Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County is in the midst of unprecedented economic development, with new research revealing an influx of affluent visitors as the driving force behind new travel and hospitality-related construction and investment.
The average annual income of domestic travelers to the destination has reached $112,563 – almost 25% higher than the national average, according to a comprehensive analysis of the domestic travel market in the United States by research firm D. K. Shifflet & Associates Ltd., commissioned by the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau.
That is a dramatic 15.5% increase from the destination’s average in 2012 of $97,517, placing Greater Fort Lauderdale among the top leisure destinations in the U.S., and well above the national average visitor income of $90,591.
This increasing appeal to affluent travelers has led to a record-breaking 14.3 million tourists spending $11.4 billion annually in the destination, which is situated along Florida’s famed Atlantic Ocean coastline between Miami and Palm Beach.
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7640751-greater-fort-lauderdale-development-boom/
More than 40 U.S. states have some potential for earthquakes. To increase earthquake preparedness, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) encourages all Americans to participate in the Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drill happening on Thursday, October 15, at 10:15 a.m. local time.
“Residents in California aren't the only ones threatened by the potential of a catastrophic earthquake,” said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate. “From the Cascadia subduction zone in the Pacific Northwest to the New Madrid seismic zone in the South and Midwest, millions of Americans live and travel to areas that can be impacted by a major earthquake. All of us - regardless of where we live - should be prepared by knowing what to do: drop, cover, and hold on.”
To view the Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7607931-fema-national-prepareathon/
More than half of Americans under the age of 40 surveyed in a recent poll (58.4%) would choose a day without food over a night without sleep. But they might want to hang onto their hamburgers. It seems they aren’t getting enough shut eye, anyway. This is interesting food for thought that led the Sleep Inn® hotel brand to dig deeper into the state of American sleep. The findings were eye-opening. And now the brand that prides itself on better dreams and relaxing rest is asking Americans around the country to take a stand for more sleep and join the “Let’s Sleep Inn” Movement.
“We are launching the “Let’s Sleep Inn” Movement because the Sleep Inn hotel brand recognizes the vital importance of a good night’s rest - for health, happiness and even, perhaps, the American economy. The word ‘Sleep’ is not only in the name of our Sleep Inn hotels, it’s in our brand DNA,” said Anne Smith, vice president of brand strategy for Choice Hotels. “We wanted to learn more about how and when Americans are sleeping. Our survey not only reveals interesting trends about sleep styles and preferences, but also just how much people would be willing to give up or trade for more quality rest.”
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7267151-sleep-inn-movement/
As a founding voice in the world of holistic wellness, Canyon Ranch® has the wisdom and expertise of spending nearly 40 years helping its guests achieve well-being. Now, the life-enhancement brand that’s built a devoted global following, is finally going global itself.
Under the guidance of the brand’s new Chief Executive Officer, Susan E. Docherty, the Company announced today the development of its first-ever international destination, Canyon Ranch Wellness Resort at Kaplankaya, on a spectacular peninsula of the sun-kissed Aegean coast. The initial phase of the Canyon Ranch development, which will open in July 2016, will include a strikingly modern resort and luxury real estate offerings. The property will integrate the signature wellness and lifestyle programming that has earned Canyon Ranch a famously loyal clientele worldwide.
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7634751-canyon-ranch-resort-kaplankaya-turkey/
The 2015 Christmas Book was unveiled today by luxury retailer Neiman Marcus in Dallas. The 89th edition of this legendary book continues Neiman Marcus’s unmatched tradition of offering its customers a selection of spectacular and unique holiday gifts sure to make even their wildest dreams come true.
ARCH MOTORCYCLE & RIDE EXPERIENCE
Keanu Reeves and Gard Hollinger make up Arch Motorcycle Company, and the KRGT-1—hailed by one reviewer as “the Zen of motorcycle design”—is their first production bike. Framed of steel and aircraft-grade billet aluminum with carbon fiber fenders and front cowling, it has a 124-cubic-inch v-twin engine that produces 121 horsepower and matching 120 pound-feet of torque. This limited edition comes with custom race-inspired trim, performance suspension, and an exclusive two-day ride experience for two along the California coast with Reeves and Hollinger. Hotel and airfare to California included. With the purchase of the KRGT-1 Motorcycle Ride Experience, Neiman Marcus will donate $5,000 to The Heart of Neiman Marcus Foundation.
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7561451-neiman-marcus-2015-christmas-book/
Subaru of America, Inc. today announced the completion of a Pet Travel Seat Pilot Study as part of its continued partnership with Center for Pet Safety (CPS), a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit research and consumer advocacy organization. Subaru and CPS have tested pet products most commonly used by pet parents when traveling. Phase one tested pet harnesses, phase two tested pet crates and carriers, and now, phase three has tested pet travel seats.
A pet travel seat is typically used in a vehicle to hold or elevate the pet, but does not offer full containment. The Pet Travel Seat Pilot Study found that while a pet travel seat may offer distraction prevention, it will likely not offer crash protection in the event of an accident, which could lead to injury of the pet and the human vehicle passengers. The quality of commonly available pet travel seats did not provide effective protection in a crash scenario.
Based on the scientific test evidence collected over the past four years, in part through its partnership with Subaru, CPS can now identify the safest travel options for most pets. For small dogs and cats, Center for Pet Safety recommends one of the 2015 Top Performing Carriers; for medium and large dogs either the 2015 Top Performing Crate - Gunner Kennels G1 Intermediate with 8' Tie Down Straps, or a Center for Pet Safety Certified Harness. To view top performing products and CPS Certified products, visit www.CenterforPetSafety.org.
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7074158-subaru-cps-pet-travel-seat-study/
October is National Plan a Cruise Month and the cruise industry is celebrating by launching #CruiseSmile, a simple and exciting chance to win one of 31 cruise vacations from 23 different cruise lines awarded each day, from October 1 through October 31, 2015. Anyone can enter each day during the sweepstakes by simply submitting a photo featuring a ‘cruise smile’ at CruiseSmile.org, or posting their ‘cruise smile’ on Twitter or Instagram using #CruiseSmile and #Sweepstakes. Participants will have the opportunity to share their posts for more chances to win.
“Those who cruise have a secret: they love cruising and cannot stop smiling about it. Whether it's planning, booking, dreaming about or basking in the memories of taking a cruise vacation, it's hard not to smile,” said Cindy D'Aoust, Acting CEO, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). “The #CruiseSmile campaign is a fun way for the cruise industry to spread the love of cruising during National Plan a Cruise Month as well give vacation dreamers the chance to win a remarkable cruise vacation for two.”
The #CruiseSmile sweepstakes prize calendar is filled with incredible cruise vacations for two, including a seven-night luxury voyage to Tahiti and the Society Islands in the South Pacific, an eight-day European river cruise on the Seine River from Paris, a magical family-friendly three-night Bahamian voyage at sea and even a 14-day Far-East Discovery cruise visiting exotic ports throughout Southeast Asia.
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7584131-clia-national-plan-a-cruise-month/
Wine connoisseurs and novices alike can experience the art of winemaking at BLEND aboard Holland America Line’s new ms Koningsdam when the ship debuts in April 2016. In collaboration with Chateau Ste. Michelle, Washington State’s oldest and most acclaimed winery, the intimate venue will enable guests to blend their own wine and enjoy it at dinner or in the privacy of their stateroom.
BLEND — the first of its kind for Holland America Line and the only purpose-built wine-blending venue at sea — will have a tasting table that accommodates 10 guests who can create their own blend from a selection of five barrels of single-vineyard red wine. In addition to participating in the blending process, guests also will learn about wine from the ship’s wine expert, who leads the blending session.
“At the core of every Holland America Line cruise is our desire to offer unique, immersive and innovative experiences, and BLEND by Chateau Ste. Michelle is all of those things and more,” said Orlando Ashford, president of Holland America Line. “The BLEND experience on Koningsdam is designed to appeal to everyone, and it will be exciting for our guests to create an exclusive wine tailored to their personal taste that they can enjoy onboard with our exceptional cuisine.”
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7363852-holland-america-line-ms-koningsdam/
Today, Suzhou Tourism launched its first-ever campaign to directly target North American travelers – the “Experience Suzhou: The Venice of China and the City of Scholars” sweepstakes, open for entries now through October 23, 2015 at www.TraveltoSuzhou.com/Sweepstakes. Available to residents of the Continental United States and Canada, the online promotion will award 18 travelers (nine winners plus one guest each) a six-day visit to Suzhou between November 2015 and January 2016.
Situated just west of Shanghai, Suzhou is deeply rooted in culture and heritage as one of the oldest cities in the Yangtze Basin dating back more than 2,500 years. With its narrow streets and winding waterways, Suzhou truly lives up to its nickname as “Venice of China.” Taking advantage of this hidden gem location, sweepstakes winners and their guests will enjoy a six-day package inclusive of round-trip coach airfare, accommodations at one of the city’s top hotels, three meals daily, and a guided trip through the city each day. The trip itinerary will offer a quintessential Suzhou experience featuring visits to a selection of UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as the Humble Administrator’s Garden and Lingering Garden, as well as Tiger Hill, Suzhou Museum, Pinjiang Road, Silk Museum, Tongli, and authentic experiences at iconic restaurants such as Songhelou and Deyuelou. The trip is the ultimate vacation adventure for anyone who wants to visit China and experience true Chinese culture.
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7584351-suzhou-tourism-sweepstakes/
“Experience Day of Beautiful China” global tour event, hosted by China Intercontinental Communication Center, jointly guided by the State Council Information Office of the People’s Republic of China, China National Tourism Administration and Chinese Consulate General in New York, has begun in the Thomson Reuters building in Times Square, NYC on Sep 14th, 2015.
As the partner of the event, Thomson Reuters gave strong support. Riordan William, Thomson Reuters’ director of global Internet, said: I deem it an honor that you came to Reuters to organize the event. I have been to China, and it is a very attractive country. And I’m so glad to see the combination of advanced technology and culture. We’re looking forward to more cooperation with China.
The Deputy Director of the China Intercontinental Communication Center Jing Shuiqing said in his speech: “Experience Day of Beautiful China” event is our first 3D virtual technology applied to the field of tourism and cultural dissemination. We hope to share the beautiful China by new technology and new means, thus achieving cross-cultural, cross-regional, cross-media communication, and creating a new model of cooperation of tourism and cultural exchanges between China and the US.
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7629251-beautiful-china-tour-event/
Humana Inc. (NYSE: HUM) is helping the National Park Service celebrate its 100th anniversary by encouraging people to enjoy America’s national parks as a resource to stay healthy and active.
As a National Park Foundation premier partner for the Find Your Park movement and the official health care sponsor of the National Park Service Centennial, Humana will help kick off the 100th year by hosting several health-related activities at national parks.
To view the Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7606451-humana-health-national-parks/
America’s traffic congestion recession is over. Just as the U.S. economy has regained nearly all of the 9 million jobs lost during the downturn, a new report produced by INRIX and the Texas A&M Transportation Institute (TTI) shows that traffic congestion has returned to pre-recession levels.
According to the 2015 Urban Mobility Scorecard, travel delays due to traffic congestion caused drivers to waste more than 3 billion gallons of fuel and kept travelers stuck in their cars for nearly 7 billion extra hours – 42 hours per rush-hour commuter. The total nationwide price tag: $160 billion, or $960 per commuter.
Washington, D.C. tops the list of gridlock-plagued cities, with 82 hours of delay per commuter, followed by Los Angeles (80 hours), San Francisco (78 hours), New York (74 hours), and San Jose (67 hours).
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7430751-inrix-2015-urban-mobility-scorecard/
