1. Driving destinations are in, and long-haul flights are out. The allure of close, accessible destinations is expected to increase domestic travel, especially to destinations within a day�s drive.

2. Exotic, high-priced destinations are out, and more affordable, closer- to-home vacations are in. A soft economy and increased security concerns are convincing many families that historical, educational or local destinations are just as rewarding as high-priced, overseas excursions.

3. Exploring the world is out, and exploring your own backyard is in. Consistent with recent findings of the Travel Industry Association of America (TIA), Delaware North Companies� properties are noticing that Americans are staying close to home, looking for authentic American experiences where they can �make connections� with family, history and culture.

�Delaware North operations are spread throughout the country, from Niagara Falls to Yosemite National Park, giving us a unique snapshot of the travel industry,� explained Dennis Szefel, group president of Delaware North�s Hospitality and Entertainment division. �Furthermore, our properties offer travelers the chance to rediscover the beauty of the American landscape, explore the historical significance of our national parks or simply reconnect with their families in times of great uncertainty.�

Delaware North prides itself on exceptional visitor services, lodging, retail and foodservice operations in national parks, state parks, and unique American destinations. To satisfy Americans� wanderlust this summer, Delaware North Companies offers a myriad of affordable, interactive vacation experiences in America�s backyard.

For instance, domestic tourists can meet real-life American heroes at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, 45 minutes east of Orlando, where Delaware North Companies operates the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex and the Astronaut Hall of Fame for NASA. The Complex�s newest attraction, the Astronaut Hall of Fame, chronicles the personal side of human space exploration through astronaut-owned artifacts, interactive exhibits and simulator rides. Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex now offers a two-day, �Maximum Access Admission� ticket combining the Visitor Complex and the Astronaut Hall of Fame for $33 plus tax for adults and $23 plus tax for children 3 to 11. The Maximum Access Admission ticket includes all Astronaut Hall of Fame exhibits and simulators and all Visitor Complex attractions, including Astronaut Encounter, IMAX(R) space films and the KSC Tour of restricted areas, plus special values on food and merchandise.

Within driving distance of Los Angeles and San Francisco, Yosemite National Park offers visitors a picturesque American landscape to absorb and explore. One of the nation�s first national parks, Yosemite lets travelers savor a historic outing with Mother Nature with its massive cliffs, thundering waterfalls and alpine lakes. Delaware North Companies manages more than 1,500 rooms at Yosemite-including the historic Ahwahnee Hotel, Wawona Hotel, Yosemite Lodge and Camp Curry. The company also owns and operates the four-diamond Tenaya Lodge outside the south gate, where guests can pamper themselves after a day of hiking, horseback riding or biking. Also within driving distance is Asilomar State Beach and Conference Grounds in Pacific Grove, Calif., providing families with an historic oceanside getaway. Asilomar�s rooms are free of telephones and televisions, a feature embraced by most guests. For daytime fun, visitors can choose from horseshoes, volleyball, billiards, ping-pong, biking and walks along beachfront boardwalks.

Day-trip or overnight visitors at the Delaware North-operated Wuksachi Lodge in Sequoia National Park can retrace the steps of President George W. Bush, who in May 2001 was the first president to ever visit Sequoia National Park while in office. Open year round, the Wuksachi Lodge is just minutes away from the state-of-the-art Giant Forest Museum, the park�s newest visitor attraction celebrating the life of a giant Sequoia. This family-friendly museum is open seven days of the week and is free of charge.

The Delta Queen Steamboat Company is America�s oldest continuously operating cruise line and traces its roots back to 1890. The company was acquired by Delaware North Companies in May 2002. The Delta Queen Steamboat Company offers 3- to 11-night cruises on the inland rivers of America aboard the legendary Delta Queen, the magnificent Mississippi Queen and the grand American Queen. Passengers can explore the history, lore and culture of America, while Steamboatin� through the Heartland of America and the Old South on these authentic steam-powered paddlewheel steamboats.

Midwesterners can drive to Deer Creek Resort and Conference Center near Columbus, Ohio, for a first-class experience at a reasonable rate; or to Roaring River State Park in Cassville, Mo., for a family trout-fishin� experience within driving distance of Kansas City, St. Louis and Little Rock, Ark.

As America�s oldest state park, Niagara Falls State Park enthralls guests with its rich history and natural wonders. Visitors can navigate the namesake waterfalls on Maid of the Mist tourist boats, see the falls� majesty up close from Cave of the Winds, explore the Aquarium of Niagara or screen a historical film at the Festival Theater. For a day packed with family fun and the wonders of nature, the Niagara Master Pass offers a more than 20 percent discount on all park attractions. The Master Pass also includes unlimited rides on the Niagara Scenic Trolley, which takes guests on a three-mile guided tour of Niagara Falls State Park with stops at all attractions and scenic vistas. A Niagara Master Pass is $27.50 for adults and $18.50 for children 6 to 12. Delaware North Companies has proudly managed a large portion of the park�s retail and food service operations since 1995.

At the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park, the Grand Hotel has quickly become a favorite family destination, serving as an outpost for air and jeep tours, river rafting, hiking, horseback riding, narrated park tours and more. This Delaware North-managed hotel, built in 1998, is reminiscent of the historic lodges of the American West with its extensive stonework, natural timber and Native American decor. In the lobby, a towering stone fireplace surrounded by overstuffed furniture invites good books, lively games of checkers, and inquisitive conversations with travelers from around the world. A grand piano inspires guests to play favorites-and sing along. In the Canyon Star Restaurant guests enjoy an exceptional menu of Southwestern delights and evening performances of Native American dancers.

For Americana collectors, Delaware North Companies offers unique American keepsakes and souvenirs to visitors at Yellowstone National Park and U.S. Mint locations in Philadelphia and Denver through the company�s distinctive retail operations.

About Delaware North Companies
Delaware North Companies, Inc. (dncinc.com) is one of the world's leading hospitality and food service providers with businesses including Sportservice, CA One Services, Delaware North Companies Parks & Resorts, the Delta Queen Steamboat Company, Delaware North Companies International, Boston's FleetCenter, Sportsystems, and American Park 'n Swap. The corporation is one of the largest privately held companies in the United States with more than $1.6 billion in annual revenue and 28,000 associates serving millions of customers in the United States, Canada, Europe and the Pacific Rim.

Candace Hobel
chobel@dncinc.com
Corporate Communications
Delaware North Companies
716-858-5503
Press Room