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Travel Briefs - March 2006

? Online travel bookings are continuing to increase, reaching an estimated $68 billion by the end of last year, compared with $57 billion in 2004. A new report by JupiterResearch predicts online bookings will reach $104 billion in 2010, representing 34% of all travel spending.

? Mandarin Oriental has surpassed the Ritz-Carlton and Four Seasons as the top luxury brand in customer experience, according to a survey by New York-based Luxury Institute. The Ritz and Four Seasons tied for second.

? Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach is building an 8,000-sq.-ft. spa set to open later this year.

? Discovery Cove in Orlando has added unlimited access to amenities and meals for guests who pay the daily admission of $179 to visit the park or $279 for a visit that includes swimming with dolphins. The price also now includes all-day self-parking, a photo portrait and admission within seven days to sister park SeaWorld in Orlando or Busch Gardens in Tampa.