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Destination Irvine Generates Nearly $12 Million in Hotel Revenue

Tuesday, March 19, 2019

Destination Irvine has generated nearly $12 million in hotel revenue year-to-date for the 2018-2019 fiscal year, with four months still to go. The total revenue generated is a combination of direct group sales and marketing campaigns conducted by the Greater Irvine Chamber’s destination marketing organization. Direct group sales efforts have brought in more than $5 million in revenue, and filled more than 22,800 room nights for meetings groups, sports events, leisure visitors, and business travelers. Destination Irvine this year launched several marketing campaigns, a CBS social influencer and digital campaign, Orange County joint marketing Expedia campaigns, and for the first time, an...

Irvine's Culinary Diversity Headlines OC Restaurant Week

Wednesday, February 27, 2019

This year, more than two dozen Irvine restaurants are participating in the 11th annual Orange County Restaurant Week, March 3 – 9, offering food lovers unique dining experiences from a diverse range of cuisines. Participating Irvine Restaurants: Agora Churrascaria Andrei's Restaurant Angelina's Pizzeria Napoletana Bistango Cha Cha's Latin Kitchen CUCINA enoteca Davio's Northern Italian Steakhouse Del Frisco's Grille EATS Kitchen & Bar EMC Seafood & Raw Bar Eureka! Heirloom Farmhouse Kitchen Il Fornaio Kabuki Japanese Restaurant Paul Martin's American Grill Puesto - Los Olivos Puesto - Park Place Ruth's Chris Steak House Square One Pizza Taco Rosa TAPS Fish House & Brewery Texas de Brazil The Melting Pot Twenty Eight Yard House During the weeklong event, 125 of some of the best restaurants in Orange County will offer...

Irvine’s Travel Attractions Featured in Houston Family Magazine

Wednesday, February 27, 2019

As featured in Houston Family Magazine, a publication highlighting events, articles, and information for Houston kids and their families. When you think of Southern California, more famously known as Orange County, Anaheim’s Disneyland Resort and Buena Park’s Knott’s Berry Farm may come to mind. However, there is so much more to see and do whether you are interested in oceanfront parks, surfing, shopping or trying out some thriller amusement park rides. Irvine encompasses 66 square miles and features some of the best outdoor recreation, family activities, shopping, dining, sports facilities and meeting venues in California. If you would prefer to stay in...

Destination Irvine’s Leading Role in Hotel Partners’ Success

Tuesday, February 19, 2019

Wendy Haase, senior director of Destination Irvine, and colleagues AnaLaura Beccera, director of corporate sales, and Dave Lucey, director of sports sales, recently presented details to Irvine hotel directors and sales managers on Destination Irvine’s central role in promoting the city as a preferred overnight destination in Southern California for meeting groups, sports organizations, and business and leisure travelers. The presentation provided insight on how the hoteliers can leverage their partnership with the organization’s sales team and utilize Destination Irvine resources when booking business at their properties, including meeting planner incentives and marketing materials like the annual Irvine Visitors Guide. “This was...

Irvine is an Active Person's Dream, Says Seattle Refined

Tuesday, February 19, 2019

Irvine’s preserved natural lands, miles of hiking and biking trails, and its world-class sports complex at the Orange County Great Park make the city an ideal destination for an active traveler, according to Seattle Refined. The online news publication highlighted popular outdoor activities within the city including the top-rated Quail Hill trail, and Bommer Canyon trail. While laying on a beach all day is definitely relaxing, perhaps you're the type of vacationer who likes to break a sweat during their PTO. Active vacations are becoming more and more popular, and if you're looking to shake up your routine in 2019, a...

Destination Irvine Promotes City During International Media Marketplace

Monday, February 04, 2019

Wendy Haase, director of tourism marketing, Destination Irvine, shared Irvine story ideas with travel journalists and influencers during the 3rd Annual TravMedia International Media Marketplace (IMM) in New York City on Jan. 24. IMM is the travel and tourism industry’s leading event for the media to meet travel and tourism brands. Destination Irvine had 24 pre-scheduled appointments with top travel journalists, editors and influencers to discuss the destinations’ latest news, events and developments. For more information about Irvine as a destination, visit DestinationIrvine.com.

Destination Irvine Promotes City’s Sports Assets at America’s Most Unique Sports Trade Show

Monday, February 04, 2019

Dave Lucey, director of sports sales for Destination Irvine, in January met with more than 20 organizations, including USA Volleyball, USA Rugby, and International Slow-pitch Softball, during one-on-one appointments and networking opportunities at the third annual Sports Express trade show held in Honolulu, Hawaii. Unlike other sports industry conferences, the week-long Sports Express trade show is centered on maximizing attendees’ interactions with the industry’s most active sports planners. Lucey works to promote Irvine’s sports facilities, including those at the Orange County Great Park, to attract major sports tournaments and events worldwide. During the first six months of the 2018-2019 fiscal year, he...

Irvine’s Quail Hill Rated No. 1 Hiking Trail in Orange County

Monday, February 04, 2019

With 12,000 acres of preserved natural habitats and wildlands, there are abundant open-space recreation options in Irvine. As a testament, the city has earned a top spot in VacationIdea Magazine’s list of the “25 Best Hiking Trails in Orange County.” The online travel magazine recently rated Irvine’s Quail Hill Loop Trail the number one hiking trail in the entire county. The Quail Hill Loop Trail trailhead is located at one end of Sand Canyon Road. The moderately difficult 9-mile dirt trail goes up Quail Hill through a scenic wilderness area and quickly gains 1,702 feet in elevation. The view from the...

Destination Irvine Showcases the City at Taste of OC Media Event

Tuesday, January 22, 2019

Wendy Haase, senior director, Destination Irvine, promoted the destination to more than 20 Seattle-based travel writers, bloggers, and influencers during the Orange County Visitors Association (OCVA) “Taste of OC” Event. The event featured a four-course meal along with a signature cocktail and dessert that represented restaurants from six of the seven Orange County destinations attending. The OCVA represents Orange County as one of the world’s premier travel destinations by providing brand marketing stewardship and information dissemination, collective industry advocacy, and educational opportunities. Destination Irvine participates in several of the OCVA’s initiatives including past media events in Houston and Dallas, Chinese tour operator...

Destination Irvine Recognizes Hotel Employee as Part of the New Spirit of Irvine Hospitality Award Program

Monday, October 29, 2018

Sobha Mendis, guest services representative for the Irvine Marriott, is the first recipient of Destination Irvine’s hospitality employee recognition program. Mendis was nominated by Kandee Anderson, general manager, Irvine Marriott, because she received the JW Marriott Award of Excellence in 2017 and she is consistently recognized by guests for her outstanding service and personalized connections. The Spirit of Hospitality Award recognizes back-of-house and front-of-house hospitality professionals who deliver exceptional experiences daily. Winners in this category are those who exhibit exemplary behavior in workplace knowledge, customer service, problem-solving, relationship building, and creating a warm welcome for visitors. The award recognizes individuals who...

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