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Weekly UpdatesAug 16, 2009
The organizers of the Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism Conference (ESTC) have confirmed the recently announced date change for the next ESTC conference as September 8-10, 2010. The ESTC 2010 will be held at the Hilton Portland & Executive Towers in downtown Portland, Oregon, USA. Aug 14, 2009
A 2,000 pound crocodile believed to be among the largest of his kind has died at a popular Miami tourist attraction. Hank the Crocosaurus was 47-years-old when handlers found him dead at the bottom of his pool Saturday at Jungle Island. Hank was three feet tall and 20 feet long, twice as big as the other crocodiles there. Aug 10, 2009
Aston Waikiki Beach Hotel
The Aston Waikiki Beach Hotel is offering a Beach. Board. Bliss. Package, featuring a choice of a private, two-hour stand up paddle board or surf lesson for two with an instructor from the Hans Hedemann Surf School. The package also includes a USD 50 TikiOs Grill & Bar dining certificate. The nightly room rate is USD 199 with a four-night minimum through Dec. 21. For more information, call 866-774-2924 or visit www.astonhotels.com. Aug 12, 2009
Catalina Island Blues Festival
The Catalina Island Blues Festival, which takes place Sept. 25 to 27 in Avalon, has announced its lineup. Headlining this yearOs festival are two-time Grammy Award-winning Taj Mahal, the Len Rainey Band, The Bayou Blues Band, the Midnight Players, and The Missy Anderson Blues Band. In addition, five-time Grammy Award-winning artist Robert Cray will perform OBest of the BluesO concerts in the Casino Ballroom. The festival begins with a Blues Walk throughout Avalon, where local hot spots and night clubs will feature various artists performing the blues late into the night. Visitors can stroll through town from location to location. The festival continues Sept. 26 in the center of town at Crescent Street and Metropole Avenue with a free outdoor concert from 2 to 3:30 p.m. The headline entertainment begins in the Casino Ballroom at 7 p.m. with the dual bill of Taj Mahal & The Phantom Band and Robert Cray. The festival comes to a close on Sept. 27, with a free concert at the Descanso Beach Club. Blues bands (to be announced) will take the stage for Blues on the Beach from 12:30 to 4 p.m. Aug 13, 2009
Comfort Suites
Comfort Suites hotels are offering travelers the opportunity to take a trip to space. As part of the brandOs OExplore the Space SweepstakesO three lucky online participants will get the chance to win a trip to space. Starting Aug. 13 through Sept. 24, 2009, consumers can go online to www.ExploreTheSpaceSweepstakes.com to enter for their chance to win Oout-of-this-worldO prizes and qualify for a chance to win a trip to space. To qualify, entrants must be current members of or sign up for the Choice Privileges rewards program. Once selected, three finalists will be given USD 5,000 in cash and a power-packed trip to Kennedy Space Center Visitors Complex, where they will participate in an amazing astronaut experience program. On the last day of their visit, the finalists will play a game of chance for the ultimate grand prize -- a trip to space. In addition to the three finalist prize winners, three second-prize winners will each receive a trip for four to space camp in Huntsville, Ala., and a Comfort Suites prize pack making for the ultimate space camp family experience. And just so no one is left on the launch pad, 50 runners-up will receive a Comfort Suites prize pack valued at USD 100. For more information on the Comfort Suites Explore the Space Sweepstakes, visit www.ExploreTheSpaceSweepstakes.com . Additional corporate information may be found at www.choicehotels.com. Aug 12, 2009
Cruise West
Cruise WestOs year-long OVoyages of the Great Explorers,O scheduled to depart in March, will feature lectures and presentations by travel experts from the Smithsonian Journeys on select segments. Cruise West and Smithsonian Journeys will develop the lecture series for 10 of the 24 itineraries highlighting such exotic locales as Singapore, Rome, Alexandria, Istanbul and Mumbai. Smithsonian Journeys experts will lead in-depth discussions and presentations on each regionOs rich history and culture. The OVoyages of the Great ExplorersO reflect the exploits of the legendary seafarers. Booked separately or as a complete journey, each segment offers historical insights into the sea commanders who first made history along the same routes. Smithsonian Journeys is the Smithsonian InstitutionOs educational travel program. Aug 12, 2009
Crystal Cruises
Crystal Cruises is offering food lovers luxury vacation choices in the Mediterranean, Caribbean and Amazon. Crystal SymphonyOs Nov. 10 and Nov. 22 Wine & Food Experiences of Discovery cruises from New York to Miami and Miami to the Amazon, respectively, feature cooking demos and specially created menus from guest chefs Azmin Ghahreman, Giuliano and Lael Hazan, and Andr Rochat. Wine tastings are led by sommeliers David Glancy and Kris Margerum, respectively. Cocktail classes will be led by master mixologist Tony Abou-Ganim, and pastry-making classes by guest chefs and CrystalOs own staff. Aug 13, 2009
Crystal Cruises
Crystal CruisesO ballroom dance-themed trans-Atlantic voyage in November will feature classes with professional dancers, afternoon tea dances, and presentations from Town & Country editor Janet Carlson about her book, OHow Ballroom Dancing Saved My Life.O Evenings offer dancing and performances, with extra Ambassador Hosts for guests in need of dance partners. The 10-day cruise aboard Crystal Serenity departs Lisbon on Nov. 12 and concludes in Miami. Guests on the preceding Barcelona-Lisbon itinerary can extend their vacations with the southern Atlantic cruise back to the U.S., and receive back-to-back cruise savings. In addition to the ballroom dance programming, the voyage will offer expanded onboard enrichment, including presentations from a veteran baseball pro, a television producer and a rocket scientist. Aug 12, 2009
DineLA Restaurant
DineLA Restaurant Week returns for its first fall run Oct. 4 to 9 and Oct. 11 to 16. Presented by LA Inc., the Los Angeles Convention and Visitors Bureau in partnership with American Express, DineLA includes family-owned eateries celebrity chef restaurants, cafes and bistros from all corners of Los Angeles County. There is no membership, no credentials and no exclusivity; customers can simply make reservations as they would for any other night to take advantage of the special three-course menus. Menus during the fall 2009 Restaurant Week will be available in three price categories: Deluxe Dining is USD 16 for lunch and USD 26 for dinner, Premier Dining is USD 22 for lunch and USD 34 for dinner, and Fine Dining is USD 28 for lunch and USD 44 for dinner. Beverages, tax and gratuity are not included, and participating meal periods vary by restaurant. Also, many of the participating restaurants will be offering wine pairings along with their three-course menus for an additional charge. American Express card members will be able to register their American Express cards to receive a USD 20 statement credit when they dine three or more times during Restaurant Week at participating restaurants. Members can register online beginning Sept. 15. For more information, visit www.dinela.com/restaurantweek. Aug 12, 2009
Disney
Adventures by Disney rolled out its new product spanning six continents in 2010. Created specifically for families, Adventures by Disney itineraries lead guests through the history and culture of each destination while providing unique experiences and exclusive access along the way. Entering its fifth year, Adventures by Disney designs tours with the family in mind and provides educationally enriched experiences so even younger travelers understand, appreciate and have fun in their new surroundings. These hassle-free vacations, rooted in the service and quality of family travel leader Disney, provide distinctive opportunities and special touches to make memories that last a lifetime. Aug 11, 2009
Dunkin' Donuts
Dunkin' Donuts' newest international restaurant, owned and operated by Dunkin' Donuts' franchise partner, Bahamas QSR, Ltd., a member of The Myers Group of Companies, has opened its flagship restaurant in the Bahamas in downtown Nassau. This opening marks a key milestone in the gradual revitalization of the city. Dunkin' Brands chairman Jon Luther and Dunkin' Brands CEO Nigel Travis will celebrate the opening at an open house at 11:00 am. During the open house, customers will have an opportunity to sample delicious Dunkin' Donuts menu items. Bahamas QSR, Ltd. opened its first two Dunkin' Donuts shops at the Lynden Pindling International Airport in March 2009. Additional stores are planned to open on the island by the end of this year. Aug 13, 2009
Florida Renaissance Festival
The Florida Renaissance Festival, the only renaissance festival in South Florida, will commemorate Ponce De LeonOs exploration of Key Biscayne on his first mission to the New World in 1513. The event will showcase its first Miami show ever on Key Biscayne. The Miami festival weekend dates are Jan. 9 to Jan. 24, 2010, at Historic Virginia Key Beach Park. This 16th century production features more than 100 costumed performers, 12 stages with continuous entertainment and 20 stage acts from around the world. During the three family themed weekends, guests will enjoy jousting tournaments three times a day, hearty food, human-powered rides and games for children that include the WorldOs Largest Rocking Horse, Giant Chess, Barrel Rides, and games of strength and skill. The festivities will feature historical reenactments, sword fights, magical illusions and an abundance of authentic fare from freshly made kettle corn to roasted giant turkey legs, which can be washed down with a swig of mead or ale. The event is hosted by Miami-Dade County Parks and Recreation Department and Historic Virginia Key Beach Park. The Florida Renaissance Festival at Historic Virginia Key Beach Park will be open weekends from 10 am to sunset. Prices range from USD 20 for adults and USD 7 for children ages six to 11 years old and children under five are free. Season passes are USD 30 for adults and USD 15 for children under 12. Pre-show discount tickets are available online at www.ren-fest.com. Aug 13, 2009
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