florida’s largest lodging market, tax revenues
from hotel guests plunged 24 percent in February after a 17 percent drop
in January. Apr 9, 2009
Travel Impressions
Travel Impressions is offering an exclusive Tween-Teen, DJ Dreams
promotion at Beaches Resorts where young music enthusiasts can test
their DJ skills with the world-famous Scratch DJ Academy. The
Tween-Teen, DJ Dreams promotion is being offered in conjunction with a
Beaches Resorts[sup.1] Luxury Included family vacation booking of six
nights or longer (in a third room category or higher). Reservations must
be made by April 22 for travel May 1 to June 14 and Oct. 1 to Dec. 15.
The Tween-Teen, DJ Dreams promotion includes a Scratch DJ Academy
Ultimate DJ Session and a DJ Dream Kit, featuring Scratch DJ Academy
logo Hoodie, [sup.3]On the Record[sup.2] book on the art of DJ-ing,
Semester One DVD and an iPod Shuffle. All incentive components are one
per child, with a maximum of two children per booking.
http://ift.tt/1Bg6TjK. Apr 9, 2009
United Vacations
United Vacations is offering savings over 50 percent on vacation
packages to the popular hotels of Harrah[sup.1]s Entertainment which
include Caesars Palace, Paris, Rio, Bally[sup.1]s Harrah[sup.1]s,
Flamingo and Imperial Palace. Two-night air/hotel vacation packages
start from $174. Each hotel is offering two-for-one show tickets with
each vacation package purchase as well. Vacations booked by April 14 for
travel through July 31 are included in this special two-week offer.
http://ift.tt/1I6OTZh. Apr 9, 2009
Wimbledon
Wimbledon, June 22 thru July 5, is just a few months away. Since
1877, Britain[sup.1]s elite have come to watch the matches and enjoy the
garden party atmosphere. Many prime dates for the most prestigious event
of the tennis season are still showing good availability, but some have
already sold out. [sup.3]Although certain aspects of travel have been
greatly affected by the economy, premier events such as Wimbledon are
still doing exceedingly well,[sup.2] said Tracy Schiller, managing
director, Keith Prowse. www.keithprowse.com. Apr 10, 2009
World Religious Travel Association
The World Religious Travel Association rolled out an enhanced
website. [sup.3]As WRTA today serves as a prominent voice within the
travel industry, the organization[sup.1]s new symbols of identity[sup.1]
more accurately reflect our ever-expanding spotlight role among both
travel trade and consumers,[sup.2] said Kevin J. Wright, WRTA founder
and president. The new WRTA logo encompasses a globe with sunrays of
light, symbolizing the luminosity of new opportunities of faith-based
travel and hospitality. And the new logo incorporates the
association[sup.1]s acronym, [sup.3]WRTA.[sup.2] WRTA also debuted its
new official internet domain or website address:
http://ift.tt/1Bg6Sw1. Apr 10, 2009
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