Monsters are coming to Orlando, FL and let’s just say it will be Epic! In fact, five new immersive worlds inhabited by legendary resident such as Dracula, The Wolf Man, Frankenstein’s Monster, and the Bride of Frankenstein will provide an appropriate measure of screams, thrills, and chills when Universal Epic Universe debuts in 2025. Created by the award-winning Universal Creative team in partnership with Universal Pictures, Dark Universe blends the iconic stories of unearthly legends with a new generation of monsters and characters. The journey begins in Darkmoor, the ravaged

village within Dark Universe, when guests enter through an electrifying portal. Here’s just a sampling of what awaits in the blackened walls of the village. Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment, is a state-of-the-art dark ride into the catacombs of Frankenstein Manor, where Dr. Victoria Frankenstein conducts her twisted experiments. You can run, but you may not escape encountering unleashed monsters such as Dracula, The Mummy, or The Creature from the Black Lagoon. How a spinning family roller coaster inspired by The Wolf Man or becoming transformed into a monster at the Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience? You’ll be able to sink your teeth into tasty treats at Das Stakehaus, an ominous restaurant run by vampire “familiars” or hang out with monsters at The Burning Blade Tavern, surrounded by a display of monster heads collected as “trophies.” More details will “come to light” soon.

www.shop.universalorlando.com; www.UOMeetingsAndEvents.com.

THEY SERVE UP DEALS! YOU SAVE!

You won’t even need a breezy day to sail away with this offer from Margaritaville Lake Resort Lake Conroe (Houston, TX). Book a qualified meeting in any of these time periods to receive a cruise to the Bahamas for two aboard the Margaritaville at Sea Paradise or a Margaritaville Bahamas Frozen Concoction Maker. The dates are August 11-16, 18-23-, and 25-30; September 2-6; November 22-29; and December 1-6, 8-11, and 15-23.

www.margaritavilleresorts.com/margaritaville-lake-resort-lake-conroe/meetings-events/meeting-special-offers

If your group is focused on Financial/Professional Services, Corporate Headquarters; Life Sciences; InfoTech, Clean Tech, Manufacturing and Creative Industries, pay closer attention to incentives now being offered by Sarasota County, FL. The County has a new incentive program for businesses headquartered outside of Sarasota, Manatee, and Charlotte counties, that is designed to introduce first-time and re-introduced infrequent businesses hosting events. Incentive amount is based on the highest peak room night produced. For instance, 10-35 rooms at peak may make the company eligible for up to $625 each for transportation, group dining/events, and wellness initiative. For 86-250 rooms at peak, the group may receive up to $3,750 each for transportation, group dining/events, and wellness initiative, as well as $15/room cash rebate, and $4,000 per meeting for multi-meeting incentive. Full details at the link.

www.visitsarasota.com/article/meeting-incentive-program

When you book your meeting at LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort (Naples, FL) between now and December, you get not just one, but your choice of five “Paradise Perfected” perks for booking a minimum of 25 guest rooms per night with a two-night minimum stay and standard F&B minimum. The property has 180 guestrooms, including eight gulf front suites and 30 junior suites. There are 10 event spaces, including the Vanderbilt Ballroom, which can accommodate up to 300-people when set in rounds. There are seven outdoor venues, the largest of which can also host 300 set in rounds. Here are some of the perks: two complimentary VIP welcome amenities (chef’s choice); one complimentary upgrade to a one–bedroom beachfront suite or lanai beachfront fire pit premium room at the group rate, reduced outdoor site fee of 50% for select beachfront venues, 10% discount on group golf rounds, and one gift certificate for a complimentary two-night/three-night stay. The resort is 22 miles from Southwest Florida International Airport.

https://www.laplayaresort.com; (239) 598-5700; sales@laplayaresort.com; (800) 237-6883

If heading to The Bahamas is your idea of a summer vacation, has this group of islands got some offers for you and for family activities you may not find elsewhere, such as swimming with pigs in the bluest of calm water. There are way too many promotions happening, some of which you must initiate quickly, so rather than me detailing them all to you, check them out for yourself. Discounts begin at 10% and some promo packages “travel by” dates are through 2024.

https://www.bahamas.com/summer-family-escape?

Unsure which is grander: the JW Marriott Nashville’s 34^th floor Bourbon Steak restaurant and its abutting Bourbon Sky Lounge, or the new promotions being offered to secure your group business. First, the facts: this offer means a contract must be signed by July 31 for a minimum of 150 rooms on peak night, and must be actualized between  August 18-31, or December 6-29 of 2024. Here are just some of the possible amenities you can score with your new booking at this Tennessee beauty: 10,000 Bonvoy points (50K at signing and 50K upon program completion), complimentary one-hour reception including an open bar and three Chef’s choice hors d’oeurves, two complimentary rooms for pre-planning visit (up to two nights), and two complimentary hot breakfast items added to the continental breakfast.

https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/bnajw-jw-marriott-nashville

Journey Mexico it’s time to book your summer vacation (but use anytime in 2024) at One&Only Mandarina and receive up to 30% for advance bookings, free nights, and thousands of USD resort credits included with Grand and Signature Villas. Here is a small sampling of the possibilities. Book a four-night stay in a Grand Villa and get complimentary full American breakfast daily for two persons per room; complimentary roundtrip airport transfers from the airport for up to five people; and a 50-minute spa experience for two. Book 14 days in advance and receive up to 30% savings on your stay. Offer includes complimentary full American breakfast daily for two, per room. Book a four-night stay in one of the eco-designer Treehouses and Cliff Villas, and the 4th night is complimentary. Stay longer: book a seven-night stay and the sixth and seventh nights are complimentary. Book a minimum of four nights at an exclusive clifftop Grand Villa and receive a $1,000 USD resort credit to use at One&Only Mandarina. Applicable for stays in Villa Tortuga, Villa Jaguar, Villa Pacifico or Villa One. Also, book a Signature Villa and receive a $1,000 resort credit for a three- night stay or $2,000 resort credit for five nights to use at One&Only Mandarina restaurants, bars and spa.

https://www.journeymexico.com/hotel/oneonly-mandarina

A Jazz Age landmark for the past 90 years, Fenway Hotel in Dunedin, FL (near Clearwater Beach, FL) was home to the county’s first radio station. The historic Autograph Collection hotel has a group offer that is available for stays through September 30. Book 10+ peak night rooms for two+ weekday nights and receive up to three complimentary suite upgrades. Also possible to contract $5,000+ in F&B to receive complimentary in-house A/V.

https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/tpadu-fenway-hotel-autograph-collection/; (844) 569-9879

Save up to 50% on bookings made now on stays through March 31,

2025 at the family-friendly, all-inclusive, and finally open Wyndham Alltra Samaná, managed by Playa Hotels & Resorts, in the charming town of Las Galeras in the Samaná province of the Dominican Republic. The 404-room resort marks Wyndham Alltra’s first resort in the Dominican Republic.  It won’t be the last. Later this year it will be joined by Wyndham Alltra Punta Cana, also to be managed by Playa. The two resorts earmark Wyndham’s rapidly growing all-inclusive portfolio, which now spans about 40 resorts worldwide. “The Dominican Republic has long been a coveted destination for travelers looking to relax amidst some of the most stunning beaches in the world,” said Fernando Mulet, Chief Investment Officer, Playa Hotels & Resorts… As we continue to add stunning resorts in the Dominican, Wyndham Alltra is the perfect brand to deliver on that promise.” The resort guest rooms and suites have private balconies and garden views.

www.alltrabyplaya.com/samana; www.wyndhamalltra.com; www.WyndhamRewards.com; www.playaresorts.com; www.wyndhamhotels.com

Tin or aluminum are traditional 10^th anniversary gifts for married couples, but to celebrate Opal Collection’s 10th Anniversary the luxury hotel and resort company is offering group guests exclusive incentives, including complimentary guest rooms, upgrades, and turn-down gifts. Plus, a complimentary champagne toast and a $1,000 Opal Collection gift card for the meeting planner. Minimum guest room spend of $20,000 for 2024 for one group arrival. One Opal Collection gift card per booking. Subject to availability. Black-out dates apply. Cannot be combined with any other offers. Not applicable to already confirmed groups. Meetings must be booked by August 31 and consumed by December 31, 2024 (with the exception of Opal Sol, which may be consumed until Dec. 31, 2025).

Matt.Pave@ophotels.com; (855) 314-2829.

You have until September 30 to book your next meeting at Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach (FL) to receive great incentives. Meeting must be actualized by December 23 and only valid for new group events. The Wyndham Grand Clearwater beach has 22,000 sf of meeting space and 343 guest rooms. Incentives vary by the size of groups, from 10 to more than 50, but some incentives include 5% off all Master account charges, $150 complimentary gift certificate for Pallavi Spa, and reduced resort fee to $20 per group room.

https://www.wyndhamgrandclearwater.com/meetings?;  (727) 281-9500

Scottsdale, AZ isn’t pretending that temperatures in the city don’t soar during summer months, but they want to cool down the heat by offering a Sizzling Summer Rebate Program, based on having a minimum of 125 total group rooms and actualizing during these time periods: to September 13, 2024; May 26 – September 12, 2025; and May 25 – September 11, 2026. The RFP must be sourced through Experience Scottsdale. Total rebate, up to $5,000 max, is credited to the client’s master bill. Rebates only apply to new meetings and there must be written confirmation of eligibility from Experience Scottsdale.

www.experiencescottsdale.com/meetings/summer/

Book your next meeting or event at Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort & Spa (Indian Wells, CA) for stays through September 30, with low rates and no resort fee. 35,000 sf of versatile indoor and outdoor spaces.

www.tommybahamamiramonte.com/meetings-social-events/; (442) 305-4533; sales@tbmiramonte.com

Book any group meeting or event at the Walt Disney World Swam and/or Dolphin (Lake Buena Vista, FL) by December 24 this year and use by December 31, 2025 to receive Triple Marriott Bonvoy™ Points, complimentary Planning Meeting for up to 12 Guests for up to two nights, round trip airport transfers, F&B, and a VIP Epcot Fireworks Yacht Cruise for up to 12 guests.

https://swandolphin.com/meetings/request-for-proposal/

The beaches of St. Petersburg, FL may be a strong attraction, but in this case, perhaps the reason to book one of the TradeWinds Island Resorts could be the promotional incentive to book your group’s meeting by December 20. The meeting for a minimum of 50 rooms on peak must also be used by December 20. There are at least a dozen incentives offered, and when you book, you get to choose six of them. Incentives may include 4% rebate to the master, donation to the charity of your choice; 10% discount on published Banquet Food & Beverage spend; 10% discount on published A/V spend; Complimentary break for staff office; or a Complimentary 2-night stay certificate for meeting planner.

https://www.tradewindsresort.com/offers

Visit Plano (Plano, TX) has an offer designed for foodies. Receive a Free and limited time foodie pass when you accumulate points by checking into participating restaurants and redeeming coupons. You have until September 30 for this promotion. Then you cash in your points for prizes provided by Visit Plano. Check in to 20 restaurants and be automatically entered into the “Fit for a Foodie” sweepstakes. First place: certificate for a Charcuterie Board Making Class led by the Executive Chef for six people at the Renaissance Dallas at Plano Legacy West and $500 in restaurant gift cards. Second place winner gets a one-night weekend stay at the Hilton/Dallas Plano Granite Park and $250 in restaurant gift cards. Third place winner will receive a one-night weekend stay at the Dallas/Plano Marriott at Legacy Town Center and $100 in restaurant gift cards. Go to visitplano.com/tasteofplano and register for free. Open the pass from the received text or email and follow the directions to add the button icon to your home screen. Do NOT forget this step. Then go eat and accumulate points!

www.visitplano.com

The all-inclusive market in Mexico and the Caribbean just received a boost from Playa Hotels & Resorts with the completion of extensive renovations at the newly renamed Wyndham Alltra Vallarta in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico. To celebrate the grand unveiling, Wyndham Alltra Vallarta if offering a 40% discount on bookings, valid for stays through December 20, 2024. Owner and operator of all-inclusive resorts in Mexico and the Caribbean, Playa Hotels & Resorts has drawn inspiration for the property (formerly known as Wyndham Alltra Riviera Nayarit) from ancient Huichol culture. The renovation includes 159 rooms, including all Junior Suites. The Alltra VIP Club for club level guests has speeded up its semi-private check-in (and out) service, enhanced its concierge assistance and personalized cocktail service. Club guestrooms receive upgraded minibars, in-suite Nespresso coffee makers and a complimentary hydrotherapy spa experience. Five dining venues have been revamped. The brand introduces its new Agave Bar and the first Mezcaleria in the chain’s portfolio.

www.AlltraByPlaya.com; www.WyndhamAlltra.com

Book new business in a Boston or Cambridge (MA) hotel and receive a 10% rebate off the banquet master bill and 10% off all rooms booked. Here are the eligible program dates to qualify: 2025: 11/18/2024 – 04/17/2025; and 2026: 11/17/2025 – 03/31/2026.

sales@meetboston.com; www.meetBoston.com

I have a dear friend who believes the power of the beach overcomes any of the day’s negativity. She would go crazy for the ‘Wealth of Wellness’ package offered by Pueblo Bonito Golf & Spa Resorts, located within the luxury residential development Quivira Los Cabos at the tip of the Baja Peninsula. The updated-for-2024-package integrates numerous wellness components available within the resort community. The exclusive five-day “Wealth of Wellness” package, available through December of 2024, includes all-inclusive F&B, two 50-minute organic massages or facials, mountain bike tour for two, use of beach cabanas with personal butler service, a cooking class for two, and shuttle service and access to sister properties, which also have all-inclusive F&B,

www.pueblobonito.com; (800) -990-8259

SAVING KING PENGUINS, WHALES & SEALS

It’s not as theatrical as learning that every time a bell rings, an angel earns its wings, but for the wildlife on the sub-Antarctic Island of South Georgia, the efforts by new partners, Dundee (Scotland) –based charity the South Georgia Heritage Trust (SGHT) and Poseidon Expeditions (PE) will save the lives of wildlife when passengers book a cruise featuring South Georgia. Poseidon Expeditions, which has taken travelers to remote parts of earth since 1999, will donate £100 to the SGHT for each cruise to help fund SGHT’s ongoing conservation work since 2005 on the island. The island is famed for its iconic wildlife, with scenes of humpback whales, southern elephant seals, seabirds and vast colonies of king penguins often featured in TV series BBC’s Frozen Planet, Blue Planet and Planet Earth. It is also synonymous with world-famous explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton, who died on South Georgia in 1922 and is buried in Grytviken Cemetery. The island receives up to 15,000 annual tourists. Luke Smith, Director of Development at the South Georgia Heritage Trust said: “We’ve had unprecedented success in removing the invasive rodents that were decimating South Georgia’s native bird populations, but as a small charity we need as much support as possible for our work to continue and grow. Donations from Poseidon Expeditions will enable us to further protect and preserve the island’s special environment and wildlife for future generations through conservation work. This support will also contribute towards scientific research, help run the South Georgia Museum, and deliver major cultural projects on or related to the island, such as saving Shackleton’s heritage at Stromness and a major art installation which will act as a whale memorial at Grytviken.”

www.sght.org; www.poseidonexpeditions.com.

NEW AND PUTTING ON A NEW FACE

In 2024

Octavia, Caesars New Orleans’ new center bar and lounge, is expected to open before Labor Day. The octagonal-shaped bar is named in homage to the honorable Octavia, niece to Julius Caesar and an emblem of strength and femininity in Roman history. Octavia’s footprint is also a nod to the number eight, having been revered in history as the luckiest number and associated with wealth, prosperity and success. Octavia, as well as Caesars New Orleans, sits at #8 Canal Street in downtown New Orleans. The venue will have a 27-seat bar and 136-seat lounge area, with live music, 19 table games, and 60 slot options. The focal point of the 13,500-sf room is a $750,000 chandelier. “We wanted to create an experience for guests that embraces Caesars’ rich Roman history while highlighting the vibrancy of our home in New Orleans,” said Samir Mowad, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Caesars New Orleans. Octavia’s carefully curated cocktail menu features a feminine forward approach to artisanal cocktails inspired by the flavors of Ancient Rome, Paris and the eclectic tastes of New Orleans. From the “Octavia Sour,” a playful twist on a Vodka Sour and the Back O’ Town Elixir, a show-stopping Cafe Du Monde-inspired coffee cocktail, to the Paper Fortune Teller Sazerac Experience. Caesars New Orleans has 790 guestrooms & suites.

https://www.caesars.com/meetings/properties/caesars-new-orleans

Eventeny, an event management software solution, celebrated its sixth anniversary in the United States by expanding into Canada. The company indicates the move was motivated by high demand from major events like Toronto ComicCon and Fan Expo Vancouver.

www.eventeny.com

Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP®), the global association for finance and technology professionals in the hospitality industry, has acquired several prominent hospitality industry brands., including Hospitality Upgrade, Hotel-Online, the CIO Summit and the Executive Vendor Summit. Hospitality Upgrade is the dominant technology publication in the industry known for providing industry technology news, trends, and insights to hospitality professionals worldwide. This includes the print and digital magazine, the Watercooler newsletter, social channels and the annual events. The CIO Summit and Executive Vendor Summit are the premier C-level events that provide a unique networking opportunity and a program designed specifically for top industry executives. Hotel-Online is the longest running online news source for the hotel industry. The daily e-newsletter provides readers with relevant and topical news stories, reports and columns about the hospitality industry. The acquisition will enable HFTP to expand its reach and offer an even more comprehensive range of resources, events, and educational opportunities to the hospitality industry. Current subscribers and attendees of Hospitality Upgrade, Hotel-Online, CIO Summit, and Executive Vendor Summit can expect a seamless transition and continued high-quality content and programming under the HFTP umbrella.

www.hftp.org

New Pueblo Bonito Vantage San Miguel de Allende, the Mexican hospitality company’s first urban, European Plan (EP) hotel, opens October 1. Built in homage to the city’s architectural heritage and located within the District Corazón (the Heart District) in a traffic-free zone in front of Zeferino Gutierrez Park, it’s a quick stroll from the historic center. Multicolored, with a Moorish influence, the boutique property 111 guest rooms and suites in one wing and 45 privately-owned villas and multi-bedroom condos in another, will showcase beautiful fabrics and hand-crafted furniture. All rooms and residences, designed in a neo-colonial style, will feature terraces with outstanding views of the city’s historic downtown area or the hotel’s lush gardens. Visual splendor predominates throughout the property. “Mexican design elements are generally found in the form of artwork, artifacts and textiles,” Arquitectura de Interiores and its president, Marisabel Gómez, explained. “Sumptuous fabrics such as rich velvets, beautiful panels with nail-head details, and lavish area rugs adorn the public spaces.” The hotel’s entry hall and its spectacular wooden gates, when opened, will create a “visual layering” effect and a “wow” factor.  Guests will see through and beyond the gates to the spires of the city’s magnificent neo-Gothic church: Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel, with more than a dozen of the historic city’s domes grouped below it. Amenities on-site include Aromatika Spa, wellness center, full-service gym, beauty salon, bridal suite and retail shop. Casa Bistro, the hotel’s breakfast, lunch and dinner restaurant, will highlight fresh, seasonal ingredients. Evenings, V Rooftop Terrace, offering panoramic views of the San Miguel Arcángel Parish and the city’s picturesque skyline, will serve tapas and drinks.  LaFrida, the hotel’s gourmet restaurant that pays homage to iconic Mexican artist Frida Kahlo, will feature a show in coals and fire. Banquet space includes a terrace that overlooks the city. The V Life program—a collection of unique experiences in which guests and residents may immerse themselves—will be offered. Based around four pillars—gastronomy, culture, history, and lifestyle—V Life’s curated activities include language immersion, painting or sculpture classes, cooking classes prefaced by a visit to a local market, guided cultural walks of the city, a visit to a local bee farm, vineyard visits to Guanajuato’s excellent wine region, and many more. Two regional airports, approximately 1.5 hours away, are San Miguel de Allende: Leon (BJX) and Querétaro (QRO). Transportation will be provided by the hotel.

https://www.pueblobonito.com.mx/resorts/san-miguel.

Super Nintendo World, one of five worlds at Universal Epic Universe (Orlando, FL), will open in 2025.

https://www.universalorlando.com/web/en/us/epic-universe/worlds/super-nintendo-world?

Playa Hotels & Resorts, owner and operator of all-inclusive resorts in Mexico, Jamaica, and Dominican Republic, has aligned with Marriott International Inc. to expand The Luxury Collection brand in the Mexican Caribbean with Paraiso de la Bonita, am adult all-inclusive resort in Riviera Maya.  Set on 14 acres of lush natural landscape in Puerto Morelos, a picturesque fishermen village, just 20 minutes away from Cancun International Airport but far from the popular and bustling tourist spots. The resort is expected to feature 100 oversized, stylish oceanfront suites, as well as an array of amenities, including an expansive 22,000-sf spa. In line with the brand’s commitment to showcase local gastronomy and provide unique, locally inspired dining experiences, the resort is anticipated to have three restaurants, including one with a 5,000-bottle cellar, as well as a sushi and ceviche bar. To provide an even more exclusive experience, there will be a separate building within the property that will act as a “resort within the resort” with 10 suites with private plunge pools and beach access, an intimate exclusive pool, and two dedicated restaurants with a private chef.

www.playaresorts.com; www.marriott.com

Caesars Entertainment and long-time hospitality partner Nobu Hospitality (a global luxury lifestyle brand founded by Nobu Matsuhisa, Robert De Niro, and Meir Teper), are erecting a Nobu restaurant inside the soon-to-be Caesars New Orleans. The Nobu Hotel Caesars New Orleans, located within the Caesars tower, will mix Matsuhisa’s signature style infused with New Orleans flair. It will be the third hotel and fourth restaurant within the Caesars Entertainment Empire. Spanning two floors, Nobu Hotel Caesars New Orleans will feature a dedicated reception desk and offer 54 exclusive guest rooms designed by Rockwell Group and is expected to open in the Fall. The restaurant is slated for a late summer opening. The Nobu restaurant, with seating for 175, will feature fresh fish and seafood in the form of nigiri and sashimi. Signature dishes include Yellowtail Jalapeño, featuring delicately sliced yellowtail sashimi with touches of garlic puree, adorned with jalapeño slices, crowned with cilantro and served with Japanese citrus soy sauce. Another highlight is the Black Cod Miso, prepared by marinating the fish in den miso sauce for two to three days to produce the iconic, sweet-savory flavor.

www.CaesarsMeansBusiness.com; harrahsneworleans.com.

In 2025

Coming Summer to the Dominican Republic: Fiesta Americana Funeeq Punta Cana, the newest addition to the Fiesta Americana Travelty Meetings & Events resort family. The 494-guest rooms and 45 suites all-inclusive resort will have over 20,000 sf of function space, eight onsite restaurants, water park, beach access, and is adjacent to the live Aqua Beach Resort Punta Cana.
 https://fiestamericanatraveltymeetings.com/contact-us/

Gaylord Pacific Resort and Convention Center (Chula Vista, CA) opens in late spring of 2025. Seven miles from downtown San Diego, the expansive resort fronts San Diego Bay to the west and Chula Vista Marina to the south. The sixth hotel in the Gaylord Hotels brand portfolio will have 1,600 guest rooms and suites, more than 477,000 sf of function and convention space, including a 140,000 sf carpeted exhibit and meeting Flex Hall. The hotel will have 135,000 sf of outdoor event lawns and a 4.25-acre water park.

https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/sange-gaylord-pacific-resort-and-convention-center/overview

The seven floors of 182 guestrooms and suites in The St. Regis Washington, D.C. (downtown D.C) have been redesigned and refreshed with a light creamy palate and pops of blues, grays and gold. The 2,508-sf Astor Ballroom and 2,500-sf Astor Terrace have both also received restoring touches. Next up: the hotel’s onsite contemporary Mediterranean restaurant, Alhambra, gets a new outdoor terrace, and there will be updates to the St. Regis Bar, as well as redesigns to the Food & Beverage venues in 2025.

www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/wassx-the-st-regis-washington-dc

Opal Sol, an all-suite luxury resort, comes to Clearwater Beach, FL in 2025. The resort will have floor-to-ceiling Gulf views from every suite and more than 57,000 sf of event space. When combined with its sister property, Opal Sands, via the sky bridge, there will be more than 106,000 sf of event space and 478 luxury rooms and suites.

https://www.opalcollection.com/opal-sol; Danielle Silva, Associate Director Of Sales: (727) 674-4104, danielle.silva@ophotels.com

Wyndham Alltra Punta Cana Sun will open on Uvero Alto Beach, gearing towards newlyweds to families, in 2025 Spa, world-class fitness center, and nearly a dozen dining options with international cuisines, and a new water park will be the draw. Located about one hour from Punta Cana’s airport, the resort will offer 620 suites. “Guests today look for easy, stress-free vacations that don’t break the bank, and all-inclusive resorts can make that happen,” said Gustavo Viescas, President, Latin America and the Caribbean, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. “From Dominican Republic to Mexico, Barbados and Jamaica, Wyndham allows guests to travel the world—and expanding brands like Wyndham Alltra makes international travel possible for guests of all kinds.”

www.wyndhamalltra.com; www.WyndhamRewards.com; www.playaresorts.com; www.wyndhamhotels.com

Hyatt Hotels is busy adding to their collections. The first Hyatt Studios hotel opens in Mobile, AL in 2025. Caption by Hyatt Chattanooga in Tennessee just broke ground and is expected to open in early 2026. Located downtown in the Southside area, the 123-room hotel is being developed by 3H Group Inc. under a franchise agreement with Hyatt. It will feature the brand’s all-day food-and-beverage concept, Talk Shop, serving as a welcome area as well as a rooftop bar and meeting space.

https://www.hyatt.com/brands/caption-by-hyatt

In 2026

 DSRT Surf Resort is building California’s first man-made surf lagoon at Desert Willow Golf Resort in Palm Desert, CA. Using Wavegarden’s state-of-the-art Cove technology, which enables the creation of “perfect waves” in the 5.5-acre lagoon, about 70 surfers will be able to participate simultaneously. The surf lagoon, part of a 17-acre, full-scale resort with a 92-room hotel, 83 residential units, spa, golf courses, event spaces, and dining and bar venues, is being designed using sustainable processes favored by the Resort for its golf courses and pool area.

https://dsrtsurf.com/

MPI PROMOTES WELLNESS

Wellness has become the flavor of the month in the hospitality, meetings & events industries. I will be contributing to a small segment of a July Meeting Professionals International Small Business Owners hour-long discussion led by Claire Caldwell on Zoom, July 17 at 2 pm Eastern. To register: https://lnkd.in/eNNnms_D

BEST & WORST STATES FOR U.S SUMMER ROAD TRIPS

Gas prices may be rising and falling like a carousel animal, but that isn’t impeding summertime road trips. If you are still seeking where to go, personal-finance website WalletHub’s latest survey on the Best & Worst States for Summer Road Trips may be invaluable. WalletHub compared the 50 U.S. states based on 32 key metrics, ranging from the number of attractions to road conditions to costs. The survey found California has the highest number of scenic byways, which is 22 times higher than in Connecticut and Delaware. Mississippi has the lowest daily price for camping, and California’s is 3.3 times higher. Arizona has the lowest price for a three-star hotel room. Alaska has the highest. WalletHub Analyst Cassandra Happe says “Texas is the best state for summer road trips, leading the country when it comes to the number of available attractions, especially things like zoos, botanical gardens and amusement parks. In addition, Texas has over 9,500 miles of scenic byways, the second-cheapest accommodations during mid-July, and a very large number of accommodations and restaurants per capita.” Dr. David C. Miles, Executive Professor, Northern Arizona State University; Guest Professor, University of Memphis, said road trips this summer have increased. “High credit card debt along with high-interest rates on credit cards and a 31% inflation over the last three years are forcing families to explore new and different ways to vacation this year. The road trip is a logical choice yet provides fun and value and multiple options.” Jerry Agrusa Ph.D., CHE, FMP, Professor, University of Hawaii at Manoa said Americans are choosing to drive instead of fly due to three factors. “Cost – the dramatic price increase of airline tickets is a major factor… Furthermore, the post-pandemic scarcity of reasonably priced rental vehicles at travel destinations and their increased costs is an economic push to road travel in a personal vehicle. Control – travelers want more control over their vacations.” Driving a personal vehicle does that. “Travelers who choose to drive can select the route they want to travel, the timeline of the trip, and where to visit, stop, and shop on the trip. Delays – American Travelers do not want to waste their vacation time waiting at an airport because of the flight delays and flight cancellations which have been increasing at our nation’s airports.” The five best states (according to the survey are Texas, Minnesota, New York, Louisiana and Florida. The five worst starts with Vermont, and then Montana, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and lastly Delaware.

https://wallethub.com/edu/best-worst-states-for-summer-road-trips/4648

MEETING PLANNING GUIDES (FREE)

Greensboro, NC – https://www.visitgreensboronc.com/meetings-conventions-sports/request-meeting-planners-guide.aspx

Scottsdale, AZ – www.experiencescottsdale.com/maps-guides/meeting-travel-planners-guide/

Sioux Falls, SD – https://www.experiencesiouxfalls.com/plan-your-trip/visitor-guide

Stafford, VA – https://form.jotform.com/240735819722057

St Pete/Clearwater, FL – https://www.visitstpeteclearwater.com/sites/default/files/2023-06/MeetingPlanGuide_23-digi.pdf

FESTIVALS

July 1 – August 11: Disney Springs Flavors of Florida is presented by CORKCICLE. Florida-inspired menu items throughout the area. Culinary series hosted by Kroger Delivery.

https://www.disneysprings.com/

July 14 – Pensacola Vintage Fest, the Gulf Coast’s largest vintage clothing event is at Pensacola  (FL) Interstate Fairgrounds. Over 70 vendors of men’s & women’s vintage clothing from the 1950s-Y2K inside the air-conditioned Expo Hall.

https://www.visitpensacola.com/events/pensacola-vintage-fest/

August 9: Sheffield, England 80s cover band, The Molly Ringwalds, play at Caloosa Sound Convention Center (Fort Myers, FL). Guests are encouraged to wear ‘80s attire, from neon, big hair, leg warmers, and more. Show your ticket at Luminary Hotel & Co. for discounts.

https://www.tixr.com/groups/caloosasoundamp/events/the-molly-ringwalds-108111

August 14: “Cheese Please with Sweet Grass Dairy” culinary workshops at Luminary Hotel & Co. (Fort Myers, FL) hosted by Mainsail Lodging & Development. Chef-driven multi-course dinner showcases the fine cheeses from Sweet Grass Dairy in Thomasville, GA paired with wine from Stoller Family Estate. A representative of Sweet Grass Dairy will share the history of the farm and speak to the delicate process of cheesemaking.

agray@mainsailhotels.com; (239).314.3723; www.luminaryhotel.com

August 30 – November 3: Universal Orlando Halloween Horror Nights. Selected dates.

www.UniversalOrlando.com

Now – October: Sounds on Centre, free concert series presented by the Historic Fernandina Business Association, 6 p.m. on the first Friday of each month in the heart of historic downtown Fernandina Beach. Bring a lawn chair and dancing shoes.

now – October 29: Bands On The Beach summer concert series held at Pensacola Beach, FL’s Gulfside Pavilion, overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. Santa Rosa Island Authority presents the series, featuring regional artists performing a wide variety of music every Tues Santa Rosa Island Authority | What’s Happening Bands on Beach (visitpensacolabeach.com) day evening at 7 pm. Bring lawn chairs or blankets. No pets and no glass allowed.

Info: SRIA at (850) 932-2257.  http://www.visitpensacolabeach.com/whats-happening-bands-on-beach/

August 30 – November 3: Universal Studios Orlando presents Horror Nights.

www.universalorlando.com

September 5 – 8: Amelia Island Dance Festival. World-class classical and contemporary performances of dancers from across the nation and from local dance institutions of Northeast Florida.

www.AmeliaIslandDanceFestival.org

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 2023-2024 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. She is also active with Experience Kissimmee CVB.