September 22, 2008: Traveler interest in gambling hot spots beyond Las Vegas and Monte Carlo continues to grow, and casinos are responding by building up their presence in unique destinations overseas. International travel Web site vayama.com is currently offering exclusive fares to up-and-coming gambling destinations, Macau, China and Punta del Este, Uruguay.

Macau, the former Portuguese colony located near Hong Kong, is considered the “Las Vegas of the East” and has seen its gambling business boom over the past few years with the addition of glamorous mega casinos including a new Wynn, Venetian and MGM Grand. In fact, gambling accounts for a whopping 40% of government revenue in Macau. Plus, this small region (one peninsula and two small islands), which boasts a yearly average climate of 68°F, offers travelers just as much to do by day. For example, visitors can soak in the culture by strolling to Macau’s ancient temples, museums, gardens, fortresses, beaches and public plazas that are lined with quaint cafe’s.
Vayama.com has teamed up with Asiana Airlines to offer travelers exclusive fares to Hong Kong available for booking and travel September 1 through November 30, 2008. Please see a few examples below. Ferry service from Hong Kong to Macau is available every 15 minutes. Please visit this link for ferry schedules and costs:www.turbojet.com.hk/eng/schedule/prd.html
To Hong Kong
* San Francisco International Airport $ 420.00 plus tax and surcharges
* Los Angeles’ LAX Airport $ 540.00 plus tax and surcharges
* Seattle-Tacoma International Airport $ 517.00 plus tax and surcharges
* Chicago’s O’Hare Airport $ 638.00 plus tax and surcharges
Another hot spot travelers are flocking to so they can try their hand at Lady Luck is the stylish and uber-elegant Punta del Este, Uruguay. Similar to Miami or St. Tropez, Punta del Este is known as the place to go for a “see and be seen” crowd. Favorably priced when compared to European and U.S. resorts, Punta del Este offers travelers miles of pristine beaches, luxurious resorts, infamous nightlife and a thriving casino experience. In fact, Punta is home to the exclusive world-class Conrad Hotel and Casino, which dominates the area as the largest tourist and entertainment complex in the region.
Vayama.com has also partnered up with Lan Airlines to offer travelers exclusive fares to Montevideo, Uruguay for departure from August 9 through December 3, 3008 when they book by September 15. Please see a few examples below. Punta del Este is only one and half hours by car from Montevideo.
To Montevideo
* New York’s JFK Airport $ 460.00 plus tax and surcharges
* Los Angeles’s LAX Airport $ 755.00 plus tax and surcharges
* Toronto’s Lester B Pearson Airport $ 835.00 plus tax and surcharges
The above fares are also available at additional gateways nationwide. Go to www.vayama.com for more information.