Group Tour Magazine - August 2024 - 12

NEWS & NOTES
Marriott
International
Announces
Expansion of
Halter Ranch Texas, Fredericksburg, Texas
Halter Ranch Opens Tasting Room
in Fredericksburg, Texas
Set on 32 acres, Halter Ranch's newest tasting room has opened and features a rich
selection of wines and an elevated restaurant that offers seasonal, organic cuisine that
celebrates the Texas Hill Country's local bounty.
Halter Ranch Texas is poised to be a standout destination on the Texas Highway
290 wine road, according to a news release. Located about one hour from San
Antonio and Austin, the property honors its Texas home and invites guests to explore
fine wine from organic grapes and delectable, locally sourced cuisine at the tasting
room's Restaurant H. The menu, led by Executive Chef Paul Arangorin, is sourced from
Texas and will change regularly to reflect the season.
Led by Halter Ranch Winemaker Kevin Sass, Halter Ranch Texas' expansive wine
selection includes a new Texas-made rosé and a sparkling cabernet sauvignon. Sass
partners with two Texas farmers who harvest organic grapes and work closely with
Bending Branch Winery in Comfort, Texas, to produce the wines. With plans to innovate
and experiment, Sass says he's in the process of planting 1 acre of organic Blanc
du Bois grapes on the Halter Ranch Texas property.
halterranch.com
Luxury Portfolio
Marriott International Inc. has
revealed plans to transform three
renowned luxury properties in the
United States into esteemed brands
within the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio.
Set in coveted destinations
across the country, they include The
Resort at Pelican Hill in Newport
Beach, California; Turtle Bay Resort
in O'ahu, Hawaii; and a distinguished
Midtown hotel in New York City.
Leeny Oberg, chief financial officer
and executive vice president of
development at Marriott International,
expressed enthusiasm about
the recent deals of adding more than
1,000 rooms to the company's portfolio
while reaffirming the hotels'
dedication to luxury. The company
boasts an industry-leading global
luxury distribution with more than
510 open hotels and another 234 in
the signed pipeline, positioning it as
a leader in the luxury segment.
news.marriott.com
New York City Tourism Organization Receives Presidential Award
New York City Tourism + Conventions, the official destination marketing
organization and convention and visitors bureau for the five
boroughs of New York City, was awarded the President's " E " Award
for Export Service-for assisting and facilitating export activities by
increasing the nation's international earnings through travel-during
a celebratory ceremony this spring at the U.S. Department of Commerce
Headquarters in Washington, D.C.
The President's " E " Award is the highest recognition a United
States entity can receive for making a significant contribution to the
expansion of U.S. exports in overseas markets.
International tourism is a critical export service for the U.S. economy,
historically accounting for $233.5 billion per year in spending-
more than any other country. New York City Tourism + Conventions
was nominated for its development of training programs to create
certification for destination travel specialists as well as innovative
marketing programs resulting in quantifiable increases in tourism,
contributing to national export expansion efforts that support the
U.S. economy and create American jobs.
New York City remains the largest port of entry into the U.S., and
home to the busiest airport system in the world across LaGuardia, John
F. Kennedy International, and Newark Liberty International airports.
Last year, tourism to New York City generated an estimated $74 billion
in economic impact with more than $48 billion in direct spending.
" It is an honor for New York City Tourism + Conventions to receive
the President's 'E' Award, " says President and CEO Fred Dixon. " New
York City remains the No. 1 port of entry for international travelers,
who account for 20% of visitation and 50% of spending across New
York City's $74 billion tourism economy. This award is a testament
to the power of travel and the role it can play. "
business.nyctourism.com
12 AUGUST 2024
Group Tour Magazine - August 2024

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