However, nighttime is another story. We stayed at the Marriott Frenchman’s Reef resort, a lovely coastal venue, with a spectacular harbor and downtown view. It is a place to relax and do nothing but enjoy the sun, pool, shopping and restaurants.

However, for me, that was also its negative. There is little nightlife except to go out for dinner. We found no local nightclubs for anyone over 35, no casinos and taxi transportation is expensive. It is no coincidence that much of the popularity and demand of island destinations like Aruba, Puerto Rico and the Bahamas stems from legalized casino gaming on their shores.

Aruba, an island of 90,000, operates 10 casinos in its three cities. Puerto Rico, with a population of 3.9 million, allows gambling at 16 venues throughout the island. The two most popular Bahamian islands - Freeport and Nassau/Paradise Island - offer five smaller and larger gaming options. Because its population is less than 350,000, tourists are a key source of income.

Other islands offer gaming on a more limited scale. Only one conclusion can be drawn from this data… Casinos attract crowds. No more or less need be said.

However, since this is my column, I can’t let it go at that without an explanation. Casinos help the local economy by creating jobs and improving the local infrastructure. More visitors mean more traffic and better roadways, properties, utilities and dining. Also, casinos usually add music for lively, more exciting nightlife.

Proper regulation and law enforcement will ensure that casinos offer an honest, safe gambling experience to customers.

Oh yes, I have already booked our vacation for next December in Aruba.

While casinos may attract dollars to local economies, what happens when they compete with local businesses? Does that tarnish their image as good corporate citizens?

In Atlantic City, Harrah’s Entertainment finds themselves in a bit of a public relations dilemma since instituting their own free shuttle service between their four properties last fall. That may not sound problematic, but it jolted Atlantic City locals and visitors.

The jitney - a unique, inexpensive small shuttle bus - is one of the city’s most recognizable icons. In 1915, the first jitney transported people through the streets of Atlantic City. I rode the jitney as a teenager from one end of Pacific Avenue to the other.

Harrah’s claims it offered the Jitney Association, the local trade group, an opportunity to bid, but it proved more expensive than competing proposals.

The Jitney Association accused Harrah’s of trying to drive its members out of business. When Harrah’s introduced its own shuttle service in October, jitney drivers placed yellow signs in their buses, urging riders to boycott the Harrah’s routes.

However, every issue creates opportunities for good will, and Colony Capital has seized on theirs. Colony, the parent company of the Atlantic City Hilton and Resorts Atlantic City, its uptown sister property two miles down the Boardwalk, has contracted with the Jitney Association to provide jitney service between the two venues. The free service is offered to all Resorts Destination Casino Club cardholders at both properties. Service began on January 2.

Anthony Rodio, regional president for Hilton and Resorts, praised the 90 years of historic and economic contributions that jitneys have made to Atlantic City.

Great move for them.

Finally, speaking of tourism, Las Vegas has again ranked among the top three domestic destinations for Carlson Wagonlit Travel agents. The survey asks agents to list their top bookings for the new year. Orlando and Honolulu rounded out the group.

While I appreciate the appeal of gaming, the beach and Mickey Mouse, I admit I would like people to show a greater appreciation for some really important things like history, culture and scenery.

Maybe that’s why my favorite American cities are New York, Washington DC, my hometown of Philadelphia, San Francisco and Chicago. Hey folks, next time you’re in Vegas, at least tack on a side trip to the breathtakingly spectacular Grand Canyon. I promise you won’t regret it, even if you forego those slots and tables for a day.

Looking ahead, Pennsylvania gaming has begun, and licenses have been awarded. I’ll talk about that next month when some figures are out and the dust has settled from the granting of licenses. Lots of surprises, unexpected good news and disappointments came from those announcements.

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