Tourism Review Online Magazine - 08/2011 by Tourism Review Digital Network

SEPTEMBER, 2011

ONLINE MAGAZINE

Dear readers, Welcome back after the summer break. Tourism Review Online Magazine is back again inviting readers to Brazil. Discover off the beaten track places in the country of smiles, dancing and carnivals. Go to the Destination supplement. The Transport part presents several river cruising holidays. Explore France, Russia or even China aboard a ship and enjoy the views. Fans of writers are the focus of the Heritage supplement presenting several literary tours and places. Follow the life of Flannery Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Connor, Beatrix Potter or even Mark Twain. New and innovative conference venues are the topic of the Professional part. First of all though read the Medical part and learn why any globetrotter should consider travel insurance before setting off a journey of a lifetime. Milada Sovadinova Editor

CONTENTS HERITAGE

MEDICAL

Literary tours – the aureoLe of Writers

Discover the literary past of Moscow, St. Petersburg and Vienna. Experience the atmosphere of the Lake District where many of Beatrix Potter’s characters were born. Visit the home of Mark Twain and Flannery O’Connor.

GettinG Safe! travel inSurance ServiceS

HERITAGE:

Literary Tours – The Aureole of Writers........................ 4

Exploring the English Lake District in the Footsteps of Beatrix Potter................. 5 The Adventures of Mark Twain..................................................................................... 7 Tolstoy, Chekhov, Dostoevsky: Russian Literary Tours.............................................. 9 Literati in Vienna: Experience the Atmosphere of Fin-de-siècle.............................. 11 Mystery & Manners in Savannah: Flannery O’Connor Tour................................... 14 PROFESSIONAL

MEDICAL:

Getting Safe! Travel Insurance Services............................... 43

Travel Insurance – Don’t Leave Your Country without It...................................... 44 Don’t Bankrupt Yourself–Always Travel with Insurance....................................... 46 What Is Travel Insurance for Backpackers?.............................................................. 47 Choosing the Right Travel Insurance Policy............................................................ 49

Brazil: SenSational and Colorfu

Professional:

Brazil is not only about Rio and the Carnival. Discover off the beaten track Brazil, unique culture, sandy beaches and friendly locals.

Conference Venues in 21st Century.............................................. 16

Meet in Poland: Palaces, Congress Centres & Salt Mine.......................................... 17 Vancouver Convention Centre: Connected to Nature............................................ 20 Prague: Top Awards for Top Conference Venues...................................................... 23 Barcelona: The Haven for Conferences..................................................................... 25 iCon: Where Business Inspires Greener Environment.............................................. 27 Colours, Sounds & Fragrances of the Meetings Industry in Slovenia and South-East Europe................................................................................................ 29 TRANSPORT

Destination:

Brazil: Sensational and Colorfu.............................................................51 Travel and Tourism: Brazil on Top of the World..................................................... 52 Traveler’s Guide to Sao Paulo Attractions............................................................... 55 World Cup: Huge Economic Impact Expected............................................................ 57 Salvador de Bahia: Mixture of Cultures.................................................................... 59 5 Great Places off the Beaten Track........................................................................... 61

Fairs & Exhibitions

Cultural ExChangE: livE likE a loCal

River cruising is getting more and more popular. It is comfortable and exciting at the same time. Passengers visit several well-known destinations as well as unique places accessible only from the river.

Travel insurance might seem yet another thing to pay when planning holidays. Yet, it is highly important and quite essential especially when traveling to certain countries.

Destination

ConferenCe Venues in 21st Century

What are the top meeting destinations around the world? Discover the venues of historical Prague, lively Barcelona, green Vancouver and romantic Polish cities.

CONTENTS

September, 2011

T r av e l / T o u r i s m i n J u lY - a u G u s T 2 0 1 1 b Y r e G i o n s

TRANSPORT:

Fairs & Exhibitions:

Cultural Exchange: Live like a Local............................................ 32

Travel/Tourism in SEPTEMBER 2011 by regions.........................................64

River Cruising the Rhone and the Saone.................................................................... 33 River Cruise: A Trip of a Lifetime.................................................................................. 35 Lock Your Love Forever on Russian Cruise................................................................ 37 Swan Hellenic River Cruises: Closer to the Heart of Europe.................................. 39 Cruising China: Going down the Yangtze River........................................................ 41

Western Europe............................................................................................................. 65 CENTRAL Europe.............................................................................................................. 67 North AmericaT.............................................................................................................. 68 Asia & Pacific................................................................................................................... 69

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Literary Tours – The Aureole of Writers

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L i t e r a r y To u r s – T h e A u r e o l e o f Wr i t e r s

Exploring the English Lake District in the Footsteps of Beatrix Potter Beatrix Potter (1866-1943) was an English author, illustrator, mycologist and natural historian. She is known worldwide for her delightful series of children's stories with famous anthropomorphic characters such as: Peter Rabbit, Squirrel Nutkin, Jemima Puddle Duck, Benjamin Bunny, Mr. Tod, Mrs. Tiggy Winkle and Jeremy Fisher – all with a distinct personality and celebrating the British landscape and rural lifestyle. Potter’s 23 small format books with quality illustrations continue to sell globally in 35 languages with the stories being retold in song, film, ballet and animation. Beatrix Potter is intimately associated with the Lake District, the area that not only inspired her to write many of her tales beloved by generations, but also the area she made her home, farmed and sought to preserve. In the Lake District she is just as well-known as a wellrespected farmer and conservationist who did much to preserve the unspoilt natural beauty and traditional farming. In the Lake District, several interesting tours cover the cottages and farms associated with the famous tales, walks and countryside life of Beatrix Potter. The area surrounding the 1840’s Wray Castle near Lake Windermere is where Beatrix Potter enjoyed several school holidays since 1892 as a child from London making many interesting September, 2011

sketches of the landscape. In 1893, the family holidayed at Lingholm returning for the next twenty summers. Beatrix loved Derwentwater and explored Lingholm watched squirrels in the woods and rabbits in the vegetable gardens of the big home. However, it is Hilltop, her farmhouse and home in village of Sawrey near Ambleside,

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which is associated most with Beatrix Potter and till date the most popular. Hilltop was purchased in 1905, with income from the sale of The Tale of Peter Rabbit (1902). Beatrix loved the landscape and visited the farm often to discuss its set-up with farm manager John Cannon. The traditional cottage garden here is easily recognised as the garden in the Tale of Tom Kitten. Many other stories were based in and around Hilltop. Before her death, Beatrix asked for Hilltop to be kept as a museum to her (it was opened to visitors in 1946). Almost a time capsule of her amazing life, Hilltop has several of her favourite possessions like furniture, original artwork and furnishings. Every room contains a reference to a picture in a 'tale'. Visit the farm, explore the English cottage garden – a haphazard mix of flowers, herbs, fruit and vegetables or browse through the Beatrix Potter gifts on sale. Hilltop is presently owned by the National Trust (a conservation organisation in England, Wales and Northern Ireland). As a small house it has a timed-ticket system to avoid overcrowding and to protect the interior. Visitors may sometimes have to wait awhile. Do not miss the children's garden trail during holidays. Besides Hilltop, Beatrix purchased additional farms to preserve the unique hill country landscape of the Lake District. Post marriage in 1913

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to William Heelis, a solicitor from Hawkshead, she purchased Castle Cottage, near Sawrey, bigger and more convenient than Hilltop (her next Lakeland base) starting her life as a farmer for over three decades. The office of William Heelis situated in a 17th century townhouse (with substantially unaltered interiors) at Hawkshead is now the National Trust's Beatrix Potter Gallery with original sketches, watercolours and book illustrations for children stories as well as artifacts and information relating to her life and work. In 1913, Beatrix Potter also purchased Lindeth Howe which eventually became the home of her mother. Now, an award winning hotel it offers country accommodation in its 36 rooms set amidst mature gardens and fine dining in its restaurant serving locally sourced and seasonal produce. The lounges and bar have photos and mementos of Beatrix and her mother

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L i t e r a r y To u r s – T h e A u r e o l e o f Wr i t e r s

by her brother Rupert and old letters written by Beatrix. The Armitt Library near Ambleside, opened in 2011 with a generous grant from The Beatrix Potter Society, has a large collection of natural history and archaeological watercolours and drawings besides an excellent new display on Beatrix’s life. For children, the World of Beatrix Potter in Bowness on Windermere with its changing exhibition brings Potter's characters and settings to life. Here videos narrate her life story and connections with the National Trust. In 1923, Beatrix bought Troutbeck Park Farm and became an expert in breeding Lakeland’s own Herdwick sheep winning many prizes at country shows, attending exhibitions and judging them. Incidentally, Beatrix was the first woman to be elected president-designate of the Herdwick Sheepbreeders’ Association, which flourishes till date. In 1930, she brought 4,000 acres of the Monk Coniston Estate with the scenic lake of Tarn Hows amidst tranquil setting. Further down the road with spectacular views into Yewdale was where her next property the Yew Tree Farm, a wonderful example of local architecture was purchased. This farm was the setting for the much acclaimed Hollywood film Miss Potter (2006) starring Renee Zellweger and Ewan McGregor. The purchase of Penny Hill Farm along the delightful River Esk in Eskdale, far removed from her other properties, continued Beatrix’s aim of preserving rural farms and ensuring that the practice of fell farming remained unspoiled for future generations in the Lake District. The money came through

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the sale of her books written between 19021918. Beatrix Potter is credited with preserving much of the land now comprising the Lake District National Park. On her death in 1943 at Castle Cottage, in her will, she left 14 farms, her flocks of Herdwick sheep and 4,000 acres of land to the National Trust making her one of its biggest benefactors ever. Rightfully, the Trust's 2005 Swindon headquarters are named ‘Heelis’ in her honour.

By Ilika Chakravarty Academy of Business Management, Tourism and Research, Bangalore, India 27 Hazeltree Croft, Acocks Green, Birmingham, B27 7XS, U.K. ilika_c@yahoo.com

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L i t e r a r y To u r s – T h e A u r e o l e o f Wr i t e r s

The Adventures of Mark Twain

The Mark Twain House & Museum, a National Historic Landmark in Hartford, Connecticut, was the home of America’s greatest author, Samuel Clemens (a.k.a. Mark Twain) and his family from 1874 to 1891. It is also where Twain lived when he wrote his most important works, including Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, The September, 2011

Adventures of Tom Sawyer, The Prince and The Pauper and A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court. A stunning example of Picturesque Gothic architecture, the 25-room home features a dramatic grand hall with rare examples of Victorian decorative arts by Louis Comfort Tiffa-

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ny’s design firm Associated Artists, a lush glass conservatory, a grand library and the handsome billiard room where Twain wrote his famous books. Today, visitors enjoy daily tours of this striking home. There are also rotating exhibits on Twain’s life and legacy in the nation’s first LEEDcertified museum and visitor center, opened in 2003. Throughout the year, The Mark Twain House & Museum presents special events and educational programs that illuminate Twain’s literary legacy for fans of all ages. The Mark Twain Museum Center offers guests an opportunity to learn more about Mark Twain, his family, the historic house, and the author's legacy. This state-of-the-art facility houses the Aetna Gallery with a permanent exhibition on Twain's life and work; The Hartford Financial Services Theatre, showing a Ken Burns mini-documentary on Twain; the lecture hall-style Lincoln Financial Auditorium; The Mark Twain Store; entertaining spaces like the soaring Great Hall and the sunny second floor café/patio area. Preserving a Great Author’s Legacy

The mission of The Mark Twain House & Museum is to foster an appreciation of the legacy of Mark Twain as one of the American defining cultural figures, and to demonstrate the continuing relevance of his work, life and times. The Mark Twain House & Museum has restored the author’s Hartford, Connecticut, home, where the author and his family lived

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©John Groo The Mark Twain House – The Dining Room.

from 1874 to 1891. Twain wrote his most important works during the years he lived there, including ‘Adventures of Huckleberry Finn’, ‘The Adventures of Tom Sawyer’, and ‘A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court’. In addition to providing tours of Twain’s restored home, a National Historic Landmark, the institution offers activities and educational programs that illuminate Twain’s literary legacy and provide information about his life and times.

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L i t e r a r y To u r s – T h e A u r e o l e o f Wr i t e r s

For a special event, members of the Hartford Children's Theatre portrayed Mark Twain's daughters and their friends.

From Sam’s Shirts to the Stormfield Plans

The Mark Twain House & Museum’s collection contains approximately 16,000 artifacts. Obviously, the most important object is the historic home of author Samuel L. Clemens (”Mark Twain”), which has been meticulously restored and designated a National Historic Landmark.

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The Museum collection objects includes pieces that originally belonged to the Clemens family or that belonged to the Langdons, the family of Sam’s wife, Olivia Clemens. It also encompasses other period pieces of decorative and fine arts and domestic artifacts; popular culture artifacts that display interpretations of Mark Twain’s image, work and characters; architectural pieces created for the restoration of the house; and material relating to the work and style of the original architects and decorators of the Twain House. Examples of notable pieces in the collection include: the Clemenses’ famous angel bed, Samuel Clemens’ last pair of spectacles, a watercolor painting, named Emmeline, a birthday present from Sam to Olivia in 1878; family textiles, including two of Sam’s shirts, one of Livy’s nightgowns and a quilt sewn by Twain’s mother-in-law, Olivia Langdon; the architectural plans for “Stormfield,” Twain’s last home in Redding, Conn. and much more.

http://www.marktwainhouse.org

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L i t e r a r y To u r s – T h e A u r e o l e o f Wr i t e r s

Tolstoy, Chekhov, Dostoevsky: Russian Literary Tours Russia is a great destination for literary tour lovers. Russian writers have always played a special role in spiritual, intellectual and political life of their readers. Russia has more literary museums than any other country in the world and its literary heritage gives a rich and varied texture to its cultural history. Literary tours take the traveler from the surreal streets of Bulgakov’s Moscow to the country estate of Tolstoy. Visitors can trace the steps of Raskolnikov through St. Petersburg or follow Esenin’s life in Moscow. In Moscow and St. Petersburg and throughout the provincial regions of Russia, several houses of writers have been preserved as literary shrines, statues of writers stand in prominent locations in towns, streets, and institutions have been named after the famous authors who were connected with them. The origins of the Russian literary tradition can be traced back to the crowning of Peter the Great in 1862 which started a prosperous period in art and culture for the residents of St. Petersburg. Prior to his reign there was no real literary language in Russia and most of the population except the religious members of society and some aristocrats was illiterate. Gathering ideas from the rest of Europe, Peter the Great ushered in a secular press and the foundations of a literary movement to rival September, 2011

L. N. Tolstoy

the Western countries he admired so much. St. Petersburg was at the forefront of this movement, with literary salons popping up, philosophical questions thrashed out in smoky rooms, journals founded covering literature and politics, and philosophical traditions and

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tenets imbibed, digested and turned on their head by some of the most respected minds of the 19th and 20th centuries. Even Leo Tolstoy, who did not live in St. Petersburg for any length of time, has had cause to write extensively about its influence and importance to them. St. Petersburg is sure to continue to inspire writers all over the world and is high on the list of must-see cities for literature lovers. Tsarskoe Selo, near St. Petersburg, is one of Russia's most famous attractions; it is the summer residence of the Romanov Tsars. In 1937 Tsarskoe Selo was renamed Pushkin, in honor of Alexander Pushkin, who studied at the lycee there from 1811 to 1817. Indeed because of the links with Pushkin and the so called Golden Age of Russian poetry, which he initiated there, Tsarskoe Selo has traditionally been seen by writers as the “town of the muse”. Day trips to Tsarskoe Selo are an integral part of every St. Petersburg tour itinerary. Another famous Russian literary destination is Tula, located 120 kilometers south of Moscow. Tula is famous worldwide for The National Leo Tolstoy Museum-Estate in Yasnaya Polyana, where the great Russian writer was born in 1828, lived for about sixty years, wrote many of his books including «War and Peace» and was buried in 1910. With its authentic buildings,

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L i t e r a r y To u r s – T h e A u r e o l e o f Wr i t e r s

Yasnaya Polyana

surrounded by picturesque forests, orchards and parks, it is a typical Russian estate, which will give the traveller an insight into the everyday life and traditions of the nineteenth and the beginning of the twentieth centuries Anton Chekhov, another great Russian writer, the works of which have formidably influenced the development of the Russian and world literature, had spent a part of his life in Melikhovo, a small estate on the way from Moscow

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to Tula. The writer lived in that estate for a comparatively short period of seven years, which, nevertheless, had become the most fruitful one in his creative work. That estate has become the birthplace of such plays and short stories as "Seagull", "Neck-tied Anna", "Ward no. 6", "In the gully", and "Mezzanine House". Dostoevsky Museum near the Yellow Vladimirskaya Church is an apartment where Dostoevsky spent the last three years of his life and

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completed his last book " The Brothers Karamazov". "Crime and Punishment" walking tour, following in the footsteps of the main characters of this world famous novel by Dostoevsky is also available. Alexander Pushkin museum is the largest and most visited literary museum in St. Petersburg. It was his last residence – he died there in 1837 after he was wounded in a duel. Tourists wishing to visit the major literary landmarks of Russia shouldn’t omit the houses of Tolstoy and Chekhov, and numerous sites which have connection with Pushkin and Dostoevsky. Each literary museum founded in a writer’s former home possesses its own atmosphere, which reflects the spirit of its former inhabitant and his or her living conditions. Before going for a literary tour around Russia, get a copy of the Literary Russia Guide by Rosamund Bartlett and Anna Benn that sketches an extraordinary literary map of the country that unfolds in vivid and remarkable details.

http://www.discoverRus.com

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L i t e r a r y To u r s – T h e A u r e o l e o f Wr i t e r s

Literati in Vienna: Experience the Atmosphere of Fin-de-siècle

Vienna in 1900 was a shimmering fabric composed of contradictions – such as “Dream and Reality” and “Death and Eros” – and some of the most prominent names in the history of European culture. The creative literary, artistic, architectural and musical talent concentrated in the city at the turn of the 20th century was unmatched. At that time, painters, musicians, architects, poets, journalists and other intellectuals met in Café Griensteidl, Café Central or Café Museum.

1897, the “old” Griensteidl café was Vienna’s most famous cultural “institution”. There was hardly a writer, actor, critic, architect or musician of note in this fin-de-siècle world who did not frequent it. In the 1890s Café Griensteidl was the meeting place of the “Young Vienna” literary circle headed by Hermann Bahr and the main pioneers of Viennese Modernism were present practically in their entirety: Arthur Schnitzler, Hugo von Hofmannsthal, Karl Kraus, Hugo Wolf, Fritz Kreisler, Arnold Schoenberg and many more. Karl Kraus, also a regular at the Griensteidl, was a vociferous opponent of the anti-naturalistic literary modernists with their penchant for “decadence” and was particularly critical of Hermann Bahr. In the “Fackel”, a magazine written for the most part by Kraus himself and published from 1899 to 1936, he satirized just about everything that displeased him. For decades, Hermann Bahr was a regular target of Kraus’ vituperative tongue. In 1897, Griensteidl was demolished. The regulars at the Griensteidl simply moved to Café Central.

Café Griensteidl

Café Central

The atmosphere in the “old” Griensteidl was legendary. For 50 intensive years, from 1847 to

Karl Kraus was a friend and supporter of Peter Altenberg (1859-1919), coffeehouse habitué

©WienTourismus / Robert Osmark Coffeehouse

September, 2011

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and pleasure-seeker par excellence. In the first third of the 20th century Café Central in Herrengasse was the eccentric bohemian’s postal address and where he had his Stammtisch (“regulars’ table”), meeting up with Adolf Loos, one of the most important Modernist archi-

Addresses Bräunerhof: Stylish café – Thomas Bernhard’s favorite Stallburggasse 2, 1010 Wien, tel. +43-1-512 38 93, www.braeunerhof.at Central: Tradition revived Herrengasse 14, 1010 Wien, tel. +43-1-533 37 63–26, www.palaisevents.at Griensteidl: Illustrious past in a great location Michaelerplatz 2, 1010 Wien, tel. +43-1-535 26 92 Hawelka: Artists’ haunt, congenially shabby. Buchteln cakes! Dorotheergasse 6, 1010 Wien, tel. +43-1-512 82 30, www.hawelka.at Museum: Traditional Viennese coffeehouse at Karlsplatz. Operngasse 7, 1010 Wien, tel. +43-1-241 00-620, www.cafemuseum.at

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L i t e r a r y To u r s – T h e A u r e o l e o f Wr i t e r s

Titel, contained articles, sketches and recollections holding a mirror up to this fin-de-siècle generation. Café Museum and Café Hawelka

tects, his wife Lina, the actor and essayist Egon Friedell and the writer Alfred Polgar. Altenberg, whose short prose pieces and sketches, once described by Egon Friedell as “thousand section magazines full of small and miniscule observations”, even established rules – albeit not to be taken too seriously – for his regular Stammtisch. For example: “It is forbidden to cut one’s nails at the table, even September, 2011

with one’s own old-style personal scissors, but particularly with the new-fangled nail cutters, as the cuttings could land in a beer glass and would be very difficult to extricate.” It is at one of these tables that the 20-year-old Caroline Obertimpfler (pen name Lina Loos) is said to have spontaneously accepted the proposal of marriage by Adolf Loos, twelve years her senior. Her later celebrated Buch ohne

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Another favorite meeting place of writers and artists of turn-of-the-century Vienna is Café Museum, which first opened its doors in 1899 in a prime location by Naschmarkt and the Secession building. Café Hawelka’s popularity and arty image go back to the post-war years when Hans Weigel, himself a writer, promoter of talent and cultural institution, chose the tiny coffeehouse as his home from home. The reason was simple: it was open until midnight. Weigel’s example was soon followed by other writers, artists and intellectuals – “on the snowball or avalanche principle” (Weigel). In the 1950s and 1960s Café Hawelka became the home of the anti-bourgeois oppositional artists movement. It was a public meeting place for individualists, ideas exchange and an island of unconventionality. Many literati used to meet regularly at Hawelka and the Vienna group – H.C. Artmann, Konrad Bayer, Gerhard Rühm and Oswald Wiener – used to spend long nights there. Artmann said of the small, smoke-filled establishment in Dorotheergasse that without it “much would have remained undone, unsaid or even unthought of”. The great novelist Heimito von Doderer also felt at home there. André Heller visited the café for the first time at the age of 14 and, as he wrote in 1982, immediately molded his behavior. He fantasized and made

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©WienTourismus / Gerhard Weinkirn Coffeehouse: Café Central

up stories like there was no tomorrow – from writing to travel – and by all accounts with great credibility. Coffeehouses might have changed, but the reasons for visiting them have remained the same. As Stefan Zweig wrote in Die Welt von

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L i t e r a r y To u r s – T h e A u r e o l e o f Wr i t e r s

Gestern, the café is still “a democratic club where a cup of coffee can be had cheaply and where for this pittance every guest can sit, discuss, write, play cards, receive mail and, above all, consume an unlimited number of newspapers and magazines for hours on end.” The café becomes a home from home where you are alone and yet in company. In Wittgensteins Neffe Thomas Bernhard described his love for the coffeehouse in his own incomparable fashion: “I have always hated the typical Viennese café – as it is known throughout the world – because everything in it is against me. On the other hand, for decades I felt completely at home in Bräunerhof, which was always strictly against me (like Hawelka), and in Café Museum and other Viennese coffeehouses.” http://www.vienna.info http://b2b.vienna.info

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L i t e r a r y To u r s – T h e A u r e o l e o f Wr i t e r s

Mystery & Manners in Savannah: Flannery O’Connor Tour To read Flannery O'Connor's fiction is to be amused, provoked, and pushed to reconsider ourselves and our place in the world. A Roman Catholic and a native of Georgia, O'Connor created stories that inimitably blend humour, horror, and the mysteries of faith. While her writing is richly specific, evoking the dusty back roads and quirky characters of the American South, it deals powerfully with universal questions: What does it mean to be good? How should we live? What is the meaning of death? How can the divine penetrate the everyday world? In O'Connor's stories, deceptively ordinary situations a bus ride, an encounter with a traveling salesman, a family automobile trip erupt into life-altering revelations. In her essays, O'Connor delves deeply into the mystery of writing, why people do it, struggle over it, sacrifice so much of themselves in order to do it.

Fast Facts about the Tour Destination: Savannah and Milledgeville, Georgia Dates: April 1 – 5, 2012 (4 nights) Accommodation: The Marshall House (4 nights), Savannah’s oldest hotel

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Home of Flannery O’Connor

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L i t e r a r y To u r s – T h e A u r e o l e o f Wr i t e r s

Take the chance to welcome new Russian travellers

Quote The writer operates at a peculiar crossroads where time and place and eternity somehow meet. His problem is to find that location. Flannery O’Connor

In her relatively short lifetime (1925-1964), O'Connor created a powerful body of work, including two novels and a number of short stories and nonfiction pieces. Her fans can now learn more about the author on a tour based right in Savannah, Georgia, O'Connor's birthplace and childhood home. Discussions and reading of her work are part of the experience (e.g. the famous short stories “A Good Man Is Hard to Find” and “Good Country People”). Visitors can also look forward to exploring the Flannery O'Connor Childhood Home Foundation. The city itself and its beautiful antebellum striking architecture laid out around twenty-four squares is also part of the tour. A private coach takes the tour participants to Milledgeville, where they are received at Andalusia, the O'Connor family farm by a close personal friend of hers, Mary Barbara Tate, and Andalusia Foundation director, Craig

Join My Planet Travel Awards www.myplanetawards.com Moscow September 2011 Amason. Dr. Bruce Gentry, editor of The Flannery O’Connor Review will tell stories about O’Connor’s personal and working life. Part of the tour itinerary is also a visit to O'Connor's grave and the church where she worshipped in Milledgeville as well as watching the film of O’Connor’s story, “The Displaced Person” filmed at Andalusia.

International travel awards voted for exclusively by the Russian public and organised in partnership with Moya Planeta TV, Russia’s leading travel and leisure network. The Awards offer participating companies a unique opportunity to reach millions of Russian consumers directly, as well as hundreds of potential industry partners.

Supported by

http://www.classicalpursuits.com Media partners

September, 2011

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PROFESSIONAL Conference Venues in 21st Century

What are the top meeting destinations around the world? Discover the venues of historical Prague, lively Barcelona, green Vancouver and romantic Polish cities.

PROFESSIONAL

Co n f e r e n c e Ve n u e s i n 2 1 s t Ce n t u r y

Meet in Poland: Palaces, Congress Centres & Salt Mine Palace of Science and Culture

It is the tallest building in Poland situated at the very centre of Warsaw. Built in three years, it was commissioned in 1955, as a gift of the Soviet people to the Polish nation. The Palace is inspired by the architecture of certain buildings in Chicago and Moscow. It is a mixture of art deco, social realism and Polish historicism. The Palace is 7 km far from the airport and 300 m far from the central railway station. It is accessible by car and by public transport. Since 2007 it has been treated as a historic building, a symbol of Warsaw. The biggest room in the palace is the Congress Hall seating 2,879 guests. Other halls can seat up to 680 guests. The Wieliczka Salt Mine Tourist Route

Wieliczka Salt Mine

Poland is a big and beautiful country with rich culture, long history and healthy natural environment. Tatra and Carpathian Mountains welcome tourists in the south, central Poland is admired for its woods and limestone caves, the lakes and woodlands of the north and the pine September, 2011

forests and sandy beaches of the Baltic Sea coast are also popular destinations. Besides leisure tourism Poland is also a very attractive destination for business tourism and offers a plenty of unique venues including historical palaces as well as a salt mine.

â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 17 â&#x20AC;&#x201D;

Wieliczka Salt Mine is situated 10 km far from the centre of Krakow. The mine is one of the most precious national heritage sites in Poland, and is visited by over one million tourists from all over the world every year. It is also a world heritage site, one of the first ones added to the UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage list. Wieliczka salt mine stands for many centuries of tradition and innovative ideas. Its underground town with its extensive infrastructure

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is several centuries old now. The mine is an achievement of many generations of miners, a monument to the history of Poland and Polish nation. It is one of the brands that have formed Polish consciousness for centuries. The mine’s logo is also one of the oldest logos in the world.

Hotel Grand Sal**** is situated in the vicinity of the Daniłowicz shaft, in a picturesque area of St. Kinga’s park. It is a small boutique hotel, furnished with discreet elegance that draws on the centuries of royal tradition in the Wieliczka salt mine.

Co n f e r e n c e Ve n u e s i n 2 1 s t Ce n t u r y The Wojanów Palace

The Wojanów Palace is a renaissance estate dating back to 1603. It has changed its appearance to delight us today with its neo-gothic style with many elements of Dutch mannerism. The renovated palace, with four buildings around the yard, was adjusted to the needs of a modern training and conference centre with sports and leisure facilities. It is very conveniently situated, only 6 km east of the Jelenia Góra centre and on the WarsawPrague route. In its central park, the palace has a Garden Restaurant with a wonderful terrace overlooking the park. The management of the palace are keen to organise parties for up to 400 guests and in the summer the garden is open to outdoor events. The palace has two fully equipped conference rooms at guests’ disposal, arranged in the former granary. Conferences can be also organized in the palace banquet halls. Opera Nova Congress Centre

In the heart of the old town in Bydgoszcz, in the vicinity of Mill Island, surrounded by charming meanders of the Brda River, history and modernity, prestige and performance, art and the mind come together in the Opera Nova Congress Centre. The versatile equipment of congress rooms, consistent with the latest trends in multimedia, enables excellent organization of conferences and implementation of unconventional event scenarios. Opera Nova offers not only the opportunity to organize congresses, but also exhibitions and

Pałac Wojanów

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PROFESSIONAL

©Robert Sawicki

private meetings. Additional options: air conditioned, sound-insulated building adjusted to the needs of disabled people; press centre with audiovisual connections, Internet connection and telephones; touch panels in the presidium tables; simultaneous interpretation system; multimedia kiosks; camera system

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allowing the transmission of the session to other rooms and DVD recording. Thanks to the centre’s location in the city centre public transport is easily accessible for the guests. http://www.poland-convention.pl

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Co n f e r e n c e Ve n u e s i n 2 1 s t Ce n t u r y

Vancouver Convention Centre: Connected to Nature Built on the original Pier B-C on Vancouver's Waterfront, the Vancouver Convention Centre first served as the Canada Pavilion for the World's Fair Expo in 1986. Since then, it has grown to become recognized as one of the leading convention centers in the world. The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) has named Vancouver the best city for business travel, out-ranking 136 world cities for three consecutive years. Conveniently located downtown, visitors will find more than 13,000 quality hotel rooms within easy walking distance and three connecting hotel properties. The Vancouver International Airport (the second largest on North America’s west coast) is less than 30 minutes away. And getting downtown is as easy as taking a taxi, a limo or riding the Canada Line rapid transit system. Green

With its harbourfront location and breathtaking views, the Vancouver Convention Centre offers one of the most beautiful settings in the world. The addition of the new West Building has tripled the capacity, for a combined total of 466,500 square feet of meeting, exhibition, ballroom, and plenary theatre space. September, 2011

Flexible

Both the East and West Buildings are designed as a series of modules to offer the highest degree of flexibility. This new combination also allows for holding simultaneous events, each with their own separate access and function space.

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Vancouver sits on the doorstep of nature. Thus the West building was designed with nature in mind, and as a result, it has received LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Platinum certification. The centre is the first convention centre in the world to earn the highest LEED® rating. The designers used floor-to-ceiling glass to take advantage of the setting’s natural

September, 2011

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Co n f e r e n c e Ve n u e s i n 2 1 s t Ce n t u r y

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Co n f e r e n c e Ve n u e s i n 2 1 s t Ce n t u r y

The six-acre (2.4 hectare) living roof collects rainwater to nourish a variety of over 400,000 indigenous plants and grasses growing there. Bees from the four resident beehives help keep these plants flourishing and provide honey for our ‘scratch’ kitchen. Below the centre, a pillared foundation encourages a thriving marine habitat. In addition, beauty is not restricted to views outside. The centre hosts a thematic art program featuring a diverse selection of artwork inside and outside the facility. beauty and maximize natural light. Delegates can enjoy incredible views of the North Shore Mountains, the harbour and Stanley Park from either their function space or on their journey through the building. Natural design elements are used as much as possible. Local wood and glass are featured throughout. The facility is as green as it gets, incorporating environmentally sustainable features into every inch of the structure. The West building runs on a seawater heating and cooling system with an on-site water treatment plant. The building utilizes natural ventilation and the latest technology to maximize energy efficiency.

September, 2011

Attractions

The nearby mountains, forest and ocean offer a wide range of recreational activities, from golfing and sailing to heli-skiing and mountain biking. And Vancouver’s comfortable climate with mild winters and warm summers makes it a destination of choice. In fact, Condé Nast Traveller magazine has ranked Vancouver the ‘best city in the Americas’ year after year. The people are friendly, sophisticated and culturally diverse. Visitors can shop ’til they drop, visit a gallery or choose from any number of fine restaurants within Vancouver’s compact downtown core.

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With the convention centre and Vancouver as home base, delegates are well-positioned to explore this unique region. Seaplanes, helicopters, ferries and cruise ships sit mere moments away. All of which make it easy to discover attractions like Victoria – British Columbia’s capital – and the scenic Gulf Islands. Take a short drive up the Sea-to-Sky Highway to the world-class resort of Whistler. Sample the award-winning vintages of the Okanagan wine country, or travel the Alaskan coastline and the Rocky Mountains. Any of these experiences could help turn an unforgettable event into an unforgettable adventure. http://www.vancouverconventioncentre.com

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Prague: Top Awards for Top Conference Venues

Prague Convention Bureau is proud of a number of international achievements its members. These awards demonstrate that Prague in terms of quality of services is a leading MICE destination comparable with other top meeting cities. In February, Alchymist Grand Hotel and Spa was awarded the third Best Luxury Hotel in the World and Europe 2011 by TripAdvisor in September, 2011

its annual Traveler’s Choice awards. The company also operates hotel Alchymist Residence Nosticova, who also became the third best hotel in the world in the same category last year and this year it was chosen as the sixth Best Romantic Getaway in Europe. In the same month, Prague’s public transport system was rated as the fourth best public transport system in Europe, according to the

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ranking by the International Automobile Federation. FIA tested a total of 23 European cities. Prague beat its competitors largely thanks to the user-friendly price policy, tickets sold via SMS, information in English on the ticket vending machines and exact timetable of the lines at every stop. In April, Allegro Restaurant in Four Seasons Prague was awarded the prestige Michelinstar rating for the fourth year in row. The restaurant has welcomed a growing number of local guests who appreciate fine dining. More than 60% of guests are local, which is not usual for a hotel restaurant. Allegro got its first star as the only restaurant in the Czech Republic in 2008 and since then it receiced the honor every year. This year the restaurant was also chosen as the third best restaurant in the Czech Republic by Maurer's Grand Restaurant guide. In May, K+K Hotel Central has been identified as the eighth of world’s top hotels in the Expedia 2011 Insiders’ Select. The 500 top hotels were selected out of 135,000 hotels representing various categories. The ranking is determined primarily by Expedia customer reviews and is based on hotel quality and value. The Expedia Insiders’ Select program focuses primarily on quality of hotels, rather than luxury. Among the 500 properties awarded in 2011, 140 hotels were located in Europe, only six of them in the Czech Republic. All Czech hotels ranked in the Expedia’s top hotels are situated in Prague. The best of them, K+K Hotel Central, is one of the Prague Convention Bureau’s members. Three other Prague hotels can be found in the second, one in the third and one in the fifth hundred of the world’s top hotels.

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In May, Prague was also voted the 15th Best Destination in the World by TripAdvisor in its annual Traveler’s Choice awards. The best world’s destination of 2011 is Cape Town, followed by Sydney, Machu Picchu, Paris and Rio de Janeiro. Of all European cities, Paris is the number one. Prague reached the fantastic 5th position in the category of Europe’s best destinations, following Rome, London and Barcelona. The Czech capital city has beaten such destinations as Venice or Florence. In June, Prague Airport, another significant Prague Convention Bureau’s member, win the “Most Deserving Airport” Eagle Award, and has become the only airport in the world to win the Eagle Award from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) at its 67th annual meeting. The prize was awarded in recognition of the airport's substantial development, customer satisfaction with its services, its transparent and constructive approach toward all airlines and its incentive policy. The IATA also appreciated the technological development of the airport and its positive approach to environmental issues. http://www.pragueconvention.cz September, 2011

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PROFESSIONAL

Barcelona: The Haven for Conferences

Co n f e r e n c e Ve n u e s i n 2 1 s t Ce n t u r y

CCIB, Barcelona International Convention Centre Ms. Carolina Garcia–Director of Sales, cgarcia@ccib.es, Tel. +34 932 301 000, www.ccib.es Maximum capacity: 15.000 delegates; Exhibition Hall: 11.340m² ; Auditorium: 3.140 seats

Fira Barcelona Ms. Sonia Graupera, sgraupera@firabcn.es, Tel. +34 932 332 000, www.firabcn.es

Palau de Congressos de Catalunya Ms. Sandra Farrero–Director of Marketing, Sandra.farrero@hrjuancarlos.com, Tel. +34 933 644 400, comercial@pcongresos.com, www.pcongresos.com Maximum capacity: 5.000 delegates; Auditorium: 2.027 seats; Exhibition Hall: 2.100m²

Barcelona, the Spanish capital, is thanks to its facilities and reliable professionals the second most popular destination for conferences. In recent years new hotels and venues were open which shows a clear determination of the city to reinvent itself. September, 2011

Young and Innovative

In just over two decades, Barcelona significantly transformed its infrastructure and facilities showing a dynamic and pioneering spirit, which is perfectly visible in its new urban and architectural layout.

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The city continues to enjoy spring-like climatic conditions, and encourages its visitors to enjoy the local lifestyle which combines the gentleness of the Mediterranean shores with the drive and capacity for innovation of a young society. This is a unique combination on the European continent, in a privileged geographical enclave, whose people thoroughly love this 21st-century Mediterranean metropolis. Barcelona has four conference centers. The hotel offer is equally abundant and modern, with meeting facilities of up to 1.000 people. It also houses a wide range of historical and

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charming venues, ideal for banquets, cocktail parties, exhibitions and product presentations, in modern and fully equipped buildings. Why Barcelona?

Welcoming – Barcelona is a dense city, neither too small nor too big, which makes it very welcoming and creates cozy atmosphere. Furthermore, it offers large cultural, social and commercial diversity. Mediterranean – Barcelona has the characteristics of Mediterranean cities; it is dynamic and open. It is the only important city of Europe that offers 5 kilometers of beach.

September, 2011

Climate – Barcelona enjoys a very agreeable temperate climate all year long, which makes it possible to organize outdoor events in spring, summer and autumn. Historical – Barcelona has over 2000 years of history, and preserves important remains of its past. Cultural – Barcelona offers a very intense cultural life all year long: opera, ballet, concert, theatres, festivals, expositions, museums... Gourmet city – Barcelona has developed a gastronomic movement with a strong creativity and style that makes her the first “gourmet” city outside France, according to the magazine Gourmet. Furthermore, the Mediterranean

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cuisine, considered as the healthiest, is applied with rigor even in the simplest restaurants. Avant Garde – Catalonia has always been a land of famous people in the avant-garde currents of Europe – Picasso, Miró, Dali, Gaudi – are some the examples of the constant desire for renovation and creation, a true quality that is also present in today’s Catalan artists, would be architects and actual designers. Well connected – Barcelona has an excellent air connection, especially with most of the Spanish and European cities. Its international airport, located only 15 minutes driving from the city is in full expansion. A new terminal is operating at the Barcelona’s airport since July 2009. High speed trains connect Barcelona and Madrid. Reliable – The Catalans are hardworking and reliable people. Throughout their history, they have showed their capacity to organise successful events with precision, creativity and efficiency. The life style – Barcelona has its own way of life that makes it unique and special. http://www.barcelonaconventionbureau.com

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Co n f e r e n c e Ve n u e s i n 2 1 s t Ce n t u r y

iCon: Where Business Inspires Greener Environment A new conference centre was opened in June at the new iCon business facility in Daventry, UK. The iCon Environmental Innovation Centre has 55 business units and has used green technologies and sustainable principles in its design and construction. The showcase auditorium has retractable tiered seating and can accommodate 300 delegates. One of the iCon’s most interesting spaces is the ‘street’ which runs through the centre of the building. Located at the centre of England in Daventry, it is a well-connected base for any green and forward-thinking business. The building’s low carbon design features include a natural ventilation system and panels in the ceiling that can absorb or emit heat, depending on the temperature. The roof is made of an inflatable plastic membrane, similar to the material used on the Eden project in Cornwall. From construction to information technology, every sector has to consider its impact on the environment, giving birth to a new range of products, services and technologies. The iCon is a home for the businesses behind these innovations–the firms that are changing the way we design, construct and manage the built environment. This ranges from construction, engineering and manufacturing companies to energy, recycling and technology specialists. September, 2011

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Robert South, an English churchman, once said: “Problems can become opportunities when the right people come together.”

THEJOINTORGANISERS

It’s an inspiring quote that aptly depicts the objective of the AHRA Conference 2011 – where passionate, aspiring industry professionals from across Asia congregate in one location. Creating a valuable network of expertise, experience and extraordinary personalities. Come experience an iconic event that explores the abundance of opportunities in the travel & tourism industry – within Asia and beyond.

[ji] 机会；时机 opportunity/favourable time 기회 ‫ ةبسانم ةصرف‬機会

The iCon has already won two design awards; a Green Apple Award for Architecture and the Built Environment and the Milton Keynes South Midlands Excellence Award. Richard Hardwick, Operations Manager at the iCon said: “We’ve been fortunate to be able to design a new conference venue from scratch, ensuring it has the facilities and versatility that modern events require. It’s been fascinating to watch the iCon take shape.” iCon Chairman, David Walker, added: “The green agenda is changing the way the world does business. The iCon is a prestigious but affordable home for the businesses that are behind these innovations.”

MAH is a non-governmental, non-profit trade association exclusively devoted to promoting and defending the interests of our member hotels throughout Malaysia. We have ‘ordinary members’, which comprise of hotels, resorts, service apartments, villas etc. Our ‘associate members’ include hotel industry affiliates, suppliers, colleges and companies that are related to the hotel, travel and tourism industry. Governed by the MAH Board, the MAH Secretariat operates on a non-profit basis with a team led by the Chief Executive Officer.

Set up 40 years ago, AHRA is an umbrella body promoting hotel and tourism development in the region. AHRA is committed to providing a platform for sharing of ideas and information among the various National Hotel and Restaurant Associations in ASEAN.

The Malaysian Association of Hotels Training and Education Centre (MAHTEC) is the training arm of MAH, committed towards the growth, sustainability, productivity and profitability of the Malaysian hospitality industry.

Organised by

Managed by

Co n f e r e n c e Ve n u e s i n 2 1 s t Ce n t u r y

MAHTEC Sdn Bhd (371290-H) C5-2 & C5-4, Wisma MAH,

Jalan Ampang Utama 1/1, One Ampang Avenue, 68000 Ampang, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia. Fax: (603) 4251-9608 Email: general.mahtec@hotels.org.my Website: www.hotels.org.my

(603) 4252-5332

In conjunction with

22 September 2011

Funding for the project came from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the East Midlands Development Agency and the West Northamptonshire Development Corporation. The iCon team recently showed off the new venue at Ecobuild 2011.

@ Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre

Official Hotels:

Official venue:

Supported by

Robert South, an English churchman, once said: “Problems can become opportunities when the right people come together.”

THEJOINTORGANISERS

http://www.icon-innovation.co.uk http://www.conference-news.co.uk

[ji] 机会；时机 opportunity/favourable time 기회 ‫ ةبسانم ةصرف‬機会

Organised by

Managed by

Official venue:

Supported by

In conjunction with

MAHTEC Sdn Bhd (371290-H)

C5-2 & C5-4, Wisma MAH, Jalan Ampang Utama 1/1, One Ampang Avenue, 68000 Ampang, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia. Fax: (603) 4251-9608 Email: general.mahtec@hotels.org.my Website: www.hotels.org.my

(603) 4252-5332 Official Hotels:

September, 2011

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Co n f e r e n c e Ve n u e s i n 2 1 s t Ce n t u r y

Colours, Sounds & Fragrances of the Meetings Industry in Slovenia and South-East Europe For each important event in South-East Europe – be it a birth, a wedding, a holiday... people would eat, drink, dance to different rhythms and rejoice. Each congress or incentive meeting in Central and SE Europe repeats this ritual and becomes a modern holiday. Europe is thrilled to welcome a new region of congress and business tourism with all its colours, sounds and fragrances. The participants and critics of the international meetings industry have expressed childlike joy over the entry of a new, colourful, fragrant region to the market. Working in MICE can be tough, market conditions are demanding, traditional convention and incentive destinations don't like to share their profit and their business. Yet still – the organizers and clients wish for something new. They would like – for the same or lower price – to see the yet unseen places, taste un-tasted foods, unknown wines, hear unintelligible languages and experience undiscovered experiences. Luckily, Central and South-East Europe offers this and much more. SE Europe is a region at the crossroads of Europe. After the political cards were shuffled some twenty years ago, these countries September, 2011

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had to and wanted to create a new image in their international relations, restructure their national economies and open up to the world, to foreign investments and foreign knowledge. Today, most of this work is done. Foreign knowledge is still streaming into SE Europe, but it is about time this region offers the best it has to the meetings industry market. Not just (new or renovated) hotels and other infrastructure, which is no longer missing. SE Europe can try to “cheat” or look for shortcuts in its development. We can learn from the experience of Slovenia, which proves good September, 2011

infrastructure and fair prices aren't always enough to attract the world market. Far from it. This is why the data on convention facilities is usually accompanied by pictures of breathtaking natural beauty, culinary secrets, cultural gems, tied to the languages, religions, scripts, which can be summed up in just four words: extremely rich cultural heritage. The region certainly needed influences. They were easiest to find in our northern neighbours, which mostly influenced the countries they were closest to. Luckily, regions like Furlanija Julijska krajina (Friuli–Venezia Giulia),

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Co n f e r e n c e Ve n u e s i n 2 1 s t Ce n t u r y

Koroška (Carinthia) and Austrian Štajerska (Styria) are nearby. Since Slovenia, the most northern part of SE Europe and at the same time a part of Central Europe – depending on the context – was luckily not a part of the political conflict during the nineties; it developed its economy much faster than the other states. Its development was pretty swift since it made up for 60 percent of the markets it lost in SE markets, with markets in the West in just two years. The economic development enabled the formation of new knowledge, which the state, celebrating its 20th birthday in 2011, or better yet the experts from the meetings industry are now investing to the South and East. The region has been aware of the three P’s since the beginning, not only as a public-private partnership, but as a kind of a new mantra: people, planet, profit. This is why protecting the cultural heritage and sharing it with partners has long been a part of a rounded tourist offer. The goal of the ever growing meetings industry in sunny SE Europe is not mass tourism, but building a well rounded offer, developed with nature, local culture, social responsibility and cooperation with existing and potential business partners in mind. Even though the region offers numerous pleasant secrets, waiting to be discovered, the foundations of economic cooperation are clear: They are set by the European Union. There is no use wasting breath on politics. This public activity, we sadly cannot do without, has seeded discord and disagreement into this region far too often. That's why we try to avoid it.

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So we focus on sounds, colours and fragrances surrounding the infrastructure of an emerging meetings industry in SE Europe, which are distinctive, multilayer, pleasant, unusual. We cannot put it all in the same pot and speak of a culture of the region – we are faced with a rich cultural mosaic, undoubtedly the richest on the continent. This isn’t unusual. The region has developed its culture through the centuries. Despite the predominant Slavic culture we can enjoy dishes shaped by the centuries of influence of Ottoman, Alp, Pannonian, Mediterranean cuisine; poetry containing stories of hill-folk or metropolis tribes... Actually, ten smaller often September, 2011

overlooked nations, each adding their treasure to the treasure chest. Once, rigid religious rules, today an opportunity for celebration discovering unknown colours, fragrances, sounds, dances. There is no predominant language in the region, since more than a dozen are spoken, so nobody gets upset if the “lingua franca” at meetings and after them is English. Oh, is there anything easier than an evening at one of the fancier (zen, fusion, or whatever’s modern) restaurants in Sarajevo, Sofia or Podgorica, to relax with a glass of mojito, followed by salmon and asparagus dressed in prosciutto, then wake up to a tall cup of latte macchiato? The region as any other is follow-

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ing the rules of globalisation. Yet, it’s aware of the importance and the beauty of local traditions and cultural patterns, which are an echo of the gifts of nature. The region is incredibly rich since its northern area begins at the Eastern end of the Alps, slowly dropping into one of the largest flat lands in Europe – the Pannonia plain. To make the geography a bit more interesting, the plain soon rises into the Carpathians. The western borders of SE Europe are warm shores of the Adriatic. Its waves then hit the Dinarides, after that the landscape varies across the central Balkan peninsula. The Karst world turns into the dance of numerous river valleys, lake basins and in between fields, which used to and still grow cotton, tobacco and in Bulgaria – hectares of fragrant Roses. This region has always been abundant with fruits, vegetables and wood, which it never gave away for free. People had to work hard for their harvest through the centuries, which remains in their blood until today. Today, this people are – business partners. They enter the European market of business, congress tourism with a lot of zeal and a desire to work and learn. They know what becoming a destination means for a place, so they eagerly cooperate in the business process. The market needs to recognize their effort and the rewords will be mutual. Welcome to South-East Europe! By Rok Klančnik http://www.kongres-magazine.eu

TRANSPORT

Cultural Exchange: Live like a Local

TRANSPORT

River Cruising the Rhone and the Saone

River Royale’s two-river itinerary forks at the city of Lyon where the Saone joins the Rhone, with most of the 15 navigation locks located on the Rhone. Photo credit: Uniworld

Uniworld describes its collection of cruises as a “boutique” experience, bringing to mind a high standard of service and facilities while still retaining a sense of individuality, both in the atmosphere of the ship and among the guests. Certainly my vessel for a week, the River Royale, boarded in southern Provence’s ancient city of Arles, offered that sense of maximum comfort combined with individual September, 2011

intimacy and a whole lot of personal attention from 38 staff from nine European countries. While my stateroom met every expectation of amenities and services, it was the public spaces that spoke of an intriguing originality that magnetically drew the 130 guests gravitate to them with every on-board opportunity. Clustered in intimate groupings, the lounge’s colorful sofas and chairs encouraged introduc-

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tion to strangers and stimulating conversation, while the open-seating, single-sitting dining room, bright with natural light and upbeat in blue and white, acknowledged the famous Mediterranean light associated with the southern segment of River Royale’s route. I appreciate bright colors and plenty of light any time, so I was delighted to learn that one of Uniworld’s owners, Beatrice Tollman, was instrumental in the interior decorating of this particular ship. Out of the five main rivers in France, only the Rhone is designated as masculine, Le Rhone, because historically it has been perceived as “powerful and dangerous”, according to our vessel’s Hotel Manager, Eric Christophe. Sailing through Provence and Burgundy south to north, in a straight line from Arles, the River Royale cruise covers 172 miles/277 km on the Rhone until it narrows and becomes more turbulent after Lyons. The remaining 99 miles/150 km of the cruise is spent on the gentler Saone River (La Saone, of course!). My week was in mid-October when the water levels reflected a dry summer season already reducing the flow, but I could well imagine that the spring waters would demonstrate a much stronger current. On our route there were 15 locks: 12 on the Rhone and 3 on the Saone. Built mainly between 1950 and 1989, the Rhone locks were a successful attempt to domesticate the river in all seasons for both commerce and tourism. These are not the quaint, sometimes hand-opened, locks of a bygone era, but rather imposing multi-storey engineering feats that qualify more as a modern dam bristling with technology. Once in the lock, with the River

TRANSPORT

The River Royale’s brightly-decorated lounge is a gathering place for up to 132 guests, and the focus of on-board lectures and musical entertainment. Photo credit: Uniworld

France’s picturesque medieval villages make enriching riverside day visits during a river cruise of the Rhone and Saone. Photo credit: Alison Gardner

Royale either descending or ascending within a tightly enclosed space, it was only a matter of minutes before the lock gates opened to send us on our way at a comfortable pace averaging 20 miles per hour. On board there were informative pre-arrival briefings on each town, and even a crepe suzette cooking demonstration by the pastry chef. With a little deeper educational challenges, we were also treated to a lecture on French icons and one on Vincent Van Gogh,

a nautical lecture about the rivers, and a silk painting demonstration. The two- to three-hour shore excursions were a particular treat, starting with the city of Arles where the Romans left well-restored monumental constructions as witness to their mighty presence. Each of our cruising days, there was also half a day for independent exploration in addition to the included tour option either morning or afternoon, or guests could sign up for a second tour option for which they paid extra.

September, 2011

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With its 15th century ramparts, Beaune was a city of medieval enchantments that a week wouldn’t have covered them all. Its Hotel Dieu hospital, built for the poor by the Duke of Burgundy in the mid-1400s, is now one of the most intriguing museums in a country of museums. And, of course, there are a Burgundy vineyard wine tasting, not to be missed. Uniworld (Uniworld.com) is a much-awarded river cruising company sailing 11 of the world's most breathtaking rivers in 20 countries throughout Europe, China, Egypt and Russia ... and Vietnam and Cambodia too starting in 2012! Style and elegance are hallmarks of its fleet of ships averaging 130 guests per vessel. Gourmet dining and included shore excursions reveal the best of each region. Uniworld is the only river cruise line to appear in Condé Nast Traveler's 2011 Gold List. 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

TRANSPORT

River Cruise: A Trip of a Lifetime Cruising the inland waterways of the world is a unique experience, incomparable to any other form of travel. The combination of convenience and comfort along with the variety of scenery, culture, the fulfillment of one’s mind along with one’s senses is like combining oil and vinegar, sugar and salt, love and remembrance – it does not get better than this!

No Packing and Unpacking!

Unlike a motor coach tour, once you board your floating hotel, you unpack only once then sit back and relax as your ship sails from one September, 2011

relax in the comfort of your cabin while your ship takes you from one exciting place to the next. Your cabin will be similar to your room at home... comfortable beds, work table, vanity mirror, air conditioning, spacious closet space, full feature private bathrooms and the one thing your home does not have scenery that changes, minute by every passing minute! Luxury & Pampering

Yet, even though afloat, you lose nothing of the pampering of the best land locked hotels. Your rooms are made up while you are exploring the local sights. Your beds are turned down at night and a chocolate appears magically on your feather pillow. You eat glorious meals while watching the passing scenery through big picture windows… almost like a movie enfolding before your eyes You sit at your table set with china, crystal and candlelight. You choose world class meals, without worrying about the bill. You taste various cuisines of the places you are visiting without having to make a reservation… and the maitre d’ greets you by your name!

Unique Destinations

Thanks to their smaller size and low draft, river vessels can go where no other land transportation can take you. You can sail into the heartlands of various countries where some attractions can only be reached by water (Russia). You can choose to cruise and explore one country (China) or you can combine several in the span of a week (Europe). And if your heart desires true adventure, some of the ships will let you explore less visited areas such as the Balkans or take you literally where only few tourists have gone before (Burma and Laos). But no matter what destination or ship you choose, all of them will afford you a similar level of safety, comfort and convenience.

Ri v e r Cr u i s i n g a r o u n d t h e Wo r l d

Sightseeing & Shore Excursions

attraction to the next. This allows you to be as active as you want while at the same time offering you the sanctuary of your cabin when you need a break! Comfort and Convenience

Instead of adjusting to various levels of hotels and methods of transportation, you can

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And almost every single day your “floating hotel” delivers you to new and wondrous sights. Thousand year old cities where cobblestone streets beg you to explore. Century old castles that speak of times gone by. Monuments made by man from days of yesteryear and today. And all around you, the wonders of nature… quiet flowing waters… deep green forests… mountains… cliffs… reminding you daily

TRANSPORT

why life is good. And all of this is included in your price! As you sit in the evening enjoying the glow of the sunset, you listen to the stories of local experts and lecturers. You delight in colorful local folklore presented in your lounge. You sip your nightcap while the sounds of Strauss flow gently through the night as the violinist pours her soul into her music… Attentive Service

And as you move from one location to the next without a worry on your mind, a smiling, youthful crew awaits your every order. Need a drink, Sir? Would you like an extra helping of dessert, Ma’am? Your wish is their command. And, because your floating home holds 250 to as little as 20 people… You will never be “just a number!”

September, 2011

Can I Afford This Dream?

More than you realize! Think about your last visit to a major amusement park... How much was your hotel per night? For a week? A cold, bland room with a parking lot view, where even a movie cost you $10! How much was your food bill for 3 mediocre meals a day consisting of runny eggs, burgers, pizza and a hot dog? How much was your entrance fee for the privilege of standing in line while you waited an hour to go on each ride? Add it all up and then compare it to the features included in all of the cruises; accommodations, all meals, sightseeing and entertainment. River cruises are a great value for money! So, go ahead… take the plunge... and book yourself the trip of a lifetime! http://www.valuecruises.net

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TRANSPORT

Lock Your Love Forever on Russian Cruise

September, 2011

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Ri v e r Cr u i s i n g a r o u n d t h e Wo r l d

Russian cruises are not only about exploring the beauty of the river and surrounding cities. Travelers also learn a lot about Russian history as well as traditions. One of the local customs are the “Locks of Love”. Just married Russian couples hang a padlock on a bridge after inscribing their names or initials on it and throw the key away so that their love is locked forever. Some couples use two inter-twined locks, each lock bearing their name. Family members and close friends also put the locks on bridges to lock their relationship forever. In Moscow where many cruises start the city officials built a romantic pedestrian crossing over the Moscow River Canal and installed special iron trees for the love locks. Couples write their names on a padlock attach it to the tree and lock it. The next stop on the cruise is often the city of Yaroslavl, which celebrated its millenniumlong history in 2010. Yaroslavl is famous for the beauty of its embankments. The Volga and Kotorosl embankments from the Church of Elijah the Prophet back to the Transfiguration Monastery make a wonderful 1.5 km walk. On the way, visitors enjoy the views of the Church of St. Nicholas the Miracle-Worker, one of Yaroslavl's first stone churches, built in 1622. There is a gazebo on Volga's embankment where Yaroslavl newlyweds come to have a glass of champagne and fasten their lock of love and throw the key in the Volga River. Volga River cruise also stops at Kostroma, where the streets fan out from a central square in a classical 18th and 19th century layout. Tourists explore medieval peasant homes

TRANSPORT

and the golden dome of Ipatievsky Monastery as well as a museum. In Kostroma wedding love locks decorate the bridge across Kostroma River, connecting Berogovaya street and Yuri Erohova street. In Kiev the love locks can be found on a pedestrian bridge over Volodymyrsky uzviz near the National Philharmonic building and in Odessa on the "Mother-in-law" bridge. September, 2011

Who said that only the newlyweds can hang the padlock and lock their love forever? When you are getting ready to go on your Russia cruise do not forget to bring your padlock and hang it on one of the bridges along the way and renew your vows in Russia. By Anna Abbasi (Discover Russia) http://www.discoverrus.com

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TRANSPORT

Ri v e r Cr u i s i n g a r o u n d t h e Wo r l d

Swan Hellenic River Cruises: Closer to the Heart of Europe Each one of A-ROSA’s sophisticated fleet of river cruisers has been designed with Europe’s great rivers in mind. That is why all the public rooms, all of the cabins – not to mention the spacious decks – make the best of the views the travelers enjoy. On board, the atmosphere is relaxed, congenial. Attentive staff waits at the tables and brings drinks on deck. Menus offer a mix of regional and international dishes. There are no sittings or seating plans and the dress code is informal. Most surprising of all, is the space on board, with airy lounges and restaurants, and a range of amenities you would only expect to find on much larger ships. A Swan Hellenic river cruise takes you closer to the heart of Europe, making it easier to discover the soul of each city and landscape. Thanks to the insights of the guest speakers on board, and to expert guides ashore, the travelers have a much more rounded appreciation of the history, art and architecture that surrounds them, a more in-depth understanding of the many themes explored. Cruises take place during April, May, June and September, to allow passengers to experience the majestic rivers at their most beautiful, when temperatures are comfortable and the cities, towns, churches, museums, vineSeptember, 2011

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TRANSPORT

yards and countryside visited extend a quiet welcome. Each cruise features an experienced team, comprising an on board Cruise Director and Excursion Manager to ensure the smooth running of the cruise and the inclusive shore excursion programme. A distinguished guest speaker accompanies each cruise, their talks exploring the history, art and architecture of each fascinating river. Guest speakers recruited for the 2012 river cruises include former senior British Diplomat Mr Graham Archer CMG and military historian Professor Ian Beckett FHistS on the Danube, eminent historian Professor Jeremy Black MBE on the Rhine, ancient histoSeptember, 2011

rian Mr Jeremy Paterson on the Moselle and Rhine Valley and The Revd Dr Rupert Bursell QC, architectural historian Mr James Thompson and art historian Dr Cathy Oakes on the Rhône. Examples of new itineraries for 2012 include:

The Moselle and Rhine Valley is a cruise through history, both ancient and modern. Beginning and ending in Frankfurt, this river cruise includes calls at Cochem, BernkastelKues, Mehring (for Trier), Koblenz, Bonn, Rudesheim and Cologne. Exploring remains of the Roman Empire, ruined castles, former capitals and quintessential wine towns.

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Ri v e r Cr u i s i n g a r o u n d t h e Wo r l d

A selection of eight-day cruises on the Rhône in May, June and September begin and end in Lyon, cruising north to Chalon-sur-Saône before heading south to Tournus, Mâcon, Viviers, Arles, Avignon and Vienne. The Rhône flows through some of the most scenic landscapes in France from the vineyards of Burgundy to the Roman city of Arles in the South. Discover Baroque churches, wine villages, Romanesque cathedrals, half-timbered houses and steep-sided vineyards during an eight-day cruise on the Rhine. Beginning and ending in Cologne visit Mainz, Speyer, Strasbourg, Breisach and Mannheim. http://www.swansrivercruises.co.uk

TRANSPORT

Cruising China: Going down the Yangtze River

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A cruise is not the first type of holiday you would associate with China, however a cruise along the Yangtze River can provide the basis of an amazing holiday. The Yangtze River is the longest river in Asia and the third longest in the world, second only to the Nile and the Amazon. The river is over 6300 km in length starting in the Quinghai Province the river flows eastwards towards Shanghai and the China Sea and is known as "the cradle of the Chinese civilization." The Yangtze River offers some of the most memorable and beautiful scenery in the whole of China and that is quite a bold claim considering the beauty of some of the other attractions in the country. A typical cruise holiday might start at Shanghai with some sightseeing. "The Paris of the East" as Shanghai is also known has many of attractions to see before your river journey such as the Shanghai Museum that houses over 120,000 relics. From Shanghai a cruise would stop at Nanjing after sailing through the highly populated agricultural plains of the lower Yangtze Delta. Here you can see the ancient Ming Tomb walk and the Dr Sun Yat Sen Mausoleum at Purple Mountain. Mt Huang is another stop that offers great views. You can take a cable car to the summit so that you can experience the amazing views of the mountain peaks, thousand years old pine trees and the surreal and mysterious mists that have inspired artists for centuries. After cruising through the Gezhou Dam further up the river, you will see the three famous

TRANSPORT

gorges of the Yangtze River. The Qutang, WU and Xiling gorges are most famous attractions along the river spanning 193 km from Eastern Sichuan to Western Hubei. While you are here you can explore the Gorges Hydroelectric Dam that is over five times larger than the Hoover Dam. While travelling along this portion of the river there are many trips on land offering a whole plethora of sights. There is a trip along the Shennong Stream that is just divine. The trip along this waterway in a pea-pod boat really September, 2011

conjures the feeling of being a great explorer in a far off place. This is a perfect opportunity to get some fantastic photographs and memories of the picturesque surroundings. Higher water levels at the Lesser Three Gorges mean that you can travel a long way upstream to see the undisturbed surrounding forests and riverbanks and traditional villages. By Dave Kingsley http://www.wendywutours.co.uk

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MEDICAL

Getting Safe! Travel Insurance Services

Travel insurance might seem yet another thing to pay when planning holidays. Yet, it is highly important and quite essential especially when traveling to certain countries.

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G e t t i n g S a f e ! Tr a v e l I n s u r a n c e Se r v i c e s

Travel Insurance – Don't Leave Your Country without It does go wrong then you are covered. You may require medical assistance or find that you need to be flown home. Travel insurance can cover your medical expenses, which in a foreign hospital can cost you thousands if you are not covered. If you require further attention you may need to be flown home, and a medical evacuation can reach in to the tens of thousands of dollars. Illness

If you become ill overseas you may need to be admitted to hospital, and when in a foreign country this can be extremely costly as you won't be covered by their health system. If you need to return home early these additional costs can be covered if you have travel insurance. Your insurance will cover your hospital stay and any medical emergency costs.

ERRATUM If you are planning on travelling overseas it is vital that you take out travel insurance. Unexpected things can happen, such as natural disasters or accidents, or you may become ill while away, and without travel insurance you could find yourself facing huge expenses. September, 2011

Natural disasters and accidents

We certainly never plan for accidents to happen and natural disasters can strike anywhere out of the blue. This is why having travel insurance is so important as it is at least the one thing you can organize and if something

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In the May 2011 issue of Tourism Review Online Magazine the author of the article “Does Tourism Promote Peaceful Coexistence?“, Dr. Peter Tarlow, quoted Dr. Sashana Askjellerud’s article, which however was written by Tomljenovic, R. and Faulkner B.(2000). Dr. Tarlow apologizes for the mis-citation and for incorrectly reflecting views that Dr. Askjellerud does not hold.

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thousand dollars to fly a body home. The stress of having to come up with this huge sum for a grieving family would be terrible, so it is worthwhile having the cover. Things to check

Lost or stolen belongings

It is important to have travel insurance while travelling overseas in case you lose your belongings, or if they are stolen. Travel insurance will cover your luggage and any documents, such as your passport and visas, as well as any cash. Death or disability

If you become permanently disabled you will find that most policies will cover expenses, or if you happen to die as a result of an accident then your travel insurance can cover this too. It can be extremely costly to transport remains, for example from Europe it can cost around ten

September, 2011

Make sure that you are covered for all your travel items and that you have enough cover for the country you are going to. Do a bit of research and find out what the medical expenses are like where you are going and check your fund will cover you if you have to be hospitalized. You may find that dangerous activities like scuba diving and bungee jumping are not covered, so find out first and think about whether you are going to risk partaking in these activities while away. If you have any pre-existing medical conditions you may not be covered unless you let them know, so make sure you are upfront. When you take out your insurance be thorough and read the fine print, and double check your dates. You need to be covered for the entire duration of your trip so remember the difference in time zones. By Harry Jameson http://www.insure4less.com.au/ http://ezinearticles.com

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G e t t i n g S a f e ! Tr a v e l I n s u r a n c e Se r v i c e s

Don't Bankrupt Yourself–Always Travel with Insurance As new research emerges about the high cost of medical bills abroad, the Foreign Office in UK urges travelers to priorities travel insurance. New findings show that the average medical claim made by British tourists falling ill abroad in 2010 was £1333.41. In certain countries, such as the USA, where the cost of medical care can be very high, the average claim for medical bills was £4725. Where tourists have comprehensive travel insurance, such bills are usually covered by the insurance policy, and the money can be claimed back. If travel insurance has not been taken out, tourists are left to pay these bills from their own pockets. Phil Lord of the Foreign Office’s ‘Know Before You Go’ campaign says: “Such figures highlight the importance of taking out insurance before you travel. Many people try to cut holiday costs, only to discover that when things go wrong they are obliged to pay thousands of pounds in bills. Getting comprehensive travel insurance means that whilst an accident may disrupt your holiday, it won’t bankrupt you.”

September, 2011

Last year travel insurers: • Paid out £275 million in meeting the cost of emergency medical treatments for travelers who fell ill abroad • The cost of medical expenses claims has leapt by over 270% in the last six years • Dealt with 337,000 claims for overseas emergency medical treatment. This number rose threefold over the last six years • The costs of medical treatment accounts for 55% of the total cost of all claims paid by travel insurers, compared to 33% six years ago • Stomach upsets, ear infections, allergies and heart problems are the most common

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illnesses requiring medical treatment while abroad. Claims dealt with by insurers include: • £86,000 to cover the cost of treating a holidaymaker who suffered a massive heart attack and needed to be flown home via air ambulance to the UK • £54,000 to treat a holidaymaker who was diagnosed with bipolar disorder while holidaying in the USA and then needed to be flown back to the UK with a Doctor escort • £20,000 to cover the cost of treating a man who had a heart infection and bleeding on the brain. Costs included treatment at two hospitals and an air ambulance back to the UK from Spain • £11,000 to treat a holidaymaker who suffered a broken arm after a fall in Spain. The biggest cost if something goes wrong on your holiday will be the medical treatment that may be needed if you, or someone in your family, gets hurt or falls ill. Medical costs abroad can run into tens of thousands of pounds that make travel insurance absolutely essential. http://www.privatehealth.co.uk

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G e t t i n g S a f e ! Tr a v e l I n s u r a n c e Se r v i c e s

What Is Travel Insurance for Backpackers? Generally speaking, travel insurance is insurance proposed to manage economical default or non conformance of travel companies, professional medical spending, and other losses incurred whilst vacationing. These scenarios can occur either in a domestic vacation (touring in your own nation) or around the globe. Within the travel insurance range, there are also a wide variety of insurances that present protection to a range of travelers. Amongst these are student vacationers, business travelers, adventure vacationers, cruise travelers, overseas tourists, and backpackers, to name a few. All of these different kinds of insurance coverage deliver a distinct protection relating to the type of traveler. Travel insurance for backpackers in specific, is a specifically customized insurance that supplies an inexpensive coverage for backpackers roaming around globe. So whether sunning oneself on dream shorelines, working your way around, or studying overseas, you will most likely obtain a backpacker insurance coverage at inexpensive prices. Backpackers insurance is among the most demanded insurance plans in the travel industry since the backpacking niche has become even more recognized throughout the years. Since these types of insurance policies are lowpriced, backpackers travel insurance is popular September, 2011

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MEDICAL

among young adults who travel on minimal funds. Several insurance providers and insurance policies might regulate the insured age (probably 40 years or less, depending), the type of travel you do (for example, gap years), and the longevity of the vacation (weeks or months, and even years). Quite often, these plans are personalized based mostly on the danger the backpacker will be subjected to; a protection for when the "what if" becomes real. And the truth is that vacationing on a budget often signifies that backpackers can be susceptible to a higher risk to accidents and injuries when abroad. It comes without saying, that before purchasing your backpackers insurance, make sure to read everything – especially the fine prints – to know what's covered, what's not, and under

September, 2011

G e t t i n g S a f e ! Tr a v e l I n s u r a n c e Se r v i c e s

what circumstances. As it has been pointed before, coverage varies from policy to policy. Backpackers insurance coverage typically performs as an efficient and less expensive choice compared to a single trip insurance plan. It features an array of unique coverage extras such as adventurous activities and sports protection, among other activities often performed by backpackers. But be aware that a traveler does not need to be a backpacker, nor there is the need to be on a tight budget to take advantage from backpackers travel insurance. By Amy Laurent http://travelinsuranceforbackpackers.net http://ezinearticles.com

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MEDICAL

G e t t i n g S a f e ! Tr a v e l I n s u r a n c e Se r v i c e s

Choosing the Right Travel Insurance Policy Australian travelers seem to spend a lot of time seeking the best deals for their overseas flight and accommodation when going on holiday but often ignore travel insurance which can be seen as unnecessary, not to mention expensive. With travel now taking us further afield, travel insurance needs to encompass more than just lost luggage. All travelers should ensure they have the most appropriate insurance for their needs, before they leave the country. To assist in this endeavor, many websites provide a free and simple cost comparison tool that allows consumers to compare the price of various popular Travel Insurance products on offer. All travelers are encouraged to consider the following points when deciding on their insurance needs:

In Southeast Asia for instance, daily hospitalization costs can often exceed $800 and if you need to be medically evacuated from the United States, you could be looking at over $75,000. Some cases have been closer to $300,000. Aussies should also be wary of stomach nasties that plague so many travelers every year. A newspaper in the UK reported that almost one in four British travelers experienced food poisoning when holidaying in Spain, with Greece, Turkey and Egypt also rating high. A case of ‘Bali Belly’ can be particularly nasty, especially when you consider DFAT has handled medical evacuations from Indonesia costing in excess of $60,000. Safety on the Roads

A Trip to the Hospital

Road safety is a major issue for travelling Aussies, especially for those not used to driving on the other side of the road! The British Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) recently released figures that showed British tourists are more likely to be killed in Thailand than any other destination. Thai law states safety helmets must be worn when driving motorcycles, but according to the FCO this is widely ignored, and contributes to the high number of deaths each year.

According to the Australian Government’s Department for Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), 1,200 Australians are hospitalized overseas every year. Overseas hospital bills can be crippling. Australian travelers should make sure that their travel insurance covers their medical expenses in the specific countries they are visiting as medical costs can differ dramatically from one region of the world to another. September, 2011

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MEDICAL

On average 38 people a day die in motorcycle accidents in Thailand. If the worst does happen, insurance will save your family having to cover the costs to bring your remains home. However, some vehicles are not roadworthy, unregistered and cannot legally be driven on a public road. This could invalidate your travel insurance policy. Adventure Travel

A bungee jump or sky dive may be high on our things to do in a lifetime list, but most generic policies won’t cover you for injury if they occur when taking part in such activities. Make sure you check what’s covered in your September, 2011

G e t t i n g S a f e ! Tr a v e l I n s u r a n c e Se r v i c e s

insurance policy so you can unleash your inner daredevil, safe in the knowledge the experience won’t cost you an arm and a leg. Protecting Your Valuables

Travelers should always be aware of their personal belongings, especially, in countries where pick-pocketing is common. Brazil is highlighted on the DFAT website as a hotspot for mobile phone cloning; imagine how difficult it is to replace your handset while on holiday. Also certain policies limit cover for expensive items such as cameras, laptops and/or jewellery which may have a per-item limit. Make sure you clarify this with your insurer.

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It is vital for travelers to understand that if they don’t have insurance, they will be personally liable for all unforeseen costs. Don’t risk yours or your family’s finances for the sake of a once off premium. While some traditional insurance companies could be deemed expensive, by taking a few minutes to compare all policies available using comparison tools you could halve the cost of buying cover. The message from DAFT is clear – “if you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel”. Don’t subscribe to the ‘it’ll never happen to me’ myth. http://www.travelinsurancequotes.com.au

Destination Brazil: Sensational and Colorfu

Brazil is not only about Rio and the Carnival. Discover off the beaten track Brazil, unique culture, sandy beaches and friendly locals.

Destination

B r a z i l : S e n s a t i o n a l a n d Co l o r f u l

Travel and Tourism: Brazil on Top of the World events such as the 2014 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 Olympic Games. For these events to be successful, however, currently inadequate infrastructure must be remedied. Infrastructure Developments Are the Priority

Brazil has increasingly attracted the attention of investors from all over the world after its economy proved resilient to the 2008/2009 global economic crisis and recorded positive growth in 2010. This growth has acted as a major magnet to international tourists, which September, 2011

led to positive growth in arrivals in 2010 and more dynamic domestic tourism. Air transportation is increasingly favored by Brazil’s growing number of middle class domestic tourists. This is only likely to increase as the country prepares to host global sporting

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Airports operating at overcapacity, a precarious port infrastructure and the lack of hotel rooms in major cities represent the main concerns for Brazil’s travel and tourism stakeholders in the long run-up to the 2014 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 Olympic Games. Therefore, government authorities are prioritizing infrastructure development in transportation and travel accommodation so as to be able to handle the expected massive increase in tourism flows for these two events. Being key gateway cities and home to the busiest airports in Brazil, São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro have the highest priority when it comes to airport and travel accommodation infrastructure developments. As of 2011, government authorities have already started some construction work but, overall, deadlines and timetables are not being adhered to. This explains why concerns still remain that not all of the current infrastructure work planned for Brazil will be completed in time for the start of the FIFA World Cup.

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B r a z i l : S e n s a t i o n a l a n d Co l o r f u l

Brazil to Bet on Medical Tourism?

Medical tourism represents a great opportunity for Brazil to boost travel and tourism activity and further diversify its travel and tourism appeal. The country offers nationally and internationally accredited hospitals, highly qualified health professionals and modern technology, among other attractions for potential medical tourists. Nevertheless, capitalizing on such a profitable travel and tourism segment will not be an easy task as Brazil will need to tap into demand for medical tourism currently being met by other well-established medical tourism destinations in the Asia Pacific region such as Thailand, India and Singapore. One way of achieving gains in medical tourism would be to focus primarily on what the country does best: TOP ARRIVALS TO BRAZIL 2010 Number of Trips Arrivals from Argentina Arrivals from USA Arrivals from Italy Arrivals from Germany Arrivals from France Arrivals from Uruguay Arrivals from Paraguay Arrivals from Portugal Arrivals from United Kingdom Arrivals from Chile Arrivals from Spain © Euromonitor International

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‘000 trips 1,383.7 669.1 291.3 233.6 232.0 219.1 210.8 205.8 197.4 188.4 181.9

the ‘humanization’ of its services and creating greater synergies amongst all involved in travel and tourism in order to promote Brazilian excellence in medicine and healthcare. Tam and Lan to Form Latam Airlines

On 13 August, Chile-based Lan Airlines and the largest airline in Brazil, TAM Airlines,

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announced plans to merge through a single holding company known as Latam Airlines Group. The two airline brands will be operated separately. Once the deal is finalized, the new entity will control over 17% of air transportation revenues in Latin America, creating the largest airline in Latin America. The merger solidifies the airlines’ existing code share agreement, allowing for more coordination on routes and pricing as well

Destination

B r a z i l : S e n s a t i o n a l a n d Co l o r f u l

as increasing negotiating power with suppliers. Furthermore, it expands the geographic presence of both airlines. TAM does not have domestic operations outside of Brazil and Lan, while strong in Chile, Argentina, Ecuador and Peru, has so far been unable to break into the massive and rapidly expanding domestic air transportation in Brazil due to foreign ownership restrictions. Liberalized Skies Policies Lie Ahead for Air Transportation Players

In an attempt to liberalize its air transportation policy and attract more international tourists into the country, the Brazilian authorities signed a number of open skies agreements during 2009/2010. The most important was signed with the US, which will be fully operational by October 2015. The elimination of government interference in the commercial decisions of airlines with regards to routes, capacity and pricing is expected to result in more affordable and efficient air transportation services in Brazil for both domestic and inbound air passengers. Nevertheless, future capacity growth will be limited by infrastructure constraints. http://www.euromonitor.com

September, 2011

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Traveler’s Guide to Sao Paulo Attractions

The numerous Sao Paulo attractions make the city one of Brazil’s major cultural centers, combining ethnic diversity with a wide array of attractions that cater to the many cultural influences. According to the Sao Paulo Convention and Visitors Bureau, Sao Paulo has around September, 2011

52 different types of cultural cuisines to offer the visitor, while the city itself is host to around 90,000 events each year! Clearly, there is something for everyone in Sao Paulo. When it comes to families, Sao Paulo has several attractions for children. The Zoologico is

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home to more than 3,000 animal species, and also includes a petting zoo area for children to interact with some friendly creatures. The Sao Paulo Playcenter is perfect for thrill-seeking families, with rides, games, and Brazil’s biggest roller coaster! The Parque da Monica is another theme park for young children, and is based entirely around one of Brazil’s most popular cartoon characters, Monica. Other activities in Sao Paulo include the Pinacoteca do Estado, one of the best art exhibits in the city for anyone wishing to experience Brazilian art, as well as the Sao Paulo Ibirapuera Park, which has over 2 million square meters of green space. Take in one of the free weekly Sunday morning concerts at Ibirapuera, and then make your way to one of the nearby Sao Paulo museums! Some of the main Sao Paulo attractions are its diverse museum options – everything from an immigration museum, a museum of sacred art, Japanese history, to a museum of image and sound, and many more. It’s a chance to learn about the history and growth of Sao Paulo, and a visit to some of these museums can enhance your overall appreciation and understanding of the city. There is also a number of guided city tours available in Sao Paulo, ranging from a full day’s group tour around the city’s art, museums, and parks, to a smaller, private tour that you can build according to the amount of time you have. Group tours are around $65-80 USD, but private tours will likely cost well over $100 USD. Of course, if you have extra time, it is worth taking in one of the fantastic Sao Paulo sports

o nUa lS aTnRd YCo “ T H E O S C A RDestination S O F T H E BT rRa zAi lV: SE eLn sIaNt i D ” lorful WA L L S T R E E T J O U R N A L

GR AND TO U R 2011 events, such as horse racing at the Jockey Clube de Sao Paulo, or a motor race at the Brazil Formula 1 Grand-Prix track. Finally, one of the Sao Paulo attractions that shouldn’t be missed by anyone is the chance to see a soccer match between some of the local clubs. There are four soccer clubs in Sao Paulo, and any match is going to be an experience and a half for an out-of-towner! Any hotel clerk will be able to tell you if there’s a match coming up, so don’t hesitate to ask! As a city full of sights and sounds, Sao Paulo attractions are diverse, so you’ll never have to worry about finding something to do.

Dubai • Antalya • Sharm el Sheikh • Bangkok • Montego Bay

Global Reach • Global Recognition • Global Rewards

http://www.sao-paulo.info September, 2011

awards@worldtravelawards.com

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worldtravelawards.com

Destination

B r a z i l : S e n s a t i o n a l a n d Co l o r f u l

World Cup: Huge Economic Impact Expected The 2014 FIFA World Cup soccer tournament will generate an economic impact of more than $11.5 billion for the Brazilian economy, according to Embratur, the Brazil Tourism Board. Approximately 7.2 million tourists are expected to travel to Brazil during the tournament, including about 600,000 soccer fans. Public and private interests are investing a total of $20 billion in preparation for the event, according to Embratur. The funds will be allocated to long-term investments and advancements for the tourism industry and for infrastructure including airports, roads and public safety. “Brazil’s government is currently in the third stage of its World Cup planning, which includes investments in aviation, port, airport development and public transportation in the 12 host cities – Belo Horizonte, Brasília, Cuiabá, Curitiba, Fortaleza, Manaus, Natal, Porto Alegre, Recife, Rio de Janeiro, Salvador and São Paulo,” said Flávio Dino, Embratur’s president. Brazil’s World Cup tourism initiatives include the “Host Well Cup” and “Hello Tourist!” training programs for tourism professionals, currently under development by Brazil’s Ministry of Tourism. The programs are designed to train travel professionals for the influx of visitors leading up to 2014. September, 2011

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The $200 million Host Well Cup program will help professionals to meet international standards of hospitality that impact tourism, including hotels and transportation; the ministry aims to train more than 360,000 tourism professionals through the program by the end of 2013. “Hello Tourist!” will teach professionals and students English and Spanish to facilitate better communication with tourists. Approximately 80,000 professionals and students are currently enrolled in the

September, 2011

program in the 12 cities hosting World Cup games. “The Brazilian government has put all possible measures in place to ensure a successful FIFA World Cup whose legacy will last for years to come,” said Dino. “The country has developed a clear timeline and strategy that will deliver an unforgettable World Cup experience for all.” http://www.travelpulse.com

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B r a z i l : S e n s a t i o n a l a n d Co l o r f u l

Destination

Salvador de Bahia: Mixture of Cultures

A city of rich folklore, Salvador has maintained an ambience of archaic mystery that lures many a marveling visitor. The state of Bahia has kept a firm grip on its strong African, Brazilian, and European roots it has acquired throughout 500 years of existence. It is with such African and indigenous background that Salvador is September, 2011

provided with the authentic, mythical appeal it holds today. Through its ability to successfully balance tradition with modernity, Salvador has been able to produce some of the richest Brazilian art forms: capoeira, samba de roda, and afoxe – an African rhythm that influenced many Carnaval

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groups. The city has been crowned "the land of happiness," and not without reason. Thirty miles of gorgeous beach area and an immeasurable amount of partying radiate from the city. Salvador was the first capital of Brazil, and is currently the capital of the state of Bahia. Amerigo Vespucci – the same man who discovered America – arrived here on November 1st, 1501, sailing under the Portuguese flag. With November 1st being the day of all saints, Vespucci decided to name the place of arrival the Bay of All Saints. The Portuguese crown soon came to profit immensely from the "white gold" that thrived in the Northeast: sugar. Salvador became the center of the immense slave market that provided the labor demanded to upkeep the sugar cane field plantations. The 5 million West African slaves that arrived at the edges of the city provided much more than just labor – they helped form the culture that is now known as Bahian. The African Candomble religion has its strongest roots and its active followers here. Bahian cuisine is known for its distinct and delicious flavor that emerged from the use of such African cooking products as dende oil and coconut milk. Salvador actually ended up dividing into two planes of existence as a result of its topography. As it sits on the Bay of All Saints, the city becomes a series of hills and valleys. The upper city, Cidade Alta, and lower city, Cidade Baixa, are connected through the famous Elevador Lacerda. Before this elevator, the only connection between the "two cities"

Destination

were steep and jagged streets. The main neighborhoods tend to sit on top of the heights, providing magnificent views. While at sea level, a wide variety of Brazilian arts and crafts can be found at the Mercado Modelo Market, along with traditional Bahian acarajes and sweets being served by the Bahiana women in traditional white. Lodging options are divided by area as well: the Barra district along the coast offers new, hip luxury hotels, while Pelourinho holds the more antiquated hotels and pousadas, with wooden interiors and decorated facades. Pelourinho (Pelo, by the locals) is the historic, colonial area that has been nominated a UNESCO World Heritage site for its large collection of Baroque colonial architecture â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the largest in Latin America. Restored in the early 1990's, Pelo has become a famous attraction for visitors and locals alike, with its history,

September, 2011

beauty, famous Baroque churches, and a thriving nightlife that divides itself between the many restaurants, bars, clubs and music venues. Due to the dips and turns of the city streets, first-time visitors can easily become confused as streets end abruptly and often change names seemingly without warning. Good maps of Salvador are available at the Bahiatursa Tourist Office in Pelourinho. Many tours of the city are offered as well, of the historic Pelourinho, important museums, the history of Capoeira and practices, and many more! These will help you penetrate the Salvador and the Bahian culture much more deeply. And last, though definitely not least, there is the magnificent Carnaval in Salvador. This celebration has become quite the sensation, as well as a competitor to the original in Rio. The essential difference between the two is that in Salvador everyone participates. Salvador's Carnival has people dancing and singing right alongside the many parading blocos, while in Rio the activities are more observational. There are also many distinctly Salvadorian festivals held throughout the year, helping to form the opinion that in Bahia, even the smallest religious ceremony can be turned into a day-and-night-long celebration! Which, with the food and the laughter and the merriment, isn't anything to complain about. http://www.braziltravelinformation.com

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B r a z i l : S e n s a t i o n a l a n d Co l o r f u l

Destination

5 Great Places off the Beaten Track

B r a z i l : S e n s a t i o n a l a n d Co l o r f u l

Brazil boasts many instantly recognizable sights: the beaches of Rio, the dense jungle of the Amazon, the mighty Iguazu Falls and of course the Christ Redeemer statue, listed as one of the new 7 Wonders of the World. There is however much more to this vast land of natural and cultural contrasts. Most of Brazil remains relatively untouched by international tourism, and a visit to some of the lesser known places can be a hugely rewarding part of a Brazil adventure. Here are 5 such places that are well worth including in your plans. Fernanda do Noronha

This remote archipelago of 21 islands off the North East coast of Brazil is reached by air (daily flights from Recife and Natal). Fernanda do Noronha is a national marine reserve and has been awarded UNESCO World Heritage status. Great care has gone into managing the flow of visitors in order to minimize any impact on the pristine environment. The beaches here are truly breathtaking – wild, white, clean, framed by rugged cliffs and lapped by brilliant turquoise seas. Spinner dolphins are a treat to observe off-shore; take a boat trip to see these acrobatic creatures in action. Visit between August and December for diving and snorkeling. There are two sides of the character of Fernanda do Noronha; on the one hand the simplicity of some of the accommodation and the wonderful sense of freedom could suggest a bit of a backpacker feeling, yet there is no taking away from the feeling of luxury due to the sheer natural and wild beauty. It is a very September, 2011

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Destination

B r a z i l : S e n s a t i o n a l a n d Co l o r f u l

and levels of difficulty. You can enjoy day long walks among spectacular scenery far away from any town before a holistic massage, the perfect compliment for tired limbs. These are very popular in nearby San Jorge, thanks to its reputation as a place of energy and healing. Chapada dos Veadeiros is a perfect place to escape the often hectic pace of the 21st Century and to get back to nature. One of the biggest surprises to us is that Chapada dos Veadeiros is still a well-kept secret! Jericoacoara

special place and one that the Brazilian people consider their ‘jewel in the crown’. Many Brazilians dream of visiting this unique destination. Chapada dos Veadeiros

This national park is around 3.5 hours from Brasilia and is the geographical centre of Brazil. It is an area of fascinating rock formations carved over the years by the fast flowing rivSeptember, 2011

ers. Chapada dos Veadeiros is also a magnet for mystics who are attracted by what they claim are special powers within the crystal soil (there are also many rumored UFO appearances here). The gems can be found in much of the soil here and occasionally as you walk there will be a glint of light from a precious stone or crystal. The best way to explore the park is on foot and there are many walks of differing lengths

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Jericoacoara (or 'Jeri') is a small town on the north coast, around 4 hours bumpy drive from Fortaleza. Everything here is focused on the beach: football (of course!), people selling their wares, kite surfing and fisherman hoping to bring in the catch of the day. As the sun goes down, little carts arrive selling Caipirinhas as an outdoor concert gets going. Jeri is not for everyone as the accommodation is very simple and it can be busy (loud) in the evenings, though there is a definite feel of being in a very ‘real’ Brazilian beach area. It’s a ‘hippy’ and happy place and very free in spirit! The beach is the focal point and the big sand dune by the beach attracts almost everyone at sunset. People walk the heights and sit and enjoy watching the sunset; some sand-ski from the great height in front of a very excited audience while others continue to enjoy the waves far below and keep kite surfing until the light disappears.

Destination

B r a z i l : S e n s a t i o n a l a n d Co l o r f u l

area to visit and a real contrast to the popular images we see of Brazil. Guided tours are particularly recommended here as guides are often gemologists and can add a great depth to a visitor's experience. Chapada Diamantina

Minas Gerais

This was the scene of the world's first gold rush in the 18th century. What now remains are well-preserved colonial towns such as Ouro Preto, perfect for those with an interest in history, gemology or who enjoy taking pictures in a very photogenic location. The town of Triadentes, named after the leader who played a

September, 2011

role in achieving independence for Brazil, holds a major food festival annually where some of the World’s top chefs show their talents. Minas Gerais presents the visitor a different side to this vast country and adds variety to a traditional highlights tour. Minas Gerais has a well-deserved local reputation for excellent food. Meals are creative, fresh and plentiful using organic food – a real treat! It’s a quirky

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This beautiful remote spot is around 6 hours by local bus from Salvador. Chapada Diamantina offers kayaking, horseback riding and excellent hiking. Turquoise waters can be found weaving their way through pitch black caves which can be explored by snorkeling with a torch light. Stalagmites and stalactites of enormous size can be found in hidden caves giving a cathedral like impression; venture further into the caves (with guide) by torch light and hear just the sound of water droplets and silence! Chapada Diamantina is best explored from the small town of Lencois (pronounced lensoy-ss). Lencois is a tiny town built either side of a stepped waterfall that is wide enough to require a bridge and steep enough for the water to rush by in the wet season. The Hotel Canto das Aguas is built immediately alongside a stretch of the waterfall. Stay in a waterside room, and you'll have the rushing water as a lullaby to send you to sleep each night. The town is very friendly and the local people still remain fascinated with visitors, enjoying the chance to talk and exchange stories. By Lisa Rudkin and Andy Jarosz http://sunviltraveller.blogspot.com

Fairs & Exhibitions T ra v el / T o u ri s m

i n

S E P T E M B E R

2 0 1 1

b y

regi o n s

Fairs & Exhibitions

Western Europe

Se p t e m b e r , 2 0 1 1

Spoga and Gafa Location

Germany / Cologne

Start / End

04 September 2011 / 06 September 2011

Provider

Koelnmesse GmbH

Contact

visitor@spogagafa.de

Scandinavian Caravan Show Location

Sweden / Jönköping

Start / End

08 September 2011 / 11 September 2011

Provider

Elmia Fairs

Contact

linda@elmia.se

Nature

Caravan Salon Düsseldorf Location

Germany / Düsseldorf

Start / End

26 August 2011 / 04 September 2011

Provider

Messe Düsseldorf GmbH

Contact

info@messe-duesseldorf.de

AIEST Conference 2011

Location

Italy / Venice

Start / End

09 September 2011 / 11 September 2011

Provider

Veneziafiere S.p.A.

Contact

vefiere@veneziafiere.it

Dublin International Toy and Train Fair Location

Ireland / DUBLIN

Start / End

11 September 2011 / 11 September 2011

Provider

B + T TOY FAIRS INTERNATIONAL

Contact

briankelly-1@hotmail.com

Loisirexpo

Location

Spain / Barcelona

Location

France / Paris

Start / End

28 August 2011 / 01 September 2011

Start / End

13 September 2011 / 15 September 2011

AIEST

Provider

Comexposium

aiest@unisg.ch

Contact

mchandernagord@exposium.fr

Provider Contact

Speciality & Fine Food Fairs

Salons ce Paris Autom

Location

United Kingdom / London

Location

France / Paris

Start / End

04 September 2011 / 06 September 2011

Start / End

13 September 2011 / 15 September 2011

Provider

Fresh RM

Provider

Comexposium

Contact

info@freshrm.co.uk

Contact

aubagne@exposium.fr

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

— 65 —

Fairs & Exhibitions

Norvei Caravan & Fritid Location

Norway / Lillestrom

Start / End

15 September 2011 / 18 September 2011

Provider

Norges Varemesse

Contact

nv@messe.no

NBTA Europe Annual Conference: The 3 rd Dimension Location

Netherlands / Amsterdam

Start / End

19 September 2011 / 21 September 2011

Provider

NBTA Europe

Contact

paul.tilstone@nbtaeurope.org

International French Travel Market Top Resa Location

France / Paris - Porte de Versailles

Start / End

20 September 2011 / 23 September 2011

Provider

Reed Travel Exhibitions, Reed Exhibitions Companies

Contact

visiter@iftm.fr

The World Youth and Student Travel Conference

NoFrillsTravel Fiera di Bergamo Location

Italy / Bergamo

Start / End

23 September 2011 / 24 September 2011

Provider

NoFrills s.r.l.

Contact

info@nofrillsexpo.com

Züspa Location

Switzerland / Zurich

Start / End

23 September 2011 / 02 October 2011

Provider

MCH Swiss Exhibition (Zurich) Ltd.

Contact

messe-zuerich@messe-zuerich.com

21 th Universite dete du Tourisme Rural Location

France / Bergerac

Start / End

28 September 2011 / 30 September 2011

Provider

Source

Contact

com@source.asso.fr

Tourism and Social Media

Location

Spain / Palau, Catalunya

Location

United Kingdom / London

Start / End

20 September 2011 / 23 September 2011

Start / End

29 September 2011 / 29 September 2011

WYSEC

Provider

The Tourism Society

mail.box@wystc.org

Contact

gregory@tourismsociety.org

Provider Contact

Creativa Rouen Location

France / Rouen

Start / End

21 September 2011 / 25 September 2011

Provider

CPE Exhibition

Contact

comet@rouen-expo.com

Group Leisure & Travel Trade Show Location

United Kingdom / Birmingham

Start / End

21 September 2011 / 22 September 2011

Provider

YPL Exhibitions

Contact

emma.c@yandellmedia.com

Se p t e m b e r , 2 0 1 1

European Masters in Aesthetic & Anti-aging Medicine Location

France / Paris

Start / End

30 September 2011 / 01 October 2011

Provider

EuroMediCom

Contact

emaa@euromedicom.com

— 66 —

Fairs & Exhibitions

CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE

Se p t e m b e r , 2 0 1 1

ATLAS Annual Conference 2011 - Landscape

and tourism: The dualistic relationship

Location

Latvia / Valmiera

Start / End

21 September 2011 / 23 September 2011

Provider

ATLAS

Contact

info@atlas-euro.org

LUXURY Leisure 2011 Location

Russia / Moscow

Start / End

21 September 2011 / 24 September 2011

Provider

Euroexpo

Contact

e.kohlhauser@euroexpo-vienna.com

MIBEXPO Russia

World Travel Awards - Europe Gala Ceremony Location

Turkey / Antalya

Start / End

02 September 2011 / 02 September 2011

Provider

World Travel Awards

Contact

awards@worldtravelawards.com

Rest & Entertainment EXPO Location

Armenia / Yerevan

Start / End

16 September 2011 / 18 September 2011

Provider

LOGOS EXPO

Contact

registration@expo.am

My Planet Travel Awards Location

Russia / Moscow

Start / End

19 September 2011 / 19 September 2011

Provider

Eventica Ltd.

Contact

js@eventica.co.uk

Location

Russia / Moscow

Start / End

21 September 2011 / 23 September 2011

Provider

Euroexpo

Contact

mibexpo@euroexpo-vienna.com

International Travel Show TT Warsaw Tour & Travel Location

Poland / Warsaw

Start / End

22 September 2011 / 24 September 2011

Provider

Miedzynarodowe Targi Polska

Contact

info@mtpolska.com.pl

Primus Horeca Ukraine 2011 Location

Ukraine / Kiev

Start / End

27 September 2011 / 30 September 2011

Provider

Primus Exhibitions Group Limited

Contact

exhibitions@theprimus.com

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Fairs & Exhibitions

North America

Se p t e m b e r , 2 0 1 1

Florida Restaurant & Lodging Show Location

USA / Orlando, FL

Start / End

08 September 2011 / 10 September 2011

Provider

Reed Exhibitions USA

Contact

atencza@reedexpo.com

The TRADE (Travel Retailing and Destination

Expo) Show

Location

USA / Las Vegas, NV

Start / End

11 September 2011 / 14 September 2011

Provider

American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA)

Contact

asnider@astahq.com

Travel Advocacy Summit

HSMAI’s Affordable Meetings National Location

USA / Washington, DC

Start / End

07 September 2011 / 08 September 2011

Provider

HSMAI

Contact

affordablemeetings@jspargo.com

HSMAI’s Event Technology Expo Location

USA / Washington DC

Start / End

07 September 2011 / 08 September 2011

Provider

HSMAI

Contact

affordablemeetings@jspargo.com

La Cumbre Location

USA / Las Vegas

Start / End

07 September 2011 / 09 September 2011

Provider

Reed Travel Exhibitions

Contact

luz.yalj@reedlatam.com

Location

USA / Washington D.C.

Start / End

13 September 2011 / 14 September 2011

Provider

U.S. Travel Association

Contact

summit@ustravel.org

Ecotourism & Sustainable Tourism Conference 2011 Location

USA / Hilton Head Island, SC

Start / End

19 September 2011 / 21 September 2011

Provider

TIES

Contact

estc@ecotourism.org

Travel Distribution Summit North America Location

USA / Las Vegas

Start / End

19 September 2011 / 20 September 2011

Provider

Eyefortravel

Contact

marco@eyefortravel.com

— 68 —

Fairs & Exhibitions

Asia & Pacific

Se p t e m b e r , 2 0 1 1

Food & Hotel Thailand 2011 Location

Thailand / Bangkok

Start / End

13 September 2011 / 16 September 2011

Provider

Bangkok Exhibition Services Ltd

Contact

pmarch@oesallworld.com

The 7th International Travel Expo HCMC 2011 Location

Vietnam / Ho Chi Minh City

Start / End

14 September 2011 / 17 September 2011

Provider

IIR Exhibitions Pte Ltd

Contact

evylene.chua@iirx.com.sg

Food & Hotel Malaysia 2011

CIBTM - China Incentive, Business Travel & Meetings Exhibition

Location

Malaysia / Kuala Lumpur

Start / End

20 September 2011 / 23 September 2011

Provider

Malaysian Exhibition Services

Contact

enquiry@mesallworld.com

Astana Leisure Location

Kazakhstan / Astana

Start / End

27 September 2011 / 29 September 2011

Location

China / Beijing

Provider

Iteca ITE Group Plc

Start / End

30 August 2011 / 01 September 2011

Contact

astana@iteca.kz

Provider

Reed Travel Exhibitions

Contact

fiona.chappell@reedexpo.co.uk

Tourism and Events Excellence Conference 2011

WSDE: Sport Tourism Expo Location

Thailand / Bangkok

Australia / Melbourne, Victoria

Start / End

27 September 2011 / 29 September 2011

Start / End

05 September 2011 / 07 September 2011

Provider

WSDE Sport Tourism Expo

Provider

Victorian Tourism Industry Council

Contact

chris@sporttourismexpo.com

Contact

info@tonycharters.com

Location

PATA Travel Mart 2011

Food & Hotel Vietnam

Location

India / Pragati Maidan, New Delhi

Location

Vietnam / Ho Chi Minh City

Start / End

06 September 2011 / 09 September 2011

Start / End

28 September 2011 / 30 September 2011

Provider

PATA

Provider

Singapore Exhibition Services Pte Limited

Contact

europe@PATA.org

Contact

fhv@sesallworld.com

— 69 —

Fairs & Exhibitions

Se p t e m b e r , 2 0 1 1

JATA Tourism Forum & Travel Showcase Location

Japan / Tokyo

Start / End

29 September 2011 / 02 October 2011

Provider

Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA)

Contact

event@jata-net.or.jp

World Travel Awards - Asia & Australasia Gala Ceremony Location

Thailand / Bangkok

Start / End

29 September 2011 / 29 September 2011

Provider

World Travel Awards

Contact

awards@worldtravelawards.com

— 70 —

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Business

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