Southbound Gold Line at night

Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) May 10, 2012

They were fed up with the clichés about Los Angeles: “it’s an unmanageable suburban sprawl”, “it’s a cultural vacuum”, “it’s crime-ridden” and “you need a car to get anywhere.” The L.A. they knew was exactly the opposite: a city of diverse and distinctive neighborhoods; hundreds of cultural attractions, restaurants, music venues, hotels, spas and spiritual retreats, all accessible by a clean, efficient, safe and growing Metro Rail system. So Elisa Makunga and David Madsen decided to show the world the L.A. they love and to debunk the myths that tourists and locals alike believe about Los Angeles.

True citizens of the city of perpetual re-invention, Makunga and Madsen combined the experiences and frustrations of earlier careers to create LA Electric Travel, a new on-line guide to seeing Los Angeles by Metro Rail. They’ve also just released a guide book companion to the site, “L.A. Adventures: Eclectic Day trips by Metro Rail Through Los Angeles and Beyond”. The travel guide features 14 day trips and 100 things to do in L.A. The website takes visitors to over 330 attractions in Los Angeles by Metro Rail. “All of L.A. intersects here,” says Makunga. “Art, culture, food, music, sports, famous landmarks and off-the-wall destinations such as the Bunny Museum or Chicken Boy. We like to highlight local businesses: mom and pop cigar stores, artisans who make handmade flamenco guitars, Korean immigrant-run foot massage shops, neighborhood yoga studios, pagan apothecaries who will prepare a custom-made love potion for you.”

Madsen is a produced screenwriter, used to battling Hollywood’s gatekeepers and their fear-based decision-making. “I needed to produce something that was creative and personal, where “no” wasn’t the default response,” Madsen says. Makunga was a mediator, whose work as a human relations specialist had taken her to every neighborhood in Los Angeles County. They both love exploring the city, and despite occasional threats to defect to a hammock on a Zanzibar beach or a goat farm in Northern California, they knew they would always be Angelenos. “We built this business to prove to the world that there’s a vast, unvisited canvas out there that people miss if they stay in their cars,” says Makunga. “We don’t have corporate or civic sponsors, so all the attractions listed on L.A. Electric Travel reflect our personal tastes and opinions.”

Madsen and Makunga believe Los Angeles is in the middle of a renaissance “Changes are happening every day in L.A. at the sidewalk level,” says Makunga. “Every neighborhood has its Art Walk; companies like Melting Pot and Urban Food Crawl offer walking food tours. There are meetups that sponsor Metro riding trips. Downtown has revitalized, with attractions such as The Grammy Museum and L.A. Live easily reachable by Metro Rail. The mayor of this freeway entangled city is an energetic evangelizer for mass transit. The city’s new Bike Share Program hopes to put 4,000 GPS-linked rental bikes on the streets of L.A. within two years. Crime has dropped for nine straight years. The streets are safer than they’ve been in decades, which encourages people to get out of their cars to ride, walk and patronize local, non-chain businesses. Metro Rail has just opened the Expo Line, which will connect Downtown with L.A.’s West Side. Here’s another bit of myth busting news: US News recently ranked the public transportation systems of ten American cities, rating factors such as spending on mass transit, safety incidents per million trips, and the number of trips taken per capita — L.A. came in third, behind New York and Denver. This is all happening as Los Angeles welcomed a record 26.9 million visitors in 2011 (who spent a record $ 15.2 billion). We want a significant percentage of those visitors to consider viable, alternative means of seeing LA.” says Makunga. “But touring the city by Metro Rail is not about doing penance or roughing it by going green,” she adds. “Many of the day trips in our guide feature the best restaurants in town, or a pampering afternoon at the spa. You can treat yourself and the Earth well at the same time.”

This “L.A. renaissance” is underway as the national zeitgeist is shifting to greener, less fossil fuel-dependant modes of transportation. In the last twenty years, public transportation use has increased at a faster rate than highway use. A new study by US Public Interest Research reveals that young people are using mass transit more and are driving less. Madsen and Makunga believe L.A. Electric Travel is a perfect resource for this new breed of urban adventurer. “Travelers are sending real-time post cards via Instagram, uploading their vacation albums seconds after they’re snapped; they’re riding the rails with their tablets and smart phones”. When a local restaurant changes its hours, or a museum adds a new attraction, L.A. Electric Travel can respond quickly by spreading the word on Twitter or Facebook.

“Whether it’s the high cost of gas or changing values, we think time and demographics are on our side,” says Madsen. “People who use and appreciate L.A. Electric travel will make traveling by Los Angeles Metro Rail a regular part of their lives.”

http://www.la-electric-travel.com

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, Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.
Vocus, PRWeb, and Publicity Wire are trademarks or registered trademarks of Vocus, Inc. or Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.

Ocoos.com

Ocala, Florida (PRWEB) May 14, 2012

Ronald Barris, a seasoned executive focused on strategy consulting has joined the board of Ocoos. Mr. Barris is a Founding Partner in Barris Lotterer Management Consulting (BLMC) specializing in High Technology Operations and Strategy, with a focus on the Product Development and Product Fulfillment Processes.

Before establishing BLMC, Mr. Barris was the Managing Partner of Pricewaterhouse-Coopers’ Global Semiconductor Industry Practice. He also spent a significant portion of his earlier career with General Electric’s Power Generation Business in marketing, sales and corporate strategy. Mr. Barris has held functional and executive management positions in General Management, Operations (manufacturing and engineering), Marketing, Strategic Planning, Sales Engineering, Services, Manufacturing and Project Management.

“Ron is one of the most innovative strategic thinkers in the industry. In addition, his experience in a vast array of services and marketing is very valuable for Ocoos as we build the capability which will enable service providers to be much more effectively market their capabilities, “ said Dr. Rahul Razdan, CEO of Ocoos.

Featuring a specialized Internet platform technology, Ocoos is currently working to create a seamless, information rich connection between consumers, service providers, and subject matter experts in a structured, relevant, and trusted manner. Much in the way Amazon.com makes it easy for customers to search for and buy specific “products” on-line, Ocoos aims to facilitate the ease in which people can search for and buy “services” over the Internet.

The initial target of Ocoos is to organize and highlight online the adventure tourism market in Florida. Making more efficient the process of searching the Internet for a particular type of service (e.g., adventure tourism activities in Florida), Ocoos offers providers the ability to market their services to a wider consumer audience, thus generating increased bookings and sales. Consumers, in turn, gain access to an expedient, targeted, and deep search of only those topics of interest—in a fashion inspiring confidence.

“Ocoos’s capabilities in marketing services is going to be game changing to the small service providers. As this capability gains traction, large branded players will also find Ocoos’s ability to organize targeted ecosystems to be valuable in enhancing their own offerings. If successful, the impact can be large for economies with a large services sector. I am delighted to join the Ocoos board,” said Ron Barris.

About Ocoos:

Established in 2011 from a spin-off technology born at the University of Florida in Gainesville, Ocoos brings coherence to the Internet by connecting consumers, subject matter experts, and service providers in a structured platform. For more information, please visit http://www.ocoos.com.

©Copyright 1997-

, Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.
Vocus, PRWeb, and Publicity Wire are trademarks or registered trademarks of Vocus, Inc. or Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.

Chloe Dao for Nuo Carry-On and Satchel 2-Piece Set

Austin, TX (PRWEB) May 09, 2012

Mobile accessory company Nuo Tech LLC announced today the launch of the ‘Perfect Travel Bag Ensemble’ for tech-savvy women on-the-go. The new Chloe Dao for Nuo collection features an assortment of stylized travel cases ranging from carry-on-sized luggage down to an Attaché for the iPad, MacBook Air or ultrabook laptop to provide multiple coordinated options. The company and retail partners are offering promotions in time for Mother’s Day and graduates.

The ‘Perfect Travel Bag Ensemble’

The case collection offers an attractive Lotus-pattern for the woman who wants the style of a first-class designer label matched with durability for tough travel days. The Carry-on Trolley 21-inch and Satchel Two-Piece Set is ideal for travel and the fashionista on the go. The luggage stands-out in the sea of black bags on airport conveyor belts, making it easy to spot and eliminating the need to tie ribbons or other markers on the luggage. The ultra-chic ensemble comes complete with an assortment of sizes and options for tech devices, typically not available in other designer collections. The Perfect Travel Bag Ensemble is designed by Chloe Dao, the season two winner of Bravo’s hit TV show, Project Runway. “For this collection I wanted to create something merging fashion and function to fit your everyday mobile tech and travel bag needs.” said Chloe Dao. “The quality, features and vintage inspired print make these really stand out in a crowd of your typical travel accessories.”

Promotions for Mom or the New Graduate

Nuo is offering shoppers a 30 percent discount and free shipping on orders of $ 50 or more at http://www.ShopNuo.com. Also, if shoppers ‘Like us’ on Facebook, they will be entered into a drawing to win a $ 50 gift card for a future purchase on http://www.ShopNuo.com and receive exclusive offers, new product launches, stories and more.

Nuo has partnered with select online retailers to launch many of their new products in time for Mother’s Day and the graduation gift season. Retailers include eBags.com, Zappos.com and Kohls.com.

About Nuo

Nuo Tech designs industry leading carrying cases and accessories for laptops, tablets, travel, luggage and many other mobile technology products. We are committed to offering innovative and highly functional product solutions with a focus on fashion and style conscious consumers. Our bags range from classic messengers and protective sleeves to women’s totes and exclusive designer brands that stand out in crowd. Drawing inspiration from fashion forward and tech savvy consumers as well as lifestyle and cultural trends, Nuo’s passion is creating trendsetting products that are durable, simple, smart, and sophisticated. From our Eco-Friendly Collection to the Dao Chloe Dao for Nuo Collection from Project Runway Winner Chloe Dao for fashionista’s on the go, we have the right bag for you. Show your colors, show your style with Nuo Designer Laptop Bags and Mobile Accessories. Learn more and shop online at http://www.shopnuo.com.

About Chloe Dao

After a long ten-month journey, Chloe Dao emerged as the winner of Bravo’s Emmy nominated Project Runway 2 on March 8, 2006. Dao won the hearts of America with her mild honest demeanor, consistent display of technical skills, business savvy and creative talent. Dao’s reputation for understanding women and their bodies landed her a contract with Dove as their national spokesperson for the “Sleeveless Ready” campaign. Dao reached the masses again in 2008 as she debuted on QVC with consecutive sell-out appearances with her line Simply Chloe Dao, exclusive to QVC. Also in 2008 her effortless style and modern sensibility led her to partner with mobile accessories and travel bag maker Nuo Tech to create a line of fashion forward mobile technology bags and luggage accessories. The Dao Chloe Dao by Nuo Collection is modern, contemporary and most of all fun. The line is available at select retailers nationwide including Staples. Even with the win of PR2, Dao continues to develop and grow her boutique’s business in Houston. She hopes to open stores in other cities such as New York and Los Angeles. Follow Chloe on Facebook.

Attachments

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, Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.
Vocus, PRWeb, and Publicity Wire are trademarks or registered trademarks of Vocus, Inc. or Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.

Dallas, TX (PRWEB) May 09, 2012

With the success of major line dances like “The Electric Slide”, “The Cha Cha Slide” and more recently “The Wobble” there is no wonder major labels and promoters all across the country are asking the question “who sings The Same Ole 2 Step”? This new line dance is bubbling throughout the country causing the music industry to take notice. The answer to this worldwide question is Entertainment Distrikt. The Entertainment Distrikt is releasing the single to urban and rhythmic radio nationwide on Monday May 21st and the group is ready to show the entire world how to do the same ole 2 step.

The three artists DJ Mic 360, Swagga Wilkes and Kayno are long term friends and business partners who have been in the business for over a decade and pride themselves as being great entertainers. Their work includes being background dancers for major artists and celebrity hosting for local television shows throughout the Dallas metroplex.

With the song quickly being played throughout the states of Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Arkansas and Georgia, Willhouse Entertainment consultant Derryl Williams seems to think that this is the one. “I think we have something special here,” says Williams with a confident smile on his face. “It’s been a long time since I have been a part of something that has taken off so fast.”

Behind this great talent is a sound management team, Diligent Entertainment, the well-respected entertainment company that has created and promoted special events throughout the South. They have positioned ENT Distikt to perform in front of artists like Tyrese, Silk, Joe, Dave Hollister to name a few with more to be announced soon. It is this structure that has allowed Ent District to move this far and the same structure is expected to take them to the top of the charts.

This is just the beginning of what is to come from this sensational group who are planning their nationwide tour and creating a line dance workout dvd scheduled to be released in the third quarter as a support for the fight of a healthy balance for all age groups.

Attachments

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, Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.
Vocus, PRWeb, and Publicity Wire are trademarks or registered trademarks of Vocus, Inc. or Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.

Santa Clarita, Calif. (PRWEB) May 03, 2012

Princess Cruises today opened its 2013-2014 Americas and Exotics cruises for booking, offering a variety of vacation options from close-to-home cruises to far-flung worldwide adventures. The season includes a new series of shorter cruises in the Caribbean and along the West Coast, the line’s first year-round ship based in San Francisco, and the Caribbean debut of the new Royal Princess.

Passengers can now book cruises to the Caribbean, Panama Canal, West Coast, Hawaii, Mexico, South America, the South Pacific, Asia & Africa, Australia & New Zealand, as well as a 100-day World Cruise. In total, the line’s 17 ships will sail on more than 400 cruises on 90 itineraries to 182 destinations around the globe. Together the ships will debut seven new ports – Loreto, La Paz and Progreso in Mexico; Komodo Island, Indonesia; Colombo, Sri Lanka; Rouen, France; and Kangaroo Island, Australia.

Among the new offerings debuting this season are Princess’ first-ever series of shorter cruises. These three- to five-day sailings are perfect for a quick break or as a way to sample the Princess experience. In the Caribbean, passengers can enjoy four- and five-day sailings aboard Ruby Princess visiting one to three ports, while on the West Coast, three- and four-day cruises aboard Golden Princess head for a variety of Southern California destinations.

Also for the first time, Princess will have a year-round ship based in San Francisco, giving the line two West Coast homeports, with an expanded schedule of cruising from California. Bay Area cruisers will now be able to sail aboard the extensively renovated Grand Princess throughout the year to Alaska, Hawaii, Mexico and on the line’s popular California Coastal cruises, never before offered from San Francisco.

Another highlight of the new program is the line’s largest ever deployment to the Caribbean, including the first season for the new Royal Princess, which will be based in Ft. Lauderdale for a series of Eastern Caribbean cruises.

“With sailings from three days to 100 days, this cruise season really does offer something for everyone,” said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises executive vice president. “Those looking for a quick break will love our new shorter cruise options, while our most adventurous passengers will find an extensive collection of enticing areas of the world to explore.”

Full details of the 2013-2014 Americas and Exotics seasons are available here. Highlights include:

Asia & Africa – Two ships will sail to the wonders of Asia and Africa with 17 itineraries that can take passengers to more than 60 destinations. Diamond Princess passengers can explore the best of Asia on a 17-day Grand Asia voyage between Beijing and Bangkok or Singapore, while small ship Ocean Princess offers a variety of intriguing adventures, including a 30-day West Africa cruise from Cape Town to London, and a 31-day voyage from Singapore to Cape Town. Travelers can also choose optional overland excursions to “must see” UNESCO World Heritage sites such as the Taj Mahal and Cambodia’s Angkor Wat on select voyages.

Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific – Pacific islands and “Down Under” destinations are the main attraction on 27 itineraries throughout the season, with five ships sailing on 76 voyages. Diamond Princess will again sail between Sydney and Auckland on 12-day Australia & New Zealand cruises, while Sun Princess, Dawn Princess and Sea Princess will offer a variety of “Aussie Experience” sailings –offering authentic Aussie-style food, music and ambience – from Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, to a variety of “Down Under” and South Pacific destinations. Ocean Princess will return to the heart of the South Pacific for a series of 10-day Tahiti & Polynesia and 11-day Hawaii & Tahiti cruises. Passengers who want to see more of Australia can choose from several land & sea vacations that visit iconic UNESCO sites such as Uluru (Ayers Rock) and Kakadu National Park in the Outback, the Great Barrier Reef, and Hayman Island.

Canada & New England – Two ships, Caribbean Princess and Emerald Princess, return to offer sailings along the Eastern seaboard to see the spectacular fall scenery. Itinerary options include seven-day roundtrip sailings from New York and 10-day itineraries between New York and Quebec. In addition, a 14-day voyage from Quebec to Ft. Lauderdale will take passengers along the full eastern coast. All itineraries with Quebec City include an overnight in this historic city. For passengers wanting to extend their vacation, Princess offers cruisetour options with land tours to fabled sites of Colonial America or fascinating Canadian cities including Montreal, Toronto and Ottawa.

Caribbean – Princess’ largest deployment ever in the Caribbean features five ships sailing on more than 160 voyages of 14 different itineraries. Sailings range from four to 20 days, and depart from Ft. Lauderdale and Galveston. The new Royal Princess will make her North American debut, starting with a five-day Eastern Caribbean cruise followed by a program of popular seven-day Eastern Caribbean sailings. The season also sees a new series of four- and five-day cruises on Ruby Princess, offering quick getaway options featuring one to three ports. Other Caribbean options include Crown Princess sailing on seven-day Southern Caribbean and Eastern Caribbean itineraries; Caribbean Princess sailing from Galveston on seven-day Western Caribbean voyages; and Emerald Princess sailing on two 10-day options to the Southern or Eastern Caribbean.

Panama Canal – Princess continues to lead the way in Panama Canal cruising with Coral Princess and Island Princess offering full seasons of cruising this landmark waterway. A variety of full-transit options include 15-day sailings between Ft. Lauderdale and Los Angeles, and select 15-day Canal voyages featuring Princess’ signature 2-Day Canal Experience – one day cruising through the Panama Canal, and a one-day call at Fuerte Amador on the Pacific Ocean side of the Canal. Partial transit cruises offer a convenient 11-day roundtrip itinerary from Ft. Lauderdale, with transit through the Gatun Locks.

South America – Two Princess ships will sail on South American itineraries, including Pacific Princess cruising the Amazon and Golden Princess, which returns to South America cruising for the first time in more than a decade. Passengers can choose from two itinerary options for their 14-day Cape Horn & Strait of Magellan cruise – with departures from either Rio de Janeiro or Buenos Aires around the southernmost tip of the continent. In addition passengers can expand their South America experience by combining a Cape Horn cruise with a 17-day Andes cruise to or from Los Angeles. Cruisers can also choose to explore the Amazon on a 14-day itinerary between Manaus and Ft. Lauderdale. For those who want to explore some of the continent’s most famous landmarks, Princess cruisetour options include opportunities to visit dramatic UNESCO sites such as Iguazu Falls on the Brazilian-Argentine border or mysterious Machu Picchu in the Andes.

West Coast Sailings – Princess cruises from the West Coast take on a new dimension with two homeports – Los Angeles and now, San Francisco which will see Grand Princess based there year-round. New three- and four-day sampler cruises aboard Golden Princess add a new shorter vacation option to the line-up of sailings to Hawaii, Mexico, the California Coast and even the South Pacific with 28-day Hawaii, Tahiti & Samoa sailings from Los Angeles. In total, four ships will sail on 14 different itineraries from West Coast ports, ranging from three to 28 days. Three ships, Grand Princess, Star Princess and Sapphire Princess will sail on 15-day voyages to the fabled Hawaiian Islands from both Los Angeles and San Francisco. Mexico sailings from San Francisco offer a 10-day itinerary featuring the new ports of Loreto and La Paz on Mexico’s Baja Peninsula. The season will also offer more Pacific coastal sailings than ever before, including California Coastal voyages now roundtrip from San Francisco as well as Los Angeles.

World Cruise – Pacific Princess will again set out on a round-the-world adventure in January 2014, sailing on a 100-day World Cruise from Ft. Lauderdale to Athens, visiting six continents and 40 destinations in 25 countries. The itinerary includes new opportunities to sail along the south coast of Australia and into the Black Sea. World Cruise passengers also have the chance to spend more time in Tahiti, Dubai, Istanbul and Safaga, with overnight or late evening calls to these intriguing destinations.

Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel agent, by calling 1-800-PRINCESS (1-800-774-6237), or by visiting the company’s website at http://www.princess.com.

# # #

About Princess Cruises:

One of the best-known names in cruising, Princess Cruises is a global cruise and tour company operating a fleet of 16 modern ships renowned for their innovative design and wide array of choices in dining, entertainment and amenities, all provided in an environment of exceptional customer service. A recognized leader in worldwide cruising, Princess carries 1.3 million passengers each year to destinations around the globe ranging in length from seven to 107 days. The company is part of Carnival Corporation & plc.

Princess Cruises is a proud member of World’s Leading Cruise Lines. Our exclusive alliance also includes Carnival Cruise Lines, Holland America, Cunard Line, Costa Cruises and Seabourn. Sharing a passion to please each guest and a commitment to quality and value, World’s Leading Cruise Lines inspires people to discover their best vacation experience. Together, we offer a variety of exciting and enriching cruise vacations to the world’s most desirable destinations. Visit us at http://www.worldsleadingcruiselines.com.

Find us:

Blog: InspiredToCruise.com

Facebook: facebook.com/PrincessCruises

Twitter:twitter.com/PrincessCruises

YouTube: youtube.com/princesscruises

Flickr: flickr.com/photos/princesscruises

Pandora: princess.com/radio

Newsroom: princess.com/news

Google+: https://plus.google.com/112949289750199509638/posts

For further information contact:

Karen Candy, kcandy(at)princesscruises(dot)com, 661-753-1540

Julie Benson, jbenson(at)princesscruises(dot)com, 661-753-1530

©Copyright 1997-

, Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.
Vocus, PRWeb, and Publicity Wire are trademarks or registered trademarks of Vocus, Inc. or Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.

(PRWEB) May 03, 2012

A new agent only area has been developed and launched on the popular New Zealand Self Drive Tours Ltd website http://www.newzealandselfdrivetours.co.nz. Once an agent has registered and their profile set up (24 hrs usually) they can search the large database of over 240 self drive touring options, add their clients details, get a guaranteed net price for the tour and produce a high quality itinerary with their own company logo and personalised to the client. Pricing can be set in NZ$ , AU$ , US$ , CA$ , GBP and more.

New Zealand Self Drive Tours Ltd (part of the New Zealand Fine Touring group) developed the new feature after spotting an opportunity in the market place. “We were getting enquiries from many agents through our retail site asking if we dealt with agents. Of course the answer was yes but each response was a little ad hoc and manipulating the retail system to suit the agent wasn’t ideal” said David Kettle, managing director at New Zealand Fine Touring.

“The internet is a fantastic tool for the travel industry but sometimes we forget that the customer (which includes travel agents) who use the internet expect instant gratification from their searches and requests for information. The new agent area does that 24/7. An agent anywhere in the world can access our large range of tours, generate a personalised itinerary for their client, obtain a guaranteed net price in the currency they prefer all in less than a few minutes. The guarantee on price also extends to availability. If a specific item isn’t available once a booking is requested our team here will replace with equivalent or better at no additional cost. The whole process is designed to give the agent confidence to be able to sell the product and be easy and simple to use. We do of course also offer a customised service and any assistance the agent needs through the usual channels.”

David also said that an increasing number of travel brokers or independent agents were seeking access to product and dealing with a company such as New Zealand Self Drive Tours Ltd means that they don’t have to deal with a large number of suppliers. Their clients also receive superb in country support so they can rest easy their valued customers are well looked after.

“Over time we have selected product that we can confidently sell and we continue to monitor this closely. The company has strict quality processes as well as being Qualmark endorsed and full members of the Tourism Export Council” David explained. “Selling travel is a challenging process at the best of times so our aim was to make this as easy as possible for anyone to use with confidence.”

To register just head to http://www.newzealandselfdrivetours.co.nz and complete the very simple form on the agents page.

Or for more information contact: David Kettle

Email: david(at)nzft(dot)co(dot)nz

Tel: +64 027 4116938

©Copyright 1997-

, Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.
Vocus, PRWeb, and Publicity Wire are trademarks or registered trademarks of Vocus, Inc. or Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.

(PRWEB) April 27, 2012

Bed bugs have invaded many states across the mid west, and it seems they are making their way to the east and west coasts of America. It’s been over fifty years since the last bed bug epidemic, but it looks like history is repeating itself.

http://www.checkforbedbugs.com

Many vacationers across the country have been hit with the bed bug epidemic. Some hotels in sunny south Florida have been hit with bed bugs. These bed bugs are causing chaos not only for the hotel owners but also the occupants as well. Bed bugs will travel anywhere they please, which makes it very difficult to stop the spread of bed bugs. They have invaded apartments, hotels, mansions, and dormitories all over the country. This threat is raising concern for many home and business owners all over the country.

“Amid horror stories about travelers waking up in seemingly clean hotel rooms covered in bites, some buyers reportedly have been mentioning the topic in discussions with hoteliers. To this point, those discussions have been introduced “more conversationally than formally,” according to Sean Curley, director of consulting for BCD Travel’s Advito unit. Nailing down anything bedbug-related as a negotiating point would be difficult, he said.”

Read more at businesstravelnews.com

CheckForBedBugs.com has released their new guide to help prevent bed bugs infestations with the release of their check for bed bugs guide that can literally help people prevent the spread of bed bugs and keep bed bugs from invading their homes.

A representative of CheckForBedBugs.com states that many researchers say that the bed bug epidemic is on the rise since the E.P.A banned the use of propoxur inside of the homes. There is also a new way to get rid of bed bugs quickly without using pesticides as well. They have introduced a natural bed bug spray that kills bed bugs and bed bug larvae and keep them from returning in the future. This new product combined with the step by step guide help home owners defend themselves from bed bug infestations without going broke.

Find out more information on how to check for bed bugs in hotel.

©Copyright 1997-

, Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.
Vocus, PRWeb, and Publicity Wire are trademarks or registered trademarks of Vocus, Inc. or Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.

The Cotswolds, UK (PRWEB UK) 25 April 2012

In a recent article, Cotswold Life talks to the founders of Character Cottages about how their business is boosting the wealth of second home owners in the Cotswolds, even in this tough economic climate.

Describe your business?

“Character Cottages is a specialist holiday lettings business, established to help second home owners convert the costs of running their property into substantial profits, whilst still enjoying the benefits of owning a country retreat. Based on a proven track record, by working with us, an attractive three bedroom Cotswold holiday home can generate more than £30,000 of letting income every year.

We provide a full management service that takes away all of the effort and headache of setting up and running a holiday let. Our owners can use their property when they wish, whilst relaxing in the knowledge that their prized asset is being cared for by professionals and is earning them a substantial annual income.”

Who are your customers?

“Typically, our customers are existing second home owners who want to get more from their holiday home. Some have cottages that are sitting empty, some are getting a low income from long term letting and some are current holiday letters disappointed with their booking levels. In each case, owners are joining us to improve their financial returns.

We also get customers who are acquiring a second home, which they wish to live in in the future, but want to holiday let now, to generate an income that offsets the costs of ownership.

Recently we have seen a surge in customers who have pursued job opportunities overseas and chosen not to leave their homes unattended, incurring costs, but instead to holiday let with Character Cottages, knowing that their homes will be looked after and generate additional income.”

What is driving people to consider letting their holiday home?

“Today’s economic climate is making people review their finances and many property owners are asking the question: “Why are we spending £5,000 per annum on maintaining our cottage in the Cotswolds, when we only use it 2 or 3 times a year?”

Legislation has also been increasing the costs for second home owners over the last few years, with the upcoming abolition of second home council tax discounts being the latest change, which is making many owners think carefully about the economics of their holiday home.

Holiday letting with Character Cottages presents an ideal solution to this situation. Instead of owners having to consider selling their beloved cottage, or locking themselves out on a long-term let, holiday letting allows them to use it when they want and to generate a substantial income at the same time.”

What sets you apart from your competitors?

“We understand what customers want and offer a flexible and dynamic pricing model that appeals to guests and optimises the returns for our owners. Rather than adopting the out-dated and restrictive “Weeks only in summer” or “Start dates must be Saturdays” type of approach, we have pricing models that allow our guests to book when they want, for as long as they want.

We have a brilliant team of people on the ground, built up over a number of years, to support our owners, especially those who do not live near to their cottage. We undertake and deliver every aspect of holiday letting management, from housekeeping and gardening, right through to the monitoring of utility bills and preparation of monthly accounts.

We keep things simple and transparent.Our contracts are easy to understand and do not contain annual fees, penalties or hidden booking fees.”

What are your plans for the next 12 months?

“Maintaining the highest quality of service to our existing owners and helping them to get maximum value from their property remains the key priority for us. We will continue to develop our position as one of the leading luxury holiday cottage providers in the Cotswolds, whilst

expanding our presence into other popular holiday destinations in the UK.

As we grow, we will continue to invest heavily in all areas of our business, to ensure that we maximise the financial returns to our owners.”

Attachments

©Copyright 1997-

, Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.
Vocus, PRWeb, and Publicity Wire are trademarks or registered trademarks of Vocus, Inc. or Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.

Washington, DC (PRWEB) April 20, 2012

Capitol Hill Suites, a 152-room boutique hotel, located in the heart of the Capitol Hill Historic District, has completed phase one of its renovation in time for the National Cherry Blossom Festival. The hotel has a long tradition of being in the center of it all during major events. The hotel is delighted to unveil its substantial renovation during this Centennial Celebration of the Cherry Blossom Festival.

Already known for having the largest guest rooms in the city, Capitol Hill Suites has added meeting space, as well as a redesigned lobby and living room. The internationally renowned Dawson Design Associates has featured cherry blossom motifs in a mural and in floor patterns. The design also showcases vintage style political and historical art and a literary link from the historical provenance of the neighborhood and the dynamism that has marked Washington’s growth recently.

In honor of the festival, the hotel has been tracking the bloom of its own cherry blossom tree on Facebook for guests and friends to enjoy. The hotel is also offering a cherry-themed package, which includes a gourmet snack basket with dried cherries, and chocolate-covered cherries—perfect for a picnic on the National Mall. As always, complimentary continental breakfast and Wi-Fi is included.

This weekend marks the highlight of the celebration with the Jazz Festival at the Jefferson Memorial. This event promises nuanced jazz performances and tremendous views of the Tidal Basin, which has the largest concentration of cherry blossoms. The Jazz Festival is minutes away from Capitol Hill Suites. Bring the Cherry Blossom Package picnic basket to do it right!

[All packages are based on availability until April 30, 2012. To book, visit http://www.capitolhillsuites.com/ and enter rate code CHERRY, or call 800-619-9468 and request the Cherry Blossom Package.]

About Capitol Hill Suites

Capitol Hill Suites is owned by Hersha Hospitality Trust (NYSE: HT) and managed by HHM. HHM currently operates 84 branded and independent hotels in the nation’s leading markets. The company provides turnkey hotel management and asset management for properties with leading brand affiliations and the company’s newly launched Independent Collection of which Capitol Hill Suites is a member.

The Independent Collection

The Independent Collection is a growing collection of smaller, more intimate boutique lifestyle hotels located in truly unique neighborhoods of gateway cities across the US. The hotels of the Independent Collection are developed for the independently minded traveler and invite guests to experience the true spirit of the city.

Mary Gollhofer

Manager, The Independent Collection

(267) 238-5025

mary.gollhofer(at)hersha(dot)com

Slava Lutikova

Director of Sales and Marketing, Capitol Hill Suites

(202) 448-2087

lutikova(at)capitolhillsuites(dot)com

©Copyright 1997-

, Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.
Vocus, PRWeb, and Publicity Wire are trademarks or registered trademarks of Vocus, Inc. or Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.

Sundance Vacations Logo

Wilkes-Barre PA (PRWEB) April 20, 2012

Sundance Vacations will offer visitors to Dutch Wonderland in Lancaster, PA the opportunity to enter a season-long giveaway that features a choice Grand Prize worth as much as $ 70,000, as well as other promotional prizes.

“We’re excited to work with Dutch Wonderland in 2012,” says John Dowd, owner of Sundance Vacations. “Sundance Vacations offers high-quality, affordable travel packages and wholesale travel discounts to a wide variety of resorts throughout North America. Dutch Wonderland is a primary destination for both Pennsylvania families and area visitors alike, and we look forward to providing this exceptional opportunity to the guests of Dutch Wonderland.”

In addition to the spectacular Grand Prize giveaway, Dowd says that park visitors can enter to win other promotional prizes like a fantasy trip to Hawaii, Orlando or Pebble Beach that includes airfare, hotel accommodations and spending cash; a high-definition LCD television; a prepaid credit-card worth $ 1,000; a winner’s choice Sports/Music package that includes four tickets worth up to $ 1,000 to a sporting or music event, or one of three different Sundance Vacation packages worth $ 15,000 each.

“Sundance Vacations was established in Pennsylvania more than 20 years ago, and is a recognized leader in the field of discount and wholesale travel,” says Dowd. “Pennsylvanians have helped make Sundance Vacations the fastest-growing travel company in our state. We’ve also been recognized as one of Pennsylvania’s best workplaces.” Dowd continues, “Sundance Vacation is dedicated to delivering the highest quality vacation and travel options, and our exciting, season-long promotion at Dutch Wonderland reinforces our corporate commitment to Pennsylvania’s families.”

Dutch Wonderland opens on a limited schedule beginning April 28, 2012. The park welcomes visitors daily, beginning May 26, 2012. Park visitors can find the Sundance Vacations booth near the Fun Slide, along with complete contest rules, entry materials and information about vacation and travel packages available through Sundance Vacations.

About Sundance Vacations

Sundance Vacations, headquartered in Wilkes Barre, PA, is a family-owned discount vacation and wholesale travel firm specializing in vacation packages at destination golf, ski, beach, and mountain resorts throughout North America. The company also maintains offices in Rockaway, NJ; Princeton, NJ; King of Prussia, PA; Harrisburg, PA; Downers Grove, IL, and Brookfield, WI. Sundance Vacations has been named to the Inc. 5000 for two consecutive years, and has been named the fastest-growing travel company in Pennsylvania. For more information about Sundance Vacations, please visit the company’s website at http://www.sundancevacations.com.

About Dutch Wonderland

Dutch Wonderland is part of the Palace Entertainment family of parks. Palace Entertainment owns and operates theme parks, water parks and family entertainment centers nationwide, including Kennywood, Splish Splash and Storyland on the east coast and Raging Waters on the west coast. The company entertains millions of guests annually and is one of the largest park operators in the United States. For more information, visit http://palaceentertainment.com.

©Copyright 1997-

, Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.
Vocus, PRWeb, and Publicity Wire are trademarks or registered trademarks of Vocus, Inc. or Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.