Tourism Review Online Magazine - 03/2011 by Tourism Review Digital Network

March, 2011

ONLINE MAGAZINE

Dear readers, Welcome to the March issue of the Tourism Review Online Magazine. This month we are going local and invite our readers to discover Bavaria, Germany and its beautiful mountains as well as castles and history. Read the Destination supplement. If you are an adventurous soul, you might be tempted to explore several smaller islands that will strike you with their unique atmosphere. The Adventure supplement invites you to Caldey Island, Andman & Nicobar Islands or even Les ﾃ四es de la Madeleine. The Spa part focuses on traditional and culture-specific spa treatments in Japan, Turkey and Thailand. After your refreshing stay in an onsen or hammam you might be in the mood of visiting the nearby golf course. The Professional supplement however points out the negative impacts of golf courses on the environment. First of all however discover the art hotels in Tel Aviv, Florence or the art collections of London hotels in the Heritage part. Enjoy the magazine! Milada Sovadinova Editor

C ON T EN T S HERITAGE

ADVENTURE

Small ISlandS wIth dIStInctIve character

The BesT ArT ColleCTions in hoTels

Art, classical or contemporary, can be found more and more frequently in hotels’ lobbies as well as rooms. Visit London, Tel Aviv, Verona or Florence and discover the beauty of the local hotels and their art collections.

The Best Art Collections in Hotels.............................................................. 4

ADVENTURE:

Small Islands with Distinctive Character...................................................... 39

Discover the Authentic World of Les Îles de la Madeleine..................................... 40 A Natural Escape: Franklin County’s Barrier Islands.............................................. 43 Andaman & Nicobar Islands: An Emerging Eco–tourism Hotspot......................... 45 Caldey Island: Wales’s Island Monastery.................................................................. 48 Cook Islands: Caves, Cliffs and Makatea.................................................................... 51 Destination

PROFESSIONAL

Bavaria: Castles, Mountains and MuCh More

Golf Tourism: GeTTinG on The Green

Beautiful castles, gardens, parks, mountains – Bavaria in Germany has it all. Discover the Renaissance heritage of Augsburg, Regensburg’s Italian heart and Dachau’s royal history.

Professional:

Golf Tourism: Getting on the Green............................... 16

Golf Tourism: Economic Benefits vs. Environmental Impacts............................... 17 Japan: Polluted by Golf Courses................................................................................. 19 QuÉbec: Environmentally Friendly Golf Courses?.................................................... 21 The Impact of Golf Estates in South Africa............................................................... 24 Bonjour Vahza – Photographing Madagascar’s Countryside............................... 24 SPA and MEDICAL

Destination:

Bavaria: Castles, Mountains and Much More..........................................53

Experience Bavaria and Its World Famous Landmarks............................................ 54 Fairy Tale Castles and Palaces for Kings and Queens.............................................. 56 Dachau: The City of Bavarian Kings............................................................................. 59 Regensburg: Young, Italian, and Right in the Heart of Europe............................. 61 Augsburg: The Center of Renaissance in Bavaria..................................................... 63

Fairs & Exhibitions

Spa: TradiTional and local

Spa and wellness resorts can be found in all the corners of the world. The offer of spa treatments of each country however includes a unique touch of the local culture and traditions. Learn more about Japanese onsens, Thai massage or even Turkish hammams.

Thousands of islands attract tourists with their pristine nature and unspoilt environment. Discover several small islands where the travelers’ feet don’t tread very often – Les Îles de la Madeleine, Caldey Island, Cook Islands and many more.

HERITAGE:

London Hotels Displaying Great Art............................................................................. 5 The Listel, Vancouver’s Most Art–Full Hotel.............................................................. 7 At Four Seasons Hotel Firenze, Art Is All Around...................................................... 9 Artplus Hotel: Contemporary Israeli Art Exposed................................................... 11 Contemporary Art in Byblos Art Hotel Villa AmistÀ................................................ 13

Every year new golf courses and golf clubs are opened to the public offering shiny greens and peaceful ambience. However, what is the impact of golf courses on the environment, water sources and local communities?

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Fairs & Exhibitions:

Spa: Traditional and Local........... 27

Travel/Tourism in MARCH 2011 by regions.........................................65

Traditional Spa Treatments: Hilot, Lomi Lomi, Shirodhara….................................. 28 Japanese Onsen Therapy: Recuperation of Weary Body............................................ 30 Thai Massage: Experience Your Whole Body.............................................................. 33 Wellness Tourism: Spa Packages Attractive Not Only to Locals............................ 35 Turkish Hammam: Physical and Mental Regeneration............................................ 37

Western Europe............................................................................................................. 66 CENTRAL Europe.............................................................................................................. 69 Africa/MIDDLE EAST........................................................................................................ 71 North America............................................................................................................... 72 Asia & Pacific................................................................................................................... 63

SPA:

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The Best Art Collections in Hotels

Art, classical or contemporary, can be found more and more frequently in hotelsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; lobbies as well as rooms. Visit London, Tel Aviv, Verona or Florence and discover the beauty of the local hotels and their art collections.

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London Hotels Displaying Great Art If you want art in London, you might head to Tate Britain, the National Gallery or Sotheby’s for example. Or for something more cutting edge, you could be tempted to check out the Saatchi Gallery or Tate Modern. But you might also find your hotel to be an equally good place to find contemporary art – since many London hotels are now looking to artists to help them foster their own distinctive character. An increasing number of London

hotel lobbies are turning into proper little art galleries! At the rather stylish Cavendish Hotel, for example, a huge painting of London landmarks in whirling motion looms over the concierge’s desk. The London Eye, Big Ben, Tower Bridge, Routemaster buses – it’s all here, and features the Cavendish’s trademark purple tinge, as well. What better place to showcase the attractions of London? In fact the Cavendish is so

The “stag’s head art” at the Town Hall Hotel is just one of a number of initiatives undertaken by the hotel as part of its broader “art project”. Photo: Town Hall Hotel March, 2011

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proud of this specially commissioned painting, it has printed postcards of it for its guests to make use of. At well-regarded luxury hotel The Arch, Vincent Poole was commissioned to create ‘New Shoes’, the artwork that you see as you enter – a woman’s silhouette glowing with the bright colours of shop logos and price tags reflecting the local neighbourhood’s shopping streets. It’s very bright, very new, witty and a bit irreverent – and it links into the local area too. There’s also an intriguing alphabet in the corridor leading to the Martini library, made out of monochrome photographs of London architecture. Again, it’s witty and stylish – and upto-the-minute. The Rafayel on the Left Bank Hotel has also commissioned its own art – and even opened an art gallery next to the hotel, as well as holding art exhibitions in its public spaces. It’s definitely one of the more colourful luxury hotels – you generally get a feeling when visiting modern hotels that muted colours and oldstyle elegance are out, zingy lime green and bright terracotta or scarlet are in – and the art is also alive with colour. And the Town Hall hotel in Bethnal Green is another to have commissioned new art, including a stag’s head – like the old baronial style hunting trophy except entirely covered in carpet! Witty and maybe a bit disturbing… Equally disturbing is the rather haunting picture of little girls staring at you from a rose garden in the appropriately-named Rose Lounge in the highly-rated Sofitel St James. You’ll remember it long after you leave. Art

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A fantastic piece of art showing London attractions by the concierge desk at the Cavendish Hotel: both beautiful and practical!. Photo: Cavendish Hotel

shows are also sometimes held in the Sofitel St James’ public areas – like the inspiring “fashion stills” event. A couple of hotels east of the centre have decided to promote local artists. The free WiFi Hoxton Hotel for example prominently displays the creations of the abundant artistic talent in its local area. The Andaz near Liverpool Street – a hotel proudly plugged into its locality has a partnership with nearby

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Whitechapel Gallery to display some of its works in its lobby. Last but not least is the gorgeous art you’ll discover at the top-rated Egerton Hotel in Knightsbridge – one of the city’s best townhouse hotels – which is even showcased in its own little “Art at the Egerton” leaflet. Particularly noteworthy are the prints by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec. Art in hotels, of course, isn’t there to be Great Art in the way a Von Gogh or a Botticelli is. It’s there to decorate, perhaps to amuse, and above all to back up the hotel’s mission statement. So in a youthful, contemporary hotel you’ll get witty takes on the classics, or lively, stylish works, while in a more conservative hotel you might get nineteenth-century watercolours. Few hotels have gone as far as the Langham Place in Hong Kong, which has actually created an audio tour to its collection of contemporary Chinese art. Or Maison Moschino in Milan which features surrealistic and fairy-tale settings that turn the rooms themselves into works of art. But it’s nice to see originals on the walls – just as it’s nice to find hotels which have an original character of their own and not just the standard corporate “four-walls-and-a-bed in different shades of grey”.

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A beautiful painting in the Rose Lounge at the Sofitel St James is typical of London hotels' increasing focus on art. Photo: Sofitel St James

Finally, the first art’otel London (part of the international art’otels chain) will open in the Hoxton area in 2013 and will include a public arts centre, gallery, video studios and photo studios. http://londonhotelsinsight.com

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The Listel, Vancouver's Most Art–Full Hotel

The world-renowned Buschlen Mowatt Galleries curates the art for the hotel’s two Gallery Floor rooms and suites. Photo credit: Listel Hotel

Located in the heart of Vancouver's shopping and restaurant district, the Listel Hotel (Thelistelhotel.com) has earned several affectionate descriptions: Vancouver's most artfull hotel, the "cool" hotel, and a hotel with a March, 2011

unique genius. Looking beyond the hospitality industry for innovation and inspiration, its owners and management first embraced the idea that their hotel should be more than a first class place to sleep and eat during a reno-

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vation of the 129-guest room facility in 1997. The arts-theme ideas began to flow immediately and have never stopped. Just one block away from the hotel, the Buschlen Mowatt Galleries (Buschlenmowatt.com) with an impeccable local and international reputation for representing world class artists from Canada and abroad, became an early and enthusiastic partner. For nearly 14 years, they have curated the Listel's two Gallery Floors, providing original art and prints for each room. Art work is hung or otherwise positioned as it would be if it were being given a prominent place in a client's home, definitely not where a hotel manager would think of placing it! In every guestroom is information about the featured artists as well as the paintings and books specific to the artists or their periods. Roughly 30 artists are represented at any one time throughout the hotel. Building on the success of the Gallery Floor concept, the Listel next took the bold step a few years later of partnering with the prestigious University of British Columbia Museum of Anthropology (Moa.ubc.ca) also in Vancouver, to showcase the dramatic First Nations native art of Canada's northwest coast, presenting paintings, prints, pottery and carvings of contemporary native artists. The Museum Floors today comprise two floors or 40% of the hotel. Guests in these rooms and suites may also expect reading material about the artists and the indigenous culture as well as nativecarved cedar headboards and armoires, offering an impressive immersion experience. Staff at the Listel Hotel says the innovative attitude begins at the top with its owners, the

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The hotelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Vintage Gallery dining room is booked for special occasions. Photo credit: Listel Hotel

The Listel Hotel lobby greets guests with colorful, often whimsical paintings and sculptures to bring a smile to the most stressed traveler. Photo credit: Listel Hotel

Suzuki family of Japan, always encouraging creativity with all its properties. Independent ownership has undoubtedly been a factor in giving the Canadian management team freedom to take bold steps which a chain property would find hard to do. One of the major motivators in the Listel's artistic development is Lise Magee, the hotel's long-time public relations director. "We wanted

to work with our neighbors," says Magee, "and that's what we've done. Initially we thought we would sell the art, but realized it was too difficult to replace the art overnight! Now we just refer our guests to the Gallery or to the Museum." General Manager, Jim Mockford, associated with the hotel since 1989, underscores the same pioneering sensibility. "We think that a

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hotel is only as interesting as the partnerships it forms. Our owners have always encouraged us to be as independent as they are," he emphasizes, "to respect traditional hotel management methods while experimenting with new ideas." Certainly qualifying as an innovative idea, the present art collection is valued at over $2 million dollars through partnerships with the UBC Museum of Anthropology and Buschlen Mowatt Galleries. With visual senses so delightfully satisfied, it is not much of a stretch to step into the hotel's O'Doul's Restaurant & Bar (Odoulsrestaurant. com) where Vancouver's finest jazz music artists entertain seven nights a week. Expect the finest west coast signature fare, an award-winning wine list and the best live jazz west of the Rocky Mountains, consistently delivered for the past ten years. 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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At Four Seasons Hotel Firenze, Art Is All Around Four Seasons Hotel Firenze is a living museum of art history, set within the walled tranquility of Florence’s largest private garden. The Hotel comprises two Renaissance palaces, whose previous residents include a Pope, an order of nuns, Italy’s first railway company, five centuries of Florentine nobility and a Viceroy of Egypt (who sold it when his harem was barred from moving in). Today, the Hotel’s colorful history unfolds through its ornately painted and crafted interiors, which have returned to their original beauty following seven years of painstaking restoration. The Hotel is located on the edge of Florence’s historic centre and occupies two protected buildings: the 15th century Palazzo della Gherardesca and the "Conventino", a 16th century Palazzo, which was once a convent. Between them lie over 11 acres (4.5 hectares) of botanical gardens – the Giardino della Gherardesca – one of the most beautiful and undiscovered green spaces in town. Behind its classical but unassuming façade, the Hotel offers its guests the rare opportunity to view 15th – 19th century artworks in their original context. Frescoes, bas-reliefs, stuccoes and silk wallpapers have been carefully restored to reveal vivid detail dating back over five centuries. Original works of art and architectural detailing can also be found in several March, 2011

of the Hotel’s 116 bedrooms, suites and bathrooms. The restoration of the Hotel has been strictly overseen by Florence’s Superintendant for Artistic Historical Patrimony, Ministry for Fine Arts and Culture and Department of Fine Arts. One of the roles of these governmental agencies was to determine to which period artistic and cultural artifacts should be restored. As such, the artworks throughout the Hotel are testament to the many revolutions of artistic taste throughout the Palazzo’s and Conventino’s long history. The Hotel’s imposing 15th century courtyard Lobby with its intricate bas-reliefs and stuccoes is illustrative of the Renaissance tendency towards public displays of wealth. The courtyard bas-reliefs, the property’s most valuable artwork, comprise 12 symmetrical sections depicting a cycle of classical and mythological events. The courtyard is flanked by porticoes and barrel-vaults, decorated with an ornamental coffered ceiling, comprising thousands of painted, sunken panels. The pictoral works in the courtyard were commissioned in 1555 by Alessandro de Medici to Jan van der Straet (1523-1605) (aka ‘lo Strandano’), a Flemish Mannerist artist. Strandano was also responsible for the frescoes depicting the Nativity and Adoration in the Palazzo’s

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chapel (now the Hotel’s Reading Room) and the vaulted stairway leading to the Hotel’s first floor. The theatricality of late Baroque art is demonstrated in the highly decorated suites on the first floor. Commissioned in the early 17th century, these frescoes were painted by Baldassarre Franceschini (1611-1689) (aka ‘Il Volterrano’) and include The Human Mind’s Blindness Lit by the Truth – a fine example of the Rococo style of decoration favored by the nobility of the time. Il Volterrano’s most wellknown works can be seen in the cupola and back wall of Florence’s Santa Croce Chapel. During the 18th century, the Della Gherardesca family commissioned a series of paintings depicting their own family history, another popular trend of the time. These frescoes, seen in the Hotel’s Della Gherardesca Ballroom and the Gallery, were painted by late baroque artists Vincenzo Meucci (1694-1766) and Giovanni Domenico Ferretti (1692-1768). Meucci also painted frescoes for the cupola of the Basilica di San Lorenzo, one of Florence’s largest churches, while Ferretti’s frescoes can be seen in the Duomo’s Chapel of San Giuseppe. The former church of the Conventino has been restored to its 19th century design, its towering, vaulted ceiling and painted walls cre-

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Take the chance to welcome new Russian travellers

ating an impressive backdrop for banquets and galas. The Conventino offers the privacy of a ‘hotel within the hotel’, and also features first floor frescoes and wall paintings. An impressive lacunar ceiling, crowns the main public areas. Nineteenth century art is also represented in the Hotel by the beautifully-restored Chinese wallpapers found in the Volterrano Suite, one of the Hotel’s historical Suites. Previously the Palazzo’s ‘Chinese Room’, the wallpaper in the suite depicts a scenic panorama of trailing flowers and exotic birds. This delicate and rare

example of Chinese decorative art has been restored to the vibrant beauty of its original design and illustrates one of the historical fascinations of the 19th century nobility for all things Oriental. Throughout the property, the coats of arms of Scala and the Medici and Della Gheradesca families feature in paintings, stuccoes and stained glass and serve as further reminders of the building’s illustrious past. http://www.fourseasons.com/florence/

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Artplus Hotel: Contemporary Israeli Art Exposed

Artplus Hotel is a joint initiative between the Sebbag family of ORS Ltd. and the Atlas chain of boutique hotels. Artplus hotel has marked one of its primary agenda's to promote and expose contemporary Israeli art in a variety of ways. Artplus Hotel is a culture centre for art lovers and art professionals, both Israeli and international. As such, it hosts an array of events dedicated to contemporary Israeli art. From professional guided tours in the hotel and in galleries and museums in Tel Aviv, to the extensive library of art books and catalogs in the hotel lobby, to regular invitations to exhibitions and artist studios, to gala events for the art world, to art fairs, lectures and perforMarch, 2011

mances, all taking place in Artplus Hotel and open to the public. All works displayed in the hotel are of direct interaction to the architecture of the space, allowing for a unique experience that goes beyond a simple work hung on a wall, whether through video- art, installations or site-specific works. The display of works from the Doron Sebbag collection in the hotel lobby and public areas include some of Israel's most prominent contemporary artists, from Sigalit Landau (which will represent Israel at the next Venice Biennale), Tzadok Ben David and Ori Gersht (both Israeli born, London based artists), Sharon Glazberg, Tal Shochat, Talia Keinan and Uri Nir. In addition, each of the five corridors of the hotel floors has a commissioned site specific work by a prominent contemporary Israeli artist: Doron Rabina, Ollaf Kuneman, Tali Ben Bassat, Maya Attoun and Ayelet Carmi. The result is a different atmosphere for each floor, with every artist expressing his own personal vision which relates to his or her own body of work. As an extension to the latter, the hotel has embarked on inviting young Israeli artists to create site specific works in the rooms of the hotel. Here the idea aspires again to host works which take over the space of the room, by so offering a one of a kind experience to the hotel

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guests. The "Room Project" is an on-going project that has been launched by the two rooms created by artists Yochai Matos (room 107) and Elad Kopler (room 201). The latest event in Artplus Hotel was an art fair called "All in 100$", taking place for one day only, on February 25th, 12:00-16:00. The fair hosted 12 young and trendy contemporary Israeli artists which were selling their work for extremely low prices. Similarly

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to discount shops called "All in 1$", not all the works were in that exact price tag, however the name of the fair indicates that the prices were substantially low in comparison to prices in the art market and that all the works for sale were in fact a true bargain. The works in the sale ranged from sketches to photography, to sculpture, to oil paintings, digital art, water colors and etchings. All of the artists participating were handpicked and represent an exclusive group of artists which proved excellence both commercially and artistically, being the most promising and cutting edge artists in Israel today. The aim of this art fair was to allow every art lover to purchase affordable art work of the highest quality and at the same to help promote and advance these young artists and allow them to gain a substantial profit from their sales, which goes fully, 100% to the artists themselves (the hotel does not take percentages of the sales). The artists participating in the fair were: Eden Bannet, Ayelet Ben Dor, Yael Efrati, Lahli Fruheling, Elad Larom, Hila Laviv, Haran Mendel, Liav Mizrahi, Yoav Shavit, Shai Yehezkeli. By Elza Spector http://www.atlas.co.il

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Contemporary Art in Byblos Art Hotel Villa AmistA

Art, design, hospitality and fashion merge together at the splendid fifteenth century Patrician villa, which is Byblos Art Hotel Villa Amistà, an exclusive hotel inaugurated in September 2005. Conceived as a permanent exhibition of contemporary art, the interior of the hotel displays March, 2011

works by artists of international fame, such as Vanessa Beecroft, Corrado Bonomi, Enrico De Paris, Loris Cecchini, Sandro Chia, Peter Halley, Damien Hirst, Robert Indiana, Anish Kapoor, Kimsooja, Sol LeWitt, Beatriz Millar, Begoña Montalban, Takashi Murakami, Luigi Ontani, Mimmo Paladino, Giulio Paolini, Patricia Picci-

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nini, Arnaldo Pomodoro, Marc Quinn, Mimmo Rotella, Cindy Sherman, Sissi, David Tremlett, Giuliano Vangi and other talented artists. The hotel is situated in Corrubbio in the heart of the Valpolicella, just a few kilometers from the centre of Verona. Over the centuries its transformation has taken place. A Roman blockhouse was the basis upon which the architect Michele Sanmicheli, in 1400, designed the central body of the old villa, in perfect Venetian style. The present construction goes back to the second half of the seventeenth century and it is the work of the architect Ignazio Pellegrini. The meticulous restoration of the architecture and paintwork, in collaboration with the well-known architect and designer Alessandro Mendini, and the careful choice of interior furnishings and works of art, have transformed this Venetian Villa into a real museum of contemporary art and design. You can admire the photography of Vanessa Beecroft, an internationally followed and admired artist, with images of nude female figures, diaphanous pale girls with red hair, or figures which the artist has dressed with a wig. Slender almost androgynous figures standout on the walls of the vast hall, which is dominated by a majestic chandelier, made with Murano glass. In all the bedrooms, expertly furnished by the designer Alessandro Mendini, there are female

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forms as seen through the eyes of the Spanish artist Begona Montalban. Elegant and sculpturesque forms have been transformed into ethereal creatures. White androgynous figures are made human only by a smear of makeup on the eyes or lips. The lips are the focal point of the Swiss artist Beatriz Millar. “Coloured Lips” and “Morning Diary” are the titles of her creations. Coloured quivering mouths talk of poetic messages, prayers, tongue twisters and provocation. Words are brought to life in the crossword “One, one John” and in the love poem “Love Off”. The artist has decorated the vast hall with an imposing glass cabinet as well as furniture, sculptures and digital photographs. The American artist Cindy Sherman, who expresses her surreal images through photography, demonstrates and unveils the apparent respectability of American society with images which can sometimes even be shocking. Her “clowns“ keep us entertained at the internet point. The conference room has been prepared by Sissi, with photographs of her performances which demonstrate the metamorphosis and transformation of being. On the walls of one of the three dining rooms, hang the works of the Calabrian artist Mimmo Rotella, who became famous in the fifties for his dècollages – pictures made by the overlapping of shredded posters to create a final unique intense image. These exclusive pieces were created specifically for Byblos from shredded advertisements of the well-known fashion label. The restaurant in Villa Amistà is dedicated to the Florentine master who became artistically March, 2011

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known in the seventies and is considered as one of the greats of contemporary plastic art, a central character of trans avantegarde art. Peter’s Bar is set out with the works of Peter Halley, one of the protagonists of American art today. His striking works, created especially for Byblos Art Hotel, make use of fluorescent colours and a geometric layout. The Japanese artist Takashi Murakami, famous for his naïf puppets is now a guru of contemporary art. Widespread throughout Japanese culture, the works are a fusion of typically formal Japanese culture and more contemporary habits. The sculptures in the hotel are of Sol Le Witt, American founder of minimalist art; the works of the conceptual Italian artist Giulio Paolini; Arnaldo Pomodoro’s bronze sculptures, the famous sculptor from Romagna, who created an untraditional form of sculpture in the fifties; and the glass sculptures by the French artist Jean Michel Othoniel that enrich the double staircase which leads to the entrance of the Villa. The sculptures in the hotel are of Sol Le Witt, American founder of minimalist art; the works of the conceptual Italian artist Giulio Paolini; Arnaldo Pomodoro’s bronze sculptures, the famous sculptor from Romagnia, who created an untraditional form of sculpture in the fifties; and the glass sculptures by the French artist Jean Michel Othoniel that enrich the double staircase which leads to the entrance of the Villa. The American Robert Indiana focuses his Pop Art on the world of trademarks and street signs, and concave metal surfaces which distort and

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reflect the image of the visitor, by the Indian artist Anish kapoor. Other contemporary artists help to decorate this residence, which is unique in the world. It is due to the passion for art of the Facchini family, the owners of Villa Amistà, that such a project has been possible. A vast collection of design objects, both contemporary and historical, decorate the sixty rooms of the hotel and all common rooms. Furniture, lighting and famous objects can be seen throughout, such as the armchair by Proust, furniture in the bar by Anna Gili, cutlery by Giò Ponti, wooden

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tables by F.L. Wright, and chairs for the wine cellar, and so it goes on. In a magnificent 20,000 square meter park there is a gourmet restaurant which is also open to the general public, as is the piano bar which hosts live music. The wine cellar in the fourteenth century vault houses wines from more than 300 different producers. An outdoor pool and the Espace Byblos wellness Centre, all contrive to make this an exclusive luxury hotel. http://www.byblosarthotel.com

PROFESSIONAL Golf Tourism: Getting on the Green

PROFESSIONAL

G o l f To u r i s m : G e t t i n g o n t h e G r e e n

Golf Tourism: Economic Benefits vs. Environmental Impacts “In this age of increasing environmental awareness, there is no more room on Earth to destroy nature for the sake of a mere game.” The Global Anti-Golf Movement (GAM) Tourism Concern first took issues with golf nearly twenty years ago – an unwinnable campaign–one we could not ignore. The phenomenal growth of golf tourism had even the driest countries competing for tourists by prioritising golf course development. The situation still shocks: Cyprus, seriously short of water, is developing 14 new courses to save its troubled tourism industry. Any movement towards more environmentally-friendly course management is undermined by more traditional thinking. There are now 32,000 courses around the world: up from 25,000 in the mid-1990s – which at that time would have covered an area of the size of Belgium. The UK has the highest density in the world: about 0.6% of the land is covered by 2,600 courses, a 40% increase in the past thirty years. In Japan there are over 20 million players. And they pay a high price to travel the world for their golfing holidays. The analysis of golf tourism requires an examination of its environmental, social, economic aspects plus human rights issues – particularly those of land ownership. March, 2011

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G o l f To u r i s m : G e t t i n g o n t h e G r e e n

Water

Chemicals

Water and chemicals are prerequisites for any golf course. The chemical run-off from a golf course in Japan destroyed crops and created not only deformed fish but also GAM and its World No Golf Day. It is unlikely that this stopped anyone playing golf, but it was consciousness raising and leading UK media in the UK devoted considerable attention. The pesticides, herbicides, fungicides and artificial colouring agents poison not only the soil and fauna but also human health. George Monbiot, an environmental activist, reveals: ‘An 18-hole course requires, on average, 22 tonnes of chemical treatments, mostly pesticides, every year: seven times the rate per hectare for industrial farming. A study shows higher rates of some cancers, such as nonHodgkin's lymphoma (which has been associated with certain pesticides), among golf course superintendents’. March, 2011

Golf courses are no longer developed as adjuncts to luxury hotels, but rather as a necessity – as they are for villa developments. In Spain the coastline from Murcia to Almeria is nicknamed the `Costa del Golf’. Estimates vary but in 2005 El Pais reported that 130 golf courses were in development within the Valencia and Murcia regions alone, adding to the dozens there already. UNESCO estimates that tourists visiting Granada in Spain use seven times more water than local people, with daily usage as high as 440 litres. Golf courses in the area need between 10,000 and 15,000 cubic metres of water per hectare a year, which is the same as a rice paddy. Thus the annual water consumption of a course could reach one million cubic metres – the same as a town with a population of 12,000 inhabitants. It is even more worrying in Thailand where a course typically uses as much water as 60,000 rural villagers (UNESCO Water Portal Weekly, 2006). Land Abuse

Local and foreign business people, politicians and military leaders tend to form powerful alliances to support lucrative development projects. The worldwide construction of golf courses is married to dispossession and environmental destruction. The problem is particularly acute in southeast and east Asia, where golf is big business, and land rights and the environment are often ignored by governments. Tourism Concern knows of very many accounts of battles between peasant farmers or indigenous people and golf course developers, e.g. in Hacienda

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La’oc in the Philippines, the year 2000 saw two farmers resist a course planned for their lands, mutilated and shot dead. Poverty vs. Wealth

Resorts, hotels and golf courses often divert land, water, energy and access to biodiversity away from poor communities, and so make it harder for rural women and young girls to obtain water and fuel for household use. Fulfilling such basic needs competes with schooling in many poor communities. In theory, the construction of tourism infrastructure should benefit local residents by way of new and expanded services. Such benefits are often beyond the reach of the very poor, who may actually be worse off if tourism and its train of golf courses deny them access to productive land, water, biodiversity and other resources upon which their livelihoods depend. By Tricia Barnett (Tourism Concern) http://www.tourismconcern.org.uk

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Japan: Polluted by Golf Courses Japan’s economic success is causing many serious environmental problems, but one stems not from its factories but from too many golfers. In the late 1980s, several groups actively opposing golf course throughout Japan met in Kobe for their third annual national convention. Here is powerful testimony to the seriousness with which communities consider the adverse effects of golf courses. According to a report by the OECD, Japan’s early success in combating pollution is threatened by increasingly wasteful patterns of consumption. Japan’s total land area is about the same as the state of California. Over 100 million people live in this land space. Before World War II, there were only 23 golf courses in all of Japan and only 72 in 1956. Now, there are a total of 1,700 golf courses in operation, with another 330 under construction and roughly 1,000 in various stage of planning. Japan consists of islands covered by many mountains, and it is fairly easy to develop golf courses rather than developing agriculture and housing. Developers clear-cut the forests and use bulldozers to level hilltops and fill in valleys. As a result, golf course construction is identical to the destruction of environment. March, 2011

G o l f To u r i s m : G e t t i n g o n t h e G r e e n

Even though 67 percent of Japan’s total land area is covered by forest, its forest products self-sufficiency rate has fallen 30 percent. Japan now must import much of the timber used in construction and the wood chips used for making pulp. Forests serve as a kind of natural dam, storing rainwater in the leaves and soil. Natural water circulating from forests feeds rivers and streams. In contrast, golf courses have only one-fourth the water retention capacity of an equivalent forest area. Most rainwater simply runs off the greens and fairways. This produces flooding downstream. On the contrary, the water flow to rivers and creeks downstream from golf courses drops to a dribble during periods of drought. During golf course construction, rainfall sends mud pouring from the barren ground into streams. This often makes the water inappropriate for agricultural or residential use. An 18-hole golf course requires three to four tons of various germicides, herbicides, and pesticides every year to keep the green and fairways healthy, to combat weeds, and kill insects.

Top Five Golf Countries Currently it is estimated that there are around 35,000 golf courses in the world, of which the top five countries (USA, UK, Japan, Canada and Australia) account for 76%. These golf courses cover an area of approximately 17,238 km2, an area equivalent to the size of Kuwait. Nzsses.auckland.ac.nz

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Some of these chemicals are carcinogenic, while others are known to cause deformities and nerve damage. There have been reports of massive fish kills in fish hatcheries polluted by toxins in the water from golf courses. The nitrogen and phosphorus in the fertilizers will mix with rainwater and eventually flow into a reservoir. The high nutrient content of water will stimulate the growth of algae. Consequently, this requires the water treatment plant to use higher volumes of chlorine to cleanse the water. Golf courses use pesticides containing organic phosphorus. After application, the pesticides evaporate in the air and are absorbed by the human body via the skin and lungs. Caddies and greenkeepers often experience health problems because of the air pollution. Golfers themselves breathe in the toxins as they walk the course before the newly sprayed pesticides have settled down. Winds sometimes carry the chemical agents to surrounding neighborhoods, and people living near golf courses worry that their health may also be affected. Golf has an image as a healthy sport, but it may be quite different in reality.

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A research group in Canada also identified the problematical factors of golf courses. Soil samples were taken from greens and fairways, and sediment samples were taken from waterways and analyzed for the presence of mercury. Greens had the highest mean mercury concentration, and the majority of greens exceeded Canadian environmental levels set for mercury in soil. Sediment from a golf course lake had higher mercury levels than a lake located 5 km from the course. Mussels from both lakes were analyzed, and those from the golf course lake near the greens had methylmercury and total mercury levels an order of magnitude greater than those from the reference lake. Fish in both lakes contained methylmercury, but the level was higher in fish collected near the golf course greens. The construction of golf courses in scenic natural sites, such as forest areas and coral islands, also results in the destruction of biodiversity. http://www.greenfudge.org

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Quebec: Environmentally Friendly Golf Courses? improved spill containment for pesticide mixing and loading areas, decreased managed turf grass area to increase wildlife habitat, landscaping with native plants to increase wildlife habitats, removed exotic invasive plants, vegetation planted in and around waterways, installed of contained equipment in wash-off area. Where such environmental actions have been implemented, golf course managers have generally also reported a positive business value or cost savings, according to Audubon International assessments. Eco–friendly Golf Courses

As far as environmental responsibility is concerned, golf is neither ahead, nor behind other sectors, and it may take some time before it is considered as ‘responsible recreation’. Golf courses have a long history of being environmentally unfriendly, due to their high water and chemical use, impact on local topography, hydrology and wildlife. Nonetheless, golf remains an important activity across Québec’s 362 golf clubs, while worldwide an estimated 25,000 golf courses cater to some 50 million players. Internationally, various organizations and initiatives exist March, 2011

to reduce golf’s environmental impact, but one of the most popular remains the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program. In 2009, 783 golf courses were certified by this program worldwide, including 82 in Canada and 11 in Québec. Golf courses that have implemented initiatives to reduce their environmental impact can be recognized by a variety of actions, including: decreased water use, improved irrigation systems and water application, water quality monitoring, reduced or eliminated pesticide use, increased natural organic fertilizer use,

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Currently, there is no information that systematically documents environmental improvements implemented by Québec golf courses. However, numerous golf courses are actively working towards reducing their negative environmental impact, while several are also in process of certification by Audubon International. The most prevalent positive environmental action presently in Québec remains the reduction of pesticide use, owing to legislation implemented back in 2003 by the Provincial Government. According to baseline assessments for the period 2003-2005, Québec’s golf sector used 39,382 kg of active ingredients per

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year (according to sales figures) and 75.9%, or 29,885 kg, in the form of fungicides. In comparison with total pesticide use in the Province, pesticide use by golf represented about 1.1% of the total. The continuous reductions in pesticide use remains important to maintain watershed ecosystem health, but especially since their application by golf courses in Québec occurs almost entirely on permeable soils. Since 2003, the Québec Pesticides Management Code and its associated regulations require all Québec golf courses to submit a pesticide reduction plan prepared by a certified agronomist to the Ministère du Développement Durable, de l’Environnement et des Parcs every three years. For the period 2006-2009, the objective was to achieve average reductions of 12.9% in the use of fungicides, 9.4% in herbicides, 8.2% in insecticides, 7.4% in rodenticides and 2.8% in growth regulators. The results are currently being analyzed and the objectives for the next three years will be revised. Though golf courses in Québec have taken numerous other actions to improve their environmental management, the overall impact of these is not documented, with the exception of the Laurentides, where water use is monitored by public sector organizations. A few golf courses have also installed industrial equipment to filter, treat and reuse wastewater. However, such initiatives are limited to only a few places, since they cost up to CAD 200,000. Elsewhere, golf courses have exchanged their carts for electric versions, implemented recycling programs, and use recyclable or bioMarch, 2011

degradable balls and tees. Increasingly, some golf courses supply their restaurants with local and regional foods, as in the case of the Rawdon Golf Club, which also received Le Phénix de l’Environnement Award in 2009 for having implemented a variety of initiatives to improve its environmental management. While there aren’t clearly any 100% ecofriendly golf courses, work is under way to improve management at some places. There is currently a move in Québec to implement a variety of voluntary initiatives. For example, the Association des Terrains de Golf du Québec is drafting a sustainable development policy and green program, which will address compre-

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hensive environmental management requirements covering a range of issues, including waste and water management (composting, recycling), hazardous substance use, vegetation around waterways and others. A number of other organizations, such as the Coalition for Responsible Golf, are also working to help golf courses improve their environmental management practices in Québec. What about Green Golfers?

Few studies have assessed golfers’ attitudes towards the environment, and none have been reported from Québec. However, in 2008, Golf Digest published a survey that illustrated how perceptions of 650 avid golfers compared with the general American population regarding golf and its relationship with the environment. According to this study, golfers were typically male, affluent and older than the general population surveyed and some similarities and differences were noted amongst the two groups concerning environmental attitudes. For example, both groups appeared environmentally conscious and participated in activities like recycling and agreed that government regulation is a necessary approach for addressing environmental issues. However, while golfers also appeared to support the idea that golf is an environmentally friendly/compatible sport, they were less likely than the general population to participate in initiatives such as carpooling. The findings suggest that fewer golfers believe the game’s water and pesticide use has a negative impact on the environment than

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the general population. The Golf Digest study also suggests that, while golfers agree with the need to improve the environmental management of golf courses, such improvement does not necessarily represent a big plus for increased participation in the game. Some golf courses are also focusing on player education to raise environmental awareness and several try to get players involved by having them volunteer to carry out restoration and environmental works, while others encourage the provision of financial support towards environment initiatives. Golf clearly has the potential to be more environmentally responsible and the numerous initiatives in place by some golf courses currently leave no room for inaction by the great majority.

http://tourismintelligence.ca

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G o l f To u r i s m : G e t t i n g o n t h e G r e e n

The Impact of Golf Estates in South Africa however has other negative environmental impacts. Pesticides and Fertilizers

The addition of any nutrients to the system, for example through using fertilizers, impacts upon surrounding ecosystems. Increased nutrients may encourage alien species to invade and

discourages indigenous vegetation, which in the Western Cape is adapted to nutrient poor soil. Eutrophication of water bodies may also occur. This is associated with a proliferation of plant life, especially algae, which reduces the dissolved oxygen content and often causes the local extinction of other organisms. While the use of sewage water for irrigation may solve the water problem, it adds even more nutri-

Pros and Cons of Golf Courses Advantages

The amount of water golf courses use varies greatly depending on the region, but on average they use about 10 800 000 liters of water per year (according to the Golf Course Superintendents Association, US golf courses use, on average, 414 500 000 liters a year). In essence each golf course uses enough water to provide at least 1200 people with their basic water needs for a year. South Africa is a dry country and many people still do not have access to running water. However, using water-saving measures can cut the water use by a third, and some golf course estates are using recycled sewage effluent to water their greens and fairways. This March, 2011

Employment and income benefits, both direct and indirect Tax benefits to local, regional and national governments Attracts new firms to the region

Disadvantages Loss of biodiversity

Eutrophication or river or seawater through use of fertilizers Heavy user of water for irrigation Biocides use to maintain the greenness of Health and social benefits. Careers can the 'greens', control insects, fungicides and benefit through 'networking'. weeds, contaminate both the air and water Golf clubs often portray an elitist and excluAttracts the higher-spending social groups sive lifestyle Helps conserve valuable fragments of coastal habitat from encroaching urban- Leads to an increase in road traffic ization and agriculture Raises property prices beyond the reach of Increases local property values local young people Geographyfieldwork.com

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G o l f To u r i s m : G e t t i n g o n t h e G r e e n

Golf course estates are essentially upmarket, residential areas located within their own private park. They are generally not located within urban areas. They usually cover large tracts of land and are frequently proposed within pristine areas, where they reduce biodiversity and destroy conservation-worthy habitats. A worrying trend in the Western Cape is that golf course estates sometimes occur on prime agricultural land. In the short-term the overall monetary value of golf course estates may be greater than that of farming. However, in the long term, these short-term monetary gains, which benefit only a few individuals, may be eclipsed by a shortage of food-producing areas, affecting all South Africans. Urban Sprawl

ents to the system, compounding the negative environmental impacts of using fertilizers. Pesticides and herbicides kill off insects and weeds within the confines of the golf course estate. However these can spread into nearby ground water or river systems. The use of pesticides may affect species higher up the food chain by either reducing the amount of food available, or through the accumulation of persistent poisons in their bodies. Insects also provide important ecosystem functions such as pollination and seed dispersal. Their removal March, 2011

may have serious long-term implications for habitat viability. Alien Vegetation

Golf courses may facilitate the spread of invasive alien plants through increased disturbance and nutrient levels. Furthermore, gardens are recognized as an important source of invasive species. The introduction of kikuyu grass, for example, may have devastating effects on surrounding natural habitats.

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Many golf estate developments are on the urban edge or in semi-rural areas. This results in urban sprawl and can create unplanned-for development nodes where infrastructure does not exist. This places an added burden on local municipalities and the community at large, for example, through increased traffic congestion and demand for services. In general these developments consist of clusters of 500 housing units, or more. In effect they are creating small towns. This has enormous impacts on water demand and sewage services, especially where such large-scale growth has not been planned for. As these are housing developments for the upper end of the market, where are the resources to be found for the lower end, disadvantaged communities development?

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Socioâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;Political Issues, Equity and Access

This is probably the most serious weakness of golf courses. Golf course estates are frequently elitist enclaves, isolated from surrounding communities. They have thrived on people's fear and insecurities in the face of increasing levels of crime and violence. They are populated by people who have accumulated sufficient wealth to do something about this, but rather than use their considerable resources to assist in addressing the problem, they attempt to block themselves off from the rest of society.

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At its most benign, this takes the form of fencing and closing off residential areas to the public, limiting access to public open space. At its most extreme, it means guards, razor wire and electric fences. For society, this cannot be healthy, creating divides between the elite and the surrounding communities, and fostering resentment and tension between the haves and the have nots. By limiting access to natural resources such as arable land, fuel, water, food and medicinal plants, golf estates further impoverish poor communities, both economically and psychologically. Increasingly, attempts are being made to compensate communities for these losses by making substantial financial contributions, or by offering to build facilities for the affected community. In summary, it would appear that golfing estates are less about golf and more about the widening and increasingly prevalent gap between the rich and the poor. Golfing estates are an aggressive, and environmentally and socially destructive method used by the rich to insulate themselves from what they regard as uncomfortable realities. http://www.environment.co.za

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www.caucasusexplorer.com

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Spa: Traditional and Local

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Sp a : Tr a d i t i o n a l a n d L o c a l

Traditional Spa Treatments: Hilot, Lomi Lomi, Shirodhara… Traditional spa treatments are commonly practiced in spas today and help generate a lot of spa visits, particularly to hotel and resort spas. Many tourists like to experience the local therapies and treatments of their travel destination to take away a unique memory and to gain knowledge relating to how traditional treatments have been used for centuries to assist the wellbeing of local residents. A selection of popular traditional spa treatments which spas confirmed they promote on their spa menus are described below (source: Intelligent Spas, Global Spa Benchmark Program): • Thai massage is one of the most popular and successful, traditional spa therapies offered. It is not only a popular choice of locals and tourists in Thailand, but is also practiced widely across the world, enabling many Thai spa therapists to be employed in foreign countries. It also effectively promotes Thailand as a potential travel destination to those who experience Thai massage outside of Thailand. • In Indonesia, the Balinese massage is a very popular traditional spa treatment as is the Javanese massage. • Philippines’ national massage is called Hilot massage and is practiced widely across the country. March, 2011

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• Some more unusual traditional spa therapies are gaining popularity including the heated sand treatment in Japan, where the spa guest is dressed in a special suit, lies down in a sand box and is covered with heated sand for around 15 minutes. This is a detoxifying treatment and is also being practiced now in other countries including Taiwan. • Traditional Chinese massage and medicine are both widely offered in spas across the Asian region, and are gradually becoming available in other regions including North America. These treatments enable spa guests to experience ancient Chinese culture without necessarily travelling to China. • Simiarly, Ayurvedic medicine is also practiced in many spas around the world, with the Indian head massage called Shirodhara, widely promoted in many spa destinations. This traditional treatment involves hot oil being gently poured over the forehead of the spa guest. • The Korean bathhouse is a well-known tradition whereby the spa guest typically alternates the use of plunge pools, steam room and sauna at their own pace and completes the experience by scrubbing and washing themselves in adjoining public shower areas containing individual stools and hand-held shower hoses.

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• In comparison, spas in the Middle East are known for the Hammam treatment, which includes the spa guest spending some time in a large, public steam room and receiving body scrubs performed by spa therapists. • African Wood massage is commonly offered in South African spas and is known to mimic rhythmical patterns of African dance using Swarthout dumbbells. •

• • Hawaii’s popular traditional massage is the Lomi Lomi, which is also widely practiced in spas across the globe. • Bathing rituals across Europe have been common for many centuries and are

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Sp a : Tr a d i t i o n a l a n d L o c a l

now becoming more popular across the world, with many large scale bathing developments, as well as extensive aquamedic or specially designed circuit pools, being developed in various luxury spas within the Asia Pacific and North America regions. The majority of spas offer “signature treatments” which usually combine elements of traditional treatments and ingredients found in the spa’s local area. These signature treatments are generally used to entice guests to visit the spa and are typically a package of multiple treatments, which provides higher revenue compared to standard spa treatments. Intelligent Spas’ last consumer research entitled “Female Versus Male Spa Consumers” found spa guests preferred both facial and body treatment products to be made from fresh, local ingredients, as opposed to internationally known skin care brands or the spa’s self-branded skin care range. This is good news for spas that are on tight budgets and do not have the cash flow to stock volumes of expensive brands. Given the nature of spas which is “healing through water”, it is important they embrace traditional therapies, not only to help maximise visits, but to also carry on the important traditions of their culture. By Julie Garrow (managing director, Intelligent Spas) http://www.intelligentspas.com

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Sp a : Tr a d i t i o n a l a n d L o c a l

Japanese Onsen Therapy: Recuperation of Weary Body In the hot-spring heaven that is Japan, there are a countless number of onsen from Hokkaido to Okinawa, from those of luxurious spas in nondescript concrete buildings to rotenburo set in pristine natural surroundings. Obviously what lures millions of onsen bathers back again and again is that wonderful feeling of just being able to close your eyes and forget about life’s daily hassles – the boss, the crowds, the headaches. The relaxation effect of onsen, however, is just the tip of the iceberg. “Onsen therapy has various medical effects,” says Yuko Agishi, a 71-year-old physician and honorary professor at Hokkaido University. “It is a type of alternative or complementary medicine, not directly curing the cause of the disease but treating the body as a whole; assisting in recuperation, rehabilitation and disease prevention.” These medical benefits have given onsen a central role in balneotherapy, which is a comprehensive bathing treatment conducted to maintain health, normalize dysfunctions and prevent illness. Generally, the elements in this therapy are onsen, gases and climatic and geographical factors. In the Edo Period (1603-1867), onsen therapy, then called toji, was widely practiced by the common people. For work-wearied farmers, toji was an especially valued feature of March, 2011

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their hard lives. After a long day’s work, they would go to an onsen to relieve their mental and physical strains as well as to ready their bodies for the next day’s toil. Just as those sons (and daughters) of the soil used toji to recuperate, so today’s stressed-out workers are turning to “onsen therapy” (nowadays, generally termed “balneotherapy”) as well. Balneotherapy is often conducted in combination with other treatments such as aquatic therapy and massages.

“According to Archimedes’ principle, a person experiences just one-ninth of their weight when underwater,” says Agishi. “Therefore, it is a lot easier to move around and do exercises in the water. Aquatic therapy is most effective for those who need rehabilitation, whether because of a car accident or neurological disorders.” The onsen’s chemical makeup is one of the key elements of balneotherapy. According to the 1979 revision of the 1948 Onsen Law, nine types of onsen water are recognized as having

Sp a : Tr a d i t i o n a l a n d L o c a l

What Is Onsen? Because of Japan’s volcanic terrain, natural hot springs are found throughout country. Known as onsen, they are one of the highlights of any visit to Japan. There are more than 3,000 onsen in Japan. Although most hot springs baths are developed inside, many hot springs baths also have an outdoor bath known as a rotenburo or notenburo (also called open-air hot springs bath). Baths may be publicly run by a municipality or privately run by a local ryokan. JapanTravelerOnline.com, JibTV.com

proven medical benefits. These are nisankatanso-sen (spring water high in carbon dioxide), tansansuisoen-sen (hydrogen carbonate), enkabutsu-sen (chloride), ryusan-sen (sulfate), tetsu-sen (iron), io-sen (sulfur), sansei-sen (acidic), hoshano-sen (radioactive) and tanjun (spring water that lacks these attributes but has a temperature of over 24 degrees). “For example, sulfur onsen are quite effective for chronic articular rheumatism,” says Agishi. Bathing in these various types of onsen is used to treat other illnesses, such as arthralgia, chronic skin diseases, diabetes, constipation, menstrual disorders and so on. And by partaking of this natural therapy instead of using conventional medication, it is believed that people can also strengthen their immune system and thus enhance their ability to heal themselves. There is, however, another way to absorb these minerals – insen (drinking medicinal spring water). March, 2011

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Of course, people don’t drink the water they bathe in. Spring water specifically suited for insen is certified by the prefecture to be drunk unfiltered. “Drinking onsen water has a stronger effect on the body than just bathing in it,” says Agishi, “because the stomach and intestines directly absorb the water.” In Japan, however, the concentration of chemicals in spring water tends to be relatively low, so balneotherapy is focused mainly on bathing. By contrast, in many European countries spring water sources are rich in chemicals, and so people there tend to favor insen over onsen. Among European countries, Germany has one of the most established systems for balneotherapy, and there are many facilities dedicated to onsen therapy. Typically, patients will stay there for three to four weeks, with the cost of their treatments often covered by insurance. Similarly in Japan, onsen therapy may also be covered by insurance if a doctor’s prescription states that a patient is in need of the treatment for a certain illness. But in practice, this constitutes a tiny proportion of the total, because onsen stays are generally regarded as a fun trip to be combined with eating good food, rather than as a part of medical therapy. “In Japan, people generally visit onsen for one night only as a break from their daily routines,” says Agishi. “And that is certainly refreshing. But from a medical viewpoint, onsen therapy takes at least three weeks.” Unlike in Europe, though, at present there are very few facilities in Japan offering such long-term therapy. March, 2011

However, in 1996 the government-approved Minkan Katsuryoku Kaihatsu Kiko, known as Minkatsu (Organization for Development of Private Participation in Public Projects), was asked for assistance to promote onsen resorts at a time when many were going bankrupt. Instead of concentrating on tourism, the association, to which Agishi belongs, focused on the medical aspects of onsen, and from 2000, Minkatsu officially started to take action. One of their first accomplishments was the publication of “Onsen Ryoho no Techo (The Book of Onsen Therapy)” in 2002. This contains detailed explanations of onsen therapy and its effects, as well as a list of 310 doctors and spe-

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cialists in the field so that readers can contact them for advice. The book also lists 509 onsen resorts with onsen therapy facilities, and their prices. By disseminating information about balneotherapy to the public, Minkatsu also aims to encourage both local governments and private companies to build facilities for long-term onsen therapy. “With the aging society, onsen therapy is what we need now,” says Agishi. “It builds the confidence of old people because they can move around more freely in the water. This therapy will treat them without strain – and they’ll enjoy it.” It is thought that the imminent graying of Japan is just what the ailing onsen industry needs. According to Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry data, there are at present 23 million Japanese aged 65 and over. Toshiyuki Sato, the 73-year-old chairman of Minkatsu, estimates that when members of the dankai no sedai (baby-boom generation), who are now in their mid-50s, hits 65, there will be more than 30 million elderly people in Japan. “In the near future, the elderly are going to be the key to Japan’s vitality,” says Sato. “With onsen therapy, the government can keep health insurance from rising, and the elderly can keep their health in order to work.” Photos: JNTO By Masami Ito (The Japan Times) http://www.japantimes.co.jp

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Sp a : Tr a d i t i o n a l a n d L o c a l

Thai Massage: Experience Your Whole Body Thai Massage, like most Asian methods, is a technique used to give the massaged person an experience of the total body. It is similar to acupressure and Shiatsu combined with stretches and yogic Asanas. Its nickname has become, “yoga for the lazy”. The best thing about Thai massage is that, like yoga you get flexibility, inner organ massage, oxygenation of the blood and quieting of the mind. Through deep muscle stretching, joint release and emphasis on the breath, Thai massage offers many of the same benefits as yoga. An ingenious system of movements allows the therapist to manipulate the client without much effort. Every movement is designed to support the client as well as the therapist. It’s amazing how much more we are able to move when another person is providing assistance and encouraging us to relax. It is an interactive form of bodywork, quite unlike any other Western or Eastern forms. While it does include work by the practitioner kneading muscles, what makes it particularly helpful is its unique stretching. You remain passive while the practitioner does the movements to you. Thai Massage will strengthen the client physically and harmonize their energy so a new life experience can arise. It combines techniques often used separately in western physiotheraMarch, 2011

pies such as Trigger Point Therapy, Myofacial Release Techniques and Neuro Muscular Therapy. Thai Massage works on the major meridians, also called energy lines or Nadis, which run throughout the human body. It aims to harmonize the body, to loosen blocks, and to recoup

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deficiencies along the energy lines. In contrast to traditional Chinese medicine, which uses acupuncture to manipulate the pressure points, Thai Massage stimulates these same points with healing touch. Therefore, the points suffer less stress, and life energy, or Prana, is allowed to freely circulate. Through application of pressure on energy lines and points, and a vast array of passive stretching movements performed with the hands, feet, knees and elbows, the body experiences profound relaxation, peripheral stimulation of internal organs, increased flexibility and increased flow of energy. Along with influencing the energetic side, Thai Massage also works on the physical body. Starting at the feet and progressing up to the head, the client’s body will be moved, loosened and stretched. The combination of energetic and physical aspects is unique to Thai Massage, and so are its effects. Thai Massage is a way to prevent sickness. It helps to dissolve blocks before they manifest psychologically or physically, and it also improves flexibility. Injured athletes, as well as those suffering from handicaps or stress are another target group. Essentially, anyone will benefit from this powerful technique. It is a meditative practice for both client and practitioner, reflecting the states of lov-

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Sp a : Tr a d i t i o n a l a n d L o c a l

ing kindness and compassion. Thai massage has always been taught as a spiritual practice done with prayers and as a meditation. A typical Thai massage is 2 hours covering the body quite completely. It is a unique and deep massage that transforms the body to a more flexible, relaxed, lighter and less painful being. Concerning the treatment, Thai Massage is a floor massage. The fully dressed client lies on a pad or light mattress. The massage is given in silence to allow the therapist to understand the client and to give the client a chance to focus and learn about himself without distraction. To give and to experience Thai Massage is a meditative practice. At the end of the treatment, both the client and the therapist will feel relaxed and energized. http://www.ancientmassage.com http://www.thaimassagetherapy.com

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Wellness Tourism: Spa Packages Attractive Not Only to Locals Health and wellness tourism has been gaining popularity all around the world – not only in the western countries but the less developed one as well. China, Indonesia, Philippines and Turkey are some of the countries where wellness packages are quickly drawing the attention of local consumers. China

Spas contributed 96% of the total value sales in health and wellness tourism in 2009. Hotels and resorts pushed spa packages, as declining numbers of guests affected hotels’ revenue due to increased competition from budget hotels. These spa packages were also used to attract guests to stay at luxury hotels, and guests were usually given free spa treatments. The free spa treatments were used as bait, and allowed hotel guests to get a preview of the services offered, and hopefully be persuaded to sign up for spa packages. Most spa resorts are pure imitations of the Japanese hot springs in terms of decor and layout. However, there is a growing trend to revert to the traditional Tang dynasty imperial spring bath decor in a bid for outlets to differentiate themselves. Some spa outlets even March, 2011

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offer traditional Chinese medication services, and even have in-house Chinese physicians. These physicians can prescribe food cooked with herbs for customers to eat after their spa. Sometimes the hot baths are infused with herbs which offer different healing or medicinal effects. The selling point is to offer a total wellness package which starts from within the body, and not just external wellbeing. Indonesia

Health and wellness tourism in Indonesia is still a relatively new area. While the concept of a relaxing holiday itself is not new, visiting a spa for relaxation is a relatively recent trend, especially among urban tourists Up to 2009, hotel/resort spas are still the most popular form of spas, followed by destination spas. The trend towards spas has indeed been driven by its offering in hotels and resorts, and the concept was then picked up by other players as well. Despite the growth of desti-

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nation spas and other spas up to 2009, hotel/ resort spas still performed well as new consumers looking for spa holidays tend to choose hotel/resort spa packages. Meanwhile, with the still emerging stage of spa holidays, other health & wellness tourism is still negligible in Indonesia up to 2009. Indeed, there is a growing presence of day spa outlets seen in the bigger cities from Jakarta to Surabaya and Bandung. The demand for such day spas come from the urban dwellers who cannot afford a dedicated spa holiday but still want to experience a spa package. Popular day spa outlets are usually fully booked throughout the weekend and also enjoy high occupancy rates during weekdays. Products varied from foot massages to full body massages and other spa treatments. With this trend, other spas have grown the fastest in value terms in 2009. Philippines

There are five main categories of spa in the Philippines, namely hotel/resort spas, destination spas, medical spas, day spas and club spas. Hotels/resort spas remained the largest in 2009, representing 61% of total spas current value sales thanks to the popularity of luxury travel services in the Philippines, particularly among foreign tourists. Foreign tourists accounted for 62% of the total number of spa visitors. The numbers of domestic and foreign spa visitors both declined

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Sp a : Tr a d i t i o n a l a n d L o c a l Turkey

in 2009. However, average sales per outlet in the hotel/resort spas category grew by 20% in current value terms. This increase reflected the closure of 10 outlets due to difficult trading conditions. Nonetheless, rising health awareness and the global trend towards increasingly hectic lifestyles ensured that spas remained very popular among many domestic and foreign tourists in the Philippines in 2009. Popular spa treatments on offer in the country include hilot, a traditional Filipino deep-tissue therapeutic massage, and dagdagay, a traditional foot massage.

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Consumers in Turkey started to be more careful about their health and wellness, and this trend increased sales. When they took a holiday, people demanded more sophisticated packages, which tended to include a spa and wellness theme. A new health and wellbeing trend in Europe swept across Turkey, with the advent of spa resorts and hotels focused on providing relaxation and detoxing treatments ranging from massages to dietary detoxing plans for health-conscious high income consumers. Many 5-star hotels started to offer treatment packages and introduced spas into their portfolio of services to attract customers. There are massage, saunas and herbal therapy rooms in many hotels, and some of them have natural water fountains to better stress the theme of wellness. These places are competitive in two respects, because they are luxury and also use natural healthy resources. Most of these are run by large companies, and smaller companies have not yet discovered this potential. Hotel/resort spas are growing because of their luxury, and foreign tourists and high income domestic tourists prefer them. Other spas, including traditional natural spring water spas, are growing due to their popularity amongst citizens.

http://www.euromonitor.com

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Sp a : Tr a d i t i o n a l a n d L o c a l

Turkish Hammam: Physical and Mental Regeneration Enjoy the Treatment

For centuries Turkish hammam continues to exist as one of the major components of the Ottoman and Turkish culture with its pestemal, rubber, large and bright dome and unique architectural beauty. Hammam was built not only as a place for washing oneself. Turkish hammam is also health and entertainment center where March, 2011

people gather and organize social activities. Hammam is the home of the tradition of physical and spiritual purification. The body and skin are cleaned and purified from toxins, the blood circulation increases, immune system is stimulated so that the physical and mental system are regenerated

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There are a number of accessories that are specific to the Turkish bath and are still used. Bath gloves that are made of palm root and the Turkish pestemals (bath towels) are the most important ones. Also the pumice stone which is used to rub the feet is always available in the hammam package. Inlaid copper, silver or brass bath bowl is one of the most beautiful examples of handwork. Hammams in Turkey are open from very early times in the morning until late at nights. The time of stay in the Hammam is not limited. Customers can stay there as long as they want. After undressing in small cells at the entrance of hammam, people pass to the hot room for taking Turkish bath. The keeper of Turkish hammam asks the customers if they want to have a massage or bath glove. Usually the correct procedure is to have both of them. If massage and bath glove is asked to be provided, after the process of sweating for half an hour, the customer is washed by a masseur or a rubber. Dry pestemals are given to the customers who wish to enjoy sauna after the bath. Also a spread of a dry pestemal is necessary to lie on the heated marble slab (gobek tashi). The Turkish Bath temperature varies between 35-45 centigrade degrees according to the

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season. As for the temperature of sauna, it is between 55-60 centigrade degrees. Firstly rubbers wash their customers and then rub them with the help of a thick bath glove and wash them again. Lastly, depending on the customer’s request, rubber lets the customer to lie on the heated marble slab. Then, begin to massage with his/ her skillful hands. After ending the operations of bathing, rubbing, massage and sauna, the customer passes to the cool room (sogukluk) wrapping himself or herself the a dry pestemal given by the rubber. There is an attendant waiting to change the pestemals and the towels of the customer. After that the customer goes to the rest room. Here, customers sip delicious drinks that are served to them while resting on the sofa.

use of continuous hot water and the ambient temperature of 35-45 centigrade degrees create an environment of high humidity. This ambience raises the body temperature and activates all the organs. This change is very beneficial to the human body. Rubbing the body by the bath glove (after staying at the high-humidity environment for a long time), accelerates the skin renewal by removing the dead skin cells. This process keeps the skin fresh. Doctors have been explaining the positive effects of sweating on the human health for centuries. Sweating is as important as breathing for the body. In the historical Turkish bath people sweat approximately 1.5 liters within 15 minutes, which helps the kidneys. Toxins constitute ten percent of the sweat. Sweating in the Turkish hammam opens the pores of the skin. Therefore it is frequently used in the treatment of cellulite. In addition, this method is good for arthritis and many other diseases. It speeds up the heart beat and blood circulation. To go to the hammam can be risky for the cardiac patients and the people with blood pressure problems. These people should consult a doctor before going to the hammam.

What Are the Effects?

Turkish hammam is the home of physical and spiritual purification. There are two types of Turkish baths. These are Turkish baths that are working with artificially heated water and the spas that are working with natural hot water. The healing hot spring water contains sulfur and salt. That’s why thermal spas are used in the treatment of rheumatic diseases, skin diseases and nervous breakdown. However, the

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Sp a : Tr a d i t i o n a l a n d L o c a l

http://www.turkishhammams.com

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Small Islands with Distinctive Character

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S m a l l Is l a n d s w i t h D i s t i n c t i v e C h a r a c t e r

Discover the Authentic World of Les Iles de la Madeleine In the time of early dinosaurs, Quebec's Les Îles de la Madeleine (the Magdalen Islands in English) started a very long Atlantic migration from the Equator towards the north, eventually settling in Canada's Gulf of St Lawrence. Lying in a southwest/northeasterly direction, they consist of a dozen volcanic islands that form a 64-kilometer-long fishhook-shaped archipelago. Six of those islands are interconnected by long, thin dunes of fine cream-colored sand, all joined by paved roads and picturesque bridges. Most of the hardy 13,000 residents have centuries-old roots with an Acadian French heritage quite different from but just as historical as the Québécois heritage. However, there are also a few communities with British or American heritage, mostly the descendants of mariners washed ashore from some of the 400 shipwrecks recorded over hundreds of years. English is widely spoken, and warm hospitality to visitors is part of the Madelinot character. Only in the past few decades have Les Îles been accessible for more than a handful of months a year, and even then only by fishing boat or freighter. All that has changed with regular commercial flights from Montréal and Québec City and a five-hour ferry trip to/ from Prince Edward Island, also in the Gulf of St Lawrence. However, the most satisfying March, 2011

Formerly a residential convent school for girls, Domaine du Vieux Couvent has been meticulously restored as a heritage guest accommodation. Photo credit: Peter Gardner

way to reach these beautiful isles is aboard a white-hulled 450-passenger cruise-ferry cooperatively owned and operated by the islanders themselves. Boarding the CTMA Vacancier (Ctma.ca), in the port of Montréal, sailing for two days

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down the St Lawrence River and across the Gulf is an adventurous, satisfying way to observe abundant marine wildlife and historic shoreline communities along the route, and to sample some exceptional cuisine far more to be expected on a luxury cruise ship. Between June

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and September, the CTMA Vacancier offers round-trip seven-day packages with a break in the middle of two nights and three days to explore the islands or one-way trips to Les Îles for longer stays. Visitors may then fly out or take the CTMA ferry to Prince Edward Island or enjoy a week on the islands and board the next cruise-ferry as it sails back to Québec City and Montréal. Flexible pricing allows for many possibilities. Most travelers visit Les Îles de la Madeleine between June and September, with the 300 kilometers of sandy beaches and warm shallow waters particularly appealing to families. However, if sampling the distinctive cuisine, enjoying local music festivals and exploring the rich history and culture of the islands have higher priority, shoulder seasons offer even quieter charm and off-season rates. Sleeping with history is an excellent way for visitors to immerse in the atmosphere. On the southernmost island, Île du Havre Aubert, where many tourism interests are clustered, there is a cozy B&B mansion, Auberge Chez Denis à François (Aubergechezdenis.ca) a perfect location for exploring the picturesque village of Havre-Aubert and its seaside surroundings. It is a strollable place to immerse in the arts, culture and deep history with art galleries, one-of-a-kind artisan shops, a marine museum and local-species aquarium. Island-hopping half way up the archipelago to the third largest island, the imposing Domaine du Vieux Couvent (Domaineduvieuxcouvent.com) is the islands' only stone building with its own fascinating story and March, 2011

S m a l l Is l a n d s w i t h D i s t i n c t i v e C h a r a c t e r

a gourmet eatery with more gastronomic delights. In the early 20th century, literacy and education were scarce commodities with most students having to leave the islands to get any education. So a residential convent school was built to train young local women to be teachers in tiny community schools throughout the archipelago. It has been impressively restored as a superior

class accommodation with ten elegant rooms offering breathtaking views of the sea. A morning drive north to the farthest island allows visitors to witness the returning lobster boats that go out to sea well before dawn to check their traps. A drive past wide creamsand beaches, narrow bridges and diminutive fishing and farm hamlets ends at a bustling commercial marina, home to hundreds of lob-

Only a few years old, a freighter wreck along the shore is a reminder of the current dangers of the archipelago seas. Photo credit: Alison Gardner

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ster boats. Teams of women wait to unload the lobster catch into refrigerated trailers to go to restaurants and local canneries or to be fresh packed for flights to world markets. Les Îles de la Madeleine (Tourismeilesdelamadeleine.com) share their history and culture generously with many high-quality museums and authentic attractions including an historic herring smokehouse and a local cheese factory. Let it be known that the Madelinots eat like kings and queens and serve their hearty organic soups and herb-laden savory dishes with the same panache as they play the haunting Acadian music and paint their houses. If joie de vivre is to be found anywhere in this world, it must surely be on these illusive islands floating low on the horizon in the Gulf of St Lawrence!

Lobsters are a significant part of the local economy, served fresh in a variety of dishes aboard the CTMA Vacancier and in restaurants throughout the islands. Photo credit: Le Québec maritime/S. Larose

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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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S m a l l Is l a n d s w i t h D i s t i n c t i v e C h a r a c t e r

A Natural Escape: Franklin County’s Barrier Islands Many visitors to Florida get their first impressions of this state from watching movies or TV. They see the flash of Miami (south Florida) in such iconic television series as Miami Vice and CSI: Miami. Or on the wide screen in Marley and Me. Or they catch glimpses of the Orlando area (central Florida) in such flicks as Silent Night: Agent Down and Ocean’s Eleven. But unless they happen to catch Lonely Hearts, it is unlikely that the silver screen will give them a glimpse of northern Florida. Which, if you talk to some of its residents in the Panhandle, the northwest part of the state, is just fine. Because after all the film crews move on to their next Florida location, these proud residents will still be living and loving the same lifestyles they’ve had for generations. And they may do this most proudly in Franklin County, located along the Gulf of Mexico 80 miles southwest of Tallahassee, FL and 85 miles southeast of Panama City, FL. The county is bordered by the Gulf of Mexico to the south, and by three counties to its north, east and west. Within its 545 square miles Franklin County’s two municipalities – Apalachicola and Carrabelle – contain evocatively-titled communities – with names like Alligator Point, Dog Island, Eastpoint, St. George Island and St. Vincent Island. Their titles reflect the county’s Native March, 2011

American history, its resident population of alligators, and some of the most pristine wildlife environment that can be found in the southeast part of the United States.

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Much of its historical and environmental preservation is due to the fact that more than 87 percent of the County is either state or federally protected land. This protection has

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S m a l l Is l a n d s w i t h D i s t i n c t i v e C h a r a c t e r

Getting There Both Delta Airlines and Southwest Airlines service Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport, which is approximately one hour and 30 minutes away by car from Franklin County.

For More Information Franklin County Tourist Development Council www.anaturalescape.com 1-866-914-2068 (toll free) © Patricia Kutza

enabled Apalachicola Bay, a nursery area for the entire Gulf of Mexico, to remain a pristine and productive estuarine system. This fact is not lost on anglers who visit the County for the chance to catch such prized Gulf of Mexico fish as snapper, amberjack, tarpon, and sheepshead. Others prefer inland freshwater opportunities and both types of trips are available from local tour guides. Family heritage means a lot in this region. Even the most casual of observers notes that, what other cities may have discarded in their rush to upgrade their ‘tourist-worthiness’, Franklin County has made a concerted effort to retain and sustain. Which is why visitors can just as easily find unpretentious cafes as well as swankier restaurants serving locally harvested oysters, clams, shrimp and blue crabs. But, like their competitors, Franklin County businesses also keep their finger on the pulse. Which is why when college spring break twenty-somethings head to the Panhandle March, 2011

this year Journeys of St. George Island, a local sports outfitter, offers paddleboard lessons to keep the youth in town and happy to spend time also in its bars, restaurants or shopping and sightseeing in the beautifully-restored community of Apalachicola. It’s also why the Franklin County Tourist Development Council promotes not only larger tour guides but also small tour operators who serve kayakers, hikers, and birdwatchers in such areas as Tate’s Hell State Forest and Bald Point State Park. The Council has also beefed up promotion of its lodging options in anticipation of tourist interest in its recently-opened LEED-certified Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve which houses both a visitor center and research labs. Accommodations range from houses and condo units, primarily rented through vacation rental companies and local rental agencies, to historic inns, local hotels, bed and breakfast inns as well as RV and campsites.

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With its big expanses of sky, gorgeous sunsets, locally sourced seafood, abundant wildlife and colorful residents, Franklin County seems like a no-brainer destination for indie film producers. It’s a natural escape on an epic scale that no deep-pocketed Hollywood production could afford to reproduce. And a destination no adventurous tourists should ignore. VIDEOs: Discover Apalachicola Bay Oyster Harvesting off of St. George Island Tate's Hell hiking tour with Lesley Cox, Certified Green Guide By Patricia Kutza Patricia Kutza is a U.S travel, business and technology journalist based in the San Francisco Bay region. She crafts features for such outlets as Bay Area Kids Magazine, , Acura, Journeys, Executive Traveler, Terrain, Port O Call and San Joaquin Magazines. She invites readers to visit her Vallejo Community Issues Examiner blog where she chronicles the compelling people, places and events that make the Vallejo area such an interesting place to visit and to live.

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S m a l l Is l a n d s w i t h D i s t i n c t i v e C h a r a c t e r

Andaman & Nicobar Islands: An Emerging Eco–tourism Hotspot The Andaman and Nicobar in India are a group of picturesque islands, big and small, inhabited and uninhabited, lying in the Bay of Bengal. They lie along an arc in long and narrow broken chain; approximately North-South over a distance nearly 800 km. Mother Nature has been very generous to these islands in endowing them with rich biodiversity which is displayed in various forms of flora and fauna on land and in water surrounding the islands. Pristine Nature and Green Forests

Their uniqueness lies in high degree of endemism, particularly, in avifauna. Forests cover more than 84% of the islands’ geographical area. A clean and pollution free environment and lush green forests surrounded by blue sea water make A & N islands one of the most favored destinations for eco-tourism. The total number of islands/islets is more than five hundred, supporting a population of 356,152 (2001 census) and projected population figure for 2011 is around 489,000. The islands offer a lot for eco-tourists. A glance over the tourist data indicates gradual increase in tourist arrival (both domestic and foreign) during last thirty years except during 2005 when deadly Tsunami waves struck these islands in the last week of Dec, 2004. March, 2011

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S m a l l Is l a n d s w i t h D i s t i n c t i v e C h a r a c t e r

Tourist Arrival Data in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands (1980–2009 Year Year 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

Domestic Tourists 7500 20291 27019 64490 81432 85866 90629 93899 105004 30225 118648 136015 123914 142042

Foreign Tourists 2096 1264 6697 3849 4684 5249 4707 4281 4578 2156 9051 9045 12512 13684

Total Tourists 9596 21555 33716 68339 86116 91115 95336 98180 109582 32381 127699 145060 136426 155726

Source: Department of Information, Publicity and Tourism, A& N Islands.

The Islands: Scuba Diving, Fishing and Camping

Jolly Buoy & Red Skin islands located in Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, about 30 km from capital city of Port Blair, offer a breathtaking underwater view of coral and marine life. Cinque island is famous for unspoiled beaches especially a sand bar joining two islands. It is a superb place for scuba diving, swimming, fishing and camping. Havelock Island, about 54 km from Port Blair, provides idyllic resort in the lap of virgin white silver sand Radhanagar beach March, 2011

and unpolluted environment. Time Magazine declared this beach as the finest beach of Asia in 2004. A guesthouse of Tourism Department “Dolphin Resort” and a lot of other private camping facilities are available here. Chatham Island at Port Blair has the privilege of having one of the biggest and oldest saw mills of Asia. Besides mill machinery, there is a museum depicting islands’ forest wealth details and collection of forest products especially “burr” and “off cut” pieces from Andaman Padauk (Pterocarpus delbergiodes). The lush green mangroves forest cover with the area of 1190 sq.km offers an eye catching

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view on tours around the islands by local boats. The tourists can have a glimpse of one of the primitive tribes (Jarwas) of these islands in the forests of South Andaman adjoining Andaman Trunk Road and around Baratang Island. Other categories of such Negrito race tribe like Great Andamanese (at Strait Island), Onges (at Little Andaman) and Sentinalese (at North Sentinal Island) are protected from outsiders by the local administration and special permission is needed to visit them. Sentinalese are the most violent type of tribes who do not like outsiders and attack such people with bow and arrows upon seeing

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them. They are totally cut off from main stream society and depend on hunting/fishing in and around North Sentinal Island for their survival. In fact, they need to be protected from outsiders by administration. Efforts of bringing Jarwas to main stream have not been very fruitful as their status has been reduced to beggars before tourists and local settlers of the islands. Eco–Tourism Potential and Challenges

These islands have all the necessary ingredients for eco-tourism industry i.e. turquoise

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blue sea, talc-like beaches and shear richness of tropical flora and fauna. Principal author carried out a research study to assess tourism value of these islands before and after tsunami disaster of 2004. It has been found that annual tourism value has increased to Rs. 75 million (€1.2) during 2007-08, which is almost three times than the tourism value before tsunami. At present the creation of eco-friendly infrastructure is required. Water scarcity problem particularly during the months of January to May, every year, needs to be resolved. Village

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based eco-tourism has tremendous potential in the islands. Raw material for construction of eco-friendly tourist huts in the coconut and areca nut orchards in and around Port Blair is available in plenty. Local people and settlers having farm and orchard lands can be encouraged by local administration for this venture by providing appropriate subsidy for attracting domestic and foreign tourists for staying palm groves and to have a feel of sincerity and serenity of village life in the islands. Location of such huts adjoining tropical rain forests would provide a wonderful opportunity to nature lovers for studying rare endemic birds, animals, insects, butterflies etc. of the area. Though tourism value of these islands has increased after tsunami of 2004, still administration has to cover a lot for achieving sustainable tourism in the islands. By Dr. Pradeep Chaudhry & Deepak Bairagi Dr. Pradeep Chaudhry (pradeepifs@yahoo.com) is a senior forest officer in the Indian Forest Service and presently posted as Director, State Forest Research Institute, Van Vihar, Chimpu, Itanagar-791111, Arunachal Pradesh, India http://sites.google.com/site/drpradeepchaudhry/ Mr. Deepak Bairagi (dipu2k8@gmail.com) is a young man having special interest in the nature conservation and exploration, presently working as Junior Investigator in the Directorate of Economics & Statistics, Port Blair, A & N Island, India.

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S m a l l Is l a n d s w i t h D i s t i n c t i v e C h a r a c t e r

Caldey Island: Wales's Island Monastery

Caldey was home to monks since Celtic times. Small boats ferry every 15 minutes (MondaySaturdays from May-September) from Tenby harbour in 20 minutes to this sacred sanctuary, a small world apart. The landing spot is the magnificent expanse of sandy beach at the Priory Bay, one of the best in Wales. From here a short stroll leads to the village and monastery. Set amidst peaceful wooded surroundings sloping gently into the bay, the beach is ideal to laze on sunny afternoons with the crashing surf rolling by or even walking, sunbathing, swimming or building sandcastles. Since it is accessible only on reaching Caldey, it never gets too crowded even during summer. Chocolate from the Abbey

Caldey Island lies cradled in the South Pembrokeshire coast on the western fringes of Wales, 3 miles off Tenby. Derived from the Viking Keld-Eye meaning ‘Cold Island’, Caldey is one of Britain's holy islands. March, 2011

The World of Serenity

More than a thousand years of prayer and quiet living has made this remote and beautiful island a haven of tranquility. Believed to have been inhabited since the Stone Age,

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The Caldey Abbey is presently a working monastery with the Cistercian/Trappist monks – one of the more ascetic of the monastic disciplines. Constructed in 1910 by John Coates-Carter in unusual traditional Italianate style, this Grade 2 building is Caldey’s most prominent landmark occupied since 1929. The present fourteen monks follow the original purity of the Rule of St. Benedict with vows of poverty, chastity and obedience. Devoting their lives to the service of God, they live as per an austere set of rules set to a demanding timetable of prayer, study and work, attending seven services a day in the simple dignity of the monastery church (the first at 3.15 a.m.!) and observing silence (7 p.m.-7 a.m.). Their routine shows that monastic life is not for the fainthearted but for those with a genuine vocation for spiritual life.

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The monks contribute in farming with the 50-odd islanders. If lucky, one can catch a glimpse of them maintaining a prime beef herd or baking shortbread in the monastery oven. They produce myriad home-grown items including tomatoes, chocolate, ice cream, milk, butter, clotted cream and yoghurt. The refectory for communal meals is an imposing oak paneled hall with timbered roof. The cloister for contemplation is set around a central garden – the girth. Although monastery tours are available only for men anyone can attend the church service. Caldey’s Landmarks

The village gift shop is well stocked with items from the Abbot’s Kitchen besides souvenirs and books on island life, poetry collections and plainsong CDs. The unusual design of the Caldey Island Post Office (1913) by John Coates Carter blends with the Abbey’s extravagant architecture. It sells postcards and special covers. Those posted here receive a Caldey Island imprint. The Video Centre displays a 20-minute film The Monks of Caldey Island offering insights on monastic life. Enjoy an unhurried snack in the Tea Gardens or a leisurely picnic. Just outside the island’s main settlement is the medieval stone chapel of St. David, the parish church of Caldey on a small hill with its impressive round-arched Norman door. Possibly, the foundations and nave stonework date to a 6th century Celtic chapel. In the church courtyard lies the simple graves of monks and islanders marked with weather-beaten, wooden crosses on a possible Celtic burial site. March, 2011

The Victorian landowners restored the church after the Dissolution of Monasteries (1536) and the Benedictine monks added the unique stained glass windows. The most unusual Fish Window has the ancient Christian symbol with a contemporary feel in a 1920's design by Theodore Bailey. The most impressive is Tree of Life Window depicts a threefold tree, possibly symbolizing the Trinity and three crosses on Calvary. Illuminated by the afternoon sun, it gives a stunning sense of the Creator breathing life and light into the world.

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Ancient Church

The village signpost directs one past the fuchsia hedges to the St. Illtyd's Church, a consecrated Roman Catholic Church still used as a place of worship with its ancient stone walls and pebble floors worn smooth by time and generations of worshippers. The oldest part is the Prior's Tower, built as a fortified house by Robert Fitzmartin to whom Caldey was given by Henry I. Fitzmartin in turn gave it to his mother who donated it to the Benedictine monks of

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S m a l l Is l a n d s w i t h D i s t i n c t i v e C h a r a c t e r

The Caldey Lighthouse perched high above the breakers on Chapel Point was built by Trinity House, the lighthouse authority for England and Wales in 1829. It works with the Lundy North Lighthouse to aid navigation in the Bristol Channel. On either sides of the tower are the erstwhile dwellings of resident keepers prior to its conversion to automatic operation (1927). As the last lighthouse powered by acetylene gas until conversion to mains electricity (1997), it opens up spectacular views of the Pembrokeshire Coastline, Preseli Hills, Lundy Island and Gower Peninsula. Perfumes from the Island

St. Dogmael's who retained it till the Dissolution. Fitzmartin's house was modified between the 13th- 15th centuries. The original vaulted chapel forms the sanctuary of the larger church with a 14th century spire. Entering through the western tower, one observes the gatehouse with storage rooms, dormitory, kitchen, refectory and fishpond outside the cloister. Medieval etchings on walls depict skulls and crossbones. The 12th century historic Priory is one of the most interesting buildings abandoned in 1536 and restored in the 20th century. Constructed from limestone and sandstone, indigenous to Caldey it is believed to occupy a 6th century Celtic monastic site where the Caldey Stone inscribed in the Celtic Ogham script was excavated to be displayed in the church for visitors.

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The principal income for Caldey is tourism in addition to locally produced items during winter. However, the most interesting business venture is the manufacture of the famous range of Caldey Island perfumes and toiletries (colognes, bath essences, hand lotions, aftershaves and soaps) inspired by the profusion of local wild flowers and herbs. Since the 1950's lavender bunches from the monastery garden were dried and sold to visitors giving the idea of creating perfumes commercially. An island building was converted into a perfumery and expert perfumers helped the monks formulate sophisticated high quality fragrances of the Caldey brand. With the popularity of perfumes outstripping supply, the complex compounding process was outsourced to the Belgian perfumer Ivo Jacobs to painstakingly re-create the classic fragrances of Caldey.

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The lavender perfumes acclaimed "simply the best lavender soliflore on earth" by perfume critic Luca Turin are sold in Caldey’s shops, in Tenby, through mail order and online, using the island’s website. Tour the Caldey Island

Caldey provides a spiritual retreat in limited self-catering properties between Easter – October for those wishing to attend monastic services and experience spiritual life in solitude. A fire engine, ambulance and Coastguard team exists. Free guided tours offer insights on Caldey’s history, churches and daily life. Or explore yourself keeping to the footpaths for safety. Caldey is also dog friendly. A sharp eye, luck and patience often reveals grey seal pups basking in the ocean swells or nesting seabird colonies on the cliffs. While acknowledging the importance of tourism in Caldey, its natural beauty, historical significance of the monastery, limiting visitors, improving the jetty and coastal defense are issues of concern. Coupled with breathtaking natural beauty and the commercialism in Tenby, a day out in the enchanting, tranquil oasis can leave a thoughtful holiday maker with memories of a deeper, lasting kind. By Dr. Ilika Chakravarty Academy of Business Management, Tourism and Research, Bangalore, India 27, Hazeltree Croft, Acocks Green, Birmingham, B27 7XS, U.K. ilika_c@yahoo.com

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S m a l l Is l a n d s w i t h D i s t i n c t i v e C h a r a c t e r

Cook Islands: Caves, Cliffs and Makatea

At the very centre of the Polynesian triangle, the Cook Islands consist of 15 islands scattered over some 2 million square kilometers of the Pacific Ocean. It is bordered to the west by Tokelau, the Samoas and Nuie and to the east by Tahiti and the islands of French Polynesia. The islands north to south, are Penhryn, Rakahanga, Manihiki, Pukapuka, Nassau, Suwarrow, Palmerston, Aitutaki, Manuae, Mitiaro, Takutea, Atiu, Mauke, Rarotonga and Mangaia. With a land area of just 240 square kilometers, the March, 2011

islands range from low coral atolls to the mountainous majesty of Rarotonga, the largest island of the group and home to the capital, Avarua. Mauke Island

Mauke takes its name from the legendary founder ‘Uke who came to the island in search of a peaceful place to live. By today’s standards, he certainly chose the perfect island. However, prior to the arrival of Christianity Mauke was dominated by the Atiuan’s who would often

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descend on murderous cannibal raids taking many slaves. Today, Mauke’s peaceful existence belies its unsettled past and visitors will find a real Pacific haven on this infrequently visited island. It is often referred to as the ‘garden’ island of the Cook group and can be found 40 minutes by air northeast of Rarotonga. Non-commercial and with a relaxed pace of life, Mauke offers peace and seclusion 'off the beaten track'. Three villages – Areora, Ngatiarua and Kimiangatau are close to the western coast of the island, leaving the arable inland area for a variety of food crops and other farming activity. Visitors should not miss a visit to the Oliveta Church at Kamiangatau, the ‘divided church’ built where the villages of Ngatiarua and Areora meet. The church has two separate entrances and sitting areas for each village. The reason for this is at the time of construction a conflict arose between the two villages. This is evident in that the interior design clearly shows two very separate artistic expressions and styles. The pulpit railing is also inlaid with Chilean dollars. Mitiaro Island

Of the cluster of islands in the Southern Group called Nga Pu Toru (Atiu, Mitiaro and Mauke), this island would be the least visited by tourists. Not because it is any less beautiful than sister islands Atiu and Mauke, but simply that it is probably the least known. Mitiaro is somewhat different to its sisters in that it has two large freshwater lakes in its inte-

ADVENTURE

S m a l l Is l a n d s w i t h D i s t i n c t i v e C h a r a c t e r

village are beautifully kept and neat. Life on Mitiaro is refreshingly uncomplicated. Atiu Island

rior, Rotonui and Rotoiti. These are full of Itiki (freshwater eels) that are considered a delicacy in the Cook Islands and a popular dish on this island. Renowned as one of the friendliest, village life revolves around the Cook Islands Christian Church Betela – where visitors can experience the rousing hymns at Sunday Service. There are caves on Mitiaro and some delightful subterranean pools which offer a refreshingly cool place to swim. A smattering of small sandy beaches and coves can be found along the coastline. The small tight-knit community shows its pride in the neatness of the villages, Takaue and Arai. There is a small population of approximately 300 people and private gardens in the

March, 2011

Atiu – the island of birds and legends – is the third largest in the group, forming part of the Southern section of the Cook Islands. Atiu is a small volcanic island, with central elevated flattopped mass of volcanic rock surrounded by a raised coral limestone reef called a Makatea. The makatea runs around the island ranging in width from anywhere between 50 to 100 meters. Low cliffs, 3 to 6 meters high surround the island, but there are many recesses in which small sandy coves are found. It is a fascinating destination, riddled with caves, maketea, raised coral atoll, cliffs, and white sand beaches. Orovaru Beach is where Captain James Cook landed in 1777. The barrier reef lies close to the shore and the four main villages – Areroa, Tengatangi, Mapumai and Teenui – are grouped together on a central plateau some 71 meters above sea level. A road extending 20 kilometers around the islands is the best means by which to explore. Learn the legend of lovers Inutoto and Tangaroa and their association with Anatakitaki Cave, which is spectacularly adorned with stalagmites, stalactites and also home to the Kopeka bird. Visit Raka’s Cave with its fifteen different chambers and your guide will tell you about the many generations of the Rakanui

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family who have lived and died in this magnificent hideaway, inside the island’s lush rain forest. A small restaurant trade is developing in Atiu so when visiting ask the locals about any new eateries – Kura's Kitchen which is found on location at Atiu Villas is worth a visit. Kura's Kitchen and bar is open every day of the week except Sunday. Visitors should change money in Rarotonga before travelling to Atiu. Shopping is limited but there are a few small dairy stores, and locals sell crafts from home. Another local custom to take part in is trying bush beer, Tumanu, a local brew made from imported yeast, sugar hops and malt. http://www.cookislands.travel

Destination Bavaria: Castles, Mountains and Much More

Beautiful castles, gardens, parks, mountains – Bavaria in Germany has it all. Discover the Renaissance heritage of Augsburg, Regensburg’s Italian heart and Dachau’s royal history.

Destination

Bava r i a : C a s t l e s , Mo u n t a i n s a n d M u c h Mo r e

Experience Bavaria and Its World Famous Landmarks Cities, culture, sports and leisure, holidays with the whole family and much more – there are many reasons to spend your holiday in Bavaria! Hi-Tech and Traditions

Laptop and lederhosen – this expression has become very popular and refers to the successful coexistence of the high-tech industry alongside old Bavarian traditions and customs. Munich is the capital city of publishing houses and other industries, like biotechnology, automobile industry, air and space travel (Oberpfaffenhofen) and is also home to renowned universities – Bavaria holds a leading position in many areas of business and education. For tourists from all over the world Bavaria is the most popular destination in Germany. This is due to its many attractions: world-famous buildings like Neuschwanstein Castle, the famous beer festival, the Oktoberfest, and the Hofbräuhaus in Munich, to mention but a few. And also amongst German travelers Bavaria is the most popular destination! Castles and Palaces

In Bavaria you will find the most impressive castles, palaces and gardens of Germany. The March, 2011

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Destination

Bava r i a : C a s t l e s , Mo u n t a i n s a n d M u c h Mo r e

History

most famous include the three royal castles of King Ludwig II, Neuschwanstein Castle, the palaces of Linderhof and Herrenchiemsee (New Palace), the Kaiserburg (Imperial Castle) Nuremberg and the Royal Residences in Munich and Wurzburg. The Prince Electors and Kings of Bavaria have built more than 45 castles, palaces and royal residences. The historic heritage also includes lavish royal gardens, palace gardens, parks and lakes. These unique examples of European architecture combined with decorative works of art attract five million visitors per year from all over the world.

March, 2011

When the Electorate Bavaria was appointed Kingdom of Bavaria in 1806, Bavaria started its long journey into modern times. The success of this journey is – among other reasons – the result of the systematic support of science and arts by King Ludwig I (1825-1848) and King Maximilian II. (1848-1864). They invited artists and scientists from all over Germany to Bavaria, thus turning it into a center of culture and science. Up to the second half of the 20th century, Bavaria was an agricultural county. But even in the 19th century the kings of Bavaria supported trade, craft and industry. Franconia was the driving force of the industrialization and the first train in Germany went from Nuremberg to Fürth in 1835. The first German hydropower plant, built at the Walchensee in 1924, and the first research reactor, built in Garching (near Munich) in 1957, mark milestones on Bavaria’s way to a modern high-tech country with a massive export rate. Modern State

Today, the Free State of Bavaria is a prime location for economy, science and technology, and takes a leading position amongst European and global competitors. Several Nobel

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Prizes, which have been awarded to Bavarian scientists, also proof this point. Bavaria is also a country of culture. This is stated in the Bavarian constitution and the Government takes this task very seriously. Opera houses, theatres and museums are strongly supported and are internationally renowned. The Bavarian people can be proud of the development of their country, which has seen high achievements, ideas and commitment. They can be proud of one of the most beautiful holiday destinations in the world. http://www.guide-to-bavaria.com

Destination

Bava r i a : C a s t l e s , Mo u n t a i n s a n d M u c h Mo r e

Fairy Tale Castles and Palaces for Kings and Queens

Neuschwanstein Castle

The Free State of Bavaria is not only the largest federal state of Germany (70,548 km2, 12.5 million inhabitants) and one of the oldest states in Europe (history from a 6th century duchy to 19th/20th century kingdom), but it is also the most prosperous and attractive German terriMarch, 2011

tory. This has doubled since 1806, when the Holy Roman Empire ended and the regions of Franconia and Swabia were integrated. Since then Bavaria extends from the Alps to the river Main as a link between northwestern and southeastern Europe.

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Known for its world renowned manufacturing (MAN, BMW, Audi, Siemens etc), Bavaria is also Germany’s leading tourism magnet, pulled off by great sceneries and historic monuments. Amongst them are 45 major castles, palaces, fortresses and residences standing against an Alpine background or being embedded by marvelous gardens, lakes and woodlands. At the southern terminus of the Romantic Road towers up Neuschwanstein castle. Germany’s leading landmark, standing next to Alpine lakes and Hohenschwangau castle, is the romantic interpretation of a fairy-tale like middle-age knight’s castle that was copied for Disneyland’s Sleeping Beauty Castle. Built by unfortunate King Ludwig II (1845-1886) at the foothill of southern Bavaria’s border with Austria in mid 19th century, the castle turned out just as a tourism hotspot immediately after the king’s mysterious death. Today, an annual stream of 1.3 million visitors pours in to get a glimpse of some few exotically decorated rooms (Throne Room, Royal Suite, Singers' Hall, Grotto) and paintings paying homage to Richard Wagner. Another royal castle is the secluded rococo villa Linderhof (1870-1874). Cloistered within prealpine mountains and wooded hunting grounds, a peaceful garden delights with trick fountains, grottoes and Moorish pavilions.

Destination

Further east, on a Chiemsee island contrasts the impressive Herrenchiemsee castle. Ludwig II named his royal palace built in 1878 the “Temple of Fame”, whose broad state staircase leads up to the Great Hall of Mirrors and large staterooms. Outside, the castle opens to a grandiose court garden that demonstrates the absolute power of the monarch – a true “New Versailles” after the example of the French King Louis XIV. A lot more modest, but not less flamboyant, appears the Royal Villa Königshaus am Schachen south of Garmisch-Partenkirchen, the king’s hunting castle and mountain refuge. The Swiss-style chalet 1866 m high, enchanted by the Alpine backdrop, saw the eccentric king attracted by the illusion of a far-away orient, as he would dress up in Turkish costumes and lay down on carpets and pillows, while smoking water pipe and sipping on Mocha coffee with his servants disguised as Muslims. Bavarian rulers have lived and reigned in the centrally located city castle of Munich. Today the Münchner Residenz (“residence”) at the end of the old town’s pedestrian zone is a complex of six courtyards and museum with 130 rooms. Once in 14th century just a small moated castle, it became in 1506 home of the Wittelsbach dynasty until the end of their reign in 1918. In walking distance next to the famous Hofbräuhaus (state-court brewery) one arrives at the 750 years old former Imperial castle (alte Hofburg). It is one of Munich’s oldest architectural monuments, where the house of Wittelsbach resided before their removal to the new residence on the nearby more open ground. March, 2011

Bava r i a : C a s t l e s , Mo u n t a i n s a n d M u c h Mo r e

Nymphenburg Castle

At the outskirts of old Munich flashes the amazing Nymphenburg castle, a royal summer and later subsidiary residence. Built between 17th and 19th century in Italian baroque style (Agostino Barelli) it has been surrounded by a captivating French style park with artificial canals and spring fountains. Highlights are therefore not only the massive Rococo-decorated Great Hall ("Steinerner Saal"), but also the small park castles hidden in wild forests. Outside pre-Napeolonian Bavaria, Emperor Frederic Barbarossa (122-1190) built an impressive castle on an isolated sandstone

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rock in Franconia. The striking landmark towers above Nürnberg, the modern center of Middle-Franconia and medieval melting pot of craftsmen, traders and inventors. The Imperial Castle has been entirely preserved, including the residential and state rooms in the Palas, the Sinwell (“round”) Tower, and the 14th century 47 m Deep Well, which in times of siege was the most important source of water for the castle. Two other outstanding castles mark the center of Lower-Franconia, the former bishopric town of Würzburg and northern terminus

Destination

Herrenchiemsee Castle

of the Romantic Road. On the site of a former Celtic refuge (ca 1000 BC), FranconianThuringian dukes had built a fortress (Festung) above the Main River in 8th century. 500 years later it was turned into a fortified refuge castle and in 17th century encircled with massive bastions. The habitual historic residence of the princebishop across the river (Residenz) is one of the March, 2011

Bava r i a : C a s t l e s , Mo u n t a i n s a n d M u c h Mo r e

most important baroque palaces in Europe (UNESCO World Heritage). It was equipped with an astounding staircase in the main entrance hall that shows gigantic frescoes (1752/53) by famous Venetian painter G. B. Tiepolo (the “four continents”). Other outstanding features are the Court Chapel, the State Gallery with Venetian art, and the Court Garden, one of the finest for nature lovers. At the Austrian border of southeastern Bavaria there towers above the old town of Burghausen (historic landing site of salt boats arriving downstream the River Salzach from the Austrian Alps) one of the largest castle complexes in the world: the 1000 m long Burghausen Castle, built in 1025 by the Wittelsbach rulers on a rocky promontory. Modernized during the 16th century threat of Turkish Ottoman Empire, the mighty gothic fortress with a defiant Palas (ducal private rooms, chapel, knight’s hall) and six courtyards (stables, brewery, bakery, arsenal, Gunsmith Tower, Grain Tower, St. Hedwig Chapel, buildings for officials and craftsmen) was badly damaged during Napoleon wars. With them had come the end of a unique fortress that once served as Bavaria’s second capital and bursary (1504-1802) living from 12 market towns, 17 monasteries, 107 parishes, 252 castles, 1920 villages, 4509 solitude farms … and thousands of craftsmen, who deserve the great honor of builders of all castle monuments we admire so much. By Dr. Engelbert Altenburger I-Shou University, ass. prof. at the Faculty of International Business, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, amadeus78@web.de

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Destination

Bava r i a : C a s t l e s , Mo u n t a i n s a n d M u c h Mo r e

Dachau: The City of Bavarian Kings Dachau is known around the world as a learning and memorial site, the city aims to counteract its past falling into oblivion. At the same time, the more than 1200 years old town is famous for its amazingly diverse arts and cultural scene, even beyond the region. On 15 August 805 the noble lady Erchana from the comital family of the Aribones donated her estate in (then so-called) “Dahauua” to the diocese Freising. With the deed of donation Dachau was mentioned for the first time. It emerged at the crossway between a wide swampland and wooded hill country and was named “market” already in 1270. The advantageous location at the connecting from Munich to Augsburg brought Dachau not only liberties and gains but also war and misery. One of the worst periods for the people of Dachau came during the Thirty Year’s War, when the market was sieged and plundered by the Swedes. Towards the 19th century Dachau was discovered by painters. They found many attractive natural motives in the marsh and swamplands and by the beginning of the 20th century Dachau was among the most famous artists’ colonies besides Worpswede. The names of many famous artists are connected with the town to this day, among them Carl Spitzweg, Max Liebermann, and Lovis Corinth. Particularly women increasingly discovered the art of painting and participated in private painting classes offered by the artist’s coloMarch, 2011

Dachau traditional country-fair every August

nies, since they were not admitted at the State Academy in Munich before 1926. Their works are still on display today at Dachau’s Art Gallery and the town of Dachau is an actively participating member of the association of European artist colonies, EuroArt. During World War I Dachau impoverished and with the institution of the concentra-

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tion camp in 1933 the reputable artist’s town became the epitome of the inhuman NS terror. Today it is the town’s highest maxim to keep the memory of the events alive. The concentration camp memorial site with museum and archive contribute to this considerably, as do the dialogues with contemporary witnesses, the international youth meetings, an annual

Destination

Bava r i a : C a s t l e s , Mo u n t a i n s a n d M u c h Mo r e

Dachau castle

View of Dachau’s Old Town and Town Hall situated on the so called Karlsberg

symposium on contemporary history and much more. After World War II expellees from the eastern provinces of Germany found a new home in Dachau. Nowadays the greater district town of Dachau counts more than 42 000 inhabitants. It is not only a central European place of learning and commemorating but also an important art – and cultural center in the metropolitan Munich area. Today Dachau, the former city of the Bavarian Kings, beckons visitors to get to know the town with all its diversity: the summer residence of the House of Wittelsbach as well as the important European artists’ colony at the turn of the 19th to the 20th century. Worth seeing are the picturesque Old Town with Art Gallery, St. Jakob parish church and District Museum, among others. During the summertime, the typical Bavarian atmosphere can be experi-

enced at the so called “Dachauer Volksfest”, a traditional folk festival in August, renowned not only for its low beer price. In recent years Dachau has been focusing increasingly on top range open-air events during the annual “Dachauer Musiksommer“ (June/July)."Jazz in allen Gassen"(jazz in all alleys) or the famous “Baroque picnic” held in the courtyard of Dachau castle are fix highlights in Dachau's annual events calendar. Famous far beyond the city limits are also the series of classical Dachau palace concerts each year, with 6 concerts scheduled throughout the year featuring world renowned orchestras and solo artists. Dachau is conveniently reached by train or by car from Munich within just 20 minutes. That makes it an attractive day excursion as well.

March, 2011

http://www.dachau.de

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Destination

Bava r i a : C a s t l e s , Mo u n t a i n s a n d M u c h Mo r e

Regensburg: Young, Italian, and Right in the Heart of Europe It does lie a bit off the beaten track, it’s true. Yet, the city that was still “at the back of beyond” until the 1980s is now right in the heart of Europe. And a visit to the city that calls itself Regensburg is certainly well worthwhile, in particular because it lies in the centre of a triangle that has Frankfurt, Munich and Prague at its corners. Some people call Regensburg “Italy’s northernmost city”, for others it is “Germany’s mediaeval miracle”. Both groups are right. It’s not only the style of building that makes visitors feel that they are in an almost Italian atmosphere: the style of life enjoyed by the people of Regensburg in the summer is also reminiscent of life in southern Europe. People here take every opportunity to organize a street festival, whether it features jazz or the arts, a jubilee or local traditions. And the fact that Regensburg has more pubs per square meter than any other town is easy to verify at every turn – in the pavement cafés, pubs, restaurants and the many shady beer-gardens. Regensburg – which survived the Second World War almost unharmed – presents itself to visitors today as the only almost intact mediaeval city in Germany, a place that once counted among the greatest and richest urban centers in Europe. Yet, despite its great past, 2000-year-old Regensburg is by no means just March, 2011

a sleepy historical backwater today. In fact, it has 150,000 inhabitants and is now the fifth largest city in Bavaria. It not only has a young university with roughly 25,000 students but is also an expanding economic centre providing work for about 100,000 people each day, largely in very modern high-tech enterprises. And which other city can offer a 330-meterlong “icon”: the Romanesque stone bridge over the Danube? The locals, admittedly, would probably maintain that the Historische Wurstkuchl, the little

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old restaurant that stands beside the bridge, is the real symbol of Regensburg. The “Sausage Kitchen’s” characteristic little sausages are reputed to have been served here with homemade sauerkraut and sweet mustard for more than 850 years. Regensburg’s Domspatzen, the world’s oldest boys’ choir, are also frequently regarded as being synonymous with the city. Georg Ratzinger, the brother of the present Pope, Benedict XVI, was the director of the “Cathedral Sparrows” for many years. The Pope himself

Destination

has close connections with Regensburg. After all, he was a professor at the university here in the early days of his career and he still has his private residence in a village on the edge of Regensburg. The best way of discovering the heart and soul of Regensburg is to take part in a guided tour. In the course of an entertaining, roughly twohour walk, visitors can become acquainted with old buildings and historic events, dramatic incidents and amusing anecdotes, hidden courtyards, narrow alleyways. This is the best way to begin to get to know the young and dynamic city behind the ancient walls before taking the initiative and – independently and brimming with ideas – experiencing Regensburg more intensively. A guided tour is, however, also the ideal way to begin to find out what makes the ancient place so youthful, and how the old and new citizens of Regensburg enjoy their city and the way of life here. Yet Regensburg offers more than urban life, since its attractions do not end at the city’s boundaries. Being situated near the confluence of the rivers Regen, Naab and Laaber with the river Danube, the cathedral city offers not only the cultural amenities and hospitality to be found in a large urban centre, but also opportunities for recreation and relaxation in the varied countryside of these river valleys. Whether you enjoy hiking or cycling, inlineskating, mountain-biking, rock-climbing, rowing or canoeing, you can practice all these sporting activities in the area immediately around Regensburg.

March, 2011

Bava r i a : C a s t l e s , Mo u n t a i n s a n d M u c h Mo r e

For the cyclist, particularly, there is lots to choose from: apart from the famous Danube Cycle Path leading from the river’s source to far beyond Vienna, Regensburg is also the starting point for the Regen Valley Path leading to the border of the Czech Republic. Alternatively, it’s possible to cycle along the Naab or the Laaber on a voyage of discovery through a peaceful and picturesque landscape or, if pre-

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ferred, through countryside that will challenge even the fit sportsman. And only a relatively short distance from Regensburg, you can visit the Bavarian Forest Nature Reserve and the Danube Gorge near Kelheim. Photo credit: Regensburg Tourismus GmbH By Regensburg Tourismus GmbH http://www.regensburg.de

Destination

Bava r i a : C a s t l e s , Mo u n t a i n s a n d M u c h Mo r e

Augsburg: The Center of Renaissance in Bavaria

Two thousand years of glorious history have sculpted the face of Augsburg, where past eras come alive. Follow the trail of the Romans, whose Emperor Augustus had the city founded to immortalize his fame. Immerse yourself in the world of the powerful Fugger and Welser families, who made medieval Augsburg a nexus of the Holy Roman Empire and a home to famous artists. The Oldest City

Founded by the Romans in 15 BC it is the oldest city in Bavaria and second oldest German March, 2011

town. Augsburg's cityscape developed over two millennia and was shaped by all the great stylistic epochs. The Renaissance in particular flourished here – and Rococo became known as "the Augsburg style." Great buildings, monumental fountains, lavishly laid-out streets and ultramodern architecture attest to the city's cosmopolitan bounty. Feel the overwhelming beauty of the Renaissance, which is still very much alive here in the majestic architecture of the monumental Rathaus (City Hall), an imposing Renaissance masterpiece built 1615-20 by Elias Holl as an expression of the Free Imperial City's civic pride. Adjacent is the Perlachturm, the tower from which one enjoys an impressive panoramic view of the city's architectural gems. The magnificent Augustusbrunnen fountain was erected in honor of the Roman Emperor from whom the city derives its name. It is only one of many Renaissance fountains which survived intact. Maximilian Street, framed by the historic façades of stately patrician homes, attests to the city's affluence in the days of the famous Fugger and Welser merchant dynasties. The Fuggerei, built by Jacob Fugger the Rich, banker to kings and emperors, is the world's oldest social settlement for the poor. Even

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today its residents pay an annual rent of less than a dollar. Of Augsburg's numerous glorious religious edifices, the Dom (Cathedral) with five windows of the oldest figured stained glass in Germany, St. Ulrich-Münster and Protestant Ulrichskirche constitute a splendid architectural ensemble. Concerts in splendid halls, opera and operetta in open air theaters, art exhibitions, magnificent churches, the Fuggerei and the Schaezler Palace draw tourists from the entire world. Museums and Landmarks

Maximilian Museum – cultural gems of the old trading town date from classical antiquity through the 20th century. The Römische Museum exhibits archaeological finds from the founding of the city at the time of Christ's birth, and from later centuries when the Roman ruled the land.The Deutsche Barock-Galerie in the Schaezler Palais, contains works of German Old Masters, among them Hans Holbein

Tourist Numbers Growing Fast Even though the tourist numbers for city tours in Germany recorded two-digit growth in 2010, Augsburg even tops by far the other major cities like Berlin and Munich. The official statistics shows an 18.8 % growth in arrivals and even 23.10 % in overnight stays for Augsburg. In comparison Berlin recorded growth of 11.7% respectively 14.2 % and Munich registered 11.9% respectively 12.6 %. This massive gain in overnight stays is due to two new hotels offering in total 400 beds. Augsburg-Tourismus.de

Destination

the Elder, Hans Burgkmair, Lucas Cranach and Albrecht Dürer. The Maximilian Museum helps visitors trace the history of Augsburg. Also featured are numerous exhibits from the era of the city's great silver- and goldsmith masters. The Leopold Mozart Family Memorial reminds us that the great Wolfgang Amadeus had forefathers from the region. Representing literature is Bertolt Brecht. The memorial in his name houses a documentation of the

March, 2011

Bava r i a : C a s t l e s , Mo u n t a i n s a n d M u c h Mo r e

writer's Augsburg years. The Naturmuseum exhibits flora and fauna of the Alpine foothills dating back 8-12 million years, while insights into the expanses of the universe are gained in the Planetarium. The Stadttheater is a mecca for music and theater lovers. Widely acclaimed are performances of opera and operetta in the Freilichtbühne (open air theater). http://www.historicgermany.com http://www.augsburg-tourismus.de

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

Mar c h

2 0 1 1

b y

regi o n s

Fairs & Exhibitions

Western Europe

MA R CH , 2 0 1 1

Event UK Location

United Kingdom / London

Start / End

01 March 2011 / 03 March 2011

Provider

UBM

Contact

Jonny.sullens@ubm.com

International Confex Location

United Kingdom / London

Start / End

01 March 2011 / 03 March 2011

Provider

UBM

Contact

maya.mhatre@ubm.com

Freizeit Messe Nürnberg

The European Meetings and Events Conference 2011

Location

Germany / Nuremberg

Start / End

02 March 2011 / 06 March 2011

Provider

Nürnberg Messe GmbH AFAG

Contact

freizeit@afag.de

Destinations: The Holiday & Travel Show Birmingham Location

United Kingdom / Birmingham

Location

Germany / Düsseldorf

Start / End

04 March 2011 / 06 March 2011

Start / End

13 February 2011 / 15 March 2011

Provider

Clarion Events Ltd

Provider

Meeting Professionals International

Contact

katie.white@clarionevents.com

Contact

aforsstrom@mpiweb.org

ScotHot 2011 Location

United Kingdom / Glasgow

Start / End

28 February 2011 / 02 March 2011

Provider

ScotHot

Contact

scothot@montex.co.uk

Scottish Tourism Week

Mahana – Lyon Location

France / Lyon

Start / End

04 March 2011 / 06 March 2011

Provider

Exposium

Contact

veronique.piguet@comexposium.com

Vacanze Weekend

Location

United Kingdom / Edinburgh, Scotland

Location

Italy / Padova

Start / End

28 February 2011 / 02 March 2011

Start / End

05 March 2011 / 06 March 2011

Provider

Scottish Tourism Forum

Provider

Vacanze Weekend

Contact

mail@stforum.co.uk

Contact

info@vacanzeweekend.it

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

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Fairs & Exhibitions

International Hotel Investment Forum

Ferien Messe Freiburg

Location

Germany / Berlin

Location

Germany / Freiburg

Start / End

07 March 2011 / 09 March 2011

Start / End

18 March 2011 / 20 March 2011

Provider

Questex Media Group and Bench Events

Provider

FWTM Messe Freiburg

Contact

tess.pearson@questex.com

Contact

info@ferien-messe.de

ITB Berlin 2011

Internorga

Location

Germany / Berlin

Location

Germany / Hamburg

Start / End

09 March 2011 / 13 March 2011

Start / End

18 March 2011 / 23 March 2011

Provider

Messe Berlin GmbH

Provider

Hamburg Messe und Congress GmbH

Contact

itb@messe-berlin.de

Contact

info@hamburg-messe.de

International Food and Drink Exhibition Location

United Kingdom / London

Start / End

13 March 2011 / 16 March 2011

Provider

Fresh RM

Contact

paul.macdonald@freshrm.co.uk

Britain & Ireland Marketplace – BIM 2011 Location

United Kingdom / London

Start / End

14 March 2011 / 14 March 2011

Provider

European Tour Operators Association

Contact

david@tarsh.com

Best of Britain & Ireland Location

United Kingdom / Birmingham

Start / End

16 March 2011 / 17 March 2011

Provider

Best of Britain Events Ltd

Contact

info@bobevents.co.uk

Mondial du Tourisme Location

France / Paris

Start / End

17 March 2011 / 20 March 2011

Provider

Le Monde a Paris

Contact

marianne.chandernagor@comexposium.com

MA R CH , 2 0 1 1

Le Salon du Randonneur Location

France / Lyon

Start / End

18 March 2011 / 20 March 2011

Provider

expocinq

Contact

lpons@expocinq.fr

TNT Travel Show 2011 Location

United Kingdom / London

Start / End

19 March 2011 / 19 March 2011

Provider

TNT Publishing Ltd

Contact

webmaster@tntmagazine.com

Anti–Aging Medicine World Congress & MediSpa Location

Monaco / Monte-Carlo

Start / End

24 March 2011 / 26 March 2011

Provider

EuroMediCom

Contact

emaa@euromedicom.com

Campa + Pool, Outdoor Location

Austria / Tulln

Start / End

24 March 2011 / 27 March 2011

Provider

Tullner Messe GesmbH

Contact

messe@tulln.at

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Fairs & Exhibitions

The Travel Marketing Awards Location

United Kingdom / London

Start / End

24 March 2011 / 24 March 2011

Provider

The Travel Marketing Awards

Contact

ttma@dellardavies.com

TUR Travel Fair 2011 Location

Sweden / Gothenburg

Start / End

24 March 2011 / 27 March 2011

Provider

Svenska Massen

Contact

tur@svenskamassan.se

The Cruise 2011 Location

United Kingdom / London

Start / End

26 March 2011 / 27 March 2011

Provider

Escape Events

Contact

cruise@escapeevents.co.uk

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Fairs & Exhibitions

CENTRAL Europe

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ITM – Intourmarket Location

Russia / Moscow

Start / End

12 March 2011 / 15 March 2011

Provider

Euroexpo & Expotour

Contact

expo@tourfond.ru

Moscow International MICE Forum Location

Russia / Moscow

Start / End

15 March 2011 / 15 March 2011

Provider

aiGroup, Russia

Contact

kim@aigroup.ru

Trends and Innovation Travel Distribution & Investment Summit

Anfas Hetex: Health and Medical Tourism Congress Location

Turkey / Antalya

Start / End

03 March 2011 / 05 March 2011

Provider

Antalya Exhibitions

Contact

info@anfas.com.tr

HI DESIGN EMEA: Hotel Interior Design Location

Hungary / Budapest

Start / End

03 March 2011 / 05 March 2011

Provider

Atticus Events

Contact

events@atticusevents.com

Travel: International Tourism Exhibition

Location

Bulgaria / Sofia

Start / End

15 March 2011 / 17 March 2011

Provider

eCommerce Academy

Contact

info@ecommerceacademy.net

2nd Moscow Medical and Health Tourism Congress (MHTC) Location

Russia / Moscow

Start / End

16 March 2011 / 19 March 2011

Provider

NeXeN

Contact

info@nexensa.ru

Moscow International Travel & Tourism Exhibition (MITT)

Location

Hungary / Budapest

Location

Russia / Moscow

Start / End

03 March 2011 / 06 March 2011

Start / End

16 March 2011 / 19 March 2011

Provider

Hungexpo

Provider

ITE Group Plc

Contact

hungexpo@hungexpo.hu

Contact

travel@ite-exhibitions.com

— 69 —

Fairs & Exhibitions

Fishing and Leisure

Nature, Hunting, Fishing

Location

Slovakia / Bratislava

Location

Bulgaria / Plovdiv

Start / End

17 March 2011 / 20 March 2011

Start / End

30 March 2011 / 03 April 2011

Provider

Incheba Jsc

Provider

International Fair Plovdiv

Contact

incheba@incheba.sk

Contact

p.chapanov@fair.bg

Future of Space Tourism Location

Bulgaria / Sofia

Start / End

17 March 2011 / 17 March 2011

Provider

eCommerceAcademy

Contact

info@eCommerceAcademy.net

Romanian Tourism Fair Location

Romania / Bucharest

Start / End

31 March 2011 / 03 April 2011

Provider

Romexpo

Contact

directiacomerciala@romexpo.ro

Crotour – International Tourism Fair Location

Croatia / Zagreb

Start / End

23 March 2011 / 26 March 2011

Provider

Zagreb Fair

Contact

tourism@zv.hr

Hotel & Restaurant Expo Ukraine Location

Ukraine / Kiev

Start / End

23 March 2011 / 25 March 2011

Provider

Premier Expo, ITE Group

Contact

nadine.buckley@ite-exhibitions.com

Ukraine International Travel & Tourism Exhibition (UITT) Location

Ukraine / Kiev

Start / End

23 March 2011 / 25 March 2011

Provider

ITE Group Plc

Contact

travel@ite-exhibitions.com

GLOB 2011 Location

Poland / Katowice

Start / End

25 March 2011 / 27 March 2011

Provider

International Katowice Fair Ltd.

Contact

info@mtk.katowice.pl

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Fairs & Exhibitions

AFRICA/MIDDLE EAST

Travel World Expo (TWE) Location

Kuwait / Kuwait City

Start / End

29 March 2011 / 01 April 2011

Provider

Kuwait International Fair Company

Contact

info@kif.net

Tourism Progress and Peace, The Conference Location

Gambia

Start / End

22 March 2011 / 24 March 2011

Provider

Tourism Progress and Peace

Contact

conference@tourismprogressandpeace.com

The Gulf Incentive Business Travel and Meetings Exhibition (GIBTM) Location

United Arab Emirates / Abu Dhabi

Start / End

28 March 2011 / 30 March 2011

Provider

Reed Exhibitions

Contact

lloyd.kenyon@reedexpo.ae

HORECA 2011 Location

Lebanon / Biel

Start / End

29 March 2011 / 01 April 2011

Provider

Horeca

Contact

info@hospitalityservices.com.lb

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Fairs & Exhibitions

North America

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U.S.–Africa Tourism Seminar Location

USA / Washington DC

Start / End

10 March 2011 / 11 March 2011

Provider

The Africa Travel Association

Contact

info@africatravelassociation.org

Travel and Adventure Show – Washington, DC Location

USA / Washington, DC

Start / End

12 March 2011 / 13 March 2011

Provider

Unicomm, LLC

Contact

sales@adventureexpo.com

Los Angeles Times Travel & Adventure Show

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

Social Media Strategies for Travel North America

Location

USA / Los Angeles

Start / End

19 March 2011 / 20 March 2011

Provider

Unicomm, LLC

Contact

sales@adventureexpo.com

NBTA Canada Conference Location

Canada / Toronto

Start / End

28 March 2011 / 29 March 2011

Provider

GBTA

Contact

info@nbtacanada.org

TravelCom 2011 Location

USA / Las Vegas, NV

Location

USA / San Francisco

Start / End

30 March 2011 / 01 April 2011

Start / End

02 March 2011 / 03 March 2011

Provider

Travel Industry Association of America

Provider

EyeforTravel

Contact

mike@vantagestrategy.com

Contact

gina@eyefortravel.com

Toronto Star Golf & Travel Show Location

Canada / Toronto

Start / End

04 March 2011 / 06 March 2011

Provider

Premier Publications & Shows

Contact

awedgewood@metroland.com

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Fairs & Exhibitions

Asia & Pacific

Travel Expo – Sydney Location

Australia / Sydney

Start / End

26 March 2011 / 27 March 2011

Provider

Expertise Events

Contact

karin.cahill@expertiseevents.com.au

Routes Asia Pacific Location

South Korea / Incheon

Start / End

27 March 2011 / 29 March 2011

Provider

Route Development Group

Contact

gerard.brown@routesonline.com

Hotelex Shanghai Location

China / Shanghai

Start / End

29 March 2011 / 01 April 2011

Provider

Shanghai UBM Sinoexpo Int'l Exhibition Co., Ltd.

Contact

hotelex@ubmsinoexpo.com

IAAPI Amusement Expo Location

India / Mumbai

Start / End

15 March 2011 / 17 March 2011

Provider

Indian Association of Amusement Parks & Industries, Thane

Contact

info@iaapi.org

Holiday and Travel Expo – Melbourne Location

Australia / Melbourne

Start / End

19 March 2011 / 20 March 2011

Provider

Expertise Events

Contact

karin.cahill@expertiseevents.com.au

India Travel Mart – Pune Location

India / Pune, Maharashtra

Start / End

19 March 2011 / 21 March 2011

Provider

I Creative Minds

Contact

indiatravelmart@airtelmail.in

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iŃ ons Adventure

Business

SPA

General

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