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President Barack Obama announces steps to facilitate and increase international travel to the United States

noemail@floridaattractions.org — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 13:00:00 GMT

President Barack Obama announced that significant steps have been made to facilitate and increase international travel to the United States. Pegasus Transportation has been instrumental in helping Orlando become the third largest market for Brazilian travelers and expects those numbers to increase significantly in 2012. Pegasus was recently highlighted in the CNN Story “Cash-Flush Brazilians Flock to Florida” http://cnn.com/video/data/2.0/video/us/2012/01/16/zarrella-brazil-florida-bu ying-power.cnn.html.

To find out more about Pegasus Transportation visit our website at www.pegasusbus.comor become a Pegasus fan at www.facebook.com/pegasusbus.

Zoo Miami: Savage - An animal-made art exhibit

noemail@floridaattractions.org — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Media Contact: Cindy Castelblanco/Frank Ridgley, DVM/Susana Cortázar Office: 305-255-5551/305-251-0400 cindyc@zsf.org/frid@miamidade.gov/susanac@miamidade.gov FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Zoo Miami and the South Florida Chapter of the American Association of Zookeepers (SFAAZK) present Savage, an exhibit of art made by animals for animals, on February 4 at the Bakehouse Art Complex Enjoy and purchase art made by tigers, giraffes, elephants, birds, reptiles, and make a difference in animal conservation projects Miami, FL (January 20, 2012) - Zoo Miami and the SFAAZK are proud to present the inaugural exhibit Savage, featuring original pieces of art painted by Zoo Miami animals - tigers, elephants, birds, reptiles, and others. All proceeds from this art exhibit will fund animal conservation projects in and outside of Zoo Miami. The event will take place at the Bakehouse Art Complex (BAC), 561 NW 32 Street, Miami, FL, 33127, Saturday, February...

HistoryMiami Heritage Spotlight: Ezequiel Torres

noemail@floridaattractions.org — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 22:00:00 GMT

US Travel Association - Vote Travel campaign

noemail@floridaattractions.org — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 22:00:00 GMT

Dear Travel Colleague: U.S. Travel today is unveiling a first-of-its-kind national advocacy campaign to activate the industry and gain support from policymakers and candidates for our issues. Vote Travel The campaign is called Vote Travel and is intended to capitalize on President Obama's call for keeping jobs in the U.S. through highlighting travel's important role as an economic engine that supports 14 million American jobs and contributes $1.8 trillion to the economy. Through enhanced lobbying and aggressive advocacy, U.S. Travel will communicate to policymakers and the American public about travel and tourism's significant economic impact and potential benefits as a tool for diplomacy and a better life for individuals. The year-long Vote Travel campaign will include: Media, advocacy, lobbying and grassroots activities; Broad industry and employee engagement; Extensive voter outreach, education and...

Edison & Ford Winter Estates to open Edison Botanic Research Lab Feb 15

noemail@floridaattractions.org — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 22:00:00 GMT

Media Release - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Chris Pendleton, President & CEO Lisa Sbuttoni, PR/Marketing Director 293-334-7419 Images: Edison at work in the Edison Botanic Research Laboratory in Fort Myers, Florida; Various consultants throughout the restoration of the Edison Botanic Research Lab. For higher resolution or photos email lsbuttoni@edisonfordwinterestates.org Edison Botanic Research Laboratory Restoration Ribbon Cutting Ceremony - February 15, 2012 Fort Myers, FL(January 25, 2012)On February 15, 2012 at 11 a.m. the Edison & Ford Winter Estates will be celebrating the completion of the Edison Botanic Research Laboratory restoration project with a ribbon cutting ceremony. The ceremony will include a behind the scenes lab tour with the Edison Ford trustees, staff, project consultants, officials and funding agencies. The event is FREE to the public. . The project to restore the 1928 Lab has been led by Edison Ford staff and...

US Travel News Brief - Industry touts Obama's renewed focus on travel

noemail@floridaattractions.org — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 01:00:00 GMT

U.S. Travel Quick Links > Home Member Services Events Marketing Research News Jan. 25, 2012 Industry groups tout Obama's renewed focus on travel from Fox Business Industry groups are applauding President Barack Obama for expanding programs that make it easier for international frequent fliers to travel to the U.S., a plan supporters hope will boost spending from foreign visitors. The new focus on travel in the U.S. comes as the nation continues to struggle under choppy markets and an uncertain economic environment that has weighed heavily on the travel sector, an industry that represents $1.8 trillion in economic output and supports 14 million American jobs, according to the U.S....

US Travel Association - travel gets Presidential treatment

noemail@floridaattractions.org — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 01:00:00 GMT

TRAVEL GETS THE PRESIDENTIAL TREATMENT Our efforts over the past several years to amplify the travel industry's relevance with policymakers resulted in a major win for our industry last week. While in Orlando, FL, President Obama announced a national strategy on travel and tourism to boost travel to and within the United States. Key components of the president's initiative include the creation of an interagency task force charged with developing a national travel & tourism strategy, shortening visa wait times, expanding Global Entry, promoting our national parks, and working to expand the Visa Waiver Program. Now we want to hear from you. Head to our Facebook page to suggest what you feel should be included as part of the strategy. Thank you for your hard work to secure this victory for the travel and tourism industry! WHILE IT'S COLD OUTSIDE, VISA REFORM IS...

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex breaks ground on new home for Space Shuttle Atlantis

noemail@floridaattractions.org — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Andrea Farmer, 321-449-4318 or afarmer@dncinc.com John Kennedy, 321-449-4273, jkennedy@dncinc.com Groundbreaking Ceremony Held for $100 Million Home of Space Shuttle Atlantis KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. (Jan. 18, 2011) - On Wednesday, Jan. 18 at 11 a.m., Delaware North Parks & Resorts, in partnership with NASA's Kennedy Space Center, broke ground on the future home of the space shuttle Atlantis to be located at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. NASA selected Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex to permanently display space shuttle Atlantis in April 2011. The $100 million, 65,000 square-foot Atlantis exhibit will be the marquee element of the Visitor Complex's 10-year master plan proposed by Delaware North Parks & Resorts, which has operated Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex for NASA since 1995. The exhibit will provide guests a unique vantage point to view...

Sarasota CVB invites you to Florida's cultural coast

noemail@floridaattractions.org — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

A Warm Welcome from Sarasota on Florida's Gulf Coast Which direction will 2012 head for you? The good thing about the beginning of a new year is a clean slate. It's the time to take a look at where you're at, and where you want to go. You can reach for the obvious things to help get you to your...

Edison & Ford Winter Estates opens new exhibit Edison Latimer and the Light Bulb

noemail@floridaattractions.org — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 01:00:00 GMT

Media Release - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Chris Pendleton, President & CEO Lisa Sbuttoni, PR/Marketing Director 293-334-7419 Attachment: Exhibit panel of Thomas Edison, Lewis Latimer & the Light Bulb New exhibit, Thomas Edison, Lewis Latimer & the Light Bulb opens Fort Myers, FL (January 24, 2012)- The Edison & Ford Winter Estates has prepared a new exhibit, Thomas Edison, Lewis Latimer & the Light Bulb for the Black History Museum and the Lee County Black History Society. The exhibit will open in time for Black History Month at the Black History Museum. There is also a similar exhibit at the Edison Ford Invention Museum at the Edison Ford Winter Estates. Lewis Latimer worked for, and with Thomas Edison for many years and also held many important patents himself. Latimer was the son of former slaves and grew up in the era of invention of the light bulb and early communications. The following materials highlight Latimers work in...

HistoryMiami fundraising for Hands-On History Day

noemail@floridaattractions.org — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Schooner WOLF plans Quincentennial Ponce de Leon voyage

noemail@floridaattractions.org — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 22:00:00 GMT

Greetings from the Office of the Admiralty of the Conch Republic. We have just learned of the great plans that the state of Florida is coordinating to commemorate the Quinentennial of Ponce de Leons historic 1513 expedition, and the WOLF is most interested in participating in the Tall Ship Armada that is planned as part of the festivities. We understand you are involved with plans for this exciting event and want you to know that the 74' topsail schooner WOLF, flagship of the Conch Republic and the Florida Keys is availabe to travel the entire route which Ponce de Leon took with his fleet that departed San Juan, Puerto Rico in March 1513. We couldn't locate a detailed information on line about the Tall Ship Armada when we searched on line, but after reviewing the route of the 1513 voyage we put together a proposed itinerary that would give our ship enough time to get from port to port (barring any severe weather.) These dates are based on departing...

Viva Florida 500 teleconference Feb 3

noemail@floridaattractions.org — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Good afternoon,

On Friday February 3, 2012, at 10 a.m., the Florida Department of State will host the next teleconference in regard to the Viva Florida 500 initiative, commemorating 500 years of Florida’s history. This is an opportunity to hear from partners about various Viva Florida 500 projects underway throughout the state of Florida.

If you would like to be considered to give a very brief update at this meeting, please contact the Viva Florida 500 team by responding to this e-mail NO LATER THAN 5PM WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 25, 2012. Once we hear from those wishing to provide updates, we will schedule an agenda that will then be made available on the partner website, www.fla500.com.

Please note, your request will be given priority if you requested to speak at previous meetings and were offered an “any other business” speaking opportunity. Please resubmit your interest now to let us know your availability for the February 3^rd meeting.

The information for the teleconference is:

DIAL IN: (888) 808-6959

CONFERENCE CODE 9395093665 #

Should you have any queries regarding the teleconference, you may respond to this e-mail.

Kind regards,

The Viva Florida 500 team

US Travel Association - A great day for travel

noemail@floridaattractions.org — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Dear Travel Colleague: President Obama gave tremendous visibility to our industry and priorities today when he called for the development of a national travel and tourism strategy while speaking at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. The President's remarks provide us with a unique opportunity to establish our industry as key to our country's economic prosperity, and to make travel issues relevant during this year's Presidential campaign. Stay tuned for an announcement next week about a new national campaign we are developing to engage the industry and seek support for our issues from candidates during this political season. President Calls For Recommendations To Promote Travel President Obama trumpeted the value of travel in general and by Executive Order called for the Secretaries of Commerce and the Interior to lead an intra-agency task force to develop for the first time ever recommendations for a strategy to promote travel opportunities...

ASTM Amusement Rides and Devices meeting Feb 16-18

noemail@floridaattractions.org — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

January 2012 ASTM F24 NEWS AS SEEN IN ASTM INTERNATIONAL NEWS IMPORTANT DETAILS REGARDING THE UPCOMING ASTM F24 2012 SPRING MEETING ASTM Amusement Rides and Devices Committee To Hold Meetings Feb. 16-18 W. CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa., January 19, 2012-ASTM International Committee F24 on Amusement Rides and Devices will be holding three days of standards development meetings from Feb. 16-18, 2012, at the Riverside Hotel in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. The committee produces global safety standards for the amusement industry. Approximately 50 separate meetings will be held, each one focusing on a specific safety element of the...

Former First Lady Laura Bush Tours World-Class Research Facilities at Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium

noemail@floridaattractions.org — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 11:00:00 GMT

Former First Lady Laura Bush toured Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium on Jan. 11, to meet Mote's world-class research scientists and encounter some of Florida's most iconic marine species. Mote was honored to host the former First Lady, who has championed ocean conservation and protection of the Gulf of Mexico. Mrs. Bush met Mote President and CEO, Dr. Kumar Mahadevan, during the State of the Gulf of Mexico Summit hosted by the Harte Research Institute (HRI) in December in Houston. Dr. Mahadevan is on the HRI advisory board and, during the Summit, Mrs. Bush spoke about the importance of preserving Gulf ecosystems and forging new cooperative conservation efforts to ensure their future - goals that are key parts of Mote's mission. Mote has a nearly 60-year history of Gulf-focused marine research and has played an integral part in the Gulf-wide oil spill response through research, animal rehabilitation, conservation and leadership of international scientific meetings on...

CTM Media Group adds 200 new locations

noemail@floridaattractions.org — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Over 200 New Display Stands Established in CTM's Distribution Network! Consistently adding new key visitor locations is a top priority of CTM Media Group. We're excited to announce the quarterly addition of OVER 200 NEW display stands & ExploreBoard Touch Screens to our network covering multiple regions of the United States & Canada. CTM is pleased to include these new locations as part of existing distribution networks in our efforts to provide CTM clients with new opportunities for reaching previously untapped audiences. Check Out the Below Sample of Newly Acquired Locations Zoo Miami* ...

Mote Marine Lab extends Penguin Island through April 15

noemail@floridaattractions.org — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Contact: Hayley Rutger, 941-388-4441, ext. 365, hrutger@mote.org Mote's Penguin Island Extended Through April 15 Mote Aquarium is keeping its cool! Penguin Island is being held over by popular demand until April 15, allowing more visitors the opportunity to see Sarasota's first penguins. Since Penguin Island opened Nov. 1, 2011, guests have been flocking to Mote Aquarium to see Sly, South, Rudy, Coaster, Oswald and Ninja. Penguin Island was originally slated to close at the end of February, but now it will remain open through mid-April. We're thrilled that visitors from near and far have given our penguins such a warm welcome, said Dan Bebak, vice president of Mote Aquarium. It's clear that people care about these endangered birds, so we wanted to give our guests more time to...

Mote Marine Lab announces new spring break camp

noemail@floridaattractions.org — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 23:00:00 GMT

Mote Announces New Spring Break Camp Register Now for March 12-16 Mote Marine Laboratory is proud to announce a cool new way to spring into marine science education: Mote's Spring Break Camp. Registration is now open for this unique camp designed to keep kids in grades 1-4 actively learning during spring break. Campers will discover marine science through hands-on activities, games and exploration of Sarasota Bay. Camp includes collecting critters in the shallows, snorkeling, a boat ride, watching special animal feedings at Mote Aquarium and more. Camp takes places from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. daily on March 12-16 and meets at Mote's Marine Education Resource Center (just before Mote Aquarium's main parking lot at 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway). Cost is $360 per camper ($324 for Mote Members). Pre-registration is required. For registration and more information, visit: www.mote.org/springbreakcamp. For questions, contact Debbie Tidwell at 941.388.4441 ext. 229,...

US Travel News Brief - Tourist Visas

noemail@floridaattractions.org — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 22:00:00 GMT

U.S. Travel Quick Links > Home Member Services Events Marketing Research News Jan. 4, 2012 US should ease visa access for tourists wielding cash from Bloomberg This holiday season, millions of tourists visited the U.S. Given the economic benefits they bring, the U.S. should be working overtime to welcome their friends and families next year. An estimated 60 million international visitors arrived in the U.S. in 2011, spending almost $150 billion, supporting nearly 2 million American jobs and accounting for more than a quarter of U.S. service exports. From taxi fares to tchotchke purchases, tourists account for a big chunk of economic activity. More Can...