This Memorial Day pack your swimsuits and catch a flight to one of the most pristine beaches the country has to offer. With America’s newest airport since 9/11 opening on May 23, 2010 visitors from across the country can enjoy their holiday lying out on the whitest U.S. beaches. The new Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport is putting the renowned emerald beaches of Panama City Beach, Florida on the map as a top tourist destination for summer 2010.

Both Delta Airlines and Southwest Airlines will be flying passengers in and out of Northwest Beaches International Airport, also referred to as “ECP.” Southwest Airlines will offer competitive rates to ensure that as many tourists as possible have the opportunity to see the beauty and abundant attractions of Panama City Beach. With rates beginning as low as $49, there is no reason that you shouldn’t be able to start your summer relaxing on the white sand beaches and splashing in the emerald waters of Florida.

With the construction of the only international airport in Florida’s panhandle at nearly 80% completion, it won’t be long until people from around the world are able to enjoy one of the states premiere beaches with relative ease. Better yet, Southwest Airlines will be running direct flights from four major U.S. cities, including: Orlando, Houston, Baltimore, and Nashville. Residents in cities near these will be able to catch a direct flight, meaning they will not have to switch airplanes. Residents of Chicago can fly through Nashville, New York through Baltimore, Dallas through Houston, and Fort Lauderdale through Orlando. Panama City Beach is now a convenient beach destination for so many people that didn’t have access prior to the opening of the new airport.

For all environmentally cautious people out there, it is also good to know that “ECP” is America’s first “Green Airport.” When the original airport in the Area, Panama City-Bay International Airport failed to meet federal standards, the community realized it would be impossible to bring the airport up to standards without destroying the land surrounding it. Environmentalists group lobbied to move the location of the new Airport in order to protect both the shoreline of St. Andrews Bay and West bay, allowing the current ecosystems to remain undisturbed.

Not only does the new airport protect sensitive lands in the Florida Panhandle, but the airport will have the countries first certified “green” terminals. The Leadership in Energy and Environmental design program, also known as LEED, confirms that the building is certified as a high performance building. Other advanced developments that are environmentally friendly includes the use of sustainable construction materials and a state of the art landscaping system that does not require the use of an irrigation system.

Whether you want to check out the most advanced airport in the country, or some of the most beautiful beaches in the country, the opportunity is now available to you at an affordable rate. Book a flight and be one of the first people to fly into the new Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport and enjoy a fun-filled vacation this summer in Panama City Beach, Florida; it is located just 4 miles from the countries most green airport.