Reasons to be cheerful

Agents should be assured that the recession is not denting the strong interest in Brits’ favourite long haul holiday destination. More

Chair reserved for Kate-Burgess-Craddy

Kate Burgess-Craddy is to take over from Peter Moss as chairman of Visit USA Association. More

AIRLINES

The Viking spirit heads for Seattle

Seattle in Washington State on the USA’s western seaboard is to get new ex-UK air service from July 22 when Icelandair commences a four times weekly service. More

Denver Revisited

United Airlines has re-started its daily non-stop service to Denver International Airport from London Heathrow. More

And the airline awards go to…

Continental Airlines has been voted ‘Best Airline in North America’ according to Skytrax 2009 World Airline Awards beating other carriers through excellent ground service, onboard products, cabin, amenities, meals, onboard staff assistance, attentiveness, efficiency and service. More

ATTRACTIONS

New Mexico’s tales of the American West

It’s been more than 20 years in the making but this month finally sees the opening of the New Mexico History Museum in Santa Fe. More

The Backlot’s back in Hollywood

This summer will see the re-opening of Universal Studios Hollywood movie studio lot following reconstruction to last summer’s fire damaged four acres. More

Cruising down the river

Chicago river cruises to showcase the city’s architectural treasures are operating once again organized by the Chicago Architecture Foundation (CAF) and Chicago’s First Lady Cruises. More

TOUR OPERATORS

TV spikes Yellowstone interest for Titan

Escorted tours specialist Titan HiTours reckons that the BBC’s Sunday evening series ‘Yellowstone’ has led to an increase in interest of around 26 per cent for its tours to Yellowstone National Park. More

TrekAmerica’s top road trips

Forty years on from the launch of road trip movie Easy Rider TrekAmerica has selected its top five cult road trips - both fictional and real - including three in the USA, with details on how travellers can follow in their tyre tracks. More

 

 

HOTELS

Holiday Inn re-branding hits 600

The Holiday Inn Chicago O’Hare Area has become the 600th re-launched Holiday Inn hotel in the world. More

Maine stay

Linekin Bay Resort in New England’s Maine is offering ‘Staycation and recession busting specials’ for any client booked from May 22 - June 19 2009. More

Maui makeover

The Maui Mana Kai Resort in Wailea/Kihei on Maui in Hawaii has completed a complete makeover of its facilities. More

GROUND TRANSPORT

Discover the back roads

Two states have introduced new driving itineraries to help visitors enjoy their back roads and scenic routes. More

tourist offices

Tee off to some PGA commission

Hazeltine in Minnesota will officially host the 91st PGA Championship, August 10-16 2009 and the Bloomington Convention & Visitors Bureau is offering a package for golf fans everywhere, costing $1300 per person (approximately £880). More

California’s SuperFam is back

California Tourism is planning another California SuperFam for later this year following the success of the 2008 SuperFam. More

The Inside track on San Francisco

The 2009 edition of theSan Francisco Professional Travel Planner’s Guide is now available for free! Published by the San Francisco Convention & Visitors Bureau (SFCVB), the 148-page guide offers listings of more than 1,250 members, a calendar of events, insider tips and suggestions for activities and itineraries. More

AND ANOTHER THING

Rhythm and Ribs in Kansas

The long-established Rhythm & Ribs Jazz Festival in Kansas City will be held this year on June 19 - 20. More

Virginia makes the Queen’s playlist

Virginia is featured on the Queen’s new iPod media player, a gift given to her by the new American President Barak Obama. More