NEW, RE-NEWED AND COMING SOON

An adults-only luxury hotel with 103 guest rooms opens on Mexico’s Baja Sur Pacific coast in November. Amenities at Rancho Pescadero’s 30 acres, sitting between beautiful beaches and the Sierra Laguna Mountains, focuses on the gifts of Baja California and Mexico for nature, local culture, and farm-to-table cuisine.  Located just outside the artist’s haven of Todos Santos, Rancho Pescadero has a spa, swimming pool, two miles of beach, three restaurants, and a mountain of unique sensory experiences, from creating one’s own aromatherapy in the Apothecary to exploring the history of margaritas and mezcalitas while learning how to make their own concoctions and sipping on the results. Luxury accommodations include 10 penthouses, one Hacienda Suite, and 12 ocean villas with plunge pools and fire pits. The resort is about an hour’s drive from the Los Cabos (SJD) International Airport.

www.journeyMexico.com

Margaritaville Beach House Key West, opened since November last year, is welcoming Tin Cup Chalice Bar & Chill’s next year as the resort’s signature, full-service restaurant by introducing a new menu. Selections will now feature more Caribbean flair, with dishes such as Papas Bravas, Conch Fritters, Arugula Burrata Salad, Chickpea Curry, Angus Skirt Steak, and Tempura Green Beans. Don’t worry that fan favorites like fish tacos, crispy chicken sandwich, and legendary cheeseburgers will disappear. They won’t. Desserts now include Key Lime Pie, chocolate mousse torte, and guava bread pudding.  “We wanted a menu that really celebrates and complements the unique island vibe of the resort,” indicated Executive Chef Carlos Sanchez. “We’re laid back in demeanor, but with upscale offerings, and this new menu captures that balance perfectly.” The 186-suite oceanfront resort has indoor banquet space, outdoor gardens and courtyards, and a 1,500-sf event Tiki room. It is located one mile from Key West International Airport and provides complimentary shuttle service to the airport and the Downtown Seaport Harbor.

www.MargaritavilleBeachHouseKeyWest.com.

Journey Costa Rica’s website has launched. It details destinations, travel experiences, hotels and villas.

www.journeycostarica.com

HOT DEALS!

Maybe the name of iconic Inn on Fifth & Club Level Suites’ new “To the Nines” package should have had the word “opulence” included in the title. If you are seeking to have a vacation that is “to the moon and back” luxurious, check out this offer that is available until May 31, 2023. The Naples, FL boutique property is offering luxury experiences that showcase the best of the Naples lifestyle. Designed for two, the package centers on a three-night stay in either the King Supreme Suite or the elegant Presidential Suite, both with spacious verandahs overlooking Fifth Avenue South. Club Level amenities include deluxe continental breakfast each morning, chef-driven hors d’oeuvres, artisan cheese & charcuterie boards, full bar and desserts each evening in the Club Level lounge, as well as a personal concierge, secluded rooftop retreat, turndown service and more. The “To the Nines” package includes an hour-long  private helicopter tour of the Florida Gold Coast; a two-hour sunset cruise aboard Sweet Liberty, a sleek 53-foot catamaran; dinner ($300 dining credit) at Ocean Prime Naples; and use of a luxury car for a self-guided day tour of the area. The package also includes chauffeured transportation to and from Southwest Florida Regional Airport or Naples Airport, and an array of Club Level amenities. The Inn on Fifth & Club Level Suites is a AAA Four-Diamond, Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star property.

www.InnOnFifth.com; (239) 403-8777

RAISE THE ROOF FOR HURRICANE IAN RELIEF RAISED $12,000

Five of Tampa, FL-based Mainsail Lodging & Development’s hotel rooftop bars held a “Raise the Roof for Hurricane Ian Relief” night on October 6, raising $12,000 for the Harry Chapin Food Bank of Southwest Florida. EDGE Rooftop Cocktail Lounge (Epicurean Hotel in Tampa); Hi-Fi Rooftop Bar (Fenway Hotel in Dunedin); Vantage Rooftop Bar (The Karol Hotel in Clearwater); and Skybox Rooftop Bar (Residence Inn Tampa Wesley Chapel) donated half of the evening’s sales to directly support of those impacted by the storm. The fifth hotel, Luminary Hotel & Co. (downtown Fort Myers), hosted a community rally on October 12, during which 300 family food kits were distributed, more than 800 hot lunches were served, and families in need could meet with a variety of non-profit organizations and FEMA for assistance. Luminary’s rooftop bar, Beacon Social Drinkery, donated 100% of its sales from the night. “It came together fast, but we wanted to give our guests and neighbors a way to quickly and directly help those affected by Hurricane Ian,” said Joe Collier, President and Founder of Mainsail. “It was great to see so many come out to support the cause and help rally behind the Southwest Florida community.” Along the Gulf Coast, the Harry Chapin Food Bank of Southwest Florida is working around the clock to provide help to people struggling in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian. Currently, the food bank has distributed over 2.6 million pounds of dry goods, has helped 107 agencies reopen, and has served over 7,000 families in Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Hendry and Lee counties. “The outpouring of support coming from our gulf coast neighbors has been tremendous”, said Richard LeBer, CEO of Harry Chapin Food Bank. “We are pouring our hearts into feeding those affected by hurricane Ian.”

www.HarryChapinFoodBank.org; www.MainsailHotels.com.

COMMITTEE VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES FOR FFEA

Florida Festival & Events Association (FFEA) is accepting applications for volunteer opportunities. Deadline to apply is November 30 to help sustain this industry organization. Here’s a rundown of volunteer positions. Sustainability Committee creates and executes a sustainability plan for FFEA Annual Conference in partnership with the Sustainable Events Network. Will also assist FFEA with producing programs and best practices for members who wish to create sustainability initiatives for their organizations and events. The Marketing Committee is responsible for promoting FFEA membership, events, activities and benefits through social media, public relations, promotional campaigns and other means. Subcommittees Include: Graphic Design, Member Outreach & Social Media. The Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Task Force assures FFEA is committed to Diversity and Inclusion at every level of the organization and to act as a resource to the industry by creating and strengthen Diversity, Equity & Inclusion initiatives. The Ambassador Committee, a mix of event professionals and industry partners, personally engage current and potential members of FFEA within their region. The committee serves as a resource and sounding board to FFEA’s staff on the development of strategy and campaigns. Additionally, each regional leader assists with executing educational seminars and networking events in their designated region. The Sunsational Awards Committee executes the Sunsational Awards program recognizing members’ excellence in communications, marketing, and programming. The Entertainment Showcase Committee showcases the variety of entertainment options available for events by FFEA members from around the country. The Hospitality Committee ensures ample networking opportunities through conference events including First Timers Meet & Greet, after hours Cocktails & Conversation and any official pre and post conference Behind the Scenes Tours & Mixers. The Educational Program Committee creates a diverse and relevant group of speakers and presentations specific to the events industry for the annual conference. The Silent Auction Committee produces the annual auction to raise funds for the Harvey Franklin Campbell Student Scholarship and the Emerging Leader Scholarship. The Tradeshow Committee assists with the production of the tradeshow during the annual conference. The Emerging Leaders Committee engages students and young professionals with an interest in pursuing a career in the events industry through education, networking, and mentoring, Also responsible for facilitating the Scholarship Program.

https://www.ffea.com/f/54

PUEBLO BONITTO IS OVER THE MOON FOR PREGNANT MOMS-TO-BE

Pueblo Bonito knows expectant women need a pampering vacation before the realities of sleepless nights and free time fly away to the tune of lullabies and the drone of The Baby Shark song. The Los Cabos, Mexico deluxe all-inclusive, couples-only Pueblo Bonito Pacifica Golf & Spa Resort has a soothing solution. They are offering a Blissful Babymoon Package. “We’ve created this package to cater to millennials, a key generation roughly 26 to 41 years of age, who have a tendency to spend money on experiences rather than material possessions,” said René Virgilio, general manager of Pueblo Bonito Pacifica. The four-night, five-day package features the option of a deluxe guest room at Pacifica or a private pool suite in The Towers, the luxury accommodations within the resort hotel. Included in the package of amenities are private transportation from and back to the Los Cabos International Airport (arrival and departure), an all-inclusive guest room and food & beverage program, including specialty ‘mocktails’; welcome signage (in room and with amenity); and a special gift (baby booties, logo onesie newborn pajamas). There will also be an expectant mother massage and couples massage at the wellness inspired Armonia Spa, spa man-pedi for the mother-to-be; access to cabana beach beds, with butler service; and a private chef’s dinner for two on the beach. Additionally, there will be exclusive access to Quivira Golf Club, a Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course (one tee time); mini-maternity sunset photo shoot (15 fully edited images); and all taxes and gratuities. The package is available through April 2023.

https://www.pueblobonito.com/resorts/pacifica

VISITORS STILL HEADING FOR OUTDOOR ADVENTURES

“Although in 2022 the number of do-it-yourself guests visiting Arches National Park was down, Moab Adventure Center saw record growth in guided park tours since the entry system was introduced,” said Sierra Schmutz, General Manager of the Moab Adventure Center. The system was designed to control over-crowding. The mandatory timed entry program doesn’t impact tour operators like Moab Adventure Center who have National Park concessions contracts, which enabled the Moab, UT based company to experience a 67% increase in visitors taking guided tours. Many factors influenced the growth in guided Arches tours and the decline in do-it-yourself visits. (In 2022 the park saw 158,925 people pass through its gates in July, a decline of about 1,700 people per day from 2021′s record turnout. Nearly 238,000 fewer visitors have roamed the park’s trails and gawked at some of its 2,000 arches than at this time last year.) Without an entry reservation in hand from www.Recreation.gov (obtained three months in advance of arrive, depending on availability), people were denied entry. Youths are back in school and more people have returned to offices, so there is less flexibility in the schedule. Gas prices are higher and lastly, international visitors (who account for roughly 35% of the park’s overall numbers) are fewer.
https://www.moabadventurecenter.com/arches-national-park-tours

20 BEST AMERICAN CITIES FOR HALLOWEEN

Halloween is rapidly becoming one of the most beloved and money-making events of the year. About $10.6 billion is expected to be spent this year. With that in mind, WalletHub compare more than 100 of the largest U.S cities across 22 key metrics ranging from candy and chocolate stores per capita to the average price per Halloween party ticket to how many trick-or-treat stops kids make. Without getting into all the smaller details of what was asked (because I am sure you are either preparing your costume or party treats), here are the top 20. Number one is New York, NY. Followed quickly by San Francisco, CA; Miami, FL; Los Angeles, CA; San Diego, CA; Jersey City, NJ; Las Vegas, NV; Santa Ana, CA and Boston, MA. The next 10 begin with Orlando, FL, followed by Laredo, TX; Anaheim, CA; Chicago, IL; Hialeah, FL; Chula Vista, CA; Long Beach, CA; Sacramento, CA; Fremont, CA and lastly Tampa, FL.

www.wallethub.com

FESTIVALS

Oct. 28-30: The NY International Travel Show celebrates the “Future of Travel”: Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City. Lively presentations, exhibits and cultural performances from global destinations, cruise lines, hotels, travel products and services to entice and inform consumers, travel trade, and media alike. Open to consumers 29 & 30. A headline session for travel trade day will be a panel discussion on Sustainable and Responsible Tourism from high-level topic experts who have been leading major initiatives to mitigate negative impact of travel on the planet, including Edmund Bartlett, Minister of Tourism for Jamaica; Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of MSC Group; Shannon Guihan – Chief Sustainability Officer & Head of TreadRight-The Travel Corporation; Asta Lassesen, CEO Hurtigruten Expedition and Terry Dale, President and CEO of U.S. Tour Operators Association. www.nyInternationalTravelShow.com   

Nov. 9 – 13: World Food Championships in Dallas, TX. Tickets now on sale for five days of tasting experiences. Live culinary cookoff. https://fairparktix.evenue.net/

Nov. 4 – 6: Great Gulfcoast Arts Festival is a three-day juried show in Seville Square Park in Pensacola, FL.  https://www.visitpensacola.com/events/great-gulfcoast-arts-festival/

Nov. 4 – 14: The Foo Foo Festival is a 12-day celebration with culturally creative happenings, events and moments in multiple locations in downtown Pensacola, FL. https://www.foofoofest.com/

May 25-29, 2023: The world’s largest tribute to The Beatles, Abbey Road on the River returns to the Big Four Station Park in Jeffersonville, IN. Already scheduled are Legends Live! Felix Cavaliere’s Rascals (“Good Lovin,” “I’ve Been Lonely Too Long,” “Groovin,” “A Beautiful Morning,” “A Girl Like You,” and “People Got to Be Free.”) and Micky Dolenz of The Monkees (“Daydream Believer,” “Last Train to Clarksville,” “I’m a Believer,” and many more.) The 2023 line-up also includes Tony Kishman, creator and band leader of Live and Let Die, a full multimedia experience with five multi-talented musicians paying tribute to the music of Paul McCartney. Other headlining acts include Colombia’s Classicstone performing hits from Queen, The Beatles, and more, and Chicago’s BritBeat: A Tribute to the Beatles.  More than 50 bands from around the world will perform at event, including homegrown Kentuckiana acts Erin Hill, Laren Rapp and Co., DoorWay, Nick Peay, The Rigby’s, Mary’s Dad’s Band, CMN Trio and The School of Rock. Abbey Road on the River is sponsored by the City of Jeffersonville Parks Department, Southern Indiana Tourism, WAVE, The Radisson Hotel, The Sheraton Hotel, Budweiser, Seagrams 7, Clark Memorial Health, The News & Tribune, and WAKY radio. www.arotr.com

Karen Kuzsel is a writer-editor based in the Orlando area who specializes in the hospitality, entertainment, meetings & events industries.  She is an active member of International Live Events Association, Meeting Professionals International and the Society of Professional Journalists. She is now serving on the 2022-2023 MPI Independent and Small Business Owners Advisory Board. Karen writes about food & wine, spas, destinations, venues, meetings & events. A career journalist, she has owned magazines, written for newspapers, trade publications, radio and TV. As her alter-ego, Natasha, The Psychic Lady, she is a featured entertainer for corporate and social events. Karen@KarenKuzsel.com; www.karenkuzsel.com; www.ThePsychicLady.com; @karenkuzsel; @thepsychiclady.