Harley-Davidson Museum® Puts the Pedal to the Metal with its Lineup of 2016 Exhibits

The Harley-Davidson Museum is going full throttle into 2016 with high-octane exhibits, events and programming that shine a spotlight on Harley-Davidson's deep ties to the sport of racing.

It all kick-starts this week with two new exhibits that will go on display Friday, Jan. 22. The Bridge Gallery will be taken over by Race Day: Photos from the Flat Track, which will feature dozens of photos from flat track racing's foremost photographer, Dave Hoenig. Also on Friday, the public will get its first opportunity to see the revamped Design Lab. Racing Machines from the KR to the XR drills down deep to show how Harley-Davidson engineers created the world's foremost racing team. The Museum will also have extended hours on Jan. 22 (10 a.m. – 9 p.m.) as a part of Gallery Night.

Later this year, the Museum's special summer exhibit will open June 17, with a special media preview day on June 16. Drag Racing: America's Fast Time will give museum-goers the opportunity to trace drag racing's humble back-road – and often illegal – beginnings to the high-tech and high-powered races of today.

With new exhibits, unique race-inspired items from The Shop, a new menu from MOTOR® Bar & Restaurant to be revealed Jan. 27, parties, events and so much more scheduled for 2016, the Harley-Davidson Museum is on a mission to show the world that #SpeedThrills.

Race Day: Photos from the Flat Track, Jan. 22-Sept. 5

The Museum will start kicking up a little dirt on Jan. 22, when Race Day: Photos from the Flat Track, a photo exhibit featuring dozens of images from flat track racing's preeminent photographer, is unveiled. Dave Hoenig takes you down to pit row and into the grandstands to document the thrills and chills of life in the fast lane. Hoenig has captured more than 1,000 races in his career, keeping his lens trained on the pageantry, emotion and camaraderie of a day at the track.

Racing Machines from the KR to the XR

The Museum's Design Lab, which recently underwent a renovation, will also reopen on Jan. 22. The installation focuses on the role Harley-Davidson's hardscrabble engineering team played in creating the legendary bikes that would dominate the race tracks of the 1950s, '60s and '70s. This exhibit shows how man and machine have combined to make Harley-Davidson Racing a king and the winner's circle its throne.

Additionally, the Museum lobby will feature a newly acquired 1947 WR Harley-Davidson racer believed to be one of only 20 made. The bike was also discovered to have Wisconsin ties, as it was owned by legendary racer Ray Tursky of Madison.

Drag Racing: America's Fast Time summer exhibit; June 17 - Sept. 5

Go under the hood with mind-blowing mad scientists of speed to see just how much blood, sweat and elbow grease hot rodders pour into their machines – two wheels or four – in their race against time. See the sport make tracks from its humble beginnings on darkened streets to the bright lights of the winner's circle as the need for speed permeated pop culture.

Confirmed artifacts and exhibit details will be shared this spring.

The fun doesn't stop at the Museum doors. The Museum campus will be buzzing with activities and can't-miss events like our monthly bike nights, specialty dinners just in time for Valentine's Day and more. Coming later this month, MOTOR® Bar & Restaurant will unveil its new menu, with a focus on American classics.

About the Harley-Davidson Museum

The Harley-Davidson Museum is located at 400 W. Canal St. in Milwaukee and provides a glimpse of American history and culture like you've never seen it before – through the lens of Harley-Davidson Motor Company. The Museum, a top destination in Milwaukee and the state of Wisconsin, is open year-round and attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors to the area each year. The 20-acre campus offers abundant and free parking, and includes MOTOR® Bar & Restaurant and The Shop. For more information on the Museum's galleries, exhibits, special events, tickets and more, visit the new and improved h-dmuseum.com



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New Developments in Detroit

News of new restaurants, hotels, retail and other new developments in Detroit are being announced all the time. From the Cobo Square and the Little Caesars Arena to the Detroit Zoo and Motor City Harley Davidson, Detroit is bustling with new exciting activity.

World-Class, Mixed-Use Sports and Entertainment District Coming to Detroit

The District Detroit will be 50 blocks of thriving businesses, parks, restaurants, bars and event destinations. It will be home to the young and the young at heart, families, new residents and long-time residents who want to be where the action is. It will connect Downtown and Midtown into one contiguous, walkable area, where families, sports fans, entrepreneurs, job seekers, entertainment lovers and others who crave a vibrant urban setting can connect with each other and the city they love. Recently Olympia Development of Michigan, LLC, has announced plans for more than 200,000 square feet of privately financed retail and office development projects in The District Detroit. The structures, along with further expected private retail, office and residential development throughout The District Detroit, bring the currently expected total project investment to as much as $1.2 billion by 2020, with $900 million plus of that investment from the private sector. Original plans called for a $650 million total investment in The District Detroit by 2022 at the earliest.

The District's main feature will be the Little Caesars Arena, home to the Detroit Red Wings, other sports and entertainment events, concerts, family shows and community functions. This will not only service as a hockey arena to the Detroit Red Wings but will have active community spaces including on-site practice ice for amateur hockey use and an outdoor plaza featuring area for entertainment will be accessible. There will also be a more interactive experience for fans such as enhanced video and sound capabilities for a more immersive experience and creative food-service options. The expected completion date for the Little Caesars Arena is summer 2017.

Streaming video of the construction site is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at DistrictDetroit.com.

DFW International Airport Becomes Only U.S. Airport Providing A Full Range Of Facilitation Services for Travelers Entering The U.S.

Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) has expanded and launched more new services for international travelers and is the only U.S. airport that offers Automated Passport Control© (APC) with automated passport processing for eligible international travelers, customers from all 38 visa waiver countries, customers with only carry-on bags and Lawful Permanent Residents (citizens with “green cards”).

“Since the implementation of Automated Passport Control we have seen great results with more than 70 percent of all international customers automatically processed through the APCs,” said Sean Donohue, CEO at DFW Airport. “Working in partnership with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, we have been able to shorten wait times for international travelers passing through CBP even with an 8.46% increase in overall passenger traffic.”

Most recently, DFW expanded its leading edge APC technology from 30 self-processing kiosks to 51; launched Carry E-Z© lines, labeled in green in the International Arrivals Hall, which enable international customers traveling without checked bags to clear the CBP arrival area in one step and move directly to the landside concourse bypassing the baggage claim process; instituted automatic processing for citizens from all 38 visa waiver countries in cooperation with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection; and became the first and only U.S. airport to begin automatic processing of U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents (citizens with green cards). DFW also offers Global Entry with 20 automatic processing stations also recently expanded.

“CBP is committed to working with its partners to implement solutions to improve efficiency while ensuring our primary mission to secure our nation remains a priority,” said Cleatus P. Hunt Jr., U.S. Customs and Border Protection's area port director. “APC and One-Stop (called Carry E-Z©) are the latest examples of our commitment to facilitate legitimate travel in a secure manner with less delay.”

DFW was recognized by President Obama in May for leveraging technology to reduce wait times by nearly 40% with its APC kiosks. The President ordered the technology to be implemented at the nation's top 25 airports.

“Our ultimate goal is to be the preeminent global hub for passengers around the world,” said Donohue. “Making the entry process to the U.S. the most expedient, secure and convenient for travelers helps put DFW in the forefront in the minds of international travelers.”

DFW has not only developed new systems and services, but is working to address every step in the process once an international passenger lands. On July 15, DFW will expand CBP baggage egress from 7 to 13 positions and the Terminal D22 checkpoint will grow from 4 to 6 lanes to better accommodate international passengers connecting on other flights.

DFW's Automated Passport Control, a proprietary system first implemented last fall is part of an overall passenger facilitation strategy which includes a total of 51 kiosks that speed up the entry process. DFW's APC is also processing more than 70 percent of arriving customers with an average processing time of 14 minutes or less.

“Now, all of our 51 APC kiosks are capable of handling US citizens, Canadian visitors, Visa Waiver customers and LPRs…and it's making a big difference in the customer experience,” said Donohue.

In its first few months, DFW's APC was processing about half of DFW's international arrivals. On June 21, 2014, DFW saw the highest international passenger entries ever in one day as more than 12,500 international travelers entered the U.S. at DFW with over 9,100 of these travelers, or 73 percent, processed through DFW's APC. June also saw another milestone achievement for DFW with total travelers processed by APC exceeding one million since its automated system was implemented last October.

In addition to the latest new services, DFW has worked with federal agencies, legislators and industry partners to implement innovative solutions to improve the customer experience and facilitate processing international travelers, including early adoption of federal trusted traveler programs (Global Entry and TSA Pre-√), payment of some overtime costs for CBP officers, and support for additional staffing for CBP starting next year.

For the summer season running from June 1 through August 31, 2014, DFW expects to host 17 million customers, which would make the summer of 2014 the busiest summer ever at DFW and 2.4% above the same period last year.

About Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)

Celebrating its 40th Anniversary in 2014, Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) is the world's third busiest, hosting 1,850 flights a day and serving more than 60 million customers a year. Located halfway between the cities of Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas, DFW Airport provides nonstop service to 148 domestic and 55 international destinations. For seven consecutive years, DFW has ranked among the top ten large airports worldwide for customer service in surveys conducted by Airports Council International. For the latest news, real-time flight information, parking availability, or further details regarding the many services provided at DFW International Airport, visit www.DFWAirport.com or download the Official DFW Airport Mobile App for Apple iOS, Android or Blackberry devices.

(re)defining DFW International Airport

DFW International Airport's $2.3 billion Terminal Renewal and Improvement Program (TRIP) is (re)defining first class for this global gateway. For the latest details regarding TRIP, log on to www.DFWAirport.com/redefine.

Follow DFW International Airport On:

www.Twitter.com/DFWAirport

www.YouTube.com/DFWIntlAirport

www.Facebook.com/DFWAirport



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What's New in New York City

THIS IS NEW YORK CITY

No city in the world can match New York City's unparalleled energy, or the tremendous pride New Yorkers take in opening their arms to our visitors. There is always something fun, exciting and inviting to do here, no matter what kind of experience you prefer. With Broadway shows, outdoor movies or concerts, tours of museums or historical attractions, cuisine from every world culture, and more, there are endless opportunities in each of the City's five boroughs—the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens and Staten Island—to discover something new.

TOURISM IN NEW YORK CITY
In 2015, New York City welcomed a record 58.3 million visitors, the City's sixth consecutive year for record-breaking tourism. Visitation for 2015 comprised an estimated 46 million domestic and 12.3 million international visitors, both all-time highs. This year, New York City is expected to welcome 59.7 million visitors, comprised of approximately 47 million domestic and 12.7 million international travelers. New York City has the most active hotel development pipeline in the country, with approximately 109,000 hotel rooms as of June 2016, and an expected inventory of 135,000 hotel rooms by 2019.

WHAT'S NEW:  NYC & COMPANY PROGRAMS
This June, NYC & Company announced the organization's visual rebrand, including the launch of the newly rebuilt and reimagined NYCgo.com—the trusted, authentic and centralized five-borough tourism resource. New elements of NYC & Company's brand overhaul include two custom typefaces, more than 250 custom icons and a custom color palette, all inspired by New York City's vibrancy, energy, diversity and legacy. New capabilities and features on the relaunched website include: mobile-first and responsive design to optimize user experiences across devices; increased video presence with more than 200 videos, high-impact visuals, real-time responsiveness to trending topics; integrated and contextual mapping and a flexible platform to serve multiple audiences; and the ability to surface member, partner and user-generated content (nycgo.com/relaunch).

NYC & Company's biannual dining and theater promotions make visiting NYC even more affordable. The first and largest dining program of its kind, NYC Restaurant Week offers discounted three-course prix fixe menus at more than 350 restaurants every January-February and July-August. This summer, the program will take place July 25–August 19, with reservations opening on July 11 (nycgo.com/restaurantweek). Launched in 2011, NYC Broadway Week (September 5–18; tickets on sale August 18) and NYC Off-Broadway Week (September 26–October 9; tickets on sale September 12), launched in 2009, are designed to increase ticket sales during typically slower periods of attendance every winter and fall and offer visitors and New Yorkers the opportunity to see some of NYC's best shows, with 2-for-1 tickets (nycgo.com/broadwayweek and nycgo.com/offbroadwayweek).

Growing the family segment is a key focus for NYC & Company. Since the launch of its Official NYC Family Ambassador program in 2009, family travel to New York City has increased by more than 30 percent. The program was created to help position New York City as a welcoming family-friendly destination, encourage families to visit year-round and invite those who have already visited New York City to return and enjoy all of the new attractions the City has to offer. In April 2016, NYC & Company announced its newest Official NYC Family Ambassadors, The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Previous family ambassadors include Dora, Curious George, Where's Waldo, the Muppets, The Smurfs and Sesame Street (nycgo.com/family).

This spring, NYC & Company's See It for Yourself campaign can be seen in markets around the world, including Australia, Austria, Brazil, France, Germany, Italy, Norway and the UK. The new campaign showcases the vibrancy of the City's iconic landmarks and attractions with its colorful and eye-catching creative (flickr.com).   

In 2015 NYC & Company launched a new Free in NYC guide (nycgo.com/free) highlighting the best free activities New York City has to offer, including events, museums, tours, TV tapings, attractions and more.

For a list of annual events taking place in New York City's five boroughs, visit nycgo.com/annualevents. For a list of things to do around New York City this summer, take a look at our summer guide at nycgo.com/summer.

For general information on New York City, visit nycgo.com

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TAT Newsroom Blogger Campaign to launch on 16 June

       
TAT Newsroom Blogger Campaign to launch on 16 June  

Bangkok, 15 June, 2016 – The date has been set for the long-awaited TAT Newsroom Blogger campaign to start accepting entries. From 16 June, 2016, the world's talented bloggers and photographers can upload their stories and images of Thailand and get the chance to win an exclusive trip to the kingdom.

Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) said, "Here at the TAT, we are always writing stories about the wonders to be found in Thailand. So it's really exciting to be able to hear from the world's talented bloggers about their own adventures in the kingdom and to see some of the amazing pictures they have taken. We want to hear how people have experienced Thailand and connected with the people. We want to know how they've been inspired to creativity. We are very much looking forward to 16 June, 2016 when these tales of Thailand start to flood in."

The TAT Newsroom Blogger Campaign is aimed at promoting the charms of and attractions of Thailand, its culture and its people through stories and real experiences. It is the kingdom's unique blend of, traditions and festivals that epitomise "Thainess" and make the country stand out as offering unique experiences to all visitors, writers and photographers especially.

The TAT Newsroom Blogger Campaign is open to anyone who has an active online blog or social media presence. All that is required is for bloggers and photographers to write a blog post about their experiences in Thailand or upload a favourite Thailand photo.

To enter, bloggers must have a high-profile and regularly-updated social media presence as well as a number of regular followers. This could include Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Google Plus, etc. or a personal blog that covers travel, food or culture topics. Entrants also need to be followers of the TAT Newsroom via social media platforms. Content bloggers who have yet to come to Thailand can also enter the contest by writing about the amazing experiences they would love to enjoy in the kingdom.

Entrants can upload up to five stories and photos to the specially created TAT Newsroom Blogger website,www.blogger.tatnews.org, which will be launched on 16 June, 2016. The Campaign will be open for 45 days or until 31 July, 2015. After posting their stories and photos, the bloggers and photographers can then ask their online followers and members of the public to vote. The top three bloggers and three photographers with the highest numbers of votes will win an all-expenses-paid trip to Thailand, which will take place from 16-20 September, 2016. The next three most voted, each, for story blogs and photos will receive a special prize.

Voting on the website will be open from 16 June to 10 August, 2016, and the top three active voters will get the chance to receive prizes with their names entered in to a lucky draw. By signing in via their personal Facebook or Google plus accounts, voters are allowed to cast one vote per hour for up to 10 votes per day.

Website: www.TATnews.org
Facebook: TAT Newsroom
Twitter: TAT Newsroom  
       

MTA Members upgrade to first class Rocky Mountains lounge

Pictured MTA – Mobile Travel Agents' Beate Carr (on left) and Sonia Jones lounging around as they take in yet another memorable view of the magnificent Rocky Mountains while participating in an exclusive study tour with the iconic Rocky Mountaineer.

The MTA Members were fortunate to experience the Rocky Mountaineer's best-selling 'First Passage to the West!' program, features of  which include overnight stays in Calgary, Banff and Vancouver as part of a mountains meets coast combination.

W: www.mtatravel.com.au

F:   www.facebook.com/mobiletravelagents      

Harmony of the Seas’ lion gets the jump on MTA’s Tracey Flower

It's not every day you get jumped by a lion and certainly not on board a luxury cruise ship.

But that's exactly what happened to MTA – Mobile Travel Agents' Member and current Cruise Line Industry Association (CLIA) 'Consultant of the Year' Tracey Flower when she was invited to join an exclusive pre-inaugural cruise of Royal Caribbean International's Harmony of the Seas from Barcelona.

Tracey met Alex the Lion from 'Madagascar' as part of the ship's featured DreamWorks experience which enables younger passengers to meet with many of their movie heroes including Princess Fiona and Shrek, Po from 'Kung Fu Panda' and several other popular cartoon characters.

Additional highlights of her cruise experience included the opportunity to sample a host of the vessel's huge array of features ranging from ice skating, visiting 'Central Park' in the middle of the ship featuring real trees and plants, a 10-storey slide, two flow riders and Jamie Oliver's on board Italian restaurant.

W: www.mtatravel.com.au

F:   www.facebook.com/mobiletravelagents