PRESS KIT
Student Groups Welcomed at America's Premier Shopping Places With Educational Activities, Performance Opportunities and Group Dining Options [May 2011]
America's Premier Shopping Places, a unique collection of tourism-oriented shopping and dining destinations owned and managed by General Growth Properties, Inc (NYSE: GGP), rapidly have become favorite destinations for student, youth and sports travel planners looking for affordable, entertaining venue options for groups. Many of America's Premier Shopping Places are located in the heart of America's best-loved cities frequented by student groups, including San Antonio, Baltimore, Chicago, Saint Louis, Louisville, Cincinnati, Dallas and more. These centers often are located within walking distance of cultural attractions, heritage sites, zoos, sporting arenas and performance venues, most of which are serviced by public transportation or easily accessible by motor coach.
Many of America's Premier Shopping Places offer entertainment venues and events onsite, such as IMAX theatres, ice skating rinks, vintage carousels, concerts and street performers. Themed dining options also are available at restaurants like Cheeseburger in Paradise at Lynnhaven Mall in Virginia Beach, NASCAR Café at Four Seasons Town Centre in Greensboro, or Dave & Buster's at Providence Place in Rhode Island. Of course, the American Girl stores and Build-a-Bear Workshops always are a hit with schools and teams looking to design their own mascots.
America's Premier Shopping Places' marketing managers work with travel professionals, athletic coaches, music directors and educators to create an organized experience tailored to the ages and needs of each group.
Some of the services offered to student travelers include:
- Complimentary shopping and dining discount offers from participating merchants
- Pre-paid food court meal vouchers valid for a variety of meal options at participating cafes
- Pre-fixed group dining menus at participating restaurants
- "Behind the scenes" tech tours and presentations by participating retailers or food-service establishments
- Culinary demonstrations and regional food samplings
- Complimentary motor coach parking and meet & greets
America's Premier Shopping Places is a member of the Student Youth Travel Association (SYTA) and the International Student Exchange (ISE) program. For a complete listing of destinations and further information on student/youth group programs, visit www.AmericasShoppingPlaces.com or contact Kathy Anderson, Travel and Tourism Manager at kathy@retailtourism.com.
