PARSIPPANY, NJ --(Marketwired - June 16, 2014) - The start of summer is almost here and Howard Johnson hotels are celebrating by partnering with the world-famous Harlem Globetrotters to host a series of special on-site events designed to surprise guests with goodies like free ice cream, free night stays and for some, a visit from a few Harlem Globetrotters.
Part of the Howard Johnson brand's annual "Happiest Day of the Year" promotion, the kick-off to summer events will be held on Saturday, June 21 -- the first day of summer -- at more than 40 participating hotels throughout the U.S. and Canada, including locations in Anaheim, Calif.; Toms River, N.J.; Niagara Falls, Ont.; and Rapid City, S.D. In addition to special treats and HoJo-themed giveaways, one lucky guest at each participating hotel will be chosen at random by the hotel's management to receive that night's stay for free.
"Howard Johnson is a brand that's all about spreading happiness and for a lot of people, nothing puts a smile on their face like the start of summer," said John Valletta, Howard Johnson brand president. "As a brand that's synonymous with family vacations and fun, we're thrilled to have the world-famous Harlem Globetrotters helping us out with our Happiest Day of the Year festivities and can't wait to get started celebrating with all our valued guests."
Two extra special events are scheduled for the week leading up to the Happiest Day of the Year. The first will be held at the Howard Johnson Express Inn Arlington Ballpark/Six Flags in Arlington, Texas, on Wednesday, June 18, 2014 and the second at the Howard Johnson Inn San Diego Sea World on Friday, June 20, 2014. Both will include festivities similar to those taking place on June 21, with the added bonus that guests will be joined by members of the world-famous Harlem Globetrotters, who, in addition to performing their signature basketball wizardry, will also pose for photos and sign autographs.
For more information on Howard Johnson's Happiest Day of the Year promotion or to find a list of participating properties, visit www.hojo.com/happy .
About the Harlem Globetrotters The Harlem Globetrotters® are celebrating their 88th consecutive year, continuing a world famous tradition of ball handling wizardry, basketball artistry, and one-of-a-kind family entertainment that continues to thrill fans of all ages. Harlem Globetrotters International, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Herschend Family Entertainment Corporation, the largest family-owned themed entertainment company in the U.S. Throughout their history, the Original Harlem Globetrotters have showcased their iconic talents in 122 countries and territories on six continents, often breaking down cultural and societal barriers while providing fans with their first-ever basketball experience. Proud inductees of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, the Globetrotters have entertained hundreds of millions of fans-among them popes, kings, queens, and presidents-over more than eight thrilling decades. For the latest news and information about the Harlem Globetrotters, and to purchase tickets and team merchandise, visit the Globetrotters' official Web site: www.harlemglobetrotters.com .
About Howard Johnson Part of Wyndham Hotel Group, the Howard Johnson® hotel brand is a global chain of nearly 450 hotels with locations around the world, most of which offer an array of complimentary amenities including free Wi-Fi and free Rise & Dine® continental breakfast. Many properties also offer meeting and fitness facilities, swimming pools and the opportunity to earn and redeem points through Wyndham Rewards®, the brand's guest loyalty program. Travelers can join the program for free at www.wyndhamrewards.com .
Each Howard Johnson hotel is independently owned and operated under franchise agreements with Howard Johnson International, a subsidiary of Wyndham Hotel Group and parent company Wyndham Worldwide Corporation (
Wyndham Hotel Group is the world's largest and most diverse hotel company, encompassing approximately 7,500 hotels and 646,900 rooms in 69 countries under 15 hotel brands. Additional information is available at www.wyndhamworldwide.com . For more information about hotel franchising opportunities visit www.whgdevelopment.com .
CONTACT : Rob Myers Wyndham Hotel Group 22 Sylvan Way Parsippany, NJ 07054 +1 (973) 753-6590 rob.myers@wyn.com Louise Gonzalez Formula PR 212.219.0321 gonzalez@formulapr.com
