Jetsettersblog

The inaugural London Restaurant Festival will run from 8 to 13 October.

It will be a citywide celebration of eating out in the capital and will highlight the fact that food, warmth, conversation, nurturing and sociability are as vital to a city as its transport system, education or health service.

Planned events include Gourmet Odysseys on London buses travelling different routes from course to course, a Vietnamese street food festival and a Dragon’s Den open pitch where would-be restaurateurs try to interest industry tycoons in their business ideas.

There are plans for a University Challenge-style quiz with top London chefs competing against New York chefs, a food film festival (‘Eat Film’) that will feature restaurants picked to match film plots and Festival Menus in every kind of restaurant.

The Festival will open with a launch party co-hosted by Vanity Fair magazine at Quaglino’s on 7 October, and end with the London Restaurant Festival Awards at a gala evening on 13 October with food prepared by a team of London’s most inspiring chefs.
Boris Johnson, Mayor of London, says: ‘London’s restaurant scene is world-class, with a massive 6,000 eateries.

The sheer scale and diversity of the capital’s gastronomic delights is testament to the vibrancy of our city and the many communities living and eating here.

Their importance to the capital’s economy cannot be underestimated as they provide a tasty enticement for people who visit, work and live in our city. So it is timely that this exciting new festival has been launched to celebrate all that is best about London’s restaurants.’ 

London Restaurant Festival 8–13 October
Website: www.londonrestaurantfestival.com

Visitors can be Super Man or Wonder Woman for a day at Comic-Con International, July 23 – 26, at the San Diego Convention Center. Comic-Con has become a signature summertime event for San Diego; it is the largest comics and pop culture event in the United States, attracting thousands of artists, celebrities and fans of comic books, movie memorabilia and all things related to pop culture. For more information, call 619-491-2475, or visit www.comic-con.org .

San Diego’s culinary community joins forces during September 13 – 18 for San Diego Restaurant Week. More than a hundred of the region’s top restaurants offer prix-fixe, three-course dinner menus at just $20, $30 or $40 per person, so visitors can sample the signature cuisine and sophisticated style that make San Diego’s dining scene one of the region’s top attractions.

For more information, call 858-523-9020, or visit www.sandiegorestaurantweek.com .

The “turf meets the surf” at the Del Mar Racetrack where home racing fans flock each summer to wager on their favorite horses during the popular, annual Del Mar Thoroughbred Club racing season, July 22 – September 9.

The races run six days weekly, except Tuesday. Every Friday, guests can catch 4 O’Clock Fridays, a free headliner concert following the day’s last race.

On September 6, the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club’s Grade 1 Pacific Classic treats guests to a prestigious event with a race between the nation’s top thoroughbreds and $1 million purse. For more information, call 858-755-1141, or visit www.dmtc.com

MAJOR ATTRACTIONS

In April 2009, the San Diego Zoo’s Wild Animal Park opened Flightline, a new zip-line adventure that transports guests more than 400 feet across the park at speeds up to 60 mph.

The 1.5-hour experience begins at the top of a mountain in Nairobi Village and features a brief training lesson, behind-the-scenes narration and an aerial adventure that soars across the Asian and African field exhibits, and ends at Kilima Point. Participants must be 10 years of age or older and weigh between 75 and 200 pounds; the cost is $70 in addition to regular park admission.

For more information, call 619-231-1515, or visit www.sandiegozoo.org/wap

On May 23, 2009, the San Diego Zoo unveiled a journey through time with the opening of its newest exhibit, The Harry and Grace Steele Elephant Odyssey. Highlighting animals of the past, present and future, the $44 million, seven-acre habitat features Asian elephants, a California condor, sloths, snakes and rodents, as well as life-sized replicas of animal species that dotted the Southern California landscape more than 10,000 years ago.

A herd of eight elephants roam a 2.5-acre exhibit that includes a 120,000-gallon pool, gentle rolling hills and the Conrad Prebys Elephant Management Facility, where visitors can see keepers and veterinarians at work with the animals.

Additional highlights of Elephant Odyssey include a tar pit replication, fossil dig, children’s play area and much more. For more information, call 619-231-1515, or visit www.sandiegozoo.org

On May 29, 2009, SEA LIFE Aquarium in Carlsbad launched a new exhibit, Sharks Revealed.

The new display will replace the Kelp Forrest exhibit and provide an up-close look at the evolution, development and lifestyles of sharks, including how they eat, breathe and sleep. Several unique shark species will roam through the exhibit like the brown banded bamboo shark, white spotted bamboo shark and coral catshark.

Sharks Revealed will also showcase a number of educational displays and interactive opportunities for guests.

For more information, call 760-918-5346, or visit www.sealifeus.com

NEW HOTEL DEVELOPMENTS

In August 2009, Hotel Indigo San Diego, a new alternative to traditional hotels, will open in the East Village neighborhood of downtown San Diego.

Catering to the style-conscious traveler, the hotel will offer personalized service, affordable luxury and intelligent design to create a one-of-a-kind, welcoming environment.

The 12-story, 210-room property will feature open spaces, bold colors, unique textures, natural imagery and spa-inspired touches throughout the property.

In addition, public spaces and guestrooms will undergo seasonal transformations so that aromas, music, artwork, murals and more correlate to match the four seasons.

Hotel Indigo San Diego will also offer a bistro-style Golden Bean restaurant and Phi bar, each offering seasonal gourmet fare for breakfast and dinner.

A 24-hour “Phi”tness Studio, rooftop terrace with a reflection pool and fire pits, business center, 6,200-sq. ft. of meeting space and free wireless internet will round out the amenities.

Hotel Indigo will be San Diego’s first LEED-certified hotel, and green building practices will be seen throughout the property, including green roofs on its 9th and 12th floors.

For more information, visit www.hotelindigo.com

HOTEL RENOVATIONS AND NAME CHANGES

Renovations and upgrades to the historic 1906 Lodge in Coronado were completed in May 2009.

The building was originally built in 1906 as a boarding house, and now serves as a charming 17-room hotel.

Six of the hotel’s guest rooms are located in the mail lodge and feature queen beds, period furniture and original leaded glass windows that provide gorgeous views of Coronado.

Eleven of the hotel’s guest rooms are located in newly built bungalows and feature king beds, spa tubs, private entrances and private balconies or porches. Additional upgrades to the building include renovated common areas like the parlor, dining room and veranda.

The 1906 Lodge also boasts meeting space that can accommodate up to 40 guests.

For more information, call 866-435-1906, or visit http://1906lodge.com

The Holiday Inn San Diego on the Bay recently unveiled a complete brand re-launch featuring a new look and feel throughout the 14-story property.

The hotel’s 600 rooms now feature comfortable beds with crisp linens and a selection of pillows that range from soft to firm.

Guestroom bathrooms have been enhanced with superior showerheads, a curved shower rod for a more spacious feel and premium bath products. Enhanced lighting and landscaping designs offer a warm arrival experience, while just inside the lobby, new stylish touches, signature sounds, scents and an efficient guest check-in round out the welcome experience.

For more information, call 619-232-3861, or visit www.hisandiegoonthebay.com

In May 2009, Pala Casino Spa and Resort in San Diego’s North County completed a $100 million expansion, which includes major improvements to the dining and gaming areas and a new parking garage.

Pala Casino’s buffet area was expanded to 20,000-sq. ft. and renamed Choices, providing guests a world-class, interactive dining experience featuring eight live-action cooking stations, seating for more than 625 guests, an area for private parties and great views of the neighboring scenic mountains.

Pala Casino also opened two new restaurants — Amigos, an authentic Mexican eatery with quick-style service, and Sushi Sake, a Japanese restaurant. Within Pala’s casino area, a Poker Room with 15 tables, private cage windows and tableside dining was also added. Additionally, the casino’s private High Limit Area features three redesigned, Feng Shui-inspired rooms.

For more information, call 877-946-7252, or visit www.palacasino.com

Continue reading UPCOMING MAJOR EVENTS in San Diego…

‘Pint Size Pampering’ Becomes Latest Beauty Trend To Hit UK As Pubs Go All Our For ‘Inndulgence’ & Offer Spa Treatments

Michelin Starred standard food * Luxury accommodation from just £65 per night

* Pub Prices * & now Spa Treatments literally good enough to eat

Merchant Inns - an award-winning company with a passion for restoring traditional run-down inns to their former glory and offering sensational Michelin starred-standard food, and stylish bedrooms at sensible prices – are ensuring pubs become even more indulgent, with the launch of their ‘pint size pampering’ concept.

Spa treatment rooms featuring Ella Baché, the deliciously effective professional skincare range from Paris have opened at The Lambert Arms – an award winning pub dating back to Victorian times near Oxford.

One night Spa Breaks at the Lambert
start at just £75 per person, and include:
*Overnight accommodation (based on double occupancy)
*3-course dinner in the award winning restaurant
*Deluxe breakfast
*45minute spa treatment

Spa treatment venues for both properties are extensive and include:

~ Ella Bache Organic Radiance Facial (£50.00)
~ Full Body Hot Stone Massage (£48.00)
~ Thalgo for Men Muscle Manipulator (£40.00)
~ Radiance Eye Treatment (£40.00)

A modern day country inn, which pays homage to the best British traditions with critically acclaimed Michelin-star quality food, and superbly appointed luxury bedrooms featuring home from home bedroom comforts such as comfy duvets, thick and fluffy towels, luxurious toiletries, plasma screen TVs and free Wi-Fi access,

Food is at the heart of the award winning Merchant Inns group, with mouth-watering menus, individual to each pub. All food and menus are overseen by double Michelin starred executive chef Rob Clayton, with head chefs chosen from some of the best restaurants and culinary schools in the country, and managers brought in from the likes of the Ivy and the Fat Duck.

The launch of the Spa Rooms at the Lambert coincides with the recent UK re-launch of Ella Baché - the premium professional skincare range from Paris. Ella Baché, prides itself on offering “skin good enough to eat”, revealing natural beauty through high-performance skincare treatments and products with delicious and nourishing food-based ingredients.

Embracing the traditional country inn experience where you can go for ‘a pint and a chat’, a cup of coffee or for a full meal, Merchant inns succeeds in bringing together the essence of a good, local bar with a restaurant serving simply sensational food. And with the launch of Elle Baché, residents, locals and visitors alike at both the Lambert Arms and Talbot will now also be able to indulge in treatments that are renowned for literally being good enough to eat!

FACTS AND FIGURES

The Lambert Arms… Situated close to junction six of the M40, The Lambert Arms is an original coaching inn, caringly restored and refurbished to an exceptional standard.

Situated at the foot of the Chiltern Hills, an area of outstanding natural beauty, and just 15 minutes from Oxford, this relaxed and friendly inn is wonderfully welcoming with its open fires, comfortable leather sofas and rich warm colours.

Dating back to mid-Victorian times, it succeeds in bringing together the essence of a good, local bar with a restaurant serving simply sensational food. Home to 44 stylish and spacious bedrooms, it also features 2 luxuriously appointed spa treatment rooms and a gym facility.

Tel: 01844 351496 / www.lambertarms.com

LOS ANGELES – It’s never been a better time to visit Los Angeles than now through the end of summer with the unveiling of LA Inc.

The Los Angeles Convention & Visitors Bureau’s new “Top 100 Vacation Deals.”

The sizzling summer offers are available through August 31, 2009.
For a complete listing of hotel offers, visit this  link

Stay in the middle of the action and save up to 40 percent with a Hollywood Getaway at Sportsmen’s Lodge Hotel or Renaissance Hollywood Hotel & Spa.

Choose from online exclusive getaway packages including two nights of accommodations, a seven-day unlimited ticket to enjoy all the new entertainment at Universal Studios Hollywood, complimentary breakfast for two, complimentary parking and roundtrip transportation between your hotel and Universal Studios Hollywood.

Wind down with a midweek or weekend stay at a choice of 16 Westside hotels.

Escape to The Sofitel Los Angeles, where visitors who book a guestroom by July 5, 2009 get their fourth night free, in addition to a sumptuous picnic basket. If performing arts or a studio tour is on your travel itinerary, visit Inter Continental Los Angeles Century City, where guests who stay a minimum of two nights receive breakfast for two, complimentary parking and a tour of Sony Studios or two tickets to Grauman’s Chinese Theater.

Rates start at $269.

In Beverly Hills, The Residence Inn treats travelers to an American Express gift card valued at $50, complimentary AMC movie tickets for two, free WiFi and complimentary breakfast for two starting at $229. At the Holiday Inn Century City, travelers who book two nights obtain the third night free.

For the ultimate ocean-side retreat, take advantage of beachside getaways at Hotel Casa Del Mar with rates starting at $395 per night based on space availability, Le Margot, A JW Marriott Beach Hotel & Spa highlighting two Swedish massages with guestroom rates starting at $459 based on space availability, or Shutters On the Beach which offers a $50 hotel credit and guestroom rates starting at $525 per night based on space availability.

Discover culture in the heart of downtown Los Angeles with Millennium Biltmore Hotel’s “I Love (Downtown LA)! Package for two which highlights a one night stay priced from $179 per night based on space availability, breakfast and tickets to the Museum of Contemporary Art, tickets to the Grammy Museum and vouchers to visit the ESPN Zone.

Other attractive downtown hotel deals include Wilshire Grand Los Angeles’ “Beat the Heat,” whereby the guestroom rate is based on the high temperature of the day of your stay with a $20 room upgrade and 20 percent off hotel dining.

At the Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites, guests relax in a deluxe guestroom, savor a three-course pre-fixe dinner for two at LA Prime Restaurant and obtain complimentary overnight parking.

In addition to these exclusive packages, travelers can obtain up to 50 percent off on LA’s top cultural, dining, entertainment and other top attractions.

Head to Hollywood for a night at the theatre with 35%-50% off theatre tickets to Dirty Dancing at the Pantages Theater, Hollywood. While in the area, enjoy $5 off regular Adult/Child admission to Madame Tussaud’s Hollywood Wax Museum, or treat yourself to a complimentary dessert with the purchase of an entrée when dining at the renowned Geisha House on Hollywood Boulevard.

While in downtown, embark on a larger-than-life feature film adventure with $2 off Adult admission and $1 off Children’s admission to an IMAX movie at the California Science Center IMAX Theater, or enjoy $3 off admission to the Grammy Museum at L.A. Live. Stop for lunch at Zucca Ristorante, an upscale Italian establishment, currently offering a $19 lunch special and $5 parking for guests of the restaurant.

Chill out on the Westside with a complimentary appetizer while dining at Crustacean, one of Beverly Hill’s finest eateries, or experience 2-for-1 general admission to the Skirball Cultural Center.

Soak in the sun at the city’s top seaside eateries with offers including 15% off the total bill at I Cugini’s in Santa Monica, or a complimentary dessert with the purchase of an entrée at Geoffrey’s Malibu.

Take in the sites and sounds of the Santa Monica Pier boardwalk with 15% off an unlimited-ride wristband at the popular weekend beachside destination, Pacific Park.

The Los Angeles Convention and Visitors Bureau is a private, non-profit business association whose primary mission is to market and promote Los Angeles as the premier site for leisure travel, meetings and conventions. Though not part of city Government, LA INC. is recognized as the city’s official tourism marketing organization.

For more information about “Los Angeles Top 100 Vacation Deals,” visit the official visitors information website of Los Angeles at www.discoverLosAngeles.com

It’s official, summer is here! VisitBritain, the national tourist office for England, Scotland and Wales highlights summer events happening around the U.K. Travellers can enjoy a myriad of activities from bog snorkelling to jazz festivals. There’s something for everyone this summer, and to top it off, Britain’s on sale!

VisitBritain and Virgin Atlantic Airways have launched an exclusive partnership to offer trans-Atlantic travelers irresistible value packages for their summer vacation in Britain. Consumers can explore fabulous deals and more at the website www.getmorebritain.com where savvy travelers can take advantage of the strong dollar which makes Britain more affordable than a year ago.

The ‘Get More Britain For Your Buck’ campaign extends now through Fall 2009.

Highlights of festivals and events happening around the UK, include:

ENGLAND

Goodwood Festival of Speed (July 3-5) - A world famous car event for racing aficionados, celebrating everything about car performance in Chichester, West Sussex. www.goodwood.co.uk

Glyndebourne Opera Festival, East Sussex (until August 30) - The country’s most exclusive opera festival. www.glyndebourne.com

The Festival of History (July 25 – 26) - A two-day event taking place on the grounds of 18th-century Kelmarsh Hall in Northamptonshire, celebrates 2,000 years of English history with more than 1,000 costumed interpreters re-enacting historical events. There will be over 50 shows a day during the festival. www.festivalofhistory.org.uk

Glastonberry Music Festival (June 24-28) - Also known as Glasto, is the largest Greenfield music and performing arts festival in the world, famous for its contemporary music, but also dance, comedy, theatre, circus, cabaret and many other arts. Now part of the Cultural Olympiad preceding London 2012, the four-day event takes place in South West England at Worthy Farm, located six miles east of the town of Glastonbury. www.glastonburyfestivals.co.uk

14th Leeds Shakespeare Festival (July – August 2009) - Two of Shakespeare’s most popular plays will be performed in the idyllic setting of Leeds, the only English city outside London with its own repertory theatre, opera house and ballet companies. http://www.visitleeds.co.uk

Manchester Pride (August 21-31) - One of UK’s premier gay event, features a flamboyant celebration of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender life through a series of more than 40 events covering art, film, debate and entertainment, as well as other fantastic parties. www.manchesterpride.com

The Cotswold Show & Country Fair (July 4-5) - Features a full two-day program of action-packed, family fun at Cirencester Park. www.cotswoldshow.co.uk

Henry VIII 500 years celebrations (around Britain, 2009) - Highlights of the calendar include the opening of the Tudor Garden at Hampton Court Palace this month and a jousting tournament at Eltham Palace. Henry’s many women also get a look in August when their portraits will be displayed at a fascinating exhibition hosted at Hampton Court. www.visitlondon.com

LONDON

The British Music Experience at the O2 in London – An exciting, new permanent interactive exhibition dedicated to the history of popular music in Britain. www.britishmusicexperience.com

BBC Proms, London (July 17 – Sept 12) - Represents a massive showcase of live music and performances at the Royal Albert Hall, including a string of 76 concerts with world class orchestral music and solo performances in the heart of London. www.bbc.co.uk/proms/2009

Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre (April 23 – Oct 10) - London’s iconic venue that boasts some of the finest history known to theatre, features performances throughout the summer. www.shakespeares-globe.org

Regents Park Open Air Theatre (May 25 – Sept 12) - Allows you to enjoy exciting new shows while making the most of the weather. www.openairtheatre.org

The National Theatre Goes Outdoors - The area outside the theatre, beside the Thames on London’s South Bank, will be used as a stage for theatre, circus, dance, music and spectacle. www.nationaltheatre.org.uk

SCOTLAND

Homecoming Scotland (throughout 2009) - A year-long celebration filled with events focusing on whisky, golf, and ancestry poet Robert Burns. August highlights include the piping music festival in Glasgow, Piping Live and the iconic Military Tattoo music and military theatre event in Edinburgh. www.homecomingscotland.com

16th Annual Scottish Traditional Boat Festival (July 2-5) - In Portsoy Harbour in Aberdeenshire, celebrates all aspects of Scottish maritime heritage. www.visitscotland.com

The Highland Games (around Scotland, Summer 2009) - A unique mix of sporting, cultural and social events, including field and track events, piping, Highland dancing competitions, and ‘heavy events’ like the tug-o-war, the hammer throw and tossing the caber. One of the largest Highland games in history, The Gathering (July 25-26) will be hosted at famed Edinburgh locations like Holyrood Park, Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle. www.visitscotland.com

Whole in One Golf Exhibition (Rozelle Estate, Ayrshire, June 8-August 31) - Charts the history of open golf, incorporating a wealth of unusual and rarely seen exhibits. Scotland is widely acknowledged as the ‘Home of Golf’ and boasts some of the best, most challenging and most beautiful courses in the world. www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk

Return to the Ridings (June 1 – August - The annual Border Common Ridings are a stunning mounting spectacle packed with heart stirring music. Each participating town has its own distinctive history and ceremony providing a unique Return to the Ridings experience. www.visitscotland.com

T in the Park (July 9 - 12) - Scotland’s biggest outdoor music festival held in Balado, Kinross will feature over 170 artists playing across 11 stages and will welcome 80,000 music fans this year. www.tinthepark.com

WALES

Cardiff International Food & Drink Festival (July 10 – 12) - Highlights food from around Wales, France, Germany and Italy, along professionals demonstrating seasonal recipes. Enjoy the walkabout street and bandstand entertainment as you relax with a drink and world-class cuisine. www.cardiff-festival.com

National Eisteddfod (August 1-8) - The largest and oldest celebration of Welsh culture dating from 1176, invites visitors to meet bards dressed in druidical robes and green-clad elves dancing to trumpeters. www.eisteddfod.org.uk

Brecon Jazz Festival (August 7-9) - A world-famous jazz event, features more than 90 concerts in the picturesque market town of Brecon. www.breconjazz.org

Bryn Terfel Faenol Festival (Faenol Estate, August 28 - 31) - Will host three star-studded concerts with the mountains of Snowdonia as their backdrop.

The World Bog Snorkelling Championship (August 31) - The unusual event held annually in UK’s smallest town - Llanwrtyd Wells in Mid Wales, involves contestants battling through a peat bog using a mask and snorkel. www.worldbogsnork.com

West Australia might be famous for its premium wines but it also has some of the best beers in the world. A WA brewery has stolen the show for the third consecutive year at the International Beer Awards.

The Swan Valley’s Feral Brewing Company won five trophies, including the 2009 Champion Exhibitor and Champion Small Brewery.

Adding to the swag of WA medals was Matso’s Broome Brewery which took out five bronze. www.feralbrewing.com.au  and www.matsosbroomebrewery.com.au

LONDON – InterContinental London Park Lane, situated in the heart of Mayfair, is delighted to announce the opening of the exclusive Late Lounge located in the hotel’s lobby.

Featuring DJ TK, a fixture of London’s late-night scene, the Late Lounge provides what no other five-star London hotel can — a chic and intimate space in which to socialize seven nights a week from 10:30 pm until 3:00 am.

Guests of the Late Lounge may enjoy a glass of bubbly at the Champagne bar or a cocktail from the extensive bar menu. Subtle, sensuous lighting creates a relaxed environment, enhanced by DJ TK’s eclectic and expansive collection of tunes.

InterContinental London Park Lane is located on Number One Park Lane, and boasts 60 elegant “home away from home” suites including four signature suites, the innovative Spa InterContinental, the entertaining and scrumptious Cookbook Café, and award-winning restaurant Theo Randall at the InterContinental. InterContinental London Park Lane remains “In the Know,” providing fabulous and authentic Insider Experiences for its guests.

For additional information and reservations visit www.london.intercontinental.com  or call 1-888-IC HOTELS (888 424 6835).

Eclectic, Nonstop Entertainment to the Suncoast Showroom July 24-26

Las Vegas—The live orchestra, stunning showgirls and five concert grand pianos that make up Lionardo Piano Follies will thrill audiences of all musical tastes when the act performs at the Suncoast Showroom, July 24, 25 and 26.

The 90-minute show, known for making audiences laugh, cry and rise in applause, includes tributes to Jerry Lee Lewis, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Frank Sinatra and George Burns, as portrayed by Danny Ward. Boasting the world’s only 1959 pink Cadillac piano,

Lionardo Piano Follies also pays a hilarious tribute to Louis Armstrong and includes a Dueling Banjos number, with Lionardo playing the piano and trumpet simultaneously. Audiences will delight in the grand finale, which features a mirrored-tuxedo-wearing Lionardo performing George Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue” on a piano bedazzled with mirrors.

A versatile pianist, singer and entertainer, Lionardo (born Ned Leon Mills) first tickled the ivories at age 4.

He went on to entertain audiences on three continents, in more than 20 countries, and has opened for such greats as Bobby McFerrin, Don Rickles, Bonnie Raitt and Sheryl Crow.

Having served as musical conductor for Stars of the Lawrence Welk Show, Shades of Sinatra, the Las Vegas Tenors, The Ink Spots and The Shirelles, Lionardo is as well-known in the industry as he is to his fans.

In 2003, Lionardo had the honor of performing “Rhapsody in Blue” on Liberace’s famous mirrored piano at the Liberace Museum, a memory he recreates in Lionardo Piano Follies.

Lionardo’s talent stretches beyond the live stage, and his film and television credits include appearances on ABC’s Matlock, Lifetime’s Against Her Will: The Carrie Buck Story and the George Lucas film Radioland Murders.

Lionardo was the piano coach for Halle Berry and Eric Thal in Oprah Winfrey’s production of The Wedding, which aired on ABC.

A North Carolina native, Lionardo now resides in Las Vegas and serves as musical director for many corporate events.

He regularly performs in the Suncoast Hit Parade at the Suncoast Showroom and was voted “Most Likely to Exemplify the Spirit of Las Vegas” by the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce.

Tickets are now available at $19.95, plus tax. Showtime is 8 p.m. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Box Office at 702.636.7075 or visiting www.suncoastcasino.com

MAKES PLANNING YOUR VEGAS TRIP EASIER THAN EVER BEFORE WITH EXCLUSIVE OFFERS FOR TRAVELERS

Vegas Attractions Combine Resources, Databases, Marketing Dollars and More,
Maximizing Outreach to Both Consumers and Travel Partners

LAS VEGAS - Cooperation versus competition: that is the new mantra for a group of Las Vegas-based tourist attractions banding together to form Best Vegas Attractions.

For consumers, Best Vegas Attractions helps makes travel decisions easier than ever before with incredible discounted values.

For businesses, the groundbreaking consortium is setting new rules for conducting business in the tourism industry.

Currently included in the group (in alphabetical order):

“BODIES…The Exhibition”: Showing at Luxor Hotel and Casino, this exhibition features actual human specimens and allows people of all ages access to sights and knowledge normally reserved for medical professionals.

Fashion Outlets of Las Vegas: Located 36 miles south of Las Vegas in Primm, Nev., the outlets feature more than 100 stores with up to 75 percent off designer fashions.

Hard Rock Café: This summer, expect Las Vegas’ second Hard Rock Café location. The new café will feature an extensive retail shop, a “LIVE” venue, private function and meeting rooms and a grand cafe restaurant with patio dining and entertainment overlooking the Strip. The (original) Paradise location will keep on “rockin’ away” with Hard Rock Café’s classic dining and retail items.

Las Vegas Monorail: The Las Vegas Monorail is a quick and convenient connection to the Las Vegas Strip, linking riders to the city’s world-class restaurants, shows, shops, clubs, hotels and casinos. In just 15 minutes,

Monorail riders can travel from one end of the Strip to the other in a safe, clean and climate-controlled environment - without the hassles of traffic or wasted time.

The Monorail’s electric, zero-emissions trains arrive every few minutes at each of the seven stations: MGM Grand; Bally’s/Paris Las Vegas; Flamingo/Caesars Palace; Harrah’s/Imperial Palace; Las Vegas Convention Center; Las Vegas Hilton and Sahara.

Madame Tussauds Las Vegas: Located in front of the Venetian Resort Hotel Casino, Madame Tussauds Las Vegas offers guests the unique opportunity to ‘interact’ with incredibly life-like iconic figures from the celebrity worlds of film, TV, music, sports and politics.

Guests can ‘grab hold’ of their favorite stars with our many interactive experiences.

With more than 100 wax figures, guests can take pictures, touch and get up close and personal in a themed setting. The attraction is open 365 days a year starting at 10 a.m.

Papillon Airways, Inc.: Founded in 1965, Papillon Airways, Inc. (French for “butterfly”) and Grand Canyon Airlines/Scenic Airlines since 1929 are the largest “flightseeing” companies in the world, with nearly 70 state-of-the-art helicopters and airplanes, specifically designed to reveal panoramic views beyond imagination.

The Halvorson family recently acquired Kenai Helicopters (now known as Grand Canyon Helicopters), Grand Canyon Airlines, Grand Canyon Coaches and Scenic Airlines. These companies are the only companies that fly the entire Grand Canyon including the South and West rims, in addition to tours of Las Vegas, Page/Lake Powell and Monument Valley.

Tours afford maximum flight time, enabling guests to fully discover Grand Canyon’s great wilderness and scenic attractions.

During busy months, the Halvorson companies fly more than 3,500 passengers daily.

“Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition:

Featuring more than 300 artifacts, as well as breathtaking replicas from the famous ship, the Titanic exhibit truly brings history to life inside Luxor Hotel and Casino.

BUSINESSES BANDING TOGETHER

“We were all going after the same consumers, practically tripping over one another to secure business. We are like-minded businesspeople and had all thought at one point or another, ‘there has to be a better way to do this.’

Ultimately, we realized we are stronger together,” says Robert Graff, vice president of marketing, Papillon Airways, Inc. “This partnership provides us with a platform to implement marketing, advertising, databases and sales strategies in an impactful and cost-effective way, expanding our reach beyond what we could accomplish as individual companies.

Through this consortium, we are targeting customers through wholesale and tour operators, travel agents, airline partners, concierges and many more.”
The group developed rack cards discount and referral booklets, all branded as Best Vegas Attractions.

The referral program officially began in May 2009 and provides cash incentives to concierges and front desk representatives’ and discounts to visitors.

More than 40,000 booklets are being distributed to more than 113 resorts. To incentivize both visitors and tour and travel representatives, the program is designed to save visitors up to $500 and concierge and front desk representatives to receive up to $100 per booklet in cash-back incentives.

CONSUMERS CASH IN ON VALUE

Consumers who patronize participating attractions will save anywhere from 15 to 50 percent off the regular prices.
“We know visitors who come to Las Vegas are searching for value,” concludes Graff.

“Best Vegas Attractions clearly lays out guest options, making it easier than ever to decide what to do while they are in the destination. Top that with incredible savings they will not be able to find anywhere else. We created this group because of the guests and for the guests.
”
ABOUT BEST VEGAS ATTRACTIONS

Best Vegas Attractions (BVA) is a collaborative partnership among several Las Vegas visitor attractions, developed to increase awareness about the organization that will ultimately drive leisure and convention business to participating attractions. BVA’s objective is to provide value-added opportunities for travelers and visitors through special offers and values. By partnering on marketing, public relations and advertising efforts that include strategic branding, Web site production, collateral production and distribution, BVA attractions combine resources on activities at a fraction of the cost, which saves their respective companies time and money.

For more information, go to www.bestvegasattractions.com

VisitBritain, the national tourist office for England, Scotland and Wales, is highlighting summer events happening around the U.K from bog snorkeling to jazz festivals.

The Goodwood Festival of Speed (July 3 to 5) is a car event for racing aficionados, celebrating everything about car performance in Chichester, West Sussex.

For more information, visit www.goodwood.co.uk

Glyndebourne Opera Festival, East Sussex (until Aug. 30), is the country’s most exclusive opera festival.

For more information, visit www.glyndebourne.com

The Festival of History (July 25 to 26) takes place on the grounds of 18th century Kelmarsh Hall in Northamptonshire. It celebrates 2,000 years of English history with more than 1,000 costumed interpreters re-enacting historical events. There will be more than 50 shows a day during the festival.

For more information, visit www.festivalofhistory.org.uk

The 14th Leeds Shakespeare Festival (July and August) features two of Shakespeare’s most popular plays performed in the idyllic setting of Leeds, the only English city outside London with its own repertory theater, opera house and ballet companies.

For more information, visit www.visitleeds.co.uk

Manchester Pride (Aug. 21 to 31) is one of the U.K.’s premier gay events. It features a celebration of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender life through a series of more than 40 events covering art, film, debate and entertainment, as well as other fantastic parties.

For more information, visit www.manchesterpride.com

The Cotswold Show & Country Fair (July 4 and 5) features a full two-day program of family activities at Cirencester Park.

For more information, visit www.cotswoldshow.co.uk

Henry VIII 500 years celebrations (around Britain, 2009) include the opening of the Tudor Garden at Hampton Court Palace this month and a jousting tournament at Eltham Palace. Henry’s many women also get a look in August when their portraits will be displayed at a fascinating exhibition hosted at Hampton Court.

For more information, visit www.visitlondon.com

The BBC Proms, London (July 17 to Sept. 12) represents a massive showcase of live music and performances at the Royal Albert Hall, including a string of 76 concerts with world class orchestral music and solo performances in the heart of London.

For more information, visit www.bbc.co.uk/proms/2009

The National Theatre Goes Outdoors, as the area outside the theater, beside the Thames on London’s South Bank, will be used as a stage for theater, circus, dance, music and spectacle.

For more information, visit www.nationaltheatre.org.uk

Homecoming Scotland is a year-long celebration filled with events focusing on whisky, golf and ancestry poet Robert Burns. August highlights include the piping music festival in Glasgow, Piping Live and the iconic Military Tattoo music and military theatre event in Edinburgh.

For more information, visit www.homecomingscotland.com

The 16th Annual Scottish Traditional Boat Festival (July 2 to 5), in Portsoy Harbour in Aberdeenshire, celebrates all aspects of Scottish maritime heritage.

For more information, visit www.visitscotland.com

The Highland Games (around Scotland, Summer 2009) is a mix of sporting, cultural and social events, including field and track events, piping, Highland dancing competitions, and “heavy events” like the tug-o-war, the hammer throw and tossing the caber. One of the largest Highland games in history, The Gathering (July 25 and 26) will be hosted at famed Edinburgh locations like Holyrood Park, Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle.

For more information, visit www.visitscotland.com

The Whole in One Golf Exhibition (Rozelle Estate, Ayrshire, to Aug 31) charts the history of open golf, incorporating a wealth of unusual and rarely seen exhibits. Scotland is widely acknowledged as the “Home of Golf” and boasts some of the best, most challenging and most beautiful courses in the world.

For more information, visit www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk

The Return to the Ridings (June 1 to Aug. is the annual Border Common Ridings, a mounting spectacle packed with music. Each participating town has its own distinctive history and ceremony providing a unique Return to the Ridings experience.

For more information, visit www.visitscotland.com

T in the Park (July 9 to 12) is Scotland’s biggest outdoor music festival held in Balado, Kinross, and will feature over 170 artists playing across 11 stages and will welcome 80,000 music fans this year.

For more information, visit www.tinthepark.com

In Wales, the Cardiff International Food & Drink Festival (July 10 to 12) highlights food from around Wales, France, Germany and Italy, along with professionals demonstrating seasonal recipes.

For more information, visit www.cardiff-festival.com

The National Eisteddfod (Aug. 1 to is the largest and oldest celebration of Welsh culture. It dates from 1176 and invites visitors to meet bards dressed in druidical robes and green-clad elves dancing to trumpeters.

For more information, visit www.eisteddfod.org.uk

The Brecon Jazz Festival (Aug. 7 to 9) features more than 90 concerts in the picturesque market town of Brecon.

For more information, visit www.breconjazz.org

The Bryn Terfel Faenol Festival (Faenol Estate, Aug. 28 to 31) features three concerts with the mountains of Snowdonia as their backdrop.

The World Bog Snorkeling Championship (Aug. 31) is held annually in the U.K.’s smallest town — Llanwrtyd Wells in Mid Wales. It involves contestants battling through a peat bog using a mask and snorkel.

For more information, visit www.worldbogsnork.com.

For general destination information, visit www.visitbritain.us