Travel industry impact on the US economy

TRAVEL IS AMERICA’S LARGEST SERVICES EXPORT INDUSTRY… It generated $153 billion in travel exports. Combined with $110 billion in travel imports creates...$43 billion in balance of travel trade surplus for the U.S.

Travel Industry impact on the US economy

Did You Know…TRAVEL IS ONE OF AMERICA’S LARGEST INDUSTRIES…The industry generated $1.9 trillion in economic output in 2011...Directly generated $124 billion in tax revenue for local, state and federal governments.

New 2013 Coastal California Cruises

Celebrity Cruises is offering three new California coastal cruises, one with a wine theme, and two new Alaska voyages. A four-night getaway departing San Diego on April 18 will visit Santa Barbara, Catalina Island and Ensenada, Mexico. A five-night cruise departing San Diego on April 22 will visit Santa Barbara, San Francisco and Ensenada.

Bon Voyage! 

Taking the Train!

Amtrak carried more than 31.2 million passengers in Fiscal Year 2012 ending Sept. 30, marking the highest annual ridership total since it started operations in 1971 and the ninth ridership record during the last 10 years.

I’ve enjoyed taking the train as it’s much less hassle than air travel. The downside is the limited schedule out of the Tri-State region. Daily service would be wonderful but ridership has to increase to warrant upgraded service.  

A Travel & Tourism Service Learning Project in NYC

New York City’s tourism industry will host hundreds of hospitality and tourism industry professionals for 10^th Anniversary Tourism Cares Volunteer Project that will benefit Brooklyn and Queens. New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, NYC & Company and Tourism Cares said the newest Give-Back Project will 

be held May 30-31, 2013.

Seems like a good reason to plan a field trip to the Big Apple! 

Set sail on a Barbie Dream Cruise!

The Barbie Premium Experience, only on Royal Caribbean, brings aboard the fab-tastic style of the world's most famous doll! Girls age four to 11 set sail on a Barbie dream cruise complete with fun, fashion and runway moments. Make lifelong memories and take to the waves in true 
Barbie style!

This exclusive package will be available on Royal Caribbean sailings starting in January 2013 on select ships and rolling out to the remainder of the fleet by March 2013.

Call your travel agent and reserve you Barbie cruise today!

Airline to charge up to $100 for a carry-on bag

Spirit Airlines, long known as one of the kings of extra charges, said starting Nov. 6 it will charge customers $100 for carry-on bags at the gate if they haven’t paid for those bags online or at check-in. It said the $100 carry-on bag fee is intentionally set high to deter costly delay-causing gate activity. Much lower charges are available who pay for their carry-on bags in advance for $20 or more.

As more travelers try to bypass paying baggage fees the carry-on situation has gotten out of control. Not everything fits in the overhead or under your seat. Airplane cabins are not designed to have everybody carry on 3 or 4 pieces, that’s what the luggage bays are meant for.  

I’m hoping other carriers take notice and start charging for excessive carry-on bags. At least this is one air travel inconvenience that could be eliminated.