Message from Your CCRA Team |
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Dear Partners in Travel,
Welcome to the August edition of our Travel Agent Newsletter. This month we have turned our attention to education for travel agents. Our newest education tool, Hotel Webinars, is a great way for agents to come and learn (for free) about the world's leading hotel chains. We have been averaging one to two a month. Take 40 minutes out of your month, to learn something new, that will make selling hotels to your clients easier. In addition to our webinars, don’t forget about our free online training, held every Thursday. This is your chance to get a quick training session on how to use CCRAtravel.com, and ask our Portal Manager, Jeff Kirk, any questions.
Read on to learn how Tourism Cares is doing their part to give back. Tourism Cares, awarded $45,000 in grants to six non-profit organizations as part of its Worldwide Grant Program for spring 2009. With matching funds from all recipients, a total of $90,000 will be presented to the organizations for projects containing a mix of sustainable tourism, cultural and heritage interpretation, preservation and restoration projects. We applaud Tourism Cares, for their great efforts in giving back.
This newsletter is full of helpful information not just for you, but for your clients. Don’t forget to check out the featured destinations. These hotels and resorts might be the perfect end of summer getaway for your clients.
What are you waiting for? Start reading!
Sincerely,
Your CCRA Team
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CCRA's Most Popular Education Tool, Hotel Webinars |
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CCRA’s latest and most popular education tool are our Hotel Webinars. These are free online webinars, exclusively for CCRA Travel Agents to learn more about some of the world’s largest hotel chains. Our webinars are the ideal venue for agents to come and learn about hotels’ latest renovations, points programs, new openings, and much more.
Our last webinar was presented by Omni Hotels. Omni took this opportunity to introduce their newest luxury hotel the Omni Fort Worth. In addition to learning about this beautiful new property, agents who attended the show were offered 50% discounts, and one lucky attendee won a weekend stay, including airfare for two.
We at CCRA are happy to bring new training tools that will help you better serve your clients, plus help you stay informed and up to date with travel trends, and the hot spots. Our webinars bring you “face to face” with live hotel representatives from some of the world’s leading chains.
Don’t miss our next webinar on August 14th at 11:00am PDT, presented by Wyndham Hotel Group.
WHG is the largest global hotel company with nearly 7,000 properties in 65 countries across 6 continents. Please join us to learn about WHG's diversity of brands, their unique programs which will add value to your clients’ stay as well as new travel agent Specialist Programs which enable you to earn a diploma and continuing educational units along with special offers and promotions.
All participants’ names will be entered into a grand prize drawing for an iPod Shuffle. Looking forward to your participation! Sign up today!
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Tourism Cares Awards Worldwide Grants and Announces Spring 2009 Grantees
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 Tourism Cares, the non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the travel experience for future generations, awarded $45,000 in grants to six non-profit organizations as part of its Worldwide Grant Program for spring 2009. With matching funds from all recipients, a total of $90,000 will be presented to the organizations for projects containing a mix of sustainable tourism, cultural and heritage interpretation, preservation and restoration projects. Tourism Cares continues to expand the geographical reach of its U.S. projects, with this group of grantees extending to the states of New York, Massachusettes, Florida, Michigan, and Ohio, and also includes one international project in Asia.
“As part of its mission, Tourism Cares has long been an advocate of conservation and preservation as a means to engage in responsible tourism,” said Bruce Beckham, Executive Director of Tourism Cares. “The worthy recipients of the Tourism Cares Worldwide Grants this spring have demonstrated similar goals.”
Tourism Cares distributes Worldwide Grants three times a year to worthy nonprofit organizations worldwide. It is pleased to announce the following spring 2009 grant recipients:
The Cultural Organization of Lowell, Lowell, MA: Project to Create Outdoor Visitor Interpretation for the City’s Cultural and Heritage Sites
The Cultural Organization of Lowell (COOL) is an arts service organization whose mission is “to help develop a high quality cultural environment in Lowell that enables the city’s ‘creative’ sector to reach its optimal potential and thus helps drive the city’s economic revival.” The Tourism Cares Worldwide Grant funding will be used to help create interactive interpretive graphics, and the project has matching federal funds from the federal Preserve America initiative.
Dayton History, Dayton, OH: Newcom Tavern Conservation Project
Dayton History, parent organization of Carillon Historical Park, has a vision “to be a nationally recognized regional history center.” The Tourism Cares Worldwide Grant funding will support this unusual preservation education project to conserve the tavern using period tools and techniques.
Key West Botanical Garden Society, Key West, FL: To Conserve and Restore the Key West Tropical Forest and Botanical Garden
The mission of the Key West Botanical Garden Society is “to preserve, develop, expand, and maintain the historic Key West Tropical Forest and Botanical Garden as an arboretum, botanical garden, wildlife refuge, and educational center for residents, tourists, plant experts, and others.” The Tourism Cares Worldwide Grant funding will help restore and enhance the tropical freshwater aquifer/pond system at the garden at this unique ecotourism site, and has matching funds form Monroe County Tourist Development Council.
Marquette Maritime Museum, Marquette, MI: Marquette Harbor Lighthouse Restoration
The mission of the Marquette Maritime Museum is “to preserve, protect, and interpret the maritime history of Marquette, Lake Superior, and the Great Lakes.” The Tourism Cares Worldwide Grant funding will assist in the restoration of the first-floor lighthouse keeper’s parlor and bedroom, and has matching federal funds from Save America’s Treasures.
Natural History Museum of the Adirondacks (Wild Center), Tupper Lake, NY: River Otter Critical Habitat Expansion Project
The Natural History Museum of the Adirondacks, also known as the Wild Center, is a 31-acre campus located on a wild and scenic river in the heart of the six-million acre Adirondack State Park. Its mission is “to inspire broad public understanding of the natural systems that shape and sustain life in the Adirondacks." The Tourism Cares Worldwide Grant funding, with matching funds, will help the indoor expansion of the North American River Otter Exhibit, this important natural site’s most popular attraction that features the otter, the museum’s mascot.
Wildlife Alliance, Washington, DC for Cambodia: Community-Based Ecotourism Project in Cardamom Mountains
The Wildlife Alliance is an international non-profit organization, with country programs and partnerships in Cambodia, Thailand, and Russia. Its mission is “to preserve the integrity of wild regions, to enhance direct protection of endangered wildlife, to promote environmental awareness through education, and to reduce pressures on natural resources through community outreach initiatives and alternative livelihoods.” The Tourism Cares Worldwide Grant funding, with matching funds, will assist in training residents to implement ecotourism activities, such as hiking and wildlife viewing, with additional training in the tourism and hospitality industry.
Tourism Cares is a 501 (c ) (3) non-profit public charity that benefits society by preserving the travel experience for future generations by giving grants to cultural, historic, and natural sites worldwide; by awarding academic and professional development scholarships to students of travel, tourism, and hospitality; and by organizing volunteer restoration events at tourism-related sites in need of care and rejuvenation. |
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 Along the eastern shore of Lake Spenard, the Millennium Alaskan Hotel Anchorage combines the best of Alaska’s scenic splendor with exceptional comforts and personalized service. Only a mile from Anchorage International Airport and ten minutes from downtown, we provide complimentary shuttles to the airport and downtown shopping. Hotel amenities include access to our own floatplane dock for sportfishing or “flightseeing” excursions. What better place to stay as you explore the many natural wonders of this magnificent state, from Mt. McKinley to the Kenai Peninsula and Prince William Sound.
Whether you’re in town for an important business meeting or strictly leisure pursuits, you’ll find no finer headquarters or haven, than the Millennium Alaskan Hotel Anchorage. When you stay in one of our handsomely furnished and spacious guest rooms or suites, the comfort-filled tranquility will make you forget you’re so close to America’s last great wilderness. Our 248 beautiful guest rooms and suites offer a wide range of amenities and a comfortable environment ensuring that your stay is enjoyable. Every service and amenity is at your disposal: high-speed Internet, voice mail, refrigerators, in-room movies, coffee makers and 24-hour room service. Club accommodations provide added services and amenities for discriminating guests. Non-smoking and accessible rooms are available.
Our hotel features a health club with sauna, whirlpool and steam bath. And the jogging paths around Lake Spenard allow you to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors as you exercise. Spectacular wildlife displays, along with Alaskan heritage and artifacts, warmly adorn our spacious lobby and restaurants, inviting you to make yourself at home, while away from home.
Combine a colorful atmosphere of gleaming woods and polished brass with culinary delights and superb vistas, and you’ve got The Fancy Moose Lounge. The Fancy Moose offers casual, all-day dining, as well as a friendly lounge for socializing. During the summer, wander out onto the patio which overlooks Lake Spenard; you might catch one of the brilliant Alaskan sunsets that draw visitors and locals alike. At The Flying Machine restaurant, you’ll find an impressive view of the world’s busiest float plane base, coupled with a decor that takes you back through decades of Alaskan aviation. Experience our just-caught seafood and exceptional Sunday champagne brunch. Bon appetit!
The Millennium Alaskan Hotel is uniquely suited for business meetings as well as social gatherings. We have seven meeting rooms totaling 6,000 square feet, which will accommodate groups up to 300. Our facilities include extensive audio-visual equipment and business services – all the components for a successful event.
Creative catering, lakeside cook-outs, attentive service and a friendly staff make the Millennium Alaskan Hotel the perfect destination choice for business travelers to sportsmen, and everyone in between.
Millennium Alaskan Hotel Anchorage | 4800 Spenard Road | Anchorage, Alaska 99517-3236
GDS Access Code: MU
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Guests will receive a Texas-themed welcome amenity of Chef’s choice,
for reservations booked and consumed during Aug – Dec 2009.
 Step into The Fairmont Dallas hotel, home to Lone Star Luxury. In Texas, we do things in a big way, and The Fairmont Dallas is no exception amongst hotels in Dallas, TX. In this modern city of soaring skyscrapers, The Fairmont Dallas sets the standard for style and elegance. With our ideal location in the heart of the Downtown Dallas Arts District, fine dining, shopping, arts and entertainment are moments from our doorstep. The Fairmont Dallas is mere minutes from the Central Business District, Victory Park (home of the American Airlines Center), the Financial District, the West End Historic District known for its shopping and lively restaurants as well as the exciting upscale boutiques, eateries and nightlife of nearby Uptown / West Village.
Fully redesigned in 2008, the AAA / Four Diamond Pyramid Restaurant & Bar resonates with a modern, sleek, contemporary look that creates an imaginative and engaging space in the heart of Dallas’ downtown Arts District. The new décor evokes a sophisticated glamour with a color palette in rich earth tones with accents of polished metal and dark mahogany flooring. Organic wood sculptures decorate the room and an amazing artistic interpretation of a centuries-old, crosscut tree welcomes guests inside the foyer.
 The Pyramid Restaurant & Bar features combined seating for 110, as well as a private dining room with additional seating up to forty-four and an exclusive Chef’s Tasting Room seating ten to sixteen. Executive Chef jW Foster’s exciting new cuisine draws its inspiration from Texas growers and regional purveyors, which gives guests the makings of a truly memorable dining experience at one of the most memorable restaurants in Dallas.
Whether planting and tending to the 2500 square foot herb and vegetable garden on the hotel’s rooftop terrace, creating his own unique blend of mustards and chutneys, or traversing the Lone Star State in search of the finest quality products, Chef Foster exudes a pride and passion for fresh-market dining.
Combining hospitality, luxury and that special Texas flair, The Fairmont Dallas hotel can accommodate your lodging needs for business or leisure, grand events, conferences, or intimate meetings. Treat yourself to four star fine dining, distinguished service, and 545 newly redesigned accommodations, as well as many of the comforts of home and more. Nothing compares to The Fairmont Dallas. After all, we've been Turning Moments into Memories for our Guests since 1969.
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 Millennium Maxwell House Hotel Nashville has epitomized Southern elegance and hospitality since the 1860’s, providing a welcoming “home away from home” appeal.
The Millennium Maxwell House provides a warm, relaxed setting to call home during your Nashville stay. The accommodations are so comfortable and cozy, you won’t want to leave. You will feel it in the personalized service, the attention to detail and the extra effort we take to make you comfortable. Add to that the antebellum elegance, the best of the music industry and the modern pulse of business to create a harmony that is Nashville today.
Featuring fantastic views of the surrounding city, including a view of the Tennessee Titans training camp, the Millennium Maxwell House is noticeably convenient to downtown (just 1.5 miles). You are only moments from shopping, entertainment, restaurants and area attractions such as the Historic Second Avenue Entertainment District, the New Country Music Hall of Fame, Nashville Convention Center, Frist Visual Arts Museum and the Gaylord Entertainment Center. In addition to complimentary parking, we offer a complimentary airport shuttle and complimentary local transportation to destination highlights.
 The Millennium Maxwell House Hotel is the original music-themed hotel in Nashville. Select from spacious guest rooms and suites that reflect the warmth and charm of Nashville. We offer 287 perfectly appointed, sleeping rooms that includes four suites. A unique picture package from Hatch ShowPrint featuring the original “Grand Ole Opry” country music stars that performed at the Ryman Auditorium help reinforce the ambiance that reflects our city’s nickname, “Music City, U.S.A.” All rooms are equipped with an elegant cherry wood console vanity with a black granite top. Added amenities and services contribute to making each accommodation an attractive, functional and comfort-filled retreat for travelers who desire that “something extra.” Handicapped accessible accommodations are also available.
The Millennium Maxwell House features Praline’s restaurant for your dining pleasure. You will feel welcome as you enter the warm, casual atmosphere in an authentic Southern setting. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, you’ll find healthy, delectable meals, delicious buffets and decadent desserts. Select from innovative southern-style entrees and signature items that are sure to please. For fun visit Maxwell’s, a high-energy sports bar ambiance where good company, great food, music and thirst-quenching spirits abound.
With more than 27,000 square feet in 14 flexible meeting rooms, the Millennium Maxwell House has banquet facilities that can accommodate groups from 10 to 1,000. The Crown Ballroom on the top floor of the hotel boasts a breathtaking, panoramic view of the Nashville skyline. From the courtyard to the top of the hotel, our exquisite space and exceptional service offers an appeal for any business or social occasion. Our beautifully remodeled courtyard is sure to be a popular choice for events and receptions.
For onsite leisure activities, the Millennium Maxwell House does offer an outdoor pool and well equipped fitness facility. A nearby golf course rounds out the recreational opportunities. We make every effort to provide a warm, relaxed setting to call home during your Nashville stay.
Millennium Maxwell House Hotel Nashville | 2025 Rosa L. Parks Boulevard | Nashville, Tennessee
37228-1505
GDS Access Code: MU
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 Following an infusion of $70 million in upgrades, Riviera Resort & Spa, a former desert hot spot once frequented by the film industry and business elite, has been playfully reinvented to evoke the mystique and allure of mid-century Hollywood – with a decidedly contemporary twist. The Riviera – which in its heyday played host to Rat Pack icons such as Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jr. – once again emanates the glitz and uber-cool attitude of 1960s Palm Springs.
Showcasing a decidedly retro vibe in tandem with the very best of today’s resort amenities, the Riviera Resort & Spa features 406 masterfully-revamped guest rooms – including 45 luxury suites – all outfitted with hip furnishings; chic marble bathrooms; flat screen plasma TVs; a contemporary living area; wireless Internet access and private patios or balconies with scenic garden, mountain or pool views.
In addition to its luxurious guest rooms, the resort offers an enticing array of tempting culinary and entertainment options. Whether it’s an icy martini in the swank sidebar lounge, a fruity cocktail poolside or an inventive entrée at the sophisticated Circa 59 fine dining venue, the Riviera Resort & Spa has something for all palates – and occasions.
 The Riviera’s outdoor areas are equally alluring, with meandering pathways connecting lushly-landscaped gardens with intimate courtyards anchored by fire pits. A seductive and sunny hub, The Bikini Bar, the resort’s outdoor pool bar, sports a comfy open-air living room with a hip lounge atmosphere. Striking images of former Miss Americas – re-colored for a retro edge – line the sun-splashed pool area. The pool and lobby areas are the spots to “see and be seen” – strategically situated lounges and couches attract groups of people for social events and mingling. The Riviera Resort & Spa is a captivating concoction of current indulgences, decadent distractions and elegant energy.
- Only a couple of miles away from downtown Palm Springs and the Palm Springs International Airport
- 406 luxurious guestrooms and suites
- World class SpaTerre offering exotic Balinese, Thai and Indonesian rituals
- Circa 59, where classic steakhouse and ocean-inspired seafood combinations blend seamlessly
- The Starlite Lounge
- Three bars – Bikini Bar, Side Bar and Deep End
- Two sparkling pools with intimate cabanas and outdoor fire pits
Save Up to 30% NOW!
Blackout dates and restrictions apply. Book by August 31, 2009 Offer valid through December 31, 2009.
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 Come for a Spa Sleepover...
Immerse yourself in our bayside oasis just moments from South Beach. Escape into our world class holistic and hydrotherapy centered spa inspired by global bathing cultures, self teaching and integral living. Enjoy our locally sourced, fresh and delicious Mediterranean cuisine. Bask in the warmth of the Miami sun and dive into bayside infinity pool. Unwind, tune out and remind yourself what it feels like to take a deep breath.
| Hotel Features |
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| 105 guests rooms |
Complimentary wireless internet |
Room service and catering |
Valet parking |
| Wholesome restaurant with bayside grill & lounge |
Outdoor and indoor bars |
Fitness center |
Pilates studio |
| Spa Features |
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| Full hydrotherapy spa offering over 40 different massage, bath and skin therapies |
Hamam with heated marble and belly stone |
Aroma steam room, cedar sauna and scrub room |
Cold rain shower |
Roman waterfall
hot tub |
Arctic plunge pool |
Large ozonated infinity pool |
Mud lounge and soaking tubs |
| Integral Living Services |
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| Acupuncture |
Homeophathic physician |
Personal Life Coaching |
Personal Training |
| Gyrotonics |
Meditation |
Nutritional Cooking |
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Now, until September 30th, 2009, you can enjoy a customized spa treatment with every room night booked. Who needs a bonus at this rate? The Standard Spa, Miami Beach lets you keep your spa habit. Choose from the following indulgences:
- De-Stress Massage
- Rescue Facial
- Self Rub Scrub
- Spoil Your Body Soak
- Mud Lounge Detox
Enjoy unlimited access to the hydrotherapy pools, hamam, saunas, steam room, and soaking tubs.
Call in advance to reserve your treatment; services based on availability. Promotion based on availability; black out dates apply. Tax and gratuity not included. Not to be combined with any other offer.
Director of Yoga, Movement & Meditation, Tamara Aruj, tamara@standardhotel.com
Spa Director, Mina Gough, mgough@standardhotel.com
The Standard Spa, Miami Beach, 40 Island Avenue, Miami Beach, Fl 33139
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 Traveling on business? Then let Othon Hotels help make your business trip as comfortable and efficient as possible.
The Othon Business program offers our corporate clients a range of exclusive privileges including:
- Executive floors with specially designed rooms offering WiFi internet access
- VIP check-in and out
- Executive lounge offering complimentary breakfast and an open bar
- Priority early check-in and late check-out (subject to availability)
- Free daily newspaper delivered to your room
- Wifi internet access throughout the common areas of the hotel
 Business center offering computers, printers, fax, photocopying and all secretarial services- Overnight laundry and shoe shine
- Travel Light Service – Guests checking-out and then back in again may leave their luggage and laundry at reception. We will make sure everything is cleaned, ready and waiting in your room when you return
The next time you are traveling on business, ask about the Othon Business Program at the following hotels:
Rio Othon Palace | Leme Othon Palace | Belo Horizonte Othon Palace
Bahia Othon Palace | Othon Palace Fortaleza
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 The Lexington Hotel New Orleans Airport (formally Best Western New Orleans Airport) has officially announced a new and improved hotel!!
We invite you to experience our new brand! Along with the new affiliation come new and exciting upgrades. From the moment you enter through our newly installed electronic doors you will experience a warm welcome in our “feel at home” lobby. Conduct business or simply print out your boarding pass in the newly constructed business center. That’s not all!!
The Lexington Hotel is a four story exterior property offering a total of 166 rooms. Room types include king and double bedded rooms both available in smoking and non smoking. ADA rooms and suites are also available upon request. All guest rooms have been upgraded with new granite showers/vanities, mattresses/bedding, desk chairs/lamps, drapes, and so much more.
Take advantage of our beautifully landscaped courtyard and relax and unwind at our junior Olympic size outdoor pool.
 We can provide you with transportation to and from the Louis Armstrong International Airport. Service is provided complimentary and is available 24 hours a day. We also offer our guests complimentary parking. Non-registered guests can take advantage of our low priced long term parking.
The Louis Armstrong Ballroom has a total 2200 sq ft of space. This room can be divided to accommodate smaller groups. We can assist with small intimate meetings as well as large social functions. Catering services are also available – Contact our Sales department.
Denny’s Restaurant is located on the premises of The Lexington Hotel. Denny’s provides service 24 hours a day (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Room Service). Lafitte’s Lounge is located inside Denny’s Restaurant (one of just a few Denny’s that offers this service). - Happy Hour and Drink Specials offered daily!
The Lexington Hotel is the “Closest hotel to the Airport.” The convenient proximity makes easy access to the Interstate, Plantation/City Tours and is only minutes from the historic French Quarter. Local attractions such as Rivertown Museums, shopping malls and the Treasure Casino are all within a 3 mile radius of the property.
Great discounts and promotional packages are available for our corporate accounts, leisure guests and group business.
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