Press Releases

This is your chance to experience Steamboat Springs’s most colourful weekend! Join the locals at a festival of vibrant colours and art by watching over 40 balloons rising in the early morning mist over the valley of Steamboat.

As America welcomes their first mixed race president visitors can follow in the footsteps of some other famous presidents who started their path to ‘greatness’ in the Great Lakes.

Nisswa Turtle Races, Minnesota. This is a family fun traditional event for all ages! Races are held every Wednesday from June 10-August 19, rain or shine.

One of Utah's most enduring mysteries has been solved. DNA evidence released this week confirms that Everett Ruess, who became a legend and cultural hero after he disappeared in 1934, was actually murdered, and his body was carefully hidden for 75 years.

America and the world have their eyes on the political world this week, now that Obama is President, but British devotees of shopping should have all eyes on Bloomington, Minnesota; home to shopping deals galore!

‘Destination Bloomington, Minnesota’ in the USA has awarded Cellet Travel Services its sales, marketing and public relations contract in the United Kingdom to promote its ‘Bloomington, Minnesota; the centre of it all!’ campaign.

91st Pga Golf Championship. Hazeltine, Minnesota. 10 - 16 August, 2009. Hazeltine National Golf Club, in Minnesota, will again play host to the world's finest players when the 2009 PGA Championship visits the legendary Minnesota course.

This summer Seattle is celebrating a landmark festival and an event that showcases the delicious food and wine of the region. Set on the pristine waters of Puget Sound Seattle’s annual summer party, Seafair, is marking its 60^th anniversary this year.

The Great Lakes of North America is promoting its position as a top holiday destination at this year’s International Pow Wow in Miami from 18 - 21 May, 2009.

If your teen seems less than thrilled at the prospect of a family road trip, sweeten the deal by building in stops at locations from the teen vampire flick Twilight. (If you haven’t heard of Twilight, any 12-year-old girl can fill you in.)

Travel Oregon takes social media a step further in enabling visitors to experience online itineraries and book directly with international tour operators. This innovative approach, utilizing social media tools such as YouTube videos and Twitter messaging, places Travel Oregon at the forefront of tourism marketing.

The San Antonio Convention and Visitors Bureau are proud to announce the completion of the first stage of the River Walk extension, with the addition of further extension plans as part of the project which will make this top San Antonio attraction the largest linear park in the nation.

International Pow Wow 2009, the travel industry's premier international marketplace, will take place in Greater Miami and the Beaches on May 16-20, 2009, bringing more than 5,000 delegates from every region of the U.S. and more than 70 countries to the destination - including 1,000 travel organizations and close to 1,500 international and domestic buyers.

This spring, the 23rd annual Juneau Jazz & Classics celebrates Alaska's anniversary with Opus 50, a tribute to 50 years of statehood performed by the 2009 Festival Ensemble.

CityPass saves budget-conscious Seattle visitors time and money—almost 50% off the combined cost of the destination’s most popular attractions—and now includes Seattle’s most popular attraction not once, but twice.

CityPass ticket booklets have always been a great way to city’s best museums and attractions while saving time and money, but in this economy, a budget-minded travel option is practically a requirement.

Houston CityPass delivers Texas-sized savings on admission to the city’s most popular attractions, including NASA’s Space Center and seven other unique sightseeing spots.

Now aged 84, and long hailed as the world’s greatest living bluesman, the legendary B.B. King is coming out of retirement. He is set to return to the UK in June 2009 for a series of concert dates in Manchester, Birmingham, Cardiff and Wembley Arena.

A new $72 million cruise terminal which uses technology to lessen its environmental footprint has opened in Seattle.

The ground has thawed, the days are growing longer, and birds are chirping – spring has officially arrived in Massachusetts! This is one of the best times of year to see the State.

British viewers now have the chance to discover Oregon via their televisions since the Travel Channel began the 15-part series, "Oregon Uncovered" last month.

Portland's getting greener every day. Recently, two Portland hotels — the Hotel Monaco and the Marriott City Center — announced that they have been awarded Silver Tier Green Seal certification.

Las Vegas is famous for being the “Entertainment Capital of the World” and each year many travellers are drawn to the bright lights and excitement. Too few, however, are aware of the spectacular desert landscape that surrounds the city in the stunning state of Nevada.

From alien spotting and living like a cowboy to digging for opals and white water rafting, the silver state of Nevada has so many different experiences for the adventurous traveller.

The “Silver State” of Nevada has more than 100 golf courses ranging from lush lakefront links to high-desert greens and country club resorts and a bonus to playing in Nevada is that the high elevation means less air resistance on your ball, so your drives go farther and your scores lower!

Texas Tourism is proud to announce its first ever participation in the 5th annual London Golf Show taking place at the ExCel Centre, 1 – 3 May 2009. With daily spot prizes up for grabs including a free round of golf at the exclusive Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa

With its many environmentally-friendly travel options, California makes it easy and convenient for visitors to take a sustainable trip.

Cruise West, one of the world’s leading providers of small-ship exploration cruises to the most fascinating destinations on earth, is revitalizing the overall guest experience this spring with several significant enhancements collectively called ‘Spirit Of Distinction.’

The monumental artwork by artist Brian Cairns that has concealed Andaz West Hollywood’s south-facing exterior for the last month has come down to reveal the second property in the Andaz brand portfolio and the first Andaz hotel to open in the United States.

Hyatt Hotels & Resorts announces the mid-2009 opening of Andaz Wall Street, the third hotel in the Andaz collection and second property in North America.

The Waco Mammoth Site, Texas, has the largest known collection of prehistoric mammoths perishing in the same event, and is pleased to announce that the U.S Department of Interior has given its final recommendation for the paleontological site to become part of the National Park System, as an official National monument.

The Port of Seattle announced today that Icelandair will begin serving Seattle-Tacoma International Airport on July 22, 2009. The airline will provide connecting flights to 18 European cities, via its hub in Reykjavik, Iceland.

Fort Worth, Texas, the city of ‘Cowboys and Culture’ is the gateway to Western America. 2009 sees a lot of exciting happenings as tours, motor sports, traditional western events and museum exhibitions in the Fort Worth area.

Texas is often defined by its rodeos, the official state sport of Texas and 2009 sees a host of Live Stock and rodeo shows to kick of the season. It was from Texas that the great cattle barons drove their herds and gave birth to the legend of the cowboy.

This year not only marks the inauguration of the 44th US president Barack Obama but also celebrates the 200th anniversary of the birth of his role model, Abraham Lincoln. Barack Obama has used Abraham Lincoln as inspiration throughout his presidential campaign and even asked to use Lincoln’s bible for the swearing-in ceremony

Celebrate the 40th anniversary in July of Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin’s ‘one small step for man’ with a visit to Cumberland Falls in Kentucky and mark the moment under a Moonbow

West Virginia Tourism offers a brochure for Civil War enthusiasts following the Civil War Discovery Trail to highlight West Virginia’s importance in American history.

Nestling within the mountain scenery of West Virginia lies America’s first organised golf course. Oakhurst Links in Greenbrier County dates back to 1884 where golf today is played the old fashioned way.

Georgia is in presidential fashion with ties to three U.S. presidents, home to the oldest voter for Obama, at the grand age of 106 as well as a descendent of the Wanderer, the original ship which brought the Africans to the land back in 1858.

From REM, Little Richard, Ray Charles to Gladys Knight and Otis Redding, Georgia’s musical heritage is deep and rich. Honouring these and over 450 musicians is Georgia’s Music Hall of Fame in Macon while in Savannah in March is the international rated Savannah Music Festival

As trains become the more economical way to travel, Amtrak has launched a USA Rail Pass for train travellers worldwide. The Rail Pass introduces flexibility in travel time as well as visits to destinations in Amtrak’s system

Amtrak's Coast Starlight is one of the most recent renovated services. This legendary train features refurbished Parlour Cars, new Arcade rooms and enhanced amenities.

Seattle is offering travelers the opportunity to grab great bargains through March 31, 2009 and win a hotel break to the city

Dallas is the ninth largest city in the United Stated and is kicking of 2009 with these great late January deals

2008 has been an exciting year for Houston, with many developments and openings taking place, including the expansion of Bayport Terminal, the opening of Houston Premium Outlets and Houston Pavillions, developments within Terminal E at Bush International Airport, the addition of Houston becoming the 11th CityPass destination and much more

The 1910 Italianate hotel in the heart of downtown St. Paul features top-notch service, including one of the city's only full-time concierges. Despite the greeting by a doorman in a top hat, there’s a delightful lack of pretense at this historic luxury hotel.

A fascinating new interpretive center in Ely provides detailed insights into the lives of the black bears that roam Minnesota's northern woods. The North American Bear Center focuses on black bears, but there is also information on grizzlies and how they differ from black bears.

Luxury breaks, traditional Christmas getaways and winter sports are just some of the highlights on offer in Seattle this season.

Fans of the hit movie Twilight have been flocking to Washington State to take advantage of tours to the film’s major locations.

The Grand Hyatt DFW has announced its 2009 schedule at the exclusive Epicurean Studio, offering an interactive, behind the scenes culinary learning experience, located in the middle of the hotels’ fully operational main kitchen.

Resaca de la Palma State Park, Brownsville is Texas’ newest state park and is proud to announce its grand opening celebrations on 6 December 2008.

Salmon have been spotted in Miller Creek for the first time in 60 years.

The Port of Seattle unveiled the new third runway at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport yesterday. The opening of the third runway is expected to cut flight delays from an average of 10 minutes to 2.5 minutes.

The Saltmarsh Partnership has been appointed to handle public relations activity for adventure travel specialist TrekAmerica, as well as its sister brands Footloose and OzXposure.

The newly renovated Q Hotel & Spa in Kansas City, Missouri was on a mission to make the 123 room hotel as sustainable as possible when it re-opened earlier this year - even to the point of turning off lights in the lobby during the day and washing lines to help dry washed linens.

With Christmas just around the corner the Gaylord Opryland’s transformation into a Winter Wonderland is already underway.

The legendary Riviera Resort & Spa, Palm Springs is undergoing a £35 million renovation that has taken two years and is scheduled to re-open its doors in October 2008. This iconic property is owned and managed by the renowned boutique hotel and resort specialists, Noble House Hotels & Resorts.

For couples planning to tie the knot Palm Springs, California, is a premier destination catering for all budgets and tastes.

Palm Springs, California’s desert hideaway, has just announced a packed programme of art and cultural events for the coming year.

There are numerous hotel renovations taking place in the Californian’s desert hideaway during 2008. Palm Springs also celebrates its unique architecture in a week long festival in 2009 and invites golfers from around the world to visit during the Bob Hope Classic Tournament in January 2009.

Some of the earliest explorers of North America came ashore in new York, and New York still calls to explorers today. People who love the outdoors will find adventure here at every turn. From traversing an emerald-green mountain trail to surfcasting for bluefish at sea level, New York truly has something for everyone. Just some of the many adventure activities available throughout the State are listed below:

While federal, state and local officials continue the recovery phase in Galveston and the coastal areas affected by Hurricane Ike, other areas of Texas, including Dallas/Fort Worth, Austin, San Antonio, the Texas Panhandle, the Big Bend Region and the beaches of South Padre Island and Corpus Christi, were not affected by the storm and continue to welcome travellers.

Welcome to the summer edition 2008 of Missouri Monitor.

Welcome to the spring edition 2008 of Missouri Monitor.

Olympic cyclist Mark Cavendish is set to participate in the Tour of Missouri that starts today in St Joseph, home of the Pony Express and ends in St Louis on 14 September 2008.

Paul McCartney has been getting his kicks on Route 66 in Missouri this summer. The Beatles star has been spotted eating Italian in St Louis, camping at Bennett Springs State Park with his alleged girlfriend Nancy Shevell and popped into C&D's Quick Stop on Old Route 66 in Lebanon just across the road from the Bell Restaurant where Senator Barack Obama also stopped for a bite.

For music aficionados Missouri is the place to visit. From Jazz to Blues Kansas City and St Louis provide an abundance of history, but its Branson, known as the entertainment capital of the world, that provides the variety.

Missouri represents what has become known as the "Real America" and has produced some ‘Real American’ legends such as Mark Twain, Jesse James, Chuck Berry and of course Brad Pitt. Holiday makers can visit the cities where Mark Twain got his inspiration to create Huckleberry Finn, see the house where Jesse James was gunned down and where Chuck Berry still performs today.

Gaylord Hotels have completed one of the largest investments in the hospitality industry by upgrading all of their resorts to allow guests to enjoy high-speed Internet connections via a state-of-the-art Wi-Fi network throughout all public areas of their hotels.

It’s not just on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry that you’ll find stars, Gaylord Hotels considers each of its 7000 employees as STARS! It’s part of the Gaylord mantra to provide excellent customer service and to provide employees with a great place to work.

Never be fooled into thinking Nashville is just about country music, because The General Jackson showboat is proud to announce NashVegas on the River running until the end of 2008.

One of the world’s Top 10 largest hotels has opened on 25th April 2008. Aptly named the National Resort, it is the latest member of the Gaylord Hotels Corporation and is located on the Potomac River just eight miles south of the Washington DC.

Kid Rock has firmly stamped his seal of approval on Nashville’s latest nightclub FUSE, the Gaylord Opryland’s latest edgy addition.

Grand Ole Opry Veteran EmmyLou Harris is the latest star to be awarded the highest accolade in country music by being inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame later this year.

Gaylord Palms Resort has put a practical spin on the traditional hen party by replacing the usual night of gluttonous chaos with a customized getaway for bride and friends, guaranteed to ensure the bride is looking and feeling her best for her big day.

There are all sorts of travel photography clinics on offer, but according to Ranch Rider, if you combine a horse drive with some snap happy expertise, there will undoubtedly be plenty of atmospheric shots to catch on camera.

Launch of exclusive “Cowboy Artists of America” online gallery and NEW Arizona 7-night self-drive “Art by Automobile” from Ranch Rider Ranch Rider will be brushing shoulders with the “Cowboy Artists of America” on 25 August, the internationally renowned artists coming together to highlight American Artist Appreciation Month.

Travelling to Orlando this summer? Are you are an Elvis fan? If your answer is yes then Old Town, Kissimmee, is the place to see award winning Elvis tribute artist Dwight Icenhower get everyone “all shook up” as he performs some of the King’s greatest hits. Performances start at 7pm on Wednesday 6, 20 and 27 August, and Wednesday 3, 10, 17 and 24 September 2008 and are FREE.

The Nines to Open in Fall 2008 ???? A 331-room Luxury Collection Hotel (Starwood Hotels & Resorts) is scheduled to open in downtown Portland, Oregon, this fall.

The Westin La Cantera Resort in San Antonio is undertaking a £5 million room renovation project scheduled for completion in the spring of 2009. The complete renovation of all guest rooms, corridors and public spaces on the resort banquet level will maintain this award winning resort’s position as one of the countries’ top rated properties.

The significant hike in oil prices and sinking pound in comparison to the Euro are both factors that are undoubtedly causing people to shift their summer holidays to better value destinations. Rather than staying close to home, families in particular are opting for more far-flung locations to make the most of their hard earned money.

San Antonio has unveiled its first ever, seven-day prepaid pass program for locals and visitors. This new pass is called San Antonio & Beyond. It allows visitors and locals to enjoy attractions and museums for one price. It will be available at three price levels, depending on the programme package.

San Juan Islands sea and land routes have become Washington’s newest scenic byway. It is also the state’s first scenic byway to include a “marine highway”. Wildlife, hikes, whale-watching, gourmet restaurants and B&Bs are all reachable via a scenic cruise aboard a Washington State Ferry. The route includes the ferry Anacortes – San Juan Islands route with stops at Lopez, Shaw and Orcas as well as county roads on Orcas and San Juan Islands.

The design of an incentive recycling programme for off-aircraft rubbish has been approved by the Port of Seattle Commission by partnering with Seattle-Tacoma International Airport airlines. With an estimated 40% of off-aircraft waste identified as recyclable, the Port of Seattle is leading the way nationally to expand the airport’s recycling programme.

Newly released figures from the US Department of Commerce, Office of Travel and Tourism Industries have reported a 25percent growth in overseas visitors during 2007 compared to 2006. Seattle is now ranked 17 in the league of US cities with 1.7percent of the overseas market share.

Houston CityPass debuts on May 13, 2008, offering visitors a concentrated, vacation-size entrée to Houston’s oversize personality, history and achievements, at big savings.

The Dallas and Fort Worth Convention and Visitor Bureaus have launched a new online golf package programme that makes arranging a golf holiday in Dallas/Fort Worth a simple process

The Desert Gay Tourism Guild (DGTG) a valley-wide organization dedicated to promoting tourism to the Coachella Valley, announced its “Summer Splash” campaign designed to offer a variety of incentives to summer visitors to the Palm Springs area.

It has happened nearly every June since 1989. Roller-coaster-enthusiasts from across the country and from around the world will visit Cedar Point to celebrate and enjoy roller-coaster-riding at its finest.

Cosmos Holidays has launched its Florida 2009 programme with a number of early booking offers, many prices frozen or reduced from 2008 and an improved product range.

With the 2008 credit crunch forcing travellers to rethink their dream holidays, many adventurers might be planning to downsize the usual summer break. However, a holiday with Ranch Rider in the US could set you back far less, as many of the tour operator's ranch stays feature price tags lower than that of 2007. A dream vacation for those looking to fulfill their childhood Wild West fantasies - America is even more of a bargain ticket this summer as the pound is a strong contender compared to the dollar. With cash stretching further than it might in the Med, Ranch Rider also has suggestions for several Wild West fests ranging from the intimate to the more up-sized shindigs - some events forming part of an additional self-drive combined with the usual seven-night stay at home on the range.

Sawgrass Mills, Florida’s largest retail and entertainment center featuring top retail and outlet stores, has teamed up with several leading hotels to launch “Shop & Stay” special travel packages for South Florida visitors.

Oregon has over 363 miles of public coastline and there's never a shortage of special events in the cities along the coast. From art and music festivals to parades, flower shows to fireworks, fairs and rodeos to runs and regattas, visitors will always find something fun to do.

Visit USA Europe, of which Visit USA in the UK is a founder member, announces the launch of its new website, www.vusaeurope.travel, a virtual office for the umbrella Association created in 2002 to bring together the individual country Visit USA committees and associations within Europe.

Greatest American symbol of democracy now a CityPass ticket NEW YORK—April 1, 2008—New York CityPass adds the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Immigration Museum in its 2008-9 program booklet, effective May 1, 2008. The time and money-saving ticket booklet, a select assortment of marquee New York attractions and experiences, offers an option to land at Liberty and Ellis islands with Statue Cruises, a new National Park Service operator. At almost half-off savings, New York CityPass takes a meaningful bite out of Big Apple travel costs.

Greatest American symbol of democracy now a CityPass ticket NEW YORK—April 1, 2008—New York CityPass adds the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Immigration Museum in its 2008-9 program booklet, effective May 1, 2008. The time and money-saving ticket booklet, a select assortment of marquee New York attractions and experiences, offers an option to land at Liberty and Ellis islands with Statue Cruises, a new National Park Service operator. At almost half-off savings, New York CityPass takes a meaningful bite out of Big Apple travel costs.

Austin Is Swinging! Visitors to Texas Hill Country, 30 miles west of Austin, are in for a real eco-adventure from 8 March 2008 when tree canopy tours start. The tours offer a wild ride as visitors fly through the canopy of old growth cypress trees, some up to 100 feet tall and have the opportunity to overnight in a tree house.

Ranch Rider, is launching an online competition for younger horse lovers at http://www.mylittlefoal.com; with a view to encouraging more children to take up the reins. Open to riders, non-riders and those who are simply mad about horses, entrants will have the chance to name a newborn foal that will be arriving in Spring 2008 at the White Stallion Ranch in Tucson, Arizona.

If John Wayne was an inspiration, then Ranch Rider’s new 2008 brochure is sure to capture the imagination. Each of the tour operators new ranch stays is steeped in tradition, allowing travellers to sample an authentic western experience that has stood the test of time for centuries. A new section entitled ‘optional adventures’ covering the US and Canada, has also been added to the brochure, with highlights including, the Calgary Stampede in Alberta and the Durango to Silverton Narrow Gauge steam railway, in Colorado.

The US Department of Commerce has just released UK-USA visitor arrival numbers for October 2007 and, following month on month increases since last March (including a spectacular 22% increase in August), the 2007 year end total is now forecast at just under 4.5 million – the 2nd highest annual total ever.

Secret grocery shopping and mystery meeting places coupled with premier chefs provide the ‘new’ traveller with the ultimate culinary tour of Seattle. With leading restaurants and award-winning chefs varying from day to day, suspense awaits visitors this summer in Seattle. From June through to September 2008, $99.95 buys ‘foodies’ an opportunity to cook with, shop, and taste Seattle’s finest.

With the winter season in full swing, now is the time to head off and enjoy the Lone Star State’s simple pleasures. Texas offers those in search of some winter sun over 600 miles of beaches facing the warm waters of the Gulf Coast, 900 award-winning golf courses, some of the world’s best spas and an abundance of outdoor adventures and adrenaline induced activities.

Tracing the footsteps of Albert Einstein and the Rat Pack, California’s ‘A-List’ is still celebrating vintage and opulence enjoyed in the 40s and 50s, by staying in top boutique inns. The historic inns of Palm Springs are an eclectic group of small properties ranging from three to fifty rooms that showcase the classic designs of the 20s through to Mid Century Modern architecture, for which this Hollywood playground is world-renowned.

Whooping cranes have been on the endangered species list since 1970, when only 56 birds survived in the wild in a flock that wintered in Texas and nested in Canada. Texas continues to play a key role in the survival and recovery of this endangered species and today the flock that winters in Texas continues to be the only self-sustaining wild population in the world.

Complete North America have launched a 14 night flydrive package focused on the unique B&B Inn's of New England.

Complete North America are now offering Satellite Navigation Systems on car rental included in flydrive packages in conjunction with car rental partner Alamo. Sat Nav can be pre-booked for a supplement of £45 per week.

New for 2008, Complete North America will offer a variation on their most popular flydrive the CNA Western that allows travellers the opportunity to visit Sedona and Scottsdale Arizona in preference to Los Angeles at the end of the itinerary.

Work has begun on the above ground visitors centre for the Kansas Underground Salt Museum. The building will provide an additional 8,050 square feet above ground and includes a large lobby, exhibit area, an office complex, ticket operations, additional restrooms, and a volunteer break room.

Statehood Day comes to a spectacular climax with an evening performance featuring a star-studded list of Oklahomans from stage, screen, and concert halls. The Centennial Spectacular, a Broadway-quality gala employing the latest in lighting, multi-media, and staging will showcase the very best of the state’s long list of celebrities.

Rocklahoma, one of the United States most successful Rock Festivals in 2007 has announced their 2008 dates of July 11th through the 13th with a special pre-party on Thursday, July 10th for those who purchased a three day ticket.

The American Bus Association (ABA) recently announced that two Oklahoma events have been named to the Top 100 Events list for 2008. The Standing Bear Pow Wow in Ponca City and the Prix de West Invitational Art Exhibition at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum were both recognized as outstanding events in North America.

The new Diamond W Chuckwagon Supper, featuring the Prairie Wranglers, will begin offering year-round chuckwagon suppers starting September 20.

Head’em up and move-em out. From September 10 to October 5, 2007, the Chisholm Trail Cattle Drive, in commemoration of Oklahoma’s Centennial and the 140th Anniversary of the Chisholm Trail, 450 head of cattle will be driven up the Historic Chisholm Trail from the Red River of Texas through Oklahoma to the end of the trail town of Caldwell, Kansas.

In July many VIP’s visited the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City, most notably H.S.H. Prince Albert of Monaco. Actress Bo Derek also toured the Museum in July, as well as country singer Vince Gill, the female vocal group EnVogue, the Minister of Defense of Sweden, Chief of the Military of Taiwan and several other political dignitaries.

Governor Brad Henry today announced that Walt Disney World Resort has invited the State of Oklahoma to be the first state-dedicated marketplace experience at the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival this fall.

Kansas Travel and Tourism have produced a selection of Ready-Made Adventures to help visitors choose an ideal vacation to satisfy all their requirements.

The Reno County Historical Society will host a third Murder in the Mine production at the Kansas Underground Salt Museum. The performance, titled “Who’s Dying for Dinner?” will be performed on Saturday, July 28, 2007 at the museum in Hutchinson, Kansas.

Some of the million or so cattle that graze in the Flint Hills’ pastures, once the domain of buffalo, can be seen from the Flint Hills Scenic Byway in Kansas. If you think all of Kansas is flat, then think again and check out the rolling Flint Hills as they fan out across the eastern part of the state over 183 miles from north to south, stretching 30 to 40 miles wide in parts.

Cottonwood Hills master planned golf community will open its 18-hole golf course – the first ‘Faldo Championship’ course in the Midwest – to the public on Saturday, June 23. Designed by six-time Major winner Nick Faldo, principal of the London-based Faldo Design, Cottonwood Hills delivers an exceptional and highly distinctive golf experience.

A massive tornado killed at least nine people and flattened almost all of a small town in Kansas on Friday. More than 60 people were injured when the tornado - said to be up to a mile wide - hit the town of Greensburg. More than 95% of the 1,500-population town was destroyed, including the hospital and schools as well as homes.

Midwest Living magazine has named six small towns in Kansas in the 100 best small-town getaways in the Midwest to be published in the June edition of the magazine. The magazine's staff considered 12 factors when ranking the 100 among the 8,500 towns in the Midwest with populations under 20,000.

This summer the Cherokee Heritage Center in Tahlequah, Oklahoma will present the exciting historical drama, Under the Cherokee Moon. Performances will run on Friday and Saturday evenings from June 1 to August 18 and theatregoers will have the option of being served a delicious dinner before show time, or elect to see only the show.

“It was a great feeling to have the elevator at full capacity on every tour. We took 532 people into the mine today,” said Linda Schmitt, executive director. “Advance sales are strong going into the summer and we encourage everyone to book their tickets in advance so they’re guaranteed a space on the elevator.”

“The eyes of the world are on Rocklahoma,” said Mark Nuessle, General Manager of Catch the Fever Music Festivals. “Rocklahoma has struck a chord that has reverberated around the globe. We have sold tickets to ‘80’s rock fans in all 50 states and across six continents. Rocklahoma has literally become one of the largest music festivals in the world.”

The only virtual da Vinci Codex and da Vinci’s “real” Ultimate Flying Machine on display together in the U.S. for the first time, only at Exploration Place, Wichita, Kansas

Hutchinson, Kansas - Development of the Kansas Underground Salt Museum has reached the point that the Board of Directors has decided to respond to the intensifying interest of people wanting to experience a visit to the exotic subterranean chambers carved from salt deposits formed millions of years ago.

For the April issue of National Geographic magazine, long-time photographic contributor Jim Richardson tackled a subject familiar to central Kansas residents in an unfamiliar light - he put the Kansas Flint Hills on display, portrayed with fireflies, starlight and aerial views.

Sayre, Oklahoma - The Flying-W Guest Ranch will be home to a giant 3-day birthday celebration in honor of Oklahoma’s Centennial.

The Second Annual Symphony in the Flint Hills Concert will be held on June 16 in the Wade Pasture of the Schwarting Ranch located at the headwaters of Mill Creek in the uplands above Lake Wabaunsee near Gunbarrel Hill.

New York: Smart Destinations, the leading provider of technology-based packaged travel products in the US, is pleased to announce the latest addition to its’ flagship Go Card products - the NEW! New York City Explorer Pass.

We’ve got gators & crocodiles, birds & bears and now the all-new Gator Gully Splash Park opening on April 21 at Gatorland, giving guests one more reason to visit Orlando’s only attraction with bite and attitude!

On March 6th, Wild West World Theme Park entered into a long term agreement with the Journal Broadcast Group to have a remote radio studio on Main Street at the new Wild West World Theme Park, starting May 2007

The Kansas Department of Commerce has announced that it will provide seven projects a combined total of $120,350 in Attraction Development Grant funding, with the recipients investing a total of $357,726 toward the projects.

Visualize the world’s only one of a kind, off-road custom-made all terrain machines exclusively made for Boggy Creek. These monstrous 18 passenger buggies will take you on an expedition viewing wildlife roaming free

World-Class Highland Athletes Aged 40+ to Toss the Caber and Throw the Scottish Hammer at the Masters World Championships in McPherson, Kansas.

With less than 90 days to go until the Grand Opening of Kansas’ Largest Attraction, Wild West World Theme Park has completed all major construction, is holding several events and hiring more to its growing staff.

The Kansas Department of Commerce has announced that it will provide seven projects a combined total of $120,350 in Attraction Development Grant funding, with the recipients investing a total of $357,726 toward the projects.

Connect-Worldwide UK have recently launched the New York Attractions Collection having been appointed by three additional New York Attractions as their Sales and Marketing representation company in the UK & Ireland.

NCL Freestyle Cruising® has its greatest ever presence in Europe in 2007 with three ships sailing the Mediterranean and the Baltic Sea, including its latest ship, Norwegian Gem, debuting in October.

It is time to start selecting your entries for the Visit USA Association Travel Awards 2007 and get them sent in to us. There are seven categories in these annual awards which showcase excellent media coverage of the USA as a travel destination.

NCL has announced that Colin Veitch, president and CEO of NCL Corporation, has received the United Seamen’s Service’s (USS) 2006 Admiral of the Ocean Sea (AOTOS) award at a gala event in New York City. The annual award is the U.S. maritime industry’s most prestigious honour, recognizing individuals in the shipping industry who have made significant contributions to American shipping and American seafarers.

We are pleased to announce the new twin-city European marketing alliance between Cleveland, Ohio and fellow Great Lakes city, Detroit, Michigan.

“Home, home on the range” … these are more than just words in the Kansas state song. They are words that describe the experiences and down home hospitality vacationers will discover when they visit Kansas. When Dr. Brewster Higley wrote these words on the banks of Beaver Creek near Athol

Planning and preparations are already underway for the 2007 Route 66 Festival to be held in Clinton, Oklahoma., June 21-24. A car and motorcycle show, golf tournament, live musical entertainment and a carnival, are just a few of the activities currently planned for the four-day Festival.

NCL’s Norwegian Sun has entered the port of New Orleans as the FIRST cruise ship to homeport in New Orleans since Hurricane Katrina. The ship has docked at the city’s new $37 million Erato Street Terminal, which has been designed to accommodate larger cruise ships.

Kansas & Oklahoma Travel, Tourism and Recreation (TravelKsOk) have opened a new UK & Ireland media/travel trade representation and PR office in the UK. With a major new initiative Travel KsOk has appointed UK-based travel specialist - Derek Mackenzie-Hook - to directly represent them in the UK & Ireland.

The opening of the Kansas & Oklahoma Travel, Tourism and Recreation office in the UK coincides with their international cooperative partnership providing sponsorship for this year's British Guild of Travel Writers Annual Awards Dinner in November, the hottest ticket for World Travel Market week.

With immediate effect, the following arrangements apply to all passengers starting their journey at a UK or United States of America airport and to those transferring between flights at a UK airport.

Leading direct sell tour operator, ARCHERS DIRECT has launched its new Europe, USA, Canada & Worldwide 2007 brochure introducing ‘Platinum Tourer’ on its most popular tours in North America for clients wanting to upgrade their touring experience to the ultimate in coaching comfort.

The 2006 Visit USA Media Awards were presented at the Royal Geographical Society on July 11 2006 and the winners and runners up were as follows :

From 30 November to 9 December 2006, the "Original Cowboy Christmas,” gift show returns to Las Vegas in conjunction with the National Rodeo Finals (NFR) which take place annually at the Thomas & Mack Centre.

The UK’s largest independent tour operator, Cosmos Holidays and its sister airline, Monarch, are set to introduce direct transatlantic flights between Kent International and Virginia next year.

NCL has today issued details of savings on its Transatlantic cruise onboard the latest NCL ship, Norwegian Pearl in December.

NCL has announced that Norwegian Spirit will sail out of New Orleans from November 2007 to April 2008 on exotic seven-night Western Caribbean cruises.

CityPass® hails its tenth season on April 1, 2006, with fine-tuned programs in nine existing destinations and a tenth, expanded CityPass slated this fall in Atlanta.

London, 02 June 2006… Norwegian Cruise Line has today announced details of its new Alaska itineraries for 2007

Robin Williams hits the road in 'RV', the hillarious movie blockbuster premiering in Britain June 9, but travel writer Matthew Collins has been enjoying Cruise America RV's (motorhomes or campers to people in the UK) for years!

NCL America’s newest and largest ship named by the Honorable Daniel K. Inouye, Senior United States Senator from Hawai`i

TRAVELERS TAKE DIRECTION FROM NEW MOVIE RELEASES. Release of "RV" anticipated to be good for motorhome travel. National motorhome rental company El Monte RV predicts "RV" will help the industry

NCL has today announced that its 2007 Alaska programme will go on sale 2nd May, 2006 - a full two months earlier than last year.

NCL has today announced that Senator Daniel K. Inouye has been chosen to christen the newest member of the NCL and NCL America fleet, Pride of Hawai’i.

Las Vegas once again lives up to the accolade of “Entertainment Capital of the World”

In July 1986, Life magazine (USA) described Nevada’s Highway 50 as the “Loneliest Road in America”.

Since 1978, Ralph Appelbaum has brought history to life through his innovative, interactive museum and exhibition designs—

Visa Free Travel to the USA

Over 170 entries were submitted this year