Thursday, May 31, 2012

Disney's Art of Animation Resort Opens

The big blue world of Nemo and friends comes to life just in time for the summer vacation season as Disney's Art of Animation Resort opens its doors today with Finding Nemo, the first phase of  the new resort offering at Walt Disney World Resort.

Opening in phases, each of four distinctly designed wings celebrates rich storytelling, spirited characters, original sketches and playfulness with colorful icons and whimsical theming inspired by classic Disney and Disney Pixar films.

Family suite wings will showcase "Finding Nemo" opening today with 320 suites, "Cars" opening June 18 with 480 suites, and "The Lion King" opening Aug. 10 with 320 suites. All the themed areas offer elaborate storytelling both inside and out, from each beloved film depicted. Standard guest rooms will make up "The Little Mermaid" wing, the final phase set to open Sept. 15 with 864 rooms.
 
The three-story, value-priced resort tells the story of the animation process in phases from pencil drawings to close ups. It will immediately transport guests into the worlds of favorite Disney characters and animated films beginning at check-in as pixilated patterns and wavy ribbons of bold colors decorate the resort's exterior. Pencil drawings of Ariel, Lightning McQueen, Nemo and Simba adorn the entryway, and a whimsical chandelier composed of 77 animation storyboards enhances the lively and modern Animation Hall lobby.

Giant sketchbooks filled with favorite characters seem to come to life as they pave the way to each storyline revealed. Scenic settings, icons---including a brightly-colored coral landscape, a 35-foot-tall model of King Triton, a towering Mufasa and more---immerse guests into the playful world of animation. At the "Cars" wing, a freshly paved road will lead to the Cozy Cone Motel complete with a Cozy Cone pool and cone-shaped cabanas. It's a journey through an African landscape in "The Lion King" complete with an elephant graveyard play area that invites youngsters to seek hakuna matata time. Treasures from the human world fill Ariel's grotto in an under- the-sea kingdom in Little Mermaid courtyard.

From linens and carpeting to fixtures and furniture, all details of the guestrooms tie to the storyline. In "Finding Nemo," there's coral-shaped chairs and bubble ceiling lights; rusty metallic tiles in the bathroom make guests feel as though they are in the submarine. Zazu takes center stage on the headboards in "The Lion King," while Pumbaa and Timon decorate the shower curtain.
Kids of all ages can make a splash at the "Big Blue" pool, the largest resort swimming pool at Walt Disney World Resort measuring 11,859 square feet. Guests will feel like they are swimming with Dory and Nemo as underwater speakers periodically pipe in music and messages from film characters. Guests will enter scenes from the animated world and can explore the colorful reef and East Australian Current with a giant-sized Mr. Ray whose wings span 27 feet, pose for a picture with Crush or frolic with Squirt in the Righteous Reef, a children's play area. And the character sketches become three dimensional with some 2,500 sculpted figures decorating the resort's exterior and interior.

The Pixel Play Arcade, Drop Off pool bar, and Ink and Paint gift shop round out the offerings. Kids will enjoy the daily character artist in the "Finding Nemo" lobby, and nighttime movies poolside. There are two additional pools under way in the "Cars" and "The Lion King" wings as well.

Dining options include a poolside snack bar, pizza delivery and Landscape of Flavors food court. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, the food court features items such as fresh smoothies, hand-scooped gelato and Mongolian barbecue. Original backgrounds from featured films decorate the walls in the dining area, adding to the attention to detail and sense of immersion. 

The whimsical property, situated adjacent to Disney's Pop Century Resort, will open in phases with rates from $248 per night. The 1,120 family suites include two bathrooms, a kitchenette and three separate sleeping areas that can sleep up to six. The 864 standard rooms sleep up to four, with rates as low as $94.
"Disney's Art of Animation Resort is part of our continued investment in Central Florida and helps keep our region squarely on the map as the world's premiere family vacation destination," said Meg Crofton, president of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Operations, US and France. "As more and more families travel and make memories together, they also want to stay together, which has created demand for family suites."

Those staying at Disney's Art of Animation Resort are treated to complimentary transportation, Extra Magic Hours and other benefits available to a Disney Resort hotel guest.

For reservations, guests can call 407/W-DISNEY (934-7639) or contact their travel agent.

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Atlanta Marriott Buckhead Hotel Partners With LEGOLAND Discovery Center Atlanta For Ultimate Family Experience

The Atlanta Marriott Buckhead Hotel invites guests to enjoy the newest family attraction in Buckhead with its LEGOLAND Discovery Center Atlanta experience package. The newly renovated hotel, located in Atlanta's premier Buckhead shopping district across from Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza, has partnered with LEGOLAND Discovery Center Atlanta for the ultimate kid-friendly adventure.

Guests visiting the hotel beginning June 1 can book the LEGOLAND Discover Center Atlanta Package and enjoy breakfast for two, complimentary round-trip transportation to Phipps Plaza, two preferred passes to LEGOLAND Discovery Center Atlanta, complimentary hotel self-parking for one vehicle and an exclusive LEGO activity pack.

The LEGOLAND Discovery Center Atlanta package starts at $139. Reservations should be made online at www.atlantamarriottbuckhead.com.

The Atlanta Marriott Buckhead offers guests 349 newly renovated deluxe rooms and suites featuring Revive Bedding with 300-thread-count sheets and 32-inch flat screen TVs. All rooms come equipped with Jack Pack technology featuring portable device connections that allow iPods, lap tops, video games and more to transmit directly onto TV screens.

The "Lobby Re-invented" offers 24-foot ceilings, street-front glass windows and an inviting living room setting where guests are able to connect to WiFi and enjoy Starbucks coffee. Anchoring the lobby of the hotel is Atlanta's first Shula's 347 Grill, a signature restaurant from legendary Hall of Fame football coach Don Shula. Additional amenities include a new outdoor pool and whirlpool, a state-of-the-art fitness center and two concierge floors with private lounges serving continental breakfast and appetizers in the evening.   
For more information about the hotel, visit www.atlantamarriottbuckhead.com.

JetBlue and Hawaiian Airlines Announce New Partnership Agreements That Ease East Coast - Hawaii Travel

JetBlue Airways (NASDAQ: JBLU), New York's Hometown Airline™, and Hawaiian Airlines (NASDAQ: HA), Hawaii's flag carrier, today announced a deepening of their partnership with the signing of new agreements to offer new benefits and convenience to the customers of both airlines.

Members of both carriers' frequent flyer programs can soon earn and redeem loyalty points or miles for travel on either airline. Travelers can also find convenient connections between points throughout the East Coast and points throughout Hawaii with the signing of a new codeshare agreement. Both agreements will be in effect on June 5, when Hawaiian launches the only nonstop service between New York City and Hawaii with daily widebody flights between JetBlue's Terminal 5 at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in New York City and Honolulu International Airport (HNL).

Effective June 5, JetBlue's TrueBlue members can accrue one point for every two miles flown on eligible Hawaiian-operated flights, while HawaiianMiles members will be able to earn miles on eligible JetBlue-operated flights on a mile-for-mile basis. To earn points or miles on the entire trip, customers must call JetBlue or Hawaiian Airlines reservations to enter their TrueBlue or HawaiianMiles number into their itinerary prior to travel.  Frequent fliers can also redeem their points or miles for travel on either airline's network by calling their program's reservation desk.

Alaska Airlines Launching Service Between Portland, Ore., and Reagan National Airport on Aug. 28

Alaska Airlines announced today that it will start service between Portland, Ore., and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Washington, D.C., on Aug. 28, following government approval of the schedule.
  
Summary of new Portland, Ore.-Reagan National flights:
Start Date 
City pair                           
Departs     
Arrives     
Frequency
Aug. 28      
Portland-Reagan National    
9:30 a.m.       
5:40 p.m.      
Daily
Aug. 28       
Reagan National-Portland    
5:10 p.m.      
7:55 p.m.      
Daily
Times based on local time zones

No other carrier currently provides nonstop service to Reagan National from Portland International Airport. Alaska Airlines currently operates three other daily nonstop flights to Reagan National: two from Seattle and one from Los Angeles.

To celebrate the new service, Alaska Airlines is offering one-way fares from $159* for tickets purchased by June 13, 2012, for travel from Aug. 28 to Nov. 7, 2012.  Tickets are available for purchase on www.alaskaair.com or by calling 1-800-ALASKAAIR (800-252-7522 or TTY/TDD line 800-392-0228). Members of Alaska Airlines' Mileage Plan can also earn double miles on the new nonstop flights from Aug. 28 through Oct. 29, 2012.  To qualify, customers must first register at www.alaskaair.com.

The flights will be operated with Boeing 737-800 aircraft, accommodating 16 passengers in first class and 141 in the main cabin.

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

VacationList.com Expands Global Presence into South American Vacation Rental Market

YELLOW7, Inc. (OTCQB: YLLC) ("the Company"), a rapidly evolving internet media company and a provider of online vacation rental properties, announced today that its premier online vacation listing site, VacationList.com, will continue its expansion to now include South America, contributing to the Company's rapidly growing vacation rental site options.

Recent industry studies indicate that South America vacation rental markets are experiencing growth and attracting new travelers. A much higher consumer awareness of the value offered is a key driver in the continuing growth of the market in this emerging sector.  Rental properties are on their way to becoming mainstream options.

Visiting fabled Machu Picchu, floating on Lake Titicaca, sailing past the islands and fjords of southern Chile, celebrating carnaval in Rio, or traveling the wine roads of Mendoza are just a few of the South American attractions that vacationers now include on their "bucket list."

New Orleans Downtown Marriott at the Convention Center Offers Ideal Location Near SoHo of the South

The New Orleans Arts District is quickly becoming known as the SoHo of the South due to the unique cultural travel experience that is solely worth the trip to New Orleans. Experience the SoHo of the South, located within walking distance of New Orleans Downtown Marriott at the Convention Center, during your next visit to The Big Easy.

With more than 25 galleries, a 10,000-square foot Contemporary Arts Center, and a slew of restaurants and boutiques, the New Orleans Warehouse and Arts District (NOWA) has quickly risen as the SoHo of the South. Guests of the New Orleans business district hotel will thoroughly enjoy gallery hopping on Julia Street, the original Emeril's restaurant featuring Cajun cuisine, and dancing at Mulate's among many other masterpieces waiting to be discovered in this admired neighborhood.

Plus, guests can take advantage of one of the hotel's New Orleans packages when they book a standard room by June 18, 2012, and stay between May 27 and September 28, 2012, to experience tremendous savings with room rates starting at $89 per night. Guests who reserve a premium room during these same dates will receive a 20 percent discount on hotel food and drinks during their stay.

Blackout dates apply. Subject to availability. Additional terms and conditions can be found on Marriott.com.


Discover this beautiful contemporary hotel located in downtown New Orleans in the Warehouse/Arts District, steps from the French Quarter, Harrah's Casino, Historic St. Charles Street Cars, Cruise Port and a multitude of the finest dining and entertainment options. Housed in a renovated 19th century cotton mill, this hotel near New Orleans' convention center is surrounded by restaurants and shops. Indulge in contemporary Creole cuisine at Wolfe's in the Warehouse or unwind in Wolfe's lounge with your favorite cocktail or local brew. With more than 25,000 square feet of flexible function space, the reception hall in New Orleans is ideal for both intimate gatherings and large corporate events. Plan your next stay at this premier downtown hotel with impeccable service and welcoming Southern hospitality!

For more information or to make a reservation, call 800-305-6342 or visit www.NewOrleansMarriottConventionCenter.com.

SOURCE New Orleans Downtown Marriott at the Convention Center

Heading to the Just For Her Expo? Treat Yourself to a Stay at the Overland Park Marriott

Plan your stay at the luxurious Overland Park Marriott when you attend this year's Just For Her Expo. The Expo is Kansas City's premier annual women's event. It's a one-of-a-kind experience that offers women the opportunity to spend time shopping, pampering and having fun.

The Expo will take place in the Overland Park Convention Center, just one mile away from Marriott's newly renovated Kansas City lodging location, the Overland Park Marriott. Book your room today to reserve a space at this convenient location, so you can get a jump on everything the Just For Her Expo has to offer, including:
  • The Health and Wellness Expo, featuring guest speaker J.R. Martinez
  • The Pamper Her Lounge
  • Cuts for a Cause, a charity hair salon
The fun doesn't have to stop once the expo is over; book your room and take advantage of one of Marriott's Kansas City hotel specials, the "Stay for Breakfast" package. Starting at $129, the package is available during weekend stays and includes breakfast in the hotel for two adults and children under 12.

Prepare to be inspired by the striking, contemporary design that embodies the Overland Park Marriott. Positioned in the heart of the Metcalf Corridor, this luxury Overland Park hotel has recently completed a $20 million transformation. The totally reinvented hotel in Overland Park, KS, now boasts a sophisticated and stylish retreat that is sure to delight both business and leisure guests looking for a Kansas City meeting space or party venue. The modern Overland Park, Kansas, hotel offers spacious new guest rooms highlighted by connectivity panels, flat-screen TVs and granite bathrooms, fresh pre-function space, an elegantly appointed ballroom and an array of dynamic event options. The stunning Kansas City, Kansas, hotel also features scrumptious restaurants, a posh lounge and sushi bar, as well as Marriott's newest $3.5 million M.I. Greatroom lobby concept to welcome in wearied travelers with grandeur and grace. Experience the transformation for yourself, and marvel in the exceptional restoration and renewal of the Marriott Hotel in Overland Park, Kansas.
For more information or to make a reservation, call 913-451-8000 or visit www.OverlandParkMarriott.com.

Friday, May 25, 2012

Delta Releases 2011 Corporate Responsibility Report

Delta Air Lines (NYSE: DAL) today released its 2011 Corporate Responsibility Report, which details the airline's financial, safety, community and environmental performance.

The report documents Delta's progress since its 2010 report that was published last June. 

Significant accomplishments in the 2011 report include:
  • Participating in natural disaster relief efforts, including raising more than $1 million worth of combined aid for Japan after its earthquake.
  • Rewarding the efforts of Delta employees by distributing more than $324 million in Profit Sharing and Shared Rewards for 2011.
  • Joining the Business Environmental Leadership Council for the prestigious Center for Climate and Energy Solutions as the sole airline among 35 large companies discussing ways to find affordable and responsible energy.
  • Continuing a tradition of support for a wide variety of charitable organizations, including the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, Habitat for Humanity, the American Red Cross and The Nature Conservancy.
  • Promoting efforts to reduce greenhouse gases through retiring older and less fuel-efficient aircraft from the fleet and by improving greenhouse gas emissions reporting.
  • Earning recognition as top airline in the Business Travel News annual survey and Travel Weekly's readers' choice as airline of the year.
The full report, as well as the 2010 and 2009 report, is available at http://news.delta.com/index.php?s=18&cat=49

Southwest Airlines' New Austin To Reagan National Airport Service Now For Sale

Southwest's service between Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) and Reagan National Airport (DCA) is now for sale at www.southwest.com.  Southwest will make its inaugural flight to DCA from Austin on July 8, 2012. To celebrate the new route, the carrier also announced a fare sale of $149 one-way between the two markets when purchased by May 28, 2012, at 11:59 PT.  These low fares are available for travel on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays when travel takes place between July 8, 2012, and October 10, 2012. Fares can only be purchased at www.southwest.com or www.swabiz.com.  To take advantage of this special fare, visit www.southwest.com.

In February, Congress passed legislation creating "slot exemptions" at DCA authorizing four new flights to points beyond the airport's normal 1,250 mile perimeter. Less than two weeks ago, the Department of Transportation (DOT) awarded Southwest one of these slot pairs to provide the first and only nonstop service on the DCA-AUS route.

Currently, AirTran Airways, a wholly owned subsidiary of Southwest Airlines, operates 12 daily DCA flights that will be transitioned to Southwest as the integration of the two carriers continues throughout the next couple of years. Southwest already has a large footprint in the greater Washington D.C. metropolitan area with its service at Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI) and Dulles International Airport (IAD), but this will be Southwest's first service to Reagan National Airport, which is uniquely situated in close proximity to the Nation's Capital and downtown DC business district
 
Southwest Airlines continues to differentiate itself from other low-fare carriers — offering a reliable product with exemplary Customer Service. Southwest Airlines is the nation's largest carrier in terms of originating domestic passengers boarded and has acquired AirTran Airways, now a wholly owned subsidiary of Southwest Airlines Co. Southwest serves 73 cities in 38 states and remains one of the most honored airlines in the world known for its commitment to the triple bottom line of Performance, People, and Planet. To read more about how Southwest is doing its part to be a good citizen, visit southwest.com/cares to read the Southwest Airlines One Report™. Based in Dallas, Southwest currently operates more than 3,300 flights a day and has more than 39,000 Employees.

Monday, May 21, 2012

Mokulele Airlines returns to Kapalua and West Maui, flights start July 1

Mokulele Airlines, one of Hawai'i's favorite commuter airlines, is expanding its services by returning to the Kapalua Airport, located on West Maui.  Flights will begin on July 1st with 4 flights a day, and fares as low as $59.97 based on availability.

"As we expand our fleet, we will continue connecting the dots in Hawai'i," says CEO Ron Hansen "The new flights will provide customers with additional options when traveling to and from Maui at affordable prices."
"The added lift from Honolulu to Kapalua will be valuable as we head into the busy summer season," said Michael Jokovich, General Manager of Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa. "It will provide our guests with a convenient alternative to flying into Kahului and additional access for visitors to enjoy all that Kaanapali has to offer."

Flights are currently available online at www.mokuleleairlines.com, thru the reservations department, and thru your favorite travel agent.

Depart
Arrive
Flight
Honolulu to Kapalua
10:25A
11:07A
1780

2:20P
3:02P
1782
Kapalua to Honolulu
11:28A
12:10P
1781

3:23P
4:05P
1783

Mokulele Airlines has recently been adding new cities to its growing network, most recently by providing the only daily non-stop flights between Kahului and Lanai City starting at $45.00.

Vantage Hospitality's Hotel Brands Launch Value on the Road Website and Promotion

Vantage Hospitality Group and its economy through upscale hotel brands, Americas Best Value Inn®, Canadas Best Value Inn®, Value Inn Worldwide®, Lexington Hotels®, and Lexington Inns®, today launched ValueOnTheRoad.com, a one-stop website that includes money-saving tips, ideas and specials for your summer travel plans.

Value on the Road focuses on the four top travel activities – dining, shopping, sightseeing and entertainment – while also providing helpful pointers on water safety, car care, sun safety, and staying healthy on the road. Additionally, the website links to travel games and activities for car rides, and Vantage's unique instant rewards loyalty programs.

To help introduce the ValueOnTheRoad.com website, Vantage will be giving away prizes to over 100 lucky winners. Visitors will be invited to share a travel tip or advice on the website or on the Value on the Road Facebook® page. Anyone who shares a tip or advice will automatically be eligible to win a monthly prize from Paragon Motor Club; Slime® tire care products; 1-800-FLOWERS.COM®; Chili's Grill & Bar®, On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina®, Maggiano's Little Italy®, or Romano's Macaroni Grill®; or Americas Best Value Inn, Canadas Best Value Inn and Lexington Hotels and Lexington Inns.

All tip and advice submissions will be posted on the Value on the Road Facebook® page, where visitors will be able to vote for their favorite submission. The participant whose submission receives the most votes will win the grand prize package – two annual advantage roadside assistance memberships from Paragon Motor Club; choice of $100 of Slime® tire care products; a $50 1-800-FLOWERS.COM® Savings Pass; a $100 gift card good at any Chili's Grill & Bar®, On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina®, Maggiano's Little Italy®, or Romano's Macaroni Grill®; and two $75 gift certificates to any Americas Best Value Inn or Canadas Best Value Inn and two $100 gift certificates to any Lexington Hotel or Lexington Inn.

A family of more than 1,000 inns, hotels, and suites located throughout North America, Vantage's hotel brands offer guests hometown comfort, quality, and service at an exceptional value. 

Visit www.AmericasBestValueInn.com, www.CanadasBestValueInn.com, and www.LexingtonHotels.com for reservations and locations.

2012 U.S. and Women's Chess Champions Crowned in Saint Louis

The Chess Club and Scholastic Center of Saint Louis (CCSCSL) crowned Grandmaster Hikaru Nakamura, 24, of Saint Louis, the 2012 U.S. Chess Champion and International Master Irina Krush, 28, of Brooklyn, N.Y., the 2012 Women's Chess Champion.

The prestigious tournaments are part of the "Triple Crown" of chess championships held in the United States this year. The third event is the 2012 Junior Championship, a tournament for players under the age of 21, which takes place at the CCSCSL July 10-15.

"To win this prestigious event in my hometown of Saint Louis is really something special," Nakamura said. "I'm looking forward to the summer and the other major chess events 2012 has in store for me."
Nakamura is currently ranked No. 5 in the world and No. 1 in the U.S. by rating. He beat out 11 of the top-ranked chess players in the United States to win the title and grand prize of $40,000. Grandmaster Gata Kamsky, the second-place winner who receives $30,000, is currently ranked No. 2 in the nation. The U.S. tournament's total winnings for first through last place totaled more than $160,000 – this is the largest per capita purse this tournament has ever offered.

Krush beat out nine of the top-ranked female chess players in the United States to win the Women's title and grand prize of $18,000. Second-place Women's Championship winner International Master Anna Zatonskih, took home a $12,000 prize. The women's tournament's total winnings for first through last place totaled more than $64,000. Krush defeated Zatonskih in a rapid playoff to win the title. With seconds left on her clock, Krush took advantage of a blunder by her opponent to secure the victory.

"I'm ecstatic," Krush said. "Especially when you get a little lucky at the end, you feel your happiness amplified."

The CCSCSL has been home to the championships for the last four years, helping contribute to Saint Louis' reputation as the hub of U.S. Chess. The city is also home to the Guinness World Record for the largest chess piece in the world, which is located directly across the street from the Chess Club in front of the World Chess Hall of Fame. The piece was unveiled on May 7 before the tournament began and stands 14 feet and seven inches tall, beating the previous record by one foot, six inches.

"We're proud to be the leader of the vibrant chess culture in Saint Louis," said CCSCSL Executive Director Tony Rich. "It's a privilege to host the best players in the country and provide fans with a front-row seat to watch these world-class games."


About The Chess Club and Scholastic Center of Saint Louis
The Chess Club and Scholastic Center of Saint Louis is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization that is committed to making chess an important part of our community. In addition to providing a forum for the community to play tournaments and casual games, the club also offers chess improvement classes, beginner lessons and special lectures.

Recognizing the cognitive and behavioral benefits of chess, the Chess Club and Scholastic Center is committed to supporting those chess programs that already exist in area schools while encouraging the development of new in-school and after-school programs. Please visit www.USChessChamps.com.

Summer Fancy Food Sweepstakes Serves Exclusive DC Eats, Luxe Travel

Washington, DC is a world-class dining destination. From celebrity chefs to homegrown restaurants, the exciting cuisine scene has foodies flocking to the nation's capital.

And June 17-19, 2012, the menu gets even more enticing as Washington, DC welcomes the 58th Annual Summer Fancy Food Show. The National Association for the Specialty Food Trade convenes 2,400 exhibitors from 80 countries and regions showcasing over 180,000 new foods and beverages at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.

The tempting trade show is traditionally closed to the public; however, the National Association for the Specialty Food Trade and Destination DC, the official convention and tourism corporation for Washington, DC, have cooked up a delectable sweepstakes, "DC Eats. You Win!" contest. One winner and a guest will be whisked away for a three-day, two-night getaway that includes VIP passes to the members-only show, a luxury hotel stay in downtown DC, roundtrip airfare and foodie fun. Log on to DCeats.org. All entries must be received by 11:59 p.m. [EDT] Friday, June 1, 2012.

The Prize Package includes:
  • Two (2) VIP Passes to NASFT 2012 Summer Fancy Food Show
The 58th Annual Summer Fancy Food Show is the largest specialty food and beverage show in North America. Winner will receive VIP access to the show floor, plus special seminars, tours and tastings.
  • One (1) Gift basket from NASFT
Take home the tastes of Fancy Food! A basket filled with samples from a selection of exhibitors lets you savor the show's "fancy foods" once you've returned home.
  • Two (2) American Airlines vouchers for travel to Washington, DC (valid June 17-19, 2012)
Arrive in style on American Airlines. With dozens of flights to DC a day, American makes it easy to travel to the nation's capital.
  • Two (2) night stay at the Mayflower Renaissance Washington, DC Hotel (valid June 17-19, 2012)
President Truman once called the Mayflower Renaissance Hotel Washington, DC's "second best address." Just blocks from the White House, the Mayflower Renaissance offers all the luxury and elegance of a historic hotel combined with an abundance of modern conveniences and amenities.
  • Two (2) Food Walking Tour Vouchers
Experience DC restaurants like a local. Metro Food Tours offers participants the chance to sample and sip their way through DC's unique neighborhoods.
  • One (1) $100 Dining Gift Certificate
Recently ranked a Top 10 U.S. dining city, there are plenty of restaurants to pick from in Washington, DC. Whether you want a family-style dining experience or a romantic rendezvous, DC's restaurant scene has what you're looking for. Total prize package value: $3,560

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Buzz about London 2012 Olympics building gradually

UK consumers are talking more and more with their friends and relatives about the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympic games, but the rise in buzz about the games is very gradual. To date, football remains a much bigger talking point, particularly among men and many traditional sport fans. Buzz is also much weaker outside of London and the South-East.

These are the findings of the latest consumer research on word of mouth by the Keller Fay Group. They are based on new, just released information from Keller Fay's TalkTrack Britain® study, an ongoing research programme which tracks word of mouth in the UK on a continuous basis. It is the only such research that looks at both offline as well as online conversation and was launched in the UK in July 2011.

During April 2012, 20% of UK consumers said they had discussed the Games over the previous 24 hours, which is up slightly on the March figure (18%) and considerably above the levels recorded in the latter half of 2011 (8-10%). As the Games approach, buzz will of course increase, but at this stage we are some way off from the Games capturing the attention of the entire nation.

The 20% buzz figure compares with 25-30% who typically discuss Premier League football in a 24-hour period. More broadly, issues such as holidays, shopping, food/diet and money/economic issues are generally more widely discussed:

Selected Issues Discussed in past 24 hours: April 2012
Holidays or travel plans
44%
Energy or petrol costs
37%
Nutrition, dieting, healthy eating, etc.
34%
Concern about your own financial situation
27%
Politics/elections/government
26%
The overall state of the economy
26%
(English) Premier League football
25%
The 2012 London Olympics/Paralympics
20%
Crime and lawlessness
15%


Encouragingly for London 2012, those discussing the games are not necessarily hardcore sports fans, with women almost as likely to discuss the Games as men. But the downside is that many of the traditional sporting audience – football and rugby fans in particular – are currently more focussed on their own teams and leagues. So perhaps attention will shift to the Olympics once the football and rugby seasons finally close.
The other challenge facing LOCOG is how to engage those living far away from London and other Olympic venues. People living in London itself are around three times more likely to discuss the Games than those in Scotland or NE England.

In summarising the research results, Steve Thomson, Managing Director of Keller Fay UK, said "It's clear that excitement about London 2012 is building, but at the moment traditional sports – football especially – are hard to dislodge from getting the main attention around the nation's kitchen and pub tables. In England, this week has started with the focus on Roy Hodgson, and it seems that until the summer itself the Olympics aren't yet top of the agenda."

Keller Fay reserves the right to make minor adjustments to data following final quality control checks.

The Breakers Resort Still Thriving After More Than 80 Years In Myrtle Beach

It all began in 1929 when a private summer beach house was converted into a boarding house and The Breakers was born.  Add more than 80 years of economic ups and downs, a few hundred more rooms, a 418-foot lazy river, and numerous other amenities and The Breakers Resort in Myrtle Beach is stronger than ever.

In order to celebrate their popularity and longevity, The Breakers Resort, a member hotel of www.MyrtleBeachHotels.com, has unveiled a great package deal for the remainder of the spring, under the heading of "Spring Free Nights."  Guests who book for four nights will pay the price of three nights' accommodations and those who book for seven nights will only pay for five.

"The 'Spring Free Nights' package is one we've been hearing a great deal of buzz about," said Patrick Norton, Brittain Resort Management's vice president of marketing.  "We're delighted to showcase The Breakers Resort in this way."

For more information about The Breakers Resort, visit www.Breakers.com or call 1-800-952-4507 for reservations.

JetBlue Airways Takes Flight to its 71st Destination: Dallas/Fort Worth

JetBlue Airways (Nasdaq: JBLU) today celebrates inaugural service to its 71st destination and the third destination served in the Lone Star State: Dallas/Fort Worth. 


Boston's largest carrier now offers three daily flights between Logan International Airport (BOS) and Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). JetBlue now serves 44 nonstop destinations out of Boston to points all over the carrier's growing network.

To celebrate the new service, flights are on sale today through May 3 at www.jetblue.com/new for as low as $119 for travel May 8 through June 5.

The airline's convenient service between Boston and Dallas/Fort Worth offers optimal schedules for business and leisure travel. Customers flying into Boston can also connect easily to points across JetBlue's network in the Northeast including Buffalo, NY, New York City (JFK and Newark), Washington D.C. (Reagan National and Dulles), as well as connections to partners, including Cape Cod and the islands via Cape Air and Aer Lingus to Dublin.

JetBlue's schedule between Boston and Dallas/Fort Worth:
Boston to Dallas/Fort Worth:
Dallas/Fort Worth to Boston:
Depart – Arrive
Depart – Arrive
7:58 a.m. - 10:59 a.m.
6:50 a.m. – 11:47 a.m.
1:55 p.m. - 4:50 p.m.
11:40 a.m. – 4:37 p.m.
6:50 p.m. - 9:49 p.m.
5:50 p.m. – 10:47 p.m.
- Flights operate 3x daily -
- All times local -

JetBlue has added an average of five new destinations per year in Boston since service first launched in 2004, and now serves more cities than any other airline in Logan's entire history as an airport. In the past year alone, the airline has added nonstop service from Boston to Newark, N.J., Portland, Ore., Santiago, D.R., and St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands with plans to serve its 45th nonstop destination Nantucket beginning May 17, 2012.

JetBlue currently serves other big sky cities in Texas, including Austin and Houston-Hobby, and has been the proud official airline sponsor of University of Texas Athletics since 2009. JetBlue's flights from Boston to Dallas/Fort Worth will be operated with the airline's comfortable Embraer E190 fleet with its award-winning service featuring convenient, assigned two-by-two seating (every seat is a window or aisle); a first-checked bag free (b); complimentary and unlimited name brand snacks and drinks; comfy leather seats; and first-run movies. The airline has plans to introduce mixed service with its Airbus A320 fleet as it moves into summer, offering the most legroom in coach of any domestic carrier based on average seat pitch.