Jetsettersblog

Grand Prix Debuts New Ski Qualification

PARK CITY, Utah - For more than a decade, the Chevrolet U.S. Snowboarding Grand Prix series has been a leader in snowboarding progression. Now in its 12th year, the series debuts a new qualification process in order to accommodate the outstanding growth and the depth of U.S. talent, Grand Prix Tour Director Eric Webster announced.

New for 2008: U.S. rider entries for all three Chevrolet Grand Prix events - Breckenridge, CO, Tamarack, ID, and Killington, VT - will shift to a qualification system based on results from the previous season. Registration for international riders will remain open for all contests. A full list of qualification criteria is available at

www.ussnowboarding.com/grandprix ..“Moving to a qualification process is a testament to how

 

big snowboarding has become in the U.S,” said Webster. “There are so many talented riders out there right now that the Chevrolet Grand Prix simply cannot accommodate the large field sizes in the existing format. That’s why U.S. Snowboarding created the Chevrolet Revolution Tour two years ago. It provides a

 

pipeline for up-and-coming riders advancing through the ranks and on to the next level, the Grand Prix.

 

Additional national events that qualify riders for the Chevrolet U.S. Snowboarding Grand Prix include the Vans Cup, US Open and USASA Open Division Nationals.

“This is the next step we need to take to continue providing the highest quality event possible to allow riders to excel.”

For the past two winters and continuing into the 2008 season, the Grand Prix will align with the Ticket To Ride World Snowboard Tour (TTR) as Killington hosts the second to last TTR event of the season. At the conclusion of the season, the TTR awards male and female champions based on athlete point totals from freestyle events held across the globe.

“The Grand Prix continues to progress snowboarding because all the top riders are there. So, everyone pushes it that much more and new tricks are learned at every event,” said U.S. Snowboarding

 Pro rider Scotty Lago. “Plus there’s mad prize money for the riders and the pipes are always in the best shape.”

 

Complete details on the 2008 Chevrolet U.S. Snowboarding Grand Prix tour, including detailed criteria on the entry process and a list of pre-qualified riders, can be found at http://www.ussnowboarding.com/grandprix  

2008 CHEVROLET U.S. SNOWBOARDING GRAND PRIX SCHEDULE

Dec. 14-15, 2007 - Breckenridge Resort, CO

Friday, Dec. 14 - Halfpipe qualifiers

Saturday, Dec. 15 - Halfpipe finals and the Paul Mitchell Progression Session downtown exhibition

Feb. 9-10, 2008 - Tamarack Resort, ID

Friday, Feb. 8 - Halfpipe qualifiers

Saturday, Feb. 9 - Halfpipe finals

Sunday, Feb. 10 - Snowboardcross qualifier and finals

March 15-16, 2008 - Killington Resort, VT

Saturday, March 15 - Halfpipe qualifiers and night finals with concert

Sunday, March 16 - Paul Mitchell Progression Session, a slopestyle event

Dubai - Retail & Tourism Booming

Dubai is called a shopper’s paradise and the events it hosts annually support it. This year’s DSS attracted 30-40% more tourists than 2006 and consequently, turned out to be a money-spinning festival for retailers.

NEW DELHI, INDIA, September 26, 2007 - According to a latest market research report “Middle East Retail Sector Analysis (2007-2010)” by RNCOS, with huge number of shopping centers, retail units, and malls cropping up all over the city, Dubai could possibly be on its way to enlist itself among the most densely shopped cities of the world. This aggressive retail activity in the city is expected to account for around 50% of its GDP by 2009.

Also, the report has identified tourism an instrumental parameter in deciding the retail sales of the city. The city generated around 35% of retail sales from tourism industry in 2006 and it is expected to touch 50% by 2010. The research report discusses the other factors too affecting the retail industry in the Middle East region in both positive and negative ways.

As per the report, Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) plays a vital role in the retail tourism sector of Dubai. In 2005, this event alone attracted around 50% of the total tourists.

font size=”3”>2007 commemorated the tenth edition of DSS (from June 21 to August 31) and as predicted, attracted more trippers than ever before.

DSS 2007 witnessed an anticipated 30-40% rise in both sales and footfall over the previous edition because of increased influx of tourists and residents. This sharp growth is generally ascribed to the DSS-related attractions and promotions offered in abundance by airlines, hospitality, travel and tourism, and retail sectors to visitors.

Apart from the annual events, emerging markets are also increasing the tourist influx to Dubai. Large number of inbound tourists from regions such as Far East flocked to the city all through 2006. In the first six months of 2006, hotel guests from Far East in Dubai crossed 152,000 and in the later half of the year, the number surpassed 177,000.

Experts say that consumer spending during the DSS 2007 has dwarfed the previous figures and exceeded AED 3 Billion, translating into high revenue generation for retailers. In 2006, around one million square meter of retail space in Dubai, with over 50% (around AED 1.3 Billion) of cumulative consumer spending, took away the major pie of DSS 2006 expenditure.

As the retail space in expanding in Dubai at an outstanding pace, retailers in the city, as per the RNCOS report, alone have to record sales worth over US$ 7.5 Billion by 2009 to maintain this enormous increment in shopping space and retail activities.

About RNCOS:

RNCOS, incorporated in the year 2002, is an industry research firm. It has a team of industry experts who analyze data collected from credible sources. They provide industry insights and analysis that helps corporations to take timely and accurate business decision in today’s globally competitive environment.

Marco Island Marriott Beach Resort Wedding Package

To commemorate the upcoming once-in-a-lifetime date, Marco Island Marriott Beach Resort entices lovebirds to say “I do” beachside with the 08/08/08 wedding package.

MARCO ISLAND, FL, September 26, 2007 - The number eight is known as a symbol of eternity, with its never ending, ongoing loops. In Chinese culture, eight is considered an exceptionally lucky number, the equivalent of American’s lucky seven.* To commemorate the upcoming once-in-a-lifetime date, Marco Island Marriott Beach Resort entices lovebirds to say “I do” beachside with the 08/08/08 wedding package.

The three-night weekend package at this famed Marco Island hotel comes complete with never-ending activities and pampering for the bride and groom before, during and after their big day. To coincide with the special date (which falls on a Friday, a prime wedding pick) and numerical significance, the luxurious package is priced at $80,008.08.**

The ultimate destination wedding package includes a whirlwind of events throughout the newlywed’s stay, starting with their arrival Thursday, the day prior to the nuptials. The happy couple will be flown and driven in style with first-class airfare (from anywhere in the continental USA) and transported via limousine to the resort while enjoying Dom Perignon and chocolate-covered strawberries. The duo will feel like royalty as they enjoy the sprawling, 1,800-square-foot Gulf-front presidential suite, boasting a romantic four-poster bed, dual showers and Jacuzzi sleigh tub. The future Mr. and Mrs. can relax in monogrammed bath robes and slippers sporting the bride-to-be’s new initials, of course, on their expansive terrace overlooking the Gulf of Mexico and Marco Island’s three-mile crescent beach. Then it’s off to a customized welcome reception for wedding guests. After receiving special “Message in the Bottle” invitations, containing sand from Marco Island’s white sand beach, friends and family will attend either a sunset hors d’oeuvres cruise or a traditional beach luau.

During the 08/08/08 wedding weekend, the ladies of the wedding party will receive a day of pampering at the Spa at Marco Island including manicures, pedicures, facials, hair styling and make-up consultations. Meanwhile, the groomsmen will embark on a wave runner tour of the Florida Everglades or hit the links on The Rookery at Marco, the resort’s private 18-hole Audubon-endorsed Marco Island golf course.

After spending the day apart, both parties will reconvene for a sunset beach wedding ceremony, which will take place under Marco Island’s signature Polynesian chickee huts. An officiant will perform the ceremony while a world-class photographer snaps images of the betrothed couple reciting their vows. Following the ceremony, all guests will enjoy a white-gloved, butler-style cocktail reception on the resort’s Sunset Terrace.

The five-figure package boasts an elaborate wedding reception for up to 175 guests consisting of a four-hour premium open bar, Dom Perignon champagne toast, custom-made floral centerpieces and live music. All party-goers will feast on the ultimate surf-and-turf combination of filet mignon and Courvoisier-marinated Maine lobster while Chef Yves Favier indulges everyone’s sweet tooth with a decadent wedding cake. And if the bride and groom didn’t get a chance to sample all the gourmet dishes served at their reception, the chef will prepare a meal of their choice delivered to the bridal suite, where strewn rose petals will be awaiting the happy couple’s return.

As the perfect start to their new life together, the Marco Island Beach Resort will host an after-wedding brunch the following day complete with mimosas and bellinis for loved ones to toast the newlyweds. After the morning festivities, the newly-married pair can enjoy a relaxing 75-minute couples’ massage and unwind at a private poolside cabana or chickee hut on the beach. To top off their first quiet evening alone as man and wife, couples will enjoy dinner at the resort’s signature Kurrents restaurant. The following morning, the newlyweds can reminisce about their special day in paradise over breakfast at Tropiks Marco Island restaurant before being whisked away by limousine to the airport.

To book the over-the-top 08/08/08 Wedding package, please contact the resort’s wedding specialist James Davison at (239) 642-2659. For those with a more intimate wedding guest list, the resort can tailor this package/price based on the number of guests attending.+

About Marco Island Marriott Golf and Beach Resort

Nestled on three miles of pristine southwest Florida white sand beaches, Marco Island Marriott Beach Resort is the perfect island within an island escape. Caressed by tropical breezes and inspired by a Balinese sense of harmony, balance and hospitality, this is simply, paradise found. From the magnificent new Quinn’s Pool, surrounded by lush landscaping and outdoor dining and meeting spaces, to our elegant spa, private resort Rookery Golf Course, and our luxurious rooms and lanai Naples hotel suites that overlook the dazzling Gulf of Mexico, the Naples, Florida spa resort is the sanctuary for relaxation, rejuvenation, discovery and play. Our attentive concierge service, choice of shopping and Marco Island restaurants and recreational activities make Marco Island Marriott Beach Resort the choice for unforgettable family vacations and memorable business meetings. For more information, call (800) 438-4373, or visit this link.

Hilton Head to hosts Amateur Golf Tour

HILTON HEAD, S.C. — The island of Hilton Head will host its largest golf tournament ever when the Amateur Golf Tour conducts its 2007 National Championship in late October.

A field of approximately 600 golfers from across the country will converge on the island Oct. 27-28 for the tour’s national finals. The championship will be contested on a half dozen courses, including three at Palmetto Dunes Resort and two at Port Royal Plantation. The sixth course is Oyster Reef Golf Club.

This marks the second straight year the AGT has hosted its national championship on Hilton Head Island. Last year’s event drew just under 500 golfers and encompassed five courses. The overall champion was Joe Jaspers of Charlotte, N.C., who fired a course-record 67 on the Robert Trent Jones course at Palmetto Dunes in the final round.

“We expect another competitive tournament throughout all five flights. Guys are grinding these last weeks of the season to earn enough points to qualify for the National Championship,” said tour president Dennis McCormac. “The players who came last year really enjoyed Hilton Head Island. In addition to world-class golf, it offers great beaches, restaurants and activities.”

The record number of participants will be gunning for a total purse of at least $15,000 in gift certificates in the 36-hole stroke play championship. In addition to the Saturday and Sunday rounds, golfers have the opportunity to arrive early for practice rounds from Oct. 22-26.

“This is a big event. Not just for our tour members, but also their families,” McCormac said. “Guys are bringing their wives and children. It’s evolved into a family event over the last decade, with the number of spectators increasing as well.”

New this year is a Friday welcome reception for participants and their families at the new clubhouse at Port Royal Plantation. Tour sponsor Perks & Pats is hosting the reception and will award a free golf vacation to any AGT golfer who makes a hole-in-one during the championship.

“We’ve given away about a dozen so far this year,” said Perks & Pats owner Charles Daniels. “They get two nights in a major hotel, two rounds of golf, and tickets to local attractions at more than 70 cities throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico.”

For information on the Amateur Golf Tour’s 2007 National Championship, visit www.amateurgolftour.net or call (704) 844-8264.

Big Ten/Pac-10 Challenge at Chambers Bay

UNIVERSITY PLACE, Wash. — The 2007 Big Ten/Pac-10 Challenge, one of the premier men’s collegiate golf tournaments, will make its fourth run Oct. 21 and 22 at the newly opened Chambers Bay golf course in western Washington.

The fall Challenge will pit four teams from the Big Ten Conference - Northwestern, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Michigan State - against four from the Pac-10 Conference - Washington, Oregon, UCLA and Oregon State. Northwestern and Washington will serve as co-hosts.

Individual, team and conference winners will be crowned.

The Big Ten/Pac-10 Challenge is the brainchild of Northwestern University, the University of Oregon and KemperSports, a Northbrook, Ill.-based golf management and development company. The trio joined forces in 2004 to create a tournament showcasing the talents of teams and players from both conferences on a rotation of prestigious golf venues. The inaugural event took place in 2004 at the internationally acclaimed Bandon Dunes in Oregon, then moved to The Glen Club, a heralded Tom Fazio design on Chicago’s North Shore, in 2005. The Big Ten/Pac-10 Challenge headed back to Oregon’s southern coast in 2006 for play at the world-renowned Pacific Dunes, the reigning No. 1 on GOLF Magazine’s “Top 100 Courses You Can Play.”

“We could not be more excited to take this tournament to Chambers Bay,” said Northwestern University men’s head golf coach Pat Goss on behalf of the Big Ten and Pac-10 golf coaches. “There is not a college tournament in the country that has been played at such revered venues. We look forward to testing our squads on Chambers Bay’s links-style layout next month.”

“We’re proud that Chambers Bay will be the latest addition to a distinguished list of golf courses on which this tournament has been contested,” added KemperSports President Josh Lesnik.

Situated just outside of Tacoma and less than an hour south of Seattle, Chambers Bay is destined to be one of the most unique recreational opportunities on the West Coast, offering panoramic views of Puget Sound, neighboring islands and the Olympic Mountains.

Designed by Robert Trent Jones II, LLC, the 18-hole links course is highlighted by dramatic elevation changes, windswept dunes and native grasses. Chambers Bay, owned and developed by Pierce County, Wash., opened in June.

“We are very excited to have the Big Ten/Pac-10 Challenge in our own backyard,” said Washington golf coach Matt Thurmond. “At Washington, we love to host great collegiate golf events, and being a part of this conference showcase at such a unique venue like Chambers Bay is a thrill for us. My team and community are really looking forward to the event.”

At last year’s Big Ten/Pac-10 Challenge, which was held at Pacific Dunes, UCLA held off USC for a five-stroke victory. USC’s Jamie Lovemark fired a 4-under 67 (three strokes off the course record held by PGA golfer Scott Simpson) and won the event by eight strokes.

Minnesota (2004) and Northwestern (2005) won the first two Big Ten/ Pac-10 Challenge team titles.

The trophy showcasing each year’s winners is permanently housed in the clubhouse of Bandon Dunes Golf Resort.

The newly launched Big Ten Network will provide tournament coverage and air a recap show on a tape-delayed basis (time and date TBA).

For more information, visit www.NUsports.com  www.gohuskies.com  www.bigtennetwork.com or www.chambersbaygolf.com

About KemperSports

Northbrook, Ill.-based KemperSports operates golf facilities as well as athletic clubs, lodging venues and major sporting events, including nationally ranked courses and tournament venues such as Bandon Dunes Golf Resort, Dorado Beach Resort & Club, The Glen Club, Gillette Ridge, Harding Park, Chambers Bay and Desert Willow Golf Resort. Affiliate KemperSports Marketing & Communications, a sports marketing, events and public relations agency, has produced and managed major national and international events and communications programs, including the EA SPORTS Maui Invitational college basketball tournament and numerous PGA TOUR events. For more information, visit http://www.kempersports.com

Metedeconk National hosts Robert Trent Jones Invitational

Metedeconk National Golf Club will host the 19th Annual Robert Trent Jones Invitational to benefit the GCSA of New Jersey Foundation and The Environmental Institute for Golf Oct. 29.

The event brings together superintendents and representatives from golf courses along the East Coast to raise funds for environmental programs, including scholarships, turf research programs and education initiatives. This event also serves to recognize the critical role played by superintendents in developing the vision of the golf course architect and ensuring the integrity of that vision.

“This event would never have come to be if it were not for the vision of Richard Sambol, founder of Metedeconk, and his son Herb, who recognized the genius of Robert Trent Jones, Sr., and the interpretation of that genius by Roger Rulewich,” said GCSAA Past President Stephen Cadenelli, CGCS. “Their decision to recognize the significant impact by the golf course superintendent in developing the vision of the course architect resulted in this superb event.”

For more on the tournament, contact Shaun Barry, foundation president.

The GCSA of New Jersey Foundation raises funds to support education and professional development for its members to become better stewards of the environment. In addition, its mission is to support charities with the purpose of helping children in need. For more information, visit www.gcsanj.org

Sounds, and Tastes of Vancouver Island’s Saanich Peninsula

Unique Rewards guests at Abigail’s Hotel in British Columbia are awarded a private and personally guided tour of the Saanich Peninsula where they visit areas known only to locals. The tour begins with a scenic ocean drive along the coast through heritage neighborhoods and executive mansions. The drive then takes a turn through lush forests and climbs so guests can view the city of Victoria from atop Mt. Douglas. During lunch at a seaside restaurant, guests can sample fresh local seafood and walk along the beach. After lunch, participants visit Mattick’s Farm and have time to browse the quaint shops or grab some ice cream. The tour continues through rich farmland to the quaint seaside town of Sidney where guests can stroll along the sea walk, browse the many new and used bookstores and boutiques, or simply sit along the ocean and watch the boats sail past. Reservations can be made by contacting, 800-561-6565 or innkeeper@abigailshotel.com

For information on these and more Unique Rewards experiences from Unique Inns, visit www.uniqueinns.com

About Unique Inns. Unique Inns was established in the early 1980s as one of North America’s first bed and breakfast innkeeping organizations. The non-profit fraternal organization offers a wide range of distinct lodging options at nearly 40 member inns located in British Columbia, Washington, Oregon and California. Each inn operates in the upscale or luxury segment of the industry and features one-of-a-kind locations, style and guest experiences. For more information on the Unique Inns organization and its member inns, visit www.uniqueinns.com  

Innkeeping 101 at Old Monterey Inn

At California’s Old Monterey Inn, guests can turn the tables on their stay by learning what goes on behind the scenes of a bed and breakfast. Innkeeper wannabes, or those who are just curious, get first-hand experience into a lifestyle many covet, but few truly understand. Participants spend eventful days observing and obtaining first-hand insights as Innkeeper Patti Valletta shares her vast experience. Serious participants can get priceless experience to help decide if innkeeping is a lifestyle meant for them.

To make reservations, call 800-350-2344 or e-mail omi@oldmontereyinn.com

Art Frame Casa Laguna Experience

Unique Rewards guests at Casa Laguna in Laguna Beach, Calif., choose their favorite art experience. A professional “Sand Sculptor” escorts guests to Victoria Beach where the sculptor guides participants through the creation of a competition-level sand castle. The experience includes digital photographs to document the event and a picnic basket lunch. For a more permanent art experience, Casa Laguna guests can meet with a renowned Plein Air Artist (landscape artist) on their first day and scout prospective landscapes around Laguna Beach. Guests select one of the beautiful sights that they wish to have painted. At departure, guests are presented with their commissioned painting.

A three-night minimum stay is required. To book either of these Unique Rewards packages, e-mail innkeeper@casalaguna.com  or call 800-233-0449.

San Juan Islands Tour in Washington

At the Willows Inn on Lummi Island, Unique Rewards guests board a hard-bottom inflatable watercraft and tour the real San Juan Islands with inn proprietors, Riley and Judy. Lummi Island is located in the northwest corner of Bellingham, Wash., and just minutes away from any of the San Juan Islands. Tours can be customized according to guest preferences. Guests can relax in the warm sand on an unspoiled island, which serves as a marine reserve, while enjoying an organic gourmet lunch, complete with fine wine. The tour includes a visit to the famed reefnet gears for a hands-on look at this ancient salmon fishery.

This package is available June 1 through September 1 and requires a two-night stay. For more information call 888-294-2620 or e-mail innkeeper@willows-inn.com