21c Museum Hotel has been selected as the #1 hotel in the United States and #6 in the world in the prestigious 2009 Conde Nast Traveler's Readers' Choice Awards. Hundreds of hotels were evaluated by Conde Nast Traveler readers and more than 25,000 individuals voted. This year marks one of the few times an independent hotel has won the top award. 21c is the only U.S. hotel to make the list of the world's top twenty hotels for 2009.

The hotel awards are based on the quality of rooms, service, food/dining, location, and overall design. The 21c Museum Hotel scored above 95 in all categories with identical scores of 98.9 out of 100 for rooms and design.

The award was presented to 21c Museum Hotel at a ceremony in New York yesterday. The presenter, New York City restaurateur Danny Meyer, noted, "When I stay at 21c I feel coddled, transported, nurtured, nourished, stimulated, rested, and above all, smart."

21c Museum Hotel was launched in 2006 by Laura Lee Brown and Steve Wilson, philanthropists and art collectors with a vision for bringing contemporary art into daily life and supporting the revitalization of their hometown, Louisville, Kentucky. 21c Museum Hotel serves as a gathering place where guests, artists, and Louisvillians congregate for great food, innovative arts programs, and historic cocktails with a modern twist.

Art is integral to 21c Museum Hotel, which has 9,000 square feet of exhibition space featuring rotating exhibitions and arts programs. The museum is open to the public free of charge 24-hours a day, seven days a week. The vision behind 21c Museum Hotel is that contemporary art can be accessible for everyone, and its exhibitions create a playful and engaging atmosphere.

21c Museum Hotel's restaurant, Proof on Main, features award-winning food and beverages presented with warm, professional service and affordable prices. Chef Michael Paley's menu fosters sustainable agriculture, featuring ingredients produced by local farmers. The bar offers more than 50 of Kentucky's finest bourbons and specialty cocktails.

21c Museum Hotel--housed in a series of renovated 19th-century tobacco and bourbon warehouses listed on the National Register of Historic Places--was designed by Deborah Berke and Partners Architects. 21c combines a cosmopolitan sensibility with Southern hospitality with 90 inviting guest rooms that offer comfort, smart design, fun touches, and modern amenities.

"We are thrilled with the recognition 21c Museum Hotel has received from travelers around the world and from Conde Nast Traveler," said co-founder Steve Wilson. "Louisville is widely known for the Kentucky Derby, but there is much more to do in our city than go to horse races. We look forward to welcoming new visitors to experience 21c Museum Hotel and our presentation of works by living artists."

SOURCE 21c Museum Hotels

Four nights of runway fashion and entertainment create one rocking week.

Designers, models and fashionistas flock to Miami this week for Rock Fashion Week Miami Beach, presented by Rock Media and Entertainment, Eden Roc Renaissance Miami Beach and Elle Magazine. Taking place Wednesday, October 14, 2009, to Saturday, October 17, 2009, the glamorous event will feature four nights of cutting-edge fashion shows highlighted by top tier performances.

"We are thrilled to partner with Eden Roc Renaissance Miami Beach to host Rock Fashion Week in Miami," says CEO of Rock Media and Entertainment Scott Rosenblum. "They reflect the true spirit and missive of Rock Media and Entertainment, as well as Rock Fashion Week. By uniting both entities, we have been able to put forward a remarkable set of shows and are so excited to share it with Miami once again."

"Rock Media and Entertainment and Eden Roc Renaissance Miami Beach have been anxiously awaiting the opportunity to unleash this event to the world of fashion," states David Siguaw, Director of Sales and Marketing for the Miami hotel. "We have been developing a partnership with Rock Media and Entertainment over the course of the past year and the production for their premier event lies parallel with our Renaissance and lifestyle brands."

The highly-anticipated event will take place at Eden Roc Hotel in Miami Beach, located at 4525 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, Florida. Contact Kristina Lynch or Shazeen Shah from TARA, Ink. at 305-864-3434 ext. 153/110, or email shazeen@taraink.com for more information.

For more information or to make a reservation, call 305-531-0000 or visit www.renaissanceedenroc.com.

SOURCE Eden Roc Renaissance Miami Beach

Restoration of Historic Stanford White Building Attracts Top New York Names

Opening in Spring 2010, The Chatwal New York re-creates the iconic glamour and style of 1930's Gotham, recognized and idolized the world over. Occupying top billing on its theater district block - also known as the "Great White Way" - the landmark Stanford White-designed building was originally host to the famous Lambs club, America's first professional theater club. Meticulously restored and modernized by Master Architect and Designer Thierry Despont, the circa-1905 building will be the first member of the prestigious Leading Hotels of the World in Manhattan's theater district. www.thechatwalny.com

A Grand Legacy in the Making:

The Chatwal Hotel New York is the vision of Mr. Sant Chatwal, entrepreneur and Chairman and CEO of Hampshire Hotels & Resorts. With a goal to create intimate gathering places and rooms with the highest attention to detail - The Chatwal truly joins past with future, while maintaining a uniquely New York character. The opening of The Chatwal New York also marks the launch of Sant Chatwal's new luxury hotel brand, The Chatwal - with plans in the works for additional luxury properties outside London and in India.

The Design:

The restoration of the historic former Lambs Club building into The Chatwal New York has been undertaken by world-renowned master architect and interior designer, Thierry Despont. Showcasing the mid-century Empire Art Deco style prominent during the Lambs Club golden era, the revival mixes classic Deco period work with modernized twists. A prime example of a "Baby Grand" hotel small in scale complete with all the design and amenities of larger properties. The Chatwal offers the glamour of yesterday and today, with interiors from Despont inspired by the famous Malletier (travel trunk makers) of the period, celebrating travel pieces as finely crafted objet d'art. Recurring flourishes of angular nickel trim accenting glimmering jewel-toned glass are evident throughout, as The Chatwal New York toasts glamorous travel in all its forms.

Guest Experience:

Guestrooms at The Chatwal New York capture the clubby, elegant and comfortably chic atmosphere of this New York landmark. Of the 88 guestrooms, 38 are larger suites, and behind each door, no attention to detail has been spared. In-room finishes include fine suede covered walls and leather-wrapped double closets, the Chatwal's retro playing cards and a specially crafted Backgammon set. The attention to modern small touches makes a difference complimentary internet access, a laptop-sized safe, a 42-inch HD flat screen IP television with Blueray DVD and multi-language options, a movie library, and in-room stereo system with an iPod dock all provide a comfortably wired experience. A rarity in New York City, private terraces are available on request for those who treasure their outdoor space. The service philosophy mirrors the accommodations, with guests benefiting from personalized, attentive service of the highest standard - from a discerning staff directed by General Manager Joel Freyberg.

The sign of a great hotel is a great night's sleep. The Chatwal commissioned Shifman Mattress to design a made-by-hand mattress, complemented with an expansive bed linen selection by Frette and pillow menu. Wrapping oneself in one of The Chatwal's plush Kashwere custom robes after a dip in the Rain Drop shower or Jacuzzi bath (complete with Asprey Amenities, exclusive to The Chatwal New York) is a perfect end to a hectic city day. Bathrooms also feature marble floors, mirrored walls and a 19-inch integrated mirror television. The hotel's turndown service includes a complimentary shoe shine service, bottled water, and the guest's preferred newspaper delivered each morning to their door. As this is the city that never sleeps, the fitness center at The Chatwal New York is complimentary to guests 24 hours a day.

Dining and Cocktailing at The Chatwal:

Paying homage to the building's original purpose showcasing talent and creativity, whether on stage, or in the kitchen and behind the bar celebrated Chef Geoffrey Zakarian is behind the 90-seat restaurant at The Chatwal New York. Offering diners an updated take on the classic bar and grill with an inviting, club-like ambiance, the menu will focus on traditional American cuisine and seasonal ingredients. This is a first time collaboration for Manhattan's established culinary and cocktail masters, Geoffrey Zakarian and Margaret Zakarian along with David Rabin, Will Regan and Jeffrey Jah (of New York's highly regarded Double Seven and Lotus nightclubs/cocktail lounges).

Signature breakfasts at The Chatwal will add a morning crowd of New Yorkers meeting up to start their workday in Midtown, and guests fueling up for a full Manhattan day. The regular lunch and dinner scene will focus on fresh market produce, grilled meats and seafood along with fine salads. Gourmet snacks, libations and afternoon tea will be served throughout the day. Similarly, the bar will brim with classic and refined cocktails made with the freshest juices, pressed each day on the premises. Pre/post-theater and after-work cocktails will be offered at the lively bar scene - a perfect meeting spot for friendly conversation, toasting a signed contract or discussing musical high points after a show. For those seeking the privacy of their suite for a meal, room service will be provided by Chef Geoffrey Zakarian 24-hours a day, with the same high standard of cuisine prevailing throughout the entire property.

The Lambs Club - A History:

Established in 1874, The Lambs Club was the gathering place of those who would make Broadway and Hollywood history. Legendary member names include George M. Cohan, W.C. Fields, John Barrymore, Milton Berle, Fred Astaire, Irving Berlin and Will Rogers.

SOURCE The Chatwal New York

The National Park Foundation released today the 2009 list of the most photogenic parks for fall foliage. The announcement is made in partnership with Olympus, the proud sponsor of the Share the Experience photo contest, which is seeking this year's best photo of the 391 national parks. The grand prize winning photo will be featured on next year's Federal Recreation Lands Pass and will receive an Olympus E-3 Digital Camera.

The 2009 list of the most photogenic parks for fall foliage with expected time frames for peak colors:

• Acadia National Park, ME
  • Peak colors are expected now through October 15(th).
• Cuyahoga Valley National Park, OH
  • Peak colors expected the third and fourth weeks of October.
• Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, PA
  • Peak colors are expected the weekend of October 17(th).
• Great Smoky Mountains National Park, NC/TN
  • Peak colors are expected during the last two weeks of October.
• Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, IN
  • Peak colors are expected this weekend and for the next ten days.
• Mississippi National River and Recreation Area, MN
  • Leaves are already turning; the peak is expected in the next ten days.
• Mount Rainier National Park, WA
  • Peak colors are expected this weekend and for the next ten days.
• New River Gorge National River, WV
  • Peak colors are expected during the third week of October, starting around the weekend of the 17(th).
• Saratoga National Historic Park, NY
  • Peak colors are expected this weekend and for the next ten days.
• Valley Forge National Historical Park, PA
  • Peak colors are expected during the last two weeks of October.
    

To help amateur photographers make the most of the opportunities, Olympus offered the following tips to park-goers:

• Sun hiding behind the clouds? Don't be disappointed. Colors can often appear more vibrant in an overcast day. This type of even lighting is also great for displaying details in the shadows.
  

• Consider different perspectives for each photo. Look up toward the sky and down toward your feet. You'll be amazed by the number of interesting subjects available beyond eyelevel.
  

• Look for the small details. The landscape vistas will be beautiful with fall colors but close-up photos of small objects such as a single leaf or cluster of fall berries can also make for a striking photo.
  

• Think about backlighting your subjects on a sunny day. Backlighting is when you intentionally place the main light source behind your subject. Pictures of colorful leaves can be very striking when photographed this way. Also, don't let the sun shine directly into your lens.
  

• Bring a lens cleaning cloth. When capturing images outside, dust and moisture in the air can build up on the lens' glass surface. You'll want to keep it clean so that the light can pass through evenly.
  

Amateur photographers are invited to submit up to three photos to the Share the Experience contest through December 31, 2009. In addition, at the end of the submission period the public will be invited to vote for their favorite photo. Enter by visiting www.sharetheexperience.org or pick up a brochure and entry form while visiting a Federal Recreation Land this year. Great prizes include: Olympus digital cameras, trips to a federal recreation area, Federal Recreation Lands Passes and more!

Share the Experience is the official photo contest of America's national parks and federal recreation lands. Sponsored by Olympus and the National Park Foundation in partnership with the National Park Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the Bureau of Reclamation, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the U.S. Forest Service, the Share the Experience Photo Contest showcases the more than 500 million acres of Federal Lands and draws entries from all across the United States.

ABOUT THE NATIONAL PARK FOUNDATION

The National Park Foundation is an independent charitable organization chartered by Congress in 1967 to strengthen the connection between the American people and their 391 national parks. As the official national non-profit partner of America's National Parks, the Foundation raises private funds, makes strategic grants, creates innovative partnerships and increases public awareness about the need and opportunity for park philanthropy. In its 2008 fiscal year, the National Park Foundation distributed grants and program support of $27.3M.

SOURCE National Park Foundation

President Alvaro Uribe of Colombia, along with J.W. Marriott Jr., chairman & chief executive officer of Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR), and Ricardo Poma, president of Grupo Poma, celebrated the grand opening of the 239-room Bogota Marriott Hotel last evening in Bogota, Colombia. The hotel is operated under a franchise agreement with Real Hotels & Resorts of El Salvador. It is the first Marriott International branded hotel to open in the country.

"Colombia has emerged as one of the most vibrant markets for development in all of Latin America. We are excited about the potential for many of our Marriott brands throughout the country, such as Courtyard by Marriott, Renaissance Hotels & Resorts, The Ritz-Carlton, and our new luxury boutique Edition brand," said J.W. Marriott Jr., chairman & chief executive officer of Marriott International, Inc. "We are delighted to work with Real Hotels & Resorts on this project, and to introduce our award-winning Marriott Hotels & Resorts brand in Bogota."

Speaking on behalf of Real Hotels & Resorts, Ricardo Poma, the company's president, said, "Colombia remains one of the most dynamic countries in the region. We are thrilled be here to partner with Marriott and celebrate the official opening of the first Marriott Hotel in this beautiful country. We are confident it will become the preferred choice for business travelers visiting the city."

The hotel is located on Avenue El Dorado, in the center of Bogota's newest business and commercial district of Salitre, This vibrant district is adjacent to the city's industrial district which is home to many of the country's largest and most important businesses. It is conveniently located within a 10-minute drive of Bogota's El Dorado International Airport. The general manager is Ricardo Menendez; the director of marketing is Leonel Villasmil. The hotel's state-of-the-art architectural and interior design concept was created by the firm of Miguel Soto Casas y Cia.

The hotel, which is adjacent to a modern office tower, includes a fully equipped business center, and wi-fi in each individual guest room and throughout all public space. For meetings and events, the hotel offers 930 square meters of function space including eight rooms of varying sizes and configuration. The hotel's largest conference space is the ballroom, which covers 372 square meters, ideal for a conference, exhibit, or social event. Other amenities include an expansive fitness center with lap pool and three specialty treatment rooms available for massage or other spa services.

For dining and entertainment the hotel offers Pimento restaurant, serving three meals daily. It was designed by the internationally acclaimed firm, Waterman Design Studio, and includes an outdoor terrace area. The hotel also features Tanoshii Lounge & Sushi Bar, which presents guests with a wide selection of sushi, soups, and tapas. A lobby bar, which offers continental breakfast, is located on the hotel's main level. The lobby lounge area offers expansive views of the hotel terraces and exterior gardens, designed by famed Colombia landscape architect, Ramiro Olarte.

In addition to the Bogota Marriott Hotel, Marriott International and Real Hotels & Resorts will partner on a second Marriott International-flagged hotel in Colombia in 2010, the 264-room JW Marriott Hotel Bogota. The Bogota Marriott, along with over 3,000 Marriott-affiliated hotels worldwide, participate in Marriott Rewards, the guest reward program that allows members to earn their choice of points or airline miles for each dollar spent during each stay.

Marriott Hotels & Resorts inspires your best performance during travel, delivering an experience that helps you work and relax in your own way. Marriott's nearly 500 locations in 60 countries provide genuine care coupled with fresh, classic design, making it the leading choice for travelers and meeting planners. All Marriott hotels participate in the award winning Marriott Rewards frequent travel program that allows members to earn hotel points or airline miles for every dollar spent during each stay. For more information, visit www.marriott.com

SOURCE Marriott International, Inc.

A corn maze created in the shape of the state of Pennsylvania invites visitors to explore and learn about tourism opportunities throughout the state.

The 5-acre Amazing Maize Maze(TM) at Cherry Crest Adventure Farm in Paradise Township, Lancaster County, features more than 2.5 miles of paths and scenic bridges.

Maze explorers will travel though seven different tourism "regions," each of which is a maze in itself. While trying to find the exit, they will come across "kernels of knowledge" about Pennsylvania and will have the opportunity to pose with various backdrops for pictures, including the Liberty Bell, an oil derrick from the Great Lakes region, and a canoe in the Pa Great Outdoors.

"While navigating the maze, visitors will be inspired to plan their next vacation or weekend getaway," said Mickey Rowley, deputy secretary for tourism at the Department of Community and Economic Development. "This is one time when making a wrong turn enhances the experience as you travel from Altoona to Erie to Scranton, all in about an hour."

"We've had a great response to this year's maze," said Rudy Kilgore, general manager of Cherry Crest Adventure Farm. "It's a fun way to show visitors what a wonderful state Pennsylvania is as a destination, and how our own Dutch Country Roads fits into the scheme of things. Our goal, always, is to be fun, educational, and a genuine reflection of life on the farm."

"It is not often you can convert a single tourism attraction into an enormous promotion for visiting the entire state. Plus, we were able to plug our Web site in the adjacent field as visitPA.com is etched in the cornfield," Rowley said. "The added bonus is that we didn't spend one dime of taxpayer money to create this maze, which is visited by more than 85,000 people each year."

In addition to the maze at Cherry Crest Adventure Farm, there are endless opportunities to enjoy fall foliage and the harvest season in Pennsylvania. VisitPA.com/fall is the ideal trip planning tool with a selection of road trips, festivals and attractions. Visitors to the site can also take advantage of the weekly foliage reports that will highlight the best locations for brilliant fall colors.

For more information about Cherry Crest Adventure Farm, visit www.cherrycrestfarm.com or call 866-546-1799.

The Pennsylvania Tourism Office, under the state Department of Community and Economic Development, is dedicated to inspiring travel to the State of Independence. For more information, go to visitPA.com or call (800) VISIT PA; become a fan at facebook.com/visitPA, follow us at twitter.com/visitPA, share photos at flickr.com/visitPA, or watch us on youtube.com/visitPA. For a free subscription to Pursuits Magazine, go to visitPA.com/pursuits.

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development

WHO: Bear Mountain

WHAT: Oktoberfest

WHEN: Weekends, September 26 - October 25 from 12 p.m.-6 p.m.

Monday, October 12 from 12 p.m.-6 p.m.

WHERE: Bear Mountain State Park

HIGHLIGHTS: The festival will feature authentic German food and beer, live entertainment and craft vendors. Visitors can also take advantage of the autumn splendor at Bear Mountain with a boat ride around Hessian Lake, a stroll in the park, or a magical ride on the Merry Go Round.

MUSIC SCHEDULE: September 26 - die Schlauberger (dSb) (www.schlauberger.com)

September 27 - Schwartzenegger Connection

October 3 and 10 - Alex Meixner Band (www.alexmeixner.com)

October 4 - Die Spitzbuam (www.nyspitzbuam.com)

October 11 - Plus Five Orchestra

October 12 - Diamond Chips

October 17 - Adam Barthalt Band (www.adambarthalt.com)

October 18 - Austrian Boys

October 24 - Fritz's Polka Band (www.fritzspolkaband.com)

October 25 - JT Lustiegen Musikanten

COST: Admission is free and parking is $7 per car

Bear Mountain Inn Complex, managed by Guest Services, Inc., offers 24 guest rooms at the Overlook Lodge, four stone cottages with six guest rooms each, and over 5,000 square feet of meeting and event space at the Overlook Lodge, Cliff House, and Merry-Go-Round Pavilion. Activities for all ages and interests abound onsite with boat rentals, playing fields, picnic groves, outdoor swimming pool, nature trails, Trailside Museum and Zoo, Perkins Memorial Tower, and the Bear Mountain Merry-Go-Round.

The historic Bear Mountain Inn is currently undergoing extensive work to bring it back to its original splendor. At the completion of the renovations, the Inn will offer 15 luxury suites, a spa, fitness center, full-service restaurant, and lounge with over 20,000 square feet of meeting and catering space, the Hiker's Lounge offering grab-and-go foods, and the Hudson Valley Store featuring park memorabilia and local crafts.

For more information on Oktoberfest and Bear Mountain please call 845-786-2731 or explore: www.visitbearmountain.com.

SOURCE Bear Mountain Inn

In these economically challenging times, many experts say it is vital to invest in preventative healthcare. Better overall health means lower medical bills.

Reports show that only 14 percent of Americans took two weeks of vacation last year, and the number of Americans taking family vacations has dropped by a third in the past generation. The price Americans are paying, by not getting away to decompress, is significant in terms of physical and emotional health.

In fact, statistics show that Europeans, who work 300 fewer hours per year due to month long "holidays," actually require less healthcare - and are 50 percent less likely than Americans to have heart disease, hypertension or diabetes before age 50.

The tourism industry is catching on to this trend, as more and more people are taking their health into their own hands. A recent collaboration between two top Pensacola, Fla.-area destinations, the world-class Andrews Institute and luxury resort Portofino Island, is aimed at just that.

"The Golden Vita retreat is preventative healthcare meets a relaxing four-day vacation," says Rob Babcock, general manager for Portofino Island Resort and Spa at Pensacola Beach. "Especially now, people want to find a way to seek out the best knowledge and make the best choices for their health. We are combining Andrews Institute's expertise with our beautiful resort, gourmet cuisine and famous white beaches as the backdrop."

Andrews is known for its state-of-the-art medical care and research, with its doctors regularly serving the nation's top athletes. Now, everyday people are being offered access to the latest research and information from Andrews' experts on nutrition, anti-aging, bone and joint health and other subjects.

The combination of the medical side with the five-star resort side as a "health vacation" is a growing trend that has caught on with Europeans and is something American's are also starting to do. Health-related tourism is growing because many people want to do something meaningful besides getting in their R&R.

Health-related vacations are also part of a larger trend, sustainable tourism. This economic development trend is an effort to create events that keep visitors coming year-round.

For more information about the Golden Vita retreat, please visit www.goldenvitaretreat.com or call 1-866-976-3451.

SOURCE Portofino Island Resort and Spa

Paris and New York Openings Launch Brand's New Look and Feel

The debut of two new hotels in two iconic cities - the Renaissance Paris Arc de Triomphe and the Renaissance New York Hotel 57 - are charting a bold new image for the Renaissance Hotels & Resorts global lifestyle brand. "With more than a $2 billion infusion in hotel renovations by our owners and franchisees and a new brand team in place, Renaissance is now positioned to be the first truly global lifestyle brand in the Marriott portfolio," said Tina Edmundson, senior vice president lifestyle brands and Renaissance operations.

The breakthrough simultaneous launch event today in Paris and New York will feature live performances by cutting-edge British singer/songwriter Mr. Hudson in New York and indie rocker Santigold in Paris. "This incredible celebration and these artists speak to the Renaissance brand's deep belief in helping guests discover moments that transcend the every day," said Edmundson.

The Renaissance experience and its new modern brand identity launches today with these two events and a brand new web portal for the collection of 140 gems in 28 countries around the world. The new website, www.renaissancehotels.com, uses storytelling and experiential packages and promotions celebrating the uniqueness and rich travel experiences at each hotel and location.

"The Renaissance experience appeals to guests who want to discover something new with each and every stay. Our guests are current and in-the-know. They are passionate about travel, architecture and history, and they want a hotel experience that allows them to get the most from a trip -- to discover the unique character of their destination," said Edmundson.

New brand elements include:

• New hotels: Every stay offers guests a unique point of view and different perspective, whether at one of Renaissance's historic icons or ultra-modern hotels. Renaissance Hotels & Resorts continues to add to its portfolio with a pipeline of 24 hotels opening over the next three years. These properties include the Renaissance Palm Springs Hotel, the Renaissance Malmo Hotel in Sweden, the Renaissance Doha City Center Hotel in United Arab Emirates, the Renaissance St. Pancras Hotel in London and the Renaissance Bangkok Ratchaprasong Hotel in Thailand.
• New visual identity: The Renaissance Hotels & Resorts identity, including the logo, has dramatically changed, providing new visual cues to bring the brand in line with the updated hotel experience. The new visual identity of the brand is modern and simple and the new logo represents a cleaner more modern typography, while keeping the "R" icon as a singular nod to the historical side of the brand.
• RenaissanceHotels.com: The new Renaissance Hotels & Resorts web portal is now not only visually striking but offers a robust Renaissance experience for guests encouraging discovery about both the destination and hotel.
• Renaissance Chic: The Renaissance design point of view is current, compelling and always inspiring. From imaginative menus to eye-catching decor to luxurious cotton-rich linens, it is all about stimulating the senses.
• New retail strategy: The new www.CollectRenaissance.com will launch this fall allowing guests to take Renaissance style home.
• New food & beverage strategy: Restaurants at Renaissance are developed to appeal to local clientele as well as guests. Our hotels deliver "indigenous" food & beverage, offering quintessentially local food at the hotels.
• New partnerships: Renaissance has strategically aligned itself with like-minded brands including the new car-share program Hertz Connect, Absolut Vodka, Jack Spade and Strida Bike.
  

As part of the celebration, Renaissance New York Hotel 57 and Renaissance Paris Arc de Triomphe are also hosting a silent auction to benefit Kiva.org, a non-profit organization that is the world's first person-to-person micro-lending website, empowering individuals to lend directly to unique entrepreneurs around the globe. Kiva's mission is to connect people through lending for the sake of alleviating poverty. The silent auction attempts to honor Renaissance Hotel 57's origins as a hotel for women and later as a shelter for women by benefiting Kiva.org, whose entrepreneur base is 83% women working to pull their families out of poverty. Invited guests in New York City will be able to bid on an incredible Renaissance discovery package -- New Year's Eve in New York City including 3 night stay at the Renaissance New York Hotel Times Square plus front row seats to the festivities in Times Square at Two Times Square restaurant and Renaissance partner offerings including Strida foldable bikes and Connect by Hertz weekend getaway cars. In Paris, invited guests will be able to bid on an incredible weekend getaway at the Renaissance Paris Arc de Triomphe including 2 night stay and tasting experience at the hotel's restaurant Makassar.

SOURCE Renaissance Hotels & Resorts

The Mayor of London Boris Johnson and New York Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg today announced a two-year tourism agreement between New York City and London to boost travel between the two cities.

The cities will provide each other with outdoor media advertising space and NYC & Company and Visit London, their respective tourism arms, will share best practices as a way to maximize travel between the two destinations and will assist each other with at least one publicity event in each city.

The Mayors made the announcement during an international conference at Columbia University where the two Mayors met to discuss their financial sectors, the diversification of their economies, building and maintaining their capital plants and expanding housing affordability. Visit London CEO Sally Chatterjee and NYC & Company CEO George Fertitta, and Columbia University President Lee Bollinger joined the Mayors for the announcement.

Mayor Boris Johnson said: "London and New York City share many similarities, including a strong sense of optimism and determination, along with a great appreciation for diversity and innovation. Our common cultural ties, not least absolute dedication to providing world-class services and experiences for both residents and visitors, make the two cities exceptionally well poised to combine knowledge as well as resources to impact the economies and future of the cities."

Mayor Bloomberg said: "Now more than ever, as we work to limit the effects of the ongoing global financial downturn, it is important to find new ways to grow a diverse array of economic sectors, and tourism is among the most important for New York City. New York City and London, both significant sources of travel for each other market, can learn a great deal from one other and we will work together to highlight each other's strengths and remain leading global cities."

Sally Chatterjee said: "As well as being large sources of overseas travel for each market, New York City and London are also big supporters of each other. We look forward to working with NYC & Company and see both our organizations continuing to strive for best practice in our role as world-leading destinations. This is an exciting first step in what we expect to be a very fruitful partnership."

George Fertitta said: "Tourism will undoubtedly be one of the industries that helps aid our local economy through the recovery of the recession and we are working harder than ever to promote it. Through this agreement between NYC & Company and Visit London we are declaring not only a commitment to driving travel between London and NYC but also a vow of the continued friendship between the two cities."

Under the two-year tourism agreement New York City will exchange 71 bus shelters with London that will run in New York City for 4 weeks per year. In return, London will exchange 250 posters for four weeks on the London Underground system twice per year.

The yearly value of each city's media is $178,500. The agreement will be a two-year deal, $357,000 to London and $357,000 back to NYC from London. Also as part of the agreement, NYC & Company and Visit London have agreed to share best practices in their endeavors to boost tourism and to assist each other with at least one publicity event in their respective cities.

Americans made almost 2 million visits to London last year and America remains London's number one market for international visitors. Similarly, last year New York City welcomed a record 1,328,000 visitors from the UK, surpassing the record 1,237,000 visitors in 2007, making it the city's number one source of international visitors. New York City is the number one destination for UK travelers to the U.S.

The Mayor of London is in New York City to spearhead a series of plans promoting leisure and business travel to the British capital from the United States. With the value of the dollar against the British pound strongly in favor of trips by American visitors, the Mayor is driving home the message that there's never been a better time to come to London.

Today Visit London also launched its 1 million Sterling pound "Only in London" marketing campaign, which runs in the U.S. from 15 September to 19 November. The promotion will celebrate the sights, sounds and experiences that are unique to the British capital's history, heritage and culture. The campaign -- partnered by Radisson Edwardian hotels and British Airways -- will run nationally in the United States (New York, Boston, Chicago, Philadelphia, Washington, Miami, Los Angeles, San Francisco) as well as Canada (Toronto). The promotion will highlight value deals as well the chance to win a once-in-a-lifetime trip to spend New Year's Eve in London including a New Year's Eve dinner on the Thames through Bateaux London, a VIP Pass to Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, a champagne flight on the London Eye, a private visit to the Royal Academy of Arts, a day trip on Eurostar and a VIP tour of Wembley Stadium.

The Mayor of London will also meet today with competition winners boarding a British Airways (BA) flight to London at JFK Airport as part of an initiative to stimulate business travel from the United States. The BA "Face to Face" initiative follows research by Harvard Business School which shows that while business travel budgets have tightened during the economic downturn, global business executives say face-to-face meetings remain a crucial part of selling new business and building partnerships.

SOURCE The Office of the Mayor of London