What’s New in BostonUSA 2009
for
Student & Youth Tour Planners ?
Special SYTA 2008 Edition
What’s
New in BostonUSA? is
produced by the Greater Boston Convention &
Visitors Bureau:
Larry Meehan, VP, Media Relations & Tourism Sales Tel: 617- 867-8231, e-mail: lmeehan@bostonusa.com
Contents
1. What’s New at Attractions & Tours
Prudential Skywalk , Faneuil Hall Marketplace, Boston's “TOMB “ experience attraction , Shear Madness , Blue Man Group Boston , Boston Harbor Cruises, John F. Kennedy Library Presidential Museum, Boston Symphony Orchestra / Boston Pops , Boston By Foot tour Company , Freedom Trail , New waterfront Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA), Boston Duck Tours, New England Aquarium, , Explore Multicultural Boston, new BostonUSA -Massachusetts College Visit tour brochure, 6 new attractions: The Boston HarborWalk, Courageous Sailing Center, Diablo Glass School in Boston ,Yacht Starship, MIT Museum New “Innovation Gallery”, Harvard Art Museum & New England Aquarium Marine Mammal Center.8 new Tours for Groups in Boston: WGBH TV, Russian & Jewish Cuisine, North End Cultural, Charlestown, Twilight Walks, Treasure Hunts, MIT Museum New “Innovation Gallery”
2. What’s New Group Dining
Hard Rock Café Boston, Prudential Center Food Court Voucher Program for Youth Groups, Cheers Boston, CambridgeSide Galleria Lunch, Charles Riverboat Company/CambridgeSide Mall ,New England Aquarium environmentally responsible Seafood Dinner program
3. What’s New Sports Tours
Sports Event & facility news
4. What’s New National tour companies’ BostonUSA Student & Youth Tours
Music & College Visits Tours are growing
5. What’s New Hotels
Holiday Inn Express Boston opposite TD BankNorth Garden 2008 , Mandarin Oriental in Back Bay 2008, Copley Square Hotel Back Bay opposite Copley Place 2008, Inn@St. Botolph Hotel 2008, Battery Wharf Hotel on waterfront 2008, “W” Boston Theatre District 2009, Ames Hotel 2009
6. What’s New Online
www.BostonUSA.com for Tour Planners: New 15 Click-to-View Mini Sites & New web Site design
What’s New in BostonUSA
2009-2010?
The ‘Big Dig’ is done and now more than 50 new attractions, tours, hotels, restaurants, walking trails, shops, sports events , celebrations, movies being filmed in Boston are underway for visiting groups in 2009 & 2010.
· 5 new hotels open in October 2009 and 2 more in September 2009
· There are 16 major sports events set for 2009 at six venues
· There are 8 museums & attractions expanding in Boston Cambridge.
· There are 3 major Boston harbor festivals set for the Summer of 2009
· There are 8 new tours for groups in Boston Cambridge
· There are 6 new attractions for groups
· Two of the world’s great museums -the New England Aquarium & the JFK Library- will celebrate major birthdays on the Boston waterfront
· There is a comprehensive ‘greening’ underway in Boston & Cambridge ranging from Boston Duck Tours operating on biodiesel fuel, expanded public transit, green hotels & restaurants and Boston is hosting the biggest green conference in the world in November 2008.
· There are ten new movies filmed in Boston that will be released in 2008-2009 as Hollywood in BostonUSA expands
· In 2010 two new hotels in the Seaport District will open: a new hotel at Fan Pier and a new hotel on Congress Street
· In 2010 the $450 million Museum of Fine Arts Americas Wing Opens
· In 2010 the new Waterside Place shopping distance opposite the BCEC Convention Center will open in late 2010-early 2011
· In 2010 The Boston Pops turns 125!
· In 2011 the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) - originally ‘Boston Tech’ in Boston’s Copley Square- will celebrate its 150th Birthday.
· In 2012, designed by world-renowned architect Daniel Libeskind, the New Center will open , a stunning landmark on the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway
· In 2012 , Boston will celebrate the Centennial of Fenway Park- America’s oldest ballpark.
1. Prudential Skywalk is the best place to begin student / youth tour in Boston is the Skywalk .
New Group Sales Manager is Taciana Oliveira, 617-859-0648 skywalkgroupsales@hotmail.com & newly-redesigned web site is http://www.topofthehub.net/skywalk_home.html The Skywalk Observatory is Boston's only sky-high vantage point for sweeping 360 degree views of Greater Boston -perfect for group tour orientation. Skywalk includes audio tour, Dreams of Freedom exhibition (perfect for student-youth groups focused on American History/heritage/cultural understanding tours) .State-of-the-art antenna audio tour detailing the city's many points of historic and cultural interest, explore the Dreams of Freedom Immigration Museum celebrating Boston's (and America’s ) immigration experience, and multi-media movie theater for an up-close look at the city.
2. Faneuil Hall Marketplace: Boston’s Faneuil Hall Marketplace seven (7) point “student-tour-friendly” 2009 program:
· Pre-paid Commissionable Food Court Dining and Desert Vouchers – with your choice of a variety of different food vendors. A favorite with the student market so teachers don’t have to worry about giving cash to their students for lunch! $9.00 - meal voucher ; $5.00 - dessert voucher
· Meet & Greets with a VIP Welcome Package complete with specials, discounts and incentives. Our VIP Welcome Package is available at the Old Town Trolley booth at Faneuil Hall Marketplace. We can customize a voucher for your company or you can access a Premier Passport, available in multiple languages at www.americasshoppingplaces.com – Click on Premier Passport, then click on “see our printable voucher and map.”
· A unique self-guided learning experience, “A Mathematical History Tour of Faneuil Hall Marketplace” for Middle Grade Students. Just tell us how many students you have and we will provide you with the copies. Takes about three to four hours.
· Performance Areas available to groups.
· Nearby Motorcoach drop off & pick up areas.
· Student-friendly restaurants with all-inclusive group lunch and dinner menus available upon request.
· Year-round Complimentary Street Performer Acts - Enjoy a wide variety of street performer acts and musical productions daily throughout the Marketplace!
· For up-to-date listing of events, visit http://www.faneuilhallmarketplace.com/entertainment3.html
Contact: Carolyn J Feimster Tourism Representative: Cell - 718-757-8489 Carolyn@CJFMarketingInternational.com
3. Boston's “TOMB “ experience attraction
TOMB is Boston’s Most Interactive Entertainment Experience. Students enter an authentically recreated Egyptian tomb and must work together to solve a series of puzzles and challenges in order to make it out alive!
Look for expanded on site & educational group programs in 2009
Contact Luke Neily 617.375.9487 x601 lneily@5-wits.com
4. Shear Madness 2009
Shear Madness has a newly redecorated set and the script has been reworked. Since 1980 we've had more than 21,000 groups. Group pricing ranges from $30-$32 per person. We offer dinner packages with Hard Rock Cafe, Legal Sea Foods, The Union Oyster House and McCormick & Schmick's. Our dinner package at the Hard Rock is the most student friendly and groups love the new location. For More information contact Martha Kelley at mkelley@shearmadness.com or 800-992-9035.
5. Museum of Fine Arts 2009-2010
Museum of Fine Arts is offering a new tour program called “What Artists Do” that combines a one-hour guided tour with an art-making studio experience. The MFA Group department has developed a new streamlined, tour operator friendly reservation process and section on www.mfa.org .There are new lunch options (including boxed lunches) for student/youth groups. In March 16 2009 through August 15 2009 the MFA will present a spectacular 60-painting exhibition “Titian, Tintoretto, Veronese: Rivals in Renaissance Venice” is the first major exhibition dedicated to the artistic rivalry of the three greatest Venetian painters of the sixteenth century:. The exhibition will draw from the most important museums in Europe and the United States, as well as pictures that have remained over the years in the settings for which they were painted—churches in Venice….In late 2010 the Museum of Fine Arts will open the new Art of Americas Wing .
In addition to the new Wing seven (7) other major developments in 2010: Renovations to European and Ancient World galleries. Generous new space for Contemporary and Modern art. Redesigned and expanded Museum Learning facilities. The dramatic glass-enclosed Ruth and Carl J. Shapiro Family Courtyard. A larger and more centrally located Sharf Visitor Center. A new central location for the Graham Gund Gallery for special exhibitions. State-of-the-art conservation equipment and work spaces. Newly redesigned main entrances at both Huntington and Fenway
Contact Martha Davis, Manager of Tourist Marketing 617-369-4326 MDavis@mfa.org
6. Blue Man Group Boston
New Saturday Blue Man Group Boston schedule! 2009 Student matinees schedule soon! : Contact
We will have MINI GROUPS for certain seasons of the year! Groups of 8-14 people can now receive a group rate of $5 off per ticket for any performance Sunday-Thursday!Contact Kirstin Beal, Group Sales Manager krissyb@blueman.com 617-542-6700 x3 Direct: 617-542-6700 x14
7. Broadway in Boston
One of their best seasons ever: view on line at http://www.broadwayacrossamericaboston.com/GroupSalesInformation.htm
Boston’s group tour policies: 10%-30% OFF regular single ticket prices ; Bigger Discounts for Bigger Groups
Group Friendly Restaurant Packages ; Post-Show lectures* and Historical Tours ; 2 FREE TICKETS for every 40 Paid* ; $25 Student and Senior Rates* ; Free Student Study Guides for most shows ; Personalized Service and Advance Purchasing. Contact: Linsey MacDougall, groups@broadwayacrossamericaboston.com
8. New England Aquarium
Thousands of people visit the Aquarium every year in tour groups, school and camp groups and other groups. We offer group ticket prices for groups of 10 or more.
The New England Aquarium has just broken ground (Sept. 2, 2008) Marine Mammal Center at the waterfront museum. It is set to open for their 40th birthday on July 1, 2009.. The New England Aquarium has pioneered a special Sustainable Seafood Dinner program (with adults paired with wines; student groups can tailor program with group dept.) Contact Debra Borgwardt dborgwardt@neaq.org
9. Boston Ballet
The Company is now one of the major ballet companies in North America and among the top companies in the world. Boston Ballet is committed to maintaining a repertoire that combines timeless classics such as The Sleeping Beauty, Giselle, Swan Lake, and Romeo and Juliet, with the imaginative visions of today's most innovative choreographers. Boston Ballet inaugurates its season with the third annual Night of Stars: A Boston Ballet Gala Performance, a special program that showcases the entire company. A week later, Boston Ballet opens its six-program schedule with James Kudelka’s critically acclaimed Cinderella, first performed by the Company in 2005. Cinderella is followed by the seasonal favorite The Nutcracker. Opening on November 27, this marks the 41st consecutive year that Boston Ballet will perform the timeless holiday classic. The season continues in February 2009 with Jiøí Kylián’s Black and White, featuring five Kylián works; George Balanchine’s 1967 full length Jewels in March; and Marius Petipa’s timeless classic, The Sleeping Beauty, in April. Boston Ballet will also pay special tribute to the Ballets Russes in a program that includes George Balanchine’s The Prodigal Son, Vaslav Nijinski’s The Afternoon of a Faun, Michel Folkine’s Le Spectre de la Rose and the world premiere of Elo’s of Le Sacre du Printemps in May. Courtney Hadden, Group Sales Manager (617) 456 - 6343 chadden@bostonballet.com www.bostonballet.org
10. Huntington Theatre
The Huntington Theatre Company 2008-2009 Season, the first under new Artistic Director Peter DuBois, includes two world premiere productions, one American premiere, two reinvigorated classics, playwrights both new and familiar to Huntington audiences, and the latest critical smash from Tom Stoppard. “HOW SHAKESPEARE WON THE WEST,” a world premiere by Tony Award-winner Richard Nelson, directed by Jonathan Moscone, Sept. 5-Oct. 5, 2008 at the Huntington’s main stage, the Boston University Theatre;
“Boleros for the Disenchanted” by José Rivera, directed by Chay Yew, Oct. 10-Nov. 15, 2008 at the Huntington’s Stanford Calderwood Pavilion at the Boston Center for the Arts; “Rock ‘n’ Roll” by Tom Stoppard, directed by Carey Perloff in a co-production with San Francisco’s American Conservatory Theatre, Nov. 7-Dec. 7, 2008 at the B.U. Theatre;Kate Burton in “The Corn is Green” by Emlyn Williams, directed by Huntington Artist Emeritus Nicholas Martin, Jan. 9-Feb. 8, 2009 at the B.U. Theatre;“The Hinge of the World” by Richard Goodwin, directed by Edward Hall in an American premiere running March 6-April 5, 2009 at the B.U. Theatre;
“The Miracle at Naples,” a world premiere by David Grimm, directed by Peter DuBois, April 3-May 9, 2009 at the Calderwood Pavilion; and“THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE,” a Caribbean-style adaptation of Gilbert and Sullivan’s classic musical conceived by Gordon Greenberg, Nell Benjamin, and John McDaniel, with additional book and lyrics by Nell Benjamin. Directed by Gordon Greenberg; runs May 15-June 14, 2009 at the B.U. Theatre.Adam Roberts (groups) 617-273-1525 aroberts@huntingtontheatre.bu.edu
11. Boston’s CitiCenter New Group Sales Manager, Shows, Partnership with MSG
Citi Performing Arts Center, which includes both the Wang Theatre and Shubert Theatre, is one of the nation’s foremost not-for-profit performing arts institutions. As New England’s largest cultural venue, it honors all aspects of the performing arts offering theatre, opera, classical and popular music, international ballet, contemporary dance, one-night engagements, and Broadway musicals. The Citi Performing Arts Center (Citi Center) today announced a new co-booking arrangement with MSG Entertainment (MSGE), a worldwide entertainment company recognized for its signature combination of event production and entertainment marketing. The deal will bring additional broad-based performances to Boston’s 3600 seat Wang Theater
Contact Meg Worth, mworth@citicenter.org visit web site for new productions: www.citicenter.org
12. Boston Harbor Cruises : Codzilla hi-speed boat cruise & more cruises
Codzilla hi-speed boat cruise; Boston’s newest visitor attraction on the Boston Harbor the 135-passenger 2800-horsepower 40 mph Boston Harbor Cruises’ Codzilla’ began its 40-minute cruises on Long Wharf The tour departs hourly 10, 11, 12, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, & 7pm; adults $17.00 children (4-12) $13. Passengers can anticipate this tour will likely result in a wet ride & should dress accordingly
13. Fenway Park Red Sox Tours
New: - in addition to year round tours during the day - "Twilight Tours" in 2009 (May 1st - September 30, 2009)
New : "Meals on the Monster":
- Tour & Lunch Package
- Enjoy a Fenway Inspired Lunch from the Green Monster Seats
- Tickets Available Exclusively through the Old Town Trolley Company at 617-269-7010
- $50 Per Person
- May 1st - September 30th
Timothy P. Schmitt, Tour Supervisor 617-226-6666 tschmitt@redsox.com ; Marcita E. Thompson, (617) 226-6423 mthompson@redsox.com
14. John F. Kennedy Library Presidential Museum
The Museum has expanded its school visit programs, opened a new exhibition “The Making of a President “ (open through August 2009) and welcomes choral groups to perform with special advance reservation. All museum visits by school groups must be scheduled in advance. For details contact the Group Tour Coordinator Jenny Graetz, 617.514.1589. Kennedy.GroupVisits@nara.gov. The Museum will celebrate its 30th birthday in October 2009.
15. Boston Symphony Orchestra / Boston Pops
The Boston Symphony Orchestra / Boston Pops celebrates two anniversaries during the 2008-09 season ... Maestro Keith Lockhart's 15th season as conductor of the Pops, and Maestro James Levine's 5th season at the helm of the Boston Symphony! Students can get exclusive behind-the-scenes access to both the BSO and Pops by taking part in their highly successful masterclass and clinic programs. Bands and orchestras can play for BSO/Pops musicians, receive an hour long coaching session, tour historic Symphony Hall, and then end the day by attending a concert! The Heritage Festival date for 2009 is April 27, 2009. Contact Jason Lyon, Group Sales Manager JLyon@bso.org
16. Boston By Foot tour Company
32-year-old Boston By Foot offers groups more than ten walking tour options. BBF now offers an exclusive Rose Kennedy Greenway walking tour . Contact Mary Fichtner mary@bostonbyfoot.com
17. New waterfront Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA)
The new waterfront Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA) has become very popular with groups- especially student & youth groups. In addition to engaging exhibitions throughout 2009 the ICA offers extensive performance events. The ICA is organizing the first major museum survey of the American sculptor-Tara Donovan October 10, 2008 - January 4, 2009- who transforms large quantities of mass-produced items— drinking straws, toothpicks, buttons —into stunning works of phenomenal impact.
Julie Madden Groups, (617) 478-3178 jmadden@icaboston.org
18. Boston Duck Tours - 2009 dates; new itineraries; packages; they’re 15!; going green
Five news items: (1) Boston Duck Tours dates for groups in 2009 are from March 24th through December 20th. Preferable school dates and times book up quickly. We can help tour operators book multiple school friendly attractions and restaurants in Boston to help ease their planning.
(2) We have school itineraries here:http://www.bostonducktours.com/itinerary_students_main.html
(3) We also have an entire page dedicated to school related packages and specials here:
http://www.bostonducktours.com/specials_students_general.html (4) We're also celebrating our 15th year of operation in 2009! (5) Boston Duck Tours is starting to green its fleet.The land-water tour company is replacing five of its 24 World War II amphibious vehicles known as DUKWs with more efficient modern replicas that’ll run on biodiesel fuel.
19. Museum of Science
The Museum of Science Boston will present Goose Bumps! The Science of Fear opening Oct. 12, 2008 a 6,000 sq ft traveling exhibition featuring experiential and holistic view of fear science, examining the physiological, neurobiological and sociological aspects of fear. The exhibits will rate their response of visitors to fear-and explain the science behind the emotion and reflect upon its personal meaning. During Summer 2009 the Museum will present
The new foreign language guides are available online and at the Information Desk in Spanish, French and Japanese. The link to the page http://mos.org/visitor_info/accessibility
Contact Danielle Slapak, Group Sales 617-589-0447 dslapak@mos.org
20. Explore Multicultural Boston!
Enjoy a Boston mytown 90-minute youth-led walking tour of Boston's multicultural history. Details: http://www.mytowninc.org/
21. New BostonUSA -Massachusetts College Visit tour brochure
“Think Mass.”, a new 12-page full color brochure designed for students & their families planning a college visit to Massachusetts, the highest concentration of colleges & universities in the world (500,000 students & 100 campuses!) , is now available. Produced in partnership with the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities in Massachusetts (AICUM) and the Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism, the “Think Mass.” Guide includes suggestions & map, and is available free by calling the Greater Boston CVB at 1-888-733-2678 (toll free in North America) 1-617-536-4100 or email visitus@BostonUSA.com
22. The new 30-mile+ Boston HarborWalk waterfront trail that permits groups to literally walk along every part of the downtown Boston waterfront now extends beyond- to the JFK Library on the south & Belle Marsh on the north. Exploring forts, exhibitions at the harborfront museums, excursions in the Harbor. Among the museums along the Boston HarborWalk include the new ICA contemporary art museum, the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library Museum, the Boston Children’s Museum, the New England Aquarium, USS Constitution ship, and the USS Constitution Museum. Among the historic sites is the oldest fortified site in the USA: Fort Independence at Castle Island. Among the restaurants & hotels along the Boston HarborWalk are: the Marriott Long Wharf, InterContinental, Seaport Hotel, Renaissance Boston Waterfront, Yacht Haven, Marriott Tudor Wharf, Constitution Inn, the new Regent Battery Wharf Hotel, Doubletree Bayside, the ICA WaterCafe, Anthony’s Pier 4, LTK, Salvatore’s, Morton’s, Joe’s American Café, Meritage, Miel "Brasserie Provençale", Oceana, Sel De La Terre, Legal Seafood’s, and many more.
23. Six (6) new attractions for Groups in Boston & Cambridge
The Boston HarborWalk, The new 30-mile+ Boston HarborWalk waterfront trail that permits groups to literally walk along every part of the downtown Boston waterfront www.bostonharborwalk.com …….Courageous Sailing Center, Pier 4, in Charlestown Navy Yard is a non-profit organization and a sailing center, located on spectacular Boston Harbor, Courageous offers a variety of affordable Adult Sailing options and Youth Sailing programs. Contact Miguel Corti miguel@courageoussailing.org ; www.courageoussailing.org …..Diablo Glass School in Boston offers glass blowing, flame working, fused glass & stained glass. Group visits, school group visits, demonstrations & events. Contact Doris Martinez doris@diabloglassschool.com ; www.diabloglassschool.com ….. New Harbor Cruise Dining Ship Announced Yacht Starship is Boston’s newest dinner, and lunch/brunch cruises ship company, departing from the South Boston Seaport District. Contact Robert Platner, rplatner@yachtstarship.com …..MIT Museum New “Innovation Gallery” has opened featuring exhibitions on current science and technology, and a large scale electronic wall that will also support live links to research laboratories. For the first time the Museum is now open seven days per week. The first exhibition for the new Innovation Gallery” is featuring the MIT Media Laboratory's Smart Cities Concept Car project, recent developments in the use of remote- operated vehicles for underwater exploration, and some of the hottest research of MIT’s life sciences and technology…..Harvard Art Museum opens September 13, 2008
Works from the Harvard Art Museum’s three museums—the Fogg Museum, Busch-Reisinger Museum, and Arthur M. Sackler Museum—will be shown together for the first time in a new exhibition in one building at 485 Broadway just steps away from 32 Quincy Street (which formerly housed the Fogg Museum and Busch-Reisinger Museum). Closed for a major renovation and expansion project designed by architect Renzo Piano, the 32 Quincy Street renovation and expansion is scheduled to be completed in 2013 and will unite all three of the Harvard Art Museum’s component museums in one facility….See New England Aquarium news above for information about new 2009 opening of Marine Mammal Center.
24. Eight (8) new Tours for Groups in Boston Cambridge & Brookline : WGBH TV, Russian & Jewish Cuisine, North End Cultural, Charlestown, Twilight Walks, Treasure Hunts,
WGBH's studios now offer tours to groups re available for private and corporate events. The state of the art, LEED-certified Brighton facility, WGBH is home to the most prolific PBS TV station in America- French Chef, Victory Garden, NOVA, This Old House, American Experience, Frontline, Antiques Roadshow are among Boston’s WGBH productions.The new 200-seat theater accommodates screenings, concerts, lectures, & teacher-training sessions. The new 1,800-sq. ft. FM performance center will accommodate a wide range of classical, jazz, & blues, ensembles Contact Joanna Rothman, (617) 300-4211 joanna_rothman@wgbh.org http://www.wgbh.org/support/studiotours...…..Ahla Food Tours are three hour walking culinary tours in the vibrant Russian and Jewish neighborhood. Taste authentic delicacies and discover traditions behind the food. Contact julia@brooklinetour.com …..Boston Heritage Tours, provides cultural heritage guided walking tours throughout Boston Neighborhoods. Reserve now for The North End Culture Heritage Tour - future tours will include Beacon Hill, the South End, Chinatown and the Back Bay. Contact Chris Rossetti chris@bostonheritagetours.com …..Town Tours offer a tour in Charlestown (oldest section of Boston) walking through various historic sites from 1629 to the present. The tour runs from April through October. Points of interest include the Puritan Settlement and Bunker Hill Monument. Bob Powers towntours08@yahoo.com ….. Beyond Twilight offers distinctive day and evening tours of Boston and Concord, featuring "Ageless Apparitions: Boston's Literary Icons" & "Spirits, Legends, and Lore." Contact John Chateauneuf
jchat19@hotmail.com> …..Ultimate Treasure Hunts creates customized, fun challenges for ages 4-84, from Seattle to Key West, and for group sizes of 8-500. Using uniquely designed maps, GPS, and visual puzzles to fit your group, participants lead themselves to success, every time! Great for schools, traveling groups, corporate outings and local celebrations. Deborah Humiston info@ultimatetreasurehunts.com …..North End Secret Tours offers guided 2-hour walking tour of Boston's "Little Italy" neighborhood - revealing immigrant history, secret tunnels, hidden courtyards, long-forgotten stories and events. Contact Guild Nichols guildnichols@verizon.net …..Concord Guides Tour - "Revolution, Renaissance, and Renewal." Licensed Concord Guides lead walking or bus tours highlighting Concord's extraordinary Colonial, revolutionary, and literary heritage. Contact Joseph Andrews joelandrew@aol.com
25. Boston's “TOMB “
TOMB is Boston’s Most Interactive Entertainment Experience. Students enter an authentically recreated Egyptian tomb and must work together to solve a series of puzzles and challenges in order to make it out alive!
TOMB is developing some expanded on-site and
off-site educational offerings in 2009 ; look for announcements. Contact Luke
Neily ] 617.375.9487 x601
lneily@5-wits.com
26. 2009 Tall Ships News: Boston to host
biggest-ever Tall Ships event July 8-13, 2009During a six-day-long
July 8-13, 2009 stop the Tall
Ships Atlantic Challenge, the largest fleet of European, Latin American and
American Tall Ships to hit U.S. shores, Boston will be the focal point for the
international sailing communities and visitors. The Challenge, which begins in
Spain, will contain the largest-ever contingent of tall ships to visit Boston
Harbor, with a Parade of Sail on Wednesday,
July 8, 2009 and port visit through Monday,
July 13, 2009 attracting an estimated 1.2 million people.
What’s New Group Dining
Hard Rock Café Boston, Prudential Center Food Court Voucher Program for Youth Groups, Cheers Boston, CambridgeSide Galleria Lunch, Charles Riverboat Company/CambridgeSide Mall ,New England Aquarium environmentally responsible Seafood Dinner program
27. Hard Rock Café Boston
Hard Rock Café- New location, Student Friendly size & management , and Coach-friendly drop off area: Come and visit our new location! After 18 years in our Back Bay location, Hard Rock Cafe Boston has moved to a new location at 22-24 Clinton Street adjacent to Faneuil Hall Marketplace Our new location offers one of the city’s largest entertainment destinations, with more than 16,000-square feet of space, including a 514-seat restaurant, alive music area for concerts and special events and a Rock Shop featuring Hard Rock’s iconic merchandise. Contact boston_sales@hardrock.com
28. New England Aquarium’s environmentally responsible Seafood Dinners The New England Aquarium's Celebrate Seafood Dinner Series provides a fine dining experience for ocean and seafood lovers alike. Three courses, each paired with wine, highlight three types of ocean-friendly seafood-meaning they are caught or farmed in environmentally responsible ways. New England Aquarium expert chefs perform cooking demonstrations, and Aquarium researchers discuss how you can make a difference through smart seafood choices. The New England Aquarium can design a non-wine seafood event for student & youth groups - contact
29. Cheers Boston
New Tour Menus at Cheers Beacon Hill & Fanueil Hall Marketplace ! Tour Planners can print out a Cheers Buck certificate $5.00 off in our retail stores if they purchase $20.00 or more: visit http://www.cheersboston.com/5bk.htm Contact Gail Richman 617-854-7667
30. Prudential Center Food Court Voucher Program for Youth Groups:
Our Food Vouchers include food choices from twelve different eateries. Au Bon Pain, Boston Chowda, California Pizza Kitchen, Flamers, Gourmet India, Panda Express, Pizzeria Regina, Qdoba Mexican Grill, Paradise Bakery, Sakkio Japan, or Tossed .Vouchers are $8.50.
After enjoying the wonderful sights of Boston,
your DUCK will drop you off at the Shops at Prudential Center. Once you arrive
back at the center, you will receive a food voucher that will allow you to eat
at one of the Prudential Center's fine food establishments. After lunch, visit
the Shops at the Prudential and enjoy your afternoon while leisurely shopping
with your FREE PRUferred Card, which offers discounts up to 25% at select
stores. Restaurant Choices Include: Au Bon Pain, Boston Chowda, California
Pizza Kitchen, Flamers, Gourmet India, Panda Express, Pizzeria Regina, Qdoba
Mexican Grill, Paradise Bakery, Sakkio Japan, or Tossed
Adults: $36.10;
Seniors/Students: $33.80;
Children 3-11: $29.20
For more information, or to order food vouchers, please contact Boston Duck Tours at 617.450.0068
The Group Tour Program at the The Shops at Prudential Center : A member of The Shops at Prudential Center’s customer service team is available to welcome your group to the Center. As part of this service your group will receive:• Shopping discounts at more than 45 stores and restaurants • Bottle of water • Overview of our 75 shops and restaurants with store listing and a detailed map
The Shops at Pru are finalizing their new 2009 Pru SkyWalk & Food Voucher program, and their Performance Venue program. Contact Ms. Lee Taginski 617-236-2304 ltaginski@bostonproperties.com for details.
31. CambridgeSide Galleria &
Charles Riverboat Company Group programs 2009
CambridgeSide Galleria Lunch At The Mall - Group Tour lunch voucher program: CambridgeSide Galleria now offers a group voucher program to make lunch more convenient for convention and leisure group operators. For a cost of $7 per person, the mall will provide a lunch voucher good at more than a dozen food court vendors. Some restrictions apply. Must be booked at least 10 days in advance of the scheduled visit. Coupon not redeemable for cash. csginfo@nedevelopment.com.
Group Tour Discounts/Special Offers:
Meet & Greet services are available at CambridgeSide Galleria. A mall
representative will greet the bus upon arrival and deliver a coupon brochure
and mall directory each member of the tour group.
.
Two Options: (1) Charles
Riverboat Company/Mall Lunch Student Package:
Enjoy a cruise on the Charles River or Boston harbor in the morning or
afternoon. Then complete your day with shopping in the mall. This package
includes a meal voucher for dinner or lunch one of the participating eateries
at the CambridgeSide Galleria Food Court
(2) Charles Riverboat Company and The Cheesecake Factory Cruise & Lunch
package:Setting out from the CambridgeSide Galleria, the Charles
Riverboat Company takes you on a 1.5 hour sightseeing excursion aboard one of
Boston's only authentic riverboats. While cruising along the beautiful Charles
River, you'll get spectacular views of the Boston and Cambridge skylines.
After your cruise, enjoy a leisurely lunch from the delectable menu (special
lunch menu) at The Cheesecake Factory and enjoy your special discount coupons
for terrific shopping at the CambridgeSide Galleria stores.
For more information, call Charles Riverboat Company at 617-621-3001.
32. New England Aquarium environmentally responsible Seafood Dinner program
The New England Aquarium's Celebrate Seafood Dinner Series will offer seafood choices that are good for both the palate and the ocean. This full evening combines the talents of some of Boston's best chefs with the Aquarium's experts on sustainable seafood for a unique fine dining experience and an introduction to making smart seafood choices. The Celebrate Seafood Dinners are held in the Aquarium's Harbor View Cafe, overlooking historic Boston Harbor. The New England Aquarium has pioneered this special Sustainable Seafood Dinner program (with adults paired with wines; student groups can tailor program with group dept.) Contact Debra Borgwardt dborgwardt@neaq.org
33. The Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau produces an annual 31-page Group Dining guide within their 200-page Destination Planners Directory . The guide contains comprehensive booking information (tour planner contacts, email/tel, web sites cuisine etc ) both fine dining options as well as popular group options such as the Hard Rock Café & Union Oyster House, restaurants in key group tour destinations such as Faneuil Hall Marketplace, the North End, the theatre District, the shops at Prudential & Copley, Boston Symphony-Museum of Fine Arts Fenway District and the Harvard-MIT Cambridge areas. Contact Larry Meehan for copy: lmeehan@BostonUSA.com
What’s New Sports Tours
There are 16 major sports events set for 2009 at six venues - all accessible by public transit:
· Boston Celtics Season Oct-April TDBankNorth Garden
· Boston Bruins Season Nov- April TDBankNorth Garden
· Boston Red Sox April-Sept. Fenway Park)
· New England Patriots Sept-Dec Gillette Stadium
· New England Revolution June-Sept Gillette Stadium
· Boston Breakers Women’s Soccer Harvard Stadium
· NCAA Women’s Frozen Four March 20-22, 2009 Agganis
· NCAA Men's Basketball East Regional March 26-28, 2009 TD Banknorth Garden
· 113th Boston Marathon April 20, 2009 Finishes in Boston
· ACC Baseball Championships May 18-24, 2009 Fenway
· 2009 Men’s Lacrosse Championships May 23, 24 and 25 (Memorial Day Weekend), 2009. Gillette
· Transatlantic Volvo Ocean Challenge Race will berth in Boston April 27-May 16, 2009
· Tall Ships 2009 Atlantic Challenge July 8-13, 2009 Boston Harbor
· 2009 BDO Women’s Junior World Cup (field hockey) , Aug. 4-16, 2009 Harvard Stadium
· Deutsche Bank Championships Sept. 1-7, 2009 TPC
· Head of The Charles Regatta Oct. 19-20, 2009 Charles River
The Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau soon have several announcements about new attractions, tours & developments at Gillette Stadium-Patriot Place for 2009 tours!
What’s New National tour companies’ BostonUSA Student & Youth Tours
Student & Youth group tours continue to grow in the BostonUSA destination.
The Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau is committed to publicizing the diversity of these tours.Special tour types- Music Performance Tours, Sports Tours & College Visit Tours are growing in 2009 -2010 . The Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau produces special printed and online guides for planners .
College Visit Tours to Boston, Massachusetts & New England
Good news about college visit tours to Boston is that tour planners can feature a variety of schools in one tour.
Key trend? In 2009 3.2 million youngsters, the largest group of high school seniors in the nation's history, are poised to graduate, the College Board says.
· Offered by California-based Education Unlimited offers a one-week Boston to Washington East Coast College Tour allows students to visit and experience life at several prominent East Coast Colleges. For many students, the process of figuring out which school best fits their needs is an overwhelming and confusing task. The East Coast College Tour is a wonderful opportunity for students to tour numerous college campuses and evaluate their college options. Students visit a wide variety of campuses, including private and public schools in both urban and rural areas. Participants will be able to determine if a large or small school is appropriate for them, and, with the comparison materials we give them, they will be able to review their opinions once they’ve returned home.In just one week, students have the opportunity to experience great American cities. In the past, participants have hiked the liberty train, dined in Harvard Square, explored Greenwich Village and the South Street Seaport, and witnessed the impressive monuments of DC while shopping in Georgetown. We encourage students to enroll with friends, but even those who don’t arrive knowing someone will end up with a group of newly-found friends from across the US and around the world. Education Unlimited: http://www.educationunlimited
· Texas-based Collegiate Explorations: http://www.cetours.com ; South Carolina-based College Visits: http://www.college-visits.com
Music Performance & Music Tours to Boston, Massachusetts & New England
With Boston & Cambridge’s deep music education resources there are many tours- and great tour growth potential. The largest orchestral organization in the world, and one of the largest performing arts organizations in the United States- the Boston Symphony Orchestra; the world's largest independent music college and the premier institution for the study of contemporary music.-Berklee College of music, and the The New England Conservatory of Music is the oldest independent conservatory in the USA, is among the world's leading musical institutions, and is the only music school in the United States designated as a National Historic Landmark - are within three blocks of each other in Boston’s Fenway district.
· Offered by 28-year-old Heritage Festivals/WorldStrides tour company six Heritage Festival Music Tours will travel to Boston in March & April 2009 to explore the roots of America and experience some of the nation’s finest music in the historical city of Boston including an evening with the Boston n Symphony.
· New Jersey-based Performing Arts Consultants will offer a “2009 New England Festival of Music tour twice- in April & May 2009.
· Pennsylvania-based Festivals of Music will offer three tours to Boston in April 2009.
What’s New Hotels
Holiday Inn Express Boston opposite TD BankNorth Garden 2008 , Mandarin Oriental in Back Bay 2008, Copley Square Hotel Back Bay opposite Copley Place 2008, Inn@St. Botolph Hotel 2008, Battery Wharf Hotel on waterfront 2008, “W” Boston Theatre District 2009, Ames Hotel 2009
In 2008
· Omni Parker House completed $30 Million restoration and renovation for April 2008
· Hotel Indigo in Newton opened Spring 2008
· Westin Boston Waterfront Hotel completed new 8,700 square foot ballroom April 2008
· Renaissance Boston Waterfront Hotel opened February 2008
· The Colonnade Hotel $18 million environmentally friendly redesign; completed this spring 2008
· Westin Copley Ballroom renovations were completed February 2008.
What’s Next?
· Le Méridien Cambridge will undergo $7.3 Million renovation
· Copley Square Hotel complete redesign & $14 million renovation will open October 2008
· Millennium Bostonian Hotel will complete $25 Million Renovation in November 2008
· InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) to open Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites October 2008
· The Hotel at Battery Wharf Boston will open October 2008
· Mandarin Oriental Boston: October 2008 opening
· W Hotel Theatre District, 234 rooms, including 24 suites, opening August 31, 2009
· Ames Building Hotel (by Morgan Hotel Group) 120 room boutique hotel will open September 2009
What’s New Online at www.BostonUSA.com
New Micro-Sites for Your Planning Use www.BostonUSA.com The Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau has produced for Planners on its website www.BostonUSA.com for tour planner & media use:
Click to view:
Hotel EDirectory 2008 Group Tour Sales Contacts
This directory connects tour planners with Greater Boston hotel contacts for
planning 2008-2009 tour programs.
Click to view:
BostonUSA Group Tour and Attractions Contacts for Tour Planners
From Boston Ballet and Blue Man Group to
Faneuil Hall Marketplace and Wrentham Premium Outlets, find out more
information for planning a group visit.
Click to view:
BostonUSA Receptive Network
Looking for a step-on guide or a customized
tour? For your convenience, the GBCVB provides this directory of receptive
tour operators, transportation companies & guides
Click to view: 2009 Events at A Glance This is where we provide you with more than 150 events in 2009 from cultural events, sports events, to holiday celebrations & international conventions in Boston & Cambridge in 2009.
Click to view:
What’s New in BostonUSA? 2008-2012
Click to view Holiday Season 2007: Holiday Preview . This is where we provide you with shopping & Holiday Season cultural events.
Click to view: Group Tour Preview . This is our dedicated group tour planner mini-site with news and more than 35 links to tour planner resources.
Click to view: Boston Shopping Preview . This is where we provide you with extensive shopping tour news & tour planning information, including links to Faneuil Hall Marketplace, Shops at Pru, Copley Place, Newbury Street.
Click to view: Sports Preview . This is where we provide you with sports events from the Lacrosse Championships to the Boston Marathon.
Click to view: BostonUSA Green Visitors Program .
Boston Map Click to view Interactive Boston Online Map .
Images For Your Use: Click to view: Available Photos. This is where we provide you with images for brochures & web site & electronic promotions at no cost.
Click to view guide to looking at Boston & Massachusetts for College Visits: College Visit;
New museum exhibitions are opening for tours? Click to view: Museum Exhibitions