Author: theparknews

For the first time in Arizona’s history, tax revenue from tourism activity has surpassed $4 billion. In addition to historic tax revenue, new data released by the Arizona Tourism Office shows the tourism industry has created nearly 9,000 jobs in 2023. All indicators increased Last year, visitor spending increased 4.3%, tourism-related jobs increased 4.4% and statewide visitor numbers increased 1.7%. On average, visitors spend about $80 million per day in Arizona. Statewide, about 41 million overnight guests spent nearly $30 billion. “A strong 2023 shows how putting Arizona’s majestic beauty, warm welcome and diverse attractions at the forefront of our…

The Trump campaign on Monday previewed some of the lines of attack that former President Donald Trump is likely to deploy during tomorrow’s presidential debate on ABC. The campaign argued that Vice President Kamala Harris “owns everything in this administration.” Trump campaign spokesman Jason Miller, in a conference call with reporters ahead of Tuesday’s debate, noted that the campaign believes issues on which Harris is “leading” include the U.S.-Mexico border and dealing with illegal immigration, her tie-breaking vote in the Senate to pass the stimulus bill and withdrawing troops from Afghanistan. Miller also said he expects “there will be some…

Skift Take Luxury travel is evolving beyond traditional luxury, with adventure and experiences driving the trends. Saniya Zampure Luxury travel is no longer limited to high-end shopping, spas, lavish dining, and a variety of opportunities to splurge. Higher-income households (those earning more than $150,000 a year) are now opting for adventure and experiences. And what this group wants matters: they account for roughly 36% of global travel spending. This shift was highlighted in a recent study by Arival, which found that affluent travelers now account for almost half (46%) of all spending on experiences, including tours, activities and attractions. Adventure…

Home to renowned hotel brands such as The Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis Hotels & Resorts, Bvlgari Hotels & Resorts and JW Marriott, the Luxury Group is now offering once-in-a-lifetime travel opportunities to Sotheby’s clients around the world. These curated journeys are inspired by Sotheby’s luxury sales, which feature a range of coveted items for collectors across categories such as jewelry, fashion, watches and fine liquor. From art-inspired itineraries to exclusive experiences, the partnership demonstrates both brands’ shared dedication to reimagining luxury for a modern, cultured clientele. Photo credit: Provided “Hospitality is an art,” said George Hammer, global head, luxury marketing, Marriott…

Discount retailer Big Lots has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and plans to sell its business and assets to a private equity firm.According to the Associated Press, Big Lots cited rising inflation and interest rates as reasons for the filing, and said consumers are not buying as much as they used to in two categories in which the company is investing: household goods and seasonal products.Same-store sales have declined for the past nine quarters, according to FactSet research.Big Lots said its performance had improved, but its board called the management company a “stalking horse bidder” and decided to sell…

Ron Jellis said when he and business partner Dan Febroliello founded Auto World of Conway 20 years ago, everyone thought they were crazy.”We had this half-acre lot in this middle of nowhere, on Highway 90,” Jellis said. “We only had five cars, so we had to park our personal cars in front of the store to make it look like we had more inventory.”Today, the business has grown to over five acres of vehicles, along with another “classic” car lot on Highway 501. What was once a two-person operation has grown to 58 employees, selling cars worldwide and offering a…

Donald Trump’s campaign is most concerned about former President Kamala Harris’ mood heading into the debate, worrying that a volatile Trump will engage in the kind of self-destructive behavior that cost him voters in the 2020 election, people familiar with the matter said.According to people familiar with the matter, as the days count down to what is likely the final presidential debate of the season, there is talk within the campaign of whether a “happy Trump” or an “angry Trump” will win.Tuesday night’s televised debate is widely seen as a crucial moment in the campaign’s reboot in 2024. Ms Harris…

Rupert Murdoch’s transfer of power at News Corp to his son Lachlan is being challenged by the media company’s major shareholders. Hedge fund Starboard Value released a letter to shareholders at the newspaper giant that owns The Wall Street Journal and The New York Post, urging the company to end its dual-share structure and citing growing tensions with the Murdoch family. The letter came a day before Lachlan is scheduled to speak to investors at a Goldman Sachs conference on Sept. 10. “The transition of power from Rupert Murdoch to his children creates complex family dynamics that could potentially affect…

In another sign of the effort to attract a high-end clientele, Sotheby’s and The Luxury Group by Marriott International are teaming up to offer immersive, bucket-level experiences. Billed as “Iconic Pieces. Extraordinary Experiences,” the partnership is aimed at ultra-luxury clients and will combine exclusive travel experiences with treasures from Sotheby’s auctions. For Alexander McQueen aficionados, there’s “Alexander McQueen Discovery: Edition Offering.” Fans can bid for the chance to enjoy a two-night stay at The London Edition. The McQueen experience is available in a sealed auction until Friday. The hotel is located in London’s Fitzrovia district, where the designer lived and…

The Carnival Spirit struck ice in Alaska on Sept. 5, 2024, the cruise line confirmed to FOX Business. A passenger captured this video from a balcony. (Courtesy of Cassandra Goski) The Carnival Cruise Line ship struck a “misguided ice floe” while sailing through Alaska’s Tracy Arm Fjord last Thursday, the company confirmed to FOX Business on Monday. The company said the Carnival Spirit’s hull was inspected and no damage was found. The ship is scheduled to continue its seven-day cruise before returning to Seattle, Washington on Tuesday. Carnival said the ship was continuing to cruise and operations were unaffected. Nevertheless,…