You may want to check this out. I have personally attended TMS three times. Each was more than worthwhile. They are well run and in addition to discovering a site you might now travel, you meet with tourism representatives who are anxious to learn about how you can work together. Be sure to memtion to are a member of IFWTWA. Hopefully, Michelle and I will see you there.  ~Maralyn D. Hill

J. Vero & Associates is pleased to announce that Travel Media Showcase 2012 will be held August 21-24, 2012 in Sioux Falls, SD.

Complete information is available on our web site at http://www.travelmediashowcase.com

Once again Travel Media Showcase will bring together leading travel media to meet with representatives from major national and international destinations in a highly organized, business-like format, involving pre-scheduled one-on-one appointments. The Sioux Falls Convention & Visitors Bureau is going all-out to showcase the area and have put together an exciting list of regional fam tours.

All media must pre-qualify to apply for TMS 2012. You can do so on our website (http://www.travelmediashowcase.com/journalists/pre-qualification.php). The pre-qualification process will confirm that all necessary criteria for applying have been met. If so, you will be forwarded a Member ID and Password to fill out your official application for this year’s event.

If you should have any questions please contact Kim Ernst at 800-211-5161

Mayor Doug Lyon celebrates Durango's Gold

Bicycle Friendly Durango Group pleased with success of “Go for the Gold” campaign

Durango, CO – May is National Bike Month with hundreds of events and thousands of riders celebrating bicycling nationwide. And a growing number of U.S. communities are taking steps to encourage residents to ride all year round — including Durango. Today, the League of American Bicyclists announced the latest round of Bicycle Friendly Communities (BFC) and Durango was named a Gold level BFC.

“We are not surprised that this was the largest number of new and renewing applicants that we’ve ever had,” said League President Andy Clarke. “The popularity of this program is clear evidence that investment in bicycling is a major catalyst in creating the kind of vibrant communities people want to live, work and visit. Durango recognizes that simple steps to make bicycling safe and comfortable pay huge dividends in civic, community and economic development.”

The BFC program is revolutionizing the way communities evaluate their quality of life, sustainability and transportation networks, while allowing them to benchmark their progress toward improving their bicycle-friendliness. With this impressive round, there are now 214 BFCs in 47 states across America. The Gold BFC award recognizes Durango’s commitment to improving conditions for bicycling through investment in bicycling promotion, education programs, infrastructure and pro-bicycling policies.

“No doubt the work of the entire community helped us achieve the Gold,” said, Mary Oswald, chair of Bicycle Friendly Durango. “We are now the Overall Start of the US Pro Cycling Challenge, the Florida Project is complete and participation in events like the Trails 2000 Commuter Challenge during Clean Commute Week continue to grow and thrive. We look forward to learning about the recommendations from the League that will continue to keep our community vibrant for biking she said.

“It is anticipated that the bike industry in Durango brings in several million dollars annually with the seven bike shops, trails and tourism, events, the 18 time Fort Lewis College National Championship bike team and the professional athletes who live and work here. That will continue to grow. Once the rest of the world sees Durango as a result of the overall start of the US Pro Cycling Challenge this August, that will only be another boon,” said Mayor Doug Lyon, himself an avid cyclist and dean of the business school at Fort Lewis College.

The BFC program provides a roadmap to building a Bicycle Friendly Community and the application itself has become a rigorous and an educational tool in itself. Since its inception, more then 500 distinct communities have applied and the four levels of the award – platinum, gold, silver and bronze – provide a clear incentive for communities to continuously improve.

To apply or learn more about the free BFC program, visit bikeleague.org/community.

More information about the US Pro Challenge overall start can be found at Durango2012.com

More information about trails can be found at Trails2000.org

About the Bicycle Friendly America Program
The Bicycle Friendly Community, Bicycle Friendly State, Bicycle Friendly Business and Bicycle Friendly University programs are generously supported by program partners Bikes Belong and Trek Bicycle’s One World, Two Wheels Campaign. To learn more about building a Bicycle Friendly America, visit http://www.bikeleague.org/programs/bicyclefriendlyamerica/

The League of American Bicyclists promotes bicycling for fun, fitness and transportation, and works through advocacy and education for a bicycle-friendly America. The League represents the interests of America’s 57 million bicyclists, including its 300,000 members and affiliates. For more information or to support the League, visit www.bikeleague.org.

Documents and/or Photos available for this release:

Mayor Doug Lyon celebrates Durango’s Gold

To view supporting documents and/or photos, go to www.enr-corp.com/pressroom and enter Release ID: 329552

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THIS MONTH’S EDITION:

Phoenix Convention Center

Ÿ  The Phoenix Convention Center comes in at No. 7 on a list of the “Top Ten U.S. Convention Centers

Ÿ  Summer is around the corner, so take advantage of the many deals at various resorts.

 
CITY NEWS
The Phoenix Convention Center comes in at No. 7 on a list of the “Top Ten U.S. Convention Centers” in the April issue of Business Review USA. The article ranks the “best of the best” among the nation’s “modern, immense and historically rich convention centers.” Five years and $650 million in the making, the expanded Phoenix Convention Center welcomed its first meeting groups in January 2009. Its architecture—dramatic angles, towering glass, earthy stone—is inspired by the colors and textures of the Grand Canyon, and its nearly 900,000 square feet of flexible exhibition and meeting space can accommodate more than 80 percent of the conventions in the U.S. Since the debut of the fully expanded center, it has hosted nearly 800,000 delegates and generated more than $1 billion in direct spending for Phoenix’s regional economy.

The official online travel resource for visitors to Greater Phoenix has been retooled to better meet the needs of its primary users: women and people on the move. Prospective travelers who log on to visitphoenix.com from their home computers and laptops will now see an online interface that’s cleaner, softer and warmer than its predecessor. And travelers who access the website from their smart phones or tablet devices will be able to get hotel, dining and entertainment suggestions based on their whereabouts, thanks to the integration of location-based technology. To make visitphoenix.com more appealing to that audience and more user friendly in general, the Greater Phoenix CVB worked with BarkleyREI to “re-skin” the website. Inky-black backgrounds gave way to lighter, warmer colors; navigation menus were relocated to the top of the page for easier viewing; and the site’s Flash elements were replaced with JavaScript to improve load times.

RESORT NEWS

Sheraton Phoenix Downtown Hotel has announced its recent inclusion on Cvent’s annual list of the “Top 100 Meeting Hotels in the United States.” Sheraton Phoenix Downtown Hotel was selected from a pool of 80,000 hotels in the U.S. on the Cvent Supplier Network, a free online marketplace connecting meeting planners with over 200,000 venues and service providers worldwide. Sheraton Phoenix Downtown Hotel was selected based on a set of qualifying criteria, some of which included: the number of meeting rooms available, the total square footage of meeting space offered, and the amount of business Sheraton Phoenix Downtown Hotel was awarded in 2011 by meeting planners through the Cvent Supplier Network. The largest hotel in Arizona, boasting 1,000 guestrooms and more than 80,000 square feet of meeting space, Sheraton Phoenix Downtown Hotel stands adjacent the Phoenix Convention Center and offers a variety of meeting areas including a 29,000 square-foot ballroom and 17 meeting spaces.

Golfers at the historic Arizona Biltmore can play harder and more affordably this summer with the resort’s Exclusive All-Inclusive “PLAY Package.” Starting at just $669 per night, the “PLAY Package” includes: upgraded accommodations in Ocatilla, Biltmore’s exclusive “hotel within the hotel”; continental breakfast for two; lunch for two; dinner for two; 30% off Spa a la carte services; free self parking; two rounds of golf per room per night at Lookout Mountain or the Links or Adobe at the Arizona Biltmore Country Club; one Swedish massage or one facial per room per night; and unlimited tennis, use of the Arizona Biltmore putting course and Fitness Center and Fitness Classes use.

The JW Marriott Camelback Inn Resort & Spa is celebrating its diamond anniversary this year, and is commemorating 75 years of history with a “Diamond in the Desert” anniversary package.  The package starts at only $214 per night and includes two nights in a casita-style guest room, a $75 per day resort credit, two 75th Anniversary Signature Cocktails at RBar, and daily breakfast at Rita’s Kitchen, Sprouts or room service.

Pointe Hilton Resorts are offering a limited-time deal for those seeking an authentic Phoenix retreat this summer. Guests booking a getaway to Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak or Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs resorts now through May 19 can enjoy the resorts’ summer pre-sale offer, “Buy Now, Play Later.” The “Buy Now, Play Later” summer pre-sale offers guests rates starting at $75 per night at Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort and $89 per night at Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak Resort for stays between May 29 and September 8.

Enjoy a summer lovin’ getaway for the young and young at heart with the “Family Fling & Swing” package at JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa. Starting at just $149, this summer package is back due to popular demand and includes: a $50 daily resort credit, free golf on Faldo and Palmer championship golf courses, free meals for kids 12 and under at Blue Sage, free daily appetizer at Meritage Steakhouse, free in-room Wi-Fi, 10% off retail purchases in the resort’s Marriott outlets, complimentary parking, and no resort fee. The “Family Fling & Swing” package is available June 3 through September 5, 2012.

The Royal Palms Resort and Spa has announced its plan for a $1.2 million renovation of its bungalow-style Valencia Casitas this summer. The project, headed by Est Est Interior Design and Hayes Architecture/Design Inc, is expected to begin this July and be completed in late August. In an effort to maintain the casitas’ private-home feel, the renovation of the 30 rooms will include a larger bathroom with a custom vanity, custom shower, built-in coffee bars and privatized water closet. The room remodels will also include a new color and fabric palette, and new floor tile to emphasize the current Mediterranean design. In addition, the renovation will include a $250,000 fitness center expansion, which will feature new floors, new windows and updated workout equipment. 

This summer, adults can rediscover the blissful pleasure of the summer vacation—without kids in tow—at the Boulders Resort. This desert hideaway

The Boulders Resort. Image courtesy of The Boulders.

is one of the few to offer amenities and programs designed for a peaceful adult vacation, from complimentary treats served poolside to pampering spa treatments. Take your relaxation to the max with the Boulders “Summer Romance package,” which includes: luxurious Resort Casita accommodations, daily breakfast for two, complimentary access to the Spa, fitness facilities, adult pool, steam rooms, sauna, Niwa pool, and a chilled bottle of Sparkling Wine or Sparkling Cider upon arrival. The cost of the Boulders “Summer Romance Package” starts at $249 per night (double occupancy), and the offer runs from May 5 through September 9, 2012.    

Hyatt Regency Scottsdale at Gainey Ranch offers “Hyatt Free Time,” available from May 1 through September 30, 2012, subject to availability. The rate begins at $165, not including tax or resort fee.  Stay two nights and receive the third night free! It also includes a daily breakfast for two and a 20% discount on Spa Avania services. Or, for a shorter stay, take advantage of the “Advance Purchase” rates.  With this rate, guests receive a 20% discount off the “Hyatt Daily” rate.

Make the most of summer with Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North and the new “Very Important Kids” package.  Boasting a full calendar of family fun, this Sonoran Desert retreat is the ideal place to stage a family-sized adventure, sure to make this a summer to remember. The “Very Important Kids” package includes: a $100 Resort credit for every two paid consecutive nights, family-themed “make your own snack mix” turndown amenity, one complimentary in-room family movie during stay, and one voucher per child (up to two per room) to receive one complimentary poolside smoothie during the stay.  This summer, the Resort also welcomes back the popular “Dive-in Movie” series, with complimentary movies running every weekend throughout June, July and August.  Other poolside activities include weekly smoothie demonstrations, organized pool games and daily refreshing poolside treats.  The “Very Important Kids” package is valid June 1 – August 31, 2012, with rates beginning at $194 per night.

From May 24 to September 3, guests at the The Buttes, A Marriott Resort can take advantage of the “Sizzling Summer Advance Purchase Rate” and stay at a rate of $99.00 per night! The offer requires a 14 day advance purchase, and is only valid on the weekends (guests must stay a Friday or Saturday night).

Send dad to Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North for a “Barbecue Basics” class, where he will learn the secrets of sauces, rubs, and grilling techniques just in time for Father’s Day.  The Barbecue Basics class will be held on Saturday, June 16, 2012.  Participants will enjoy cold beer from a local brewery, specialty cigars rolled onsite, and of course, demos of sauces, rubs and techniques by Executive Chef Mel Mecinas and Executive Sous Chef Jesse Hansen. Guests will enjoy barbecue fare after the demonstration, as well as homemade ice cream and whiskey floats.  Each guest receives a takeaway recipe book, sample sauces and rubs, and a cigar to enjoy while grilling at home with their family.  Participants can choose to extend the fun with an overnight stay Saturday, June 16, or Sunday, June 17, 2012. Weekend summer rates start at just $179 per night, and the cost for the class is $75 per person. Reservations are required.

Get out of town –or just get out of the house– and settle in for a sweet escape at the Kimpton Firesky Resort & Spa. Perfect for moms and daughters to enjoy together, the “Sweet Escape Package” package offers two welcome cocktails at Taggia, complimentary dessert at any dining experience in Taggia or a Kimpton restaurant, certificates for shopping discounts at Fashion Square and beyond, and 25 percent off of a 60- or 90-minute treatment at Jurlique Spa. The special package rate starts at $209 through May, and at $109 from June through September.

ARTS, CULTURE & ENTERTAINMENT

The Heard Museum makes way for a landmark new exhibition, “Through the Lens: Diné Photographers,” which will open on June 12, 2012. On loan from the Navajo Nation Museum in Window Rock, Arizona, this thought-provoking exhibition of work by contemporary Navajo photographers marks the first time ever that a show curated by a regional museum of American Indian arts/culture has traveled to the Heard. This juried show will present a fascinating and diverse range of photographers and subject matter. Through these compelling images, museum visitors will see the many ways Navajo photographers celebrate the beauty and comment on their home, their land and contemporary life. The photographs will also provide an opportunity to explore the similarities and differences between Navajo culture and mainstream culture via themes such as rites of passage, sports, family and love of the land. 

 As the weather shifts into spring and wildflowers bloom at the Desert Botanical Garden, Ballet Arizona, in collaboration with the Garden, is proud to introduce the upcoming presentation of TOPIA, a world premier production by Ib Andersen. This world class ballet will be preformed in an intimate desert space at the Desert Botanical Garden, overlooking the dynamic red rocks of the Papago Buttes. With its revolutionary performance space, spanning 80 feet wide, TOPIA will present a unique perspective of dance and the natural beauty of Arizona. The show will be performed 17 nights in May 2012, including: May 2-5, 9-13, 16-19, and 23-26. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and the performance will begin at 7:30 p.m.  Food will be available for purchase, and a cash bar will be available as well. Ticket prices for the general public start at $39.

 Big Surf Waterpark is offering 50 percent off of general admission during the first three weekends of May.  Each guest must bring in at least three non-perishable food items for St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance to receive the 50% off discounted admission.  This promotion begins on May 5^th, when Big Surf Waterpark opens for the 2012 season, as well as Sunday, May 6^th; Saturday, May 12^th; Sunday, May 13^th; Saturday, May 19^th; and Sunday, May 20^th.
 

SPORTS/GOLF

The Boulders Resort, home to one of Golf magazine’s “Top 10 Golf Courses,” is offering exceptional summer values and golf instruction at the Boulders Golf Academy.  New for summer is the “Family Golfers Guide”—ideal for families, new golfers or golfers who need help with approach shots—which allows participants to play the new and innovative “Pebble Tee’s” with hole lengths between 60 and 200 yards with tees.  The “Summer Bonus Golf Series” is perfect for the avid golfer to build consistency in the game and it includes added value. “Summer Vacation Fix” includes two days of instruction (a total of 4 hours), personalized full swing diagnosis; short game finesse shots; and two 9-hole rounds.

SPA

The Centre for Well-Being and Salon Mila at The Phoenician is making it easy – and economical – to escape weekly and indulge in a rejuvenating service for mind, body or soul with new “Therapeutic Thursdays.” Each Thursday from March 1 through May 31, 2012, visitors can enjoy a variety of luxurious offerings with up to $60 in savings, including: a massage, personalized facial or tarot card reading for $79, a shampoo and blow-dry for $45, a 45-minute manicure for $45, or a 45-minute pedicure for just $65. In addition, spa and salon guests will have access to The Phoenician’s signature pools, and can participate in a complimentary Meditation session or a Tai Chi or Yoga class held Thursdays in The Centre for Well-Being’s newly renovated Fitness Center.

Get ready for summer and rejuvenate from your busy first part of 2012 at Montelucia Resort & Spa. For the month of May, the Joya Spa will be offering a special discounted “Cleansing Retreat,” which will feature traditional Moroccan Tea combined with the guest’s choice of exotic synergies, a rare volcanic body masque, body balancing, and exquisite foot treatment, all followed by an application of argan oil synergies. The “Cleansing Retreat” is available Monday through Thursday, for 80 minutes, at the May Monthly Special Rate of $165 (regularly priced $219), or Friday through Sunday, for 80 minutes, at the May Monthly Special Rate of $175 (regularly priced $229).

In order to help with the physical and psychological ailments of daily stress, the Golden Door Spa has introduced a new “Desert De-Stress Package,” including a vacation package and meditation classes. Golden Door Spa’s Desert De-Stress Package includes a 50-minute therapeutic massage, 50-minute Vitamin C  facial, and a relaxing lunch at the Spa Café.  Additionally, the Spa has expanded its meditation sessions so guests can take advantage of a variety of programs designed to help them address stress in their lives.  In private meditation, guests learn techniques for stress reduction, including visualization and connection of the mind, body and spirit.  Meditation takes place in the Spa’s labyrinth, the organic garden, on a meditative walk or in the Spa’s authentic Tipi – a structure that stands 18 feet in diameter and 26 feet in height and is used for guided meditation sessions by the Spa’s resident “shamanic ceremonialist”.  Astrological Soul Readings and the Spa’s Wellness Series presented by a Buddhist Monk are other programs offered at the Golden Door Spa that can help ease stress and promote spiritual healing and wellness.

DINING

Guests can perk up their weekend mornings at Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North with the new Crema coffee shop, offered poolside at Saguaro Blossom. Crema is open every Friday through Sunday, from 7 to 10:30 a.m.  Guests can enjoy locally sourced Press drip coffee, a full espresso bar, blended coffees, and a variety of “create-your-own” smoothies.  Those looking for something more substantial can choose from a breakfast burrito, breakfast sandwich, granola parfait, whole fruit and a variety of homemade pastries.  For the ultimate pick-me-up, choose the “Scottsdale Breakfast” for a shot of espresso and a cold, local Arizona beer

There are big changes going on at Enchantment Resort in Sedona’s Boynton Canyon, and none bigger than the new dining experiences unveiled in the newly renovated Clubhouse. With the recent debut of its new signature restaurant, Che Ah Chi, and the re-opening of the Tii Gavo Bar, Enchantment has appointment David Schmidt as Executive Chef to oversee all culinary operations and menu creation at the resort. A seasoned talent with extensive experience garnered at hospitality hotspots throughout Arizona, Chef Schmidt is committed to delivering the excellent food and service guests expect.

Greater Phoenix CVB Media Contacts:

Douglas MacKenzie      
 (602) 452-6250                                                                                       
dmackenzie@visitphoenix.com 

Trish Hendrickson                                                                                                                                                                                     
(602) 452-6249
thendrickson@visitphoenix.com

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