Lou Lemos, founder of BTI Travel, a Syracuse-based vacation and corporate travel management company, announces the hiring of Noel Harting as an Online Support Specialist.  He joins BTI with six years of online technical support experience.  Noels responsibilities will include fully supporting BTI Travel’s online booking tool, follow-up training, new customer demos and troubleshooting online inquiries.   During his six years in the travel industry, Noel worked for Carlson Wagonlit Travel as an Online Support Specialist.  He supported Fortune 500 Companies like John Deere, JP Morgan and Anheuser-Busch.  Because of Noel’s technical aptitude, he played a major role in the everyday function and running of Carlson’s online booking systems and mobile apps.   “The addition of Noel to BTI’s corporate team gives us an advantage,” said Lou.  “He has a keen understanding of how technology affects travel, and uses his experience to efficiently handle online technical support problems and challenges.  He is always looking for ways to find the right answer and not just a ‘fix’ to the problem.”

BTI Travel, an international hotel supplier with 32,000 properties spanning 152 counties, has negotiated unbeatable rates with hotels across the world.  BTI, a vacation and corporate travel agent based in Syracuse, has established rates with some of the areas great hotels.  These hotels include the Jefferson Clinton Hotel, Genesee Grande Hotel, Hotel Skyler and Doubletree Carrier Circle.  The BTI-only rate is available to all travelers by calling BTI at 315-472-7447 or emailing leisure@btitravel.com.   “The Syracuse community is experiencing a growth,” said Lou Lemos, founder of BTI Travel.  “We are seeing an influx of visitors from Canada and around New York State, and through partnerships with local hotels, we are happy to offer affordable and comfortable accommodations.”   THE JEFFERSON CLINTON HOTEL: The Jefferson Clinton Hotel is a stylish, exclusive hotel right in the heart of the business district and minutes from Syracuse University and Destiny USA.  Just a short walk to many popular attractions in Syracuse, New York, this Syracuse suites hotel offers an unparalleled experience in hospitality, service, and style.   BTI Only Exclusives:  Complementary breakfast, complementary parking, and free high speed internet   GENESEE GRANDE HOTEL: The unique and unparalleled service and standards make it one of Syracuse’s best hotels.  The attention to detail goes beyond the surface.  Genesee Grande’s commitment to making guests stay perfect extends from the friendly faces that greet clients upon arrival to the valet who shuts your car door as you leave.  Located in the heart of Syracuse’s historic University Hill neighborhood, Genesee Grande is mere blocks away from most major businesses, medical centers, Syracuse University, Destiny USA and minutes away from downtown’s historic squares.   BTI Only Exclusives: Room upgrade upon arrival, based on availability.   PARKVIEW HOTEL: The Parkview Hotel is a boutique-style hotel that offers the largest rooms in downtown Syracuse.  The contemporary meets art-deco; funky meets comfortable style makes it a unique and loved hotel by travelers and locals.   Located in the heart of Syracuse’s historic University Hill neighborhood, Parkview is mere blocks away from most major businesses, medical centers, Syracuse University, Destiny USA and minutes away from downtown’s historic squares.   BTI Only Exclusives: Complementary high speed internet and free breakfast buffet.   HOTEL SKYLER: Hotel Skyler is an eclectic boutique hotel located at the epicenter of Syracuse University and minutes from Destiny USA.  Once a former temple and theatre, this lovingly reclaimed gem boasts 58 expertly appointed guest rooms that mix cutting-edge technology with artisan details. As a LEED Platinum hotel, Hotel Skyler takes the environment seriously. Optimized energy performance, ecologically sound materials, and a reduced carbon footprint combine to create a healthful and sustainable environment.   DOUBLETREE CARRIER CIRCLE: The modern full-service hotel has 250 guest rooms with contemporary décor.  Enjoy the relaxing courtyard area with seating, plus the heated, indoor pool with a whirlpool spa and the heated, outdoor pool with a sundeck. Doubletree is close to Syracuse’s top attractions, including Syracuse Carrier Dome, Destiny USA and Gifford Zoo.     BTI Only Exclusive: 25% off food and beverages at the hotel and fee wireless internet.

Revitalizing “the Most Magical Place on Earth” isn’t an easy task, but on December 5, Disney will reveal the new and improved Fantasyland to an exclusive, invitation-only crowd.   Lindsey Dwyer, vacation manager at BTI Travel, will attend the grand opening of New Fantasyland at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Fla.  BTI Travel is one of only two Central New York vacation companies certified to sell Disney vacations.   “It is an honor to be included in this magical event,” said Lindsey Dwyer, Disney expert and enthusiast.  “Disney is always growing, but rarely do they do a makeover on such a large scale.”   Disney’s Fantasyland hasn’t been updated since the Magic Kingdom opened on October 1, 1971.  The two-year project nearly doubles the size of this portion of the park, from 11 to 21 acres, making it the largest expansion in the history of the Magic Kingdom theme park.     Live photos and videos will be posted daily on BTI Travel’s webpage.   To see what is happening at Disney World and the New Fantasyland, visit BTI at www.btitravel.com, Facebook at BTI The Travel Consultants and on Twitter at BTITravel.      The New Fantasyland consists of two themed areas: Enchanted Forest and Storybook Circus.   Enchanted Forest brings to life Belle’s French countryside and allows guests to be part of Ariel and Prince Eric’s watery world.  Highlights include Under the Sea –Journey of the Little Mermaid at Eric’s Castle and Be Our Guest Restaurant, a French bistro located in Beast’s Castle.   Storybook Circus, themed after the golden era of classic three-ring circuses, brings to life childhood favorites like Dumbo the Flying Elephant, Barnstormer rollercoaster for kids, and new attractions like Casey Jr. Splash ‘n’ Soak Station.   Unique to Disney and found at Storybook Circus is the paged-to-ride feature associated with Dumbo the Flying Elephant.  Guests will receive a pager that holds their place in line.    Fantasyland will continue to grow with two new projects scheduled to be revealed in 2013 and 2014.  The first addition to the new portion of the park is Princess Fairytale Hall and the second is the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train.