Here are a few ways to enjoy the summer sun (in no specific order):

1.       Screaming Hawk Zipline

Experience the views of Seven Springs Mountain Resort while flying down nearly 2,000 feet of thrilling, high-speed ziplines.

2.       heART of the Alleghenies

Discover historical rural communities that were once part of the Main Line Canal on this 90-mile artisan trail.

3.       6th Annual Remington Ryde Bluegrass Festival (July 12-15, 2012)

This 5-day camping and music festival features 15 bluegrass bands.

4.       22nd Annual Strawberry Festival (June 8-9)

Highlights of the Fulton County Strawberry Festival are an amateur talent show and strawberry recipe contests.

5.       Central PA Festival of the Arts (July 11-15)

Celebrate the arts with activities such as the nationally recognized Sidewalk Sale and Exhibition while enjoying live performances in downtown State College. Visitors can also stay at the award-winning Carnegie Inn and Spa, a 21-room boutique hotel.

6.       Polka Fest (June 1-3)

Take part in the annual three-day Polkafest in Johnstown with live bands and ethnic food.

7.       7th Annual Roar in the Mountains (July 19-20)

Roar 2012 packs something for all motorcycle enthusiasts from vendors to live entertainment to bike runs and much more.

8.       Coal Tubin’ (Summer 2012)

On a hot summer day, there is nothing better than floating down the scenic Stonycreek River. Visitors can enjoytubin’ or whitewater rafting.

9.       Gravity Hill

Located on a road in a remote corner of Bedford County, Gravity Hill is a place where visitors can literally defy gravity with cars rolling uphill, creating an optical illusion.

10.      Fort Roberdeau’s Revolutionary War Days (July 21-22)

The Revolutionary War has never been closer than at Fort Roberdeau. This annual re-enactment features an 18th century field camp, fashion show, crafts and food.

The Alleghenies: The Alleghenies Tourism Council is a partnership of organizations interested in further developing the tourism industry and economic development opportunities in an eight county region in Southcentral Pennsylvania.  The Council works under the umbrella of the Southern Alleghenies Planning & Development Commission, a non-profit economic development agency.  For more information on The Alleghenies, call 1-800-458-3433 or visit www.TheAlleghenies.com.

A bastion of luxury and style, the hotel aims to ensure an exceptional stay for its privileged guests, anticipating and satisfying beyond the spoken needs and recognising the details that make a difference. Its team of dedicated and knowledgeable butlers offer everything from in-room check-ins to dinner recommendations, making your stay at the Waldorf Astoria comfortable, convenient, and truly unforgettable. The world-renowned Piccolo Girls are on hand to open doors and operate the historical elevators, taking guests on tours of the hotel to give them a historical overview of the Waldorf and the city beyond.

Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund prides itself on its team of butlers. The hotel has carefully selected each member of the team for their in-depth knowledge of the hotel and the rest of Shanghai. Their genuine persona and natural service mindset set them apart as top in class in the hospitality arena.

The butler’s tasks begin as soon as a reservation is received. He will take time to research his guests and their needs, looking at records of past stays to anticipate and accommodate their requirements. For example, a team member who once served a pair of fashion designers from a world-renowned Italian design house took the initiative to prepare a special temperature-controlled closet to protect their clothes, as well as Waldorf Astoria garment bags to store them in in anticipation of their arrival. This attention to details and anticipation of guests’ needs are the mainstay of the butler’s work.

Similarly when a well-known movie director stayed at Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund, he was delighted by what met him when he walked into his suite.  Anticipating his arrival, a butler had painstakingly sourced for his favourite candy – a type that wasn’t easily available in China – as a welcome for him.  It is this kind of personal service that truly sets Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund apart.

Discerning guests at the hotel can also expect a swift in-room check-in by the attentive butlers. They will also run any necessary errands, prepare a lavender milk bath, turn down the bed, and do whatever else is necessary to ensure an extraordinary stay for guests.

“True Waldorf Service” originates in New York City at the Waldorf on Park Avenue at East 50th Street. Guest relations are core to the hotel’s philosophy of providing gracious hospitality, as evident in the presence of a dedicated Diplomacy Director who oversees this foundational area. Going beyond the normal ensures every guest is met with the service they deserve, and more; for example arranging suites at the New York Waldorf to be repainted in colors that would please the VIP guests; or making sure that the flowers in Chinese president Hu Jintao’s suite are red and not white – as red signifies luck whereas white is not an auspicious colour in China. Or going out to buy a Persian carpet in a specific color and design because the director knew the particular guest will like and appreciate it.

Exuding a luxurious blend of timeless elegance and modern facilities, the Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund is taking the “True Waldorf Service” credo to new heights. With its warm, personable and attentive cast of professional team members, the hotel will continue the Waldorf Astoria tradition of bringing extraordinary moments to its guests.

Group Executive Alliances, Network and Yield, Merren McArthur said that the services on selected 737-800 aircraft would allow guests to enjoy the airline’s unique Business Class inflight product, along with Priority check in and; Priority Boarding and entry into the airline’s network of lounges.

“To celebrate the introduction of Business Class fares on these important routes, Virgin Australia is offering a sale from 17 May with fares commencing from just $399.00 one way from the Sunshine Coast to Sydney and $499.00 between the Sunshine Coast and Melbourne.”

Ms McArthur said that the year-round Sydney fare would commence from $489.00 one way and Melbourne from $579.00.

“These fares represent great value and provide the Sunshine Coast with Business Class fares connecting to Sydney and Melbourne and more than 33 domestic cities and more than 400 international destinations,” Ms. McArthur said.

BUSINESS CLASS FEATURES INCLUDE: 

• Luxury leather seating with 38” seat pitch on the Boeing 737
• Comfort packs with plush blankets, pillows, and International style amenity kits with Australian organic cosmetics by GROWN for flights over three hours

• Coat check in service with complimentary coat bag
• Newspapers until noon daily
• Exclusive Luke Mangan gourmet full service dining experience, including Luke’s Australian Mocktail on boarding
• Premium Australian wines, beers, and spirit selection
• Gourmet tea selection from Madame Flavour
• Priority baggage service where available

*Seats are limited and may not be available at peak times or on all flights. Fares are on sale from 17 May until 23 May 2012, unless sold out prior, for travel from 30 May until 28 February 2013. Fares are one way on the net or $15 more by phone. Fare includes a checked baggage allowance of 2 pieces of baggage (up to 32kg each). Baggage limits and excess baggage fees may apply. A credit card surcharge of $4.50 per person one way is applicable for all flights within Australia. For full terms and conditions, go to www.virginaustralia.com

^Subject to availability. Fares are one way on the net or $15 more by phone. Fare includes a checked baggage allowance of 2 pieces of baggage (up to 32kg each). Baggage limits and excess baggage fees may apply. A credit card surcharge of $4.50 per person one way is applicable for all flights within Australia. For full terms and conditions, go to www.virginaustralia.com

This week Hotel Compete is proud to launch the Guest Review Rankings Report– a brand new resource that provides hotels, analysts and other interested parties a brand new perspective on review scores across major lodging markets.

The Untapped Opportunity of the Wisdom of Crowds

Hotels’ social media capabilities have progressed considerably over the last couple of years, with Reputation Management the main focus of an increasing level of activity. But despite the great strides that hotels have made in interacting with reviews, the industry is still missing an analytical opportunity.

Industry wisdom has it that hotel review scores are unreliable, because reviewers tend to post reviews when they are either very happy or very unhappy with their experience in a hotel. But the data does not support that preconception. In fact, research shows that similar hotels in the same market tend to attract similar and consistent scores – hence over or under-performance relative to the average can have a significant impact on performance. If analysts can understand what constitutes average performance, and how hotels compare to that average, it can help to predict future hotel performance.

How to Keep Track of Hotel Review Performance

The challenge both for individual hotels and hotel analysts is that no good baseline exists for comparing hotel reviews across multiple sites. Different review sites use different scales, and gather responses and compile scores in different ways. To compare scores across sites is to compare apples with oranges, so market-level analysis tends to focus on individual review sites. Multi-site comparison can be done using one of the many analysis tools currently available, but it’s up to the hotel to select its own comp set. And anyone who reads this site knows our views on the shortcomings of hotel comp set selection.

It’s time for an objective way to compare hotel review performance on an “Apples-to-Apples” basis. Hotel Compete’s Guest Review Rankings Report has been designed to solve exactly this problem. This bi-weekly report – which is based on the top 25 US hotel markets – provides regularly updated Guest Review Rating scores every single hotel in that market.

Hotel review scores are a great predictor of hotel performance, provided you understand them. The scores in this report are represented on a 1-10 scale, making it easy to compare properties in the same hotel class, as well as overall market rankings. Please visit the Hotel Compete Guest Review Rankings Report to learn more.

The decision to suspend services is a difficult one, as Athens has been served since 1972 and Abu Dhabi since 2006. The suspensions are in line with Singapore Airlines’ policy to match capacity to prevailing market demand.

Customers holding confirmed tickets issued prior to 16 May 2012 for travel to and from Abu Dhabi and Athens after 26 October 2012 (27 October for the return Abu Dhabi-Singapore service) will be eligible for refunds, without administrative fees or penalties. This also applies to KrisFlyer redemption tickets. Efforts will be made to contact affected customers to offer alternative travel options.

Singapore Airlines will continue to serve Dubai in the UAE. Connections to and from Athens are also possible on Star Alliance partner airlines via several of Singapore Airlines’ other European points.

Abu Dhabi is currently served three times per week while Athens is served two times per week, rising to three times per week between early July and late September.

Let Your Kid's Imagination Runs Free at Jungle Camp

Back then, we were all about playing out in the sun – or rain, fly kites, ride our bicycle around the town, play with marbles or even trek the park near our houses. But today, kids are somewhat reluctant to go out and became fixated on the current ‘gaming’ technology such as a tablet, video games, computer games and other stationary toys that don’t really stimulate them physically. Somehow, they’re missing out a lot.

The Tree Houses at the Jungle Camp

What does that have to do with Nikko Bali Resort and Spa? Well, hidden away inside this resort is an exclusive children getaway that is unlike any other on the island. Combining an indoor and outdoor area, tucked away on the first floor of the resort’s cliff tower, lies a dreamland called Jungle Camp. The kids club offers various activities for the children from simple arts and crafts, book reading, and board games to a unique tour around the back of the house areas where they can see how the resort runs. In the outdoor area of the club, there are tree houses so cleverly built that they blend with the surrounding while in the corner a wall climbing unit is placed for children to dare themselves to climb up – with secure line, of course.

Catering to children aged four to twelve (children below four years old would require a guardian or parent’s supervision), the Jungle Camp truly offers an old-fashioned fun like we used to know but most importantly, it’s a fun place to be with – after all, that’s all that matters, a happy child.

The Jungle Camp operates from 8.00 am to 10.00 pm daily and packages are available from a single entry, half day and full day (with meals).

The Tree Houses at the Jungle Camp

Wall Climbing at Jungle Camp

“We are delighted to have reached 250 hotels in Asia and are looking forward to continued growth in the region,” explained Simon Cooper, Marriott International’s president and managing director, Asia Pacific. “We are seeing growth across all countries in Asia and in the past few weeks have signed landmark hotels in key locations including Macau, Vietnam and India. We continue to see excellent growth in China where we now have more than 100 open and signed hotels, and expect to open on average one hotel a month in the country for at least the next three years.”

Marriott International operates seven brands across Asia – The Ritz-Carlton, JW Marriott, Bulgari Renaissance, Marriott Hotels & Resorts, Courtyard and Marriott Executive Apartments – and sees tremendous growth potential across all brands in the portfolio targeting different market segments from luxury to mid-scale. India is another exciting growth market for us. With more than 50 open and signed hotels, we expect to grow to about 100 hotels in the country, including Fairfield by Marriott, which was specifically designed for that market.

While Asia continues to deliver robust growth, China remains the strongest driver and Marriott International has ambitious plans in the country. With the portfolio expected to double from the current 58 open hotels in the next 3-4 years, Marriott will increase its work force to well over 70,000 associates over the same time period.

“We see this as a golden age of travel around the world,” said Cooper, “and our Marriott hotels will be there to welcome all travelers, domestic and international. In the process, we are opening doors to a world of opportunity for our guests and associates alike, by offering great careers to our associates in China and across Asia, while delivering rewarding guest experiences across our growing brand portfolio.”

Marriott has been a tireless advocate for removing the barriers to travel through its membership in the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) and World Economic Forum’s Aviation, Travel and Tourism Council. A primary focus has been on new models of mobility, such as the e-visa and reciprocity among nations to make travel easier. The company is also training its associates and teams outside of China to welcome and host Chinese travelers.

Chinese outbound traveler numbers to the US have risen from about 225,000 in 2002 to almost a million in 2011, and with that number is forecast to increase an astonishing 274% by 2016. China represents the fastest growth – by far – of any country, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce. Through its participation on the U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board, Marriott has helped drive a new national tourism strategy, announced last week, to boost international visitors to the United States to 100 million people annually by 2021. Similarly, U.S. Visitation to Asia is expected to increase by similar numbers.

Marriott is also working with key companies in China and recently announced a partnership between Marriott Rewards – Marriott International’s award-winning loyalty programme – and Ctrip. This unique partnership will allow Marriott Rewards members to earn Ctrip points when they stay at any of Marriott International’s participating hotels globally. This partnership is the first of its kind between a global hotel loyalty programme and Ctrip. Membership of Marriott Rewards doubled in China last year and as Marriott International increases its presence and footprint in the country.

NOTE: The statements about the opening dates for the new hotels are “forward looking statements” within the meaning of U.S. federal securities laws, not historical facts, and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including supply and demand changes for hotel rooms; competitive conditions in the lodging industry; relationships with clients and property owners; the availability of capital to finance hotel growth; and other risk factors identified in Marriott International, Inc.’s most recent quarterly report on Form 10-Q; any of which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by our statements. These statements are made as of the date of this press release, and we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR) is a leading lodging company based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA with more than 3,700 properties in 73 countries and territories and reported revenues of over $12 billion in fiscal year 2011.  The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 17 brands, including Marriott Hotels & Resorts, The Ritz-Carlton, JW Marriott, Bulgari, EDITION, Renaissance, Autograph Collection, AC Hotels by Marriott, Courtyard, Fairfield Inn & Suites, SpringHill Suites, Residence Inn, TownePlace Suites, Marriott Executive Apartments, Marriott Vacation Club, Grand Residences by Marriott, and The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club.  There are approximately 300,000 employees at headquarters, managed and franchised properties.  Marriott is consistently recognized as a top employer and for its superior business operations, which it conducts based on five core values: put people first, pursue excellence, embrace change, act with integrity, and serve our world. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com.

 Already unique for its ‘private-access’ swimming pool and sun deck for Club Room and Suites guests only, the hotel is raising its bar by teaming up with local artisan roaster, Coffee Culture to provide an exceptional coffee experience at The Living Room.  

Along with the introduction of gourmet coffee will be a range of hot chocolate drinks from renowned French chocolatier house Monbana, chocolate treats also from Monbana, and premium teas from German brand, Naturalis.

“We are delighted to have become partners with such well regarded beverage brands, that have added a new dimension of luxury and indulgence to The Living Room,” said, Richard Lee, General Manager at Oasia Hotel Singapore.

“I believe that we are one of very few, if not the only hotel club lounge in Singapore to operate a professional Espresso coffee machine, offering such exceptional quality coffees.” 

With the installation of a professional ‘Club La Spaziale Espresso’ coffee machine in The Living Room, Oasia Hotel promises “the same quality of coffee normally only found in gourmet coffee houses.”

Beans are delivered freshly roasted on-demand and ground to order – ensuring the optimum freshness usually only found in coffee houses.

On offer from Naturalis is a varied menu of loose teas and tea sachets, each picked and packed for optimal natural freshness.  As part of the new menu of offerings, guests are able to select a brew based on their mood from wellness tea and Energy Booster tea to Rejuvenation and Sexy infusion tea!

All teas are prepared using specialist teaware from Naturalis to ensure correct infusion and serving as exactly the right temperature.

Already, the hotel is seeing an uplift in requests with General Manager, Richard Lee citing a “doubling in demand for cups of coffee in just two weeks!”

Oasia Hotel Singapore opened in October 2011 and is a designated smoke-free hotel located in the charming enclave of Novena just two MRT stops from Orchard Road.   Named after an ‘Oasis inAsia’, its niche is providing the creature comforts of an intimate ‘home away from home’ whilst still in a convenient location.

It provides an understated but elegant accommodation including four designer suites, 100 Club Rooms, and 312 Deluxe and Superior Rooms. Its 100 club floor rooms are designed and styled by award winning Japanese designer Takashi Sugimoto – and inspired by nature to soothe senses with pleasant scents, high quality cotton bedding, rain showers and natural design elements.

Oasia Club guests enjoy exclusive access to the hotel’s 24-hour club lounge, The Living Room. Open 24 hours a day with spectacular panoramic views over the city and with its own private 20-metre lap pool, Jacuzzi and sundeck, The Living Room provides buffet breakfast, complimentary cocktails and canapés daily from 6pm to 8pm, as well as all-day and all-night snacks.   Guests can also stay connected via complimentary WIFI service.

Airport departure lounges are often one of the few places where artists have time to relax and can simply sit and think.  Music lovers and composers flying Upper Class with Virgin to/from Australia who think of a new tune or need a last minute radio edit to their latest single whilst waiting for their flight can use the studio and record it immediately rather than running the risk of forgetting it.

The Virgin Atlantic Avid Edit Suite has been custom designed and built exclusively for the Clubhouse by AKA Design in London.  It is compact but powerful, offering the industry standard professional digital and editing and mixing system Pro Tools.    The finished content can be emailed or uploaded to a record company, broadcaster or producer direct from the Clubhouse.

Said Virgin Atlantic spokesman Greg Dawson:

“As an airline we want to do all that we can to help every musician’s career take off.  After ‘Garage’ and ‘House’ music we can now have ‘Clubhouse’ music!  Once again Virgin Atlantic is at the forefront of new innovations to make travelling an amazing experience.”

Said Ben Nemes of Avid:

“The music and media industries have changed dramatically recently, the pace of creation and consumption is quicker than ever and deadlines are tight, requiring fast turnarounds and the ability to produce the finished article on the move.  Virgin Atlantic’s decision to create the world’s only airside production suite is the recognition of these needs in creative customers.”

Founder Sir Richard Branson started his career in the music business and many composers have produced their best work while waiting for buses, trains and planes.

“Although the original home was built in 1910, it has been lovingly restored and updated it to meet the needs of today’s visitors” said James Dawson, successful commercial property investor, and owner of Koreelah. “Koreelah still reflects its arts and crafts roots, but as well has features that include fast wifi, ipad controlled sound system and flat screen TVs connected to cable.”

James continued: “Many celebrities have chosen aByron Bay retreat has their main, or second homes, including Simon Baker, Mark Bouris and Paul Hogan – all drawn by the area’s charm and the desire to have stunning homes, like Koreelah, on picturesque yet private acreage, close to the beach.”

“There is no doubt that other celebrities have discovered the charm of the Byron Bay hinterland, with visitors including Elle Macpherson, Hamish Blake, Zac Efron, Ashton Kutcher, Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban” said James. “And in their quest for privacy, and the ability to entertain extended family and friends, large, well appointed and secluded homes like Koreelah are in great demand.”

Situated on 110 acres of tropical gardens and rainforest, with 5 large bedrooms and undercover parking for 8 vehicles, Koreelah is also suitable as a Byron Bay team building venue, or a stunning Byron Bay wedding venuewith a difference.

“Byron Bay has earned a reputation for fine cuisine, so there are many catering options for functions, particularly weddings” explained James.

The owners of Koreelah believe that in opening this stunning home, on sprawling acres, just 4 minutes drive to town, will add a new dimension to the luxury accommodation market in Byron Bay.

More information and booking details are available at http://www.koreelahbyronbay.com.au