America in Brief
US aims to attract 100 million visitors
The USA is planning to boost visitor arrivals to the country by more than 60% over the next 10 years. Under the country’s new National Travel and Tourism Strategy, which was unveiled last week, the US is aiming to welcome 100 million visitors to its shores by 2021 – up from a record 62.3 million in 2011. The country is also targeting annual tourism receipts of US$250 billion. The strategy will be supported by Brand USA’s new international marketing strategy, which includes a major promotional campaign in key markets.
US Airways boosts trans-Atlantic routes
US Airways has announced a series of new services to destinations in Europe for this summer. From Philadelphia, the airline will offer new daily seasonal services to Barcelona, Athens, Glasgow, Venice and Lisbon. Daily, seasonal service will also be added from the airline’s Charlotte hub to Dublin, Madrid and Rome, while additional seasonal frequencies will be to Frankfurt from both Philadelphia and Charlotte. US Airways is also rolling out its new Envoy business class cabin on its fleet of Airbus A330s.
Gordon Ramsay opens new restaurant in Las Vegas
British celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay has opened his first restaurant in Las Vegas. The Michelin-starred host of shows such as MasterChef US and Hell’s Kitchen last week launched Gordon Ramsay Steak at Paris Las Vegas, which is said to offer a “modern approach to the classic steakhouse”. Diners will be offered iPads to order drinks, while menu items will include prime beef cuts as well as British favourites such as ale onion soup, shepherd’s pie and sticky toffee pudding.
Marriott expands Autograph Collection in Florida (thumbnail pic – S-drive/TDA/Picture archive/Marriott/Turnberry Isle Miami.jpg)
Marriott has added a new Florida hotel to its Autograph Collection of luxury properties. Turnberry Isle Miami, a luxury resort in South Florida, covers more than 121 hectares and includes 408 rooms, two 18-hole Raymond Floyd-designed championship golf courses, a three-story spa and fitness centre, a tennis centre, beach club, and multiple pools including a lagoon-style pool with a waterslide and lazy river. There is also a 3,700m² conference centre. The resort becomes the Autograph Collection’s third property in South Florida.
Mandarin Oriental San Francisco refurbished
Mandarin Oriental San Francisco has completed a major refurbishment. Undertaken to celebrate the property’s 25th anniversary, the hotel has now updated its interiors. Created by BAMO designer Michael Booth, the hotel now includes a new Italian marble lobby, revamped rooms and a soon-to-launch restaurant under executive chef Adam Mali. Its meeting and event facilities will also open late summer with more than 460² of floor space.