New AirTran Routes To Put Lehigh Valley On The Map

Local Lehigh Valley Tourism To Benefit From New AirTran Routes.

When I first saw the press release from Lehigh Valley International Airport’s business development director Susan Kittle about the new AirTran routes to Atlanta it did not make a major impression with me. It seemed like the usual slow growth strategies we have grown accustom to when it comes to major airline announcements here in the Lehigh Valley. But thanks to another snow day, I had time to review the announcement in more detail. Daily service to Atlanta, leaving at 6AM and arriving in Atlanta by 8:00AM, makes the rest of the world’s travel destinations a reality leaving from our convenient, easy to navigate, security friendly, affordable parking home airport!

Imagine this: I can leave Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE) at 6:00AM, and be in Los Angeles by 12:15PM for an afternoon meeting for $251 one way. The return trip of $190.40 brings me back to LVIA at 12:15AM the next day. Not that I would suggest this whirlwind travel trip, but hey for $441.80 (tax inc.) round trip this could make a lot of business travelers and their CFO’s very happy!

The flip side to this equation is how it opens up the Lehigh Valley and Poconos tourism markets! In the past this same flight into ABE would cost you $600+ (tax inc.) These higher prices would drive meeting business into Newark or Philadelphia airports and often cause meeting planners to choose a hotel or conference center closer to that airport for obvious reasons. Now if Olympus decides to bring all their sales associates into Center Valley, they can conveniently and affordably fly them into ABE.

If it keeps snowing, I will check out some other hot spots for a Spring Break!

Perfect Storm Delivers Big Results for Northeast Ski Resorts

Perfect Storm Delivers Big Results for Northeast Ski Resorts

If you think you have read all there is to know about snow after this past weekend, think twice. The story that will be hitting the airwaves and print media this week will revolve around a “Perfect Storm” of love, sport and cabin fever. While the traditional ski areas missed out on the monster storms of last weekend the Northeast resort managers are still having images of dollar signs dancing in their head! Here’s why….
Ever so often the February calendar aligns Valentine’s Day (February 14th) with the official President’s Holiday weekend (a quasi non-decipherable combination of President’s Washington and Lincoln’s birthdays), this year celebrated on February 15th. This tends to make the 2nd weekend in February the most popular weekend for ski resorts. Add a 30 inch snow storm 7 days earlier and a possible repeat three days later in the big cities of Washington DC, Baltimore and Philadelphia and you have the making for historic lift lines at the Pocono and Lehigh Valley ski areas this upcoming weekend, not to mention $200+ room rates in the surrounding resorts and inns. If the room you want has a hot tub or fireplace you can guarantee it is not available! So if you are a skier or a romantic and have not made plans for this weekend, I say forget it. Do something romantic close to home, enjoy the long holiday preparing your taxes or painting the bathrooms. You can take that ski trip any of the other 4 weekends between now and St. Patrick’s day,and I promise you the lift lines will be shorter and your wallet a little fatter after the trip.