More managers are seeing their malls as tourist destinations and joining with local travel agencies to provide packages. The Mall of America, for example, teamed up with NWA WorldVacations to offer a 10-percent discount (up to $150) on round-trip travel to Minneapolis/St. Paul, a two-night stay at a hotel near Mall of America and more than $1,500 in coupons and savings. The package, aimed at back-to-school shoppers, includes tickets to many of Mall of America's entertainment venues, including The Park at MOA, Underwater Adventures Aquarium and NASCAR Silicon Motor Speedway.
Meanwhile, Seaport Village in San Diego, a center with 54 specialty shops and 13 eateries located near downtown, is offering a travel pcakage that includes meal vouchers, VIP shopping passes and gift certificates.