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A dog’s paradise unveiled at Melia Orlando Suite Hotel

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Meliá Orlando Suite Hotel at Celebration, a hotel near the magic of Disney World and Universal Studios, has just opened a dedicated Dog Recreation Park that’s perfectly designed to ensure our furry friends get a vacation too.

The recreation park includes:

• 2 sections for the dog park
• 1 large dog section
• 4 obstacles
• 1 fire hydrant (to both pee and play on!)
• Picnic table with umbrella
• Dog poop station
• Trash can
• 2 adirondack chairs
• 6-8 dog capacity

• 1 small dog section.
• 2 obstacles
• Fire hydrant
• 2 adirondack chairs
• 4 -6 dog capacity

Meliá Orlando Suite Hotel offers an old-world charm meets new world design and contemporary comfort. Wild orchids grace tabletops and large-scale impressionist paintings combine with mosaic walls, that sets an atmosphere that is both European – an homage to its Spanish brand roots – and American Chic. In addition to the dog park, the hotel offers a 360-degree vanishing pool with a zero-entry point for kids to play in and around, perfect for sunset relaxation while the dogs play.

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Diamond Live Concert Series honored by American Resort Development Association

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Diamond Resorts was recognized by the American Resort Development Association with one of the vacation ownership industry’s top awards for its groundbreaking Diamond Live Concert Series.

Mike Flaskey, Chief Executive Officer of Diamond Resorts, and Chris Brock, Senior Vice President of Global Marketing, accepted the award during the annual ARDA World Awards Gala in Orlando, Fla.

“To say I am proud of our talented team members is an understatement,” said Mike Flaskey, Chief Executive Officer of Diamond Resorts. “Our team is consistently pushing the envelope and developing innovative ways to enhance vacation experiences for our members, owners and guests.”

“The Concert Series began several years ago as a little idea and our team has taken it very far, growing the platform into a full series of private concerts with some of country music’s top artists,” Flaskey added. “I am very grateful that our industry has recognized our team’s innovation.”

ARDA, the Washington D.C.‐based trade association representing the vacation ownership and resort development industries, annually recognizes resorts and industry members at the ARDA World Convention & Expo in categories that include overall professional excellence, outstanding sales and marketing accomplishments, product design, advertising and staff.

Diamond Resorts has won awards each year, and was named finalists in 23 categories ahead of the 2019 event.

In addition to the ACE Innovator Award, Diamond took home 11 other awards:

•Sales Verification Loan Officer/Quality Assurance Officer – Annette Stultz
•Business Administration Manager: Finance & Accounting – Yash Dubal
•Training and Development Manager or Team – University of Excellence and OD Team
•Call Center Leader – Kayla Czapla
•Activities Program Team – Virginia Beach Activities Team
•Safety/Security Manager/Team – Edwin Brooks
•Resort Assistant Manager – Leonardo Olachea
•Newsletter – The Club Newsletter
•Multi Media Campaign – All Access Pass Sweepstakes
•Social Media Campaign – #DRIGolf Campaign
•Refurbishment: HOA – Liki Tiki Village Lobby

Attracting more than 1,700 participants from more than 35 countries, ARDA World offers companies prime exposure to vacation ownership industry professionals and provides quality networking opportunities and expert insight on the latest industry trends. Strengthen relationships with your current customers and seek out new opportunities to expand your business and increase your company’s visibility in the ARDA World Marketplace.

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United Airlines announces new Florida service

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United Airlines today announced more flights and more opportunities for customers to connect between Washington, D.C., and Florida. Beginning October 29, United will begin new twice-daily, year-round service between Washington Dulles and Fort Myers and Sarasota in Florida. Additionally, United will begin operating extended seasonal winter service between Miami and Washington Dulles starting two months earlier than originally planned in October 2019.
United’s new service to Fort Myers and Sarasota complements the airline’s growing Florida network of more than 50 routes served from Chicago, Cleveland, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, New York/Newark, San Francisco and Washington, D.C.

“These new routes offer our customers many more opportunities to conveniently travel year-round between Florida and our Washington hub,” said Ankit Gupta, United’s vice president of Domestic Network Planning. “Our schedule offers customers from Fort Myers and Sarasota easy connections to more than 130 flights across the United States and 11 European destinations with just one stop.”

United in Florida

In addition to its new service between Washington Dulles and Fort Myers and Sarasota, United operates more than 140 daily flights to 12 Florida cities. Effective October 27, United will offer the following service from its U.S. hubs to Florida.

City Destination

Chicago Destin/Fort Walton Beach, Key West, Fort Lauderdale, Jacksonville, Orlando, Miami, West Palm Beach, Panama City, Pensacola, Fort Myers, Sarasota, Tampa

Cleveland Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Orlando, Tampa

Denver Fort Lauderdale, Jacksonville, Orlando, Fort Myers, Tampa, Miami, West Palm Beach, Pensacola, Sarasota, Destin/Fort Walton Beach

Houston Panama City, Fort Lauderdale, Jacksonville, Orlando, Miami, West Palm Beach, Pensacola, Fort Myers, Tampa, Destin/Fort Walton Beach

Los Angeles Orlando

New York/Newark Key West, Fort Lauderdale, Jacksonville, Orlando, Miami, West Palm Beach, Fort Myers, Sarasota, Tampa

San Francisco Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, Miami, Tampa

Washington Dulles Fort Lauderdale, Jacksonville, Orlando, Miami, Tampa, Fort Myers, Sarasota

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US tourists vanish in Dominican Republic between hotel and airport

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American tourists, Orlando Moore, 43, and Portia Ravenelle, 32, were set to return to their Mount Vernon, New York, home on March 27, at the end of a vacation in the Dominican Republic, but the couple never made it to the airport after checking out of their hotel.

The couple was reported missing after they vanished more than 2 weeks ago after checking out of their hotel room after a 4-day getaway to the northern beach area of Samana.

The couple’s families have not heard from them for over 13 days. Their phones are off, their car is still parked at Newark International Airport, and authorities said there is no record of them entering the US. Family members have filed a police report.

Moore’s brother, Lashay Turner, said they had a rental car during their time in the Dominican Republic, but there is no sign of the vehicle. “We’ve been calling DR and they said they didn’t make their flight,” he said. “We also spoke to someone in US Customs, and they said my brother did not make his flight back here.”

“I’m scared. I don’t know what’s going on,” Turner said. “I’m saddened, my family is saddened by this and we just want my brother to return safe and alive.”

It is unclear which airport the pair were due to fly home from and how far it was from their hotel. There is an airport in Samana that offers mostly seasonal flights to the island, mainly from Europe. The next closest airport in the area is the Cibao International Airport in Santiago, which offers daily flights to and from the US.

The State Department’s travel advisory issued on February 12, 2019 for the Dominican Republic advised tourists to exercise increased caution due to crime.

A picture believed to be the latest of the pair posted to social media shows them riding horses together.

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American Airlines: New cabin, larger overhead luggage bins

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American Airlines is starting scheduled flights with the first of its 100 new Airbus A321neo aircraft on order. These aircraft come equipped with an all-new cabin interior designed for enhanced passenger comfort and convenience, including larger Airspace XL overhead luggage bins that increase carry-on bag capacity.

American is the launch customer for the Airspace XL bins, which provide approximately 40 percent more overhead storage space for passengers on board the 196-seat aircraft. In addition to equipping its new A321neos with the XL bins, American also plans to retrofit its entire in-service fleet of earlier A321 models – more than 200 aircraft – with the cabin features included on the new A321neos.

Ingo Wuggetzer, Airbus’ Vice President of Cabin Marketing said: “We are very pleased that American Airlines’ first A321neos with the Airspace XL bins are now entering service. We constantly work with airline customers to improve our aircraft cabins, and American in particular played an instrumental role with us in developing our biggest and best overhead bins to date.”

The Airspace XL bins accommodate larger luggage – up 24” x 16” x 10” – allowing standard roll-on bags to be loaded on their sides instead of being inserted flat. This creates room for up to four bags in each bin instead of the current three. The larger bins will significantly reduce the number of passenger bags checked at the gate, and sent to the cargo hold.

American‘s selected cabin layout allows the airline greater flexibility in seating arrangements and use of cabin space. The two class cabin will gain an additional row of first-class seats, bringing the total to 20. Outfitting the A321neo with a free wireless inflight-entertainment (IFE) system allows passengers to select a wide-range of options from their own devices. LED mood lighting will enhance the cabin environment.

Powered by CFM LEAP-1A engines and ETOPS certified for lengthy over water flights, the A321neo will allow American to carry larger loads on its longer, more densely travelled routes such as Los Angeles and Phoenix to Orlando, or West Coast hubs to Hawaii.

 

The A321neo is the largest member of the A320 Family, seating up to 240 passengers, depending on cabin configuration. Incorporating the latest engines, aerodynamic advances, and cabin innovations, the A321neo offers a reduction in fuel consumption of at least 15 percent per seat from day

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Boeing 737 Max forced to make emergency landing

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The Federal Aviation Administration reported that a Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 Max jet was forced to make an emergency landing today, Tuesday, March 26, 2018, in Orlando, Florida, after experiencing an engine problem.

The 737 Max was grounded on March 13 in the US after 2 catastrophic fatal crashes. The FAA is investigating but stated that it appears the emergency was not related to anti-stall software suspected in the two previous crashes.

There were no passengers on board as the aircraft was being ferried to Victorville, California, where Southwest stores airplanes.

The crew took off from Orlando International Airport and then declared an emergency, landing the plane safely.

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Hawaii Tourism: Los Angeles Rams to play Dallas Cowboys at Aloha Stadium

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The Los Angeles Rams will host the Dallas Cowboys on Saturday, August 17, 2019 at 4PM HST at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, it was officially announced today. Tickets are now available on TheRams.com/Hawaii and can be purchased on-site at Aloha Stadium.

The preseason matchup will be the first time the NFL has played an exhibition game at Aloha Stadium on Oahu since 1976. Before moving to Orlando in 2016, Aloha Stadium served as the host site for the Pro Bowl every year with two exceptions since 1979.

Through the support and partnership of Hawaii’s tourism industry, the Rams will provide various community engagement opportunities for youth in the islands. In advance of the preseason matchup, Rams players and staff will host an 11-on-11 Tournament & Skills Competition that will feature 16 Hawaii high school football teams. The event will include a character education session and will aim to build camaraderie and promote the game of football in Hawaii. During the week leading up to the game in August, Rams cheerleaders and mascot, Rampage, will visit local schools to host PLAY 60 events and create lifelong memories while encouraging youth to be active for the recommended 60 minutes every day.

In addition, as part of the Rams’ year-round military appreciation efforts, the team will bring its PLAY 60 Military Base Tour to the islands to support the military community and to honor, empower, and connect with Hawaii-based service members, veterans and their families.

In November 2018, the Rams began partnering with Hawaii’s tourism industry, which included a special Hawaii-themed presenting sponsorship of the Rams-Seahawks game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

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Holland America Line explores Mexican Riviera in 2019-2020

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Holland America Line guests looking to bask in the Mexican Riviera’s sun-kissed climate and vibrant culture will have 20 cruises and three ships to choose from between October 2019 and April 2020. A seven-day series of itineraries will be offered aboard Oosterdam and Eurodam, while Maasdam’s popular EXC In-Depth Voyages expand to Mexico in 2020. All of the regular-season cruises conveniently sail roundtrip from San Diego, California.

Each itinerary features three Mexican ports of call, including an overnight at Puerto Vallarta, providing extra time to take a zip-line tour through the lush Sierra Madre Mountains, go whale-watching in Banderas Bay or take a side trip to one of Mexico’s enchanting Pueblos Magicos. All cruises also include calls at the popular Mexican ports of Mazatlán and Cabo San Lucas.

“Mexico continues to be a top cruise choice among our guests because it offers such a rich experience, from warm weather and beautiful beaches to diverse cultural and culinary landscapes,” said Orlando Ashford, president of Holland America Line. “By visiting several iconic ports within this captivating country, we’re able to provide guests with an authentic, immersive experience that leaves them with a deeper understanding of this colorful part of the world.”

Oosterdam kicks off the season Oct. 6, 2019, with one of 14 seven-day cruises offered through April 18, 2020, including two holiday departures Dec. 21 and Dec. 28. Guests can enjoy an identical itinerary aboard Eurodam Oct. 19, Nov. 2 and Nov. 9, 2019. Cruisers interested in a longer sailing can extend Eurodam’s Oct. 19 voyage by embarking four days earlier at Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, for an 11-day cruise that adds a call at Santa Barbara, California.

For an even deeper exploration of the Mexican Riviera, Maasdam’s 12-day EXC In-Depth Voyage departs April 3 and April 15, 2020, and includes seven Mexican ports that rim the Sea of Cortez. Along with Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlán and Puerto Vallarta, guests will enjoy La Paz, Loreto, Guaymas and Topolobampo. Maasdam’s April 15 departure can be extended for an 18-day Collectors’ Voyage that also visits Santa Barbara, Monterey and San Francisco, California, before arriving at Victoria then Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, where guests will disembark.

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Puerto Vallarta Beach Club has a new director of operation

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Puerto Vallarta Beach Club announces the appointment of John Douponce as Director of Operations of Puerto Vallarta Beach Club.

John Douponce brings a wealth of hospitality management expertise to Puerto Vallarta Beach Club, most recently as general manager of the Chamberlain West Hollywood for the past six years. During his tenure at the OLS Hotel & Resorts property, he was responsible for the execution of a $15 million redesign of the hotel’s accommodations, public spaces, rooftop pool deck and bar. He also worked with two other OLS properties, Le Parc Suite Hotel and Le Montrose Suite as general manager, and as area director of operations for Le Montrose Suite.

John is thrilled to be a part of the luxury Estate in Puerto Vallarta.  “I have been visiting here for many years, and this is a very comfortable home for me. I am delighted to introduce Puerto Vallarta Beach Club to new guests who will appreciate what I’ve come to love, the privacy and special personalization that distinguish it from luxury resorts among the world,” he notes.

John’s extensive background in hospitality covers management, operations, profit and loss, staff training and development as well as marketing and guest relations. His business management approach focuses on identifying the distinguishing aspects of a property, repositioning the property as needed, and creating a hospitality experience that is unparalleled in the industry, one that inspires guests to return year after year. His nearly 30 years in the hospitality industry have taken him from Michigan where he worked in both restaurants and hotels to hotels and resorts in North Carolina, Orlando, Hawaii and Los Angeles, with positions in sales, marketing and management.

John originally hails from Michigan and he has spent most of his career in California. Beyond his hotel positions, John has been active in the hospitality world as a member of California Travel & Tourism Association.  He also served on the boards of the West Hollywood Marketing & Visitors Bureau as well as of the West Hollywood Chamber of Commerce.  He is also active in the non-profit sector, serving on the board of directors for the AIDS Project Los Angeles.

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Holland America Line sets sail for coastal towns of Canada and New England

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In 2020 Holland America Line’s Amsterdam, Zaandam and Zuiderdam will transport guests to the stunning coastlines and historic cities of Canada and New England on more than 40 cruises. Sailing one of the most robust seasons in the industry between April and October, guests can select from among 10 itineraries ranging from six to 14 days.

During the summer months, cruisers will have even more sailings to choose from when Amsterdam joins Zaandam to offer additional Canada & New England Discovery cruises between Boston, Massachusetts, and Montréal, Québec — giving guests more opportunities to explore Maine’s spectacular Acadia National Park or Cape Breton’s incredible Bird Islands.

“Canada and New England is a spectacular destination for cruising and more travelers are discovering its abundance of charm, deep maritime history, art, architecture and culinary diversity,” said Orlando Ashford, president of Holland America Line. “For many, it’s a close-to-home destination waiting to be explored, while others come from around the world to experience its uniqueness and culturally rich ports. The growing popularity of the region and attractiveness to all ages is why we’re offering three ships on an extended summer and fall sailing season.”

Beginning in April, Amsterdam, Zaandam and Zuiderdam sail a diverse collection of six-, seven-, eight-, 10-, 11- and 14-day cruises departing from Boston; Fort Lauderdale, Florida; New York City, New York; and Montréal and Québec City, Québec, in Canada. The cruises will feature calls at some of the region’s most iconic destinations, including Canada’s Charlottetown, Sydney and Halifax, as well as Bar Harbor, Maine.

Amsterdam & Zaandam Bring More Summer Sailings

On April 21, 2020, Zaandam kicks off the Canada and New England spring season with an 11-day Atlantic Coast cruise. Departing from Fort Lauderdale, the ship will call at Newport; Boston; Bar Harbor; Halifax and Sydney, Nova Scotia; Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island; and Québec City, before concluding at Montréal. The Amsterdam will sail a similar itinerary departing May 26, with a port of call in Portland, Maine, and scenic cruising along the Saint Lawrence River.

From May through September 2020, both Amsterdam and Zaandam offer a series of seven-day Canada & New England Discovery cruises between Montréal and Boston, featuring calls at Boston, Bar Harbor, Halifax, Sydney, Charlottetown and Québec City, as well as cruising in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Special six and eight-day itineraries are featured departing Oct. 3 and Oct. 9, respectively.

Zaandam offers a new seven-day Historic Coasts cruise in 2020, as well as a 14-day Atlantic Coast cruise. The Historic Coasts cruise departs Aug. 22 sailing roundtrip from Boston and includes calls at Portland, Maine; Saint John, New Brunswick; Halifax; Sydney; and Bar Harbor. The 14-day Atlantic Coast cruise departs Montréal Oct. 17 and calls at Québec City and Baie-Comeau, Québec; Charlottetown; Sydney; Halifax; Bar Harbor; Boston; New York; and Charleston, South Carolina, before ending at Fort Lauderdale.

Nature’s Dazzling Colors Come to Life on Fall Foliage Cruises

In September, Zuiderdam launches the fall season with three 10-day Colors of Canada & New England cruises between New York and Québec City. On Sept. 7 and 27, Zuiderdam will depart New York and call at Boston, Bar Harbor, Halifax, Sydney, Charlottetown and Québec City, where guests will enjoy an overnight stay before disembarking. A similar itinerary is available Sept. 17 departing Québec City, where guests will enjoy an overnight stay on board prior to the cruise departure.

These cruises feature cruising through the Gulf of St. Lawrence and Saguenay Fjord, where the jewel-toned hues of the fall foliage present a dazzling display of color.

Zuiderdam sails an 11-day Atlantic Coast cruise departing Québec City Oct. 7, calling at Charlottetown, Sydney, Halifax, Bar Harbor, Boston, Newport and New York, before concluding at Fort Lauderdale.

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