industry
news
-
feature
APRIL 2012
FEATURES
UNITED KINGDOM
LONDON
CORK
G ADVENTURES and MUCH MORE!
WWW.TRAVELTRADEMAGAZINE.COM
destinations
-
interviews
IT FEELS GOOD TO BE HERE.
• Located in the heart of Condado tourist area • Just four miles from the Luis Muñoz Marin Int'l Airport and 3 miles to Historic Old San Juan • Walking distance to more than 25 restaurants, pubs and specialty shops • Best Casino in Puerto Rico • Enjoy the family ambiance of the Ambassador Grill & Sports Bar • Indulge in Mimo Beauty Salon & Spa • Four Meeting & Banquet rooms for successful meetings Radisson Ambassador Plaza Hotel & Casino 1369 Ashford Avenue, San Juan, PR 00907 Ph. 787-721-7300 Fax: 787-722-6778 rhi_sjpr@radisson.com www.radisson.com/sanjuanpr_ambassador
3
MESSAGE FROM
the eDitor eDitor: paul weston | emAiL: paul@traveltrademag.com | web: www.traveltrademagazine.com
W
elcome to the April issue of Travel Trade Magazine. In this month’s issue, we highlight the United Kingdom as they prepare to host the world for the 2012 Summer Olympics. We also explore London’s west end, plus all the other great destinations in England outside of London. We then venture into Ireland and explore Cork, the cosmopolitan Irish city located on the south west of the Emerald Island.
W
e then sit down with G Adventures founder Bruce Poon Tip understand how G Adventures connects small groups of explorers with local people, culture, and cuisine, in a sustainable manner. We hope you enjoy this issue, as always feel free to contact me with any story ideas or comments. Enjoy and safe travels,
T
ravel trade magazine then takes a closer look at Carnival Cruise lines and we provide some insight into their new Carnival Magic cruise ship.
magazine contact
traveltrade
Published by Select Digital Media, 100 Western Battery Rd, Toronto, On, Canada
magazine team eDitor: paul weston t. 647.933..9070 x 207 paul@traveltrademag.com proDuction mAnAGer: Jason Alexander t. 647.933..9070 x 212 jason@traveltrademag.com proDuction mAnAGer: kevin baxter t. 647.933..9070 x 205 kevin@traveltrademag.com
Paul Weston, Editor Travel Trade Magazine
GrAphic DesiGn:
advertising
maxine chambers Jake Diaz
view www.traveltrademagazine.com/media-kit/ for our Media Kit.
writers:
AD sALes: t. 647.933..9070 x 211 adsales@traveltrademag.com
kim walker t. 647.933 9070 kelli pavlovec
subscribe? Follow this link to subscribe to Travel Trade Magazine
t. 647.933 9070 Jane Graham t. 647.933 9070
follow us: contributor : kathleen convicto
contents messAGe From the eDitor .............................................................03 A quick introduction and updates from our editor Paul Weston.
cork .........................................................................................................08-13 The name ‘Cork’ derives from the Irish Corcach Mór Mumhanx.
LonDon west enD ...................................................................... 14-19 Most exciting place to visit in London.
GreAt DistAnAtions in enGLAnD .................................... 20-27 What about the rest of England.
cArnivAL cruises.......................................................................... 28-30 Carnivals latest state-of the-art cruise ship.
8
CORK GREAT MARSH OF MUSTER
14
G ADventures .................................................................................. 32-34 The great adventure people.
LONDON’S WEST END A BRIEF GUIDE
34
32
GREAT DESTINATIONS IN ENGLAND DISCOVER THE REST OF ENGLAND
G ADVENTURES ADVENTURES FOR PEOPLE
advertisers: rADison ...................................................................................................................02 virGin AtLAntic ................................................................................................26 tourism cAnADA ............................................................................................31 inG trAveL ..........................................................................................................36
28
CARNIVAL CRUISES THE CARNIVAL MAGIC
8
A brieF history
t
he city of cork is the 2nd largest city in ireland, and it’s 3rd most populous city. As of 2011, the city of cork has a population of 119,418. the name ‘cork’ derives from the irish ‘corcach mór mumhan’ which means the ‘great marsh of munster’ and refers to the fact that the centre of cork city is built on islands, surrounded by the river Lee, which are marshy and prone to episodes of flooding. The waterways between the islands were built over to
form some of the main streets of presentday cork. the oblong-like shape of the centre-city island, bounded by the north and south channels of the Lee gives cork city much of its physical charm. the city centre is located on the island created by the channels. At the eastern end of the city centre they converge; and the Lee flows around Louch machon to cork harbour, one of the world’s largest natural harbours. the city is a major irish seaport; there are quays and docks along the banks of the Lee on the city’s east side.
9
10
EDITORIALFEATURE
Getting There Cork Airport is easily accessible with a good road network, and regular bus services from Bus Éireann or City Link bus service and taxis available outside the Airport Terminal. Connections to all major rail-linked towns and cities in the country can be made from Cork’s Kent Station. Eleven trains operate daily to Dublin with connections to Limerick and the West of Ireland. Several trains operate from Dublin to all major towns and cities in Northern Ireland.
Attractions From the lively centre of Cork City, to the sweet tranquillity of Mizen Head,County Cork is a study in contrasts. One moment you are in the midst of a world-class shopping expedition, and the next, you are pausing to absorb a spectacular seaside vista. All of which makes County Cork a unique and delightful area to visit. Blarney, Co. Cork, Ireland Blarney Castle was built nearly six hundred years ago by one of Ireland’s greatest chieftains, Cormac MacCarthy, and has been attracting attention beyond Munster ever since. Bantry, Co. Cork, Ireland The Hutchinson family built a mansion on the shore of Bantry Bay c 1740. The house was enlarged in 1765 by the White family. Many treasures can be viewed, extensive art collections and tapestries. Jameson Whiskey Distillery Tours Midleton, Cork, Ireland
Take a journey to the sunny south east and savour the remarkable story of the Jameson Experience, Midleton. Set on 15 acres and beautifully restored, this is where the true heart of Irish whiskey was born.
Shopping In terms of city centre shopping, Cork city won’t be found wanting when it comes to top brands and high street stores. The best part about its city centre is that it is so compact and includes lots of pedestrian only streets to make your shopping experience even more enjoyable.
11
EDITORIALFEATURE
12
EDITORIALFEATURE
The English Market The market has existed on this site since 1610 but the present building dates back to 1786. Refurbished after a fire in 1980, it is a great place for the world gourmets, who will find anything they can dream of here, from exotic foreign foods, spices and luxury items to such Irish specialities as crubeen (pig’s foot), tripe and drisheen, already prepared and not to be missed if you want to get to know the local cuisine. St. Patricks Street The main artery of Cork city, St. Patrick street is home to a diverse range of shops, boutiques, bars, and restaurants. Although the street itself has had a recent makeover during Cork’s year as European Capital of Culture in 2005, and is now an attractive cosmopolitan space, the old buildings still retain the charm and architectural beauty of old. Department Stores Penneys is one of the largest department stores on St Patrick’s Street, the main shopping street of Cork. If you look around, you will see many passers-by carrying their brown paper, and therefore recyclable, carrier bag. The shop is extremely popular with Corkonians and tourists alike, offering real bargains in comparison with the other department stores.
13
EDITORIALFEATURE
Eat/Drink Cork people like to think of their beautiful historic city as the “real capital”, and Cork’s focus on local food and history of production certainly lends itself to a thriving dining scene. Tradition is a focus of Cork chefs, and you’re likely to find old Irish dishes like gubbeen or Clonakilty pudding cooked with a modern twist. Hayfield Manor Hotel Set in two acres of gardens near University College Cork, the city’s premier hotel provides every comfort and a remarkable level of privacy and seclusion, just a mile from the city centre. Star Anise A smartly painted frontage and cool frosted glass windows create a good impression on arrival at this chic contemporary restaurant - a feeling quickly confirmed by an attractive interior, with cleanlined modern table settings. Augustines Perhaps now Cork city’s leading restaurant - for a discerning clientèle seeking exceptional food and service. For more information on visiting Ireland, please visit: www.discoverireland.ie
14
16
EDITORIALFEATURE
T
he West End we know today really started to form in the 17th century. Over a period of about 200 years it became the place of entertainment, fashionable shops and large homes, and it remains the most exciting place to visit in London – and a great place to explore when you stay in a Hyde Park hotel. London is a fantastic city, but the West End has to be one of the most interesting places, so don’t miss out when you’re in town. You cannot miss the theatres when you visit the West End during your stay in a Hyde Park hotel. London boasts some fantastic musicals, comedies and dramas, all of which you will be able to find in the West End. A good musical is easy to find, and you can take your choice from a wide selection of the best, including The Lion King at Lyceum Theatre, Les Miserables at Queen’s Theatre and Billy Elliot at Victoria Palace Theatre. If you want to see a comedy you also have plenty to choose from, including The Ladykillers at the Gielgud Theatre and The 39 Steps at Criterion Theatre.
Soho For a more alternative scene, head to nearby Soho if you are staying in a Hyde Park hotel. London has a number of areas with a very different feel to them, and Soho is known for its bohemian scene dating back to the 18th century when the rich left their homes and writers and artists moved in. It is a great place for restaurants and bars, and a night out at one of the nightclubs is highly recommended. Also check out Soho Square, an important landmark of the area, where lots of events are held; or simply sit on the grass in the square on a sunny day and watch the world go by.
19
EDITORIALFEATURE
China Town China Town has a long history going back to the 17th century. This is where the Chinese community settled in London, and now you will find dozens of excellent restaurants and supermarkets. Enjoy the lights and the atmosphere of this unique area, and why not stop off here before seeing a musical?
Leicester Square Make sure you visit Leicester Square during your time staying in a Hyde Park hotel. London is often host to large film premieres and these always take place in the cinemas of Leicester Square – try to visit during a premiere and enjoy spotting the famous actors.
Explore the West End The West End is a fascinating area to explore when you stay in a nearby in a Hyde Park hotel. London has many great areas to discover, but the West End has to be the most exciting, so make sure you don’t miss out on a night out here next time you are in the city.
“The West End is the place of entertainment, fashionable shops and large homes and remains the most exciting place to visit in London”.
21
EDITORIALFEATURE
22
EDITORIALFEATURE
L
ondon is an incredible place. It’s a world class city with nearly an endless amount of things to do and see. However, there are other, less know places to visit in England. I would be more than happy to elaborate the virtues of this historic and vibrant city but here’s already a load of guidebooks, internet travel sites and television programmes to do it for me. But what about the rest of England? While tourists might flock into airports such as Gatwick or Heathrow, for many of them London is as far as they’ll get. Although the rest of the country is awash with lush, green scenery, castles and stately homes oozing with history, and thriving cities with distinct identities, and many get passed over by international travelers. Here are, in no particular order and with apologies for the obvious omissions, are five great destinations to consider visiting when in the UK.
The Lake District, Cumbria, North West England The Lake District is quite simply one of the most breathtaking areas of natural beauty in the world. Think I’m exaggerating? Well, the lakes and mountains of the area provided the inspiration
for much of the poetry written by William Wordsworth and Samuel Taylor Coleridge. If walking or climbing are your bag, then you’ll be transported to seventh heaven in the Lakes, where you can try your hand at an array of walks, all the way from a gentle ramble to a full-scale assault on Scafell Pike, the highest fell in England. The lakes is also a bit of a hotspot for water sports and activities such as sailing, kayaking and canoeing are popular. If that all sounds a bit too energetic, then are lots of quaint little villages to explore, all with their own particular brand of old world charm, not to mention a good selection of galleries, pubs and places of historical interest.
Bath, Somerset, South West England Bath is probably worth visiting for the Roman Baths alone. One of the most well preserved bathing sites dating from ancient times, the Baths should be on everyone’s must-see list. If visiting in summer, by far the best time to go is in the evening; not only are they less busy, but the atmospheric torchlight helps evoke the spirit of ancient times. A gentle stroll through the streets of Bath in all its Georgian splendour will appeal to
EDITORIALFEATURE
anyone interested in history or architecture. In the Regency era, the spa town was a fashionable place to visit for those with a bit of money and influence, and balls and society gatherings were regularly hosted in the city’s Assembly Rooms. For those looking to venture a little further afield from Bath itself, the market town of Glastonbury, home to the famous music festival, is about an half hour drive away. Stonehenge, the ancient site of stone circles and traditional meeting place of the Druids, can be reached in around an hour.
Liverpool, North West England Liverpool, with its impressive architecture and unique buzz, has a lot of offer the visitor – especially if you see yourself as a fan of the Beatles! Possibilities include: a visit to the award-winning Beatles Story museum; a trip down Mathew Street, home to the Cavern Club; and, for the more ardent fan, the Magical Mystery Tour guided commentary bus ride, which takes you to places such as childhood homes, Strawberry Fields and Penny Lane.
If you’re into your football, then the museum at Anfield, home to Liverpool FC, is open all year round and, if you go during the season it may be possible to get tickets to watch a match there, or at Everton’s ground, Goodison Park. Other highlights including the International Slavery Museum, focusing on an issue important in the history of Liverpool; theatres, showing productions from musicals to Marlowe; and the celebrated Anthony Gormley exhibition, Another Place, on nearby Crosby beach. Oh,
and for anyone bored with the attractions of the city, the lush countryside of the Wirral is little more than a ferry across the Mersey away.
Cornwall, South West England If standing on a cliff edge and gazing dreamily out to sea is your thing, then perhaps Cornwall’s the place for you. Cornwall boasts the longest coastline of anywhere else in the UK, and while the rugged beauty of Land’s End might appeal to the romantic, there are
27
EDITORIALFEATURE
many sandy beaches to laze around on and, for those who are into less sedentary pursuits, lots of water sports to try. Experienced surfers will be in their element on some of the beaches found around areas such as Newquay, while novices can also have a go at one of the numerous surf schools that have sprung up in recent years. Of course, like everywhere else in England, Cornwall is at the mercy of the weather. Luckily then, there are plenty of things to do away from the beach. Two of the most interesting and unusual are the Museum of Witchcraft in Bocastle, which houses a fascinating collection of memorabilia associated with all things witchery; and the Camel Valley Vineyard, where you can take a tour and taste some, surprisingly good, Cornish wine. The magical Tintagel Castle, associated with the legend of King Arthur, is also a good place to visit and offers spectacular views. However be warned, visitors with walking difficulties may have a problem, as access to the castle itself is via 100 stone steps.
york, north yorkshire While the city itself has much to recommend it, it can also be used as a base for exploring the surrounding area. Firstly to the city. York is known for its Viking heritage, and there’s plenty of scope for anyone interested in finding out more. As
well as the Jorvik Viking Centre, a museum built on the site of an archaeological discovery of Viking remains, guided walks with a focus on Viking history are available. Those who enjoy walking around cities steeped in history will be in their element in York, with sites such as the ancient city walls; the Gothic cathedral, York Minster; and the medieval Shambles to explore. Walking the narrow twisty lanes around the Shambles is like stepping back into the past at any time of the day, but for those seeking an added frisson, numerous ghost tours are available in the area. Outside the city, there’s the stately home, Castle Howard; the revamped Prisoner of War Camp, Eden Camp; and the haunting landscape of the North Yorkshire Moors. Walking enthusiasts can take one of the many walks available in the National Park, but anyone who wants to see the scenery in a bit more comfort can board the steam train for an eighteen mile journey between Pickering and Grosmont.
whAt About the rest oF the uk? Visitors to the UK often choose to combine a trip to England with a visit to Scotland and Wales or maybe even a quick jaunt over the Irish Sea. While I deliberately focused this small selection on England, there are many fabulous places in the other countries of the UK. So many, in fact, that each country would merit an article in their own right.
28
carnival cruise Lines, the world’s largest and most popular cruise operator, leads the industry by following its stated mission to deliver fun, memorable vacations to guests by offering a wide array of quality cruises. showcasing exciting themed cruises, community involvement, and innovative customer-centric programs, carnival is widely recognized for its award-winning standard of achievement. Written by Paul Weston
LAunch oF the cArnivAL mAGic
c
arnival prevails a cut above the rest through the perpetual launch of state-of-the-art cruise ships. Earlier this year, Carnival unveiled the 100th addition to its cruise line, the Carnival Magic, with fleet-wide celebrations resulting in the world’s largest champagne toast at sea.
29
against childhood cancer,” says Cahill. Carnival’s fleet-wide “Care to Play: Carnival For St. Jude Kids” fundraising initiative features interactive on-board activities with the goal of raising $3 million over a three- year period, according to Cahill.
Award-Winning Service
“This ship is the best in our fleet yet,” says Gerry Cahill, Carnival Cruise Lines’ president and CEO. “With a combination of exciting new features such as the RedFrog Pub, SportSquare and Cucina del Capitano and other popular ‘Fun Ship’ amenities, Carnival Magic epitomizes our company’s continued commitment to providing our guests with fun, memorable vacations at an incredible value.”
Carnival Cares Presiding over Carnival Magic’s maiden voyage festivities was Lindsey Wilkerson, godmother to the cruise, and also charged with naming the vessel. As ambassador for Carnival and former St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital patient, Wilkerson is a personification of Carnival’s continued partnership with St. Jude. “Lindsey embodies the spirit of the tremendously talented, compassionate and dedicated individuals at St. Jude who are true heroes in every sense of the word. Lindsey’s selection as godmother is a tribute to the special children of St. Jude, as well as an acknowledgement of the groundbreaking efforts the organization has made in the fight
As a member of the World’s Leading Cruise Lines, Carnival is committed to excellence, touting an extensive array of annual awards. Carnival was awarded the “Gold Award of Excellence” for service by American Express Travel Service. For two consecutive years, Carnival’s “Fun Ships” have been voted number one in cruises among Southern Living Magazine’s readership, and Carnival’s sales and group reservations teams earned “best of the best” by CruiseOne for the past four years in a row.
New Partnerships Carnival’s dynamic program ventures keep the cruise lines ahead of the game.
30
This year, Carnival has joined in strategic partnerships to bring the utmost in entertainment. Carnival teamed up with Comedian George Lopez to present new shipboard comedy club routines, including a comedy contest for consumers coming in 2012. “Laughter is the most public, most infectious expression of fun, so we’re excited to provide our guests with an expanded offering in comedy with our new Punchliner Comedy Clubs,” says Cahill. Also pairing with DJ IRIE to train on-board DJs for an awesome musical experience, Carnival is taking fun to a whole new level. Carnival announced these partnerships, among others, at the recent unveiling of the cruise lines’ 2.0 Fun Initiative, a program that is dedicated to enhancing on-board destination experiences. “Fun Ship 2.0 is the largest and most ambitious initiative that our company has ever undertaken and it will serve
to significantly transform the Carnival vacation experience for our guests,” says Cahill.
latest program launches, and inviting new ideas for integration into future cruises.
Planning the Future
On the horizon for 2012 is the launch of the Carnival Breeze, a 1,004-foot ship with a Caribbean flair due to set sail in June. As the opening date draws near, Carnival will post announcements and developments related to the project via Facebook, Twitter, and press releases.
Always looking for the newest and best in entertainment, Carnival’s innovative “Labs” program solicits customer input, engaging guests to interactively mold the
“Carnival Magic epitomizes our company’s continued commitment to providing our guests with fun, memorable vacations at an incredible value.” President and ceo gerry cahilll
A small-Group Approach to travel
G Adventures, the world’s largest independent adventure travel company, maintains its base camp in toronto, with employees stationed worldwide. Founded by world traveler and relentless marketer bruce poon tip, G Adventures deďŹ es boundaries by offering an up-close and personal approach to travel, connecting small groups of explorers with local people, culture, and cuisine, in a sustainable manner. Written by Kelli Pavlovec
the mAn behinD the nAme
i
n 1990, after returning from a trip to Asia, poon tip envisioned a travel experience that offered more than tourism from the back of a bus, and from there, G Adventures was born. with a meager startup capital of two personal credit cards, poon tip has advanced from being the laughingstock of meetings for his nontraditional ideas, to the award-winning, iconic legend that he is today. now boasting 1350 employees, G Adventures guides over 100,000 travelers a year through once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
33
trenD-settinG trAveL Always the avid traveler, Poon Tip identified a niche in small-group travel, somewhere in between backpacking and mainstream touring. Of his early days, he says, “I put together a few tours and developed a new way of travel that combined the grassroots experience of backpacking with the comfort of a tour. There was the security of a group but the independence of backpacking.”
G Adventures retains that same mentality today, offering more than 1,000 tours, expeditions, and safaris on all seven continents, appealing to a wide range of preferences, from sailing in the Ganges, to kayaking in Lake Titicaca, to a homestay in Guatemala. All of G Adventure’s offerings embody the attitude of its first brochure that blatantly stated, “If you’d like all the comforts of home, we suggest you stay home.” G Adventures stands out from the crowd, not only because of innovative ideas, but also for its commitment to customer service. With 24/7 service, lifetime deposits, and a polar bear spotting guarantee termed a “Bear-antee” for Arctic adventures, G Adventures is obsessed with quality service.
ecotourism since the beGinninG Organizing small, minimal footprint travel groups that are never larger
34
than 12, G Adventures started incorporating ecotourism before the term was even popular by employing local guides, supporting small-scale hotels, and using UNESCO World Heritage Sites. G Adventures further demonstrates social responsibility through its own Planeterra, a non-profit organization promoting voluntourism and sustainable community development.
ADventures on the horiZon G Adventures recently rolled out a brand-new collection of North American tours. “We’re excited to expand our portfolio of award-winning adventures to include the North America market. From the Grand Canyon, Death Valley, Yosemite and Canadian Rockies, to vibrant cities like
“We’re excited to expand our portfolio of award-winning adventures to include the North America market”. FounDer bruce poon tip
New York, Toronto and San Francisco, there is so much to discover right here in our own back yard,” says Poon Tip. Also in the works for 2012, G Adventures is launching a new program called Local Living, offering tours that embed travelers in authentic culture to experience local living first-hand, where they can embark on the same daily activities, trod the same ground, and learn to make the same food as locals. Always on the verge of a new idea, Poon Tip says, “We still spend every minute of our waking hours dreaming up new, responsible, and sustainable ways to show travelers the world as it was meant to be seen.”
THAILAND
WHEN IN PARADISE, INSURANCE SHOULD BE THE LAST THING ON YOUR MIND. Let Ingle International take care of your insurance needs… so that all you have to worry about is sunscreen.
Visit www.ingletravel.com • Call 1-800-360-3234 • 416-640-7863 A trusted name in the industry since 1946, Ingle International knows insurance. And travel insurance is our specialty. At Ingle International, we pride ourselves on being able to provide the best products and services for our clients – whether you’re vacationing in the Bahamas, Published by Travel Trade Media, WEB: www.traveltrademagazine.com EMAIL: info@traveltrademag.com
taking a leisurely cruise, or climbing Mt. Everest, we’ve got you covered!