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TRAVELERS ARE LEAVING THE MARGARITAS IN MARGARITAVILLE AND TURNING SPRING VACATIONS INTO WELLNESS ADVENTURES

-- Book an active getaway package and receive a free Get Fit Kit --

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (March 3, 2008) /PRNewswire/—With a growing emphasis on fitness, it's no wonder that travelers are planning vacations around staying fit and eating healthy, according to new research from Travelocity's Travel Plans Forecast for 2008. To keep up with this trend, destinations such as Asheville, Miami, Hawaii and Maine are designing active getaway packages and wellness amenities for this new breed of vacation multi-tasker. In Asheville, being active and healthy isn't a dreaded chore but an indulgent pleasure.

Health Statistics

  • Dieting today is beginning to shift from weight management to total health management. 68% of people said they're on a diet "to feel healthier," according to a report by NPD Group, Inc. (Jan. 2008).

Facts from the Travelocity Travel Plans Forecast for 2008:

  • 46% of respondents find ways to stay active while traveling.
  • Nearly 50% ranked outdoor activities in their top five vacation activities.
  • Respondents are most likely to avoid generally unhealthy foods to maintain a healthy diet when traveling.
  • 64% travel to outdoor destinations conducive to walking.

Active Getaway Package

  • Asheville has launched a new healthy vacation package: The Highgear® Getaway.
  • Travelers who book an active getaway to Asheville this spring will receive a free "Get Fit Kit" to jumpstart their wellness adventure (while supplies last). Package details are available at ActiveGetaway.com.
  • Components of the Highgear® Get Fit Kit:
    • VIA Step Pedometer (New Balance Sports Monitors, A Division of Highgear® USA, Inc.)
    • Asheville "Get Fit" Backpack
    • Step-Count and Calorie-Burn Itineraries
    • Walking Trails Guide
    • Healthy Recipes from Asheville Top Chefs
    • Wellness Adventure Coupons (active attractions, yoga, farm-to-table dining, spa, etc.)

Other Fitness Vacation Resources

Quote

Attribute to Mike Hosey, founder, Highgear® USA, Inc.:

  • "Fitness and wellness are becoming increasingly integrated into the American lifestyle. Not only are people wearing pedometers and heart rate monitors to the office and the gym, but they're using them to stay active on vacation as well."

About

With more than 2,000 miles of hiking and biking trails, and the highest peaks east of the Mississippi, Asheville is an oasis for health-conscious vacationers and adventure seekers. Outside magazine recently named Asheville "Best Southern Town" for its eclectic cultural scene and boundless eco-adventure opportunities. Asheville is also cited as the happiest place in America in the New York Times bestselling book Geography of Bliss by Eric Weiner.

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