10 REASONS TO DO YOUR HOLIDAY SHOPPING AT MALL OF AMERICA

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  1. Mall of America has more than 500 stores and speciality shops, dozens of activities and attractions and more than 400 free events every year, including live musical performances, celebrity appearances and holiday activities.
  2. There is no sales tax on clothing or shoes!
  3. It only costs $2 ($2.50 rush hour) to get to the Mall on the train from the airport (13 minutes) or downtown Minneapolis (35-39 minutes).
  4. Hungry? Mall of America has more than 50 dining options, ranging from shopping-friendly grab-and-go food to outstanding sit-down meals, like the farm-to-table offerings at FireLake Grill, sushi at Crave and Masu, all-American family dining at Cadillac Ranch or go full-Minnesotan at Twin City Grill.
  5. If you have a three or four-hour airport layover or longer, you can easily visit the Mall via the light rail train, shop or eat, and be back at the airport with plenty of time for your flight.
  6. If your energy starts to dip, take a spin on a few thrill rides in Nickelodeon Universe, the largest indoor theme park in the country. It’s better than a cup of coffee (which is also available in the park).
  7. If you prefer a challenge, test your courage on Dutchman’s Deck Adventure Course (the tallest ropes course in the world) featuring the longest indoor zip line in North America and a four-story corkscrew slide.
  8. Bought more than you can carry? If you’re staying at the attached Radisson Blu or JW Marriott, the concierge will meet you anywhere in the Mall, pick up your shopping bags and drop them off in your room.
  9. Enter another world at SEA LIFE when walking through their 300-foot aquarium tunnel spying on sharks, sea turtles, stingrays, sawfish, and a variety of freshwater fish.
  10. Shop, dine and stay! JW Marriott + Radisson Blu are both connected to MOA. Additionally, there are about 50 hotels in the area, all offering free shuttles to/from the Mall and the airport.

Learn more about Mall of America.

US to Lift Travel Ban for Fully Vaccinated Visitors from EU in Early November

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We are delighted to communicate the news that the US is set to lift the travel ban for fully vaccinated people from Ireland and other European countries from early November 2021.

The announcement was made by White House COVID-19 Response Coordinator Jeff Zients earlier this morning.

It is understood that travellers will need to show proof of full vaccination prior to boarding U.S.-bound planes. A COVID-19 test will also continue to be required within three days of departure and proof of negative results must be shown.

Please note that this is in addition to all normal entry requirements such ESTA or visas.

Visit USA Committee Ireland Chairperson, Jenny Rafter said: ‘We are thrilled to hear that the US travel ban is being lifted. With deep cultural, business and family connections, Ireland is traditionally one of the top countries for visitation to the USA and we look forward to getting normal travel moving again in November’.

The Visit USA Committee will be in contact with further details as they become available.

Interview with Visit USA Chairperson Jenny Rafter on ITTN

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Great interview with Visit USA Committee Ireland, Chairperson, Jenny Rafter on ITTN.

Jenny discusses the US travel ban and our optimism that it will be lifted shortly.