News
Canadian Connection
Montréal Confirmed As Number One Host City In North America For International Events In what is a huge triumph for the city, Montréal has been named the top host city in North America for international associative events, according to the 2009 ICCA International Congress and Convention Association official rankings. This comes only a few days after the Palais des congrès de Montréal announced
'Bring Your Boots' To Alberta Travel Alberta has launched a new marketing campaign aimed at long-haul travelers in key North American markets, inviting them to bring their boots and experience everything Alberta has to offer. "Bring Your Boots" taps directly into what travelers love most about a vacation in Alberta – the chance to get out and do different things.
It's Merely A Question Of Choice At Pan Pacific Whistler For those destined to visit Whistler, British Columbia, Pan Pacific Whistler offers something for everyone. And, for those who aren’t quite sure how to spend their Summer vacation, perhaps Pan Pacific’s choices will entice some interest…read on
Current Events
The RLJ Companies Announces The Forming Of A Strategic Alliance With U.S. And Haiti To Participate In Economic Growth Announcement Came After Meeting with President Preval Who Conveyed His Support of the Group's Effort to Stimulate Construction of Housing and Critical Infrastructure Throughout Country
IAAPA Chooses Orlando As Host City For The Next 10 Years Show Anchors Nearly $ 1.1 Billion in Future Orlando Meetings and Conventions Business Confirmed This Year The Orlando/Orange County Convention & Visitors Bureau, Inc. (Orlando/Orange County CVB) and the Orange County Convention Center
Cincinati CVB Honored At The Civil Rights Game The Cincinnati USA Convention & Visitors Bureau was recognized for its contributions to Major League Baseball's second annual Civil Rights Game at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati. Jason Dunn
Facilities Update
San Diego Convention Center Honored for Environmental Efforts San Diego Convention Center Honored for Environmental Efforts Commitment to ‘reduce, reuse and recycle’ earns Convention Center second consecutive WRAP Award Since opening 20 years ago, the San Diego Convention Center (SDCC) has been a green industry leader and continues to receive accolades for environmental stewardship including a recent 2009 Waste Reduction Awards Program (WRAP) honor.
Virginia Beach Convention Center is Nation’s First Convention Center to Achieve LEED® Gold Certification for Existing Buildings Virginia Beach Convention Center is Nation’s First Convention Center to Achieve LEED® Gold Certification for Existing Buildings Building is Virginia’s largest to accomplish this designation The Virginia Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) announces that the Virginia Beach Convention Center is the first convention center in the country to achieve LEED® Gold certification for Existing Buildings.
Greening of Hospitality Industry
San Diego Convention Center Receives 2010 Recycler Of The year Award From The City Of San Diego The San Diego Convention Center Corporation (SDCCC) was selected by the City of San Diego to receive a 2010 Recycler of the Year Award.
Hilton Americas-Houston Goes Greener With Aquarecycle Laundrey Water Rcycling System In an effort to even further reduce their carbon footprint, Hilton Americas-Houston, the city’s largest hotel and first Green Seal certified hotel in Texas, is now even greener with the installation of the AquaRecycle water recycling system in the hotel’s laundry.
Starwood & Sustainability In Boston Area Hotels Offer Green Savings as Part of an Overall Sustainable Meetings Practice Program In line with Starwood’s recently unveiled sustainable meetings practice program, incorporating the best practices of sustainability into the meetings experience, Starwood has created a dedicated Global Citizenship team
Industry Briefs
Ron Brown Business and Economic Summit's 15th Year Anniversary Celebrates Entrpreneurship in a a Down Economy As California continues to limp through the worst economic condition since the Great Depression, the California Black Chamber of Commerce Foundation provides business opportunities and advocacy for African American community growth and sustainability.
Georgia International Convention Center Joins the Mobile Revolution The Georgia International Convention Center (GICC) is proud to announce the launch of its new iPhone application – myGICC. The advent of this new app positions the GICC as one of the first convention centers in the U.S. with this technology, and provides clients and patrons a revolutionary new way to experience the facility and to network.
Obama Administration Takes Significant Step Toward Launching America's First-Ever Travel Promotion Program Travel Industry Applauds Rapid Progress, Commitment to Building Successful, Sustainable Program
Meeting Planner Packages
The Renaissance Resort At World Golf Village Offering A "Recession-Proof Meeting Package" The Renaissance Resort at World Golf Village in Northeast Florida is offering a “Recession-Proof Meeting Package” which provides very appealing incentives for new group bookings.
Doubletree Chicago Magnificen Mile Offers Incentives That Increase With Group Size For New Bookings Through 2010 New groups including 50 paid rooms per night or more are now eligible for valuable incentives when they select the Doubletree Chicago Magnificent Mile.
Meet Me In Acapulco Offering State-Of-The-Art Meeting Facilities & World Class Service Acapulco continues to distinguish itself from other popular tourist destinations in Mexico by offering rich, cultural experiences beyond its sun-drenched beaches and celebrated nightlife.
Flow Charts And EBB Tides Collide At Kimpton's Vero Beach Hotel & Spa Introducing Complimentary Perks that take Group Meetings “Beyond the Boardroom” to Discover Vero Turtle watching, building pirate ships and cooking up a fresh local catch are not your average fare for a company meeting.
Cruise News
Royal Caribbean Expands Allure Of The Seas' Inaugural Season With Special Four-Night Sailing Vacationers can experience the world’s newest, largest and most innovative cruise ship even earlier aboard Allure of the Seas, featuring the widest array of onboard amenities only found on an Oasis-class ship.
Carnival Glory Returns To Service Following Extensive Multi-Million-Dollar Refurbishment New Features Include Adults-Only Retreat, Seaside Theatre LED Screen, 18 New Balconies The 2,974-passenger Carnival Glory has resumed Caribbean service from Miami following a multi-million-dollar renovation that added a host of new facilities and features, including a Serenity adults-only retreat, a 270-sq. ft. Seaside Theatre
Experience The Wilds of Alaska Experience the wilds of Alaska…whales, fjords, bears, eagles, glaciers, etc…up close and personal in a lovingly restored and iconic private yacht from yesteryear. This is no mega cruise ship experience with distant views of whales on the horizon and cafeteria-style buffets.
'Uniquely Unordinary' Dining Venue Debuts on Celebrity Eclipse The world’s top-rated restaurants are often showplaces for art and design, and since April 26, in-the-know food followers are able to experience a new venue whose cuisine is an engaging combination of both.
Viking River Cruises Releases 2011 River Cruise Atlas™ New & Refurbished Ships, New Itineraries, New Land Extensions Early Booking Discount-Expires May 28, 2010. Viking River Cruises, the world's leading river cruise line, has announced the availability of its *2011 River Cruise Atlas*, featuring one new vessel, several ship refurbishments, two new itineraries and a value-packed Early Booking Discount.
Discount Travel Packages
Summer Family Fun At Casa De Campo Casa de Campo in the Dominican Republic has launched its unique Summer Family Values program along with a Sports Sampler for families to learn & play together. “During the school year everyone is busy and there is not much time for families to create fond ‘together’ memories,” said Dr. Claudio Silvestri
Fiesta Americana Condesa Cancun Ties The Knot With Premier Wedding Packages And Luxury Accomodations The style, service and world-class amenities of the Fiesta Americana brand have earned the Fiesta Americana Condesa Cancun recognition as a premier resort for business or pleasure. But four, recently added, all-encompassing wedding packages offer yet another level of distinction
The Ritz_Carlton, Pentagon City Celebrates Two Decades Of Service With A Spectacular 20th Anniversary Package The Package Includes the Chance to Win a Vacation at The Ritz-Carlton, Sanya The Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City is celebrating a very special anniversary with a very special package: a weekend stay at Arlington’s only Mobil Four Star hotel, complete with a gourmet dinner and the chance to win the vacation of a lifetime at The Ritz-Carlton, Sanya
Air Jamaiica - Still The Best Deal In Town Two Free Bags and Great Incentives to Travel Air Jamaica recently announced several incentives to reinforce its position as the best choice for travel between Jamaica and the U.S Effective June 1, 2010, passengers traveling on Air Jamaica will benefit from the following:
Drive Destinations
Rocky Mountain National Park: An Unforgettable Summer Daytrip One of the Top Outdoor and Adventure Destinations in the World ─ Just 1.5 Hours from Denver In 1909, naturalist Enos Mills wrote about the area that is now Rocky Mountain National Park, “In years to come when I am asleep beneath the pines, thousands of families will find rest and hope in this park.”
Refuge Drives Stir The Senses What’s the wildest thing you’ve done lately? Try topping it this summer, or any season, with a scenic drive in a National Wildlife Refuge. Many National Wildlife Refuges offer interpretative car routes that cross breathtaking landscapes and provide close-up views of wildlife.
California Business/Meeting/Conference Space Close By Paso Robles is the ideal meeting or business destination for any organization seeking a conference or special event site that delivers close-by convenience, affordability with world-class amenities, attractions and natural beauty.
Motorcycle Road Maps Take Riders On Roads Less Traveled Almost 121,200 motorcycles were registered in North Carolina in 2008 according to the Federal Highway Administration. The number has increased 27.2% from just five years ago. Ask Vass resident Dennis Munden about the increase and he will tell you
Great Outdoors
High School Student And Faculty Member Reach Mount Everest Base Camp As Part Of Three-Week Cultural Adventure HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT AND FACULTY MEMBER REACH MOUNT EVEREST BASE CAMP AS PART OF THREE-WEEK CULTURAL ADVENTURE LaQuishia Stone, a 17-year-old junior from Winston-Salem’s Carver High School and school guidance counselor Theresa Hamer, arrived at Mount Everest base camp recently after a challenging 10-day trek through the Khumbu Valley of Nepal and 9,000 ft. of elevation gain.
New Life Hiking Spa Opens For The 33rd Season New Life Hiking Spa in Killington, Vermont opened recently for its 33rd Season. Known as one of the country’s top weight loss and hiking spas, New Life was started in 1978 by Jimmy LeSage.
Biking Through Boulder Package BIKING THROUGH BOULDER PACKAGE Boulder, Colorado is world-renowned as the home for many of America’s top bike rides, thanks to incredible scenery and great proximity to amazing biking terrain.
Great Vacation Destinations
Top Picks In Paradise Hawaii Vacations The time has come to plan a family vacation or a much needed destination business conference. Why not take that trip to Hawai‘i you’ve always been dreaming about? There’s never been a better, more affordable time to say “aloha” to Paradise!
Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa Ranked As One Of The World's Best Hotels On Expedia® Insiders' Select™ List Expedia® travelers have ranked Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa among the world’s best hotels on this year’s Expedia Insiders’ Select™ list. The list formally recognizes individual hotels worldwide that consistently deliver excellent service, a great overall experience and a notable value.
Kalahari Resort's New Safari Outdoor Adventure Park Adds To High-Octane Offerings For Leisure And Group Travelers $77 Million Invested in Expansions Since 2005 Resort Opening Kalahari Resort is taking its unique indoor vacation concept outside with the unveiling of the new African-themed Safari Outdoor Adventure Park featuring a thrilling zip line tour, ropes course, climbing walls and more.
International Travel Hot Spots
Fiji Hot Deals MANA ISLAND RESORT & SPA FIJI INTRODUCES WEDDING SPECIAL FOR COUPLES Couples looking to walk down the aisle in paradise should look no further than Mana Island Resort & Spa Fiji.
St. lucia Wants Families To "Go Bananas" On The Island This Summer New Summer Family Vacation Packages Offer a Whale of a Time with Complimentary Excursions, Mocktails, Room Upgrades and Free Meals and Stays for Kids Don't let the chance slip away! Go Bananas in Saint Lucia! The Saint Lucia Tourist Board, in partnership with many of the island’s family friendly resorts, has launched the “Go Bananas Summer Family Program,”
Carlson Announces Spectacular Radisson Beach Front Resort In Huizhou Radisson Plaza Resort Huizhou, China Set to Open Doors in First Half of 2012 Carlson Hotels, one of the world’s leading hotel companies, announced recently that it has signed a hotel management agreement in one of China’s most sought after holiday resort destinations, Huizhou.
Summer Travel Kicks Into High Gear In The Caribbean As Several Upscale Properties Feature Value-Added Travel Deals Explore Mexico and the Dominican Republic with rates ranging from $75 to $774 Just in time for summer, several of The Caribbean’s leading destinations and resorts invite travelers’ to get away for a little R&R all while taking advantage of significant savings.
Marketing Tips
Announcing New Product From T3 Expo Imagine this: You step into the venue and amidst a sea of cookie cutter booths and exhibits, an eye-catching registration system stands out. Sexy and sleek, you understand what the brand is about at first glance thanks to the attractive graphics.
Top Marketing Experts Reveals Why People Aren't Buying Online Copywriting Veteran Michele PW Shares Secret on Online Sales Strategies Many business owners and entrepreneurs are struggling to get more people online to buy from them. Some blame the economy. Others point to too many choices online. But one copywriting veteran says the problem may lie in the marketing.
3 Absolute Ways To Screw-Up Your Business In this article, we will examine three of the most common and deadly mistakes companies make – mistakes that can be easily rectified. If you recognize any of these mistakes in your business, you can and should take immediate corrective action.
Eight Reasons Why Email Marketing Works For Travel & Hospitality Mention email marketing to folks in the travel and hospitality industry and you may find that many are still unaware of what it is and how it works. Others, however, are rapidly discovering that email marketing is just about one of the most effective means of generating sales.
Reunions
Birmingham Partners With Temptations For Reunion Promotions Reunions and summer travel in Birmingham are always tempting. Now the Greater Birmingham Convention & Visitors Bureau has teamed with the Motown sounds of The Temptations to promote reunions and travel to a nationwide audience.
Need Help Planning Your Next Reunion In Jackson? The Jackson Convention & Visitors Bureau Provides Complete Source for Planning a Reunion Are you in charge of directing the next family reunion or coordinating your 20-year high school celebration in Jackson?
Open House Is Your House Take Over a Historic New Orleans Town House- Turned Hotel The Soniat House for Family Reunions Summer lovin’ will be a blast, with this year’s vacation trend of refreshing relationships with loved ones – both those nearby, and those scattered across the country.
Sports Tourism
Fiji Tennis Pilto Attracts Six Countries For Fiji Invitations With the aim to increase sports tourism to Fiji, Tourism Fiji, together with Air Pacific, Fiji’s International airline, Strategy Generation, and some of Fiji’s leading hotels
Rally Cross America Adds 3 Spectacular Events To The New Jersey Motorsports Park 2010 Schedule European-Style Rally Cross Schedules Three Action Packed Weekends on Lightning Raceway. New Jersey Motorsports Park officials unveiled three Rally America sanctioned European-style rally cross races this year on Lightning Raceway. Rally America, Inc.
Castlemartyr Links Golf Club Blends The Best Of Tradition And Technology For A Uniquely Dynamic Playing Experience The Inland Links-Style Ron Kirby Course is Classically Beautiful and Endlessly Challenging. Set among 220 acres of woodland and lakes, surrounded by icons of County Cork’s rich history, Castlemartyr Resort
Workout Like A Celebrity The Kahala Hotel & Resort Perfect For Fitness Buffs In a place like CHI Health Energy Fitness Center atThe Kahala Hotel & Resort,
Travel Tips
Eight Things Clients SHould Know About Buying Travel Insurance The US Travel Insurance Association has formulated an 8-point checklist to help agents guide their clients in making informed decisions about travel insurance. “UStiA is issuing the checklist in light of a Florida Department of Financial Services warning to travel agents that any travel insurance sold must be underwritten by an insurance company fully licensed in the state,” says Mike Ambrose, UStiA's immediate past president.
Portable Solar Charges A Bright Idea Green-On-The-Go: Pocket-Sized Gadgets Use Sunlight To Power Devices For those always on-the-go, keeping electronic devices like cell phones, PDAs, iPods, gaming systems, cameras and even laptops charged can be a challenge.
How To Stay Healthy While Traveling Some of us are required to travel frequently for our jobs, while others just love the adventure of taking regular trips. Unfortunately, sometimes our health doesn't cooperate and we become ill, making it tough to enjoy the trip or vacation. If you take some important precautions before and during your next flight, you'll have a greater chance of
Travel Tips You Can't Ignore Each year, millions of people travel, both domestically and abroad. While you may have given some thought to what you should and shouldn’t do on that trip, there are certain travel tips that you simply can’t ignore. They are ones that can help ensure that you have a safe trip.
Weekend Getaways
California's Inn Marin All Packaged Up…In order to accommodate guests of all persuasions, Inn Marin offers a selection of special room packages that cater to families, wine enthusiasts,
Hotel Monaco Denver Introduces "Sunday Sleep-In" An alarming 70 percent of Americans report that they are not getting the recommended amount of sleep needed each night to perform at their best each day*.
Girlfriend Getaways On The Rise The “independent woman,” as popularized in music, TV, and other aspects of pop culture, is doing more than paying her own bills, driving her own car, and buying her own jewelry without a man’s help.
What's Happening
African-American Military History Musuem Prepares To Celebrate First Anniversary The mission of the USO in Hattiesburg, Mississippi has changed throughout the decades. First, it served as a USO for African-American soldiers during World War II, then as a community center during the Civil Rights Movement. Last May, the USO entered its final tour of duty as the African American Military History Museum .
Charleston Art Tours Takes Guests Inside The Charleston Art Gallery Scene Representatives from Charleston Art Tours announced recently that the company has begun to book art tours for visitors and residents of the Charleston, S.C. area. Charleston Art Tours is a tour company offering something very unlike most tours.
The Bronx Musuem Presents Two Civil Rights Exhibitions The Bronx Museum presents two Civil Rights exhibitions that speak to the history and legacy of the Movement: *Road to Freedom: Photographs of the Civil Rights Movement, 1956–1968 and After 1968: Contemporary Artists and the Civil Rights Legacy,* on view through August 11, 2010
Applause
Darlene C. Davis Darlene C. Davis is a native of Nassau, The Bahamas; she relocated to the United States in the 1980s and subsequently pursued a Bachelors of Science Degree in Hospitality Management at Florida International University. She joined The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism in the early '80s and during her 17 year tenure with them, worked in promotions, sales, public relations, film and television production, media relations and served as the first Film Commissioner for The Bahamas; this involved working abroad in Miami, Florida, Toronto, Vancouver, Los Angeles and The Bahamas.
Area Guides
THE CARIBBEAN: LESSER ANTILLES PART 1 The Caribbean Islands are a region of great beauty and diversity that extends from the coasts of Florida to the mountains of South America. The Lesser Antilles lie in the Southern region of the island chain, beginning just east of Puerto Rico. These islands are far enough away from the U.S to have retained much of their culture and many remain largely unaffected by the Western world at large. Pristine beaches and authentic experiences are common here. Let's take a look at the northern end of the Lesser Antilles.
BALTIMORE: A CHANGING DESTINATION Baltimore is a city in flux with more than $11 billion in new and future developments changing the face of this attractive destination. The city offers more than 7,800 hotel rooms and counting, and there are plenty of delightful world-class attractions, museums, and dining experiences in the heart of the downtown. The city's newest and largest hotel is the Hilton Baltimore, neatly situated in the Inner Harbor. This is the only hotel connected to the Baltimore Convention Center fully enclosed, climate-controlled skybridge. Hilton Baltimore offers 757 spacious well-appointed rooms, including 20 suites. Guests enjoy premier restaurant dining, a fitness center, heated indoor pool, a 24-hour business center, and on-site parking. For your meeting needs the hotel also offers over 60,000 sq. ft. of flexible function space, including 46 meeting rooms, the 25,000-sq. ft. Key Ballroom, the 15,000-sq. ft. Holiday Ballroom, and two meeting planner suites.
MICHIGAN: LAKESIDE MEETINGS For business or pleasure, Michigan has what you are looking for. With thousands of miles of lakeshore beaches, visitors can discover all manner of water fun such as kayaking, canoeing, fishing, and sailing. Michigan's cities offer a variety of cultural experiences from museums and art galleries to historic sites and festivals. Modern meeting facilities and exceptional hotels only add to the allure of this great state.
NEVADA: THE SILVER STATE SHINES Nevada, the Silver State, is one of the largest states in the US, which means you will find plenty to do here. It's one of the only places you can ski world-class runs in the morning, then walk world-class greens in the afternoon. You can bike or hike the Tahoe Rim Trail, navigate a kayak on the Truckee River through downtown Reno, take an ATV up Sand Mountain near Fallon and snowmobile miles of wide-open terrain near Elko. And no one can forget the world-class gaming, dining, and hotels of Vegas!
PORTLAND: LAND OF UNSPOILED ENVIRONMENTALISM The rest of the world could take some cues from the city of Portland. Surrounded by the natural beauty of Mount Hood, the Oregon Coast, the Willamette Valley wine country, and the Columbia River Gorge, the people of Portland are obsessed with maintaining their pristine surroundings. Portlanders recycle 63 percent of their waste and most natives commute to work by bicycle or by public transportation. The city also has the most LEED certified buildings per capita in the country. It's no wonder that in these times of environmental concern that Portland has emerged as an attractive meetings destination.
Arts & Entertainment
Music Month June is Black Music Month. July is a time to celebrate America's independence. Take a little time to soak up some sun, listen to some great music, eat some barbecue, spend time with the family and then check out one or more of the following.
Association News
ATTENDEES CELEBRATE THE CARIBBEAN AND ITS DIASPORA Scholars, professors, administrators, and government officials are just a few of the attendees who will celebrate, learn and discuss all things Caribbean at the 34th annual Caribbean Studies Association Conference, June 1-5, 2009 at the Hilton Kingston, Jamaica. This year's theme is Centering the Caribbean in Caribbean Studies.
Caribbean Corner
SUMMIT OF THE AMERICAS HELD AT HYATT REGENCY TRINIDAD The historic Fifth Summit of the Americas with western hemisphere's leaders took place April 17-20 at the Hyatt Regency Trinidad in Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago's capital city. The stellar group assembled to discuss the theme of "Securing our citizens' future by promoting Human Prosperity, Energy Security and Environmental Sustainability." U.S President Obama, Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez and U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton were among representative from 34 member states of the Organization of American States to attend.
Conference Report
THIRTEENTH ANNUAL BAHAMAS WEATHER CONFERENCE The 2009 13th Annual Bahamas Weather Conference was held April 15-19, at the Sheraton Nassau Beach Resort in Nassau. This signature event, created by the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, has earned a loyal following, an enviable reputation and many awards for its effectiveness as a crisis communications program. The festivities began with a warm Caribbean reception, featuring rhythmic island sounds and exotic dancers dressed in colorful Bahamian costumes. Vincent Vanderpool-Wallace took part in the opening ceremonies and in his address, likened the construction of the annual conference to the building of an ark, as it too shelters and saves lives. This pre-hurricane season event is an important forum for Bahamian and U.S. meteorologists, raising awareness of the particular concerns and geographical features of the Islands of the Bahamas.
Cultural Festivals
Malaysia Festivals Abound Malaysia boasts an exciting year-round calendar of world class and unique local events, ensuring visitors have endless opportunities to enjoy nature-based adventures, enriching cultural experiences or fabulous shopping sprees.
2010 Festivals And Events On Oahu Music, Entertainment, Culture, and Cuisine Enrich Visitor Experience Discover the island’s rich culture and diversity at one of the many festivals and events occurring throughout the year. Oahu’s festivals and events provide visitors and locals an opportunity to embrace the multi-cultural heritage, deep traditions and customs that are special to Oahu.
San Diego Happenings The San Diego County Fair takes place June 11-July 5 at the Del Mar Fairgrounds in San Diego’s North County. This year’s theme, “Taste the Fun,” features foods of all types and highlights locally grown produce, cooking demonstrations, food as entertainment and more.
Year of Alabama Small Towns And Downtowns Celebrations UFO Days, a Chicken and Egg Festival, an Interstate Mullet Toss and a Coon Dog Cemetery Celebration are a few of the offbeat and quirky celebrations to experience during the Year of Alabama Small Towns and Downtowns.
17th Annual Oxnard Salsa Festival Get ready to sizzle at the 17th Annual Oxnard Salsa Festival celebrating salsa food, music and dance on July 24-25, 2010, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., at Plaza Park, Fifth and “B” Streets, in historic downtown Oxnard.
Celebrate Hampton's 400th Anniversary July 4: Fourth at the Fort, Walker Airfield, Ft. Monroe July 9-11: 11th Annual Blackbeard Festival & Hampton’s 400th Anniversary Celebration in Downtown Hampton July 28-August 8: AAU Junior Olympic Games, various sites
FAM Report
TORONTO - A CULTURAL MOSAIC DESTINATION Toronto, Canada, "an international city of warmth, openness, energy and style, is enriched by the fusion of traditions, passions and perspectives on life of more than 100 cultures. It is one of the most popular choices for U.S. sponsored association meetings outside of the U.S. and it has the largest convention-center in Canada ranking it among the top 10 largest contiguous space facilities in North America" (city of Toronto agenda for Prosperity). This city is permeated with so much rich Black heritage, creating an ideal destination for convention and event planners, tour operations and weekend getaway savvy travelers.
From The Motherland
RAW AFRICA AT ITS WILDEST: Lugenda Wilderness Camp Opens for 2009 Season Rani Resorts' seasonal Lugenda Wilderness Camp in Northern Mozambique has opened for 2009. Lugenda Wilderness Camp is set in one of Africa's last wild places, only recently accessible to discerning safari enthusiasts.
Hotel Happenings
HILTON AMERICAS-HOUSTON RANKED NUMBER ONE IN HOUSTON-AREA Hilton Americas-Houston is ranked number one again this year by the *Houston Business Journal*, May 1, 2009, as the largest Houston-area hotel, covering 1.8 million gross sq. ft. With 1,203 guest rooms, including two presidential suites, two chairman suites, and 36 one-bedroom and two-bedroom suites, the 24-story downtown Houston hotel offers direct access to the George R. Brown Convention Center via indoor skywalks on two separate levels.
In The News
HILTON'S JOE BERGER GREETS THE PRESIDENT AND FIRST LADY Hilton Hotels Americas VP Joe Berger and his wife Beth greet President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama at the White House Correspondents' Association dinner held at Hilton Washington in Washington, D.C. on Saturday, May 9, 2009. For more than 30 years, Hilton Washington has hosted the prestigious annual event which draws luminaries from politics, business, media, and Hollywood to raise money for journalism scholarships at educational institutions across the country. Other notables at the hotel attending the dinner included actors Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes, Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher, Colin Firth, Owen Wilson, Kevin Bacon and Natalie Portman; comedians Whoopi Goldberg, Mike Myers, Denis Leary and Chris Rock; television news media Barbara Walters, Brian Williams, George Stephanopoulos and Bill O'Reilly; and politicos RNC Chairman Michael Steele, former Chairman of the Federal Reserve Alan Greenspan, Congressman John Lewis who marched on Washington with Dr. King in 1963, and more.
Local Hero
TIM JAMES: BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS FOR VISIT ROCHESTER, NEW YORK For Tim James it's all about relationships. As director of Sales for VisitRochester, James finds gratification in developing lasting relationships with national SMERF organizations. He believes this is what has sustained Rochester as a meetings destination during these difficult economic times. "I find that relationships are the backbone of the success that Rochester has had over the years," asserts James. As sales manager at VisitRochester, prior to his current ten year stint as director, James, who started with the organization in 1990, honed his skills by getting to know his clients thoroughly to "understand their needs and wants." This practice serves him well to this day.
Newsmakers
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES HONORS KAREN BASS FOR HISTORIC ACHIEVEMENT As Assembly Speaker Karen Bass (D-Los Angeles) marked the one-year anniversary of her historic election as the first African-American woman Speaker of a State Assembly this past May, the U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed House Resolution 49 in honor of Bass's achievement. Bass made the following statement: "It is an honor to have this resolution passed by the House of Representatives and an honor to have it introduced by Congresswoman Diane Watson, someone I greatly admire and respect." H.R. 49 reads as follows... Honoring Karen Bass for becoming the first African-American woman elected Speaker of the California State Assembly.
Open Forum
OPEN FORUM: THE DARKER THE NIGHT, THE BRIGHTER THE LIGHT If I were to leave the planet for two months and return from my outer space experience to catch up on news in the travel and tourism business, I might come to the quick realization that the industry will soon be eliminated and even that the world may shortly come to an end.
Pacesetters
GARVIN GARRISON Disney resort destinations are a dream come true; what better way to mix business and pleasure without leaving the comforts of the 'playground with a twist'. Flexibility with a touch of magic is the Disney difference. They pride themselves in creating an environment to help tap into a world of imagination and inspiration. With two world famous theme parks, three amazing hotels, spectacular dinning, entertainment, Mandara spa and shopping, The Disney Resort offers fun ways to spark excitement inside and outside of the boardroom. No one could agree more, than Garvin Garrison, senior sales manager at Disneyland. "Disney is an icon. No matter where you are in the world, everyone knows who Disney is, people want to come, be it conferences or for family entertainment."
Religious Review
Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life BOOKMARKS According to the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life, 69 percent of people who consider themselves people of faith also believe that there is more than one way to interpret the teachings of their religion. Alan Richards, author of the new novel *The Second Cycle* (Emerald Book Company), believes that this phenomenon is directly related to our continuing search for the true nature of God. "The simple truth is that most people are ignorant and blasé about the thing most important thing in life, that being the true nature of God," Richards said. "The Bible was written by men - holy men - but men, nonetheless, which makes literal, dogmatic interpretation of the Bible unpalatable to many people. It's not just about whether the teachings and dogma appeal to them or have a place in their lives or world view - it's about the difference between walking the walk and talking the talk." The Second Cycle, a fictional account of how a number of people come to terms with their individual search for the true meaning of God, is based on the true journey that lies before all of us.
Site Review
COMBINING BUSINESS AND PLEASURE IN THE PERFECT MEETING GETAWAY There are a great number of things for you and your family to do in Michigan City, nestled on the southern shores of Lake Michigan about an hour east of Chicago. With festivities year round, the city welcomes visitors with hospitality regardless of the season. It's the perfect destination to recharge, renew and refresh. From fantastic food, eclectic shopping and entertainment, to rich historical beauty and culture, it's the ideal departure from the ordinary every day. The eastern edge of the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore features Mount Baldy, a large wandering dune and is one of the tallest sand dunes on Lake Michigan. There are miles of pristine beaches for swimming, boating and enjoying nature. The Michigan City In-water Boat Show, the largest on the Great Lakes is celebrating its 30th year.
Speaking Of People
People The Phoenix Convention Center recently welcomed Cynthia Weaver as its new Communications Director. Weaver is responsible for media relations, internal and external communications, promoting environmental and sustainability programs and Web Content Management. Weaver came to the position from the city of Phoenix Public Information Office where she worked as a Public Information Officer since 2002. Weaver's experience includes managing Public Relations for several city programs and departments including Housing, Environmental Programs & Sustainability, Youth & Education and Phoenix Sister Cities among others. Weaver was the first PIO for Phoenix's Downtown Development Office (DDO) and spearheaded communication efforts for the establishment of that office.
Travel Data
RIU HOTELS & RESORTS RANKS HIGH IN CUSTOMER SATISFACTION Annual Market Metrix Hospitality Index Report Shows Travelers Happy wit Based on 35,000 customer interviews, the 2008 Annual Market Metrix Hospitality Index (MMHI) showed that RIU Hotels & Resorts ranked high with customer satisfaction, making the all-inclusive resort group the overall winner of the 2008 Annual MMHI for Upper Upscale Hotels. "It is quite an honor to be recognized by so many travelers for our customer service," stated Luis Riu, CEO of RIU Hotels & Resorts. "It truly is the people you meet and interact with that make a vacation wonderful. And we are so proud that our employees provide our guests with the vacation experience beyond their expectations." The MMHI revealed that in 2008 customer satisfaction was up for hotels (+0.9) and airlines (+1.5) and that RIU Hotels & Resorts ranked highest in customer satisfaction among Upper Upscale Hotels. The Market Metrix Hospitality Index™ (MMHI) is the largest and most in-depth measure of hospitality company performance available. For more information, visit www.marketmetrix.com. TAMPA BAY & COMPANY UNVEILS 2008 VISITOR
Vendor Spotlight
AUGUSTIN M. M. HOUEGBAN, PRESIDENT/CEO OF WORLD STAR PROTECTIVE SERVICES Augustin Houegban grew up in the Republic of Benin in West Africa. He ventured to the United States in 2002 and has since studied business, finance and organizational security management. After working in the security field for over 10 years, Houegban opened his own security service, World Star Protective Services. World Star Protective Services, based in the Los Angeles area and having started out with five full-time security guards, currently has over 50 full-time security guards in its employ. "I like being the one responsible for protecting people and their property," says Houegban. "Clients come to me with their needs and concerns after having invested a lot of time and money into their properties; it's my job to provide them with the necessary services to make them feel safe and keep them and their belongings protected. World Star Protective Services equips our customers with extra eyes and peace of mind. I enjoy the public relations side of the business the most; I like to know that my clients feel safe and secure when my team is on the premises." Although Houegban is the main one in charge of office planning and operations for World Star, he still enjoys putting on his uniform and presenting to job sites. Once at the location, Houegban finds comfort in being able to assess his team's presence at the site and in enforcing that sense of security and manpower. World Star Protective Services offers armed and unarmed security to commercial and residential buildings, hospitals, universities, financial institutions, malls, car dealerships, construction sites, churches and special events. They also offer bodyguards, corporate escorts and have a security training academy which provides the state required training for their security employees. World Star is California licensed (PPO # 16004), bonded and insured and all guards are put through an extensive background check, fingerprinted, instructed in The Power of Arrest, as well as Public Relations and the Laws & Regulations of a security guard.
In Your Own Words
A Climate Of Change More than 40 years ago, soul singer Sam Cooke recorded “A Change is Gonna Come.” An anthem for the Civil Rights Movement of the sixties, it has gained popularity among a new generation.
African-American Men: Health, Family and Self The Office of Minority Health (OMH), a division of the Department of Health and Human Services, has put men at the heart of National Minority Health Month. At their Fatherhood and Men’s Health Forum on Sunday, April 18 – held at Busboys
Staycations
Summer Of Shangri-La Begins With A Splash! Ste. 700, The Courtyard And Ditch Day Fridays Make Their Debut At Hotel Shangri-La Sweeping Ocean Views, Summery Cocktails, and Courtyard & Rooftop Dining Make Tamie Adaya’s Hotel Shangri-La This Summer’s Nexus of Fun. The Summer of Shangri-La is off to an early start, as the iconic Santa Monica Hotel Shangri-La launches Suite 700, The Courtyard and Ditch Day Fridays.
Cherokee Nation Cultural Tourism Announces New Tours, Dates & Pricing For 2010 Season It’s hard to top the critical acclaim the Cherokee Nation Cultural Tourism program has received in years past, but the goal is to do just that in 2010 with new specialty and event-related tours to compliment the four original, historically authentic cultural tours.
What's New In The Legendary Napa Valley This Year? There’s Always Something Fresh Beckoning Travelers to Return to America’s Great Wine Capital The Napa Valley is legendary as America’s premiere wine country destination. Moreover, the region consistently offers visitors a remarkable array of new and exciting experiences to discover.
Cruising
Allure Of The Seas To Entice Vacationers With Distinct Features And Experiences 3-D Movie Screens, Trendy Retail Stores and New Dining Offerings aboard Royal Caribbean’s Newest ship When she debuts this December 2010, Royal Caribbean International’s Allure of the Seas will bring a refreshing new array of features
Carnival Spirit To Launch Unique Five And Nine-Day Mexican Riviera Cruise Program From San Diego In December Carnival Cruise Lines will introduce a new one-of-a-kind schedule from San Diego encompassing five- and nine-day Mexican Riviera voyages aboard the 2,124-passenger Carnival Spirit beginning Dec. 10, 2010.
Solsticize It! Celebrity Cruises Offers Sneak Peek At New Venues Planned For Celebrity Constellation As Celebrity Cruisescontinues to celebrate the recent naming of *Celebrity Eclipse, the third in the brand’s $3.7-billion series of five sleek Solstice Class ships launching from 2008-2012, it also will begin a significant revitalization of its Millennium Class ships, starting with Celebrity Constellation*.
Discover The Best Of Tahiti And Her Islands Aboard The Luxurious 5-Star+M/S Paul Gauguin Hurry! You Must Book by June 30, 2010. Tahiti & the Society Islands Up to 45% Off \| 2-for-1 Airfare from LA \| Third Guest Sails FREE Book by June 30, 2010 This vacation special includes:

News

Canadian Connection

Montréal Confirmed As Number One Host City In North America For International Events
In what is a huge triumph for the city, Montréal has been named the top host city in North America for international associative events, according to the 2009 ICCA International Congress and Convention Association official rankings. This comes only a few days after the Palais des congrès de Montréal announced

'Bring Your Boots' To Alberta
Travel Alberta has launched a new marketing campaign aimed at long-haul travelers in key North American markets, inviting them to bring their boots and experience everything Alberta has to offer. "Bring Your Boots" taps directly into what travelers love most about a vacation in Alberta – the chance to get out and do different things.

It's Merely A Question Of Choice At Pan Pacific Whistler
For those destined to visit Whistler, British Columbia, Pan Pacific Whistler offers something for everyone. And, for those who aren’t quite sure how to spend their Summer vacation, perhaps Pan Pacific’s choices will entice some interest…read on

Current Events

The RLJ Companies Announces The Forming Of A Strategic Alliance With U.S. And Haiti To Participate In Economic Growth

Announcement Came After Meeting with President Preval Who Conveyed His Support of the Group's Effort to Stimulate Construction of Housing and Critical Infrastructure Throughout Country

IAAPA Chooses Orlando As Host City For The Next 10 Years

Show Anchors Nearly $ 1.1 Billion in Future Orlando Meetings and Conventions Business Confirmed This Year The Orlando/Orange County Convention & Visitors Bureau, Inc. (Orlando/Orange County CVB) and the Orange County Convention Center

Cincinati CVB Honored At The Civil Rights Game
The Cincinnati USA Convention & Visitors Bureau was recognized for its contributions to Major League Baseball's second annual Civil Rights Game at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati. Jason Dunn

Facilities Update

San Diego Convention Center Honored for Environmental Efforts

San Diego Convention Center Honored for Environmental Efforts
Commitment to ‘reduce, reuse and recycle’ earns Convention Center second consecutive WRAP Award

Since opening 20 years ago, the San Diego Convention Center (SDCC) has been a green industry leader and continues to receive accolades for environmental stewardship including a recent 2009 Waste Reduction Awards Program (WRAP) honor.

Virginia Beach Convention Center is Nation’s First Convention Center to Achieve LEED® Gold Certification for Existing Buildings
Virginia Beach Convention Center is Nation’s First Convention Center to Achieve LEED® Gold Certification for Existing Buildings Building is Virginia’s largest to accomplish this designation

The Virginia Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) announces that the Virginia Beach Convention Center is the first convention center in the country to achieve LEED® Gold certification for Existing Buildings.

Greening of Hospitality Industry

San Diego Convention Center Receives 2010 Recycler Of The year Award From The City Of San Diego
The San Diego Convention Center Corporation (SDCCC) was selected by the City of San Diego to receive a 2010 Recycler of the Year Award.

Hilton Americas-Houston Goes Greener With Aquarecycle Laundrey Water Rcycling System
In an effort to even further reduce their carbon footprint, Hilton Americas-Houston, the city’s largest hotel and first Green Seal certified hotel in Texas, is now even greener with the installation of the AquaRecycle water recycling system in the hotel’s laundry.

Starwood & Sustainability In Boston

Area Hotels Offer Green Savings as Part of an Overall Sustainable Meetings Practice Program
In line with Starwood’s recently unveiled sustainable meetings practice program, incorporating the best practices of sustainability into the meetings experience, Starwood has created a dedicated Global Citizenship team

Industry Briefs

Ron Brown Business and Economic Summit's 15th Year Anniversary Celebrates Entrpreneurship in a a Down Economy
As California continues to limp through the worst economic condition since the Great Depression, the California Black Chamber of Commerce Foundation provides business opportunities and advocacy for African American community growth and sustainability.

Georgia International Convention Center Joins the Mobile Revolution
The Georgia International Convention Center (GICC) is proud to announce the launch of its new iPhone application – myGICC. The advent of this new app positions the GICC as one of the first convention centers in the U.S. with this technology, and provides clients and patrons a revolutionary new way to experience the facility and to network.

Obama Administration Takes Significant Step Toward Launching America's First-Ever Travel Promotion Program
Travel Industry Applauds Rapid Progress, Commitment to Building Successful, Sustainable Program

Meeting Planner Packages

The Renaissance Resort At World Golf Village Offering A "Recession-Proof Meeting Package"
The Renaissance Resort at World Golf Village in Northeast Florida is offering a “Recession-Proof Meeting Package” which provides very appealing incentives for new group bookings.

Doubletree Chicago Magnificen Mile Offers Incentives That Increase With Group Size For New Bookings Through 2010
New groups including 50 paid rooms per night or more are now eligible for valuable incentives when they select the Doubletree Chicago Magnificent Mile.

Meet Me In Acapulco

Offering State-Of-The-Art Meeting Facilities & World Class Service Acapulco continues to distinguish itself from other popular tourist destinations in Mexico by offering rich, cultural experiences beyond its sun-drenched beaches and celebrated nightlife.

Flow Charts And EBB Tides Collide At Kimpton's Vero Beach Hotel & Spa

Introducing Complimentary Perks that take Group Meetings “Beyond the Boardroom” to Discover Vero Turtle watching, building pirate ships and cooking up a fresh local catch are not your average fare for a company meeting.

Cruise News

Royal Caribbean Expands Allure Of The Seas' Inaugural Season With Special Four-Night Sailing
Vacationers can experience the world’s newest, largest and most innovative cruise ship even earlier aboard Allure of the Seas, featuring the widest array of onboard amenities only found on an Oasis-class ship.

Carnival Glory Returns To Service Following Extensive Multi-Million-Dollar Refurbishment

New Features Include Adults-Only Retreat, Seaside Theatre LED Screen, 18 New Balconies The 2,974-passenger Carnival Glory has resumed Caribbean service from Miami following a multi-million-dollar renovation that added a host of new facilities and features, including a Serenity adults-only retreat, a 270-sq. ft. Seaside Theatre

Experience The Wilds of Alaska

Experience the wilds of Alaska…whales, fjords, bears, eagles, glaciers, etc…up close and personal in a lovingly restored and iconic private yacht from yesteryear. This is no mega cruise ship experience with distant views of whales on the horizon and cafeteria-style buffets.

'Uniquely Unordinary' Dining Venue Debuts on Celebrity Eclipse
The world’s top-rated restaurants are often showplaces for art and design, and since April 26, in-the-know food followers are able to experience a new venue whose cuisine is an engaging combination of both.

Viking River Cruises Releases 2011 River Cruise Atlas™

New & Refurbished Ships, New Itineraries, New Land Extensions Early Booking Discount-Expires May 28, 2010. Viking River Cruises, the world's leading river cruise line, has announced the availability of its 2011 River Cruise Atlas, featuring one new vessel, several ship refurbishments, two new itineraries and a value-packed Early Booking Discount.

Discount Travel Packages

Summer Family Fun At Casa De Campo
Casa de Campo in the Dominican Republic has launched its unique Summer Family Values program along with a Sports Sampler for families to learn & play together. “During the school year everyone is busy and there is not much time for families to create fond ‘together’ memories,” said Dr. Claudio Silvestri

Fiesta Americana Condesa Cancun Ties The Knot With Premier Wedding Packages And Luxury Accomodations
The style, service and world-class amenities of the Fiesta Americana brand have earned the Fiesta Americana Condesa Cancun recognition as a premier resort for business or pleasure. But four, recently added, all-encompassing wedding packages offer yet another level of distinction

The Ritz_Carlton, Pentagon City Celebrates Two Decades Of Service With A Spectacular 20th Anniversary Package
The Package Includes the Chance to Win a Vacation at The Ritz-Carlton, Sanya
The Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City is celebrating a very special anniversary with a very special package: a weekend stay at Arlington’s only Mobil Four Star hotel, complete with a gourmet dinner and the chance to win the vacation of a lifetime at The Ritz-Carlton, Sanya

Air Jamaiica - Still The Best Deal In Town
Two Free Bags and Great Incentives to Travel
Air Jamaica recently announced several incentives to reinforce its position as the best choice for travel between Jamaica and the U.S Effective June 1, 2010, passengers traveling on Air Jamaica will benefit from the following:

Drive Destinations

Rocky Mountain National Park: An Unforgettable Summer Daytrip
One of the Top Outdoor and Adventure Destinations in the World ─ Just 1.5 Hours from Denver
In 1909, naturalist Enos Mills wrote about the area that is now Rocky Mountain National Park, “In years to come when I am asleep beneath the pines, thousands of families will find rest and hope in this park.”

Refuge Drives Stir The Senses
What’s the wildest thing you’ve done lately? Try topping it this summer, or any season, with a scenic drive in a National Wildlife Refuge. Many National Wildlife Refuges offer interpretative car routes that cross breathtaking landscapes and provide close-up views of wildlife.

California Business/Meeting/Conference Space Close By
Paso Robles is the ideal meeting or business destination for any organization seeking a conference or special event site that delivers close-by convenience, affordability with world-class amenities, attractions and natural beauty.

Motorcycle Road Maps Take Riders On Roads Less Traveled
Almost 121,200 motorcycles were registered in North Carolina in 2008 according to the Federal Highway Administration. The number has increased 27.2% from just five years ago. Ask Vass resident Dennis Munden about the increase and he will tell you

Great Outdoors

High School Student And Faculty Member Reach Mount Everest Base Camp As Part Of Three-Week Cultural Adventure

HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT AND FACULTY MEMBER REACH MOUNT EVEREST BASE CAMP AS PART OF THREE-WEEK CULTURAL ADVENTURE LaQuishia Stone, a 17-year-old junior from Winston-Salem’s Carver High School and school guidance counselor Theresa Hamer, arrived at Mount Everest base camp recently after a challenging 10-day trek through the Khumbu Valley of Nepal and 9,000 ft. of elevation gain.

New Life Hiking Spa Opens For The 33rd Season

New Life Hiking Spa in Killington, Vermont opened recently for its 33rd Season. Known as one of the country’s top weight loss and hiking spas, New Life was started in 1978 by Jimmy LeSage.

Biking Through Boulder Package

BIKING THROUGH BOULDER PACKAGE Boulder, Colorado is world-renowned as the home for many of America’s top bike rides, thanks to incredible scenery and great proximity to amazing biking terrain.

Great Vacation Destinations

Top Picks In Paradise Hawaii Vacations
The time has come to plan a family vacation or a much needed destination business conference. Why not take that trip to Hawai‘i you’ve always been dreaming about? There’s never been a better, more affordable time to say “aloha” to Paradise!

Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa Ranked As One Of The World's Best Hotels On Expedia® Insiders' Select™ List
Expedia® travelers have ranked Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa among the world’s best hotels on this year’s Expedia Insiders’ Select™ list. The list formally recognizes individual hotels worldwide that consistently deliver excellent service, a great overall experience and a notable value.

Kalahari Resort's New Safari Outdoor Adventure Park Adds To High-Octane Offerings For Leisure And Group Travelers

$77 Million Invested in Expansions Since 2005 Resort Opening Kalahari Resort is taking its unique indoor vacation concept outside with the unveiling of the new African-themed Safari Outdoor Adventure Park featuring a thrilling zip line tour, ropes course, climbing walls and more.

International Travel Hot Spots

Fiji Hot Deals

MANA ISLAND RESORT & SPA FIJI INTRODUCES WEDDING SPECIAL FOR COUPLES
Couples looking to walk down the aisle in paradise should look no further than Mana Island Resort & Spa Fiji.

St. lucia Wants Families To "Go Bananas" On The Island This Summer
New Summer Family Vacation Packages Offer a Whale of a Time with Complimentary Excursions, Mocktails, Room Upgrades and Free Meals and Stays for Kids Don't let the chance slip away! Go Bananas in Saint Lucia! The Saint Lucia Tourist Board, in partnership with many of the island’s family friendly resorts, has launched the “Go Bananas Summer Family Program,”

Carlson Announces Spectacular Radisson Beach Front Resort In Huizhou

Radisson Plaza Resort Huizhou, China Set to Open Doors in First Half of 2012 Carlson Hotels, one of the world’s leading hotel companies, announced recently that it has signed a hotel management agreement in one of China’s most sought after holiday resort destinations, Huizhou.

Summer Travel Kicks Into High Gear In The Caribbean As Several Upscale Properties Feature Value-Added Travel Deals

Explore Mexico and the Dominican Republic with rates ranging from $75 to $774
Just in time for summer, several of The Caribbean’s leading destinations and resorts invite travelers’ to get away for a little R&R all while taking advantage of significant savings.

Marketing Tips

Announcing New Product From T3 Expo
Imagine this: You step into the venue and amidst a sea of cookie cutter booths and exhibits, an eye-catching registration system stands out. Sexy and sleek, you understand what the brand is about at first glance thanks to the attractive graphics.

Top Marketing Experts Reveals Why People Aren't Buying Online

Copywriting Veteran Michele PW Shares Secret on Online Sales Strategies Many business owners and entrepreneurs are struggling to get more people online to buy from them. Some blame the economy. Others point to too many choices online. But one copywriting veteran says the problem may lie in the marketing.

3 Absolute Ways To Screw-Up Your Business
In this article, we will examine three of the most common and deadly mistakes companies make – mistakes that can be easily rectified. If you recognize any of these mistakes in your business, you can and should take immediate corrective action.

Eight Reasons Why Email Marketing Works For Travel & Hospitality
Mention email marketing to folks in the travel and hospitality industry and you may find that many are still unaware of what it is and how it works. Others, however, are rapidly discovering that email marketing is just about one of the most effective means of generating sales.

Reunions

Birmingham Partners With Temptations For Reunion Promotions
Reunions and summer travel in Birmingham are always tempting. Now the Greater Birmingham Convention & Visitors Bureau has teamed with the Motown sounds of The Temptations to promote reunions and travel to a nationwide audience.

Need Help Planning Your Next Reunion In Jackson?

The Jackson Convention & Visitors Bureau Provides Complete Source for Planning a Reunion Are you in charge of directing the next family reunion or coordinating your 20-year high school celebration in Jackson?

Open House Is Your House

Take Over a Historic New Orleans Town House- Turned Hotel The Soniat House for Family Reunions Summer lovin’ will be a blast, with this year’s vacation trend of refreshing relationships with loved ones – both those nearby, and those scattered across the country.

Sports Tourism

Fiji Tennis Pilto Attracts Six Countries For Fiji Invitations
With the aim to increase sports tourism to Fiji, Tourism Fiji, together with Air Pacific, Fiji’s International airline, Strategy Generation, and some of Fiji’s leading hotels

Rally Cross America Adds 3 Spectacular Events To The New Jersey Motorsports Park 2010 Schedule

European-Style Rally Cross Schedules Three Action Packed Weekends on Lightning Raceway. New Jersey Motorsports Park officials unveiled three Rally America sanctioned European-style rally cross races this year on Lightning Raceway. Rally America, Inc.

Castlemartyr Links Golf Club Blends The Best Of Tradition And Technology For A Uniquely Dynamic Playing Experience

The Inland Links-Style Ron Kirby Course is Classically Beautiful and Endlessly Challenging. Set among 220 acres of woodland and lakes, surrounded by icons of County Cork’s rich history, Castlemartyr Resort

Workout Like A Celebrity

The Kahala Hotel & Resort Perfect For Fitness Buffs

In a place like CHI Health Energy Fitness Center atThe Kahala Hotel & Resort,

Travel Tips

Eight Things Clients SHould Know About Buying Travel Insurance
The US Travel Insurance Association has formulated an 8-point checklist to help agents guide their clients in making informed decisions about travel insurance. “UStiA is issuing the checklist in light of a Florida Department of Financial Services warning to travel agents that any travel insurance sold must be underwritten by an insurance company fully licensed in the state,” says Mike Ambrose, UStiA's immediate past president.

Portable Solar Charges A Bright Idea
Green-On-The-Go: Pocket-Sized Gadgets Use Sunlight To Power Devices
For those always on-the-go, keeping electronic devices like cell phones, PDAs, iPods, gaming systems, cameras and even laptops charged can be a challenge.

How To Stay Healthy While Traveling

Some of us are required to travel frequently for our jobs, while others just love the adventure of taking regular trips. Unfortunately, sometimes our health doesn't cooperate and we become ill, making it tough to enjoy the trip or vacation. If you take some important precautions before and during your next flight, you'll have a greater chance of

Travel Tips You Can't Ignore

Each year, millions of people travel, both domestically and abroad. While you may have given some thought to what you should and shouldn’t do on that trip, there are certain travel tips that you simply can’t ignore. They are ones that can help ensure that you have a safe trip.

Weekend Getaways

California's Inn Marin

All Packaged Up…In order to accommodate guests of all persuasions, Inn Marin offers a selection of special room packages that cater to families, wine enthusiasts,

Hotel Monaco Denver Introduces "Sunday Sleep-In"
An alarming 70 percent of Americans report that they are not getting the recommended amount of sleep needed each night to perform at their best each day*.

Girlfriend Getaways On The Rise
The “independent woman,” as popularized in music, TV, and other aspects of pop culture, is doing more than paying her own bills, driving her own car, and buying her own jewelry without a man’s help.

What's Happening

African-American Military History Musuem Prepares To Celebrate First Anniversary
The mission of the USO in Hattiesburg, Mississippi has changed throughout the decades. First, it served as a USO for African-American soldiers during World War II, then as a community center during the Civil Rights Movement. Last May, the USO entered its final tour of duty as the African American Military History Museum .

Charleston Art Tours Takes Guests Inside The Charleston Art Gallery Scene
Representatives from Charleston Art Tours announced recently that the company has begun to book art tours for visitors and residents of the Charleston, S.C. area. Charleston Art Tours is a tour company offering something very unlike most tours.

The Bronx Musuem Presents Two Civil Rights Exhibitions
The Bronx Museum presents two Civil Rights exhibitions that speak to the history and legacy of the Movement: Road to Freedom: Photographs of the Civil Rights Movement, 1956–1968 and After 1968: Contemporary Artists and the Civil Rights Legacy, on view through August 11, 2010

Applause

Darlene C. Davis
Darlene C. Davis is a native of Nassau, The Bahamas; she relocated to the United States in the 1980s and subsequently pursued a Bachelors of Science Degree in Hospitality Management at Florida International University. She joined The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism in the early '80s and during her 17 year tenure with them, worked in promotions, sales, public relations, film and television production, media relations and served as the first Film Commissioner for The Bahamas; this involved working abroad in Miami, Florida, Toronto, Vancouver, Los Angeles and The Bahamas.

Area Guides

THE CARIBBEAN: LESSER ANTILLES PART 1
The Caribbean Islands are a region of great beauty and diversity that extends from the coasts of Florida to the mountains of South America. The Lesser Antilles lie in the Southern region of the island chain, beginning just east of Puerto Rico. These islands are far enough away from the U.S to have retained much of their culture and many remain largely unaffected by the Western world at large. Pristine beaches and authentic experiences are common here. Let's take a look at the northern end of the Lesser Antilles.

BALTIMORE: A CHANGING DESTINATION
Baltimore is a city in flux with more than $11 billion in new and future developments changing the face of this attractive destination. The city offers more than 7,800 hotel rooms and counting, and there are plenty of delightful world-class attractions, museums, and dining experiences in the heart of the downtown. The city's newest and largest hotel is the Hilton Baltimore, neatly situated in the Inner Harbor. This is the only hotel connected to the Baltimore Convention Center fully enclosed, climate-controlled skybridge. Hilton Baltimore offers 757 spacious well-appointed rooms, including 20 suites. Guests enjoy premier restaurant dining, a fitness center, heated indoor pool, a 24-hour business center, and on-site parking. For your meeting needs the hotel also offers over 60,000 sq. ft. of flexible function space, including 46 meeting rooms, the 25,000-sq. ft. Key Ballroom, the 15,000-sq. ft. Holiday Ballroom, and two meeting planner suites.

MICHIGAN: LAKESIDE MEETINGS
For business or pleasure, Michigan has what you are looking for. With thousands of miles of lakeshore beaches, visitors can discover all manner of water fun such as kayaking, canoeing, fishing, and sailing. Michigan's cities offer a variety of cultural experiences from museums and art galleries to historic sites and festivals. Modern meeting facilities and exceptional hotels only add to the allure of this great state.

NEVADA: THE SILVER STATE SHINES
Nevada, the Silver State, is one of the largest states in the US, which means you will find plenty to do here. It's one of the only places you can ski world-class runs in the morning, then walk world-class greens in the afternoon. You can bike or hike the Tahoe Rim Trail, navigate a kayak on the Truckee River through downtown Reno, take an ATV up Sand Mountain near Fallon and snowmobile miles of wide-open terrain near Elko. And no one can forget the world-class gaming, dining, and hotels of Vegas!

PORTLAND: LAND OF UNSPOILED ENVIRONMENTALISM
The rest of the world could take some cues from the city of Portland. Surrounded by the natural beauty of Mount Hood, the Oregon Coast, the Willamette Valley wine country, and the Columbia River Gorge, the people of Portland are obsessed with maintaining their pristine surroundings. Portlanders recycle 63 percent of their waste and most natives commute to work by bicycle or by public transportation. The city also has the most LEED certified buildings per capita in the country. It's no wonder that in these times of environmental concern that Portland has emerged as an attractive meetings destination.

Arts & Entertainment

Music Month
June is Black Music Month. July is a time to celebrate America's independence. Take a little time to soak up some sun, listen to some great music, eat some barbecue, spend time with the family and then check out one or more of the following.

Association News

ATTENDEES CELEBRATE THE CARIBBEAN AND ITS DIASPORA

Scholars, professors, administrators, and government officials are just a few of the attendees who will celebrate, learn and discuss all things Caribbean at the 34th annual Caribbean Studies Association Conference, June 1-5, 2009 at the Hilton Kingston, Jamaica. This year's theme is Centering the Caribbean in Caribbean Studies.

Caribbean Corner

SUMMIT OF THE AMERICAS HELD AT HYATT REGENCY TRINIDAD

The historic Fifth Summit of the Americas with western hemisphere's leaders took place April 17-20 at the Hyatt Regency Trinidad in Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago's

capital city. The stellar group assembled to discuss the theme of "Securing our citizens' future by promoting Human Prosperity, Energy Security and Environmental Sustainability." U.S President Obama, Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez and U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton were among representative from 34 member states of the Organization of American States to attend.

Conference Report

THIRTEENTH ANNUAL BAHAMAS WEATHER CONFERENCE
The 2009 13th Annual Bahamas Weather Conference was held April 15-19, at the Sheraton Nassau Beach Resort in Nassau. This signature event, created by the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, has earned a loyal following, an enviable reputation

and many awards for its effectiveness as a crisis communications program. The festivities began with a warm Caribbean reception, featuring rhythmic island sounds and exotic dancers dressed in colorful Bahamian costumes. Vincent Vanderpool-Wallace took part in the opening ceremonies and in his address, likened the construction of the annual conference to the building of an ark, as it too shelters and saves lives. This pre-hurricane season event is an important forum for Bahamian and U.S. meteorologists, raising awareness of the particular concerns and geographical features of the Islands of the Bahamas.

Cultural Festivals

Malaysia Festivals Abound
Malaysia boasts an exciting year-round calendar of world class and unique local events, ensuring visitors have endless opportunities to enjoy nature-based adventures, enriching cultural experiences or fabulous shopping sprees.

2010 Festivals And Events On Oahu
Music, Entertainment, Culture, and Cuisine Enrich Visitor Experience
Discover the island’s rich culture and diversity at one of the many festivals and events occurring throughout the year. Oahu’s festivals and events provide visitors and locals an opportunity to embrace the multi-cultural heritage, deep traditions and customs that are special to Oahu.

San Diego Happenings
The San Diego County Fair takes place June 11-July 5 at the Del Mar Fairgrounds in San Diego’s North County. This year’s theme, “Taste the Fun,” features foods of all types and highlights locally grown produce, cooking demonstrations, food as entertainment and more.

Year of Alabama Small Towns And Downtowns Celebrations
UFO Days, a Chicken and Egg Festival, an Interstate Mullet Toss and a Coon Dog Cemetery Celebration are a few of the offbeat and quirky celebrations to experience during the Year of Alabama Small Towns and Downtowns.

17th Annual Oxnard Salsa Festival
Get ready to sizzle at the 17th Annual Oxnard Salsa Festival celebrating salsa food, music and dance on July 24-25, 2010, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., at Plaza Park, Fifth and “B” Streets, in historic downtown Oxnard.

Celebrate Hampton's 400th Anniversary
July 4: Fourth at the Fort, Walker Airfield, Ft. Monroe
July 9-11: 11th Annual Blackbeard Festival & Hampton’s 400th Anniversary Celebration in Downtown Hampton
July 28-August 8: AAU Junior Olympic Games, various sites

FAM Report

TORONTO - A CULTURAL MOSAIC DESTINATION
Toronto, Canada, "an international city of warmth, openness, energy and style, is

enriched by the fusion of traditions, passions and perspectives on life of more than 100 cultures. It is one of the most popular choices for U.S. sponsored association meetings outside of the U.S. and it has the largest convention-center in Canada ranking it among the top 10 largest contiguous space facilities in North America" (city of Toronto agenda for Prosperity). This city is permeated with so much rich Black heritage, creating an ideal destination for convention and event planners, tour operations and weekend getaway savvy travelers.

From The Motherland

RAW AFRICA AT ITS WILDEST: Lugenda Wilderness Camp Opens for 2009 Season
Rani Resorts' seasonal Lugenda Wilderness Camp in Northern Mozambique has opened for 2009. Lugenda Wilderness Camp is set in one of Africa's last wild places, only recently accessible to discerning safari enthusiasts.

Hotel Happenings

HILTON AMERICAS-HOUSTON RANKED NUMBER ONE IN HOUSTON-AREA

Hilton Americas-Houston is ranked number one again this year by the Houston Business Journal, May 1, 2009, as the largest Houston-area hotel, covering 1.8 million gross sq. ft. With 1,203 guest rooms, including two presidential suites, two chairman suites, and 36 one-bedroom and two-bedroom suites, the 24-story downtown Houston hotel offers direct access to the George R. Brown Convention Center via indoor skywalks on two separate levels.

In The News

HILTON'S JOE BERGER GREETS THE PRESIDENT AND FIRST LADY

Hilton Hotels Americas VP Joe Berger and his wife Beth greet President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama at the White House Correspondents'

Association dinner held at Hilton Washington in Washington, D.C. on Saturday, May 9, 2009. For more than 30 years, Hilton Washington has hosted the prestigious annual event which draws luminaries from politics, business, media, and Hollywood to raise money for journalism scholarships at educational institutions across the country. Other notables at the hotel attending the dinner included actors Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes, Demi Moore and
Ashton Kutcher, Colin Firth, Owen Wilson, Kevin Bacon and Natalie Portman; comedians Whoopi Goldberg, Mike Myers, Denis Leary and Chris Rock; television news media Barbara Walters, Brian Williams, George Stephanopoulos and Bill O'Reilly; and politicos RNC Chairman Michael Steele, former Chairman of the Federal Reserve Alan Greenspan, Congressman John Lewis who marched on Washington with Dr. King in 1963, and more.

Local Hero

TIM JAMES: BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS FOR VISIT ROCHESTER, NEW YORK

For Tim James it's all about relationships. As director of Sales for VisitRochester, James finds gratification in developing lasting relationships with national SMERF organizations. He believes this is what has sustained Rochester as a meetings destination during these difficult economic times. "I find that relationships are the backbone of the success that Rochester has had over the years," asserts James. As sales manager at VisitRochester, prior to his current ten year stint as director, James, who started with the organization in 1990, honed his skills by getting to know his clients thoroughly to "understand their needs and wants." This practice serves him well to this day.

Newsmakers

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES HONORS KAREN BASS FOR HISTORIC ACHIEVEMENT

As Assembly Speaker Karen Bass (D-Los Angeles) marked the one-year anniversary of her historic election as the first African-American woman Speaker of a State Assembly this past May, the U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed House Resolution 49 in honor of Bass's achievement. Bass made the following statement:

"It is an honor to have this resolution passed by the House of Representatives and an honor to have it introduced by Congresswoman Diane Watson, someone I greatly admire and respect." H.R. 49 reads as follows...

Honoring Karen Bass for becoming the first African-American woman elected Speaker of the California State Assembly.

Open Forum

OPEN FORUM: THE DARKER THE NIGHT, THE BRIGHTER THE LIGHT
If I were to leave the planet for two months and return from my outer space experience to catch up on news in the travel and tourism business, I might come to the quick realization that the industry will soon be eliminated and even that the world may shortly come to an end.

Pacesetters

GARVIN GARRISON
Disney resort destinations are a dream come true; what better way to mix business

and pleasure without leaving the comforts of the 'playground with a twist'. Flexibility with a touch of magic is the Disney difference. They pride themselves in creating an environment to help tap into a world of imagination and inspiration. With two world famous theme parks, three amazing hotels, spectacular dinning, entertainment, Mandara spa and shopping, The Disney Resort offers fun ways to spark excitement inside and outside of the boardroom. No one could agree more, than Garvin Garrison, senior sales manager at Disneyland. "Disney is an icon. No matter where you are in the world, everyone knows who Disney is, people want to come, be it conferences or for family entertainment."

Religious Review

Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life

BOOKMARKS

According to the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life, 69 percent of people who consider themselves people of faith also believe that there is more than one way to

interpret the teachings of their religion. Alan Richards, author of the new novel The Second Cycle (Emerald Book Company), believes that this phenomenon is directly related to our continuing search for the true nature of God.

"The simple truth is that most people are ignorant and blasé about the thing most important thing in life, that being the true nature of God," Richards said. "The Bible was written by men - holy men - but men, nonetheless, which makes literal, dogmatic interpretation of the Bible unpalatable to many people. It's not just about whether the teachings and dogma appeal to them or have a place in their lives or world view - it's about the difference between walking the walk and talking the talk."

The Second Cycle, a fictional account of how a number of people come to terms with their individual search for the true meaning of God, is based on the true journey that lies before all of us.

Site Review

COMBINING BUSINESS AND PLEASURE IN THE PERFECT MEETING GETAWAY
There are a great number of things for you and your family to do in Michigan City, nestled on the southern shores of Lake Michigan about an hour east of Chicago. With

festivities year round, the city welcomes visitors with hospitality regardless of the season. It's the perfect destination to recharge, renew and refresh. From fantastic food, eclectic shopping and entertainment, to rich historical beauty and culture, it's the ideal departure from the ordinary every day.

The eastern edge of the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore features Mount Baldy, a large wandering dune and is one of the tallest sand dunes on Lake Michigan. There are miles of pristine beaches for swimming, boating and enjoying nature. The Michigan City In-water Boat Show, the largest on the Great Lakes is celebrating its 30th year.

Speaking Of People

People

The Phoenix Convention Center recently welcomed Cynthia Weaver as its new Communications Director. Weaver is responsible for media relations, internal and external communications, promoting environmental and sustainability programs and Web Content Management. Weaver came to the position from the city of Phoenix Public Information Office where she worked as a Public Information Officer since 2002.

Weaver's experience includes managing Public Relations for several city programs and departments including Housing, Environmental Programs & Sustainability, Youth & Education and Phoenix Sister Cities among others. Weaver was the first PIO for Phoenix's Downtown Development Office (DDO) and spearheaded communication efforts for the establishment of that office.

Travel Data

RIU HOTELS & RESORTS RANKS HIGH IN CUSTOMER SATISFACTION Annual Market Metrix Hospitality Index Report Shows Travelers Happy wit
Based on 35,000 customer interviews, the 2008 Annual Market Metrix Hospitality Index (MMHI) showed that RIU Hotels & Resorts ranked high with customer

satisfaction, making the all-inclusive resort group the overall winner of the 2008 Annual MMHI for Upper Upscale Hotels.

"It is quite an honor to be recognized by so many travelers for our customer service," stated Luis Riu, CEO of RIU Hotels & Resorts. "It truly is the people you meet and interact with that make a vacation wonderful. And we are so proud that our employees provide our guests with the vacation experience beyond their expectations."

The MMHI revealed that in 2008 customer satisfaction was up for hotels (+0.9) and airlines (+1.5) and that RIU Hotels & Resorts ranked highest in customer satisfaction among Upper Upscale Hotels. The Market Metrix Hospitality Index™ (MMHI) is the largest and most in-depth measure of hospitality company performance available. For more information, visit www.marketmetrix.com.

TAMPA BAY & COMPANY UNVEILS 2008 VISITOR

Vendor Spotlight

AUGUSTIN M. M. HOUEGBAN, PRESIDENT/CEO OF WORLD STAR PROTECTIVE SERVICES
Augustin Houegban grew up in the Republic of Benin in West Africa. He ventured to the United States in 2002 and has since studied business, finance and organizational

security management. After working in the security field for over 10 years, Houegban opened his own security service, World Star Protective Services. World Star Protective Services, based in the Los Angeles area and having started out with five full-time security guards, currently has over 50 full-time security guards in its employ.

"I like being the one responsible for protecting people and their property," says Houegban. "Clients come to me with their needs and concerns after having invested a lot of time and money into their properties; it's my job to provide them with the necessary services to make them feel safe and keep them and their belongings protected. World Star Protective Services equips our customers with extra eyes and peace of mind. I enjoy the public relations side of the business the most; I like to know that my clients feel safe and secure when my team is on the premises." Although Houegban is the main one in charge of office planning and operations for World Star, he still enjoys putting on his uniform and presenting to job sites. Once at the location, Houegban finds comfort in being able to assess his team's presence at the site and in enforcing that sense of security and manpower.

World Star Protective Services offers armed and unarmed security to commercial and residential buildings, hospitals, universities, financial institutions, malls, car dealerships, construction sites, churches and special events. They also offer bodyguards, corporate escorts and have a security training academy which provides the state required training for their security employees. World Star is California licensed (PPO # 16004), bonded and insured and all guards are put through an extensive background check, fingerprinted, instructed in The Power of Arrest, as well as Public Relations and the Laws & Regulations of a security guard.

In Your Own Words

A Climate Of Change
More than 40 years ago, soul singer Sam Cooke recorded “A Change is Gonna Come.” An anthem for the Civil Rights Movement of the sixties, it has gained popularity among a new generation.

African-American Men: Health, Family and Self
The Office of Minority Health (OMH), a division of the Department of Health and Human Services, has put men at the heart of National Minority Health Month. At their Fatherhood and Men’s Health Forum on Sunday, April 18 – held at Busboys

Staycations

Summer Of Shangri-La Begins With A Splash! Ste. 700, The Courtyard And Ditch Day Fridays Make Their Debut At Hotel Shangri-La

Sweeping Ocean Views, Summery Cocktails, and Courtyard & Rooftop Dining Make Tamie Adaya’s Hotel Shangri-La This Summer’s Nexus of Fun. The Summer of Shangri-La is off to an early start, as the iconic Santa Monica Hotel Shangri-La launches Suite 700, The Courtyard and Ditch Day Fridays.

Cherokee Nation Cultural Tourism Announces New Tours, Dates & Pricing For 2010 Season
It’s hard to top the critical acclaim the Cherokee Nation Cultural Tourism program has received in years past, but the goal is to do just that in 2010 with new specialty and event-related tours to compliment the four original, historically authentic cultural tours.

What's New In The Legendary Napa Valley This Year?
There’s Always Something Fresh Beckoning Travelers to Return to America’s Great Wine Capital
The Napa Valley is legendary as America’s premiere wine country destination. Moreover, the region consistently offers visitors a remarkable array of new and exciting experiences to discover.

Cruising

Allure Of The Seas To Entice Vacationers With Distinct Features And Experiences

3-D Movie Screens, Trendy Retail Stores and New Dining Offerings aboard Royal Caribbean’s Newest ship
When she debuts this December 2010, Royal Caribbean International’s Allure of the Seas will bring a refreshing new array of features

Carnival Spirit To Launch Unique Five And Nine-Day Mexican Riviera Cruise Program From San Diego In December
Carnival Cruise Lines will introduce a new one-of-a-kind schedule from San Diego encompassing five- and nine-day Mexican Riviera voyages aboard the 2,124-passenger Carnival Spirit beginning Dec. 10, 2010.

Solsticize It! Celebrity Cruises Offers Sneak Peek At New Venues Planned For Celebrity Constellation
As Celebrity Cruisescontinues to celebrate the recent naming of Celebrity Eclipse, the third in the brand’s $3.7-billion series of five sleek Solstice Class ships launching from 2008-2012, it also will begin a significant revitalization of its Millennium Class ships, starting with Celebrity Constellation.

Discover The Best Of Tahiti And Her Islands Aboard The Luxurious 5-Star+M/S Paul Gauguin
Hurry! You Must Book by June 30, 2010.
Tahiti & the Society Islands Up to 45% Off | 2-for-1 Airfare from LA | Third Guest Sails FREE Book by June 30, 2010
This vacation special includes: