virgin america

The time has come to say goodbye to perhaps the hippest airline on the market. On March 22, Alaska Airlines announced its plan to eliminate the Virgin America brand, with an official termination to occur in 2019. Last year Alaska purchased Virgin for $2.6 billion.

Sangita Woerner, Alaska Airlines vice president of marketing, remarks, “We spent the last 10 months conducting extensive research and listening carefully to what fliers on the West Coast want most. While the Virgin America name is beloved to many, we concluded that to be successful on the West Coast we had to do so under one name—for consistency and efficiency, and to allow us to continue to deliver low fares.”

Since the merger closed in December, Alaska has been striving to enhance the combinednetworks. The merger made Alaska the fifth largest airline in the country with 1,200 daily flights and nearly 300 aircraft. The airline followed up the historic merger with the biggest route addition in its history; Alaska recently added 21 markets to its network with 25 new daily departures out of California cities such as San Francisco, San Diego, Los Angeles and San Jose. The move caters to Virgin America’s largely West Coast-based following.

Richard Branson responds

Business magnate Richard Branson created Virgin America in 2004 to launch an entirely new type of airline, as demonstrated by the lively ambiance (pink and purple lighting, hip background music) and extra amenities such as free Wi-Fi and on-demand food orders. The billionaire originally objected to the Alaska-Virgin merger. However, in keeping with U.S. regulatory requirements, he was unable to block the deal, as Virgin Group actually owned less than 25 percent of voting shares.

Regarding the news, Branson wrote on his blog, “Many tears are shed today…over Alaska Airlines’ decision to buy and now retire Virgin America. It has a very different business model and sadly, it could not find a way to maintain its own brand and that of Virgin America.”

Additionally, Branson wrote in a statement addressed to Virgin America, “George Harrison once said, ‘All Things Must Pass.’ This was the ride and love of a lifetime. I feel very lucky to have been on it with all of you. I’m told some people at Virgin America are calling today ‘the day the music died.’ It is a sad (and some would say baffling) day. But I’d like to assure them that the music never dies.”

Alaska still aims to keep many elements of Virgin America’s unique branding intact—it plans to preserve the airline’s quality in-flight entertainment, mood lighting, music and emphasis on exceeding normal flight expectations. Ultimately, the airline hopes it will continue to emanate a warm and hospitable “West Coast vibe.”

“Our goal from the very beginning of this merger was to become the go-to airline for people on the West Coast, with low fares, convenient flights, a premium product and genuine, caring service. Three months in, we’ve dramatically grown our presence in California and are united behind a new purpose: Creating an airline people love,” says Brad Tilden, CEO of Alaska Air Group.

The Alaska Air frequent flier program will become the sole loyalty program for both of the airlines beginning in 2018. Virgin America frequent fliers will have the option to convert points to Alaska’s program at a rate of one point per 1.3 miles. Despite initial skepticism from investors, Alaska Airlines stock has soared 18 percent since the merger was announced last year.

Palais des Congress de Montreal

Following last year’s major reorganization under new President and CEO Don Welsh, Destination Marketing Association International (DMAI) is making another significant overhaul. Welsh and DMAI Chairman Gary C. Sherwin, CDME, have announced that the leading association for destination marketers will soon go by another name.

This July, DMAI will debut its new name: Destinations International. The change will coincide with the organization’s Annual Convention, which will be held in Montreal. The rebranding process took eight months and involved collaboration with Miles Partnership, feedback from stakeholders and in-depth operational analysis.

“This collaborative process, and ultimately our new brand, reflect the broader dimension of our organization,” says Sherwin.  “We are fundamentally changing the way in which we operate, and that begins with consistent engagement with our members.”

“We realize we are a trade organization, not a marketing organization.  Our members are the marketers.  This is exactly why we felt the need to rebrand the organization,” says Welsh.

Welsh emphasizes that this change isn’t superficial. It represents a monumental shift in the way the association works for its members. “Our efforts go far beyond a sharp new logo and a new name,” Welsh explains. “Together with our members and partners, Destinations International represents a powerful forward-thinking, collaborative association; exchanging bold ideas, connecting innovative people and excelling tourism to its highest potential.”

Destinations International’s strategic goals will remain the same as they were under the DMAI brand. Despite the branding overhaul, the organization’s goals continue to effectively address the needs of destination marketing organizations (DMOs). DMAI’s goals include becoming the most recognized advocate for the DMO industry; creating partnerships that benefit DMOs; provide professional development resources for members; and expanding DMAI’s international reach.

DMAI’s Annual Convention, one of the top events for destination marketing professionals, will begin accepting registrations on March 24. The event will be held at Palais des Congress de Montreal, a downtown Montreal convention center.

Food production has the largest environmental footprint of any human activity, according to data from the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). 40 percent of food is wasted through the supply chain, including the hotel industry.

It should come as no surprise that limiting hotel food waste is one of the best ways the hospitality industry can help the environment—and even save money while doing it.

Recognizing the need for an industry-wide strategy for food management, WWF worked with the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) to debut pilot projects to reduce food waste in the hospitality industry. AHLA Members that are participating in these projects include major hotel brands such as Hilton, Hyatt, IHG and Marriott International.

By becoming a part of this initiative, these hotel groups are showing their commitment to limiting food waste. “The industry has a unique opportunity to raise awareness and design the guidelines, tools and resources needed to make a difference—the participation of some of America’s largest brands in these pilot programs underscores the industry’s long-term sustainability commitments,” says Katherine Lugar, president and CEO of AHLA.

WWF research found that the industry needs more standardized training on food waste reduction. WWF also discovered that hotels generally lack robust food waste measurement and tracking tools. Each of the new pilot projects aims to address a key step in the supply chain, including measuring food waste output, improving employee training, designing menus that limit waste and boosting customer awareness of food waste.

“With its substantial food service volume and broad reach with consumers, the hospitality industry is an ideal catalyst for accelerating change,” says Pete Pearson, director of food waste at World Wildlife Fund. “Imagine every hotel breakfast buffet or conference luncheon eliminating food waste. While businesses should make food donation and landfill diversion a priority, these pilot projects will focus on food waste prevention, which is ultimately better for business and the environment.”

Passengers flying to the United States or United Kingdom from specific countries in the Middle East and North Africa will not be allowed to bring carry-on electronic devices larger than a standard-size smartphone, representatives from both countries announced this week.

Citing “evaluated intelligence,” the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated in a press release that the new policy has been implemented indefinitely because terrorist groups continue to target commercial aviation.

Noting the downing of an airliner over Egypt in 2015, as well as armed attacks last year in Brussels and Istanbul, U.S. government agencies state they are concerned about terrorists using personal electronic devices (PEDs) as onboard explosives.

“We have reason to be concerned about attempts by terrorist groups to circumvent aviation security,” the DHS stated.

Restricted PEDs include:

–Laptop and notebook computers
–Tablet computing devices
–Portable electronic games
–Portable DVD players
–Digital cameras

The PED ban applies only to flights departing from specified airports destined for the United States or the United Kingdom. The restrictions take effect immediately, but airlines have until Saturday to implement the new rule.

The countries with affected flights to the United States and/or United Kingdom are Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Tunisia and Turkey.

Currently, PED restrictions on U.S.-bound flights apply to these 10 specific airports:

–Queen Alia International Airport (AMM)
–Cairo International Airport (CAI)
–Ataturk International Airport (IST)
–King Abdul-Aziz International Airport (JED)
–King Khalid International Airport (RUH)
–Kuwait International Airport (KWI)
–Mohammed V Airport (CMN)
–Hamad International Airport (DOH)
–Dubai International Airport (DXB)
–Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH)

According to USA Today, these airlines are impacted by the new PED policy: EgyptAir, Emirates, Etihad Airways, Kuwait Airways, Qatar Airways, Royal Air Maroc, Royal Jordanian, Saudia (Saudi Arabian Airlines), and Turkish Airlines.

In an online Q&A, the DHS left open the possibility that more airports and airlines could be added in the future “as threats change.”

Noting that size and shape of smartphones vary by brand, the DHS advised passengers impacted by the PED carry-on ban to consult with airline representatives if they have any questions about their devices.

“Passengers should pack large personal electronic devices in checked bags,” the DHS stated.

Smart meetings are all about leveraging business opportunities, but they can be personally rewarding, too. To attract business guests, Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts recently launched its biggest consumer media campaign for the Americas in the past 10 years.

“We’re All Business, Mostly” is part of the larger Crowne Plaza Accelerate campaign.

With $200 million committed to promoting the brand, a major part of the investment includes a renewed focus on business travelers, said Eric Lent, vice president of Crowne Plaza and Holiday Inn in the Americas.

“Our branded properties and guest services have always been designed to help business travelers accomplish what’s important both professionally and personally while they’re on the road,” Lent said.

The slogan reaffirms Crowne Plaza’s commitment to modern business travelers with the promise, “Build guest love, drive performance and deliver high-quality growth” to customers, Lent explained.

The tagline was tested by independent research firm Kantar Millward Brown to gauge interest and impact. The results showed “strong likability” among business travelers, according to InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG). Crowne Plaza is one of several brands under the IHG umbrella, which includes more than 5,000 hotels and nearly 750,000 guest rooms.

The campaign reportedly scored in the top 18 percent of all ads across a database of more than 17,000 U.S. advertisements for its “ability to impact awareness.” The ad reportedly scored in the top 14 percent for its ability to persuade the target audience: business travelers.

To put its ad campaign into action, Crowne Plaza is leveraging technology with personal adventure. The hotel is blending state-of-the-art flexible meeting spaces and WorkLife rooms with accessible R&R activities—from workout gyms to fine dining.

“The Crowne Plaza brand’s aspiration is to break through the hospitality sea of sameness,” Lent said. The objective is to convince business travelers they can blend work and relaxation.

To that end, the media campaign is all about rewarding successful guests by mixing business with personal pursuits.

With more groups heading out of the boardroom and into creative locations, why not schedule an event in a cozy space with great food and a wine tasting guided by a sommelier? These seven wine cellar meeting venues prove that groups don’t have to head to Napa or Bordeaux to gather among grapes.

Casa de Uco

Set in the foothills of the Andes Mountains amid Argentina’s Uco Valley wine-growing region, Casa de Uco Resort’s underground wine cave, pictured above, is the ideal space for secluded meetings. Complete with a 1970s wood Knoll conference table that seats up to 10 people, the space seamlessly transitions to post-meeting wine tastings with the resort’s sommelier.

The Wine Cellar

A hidden gem on the lower level of the Ashton Hotel, The Wine Cellar is one of Fort Worth’s most unique private dining spaces. Up to 20 guests can dine in the elegant room surrounded by a diverse wine reserve. A gold-painted pressed tin ceiling, slate floor, natural stone walls, rich wood accents and soft lighting impart a refined ambiance. Warren Buffet and Bill Gates, who often stay at the hotel when conducting business, have privately met here.

The Kitchen By Wolfgang Puck

Retreat to the wine room for lunch or dinner to pair Chef Wolfgang Puck’s signature wine with made-from-scratch comfort fare including gourmet pizzas, appetizers, salads, noodles and entrées. This casual and inviting private dining and meeting space holds up to 20 and is located within the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

The Apiary

The Apiary, a special event venue in Lexington, Kentucky, offers a beautiful wine cellar for meetings and catered private dinners. The cozy and intimate space features a farmhouse-style table and 10 cushioned chairs, surrounded by a vast wine collection. Reclaimed brick, stone pavers from a prestigious horse farm and exposed wooden beams from a former tobacco warehouse add texture and ambience.

The Dutch

Located at Miami’s W South Beach, The Dutch takes its inspiration from local cafes, seaside shacks, and roadside joints. The restaurant’s intimate 16-seat private dining room surrounds meeting goers with an award-winning wine selection. Meeting planners can arrange for wine tastings with the in-house sommelier, an introduction to sommelier class, or a wine pairing dinner curated by Chef Adonay and Sommelier Philip Fuentes.

Ravines Wine Cellars

A boutique winery on Seneca Lake in New York’s Finger Lakes wine region, Ravines Wine Cellars holds private dinners and events in the tasting room and wine production area, located in a handsome historic barn. Meals catered by Ravinous Kitchen, the on-site farm-to-table eatery, feature pairings of Ravines wine with full, sit-down dinners among the barrels and riddling racks. The space can hold up to 50 diners in the off season, and up to 100 in the summer.

Spencer’s for Steaks & Chops

At Hilton Orlando, Spencer’s for Steaks & Chops maintains a temperature-controlled wine room that presents the perfect intimate setting for the oenophile group. Surrounded by wine on all sides, the private dining room creates a distinctive setting for groups of up to eight people seeking an extraordinary eating experience.

U.S. airlines

Apparently, now is the time to fly.

Airlines for America has released impressive new predictions for the spring season—and they are breaking records. U.S. airlines expect 145 million passengers to fly around the world during the months of March and April. That number represents an increase of 4 percent from last year, which saw 140 million passengers take to the skies during spring.

To accommodate the additional demand of 89,000 more passengers each day, airlines are adding a whopping 110,000 seats per day. The growth can be attributed to several reasons, which Airlines for America VP and Chief Economist John Heimlich explains: “While historically low fares, reliable operations and several consecutive years of reinvestment in the product are the primary factors underlying this growth, a boost in U.S. employment and personal incomes and the highest-ever level of household net worth are also fueling the strong demand for air travel.”

Increased competition is driving fares down and demand up. Airlines have responded by adding new routes and upgrading their fleets to aircraft with greater fuel efficiency and more seats. In all of 2016, U.S. and foreign airlines combined to add 198 new routes. Even though the year has just begun, airlines have already added 151 new routes to their arsenals in 2017.

More travelers means more crowded airports

Naturally, this growth has affected airports as well. Airlines for America reports that airports of all sizes have seen increased traffic. Last summer, travelers experienced extra-long lines at Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoints at major hubs such as Chicago-O’Hare International Airport. Missed flights, uncomfortable overnight stays at the airport and angry social media chatter reigned for several weeks as airline, airport and TSA officials vowed to fix the problem.

More hiring in the TSA, greater promotion of TSA Pre-Check and the introduction of expedited lines with advanced technology have helped to alleviate those issues, but these record-breaking numbers from Airlines for America may have travelers leaving extra early for the airport.

Atlantic City Skyline

Atlantic City is a hidden gem along the New Jersey shoreline, offering visitors much more than a seaside destination. As Atlantic City has gone through numerous transitions, the destination is in the midst of the dawn of a new era, drawing from its rich history to meet the demands of the future.

Atlantic City offers round-the-clock fun and excitement after the work and meetings are through. Take a stroll on the famous historic Boardwalk, bask in the glowing sun or take a dip in the Atlantic Ocean. You can unwind and dine with plentiful dining options all customized to fit your convention delegates taste bud from brand name eateries to celebrity chef restaurants. The Entertainment Capital of the Jersey Shore will have you laughing, singing and dancing all night long. Shopaholics can shop til they drop at our tax free outlet shopping, Tanger Outlets The Walk with over 100 retail stores that won’t disappoint with incredible deals and just steps out of the convention center. While in town, try your luck on the table games or slot machines at any of our seven casino resorts.

Atlantic City Convention Center

Atlantic City is made up of more than 15,000 first-class hotel rooms that will suit the perfect accommodations for your attendee’s complete comfort and relaxation. The Atlantic City Convention Center provides over 600,000 square feet of exhibit space, as well as 45 meeting rooms, ample pre-function space and all the amenities you would expect. Harrah’s Waterfront Conference Center is the largest convention center-hotel complex from Baltimore to Boston with its two 50,000-square-foot ballrooms, which offer state-of-the-art, technologically advanced meetings space that can be utilized by up to 5,000 attendees. Resorts Conference Center has added an additional 15,000 square feet of meeting space spread over 12 rooms. The new conference center brings the total offerings at Resorts to 24 meeting and function rooms with more than 64,000 square feet of usable space, most featuring natural light and ocean views.

Atlantic City Boardwalk Hall

Historic Boardwalk Hall, formerly known as Atlantic City Convention Hall is Atlantic City’s first convention center and an iconic landmark to Atlantic City that was built in 1929. Home of the Miss America Pageant, it played host to the city’s growing convention industry. Boardwalk Hall has hosted an amazing list of dazzling entertainers and knockout sporting events throughout its 85 year history.

Atlantic City is 60 miles from Philadelphia, 125 miles from New York, and 175 miles from Washington, DC. Any way you look at it, Atlantic City guarantees fast-paced excitement and non-stop year-round activities. Meet AC will be happy to help you locate the right space, assist with attendance building, housing and much more.

Explore the new, along with reminiscing on the long-standing history for which Atlantic City is best known. We know that America’s favorite playground will have a special place in your heart after you visit.

mohegan sun in connecticut

Conveniently located in southeastern Connecticut, Mohegan Sun offers easy access to Boston, New York City, Hartford, Providence and surrounding areas, but feels a world away amidst the sweeping scenic views and waterfront of Mystic Country.

Unmatched Meetings & Conventions

Many destinations can provide the meeting you’ve envisioned. Mohegan Sun delivers the type of event you can’t even imagine. Mohegan Sun is home to over 100,000 square feet of meeting and function space, including the 38,000 square-foot and breathtaking, Uncas Ballroom and catering menus that offer everything from casual café fare to uniquely elegant entrées. Our CMM- and CMP-certified Event Service Managers have all the tools at hand to craft an event that surpasses all your expectations.

Meeting engagements are more than welcomed at other locations on property too, including the beautiful 400-seat Cabaret Theatre and the 325-seat COMIX Mohegan Sun. Mohegan Sun Golf Club, nestled in scenic southeastern Connecticut, also has the capacity to customize packages, deliver extraordinary experiences and great value for meetings and corporate group outings.

First-Class Accommodations

With hundreds of thousands of rooms turned away in the last few years alone, Mohegan Sun opened doors to the all-new Earth Tower hotel. The new hotel gives even more guests the opportunity to enjoy the one-of-a-kind Mohegan Sun experience, with 400 well-appointed guest rooms in addition to the already 1,200 spacious and elegantly appointed rooms and suites in Mohegan Sun’s deluxe Sky Tower. The $130 million Earth Tower features more meeting space and is just steps away from the spectacular amenities already available, which include the likes of over 80 shops, restaurants and bars as well as three award-winning entertainment venues including a 10,000-seat Arena.

Earth Tower also features an outdoor terrace on the lobby level, for guests to take advantage of with relaxing lounge seating, fire pits and offerings like specialty drinks, wine and seasonal dining.  The space is also available for private functions.

Mohegan Sun Golf Club

Location: 1 Mohegan Sun Boulevard, Uncasville, CT 06382

 

velas resort mexico

Luxury all-inclusive meetings surrounded by Mexico’s beauty

Located in Mexico’s finest beach destinations, Velas Resorts envelop guests in an ambiance of designer luxury and style, elevating meetings and conventions to an unprecedented level. With a total of 43 AAA Diamonds, each resort offers spacious accommodations, creative cuisine, sweeping ocean views and state-of-the-art meeting venues, all within environmentally-friendly facilities.

Special Stand-Out Details   

Velas Resorts are known for the special details that make all the difference, allowing each attendee to enjoy being a guest of honor. Special group check-ins with welcome massages, refreshing aromatherapy towels and signature fruit infusions are just the beginning.

Each property also offers ‘wow’ factors that leave lasting memories, from a Mezcal and Tequila Tasting Room to a Sea Turtle Release Program, Mayan Fire Show or the chance to learn how to make mandalas using fresh flower petals.

Events to Remember

Select from a full range of outdoor venues surrounded by the pristine beauty of Mexico; from the glowing sunsets and lush greenery of the Mexican Pacific to the white sands, crystalline waters and mystical Mayan culture of the Riviera Maya, to the dramatic contrast where the desert meets the Sea of Cortez in Los Cabos. Each Velas Resort also offers world-class Convention Centers, Business Centers and professional services to host gatherings large and small.

Lavish Comfort and Elegant Style

Guests revel in oversized rooms and suites equipped with a full range of first-class amenities such as indoor or outdoor jacuzzis, rain showers, marble bathrooms, and original artwork. Generous minibars are re-stocked daily, and room service is available day and night.

Breathtaking Spas

Guests enjoy special Spa privileges at Velas Resorts, home to some of the world’s finest Spas. Water journeys, menus of treatments inspired by ancient healing practices, Spa workshops, special couples’ Spa suites and lavish rituals await in these sanctuaries of health and wellness.

Foodie Escapes with Fresh, Creative Cuisine

Home to acclaimed restaurants such as AAA Five Diamond-rated Cocina de Autor at Grand Velas Riviera Maya (the world’s first All-Inclusive resort restaurant to receive the award), the resorts’ culinary experiences are handcrafted by celebrated chefs; members of the Maitres Cuisiniers de France and recipients of Michelin Stars. Every menu receives the utmost care and attention. From simple coffee breaks to canapés, champagne and lavish banquet menus, guests enjoy a gourmet feast for the senses.

Meetings take on a whole new meaning when surrounded by the luxurious ambiance of Velas Resorts, where no detail is overlooked. Treat your guests to a new definition of business travel.