industry news - feature destinations - interviews - travel tech
AUGUST 2011
FEATURES
KIMPTON
hotels & restaurants
Feature interview with
IATA
FEATURE DESTINATION FOR OCTOBER
CEO Tony Thyler TRIP GUIDE
21 VEGAS TIPS TOURISM PROFILE
LAS VEGAS HOSPITALITY ASSOCIATION SUPPORTING TRAVEL & TOURISM IN LAS VEGAS
Meet the new
LAS VEGAS MAYOR Carolyn Goodman
BEST HOTEL SUITES IN VEGAS
AND MUCH MORE!
WWW.TRAVELTRADEMAGAZINE.COM
Comnia doluptio estiatus
TOP TEN
Agree to a Jaunt by October 31st, 2011 and secure your discounted fee and premium placement just in time for the holidays!
3
MESSAGE FROM
THE EDITOR EDITOR: Paul Weston EMAIL: paul@traveltrademag.com
WEB: www.traveltrademagazine.com
It is with great pleasure that we present our October 2011 issue which is packed with some of the greatest stories we’ve been fortunate to cover. In this issue we traveled to Las Vegas as our Destination of the Month, and we had the opportunity to connect with the newly appointed Mayor Carolyn Goodman and learned more about building and promoting new and exciting operations within the city itself. We also check in with J.J Wills and the Las Vegas Hospitality Association to highlight their role in sin city’s hospitality industry.
In all, it has been a very exciting with this issue, and the almost immediate success we have had. Again I am very much looking forward to hearing from you, our reader. If you have any story ideas or information you want to share please write us at editor@traveltrademag.com, and I will personally try to get back to each and every one of you. Safe Travels, Paul Weston Editor inChief Travel Trade Magazine
Keeping the hotel industry in mind we travel to Canada and talk with the Hotel Association of Canada and stop by San Fransisco to feature Kimpton Hotels, leaders in luxury boutique experiences.
traveltrade
magazine contact
Published by Select Digital Media, 100 western battery rd, Toronto, On, Canada
magazine team EDITOR: Paul Weston t. 647.933..9070 x 207 e. paul@traveltrademag.com
PRODUCTION MANAGER: Kevin Baxter t. 647.933..9070 x 205 e. kevin@traveltrademag.com WRITERS
PRODUCTION MANAGER:
Ryan Jack
Brian Andersen
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Kim Walker PRODUCTION MANAGER: Jason Alexander t. 647.933..9070 x 212 e. jason@traveltrademag.com
t. 647.933..9070 e. info@traveltrademag.com Kelli Pavlovec t. 647.933..9070 e. info@traveltrademag.com
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Message from the Editor.............................................03
A quick introduction and updates from our editor Paul Weston
Travel Trade News.....................................................06-11 The latest industry news and hot topics
Upcoming Industry Events..................................12-13
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SHOWCASING IATA
TAKING A CLOSER LOOK AT IATA AND THEIR ROLE IN THE INDUSTRY
Travel Industry Events listings and Trade Shows worldwide
Travel Technology...................................................14-15 Gadgets and travel tools for the road warrior
Heading IATA.............................................................16-19 We take a closer look at IATA and their role in the industry
The Hotel Association of Canada......................20-22 with HAC President Tony Pollard
Kimpton Hotels and Restaurants......................24-30
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KIMPTON HOTELS
How Kimpton continues to excell at client satisfaction
AND HOW THEY BECAME ONE OF THE WORLDS TOP HOTEL BRANDS
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THE AMAZON KINDLE
TRAVEL TECHNOLODY AND GADGETS
WORLD TRAVEL MARKET
12
AND OTHER SHOWS IN OUR INDUSTRY EVENTS CALENDAR
20
TONY POLLARD AND THE HOTEL ASSOCIATION OF CANADA
ECO FRIENDLY INITIATIVES
34
32
DESTINATION OF THE MONTH
LAS VEGAS IS THE ENTERTAINMENT CAPITAL OF THE WORLD, QUINTESSENTIAL VACATION DESTINATION
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CAROLYN GOODMAN
APPOINTED MAYOR IN JUNE 2011, SHE IS HEADING A NEW FRONT
21 VEGAS TIPS
TWENTY ONE HANDY TIPS TO ENSURE A GOOD TIME IN VEGAS
City of Las Vegas......................................................32-44 Feature Destination & Entertainment Capital of the World
Best Hotel Suites in Las Vegas............................44-53 Our Top Ten List uncovers the very best rooms in vegas
Twenty One Las Vegas Tips..................................54-56 Everything you need to know about vegas can be found here
Las Vegas Hospitality Association.....................58-61 We interview LVHA president J.J. Wills
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LAS VEGAS TOURISM
AND THE LAS VEGAS HOSPITALITY ASSOCIATION MEMBER COMMUNITY
Advertisers:
44
BEST HOTELS IN VEGAS
HERE’S OUR TAKE ON THE BEST HOTEL ROOM SUITES IN LAS VEGAS
Jaunt.ca.......................................................................................................02 Bahamas.....................................................................................................19 Intrepid........................................................................................................23 Daytona Beach.........................................................................................31 Travel Shake...............................................................................................41 Las Vegas....................................................................................................43 Visit Manchester......................................................................................57 Site Minder.................................................................................................57 Ingle Insurance.........................................................................................62
TRAVEL NEWS
traveltrade NEWS 6
CHINA EXPANDS TOURISM WITH NEW ROUTES Tourism is growing with new routes to China this year, as its outbound departures are predicted to top 65 million after reaching over 57 million in 2010, according to a report from the China Outbound Tourism Research Institute (COTRI). The UN World Travel Organization (UNWTO) estimates that there will be 100 million Chinese outbound trips by 2020. International airlines that haven’t already established direct routes to China are rushing to do so. Air Mauritius and South African Airlines will become the latest to set up links with direct flights to Shanghai and Beijing respectively, as early as July. But airlines are not just targeting China’s major cities for direct routes. Australia and New Zealand aretrying to encourage airlines to establish new links between tourist destinations in those countries and some of the China’s tier 2 cities.
CEASARS BREAKS GROUND ON $500 MILLION STRIP PROJECT Construction began on a $500 million development that will include a 550foot observation wheel —developers say it not be called a Ferris wheel — and a restaurant-entertainment district. Clark County commissioners approved the 18-month project this week, giving Caesars Entertainment the green light to break ground. It will consist of 326,000 square feet of retail, dining and entertainment venues between the Imperial Palace and the Flamingo. Caesars Entertainment attorney Tabitha Fiddyment said the project will cost about $500 million and “completely change this area of Las Vegas Boulevard … it’s going to entirely revitalize it.” It will create thousands of jobs, both construction and permanent, and be another amenity on the Las Vegas Strip for tourists to visit and enjoy.
TRAVEL NEWS
7
GLOBAL HOTEL MARKETS TO SEE GROWTH Most major global hotel markets through the end of 2012 will experience higher revenue per available room, “led mainly through increases in rate rather than through occupancy increases,” though growth will decelerate, according to STR Global. For 2011, the firm projected that Hong Kong would have the highest RevPAR growth, up 24.7 percent from 2010. Other top growth markets include Amsterdam, Beijing, Cologne, Copenhagen, Dublin, Düsseldorf, Milan, Moscow and Singapore. Many of those will continue to be top growth markets next year, although the highest projected 2012 RevPAR growth is 9.6 percent in Singapore, which would be lower than the 10 largest market increases expected for this year. No U.S. cities are in the top 10 RevPAR growth markets for either 2011 or 2012. STR Global also noted volatility, acknowledging that “the difficult and relatively fast-changing changes in the broader economy could very well change the forecast with the next quarterly report.”
GET THERE, GOGO PARTNER TO OFFER DISCOUNTED IN-FLIGHT INTERNET GetThere and Gogo have signed an agreement that allows GetThere to offer Gogo in-flight Wi-Fi services at a discounted rate. Under the agreement, GetThere users can access special pricing on daily and annual Gogo passes for in-flight Wi-Fi. With the passes, GetThere customers using laptops, tablets and other Wi-Fi-enabled devices can access Gogo’s in-flight Internet network and services. Gogo Wi-Fi is currently available on nearly 1,200 aircraft spread across eight major airlines including all AirTran Airways, Delta Air Lines and Virgin America flights, and select Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, United Airlines and US Airways flights. GetThere, a Sabre Travel Network brand, provides travel technology solutions to corporations. For more information, visit www. gogoair.com
TRAVEL NEWS
traveltradeNEWS 8
GOOGLE UNVEILS NEW FLIGHT SEARCH IN U.S.
SINGAPORE AIRLINES DISCOUNTED AIRFARES FOR ASIA & AUSTRALIA Singapore Airlines, Singapore’s flag, carrier seems to have raised high hopes for travel agencies based in London including travelhouseuk.co.uk, after the airline’s announcement for offering cheap Airline tickets to Asia and cheap flights for various Australian destinations. “We perceive Singapore Airline’s recent development of lowering flight fares to two of the world’s most popular holiday continents, as one sparkling opportunity for both, passengers and travel agencies. This year the airline has targeted the most sought-after and popular destinations at a time when two mega events: Christmas and New Years are approaching fast.” said Zak Chahal, the CEO of Travelhouse uk.
Google has begun to reap the rewards of its $676m acquisition of the airline fare tracker ITA Software earlier this year by launching a flightprice search system for flights between US destinations. Their new search engine, at www.google.com/flights, arrived in a low-key launch, after the takeover was sourly opposed by rivals including other travel services and Microsoft. Google will collect an affiliate fee from travel websites when people click through from the search engine’s service to book flights. Flights can be sorted by airline, travel date, time and price.
TRAVEL NEWS
9
SMARTPHONE TRAVEL APPS TAKE OFF IN SITA SURVEY According to the 2011 SITA – Air Transport World Passenger Self-Service Survey reported that the increasing number of smartphones carried by airline passengers, and who have travel apps, has doubled over the last year making them an important device for travelers who want to access flight information or check-in remotely. For starters, travelers who own a smartphone has increased from 28% in last year’s survey to 54% this year; 74% of business class respondents and frequent flyers (10+ round trips per year) owned one.
GREAT BRITAIN GEARS UP TO HARNESS 2012 OLYMPICS OPPORTUNITY It has been a significant few days for British tourism in the USA, Britain’s most valuable overseas market. Following Prime Minister David Cameron’s New York visit to unveil the GREAT Britain campaign – a new drive to promote Britain as a place to visit and do business – John Penrose, Minister for Tourism and Heritage, lent his support to Britain’s third largest industry at Destination Britain North America, the region’s largest business to business event. Destination Britain North America is VisitBritain’s annual flagship event, bringing together British tourism suppliers with US and Canadian tourism buyers. This year a record number of British suppliers were in town to showcase their products and negotiate business deals. Over 2,900 appointments took place during the two day marketplace, as well as destination seminars and other networking functions.
traveltradeNEWS TRAVEL NEWS
10
LIFT MIND, BODY AND SPIRIT ON A TRANS ATLANTIC YOGA CRUISE Tall ship specialist Star Clippers is offering guests complimentary daily yoga and meditation classes in the middle of the Atlantic beneath 56,000 square feet of billowing sails, during the 2012 transatlantic crossing of the line’s flagship, the 227-passenger Royal Clipper, in April 2012.
TRAVELLERS ARE RETURNING TO TRAVEL AGENTS The travel industry has had its share of ups and downs in recent years, thanks to economic uncertainty, high unemployment, political turmoil abroad and the public’s embrace of technology and the Internet. However, things are looking up for travel agents, many of whom are experiencing greater traffic and revenue. The American Society of Travel Agents released its Leisure Trends Report earlier this year, they have determined that a large percentage of leisure-based travel agencies saw increased revenue and transactions last year compared to 2009, which a positive trend that agents expect to continue through 2011 when 94 percent expect to make a profit.
Surrounded by vast, open expanses of ocean, yoga classes will take place on Royal Clipper’s sun-warmed teak decks under the guidance of qualified yoga teacher Christel Vollmer. Star Clippers operates three of the world’s largest and tallest sailing vessels. Visiting ports often untouched by larger cruise ships and offering passengers the activities, amenities and atmosphere of a private yacht, Star Clippers is recognized as one of the premier specialty cruise lines.
TRAVEL NEWS
11
AGENTS NEED ACCESS TO FULL AIRLINE CONTENT: WTAAA CLIA AND GOOGLE COLLABORATED TO HOST ‘CRUISE DIGITAL MARKETING 2011’ The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has recently worked with Google to co-host “Cruise Digital Marketing 2011,” with the goal of analyzing and understanding the impact of the digital world from a marketing perspective with reference to the travel industry. Questions about effectively reaching customers, analyzing existing data to drive results and differentiating one brand from another were only some of the many subjects discussed during the event, which offered a fresh perspective on technology for the marketing experts in the travel industry and beyond. “CLIA welcomed this close collaboration as the perfect chance to emphasize the need of understanding the digital world and its continuous changes, not only for the benefit of the cruise industry, but for the entire travel industry as well,” said Christine Duffy, Cruise Lines International Association’s President. Focusing on topics such as customer loyalty, learning from retail by creating the offline experience online, measurement and attribution of online marketing, the day’s sessions served as an informative analysis of the current digital landscape with examples of success stories from various industries.
Sewveral industry leaders are pitching for agents to have access to all airfare content, regardless of which global distribution system (GDS) they opt to use. Discussing the issue at the World Travel Agents Associations Alliance (WTAAA) bi-annual board meeting earlier this month, chairman Peter Barlow said it was “critical” agents have access to all airline information. “It is critical that all airlines level the playing field and ensure that agents have access to all airline content and are able to easily access and facilitate payment for ancillary services through their preferred GDS.” Other issues covered during the assembly included ancillary fees, GDX surcharges, airline credit card levies and credit card fraud. The WTAAA also agreed to engage the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to adjust the Passenger Agency Program into one that is more “equitable and relevant in the current business environment”. “This is a challenging industry; it’s a volatile industry, but that being said, we are doing well because we have strong support from travel agents,” Air Canada vice president of global sales Claude Morin added.
EVENTSCALENDAR
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EVENTS THIS
OCTOBER
and make solid connections that will translate into year round sales. Come, and you will understand why exhibitors renew their commitment year after year.
featured event
OCTOBER 22-30TH
THE CRUISE SHOW
The CRUISE show includes companies with an upmarket live brand environment, with the major cruise lines and specialist operators exhibiting under one roof. MORE INFORMATION: www.cruisingshow.com TO BOOK CALL:
0871 620 4024
OCTOBER 21-23RD
INTERNATIONAL TOURISM & TRAVEL SHOW International Tourism & Travel Show is a dream opportunity to introduce your new products and services to thousands of targeted consumers. This three day event offers will help you generate valuable contacts, make immediate sales, increase your visibility
NOVMBER 7-10TH
WORLD TRAVEL MARKET
MORE INFORMATION: www.salontourismevoyages.com TO BOOK CALL:
(514) 527-9221
OCTOBER 27-28TH
INTERNATIONAL CRUISE SUMMIT 2011 An International Cruise Summit for Travel agencies and tour operators, interested in the specialisation of selling cruise products. Commercial representatives at cruise lines and General Sales Agents. Cruise lines, itinerary planning.
Exhibiting companies have the scope of strengthening their business networks, by getting into profitable partnership deals with industry peers.The sheer range of exhibited items at the event is impressive, and ranges from airport and flight travel services and tourist board services, to event management . EMAIL: wtm@reedexpo.co.uk MORE INFORMATION: www.wtmlondon.com TO BOOK CALL: + 44 (0) 208 271 21600871 620
OCTOBER 25TH
THE TOURISM SOCIETY: MEDIA MASTERCLASS The Tourism Society annual media masterclass offers the chance to speak to the trade papers and journalists within the field to gain an insight into how to pitch ideas to them for articles.
MORE INFORMATION:
www.tourisociety.org TO BOOK CALL: +44 (0)20 8661 4636 OCTOBER 29TH
CORROBOREE 2011 - THE AMERICAS AUSTRALIA TRADE SHOW ACTIVE Corroboree 2011 will be
EVENTSCALENDAR
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held in Melbourne, Victoria from Saturday 29 October to Monday 31 October 2011. Corroboree is the premier retail training event held by Tourism Australia to educate Aussie Specialist agents on Australian tourism products and experiences. The event focuses on cultivating relationships and building new business for the Australian Tourism industry. MORE INFORMATION:
www.tradeevents. australia.com
NOVEMBER 03-06TH
THE LUXURY TRAVEL FAIR
The Luxury Travel Fair is a one-stop destination for all travel and holiday enthusiasts,and draws in leading professionals from this sector as well. A large number of hotel service providers,travel agencies,airline and luxury cruise experts,and related personnel are present as exhibitors at the show. MORE INFORMATION:
Luxurytravelfair.com TO BOOK CALL: 0871 230 1091
featured event
NOVEMBER 8-10TH
MODERN HOTEL - KIEV EXPO
PLAZA EXHIBITION CENTER, KIEV, KIEV CITY, UKRAINE Modern Hotel will be held at KievExpoPlaza. Modern Hotel is the first specialized exhibition in Ukraine targeting professionals of the industry of hospitality and dining out. A total experience for the Food Service and the Hospitality professional. If its used in a hotel or restaurant, International Restaurant and Hotel Expo has every industry segment covered. MORE INFORMATION:
www.rest-hotel.kiev. ua
NOVEMBER 14-17TH INTERNATIONAL GOLF TRAVEL MARKET IGTM is the meeting place for the world of golf travel. Over 600 golf tourism suppliers join 350 pre-qualified buyers and 140 international press for four days of prescheduled appointments, networking opportunities and industry updates. MORE INFORMATION: www.igtm.co.uk als and academics, who will lend the local market their knowledge of the latest industry trends and methods of operations. It is also the aim of the Taipei ITF to increase the frequency of media exposure, promote trade for both buyer and seller, and help the consumer public to be more globally-minded. MORE INFORMATION:
www.taipeiitf.org.tw TO BOOK CALL: 886-2-2597-9691
NOVEMBER 15TH
5TH ANNUAL TRAVELZOO AWARDS
The Travelzoo Awards celebrate the companies that took performance to the next level by providing the year’s best in travel, entertainment and local offers. MORE INFORMATION:
www.travelzoo.com/ tzoos TO BOOK CALL: (212.484.4921
WANT YOUR EVENT FEATURED HERE? NOVEMBER 11-14TH
TALPEL INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL FAIR
Taipei International Travel Fair will be host to industry profession-
Feel free to keep us posted of any other industry events or conferences we may have left out.
Email: info@traveltrademag.com
TECHNOLOGYPRODUCTS
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TRAVEL
TRAVEL GADGETS
TECHNOLOGY Razor thin masterpiece of industrial design that, in ways large and small, favors elegance over practicality. To minimize unsightly ports it eliminates the Ethernet and Firewire slots. To maintain a profile slim enough to fit into an interoffice envelope, it does without a CD/DVD drive and sports a battery that
can’t quite make it from SFO to JFK on a single charge. The keyboard is full-size and backlit for when the cabin lights dim. And with a built-in camera and mike, it doubles as a videophone for conducting face-toface meetings without the jetlag.
#1 MACBOOK AIR #1 MACBOOK AIR Short description of item in this panel.www.apple.com
PRICE $1,799.00
TECHNOLOGYPRODUCTS
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FOR THE ROAD WARRIOR
#2 PHILIPS DOCK- #3 ETON ING SPEAKER RAPTOR
#4 AMAZON KINDLE
#5 MAGELLAN EXPLORIST 710
These give you a big sound in a slim, portable package. Running on AC power or a built-in rechargeable battery, the clever docking dongle can prop up iPads or iPhones—even when they’re in cases. It can also connect to any Bluetooth-stereoenabled mobile phone, tablet, or laptop.
The tough Raptor combines an AM/FM/wideband radio, an LED flashlight, an altimeter, a barometer, an alarm clock, an audio-in, a charger for your gadgets, and a bottle opener—all juiced by a solar charger or USB. Oh, it’s waterproof too. PRICE: Not yet priced MORE INFORMATION: www. etoncorp.com
An eBook reader can carry for you more than thousands of books and magazines. You have only to choose. Amazon Kindle is the best pick among the lot. Even in this tablet-filled world, eBook reader stands out with its glare-free e-ink screen, making it ideal for both beach and bedtime reading. PRICE: $140 MORE INFORMATION: www.amazon.com
This sturdy utility device is for an adventurer who roams thinly populated or obscure areas. This handheld, waterproof, GPS stylish gadget will be a great guide for hikers and bikers traversing areas with topographical US maps. This gadget will be a wonderful addition to any road warriors . PRICE: $549.99 MORE INFORMATION: www.mangellangps.com
#7 FLIP HD
#8 ASUS R300 HANDHELD PERSONAL NAVIGATOR
#9 TRAVEL VALET SERVICE - TRACKSTICK II
PRICE: $199.00 MORE INFORMATION: www.philips.com
#6 VIBRATO HEADPHONES There are a lot of great noise-cancelling headphones around, but V-Moda Vibrato Planet’s model negates the competition when it comes to `comfort to wear’ and its unmatched sound quality. The device is ideal for multi-music-genre listening, amazing bass without compromising mid-range clarity. It even comes with a microphone.
If you are in the hunt for a simple and fast device to capture high clarity video, Flip MinoHD is the best buy. What you will love most is its user-friendly control. Unique is this camcorder with a physical record button for crisp and clear 720p HD videos. The built-in USB connector acts as a charger in additio n to transferring video to your PC.
PRICE: $129.99 MORE INFORMATION: www.v-moda.com
PRICE: $139.99 MORE INFORMATION: www.theflip.com
A mounting kit makes it easy to use for in-car GPS, for starters. But you can also slide it into your pocket, and get directions in pedestrian, bike and even bus mode. It also can carry photos, music files, and you can field phone calls too. PRICE: $299.00 MORE INFORMATION: www,asus.com
Load it into your computer via the built in USB connection, apply the nifty Google Earth integration and all of a sudden you can see your life mapped by a series red lines. Travel great distances and you’ll have that Magellan feeling of creating an arc across the globe. PRICE: $199.00 MORE INFORMATION: www.trackstick.com
IATA Director General and CEO Tony Tyhler
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HEADING
IATA
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) serves its worldwide customers with efforts geared toward providing safe, reliable air transportation.
Written by Kelli Pavlovec
Working hard to fulfill their mission to represent, lead and serve the airline industry, this international trade body supports one of the most dynamic industries in the world. IATA’s early roots are from the International Air Traffic Association, which began in Hague in 1919, a date that marks the beginning of the world’s first international scheduled flight services. The modern-day IATA began in Havana, Cuba in 1945 with just 57 members from 31 participating countries, mostly European and American. With scheduled air transport now 100 times larger than it was in 1945, IATA now boasts a portfolio of 230 airlines, a magnitude representing 93% of the world’s scheduled air traffic. One of IATA’s primary roles is educating governments and decision makers on aviation’s
economic value. “It has been said that aviation is the real world wide web. It connects people and businesses all over the globe,” says Perry Flint, spokesperson for IATA. The airline industry supplies 32 million jobs and $3.5 trillion in economic activity. If aviation were a country, it would place 21st in the world when ranked by gross domestic product, according to Oxford Economics.
Even though IATA has developed aggressive plans for improving fuel efficiency, capping aviation CO2 emissions and cutting net carbon emissions, governments continue to tax airlines and passengers at rates of up to 20% of the cost of an airline ticket. Oddly, in some cases, the money pulled in by these taxes is not even required to go toward the environment or improving aviation’s efficiency.
TAXATION
SECURITY
Despite aviation’s worldwide significance, IATA demonstrates that airlines face harrowing government-imposed taxes in the name of environmental preservation, which are making airlines’ standard operating procedures increasingly difficult. As a matter of fact, airlines only account for 2% of all human-caused CO2 emissions, and 12% of transport emissions.
In a post-9/11 world, IATA also concentrates on the pressing issue of security. Although national security is a government responsibility, IATA
18 attests that safety costs are instead being forced onto the shoulders of airlines and passengers at the lofty sum of $7.4 billion annually. Passengers’ convenience likewise is poorly balanced with security, according to IATA. “Passengers should be treated with courtesy and respect for their privacy rights; they should not have to disrobe in order to be allowed on an airplane,” says Flint. IATA has developed a Checkpoint of the Future program, which is designed to improve airport processes by removing hassle and increasing security. COSTS IATA also assumes the responsibility of address-
ing cost challenges to the aviation community. Jet fuel prices have risen from $30.50 in 2001 to an average of $126.50 today, and now account for 30% of overall costs, up from 13% of costs 10 years ago. Flint, on ever-increasing infrastructure tolls, says, “We continue to face strong challenges to cost-efficiency. Too many governments view airlines and their passengers as cash cows.”
War II international aviation regulatory structure that limits the ability of airlines to expand across national borders in the same fashion as other sectors of the economy,” says Flint. Going forward, IATA also has long-term plans for developing biofuels that will reduce carbon emissions, without competing with food crops. Some planes are already flying certain routes with a mixture of biofuel and regular jet fuel.
LOOKING AHEAD As passenger volumes are Future plans for improveexpected to rise to 16 billion ment rest on airline mergers by the year 2050, IATA plans between countries, according to continue to lead internato IATA. “IATA believes that tional airlines in achieving consolidation will make the maximum financial sustainindustry stronger and help to ability and upholding safety break down the post-World as their number one priority.
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HEADING
THE HOTEL ASSOCIATION OF CANADA The Hotel Association of Canada (HAC) represents the entire lodging industry, providing its members with assistance with government relations, marketing innovations, and industry resources. Written by Kelli Pavlovec
As travel and tourism is one of the fastest growing businesses today, HAC embraces its duty to represent, protect, and support hoteliers in a challenging business world. Since 1913, HAC has been an advocate for hotels, motels and resorts, growing to a present-day membership of 8,486 hotels. Tony Pollard, president of HAC, is a key mediator between hoteliers and members of Parliament. “We like for the government to look favorably on us,” says Pollard of government relations, the principal preoccupation driving HAC. HAC has developed a complete, ongoing program to assist hoteliers in going out and meeting with MP’s, and pointing out what the government can do to help. MP’s are looking for input from their constituents, and as HAC’s membership represents numerous voters, it’s important for hoteliers and MP’s to connect with each other.
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GREENING
TECHNOLOGY
In new developments, HAC is proud of its recently infamous Green Key Program, which has been adopted by more than 60 countries representing approximately 30% of the globe. A program that was developed in 1997, Pollard describes Green Key as “an overnight success that took about 14 years to get there.”
In an ever-changing, technologically driven world, 60% of leisure travelers and 62% of business travelers now get information on where they want to go from the internet. “The odds are that you’re going to get information online and you’re probably going to book online. That’s very different from what it was before. And that’s forced us as an industry to change drastically how we go about doing things,” says Pollard.
Hoteliers are readily jumping onto the Green Key Program, recognizing the environmental, marketing and financial advantages of adapting this fully voluntary program. “By demonstrating that hoteliers are voluntarily participating in an environmental program which benefits any and all, the government looks on us as good guys,” says Pollard.
A program that was developed in 1997, Pollard describes Green Key as “an overnight success that took about 14 years to get there.”
Likewise, online travel agents such as Expedia and the new Google Hotel Finder have replaced the brochures and booklets of 10 years ago. Making the industry more transparent in terms of fees, rates, and bookings, these online
22 presences have forced the industry to reevaluate the way they do business. In an effort to restore personal interaction, most hotels now offer a best rate guarantee, a positive initiative that promises matching rates for online prices, provided the customer calls in to speak with a representative.
and endorsed, particularly by larger hotels who do a lot of meetings,” says Pollard. This fall, HAC will be rolling out the results of its Green Key review, a standard operating procedure completed every 5 years that ensures the program is still current, credible and reflective of what’s going on in the industry.
LOOKING FORWARD HAC inaugurated the Green Key Meetings Program earlier this year, an assessment that evaluates hotels’ meeting operations and rates their sustainability efforts. “Green Key has been very eagerly adopted HAC PRESIDENT - TONY POLLARD
For the future, HAC will continue to provide hoteliers with the tools, advocacy and protection needed for business success.
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EDITORIALFEATURE
GUEST LOYALTY
KIMPTON HOTELS
Kimpton has some of the highest customer satisfaction scores in the hotel business.
AND RESTAURANTS
I
t’s opening day every day at Kimpton Hotels and Restaurants, an award-winning hotel and restaurant chain that takes the road less travelled to provide a powerful emotional connection with its guests.
It’s opening day every day at Kimpton Hotels and Restaurants, an award-winning hotel and restaurant chain that takes the road less travelled to provide a powerful emotional connection with its guests. By striving to make every guest’s first experience the best,
Kimpton has gained the highest customer satisfaction scores (93%+) and emotional attachment scores (89%) of any hotel company operating in the United States, according to Market Metrix Hospitality Index. BEGINNINGS In the early eighties, the age of big convention hotels, founder Bill Kimpton set out to revolutionize the hotel industry. “It’s not so much about who we are today and where
“AT THE END OF THE DAY, OUR GUESTS LOVE US. IT’S NOT ABOUT THE MILES AND THE POINTS; IT’S ABOUT THE EXPERIENCE”
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EDITORIALFEATURE
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EDITORIALFEATURE
we’re going, but about the man who founded the organization, and who he was and how he saw things back in 1981,” says Steve Pinetti, Senior Vice President, Inspiration & Creativity, of Kimpton Hotels and Restaurants. An avid European traveller, Kimpton sought out intimate, high-design hotels while abroad. That’s when it clicked for him, and the idea for “boutique hotels” was born, a concept credited to Kimpton according to USA Today. Inspired by a San Franciscan hotel with a 24-hour lobby coffee shop, Kimpton designed a personalized hotel with a chef driven restaurant. Today, Kimpton hotels typically consist of 220 rooms, an 8-10,000
square foot meeting space and a separate-entry restaurant. Given the large number of restaurant options available to diners, Kimpton decided, “As long as we’re in the restaurant business, let’s be the best we can be,” says Pinetti. Realizing that the few moments a guest spends during a first dining experience hold the power of future word of mouth referrals, Pinetti states: “It’s vital that we hit a home-run every day.” THE KIMPTON DIFFERENCE Kimpton Hotels may have branded the term “boutique,” but they are not a small operation. With 54 hotels and 54 restaurants in 23 cities, and over
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EDITORIALFEATURE
day, Wine Hour is a time when guests mingle and share talents, stories, and interests. Guests also have the unique option of leaving a bag with personal products at their favorite Kimpton hotel in a frequently traveled city. Or, when a guest is charged an airline baggage fee for checking a second bag, Kimpton picks up the tab and gives cash back through a program called “We’ve Got Your Bag.” Guests can work out, bring their pets, enjoy complimentary coffee and tea during the day, and essentially maintain their own lifestyle away from home.
7,400 employees, they’re a driving force in the industry. “We’re like the biggest little guy and the smallest big guy,” says Pinetti. Kimpton realizes the opportunity to do the routine with flair and fun every day, and their creative ideas are often mimicked by the big brands. As an example, Kimpton’s complimentary Hosted Evening Wine Hour is a time to wind down after a hard day, or vamp up in preparation for a fun night out. Originating from Bill Kimpton’s tradition of greeting every single guest with a glass of wine at the end of the
Kimpton is aggressive about interacting with guests through focus groups, guest feedback, and employees’ observations of rearranged furniture in rooms in order to create a homelike environment. “Our people are terrific, and they’re great fun to interact with. We’re going to know who you are and recognize you every time you come in,” says Pinetti. A GREAT PLACE TO STAY, A GREAT PLACE TO WORK It’s not only guests who receive preferential treatment; employees are valued as top notch as well. Boasting a place on Fortune 100’s Best Places to Work in 2011, Kimpton
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operates by allowing its employees to work within a framework of empowerment. In fact, Kimpton Hotels “attract individuals with entrepreneurial, exciting personalities, who react from their heart with guests, and take their problems away from them,” says Pinetti. By recognizing that employees spend more waking hours at work than with family, Kimpton works to ensure that employees get satisfaction and fun out of work. Not at the expense of high quality, though, according to Pinetti: “We are as focused on high performance as we are on fun and empowerment. We are a work hard, play hard organization; we keep it all in balance.” GUEST LOYALTY In keeping with their creative methods, Kimpton’s unique loyalty program aims to find opportunities that other hotels have missed by rewarding loyal guests beyond traditional miles and points. “I don’t want people staying in our hotels because they get miles and points. I want people to stay in our hotels because they love staying in our hotels,” says Pinetti. With Kimpton InTouch, Kimpton creates a personal profile on guests, looking at what kind of pillow they like, what kind of music they prefer, what items they might like in a
welcome amenity, and delivers on personal preferences to make people feel recognized and at home. “At the end of the day, our guests love us. It’s not about the miles and the points; it’s about the experience,” says Pinetti.
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SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY Kimpton sustains eco-consciousness through its own greening initiatives program called EarthCare. From providing phonebooks in rooms by request only, to transforming historical buildings into luxury hotels, specially appointed EarthCare champions meet weekly to ensure standards are being met. Kimpton’s efforts have achieved Green Key certification in all hotels. Kimpton’s restaurants, likewise, follow EarthCare standards by eliminating styrofoam, using recycled or unbleached napkins and ToGo containers, and conserving energy. Kimpton Hotel’s social responsibility also extends to charitable partnerships, most notably their involvement with Dress for Success. As Kimpton holds the highest ratio of businesswomen to businessmen of any of the major hotel chains, they actively partner with this notfor-profit organization that guides economically-challenged women as they transition from unemployment to success. Kimpton also collaborates with the Trust for Public Land (TPL), the same non-profit that successfully preserved the land behind Hollywood’s sign. As $10 of the daily room rate goes to help TPL, staying at Kimpton Hotels supports efforts to preserve land and create parks in cities all across America. PLANS FOR THE FUTURE For the future, Kimpton Hotels and Restaurants plans on doubling in size, while maintaining the intimate, high-quality boutique atmosphere they branded. Kimpton’s refusal to follow the crowd has earned them the label as one of the top 25 “pivotal influences” in the hospitality industry over the last 25 years, according to USA Today. Kimpton aims to maintain its social standing and carry forward its ground-breaking success as guests continue to value the intimate uniqueness of the Kimpton environment.
Visitors continue to agree that Daytona Beach is the perfect location for their vacation. The destination offers 23 miles of golden beaches, great weather, oceanfront accommodations, restaurants and pubs, fabulous golf and family attractions. And best of all...timeless memories at an affordable cost for every budget.
Call: 1.866.530.3127 or 1.386.255.0415, ext 126 VISIT: www.daytonabeach.com Email: lmcmahon@daytonabeach.com
CITY OF LAS VEGAS The Entertainment Capital of the World
Written by Kelli Pavlovec
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CITY OF
LAS VEGAS
“Travel and tourism is the top industry in the State of Nevada. In Southern Nevada alone, tourism generates approximately $37 billion to the local economy.” said Goodman.
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t goes without question that the City of Las Vegas is the most populous city in Nevada. Las Vegas has grown into a truly global city, offering a diversity of experiences to rival any other. Through strategic planning and investment, Las Vegas has been able to shape itself into a city that is not only aesthetically pleasing, but is also excels in the tourism industry.
Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman
With 24-hour-a-day casino excitement, awardwinning restaurants helmed by celebrity chefs, world-class entertainment options, premium shopping, destination spas and fantastic golf, Las Vegas offers something for everyone. As the destination continues to evolve, new attractions this year include a flightline experience on Fremont Street, day clubs at resort pools, and new resident headliners such as Celine Dion, Rod Stewart, Elton John and soon,
Shania Twain. When new appointed Mayor Carolyn Goodman was elected in June 2011, she understood the significance of developing and establishing a city plan that would allow the community to grow in a manner that would appeal to all involved. “Travel and tourism is the top industry in the State of Nevada. In Southern Nevada alone, tourism generates approxi-
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mately $37 billion to the local economy.” said Goodman. “Approximately 215,000 members of Clark County’s workforce are employed directly in the hospitality industry. The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority is the official destination marketing organization of Las Vegas and markets Southern
Nevada as a leisure and business destination worldwide. In 2010, Las Vegas attracted approximately 37.4 million visitors.” DEVELOPMENT FOR GROWTH As the national economy continues to show improve-
ments, the local Las Vegas economy has also improved. They have seen 15 consecutive months of increases for both visitation and Average Daily Room Rates. Citywide occupancy also continues to show solid increases. According to the LVCVA’s 2010 Visitor Profile Study, other tourism trends include
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“The more travel agents know about Las Vegas, and the more incentives they have to book Las Vegas for their clients, the more we benefit as a destination”. said Goodman.
a larger share of international visitors in the destination and overall spending increases on non-gaming elements such as dining and shopping. “One thing that the city has done is to keep pressing forward despite the downturn in the economy. There continues to be a push forward with projects that will improve the quality of life in Las Vegas and create jobs for its residents.” said Goodman. “One of the major projects I hope to see come to fruition is a new arena in downtown Las Vegas. The city is currently in an exclusive negotiating agreement with the Cordish Companies to develop that arena and its accompanying entertainment piece. I believe
that once we have that arena, Las Vegas will become home to a major league sports franchise.” The year 2012 will be a big year for the city with The Mob Museum, Neon Museum, The Smith Center for the Performing Arts and the new City Hall all scheduled to open. Symphony Park, located in Downtown Las Vegas, is the latest development in the 61acre, master-planned neighborhood which is already home to the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health (an iconic Frank Gehry-designed building), and to soon-to-open The Smith Center for the Performing Arts. Other planned uses including
residential, retail and hospitality are being scheduled for development. Of great interest additionally is the Fremont East Entertainment District which has undergone a $5.5 million revitalization including the installation of retro-looking neon signs and the addition of small businesses including bars, restaurants and coffee houses. “The energy that is happening in that area is really special and a tribute to the young, ambitious downtown residents who live, work and play in the area.” Goodman said. Working closely with the LVCVA, the city continues aggressively to market the des-
tination to increase tourism. Over the past year, it has conducted extensive research to determine who, exactly, their potential customers are and what motivates them to travel to Las Vegas. LVCVA has found that Las Vegas travel segments are overwhelmingly defined by the experience. “What Happens in Vegas, Stays in Vegas” is still the umbrella marketing and advertising campaign. However, currently they are wrapping up there new summer campaign called “Life is Short. Summer is Shorter” which includes new television, radio, print, and internet promotions and outdoor advertising, as well as public relations efforts targeting national and regional media
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. PARTNERSHIPS
B747, which adds 62 seats on every flight.
The LVCVA and the city continues to work closely with McCarran International Airport to bring new airlines and service to Las Vegas. Recently, Spirit Airlines announced new, daily, nonstop service from Portland, Oakland and San Diego. British Airways, which launched direct service between Las Vegas and London Heathrow in 2009, increased capacity by 18 percent recently. The airline switched from a B777 to a
The LVCVA announced CCRA Travel Solutions as the newest addition to its Preferred Travel Partner Program. As part of the program, The LVCVA will provide travel agent services, commissionable booking opportunities and incentive programs to registered users of the CCRAtravel.com hotel reservation portal.
have to book Las Vegas for their clients, the more we benefit as a destination�. said Goodman. The LVCVA makes this process as easy as possible for agents and tour operators through a variety of tools and education programs. EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES
Las Vegas continues to explore various ways to promote the destination “The more travel agents including the use of emergknow about Las Vegas, and ing technologies. Among the more incentives they the resort properties and
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the LVCVA, Las Vegas has a strong presence on social media and continues to engage friends and followers through a variety of promotions. “The City of Las Vegas has a full range of social media outlets including Twitter and Facebook, as well as an award-winning government website and Emmy-winning television station, KCLV Channel 2.” explained Goodman. GREEN INITIATIVES The city of Las Vegas has long been a leader in sustainability at the government level. With buildings built to LEED standards and
a fleet of vehicles that is 90 percent alternatively fueled. In recent years, Las Vegas resorts have turned their attention and focused their efforts on becoming more environmentally conscious. From energy efficiency and water conservation to recycling and implementing greener practices, Las Vegas is doing its part to contribute to the sustainability of the planet. “City Center has achieved Gold LEED certification for ARIA Resort & Casino’s hotel tower, convention center and theater, Vdara Hotel & Spa, Mandarin Oriental, Veer Towers and Crystals.” Goodman explains. “This marks the
highest LEED achievement of any hotel, retail district or residential development in Las Vegas.” It is also the world’s largest private green development. Caesars Entertainment is the only casino, hospitality and entertainment company to receive seven gold level accreditations from Travelife Sustainability for its Las Vegas Strip properties. Las Vegas Sands Corporation announced that the company’s Venetian Resort and Sands Expo and Convention Center achieved Gold LEED certification for existing buildings. The Palazzo achieved Silver LEED certification for new construction in 2008. When
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combined, The Venetian, The Palazzo and the Sands Expo comprise the largest LEED building in the world. In addition the new City Hall is also being built to LEED stand-
ards. Certainly the economy is getting stronger, and Las Vegas is as vibrant today as ever before as an entertainment and tourism mecca
as well as being a most appealing residential and living community. Like many cities across the country and throughout the world, “Las Vegas has been impacted by the recession, but it is making a gradual recovery evidenced by many exciting projects happening in city. This will bring new workers downtown and hopefully be the start of other major companies choosing to make their home in Las Vegas� Goodman stated. There will be role for everyone to play, and Las Vegas is well on their way to where they plan to be.
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THE
BEST HOTEL SUITES THEsuite- THEhotel at Mandalay Bay THEhotel at Mandalay Bay is an impressive 43-story tower located within the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino complex. Bringing in a new model of luxury, allowing guests a sanctum of elegance and service on par with the best boutique hotels in the world. The stylish lobby with its appointed suites set a tone of
Ziggurat Suite New York New York You can’t go wrong with the timeless Las Vegas’s New York New York, which has traditional sin city momentum that is created in the Ziggurat suite. Luxury goes a step farther than you’d think when you’re in the center of the las vegas strip, becoming even more flashy when the amentieies like a spa tub, oversized shower, wet bar, dining room
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LAS VEGAS confident carefulness, while its tailored amenities provide a great experience for both business and pleasure travelers. It might not be the newest or latest tower on the Las vegas strip, but it wasn’t that long ago that the Mandalay Bay’s latest tower was the hot ticket in town. THEhotel still has the cutting edge feel to it with a sense of history. At 725 square feet it has tremendous views of the strip with separate living area with floor to ceiling windows, 42” Plasma TV, desk area with wireless and hi-speed internet access, mini-bar, in-room safe, and dual phone lines.
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and his and her own closets. The Ziggurat Suite takes the Mesopotamian idea of building on elevated surfaces indoors. Hotel guests at New York New York can experience 1,100 square feet of different levels for sleeping, living, and eating. With its size, fantastic retrofuturistic art deco design, and tons of ameneties ensure a royal experience.
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Sky Lofts - MGM Grand The MGM Grand Hotel and Casino represents the heart and soul of Vegas, complete with upscale accommodations, live shows and nightlife, front-door access to The Strip, and professional, attentive services. Its a private sanctuary. Headlined at the top two floors of MGM Grand, Skylofts truly express luxury. From the
Encore Salon Suite Wynn Hotel Grand and classy, the Salon Suite is 2,261 square feet with adjoining entertaining and bedroom areas. Featuring comfortable Wynn signature beds, massage room, powder room, wet bar, two closets and the most vast assortment of features, this suite is cosmopolitan living coupled with resort luxury. Enjoy the ammenties like Pillow top Wynn Dream Bed featuring 100% Egyptian cotton 310 thread count linens, the Floor-to-ceiling windows, one-touch climate control
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modern two-story loft design to your very own personal 24-hour Butler, every single detail was planned to ensure your absolute comfort and relaxation. If leaving the room proves too exhausting, theres an extensive room service list created just for Skyloft passengers - with prefereed seating at MGM’s Cirque du Soleil show and signature restaurants. boutique hotels in the world. The stylish lobby with its appointed suites set a tone
7 and state-of-the-art office equipment. Whether it’s a full breakfast, brunch, or late night snack there are many different dining considerations at Wynn and Encore Las Vegas. From the panAsian cuisine at Wazuzu, to the seafood and steakhouse fare at Switch, to early Frenchinfluenced Shanghai cuisine at Wing Lei, Wynn and Encore Las Vegas are revolutionizing the Las Vegas Strip’s dining scene.
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Mandarin Suite Mandarin Oriental The interior of the Mandarin Suite combines all the glamour of Art Deco with the composure of the Orient. The master bedroom has a calm to its surroundings; the bathroom is a symbol of relaxation. A personal fitness area includes a Technogym Kinesis Wall and exercise bike. A large second
The Penthouse Vdara Vdara is a breathtaking, non-gaming, nonsmoking, all-suite hotel and spa. Ideally located between Aria Resort & Casino and Bellagio within CityCenter, Vdara is minutes away from an unparalleled offering of fine retail and exceptional entertainment. Crystals, CityCenter’s retail and entertainment district, houses a stunning collection of the world’s most elite and celebrated brands under its multifaceted canopy of unprecedented brilliance. The Two-
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bedroom has two double beds and an equally beautiful bathroom. Throughout the suite there are great views over the shimmering heights of CityCenter and the neon Strip. This is a comfortable living space with a private dining room, bar and study. The entire suite is outfitted with the latest in technology from Bang & Olufsen. The luxuries are clear in the detailing however it will be the dubious Mandarin Oriental service that will ensure your stay than any other in Las Vegas. Approximately 3,100 square feet (288 square meters)
5 Story One Bedroom Penthouse is perfect for those seeking the ultimate in privacy and refuge. Picture laying in your spa-style soaking tub and overlooking the entire Las Vegas Valley and then stepping into your second-story bedroom and taking in the living space below. Open and airy with 948 square feet of space, this is how everyone should experience The Strip. revolutionizing the Las Vegas Strip’s dining scene.
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Panoramic ViewPenthouse Sky Suite at Aria This is a place where glamour and green collide. The legendary resort and casino rises 61 stories above the heart of CityCenter covering two curvilinear steel and glass towers, designed by world-renowned Pelli Clarke Architects, dominating the Las Vegas skyline. Creative design reveals itself everywhere you look from the crystalline exterior to lavish natural elements indoors including plants, reclaimed wood and native sandstone. You shouldn’t have
Claudius, Octavius Village Ceasars Palace Caesars Palace captures the story of Greece and the beauty that was Rome in a resort casino that has become one of the most well known in Las Vegas. When compared to other resort casino hotels, the Roman Empire certainly has its own special appeal with architecture, imperial statues, a giant rotunda and soaring columns flanking the pool. Built in 1966, the 3,348-room-and-suites Caesars Palace has defined excess on The Strip. The Las Vegas resort’s three Octavius Tower Villas—the property’s only
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to settle for anything but the best. And with their Two-Bedroom ARIA Suite, you won’t. At approximately 1,630 square feet, this suite envelops you in a fusion of tasteful, contemporary luxury and phenomenal, panoramic views of Vegas. Separate living and powder rooms, as well as a spa-like bathroom sanctuary ensure that nothing has been either overlooked or compromised. And to top it all off, enjoy the comfort and convenience with our state-ofthe-art, customizable one-touch in-room technology in addition to the innovative amenities reserved exclusively for their very special guests.
3 individually designed suites—opened in September as part of an ongoing $1 billion expansion. Central to the development, the $375 million Octavius skyscraper was built to house 665 guest rooms and 71 suites, including this trio of second-floor retreats where rates are $30,000 per night. When you combine Ceasars Palace with the spacious ambianiance of the Hoover Dam, out comes something like Cladius. Needless to say, with this kind of space, you wont miss a single thing.
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Cypress Suite - Bellagio Comfort is the hallmark of your Bellagio luxury hotel experience. Guests realize that Bellagio is special as soon as they arrive. Along the entire street in front of Bellagio is a tree-lined boulevard – so much so that it hides parts of the hotel including its own marquee - historical heresy in Las Vegas. With its Tuscan-
Lanai Suite Cosmpolitian The first floor of the Lanai Suite is made up of an expertly styled, intimate living room with designer furniture, a kitchen-like galley with mini-bar and microwave, and an ultramodern dining space. Technology in the suite includes 52� Flat Screen TVs, a state-of-the-art connectivity panel, and surround sound throughout. From the living room, a sliding glass door opens to the private terrace featuring stylish outdoor furniture and a deluxe Jacuzzi. In most suites, a gated terrace allows guests to enjoy direct access to the tranquility of the Bamboo Pool. A sleek staircase, situated between the living
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inspired architecture along an eightand-a-half-acre lake, Bellagio stands out as something special in Las Vegas. The Cypress Suite offers 1,525-square-feet of spellbinding space in an arc shape. Large windows make for excellent views. Additional amenities include: an open floor plan combining the living, dining and sleeping area; a separate foyer; his bath with steam shower, hers with soaking whirlpool tub; deluxe spa products; plush robes and slippers; separate illuminated makeup/shaving mirrors; and nightly turn down service.
1 and kitchen areas, leads to the upper floor and the open master bedroom. The upper level offers breathtaking views through two-story windows and features a plush, queen-sized bed and a Projection TV that drops down from the ceiling. The marble tiled master bath includes an expansive glass enclosed spa shower and contemporary dual bathroom vanity. The up-and-down layout of this suite, along with its unexpected amenities, access to the serenity of the Bamboo Pool and Sahra Spa & Hammam, creates an ideal setting for entertaining small parties or a private escape.
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TWENTYONE LAS VEGASTIPS
Las Vegas is an adventure in traveling. Make the most of your Las Vegas vacation with travel tips and secrets that will boost your vacation in a different direction. Heres our Twenty one tips on making your visit an enjoyable one.
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What to wear: With Las Vegas in the desert the temperature gets to be about 115 degrees in the summer. But if you happen to be visiting in the fall and winter months a light jacket is recommended.
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Small Bills A tactics some taxi drivers use to scam passenger once you get to your destination, is to suddenly mention that they cannot make change. If your trip from the airport to your hotel is $12, and all you have on you is a $20 bill. You will find yourself reluctantly giving an $8 tip. To avoid this, make sure you have plenty of small bills and change ahead of time.
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Get Moving: Arriving before check-in time at your Vegas hotel should be the least of your worries. If you arrive early and your hotel doesn’t allow early check-in, grab what you need for the next couple of hours, drop your bags off, and be on your way.
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Buy In Advance: In order to book a cheap vacation you will need to plan in advance. Prices on a Saturday go down slightly and there is less congestion at the airport, however hotel rates for Saturday nights in Las Vegas are overpriced. Instead, pay just a bit more and arrive on a Sunday and realize a huge savings on accommodations.
walkie talkies are a great way to keep in touch with fellow travelers while in Vegas. Just keep in mind that most casinos frown upon their use on the casino floor (and they’re Pedestrians: strictly out of bounds in Traffic is crazy. It the race and sports books). could be the lights, Walkie talkie users actually the fountains, the volcano, say the signal is clearer than the Eiffel Tower or the lion; on cell phones, plus they’re whatever it is, drivers seem generally cheaper, but they to have a difficult time foldo have a far more limited lowing simple traffic rules. Be range. When to go: careful at all times. Las Vegas in the Attention, gambling middle of the week Avoiding the masses: virgins: Take lesis far more affordable. It still If you’re attemptsons if the casino can be absurdly cheap on a ing to avoid the offers them. If lessons aren’t Tuesday night. The make or crowds and visit Vegas duravailable, spend a couple of break factors are often coning the slow season, it may bucks on the crib card that ventions and major events be difficult. Vegas is a hot supplies the basics. When all but on average rooms are vacation spot year-round. else fails, don’t be afraid to cheaper during the week. However, we can tell you that ask questions. The dealers Avoid weekends all together from about 2 a.m. to 7 a.m. are there to help -- and most if possible, table limits are is perhaps the slowest time, of the time they’re happy to higher, restaurants reservaparticularly during the week. do so. tions are harder to come by Early-morning hours are and the room might cost you probably the perfect time for It adds up to real three times as much. new players to step up to a money: Those coins craps table and play without and play chips are Be Specific- Somethe pressure of veteran play- real so keep your change hotel-casinos are ers glaring at you. buckets close and your chips larger than they even closer. If your winnings appear, telling your party to The water of life: become too heavy to carry meet you at the bar could Drinking lots of around, be sure to make use leave them wandering booze at night and of the hotel safe. around for hours. Name a then walking around in 115 specific location all will be degree heat during the day Free cigars, you say? The next able to find, such as the front = dehydration. Buy one of time you’re passing desk of your hotel. those trendy bottled waters. time at the tables The prices for the bottled or machines and SPF 50 - Sunstuff are quite high at the ordering those free drinks, screen is a must in hotels, so stop by a local don’t forget to ask for a free Las Vegas. Try to grocery store or convenience cigar. Several hotels have bring your own if you can. store and stock up. been known to keep some of Electrical outlets in The Isthose trendy little incendiary lands Of The Bahamas are Keeping in touch: devices on hand for just such 60 cycles/120 volts, which is Cell phones and an occasion.
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compatible with all U.S. appliances. British and European appliances require a flat two-pin adaptor and 220-volt converter.
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Lower table minimums: Still trying to find your way around the tables and feeling intimidated by the high table limits on the Strip? Head for downtown Vegas. The table minimums for craps, and “let it ride” are usually lower, so your learning curve won’t cost you too much.
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Player’s clubs: Stand in line, get the form and sign up for the frequent gambler card at your favorite hotels. Use the card to accumulate points, since you’ll probably be gambling anyway, and perhaps receive something free. It helps to be on the mailing list for a lot of hotels.
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Tipping Tips - So here’s the rundown; Bellmen- They usually receive $1 a bag, Taxi drivers; About 15 percent of your total fare
should make up for their efforts. Valet parking and maid service attendants: We suggest $1 to $2 each day. Cocktail waitresses: About $2 per round is sufficient for a small group (2-3 people). Increase for larger groups. Don’t fail to tip, even if your drinks are comped. Don’t forget to tip the dealer a few bucks every hour. Hangover Tip - Its going to happen in Vegas, so draw the blinds, take some Tylenol and drink lots of water. Whatever remedy you have, you better break it out.
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Food & Dining: If you like Las Vegas buffets try going during the lunch time. It’s usually much cheaper with often the same food selection. Order wine by the bottle. If two or more people are drinking wine and can settle on the type of wine
that you like, you can save some money by ordering a bottle. Funbook - At check-in, remember to ask for a Funbook if one is not given to you. A Las Vegas funbook is a little book filled with Las Vegas coupons for a variety of things at the hotel. Each hotel prints it’s own funbook and examples of what you can get for free or at discount prices are food, drinks, shows, buffet coupons, and free slot plays.
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Take a side trip If the chaos on the Strip grows tiresome, then head off into the desert for a mini-adventure. The Hoover Dam and Mount Charleston are all worthy side trips. Feeling ambitious? Consider the 240mile drive east to the south rim of the Grand Canyon. be absurdly cheap on a
There’s so much more of England to discover beyond London!
Located in the North of England, Manchester is ideally placed to explore the whole of the region offering easy access to destinations such as Liverpool, the Lake District, Chester and York.
Set in a region that offers great value for money, Manchester has a wealth of things to see and do, with over 90 museums and galleries, most of which are free to enter, a thriving nightlife scene and top class events. Combine this with stunning countryside on its doorstep and you have a destination perfect for any age.
Starting off in Manchester, one of the most vibrant and cosmopolitan cities in the UK, you’ll find a city steeped in history with its own unique character. Embrace the heritage and step back in time at the Museum of Science and Industry, People’s History Museum or onboard the East Lancashire Railway. Getting to Manchester couldn’t be easier with non-stop flights from across the US, Europe and around the world. Isn’t it time you booked to see ‘real England’!
For itinerary suggestions, contacts and news, go to visitmanchester.com/traveltrade
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LAS VEGAS HOSPITALITY ASSOCIATION Written by Kelli Pavlovec
T
he Las Vegas Hospitality Association (LVHA) is a membershipdriven, volunteer association dedicated to providing its 400 members with education and networking through special events, monthly meetings, and community involvement. Since 1962, LVHA has been the hospitality industry’s go-to place for networking and new events. “It’s very popular to belong to our organization,” says Mary Thomas, Parliamentarian for LVHA. “We bring people together with one main goal, and that is to bring travel and tourism to Las Vegas in the best way possible.” According to LVHA President J.J. Wills, “Everything we do is for our members and done by our members. We’re a volunteer board, so we really work together as a community to network and educate ourselves. We make sure that we’re the best we can be and in a
position where we’re offering the best experiences and opportunities for our customers.” A USC business graduate, Wills brings years of experience in the hospitality industry to the table. Beginning with catering and hotel sales in Portland, Oregon, and moving on to convention sales, she focuses primarily these days on the meetings industry with Las Vegas Meetings by Caesars Entertainment. ROLE IN THE INDUSTRY LVHA raises positive awareness in the local community and industry through monthly membership events primarily focused on education. “I think it’s really important to be engaged and get to know your peers within the industry and to help support it,” says Wills. LVHA’s list of events also includes Panel Discussions, an annual upcoming event where top dog professional speakers
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“Everything we do is for our members and done by our members. We’re a volunteer board, so we really work together as a community to network and educate ourselves. “
address pressing industry topics. Customers from various market segments learn directly from top dog leaders, with past speakers including Anheuser-Busch, the American Medical Association, IBM, and Expedia. COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT 25 years ago, LVHA decided to concentrate on offering education scholarships to members, members’ children, their spouses, and now even their grandchildren, an effort that dually supports the educational institutes in the community. These scholarships bode well for the hospitality industry, as seen through thank you notes from recipients such as Haley Etchison: “I’ll do my best to perform with
excellence and reflect well on my financial sponsors such as the LVHA.” LHVA has raised over $700,000 through fundraising events such as their annual golf tournament and charity auction. Other philanthropic endeavors include support of charities including Three Square, Salvation Army, Catholic Charities, Toys for Tots, and Child Haven, to name a few. Through their own “Fill a Bag with Cheer” campaign, LVHA adopts a school and members fill and deliver bags to ensure those children receive everything they need. As Thomas recounts tears shed as children open new socks and coats to replace their own tattered ones, she says, “We’re loving it it’s very heartwarming.”
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PARTNERSHIPS
NEW DEVELOPMENTS
LVHA works closely with the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA), a quasi-governmental agency that markets Las Vegas as a tourism destination. “We’re a membership organization representing our members, whereas the LVCVA is an organization that does definition marketing,” says Wills of their strategic partnership.
Starting this year, LVHA is partnering with other industry organizations, including PCMA, IMEX, and IAEE to promote networking in the local community.
GREENING
New on the horizon in Vegas is the unveiling of the results of Tropicana’s nearlycompleted renovations, as well as recently announced plans from Caesars Entertainment for Linqs. A $550 million shopping and entertainment complex center on the strip, Wills says Linqs is “absolutely a new experience that people are going to want to come see.” The focal point will be the world’s largest observation wheel called the Las Vegas High Roller, rising to 550 feet.
Several of the LVHA members undergoing construction are practicing environmental responsibility. Caesars Entertainment Corporation’s expansion at Caesars Palace Conference Center achieved LEED Silver Certification, and the CityCenter construction project built by MGM MIRAGE received LEED From the Cosmopolitan hotel on the strip, Certification for ARIA, currently the largest to the Vegas Mob Experience, to the zipline hotel in the world with Gold LEED status. flying over Fremont Street, there’s always something new to do in Las Vegas. As “As an organization,” Wills points out, “we the dynamic Vegas continues to grow, the have tried to do our part to go green. We’ve LVHA will continue to serve as its premier done away with mailings and we do everyhospitality organization. thing electronically. All of our event invitations are electronic, and this year we started taking RSVP’s electronically.” TECHNOLOGY LVHA uses technology to promote the organization and events on FaceBook, and is exploring further exposure through LinkedIn. “Going into 2012, our action plan is to add another position to our board that would specifically be a marketing position that could help us engage through social media with our membership and promote all that we’re doing,” says Wills.
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