Florida Attractions Association RSS Feed

3rd Thursday at 3 - Generating New Revenue Through Special Events

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 19:00:00 GMT

3rd Thursday at 3 - Generating New Revenue Through Special Events
Start Date: 18-Mar-10 3:00 PM
End Time: 18-Mar-10 4:00 PM
Location: Teleconference
Event Details:

From facility rentals, summer camps and birthday parties to specific holiday programs, attractions need to be more creative than ever to bring in new income.

Our 3rd Thursday at 3 teleconference on Thursday, March 18 will focus on Generating New Revenue through Special Events. Join us for a lively discussion to learn what your attractions industry colleagues from around the state are doing to develop new special events and programs that generate revenue during these challenging economic times.

Featured Panelists Include:

Ralph Rodriguez
Vice President of Marketing

The Florida Aquarium, Tampa

Maria Hane

Executive Director

Museum of Science & History (MOSH), Jacksonville

Bonnie LeMay

Park Administrator
Morikami Museum & Japanese Gardens, Delray Beach

Moderated by Mark McHugh

Chairman of the Board, Florida Attractions Association

President & CEO of Gatorland

Teleconference

NTA Spring Meet

Wed, 14 Apr 2010 12:30:00 GMT

NTA Spring Meet
Start Date: 14-Apr-10 8:30 AM
End Time: 17-Apr-10 5:30 PM
Location: Seville, Spain

Seville, Spain

3rd Thursday @ 3

Thu, 15 Apr 2010 19:00:00 GMT

3rd Thursday @ 3
Start Date: 15-Apr-10 3:00 PM
End Time: 15-Apr-10 4:00 PM

Legislative Session Ends

Fri, 30 Apr 2010 12:30:00 GMT

Legislative Session Ends
Start Date: 30-Apr-10 8:30 AM
End Time: 30-Apr-10 5:30 PM
Event Details:

February 2, 2010 - April 30, 2010

VISIT FLORIDA Board of Directors

Tue, 11 May 2010 12:30:00 GMT

VISIT FLORIDA Board of Directors
Start Date: 11-May-10 8:30 AM
End Time: 12-May-10 5:30 PM
Location: Tallahassee

Tallahassee

US Travel

Sat, 15 May 2010 12:30:00 GMT

US Travel
Start Date: 15-May-10 8:30 AM
End Time: 19-May-10 5:30 PM
Location: Orlando

Orlando

3rd Thursday @ 3

Thu, 20 May 2010 19:00:00 GMT

3rd Thursday @ 3
Start Date: 20-May-10 3:00 PM
End Time: 20-May-10 4:00 PM

Annual Conference & Trade Show

Wed, 26 May 2010 12:30:00 GMT

Annual Conference & Trade Show
Start Date: 26-May-10 8:30 AM
End Time: 28-May-10 5:30 PM
Location: Renaissance Resort at World Golf Village
Event Details:

Annual Conference & Trade Show

Seeking New Treasures

May 26 - May 28, 2010

Renaissance Resort at World Golf Village
Saint Augustine

Renaissance Resort at World Golf Village

3rd Thursday @ 3

Thu, 17 Jun 2010 12:30:00 GMT

3rd Thursday @ 3
Start Date: 17-Jun-10 8:30 AM
End Time: 17-Jun-10 5:30 PM

3rd Thursday @ 3

Thu, 15 Jul 2010 19:00:00 GMT

3rd Thursday @ 3
Start Date: 15-Jul-10 3:00 PM
End Time: 15-Jul-10 4:00 PM

Priority Issues for 2010 Legislative Sesssion

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Priority Legislative Issues for 2010 Session

Support VISIT FLORIDA Funding

VISIT FLORIDA’s public funding (current fiscal year 2009-2010) totals $25 million. $4.25 million is from general revenue and $20.75 million is from the Tourism Promotion Trust Fund. Current fiscal year projection for the trust fund is $17.3 million which is $3.45 million less than the original estimate. Although the state of Florida appropriated $25 million for this fiscal year, VISIT FLORIDA is left with $21.55 million to invest. Additionally, this year’s funding is $14 million less than the prior fiscal year’s (Fiscal Year 2008-2009) high of $35.55 million.

Fiscal Year 2010-2011 goal is for $18.2 million in recurring trust fund revenues and $7.4 million in general revenue to keep VISIT FLORIDA whole at a net funding level of $25 million.

Support Parental Authority

House Bill 285 (Horner) and Senate Bill 1578 (Baker) authorize natural guardians the authority to waive and release, in advance, a service provider from liability so that a child can participate in a wide range of activities. This is in response to a 2008 Supreme Court ruling that pre-injury release forms that are signed by a guardian and given to a service provider in exchange for the child’s participation in a specified activity are not enforceable. Without this legislation, many service providers will not be able to insure against the risks that will flow from the unenforceability of these waivers. This may push many providers out of business.

Support Slip and Fall Negligence

House Bill 689 (Aubuchon) and Senate Bill 1224 (Gardner) provides that if a person slips and falls on a foreign object or substance in a business establishment the injured person must prove that the establishment had knowledge of the object or substance and should have taken action to remedy it. The knowledge may be proven by circumstantial evidence. This repeals provisions relating to duty to maintain premises and burden of proof in claims of negligence involving foreign objects or substances. Without this legislation businesses will remain at risk of having to incur enormous debts in order to defend lawsuits.

Support Captive Reptiles Restrictions

House Bill 709 (T. Williams) and Senate Bill 318 (Sobel) prohibit any person from possessing, importing, selling, trading, or breeding certain specified reptile species, including reptile designated as reptile of concern by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. While the FAA recognizes the need to control the proliferation of exotic animals, this legislation must allow exiting zoos and parks to continue to exhibit these animals. This legislation provides certain exceptions applicable to reptiles for which owner holds permit issued before specified date. Florida Attractions Association is working with Florida’s Association of Zoos and Aquariums to ensure exemptions include established zoos.

Support Entertainment Industry Economic Development

House Bill 697 (Precourt) and Senate Bill 1430 (Haridopolos) revise entertainment industry financial incentive program to provide corporate income tax and sales and use tax credits to qualified entertainment entities rather than reimbursements from appropriations.

Oppose any expanded use of the tourist development tax

State Statute Sec. 125.0104 - Local Option Tourist Development Act (no bills filed yet).

Support State Unemployment Tax Increase Suspension

The Economic Development and Community Affairs Policy Council (EDCA1) suspends changes made to tax rates last year in an effort to give employers a two-year reprieve before much higher taxes take effect in 2012. Legislators are pushing the bill because the proposed tax rates for 2010 were much higher than anticipated because the state's unemployment compensation trust fund is in a deficit due to the high unemployment rate.

Tax on Online Travel Agents (OTAs) Services

At issue is whether the counties (bed tax revenue) and state (sales tax revenue) should collect tax from OTAs (i.e. Expedia, Travelocity, Orbitz, etc) on the net received by the lodging establishment for the room or for the total fees paid by the consumer. The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association supports an exemption on expanding the taxation arguing that OTAs are partners in travel actively promoting Florida destinations and putting “heads in beds”. City and county governments (including CVBs) argue the OTAs are sheltering revenues which should be subject to tax and that OTAs should have to remit tax on the total (gross) amount paid.

School Calendar

Support current statue supporting traditional school calendar with no further exemptions provided to counties. Support moving school start to later date to save on higher operating costs in August. (FS Title 48 » Ch. 1001 » Sec. 1001.42)

Florida State Parks

The Florida Attractions Association supports the funding request of the Department of Environmental Protection to maintain, staff, and operate Florida’s nationally recognize state park system.

Offshore Energy (Oil & Natural Gas) Exploration

Monitoring.

1-Mar-10 12:00 PM

Savor Our Victory: Travel Promotion Act Earns Final Passage

Bill Lupfer — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 12:00:00 GMT

Dear Travel Colleague:

It's time to toast the entire travel community: we've achieved an extraordinary feat with passage of the Travel Promotion Act.

While travel promotion isn't a panacea for our international inbound travel issues - welcoming more visitors also requires continued improvement in visa and entry processes - this is the biggest commitment our government has made to support international travel to our country and the clearest indication to date that Congress is taking travel seriously. It is a monumental achievement for the industry that will pay dividends for all segments and pave the way for future successes in Washington.

With the President expected to sign the bill into law within days, we especially owe thanks to Senators Byron Dorgan (D-ND), Harry Reid (D-NV) and John Ensign (R-NV), and Representatives Bill Delahunt (D-MA) and Roy Blunt (R-MO), who championed the legislation during the past two sessions of Congress. They so clearly understood the value of this tax-free stimulus for job creation and economic growth. President Obama, who was a co-sponsor of the legislation as a Senator during the previous Congress, has long understood the importance of this program for improving America's image around the world.

This is Your Victory

The passage of this bill is the result of a long, multi-year effort by many individuals. When Jay Rasulo, as chair of the association, stood in front of the industry in January 2006 and called for a travel industry "Apollo project," some in the audience were skeptical of the industry's ability to meet his challenge. But the industry came together, created a blueprint, worked tactically against a clear agenda, gained allies on Capitol Hill, and ultimately achieved our goal.

The tens of thousands who have written letters in support of the legislation, participated in the Travel Leadership Summits, marched during U.S. Travel Rally Day and helped spread the word about why travel matters have proven what can happen when we stand together with one voice.

Caroline Beteta, U.S. Travel's current chair, continued the push with a critical understanding of how a public-private partnership can succeed in maximizing the benefits of attracting more travel. Caroline's leadership was instrumental in moving the ball forward.

Jonathan Tisch, Chairman and CEO of Loews Hotels, and Chairman Emeritus of U.S. Travel, also deserves recognition for his leadership in helping raise visibility for this issue. When I shared the good news, Jon said: "We could never have accomplished this common sense policy without our champions in Congress and the White House, and without the united and passionate voice of the travel community. The Travel Promotion Act shows what can be accomplished when the government and private sector work together to solve a problem."

To all of the Senators and Congressmen who supported this legislation, to President Obama, and to our entire travel community, thank you.

Next Steps

Included below are links to key messages and a sample press release I encourage you to use in reaching out to your local community to share the good news. Following enactment, we will provide a complete toolkit of resources on the implementation of the Travel Promotion Act and what happens next.

It is critical that our industry express its gratitude to those who made this victory possible. Concrete suggestions will be included in the toolkit, and we will soon hold a conference call with all destination partners to discuss these ideas. Until then, take some time to savor your victory.

Sincerely,

26-Feb-10 8:00 AM

Please Share Your Ideas

Kathy Rolfs — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 14:00:00 GMT

Please help the Florida Attractions Association by completing a survey about our 3rd Thursday at 3 teleconference series. Simply click here to be directed to the survey.

We value your opinion and are here to serve you. Thank you for taking a few minutes to answer our questions.

Third Thursday at Three is an exclusive benefit of Florida Attractions Association membership.

Resources from this series of teleconferences are available here.

25-Feb-10 10:00 AM

Register for 2010 Florida Tourism Day

Kathy Rolfs — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 15:00:00 GMT

Registration is Now Open!

Each year during legislative session we encourage Florida Attractions Association members to travel to Tallahassee from throughout the state to spend a day at the Capitol to discuss important issues with legislators. This is your opportunity to meet and interact with your state representatives, be a part of the political process and let your voice be heard.

Registration for Florida Tourism Day is now open. Please click here to be directed to our registration site. If you have any questions, please give us a call by dialing 850.222.2885.

We look forward to seeing you Tuesday, March 9!

12-Feb-10 11:00 AM

Scouts Celebrate 100th Anniversary at Fantasy of Flight’s Second Annual Aviation Camporee March 5-7, 2010

Mary Deatrick — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 20:00:00 GMT

For more information, contact:

Mary Deatrick, DPR

407-332-5212, mary@deatrickpr.com

For photography, visit www.fantasyofflight.com

POLK CITY, Fla. (Feb. 10, 2010) – Earning their aviation merit badges will be an experience that hundreds of Boy Scouts will never forget, as they gather at Central Florida’s premier aviation attraction, Fantasy of Flight, for the attraction’s Second Annual Aviation Camporee, Friday, March 5 through Sunday, March 7, 2010.

To help the Scouts celebrate the 100^th anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America, Fantasy of Flight will present the attraction’s Second Annual Aviation Camporee where scouts can earn their aviation merit badges with the help of skilled aviation experts.

Throughout the action-packed weekend in March, the boys will practice their primitive camping skills while participating in a variety of educational and immersive aviation-themed activities. The Scouts not only will tour Fantasy of Flight and visit real working aircraft maintenance and restoration areas, but also have the chance to talk with aviation mechanics, restoration specialists, and pilots by participating in a variety of special merit badge stations. They also will experience a number of simulators such as piloting a hot air balloon, flying a hang-glider or taking the controls in the cockpit of a real Corsair fighter. In honor of the 100^th anniversary of scouting, a special giant scale R/C aircraft demonstration will be performed, courtesy of the Mid-Florida R/C Club.

As a former Boy Scout, Fantasy of Flight creator and founder Kermit Weeks is especially excited to help young Scouts launch their dreams, whatever they may be. “As a young man, I had big dreams, and certainly looked to role models to help me fulfill those dreams. It’s my privilege and honor to help foster the hopes and aspirations of today’s youth,” said Weeks. “I want to encourage these young men to push their boundaries and strive to be all that they can be.”

Weeks is not only the creator and founder of the attraction, he is a former world aerobatics champion, airplane designer and children’s book author. In 2008, he won a Bronze IPPY Award in the 13^th Annual Independent Publisher Book Awards for his children’s book, “All of Life is a School” (KWIP Publishing, $19.95).

Cost of the Camporee weekend is $28 per person plus tax. The $28 rate includes admission to Fantasy of Flight, specially tailored tours and Scout merit badge stations, activities, campsite and lunch on Saturday. Reservations are required and admission is limited. To book, call Stephanie Connor, 863-984-3500, ext. 220 or e-mail: sconner@fantasyofflight.com.

Fantasy of Flight also hosts a number of other special events throughout 2010, including the 100^th Anniversary of Scouting Camporee, March 5- 7; The Blue Max: Scale Remote Controlled (R/C) Challenge and Fly-In, March 12-13; the Sun ‘n Fun Splash In at Fantasy of Flight on Lakes Agnes, April 15; Mustangs & Mustangs—Legends Havin’ Fun 2010, April 17 and many more. For more information, call 863-984-3500 or visit www.fantasyofflight.com.

For more information, call 863-984-3500 or visit www.fantasyofflight.com.

*****

Fantasy of Flight is Central Florida’s premier aviation-themed attraction showcasing vintage aircraft from the world’s largest private collection; themed immersion experiences; flight simulators; interactive exhibits; a tram tour of aircraft maintenance areas; Restoration and Backlot tours; Fun with Flight center for families and the country’s only Aerial Demonstration of the Day (weather permitting) featuring a vintage plane. General admission also includes The Tuskegee Airmen – They Dared to Fly exhibit; the multimedia tribute to the WASP (Women Airforce Service Pilots) – A Passionate Pursuit, a walking audio tour and many special events throughout the year.

Hours are 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily. General admission is $28.95 for adults, $26.95 for seniors ages 55 and over and $14.95 for children, ages 6-15, plus 7 percent sales tax. Annual passes are available for $69.95 for adults, $39.95 for children ages 6–15, plus 7 percent sales tax, and are good for one year from the date of purchase. Biplane rides, through Waldo Wright’s Flying Service, and hot air balloon rides are available for an extra charge. For more information about Fantasy of Flight, call 863-984-3500 or visit www.fantasyofflight.com.

###

10-Feb-10 4:00 PM

By Popular Demand, Fantasy of Flight Adds Two More Dates to Its Sold-Out “nightFlight” Paranormal Tours

Mary Deatrick — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 19:00:00 GMT

For more information, contact:

Mary Deatrick, DPR

407-332-5212, mary@deatrickpr.com

For photography, visit www.fantasyofflight.com

POLK CITY, Fla. (Feb. 8, 2010) – Unidentifiable noises and voices…drastic temperature changes… strange mists and shadows… apparitions in photos…these unexplained and sometimes chilling phenomena are drawing an eager crowd at Fantasy of Flight, where the attraction’s first-ever nightFlight paranormal tours have sold out in a matter of weeks.

Demand for the four-hour, limited-attendance nighttime tours — which are guided by Florida’s Apollo Paranormal Investigations (API), a non-profit team of paranormal investigators (sometimes referred to as “ghost hunters”)— has been so extraordinary that Fantasy of Flight has added two Saturday dates, Feb. 20 and March 6.

“We hope that our curious explorers will have experienced what so many of our employees, guests and paranormal researchers have witnessed in the past,” said Kim Long, General Manager, Fantasy of Flight. “They’ll have learned about the history of our vintage planes, they’ll know what it’s like to be part of a paranormal investigation and perhaps they’ll have made contact with these unexplained energies who – like all of our visitors – have an affinity for vintage aircraft.”

As stories of the unexplained occurrences at Fantasy of Flight have slowly made their way into the community over the years, API took notice and asked to conduct their own investigation. Two independent teams of paranormal investigators from API conducted a series of scientific explorations throughout Fantasy of Flight and rated the paranormal-activity surrounding the vintage aircraft collection with an astounding 11 on a scale of 1to 10! Based on their conclusions, Fantasy of Flight created nightFlight, an exciting after-hours program that offers fearless visitors four full hours, 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m., to “Explore the Unexplained.”

Beginning at 9:30 p.m., a limited number of guests will be admitted to Fantasy of Flight as they join API’s paranormal exploration guides to search between this world and the next for signs of supernatural activity among the world’s largest private collection of rare and vintage aircraft, including many World War II fighter planes. Guided by a skilled team of investigators, guests will become paranormal investigators in training, learning the operation of tools and devices these professionals use to determine the difference between coincidences and inexplicable phenomenon.

During an orientation session, guests will be given refreshments and an opportunity to share with others their own encounters with the paranormal. Next, all explorers enter a torch-lit labyrinth designed to clear their minds and open their hearts before arriving at the Fantasy of Flight hangar. Here, the trained API paranormal investigators share evidence of apparitions and mysterious sightings captured on audio, video, and film. Next, accompanied by no more than 10 participants each, the guides will instruct their teams in the use of equipment and investigative methods of capturing data before setting off on their exploration. After midnight, the groups will reconnect for a debriefing and to share with others the results of their investigations, from personal encounters to questionable sensations, to concrete audio or visual evidence.

Fantasy of Flight’s new nightFlight tours are scheduled for Feb, 20 and March 6. Participants are encouraged to bring a camera, voice recorder, video recorder and extra batteries. Recommended attire includes secure, flat-soled shoes, a watch and “quiet” clothing that doesn’t have strings or glow in the dark. Due to the subject matter, this event is recommended for adults. Participants must be at least 16 years old; those under 21 must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets are $75 per person. For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit www.fantasyofflight.com/nightFlight or call 863-984-3500.

Fantasy of Flight also hosts a number of other special events throughout 2010, including the 100^th Anniversary of Scouting Camporee, March 5- 7; The Blue Max: Scale Remote Controlled (R/C) Challenge and Fly-In, March 12-13; the Sun ‘n Fun Splash In at Fantasy of Flight on Lakes Agnes, April 15; Mustangs & Mustangs—Legends Havin’ Fun 2010, April 17, and many more. For more information, call 863-984-3500 or visit www.fantasyofflight.com.

Hours are 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily. General admission is $28.95 for adults, $26.95 for seniors ages 55 and over and $14.95 for children, ages 6-15, plus 7 percent sales tax. Annual passes are available for $69.95 for adults, $39.95 for children ages 6–15, plus 7 percent sales tax, and are good for one year from the date of purchase. Biplane rides, through Waldo Wright’s Flying Service, and hot air balloon rides, are available for an extra charge. For more information about Fantasy of Flight, call 863-984-3500 or visit www.fantasyofflight.com.

###

8-Feb-10 3:00 PM

Attraction Regional Forums Next Week - Register NOW!

Bill Lupfer — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 20:00:00 GMT

Join Chairman of the Board Mark McHugh (President/CEO, Gatorland); Chairman-Elect Andrew Hertz (Vice President/General Manager, Miami Seaquarium); Will Seccombe, Chief Marketing Officer, VISIT FLORIDA; and Bill Lupfer, President/CEO, Florida Attractions Association for a day of discovery, relevant information, and strategic insight!

Presidents, CEO’s, Executive Directors, General Managers, Vice Presidents, Directors, Managers and other industry leaders will benefit from participating in this popular program.

Start the New Year right! Register Online Today!
www.FloridaAttractions.org
For more information, call 850-222-2885

Sponsored By

4-Jan-10 4:00 PM

U.S. Travel News Brief

Wed, 30 Dec 2009 15:00:00 GMT

U.S. Travel Quick Links > Home Member Services Public Affairs Research Meetings International Dec. 30, 2009

As 2009 comes to a close, the U.S. Travel Association would like to wish its members, partners, and other industry professionals a safe and happy holiday season. As we reflect on the past year for the industry, we would like to provide the readers of the U.S. Travel News Brief, a look at the most accessed articles from the year. Our regular publication will resume next Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2010.

More Hotels Facing an Uncertain Future
from The New York Times
Hotels have been struggling for months as businesses and individuals cut back on travel. But what was a bad situation is likely to turn worse as a rapidly growing number of hotels -- including many high-end and luxury properties -- are forced into bankruptcy or foreclosure in coming months. More

Cultural and Heritage Tourism Report Now Available for Purchase

The industry's first segmentation study of the cultural and heritage traveler is available in PDF and hard copy. Commissioned by the US Cultural and Heritage Tourism Marketing Council, in partnership with the Department of Commerce, and supported by sponsors such as Heritage Travel Inc, California, Florida, Virginia, Chicago, Cleveland, Sarasota, and others the study demonstrates that cultural and heritage travelers contribute $192 billion to the U.S. economy. Click here to order or contact Laura@MandalaResearch.com for more information.

Bashing Business Meetings Has Consequences
from the Providence Business News
The meeting and convention industry is under fire. The dialogue occurring in the U.S. House and Senate, and subsequently in the national media, which portrays legitimate travel to meetings and conferences as perks and corporate excess, is having a negative and potentially devastating effect on the entire hospitality industry. More

White House Says It Encourages Business Travel
from The Associated Press via MSNBC
The White House on Thursday encouraged Americans to travel, soothing words for the tourism industry that had complained for weeks that a remark from the president about corporate junkets had a chilling effect on business travel. More

Travel Industry Scrambles to Cope as Americans Spend Less
from USA Today
Americans' already battered confidence in the economy went into free fall in February, sinking to new lows as consumers grow more fearful over massive job cuts and shrinking retirement accounts. More

Senate Committee Passes Travel Promotion Act of 2009
from the HotelWorld Network
The United States Senate Committee on Commerce, Science & Transportation today approved S. 1023, the "Travel Promotion Act of 2009." The bipartisan legislation, led by Senators Byron Dorgan (D-N.D.) and John Ensign (R-Nev.) creates a public-private partnership with a budget of up to $200 million annually to attract international travelers to the United States by better communicating America's security policies and competing for visitors. More

How Obama Can Fix Travel
from MSNBC
MSNBC Travel Contributor Rob Lovitt provides a travel industry wish list for the new president. Among his requests is to improve the FAA, extend rights for air travelers, reinvigorate rail service and promote inbound tourism. More

Are you on a travel technology sales and marketing mission?

Buying and selling travel technology is time consuming and costly. Sign up for TRAVDEX™ and streamline your buying and selling efforts at one venue. The trade show, May 5 – 7 in Atlanta, offers 36 pre-scheduled appointments, networking and more. Register now at www.travdex.com.

Tourism Industry Sees a Friend in Obama
from the Orlando Sentinel
The swearing-in Barack Obama as the nation's 44th president will inspire hope and change across the country. And the sentiment won't be any less palpable among the big players in the tourism lobby. More

New Web Site: DiscoverAmerica.com
from The Associated Press via Yahoo! News
A new Web site has been launched to help Americans explore their own country: DiscoverAmerica.com. DiscoverAmerica.com includes an interactive map that gives mileage from city to city, an activity finder listing more than 3,000 experiences, attractions and events, including museums, gardens, ski slopes, festivals and parks. The site also offers links to tourism information for all 50 states, as well as for more than 100 cities and other destinations. More

Las Vegas: In Last 90 Days, Groups Canceled 340 Events
from MeetingNews
According to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, 340 Las Vegas events have been canceled in the past 90 days, costing the local economy an estimated $131.6 million in lost spending. So said a report this week from the Las Vegas Review-Journal, which blamed the cancellations not only on the broader economic recession, but also on the criticism doled out by President Barack Obama and leaders in Congress, who have publicly scolded companies for accepting federal bailout money, then proceeding with meetings and events that had been scheduled to take place in Las Vegas and other "luxury" resort destinations. More

'Grassroots Army' Needed to Fight Negative Perceptions
from MeetingsNet
Roger Dow, president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association, today unveiled the Industry Coalition’s new information and advertising campaign called "Meetings Mean Business" to fight "irresponsible attacks" from the government and the media that are causing what he characterized as massive cancellations of meetings, incentives, and events, as well as postponements of future bookings. More

Marketing to the African American Traveler
Sponsorships available for this one day workshop featuring research and strategies for addressing the unique needs of the African American market. E-mail us or call 703.798.5452

1100 New York Avenue, NW, Suite 450 Washington, D.C. 20005-3934 ustravel.org

30-Dec-09 11:00 AM

Florida Attractions Association Newsletter December 21, 2009

Willie Sykes — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 13:00:00 GMT

Click Here for Details

Attraction Regional Forums Coming in Janaury - Registration Now Open!

Bill Lupfer — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 22:00:00 GMT

Join us for the 11th Annual Attraction Regional Forum (previously Backyard Forum) an exclusive member benefit for Attraction Members only.

Click below for more information.

Annual Statewide Marketing Award Competition

noemail@floridaattractions.org — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 15:00:00 GMT

Florida’s Tourism Partners Invited to Enter Annual Statewide Marketing Award Competition WHO: VISIT FLORIDA®, the state’s official tourism marketing organization, and the annual Flagler Awards. WHAT: Entries for the annual statewide tourism marketing awards program, The Flagler Awards, are now being accepted. WHEN: The deadline for submissions is May 10, 2010. The entry fee is $30 per entry for VISIT FLORIDA® Partners and $45 per entry for all others. All entries must promote tourism to or within Florida, and must have appeared, aired, been published or otherwise implemented for the first time between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31, 2009. The awards will be presented during the 2010 Florida Governor’s Conference on Tourism, September 26-28. WHERE: The Flagler Awards Call for Entry form and guidelines are available at www.VISITFLORIDA.org. For more information, call Hayworth Creative at (386) 677-7000 or send e-mail to...

Remote-Control Models Representing the Earliest Years of Aviation Will Compete at the Blue Max Challenge and Fly-In

noemail@floridaattractions.org — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 14:00:00 GMT

Normal.dotm 0 0 1 599 3416 Deatrick Public Relations 28 6 4195 12.0 0 false 18 pt 18 pt 0 0 false false false /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:Table Normal; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Times New Roman;} POLK CITY, Fla. (March 9, 2010) –Scale models of vintage aircraft and flying machines from the earliest years of aviation will compete in “The Blue Max Scale R/C Challenge and Fly-In,” an AMA Sanctioned Event at Fantasy of Flight, Central Florida’s premier aviation attraction. Competing pilots will show off their craftsmen skills and aerial maneuvers March 12 and March 13 at the 300-acre Fantasy of Flight in Polk City....

Fantasy of Flight to Welcome Nation's First Female Military Pilots and Newly Awarded Congressional Gold Medal Honorees for Part Two of Living History Series

noemail@floridaattractions.org — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 14:00:00 GMT

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Fantasy of Flight Founder Kermit Weeks Given One of Aviation Industry's Highest Honors at Living Legends of Aviation Awards

noemail@floridaattractions.org — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 14:00:00 GMT

Normal.dotm 0 0 1 884 5044 Deatrick Public Relations 42 10 6194 12.0 0 false 18 pt 18 pt 0 0 false false false /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:Table Normal; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Times New Roman;} POLK CITY, Fla. (Feb. 26, 2010) – Kermit Weeks, creator and founder of Central Florida’s premier aviation attraction, Fantasy of Flight, recently received the “Bob Hoover Freedom of Flight Award,” the highest award given at the 7th Annual “Living Legends of Aviation Awards” presented by Learjet. Often called the “Academy Awards of Aviation,” the red-carpet event was held at the Beverly Hills Hilton Hotel on...

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens presents the Fifth Annual Asian Cultural Festival at the Gardens

noemail@floridaattractions.org — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 17:00:00 GMT

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is pleased to announce the fifth annual Asian Cultural Festival on February 27 and 28, 2010, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Sarasota Chapter of Ikebana International, Sho Fu Bonsai Society of Sarasota, and the Sumi-e Society, in collaboration with Selby Gardens, will share highlights of the rich cultural traditions of the Orient with our visitors.

Opening ceremonies begin at 11:30 a.m. on February 27, 2010. The Matsuriza Taiko drummers will perform twice daily during the festival at 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Entertainment will also include a traditional Chinese Lion Dance by Tang Martial Arts Center. Tea expert, Kim Pham will offer traditional Chinese, Japanese and Korean tea ceremonies.

The festival includes ikebana demonstrations, bonsai show and sale, martial arts, sumi-e brush painting and a kimono exhibit. Visitors are invited to participate in tours of the Gardens’ collection of Asian sculpture both days. Children will celebrate the Year of the Tiger by creating fun projects including: Chinese lanterns, oriental fans and origami paper folding in the Selby Gardens’ Kid’s Corner.

Asian and American food will be available for purchase. The Garden Shop will offer a variety of plants and home décor at great festival prices.

The Asian Festival is sponsored by WUSF, Comcast, Local Coffee + Tea, and paid for in part by Sarasota County Tourist Development Tax revenues.

Admission Fees: Children 11 and under - free when accompanied by an adult; Adults - $17.00. Members enter free and Member’s guests will be charged $5.00 per person. Join Selby Gardens as a new member during this festival and receive a $10.00 discount off of the regular membership price.

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is a respected center for research and education as well as a famous orchid showplace. The Gardens is located at 900 South Palm Avenue in Sarasota. It is open to the public daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with the exception of Christmas day. For further information call 941.366.5731 or visit www.selby.org.

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U.S. Travel's International Pow Wow Attracting More Buyers This Year

noemail@floridaattractions.org — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 13:30:00 GMT

More than 900 international and domestic buyers from 65 countries are already registered for U.S. Travel’s International Pow Wow, May 15-19, in Orlando—the only show where buyers and suppliers contract business in pre-scheduled appointments on the marketplace floor.

Suppliers who want to schedule appointments with these buyers are encouraged to register for International Pow Wow today before scheduling starts in March. To register, suppliers should go to www.powwowonline.com.

The buyers’ registrations that are outpacing last year’s numbers are expected to continue to grow as the beginning of the rebound in international inbound travel is underway.

Among the top origin markets with heavy registrations are Canada, Mexico, the U.K., Germany and Brazil. There are also good turnouts from Bolivia, Israel, Kuwait and Philippines. Plus, 147 new buyers have registered to date.

For the latest show updates follow International Pow Wow on twitter at twitter.com/USTravelPowWow. Find out what the Orlando/Orange County CVB has in store for its visitors at www.orlandoinfo.com/powwow.

Back by Popular Demand! Marie Selby Botanical Gardens and la vista verde Present Rainforest Masks 2010 Exhibit and Sale

noemail@floridaattractions.org — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 17:00:00 GMT

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens for the sixth consecutive year is sponsoring Rainforest Masks 2010 of the Borucan Indians of Costa Rica. From March 5 through April 16, 2010, Selby’s Museum of Botany and the Arts will showcase their unique, striking masks from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily. An opening reception is scheduled for March 4, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. This exhibit is sponsored by la vista verde and is paid for in part by Sarasota County Tourist Development Tax revenues.

Meet the Artists sessions are scheduled for March 6, 7, 13 and 14 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Take advantage of this opportunity to meet the Borucan artists, and watch them carve and paint these incredible, one of a kind masks. Spanish interpreters will be available.

C.J. and Marilynn Shelley, of la vista verde will present a lecture titled, “The Road to Boruca and Beyond” in the Cooley Theater at Selby Gardens on March 11, 2010 from Noon to 1:00 p.m. This free lecture will include a travelogue with images of Costa Rica and the indigenous village of Boruca.

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is a respected center for research and education as well as a famous orchid showplace. The Gardens are located at 900 South Palm Avenue in Sarasota, Florida, and they are open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily with the exception of Christmas day. Admission: $17 adults, $6 children age 6-12, free for Garden’s Members and children 5 and under. For further information, call (941) 366-5731 or visit www.selby.org.

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Marie Selby Botanical Gardens presents the Fifth Annual Asian Cultural Festival at the Gardens

noemail@floridaattractions.org — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 17:00:00 GMT

Asian and American food will be available for purchase. The Garden Shop will offer a variety of plants and home décor at great festival prices.

The Asian Festival is sponsored by WUSF, Comcast, Local Coffee + Tea, and paid for in part by Sarasota County Tourist Development Tax revenues.

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Island Queen Cruises - St. Patrick's Day Cruise Miami

noemail@floridaattractions.org — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 01:00:00 GMT

Come celebrate with Island Queen Cruises for a St. Patrick's Day party cruise in Miami. Our special St. Patrick's Day party cruise will feature unlimited beer and wine, cash liquor bar, Irish influenced hors d'ouevres and Miami's local DJ Chris spinning the latest hits.

Reservations are required and seats are limited. So make plans today to join Island Queen Cruises on St. Patrick's Day in Miami! Our Miami Lady will begin boarding at 9:00pm and 9:30pm, cruising from 9:30pm until 11:30pm.

Chef Clifton Smith has prepared a special hors d'ouevres menu with includes delicious Irish influenced hors d'ouevres: Fish and Chips, Minty Meatballs, Irish Beef Skewers accompanied by Leprecon Peppers, Corn Beef Sliders and Cabbage Wraps.

Our modern yacht, features an air-conditioned lower salon and large picture windows for viewing. Our upper level is an open deck with a covered top that allows you to take-in the fresh ocean breezes.

Please arrive at our ticket booth 30 minutes prior departure to receive your boarding passes. Island Queen Cruises' ticket booth is located in the middle of Bayside Marketplace, near the music stage and Tradewinds Waterfront Bar and Grill.

Please contact our office at 305.379.5119 ext 201 to make reservations for this spectacular St. Patrick's Day party cruise in Miami. Limited Seating!

Purchase St. Patrick's Day party cruise tickets!

U.S. Travel News Brief

noemail@floridaattractions.org — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 16:00:00 GMT

U.S. Travel Quick Links > Home Member Services Events Marketing Research News Feb. 17, 2010 Video: Boosting U.S. Tourism While Reducing Security Risks from FOX Business Overseas visitors coming to the United States spend an average of $4,500 per visit. But a new registration program for travelers could keep these travels away. So what is more important, our safety or our economic prosperity? U.S. Travel Association Senior Vice President Geoff Freeman speaks to FOX Business on balancing the big money that tourism brings to the U.S. economy and security concerns. More Social Networking Behaviors of Leisure Travelers Learn what social networking sites leisure travelers in the US are using for travel and how they share information following their trips. National representative study of 1,000 leisure travelers includes data on trip planning behavior, the...

Store Clerk/ Cashier

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 23:30:00 GMT

Title: Store Clerk/ Cashier Description: Your job will require you to handle customer purchases and ticket sales. You will also need to act as a customer service representative by answering phone calls and will need to be able to operate a register and complete daily cashier duties and monetary functions. Customers may include tour companies, VIPs, school and church groups, and walk in business. Our business runs on a seasonal basis, so during the months of November until May we double to triple our daily amount of customers and will require a full time person to help our staff. During the summer months we can adjust to allow for more days off and can accomodate vacations and fexibile scheduling. No nights are required, this family owned and operated business can work around another job or school schedule. We are looking for a motivated, self-starter who is good at multi-tasking and can handle a higher intensity environment when we get very busy during season. Our work environment,...

Parental Waiver Issue

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 19:08:25 GMT

Did you know that the Florida Supreme Court stripped parents of their right to sign waivers for their children to participate in activities such as field trips, youth sports, and amusement park rides? By taking away this right, countless youth activities are now in jeopardy. The attached article from the Orlando Sentinel explains how the ruling affected Gatorland, an outdoor park in Central Florida. In December 2008, the Florida Supreme Court said parents have no right to release a business from the fear of a lawsuit for injury to and on behalf of a child. The Fourteenth Amendment of the United States Constitution gives parents the right of privacy to raise their children as they see fit, short of the existence of a compelling state interest. We want to restore the right of parents to choose the activities their child can participate in. We also want to protect businesses from having to pay exorbitant insurance rates, or no longer offering these activities for children...

Government Relations

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 12:44:01 GMT

Legislative Action Center Priority FAA Issues Issues Tracking Information about Funding for Visit Florida Information about Parental Waivers Florida State Legislative Directory Find my Representative Member Search Leadership Committees and Councils State Agencies Communications Writing your Representative Calling Your Representative Contact the News Media - Extensive contact list of Florida Newspapers, Political Publications, Online Services, Magazines, Television Stations, Radio Stations and News Services 2010 Election Primary Election – August 24, 2010 (voter registration deadline July 26, 2010) General Election – November 2, 2010 (voter registration deadline October 4, 2010) Register to Vote

Newspaper Clips - Thursday, March 11, 2010

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 12:15:26 GMT

Previous Newsclips: Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

Newspaper Clips - Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 12:14:44 GMT

A Southern diamond in the rough (Bradenton Herald © 03/09/2010) Chicago Tribune CUMBERLAND ISLAND, Ga. - As I was biking down a washboard road of dirt and sand - the only road that runs the length of this lush, wild island and national seashore - a husband and wife waved me down one afternoon. They were both about mid-50s, healthy and with bikes of their own, heading up the way I was coming down. Did you pass some chimneys? the woman asked. Chimneys... Spring Breakers arrive (Daytona Beach News-Journal © 03/09/2010) Beach Patrol officers walk through a crowd of Spring Breakers looking for any use of alcohol on the beach in front of the Ocean Walk in Daytona Beach Monday. N-J | Sean McNeil Spring Breakers fill the beach in front of the Ocean Walk in Daytona Beach on Monday. N-J | Sean McNeil Dayton to Daytona trek in doubt The ... Take me out to the ball game (Fernandina Beach News Leader © 03/09/2010) It's that time of year again. North Florida has begun its...

Funding Tourism Marketing - Visit Florida

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 18:46:54 GMT

The Attractions Industry in our state understands why Florida needs to invest in tourism marketing now more than ever!

We need you to take action now to ensure adequate state funding for Visit Florida. Please get involved and let your elected officials know how you feel about funding for Visit Florida.

Click here for the Florida Partnership for Tourism's Legislative Toolkit. The resources available in the kit will educate you and give you the tools you need to participate and let your voice be heard during Session.

Tourism is key to reviving Florida's economy!

Florida Attractions Association Home

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 11:03:01 GMT

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS January 2010 Primary Attraction Tourism Associate Supplier Associate DMO Associate Supplier Associate December 2009 Primary Attraction Supplier Associate Supplier Associate Supplier Associate Supplier Associate Third Thursday at Three is an exclusive benefit of Florida Attractions Association membership. For dial-in instructions, please RSVP to Donaldson@FloridaAttractions.org. Resources from this series of teleconferences are available here. Thanks to the Hosts of the 2010 Attraction Regional Forums 2010 Strategic Partners

Newspaper Clips - Thursday, March 5, 2010

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 12:22:23 GMT

Alachua County Today launches new Web site (Alachua County Today © 03/04/2010) OUR NEW SITE CAN BE REACHED going to http://www.AlachuaCountyToday.com ALACHUA – After nearly a year in development, Alachua County Today is launching a new online edition. The new AlachuaCountyToday.com has a sleeker and more interactive design, said Alachua County Today Managing Editor Bryan Boukari. It’s easier to navigate and packed with features. Alachua C... Music and strawberries abound at Florida Strawberry Fest (Bradenton Herald © 03/04/2010) jholmes@bradenton.com The 75th annual Florida Strawberry Festival isn’t just about strawberries. It’s also about strawberry shortcake and music. The 11-day event kicks off today in nearby Hillsborough County’s Plant City. The county has more than 5,000 acres of strawberries planted annually in the area, and for 75 years, the strawberry season celebration has been one o... Zoo exhibit for polar bears still on ice...

Newspaper Clips - Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 12:20:41 GMT

Exhibit depicts lost world (Daytona Beach News-Journal © 03/02/2010) The 1930s-era diver's suit with the bubble helmet and hose sits outside a roadside shop adorned with coral, sponges and a large sea turtle shell. But all is not kitchiness and light in Curios of the Sea, Palm Beach. In the center of the painting lurks a dark doorway and within the misty gloom, a chic couple buys trinkets to take back home. Even as painters like Winfield Clime chronicled t... Lawmakers prepare for more cutting (Daytona Beach News-Journal © 03/02/2010) Florida will be ringing in a new legislative session Tuesday, but what you hear from Tallahassee may sound like an echo of last year. With expenses rising faster than revenues, lawmakers are bracing for two months of scrutinizing every agency and program in hopes of finding cuts -- a session that has House Speaker Larry Cretul echoing Yogi Berra when he called it deja vu all over again. Sure... Leaders aim to save state's space sector...

Newspaper Clips - Monday, March 1, 2010

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 13:00:53 GMT

The Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce celebrates its 100th year (Miami Herald © 03/01/2010) (Registration Required) TIME TRAVEL: The Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce has grown with Fort Lauderdale over the years. Its progress is reflected in its headquarters which has expanded to occupy a modern building, above right, to cater to its 1,400 members. In 1910, before Broward was a county, a handful of businessmen from the New River community -- likely including Frank Stranahan, who ran a trading post ... Southwest ponders Caribbean flights (Orlando Sentinel © 03/01/2010) (Registration Required) Southwest Airlines says Orlando could factor into its expansion plans if the airline decides to add destinations in the Caribbean. Southwest, the busiest carrier at Orlando International Airport, currently flies only to domestic destinations. But according to Chief Executive Officer Gary Kelly, in Orlando last week for a staff briefing at SeaWorld, Orlando could...

Newspaper Clips - Friday, February 26, 2010

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 12:11:42 GMT

New tourism numbers a surprise in Collier (ABC Channel 7 Lee County © 02/26/2010) NAPLES: If you've noticed a little extra competition for your favorite table lately, you're not alone. The Collier County Convention and Visitors Bureau reports an eight-percent increase in total January visitors compared to the same time last year. Not only are visitors up, they're also spending about five-percent more. What really has the attention of tourism leader... Pet the bamboo sharks at the Jacksonville zoo without fear (Florida Times-Union © 02/26/2010) On the surface, opening a shark-petting attraction at Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens makes about as much sense as letting zoo visitors wrestle with the gorillas or ride on the lions. But, starting this weekend, people visiting the zoo can indeed pet sharks. The zoo's Stingray Bay attraction, where you can pet stingrays in a 17,000-gallon tank, is adding bamboo sharks. Bamboo sharks are some of... Major makeover set for Daytona Beach...

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noemail@floridaattractions.org — Wed, 06 May 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Objectives:

Release Date: 6-May-09 1:00 AM
Expiration Date: 4-Aug-09 1:00 AM

Their is no victory in the absence of excellence.

Fri, 29 Feb 2008 16:59:27 GMT

Their is no victory in the absence of excellence.

Tsun Tsu

He who controls the past commands the future. He who controls the future, conquers the past.

Fri, 29 Feb 2008 16:57:56 GMT