Like to know more? Visit www.visitusa.org.uk Subscribe to our


fortnightly email newsletter online. Call the information and brochure request line on 0870 777 2213 or email vusa@bhpdirect-mail.com


Orlando’s extreme penguin ride


ANTARCTICA: Empire of the Penguin ride will debut at SeaWorld Orlando on May 24. The attraction promises to transport families into the icy world and grandeur of the South Pole as they explore a massive penguin colony, including King, Gentoo, Adelie and Rockhopper, in an expanse that envelops them in cool extremes, above and below the penguins’ icy world. Guests will be able to choose one of


two ‘thrill levels’ that will include mobile, moving simulators and a trackless ride. Designers say the ride will allow the whole family to enjoy the attraction at their own pace.


Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin will introduce a new SeaWorld star– a young


gentoo penguin named Puck, who becomes the ride’s guide and leads guests on a journey through the dangers and beauty of the Antarctic. The Three-Park Ticket offers 14 days’ unlimited entry to SeaWorld Orlando, Aquatica and Busch Gardens Tampa. Prices start from £90pp. For advice and tips from park experts, agents can visit the new interactive website, seaworldparksagents.co.uk, which includes an eight-step training module – one on each park – including SeaWorld, Aquatica, Gardens


Discovery Cove and Busch Tampa, plus


two on ticket


packages and a ‘become an expert’ module. seaworldparks.com


Universal’s new beach resort in Orlando


RESERVATIONS are open for Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort, the new, 1,800- room hotel at Universal Orlando Resort that will feature value-priced guest rooms and moderately priced family suites. Operated by Loews Hotels & Resorts, the


hotel is scheduled to open in early 2014. Cabana Bay Beach Resort will be the


fourth hotel at Universal Orlando Resort and 'will evoke the retro-feel of iconic beach resorts from the 1950s and 60s'. An area located around what will be called the ‘North Courtyard’ will open first, followed later in 2014 by an area located around the ‘South Courtyard’.


Families will have two options: a value-priced


standard guest room or a moderately priced, 430-sq ft family suite sleeping six. When complete there will be two pool


complexes with a sand beach and interactive features, a themed lazy river experience and 10-lane bowling alley. As with all resort hotels at the theme


park, Cabana Bay Beach Resort will be just a short walk from Universal Orlando’s theme parks and Universal CityWalk. Hotel guests will enjoy benefits that include Early Theme Park Admission, and complimentary shuttle bus transportation to the theme parks and Universal CityWalk. Loewshotels.com


Loews has historic Back story in Boston 8


LOEWS Hotels & Resorts has purchased The Back Bay Hotel in Boston from The Doyle Collection. Situated on the corner of Berkeley and Stuart Streets, The Back Bay Hotel is housed in one of Boston’s pre- eminent historic buildings. Constructed in the 1920s as the


Boston Police Department headquarters and occupied as such until the late 1990s, the property was extensively redeveloped in 2004. This downtown Boston


landmark


BRITISH AIRWAYS MOVE IS A DREAM FOR USA WEST COAST DESTINATIONS


THE launch of the highly anticipated Dreamliner aircraft may not have been plain sailing but British Airways’ announcement that it will be introducing the Airbus A380 on its London-Los Angeles route this autumn is great news for agents selling the USA. Los Angeles will be the first destination


worldwide served by the double-deck super- jumbo and operated by a UK airline and will increase capacity to popular US West Coast destinations including California, Nevada and Oregon. The tentative launch date is mid-October.


Said Francine Sheridan, Director, Europe and Middle East, Los Angeles Tourism, said: "We are thrilled that British Airways has chosen Los Angeles as the first destination to fly theA380.The new international terminal at LAX will be opening in the summer, so the A380 will be bringing passengers into the brand-new facility, which will be well equipped with 18 gates capable for new- generation aircraft."


With the spotlight firmly focussed on BA’s


‘Red Carpet Route’ for Dreamliner’s premiere, there is certain to be a lot of interest from UK visitors looking for a walk-on role! Elsewhere, this month we welcome Paul


now


features 225 spacious guestrooms, modern amenities, meeting and event space as well as two dining options, Cuffs, which is an Irish Bar, and The Stanhope Grille. The news follows Loews’ purchase and relaunch of the 356-room Madison Hotel in Washington, Jamestown Properties,


D.C. from and the


announcement of a planned new Chicago property in January 2015. The Loews portfolio comprises 21 hotels. loewshotels.com


IN BRIEF


United heads to the regions: United Airlines is to launch summer-season services from its Newark


Westin makes debut in Birmingham: Liberty


International Airport to Anchorage, Alaska, and Traverse City, Michigan. The new flights will offer the only non-stop service between the New York area and the two cities Book the new flights at: united.com


Starwood Hotels & Resorts' Westin brand has debuted in Birmingham, Alabama. The Westin Birmingham is the anchor attraction of


Uptown, the Birmingham Jefferson


Convention Complex’s (BJCC) new entertainment district that also includes bars, restaurants and nightlife. westin.com/Birmingham


Scottsdale Princess summer deals: The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess is taking some of the heat out of the Arizona summer with a special package. The AAA Five-Diamond resort has nightly rates from $125 (around £83) per night, with a $25 (£16.50) food and beverage credit, available for stays May 27-Sept 2, 2013. fairmont.com/scottsdale


Verhaak, the new Chief Operating Officer of the Visit USA Association UK (see story on facing page). Paul’s background, includes co-founding the


which Visit USA


Association's Benelux chapter, stands him in good stead to take on the role established by the late Alan Waddell. Look out for Paul at VUSA events throughout 2013 including the Media Marketplace and Awards, the Annual Independence Day Ball and Agent Road Shows.


For further details on news, events and all


VUSA members please visit www.visitusa.org.uk


Maddy Morgan Black Diamond/Visit California


www.sellinglonghaul.com


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