ARAMARK Parks and Destinations, which manages lodging in a number of national parks, has been awarded a 10-year concession contract to operate Lake Mead National Recreation Area's sightseeing boat tours.

"We are excited to have ARAMARK join us at Lake Mead," said Lake Mead Superintendent Bill Dickinson. "They have a long history of outstanding customer service in national parks and an enduring appreciation for the preservation of our nation's resources. We are pleased that, as partners, we will continue to share quality visitor services with our nearly 7 million annual visitors."

As a requirement of the new contract, ARAMARK will operate the sightseeing tours at least twice a day, five days a week March through October, and once per day, four days a week February and November. ARAMARK will continue to offer a snack bar with a range of beverage options on the vessel and landing facilities.

As part of the deal, ARAMARK will take over operations from Lake Mead Cruises.

"Rod and Meg Fair at Lake Mead Cruises have dedicated the past 25 years to the Desert Princess and Lake Mead Cruises," said Superintendent Dickinson. "We appreciate the outstanding experience they provided to our visitors and we wish them the best in their future endeavors."

The Fairs notified the NPS they would not be bidding on this new contract and were pursuing other business interests.