|
|
|
_______________________________________________________________________
Freedom Trail Foundation Offers New African-American
Patriots Tour for Black History Month
African-American patriots played an important role in the revolutionary
activities that formed the country. The Freedom Trail is the perfect setting
for their intriguing and often overlooked stories. The Freedom Trail is a
2.5-mile path that leads to 16 of the country's most significant historical
landmarks. Marked by a red brick path or a painted red line, the Trail weaves
its way through Boston's proud past in the midst of this vital, modern city.
The Freedom Trail Foundation will offer its newest guided tour during Black
History Month - February 3 through 29 - taking visitors through historic
events of the American Revolution and the contributions of African-Americans
who played a significant role in the country's formation. The 90-minute tour
is led by costumed guides and visitors will view history through the eyes of
revolutionaries such as Crispus Attucks, Phyllis Wheatley, Prince Hall, Peter
Salem and others. Tickets can be purchased online at
TheFreedomTrail.org and at the Visitor Information Center, Boston Common,
or at the Bostix Booth in Faneuil Hall. Contact Mimi La Camera,
617-357-8300 or
mlacamera@thefreedomtrail.org.
Visit
www.TheFreedomTrail.org.
_______________________________________________________________________
Black History Month Activities in New Jersey
Exhibits, Performances and Lectures Across the
Garden State Celebrate the African-American Experience in
New Jersey
Black History Month in New Jersey offers a wealth of activities celebrating
African-American culture and contributions from music, film and the arts to
the state's important role in the Underground Railroad. "You don't have to
look far to find compelling activities celebrating Black History Month in New
Jersey," notes Nancy Byrne, executive director of the New Jersey Division of
Travel & Tourism, Department of State. "You'll find our rich African-American
history in every direction." The Camden County Historical Society's
photographic exhibit curated by the Delaware Valley Folklife Center, "Lullaby
for Dreamland: The Dreamland Cafe in Lawnside" documents life at the jazz club
that was located in Lawnside, the first incorporated African-American town
north of the Mason-Dixon Line. The cafe offered food, drink and music between
1930 and 1980, and many famous musicians played there, including Ella
Fitzgerald, Erskine Hawkins and Sarah Vaughn. The exhibit, running through
April 20, provides a unique glimpse into African-American middle-class life in
South Jersey during this period. For more information, visit
http://www.cchsnj.com. At the Liberty Science Center (http://www.lsc.org),
the exhibit RACE: Are We So Different? brings together the everyday experience
of living with race, its history as an idea, the role of science in that
history, and the findings of contemporary science that are challenging its
foundations. At The Newark Museum, Black History Month: Lasting Legacies, is a
series of lectures, demonstrations and performances. Includes a demonstration
on the life of Max Roach, founder of modern jazz. For more information, visit
www.newarkmuseum.org. For additional information and to order the
comprehensive New Jersey
African-American Visitors Guide, visit
www.visitnj.org
or call 1-800-VISIT-NJ.
_______________________________________________________________________
Key West Commemoration Set For 1860 African Burial Ground
Black History Month is to be commemorated in Key West beside an oceanfront site believed to be the only African refugee cemetery in the United States. Presented by Key West's Bahama Conch Community Land Trust, the observance is scheduled Friday and Saturday, Feb. 15 and 16, with educational, art and musical programs. Experts believe the burial ground contains graves of Africans who died in 1860. They had been freed by the U.S. Navy from three American-owned slave ships captured near the Cuban coast and brought to Key West for sanctuary. More than 1,400 African men, women and children were transported to Key West, housed and cared for after being rescued from the slave vessels. Most eventually were returned to Africa, but 295 died in Key West, probably from illnesses resulting from the brutal conditions aboard the slave ships. They were buried in unmarked graves along the island's southern shore. An exhibit showcasing the work of artist Geraldo Steven Pinedo, "The Past-Slavery-The Present-Culture," includes original paintings of symbols, chains and shackles, images of slavery from around the world and authentic documents relating to slavery. A memorial honoring the buried Africans is being constructed at the site. Nigerian-born artist Johnson Odibi is to discuss the memorial's design and history. Interpretive dance is to play a significant role in the events at the African Burial Ground. The two-day celebration is to culminate in a free reggae concert. For more information, call Bahama Conch Community Land Trust at 305-294-0884. Contact the Key West Chamber of Commerce at 1-800-LAST-KEY (800-527-8539) or visit the Keys Web site at www.fla-keys.com.
______________________________________________________________________
B&Bs With Underground Railroad Ties
Throughout February, Americans celebrate the history and accomplishments of African-Americans. In recognition, BedandBreakfast.com, the leading online bed and breakfast directory and reservation network, listing over 6,600 B&Bs and inns, describes B&Bs that were once "conductors" or "stations" on what came to be known as the Underground Railroad.
The Amelia Island Williams House in Fernandina Beach, FL. According to family stories, Marcellus A. Williams bought this home in 1859, allowing escaped slaves following the Underground Railroad to use his home as a haven during their journey to freedom. Built in 1856, this mansion included a trap door in the dining room closet, offering access to a secret room where slaves could hide.
The Lathrop House in Springfield, MA, which is convenient for visiting the Harriet Beecher Stowe Center in Hartford, CT, provides an intimate glimpse into the life of the author of Uncle Tom's Cabin. Also about a half hour away is the Connecticut Freedom Trail, a tour of buildings reportedly used on the Underground Railroad. In celebration of Black History Month, a complimentary second night or second room is offered for February 2008 bookings, plus a 20 percent lodging discount in 2008 for visitors who visit one of these historic sites during their stay.
The Samuel Fitch House in Westford, MA. The innkeeper grew up in this home and spent hours climbing through a basement tunnel believed to be part of escaped slaves' route on the Underground Railroad. The childhood bedroom offered a large walk-in closet with bookshelves in front of a removable wall, where it is believed slaves hid next to the warmth of the house's chimney. Guests can still explore the tunnels and see movable walls on historic inn tours.
The Escape Guest House in Brooklyn, NY is just a short stroll from Plymouth Church, the "Grand Central Depot" of New York's Underground Railroad. According to church history, slaves traveling to Canada were hidden in the tunnel-like basement beneath the church sanctuary; you can still visit there today. The church's first pastor, Henry Ward Beecher, was a dedicated abolitionist and younger brother to Harriet Beecher Stowe, famous author of Uncle Tom's Cabin.
For information on other historic B&Bs, visit www.BedandBreakfast.com.
_______________________________________________________________________
Travel and Tourism suppliers who have an interest in reaching the growing minority travel market can do so at the Travel Professionals of Color (TPOC) 6th Annual Trade Show and Conference being held in New Orleans, April 28, 2008. Travel agents and tour operators who have an interest in learning more about how to reach the $100 billion minority travel market will find this "one of a kind" conference a perfect fit to accomplish their goal. Tourist offices and convention and visitors bureaus who have an interest in generating more business from this flourishing market will learn how TPOC members can help increase business for their cities. Multicultural and Heritage Tourism will be addressed by keynote speakers, panelists, and workshop facilitators during the conference. In addition, the first level Heritage Tourism Specialist Certification program will be offered. A number of sponsors, including the New Orleans Multicultural Tourism Network, ETurbo News, Disney Destinations, Black Meetings and Tourism Magazine, The New Orleans Heritage and Jazz Foundation, to name a few, are in agreement that this flourishing market is of great value and will be participating in the conference and trade show. For more information, visit the web site at www.tpoc.org or call 303-574-9688.
_______________________________________________________________________
Jamaica's newest attraction, the Outameni Experience, gives visitors the chance to interact first-hand with its people, culture and history. The Outameni Experience, which officially launched on September 30, 2007, is the latest among an influx of new attractions geared toward providing insight into the island's cultural heritage. Outameni, a term reputedly used by the Taino Indians to mean "come together," reflects the island's motto, "Out of many, one people." In an interactive journey through 500 years of Jamaican history, the Taino Indians, Jamaica's first residents, tell their story of discovery by Columbus, and domination by the Spanish conquistadors. The Outameni Experience is located in Trelawny, on the hills overlooking the North Coast stretch between Montego Bay and Ocho Rios. The attraction was 11 years in the making, and is the concept of Jamaican film producer Lennie Little-White. In celebrating the opening of Outameni Experience, Jamaica's newly appointed Minister of Tourism, The Hon. Edmund Bartlett, emphasized the government's policy of encouraging more attractions that are "anchored in the genuine journeys and experiences of the Jamaican people." He noted: "Well-researched, animated attractions such as the living heritage at Outameni are a key focus for our initiatives in marketing and promoting the destination." Bartlett revealed that in the past year, 41 attractions in Jamaica have benefited from tax breaks or other incentives as the island has sought to diversify the sub-sector, complementing its natural assets with the addition of first-class man-made attractions. Contact the Jamaica Tourist Board at 1-800-233-4JTB (1-800-233-4582) or visit www.visitjamaica.com.
_______________________________________________________________________
Visit London Puts 'Local' Spin on Gay Tourism with
Announcement of New LGBT Website
Visit London has launched a new LGBT website
www.visitlondon.com/rainbow, continuing its long-standing commitment to
the gay and lesbian community. The new LGBT website is designed to give gay
and lesbian tourists a chance to experience London just as the locals do. The
new website will introduce LGBT tourists to places, events and activities from
the perspective of gay and lesbian locals. From bars and restaurants, many
historic royal residences and parks, to world-class shopping and free-to-visit
museums, London offers something for every interest. Martine Ainsworth-Wells,
Marketing Director, Visit London commented, "Our local LGBT community helped
London become the gay capital of the world, so it's appropriate that we let
our US friends know how to do London Like A Local." The website will encourage
visitors to "Do London like a Local" as personalities present activities they
enjoy the most, as well as providing tips and suggestions to make the dollar
go further. Whether you fancy a stroll through one of London's renowned
outdoor spaces, are in need of help finding nightlife options, searching for a
list of shopping hot spots or tips on where to find the best organic
restaurants and green hotels in the city, Visit London's locals will show gay
and lesbian visitors how to make the most out of their vacation. To mark the
launch of the new website, Visit London rolled out a print campaign that began
mid-January, appearing in local publications in several major markets
including New York, Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., Boston, and Chicago as well
as promoting the campaign with online media. Visit
www.visitlondon.com/rainbow.
_______________________________________________________________________
New Online Tourism/Teaching Tool
Chronicles New York City's African-American History with Interactive Maps,
Video Clips and Podcasts
Columbia University and Teachers College launched a multimedia Web site
dedicated to the Black history of New York City, to be used as a
classroom-learning and tourism tool by teachers and visitors across the five
boroughs. Titled MAAP.com, short for Mapping the African-American Past, and
utilizing software from Google Maps, this interactive Web site chronicles New
York's Black history by incorporating scholarly video commentary and podcasts,
historic maps and photos, and other archival documents such as
African-American newspaper clips. The site will ultimately feature 52 historic
New York City landmarks, such as the African Burial Ground and Abyssinian
Baptist Church, each accompanied by a teacher's lesson plan adjusted to grade
level. The site is now live at
http://maap.columbia.edu. To watch the promotional video, visit
http://ccnmtl.columbia.edu/broadcast/projects/maap/maap_promo_small.mov.
MAAP is the third Black-history Web site launched in the last month by
Columbia. Amistad Digital Resource at
www.amistadresource.org was created by the Director of Columbia's Center
for Contemporary Black History and unveiled in early February. Similar to MAAP,
ADR is a multimedia Web tool developed for teachers, covering African-American
history in general. Columbia's Black History Month Web site at
www.columbia.edu/cu/news/blackhistory was launched to spotlight the many
Black-themed initiatives and research projects sponsored and developed by the
University, including the Harlem History Project and the Harlem Hospital WPA
Mural resurrection.
_______________________________________________________________________
Mongolia Targets America's Travel
Trendsetters
At a recent event in NYC, The Mongolia Tourism Organization (MNTO) presented "Mongolia,
Heart of Asia and Home to Friendly Nomads", as the next new
destination for America's travel trendsetters. Plans are underway to highlight
Mongolia as the emerging destination for Americans seeking travel experiences
from the adventurous to the luxurious. The Central Asian nation's growing
popularity in the travel market was recently evidenced in National
Geographic Adventure Magazine, which named Mongolia a "Best of 2008
Adventure Destination". The event also marked the opening of MNTO's US tourism
office, operated in partnership with The Bradford Group, a NY-based
Marketing/Advertising/PR firm. To gear up for future years of expanded
tourism, MNTO has fast-tracked its entry to the US market by becoming a member
of three prestigious travel industry groups: US Tour Operators Association (USTOA),
American Tourism Society (ATS), and Adventure Travel & Trade Association (ATTA).
H. E. Enkhtsetseg Ochir, Ambassador, Permanent Representative of Mongolia to
the United Nations, believes the US market is just the place to extend
Mongolia's invitation to international travelers: "Americans are well known as
trendsetters when it comes to travel, and the allure of Mongolia's vast
landscapes and nomadic culture offers US travelers the opportunity to explore
the unexplored," said the Ambassador. "There aren't many places where you can
ride a horse, visit a nomadic family, then enjoy French cuisine and a massage
at a brand-name hotel like Kempinski or Hilton all in the same day," said MNTO
board member Indraa Bold. For more information visit
www.mnto.org or contact The Bradford Group,
212-447-0027,
bradfordmktg@aol.com.
_______________________________________________________________________
Native Americans Featured in Denali
National Park Tours
Denali Park Resorts offers many diverse tours that showcase and give a
multicultural experience through interpretation by some of the native
Athabascans on the following excursion: The Natural History Tour, a 3-4 hour
guided interpretive tour through the taiga forest and the rolling tundra,
includes a visit to Savage Cabin and leaves three times daily. Also available,
the Explore Denali Guided Hiking Series, a series of six different guided
hikes that last three hours. These new adventure excursions offer guests an
opportunity to hike within the park boundary independently for the first time.
In 1917, President Woodrow Wilson established Mt. McKinley National Park as a
wilderness refuge; in 1980, the Park was renamed Denali National Park and
Preserve and expanded by an additional four million acres. The Park is named
for the 20,320-foot tall peak, Mt. McKinley, which is also known by the native
Athabascan people as Denali, or the "High One." Visitors come to Denali for an
outdoor experience - days spent river rafting, searching for wildlife,
mountaineering, and backcountry camping. Because the Park is located about
300 miles south of the Arctic Circle, there are nearly 21 hours of sunlight
during the summer solstice. Moose, Dall sheep, grizzly bears, wolves, and
caribou are just some of the wildlife that inhabit Denali, an internationally
designated biosphere reserve. A sub-arctic ecosystem, Denali features rare
taiga and tundra plant life as well as over 650 species of flowering plants.
To make reservations for any of the above mentioned packages, tours and deals,
please visit
www.denaliparkresorts.com
or call 800-276-7234.
_______________________________________________________________________
Kansas City Irish Fest
Kansas City Irish Fest was created to foster awareness and appreciation of the
Kansas City area's rich Irish heritage and to enhance and promote Irish music,
dance, literature, theatre, sports and cuisine. Drawing 85,000 last year, the
2008 Kansas City Irish Fest will be held Labor Day weekend, August 29, 30 and
31 at Crown Center in downtown Kansas City, Missouri. The organization is well
known for its St. Patrick's Day parade, which is among the top 3 largest in
the country. Now in its 6th year, the growth and success of the Kansas City
Irish Fest has thrived from its dedication to the large Irish population in
Kansas City. The Kansas City Irish Fest is committed to providing
opportunities for Irish organizations to promote positive and peaceful causes,
perpetuating the study and appreciation of Irish history and genealogy, and
fostering a deeper sense of community among Irish Americans and all the ethnic
groups that contribute to the unique flavor and vitality of the Midwest.
For more information visit
www.kcirishfest.com or
http://kcirishfest.blogspot.com/.
_______________________________________________________________________
Costa Rica's Tourism Sector on the
Rise
2007 was a year of growth for Costa Rica's national tourism industry with a
total of 1.9 million international tourist arrivals, an 11.5 percent increase
in comparison to 2006. Revenue generated by international tourists reached a
historic high of US$1.9 billion, up US$300 million from the previous year.
January of 2008 already has shown a 13.7 percent increase in tourist air
arrivals according to the preliminary data gathered by the Costa Rica Tourist
Board (ICT). For Costa Rica Tourism Minister, Carlos Ricardo Benavides, these
numbers indicate a positive trend for the current high season already taking
place, and at the same time committing the government and sector to improve
efforts to promote tourism activities. Expansion began last year with U.S. and
European airline companies including Spirit Airlines, Frontier, Champion Air,
Sunwing Airlines, First Choice, Air Caraibes, and Air Comet serving Costa
Rica. Hilton, Marriott, Crown and Express are among some of the hotel chains
that decided to invest in Costa Rica's tourism industry. In 2008, Costa Rica
will be the host of the next United Nations' International Task Force on
Sustainable Tourism Development. Costa Rica has set a goal to become a zero
carbon dioxide emissions (CO2) tourist destination by the year 2021. The Costa
Rica Tourist Board, created in 1955, is an autonomous institution of the
State, responsible for regulating the tourism activity in Costa Rica and
promoting Costa Rica's tourism attractions and destinations both at a national
and international level. The Costa Rica Tourist Board creates tourism norms,
regulations, incentives and grants the tourist declaratory for Costa Rica's
hotels, travel agencies, rental cars and other tourism organizations and
service providers. For general travel or tourism information about
Costa Rica, contact the Costa Rica Tourist Board directly at 866-267-8274 or
visit their web site at
www.visitcostarica.com.
_______________________________________________________________________
‘Explore Multicultural London’ Guide Is A Great Tool To Discover London’s Diverse Culture
London is home to one of the world’s most diverse populations and as a result the capital boasts an unrivalled array of international restaurants, markets, cultural centers and festivals. Visit London, the official visitor organization for London, launched a campaign to help people explore the capital’s vibrant multicultural neighborhoods. Visit London’s Marketing Director, Martine Ainsworth-Wells said: “The campaign will inspire visitors and Londoners to explore more of London’s buzzing cosmopolitan areas, from the Turkish food shops of Green Lanes to the Jewish history of East London.” A new section on visitlondon.com and a printed ‘Explore Multicultural London’ guide highlight the best places to get a taste of international culture in the capital, from Bollywood cinemas to Irish pubs, Japanese food stores to French patisseries. When the campaign was launched last year, Mayor of London, Ken Livingston said: “A central part of our exploration of other countries is through food and this guide offers a fine introduction to some of the wonderful cooking from around the world, but available in this city.” The guide contains recommendations for the best African, Asian, Middle Eastern, or European places to eat and drink. The publication is available in Tourist Information Centers throughout London and at selected railway stations. The guide can be also downloaded, free of charge, at www.visitlondon.com/maps/multicultural_london. Additionally, the guide includes a packed calendar of cultural events throughout the year, many of which are free to attend. For more information visit http://www.visitlondon.com/maps/multicultural_london/ or email Jacqueline French at jfrench@visitlondon.com.
_______________________________________________________________________
Spirit Cruises of NY/NJ
Introduce New Latin and Gospel Theme Cruises
To attract multicultural market segments, Spirit Cruises of New York and New Jersey has launched a number of theme cruises that feature Latin and gospel music. The Hot Latin Moonlight Cruise starts dancers off with a ½ hour dockside party before boarding. During the two and one-half hour cruise, guests listen to the top Latin and R&B tracks played by a DJ. Priced at $28 per person, the cruise includes a top-shelf cash bar and a $10 midnight appetizers buffet. Hot Latin Moonlight Cruises board from Chelsea Piers on May 31, June 28, August 2 and September 13 and from Lincoln Harbor Marina, in NJ, on June 21, July 19 and August 23. Another offer, a two hour Gospel Lunch Cruise - ideal for gospel music enthusiasts - is a great opportunity to bring the whole family along. This mid-day cruise features a live gospel performance by a contemporary choir and a lunch buffet while sailing past lower Manhattan’s magnificent skyline. Sailings are on June 7, July 12, July 26 (Chelsea Piers) and June 21 and August 2 (Lincoln Harbor Marina). The cruises are priced at $41.90 per person. For more information call 866-310-2469 or visit www.spiritofnewyork.com.
_______________________________________________________________________
Feature Article:
Promoting
Puerto Rico As a Meetings and Conventions Destination
Newly Renovated Convention Center is Focus of
Campaign
By Melanie S. Eisenberg, Sr. Editor, Multicultural Travel News
The First
Annual Puerto Rico Tourism Investment Conference
In December, over 350 delegates were in attendance at the newly renovated
Puerto Rico Convention Center for the First Annual Puerto Rico Tourism
Investment Conference, hosted by The Puerto Rico Tourism Company (PRTC)
and the Department of Economic Development and Commerce. The Convention
Center, a $415 million endeavor, is the newest, largest and most
technologically advanced meeting facility in the Caribbean.
According to Terestella Gonzalez Denton, executive director of the Puerto Rico Tourism Company (PRTC), “The conference was produced with the dual purpose of promoting our Island as a place for tourism investment and development, while provoking and enriching exchange of ideas between local and international industry personalities.”
Ana Maria Viscasillas, president & CEO of The Puerto Rican Convention Bureau (PRCB), a non-profit organization responsible for marketing Puerto Rico as a meetings and conventions destination, presented “Marketing Puerto Rico Globally: Meetings Industry.” Viscasillas discussed PRCB’s mission to promote and develop the group/convention business through a team of professionals executing an integrated marketing strategy. This strategy includes direct sales, database management, e-marketing, advertising (expenditure of $710,000 in the U.S.), public relations, trade show marketing, research, promotional materials and direct marketing.
The Ambassador program, “Sharing Puerto Rico with Good Friends,” is an important component of the PRCB’s marketing strategy. This program recruits influential business executives to share their enthusiasm and pride for Puerto Rico with association leaders and corporate decision makers to bring their groups and events to the Island. The PRCB supports each Ambassador by providing materials to promote the island and paying for all expenses. The program has three main components: generate awareness of the impact of the program for the economy of Puerto Rico, recruit potential Ambassadors and provide recognition for their efforts. A comprehensive and integrated advertising campaign for the Ambassador program is underway in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Hispanic market. Key industry sectors that are being targeted in the 2007-08 fiscal year are: medical associations, pharmaceutical, education, technology, sports, entertainment, finance, banking and insurance. In essence, the Ambassadors program, which is entirely voluntary, acts as an extended sales team -- representing up to 20% of the total sales production. According to Viscasillas, the meetings and conventions industry in Puerto Rico generates yearly revenue of approximately $900,000 MM. A convention of 500 people for four days can generate up to $1.2 million. To learn more about becoming an Ambassador, please visit www.ambassadorpr.com.
Other presentations at the conference included “The Investment, Economic and Tourism Outlook for Puerto Rico,” “Doing Business in Puerto Rico,” “Hospitality Investment Opportunities in the City of San Juan” and “Puerto Rico Tourism Success Stories,” among others.
The Puerto Rico
Convention Bureau
The Puerto Rico Convention Bureau (PRCB), founded in 1961, has a vision to
make Puerto Rico the Preferred Meeting Destination of the Americas. Puerto
Rico is an attractive choice for American business travelers in that it is
easily accessible by air from major cities; no passports are required; the
English language is spoken; and the same currency, postal system and
electrical standards are used. Many Americans also feel a sense of safety,
being on home soil.
“Puerto Rico offers the ease and familiarity of conducting business as one would in any major U.S. city, yet with the added aspect of a distinctive culture and exotic flavor that many groups desire in a meeting destination,” stated Ana Maria Viscasillas. “Our sophisticated business climate and the allure of our tropical paradise are what set us apart from other meeting destinations, making Puerto Rico the Preferred Meetings Destination of the Americas,” added Viscasillas.
Puerto Rico has a highly developed business atmosphere, being home to 162 Fortune 500 companies. In fact, 16 of the top 20 selling pharmaceutical products in the U.S. and 50% of all pacemakers and defibrillators in the U.S. are made in Puerto Rico.
High profile groups such as The United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC) and the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) have held conventions at the new Center. AARP’s first ever “Feria de La Segunda” attracted 14,000 visitors to Puerto Rico in 2007. The National Hispanic Journalists Association (NAHJ) and The Asociación Latinoamericana de Pediatría (ALAPE), an organization of Latin American-based pediatricians, are both scheduled to hold conferences on the Island in 2009.
“Puerto Rico has everything to offer these groups, from the historic streets, buildings and forts of Old San Juan that represent some of the earliest Hispanic settlements in the Western Hemisphere to our modern culture which still deeply embraces our Hispanic heritage through traditions and customs that touch nearly every aspect of our lives, traditions and customs. We offer a living museum to groups who want to explore their Hispanic roots and celebrate the strength of the Hispanic community,” said Viscasillas.
The Puerto Rico Convention Center, a state-of-the-art meeting facility, features more than 580,000 square feet, 15 meeting rooms, an Exhibition Hall and a Grand Ballroom. It is able to accommodate groups of up to 10,000. In its short existence, the Center has been recognized two years in a row by Facilities & Destinations magazine with the “Prime Site Award.”
The Convention Center, which opened in November 2005, is the focus of an urban development project known as the Convention Center District, considered to be the largest waterfront development project in the history of the U.S. and its territories. The project is the outcome of a public/private partnership and an investment of more than $1.3 billion. Upon completion in 2012, hotels, casinos, office buildings, retail stores, restaurants, movie theaters, residences, special entertainment and recreational amenities will surround the Convention Center. The Sheraton Puerto Rico Convention Center Hotel, scheduled to open in 2009 with 500 rooms, will be the anchor hotel for the Convention Center. The District will also function as a place for the local community to come together.
Hotel
Renovations
With the construction of the Convention Center and a new influx of business
travelers, Puerto Rico has seen a tremendous boom in the development and
renovation of hotels. The Island is spending over $1 billion in hotel
development, expansion and renovation projects.
“Puerto Rico is aggressively upgrading and expanding its tourism product to
serve both the leisure and the business traveler,” said Viscasillas. “More
than $1 billion is currently being invested at many properties throughout the
Island. This significant investment is a testament of our industry partners’
belief in Puerto Rico as a meetings destination and a further commitment to
the group business to offer the best in terms of accommodations, services and
amenities,” added Viscasillas.
Hotels that have undergone multi-million dollar renovations include the LXR
Luxury Resorts & Hotels (El San Juan Hotel & Casino, Condado Plaza Hotel &
Casino and El Conquistador Resort & Golden Door® Spa), the Marriott Resort &
Stellaris Casino, Pierre Hotel at Gallery Plaza (becoming Doubletree by Hilton
Hotel San Juan), and La Concha, a Renaissance Hotel.
Cultural
Attractions & Dining Experiences
Business travelers may want to set aside time to experience the rich cultural
heritage and historical sites that Puerto Rico has to offer. Visitors can
stroll through the cobblestone streets of Old San Juan, the second oldest
settlement in the Americas or hike through El Yunque Rainforest, the only
tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System. Another big tourist
attraction is the Casa Bacardi Visitor Center, which offers guests an
interactive factory tour and rum tasting. The Bacardi Rum Distillery in Puerto
Rico is the largest distillery in the world. Visit
www.casabacardi.org for more information on tours.
Puerto Rico offers a large selection of top international cuisine, plus local specialties. The Island has some of the best dining in the Caribbean. For an upscale experience, consider dining in Chef Wilo Benet’s flagship restaurant, Pikayo, housed in the Museo d’Arte de Puerto Rico. Pikayo features a blend of local flavors in an elegant and sophisticated atmosphere. Visit www.wilobenet.com.
In Old San Juan, any of the OOF Inc. Restaurants would make a good choice: The Parrot Club (Nuevo Latino cuisine), Sofia (Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar), Dragon Fly (Latin-Asian cuisine), or Aguaviva (Seaside Latino cuisine). Visit www.oofrestaurants.com.
For a special treat, visit La Boutique Du Vin, a premier wine shop, and receive a cooking lesson from renowned San Juan Chef Augusto Schreiner. Augusto is the previous chef and owner of "Augusto's Cuisine," one of San Juan’s most popular and renowned restaurants. He sold his restaurant in 2001 and opened La Boutique Du Vin, which houses “The Art of Cooking School.” Visit www.boutiqueduvin.com.
In summary, meeting planners should give serious consideration to Puerto Rico when booking events. From now through June 30th, 2008, meeting planners can take advantage of the 'Great Rate Escape,' offering outstanding values and additional cash back incentives to groups who select Puerto Rico. Planners must book a meeting in August, September or October of 2008, 2009 or 2010 to receive discounts. See details at www.puertoricogreatrates.com.
For more information about the Convention Center, visit www.prconvention.com or email info@prconvention.com.
To book an event requiring 10 rooms or more per night, contact The Puerto Rico Convention Bureau at 800-875-4765, info@prcb.org or visit www.meetpuertorico.com. An online request for proposal can be found at www.meetpuertorico.com/your_event/rfp_form.asp.
For media requests and inquiries, contact Christine Hinz at 212-315-2812, Christine@chcommunications.biz or Teresa Martinez, Director of Communications, PRCB at 787-474-5091, tmartinez@prcb.org.
_______________________________________________________________________
Latin Performers Take Center Stage in Las Vegas
Latin artists, comedians and entertainers have been in the spotlight in Las Vegas. Luis Miguel, a Puerto Rican-born Mexican-raised pop singer, will perform on the weekend of September 12-15, at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace, just in time for Mexican Independence Day, celebrated on September 16. Leading Latin pop star Alejandro Fernández brings his new tour “Viento a Favor” to the Mandalay Bay Events Center on September 15, 2008. Award-winning musical talents such as Juanes, Ozomatli and Camila, as well as comedians like Carlos Mencia and George Lopez have been performing in the city all summer long. Besides entertainment, Las Vegas has been offering world-class restaurants run by a collection of celebrity chefs including Guatemalan native Eduardo Perez. Perez, who worked his way up within the renowned Wolfgang Puck Fine Dining Group family, is now the executive chef of Trattoria del Lupo at Mandalay Bay. For more information visit www.lvcva.com or www.visitlasvegas.com.
_______________________________________________________________________
Trace Your Family Tree or Uncover Its Roots at Hilton Boston or Latin America
Travelers who want to revisit their roots can enjoy a memorable getaway while discovering their genealogical past with new packages from Hilton Hotels Boston and Hilton Latin America. With a large percentage of Hispanic Americans being of Latin American descent, many are looking to reconnect with their ancestral past. Now, Hilton Latin America is helping travelers retrace their roots and embark on a journey of discovery with the “Mis Raices” package. Combining culture, history and excitement, ‘Mis Raices’ provides guests with everything they’ll need to learn about their country of origin. From a map of the city to a book on local customs, guests can experience their roots firsthand. Guests who want to connect with a local genealogy expert will find help at participating hotels’ concierge stations. Available through December 31, 2008, ‘Mis Raices’ package features accommodations, daily breakfast, ethnic welcome gift, orientation map of the city and destination book on local culture and traditions at participating hotels in Argetina, Brazil and Colombia. The two-night ‘Mis Raices’ package is available at Hilton Buenos Aires, Hilton Sao Paulo Morumbi and Hilton Cartagena.
Visit the participating hotels ‘hotel specials’ page on www.hilton.com or call 1- 800-HILTONS for reservations. Request booking code P3 at Hilton Buenos Aires and Hilton Cartagena and code OX for Hilton Sao Paul Morumbi.
European background? Discover your roots now through December 31, 2008 with the Hilton Family Boston Hotels and New England Historic Genealogical Society’s overnight ‘Family Tree’ packages. Designed to deliver an eye-opening experience for those interested in learning their family history, the Genealogical Society provides assistance and some of the tools needed to begin uncovering a family’s personal odyssey. Founded in 1845 and based in Boston, New England Historic Genealogical Society is the country’s oldest and largest non-profit genealogical organization. NEHGS collects, preserves and interprets materials that help make accessible the histories of families in New England and across America. All six Hilton Family Boston Hotels are participating in the ‘Family Tree’ package. Each package begins with a one hour appointment with a Personal Genealogy Expert at NEHGS’s Newbury Street headquarters. Visit www.hiltonfamilyboston.com/familytree.
_______________________________________________________________________
Halifax Recognized as a Gay Friendly Travel Destination
Halifax has been recognized as a gay friendly travel destination by R Family Vacations, a family-friendly gay and lesbian vacation company. Known for providing luxury cruise ship trips, R Family Vacations’ recent cruise with Rosie O'Donnell to Halifax this summer reaffirmed its reputation as a gay friendly travel destination. Gregg Kaminsky, a founding partner of R Family Vacations, said, “Everyone at R Family Vacations is excited that our cruise is returning to Halifax again this summer; it is a port that we've known we wanted to visit again.” More and more local Halifax businesses are working to better address the unique preferences of the LGBT community, including gay families. Gay parents want to visit safe destinations, without fear of harassment. As a gay travel destination, Halifax is a good fit for gay parents. The historic harbor city has a vibrant LGBT community, diverse culture, natural beauty, and down-home hospitality in a safe environment. Visitors to Halifax's gay community and those looking for gay summer travel options can visit a new Rainbow Halifax website, a LGBT Halifax travel resource with useful information such as travel packages, accommodations and gay event listings. For more information visit http://destinationhalifax.com, www.rainbowhalifax.com.
_______________________________________________________________________
MMG/MIX – Specializing in African-American and Hispanic Travel, Hospitality, and Entertainment Marketing
MMG Worldwide, a global leader in premier travel, hospitality and entertainment marketing, recently announced an expansion through the creation of MMG/MIX, a marketing communications agency specializing in multicultural travel, hospitality and entertainment marketing. “African American and Hispanic consumers continue to drive American cultural trends – and travel is no exception,” said Clayton Reid, President and Managing Partner, MMG Worldwide. This joint venture formed between MMG Worldwide and HOTMETAL Creative, harnesses the power of industry-specific expertise and urban insights to deliver effective, highly targeted multicultural marketing programs. “To be effective, you have to do more than translate copy into Spanish or hire diverse talent. Multicultural consumers expect dialogue, understanding and respect,” said Chance Goldston, Managing Partner and majority owner of MMG/MIX. “In return, they will become loyal, passionate advocates for your brand,” he added. “Car rental, air transportation, hotel and resort selection, and destination activities are all influenced by cultural and ethnic preferences. Once companies understand unique trends within each demographic and niche audience, they are better equipped to start a dialogue with multicultural consumers – and thereby win their business,” said Goldston. According to an MMG/MIX analysis, African Americans are more likely than any other demographic to plan group vacations, such as family reunions or trips with friends; multicultural business people are more likely than their White counterparts to extend business trips to include a few days of vacation, and Hispanics travel more often with young children than any other demographic. Contact Chance Goldston at 816-841-2936 or visit www.mmgmix.com.
_______________________________________________________________________
Creole Week Festivities in Dominica Headlined by Grammy Award-winning Artist Sean Paul
Dominica will be the site of the upcoming 12th Annual World Creole Music Festival, to be held October 31 through November 2, 2008. A celebration of the unique sounds of Creole music, the World Creole Music Festival is held every year beginning on “International Creole Day,” the last Friday of October. A well established Caribbean and International platform, the Festival is widely seen as one of the only truly indigenous music events in Dominica and the Eastern Caribbean by extension. Headlined this year by the ‘ambassador of dancehall reggae’, multi-platinum artist and Grammy Award-winner Sean Paul, other performers include top world and Creole music stars Tabou Combo, Djakout Mizik, Kassav, Carimi, Oliver N’goma, Nasio Fontain, Julie Mourillon and Dominica’s own Grammacks with Ophelia. Dubbed ‘The Nature Island’ for its mountainous, volcanic beauty, Dominica is home to the Carib Indians, one of the last remaining settlements of the Indigenous Peoples of the Caribbean. The first country to receive Benchmark designation from prestigious eco-tourism organization Green Globe 21, Dominica is ranked as the top sustainable island in the Caribbean and among the top ten in the word by National Geographic’s Center for Sustainable Destinations. Contact the Discover Dominica Authority at 866-522-4057 or visit Dominica’s official website www.discoverdominica.com.
_______________________________________________________________________
Featured Article:
Spring Lake Inn: Se Habla Español
Realizing an American dream that started with her father, a Cuban immigrant, the owners of Spring Lake Inn, husband and wife team Andy Seaman and Barbara Garcia, serve their guests with a mix of European-style hospitality and contemporary amenities blended into an unpretentious yet elegant vacation. Purchased in 2002 with the support of Barbara’s father, whose hotel experience instilled the craft and love into her at an early age, the historic property (circa 1888) was once ‘Grand Central Stables Carriage House’, a stagecoach stop with hotel rooms on the top floors for coachmen. Completely renovated before changing hands throughout the years, this ‘European Mansion by the Sea’ is located in picturesque Spring Lake New Jersey, just 65 miles from New York or Philadelphia. “We love to meet our guests and try to make their stay the best it can be,” says Barbara, who enjoys speaking to guests in her native Spanish or conversational Italian, often on the irresistible 80-foot Victorian porch. Ads in Union City, West New York and Weehawken, NJ Spanish newspapers, flyers at churches and word of mouth bring Hispanic and South American visitors to the Inn. Whether guests choose a grand, oversized room from one of the 16 specially themed, European-inspired guestrooms and suites or a romantic corner table for two in the dining room, Barbara and Andy Seaman both ensure all the small details and classic comforts that make a great vacation extraordinary are taken care of. Each of the spacious guestrooms feature a combination of sumptuous luxury amenities such as magnificent ocean views, gas burning fireplaces, individually controlled heat and air conditioning, private bathrooms with Jacuzzi-style tubs, 4-poster or sleigh beds, refrigerators and digital cable TV. Free wi-fi is available throughout the Inn. Recognized by Westchester Magazine as an exceptional body, mind and soul-satisfying experience, Spring Lake Inn is ‘near to everything yet far from reality.' Located just one block from the ocean, guests are invited to stroll the two-mile private boardwalk or take a short bike ride to the pristine, picturesque lake. Through September 15, 2008, a mini-getaway to the Jersey shore includes a sand pail of salt water taffy as a gift along with a $50 gas credit! For more information, contact Barbara Garcia-Seaman at SpringLakeInn@aol.com, 732-449-2010 or visit www.springlakeinn.com.
_______________________________________________________________________
First Podcast
Tour of the African American Experience in Philadelphia Debuts in Time For
Black History Month
Philly Noir, the latest podcast tour on
SoundAboutPhilly.com, a new site by The Pew Charitable Trusts and the
Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation features free dynamically
mapped and completely customizable sound-seeing tours of Philadelphia. The
fifth installment in the podcast series, Philly Noir concentrates on African
American culture and its role in the city's past, present and future. The tour
is a fusion of Philly's historic events, spiritual reflections, visual arts,
soulful rhythms, legendary athletics and southern and Caribbean cuisine.
Segments on the tour include: The Sound of Philadelphia, Delilah's at the
Terminal and Sanctuary of the Soul. For more information, visit
www.gophila.com or call
215-599-0776.
_______________________________________________________________________
Celebrating Connecticut's
Black History Through Art, Poetry And Music
African
Americans have played a vital role in shaping Connecticut, its history,
culture and values. In honor of Black History Month, many of Connecticut's
museums and arts organizations are drawing attention to these contributions
through exhibitions, tours, performances and lectures. Connecticut is filled
with the names of individuals who played a vital role in the African American
fight to establish freedom. Prudence Crandall, Connecticut's state heroine,
established the first school in America to educate black women and her home is
now a National Historic Landmark and museum in Canterbury. The Hartford home
of Harriet Beecher Stowe, author of the famous anti-slavery novel "Uncle Tom's
Cabin," is now operated as a museum and research center. The late jazz great,
Jackie McLean and his wife Dolly made a huge impact on cultural life in
Hartford. McLean taught at the University of Hartford, setting up the school's
African American Music Department (now called the Jackie McLean Institute of
Jazz) and, with Dolly, created the city's renowned Artists' Collective, an
arts organization preserving the art and culture of the African diaspora. In
1995, the Connecticut General Assembly authorized numerous sites in the state
to be part of the Connecticut Freedom Trail. The 17 historic stops along the
trail include buildings that were reported to have been used on the
Underground Railroad, sites associated with the Amistad case and gravesites,
monuments, homes and other structures that represent the movement towards
African American freedom. The Newtown Historical Society will present a
program on February 12 entitled "Slavery, Abolition and the Underground
Railroad" by raconteur, Bob Barthelson. The Florence Griswold Museum in Old
Lyme will present "Crossing Rivers, Moving Mountains: Celebrating Black
History through Songs and Stories" on February 21.
For complete information about all Black History Month
activities and about
Connecticut call 1-888-CTvisit (1-888-288-4748) or visit
www.CTvisit.com.
_______________________________________________________________________
Heritage on the Inner Harbor:
Baltimore Celebrates Black History Month
This February, Baltimore pays tribute to its outstanding African American
citizens responsible for much of the city's unique arts, culture and charm.
From freedom fighters to sports legends, Baltimore remembers the extraordinary
contributions of African Americans with citywide special exhibitions,
entertainment and events. Some of the ways Baltimore will be celebrating Black
History Month include the Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African
American History & Culture, which will offer a series of book signings and
lectures from famous authors, a Saturday's Child Series of theatrical readings
and family workshops along with art lectures and a curator's talk about the
museum's special exhibition, "At Freedom's Door: Challenging Slavery in
Maryland" every Saturday throughout the month. The Sports Legends Museum at
Camden Yards will host Phil Dixon, one of the country's foremost experts on
baseball history, to talk about the Negro Baseball League against a backdrop
of a museum exhibit on the same subject on February 24. At Fells Point, the
Frederick Douglass "Path to Freedom" Walking Tour encompasses several 18th
century buildings associated with Douglass. Stops and short discussions along
the way will feature where he worked, lived, worshipped and learned to read.
Five of his own historic townhouses still stand today. Lexington Market's free
concert series takes place every day throughout February except Sundays with
performances of music, songs, skits and dances based on African, Caribbean,
Jazz, Blues, Gospel and Big Band themes. The National Great Blacks in Wax
Museum will place several of its most famous wax figures in locations
throughout the city including Lexington Market. The USS Constellation will
present Black History Month lectures on Saturday afternoons showcasing the
role of Black Americans in the U.S. military. Visit
www.baltimore.org or call
1-877-BALTIMORE.
_______________________________________________________________________
Arizona's Premier Indian Market
Celebrates 49 Years at the Heard Museum
The 49th
Annual Heard Museum Guild Indian Fair & Market in Phoenix, highlighting
spectacular artwork, American Indian music and dance performances, artist
demonstrations, book signings and delicious Native food will be held March 3 &
4, 2007. Presented by SRP (Salt River Project) with additional support from
Casino Arizona, Canyon Records and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona, the Fair
& Market is the museum's largest fundraising event. The Fair & Market, which
began in 1958, draws more than 600 of the nation's finest Native artists who
show and sell authentic artwork and cultural items. 18,000 expected visitors
and collectors can peruse booths filled with jewelry, beadwork, pottery,
katsina dolls, textiles, clothing, paintings and baskets created by artists
from throughout North America. Artists participating in the Indian Fair &
Market are encouraged to enter the juried competition. Judges select winners
from more than 250 entries in seven classifications and 25 divisions. This
year, more than 50 artists have donated special items for a silent auction.
Call 602-251-0205.
_______________________________________________________________________
Air Jamaica Celebrates 40 Years With
Bajans In New York
Air Jamaica jumped at the opportunity to be the premium sponsor of Barbados'
landmark 40th anniversary of independence celebrations in New York. The
airline helped facilitate top Bajan soca band krosfyah's travels to New York
for Barbados' Independence Anniversary and Fundraising Gala, which was held on
December 1 at the Brooklyn Marriott. The event, staged by the Council of
Barbadian Organisations (New York) and held under the distinguished patronage
of Consul General Jessica Odle, celebrated and honored outstanding Barbadians,
including Irving Burgie, well-known Barbadian song writer and author of the
words of the Barbados National Anthem. Part of the proceeds from the evening's
raffle supported the fight against lupus. Air Jamaica's Vice President of
Sales George deMercado said the airline is pleased to accept the top sponsor
slot and even more so that the carrier is increasing direct service between
New York and the Caribbean's easternmost island nation. For more
information, visit
www.airjamaica.com or call
1-800-523-5585.
_______________________________________________________________________
Walkerswood Caribbean Foods Jamaican
Culinary Tour
Walkerswood Caribbean Foods Ltd. offers culinary tours, creating one of the
most flavorful tourist destination spots in Jamaica. At the Pimento Porch
Clubhouse visitors learn about the history of Walkerswood, then head off to
the Jerk Pit and Mother Thyme's Spice Garden for a snap shot into 'Old Time
Jamaica' where her 18th century style hut is surrounded by colorful herbs and
spices. For additional information visit
www.walkerswood.com.
_______________________________________________________________________
Antigua and Barbuda Jubilee Year
Celebrated by New York Media and Tourism Industry Officials
The Antigua and Barbuda Ministry of Tourism held a celebratory reception at
Helen Mills Theater to kickoff a yearlong marketing campaign -- the Jubilee
Year of Festivals -- promoting major festivals and events that the twin island
nation will host in the next 12 months. Highlights of the Jubilee Year of
Festivals campaign include: 25 Reasons to Travel to Antigua and Barbuda; 25
Adventures You Ought to Try in Antigua and Barbuda; and, 25 Tips When
Traveling to Antigua and Barbuda. Antigua and Barbuda is also commemorating 25
years of hosting International Cricket, 40 Years of Sailing Week and 50 Years
of Carnival. During the reception, several notable accolades were also shared
-- the romantic destination was declared "Best Wedding Island of the Year" for
the second year in a row by Caribbean World International magazine. Also,
renowned web-based travel service, Expedia.com, listed the islands as the
"Best Beach Destination." The recent boom in development has resulted in 40
tourism-related new construction and renovation projects currently underway
that are scheduled for completion over the next five years. Contact
Heather Keroes at
Heather.Keros@ypbr.com or
407-838-1704.
_______________________________________________________________________
Native American Heritage and
Tradition to be Celebrated at The 7th Annual Mesa Verde Country®
Indian Arts and Culture Festival
The
award-winning Seventh Annual Mesa Verde Country®
Indian Arts and Culture Festival scheduled from May 27 through June 3, 2007,
celebrates the archaeology and Native American culture of the
Southwest. Festival highlights include a world-class juried Indian Art Market,
Indian Dances, Navajo rug auction, special archaeological tours and exhibits,
and a solo concert by Grammy Winner Robert Mirabal. The Indian Arts and
Culture Festival highlights many of the stops along the newly declared
National Scenic Byway, Trail of the Ancients. This year's featured artist for
the Indian Art Market is Navajo painter Jeanette Katoney. Jeanette vividly
expresses her Navajo heritage through striking abstracts in pastels and oils
derived from her physical and cultural environment. Her work is found in
collections at the Wheelwright Museum, the Heard Museum, The School of
American Research, and the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture. The artist's
painting "Cloud, Rainbow, and Corn" is this year's festival raffle piece, and
may be viewed on the festival website:
www.mesaverdecountry.com. Other Festival activities include the Anasazi
Heritage Center exhibit: "Archaeology Grows Up: 1906-2006." This special
exhibit, commemorating 100 years of Archaeology, reveals the transformation of
archaeology from the era of the 1906 Antiquities Act to the modern
computer-assisted study of ancient people. For further information on
the Festival, visit
www.mesaverdecountry.com or
call 800-530-2998.
_______________________________________________________________________
Barge Cruising Caters to Physically
Challenged
For
travelers who demand as much from the journey as they do from the destination,
Go Barging's luxury hotel barges cruise through the heart of Burgundy, France,
setting the standard for comfort and style. Weekly departures showcasing the
vineyards of Burgundy and beyond run through October aboard the handsomely
appointed Reine Pedauque. The barge, specially designed to accommodate guests
with physical challenges, is fitted with a lift for wheelchairs and a stair
lift for access between decks. The doors are wide enough for wheelchair access
on all decks. The minibus, which transfers guests to and from the barge and
transports them to the various excursions, also has a wheelchair lift. Reine
Pedauque departs from Dijon and sails down the Burgundy Canal, an engineering
marvel that spanned two centuries of construction. Go Barging's six-night
cruises travel into the heart of Burgundy to the Ouche Valley, the Gold Coast
of the province. Shore excursions include wine tastings at local vineyards in
Beaune, Burgundy's wine capital and home to some of the most famous vines in
the world. And while Burgundy is, of course, known for its grapes, Go Barging
ensures its passengers a well-rounded holiday that satisfies their cultural,
historical and gastronomical desires, as well. "Having physical limitations
doesn't mean setting limits on how much you can enjoy your vacation. Barging
through Burgundy gives visitors a relaxing way to take in centuries of culture
and history," said Derek Banks, CEO of Go Barging. Go Barging is a subsidiary
of European Waterways, the largest luxury barging vacation company in Europe,
offering vacations in nine countries and carrying approximately 1,700
passengers a year. For more information contact European Waterways at
1-800-394-8630 or visit
www.gobarging.com.
_______________________________________________________________________
New Online Guide Makes
Reno-Nevada Adventures More Accessible to Disabled, Special Needs
Travelers
The Reno-Sparks Convention and
Visitors Authority (RSCVA) has made it easier for travelers with special needs
or disabilities to enjoy Reno-Tahoe, with a comprehensive online directory of
accessible accommodations, activities and year-round outdoor adventures
located at
www.VisitRenoTahoe.com/access. The ACCESS pages provide in-depth
information tailored to special needs travelers, including
wheelchair-compatible lodging facilities in accordance with the Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA), private and public transportation options and local
service providers that offer additional assistance. Information about adaptive
sports and outdoor recreation including kayaking, skiing, golf, cycling and
bowling as well as accessible parks and trails is also located on the site.
"The new resource guide helps create awareness that Reno-Tahoe is welcoming
and accessible to anyone who wants to experience the adventures that our
destination has to offer," said Mary Ann McAuliffe, diversity welcoming
marketing manager for the RSCVA. "We have many programs and services that
provide visitors the America's Adventure Place experience while accommodating
their special needs, and the new guide fills a void by simplifying the travel
planning process." When it comes to activities, attractions and events,
travelers with special needs can customize a vacation by choosing from a
wealth of options both indoors and out. With the highest concentration of ski
and board resorts in North America, many of the area's ski resorts offer
lessons and special adaptive equipment for skiers or boarders. For whitewater
adventures, local kayak and rafting companies provide specially modified
equipment for visitors with disabilities. Golf courses each offer lessons and
adapted equipment for those with disabilities. For more information
about Reno-Tahoe, America's
Adventure Place call 800-FOR-RENO (800-367-7366) or log on to
www.VisitRenoTahoe.com/access and request a
visitor planner.
_______________________________________________________________________
U.S. Cities Celebrate
National Mexican Holiday Observing Puebla's Victory Over the French: Cinco
de Mayo
Cinco de Mayo is one of the most celebrated Mexican national holidays in the
United States, where many U.S. businesses and restaurants are decorated in
green, white and red, the colors of Mexico's flag, to observe this important
day in traditional Mexican fanfare. Although Cinco de Mayo celebrates the
determination of Mexicans to remain free from foreign control, it is not
Mexico's Independence Day. Cinco de Mayo celebrates the victory on May 5,
1862, of the Mexican army at the city of Puebla. With only 2,000 men, most of
them local Zacapoaxtla Indians from the Puebla region with no formal military
training and little weaponry, the Mexicans were able to briefly defeat the
French army of 6,000. The victory was short-lived, though soon after, France
conquered Puebla and the rest of Mexico, ruling until 1867. Through a popular
revolt, Benito Juarez was finally restored to power, remaining leader of
Mexico until his death in 1872. Cinco de Mayo was born in the central Mexican
state of Puebla. Its capital city, also called Puebla, is one of the most
impressive and oldest colonial cities in Mexico. Declared a UNESCO World
Heritage Site for its unique beauty, the magnificent historic center is an
ideal starting point for a Cinco de Mayo tour. An annual parade is held down
Cinco de Mayo Avenue, and festivities include a reenactment of the famous
battle. Men dress as French and Mexican soldiers and generals, and women wear
the clothing of the soldaderas, the women who cooked and looked after the
soldiers in wartime. In some representations, the Mexican soldiers carry
machetes and old gun-power rifles, and the French soldiers carry bags with
wine bottles and fruit. Puebla has much more to offer besides its traditional
Cinco de Mayo sites. Also worth a visit are the museums displaying
archeological objects, paintings, railroad cars, and other historic treasures,
as well as many shops that specialize in Talavera pottery and traditional
treats. Wander through the Los Sapos district to buy antiques and to sample
wonderful poblano dishes including mole and chiles en nogada (when in season)
from a wide range of restaurants. Typically held during the first week of May,
Cinco de Mayo boasts carnivals, street fairs and multi-day festivals held over
the U.S. For more information visit
www.visitmexico.com.
_______________________________________________________________________
Largest Latino Museum in U.S. Opens
San Antonio debuted the largest Latino museum in the United States: the Museo
Alameda. Combining art, history, cultural education and live performance,
this Smithsonian affiliate tells the unique story of the Latino experience in
America - past, present and future. Expected to attract more than 400,000
visitors a year, the Museo Alameda has 20,000 square feet of state-of-the-art
exhibition space that will house seven galleries - four of which will be
rotational, including a Smithsonian Gallery, with exclusive access to more
than 1.5 million objects from the Smithsonian Institution. The other three
will display long-term collections of loaned objects and programming developed
by guest curators. There is also a dramatic sculpture garden, featuring pieces
from the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden in Washington, D.C. A project
space called "Proyectos" will give emerging and established artists the room
to create new works. For more information visit
www.sanantoniovisit.com or
call 210-207-6700.
_______________________________________________________________________
Heritage travel is gaining in popularity and Croatia is part of the surge. Second and third generation Croatian Americans are visiting this historic country to reconnect with their roots.
According to the Croatian National Tourist Office (CNTO), a significant number of informational calls come in regarding tourism from people of Croatian heritage, mainly those born in the U.S. who have never visited their homeland. These individuals hardly speak Croatian, but are very interested in their heritage and would like to learn more about the country their parents and grandparents grew up in, a spokesperson said.
When traveling to Croatia, Croatian Americans often visit cities such as Zagreb, Split, Dubrovnik, Darda and many others. "Unlike general travelers, those on heritage trips tend to visit the exact places that their relatives were born to see if they can find a living relative," says a CNTO spokesperson. "Tourists then tend to travel all over Croatia to explore the people and country itself. I can tell you, after Year One, they all go back."
Dragica Lukas, Sales Manager of Travel Time, a travel agency and tour operator specializing in escorted tours and independent packages to Croatia and surrounding countries for more than 40 years, has seen a growth in the number of Heritage tours to Croatia over the last couple of years and an increase in visits from Croatian Americans in "family reunion" groups. Lukas attributes this to two distinct reasons: the war has been over for more than 10 years so traveling to this destination is completely safe and also Croatia is now on top of the "hot destination" list, especially Dubrovnik and Hvar. These visitors are participating in the same activities as general travelers except they are paying special attention to places where their families come from and are seeking out living relatives they may still have, she also noted.
Lukas also notes that the Croatian population in the U.S. is growing. "While the Croatian population is spread out and significant across the country, cities like New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Seattle, Cleveland, Pittsburgh and in the West coast, like San Pedro, Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego have a significant number," Lukas added.
Not only is heritage travel increasingly popular, The Croatian tourism industry seems to be booming overall. After more than 10 years of independence, (formerly a part of the Democratic Federal Republic of Yugoslavia), Croatia has seen a recent surge in visitors from around the world. More and more travelers are expanding their idea of a European vacation to include the countries of Central and Eastern Europe.
According to Niko Bulic, M, Sc., Director of the Croatian National Tourist Board (CNTB), the prognosis for visitors to Croatia in 2006 was 8,720,893 foreign and 1,574,030 domestic travelers. The prognosis for 2007 is 195,000 arrivals (from the U.S. and Canada), which would be an 8-12% increase from 2006. By 2010 CNTB hopes to achieve 11,000,000 visitors to the country.
According to data from the Ministry of the Sea, Tourism, Transport and Development, approximately EUR 500 million was invested in hotel settlements, campsites and holiday resorts in Croatian tourism in 2006.
Going forward the strategic aims are to establish the new identity of Croatian tourism, position Croatia as one of the leading tourist destinations in the Mediterranean and ensure quality tourism in harmony with sustainable development.
There are a growing number of travel agencies who assist in arranging tours to Croatia. Abercrombie & Kent, Inc. offers a choice of small group escorted departures and independent options including a pre-planned Signature itinerary or tailor made private travel. Some of the features include highlights of Slovenia and Croatia, a Croatian specialty dinner, a day excursion to the island of Hvar, among other highlights.
For more information contact the Croatian National Tourist Office, Inc. at 800-829-4416 or 212-279-8672. Visit www.croatia.hr.
_______________________________________________________________________
Gems of Maya History: Four UNESCO World
Heritage Sites
For the fourth consecutive year, the Mexico Tourism Board will support the New
York México Now Festival. This year it will promote the Maya World Heritage
Sites of Chichen Itza, Calakmul, Palenque and Uxmal and raffle two stays at
Yucatan's Luxury Haciendas. On September 6, 2007 the Mexico Tourism Board, New
York Office, and St. John's University's Committee on Latin American and
Caribbean Studies (CLACS) will host Gems of Maya History: Four UNESCO
World Heritage Sites at St. John's University to provide attendees with
an introduction to ancient Maya culture, history, art, and writing, as well as
the relationship between these ancient traditions and modern Southern Mexican
culture. Mexico has 173 different archeological sites, but these four Maya
cities are of special pride because the United Nations Educational, Scientific
and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has declared them World Heritage Sites.
Other sites range from well-known archaeological icons like Teotihuacan, to
colonial cities such as Oaxaca, Puebla, and Guanajuato and natural sites
including the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve, the Islands of the Gulf of
California, and the El Vizcaino Whale Sanctuary. From August 9, 2007 to
September 15, 2007, the Mexico Tourism Board, Mexicana Airlines and The Luxury
Collection Starwood Hotels & Resorts are raffling two vacations to the state
of Yucatan, home of Uxmal and Chichen Itza. General public and attendees of
the festival will be asked to log in to
www.mexicanworldheritage.com to register to win the two packages, each
including round trip tickets for two from New York's JFK to Merida, Yucatan.
México Now Festival will take place from September 5-16. Visit
www.mexiconowfestival.org
for a complete list of events.
_______________________________________________________________________
Ohio Tourism Division Launches
Multicultural Marketing Initiative
Campaign Aims to Reach Ohio's
Fastest-Growing Travel Segment
The Ohio Department of Development's Division of Travel and Tourism has
unveiled a marketing initiative created to highlight Ohio's abundant
multicultural travel opportunities. The new initiative positions Ohio to vie
for a portion of the $90 billion national minority travel market, which
represents approximately 19% of U.S. domestic travel expenditures, according
to the Travel Industry Association of America's most recent study. "The
initiative we are launching will serve as a foundation on which to build
future marketing campaigns targeted toward consistently speaking to the
country's growing number of minority travelers," said Alicia Reece, Assistant
State Tourism Director. "The target audience for this initiative has available
disposable income and clearly demonstrates high interest in visiting friends,
family, major cultural events and attractions." Ohio's multicultural
initiative directs messages to Ohio's minority populations through
advertisements in print publications, on the Internet and on the radio. Ohio's
in-state multicultural initiative was created by DAR Public Relations, Inc. of
Beachwood, Ohio. The multicultural initiative includes the following
components: The Multicultural Web site addition features some of Ohio's
largest and most popular attractions; For the Web surfer, banner ads,
slideshows and articles highlight Ohio destinations; An advertising series of
full-color print ads depicts Ohio's wealth of multicultural attractions,
festivals and destinations are featured in minority newspapers and magazines
throughout the state; Radio ads air in Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati and
Toledo. "Multicultural Excursions" the guide will be a valuable resource for
any traveler interested in becoming more familiar with multicultural sites,
events, and destinations in Ohio and the perfect tool for planning a one-tank
summer getaway close to home. The media resources utilized for the
Multicultural Initiative: Pathfinders; Black Meetings and Tourism; Blackpages;
Call and Post; Cincinnati Herald; Dayton Defender; Columbus Post; Soul of
America; Escape Latino; Spanish Journal; Kaleidoscope; Success Guide; Toledo
Radio- WIMX; and Radio One - Cleveland/Columbus/ Cincinnati. DAR Public
Relations, Inc., full service minority-owned agency with offices in Beachwood,
Ohio, and Washington, DC, specializes in multicultural marketing targeting
African-Americans and Hispanics. Advertising and other promotional efforts
will drive visitors to the Division's new Multicultural Web site featuring
information on the State's immense variety of ethnic, cultural, arts, music,
dining, shopping, nightlife and sports experiences. The new 48-page booklet
titled "Multicultural Excursions" is available for travelers. Ohio's Black
population is the 11th largest in the country at 1.4 million, and the State's
Hispanic population is estimated to be 268,000. Ohio African-Americans
represent nearly 12 percent of the statewide population and in some markets
encompass more than 50 percent of the local community. Learn more
about Ohio's extensive
multicultural offerings at
www.DiscoverOhio.com
or by calling 1-800-BUCKEYE.
_______________________________________________________________________
Cincinnati Launches Multicultural Tourism
Initiative
In May, Cincinnati USA launched "Mosaic Culture," a first-ever campaign to
promote multicultural programming throughout the state of Ohio and outer
markets including Indianapolis, Lexington and Louisville. The spending for the
multicultural campaign will be integrated into the overall marketing plan and
budget for the Cincinnati USA Regional Tourism Network, which is valued at $2
million. According to Sean Rugless, president of the Cincinnati USA Regional
Tourism Network, the long-term vision of the initiative is to create a
partnership with the state of Ohio Division of Travel and Tourism to encourage
in-state and statewide travel and capitalize on the $90 billion multicultural
travel industry. In fact, African-American, Asian and Hispanic cultural travel
is the fastest growing segment of travel in the United States. "Mosaic
Culture" will showcase the region's most robust offerings in arts, education
and entertainment, including: first-ever Salsa Congress, Cincy Latino
Festival, Cincinnati Blues Festival, Midwest Black Family Reunion, the Asian
Galleries at the Cincinnati Art Museum, Macy's Music Festival, as well as the
2008 NAACP and National Baptist Conventions. New web content devoted to
multicultural programming, events and dining will be regularly added to and
updated on
www.cincinnatiusa.com. "The statewide multicultural campaign will help us
to be known as a diverse community that makes an outstanding destination for
people of all backgrounds," said Dan Lincoln, president of the Cincinnati USA
Convention & Visitors Bureau. For more information, visit
www.cincinnatiusa.com/Mosaic
or call 859-581-2260.
_______________________________________________________________________
New Publication Celebrates Kentucky's
Many Cultural Heritage Attractions
The Kentucky Department of Tourism has released a new travel guide
highlighting the state's multicultural history, heritage and travel
attractions, and is inviting people to share their multicultural experiences
with others. The new, 40-page Multicultural Tourism Guide provides visitors
information about sites, activities and destinations that include and
interpret Kentucky's rich multicultural legacy. The guide is not all-inclusive
of the many multicultural tourism opportunities in Kentucky, but serves as a
basis to begin one's discovery of what Kentucky has to offer. "This is a
remarkable demonstration of how people from many different cultures gave of
themselves to make Kentucky great," said Governor Ernie Fletcher. "We are a
proud and diverse people, and we want to celebrate our heritage and share it
with others. This guide opens a window for us to clearly see how different
cultures contributed to Kentucky's rich history." To continue the collection
of multicultural experiences, a special Web site has been created at
www.kentuckytourism.com which will allow visitors to tell their story of
their cultural heritage, whatever that may be. The guide also spotlights
various cultural tourism destinations throughout the Commonwealth, profiles
famous Kentuckians with varied cultural backgrounds and offers tips for
planning family trips and family reunions. For example, readers will learn
about many famous people and Kentucky destinations including the following:
Mantle Rock in Livingston County, and its connection to the Cherokee Indians'
"Trail of Tears"; Rosenwald Schools, which were constructed to educate
African-Americans during the early 20th century; Kentucky's involvement in the
"Underground Railroad"; Cherokee State Resort Park, the first and only resort
park for African Americans in Kentucky; Mary Britton, the first female African
American physician in Lexington; Isaac Burns Murphy, the first three-time
winning jockey of the Kentucky Derby; and Muhammad Ali, winner of three world
heavyweight boxing titles and namesake of the Commonwealth's newest cultural
and educational facility. The Kentucky Department of Tourism, an agency of the
Kentucky Commerce Cabinet, exists to promote The Commonwealth as a travel
destination, generate revenue and create jobs for Kentucky's economy.
To request a copy of the Multicultural Tourism Guide, log onto
www.KentuckyTourism.com
and click on "Request a Multicultural Tourism Guide" icon.
_______________________________________________________________________
Underground Railroad Tours are
Gettysburg's Newest Attraction
Underground Railroad Tours of Adams County, created and guided by Debra
McCauslin, allow visitors to get acquainted with those who sought freedom and
those who fought for it. Proceeds from the 2 1/2 hour tour are donated to
historic preservation. The tour, by private vehicle or chartered bus or van,
showcases people who were involved in the Underground Railroad in Adams County
including Gettysburg's Basil Biggs, Bendersville's Edward Mathews, the founder
of the Yellow Hill Settlement and Menallen Township's Cyrus Griest, a Quaker
who aided Kitty Payne and her children during their 1845 kidnapping from their
Bendersville home. The Quakers who lived near Bendersville were related to and
worked with William and Phebe Wright who aided over 1,000 freedom seekers in
their York Springs' home. "The Underground Railroad was a contributing cause
of the Civil War and two million visitors come to Gettysburg each year to see
the affects of its largest battle. Maybe we could help those visitors
understand a cause of the war by talking about the freedom seekers and freedom
fighters that once walked on this land prior to that war seeking a free life
away from the horrors of slavery," states Debra McCauslin. Stops on the tour
include the Yellow Hill Cemetery where a pre-Civil War African American
community existed and the Menallen Friends Meetinghouse and cemetery where
Quakers still have meetings for worship today. Both were named to the National
Park Service's National Network to Freedom in 2006 for their involvement in
the Underground Railroad. Historic Gettysburg Adams County, a member-supported
preservation organization assisted Deb McCauslin by crafting an access
agreement with a Butler Township landowner to allow foot traffic over private
property to see the Yellow Hill Cemetery. The Yellow Hill Cemetery is not open
to the public and access is allowed only with a pre-scheduled and pre-approved
tour under McCauslin's guidance. McCauslin is a lifelong Adams County resident
and is related to George Washington Sandoe, the first soldier killed at
Gettysburg who died near McAllister's Mill which was reputed to be a station
on the Underground Railroad. The author of Reconstructing the Past Puzzle
of a Lost Community at Yellow Hill, Deb donates book sale proceeds, tour
proceeds and speaking fees to several local preservation organizations.
For more information or to schedule a tour, contact Debra McCauslin at
717-528-8553 or
dmccauslin@gettysburghistories.com.
Also, contact Gettysburg
Convention & Visitors Bureau at 800-337-5015 or
www.gettysburg.travel.
_______________________________________________________________________
Virginia's Juneteenth Celebrations
On June 19, 1865, African slaves in Texas finally received word of freedom,
two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. Virginia marks this important
day, now known as Juneteenth, with vibrant celebrations across the state
featuring reenactments, music and incredible food. Virginia's four centuries
of African American heritage, dating back to 1619, make the state a top
destination for Juneteenth celebrations. One of Virginia's most talked about
Juneteenth celebrations was June 16 at The Booker T. Washington National
Monument in Hardy, near Roanoke. Visitors to the birthplace of this important
African American leader enjoyed reenactments of the moment of emancipation in
1865. At the Rappahannock Regional Juneteenth Celebration in Fredericksburg,
Ms. Vella Joy, a descendant of Harriett Tubman, provided words of inspiration
to the audience. Guests enjoyed free, hand dance instruction by the musical
group, Poetry in Motion. As gospel choirs filled the air with music, art of
all varieties were displayed and available for purchase in a silent auction.
The Juneteenth Freedom Festival in historic downtown Newport News had costumed
interpreters tell the story of how slaves in Galveston, Texas did not get word
of their freedom until two years after the end of the Civil War. During the
celebration, visitors had local barbeque and special tours of Newport News
historic sites. In Roanoke, a Juneteenth celebration kicked off with a parade
starting at the Martin Luther King Bridge and ending in Washington Park, where
guest speakers addressed the importance of Juneteenth while visitors enjoyed
gospel music and a cookout. The annual Juneteenth celebration at the Black
History Museum in Alexandria featured musical performances, hands-on art and
craft demonstrations and shopping at the African American market place.
Historic downtown Lynchburg hosted the Juneteenth Freedom and Heritage
Celebration, which showcased African American culture with choirs, dancers,
poetry and storytelling and included a health fair. Virginia's Juneteenth
celebrations are surrounded by rich African American heritage and cultural
sites. For information about African American heritage sites and to
start planning a trip to
Virginia, go to
www.Virginia.org
or call 1-800-932-5827.
_______________________________________________________________________
"Naija Fest 2007" African Festival Showcases
African Culture in Baltimore
Patterson
Park of Baltimore, MD became "Little Nigeria" on August 11 & 12 during the 5th
annual Nigerian festival, "Naija Fest 2007". Showcasing Nigerian and other
African music, dance, arts, crafts, fashion and cuisine, the festival promised
its guests a fun-filled voyage to West Africa without the 14-hour flight.
Naija Fest featured international and local African musicians performing
Afro-beat, ethnic folk, African Hip-Hop, Afro-Reggae and traditional drumming.
Attendees also enjoyed tasty African cuisine including jollof rice, pounded
yams, spinach stew and spicy beef kebabs ("suya"). Celebrating its fifth
Anniversary and second year being held in Baltimore City, Naija Fest is the
newest addition to the city's Showcase of Nations festivals supported by
Baltimore City Mayor Sheila Dixon and the Baltimore Office of Promotions and
the Arts. Naija Fest is organized by the Nigerian Youth Association of
Maryland, Inc. The festival reflects the increasing African population in
Maryland. According to the U.S. Census 2000, Maryland and Washington, D.C.
have the two highest proportions of African immigrants in the United States,
making up almost 2 percent of its total population. For more
information, call 410-608-0420 or visit
www.naijafest.org
or
www.nyamaryland.org.
_______________________________________________________________________
Turks & Caicos Music and Cultural Festival
Caribbean culture was featured at the fourth annual Turks & Caicos Music and
Cultural Festival, which took place from July 30 through Aug. 6, 2007, on
Providenciales. The event featured some of today's most popular A-list
performers including five-time GRAMMY award winner John Legend; Michael
Bolton; eloquent American soul artist India.Arie; Kenny Rogers; and R&B
American soul singer Freddie Jackson. Special Caribbean music tributes
entitled "The Art of Soca" featuring Air Supply, David Rudder, Shadow and
Kevin Lyttle, among other Soca legends, was performed in a gala event at the
Turtle Cove Marina in Providenciales. Ralph Higgs, deputy director of tourism
for the Turks & Caicos Islands, is also pleased with the range of musical
superstars who performed. "The festival offers something for all tastes. By
diversifying the lineup, we expected more people than ever to discover the
Islands - taking in the sweet sultry sounds, enjoying the steady breeze and
feeling the perfectly filtered sunlight under a palm tree beside the ocean."
The 40 islands of the Turks & Caicos, of which eight are inhabited, are
renowned for their award-winning beaches, diving and array of world-class
resorts. Please visit
www.musicfestival.tc/2007
for a complete schedule of events and vacation packages or call the Turks and
Caicos Tourist Board at 649-946-4970.
_______________________________________________________________________
Millions of Colors and Smiles Grace
Multicultural Malaysia in May; Music Festival in July
His Majesty the King of Malaysia officially launched Visit Malaysia Year's
Colors of Malaysia celebration on May 26 at Dataran Putrajaya. This year's
theme - Millions of Colors, Millions of Smiles - reflects the joy and splendor
of the annual event, especially in light of Malaysia's 50th anniversary of
independence. Colors of Malaysia featured food promotions, craft exhibitions,
and cultural shows at various hotels, shopping malls, and prominent tourist
spots around the Klang Valley. The Colors of Malaysia was also a celebration
of the "Flavors of Malaysia," which spotlighted the country's delectable
selection of cuisine and gave travelers a delicious chance to sample authentic
food of the Malaysian states while enjoying folk dances and cultural
performances. May's cultural events also included Tadau Kaamtan (the Harvest
Festival of Malaysian Borneo's Sabah state), an annual Thanksgiving
commemorating each year's bountiful rice harvest. This July, Visit Malaysia
Year held two music festivals, the Rainforest World Music Festival (at Sarawak
Cultural Village) and the World Music Festival 2007 (the Botanical Gardens in
Penang). The festivals included music, workshops, jam sessions, and
interesting ethno-musical lectures. For more information on these
events, please visit
www.tourismmalaysiausa.com
or
www.tourism.gov.my.
_______________________________________________________________________
CelticFest Mississippi Named a "Top 20"
Event
CelticFest
Mississippi, the annual event that takes place each September, was named a
"Top 20 Event in the Southeast" by the Southeast Tourism Society. Sponsored by
the Celtic Heritage Society, the 16th Annual Festival took place at the
Mississippi Agriculture & Forestry Museum in Jackson. The event, which
attracted some 7,000 people, also included the 9th Annual Irish Whiskey and
Scotch Tasting on the first evening of the festival. CelticFest Mississippi,
which promotes appreciation and awareness of Celtic culture and arts, also
featured several music and dance stages, an educational children's area,
numerous Celtic exhibits, and lots of Celtic food and specialty items. There
were also workshops on dance, musical instruments, Gaelic language, genealogy,
history, literature, Irish culture, Celtic art and more. Founded in 1983, the
Southeast Tourism Society is dedicated to the promotion and development of
tourism in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North
Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. For
more information visit
www.southeasttourism.org
or
www.escapetothesoutheast.com.
_______________________________________________________________________
Slave Cabin Opened & Dedicated at Historic
Mount Vernon, VA
For the first time in its history as a site open to the public, Mount Vernon,
Virginia exhibited a Slave Cabin to show how 75-percent of George Washington's
slaves lived. The Slave Cabin was dedicated on September 19 with a ceremony
that included descendants of Mount Vernon slaves, musical tributes, and a
scholarly keynote address. The reconstructed 16-by-14-foot slave cabin is an
important domestic space that further illustrates the story of slavery at
Mount Vernon. The wooden Slave Cabin represents the small, substandard
dwellings of approximately 235 slaves who lived on one of Washington's four
outlying farms. "After conducting extensive research and archaeological
excavations, we determined that it was critical to portray how the majority of
slaves lived at Mount Vernon," said Dennis Pogue, director of preservation.
The Slave Cabin joins the Slave Quarters, Slave Memorial, a slavery gallery in
the Donald W. Reynolds Education Center, and tours, public programs, and
educational outreach, as means by which the story of slavery is told to
visitors. For more information call 703-780-2000 or visit
www.mountvernon.org.
_______________________________________________________________________
Girona, Spain Celebrates its
Jewish Heritage
Girona,
Spain is celebrating its Jewish heritage. This historic city, just one hour
northeast of Barcelona, has the Museum of the History of Jewish People and the
Call de Girona, the old Jewish quarter. First settled by the Iberians,
Girona was not named until the Romans arrived in 218 BC. By the end of the 9th
Century, Jews had formed a semi-independent town within Girona, becoming an
important influence in the area's development. Under the protection of the
Spanish kings for centuries, the Jews prospered and over a thousand lived in
the Call at its height. Centre Bonastruc ça Porta
is an institute of Jewish learning built around the old Synagogue on
Carrer de la Força, the main artery of the medieval quarter, which has
remained amazingly intact over the centuries. The Centre Bonastruc ça
Porta, located on the site of the last synagogue dating from the 15th
Century, houses the municipal board responsible for the restoration and
promotion of Jewish heritage in Girona. It will host two temporary exhibitions
from July to December. For more information visit
www.spain.info.
_______________________________________________________________________
Multicultural Pittsburgh
By Lisa Skriloff, Editor, Multicultural Travel
News
With its 88 distinct neighborhoods and districts, its centuries-long history of welcoming immigrants and its rich diversity, Pittsburgh has a lot to offer the multicultural visitor. In fact, reaching out to multicultural travelers is a key priority in 2008 for Beverly Morrow-Jones, Executive Director of Marketing & Communications, VisitPittsburgh, as an essential component of the city's promotion campaign for its 250th anniversary next year, as well as a measure for VisitPittsburgh staff incentives.
More than just promoting what's multicultural about Pittsburgh, VisitPittsburgh is taking steps to incorporate multicultural traveler outreach into its public relations and advertising initiatives.
"We are always looking for new ways to reach out to all communities and different segments of the population," said Ms. Morrow-Jones during an interview in Pittsburgh in September. "We want to welcome everyone," she noted.
Individual attractions around the city have special 'exhibits on' or 'events created for' or 'outreach to' African Americans, Latinos, Asian Americans, Italians, Germans, Polish and gay/lesbian travelers, as well as other ethnic and niche groups.
Events in Pittsburgh during the year include the multicultural communities and anyone interested in participating in their heritage festivals. In 2007 Pittsburgh hosted the Silk Screen Asian American Film Festival, Pittsburgh Pride Fest, the Greater Pittsburgh DiverseCity Festival, the Thunder Mountain Lenape Nation Native American Festival, the Pittsburgh Irish Festival, the Pittsburgh Dragon Boat Festival and the Pittsburgh International Lesbian & Gay Film Festival.
Legendary Ladies, a brochure and map of where women made history in Pittsburgh, published by the Pennsylvania Commission for Women, features 80 points of interest in Pittsburgh, with a brief biography of each woman featured. More than just historic homes, such as the Rachel Carson Homestead Association, the map underscores the contribution of women in the fabric of the community, such as Nellie Bly, reporter for the Pittsburgh Dispatch; Daisy Lampkin, who organized a woman's rights tea in support of woman's suffrage and the first Red Cross chapter among African American women, and Caroline Endres Diescher, an engineer who assisted in the design of the Monongahela Incline, still operating today. Other famous notable women from Pittsburgh include Lena Horne, Martha Graham, Gertrude Stein and Christina Aguilera.
VisitPittsburgh worked with the Altus Group to publish "NaviGaytor" Pittsburgh's gay travel guide. The 20 page guide includes attractions that would interest any visitor to Pittsburgh and one page devoted to a listing of gay clubs and bars. The Andy Warhol Museum, Pittsburgh Glass Center, The Mattress Factory museum, Abay Ethiopian restaurant, The Priory Hotel, Who New? antique and collectibles store, and Fallingwater (in Laurel Highlands) all advertise their messages of welcome to the gay visitor.
"People who are gay, lesbian or transgender, they are interested in the same things (as any tourist) but when they get to the city, they want to feel welcome," Ms. Morrow-Jones explained. "We were told in focus groups that you can go anywhere in the city and feel ok," she said.
Staff incentives, based on multicultural or diversity initiatives they undertake outside of their day-to-day job, are part of Morrow-Jones' 2008 plan. This coming year a key segment warranting attention is the traveler with disabilities, said Morrow-Jones. Before joining VisitPittsburgh, Morrow-Jones owned a full service advertising and pubic relations agency in the city.
Travelers with an interest in the history and community of these multicultural groups will find much to explore in Pittsburgh.
The Senator John Heinz History Center, on the site of the former Chautauqua Lake Ice Company building, is the ideal place to start a tour of multicultural Pittsburgh.
The Heinz History Center, affiliated with the Smithsonian Institution and the largest history museum in Pennsylvania, has several important exhibits and collections worth an in-depth visit.
"Underground Railroad: A Journey to Freedom," part of the "Points in Time" exhibit educates visitors through ten stations on the tour, from the maps of 18th century African nations, on the conditions of slavery from 1450 to 1860, archival pieces and photographs from the vibrant African American community of 1840s Pittsburgh, and an examination of the role that 9000 African Americans in Pennsylvania played in the Civil War. Special displays trace the history of the Pittsburgh Courier and provide hands-on activities, using maps and photographs, to help visitors learn about Underground Railroad sites and strategies for the journey to freedom.
On exhibit through November 11, 2007 (Veteran's Day), "Soul Soldiers: African Americans and the Vietnam Era" is billed as "an experience that will stir your soul." This incredibly moving exhibit has gathered for display soldiers' letters, photographs, uniforms and memorabilia, all presented in the context of the popular culture of the era with soul, jazz, rock and gospel music incorporated into the exhibit. The "Soul Soldiers" exhibit, created by the History Center, will travel to museums across the country once it closes in Pittsburgh, and is tentatively scheduled for the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, the African American Museum in Philadelphia and the Missouri Historical Society in St. Louis.
A Heinz 57 exhibit, on permanent display, is a fascinating tour of the history of the company, started in 1869 by German immigrants. On display, in a winding path over 3000 square feet of space, are different bottles as they've changed shape over the years, packaging displays of its products as they are sold in over 200 countries, historic photographs of factory women getting their weekly manicure and hundreds of artifacts that trace the history of one of America's oldest companies. A guest book invites visitors to record their memories. A mini theater plays a 22 minute loop of television commercials from 20 countries including a showcase of TV spots from the US which ran from the 1950s to the 1990s. In another gallery, overhead, the famous spot, with the soundtrack "Anticipation," plays non-stop.
A Special Collections gallery, located on the 4th floor of the Smithsonian wing of the History Center, displays thousands of everyday objects, organized by ethnic group, dating back to the 1700s, such as vintage clothing; a traditional Serbian costume; Italian bagpipes; a 1941 Cadillac hearse from the Gaines Funeral Home, one of the oldest continuous African American businesses in the region; puppets from Czechoslovakia and other items associated with diverse communities including African American, Germanic, Irish, Carpatho-Russian, Italian, Jewish, Polish, Serbian and Slovak among others.
A visitor's handout, "Croatioans in Western Pennyslvaia," published by the History Center, describes the settlement of this group beginning in the 1880s when Croats from Croatia and Boznia-Herzegovina arrived, swelling to 13,000 by 1901. A fraternal society that was established at the time, the nationwide Croatian Fraternal Union, is still headquartered in Pittsburgh.
(In related reading, a recent book, "Slovak Pittsburgh," by Lisa A. Alzo, from Arcadia publishing, traces their history in Pittsburgh, where this group makes up 4.5 percent of the city and is the area in the world with the highest concentration of people of Slovak heritage outside of Slovakia.)
A 1932 photo of "Croatian Day" at Kennywood Amusement Park is pictured in the History Center informational flyer, and that tradition, in fact, continues to this day. Kennywood Park, which was founded in 1898, started its tradition of Nationality Days nearly a century ago. Groups have celebrated their ethnic heritage at the park with food, music and entertainment since 1917 when Croatian Day was inaugurated. Since then the following "Days" have been created: Byzantine, Carpatho-Russian, Greek, Hungarian, Italian, Jewish Community, Polish, Serbian, Slovak, Slovene, Irish and Scottish. This year's Italian Day, its 75th anniversary, was co-presented by the Italian Sons and Daughters of America (ISDA), and featured Sicilian carts, a gondola in the parade, a Frank Sinatra impersonator, fireworks plus provisions for 800 special needs children. Why are these Nationality Days important to the communities? "It's an innate trait of Americans of Italian origin to be very family oriented and celebrate our heritage and culture," said Ralph Hartford, National President of the Order Italian Sons & Daughters of America in a statement.
The Pittsburgh Pirates also have Nationality and Heritage days focusing on African American, Latino, Italian, German, Polish, Greek, Irish and Slovak communities. Nationality Days are promoted with a special package, available to anyone, and includes a discounted ticket and a ballcap with the nationality flag of that country. "We brand out the whole day," said Mike Thompson, manager of group ticket sales, in a recent interview. At PNC Park, balloon arches and the in-game entertainment have elements of that theme with an ethnic band performance. "The jukebox selection would be, for example, opera on Italian Day, a polka selection for Polish Day," said Thompson, with the actual song selected by crowd approval, he noted. "We ask our food provider to create a dish specific to that country, so we'll have pierogis (or) corn beef and potatoes," he said.
During the annual African American Heritage weekends, in August, a full weekend of activities starts with a luncheon on Friday with a guest speaker. This year's speaker was Major League Baseball Hall of Famer Joe Morgan, ESPN commentator and former baseball player with the Reds. An honorary first pitch, with a member or relative of a player from the Negro League teams, a promotional tie in item, (which this year was a figurine replica statue of Josh Gibson,) and a Saturday street festival are also features of these weekends. The weekend is promoted to the public via the Major League email system and press releases to the local press including the African American press, notably the Pittsburgh Courier, said Thompson.
On permanent display at the Park is the interactive Highmark Legacy Square featuring life size bronze statues of former Negro League players, each with a touch screen kiosk to allow fans to learn about the history, honors and statistics of the player.
Joe Morgan is the narrator for a film, "Building a Legacy: Pittsburgh and the Negro Leagues," a 12 minute film which plays in the 25 seat Highmark Legacy Square Theater. Covering the history of the Pittsburgh Crawfords and the Homestead Grays, the film is included on the Highmark Legacy Square tours offered as part of PNC Park tours. Also in the theater, a talking timeline with recollections by fans who attended games played in the Negro Leagues. "PNC Park is the only ballpark that has a Negro League Museum, Highmark Legacy Square, housed inside the ballpark," noted Winifred V. Torbert, Director of Community Development in an interview at the park.
The city is most proud of its forthcoming 80,000 sq. foot August Wilson Center for African American Culture, opening in December 2008, which will offer visual and performing arts and educational programs to enhance knowledge and appreciation of the contribution of people of African descent to Western Pennsylvania, the country and the world. Named for the Pittsburgh native and Pulitzer Prize winning playwright, the August Wilson Center for African American Culture, will "present, preserve and interpret art, culture and history." A temporary home, on 9th St., has already presented art exhibits and programs since 2002 when the center was incorporated as a non profit organization featuring Spike Lee CeCe Winans, Alvin Ailey American Dance theater and Sweet Honey in the Rock. For more information visit www.augustwilsoncenter.org.
Want to learn more about the history of the cultural groups that give
Pittsburgh its vibrancy? Nationality Rooms, designated as Pittsburgh Historic
Landmarks at the University of Pittsburgh are "Classrooms that Teach."
Gifted to the University by the city's ethnic communities, future nationality
rooms (Danish, Finnish, Latin American, Philippine, Swiss, Thai, Turkish and
Welsh) will join the existing African Heritage, Armenian, Austrian, Chinese,
Czechoslovak, English, French, German, Greek, Hungarian, Indian, Irish, Israel
Heritage, Italian, Japanese, Lithuanian, Norwegian, Polish, Romanian, Russian,
Scottish, Swedish, Syria-Lebanese, Ukrainian, Yugoslav and Early American.
Can't make it over there during your jam-packed visit? Take an audio tour at
www.pitt.edu/~natrooms.
A Pittsburgh Neighborhood Tours web site, www.pittsburghneighborhoodtours.com, features self-guided, themed tours that "provide a real feel for the unique blend of cultures in our great neighborhoods," said Tinsy Lipchak, executive director of Tourism and Cultural Heritage for the Greater Pittsburgh Convention & Visitors Bureau (GPCVB).
For more information contact Kristin Mitchell of VisitPittsburgh at 412-281-0482, x2550 or visit www.visitpittsburgh.com.
about us | products & services | multicultural experts
multicultural calendar | career opportunities | contact us
© Multicultural Marketing Resources, Inc., 2006
