As travelers embark on family vacations and cross-country trips this summer, Aramark (NYSE: ARMK), the award-winning food and hospitality partner for national and state parks and other leading leisure and cultural attractions, is rolling out new programs, enhancements and celebrations at the country’s premier travel destinations to help guests relax and enjoy themselves.
This vacation season, travelers will enjoy the full scope of Aramark’s hospitality and diverse interpretive, educational and sustainability programs. In 2016 national park visitation records surpassed 325 million and each year Aramark welcomes more than 40 million visitors and guests to the parks, zoos and museums and other tourist destinations in which it operates across the United States.
“Visiting a national park is an opportunity to experience some of America’s most picturesque landscapes, iconic vistas and treasured resources,” said Bruce W. Fears, president of Aramark’s Leisure division. “With travel season upon us, we are excited, once again, to welcome first time and returning families, friends and visitors to the parks we serve across the country and help them create lasting memories with new recreational activities, culinary experiences, educational programs and lodging enhancements.”
Environmental Sustainability
Aramark’s Green ThreadTM environmental sustainability platform focuses on sourcing responsibly, managing buildings and fleet efficiently, and minimizing waste by reducing, reusing and recycling. As longtime stewards of America’s national parks, Aramark continues to take steps to reduce its impact on the environment and introduce programs that preserve natural resources.
- Clean the World
Aramark recently expanded its work with Clean the World to collect bottled bathroom amenities to 32 hotels. Items such as shampoo and conditioner will be recycled and used in domestic hygiene kits for the homeless and veterans’ organizations, while bar soap will be recycled and distributed to people in impoverished countries.
- Zero Landfill Initiative
Aramark continues its partnership with Subaru of America and the National Parks Conservation Association to develop programs at national parks that work toward a goal of significantly reducing waste going into landfills. Yosemite National Park and Denali National Park are among the pilot sites participating in the “zero landfill” initiative.
#WhyIHeartTheParks
Encompassing Aramark properties across the U.S. park systems, this new social media campaign invites park guests to share their national, state and other park vacation photos, create and share Snapchat filters, and engage in other social media platforms to show their passion for the parks. Participants can submit a sweepstakes entry at www.whyihearttheparks.com, with one winner receiving a complimentary vacation to an Aramark-operated property at a national or state park.
New Seasonal Programs
New offerings await the active traveler, the nature-lover, or those seeking a relaxing sojourn:
- Lake Powell Resorts and Marinas–Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Arizona/Utah
Lake Powell introduces six new 50 ft. custom-built “Wanderer” houseboats featuring bountiful amenities with the latest technology. Rising lake levels mean there is more “lake to love,” with guests being able to more easily navigate the lake and access landmarks. (www.lakepowell.com)
- Zephyr Cove Resort & Marina and Lake Tahoe Cruises-Lake Tahoe, Nevada
With historically high water levels at Lake Tahoe, Zephyr Cove Marina introduces new SeaRay powerboats boasting water sports towers, an MB wake surf boat and SeaDoo personal watercraft. Independence Day celebrations include live entertainment and a fireworks cruise aboard the M.S. Dixie II. (www.zephyrcove.com)
- Asilomar Conference Grounds-Monterey Peninsula California
Located in the heart of one of the top 5 birding destinations in North America, Pacific Grove’s historic beachfront retreat offers the new Bird Watching Package. Expanded California State Park tours include the “Asilomar Ramble,” a ranger-led tour of the most interesting sites on the property’s 107 acres and its cultural history including the Julia Morgan-designed architecture. (www.visitasilomar.com)
- Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve /Glacier Bay Lodge and Tours –Alaska
The new Huna Tribal house is a 20-year collaboration project of the Hoonah Indian Association and the National Park Service. Intimate day boat and kayak tours offer close-up views of the tidewater glaciers—the most abundant in Glacier Bay and most impressive hanging glaciers in the state. Guests may also see Grey whales, Minkes, Orcas and Humpbacks during feeding season and the Harbor Seal during their breeding period. (www.visitglacierbay.com)
- Denali National Park and Preserve-Alaska
Celebrating its Centennial, Denali National Park and Preserve features exclusive new Group Excursion Tours, taking guests 66 miles into the park to the remote Eielson Visitors Center where they can view wildlife and learn about the area’s history, culture and geography. (www.denaliparkvillage.com)
- Olympic Peninsula –Washington
The Quinault Rainforest Tour allows guests to delve deep into the Olympic Peninsula, encountering natural foliage and wildlife unique to three distinct ecosystems: coastal, rainforest and sub-alpine. (www.olympicnationalparks.com)
- Mesa Verde National Park-Colorado
New activities include the “Far View Explorer Tour;” “Morefield Explorer,” a new interpretive campground program for children and private small group tours. The legendary “700 Years Tour” gives visitors a glimpse into life from 550 A.D. to 1300 A.D. via ancient cliff dwellings left behind by the ancient Puebloans. (www.visitmesaverde.com)
- Togwotee Mountain Lodge and Togwotee Adventures-Wyoming
Named one of the “Best Places to See the Solar Eclipse in August,” Jackson-based Togwotee Adventures offers summer guided tours of Grand Teton National Park and UTV rentals. For Togwotee Mountain Lodge guests, the new one night “Wyoming Cowboy Campout” includes horseback riding, fishing, hiking, and authentic cowboy chow. (www.togwoteelodge.com)
New in Culinary
Efforts pay homage to each culture and region while focusing on sustainability and wellness:
- Lake Crescent Lodge, Sol Duc Hot Springs, Lake Quinault Lodge (Olympic National Park
and Olympic National Forest) Seasonal menus focus on Pacific Northwest flavors including locally sourced fish, Washington State wines, and the legendary Mac & Jack’s Amber Beer, a favorite Washington state brewery; and support the National Park Service’s “Healthy Eating” initiative.
- Far View Lodge (Mesa Verde National Park)
New menus at the award-winning Metate Room showcase Colorado’s trout, regional herbs and produce from Mangus Valley farms. The restaurant’s Farm-to-Table program returns for the season. Spruce Tree Terrace’s new BBQ offers smoked meats, Colorado wines and local craft beers.
- Denali Park Village (Denali National Park and Preserve)
Celebrating 30 years, the Alaska Cabin Nite Dinner Theatre features dinner of Alaskan salmon and BBQ ribs, while performers tell historic tales of the Gold-Rush era through song, music and humor.
- Asilomar State Beach and Conference Grounds (Monterey Peninsula, California)
The “Sunset Series” features live music, local California wines and California fare.
- Yosemite National Park (California)
The newly renovated Degnan’s Kitchen will provide upgraded food and beverage offerings that honor the tradition of the Degnan family. Specialty food and wine events The Grand Grape Celebration, Taste of Yosemite and Bracebridge Dinner return for the 2017-18 travel season.
Upgrades/Improvements
- Glacier Bay Lodge (Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve)
Renovations include guest room improvements featuring fresh interior design with new comfortable bedding, updated furnishings and regional artwork.
- Log Cabin Resort (Olympic National Park)
Log Cabin Resort reopened on May 19th, with new carpeting and stylish furnishings for the main lodge; new bathrooms and upgraded bath amenities; and a redesigned dining room.
- Majestic Yosemite Hotel (Yosemite National Park)
Renovations include the Majestic Yosemite Hotel’s lounge’s new furnishings and décor.
- Denali Park Village (Denali National Park and Preserve)
54 remodeled cabins feature private baths, boardwalks, many with Nenana riverfront views.
Aramark proudly delivers innovative hospitality, recreational and interpretive programs inside and around America’s top travel destinations and vacation spots, such as Denali National Park & Preserve, Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve, Mesa Verde National Park, Olympic National Park, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Olympic National Forest, Lake Tahoe Basin National Forest, Yosemite National Park, Field Museum, Gettysburg National Military Park, National Constitution Center, Philadelphia Zoo and many more.
About Aramark
Aramark (NYSE: ARMK) proudly serves Fortune 500 companies, world champion sports teams, state-of-the-art healthcare providers, the world’s leading educational institutions, iconic destinations and cultural attractions, and numerous municipalities in 19 countries around the world. Our 270,000 team members deliver experiences that enrich and nourish millions of lives every day through innovative services in food, facilities management and uniforms. We operate our business with social responsibility, focusing on initiatives that support our diverse workforce, advance consumer health and wellness, protect our environment, and strengthen our communities. Aramark is recognized as one of the World’s Most Admired Companies by FORTUNE, as well as an employer of choice by the Human Rights Campaign and DiversityInc. Learn more at www.aramark.com or connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.