With Barack Obama in the White House and Fidel Castro getting older and more ill, it seems relations between the US and Cuba are getting warmer.
A report in the South Florida Business Journal says that with frosty relations getting warmer, Florida could be one of the main beneficiaries from open trade between us and them.
It says: In the immediate term, there’s wide agreement that Obama will lift Bush-era restrictions on travel and cash remittances, as promised during the campaign. The biggest impact in the tri-county area will be on the agencies that service the area’s many Cuban-American travelers, said Uva de Aragón, associate director of the Cuban Research Institute at Florida International University (FIU).
Obama has promised unlimited travel for Cuban-Americans visiting family on the island, but, under the rules imposed by Bush, “you can travel only every three years, no matter what,” de Aragón explained. This has resulted in lots of illegal travel through third countries and a siphoning of business away from South Florida, she noted.
...Given normalization, South Florida’s larger travel industry would benefit, too, said Dario Moreno, an FIU professor who studies Cuban-American politics. He envisioned full ships owned by South Florida-based cruise lines leaving local ports and heading across the straits. That scenario would also mean a boost for local hotels, restaurants and airports servicing the additional cruise passengers.
So, while it is unclear quite how long it will be before relations return to normal with Cuba under Obama, we can all look forward to a brighter future it seems.
To read the whole of the article click here
Wednesday 28 January 2009
Monday 26 January 2009
Take the tour of Bowl venue
When you come to Anna Maria Island, why not take a tour round the scene of this year's Super Bowl, the Raymond James Stadium?
The stadium tours are a great, and cheap, day out, with the tour itself lasting about an hour and lunch boxes available on request.
You will get to visit the security area, take the field through the Bucs tunnel, see inside the player locker rooms through service level entrance, get a look at the club/suite area through service level entrance and walk on the main concourse to the pirate ship. And all that for just $3 for children 6-15, or $5 for adults.
For more information call 813-350-6545 - but you might want to wait until after the big event, something tells me they are going to be a bit busy for a while...
The stadium tours are a great, and cheap, day out, with the tour itself lasting about an hour and lunch boxes available on request.
You will get to visit the security area, take the field through the Bucs tunnel, see inside the player locker rooms through service level entrance, get a look at the club/suite area through service level entrance and walk on the main concourse to the pirate ship. And all that for just $3 for children 6-15, or $5 for adults.
For more information call 813-350-6545 - but you might want to wait until after the big event, something tells me they are going to be a bit busy for a while...
Thursday 22 January 2009
Latest offers for Florida travel
Check out these latest travel deals, as featured on Newsday.com from the Orlando Sentinel.
Orlando puts on a smiley face -- Orlando has introduced the Orlando Smile Card, offering free deals valid through June. The smiles –make that offers--cover lodging, attractions (including adults at kids' prices at SeaWorld Orlando), dining, etc. and range from stay-two-nights, get-one-free and children stay free to complimentary parking, free tokens in the game room and buy one attraction ticket and get a kid's ticket free. In all there are more than 50 offers. Visit www.bundlesoffreesmiles.com.
The game is on -- The big game is on at the Orlando World Center Marriott Resort with a Super Bowl gridiron getaway advance purchase program with rates from $220 to $259 per room per night, Jan. 20-Feb. 2. The resort is 70 miles from the Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, but those who do not wish to drive to the game, can cheer for their team in the High Velocity sports bar sporting 28 flat panel HDTV's. The bar's doors open at 5 p.m. on game day for an all you can eat Super Bowl Buffet Party for $50 per person (plus tax and gratuity). Visit www.marriottworldcenter.com.
Snap away for a chance to win vacation -- Fodor's Travel and VisitFlorida.com have teamed up to offer a photo contest entitled "Show Us Your Florida." People are invited to submit their photos and the stories behind them at www.fodors.com for a chance to win a three-night Miami vacation package and an opportunity to appear in the ne xt edition of Fodor's Florida guide. The contest is open to U.S. residents and photo submissions will be accepted at www.Fodors.com/contest/florida through Feb. 16. Prize sponsors include AirTran Airways, South Beach's Shelborne Hotel and the Miami Seaquarium.
And don't forget the best place to stay on Anna Maria Island is with www.annamaria.com where all your vacation rental dreams will come true...
Orlando puts on a smiley face -- Orlando has introduced the Orlando Smile Card, offering free deals valid through June. The smiles –make that offers--cover lodging, attractions (including adults at kids' prices at SeaWorld Orlando), dining, etc. and range from stay-two-nights, get-one-free and children stay free to complimentary parking, free tokens in the game room and buy one attraction ticket and get a kid's ticket free. In all there are more than 50 offers. Visit www.bundlesoffreesmiles.com.
The game is on -- The big game is on at the Orlando World Center Marriott Resort with a Super Bowl gridiron getaway advance purchase program with rates from $220 to $259 per room per night, Jan. 20-Feb. 2. The resort is 70 miles from the Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, but those who do not wish to drive to the game, can cheer for their team in the High Velocity sports bar sporting 28 flat panel HDTV's. The bar's doors open at 5 p.m. on game day for an all you can eat Super Bowl Buffet Party for $50 per person (plus tax and gratuity). Visit www.marriottworldcenter.com.
Snap away for a chance to win vacation -- Fodor's Travel and VisitFlorida.com have teamed up to offer a photo contest entitled "Show Us Your Florida." People are invited to submit their photos and the stories behind them at www.fodors.com for a chance to win a three-night Miami vacation package and an opportunity to appear in the ne xt edition of Fodor's Florida guide. The contest is open to U.S. residents and photo submissions will be accepted at www.Fodors.com/contest/florida through Feb. 16. Prize sponsors include AirTran Airways, South Beach's Shelborne Hotel and the Miami Seaquarium.
And don't forget the best place to stay on Anna Maria Island is with www.annamaria.com where all your vacation rental dreams will come true...
Monday 19 January 2009
Vacations still top Brit list
It's not all doom and gloom on the other side of the Atlantic it seems - Brits are refusing to let the global economic situation ruin their plans for a vacation according to a new poll.
The poll claims most Britons hope to spend as much or even more on holidays this year than they did in 2008 despite, or even because of, the credit crunch.
The research, carried out by the Association of British Travel Agents (Abta) has found that while the number of package deals and flights is reducing in the economic downturn, more than two in three people in Britain still dream of increasing or at least maintaining their vacation budget and escaping the financial gloom.
The upshot means that the average vacation price which people anticipate paying for 2009 is just over £630 ($925) per person, equating to more than £2,500 ($3,700) for a family of four, that's up on the previous year.
And an incredible eight per cent of those surveyed said they would be prepared to more than double that amount.
The real telling answer came when they were asked to rank vacations in importance and, despite widespread redundancies and job fears, respondents said that summer vacations were three times more important to them than pay rises, with nearly half describing a break from routine as a vital way of escaping fears over the economy.
So Brits, come to Anna Maria Island and forget about a whole lot more. Just put your feet up and relax - you're on AMI time now...
Visit annamaria.com for the best in vacation rentals
The poll claims most Britons hope to spend as much or even more on holidays this year than they did in 2008 despite, or even because of, the credit crunch.
The research, carried out by the Association of British Travel Agents (Abta) has found that while the number of package deals and flights is reducing in the economic downturn, more than two in three people in Britain still dream of increasing or at least maintaining their vacation budget and escaping the financial gloom.
The upshot means that the average vacation price which people anticipate paying for 2009 is just over £630 ($925) per person, equating to more than £2,500 ($3,700) for a family of four, that's up on the previous year.
And an incredible eight per cent of those surveyed said they would be prepared to more than double that amount.
The real telling answer came when they were asked to rank vacations in importance and, despite widespread redundancies and job fears, respondents said that summer vacations were three times more important to them than pay rises, with nearly half describing a break from routine as a vital way of escaping fears over the economy.
So Brits, come to Anna Maria Island and forget about a whole lot more. Just put your feet up and relax - you're on AMI time now...
Visit annamaria.com for the best in vacation rentals
Tuesday 13 January 2009
Just plane crazy prices
There are still good value flights to be had, with a lot of major carriers continuing their offers until April, May or June, which is virtually unheard of.
According to a Chicago Herald Tribune report: A handful of major carriers and discount carriers have launched fare sales since Dec. 31. Others are expected to follow with sales of their own, or to at least match discounts offered by rivals on competitive routes.
Discount carrier AirTran Airways, a subsidiary of Orlando-based AirTran Holdings Inc, said Tuesday it was offering a nationwide sale with one-way fares starting as low as $39 and some good for travel through May 20.
"We are uncertain about the economy and we are trying to build business on the books for the winter and spring," AirTran spokesman Tad Hutcheson said.
Burlingame, Calif.-based Virgin America also announced a fare sale Tuesday for travel through June 10 to all of the cities the carrier serves. New York-based JetBlue Airways Corp. said it was offering a fare sale involving more than 40 destinations in the Northeast, Florida, California and the Caribbean. For most city pairs, travel must take place before April 1.
So what exactly are you waiting for? Get on a place and get down to Anna Maria Island, Florida's jewel of a destination on the golden Gulf Coast.
For the best in vacation rentals, visit annamaria.com to make your time here just that bit more special.
According to a Chicago Herald Tribune report: A handful of major carriers and discount carriers have launched fare sales since Dec. 31. Others are expected to follow with sales of their own, or to at least match discounts offered by rivals on competitive routes.
Discount carrier AirTran Airways, a subsidiary of Orlando-based AirTran Holdings Inc, said Tuesday it was offering a nationwide sale with one-way fares starting as low as $39 and some good for travel through May 20.
"We are uncertain about the economy and we are trying to build business on the books for the winter and spring," AirTran spokesman Tad Hutcheson said.
Burlingame, Calif.-based Virgin America also announced a fare sale Tuesday for travel through June 10 to all of the cities the carrier serves. New York-based JetBlue Airways Corp. said it was offering a fare sale involving more than 40 destinations in the Northeast, Florida, California and the Caribbean. For most city pairs, travel must take place before April 1.
So what exactly are you waiting for? Get on a place and get down to Anna Maria Island, Florida's jewel of a destination on the golden Gulf Coast.
For the best in vacation rentals, visit annamaria.com to make your time here just that bit more special.
Thursday 8 January 2009
Flights you might fancy
New York news channel NY1 reports good news for travelers planning a trip to Florida, with a host of airline companies slashing their prices amid a worsening economy.
It says: Airlines are keeping prices low in a new year's attempt to draw customers in the sour economy. Carriers are offering discounts as pressure mounts to fill seats, even after drastically reducing capacity.
Several airlines are offering discounts for travel extending as late as May or June, compared with sales in a typical year which apply for travel through March.
Some airline executives had expected less need for sales this year, but dropping fuel prices have put more people back in their cars and the economy has slowed demand for air travel.
Competition between airlines to advertise the lowest fare is also helping drive down the costs for travelers.
Check out some of these offers
AirTran Airways
AirTrain is offering a nationwide fare sale with one-way fares starting as low as $39. The fares, available for purchase through January 15th, are good for travel to and from Florida and San Juan, Puerto Rico, through March 11th, while all other sale fares are good for travel through May 20th.
Virgin America
Virgin America announced a fare sale for travel through June 10th to all of the cities the carrier serves. Nonstop one-way fares range from $59 for flights from San Francisco to Las Vegas, for example, to $139 from New York to Los Angeles.
JetBlue Airways
JetBlue is offering a fare sale involving more than 40 destinations in the northeast, Florida, California and the Caribbean; including a $74 one-way fare from New York's JFK airport to Orlando, Fla. For most city pairs, travel must take place between January 12th and April 1st.
Southwest Airlines
Southwest has sales for travel between January 15th and April 30th.
American Airlines
American Airlines has sales for travel within the U.S. between January 14th and March 4th, and between March 5th and April 30th at slightly higher fares.
United Airlines
Check out United Airlines for deals on travel within the U.S. from January 14th to March 4th, and for travel to several foreign destinations as late as April 30th.
So what you waiting for? Get online and get booking!
And while you're there, check out the very best in vacation rentals at www.annamaria.com
It says: Airlines are keeping prices low in a new year's attempt to draw customers in the sour economy. Carriers are offering discounts as pressure mounts to fill seats, even after drastically reducing capacity.
Several airlines are offering discounts for travel extending as late as May or June, compared with sales in a typical year which apply for travel through March.
Some airline executives had expected less need for sales this year, but dropping fuel prices have put more people back in their cars and the economy has slowed demand for air travel.
Competition between airlines to advertise the lowest fare is also helping drive down the costs for travelers.
Check out some of these offers
AirTran Airways
AirTrain is offering a nationwide fare sale with one-way fares starting as low as $39. The fares, available for purchase through January 15th, are good for travel to and from Florida and San Juan, Puerto Rico, through March 11th, while all other sale fares are good for travel through May 20th.
Virgin America
Virgin America announced a fare sale for travel through June 10th to all of the cities the carrier serves. Nonstop one-way fares range from $59 for flights from San Francisco to Las Vegas, for example, to $139 from New York to Los Angeles.
JetBlue Airways
JetBlue is offering a fare sale involving more than 40 destinations in the northeast, Florida, California and the Caribbean; including a $74 one-way fare from New York's JFK airport to Orlando, Fla. For most city pairs, travel must take place between January 12th and April 1st.
Southwest Airlines
Southwest has sales for travel between January 15th and April 30th.
American Airlines
American Airlines has sales for travel within the U.S. between January 14th and March 4th, and between March 5th and April 30th at slightly higher fares.
United Airlines
Check out United Airlines for deals on travel within the U.S. from January 14th to March 4th, and for travel to several foreign destinations as late as April 30th.
So what you waiting for? Get online and get booking!
And while you're there, check out the very best in vacation rentals at www.annamaria.com
Monday 5 January 2009
Anna Maria hotter than ever
Come on over to our place! The winter might be beating down heavily in the north right now, but we know somewhere that's warm and toasty year-round: Anna Maria Island.
And, despite the economic downturn, now might just be the best time to book your stay in paradise as the cost of flights and accommodation drops - especially if you happen to live in Canada.
This from the Sun Sentinel:
Airlines and hotels are touting bargains to lure Canadians. State tourism agency, Visit Florida, features a Canada section on its website with deals, including some hotels that are half-off from last winter. Round-trip airfares from Toronto to Fort Lauderdale now can run $300, down from $600 or more a year ago.
"I've never seen such (airline) seat sales," said Henny Groenendijk, Visit Florida's public relations manager in Toronto.
Canada matters, because the nation of 33 million residents sends more visitors to Florida than any other country. Canadians also tend to stay relatively long: 17 nights on average. And they include tens of thousands of "snowbirds" who own homes in Florida and often come for three-month stays in winter.
So get booking your flight, and then check out the great vacation rental properties at annamaria.com for the best the island has to offer
And, despite the economic downturn, now might just be the best time to book your stay in paradise as the cost of flights and accommodation drops - especially if you happen to live in Canada.
This from the Sun Sentinel:
Airlines and hotels are touting bargains to lure Canadians. State tourism agency, Visit Florida, features a Canada section on its website with deals, including some hotels that are half-off from last winter. Round-trip airfares from Toronto to Fort Lauderdale now can run $300, down from $600 or more a year ago.
"I've never seen such (airline) seat sales," said Henny Groenendijk, Visit Florida's public relations manager in Toronto.
Canada matters, because the nation of 33 million residents sends more visitors to Florida than any other country. Canadians also tend to stay relatively long: 17 nights on average. And they include tens of thousands of "snowbirds" who own homes in Florida and often come for three-month stays in winter.
So get booking your flight, and then check out the great vacation rental properties at annamaria.com for the best the island has to offer
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