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Magee Homestead Named Five-Star Hotel in Forbes Travel Guide’s 2021 Star Awards

SARATOGA, Wyo., Feb. 17, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Forbes Travel Guide («FTG»), the world-renowned and only global rating system for luxury hotels, restaurants and spas, today announced its annual Star Rating list, presenting Magee Homestead, the boutique wellness retreat offering of Wyoming’s Brush Creek Luxury Ranch Collection, with a Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Hotel award for the fourth year in a row. Magee Homestead will be showcased with all of the Star Award winners on ForbesTravelGuide.com.

Sitting on 7,000 acres of historic Wyoming ranchlands in the high mountain desert, Magee Homestead embraces the art of living through curated experiences that provide the ultimate in romance, indulgence and relaxation. Magee Homestead’s supreme privacy and all-inclusive experience is designed for adult individuals or couples and also offers a private guest ranch buyout option for intimate weddings, vow renewals, corporate retreats and multi-generational family vacations for up to 29 guests.

«We are honored to be recognized as a Five-Star Hotel for the fourth consecutive year by Forbes Travel Guide,» said Jeremy Belnap, Proprietor of Magee Homestead. «In the trying year that was 2020, we learned that Magee Homestead’s secluded environment in a naturally distanced western landscape remains evergreen and we look forward to welcoming leisure guests back in 2021.»

Forbes Travel Guide is recognized for creating the original concept of Five-Star service, naming deserving properties such as Magee Homestead to its illustrious annual Star Rating list. Magee Homestead has also earned the Sharecare VERIFIED™ with Forbes Travel Guide badge for completing and maintaining verification on more than 360 global health security standards.

«These 2021 award winners are a testament to the resiliency of the hospitality industry,» said Filip Boyen, CEO of Forbes Travel Guide. «During an unprecedented time, these top properties adapted to numerous adversities all while maintaining high service levels and ensuring the health security of their guests and staff.»

In 2020, Magee Homestead limited its offering to full buyouts, but with the return of leisure guests in 2021, Magee Homestead will also be bringing back its culinary experiences series, hosted in conjunction with The Farm at Brush Creek, an immersive culinary experience focused on seed-to-table dining that features ranch-raised American Wagyu as well as a 20,000 square foot certified organic greenhouse and a 94-yard wine tunnel.

«We are particularly excited for 2021 as we reintroduce our special events lineup which will include wine events with Colgin Cellars, Taittinger Champagne, Boyer-Martenot and Ghost Horse Vineyards as well as guest chef events with fellow Relais & Chateaux properties including the Inn at Dos Brisas as well as 3 Michelin star Chef Kyle Connaughton of Single Thread Farms,» said Ulfet Ralph, Magee Homestead Executive Chef.

Magee Homestead will open for the season on May 19, 2021. For more information visit https://www.brushcreekranch.com/magee. To view the full Star Ratings for 2021, visit ForbesTravelGuide.com. For a detailed explanation of how Forbes Travel Guide compiles its Star Ratings, click here.

About Magee Homestead:

The ultimate in sophisticated western luxury, the Magee Homestead prairie hideaway unfolds as a romantic and spellbinding escape for adult getaways or intimate groups of up to 29 guests. Enjoy bespoke, individual attention, the private Magee Homestead Lodge, a Grand Pavilion & Spa, refined and personal culinary experiences, revitalizing adventures and a richly appointed collection of nine historically restored Cabins and Cabin Suites. This boutique all-inclusive – a notable addition to the award-winning Brush Creek Luxury Ranch Collection, part of the Relais & Châteaux Collection and Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star hotel – is tucked in a tranquil, creek- side setting amidst the high mountain desert plains of Wyoming, and offers guests an opportunity to take the reins of their own time, enjoying personally-designed experiences to rekindle a sense of immersive wellness and discovery. For more information visit https://www.brushcreekranch.com/magee.

About Forbes Travel Guide:

Forbes Travel Guide is the only global rating system for luxury hotels, restaurants and spas. Our anonymous professional inspectors evaluate based on up to 900 objective standards, with an emphasis on exceptional service, to help discerning travelers select the world’s best luxury experiences. The only way to get a Five-Star, Four-Star or Recommended rating is by earning it through our independent inspection process. For more information about Forbes Travel Guide, please visit ForbesTravelGuide.com.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Alana Watkins
alana@vocapr.com
(303) 916-2752

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SOURCE Brush Creek Ranch

Wild Florida proclaims two holidays: National Airboat Day & National Alligator Day

KENANSVILLE, Fla., Feb. 17, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Wild Florida Airboats, Gator Park & Drive-thru Safari announces two new holidays for residents to celebrate: National Airboat Day and National Alligator Day. People across the US can now celebrate National Airboat Day on February 19 and National Gator Day on May 29.

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Recognizing the importance of alligators in Florida’s ecosystem and airboats’ ability to transport guests to view these commonly misunderstood creatures, Wild Florida has strived to bring more public awareness to these two subjects. Wild Florida has successfully registered National Airboat Day to be recognized on February 19 and National Alligator Day to be recognized on May 29 through National Day Archives. To celebrate this recognition, Wild Florida is offering locals and tourists 50% off all of their regular priced airboat tours on Friday, February 19. To redeem this great offer, guests only need to wish our team, «Happy Airboat Day,» when booking over the phone or in person.

«To all of us at Wild Florida, these two days go hand in hand,» says Sam Haught co-owner of Wild Florida. «It’s our mission to help people better understand alligators and the best way to go see them in the wild is aboard one of our airboats.»

For more than ten years, Wild Florida has offered various hands-on animal encounters and close-up eco-tours to help connect guests with Florida’s natural environment. Airboats enable captains to take guests across swampy ecosystems and through small estuaries. One feature of airboats that makes them key to ecotourism is their ability to glide over land and water without damaging the environment. This feature also allows Wild Florida’s airboat captains to point out more than 80 different species of wildlife in the Everglades, such as the American alligator.

Wild Florida offers a variety of airboat tours that range from 30 minutes to one-hour, night to day, and private or controlled groups. All airboat excursions include admission to their Gator Park. In addition to airboat rides, Wild Florida offers interactive experiences, hands-on animal encounters, and adventure packages that let guests explore Florida’s natural wildlife. Learn more about Wild Florida’s offerings at WildFL.com.

Contact
Sam Haught,
Co-owner at Wild Florida
sam@WildFL.com
407-957-3135

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SOURCE Wild Florida

Twenty Rosewood Hotels & Resorts® Properties Are Recognized On The 2021 Forbes Travel Guide Star Rating List

HONG KONG, Feb. 17, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Forbes Travel Guide, the global rating system for luxury hotels, restaurants and spas, announced its 2021 Star Rating awards, honoring twenty properties, nine spas and four restaurants in the esteemed Rosewood Hotels & Resorts^® collection. A team of professional inspectors traveled the world and anonymously visited and assessed hotels, restaurants and spas based on 900 objective standards that determined the coveted annual Star Ratings, offering designations for Five-Star, Four-Star and Recommended properties. Recognition in this year’s program is a continuation of Rosewood Hotels & Resorts’ high achievements in the global ratings system with ten properties receiving Five-Star ratings, nine properties receiving Four-Star ratings and one property receiving a Recommended rating. In addition to the property distinctions, two Sense^®, A Rosewood Spas received Five-Star ratings; seven spas received Four-Star ratings; three restaurants received Four-Star ratings and one restaurant received a Recommended rating.

The 2021 Star Ratings recognize multiple honorees within the portfolio that have had a continued presence in the program. This includes Rosewood Hotel Georgia’s ninth consecutive Five-Star rating; Rosewood Sand Hill and Rosewood Mayakoba’s seventh consecutive Five-Star ratings; Las Ventanas al Paraíso, A Rosewood Resort’s sixth consecutive five-star rating; Rosewood Beijing’s fourth consecutive Five-Star rating; Hôtel de Crillon, A Rosewood Hotel and Rosewood San Miguel de Allende’s third consecutive Five-Star ratings and the second consecutive Five-Star ratings for Rosewood Hong Kong, Rosewood London and Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco. This year also celebrates the fifth and second uninterrupted years that Rosewood Mayakoba’s Sense spa and Rosewood Miramar Beach’s Sense spa received Five-Star ratings, respectively. Rosewood Hotels & Resorts’ recognition on the prestigious Star Ratings is the latest testament to the brand’s ongoing commitment to providing guests and visitors exceptional service and unique experiences in a safe and inspiring environment.

Rosewood properties awarded on the 2021 list include:

Five-Star Ratings:

Hôtel de Crillon, A Rosewood Hotel (Paris, France)
Las Ventanas al Paraíso, A Rosewood Resort (Los Cabos, Mexico)
Rosewood Beijing (Beijing, China)
Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco (Tuscany, Italy)
Rosewood Hong Kong (Hong Kong SAR)
Rosewood Hotel Georgia (Vancouver, Canada)
Rosewood London (London, United Kingdom)
Rosewood Mayakoba (Riviera Maya, Mexico)
Rosewood San Miguel de Allende (San Miguel de Allende, Mexico)
Rosewood Sand Hill (Menlo Park, California)

Four-Star Ratings:

Rosewood Abu Dhabi (Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates)
Rosewood Baha Mar (Nassau, The Bahamas)
Rosewood Bermuda (Bermuda)
Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi (Santa Fe, New Mexico)
Rosewood Jeddah (Jeddah, Saudi Arabia)
Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek (Dallas, Texas)
Rosewood Phnom Penh (Phnom Penh, Cambodia)
Rosewood Washington, D.C. (Washington, D.C.)
The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel (New York, New York)

Recommended Rating:

Rosewood Sanya (Sanya, China)

«We are incredibly honored to have our properties, spas and restaurants recognized as top destinations by an esteemed global authority in luxury hospitality such as Forbes Travel Guide,» said Radha Arora, president of Rosewood Hotels & Resorts. «We thank our associates for their dedication to facilitating extraordinary experiences for our guests and we look forward to continuing to bring high quality service to all who walk through properties’ doors.»

Along with the hotels and resorts recognized, nine spas and four restaurants were distinguished by Forbes Travel Guide, including:

Five-Star Ratings:

Sense, A Rosewood Spa at Rosewood Mayakoba (Riviera Maya, Mexico)
Sense, A Rosewood Spa at Rosewood Miramar Beach (Montecito, California)

Four-Star Ratings:

Hawksworth Restaurant at Rosewood Hotel Georgia (Vancouver, Canada)
Madera at Rosewood Sand Hill (Menlo Park, California)
The Mansion Restaurant at Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek (Dallas, Texas)
Sense, A Rosewood Spa at Rosewood Abu Dhabi (Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates)
Sense, A Rosewood Spa at Rosewood Beijing (Beijing, China)
Sense, A Rosewood Spa at Rosewood Hotel Georgia (Vancouver, Canada)
Sense, A Rosewood Spa at Rosewood San Miguel de Allende (San Miguel de Allende, Mexico)
Sense, A Rosewood Spa at Rosewood Sand Hill (Menlo Park, California)
Sense, A Rosewood Spa at Rosewood Sanya (Sanya, China)
The Spa at Las Ventanas al Paraíso, A Rosewood Resort (Los Cabos, Mexico

Recommended Rating:

Bistro B at Rosewood Beijing (Beijing, China)

«These 2021 award winners are a testament to the resiliency of the hospitality industry,» said Filip Boyen, chief executive officer of Forbes Travel Guide. «During an unprecedented time, these top properties adapted to numerous adversities all while maintaining high service levels and ensuring the health security of their guests and staff.»

This year, hotels, spas and restaurants were all inspected prior to the pandemic and when regional restrictions allowed for the safe return of guests. The winning properties, restaurants and spas are showcased on https://www.forbestravelguide.com/. For a detailed explanation of how Forbes Travel Guide compiles its Star Ratings, visit https://www.forbestravelguide.com/about.

About Rosewood Hotels & Resorts
Rosewood Hotels & Resorts^® manages 27 one-of-a-kind luxury hotels, resorts and residences in 16 countries, with 21 new properties under development. Each Rosewood property embraces the brand’s A Sense of Place^® philosophy to reflect the individual location’s history, culture and sensibilities. The Rosewood collection includes some of the world’s most legendary hotels and resorts, including The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel in New York, Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek in Dallas and Hôtel de Crillon, A Rosewood Hotel in Paris, as well as new classics such as Rosewood Hong Kong. For those who wish to stay a little longer, Rosewood Residences offer a distinct opportunity for ownership or rent in extraordinary destinations within the brand’s wide-ranging portfolio.

For more information: rosewoodhotels.com

Connect with us: Facebook Twitter Instagram WeChat @RosewoodHotels

About Forbes Travel Guide
Forbes Travel Guide is the only global rating system for luxury hotels, restaurants and spas. Our anonymous professional inspectors evaluate based on up to 900 objective standards, with an emphasis on exceptional service, to help discerning travelers select the world’s best luxury experiences. The only way to get a Five-Star, Four-Star or Recommended rating is by earning it through our independent inspection process. For more information about Forbes Travel Guide, please visit ForbesTravelGuide.com.

Media Contacts:

North America	United Kingdom
Kendall Trainer	Amelia Strange
Nike Communications	Bacchus PR
Telephone: +1 646 654 3438	Telephone: +44 20 8968 0202
Email: ktrainer@nikecomm.com	Email: amelia@bacchus.agency

Mainland China	Hong Kong SAR
Alex Tang	Rachel Yip
Act of Assembly	Six Degrees PR
Telephone: + 86 21 6219 5832	Telephone: +852 9678 1981
Email: acta@actofassembly.com	Email: rachel@sixdegrees.com.hk

Thailand and Southeast Asia	Japan
Nopnarit Lieopanich (Zaadeu)	Mayumi Abe Snaith
Z Communications	Colours PR
Telephone: +66 81 444 8444	Telephone: +81 80 3256 0766
Email: zaadeu@groupzinternational.com	Email: mayumi.abe@prcolours.com

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SOURCE Rosewood Hotels & Resorts

88% Vaccination Rate Across Yas Island Employees

ABU DHABI, UAE, Feb. 17, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Eighty-eight per cent employees working at attractions, experiences, hotels, restaurants and retailers at Yas Island, Abu Dhabi’s premier leisure and entertainment hub, have been vaccinated against COVID-19, as the Island aims to be among the first fully vaccinated holiday destinations in the UAE and the world.

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Demonstrating its commitment to health and wellbeing, the popular destination has now seen 7,574 of its employees receive their vaccines against COVID-19, in support of Abu Dhabi’s vaccination programme, in addition to building safety and confidence across the Emirate’s community.

Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, Chief Executive Officer of Miral, commented: «The health and safety of our visitors and employees has always been a top priority, and part of our commitment to positioning Yas Island as a top global destination for entertainment, leisure and business. The ongoing UAE vaccination programme is pivotal to the safe return of visitors to Yas Island, and we are confident that the Island will soon be among the first fully vaccinated destinations in the UAE and the world. We are grateful to the UAE’s wise leadership for providing access to the vaccine, keeping our community protected and safe.»

Since the launch of the wider UAE vaccination programmes, attractions across Yas Island have encouraged employees to choose to vaccinate to protect their health and the safety and wellbeing of their community and those visiting Yas Island. A range of activities have been introduced to help employees make an informed decision to vaccinate.

Saif Al Noaimi, Acting CEO of Abu Dhabi Motorsports Management said, «Abu Dhabi Motorsports Management is proud that its employees are actively taking part in the vaccination programme, supporting and demonstrating the UAE’s ability to mount an agile and effective response to the pandemic. Across all our events and activities, the safety and wellness of visitors is paramount, and the vaccination programme underpins our mission to rebuild trust and confidence across the community in enjoying all that Abu Dhabi has to offer.»

A range of attractions, hotels, and assets have been involved in the Emirate’s vaccination drive, including Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi, Warner Bros. World™ Abu Dhabi, CLYMB Abu Dhabi, Yas Marina Circuit, W Hotel Abu Dhabi – Yas Island, Yas Mall, Yas Beach, Etihad Arena, Yas Marina, Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island, and Yas Plaza Hotels.

Speaking on the success of Yas Island’s vaccination drive, Bayan Al Hosani, Executive Director for People, Culture & Performance, Aldar, said: «Since the beginning of the pandemic, our wise leadership has taken prompt and decisive action to limit its impact on the community. Today, the UAE’s Vaccination Programme is among the most successful in the world. As a responsible business, Aldar is committed to shouldering the responsibility and supporting the UAE Government and health authorities’ efforts to protect the health and wellbeing of our nation. We are proud to have achieved such a milestone at Yas Island, which will provide peace of mind to anyone visiting this iconic destination.»

Over the past year, Yas Island introduced numerous safety measures such as the ‘#TogetherAtYas’ online platform that offers guests a guide to the comprehensive safety measures on Yas Island, and the widely commended ‘Yas Wellness Program’ which was launched as part of ‘#TogetherAtYas’ as a comprehensive wellness program granting guests direct access to a dedicated team of Yas Wellness ambassadors.

For more information on precautionary measures being taken at Yas Island, please visit yasisland.ae/yaswellness.

Yas Island

Yas Island in Abu Dhabi. Yas Island (www.yasisland.ae) is one of the world’s fastest growing leisure and entertainment destinations, located on the golden shores of Abu Dhabi – just 20 minutes from downtown Abu Dhabi and 50 minutes from Dubai. Yas Island offers holiday makers a diverse mix of award-winning leisure and entertainment experiences, from one-of-a-kind theme parks, world-class shopping and superb dining, to a links golf course, exciting water and motor sports, and the most enjoyable musical and family events… all within the 25 sq km Island. Today, Yas Island is home to the award-winning theme parks Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld, Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, the record-breaking CLYMB™ Abu Dhabi, Yas Marina Circuit (home to the FORMULA 1 ETIHAD AIRWAYS ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX™), Yas Marina, Yas Links golf course, as well as Abu Dhabi’s largest mall, more than 160 dining experiences, seven hotels, and indoor and outdoor concert venues – all of which are complemented by a range of visitor services that connect all attractions to one another.

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SOURCE Yas Island

Twice as Many First-Time Buyers Looked for Private Jets Q4 2020 vs. 2019; Advice on Aircraft for First-Time Private Jet Buyers

NORTH PALM BEACH, Fla., Feb. 17, 2021 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Twice as Many First-Time Buyers Looked for Private Jets at End of 2020 vs. 2019; Advice on Aircraft for First-Time Private Jet Buyers

Driven by continuing concerns about Covid-19, the resulting cuts in commercial air service, and the possible end of Trump-era tax benefits favoring private jet ownership*, the number of businesses and wealthy individuals looking to buy a private jet for the first time doubled, compared to recent years, according to private jet broker The Private Jet Company (TPJC), providing sales, acquisition and consulting services to private jet buyers and sellers.

«The fourth quarter is when half of private jet transactions occur due to tax planning,» said Daniel Jennings, CEO of The Private Jet Company (TPJC). «With health concerns due to the continuing pandemic and the possible end of several tax incentives, we saw double the number of first-time buyers and 50% more repeat buyers in the fourth quarter of 2020 compared to the past several years.

«High-net-worth individuals with multiple homes continue to contact us because they’re no longer willing to fly in first class on commercial carriers due to Covid concerns and the deep cuts in the frequency of commercial service. They want to know ‘how can I make buying a jet work?», adds Jennings.

Advice to first-time private jet buyers
New jet deliveries cannot meet the current short-term demand for private jets since most manufacturers are sold out for the next three years.

Jennings’ advice for first-time buyers can be summed up as follows: buy a mid-sized aircraft that is most desirable for charters and can be easily bought and sold. Interestingly, most first-time buyers resell their jet aircraft within two or three years of purchase, usually in order to upgrade.

Best private jet aircraft for first-time buyers
One of the ways to offset the cost and upkeep of private jet ownership is placing it out for charter. A mid-sized plane, carrying six passengers, is the type of private jet that is most often chartered. Examples include the Cessna Citation Excel and XLS, Embraer Phenom 300, Learjet 60, Hawker 800 XP and 850 XP. Pre-owned aircraft in good condition range in price from $1 million to –$6 million.

These mid-sized aircraft are used for non-stop flights on the most popular domestic US routes: such as New York-to-Florida; Texas-to-Colorado; San Francisco-to-Los Angeles; San Francisco-to-Las Vegas; California-to-Colorado. They are not suitable for cross-country trips due to refueling stops.

«Mid-size private jets are a very liquid market,» notes Jennings. «They are easy to buy and sell — due to high demand for both purchase and charter of this type of aircraft,» said Jennings.

For more advice and information on acquiring or selling private jets:
Email Info@ThePrivateJetCompany.com or call (310) 980-9069 or log onto https://www.ThePrivateJetCompany.com/

*Editor’s note: The 2017 tax cuts allow 100% depreciation in the first year of ownership for items such as new or pre-owned aircraft used for business. The 2020 CARES Act includes a five-year net operating loss carryback that permits tax payments going back to 2015 to be refunded due to a loss in the current year.

About The Private Jet Company (TPJC)
The Private Jet Company offers sales, acquisition, and consulting services for private aircraft in major markets throughout the world. Founded in 2005 with headquarters in North Palm Beach, FL and regional offices in Paris, France and Mexico City, Mexico, TPJC has completed over $2 billion of aviation transactions for individual and corporate owners. In addition to assisting clients buy and sell aircraft, the company works with aircraft management companies to reduce the burden of maintenance and supplement revenue through charters. TPJC also partners with aviation attorneys and tax experts to help clients maximize depreciation, reduce tax burdens and assist in import and export Certificates of Airworthiness.

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Photo caption: The Hawker-850 XP is one of the mid-sized private jet models that is most in demand by first-time buyers and for charters.

Media Contact

Chris Lazarus, The Private Jet Company, (503) 867-1370, chrislazarus0505@gmail.com

Daniel Jennings, The Private Jet Company, (310) 980-9069, dan@ThePrivateJetCompany.com

SOURCE The Private Jet Company

Leading Group Travel Brand, Aventura World, Sees Trend Toward Strong Q4 International and Domestic Group Travel

MOONACHIE, N.J., Feb. 17, 2021 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Leading group travel brand, Aventura World, today announced a marked increase in travel demand and trend toward strong Q4 International and Domestic group travel for 2021.

«With the widespread roll-out of vaccines and flexible change policies abundant across the…

«With the widespread roll-out of vaccines and flexible change policies abundant across the travel landscape, travel confidence seems to be moving in a positive direction,» said Ian Scott, General Manager of Aventura World.

As a specialist in affinity group travel, association group travel, and general group travel, Aventura World is seeing a boost in call volume with inquiries and bookings for travel in the fall of 2021. Further, Aventura World is experiencing an increase in the number of people registering for the company’s virtual webinars to learn about trips departing in the fall of 2021. Many of the brand’s recent webinars have even superseded pre-Covid-19 attendance records.

«We have heard from travelers and their travel planners alike that starting to make their next travel adventure helps promote a feeling of hope and positivity for the future. They are thrilled that the freedom of travel is coming back,» said Scott. Let’s face it…people are all a bit tired of staying home, many have learned their fill of new DIY skills like bread-baking and candle-making; and most have binge-watched just about everything on TV and via streaming channels. People want to get 2021 underway in an upbeat way – planning for amazing travels far beyond than their 2020 trips to the supermarket.»

The past 12-months has offered limited travel opportunities and created a pent-up demand that travelers are longing to fulfill. So where are travelers seeking to vacation? The interesting finding is that preferred destinations for travel this year greatly varied, based on current inquiries. Based on an analysis of travel requests received at Aventura World, people now more than ever are seeking fresh air, wide open spaces, and warm weather.

«We are thrilled to see inquiries for international destinations like Greece, Egypt, Iceland, and Turkey. As well, and in line with dozens of research findings, we are also enjoying and increase in demand for travel in the United States to outdoor places, like national parks, as well as to intriguing destinations, such as South Dakota and California’s wine country. These destinations are booking exceptionally well,» said Scott.

Aventura World prides itself on taking group travelers into the most popular destinations as well as off-the-beaten path places; to have meaningful exchanges with local people; to savor the culinary flavors of each region explored; to get to know each area’s customs and traditions; to live old world treasures, antiquities, and modern day musings at every turn; and to delve into the arts via experiences that become memories they will cherish for a lifetime.

The company is pleased to offer value-added extras that make doing business with Aventura World easy and more profitable for group travel planners and leaders, and organizations that promote group travel including: sales and marketing support, seamless service via the company’s experienced and well-traveled Operations and Reservations departments, an easy-to-use group booking engine for each group’s travelers, Accounting functions for participant payments, comprehensive program operations, and the highest level of customer care every step of the way.

To contact Aventura World or to request additional information, call: 888.482.5887, select option 1 or email: info@aventuraworld.com.

About Aventura World
A valued leader in the US group travel marketplace since 1972, Aventura World is a distinctive travel company focused on elevating group travel beyond traditional sightseeing to delivering culturally rich, interactive, and in-depth destination experiences each and every time. The company is known for providing excellent client service, destination expertise, and meticulously planned tour and travel packages. As part of Aventura World’s international awareness program, the group travel brand presents travelers with a unique «insiders» perspective and provides enriching moments that bring each destination to life. Backed by the strength of Sakkara Group International, Aventura World offers the reliability and security that its clients are booking and traveling with a strong, long-established, robust group tour operator with a time-honored history as well as an ongoing commitment to providing the best in travel. For additional details, visit AventuraWorld.com.

Media Contact

Marlene Oliver, Aventura World, 305-491-0512, moliver@njccorp.com

SOURCE Aventura World

Fox Dealer Unveils Live Chat Solution for GM Canada Dealers

PASADENA, Calif., Feb. 17, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Fox Dealer, the award-winning eCommerce and digital marketing company, now offers GM Canada dealers a live text and video chat product, named Fox Chat, through General Motors Dealer Digital Solution program.

Fox Chat uses the dealer’s native technology on their sales team’s phones and computers instead of forcing the use of a separate, cumbersome app, empowering the dealer and sales staff to use the service immediately. The all-in-one tool makes it easy for sales representatives to have a seamless conversation with their customers, from chatting about options via text, to co-browsing the inventory using screenshare; from vehicle walk-arounds with live video, to taking a first look at the customer’s trade-in. The customer will never feel delayed in getting the attention they deserve and the sales person can help the customer transition quickly from browsing to buying.

GM Canada Dealer Digital Solution vendors must offer industry-leading technologies, designed to help sell more vehicles, service and accessories. Fox Dealer’s Fox Chat is one of a few proven and distinguished platforms recognized as a GM Dealer Digital Chat partner.

The live chat solution is just one more product in Fox Dealer’s extensive «mobile first» approach to eCommerce innovation and digital marketing design for dealers across the US and Canada.

About Fox Dealer

Fox Dealer connects dealers to car shoppers across the US and Canada with custom websites, stunning creative design, eCommerce solutions, and cutting-edge digital and social media marketing products including Facebook Messenger ads and Instagram videos. We are a Google Premier Partner recognized for excellent AdWords skills and SEO know-how, a winner of the Automotive Website Awards and recognized by Inc. 500 and LA Business Journal. Now offering TagRail, an advanced retailing platform to help you increase sales with a seamless online-to-showroom shopping experience. With white glove customer support available 24/7, Fox Dealer is here when you need us.

Visit www.foxdealer.com or talk to Fox Dealer support staff at 866-391-1718 or via email at support@foxdealer.com to launch your next top-performing chat solution.

Contact:
Gary Delossa
VP, Account Services
310-487-3393
291585@email4pr.com

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SOURCE Fox Dealer

New Study: Rejecting Push to Restrict Gig Entrepreneurship Key to Driving Innovation, Economic Growth, Higher Incomes

SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 17, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Amid a renewed push in Congress and states to enact new gig economy restrictions following California’s controversial AB 5, a new study released today by the nonpartisan Pacific Research Institute finds that enacting these harmful…

Click here to download the study

«By using technology to create innovative new platforms bringing together buyers and sellers, the gig economy helps entrepreneurs prosper and lowers customer costs,» said Dr. Wayne Winegarden, PRI senior fellow in business and economics and the study’s author.

«The Small Business Gig,» the fourth paper in PRI’s Breaking Down Barriers to Opportunity series, explores how the gig economy promotes small business growth and development. Previous papers in the series explored how entrepreneurship lifts people out of poverty, and how entrepreneurship can alleviate America’s health care challenges.

Winegarden explores how the gig economy is becoming an increasingly important way Americans buy goods and services and earn a living. A 2018 Gallup survey found that 36 percent of American workers today have some type of a gig worker arrangement.

Yet proponents of laws like AB 5 argue that gig economy firms are exploitative. But Winegarden cites an ADP Research Institute survey documenting that 70 percent of gig workers are independent workers by choice, while research from the Gig Economy Data Hub found that more than two-thirds were satisfied with their current work arrangement.

Instead of enacting misguided laws like AB 5, Winegarden recommends that state and federal leaders embrace gig economy entrepreneurship by enacting free-market policies to:

Repeal regulations that have imposed terrible burdens on people’s ability to become gig economy entrepreneurs;
Reform unnecessary regulations that create disadvantages for traditional economy firms, while imposing the smallest necessary regulations on gig economy companies; and
Modernize health insurance, retirement plans, and other benefits so gig economy workers have access to the same tax-free benefits as workers for more traditional companies.

«Government shouldn’t be picking economic winners and losers through new restrictions that limit people’s freedom to become entrepreneurs while preserving the old way of doing work,» Winegarden said. «Instead, Washington and Sacramento should adopt the right policies so the gig economy continues to drive innovation, economic growth, and higher incomes.»

Dr. Wayne Winegarden is a Senior Fellow in Business and Economics, and Director of the Center for Medical Economics and Innovation at Pacific Research Institute.

The Pacific Research Institute (www.pacificresearch.org) champions freedom, opportunity, and personal responsibility by advancing free-market policy ideas. Follow PRI on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

Media Contact:
Madison Miller
291698@email4pr.com
(202) 471-4228 ext. 125

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SOURCE Pacific Research Institute

Skies of Blue: Recycling Carbon Emissions to Useful Chemicals and Reducing Global Warming, Reports Pusan National University

BUSAN, South Korea, Feb. 17, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Rapid global urbanization has dramatically changed the face of our planet, polluting our atmosphere with greenhouse gases and causing global warming. It is the need of the hour to control our activities and find more sustainable alternatives to preserve what remains of our planet for the generations to come.

Carbon dioxide (CO₂) and carbon monoxide (CO) make up a large proportion of industrial flue gases. Recent research has shown…

Carbon dioxide (CO₂) and carbon monoxide (CO) make up a large proportion of industrial flue gases. Recent research has shown that certain microorganisms are capable of metabolizing these gases into useful by-products. Thus, attempts are now being directed to using microbes to recycle these gases and convert them into useful chemicals in a process known as ‘carbon capture and utilization’ (CCU). This is a step beyond the current widespread practice of ‘carbon capture and storage’ (CCS). However, such CCU requires high energy input making the scaling up of this process difficult and expensive. How can this process then be optimized for maximum output?

A team of researchers from Korea, led by Prof. Jung Rae Kim from Pusan National University, have answered this question for a newer CCU system called the bioelectrochemical system (BES). Prof. Kim explains, «We have developed a ‘bioelectrosynthetic process’ in which electroactive bacteria convert CO/CO₂ into useful metabolites like acetate and volatile fatty acids using electricity as the reducing power.» The scientists were able to optimize BESs to increase their efficiency by 2 to 6 times that of current systems for CO gas. Their findings are published in Bioresource Technology since January 2021.

The two-chamber BES they used had several special features that achieved this. The cathode contained an electro-active biofilm, and the anode produced hydrogen ions via water electrolysis. These chambers were divided by an ion exchange membrane (IEM), which controlled the flow of protons and electrons between the chambers. Further, while the former contained microbial culture media, the latter contained mechanisms to control the initial pH of the system. In addition, a quinone electron mediator was used.

They found that, given the right IEM—one that allowed protons but not oxygen to pass through—an acidic pH in the anode chamber caused a higher proton concentration gradient across the membrane, which was key to enhancing acetate production and the synthesis of longer chain fatty acids in the cathode chamber. The quinone-dependent mediators improved electron transfer and increased product formation.

Prof. Kim states, «Since CO is a more reduced gas than CO₂, perhaps unsurprisingly, the coulombic efficiency for CO was double that for CO₂. CO is a major component in the industrial off-gas of most steel mill processes and biomass gasification. Via this BES conversion, it can be a valuable feedstock for various bioprocesses. This is the first study that makes the conversion of CO via BESs commercially viable.» Highlighting the applications further, he continues: «The microbes self-replicate, making this BES an economical solution. That combined with the efficiency we’ve achieved and the optimal system we’ve created should make this of sufficient interest to industries such that this becomes commercial industrial machinery within 5 years.»

This is one way in which the earth will be made cleaner, greener, and cooler!

Reference

Title of original paper: Supply of proton enhances CO electrosynthesis for acetate and volatile fatty acid productions

Journal: Bioresource Technology

DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2020.124245

About Pusan National University

Website: https://www.pusan.ac.kr/eng/Main.do

About Professor Jung Rae Kim

Dr. Jung Rae Kim is a Professor in the School of Chemical Engineering at Pusan National University.

Media Contact:

Young-suk Hwang
+82 51 510-1311
291670@email4pr.com

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SOURCE Pusan National University

Central Holidays Presents its New 2021 Collection of Brochures, Including a Thoughtful New Line of Handcrafted USA Travel Programs

MOONACHIE, N.J., Feb. 17, 2021 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Central Holidays today announced the debut of its 2021 brochures showcasing Egypt, Italy, Europe, Latin America, <span…

MOONACHIE, N.J., Feb. 17, 2021 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Central Holidays today announced the debut of its 2021 brochures showcasing Egypt, Italy, Europe, Latin America, Africa and West Asia. Further, in line with research studies being unveiled that signal the desire of many U.S. travelers to vacation more domestically, Central Holidays is introducing a new handcrafted collection of unique USA Travel Programs. All new brochures are conveniently accessible online at via the company’s website at centralholidays.com/BROCHURE, and programs are fully customizable to meet the preferences of individual travelers and groups.

«Throughout our longstanding history, Central Holidays has affronted and triumphed over many challenges presented to the travel industry. We have emerged every time smarter and stronger thanks to an experienced and committed leadership. Our company is indeed fortunate to be part of an industry leader, Sakkara Group International (SGI),» said Tewfik Ghattas, SGI Board Member. Established in 1972, Sakkara Group International enjoys more than 45 time-honored years of success in Hospitality, Travel, and Tourism – equating to more than four decades of experience, insight, skills, and knowledge that continue to drive our positive growth.

«Each travel program included in this just-released range of brochures is purposefully designed by our destination specialist Product Managers: Maria José Merino who serves as Vice President of Operations for Central Holidays; Adam Gries, who leads the Group Travel Experiences by Central Holidays brand as Director; and Marco Evangelista, who continues driving growth at Journeys by Central Holidays, the company’s bespoke brand of tailor-made travel experiences that redefine luxury,» continued Ghattas.

New for 2021:
Diversification of Central Holidays’ portfolio continues on pace. As a customer-driven company, Central Holidays continues to evolve its travel products to cater to the demand from its loyal clientele. With this in mind, Central Holidays has launched of a whole new and exciting collection of unique travel experiences across the USA.

«Our USA product portfolio was developed with the ultimate goal of offering our travel advisor partners and their clients a mix of popular programs as well as exclusive vacation experiences in the destinations that they wish to explore now,» said Ghattas. «This thoughtful style of product development is what has always set us apart from other travel companies since our founding in 1972. In keeping with Central Holidays’ philosophy of always thinking ‘outside of the box’ – we created an ultra-distinctive selection of unique programs that are brimming with special experiences for travelers to cherish.»

New programs in the just-released USA brochure include culinary and wine traditions, National Parks programs, wildlife experiences, the thrill of amusement parks, beach travel, and more.

As always, Central Holidays offers a variety of itineraries in Egypt; Italy; Europe, featuring Greece, France, Malta, Spain, Portugal, & Croatia; Latin America; and Africa and West Asia, including Israel, Eastern & Southern Africa, the UAE, Jordan, & Oman. In these destinations, the company has updated its range of travel opportunities to include more small group programs as well as more outdoor offerings and private experiences.

«Our fresh travel brochure offerings feature mindful itineraries that not only respect and follow health and safety protocols, but are also conscious, observant, and respectful of the location, natural environment, local communities, and travelers’ needs,» said Ghattas.

Central Holidays’ brochure programs are all sample starting points and open to the customization and enhancements that the brand’s clients and travelers are seeking today.

«Our strength rests on our personalized and dedicated attention to our clients’ needs and wishes,» said Ghattas. «The values that Central Holidays embodies continue to shine in our exemplary client service, destination expertise, and our meticulously planned, affordable-luxury travel packages.»

To view or download Central Holidays’ new collection of brochures, visit centralholidays.com/BROCHURE.

About Central Holidays:
Founded in 1972, Central Holidays is an award-winning travel brand that offers superior travel programs, value, and service to enchanting destinations across Italy, Europe, Egypt, Africa, West Asia, and Latin America. As true destination specialists, this leader in travel offers an expansive range of Independent, Escorted, Hosted, and Land/Cruise itineraries. Central Holidays presents a wide array of diverse travel opportunities including cultural programs, culinary adventures, family vacations, romantic getaways, and active travel. Group Travel Experiences are a hallmark of the company, offering special interest travel, religious pilgrimages, and fully customized programs. Their newest brand, Journeys by Central Holidays, was created to orchestrate tailor-made travel experiences that redefine luxury. Central Holidays remains at the forefront of the tourism and travel industry, offering distinctive travel programs that support brand promises of reliability, expertise, and flexibility. For more information, contact Central Holidays at 1-800-935-5000 or visit centralholidays.com.

Media Contact

Marlene Oliver, Central Holidays, 305-491-0512, prmarketing@centralholidays.com

SOURCE Central Holidays