TAMPA, FL – Delta Airlineshas recently announced plans to restart daily service between Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) and Tampa International Airport (TPA) on Saturday, Oct. 26 for the winter season. The new service will operate on the Airbus A330-300 aircraft, featuring four product experiences including Delta One, Delta Premium Select, Delta Comfort+ and Main Cabin.
All customers on the flight can enjoy a wide selection of in-flight entertainment options via Delta Studio movies, TV series, music, podcasts and more, in addition to onboard Wi-Fi and free mobile messaging to stay connected.
“By seamlessly linking Amsterdam’s vibrant international hub—Delta’s most-served airport in Europe—with Tampa Bay’s renowned beaches, Delta is offering customers a gateway to explore the best of Europe and America,” said Matteo Curcio, Delta’s Senior Vice President for Europe, Middle East, Africa and India.
“With our premium amenities and extensive global network, travelers will have a lot to enjoy during the winter travel season.”
The announcement comes as more flights to Europe continue to be added throughout Florida. Delta has also announced additional seasonal service from Orlando (MCO) to London Heathrow starting Oct. 26.
“Floridians can explore London’s historic landmarks like Buckingham Palace and enjoy world-class dining, while Londoners can escape to the sunny beaches and world-famous attractions of Orlando,” added Curcio.
LAS VEGAS, NV – The FRIENDS Experience will debut its West Coast flagship location in Las Vegas at MGM Grand. Created by Warner Bros. Discovery Global Themed Entertainment, Original X Productions (OGX), and Warner Bros. Television Group, “The One in Vegas” transports guests into the world of FRIENDS allowing fans to explore the show’s iconic moments, behind-the-scenes content and photo opportunities within life-sized set recreations. Fans can become part of Ross and Rachel’s iconic Las Vegas wedding scene bursting out into the chapel’s lobby, kick back in Monica’s apartment, or even dance around the legendary fountain featured in the opening credits.
“The global success of The FRIENDS Experience has been nothing short of phenomenal,” said Peter van Roden, Senior Vice President, Warner Bros. Discovery Global Themed Entertainment.
“We’ve seen fans from all over the world embrace the chance to relive their favorite moments and connect with the show in a whole new way. With Las Vegas premiering as the West Coast flagship in our global lineup of destinations, there’s even more to look forward to as we continue celebrating the 30th anniversary of FRIENDS.”
“Las Vegas is the perfect destination to debut The FRIENDS Experience’s second U.S. flagship location,” said Stacy Moscatelli, CEO of Original X Productions. “Not only does the city attract millions of FRIENDS fans every year, but Las Vegas plays an integral role in the series featuring some of the show’s most iconic and hilarious moments. Bringing The FRIENDS Experience to the MGM Grand, two giants of the entertainment world, creates an enjoyable experience that we know fans will love.”
Michael Neubecker, MGM Grand’s President & COO, said,“Las Vegas is home to some of the most incredible entertainment and immersive experiences in the world, with MGM Grand at the epicenter of it all. Given FRIENDS’ wide appeal domestically and internationally, we are excited to be the long-term West Coast home to this experience that will resonate with so many of our visitors, transporting them to the iconic settings inspired by the show.”
Fans can sign-up for the waitlist at friendstheexperience.com/vegas for tickets. To prepare for the coming experience, fans can own the complete series on Digital, Blu-ray and DVD. FRIENDS: The Complete Serieswill also release in 4K Ultra HD on September 24, 2024. Pre-orders are now available.
ST. PETE BEACH, FL – The TradeWinds Island Resorts – the Island Grand Resort and RumFish Beach Resort – located along 40 acres of sugar white sand on the island of St. Pete Beach, Florida, has announced Avi Yesawich as Managing Director. Yesawich will oversee all aspects of the TradeWinds operations, including strategic vision and direction, sales, marketing, finance, revenue, human resources, as well as all hotel food and beverage operations.
Yesawich will also play a key role in upcoming capital improvements at TradeWinds, including a $500 million, 20-year expansion project recently approved by the City of St. Pete Beach, as part of his leadership role.
“This is an incredibly exciting time for TradeWinds and we’re certain Avi brings the perfect combination of experience, creativity, and radiating enthusiasm to lead the resort through this exciting expansion,” shared Joe Smith, CEO of 1754 Properties and owner of TradeWinds Island Resorts.
“His resume speaks for itself, but his energy and passion for the project are sure to inspire and motivate everyone around him.’
Yesawich has extensive experience with Highgate Hotels, which manages TradeWinds Island Resorts. He most recently worked as the Area Managing Director for Highgate’s Luxury & Lifestyle hotel division in Miami, where he oversaw operations for three diverse properties, totaling more than 1,000 rooms. Yesawich dedicated numerous years immersed in New York City’s dynamic hospitality scene, gaining expertise across a spectrum of prominent branded and independent hotels
He also spent time with IHG Hotels as Resident Manager of the InterContinental David Tel Aviv in Israel, elevating all the properties’ key financial and operational metrics during his tenure. Yesawich has a bachelor’s degree in Hotel Administration from Cornell University, as well as a master’s degree from Tel Aviv University in Conflict Resolution, Mediation and Negotiation.
QUINTANA ROO, MX – I visited Atelier Playa Mujeres last week just outside Cancun, Mexico. It was my first time visiting the country and my first time staying at an all-inclusive resort in my life. I had a great time staying there with my friend, I want to share my thoughts on the resort with my readers in case you are planning a trip to the resort or want more information.
Feels like paradise
There were plenty of great things about the resort:
Beautiful waterfront views: Playa Mujeres feels like an escape from the world. The bright blue ocean and tropical environment without crowds around means the only people nearby are other vacation guests. Atelier is a convention and business-orientated hotel so most of the people were staying there for the retreat I attended. The only downside of this is the drive is about 40-50 minutes from Cancun International Airport, but once you get through the gates to the resort you are in paradise. From the minute you step on the property the staff is ready to greet you.
Beach access feels private and two major pools: The beach area felt private and there was plenty of space for laying out. Some of the seating is reserved for the hotels vacation club, but regardless you could access the beach if desired. The two pools allowed guests to spend time on different parts of the property. My favorite pool was the big resort pool in front of the beach, where the water felt cooler and there were more swim-up bars. Food service is available while laying out and included.
Friendly resort staff: The staff at Atelier Playa Mujeres was friendly and welcome to guests. This was true whether I was visiting one of their restaurants, visiting a bar, or asking a question at the concierge. I speak English and Spanish so the staff was more comfortable speaking Spanish to me, but they also seemed able to navigate pretty well with other visitors. The bartenders made pretty much any drink you asked for, as long as they had the ingredients. Restaurant service was attentive. Room service usually arrived within 30-50 minutes after calling, faster if you had an emergency.
Spacious and modern rooms: The rooms at Atelier were spacious and comfortable. The beds were great and soft. Pillows were soft and sheets were clean. The bathroom was massive and included a tub and stand-up shower that looks more like a sauna. Rooms include a mini-fridge filled with beer and sodas/juices. There were also snacks and wine available for consumption and can be restocked everyday.
A delicious spaghetti carbonara for lunch at Cilento. Well-made and a huge portion.Our room for most of our stay.
Some things at Atelier Playa Mujeres could be improved..
There were some things that could improved with the property though. Let’s get into it.
Lack of Mexican food: I was excited to try more Mexican food since Mexican is one of my favorite cuisines, but there was a shocking lack of Mexican food at Atelier Playa Mujeres. I understand that the resort is catering to guests from around the world who may not have expanded palettes. Still – I would’ve settled for a street taco bar. One of the breakfast buffets did have a quesadilla stand and chilaquiles, but they were simply okay and sort of bland. If you really want to stay on trend, make a birria booth.
Restaurant quality varied wildly: Some restaurants were good and others were simply not. The best meals I had were at the Italian restaurant on property called Cilento, which was unexpected, and sushi at a Japanese and Asian fusion restaurant called Takeshi. The property does have a Michelin restaurant called Maria Dolores, but good luck getting in and it is not included in your hotel stay. The worst restaurant was a steakhouse called Los Abrazos where I ordered a Ribeye that was nothing but fat and very chewy. The second worst restaurant was the pool cafe called Bikini Azul, which served the smallest portion of wings and salad I have ever seen. Literally one piece of iceberg lettuce with a drizzle of dressing. I did not go back. It will take time to figure out where to go, so I would appreciate more information to avoid a bad meal.
Room temperature: It gets really hot in this part of Mexico and we were there in early May. I am sure it gets even hotter throughout the summer. The thermostat was locked and some nights were warm in the hotel room. When I called room service, they were unable to help us lower the temperature and said they are not allowed to change room temperatures, which is odd for a high-end hotel. I have 2-star hotels in the U.S.A. that will allow you to lower the temperature. This can make it hard to sleep at night and there is only one fan in the room.
Restaurant reservations are difficult: The hotel makes guests reserve restaurants in advance, although it has more than enough restaurants for all the guests on-property with the exception of buffets and coffee shops. That makes dinner plans a bit of a gamble. What if you don’t like the food? There are not many other options. Dinner felt stressful, which is not ideal for a vacation. If there is extra space, I think they should allow walk-ins as well. The property doesn’t list menus online or photos of the food at restaurants either, which could help make guests make an informed decision on where to eat.
Needs more free activities and culture: For people who like lounging at the pool or beach, Atelier Playa Mujeres is perfect. If you need more culture and activities, you will be bored quickly at this resort. The resort does have an activity schedule, but most of it just paid tastings for tequila which doesn’t really make sense when alcohol is included with your stay. I think I would be fine with experiencing more culture as an activity. The free nightclub on property played a bunch of rap music from the early 2000s, but I guess I was surprised there was not more Spanish music considering where I was. I do understand the hotel is probably catering more to the clientele, but a Latin night would be nice. San Francisco probably has more Mexican culture than Atelier Playa Mujeres.
Resort pool near the beach at Atelier Playa Mujeres.
Still a great experience and a beautiful escape from home
Overall, Atelier Playa Mujeres is still beautiful and a good vacation spot overall. I wouldn’t rate it a 5-star experience, especially because of the food and lack of control for guests. It felt like a luxury hotel trying to still cut costs. If you are a paying guest, you can probably easily get your value with spirits, which were premium including Black Label and Red Label. As someone who loves food, it was a little disappointing since I didn’t feel like I could get food around Mexico easily. It would be great to expand the food program and also upgrade their website to include photos of the food, menus, and maybe even feedback or reviews from hotel guests. The staff treated us very well and I felt like they have pride in their work and I loved that. Overall, it was still a good escape and I felt like I was in paradise for a few days.
TAMPA, FL – Breakaway Music Festival is kicking off this weekend in Tampa at Raymond James Stadium. The festival will travel the country and make its way to San Francisco in October 2024. 22 nationally recognized artists and 3 local acts will perform across two nights of festivities along with a Silent Disco featuring local talent, activations, and onsite fan experiences.
Performers include Illenium, Kaskade, Zedd, Sofi Tukker (DJ Set), ACRAZE, CRANKDAT, Deerock, Dion Timmer b2b Calcium, Gudfella, Ian Asher, It’s Murph, Matroda, Moore Kismet, Night Tales, Ravenscoon, Rossy, Said The Sky, Sara Benyo, Troyboi, and Zuezeu.
Tickets start at $65 with special pricing for college students. Buy tickets onlineatuniverse.com.
Breakaway was founded in Columbus, Ohio in 2016. The festival has expanded into multiple cities and grown into a two-day, multi-stage event since then. Breakaway has successfully reached music fans in cities that have traditionally been overlooked by other festivals, bringing superstar performances to diverse local communities. With over 100,000 attendees in 2023, Breakaway is promising a great time for music lovers across the U.S.A.
“Florida has been a market we’ve always wanted to tap into so we couldn’t be more excited to expand to Tampa as one of our newest 2024 festival locations. Partnering with a national venue such as Raymond James Stadium will give us the local awareness and exposure we’ll need for success. In addition to global talent Illenium, Kaskade, Zedd, Sofi Tukker, and other artists, we’re thrilled to be supporting the community by adding three talented Tampa natives to our opening acts as well as a full Silent Disco stage of local DJs. Our mission is to bring globally recognized experiences to underserved markets who don’t typically have these opportunities, and I think Tampa is the perfect place to recognize,” said Adam Lynn, Co-founder Breakaway.
CLEARWATER BEACH, FL – Sandpearl Resort, one of Clearwater Beach’s most prestigious resorts on the gulf, has recently renovated all guest rooms and suites, including a complete top-to-bottom refresh. Sandpearl Resort is part of the award-winning Opal Collection. Renovations were made just in time for spring and summer travelers eager to stay on one of America’s top beaches in the country.
Updates included guest rooms and living spaces receiving new flooring as well as updates to carpets and rugs, paint, couches (all pull-outs for extra sleeping space), furnishings, and other decorative appointments. Suites with kitchens received new cabinetry, upgraded appliances, and all-new dishware serving up to six guests. Guest bathrooms also received a complete makeover including walk-in showers and soaking tubs. One-and two-bedroom suites as well as junior suites feature deep tubs for a luxurious experience.
The breezy new Seaside Chic vibe is influenced by a neutral tone color scheme. Light creams, sandy beiges, and crisp whites are layered with sea-inspired blue shades found in throw pillows and blankets, area rugs, bathroom walls, kitchen backsplashes, and more. Blonde wooden floors run throughout the property, and white marble slabs top kitchen countertops, dining room tables, and shelving in suites.
Coffee tables, TV consoles, bureaus, and bedside tables now have clean lines and gentle curves with decorative elements, such as driftwood and coral sculptures. In the suites, the dining room now serves as a gathering area, where families can relax around the table or in a newly added couch-like seating area with chandeliers resembling white, undulating seaweed or Capiz shells.
Other updates in rooms are nightlight features under bathroom counters and mirrors, new venting systems that guests can control, and several USB outlets ensuring every device has a power source and can stay charged while vacation and relaxing.
TAMPA BAY, FL – The Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival and Visit St. Pete/Clearwater have announced a partnership to host an eclipse beach party on Monday, April 8 on Clearwater Beach, according to a news release. The first 2,500 visitors in attendance will receive exclusive collectible eclipse glasses, commemorating the 2024 solar eclipse.
During the eclipse period, which is expected to occur from 1:45 p.m. to 4:15 p.m., the Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival will host special live sand sculpting to celebrate the total solar eclipse. At its peak, which is expected at around 3 p.m. EST, the Clearwater Beach area is expected to experience approximately 66 percent obscuration. Beachgoers can pick up their complimentary eclipse glasses at the Visit St. Pete/Clearwater booth at the Sugar Sand Festival starting at noon that day.
“With the eclipse taking place during one of our destination’s most popular art exhibits – the Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival, it gives us the perfect opportunity to host a unique watch-party,” said Steve Grimes, Visit St. Pete/Clearwater CMO.
“While even an eclipse can’t stop the sun shining completely in St Pete/Clearwater, our sugar white sand beaches and emerald green waters offer eclipse-watchers the perfect, unobstructed view of the sky. You’re not going to want to miss the special activities taking place to commemorate the solar phenomenon as only the Sugar Sand Festival can. With 361 days of sunshine on our beaches we’re excited to celebrate the few minutes when the sun won’t shine quite as brightly.”
While the eclipse is celebrated locally at Clearwater Beach, the Visit St. Pete/Clearwater team will also be on site at the Total Solar Eclipse Event at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis, Ind. The “Pit Stop in the Sun” promotion will remind the tens of thousands of attendees that even an eclipse can’t stop the sun shining in St. Pete and Clearwater, Florida.
A word of caution: Never look directly at the Sun without proper eye protection. Special eclipse glasses, with their special filters should be used for safe viewing. Telescopes and cameras also require proper solar filters to prevent damage to your eyes and equipment.
TAMPA, FL – Breeze Airways is adding nonstop service between Tampa and Southern California, according to Tampa International Airport. The discount carrier will offer routes between Tampa International Airport and Santa Ana’s John Wayne Airport in Orange County starting May 31 on Fridays and Mondays. Orange County has a population of over 3 million people and is home to Disneyland, beautiful surfing spots, and delicious cuisines from around the world.
Breeze Airways is also adding Monday and Friday nonstop flights to Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport in South Carolina with seasonal flights starting on May 10.
“We are thrilled to add a sought-after West Coast destination with this Breeze service to Orange County’s John Wayne Airport, giving TPA travelers a nonstop option to a California region well-known as both a business nexus and tourist playground,” Tampa International Airport (TPA) CEO Joe Lopano said.
“With additional service to Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport, Breeze continues to expand Tampa Bay’s access to key destinations across the U.S.”
Both routes will use Breeze’s Airbus A220-300 aircraft, which feature the airline’s signature Nice, Nicer and Nicest fare bundles that range from economy (Nice); premium economy with an extra legroom seat and a checked and carry-on bag (Nicer); and on Nicest, a reclining Breeze Ascent seat, two checked bags, priority boarding and complimentary snacks and beverages, including alcohol.
“Since we started flying from Tampa in May 2021, Breeze has continued to add desirable destinations to our rapidly growing footprint,” Breeze Founder and CEO David Neeleman said. “This new service to California and South Carolina will surely be welcomed as we bring efficient, affordable and elevated travel to more underserved markets.”
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LARGO, FL – Visit St. Pete/Clearwater (VSPC) has been recognized with four Adrian Awards for travel marketing excellence from Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI) across a variety of Marketing, Digital Advertising, and Public Relations categories.
VSPC received four tourism received awards for Gulf to Bay Destination Magazine including Silver Adrian(Advertising Print Collateral category), BarbieCore – Silver Adrian (PR Consumer Campaign category), Like a Local Influencer Campaign – Bronze Adrian(Advertising Influencer Marketing category) and The Ultimate Cheat Meals of St. Pete – Bronze Adrian (Digital Video category).
Now in its 67th year, the HSMAI Adrian Awards are considered the largest and most prestigious competition in global travel marketing, recognizing hospitality brands and agencies for creativity and innovation in advertising, digital, public relations/communications, and integrated campaigns.
The HSMAI Adrian Awards embraces every segment of the industry, including hotels, airlines, cruise lines, car rental companies, destinations, and more. Winners are selected from a field of nearly 1,200 entries.
Additionally, publishers of ConventionSouth, the national multimedia resource for planning events in the South, have presented Visit St. Pete/Clearwater Meetings Team with a 2023 Annual Readers’ Choice Award.
Since its creation in 2001, this is the third time the Visit St. Pete/Clearwater Meetings Team has received the award. Visit St. Pete/Clearwater is featured in the December 2023 Awards Issue of ConventionSouthmagazine.
Visit St. Pete/Clearwater was also selected as a 2023 Smart Meetings Platinum Choice Award winner by Smart Meetings. Industry professionals and Smart Meetings readers cast votes to select the honorees for the top-rated hotels, venues, and CVBs in the hospitality industry that exhibit the highest standards of service and amenities.
“We are proud to see the work of so many members of our team recognized with these awards,” said Brian Lowack, Visit St. Pete/Clearwater President/CEO.
“We appreciate the contributions of our destination partners to make this possible and we look forward to continuing to promote visitation to our beautiful slice of paradise. Beyond our beaches – which are annually ranked among the top in the country, the St. Pete/Clearwater destination continues to grow and provide an array of experiences for all ages and all varieties of travelers.”
TAMPA, FL – Frontier Airlines is expanding services to the Tampa Bay area. Services will begin between Tampa International Airport and Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) starting Nov. 16, 2023. In addition, service will begin from Sarasota (SRQ) to Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) starting Dec. 21, 2023. Intro fares will start at $39.
Credit: Michael Oster
“We’re thrilled to expand our nonstop offerings across our network,” said Daniel Shurz, senior vice president of commercial, Frontier Airlines.
“Along with more routes to Florida, new service to Mexico and the Dominican Republic is also on the horizon. As we get closer to winter, now is the time to start planning those tropical getaways. Getting there is easier and more convenient than ever thanks to Frontier’s ‘Low Fares Done Right.’” Frequency and times are subject to change.
The promotional fare deal must be purchased by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on Aug. 29, 2023. Fares are valid for nonstop travel on select days of week. Fares are valid through Feb. 13, 2024. The following blackout dates apply: Nov. 18-22, 24-27, 2023; Dec. 20-24, 26-31, 2023; Jan. 1-6, 12, 15, 2024. Round trip purchase is not required.
About me: Hello my name is Carlos Hernandez and I am a writer with over 10 years of experience in the industry. I write the local blog Carlos Eats (http://www.carloseats.com) and also contribute to several newspapers and magazines with food-related blogs and articles.
Have a news tip or suggestion? Contact me at carlosreportsnews@gmail.com.
Carlos Eats 