INCOMING
TOURISM TO THE NETHERLANDS from the U.S. has rebounded to
pre-9/11 levels, according to the Netherlands Board of Tourism and
Conventions. The NBTC expected to welcome 1 millionth visitor from
the U.S. in early December, marking the culmination of a steady
rise since 2004. The popularity of Rembrandt's 400th birthday
packages, several new marketing campaigns and the growing number of
airline routes from the U.S. to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport is being
credited for the growing tourism numbers.
ZARAGOZA,
SPAIN, will host the 2008 World Expo with the theme:
"Water and Sustainable Development." From June 14 through Sept.
14, 2008, Spain's fifth-largest city is expected to draw 6 million
visitors, create 9,500 jobs and bring in more than $1.2 billion in
tourism revenues. The expo will be structured around five themed
pavilions and eight large eco-geographical areas comprising the 63
participating countries. Cirque de Soleil will participate with a
daily desert-themed parade through the grounds, and the expo icon
will be a 196-foot, transparent water tower. For more info on the
expo, visit www.spain.info.
SILVERJET, a new transatlantic,
all-business-class carrier, will start operating out of Newark on
Jan. 25, serving London Luton Airport. Silverjet will use Boeing
767s with 100 seats configured as flat beds and will offer
30-minute check-in and private terminals. The average roundtrip
fare will be $1,972.
HOTEL
RATH, a 148-room property under construction near Dublin,
will become a Marriott when it opens in early 2007. The Marriott
Ashbourne will be managed by Interstate Hotels & Resorts, an
independent hotel management company. Located in County Meath,
north of Dublin, the Ashbourne Marriott will be situated at the
junction of two major routes that link Dublin with Derry and
Belfast. The hotel will feature meetings space for up to 600, a
steak and seafood restaurant, a modern Irish pub and recreational
facilities in the Clann, Health and Wellness Club.
THE FRENCH
GOVERNMENT TOURIST OFFICE released a free 20-page booklet
that traces France's Jewish community back more than 2,000 years.
There is information on the Marais district in Paris as well as
sites of interest for Jewish travelers throughout the country. In
addition to suggestions on synagogues and kosher restaurants, the
booklet offers a walking tour of Paris and driving tours of Alsace
and Provence. To order a copy, visit www.franceguide.com/us.
Europe
Editor:
Felicity
Long
Phone: (781) 659-1301
[email protected]
For promotional
opportunities in the E-letters, contact [email protected].