Tip Your Hat to the Topping off of the New Omni Fort Worth Hotel & Residences

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FORT WORTH, Texas, Aug. 13 /PRNewswire/ — Two years, 750 people and 60,000 cubic yards of concrete mark the much anticipated topping off of the Omni Fort Worth hotel and the residences at 1301 Throckmorton. After approximately two years of construction, the property has permanently changed the skyline of downtown Fort Worth.
“We have had an amazing construction crew from Austin Commercial that has put forth tremendous effort into this project,” said Bruce Johnston, project director for the Omni Hotels. “I’m proud of all associated with this undertaking, and I know each and every person involved in this endeavor feels the same about the work we did here. This is truly an amazing project.”
The Omni Fort Worth hotel and the residences at 1301 Throckmorton celebrated the topping off with a special ceremony and Texas-style barbeque at the property. A Norwegian pine tree was hoisted to the top of the 33rd floor of the property — a topping off tradition symbolizing growth and luck. Additionally, Fort Worth Mayor Mike Moncrief and Ed Netzhammer, general manager of the Omni Fort Worth Hotel, addressed community leaders, Omni associates and Austin Commercial workers at a lunch in the unfinished ballroom on the second floor of the Omni Fort Worth Hotel.
The luxury project stands directly across the Fort Worth Convention Center, is within walking distance of the city’s burgeoning cultural centers, restaurants and nightlife and will offer a casual yet sophisticated style and a personality that is as gracious and dynamic as Fort Worth itself.
The Omni Fort Worth hotel will have 614 guest rooms and suites featuring exceptional natural linens, saddle-blanket throws and stitched pillows. Upon opening, guests, locals and residents of 1301 Throckmorton will have access to fine culinary selections including the renowned Bob’s Steak & Chop House, Wine Thief bar, the Whisky & Rye sports lounge, a full service Starbucks and Cast Iron for the casual dining experience as well as a Mokara Salon & Spa and fitness center.
Nearly 68,000 square feet of meeting and event space is available at the hotel. Included among its 29 meeting rooms is the Texas Ballroom, which will encompass 18,788 square feet alone. The hotel will feature built-in pre-function areas, plus 6,500 square feet of useable outdoor space and access to the Fort Worth Convention Center meeting space, which includes access to the stunning Fort Worth Water Gardens. The symbiotic relationship between the Omni Fort Worth and the city has been beneficial. The Omni Fort Worth hotel has booked approximately 185,000 room nights in the last 18 months. Since the beginning of its fiscal year (October 1, 2007), the city has booked 214,442 room nights, which is roughly a 70 percent jump over the city’s best year.
The residences at 1301 Throckmorton will take hospitality to new heights. Residents of the 89 luxury units being built atop the Omni Fort Worth hotel will enjoy the ease and convenience of all hotel services and an array of luxurious dining options. The residences will offer stunning views of the Fort Worth skyline, as well as the private residence rooftop pool and terrace. Sculpted from native stone, rich hardwoods and wrapped in glass, the residences will create a rustic yet refined feel. Each residence was designed by Faulkner Design Group and every detail was taken into consideration to ensure a complete luxury experience with a Fort Worth flare. The residences at 1301 Throckmorton have garnered a lot of interest this summer, and approximately 35 percent of the units have been sold.
The hotel is set to open January 2009 and the residences of 1301 Throckmorton will be completed the summer of 2009.
About Omni Hotels
Omni Hotels creates compelling, memorable guest experiences by tempting the senses in innovative ways, surrounding them with a balanced blend of scents, sounds, sights, textures and tastes. Omni Hotels offers luxury accommodations at 43 hotels and resorts in leading business gateways and leisure destinations across North America. From exceptional golf and spa retreats to dynamic business settings, each location features four-diamond services, including award-winning signature restaurants, Wi-Fi connectivity and unique fitness options. Omni’s mission for total customer service is further supported by its “Power of One” program that empowers associates to make on-the-spot decisions to meet or exceed guest expectations. Guests can locate hotels and book accommodations by visiting or by calling 1-800-THE-OMNI.
Omni Hotels

Border Governors Urge Homeland Security to Remove Obstacles to Mexican Travel and Help Strengthen U.S. Economy

SACRAMENTO, Calif., Aug. 15 /PRNewswire/ — California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and fellow border governors from Arizona, New Mexico, Texas and various Mexican states have signed an agreement that urges the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to remove obstacles to Mexican travel into the United States, and provides recommendations that will improve security and ease of travel.
“Mexico is California’s number one inbound market, generating approximately $1.58 billion in spending, so declines in that market would have a major impact on our economy, including loss of jobs,” said Caroline Beteta, president & CEO of the California travel & Tourism Commission and chair of the travel Industry Association. “In my role as national chair for the travel Industry Association, I’m also concerned about what impeding travel would mean to the U.S. travel industry and economy. Just a five percent decline in overnight visitation from Mexico would mean a loss of approximately 700,000 travelers and over $400 million in spending - with a disproportionate impact on America’s border states.”
Mexican travel to the U.S. generates 26 percent of all overnight visitors to the U.S., making it the second largest inbound travel market (only slightly behind Canada). travel from Mexico has grown by 35 percent since 2000 — the most of any inbound market. Furthermore, for the fourth consecutive year, Mexican visitors spent record levels on travel in the United States — totaling $9.6 billion in 2007.
“The increase in business and leisure travel from Mexico partially compensates for a decline of 2 million overseas visitors to the U.S. between 2000 and 2007,” Beteta said. “We must nurture and enhance this critical travel market through more efficient and secure travel systems and by combating a growing negative perception among Mexican travelers that the U.S. has removed its welcome mat. Also, our new requirements for U.S. citizens to provide passports in Mexico have added a burden on Mexican border states as well.”
Some of the growing obstacles to Mexican travel to the U.S. in recent years include lengthy waits at land borders and airports. The border governors have made a series of recommendations that will protect America’s security while strengthening the economy, such as creating efficient and secure points of entry. A white paper produced by the border governors recommended that, instead of investing solely on boosting staffing at borders, DHS should invest more resources on improving infrastructure for land ports of entry, airports and new technology that is needed to develop corridors of travel that meet current demands. DHS has yet to outline how it will use the $40 million Congress provided it to improve the entry process at the top 20 international inbound airports.
Other recommendations include urging the U.S. and Mexican governments to partner on leveraging technology and increasing participation levels of registered travel programs that expedite travel of Mexican nationals at land and airports. For example, although Mexican nationals are familiar with the SENTRI land program, the border governors suggested developing a Global Entry Program for those who travel by air. The border governors also support three main initiatives that will allow Consular Affairs in Mexico to meet the demands of its new workload: 1) build new consulate compounds to increase visa interview capacity; 2) hire significant new Foreign Service Officers and temporary visa adjudicators to meet the surge as soon as possible, and; 3) expand the pilot program in Nuevo Laredo and Monterrey that allows contract personnel to complete part of the BCC application process at an off-site facility.
In addition, the border governors and the travel Industry Association advocate the passing of the travel Promotion Act, a nationally-coordinated promotion program — at no cost to taxpayers — that is critical to changing perceptions and accurately communicating America’s security policies and the U.S. invitation to all international visitors.
“Inbound international travel is a leading American ‘export,’ providing a $17.4 billion trade surplus in 2007,” Beteta said. “Just as the federal government is deeply involved in promoting trade with our neighbor to the south, so too should it be involved in promoting travel to the United States.”
The CTTC is a non-profit organization with a mission to develop and maintain marketing programs — in partnership with the state’s travel industry — that keep California top-of-mind as a premier travel destination. According to the CTTC, travel and tourism expenditures total $96.7 billion annually in California, $16.7 billion of which is international, support jobs for 924,100 Californians and generate $5.8 billion in state and local tax revenues. For more information about the CTTC and for a free California Visitor’s Guide, go to .
California travel & Tourism Commission

Go Flat Over the Pacific on United Airlines

CHICAGO, Aug. 14 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — travel to Asia is getting more enjoyable and relaxing with United’s international, lie-flat first and business class seats, taking off today for the first flight to the region with a newly configured Boeing 747. The aircraft will also feature iPod connectivity, enabling customers in the front cabins to enjoy their own videos on a 15.4-inch personal television screen.
United flight #869 from San Francisco is scheduled to depart today at 1:12 p.m. PDT for a 13 hour and 48 minute flight to Hong Kong, arriving at 6 p.m. local time Friday. The aircraft will continue on as United flight #895 with a scheduled departure at 8 p.m. on August 15 and arrival in Singapore at 11:35 p.m. The plane will primarily fly between San Francisco, Hong Kong, and Singapore.
“Trans-Pacific travel just got even better for United customers, who will now have more ways to relax on long flights,” says Graham Atkinson, United Airlines — executive vice president and Chief Customer Officer. “Today’s flight marks another milestone in United’s continuing commitment to invest in products and services that provide our customers with a more enjoyable travel experience.”
Customers in United First and United Business on the newly reconfigured aircraft may enjoy more than 150 hours of movies and television shows on-demand; relax with fully lie-flat seats; and dine on appetizers and entrees designed by world-renowned chef Charlie Trotter on outbound U.S. flights. United’s entire fleet of international, widebody aircraft are being reconfigured over the next two years and will include iPod connectivity in first and business class.
United was the first major U.S. carrier to introduce lie-flat business class seats in November 2007. More information about these seats — and the International Premium travel Experience — is available at suitedreams.united.com.
About United
United Airlines operates more than 3,200* flights a day on United and United Express to more than 200 U.S. domestic and international destinations from its hubs in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Denver, Chicago and Washington, D.C. With key global air rights in the Asia-Pacific region, Europe and Latin America, United is one of the largest international carriers based in the United States. United also is a founding member of Star Alliance, which provides connections for our customers to 965 destinations in 162 countries worldwide. United’s 55,000 employees reside in every U.S. state and in many countries around the world. News releases and other information about United can be found at the company’s Web site at united.com.
*Based on United’s flight schedule between Jan. 1, 2008, and
Dec. 31, 2008.
United Airlines

Ease Hurricane Concerns With Funjet Vacations’ Complete Coverage

MILWAUKEE, Aug. 13 /PRNewswire/ — Hurricanes can be unpredictable, but traveling doesn’t have to be with Funjet Vacations’ Complete Coverage: Any Reason Cancel & During travel Benefit. Hurricanes rarely affect Mexico or most Caribbean islands, but when one does strike, travelers with Funjet Vacations’ Complete Coverage can enjoy peace of mind should Mother Nature strike prior to, or during, a vacation.
Travelers to Mexico and the Caribbean should start researching their vacation destination in advance to make an informed decision. Hurricane season runs June through November, however Mexico typically encounters activity only between August and October, while some Caribbean destinations, such as Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao, rarely see any hurricanes or feel the effects. Mexico’s Pacific side — home to popular vacation destinations like Puerto Vallarta, Ixtapa and Acapulco — is less likely to be impacted by hurricanes and makes for an excellent getaway for sun-seeking travelers.
While the rarity of a hurricane is a possibility that some travelers are willing to risk, according to former National Hurricane Center Director Bob Sheets, “Caribbean visitors have just a two to three percent chance of being affected by a hurricane during a one or two-week trip.” Others instead err on the side of caution and opt for travel protection like Funjet Vacations’ Complete Coverage.
Part of traveler’s planning should include researching travel protection and insurance, and always reading the small print to fully understand what is — and is not — included. Unlike some travel coverage options where fine print exclusions are plentiful and often catch travelers off guard, Funjet Vacations’ Complete Coverage offers travelers complete peace of mind.
Complete Coverage:

— Gives travelers the ability to cancel for any reason prior to departure
and money will be refunded (minus the cost of the Complete Coverage)
including money back on non-refundable air tickets
— Travelers receive travel protection, which includes trip interruption
benefits, baggage protection, and medical protection plus 24-hour
emergency travel assistance service
— Covers all land and air penalties for charter and scheduled air
bookings — including non-refundable airfares and airline penalties
— Includes price guarantee for charter/value flight vacations
— Costs $79.99 for domestic vacations and $99.99 for international
vacations

Hurricane Benefits Plan:

— Valid on charter/value flight vacations, scheduled air and land only
vacations for travel July - October
— Includes money back for interrupted and unused nights at all hotels and
destinations plus Funjet Vacations certificate towards future vacation
($100 per adult, $50 per child for charter air/value flight vacations
and $25 per person on scheduled air and hotel only vacations)

During travel Protection:

— Includes trip interruption and delay benefits, baggage protection, and
medical protection plus 24-hour emergency travel assistance service
— The plan is underwritten by National Union Fire Insurance Company of
Pittsburgh, Pa., a member company of American International Group

About Funjet Vacations

Funjet Vacations is the flagship brand of the family-owned Mark travel Corporation, headquartered in Milwaukee. Operating for more than 30 years, Funjet Vacations specializes in flexible, personalized vacations for individuals and groups via nonstop charters and scheduled airlines to some of the most popular vacation destinations, including Mexico, the Caribbean, Las Vegas, Hawaii, Ski, California, Florida, Europe and spring break getaways. Travelers can choose from air-inclusive, land-only or air-only vacations. With Funjet Vacations, travelers can enhance their vacation through a wide variety of experiences such as tours, attractions, shows, sporting events and more. In addition, Funjet Vacations demonstrates its “end-to-end” customer service philosophy by being available to customers throughout the entire vacation experience, from planning to in-destination to post-travel communications.
Funjet Vacations

Job.travel, the Premium Employment Site for the Travel and Hospitality Industry, Announces Free Job and Resume Postings

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Aug. 12 /PRNewswire/ — Job.travel, the premium employment site for the travel and hospitality industry, announces free job and resume postings. For a limited time only, job.travel is extending an invitation to all in the travel and tourism industry to take advantage of a new, efficient job site for effectively matching qualified job seekers with employers.
This targeted site provides the ability to quickly search candidates and job opportunities from handheld, mobile devices or desktop computers. As an easy-to-use tool for on-the-go individuals, job.travel offers mobile text and e-mail alerts when candidates and jobs match. These alerts provide access to “snapshots” to get a quick view of both candidates and job opportunities.
Job.travel was created and developed by Michael S. Egan, an entrepreneur and lifelong supporter of the travel industry. With job.travel, Egan addresses the need for a premium, industry specific employment website for the global travel community.
“I know how little time business owners and managers have to read e-mail, find qualified employees, and run their businesses,” stated Egan, founder of job.travel and current chairman of Certified Vacations, “I believed it was time to fill the niche with job.travel.”
As an extension of Egan’s alma mater, job.travel is proud to be a senior partner of the Cornell University Center for Hospitality Research. With this partnership, job.travel will assist the Center for Hospitality Research to expand its mission of continued growth, innovation, and success of the hospitality industry.
To take advantage of this limited offer, please visit to create your account and begin posting your organization’s career opportunities or your resume for a career change.
About job.travel
Job.travel, the travel and hospitality industry’s targeted, premium employment site, focuses solely on efficiently matching qualified job seekers with employers. With the ability to quickly search candidates and job opportunities from handheld, mobile devices or desktop computers, job.travel is designed to be easy-to-use. Please visit, for more information and updates on job.travel news.
Job.travel

Barcelo Hotels & Resorts Appoints Judith M. DeLibro as Sales Manager for the Northeast United States

MCLEAN, Va., Aug. 11 /PRNewswire/ — Barcelo Hotels & Resorts today announced the appointment of Judith M. DeLibro as Sales Manager for the Northeast. Ms. DeLibro joins Barcelo Hotels & Resorts from Classic Vacations in San Jose, CA, where she was the Business Development Manager for the Northeast. She brings nearly 20 years of travel industry experience to her position. Ms. DeLibro will report to Anthony Stone, Senior Director of Sales & Marketing, for Barcelo Hotels & Resorts, USA.
“We welcome Judith’s extensive travel industry experience as well as her expertise in service and sales,” said Stone. “As we continue to mature Barcelo’s brand presence throughout the US, as well as grow our portfolio of upscale all-inclusive resorts throughout Mexico and the Caribbean, Judith’s experience will prove invaluable,” added Stone.
Ms. DeLibro completed the travel Program at Sacred Heart University and is President of the Connecticut CTO. In addition to her position with Classic Vacations she has also held sales positions with the Anguilla Tourist Board, the Barbados Tourism Authority and Ambiance Vacations. She can be reached at .
About Barcelo Hotels & Resorts
Barcelo Hotels and Resorts is among the world’s top 30 hospitality and travel companies, and it is renowned for its well-established European tradition of excellence in service and amenities.
Barcelo was established in Palma de Mallorca, Spain, in 1931 first as a transportation company, and then as a hotel and travel company. It is a family owned, privately held hospitality company renowned for more than 75 years of service excellence and innovative spirit in the tourism industry. The Company owns, manages or franchises hotels in 15 countries with more than 40,000 rooms worldwide. Throughout Mexico and Latin America the company has more than 30 all-inclusive resorts and hotels. Elsewhere, Barcelo Hotels and Resorts are located in key European cities and resorts, in North America, Africa, as well as in Latin America and the Caribbean. For more information on Barcelo Hotels and Resorts visit .
Contact: Gayle MacIntyre
Barcelo Hotels & Resorts

404-643-8222

Barcelo Hotels & Resorts

Essex Inn Completes $4 Million Renovation

CHICAGO, July 24 /PRNewswire/ — Essex Inn, an independently owned and operated hotel located in Chicago’s revitalized South Loop, recently completed a $4 million renovation project that gave the hotel’s 254 guest rooms, suites and hallways an art-inspired makeover.
With this redesign, each floor boasts its own theme highlighting print works of renowned artists such as Picasso, Andy Warhol and Van Gough. Every room features upscale new wall and floor coverings, furniture, accent decor, bedding, refurbished bathrooms, flat screen TVs and MP3-compatible alarm clock/radios, as well as wireless internet access. The hotel’s hallways received a similar refurbishment and the elevators are equipped with TV screens and are finished with brushed metal. Additionally, the business center now has both PC and Mac compatibility and ergonomic chairs, tailoring to the business traveler’s needs. Also, a handy kiosk navigates guests through Chicago’s attractions with helpful information on everything from the weekend’s events and must-see destinations to restaurant and nightclub recommendations.
“The Essex Inn takes pride in the fact that we meet our guests’ ever-changing travel needs and offer a unique Chicago experience,” said Andrew Schwebel, general manager, Essex Inn. “Fashionable decor and amenities such as technology upgrades further enhance the experiences for family and business travelers alike and help to create a long-lasting impression of our hotel and the city of Chicago.”
The Essex Inn features a host of other amenities such as its one-of-a-kind, all-season rooftop swimming pool that also includes an outdoor sundeck overlooking the sites of Chicago and a state-of-the-art fitness center with sauna. The property has meeting and banquet rooms for small or mid-sized conferences and events, accommodating party sizes from 12 to 150 attendees. The Essex Inn also offers affordable packages that can be customized to fit an individual’s or group’s specific needs.
Located at 800 South Michigan Avenue, the Essex Inn is conveniently located directly across the street from Buckingham Fountain, Grant Park and Millennium Park, as well as near some of Chicago’s prime tourism attractions such as the Art Institute, the Field Museum, John Hancock Observatory, The Sears Tower Skydeck, the Shedd Aquarium, and others. The property features 254 spacious guest rooms and suites and has a unique, all-season rooftop swimming pool that includes an outdoor sundeck and a 1,350 square-foot fitness center with a sauna. Additionally, the hotel has four banquet rooms that offer over 3,000 square feet of meeting and entertainment space. For more information about the Essex Inn call (312) 989-2800, toll-free at (800) 621-6909 or visit .
Essex Inn

Concord Hospitality Appoints Nick Kellock Chief Operating Officer

RALEIGH-DURHAM, N.C., Aug. 8 /PRNewswire/ — Concord Hospitality Enterprises, one of the nation’s top-ranked hotel developer/owner/operators, today announced that Nick Kellock has joined the company as the chief operating officer, effective September 15th. Kellock will provide strategic direction to the overall operation and develop focused initiatives to manage and enhance the infrastructure of the company during a period of accelerated growth.
Kellock joins Concord from Marriott International, where he most recently served as a senior vice president in charge of franchising for five of Marriott’s select-service hotel brands — Courtyard, Fairfield Inn, Residence Inn, SpringHill Suites and TownePlace Suites. During his tenure, Kellock facilitated the franchising of more than 1,600 hotels. Previously, he served as Marriott’s group vice president for select-service brands and brand vice president for Fairfield Inn & Suites.
Prior to joining Marriott, Kellock held several management positions with the Whitbread hotel Company, based in the United Kingdom. He holds a bachelor’s degree in hotel management from Bournemouth University in the United Kingdom and a certificate in strategic marketing management from Harvard University.
“Nick is an extraordinary addition to our leadership team,” said Mark Laport, Concord’s president and CEO. “Concord is entering a period of rapid growth and Nick’s experience and demonstrated strategic expertise will be critical as we focus on expanding. Nick has a proven track record of successfully launching and growing franchises, experience we expect to leverage heavily as we work to meet our goal of doubling our current portfolio of more than 50 owned and managed hotels by 2010.”
Kellock will replace Robert J. Micklash, who served in the position for 11 years and recently was named chief operating officer of Extended Stay America, effective July 1.
About Concord Hospitality
Concord Hospitality Enterprises Company, an award-winning hotel management and development company based in Raleigh-Durham, N.C., owns and manages more than 50 hotels with more than 6,000 guest rooms in 11 states and two Canadian providences. The company’s portfolio includes such well-known brands as Renaissance, Marriott, Courtyard by Marriott, Residence Inn by Marriott, Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott, SpringHill Suites by Marriott, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton Inn and Suites, and an independent boutique hotel. Formed in 1985, the company was recently listed as one of the top management companies in the nation. Concord properties are some of the most awarded hotels in the country, having won nearly 30 honors in the past two years alone. For more information, visit .
Contact: Melanie Boyer, Jerry Daly
(703) 435-6293
Concord Hospitality Enterprises

Blogging Buzz-Worthy Beijing With ShermansTravel.com

NEW YORK, Aug. 8 /PRNewswire/ — ShermansTravel.com has launched the Beijing Insider (), the ultimate Olympic blog covering all of Beijing’s buzz-worthy news from beyond the Olympic Games. The Beijing Insider () will be updated twice daily by China expert Gary Bowerman, a local writer who’ll be dishing insider information on China’s capital city and its cultural diversions, the latest celebrity sightings, the city’s new shopping district, entertainment, restaurants, and nightlife — basically, everything making news outside the Olympic stadium.
“Whether you’re traveling in Beijing or just want to feel like you’re there during the Olympic Games, you’ll want to check out our Beijing Insider () every day for the next two weeks,” said Arabella Bowen, Vice President of Editorial, ShermansTravel Media. “Our new blog is for those who want inside information on what’s generating the real buzz in Beijing right now. If you’re looking to see how many gold medals swimmer Michael Phelps has won or how LeBron James and other NBA all-stars are doing in the basketball competition, you can tune into the local news,” she added.
ShermansTravel Media pegged Gary Bowerman as their on-the-ground Beijing expert as he’s been covering China since 2004 from both lifestyle and business perspectives. When he’s not posting updates on Beijing Insider (), he serves as the editor of BizChinaUpdate.com, is the resident co-editor of ZAGAT Shanghai Restaurants & Hotels Guide, and resident editor for LUXE Guide Shanghai. He is also founding partner of Scribes of the Orient, an online China travel and lifestyle publisher.
For travelers feeling inspired to travel to Beijing for the games or even afterwards, check out editor-reviewed deals on ShermansTravel.com at .
ABOUT SHERMANS travel MEDIA
ShermansTravel Media is a leading travel media company that publishes ShermansTravel.com and Sherman’s travel magazine. Founded by James Sherman in 2002 to help travelers make sense of the overwhelming number of online travel specials, ShermansTravel.com is now the web’s most trusted source for editor-screened travel deals and destination advice. Sherman’s Top 25, a free weekly e-newsletter published every Wednesday, has surpassed four million subscribers. The company also has syndication partnerships with leading web sites, including MSNBC.com, MSN.com, USAToday.com, and Yahoo!. Building on its trusted online brand, ShermansTravel Media launched Sherman’s Travel, the first magazine serving sophisticated, value-conscious travelers, in October 2006.
Media Contacts:
Roland Alonzi/Joanne Bloomstein, MMG Mardiks
Tel. 212.219.0759, ext: 6765 / 4519
/
ShermansTravel Media

TripAdvisor’s Call of the Wild: Top 10 U.S. Aquariums and Zoos

NEWTON, Mass., Aug. 7 /PRNewswire/ — TripAdvisor(R), the world’s largest travel community, today announced the top 10 aquariums and zoos in the U.S., according to traveler popularity and TripAdvisor editors.
(Photo: )

Top 10 U.S. Aquariums
1. Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, Gatlinburg, Tennessee
2. Tennessee Aquarium, Chattanooga, Tennessee
3. Monterey Bay Aquarium, Monterey, California
4. Ripley’s Aquarium, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
5. Oregon Coast Aquarium, Newport, Oregon
6. Dallas World Aquarium, Dallas, Texas
7. National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium, Dubuque, Iowa
8. Shedd Aquarium, Chicago, Illinois
9. Downtown Aquarium, Denver, Colorado
10. Florida Aquarium, Tampa, Florida

Top 10 U.S. Zoos
1. Memphis Zoo, Memphis, Tennessee
2. Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, Tucson, Arizona
3. St. Louis Zoo, St. Louis, Missouri
4. Henry Doorly Zoo, Omaha, Nebraska
5. San Diego Zoo, San Diego, California
6. San Diego Zoo’s Wild Animal Park, Escondido, California
7. Miami Metrozoo, Miami, Florida
8. Indianapolis Zoo, Indianapolis, Indiana
9. Woodland Park Zoo, Seattle, Washington
10. Palm Beach Zoo at Dreher Park, West Palm Beach, Florida

“These aquariums and zoos offer wonderful learning experiences about animals and their habitats, and truly let travelers take a walk on the wild side,” said Michele Perry, vice president of global communications for TripAdvisor.
About TripAdvisor Media Network
TripAdvisor(R) Media Network, operated by TripAdvisor, LLC, attracts nearly 32 million monthly visitors* across 12 popular travel brands, TripAdvisor(R), , , , , , , , , , and . TripAdvisor-branded sites make up the largest travel community in the world, with 24 million monthly visitors*, six million registered members and 15 million reviews and opinions. Featuring real advice from real travelers, TripAdvisor-branded sites cover 300,000 hotels and attractions and operate in the U.S. (), the U.K. (), Ireland (), France (), Germany (), Italy (), and Spain (). TripAdvisor(R) Media Network provides travel suppliers with graphical advertising opportunities and a cost-per-click marketing platform. Collectively, the sites comprising the TripAdvisor Media Network have won hundreds of awards and accolades from press and industry worldwide. TripAdvisor and the sites comprising the TripAdvisor Media Network are operating companies of Expedia, Inc. .
TripAdvisor is a registered trademark of TripAdvisor LLC in the U.S. and/or other countries.
*Source: comScore Media Metrix, May 2008

TripAdvisor, LLC