VISIT USA NOW! ISSUE 89 | MARCH 2011 Airlines look to strong 2011
giving leisure passengers more choice.” Virgin Atlantic’s contribution to
transatlantic expansion is new twice- weekly direct flights from Manchester to Las Vegas from April 3 (see page 50), ,already selling well according to Edmond Rose, the airline's director of commercial. "The US continues to be very popular
If transatlantic airlines’ expansion plans
are any guide, UK-US travel is in for a better than expected 2011 with a number of new services and products coming online for summer. March 1 saw the re-introduction of daily
San Diego flights for British Airways, served in previous years via Phoenix, plus services to Puerto Rico and an increase to daily frequency on the Tampa route. BA is also introducing first class on its Las Vegas route from June 1.
Delta is launching new non-stop flights
from Heathrow to Boston (twice daily) and Miami (daily) from March 27. UK/US bookings are in line with expectations according to Delta’s staff vp Europe, Middle East and Africa, Frank Jahangir: “From March, Delta will offer 10 daily nonstop services from Heathrow to the US, as well as daily services from Gatwick and Manchester. This summer, Delta will also be launching an Economy Comfort (premium economy) product
for Virgin Atlantic's passengers travelling in all cabins. Our new route between Manchester and Las Vegas has sold well beyond our expectations, and we're seeing strong bookings on our fantastic new A330-300 aircraft which we're bringing onto routes from Gatwick, Glasgow and Manchester to Orlando." American Airlines believes its new joint business with BA and Iberia is bringing passenger benefits in terms of pricing, schedules and frequent flyer rewards. “This is reflected in our bookings as our
customers appreciate the greater choice and flexibility we can now offer them when travelling to the U.S., Mexico and Canada" according to Maria Sebastian, vp marketing EMEA, American Airlines. * Visit USA (UK) has produced a brand new A4 Handbook.. The 12-page book highlights membership advantages and joining procedures. Email angela@
visitusa.org.uk to get your copy.
Rockford rocks on with Cellet
Rockford Area Convention and
Visitor’s Bureau has appointed Cellet to carry out its marketing and PR in the UK for a further 12 months. The Illinois area aims to emphasise
its range of quality accommodation, unique attractions and broad appeal for both families and couples. “Tour operators and trade partners
will feature heavily in our campaign along with increased activity on all social media platforms.” said Yolanda Fletcher, marketing director of Cellet. Rockford is located 90 minutes
from Chicago. John Groh, president and ceo of Rockford Area CVB said “Cellet has positioned Rockford as a must-see destination for visitors to Illinois and the Great Lakes region."
www.gorockford.com
44 March 2011 •
www.sellinglonghaul.com SeaWorld unveils new killer show SeaWorld parks across the United
States, including Orlando and San Diego, have unveiled a new energetic and exciting killer whale show designed to inspire and educate. The ‘One Ocean’ show features SeaWorld’s killer whales as ambassadors of the sea. At the heart of the show is education, ensuring visitors learn all about these marine mammals and the importance of protecting the ocean. The show uses state-of-the-art special effects, including coloured lighting, soaring fountains, panoramic LED screens, stunning underwater imagery and a contemporary musical soundtrack. Whale interaction includes leaps and multiple whales performing concurrently. The new show will debut at SeaWorld Orlando at the end of April and SeaWorld San Diego at the end of May. One Ocean will replace the popular
Believe show that enjoyed a five-year run at all SeaWorld parks.
In brief... March madness hits the Florida
Keys and Key West soon. Mis –month see the annual Marathon Seafood Festival, which features fresh local delicacies like Florida lobster, stone crab claws, shrimp and smoked fish. Keys chefs also serve conch in chowders, salad and fritters — with Key lime pie. And during the same month in Key West, conch shells become musical instruments at the annual Conch Shell Blowing Contest.
www.fla-keys.com
According to the U.S.
Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration, Atlanta had the greatest percentage increase of international tourists of the nation’s top 20 markets, with an average stay in Atlanta of around two to three days. In 2008, an estimated 634,000 international tourists visited Georgia, followed by 689,000 visitors in 2009, making a near 9 percent increase. The top international market is the UK and the most popular activities in the state include Atlanta, Georgia’s coastline and the state’s antebellum architecture.
www.georgiatourismusa.co.uk
For advice and tips from parks' experts,
agents can now visit the new interactive website,
www.seaworldparksagents.co. uk, which includes an eight-step training module; one on each park, including SeaWorld, Aquatica, Discovery Cove and Busch Gardens Tampa, plus two on ticket packages and a ‘become an expert’ module. The site also includes colourful pop-up park maps and videos.
www.seaworldparksagents.co.uk
The Baltimore Washington International Airport Marriott hotel has started a ‘park here, Fly there’ packages which offers visitors deluxe overnight accommodations, free parking at the hotel during their time away (maximum of seven days), and a complimentary shuttle service to and from their departing and arriving airline terminal. The price ranges from $139 to $159 per night and is valid for stays Thursday through to Sunday until December 31, 2011.
www.BWIAirportMarriott.com
Capital Region USA has
produced videos showcasing five of the byways of Virginia, Maryland and Washington, D.C. to help UK holidaymakers choose their next driving holiday. Streamed on the CRUSA website, they can be seen at
www.myroadtripusa.co.uk
PUERTO RICO TOURISM COMPANY
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