Philadelphia will join
the ever-lengthening list of cities banning smoking. The law, which
takes effect as of January 2007, bans lighting up in most public
spaces, including restaurants and bars. Violators face fines of up
to $300. Private clubs, casinos and outdoor cafes are exempt from
the regulation.
LA INC., the Convention &
Visitors Bureau, has opened a branch in Beijing. The
office, to be completely run by the bureau, will target its
marketing efforts in China’s three major business centers: Beijing,
Guangzhou and Shanghai.
Harrah’s New Orleans
opened on Sept. 21. The 450-room Canal Street property is the Big
Easy’s first new hotel to be built since last year’s devastating
Hurricane Katrina. The hotel is attached to Harrah’s Casino.
Business Travelers paid more for airfare
between April and June 2006 than any other time since year-end
2001, per a survey by American Express Travel. Domestic airfares in
the United States increased 13 percent over the past year.