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us-to-offer-commercial-flights-to-cuba Commercial flights between the United States and Cuba will be restored as early as 2016, and some U.S. airlines already are making or entertaining plans to fly directly to Havana and other Cuban cities.

The agreement was reached on Dec. 17. No flights have been offered between the two countries for a half-century. Howard Kass, American Airlines’ vice president of regulatory affairs, said the U.S. government is expected to approve 20 daily flights to Havana and 10 each to several other Cuban cities.

American Airlines announced that it will submit a United States-Cuba service proposal to the U.S. Department of Transportation to begin flights as early as 2016. The airline has offered charters to Cuban cities since 1991, and currently offers flights from Miami, Tampa and Los Angeles to Havana, Santa Clara, Cienfuegos, Camaguey and Holguin.

JetBlue also plans to apply for routes to Cuba. Scott Laurence, senior vice president for airline planning, told The New York Times that it’s likely that JetBlue will apply for commercial routes to Havana and other cities. Flights would be available from Orlando International Airport, Tampa International Airport, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, John F. Kennedy International Airport and Newark Liberty International Airport.

United Airlines and Southwest Airlines also have expressed interest in offering flights to Cuba.

U.S. President Barack Obama announced on July 1, 2014 the need for steps to be taken to normalize relations with Cuba. On Dec. 17, 2014, Obama and Cuban President Raul Castro reached an agreement to normalize relations between the countries. So, the commercial flights agreement was reached exactly one year after the normalization agreement.

Obama has eased some restrictions on Americans traveling to Cuba by allowing direct flights, cruise ships and ferry service, as long as travelers have an educational purpose. U.S. travel to Cuba has been steadily increasing ever since.

The door will be open to full U.S. tourism on the island if, as expected, the U.S. Treasury soon lifts a travel ban that prevents U.S. citizens from spending money in Cuba.

Cuba needs to establish a solid infrastructure and planning strategy to cope with thousands more visitors, however, by building more high-quality hotels and upgrading the quality of existing properties, as well as improving tourist areas.

Even now, Cuba is having a difficult time accommodating tourism: Some 3.14 million tourists came to Cuba from January to November this year, a 17.6 percent increase over the same period last year. It’s definitely a sellers’ market, so prices have increased accordingly. Prices of rooms in hotels & B&Bs have increased, even doubling or tripling at many places.

TripAdvisor has compiled a list of the world’s quirkiest restaurants. Meeting planners seeking unique dining experiences for their guests may want to chew on some of these ideas.

Diners entering the irreverent Heart Attack Grill in Las Vegas are issued hospital gowns; the waitstaff is dressed in scrubs and nursing uniforms. Wine is served in IV bags hanging from poles, while Jell-O shots are administered in oversized syringes or pill bottles. The menu is pure American fare—the octuple- bypass burger packs eight patties and 40 slices of bacon. Eat up; patrons unable to finish their meals are spanked with paddles.

Ninja New York in Manhattan offers Japanese food with a flourish. Diners are whisked in an elevator to a dark cavern where they navigate a long wooden bridge to their seats. Ninjas pop out of nowhere, brandishing knives and flames. Speaking of the dark, the dining room at Dans le Noir in Paris is pitch black, and customers are not told what they are eating until after the eye-opening experience ends. By being deprived of seeing their food (and trying to cut it in complete darkness), customers sharpen other senses and gain insight into what those with visual impairments face on a daily basis.

Roller coasters are not just for amusement parks. At ’s Baggers in Nuremberg, Germany, orders come whizzing around on a steel contraption, sometimes doing a loop de loop before magically stopping at the correct table. To add to the fun, the food sometimes arrives adorned with sparklers.

For a more romantic experience, try Treehouse Restaurant in Alnwick, England. Branches create partitions and trees grow through the floor in a fairy tale-like setting that many find tree-mendous. tripadvisor.com.

airbnb-tops-1-million-bookings Airbnb has booked more than 1 million guests for New Year’s Eve, nearly doubling last year’s total and setting its all-time record for one day.

The room-sharing company, which booked 550,000 guests last New Year’s Eve, had not previously surpassed the 1 million mark for a single day. New York City has 47,000 Airbnb bookings, the most of any place in the world. The other top U.S. destinations, in descending order, are Miami, Los Angeles, Orlando, Tahoe (California/Nevada), New Orleans, Oahu (Hawaii), San Francisco and Aspen/Vail (Colorado).

Worldwide, the other top destinations are Paris, London, Sydney, Berlin, Tokyo, Barcelona (Spain), Amsterdam and Rome.

Chip Conley, head of hospitality for Airbnb, told Skift that part of the reason for the record-breaking total is that there is the trend toward more multigenerational travel is particularly strong during holidays, when families enjoy staying in an actual home or apartment.

Bookings for the upcoming New Year’s Eve have taken some huge percentage jumps over the previous year in several cities. Leading the way are Fukuoka, Japan (1,287), Cuba (877), Osaka, Japan (678), Acapulco (519) and Kyoto, Japan (417).

Conley attributes the increased bookings in Japanese cities to their fast-growing middle class and millennial travel base.

The three most traveled routes on New Year’s Eve are Singapore to Tokyo, Buenos Aires to Rio de Janeiro, and Hong Kong to Osaka.

In Cuba, there are some 2,000 Airbnb listings, mainly in Havana, which has far too few for the rapidly increasing demand—partly because Airbnb guest who travel to Cuba share a high volume of social media traffic.

amelia-island Groups traveling for the first time to meetings on Amelia Island, Florida, probably were as surprised as I was with its highly varied natural beauty and colorful history. Located on the coast of Northeast Florida, it boasts crystal-sand beaches, pristine waters, abundant wildlife and upscale resorts with world-class spas and pools.

I went there Nov. 30 to Dec. 3 as part of a media group that attended 2015 Florida Encounter, essentially a trade show for planners and suppliers. Our media group, which stayed at the comfortable and classy Omni Island Plantation Resort, was also treated to offsite activities, including a tour of the Omni property; a choice of a distillery visit, kayaking or a Segway ride; and a 2 1/2-hour cruise up the Florida coast, past the Georgia border.

Media members’ favorite activity–by far–was the cruise. I had been on many cruises before, and expected the same soothing feeling of being out on the water with nice views of shore land and occasional sea creatures popping out of the water. But this trip, offered by Amelia Island Cruises & Charters, was above and beyond all our expectations. It departs from Fernandina Beach, the island’s hub.

Leading the tour was Capt. Pajama Dave Voorhees, a well-known figure in the community because of his encyclopedia knowledge of it, and his engaging sense of humor. His rapid-fire, often satirical commentary sometimes pushes public decency to the limits, but his good-natured attitude and passion make everything OK. Everyone ends up loving Pajama Dave.

Ideal for groups, the cruise passed by remnants of a once-thriving shrimp industry, fields of wild horses, the ruins of historic Dungeness Mansion and many different types of birds, among other things. Two of the other highlights were the many dolphins jumping up in the water and a flock of pelicans taking team-building to heart as they flew in formation from Cumberland Island.

Something captivating seemed to pop up every few minutes, and time flew by. When we started heading back, behind schedule, no one wanted the cruise to end. So, what do you do? Our group, still mesmerized by Pajama Dave, headed straight to his downtown shop, Pajama Life, which carries a variety of oddball items. Yes, it carries strange pajamas.

9 Success Mantras for Event Planners In an article posted on themuse.com, Jeff Haden writes that the most successful people have certain mantras in their lexicons that they consistently repeat and strive to live by.

Here is his take on 9 success mantras he believes everyone, including meeting planners, should adopt.

1. “No one else is willing to do that…so that’s what I will do.”

Differentiate yourself from the pack by consciously choosing to do what others are unwilling to do. Each day pick something, no matter how simple or small, and do it. In a short amount of time, you will stand out.

2. “Wow. That wasn’t so bad after all.”

Overcome fear by taking on a task that’s a little scary. You will be pleasantly surprised when you succeed, and that will build your confidence for attacking other projects.

3. “I can’t do everything today…but I can take one small step.”

Projects can sometimes appear overwhelming. Don’t let hesitation or uncertainty get in your way. The first step may be challenging, but successive steps will prove easier.

4. “I should just be quiet.”

Don’t fall into the trap of speaking when you have nothing constructive to add to a conversation. Oftentimes the most confident remain silent.

5. “I don’t care what other people think.”

Constantly worrying about what others might think will prevent you from accomplishing goals. If you truly believe in something, don’t let others influence your actions.

6. “I’ll show you.”

An insult can fuel your motivation to prove someone wrong. In the process, you will achieve what you want and bolster your success.

7. “It’s not perfect…and I’m OK with that.”

Nothing is ever perfect. When you accept that and let perfection go, you will actually accomplish more. Others will tell you what needs to be improved, and you can then deliver on that.

8. “I should have done better.”

Although they know they are not perfect, successful people always believe they can be better. Step back each day and analyze ways in which you could improve. Take ownership and strive to do better tomorrow.

9. “That’s OK. I’ll just outwork them.”

Don’t underestimate the power of your own effort and persistence. Use them to your competitive advantage.

During the holidays, towns and cities across Pennsylvania are swathed in wintery snow and alight with yuletide cheer. Holiday festivities, glittering light spectacles and cultural traditions are some of the ways Pennsylvania celebrates the most wonderful time of the year.

Here are 9 dazzling holiday attractions in Pennsylvania:

1. Hersheypark’s annual light show shines with more than 4 million lights across the family theme park. Visitors can ride four different rollercoasters in the park, which is open through Dec. 31.

2. In Brandywine Valley, Longwood Gardens is a famous botanical preserve that is decked for the holidays until Jan. 10. Spectators can gaze at Christmas-inspired arrangements and giant displays that sparkle beneath half a million twinkling lights.

3. Stock up on holiday arts and crafts at Christkindlmarkt in Bethlehem. More than 165 vendors and 60 musical acts are hosted at ArtsQuest center until Dec. 20.

4. In Philadelphia’s Love Park, groups can experience traditional European foods, sweets and drinks at a recreated German market. Christmas Village features more than 60 wooden booths and is open until Dec. 27.

5. One of the best attractions is Koziar’s Christmas Village in Bernville, which has been named one of the top 100 best events in North America by American Bus Association. Train displays, an old-fashioned bakery and more than 500,000 lights reflected off a nearby lake make for a breathtaking winter scene.

6. Walk in a Christmas wonderland in Overly’s Country Christmas, which includes 2.4 million holiday lights spread across 15 acres in Pittsburgh’s suburbs. It is open now through Jan. 1.

7. Take a half mile trek along the Christmas Magic Walking Trail in York County. The trail is lit up with 600,000 LED lights and holiday scenes, and there are five enclosed heated pavilions for hikers to warm up along the way. It is on display until Dec. 31.

8. If visitors want to enjoy outdoor holiday scenes without being in the cold, they can take a drive along Holiday Lights on the Lake in Altoona. The 51-acre display features lights and animation in historic Lakemont Park, and is shown until Jan. 3.

9. Peoples Gas Holiday Market is open through Dec. 28 for all your holiday shopping needs. The downtown Pittsburg Christmas-themed market is inspired by European traditions and features daily live performances and a spectacular light show.

medical-meetings Early registration for the fourth annual Global Pharmaceutical and Medical Meetings Summit Feb. 10-12 in Philadelphia ends Friday, Dec. 17.

To register for this important medical meetings event, click here.

The summit, which will take place at Philadelphia Marriott Downtown, draws senior pharmaceutical, biotech, medical device and healthcare meeting executives for insightful education, networking and inspiration. The event producer is Massachusetts-based World Congress, which strives for a 50-50 ratio between meeting executives and solution providers.

Philadelphia has proven to be an incredible host city for the medical meetings summit . Greater Philadelphia Life Sciences Congress (PHLLife), a division of Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB), is title sponsor for the Meeting Professionals International (MPI) Healthcare Meeting Compliance Certificate (HMCC) course.

The HMCC course will be offered during the summit in Philadelphia. The intensive educational and training program provides health care meeting compliance stakeholders with the knowledge and experience they need to successfully navigate the increasingly complex pharmaceutical, biotech and medical device regulatory environment. Planners can get up to speed in just four hours.

The confirmed speakers include meeting and event executives, medical meeting planners, hospitality suppliers and representatives from med/pharma companies such as Novartis and Genentech. Among the medical meeting specialists who will be leading seminars is Agnes Canonica, CMP, CMM, HMCC, global director of strategic meeting management for AHM. Canonica led a Smart Meetings webinar earlier this year.

Michael Lyons, a professional speaker, actor and hospitality industry consultant, will be speaking about building your personal brand. Not only was Lyons on the November cover of Smart Meetings magazine, but he also served as host of Smart TV during IMEX America in October.

“I’ve attended the summit for the past three years and find it to be an excellent event, delivering everything I require to stay abreast of the changes in my profession,” says Marcie Pallante, CMP, contractor for Fete Event Group. “The faculty is extremely knowledgeable on the latest trends and regulations within the industry. This program is a valuable resource. The education content and networking opportunities are top notch.”

To learn more about what the medical meeting industry is doing to prepare planners and adhere to strict regulations, review Smart Meetings reports.

– 2015 Medical Meetings Summit has international appeal
– Medical meetings industry amps up education
– A day in the life of a medical meetings planner
– Key venues for medical meetings

the-fairmont-san-francisco AccorHotels has announced that it has purchased FRHI holdings—the parent company of the Fairmont, Swissotel and Raffles brands—for $840 million in cash and 46.7 million Accor shares.

The worth of the total purchase is approximately $2.89 billion, since the Accor shares are worth some $2.05 billion. The three FRHI brands consist of 115 hotels and resorts and 43,000 guest rooms, as well as an additional 40 hotels in development that will provide 13,000 rooms. AccorHotels has nearly 500 properties throughout the world.

FRHI has hotel and resorts in 34 countries across five continents—42 in North America, 28 in Asia-Pacific, 26 in Europe, 17 in Africa/Middle East and two in South America. They are in some of the world’s major tourist destinations, particularly in the United States.

“This is an outstanding opportunity to add three prestigious brands—Fairmont, Raffles and Swissotel—to our portfolio, and a great step forward for AccorHotels,” said Sebastien Bazin, chairman and chief executive officer of AccorHotels, in a statement. “It offers us robust and global leadership in luxury hotels, a key segment in terms of geographic reach, growth potential and profitability for long-term value creation.”

AccorHotels purchase FRHI Holdings from an ownership group that includes Qatar Investment Authority, Kingdom Holding Company of Saudi Arabia and an Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System company.

Sheikh Abdulla Bin Mohammed Bin Saud Al-Thani, CEO of Qatar Investment Authority (the country’s sovereign wealth fund), says that the sale of FRHI Holdings is the right step.

“Since making our investment, Fairmont Raffles Hotels International has become a leading luxury hotel company with an expanded international presence,” he said. “This deal generates the scale needed to drive the next phase of growth in our real estate and hospitality investments. QIA has confidence in AccorHotels and looks forward to becoming a significant shareholder.”

The transaction is subject to the regulatory approvals of the antitrust authorities.

North-Lake_tahoe-CVB With North America’s largest alpine lake as the centerpiece and massive granite peaks as the backdrop, the view is hard to beat.

From intimate timber-lined meeting rooms to upscale ballrooms, the North Lake Tahoe area offers more than 30 meeting sites in California and Nevada. In total, the area has over 200,000 sq. ft. of meeting space and more than 7,000 rooms.

Attractions

mountain-biking-lake-tahoe There’s always something happening in North Lake Tahoe. During the summer months, perfect your downward dog at the Wanderlust Yoga Retreat and Music Festival at Squaw Valley, or bring your picnic basket to Sand Harbor State Park for the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival. View classic wooden boats at the famed Lake Tahoe Concours d’Elegance in Carnelian Bay and sample food and wine from the region’s top restaurants at the Lake Tahoe Autumn Food and Wine Festival.

kayaking-north-lake-tahoe “It’s hard to imagine a better place to brainstorm,” says Jason Neary, Director of Conference Sales at the North Lake Tahoe Convention & Visitors Bureau. “Attendees breathe clean mountain air while avoiding sand traps the nearly 50 golf courses. Many take to the lake on stand-up paddleboards to tour our pure waters. In winter, guests can recharge at the largest concentration of ski resorts in the U.S.,” he says.

Accommodations

A good night’s rest is critical for a day of strategizing. Attendees can choose from the Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe, a five star property; the four star Resort at Squaw Creek; the lavish, lakeside Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe; charming B&Bs and many other moderately-priced hotels and motels.

For more information, contact: Jason Neary, Director of Conference Sales, at 530-581-8703 or [email protected]

Smart Facts

North Lake Tahoe Convention & Visitors Bureau
100 N Lake Boulevard
Tahoe City, CA 96145
530-583-3494
gotahoenorth.com

–Lake Tahoe is North America’s largest alpine lake and offers unparalleled scenery—perfect for your next business gathering, large or small.

–Getting There: North Lake Tahoe is 45 minutes from the Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO), two hours from the Sacramento International Airport (SMF) and three hours from the San Francisco Bay Area.

In a city that knows how to celebrate, the holidays are one of the best times of the year to visit New Orleans. This season enjoy world-class restaurants, citywide festivals and special holiday traditions that can’t be found anywhere else.

1. Christmas caroling in Jackson Square has occurred since 1946 on the Sunday before Christmas. Every year, a chorus of amateurs and professionals sing holiday favorites and illuminate the night sky with festive candles.

2. New Orleanians take Santa Claus seriously—so much so that it has become a tradition to light the way for Santa’s sleigh with bonfires along the Mississippi River on Christmas Eve. The fires are arranged in pyramid-shaped structures, resembling old Cajun cabins.

3. Foodies should visit the city during Reveillon, a Creole feast that originated in the mid-1800s. Every night until December 31, around 50 restaurants across New Orleans offer four-course holiday dinners.

4. More than 165,000 visitors each year attend Celebration in the Oaks in City Park. The entire 25-acre park is lit up with holiday lights, and glowing displays are located in the Botanical Garden, Storyland and Carousel Gardens. Groups can view the whole spectacle on a two-mile train ride.

5. The ultimate party is New Year’s Eve, and there’s no better place to be than New Orleans. Instead of watching the ball drop, spectators see a giant fleur-de-lis fall from the top of Jax Brewery. Fireworks also light up the sky on the Mississippi River.

6. The city’s Mardi Gras festivities may be legendary, but the actual celebration starts as early as January 6. Make a visit early in the year to see the parades in the French Quarter and Uptown.

7. Budget-conscious travelers can take advantage of deals and discounts at more than 50 participating hotels. Every year, Papa Noel rates offer up to 25 percent off hotel rooms through January. Be sure to take advantage of special rates while they last.