Grumpy
11-03-2008, 06:59 PM
Scott Powers | Jason Garcia and Sara K. Clarke, Sentinel Staff Writers
November 3, 2008
Green initiatives being tried this year at SeaWorld Orlando, Discovery Cove and Aquatica involving biodegradable food-service wares, sustainable fisheries and hydrogen-fueled vehicles are being extended to the rest of the company's 10 theme parks, Busch Entertainment Corp. announced.
Busch Entertainment, which moved its headquarters to Orlando this summer, began the environmentally friendly initiatives early this year. They include the introduction of restaurant plates, cups, forks, knives and spoons that feel like plastic but are made of renewable and biodegradable resources such as sugar cane and vegetable starch.
Other programs include commitments to purchase seafood, for both the park's animals and restaurants, from suppliers that use sustainably managed fisheries approved by the Marine Stewardship Council and the Aquaculture Certification Council; and the introduction of hydrogen-fueled vans and other vehicles.
Those programs were started in Orlando and Busch's two parks in Tampa on a limited basis, and are being expanded to the company's other parks in California, Texas, Virginia and Pennsylvania. The sustainable seafood program will be complete by early next year.
"Our company is committed to environmental stewardship with our day-to-day business decisions," Busch Entertainment President Jim Atchison stated in a news release. "It's not always the easy way or inexpensive way, but it is the right way."
Travel's weak link
Leisure travel is showing more strength than business travel during the sour economy, according to research from the Washington-based Travel Industry Association.
TIA projects that 2008 will end with domestic leisure travel essentially flat for the year, down just 0.2 percent from 2007. Domestic business travel is expected to finish the year down 3.6 percent.
The organization thinks the disparity will continue next year. Domestic leisure travel is forecast to be down 1.7 percent in 2009 while domestic business travel is expected to decline 2.7 percent.
"I think the good news is that leisure travel is proving its resilience once again," said Suzanne Cook, TIA's executive vice president for research. "Business travel, we think, is the weakest link."
Wallaby's debut
It's show time for the baby albino wallaby that emerged from its mother's pouch months early at Cypress Gardens. Mahina, who has been hand-raised by the park's animal-care staff for the past several months, is now making limited appearances on weekends. She and her keeper will interact with guests between 1:15 p.m. and 1:35 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays -- and will even be available for photos.
On the go
Michael Lewellen, Universal Orlando's vice president for public relations, left the company late last week, and Tom Schroder was promoted to senior director of public relations. Lewellen plans to assist Universal as a consultant for a few weeks. The company will conduct a search for a new vice president.
Tuning in to Canada
Canadian snowbirds will be able to listen to radio newscasts from Toronto starting today. The 55th season of Canada Calling, a radio show hosted by Prior Smith, runs through the beginning of April. Listeners in Central Florida can tune in to WLBE-AM (790). For broadcast times and details, visit canadacalling.com.
November 3, 2008
Green initiatives being tried this year at SeaWorld Orlando, Discovery Cove and Aquatica involving biodegradable food-service wares, sustainable fisheries and hydrogen-fueled vehicles are being extended to the rest of the company's 10 theme parks, Busch Entertainment Corp. announced.
Busch Entertainment, which moved its headquarters to Orlando this summer, began the environmentally friendly initiatives early this year. They include the introduction of restaurant plates, cups, forks, knives and spoons that feel like plastic but are made of renewable and biodegradable resources such as sugar cane and vegetable starch.
Other programs include commitments to purchase seafood, for both the park's animals and restaurants, from suppliers that use sustainably managed fisheries approved by the Marine Stewardship Council and the Aquaculture Certification Council; and the introduction of hydrogen-fueled vans and other vehicles.
Those programs were started in Orlando and Busch's two parks in Tampa on a limited basis, and are being expanded to the company's other parks in California, Texas, Virginia and Pennsylvania. The sustainable seafood program will be complete by early next year.
"Our company is committed to environmental stewardship with our day-to-day business decisions," Busch Entertainment President Jim Atchison stated in a news release. "It's not always the easy way or inexpensive way, but it is the right way."
Travel's weak link
Leisure travel is showing more strength than business travel during the sour economy, according to research from the Washington-based Travel Industry Association.
TIA projects that 2008 will end with domestic leisure travel essentially flat for the year, down just 0.2 percent from 2007. Domestic business travel is expected to finish the year down 3.6 percent.
The organization thinks the disparity will continue next year. Domestic leisure travel is forecast to be down 1.7 percent in 2009 while domestic business travel is expected to decline 2.7 percent.
"I think the good news is that leisure travel is proving its resilience once again," said Suzanne Cook, TIA's executive vice president for research. "Business travel, we think, is the weakest link."
Wallaby's debut
It's show time for the baby albino wallaby that emerged from its mother's pouch months early at Cypress Gardens. Mahina, who has been hand-raised by the park's animal-care staff for the past several months, is now making limited appearances on weekends. She and her keeper will interact with guests between 1:15 p.m. and 1:35 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays -- and will even be available for photos.
On the go
Michael Lewellen, Universal Orlando's vice president for public relations, left the company late last week, and Tom Schroder was promoted to senior director of public relations. Lewellen plans to assist Universal as a consultant for a few weeks. The company will conduct a search for a new vice president.
Tuning in to Canada
Canadian snowbirds will be able to listen to radio newscasts from Toronto starting today. The 55th season of Canada Calling, a radio show hosted by Prior Smith, runs through the beginning of April. Listeners in Central Florida can tune in to WLBE-AM (790). For broadcast times and details, visit canadacalling.com.