VEGAS.COM launched a Spanish version of its
site, which can be accessed at www.espanol.vegas.com or through links at www.vegas.com. The
launch, timed to coincide with Hispanic Heritage month, also
included the addition of bilingual call center employees and e-mail
links throughout the site so clients can directly reach a
Spanish-speaking VEGAS.com travel specialist. In addition, there's
a dedicated phone number, (888) 719-4040, that connects callers
with Spanish-speaking operators. VEGAS.com also is undertaking a
Spanish-language broadcast and print advertising campaign that is
set to begin later this year.
CELEBRATED CHEF MICHAEL MINA will open his
newest restaurant, Seablue, next month at the MGM Grand Hotel and
Casino. The eatery's menu will include fresh seasonal produce and
various types of fish that will be flown in from all over the world
and cooked on a free-standing wood-fired island grill. With the
exception of desserts, not one of the menu items will be cooked
with butter or cream. The restaurant -- which will seat 130 people
in the main dining room and 24 people in the private dining room --
will include a three-sided bar featuring two open preparation areas
where guests can watch their menu selections being made-to-order.
One side of the bar also will feature a display of fresh shellfish
while the other side will showcase greens, fruits, vegetables,
proteins and dressings that patrons can use to build their own
salads. The eatery, which will open for dinner daily at 5:30 p.m.,
is Mina's second at the MGM Grand -- the Mina Group manages and
operates Nob Hill -- and his third in Las Vegas (He serves as Aqua
Bellagio's managing chef.). For reservations, call (702)
891-3486.
THROUGH OCT. 4, clients traveling between Las
Vegas and Cedar Rapids, Iowa, will receive free air for a second
traveler when they purchase a Funjet Vacations package. Roundtrip
air-only rates from Cedar Rapids start at $299.99 for the first
person, while the second person flies free via Ryan International
Airlines. The price is valid for four-night Monday departures Sept.
29 to Oct. 13 and for three-night Friday departures Sept. 26 to
Oct. 10. The cost is $100 more for four-night Monday departures
Oct. 20 and 27 and three-night Friday departures Oct. 24 and 31.
Meanwhile, Funjet packages featuring accommodations at the Hotel
San Remo start at $539.99 per couple, including roundtrip air via
Ryan International, roundtrip hotel-airport transfers plus three or
four nights accommodations. The rate is valid for four-night Monday
departures Sept. 29 to Oct. 27 and for three-night Friday
departures Sept. 26 to Oct. 10 and Oct. 24 and 31. Agents can book
Funjet Vacations through VAX VacationAccess, all four res systems using
the vendor code FUN or by phone at (800) 558-3050.
AMERICA WEST is adding new routes out of its
Las Vegas hub. The service to St. Louis; Billings, Mont.; and Des
Moines, Iowa, starts Oct. 26, Nov. 26 and Dec. 19, respectively.
The airline will use 737 aircraft for the St. Louis flights;
American West Express, operated by a Mesa Air Group subsidiary,
will fly 50-seat Canadair Regional Jet aircraft for the Billings
flights; and the new 80-seat Canadair Regional Jet for the Des
Moines service. The latter RJ includes six first-class seats. For
more information or to book, call (800) 235-9292 or vist www.americawest.com.