What's Happening This Week @
the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau —

GMCVB AND AMERICAN EXPRESS® PRESENT FIRST WINTER MIAMI SPICE! JANUARY 12 - FEBRUARY 12, 2009
The GMCVB and presenting sponsor American Express® are proud to introduce the first Winter Miami Spice, taking place January 12 - February 12, 2009 at many of the 2008 Miami Spice participating restaurants throughout Greater Miami and the Beaches. Celebrate the city’s passion for food and life by enjoying a special 3-course dinner and/or lunch at Miami’s finest restaurants. Lunch is $23 and dinner is $36 (beverage, tax and gratuity not included). For participating restaurants, visit www.iLoveMiamiSpice.com.

‘WHERE WORLDS MEET’ $2 MILLION INCREMENTAL ADVERTISING CAMPAIGN CONTINUES TO MAKE AN IMPACT IN INTERNATIONAL MARKETS
The global campaign, ‘Where Worlds Meet’, which is a $2 million incremental joint partnership of the GMCVB, American Airlines, The Beacon Council, Miami-Dade County, Miami International Airport and the Port of Miami continues to promote Greater Miami and the Beaches as a dynamic, world-class destination for vacation, business, and meetings. Since the program launched in September, print ads have generated over 16 million impressions, TV billboards have also generated an additional 16 million impressions and the online campaign running on various travel and newspaper websites has generated over 48 million impressions. The integrated campaign promotes Miami as the ultimate tropical, cosmopolitan tourism destination while showcasing our unique assets as a premier location to host meetings and conventions or to establish a business. All traffic is being directed to the micro-site, www.MiamiWhereWorldsMeet.com which is available in multiple languages.

GMCVB’S MEDIA RELATIONS ASSISTING GERMAN GOLF WRITER
GMCVB Media Relations is assisting Bernd Stoertebek, a writer and photographer for the golf supplement Piazza Golf January 8-15, 2008. Piazza Golf is a special golf supplement that is distributed 3 times annually in the prestigious German Sunday newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung. Mr. Stoertebek will be doing research for a three-page story about golf in Miami featuring some of the destination’s top resorts. One page in this supplement is valued at 29,800 Euros. Audience reach is estimated at 1.79 million readers (circulation: 368,414). Germany ranked #3 for overnight international visitors to Greater Miami and the Beaches in 2007 and generated an economic impact of $615 million.

THOMAS COOK TRAVEL LTD. TO PURCHASE GOLD MEDAL TRAVEL – UNITED KINGDOM’S LEADING INDEPENDENT TOUR WHOLESALER
It was announced recently that Thomas Cook Travel Ltd. will purchase Gold Medal Travel – the United Kingdom’s leading independent tour wholesaler. The sale is subject to competition clearance. If approved, Gold Medal will continue to operate as a stand-alone brand. Gold Medal currently employs 500 people at its Preston office in Lancashire, England. In 2007 the UK ranked #4 for international overnight visitors to Greater Miami and generated an economic impact of $644 million.

GMCVB’S MEDIA RELATIONS ASSISTS QUEENS CHRONICLE COLUMNIST JANUARY 6-13, 2009
GMCVB Media Relations is assisting a senior columnist for the Queens Chronicle writing an overall destination piece on “What To Do” in Miami to be published in February 2009. The Queens Chronicle, which recently celebrated its 30th anniversary, publishes eight different editions of the weekly community newspapers with a combined circulation of 160,000 in the borough of Queens, New York.

GMCVB WILL EXHIBIT AT REISELIV IN OSLO, NORWAY JANUARY 8-11, 2009
The GMCVB will exhibit as part of the “Florida’s Beaches” co-op booth at Reiseliv Travel Trade &Consumer Show in Oslo, Norway. This is the largest travel show in Norway, with more than 50,000 people attending during the four days. In 2007 Norway ranked #22 for international overnight visitors to Greater Miami and the Beaches in 2007 and generated a total economic impact of $53 million.

GMCVB’S MEDIA RELATIONS WELCOMES DOGGIE AFICIONADO MAGAZINE JANUARY 7-9, 2009
GMCVB Media Relations welcomes a freelance writer working on a Doggie Aficionado Miami feature January 7-9, 2009. Doggie Aficionado (circulation: 175,000) targets people who love and celebrate dogs and are dedicated to the cause of saving and improving the quality of life for all dogs, with all proceeds from subscriptions and advertising sales benefiting local no-kill animal shelters.

GMCVB’S MEDIA RELATIONS WELCOMES BRITISH TRAVEL WRITERS
GMCVB Media Relations staff welcomes freelance writers Kathy and Paul Wade, in town January 12, 2009. “Team Wade” are well known and respected travel writers for numerous British travel publications and newspapers including Essentially America, a consumer magazine covering travel and lifestyle to and within the USA, Canada and Mexico (circulation: 50,000), the Sunday Telegraph, a broadsheet-sized quality Sunday newspaper providing in-depth national and international travel coverage (circulation: 622,260) and London’s Daily Express, a tabloid-sized newspaper (circulation: 752,181). They will be in Miami for one day enroute to the Caribbean and will do a brief tour of some of the new hotels and tours available for a destination update which they will offer to the publications for which they contribute.

GMCVB MEDIA RELATIONS STAFF ASSISTING IRISH TRAVEL EDITOR FOR SUNDAY WORLD
GMCVB Media Relations staff is assisting the Eugene Masterson, Travel Editor for the Irish newspaper Sunday World January 5-7, 2009. Sunday World is a tabloid-sized newspaper covering news, events, gossip and celebrity features and includes travel and entertainment information (circulation 274,143). Mr. Masterson will be visiting Miami to do research for a travel feature. He seeks host accommodations for himself and a press rate for an additional room. In exchange for hosting him, the hotel will receive editorial coverage in the body of the text of the story as well as in the fact box of the story.

MIAMI’S BAYFRONT PARK NAMED AMONG TOP 10 PLACES TO RING IN THE NEW YEAR – USA TODAY
Miami’s Bayfront Park is one of 10 great places to spend New Year’s Eve, according to Mahdad Taheri, founder of NewYears.noo.com, who shared his list of favorites with USA TODAY last week. "Who wouldn't love a party complete with a Big Orange climbing up the side of a building?" Taheri asks. "The Big Orange," a New Year's Eve icon in Miami's Bayfront Park, reaches the top of the Hotel Intercontinental at midnight, heralding the beginning of a huge fireworks display. The park hosts a free concert until the midnight extravaganza. "The best thing about this event: It's warm!" Taheri says.

LYAN TASSLER, GMCVB’S ASSOCIATE VICE PRESIDENT OF CONVENTION SERVICES, STEPS INTO ASSOCIATION LEADERSHIP ROLE
GMCVB Associate Vice President of Convention Services Lyan Tassler will take the leadership gavel on Saturday, January 10, 2009 in New Orleans, Louisiana as President of the Association for Convention Operations Management (ACOM). ACOM is dedicated to advancing the practice of convention services management (CSM) in the meetings industry. Lyan has been active in the association since 1997, serving in various capacities. She was named to the Board of Directors in 2001 and has served on the Executive Committee since 2004. Lyan will continue to represent the GMCVB while serving as President of ACOM during her one-year term. Congratulations, Lyan!

VISITOR INDUSTRY COUNCIL (VIC) CONGRATULATES FALL 2008 GRADUATES
Congratulations to Visitor Industry Council (VIC) Scholars Johnnita Hatcher and Jouvens Jean, Fall 2008 graduates of Florida International University, School of Hospitality & Tourism Management. Johnnita Hatcher received her Bachelor of Science degree in Tourism Management and Jouvens Jean received his Bachelor of Science degree in Hospitality Management. The Visitor Industry Council (VIC) is a non-profit 501© 3 organization established in 1991 by the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau to expand the participation of the African Heritage labor force in Miami-Dade County's visitor industry. Congratulations on your achievement, Johnnita and Jouvens!

SAVE THE DATE: NEXT GMCVB MEMBER MIXER IS THURSDAY, JANUARY 22ND AT FONTAINEBLEAU MIAMI BEACH
Mark your calendars! The next GMCVB Member Mixer is Thursday, January 22nd at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach from 6 to 8 p.m. See the Fontainebleau’s spectacular renovation and taste samplings from the property’s new and exciting restaurants. Discounted valet parking is $15 per car. Note: Invitation is for GMCVB members only and is non-transferable. We look forward to seeing you there!

TIPS & INFORMATION FOR USING THE NEW I-95 EXPRESS LANES
Attention GMCVB Members & Friends: Help us spread the word to our Miami visitors about how to use the new 95 Express lanes on I-95. Here are some key points to help inform visitors:
The new 95 Express lanes are variably priced toll lanes so a SunPass is required to pay - no cash is accepted.
If you want to use 95 Express, make sure you have a SunPass or that you are in a registered hybrid vehicle, vanpool, or 3+ carpool. If you drive a motorcycle, you can use 95 Express toll-free.
At rental car agencies, travelers may obtain a PlatePass® or Pass24® to pay tolls electronically.
At this time I-95 Express lanes are available in the northbound direction only.
Drivers may enter the lanes from eastbound State Road 112, northbound I-95 just south of SR 112 or from the Northwest 10 Avenue ramps to I-95.
There is no exit for approximately seven miles to just north of 151st Street.
Do not stop in the Express lanes.
Do not attempt to exit early by driving around or between the plastic poles.
For complete information, visit www.95express.com.

ATTENTION GMCVB MEMBERS: ADD YOUR ‘SPECIAL OFFERS’ TO THE GMCVB WEBSITE
Do you have a special offer or promotion that you’d like to publicize? Take advantage of the GMCVB’s dynamic, frequently visited web site, www.MiamiandBeaches.com, and publish your offer online for FREE! Special Offer categories include: Accommodations; Arts & Culture; Boating/Watersports; Business Services; Restaurants; Shopping; and Sightseeing & Tours. To add your Special Offer, click here. If you have forgotten your User ID or Password, please call your GMCVB Membership Representative: Debbie Oliver, (305) 539-3077; Lisa Lamy, (305) 539-3082; or Kathy Gimenez, (305) 539-3078.

GMCVB MEMBERS: SIGN UP TO JOIN THE GMCVB FOR A SALES MISSION TO JAMAICA JANUARY 19-22, 2009
The GMCVB would like to extend to its members and industry partners the opportunity to participate in a Sales Mission to Montego Bay Jamaica, January 12-22, 2009. We will be conducting a Dinner Presentation, and anticipate attendance to be approximately 50 travel agents. We will also be doing a Miami Day at the Air Jamaica Reservations Center as well as conducting sales calls. Jamaica ranked #13 for international overnight visitors to Greater Miami and the Beaches in 2007 and generated an economic impact of $108 million. Registration fee: $1,000 / brochure distribution: $250. Please contact Sandra Daley-Francois by email at: Sandra@GMCVB.com.

GMCVB’S TOURISM SALES IS HEADING TO COLOMBIA – Asociación Colombiana de Agencias de Viajes y Turismo (ANATO) FEBRUARY 25-27, 2009
Attention GMCVB Members: Come join us! GMCVB Tourism Sales will be traveling to Colombia for ANATO (Asociación Colombiana de Agencias de Viajes y Turismo) in February. Interested in the Colombian market? If so, let us know ASAP so that we can count you in as part of the Miami Delegation. ANATO is a 2 ½ day trade show for buyers (this show is closed to the public). If you are not familiar with ANATO, please visit their website: www.vitrinaturistica.anato.org. All levels of the value added chains are present: tour operators, booking engines, destinations, airlines, hotels and car rentals. Please contact Larissa@GMCVB.com now if you would like to be a part of the Miami delegation (space is limited). Colombia ranked #6 for international overnight visitors to Greater Miami and the Beaches in 2007 and generated an economic impact of $501 million.

JOIN GMCVB AT ADVENTURES TRAVEL EXPO IN WASHINGTON, D.C.
Attention GMCVB Members: The GMCVB Tourism Sales Team would like to offer you the opportunity to join us at the Adventures Expo in Travel in Washington D.C. February 21 – 22, 2009 in a shared booth. This is the 5th year of the show – which attracts over 12,000 qualified consumers and 500 travel agents each year. Statistics show that 74% of Washington, D.C. consumers found their next vacation at the show and that 56% will book within six months. Member cost is $850.00 (one representative per company).

ATTENTION GMCVB MEMBERS: UPCOMING TRADE SHOWS FOR THE SOUTHEAST USA MARKETS
Peninsula Round Table Presentations: Clearwater, Orlando and Palm Beach Florida.
February 17-19, 2009. If you are interested in participating, please contact Virginia at 1-800-278-3838 or go online for the registration information: www.Peninsulashows.com. You can also contact the GMCVB Director for the Southeast USA market, Sandra Daley-Francois. Email: Sandra@gmcvb.com
National Trade Shows (NTS): Atlanta, Georgia /Birmingham, Alabama/ Knoxville and Nashville, Tennessee, February 23-26, 2009. If you are interested in participating or being a part of the Miami booth, please contact Bill Gardiner at info@NTShows.com or go online for the registration information: www.NTShows.com. You can also contact the GMCVB Director for the Southeast USA market, Sandra Daley-Francois. Email: Sandra@GMCVB.com
Peninsula Round Table Presentations: Greensboro & Charlotte, North Carolina and Greensville, South Carolina, March 10-13, 2009. If you are interested, please contact Virginia at 1-800-278-3838 or go online for the registration information: www.PeninsulaShows.com. You can also contact the GMCVB Director for the Southeast USA market, Sandra Daley-Francois. Email: Sandra@GMCVB.com.

JOIN THE GREATER MIAMI DELEGATION TO WORLD’S LARGEST TOURISM CONVENTION - ITB BERLIN MARCH 11-15, 2009
GMCVB Tourism Sales wants YOU! Are you planning on attending the International Tourism Bourse [ITB] Berlin in March 2009? If so, let us know ASAP so that we can count you in as part of the Miami Delegation. ITB Berlin is the world's leading Travel Trade show with more than 180,000 visitors - among these are 108,000 trade visitors and over 10,000 exhibitors from 180 countries. ITB Berlin, the world’s largest tourism convention, takes place March 11-15, 2009. All levels of the value added chains are present: tour operators, booking engines, destinations, airlines, hotels and car rentals. Hurry and drop us a note if you plan to be part of the Miami delegation at GMarti@GMCVB.com. Germany ranked #3 for international overnight visitors to Greater Miami and the Beaches in 2007 and generated an economic impact of $615.4 million.

ATTENTION GMCVB MEMBERS: SHARE A BOOTH AT CLIA’S CRUISE3SIXTY ON APRIL 3-4, 2009
The GMCVB would like to extend to its members and industry partners the opportunity of share booth at this year’s Cruise Line International Association (CLIA) Cruise3Sixty, April 3 - 4, 2009, held at the Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center. Now in its fifth year, Cruise3Sixty owes its success to the strong partnership between the travel agent community and cruise vacation industry. The show combines the best elements of a travel show with business, educational and professional development and networking. We anticipate 1,200+ travel agents and more than 2,000 delegates (cruise line and travel industry executives) will attend in 2009. Registration fee $785 / brochure distribution $150. Call Alyce McDaniel, GMCVB Director of Sales, at (305) 539-3092 for more details and to obtain a registration form. Space is limited and will be handled on a first-come, first-served basis.

MIAMI BEACH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE’S ANNUAL GOLF CLASSIC SET FOR FEBRUARY 6, 2009 AT MIAMI BEACH GOLF CLUB
The Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce's (MBCC) Annual Golf Classic will take place on Friday, February 6, 2009 at the Miami Beach Golf Club. This year’s tournament, which benefits the Chamber’s 501(c) 3 Miami Beach Education Foundation, is sponsored by GMCVB member Boucher Brothers Management, Inc. After the tournament, enjoy the 19th Hole After Party with dinner, cocktails, networking and live music from DJ Irie. The cost for the event is $50. For more information, contact Danielle Hirschfeld at RSVP@MiamiBeachChamber.com or (305) 695-6834.

NCAA MEN’S BASKETBALL “MARCH MADNESS” SET TO KICK OFF IN MIAMI MARCH 20-22, 2009
Representatives from the National College Athletic Association (NCAA) Men’s Division I Basketball tournament were in last week to review plans for next year’s 1st & 2nd round basketball tournament, to be held at the American Airlines Arena March 20-22, 2009. Meetings with the host hotels, Florida International University, the host university, and the Miami-Dade Sports Commission were held to finalize plans in motion for this event, the first time in 15 years that the NCAA has been in Miami. For ticket information, visit the website at www.Ticketmaster.com/event/1A0040D0E7B70D23?brand=ncaa or call (786) 777-1000 for more information.

MIAMI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (MIA) OFFERS GLOBAL ENTRY PROGRAM FOR FREQUENT TRAVELERS – PROGRAM LETS PRE-SCREENED AIR TRAVELERS SPEED THROUGH CUSTOMS
Miami International Airport (MIA) now offers Global Entry - a new program managed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) which allows pre-approved, low-risk travelers expedited clearance upon arrival into the United States. Participants will enter the United States by utilizing automated kiosks located in the Passport Control area. The program targets those who leave the country at least four times per year, mainly airline personnel and business travelers. Those participating in the program benefit from being better equipped to make tight connecting flights. This program is available to U.S. citizens and legal, permanent residents and there is a $100 fee for a five-year registration. For more information, visit www.GlobalEntry.gov.

GMCVB CONVENTION SITE INSPECTIONS THIS WEEK
Kellen Meetings and Incentive Solutions will both be in town this week to consider Greater Miami and the Beaches for future meetings and conventions. Kellen Meetings is a division of the Kellen Company with 165 professionals who specialize in meetings management, with offices in Atlanta, Georgia; Brussels, Belgium; New York City; Tucson, Arizona; and Washington, D.C. Clients include a wide variety of association and corporate clients worldwide. Based in Atlanta, Georgia, Incentive Solutions offers a range of incentive and motivation offerings to prominent corporations across the country. The company continues to enjoy a solid financial platform enabling investment in new, innovative technologies that create added value for their clients.