American secretary of transport Ray LaHood has confirmed he will step down from the position. Speaking on the official department of transport blog, Fast Lane, LaHood said he had elected not to serve a second term in the position, but work remained to be done. Outlining his accomplishments while in office, he the department had…
5.8 million international visitors traveled to the United States
The U.S. Department of Commerce today announced that 5.8 million international visitors traveled to the United States in September 2012, an eight percent increase over September 2011. September 2012 registered the 18th straight month of increases in total U.S. visits. In September 2012, the top inbound markets continued to be Canada and Mexico with each…
Liberty Island to reopen on United States Independence Day
Officials at the United States National Park Service has confirmed Liberty Island, damaged by Hurricane Sandy, will reopen on July 4th. Ellis Island, also damaged in the storm, requires more extensive repairs and remains closed. There is no reopening date at this time. Advance reservations are required for access to the Statue of Libertyâs crown.…
Most expensive destinations in America revealed
Provincetown, located at the extreme tip of Cape Cod in Massachusetts, is the United States’ most expensive destination in terms of its hotel costs. A survey carried out by CheapHotels.org compared hotel rates for all destinations in the USA for this summer’s main travel period of July 1st to August 31st. The rankings were determined…
United States issues worldwide travel alert
Officials at the United States state department have issued a global travel alert following a terrorist attack in Kenya which left score of civilians dead. The warning urges American citizens to be on their guard against actions and violence against them by al-Qaâida and other militant groups. It warned al-Qaeda and other groups could be…
Brand USA takes steps toward post-2015 funding
The American Society of Travel Agents has offered its commendation after the House of Representatives took an important step toward ensuring the continuation of Brand USA. The House passed the Travel Promotion, Enhancement, & Modernisation Act of 2014 by a vote of 347 to 57 and scheduled for a Senate committee hearing. Brand USA is…
United States places first restrictions on Ebola travel
Officials in the United States have confirmed passengers originating from countries at risk of Ebola will be forced to fly to airports with screen procedures for the virus in place. This is the first time the United States has placed any restrictions on travel in relation to the disease, and comes after days of mounting…
Lee Country takes UK representation to boost visitor numbers
The Lee County, Florida Visitor & Convention Bureau, a leading travel destination marketing organisation branded as âThe Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibelâ has appointed Four Communications to handle its sales, marketing and public relations in the UK, Ireland and Scandinavia following a competitive pitch process. Four Communications has been appointed to promote this region…
Luchford to represent Beverly Hills in UK
Following a three way pitch, Beverly Hills Conference & Visitors Bureau has appointed luxury lifestyle agency Luchford APM as its UK in-market representative to act on behalf of Beverly Hills with immediate effect. The agency won the 12 month consumer and travel trade contract based on its creative ability to develop Beverly Hills from being…
New leadership for Visit USA Association
The UKâs consumer and trade association representing the USA has appointed a new chief executive at a time when membership is at its highest and the USA remains the UKâs top outbound leisure travel destination. Tracey Spuyman, previously founder and managing director of the marketing agency Teamspirit which is now part of Chime Communication, has…