Media Contacts: Douglas MacKenzie
Director of Communications
(602) 452-6250
dmackenzie@visitphoenix.com

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

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THIS MONTH’S EDITION

• CityScape Phoenix comes to life with new restaurants, new shopping and nightlife
• The third annual Arizona Restaurant Week returns to Phoenix this September
• Enjoy autumn specials at many Valley resorts, restaurants and attractions

RESORT NEWS

JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort and Spa is offering “A Chocolate Affair” class that is all about chocolate, held every Saturday in the resort’s new Champs Kitchen from for $25. Learn everything you ever wanted to know about selecting and cooking with chocolate from Executive Pastry Chef Kaushik Chowdhury and his award-winning world pastry champions.

The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa becomes an Energy Star partner and continuous commitment to “Be Greener.”‘  By joining Energy Star as a partner, The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa has continued its commitment to help improve the energy efficiency of America’s commercial and industrial buildings.

At the 2010 Arizona Office of Tourism’s Governor’s Tourism Awards, the Westin Kierland Resort and Spa’sannual Arizona Culturekeepers Induction took home the Arizona Preservation Award. This award is presented to the individual, organization or community that has made the most significant contribution toward the preservation of some aspect of the natural, cultural or aesthetic legacy of Arizona.

The Phoenician will expand its diverse meetings and events space with the opening of the new Camelback Ballroom on Friday, October 1, 2010.  The $40 million facility will encompass a total of 45,000 square feet, including back-of-house operations and pre-function space. The Phoenician will now be able to host multiple, larger events simultaneously, while offering approximately 120,000 square feet of overall interior/exterior meeting and event space.

The Wigwam Golf Resort and Spa, one of Arizona’s first and most celebrated resorts, has broken ground on a multi-million dollar rejuvenation project that will position the resort back to legendary status among Arizona destinations for meetings, conferences, elite social events, entertainment and unique dining. The $7 million revitalization project will bring a new pool, restaurants, wedding venues and an outdoor plaza to the resort.

Athletic prowess comes naturally to the fitness team at Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain. From gold medal Olympic swimmer Misty Hyman to world-class runner and Olympian Mike Schneider, the country’s leading boutique resort and spa is ripe with talent.  Guests can harness this expertise during a personalized Triathlon Prep Program – a three-day package that will both challenge and reward the body, with daily workouts complemented by muscle-soothing spa services.  Demonstrating the perfect mix of brain and brawn, Sanctuary’s experts share their best practices for meeting the demands of the classic swim – bike – run challenge.

W Scottsdale set out to differentiate itself from a sea of sprawling resorts by incorporating innovative hotel happenings to add value to today’s travelers. When guests arrive they can check-in, head down to the Living Room to hear a live local musician, have a cocktail at one of the rooftop bars while watching local artists paint. Each week W Scottsdale offers an energetic mix of new and reoccurring happenings creating a sultry Southwest vibe. Also, starting in October, W Scottsdale guests have the opportunity to participate in a new series of fitness classes taught by instructors at the Village Health Clubs and Spas. Held poolside at the W and open to locals in the community, WV83 (for 83 days of fitness) is a series of classes that offer fitness-minded folks a jumpstart on their New Year’s goals.

For the ultimate romantic experience, Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale introduces “celestial picnics”‘ under the stars.  Guests can customize a menu tailored toward romance then return to the comfort of their casita guest room for a couple’s Moonlight Massage.

Combine fitness and environmental stewardship with Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale’s Desert Preservation Hike.  The hike begins at the Resort, where guests embark on a short walk to adjacent Pinnacle Peak Park.  There, a guide leads an interpretive hike where guests learn about the unique flora and fauna that populate Arizona’s Sonoran Desert. Concluding the experience, participants have the opportunity to plant a cactus or native plant, thereby helping ensure the sustainability of this unique ecosystem. The hike is offered on a rotating, seasonal basis; the experience is complimentary, with an optional, tax-deductible donation to the Friends of Pinnacle Peak.

ARTS, CULTURE & ENTERTAINMENT

CityScape Phoenix comes to life with new restaurants, new shopping and nightlife including Designer District, Five Guys Burgers, Par Exsalonce, Lucky Strike Lanes and West of SoHo. CityScape is a 1.8 million square foot mixed use urban project located at the very center of Downtown Phoenix.  The combination of commercial, retail, and hotel development is the focal point for urban living and community activity in a revitalized downtown Phoenix, nestled between the city’s entertainment, education, business and government institutions

Air Canada offers a new service to Phoenix beginning November 6. They have announced that a direct non-stop service will be offered from Montreal-Phoenix for the Winter 2010/2011 season.

More than 50 Navajo weavers are expected to gather at the Heard Museum to show and sell their textiles on Saturday, November 6 at the Gathering of Weavers: Navajo Weavers Marketplace.

Arizona Science Center explores the issues of race and racism in the United States with a new exhibition. RACE: Are We So Different? is featured for a limited time in the Sybil B. Harrington Galleries, Oct. 10, 2010 through Jan. 2, 2011. A project of American Anthropological Association, RACE is a powerful exhibition experience exploring the science, history and everyday impact of one of the most controversial topics in American today.

Phoenix International Raceway has finalized its fan schedule of events for the Nov. 11-14 Kobalt Tools 500 event weekend, including races in four different NASCAR series: Sprint Cup, Nationwide, Camping World Trucks and the K&N Pro Series West. As part of a date move to Nov. 13 for the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West season finale, fans will be offered West Series garage access. The track also has been awarded two NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race weekends in 2011, marking seven consecutive seasons for PIR to host a pair of nationally-televised event weekends featuring the brightest stars in NASCAR.

American Sabor opens at The Musical Instrument Museum (MIM). American Sabor: Latinos in U.S. Popular Music tells the story of the influence and impact of Latinos in American popular music through a rich display of artifacts, instrument, listening kiosks, and films. The exhibit will run November 20 and until May 15, 2011.

The Musical Instrument Museum (MIM) and Arizona State University’s School of Music have teamed up to offer an ongoing music series showcasing the prodigious talents of ASU faculty members and touring musicians. Entitled ASU – MIM Wednesday Morning Interlude, the series offers a wide variety of musical styles, and regularly features ASU faculty and student artists or ensembles in a pre-lunch concert on the last Wednesday of each month during the academic year. Each concert is free of charge.

If you are looking for a unique southwest history museum, L. Alan Cruikshank River of Time Museum in Fountain Hills is a “must see.”‘ The museum tells the story of the personalities, geology and archaeology that shaped the Lower Verde River Valley from prehistoric times to the present. The museum follows a timeline, starting with an archaeological dig site. Visitors can enter a mining exhibit depicting the fortunes and misfortunes of those who worked the lands. Learn about the rugged life soldiers experienced at Fort McDowell army post through a display of photos and artifacts.

Low-cost airline, Allegiant Air, LLC, is gearing up for a banner winter tourism season adding several new markets to their already impressive roster of favorite small cities across America. The airline is the only commercial carrier flying into Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport and was recently recognized by Aviation Week as the top-performing airline in its class. The growth in service is expected to play an even larger role in relieving passenger traffic to Phoenix’s Sky Harbor International Airport.

Larry King, Jay Leno, Oprah Winfrey and Muhammad Ali have all had their likeness shaped into the massive corn maze that is unveiled each year at the Schnepf Farms Pumpkin & Chili Party, and this year another to-be-announced celebrity will see their mug in a field of corn. The 10-acre cornfield is just one of the many attractions that welcome guests to Phoenix’s agriculture community as part of the month-long festival. Voted as one of Arizona’s Best Fall Events by locals and featured as one of to the top pumpkin farms in the Southwest by Sunset Magazine, the festival is held on a 300-acre family farm in Queen Creek, southeast of Phoenix. The festival includes hayrides, a country road rally, petting barn and pig races. Midway-style carnival rides are also part of the event mix, which includes the popular Pumpkin Launch and Witch Mountain giant slide. Not to be missed is the chili and pumpkin picking that takes place each weekend in October.

The New Women’s Half Marathon will be in Tempe on November 7, 2010 for the newest Women’s Half Marathon Series event. The race will finish in Tempe Beach Park and be followed with an unforgettable post-race party. The race weekend begins with a two-day Health and Fitness Expo located at the Doubletree Paradise Valley Resort in Scottsdale.

Hotel Valley Ho is sponsoring The Cupcake Love-In: “Peace, Love, and Cupcakes” on Sunday, October 10. This inaugural event, put on by local chefs Kelly Garcia and Tracy Dempsey is centered on the simple pleasure of eating cupcakes and at the same time helping our community. The event will include a kid’s cupcake decorating station, cupcake eating competition, decorated cupcake competition, and fundraising raffle. Proceeds will benefit Singleton MOMS and Safe Haven for Animals.

GOLF

From the tee to the green, the right club and the perfect swing, a variety of elements must come together for a golfer to be in the “zone.”‘ Along with mental concentration, the holistic approach of eating right and exercise make the difference, too. That’s why the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess has partnered with the TPC Scottsdale to create a luxurious, cutting-edge golf vacation package designed to help golf travelers play their best while having fun and relaxing in one of Scottsdale’s most celebrated golf environments. Dubbed the “Golf Fit”package, the program helps golfers understand the connection between their physical well-being and their performance on the golf course.

Sports enthusiasts can enjoy a round of golf at The Boulders Resort and Spa on their 36-hole championship course and The Boulders Tennis Gardens that both offer junior clinics during the holidays. Learning programs include “Walk the Rock”‘ a program that takes guests on a guided walk-about through the prehistoric Sonoran Desert to learn about the rich geological history of the area and the fascinating background on the topography, flora, fauna and especially the 12-million-year-old boulders that are the resort’s namesake. The “Desert Photo Tour explores the desert’s most pristine scenic areas on a two-hour guided adventure led by the resident Nature Photographer.

FireSky Resort and Spa offers an autumn package that proves impossible for the greens fiend to turn down. Between rounds, golfers can retreat to FireSky to relax, rest up and cheers to another round (of golf!). Special offers throughout the month of September include unlimited golf for two, sleeve of balls, and a flight of beer.

For those looking to play more affordable golf and have limited time to spare, Troon North Golf Club has created an innovative executive 9-hole golf course called Monument Express. Designed within the full layout of the famed Monument course, Monument Express measures around 1,500 yards long and offers two different PAR options based on the skill level of the player. The golf club also offers Troon Family Golf program, making the game more accessible to junior golfers and their families.

SPA

The Boulders Resort and Spa’s 5,600 sq. ft. Organic Garden is a perfect complement to the dramatic desert rock landscape at Arizona’s famed Boulders Resort.  It is also the inspiration for the Seasonal Body Scrubs offered at the resort’s Golden Door® Spa.  The fall harvest seasonal scrub is Pear & Green Apple;  Cranberry & Pomegranate offered for the winter season;  Blueberry scrubs for the spring season; and Cucumber Mint for summer season.  A variety of other organic treatments utilize all-natural, eco-friendly lines that include new products from Kerstin Florian, Eminence Organics and Tara Spa Therapy.

Jurlique Spa at FireSky Resort and Spa is the only Arizona destination to offer the RAW Man Facial featuring a new organic line of products by Rhonda Allison. The RAW Man Facial uses a blend of natural ingredients native to the Southwest (blue agave, yucca, hematite and two different types of cactus).

DINING

The third annual Arizona Restaurant Week hits Phoenix this September and is Arizona’s most highly anticipated culinary event of the year. Guests of the event are able to partake in Arizona’s finest fare at a special discount price. Arizona Restaurant Week is an exciting event developed to showcase the outstanding culinary scene throughout the state of Arizona. Playing off the huge success since its inception in 2008, Arizona Restaurant Week will include more than 100 restaurants in the Phoenix Metro area.

Quiessence at The Farm at South Mountain is open with Executive Chef Greg LaPrad offering daily rotating menus based on seasonal meat and produce availability. Quiessence also introduces their new Farmhouse Cocktail Menu – a brand of big city cocktail culture right here on the farm in Arizona. Tapping into the creativity of top mixologist, Bill DeGroot, we proudly offer up a luscious mix of classic-era and new farmhouse cocktails such as Fresh Basil Gimlet, Blackberry Bramble, Peach Old Fashioned and The Farmer’s Last Word.

The Westin Kierland’s signature restaurant, deseo, was named this summer as one of the “Top 10 Resort and Hotel Restaurants”‘ by The Arizona Republic’s restaurant critic, Howard Seftel. This month they launched an all-new menu including old favorites including Millionaire Tacos, Very Berry Muddle Drink or Chocolate Cigar as well as new creations from the innovative talent of Chef Douglas Rodriguez and Chef Roberto Madrid. Also, added to the existing deseo menu are tantalizing new ceviches and delectable new desserts.

Joya Terrace at InterContinental Montelucia Resort & Joya Spa unveiled this month a fresh, health-conscious menu to complement the wellness offerings of Joya Spa. Joya Terrace, located on the roof-top of Joya Spa, offers guests stunning views of Camelback Mountain and a tempting menu of satisfying meals. Resort Executive Chef, Christian Pratsch, designed the menu to include dishes that not only please the palate but are beneficial for the body, as well.

Wine-down with a series of “Vine & Dine”‘ evenings, featuring artfully crafted cuisine paired with specialty wines, spirits and beer at Talavera located at Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale. These unique evenings feature a four-course tasting menu coupled with wine, spirits or beer from a guest purveyor, who will rove from table to table and share insight about each pairing.

Latilla, the four-diamond restaurant at The Boulders Resort and Spa introduces a new menu for the fall season.  “The Hunt”‘ is a special “All game”‘ menu paired with autumn vegetables freshly picked from the resort’s 5,260 sq. foot Organic Garden.  The five-course menu includes: First Course:  Pheasant Consommé and Pheasant Ravioli, Parsnips, Carrots & Leeks; Second Course:  Agave Glazed Quail and Heirloom Tomato & Raspberry Salsa, Blue Cheese Soufflé, Herbed Grits; Intermezzo:  Raisin & Ginger Crostini, Apple Consommé, Celery Root Sorbet; Main Course:  Porcini Dusted Venison Loin and Sweet Potato spatzel, Brussels Sprout Leaves, Alba Mushrooms & Cranberry Port Wine; and Dessert. This autumn menu will be available the last two weeks in October.

For more information on any of these events or updates, please contact
the Greater Phoenix Convention & Visitors Bureau Media Department.

Airline Kicks Off Mexico* Service with a Spicy Fare Sale Across its Route Network – with Hot Fares from $39**

VX Teams with Loopt to Give “Two-for-One Tacos + Tickets” at San Francisco Taco Trucks Today – Proceeds Go To Chihuahua Rescue

Los Cabos, Mexico (August 31, 2010) -  Virgin America today announced it will begin serving San Jose del Cabo International Airport (SJD) with nonstop flights from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) on December 16, 2010. To celebrate the new route, the airline has launched a spicy three-day fare sale with fares from $129*** to Mexico.  On top of these hot fares, tech-forward flyers in need of a Mexican getaway can score a two-for-one ticket offer**** by checking in on Loopt Star, the location-based social mapping network, SFO or a taco truck in San Francisco from 11:00am-3:00pm PT today.  Proceeds from every taco purchased will benefit the City of San Francisco’s Animal Care and Control Chihuahua rescue efforts.

“We’re pleased to bring our service to these world-class Mexican destinations and to offer travelers a better value and a unique flight experience,” said Virgin America President and CEO David Cush. ”We think flyers deserve to start their Mexican getaways as soon as they board their flight.  And with low fares, touch-screen entertainment, beautiful cabins and a host of other features aimed at bringing the fun back to flying, we think travelers will agree that Virgin America is the perfect way to start their Mexican vacation a few hours early.”

“We are pleased to welcome Virgin America to Los Cabos. The decision to serve San Jose del Cabo (SJD) is a testament to our destination’s strong tourism economy and commitment to provide each visitor with an unmatched vacation experience.” Said Gonzalo Franyutti De La Parra, President of the Los Cabos Convention & Visitors Bureau.

In June 2010, the airline announced its intent to launch flights to Mexico by seeking authority from the U.S. Department of Transportation to begin flying the routes as of this winter.  The DOT granted the airline authority to begin operations on these Mexico routes earlier this month. The airline has announced the start of Mexico service pending the necessary Mexican government approvals.

Virgin America’s Mexico fares start from $129** in the Main Cabin for SFO-SJD with tickets on sale today on Virgin America’s Web site (www.virginamerica.com) and at 1.877.FLY.VIRGIN (1.877.359.8474).*****

In addition to these already low fares, the airline is celebrating the new routes by giving a special offer to those who virtually check-in on Loopt Star at SFO or one of Virgin America’s mobile taco truck locations from 11:00am-3:00pm PT today.  By checking in at one of the locations below via Loopt Star, members of the public can score a $1 two-for-one taco deal along with a two-for-one ticket offer**** on Virgin America’s new flights to Mexico.

• In San Francisco, the airline’s in-flight teammates and some SF ACC Chihuahua friends will be posted at hometown taco truck favorite, Los Compadres, at 100 Folsom Street.

Guests checking in on Loopt Star at SFO will also receive the special offer. To be eligible, one must check-in using the Loopt Star iPhone app, which is available for free download at: www.loopt.com/looptstar.

Proceeds from every taco sold today from 11:00am-3:00pm PT, will support the San Francisco Animal Care and Control’s (SF ACC) – including its Chihuahua rescue efforts. In January, Virgin America teamed up with the SF ACC by flying Chihuahuas to New York so the dogs could be adopted into new homes.  The overpopulation of Chihuahuas in California continues to force animal shelters on the West Coast to look to shelters on the East Coast for help.

The airline’s Mexico flight schedule is as follows:

SFO 12:10pm – SJD 4:20pm
Flight 706
Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday

SJD 5:20pm – SFO 7:35pm
Flight 709
Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Known for its design-driven and fun flight experience, Virgin America has been winning over consumers since its August 2007 launch.  Virgin America offers travelers a host of inventive amenities, including beautifully designed mood-lit cabins, fleetwide WiFi and custom-designed leather seats.  The airline has consistently swept the major travel awards, including “Best Airline” in both Condé Nast Traveler’s 2008 and 2009 Readers’ Choice Awards and for the past three consecutive years in Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards. The airline continues to grow its network, and in July, announced plans to order 60 new aircraft. Virgin America flies to San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York, Washington D.C., Seattle, Las Vegas, San Diego, Boston, Fort Lauderdale, Toronto, Orlando (starting October 6, 2010), Dallas-Fort Worth (starting December 2010), San Jose del Cabo (starting December 16, 2010) and Cancun (starting January 19, 2011).

Los Cabos, located at the tip of the 1,000-mile long Baja Peninsula, is home to award-winning hotels and resorts, championship golf courses, rejuvenating spas, world-class sport fishing and much more. With a unique landscape of dramatic desert and white sand beaches, Los Cabos is an exotic escape within easy reach of most U.S. cities. For more information, images and videos from Los Cabos, please visitwww.visitloscabos.travel, follow us on Twitter @LOSCABOSCVB and visit our Facebook and YouTube accounts.

# # #

* Mexico service is subject to Mexican government approval.

**Terms and Conditions for Systemwide Fare Sale:  All Main Cabin fares are one-way, based on travel originating from the US, and require a 7-day advance purchase. Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable. Fare sale starts 5:00pm PDT August 30, 2010. Tickets must be purchased by 11:59pm PDT September 2, 2010. For SFO-SJD service, travel must occur between December  16, 2010 and March 16, 2011. For LAX-DFW service, travel must occur between December  1, 2010 and February 15, 2011.  For SFO-DFW service, travel must occur between December 6, 2010 and February 15, 2011. For all other service, travel must occur between September 6, 2010 and November 17, 2010. For SJD and DFW service, blackout dates are December 17-18, 2010; December 23,-24, 2010; December 26, 2010; December 30, 2010; January 2- 3, 2011; February 18, 21, 2011. Service to/from Orlando (MCO) begins October 6, 2010. Higher domestic U.S. sale fares are available for travel on Fridays and Sunday. Seats are limited, subject to availability, and may not be available on all flights. Flights may not operate daily. Changes or cancellations can be made for a $75 fee if changes are made on Virgin America’s website (www.virginamerica.com) or a $100 fee through all other channels, including the call center and at the airport, plus any increase in fare, if applicable. Changes or cancellations of a booking made with Elevate Points will be subject to a $75 redeposit fee. Guests who no-show without a change or cancel prior to the scheduled departure time will forfeit the amount of this fare. In addition, any future flights booked in the same reservation will also be canceled and the fare will be forfeited. Tickets purchased from Virgin America through our reservation call center will cost an additional $15 per guest per itinerary. Any added cost associated with purchasing tickets from Virgin America through our reservation call center will be non-refundable. Fares do not include Passenger Facility Charges of up to $9 each way, September 11th Security Fees of up to $5 each way and a Federal Segment Tax of $3.70 per domestic segment. A segment is a takeoff and landing. For international travel, fares do not include the U.S. Immigration User Fee of $7 or the U.S. APHIS fee of $5. For service to/from Toronto, fares do not include additional taxes/fees of up to $50, including: Airport Improvement Fee, Canadian Security Fee, Goods and Services Tax, and Harmonized Sales Tax. Bookings made at a Canadian point of purchase are subject to a $16.10 International Arrival/Departure tax, each way. For service to/from Mexico, fares do not include additional taxes/fees of up to $60, including: Mexico International Departure Tax and Mexico Tourism Tax. Fares will not be honored retroactively or in exchange for any wholly or partially used ticket.  Fares, routes, fees and schedules are subject to change without notice. Virgin America will accept one (1) piece of checked baggage up to 70 pounds for $25 for each ticketed guest. The fee per guest for each additional checked bag up to 50 pounds from the second (2) to the tenth (10) is $25. Additional fees apply to baggage exceeding these weight limitations, and other baggage restrictions may apply.

***Terms and Conditions for Mexico service only: All Main Cabin fares are one way. Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable. Fare sale starts 5:00pm PDT August 30, 2010. Tickets must be purchased by 11:59pm PDT September 6, 2010. For SFO-SJD service, travel must occur between December 16, 2010 and March 16, 2011. Seats are limited, subject to availability, and may not be available on all flights. Flight may not operate daily during off-peak periods. Changes or cancellations can be made for a $75 fee if changes are made on the Virgin America website (www.virginamerica.com) or a $100 fee through all other channels, including the call center and airport, plus any increase in fare, if applicable. Changes or cancellations of a booking made with Elevate Points will be subject to a $75 redeposit fee.  Guests who no-show without a change or cancellation prior to scheduled departure will forfeit the amount of this fare and future flights in the same reservation will also be canceled and the fare will be forfeited. Tickets purchased from Virgin America through our reservation call center will cost an additional $15 per guest per itinerary. Any added cost associated with purchasing tickets from Virgin America through our reservation call center will be non-refundable. Fares do not include Passenger Facility Charges of up to $9 each way, September 11th Security Fees of up to $5 each way and a Federal Segment Tax of $3.70 per domestic segment. A segment is a takeoff and landing. For service to and from Mexico, fares do not include the U.S. Immigration User Fee of $7, APHIS fee of $5, U.S. International Arrival/Departure tax of $16.10 each way, and additional taxes/fees of up to $60, including: Mexico International Departure Tax and Mexico Tourism Tax. Fares may include a surcharge. Fares will not be honored retroactively or in exchange for any wholly or partially used ticket. Fares are not applicable to check-through connecting flights for city pairs where direct flights are offered. Virgin America will accept one (1) piece of checked baggage up to 70 pounds free of charge for each ticketed guest flying to/from Mexico. The fee per guest for each additional checked bag up to 50 pounds from the second (2) to the tenth (10) is $25. Additional fees apply to baggage exceeding these weight limitations, and other baggage restrictions may apply. Fares, routes, fees and schedules are subject to change without notice.

****Terms and Conditions for Two-for-One Offer: While supplies last.  This offer ends and promo code must be used by 11:59pm PDT on September 30, 2010. One time use promo code is valid for travel to/from Mexico only and is valid for non-refundable Main Cabin fares only and excludes fully refundable Main Cabin, instant upgrade to Main Cabin Select, Main Cabin Select and First Class fares. Travel must occur between December 16, 2010 and May 4, 2011. Blackout dates are December 17, 18, 23, 24, 26, 30, 2010, January 2, 3, 2011, and February 18, 21, 2011. Promo code may only be used for bookings made onvirginamerica.com and is only valid on itineraries of 2 guests traveling together on a single reservation. Decreasing the number of guests, splitting the itinerary or changing names will be subject to change or cancel fees and may result in the loss of the discount. Promo code may be used only towards newly booked travel and may not be applied to prior bookings. Promo code discount will be deducted off of base fare. Promo code may not be redeemed for cash. Offer is not transferable and cannot be combined with any other offers. Seats are limited, subject to availability, and may not be available on all flights. If travel is changed or cancelled, promo code discount will become invalid. Changes or cancellations can be made for a $75 fee if changes are made on Virgin America’s website or a $100 fee through all other channels, including the call center and at the airport, plus any increase in fare, if applicable. Tickets purchased through Virgin America’s reservation call center will cost an additional $15 per guest per itinerary; this amount is non refundable if travel is changed or cancelled. Fares do not include Passenger Facility Charges of up to $9 each way, September 11th Security Fees of up to $5 each way and a Federal Segment Tax of $3.70 per domestic segment. A segment is a takeoff and landing. For service to and from Mexico, fares do not include the U.S. Immigration User Fee of $7, APHIS fee of $5, U.S. International Arrival/Departure tax of $16.10 each way, and additional taxes/fees of up to $60, including: Mexico International Departure Tax and Mexico Tourism Tax. Fares may include a surcharge. Fares will not be honored retroactively or in exchange for any wholly or partially used ticket. Fares are not applicable to check-through connecting flights for city pairs where direct flights are offered. Virgin America will accept one (1) piece of checked baggage up to 70 pounds free of charge for each ticketed guest flying to/from Mexico. The fee per guest for each additional checked bag up to 50 pounds from the second (2) to the tenth (10) is $25. Additional fees apply to baggage exceeding these weight limitations, and other baggage restrictions may apply. Fares, routes, fees and schedules are subject to change without notice.

*****Any guest calling within the United States has access to a complimentary telecommunication relay service by dialing 711.  For more information, go to: http://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/hearing/telecomm.asp.

For Immediate Release

Contact: Frances Alban
Contact: 786-200-4315 / falban@worldtrade.org

www.americasfoodandbeverage.com

THE 14^TH AMERICAS FOOD & BEVERAGE SHOW

6,300 BUYERS FROM 63 COUNTRIES

WHAT :  The Americas Food & Beverage Show in Miami Beach, is the largest Americas-focused trade show in the hemisphere for the F&B industry.  The Americas Food & Beverage Show features more than 300 exhibitors and 20 international pavilions. Discover the New Products Showcase where you can find the latest products in the US and in the Americas. Added features include The Art of Peruvian Cuisine, a five-day program spotlighting the best chefs from Peru.

WHO :  Organizers are expecting a minimum of 6,300 visitors from around the globe to attend, with qualified buyers and decision-makers across the full spectrum of food retailing, distribution, hospitality/culinary arts and food services. Fully 89% of show attendees either authorize or recommend purchasing decisions, making this an essential venue for companies wanting to showcase new products.  The 14^thAmericas Food & Beverage Show is sponsored by the World Trade Center Miami with support from the USDA and FAS.

WHEN: Tuesday, October 26 and Wednesday, October 27, 2010

HOURS: 10AM – 5PM daily.

WHERE: Miami Beach Convention Center (Hall C), 1901 Convention Center Drive, Miami Beach, 33139

Registration: Free with registration code: MRUT until 9/15/10. Register online athttp://www.americasfoodandbeverage.com

About World Trade Center Miami

The World Trade Center Miami is a member of the World Trade Centers Association which is the preeminent global trade organization promoting two-way trade. There are 321 World Trade Centers located in 91 countries with a total membership of 2 million corporate members and associates. In the Western Hemisphere, there are more than 50 World Trade Centers either in operation or in the planning and/or construction stage.

About the 14 ^th Americas Food & Beverage ShowThe 14 ^th Americas Food and Beverage Show will include approximately 300 exhibitors from the Americas and other parts of the world and 6,300+ buyers. Countries/regions such as Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Jamaica, Malaysia, Peru, Poland, South Korea and the USA will participate. The 14 ^th Americas Food and Beverage Show is sponsored by American Airlines, the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. For more information visit www.worldtrade.org or call 305-871-7910.

Membership of the IFWTWA has experienced a sudden growth surge in Australia. New members are now located across the width of the continent and have joined the association, looking for the strength and support the international profile provides.

Recent discussion at board level in California has ratified the establishment of the newly-formed group and agreed on a special division to be known as IFWTWA – Australasia.

Kevin Moloney, the chair of the new Australasian group, believes membership will swell to significant levels over the coming months and years. “The Association provides so much more than what has been professionally available to writers in Australia. Travel writers will now have the opportunity to interact with food and wine writers in the same association, giving us all greater scope and professional leverage” he said. “I’m sure when assessing the value of membership, new members will be impressed with the level of support and development they receive from the IFWTWA. We’re expecting to do great things in our region while being a part of an international association” he added.

Plans for the development of the Australasian group include the establishment of particular interest groups which focus on specialist writer market segments such as Business Events. The new group will provide a forum for business events/travel writers to exchange issues. As a special interest group it will be the model for establishing additional sub groups in the Australasian space.

Australian and New Zealand writers who are interested in joining the Association are welcome to contact either Kevin Moloney or Graeme Kemlo who are more than willing to talk about the benefits of membership and the plans to develop the presence in the region.

Further details – Kevin Moloney or Graeme Kemlo

kevinmoloney@iinet.net.au

gkemlo@gmail.com

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