Travelzoo Inc. (NASDAQ: TZOO), a global Internet media company, it has surpassed 6 million subscribers in Europe.
Travelzoo's European subscriber base now accounts for 24 percent of all
subscribers to the Travelzoo brand. An additional 13 percent of
subscribers to the Travelzoo brand are in Asia Pacific, where Travelzoo is independently owned and operated by Travelzoo (Asia) Ltd. and Travelzoo Japan K.K. under a license agreement with Travelzoo Inc. The remaining subscribers are in North America.
"We are thrilled to reach this new milestone in Europe," said Chris Loughlin,
chief executive officer of Travelzoo. "The Travelzoo brand resonates
among subscribers in many countries worldwide, because it stands for
quality, simplicity and trust. We will continue to focus on these three
brand attributes as we continue to scale."
Travelzoo publishes travel, entertainment and local deals in 11
countries worldwide. More than 250 Deal Experts research, evaluate and
test deals each week, only publishing the very best to Travelzoo
subscribers.
Monday, April 23, 2012
Priceline App Data Suggests That Rental Car Customers May Be The Most Last-Minute Bookers Of Them All
Priceline.com (Nasdaq: PCLN) released its second set of
findings on Android, iPhone and iPad users who are booking rental cars
and hotel rooms through priceline.com's Hotel Negotiator app for Android and Hotel & Rental Car Negotiator app for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch.
Here are the key findings from priceline.com's latest batch of mobile data:
To see priceline.com's first set of findings on mobile booking trends for hotels, visit http://ir.priceline.com/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=585670.
Priceline's Hotel & Rental Car Negotiator app, lets travelers use iPhone, iPad and iPod touch to quickly find and book last-minute hotel rooms using priceline.com's Name Your Own Price® hotel service and save up to 50% over published hotel rates. Users also can book Tonight Only Deals, which are specially negotiated rates where the hotel is disclosed after the booking is confirmed. The Hotel & Rental Car Negotiator app contains an option for browsing priceline.com's broad assortment of published-price hotels for a particular city or town. Rental car customers can use the app's Name Your Own Price® service for booking rental cars at savings of up to 40% over published rates. The Hotel & Rental Car Negotiator app can be downloaded for free from the iTunes store http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/priceline-hotel-car-negotiator/id336381998?mt=8&uo=4.
Android users can download the Hotel Negotiator app, including the Tonight Only Deals service, for free from the Android market https://market.android.com/details?id=com.priceline.android.negotiator.
Booking.com, another service in the Priceline Group, recently released Booking.com Tonight, the first global last-minute hotel booking app for iPhone and iPod touch that offers same-night hotel rooms around the world at savings of up to 50% over published rates. The app is available for free download at http://itunes.apple.com/app/booking.com-tonight-last-minute/id516563800?mt=8.
And the Priceline Group's Asian hotel service, Agoda.com, has its own hotel booking app: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/agoda.com-smarter-hotel-booking/id440676901?mt=8
iPad and iTunes are trademarks of Apple, Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.
Here are the key findings from priceline.com's latest batch of mobile data:
- Rental cars are a spur-of-the-moment decision for many mobile-equipped travelers. 41% of rental car bookings made through priceline.com apps were same-day. Of those bookings, 48% were made within 2 hours of pickup.
- The top 5 vehicle choices of mobile-equipped rental car customers are: #1 Economy, #2 Intermediate, #3 Full-Size, #4 Compact, and #5 Standard.
- Hotel star level preferences are expanding as mobile devices become more mainstream. After priceline.com introduced its first Hotel Negotiator app for the iPhone in 2009, customers with mobile devices chose 3-star or higher hotels 82% of the time. Today, 63% of iPhone users choose luxury hotels. Android users choose 3-star and above 54% of the time. iPad users are still the pickiest, choosing 3-star and above hotels 69% of the time. For smartphones, priceline.com said that the shift toward lower price-point hotels has accelerated during the Christmas season while, for the iPad, the shift has continued with each new release of the popular tablet.
To see priceline.com's first set of findings on mobile booking trends for hotels, visit http://ir.priceline.com/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=585670.
Priceline's Hotel & Rental Car Negotiator app, lets travelers use iPhone, iPad and iPod touch to quickly find and book last-minute hotel rooms using priceline.com's Name Your Own Price® hotel service and save up to 50% over published hotel rates. Users also can book Tonight Only Deals, which are specially negotiated rates where the hotel is disclosed after the booking is confirmed. The Hotel & Rental Car Negotiator app contains an option for browsing priceline.com's broad assortment of published-price hotels for a particular city or town. Rental car customers can use the app's Name Your Own Price® service for booking rental cars at savings of up to 40% over published rates. The Hotel & Rental Car Negotiator app can be downloaded for free from the iTunes store http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/priceline-hotel-car-negotiator/id336381998?mt=8&uo=4.
Android users can download the Hotel Negotiator app, including the Tonight Only Deals service, for free from the Android market https://market.android.com/details?id=com.priceline.android.negotiator.
Booking.com, another service in the Priceline Group, recently released Booking.com Tonight, the first global last-minute hotel booking app for iPhone and iPod touch that offers same-night hotel rooms around the world at savings of up to 50% over published rates. The app is available for free download at http://itunes.apple.com/app/booking.com-tonight-last-minute/id516563800?mt=8.
And the Priceline Group's Asian hotel service, Agoda.com, has its own hotel booking app: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/agoda.com-smarter-hotel-booking/id440676901?mt=8
iPad and iTunes are trademarks of Apple, Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.
LodgeNet Reports Accelerating Adoption of Its New Four Screen Services Strategy During the First Quarter
LodgeNet Interactive Corporation (NASDAQ: LNET), the leading provider of
interactive media and connectivity services to hospitality and
healthcare businesses and the consumers they serve, today reported
continued and accelerating adoption of its new 'four screen' services
strategy and its interactive platforms during the first quarter of
2012.
Interactive TV Platform Increases Momentum
Rooms contracted for Envision, LodgeNet's latest generation, high-definition iTV platform, numbered 71,000 at March 31, 2012 – a 75% increase over year-end 2011. This includes the 7,100 rooms at The Venetian – the largest casino/resort complex in Las Vegas and the company's largest Envision installation – as well as more than 13,000 rooms at over 30 properties in the Omni Hotels & Resorts portfolio. Other Envision installations announced since the beginning of this year include the flagship Sheraton Stamford (CT) hotel, The Ritz-Carlton Los Angeles and JW Marriott Los Angeles L.A. LIVE hotels in downtown Los Angeles, and the nearly 2,000 room Hilton New York. The cloud-connected Envision platform connects guests to essential hotel services and information about local attractions as well as delivering the best in-room entertainment options. Hotels focused on delivering consistent brand messages and engaging their guests can customize Envision to support the identity and services unique to their brands and individual properties.
Advanced App Adoption Exceeds Expectations
Further enhancing the value of Envision are LodgeNet's Advanced Apps, which include eCompendium (information about hotel services and facilities), eDining (on-site food and beverage ordering through the TV), and eGuest Requests (towel replacement, maintenance requests, etc.). "Hotel subscriptions to the Advanced Apps are exceeding our initial expectations," said Scott C. Petersen, LodgeNet Chairman and CEO. "Of the Envision sites installed at quarter's end, more than 40% of the rooms are subscribing to an Advanced App, and those Apps are generating approximately $4.00 of revenue per room per month for us. We are particularly pleased with the high rate of Advanced App adoption because this is a 'software as a service' offering that generates a steady stream of recurring revenues."
Interactive Mobile Platform Extends Hotel Connection Through Personal Technologies
In January LodgeNet launched the LodgeNet Mobile App, expanding the company's relationship with the core traveler beyond the guest room television. In the first three months of this year, the company's mobile enabled base has expanded to serve over 570,000 guest rooms across more than 2,400 North American hotels.
Travelers who download the app to their iPhone®, Android™ smartphone or iPad® can customize their experience in everything from the in-room movies they watch, to the restaurants they dine in, to the hotel services and local entertainment options they choose. In addition to providing full control over the in-room iTV experience, the app incorporates additional features that meet travelers' diverse needs throughout the course of their trip (including the just-launched mCheckout feature). In just three months, the LodgeNet Mobile App has become a traveler favorite by providing them with a fun, fast and easy-to-use way to connect to the things they value most when they're away from home. For hoteliers, the app provides a powerful and flexible vehicle to connect with their guests through a device that is "always on" and central to their travel experience.
"These first-quarter iTV and mobile achievements validate our 'four-screen' strategy, which focuses on helping hoteliers enhance their economics and guest relationships through not only the in-room television but the laptops, smartphones and tablet devices that are traveling with guests wherever they go," said Petersen. "In addition, the potential for engaging with guests before, during and after the stay – through the technologies they're using every day – is clearly resonating with the consumer. At the heart of our four-screen services is our PowerPortal™, which allows single step, simultaneous publishing of promotional and informational media to all four screens. This powerful new cloud-based tool increases guest satisfaction while requiring only minor resources to deploy. We look forward to reporting further successes as we continue helping our customers maximize the opportunities of a multi-device world."
Interactive TV Platform Increases Momentum
Rooms contracted for Envision, LodgeNet's latest generation, high-definition iTV platform, numbered 71,000 at March 31, 2012 – a 75% increase over year-end 2011. This includes the 7,100 rooms at The Venetian – the largest casino/resort complex in Las Vegas and the company's largest Envision installation – as well as more than 13,000 rooms at over 30 properties in the Omni Hotels & Resorts portfolio. Other Envision installations announced since the beginning of this year include the flagship Sheraton Stamford (CT) hotel, The Ritz-Carlton Los Angeles and JW Marriott Los Angeles L.A. LIVE hotels in downtown Los Angeles, and the nearly 2,000 room Hilton New York. The cloud-connected Envision platform connects guests to essential hotel services and information about local attractions as well as delivering the best in-room entertainment options. Hotels focused on delivering consistent brand messages and engaging their guests can customize Envision to support the identity and services unique to their brands and individual properties.
Advanced App Adoption Exceeds Expectations
Further enhancing the value of Envision are LodgeNet's Advanced Apps, which include eCompendium (information about hotel services and facilities), eDining (on-site food and beverage ordering through the TV), and eGuest Requests (towel replacement, maintenance requests, etc.). "Hotel subscriptions to the Advanced Apps are exceeding our initial expectations," said Scott C. Petersen, LodgeNet Chairman and CEO. "Of the Envision sites installed at quarter's end, more than 40% of the rooms are subscribing to an Advanced App, and those Apps are generating approximately $4.00 of revenue per room per month for us. We are particularly pleased with the high rate of Advanced App adoption because this is a 'software as a service' offering that generates a steady stream of recurring revenues."
Interactive Mobile Platform Extends Hotel Connection Through Personal Technologies
In January LodgeNet launched the LodgeNet Mobile App, expanding the company's relationship with the core traveler beyond the guest room television. In the first three months of this year, the company's mobile enabled base has expanded to serve over 570,000 guest rooms across more than 2,400 North American hotels.
Travelers who download the app to their iPhone®, Android™ smartphone or iPad® can customize their experience in everything from the in-room movies they watch, to the restaurants they dine in, to the hotel services and local entertainment options they choose. In addition to providing full control over the in-room iTV experience, the app incorporates additional features that meet travelers' diverse needs throughout the course of their trip (including the just-launched mCheckout feature). In just three months, the LodgeNet Mobile App has become a traveler favorite by providing them with a fun, fast and easy-to-use way to connect to the things they value most when they're away from home. For hoteliers, the app provides a powerful and flexible vehicle to connect with their guests through a device that is "always on" and central to their travel experience.
"These first-quarter iTV and mobile achievements validate our 'four-screen' strategy, which focuses on helping hoteliers enhance their economics and guest relationships through not only the in-room television but the laptops, smartphones and tablet devices that are traveling with guests wherever they go," said Petersen. "In addition, the potential for engaging with guests before, during and after the stay – through the technologies they're using every day – is clearly resonating with the consumer. At the heart of our four-screen services is our PowerPortal™, which allows single step, simultaneous publishing of promotional and informational media to all four screens. This powerful new cloud-based tool increases guest satisfaction while requiring only minor resources to deploy. We look forward to reporting further successes as we continue helping our customers maximize the opportunities of a multi-device world."
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Southwest Airlines Offers Bonus Rapid Rewards® Points on Select AirTran International Flights
Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) announced today that Members of the airline's frequent flyer program, Rapid Rewards, can earn bonus points when booking select international flights on AirTran Airways, the airline's wholly owned subsidiary.
Southwest launched a promotion today that will reward Rapid Rewards Members 5,000 bonus points for each qualifying roundtrip flight or 2,500 bonus points for each qualifying one-way flight. Rapid Rewards Members must be a member of the AirTran A+ Rewards Program and register for the promotion at http://www.southwest.com/rrairtran5000points between April 9 and Aug. 31, 2012. Qualifying flights will need to be booked between April 9 and Aug. 31, 2012, for travel between June 1 and Aug. 31, 2012 (qualifying routes and service start dates listed below.)
The Rapid Rewards Bonus Points will be deposited into Members' accounts six to eight weeks after the promotion has ended on Aug. 31, 2012. Members also will receive the standard A+ Rewards flight credit earned through AirTran A+ Rewards program. Customers wanting to enroll in Rapid Rewards may click here, and Customers wanting to enroll in A+ Rewards may click here.
Southwest launched a promotion today that will reward Rapid Rewards Members 5,000 bonus points for each qualifying roundtrip flight or 2,500 bonus points for each qualifying one-way flight. Rapid Rewards Members must be a member of the AirTran A+ Rewards Program and register for the promotion at http://www.southwest.com/rrairtran5000points between April 9 and Aug. 31, 2012. Qualifying flights will need to be booked between April 9 and Aug. 31, 2012, for travel between June 1 and Aug. 31, 2012 (qualifying routes and service start dates listed below.)
The Rapid Rewards Bonus Points will be deposited into Members' accounts six to eight weeks after the promotion has ended on Aug. 31, 2012. Members also will receive the standard A+ Rewards flight credit earned through AirTran A+ Rewards program. Customers wanting to enroll in Rapid Rewards may click here, and Customers wanting to enroll in A+ Rewards may click here.
| Qualifying AirTran Routes: | ||
| Aruba (AUA) Nonstop to/from | Bermuda (BDA) Nonstop to/from | Cancun (CUN) Nonstop to/from |
| Atlanta (ATL) Baltimore/Washington(BWI) Orlando (MCO) | Atlanta (ATL) Baltimore/Washington (BWI) | Atlanta (ATL) Austin (AUS) Baltimore/Washington (BWI) Denver (DEN) Milwaukee (MKE) San Antonio (SAT) |
| Los Cabos (SJD) Nonstop to/from | Mexico City** (MEX) Nonstop to/from | Montego Bay (MBJ) Nonstop to/from |
| Orange County (SNA) | Orange County (SNA) San Antonio (SAT) | Atlanta (ATL) Baltimore/Washington (BWI) Orlando (MCO) |
| Nassau (NAS) Nonstop to/from | Punta Cana (PUJ) Nonstop to/from | San Juan (SJU) Nonstop to/from |
| Atlanta (ATL) Baltimore/Washington (BWI) | Atlanta (ATL) Baltimore/Washington (BWI) | Atlanta (ATL) Baltimore/Washington (BWI) Ft. Lauderdale/Hollywood (FLL) Orlando (MCO) Tampa Bay (TPA) |
| **Pending foreign government approval | ||
| AirTran Service Start Dates: | |
| Route | Start Date |
| Denver to Cancun | April 16, 2012 |
| Ft. Lauderdale/Hollywood to San Juan | May 24, 2012 |
| San Antonio to Cancun | May 24, 2012 |
| San Antonio to Mexico City** | May 24, 2012 |
| Austin to Cancun | May 25, 2012 |
| Orange County to Mexico City** | June 3, 2012 |
| Orange County to Cabo San Lucas | June 3, 2012 |
| **Pending foreign government approval | |
British Airways Launches New Algiers Flights From London Gatwick
Flights to Algiers will move from Heathrow to Gatwick with seven flights a week. Algeria's capital city, Algiers mixes past with present with 17th-century mosques and Ottoman-style palaces in the hilltop Kasbah city with a Mediterranean harbour. British Airways offer hotels in the city, including the beach front Sheraton Club des Pins Resort and Towers and the Hilton Alger, which is set among pines over looking the bay.
Algiers is one of five routes to North Africa offered by British Airways, the others being Cairo in Egypt, Tripoli, Marrakech and Tunis.
The year-round service will operate on Boeing 737 jets, and roundtrip flights to London [http://www.britishairways.com/travel/flights-to-london/public/en_gb ] are available to book on http://www.ba.com.The fares are all inclusive, offering passengers free online check-in and seat selection up to 24 hours before departure, a 23 kg checked-in luggage allowance, plus two pieces of hand baggage, and no debit card fees.
In addition to the new service to Algiers, British Airways customers can also enjoy the luxury of flying in First Class on the airline's new long haul service to Moscow. The start of the summer season also sees addition of long haul flights from Heathrow to New York JFK, Johannesburg, Miami, Hong Kong and Riyadh
.
British Airways' partner Iberia will also move its eight daily services from Heathrow to Madrid into Terminal 5 from Terminal 3, for the first time. This terminal move will allow customers better access to more destinations, and a smoother transfer experience at Heathrow between British Airways and Iberia flights.
Other changes at Heathrow have resulted in additional short haul flights to popular destinations such as Barcelona, Brussels, Bologna, Rome, Hamburg, Paris Orly, Prague, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Manchester.
Three new leisure routes, to Mahon in Menorca, Angers in the Loire Valley and Quimper in Brittany, will also start from London City Airport, resulting in a total of 21 destinations in the UK, Europe and USA being served from the docklands airport.
Algiers is one of five routes to North Africa offered by British Airways, the others being Cairo in Egypt, Tripoli, Marrakech and Tunis.
The year-round service will operate on Boeing 737 jets, and roundtrip flights to London [http://www.britishairways.com/travel/flights-to-london/public/en_gb ] are available to book on http://www.ba.com.The fares are all inclusive, offering passengers free online check-in and seat selection up to 24 hours before departure, a 23 kg checked-in luggage allowance, plus two pieces of hand baggage, and no debit card fees.
In addition to the new service to Algiers, British Airways customers can also enjoy the luxury of flying in First Class on the airline's new long haul service to Moscow. The start of the summer season also sees addition of long haul flights from Heathrow to New York JFK, Johannesburg, Miami, Hong Kong and Riyadh
.
British Airways' partner Iberia will also move its eight daily services from Heathrow to Madrid into Terminal 5 from Terminal 3, for the first time. This terminal move will allow customers better access to more destinations, and a smoother transfer experience at Heathrow between British Airways and Iberia flights.
Other changes at Heathrow have resulted in additional short haul flights to popular destinations such as Barcelona, Brussels, Bologna, Rome, Hamburg, Paris Orly, Prague, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Manchester.
Three new leisure routes, to Mahon in Menorca, Angers in the Loire Valley and Quimper in Brittany, will also start from London City Airport, resulting in a total of 21 destinations in the UK, Europe and USA being served from the docklands airport.
Thunder Valley Casino Resort Gives Away Over $11 Million in March
Thunder Valley Casino Resort gave away $11,029,679 in jackpots over $1,200 during the month of March. April looks to be just as promising as Thunder Valley introduces its $320,000 Gold Medal Giveaway along with several exciting spring promotions.
"March was a phenomenal month for our guests," said C.J. Graham, General Manager of Thunder Valley Casino Resort. "The giving will continue as Thunder Valley gears up for summer by putting the finishing touches on our highly anticipated Summer Concert Series – including live performances by Creedence Clearwater, Steve Miller Band, Earth Wind & Fire and much more."
$320,000 Gold Medal Giveaway
Win a trip to London for the 2012 Olympics during Thunder Valley's $320,000 Gold Medal Giveaway.
Every Friday and Saturday night in April, seven lucky winners will grab up to $5,000 cash or the guaranteed top prize, a $25,000 Olympic package for two to London – including travel arrangements, hotel accommodations and passes to select Olympic events.
Don't forget to tune in to KCRA 3 this summer where you can watch locally produced coverage of the Summer Olympics in London – courtesy of Thunder Valley Casino Resort.
Thunder Valley Casino Resort joined the elite ranks of AAA Four Diamond award-winning resort destinations in 2011. Located 30 miles east of Sacramento, Thunder Valley Casino Resort offers 250,000 square feet of gaming space – including over 2,800 slot and video machines, 125 table games and a live poker room with space for 210 players.
Thunder Valley has 14 restaurants and bars, including High Steaks Steakhouse, Red Lantern and a 500-seat Feast Around The World Buffet as well as Mingle Bar, Falls Bar, Thunder Bar and High Steaks Bar. Thunder Valley Casino Resort is also home to a luxury, 17-story hotel with 297 rooms, including 40 suites and an expansive outdoor pool complete with private cabanas and Coconut, a poolside bar.
The Spa at Thunder Valley features a wide variety of treatments including the exclusive 24-carat gold leaf facial. Also on property is a 3,700-space parking structure that leads guests directly into the casino and hotel. For more information on upcoming promotions, entertainment and ticket sales, or to make a reservation at Thunder Valley's AAA Four Diamond resort, visit http://thundervalleyresort.com .
The United Auburn Indian Community opened Thunder Valley in June 2003.
SOURCE Thunder Valley Casino Resort
"March was a phenomenal month for our guests," said C.J. Graham, General Manager of Thunder Valley Casino Resort. "The giving will continue as Thunder Valley gears up for summer by putting the finishing touches on our highly anticipated Summer Concert Series – including live performances by Creedence Clearwater, Steve Miller Band, Earth Wind & Fire and much more."
$320,000 Gold Medal Giveaway
Win a trip to London for the 2012 Olympics during Thunder Valley's $320,000 Gold Medal Giveaway.
Every Friday and Saturday night in April, seven lucky winners will grab up to $5,000 cash or the guaranteed top prize, a $25,000 Olympic package for two to London – including travel arrangements, hotel accommodations and passes to select Olympic events.
Don't forget to tune in to KCRA 3 this summer where you can watch locally produced coverage of the Summer Olympics in London – courtesy of Thunder Valley Casino Resort.
| A partial list of winners from last month is detailed below: | ||
| Geraldine G. | Rocklin, CA | $30,000.00 |
| Christopher C. | Discovery Bay, CA | $26,497.00 |
| Aloun V. | Sacramento, CA | $25,000.00 |
| Marcus N. | Fayetteville, NC | $23,445.00 |
| Narendra M. | Sacramento, CA | $17,404.00 |
| Herminio H. | Rocklin, CA | $16,000.00 |
| Amy L. | Berkeley, CA | $15,000.00 |
| Altin S. | Sacramento, CA | $15,000.00 |
| Joseph P. | Howell, MI | $11,587.00 |
| Anthony K. | Tracy, CA | $10,125.00 |
Thunder Valley Casino Resort joined the elite ranks of AAA Four Diamond award-winning resort destinations in 2011. Located 30 miles east of Sacramento, Thunder Valley Casino Resort offers 250,000 square feet of gaming space – including over 2,800 slot and video machines, 125 table games and a live poker room with space for 210 players.
Thunder Valley has 14 restaurants and bars, including High Steaks Steakhouse, Red Lantern and a 500-seat Feast Around The World Buffet as well as Mingle Bar, Falls Bar, Thunder Bar and High Steaks Bar. Thunder Valley Casino Resort is also home to a luxury, 17-story hotel with 297 rooms, including 40 suites and an expansive outdoor pool complete with private cabanas and Coconut, a poolside bar.
The Spa at Thunder Valley features a wide variety of treatments including the exclusive 24-carat gold leaf facial. Also on property is a 3,700-space parking structure that leads guests directly into the casino and hotel. For more information on upcoming promotions, entertainment and ticket sales, or to make a reservation at Thunder Valley's AAA Four Diamond resort, visit http://thundervalleyresort.com .
The United Auburn Indian Community opened Thunder Valley in June 2003.
SOURCE Thunder Valley Casino Resort
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
4 Titanic Exhibits Sail Into Philadelphia For Ship's 100th Anniversary
As the world prepares to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Titanic's sinking on April 15, Philadelphia museums and attractions are doing their part to honor the storied ship all year long. Visitors can explore the overall story with a tour of Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition, returning to The Franklin Institute this fall by popular demand, or they can delve into the Philadelphia story specifically thanks to special displays on view at The Rosenbach Museum & Library and the Independence Seaport Museum. Visitors can even view some of the Titanic survivors' graves at Laurel Hill Cemetery. Here's a look at how Philadelphia is marking this historic occasion:
For more information about travel to Philadelphia, visit visitphilly.com or uwishunu.com, where you can build itineraries; search event calendars; see photos and videos; view interactive maps; sign up for newsletters; listen to HearPhilly, an online radio station about what to see and do in the region; book hotel reservations and more. Or, call the Independence Visitor Center, located in Historic Philadelphia, at (800) 537-7676.
- Titanic: The Rise of Rosenbach, on view at The Rosenbach Museum & Library, tells a personal story of loss and professional success spurred by the Titanic's epic failure. The exhibition follows the story of book dealer Dr. A.S.W. Rosenbach as he hears about the sinking of the Titanic and realizes that his friend and protege, young Philadelphia bibliophile Harry Elkins Widener, has gone down with the ship. Visitors learn the details of the tragic event and how Dr. Rosenbach's personal loss led to professional success as he undertook a project to honor his fallen friend through the creation of Harvard's Harry Elkins Widener Memorial Library. Items in the exhibit include a telegram alerting a friend to Widener's death, a Joseph Conrad manuscript that went down with the ship and thoughts from poet Marianne Moore about the tragedy. Through June 24, 2012. 2008-2010 Delancey Place, (215) 732-1600, rosenbach.org
- Titanic Philadelphians spotlights the personal lives of the city residents directly impacted by the ship disaster. The intimate exhibit, on display at the Independence Seaport Museum, is told through the accounts of 40-plus Philadelphians who sailed on the Titanic during her maiden voyage. Visitors see one of the rare existing copies of the Titanic first-class passenger list, unwittingly carried in her coat pocket onto Lifeboat 4 by local survivor Marian Longstreth Thayer. Every Saturday through Memorial Day, museum-goers can take a Titanic-themed tour of the Olympia, outfitted with triple expansion steam engines similar to the engines on the Titanic, one of the finest remaining examples of the technology of the day. April 13-December 31, 2012. Penn's Landing, 211 S. Columbus Boulevard at Walnut Street, (215) 413-8655, phillyseaport.org
- Making its second appearance at The Franklin Institute, Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition unveils a startling collection of 212 artifacts—china, candlesticks, tie pins, silver dollars and more—recovered from the wreck site that tell stories of drama and tragedy, humanity and heroism. The display documents the ship's construction and launch, life onboard the doomed vessel, the tale of the sinking and dramatic rescue of some 700 people, the discovery of the buried ship 73 years after it was lost and the conservation efforts made over the past 15 years. November 10, 2012-April 7, 2013. 222 N. 20th Street, (215) 448-1200, fi.edu
- As much a historic repository and cultural site as a lush, tree-filled garden graveyard, Laurel Hill Cemetery's 78 acres have welcomed the famous and infamous of Philadelphia to eternal rest since 1836. Notable for its towering sculptures and graves adorned with Tiffany-designed stained-glass windows, Laurel Hill is also the final resting place for six victims of the Titanic disaster, including book seller Harry Elkins Widener and attorney and horse breeder William Crothers Dulles. A map of notable graves is available at the main office, and it also guides visitors to see monuments to famed Civil War generals, industrialists and others. 3822 Ridge Avenue, (215) 228-8200, thelaurelhillcemetery.org
For more information about travel to Philadelphia, visit visitphilly.com or uwishunu.com, where you can build itineraries; search event calendars; see photos and videos; view interactive maps; sign up for newsletters; listen to HearPhilly, an online radio station about what to see and do in the region; book hotel reservations and more. Or, call the Independence Visitor Center, located in Historic Philadelphia, at (800) 537-7676.
Hersha Hospitality Management (HHM) and The Procaccianti Group (TPG) Resolve Lawsuit
Hersha Hospitality Management (HHM) and The Procaccianti Group (TPG) are pleased to announce that the parties have resolved the lawsuit pending in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, Hersha Hospitality Management v. The Procaccianti Group, et al.
HHM had sued TPG and four of its former employees (two of whom had previously worked for TPG) accusing them of wrongdoing in connection with the departure of the employees from HHM to TPG.
However, after open discussions with TPG and the former employees, HHM is satisfied that TPG has neither received (from the individuals) nor used any information proprietary to HHM.
HHM is also satisfied that TPG was not involved in procuring any confidential information from HHM, that the individuals did not give such information to TPG, and that TPG was not involved in any wrongdoing as alleged in the suit.
Accordingly, HHM has voluntarily dismissed the claims against TPG.
HHM had sued TPG and four of its former employees (two of whom had previously worked for TPG) accusing them of wrongdoing in connection with the departure of the employees from HHM to TPG.
However, after open discussions with TPG and the former employees, HHM is satisfied that TPG has neither received (from the individuals) nor used any information proprietary to HHM.
HHM is also satisfied that TPG was not involved in procuring any confidential information from HHM, that the individuals did not give such information to TPG, and that TPG was not involved in any wrongdoing as alleged in the suit.
Accordingly, HHM has voluntarily dismissed the claims against TPG.
Sikorsky Innovations Signs on as First Rotorcraft Member of the Lindbergh Foundation Aviation Green® Alliance
Sikorsky Innovations has announced its support of the Aviation Green® Alliance by becoming its first rotorcraft member and one of its first founding sponsors. Sikorsky Innovations is Sikorsky Aircraft's technology development organization, charged with tackling the toughest problems in vertical flight. Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX).
The Lindbergh Foundation launched the Aviation Green Alliance to support and encourage those who are committed to proactively addressing aviation and environmental challenges. Sikorsky joins a prestigious list of current founding sponsors including Bombardier, Cessna, FedEx, Hawker Beechcraft, Fantasy of Flight, and Jeppesen, as the first rotorcraft member of the Alliance.
Sikorsky Innovations is an agile, networked group of Sikorsky employees and industry teammates dedicated to demonstrating innovative technology solutions to the toughest problems in vertical flight. Sikorsky Innovations is pursuing a broad range of advanced technologies, including the X2 Technology™ demonstrator, aware and adaptive aircraft systems, and optionally piloted aircraft.
Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., based in Stratford, Conn., is a world leader in helicopter design, manufacture, and service. United Technologies Corp., based in Hartford, Conn., provides a broad range of high technology products and support services to the aerospace and building systems industries.
The Lindbergh Foundation launched the Aviation Green Alliance to support and encourage those who are committed to proactively addressing aviation and environmental challenges. Sikorsky joins a prestigious list of current founding sponsors including Bombardier, Cessna, FedEx, Hawker Beechcraft, Fantasy of Flight, and Jeppesen, as the first rotorcraft member of the Alliance.
Sikorsky Innovations is an agile, networked group of Sikorsky employees and industry teammates dedicated to demonstrating innovative technology solutions to the toughest problems in vertical flight. Sikorsky Innovations is pursuing a broad range of advanced technologies, including the X2 Technology™ demonstrator, aware and adaptive aircraft systems, and optionally piloted aircraft.
Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., based in Stratford, Conn., is a world leader in helicopter design, manufacture, and service. United Technologies Corp., based in Hartford, Conn., provides a broad range of high technology products and support services to the aerospace and building systems industries.
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
AirTran Airways "Hooray for Spring" Sale!
Today, AirTran Airways, a wholly owned subsidiary of Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV), announced a fare sale offering Customers air fares starting as low as $69* one-way to select destinations (see Fare Rules below). These low fares are available for purchase today through March 29, 2012, 11:59 p.m. PDT, for travel beginning April 3 through June 27, 2012, with a required 10-day advance purchase.
Travelers may purchase these sale fares at www.airtran.com , from their local travel agent, or via AirTran Airways' reservations system at 1-800-AIR-TRAN. For reservations in Spanish, call 1-877-581-9842.
Examples of these one-way, low fares* include (see Fare Rules below):
Fare Rules
One-way fares can be purchased today through March 29, 2012, 11:59 pm PDT, with a 10-day advance purchase required. Travel must take place between April 3, and June 27, 2012. Travel to/from Florida not available for travel April 3 through April 16, 2012. Travel valid only on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Displayed prices are inclusive of all government taxes and fees. All fares are non-refundable and a $75 fee per person applies to any change made after purchase, plus any applicable increase in airfare. Travel to/from San Juan, Puerto Rico and international destinations are excluded from this offer. Seats are limited. Fares may vary by destinations, flight, and day of week and won't be available on some flights that operate during very busy travel times and holiday periods. A first bag may be checked for a fee of $20 each way and a second bag may be checked for a fee of $25 each way. Reservations may be made via AirTran Airways Telephone Reservations Center for a fee of $15. Reservations may also be changed via AirTran Airways Telephone Reservations Center for a $15 fee plus any applicable change fees and fare differences. Fares may be combined with other combinable fares. When combining fares, all rules and restrictions apply. Fares are nonrefundable but may be applied toward the purchase of future travel on AirTran Airways after applicable change fees and fare differences. Fares are not available through the Group Desk. Any change in the itinerary may result in an increase in fare. Fares are valid on published, scheduled service only. Travel to and from Knoxville, TN not available after May 31, 2012. Travel to and from Bloomington/Normal, IL, Charleston, WV, Washington, D.C. (Dulles), and Miami, FL not available after June 2, 2012.
* Government-imposed taxes and fees are now included in the advertised fare. To comply with new government regulations, all airlines must include government-imposed taxes and fees in advertised air fares.
www.airtran.com
Travelers may purchase these sale fares at www.airtran.com , from their local travel agent, or via AirTran Airways' reservations system at 1-800-AIR-TRAN. For reservations in Spanish, call 1-877-581-9842.
Examples of these one-way, low fares* include (see Fare Rules below):
- $69 one-way between Akron-Canton and New York LaGuardia
- $69 one-way between Atlanta and Sarasota
- $95 one-way between Chicago Midway and Pittsburgh
- $106 one-way between Baltimore/Washington and Ft. Lauderdale/Hollywood
Fare Rules
One-way fares can be purchased today through March 29, 2012, 11:59 pm PDT, with a 10-day advance purchase required. Travel must take place between April 3, and June 27, 2012. Travel to/from Florida not available for travel April 3 through April 16, 2012. Travel valid only on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Displayed prices are inclusive of all government taxes and fees. All fares are non-refundable and a $75 fee per person applies to any change made after purchase, plus any applicable increase in airfare. Travel to/from San Juan, Puerto Rico and international destinations are excluded from this offer. Seats are limited. Fares may vary by destinations, flight, and day of week and won't be available on some flights that operate during very busy travel times and holiday periods. A first bag may be checked for a fee of $20 each way and a second bag may be checked for a fee of $25 each way. Reservations may be made via AirTran Airways Telephone Reservations Center for a fee of $15. Reservations may also be changed via AirTran Airways Telephone Reservations Center for a $15 fee plus any applicable change fees and fare differences. Fares may be combined with other combinable fares. When combining fares, all rules and restrictions apply. Fares are nonrefundable but may be applied toward the purchase of future travel on AirTran Airways after applicable change fees and fare differences. Fares are not available through the Group Desk. Any change in the itinerary may result in an increase in fare. Fares are valid on published, scheduled service only. Travel to and from Knoxville, TN not available after May 31, 2012. Travel to and from Bloomington/Normal, IL, Charleston, WV, Washington, D.C. (Dulles), and Miami, FL not available after June 2, 2012.
* Government-imposed taxes and fees are now included in the advertised fare. To comply with new government regulations, all airlines must include government-imposed taxes and fees in advertised air fares.
www.airtran.com
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Aviation Week Names Pogue Award Winner
Aviation Week, in partnership with the International Aviation Club of Washington, announced today that John Byerly, former Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for the U.S., is the 2012 recipient of the L. Welch Pogue Award. This prestigious annual award, named in honor of one of the founding fathers of international civil aviation, recognizes lifetime achievement in aviation. Byerly will be recognized at an awards gala dinner on April 25 in Washington, D.C.
"John Byerly has been the driving force behind many of the important aviation, aerospace and defense decisions made by the U.S. over the past three decades," said Greg Hamilton, president, Aviation Week. "With an illustrious career and inscrutable focus on providing market opportunities, John has left an incredible legacy. We are pleased to be able to honor him with the Pogue Award for his lifetime of achievement."
John Byerly served from 2001 to 2010 as the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State responsible for market-opening aviation agreements with over 70 countries, personally leading U.S. delegations that secured Open Skies with Germany, France, and Japan as well as the historic Open Skies Plus accord with the European Union. Byerly helped implement the U.S. response to the September 11 terrorist attacks, was instrumental in securing U.S. ratification of the 1999 Montreal Convention on airline accident liability, and participated actively in the economic, legal, and environmental work of the International Civil Aviation Organization. In a government career spanning 31 years, Byerly served as Legal Adviser to the U.S. Mission in divided Berlin, as Principal Deputy General Counsel at the Central Intelligence Agency, as General Counsel to the Sinai peacekeeping force, and as the primary legal adviser in U.S. efforts to end conflicts in Angola, Namibia, Mozambique, Ethiopia/Eritrea, and Rwanda.
"John Byerly led the U.S. through some of its most tremendous international aviation milestones and represented his true aptitude of negotiation with determination and diplomacy," said Natalie Hartman, president of the International Aviation Club of Washington and a U.S. executive for Deutsche Lufthansa Aviation Group. "On behalf of the Board of Governors of the International Aviation Club, we applaud his extraordinary service and leadership to our industry and proudly recognize him with the Pogue Award."
Pogue was an author, lecturer, aviation statesman and attorney for several major airlines and industry groups. He also chaired the fledgling U.S. Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) in 1942-1946, representing the U.S. at the historic 1944 Chicago International Civil Aviation Conference, where 55 nations determined the framework of rules and treaties that have governed international civil aviation since the end of World War II.
The Pogue Award, first presented in 1994 to Pogue, is bestowed each year to an individual who is considered a visionary and a preeminent leader of contemporary aviation. Other Pogue winners include Giovanni Bisignani, CEO of IATA; Henri Wassenbergh, aviation scholar; Adm. Donald Engen, former director, National Air & Space Museum; Alfred Kahn, former CAB chairman; John Robson, former CAB chairman; Norman Mineta, Secretary of Transportation; Robert Francis II, former vice chairman, National Transportation Safety Board; John Kern, former VP Regulatory Compliance and Chief Safety Officer, Northwest Airlines; Delford Smith, founder and chairman, Evergreen International Aviation; Jurgen Weber, chairman & CEO, Deutsche Lufthansa AG; Robert Crandall, former chairman & CEO, American Airlines; Herb Kellerher, former chairman & CEO, Southwest Airlines; Jeffrey Shane, Under Secretary of Transportation Policy, U.S. Department of Transportation; Brian O'Keeffe, father of the Future Air Navigation System; and Helen Muir, director, Cranfield Institute for Safety, Risk and Reliability.
For more information on the Pogue Award gala on April 25 in Washington, D.C., visit http://www.iacwashington.org/Events.aspx?eventId=461873.
"John Byerly has been the driving force behind many of the important aviation, aerospace and defense decisions made by the U.S. over the past three decades," said Greg Hamilton, president, Aviation Week. "With an illustrious career and inscrutable focus on providing market opportunities, John has left an incredible legacy. We are pleased to be able to honor him with the Pogue Award for his lifetime of achievement."
John Byerly served from 2001 to 2010 as the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State responsible for market-opening aviation agreements with over 70 countries, personally leading U.S. delegations that secured Open Skies with Germany, France, and Japan as well as the historic Open Skies Plus accord with the European Union. Byerly helped implement the U.S. response to the September 11 terrorist attacks, was instrumental in securing U.S. ratification of the 1999 Montreal Convention on airline accident liability, and participated actively in the economic, legal, and environmental work of the International Civil Aviation Organization. In a government career spanning 31 years, Byerly served as Legal Adviser to the U.S. Mission in divided Berlin, as Principal Deputy General Counsel at the Central Intelligence Agency, as General Counsel to the Sinai peacekeeping force, and as the primary legal adviser in U.S. efforts to end conflicts in Angola, Namibia, Mozambique, Ethiopia/Eritrea, and Rwanda.
"John Byerly led the U.S. through some of its most tremendous international aviation milestones and represented his true aptitude of negotiation with determination and diplomacy," said Natalie Hartman, president of the International Aviation Club of Washington and a U.S. executive for Deutsche Lufthansa Aviation Group. "On behalf of the Board of Governors of the International Aviation Club, we applaud his extraordinary service and leadership to our industry and proudly recognize him with the Pogue Award."
Pogue was an author, lecturer, aviation statesman and attorney for several major airlines and industry groups. He also chaired the fledgling U.S. Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) in 1942-1946, representing the U.S. at the historic 1944 Chicago International Civil Aviation Conference, where 55 nations determined the framework of rules and treaties that have governed international civil aviation since the end of World War II.
The Pogue Award, first presented in 1994 to Pogue, is bestowed each year to an individual who is considered a visionary and a preeminent leader of contemporary aviation. Other Pogue winners include Giovanni Bisignani, CEO of IATA; Henri Wassenbergh, aviation scholar; Adm. Donald Engen, former director, National Air & Space Museum; Alfred Kahn, former CAB chairman; John Robson, former CAB chairman; Norman Mineta, Secretary of Transportation; Robert Francis II, former vice chairman, National Transportation Safety Board; John Kern, former VP Regulatory Compliance and Chief Safety Officer, Northwest Airlines; Delford Smith, founder and chairman, Evergreen International Aviation; Jurgen Weber, chairman & CEO, Deutsche Lufthansa AG; Robert Crandall, former chairman & CEO, American Airlines; Herb Kellerher, former chairman & CEO, Southwest Airlines; Jeffrey Shane, Under Secretary of Transportation Policy, U.S. Department of Transportation; Brian O'Keeffe, father of the Future Air Navigation System; and Helen Muir, director, Cranfield Institute for Safety, Risk and Reliability.
For more information on the Pogue Award gala on April 25 in Washington, D.C., visit http://www.iacwashington.org/Events.aspx?eventId=461873.
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Virgin Atlantic Sale from Vancouver to London in 2012
Virgin Atlantic, the award-winning international airline, is today offering hot new sale fares from Vancouver to London, with Economy rates from $424* CAD and Premium Economy rates from $674* CAD bookable now through March 20.
Virgin Atlantic announced its newest route from Vancouver to London last year and will begin flying on May 24. Passengers can expect a great experience in whichever class they choose to fly, with recent upgrades in the food service onboard and hours of free entertainment.
In Economy passengers are treated to comfortable seats and a new meal service that features a welcome cocktail, a three-course meal and all drinks as part of the ticket price.
Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy features a separate cabin, wider seats and more legroom than many business class offerings. Passengers are treated to dedicated airport check-in and priority boarding. Meals are served on china dinnerware with stainless steel cutlery, with a choice of delicious wines and an after dinner liqueur if so desired.
Virgin Atlantic's Upper Class suite features seats that are some of the biggest in the business, which convert to a fully flat bed with the touch of a button. Upper Class passengers get a complimentary limo to the airport and home again, and can expect a newly refined meal service that launched earlier this month. A British tradition has even found its way onboard – afternoon tea!
Please visit http://www.virgin-atlantic.com/us/en/ideas-lowestfares/lowest-fares/vancouver-offers.html for further information on these sale fares.
* Rates are each way based on round trip. Taxes, fees, restrictions apply.
Virgin Atlantic announced its newest route from Vancouver to London last year and will begin flying on May 24. Passengers can expect a great experience in whichever class they choose to fly, with recent upgrades in the food service onboard and hours of free entertainment.
In Economy passengers are treated to comfortable seats and a new meal service that features a welcome cocktail, a three-course meal and all drinks as part of the ticket price.
Virgin Atlantic Premium Economy features a separate cabin, wider seats and more legroom than many business class offerings. Passengers are treated to dedicated airport check-in and priority boarding. Meals are served on china dinnerware with stainless steel cutlery, with a choice of delicious wines and an after dinner liqueur if so desired.
Virgin Atlantic's Upper Class suite features seats that are some of the biggest in the business, which convert to a fully flat bed with the touch of a button. Upper Class passengers get a complimentary limo to the airport and home again, and can expect a newly refined meal service that launched earlier this month. A British tradition has even found its way onboard – afternoon tea!
Please visit http://www.virgin-atlantic.com/us/en/ideas-lowestfares/lowest-fares/vancouver-offers.html for further information on these sale fares.
* Rates are each way based on round trip. Taxes, fees, restrictions apply.
Monday, March 12, 2012
Capital One Issues Bold "Double Miles Challenge"
Capital One Financial Corporation (NYSE: COF) recently announced a bold new offer, launching the Venture "Double Miles Challenge" (www.capitaloneventure.com) which gives consumers who open a Capital One Venture Card the opportunity to earn double miles, up to 100,000, for every dollar they spent on a major travel rewards credit card in 2011. The limited time offer expires when Capital One reaches the one billion mile mark or May 1st, whichever comes first. The Double Miles Challenge follows last year's wildly successful Match My Miles campaign, which gave consumers the chance to match up to 100,000 miles they had in an airline credit card rewards program. The company gave out more than a billion miles to new Venture customers during this challenge.
The Venture Double Miles Challenge has received rave reviews from media and travel industry experts. Ivan Daniel of DailyMarkets.com said, "This 100,000 miles giveaway is the biggest credit card signing bonus so far this year, so it is definitely a deal you don't want to miss." Tim Winship of FrequentFlier.com adds, "If you charged a lot last year, and you're in the market for a wallet-worthy Visa travel-rewards card, this offer is a winner. A 100,000-mile bonus is worth $1,000 toward travel expenses, with no blackout dates or capacity controls."
To receive the bonus double miles, consumers must be approved for a Venture card, then register for the challenge and provide a 2011 year-end summary for their current travel rewards credit card. New cardholders are eligible for the bonus miles when they spend $1,000 on their Venture Card within 90 days of approval. This promotion is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
The Venture card has been lauded as a top travel rewards card by publications like MONEY® Magazine, BusinessInsider, NerdWallet and Cardratings.com. Features of the card include:
The Venture Double Miles Challenge has received rave reviews from media and travel industry experts. Ivan Daniel of DailyMarkets.com said, "This 100,000 miles giveaway is the biggest credit card signing bonus so far this year, so it is definitely a deal you don't want to miss." Tim Winship of FrequentFlier.com adds, "If you charged a lot last year, and you're in the market for a wallet-worthy Visa travel-rewards card, this offer is a winner. A 100,000-mile bonus is worth $1,000 toward travel expenses, with no blackout dates or capacity controls."
To receive the bonus double miles, consumers must be approved for a Venture card, then register for the challenge and provide a 2011 year-end summary for their current travel rewards credit card. New cardholders are eligible for the bonus miles when they spend $1,000 on their Venture Card within 90 days of approval. This promotion is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
The Venture card has been lauded as a top travel rewards card by publications like MONEY® Magazine, BusinessInsider, NerdWallet and Cardratings.com. Features of the card include:
- Earn double miles on every purchase, every day
- The flexibility to fly free on any airline, anytime, with no blackout dates or restrictions
- The ability to redeem miles for any travel purchase -- airline, hotel, rental car and more – before, during or after travel
- No foreign transaction fees - others charge up to 3% or more when the cardholders use their card to make purchases outside the United States
- No limitations on how many miles can be accumulated and no miles expirations
- Easy redemption as cardholders can simply make their travel purchase (by whatever means they prefer) using their Venture card, then call Capital One or go online to reimburse the charge with their miles. The cost of the transaction is refunded on the next statement
- Exclusive award-winning customer service
- Access to exclusive benefits, including preferred access to popular entertainment, sporting and dining events and special offers from leading hotels and retailers
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Travel Statement from the Cancun Convention and Visitors Bureau
The Cancun Convention and Visitors Bureau strongly disagrees with the statement issued today by the Texas Department of Public Safety advising against spring break travel to Mexico. The Department's advisory generalizes safety in the entire country and provides contradicting information to the latest Federal Travel Warning, which states there is no advisory in effect for Cancun. As it stands, the Texas DPS alert may cause unnecessary fear to the more than 20,000 tourists that are scheduled to visit Cancun this Spring Break season.
Cancun prides itself for being a safe place to travel, and the #1 international tourist destination for Americans in 2011 as stated by Orbitz. According to a recent statement by the Hon. Roberto Borge, Governor of the State of Quintana Roo, Cancun and the entire state remain one of the safest zones in all of Mexico, and no North American traveler has been affected in the entire Yucatan Peninsula by issues plaguing other parts of the country.
In fact, Cancun is located more than 1,300 miles away from affected areas mentioned in the Federal Travel Warning and at a similar distance to those regions than that between Miami and New York City.
The safety of our visitors is the biggest priority for the Cancun CVB and State authorities. In anticipation of heavy travel periods like Spring Break, precautionary measures are expanded and security is increased along Cancun's public beaches. The following are preventative actions the destination takes to provide spring breakers added safety and security during their stay:
- Increased number of security rounds along the beaches
- Increased number of lifeguards stationed on public beaches
- Local authorities and Cancun International Airport distribute extensive information, including safety tips, as well as rules and regulations for appropriate behavior on Cancun's public beaches and entertainment areas
- Emergency units patrol the hotel zone and public beaches on a nightly basis to provide rapid emergency care and first aid should emergency situations arise
- In conjunction with the Aquatic Rescue of the Mexican Red Cross and the Mexican Association of Lifeguards, an aid and security watch station will be located directly on the public beaches
Cancun also encourages all visitors to abide by all local, state and federal laws when visiting Mexico, and any other foreign country, to ensure a safe and memorable vacation.
Cancun also continues enforcing safety measures such as the toll-free 911 emergency service hotline that operates 24 hours a day with bilingual operators, as well as the C4 Center, a special unit that coordinates police efforts in order to provide immediate response during emergency situations using a system of strategically-located cameras.
Choice Hotels Offers Free Night After Just Two Separate Stays
When consumers stay two separate times at any Choice Hotels property this spring, they'll earn a free night at more than 1,500 hotels.*
Travelers who book their stays at ChoiceHotels.com or 800.4CHOICE with arrival between March 8 and May 8, 2012 will earn enough Choice Privileges rewards points to redeem for a free night at more than 1,500 Choice Hotels locations. The Stay Two Separate Times, Earn One Night Free promotion is available for consumers traveling to participating Choice Hotels brand properties throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, Mexico, Central America, Australia, and the Caribbean. U.S. and Canada residents must register at ChoiceHotels.com before arrival of their stay to be able to earn unlimited free nights during the promotion.
Consumers who are not yet members of Choice Privileges can simply text "JOINCP" to "70000" to start earning rewards**, visit ChoiceHotels.com to join or enroll in the program at a hotel when checking-in for their stay. Elite Diamond and Elite Platinum members can book their stays through any channel and still be eligible to earn a free night during this promotion.
Choice Privileges is the rewards program from Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH) where membership is free and offers points good towards free nights, airline miles, gift certificates and more while staying at more than 6,000 Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Quality, Sleep Inn, Clarion, Cambria Suites, MainStay Suites, Suburban Extended Stay Hotel, Econo Lodge and Rodeway Inn brand hotels as well as Ascend Collection member hotels. For more information, visit ChoicePrivileges.com.
* Free night is based on an 8,000 point Choice Privileges reward night level. Member must register at ChoiceHotels.com before arrival and book their stays at ChoiceHotels.com or 800.4CHOICE at qualifying rates. Choice Privileges member number must be provided upon check-in. After a second qualifying stay with arrival between 3/8/12 and 5/8/12, you will be awarded enough bonus points to reach the 8,000 point reward night level. For Comfort Inn®, Comfort Suites®, Quality®, Sleep Inn®, Clarion®, Cambria Suites® or Ascend Collection® hotels, a stay is defined as any number of consecutive nights at one hotel regardless of check-ins or check-outs. For Econo Lodge®, Rodeway Inn®, Suburban Extended Stay Hotel®, or MainStay Suites® hotels, a stay is defined as two (2) or more consecutive nights at one hotel regardless of check-ins or check-outs. Allow 72 hours from check-out for points to post. A free night at most Choice Privileges locations requires more than 8,000 points. You must maintain an address in the U.S. (including U.S. territories) and Canada to be eligible for this promotion. For Choice Privileges program details, eligible rates, eligible countries and point redemption rules, visit choiceprivileges . com.
** Standard text messaging and data rates apply. By texting you are agreeing to receive future Choice Hotels news and offers, unless you text STOP to 70000. Text keyword JOINCP to the short code 70000 and you will receive a return text message from Choice Hotels International containing a website address. You must enroll in Choice Privileges by completing the online enrollment form located on the website provided in the return text, including a valid email address.
Travelers who book their stays at ChoiceHotels.com or 800.4CHOICE with arrival between March 8 and May 8, 2012 will earn enough Choice Privileges rewards points to redeem for a free night at more than 1,500 Choice Hotels locations. The Stay Two Separate Times, Earn One Night Free promotion is available for consumers traveling to participating Choice Hotels brand properties throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, Mexico, Central America, Australia, and the Caribbean. U.S. and Canada residents must register at ChoiceHotels.com before arrival of their stay to be able to earn unlimited free nights during the promotion.
Consumers who are not yet members of Choice Privileges can simply text "JOINCP" to "70000" to start earning rewards**, visit ChoiceHotels.com to join or enroll in the program at a hotel when checking-in for their stay. Elite Diamond and Elite Platinum members can book their stays through any channel and still be eligible to earn a free night during this promotion.
Choice Privileges is the rewards program from Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH) where membership is free and offers points good towards free nights, airline miles, gift certificates and more while staying at more than 6,000 Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Quality, Sleep Inn, Clarion, Cambria Suites, MainStay Suites, Suburban Extended Stay Hotel, Econo Lodge and Rodeway Inn brand hotels as well as Ascend Collection member hotels. For more information, visit ChoicePrivileges.com.
* Free night is based on an 8,000 point Choice Privileges reward night level. Member must register at ChoiceHotels.com before arrival and book their stays at ChoiceHotels.com or 800.4CHOICE at qualifying rates. Choice Privileges member number must be provided upon check-in. After a second qualifying stay with arrival between 3/8/12 and 5/8/12, you will be awarded enough bonus points to reach the 8,000 point reward night level. For Comfort Inn®, Comfort Suites®, Quality®, Sleep Inn®, Clarion®, Cambria Suites® or Ascend Collection® hotels, a stay is defined as any number of consecutive nights at one hotel regardless of check-ins or check-outs. For Econo Lodge®, Rodeway Inn®, Suburban Extended Stay Hotel®, or MainStay Suites® hotels, a stay is defined as two (2) or more consecutive nights at one hotel regardless of check-ins or check-outs. Allow 72 hours from check-out for points to post. A free night at most Choice Privileges locations requires more than 8,000 points. You must maintain an address in the U.S. (including U.S. territories) and Canada to be eligible for this promotion. For Choice Privileges program details, eligible rates, eligible countries and point redemption rules, visit choiceprivileges . com.
** Standard text messaging and data rates apply. By texting you are agreeing to receive future Choice Hotels news and offers, unless you text STOP to 70000. Text keyword JOINCP to the short code 70000 and you will receive a return text message from Choice Hotels International containing a website address. You must enroll in Choice Privileges by completing the online enrollment form located on the website provided in the return text, including a valid email address.
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