Topics Include:
Visit the Travelers411 Mexico mini-site at www.travelers411.com/minisite/mexico
For more information visit http://www.sabrams.com/mexico
Travel Expert and Radio Show Host Stephanie Abrams recently returned from a trip to Mexico. She visited the Riviera Nayarit in the state of Nayarit as well as parts of the state of Quintana Roo which encompasses Cancun and the Riviera Maya. While traveling Stephanie visited the Riviera Maya Grand Velas Hotel, the Ritz Carlton Cancun, the Riviera Nayarit Four Seasons, the Riviera Nayarit Hotel de Artists, the Riviera Nayarit Villa Estancia, the Riviera Nayarit Fours Seasons Hotel and Vallarta Adventures in the Riviera Nayarit. Stephanie also had the pleasure of holding two Bengal tiger cubs at the El Tigre Golf Club in Nuevo Vallarta, Riviera Nayarit.
For more information visit http://www.sabrams.com/mexico
Stephanie leaves for London, England November 19, 2009. She says “when I think of London I think of theater, and when I think of theater I think of Keith Prowse”. Kent Davidson Director of Sales and Marketing for Keith Prowse Entertainment Travel joins “Travel With Stephanie Abrams! from the company's New York offices. Stephanie has plans to see the new musical “Sister Act” when she is in London, an adaptation of the 1992 film with an entirely new score by Alan Menken. Menken wrote “Little Shop of Horrors” as well as the “Little Mermaid”. The production stars the American actress Tina Miller who, Davidson says, has received nothing but rave reviews for her performance in the title role.
“Sister Act” is a top seller alongside the new revival of “Oliver” that has been in production. On February 20, 2009 the sequel to “Phantom of the Opera” “Phantom: Love Never Dies” will be released. It is Andrew Lloyd Webber's first musical since 2006's “the Sound of Music”.
In New York there are a number of popular productions playing including several revivals. Currently in production are “Ragtime”, “Finian's Rainbow” and “Bye Bye Birdie”. In the spring “The Adam's Family” musical, which stars Nathan Lane and Bebe Neuwirth, will debut. Later in the year “Spider Man the Musical” will be released, a production directed by renowned stage and film director Julie Taymor. Pre-production for the musical already has the biggest budget Broadway has ever seen at $45 million USD. It will cost over a million dollars a week to run as well. Catherine Zeta Jones and Angela Lansbury will star in “Little Night Music” in the fall of 2010.
Keith Prowse has offices in Paris, Prague, Vienna, Sydney and other major cities around the world. In addition to stage shows visitors can experience the opera, ballet, symphony and site seeing tours in each city. Davidson says that even if you do not like the opera the Palais Garnier in Paris is a must-see venue. He says there are exciting theater and entertainment events going on around the world and says, “no matter where you're traveling Keith Prowse can find something for you to do”.
Stephanie recalls seeing “Miss Saigon” in London several years ago. She bought her tickets when she arrived in the city. She paid over one-hundred dollars per ticket and the seating wasn't very good. Davidson agrees that it is always better to book in advance to ensure good seating.
Travelers411 Community Forums - This interview's thread
http://www.travelers411.com/forums/showthread.php?t=865
For more information visit http://www.keithprowse.com
“Travel With Stephanie Abrams!” takes time to visit with a destination close to home. Danny Cappello, Executive Director of the Jersey Shore Convention & Visitors Bureau, joins the show to discuss the Monmouth and Ocean County region of New Jersey, two counties north of Atlantic City. The region stretches from Sandy Hook, New Jersey to Long Beach Island. Sandy Hook is the site of the Gateway National Recreation Area. The Conventions and Visitors Bureau covers the counties in their entirety from the shoreline to the mainland.
Danny Cappello is Jersey born and says as a child he visited Point Place Beach, a quintessential boardwalk destination. His memories of the shore included the amusement parks, funnel cakes and music at the beach. The extensive shoreline of the garden state has many harbors and, as such, many public areas to visit.
Stephanie says there is something special and romantic about visitng a northeast beach destination during the winter. Cappello says there are certain areas like Spring Lake and Ocean Grove that have communities with beautiful Victorian homes and quaint bed and breakfasts open year-round. He says that both Monmouth County and Ocean County are year-round premiere travel destinations. The towns are quiet, the crowds have waned but there is still shopping and dining and many offerings from cultural institutions.
Red Bank, New Jersey is one of the first fully fledged destinations a traveler will see when driving from New York. Cappello points out that it is not a shore town in that it doesn't have a beach though it is on the water. Known as the “Soho” of New Jersey. Cappello says Red Bank has “a bohemian, artistic energy”. The city has boutique hotels like the Molly Pitcher Inn and Oyster Point Hotel and is the home of the renowned, restored Count Basie Theater. Cappello says the shore has beaches on par with Cape Cod, many which have preserved ecology. Historic sites including the Sandy Hook Lighthouse, which is one of the oldest operating lighthouses in the US. Also in the area is Fort Hancock, an important military fortification during the course of the two world wars. Cappello says these historical aspects are entrenched in the Jersey legacy though they are commonly associated with the area by tourists.
Cappello recommends Long Branch as a fabulous winter destination. The town has the full service Ocean Place Resort and Spa which is one of the very few beach front hotels of its size on the Jersey Shore. There is also a fantastically redesigned boardwalk with shops and restaurants open year-round.
Travelers411 Community Forums - This interview's thread
http://www.travelers411.com/forums/showthread.php?t=866
For more information visit http://www.visitthejerseyshore.com
CheapOStay, a brand associated with CheapOAir.com, was launched in April of 2009. Agents at CheapOAir.com found that customers booking air often inquired into the accommodations available in their destination. CheapOStay was credited to broaden the company's focus on the lodging industry while still applying their same mission of finding the best rates.
Nadir Syed Ali, Director-Online Marketing for CheapOStay joins “Travel with Stephanie Abrams” to discuss some current rates. The Hem Hotel in Amsterdam is one example of a property in that city that has rates for as little as$57 USD per night. The Hem is a three-star property located within the center of the city. The affordably is due to the fact that the rate is one of the “last of inventory”. The Red Cow Moran Hotel in Dublin is a four-star property that has rates available for as little as $83 USD per night.
Ali lists properties and current rates stating that room rates in Frankfurt, Germany are available for as little as $77 USD, Rome for $78 USD and Madrid for $83 USD. Ali says that deals domestically include rooms in Atlantic City, San Diego, Detroit all starting at $77 USD a night. Customers are able to see each hotel's name online, visit its website and compare the rates available at Cheapostay.com.
Travelers411 Community Forums - This interview's thread
http://www.travelers411.com/forums/showthread.php?t=867
For more information visit http://www.cheapostay.com
Fun Facts:
“Phantom: Love Never Dies” debuts in 2010. The original musical, “Phantom of the Opera opened in 1986.
Guests Include:
Kent Davidson, Director of Sales and Marketing, Keith Prowse Entertainment Travel.
www.keithprowse.com
Danny Cappello, Executive Director, Jersey Shore Convention & Visitors Bureau, Trenton, New Jersey.
www.visitthejerseyshore.com
Nadir Syed Ali, Director-Online Marketing, CheapOstay.
www.cheapostay.com
Topics Include:
Audrey Hendley, Vice President of Marketing and Strategic Partnerships for American Express, joins “Travel with Stephanie Abrams!” to discuss family travel. Stephanie says that American Express has found ways to make travel “affordable, enjoyable and hassle free”. Hendley says that the overriding message the company wants to convey is that travelers can visit more places for less money in addition to avoiding crowds in the off-season of travel.
For American Express card holders there is a new program called “Destination Family”. The program is tailored to family-travel benefits. This includes hotels, cruise lines, car rentals and more with opportunities for savings worldwide. Examples of benefits include: kids eating and staying free, fifty percent off a second room rate, free car seats, complimentary babysitting, and other special amenities. Hendley says that family vacations remain an important tradition even in tough times and customers should be encouraged to travel and realize they can save money while doing so.
American Express has spoken with customers to figure out where they were traveling to and what special amenities they needed. There are many deals available in Mexico, Florida, California and New York City. The company has put an emphasis on “close to home”. They work with every property to make sure each amenity is customized for families. Partnerships include Hyatt Hotels and Resorts, Omni Hotels and Resorts and Royal Caribbean Cruises. With Royal Caribbean Cruises customers get priority embarkation.
Audrey Hendley says the company looked at the “pain point” of travel and sought to alleviate some of those difficulties. American Express Travel has also encouraged customers to be savvy when preparing for travel. They recommend that they accumulate points with their card which can offset the costs of travel. With the membership rewards program customers can earn points on all their spending. Stephanie says her card is a valuable tool in her traveling life. Hendley adds that it is even easier now to manage your reward points and that the process “continues to become more efficient”.
Radio Show Host Stephanie Abrams comments that help is only a phone call away. Many American Express travel agents specialize in family travel. Hendley says that planning out a trip and talking to an expert can make sure you get the most out of your vacation.
Travelers411 Community Forums - This interview's thread
http://www.travelers411.com/forums/showthread.php?t=868
For more information visit http://www.AmericanExpress.com/travel and
http://www.AmericanExpress.com/familytravel
AGI Tours is a company that provides travelers personal transfers to hotels in the Cancun and Riviera Maya, Mexico as well personalized tours of the surrounding areas. Javier Gonzalez, Owner and President of AGI Tours says that the company provides an extended customer-based service. The customer is asked “what would you like to see” and the programs are scheduled according to the client's specifications.
Gonzalez states the company provides professional tour guides that travel to locations which represent the “real Mexico”. There are ecological tours, exploration of colonial cities and tours of Mayan anthropological sites. Locations include Chichen Itza, Tulum, Coba, Ek Balam, Sian Ka´an, Rio Lagartos and lesser known areas of the Yucatan Peninsula. Some trips do involve an overnight to allow for two days of exploration in the destination though many tours are just day trips.
Travelers411 Community Forums - This interview's thread
http://www.travelers411.com/forums/showthread.php?t=870
For more information visit http://www.agitours.com
Travel Expert and Radio Show Host Stephanie Abrams remarks that travel insurance is something we have as a safety net but which we hope we will never need. She asks Jim Grace, President and CEO of InsureMyTrip.com, what happens when the customers needs to file a claim. Grace says when you are in an emergency situation and need to make a claim you should first contact the company's collect call number (which will reverse the charges to their end) and explain the situation to a representative. When you are home and ready to follow up on the claim Grace says the key is documentation.
Grace recommends finding all related documents to your trip when you are at home acting on a claim. These could apply to flights missed, hotels cancelled and a list of what was in your baggage. Making a documented list of possessions prior to travel is very important. Some websites provide inventory lists so that you can generate a substantial receipt for future reference. This helps the process of filing a claim. InsureMyTrip.com also has a customer advocacy program where their representatives act as mediators between the client and insurance company to help manage the claim.
Travelers411 Community Forums - This interview's thread
http://www.travelers411.com/forums/showthread.php?t=869
For more information visit http://www.insuremytrip.com
Many businesses are contemplating winter holiday parties but have the obstacle of a limited office budget. Mohegan Sun Resort in Uncasville, Connecticut has an affordable program for the holidays which allows small parties to purchase tables at the resort's Uncas Ballroom for a one evening event. The 60,000 square foot ballroom holds 2,000 people. A table of ten can be reserved for $435 USD. This comes out to only $47.50 per person and includes a lavish dinner and entertainment by a band and DJ. Drinks are purchased separately from the bar. The program is popular and has sold out each of the past seven years. There is still currently seating available.
Richard Zazzaro, Vice President of Food & Beverage for Mohegan Sun Resort says that the company recognizes it has a special product with the holiday event. Travel Expert Stephanie Abrams commends also the architecture, design, shops and casino of the resort. She says its fun even for those who do not like to gamble.
The resort is located in southeast Connecticut between Boston and New York. Drivers exit 79A off of I-95 to get to 395 and then exit off at Mohegan Sun Boulevard. The “Big Little” holiday even is held Friday December 4, 2009 from 6pm to 11pm. Hors d'oeuvres will be served from 6pm through 7pm. The meal is held from 7pm to 9pm and there are dancing and drinks until 11pm.
To make reservation for the holiday event call 800.862.2000 and tell the receptionist you want to book for the “big little”.
Travelers411 Community Forums - This interview's thread
http://www.travelers411.com/forums/showthread.php?t=872
For more information visit http://www.mohegansun.com
Guests Include:
Audrey Hendley, Vice President, Marketing and Strategic Partnerships, American Express.
AmericanExpress.com/travel
Javier Gonzalez, Owner and President, Agi Tours, Cancun, Riviera Maya, Mexico.
www.agitours.com
Jim Grace, President & CEO, InsureMyTrip.com.
www.insuremytrip.com
www.insuremygroup.com
Richard Zazzaro, Vice President, Food & Beverage, Mohegan Sun Resort, Uncasville, Connecticut.
www.mohegansun.com
Topics Include:
Travel Expert and Radio Show Host Stephanie Abrams's recent trip to Mexico included exploration of the Riviera Nayarit, Mexico. She flew in to Puerto Vallarta International Airport with Continental Airlines through Houston, Texas. Upon arrival she headed a short distance north to reach the region. Fernando Gonzalez Ortega, Director of Riviera Nayarit Marina, President of Hotel Association of Riviera Nayarit and Director of Projects and Operations for Marival Hotels & Marina joins “Travel With Stephanie Abrams to discuss the particular advantages of travel in the Riviera Nayarit.
Stephanie was originally made aware of the Riviera Nayarit by Marc Murphy, the Managing Director of tourism for the region. The two met at the 2009 Tianguis, Mexico's premier travel expo. After speaking with Marc and learning about the destination Stephanie saw a series of billboards in Acapulco advertising the area. She said the visual depictions were enough to peak her interest but now that she has visited the area she says the pictures did not do it justice.
The destination is extremely new. Promotion began in late 2007. Fernando Gonzalez Ortega says that the state of Nayarit has over 125 miles of beach, a tremendous amount of culture, a beautiful integration of the mountains and the ocean and the advantage of being part of the Banderas Bay area; a municipality created fifteen years ago. Despite its obvious strengths the state was in need of its own marketing. Representatives spoke with the governor of Nayarit who arranged for the series of last minute billboard for Tianguis 2009. Since this marketing campaign many have chosen to invest in the region. The Riviera Nayarit has received over 650 million USD in tourism investments in the last year.
Ortega says that the developments in the region have been “with a focus on low density and high quality”. He further adds, “that doesn't mean the destination has to be expensive. High quality can be found in all kinds of establishments of tourism”. Though there are many fine dining options the restaurants are also representative of the local cuisine. Ortegas says gastronomy is one of the main focuses of the region. Overall the destination conveys a combination of new luxury and tradition. Stephanie comments on the large international population in the area, many who are part of the hospitality industry. Ortega says the defining feature the makes Riviera Nayarit different is the people. This attracts outsiders to come and stay in the region.
The Riviera Nayarit has a host of activities to offer including fishing, sailing and golf. There are a total of seven golf courses in the region. The two courses at the Four Seasons Punta Mita were designed by Jack Nicklaus. Nicklaus was a contributor to several other courses in the region. There is another course in Punta Mita that was designed by Greg Norman. The El Tigre Golf Club in Nuevo Vallarta has a course designed by the Von Hagge, Smelek and Baril team of architects.
The Riviera Nayarit Marina finished construction in September of 2009. It has three-hundred and fifty two slips with capacity for boats from thirty feet to four-hundred feet. The marina was created in the town of La Cruz de Huanacaxtle which is in the heart of the region. Ortega says that the marina representatives have been careful to develop the town alongside the marina. They have worked with the local fisherman and provided them facilities for a fish market. Though they do plan to expand and build a resort near the marina they plan to take the process slow so as not to disturb the integrity of the town.
In addition to the construction of a large marina Ortegas says they also have a dry marina with a full station and a growing cultural institution. The marina association has built a theater with seating capacity for four hundred people. This too receives input from the town of La Cruz de Huanacaxtle. Ortega says it is important to have the voice of the town involved with the development process.
In 2010 there will be two major events celebrated at the Riviera Nayarit Marina. In 2010 Mexico will be celebrating the 100th anniversary of its Revolution and the 200th anniversary of its independence. The bicentennial Mexico celebration at the marina will include the showing of four different categories of sailboats and an extended promotion of the marina. A sailing competition will also be held from February 27, 2010 through March 13, 2010. An International Boat Show will be held March 11, 2010 through March 16, 2010. More than one-hundred and fifty boats of all different sizes and brands will be displayed. Ortega says the event is “twenty-one days of nautical extravaganza”. Alongside the boating events there will also be a beach volley ball tournament, a beach soccer tournament and a concert in Sayulita.
The Hotel Association of Riviera Nayarit currently has twenty-three hotels with a total of over ten thousand guestrooms. It has two five diamond awarded hotels. The first is an all-inclusive property: the Grand Velas All Suites and Spa Resort located in Nuevo Vallarta. The other is the Four Seasons Punta Mita. Several other all-inclusive resorts include: Marival Resort & Suites, Occidental Allegro, Vallarta Palace and Decameron Los Cocos. There are also motels, bungalows and bed and breakfasts in the area. Boutique properties include: the Hacienda Flamingos, the Hotel Casa Manana and the Sea Garden Hotel. There are opportunities for condo ownership as well.
Travelers411 Community Forums - This interview's thread
http://www.travelers411.com/forums/showthread.php?t=871
Related Galleries:
For more information visit http://www.marinarivieranayarit.com and http://www.rivieranayarit.com and http://www.sabrams.com/mexico
Guests Include:
Fernando Gonzalez Ortega, Director of Riviera Nayarit Marina, President of Hotel Association of Riviera Nayarit and Director of Projects & Operations for Marival Hotels & Marina, Riviera Nayarit, Mexico.
www.marinarivieranayarit.com
