Tourism Review Online Magazine - 02/2011 by Tourism Review Digital Network

FEBRuary, 2011

ONLINE MAGAZINE

Dear readers, The February issue of Tourism Review Online Magazine is here inviting you this time to discover Laos and its pristine nature and the capital Vientiane City. Open the Destination part and let us tempt you to pack your bags and explore the country. If your adventurous soul desires the ocean, consider small ship cruising which offers several advantages over the mega ships. Read more in the Transport supplement. Cultural tourists on the other hand will be interested in the Heritage part focusing on landmarks in danger of being seriously damaged. How to take good pictures on your holiday is the topic of the Professional supplement. Read the top tips how to take remarkable photos. First of all, open the Ethical part and learn about the obstacles faced by disabled travelers. Enjoy the issue! Milada Sovadinova Editor

C O NTENTS

TRANSPORT

HERITAGE Heritage in Peril

Many tourists love exploring old monuments and historical landmarks. However, some of them are seriously endangered. Learn about Roman spa, Polish villa, Cypriot Varosha and Kenyan town – all in peril of being harshly affected by human activities.

Ocean cruising getting small-scale

Cruising is fun. The bigger ship the more fun? Maybe not. Learn about the differences between cruising on mega ships and on the smaller ones. Getting to know fellow cruisers and the staff, chance to explore tiny ports and flexible itinerary are only some of the advantages of small ship cruising.

HERITAGE:

Heritage in Peril........................................... 4 Endangered Sites: Europe Nostra Calling for Action............................................... 5 Cyprus: The Ghost Town of Varosha............................................................................ 9 Lamu in Kenya: The Former Trade Capital of East Africa......................................... 11 Taxila: Centuries Old Monuments Damaged by Stone-Crushing Plants............... 13

Ocean Cruising Getting Small–Scale................................................ 37

Cruising Alaska – Small Ships and Big Adventure.................................................... 38 Small-Ship Cruising on Canada’s West Coast............................................................ 41 Discover the World: Small Ship Cruising Tours....................................................... 43 Mega Ships: Asia Pacific Ready to Go Cruising........................................................... 45 Advantages of Cruise Holidays on Small Ships......................................................... 47

InspIratIon: the Colorful laos

The ArT of TrAvel PhoTogrAPhy

Laos – a country of stunning nature and resilient people. More and more tourists discover this landlocked Asian nation and its UNESCO sites, urban landmarks and unique shrines.

Professional:

The Art of Travel Photography..... 15 Travel Photography: Selling the Dream.................................................................... 16 Photography Tour at the Top of the World............................................................. 18 Quick Tips – How to Take Good Travel Photos........................................................... 20 Taking Interesting “I Was Here!” Shots....................................................................... 22 Bonjour Vahza – Photographing Madagascar’s Countryside............................... 24 ETHICAL

Destination:

Inspiration: The Colorful Laos.......................................................................49

Laos – The Jewel of the Mekong.................................................................................. 50 Tourism Industry: Development and Fees.................................................................. 52 Vientiane City: Temples and Museums......................................................................... 54 Luang Prabang: The Spiritual Heart of Laos............................................................. 56

Fairs & Exhibitions

Accessible World of TrAvel

Millions of disabled people are passionate travelers. However, they need to overcome numerous troubles because of the lack of attention tourism stakeholders pay to this group of globetrotters. Accessible tourism is still vastly untapped market.

TRANSPORT:

Destination

PROFESSIONAL

Taking pictures is not as easy as it may seem. Taking travel photography is even more difficult. Get familiar with some of the simple tricks that will help you to take fabulous pics while on the road.

C O NTENTS

FEBRUARY , 2 0 1 1

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

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F e B r u a r Y

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Fairs & Exhibitions:

Accessible World of Travel........ 28

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

Disabled Travel in Europe – Your First Trip............................................................... 29 Avila: The Access City of 2011....................................................................................... 31 Tourism New Zealand Is Still Ignoring the Older Market...................................... 33 Disability: EU Promises ‘Accessibility Act’ in 2012...................................................... 35

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

ETHICAL:

HERITAGE Heritage in Peril

Many tourists love exploring old monuments and historical landmarks. However, some of them are seriously endangered. Learn about Roman spa, Polish villa, Cypriot Varosha and Kenyan town â&#x20AC;&#x201C; all in peril of being harshly affected by human activities.

HERITAGE

Heritage in Peril

Endangered Sites: Europe Nostra Calling for Action As Europe’s 500 million citizens think of vacations, their choices are open to ever wider horizons and ever new cultural heritage treasures yet to be discovered. Or not? Europe’s rich cultural heritage, both built and natural, is under constant threat from shortsighted development where economic expansion or fast money can conspire to erase those monuments and sites which together give a city, town or rural area its distinct identity and local colour. Europa Nostra, the voice of cultural heritage in Europe, has as its mission raising awareness of the value of Europe’s unique and rich cultural heritage and to work to protect it for present and future generations. The organization supports national and international campaigns for the preservation and rescue of Europe’s heritage at risk. The following sites are some of the examples of Europa Nostra’s campaigns trying to save valuable landmarks. Allianoi: Roman Baths and Spa to Be Flooded

Turkey has opened the flood-gates on the 2nd century Roman baths and spa at Allianoi, thus burying forever a potential tourist draw which could have been as important as Ephesus or Pompeï. Februar y, 2011

Work on filling the ancient spa of Allianoi with sand has started.

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HERITAGE

“Large local and international protests have called for Allianoi to be saved, clearly demonstrating that people attach great value to their history and memory. This gives depth and meaning to their lives. Every effort should therefore be invested in preserving those places – such as Allianoi – which connect us with previous generations and which we, in our turn, have the responsibility to transmit to future generations.” Thus wrote Europa Nostra’s President, Plácido Domingo, the world famous opera tenor, in his personal letter of appeal to Turkey’s Prime Minister Tayyip Erdoğan, to stop the flooding of the important archaeological site of Allianoi near the ancient city of Pergamum in Izmir. The most recent reports from the Allianoi by the local “Allianoi Initiative” NGO led by Professor Ahmet Yaraş, chief archaeologist of the site, tell that workers employed by the Turkish State Waterworks have filled this outstanding Roman archaeological site with sand and started submerging it under the planned reservoir behind the Yortanli irrigation dam, one whose effective life-span is not expected to exceed 50 years... Even the tops of the excavated walls and columns have been buried under sand. Discovered relatively recently, the ancient spa settlement Allianoi located near Bergama in western Turkey, dates mainly from the 2nd century AD when it was enlarged by the Emperor Hadrian. A time of emerging urban centers in Anatolia and of the construction of the famous Asklepion of nearby Pergamon, the number of public works built in Allianoi also increased, including the thermal baths, Februar y, 2011

bridges, streets, insulae and the Connection Building, propylon and nympheum. Though Allianoi had been only partially excavated by archaeologists, the site has already revealed many historically rich monuments and important scientific insights into Roman art, architecture, engineering, hydrology, medicine and pharmacology. Back in 2006, the Turkish Minister of Culture set up a Special Scientific Committee which recommended a series of alternative conservation measures which could be undertaken at Allianoi before the possible flooding of the area, including the protection of the site as a sunken island by the construction of an earth wall, or the relocation of some of the archaeological site’s most important structures. These recommendations brought some hope for the future of Allianoi, but were not pursued. Already back in 2007, Europa Nostra joined forces with the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) and the European Association of Archaeologists to launch a forceful public appeal to save Allianoi. It seems, unfortunately, to no avail. A significant European cultural heritage site is being lost along with the potential for tourism-led economic development in the area. Tourism based on the unsustainable model of large hotels on gorgeous sandy beaches, might benefit those on the narrow strip alongside its coast but not the vast interior. Sites such as Allianoi which could be developed into a cultural and health tourism centre, would give deeper cultural and social meaning to the economic benefits of tourism.

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Heritage in Peril

L’Aquila: No Restoration after Earthquake

Heritage city of L’Aquila and the surrounding villages in the Abruzzo region, Italy still fencedin awaiting restorations. Italian heritage NGO Fondo Ambiente Italiano (FAI) unveiled the restoration of the 99 Cannelle, a symbolic fountain for the citizens of L'Aquila, located as it is in the central square of this historic city. This private initiative is the first and only tangible result of the monumental heritage restoration works taking place in the historic centre of L'Aquila, following the devastating earthquake of Spring 2009. L'Aquila and the surrounding historic villages in the Abruzzo region were severely damaged in the 6 April 2009 earthquake: more than 300 people lost their lives and thousands of buildings were destroyed. More than 18 months later, the clean-up efforts of the broken historic centre have only barely started. Thousands of small businesses have had to close. The people are now housed in the new buildings on the outskirts of the town and are desperate to return to their homes. They wish once again to be able to welcome visitors to their city and region, an important source of income as well as a window onto the wider world. “It is very, very sad. The people have not only lost their houses, they are in danger of losing their memory and the roots which are connected to this historic city. This is not only about stones, it is about people”, said Plácido Domingo in an exclusive interview with Europa Nostra. “The inhabitants of L'Aquila are not looking to find a new city in which to live; they

HERITAGE

wish their historic city to be restored in order that they can come back to live there where their ancestors have been living for centuries”. Heritage campaigners from Italia Nostra reiterate their standpoint that planned restorations in the area should not be limited to the monumental churches and to those few buildings which are already classified protected monuments. It is vital that the conservation plan extend to cover the historic settlements as a whole, including their full network of streets, squares and buildings, with due safeguard of their corresponding social functions. The Historic Town Centre of L’ Aquila and its surrounding small historic villages in the Region, should be rebuilt “as it was–where it was”. The historic settlement as a whole must be considered as a holistic complex, as a unique cultural landscape and object of heritage value. It is vital that this concept be made official and legally enforced. Only with such protection can the restoration of the intricate web of heritage buildings and urban spaces which make up the historic environment of L’Aquila and its surroundings, take place as an integrated project, including a complex historical analysis of the typology of the different elements that comprise this cultural landscape, along with a serious allocation of adequate resources. FAI acted as the spokesperson of this collective civil action of restoring the 99 Cannelle included businesses, individuals and professionals, and was funded by the donations sent in by many Italians via SMS messages. It is hoped that this restoration, the first to be initiated and completed in L’Aquila, will kick-start the process of reclaiming the city from the rubFebruar y, 2011

Heritage in Peril

The local prefecture, a government office, damaged by earthquake.

ble through completing the massive number of restorations still needed. Art Nouveau Villa Grüneberg to Give Way to Tramline

The Grüneberg Villa in Szczecin (Poland) is currently slated for demolition to make way for a new Fast Tramway Line to be constructed in this city, known as Stettin until after WW II.

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Local and international heritage campaigners have appealed to local zoning authorities and State officials to save the villa by giving it formal monument classification and protection. The Villa Grüneberg is a 1910 Jugenstil building of high architectural quality which retains well preserved details. It was planned by the then Director of Building of the City of Stettin, Dr. Adolf Stahl. The Villa is also historically sig-

HERITAGE

nificant, having been built as the home of the musical organ building Grüneberg family, well known – indeed famous in northern Europe and in countries around the Baltic Sea – for the quality of their organs. Many of these are still preserved today, also in Szczecin itself, and include the largest mechanical traction organ in the world, preserved in Liepaja (Latvia). The Grüneberg organ building factory adjoining the villa in Szczecin, was unfortunately demolished in the 1950s. To proceed with the Fast Tramway project, the tram-rails would not even require a re-routing, but rather only the relocation of a drainage installation would be necessary, which surely can be accommodated without destroying the villa. The city officials agree that the building contains important Art Nouveau detailing, but they are afraid delays could put their EU funding in jeopardy. Saving ‘detached’ architectural details, being proposed by some officials, would remove them from their context and the history of the building – the things which potential tourist would come to experience!

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Preserving Villa Grüneberg could encourage sustainable economic development through cultural tourism by potentially converting it and part of the site of the former organ factory into an International Organ Centre or Museum. Such an organ centre would offer Szczecin a real cultural feature and increase the city's attractiveness for tourists and students alike, from across the Baltic region and indeed Europe as a whole. Photos: Author By Europa Nostra Europa Nostra is the representative platform of over 250 heritage non-governmental organizations. Its aim is to put heritage and its benefits in the mainstream of public consciousness and to make heritage a priority for public policies both at European and national levels. Its specific objectives are to promote, at a European level, high standards of quality in the fields of heritage conservation, architecture, urban and rural planning and to advocate a balanced and sustainable development of urban and rural, built and natural environment. http://www.europanostra.org

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Heritage in Peril

HERITAGE

Cyprus: The Ghost Town of Varosha

Nothing sums up the futility of the Cyprus conflict quite like the ghost town of Varosha in Famagusta. Located on the east coast of Cyprus, the city of Famagusta has had a long and remarkable cultural heritage but now lies abandoned following the 1974 Turkish invasion of the island. Varosha can truly be called a Ghost Town. Nobody lives there. Few, if any visit it and if you could, then its ghosts would be ever apparent in the silence, the stillness and the ‘frozen in time’ sights before you. Februar y, 2011

On the 15th August 1974, all of the residents of Varosha left, fearing death or worse at the hands of the Turkish invaders who were, at that very moment, fighting the Greek Cypriot army on the streets of Famagusta, a mile or so further north. They left at a moment’s notice. No time to collect treasured possessions or to clear tables or to lock up houses. They hoped they would be able to return within days or weeks but deep down they feared it would be the last they would see of their homes and businesses. Over the last 35 years the town has gradually given in to nature. The streets have cracked in the heat of the summer sun, the roots of plants, free to grow wild, have invaded walls, floors and windows, gradually breaking down the manmade structures, determined to return Varosha to the wild. Accounts tell of meals left uneaten on dining tables, of clothes, fashionable at the time, fading in boutiques along the streets and of cars, now classable as vintage, sitting brand new in garage showrooms waiting patiently for buyers that will never come. Apart from the hotels and shops, churches stand empty and forlorn, now home to thousands of birds who have lived and bred uninterrupted by humans over the decades. Turtles now return to nest on the beautiful beaches of the resorts, safe, knowing that their eggs will rest undisturbed under the pitch black night

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Heritage in Peril

sky until ready to hatch. Older buildings, many made from traditional, have crumbled under the ravages of nature, some barely recognisable from the homes they once were. And under the midday sun or the cool bright moon, silence reigns, broken only by the call of a bird or the scuttling of lizards. The perimeter is patrolled by the Turkish army and the United Nations. The UN politely, but firmly, turning away the curious or the heartbroken former residents drawn towards their homes by memories and unfounded hopes. The Turkish army, less understanding, threatening harm or imprisonment to those who break through the flimsy, rusting barriers and fences to catch a glimpse of what was. Many brave the risks, taking heart rending photographs of the town which, even in their two dimensional form, still exude sadness and despair.

Famagusta Tourist Attractions: Varosha (Maras) Perhaps the most haunting and downright weird tourist attraction on Cyprus, the abandoned Maras district (‘Varosha’) really is a sight worth seeing. The beach and crumbing highrise tower blocks remain unused and make the Varosha area of Famagusta appear rather like a ghost town, with just a tiny portion of this former leading beach resort being still occupied. Tourists with their own set of wheels may like to drive along the western side of Maras and peer through the fence, although do bear in mind that photography is not permitted. Famagusta.world-guides.com

HERITAGE

Heritage in Peril

Popular Varosha In the 1970s, Famagusta was the number one tourist destination in Cyprus. To cater to the increasing number of tourists, many new highrise buildings and hotels were constructed. During its heyday the Varosha quarter of Famagusta was not only the number one tourist destination in Cyprus, but between 1970 and 1974 it was one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, and was a favourite destination of wealthy, rich and famous stars such as Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton, Raquel Welch and Brigitte Bardot. Wikipedia.org.

Each time Varosha appears in the news or in details of the endless and seemingly hopeless settlement negotiations, the visitors to the wire increase, then fade away with the dashed hopes, leaving the town to its creatures and its ghosts. The future of Varosha is inextricably linked to that of Cyprus as a whole. Varosha is a strategic piece in the jigsaw that will need to be completed before the island is at peace once more. It is likely that Varosha will be ceded to the south before the final resolution of the problem and probably in exchange for partial unblocking of Turkey’s plans for accession to the EU. What happens to Varosha in the meantime is

Februar y, 2011

more or less guaranteed. Access will be still denied to all but the UN and the Turkish army, although in the lead up to serious negotiations it is likely that delegations from the Republic will be allowed to visit the fenced off area. The exciting yet inconceivably large issue of its future after the handover is yet another matter. To repair and renovate will take billions of Euros. To demolish, clear the site and rebuild would probably take billions more, but the ultimate aim of the Republic is upon restoring its pride. Varosha was a key player in the thriving tourism industry prior to 1974 and to restore pride it needs to regain its place at the pinnacle of eastern Mediterranean tourism.

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Funding must inevitably come from a range of national and international sources, from the EU, from the UN and from the island’s government itself. It will take many years to achieve, but the example of the regeneration of Ledra Street in the capital shows that it is possible. Who knows, ten years from now, the glorious white sandy beaches of Varosha, fringed with luxury resort hotels may yet be the top tourist destination founded upon its beauty but bolstered by the curiosity of the tourists eager to say they’ve holidayed in the ghost town of Cyprus. http://www.rhinocarhire.com/The-Varosha-Blog.aspx

HERITAGE

Heritage in Peril

Lamu in Kenya: The Former Trade Capital of East Africa Lamu is the largest town on Lamu Island, which is in turn part of the Lamu archipelago in Kenya. It is also the headquarters of Lamu town. It is one of the oldest and best preserved living settlements among the Swahili towns on the East African coast, with origins dating back to the 12th century AD. Its buildings display the long history and development of Swahili technology. The Lamu District is an incredibly diverse and rich area. The six indigenous communities of Lamu are reported to have been in this area for over 1,000 years and Lamu Town can be traced back to the early days of Islamic culture in the 7th century. The town and nearby islands are dotted with incredible archeological sites which have given rise to the town being declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2001. The communities of the District are dependent on fishing and farming for their livelihoods, with many continuing to practice traditional ways of life, including hunting and gathering. With more than 700 years of continuous development, it was once the most important trade centre in East Africa, before being overtaken by Zanzibar and Mozambique. It has also retained an important religious function and is a significant center for education in Swahili and Islamic culture. Februar y, 2011

Inappropriate Construction

Although plans are still being confirmed, there is a proposal in place for a large deep sea port development project along the coast from Lamu town. The Lamu port is expected to have a total of 22 berths with a quay that will occupy 1,000 acres. Other proposed infrastructure

â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 11 â&#x20AC;&#x201D;

of the 16 billion dollar development would include a railway, major highway, international airport, resort city, pipeline, oil refinery and oil storage tanks. Lamu, which was declared a UNESCO Man and Biosphere Reserve in 1980, is home to rare marine species such as sea turtles, sharks and dugongs, and also hosts two national reserves: the Kiunga Marine Reserve and Dodori National Reserve. The wider port area would cover all of these reserves. A development of this scale and scope would result in unprecedented new levels of population growth and put strong pressures on both the cultural and natural values of the region. Although the Kenyan Government heralds this venture as the answer to the economic woes of the area, the impact on the people of Lamu and its environment cannot be understated. Despite this obvious impact, little information concerning the port has actually been released to the people of Lamu and the only consultation between the Government and the residents of Lamu on the issue occurred early in 2009. Given that the proposed port appears likely to go ahead in the near future, the communities of Lamu wish to engage the Government in discussion on the matter and hope to develop and use a bio-cultural community protocol as one of the mechanisms to do so.

HERITAGE

Other Threats: Insufficient Management & Neglect

Lamu relies on the presence of fresh water for its continued viability, and nearby water catchments are threatened by encroachment and illegal development. This delicate resource needs to be protected in order for Lamu to remain the living town that was inscribed on the World Heritage List. Several buildings in Lamu have been allowed to become quite dilapidated, and unless major restoration work is done, many could potentially collapse and cause structural damage to other buildings nearby. If the Lamu petrol port project comes to fruition, the increased traffic and modern port facilities it will bring to the region will seriously threaten the outstanding universal value of this site. Proper safeguards need to be developed to ensure the ongoing protection of Lamu before it becomes swallowed by the development and its new industry.´ http://www.globalheritagefund.org http://natural-justice.blogspot.com

Februar y, 2011

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Heritage in Peril

HERITAGE

Heritage in Peril

Taxila: Centuries Old Monuments Damaged by Stone-Crushing Plants

It feels like it’s almost every week we’re reporting on a heritage site somewhere in the world coming under threat from land developers or big industry. Taxila, in the Punjab province of Pakistan – which contains fragile ruins dating back as far as 2,600 years – is the latest, and the reason is almost laughable: local plants digging and blasting for gravel, of all things. Seriously, were the prize a precious resource like oil or gas you could almost understand. But surely chucking a new bed of chips on folks’ driveways isn’t a matter of immense urgency, worth risking the destruction of centuries-old monuments? Okay, so it’s not as simple as that, and lots of jobs are undoubtedly dependent on the plants. But what price can be put on a finite resource like a country’s physical heritage? Februar y, 2011

Not an especially high one in this instance, it seems, because the Pakistani powers-that-be have practically invited the predicament. Taxila is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and has been protected under Pakistani Federal law since 1982. Yet, presumably under pressure from the gravel mining industry, officials have repeatedly reduced the borders of the conservation zone, in 1984, 1986, and 1989, to allow heavy trucks and huge machines practically onto the doorstep of ancient Buddhist temples and stupas. Every major monument in Taxila has shown signs of fractures and stresses from the shockwaves emitted by blasting and quarrying, according to a Pakistan Environment Protection Agency report, quoted on the website of Pakistan’s oldest English-language newspaper

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Significance The city of Taxila is home to an important archaeological site of great importance to the Pakistani cultural heritage. This vast complex of ruins includes a Mesolithic cave, four settlement sites, a number of Buddhist monasteries, and Moslem mosques and madrassahs. Each settlement site, belonging to a different time period, reveals the pattern of urban evolution over the course of five centuries, and the Bhir mound dates back to the sixth century BC. Historically, Taxila also represented a crossroads for three major trade routes that bisected the country. In 1980, Taxila was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site with multiple locations. A recent article by The Guardian also ranked it as the top tourist destination in Pakistan. GlobalHeritageFund.org

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Threats to Taxila

Dawn. “Continuous quarrying and blasting in close proximity of these ancient sites for the last many decades have caused substantial loss to these monuments,” it reads. “A slow degradation can be observed in all 24 excavated archaeological sites and monuments of Taxila valley, cracks and inclination in the structures are quite visible.” Even the Taxila Museum has suffered, with shock waves causing precious artifacts to fall off shelves and break. The Pakistan EPA has made a strong appeal for all work in the area to cease immediately, and for the stone crushers to vacate the area. It’s their hope that the land, specifically the Margalla Hills range, can be turned into a national park, and developed with public facilities – running and cycle tracks and the like – giving

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The historical monument of Sarai Karwan, located within Taxila, has been increasingly encroached upon by nearby developments in the area, including automobile garages, business centers, shops and houses. Officials have done little to protect the site, and parts of the monument are frequently used for garbage dumping. Dampness, pollution, and lack of proper maintenance have resulted in further destruction and decay of the monument. Several ancient artifacts were stolen from the Buddhist monastery, and illegal excavations conducted with the help of heavy equipment further damaged the site. Police were informed of the incident and arrested numerous diggers, but all were eventually released without any further legal action. Additional measures of enforcement are essential to protect sites from activities like this in the future. GlobalHeritageFund.org

people a vested interest in the area. How easy gravel-hungry big-business will prove to shift remains to be seen. By Malcolm Jack Malcolm Jack is a freelance arts and entertainment journalist based in Glasgow, Scotland. He graduated from the University of Edinburgh in 2004 with an MA Honours Degree in History. http://heritage-key.com

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Heritage in Peril

PROFESSIONAL The Art of Travel Photography

PROFESSIONAL

Travel Photography: Selling the Dream

Father and daughter, Shine-Ider area, Mongolia. Photo: Kym Morris, Australia

It’s that time of year again! The media is full of advertisements, selling us dream destinations and exciting adventures to tempt us into booking our next holiday. So as our thoughts turn to travel, it’s a good time to reflect on the state of travel – and of travel photography. Februar y, 2011

The global economic problems, and the changes in exchange rate have an immediate effect on people’s travel plans and many travel companies are waiting nervously for the phone to ring. Will people not take their annual holiday or will they just book later? January and

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Th e A r t o f Tr a v e l P h o t o g r a p h y

February are as crucial to the travel industry as Christmas is to retailers so it’s going to be a tense period for many companies for the second year running. Budgets for good travel photography have been hit hard in the last few years. Much of the travel industry, somewhat surprisingly, sees photography as a luxury despite the importance of the image in “selling the dream”. Coupled with the explosion in digital imagery, and the perception that anyone can take a photograph, only a limited number of forward-thinking companies now seem to value the skills of the professional travel photographer. The travel industry is all about selling aspirations and depends on great images to do this. Increasingly, it’s also about selling the experience of the tourists themselves, rather than the images of local life that used to be the standard. This takes us away from the endless images of poor people in far off lands (why do travellers rarely photograph the wealthy or even ‘regular’ people?) to shots of travel experience and the more conceptual imagery which is so important in the world of advertising. With the dream and the experience comes the emotion. Capture that in an image and you have a winning shot. It’s a global marketplace and the internet has made it easy for someone in, say, Japan to source an image direct from a stock agency in England or Italy. They can also easily find a photographer based in any destination, making images readily available to any international tourist destination. Some believe that in a recession holidays become more important, and are one of the

PROFESSIONAL

Temples and pagodas at sunset, Bagan, Myanmar. Photo: Christopher Martin, Canada

few things which we’re reluctant to forego completely. If this is true, and people cut back on other non-necessities, then the market for travel photographs will still be there. But they’ll have to be the right travel photographs, so photographers who shoot travel need to rethink what and how they shoot. The winners of the 2010 Travel Photographer of the Year awards have just been announced. Over the years these awards have showcased some marvellous and varied imagery. They have also mirrored, and sometimes lead, interesting trends in travel photography. Of course many photographers are still producing the same type of travel images that were fashionable 10 years ago, but of more interest are the

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images which take a contemporary or even artistic approach. The 2010 winners include beautiful and intriguing black and white images, together with joyous, vibrant and engaging images which transport the viewer right into the heart of the experience. Too often travel images are simply observational, yet the new winners of this truly international and prestigious award are much more elegant and insightful about the places, the people and the experiences which they share with the viewer. Travel photography is very much alive and kicking but not as it’s been conventionally perceived. It’s changing, and photographers must adapt to survive. If they can, there are opportunities. Especially as the tourism industry clamours and competes for our holiday dollar, euro or pound, with good imagery an effective way to get us to spend. The forward-thinking companies, who pay attention to the photography which they use to promote their products, are the most likely beneficiaries whilst those who only want the images they can get for free, or for very little money, will undoubtedly struggle. From the travel consumer’s perspective, there is a growing realisation that a holiday that is inexpensive can have its drawbacks, when things don’t go to plan or acts of God intervene. With this will come a willingness

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Th e A r t o f Tr a v e l P h o t o g r a p h y

Mass ordination of 34,000 monks, Wat Phra Dhammakaya temple, Pathum Thani, Bangkok, Thailand Luke Duggleby, UK

to pay a little more to travel with companies which provide peace of mind. These same consumers will see a travel company’s reluctance to pay for good photography as an indicator of a company’s attitude to providing a better quality of service to their paying customers. To see all the winning images in TPOTY 2010 visit www.tpoty.com. By Chris Coe Chris Coe is a travel photographer and organiser of the prestigious international Travel Photographer of the Year awards. http://www.tpoty.com

PROFESSIONAL

Photography Tour at the Top of the World Photography in Nepal is full of diverse riches, from the Newari villages of Kathmandu Valley, the colours of Hinduism and the wilds of lowland jungles in the south of the country. But the Himalayas are what makes Nepal truly unique, with or without the camera. There's a new road that takes travellers into the high reaches of the Annapurna Ranges, one of Nepal's most scenic regions. Dirt track is perhaps a more suitable expression than 'road', and the only vehicles that can get up and down are Indian built 4WDs that rattle and shake as rocks and dust slip about beneath the tyres. The drivers are cowboys, young guns with hip-hop Hindi music blaring and their hair tied back with a bandanna. Travel photography demands you get off the beaten track at every opportunity, and that sometimes means trading comfort for adventure. It's a bumpy ride in the 4WDs to reach towns like Kagbeni, but once you've arrived the camera is entertained with snow-capped peaks, goat herdsmen and the charms of Tibetan people. This is the lower edge of the Upper Mustang, where Nepal meets Tibet. Getting to Kagbeni requires some careful planning and I tailor the tours with a slow transition through the altitude, adjusting to the thinner air and getting in a few early starts to watch the sunrise. It's icy cold in the Spring

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Th e A r t o f Tr a v e l P h o t o g r a p h y

mornings, the preferred time of year for clear skies and quiet villages. One of my highlights along this journey has been watching the first light on the peaks of Nilgiri and knowing we are the only people in town who've noticed. Further up the road we reach Muktinath, a holy destination of immense significance to the Hindus. Pilgrims walk from Northern India just to dip their head in the holy waters of this temple. Buddhists also have a connection here, and the hillsides around the complex are layered with prayer flags in all directions. Chorten make silhouettes against the sky and prayer flags flutter in the wind. This is our highest point on the tour, and high enough to feel the effects of altitude sickness if you didn't take it slowly. Go slow is one of the core philosophies for my photographic adventures. Slow is good, slow leads to better photos. When you rush about trying to shoot everything there is a danger of capturing nothing. Going slow means taking a moment to reflect on your inspiration, having a chance to connect with local people and cultivating your own expression with your photography. To me the camera is like a paint brush, and in the hands of different people it will tell differ-

Get Packing Ewen Bell’s Nepal Photography Tour is a 16-day adventure taking place in February each year and costs $4300 per person with all meals and internal flights included. Visit www. ewenbell.com for details. Other itineraries include China, Bhutan, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Australia.

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ent stories. Every act of photography is an act of expression, and I try to help our travellers find better ways to express themselves. This is why small groups matter so much, so I have the time to share my time with everyone who travels in my group. Too many photographers in one place is also a problem, frightening off the subject matter and creating competition between cameras. My definition of a small group is just 8. Small is good. Sharing two weeks with a group of likeminded people, and sharing my experience and ideas is one of the most rewarding ways to travel. For two weeks all we talk about is pho-

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tography, debating philosophies and discovering new perspectives. Coming to grips with the power of wide-angle photography, discovering new ways to compose images with a shallow depth of field or just gaining some confidence when approaching strangers are all opportunities to expand your camera skills. Muktinath is our turning point for the Nepal tour, and sitting above the temples with prayer flags around me I am mindful that we begin heading back to Kathmandu from here on. It's always a little sad when journeys come to an end, sad to be closer to saying goodbye to new friends and sad to return to the real world that waits for us at home. Travel can be bit-

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ter-sweet, and the better the travel the more reluctant we are for the journey to end. Fortunately our moments will live on in the photos. Every image will take on a new life as we share them online, print them in books or publish them in magazines. Being on a photography tour is an experience that lasts a lifetime. By Ewen Bell Ewen Bell is an award-winning photographer from Australia who leads photographic tours across Asia. He is also a contributor to the travel media in Australia, and publishes a website with free advice for photographers who enjoy travel. http://www.photographyfortravellers.com

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Quick Tips – How to Take Good Travel Photos When photographing people, there are some things to pay attention to: General

Know your camera well before setting out on an important trip – you may not be able to repeat it! Know the characteristics of your film – it “sees” things differently from you! Being able to predict those differences helps prevent unpleasant surprises. Try to choose the best light for your subject and make the best use of the light you have.

Respect other cultures. Try to blend in as much as possible. We wouldn’t like a foreign photographer to intrude in our homes or disturb a church service after all... Try learning a bit of the language. Even a few phrases may go a long way – in many countries people do not expect foreigners to do so, but are pleasantly surprised as this shows that you really take an interest. By the way: this may result in new contacts, prices may drop and you may be able to get the consent for a picture more easily. Read up on your destination. Use web forums, newsgroups etc. to get some first-hand information and travel tips. A very good way of finding some scenic spots not mentioned in the major guide books. Composition

Position your subject outside the centre, think about the “rule of thirds”. Learn more about the rules of composition. Experiment with breaking those rules. Eliminate unnecessary clutter. Check the background before pressing the shutter, especially for portraits. Get your horizon straight. You will see even small deviations from a straight line. Not everything has to be sharp in a picture. Try to concentrate on the main elements by reducing depth of field, especially if you have an interesting subject in the foreground (e.g. portraits) For good reasons, wide-angle lenses are often used for landscapes. However, this makes

Travel

Bring enough film and batteries (for the camera and other items like an external flash). It may be difficult to obtain your favourite film on the road and it may have been stored incorrectly. Make a list of items you want to bring with you well before travelling and check that you have everything well before leaving. On flights, never check in film with your main luggage. Before photographing people, make sure that they do not object. This is not only polite – it often results in better photos. Februar y, 2011

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Th e A r t o f Tr a v e l P h o t o g r a p h y

light of midday and overcast skies can create very special atmospheres that will also look more “unusual” as most photographers just put away their cameras at this time... Equipment

it especially important to look for something interesting in the foreground. For portraits, tele lenses usually are best. You may need a different film to produce natural skin colours. Choosing a different angle can hide or pronounce physical characteristics. Get close. The face is the most important part of your subject. A portrait will usually be much more impressive and personal as a close-up. Showing the whole body rarely is necessary. When shooting at night, use a tripod and a cable release or the self timer. A flashlight can be very handy for checking the setup and Februar y, 2011

changing film etc. If you do not have a tripod with you, try to use an elevated object like a wall instead. When in doubt, bracket (take several shots with different exposures), especially when using slide film which is much more unforgiving of wrong exposures than print material. Try to shoot mainly in the morning and evening as the light usually is better for most subjects. In less perfect weather conditions, you may find subjects that look actually more interesting than on a sunny day. Rain, fog, the harsh

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A tripod is very useful for low-light situations and when using a strong tele-photo lens. A flash can be more helpful in broad daylight (as fill flash) than at night. Remember that the inbuilt camera flash will have a range of only a few meters. When using filters, always take an unfiltered version of the picture as well (except for UV or daylight filters). A polarising filter can eliminate reflections or enhance saturation. A neutral density grey filter covering the bright parts of a picture can help reduce contrast. A good lens is more important than a camera with many features. Looking at your pictures

If you buy very expensive photo equipment but then print your images on a cheap printer, you may not be doing them justice. The lens of a slide projector is as important for the perceived image quality as is the lens of your camera. The same goes for prints, computer monitors and even the canvas you use for a slide show. By Laurenz Bobke http://www.travelphoto.net

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Taking Interesting “I Was Here!” Shots

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don’t have to check your teeth for food either as the camera is not right in front of your face. Xshot and Quickpod are two of the more popular brands. Set the Camera Down

Not every shot has to be held so close! It’s ok to put the camera down (if you’re not worried about someone swiping it) on just about anything. It often helps to place a coat, soft bag or something squishy under the camera so you can reposition it as needed. Use the live view feature on the LCD to make sure everyone is in the shot (as a tall person, I have been chopped off more than once in these scenarios). Use the self timer, they’ve been standard on most cameras for decades. Newer cameras also have the possibility of using a remote control which gives you ultimate control if the crowd you’re with gets unruly. Be Goofy, Pose!

Let’s spice things up a bit! Not every photo of you during a trip needs to be taken while holding the camera at arms length with various national monuments in the upper right corner of the screen. Here are some options for spicing things up a little. Extend Your Reach

You might have seen them around. They go by different names but all accomplish the Februar y, 2011

same task. They are those, how do I describe them…”arm extenders”. The telescoping poles with a camera mount, perfect for point and shoot units, that allow for a better composed picture. Placing the camera further away from your body allows more of the background to show up. Instead of your head being half of the screen and the Eiffel Tower taking up 1/12th, you can create a more fun, exciting composition showing more of the city. The bonus is you

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Have fun! Well, that is, if you’re having fun. Chances are you want to memorialize your location, and the fact that you were there, because it’s something you enjoy. Show that! Pose. Show off. Grab a stranger and bring them into the shot (as long as they’re friendly!). Liven it up! Grab a prop if something is near by. Anything will do. A wig, a dog, previous vice-presidential candidates. Anything to cause confusion for your viewing audience back home. It’s a digital camera after all, if you don’t like the shot just delete it and shoot another. Speaking of which….

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Multiple Shots

One popular application for the iPhone is called Photobooth. It works like the classic photobooths still around in many malls, arcades and carnivals. Drop you coins in the slot, step inside and Poof! Poof! Poof! Poof! Four shots in rapid succession. The iPhone app does the same thing and can be a lot of fun. And most people don’t know their regular digital camera can do the same! A number of newer cameras have this feature built into the auto-timer setting. Scroll through the menus

and the camera will allow you to choose the number of photos you wish to take on selftimer mode, sometimes as many as ten. Some cameras even have the option to start taking the photo when they detect your face is in the picture, making the mad sprint from camera to pose a thing of the past. Check your manual, you might have this feature and not even know it! Climb On Stuff

There’s an illustrious tradition in rock and mountain climbing of being the first person up

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a peak. Or the first person to rock climb a particular route to the top. I was paging through the photos of my fellow rock climber, Bill Urbanski, that he took on a recent roadtrip and began to notice a theme; at every state border sign he not only stopped for the photo, but he also decided to climb to the top. Now, mind you, Bill is an experienced rock climber, so I wouldn’t suggest attempting this dangerous sport unless you have some type of coordination, or you’re crazy like Bill. But coupling this technique with the face recognition self timer makes for some fun photos of his “first ascents”. He hopes to have all 50 done soon but I’m not so sure there is a tall sign for Hawaii. Don’t tell him that. “I was here!” doesn’t have to be boring and repetitive. It can be lively and fun, especially for those back home who will be paging through your 400 images of Rome when you return. Give them something to remember! By Peter West Carey Peter West Carey is a world traveler who loves sharing his experiences and knowledge at photography workshops, through photo presentations and photo tours. http://www.digital-photography-school.com

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Bonjour Vahza – Photographing Madagascar’s Countryside There are a few ways to see all that Madagascar has to offer. Each method presents its own unique experiences as well as challenges. The conveyances you use to get around depend strongly on your time constraints, your comfort level in unusual situations, and the overall goal of your trip to Madagascar. Traveling the Country – The Basics:

The cheapest and most rustic way to see Madagascar would involve hopping on a taxi-brusse and spending hours on the road shoulder-toshoulder with people, pigs and chickens (and turkeys, ducks, etc). Although you’d get some stories, meet some people (as well as have a character-building opportunity), you will have a hard time getting photos. These bush taxis are on a schedule that doesn’t including stopping for grand scenics. If you are seeking to experience Madagascar rather than just photograph it – and you speak French – this is your best option. I look forward to reading your article on traveling through Madagascar on a shoestring while quietly marveling at your selfreliance. If it is your first time exploring a developing nation, or if your French language skills are non-existent, a guided tour is probably your best choice. Transportation, guides, food, and Februar y, 2011

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lodging will all be taken care of which leaves you to focus on photography – and gigantic spiders! A guided tour does mean that you’ll miss some opportunities. You are forced to abide by someone else’s timetable and this can be problematic if you’re the only “serious” photographer on the tour. By doing a little research and asking pointed questions you can find a guide service that is both flexible and willing to cater to your specific photographic needs. Do you speak fluent French? Do you laugh at the thought of armed cattle rustlers “sharing” your rice for a strip of zebu pulled from a dirty backpack? If you’ve answered yes then another travel option presents itself. Hiring a dedicated vehicle with a driver/guide is an excellent way to get off the beaten path. The flexibility you’ll gain in having a vehicle all to yourself is hard to beat. When hiring a vehicle a decent four-wheel drive is a must. Madagascar’s roads turn to vast expanses of red mud during the rainy season – late November to March – and no amount of pushing will set you free once stuck. Costs for a rental with driver run $50 to $100 USD a day. You’ll need to pay for diesel, which can be quite expensive, so make sure you’ve got enough money before leaving the city. Larger towns might have banks to exchange money if you run short while on safari. The rates at these establishments are less favorable than in the capital and you’ll need to budget one to two hours for waiting in line. If you forgo traveling with a tour for the freedom of self-directed exploration you’ll need to plan ahead for accommodation. Many of the travel books (Lonely Planet, Bradt Travel Februar y, 2011

Guides, etc.) have suggestions for lodgings and can be a great help in finding accommodation in a pinch. A mosquito net or travel tent for sleeping indoors is a necessity. Take your malaria medications. Cerebral malaria occurs in Madagascar and getting it isn’t a story you’ll get to share with friends. Generally your driver will insist on sleeping in or near the car. This is often company policy to prevent theft of the vehicle while other times it is just driver preference. Regardless of where

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your driver sleeps never, ever, leave anything in the car overnight. If you’ve an overdeveloped sense of decency, most hotels will have driver rooms available at a reduced rate. Developing a Plan:

Now here comes the big question – “What would you like to photograph?” Exotic animals? Rare flowers? Scenic landscapes of the desert, rainforest, and sandy beaches? Colo-

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Th e A r t o f Tr a v e l P h o t o g r a p h y

“Les baobabs amoureux” – two large baobabs intertwined in a lovers’ embrace. Madagascar’s southwest is home to the Sakalava and Vezo people. Traditionally these groups have depended on the sea for their survival and at sunrise, villagers take their canoes and outriggers out towards traditional fishing grounds. During the harsh light of mid-day it might be best to focus your photography on the details of island life. Local fish markets, families mending fishing nets and the distinctive and colourful Vezo and Mahafaly tombs present some wonderful opportunities. Later in the day, palm trees with long white sand beaches render classic sunset images. The East Coast:

nial history, pirate history, or a mix of African and Indonesian cultures? Don’t worry – Madagascar has you covered. I’m a plan kind of guy. Even if it is a loosely assembled list of towns or regions, I like to have an idea of where, when and how. Dividing Madagascar into three broad areas with Antananarivo as your base will help you plan your photographic tour. Madagascar is a large island and if you decide to travel by car you’ll be at least a day away from anything. Flying is an option but can be expensive and unreliable, Februar y, 2011

a wonderful combination when you are on a schedule. The Dry Southwest:

The southwest of Madagascar offers exotic flora, lemurs, wonderful bird watching and the fishing culture of Madagascar’s Sakalava and Vezo people. The large coastal city of Morondava is a good starting place for finding the iconic images from this region. Nearby you’ll find the “Avenue of the Baobabs” and

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With the Indian Ocean lapping at its beaches, the east coast of Madagascar is significantly wetter than the dry and spiny forests of the southwest. Along with this difference in humidity comes a change in topography. The long meandering rivers and large flood plains are replaced by steep escarpments and quickly flowing rivers. The east coast has large areas of forest as many areas are too steep to cultivate. Stands of bamboo and palms are common on the road from Antananarivo to the coast. A short drive east of Tana is Analamzaotra Special Reserve and the National Park of Andasibe-Mantadia; also known as Perinet to the ex-pats. Lemurs, including the world’s largest lemur – the Indri, birds and reptiles present photographic opportunities here. While the wide-open spaces of the southwest provided too much light, the rainforests of the east coast

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can be thick and dim (much like me). You’ll need to be working with a high ISO and fast lenses to capture the wildlife here. Flora and macro enthusiasts will find enough subjects to keep them busy as well. Remember to bring your off camera flash to freeze the action and give your images sufficient depth of field. If the thoughts of Andasibe-Mantadia and Analamzaotra whet your appetite for wildlife photography, a trip to Ranomafana National Park is a must. A day’s drive from Tana, Ranomafana is one of the best known destinations in Madagascar for ecotourism. Lemurs, reptiles, birds, and butterflies can be found amongst sweeping vistas, tumbling rapids and rain – lots of rain. Madagascar is nothing if not challenging photographically. During your time in Madagascar you’ll either be trying to keep your gear free from dust or dry. Although zip-lock bags will work, upgrading to a dedicated protective cover (Kata Elements Cover or something similar) will give you more piece-of-mind. In relation to replacing a camera body, such covers are relatively cheap. Changing lenses is another matter and there is no foolproof solution. Carrying an extra body is always recommended for long trips. Equip it with your second favorite lens to minimize lens changes and

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help reduce dust spots. If you need to switch lenses just remember to turn your camera body off first – nothing attracts dust like a fully charged sensor. The Northern Reaches of Madagascar:

Last but not least, are the northern reaches of Madagascar. If you’ve been waiting for me to mention underwater photography you’re in luck. The northwest is wonderful for diving and snorkeling, especially around the large island of Nosy Be. Whale Sharks, Manta Rays, coral reefs, and if you dive deep enough, Coelacanth can all be seen off this coast of Madagascar. If undersea adventure isn’t really your “cup of tea” don’t fear, there are plenty of landbased opportunities. The Masoala (Mawshwhawl) peninsula on the northeast coast is Madagascar’s largest protected area. Lemurs and tropical birds inhabit the rainforest found on this large appendix of land dangling out into the Indian Ocean. During the Austral Winter humpback whales visit the Bay of Antongil to breed and give birth to young. Nearby is Nosy Mangabe, one of the best places to find the nocturnal Aye Aye–certainly one of the strangest looking mammals on the planet.

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Th e A r t o f Tr a v e l P h o t o g r a p h y Coconut Rum:

After a week or two on the road, it is finally time to reward yourself for stepping outside your comfort zone. Madagascar has some of the best sugar cane rum in the world. Vanilla and lychee flavoured are both very good – but my money is on the good old fashioned Coconut Rum. Be daring one more time and find the homemade concoction sold in old water bottles. It looks cloudy and mysterious and the bottles are always a little sticky, but if you’re so inclined it is glorious stuff. Find yourself a beach, put down that camera, and take a little time to watch the world go by. You’re no longer a Vahza in Madagascar – you’ve gone Gasy. (text shortened)

Photos: Author By Aleksei Saunders After stints as a whale trainer, mechanical engineer, and fisheries consultant Alex Saunders arrived at the Denver Zoo in the mid 90’s. Photography has been a constant thread throughout Alex’s many careers; a passion he pursues along many paths and genres. A display of his work from Madagascar can be found on his conservation website http://www.madagascarfish.org/gallery.html. http://www.travelphotographers.net

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Accessible World of Travel

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Disabled Travel in Europe – Your First Trip

You may have taken a few trips with your disability, and now you’re up for taking a trip to Europe. How difficult will it be? Where can you find accessible hotels? Are the tourist attractions wheelchair accessible? Are the busses, trains, and taxis accessible? Februar y, 2011

There are several issues to consider before taking your first disabled trip to Europe. Perhaps the most important is deciding on a destination. If you have a disability, your best options for a first trip to Europe are London or Berlin. Paris, Rome, and Venice

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are less accessible but can be visited in a wheelchair. The top accessible European destinations, London and Berlin, have plenty of accessible sights to see, and minimal language barriers for English speakers. Both cities were heavily bombed during World War II and now have few cobblestones, and many hotels are housed in modern buildings with accessible entrances and bathrooms. London and Berlin both have very few hills as well as building code accessibility standards that have resulted in almost all of the tourist attractions being wheelchair accessible. When visiting London, there’s at least two weeks worth of attractions to see. Most museums have excellent accessibility including the British Museum, the National Gallery, the Cabinet War Rooms, the Tate Modern, and the Imperial War Museum. The most popular churches, Westminster Abbey and St. Paul’s Cathedral, are both accessible to disabled tourists. Wheelchair users are able to get great views of the city from the London Eye or one of the boat tours departing near Westminster Bridge. The Tower of London is minimally accessible with about 80% of it requiring ascending stairs and the other 20% of it requiring going over cobblestones. Getting around London in a wheelchair is quite easy with essentially all of the busses having wheelchair ramps and a fleet of accessible taxis. Every taxi has a ramp, and wheelchair users can stay in their chair. Berlin is another accessible European city, and perhaps the best destination in the world

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for 20th century history. Numerous historical locations can be visited in a wheelchair including the Berlin Wall, the Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag, and Checkpoint Charlie. Excellent accessible museums also exist in Berlin including the German History Museum, the Gemäldergalerie art museum, the Jewish Museum, the Pergamon Museum, the Egyptian Museum, and the Museum of the Wall at Checkpoint Charlie. Most public bus lines are accessible and the #100 and #200 lines are particularly useful for tourists. A majority of U-Bahn stations are accessible via elevators. Other popular European destinations are not as accessible as London and Berlin. The center of Paris is primarily made up of 19th century buildings, and many museums and hotels are housed in these old buildings with few being made fully accessible. Fully accessible museums include the Musée d’Orsay, the Pompidou Centre, Sainte-Chapelle, the Jewish Art and History Museum, and Les Invalides. Several other tourist attractions have certain areas that are not accessible including the Eiffel Tower, Musée Rodin, Notre-Dame, the Marmottan Monet Museum, and the Carnavalet Museum. The Louvre Museum is accessible but requires navigating a maze of elevators and wheelchair lifts. The Arc de Triomphe, the Cluny Museum, and the Panthéon have many steps without wheelchair ramps. Surprising to many people, Venice can be visited in a wheelchair. Wheelchair users will not be able to visit all parts of the city, but several accessible neighborhoods can be visited by using the vaparetto boats to travel between neighborhoods. The height difference between Februar y, 2011

the dock and the boat is generally less than the height of a curb. Disabled travelers should do a good bit of research before visiting Venice. Rome is called the city of seven hills for a reason. Many Roman streets and sidewalks have inclines to them, and many Roman plazas have cobblestones. Some sidewalks near the Spanish Steps and the Borghese gardens would be very difficult for wheelchair users to ascend. Historical ruins including the Roman Forum and Colosseum can be visited by disabled tourists, while several other ruins including the Palatine Hill are inaccessible. The Vatican complex is generally accessible and, like all tourists,

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you can avoid time standing in line by taking a guided tour. Accessible bus and subway lines in Rome are few. While accessibility challenges exist in Europe, disabled travelers can certainly enjoy accessible holidays throughout Europe. Be sure to do the proper accessibility research before your trip or hire a disabled travel agent who specializes in accessible holidays. Afterwards, you can arrive knowing what challenges may be in your path and how to get around them. Bon voyage! By John Sage http://www.SageTraveling.com

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Avila: The Access City of 2011

Avila, a Spanish city known for its medieval walls, won the first-ever European award for improving access for people with disabilities. The European Commission awarded Avila in December the Access City Award 2011. The annual honour aims to award efforts to improve accessibility in the urban environment and to foster equal participation of people with disabilities. The Commission praised Avila’s plan, developed since 2002, to improve accessibility to public buildings and to give incentives for private initiatives. It has also developed accessible tourism facilities and improved job opportunities for people with disabilities – working directly with disabled and elderly people's organisations. Commission Vice-President Viviane Reding, the EU’s Justice Commissioner, and Her Februar y, 2011

Royal Highness Princess Astrid of Belgium presented the award at a ceremony in Brussels on the occasion of the European Day of People with Disabilities (3 December). It is one of the actions under the Commission's new strategy for a barrier-free Europe for disabled people. "I would like to congratulate Avila and the other finalist cities for their commitment to a barrier-free urban environment," said VicePresident Viviane Reding, the EU’s Justice Commissioner. "People with disabilities have the same rights as everyone else, but accessibility is a precondition for them to enjoy those rights. That is why we have placed it at the centre of our strategy for building a barrier-free Europe. The Access City Award gives recognition to those cities which have shown the most effort to improving accessibility. This honour should inspire and motivate cities that still have more progress to make." The Access City Award aims to promote accessibility initiatives in European cities. It recognises efforts and achievements in improving accessibility in four main areas: the built environment and public spaces; transport and related infrastructures; information and communication (including information and communication technologies); and public facilities and services. The European jury selected Avila because of its comprehensive plan, the high level of political commitment, the progress achieved so far, and the effective involvement of people with disabilities in the process.

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The Commission launched the competition for the first Access City Award in July 2010. EU cities with over 50,000 people, of which there are just over 1000, could submit applications. The Commission reviewed 66 eligible applications from 19 Member States. A Europe-wide jury then selected four finalists: Avila, Barcelona (Spain), Cologne (Germany) and Turku (Finland). The other three finalists have also developed comprehensive plans to address accessibility in the competition’s four areas: Barcelona follows a “design for all” approach to improving accessibility with a strong focus on the built environment and transport facilities, including accessible ticketing machines designed with the involvement of disabled people.

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Cologne has shown a strong political commitment to improving accessibility since 2004, involving a wide range of city departments with clear responsibilities and extensive coordination, including special training for designers in city departments and building supervision employees. Turku's comprehensive accessibility programme constitutes an effective strategy

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with a strong involvement of people with disabilities for a smaller historical city confronted with challenging conditions for accessibility, particularly in the built environment. http://www.accesscityaward.eu http://europa.eu

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Tourism New Zealand Is Still Ignoring the Older Market Tourism New Zealand, which markets NZ to the world, continues to ignore the older market. At least, that is what it seems like on looking at the three videos being used in their latest marketing campaign (“100% Pure You”) in Australia. The videos feature three young women, a young couple, and a young father with his son. Not a silver hair in sight. This in spite of the fact that according to the research figures of Access Tourism New Zealand, almost 50% of visitors in and to New Zealand are 45 and older. It is also in spite of the fact that the demographic reality is that populations are ageing worldwide. In Australia for example, NZ’s most important international market and the one this campaign is initially aimed at, the only age group increasing is that of people 65 or older, Baby Boomers are turning 65 at the rate of 200,000 a year, and the population over 65 is predicted to double over the next 40 years. And it is older Australians who are predicted by social researchers to be the ones who will spend on travel. In caravan parks around the country they are known as the SKI Club – Spending the Kids’ Inheritance – and their vans have bumper stickers saying exactly that. In fact, in a 2009 report informing the Australian national long-term tourism strategy, it is predicted that to 2030, the only source of Februar y, 2011

increased domestic tourism activity will be in the 50+ age group, and the only increase in dollar value will be in the 60+ age group. Why is New Zealand not targeting this growing demographic by having at least some older models in the video promotions released in Australia? Tourism New Zealand intends to broaden this campaign to other countries. Populations are ageing in our other traditional target markets also. In the UK for example, it is estimated that the population of those 65 or older will grow from 16% currently to 23% by 2034, while in the USA, more than 7000 will turn 65 every day for the next 20 years. In Japan, the population over 65 is currently 22% or about 27 million, those aged 61 to 63 number 18 million (Invest Japan), and ageing in Japan is happening at a greater rate than elsewhere (Reuters). The mean and median age in years is about 44.5 (IPSS). According to an article in the Nikkei last year, Japanese aged 60-70 are emerging as an important source of economic vitality, as they are proving to be active spenders keen on making the most of their post-retirement years (Silver Group Asia). Data clearly shows that older consumers are more eager to spend than those younger than them. Even in markets that Tourism New Zealand has only recently begun to turn their attention

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to, like China and South America, populations are ageing. When will New Zealand begin to consistently appeal to the older demographic in these markets by at least showing them in its promotions? Surely it is an economic imperative to do so in order to maintain a sustainable tourism industry. By Sandra Rhodda Director, Access Tourism New Zealand, and Research Programme Leader Access Tourism, New Zealand Tourism Research Institute, Auckland University of Technology http://www.accesstourismnz.org.nz

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press release services

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Disability: EU Promises 'Accessibility Act' in 2012 European Commission Vice-President Viviane Reding told MEPs at the beginning of January that she will present a proposal for a 'European Accessibility Act' before the end of 2012. This new legislation is seen by the Commission as a key element of the European Disability Strategy, which was unveiled last year. The EU executive is getting ready to launch a major study that will identify and analyse the barriers which prevent people with disabilities from making full use of public buildings, transport and all kinds of services. The results of this study will provide the basis for developing new EU legislation on accessibility standards. Vice-President Reding spoke about the overall goals and scope of the 'European Accessibility Act' when she addressed a special meeting of the Disability Intergroup in the European Parliament, which took place in Brussels. The meeting was attended by MEPs and by organisations representing people with disabilities. "I will work hard to get all the actors on board to make sure that products and services, public buildings and spaces become more accessible to all our citizens, and to this end we will launch a study to identify the issues at stake," promised Reding. "Based on this study I will propose an accessibility act in 2012. I know that I can count on Februar y, 2011

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eTHICAL

Background According to official statistics, 80 million people in the European Union (or one out of every six citizens) are affected by some kind of disability. The EU Directive on ‘equal treatment in employment and occupation’ entered into force on 2 December 2000, and makes it illegal for employers to discriminate against people with disabilities.

the European Parliament to support this crucial issue," she said. Challenges and Opportunities

Currently there are some 80 million people with various kinds of disabilities in the European Union, but this number is expected to increase in the coming years, mainly as a result of the growing proportion of older citizens in the population. Reding is determined that the EU should try to be a world leader in developing products and services that are accessible to people with disabilities. "Europe should become an exporter of those goods and services," she said. The vice-president believes this is important not just for ensuring fundamental rights and equal opportunities, but also as a way of creating jobs and growth by taking advantage of growing market opportunities.

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To make the most of these opportunities, the Commission will develop common standards for ICT (information and communication technologies), the built environment and product design. Reding hopes that it will be possible to agree on common standards not only at European level, but also in cooperation with other major players in the global economy. "We should work with our partners on other continents in order to get global standards being put in place," said Reding. "We have already started to do so with the United States, and with other partners at international level, and in the end we hope that will bring coherence into our standards." The Commission vice-president cited progress made in the USA under the provisions of the 'Americans with Disabilities Act', which has been in force since 1990. "I think we should

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learn from this positive experience and go ahead in Europe too," she said. New Legal Framework

Reding noted that the Lisbon Treaty provides a legal basis for main-streaming disability issues into other policies, and also gives a legal status to the EU’s Charter of Fundamental Rights. In this new framework, the Commission is obliged to make sure that the needs of people with disabilities are taken into account during the development and implementation of all EU policies and legislation. Another important development is that the European Union has recently concluded the process of ratifying the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. This is the first comprehensive human rights treaty to be ratified by the EU as a whole. Reding explained that the Commission will be responsible for coordinating and monitoring the implementation of the UN Convention at the level of the European Union, in cooperation with the other EU institutions and also with the member states. All the EU's 27 member states have signed the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and most of them (16) have already ratified it. http://www.euractiv.com

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Ocean Cruising Getting Small-Scale

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Cruising Alaska – Small Ships and Big Adventure After choosing your itinerary, picking the right ship is the number-one factor in ensuring you get the vacation you're looking for. Cruise ships in Alaska range from small adventuretype vessels to resort-like megaships, with the cruise experience varying widely depending on the type of ship you select. There are casual cruises and luxury cruises; educational cruises where you attend lectures and cruises where you attend musical reviews; adventureoriented cruises where hiking, kayaking, and exploring remote areas are the main activities; and resort-like cruises where aqua therapy and mud baths are the order of the day. You'll need to decide what overall cruise experience you want. Itinerary and type of cruise are even more important than price. After all, what kind of bargain is a party cruise if what you're looking for is a quiet time? Your fantasy vacation may be someone else's nightmare, and vice versa. Unlike the Caribbean, which generally attracts people looking to relax in the sun, people who want to spend all their time scuba diving and snorkeling, and people who want to party till the cows come home, visitors to Alaska usually all have a different goal: They want to experience Alaska's glaciers, forests, wildlife, and other natural wonders. The cruise lines all recognize this, so almost any option you choose will allow you opportunities to see what you've Februar y, 2011

come for. The main question, then, is how you want to see those sights. Do you want to be down at the waterline, seeing them from the deck of an adventure vessel, or do you want to see them from a warm lounge or, even better, from your own private veranda?

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Big ships operating in Alaska vary in size and scope, and include everything from a classic cruise ship to really, really big and really new megaships. They all offer a comfortable cruising experience, with virtual armies of service employees overseeing

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your well-being and ship stabilizers assuring smooth sailing. The size of these ships may keep Alaska's wildlife at a distance (you'll probably need binoculars to see the whales), but they offer plenty of deck space and comfy lounge chairs to sit in as you take in the gorgeous mountain and glacier views and sip a cup of coffee or cocoa. Due to their deeper drafts, the big ships can't get as close to the sights as the smaller ships, and they can't visit the more pristine fjords, inlets, and narrows. However, the more powerful engines on these ships do allow them to visit more ports during each trip – generally popular ports where your ship may be one of several, and where shopping for souvenirs is a main attraction. Some of the less massive ships in this category may also visit alternative ports, away from the typical tourist crowds. Regardless of the port's size, the big-ship cruise lines put a lot of emphasis on shore excursions, which allow you to more closely explore different aspects of Alaska – nature, Native culture, and so on. Dispersing passengers to different locales on these shore trips is a must. When 2,000 passengers disembark on a small Alaska town, much of the ambience goes out the window – on particularly busy days, when several ships are in port, there may actually be more cruise passengers on the ground than locals. Due to the number of people involved, disembarkation can be a lengthy process. Carrying upwards of 2,000 passengers, the megaships look and feel like floating resorts. Big on glitz, they offer loads of activities, attract many families (and, especially in Alaska, many Februar y, 2011

seniors), offer many public rooms (including fancy casinos and fully equipped gyms), and provide a wide variety of meal and entertainment options, and though they'll usually feature one or two formal nights per trip, the ambience is generally casual. The Alaska vessels of the Carnival, Celebrity, Princess, and Royal Caribbean fleets all fit in this category, as do most of the Alaska ships in the Holland America and Norwegian fleets.

Just as big cruise ships are mostly for people who want every resort amenity, small or alternative ships are best suited for people who prefer a casual, crowd-free cruise experience that gives passengers a chance to get up close and personal with Alaska's natural surroundings and wildlife. Thanks to their smaller size, these ships, carrying fewer than 150 passengers can go places

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that larger ships can't, such as narrow fjords, uninhabited islands, and smaller ports that cater mostly to small fishing vessels. Due to their shallow draft (the amount of ship below the waterline) they can nose right up to sheer cliff faces, bird rookeries, bobbing icebergs, and cascading waterfalls that you can literally reach out and touch. Also, sea animals are not as intimidated by these ships, so you may find yourself having a rather close encounter with a humpback whale, or watching other sea mammals bobbing in the ship's wake. The decks on these ships are closer to the waterline, too, giving passengers a more intimate view than from the high decks of the large cruise ships. Some of these ships stop at ports on a daily basis like the larger ships, and some avoid ports almost entirely, exploring natural areas instead. They also have the flexibility to change their itineraries as opportunities arise – say, to go where whales have been sighted, and to linger a while once a sighting's been made. The alternative ship experience comes with a sense of adventure, although it's usually adventure of a soft rather than a rugged sort, and offers a generally casual cruise experience: There are no dress-up nights, the food may be rather simply prepared, and because there are so few public areas to choose from – usually only one or two small lounges – camaraderie tends to develop more quickly between passengers on these ships than aboard larger vessels, which can be as anonymous as a big city. Cabins on these ships don't usually offer TVs or telephones and tend to be very small, and in some cases downright Spartan. Meals are generally served in a single open seating (meaning

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seats are not assigned), and dress codes are usually nonexistent. None of these ships offer exercise or spa facilities like you'll find on the big ships – your best exercise bet is usually a brisk walk around the deck after dinner – but may compensate by offering more active off-ship opportunities, such as hiking, fishing, crabbing or kayaking (on three of Glacier Bay Tours and Cruises' ships, stern launch platforms actually allow you to kayak right from the ship). The alternative ships are also more likely to feature expert lectures on Alaska-specific topics like marine

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biology, history, Native culture, and other intellectual pursuits. There are no stabilizers on most of these smaller ships, and the ride can be bumpy in open water—which isn't much of a problem on Inside Passage itineraries, since most of the cruising area is protected from sea waves. They are also difficult for travelers with disabilities, as only three (Cruise West's Spirit of '98 and Spirit of Oceanus and Clipper's Clipper Odyssey) have elevators. And the alternative ship lines do not offer specific activities or facilities for children, although you will find a few families on some of these vessels.

By George DeFilippo George De Filippo, owner of Alaska's Inside Passage Resorts has spent the fifteen years exploring Alaska. George enjoys sharing his 15 years of adventure travel experience with fellow adventurers. He has had the pleasure of being hosted by many of Alaska's top lodges and resorts. http://www.aipr.com http://ezinearticles.com

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O c e a n C r u i s i n g Ge t t i n g S m a l l- Sc a l e

Small-Ship Cruising on Canada's West Coast Study]ing a map of Canada's rugged Pacific Coast, it quickly becomes evident that the waters between cigar-shaped Vancouver Island and the British Columbia mainland include such a dense jumble of smaller islands that they should make perfect stepping stones without even getting wet feet! Well, not quite. However, this slim protected waterway between Vancouver Island and the mainland does create a concentrated corridor in which to witness many of the world's most remarkable marine mammals, birds and other sea life as they travel north or south. These waters are sometimes called the Serengeti Plains of the world's oceans, making it no exaggeration to say that this is one of the densest and most diverse marine habitats on the planet. Depending on the migration season and a bit of luck, it is possible to observe in just a few days dozens of whales and killer whales (Orcas), and hundreds of porpoises, sea lions and seals as well as bald eagles and other sea birds. Combine this abundance of nature and rugged wilderness scenery with an opportunity to learn about the colorful Aboriginal culture in the area, and you have a Mothership Adventures small-ship holiday (Mothershipadventures.com) irresistible for the adventure traveler with cultural and educational curiosity. Februar y, 2011

Under the ownership of husband and wife team, Ross and Fern Campbell, the classic wooden boat, Columbia III, is about as shipshape as any historical vessel could be. It started life in the mid-1950s as an Anglican Church missionary and medical relief ship serving small isolated logging and fishing settlements on the BC coast. After extensive restoration in the 1990s, the 68-foot/21meter Columbia III is today an all-weather cruiser, retaining its rich hardwoods and polished brass in the public rooms and on deck, but completely updated with state-ofthe art kitchen, and ultra-modern navigational and safety systems. Cabins are small and basic, with either en suite bathrooms or shared facilities, but virtually all waking shipboard time will be spent in the cozy lounge and dining area, in the wheelhouse with the skipper, or on deck chatting with guests and crew over a fresh coffee or glass of wine. On a small vessel with only a handful of guests, the daily itinerary can be very flexible, like the evening we heard from a fisherman over the ship's radio that some black and white Orcas were swimming south about an hour away. Though we had already tied up for the night at a government wharf, Captain Ross cast off for an unscheduled evening cruise to watch

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Columbia III is an historic BC Coastal vessel used by Mothership Adventures for multi-day nature and cultural tours. Photo credit: Alison Gardner

one male and four females for an hour, feeding and socializing as the sun set over the water. A highlight of a wilderness cruise! The majority of Mothership Adventures' multi-day departures between late May and the end of September focus on nature observation and ocean kayaking among the protected, evergreen islands. Columbia III is the kayaker "mothership". However, there are six cruise tours for participants in search of a little less physical activity and a little more grassroots education. Cruise tours last four to five days and are each accompanied by a specialist in their field. Scheduled for 2011 are a coastal history adventure, an illustrated journal keeping workshop, a photography tour, two different art-

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Zodiac excursions to a myriad of forested islands allow guests to explore some of the tallest forests in the world. Photo credit: Alison Gardner

ist-lead wilderness painting tours, and a First Nations (native) cultural tour. Led by Lillian Hunt, a respected First Nations tribal elder from the region, the cultural tour is a stimulating ship-based exploration with a unique story of a colorful, proud, and sometimes tragic heritage. In early July, Lillian offers this introduction to modern-day Aboriginal coastal communities as well as isolated island village sites, now largely deserted. In surprisingly few decades, many of these settlements are already returning to

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nature, swallowed by bush and rainforests of towering trees. My own choice of a Columbia III cruise in 2010 focused on nature and on the rich native heritage of Vancouver Island's northeast coast. Conversations with Lillian during many delicious, hearty meals and during our twice daily excursions into the watery wilderness often included environmental life lessons applicable on a global scale. We either piled into the ship's Zodiac to land on rocky island beaches for a forest walk or tied up to more accessible village wharves and visited outstanding First Nation museums showcasing both the heritage of many generations and the talented native artists today. In communities with a carved and painted ceremonial "Big House" decorated with the iconic totem poles of the region, ancient dances and songs were graciously shared by three generations of costumed men, women and children demonstrating a revival of culture that was almost lost in the 20th century. Such close appreciation of unspoiled nature and the intimate insights of a fragile traditional culture cannot be achieved on large ships with an abundance of guests. Such tours require the small scale of a Columbia III adventure where itineraries may be altered in pursuit of a spe-

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On a remote island, one multi-generational native family has built and artistically decorated their own ceremonial Big House, inside and out. Photo credit: Alison Gardner

cial moment and stepping stones offer many directions in a single day. 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

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Discover the World: Small Ship Cruising Tours Away. Isn’t that really where you want to go on vacation? Away from the usual experiences and the usual places. You may have caught glimpses of it from the railing of a big ships. Or out the window of a motorcoach. But truly finding away means sailing a course less traveled. You’ll find it below the shady palm trees of a faraway beach. In the welcoming smiles of villagers living on the banks of a small river. Or tucked under low bridges, on a canal built in the 1800s. They’re the kind of places the big ships can’t go. And the kind of places that change the way you see your world. They’re places you’ll only find aboard a small ship, on a course set for discovery. Sailing for a place called away. Authentic Experiences

There’s something about small ship cruising that brings out the explorer in you. And it usually starts the moment you slip into your first few ports, step off the ship, and take a look around. You notice that these places don’t seem to be bracing themselves for a crush of tourists. That people are out running errands. Living their normal lives. You’ll see the buildings, the swaying trees and the sky. And suddenly you'll realize that you’re not in the shadow of a huge cruise ship. Februar y, 2011

It’s the power of treading lightly. Of going beyond the usual tourist meccas. It’s exploration, the way it should be. Cruise small, and you’ll meet the locals. Not at a souvenir booth on a pier. But on their street. In their neighborhood. You’ll share a few laughs, and maybe even share lunch. They’re the kind of experiences you can only have when you get to know a place through its people.

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Small ship cruising means finding adventure in small towns. On isolated beaches. And in the friendships that always seem to form onboard. One dinner, one shared sunset, and one great conversation at a time. Because when you see the world on a small ship, you stop being a tourist, and start becoming an explorer. Is there any other way to travel?

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sible. On every corner of the map. Exploration that takes you to countless less-travelled ports, rivers, and small islands. Places unchanged by constant tourism. It's the difference between going to a place, and being in a place. And it makes all the difference in the world. Enjoy Onboard Life

Get Closer

Explore the nooks and crannies of your world. In many ways, the size of the ship is the most obvious feature of a small cruise adventure. But what does cruising on a smaller ship really mean for your vacation? In a word, it means freedom.The freedom to go where the big ships cannot. The freedom to steam down rivers, as carved wooden canoes drift alongside. The freedom to enter small harbors, tie up on a local dock, and head inland to explore. The freedom to find a small island, land on the beach and do some sunbathing, miles away from the crowds of tourists. All this freedom comes down to size. The big ships are really, really big, which puts big limits on where they can go. And when it comes time to dock, they only have a few places they can fit. That's why the big cruise lines all go to the same places, and their passengers all end up exploring the same ports. With small ships, the map of destinations opens up. Suddenly, real exploration is pos-

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Vacation experiences are better when you share them with someone. But let’s be honest, sometimes there can be a few too many someones around. Crowding the decks. Filling the dining room. Blocking the views. And that’s hardly getting “away”. When you take a small ship adventure everything's different. You’re joined by fewer than a hundred people. And more often than not, they’re people just like you. Curious. Casual. Adventurous. They’re looking for something more personal than the big ships can offer. Something more than deck after deck of strangers. Every part of your cruise is simply more personal. You’ll dine in a single sitting with an open seating plan, giving you the freedom to meet your fellow travelers. Want to go exploring in your own way? Just grab some snorkeling equipment, or sign up for kayaking or biking. It’s that simple. Simply put, small-ship cruising is a more personal way to vacation. So, when you share a corner of the top deck at sunset, you’re shar-

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ing it with a friend, not just another stranger among thousands. When you need something for your stateroom you ask Tina, not “housekeeping”. After all, when you share the fun with a few new friends, instead of the big crowds, you make any vacation better

http://blountsmallshipadventures.com

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Mega Ships: Asia Pacific Ready to Go Cruising

O c e a n C r u i s i n g Ge t t i n g S m a l l- Sc a l e

Royal Caribbean's Legend of the Seas, for example, has seen an annual growth rate of 150% in the number of Chinese passengers carried since 2008 according to the company. As of 2010, the cruise company operates nearly 27 cruises from the Chinese ports of Tianjin and Shanghai and 75%-80% of its passengers are Chinese. Race to Consolidate

The potential of the region is highly concentrated in China, which according to Euromonitor International ranked second globally in value sales terms in 2009, with US$ 4.6 billion, losing only to the US, with US$15.7 billion. In an attempt to capitalize on this market, Royal Caribbean and Carnival are investing aggressively in the region and developing the Chinese market from the inside by setting up local offices. To further consolidate its presence in the region, Carnival introduced a second vessel Asia Pacific has become a key growth market for the global cruise category. With a population of over 3.5 billion people and an increased desire to travel, the region presents enormous opportunities for growth in the medium to long term. Overall, the early stage of development of the cruise industry in the region is what appeals the most to cruise companies worldwide. The region resisted the 2008-2009 global financial crisis with a positive 3.6% real GDP growth rate in 2009 – positive albeit slower than the historical average. The Februar y, 2011

region's growth is driven by dynamic emerging economies such as China, India, Indonesia and Vietnam, whose real GDP growth rates all were above 4.0% in 2009. Global Cruise

The global cruise industry achieved sales of US$29.5 billion in 2009. North America continued leading value sales followed by Western Europe. Asia Pacific came in third with an 18% value share of the market and enormous potential for growth.

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Global Cruise Sales in US$ million Region 2009 Value % Market Share North America 16,705.7 56.7% Western Europe 5,996.9 20.3% Asia Pacific 5,393.3 18.3% Latin America 907.3 3.1% Australia 277.0 0.9% Eastern Europe 154.1 0.5% Middle East/Africa 50.5 0.2% TOTAL 29,484.8 100.0% Source: Euromonitor International

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Fast Developing Port Infrastructure

in China in 2009 – Costa Classica (1,302-passengers) – and substituted its Costa Allegra (784-passenger) with a much larger ship – Costa Romantica (1,356 double passenger occupancy). Since its debut in China back in 2006, Costa Cruises has invested a total of EUR50 million in Asia Pacific and increased five times its capacity with a total of 93 stops in Chinese ports in 2010. All of its ships sail from Shanghai, Tianjin, Hong Kong and Singapore with stops at world famous resorts in the region including Sanya (China), Halong Bay (Vietnam), De Nang (Vietnam), Okinawa (Japan), Kagoshima (Japan), Nagasaki (Japan), Fukuoka (Japan) and Cheju (South Korea). It is important to note, however, that local source markets are not the main driver for all ships and itineraries. Princess from Royal Caribbean often diversifies its itineraries for its repeat passengers coming from North America, Europe and even Australia. Februar y, 2011

As Asia Pacific gains space in the global cruise category, the region will see increased investment in port infrastructure, a critical factor to guarantee the delivery of exceptional service and compete against well-established cruising markets like North America and the Caribbean. Early in 2010, China inaugurated a new terminal in Tianjin, and in 2012 it will debut a second facility in Shanghai, boosting its capacity to handle eight cruise ships per day. Hong Kong and Singapore are also developing new port terminal facilities capable of handling ships as large as the Oasis class from Royal Caribbean. Pricing Advantage

The region will also benefit in terms of pricing in the short term. Although not ideal to cruise companies as it sacrifices operational margins, it is a great competitive advantage over the Caribbean and Europe. It is important to note, however, that as demand increases, prices are most likely to follow. Intra-Regional Flows

Also key for local tourists is to keep in mind that Hong Kong is the first choice of many Chinese mainland residents when they travel abroad, according to the Beijing office of the Hong Kong Tourism Board. More than 90% of over 8,000 netizens on the Chinese mainland surveyed late last year said Hong Kong is the very place they hope to visit the most. Mainland Chinese consumers are

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especially attracted to the wider selection of luxury goods in Hong Kong and the fact that Hong Kong has no sales tax, unlike mainland China. Luxury goods can be 10%-20% cheaper than they are on the mainland. All these factors combined are expected to turn Asia Pacific into the ultimate cruising destination, boosting tourism flows to and within the region, further enhancing economic development to the detriment of other destinations worldwide. By Lisandra Minussi (Travel and Tourism Analyst at Euromonitor International) http://www.euromonitor.com

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Advantages of Cruise Holidays on Small Ships

When looking at the news and main headlines about cruise holidays over the past few years, it appears that the most popular stories which constantly hit the headlines are always about bigger ships, or Mega ships or amazing activiFebruar y, 2011

ties you can do on-board ships due to their enormous size! Whilst for many cruisers, be it people new to cruising, or seasoned sea travellers, this is all very exciting, vessels more commonly referred

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to as Mega Ships, are not the only attraction to sea travel. It seems very unfair that smaller, and at times far more attractive, luxurious and intimate vessels are ignored as they seem less 'newsworthy' than their larger and you could say, more intimidating sister ships. Smaller ships come with a whole host of advantages of their own and these must not be ignored, by seasoned professionals or first time cruisers alike. Firstly, and for some, most importantly, a smaller ship means a smaller 'draft' which means the vessel does not need as deep water in ports. This opens up a whole host of additional destinations and itinerary options, for example, very few large ships can offer itinerary options to the beautiful island of Bermuda, or certain Caribbean or Mediterranean ports which are quieter and more off the beaten track. In addition, there are many ports world wide where smaller ships are able to pull right up to the dock and passengers can alight by foot as opposed to the lengthy process of tendering which means taking a smaller boat as a 'ferry' to get ashore. A great example of this would be in the South of France where larger ships dock outside of the beautiful port of Villefranche, passengers tender into port and then can spend time wandering around the pretty little town, take the train themselves along the coast to visit more famous destinations (although not necessarily any prettier!) of Monte Carlo, Eze or Nice or an organised shore excursion. However, if they chose a small ship itinerary, such as those offered by cruise lines like Azamara Club Cruises, they will literally be transported and delivered direct to shore. A couple of

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years ago, an Azamara vessel was even seen in Cannes, as part of the legendary Film Festival, because of her ability to literally 'park' right at the waterfront. This ability to get so close to shore also makes life and your holiday so much easier and hassle free and therefore so much more enjoyable. Also, small ships being able to sail right into port means that guests onboard can maximise their time ashore without the fear of missing the last tender and therefore the ship sailing without them. In addition, guests can expect to enjoy a more intimate atmosphere onboard, staff who will remember their names, their favou-

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rite tipple, if they want extra black pepper on their dinner and how they take their tea. There is also the added bonus that you will get to know other guests onboard, share experiences and make new and perhaps, life long friends. All in all, don't discount taking a cruise holiday on a smaller ship, for many, it can be a far more pleasurable experience to a mega giant vessel, and can offer the holiday experience of a lifetime! By Ian Gilder http://www.jetlinecruise.com http://ezinearticles.com

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Destination Inspiration: The Colorful Laos

Laos â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a country of stunning nature and resilient people. More and more tourists discover this landlocked Asian nation and its UNESCO sites, urban landmarks and unique shrines.

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In s p i r a t i o n : T h e C o l o r f u l L a o s

Laos – The Jewel of the Mekong A landlocked country nestled between Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, China and Myanmar; Laos is often overlooked on the generic tourist trip to South East Asia. This said, in the last few years more and more people are choosing Laos as their magical new destination, one of the few countries in the region that remains unspoilt by modern development, political tensions and pollution. A country where Buddhist beliefs and traditions are still genuinely practiced where more than 48 ethnic minorities with diverse dress and traditions can be seen authentically going about their daily routines and the last place that still truly feels like the romantic former Indochina. Luang Prabang is by far the most popular and fastest growing destination in Laos usually stealing the travelers’ heart upon arrival. Encircled by mountains and located between the Mekong and Nam Kham rivers the former royal capital and UNESCO World Heritage site features a majestic blend of gilded temples, decadent French colonial architecture and breathtaking natural scenery. It is resplendent of early 20th century Indochina and attracts a number of high end tourists due to its natural beauty, the many fine French restaurants, wine bars and deluxe boutique hotels. Luang Prabang is also a popular destination for those seeking nature and soft adventure with many activities such as kayaking, elephant riding, trekking and biking located nearby the town, not to forget the beautiful waterfalls and historic Pak Ou Caves. A great way to visit the Februar y, 2011

stunning temples and peaceful scenery is by environmentally friendly Electrical Bicycle. Tourists choosing to travel by land from Luang Prabang to the Laos capital of Vientiane usually opt to do so stopping overnight at either Vang Vieng or Phonsavan. Vang Vieng is a laid back town popular with backpackers and famous

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for tubing, bars and caves and set amongst a striking mountainous panorama. Phonsavan is home to the mysterious Plain of Jars, a huge archaeological complex covered by plenty 2000 year old stone jars sized from 70 cm up to 3 or 4 meters. Their origin is unknown, it seems that they were carved into boulders,

Destination

several researches lead by the French archaeologist Madeleine Colani in the 1930’s suggest that they could be old graves, but presently it stays an enigma. The Laos Capital itself is not hugely popular tourist destination but does offer some interesting activities for niche markets including an exploration into Buddhism and orchid trekking. Another choice destination is Pakse in the south, an interesting small town with some colonial and Chinese buildings and a huge local market selling fresh food. Pakse is close to most of the main attractions in Southern Laos including; the prestigious pre-angkorian temples of Wat Phou, the Bolaven Plateau and its coffee plantations and waterfalls as well as the quiet and relaxing 4000 islands. The biggest challenge for tourism growth in Laos is that it does not have any land marks to make it a ‘must visit’ destination. Whilst most people who do visit describe the coun-

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try as ‘Heaven on Earth’ and regret not having included more time in Laos when planning their trip they did not know just how beautiful it is before they arrived as there is limited information provided online or in travel brochures and magazines promoting Laos. Another challenge Laos tourism faces is that it is a land locked country with no major airport and therefore dependent on its neighbors and transit cities such as Bangkok and Hanoi for people to access the country. As the country continues to grow and more people are exposed via different media to its charm and beauty Laos is sure to attract more travelers and tourists looking for a unique experience or just to relax and enjoy the architecture and nature of this timeless country. By Georgie Walsh (Exotissimo Travel Laos, Product Manager) http://www.exotissimo.com

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In s p i r a t i o n : T h e C o l o r f u l L a o s

Destination

Tourism Industry: Development and Fees

Februar y, 2011

â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 52 â&#x20AC;&#x201D;

In s p i r a t i o n : T h e C o l o r f u l L a o s

The Lao government has put forward a number of incentive policies for the tourist industry in 2010 and increased its investment in the sector in an effort to raise the number of visitors to the country. In 2009, the Lao government approved 16 projects for restaurants and hotels with a total investment of 44 million USD. The number of businesses investing in restaurants and hotels has substantially increased, placing the tourism sector in the top five sectors to receive the largest amount of investment in Laos, totaling 235 million USD during the 2001-2009 period. At present, Laos has 357 hotels and over 1,120 resorts and restaurants. In addition to investing in upgrading its infrastructure and making it easier for tourists to visit the country, the Lao government has also recently exempted visas for citizens from Japan, the Republic of Korea, Russia and almost all ASEAN countries. The country is also considering visa exemptions for tourists from European countries. However according to a business plan of the recently established Lao Tourism Marketing Board the authorities intend to charge tourists up to US$2 a visit to finance its overseas promotions. A provisional non-elected board has been appointed which will introduce to the Lao travel industry a business model and a proposed strategy to charge tourists to finance its promotions. The decision to charge tourists as much as US$2 to underwrite overseas marketing programmes still requires government legislation to approve a collection process and ensure

Destination

the funds can be legally passed on to the LTMB. Based on 2009 tourism data, Laos attracted 2,008,363 million tourists, which would give the board an annual promotion budget of US$4,016,760 million, less collection costs. Fees would be collected at all international air and land immigration checkpoints. Travel associations such as the Pacific Asia Travel Association and IATA, which represents airlines, worldwide, both criticize governments for adding taxes and fees to travel costs claiming the practice discourages travel. http://en.vietnamplus.vn http://www.ttrweekly.com

Februar y, 2011

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In s p i r a t i o n : T h e C o l o r f u l L a o s

Destination

Vientiane City: Temples and Museums

In s p i r a t i o n : T h e C o l o r f u l L a o s

livestock in some of the best alluvial lowlands of Laos. Before 1975 the city was the principal stock shipping and slaughtering centre of the country. Since the shift in the country's import trade from Vietnam to Thailand, Vientiane has replaced Pakse to the southeast as Laos's principal port of entry. Nowadays, Vientiane with a population of 464,000 and an area of 180 square kilometers, is the center of culture, commerce and administration in Laos. Street signs are mostly written in Lao script only. The main streets in the central district are: Th Samsenthai, which is the main shopping area, Th Setthathirat , where several of the most famous temples are located and Th Fa Ngunn, which runs along the river . To the southeast is the mostly local residential district of Sisattanak and to the west is the similarly residential Sikhottabong. Among the landmarks are: That Luang Stupa (Great Sacred Stupa)

Originally built in 1566 by King Saysethathirath, That Luang Stupa was rebuilt in 1953. The golden stupa stands 45 meters tall and Vientiane City was founded during the late 13th century, and in the mid-16th century the capital of the Lao kingdom (a state known as Lane Xang) was moved to Vientiane from its previous traditional location at Luang Prabang. In 1778 Vientiane came under Siamese control; in 1828 it was sacked and destroyed when the subject Laotian king revolted against Siamese hegemony. From 1899 to 1953, with the exception of the Japanese occupation in 1945, Vientiane was Februar y, 2011

in succession the seat of the French governor and the French administrative capital. Vientiane still has some of its older wooden structures, despite its government offices, foreign embassies, and schools. Its modern industries include brewing, lumber processing, and the manufacture of brick, tile, textiles, cigarettes, matches, detergents, plastic bags, rubber sandals, and iron and steel. The Lao farmers of the surrounding area tend rice, corn, and

â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 54 â&#x20AC;&#x201D;

Destination

In s p i r a t i o n : T h e C o l o r f u l L a o s

is believed to contain a relic of Lord Buddha. Today it is the nation’s most important cultural monument. Symbolizing the coming together of all Lao people it holds a special place in the national psyche. The gold colored centerpiece of this stupa echoes the curve of an elongated Lotus bud. The shrine is the focus for the annual That Luang Festival. The festival is celebrated for 7 days and nights during the twelfth full moon of the Buddhist lunar calendar where monks are presented with flower offerings and residents enjoy traditional cultural performances Ho Pra Keo Museum

Previously the ancient temple, it was built in 1565 by King Saysethathirath to house the Emerald Buddha (lost to the Siamese in 1828) as his personal place of worship. For this reason and unlike other temples in Laos, monks have not taken up residence here. During the 1970’s the temple was converted from a place of worship into a museum and it now houses nation’s finest collection of Buddhist sculpture and artifacts Wat Sisaket Temple

This temple is located in the center of the old city and was built in 1818 by King Anouvong and is Vientiane’s oldest remaining temple having survived the destruction of the city by the Siamese in 1828. The oldest monastery stands intact in its original form and certainly is one of the most interesting in the country. Inside the main hall, the courtyard walls house hundreds of little niches and shelves containing a total of Februar y, 2011

6,840 Buddha images. Ho Trai is a hall containing many Buddhist manuscripts, which were published in the 18th century. Patuxay Monument

The memorial monument of Patuxay is perhaps the most prominent landmark in the city. It was constructed in its prominent position on Lanexang Avenue in 1958. While the archi-

— 55 —

tecture was inspired by the Arc de Triomphe in Paris the design incorporates typical Lao motifs including “Kinnari”, a mythical birdwoman. Energetic visitors can climb to the top of the monument, which reveals an excellent panoramic view of the city. http://www.tourismindochina.com http://www.laotourism.org

Destination

In s p i r a t i o n : T h e C o l o r f u l L a o s

Luang Prabang: The Spiritual Heart of Laos

Luang Prabang is rich in cultural heritage, and is known as the seat of Lao culture, with monasteries, monuments traditional costumes and surrounded by many types of nature's beauty. In 1995 UNESCO declared Luang Prabang a World Heritage Site. This distinction confirms, through the concerted action of local, national Februar y, 2011

and international authorities, a real motivation to preserve this wonderfully serene city. The title is justified not only by the many beautiful temples, but also by its traditional wooden dwellings, the old colonial style houses and the natural environment that encases it in a perfect harmony of plant and stone.

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Luang Prabang is situated in the centre of northern Laos. The province has a total population of just over 400,000 that includes 12 distinct ethnic groups. The Khmu are the largest ethnic group in the province and make up the majority (about 44%) of the provincial population. They are a Mon-Khmer speaking people

Destination

known for their knowledge of the forest, and they are believed to be the original inhabitants of Laos. The Hmong are the second most populous ethnic minority. Archaeological evidence suggests that Luang Prabang has been inhabited since at least 8,000 BC. The first Laos kingdom, Lane Xang, was founded here in the 14th century by King Fa Ngum after he conquered and unified the lands of modern-day Xiengkhouang , the Khorat Plateau and Luang Prabang. The city was first reffered to as Muang Swa and by 1357 the name was again changed Februar y, 2011

to Muang Xieng Dong Xieng Thong by local inhabitants. Shortly thereafter, King Fa Ngum accepted a golden Buddha image called the Pha Bang as a gift from the Khmer monarchy and the thriving city-state became known as Luang Prabang. Luang Prabang was the capital of Lane Xang until moved to Vientiane in 1545 by King Setthathirath (although Luang Prabang remained the country's main religious centre). The city's first contact with western emissaries occurred in the mid 17th century during the reign of King Surigna Vongsa. After his death in 1694, Lane

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In s p i r a t i o n : T h e C o l o r f u l L a o s

Xang broke up into three separate Kingdoms; Vientiane, Champasack and Luang Prabang. By the late 19th century Luang Prabang was under attack by marauding Black Flag bandits who destroyed many sacred Buddha images, temples and historical documents. Under King Sisavang Vong (1904-1959) a number of restoration and beautification projects were launched, many of which are still evident today. French-style buildings began to appear in the later 1800's, adding to the mixture of Lao, Tai-Lue, Burmese, Chinese and Tai architecture.

Destination

In s p i r a t i o n : T h e C o l o r f u l L a o s

the waterfall, but they can swim in the various pools at the bottom. On the road out to Kuang Si Waterfall, there are a number of villages housing traditional hydro-rice mills. Tad Sae Falls

Located 15 kms southeast of Luang Prabang, the falls can easily be reached by taxi. The picturesque journey allows visitors to admire the countryside, while the falls themselves are small but impressive. It is not unusual for visitors to have the falls to themselves. Swimming is possible in some of the tiered pools and at the base of the falls. Ban Phanom

Landmarks National Museum

The National Museum, constructed in 1904, is laid out in a cruciform shape and accessed from a side entrance. Various royal religions objects are displayed in the large entrance hall. Many gifts from foreign envoys (including a rock from the moon !) and religious and culture artifacts are on display including the Phabang (‘ Buddha image’), the gold standing 14th century Buddha image from which Luang Prabang derives its name. Wat Xieng Thong

Built during the 16th Century by King Saysetthathirath and completed in 1560. Wat Xieng Thong temple is one of the most interesting examples of art and Buddhist architecture. The ornate carved and gilded funeral vehicle of the former king is kept in one of the buildings in the temple grounds. Februar y, 2011

This temple was used to organize the highest Royal Ceremonies and houses the bones of King Sisavangvong. The intricate golden facades, colorful murals, glass mosaics and unique three-layered roof make this one of the most beautiful temples in Asia. The temple is not only the most beautiful in Luang Prabang, but arguably one of the most spectacular in the entire country. It is a classic example of Luang Prabang style during the golden year of the Lane Xang kingdom and is noted for its gratefully sloping roof and glass murals. Kuang Si Waterfall

Situated 25 km south of Luang Prabang, Kuang Si Waterfall makes for an excellent daytrip. Accessible by Tuk –Tuk, minivan, Motorcycle or bicycle. The 650 feet high waterfall is at its most picturesque during the wet season however it can be visited year-round. Children are not recommended to climb to the top of

— 58 —

This village, located 4 km to the north of Luang Prabang, was a former royal weaving village, and is now an official tourism village. You can view women working on their looms, buy their products and stroll in the village; it can be reached by bicycle or Tuk-Tuk. Ban Xieng Mene

Located across the Mekong from Luang Prabang Town in Chomphet District; Ban Xieng Mene is part of the World Heritage Site and offers a glimpse into Lao village life. There are several temples worth visiting in the village, including Vat Chomphet (visible up on the hill) which offers a spectacular view of Luang Prabang Town and the Mekong. Ban Xieng Mene is also the starting point for several short walks and bike-rides in the district, as well as longer two and three day treks. http://www.tourismlaos.org

Fairs & Exhibitions T ra v e l / T o u ris m

F E B R U A R Y

2 0 1 1

b y

regions

Fairs & Exhibitions

Western Europe

FEBRUARY, 2 0 1 1

Salon des Vacances Location

Belgium / Brussels

Start / End

03 February 2011 / 07 February 2011

Provider

Brussels Fairs and Exhibitions

Contact

vakantiesalon@bfe.be

Basler Ferienmesse Location

Switzerland / Basel

Start / End

04 February 2011 / 06 February 2011

Provider

MCH, Wigra Expo SA

Contact

info@baslerferienmesse.ch

Reise Zeit

ABF

Location

Germany / Hannover

Start / End

04 February 2011 / 06 February 2011

Provider

Fachausstellungen Heckmann Deutsche Messe AG Hannover

Contact

lars.pennigsdorf@fh.messe.de

Business Travel & Meetings Show

Location

Germany / Hannover

Location

United Kingdom / London

Start / End

29 January 2011 / 06 February 2011

Start / End

08 February 2011 / 09 February 2011

Provider

Fachausstellungen Heckmann

Provider

Business Travel & Meetings Show

Contact

lars.pennigsdorf@fh.messe.de

Contact

sales@businesstravelshow.com

Nauticampo

Travel Technology Europe 2011

Location

Portugal / Lisbon

Location

United Kingdom / Earls Court 2, London

Start / End

02 February 2011 / 06 February 2011

Start / End

08 February 2011 / 09 February 2011

Provider

Feira Internacional de Lisboa

Provider

Centaur Media PLC

Contact

luis.pinto@aip.pt

Contact

marketing@traveltechnologyeurope.com

Destinations: The Holiday & Travel Show London

Reisen Hamburg

Location

United Kingdom / London

Location

Germany / Hamburg

Start / End

03 February 2011 / 06 February 2011

Start / End

09 February 2011 / 13 February 2011

Provider

Clarion Events Ltd

Provider

Hamburg Messe

Contact

katie.white@clarionevents.com

Contact

info@hamburg-messe.de

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

Mahana - Toulouse

International Tourism Exchange BIT 2011

Location

France / Toulouse

Location

Italy / Milano

Start / End

11 February 2011 / 13 February 2011

Start / End

17 February 2011 / 20 February 2011

Provider

Exposium

Provider

Fiera Milano International S.p.A. Expocts spa

Contact

veronique.piguet@comexposium.com

Contact

monica.torti@fieramilano.it

Dublin International Toy and Train Fair Location

Ireland / Dublin

Start / End

13 February 2011 / 13 February 2011

Provider

B + T Toy Fairs International

Contact

BrianKelly-1@hotmail.com

The European Meetings and Events Conference 2011 Location

Germany / Düsseldorf

Start / End

13 February 2011 / 15 March 2011

Provider

Meeting Professionals International

Contact

aforsstrom@mpiweb.org

Hoteliers European Marketplace 2011 Location

Belgium / Brussels

Start / End

14 February 2011 / 14 February 2011

Provider

European Tour Operators Association

Contact

info@etoa.org

Idées Vacances Location

Belgium / Charleroi

Start / End

15 February 2011 / 20 February 2011

Provider

Charleroi Expo

Contact

vdelwarde@charleroiexpo.be

Pro-fit Investment in Tourism

BTL Lisboa Travel Market Location

Portugal / Lisbon

Start / End

23 February 2011 / 27 February 2011

Provider

Feira Internacional de Lisboa

Contact

btl@aip.pt

Fair for Leisure and Travel Location

Germany / Munich

Start / End

23 February 2011 / 27 February 2011

Provider

Messe München

Contact

info@free-muenchen.de

Reise / Camping Location

Germany / Essen

Start / End

23 February 2011 / 27 February 2011

Provider

Messe Essen GmbH

Contact

info@messe-essen.de

ENTER 2011 Location

Austria / Innsbruck

Start / End

26 February 2011 / 28 February 2011

Provider

Ifitt

Contact

enter2011@come-innsbruck.at

ScotHot 2011

Location

Belgium / Brussels

Location

United Kingdom / Glasgow

Start / End

16 February 2011 / 17 February 2011

Start / End

28 February 2011 / 02 March 2011

Provider

SADC

Provider

ScotHot

registration@pro-fit-event.info

Contact

scothot@montex.co.uk

Contact

FEBRUARY, 2 0 1 1

— 61 —

Fairs & Exhibitions

FEBRUARY, 2 0 1 1

Scottish Tourism Week Location

United Kingdom / Edinburgh, Scotland

Start / End

28 February 2011 / 02 March 2011

Provider

Scottish Tourism Forum

Contact

mail@stforum.co.uk

— 62 —

Fairs & Exhibitions

CENTRAL Europe

FEBRUARY, 2 0 1 1

Balttour 2011 Location

Latvia / Riga

Start / End

11 February 2011 / 13 February 2011

Provider

International Exhibition Company BT 1

Contact

armands.eders@bt1.lv

MCE CEE Congress: The Event Congress for Central & Eastern Europe Location

Czech Republic / Prague

Start / End

13 February 2011 / 15 February 2011

Provider

Europe Congress

Contact

info@europecongress.com

Intourfest St. Petersburg

World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations Convention Location

Estonia / Tallinn

Start / End

29 January 2011 / 04 February 2011

Provider

World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations

Contact

info@wftga.org

Holiday World Location

Czech Republic / Prague

Start / End

10 February 2011 / 13 February 2011

Provider

Incheba Praha

Contact

incheba@incheba.cz

The East Mediterranean International Travel & Tourism Exhibition (Emitt) Location

Turkey / Istanbul

Start / End

10 February 2011 / 13 February 2011

Provider

Emitt

Contact

louise.creasey@ite-exhibitions.com

Location

Russia / St Petersburg

Start / End

18 February 2011 / 18 February 2011

Provider

Restec Exhibition Company St. Petersburg Express

Contact

ili@restec.ru

TOUREST 2011 Location

Estonia / Tallinn

Start / End

18 February 2011 / 20 February 2011

Provider

Estonian Association of Travel Agents

Contact

info@etfl.ee

Vivattur: International Trade Fair of Tourism, Sport and Leisure Location

Lithuania / Vilnius

Start / End

25 February 2011 / 27 February 2011

Provider

Visus Plenus, UAB

Contact

info@visusplenus.lt

— 63 —

Fairs & Exhibitions

North America

FEBRUARY, 2 0 1 1

All–Canada Show – Des Moines, IA Location

USA / Des Moines, IA

Start / End

11 February 2011 / 13 February 2011

Provider

All-Canada Show

Contact

info@allcanada.com

The Boston Globe Travel Show 2010 Location

USA / Boston, MA

Start / End

11 February 2011 / 13 February 2011

Provider

MSE Management, Inc.

Contact

ecallanan@bostonworks.com

All–Canada Show – Minneapolis, MN

All–Canada Show – Omaha, NE

Location

USA / Minneapolis, MN

Start / End

18 February 2011 / 20 February 2011

Provider

All-Canada Show

Contact

info@allcanada.com

Destinations Showcase Washington

Location

USA / Omaha, NE

Location

USA / Washington, D.C.

Start / End

07 February 2011 / 09 February 2011

Start / End

24 February 2011 / 24 February 2011

Provider

All-Canada Show

Provider

Destination Marketing Association International

Contact

info@allcanada.com

Contact

blutsko@destinationmarketing.org

ATW’s 2011 Airline Industry Achievement Awards

New York Times Travel Show

Location

USA / Washington, DC

Location

USA / New York City, NY

Start / End

08 February 2011 / 08 February 2011

Start / End

25 February 2011 / 27 February 2011

Provider

ATW

Provider

MSE Management, Inc.

Contact

stephanie.krasnoff@penton.com

Contact

info@nyttravelshow.com

La Crosse Boat, Sports and Travel Show

Day Spa Expo & Business Forum

Location

USA / La Crosse, WI

Location

USA / Las Vegas, NE

Start / End

10 February 2011 / 13 February 2011

Start / End

27 February 2011 / 28 February 2011

Provider

Shamrock Productions, Inc.

Provider

Day Spa Association

Contact

info@shamrockprod.com

Contact

info@dayspaexpo.com

— 64 —

Fairs & Exhibitions

FEBRUARY, 2 0 1 1

International Restaurant & Foodservice Show of New York Location

USA / New York City, NY

Start / End

27 February 2011 / 01 March 2011

Provider

Reed Exhibitions

Contact

rmathews@reedexpo.com

— 65 —

Fairs & Exhibitions

Asia & Pacific

FEBRUARY, 2 0 1 1

Travel & Tourism Fair – Mumbai Location

India / Mumbai

Start / End

05 February 2011 / 07 February 2011

Provider

Fairfest Media Limited

Contact

ttfotm@fairfest.com

Travel & Tourism Fair – New Delhi Location

India / New Delhi

Start / End

10 February 2011 / 12 February 2011

Provider

Fairfest Media Limited

Contact

ttfotm@fairfest.com

Bali International Spa & Wellness Expo 2011

Hosts 2011

Location

Indonesia / Nusa Dua, Bali

Start / End

11 February 2011 / 13 February 2011

Provider

PT. Felixindo raya Pratama (Magnificent 9 production)

Contact

hello@mag9pro.com, felix.rusli@mag9pro.com

India Travel Mart – Ahmedabad

Location

India / Mumbai

Location

India / Ahmedabad

Start / End

31 January 2011 / 03 February 2011

Start / End

12 February 2011 / 14 February 2011

H&FS India Pvt Ltd

Provider

I Creative Minds

pallavi@hostsindia.in

Contact

indiatravelmart@airtelmail.in

Provider Contact

International Islamic Expo

AIME – Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Expo

Location

Indonesia / Jakarta

Location

Australia / Melbourne

Start / End

04 February 2011 / 06 February 2011

Start / End

15 February 2011 / 16 February 2011

Provider

Alia Convex

Provider

Reed Exhibitions

Contact

aliaconvex@cbn.net.id

Contact

stephen.ricardo@reedexhibitions.com.au

India Travel Mart – Chandigarh

India International Travel Mart – Cochin

Location

India / Chandigarh

Location

India / Cochin

Start / End

05 February 2011 / 07 February 2011

Start / End

18 February 2011 / 20 February 2011

Provider

I Creative Minds

Provider

GTFC

Contact

indiatravelmart@airtelmail.in

Contact

info@iitmindia.com

— 66 —

Fairs & Exhibitions

FEBRUARY, 2 0 1 1

OTM: Outbound Travel Mart 2011 – Mumbai Location

India / Mumbai

Start / End

18 February 2011 / 20 February 2011

Provider

Fairfest Media Ltd.

Contact

otm@fairfest.com

Hoteres Japan, Caterex Japan, Japan Food Service Equipment Show Location

Japan / Tokyo

Start / End

22 February 2011 / 25 February 2011

Provider

Japan Management Association (JMA)

Contact

hcj@convention.jma.or.jp

OTM: Outbound Travel Mart 2011 – New Delhi Location

India / New Delhi

Start / End

24 February 2011 / 26 February 2011

Provider

Fairfest Media Ltd.

Contact

otm@fairfest.com

— 67 —

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Business

SPA

General

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