USA news round-up
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US Airways boosts trans-Atlantic routes
US Airways has announced it will fly from Glasgow to Philadelphia this summer. The new route will operate daily from the Scottish airport, as well as Barcelona, Athens, Glasgow, Venice and Lisbon. Flights from Dublin to Charlotte will also be available in seasonal travel periods, alongside flights from Madrid and Rome to the hub. US Airways is also rolling out its new Envoy business class cabin on its fleet of Airbus A330s.
New brand unveiled Greater Palm Springs
Tourism authorities in California’s Greater Palm Springs has announced it is marketing the nine-city area as the ‘Grater Palm Springs Oasis’ in its new brand name. The area name, alongside its new ‘Greater Palm Springs Convention and Visitors Bureau’ name, is said to have evolved from the tourism board’s wishes to ‘unite’ the cities into one destination, with the strapline ‘A Brand New Day’. “Current research from focus groups and an 11-city image awareness study, plus guidance from our client advisory board and local stakeholders, have underscored both the need and advantages to promoting the Palm Springs area as a single destination,” said Scott White, president and CEO at Greater Palm Springs CVB.
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.
Mandarin Oriental San Francisco refurbished
Mandarin Oriental, San Francisco has updated its interiors to mark its 25th anniversary. 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 events space will also open late summer with more than 5,000 square feet of rooms.