Tourism Review Online Magazine - 03/2010 by Tourism Review Digital Network

MARCH, 2010

Dear readers, If you just got back from your weekend in the mountains enjoying your time on the slopes, let us invite you to take a break and read the latest TR magazine. Perhaps you have been thinking about trying some new spa procedure to relieve your muscle pain. What about going for some ancient cure offered by your local spa? The past and the present of the wellness world is the topic of the Medical supplement. If you like the idea of a journey back in time, you might also be fond of trying a unique experience of perhaps slow yet rewarding travel by train. Visit India, Switzerland, or South Africa and read the Transport part. The remarkable world of indigenous peoples is the theme of the Heritage supplement. Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s get familiar with Bedouins of south Sinai, rural communities of Nepal or even aboriginal population in Australia. A visit to Galicia in northwestern Spain also ensures your holiday will be full of interesting encounters with the locals. They are friendly, hospitable and Celtic! Open the Destination supplement and learn more. First of all, check out the best of the best cities in the world and get familiar with the top communities of the modern time â&#x20AC;&#x201C; in the Professional part. Milada Sovadinova Editor

CONTENTS

MARCH, 2010

H E R I TAG E

INDIGENOUS TRAVELS ALL AROUND THE WORLD Native peoples are always attractive to tourists who appreciate any chance of getting closer to the locals. Well aware of this inclination, many tour operators offer trips specifically aimed at the indigenous cultures. Visit aboriginal peoples in Western Australia, local communities in British Colombia, the world of Maori in New Zealand, or even the Egyptian Bedouins.

TRANSPORT

CONTENTS

TRAIN JOURNEYS OF A LIFETIME

In many countries trains are simply the everyday part of peoples’ lives. Some railways however offer unique experience sometimes bringing the travelers closer to the nature, sometimes reminding them of the time long past. Enjoy the ride by the Rocky Mountaineer, Norway’s Flåm Railway, or the Rovos Rail in South Africa.

HERITAGE: INDIGENOUS TRAVELS ALL AROUND THE WORLD................................................... 4

TRANSPORT: TRAIN JOURNEYS OF A LIFETIME...... 45

INDIGENOUS CULTURES: A HIGHLIGHT OF BRITISH COLUMBIA TRAVEL. ...................... 5 SHARING ABORIGINAL CULTURE IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA.................................................. 8 BEDOUINS OF SOUTH SINAI: CULTURE & TRADITIONS.................................................... 10 NEW TRAIL THROUGH THE MOST CULTURALLY DIVERSE AREAS OF NEPAL................. 12 MAORI TOURS: THE WORLD OF HERBAL MEDICINE......................................................... 14

ALL ABOARD THE ROCKY MOUNTAINEER!........................................................................ 46 THE FLÅM RAILWAY – WORLD CLASS RAILWAY JOURNEY THROUGH NORWAY..................... 48 INCREDIBLE MAHARASHTRA – EXPLORING WITH THE DECCAN ODYSSEY................... 50 EXPERIENCE THE SOUTH AFRICAN GLAMOUR IN ROVOS RAIL...................................... 53 THE SLOWEST FAST TRAIN IN THE WORLD. ...................................................................... 55

PROFESSIONAL

D E S T I NAT I O N G A L I C I A – P I L G R I M ’ S H AV E N

TOP OF THE TOP: CITIES FOR BEST LIFE...

What is the happiest city in the world? What is the best place for your next conference? Where do the healthiest people live? Check out a selection of the world’s best cities – best for life, best for sport, best for business. Here they are: San Francisco, Denver, London, Frankfurt, and Melbourne.

PROFESSIONAL: TOP OF THE TOP: CITIES FOR BEST LIFE.................................................................. 16

EUROMONITOR INTERNATIONAL’S TOP CITY DESTINATION RANKING......................... 17 SAN FRANCISCO – THE HAPPIEST AND THE HEALTHIEST CITY...................................... 20 MELBOURNE – BEST FOR BUSINESS & SPORT..................................................................... 22 DENVER – THE MILE HIGH CITY. ........................................................................................ 24 SEE THE WORLD, VISIT LONDON......................................................................................... 27 FRANKFURT AM MAIN – GERMANY’S MOST MODERN CITY. ........................................... 30

MEDICAL

DESTINATION: GALICIA – PILGRIM’S HAVEN............... 57 GALICIA – THE LAND OF TRADITIONS............................................................................... 58 THE PILGRIM’S WAY TO ‘SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA’..................................................... 60 TUREXPO GALICIA: GETTING GALICIA INTERNATIONAL. ............................................... 62 SAMPLE THE FINEST ROMAN ARCHITECTURE IN LUGO. ................................................. 64 TOURING THE VINEYARDS OF CELTIC SPAIN..................................................................... 65

FAIRS & EXHIBITIONS

HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE: SPAS NOW & THAN The range of procedures offered by spa and wellness facilities is dynamically growing every year. Not all of the amazing new procedures are new though. Many of them are actually based on centuries old traditions and time proven cures. Let’s go back in time and learn the history of German spas and the procedures embraced in Singapore, try the unique Zanzibar, but check also the current spa industry trends.

Green Galicia with its remarkable people of Celtic origin has been a luring destination not only for nature lovers or wine enthusiasts. It is also the desired destination of many pilgrims. As such for years the region in the northwestern Spain has been one of the important centers of European religious tourism.

T R AV E L / T O U R I S M

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B Y

R E G I O N S

MEDICAL: HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE: SPAS NOW & THAN.................................... 32

FAIRS & EXHIBITIONS: TRAVEL/TOURISM IN MARCH 2010 BY REGIONS........................................................ 67

MODERN SPAS EMBRACING ANCIENT TIMES..................................................................... 33 GERMAN HISTORY INTERTWINED WITH BATHING CULTURE......................................... 35 IN THE TIME OF CRISIS: RECESSION CREATED DEMAND FOR SPAS................................. 37 THE TOP 10 SPA TRENDS OF THE PAST DECADE. ............................................................... 39 THAILAND: PRESERVING TRADITIONS IN AN AGE OF CHANGE...................................... 42 MREMBO: TRADITIONAL SWAHILI STYLE SPA................................................................... 43

WESTERN EUROPE. ............................................................................................................... 68 CENTRAL EUROPE................................................................................................................. 70 NORTH AMERICA.................................................................................................................. 72 ASIA & PACIFIC...................................................................................................................... 74

H E R I TAG E

INDIGENOUS TRAVELS ALL AROUND THE WORLD Native peoples are always attractive to tourists who appreciate any chance of getting closer to the locals. Well aware of this inclination, many tour operators offer trips specifically aimed at the indigenous cultures. Visit aboriginal peoples in Western Australia, local communities in British Columbia, the world of Maori in New Zealand, or even the Egyptian Bedouins.

H E R I TAG E : Indig e nou s Trav el s Al l around the Wor l d

INDIGENOUS CULTURES: A HIGHLIGHT OF BRITISH COLUMBIA TRAVEL

many regions of the province’s nearly one million square kilometers (366,000 square mile), British Columbia hosts the greatest diversity of indigenous peoples in North America offering a wide range of authentic opportunities for independent travellers or small tour groups to learn about and connect with distinctive native cultures. Over the past decade, a great deal of forethought and money have been invested by governments, native bands, and individual aboriginal entrepreneurs in creating authentic world-class tourism as well as engaging educational museums, interpretive centers, and native art galleries on and off indigenous lands. The goal is always to honor the talents and individual traditions of B.C.’s 198 First Nations/native communities and to provide training, cultural revival and sustained employment for the local people. With a B.C. land area close to that of France and Germany combined, outdoor adventures with First Nations tour operators and guides provide an unusual cultural perspective while connecting with natural beauty, towering old growth forests, and long-held traditions through the eyes of a people who have lived in their territories for thousands of years. Guests may kayak or canoe with marine wildlife while learning about environmental changes, or walk the shores and forests with a native guide to learn historical methods of harvesting sea food and plants for both food and medicine. Sometimes the pace of these shared experiences is slower than Ma rch , 2 0 1 0

Surprisingly roomy inside B.C.’s indigenous pithouses dug deep into the ground sleep 20 around a circular raised platform. International visitors love cozy pithouse sleepovers offered at Hat Creek Ranch. © Alison Gardner

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H E R I TAG E : Indig e nou s Trav el s Al l around the Wor l d visitors might expect, interlaced with personal stories and teachable moments, but the insights are always rewarding. In addition to establishing their own companies, First Nations leaders and elders have also taken initiatives to partner with respected tour operators such as Mothership Adventures to present a small-ship, five-day exploration of northeastern Vancouver Island's abundant marine habitat. Offered in late June, this unique tour aboard a classic wooden ship expertly intertwines the spectacular wildlife of the Pacific Coast with a deep cultural immersion into native traditions, art, dance and village life on their coastal rainforest lands. Indigenous peoples have always lived their lives around the seasonal food cycles, and the best of B.C. First Nations cuisine is a reflection of this. They know which plants to harvest for medicine, which ones nourish them through the winter, which pine trees bear nuts, and where to pick the sweetest berries. In culinary circles, “fresh, regional and local” are the key words with an emphasis on seafood, wild game and regional produce. Whether enjoying a special group meal in a tribal longhouse, or a fine dining experience at a native-owned lodge or hotel property anywhere in the province, be sure to try out the flavorful native specialties on the menu. On First Nations lands, visitors have amazing choices of where to stay. These range from circular, below-ground pithouses that sleep 20 in cozy traditional comfort to top-line eco-lodges and resorts with distinctive interior design and architecture, all proudly declaring their individual tribal heritage. Contrary to popular belief, teepees were not common to British Columbia's aboriginal people but rather to the Plains tribes east of the Rocky Mountains. Two of the finest resorts on native lands infused with indigenous atmosphere in their interior design, architecture and cuisine make for highly Ma rch , 2 0 1 0

Takaya Tours out of North Vancouver offers unique paddling day-adventures with First Nations guides who share songs, stories and visits to ancient village sites. © Takaya Tours

recommended stays at Talking Rock Resort on a pristine wilderness lake in the province's central interior and at Tsa Kwa Luten Lodge on Quadra Island wedged between Vancouver Island and the B.C. Mainland. Tsa Kwa Luten's surroundings include a magical 1,000-acre coniferous forest laced with walking trails and a million dollar view from every bedroom and public area overlooking the heavily-navigated Discovery Passage. In the extreme south of the province is the award-winning vineyard and winery, Nk’mip Cellars (pronounced in-ka-meep). A well-respected and successful venture, it is North America's only aboriginal-owned and operated winery. Sit-

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uated on a spectacular desert benchland above the shores of Osoyoos Lake, the winery is adjacent to Canada's only natural desert. The spacious wine tasting room and restaurant architecture and decor showcase local native art and artefacts, and enhance the beauty and unique nature of the wild sage desert surroundings. On the same property, the Nk'Mip Desert and Heritage Centre highlights the history and culture of the Okanagan First Nation over thousands of years. Today they are stewards of the Nk'Mip Desert lands, one of Canada's three most endangered ecosystems and home to many rare plant and animal species.

H E R I TAG E : Indig e nou s Trav el s Al l around the Wor l d Aboriginal tourism in B.C. is projected to grow to $50 million by 2012 with an estimated 200 native tourism businesses of which adventure tourism (31%), services (22%) and accommodation (21%) comprise almost three-quarters. North Americans and Europeans are primary visitor markets. The impressive Aboriginal Tourism of British Columbia (ATBC) website presents native-owned and -operated tourism from the Pacific Ocean east to the Rocky Mountains and from the US border in the south to the Alaska Panhandle and the Yukon Territory in the north. The website also presents innovatively-designed museums, educational interpretive centers, and art galleries many with both young and well-experienced native artists and artisans working on site. By Alison Gardner

A decorative screen in the spacious lounge of the Tsa Kwa Luten Lodge on tribal lands on Quadra Island is an example of the native design and furnishings that distinguish this fine accommodation. ÂŠ Alison Gardner

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â&#x20AC;&#x201D;7â&#x20AC;&#x201D;

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

H E R I TAG E : Indig e nou s Trav el s Al l around the Wor l d

SHARING ABORIGINAL CULTURE IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA W

estern Australia has a rich and diverse range of Aboriginal cultural tourism experiences on offer which provides the unique opportunity for Indigenous operators to share their knowledge and culture with the rest of the world. Tourism, through song-lines, outback tracks and traditional practices and ceremonies going back many thousands of years, brings visitors to Western Australia the opportunity to celebrate the diversity of Australia’s Aboriginal culture. Aboriginal tourism is the freshest thing to come on to the Australian tourism landscape in the past 20 years proving to be a win-win situation where both tourists and communities are benefitting. WAITOC (Western Australia Indigenous Tourism Operator Committee) was established in 2002 by a collective group of Aboriginal tourism operators wishing to promote their business and culture to the world as well as form a supportive network for their peers. The organization is unique and it is the first of its kind in Australia providing a one-stop-shop for Aboriginal Western Australia. One of those wonderful experiences is offered by Darren ‘Capes’ Capewell, owner –operator of Wula Guda Nyinda Aboriginal Eco Ventures and long standing WAITOC Board member. Based on the most westerly point of the Australian continent, Capes, a descendant of the Nhanda and Malgana people – the traditional owners of WA’s World HeriMa rch , 2 0 1 0

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tage Shark Bay area – gives visitors an intimate insight into his community’s harmonious connections with the land. “Our tours invite guests to use their natural senses to understand different ways that country ‘talks’ to you.” Capes continues: “Once you know how you’ll always be able to find food, water and traditional medicines when you need them. We look at the differences between the red sand and the white sand country, map of tribal boundaries and lands, local Aboriginal history, how the land has gotten sick through the introduction of non-native animals, and how we get sick when the country gets sick.” Going to the most southern edge of Western Australia, Esperance, Kepa Kurl guide Doc Reynolds, as descendant of the eastern group of Nyoongar People, takes people out to sites of significance, ones that have a high cultural value for their people. “We’re talking about evolving cultural landscapes from colonization to today. By doing the tours, people gain a greater appreciation and understanding of culture that’s vibrant, and has been for thousands and thousands of years.” The Western Australian landscape is a cultural canvas where visitors can experience anything from an hour long bushwalk, to tasting traditional foods called “bushtucker”, meeting Aboriginal artists as they paint their stories on canvas to travelling through the spectacular Kimberleys on a safari type tour. Experiences where you are able to engage yourself with local wisdom of the tradition and stories of ancient rock art, corroborees and campfires. Swim in the pristine gorges of the Kimberley and engage with the local community. Selected operators such as Wundargoodie Aboriginal Safaris will take you to places you’d imagine only in your dreams. You will venture into secret and sacred locations only available with the privileged access of the safaris.

H E R I TAG E : Indig e nou s Trav el s Al l around the Wor l d

“The most authentic way to immerse yourself into the ancient culture and wild, untouched regions of Western Australia is to join an adventure tour with Aboriginal people.” The Chairman of WAITOC, Neville Poelina runs his own business called Uptuyu Aboriginal Adventures. As a member of the Nyikina family group, Neville grew up in the region around Broome. He is a real gold mine of cultural information and a strong, passionate advocate for his country and people. His 4wd tours will take you into some remote regions and sites which you could never access on your own. Angelique Fransen, CEO of WAITOC explained that there is a real demand for authentic Aboriginal experiences among international visitors. “Although it is not the core reason for visitors coming to Aus-

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tralia, an Aboriginal experience as a part of your visit to Western Australia makes it a unique holiday. Feedback received from overseas visitors listed the Aboriginal experience as being the highlight of their holiday experience.” For those that are considering a visit to Western Australia, an authentic Aboriginal tourism experience is a must to do activity while you’re here. Experience the oldest living culture in the world!

For more information on Aboriginal tourism experiences visit www.waitoc.com. For more information on Western Australia visit www.westernaustralia.com.

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H E R I TAG E : Indig e nou s Trav el s Al l around the Wor l d

BEDOUINS OF SOUTH SINAI: CULTURE & TRADITIONS

edouins have traditionally occupied the Sinai Peninsula. Their culture has been founded on strict tribal laws and traditions. Tribal law for example prohibits the cutting of "green trees" – the penalty could be up to three 2-year old camels or their equivalent value. Bedouins say that "killing a tree is like killing a soul”. So what is the best way to experience local culture while on holiday if not to come close to its source and observe it in its environment? The best way to know about them is to take a Bedouin tour offered by many agencies in Sharm-el-Sheikh. Ma rch , 2 0 1 0

Bedouins will not reveal all their secrets just in one short and really touristy excursion, but still you can know some. For example how Bedouin can ride a camel for a long distance while most of people complain that it is really uncomfortable after the first two steps! Just have a look at these guys and you will notice how they sit. Camel is not a horse so a special way of sitting is required to be comfortable. Usually those guys sit as women on a special women horse saddle: one leg across the saddle near another one. As soon as you take this position your ride will be much

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more comfortable and you can even try to race! Do not wonder if you find all Bedouin guys dressed in a long hooded robe called Galabiya and "oqal" (headrope) as it is a typical dress for Bedouin men. The most easily recognized aspect of a Bedouin's attire is his headgear which consists of kufiyya – cloth and 'agal – rope that constitute proper attire for a Bedouin man. The head rope in particular carries great significance, as it is indicative of the wearer's ability to uphold the obligations and responsibilities of manhood. A real cooking experience can be enjoyed in a Bedouin tent when the guys will teach you how to make bread! This workshop is not to be missed by any means as well as the bread itself. Bedouin bread is a whole other story. Freshly baked, served from the oven to your plate, it melts in your mouth and it tastes like heaven. There are several kinds of bread like Libbah – the king of Bedouin bread, made of dark wheat, water and salt. The paste is rolled flat and buried in the sand with hot coals placed on top. It is turned over once, then tapped on to test when it is ready; well baked, not a grain of sand sticks to it. Another kind is farrasheeh, also made of dark wheat but this time thinly spread over a concave piece of metal and baked directly in the fire. The result is large thin bread with holes. Usually this kind of bread is offered to tourists. Bedouins are famous for their hospitality and friendlines. They wait on you as if you're a king. Before

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you have time to ask them for something, they're already doing it for you. Of course you have eaten rice, potatoes, and chicken a million times before, but you haven't eaten them in the Bedouin style. Coal is the key. Chicken and kofta (a kind of beef meat) are grilled directly on the coal, while the rice and potatoes are cooked over the coal fire too. Give a try to a famous Bedouin tea which tastes a lot better then you are used to drink as habak, a mint-like herb that grows in the Sinai desert in winter is always added to it. Mashed with tea and boiled on coal, the result is unique and delicious. It is really rare to see a real Bedouin woman but still possible. Nowadays they appear from time to time offering you some hand-made jewelry, bracelets and so on.

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Bedouin women of Sinai have their distinctive clothing. Black is the predominant dress colour for them. The Bedouin women's characteristic garments are richly embellished with fine hand embroidery – mostly in red, pink, orange, yellow and turquoise – worked in cross stitch. The intricate dress designs are artistically embroidered across the front and back of the bodice. Married women wrap a black cloth known as asaba around their forehead. The Bedouin have changed over the last century. Although the word Bedouin still evokes a tent-dwelling community forgotten by time in an inhospitable stretch of desert the reality is often quite different. By Lubov Bercy http://www.sharm-club.com/bedouin.htm

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H E R I TAG E : Indig e nou s Trav el s Al l around the Wor l d

NEW TRAIL THROUGH THE MOST CULTURALLY DIVERSE AREAS OF NEPAL Chitwan National Park. However, several new tourist destinations have arrived on the market with a focus more on the remarkable culture, beauty and rural lifestyle of the mid hills. The Indigenous Peoples Trail (IP Trail) is a newly indicated product that lies entirely in the Mahabharat range and is just 100 km east of the capital city Kathmandu. This route was developed by the Ramechhap Local Economic Development (LED) Forum with the support of UN’s International Labor Organization (ILO) to provide access to pristine areas outside of the well-established, more commercial trekking routes while providing a source of income for impoverished communities. The trail is an original branded that heralds the indigenous people of Nepal, and presents an incomparable, natural blend of cultural, linguistic and ethnic diversities. Each community along the way has unique features and the village vistas combine scenic landscape with breathtaking Himalayan panoramas. In fact, the trail boasts spectacular mountain

andwiched between the up and coming economic titans, China and India, Nepal is an immensely beautiful country. The tiny Himalayan nation is increasingly becoming a popular tourist destination due to its awe-inspiring natural scenery – including Mount Everest with the world’s highest mountain ecosystem – and enchanting ethnic communities. Ma rch , 2 0 1 0

Annually, more than half a million visitors come to Nepal, with the majority engaging in adventure and culture based activities like trekking, rafting, mountaineering, wildlife watching and cultural tours. Most tourists congregate along the popular trekking routes of the mountainous areas of Annapurna, Everest and Langtang as well as in the city hubs of Kathmandu and Pokhara and in the lowlands of

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How to Book the IP Trail? Visitors can make inquires and book an IP Trail package through the many government registered trekking agencies in Kathmandu. There is no fixed packaged cost for IP Trail. It can vary from agency to agency and based on the services and facilities provided for the client’s enjoyment.

H E R I TAG E : Indig e nou s Trav el s Al l around the Wor l d

Useful Links for Further Details Indigenous Peoples Trail: www.iptrail.org, info@iptrail.org Nepal Tourism Board, E-mail: info@ntb.org.np, Web site: www.welcomenepal.com Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN), Web site: http://www.taan.org.np

views along nearly the whole route and particularly from Sailung viewpoint, which offers a panorama of some 400 km including the Annapurna Range in the west to Manaslu, Ganesh, Langtang, Jugal, Rolwaling and Everest regions in the north and east. Against this magnificent Himalayan backdrop, visitors gain memorable insight into the culture and lifestyle of at least six indigenous communities: Sherpa, Newar, Thami, Tamang, Yolmo and Majhis. Among these groups, the Thami and Majhi are rarely encountered on trekking routes anywhere. Home-stay accommodation and cultural performances offer closer contact with Nepali hospitality and greater insight into ethnic lifestyles that cannot be found along the more developed trekking venues where interactions can be more commercially

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oriented. The predominant religions include Buddhism and Hinduism as well as animism, and the practice of these faiths is ever present in the form of daily rituals. Along the route are temples, stupas, monasteries and sacred caves to be visited. The highest elevation reached is 3146 m making the trail an all season trek (however, March to June and September to January are the best seasons). It is a relatively soft top-down, gentle trek fit for all categories of trekkers and particularly suited to visitors wishing to avoid extreme high altitudes within a week or less of holiday. In sum, the serenely peaceful trail is a unique blend of cultural tourism in a strikingly beautiful area. By Ram Chandra Sedai (sedairam@yahoo.com) & Alonzo Lyons (shakaharee@gmail.com)

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MAORI TOURS: THE WORLD OF HERBAL MEDICINE hunga held the knowledge of the remedies, today others have that knowledge: early settlers found many worthwhile uses for Maori herbal medicines for aching joints, headaches, constipation and dysentery to name just a few. The boutique tour is small: intimate and interactive. The first part takes in ancient pa sites, introduces guests in the protocol of going onto a marae, then through stories, Maurice Manawatu introduces us to family ancestors. Maurice is a direct descendant of Maru Kaitatea – the common ancestor of all Ngati Kuri (the local Kaikoura tribe) and it was he and his family that took us on the tour. We started at the old pa site of Nga Niho that was built in the 1700s and were called onto the land by one of Maurice sisters – the purpose of the karanga was explained as well as the importance of body, mind, and spirit.

erbal medicines and family history combine to provide one of the great tourist ventures in Kaikoura. Maori Tours takes guests on a tour, which traces local and family history and then on for a bush walk to explore the medicinal properties of our native trees and bush. Ma rch , 2 0 1 0

There is no doubt that many of, or most of, the remedies possessed validity says Dr, Raymond Stark in his book Maori Herbal Remedies (1979.) Over the years, trial, success, and failure honed the skills to treat various illnesses along with appropriate karakia (prayers). In pre European days the To-

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We are also shown the flax plants (and simple weaving) and the value they were to Maori. These plants were of top value and were used for baskets, mats, sandals, rope, twine and the inside of the valued korowai cloaks which were then covered with feathers. People also on the tour are from the UK and they’re impressed with the tour – rating it as one the highlights of their travels. After taking in the views from the top and hearing more legends we went, via the current marae, to the site of Ma rch , 2 0 1 0

an even older marae just south of Kaikoura at Peketa. Apart from oral legends passed to him, Maurice also has a wonderful resource about the local and family history in a manuscript written by one of his ancestors in 1900: a real treasure and her writings ensure his tours are authentic. Maurice, and his wife Heather started the tours to create a future for their children and a lifestyle change for themselves. ‘We are people’s people’ Heather told me and this was evident when we stop at their home for coffee and picklets and had a chance to meet the rest of the whanau – nieces, nephews, sister, brothers in law and children. Comments in the visitors book showed people certainly appreciated the opportunity to see New Zealanders in a different way. Even kiwis report having especially enjoyed the time with the family and learning while having fun. Onto the Puhi Puhi Valley we walked in the bush – learning how to identify trees and shrubs (manuka, miro, totara, rimu, supplejack and kotukutuku for example) and hear about their medicinal and cultural uses. I was pleased to learn how to differentiate between the manuka and the kanuka – until that day I had to wait until the kanuka was really tall and then I knew which it was. Not any longer – kanuka has a eucalyptus smell and peels off in long strips while the manuka is more a citrus smell and has short strips when taken from the tree. This is a wonderful trip by people proud of their family history, and a tour both we locals and tourists value. By Heather Hapeta http://kiwitravelwriter.com http://kiwitravelwriter.wordpress.com http://kiwitravelwriter.com

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PROFESSIONAL TOP OF THE TOP: CITIES FOR BEST LIFE...

P ROF E S SI ONA L : Top of the Top : Cit i e s for B e st Life . . .

EUROMONITOR INTERNATIONAL'S TOP CITY DESTINATION RANKING

uromonitor International is pleased to release its latest Top City Destinations Ranking, covering 100 of the world's leading and most dynamic cities in terms of international tourist arrivals. As the global economic crisis worsened in Q4 2008, international arrivals declined worldwide as travellers felt financially constrained and decided to stay close to home. However, the top 100 cities managed to end the year with 5.2% growth. A number of cities, such as New York and São Paulo, however, enjoyed double digit growth thanks to favourable exchange rates, aggressive government stimulus, increased air links and efficient promotional campaigns.

panies than any other city in the US. However, the Lehman collapse had a direct impact on business arrivals. Bangkok was the third most visited city and is highly dependent on inbound tourism from key markets such as the US, UK and Japan. It suffered a 6% decline in international visitors due to civil unrest leading to the closure of its airports in November 2008. To counter the weakening demand of long-haul travellers, the Tourism Authority of Thailand started to target alternative source markets from ASEAN, the Middle East and China.

Volatile Exchange Rates The fluctuating exchange rates of the euro, the British pound and the US dollar had a major impact on tourism flows in 2008. The pound weakened throughout 2008, accelerating its decline against the euro in Q3 as the global financial crisis unfolded. This discouraged UK outbound travel to Europe with Spanish cities, in particular, feeling the impact of a 3% decline in British arrivals in 2008. Barcelona endured a 2.7% decline in visitors. The US was one of the biggest beneficiaries of a weak currency as the dollar hit new lows in the first half of the year. All top cities with the exception of Honolulu experienced growth. Other big winners included Turkey and North Africa where the cost of travel is less expensive than in Europe, becoming even more attractive as the euro strengthened. Antalya in Turkey experienced growth of 13.8% in 2008 as the Turkish lira weak-

London Still on Top London attracted a total of 15 million tourists in 2008, topping Euromonitor International's Top City Destinations. In late 2008, the pound weakened significantly against the euro, encouraging Eurozone visitors, especially from France, to do their Christmas shopping in London. This helped compensate for the shortfall of visitors from main source markets like the US. New York City was the second most visited city with almost 11 million arrivals, up 23% in 2008. Thanks to its proximity and historic links, it is the number one destination for Western Europeans to the US. With the depreciation of the US dollar, many leisure visitors took advantage of inexpensive shopping and dining. The city is also the home to more headquarters of Fortune 500 comMa rch , 2 0 1 0

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P ROF E S SI ONA L : Top of the Top : Cit i e s for B e st Life . . .

Top City Destination Ranking CITY RANKING 2008 ARRIVALS % GROWTH 2007/ (‘000) 2008 London 1 15,033.2 -2.0 New York City 2 10,786.1 23.1 Bangkok 3 10,209.9 -5.8 Singapore 4 10,115.6 -1.6 Kuala Lumpur 5 8,935.0 4.2 Paris 6 8,375.0 -4.4 Antalya 7 8,295.6 13.8 Dubai 8 7,584.5 13.4 Hong Kong 9 7,290.4 -1.0 Istanbul 10 6,682.7 3.5 Mecca 11 6,586.0 0.4 Miami 12 6,532.5 18.9 Toronto 13 6,406.2 -3.3 Rome 14 6,245.5 2.0 Shanghai 15 5,764.3 9.9 Los Angeles 16 5,072.2 5.7 Las Vegas 17 4,920.9 4.6 Barcelona 18 4,906.3 -2.7 Dublin 19 4,538.0 2.0 Amsterdam 20 4,527.0 1.5 Source: Euromonitor International from national tourist offices and national statistics

ened. Cairo also experienced double digit growth of 10.7%. These countries had a strong advantage over other Mediterranean destinations such as Greece, Spain and Italy.

European Cities Lose Share As a mature destination, Europe continues to lose share to emerging markets, especially as international airlift, increased marketing efforts and infrastructure improves in developing countries. The two largest Western European cities, Paris and London, both saw declines in 2008. The region, based upon the cities in the top 100, experienced a Ma rch , 2 0 1 0

sluggish 2.4% growth – the second slowest behind Australasia. Cities located in the Middle East and Africa showed the strongest growth spurred by increasing business travellers and a rush of Europeans to inexpensive holiday destinations. The North American region, surprisingly, grew the second fastest thanks to strong tourist attractions and a weak dollar.

Latin America – A Rising Star Although Latin American cities only accounted for 4.1% of city arrivals, the region saw an increase

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of 6.4% in 2008 and gained share. An increasing middle class and regional airlift expansion are fuelling inter-regional traffic. São Paulo was the third fastest growing city on the list. In 2008 five major connections were established from São Paulo, linking the city to North America (New York), Latin America (Mexico City), Europe (Paris), the Middle East (Dubai) and South Africa (Johannesburg). Adding to the 30 or more airlines that already fly to and from São Paulo, three airlines started operating flights to the city in 2008: Mexicana, OceanAir and Emirates. Emirates established the first connection between Brazil and the

P ROF E S SI ONA L : Top of the Top : Cit i e s for B e st Life . . . Middle East. This helped make São Paulo the third fastest growing city on the list.

Disappearing Business Traveller The contraction in the global economy that ensued in late 2008 took a large toll on business travellers in the last quarter of the year. As corporations slashed travel budgets and forced business travellers to be more price-conscious, there was a shift away from luxury to mid-priced and budget segments, using the Internet as the first port of call for cheap deals. The dearth of business travellers hit global financial centres like London, one of the most affected business hubs due to its dependency on financial services. The meetings and incentives segment also suffered as some exhibitions were either cancelled or postponed in 2009. According to the International Congress & Convention Association, European cities still held the largest number of meetings in 2008. Nevertheless, Athens, Buenos Aires, São Paulo and Tokyo were cited as remarkable newcomers in 2008, due to the positive results achieved in MICE tourism.

Disappointing Results for Beijing Tourism generated directly by the Beijing Olympic Games in 2008 was disappointing, curbed by tightened visa requirements and the effects of the global financial crisis on business travel. The city saw 13% fewer visitors in 2008. The Beijing Olympic Games were intended to be a "coming out" party for China, demonstrating its role as a world economic power, and promoting itself as a tourist destination to a global audience. However, tighter visa restrictions were introduced without warning a few months before the Games due to concerns by the Chinese government about the potential for political unrest. Multiple-entry visas were particularly restricted, creating difficulties for Ma rch , 2 0 1 0

business travellers and resulting in many meetings and conferences being rescheduled or cancelled.

Religious Tourism Shows Resilience While business travel was severely inhibited by the global economic crisis, other types of tourism such as religious tourism showed some resilience. The city of Mecca achieved small, but positive, growth in international arrivals in 2008, attracting 6.6 million tourists. The results for Rome were even stronger, registering a 2% growth in international arrivals and welcoming 6.2 million tourists in the same year.

Short Term Prospects Look Bleak 2009 will be one of the worst years on record for international travel and tourism. The global recession coupled with the H1N1 virus outbreak caused demand to plummet from both business and leisure

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tourists. Although there are signs of a recovery, with global real GDP growth revised upwards to -1.1% by the IMF, unemployment still remains at historic highs of over 7%. Arrivals data for the second half of 2009 suggest a bottoming out of demand and points to stabilisation in 2010, but not returning to pre-crisis levels until at least 2013. Business tourism will take longer to revive as companies struggle to recover from the losses experienced during the global economic crisis. There are signs that corporations are increasing their travel budgets for 2010, but not resetting them to pre-crisis levels. However, leisure tourism is expected to benefit from aggressive discounting and promotions to lure back tourists. The Secretary of Tourism from Mexico City, for example, has implemented a number of marketing actions to counter the negative publicity generated during the H1N1 outbreak, including the “Vive Mexico” or “Live Mexico” campaign, offering package holiday discounts. Exchange rates will continue to be one of the main factors influencing tourism flows. After strengthening in the first quarter of 2009, the value of the dollar has declined, discouraging US travellers to Europe. Conversely, US gateway cities such as New York may experience growth if travel operators can tempt cautious long haul travellers with deals. The weak pound, in contrast, is likely to keep British tourists travelling to North Africa and Turkey. Euromonitor International expects cities in emerging markets to continue to steal share of global arrivals. This shift will be accelerated by the expansion of low cost carriers and rising middle classes that are travelling in ever greater numbers, especially intra-regionally. Those cities serving as main airport hubs are expected to benefit from this regional movement, namely São Paulo, Buenos Aires, Johannesburg, Cairo and Kuala Lumpur. http://www.euromonitor.com

P ROF E S SI ONA L : Top of the Top : Cit i e s for B e st Life . . .

SAN FRANCISCO – THE HAPPIEST AND THE HEALTHIEST CITY

San Francisco refuses to fit a mold. It climbed hills while other cities spread out. It encouraged immigrants to guard their ethnic distinctions while other cities assimilated them. It rejects urban freeways because they’re unsightly and renovates Ma rch , 2 0 1 0

dusty keepsakes (an archaic cable car system, an abandoned factory, an antiquated cannery) with felicitous results. Such ingenuity has made San Francisco the top city in many categories. In October 2009 the read-

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ers of Condé Nast Traveler magazine voted San Francisco Best U.S. City in their annual Readers' Choice Awards; San Francisco has held its number one position for the 17th consecutive year in Condé Nast’s Best U.S. City award. Last fall San Francisco was also named one of “The World’s Happiest Cities” in an article posted September 2009, on Forbes.com. San Francisco, which ranks seventh out of 10 listed cities, is the only city in North America to be included in what the magazine calls “urban centers closely associated with unmitigated joy.” The “city by the bay” was also named the third healthiest city in the United States by BestPlaces. net. Cities were selected based on key factors including health status, nutrition and exercise, plus mental health and life balance. It was also named the most “walkable” city in the nation by the Web site WalkScore.com in 2008. The city scored 86 out of 100 based on residents’ proximity to services and amenities. Bicycle enthusiasts can enjoy easy pedaling along the Golden Gate Bridge or through the Panhandle. But if you appreciate a good bike workout, San Francisco provides the perfect uphill battle. San Francisco is congenitally worldly, inherently irrepressible. Its verve is contagious. “You know what it is?” John Steinbeck said of San Francisco. “It is a golden handcuff with the key thrown away.” The City’s a cinch to explore. Confined to 47 square miles, it’s “America’s Leading Compact.”

P ROF E S SI ONA L : Top of the Top : Cit i e s for B e st Life . . .

You can stroll from its shopping center, Union Square, to its Neapolitan-flavored nightlife belt, North Beach, taking in Chinatown and Wall Street West en route. Public transport will whisk you from Golden Gate Park to the Embarcadero, from Ocean Beach to the East Bay. Ferries will carry you to the resort-like ports of Sausalito and Tiburon, the isles of Angel and Alcatraz and their terminal at Larkspur near Pt. San Quentin. Any compendium of local attractions should list RESTAURANTS in large type. There are more than 3,400 of every nationality. This is one of the great eating towns of the world, famed for its cuisine since the days of the railways barons and bonanza kings. San Francisco’s glittering tradition is the performing arts. Generally acknowledged to be the cultural capital of Northern California, it has its own opera,

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ballet, symphony and drama (American Conservatory Theater) companies, all of exceptional caliber. The country’s oldest international film festival is held here annually. Movie houses and special-interest film festivals proliferate. The city supports four public art museums – the Asian, de Young, Palace of the Legion of Honor and Modern Art. There are at least 34 other repositories of culture and local lore, ranging from vintage ships to a 200-year-old mission, from a car barn (cable) to an island (Alcatraz) of unusual interest. Photos: © San Francisco Convention & Visitors Bureau By Tanya Houseman http://www.sanfrancisco.travel/

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P ROF E S SI ONA L : Top of the Top : Cit i e s for B e st Life . . .

MELBOURNE – BEST FOR BUSINESS & SPORT

The

cosmopolitan capital of the state of Victoria, Melbourne is well known for its friendly locals, cultural creativity, fine wine and dining and worldclass facilities for leisure and business tourists, who pump AUD$15.8 billion into the Victorian economy. With a population of around four million people, the city prides itself on its art and culture, chic cafes, bars and restaurants, hidden laneways, shopping and fashion. Ma rch , 2 0 1 0

The state’s public transport and roads network places Melbourne within an hour’s drive of regional Victorian destinations, which offer spectacular scenery, national parks and native wildlife, numerous vineyards and day spas. Voted one of the world's most liveable cities, the city also is a world-leading destination for business events tourists, attracted by its world-class accommodation and meeting facilities, a skilled workforce

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and reputation for innovation in fields such as medical research, creative services, research and development, biotechnology, education and agriculture. Many business travellers plan their trips around the city’s sporting culture. From events such as the Australian Open Tennis Championships in January to the Boxing Day Test cricket match in December, the city lives and breathes sporting achievement. This international status was recognised in November 2009 when Melbourne was named the Best Sports City in the world, at the SportBusiness Sports Event Management Awards in London. Apart from the tennis and the cricket, visitors to Melbourne can experience the Formula 1 Grand Prix action at Albert Park in March or the world famous Melbourne Cup horse race during the Spring Racing Carnival in November. From March to September, thousands of people don team colours and head to the Melbourne Cricket Ground or the Etihad Stadium to attend Australian Rules football matches. There is soccer, basketball, hockey, netball, swimming, surfing at the famous Bells Beach and much more. The city’s sporting infrastructure is unsurpassed. The addition of the new AUD$268 million Melbourne Rectangular Stadium makes Melbourne the only city in the world to boast three retractable roof stadiums. The venue will accommodate more than 30,000 spectators and will be home to the Melbourne Victory soccer team and the city's rugby league heroes, Melbourne Storm. HiSense Arena offers state-of-the-art facilities and hosts cycling, tennis, basketball matches and concerts, while the new AUD$58 million National Ice Sports Centre in the Docklands precinct will host a range of elite ice sports events and provide a recreational hub for winter sports enthusiasts, when it opens later this year.

P ROF E S SI ONA L : Top of the Top : Cit i e s for B e st Life . . .

And Victoria’s championship golf courses have hosted the likes of Greg Norman, Robert Allenby and Tiger Woods. Woods recently won the Australian Masters tournament at Kingston Heath Golf Course, while the prestigious Presidents Cup returns to Royal Melbourne Golf Course – rated the sixth best course in the world – in November 2011. Recently, Melbourne’s business events industry have focused on increasing delegate numbers at

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business events, and delivering greater value for money through investment in time and money-saving technology. This is particularly evident in the new, state-ofthe-art Melbourne Convention Centre, which is one of the best equipped centres in the world. The convention centre, which has a 6-Star Green Star energy rating, has a 5,553 seat plenary hall, 32 meeting rooms, a grand banquet room, foyer

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for 8,400 guests, sophisticated audio visual and communications technology and is within five minutes walk from the five major convention hotels. With more than 40,189 rooms in Victoria – 15,100 of them in the City of Melbourne – there is no shortage of accommodation for business and leisure travellers, ranging from prestigious five-star hotels, eco-friendly hostels to funky boutique properties and serviced apartments. The Ascott Group is investing AUD$136.2 million in the development of a 398-unit serviced residence in Melbourne’s CBD. Citadines Melbourne on Bourke will be Ascott's first Citadines in Australia and will open in the second half of 2010. The new 658-room Crown Metropol opens early this year and will include Gordon Ramsay’s first Australian restaurant, Maze. Celebrity chef Ramsay is just one of the leading foodies who have recognised the city’s strong food and wine culture. The city has more than 3000 restaurants, cafes and bars, serving around 75 different ethnic cuisines. Popular Melbourne dining options include wagyu beef at Nobu, contemporary French-style cuisine at Vue de Monde, stylish Greek fare at The Press Club, quality Cantonese at the Flower Drum or Spanish-style tapas at MoVida. Alternatively, head for the bustling Vietnamese precinct in Richmond’s Victoria Street, find a table in Melbourne’s Chinatown district or pick up some humble, newspaper-wrapped fresh fish and chips on the St Kilda pier. Photos: © Tourism Victoria http://www.visitvictoria.com http://www.mcvb.com.au

P ROF E S SI ONA L : Top of the Top : Cit i e s for B e st Life . . .

DENVER – THE MILE HIGH CITY L

ocated on high plains at the base of the snowcapped Rocky Mountains, Denver is a booming metropolis, surrounded by spectacular natural beauty. A combination of great recreation opportunities and a mild, year-round climate with 300 days of sunshine (more annual hours of sun than San Diego or Miami Beach) have caused Denver’s population to soar. In 2009, the Pew Research Institute declared Denver the “No. 1 U.S. city in which people want to live.” In the past decade alone, this young city has grown by as many as a thousand new residents a week, climbing to nearly three million people. Despite the growth, Denver is still a city of wide open spaces with the largest city park system in the U.S., 90 golf courses and more than 850 miles (1,367 km) of paved, off-street bike trails. The city’s active, outdoors-oriented population consistently ranks as the healthiest and thinnest in the U.S. Downtown Denver was recently selected as America’s fourth most walkable city. The heart of downtown is the 16th Street Mall, a mile-long (1.6 km) pedestrian promenade lined with 28 outdoor cafes. Free hybrid shuttle buses leave either end of the Mall every few minutes and stop on every corner, making everything in downtown easy to reach. At the southern end of the Mall is beautiful Civic Center Park and the city’s museum district. Some of Denver’s great architectural treasures are here, including Daniel Libeskind’s new Hamilton Building at the Denver Art Museum. Inside, the museum has a renowned Western art and Native American art collection and world-class touring shows such as the “King Tut” exhibit that will be on display from July 2010-January 2011.

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P ROF E S SI ONA L : Top of the Top : Cit i e s for B e st Life . . .

The colorful history of the gold miners, cattle ranchers and Native peoples who have called Colorado home comes to life at the Colorado History Museum. Nearby at the U.S. Mint, you can learn how to make money. More than 50 million coins are stamped here every day. Or stand exactly one mile high (1609 meters) on the steps of the State Capitol Building. State law prohibits any structure from blocking the view of mountains from the capiMa rch , 2 0 1 0

tol. From the gold dome, you can see 200 named peaks – a mountain panorama more than 120 miles (193 km) long. At the other end of the 16th Street Mall is LoDo, Denver’s hip historic district where Victorian brick warehouses have been turned into more than 90 bars, brewpubs, rooftop cafes and music clubs, many of them surrounding Coors Field – the 50,000-seat home of Denver’s baseball team, the Colorado Rockies.

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Denver has a record eight professional sports teams playing in six new sports stadiums, one reason why it was recently picked as America’s No. 1 sports city. But Denver is also experiencing a cultural renaissance. The Denver Performing Arts Complex is the second largest in the United States with a new opera house recently opened and a new symphony hall on the way. The 10 theaters here can seat 10,000 people for Broadway theater, dance, opera and symphony. Metro Denver collects more public money for the arts per capita than any other American city. The recently opened Museum of Contemporary Art | Denver was designed by David Adjaye, and the city recently broke ground on a new art museum celebrating the works of Clyfford Still. In Denver, you are never far from nature. The Denver Zoo has more than 4,000 animals on lovely grounds in City Park. Nearby, the massive Denver Museum of Nature & Science is the fourth largest museum in the United States, a sprawling complex with everything from dinosaurs to the world’s most advanced digital planetarium. The Denver Botanic Gardens is ranked as one of the top five botanic gardens in the U.S., while the Downtown Aquarium has sharks, sting rays and thousands of colorful fish. For a “green” experience, the National Renewable Energy Center is the principal research center in the U.S. studying renewable energy and has a fascinating museum, while the National Center for Atmospheric Research in nearby Boulder is the primary U.S. facility for the study of global warming and it too has an museum with interactive exhibits. Shoppers head to the Cherry Creek Shopping District, where 500 stores make this the largest and most varied shopping experience between St. Louis and San Francisco. Located just three miles from downtown, Cherry Creek offers everything from Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus to one-of-a-kind

P ROF E S SI ONA L : Top of the Top : Cit i e s for B e st Life . . .

boutiques, galleries and jewelry stores, all in a deluxe upscale mall or on pleasant tree-lined streets. After dark, Denver’s growing restaurant scene has been earning accolades from publications such as the New York Times and Food & Wine Magazine. Located in the heart of ranching country, Denver has always been known for outstanding steaks of both beef and buffalo. Buffalo is the leanest of red meats with fewer calories than chicken and is a Denver specialty. Today, Denver is also known as a center for American Southwest cooking, South American, pan Asian and contemporary dishes. And Denver is the largest beer brewing city in America. More than one hundred different beers are brewed in Denver every day; the world’s largest single brewery is located here (Coors Brewery), and the city’s annual Great American Beer Festival is the largest on the planet with more than 2,400 beers available for tasting.

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Denver’s early history comes alive in the nearby foothills of the Rocky Mountains. Learn about the “Old West” at the Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave, high atop Lookout Mountain, it celebrates the famous scout who brought his Wild West Show to Europe. You can ride a narrow gauge steam locomotive over high trestles at the Georgetown Loop, or visit old gold mining towns that now offer gambling in more than 20 casinos that are open 24-hours a day. Denver is also a gateway to adventure. Within an hour or so of downtown you can hike through valleys of wildflowers and waterfalls in Rocky Mountain National Park, ride the highest cog railroad in the world to the top of Pikes Peak, raft the raging Clear Creek River through a towering canyon or ride horses at a nearby ranch. The city is served by award-winning Denver International Airport (DEN), the fifth busiest airport in the U.S. and 10th busiest in the world 1,500 daily flights, including non-stop service to 160 worldwide destinations. DEN was selected by Business Traveler Magazine as the best airport in North America in 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008. A young, sophisticated city surrounded by the rugged splendor of the Colorado Rocky Mountains, Denver is truly, a mile high – and climbing.

Photos: © Denver Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau By Rich Grant (VISIT DENVER, The Convention & Visitors Bureau) http://www.visitdenver.com

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P ROF E S SI ONA L : Top of the Top : Cit i e s for B e st Life . . .

SEE THE WORLD, VISIT LONDON

London attracts hundred’s of Business trips every year and in 2007 Business visitors spent a record £3 billion in the capital. In 2007/08 Visit London dealt with over 886 business events enquiries, and confirmed over £115 million worth of Business economic benefit to the capital. Tracy Halliwell, Director of Business Tourism for Visit London says: “When business travellers choose London they are choosing a world-class city which delivers on experience and on value for money, offering unique and unusual venues. The choice you get in London is unsurpassed, nowhere else can you find this mix of leading venues, hospitality, culture, high-quality service and events knowledge – we really are ticking all the boxes.”

London: The Best of the Best

ondon is a city of diversity and choice, whether it’s hotels, venues or activities – there is so much to choose from. London’s offers so much to see and do that you really can see the world in just one city. London is also an ever changing, and since winning the bid to host the London 2012 Olympic & Ma rch , 2 0 1 0

Paralympic Games there has been an even greater buzz around the city. New hotels are being built, businesses are developing, new venues are being designed and more transport links are being created. The city is thriving and there has never been a better time to come to London to do business.

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• The Best Business City in Europe 2009 (European Cities Monitor) • 8th European City with the Best Infrastructure 2009 (Mercer survey) • City with the Best Taxi Services 2009 (Hotel.com) • Best UK Youth Destination (BYTA British Youth Travel Awards) • Best UK City (Condé Nast Traveller Awards) • Best Conference Destination: London (Conference & Incentive Travel magazine (C&IT) Hot List) • Gold Service Award 2009 (Meetings & Conventions magazine readers honouring Convention & Visitors Bureaus that have excelled in professionalism and dedication in their service to meeting professionals.) • Best Travel Website for Groups: Visitlondon.com (Group Leisure Awards 2009) • World’s Leading Destination (World Travel Awards 2009)

P ROF E S SI ONA L : Top of the Top : Cit i e s for B e st Life . . . card gives a cost-effective way of travelling around London’s underground ‘Tube’ system in a hassle free and enjoyable way.

Accommodation London is a city which is able to offer a vast array of accommodation which will suit any size of group. From the uber cool and luxurious to the decedent and historical hotels which have been welcoming celebrities and Royalty for many years; Stylish and quirky hotels with an English boutique-air about them, to State-of-the-art, London’s hotels are able to combine luxurious accommodation with contemporary meeting and conference spaces.

World-class Venues One of London’s strengths is its’ world-class variety of Business venues. The capital boasts 16 major exhibition centers including ExCeL London, and has a huge range of historical and cultural meeting spaces including the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich, and the Royal Albert Hall, alongside ultra modern meeting spaces which offer the very latest in state of the art technology and seamless business services.

Leading Events Destination London’s strength is its world-class variety. More than 50 major international communities have made London their home. You might hear more than 300 different languages spoken in the capital.

Value London With so much choice, London is able to stretch to any budget. If money’s tight, let the Visit London experts advise you on ways to reduce costs without compromising on quality. There are many cost-saving options available including various accommodation types and tax reclaim opportunities. Ma rch , 2 0 1 0

A number of activities are free – including the major museums and art galleries, not to mention London’s many famous street markets.

Accessible City London is one of the most accessible cities on the planet. Five international airports handle a steady stream of flights and have fast, direct train services linking them to the city centre. Eurostar’s stunning terminal at St Pancras International in the very heart of the capital means you can travel from Europe to London easily and when you arrive it’s just as easy! London’s Oyster Travel

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Leisure time London is a city which thrives on culture and arts. Around every corner of London visitors will find new and exciting options; music, dance, theatre and restaurants, the list goes on. One day visitors could be soaking up the grandeur and historical atmosphere of the Tower of London or Hampton Court and the next day they can be shopping in the most famous shops such as Harrods, Selfridges or Harvey Nichols. In terms of theatre, guests can watch one of Shakespeare’s plays at the famous Globe Theatre

P ROF E S SI ONA L : Top of the Top : Cit i e s for B e st Life . . .

Looking towards the future

or be dazzled by the glitz and glamour of one of Andrew Lloyd Webbers latest musicals. There are more then 6,000 restaurants with 43 of them Michelin-starred, London can be a truly tasty option for any palette or any purse!

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There is an overall positive effect that the 2012 Games are having on London’s events and hospitality sector and the East area of London is seeing a massive amount of redevelopment and investment. A number of business venues will actually be transformed into Olympic venues, such as ExCeL London, the 02 Arena and the iconic Wembley stadium will all have a major role to play in hosting 2012 Olympic events. It’s not just venues which are seeing the benefits of 2012. A number of new hotels are also being built. By 2012 London will offer 20,000 more rooms which will bring the total to 120,000. So see the world, visit London in 2010! By Chloe Couchman (Business Communications Manager, Visit London) http://www.visitlondon.com/business

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P ROF E S SI ONA L : Top of the Top : Cit i e s for B e st Life . . .

FRANKFURT AM MAIN – GERMANY’S MOST MODERN CITY

rankfurt am Main, the metropolis in the heart of Europe, is defined by the stimulating contrasts of tradition and modernity, commerce and culture, business and tranquility. Frankfurt is a city of finance, a city of culture featuring a truly unique theatre and museum landscape and it is and has always been Germany’s most modern city. Ma rch , 2 0 1 0

The famous international trade fairs held here, the financial business conducted, the city’s cultural scene and its accessible location all contribute to Frankfurt’s metropolitan modern reputation. Frankfurt’s famed skyline features more skyscrapers than any other German city. Its formation and rapid expansion is largely due to the presence of many

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national and international banks which, alongside the stock exchange, the head office of the German Federal Bank and the European Central Bank, have turned the city into Germany’s premier financial centre. Furthermore, Frankfurt is the leading service sector location, as evidenced by the Commerzbank skyscraper which, at 259 meters (not counting the 40-metre antenna) is Europe’s tallest office high-rise. Frankfurt’s skyline is ever-changing – the newest skyscrapers are already under construction and many more are in the design stages. One of the most notable attractions is the Main Tower, the only skyscraper open to the general public. The Main Tower offers a restaurant on the 53rd floor and a spectacular panoramic observation platform on the 55th floor – 200 metres above street level. Frankfurt’s urban development plan promises the completion of two new and spectacular high-rise projects in the coming years. The first of the two, a 150-metre-tall structure, will be the new home of the European Central Bank, while the second high-rise, bearing the name “PalaisQuartier” is at present under construction. Its shopping mall with relaxation and activity venue has opened in 2009 and this year the opening of the luxury hotel “Jumeirah” as well as an office building will complete this project. At Frankfurt’s famous museum embankment, magnificent museums of every variety stand side by side like pearls on a string. Here, one finds a total of 26 museums and exhibition venues of great

P ROF E S SI ONA L : Top of the Top : Cit i e s for B e st Life . . .

distinction, including the Museum of Applied Arts, the German Architecture Museum, the German Film Museum and the internationally renowned Städel Art Museum. The historical centre of Frankfurt, meanwhile, offers a plethora of interesting sightseeing attractions, such as the birthplace of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, the Emperor’s Cathedral (Kaiserdom), the famous Römerberg old town and St. Paul’s Church, all of which have taken their place in the annals of German history. Best of all, everything is within walking distance, including the banks of the majestic River Main, which present themselves to locals and visitors as a pair of beautiful riverside

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promenades with green belts, cocktail bars and plenty of space for sports and leisure. If you’re looking for a more cozy atmosphere, simply cross the Main and head to the nearby going-out district of Sachsenhausen, where you’ll find numerous traditional apple wine pubs offering the locals’ beverage of choice as well as popular regional delicacies. Frankfurt am Main is also extremely familyfriendly, with Frankfurt Zoo, the Palmengarten and the Senckenberg Museum, Germany’s largest museum of natural history, ready to inspire children of all ages with their fascinating exhibits. The final weekend of every August is dedicated to the spectacular Museum Embankment Festival, renowned as one of Europe’s largest cultural celebrations. Frankfurt’s museums stand at the centre of attention during this time, offering art enthusiasts and all others a colourful cultural programme that is on show late into the night. The festival celebrates a different motto every year and features a unique combination of art, culture, music and cuisine representing the four corners of the Earth. As the home of one of Europe’s largest airports (renamed Fraport AG after listing on the stock exchange in 2001), biggest passenger train station and a major overland traffic hub, Frankfurt is easily reached from within Germany and further afield.

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Frankfurt is also an ideal base for day trips: the mountainous forest landscapes of the Taunus, Spessart and Odenwald regions are easily reached by car, public transport and even boat. The romantic Rheingau area, with its picturesque castles and vineyards, the Romantic Road and famous cities like Heidelberg, Wiesbaden and Mainz, are also ideal destinations for relaxing holiday jaunts. Photos: © Tourismus+Congress GmbH Frankfurt, Holger Ullmann. http://www.frankfurt-tourismus.de

MEDICAL

HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE: SPAS NOW & THAN The range of procedures offered by spa and wellness facilities is dynamically growing every year. Not all of the amazing new procedures are new though. Many of them are actually based on centuries old traditions and time proven cures. Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s go back in time and learn the history of German spas and the procedures embraced in Singapore, try the unique Zanzibar, but check also the current spa industry trends.

M E DIC A L : Hi stor i cal Pe r sp e c t iv e : Sp a s Now & T han

MODERN SPAS EMBRACING ANCIENT TIMES this is certainly not the case. History would tell us that the origins of spas can be traced to early civilizations.

Ancient History

pas can be seen everywhere. They come in many different shapes and sizes and range from day spas, destination spas to medi-spas. Although they may seem to have sprung overnight Ma rch , 2 0 1 0

Etymologically, spa is traced from the Latin verb ‘spagere’ meaning to pour forth. Another accepted credence is that the word spa is derived from the Wallon word ‘espa’ which means fountain. However, it is also commonly claimed that the word is an acronym of various Latin phrases such as “Salus Per Aquam” or “Sanitas Per Aquam” meaning health through water. Popular belief has it that the origin of spa dates back to the Roman era where it was believed that hot, natural spring waters were considered the best cure for wounds and tired muscles. Bathing became a far more complex ritual than a simple immersion or sweating procedure. For instance, the bathing ritual would comprise of undressing, bathing, sweating, receiving a massage and resting. Roman soldiers would then rejuvenate, relax and treat their sore wounds in water. The bathhouses then became a place for recuperation of injured soldiers as well as recreation centers. The Romans elevated bathing to a fine art and the bathhouses built during those times were reflective of this social phenomenon. In fact, Romans are attributed to building the most architecturally and technically advanced spa bathing houses throughout their empire. Others believe that the origin of the word ‘spa’ comes from the Belgian town called Spa which rose

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to fame in the 14th century since a thermal spring having curative properties was discovered there. It is speculated that the town was so prominent that the very word spa became synonymous in the English language with a place to be pampered and restored. Ancient Egypt was also believed to be the birthplace of the first spa providing the first documentation that a bath culture existed with the first hot tub being chiseled out of solid granite for King Pharaortes about 600 BC.

Healing Water There is a myriad of answers to the origin of spas but they are all intertwined under the same theory, that is, bathing and healing through water. Spas may have evolved through the ages but it stuck to its core of cleansing, heating, treatment and rest. Today’s rituals are still very much reflective to the rituals of those observed by the Romans. The meaning of spa has constantly evolved through the ages to accommodate several types of

M E DIC A L : Hi stor i cal Pe r sp e c t iv e : Sp a s Now & T han

treatment no longer limited to bathing rituals. Spas, however, continued to retain water therapy as their nucleus akin to their older counterparts. Apart from additions to treatments, new mechanical inventions (such as hydrotherapy tubs, vichy showers, swiss showers, etc.) have been developed to improve the spa experience. Spas, as they are known to us today, continue to be centers for healing and nourishing the mind body and spirit. Today’s spas are an interesting combination of ancient traditions and modern mechanical wonders. However, the heart of the modern spa, just as the ancient spa, is water and the rituals that evolve around it. The modern-day spas of today embrace and celebrate their origin albeit constantly looking Ma rch , 2 0 1 0

for new ways to express it with spas offering wide variety of techniques, from traditional to modern, to meet the diverse need of the clients. Spas may have started as a retreat only for the affluent but with today’s health conscious populace, awareness of the health benefits of spas has reached mainstream masses. Spas now appeal to and are accessible to those who seek alternative ways to relieve stress and improve appearance. With the paradigm shift towards ‘holistic’ wellness, spas have emerged as a more cost-effective and less time-consuming alternative to vacations. In recent years, the value of healthy lifestyle and relaxation has found its place in modern society and spas became the place to address these needs. The wealthy no longer have the exclusive access to spas. Increasingly those with disposable incomes are turning to spas to take care of their health. This results in a dramatic rise in the number of spas in Asia, the spa industry gaining economic and commercial presence. In Singapore, spas initially struggled against the tide of public opinion during its early years. Spas, which are mainly stand alone spas and hotel spas, sought to be differentiated from other business activities constantly suspected of engaging in vice activities and be recognized as a legitimate and important business. Through the joint efforts of the Singapore Tourism Board and Spa Association Singapore (“SAS”), spas soon became a Singapore attraction ripe for development.

The Case of Singapore The Massage Establishment Act was enacted as early as 1959 in Singapore to provide for the licensing and control of massage establishments. Save for a few exceptions, no person shall carry on an establishment for massage without a license issued by the Police Licensing Division, authorizing him to do so. It is known that many establishments provide cover for undesir-

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able activities. Hence, there is a need to control these massage establishments and the persons offering the service. Unlike its other Asian neighbors, the Police Licensing Division in Singapore also requires certification of therapists before issuance of the Massage Establishment License. This is a testament that Singapore continues to advocate the paramount importance of having skilled personnel. Massage therapists in Singapore are required to undergo National and International training and certification such as Workforce Skills Qualifications – Certificate in Spa Services under Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA) or CIDESCO International diploma. They are encouraged to regularly upgrade themselves to ensure a systematic career path for their future. SAS also pioneered the Accreditation Programme in Singapore to aid in developing and maintaining the standards in the spa sector which eventually promoted self-regulation and maintenance of high standards in the industry. SAS members have to undergo Accreditation Assessment before being admitted as members and thereafter once in every two years. Dubbed as the spa hub of Southeast Asia, Singapore continues to promote to the general public awareness about spas and its wellness and health benefits. Through the government’s expanded effort and that of SAS, the spa industry in Singapore is determined to deliver its aim to become a spa destination on a global scale. This is made possible with the continued cooperation of SAS with the WDA for manpower and skills development, SPRING Singapore for economic growth and productivity for members, Police Licensing Division for licensing regulations, IE Singapore for international expansion for members and the Singapore Tourism Board for the further promotion of Singapore as the spa hub of Southeast Asia. By Spa Association Singapore http://www.spaassociation.org.sg

M E DIC A L : Hi stor i cal Pe r sp e c t iv e : Sp a s Now & T han

GERMAN HISTORY INTERTWINED WITH BATHING CULTURE Age found inside a historical spring in Bad Pyrmont in Lower Saxony show how the people of this era tried to appease the gods they believed inhabited springs with sacrificial offerings. Curative springs and waters, especially those with special characteristics in terms of temperature, smell, salt content or gases, were said to have miracle powers until modern times. Shrines, temples, and later chapels and churches were built on top of springs. Indeed, words with religious connotations are still used to refer to special occasions at German spas, while ‘spring temples’ with their typical architecture remain a typical sight there. Mineral water springs and wells frequently still bear the names of Christian saints such as the worldfamous Apollinaris Spring, named after the patron saint of the surrounding Ahr Valley. In their magical, mythical beliefs, people of old saw themselves as one with nature and its life-giving springs. For the people of Germania and elsewhere, water was more than a symbol of life; it was life itself.

Spa Culture and Spirituality

ven back in mythical primeval times, water was doubtless the very basis of life for everyone. Of the four classical elements revered since ancient times – earth, fire, air and water – mankind’s relationship with water above all has always been a principal part of human culture in Germany. Ma rch , 2 0 1 0

Water, particularly clear, flowing water, was extolled for its cleansing, healing and atoning traits. Evidence from mythical times reveals how springs in Germania were thought to be inhabited by gods, spirits, mythical creatures and nymphs, and they were included in acts of worship and other ritualistic ceremonies. Decorative brooches from the Bronze

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It should be remembered that for hygienic reasons, bathing in public and private baths, bathing as a leisure activity and to keep in good health, the use of medicinal springs to combat disease, and ritual bathing in Jewish, Islamic and Christian religious communities were closely related for cultural and practical reasons. All the various manifestations of spa culture were only made possible by the architectural and technical progress accumulating over the centuries within the general development

M E DIC A L : Hi stor i cal Pe r sp e c t iv e : Sp a s Now & T han came the done thing. Of course, long beforehand mineral springs had already been used for medicinal purposes, as demonstrated by Roman discoveries in Baden-Baden, Wiesbaden, Bad Ems und Bad Bertrich. Clearly believing in the principle of ‘the more the merrier’, in mediaeval times people spent hours in medicinal springs, often several times a day. They ate and drank in the water, enjoyed long conversations there, and in addition were often entertained by musicians, whereas the evenings were devoted to dancing and other forms of entertainment. Large inns and public bathhouses were built adjacent to outdoor pools containing healing water or even had their own bathhouses with spring water piped into the bathtubs. In addition to individual baths, men’s and women’s group baths were also opened, surrounded by pretty gardens so that visitors could comply with medical recommendations to get some exercise after bathing in refined surroundings.

Dynamic Development in the 20th Century

of European civilisation. Following the imperial age in Rome, growing impoverishment as of 400 AD was accompanied, including in Germania, by the degeneration of the ancient bathing culture. However, in the fifteenth century, people began visiting areas with natural thermal and mineral springs again. Spending a few days at a spa be-

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Clearly, a close link between healing and ‘wellness’ needs (to use the modern term) existed back in the spa culture of the Renaissance. The first German seaside spa resort was opened in 1793 on the Baltic coast in Heiligendamm by the ruling duke, complete with a racecourse to attract the sort of dignified clientele already frequenting the large spas at that time such as Baden-Baden, Montecatini and Vichy. Norderney on the North Sea was also made a seaside resort in 1797. A new era began for German spas and health resorts in around 1957 with the development of democracy accompanied by the introduction of

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social welfare treatment at health resorts as the healthcare service was opened up to all sections of society. Health cures were made part of the national health system alongside orthodox medicine practised at regular hospitals. In 1957, the legal system governing medical rehabilitation in Germany was overhauled, with health resorts becoming officially recognised as especially suitable for this purpose. Pension insurance companies were made responsible for medical rehabilitation for working people in Germany, and they began performing therapy on a large scale at German spas ‘to safeguard and restore the ability to work’. Note that in contrast to other European countries, the concept of medical rehabilitation in German social welfare law also includes the use of therapy to treat chronic diseases rather than just compensating for lasting problems caused by accidents, illness or genetic reasons. Within just a few years, several special clinics for medical rehabilitation were built at health resorts by pension insurance companies and spa developers, often replacing the grand hotels of the late eighteenth century as the main feature in the townscape. Following a transition phase, nowadays rehabilitative spa treatment away from home paid for by pension insurance companies is only carried out in these clinics. Spas and health resorts also offer outstanding facilities for preventive medicine. By Prof. Dr. Christoph Kirschner (Honorary President of the European Spas Association, ESPA) http://www.espa-ehv.eu/

M E DIC A L : Hi stor i cal Pe r sp e c t iv e : Sp a s Now & T han

IN THE TIME OF CRISIS: RECESSION CREATED DEMAND FOR SPAS such as spa treatments as a result of the 'lipstick effect'. Faced with growing competition many hotels and key market players identified spa facilities as a deciding factor when hotel guests choose accommodations for events or vacations. 2009 thus brought a wide spectrum of new spa packages and discounts for travellers and clients.

Key Regions

ccording to Euromonitor International, the impact of the global economic crisis, along with hectic lifestyles and increasing urbanisation are just some of the factors behind the trend towards increased spa demand and the personal wellness lifestyle trend. Ma rch , 2 0 1 0

The global traveller is scaling back on purchasing. Consumer price sensitivity has increased and more than ever consumers are demanding high quality services at more affordable prices. Moreover, consumers are foregoing all luxuries and consoling themselves with small indulgences

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Key performer in terms of global health and wellness sales in 2008 was Asia Pacific which registered US$27 billion. Strong popularity of health and wellness in Japan, where visiting spas is an everpopular type of domestic holiday and the increasing competitiveness of Thailand are some of the factors triggering this boom in the region. According to Euromonitor International, the Middle East and Africa is another strong region to consider in terms of health and wellness sales, recording US$5.6 billion in 2008. The positive performance is directly related to the great offers and services in countries such as Jordan, Oman and UAE, along with the growth in luxury hotels and spas. Dubai is set to become “the” regional and a global spa capital in 2010. A population of young expatriates and the increasing stress of modern life are likely to contribute to a boom in wellness retreats and spas. Eastern Europe is expected to see strong development in health and wellness activity by capitalizing on increasingly health-conscious inbound

M E DIC A L : Hi stor i cal Pe r sp e c t iv e : Sp a s Now & T han tourists, mainly from Italy and Germany. Spas in Bulgaria, Slovenia, Poland and Hungary are becoming popular spots for short breaks for Western European tourists due to lower prices, developing infrastructure and natural springs of mineral water known for their healing properties (e.g. Bulgaria has 600 mineral springs at more than 300 locations).

Opportunities Spas have become essential for luxury hotel guests, but they can also provide extra revenues through usage by non-residents. Spa memberships can be a strong marketing tool as identified in the US. Similar to a gym membership, it allows spa-goers to experience spas at a lower cost. A 12-month membership could include unlimited use of the facility and discounts on additional monthly services. Organic spas are expected to grow quickly, offering more environmentally friendly products and services and featuring outdoor treatments and facilities. Hotels and resorts worldwide have developed aggressive promotions allowing children to stay free, offering extra free nights and credits for spas to boost demand and avoid losing sales to less expensive options. By Nadejda Popova (Travel and Tourism Industry Analyst, Euromonitor International) http://www.euromonitor.com

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M E DIC A L : Hi stor i cal Pe r sp e c t iv e : Sp a s Now & T han

THE TOP 10 SPA TRENDS OF THE PAST DECADE

unspoken rule. Culturally-grounded ingredients, treatments and customs deliver that healthy native flavor, and they also represent the unearthing of special, often centuries-old experiences that could not be easily replicated. From a lomi lomi massage in Hawaii, to the Royal Javanese Lular wedding ritual from Indonesia, indigenous treatments gave spas a grounded ‘sense of place’ that has made each spa-going experience around the world truly unique.

2. Medicine and Spa In the early 90’s there was very little overlap between medicine and spas. That has changed dramatically over the last 10 years. More doctors have ‘discovered’ that spa approaches contribute to health and wellness, specifically by targeting stress… (Perhaps even through their own experiences, say, by experiencing a massage after a round of golf at a medical conference). The forces driving this integration are diverse, but, basically, the spa and medical worlds began talking. Then, when Botox arrived in 2002, a new type of aesthetic/medical spa was born and the spa and medicine connection was solidified. Spas also got their act together, becoming more transparently health- oriented, and downplaying the ‘woo woo’ factor.

3. Organic

hile SpaFinder has been forecasting annual spa trends for many years, 2010 represents the first time the company has spotlighted the top 10 spa trends for an entire decade. …And what a decade it’s been! From ‘organic’ to ‘indigenous,’ from ‘social spa-ing’ to the ‘online spa scene,’ the spa category was radically transformed and expanded from 2000 to 2010, as the industry Ma rch , 2 0 1 0

met global challenges with unprecedented innovations that will positively impact us all for years to come.

1. Indigenous Treatments While one would see the use of local ingredients and local customs on occasion at spas decades ago, during the past decade this became an almost

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This was the headline story in spa products for the decade. The popularity of all things ‘green’ helped several obscure organic lines make it big, and nearly all spa product companies launched their own branded organic lines. The organic product trend also helped open the door for a more far-reaching eco-friendly, environmentally conscious zeitgeist throughout the spa arena – from spa building and design – to cuisine. And while it's not yet garnering universal praise, at least it’s gotten things going in the right direction.

M E DIC A L : Hi stor i cal Pe r sp e c t iv e : Sp a s Now & T han had narrower connotations: either water treatments for sick older people, or, with the emergence of some newer spas like the swanky Brenner’s Park Hotel and Spa in Baden Baden – an association with expense and luxury. Because the word ‘wellness’ was such an apt word to describe places that offered fitness, massage, alternative medicine and healthy nutrition – increasingly the core mission of spas – the terms, understandably, have become tightly interwoven.

6. Spa Comes Home

4. Men While the decade saw a range of new demographics rush into the spa arena (from teens to pre-teens to babies and seniors), it was the steady stream of men making spa-going a regular part of their lives that’s had the most profound impact. While it took some doing to get men to try a spa for the first time, this ‘first time,’ typically, resulted in a second and third, etc. Men discovered there was more to this ‘spa thing’ than just idle pampering: it was, in fact, the quickest way for them to reduce stress (something there was plenty of this decade), and it helped improve their sports performance. As spas Ma rch , 2 0 1 0

with a traditionally female ‘pampering’ and ‘beauty’ emphasis were joined by those emphasizing male grooming, and the industry began to focus more on health and wellness, millions of men began to comfortably, eagerly hit the spa.

5. Wellness The word ‘wellness’ was hardly used in the 90’s, not really appearing on the scene until after the millennium. A term that has its origins in Europe (combining the concepts of ‘fitness’ ‘and ‘well-being’), it gained momentum there as a positive alternative terminology…Because in Europe the word ‘spa’

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The influence of spas on the home has its humble beginnings at the start of the decade, with spainspired consumers, say, purchasing a candle to use in the bath, or maybe a loofah sponge. In the years since, it’s blossomed into a booming industry of spa products, design, furniture, home amenities (like spa bathrooms), even clothing and cuisine. The trend reached its most bold expression with the birth of ‘spa living real estate,’ where consumers could actually ‘live at the spa,’ purchasing residences with spectacular spa/wellness offerings in new luxury high-rises or special communities. We’ve not only seen spa-ing burst the confines of its traditional walls – but a new term, ‘spa lifestyle,’ has emerged to describe a whole healthier way of living, thinking and being.

7. Yin of Luxury, Yang of Discount While the last few tough economic years have put more industry emphasis on the ‘yang’ of discount, the wider ‘spa decade’ definitely spent quite a bit of time on the ‘yin’ of luxury. The reality is, that with more than 80,000 spas across the world now, there’s plenty of ‘yin’ and plenty of ‘yang’ to go around. In almost every country across the globe consumers can find bargain-priced spas/treatments right alongside sky-high-priced options (with their bejeweled massage oils and exotic, over-the-

M E DIC A L : Hi stor i cal Pe r sp e c t iv e : Sp a s Now & T han top settings). As spa-going has become totally mainstream, there’s a spa now to suit every taste and budget.

nized contributor to health and natural de-stressing. From the isolation of the massage therapy room and the whisper-only relaxation lounges, has come the recognition that spas are not only natural community hubs, but that mingling and socializing are an important part of getting healthy too.

8. Online Spa At the turn of the millennium, there were many spas that didn’t even have websites. Today, almost every spa – and even therapists and practitioners – have their own URL. But that’s just the beginning of the spa.com revolution: today consumers can search spas, book spa appointments in real-time, buy spa products, review spas and fully engage in new forms of sparelated social networking – all online. And with the Internet so well matched for wellness coaching, and new technology enabling medical diagnosis and virtual health records, unprecedented aspects of the spa/wellness experience are becoming available through the Internet. Only the therapists’ hands haven’t been brought online – yet.

10. Gift Certificates, Vouchers, Cards Lastly, a development that evolved so gradually it never made any of SpaFinder’s annual trends lists. And yet it probably has had more to do with the explosion of spas and spa-goers around the world than any other trend – or even all of them combined. The trend: the emergence and popularity of the spa gift certificate, card and voucher that has introduced so many new people to the spa experience. (In fact, research shows that approximately onethird of all spa visits are generated by the redemption of certificates and vouchers.) Spa gifting has been galvanized by their near-universal availability at almost every individual spa and via third-party programs – and they’ve not only given people permission to pamper themselves, they’ve ushered in a new era where gifting ‘spa’ represents an expression of true thoughtfulness and care. To put it in perspective: while SpaFinder is now the largest retailer of spa gift certificates, cards and vouchers in the world, the company didn’t make its first certificate sale until 1999. Today, over 5,000 spas worldwide are part of the company’s gift programs, and the cards/vouchers are available at virtually every major drug and grocery chain.

9. Social Spa-ing Spas traditionally put their emphasis on the pillars of exercise, nutrition and body and beauty treatments– while the social aspects of spa-going (which existed all along) haven’t garnered much attention…until recently. Now we know that social spa-ing (just like spa programs for sleep or brain health) is a recog-

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http://www.spafinder.com

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M E DIC A L : Hi stor i cal Pe r sp e c t iv e : Sp a s Now & T han

THAILAND: PRESERVING TRADITIONS IN AN AGE OF CHANGE

hile spas have been around for thousands of years, their popularity in the last twenty years has exploded as people seek havens from the stresses of everyday life. But times of rapid change carry risks for losing the ancient traditions that explain the attraction of spas and massage. Here in Thailand the government has taken strong steps to preserve the rich cultural heritage of Thai massage by offering cheap, accessible but rigorous training courses, with re-examination every two years. But all around, we witness a dilution of the core of Thai massage into diversification and gimmickry. ‘Sports massage’, ‘Swedish massage’ and even ‘Fish massage’ (where fish allegedly eat dead skin) have become commonplace but essentially fairly meaningless alien transplants. Ma rch , 2 0 1 0

We applaud the governments’ efforts and base our business on the same principles. Where ancient practice is involved then we must make every effort to follow precise steps and procedures. Where newer treatments are introduced (e.g. wraps, polishes, scrubs) we provide a distinctly Thai character through the use of herbs that have been used medicinally for centuries. It is a lengthy process – customers wait while we prepare fresh ingredients for every treatment ordered. The preparation of herbal compresses (pak ob) from fresh herbs takes a whole day to our six spa assistants. It is also important to establish a ‘house style’. It is very confusing for customers ordering the same massage to see their friends undergoing very different techniques! Various training regimes exist under different teachers and schools, and all have their merits. Customer feedback allows you to de-

velop a common practice that is most desirable to the majority while allowing for additional techniques upon request. For example, the Thai practice of using wooden sticks during reflexology foot massage has been phased out as most customers find it painful, but the staff is trained to use it if customers wish so. Customer care and quality assurance are essential ingredients in this mix. It is important to know that we have been charged with offering high standards while carefully preserving traditional practice. The problem for customers remains the finding of like-minded proprietors among the plethora of spa and massage providers. It is difficult to find unbiased advice from locals where family relations and commission fees are involved! Perhaps the best way of gaining access to objective reviews is to visit sites like Tripadvisor.com where customers themselves provide honest advice and feedback, often from very recent visits which proves more useful than guidebooks that go rapidly out of date. This underlines the point that preserving tradition is not simply a conservative or reactionary practice. Embracing modern technologies, such as the internet and e-publications, allows a spa to extensively research good practice and introduce new services after careful training and testing.

By Craig Docherty (President, Suan Nanachaat Spa, Kanchanaburi, Thailand) http://www.suan-nanachaat.com

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M E DIC A L : Hi stor i cal Pe r sp e c t iv e : Sp a s Now & T han

MREMBO: TRADITIONAL SWAHILI STYLE SPA

ike everywhere in the world, the “wellness” phenomenon has taken over the island of Zanzibar. Spas are popping up across the island in the hotels often run by Thai therapists, offering a dizzying choice of treatments. However, on the Archipelago of Unguja and Pemba Ma rch , 2 0 1 0

(Zanzibar) both women and men have been using the indigenous flowers, herbs and spices in their traditional treatments for centuries. If you want to try something different, head over to Mrembo in Stone Town for a Zanzibari experience.

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One of the beauty treatments offered at Mrembo is called singo, a natural scrub traditionally used when a Zanzibar girl is preparing for her marriage. Singo is prepared by Swahili women; it is a magically scented mix of different flowers like fresh Jasmin, Kilua, Ylang Ylang flowers and rose petals combined with cloves and sandalwood. Prior to applying a little “Mrashi” (rosewater) is added and than the mix is applied to the bride to be a few days before she gets married. This is a big ceremony exclusively for women who all gather in much excitement and apply the “Singo” to the bride. The bride to be undergoes a daily singo, the scrub exfoliating her skin, leaving her fragrant and glowing, with skin as soft as silk. Many of the ingredients of the Singo are also used in daily life like garlands for weddings or to seduce one another by arranging them on the bed. On Pemba, couples scrub each other at the same time; men rub their beloved with singo, while women use the invigorating clove based scrub known as vidonge for their husband. Vidonge is another important Swahili treatment derived from the past. It is made from the remains of clove stems and buds, after they have been distilled to make clove oil. The stems and buds are pressed into a small ball, with a little rose water. The result is a coarse, warming scrub, leaving skin energized and fresh.

M E DIC A L : Hi stor i cal Pe r sp e c t iv e : Sp a s Now & T han

Men enjoy a heat sensation after which they feel completely invigorated. The vidonge is said to increase menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s libido and stamina and could be a perfect gift to take home. Swahili massage treatments include hot sand massage and kukandwa. In a hot sand massage, sand is heated and tied into a muslin parcel, then applied to the skin to alleviate pain or inflammation, opening the pores and bringing a medicinal heat to the muscles. Elderly Swahili people use the old, traditional massage kukandwa using mbarika leaves (castor seed). The leaves are soaked in hot water

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prior to applying them, which opens up the pores and relieves fatigue after giving birth, sport injuries and exhaustion. Henna is also an important beauty ritual on the archipelago of Unguja and Pemba and is made of the dried leaves of the henna tree. Nowadays many places unfortunately use the very aggressive piko which has absolutely nothing to do with natural henna and is actually nothing more than hair dye. Real henna painting takes time, with Zanzibari patterns combining elements from Arabic, Indian and African styles. The henna powder is mixed with black tea and lime juice to retrieve a darker color and must be applied at least twice to get a good result. At Mrembo Traditional Spa, you can try most of these little known and 100% natural treatments, which make you feel relaxed and fulfilled. You will also be able to spend an entire day pampering yourself with various treatments, sip ginger/lemongrass tea, and learn about Henna and other Zanzibari beauty traditions, whilst listening to the melodious sounds of Taarab music. By Stefanie Schoetz http://www.mtoni.com/mrembo/

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US patients to Europe Cross Border Helthcare in EU German Insurance Cooperation Cruise Ship Medical Tourism

European Medical Travel Conference 2010 5th - 7th May, 2010 in Monastier di Treviso (Venice), Italy

TRANSPORT TRAIN JOURNEYS OF A LIFETIME

T R A N SP ORT: Train Jour ne y s of a Life t ime

ALL ABOARD THE ROCKY MOUNTAINEER!

Each Rocky Mountaineer dome car offers a strategic vantage point to photograph that passing bear, an eye-level eagle’s nest or glacier-capped mountain. © Alison Gardner

For

the fourth year in November 2009, Rocky Mountaineer was honoured with a World Travel Award in the category of “World’s Leading Travel Experience by Train”. The winners in 919 different categories were determined by thousands of travel professionals from 183,000 travel agencies, Ma rch , 2 0 1 0

tour and transport companies and tourism organizations in over 160 countries. Rocky Mountaineer's formula for such repeated honours from savvy travel professionals (as well as similar readers' choice honours over many years) seems to be a perfect mix of spectacular scenery

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and wildlife up close, impeccable service, first class dining and colourful frontier history, all delivered right on schedule! The railway operates a fleet of over 90 rail coaches, including nine locomotives, on its routes in Alberta and British Columbia. Until 2001, the nine locomotives were used by Canadian National Railway (CNR), then refitted and put back into service by Rocky Mountaineer. Of the passenger coaches, 33 are RedLeaf Service single-storey coaches originally built in the 1950s. These classically-styled railcars crossed the continent countless times on CNR’s transcontinental passenger rail route. There are also 16 GoldLeaf Service dome coaches custom-built for Rocky Mountaineer in the U.S. The first dome coach was introduced in 1995, with the newest one added in 2007. Each dome coach takes more than a year to build, constructed with shatter-proof glass overhead, and fully-equipped stainless steel kitchen galleys and dining facilities. GoldLeaf Service includes comfortable dome car seating above and a fine dining restaurant directly below, exclusively for clients in that car. With RedLeaf Service in the single-storey rail cars, guests receive meal trays in their seats.

Rocky Mountaineer operates the world-renowned First Passage to the West (between Vancouver and Banff or Calgary), Journey Through the Clouds (between Jasper and Vancouver) and Rainforest to Gold Rush (between Whistler and Jasper) routes all featuring the breathtaking scenery of British Columbia and the Canadian Rockies combined with superb onboard service. Each route includes an overnight stay in comfortable hotel accommodation en route. A fourth option is the Whistler Sea to Sky Climb, a three-hour train journey between Vancouver and Whistler, highlighting Pacific coastal sea and mountain scenery.

T R A N SP ORT: Train Jour ne y s of a Life t ime

GoldLeaf dining service includes two breakfasts and two lunches aboard the train. © Rocky Mountaineer

Departing Jasper, Alberta in the northern Canadian Rockies and heading for Vancouver, I, along with other GoldLeaf clients, was whisked downstairs for our first hot breakfast complete with white cloth napkins and traditional silver service. I had barely managed the fresh fruit plate, warm croissants and half my ham omelette before we entered the historic Yellowhead Pass, indicating we were already leaving Alberta and entering British Columbia. By the time I had finished my second cup of tea, we had also glimpsed two black bears, several mountain sheep and an elk with her new calf, all at eye level. Our two dome car attendants were invaluable guides keeping us informed of upcoming points of interest so we could have eyes and cameras strategically focused. Tales of aboriginal and settler

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history as well as nuggets of information about the wildlife, botany, ever-changing geology and geography along the route were both entertaining and educational. An invaluable silent partner on the journey proved to be the train engineers spotting wildlife well ahead of us, alerting attendants in each car via headsets, so they could announce on which side of the train we should keep a sharp look out. By the time our dome car reached the right spot, sometimes the animal had already slipped away, but more often, there it was, unperturbed by the frequently-seen train passing through its piece of wilderness. Six black bears, including three cubs, were among many wildlife spottings before our summons to lunch. As though conscious of showing its best profile, one mature cinnamon-colored bear posed sideways, balancing all four paws on a small rock no more than 20 feet from our coach. On another occasion, a jet-black adult bear a similar distance away rose to full height on its hind legs and calmly watched the train slide by. After a half-way-point overnight sleep at a Rocky Mountaineer hotel in Kamloops, we all returned to our assigned train coaches and found ourselves seamlessly rolling along the rails again by the time we could consult the breakfast menu. Before lunch, the train slowed to pay homage to the deep-canyon marriage of the Thompson and Fraser rivers each of which had been our companions off and on for the past two days. Entering Vancouver, our farewell gift was oatmeal-raisin cookies still fragrant from the kitchen oven, heralding the imminent disembarkation of

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The train crosses the Fraser River, B.C.’s longest river from its headwaters in the Rockies to Vancouver where it spills into the Pacific Ocean. © Rocky Mountaineer

guests from the train. In just two days, bonds had been created, highlights shared and travel stories exchanged. Still, it is always best to end a journey with a sense of regret that it is over, surely the sign of a successful adventure.

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

T R A N SP ORT: Train Jour ne y s of a Life t ime

THE FLÅM RAILWAY – WORLD CLASS RAILWAY JOURNEY THROUGH NORWAY Hand-made Tunnels The Bergen Railway from Oslo to Bergen was inaugurated in 1909; work on the Flåm branch line started in 1923 to ensure the transport route down to the Sognefjord. It was a major challenge for railway engineer to build this railway. The journey on the Flåm Railway takes one hour, through 20 tunnels totaling a distance of six kilometers. Eighteen of these tunnels where excavated by hand, each meter claiming a month’s hard labor for the railway workers. To avoid risk of avalanches, the Flåm Railway crosses the river and the bottom of the valley three times in the course of its journey. It took nearly 20 years to complete the Flåm Railway, and it was opened for steam trains on 1st August 1940, and got electric trains in 1944. The Flåm Railway has an interesting history which you can learn more

Daily Departures

very year close to 520.000 passengers travel on the Flåm Railway making it one of Norway’s major and most spectacular tourist attractions. The Flåm Railway is one of the world’s steepest railway lines on normal gauge. The gradient is Ma rch , 2 0 1 0

55/1000 on almost 80% of the line, i.e. a gradient of one in eighteen. The twisting tunnels that spiral in and out of the mountain are manifestation of the most daring and skilful engineering in Norwegian railway history.

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The Flåm Railway was privatized in 1997 and runs between 9 and 10 daily departures during peak season between May–September, and between 4 and 5 daily departures throughout the rest of the year. The trains to and from Flåm connect at Myrdal with most day-trains running between Oslo (the capital city of Norway) and Bergen on the west coast.

T R A N SP ORT: Train Jour ne y s of a Life t ime Railway Travelers has listed the Flåm Railway as one of the world’s top 25 train journeys!

Hiking & Cycling Adventures

about by visiting the Flåm Railway Museum. Open all year, free entrance. The journey from Flåm at the innermost part of the Aurlandsfjord, takes you through the Flåmsdalen valley to the high mountain station at Myrdal on the Bergen Railway, is a railway experience unparalleled in Europe; 20 km long with a height difference of 865 meters. The journey provides some of Norway's wildest and most magnificent scenery. You can see rivers that cut through deep ravines, waterfalls cascade down the side of steep, snowcapped mountains and mountain farms cling dizzily to sheer slopes. The train travels slowly and even stops at the most scenic spots, photo stop at the Kjosfossen waterfall. The Society of International

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It is ideal to combine the Flåm Railway with a hiking or cycling tour in the Flåmsdalen valley. Take the train to Myrdal station and return on foot – a hike to Flåm takes approx. 4 – 4 ½ hours. It is also possible to hop in the train as the railway has 8 stops along the route. This type of pastime is in particular popular among families. If you choose to cycle back to Flåm get ready for approx. 2- 2 ½ hours of magnificent views and wilderness. The train journey has been given a new dimension by extending the platforms and improving the viewing points. The waterfall at Kjosfossen is gradually illuminated in white, blue and green. This winter experience can be seen on the two last departures on the Flåm Railway in the months of December through February. A test project has been launched with LCD screens on board the train, with information about the railways history and scenery, as well as practical and technical information to the guests. Photos: © VisitFlam.com / Morten Rakke By Monna Kjos Almenningen http://www.visitFlam.com

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T R A N SP ORT: Train Jour ne y s of a Life t ime

INCREDIBLE MAHARASHTRA – EXPLORING WITH THE DECCAN ODYSSEY promotes and maintains it and the Indian Railways operates it between October-March (closed in summer and monsoons). With a capacity of 104, the train is pulled on modern diesel engines running at a speed of up to 110 km/hour.

Comfortable Coaches

Europe is all hearts for the Orient Express and South Africa has the Blue Train, Maharashtra echoes majestically with the Deccan Odyssey, the latest addition to the legacy of India’s luxury trains. A week long seamless royal sojourn commencing in Mumbai (formerly Bombay) and continuing onto Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg-Goa-Pune-Aurangabad-Nashik-Mumbai traverses about 2,200 km of diverse and visually delightful terrain showcasing some of the world-class tourist attractions of western India. This is past brown hills, lush green valleys, echoing tunnels, unblemished beaches, defiant forts, gorMa rch , 2 0 1 0

geous palaces, mythical sculptures, dazzling urban centres steeped in art, history, culture, festivals, cuisines, museums, ancient temples and baroque cathedrals. Constructed in the Integral Coach Factory (Chennai) and designed by architects Pendse and Pendse, the train’s essentially Maharashtrian décor matches any world-class 5-Star hotel on wheels. Brainchild of MD Ashish Kr. Singh, Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) the fully air-conditioned Rs. 40 crores train (€ 6 million) was launched on 16th January, 2004. The MTDC

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The train travels mostly at night for passengers to relax and arrive fresh next morning at the destination. Of the 21 coaches, 11 are Deluxe Cabins each with a combination of 4 twin bedded chambers, closet, dressing table, plasma TV and en suite bathroom with hot/cold water, shower and toiletries. The 2 Presidential Suites with 2 salons have a kingsize bed, writing table, chairs, attached bath and TV lounge. There is 1 conference car, 2 restaurant cars, 1 spa car, 1 bar car, 2 generator cars with luggage store and 1 staff carriage. Wall-to-wall carpeting, massage centre (Swedish, ayurvedic massage and aromatherapy), channel music, intercom, DVD, CDs and MP3s are available. The blue coaches streaked with gold and beautifully decked with contemporary lavish furnishings provide an ambience amidst modernity and comfort. The soft peach designer upholstery and artistically sculpted teakwood furniture add to the aesthetic royal look and opulence. The coaches are evocatively named after the tourist destinations in Maharashtra – Anjaneri (near Nashik), Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg, Ajanta, Verul (later day Daulatabad), Vijaydurg and Ambagad (near Amravati). The Spa Plumeria coach has a gym and yoga centre to relax one’s mind and body. The 50-seater Samvad coach

T R A N SP ORT: Train Jour ne y s of a Life t ime

with a state-of-the-art conference hall (dance floor at night) caters to meetings equipped with satellite communication, computers, printers, internet connectivity, FAX, STD/ISD, well-stocked library and theatre style screen.

Set Off from Mumbai The Deccan Odyssey starts on Wednesday evening from the Chatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST), Mumbai – an agglomeration of 7 islands around 300 years back and the present financial capital known for its legacy of the British Raj amidst modernity. As you gingerly step with boarding pass onboard, your luggage is borne by staff smartly garbed in Peshwa (18th century Maratha ministers) attire. You are handed stationary items for use, a complimentary bottle of wine and bottled water. The slums outside contrast brutally with the grandeur of the ornate interiors – plump silk cushions, portraits of royalty and seemingly endless wood paneled corridors. Dinner, a stylish, white-gloved affair in the Peshwa I and II restaurants in shades of beige, rust and turquoise is over memorable delicacies of high standards, localized according to regions (continental in Mumbai and traditional Maharashtrian in Ratnagiri) and prepared by chefs of the renowned Ma rch , 2 0 1 0

Taj Group. Menus change seasonally for breakfast, tea and dinner. Mumbai Hi, the bar named after the port serves the choicest Indian and international wine/spirits. On day two, arrive at the quaint station of Bhoke – launch pad to the Konkan coast. Nestled amidst the hills and backwaters, its mesmerizing silence is broken by the songs of exotic birds and punting fishermen casting their nets like graceful dancers. Sail from Rai Bhatgaon Jetty on the caressing waves in a romantic cruise for the 17th century cliff top Jaigad Fort with ancient ramparts and long silenced rusted cannons. Post lunch, visit Ratnagiri, birthplace of freedom fighter Lokmanya Tilak and the famous alphonso mango. In 1670, the Maratha warrior king Shivaji strengthened Ratnagiri Fort built by a Bijapur ruler. Ratnagiri was the internment home to the last Burmese king in the Thibaw Palace. Visit Ratnadurg Fort, Tilak Smarak and Ganpatipule beach, one of the finest in Maharashtra where the Lord Ganesha temple is flocked by millions. The MTDC resort offers a Konkani spread laced with tangy kokum and coconut. Explore trails leading from the beach or laze to the gently lapping waves on the coast.

Discover Local Culture On day three, alight at Sindhudurg Nagari. From Malvan jetty, ferry half a kilometer for the 17th century Ocean Fort – Sindhudurg on a 48 acre rocky island on the wrinkled Arabian Sea. It looks like a ghostly galleon with 42 bastions and 12 ft. thick battlements soaring about 30 ft. Marvel the work of 6,000 skilled hands who toiled from 1664-1667 AD to complete the strong naval base of the Marathas. Presently, there are about 20 Hindu-Muslim hereditary families living here. Their numerous temples dedicated to Hindu deities are remnants of native culture. On a turret above the main gate are the hand and foot imprints of Shivaji on a dry lime slab.

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There is also a temple dedicated to him – the only one of its kind. For breathtaking sea views walk on the zigzag ramparts 9m high and 3m wide. The foundation stones were laid firmly in molten lead and iron. Walk barefoot on the virgin sands of Tarkarli at the confluence of the Karli River and the Arabian Sea, 7 km from Malvan. The Konkani wada’s (cottages) of the MTDC resort and beachfront restaurant add to a feel of local lifestyle. Rest in the hammocks amidst shuru trees for a laidback afternoon or take a boat from Kalse jetty past unvarnished tropical greenery. Enroute Dhamapur halt at a cashew factory and head for the ancient Bhagwati and Bharadi Devi temples. Visit Sawant-

Prices • Deluxe Cabin: US$ 540 per person/per night for single occupancy (Oct.-Mar.); US$ 415 during Sept.-Apr; double occupancy: US$ 390 (US$ 320), respectively. Presidential Suite: single occupancy – US$ 950 per person/per night (US$ 750 in off-season); double occupancy – US$ 700 and US$ 550, respectively • Tariffs cover travel, catering, sight-seeing in deluxe, A/C coaches, and entrance to monuments, palaces, performances and boat rides (excluding use of video, alcohol, spa, beauty and laundry). • Facilities onboard; 24/7 personal valet attendants, doctor-on-call, first-aid, money exchange/credit cards, electronic safes, mailbox delivery, assistance for the physically challenged, contingency insurance cover for accident/hospitalization and burglary. • A service tax of 3.09 percent is charged on gross ticket value. A 10 percent surcharge is levied for Xmas/New Year. • Children under 5 go free while it is half price for 5-12 years. Indians pay equivalent Rs. against US$. Reservations can be done with travel agents or on-line.

T R A N SP ORT: Train Jour ne y s of a Life t ime wadi to shop for lacquer handicrafts, paintings and furniture at Shilpagram–the arts and craft centre. On day four, reach Goa, a popular tourist destinations for its sun-kissed beaches, majestic whitewashed churches with bougainvillea, red soils and mossy hills offering a magnificent collage of sights, history and experiences. Old Goa or ‘Rome of the East’, the erstwhile Portuguese capital is dotted with ruined churches in little alleys. Be welcomed with a friendly smile and wave of the locals. The Basilica of Bom Jesus has the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier in a glass-paneled silver casket sculptured by Giovanni Foggini. The Cathedral and Church of St. Francis of Assisi (presently Archaeological Museum for Goan antiques) are interesting walks. At Panjim visit the palm fringed Dona Paula beach from where Portuguese galleons sailed, the Latin Quarter of Fontainhas for obscure shops selling mementoes and cruise on the Mandovi with Goan music/dance. After traditional lunch at Fort Aguada Resort, unwind in the sauna and enjoy champagne over sunset. On day five reach Pune, Maharashtra’s second largest city, cultural hub and erstwhile Peshwa capital. Satellite city to Mumbai it was home to the young Shivaji. Pune is a mix of the old-world and contemporary with myriad educational institutes, research centres, museums, theatres and home to poets, writers, artists and singers. An early halt at the city’s oldest market – Mahatma Phule Mandai, overpowers one with sights, sounds, smells and colors. The Kelkar Museum in a quaint haveli has an impressive collection of artifacts (17th -19th centuries). Visit David Synagogue, one of the largest in India and the Rajneesh/Osho Ashram, an important centre for spiritual growth. After lunch at Le Meridian, visit the State Tribal and Cultural Museum for tribal artifacts and the historic Aga Khan Palace connected with Gandhiji’s Quit India movement. The son-et-lumiere at Shaniwarwada Palace Ma rch , 2 0 1 0

provides a fitting backdrop to enact the rise of the Peshwa’s.

The Art of Spirituality On day six, reach Aurangabad, named after Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, for some fine art treasures. The majestic 12th century Daulatabad Fort poised on a 600 ft. artificial cliff is a stunning example of ingenuous defense engineering. Walk around ruins echoing extraordinary tales of Yadava valour. They named it Devgiri and Mohammed bin Tughlak renamed the capital Daulatabad (City of Fortune) in the 13th century. At the World Heritage Site of Ellora, skilled craftsmen sculptured 34 temples on a crescent volcanic cliff – an artistic confluence of Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism amidst tranquility. The 12 Buddhist caves have Chaityas (halls of worship) and Viharas (monasteries). As the largest monolith structure in the world, the Kailashanath Temple, as the most famous Hindu cave exemplifies the devotion in transforming inanimate rock into living divinity. Post lunch at Taj Residency proceed to Shivaji Museum for its weaponry collection, the Aurangabad Caves, Panchakki – the water mill and Bibi-ka-Maqbara, a mausoleum resembling the Taj Mahal and shop for Paithani, Himroo and Bidri.

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The World Heritage Site of Ajanta overlooking the Waghora valley waits next. Lost after the 7th century, they were discovered by sheer accident in 1819 by British officers on a hunting expedition. The caves present a complete spectrum of Buddhist development withstanding the vagaries of time. They boast some fine murals (2nd -7th century BC) as the Birth of the Buddha, Bodhisattva Padmapani, Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara and Thousand Buddha's and Jataka stories on the walls, ceiling and pillars of this magical wonderland. With lingering images, board the train from Jalgaon to Bhusawal for the ancient city of Nashik on the banks of the Godavari. Visit Panchavati Ghat famous for the Kumbh Mela and the Kala Ram temple (1794). The sprawling lawn of the Sula winery is perfect setting to cherish memories over wine. Watch daybreak in Mumbai next day. Post breakfast, purchase souvenirs onboard and take a group photo as a memory, disembark at CST standing as a tribute to the city skyline. Later explore leisurely the various sights connected to its past and present. The Deccan Odyssey unravels Maharashtra’s beauties on a silver platter with the known, unknown and the unsung as you imbibe gulps of local flavor served up with dollops of adventure, religion and nature snugly cushioned in a deluxe oasis and protected from the 11 million who travel daily on the largest railway network in the world! This is extravagance while exploring and living life Kingsize! No matter what you see, this unforgettable lifetime voyage will be one of your finest treasures. By Dr. Ilika Chakravarty Academy of Business Management, Tourism and Research, Bangalore, India 27, Hazeltree Croft, Acocks Green, B27 7XS, Birmingham, U.K. ilika_c@yahoo.com

T R A N SP ORT: Train Jour ne y s of a Life t ime

EXPERIENCE THE SOUTH AFRICAN GLAMOUR IN ROVOS RAIL The three beautifully rebuilt Classic trains, each carry a maximum of 72 passengers who are accommodated in the most spacious train suites in the world. With fine wood paneling, period Edwardian features as well as every modern convenience and comfort, the air-conditioned suites carry two people offering the option of twin or double beds. The four Royal Suites (16 m2) each have their own private lounge area and feature a full en-suite bathroom with shower and Victorian bath. The Deluxe Suites (11 m2) each have a lounge area and private bath with shower and the en Suite Pullman Suites (7 m2) have a sofa during the day that converts

ince its establishment more than twenty years ago, Rovos Rail has earned an international reputation for its truly world class travel experiences. Unique train safaris through and over some of the most spectacular scenery in Africa combine magnificent scenery with the glamour and excitement of the golden age of Ma rch , 2 0 1 0

train and air travel. Step aboard the remodeled and refurbished wood paneled coaches and enjoy fine cuisine and superb South African wines in luxury and comfort. Choose from a series of train journeys lasting from 48 hours to a month as the Pride of Africa links some of Africa’s greatest destinations.

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T R A N SP ORT: Train Jour ne y s of a Life t ime

into a comfortable bed at night. The use of traditional furnishings and period décor ensure an atmosphere of elegance and grandeur in the Dining, Lounge and Observation cars. The coaches, which were collected from the far corners of the country, have been painstakingly rebuilt and refurbished and, while providing the same spaciousness as the classic trains, offer discerning travellers the last word in nostalgic comfort and style. Two of the most legendary journeys across Africa are offered by Rovos Rail, namely the epic sojourn from Cape Town to Dar es Salaam as well as a train, flight and ship combination from Cape Town to Cairo. In July every year, the epic 14-day journey travels through South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Tanzania and has become one of the most famous train journeys in the world.

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This magnificent sojourn will take you through South Africa with short tours of the diamond town of Kimberley and the capital city of Pretoria. After two nights in a private game lodge in the Madiwke Game Reserve the train continues through Botswana and Zimbabwe, with another overnight stop at the Victoria Falls Hotel. After crossing the mighty Zambezi River travel north eastwards through Zambia, joining the Tazara Railway line at Kapiri Mposhi. Guests enjoy a bush walk and picnic at Chisimba Falls, and continue the climb towards the Zambian/ Tanzanian border, almost the midpoint between Africa’s two Great Rift Valley lakes. Descend into the Rift Valley itself and enjoy spectacular scenery as the train negotiates the tunnels, switchbacks and viaducts of the escarpment. Early on the last day the train passes through the Selous Game Reserve, the largest on the Continent – a vision of timeless Africa shortly before the bustle of arrival in Dar Es Salaam Station The Cape Town to Cairo journey is conducted every two years, starting with a 2 night stay in Cape Town, followed by a train journey up to the Victoria Falls. From here onwards guests board a private plane and travel north to Zanzibar and continue with a safari in the Ngorongoro Crater and the world famous Serengeti. After a two night stay in Uganda and a further two nights in Sudan the journeys end is in Egypt with a cruise on Lake Nasser as well as the final flight to Cairo. Photos: © Rovos Rail http://www.rovos.co.za

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T R A N SP ORT: Train Jour ne y s of a Life t ime

THE SLOWEST FAST TRAIN IN THE WORLD

information provided en route will soon have you dreaming of your next holiday!

Pleasures of the palate The scenery will not be the only highlight of your trip, however; besides feasting your eyes, you can feast your palate, too – on a wide range of freshly prepared specialties served either at your seat (Zermatt – St. Moritz) or in the vintage dining car (Zermatt – Davos). On board the Express, meals are prepared specially for you by the chef in the dining car. Coffee, drinks and snacks are brought to your seat by our Railbar staff.

Historical Milestones In the roaring 1920s, and because of adventurous reports from alpine enthusiasts, the travel-keen upper-class from all four corners of the world at long last discovered the rustic charms of the Swiss Alps; previously remote mountain villages such as Zermatt and St. Moritz were transformed into chic health resorts. The three railway companies of that period respectively successfully took advantage of

Sit

back and enjoy what is sure to be an unforgettable journey on the Glacier Express from St.Moritz/Davos right across the Swiss Alps to Zermatt.

Large Format Swiss Panorama With 291 bridges and viaducts, 91 tunnels and seven valleys, this is an experience of the very first Ma rch , 2 0 1 0

order! It takes the world’s slowest express train 7.5 hours to meander from the Piz Bernina and the Albula Line (now a UNESCO World Heritage site) through rugged mountain terrain and lush alpine valleys, past snowy peaks, thundering waterfalls, precipitous cliffs, dreamy villages and upstart castles all the way to the Matterhorn. The views from the huge panorama windows are superb, and the

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T R A N SP ORT: Train Jour ne y s of a Life t ime the tourism potential at hand with the opening of the route between the Valais and Graubünden in 1926: the introduction of the through coaches Brig – Chur and Brig – St. Moritz exclusively in summer was met with a lot of interest amongst the travelling public. By the way, it was to take more than 50 years before the trains were able to also cross the impassable Furka alpine route in winter. June 25, 1930 – an historical date after the opening of the connection Visp – Brig, the Glacier Express ran for the very first time from Zermatt to St.Moritz. With the turmoil of the Second World War, express traffic was withdrawn from 1943 onwards to be reintroduced with slight changes in 1948. The Glacier Express also benefited from technological advancement during the 1950s and 1960s: faster engines produced shorter travelling times even for the "world’s slowest fast train", and comfortable coaches as well as the reintroduction of the dining cars to Andermatt inexorably increased the attraction of the Glacier Express.

Growing Popularity Thanks to modern technology and focused marketing efforts the Glacier Express blossomed into an unmistakable top-notch Swiss tourism product in the 1980s and 1990s: there has been continual growing worldwide demand on the unique Swiss Alpine train. Throughout the years the Glacier Express has remained true to itself: traditionally on the ball – only the best is good enough for the passengers. In 2005, the Glacier Express celebrated its 75th birthday – and is even younger, more dynamic and popular than ever. Photos: © Glacier Express http://www.glacierexpress.ch Ma rch , 2 0 1 0

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D E S T I NAT I O N G A L I C I A â&#x20AC;&#x201C; P I L G R I M â&#x20AC;&#x2122; S H AV E N

DE S T I NAT I ON : G ali c i a – P i lg r im’s Hav e n

GALICIA – THE LAND OF TRADITIONS

ver the past decade visitors to Spain have started to explore some of the country’s more northerly regions, the largest and most popular of which is Galicia.

Green All Over Galicia is a green and temperate part of the Iberian Peninsula situated in the North Western corner of Spain. It is sandwiched between Portugal to the south, Asturias to the east and the infamous Bay of Biscay to the north. As a result it is very different from the Mediterranean resorts of southern Spain. Another feature that sets Galicia apart is that it has four distinct seasons that, whilst enjoying warm summers, can also experience much cooler and wetter winters. Indeed it is this unique climate that results in Galicia often being described as “Green Spain”. But the uniqueness of Galicia does not stop with its climate and scenery. Galicia, although part of mainland Spain, was actually an ancient kingdom with a Celtic rather than a Spanish culture and heritage. This corner of Iberia was once part of the Visigoth Empire and it remains distinct and independent to the rest of Spain. This is visibly evident as traditional buildings are constructed from dark granite stone rather than the whitewashed render seen in the country’s south.

Rias & Historical Cities However, the first thing that any visitor notices is the lush greenness of the scenery. This is a region with meadows, forests and lots of rivers and this produces a landscape that mixes hills, grasslands, mountains and coastal coves (known locally as “rias”). These rias are famed for their preponderance of seafood like crabs, lobsters, shrimps and mussels, along with pulpo (octopus) and calamares (squid). It is recommended to any visitor to the reMa rch , 2 0 1 0

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DE S T I NAT I ON : G ali c i a – P i lg r im’s Hav e n gion to try these delicacies which can be found in any local tapas bar. As a tourist destination, Galicia has a lot to offer. There are the obvious beach resorts like the ostentatious Sanxenxo and the 7 kilometer long beach at Carnota, but for most of the region’s visitors it is the towns and cities like Pontevedra, la Coruña, Santiago de Compostela and Ourense that have the greatest appeal. In fact there is little doubt that Galicia has some of the finest cities in Spain and nearly all feature a significant medieval quarter with atmosphere, character and a wealth of bars and restaurants. The old districts of towns like Betanzos, Ribadavia and Noia are all notable for their historic buildings, and the tall beach facing terraces at la Coruña city, famous for their large glass fronted balconies (called galerias), have led to this particular city being known as the glass or crystal city.

Four Spectacular Provinces The geography of Galicia is easy to understand as the region is split into four provinces, each with its own capital city. The province of Pontevedra has a coast that is littered with beautiful seaside towns whilst a couple of kilometers inland the bodegas take over in what is serious wine growing country. This is the part of Spain from which the highly regarded (and expensive) Albariño wine originates. Pontevedra also holds Galicia’s largest and most prosperous city of Vigo. La Coruña province features both the city of the same name and the famous regional capital of Santiago de Compostela – the city of the Saint. This is Galicia’s largest and most easily explored province and a drive down its winding coast road offers one of the most appealing road trips in Europe. A trip along this route sees the backdrop to the coast range from quaint fishing villages to mountains and cities. Ma rch , 2 0 1 0

Galicia’s two other provinces, Lugo and Ourense, are perhaps less well documented on the tourist map, however they have much to recommend them. The city of Lugo is enclosed by a completely intact medieval wall and holds a stunning Neoclassical cathedral. Its largely rural countryside is littered with towns like Mondoñedo and old monastery settlements like Samos. This makes it a fascinating province to explore by car. Ourense is the only province in Galicia without a coastline and it sits inland, sandwiched by the other three principalities. Like Pontevedra it is a wine producing zone and it has what is probably the most spectacular scenery in the region. Its self named capital city has a beautiful old town and it also boasts a Roman bridge, ancient Roman baths and a number of historic towns like Ribadavia, Celanova and Allariz. So what else does Galicia have to offer the vacationer? You can start with the world’s oldest lighthouse, then visit a medieval castle – and the list goes on. The only way to fully appreciate Galicia is to experience it first hand. By Martin Lambert (Galicia Guide) http://www.galiciaguide.com/

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DE S T I NAT I ON : G ali c i a – P i lg r im’s Hav e n

THE PILGRIM’S WAY TO ‘SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA’

The

discovery of Saint James’ remains around the year 820 constitutes the beginning of the pilgrimages to Santiago de Compostela – initially only a simple sanctuary it developed into a city due to the influx of pilgrims who came to Ma rch , 2 0 1 0

pay homage. Gradually the city has become one of the three major cities of Roman Catholicism along with Jerusalem and Rome. It was King Alfonso II El Casto (‘The Chaste’) who ordered to build the little church in the place of St. James’ remains. The news quickly spread among the community of believers and the Western Christian kingdoms. Since then millions of pilgrims have been coming to see the resting place of the saint. The Pilgrim’s Way to Santiago, also known as the way of the stars (‘O Camiño das Estrelas’) was born and it was consolidated in the XII and the XIII centuries with some spiritual indulgences granted. These indulgences would have their maximum reach during the so called ‘Compostela Holy Years’ (‘Anos Santos Compostelanos’).

every 6, 5, 6, and 11 years. In 2010, Santiago de Compostela will celebrate the second Holy Year of this new millenium. It is a festival that brings together thousands of people from all over the world. It became very popular not only among pilgrims but also other tourists thanks to the festival’s organizing committee which always develops a year-long program including a range of diverse and innovative cultural and social events

The Holy Years

Santiago de Compostela

The origin of the Holy Year has been attributed to a supposed concession of Pope Calixto II, in 1122. The papal bull Regis Aeterni, of Alexander III, ratified and perpetuated the privilege of the Jubilee or the Holy Years to the Church of Santiago. The Jubilee is a period in which the Church traditionally awards the congregation special spiritual graces. To get the Jubilee the pilgrim must honour the three traditions: visit the grave of the Apostle in the Cathedral and pray, receive the sacrament of confession, and make the communion. The Holy Year happens when the 25th of July – the day dedicated to St. James – falls on Sunday. Each century there are 14 Holy Years that come

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The Routes In 1987, the Council of Europe declared the Pilgrimage Route as the first European Cultural Route and it was recognised as a World Heritage Site by

The Galician capital is known worldwide for being one of the most important spiritual pilgrimage centres for Christianity since the Middle Ages. In 1985, UNESCO declared Santiago de Compostela World Heritage Site for its great cultural and architectural richness. Nowadays, with a population of 93.458 inhabitants (2007), Santiago has turned into a dynamic and young city. Very influenced by university life, Santiago offers a wide range of activities, art galleries, concerts, film festivals and above all the peace of its medieval streets that contrasts with the lively nightlife of the city. Camino.xacobeo.es

DE S T I NAT I ON : G ali c i a – P i lg r im’s Hav e n

UNESCO in 1993. The Way of Saint James is an historic path that extends across Spain and many parts of Europe, joining together to lead the faithful to Santiago de Compostela. Over the years, lots of different routes have been used by the pilgrims to reach Compostela and it was history that established the main pilgrimage routes: The French Way: several routes enter Spain by the Pyrenees (mountain range that separates France and Spain) and get united in Puente la Reina, a village in Navarra. From there, the Way crosses the Communities of Navarra, La Rioja and Castilla y León in order to enter Galiza from Pedrafita (from Lugo).

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The Way from the North: even though the French Way is the most famous route of all, pilgrims arrive to Compostela from different directions. One of them is the Way from the North that starts in the Basque Country (in Spain) and crosses Cantabria and Asturias to enter Galiza by Fonsagrada (Lugo) until it gets united to the French Way close to Compostela. The Silver Route: this is the natural communication way between the peninsular South and Northwest. It is a difficult route but very suggestive and attractive. From Córdoba and Seville (South of Spain), passing by Badajoz, Cáceres and Salamanca, the pilgrims arrive to Galiza. The Portuguese Route: there have always been several Portuguese routes to Santiago. An old Way from the Northwest left from O Porto, crossed Viana do Castelo and Caminha (different villages in the North of Portugal) and reached Galiza by Tui. There were also several ways or paths from Braga that entered by A Cañiza (Pontevedra), Celanova (Ourense) and they unified with the Silver Route. The paths that get together in Tui cross all the region of Pontevedra (Southwest of Galiza) and arrive to Santiago from Padrón. The Routes from the Sea: there were also pilgrims that came to Galiza from the ports in the North of Europe. Two routes brought travellers to Santiago since the XIV century; they arrived to the different ports in Galiza first: Ferrol, A Coruña and

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Vilagarcía de Arousa. The British Way arrives to Santiago from the two first ports mentioned. The Sea Route called ‘Ruta do Mar de Arousa e Río Ulla’ arrives from Vilagarcía. After the pilgrims arrive to this port, they walk to Padrón to finally reach Santiago de Compostela. Nowadays, the different routes of the Way to Santiago in Galiza have more than 50 hostels to house the hundreds of pilgrims in the Galician country. Furthermore, the paths are continually maintained to secure comfortable pilgrimage for walkers or cyclists who want to visit the famous Santiago de Compostela. By Verónica Sanmarco (vekana18@hotmail.com)

DE S T I NAT I ON : G ali c i a – P i lg r im’s Hav e n

TUREXPO GALICIA: GETTING GALICIA INTERNATIONAL 3.380 Business Meetings It is worth mentioning that 65 % of the total figure of visitors were tourism professionals. As regards the number of exhibitors, 173 companies from seven countries participated in the show. One of the pillars of the show was the Hosted Buyers Programme, a tool that allowed exhibitors get in contact with 88 tour operators from 21 different countries in order to present their tourism offer. 77 of these tour operators were international, coming from Germany, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, China, USA, France, Greece, Italy, The Netherlands, South Korea, Mexico, Norway, Panama, Poland, Portugal, United Kingdom, Russia, Turkey and Uruguay. In addition, there were 11 participants who came from Spain. Within this workshop 3.380 business meetings were held. The amount of participating tour operators, as well as the number of business meetings held, turned the event into the largest of this kind ever organized in Galicia.

Accompanying Program

The

first edition of the tourism fair Turexpo Galicia 2009 last November closed its three days with a turnout of 6.000 visitors. For a few days, the exhibition became a business centre and a meeting point for the professionals of the sector. Ma rch , 2 0 1 0

The first edition of Turexpo Galicia was dedicated specifically to the Jacobean Year 2010, a very appealing international event that will be essential for tourism not only in Galicia, but also in all the regions crossed by Saint James Way this year.

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Among the activities held within the show, one of the most interesting was the presentation of the “Q” for tourism quality certificates 2009. Among the awarded business were five rural tourism lodgings, seven hotels of the “Paradores” network in Galicia, a restaurant, a travel agency and two beaches. The prizes were presented by Mr. Fernando Frade, director of the National Institute for Tourism Quality (ICTE).

DE S T I NAT I ON : G ali c i a – P i lg r im’s Hav e n

Also during the show a seminar on “Tourism & ICT” was held. Among the topics of the discussions were multichannel contact-centres integrated in the website, the OfiTur Online (online management platform unified for tourism offices) and the new tourist guides with increased reality for mobile phones. Other activities that took place during the show were the “Tenedor de Oro 2009” prize presentation where 9 Galician hotel and catering establishments were awarded, a course on labor risk prevention in rural tourism, the presentation of the Spanish Network of Accessible Tourism or a bus completely adapted for physically handicapped people and several tasting sessions of very appealing gastronomic products. Ma rch , 2 0 1 0

Turexpo Galicia 2011 The second edition of Turexpo Galicia will be held in the first months of 2011. Again the show will be conceived as a business centre and platform for the sector. This concept was the main feature of the first edition, and it has proved to be successful both as regards the programme of activities and the Hosted Buyers Programme. This will be again one of the pillars of the show; that will have as its main objective to increase the figures of both participants and business meetings. http://www.turexpogalicia.com http://www.feiragalicia.com

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DE S T I NAT I ON : G ali c i a – P i lg r im’s Hav e n

SAMPLE THE FINEST ROMAN ARCHITECTURE IN LUGO

orthern Spain and Galicia particularly has long been an undiscovered jewel in the whole of the Spanish tourism industry and within that undiscovered jewel in particular we are going to take a look at Lugo. Overall of all of the autonomous regions of Spain possibly Galicia is the most remote and this makes Lugo even more of an undiscovered treasure. Traditionally, Galicia was seen as a poor agricultural region, whose economy did not lend itself to modernisation and yet as far as tourism is concerned it is this constant contact with the past that gives the region its appeal and charm. The Galicians, whose origins are Celtic, are fiercely proud of their culture and language; it is what makes them unique within modern day Spain. It absorbed little in the way of outside influence being fiercely resistant to all forms of outside intervenMa rch , 2 0 1 0

tion, was never conquered by the Moors, and in the Middle Ages fell under the control of the kingdom of Asturias. Thankfully slowly throughout the 20th century Galicia has begun to develop a way in which to manage the traditional lifestyles within the modern community to ensure that none of its rich history is lost and this is now starting to show very real and tangible benefits as far as the local tourism economy is concerned. The ancient town of Lugo in eastern Galicia lays on one of the main roads into Galicia from Leon. It was not surprising given its location that the Romans chose to use it as their provincial regional capital. As many historians have pointed out on quite a few occasions the Romans were a race that never did anything by half measures and so you can be rest assured that when they decided to use Lugo as their regional headquarters firstly they would make sure that it was fortified and secondly they would make sure that those fortifications were extremely robust and well constructed.

Hence you now have a town built in the 21st century that has some of the finest examples of Roman fortifications and architecture in existence today. So much so that the walls of Lugo, UNESCO World Heritage Site, are now major tourist attractions in their own right. The Roman settlement at Lugo originates from about 15 BC but the actual fortifications were begun in earnest in the third century AD under the rule of the Roman emperor Augustus. The walls of Lugo surround the entire town and they are punctuated at regular intervals throughout the entire circumference by outposts of 82 different towers. The other main attraction of Lugo is its Cathedral which now sits on the site of an earlier church construction that stems from the 12th Century. Perhaps not as large or impressive as its westernmost neighbour in Santiago de Compostela, the Cathedral at Lugo is still well worth a visit if you have the time. Within the town walls the streets still follow a traditional roman axis and the narrow cobble stoned streets are a delight to wander around and there are quite a few interesting restaurants that can be found throughout the town. By Stephen Morgan Stephen Morgan writes about a great many Internet Travel based issues and more on the above can be found at Accommodation in Galicia. For a more complete overlook at Tourism in Galicia try http://www.turgalicia.es http://www.allspainaccommodation.com

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DE S T I NAT I ON : G ali c i a – P i lg r im’s Hav e n

TOURING THE VINEYARDS OF CELTIC SPAIN

tarting our journey in the pilgrimage city of Santiago de Compostela, we began the wine portion of our tour of Spain's Hidden Celtic Paradise by traveling south and then eastward along river valleys and over high sierras. We pass fishing ports and Celtic sites, Cistercian Monasteries, bodegas and nature parks, all set against mesmerizing green landscapes of the region where they say "rain is art." In the vineyardcovered valleys of Galicia in Northwest Spain, we find five Denomination de Origin, including Rias Baixas, Ribeiro, Ribeira Sacra, Valdeorras and Monterrei. Ma rch , 2 0 1 0

Journeying south along the magnificent western Atlantic shore to the D.O. Rias Baixas, with its five sub-zones – Ribeira do Ulla, Val do Salnés, Soutomaior, O Rosal and Condado de Tea – we reach Albarino country, where the Albarino grape reigns supreme. Our first bodega is in Salnes: Bodega Lagar de Pintos, which produces Vizconde de Barrantes, a fragrant and refreshing dry white wine made entirely of Albarino grapes. Though the wine is young, the Pintos family has been producing wine since 1887. Their bodega is situated in a beautifully restored stone manor house. After touring the winery we are joined by the owner Jose Pintos to taste the wines with him inside his quaint tavern. Our second stop is Bodegas Martin Codax, whose wines have become very popular in the U.S. We enjoy tasting this Albariño, which is subtle and restrained, with a hint of wood accenting the fresh floral and melon aromas. After touring these two bodegas we made a short, unplanned stop at a small fishing village called Combarro. What caught our attention was the large number of people gathering all over the beach. They were clam digging, which only happens at this time of year. We enjoyed a few glasses of Albariño wine on a terrace nearby and watched them in action. Next stop is the region of D.O. Ribeiro in the province of Ourense. In Ribadavia village, we stroll through the Jewish medieval quarter, built with wine wealth and sitting in a bowl of steeply terraced hillsides cover with vineyards. We stop

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Galicia Travel Tips & Notes One of the topics of Galicia has to do with the fact that the locals like to eat and drink a lot. Once again it’s not a topic, but a fact! If you go to a restaurant and order a steak and a salad don’t be surprised if the waiter kindly asks you if you are ill. You are supposed to eat two or three courses and to help them “go down” with a bottle (or more) of wine. Possibly the most well-known wines from Galicia are Ribeiro and Albariño. To my point of view Ribeiro is good, but Albariño is excellent...I was recommended the following Ribeiro “Emilio rojo” (Pretty expensive) and Albariños “Pedro de Soutomaior” and “Martin Codax”.

for a sample of Ribeiro wines: light, fresh and graceful. The mountainous D.O. of Ribeira Sacra offers excellent red wines. Grapes are grown on tiny strips of land on terraces cut into steep slopes throughout the Sil valley. As we travel up the Sil River by catamaran, we see the densely cultivated area while weaving through the canyons. Vineyards were planted here long ago by monks at monasteries built in spectacular sites above the river. Hence the name Ribeira Sacra (Sacred River-bank). The most popular wine from the region are Mencia intense, dry, fruity, cherry red in color and full-bodied. Galicia's youngest D.O. is Monterri, which lies close to the Portuguese border. Its gently slopping vineyards are covered with wines growing low to the ground. Many grape varieties are grown here, including Godello, Dona Blanca, Mencia and Tinta Fina. Monterrei wines are not yet well known outside the immediate region.

DE S T I NAT I ON : G ali c i a – P i lg r im’s Hav e n

East of Monterri lies the D.O. Valdeorras, whose hillsides blaze yellow and purple in summer with gorse and heather. Its Godello white wines are straw gold and nicely perfumed. Well-balanced light red wines are produced here from the Mencia grape. Crossing from the province of Ourense east into the neighboring province of Leon, we visit the D.O. El Bierzo, where wines produced from the Mencia grape variety have created much enthusiasm among wine experts and consumers.

Ma rch , 2 0 1 0

We make a special visit to a private palace bodega by the name of Palacio de Arganza, established in 1805. This bodega combines the best of traditional wine making with modern methods to make high quality wines. We were delighted to be invited by owner Don Daniel Vuelta to dine in the bodega's elegant dining room next to the cellar. Delicious regional cuisine accompanied by the wide selection of Palacio de Arganza wines provided a sumptuous conclusion to our tour. By Sean O'Rourke (EATour Specialist) http://www.euroadventures.net

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FAIRS & EXHIBITIONS T R AV E L / T O U R I S M

I N

M A R C H

2 0 1 0

B Y

R E G I O N S

FA I R S & E X H I B I T I ON S : M A R C H , 2 0 1 0

WESTERN EUROPE

VACANZE WEEKEND Location

Padova / Italy

Start / End

06 March 2010 / 07 March 2010

Provider

Vacanze Weekend

Contact

info@vacanzeweekend.it

INTERNATIONAL HOTEL INVESTMENT FORUM Location

Berlin / Germany

Start / End

08 March 2010 / 10 March 2010

Provider

Questex Media Group and Bench Events

Contact

gillian.powell@benchevents.com

ITB BERLIN 2010

SCOTTISH TOURISM WEEK Location

Edinburgh, Scotland / UK

Start / End

01 March 2010 / 08 March 2010

Provider

Scottish Tourism Forum

Contact

mail@stforum.co.uk

SIG CITY AND NATIONAL CAPITAL TOURISM

Location

Berlin / Germany

Start / End

10 March 2010 / 14 March 2010

Provider

Messe Berlin GmbH

Contact

itb@messe-berlin.de

INTERNORGA Location

Hamburg / Germany

Start / End

12 March 2010 / 17 March 2010

Provider

Hamburg Messe und Congress GmbH

Contact

werbung@hamburg-messe.de

THE TRAVEL MARKETING AWARDS

Location

Brussels / Belgium

Start / End

04 March 2010 / 05 March 2010

Location

London / UK

Provider

ATLAS

Start / End

15 March 2010 / 15 March 2010

Contact

info@atlas-euro.org

Provider

The Travel Marketing Awards

Contact

ttma@dellardavies.com

DESTINATIONS: THE HOLIDAY & TRAVEL SHOW BIRMINGHAM

BRITAIN & IRELAND MARKETPLACE - BIM 2010

Birmingham / UK

Location

London / Ireland

05 March 2010 / 07 March 2010

Start / End

16 March 2010 / 16 March 2010

Provider

Clarion Events Ltd

Provider

European Tour Operators Association

Contact

katie.white@clarionevents.com

Contact

info@etoa.org

Location Start / End

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

— 68 —

FA I R S & E X H I B I T I ON S : M A R C H , 2 0 1 0 MONDIAL DU TOURISME

BMT 2010

Location

Paris / France

Location

Napoli / Italy

Start / End

18 March 2010 / 21 March 2010

Start / End

26 March 2010 / 28 March 2010

Provider

Le Monde а Paris

Provider

PROGECTA SRL

Contact

veronique.piguet@comexposium.com

Contact

info@progecta.org

CAMPA + POOL, OUTDOOR Location

FREETIME 2010

Tulln / Austria

Location

Jyväskylä / Finland

Start / End

18 March 2010 / 21 March 2010

Start / End

27 March 2010 / 28 March 2010

Provider

Tullner Messe GesmbH

Provider

Jyväskylä Fair Ltd.

Contact

messe@tulln.at

Contact

info@jklmessut.fi

BEST OF BRITAIN & IRELAND

THE CRUISE 2010

Location

Birmingham / UK

Location

London / UK

Start / End

19 March 2010 / 20 March 2010

Start / End

27 March 2010 / 28 March 2010

Provider

Best of Britain Events Ltd

Provider

Escape Events

Contact

info@bobevents.co.uk

Contact

sue@escapeevents.co.uk

LE SALON DU RANDONNEUR Location

Lyon / France

Start / End

19 March 2010 / 21 March 2010

Provider

expocinq

Contact

lpons@expocinq.fr

US patients to Europe Cross Border Helthcare in EU

TUR TRAVEL FAIR 2010 Location

Gothenburg / Sweden

Start / End

25 March 2010 / 28 March 2010

Provider

Svenska Massen

Contact

tur@svenskamassan.se

RHEINGOLF Location

Cologne / Germany

Start / End

26 March 2010 / 28 March 2010

Provider

Koelnmesse GmbH

Contact

service@rheingolf.de

German Insurance Cooperation Cruise Ship Medical Tourism

European Medical Travel Conference 2010

5th - 7th May, 2010 in Monastier di Treviso (Venice), Italy

— 69 —

FA I R S & E X H I B I T I ON S : M A R C H , 2 0 1 0

CENTR AL EUROPE

ITM - INTOURMARKET Location

Moscow / Russia

Start / End

13 March 2010 / 16 March 2010

Provider

Euroexpo & Expotour

Contact

m.hatzmann@euroexpo-vienna.com

MOSCOW INTERNATIONAL MICE FORUM Location

Moscow / Russia

Start / End

16 March 2010 / 16 March 2010

Provider

aiGroup, Russia

Contact

kim@aigroup.ru

MOSCOW INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL & TOURISM EXHIBITION (MITT)

FISHING AND LEISURE

Location

Moscow / Russia

Start / End

17 March 2010 / 20 March 2010

Provider

ITE Group Plc

Contact

www.mitt.ru

HOTEL & RESTAURANT EXPO UKRAINE

Location

Bratislava / Slovakia

Location

Kiev / Ukraine

Start / End

04 March 2010 / 07 March 2010

Start / End

24 March 2010 / 26 March 2010

Provider

Incheba Jsc

Provider

Premier Expo, ITE Group

Contact

incheba@incheba.sk

Contact

nadine.buckley@ite-exhibitions.com

ANFAS HETEX: HEALTH AND MEDICAL TOURISM CONGRESS

NATURE, HUNTING, FISHING Location

Location

Plovdiv / Bulgaria

Antalya / Turkey

Start / End

24 March 2010 / 28 March 2010

04 March 2010 / 06 March 2010

Provider

International Fair Plovdiv

Antalya Exhibitions

Contact

b.pantaleeva@fair.bg

Contact

info@anfas.com.tr

TRAVEL: INTERNATIONAL TOURISM EXHIBITION

UKRAINE INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL & TOURISM EXHIBITION (UITT)

Location

Budapest / Hungary

Location

Kiev / Ukraine

Start / End

05 March 2010 / 07 March 2010

Start / End

24 March 2010 / 26 March 2010

Hungexpo

Provider

ITE Group Plc

viszkocsil.veronika@hungexpo.hu

Contact

www.uitt-kiev.com

Provider Contact

— 70 —

FA I R S & E X H I B I T I ON S : M A R C H , 2 0 1 0 ROMANIAN TOURISM FAIR Location

Bucharest / Romania

Start / End

25 March 2010 / 28 March 2010

Provider

Romexpo

Contact

catalin.trifu@romexpo.ro

RECREATION & SPORT 2010 Location

Riga / Latvia

Start / End

25 March 2010 / 28 March 2010

Provider

International Exhibition Company BT 1

Contact

martins.refbergs@bt1.lv

GLOB 2010 Location

Katowice / Poland

Start / End

26 March 2010 / 28 March 2010

Provider

International Katowice Fair Ltd.

Contact

info@mtk.katowice.pl

— 71 —

FA I R S & E X H I B I T I ON S : M A R C H , 2 0 1 0

NORTH AMERICA

ADVENTURES IN TRAVEL EXPO Location

Washington, DC / United States of America

Start / End

06 March 2010 / 07 March 2010

Provider

Unicomm, LLC

Contact

sales@adventureexpo.com

TRAVELCOM 2010 Location

Dallas, TX / United States of America

Start / End

09 March 2010 / 11 March 2010

Provider

Travel Industry Association of America

Contact

mike@vantagestrategy.com

DAY SPA EXPO & BUSINESS FORUM

U.S.-AFRICA TOURISM SEMINAR

Location

Las Vegas, NE / United States of America

Start / End

13 March 2010 / 15 March 2010

Provider

Day Spa Association

Contact

LOskin@MktgSols.com

NBTA BUSINESS TRAVEL FINANCIAL FORUM

Location

New York City, NY / United States of America

Washington DC / United States of America

Start / End

15 March 2010 / 15 March 2010

04 March 2010 / 05 March 2010

Provider

NBTA

The Africa Travel Association

Contact

info@africatravelassociation.org

info@nbta.org

Contact

BOAT & SPORTSMEN’S SHOW

INDIANAPOLIS TRAVEL, ADVENTURE & CULINARY EXPERIENCE

Location

Abbotsford, BC / Canada

Location

Washington, D.C. / United States of America

Start / End

05 March 2010 / 07 March 2010

Start / End

25 February 2010 / 25 February 2010

Provider

Square Feet Northwest

Provider

Destination Marketing Association International

Contact

info@squarefeetevents.ca

Contact

blutsko@destinationmarketing.org

TORONTO STAR GOLF & TRAVEL SHOW Location

Toronto / Canada

Start / End

05 March 2010 / 07 March 2010

Provider

Premier Publications & Shows

Contact

awedgewood@metroland.com

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FA I R S & E X H I B I T I ON S : M A R C H , 2 0 1 0

ASIA & PACIFIC

IAAPI AMUSEMENT EXPO 2010 Location

Mumbai / India

Start / End

18 March 2010 / 20 March 2010

Provider

Indian Association of Amusement Parks & Industries, Thane

Contact

info@iaapi.org

THE SUNDAY MAIL ESCAPE HOLIDAY & SNOW EXPO Location

Brisbane / Australia

Start / End

27 March 2010 / 28 March 2010

Provider

Organisers International

Contact

info@orgint.com.au

HOTELEX SHANGHAI Location

Shanghai / China

Start / End

29 March 2010 / 01 April 2010

Provider

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

Contact

hotelex@ubmsinoexpo.com

AIME - ASIA PACIFIC INCENTIVES AND MEETINGS EXPO Location

Melbourne / Australia

Start / End

02 March 2010 / 03 March 2010

Provider

Reed Exhibitions

Contact

janelle@schreiberpr.com.au

HOLIDAY AND TRAVEL EXPO - SYDNEY Location

Sydney / Australia

Start / End

06 March 2010 / 07 March 2010

Provider

Expertise Events

Contact

info@expertiseevents.com.au

HOSPITALITY QUEENSLAND Location

Brisbane / Australia

Start / End

14 March 2010 / 16 March 2010

Provider

Diversified Exhibitions Australia

Contact

mconstan@divexhibitions.com.au

— 73 —

iŃ ons

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Business

SPA

Budget

Luxury

Expertise

Destination

General

Figures Economy

Security

New service

Problems

Transport

Ecology

People

Events

Special

TR Partner

Media Partner

Alarm

Advice

Polls Awards

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