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Avianca Launches Two New Routes Connecting South Florida to Guatemala and Nicaragua
Avianca announces operations on two new routes in Florida, connecting Miami with Guatemala City and San José, Costa Rica, and Fort Lauderdale with Managua and San Salvador, respectively. These two new routes will enhance connectivity between South Florida and Central America, offering travelers more opportunities to explore the region. “The United States and Latin America are closely connected through tourism and business. In 2024 alone, we transported more than 4 million passengers to and from the U.S.," said Otto Gergye, chief commercial officer at Avianca. "With these new nonstop routes, we aim to further strengthen these ties by expanding our network to more than 40 direct routes between the U.S. and Latin America,” he added. In addition to these two new routes, avianca will launch other connections from Chicago to San Salvador, Dallas to Bogotá and from Bogotá to Córdoba, Argentina.
Galactic Adventures await at Florida’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
In 2025, Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex will take guests closer to space than ever before, all without leaving Earth. The iconic, Florida attraction is set to unveil a series of groundbreaking new experiences, exclusive offerings and signature events, designed to inspire and awe space enthusiasts of all ages. The Gantry at LC-39 Launches Spring 2025 Visitors are in for a thrilling new experience with the opening of The Gantry at LC-39, in spring 2025. This innovative and interactive attraction reimagines the observation gantry at Launch Complex 39, offering stunning 360° views of active launch pads, NASA’s spaceport and the surrounding wildlife refuge. Accessible via the Kennedy Space Center Bus Tour, The Gantry at LC-39’s central theme is ‘Off Earth, For Earth’ and explores the vital relationship between technology and nature, underscoring NASA's ongoing mission to protect Earth through space exploration. Much more than an observation platform, key features of The Gantry at LC-39 will include: Earth Information Center (EIC): A dynamic data hub featuring an immersive theatre show, captivating hyperwall display and an interactive exhibit gallery, providing a holistic view of how the planet is changing in ways that affect all life on Earth. Rocket Build Interactive: Guests can design and virtually launch rockets, experiencing the thrill of space flight from a launch site within view of Kennedy Space Center’s working space ports. Interactive Exhibits: Educational activities, including gamified experiences where visitors can explore Launch Complexes 39A, 39B, 41, 40, and 37, using binoculars and informational graphics. Test Fire Simulation: A thrilling experience where guests of all ages can stand under a full-scale rocket engine as it simulates a static fire test, to feel the power and excitement of a rocket’s ignition. A roar of sound, light and cooling mist create a visceral thrill. Launch Viewing Area: A prime location to view real rocket launches, complete with a large LED screen that loops media content to enhance the experience. Shaded Courtyard with Animal Play Sculptures: Climbable sculptures of sea turtles, alligators and an eagle nest, as well as interpretive graphics, tell the story of Kennedy Space Center’s home within the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. An artifact from a retired Mobile Launch Platform connects guests to the historic launch pads nearby. Outdoor Dining Area: A relaxed, shaded space for guests to enjoy self-service dining adjacent to the Crawlerway, as well as a Crawler-Transporter tread artifact. Kennedy Under the Stars returns Kennedy Under the Stars will continue as a twice-yearly event for 2025. The exclusive after-hours party will be held on 7 February and 30 August 2025, from 6.30pm – 10pm, offering a glow-in-the-dark celebration with an inter-galactic party vibe. Guests will marvel at the park after dark, with illuminated attractions, video DJ in the Rocket Garden, techno dance party in NASA Central, Cosmic Glow Mini Golf under the Saturn 1B rocket, and more. Many of the main attractions at the visitor complex will stay open late, allowing more time to venture to other worlds in Spaceport KSC®, get up close to actual flight-flown artifacts like Space Shuttle Atlantis, feel the rumble aboard the Shuttle Launch Experience® and more. Guests attending the 7 February event will also have the exclusive opportunity to spend a Friday night with veteran NASA astronauts Sandy Magnus and Curt Brown, who will meet with guests throughout the evening. Food and beverages will be available for purchase throughout the night, and selected retail stores will remain open as well so guests can add to their collection of NASA “merch”. Interplanetary, space themed outfits are encouraged, but for security reasons, costume masks that conceal faces are prohibited, as are any props that resemble weapons. Tickets for Kennedy Under the Stars are $65, plus tax and parking is included. The ticket is valid for event entry only. This event does not include the Kenndy Space Center Bus Tour or Apollo/Saturn V Center. Record Number of Planned Launches for 2025 With more than 80 space launches from Kennedy Space Center in 2024, and over 100 expected in 2025, visitors have an incredible opportunity to experience these thrilling events up close, including from a prime viewing location. For many of the launches, exclusive packages will be available at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, offering an optimal viewing experience. Discover Something Real Unlike other attractions, the visitor complex offers an experience truly based in reality. Throughout the visitor complex, guests will be amazed by flight flown artifacts like the Orion Exploration Flight Test-1 spacecraft, SpaceX Cargo Dragon COTS-2, and Falcon 9 Rocket Booster in Gateway: The Deep Space Launch Complex®. The latest additions include worn space suits, including Alan Shepard’s Moon-dust-covered suit in the Apollo/Saturn V Center and astronaut Michael López-Alegría’s Axiom Mission 1 flight suit, recently unveiled in Space Shuttle Atlantis®. Cashless in 2025 Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex has transitioned to a cashless operation for a smoother, more secure guest experience. As of 6th January 2025, cash is no longer be accepted at registers throughout the visitor complex. Should guests arrive with cash, converting it into a convenient Visa prepaid debit card is simple and free at Cash-to-Card kiosks placed throughout the visitor complex and at the Apollo/Saturn V Center. Guests can continue to use credit cards, debit cards or Apple Pay for purchases.
The Boca Raton presents USD 130 million transformed Beach Club Hotel, South Florida
Five distinct hotels, one iconic resort - A $130 million investment to Palm Beach’s only private beach resort, serving as the final phase to The Boca Raton’s overall $375 million transformation This month, South Florida’s most storied resort The Boca Raton officially unveils the launch of its Beach Club hotel, marking the completion of a remarkable $130 million transformation. Part of the resort’s larger $375 million evolution, this milestone marks a new era for the historic property, offering elevated experiences across its half-mile stretch of private golden beach. Featuring 210 fully renovated guest rooms and suites - some with expansive outdoor terraces - the Beach Club debuts new restaurants, a refreshed arrival experience and lobby with a sophisticated cocktail lounge and café, an enhanced fitness facility, and oceanside event spaces. Coastal design A design project led by Miami-based Urban Robot Associates and landscape architecture firm EDSA, and Garcia Stromberg - a firm of architects, designers, and artists -, the brand-new Beach Club reflects the essence of its seaside locale. Rooms and suites feature floor-to-ceiling ocean views, inviting sea breezes, and a serene palette of natural textures complemented by vibrant coral velvet accents. With three times as many suites as before, the largest accommodations include the Grand Suite + Lanai, offering one- or two-bedroom layouts that flow into private outdoor poolside living spaces with plush lounge seating. Culinary excellence by the sea With an enhanced focus on culinary experiences as overseen by Executive Chef Gonzalo Rivera, Beach Club introduces standout restaurants, lounges, and more casual settings. The standout Marisol restaurant, helmed by Michelin-award-winning chef and raw bar expert Johnny Spero, showcases Mediterranean-inspired fare in a stunning indoor-outdoor setting with a covered terrace with fresh seafood delivered daily by local fishermen. Onda, Beach Club’s new sand-side restaurant features outdoor dining inspired by iconic coastal destinations. Each winter will spotlight a new culinary mastermind. In its first season, Onda has partnered with Executive Chef Adriano Venturini of Eden Roc Cap Cana, with signature dishes including Langosta al Coco, poached Maine lobster with creamy coconut sauce, Dominican rice, and caviar. Waterside wellness & adventure Rooted in the spirit of the coastal lifestyle, curated programming invites guests to sink their toes in the sand and lounge the day away. Beach wellness sessions include Sunset Yoga and a monthly Full Moon Yoga class. Guests can experience intentional moments from morning to night, including a Ritual Series beginning with First Light oceanside wellness classes guided by expert instructors, and a Light the Night sunset fire ritual. When not relaxing on the beach or enjoying ocean adventures such as surfing and pedal kayaking, guests can take a dip in three pools. Or they can opt for a day at the Cabana Club by Vilebrequin, a collection of vibrant pool cabanas designed in partnership with the St. Tropez swimwear brand. For an afternoon excursion along the Intracoastal, Sorbetto is Beach Club’s floating Fiat 500 boat that adds a playful twist while showcasing the Italian craftsmanship that Fiat is known for. Family friendly offerings For younger guests, the Banyan Bunch Beachside programme offers educational and nature-inspired activities, while teens and pre-teens can enjoy Game Loft, a new dedicated social space featuring state-of-the-art gaming consoles, VR headsets, and classic games like shuffleboard and billiards. Beyond the beach In addition to experiences at the Beach Club, a stay provides access to The Boca Raton’s Harborside amenities. Just a five-minute Water Taxi across the Intracoastal, the resort offers golf, tennis, pickleball, wellness experiences at Spa Palmera, as well as three pools, water slides, a floating river, and more at the four-acre Harborside Pool Club. “We’re thrilled to unveil Beach Club, designed for those who crave a fresh, modern take on luxury,” said Daniel A. Hostettler, President & CEO of The Boca Raton. “This next chapter builds on The Boca Raton’s storied legacy, inspiring generations of club members and global travelers who have shaped our vision for this transformation. The new Beach Club is more than just reimagined spaces—it’s an experience that blends stunning design, bold culinary creativity, and the kind of hospitality that feels effortless but unforgettable.”
Disney Treasure Arrives in Florida: A New Chapter for Disney Cruise Line
Disney Cruise Line fans are eagerly awaiting the launch of Disney Treasure, a new ship poised to deliver a treasure trove of adventures. The Disney Treasure made a grand entrance at her Florida homeport, Port Canaveral, at sunrise on Tuesday, 12 November 2024. Her arrival, accompanied by the iconic Disney horn-sounding magical notes, was celebrated by hundreds of Disney cast members, local media, and cruise enthusiasts. A Momentous Arrival As Disney Treasure glided past Cocoa Beach and Jetty Park at 6 a.m., Captain Mickey and Captain Minnie welcomed her arrival, ensuring the ship felt right at home. This moment marked the end of the ship’s first transatlantic crossing from the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany. Although the ship wasn’t carrying passengers, it was a significant journey for the crew members onboard. Notably, Disney Treasure made her first at-sea rescue near Bermuda on November 10, saving four lives from a sinking catamaran. Preparing for the Maiden Voyage The Disney Treasure will not welcome her first guests for several weeks, but the crew and onshore support staff are busy preparing for her maiden voyage. Scheduled for December 21, 2024, the inaugural journey will be a Very Merrytime holiday sailing, making it a doubly special occasion. This 7-night Eastern Caribbean cruise will visit Tortola, St. Thomas, and Disney Cruise Line’s private island, Castaway Cay. Christening Celebration The ship’s arrival comes just a week before her christening celebration in New York City. This star-studded event will be live streamed on 19 November at 8 p.m. and will feature maritime traditions, unique moments, and the ship’s signature theme song. Viewers can expect live music, onboard entertainment samplers, special guest appearances, and the traditional champagne bottle smash. The celebration leads up to Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, where a new Disney Cruise Line float, “Magic Meets the Seas,” will showcase the entire Disney fleet and highlight Captain Minnie along with other beloved Disney, Marvel, and Pixar characters. Onboard Adventures The 144,256-gross-ton Disney Treasure, a sister ship to Disney Wish, can welcome 4,000 guests per sailing. The ship offers 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries, visiting top ports like Cozumel, Grand Cayman, Falmouth, Tortola, St. Thomas, and San Juan. Onboard, guests will find new shows, stunning venues inspired by Disney favourites such as “Moana” and “Coco,” and an “Aladdin”-themed bow and atrium. Stateroom décor, youth play areas, and much more are inspired by beloved Disney tales, promising an unforgettable adventure for all. Conclusion The arrival of Disney Treasure marks a new chapter for Disney Cruise Line, bringing new and exciting experiences to the high seas. With her inaugural season on the horizon, guests can look forward to an extraordinary journey filled with Disney magic, adventure, and unforgettable memories.
Utopia of the Seas’ First Sea Trials Before Florida Launch
In a momentous occasion for maritime enthusiasts and vacationers alike, Royal Caribbean International’s newest marvel, Utopia of the Seas, has set sail for its inaugural sea trials. This pivotal event marks one of the final construction milestones for the Oasis Class vessel, occurring a mere ten weeks before its highly anticipated debut in Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida, slated for July 2024. The Utopia of the Seas is not your typical cruise ship; it’s a game-changer in the world of short getaways. With a team of over 900 experts rigorously testing its capabilities, from navigation systems to engine performance, this ship is designed to deliver an unparalleled experience for its guests. During the five-day trial, the ship will travel over 1,000 miles, after which it will return to the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France, for the final phase of construction. Upon completion, the Utopia of the Seas will offer an unprecedented vacation experience with three-night weekend and four-night weekday cruises starting 19 July. Prepare to be amazed by the Utopia of the Seas. This ship is a non-stop adventure with over 40 dining, drinking, and party options, including the unique Royal Railway dining experience and more pools than you can count. And let’s not forget the longest dry slide at sea, promising endless excitement and entertainment. The adventure extends beyond the ship to Royal Caribbean’s private island, Perfect Day, at CocoCay in The Bahamas. Guests can indulge in the island’s 14 waterslides, the largest freshwater pool in the region, and the newly opened Hideaway Beach—an adults-only oasis offering a private beach, pools, and live music. As Royal Caribbean International continues to deliver memorable vacations, the Utopia of the Seas is poised to become the new benchmark for short getaways. Offering a seamless blend of sea and land adventures will captivate travellers for years to come.
Instant Farebank Rewards for agents booking Florida private villas with Gold Medal
Gold Medal released their first dedicated Florida Private Homes & Villas guide last week that showcases five private rental homes, perfect for a trip to Orlando with the family. The guide launched at a time when Gold Medal Florida bookings and car hire in the destination are both performing well. Florida Destination Manager, Leanne Davies, visited all the featured resorts firsthand to give agents and their customers a confident insight into the rental properties available in this fun-filled destination. Leanne shared, “I was lucky enough to travel to Orlando and spend some time with one of our partners - Tropical Escape Vacation Homes, gaining invaluable insight into the communities and homes that we feature. This guide showcases five of the homes I visited, with some personal top tips and recommendations throughout.” With the release of the guide, Gold Medal are rewarding agents with INSTANT £75 Farebank Rewards on all Florida Private Villa package bookings until 30 April 2024 online or via the sales centre. To discover the guide and for more incentive information, agents should visit goldmedal.co.uk. Gold Medal have also reported that bookings for Florida car hire are in growth. Bookings for car hire in Orlando have reached almost 50% growth year on year, with data suggesting that customers are starting their holiday with an Orlando Villa stay, before driving across to the Gulf Coast beaches of St Petes, Fort Myers and Clearwater. Including car hire in a Florida package with Gold Medal means customers can easily see more of the destination on their holiday. Gold Medal ensures customers receive a ‘skip the counter’ service after a long flight, plus they provide the option to add an additional driver free of charge. Adrian James, Product & Commercial Director shared, “We have worked hard to expand our offering of private homes and villas in Florida and we are now able to proudly share our portfolio with agents. Understanding the different options and breadth of product available for agents and their clients was something our product manager, Leanne, wanted to explore and there was no better way for her to do this than to see it firsthand. The creation of this guide was a result of her visit, and we always strive to ensure the products Gold Medal provide are hand-selected and come highly recommended.”
Historic Milestone for The Florida Aquarium
When David Narankevicius, his wife and two young sons planned their very first trip to The Florida Aquarium, they never imagined the experience would be quite like today’s visit. The Aquarium staff packed the lobby and erupted in cheers and applause when The Florida Aquarium President and CEO Roger Germann revealed that the local family, David in particular, was the one millionth guest of 2023. The surprise marks the first time in the Aquarium’s 28-year history that one million guests visited the iconic Downtown Tampa cultural attraction in a calendar year. “The kids are really excited and we definitely weren’t expecting something like this,” said David Narankevicius. We’re excited to see everything that’s here.” “We had planned to go somewhere else today and this morning we changed our plans,” added David’s wife, Aylla. “So, this was a surprise!” The day-long festivities kicked off with a special photo shoot for the family, taking pictures with Germann, as well as costumed characters. “It’s a super exciting day here at The Florida Aquarium to welcome the one millionth visitor for the very first time,” said Germann. “We hope the family, first and foremost has fun, has the opportunity to learn, and remembers this special day and that they played an important role in our long history here at The Florida Aquarium.” In addition to the fanfare, the family also received customized celebratory buttons and a gift basket overflowing with goodies—a one-year membership to the Aquarium, and an array of swag from the Aquarium gift shop, including a beach towel, water bottle, penguin backpack, stuffed animals and more. The family enjoyed exclusive experiences including a complimentary lunch at Café Ray, as well as a VIP penguin encounter and a 75-minute wild dolphin cruise to wrap up what turned out to be an extremely exciting and unforgettable visit. On this special day, all guests got to be part of the celebration, receiving a conservation wristband and sweet treats throughout the day. The Aquarium hopes this is the first year of many to come that will reach the one million mark. The recently unveiled MORPH’D gallery that opened this summer has played a pivotal role in attracting even more guests. To wrap up the year, visitors enjoyed the spirit of the holiday season with the Aquarium’s Snow Days activities and Photos with Santa, in addition to exploring the thousands of unique species and habitats. For more information, visit The Florida Aquarium’s website.
Destin-Fort Walton Beach, Florida continues conservation efforts
Led by the Okaloosa County Tourism Development Department’s (TDD) embedded Coastal Resources team, these projects are dedicated to conserving Northwest Florida’s natural beauty, protecting native wildlife, and developing world-renowned coastal tourism adventures. Below, please find more information the destination’s Artificial Reef Program, its annual Emerald Coast Open Lionfish Tournament, and its efforts to educate the public on how to protect sea turtles with the Gulfarium C.A.R.E. Center: A NEW HABITAT FOR SEA LIFE AND A DESTINATION FOR DIVERS Destin-Fort Walton Beach’s artificial reef program is part of a larger five-year plan designed to both enhance the area’s marine ecosystems and spark interest in local water adventures. Comprised of anything from concrete piles to specifically-designed modules and even large shipwrecks, the artificial reefs create excellent sites for fishing, diving, and snorkeling activities by providing habitat to more than 150 different recreationally and commercially important species of fish and invertebrates. In addition to reducing negative impacts to naturally-occurring reefs by spreading out diving and fishing visitation, the artificial reef program boasts many ecological benefits including the increase in survival likelihood of juvenile fish that require reef structure for parts of their development. Not surprisingly, artificial reefs also boost spawning potential (which results in more fish) and help sustain the fishing industry and prevent overfishing in the region. Coastal Resource Manager Alex Fogg oversees each new reef from procurement to deployment, including the management of a marine contracting team who transports and thoroughly cleans each vessel to avoid any harmful environmental impacts. Since 2019, Destin-Fort Walton Beach has deployed around 1,500 concrete structures and 10 vessels. Recent deployments include limestone reefs that were deployed in partnership with Starborough Wines, Destin High School, Emerald Coast Reef Association and Saltwater Restaurant Group, and vessels that include R/V Manta (180’ X 38’ steel hulled research vessel); R/V Dolphin (192’ x 39.9’ steel hulled, bottom cable research vessel); and the RMS Cyclops (105’ x 24’ steel hulled, offshore supply vessel). The RMS Atlantis (a decommissioned offshore supply vessel) and The Deep Stem are next up in line this summer, early fall. A record-breaking year at the world’s largest Lionfish tournament This past May the destination continued to serve as host of the Emerald Coast Open – the world’s largest lionfish tournament - in conjunction with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Lionfish Removal & Awareness Day Festival. The invasive, venomous species arrived in the Gulf of Mexico in 2012, and populations in Northwest Florida have grown to the highest concentration in the world. The tournament goals are to raise awareness of the issue, remove the species from the water to lessen the threat to native wildlife, and delight in their surprisingly delectable taste. A themed Restaurant Week primed interest in the event during the week prior. This year’s tournament was held from May 19-20 with an award ceremony at AJ’s Seafood and Oyster Bar on May 21. The tournament had 144 divers participate in a variety of categories, competing for prize money totaling more than $100,000. This year’s collection set a new record with the successful removal of 24,699 lionfish, nearly doubling last year’s total of 13,835! In addition to the main tournament, the event also set a pre-tournament record of 5,139 lionfish caught. Caring for sea turtles In partnership with Destin-Fort Walton Beach, the Gulfarium C.A.R.E. Center is bringing awareness to sea turtles and nesting beaches by offering the “C.A.R.E.”ing For Turtles program. The new, after-hours educational experience offers guests the opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes look into the operations of the rehabilitation center, meet current sea turtle patients, and learn how to perform a mock in-take of an injured sea turtle. Typical sea turtle species found in Gulf waters include Loggerhead, Green, Kemp’s Ridley, and Leatherback. The hour-long program is suitable for guests ages 8 and older and can be added to any standard admission ticket.
Florida is the best state for a Family Spring Break
Spring Break is a special time and needs to be done right. It’s not just for teenagers and 20-somethings – it's for families too. So rather than leave you to scour the internet at the last minute for budget-friendly destinations, beautiful destinations, or activity-filled destinations, family vacations expert Family Destinations Guide have done this for you. Shell Island is a great place to spot dolphins and fishing Panama City Beach, Titusville and Florida Keys make Florida the best state for a family Spring Break Florida is the only state to feature in the top 10 more than once Florida came up three times in the top 10 best locations for a Family Spring Break. The top Florida location is Panama City Beach. With more than a dozen beaches with the green of the Gulf of Mexico, Panama City Beach is a great family location for Spring Break. This location is great to spot bald eagles and alligators or even go on an airboat adventure. You could go to Shell Island for fishing and to spot dolphins or take a ride on the SkyWheel at the Pier Park for the spectacular view of Emerald Coast. The second-best Florida location on the list is Titusville. Coming up eighth on the list, it’s just a few miles from the world-famous Kenned Space Complex. Florida’s Space Coast is highly recommended and has some of the most beautiful beaches along the Canaveral National Seashore. A great option for the whole family is the lagoon; spotting manatees and dolphins for the kids and relaxed paddling for the parents. And it can be done during the day, or a lovely night activity. The final Florida location to make the list came in 10th and is Florida Keys. If you are a fan of sea creatures, Turtle Hospital in Marathon is a great place for all the family. This is another great location for snorkelling if you head to Looe Key National Marine Sanctuary. Florida Keys is also known to be a perfect place to enjoy cocktails and relax under the sun. The top two locations were Dominica in Caribbean and Wisconsin Dells in Wisconsin. The rest of the top 10 included Indianapolis, Mayakoba, Grand Cayman, Ogden and Puerto Rico. A spokesperson for Family Destinations Guide said: “Spring Break is a memorable time for families and to make the location decision easier, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best places to go. “Such a vast state with so much to do, Florida’s made itself home to some of the best locations for Spring Break, and more broadly, a go-to state for families at this time of year. “The total list includes city locations, activities for all the family, ski options and as well as plenty of beach holidays.”
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