Travel Roundup: Fortune 500's MGM Mirage and Harrah's, Norwegian's Passenger Overboard, Discovery's Losses and More

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Despite money woes, MGM Mirage and Harrah’s make Fortune 500 — Casino operators Harrah’s Entertainment Inc. and MGM Mirage Inc. were listed as some of the nation’s largest companies, making the Fortune 500 list. Fortune magazine released its 2009 rankings on Sunday, based on 2008 revenue. Harrah’s, with $10.1 billion, ranked No. 263 and MGM Mirage, with $7.2 billion, ranked No. 344. [Source: Associated Press]

U.S. Coast Guard suspends search for cruise passenger — The U.S. Coast Guard suspended the search for a 39-year-old man who disappeared Saturday overboard a Norwegian Cruise Line ship 60 miles north of Nassau, Bahamas. The ship was on a three-day voyage to Nassau. The coast guard called a halt to the search around 8 p.m. Saturday after searching 590 square miles. The identity of the man was not made public. [Source: Associated Press]

Discovery Cruise Line’s only ship malfunctions — Discovery Cruise Line canceled more than a dozen voyages because of mechanical problems with its only ship, and the problems may not be solved until May. The 1,200-passenger Discovery Sun has been in the middle of engine repairs since April 5. Company officials hope the ship can sail for its Bahamas day-cruise offerings this week, saying that the small company has already lost hundreds of thousands of dollars in missed cruises and cargo shipping. [Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel]

Botswana pairs with HBO for tourism — The Botswana Tourism Board is partnering with HBO on a “Who’s Your No. 1 Lady?” contest based on the HBO series, “The No.1 Ladies’ Detective Agency” set and filmed in Botswana. Participants nominate their own No. 1 lady to compete for a trip to the African nation. Botswana Tourism also launched a new Web site advertising tourist spots, including hotels, lodges and safaris. [Source: Associated Press]

Tags: Associated Press, MGM Mirage, Fortune 500, Harrah, Web Site Development, Web Technology, Operational Accounting, Internet, Finance, Barbara E. Hernandez

Bay Area resident and award-winning business journalist Barbara E. Hernandez has covered tourism, real estate and personal finance. Her clients include the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, San Francisco Chronicle and Washington Post.

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