Travel Bulletin North America Supplement 2016

Produced by

www.travelbulletin.co.uk

Your one-stop guideto all latest news and developments

in North America

March 2016

All About

NorthAmerica

UMERRMB

ADDA

ERB

UMRRM

ADDA6102

S01 TB North America Supp 2016 Intro_Contents_Layout 1 14/03/2016 13:02

https://www.prestigeholidays.co.uk/bermuda

3All About North America

There was a real buzz around the US stands at World Travel Marketlast year.

An increase in airlift to a number of destinations in the US includingCalifornia and Florida has really given tourist boards and tour operators a boost for 2016. It means they have a lot to talk about and all thisexcitement is reflected in their expanded programmes for 2016Along with the new flights, there has been a considerable build-up

around a big anniversary for the States. The US is celebrating the 100th anniversary of its National Parks

Service, and there are a number of events and celebrations plannedthroughout the year. Operators are making the most of these celebrations with new tours that

are encouraging visitors to see these incredible parks in a different light.We focus on some trips have been added to coincide with this anniversary

year in our Luxury Holidays focus (pages 7-8).The definition of luxury holidays has changed over recent years, and in this

feature, I have caught up with operators to find out what defines luxury thesedays and how they are meeting their clients ever-changing expectations.Our What’s New section includes updates from operators about changes

to their programmes, while the two-page Shopping feature reflects on the vastnumber of retail destinations across the pond.While there are the traditional big city shopping breaks, destinations such as

Florida, Texas and Minnesota deliver a big bang for your buck if you arelooking to make considerable savings, with some outlet centres offeringdiscounts of up to 70% on UK prices.And there is so much more to these shopping centres than just retail

therapy. One in particular – Mall of America – lays claim to having theworld’s largest indoor theme park, so you can encourage your clients totake the whole family.In this year’s supplement, there is a Destination Focus on Florida, and

the new hotels and theme park attractions emerging over the next fewmonths. The Sunshine State is benefitting from a significant increase inflights from the UK and the state’s tourism chiefs are optimistic of anincrease in UK visitors in 2016.Sue Marshall, commercial director, for Visit Florida UK and Ireland, said that

Brits are still flocking to the traditionally popular destinations in the State.“Central Florida, including Orlando and Kissimmee, remain favourite

destinations with UK travellers, which is hardly surprising given they are hometo the world's best theme parks,” says Marshall.“Repeat visitors are increasingly renting cars and exploring other parts of

the state, discovering our fabulous beaches and smaller communities.”With so much happening across the pond this year, make sure you don’t

miss out by making the most of your All About North America supplement.

Angela CroninSupplements editor

Lower Ground Floor, University House, 11-13 Lower Grosvenor Place, London SW1W 0EX

Tel: 020-7834 6661Publisher: Jeanette Ratcliffe

Written and researched by: Angela CroninEmail: [email protected]

Design/Layout: Miriam Brtkova, Nicky ValsamakisPrinted by: Buxton Press

Cover Picture: Andrey Bayda ISSN: 0956-2419

Luxury holidays - 7

Shopping - 9

Published by

CONTENTSALL ABOUT

NORTH AMERICAWhat’s new - 4

Florida - 12

Holidays for less than... 15

S01 TB North America Supp 2016 Intro_Contents_Layout 1 14/03/2016 13:02

N

What’s new

Western and OrientalThe luxury operator has strengthened itsprogramme to the US with new hotelsand flydrive options.The 1 Hotel Central Park and The

Baccarat Hotel, both in New York City,have been introduced along with the 1 Hotel South Beach in Florida.Western and Oriental is also in the

process of expanding its flydrive optionswith a particular focus around the PacificNorthwest, including the introduction ofthe San Juan Islands. Seattle has also been added as a

gateway for flydrives, but also for itsRanch America brochure, which has beenexpanded for 2016.

ExploreThe activity and adventure specialist hasintroduced a two-week Deep South andBlues tours for 2016, which travelsthrough six of the US’s southern states;Georgia, Louisiana, Tennessee, Mississippiand North and South Carolina.The experiences offered along the way

include a cooking class in Charleston, a hike to the waterfalls in the GreatSmokey Mountains and a visit to the legendary Graceland, home to Elvis Presley. A visit to the iconic French Quarter in

the revitalised city New Orleans isfeatured along with a swamp tour throughCajun country to spot some alligators anda visit to the National Civil RightsMuseum in Memphis. Prices lead in at £3,422 per person and

trips depart between June and September2016. This price includes return flights, 13nights’ accommodation, transport and theservices of an Explore leader and driver.Explore has also introduced its first

urban tour. Walk New York is a seven-daywalking trip in New York, which takes inthe major highlights, including 5th Avenue,Little Italy and Times Square as well assome of the lesser known tourist sights.These include a stroll along the Highline,an elevated railway line that has beenturned into a park, the chance toexperience gospel mass and an eveningenjoying the famous jazz clubs of Harlem.

Prices start at £1,599 per person andinclude return flights, six nights’accommodation, transport and theservices of an Explore leader.

My AmericaThe US specialist has put together a flydrive tour for 2016 that will give youthe opportunity to explore the backdropof some of Hollywood’s biggest moviesincluding the recent blockbusterTheRevenant starring Oscar-winning actorLeonardo DiCaprio.The 16-night package to the Real

America explores South Dakota whereKevin Costner’s Dances with Wolves wasfilmed and North Dakota which providedthe backdrop for 1996 neo-noir blackcomedy crime thriller Fargo.The flydrive then takes you on to

Montana, the setting for The Revenant,A River Runs Through It and Forrest Gump,and then on to Wyoming to exploreGrand Teton National Park, the geysersand waterfalls of Yellowstone NationalPark and Jackson Hole, the location forthe filming of Django Unchained.

From new city breaks to epic adventures that explore the back-drop from some of Hollywood’s biggest movies, operators to the US are ramping up their activity for 2016

All About North America4

WHAT’S NEW

The new Ocean Explorer attraction is due to open at SeaWorld California in 2017

S02 TB North America Supp 2016 What's New_Layout 1 14/03/2016 12:02

orth AN

e sitebVisit our w

dan holicri Ame

o at

r underfodays

080 on FREEall us or candsourstsmooc.www

*5pp2 £11

20700 668 1uk .oces.dcruis

B

wok noBo

b£

‘2

B

T

)610ch 2are 31 Morefbo oouple (br ceff p80 o£

ourTToural’ Elvis morie0th M4‘

w plus ale no7 on s102

wok noBo

ok

aa bN

ailableavail journeys and r

es s, cruiseaks, tourbran city criorth AmeN

which means your h ou f a toes rvicesthe

ed is te quo*The pric

ect at orrCed. (ecttoly pretomple oliday is csmoo Cs. refanstreas srevoor and ectur dir

anrn Ceastf ECities oed on the 10 day ‘as b

)610ch 2arnd 11 Mef s t time oA and our flight-inclusivTA f ABr oembmeis a s ours T o

wick on 1om Gatre farturor a depour f’ tada

onded with the fully be es aragacke p ht-inclusivturn flights, eight nights ace6 and includes r10ay 26 M 1

mecheOL sTs A’AA’AC th the dation,ommoc ght nights ac

.V3 NoTAA NoAB

3031

Prices for the 16-night Real Americaflydrive lead in at £1,875 per person, andincludes return Delta flights fromHeathrow to Rapid City, South Dakota(returning from Jackson, Wyoming), 16nights’ accommodation (three nights inRapid City, two nights in Medora, NorthDakota, nine nights in Montana with stopsin Billings, Missoula, Whitefish, Butte andWest Yellowstone and two nights inJackson, Wyoming) in hotels on a room-only basis and car hire for the duration.The tour departs on 22 September.

Jet2 City BreaksThe operator has responded to demandfor breaks to New York for 2016 with anincrease in the number of city escapes aswell as options to celebrate New Year’sEve in the Big Apple.There are 24 trips from five northern

airports for 2016, including shoppingtrips, Thanksgiving and Black Friday breaksfrom East Midlands, Glasgow, LeedsBradford, Manchester and Newcastle. Theoperator has increased the number of

October half-term options with flightsfrom Glasgow, Leeds Bradford,Manchester and Newcastle.New for 2016 are 29 Decemberdepartures from Leeds and Newcastleand 30 December departures fromManchester to celebrate New Year in theBig Apple. All breaks have been extendedto four nights.

CaliforniaBritish Airways is launching its first

direct route into San Jose on 4 May.The new flight, which will operate on a

Boeing 787 Dreamliner out of Heathrow,will be the fourth gateway in Californiafrom the UK.The new route from BA aims to

capitalise on the growing business travelsector in Silicon Valley, as well as offereasy access to other northern Californiadestinations including surfing spot SantaCruz, coastal respite Monterey andYosemite National Park.Norwegian Air is also launching a new

service in May. The thrice-weekly direct

route from Gatwick to Oakland will starton 12 May. Norwegian is also increasingflights from Gatwick to LAX by adding afourth weekly flight on May 10. In June, Icelandic low-cost carrier

WOW Air is starting flights to LosAngeles and San Francisco from Gatwickon a new Airbus A330-300 aircraft. Eachaircraft will be able to carry 342passengers in a single-class configuration.Tickets start from just £99 one way.Meanwhile, Thomas Cook is starting a

direct service from Manchester to LosAngeles on its Airbus A330. The new routewill each run twice-weekly from May.On the theme parks front, the

Wizarding World of Harry Potter will bearriving at Universal Studios Hollywoodon 7 April and the new NINJAGO landwill be opening at Legoland California.SeaWorld California is launching the

Ocean Explorer attraction next year,which will see visitors travelling in minisubmarines to undersea research bases tocollect data and learn about life in theseven seas.

WHAT’S NEW


http://www.cosmostoursandcruises.co.uk/

Caesars Entertainment’s collection of resorts are designed to deliver the ultimate Las Vegas experience. All centrally located in the heart of the Las Vegas strip, each offers exceptional accommodations, world-class amenities, superior service and great entertainment. The resorts offer a diverse bounty of amenities as well as

Welcome to Las Vegas, as only Caesars Entertainment can bring it.

JUST THE LAS VEGAS YOU’RE LOOKING FOR

A jaunt around the world is just a Vegas trip away with Caesars Entertainment!

Must be 21 or older to gamble. Know When To Stop Before You Start.® Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-522-4700. ©2016, Caesars License Company, LLC.


https://www.caesars.com/

Intrepid Travel is celebrating the 100th anniversary of the US National Park Servicewith an eight-day hike through Sequoia National Park to Mount Whitney

Lessons in luxuryThere’s more to luxury these days thanpenthouse suites and 24-hour butler service

luxury

Luxury holidays and experiences arevast and varied, from blow-the-budget trips to Las Vegas to hip and

trendy holidays in Miami’s South Beach.However, in the year that the US

celebrates the centenary of its NationalParks Service, we catch up with USoperators to get some ideas of holidaysthat combine luxury experiences with aneducational ingredient.

Park lifeAdventure specialist Intrepid Travel iscelebrating the 100th anniversary of theUS National Park Service this year with a new collection of trips that will taketravellers deep into the spectacularAmerican wilderness.These four new active, one-off trips

range from cycling through southernUtah, kayaking in Yellowstone NationalPark, sailing off the coast of Florida andhiking beneath California’s ancient sequoiatrees. UK managing director MichaelEdwards said: “This is a great way foragents to capitalise on all the buzzaround the 100th anniversary of theUS’s National Park Service. These trips

are expeditionary in nature and will giveyour clients the chance to really getunder the skin of the US’s great parks.“Rather than skimming the surface,

we’re encouraging travellers to celebrateall the parks have to offer – whetherthat’s on foot, bike, kayak or boat – andhave some serious adventure.”The operator has a new trade website,

intrepidlovesagents.com, that agents candownload marketing materials from.Intrepid’s eight-day Hike Sequoia and

Mount Whitney experience takestravellers on a journey to see California’sspectacular deserts, lakes and the world’stallest trees on a hike to the summit ofMount Whitney, the highest mountain inthe lower 48 states. Experienced guides and pack mules will

take travellers along the lesser-usedscenic route through the redwood grovesof Sequoia National Park and pine forestsof the Pacific Crest Trail, made famous byCheryl Strayed (and then ReeseWitherspoon) in the film Wild. This trip offers a real wilderness

experience with overnight camping alongthe way.

Prices start at £2,070 per person for 10September departure and include meals,one night’s hotel accommodation andovernight camping en route.To book: intrepidtravel.com

Wonders of the American WestInsight Vacations is equally keen toencourage its clients to celebrate the100th anniversary of the National ParksService by visiting some of the US’s 58national parks.For 2016, the escorted tours specialist

has put together a luxury 10-day tourthat will explore the Wonders of theAmerican West.Paul Melinis, director of sales at Insight

Vacations, said: “This tour is not justabout the stunning landscape, it’s aboutinteracting with locals and experiencingthe traditional culture.” The 10-day American West experience

kicks off among the bright lights of LasVegas and visits incredible naturalwonders such as the Grand Canyon andZion National Park. Other stops on the trip across

America’s West include Lake Powell,


S03 TB North America Supp 2016 Luxury_Layout 1 14/03/2016 12:25

Monument Valley, Messa Verde NationalPark, Arches National Park, Moab,Canyonlands National Park and BryceCanyon National Park.Signature Experiences for the

adventurous traveller include a guidedtour through Monument Valley on boardall-terrain vehicles to visit some of thelegendary sites where many Western filmswere made. A traditional Navajo cookoutwith chanting and drumming amid thegiant buttes and mesas of this uniquelandscape is a highlight of this journey.Wonders of the American West tour

starts at £3,625 per person and includesreturn flights, private UK airporttransfers, nine nights’ bed and breakfastaccommodation, selected diningexperiences, sightseeing, SignatureExperiences, luxury transportation and a dedicated tour director.To book: insightvacations.com

In the cityChicagoLuxury tour operator Tauck has teamed upwith famed documentary filmmakerKen Burns, known as the US’s answer to SirDavid Attenborough, to put together a five-day event in Chicago in September that willexplore three all-American phenomena –the prohibition era, jazz, and thearchitecture of Frank Lloyd Wright.During the trip, Tauck guests will hear

Burns share his thoughts and insights andhave the chance to chat with him during a private reception at the iconic Chicago Theatre.The one-off, 200-capacity event includes

a presentation on prohibition and AlCapone by New York Times best-sellingauthor Jonathan Eig. Guests will also learnhow to make classic prohibition-eradrinks, as well as being able to raise a glass or two at a prohibition repealcelebration, with dinner and music fromthe era, at the InterContinental ChicagoGrand Ballroom. A themed half-day sightseeing

excursion, Beer Wars: The RoaringTwenties, will visit locations acrossChicago to tell the story of prohibition,and the world of organised crime andgangsters it helped spawn. Other highlights include a trip to Oak

Park village to experience thearchitectural legacy of Frank Lloyd Wrightduring visits to his home and studio. Localexperts will also help guests discover thediverse influences that have shapedChicago’s historical and cultural life,

including visits to Jazz-age sites and a private cruise along the Chicago River. Prices lead in at £2,990 for the Tauck

Chicago Event: 19-23 September, includingaccommodation at the 1929 landmarkhotel InterContinental ChicagoMagnificent Mile and some meals. Flightsare not inlcuded.To book: tauck.co.uk

On the coastSan Francisco For many people who have all thematerial things in life they need, luxurycan mean helping others who are lessfortunate than themselves.Hands-up Holidays, which provides

voluntourism experiences that includeluxury accommodation along the way, has a 12-day itinerary focused on the SanFrancisco area that provides theopportunity to enjoy a holiday and somespectacular sightseeing with taking part inday-to-day life in centres that help make a difference to people’s lives.These include working at a food bank in

the city and helping to restore coastalplants in areas that need great attention.On the days that the volunteer visitors

are not taking in these activities, there’sthe opportunity to explore San Francisco,Alcatraz and the Napa Valley for a spot ofwine tasting.Prices lead in at £6,950 per person and

include five-star luxury hotels, airporttransfers, expert local guides, domestic

flights, lunches while volunteering and allbreakfasts.To book: handsupholidays.com

Hawaii For clients who are looking for theultimate, island paradise experience, thensuggest they book the once-in-a-lifetimeholiday to the 50th US state of Hawaii.Insight Vacations has a Luxury Gold

13-day Hawaiian Escape which begins thejourney in Honolulu with some time onthe world-famous Waikiki beach beforeheading out to the islands of Oahu, Maui,Hilo and Kauai. This year marks 75 years since the

Japanese attack on Pearl Harbour duringthe Second World War. With InsightVacation’s advanced reserved tickets,guests will have the opportunity to skipthe line and spend some time at the USSArizona Memorial in Pearl Harbourduring this anniversary year.Prices lead in at £5,095 per person and

include return flights, private UK airporttransfers, 12 nights’ bed and breakfastaccommodation, selected dining experiences,luxury transportation, a dedicated tourdirector and sightseeing, ExclusiveExperiences, including a highlight dinner atChef Roy Yamaguchi’s acclaimed Hawaiianfusion restaurant, Roy’s Waikiki, a privateguided tour of the Maui Ocean Centre and a tour of a coffee farm with a local expertwhere you can taste the Kona blend. To book: insightvacations.com

Hands-up Holidays 12-day San Francisco break gives travellers the chance to help out inthe city’s food bank and work on coastal plant restoration

All About North America8

luxury

S03 TB North America Supp 2016 Luxury_Layout 1 14/03/2016 12:25

All About North America

Many holidays to the US are fuelledby a desire to go shopping andbag some bargains. And if you are

a savvy agent, you will know a thing ortwo about shopping in the States, andwhere to suggest your clients head to ifthey are first-timers or shopaholics whoregularly visit the US to get theirshopping fix.New York City is obviously the first

destination that comes to mind,particularly if your trip is fashion focusedand you are drawn to the big-branddesigner names and department storesthat line Fifth Avenue.Funway Holidays senior marketing

executive Rebecca Evans says whilepeople plan shopping trips all year round,“the sale seasons of November andDecember and April and May are a majordraw for holidaymakers who really wantto shop.“It may only be spring but people are

already thinking about Christmas,” saysEvans. “We have already seen an increasein savvy shoppers booking earlyChristmas shopping trips to coincide withthe sale season in November.”So make sure you flick through the next

couple of pages so you can start activelyselling shopping breaks to the States, or ifyou already are, find out the latest newsfrom the shopping malls across the pond.

New York CityJet2CityBreaks has increased the numberof New York breaks that it is offering for2016, with a focus on shopping breaks forChristmas and Black Friday, Back Friday has become firmly

established as a pre-Christmas discountshopping date that started in the US butis now popular in the UK.This year, it takes place on 25

November, and Jet2CityBreaks has puttogether a new package that will allowshoppers to make the most of thisbargain, shopping-season opportunity.It’s a four-night, room-only stay at the

four-star-plus W New York with flightsdeparting from Newcastle on 24November. Prices start at £739 perperson based on two sharing, including10kg hand baggage allowance.Meanwhile, Funway Holidays offers

a Shop ’til you Drop in New York packagethat includes three nights staying at thethree-star Holiday Inn Midtown

57th Street with prices from £669 perperson based on 12 Novemberdepartures. The price includes returnflights with British Airways.Cosmos Tours and Cruises has

launched a choice of twin andtriple-centre short breaks to experiencethe best of the US’s East Coast cities andtheir shopping opportunities.The operator’s eight-day Boston and

New York twin-centre holiday with threenights in each city includes an Old TownTrolley tour in Boston as well as an AllLoops Tour in New York so visitors canenjoy all the sights at their own paceduring their stay. Meanwhile, Cosmos’s 11-day Boston,

New York and Washington DC tourincludes bus and trolley tours in all threecities and Amtrak train travel, nine nights’accommodation, return flights and airporttransfers. For 2017, the Washington staywill be bookable as a holiday extension. Prices start at £1,437 per person for

the eight-day Boston and New York breakincluding return flights with Virgin Atlanticfrom Heathrow, six nights’accommodation, Amtrak train travelbetween the cities and transfers.

A trip to north america isn’t complete without a vist to a shopping mall or two

9

shopping

revel in retail

S04 TB North America Supp 2016 Shopping_Layout 1 14/03/2016 12:47

While shopping in Manhattan is popular,many visitors head off the island toexplore the shopping malls that are withineasy reach of the city.The 230 stores and restaurants at Mills

at Jersey Gardens are just 20 minutesfrom Newark Airport by shuttle bus thatis put on by the mall’s owner SimonShopping destinations, which has 112shopping attractions in the US.There is no sales tax charged on

clothes and shoes – unlike the regular 8%added to prices in downtown Manhattan– so the mall is the perfect last stop forbagging those US bargains.Just 45 minutes upstate New York is

Woodbury Common Premium Outlets,which claims to be the state’s number onetourist attraction. This summer, it isshowcasing a major refreshed new lookand expansion with more than 220 topdesigner outlets, including the only TomFord worldwide, Breitling, Tag Heuer,Hugo Boss, Coach, Burberry, Saks 5thAvenue OFF 5th and Neiman Marcus LastCall, restaurants and international guestamenities. Buses leave every 20 minutesfrom New York City Port Authority.

FloridaThe Sunshine State welcomes visitors intheir millions every year to enjoy itstheme parks and miles of beautifulbeaches, but savvy visitors will know thatthe state is home to five Premium Outletscentres by Simon Shopping Destinationswith a new one opening this year.Located just north of downtown Tampa,

the new Tampa Premium Outlets houses110 retailers, including well-known brandssuch as Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th, BananaRepublic Factory Store and Nike FactoryStore. Savings of between 25% and 65%are available throughout the mall. The largest outlet and value retail

shopping destination in the US can alsobe found in Florida. Sawgrass Mills and The Colonnade

Outlets in Fort Lauderdale boasts morethan 350 stores, including outlet locationsfrom Nike, Tommy Hilfiger, Ralph Laurenand Gap, plus value retailers OFF 5th SaksFifth Avenue, Bed Bath and Beyond, Target,Marshalls and electronics superstore,BrandsMart USA. The Colonnade Outlets at Sawgrass

Mills caters for fashionistas with 40exclusive outlets not found anywhere elsein South Florida including Burberry, Dianevon Furstenberg, GUCCI, Jimmy Choo,Prada, Salvatore Ferragamo CompanyStore, Tory Burch and Versace.

Travelbag has put together a five-nightshopper’s break at the four-star SonestaFort Lauderdale, staying on a room-onlybasis with prices from £1,019 per personincluding flights with American Airlines.

MinnesotaThis Midwest state boasts what can onlybe described as a shopper’s paradise.Mall of America is home to more than

520 stores, which cater for all budgets,and due to its location in Minnesota,there’s no sales tax on clothing or shoes,which cumulatively adds up to significantsavings even compared to onlinepurchases. It’s also possible to buy a Mall of

America Coupon Book for $9.95, whichoffers discounts at 250 stores, restaurantsand attractions worth over $2,000 incombined savings.And while there’s plenty to whet the

appetite of bargain hunters, the mallboasts a number of luxury retailers tooincluding Hugo Boss, Burberry, StuartWeitzman, Lacoste, Swarovski, Apple, and Bose. This section of the mall is being

expanded this summer too with newluxury shops opening that will be awelcome addition to the recently-opened,five-star JW Marriott hotel.And while the Mall of America caters

well for shoppers, it also has a lot to offerthe entire family. It lays claim to having theworld’s largest indoor theme park, theNickelodeon Universe.The park features the tallest Sky Trail

ropes course in the world, NorthAmerica’s longest indoor zip line, Moose

Mountain Adventure Golf, SeaLifeMinnesota and its 1.2 million gallon, glasstunnel aquarium, Amazing Mirror Maze,A.C.E.S. Flight Simulation, The LEGOStore and 14 movie screens.New for 2016 is the $20 million

FlyOver America attraction, which is dueto open in spring.FlyOver America is a flight simulation

ride that will take guests on an aerial tourof some of the greatest landmarks andregions throughout the US in virtual flighttechnology. The attraction will be a fullyimmersive experience including wind, mistand even scents while soaring acrosssome of the US’s most spectacular sights.

TexasStates such as Texas offer tax-freeshopping for international visitors, a factthat is well worth knowing.Hayes and Jarvis recommends that

shoppers check into the The Westin OaksHouston At The Galleria, which has 375stores, making it the largest shopping mallin Texas. Currently anchored by Neiman Marcus,

Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Macy’s,the Galleria, the luxury wing of the retailcentre is undergoing a $30 millionrenovation, which is due to be completednext year.Hayes and Jarvis has a four-night

shopping break to theThe Westin OaksHouston At The Galleria just in time forBlack Friday on 25 November. Prices startat £749 per person on a room-only basiswith return flights from Heathrow basedon departures on 24 November.


Shopping

10

S04 TB North America Supp 2016 Shopping_Layout 1 14/03/2016 12:47

AT LAS VEGAS’ 2 ICONIC DESTINATIONS

9 DEPARTMENT STORES, 400 SHOPS AND 40 RESTAURANTS, INCLUDING:

BARNEYS NEW YORK

NEIMAN MARCUS

SAKS FIFTH AVENUE

NORDSTROM

MACY’S

DILLARD’S

FOREVER 21

MACY’S MEN’S STORE

DICK’S SPORTING GOODS

SHOP. DINE. EXPERIENCE.

thegrandcanalshoppes.com • thefashionshow.com

Free Premier Passport available at Fashion Show Guest Services by mentioning this publication.

S05 TB North America Supp 2016 Florida_Layout 1 14/03/2016 12:55

http://www.thefashionshow.com/en.html

The heat is on

The Sunshine State has always been a big hit with us Brits, flocking to itsshores every year to lap up its

theme park offerings and indulge in itsintoxicating beach life.Colin Brodie, director of Visit Florida UK

and Ireland, said the destination has a lotto shout about this year.“There has been an abundance of new

airlift from British Airways, Virgin Atlantic,Thomas Cook and Thomson into our keygateway cities of Miami, Orlando andTampa with Norwegian recently launchingservices into Fort Lauderdale.“Also, January saw our biggest-ever

consumer, shared-brand campaign in theUK. Florida worked with 13 tradepartners, including BA, Thomas Cook andHertz on a month-long, London-wide'Love, Florida' campaign, during which

'moments of sunshine' were brought to theCapital to help Londoners dispel theJanuary blues.”And all of this all seems to be paying off

with the tourist office predicting that UKvisitor figures are likely to hit 1.7 million bythe end of this year; international visitorsfigures for 2015 hit 105 million.So, here is a lowdown on what’s

happening across the Sunshine State this year.

Theme park updateBusch Gardens Tampa Bay is gearing up tolaunch a new attraction this summer.Cobra’s Curse is a spin coaster that is

said to be the only one of its kind in theworld. The ride begins with the coastercars being taken up like a vertical lift untilriders are "face to fang" with an 80-foot

serpent before launching into the ride.The first third of the ride will face

forward, then it will spin riders around toface backward. And in the finale, the carwill spin freely.The coaster carries riders over into the

rest of the Egypt section, with the trackslithering over and under nearby elementssuch as Montu, the park's railroad and the sidewalk.While visitors are in the queue to go on

the Cobra’s Curse, they will be able tomeet some of the world’s most notorious snake species, which park bossessay will naturally fuel guests’ adrenaline.“The snake exhibit at Cobra’s Curse will

allow us to combine the best of whatBusch Gardens has to offer – animals andthrill rides,” says Jeff Andrews,vice-president, zoological operations at

1 2 16:47


florida

With an increase in new airlift from the UK and a plethora of newhotels opening, Florida is really having a moment this year

Visit Florida is expecting UK visitor figuresto hit 1.7 million this year


AND THE CHANCE TO CHILL TOO

NON-STOP ACTION

NEW IN SUMMER 2016

age to

A Discovery Cove Ultimate Package is like 2 holidays in 1. Scream for pulse-racing coasters, exhilarating water rides and new thrills like Mako at SeaWorld and Cobra’s Curse at Busch Gardens. There’s also the chance to make new friends with amazing animal encounters, and then relax on white sand beaches, lazy rivers and more. It’s Orlando like you’ve never experienced before.

Experience all four parks with the Discovery Cove Ultimate Package. Includes an all-inclusive day at Discovery Cove (dolphin swim or non-dolphin swim), 14 days unlimited admission to SeaWorld Orlando, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, and Aquatica. Free unlimited parking too!

For more information contact your preferred ticket provider or visit www.seaworldparksagents.co.uk

16:47


http://www.seaworldparksagents.co.uk/

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. “This exhibitwill give our guests an unforgettableexperience while opening up discussionsaround conservation and education byhighlighting the species and their importantrole in the wild, which is our top priority.”

LegolandLegoland Florida Resort has reopened itswater park with new additions, just in timefor British families heading to sunny Floridafor the Easter school holidays.The water park has been expanded with

new shady areas to help keep little onesout of the sun. There is also a brand newBuild-A-Boat attraction, where kids canuse their creativity and test their Lego-building skills to design and build their ownboats to race against each other along an11-metre obstacle course. The water park also has a gentle wave

pool, three 60ft super slides, Build-A-Raftlazy river and 1,000-litre bucket supersoaker. It is located next to the maintheme park, which has 50 rides, shows andattractions, all aimed at children of agestwo to 12 to enjoy.

SeaworldSeaWorld Orlando has launched a newride, which it says is the fastest and longestroller coaster in Orlando.The custom-built Mako, which will have

21 cars, will top 200ft high and reachspeeds of 73 mph on a track that’s nearly a mile long. The new ride will be a hypercoaster, which means it’s all aboutspeed, tight turns and that weightlessfeeling riders get at the top of each hill.

New hotelsFlorida is experiencing a bit of a bed boomat the moment with hotel refurbishmentsand new developments across the state. St Petersburg/Clearwater is on pace to

see the addition of 2,000 rooms by 2017

with the creation of a one-milegulf-front stretch with space for 11 newdevelopments.Opal Sands Resort opened last month

on Clearwater Beach, boasting 230 roomswith floor-to-ceiling windows and largebalconies, offering great views of the gulfand spectacular views of the daily sunsets.The 77-room Treasure Island Beach

Resort also opened earlier this month andis the first new hotel built on the beach inTreasure Island in years. Meanwhile TheWyndham Grand Resort will becomeClearwater Beach’s largest property in2017, boasting 450 rooms. Miami Beach has seen the creation of

a new cultural and art district called FaenaDistrict Miami Beach, which stretches from32nd Street to 36th Street.The man behind this new district is

Argentinean entrepreneur, developer andhotelier Alan Faena. The beachfront districtincorporates a residential complex, shops,restaurants, public plazas and the FaenaHotel Miami Beach. The oceanfront property comprises 169

guest rooms and suites and 13 penthousesdesigned by Alan Faena alongside cinematicvisionaires Baz Luhrmann and AcademyAward-winning Catherine Martin. Priceslead in at $745 per night. Meanwhile, Daytona Beach is in the

middle of a $2 billion investment project,which will lead to the introduction ofDaytona’s first oceanfront rollercoaster, anew planetarium and the world’s firstoceanfront Hyatt Place.

A new beachside Residence Inn byMarriott Daytona Beach Oceanfrontrecently opened and the Hilton DaytonaBeach Resort Oceanfront Resort hascompleted a $20 million renovation. A new Hard Rock Hotel and Café andan upscale Westin both with oceanfrontlocations are currently in the planning.The historic Streamline Hotel, an artdeco-style property that sits on the spotwhere NASCAR was founded isscheduled to open as an upscaleboutique property this year.The Greater Fort Lauderdale area has

seen more than $725 million invested innew hotel development and $222 millionin reinvestment and renovations. The Tryp Maritime by Wyndham is

expected to open this month with theGale Boutique Hotel later this year.Work on the Four Seasons Hotel andPrivate Residences Fort Lauderdale isalso expected to begin with an expected2018 open. A new hotel has opened at Universal

Orlando Resort. Built around a tropicallagoon and towering waterfall, theLoews Sapphire Falls resort is a 1,000-room Caribbean-themed, hideaway.It is the fifth hotel at Universal

Orlando and will bring the number ofon-site hotel rooms to 5,200. The islandescape will feature Universal Orlando’slargest on-site, zero-entry pool at16,000 sq-ft, with a white sand beach, a water slide, cabanas and a fire pit.


florida

14

The new Faena HotelMiami Beach wasdesigned by hotelierAlan Faena with a little bit of visionfrom film director BazLuhrmann and moviecostume designerCatherine Martin

St Petersburg/Clearwater ison pace to see the addition of

2,000 new rooms


Holidays for less than...

15

Holidays for less


From dusty days on working ranches in Montana tocycling along the British Columbia coastline, here is a round-up of suggestions of must-do tours for 2016

Jump on your mountain bike and head out on a KEAdventure along the British Columbia coastline

... £1,500PRESTIGE HOLIDAYS has added citybreaks to Chicago for 2016, featuring thelandmark hotel, the Palmer House Hiltonin Downtown Chicago.How much? Prestige Holidays offers a four-night stay departing on 17 Junefrom £1,391 per person, including returnflights with American Airlines fromHeathrow to Chicago O’Hare,accommodation on room-only basis andshared transfers. To book: prestigecanada.co.uk

RANCH RIDER has introduced the BarW Guest Ranch in its Montana collection.Situated beside Spencer Lake, guests cango on trail rides, watch the horse trainersin action, help with ranch chores, fish forbig pike or try their hand at archery andclay pigeon shooting. How much? Six nights from £1,437 perperson (two sharing) includingaccommodation, meals, most ranchactivities, taxes and gratuities. Excludestransfers of £60 (group of four) fromGlacier Park International Airport andreturn flight. Departing 15 April to 31October. To book: ranchrider.com

... £3,000HAYES AND JARVIS is offering anine-night twin-centre holiday to Hawaii,including three nights at the five-star AndazMaui at Wailea on a room-only basis, threenights at the five-star The Fairmont Orchid

on a room-only basis, followed by threenights at the five-star The ModernHonolulu on a room-only basis.How much? Prices lead in at £2,299 perperson and includes room-onlyaccommodation, internal flights andreturn international flights fromHeathrow with American Airlines andBritish Airways. Based on departures 24October 2016.To book:ring Hayes and Jarvis on 01293762415 to book this break.

G ADVENTURES has introduced a new15-day National Parks of the NorthwestUS tour that gives travellers theopportunity to visit the Wild West miningtown of Wallace in Idaho, spend nightscamping in Big Sky Country, Montana, andYellowstone National Park, a day at thecowboy town of Jackson Hole, Wyoming,rounding up in the hip and happeningPortland, Oregon.How much? Prices start at £2,299 perperson included all excursions,accommodation, camping, some meals,transport and a tour guide.To book: gadventures.co.uk.

KE ADVENTURE is offering a 12-dayCanada – Best of the West, BritishColombia bespoke mountain bikingholiday that rides the trails of Squamishand BC`s Sunshine Coast and takescyclists on the classic Comfortably Numbat Whistler, accompanied by anexperienced mountain biking guide

How much? Prices lead in at £2,495with return flights London to Vancouverand include 11 breakfasts, nine lunches,six dinners, two nights’ hotelaccommodation, nine nights in a lodge,baggage transfer throughout, alltransport and ferry tickets and nationalpark fees.To book: keadventure.com

Less than £5,0 0 0EXPLORE has introduced a newtwo-week adventure Deep South andBlues which travels through six ofAmerica’s southern states; Georgia,Louisiana, Tennessee, Mississippi andNorth and South Carolina. During the tour, visitors get the

chance to experience a taste of thesouth during a cooking class inCharleston, hike to the waterfalls in theGreat Smokey Mountains and visit thelegendary Graceland, home to ElvisPresley. There’s also the opportunity todiscover the French Quarter in NewOrleans and look out for alligatorsduring a swamp tour through Cajuncountry. There will also be time to visitthe National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis. How much? Prices start at £3,422 perperson for tour departures betweenJune and September. Prices includereturn flights, 13 nights’ hotelaccommodation, transport and theservices of an Explore leader and driver.To book: explore.co.uk

S06 TB North America Supp Holidays for less_Layout 1 14/03/2016 14:15

S06 TB North America Supp Holidays for less_Layout 1 14/03/2016 14:15

https://www.themeparkbeds.com/login

Travel Bulletin North America Supplement 2016

Documents

Transcript of Travel Bulletin North America Supplement 2016