Tourism & Hospitality | Tuesday 10 February, 2015 1:59 pm |

Orange County Visitors Association (OCVA) has officially launched ‘The OC & ME’ travel package in what is an industry first for a United States regional tourism association to create and promote a travel package exclusively created for residents of the G.C.C. (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates).

The campaign promotes Orange County, California as a premier shopping and luxury lifestyle holiday destination for families, groups, couples and individuals, whereby the purchase of the exclusive packages from local G.C.C. travel agents provides recipients with a special “OC & ME” campaign card entitling cardholders to complimentary VIP personal shopper experiences, discount vouchers, value-added accommodation and gifts worth over two thousand U.S. dollars. ‘The OC & ME’ campaign is valid from February 10 to June 30, 2015.

“As the first United States regional tourism association to have a permanent presence in the Middle East we wanted to extend our welcome to G.C.C. residents further by creating an exclusive value-added campaign highlighting Orange County’s excellent shopping and luxury lifestyle experiences,” said Mr. Ed Fuller, President and CEO, Orange County Visitors Association. He added: “The OC is perfectly located within an hour’s drive between Los Angeles and San Diego, so staying in Orange County not only provides luxury beach accommodation and experiences that Southern California is famous for, but convenient access to the region’s major cities without the traffic congestion.”

The launch of ‘The OC & ME’ campaign follows a mission of OCVA delegates to the UAE in October 2014, during which time the mission met with airline and leading travel industry representatives to ensure that the elements of the campaign would be widely appreciated and attractive to G.C.C. residents.

‘The OC & ME’ campaign offers recipients special deals, gifts and discounts for shopping and dining, including VIP personal shopper experiences and discounts at Orange County’s premier shopping destinations including Fashion Island, Irvine Spectrum and South Coast Plaza, preferential rates and discounts at premier luxury hotels and resorts and exclusive discounts at some of Orange County’s major attractions including whale watching tours and sport fishing tours among others.

‘The OC & ME’ packages are based on 6 night/7 day stays, and all hotel room fares include tax, breakfast for two, complimentary WiFi plus added value elements such as:

Shopping

Complimentary signature canvas tote bag

Fashion Island complementary personal shopping services & gift-with-purchase offer: receive $100 American Express gift card when spending $1,000 or more in the same day at participating Fashion Island retailers and restaurants

Irvine Spectrum Center offers gift-with-purchase offer: receive $50 American Express gift card when spending $500 or more in the same day at participating Irvine Spectrum Center retailers and restaurants

OC Stylish Saving Book providing thousands of dollars in shopping and dining discounts for travelers.

Concierge services including language assistance, restaurant reservations, and event and local area information at Fashion Island and Irvine Spectrum Center.

A South Coast Plaza VIP Passport with over 100 value-added store and boutique offers, VIP Valet Parking Pass, VIP Luxury ACCESS Lounge Pass (providing a respite in an intimate setting elegantly engaging with a Sports Lounge, Relaxation Room, Computer Room, Conference Room, and executive restrooms). Dedicated concierge staff welcomes guests with complimentary beverages including a selection of sparkling, grape, coffee and tea varieties as well as a selection of snacks. Personal requests are taken for package check, restaurant and theatre reservations, as well as private shopping appointments. South Coast Plaza CIP Passport holders also enjoy the services of personal shoppers and stylists.