Seattle's Iconic Space Needle Unveils New Look And Visitor Experience

Iconic Space Needle, One of the World’s Most Recognizable Landmarks, Defies Science and Unveils New Look and Visitor Experience This Spring Renovated Structure Combines an Appreciation of History with Ultra-Modern Technology Seattle, Washington  One of the world’s most recognizable landmarks is currently undergoing a “spacelift,” a massive renovation aimed at delivering an ever-more-amazing visitor experience. Seattle’s Space Needle, which is second only to the Eiffel Tower in Paris as one of the most identifiable structures on the planet, will soon debut a whole new look from the inside without substantially changing its exterior appearance ... or the city skyline it has made so famous. From the images that often start an episode of “Grey’s Anatomy” to the opening credits of the old sitcom “Frasier,” the Space Needle has firmly established itself as a pop culture icon. It’s served as the lair of Austin Powers’ nemesis, Dr. Evil, and is even said to have been the inspiration for George Jetson’s home. And just as the film “Sleepless in Seattle” marks its 25th anniversary in June, this legendary tower – which began as a doodle on a placemat or napkin (both stories are out there, and nobody is sure which is correct) and evolved into one of the most remarkable towers ever built – will be unveiling an entirely new look.

Space Needle Before Space Needle After

Built for the 1962 World’s Fair, the 605-foot-tall Space Needle has always been a testament to ingenuity and innovation. It incorporated first-of-its-kind technology 56 years ago, and today’s construction crews, led by the vision of Seattle-based architectural firm Olson Kundig, are continuing to find clever ways to push every limit. With 11 different construction partners working six days a week, 20 hours a day, it gives a whole new meaning to the phrase “sleepless in Seattle.” But the end result will be something that even Hollywood’s finest screenwriters couldn’t have imagined. The renovation currently taking place is aimed at opening up the view from the Space Needle, but it’s also paying tribute to the building’s original conceptual sketches. What the tower’s designers envisioned back in 1962 was marvelous, but their dreams were constrained by the limits of the building materials and technology that existed at that time. Now, nearly six decades later, new things are possible ... like glass that’s stronger than steel. At least 176 tons of glass will be added to the upper, outer and lower observation levels, totaling approximately 17,000 square feet. Though every element of the $100 million renovation is a marvel, visitors will truly appreciate the installation of 48 open-air glass panels, each measuring 11 feet high, seven feet wide, and 2.5 feet thick and weighing a whopping 2,300 pounds. This new technology means that safety “cages” have been removed and replaced with a seamless sight line along a multi-level, floor-to-ceiling viewing experience. In short, from the moment guests step off the elevator that carries them to the observation deck, they’ll get a breathtaking, 360-degree view of Puget Sound beyond and below them. What modern-day visitors will see is 35 percent more expansive than the original technology allowed that view to be.                Those who dare to step outside to the open-air observation area can sit on sleek, attached glass benches that will tilt in such a way that they give visitors unparalleled views downward, allowing them to “dangle” their feet over Seattle. In reality, they’ll be facing inward, but it will truly feel as if they’re George Jetson himself, floating on air.                Back inside, an impressive circular stairway made of steel, wood and glass will connect the upper observation level to a lower level featuring the world’s first and only glass rotating floor observation deck and lounge. This jaw-dropping floor, which is comprised of 10 layers of glass weighing 37 tons, will open up a never-before-seen downward view of the Space Needle. This shot of the Space Needle, taken before renovation began, shows how it dominates Seattle’s skyline.                Those are just a few notable examples of how modern technology is being used to enhance the overall visitor experience. The Space Needle will also feature a state-of-the-art ADA lift that offers the first retracting stair platform lift in the United States, allowing those with limited mobility the opportunity to enjoy the expanded views, too.                In addition to finding ways to, say, move giant pieces of glass 520 feet into the air – and increasing the amount of glass in the structure by an amazing 196 percent – crews have also managed to keep the Space Needle open to guests during much of this renovation, the third in the tower’s history and the most expensive. Since the project began in September 2017, construction teams have divided the structure into six pie-shaped segments, working on one section at a time and allowing the rest of the Observation Deck to remain open to the public as many days as possible. In many ways, the impressive work schedule mimics what was done in the early 1960s, when crews erected the entire Space Needle in just 400 days.                Since its opening day all those years ago, the Space Needle has welcomed more than 60 million visitors. On average, 1.3 million people visit each year, all eager to see and experience the very latest innovation and ingenuity themselves.                For more information about the incredible changes happening at the Space Needle, please visit www.seewhatsup.space.

Europe’s Fastest-Growing Airline Eurowings Launches Service From New York’s JFK – Düsseldorf, Germany

·         Starting April 28, Eurowings will offer a six-times-weekly, non-stop service between New York and Düsseldorf, Germany

·         Airbus A340-300 aircraft features Eurowings’ all-new BIZclass

·         Flights have a codeshare with United Airlines, Lufthansa Group airlines’ joint venture partner for transatlantic flights

·         Passengers can connect in Düsseldorf to onward destinations due to vast Eurowings/Lufthansa Group European network

On April 28, 2018, Eurowings will begin its new, non-stop service between New York (JFK) and Düsseldorf, Germany. Eurowings, Europe’s fastest-growing airline and a Lufthansa Group subsidiary, operates long-haul flights from its Düsseldorf and Munich hubs, where it offers connections to other destinations throughout Europe.

“Eurowings is now the fastest growing airline in Europe and is also seriously ‘upping the ante’ on the long-haul,” said Oliver Wagner, Chief Commercial Officer at Eurowings. “New York is definitely a must for our ever-growing network, especially as we develop our fleet in Düsseldorf and expand our leading position in the region.”

Flight EW1101 will depart New York’s JFK at 10:30 p.m. and arrive at Düsseldorf airport (DUS) at 11:55 a.m. the next day (for departures on Saturdays: 6:55 p.m. and 8:20 a.m. respectively). Westbound flight EW1100 departs Düsseldorf at 11:05 a.m. and arrives at JFK at 1:25 p.m. (for departures on Saturdays: 2:35 p.m. and 4:55 p.m. respectively). Eurowings will operate a six-times-weekly service on the new route, flying every day except for Tuesdays.

The Airbus A340-300, which Eurowings will deploy on the JFK-DUS route, offers a three-class configuration that includes 18 BIZclass seats, 21 BEST seats and 261 Economy Class seats, for a total of 300 seats. The all-new BIZclass features a fully flat bed and a unique food and drink concept with specialty products such as poke bowls, craft beer from local breweries, apple crisps from a start-up in Hamburg and liquorice specialties by Lakrids from Denmark. BEST is Eurowings’ premium economy product, offering à la carte dining, preferred seating and extra legroom.

When arriving in Düsseldorf, passengers can take advantage of the extensive European network that Eurowings and other Lufthansa Group airlines provide, for their onward journey.

Düsseldorf lies at the center of the Rhine-Ruhr metropolitan region, one of the economic backbones of Germany with over 10 million inhabitants. The city serves as the capital of the North Rhine-Westphalia region and, as an international business center, hosts numerous trade fairs. Only a short ride away from the city of Cologne and Germany’s neighboring countries, Belgium and the Netherlands, it is also a perfect base for those who want to explore the broader region.

These flights, as well as all other Eurowings services between the U.S. and Europe, can also be booked through United Airlines due to a codeshare agreement.

About Eurowings
Eurowings, a Lufthansa Group subsidiary, is Europe’s fastest-growing airline. It specializes in affordable point-to-point flights within Europe and flies to long-haul destinations from its hubs in Cologne/Bonn, Munich and Düsseldorf. Summer schedule destinations in the U.S. in 2018 are New York’s JFK, Miami, Fort Myers, Las Vegas and Seattle. Eurowings currently employs approximately 10,000 people and operates more than 185 aircraft to over 160 destinations in 50 countries. The airline’s platform structure allows for its rapid development. For more information, visit www.eurowings.com or download the Eurowings app.

Vallarta Pride Brings In The Clowns To Celebrate Puerto Vallarta Centennial

VALLARTA PRIDE BRINGS IN THE CLOWNS TO CELEBRATE PUERTO VALLARTA CENTENNIAL  LGBTQ Event finds “100 Reasons to Celebrate” in Sixth Edition     Puerto Vallarta.- Puerto Vallarta’s annual LGBTQ cultural celebration, Vallarta Pride, will bring a new level of camp to the city’s celebration of the 100th anniversary of its founding with a “100 Reasons to Celebrate” theme, which will culminate on Saturday, May 26 with a grand nighttime shindig worthy of any small-town summer carnival – if that carnival featured half-naked “go-go boys” and drag queens galore. Taking place in Puerto Vallarta from May 20 to 27, Vallarta Pride has grown yearly, with its 2017 edition attracting more than 17,000 visitors. The event has become a staple in the international Pride calendar, and now drives a considerable influx of visitors during what used to be the end of Puerto Vallarta’s traditional high season for tourism. This year, Puerto Vallarta has enjoyed one of its most active seasons for the LGBT market, with multiple events taking place across town and entertainment headliners such as Hedda Lettuce, Mama Titis, Miss Conception and Kim Kuzma taking up residency across the Zona Romantica, Puerto Vallarta’s “gayborhood.” This year, Vallarta Pride’s annual parade will take place on Thursday, May 24. It will start at the Hotel Sheraton Buganvilias, flow into the oceanfront Malecón promenade and culminate on Lázaro Cárdenas Street, where thousands will join a block party with “circuit” music, multicolor light shows, go-go dancers and fireworks hosted by Fiesta Bar, La Noche, Mr. Flamingo, Los Muertos Brewing, CC Slaughters and La Margarita. There will also be multiple women’s events. The Vallarta Pride International Film Festival will hold a Women’s Film Festival Screening on Wednesday,  May 23; Pink & Proud will present the Official Women Only Party on Friday, May 25; and an Only Girls Cocktail event takes place at the Verona Bistro Bar on Saturday, May 26. Celebrities such as country singer Steve Grand, transgender Mexican singer Morgana Love and Mexican actress and singer Lorena Herrera will be performing this year, with Herrera performing double duty as this year’s Grand Marshal and the star of the free concert offered by Vallarta Pride on Friday, May 25 at Teatro Vallarta. Other highlights include the annual Drag Derby, an LGBT Art Walk, an Adam & Steve Party at Casa Cupula, a beach gym, a casino night and a sunset “Wet and Wild Cruise,” plus a host of community activities and cultural events. The Big Top Party will take place May 25 at Puerto Vallarta’s newest venue, Top Sky Bar, hosted by entrepreneur and public figure Eliad Cohen and featuring performances by music artist Nikki Valentine. Puerto Vallarta is renowned as the premier LGBT vacation destination in Mexico. The country’s first IGLTA member, since 2014, it was also honored as the first city in Mexico to be granted Gay Travel Approved status by GayTravel.com. GayCities.com users named Puerto Vallarta their “Fun in the Sun Destination” in the site’s 2016 “Best of Gay Cities” poll. Puerto Vallarta was also named an International LGBTQ Destination at tourism industry awards Travvy Awards 2017 and listed as a top beach destination by Passport magazine in April 2017.   Puerto Vallarta vacation properties are offering special Pride packages online at www.vallartapride.com For more information on Puerto Vallarta, please visit: www.visitpuertovallarta.com

Luxury Bahia Principe Cayo Levantado Now Welcomes Guests Of All Ages #GoDomRep

The luxurious all-inclusive resort now offers families the opportunity to enjoy the idyllic island of Cayo Levantado located in Dominican Republic’s Samaná peninsula

 Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts, the leading all-inclusive resort brand with properties located throughout the Caribbean, Mexico and Spain, is pleased to announce Luxury Bahia Principe Cayo Levantado, previously an adults-only property, will begin accepting children. Starting May 2018, families with younger travelers seeking to experience happiness will be welcome at the only hotel based on the island of Cayo Levantado, Samaná, on the northern coast of Dominican Republic.  

The only hotel located on the idyllic island of Cayo Levantado, a journey to this property begins with a ferry ride from a private Bahia Principe dock and unfolds on a magical island of otherworldly beauty. Its exclusivity, natural splendor and utter tranquility make this Bahia Principe’s flagship hotel and are only some of the reasons why it was named the No. 2 all-inclusive in the Caribbean by TripAdvisor, and the 17^th best all-inclusive in the world.

Guests of all ages will be able to enjoy elegantly-appointed, spacious accommodations, and the resort’s multiple swimming pools and whirlpools, six restaurants and four bars. This will be the brand’s only treasure experience hotel, as per its recent portfolio reclassification that highlights properties in the most unique locations, that welcomes younger guests. To cater to children, Bahia Principe’s fun-filled kids program, Bahia Scouts, will be offered on the island and includes daily activities, such as arts and crafts and sports games, that will allow for parents to venture out on their own.

“This paradisiacal one-hotel island offers a comprehensive experience that includes two private beaches, our signature Bahia Spa, as well as nightly entertainment perfect for families to stay on the island. Though the hotel will retain its tranquil spirit, we have decided to remove the adults-only restriction based on feedback from past guests who are eager to enjoy the resort with their families and from our travel partners who help coordinate and book stays,” said Helen Montijano, vice president of sales and marketing for the U.S. and Canada.

Four Samaná properties, endless possibilities

“In addition to Cayo Levantado, travelers can also enjoy the brand’s three additional properties on the Samaná mainland. While each comes complete with its own personality, all share our commitment to remarkable service, top-tier amenities and a superior quality experience,” added Montijano.

Luxury Bahia Principe Samaná is an adults-only haven with 149 rooms and the brand’s second luxury property in the area. Here, guests who seek a balanced vacation can enjoy the brand’s WE Wellness Experience that features specialty menus, fitness classes, spa services and more. Luxury Bahia Principe

Samaná was named the No. 3 best all-inclusive in the Caribbean by TripAdvisor and No. 18 best in the world and offers special amenities from butler service to wait service at the beach and pool.

Also located in the Samana region are two of Bahia Principe’s Grand properties that feature a value-driven offering. Thanks to its sweeping ocean views that overlook Samaná’s multiple hills and small scenic towns, Grand Bahia Principe Cayacoa was recently named one of the top 20 hotels in the world with the best views by Minube.com. With a variety of on-site experiences and activities surrounded by a gorgeous landscape, Grand Bahia Principe Cayacoa is the ideal place for guests seeking a comprehensive and dynamic setting to disconnect and recharge in style.

The brand’s most family-centric property in the region, Grand Bahia Principe El Portillo, is highlighted by Family Junior and Family Master suites that offer extra amenities for kids such as specialized bath kits and a minibar with juices, shakes, milk and soft drinks. Guests can discover pure Caribbean paradise and bathe in the crystalline waters of one of the island’s most spectacular beaches. Kids will enjoy spending their days splashing around at the resort’s waterpark and participating in the Bahia Scouts program. A short drive away is Las Terrenas, a small fishing village with a strong European influence that boasts numerous gift shops that sell paintings crafted by locals.

Discover Samaná’s natural wonders

Nestled between the verdant jungles of the Dominican Republic and azure waters of the Caribbean Sea, Samaná is a tropical destination like no other. Attractions like Los Haitises National Park – featuring rich biodiversity and caves marked with native Taino hieroglyphs – and cascading waterfall Salto del Limon, that travelers visit by horseback riding through the jungle, offer endless options for outdoor fun. An ideal year-round getaway, travelers making summer plans can escape the busy tourist hotspots for an off-the-beaten-path break, while in winter travelers can cross off a bucket list item and watch the humpback whales that gather in Samaná Bay.

Travelers can benefit from the multiple flights into Samaná El Catey International Airport and Las Americas International Airport in Santo Domingo.  A new highway connecting Santo Domingo to the Samaná peninsula allows guests to reach their destination in under an hour and a half. Airport transfers are included in the majority of Bahia Principe’s packaged bookings.

With an extensive portfolio of resorts varying in personalities, Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts promises a comprehensive vacation experience where guests’ needs are considered above all else.  For more information, or to book a stay with Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts, visit www.bahia-principe.com.

Casa de Campo In The Dominican Republic Offers Outstanding Summer and Fall 2018 Golf Getaway #GoDomRep

 

 

 

Features Unlimited Play on Three Pete Dye Gems Including Teeth of the Dog
 

(LA ROMANA, Dominican Republic) – Casa de Campo Resort & Villas – home to the Caribbean’s premier, luxury golf experiences, including the iconic Teeth of the Dog course – announces an outstanding summer and fall offer for its “Unlimited Teeth of the Dog with Breakfast” package.

Through Oct. 31, the value-laden stay-and-play starts at $399 for two people, per night. Most notably, the package is highlighted by the opportunity for unlimited rounds on the Pete Dye-designed Teeth of the Dog, widely recognized as the No. 1 course in the Caribbean. Guests can also tee it up from dawn to dusk on the resort’s two additional Pete Dye gems: Dye Fore (27 holes) and The Links (18).

The offer additionally includes deluxe accommodations in a Pete Dye Golf Lodge or Elite guest room, full daily breakfast buffet at Lago Restaurant, use of a four-passenger golf cart to travel throughout the resort, complimentary Wi-Fi and use of the resort’s fitness center. All golf rounds are based on availability and include arrival and departure days.

“Summer and fall are both ideal for a Casa de Campo visit to savor our world-class accommodations and amenities while playing unlimited golf on our trio of classic Pete Dye layouts,” says Andres Pichardo Rosenberg, President. “We pride ourselves on our renowned customer care, so guests can relax and enjoy time spent away from the hustle and bustle of daily life here in paradise.”

The stunning resort also offers an array of splendid villa options ranging from three to 11 bedrooms. Starting at $439 (per person, per night), the villas feature stylish living areas, a private pool and myriad creature comforts. Daily breakfast, private maid service and full-access to a wide range of on-site activities are included.

Contacting Casa de Campo Resort & Villa

For more information on Casa de Campo Resort & Villas please call 800.877.3643, email golf@ccampo.com.do or visit: www.casadecampo.com.do/, facebook.com/casadecamporesort instagram.com/casadecampodr, twitter.com/casadecampo.

About Casa de Campo Resort & Villas

A member of The Leading Hotels of the World, 7,000-acre Casa de Campo attracts affluent travelers with 63 holes of exceptional golf. The Teeth of the Dog, Dye Fore and The Links courses – Conde Nast Traveler, Golf Digest, GOLF Magazine and Golfweek award winners – are designed by the legendary architect Pete Dye. They are complemented by spacious hotel rooms, suites and luxury villas. Expertly prepared cuisine from around the world, a 370-slip Marina & Yacht Club, Polo & Equestrian Club, the La Terraza Tennis Center, 245-acre Shooting Club and Altos de Chavon – an artisan’s village modeled after a 16th century Mediterranean city – are other on-property highlights.

Getting There:  La Romana International Airport (LRM) is five minutes from Casa de Campo and serviced by JetBlue (direct flights from New York - JFK three times weekly) and seasonally by American Airlines (non-stop service from Miami). A short drive from the resort, Santo Domingo (SDQ) and Punta Cana (PUJ) operate daily direct flights from all major North American airports.

WOW Air Brings Back $69 Flights To Iceland For Summer And Fall 2018

Flights will be offered from 13 United States airports to Iceland

 WOW air, the ultra-low-cost transatlantic airline is offering $69 one-way fares from 13 cities in the United States to Iceland. The airline first introduced $69 one-way fares in 2017 and is excited to bring them back in time for summer and fall vacation planning.

The discounted flights will be available from Baltimore/Washington, D.C. (BWI), Chicago (ORD), Cleveland (CLE), Cincinnati (CVG), Detroit (DTW), New York (EWR & JFK), Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW), St. Louis (STL), Pittsburgh (PIT), Boston (BOS), San Francisco (SFO) and Los Angeles (LAX) to Iceland (KEF).

Fares go on sale today and will be offered for flights May 1, 2018—June 20, 2018 and September 1, 2018—October 27, 2018. Tickets can be purchased starting today at www.wowair.us.

"We want to kick-off the summer travel season by giving our customers some of the lowest prices available," said Skúli Mogensen, founder and CEO of WOW air. "Over the past year we have seen a continued growth and a strong demand for affordable transatlantic airfare. We are confident we can further build upon this success in the future."

Launched in November 2011, WOW air now connects 39 destinations across the U.S. and Europe with the Icelandic capital. WOW air transported 2.8 million passengers in 2017, an increase of 69% on the previous year.

*Flights from Washington, D.C. (BWI), Chicago (ORD), Cleveland (CLE), Cincinnati (CVG), Detroit (DTW), New York (EWR & JFK), Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW), St. Louis (STL), Pittsburgh (PIT), Boston (BOS), San Francisco (SFO) and Los Angeles (LAX) to Iceland (KEF). Based on lowest one-way WOW basic fare booked on www.wowair.us. Includes all taxes, fees and carrier charges. Available for travel May - June & September - October, 2018. The offer applies for 1480 seats on selected flights, only when booking round trip flights. Subject to availability. Restrictions and baggage fees apply. Lowest advertised fare is exclusive to MyWOW members.

About WOW air

WOW air offers the lowest fares, a modern fleet with the lowest emissions and the biggest smile; this is the WOW air promise to its valuable customers. As of spring 2018, the airline services 39 destinations across Europe and North America including Dublin, London, Paris, Berlin, and Copenhagen.

Established in November 2011 by Icelandic entrepreneur Skúli Mogensen, the purple airline flies with Airbus A320, Airbus A321 and Airbus A330 models. WOW air boasts one of the world's youngest fleet, with an average aircraft age of just 2 years.

WOW air was ranked as the 7th best low-cost airline in Europe at the 2013, 2014 and 2015 Skytrax World Airline Awards and was the youngest airline in the top ten.

For additional information and bookings please visit https://wowair.us/.

MTB Downhill Athletes Take On Puerto Vallarta In Down Puerto Vallarta Competition On May 13th 2018

Puerto Vallarta's 2nd Annual Down Puerto Vallarta will take place on May 13, 2018. The second edition of urban cycling competition to take place on May 13th   Puerto Vallarta, April 24th, 2018 - Mountain Bike professional athletes and enthusiasts have long known Puerto Vallarta as a destination beyond its beaches, with multiple providers in the city offering numerous MTB adventures across the Sierra Madre and surrounding towns. But the secret is out as the second edition of the urban cycling competition, Down Puerto Vallarta, is set to position Puerto Vallarta, celebrating its centennial this year, on the international stage of extreme and urban sports this May 13th. Produced by the Puerto Vallarta Tourism Board and Altius Event, Down Puerto Vallarta will feature three categories: Downhill, Slopestyle y Freestyle and take participants from the Sierra Madre’s La Cruz hilltop, downhill and across the historic center to the Malecon in a panoramic 3,000-foot-long speedway. Puerto Vallarta is expecting thousands of visitors to travel to the city to attend the race and cheer on competitors. Participants will have the opportunity to test the track on May 12 before taking on the race on the 13. Both events will start at 4:30 PM, right before sunsets. The city of Puerto Vallarta is nestled between the mountainous jungle of the Sierra Madre and the sandy beaches along the Bay of Banderas; a natural environment of varying terrain and majestic views offering ideal conditions for outdoor adventures and sports and Mountain Biking are noticing. While in town, bike enthusiasts can take advantage of the many offerings the destination. Bike tours of the Sierra Madre offer participants the opportunity to visit nomadic tribe settlements, Magical Towns with colonial architecture, as well as sample rural cuisines, taste locally-produced Raicilla and walk along foot trails. Rent a bike to ride across the city’s historic downtown or even take a food tour on a bike. Or soak up Puerto Vallarta’s rich culture, colonial and pre-Hispanic history, cuisine, vibrant nightlife or relax in one of its many beaches.   For more information on Puerto Vallarta, please visit: www.visitpuertovallarta.com

Puerto Vallarta Changes Entire Urban Transportation System

Overhaul of public buses will provide locals and visitors
with modern service within Puerto Vallarta
 

Puerto Vallarta, April 23rd, 2018 - Puerto Vallarta has started introducing a completely new and modern public bus system aimed to provide passengers a comprehensive and high-quality service. The new buses are being produced by DINA, a Mexican automotive producer of heavy duty and specialty vehicles, and will have air conditioning, security cameras, information screens and a payment system for prepaid cards.

Eight buses went into operation earlier this month as an introduction to the local population with an additional 90 buses being added gradually until December of this year when 332 new units will make up Puerto Vallarta’s only public bus system in operation.

“Puerto Vallarta is one of those destinations where visitors feel comfortable using our public transportation system to explore the city,” said Javier Aranda Pedrero, Director of the Puerto Vallarta Tourism Board. “We are eager to provide a world-class bus system worthy of Puerto Vallarta not only to our visitors but to our local community, many of which work to make Puerto Vallarta an international tourist destination.”

During the implementation phase, Puerto Vallarta ’s public transportation system will be hosting an introduction period to local authorities, hoteliers, and members of the local population to introduce the service. Presentations will also be done at schools and brochures will be distributed to bus riders using the current system to ensure maximum exposure of the new routes and payment system.

The new public buses will run on gas, lowering pollution in the city. Drivers will also be trained to meet all the requirements of Jalisco’s Department of Transportation and to ensure that drivers no longer speed to pick up passengers. In addition, a new night service with a transportation starting at midnight will be added to provide service industry workers with safe transportation during the hours that many locals travel to work at hotels, restaurants, tours, etc. The Buho (owl in Spanish) will operate the main routes of Puerto Vallarta.
 

For more information on Puerto Vallarta, please visit: www.visitpuertovallarta.com

The Top 10 2018 Music Festivals In Ireland

There’s rarely a weekend in the year when there isn’t a music festival somewhere on the island of Ireland.  Use our top picks to plan your sounds for the year.

City of Derry Jazz & Big Band Festival 3–7 May Belfast superstar Van Morrison takes top billing at this year’s celebration of jazz and big bands which presents 350 gigs in over 70 venues in the historic walled city of Derry~Londonderry. Westport Folk and Bluegrass Festival 8–10 June An international line-up of top artists will pick, strum, bow, slap and slide their way through classic and new folk and bluegrass music over a weekend of gigs, sessions, workshops and masterclasses in the gorgeous setting of Atlantic-washed Westport, County Mayo. Belsonic 15–24 June Music legends Nile Rodgers & Chic, The Script, Liam Gallagher and Carl Cox and a host of supporting acts will take to the stage in Belfast in this week-long summer festival which is set to rock the city. Sea Sessions 22–24 June Bundoran, County Donegal’s surf music festival will feature top artists Dizzee Rascal, Walking on Cars and Rudimental along with wave-riding, beach partying and beach sports. Longitude 13–15 July Hip hop hero J Cole, rapper Travis Scott and Beyoncé’s little sis Solange are the headline acts at Dublin’s big summer beatfest, which also features Tyler The Creator. Castlepalooza 3–5 August Charleville Castle in County Offaly provides the stunning location for this boutique music and arts festival which combines an eclectic programme with the goal of becoming Ireland’s most environmentally friendly festival. Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 12–19 August Expect concerts, competitions, pub sessions and impromptu street performances as Drogheda, County Louth becomes trad central for a week. Attracting hundreds of thousands, the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann is the world’s largest celebration of Irish music, language, song and dance. Electric Picnic 31 August – 2 September Over 40 top artists will perform at this year’s Electric Picnic in County Laois, one of the biggest music festivals of the year. Kendrick Lamar, Massive Attack and N.E.R.D. headline, and supporting acts include Dua Lipa and George Ezra. Cork Jazz Festival 26–29 October The Guinness Cork Jazz Festival is one of the most important jazz events on the international arts calendar, and attracts musicians and music fans from all over the world. Wexford Festival Opera 19 October – 4 November Seventeen days of operas, concerts, recitals, theatre and talks including rarely seen opera for which the festival is famous. This year’s main performances include Mala Vita (Umberto Giordano) and Dinner at Eight (William Bolcom).