Florida Trend | Florida's Business Authority

Travel & Tourism Business Briefs - Aug. 2007

Hotels and Resorts

» Jacksonville and Tampa are among four cities nationwide scheduled for 2008 debuts of a new hotel brand called eSuites, which will cater to business travelers. Suites are oversized and have state-of-the-art technology and in-room exercise equipment. Complimentary use of a Lincoln Town Car or a Navigator is included.

» Palm Beach County commissioners gave Delray Beach-based developer Ocean Properties the go-ahead to build a $100-million, 400-room, 25-story Westin Hotel that connects to the Palm Beach County Convention Center through an enclosed walkway.

» Construction has been completed on the Luau at Sandestin Resort, a $44-million project that includes 18-story and 12-story towers with 243 hotel/condominium units.

» Walt Disney World Resort has made all of its hotels smoke-free as of June 1.

Tourism

» Delta Connection has started non-stop service every Saturday between Tampa and Key West international airports.

» Kissimmee-based Ultimate Resort has acquired the real estate assets of Tanner & Haley, making it the third-largest destination club in the industry, with luxury vacation homes in the United States, the Caribbean, Mexico and Europe.