Archive: June 2009

Tourism officials believe some leisure destinations have been blacklisted and labeled inappropriate for government meetings or other gatherings according to several news reports. [...] Read more

The Professional Convention Management Association released the results of a U.S. Meeting Planner Intentions Survey June 8, revealing budgets and image concerns as challenges facing meeting planners. [...] Read more

Six Flags Inc. filed Chapter 11 in a U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Wilmington, Del., on June 13. The New York-based owner of 20 theme parks listed its assets as totaling $3 billion and $2.4 billion of debt as of Dec. 31. [...] Read more

A new seating layout described as “revolutionary” is being considered by major airlines. Financial data analyst turned innovative designer Emil Jacob is in talks with several airlines about a “step seat principle” he patented in 2006, according to The Boston Globe. [...] Read more

While generally not big spenders, association meeting planners might want to review the new rules for meetings, events and other corporate travel expenses issued by the U.S. Treasury Department for companies receiving Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) funds. The U.S. Travel Association wants companies that didn’t take taxpayer assistance to take note as well. [...] Read more

Chris Thompson, president and CEO of Visit Florida, pledged never to be caught off guard by government budget shortfalls again in a message sent to industry partners on June 15. [...] Read more

Citing the recession, rising fuel costs and weak demand stemming from the H1N1 virus, Delta announced plans to suspend several international routes, beginning in September. [...] Read more

The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) reassured the travel industry June 15 that it is taking steps to prevent the spread of H1N1 on cruise ships primarily through enhanced screening procedures and public health protocols that have been implemented to protect passengers. [...] Read more

The Bakersfield Convention and Visitors Bureau launched VisitBakersfield.com to offer event planners information and provide a travel planning tool. [...] Read more

A State of the Tourism and Travel Industry survey of social media from GoSeeTell, found that destinations using social media best are Philadelphia, Chicago, Oregon, Columbus, Portland, Arizona and Pennsylvania (for Philadelphia and Chicago, several organizations were named for the same destination). [...] Read more