Historic Bedford Springs Resort Re-Opens

The circa 1796 Bedford Springs Resort re-opened today following the completion of a $120-million restoration and expansion. A celebration honoring the property’s historic past and anticipating its promising future showcased the historic “springs” resort. The restoration unveiled refined public spaces, reclaimed exteriors, enlarged and updated guestrooms, state-of-the-art meeting facilities, casual and fine dining in six restaurants, and the new Springs Eternal Spa.

In its glory days Bedford Springs, which had been closed for 21 years, played host to U.S. presidents, heads of state and countless celebrities, and was where the first TransAtlantic cable was received by President James Buchanan from Great Britain’s Queen Victoria in 1858. The resort also served as Buchanan’s summer White House.

More than 100 employees and numerous guests assembled along the hotel’s flowering circular drive for a formal flag-raising ceremony and musical fanfares. Harkening back to the resort’s original splendor, special return guests arrived at the porte cochere in horse drawn carriages to the strains of the Bedford Springs March, composed by Adam Geibel in 1878. The guests were welcomed and then escorted into the hotel to sign the VIP guest register and tour the property.

“We’re thrilled to welcome our new employees and very special guests to assist us in officially re-opening the doors to Bedford Springs Resort,” said Keith Evans, Managing Partner, Bedford Resort Partners Ltd. “This historic property has been restored with authenticity and filled with exceptional memorabilia, but offers the modern conveniences of a luxury resort. We applaud those who helped make this day a reality and invite everyone to visit this magnificent property.”

Slumbering for 21 years, Bedford Springs Resort awoke today restored and revitalized and again offers the world its healing springs and classic golf course. The 216-room destination resort now claims 134 queen guest rooms and 81 double/double rooms, plus two hospitality suites. All rooms have been elegantly restored to reflect the rich and diverse history of the property. Many feature sun and breeze-filled porches with rocking chairs and striking views of the Resort’s beautiful grounds. Rates range from $249 to $299 per night, based on views, day of week and seasonality. Spa suites start at $309.

Guests will find memorable cuisine and high-tech meeting facilities, a gold medal trout stream, mountain nature trails and Cannondale Bikes to traverse them, an outdoor wedding grotto, restored indoor and new outdoor swimming pools, plus winter sports.

Treatments at the Springs Eternal Spa are focused on water and hydrotherapies. Programs are designed to meet the needs of guests to distress, provide balance for the body, mind and spirit, esthetic services and to enhance health.

Six distinct dining opportunities offer traditional American cuisine with mid-Atlantic roots artfully prepared from fresh, seasonal ingredients grown by local and regional purveyors.

Set on 2,200 acres in the Southern Allegheny Mountains of south, central Pennsylvania, Bedford Springs Resort invites guests to experience the renewed ambiance of one of America’s finest Springs Hotels.

Close to the intersection of the Pennsylvania Turnpike and Interstate 70, the resort is a convenient two-hour drive from Baltimore and Washington, DC, 90 minutes from Pittsburgh, three hours from Philadelphia and four hours from New York City. Bedford Springs Resort is just 129 miles from Pittsburgh International Airport and 113 miles from Harrisburg International Airport. Bedford County Airport offers a 5,000-foot runway and can accommodate a wide array of private aircraft.

For information or reservations access the web site at www.bedfordspringsresort.com or call (866) 623-8168.

Bedford Resort Partners, Ltd. is the owner and developer of the Bedford Springs Resort project. The partners include The Ferchill Group of Cleveland, Ohio, a real estate development company that specializes in historic rehabilitation projects, Chevron TCI, Inc., a leading investor in tax credit rehabilitation projects in the United States and The Bedford Springs Company, LLC.

Benchmark Hospitality International, an independent hospitality management company based in The Woodlands (Houston), Texas, operates resorts, conference centers, hotels and condominium resorts both domestically and internationally. For locations of Benchmark Hospitality properties and for additional information, visit Benchmark's Website at www.benchmarkhospitality.com.

Media Contact:
Karen Moraghan
Hunter Public Relations – East
908/876-5100
908/963-6013 (cell)
kmoraghan @ hunter-pr.com

(Photo credit: Digital Photography Works, Ken Sepeda)

When it comes to vacations, kids like ACTION!

ORLANDO, Fla., June 29 /PRNewswire/ -- A new survey conducted by Harris Interactive reveals that 84 percent of teens favor real-life action on vacation to playing video games at their hotel (16 percent). Adventurous activities high on the list include swimming with dolphins, such as here at Discovery Cove in Orlando. In addition to swimming with dolphins, Discovery Cove also offers teens the opportunity to snorkel with tropical fish and rays, hand-feed exotic birds and relax on pristine beaches. (PRNewsFoto/Anheuser-Busch Adventure Parks)

Parents, brace yourselves. Kids' expectations for family vacations just got higher -- and a lot more active. A new survey conducted by Harris Interactive(R) and commissioned by Discovery Cove, an Orlando-based theme park where guests can interact with a variety of marine animals, reveals the following highlights:

• About 4 in 5 Teens(1) (78%) desire a unique, once-in-a-lifetime vacation event or activity that will provide them with bragging rights,and about 3 in 4 parents(2) (72%) want the same for their children.

• More than half of teens say their parents join in on their adventurous activities, while only 14% say their parents want to be left alone.

• About 4 in 5 parents (80%) allow their children to influence their vacation planning.

• Teens favor real-life action on vacation, such as participating in adventurous activities (84%) to playing video games at their hotel (16%).

A "Fin-tastic" Way to a Teen's Heart

More than half of teens (60%) want to tell their friends that they swam with dolphins on their vacation. Other aspects that make up a teen's dream vacation include: exploring a new place (68%), seeing a celebrity (49%), meeting a new friend (42%) and spending time with family (36%).
"
Today's kids have such active lifestyles, it seems only natural that they want to take their vacation plans to the next level," says Stewart Clark, vice president of Discovery Cove. "Discovery Cove has been aware of this trend and has responded by offering guests both a relaxing and adventurous vacation experience."

Parent and Teen Perspectives -- The Family Dream Vacation
Real World vs. Virtual World

Based on the recent sales and widespread growth of video games, one might assume teens would rather play in the virtual world than the realworld. However, an overwhelming 84% of teens opt to leave their joysticks at home and participate in adventurous activities while on vacation. Only 16% of teens would rather play video games in their hotel.

According to study findings, girls are more likely than boys to have an adventurous streak on vacation (90% girls vs. 77% boys), while boys are more likely than girls to prefer playing video games in a hotel (23% boys vs. 10% girls). But even boys grow out of their games eventually. Older teen boys (ages 16-17) are more likely than their younger counterparts to prefer adventurous activities over video games (89% of boys ages 16-17 vs. 74% of boys ages 8-15).

Guess What I Did This Summer?

When asked what makes a dream vacation for them, teens say they would most like to brag to their friends about a once-in-a-lifetime activity, such as swimming with dolphins (78%). An overwhelming number (72%) of parents agreed that their children would want unique activities for the ability to brag. Parents and their children see eye-to-eye that other must-have teen dream vacation characteristics are: staying up late (35% and 63%, respectively), relaxing (42% and 54%), the freedom to be on their own (42% and 54%), spending time with family (51% and 50%), sleeping in (29%and 49%) and not arguing (9% and 17%).

Parents are Just Big Kids ... So They Say

"If you can't beat 'em, join 'em." Many parents seem to be doing just that when it comes to family vacations. Overall, parents crave participation in their kids' activities rather than lounging in solitude. An overwhelming number of parents (70%) say that, on vacation, they want to
engage in the same activities as their children (e.g.: swimming with dolphins or playing in the pool). Only 4% say they want to be left alone to relax. Others divulged that when they participate in their kids' activities, they let their guard down and were more laid back (64%), were easier to talk to (24%), and were less likely to anger quickly (19%).

Teens agree that their parents' attitudes change dramatically while on vacation. More than half of teens say their parents join in on their adventurous activities, while only 14% say their parents want to be left alone. Generally, teens agree that their parents are more laid back (53%), less likely to anger easily (33%), and easier to talk to (26%).

Teens Have the Power

When it comes to who has the most control over where the family will be vacationing, parents seem to be giving their children more and more choice, with 80% saying that their kids have some or a lot of influence. Teens echo the statement, saying they (65%) and their siblings (44%) have influence in their family's vacation destination. Both parents (96%) and teens (74%) still understandably say that parents have the most overall influence.

About Discovery Cove

Discovery Cove is an all-inclusive adventure park in the heart of Orlando offering its guests extraordinary experiences through up-closeencounters with dolphins and other marine life. Whether it's a 30-minute Dolphin-swim session, snorkeling with thousands of tropical fish in the
Coral Reef, wading with the rays in the Ray Lagoon, hand-feeding exotic birds in a free- flight Aviary or relaxing on pristine beaches, the activities are matchless and geared specifically towards youth and families.

The Anheuser-Busch Adventure Parks include Discovery Cove in Orlando;
SeaWorld parks in Orlando, San Diego and San Antonio; Busch Gardens in
Tampa Bay and Williamsburg, Va.; Adventure Island in Tampa Bay; Water
Country in Williamsburg; and Sesame Place near Philadelphia. For more
information about Discovery Cove, visit http://www.DiscoveryCove.com or
call 1-877-4-ADVENTURE.

This Year's Top Caribbean Getaways

Orbitz Sale Saves Travelers $150 or More on Vacation Packages
'Orbitz Travel Mom' Picks Top Family-Friendly Islands

Strip off the winter jacket, throw down the snow shovel and head south for the winter. Travelers seeking a respite from the icy bite of "Winter 2007" can take advantage of a new Orbitz Winter Getaway Sale and use the Orbitz Insider Index to plan a tropical getaway to one of the most popular islands in the Caribbean.

"Planning a winter getaway for the family can be easy and affordable if you take advantage of winter deals like the Orbitz Winter Getaway Sale," said Heather Leisman, director of merchandising for Orbitz."

Orbitz Winter Getaway Sale
Don't head out this winter without checking out all the deals out there! The Orbitz Winter Getaway Sale gives families the opportunity to save on 4 and 7 night qualifying packages (flight + hotel) to Mexico, Hawaii and the Caribbean. Whether relaxing on Hapuna Beach in Hawaii or teaching a loved one to snorkel around The Cayman Islands, the Winter Getaway Sale gives you plenty of destination options to beat the winter blues.

Using promo code 150SUNNY
Save $150* off a flight + hotel package of 4 or more nights

Using promo code 300SUNNY
Save $300** off a flight + hotel package of 7 or more nights

To take advantage of the Winter Getaway Sale, packages must be booked between January 8, 2007 and February 4, 2007 and travel must occur between January 8, 2007 and July 31, 2007.

For more information on this sale and how Orbitz can helping your family escape the cold, visit:
http://www.orbitz.com/App/PerformMDLPDealsContent?deal_id=07jan08wintersale&cn t=PRO

Top Caribbean Island Destinations
To help provide travelers with the inside information they need to plan the perfect getaway, Orbitz once again releases the Orbitz Insider Index and taps into its staff of experts for their advice on where to go and what to do in the hot Caribbean.

To determine the most popular Caribbean destinations, the Orbitz Insider Index examines vacation package and hotel bookings on Orbitz.com, indicating significant destination trend information within the data.

2007's top Caribbean Island destinations this winter are:
The Orbitz Insider Index
1. Bahamas
2. Puerto Rico
3. Dominican Republic
4. Jamaica
5. Aruba
6. Virgin Islands (U.S.)
7. Netherlands Antilles
8. Saint Lucia
9. Bermuda
10. Antigua and Barbuda
Based on land-only hotel room and package hotel room sales for checking between 12/1/06 and 3/31/07.
Based on net bookings as of 12/13/06

Top Caribbean Islands for Families
Amid the most popular island destinations, travelers will find some are more suitable for adults, while others provide for a great family experience. It's key to research each island you plan to visit to ensure it suits your expectations for a warm weather getaway.

Orbitz looks to the "Orbitz Travel Mom", Emily Kaufman, for her motherly advice on where to head with your family this winter to ensure everyone will have a good time.

"My picks for an island or beach destination have multiple activities and amenities that suit everyone in your family. Avoid less kid-friendly destinations that cater mainly to adult travelers and look for resorts and hotels are tailored specifically to families," said Emily Kaufman, Orbitz Travel Mom. "The Caribbean has many unique islands that cater to family-focused travel, so you don't have to look far to find an islands that offer something for everyone."

The Orbitz Travel Mom's 2007 Caribbean picks are:

Bermuda (#9 on the Orbitz Insider Index)
Just a quick hop from the East Coast, Bermuda is bursting with family friendly activities. For families that adore animals, there is excitement on land and at sea. Dolphin Quest at the Bermuda Maritime Museum offers year round encounters with playful bottlenose dolphins for vacationers of all ages. For land lovers, Bermuda is home to over 360 unique species of birds and visitors to the Bermuda Aquarium Museum and Zoo can view more than 200 fish, mammals and reptiles. If your family is full of explorers, a visit to the Crystal & Fantasy Caves of Bermuda or the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute will have your entire group viewing crystal stalactites and stalagmites or exhibits that unlock the secrets of the sea.

Orbitz Travel Mom Tip - Bermuda does not allow rental cars, so many people get around via bikes, buses, taxies and mopeds. Mopeds can be fun, but they're not something for the kids. In general, Americans might want to stick to bus and taxi service as the driving environment can be hectic. As a territory of the United Kingdom, Bermudians drive on the opposite side of the road, which can be uncomfortable for U.S. residents.

The Cayman Islands
For the adventurous family, Grand Cayman Island is loaded with water sports and other exhilarating activities. For fun in the ocean, a visit to Seven Mile Beach will immerse everyone in activities such as banana boating, catamaran sailing, ocean kayaking, windsurfing and snorkeling. Boatswain's Beach, also on Grand Cayman Island, is a 23-acre adventure marine park which hosts an enormous turtle farm where visitors can view and even hold these fun four finned animals. For older children looking for additional excitement, a visit to Black Pearl Skate and Surf park is the perfect location for high thrills fun. This skate and surf park includes a 62,000 square foot skate park and a Waveloch Surf Machine which will have kids hanging ten in no time.

Orbitz Travel Mom Tip - Families visiting the Cayman Islands should take advantage of the beautiful underwater scenery located near these islands. Learning to snorkel together as a family is extremely fun. Snorkeling is very easy to learn and exploring the marine environment together makes for great vacation memories. Before diving in, don't forget an underwater camera to capture the memories! And for the kids just learning to swim -- that resort pool is the perfect place to learn to stay afloat with mom and dad!

Puerto Rico (#2 on the Orbitz Insider Index)
Puerto Rico is an island rich in history and natural beauty and there are numerous ways for families to experience both. A unique look at Puerto Rico's history can be found at El Morro. This bluff was used by Spanish and American explorers as a campsite and today there are over 2,000 inscriptions, featuring signatures and messages, as well as Ancestral Puebloan ruins. For a taste of Puerto Rico's natural beauty, visit Rio Camuy Cave Park, home of the third- largest underground river in the world and The El Yunque Rainforest. Well groomed trails lead families 200 feet down through huge beautiful underground caverns at Rio Camuy Cave Park. At El Yunque Rainforest, the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System, families have over 28,000 acres of lush forest to explore.

Orbitz Travel Mom Tip - For families that love great food, dining in San Juan is a taste extravaganza. In San Juan, families can experience everything from French, Greek, Italian, Spanish and Caribbean cuisine. Be sure to check out Old San Juan -- one of the best neighborhoods for food-y families!

Curacao
With an average temperature in the mid 80s and 38 different beaches to explore, Curacao is an ideal place for family relaxation and fun. Curacao has several family beaches, most of which are located along the southwestern coast, where the waters are clear and calm. For families seeking a unique animal experience, a visit to the Curacao Ostrich Farm can be great fun. One of the biggest outside of Africa, the farm has over 600 birds and does allow individuals to feed and hold baby ostriches. If interacting with animals is not your family's cup of tea, visit the city of Willemstad for great shopping, dinning and a look at some unique Dutch architecture. As a former Dutch commercial center, this is a great location to view Amsterdam style buildings as you stroll throughout this vibrant city of more than 125,000 people.

Orbitz Travel Mom Tip - Some of the beaches in Curacao do charge a fee which may or may not include a beach chair. Before heading down to the sand, check with the hotel concierge to find out if you should bring cash with you.

Castaway Cay, Bahamas
The ultimate family-friend island, Castaway Cay is Disney's private island for moms, dads and kids. For kids and teens, it's Never Land; for adults, it's Shangri-La. Step off the ship and you know, instantly, you've arrived at a magical place. Be as active as you want -- with hiking, kayaking, snorkeling and an aquatic playground -- or simply find your place
under the sun in Serenity Bay, the island's adult-only beach area.

Orbitz Travel Mom Trip - Only aboard a Disney Cruise Line vacation can guests indulge in a day-long visit to Castaway Cay. Cruising itself is a great way to spend a winter weekend away with the family, so check out family- friendly cruises to take you to on an island hopping adventure.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS:

*Promo code: 150SUNNY
Book a qualifying Caribbean, Mexico, or Hawaii flight + hotel package-- indicated by a coupon icon -- between January 8, 2007, and February 4, 2007, for 4 or more nights for travel between January 8, 2007, and July 31, 2007, via Orbitz ("Qualifying Purchase") and instantly receive $150 off your purchase on Orbitz through the use of the promotion code ("Instant Discount"). Only Qualifying Purchases made through February 4, 2007, by 11:59 p.m. CT shall qualify for the Instant Discount. Travel must be completed by July 31, 2007. Only one Instant Discount allowed per hotel room. Instant Discounts are not redeemable for cash for any reason. Once Instant Discount has been redeemed, it may not be returned or refunded for any reason. Any attempt at fraud will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Void where prohibited, taxed or restricted. Orbitz reserves the right to change or limit the promotion in its sole discretion. In the event of any violation of these terms and conditions, Orbitz reserves the right to not honor the Instant Discount, cancel your reservation, and pursue other remedies.

**Promo code: 300SUNNY
Book a qualifying Caribbean, Mexico, or Hawaii flight + hotel package-- indicated by a coupon icon -- between January 8, 2007, and February 4, 2007, for 7 or more nights for travel between January 8, 2007, and July 31, 2007, via Orbitz ("Qualifying Purchase") and instantly receive $300 off your purchase on Orbitz through the use of the promotion code ("Instant Discount"). Only Qualifying Purchases made through February 4, 2007, by 11:59 p.m. CT shall qualify for the Instant Discount. Travel must be completed by July 31, 2007. Only one Instant Discount allowed per hotel room. Instant Discounts are not redeemable for cash for any reason. Once Instant Discount has been redeemed, it may not be returned or refunded for any reason. Any attempt at fraud will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Void where prohibited, taxed or restricted. Orbitz reserves the right to change or limit the promotion in its sole discretion. In the event of any violation of these terms and conditions, Orbitz reserves the right to not honor the Instant Discount, cancel your reservation, and pursue other remedies.