LJChoo-Choo! Train News & More From Six Destinations
Salt Lake City
Rocky Mountaineer’s U.S.-based operations in Colorado and Utah have been rebranded “Canyon Spirit” and will expand to Salt Lake City beginning in April 2026. Operating in British Columbia and Alberta since the 1990s, the scenic train expanded to the United States in 2021 with excursions between Denver and Moab, Utah with an overnight in Glenwood Springs, Colorado.
NYC – LA
Travelers would pass through 54 cities with major stops connecting New York City and Los Angeles:
- Harrisburg, PA
- Pittsburgh, PA
- Cleveland, OH
- Chicago, IL
- Kansas City, MO
- Albuquerque, NM
AmeriStarRail says the route would replace the Southwest Chief and Pennsylvanian routes. AmeriStarRail is seeking a partnership with Amtrak for the project, aiming to be operational by National Train Day, the second Saturday in May.
South Dakota
Travel South Dakota has teamed up with Jeep, Matador Network, and renowned adventurer and TV host Forrest Galante to launch “Unexpected South Dakota,” a three-episode series highlighting the state’s unique experiences. The integrated multi-brand video content for social, digital, and broadcast streaming platforms, culminates in three eight-minute episodes. These are displayed on a dedicated landing page on Matador Network and on Roku TV through August, estimated to get more than 52 million impressions. Audiences can also enter for a chance to win exclusive weekly prize packages. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gFUwiA8Y
New Mexico
New Mexico Tourism Department announced the creation of the Destination Forward Accessibility Pilot Grant which offers up a special $100,000 fund to exclusively support the construction and installation of universal changing tables in qualified facilities. These new grants will offer up to $30,000 per project, available to tribes, nonprofit organizations, and public agencies that provide free access to adaptive equipment on the coast and near lakes, rivers, and bays.
California
Orange County Coastkeeper and California State Coastal Conservancy teamed up once again to make California’s beaches and coastal spaces more accessible to all. In 2024, the Beach and Coast Accessibility Program distributed over $150,000 to organizations and agencies working to improve accessibility across California’s coastline. They awarded funds for the purchase, maintenance, and promotion of accessibility equipment, such as beach wheelchairs, walkers, mats, and kayaks.
New York City and Colorado
New York City Tourism + Conventions has introduced an AI chat platform to offer travel tips and itineraries in 60 languages. Named “Libby” (for Liberty), it’s created in partnership with Matador Network to connect tourists to local businesses, attractions, and unique experiences in the five boroughs. Libby is accessible via www.nyctourism.com, WhatsApp, Instagram, and 4,000-LinkNYC screens across the city’s transit stops. Libby follows the successful launch of Ellis, an AI chat platform for business event planning, which doubled traffic to the DMO website.
Colorado Tourism Office has also launched a custom AI travel tool powered by Matador Network’s GuideGeek platform. Dubbed “Colorado Concierge,” it enhances trip planning and visitor engagement.