Tourism Review Online Magazine - 01/2011 by Tourism Review Digital Network

January, 2011

ONLINE MAGAZINE

Dear readers, Natural disasters and the ability of travel companies to join forces in critical situations â&#x20AC;&#x201C; this is the theme of the Ethical supplement. Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s have a look at the effects of tsunami, volcano eruption or torrential rains on the travel world. If you prefer a more peaceful topic go for Bulgaria and its tasty cuisine, sunny beaches and lovely countryside. Read more in the Destination part. First of all however open the Heritage supplement presenting several high level hotels that have been lucky enough to welcome several presidents and other celebrities in their facility. Enjoy the January magazine. Milada Sovadinova Editor

CONT E NTS

ADVENTURE

HERITAGE

UndergroUnd AttrActions: cAves And Abysses

ExclusivE AccommodAtion for Kings & QuEEns

Presidents, prime ministers and other important statesmen are often in need of comfortable and presentable accommodation. Visit David Citadel Hotel in Jerusalem, US Grant Hotel in San Diego or even the famous Versailles Palace.

They may be dark and damp yet they are a perfect tourist attraction – caves, grottos, abysses lure thousands of tourists every year. Explore the Ice Age caves in France, one of Ireland’s oldest caves or the lost tunnel in Laos.

HERITAGE:

Exclusive Accommodation for Kings & Queens............................................... 4

US GRANT Hotel: A Hotel Fit for a President................................................................ 5 David Citadel Hotel: A Focal Point for Historical Encounters................................ 7 The Portman Ritz–Carlton: VIPs Head to Shanghai.................................................. 10 Part of Versailles Palace to Become Luxury Hotel................................................... 12

ADVENTURE:

Underground Attractions: Caves and Abysses................................. 39

France’s Ice Age Art Caves............................................................................................ 40 Kong Lor Cave: Laos’ Lost Tunnel................................................................................ 42 Grotta Gigante: The World’s Largest Tourist Cave.................................................. 44 Aillwee Cave: One of the Oldest in Ireland................................................................ 46

Destination

PROFESSIONAL

Bulgaria: Between the east and the west

Holiday? let’s Go FisHinG

Fishing has become a very popular sport especially in some countries. No wonder certain lakes and rivers are flooded with fishermen eager to explore the local “trophies”. Let’s visit Sweden, Hungary, Western Australia or Italy, the cradle of fish tourism.

CONT E NTS

J A NU A RY , 2 0 1 1

Long history, friendly atmosphere, tasty cuisine – Bulgaria is a perfect destination for summer holiday. Explore the local customs, walk through the old city of Sofia or check out the beaches.

Destination:

Holiday? Let’s Go Fishing..................... 14

Bulgaria: Between the East and the West.......................48

Visit Sweden: Hökensås Sport Fishing Area................................................................ 15 Fishing in Hungary: Lakes of All Sizes......................................................................... 17 Italy: Perfect Destination for Fish Tourism............................................................... 19 Western Australia: The Variety of Fish...................................................................... 21 Get Ready for Fishing Adventure in Saskatchewan.................................................. 23

Bulgaria – Attracting Tourists All Year Round....................................................... 49 World Heritage List: 9 Unique Landmarks................................................................. 51 Bulgaria: Historical, Cultural, Poetic....................................................................... 53 Sofia City: It Grows but Does Not Age......................................................................... 55 Health Tourism: Bulgaria in Need f a Business Model............................................. 57

Professional:

ETHICAL

Fairs & Exhibitions

Natural Disasters: real Force Majeure For tourisM

Natural disasters – floods, rains, earthquakes, volcano eruptions – impact immensely the tourism industry of the affected destinations. Learn about the Valtellina Flood, tsunami, Machu Picchu’s troubles with rain as well as the volcanoes in Iceland.

T r av e l / T o u r i s m

ETHICAL:

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J a n u a r Y

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Fairs & Exhibitions:

Natural Disasters: Real Force Majeure for Tourism.......................... 25

Travel/Tourism in JANUARY 2011 by regions.........................................59

The Valtellina Flood: Destroying Roads, Rails and Tourism.................................. 26 Tsunami’s Effects on Tourism..................................................................................... 29 Emergency: Machu Picchu Closed............................................................................... 33 Crisis Management: Eyjafjallajokull Eruption......................................................... 35 Joining Forces: Inspired by Iceland............................................................................. 37

Western Europe............................................................................................................. 60 CENTRAL Europe.............................................................................................................. 63 North America............................................................................................................... 64 Asia & Pacific................................................................................................................... 66

HERITAGE

Exclusive Accommodation for Kings & Queens

HERITAGE

Exclus i v e A c c o m m o d a t i o n f o r K i n g s & Q u e e n s

US GRANT Hotel: A Hotel Fit for a President Few places in America have stood long enough to celebrate a 100-year anniversary, but this fall season, the US GRANT Hotel of San Diego does just that. Presidential History

In 1910, the son of President Ulysses S. Grant opened the landmark hotel in the middle of metro-chic San Diego, and it’s remained a top destination for America’s bigwigs ever since. Out of the nation’s 44 presidents, 14 have stayed in the historic hotel, including John F. Kennedy and legendary scientist Albert Einstein. Renowned for its unparalleled opulence and hospitality, the US GRANT Hotel has earned its ranking as not only a presidential destination, but also as a corporate and leisure one.

VIPs More than a dozen commanders in chief have checked into this hotel, including Wilson, Franklin Roosevelt, John Kennedy, Lyndon Johnson and both George Bushes. The hotel has also tucked in Albert Einstein, Charles Lindbergh, Anthony Hopkins and Christina Aguilera. More recently, celebrities like Demi Moore, Bruce Willis and pre-gubernatorial Arnold Schwarzenegger have stayed at the hotel, all impressed by its grandeur and unparalleled hospitality.

Januar y, 2011

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HERITAGE

Exclus i v e A c c o m m o d a t i o n f o r K i n g s & Q u e e n s

Today Still Fit for a King

Crown Jewel

The foundation and reputation may be 100 years old, but the hotel’s interior has recently enjoyed a facelift. Following a $58 million renovation in 2006, The US GRANT now boasts 270 classic guestrooms, including 47 suites, each exquisitely appointed with original artwork, marble baths and Italian linen bedding. The hotel's Grand Lobby, adorned with sparkling crystal chandeliers, hand-loomed silk carpets, and artwork gives guests a preview of modern and elegant guest rooms and 22 distinctive meeting rooms. Each of the guest rooms and suites feature such stunning details as a custom Yves Clement drip-painting headboard, adding a modern touch to classic Empire-style furnishings in a contemporary setting

Still known as “The Crown Jewel of Downtown San Diego,” the US GRANT Hotel is an Exxon-Mobil Four Star Hotel, a winner of HotelWorld’s “Best Luxury Guestroom Design Award” for 2008, and was named one of The Robb’s Report’s “Top 100 Hotels in the World.” The hotel’s restaurant, The GRANT Grill, features California-fresh seasonal cuisine, offered in conjunction with handcrafted cocktails from a top-notch artisanal bar. The unmatched quality of ingredients and precision from the kitchen earned the hotel a “Best Hotel Dining” award in 2008 from San Diego Magazine.

Januar y, 2011

http://www.usgrant.net http://www.wineandfoodtravel.com

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HERITAGE

Exclus i v e A c c o m m o d a t i o n f o r K i n g s & Q u e e n s

David Citadel Hotel: A Focal Point for Historical Encounters

With a phalanx of international TV networks recording her every move, U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice whisked Palestinian President Abu Mazen into an elegantly decorated conference room at the David Citadel Januar y, 2011

Hotel in Jerusalem to conduct another round of Middle East diplomacy in 2008. At that moment, a smile of satisfaction creased the faces of both Moshe Sand, the hotel's venerable General Manager and

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Medina Pearl, the peripatetic Public Relations Director who not only have tended to the personal whims and needs of Ms. Rice, but also to a long and growing list of foreign dignitaries, celebrities, business moguls and Israeli politicians who are rapidly making the architecturally stunning David Citadel Hotel, their "home away from home." When Israeli real estate and hotel magnate, Alfred Akirov built the 384 room David Citadel Hotel with the help of internationally renowned architect Moshe Safdie in the mid1990's, Mr. Akirov was determined to offer a new standard of service to guests who wished to luxuriate in the beauty of Jerusalem. Located just outside the walls of the Old City, the glass and stone edifice has become the focal point between ancient & modern Jerusalem. These elements have also made it a magnet for headliners such as President Bill Clinton, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, U.S. Senator Hillary Clinton, Republican Presidential Candidate Rudy Giuliani, UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, Russian President Vladimir Putin, high-ranking government officials from Asian, Eastern and European nations, billionaire business moguls including Oracle Chairman Larry Ellison, celebrities like actress Valerie Harper ("Rhoda") and of course leading Israeli politicians such as Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Knesset Speaker Dalia Itzik.

HERITAGE

"We are hosting world leaders at least once a month. They tend to come in waves depending on which way the political winds are blowing in the region. It's also not unusual for us to host politicians, especially from the USA, who are looking to spend a few days relaxing and conducting many off-the-record meetings with Israeli officials, as well as friends and family in our Executive Business Lounge," Mr. Sand revealed. Mr. Sand, who has helmed some of Israel's finest hotels, insists that the David Citadel's staff tends to every detail, whether it's for a visiting foreign dignitary or a tourist from the USA, Europe etc. The "personal touch" is paramount. "When a high-ranking politician, businessman or celebrity visits a particular country they always seek out the best hotel. The David Citadel is recognized on an international level for offering a top facility and premium services. We take great pride in offering a real personal touch," he maintained. When the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv alerts the hotel about an impending visit from Secretary of State Rice (she's stayed at the David Citadel at least 10 times during the past two years), Ms. Pearl springs into action. "Prior to her arrival (Ms. Rice), I have a meeting with U.S. Embassy staff to find out what's on her schedule, as far as which meetings will be conducted in the hotel, what foods she might like to eat and what other amenities she might enjoy in her suite," Ms. Pearl revealed. "The hotel could be very busy but Ms. Rice or any other dignitary would never have to interact with the hotel's guests because we protect their privacy in many different ways. All of these issues play Januar y, 2011

Exclus i v e A c c o m m o d a t i o n f o r K i n g s & Q u e e n s

a major role in why these people keep coming back to stay with us. We are trained to preserve their privacy and dignity." Secretary of State Rice has been known to hold 'hush-hush' meetings with Abu Mazen and Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert on the large flower-laden terrace in her hotel suite, which boasts a spectacular view of the Old City. After headline-making decisions are made either in the Prime Minister's office or in one

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of the hotel's boardrooms, Ms. Rice likes to return to her suite late in the evening to relax and enjoy a good meal. While Ms. Pearl is acutely aware of the fact that historical decisions are being made in the meeting rooms and suites of the David Citadel Hotel, she particularly enjoys the off-beat and very 'human' encounters she has with important dignitaries that take place before and after sensitive diplomatic meetings.

HERITAGE

She is particularly fond of one encounter she had with the Chinese Ambassador to Israel. "I escorted him to our outdoor terrace by the pool that overlooks the ancient walls of the Old City. As he stared out at the beautiful scenery, I remarked, 'You have your wall and we have ours!'" Mr. Sand's office is adorned with photos and endearing 'thank you' notes from his growing number of professional encounters with world leaders, international business moguls Januar y, 2011

Exclus i v e A c c o m m o d a t i o n f o r K i n g s & Q u e e n s

and celebrities. He added, "One of our regular guests is a prominent American businessman and philanthropist who took the time to tell me one afternoon, 'Moshe, you should be very proud of your hotel staff. I regularly stay at some of the best hotels around the world in Manhattan, Singapore, Hong Kong and Europe. And, I want to tell you that the David Citadel ranks with the best.' This is what we are striving for every day of the year." http://www.thedavidcitadel.com

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HERITAGE

Exclus i v e A c c o m m o d a t i o n f o r K i n g s & Q u e e n s

The Portman Ritz–Carlton: VIPs Head to Shanghai VIPs Staying in The Portman Ritz-Carlton?

Located in the heart of the city’s historical past and the modern-day buzz is The Portman Ritz-Carlton, Shanghai – a contemporary world of personalized luxury built on the foundations of service excellence. Following an extensive US$40 million transformation, guests are welcomed to 610 spacious rooms and suites with Januar y, 2011

a contemporary décor enriched by touches of Asian influences. Located on the famous Nanjing Xi Lu, the hotel offers guests convenient access to the city’s finest shopping, cultural attractions and entertainment options. After a day spent sightseeing, guests can indulge in a soothing spa

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Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada Madeleine Albright, Former United States Secretary of State Gavin Newsom, Mayor of San Francisco Pratibha Devisingh Patil, President of India Werner Faymann, Austrian Federal Chancellor Lee Myung Bak, President of the Republic of Korea Jawahir Bint Naif Al Saud, Princess of Saudi Arabia Nora Mohammed Bin Fahad Al Saud, Princess of Saudi Arabia Hillary Rodham Clinton, Secretary of United States Barack Hussein Obama, President of The United States of America Megawati Soekarnoputri, Former Indonesian President Robert J. Hawke, Former President of Australia Colin Powell, Former Secretary of State The United States of America George W. Bush, Former President of The United States of America Jimmy Carter, Former President of The United States of America Bill Clinton, Former President of The United States of America

HERITAGE

treatment, enjoy an exceptional meal at one of the six on-site restaurants or simply take in the skyline views from their luxurious accommodations. Awarded “Best Hotel in Shanghai” by Institutional Investor magazine, the hotel has been recognized by Conde Nast Traveler as the "2010 Top 100 Best Hotels In The World” and the China National Tourism Administration as Shanghai's only Platinum Five-Star Award winner–the highest hospitality award in China. The award-winning hotel has accommodated numerous presidents and head of states, including President Obama, US Secretary of States–Hillary Clinton, President Lee Myung Bak…During Obama’s Shanghai visit, the security was understandably tight as it was his first time state visit in China and the trip has attracted lots of media reporting in China and all over the world. Since Obama’s security contingent and staff comprised a huge number, a lot of rooms in the hotel were booked. The National Security Bureau also requested Januar y, 2011

Exclus i v e A c c o m m o d a t i o n f o r K i n g s & Q u e e n s

an extremely tight X-Ray security check for all the people who work in the hotel and all other hotel guests. The 500 square meters Ritz-Carlton Suite, where the president stayed, is the largest presidential suite in the city, making it the accommodation of choice to host royalty, heads of state, celebrities, heads of multi-national corporations and their accompanying entourage. Setting the standard for hotels in Shanghai, The Portman Ritz-Carlton offers an array of luxurious amenities to ensure a memorable stay, not only for VIP and statesmen. The hotel features 610 well-appointed guest rooms and suites, 6 restaurants and lounges serving Chinese, Italian, Japanese and Western favorites, an extensive health club with outdoor and indoor swimming pool, gym, squash and racquetball courts, convenient access to worldclass shopping, cultural opportunities and entertainment. http://www.ritzcarlton.com

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HERITAGE

Exclus i v e A c c o m m o d a t i o n f o r K i n g s & Q u e e n s

Part of Versailles Palace to Become Luxury Hotel Preparations are underway for a Belgian company to turn part of the Chateau de Versailles into a luxury hotel. But the handing over of a chunk of treasured public heritage to a private operator is an unusual occurrence in France. It’s a sumptuous historical monument, a wildly popular tourist attraction, and a symbol of French monarchy and decadence. Now the Palace of Versailles is getting ready to add to its list of functions: preparations are underway for a Belgian company to turn The Hotel du Grand Controle, traditionally home to the palace’s treasurers, into a luxury hotel. The initiative is meant to spur a two-pronged plan to exploit the economic potential of certain valuable, but expensively maintained and often damaged buildings while simultaneously pursuing their renovation. But the handing over of a chunk of treasured public heritage to a private operator is an unusual occurrence in France. A Pioneering Initiative

The project is expected to transform the Hotel du Grand Controle into a 23-bedroom hotel scheduled to open in late 2011. Some of those rooms will overlook the “Orangerie”, an elaborate greenhouse featuring lemon trees and orange trees. Januar y, 2011

Jean-Jacques Aillagon, president of the Chateau de Versailles, has said that without the arrangement he would not have the budget necessary to renovate the building. Speaking to reporters, Aillagon called the creation of the

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hotel “a pioneering initiative”. He added that his mission was to save the building, which was “in a very dilapidated state”. According to the initiative, Belgian company Ivy International SA will renovate the 1,700

HERITAGE

square-metre Hotel du Grand Controle — which was built in the 1680s by architect Jules Hardouin-Mansart. Ivy will lease the building from Versailles over the next 30 years. The renovation, headed by Frederic Didier, chief architect for historic monuments, is expected to cost roughly 5.5 million euros — or 7.3 million dollars. Ivy will then pay back a percentage of the hotel’s profits as “rent” to the Chateau de Versailles. The amount will vary in proportion to how much money the hotel makes. The construction of the hotel is made possible by an agreement signed in 2009 between the French Culture Ministry and the Tourism

Januar y, 2011

Exclus i v e A c c o m m o d a t i o n f o r K i n g s & Q u e e n s

Department that was intended to boost the economic development of French historical and cultural landmarks. To achieve that goal, the Centre for National Monuments has asked the Atout France agency, in charge of developing tourism, to consider a proposal to similarly convert 20 other listed heritage sites, including French royal palace Chateau de Fontainebleau. French Senator Albéric de Montgolfier, of President Nicolas Sarkozy’s centre-right UMP party, presented Sarkozy with a favourable report on the project. He pointed to what he framed as the economic necessity of the initiative, saying that in this context, plans to convert part of the Palace of Versailles into a hotel “must be supported”. Montgolfier concluded his report by recommending the creation in France of hotels located in converted monuments, inspired by the luxury “paradors” in Spain that are usually set up in monasteries or castles. Gambling with a Public Possession

But the financial motivation is not reason enough for everyone to justify entrusting one of France’s most prized cultural possessions to a company. In an interview with France24. com, Philippe Revault, a professor at the Paris School of Architecture, expressed his indigna-

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tion. “Once again, it’s economic logic that wins out. In the name of profitability and lack of finances, they’re gambling with a public possession, which by definition is inalienable and must remain accessible to all citizens”, Revault said. The Palace of Versailles, once a spectacular setting for French state affairs, is a particularly cherished cultural landmark beloved by visitors who flock to its famed Hall of Mirrors and lush gardens; the UNESCO World Heritage Centre has named it one of the greatest achievements of 18th-century French art. http://www.france24.com

PROFESSIONAL Holiday? Let’s Go Fishing

PROFESSIONAL

Holiday? Let’s Go Fishing

70,000 year ago all of Sweden was covered by an ice-sheet during the ice age. It started to melt (12,000 years ago) and left among other things a 100 kilometer ridge, with more than 50 small lakes and tarns. It is a typical Swedish wood and the terrain is open and light with mostly pine trees. Hökensås Sportfishing is a Nature sanctuary along Lake Vättern. That is the second largest lake in Sweden. This scenic area has been popular among fishing enthusiasts for over 50 years. Numerous Lakes

The surroundings at Hökensås have the character of a moor. In a light and open terrain small lakes sparkle amid tree clad hills and ridges. Wild berries and mushrooms are plentiful and the elk (moose), the King of the Forest, roams here along with other game. Anglers can choose among approximately thirty lakes, clear and abounding with insect life. Certain lakes are reserved exclusively for fly-fishing and others for spinning only. Catches include rainbows, and brown trout. The best seasons are spring and autumn. All lakes have easy access from the shores and most lakebeds are firm. The fishing shop at the Hökensås Holiday Village is open every day of the week. Here you can purchase or rent any fishing items that you need. You'll find a large selection of local flies along with numerous other lures. Species and Fishing Methods

Traditional sport-fishing is offered in some 20 lakes which are divided according to fishing Januar y, 2011

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PROFESSIONAL

Holiday? Let’s Go Fishing

methods permitted. Fly-fishermen are recommended a 9-10 ft rod AFTM class 5-7 with a WF line when lake-fishing. In addition, a "kastdubb" (plastic bubble) with a fly is recommended. Special bait and flies relevant to the area vary during the season and can be purchased locally. All types of equipment can be hired or purchased in the tackle shop. Lodging

Hökensås Holiday Village is a perfect place for staying overnight. On the camp ground there are two tennis courts, a place for playing boule, mini golf and a small pond for the children to fish in. In Lilla Havsjön, some 1000 meters away, there is also a spa with bridges and jumping tower. http://www.hokensas.se

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PROFESSIONAL

Fishing in Hungary: Lakes of All Sizes

Holiday? Let’s Go Fishing

The topography of the Carpathian Basin ensures that Hungary is well provided with lakes and rivers which are abundant in fish, providing excellent rod-fishing opportunities. Come and try your luck on our large lakes: Lake Balaton, Lake Velence or Lake Fert. Explore the wonderful River Tisza with its unspoiled natural environment and backwater areas. Enjoy Lake Tisza, a 6000 hectare reservoir built on the river, which offers superb opportunities for fishing and recreation and is a water environment rich in natural features. Hectares of Lakes

The fisherman will also find temptation in the form of countless natural lakes of all sizes, as well as reservoirs, quarry lakes, backwaters, irrigation canals and small romantic rivers. The total area of lakes and rivers suitable for fishing exceeds 130,000 hectares, and statistics show that the total annual rod-fishing catch varies between 4,000 and 5,000 tons. Those who use the lakes and rivers take their responsibilities very seriously, taking care to increase the quantities of valuable fish by re-stocking. Natural reproduction also continues to have a role in many of the fishing grounds and you can expect rich catches of white fish (different species of bream, etc.), which is particularly attractive for tournament fishing. Carp Farms

Foreign fishermen have given Hungary the nickname "carp country". Because of the large-scale carp farming, rich catches of carp Januar y, 2011

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Holiday? Let’s Go Fishing

can be expected in nearly all lakes and rivers, record size fish are quite often caught. The best areas for carp have become places of pilgrimage for Hungarian and foreign fishermen. Other valuable fish, such as catfish, pikeperch, pike, bream, in some places sturgeon, barbel, and eel, are also popular with fishermen. Many of the predatory fish living in the lakes and rivers are of record size, and fishermen hook a larger and larger number of them every year. Even large, 10 to 25 kg amur are not infrequently caught. Choose Your Spot

Hungarian fishermen, whose number now exceeds 400,000, and the tens of thousands of foreign fishermen visiting Hungary every year can choose from a large number of regions and terrains to find the waters that meet their requirements. The choice is very varied, ranging from backwaters in beautiful natural environments to intensive fishing lakes guaranteeing a catch and providing various additional services. Hungary's lakes and rivers have lots of fish, and many of them are of record size. It is only the experience and skill of the local and visiting fishermen that will determine what catch and what memories they will take with them. Come and try our waters, and the luck of the fishermen be with you! By Laura Benttencourt http://www.odyssei.com Januar y, 2011

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Holiday? Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Go Fishing

Italy: Perfect Destination for Fish Tourism Fish tourism is part of a wider context of marine ecotourism and may involve the embarkation of persons (who are not members of the crew) on fishing vessels for recreational-tourism purposes, as well as the accommodation, catering and general provision of special tourism services associated to fishing and aquaculture and related customs and traditions. Helping the Coastal Communities

The development of fish tourism may be perceived as an employment diversification opportunity aiming to help regenerate coastal communities, and fishermen in particular, that are experiencing economic hardship as a result of the decline of their income from traditional fishing activities. Moreover, fish tourism may propagate eco-awareness and the principles of sustainable development on both the parties involved, operators and customers, fishermen and tourists. The need for such diversification in coastal regions -and the fishing communities in particular- has been long recognized by many national and international authorities, recommending that the inshore fisheries sector should be encouraged to pursue opportunities for diversification in addition to safeguarding traditional fishing activities. Januar y, 2011

Such diversification, which is considered a priority by the EU, has been successfully implemented in many costal regions of the EU. In all cases, apart from the economic, societal and demographic reasons that set the base for the development of fish tourism in a region, a supportive and comprehensive legal framework is required. The Strategy of Italy

Italy is closely related to the sea as there are 7,600 km of coastline and many inland waters (lakes and rivers). There are more than 16,000 fishing vessels, the majority of which are coastal and small scale fishing vessels, largely affected by diminishing fish stocks. The increasing rate of unemployment has led to the development of alternative forms of occupation (professional diversification) and fish tourism activities in particular. Apart from sport fishing of large pelagic species like swordfish and tuna, pescaturismo has developed over the past few years, combining demonstration of fishing activities as well as participation. The Italians made one step further developing ittiturismo which is a form of agrotourism practiced in coastal areas with emphasis given

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on fishery related traditions and customs. This kind of tourism provides a chance to the local fishermen to improve their income and to the tourists to discover the local fishing culture and explore the coastal areas. Fish tourism has developed not only close to the sea, but also in inland areas, in communities where inland water fishing is practiced, such as in lagoons, lakes and rivers. There are big national federations like FIPS (Federazione Italiana Pesca Sportivo) and KONI (Italian Olympic Commission) which occasionally organize sport fishing games across Italy. Carp, roach, trout, pike, eels are some of the species abundant to the lakes of Garda, Como, Iseo, Lago Maggiore, Trasimeno, Bracciano and Bolsena and of course salmon and trout to the rivers. Due to the tendency of the recreational fishermen to participate in such fishing activities, it is very likely that Pescaturismo will expand also to the inland waters. Best Practice?

By far, the Italian model presents an ideal case of the best practice in fish tourism. Pescaturismo is an integrated approach to fish tourism, focusing on the following activities which promote the fishing tradition and marine culture:

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• Conducting boat excursions along the coastline (including spending overnight on board) • Watching the professional fishing activity • Introduction to the traditional and classical fishing gear • Provision of lunch on board or at shore • Game fishing • Provision of information on the marine environment and the coastal biodiversity • Ittiturismo provides additionally the following services: • Staying at fishermen’s’ lodgings (if appropriately modified for such use) • Tasting and purchasing food at local traditional fisheries (prepared with traditional recipes, home made)

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The Pescaturismo initiative is managed by Lega Pesca which is a national association member of the Italian Union of Cooperatives and Associations. The structural role of Lega Pesca is to promote, supervise, represent and support the members of Pescaturismo (300 associations counting 20,000 members). Lega Pesca provides technical, financing, legal and managerial support. Fish tourism activities are conducted by professional fishermen using their fishing vessel for exhibitions lasting from some hours to a few days (if accommodation is provided) returning always the tourists at the place of departure.

http://www.fishtourism.eu

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Holiday? Let’s Go Fishing

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Western Australia: The Variety of Fish

Holiday? Let’s Go Fishing

recreational activity and is well supported with information booklets, websites, magazines, charter fishing boats, self-drive runabouts and professional fishing guides. Among the most prized trophies is the exciting and elusive barramundi, found in the far northern rivers. These spectacular fish grow to around one metre in length and are famous for their strength, endurance and fighting tactics. You will often see them jumping high out of the water to toss the bait. They also make wonderful eating. Off the coastal reefs, anglers will find hundreds of species including enormous snapper, hungry cod, delicious coral trout, sharks and blue-water giants such as the massive cobia. Sailfish are also popular in the north, and marlin are not uncommon along the deeper, blue-water trenches. Fishing can also be good closer to Perth, with herring, tailor and dhufish caught off the coast at Perth and Rottnest Island, either from boat or from shore. The Crayfish: Marron, Lobster…

Fishing? For some, it's a challenging sport of wits and skill. For others it's a great excuse to get out and enjoy the sunshine, indulge in some quality thinking time, or catch up with a mate. Januar y, 2011

A Seafood Lover's Paradise

From crafty trout in the South West region to the world-famous sport fishing throughout the north, Western Australia offers something for every angler. Fishing is the State's largest

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The clear southern rivers and lakes provide excellent fishing, pitting anglers against wary brown trout. Trout fishing is seasonal and requires a fishing license. Much of the trout fishing areas are also home to Western Australia's freshwater crayfish – the marron. These juicy crayfish are considered a delicacy by many, and regularly feature on the gourmet menus of local restaurants. The most famous crayfish in the state is the western rock lobster, which is caught off the coastal reefs that extend from the Golden Out-

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back to the Coral Coast regions. These culinary delights can weigh in at a couple of kilograms – plenty for a hearty meal. Crabs too, are common along the Western Australian coast. Fishers should head north to try their hand at catching one of the huge mud crabs along the mangroves. These oversized crustaceans can grow to the size of a dinner

Januar y, 2011

plate, with nippers almost as large as a human fist. They are challenging to catch and make an excellent feast. Mandurah is also famous for its blue manna crabs, which seasonally populate the estuary. They can be easily caught in nets or crab-pots. http://www.westernaustralia.com

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Holiday? Let’s Go Fishing

PROFESSIONAL

Holiday? Let’s Go Fishing

Get Ready for Fishing Adventure in Saskatchewan the province’s famous living skies. From huge lakes like Athabasca – the fourth largest lake in Canada – to a host of others with equally great reputations like Cree, Reindeer, Wollaston, Hatchet, and La Ronge, expect a fishing experience that will call you back again and again. Among the species of fish commonly found in Saskatchewan waters are Northern Pike, Walleye, Lake Trout, Arctic Grayling, Rainbow Trout, Brook Trout, and Yellow Perch. Places to Fish

When you’re talking about big fish, breathtaking scenery, pristine waters and clean, fresh air, then you’re talking about Saskatchewan. Drive or fly in, get settled at one of our many fishing lodges, and an unforgettable Canadian fishing adventure is underway. Januar y, 2011

Saskatchewan’s popularity as a world-class fishing destination can be attributed to its large areas of unspoiled, natural beauty, its huge selection of close to 100,000 lakes and rivers covering almost 1/3 of the province, a large number of fishing lodges to choose from, and

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Saskatchewan offers some of the most unique fishing environments in Canada, widely diverse from north to south. The rolling plains and parklands of the southern and central regions contrast sharply with the wilderness of Saskatchewan’s spectacular north. Anywhere you go, the fishing experiences are as challenging and rewarding as they are diverse. Some anglers are attracted to the drive-in fishing camps and opportunities offered by the southern lakes and regions, which feature easy access and a range of amenities and activities. Others are drawn to more rugged settings of driveable northern lakes. And then there are those who really want to get away from it all — at a fly-in fishing camp in Saskatchewan's remote north. Many of these northern lakes see only a few anglers a year.

PROFESSIONAL

Holiday? Let’s Go Fishing

Whether it's rugged or luxury accommodations you're after, there is an outfitter to meet your needs. Northern pike, walleye, rainbow trout and perch are the most common species in southern Saskatchewan. Some of the more popular waters include Lake Diefenbaker (with nearly 800 kilometres/500 miles of shoreline), Last Mountain Lake and the Fishing Lakes of the Qu’Appelle Valley. At Rafferty Dam Reservoir and Boundary Dam Reservoir, near Estevan and just minutes away from the US border, there's great fishing for the usual species and even a few bass. You can fish at most of Saskatchewan’s provincial parks, including Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park. Southern lakes are easily accessible and a host of other recreational opportunities including trail riding, golfing and camping are often nearby. Ice Fishing

By late December, ice on most Saskatchewan lakes is usually thick enough to support vehicles and fishing equipment (but always check conditions before crossing frozen bodies of water). Fish tend to be on a feeding frenzy around this time. Walleye are plentiful, while northern pike, perch, whitefish, trout and burbot are also common. Thawing is rare before mid-March. The three month season gives winter anglers ample time and opportunity to get out on the ice. Ice fishing requires relatively little equipment. A good ice auger is a must, along with Januar y, 2011

ice fishing line, tackle, bait and, naturally, warm clothing, head and footwear. Dressing in layers is recommended. Portable fishing shacks or tents provide shelter on the coldest days, but many ice-fishers prefer to be out in the sunshine under the bright blue sky. Guided Fishing

Saskatchewan has some of the best fishing in the world and for good reason. Some general rules and fishing limits have been put in place to protect against over fishing so that future generations will be able to enjoy the great fishing for years to come.

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Many Saskatchewan outfitting camps practice catch and release, which ensures a continuous abundance of trophy size fish so that you too can look forward to that trophy picture and the bragging rights that come with it. A fishing trip to Saskatchewan features all the adventure you can handle plus glorious shore lunches, lodges as rustic or luxurious as you please and friendly people to look after your every need. It also features some of the most beautiful, peaceful and relaxing wilderness and scenery in North America. http://www.fishing-in-saskatchewan.com

ETHICAL

Natural Disasters: Real Force Majeure for Tourism

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Natural Dis a s t e r s : R e a l F o r c e M a j e u r e f o r To u r i s m

The Valtellina Flood: Destroying Roads, Rails and Tourism Valtellina is the common name used for the Alpine province of Sondrio, in Northern Italy. This long valley became very famous in the summer of 1987, when a huge flood hit the whole area. An incredibly warm summer caused the glaciers to release a great quantity of water, which summed up to exceptionally heavy storms (the rainfall of two months fell in just three days). As a result, the rivers broke the banks, submerging villages and destroying roads and rails. There were fifty-three casualties and damages for an estimated 2 billion euro. Some landslides occurred too – the biggest one buried Sant'Antonio Morignone and three other villages just south from Bormio under fortymillion cubic metres (more than 1.4 billion cubic feet) of rocks and earth, virtually cutting off the upper part of the valley. Not All Publicity Is Good Publicity...

Needless to say, this disaster attracted the attention of media. The coverage didn't represent very good advertising though. Of course, the zone wasn't in a “business-as-usual” situation, but virtually all the tourist areas were intact, albeit more difficult to reach. This was the case of resorts like Madesimo and Valmalenco, whereas Bormio and Livigno and the whole Upper Valtellina, albeit unharmed, were Januar y, 2011

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ated, with, among other things, a 50% reimbursement of the weekly lift pass in the most affected towns (30% for the other ones). Convincing Tourists and Skeptics

isolated from the rest of Italy (but could be reached through Switzerland). Many reports on this disaster were 'spiced up' and imprecise, to say the least – risking to ruin the good publicity linked to the 1985 Fis Ski World Cup hosted in Bormio. Good Prices against Prejudice

The local tourist office reacted quickly. After a very short time, two information points were set up on the road leading to the valley, in order to try and save the summer season by giving honest, up-to-date information on the current situation and on alternative routes. A second wave of bad weather, though, compromised this objective, and put the winter season in danger. Works started for the number-one priority (a road link with the Upper Valtellina through the Januar y, 2011

area ravaged by the landslide, which opened on 21st December that year), whereas the local tourist bodies decided to launch a heavy advertising campaign on newspapers and TV channels – mostly in Italy and Germany – with the agreement of the regional and national authorities. “Forza Valtellina” (“Go Valtellina”) was the campaign's slogan. It was one of the first examples of an image rescue campaign for a resort, funded by an emergency measure just weeks after the disaster occurred. The main lever used to save tourism was represented by discounts on services (lift pass, thermal spas and shops). Accommodation prices were left untouched, as it was believed that lowering them would decrease the perceived value of the resorts, with a long-term negative effect. The “Valtellina Card” was cre-

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A8-page insert was included in the most important magazines (no less than 6 million copies over 4 weeks). Heavy discounts on normal advertising fees were obtained, mainly through personal contacts. Therefore an investment of 2 million euro created a campaign with a much higher value (7-9 million euro, say some estimates). Attention by the political world was strong, with many authorities visiting the area and some of them actually making last minute decisions to spend their summer holidays in Upper Valtellina just after the flood. Support also came from Standa, a famous chain of department stores which organized special contests among its customers. Not everybody, though, believed in the success of these measures – for example, the lift owner in Bormio didn't want to open that winter. He was convinced through bank guarantees signed by local operators who agreed to cover any loss which might occur. Luckily for them, they didn't have to pay anything, as the season went so well, with an actual increase in the lift passes sold! The authorities seized all possible occasions to promote the province, even in the following years. Among the many initiatives, a 1,000 sq. m. pavilion during the 1988 trade fair in Milan was open. Another way to have positive media coverage came from sport events, such as the Fis Ski World Cup races or the Giro d'Italia bicycle competition.

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Natural Dis a s t e r s : R e a l F o r c e M a j e u r e f o r To u r i s m The Legacy after 23 Years

Nearly all traces of the flood have now disappeared – except for the scar left by the big landslide, which is still visible. The road system is now more comfortable, thanks also to big investments by the central government through a special act of law, the 1990 “Legge Valtellina”. More than 1.2 billion euro financed roads, infrastructure and other projects. All in all, the name of Valtellina is now better known than it used to be before, whereas the 1987 disaster is almost forgotten – and the sense of unity among tourist operators which characterized the months after the flood has also somewhat faded. The author wishes to thank Gianni Confortola, Mario Cotelli and Credito Valtellinese for the precious information provided. By Adriano Pedrana Adriano Pedrana is, among other things, journalist and promoter for Livigno and Valtellina. http://www.pedrana.it

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Tsunamiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Effects on Tourism

Tourism companies sell Asian nature and cultural landscapes to their customers. Asia is a land rich in different cultures, which is what makes traveling there so appealing. South and Southeast Asia sits along the Indian Ocean, a warm, inviting, and relaxing place to be. This was the case until the earthquake off the coast Januar y, 2011

of Sumatra caused a tsunami along the coast on December 26, 2004. Asian governments were urging Western tourists not to change their travel plans. Tourism plays an important economic role in these countries, and in some cases accounts for more than half of the country's income. Many

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tourists have been frightened about traveling to this part of the world since the tsunami hit. Over 7,000 tourists are said to have died from the disaster, and nearly 500 are missing. More than half of the death toll came from the country of Sweden, which lost 3,559 citizens to the tsunami.

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Imagine sitting on the beach without a worry in the world, when suddenly the ocean's water drains outward at an incredible rate. Would you be intrigued to find out what happened, and venture into the area where fish are now flopping around, or where there are many sea shells and other sea creatures suddenly visible? That is what many tourists did, and that is how many of their lives were taken. Curiosity got the best of them, while some indigenous peoples knew better and sought refuge in the mountains. Indian Ocean resorts had been experiencing a good tourist season. Most tourists come from European countries and Australia. The area had been avoided for sometime after the Bali bombings, Iraq invasion, and the threat of SARS. After these problems had begun to lessen, the tsunami suddenly brought more worry to the tourism industries of the region. Indonesia

Indonesia was hit badly by the disaster, but hardest hit was northern Sumatra. This region is not a viable tourist hot spot, like other islands in the country (such as Bali and Lombok), due to an on-going civil war. The country hoped to actually increase its tourist count because most of its land was unharmed by the disaster, but tourist counts fell by 16% from the month of December to January. The previous year, tourist counts were down just 2% between the two months. Indonesia depends on its tourism industry for about U.S. $5 billion per year and Bali accounts Januar y, 2011

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for about 60% of that income. Bali's tourism had suffered from previous years mostly because of terrorist bombings and the threat of SARS. Bali was not affected physically by the tsunami, but has been affected economically. Thailand

Hotels, restaurants, and other travel businesses claim that the tsunami and aftershock had no long term impacts on Phuket's booking and arrivals, but one source states that there was a 27% drop in tourism. "It's 99 percent operational now," Simon J. Hand, a Phuket resident who is associate editor of Asia-Pacific Tropical Homes magazine, said in late March. "At its worst, it was 90 percent operational. Patong Beach is the main tourist trap, and the wave hit everything along the shorefront road. But 150 yards farther up, even the next day, you wouldn't have known anything happened." The Bangkok Phuket Hospital is working to bring tourism back to the country. It claims that now is the time to visit Thailand, since there are many special deals at hotels and restaurants. Now, during the high season, the beaches are not over-crowded. The beaches are now cleaner than they have ever been due to cleanup efforts after the tsunami. Tourism websites assert that the best way to help the area recover is to simply visit it! They also try to lure some people in with saying "We are ready for tourists that want to use our service like plastic surgery, dental treatments, or eye LASIK at TRSC at a fraction of the price in most western countries." Januar y, 2011

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka was hardest hit in the southern regions. At first, workers in the tourism industry were upset at what appeared to be a lack of sympathy from tourists. Seeing tourists laughing and enjoying themselves was tough, considering many of the workers had lost their homes, families, and possessions to the tsunami. Tourism is the fourth largest industry in Sri Lanka, so when the industry started to slide, feelings were pushed aside to and more efforts were made to bring more people to the island. "The Tourism Ministry has begun a $6 million marketing campaign to lure visitors back to the

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island, but the strategy has had only limited success. Many areas remain in such bad shape that they offend the sensibilities of visitors who come in search of poolside relaxation." About 800,000 people depend on the tourist industry either directly or indirectly in Sri Lanka. "Hotels across the country are running an average at 20% capacity, even thought 80% of them were untouched by the disaster" India

It seems that India's tourism industry was not as badly hit as other countries. Most tourist areas are along the Arabian Sea, while the

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Bay of Bengal supports local fisheries. There is one large commercial destination, Chennai (formerly Madras), on the eastern coast of India that was hit hard. About 650,000 people were displaced in this area. Areas worst affected were the islands that are closest to the epicenter, which lie on the tip of India. "Indira Point, which was India's southernmost tip and a 100-sq km island, has just disappeared into the ocean... Although there were some tourists and Andaman & Nicobar Islands were being positioned to become the next Maldives, these plans will now need to be shelved, as there has been huge loss of coral and other marine life. Loss along India’s main coastline was concentrated on some regions and recovery and re-habilitation work is currently ongoing." The tourism outlook for India remains strong as its hotspots were not severely damaged, except for the Andaman and Nicobar islands. They also hope to bring in more tourists that would have otherwise gone to Thailand and Malaysia.

Natural Dis a s t e r s : R e a l F o r c e M a j e u r e f o r To u r i s m

Let's Bring the Tourists Back!

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is working to find a solution in bringing tourists back to the area. ASEAN is a group of 10 member countries in Southeast Asia. Members are working together to lure tourists into not only their own countries, but to Southeast Asia as a whole. They have been inviting international travel writers and sending promotional video clips to potential tourists. ASEAN is also working to create more tourism amongst its own citizens to offset the loss from foreign travelers. Governments maintain that their countries are safe for travelers and if anyone truly wants to help, they can start by reviving their tourist economies. ASEAN is also working to make beaches safer, for example, there have been talks of setting up a tsunami early-warning system. The countries understand that there is a psychological reason that tourists have not chosen them as destinations in recent months, but are optimistic that the effects of the tsunami will not be long-term and tourists will return soon. (Text shortened)

Sources Forbes.com: http://www.forbes.com/business/commerce/feeds/ap/2005/03/02/ap1857187.html Taipei Times : http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/world/archives/2005/01/25/2003220882 Bertand's Weblog: http://www.codeconsult.ch/bertrand/archives/2005_01.html 7,000 foreign tourists killed in tsunami: Hindustand Times.com: http://www.hindustantimes.com/news/181_1178745,001301540000.htm Tsunami Recovery: Tourism in Asia Starts Back: http://goasia.about.com/od/thailand/a/tsunamirecovery.htm Tsunami Wave-an Economic Tourist Disaster-Saturday, 8th January 2005 at 4 Hoteliers: http://www.4hoteliers.com/4hots_fshw.php?mwi=51 By Jennifer De Vries (devriejj@uwec.edu) http://academic.evergreen.edu Januar y, 2011

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Emergency: Machu Picchu Closed

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Tourism is often described as a fragile industry in that demand for travel is highly susceptible to numerous factors. Nevertheless, for many countries the tourism sector is an important contributor to the economy. Especially in some less economically developed countries the local economy is dependent upon and greatly relies upon the tourism industry. One of the most unforeseeable forces affecting tourism are natural disasters. Natural disasters can have a tremendous impact on tourism as they usually destroy the natural environment and infrastructure and thus tourism is significantly disrupted. Additionally, natural disasters more often than not cause an increase in tourists’ concerns about security and safety. In late January 2010 Peru’s south-eastern region, the Cusco area, experienced heavy torrential rains which forced a two month closure of Peru’s top tourist attraction, the Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu. The Urubamba River, which runs down past the Inca ruins on Machu Picchu, swelled to an unexpected volume of water and up to 20,000 people had their homes destroyed by the floods. According to The Economist, officials predicted a damage of $240m to infrastructure and farming. Machu Picchu with the pre-Columbian Inca site is one of the most popular tourist destinations in South America and normally some 68,000 people a month come to visit the ruins. Locals depend on those tourists, who reach the site either by walking along the Inca Trail, or via train. The Machu Picchu railway, which carried about 2,200 tourists a day was destroyed by the floods and the Inca ruins of Machu Picchu

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were cut of from the lower sites. The heavy rains forced the evacuation of thousands of tourists from Machu Picchu. As the Cusco region accounts for a high percentage of the country’s tourism revenue, Peru was facing fears of a tourism decline resulting from the natural disaster. In fact, thousands of foreign tourists cancelled their holidays to Peru. The inaccessibility of Machu Picchu caused a loss of at least a million dollars a day for the Peruvian tourism industry. Bartolome Campana, director of the National Chamber of Tourism, highlighted the importance of the tourism sector for Peru when he admitted that the country is dependent on tourism. The government reacted quickly and launched a campaign to deal with the destruction. To help the tourism industry, government cut off prices. Domestic tourists were offered Januar y, 2011

Natural Dis a s t e r s : R e a l F o r c e M a j e u r e f o r To u r i s m

half-price flights and hotel rooms to visit Cusco, the city nearest the world-famous Machu Picchu. According to the World Travel and Tourism Council, the tourism revenues represent a highly significant 7.4 percent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and therefore great losses in this sector would affect thousands of jobs. The Peruvians seemed to have recognized the problem that was highlighted by the crisis – Peru’s over-dependence on Machu Picchu for the tourism sector. BBC Online anticipated that “the number of holidays cancelled by European, Japanese and US tourists is clear evidence that for almost all first-time travellers to Peru, it's Machu Picchu or bust”. Thus, the country decided to seize the opportunity and to diversify its tourism sector in both the short and long term. Officials tried to encourage visitors to explore different parts of Peru such as the Nazca lines and the Colca canyon. Other attractions in the Cusco region that have been promoted to keep people coming to Peru were Sacsayhuamán fortress, the Coricancha sun temple or the town of Pisac. The re-opening of Machu Picchu at the beginning of April 2010 was of symbolic and economic importance to Peru. Peru's Tourism Minister Martin Perez estimated a loss of $185m (£122m) for the time the Machu Picchu was closed. And according to Richard Leon, Director of the travel company Peru For Less, the natural disaster has been more disruptive to Peru’s tourism industry than the financial crisis and the swine flu combined.

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Nevertheless, Peru seems to be back on track. Shortly after the floods the government estimated that despite the difficulties, about 2.2 million tourists would travel to Peru in 2010. With its main attraction, the Machu Picchu, and the initiative to diversify and also promote other attractions Peru is likely to hold and maybe even improve its position as one of the top South American travel destinations. In the end it clearly shows how important crisis management is in tourism, especially if tourism is such an essential part of the country’s economy. But it also demonstrates that relying on a single attraction that acts as a pillar of a whole industry can have tremendous impacts in times of global warming and an increase in natural disasters. By Wiebke Wohlfahrt

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Natural Dis a s t e r s : R e a l F o r c e M a j e u r e f o r To u r i s m

Crisis Management: Eyjafjallajokull Eruption Mt. Eyjafjallajokull eruption in Iceland wreaked havoc on Europe’s air transport system and threatened to turn off the steady number of foreign tourists expected to visit Iceland in 2010. Tourism stakeholders in Iceland, alarmed by twenty percent drop in visitor numbers in April and May compared to the previous year, got together and pooled their efforts in a joint marketing campaign named Inspired by Iceland. The eruption claimed no lives and no homes were destroyed. A column of extremely fine grain ash rose high up in the sky where wind picked it up and blew it out to sea. Eventually the ash reached Britain and Ireland, mainland Europe and Scandinavia and airports in those areas were temporarily shut for passenger safety reasons. A distinction must be made between two separate eruptions in and around Mt. Eyjafjallajokull in 2010. The first one took place on the Fimmvorduhals Pass and the second one which produced the ash took place under the icecap near the top of Mt. Eyjafjallajokull. Fimmvorduhals Pass Eruption

On 20 March 2010 a volcanic fissure opened on Fimmvorduhals Pass (1,100 m) between Eyjafjallajokull and Myrdalsjokull glaciers. Although geologists had been monitoring the Januar y, 2011

area for a while prior to the eruption there had been no clear indication of an imminent eruption. Standard precautionary acts included the immediate closure of airports. Some 800 people living in the vicinity of the mountain were summoned to leave their homes for the night for safety reasons. In hindsight those precautionary measures were unnecessary but made it into the news worldwide thus raising an alarm amongst individuals and school groups about to visit the country. As a result many postponed their visit to Iceland until fall while others gave up on the idea of visiting all together.

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It is a bit ironic that at the same time as foreign visitors cancelled their trip to Iceland many locals and some brave foreign visitors flocked to the eruption to see it in action at close quarters. It was a great spectacle to see the red hot lava with a yellow glow spout from one, and sometimes two, fissures before it flowed slowly down the hill in a northerly direction. In one place the lava poured over the edge of a deep gorge and spread half way down like the ribs of a fan turned upside down. People watched this phenomenon in awe from a natural viewing platform on the opposite site, listening to the crumbling sound of the molten lava crushing down and felt its heat on their face and body. As many as 5.000 people visited the eruption in a single day using various modes of transport to get there. Although most used modified SUVs some actually walked while others used a snowmobile, a mountain bike or a helicopter to experience the sight. Mt. Eyjafjallajokull Eruption

A second eruption started on 14 April below the icecap of Mt. Eyjafjallajokull and ended rather unceremoniously around the middle of May. This eruption was triggered by the first eruption and was the one that proved catastrophic for aviation in Europe and tourism at

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no effect or little effect on air travel between Iceland and the Americas. Inspired by Iceland Marketing Campaign

large. The composition of the magma in the second eruption was much more explosive than in the first eruption. Further, meltwater from the glacier came into contact with the magma and caused even more violent explosions. This combination produced 10 km high column of very fine ash above the mountain. People’s perception of the magnitude of the eruption and its effect on Iceland and its people was greatly exaggerated by the media. Indeed, if it had not been for the media, people in Reykjavik, just over an hour’s drive away from the mountain, would have remained oblivious to its existence. All four international airports remained operational throughout the eruption with the exception that two had to be closed for about five days in total. The eruption had

Januar y, 2011

The Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Energy in co-operation with Icelandair and Iceland Express airlines, Reykjavik city, the Export Council and the Iceland Tour Operators’ Association launched an ambitious marketing campaign named Inspired by Iceland. The campaign which cost US$ 6 million ran from mid-May through mid-July 2010 and was supposed to convey the message that it was safe to travel to Iceland. The campaign included a fresh internet approach using community based websites such as Facebook and Twitter and reached about 2 million people, press trips for travel journalists, website advertising banners in several countries etc. Although it is quite difficult to assess the campaign’s actual success it is a fact that in the period January to November there was only 1.5 percent decline in the number of visitors in 2010 compared to the same period in the previous year. A much less drop then feared. Those responsible for the campaign are happy with its success. It was even nominated in two categories for the European Excellence Award 2010 – an award for best corporate communication and public relations in Europe. It was nominated in the best campaign in the Nordic

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countries as well as best crisis management campaign categories. Icelanders were encouraged to take part in the campaign by sending a message to foreign friends abroad and contribute videos. Perhaps more important than the concrete success or failure of the campaign is the new found collectiveness of diverse groups of stakeholders in tourism – ranging from the general public to the government, local authority, travel agents, tour operators, restaurants and transport companies. Lessons Learnt

A memorandum from stakeholder’s closeup meeting reiterates positive aspects gained from the campaign. Tourism stakeholders worked together united with the one goal in mind to minimize the negative economic effect of the two eruptions by attracting more tourists. Locally the campaign brought attention to the importance of the tourism industry which until now has been seen as a marginal industry by the public and policy makers. By Stefan Helgi Valsson Stefan Helgi Valsson is a freelance journalist and lecturer in tourism geography at the University of Iceland. He is a professional tourist guide in Iceland, tourist guide trainer and founder of Reykjavik Bike Tours. http://www.reykjavikbiketours.is

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Joining Forces: Inspired by Iceland

On 14 April 2010 a volcanic eruption started under the Eyjafjallajökull glacier in Iceland, generating considerable news about the country, some of it inaccurate. The eruption’s impact and the ash clouds that it caused are now infamous in the tourism industry worldJanuar y, 2011

wide. Within days of the eruption, a wave of cancellations began across all sectors and tourist arrivals shrank by 22% in April alone. Had the situation been ignored, it would have had a disastrous impact on the important tourism industry in Iceland, one of the most important

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sectors of the economy. Yet the way in which the Eyjafjallajökull eruption was tackled by the small nation’s tourism professionals and other interested parties led to a more successful peak season than even the most optimistic had thought possible. Joining forces, the Icelandic government, the City of Reykjavík, airlines Icelandair and Iceland Express, Promote Iceland and about 80 other tourism-related companies took quick actions to address challenges and misconceptions about travel to Iceland during and after the eruption. These actions began as an offensive crisis management effort to counter the worldwide impression that travelling to Iceland was dangerous. A primary dimension of the strategy was the launch of the successful campaign Inspired by Iceland. The campaign encourages people to travel to the country with the argument that “Iceland has never been more awake and there has never been a more exciting time to visit the country.” Its main focus is to allow individuals to share their stories and memories of Iceland, and hopefully turning a negative event—the fear caused by the volcano—into a positive result—changing the focus of international attention on Iceland into a chance to showcase the island’s many unique and appealing attributes. The campaign’s website, Inspiredbyiceland.com, is its main platform. The campaign was launched on 3 June with “Iceland Hour” – an hour during which the entire nation became involved by sending tens of thousands of messages to family and friends all over the world. These messages included links to a video promoting Iceland as a travel

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destination, using the upbeat song “Jungle Drum” by Icelandic singer-songwriter Emiliana Torrini. The video shows people joyously dancing to Torrini’s song in various locations (both rural and urban), demonstrating that Iceland is still full of life and unaffected by ash. Iceland Hour was a huge success, with one-third of the nation taking part. As of November 2010, the website with the video has been visited over three million times. Celebrities also joined the campaign by sharing their stories; among them are Yoko Ono, Eric Clapton and Viggo Mortensen. Over 500 stories from friends of Iceland have also been shared on the website. Stephen Fry, the British television presenter, tweeted: “Despite what you might think, Iceland is as alive and charming as ever.” Januar y, 2011

Natural Dis a s t e r s : R e a l F o r c e M a j e u r e f o r To u r i s m

And he’s right. The newest figures evaluating “Inspired by Iceland” indicate a strong global impact. Although the full effects of the campaign will take some time to register, a survey conducted in the UK, Germany and Denmark indicated increased interest in Iceland as a destination. The objective of saving the high season was also achieved, with figures for travellers coming to Iceland equalling the number for 2009 with only a 0.6% decrease, and with a 12% increase in incoming travellers in October. Iceland has never been more awake – its rough landscape and ever-changing weather is an important part of the attraction and leisure of this Iceland in the North Atlantic. The Icelandic music scene is alive, with Iceland Air-

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waves being the highlight, and from the spring of 2011 Icelandic music and events will have a new home in Harpa, the breathtaking concert hall and conference centre being built at Reykjavík harbour. Iceland, with its unspoiled nature and Scandinavian infrastructure, is also a perfect health and wellness destination, taking visitors far from the madding crowd and welcoming them in peaceful and tranquil surroundings. Come and be active, be inspired.

By Anna Valdimarsdóttir (anna@icetourist.is) and Inga Hlín Pálsdóttir (inga@promoteiceland.is) http://www.inspiredbyiceland.com

ADVENTURE

Underground Attractions: Caves and Abysses

They may be dark and damp yet they are a perfect tourist attraction â&#x20AC;&#x201C; caves, grottos, abysses lure thousands of tourists every year. Explore the Ice Age caves in France, one of Irelandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s oldest caves or the lost tunnel in Laos.

ADVENTURE

Under g r o u n d A t t r a c t i o n s : C a v e s a n d A b y s s e s

France's Ice Age Art Caves There is no country in the world that competes with France when it comes to caring for its pre-historic cave art sites and presenting them for public viewing. Most of these jewels of Europe's Paleolithic Era have slept peacefully and well preserved behind rock falls that sealed them for thousands of years. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries archaeology became a science and cave hunting became a recreational pastime continuing to this day. Seeing images in books or on DVDs offers no clue to the enormous efforts of Early Man to produce the engravings or paintings we so admire. The limestone cave entrances were mainly small and hard to reach, tunnels deep inside could be crawling height or as tall as cathedral ceilings, and the interior temperatures were consistently cool. Once inside, the area was pitch black but for the equivalent of a small animal fat lamp's flickering light which had better not go out! Tools, ochre for red paint, and possibly wood for a fire to create the black charcoal used in many drawings had to be carted along, usually for hundreds of metres before a suitable space was chosen for the artwork. And then there was the danger of the cave bears, Paleolithic giants of the species that occupied Europe until 15,000 years ago. Contrary to public perception, our ancestors did not use caves as dwellings and they were every bit as intelligent and creative as we are today. We are rightly astonished at the ability Januar y, 2011

clustered in the Dordogne/Lot region and the Midi-Pyrénées. Though they have been modified to accommodate visitors to walk safely and upright, the caves still provide graphic evidence of how uncomfortable and even perilous many of the stone engravings and paintings would have been to execute. Where the work is located in some cases, artists would have had to lie down or crouch, or conversely build a scaffold and climb high up a dark wall to accomplish their artwork. Artists often used irregularities

Cougnac Cave combines stunning back-lit chambers of stalactites and stalagmites with Ice Age cave paintings. Photo credit: Alison Gardner

and anatomical accuracy of these early artists over tens of thousands of years and hundreds of cave sites in France alone. They etched and painted deep into a "grotte" (cave) barely lit by the feeble flame of a stone oil lamp, perspective and shadows on the wall continually changing. Was it merely a Picasso urge that drove them on or was there a spiritual dimension to these creations? Why are there only a few humans and no scenery represented in their art over millennia, and yet so many animals? For fascinated visitors, these are compelling questions. France's Ice Age caves that are open for viewing are mainly 25,000 to 10,000 years old and

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ADVENTURE

Dating to 17,000 years ago, Lascaux Cave has a dazzling display of animals and a multitude of geometric symbols. Photo credit: jj Brochard/CRTA

of the wall, both concave and convex, to add startling three-dimensionality to their images. When our guides switched off the electric cave lights and played small flashlight beams from different angles, the art danced off the walls! France is very protective of its Ice Age caves and the Ministry of Culture has no hesitation in closing to the public those caves whose art is too fragile to sustain. Some caves, such as Font de Gaume, are getting close to the end of their public access, so do not delay if you want to see the real thing and not a replica like Lascaux II. Other cave sites restrict tours to small numbers; for example, the fragility of Combarelles cave allows entry to only eight people per day.

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Under g r o u n d A t t r a c t i o n s : C a v e s a n d A b y s s e s

Quite a number of cave sites are on privatelyowned land and operate as businesses, with monitoring by the government to ensure that the heritage is protected. Rouffignac Cave, near Les Eyzies, is a case in point, offering a mini-train tour of its 250 painted and engraved animal figures, riding deep into the cave system before the art is even revealed. The original Lascaux Cave, with art dated at 17,000 years, is the best-known cave in the world. Because of measurable deterioration after its discovery, it was closed to the public. In 1983 the replica cave site Lascaux II opened, the result of 11 years of painstaking work by 20 artists and sculptors using the same methods and materials as the original cave painters. Up to 2,000 tickets are issued per day, making this worthy attraction very crowded in the summer and the art work and exhibits, especially in the tunnels, difficult to appreciate. Visiting caves where our human ancestors have so graphically left their imprint is exciting tourism for travelers from every walks of life and many countries. Sturdy footwear and warm clothing should be part of each cave explorer's wardrobe, regardless of season, because caves are a cool 6 and 10 degrees C. year round. There are age restrictions on young children. Neither are most cave tours friendly to people with disabilities except the mini-train tour

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Near Tarascon-sur-Ariège in the Midi-Pyrénées, Niaux Cave has 2 km of painted galleries. Photo credit: CRT Midi Pyrénées–Dominique VIET

at Rouffignac. Entrance fees are a modest €6-10 (US$8-13) for most sites, with reductions for students, children and groups. Some caves offer tours only in French; some offer one English tour a day or only during the summer season. Open hours change with each season, and some caves are closed for the winter. By Alison Gardner Editor/journalist, Alison Gardner, is a global expert on nature-based vacations and cultural/educational travel. Her Travel with a Challenge web magazine, is a recognized source of new and established operators, accommodations and richly-illustrated feature articles covering all types of senior-friendly alternative travel. http://www.travelwithachallenge.com

ADVENTURE

Under g r o u n d A t t r a c t i o n s : C a v e s a n d A b y s s e s

Kong Lor Cave: Laos’ Lost Tunnel

Located a half-day drive south of Vientiane in Khammouanne Province, Kong Lor Cave is an amazing 7.5 km-long limestone tunnel formed by the Hinboun River, which flows through the cave year-round. You can take a boat ride right through the main cavern, which is up to 90 meters wide and 100 meters high. Januar y, 2011

The Hinboun River fills the entire width of Kong Lor passage except for a large white sandy beach located about halfway through the cave. Villagers also have names for rock features seen along the way: Frog, Soft-shelled Turtle, Owl, Buddha, and Fish Trap. The dry season from November to April is the best time to

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view these stone oddities as you can step from the boat onto the shore and enjoy the “Beauty in the Dark”. Along with a paved road that leads to Kong Lor Village from Route 8, the cave riverride can be reached via a 40-km overland trek from Ban Na Hin Village, the “Gateway to Kong Lor” or by taking a slightly longer but more adventurous boat trip up the Hinboun River beginning in Napouk Village. Home stay accommodation is available in both Kong Lor and Natan villages. Before heading to Kong Lor, stop at Ban Na Hin for a walk to That Mouang and That Namsanam waterfalls. Tours to Kong Lor and Ban Na Hin can be arranged from Thakhek, the provincial capital, through the Khammouane Guide Service Unit or directly with local guides stationed in Na Hin Village. The popular two-night/three-day “Kong Lor Cave & Home Stay” tour departs Thakhek by local transport with an English-speaking guide onboard for the three-hour trip to Na Hin Village to explain the upcoming adventure. After checking into a guesthouse, a local guide takes you to a protected forest to visit That Mouang and That Namsanam waterfalls. The guide teaches you about the forest and its wildlife and non-timber forest products, and organizes a picnic lunch. In the late afternoon, you return to your guesthouse in Ban Na Hin, with time to explore the town and its market. Following breakfast, you travel by local transport for three hours to Kong Lor village. After exploring the village, you walk to the cave entrance, board a local long-tail boat

ADVENTURE

Under g r o u n d A t t r a c t i o n s : C a v e s a n d A b y s s e s

and travel through the 7.5-km cave/tunnel to the valley beyond, stopping along the way to observe stalactites and other limestone formations. The tunnel is still used by local villagers as a communication route. Following a picnic lunch, you continue to Ban Natan (or return to Kong Lor) for an overnight home stay with a local family. There is ample time to wander around the village and observe traditional activities such as weaving and rice polishing. In the evening the villagers organize a traditional baci ceremony. The following day, you return to Na Hin and your next destination. Other accommodation options for visitors to the Kong Lor Caves include guesthouses in Khoun Kham Town on Lao Route 8. More upscale eco-lodges are also available in Kong Lor Village. There are also several nearby caves to explore. Nam Nyaeng Cave leads to an underground river that runs all year round. The Tham Nam Cave, or “Water Balance Cave, has a permanent pool of water fed by an underground spring. Near Kong Lor village’s Sala Hinboun Lodge is Tham Kee Cave surrounded by the remnants of mysterious centuries-old structure. By Bernie Rosenbloom http://www.ecotourismlaos.com

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ADVENTURE

Under g r o u n d A t t r a c t i o n s : C a v e s a n d A b y s s e s

Grotta Gigante: The World’s Largest Tourist Cave trip inside – in fact, that would be frowned upon. Just wear a good pair of shoes and maybe a jacket, as temperatures (around 11°C) below tend to be cooler than those above. There’s a series of prohibited items, including cameras and cell phones. No smoking. No dogs – or other pets, presumably. It probably wouldn’t make sense to take small children who can’t walk a lot on their own, either. Strollers won’t work, and visitors have to navigate about 500 steps down and back up during the trip. Visitors follow a guide along a cement pathway lined with metal railings and featuring step after step after step (it might seem as if there are even more on the way back up).

It might seem as if no matter where you go in Italy, you’re likely to see something old. But to see some of the stuff that’s really been around awhile, you need to go underground. There it’s possible to see natural formations of rock that have been growing for several hundred thousand years or so. One of the best places to do so is within an easy drive of Aviano Air Base or Vicenza. Grotta Gigante (“giant cave”) is just north of Trieste, near the Italian border with Slovenia. According to its publicity, it has been called the world’s largest tourist cave and is listed in the Guinness Book of Records. Italians knew about the cave long before there was an Italy. But there wasn’t much written about it until a series of explorations conducted in the 1800s. That’s probably because the cave wasn’t easy to explore until modern spelunking techniques and equipment were introduced. Before that, it’s possible that some people got in but didn’t live to relate the tale. The original entrance had a steep drop: The first step, as they say, was a doozy. It wasn’t until 1908 that the first groups of tourists had ready access at another entrance. Since then, it has become a popular tourist attraction of the Trieste area. These days, it’s not necessary to take your own flashlight, ropes and climbing gear for a Januar y, 2011

Know and Go To visit, you must take a tour, and unless prior arrangements were made, it will be in Italian. From April through September, the 45-minute tours start on the half-hour from 10 a.m., with the last one beginning at 6 p.m.; during the rest of the year, tours begin on the hour, with the last one at 4 p.m. The cave is closed Mondays except in July and August, when it’s open daily. Admission is 7.50 euros; for groups of 25 or more, it is 6 euros each. An overview of the cave, in Italian, is available at www.grottagigante.it. Call ahead to reserve a tour in English or if in a large group: phone, 040-327-312; fax: 040-368-550.

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ADVENTURE

The most impressive aspect of Grotta Gigante is the sheer size of the place. According to various web sites, it is about 925 feet long, 215 feet wide and 350 feet high. Pick just about any size building you know – St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, for instance – and it would fit inside.

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Under g r o u n d A t t r a c t i o n s : C a v e s a n d A b y s s e s

The cave is well lit in most places, allowing visitors to see the variations in colors that range from white to red, with a lot of general shades of “rock” thrown in. There are stalactites (formations going down) and stalagmites (formations going up) in abundance – some are 30 m long. The most noted features are various named stalagmites. It takes years of dripping water to form the oddly shaped creations. The largest, named Ruggero after an early explorer, is thought to be about 200,000 years in the making. So plan a second visit in a few decades. Maybe you’ll notice half an inch of new material. By Kent Harris (Stars and Stripes) http://www.stripes.com

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ADVENTURE

Under g r o u n d A t t r a c t i o n s : C a v e s a n d A b y s s e s

Aillwee Cave: One of the Oldest in Ireland

Have you seen a waterfall in a cave? Aillwee Cave is one of the many thousands of ancient caves beneath the karst-landscape of the Burren in northwest Country Clare, Ireland. The cave is Ireland's premier show cave and is the most famous. Visitors are guided on a 35 minute stroll through caverns, over bridged chasms, beneath weird rock formations and alongside a thunderous waterfall. The name Aillwee is derived from the Irish Aill Bhuí which means yellow cliff. The complex consists of over a kilometer of passages leading into the heart of the mountain. History

Aillwee Cave is one of the oldest caves in Ireland. This cave was formed by the glacial melt waters of an early ice age. The erosive power of the waters carved out a subterranean river deep underneath Aillwee mountain. This river has subsided since the last ice age, leaving behind one of Ireland's most stunning caves. The cave was discovered by Jack McGann, a local herdsman, in 1940. One day, Jacko was

Januar y, 2011

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ADVENTURE

looking after his sheep at the foot of Aillwee Mountain with his dog. The dog gave chase to a rabbit, following it up the mountain and into a small opening in the rocks. Jacko explored this opening with nothing but a candle to guide his way, finding his way right as far as the Great Cascade. The cave was left alone for 33 years after this. In 1973, Jacko talked to group of cavers and told them of his find. The group, from Bristol University, under the leadership of Dr. Tratman, explored the caves as far as was possible. A massive fall of boulders sealed the passage beyond the Cascade chamber.

Life in the Cave

Caves have always provided refuge for wild animals and indeed for humans, but few animals actually live all of their lives underground. This is because the dark, cool, cave environment lacks a supply of food. Aillwee Cave was inhabited by animals for thousands of years prior to its discovery by man. The bones of a brown bear were found at Bear Haven, together with a series of shallow excavated pits. These may have been used as hibernation pits scraped out by bears. Bears have been extinct in Ireland for over 1000 years so the Aillwee bear may be of great antiquity.

Open to Tourists

The "Praying Hands"

In 1975, the land surrounding the cave was sold to two local families interested in opening the cave to the public. December saw the entrance tunnel lowered a little to make access easier and rails, lighting, cabling and pathways were laid as far as the Cascade. This section now remains visually much as it appeared to Jacko and the first explorers. The rock pile from the passageway between the Cascade and Midsummer's Cavern was excavated in 1977, revealing a further 350 meters of cave. This was opened to the public after continuing the lighting and path system. In 1991, it was decided to join the final stop on the tour, the highway to the entrance of the cave via an alternate route to create a circular tour. Marine Blast Company together with Nick Barnes undertook the massive task of drilling and blasting through 255 meters of solid limestone. Januar y, 2011

Under g r o u n d A t t r a c t i o n s : C a v e s a n d A b y s s e s

There are many splendid examples of formations in the Aillwee Cave. Calcite formations in the form of a "Wasps Nest" and the "Praying Hands" and "the Carrots" are to be seen as well as many others including a magnificent display of Straw Stalactites. In the Aillwee Cave most of the formations are very recent in the history of the cave itself. The small knobbly stalagmites on the floor of Mud Hall took over 1,000 years to reach their present size 8,000 years ago. The larger stalagmites in Midsummer Cavern took 5,000 years to form. Some samples of calcite taken from deep inside the cave started to form 350,000 years ago. http://www.aillweecave.ie http://www.nci.ie

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Destination Bulgaria: Between the East and the West

Long history, friendly atmosphere, tasty cuisine â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Bulgaria is a perfect destination for summer holiday. Explore the local customs, walk through the old city of Sofia or check out the beaches.

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B u l g a r i a : B e t w e e n t h e E a s t a n d t h e We s t

Bulgaria – Attracting Tourists All Year Round

The people of Bulgaria make many claims: they invented the wheel, the digital watch and the Cyrillic alphabet. But whatever the locals say they have been responsible for in the past, there is no doubt that Bulgaria is witnessing a tourist boom in the present. Recent figures suggest that as many as three million tourists visit the country each year from all over Europe, including Russia, Romania and increasJanuar y, 2011

ingly Great Britain and Ireland. With spectacular mountain scenery, impressive cities and great Black Sea resorts, Bulgaria has much to offer tourists – both in summer and winter. The Rhodope Mountains offer a year-round tourist experience with superb skiing and snowboarding in the winter, and hiking and extreme sports in the summer. For winter sport enthusiasts the Bulgarian nirvana is Pampo-

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rovo in the Smolyan Province, some 260 km from the capital of Sofia. Surrounded by lush pine forests, the resort boasts modern hotels, great facilities and 25 km of ski runs all at an altitude of a minimum of 1620 metres above sea level. Winters at Pamporovo are not severe and an average of 150 days of snowfall each year allows for an extended skiing season. Due to its great resort infrastructure that includes many great bars and restaurants, Pamporovo also proves very popular in summer. The region is littered with many natural caves especially around the rivers of Arda, Shirokolushka, making villages there and those close to the town of Smolyan very popular with extreme sports fans. Black Sea summer resorts at Burgas and Varna are attracting tourists in their droves, especially at the biggest Black Sea resort of Sunny Beach, located between Ravda and Sveti Vlas. Bulgaria holiday villas are in demand in the resort and others around this region such as Golden Sands resort near Varna, next to the national park of the same name. The resort has been in existence since 1957 but in recent years has seen an upgrade in its hotels, restaurants and bars as it attracts more tourists from Germany, Scandinavia and the UK.

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B u l g a r i a : B e t w e e n t h e E a s t a n d t h e We s t

The rapid development that the expansion of tourism in Bulgaria has generated has also triggered a property boom. Villas in Bulgaria are becoming a must-have item, not only due to the opportunities afforded for great holidays but also because of their capital value. Whether as a holiday retreat or as an investment and property, accommodation in Bulgaria is in demand and has become the target of many a speculator, with prices predicted to rise exponentially over the next ten years. By Adam Singleton Adam Singleton is an online, freelance journalist and keen amateur photographer. His portfolio, called Capquest Photography is available to view online. http://ezinearticles.com

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Destination

World Heritage List: 9 Unique Landmarks

B u l g a r i a : B e t w e e n t h e E a s t a n d t h e We s t

Bulgaria has a total of nine landmarks included in the UNESCO’s List of the World Natural and Cultural Heritage. Kazanluk Tomb

A Thracian tomb, dated to the late 4th-early 3rdcentury B.C. The murals in the burial chamber and in the corridor are of exclusive artistic value. The tomb is located in the Tyulbeto Hillnear the town of Kazanluk. Ivanovo Rock Churches

A rock monastery compound of the Holy Archangel Michael, with partially preserved churches. The murals in the Church of the Holy Virgin have been described as some of the most significant achievements of 14th century Bulgarian medieval art. The churches are located about 20 km away from the city of Rouse, east of the village of Ivanovo, in the rocks of the Rousenski Lom Nature Park. Boyana Church

It has unique murals from 1259, considered among the masterpieces of medieval European painting. It is at a distance of about 8 km from the centre of the city of Sofia (in the Boyana residential district), in the foothills of Mount Vitosha. Madara Horseman

A rock relief, cut into the Madara rocks on the northern slope of the Provadiisko Plateau at the height of 23 m. This is the most significant monumental piece of art from the early Middle Ages, unique of its kind in European cultural history. It is close to the village of Madara, about 16 km away from the city of Shoumen. Januar y, 2011

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Rila Monastery

The most impressive monastery compound in Bulgaria of exceptional architectural and artistic merits. Founded in the 10th century, rebuilt in the 13th -14th century, a literary centre in the 15th century and completed in its present-day striking appearance during the 19th century. A spiritual centre of the Bulgarian people, it is located in the Northwest part of the Rila Mountain, about 20 km from the town of Rila and about 120 km from Sofia. Nessebur, the old part of the town

An architectural, historical and archaeological reserve at the BlackSea coast with valuable archaeological relics from different periods, original churches from the 5th to the 17th century and authentic National Revival Period houses.

exceptionally lavish decoration and impressive caryatides in high relief. It is located close to the village of Sveshtari, 7 km northwest of the town of Isperih. Sreburna Reserve

A biosphere reserve in the valley of the Danube, including the Sreburna Lake and its surroundings. It has been established for the preservation of rare plant and animal species. It is 16 km west of the town of Silistra. Pirin National Park

It is part of the scenic Pirin Mountain. Located in the high parts of the Northern Mount Pirin, it is characterized by a specific relief and an inimitable plant and animal world. It also incorporates the Bayuvi Doupki-Dzhindzhiritsa Biosphere Reserve and the Yulen Reserve.

Sveshtari Tomb

A Thracian tomb from the first half of the 3rd century B.C. The central burial chamber has

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http://www.bulgariatravel.org

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Bulgaria: Historical, Cultural, Poetic

Bulgaria is a country of surprises, wild natural vistas and hosts some of the best biodiversity in Europe. Bulgaria is located in South Eastern Europe, situated in the heart of the Balkan Peninsula. Its picturesque scenery is breathtaking Januar y, 2011

all year round. From the stunning 220 km of golden beaches and world famous Black Sea to the rolling mountains that are home to world class skiing resorts, Bulgaria has everything for everyone.

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The country boasts old and rich history. Many of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s greatest cultures have inhabited the region, leaving behind a veritable treasure trove of untold historical riches. A number of monuments in Bulgaria are under the protection of UNESCO World Heritage List. Bulgaria has also a long tradition of nature conservation; it has three national and 11 natural parks and a number of reserves and natural landmarks. The biggest tourist adventure landmarks in the area are ancient dolmens, spread all over the region; the Tunja River and its steep valleys; the Temple of the Sun, a 1.5 km-long rock formation; the Thracian fortress and its natural rock walls; the Holy Trinity monastery and Haskovo's natural mineral springs (the largest spa resort is Mineralni Banyi). One of the popular destinations is Pleven, near Sofia. It has much to offer to travelers who want to get away from the crowds and experience the rural life. This area is filled with hidden treasures, like the tour of the 1877 battle where Bulgaria fought against the Turks for its

Destination

freedom. Also tucked away are some stunning walks and boating trips that you cannot find from the seat of a coach. With no crowded banks or fishing restrictions, your days spent fishing will also be full of memories of the wild birds that circle high in the thermal currents and then speed to the ground in search of prey. Listen carefully and you will hear the woodpeckers and many wild animals that are hard to find in most of Europe.

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B u l g a r i a : B e t w e e n t h e E a s t a n d t h e We s t

The climate varies from very cold winters to long hot summers. The night skies are clear with no light pollution, which is ideal for star gazing and the thunder storms here are some of the most spectacular watched from a safe distance. By Phil Cowper (Wild Bulgaria) http://www.wildbulgaria.co.uk

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B u l g a r i a : B e t w e e n t h e E a s t a n d t h e We s t

Sofia City: It Grows but Does Not Age

Bulgaria’s capital city, Sofia, is a unique tourism destination in Europe, most notably for its heritage and authenticity. With a 131-year history, a blend of old and new, it offers diversity, which appeals to different visitor types and demographics. Sofia, however, is most popular Januar y, 2011

as a destination for business tourism in Bulgaria, being the financial and business centre of the country. The global recession that rattled economies worldwide, contributed to a fall in business travelers to Sofia in 2009 when companies cut

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back on business travel. Recovering growth for the city’s tourism industry will require effective and impactful communications and marketing to promote the city, particularly its natural and historical landmarks as well as its cultural activities. According to Euromonitor International, Eastern Europe emerged as one of the worstaffected regions in the global economic crisis, largely due to its banking, property and financial problems. This impacted inbound tourism flows in Sofia which decreased by 3% in 2009. Hotels in the city saw business and revenues plummet, with recovery taking at least 2-3 years. Low-cost carriers experienced a mild recession as well, with many benefiting from customers seeking budget flights. Euromonitor International’s city briefing shows that the global recession changed travel habits, with many consumers choosing only one holiday a year, or shorter breaks closer to home. “During the time of economic downturn, staying at home during vacations grew in popularity among many Bulgarians. High unemployment proved to be too much of a deterrent for travel. Therefore, Sofia remained the most visited domestic destination with 4.1 million trips,” says Nadejda Popova, travel and tourism industry analyst at Euromonitor International. Popova also notes that consumers will continue trying to find cheaper lodging alternatives, stimulating strong growth in hostels, self-catering and campsites, so trading down will be the main trend driving sales in budget travel accommodation.

Destination

Moving forward, Euromonitor International expects that improvement and development of travel and tourism in Sofia can be led by additional promotion and quality of tourist information about the city. Focusing on different travel and tourism segments such as health and thermal spa tourism, golf tourism, ecotourism, and congress and expo tourism will encourage those visiting other parts of Bulgaria to spend time in Sofia as well. Sofia can also benefit from cultural heritage tourism since it is one of the fast-growing segments in the tourism industry worldwide. Talking about business arrivals, waiving visa requirements for Russian travellers who traditionally come to Bulgaria could boost tourism in the city enormously and provide a basis for a strong key source market. Key facts:

• Sofia was the third most visited city in Bulgaria in 2009 after Burgas and Varna – sea tourist destinations on the Black Sea coast. Januar y, 2011

B u l g a r i a : B e t w e e n t h e E a s t a n d t h e We s t

• Foreign travellers accounted for 59% of tourism in comparison to 41% domestic travellers in 2009. • The top countries of origin to Sofia are Greece, Germany Italy, the UK and France, Romania. Tourists from Greece and Germany on average stayed in Sofia for 5 days. • Sofia accounts for 80% of Bulgaria’s air outbound market. • The number of leisure departures in 2009 declined by 11%, as many holidaymakers abandoned plans to travel abroad, opting to holiday within the country, or even have no vacation at all. • In 2009, a total of 22 million people visited Bulgaria’s tourist attractions, marking a decline of less than 1% year-on-year, while current value sales declined by 7% to BGN97 million. http://www.euromonitor.com

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Destination

B u l g a r i a : B e t w e e n t h e E a s t a n d t h e We s t

Health Tourism: Bulgaria in Need of a Business Model Health tourism is a growing phenomenon in Europe. So what are the chances for Bulgaria? Health tourism experts from Kohl & Partner Hotel & Tourism Consulting and the Bulgarian Health Tourism Association met in Sofia in June to discuss systematic approaches for this exciting business sector.

options to obtain health services from another EU country. However, it plays a role for 48% of those who are open to travel for such a purpose. To sum it up, quality is the major drive for health tourism to Western Europe and lower prices are a major argument to travel

for treatment to Central and South Eastern Europe. Prices for treatments in other CEE and SEE countries are partly even lower than in Bulgaria. A pre-condition for health tourism is also a good quality level of the medical treatments. So far, Bulgaria has a comparatively

Patient Mobility in the EU

According to a Gallup-survey, Eurobarometer (2007) on patient-mobility within the EU, 4% of the interviewed EU-citizens (EU27) had received a treatment in other European countries over the last twelve months (at the time of the survey). Slightly more than half of EU citizens are open to travelling to another EU country in order to seek medical treatment (average 54%). However, there were significant differences between the countries; not only geographical but also cultural distances played a major role. The most prominent reason to do so is a hypothesized unavailability of the necessary treatment in the domestic healthcare system. The hope of better quality through a specialist residing elsewhere in Europe and the promise of quicker access to necessary treatments are also an important motivating factor for patients. Europeans are least likely to look for cheaper treatments when considering the Januar y, 2011

(vloĹžka)

Health Tourism Business Model Cluster Management & Organization Contracts Legal Dep. Funding Members

Marketing Sales-PR

Tourism Services

Medical Services

IT-Platform CRM

Finance & Controlling

Patient Services

Political Partners / Other Network Partners

Source: Partner & Tourism Source: Kohl Kohl && Partner HotelHotel & Tourism ConsultingConsulting

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low number of international certified medical institutions. The overall healthcare system is in need for improvement to attract patients abroad. Dental, Elective Surgery, Gynecology for Health Tourists in Bulgaria?

A strategic approach to the medical tourism business in Bulgaria requires a focus on a limited number of facilities/regions and treatments. In the open discussion with Kohl & Partner it was stated by Dr. Stoev, president of the Bulgarian Health Tourism Association, that important stakeholders in Bulgaria see chances for health tourism in the fields of dental treatments, elective surgery and gynecology. Some high-standard facilities already exist in Bulgaria – like a Japanese run hospital in Sofia.

Januar y, 2011

B u l g a r i a : B e t w e e n t h e E a s t a n d t h e We s t

The Need for a Business Model

If country-, region- or company-clusters want to benefit from health tourism, a specialized business model must be developed. This model should determine the policies, the organizational structures, processes and the human and financial resources. It must precisely define the cooperation between the healthcare and tourism providers and the regional / national institutions. For example, how sales platforms can be processed and how the business is legally arranged. International co-operations have to be realized in order to exchange know-how, connections and to get access to European Funds. By Dipl.-Kfm. Matthias Buchholz (K&P Vienna) and André Gribi, Managing Director (K&P Sofia) http://www.kohl.at

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Fairs & Exhibitions T rave l / T o uri s m

J A N U A R Y

2 0 1 1

b y

regi o n s

Fairs & Exhibitions

Western Europe

J A N UA RY, 2 0 1 1

Horecava 2011 Location

Netherlands / Amsterdam

Start / End

10 January 2011 / 13 January 2011

Provider

Amsterdam Rai

Contact

horecava@rai.nl

Ferien–Messe Wien Location

Austria / Vienna

Start / End

13 January 2011 / 16 January 2011

Provider

Reed Exhibitions Messe Wien

Contact

info@messe.at

Ferienmesse Bern

Chemnitzer ReiseMarkt

Location

Switzerland / Bern

Start / End

13 January 2011 / 16 January 2011

Provider

FairCom AG

Contact

info@ferienmesse.ch

REISELIV 2011

Location

Germany / Chemnitz

Location

Norway / Lillestrom

Start / End

07 January 2011 / 09 January 2011

Start / End

13 January 2011 / 16 January 2011

Provider

TMS Messen

Provider

Norges Varemesse

Contact

schroeder@tmsmessen.de

Contact

ten@messe.no

London International Boat Show

The France Show

Location

United Kingdom / London

Location

United Kingdom / London

Start / End

07 January 2011 / 16 January 2011

Start / End

14 January 2011 / 16 January 2011

Provider

National Boat Shows Ltd

Provider

Archant Live

Contact

info@boatshows.co.uk

Contact

standsales@thefranceshow.com

ReiseMarkt Rhein–Neckar–Pfalz

Vakanz Tourism Fair

Location

Germany / Mannheim

Location

Luxembourg / Luxembourg

Start / End

07 January 2011 / 09 January 2011

Start / End

14 January 2011 / 16 January 2011

Provider

TMS Messen

Provider

LuxExpo

Contact

schurzky@tmsmessen.de

Contact

valerie.schiel@luxexpo.lu

More events related to Travel/Tourism can be found here If you are an event provider you may consider to place your event in the above category, please click here If your event already is in the list you may consider using the enhanced listing. For replacement just click here

— 60 —

Fairs & Exhibitions

CMT THe Holiday Exhibition

Mahana – Lille

Location

Germany / Stuttgart

Location

France / Lille

Start / End

15 January 2011 / 23 January 2011

Start / End

21 January 2011 / 23 January 2011

Provider

Messe Stuttgart International

Provider

Exposium

Contact

info@messe-stuttgart.de

Contact

veronique.piguet@comexposium.com

Hoga Nürnberg 2011

Mahana – Marseille

Location

Germany / Nürnberg

Location

France / Marseille

Start / End

16 January 2011 / 19 January 2011

Start / End

21 January 2011 / 23 January 2011

Provider

AFAG Messen und Ausstellungen

Provider

Exposium

Contact

info@afag.de

Contact

veronique.piguet@comexposium.com

FITUR International Tourism Trade Fair

Vacances

Location

Spain / Madrid

Location

Switzerland / Geneve

Start / End

19 January 2011 / 23 January 2011

Start / End

21 January 2011 / 23 January 2011

Provider

Ifema (Feria de Madrid)

Provider

FairCom SA

Contact

fitur@ifema.es

Contact

info@vacances.ch

Hotel Energy Solutions Annual Conference at FITUR

SIRHA–International Hotel Catering & Food Trade Exhibition

Location

Spain / Madrid

Location

France / Lyon

Start / End

20 January 2011 / 20 January 2011

Start / End

22 January 2011 / 26 January 2011

Provider

UNWTO

Provider

Sepelcom

Contact

jnovakovic@unwto.org

Contact

francois.thiery@gl-events.com

Nordic Travel Fair MATKA 2011

Hospitality

Location

Finland / Helsinki

Location

United Kingdom / Birmingham

Start / End

20 January 2011 / 23 January 2011

Start / End

24 January 2011 / 26 January 2011

Provider

The Finnish Fair Corporation

Provider

Fresh R. M. Limited

Contact

matka@finnexpo.fi

Contact

leanne.jones@freshrm.co.uk

Belfast Telegraph Holiday World Show

J A N UA RY, 2 0 1 1

FESPO Exhibition for Holidays, Sports and Leisure

Location

United Kingdom / Belfast

Location

Switzerland / Zurich

Start / End

21 January 2011 / 23 January 2011

Start / End

27 January 2011 / 30 January 2011

Provider

Business Exhibitions Limited

Provider

Wigra Expo SA

Contact

eileen@bizex.ie

Contact

info@fespo.ch

— 61 —

Fairs & Exhibitions

Adventure Travel Live

Loisiroscope 2011

Location

United Kingdom / London

Location

France / Dijon

Start / End

28 January 2011 / 30 January 2011

Start / End

28 January 2011 / 30 January 2011

Provider

Escape Events Ltd

Provider

Carte Performance

Contact

adventure@escapeevents.com

Contact

info@loisiroscope.fr

Dresdner ReiseMarkt

The Holiday World Show – Dublin

Location

Germany / Dresden

Location

Ireland / Dublin

Start / End

28 January 2011 / 30 January 2011

Start / End

28 January 2011 / 30 January 2011

Provider

TMS Messen

Provider

Business Exhibitions Limited

Contact

schroeder@tmsmessen.de

Contact

eileen@bizex.ie

Idees Week–End Toulon

J A N UA RY, 2 0 1 1

ABF

Location

France / Toulon

Location

Germany / Hannover

Start / End

28 January 2011 / 30 January 2011

Start / End

29 January 2011 / 06 Februaury 2011

Provider

BO2

Provider

Fachausstellungen Heckmann

Contact

infos@ideesweekend.fr

Contact

lars.pennigsdorf@fh.messe.de

— 62 —

Fairs & Exhibitions

CENTRAL Europe

J A N UA RY, 2 0 1 1

Tourism Expo 2011 Location

Czech Republic / Olomouc

Start / End

22 January 2011 / 24 January 2011

Provider

Olomouc District

Contact

publicrelation@flora-ol.cz

E–Travel Forum 2011 Location

Poland / Warsaw

Start / End

25 January 2011 / 26 January 2011

Provider

Meetings Management

Contact

biuro@e-travelforum.pl

Alpe–Adria:Tourism and Leisure Show

GO International Travel Trade Fair Location

Czech Republic / Brno

Start / End

13 January 2011 / 16 January 2011

Provider

BVV (Brno Trade Fairs and Exhibition)

Contact

go@bvv.cz

REGIONTOUR International Exhibition of Regional Tourism Location

Czech Republic / Brno

Start / End

13 January 2011 / 16 January 2011

Provider

BVV (Brno Trade Fairs and Exhibition)

Contact

regiontour@bvv.cz

Location

Slovenia / Ljubljana

Start / End

27 January 2011 / 30 January 2011

Provider

Ljubljanski sejem d.d.

Contact

spela.bratun@gr-sejem.si

World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations Convention Location

Estonia / Tallinn

Start / End

29 January 2011 / 04 Februaury 2011

Provider

World Federation of Tourist Guide Associtions

Contact

info@wftga.org

ITF Slovakiatour Location

Slovakia / Bratislava

Start / End

20 January 2011 / 23 January 2011

Provider

Incheba Jsc

Contact

incheba@incheba.sk

— 63 —

Fairs & Exhibitions

North America

J A N UA RY, 2 0 1 1

All–Canada Show – Chicago, IL Location

USA / Chicago, IL

Start / End

13 January 2011 / 16 January 2011

Provider

All-Canada Show

Contact

info@allcanada.com

All–Canada Show – Milwaukee, WI Location

USA / Milwaukee, WI

Start / End

20 January 2011 / 23 January 2011

Provider

All-Canada Show

Contact

info@allcanada.com

Iowa Boat, RV & Vacation Show

Nashville Boat & Sportshow

Location

USA / Cedar Falls, IA

Start / End

21 January 2011 / 23 January 2011

Provider

Iowa Show Productions Inc.

Contact

info@iowashows.com

Florida Huddle

Location

USA / Nashville, TN

Location

USA / Daytona Beach, FL

Start / End

06 January 2011 / 09 January 2011

Start / End

23 January 2011 / 25 January 2011

Provider

National Marine Manufacturers Association Inc. (NMMA)

Provider

Huddle International Inc.

Contact

plafollette@nmma.org

Contact

info@FloridaHuddle.com

All–Canada Show – St. Louis, MO

ALIS: Americas Lodging Investment Summit

Location

USA / St. Louis, MO

Location

USA / San Diego, CA

Start / End

07 January 2011 / 09 January 2011

Start / End

24 January 2011 / 26 January 2011

Provider

All-Canada Show

Provider

American Hotel and Lodging Association Burba Hotel Network

Contact

info@allcanada.com

Contact

marketing@burba.com

All–Canada Show – Indianapolis, IN

All–Canada Show – Madison, WI

Location

USA / Indianopolis, IN

Location

USA / Madison, WI

Start / End

10 January 2011 / 12 January 2011

Start / End

24 January 2011 / 26 January 2011

Provider

All-Canada Show

Provider

All-Canada Show

Contact

info@allcanada.com

Contact

info@allcanada.com

— 64 —

Fairs & Exhibitions

J A N UA RY, 2 0 1 1

All–Canada Show – Green Bay, WI Location

USA / Green Bay, WI

Start / End

27 January 2011 / 30 January 2011

Provider

All-Canada Show

Contact

info@allcanada.com

Travel and Adventure Show Location

USA / Chicago, IL

Start / End

29 January 2011 / 30 January 2011

Provider

Unicomm, LLC

Contact

sales@adventureexpo.com

— 65 —

Fairs & Exhibitions

Asia & Pacific

J A N UA RY, 2 0 1 1

SATTE 2011 Location

India / New Delhi

Start / End

27 January 2011 / 29 January 2011

Provider

Cross Section Publishing

Contact

cinema@satte.org

Hosts 2011 Location

India / Mumbai

Start / End

31 January 2011 / 03 Februaury 2011

Provider

H&FS India Pvt Ltd

Contact

pallavi@hostsindia.in

Travel & Tourism Fair – Chennai Location

India / Chennai

Start / End

07 January 2011 / 09 January 2011

Provider

Fairfest Media Limited

Contact

ttfotm@fairfest.com

Travel & Tourism Fair – Bangalore Location

India / Bangalore

Start / End

14 January 2011 / 16 January 2011

Provider

Fairfest Media Limited

Contact

ttfotm@fairfest.com

ASEAN Tourism Forum 2011 Location

Cambodia / Phnom Penh

Start / End

15 January 2011 / 21 January 2011

Provider

TTG Asia Media

Contact

atfbuyers@ttgasia.com

— 66 —

iŃ ons Adventure

Business

SPA

General

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