CuisineScene News  CuisineScene News Member News America’s Premier Shopping Places Serve Up Unique Culinary Options and Experiences
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Jul
29
2006
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America’s Premier Shopping Places Serve Up Unique Culinary Options and Experiences |
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Written by ICTA Admin
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Saturday, 29 July 2006 |
America’s Premier Shopping Places, a collection of 44 tourism-oriented shopping centers located throughout the USA, recognizes the importance of dining to the overall travel experience of both group and leisure visitors. And each of these centers is proud to offer a diverse menu of dining options certain to please every appetite. Whether visitors are traveling to major destinations such as New York, Las Vegas, Honolulu, Dallas, Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago, Boston, etc, or exploring regional drive destinations such as Birmingham, Des Moines, San Antonio, Providence, etc., each of America’s Premier Shopping Places dishes up a variety of culinary delights.
The International Culinary Tourism Association, states that Culinary Tourism is important for many reasons. According to the U.S. National Restaurant Association, The Travel Industry Association of America and the Canadian Tourism Commission, dining out is an important component of the travel experience since nearly 100% of all tourists dine out while away from home. In addition, research indicates the higher the total dining bill, the more likely the patrons are tourists. Tourists who are interested in wine/cuisine also show a strong affinity for museums, theater, shopping, music, film, ethnic festivals and outdoor recreation.
As a result of this burgeoning travel trend, many of America’s Premier Shopping Places are partnering with their restaurants to create or enhance programs designed specifically with today’s culinary travelers in mind. The following is an example of programs currently being offered at select centers:
• South Street Seaport in New York City, Faneuil Hall Marketplace in Boston, Riverwalk Marketplace in New Orleans, Bayside Marketplace in Miami and Harborplace and The Gallery in Baltimore offer groups pre-paid meal vouchers which are commissionable to group planners. The vouchers are valid for special meal offers in the Food Court and are especially popular with international groups and students visiting the centers.
• The Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian and Fashion Show in Las Vegas offer Shop & Dine packages to both groups and FIT’s. These packages are also commissionable to travel professionals and include a dining voucher valid at participating restaurants, as well as a variety of special offers and services from select retail merchants and complimentary gifts.
Shop and Dine packages are also currently being developed at Ala Moana Center in Honolulu, Glendale Galleria in Los Angeles, Galleria Dallas and Festival Bay Mall at International Drive in Orlando. In addition to the dining options outlined above, many of America’s Premier Shopping Places offer groups private party options onsite with catering by participating restaurants. These programs are a big hit with meeting and incentive planners looking for a unique alternative to hotel conference rooms. America’s Premier Shopping Places offer colorful indoor and outdoor venues that excite the senses with activity and fun, combining the top two travel activities of shopping and dining.
America's Premier Shopping Places is a branded collection of 44 tourism-oriented shopping centers located throughout the United States which are owned and/or managed by General Growth Properties, Inc. The centers are located in the heart of America's best-loved cities as well as along America's scenic highways and byways, attracting millions of visitors annually from around the world. For a complete listing of destinations and further information, visit www.AmericasShoppingPlaces.com or contact Kathy Anderson, Travel & Tourism Manager at
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General Growth Properties, Inc. is the second largest U.S.-based publicly traded Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT). General Growth currently has ownership interest and management responsibility for a portfolio of 209 regional shopping malls in 44 states, as well as ownership in planned community developments and commercial office buildings. The company portfolio totals approximately 200 million square feet of retail space and includes over 18,000 retailers nationwide. General Growth Properties, Inc. is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol GGP. For more information, please visit the company Web site at www.AmericasShoppingPlaces.com. |
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