August 2010 Edition - Travel World News

AUGUST 2010

The Magazine for DestinationTravel Specialists

®

TRAVELSAVERS Celebrates 40th Anniversary in Grand Style

ATA Convenes in The Gambia for 35th Annual Congress

Îsles de la Madeleine The Canada You Probably Don’t Know (But Should)

ISSUE NO. 266

AUGUST 2010 executive office

28 Knight Street Norwalk, CT 06851-4707 Voice: 203.286.6679 • Fax: 203.286.6681 w e b s i t e

www.travelworldnews.com publisher

Charles Gatt, Jr. charlie@travelworldnews.com editor

Carol A. Petro editor@travelworldnews.com design production manager

Linda Rogers linda@travelworldnews.com

Maria Rebello • a c c o u n t i n g m a n a g e r Shawn Hebert • I T m a n a g e r Cindy Johnson • c i r c u l a t i o n m a n a g e r cruise editor

Michael Iachetta southeast regional correspondent

Joan Gonzalez

INDUSTRY EVENTS TRAVELSAVERS Celebrates 40th Anniversary in Grand Style

CALENDAR OF EVENTS INDUSTRY NEWS NORTH AMERICA Îsles de la Madeleine: The Canada You Probably Don’t Know (But Should)

4 9 10 12

INDUSTRY EVENTS/ TRAVELSAVER - page 4

EUROPE Malta – Island of Fragrances Easily Accessible From Major European Cities

20

FAM ANNOUNCEMENTS For complete and current list please visit: www.travelworldnews.com/fams

CARIBBEAN Dame Yvonne Maginley Receives CTO Lifetime Achievement Award Grand Case Beach Club Offers Fall Specials

24 26

New Anacaona Boutique Hotel Will Open on Anguilla

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NORTH AMERICA / CANADA - page 12

western regional correspondent

Connie Skoog contributing editors

Mona Birch • Ann Charles • Gail P. Dubov

MEXICO Grand Velas Resort Riviera Nayarit and Casa Velas Hotel Boutique Earn Impressive Awards

32

The Flamingo Hotel Cozumel Celebrates New Look with Agent Promo

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Judith Glynn • Barry Goldsmith • Peggy Hageman George Hairston • Al Haut • Marjorie Klein • Peter Lowy Nancy Marcantonio • Anita Mason

EUROPE / MALTA - page 20

D.O. Christian Rieger • Knox Robinson • Mary Ellen Schultz Helen Kitti Smith • Robin Swados • Diane Terry Travel World News (ISSN 1044-4602) is published monthly by Travel Industry Network, Inc., 28 Knight Street, Norwalk, CT 06851-4707. The cost of a subscription in the USA is $25, in Canada $40. For subscribers outside USA or Canada, the rate is $80. Please send check or money order in U.S. dollars payable to Travel World News. For change of address, please enclose your mailing label and send to: Circulation Department, Travel World News, 28 Knight Street, Norwalk, CT 06851-4707. Periodicals postage paid at Norwalk, CT, and additional mailing offices.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Travel World News, 28 Knight Street, Norwalk, CT 06851-4707. Address advertising inquiries and/or editorial copy to: Travel World News, 28 Knight Street, Norwalk, CT 06851-4707. Copyright 2010.

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All advertising in Travel World News is based on data submitted to the Publisher by the advertisers. The Publisher shall not be liable for the accuracy or inaccuracy of any information contained in Travel World News and shall not be liable, including but not limited to consequential or special damages, to any party for any products or services advertised or reported upon herein. The Publisher shall not be responsible for typographical errors. All information contained herein is subject to change without notice by the parties providing such products and services. The Publisher reserves the right to reject any advertising that has been submitted at his sole discretion. Upon providing a refund of any amount paid to the party whose submittal was rejected, the Publisher shall not have any liability to any party for such rejection.

LATIN AMERICA Metropolitan Touring Has Great Prices for ‘Islands of Fire’ Expeditions

35

Canodros Has Special for Family Vacations to Galapagos Aboard Explorer II

36

‘Machu Picchu on a Budget’ Presented by Tara Tours

38 AFRICA / ATA CONGRESS - page 39

AFRICA Africa Travel Association (ATA) Convenes for 35th Annual Congress

Design Travel & Tours Announces Four New Tours

39 41 42 44

Namibia Tourism Board’s First Tourism Academy Hosts International Travel Professionals

46

SAA and SAAV Expect Turnkey Travel from Cup Group IST Chosen by Ethiopian Airlines for Tours

AFRICA / SAA- page 41 COVER PHOTO CREDITS: Canada, Robin Swados

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INDUSTRY EVENTS

TRAVELSAVERS Celebrates 40th Anniversary in Grand Style New Brands Introduced, Top Agents Honored at Gala Global Conference in Boca Raton

W

ith over 900 in attendance, the “American Marketing Group’s Got Talent!” global conference held in June at Florida’s elegant five-star Boca Raton Resort & Club set the perfect stage for American Marketing Group to show off its organization’s talent.

The exclusive, entirely redesigned resort, now part of the prestigious Waldorf Astoria Collection, allowed participants to experience a full round of events, presentations, classes and breakout sessions during the International travel celebrity Samantha Brown from The Travel Channel entranced the audience. three-day event.

All 18 of the company’s travel brands from around the world medical costs, people are looking for alternative were represented. The most well-known were TRAVEL- solutions,” said Anne Marie Moebes, Executive Vice SAVERS—celebrating its 40th anniversary in the U.S. and its President of Well-Being Travel. “The time is right for the med10th in Canada, and with branches in Mexico, Israel, Ireland ical and travel industries to work together to provide conand the UK; NEST, the only marketing group dedicated ex- sumers with a consulting service that expertly manages all of clusively to home-based travel agents in the marketplace their medical travel needs around the world from one source. today; and TWIN, a global travel management company with Currently a $20-billion market, studies have predicted that an international network of leading travel agencies around medical tourism could reach $100 billion by 2012. The marthe world. Relative newcomers The Affluent Traveler ket opportunity is tremendous, and now is the time to tap this Collection, marketing group for luxury travel advisers, and trend.”

Acclaim Meetings, a meetings and events marketing group for travel agents and meeting planners, were also on the Corporate newcomers scene along with several travel technology and service comOn the corporate side, American Marketing Group unveiled panies.

Forte Business Travel Solutions. Offering fulfillment, staffing The big news at the event was the launch of a company and consulting solutions, Forte is ideal for travel agencies called Well-Being Travel, positioned as the go-to resource for that generate $5 million and up in gross annual sales and for medical travel. Having signed on Companion Global those wishing to venture into the business travel arena.

Healthcare as a preferred vendor, Well-Being Travel has cre- American Marketing Group’s President and CEO Rick ated a relationship for agents in the American Marketing Mazza commented that “Forte boosts the agencies’ presence Group agency groups (TRAVELSAVERS, NEST, TWIN, or and sales in the corporate travel sector while controlling The Affluent Traveler Collection) to access—a credible source many of their fixed costs.” for handling the medical travel needs of clients. Companion American Marketing Group also announced that its Global Healthcare, which has strong relationships with lead- TRAVELSAVERS Worldwide Independent Network (TWIN) ing hospitals and doctors around the world, oversees the signed on international agency KTS France, giving the orgamedical arrangements. Referring travel agents, who have nization a business and leisure travel presence in France, long-term relationships with hoteliers and airlines, handle Lebanon and Oman and increasing its Middle East presence the travel arm of the transactions. after adding Dubai’s Al Tayer Travel Agency and Abu Dhabi“With health care reform in the U.S. further driving up based Salem Travel last year.

4 • AUGUST 2010

www.travelworldnews.com • Travel World News

INDUSTRY EVENTS Presentations, entertainment Samantha Brown, international celebrity from The Travel Channel, hosted the “American Marketing Group’s Got Talent!� event. She gave an inspiring presentation with many entertaining personal stories. She talked about the growing consumer trend of having meaningful travel experiences that enrich one’s life. And she reminded travel agents of their critical role in helping consumers realize those travel dreams. Samantha said that her main message to the world is that anyone and everyone can travel these days, and there’s so much to be learned by visiting new places and cultures.

One of the highlights of the conference was “The View Presidential Roundtable.� Moderated by Mike Driscoll (Publisher of Cruise Week), this panel of some of the industry’s top brass included Scott Nesbit, President of Globus Family of Brands; Steve Gorga, President, Travel Impressions; Dan Hanrahan, President, Celebrity Cruises; Torstein Hagen, President, Viking River Cruises; Chris Rossi, Senior Vice President, North America, Virgin Atlantic Airways; and Travis Christ, President and Managing Director, The Americas, Travelport GDS). Hanrahan commented that the worst of the recession may be over and consumers are beginning to travel again. Christ pointed out to the travel agent audience that there’s a growing market of consumers “who are willing to pay for your valuable service and that’s a good sign for your business going forward.�

Also popular was the “I Love You More Than My Dog� presentation given by author and keynote speaker Jeanne Bliss.

She shared proven strategies that agents could take back to their offices and use to energize customer relations.

Education and Insight Attendees took full advantage of a program of breakout educational tracks that ran throughout the event offering insights on marketing, business development, agency operations, social media, the affluent niche, and meetings and conventions. Among the leading industry speakers partici-

pating were Nolan Burris, Mike Marchev, Bob Stalbaum, Bob Coakley, Stuart Cohen, Dave Stockert, Paula Hayes, Debi Scholar and Marilyn Macallair. In addition, participants had the opportunity to receive CLIA accreditation at special trainings.

Participants also met face-to-face with travel suppliers at American Marketing Group’s largest trade show to date.

Preferred suppliers from every travel sector around the world were represented.

At the elegant “Evening with the Starsâ€? gala, the group’s top-producing travel agents received awards. Honors went to Andrew Bonichi and George Barnett of Touraid Travel Inc. (TRAVELSAVERS U.S.), David Craig of Craig Canadian Group (TRAVELSAVERS Canada), Enrique Stern of Viajes Polanco (TRAVELSAVERS Mexico), Jim Vaughan of JustSplit.com (TRAVELSAVERS Ireland), and Peter Stilphen of Coral Sands Travel (NEST). “We’re so proud to say that these agents are the best of the best, the crème de la crème,â€? said Kathryn Mazza-Burney, Executive Vice President of Sales and Service at TRAVELSAVERS and President of NEST. “These are the agents who have risen to the top by providing their clients with the best travel products at the best prices.

Because they take the time to build relationships with their clients, they are known for delivering travel experiences that satisfy.�

As the theme suggests, the “American Marketing Group’s Got Talent!� conference showcased the unique professional and personal talent of the entire American Marketing Group network. The successes of travel agents, suppliers and staff were celebrated in grand style.

Because of the overwhelmingly positive response from agents and suppliers, following the conference American Marketing Group announced plans to hold its global conference every other year now instead of every five years. The next event will take place in 2012 with a destination soon to be revealed.

TRAVELSAVERS, 800-366-9895, www.travelsavers.com

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THE WAY TO GO GLOBETROTTING

5

INDUSTRY EVENTS MIDWEST’S VACATION WORLD EXPO WILL TAKE PLACE OCTOBER 15–17

encourage agents and meeting planners to walk the entire show and attend various sessions. Completed Passports will be required for prize giveaways.

A nominal admission fee of $10 includes Trade Exhibits, Educational Seminars, Travel Presentations, Expert Panel Discussions, Discount Parking and a Show Directory.

Bring-a-Buddy is a special program that allows potential attendees to bring an associated travel agent free of charge if pre-registered prior to August 15, 2010.

Expo Media, info@vacationworldexpo.com, www.vacationworldexpo.com

UNICOMM LLC AND TRAVEL WITH SPIRIT LAUNCH NEW FAITH TRAVEL CONFERENCE & EXPOSITION

Vacation World Expo, the Midwest Travel Trade Show & Conference, will be held October 15–17, 2010, at Crowne Plaza O’Hare in Rosemont, Illinois. The three-day show will bring together travel suppliers, qualified travel retailers, corporate incentive buyers, meeting planners and mass media exposure—at very affordable exhibiting and attending costs.

Managed by Expo Media, the original producer of the International Adventure Travel Expo in New York City and San Francisco, its ad campaign will encompass prominent travel publications including Travel Agent Central, Recommend, Travel World News, Chicago Tribune, Successful Meetings, plus the Midwest edition of the Wall Street Journal and Crain’s Chicago Business.

Other avenues will include direct mail via Dun & Bradstreet, eblasts, web banners, travel calendar listings, e-Travel Grams, eTravel News, V.I.P. Ticket Distribution, FAM News, all the national and international CVBs, and online with Google, Yahoo and the show’s own website. Supporting organizations thus far are NACTA, Midwest Travel Suppliers Association, OSSN, Chicago Tourism Council, Adventure Travel Association, MPI and SATH. Show hours are Friday, October 15, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

(V.I.P.Trade); and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday (Expo/Seminars) and Sunday (Expo/Seminars).

A standard exhibit space is $995; sponsor packages are $1,695 and $1,995. All space applications received by September 1 include either a two-night hotel room stay at the Crowne Plaza O’ Hare or a complimentary full-page color ad in the travel show directory—$250 value.

Exhibitors are encouraged to present a seminar or information session (Time slots are limited, so prospective speakers are encouraged to apply early.). An Expo Passport will be distributed to 6 • AUGUST 2010

Over 300 million participate in religious travel annually and faith-based travel is one of the fastest growing group segments in the U.S. This $18-billion industry has inspired an annual event jointly produced by Unicomm LLC and Travel with Spirit to convene group leaders, ministry organizations, and fundraising professionals booking group travel who want to connect with leading domestic and international destinations and suppliers.

The inaugural Faith Travel Conference & Exposition is set for May 19–20, 2011, in the Bible Belt’s Atlanta, Georgia. It’s expected to draw thousands of planners and 150 destinations and suppliers.

It will blend informative sessions offering tools and best practices to develop effective mission, outreach, and retreat group travel program, along with insightful keynotes from influential Christian pastors and leaders who have embraced the positive effect of travel on church ministries. There will be content geared toward exhibitors looking to expand or launch faith-travel divisions within their companies.

The event will take also advantage of the increase in leisure and fellowship vacations. “More and more ministries are using group travel as an ideal tool for binding congregations and deepening fellowship; there is a tremendous opportunity for destinations, cruise and tour operators to tap in to this rapidly increasing market,” said John Golicz, Unicomm’s CEO. “Attendees will have the opportunity to meet top travel destination experts and learn best practices to provide their ministries with the most rewarding group travel programs.”

“Faith-based travel isn’t a new concept, but in the last five years the movement has matured,” said Honnie Korngold, host and editor of Travel with Spirit Television and Magazine and Faith Travel Conference & Expo Conference Chairperson. “This is a ‘don’t miss’ event for those who want to develop business relationships and sustain their presence in the booming inspirational travel market.”

Unicomm LLC, mflavin@unicomm.org; www.unicomm.org; Travel with Spirit, www.travelwithspirit.com www.travelworldnews.com • Travel World News

INDUSTRY EVENTS CHTA TO HOST SMALL HOTELS RETREAT, TASTE OF THE CARIBBEAN CONCURRENTLY SEPTEMBER 9-12 IN PUERTO RICO The Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association (CHTA), in conjunction with the Puerto Rico Tourism Company (PRTC), the Puerto Rico Hotel and Tourism Association (PRHTA) and the Puerto Rico Convention Bureau (PRCB) will present two of its annual events concurrently. The Small Hotels Retreat will take place September 9–11, while the Taste of the Caribbean culinary event and competition is set for September 9–12, 2010. Both will be held at the Rio Mar Beach Resort, A Wyndham Grand Resort in Rio Grande, Puerto Rico.

The Small Hotels Retreat, “Serving the Needs of Small & Independent Hoteliers,” is primarily for hotels consisting of 75 rooms or less however, it is open to all CHTA members.

Registration fee is $200 for hoteliers, $325 non-hoteliers. Day passes are available to hoteliers for $125 per day for September 10 and 11. Registration includes access to most of the Taste of the Caribbean events with the exception of the Individual Awards Breakfast and closing gala dinner. Sponsorship packages at $4,850 include many value-added benefits. Sponsors include Forum Telecom, Green Globe, Interval International, MasterCard, RCI and STR. The other event, Taste of the Caribbean, provides education through seminars, workshops, tastings and demonstrations created to enhance performance, style and profitability in food and beverage operations. Teams and individuals compete for Caribbean Team of the Year, Caribbean Chef of the Year, Caribbean Pastry Chef of the Year and Caribbean Bartender of the Year.

The registration fee for hoteliers and food and beverage delegates is $200 for hoteliers and food and beverage delegates and $325 for all other member categories. The fee includes access to seminars and discussions taking place as part of the Small Hotels Retreat program. Sponsors of Taste of the Caribbean include Bahama Breeze and Albert Uster Imports. Those interested in sponsorship should contact Gabi Doria for details.

This year, CHTA will offer a combined tradeshow for delegates attending the Small Hotels Retreat and Taste of the Caribbean.

Exhibitors who specialize in serving the smaller hospitality arena have the opportunity to promote products and services to decisionmaking hoteliers. For delegates attending Taste of the Caribbean, the tradeshow provides a one-stop forum for gathering practical information, sampling, purchasing, strengthening established supplier relationships and meeting new vendors who are on-hand to help registrants build their food and beverage business as well as yield benefits for their bottom line. Rates for a tabletop display are $750, plus $150 per exhibitor delegate registration.

A special group rate of $139 per night (single or double) plus an 11-percent government tax and 14-percent resort fee has been arranged at the Rio Mar Beach Resort, A Wyndham Grand Resort for participants of both events.

Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association (CHTA), gabi@caribbeanhotelandtourism.com, www.caribbeanhotelandtourism.com Travel World News • www.travelworldnews.com

AUGUST 2010 •

7

INDUSTRY EVENTS MITM EUROMED HELD IN LLORET DE MAR, SPAIN

LUXURY TRAVEL EVENT BLOSSOM JAPAN IN TOKYO NEXT JANUARY

The fourteenth edition of MITM Euromed, Meetings and Incentive Travel Market, took place in Lloret de Mar, Spain, with 22 countries participating. Congresses, conferences, events and incentive travel organizers came from Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Denmark, Egypt, Germany, France, Greece, Hungary, India, Italy, Lithuania, Netherlands, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Spain, Sweden, Ukraine and the United States.

MITM received more than 200 requests from congress and events organizers to participate, a number of which were not able to come because of the trade show’s format, which limits the number of participants. In total, MITM had 250 participants.

Previous MITM events were celebrated in Seville, Salerno, Genoa, Vigo, Lisbon, Marrakech, Marbella, Tunisia, Nice, Prague and Cologne. Lloret de Mar attracted MITM exhibiting companies from 10 countries: Albania, Andorra, Croatia, Finland, Jordan, Malta, Poland, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.

At MITM more than 2,000 meetings between exhibitors and buyers were completed, estimated to generate business to Lloret of close to 12,630,000 dollars in stays, restaurants, excursions, shopping, and more in future incentives, congresses, conferences and events groups.

GSAR Marketing, charo.trabado@gsamark.com, www.mitmevents.com

Blossom Japan, the dedicated invitation-only event for the luxury travel industry, is arriving January 18 next year in Tokyo.

“I would like to congratulate Blossom Japan on its initiative to create this amazing showcase and bring it to fruition,” says Francois J. Cnockaert, the General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo, one of the four host hotels for the event. The others are Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Marunouchi, and Shangri-La Hotel and Imperial Hotel in Tokyo.

Each year in April, Japanese travel agencies produce the Shimoki Brochure; their most important piece of marketing material aimed at the summer traveler. “The role we want Blossom Japan to play is to be the ideal platform for buyers and sellers to forge solid relationships.

Having the event in January is just the perfect timing to get ready for an incredible new season ahead. Sellers looking for a return on investment could definitely see returns in less than three months. This is quite a unique opportunity,” says Jay Martens, CEO of Lucioles.

Blossom Japan will create a platform for exhibitors to interact with the luxury travel buyers and unique lifestyle providers that serve the Japanese HNWI. The invitation-only event will be held January 18–21, 2011. It will commence with a full-day conference followed by a three-day exhibition at the Tokyo International Forum.

Blossom Japan, www.blossomjapan.com

8 • AUGUST 2010

www.travelworldnews.com • Travel World News

CALENDAR OF EVENTS • 2010/2011 DATE EVENT LO SEPTEMBER 8-10 La Cumbre 8-10 Ecotourism & Sustainable Tourism Conf.

9-11 CHTA Small Hotels Retreat 13-25 The Trade Show 14-17 PATA Travel Mart 2010 16-19 FITE 2010 19-21 16th World Route Development Forum 19-22 Texas Travel Summit 21-24 Travel Media Showcase 22-24 TravelMart Latin America 21-24 MATIW/Leisure 2010 23-26 FITA 2010 24-26 ExpoMa 2010 27-28 Travel + Destination Symposium 28-30 Astana Intl. Travel & Tourism Exhibition OCTOBER 4-7 Adventure Travel World Summit 2010 6-8 Ukraine International Travel Market 6-8 MITM Americas 2010 6-8 PRHTA 24th Annual Convention 8-9 20105th Intl. Silk Road Network Meeting 8-10 CATM 2010 12-14 The Motivation Show 13-15 Cancun Travel Mart 13-18 2010 IGLTA Symposium 15-17 Vacation World Expo 16-17 New York Metro Travel & Adventure Show 20-22 ABAV 2010 20-22 Discover America Pavilion at ABAV 2010 20-22 ITB Asia 20-22 Discover America Pavilion at ITB Asia 2010 22-24 TTG Incontri 22-24 Discover America Pavilion at TTG Incontri 2010 22-24 Montreal International Tourism and Travel Show 23-24 Travel & Adventure Show 25-27 ATS Conference NOVEMBER 5-8 Taipei International Travel Fair (ITF) 8-11 World Travel Market 2010 8-11 Discover America Pavilion at WTM 2010 13-17 NTA Convention 17-20 DEMA 2010 18-20 Global Tourism Industry Expo 18-21 Philoxenia 18-21 CITM 2010 18-21 Discover America Pavilion at CITM 2010 30-Dec 2 EIBTM 2010 30-Dec 2 Discover America Pavilion at EIBTM 2010 30-Dec 2 Seatrade MED DECEMBER 6-9 ILTM 2010 10-12 USTOA Annual Conference & Marketplace

JANUARY 2011 11-16 Vakantiebeurs 15-16 Travel & Adventure Show 16-18 Caribbean Marketplace 2011 18-21 Blossom Japan 19-23 FITUR 2011 20-23 Matka 20-23 ITF SlovakiaTour 27-30 Tourism & Leisure Show 29-30 Travel & Adventure Show TO LIST YOUR EVENTS EMAIL : editor@travelworldnews.com • Travel World News • www.travelworldnews.com

FOR

CATION

CONTACT

San Diego, CA Portland, OR Rio Grande, Puerto Rico Las Vegas, NV Macau SAR China Guayaquil, Ecuador Vancouver, BC, Canada Galveston, TX Irvine, CA Lima, Peru Moscow, Russia Mexico City, Mexico Quepos, Costa Rica Palm Springs, CA Astana, Kazakhstan

www.lacumbre.com www.ecotourism.org/estc2010 www.caribbeanhotelandtourism.com www.thetradeshow.com www.pata.org www.fite.info www.routesonline.com www.ttia.org www.travelmediashowcase.com www.travelmartlatinamerica.com www.tourismexpo.ru/en www.fita2010.com www.expomanuelantonio.com www.adventureexpo.com www.ite-exhibitions.com

Aviemore, Scotland Kiev, Ukraine Quito, Ecuador San Juan, Puerto Rico Samarkand, Uzbekistan Guatemala City, Guatemala Chicago, IL Cancun, Mexico Beirut, Lebanon Chicago, IL Seacaucus, NJ Rio de Janerio, Brazil Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Singapore Singapore Rimini, Italy Rimini, Italy Montreal, Quebec, Canada Dallas, TX Pristina, Kosovo

www.adventuretravelworldsummit.com www.autoexpo.ua www.gsamark.com www.prhta.org www.unwto.org/silkroad www.catm2010guatemala.com www.motivationshow.com www.cancuntravelmart.com www.beirut2010.com www.vacationworldexpo.com www.adventureexpo.com www.feiradasamericas.com.br/en/ www.discoveramericapavilion.com www.messe-berlin.de www.discoveramericapavilion.com www.ttgincontri.it www.discoveramericapavilion.com www.montreal-travelguide.com www.adventureexpo.com www.americantourismsociety.org

Taipei London, England London, England Montreal, Quebec, Canada Las Vegas, NV Rome, Italy Thessalonika, Greece Shanghai, China Shanghai, China Barcelona, Spain Barcelona, Spain Cannes, France

www.taipeiitf.org.tw/ www.wtmlondon.com www.discoveramericapavilion.com www.ntaonline.com www.demashow.com www.gtiexpo.it www.philoxenia.travel www.citm.com www.discoveramericapavilion.com www.eibtm.com www.discoveramericapavilion.com www.cruiseshippingmiami.com

Cannes, France New Orleans, LA

www.reedexpo.co.uk www.ustoa.com

Utrecht, The Netherlands www.vakantiebeurs.nl Santa Clara, CA www.adventureexpo.com Montego Bay, Jamaica www.caribbeanhotelandtourism.com Tokyo, Japan www.blossomjapan.com Madrid Spain www.fituronline.com Helsinki, Finland www.matkamessut.fi Bratislava, Slovak Republic www.incheba.sk Ljubljana, Slovenia www.tourism-fair.com Chicago, IL www.adventureexpo.com ADDITIONAL EVENTS VISIT: www.travelworldnews.com/calendar AUGUST 2010 •

9

INDUSTRY NEWS THOMAS STANLEY APPOINTED COO AND CENTRE HEAD OF COX & KINGS USA Cox and Kings India Ltd. has named Thomas Stanley its Chief Operating Officer and Centre Head for Cox & Kings USA. With over 25 years in the industry, Stanley brings a breadth of knowledge and global experience. He possesses a deep understanding of the luxury market and intimate business and tourism perspectives in Asia, Africa, the Middle East and South America.

“I have a personal belief that travel should be deeply experiential,” said Stanley. “It’s not just about seeing, but about learning and coming away with a strong emotional connection with a destination. The experiences provided by Cox & Kings are designed to enable meaningful interactions between the traveler and the destination, providing the most satisfactory of travel experiences. I look to continue to advance this principle in cultivating the next generation of Cox & Kings travelers.”

THOMAS STANLEY Most recently, Stanley worked with various companies including tour operators, small cruise lines and Internet companies, devising operations, marketing and sales strategies. He has served as President of Travcoa and Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Trafalgar Tours, as well as holding positions with Mountain Travel + Sobek, Inc., Private Jet Expeditions and Safari.net Ltd./Unexplored.com.

Remarkably, Stanley has visited or worked in 140 countries to date.

Cox & Kings Travel, www.coxandkingsusa.com

DELTA WELCOMES TAROM INTO SKYTEAM ALLIANCE Delta Air Lines has welcomed Romania’s flag carrier, TAROM, as the newest member of the SkyTeam global airline alliance. With TAROM’s entrance, Delta customers immediately gain the ability to earn and redeem SkyMiles on TAROM flights, as well as access to 11 additional destinations not offered by other SkyTeam airlines including: Iasi, Cluj-Napoca, Constanta and Timisoara, Romania and Chisinau, Moldova.

“Improving our customers’ access to important commercial regions in Europe continues to be a key focus for SkyTeam,” said Delta CEO Richard Anderson. “The addition of Romania’s national airline to SkyTeam adds a number of destinations unique to our alliance and strengthens our presence within Central and Eastern Europe by building on the comprehensive networks already offered by our SkyTeam partners Aeroflot and Czech Airlines.”

Delta customers traveling to Romania already benefit from numerous travel options thanks to Delta’s joint venture with Air FranceKLM and codeshare agreement with SkyTeam partner, Czech Airlines. Passengers may connect to Bucharest on flights operated by Air France and KLM on a single codeshare ticket from cities throughout Delta’s U.S. network via Paris CDG and Amsterdam Schiphol or Prague. Additionally, for customers traveling on a SkyTeam round-the-world pass, TAROM operates service to a further 17 trans-Atlantic destinations served nonstop by Delta to the United States, offering greater choice and flexibility when planning itineraries.

Delta Air Lines, www.delta.com; SkyTeam, www.skyteam.com

SHELBY FINANCIAL COLLABORATES WITH FIRST NIAGARA TO OFFER ENHANCED TRAVEL INDUSTRY SERVICES Shelby Financial Corporation and First Niagara Bank have announced a new collaborative effort to streamline travel escrow and financial services. Utilizing First Niagara Bank for its depository and trust services, Shelby Financial will provide tour operators and air carriers with innovative escrow solutions that reduce expenses and increase marketability through accessible online information to support travel industry providers.

Under the agreement Shelby Financial Corporation will provide the escrow accounting systems, as well as online access to passenger and tour information through its web-based escrow accounting system. First Niagara Bank will ensure all deposited funds are safely protected and prepared to be dispensed according to US Department of Transportation regulations.

Shelby Financial Corporation also introduced a new suite of travel industry financial services aimed at travel agents, tour operators, brokers, and air carriers. The new services provide travel industry financial services that meet the depository, escrow, and surety needs of travel industry providers.

In addition, Shelby Financial has announced the Travel Money Protection Plan, an escrow program for travelers’ prepaid funds to provide a higher level of security for travelers. Travel Money Protection Plan gives discriminating travel providers both excellent process controls and a flexible system to support their financial services goals—all while reducing expenses,” said Doug Kennedy, Product Manager of Shelby Financial Corporation. “We have found that travel providers do not want complex services that are expensive and difficult to administer. Our goal is to change that situation,” said Kennedy.

Shelby Financial Corporation, www.shelbyfinancialcorp.com 10 • AUGUST 2010

www.travelworldnews.com • Travel World News

INDUSTRY NEWS SKÅL INTERNATIONAL NEW YORK LAUNCHES YOUNG SKÅL The New York City chapter of Skål International, the largest organization of travel professionals in the world, launched Young Skål at a recent luncheon. Young Skål will give students and young professionals in the tourism industry, who are between the ages of 20 and 29, the opportunity to participate in the international network of Skål, which includes over 25,000 members in 500 cities and 80 countries. James Sorrell, President of Skål International NY and Senior Vice President of New York TAB, urged NY Skål members to “invest in the future of the club and industry” by recruiting pro(Left to right) James Sorrell, Senior Vice President at New York TAB fessionals for Young Skål. Young Skålleagues, when qualified or on and President of Skål International NY; Judi Stern, professor in the their 35th birthday, will automatically graduate to active memberTourism and Hospitality Department at Kingsborough Community ship in Skål, ensuring a continuous supply of new and young memCollege/CUNY and Chairperson of Young Skål; Sarah McHeffey, bers in the club. “Young Skål members may participate in Skål acAccount Executive at the Bradford Group and inaugural Young Skål member; and Karen Hoffman, President of the Bradford Group and a tivities, network with Skål members and gain valuable professional Young Skål Committee member. experience and training,” said Judi Stern, professor in the Tourism and Hospitality Department at Kingsborough Community College/CUNY and Chairperson for the Young Skål Committee.

Young Skål, judistern@gmail.com; NY Skål, jsorrell@nytab.com, www.nyskal.com

IGLTA ANNOUNCES ITS BOARD OF DIRECTORS FOR 2010-2011 The IGLTA membership has elected a new Board of Directors in voting which took place over the course of 45 days from May to June.

The new board was announced during IGLTA’s Annual Gala Dinner in Antwerp.

The new nine-member board that was chosen is listed as follows: Tanya Churchmuch, Chair (Girlports.com, Tourisme Montréal); Theresa Belpulsi, Vice Chair (Destination DC); George Carrancho, Treasurer (American Airlines); Cordey Lash, Secretary (Intercontinental Hotel Group); Bryan Herb, Past Chair, Board Member (Zoom Vacations); Darren Cooper, Board Member (Out Now Consulting, Beige Magazine; Jeff Guaracino, Board Member (Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation; Mya Lake Reyes, Board Member (Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority); and Steve Smith, Board Member (Key West Business Guild).

IGLTA, www.iglta.org

AMAWATERWAYS FLEET EXPANDS TO 12 LUXURIOUS SHIPS AMAWATERWAYS expanded its fleet with the launch of the 162-passenger MS AMABELLA this year. The line’s fleet now numbers 12 luxurious vessels.

The new ship has staterooms averaging 214 square feet and exclusive double balconies. Features include an intimate chef’s table restaurant that seats just 24 and has its own private chef, a library with fireplace, and a swimming pool. The vessel also offers an upgraded ‘Infotainment’ system, offering complimentary high-speed Internet access and complimentary first-run Hollywood movies and classic films. As with their others on the Danube, Rhine, Main and Mosel, the entire vessel has complimentary Wi-Fi. AMABELLA joins AMADOLCE, AMALYRA, AMADANTE, AMACELLO, AMALEGRO and AMADAGIO, launched in recent years with pioneering concepts such as French balconies, complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks with dinner and a fleet of bicycles for passenger use. These new ships are part of an ongoing multimillion-dollar investment involving state-of-the-art design. In 2011 the line will launch MS AMAVERDE in Europe, a sister ship to MS Amabella.

In Southeast Asia, the new MS AMALOTUS will join the MS La Marguerite, which debuted on the Mekong River as part of the new ‘Vietnam, Cambodia and the Riches of the Mekong’ itinerary. The AMALOTUS will feature 226-square-foot deluxe staterooms with all the amenities of a fine hotel. All suites and staterooms offer outside accommodations; over 82 percent feature balconies. Junior suites provide an extra spacious 290 square feet of space and suites.

Like La Marguerite, AMALOTUS will sail seven-night Mekong river cruises from Siem Reap, Cambodia to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

On the Volga-Baltic Waterway, the completely refurbished MS AMAKATARINA will launch in the spring of 2011. Guests on the culture-rich cruise from Moscow to St. Petersburg will have a choice of 10 different stateroom categories, including four different suite categories and accommodations up to 432 square feet. A total of 76 staterooms aboard AMAKATARINA include balconies, and the lavishly appointed vessel will include an alternative restaurant, conference hall, sauna and solarium.

AMAWATERWAYS also continues its Provence & Spain program featuring a seven-night cruise from Lyon to Arles on the elegant MS Swiss Pearl.

AMAWATERWAYS, 800-626-0126, www.amawaterways.com Travel World News • www.travelworldnews.com

AUGUST 2010 •

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NORTH AMERICA

Îsles de la Madeleine: The Canada You Probably Don’t Know (But Should) Kaleidoscopic variety of homes dots a small archipelago in Quebec.

R O B I N S WA D O S ROBIN SWADOS

A dazzling array of colors characterizes the houses on Les Îsles de la Madeleine.

I

f the notion of getting away from it all without going terribly far away, of escaping to a small group of islands strewn with sandy white beaches, rugged cliffs, gently rolling mountains and bustling fishing ports without having to suffer the expense or overcrowding of Cape Cod or Martha’s Vineyard, you might wish to advise your clients to head up to Canada’s Magdalen Islands, known in their native language as les Îsles de la Madeleine, located a few hours north of Quebec City. Getting to this small archipelago in the Gulf of St. Lawrence requires a bit of patience and a few short plane rides—the bulk of which don’t even require deplaning—but the payoff is a big one. Stepping off the plane at the Îsles de la Madeleine airport is a little akin to Dorothy first arriving in Oz: it leaves the first-time visitor feeling as if they’ve left behind a world of black and white, suddenly embraced by brisk but gentle breezes, abundant sunshine, crystal-clear skies, and a landscape dotted with houses ranging from the simple to the very grand, many of which have been painted in an eye-popping variety of colors, the likes of which you may never have seen before. Driving around the island or simply standing on a bluff overlooking one of its lovely bays, it’s tempting to think that the colors of the houses might have been part of some grand plan, but the truth is far less complicated: the color scheme of many of the homes scattered across the islands are the by-product of the colors of the boats belonging to the fishermen who live in them, having used the same paint for their homes as they do for their boats.

The result is unpretentious, visually ravishing, and—for those in search of it—flooded with romance.

The Magdalen Islands actually comprise nine small islands, as well as a smattering of islets that can also be explored. With a land area of less than 80 square miles, the islands are easily navigated by car, motor scooter, or even bicycle. Centuries ago, native Americans visited the islands to harvest its abundant walrus population; now long gone, the walruses have been replaced by seals, and the islands are also home to more

12 • AUGUST 2010

than 250 different species of birds, including the endangered Piping Plover and Roseate Tern. Some of the islands’ populations of approximately 13,000 people are direct descendants of the survivors of more than 400 shipwrecks, but numerous lighthouses have since been built, although many old hulks still survive on the beaches and under the waters.

A Wealth of Activities Although fishing—especially for lobsters and mussels—is the primary industry on the islands, tourism comes in a close second, and in this regard, there are more activities available to tourists than one can count, among them hiking, bicycle camping, sea kayaking, windsurfing and kite surfing. Even during a one-week stay on the islands, it would be difficult to fit them all in—a pity, since they are all fun, challenging, and rewarding, no matter one’s degree of experience. At Aerosport, for example, 2001 world snow kiting champion Eric Marchand, who opened the first kite surfing school in Canada in 1998, offers multi-level classes in kite surfing—a combination of surfing in the water and using a kite to sweep you along—as well as in kite buggying, in which the use of a large kite is used to power a buggy around the beach, and sea kayaking, in which the visitor is allowed to explore the shore and the cliffs that border it without the use of motors, engines, or fuels, typical of nearly all the islands’ activities, which focus on exploring the environment while also protecting and respecting it.

Aerosport, 866-986-6677, www.aerosport.ca For an activity of a really different sort, a visit to Vert et Mer (Green and Sea) won’t be easily forgotten. Located in the Arsènes valley on the island of Cap-aux-Meules, sheltered from the wind, and reachable only by a gentle hike up an unpaved road into the pine-scented woods, this outfit offers one of the more unusual places to stay: a group of yurts—tentlike dwellings consisting of a cylindrical wall of poles in a lattice arrangement with a conical roof of poles, both covered by felt www.travelworldnews.com • Travel World News

NORTH AMERICA

Unusual Places to Visit Lest you might think the Magdalen Islands are little more than a hub of physical activity, it’s also a fun place to shop, with many quaint and fascinating stores that contain locally made jewelry, mementos, and clothing (the fishermen’s shirts Travel World News • www.travelworldnews.com

ROBIN SWADOS

or skins. Vert et Mer offers beds and mattresses, sanitary services and solar showers, wood stoves (including wood), kitchens with propane cookers, sink and cook kits, an outdoor barbecue and campfire site, drinking water, and propane lanterns (BYOB, please). Prices range from $95 a day to $400 for six nights. Vert et Mer offers a unique combination of nature and cuisine through its trip by sea kayak at sunset (accompanied by professional guides), followed by a sumptuous dinner of crab and fresh local products. Among other activities, Vert et Mer also offers day-long expeditions with exclusive access to the Brion Island Ecological Reserve, which hosts less than 100 visitors a year. All in all, a very cool and unforgettable way to be at one with nature.

Vert et Mer, www.vertetmer.com For those on a budget, the wonderful Parc du Gros Cap offers an incredibly economical place to stay both for young people in search of a youth hostel and for couples needing a bedroom (complete with double bed) without the added cost of luxurious surroundings—which is not to say that the accommodations at this auberge aren’t both immaculate and sparklingly clean. In addition to offering indoor accommodations, the park is also a campground with 100 places for people to stay. Immediately adjacent to a sandy beach, the site offers wireless Internet, free shower and laundry, and a grocery, restaurant and fish market nearby. Director Frédéric Côté is also a friendly, highly experienced instructor in sea kayaking, offering tours ranging from one-on-one to groups to threehour tours and two-day expeditions. The 27 private and shared rooms at the auberge include a self-service kitchen and range from $27 to $50 a night for couples occupying one room—a bargain by anyone’s standards.

Parc du Gros Cap, 800-986-4505, www.parcdegroscap.ca La Salicorne is a lovely resort with beautiful rooms overlooking two different bays. It has a wonderful restaurant (reservations necessary) serving fresh fish—in particular beautiful, large lobsters caught that morning—and local produce. Under the direction of Robert St-Onge, La Salicorne is also a campsite, with 23 spots, seven of which come equipped with toilets and electricity. Most important, it is also home to a wonderful variety of day activities that include—depending on one’s age (minimum 14) and experience—cave explorations, mud baths, bird watching and geological expeditions, shell fishing (and making what you’ve caught for dinner!), and many different forms of kayaking under the expert direction of 23-year-old Emmanuel Longuépée Arseneau (and don’t worry about his youth; he’s been at it since the age of 17).

Dozens of quaint shops await visitors to Les Îsles de la Madeleine.

are particularly beguiling). One of the more unusual shops to visit is Artisans du Sable, which features many different toys, sculptures, and articles made entirely of local sand. Enjoyable for adults, the shop is particularly welcoming to children, allowing them to touch, wriggle their feet in, and look at sand in a completely new way.

Artisans du Sable, www.artisansdusable.com For those in search of a treat for the taste buds, several destinations are essential to visitors to the Magdalen Islands.

The Fromagerie du Pied-De-Vent, owned by Jérémie and Lucie Arseneau, is a local cheese making factory—the only one on the islands, in fact—and their specialties, two rawmilk cheeses called Piet-De-Vent and La Tomme des Demoiselles, are scrumptious (and not easily carried out of the country, so treat yourself on the spot and enjoy them here). And whether you’re a connoisseur or just in search of something new, a visit to Le Fumoir D’Antan, a herring smoking factory, is also great fun. A family tradition of the Arseneau family since the 1940s, the factory was renovated in 1996 with the reappearance of the herring shoals around the archipelago. Following the start of the herring season in April, the fish are taken to the plant for washing, brining, stringing, smoking over a fire of hardwood and sawdust, and finally packing—a painstaking and complex process that also yields fabulous amounts of smoked salmon and mackerel, all of which are incredibly delicious (and all transportable out of the country). Workshops are also available for those wishing to view the process from start to finish.

Le Fumoir D’Antan, www.fumoirdantan.com And if these visits have sufficiently whetted your taste buds, you might wish to head on over to the local micro-brewery, À l’abri de la Tempête (In the Shelter of the Storm), located immediately adjacent to the stunning Dune de l’Ouest on Cap aux Meulnes island. Manufacturing eight different kinds (and strengths) of beer, guides lead the visitor through every stage of the brewing process in the plant, allowing him to taste the beers at each phase, from grain to finished product.

There’s a warm and congenial pub upstairs from the plant where visitors can relax and unwind while savoring one of the delicious variety of microbrews they manufacture. There’s CONTINUED ON PAGE

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also a boutique where the visitor can purchase any of the beers, as well as a range of souvenirs—T-shirts and sweatshirts, for example—emblazoned with the brewery’s logo, making for a cool souvenir.

Where to Eat, Where to Stay: The Choices Couldn’t be Tougher With so many places to visit, so many activities to partake in, and so many samples of regional specialties available to the visitor, one’s mind naturally turns to where to stay, and where to have a “real meal.” Not to worry—the islands are dotted with literally dozens of fabulous places to eat and beautiful places to stay. Stopping for lunch at La Maisonée des Îles is a great place to start. Don’t let its somewhat dinerlike façade fool you: inside this cozy family restaurant can be found a scrumptious array of lobster sandwiches, juicy hamburgers, and seafood dishes that will make your mouth water.

For a truly memorable occasion (and a genuine splurge), no visit to the islands would be complete without a dinner at La Table des Roy. Run by chef-owner Johanne Vigneault, this ultra-high-end restaurant offers an incredible menu that rivals any restaurant a jaded New Yorker might be used to. Offering two two-person tasting menus, La Table des Roy then proceeds to unfold an à la carte menu featuring lobster, sweetbreads, risotto, pork, and a truly amazing bouillabaisse—the best this reporter has ever had. A dessert specialty is a maple syrup soufflé that lingers on the tongue long after the meal has concluded. Reservations strongly recommended.

La Table des Roy, www.latabledesroy.com Another superb meal is to be found at l’Auberge Chez Denis à François, which doubles as a charming place to stay, with eight smoke-free rooms, each with their own bathroom, shower, phone and cable TV. Using lumber from an 1874 shipwreck, Edmond Brasset built himself this charming house, preserved more than 125 years later as an inn that won the Grands Prix du Tourisme in 2004. The food’s the thing here. The restaurant at Chez Denis à François is intimate, with a sophisticated menu that features mostly seafood products, highlighting regional dishes, as well as a carefully chosen list of fine wines.

More Places to Stay One of the Magdalen Islands’ most charming qualities is its preservation of the past by having converted historical buildings into contemporary places to stay. Open all year round, La Butte Ronde, a converted former schoolhouse run by life partners and co-hosts Ghislain and Guy, is a charming bed and breakfast containing five non-smoking bedrooms ranging from $100 to $145 a night, all with ocean views, wireless Internet, aromatherapy products, and hair dryer. Two free bikes are also available for clients. There’s a large living room, veranda and patio overlooking stunning 14 • AUGUST 2010

L’Auberge Denis a Francois: The Auberge Chez Denis à François, where gracious accommodations and fine dining have won the Grands Prix du Tourisme 2004.

sunsets each evening. It’s a lovely and quiet place to stay, with gourmet breakfasts personally served each morning by Ghislain and Guy. La Butte Ronde, info@labutteronde.com, www.labutteronde.com Another superb place to stay is Havre-sur-Mer, located 100 feet from the water and perched on a stunning bluff. It contains nine rooms and three studios. The rooms are flooded with light and offer dazzling views of the ocean or the bay and fishermen’s wharf. Some have patio doors that open onto balconies directly facing the water and range from $99 for a small room with double-sized bed and bathroom to $225 a month for a two-floor apartment, suitable for a family. It’s a dream-like place run by owner Thérèse Bergeron.

Havre-sur-Mer, auberge@havresurmer.com, www.havresurmer.com Last but not least, attention must be paid to the Domaine du Vieux Couvent (The Old Convent), a stunning renovation of a building that took four years to build, from 1914 to 1918, and the only building made of stone on the islands. Over the course of the past century, the building has gone through numerous owners, until the present one, Réginald Poirier, took over in 1987. In the ensuing years, the number of employees at the Vieux Couvent has increased from nine to more than 40. The luxurious rooms, all facing the water, range from $150 to $275 a night. Its location, just a stone’s throw away from the beach, with its rugged cliffs and crashing waves, is a visual treat and a stunning way to remember the rugged paradise that is Les Îsles de la Madeleine.

Domaine du Vieux Couvent, www.domaineduvieuxcouvent.com

How to Get There Air Canada offers flights from New York to Montreal, proceeding onward, with a few stops (but no deplaning), to Les Îsles de la Madeleine.

Air Canada,(888-247-2262, www.aircanada.com

Quebec Tourism, Vicky Taylor, vicki.taylor@tourisme.gouv.qc.ca; Suzie Loiselle, suzie.loiselle@quebecmaritime.ca www.travelworldnews.com • Travel World News

CANADA

R E S O U R C E

D I R E C T O R Y

Travel to the top of the world

Our company has led countless tours throughout Manitoba, serving diverse groups, from expert birdwatching to general interest tours, from senior citizens to school groups.

Cruise North Expeditions is owned and operated by the Inuit of Canada’s Arctic. Inuit have survived for centuries in the Arctic wilderness passing down knowledge and skills from one generation to the next.

Celebrating 25 years in Ecotourism

www.churchillnaturetours.com

866-263-3220 www.cruisenorthexpeditions.com

The more special your travel dream, the more we can help you get there.

Frontiers North provides authentic adventures in Canada’s north.

Since 1986 we have been creating unique itineraries and delivering amazing experiences for our guests.

Our programs are geared to accommodate small groups of travelers with specific interests in experiential travel, photography, culture and adventure.

800-663-9832 www.frontiersnorth.com Maxxim Vacations is proud to be a second generation family business based in Newfoundland & Labrador.

Maxxim Vacations has earned a solid reputation as a leader in the tourism industry within Canada, our product offering extends from St. John’s, Newfoundland to the Yukon and all points in between.

800-567-6666 www.maxximvacations.com

Our goal is to deliver above average and extraordinary choices to our clients. Our specialty is finding exclusive locations and activities to excite the most world weary traveller. For over thirty years we have worked with clients’ itineraries to virtually every corner of the world.

800.661.3830 www.greatcanadiantravel.com

Your Premier Source for Outdoor Adventures The Northwest Passage Adventure Programs are designed to be fun, enhance personal development, promote self-confidence and teach skills through adventure challenge while providing a safe and exciting environment for every participant.

Join us on one of our Sea Kayaking trips, Hiking, or Rock Climbing Adventures and experience the beauty of the outdoors and the spirit of adventure!

800-732-7328 www.nwpassage.com

Our experience, extraordinary destinations, unique programs, and years of customer satisfaction appeal broadly to enthusiasts of wildlife, birding, photography, native cultures, and adventure. Join us for high quality travel to the ends of the earth.

800-574-3021

www.arcticodysseys.com

Brewster Vacations Canada offers independent and group vacations, tours and packages in Canada.

Holiday packages including train vacations, motorcoach tours, and self-drive holidays in the Canadian Rockies and Western Canada can be completely personalized. With over 800 suppliers and 3,000 travel services coast to coast, Vacations Canada can develop and customize complex tour itineraries, travel plans and holidays in Canada.

877-791-5500 www.vacationscanada.travel

Whether it is extending a vacation with additional hotel nights in the Canadian Rockies or adding on a spectacular sightseeing tour to get the most out of a visit, our one-stop vacation consultation will ensure a journey worry-free and exactly what your client is looking for.

www.rockymountaineer.com

NORTH AMERICA GREAT CANADIAN TRAVEL COMPANY OFFERS CHANCE TO MEET POLAR BEARS UP-CLOSE

The Great Canadian Travel Company has introduced a one-week program to Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge, the only tourist camp along a 100-mile stretch of Hudson Bay coastline, and maybe the best place in the world for close encounters with polar bears.

During the warm months they socialize and prowl the shoreline, many within a few miles of Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge. During an average season, up to 400 pass by the lodge.

What makes this population so unique is the high concentration of mothers and cubs. Many have never seen a person before, so they have the calm demeanor of bears that haven’t learned to fear people.

The adventure begins with an overnight at Four Points Sheraton in Winnipeg. Guests then depart for Gillam, Manitoba, via Calm Air International, and transfer to a private charter for a one-hour flight to Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge (with aerial photo-taking possibilities).

A full day awaits with lunch, gourmet dinner and orientation, including an interpretive walk on the inland Palsa Bogs, Tundra Ponds and Taiga Forest. After dinner there’s an informative lecture or slide show. Lights are out at 10, generator off. On clear nights one may view the aurora borealis—“Northern Lights,” as the spectacle is known.

Breakfast is generally at 8, with outings starting at 9:30. If there are bears near the lodge (and this happens often!), the tour may be delayed to take advantage. Days 3 to 5 otherwise include nature trekking, polar bear spotting and photo ops.

Outings rotate through the following (with lunch and a tea boil around a campfire): ATV coast tour to the tidal flats and Bay shoreline; full-day photo tour to the coast to photograph bears, other wildlife and landscape; and staying close to the lodge to photograph bears as opportunities arise (lunch is served at the lodge this day).

The seven-day/six-night program is $6,095 ppdo, with departure dates still remaining for August 23, August 30 and September 20.

Included are six-nights’ accommodation (two in Winnipeg, four at the Lodge), roundtrip airfare [Winnipeg/Gillam] and roundtrip charter flight [Gillam/Nanuk Lodge], plus all required transfers and most meals.

The Great Canadian Travel Company, 800-661-3830, www.greatcanadiantravel.com 16 • AUGUST 2010

MONT-TREMBLANT SUMMER FLIGHTS AVAILABLE ON PORTER AIRLINES Porter Airlines has begun summer service to Mont-Tremblant and the Upper Laurentians for the first time, with two flights per week between Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport and Mont-Tremblant International Airport. Flights continue through September 6, 2010, on Thursday and Sunday each week. These flights improve accessibility to Tremblant and the Laurentian region.

Porter has provided winter seasonal service between MontTremblant and Toronto City Airport since 2007. The announcement of summer service follows three successful winter seasons. This past year’s winter schedule included as many as eight flights weekly, up from two flights in the first year of service.

Popular music and summer fun festivals, like Les Rythmes Tremblant and the Tremblant Summer Festival currently running, are seasonal attractions. Outdoor enthusiasts can also hike, bike, golf, lounge by the lake or find other opportunities to pass the time.

Custom golf packages, including Porter flights, can be arranged by Ultimate Golf Vacations.

Porter Airlines is Canada’s third largest scheduled carrier, based at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport. Frequent flyers earn a free flight after as few as five one-way trips on their VIPorter program.

Porter Airlines, 888-619-8622, www.flyporter.com; Ultimate Golf Vacations, www.ultimategolf.ca

‘BIENVENUE’ TO ST. PIERRE AND MIQUELON WITH MAXXIM VACATIONS With seafood dinners magnifique and its narrow streets full of peppy Peugeots, the islands of St. Pierre and Miquelon just off the coast of Newfoundland are a feast for the senses. Thanks to their curious history, the tiny islands (population 5,000) remain an integral part of the French Republic. The local currency is the Euro, TV shows are beamed in from France and the latest issue of Paris Match is always available. And with a flying time from St. John’s, the capital of Newfoundland, of only 45 minutes, the islands are perfect for a weekend getaway to Europe—without jetlag.

Knowing these fascinating islands well, Atlantic Canada travel specialist Maxxim Vacations offers clients two tempting packages including airfare from St. John’s.

The St. Pierre and Miquelon package includes two or three nights’ B&B accommodation with continental breakfast, one three-course French cuisine dinner with wine, a guided tour of the town of St. Pierre and admission to the local museum. For explorers wanting also to combine a visit to St. Pierre and Miquelon with a stay in Newfoundland, there’s the popular weeklong A Tale of Two Islands itinerary which also includes three nights in St. John’s, one each in Harbour Grace and Burin or Marystown, a whale watching boat tour, and a rental car. St. Pierre and Miquelon getaways start at approximately $482 including airfare from St. John’s—and Maxxim has access to low-cost airfares from across North America. And the team at Maxxim is always willing to customize a package.

Maxxim Vacations, 800-567-6666, www.maxximvacations.com www.travelworldnews.com • Travel World News

NORTH AMERICA SPARKLING HILL RESORT OPENS ITS DOORS IN CANADA

North America (minus 166-degree temperatures). North Americans will discover what Europeans have been enjoying for years: total body cold therapy.

Hans-Peter Mayr, CEO and General Manager, predicts it will become one of North America’s premier wellness destination resorts.

“Once you have experienced Sparkling Hill, you will be back every year; it will become a lifestyle choice,” he says.

Sparkling Hill Resort sits in a hub of year-round activities. The valley is recognized for its majestic mountains, refreshing waters, lush vineyards and world-class golf in one of the warmest climates in Canada.

Sparkling Hill Resort, www.sparklinghill.com

ROCKY MOUNTAINEER OFFERS FREE HOTEL NIGHT AT FAIRMONT VANCOUVER

Carved into a granite hillside, with its brilliant $122-million construction incorporating Swarovski crystal, Sparkling Hill Resort officially opened this May in the Okanagan region of British Columbia. The resort is owned by Gernot Langes Swarovski, patriarch of the famed Austrian crystal family.

The atrium involves an assembly of 15 large glass triangles with different dimensions, sloping in different planes. The structure is over 42 feet wide and stands more than 55 feet above the second floor, its top edge more than four stories high.

Air travelers’ eyes catch reflections from the crystal over 12 miles away, and those on the ground marvel at the light it displays.

The European-influenced resort is organic and modern both, with cool colors, natural fibers and creative use of $10 million in Swarovski crystal. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer stunning views of Lake Okanagan and the Monashee Mountains.

KurSpa is its focal point—over 40,000 square feet celebrating whole body wellness. An entire wing has 48 treatment rooms and a multitude of saunas and steam rooms with different temperatures and scents, textures and stimulants. The Kneipp Waterway pool is designed for strolling knee-deep in changing water temperatures.

The outdoor infinity pool creates an illusion of dropping off toward Lake Okanagan.

Many treatments are offered, most notably the first cold sauna in Travel World News • www.travelworldnews.com

Rocky Mountaineer is welcoming guests to enjoy a free hotel night in the stunning coastal city of Vancouver as a part of their awardwinning Western Canadian rail vacation.

Guests booking a Rocky Mountaineer tour in GoldLeaf Service of three nights or more or a RedLeaf service tour of five nights or more from now until August 31, 2010, will be treated to an additional free night at a luxurious Fairmont hotel in Vancouver either at the beginning or end of their trip.

“As a Vancouver-based company, we know that there is so much for our guests to experience and take in while in Vancouver,” says Hubert Wat, Vice President, Marketing of Rocky Mountaineer.

“It’s a city unlike any other, and we’re delighted to give travelers an opportunity to extend their vacation in beautiful British Columbia with an additional night’s stay on us at one of Vancouver’s magnificent Fairmont properties.”

Western Canada offers some of the most spectacular scenery in the world and Rocky Mountaineer provides the perfect way to see the Canadian Rockies. To qualify for the additional free night’s stay at a Fairmont hotel in Vancouver, visitors must book a Rocky Mountaineer vacation package in GoldLeaf Service of three nights or more or a RedLeaf service tour of five nights or more for at least two adults. If travelers opt for GoldLeaf Service, they will travel in a custom-designed, two-story glass dome coach with panoramic views. With RedLeaf Service, guests can settle back in roomy, reclining seats with large picture windows providing passing views of British Columbia and the beautiful Canadian Rockies.

Rocky Mountaineer packages on which this offer can be redeemed include the popular Canadian Rockies Adventure. This sevennight/eight-day trip includes a two-day, all daylight rail journey aboard the renowned Rocky Mountaineer and several sightseeing tours in Banff National Park. Guests can venture out on a Glacier Helicopter tour, Summit Helicopter Flightseeing, as well as experience the unique Columbia Icefield Excursion.

The offer is based on double occupancy by August 31 for travel between June and October 2010 and only valid on new bookings.

Further restrictions may apply.

Rocky Mountaineer, 800-665-7245, www.rockymountaineer.com AUGUST 2010 •

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NORTH AMERICA NEW ORLEANS RANKS FIRST IN GROWTH AMONG TOP 25 U.S. DESTINATIONS IN HOTEL PERFORMANCE

marketing, public relations and visitor services efforts that attract millions of visitors, events, conventions and festivals that produce billions of dollars of economic growth, tens of thousands of jobs, and hundreds of millions of taxes for the state and city. Recognized as one of the top five CVBs in the United States, the New Orleans CVB is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2010.

New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB), www.neworleanscvb.com; Smith Travel Research (STR), www.str.com

TOURGUY.COM ADDS SOUTH RIM GRAND CANYON TOURS

New Orleans ranked first in growth out of the Top 25 U.S. markets for January–May 2010, ahead of popular destinations such as New York, Boston and Chicago. According to May year-to-date data from Smith Travel Research (STR), the organization that measures and reports on hotel performance nationally and internationally, New Orleans posted a 15-percent increase in RevPar over the same period in 2009. (RevPar is a standard industry measure of hotel occupancy multiplied by average daily rate.)

Tourism is big business in New Orleans. It’s a $5-billion industry, the largest employer and generates one-third of the city’s operating budget. The city has experienced a record-breaking spring festival season, hosted prominent corporate and association meetings and welcomed leisure travelers from around the world.

According to Stephen Perry, President and CEO of the New Orleans CVB, “Consumers have clearly rediscovered New Orleans as one of the hottest destinations in America. While we are proud of our number-one status, we must acquire new resources to aggressively market New Orleans and serve as the most meeting and travel planner-friendly city in America.”

STR provides clients—including hotel operators, developers, financiers, analysts and suppliers to the hotel industry—access to hotel research with regular and custom reports covering North America, Mexico and Caribbean. STR provides a single source of global hotel data covering daily and monthly performance data, forecasts, annual profitability, pipeline and census information.

STR founded the STR family of companies and is associated with STR Global, RRC Associates, STR Analytics, and HotelNewsNow.com.

The New Orleans CVB is the driving catalyst for New Orleans’ largest industry, strategically leading national and international 18 • AUGUST 2010

Tourguy.com, an online tour and travel source for adventure and ecotourism tours, has added a new South Rim Grand Canyon tour to its offerings. The tour, which departs from Las Vegas, includes several photo stops along Route 66.

Route 66, which was sometimes called “Main Street of America” and the “Mother Road” linked Chicago, Illinois to Los Angeles California. Most maps no longer include the historic Route 66, but several states such as Arizona maintain markers.

Stops include Hoover Dam, Route 66 Train Museum, Bright Angel Point on the North Rim, and Yavapai Point on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Yavapai Point has excellent views of the Grand Canyon, but parking in the area is extremely limited.

“We chose this tour because the operators park at designated space, allowing visitors to walk along the famous Rim Trail until they reach Yavapai Point,” says James Hoke, President of TourGuy.com, LLC. “Yavapai Point is my favorite spot in the Grand Canyon because it provides three unobstructed views and places you closest to the river.”

Given the length of the tour, it includes a continental breakfast, packed lunch, and unlimited water and snacks. The total tour time is approximately 14 hours from a complimentary resort pickup to drop off. Transportation is provided on a “VIP class” mini coach.

“The additional stops, such as the Route 66 Train Museum and Bright Angel Point on the North Rim provide adventurers a rare chance to see sites few people ever see,” says Hoke. “This makes the tour especially popular for foreign visitors who many never visit the area again and want to take in as much history and natural beauty as possible.”

The tour is narrated. Upon request, guests can request an MP3 of the narration in Chinese, Japanese, or Korean. It is also one of most economical Grand Canyon Tours from Las Vegas currently available.

The tour begins at 6 a.m. It includes complimentary pickup and drop-off from Strip hotels. All tours have strict limitations on the number of participants.

TourGuy.com offers a variety of tours, ranging from one-and-ahalf hours to two days, and boasting very low prices. Group tour arrangements are also available.

TourGuy.com, 888-801-1575, www.tourguyfieldguide.com, www.tourguy.com www.travelworldnews.com • Travel World News

NORTH AMERICA 320 GUEST RANCH ANNOUNCES ‘KEEPING IT COWBOY’ PACKAGE The 320 Guest Ranch has announced a “Keeping It Cowboy” Package for the summer of 2010. The historic ranch is located near Big Sky in beautiful Gallatin River Valley. The Gallatin River, one of the world’s top Blue Ribbon trout streams, runs directly through the ranch and the picturesque Gallatin Mountains surround the property. Yellowstone National Park is just 30 minutes away.

The special package includes four nights’ lodging in a Deluxe room with two queen beds, a Monday Night Pig Roast including dinner and drinks, a Hot & Hearty Cowboy Breakfast Buffet each morning, choice of two ranch activities, a one-hour Quick Fix horseback ride, a two-hour Montana Experience horseback ride, a 30-minute Tote for those age seven and under, a 320 Western-style hayride and barbeque on the Gallatin River (Wednesday evenings), a one-hour fly-fishing lesson, and a two-hour horseback ride to the 320 Western-style hayride and barbeque on the Gallatin (Wednesday evenings, counts as two activities).

The four-night package is $780 for two people, including taxes.

Additional guests are $94 per person (for example, a family of four would be $968). The package is available from until September 17, 2010, and requires a Sunday or Monday check-in with a four-night minimum stay. The package represents a 33-percent savings over standard rate pricing.

For those just looking to get away for a couple of nights, kick back and relax, the 320 Guest Ranch offers the “Buy Two Nights, Get the Third Night Free” package, available for any three-night stay when arriving on a Sunday or Monday. Included are deluxe one-room cabins and two-bedroom riverfront cabins. Guestroom rates are from $162 per night and can be booked by calling the ranch directly or online. This package is available throughout the summer season, ending October 14, 2010.

320 Guest Ranch, 800-243-0320, www.320ranch.com

VIRTUOSO INCLUDES MONTAGE DEER VALLEY AS FIRST MOUNTAIN RESORT IN PREVIEW PROGRAM Montage Deer Valley is the latest property to be invited into Virtuoso’s Preview program. The resort joins three other prominent properties as a participant in the exclusive program for marketing and networking of select up-and-coming hotels. Slated for a December debut in Park City, Utah, Montage Deer Valley will bring a new level of luxury accommodation to U.S. ski resorts.

“It is an honor to be invited by Virtuoso to join its exclusive Preview program,” said Marcus Jackson, General Manager, Montage Deer Valley. “These two brands, which are synonymous with luxury travel, share a similar philosophy in how we exceed client/guest expectations. The relationship we share with Virtuoso and its members extends back to our first resort, Montage Laguna Beach, and then Montage Beverly Hills. With the support of Virtuoso’s network and its expertise, we are well ahead of the curve, ensuring our hotel launch is a brilliant success.”

Travel World News • www.travelworldnews.com

Virtuoso Preview was created to provide properties in their preopening stages access to the marketing and networking assistance that contributes to a successful launch. Its participation will allow Montage Deer Valley to position itself among the world’s best hotels and resorts through customized marketing plans, advisor training, public relations assistance, guaranteed attendance at industry-recognized conferences and access to Virtuoso’s soughtafter travel advisor members. Launched in February, Virtuoso Preview has previously signed The Chatwal New York, the Armani Dubai and the St. Regis Bahia Beach-Puerto Rico as participants.

“Given our long and successful relationship with Montage’s properties, it was a natural decision to invite Montage Deer Valley into our exclusive group of Virtuoso Preview hotels,” said Albert Herrera, Vice President of Hotels, Destinations and Tours at Virtuoso. “Montage Deer Valley is poised to be an exceptional resort, and we are confident our members and their clients will enjoy this new level of alpine luxury.”

Montage Deer Valley will entice with rich furnishings, fireplaces and breathtaking views of Wasatch Front. The resort will offer signature dining in two venues; outdoor pool and whirlpools; terrace and fire pits; a gastro-pub featuring bowling lanes, billiards, darts room and vintage games; retail shops and heated underground parking.

Montage Deer Valley, www.montagedeervalley.com; Virtuoso, www.virtuoso.com

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www.artaonline.com AUGUST 2010 •

19

EUROPE

Malta – Island of Fragrances Easily Accessible From Major European Cities

T

20 • AUGUST 2010

BRUNO VETTERS

he Maltese Islands are an archipelago made up of Malta, Gozo, and Comino. It is evident from the ancient cart-ruts, carved out in the hardened Lower Coraline limestone and that sometimes disappear into the depths of the Mediterranean sea, that these islands were truly the crossroads of civilization adjoining Europe with North Africa long ago.

Malta is 17 miles long by 9 miles wide, while Gozo, the sister island a little less than half of Malta’s size.

With an agreeable Mediterranean climate and a mostly rocky coastline offering some small but exquisite sandy beaches, the countryside offers a unique ‘garrigue’ with about 500 species of flowering Wild Thyme – here seen in flower - grows abundantly across the Maltese Islands. plants. Incredible aromatic herbs grow indiscriminately across these islands, such as Thyme, Sage, Fennel and Vienna, Zurich, Amsterdam, Brussels and Rome. Air Malta St. Johns’ Wort while Comino, with its’ crystal clear turquoise is also in codeshare agreement with Lufthansa on flights from Blue Lagoon, is named after the Cumin shrub that flourished Newark and Washington Dulles departing daily to/from Munich connecting onward to Malta. The airline’s main inabundantly on this little island.

But there is much more to this Island than the “yells, bells terline partners are Lufthansa, United Airlines, US Airways, & smells” that inspired Lord Byron’s memoirs in 1809. The Swiss International Air Lines, Austrian Airlines and Virgin magnificently fortified arsenal city called Valletta, named Atlantic Airlines that operate trans-Atlantic and connecting after Grandmaster Jean Paul de La Valette, is a UNESCO services from airports throughout the USA. Air Malta offers World Heritage City is built on the site of the greatest battle its customers a full service treatment on all its flights to/from of all time, the Great Seige of 1565 – when the Knights of St main city airports including in-flight entertainment, compliJohn defeated the Ottomans and changed the course of mentary refreshments and newspapers, 8 Kgs of free hand European history forever. The Maltese Cross was in fact the luggage, as well as a poolable 20 Kgs free baggage allowance Knights’ international emblem symbolising the 8 beatitudes. for economy class passengers and 30 Kgs for Club Class pasAnother immediately recognisable icon for many people is sengers. Air Malta’s General Sales Agent in the USA, is the ‘Maltese Falcon’; this rare peregrine from the Falconidae Aviation Online.

Other major airlines such as Lufthansa and Alitalia offer frefamily was the yearly rent paid to the King of Spain by the Knights of St John, in return for the Maltese the Islands. quent scheduled flights from most US international Airports Nowadays, a larger friendlier bird takes the pride of place as such as New York, Chicago, Miami, San Francisco, Ambassador to this Mediterranean Gem. Air Malta, Malta’s Washington Dulles, via most major EU Cities including National Airline, flies customers to and from a selection of 40 London Heathrow/Gatwick, Rome, Milan (Malpensa), Frankfurt, Munich, Dusseldorf Amsterdam, Brussels, Zurich scheduled destinations.

With a fleet of Airbus A310 and A320 aircraft configured in and Vienna to name just a few. Timings are convenient and business class and economy class, Air Malta has regular comfortable for the traveller, also making it ideal to combine scheduled services from major European airports as well as a visit to the Maltese islands with a European Tour. eastern Mediterranean and North Africa, offering daily and For more information about Malta, please visit the double daily flights from primary airports, with convenient Malta Tourism Authority’s official website www.visitmalta.com timings for the benefit of its customers. The airline also offers or write to info@visitmalta.com for any specific query. a wide range of destinations beyond its own network by For Air Malta information, call toll-free +8663574155 or means of codeshare agreements with a number of interna- e-mail info.aviation@aviationonline.eu A list of preferred sales tional airlines, offering competitive fares from several US agents can be found on www.airmalta.com/ cities serviced by its codeshare partners and connecting onto air-malta-worldwide. An online booking portal is available Air Malta flights via European gateways, such as Munich, through www.airmalta.com Frankfurt, London Heathrow, Paris Charles De Gaulle, © Francesca Vincenti www.travelworldnews.com • Travel World News

EUROPE GO BALTIC EUROPE PRESENTS WAYS TO PROMOTE TOURISM TO ESTONIA, LATVIA AND LITHUANIA Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania is fast becoming a top destination in Northern Europe, especially when combined with the other Baltic capitals of Riga, Latvia and Tallinn, Estonia—all UNESCO World Heritage sites, according to Lithuanian-American photojournalist and Baltic travel specialist Ann Charles.

A member of the Baltic Sea Tourism Commission (BTC) headquartered in Sweden, she favors joint Baltic promotions and partnerships which can sometimes mean promoting tourism to and within the entire Baltic Sea region encompassing countries like Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Germany, Poland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania.

Many U.S. tour operators combine their expertise in Scandinavia by featuring both Scandinavia and the Baltics in the same package.

Single cruises often stop in several different countries.

Of course, joining the right travel organizations can be helpful, too. Nijole Pakalniene of Lithuanian Holidays, an incoming tour operator and destination management company in Vilnius, belongs not only to the Baltic Sea Tourism Commission (BTC), but the American Tourism Society and the Lithuanian Tourism Association.

Jewish heritage tours are among her popular choices.

Vilija Turiene of IN VIA Lithuania, an incoming tour operator based in Vilnius, finds the Baltic Capitals package a best bet. Tours cover the best historic buildings and major museums in the capital cities of Tallinn, Riga, and Vilnius, while also offering some National Parks and country life museums. The tour Baltic “Amberland” goes to Vilnius, Palanga, Nida, the Curonian Spit, Riga and Tallinn, important monuments and historical places, four national parks and relaxing resorts.

As initiator of GoBalticEurope/Baltic Sea Tourism Commission (BTC) participation at The New York Times Travel Show in 2005–2006 and every year since, Charles is convinced that promoting tourism from North America to the Baltic Sea region, emphasizing Estonia Latvia and Lithuania, is a sure hit.

Special fam trips to the Baltics are made available on the Travel World News website; Finnair and Air Baltic have been involved in such promotions, as well as the tourist boards. And to assist selling the Baltics, GoBalticEurope publishes a collection of “Best of the Baltics” books.

GoBalticEurope, annlcharles@yahoo.com, www.gobalticeurope.com; Lithuanian Holidays, www.lithuanianholidays.lt; IN VIA Lithuania, www.invia.lt

aboard a fleet of four luxury ships designed and built to Tauck’s specifications; the ms Swiss Jewel (launched in 2009), ms Swiss Sapphire (2008), ms Swiss Emerald (2006) and a new vessel set to launch in summer 2011. Mahar said that Tauck will be announcing additional details on the new-build in the coming months, as well as enhancements to its other riverboats for next year.

Tauck’s two new Rhone River itineraries are the 10-day “French Waterways & Vineyards” (from $4,490 ppdo, plus air) and the 14day “French Escapade: Monte-Carlo to Paris” (from $5,990 ppdo, plus air). “French Waterways & Vineyards” begins with an included two-night stay in Paris at The Westin Paris, complete with guided local sightseeing. Guests then board the high-speed TGV train to Lyon to begin their seven-day cruise, with highlights including Vienne, Tournon, Valence, Viviers, Avignon, Roussillon, Arles, and a memorable dinner at Provence’s Pont du Gard.

The “French Escapade: Monte-Carlo to Paris” itinerary begins with a guided exploration of Monte-Carlo and Nice during a twonight stay at the Fairmont Monte Carlo. Guests then travel to Arles to begin their nine-day cruise on the Rhone and Saone rivers that explores Viviers, Tournon, Vienne, Lyon, Macon, Chalon-sur-Saone and Beaune. The trip concludes in Paris with guided sightseeing and two-nights at The Westin Paris.

All of Tauck’s 2011 cruises are highlighted in the company’s new 76-page European river cruising brochure.

Tauck, 800-468-2825, www.tauck.com

Gateway to Europe

FOURTH RIVERBOAT AND FIRST RHONE RIVER CRUISES TO DEBUT NEXT YEAR FOR TAUCK Tauck is continuing to expand its European river cruise portfolio, and for 2011 the company will add two new cruises on the Rhone River, launch another new riverboat, and increase its river cruise departures by over 30 percent.

For the coming year, Tauck will operate a total of 12 itineraries on the Rhine, Danube, Moselle, Rhone, Main and Saone rivers Travel World News • www.travelworldnews.com

Malta, Gozo & Co mino The

M editerranean’ s

best kept s ecret

AUGUST 2010 •

21

EUROPE DUBROVNIK TRAVEL’S SEASTAR IS CROATIA’S FIRST EVENT SHIP

the five-star San Blas Reserva Ambiental Hotel, located in the South of Tenerife, Spain.

The San Blas Reserva Ambiental Hotel is situated in front of the magnificent Atlantic Ocean, just ten minutes from the Tenerife South Airport, and located on a natural Environmental Reserve.

Unique on-site facilities include a multimedia center with an interactive museum to discover mysterious species and a historical experience tunnel that recreates the history of San Blas from prehistoric times to the modern day, a sailing lake, a 27-hole Biosphere Golf Course, and a boutique Spa facility with an extensive list of body treatments.

Sandos Hotels & Resorts, 866-336-4083, www.sandos.com

MY EXCLUSIVE JOURNEYS INTRODUCES LUXURY TOURS OF SPAIN AND ST. JAMES PILGRIMAGE

Dubrovnik Travel has partnered with the local passenger ship company, G&V Line, to bring to the Adriatic the first event boat of its kind, the MS SeaStar.

The ship is air-conditioned and completely furnished, with a salon located on two floors. The main hall can accommodate up to 200 people, and there’s an additional gallery for 150 and a VIP lounge that can accommodate 50 persons.

This new addition to the Croatia MICE scene is ideal for organizing meetings, lectures, presentations, workshops, weddings, day trips, and water fun like swimming and sunbathing on any part of the coastline.

Dubrovnik Travel is currently negotiating with global companies who have shown great interest in using the ship as a venue for various events in 2010. The ship adds a dynamic dimension to any program along the Croatian Adriatic coast.

Dubrovnik Travel, info@dubrovniktravel.com, www.dubrovniktravel.com

SANDOS HOTELS & RESORTS ACQUIRES SAN BLAS RESORT, EXPANDING PRESENCE IN SPAIN Sandos Hotels & Resorts, with two resort complexes on the Riviera Maya and a luxury hotel in Cancun, Mexico, as well as upscale properties in Lanzarote (Canary Islands) and Benidorm (mainland Spain), is increasing its portfolio with the acquisition of 22 • AUGUST 2010

With a mostly-Spaniard staff and vast experience in travel to Spain, it seems natural for My Exclusive Journeys to turn its attention to that country.

While its staff specializes in custom designing journeys to Spain, a variety of luxurious tours can also be found on their website: Andalusia Spellbound, A Taste of Spain (Cava toast included), Spain for Gourmets, Tales of Al Andalus, Madrid Escapade, Medieval and Moorish Spain, Spain in Two Nutshells, and Jet Set Spain.

Especially timely in this Holy or Jubilee Year of St. James is their St. James Pilgrimage by Luxury Train, which departs every other Tuesday through October 19. Instead of walking to Santiago de Compostela, pilgrims can now travel on the luxurious vintage Transcantabrico Train, enjoy gastronomic specialties and see all the sights along the way.

The 14-day, land-only tour, which costs $6,414 ppdo, starts in Madrid with MEJ’s signature “Unwind Program” and a soothing massage. After three days in Madrid that include a tapas and flamenco evening, there’s a flight to and free day in San Sebastian, “summer resort of kings” and home to some of the world’s most celebrated restaurants.

There participants board El Transcantabrico for a luxe journey, visiting Bilbao’s Guggenheim Museum and old quarter, the isolated La Hermida Gorge and Saint Toribio Monastery, and the Covadonga Shrine in the Picos de Europa National Park. After a trip back in time to medieval towns, old fishing villages and the seafaring region of Galicia, the train arrives in Santiago for a visit to the imposing cathedral and the shrine of St. James, where the pilgrimage ends. On the next-to-last day a leisurely excursion from Santiago provides an introduction to Galicia’s wines, manor houses and dramatic scenery as well as lunch at a traditional hacienda.

The whole trip is guided, includes airport transfers, daily breakfast, many other meals, and the very best hotel accommodations: the Ritz in Madrid, Maria Cristina in San Sebastian and the Parador de Santiago (the famed Hostal dos Reis Catolicos).

My Exclusive Journeys, 888-334-6905, www.myexclusivejourneys.com www.travelworldnews.com • Travel World News

CARIBBEAN AGENTS MASTER WEDDING BOOT CAMP AT JOLLY BEACH RESORT & SPA

Left to right: Louella Cardillo, Colpitts World Travel; Donna Blasi, All About Honeymoons & Destination Weddings; Claudine Whitehurst, Jacqui Cruise Inc.; Lydia Goolsby, Le Voyageur International Travel; Kimberly Keesee, Travel Dreams; Beverly King; Jolly Beach Resort & Spa; Lynn Scavotto, Travel Dreams LLC; Marguerite Colby, Andover Colpitts Travel; Lillian Barbour, Jacqui Cruise Inc.

Top travel agents spent a day in Wedding Boot Camp sponsored by the Ministry of Tourism at Jolly Beach Resort & Spa, Antigua.

They were put through their destination wedding paces by Beverly King, twenty-year planning veteran and Wedding Coordinator for the resort. After the seminar, the group received some hands-on experience putting the final touches on, and then attending, a ceremony.

Jolly Beach Resort & Spa offers a range of wedding packages to suit every couple starting at just $399, and every package includes the one-on-one service of Beverly King and her staff.

The hotel’s all-inclusive rates include accommodations, all government taxes and service charges, all meals, snacks and afternoon tea, house brand beverages, non-motorized watersports, activities, Jolly Kidz and Teenz Clubs, Think Jolly Family Program, use of the gym and entertainment. All rooms face the ocean; each with patio or balcony, direct-dial phone, cable TV, hair-dryer and rentable safe.

Jolly Beach Resort & Spa, 866-905-6559, www.jollybeachresort.com

DESTINATION WEDDINGS FOR 2011 UNVEILED

BY THE SANDS AT GRACE BAY The Sands at Grace Bay has announced its Traditional Wedding Package inclusions for 2011. Situated on a twelve-mile curve of sand along Grace Bay Beach, the newly-voted #1 Beach and Sun destination in the world by Trip Advisor’s ‘Traveler’s Choice’ awards, the resort’s stunning oceanfront location coupled with its highly experienced staff make it the perfect place to create extraordinary memories and make the commitment of a lifetime.

Travel World News • www.travelworldnews.com

The resort’s 2011 Traditional Wedding Package is priced at $1,495 per couple and includes the following: the wedding ceremony on the beach for up to 10 people (weather permitting) including ceremony set-up and decorations, participation by a pastor or justice of the peace, the processing of legal documentation and the mailing of the couple’s marriage license, a bridal bouquet and the groom’s boutonniere, a celebratory bottle of champagne, the wedding cake (serving up to 10 people) and roundtrip airport transfers.

This Traditional Wedding Package does not include accommodations, and a Studio Oceanview room (or higher category) must be booked to be eligible for this package. Additionally, the package does not include the 11-percent government tax or 10-percent service charges. Customized pricing applies for groups of greater than ten.

The Sands at Grace Bay also offers custom wedding packages where, from flowers to special receptions to make-up and styling, the staff at The Sands can oversee every important detail of the special day.

The resort’s cancellation policy is 21 days from the date of arrival with the exception of holiday periods. The policy varies during holiday time periods so the hotel must be checked with directly for holiday cancellation policies.

The Sands at Grace Bay, 877-777-2637, www.thesandstc.com

CASA DE CAMPO CELEBRATES NEW LEVEL OF LUXURY WITH 2010/2011 MEETING INCENTIVES After a 40-million-dollar infusion to create a chic new experience, Casa de Campo on the Dominican Republic’s southeast coast is ready to welcome visitors to see its stylish face. The Caribbean hideaway, named the World’s Leading Golf Resort in 2009, allows guests to enjoy celebrated golf courses, activities and programs for all ages, an outstanding variety of dining, recreation and amenities, and Dominican hospitality.

To celebrate its renovation, those groups booking a meeting, incentive or event will qualify for the following special group benefits (restrictions apply): one complimentary room night for every 20 fully-paid room nights; a 10-percent discount on choice of Spa services, foods and beverage consumption charges, and group excursions or team-building activities; one complimentary round of golf per person on the Links course; a choice of complimentary function area for a private group event; a meeting room for the entire group stay; a coffee break or an opening cocktail reception; and three VIP welcome amenities.

The breakdown for earning benefits is as follows: 15–30 room nights earn one benefit, 31–60 room nights earn two benefits, 61–125 room nights earn three benefits, and 126 or more room nights earn four benefits. This offer is valid for groups of 20 or more total room nights, for new bookings only until December 20, 2010, or from April 1 through December 20, 2011. It is subject to availability and certain restrictions apply.

To take advantage of this limited-time offer, those interested should contact National Sales Associate Lisa De Masi by email.

Casa de Campo, ldemasi@ccampo.com, www.ccampo.com AUGUST 2010•

0

CARIBBEAN DAME YVONNE MAGINLEY RECEIVES CTO LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

(Left to right) Dean Fenton, Sales Manager, ABTA; Derede SamuelWhitlock, Director/USA; Dame Yvonne Maginley; Colin James, CEO, ABTA; and Cortwright Marshall, CTO Chair, Board of Directors.

Antigua and Barbuda’s Dame Yvonne Maginley DCN, CMG, OBE, OD was awarded the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award at the 37th Annual Governments of the Caribbean State Ball and Awards Presentation held in June at the Plaza Hotel in New York City.

Dame Yvonne was recognized by the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) for her outstanding contribution to the development of tourism in the Caribbean. This prestigious award is bestowed on high-performance individuals who have truly made a difference in the Region by empowering individuals and providing a legacy for future generations. Dame Yvonne was nominated by the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority and was selected by a panel of independent judges from a list of distinguished nominees.

A short video that included a congratulatory message from Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister, The Rt. Hon. Baldwin Spencer, introduced Dame Maginley to the hundreds of Caribbean dignitaries, industry partners, media representatives and stakeholders in the region in attendance. In accepting the award, Dame Maginley spoke of her pride in Antigua and Barbuda and her belief in the potential of the tourism industry as an economic platform for the islands of Antigua and Barbuda and the wider Caribbean.

“I am truly delighted that Dame Yvonne was selected to receive the CTO Lifetime Achievement Award,“ stated Colin James, CEO of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority. “She has had a long and illustrious career in Tourism which benefited not only Antigua but the entire region. She was instrumental in the formation of regional tourism bodies and has always been a strong proponent of pan-regional destination marketing. We are very proud of her achievements.”

Ms. Derede Samuel-Whitllock, Director/USA, and her team from the North American office of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority were also present at the celebration.

Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), www.onecaribbean.org 24 • AUGUST 2010

RINCON BEACH RESORT NOMINATED IN BEST SMALL HOTEL CATEGORY BY CARIBBEAN TRAVEL & LIFE Rincon Beach Resort, an AAA Three Diamond oceanfront boutique resort in Puerto Rico’s west coast, is a nominee in the “Best Small Hotel” category for the “Best of the Caribbean” 2010 Readers Choice Awards given by the publication Caribbean Travel & Life.

Contenders were nominated by the editorial team at Caribbean Travel & Life and will be voted on by its readers between now and October 22. Winners will be recognized in its January/February 2011 issue.

Rincon Beach Resort was the only contender from Puerto Rico in the “Best Small Hotel” category and is competing against hotels from the British Virgin Islands, Martinique, Riviera Maya, Jamaica, Cayman Islands and St. Martin.

Nestled in the corner of the Bay of Añasco, the intimate Rincon Beach Resort offers spectacular Caribbean views. The resort features 112 guestrooms with 24 spacious and luxurious suites, an infinity freeform swimming pool with Jacuzzi overlooking the sea as well as a swim-up bar, boutique wine bar and two restaurants.

Rincon Beach Resort, 866-589-0009, reservations@rinconbeach.com, www.rinconbeach.com; (to vote) www.caribbeantravelmag.com/bestof

MANGO BAY OFFERS $300 OFF RATES WITH FALL PROMO The all-inclusive, boutique-style Mango Bay in Barbados has launched the “Fall to Barbados” promotion featuring $300 credit on bookings made now through August 15 for travel September 1 through December 18, 2010.

The ‘Fall to Barbados’ promotion includes a $300 credit per booking, “buy one and get the second at 25 percent or more off” participating ground activities, one free day on a minimum three-day car rental and one Barbados Gourmet Card (per booking) offering 20 percent off at participating restaurants.

A Mango Bay all-inclusive vacation features hotel accommodations, all meals, afternoon tea, all local and brand-name drinks including wine with dinner, use of the resort’s new gym, watersports (waterskiing, hobiecat sailing, kayaking and snorkeling) and nightly entertainment as well as free shopping trips and catamaran sailings.

Spa treatments are available for an additional fee at Elements Spa. Through December 14, 2010, all-inclusive rates (ppdo) are $425 in Standard accommodations; $440 in a Standard one-bedroom apartment; $456 in a Superior room; $500 in a Deluxe room; $575 for an Oceanfront room; and $1,500 for the Penthouse Suite. These rates do not reflect the discount.

Located in the historic Holetown area on the famed Gold Coast of Barbados, Mango Bay is within walking distance of many shops in Holetown, 25 minutes from the capital city of Bridgetown, and 40 minutes from Grantley Adams International Airport.

Mango Bay, reservations@mangobaybarbados.com, www.mangobaybarbados.com www.travelworldnews.com • Travel World News

R E S O U R C E

Cocos Hotel was established in 1998, commencing from five gingerbread wooden cottage rooms with stunning views on the south west coast of Antigua. The brand of Cocos expanded the number of cottages to the present 26 and has since continued the refinement of the cottage room design.

www.cocoscaribbean.com

Tranquility Bay Antigua sits along a one-mile stretch of breathtaking white sand beach and calm turquoise waters that are protected from winds.

From this beautiful Antigua beach take in majestic views of Montserrat or watch the sky turn to brilliant shades of red as the sun sets into the Caribbean Sea.

D I R E C T O R Y

Hawksbill by rex resorts is a unique and special Caribbean hideaway. Set in 37 acres of landscaped tropical gardens, the resort offers its guests a choice of four secluded beaches, including Antigua s only clothing optional beach.

www.hermitagebay.com www.hawksbill.com

Our past is what defines us, we continue to offer travelers a unique Caribbean vacation experience, based upon the Island we first discovered so long ago.

We here at Long Bay Antigua, more an Inn and small Resort than a Hotel, offer a holiday experience that mimics the past by emphasizing a relaxed, easy going atmosphere, while offering the guest; modern activities and service, at a price that is reasonable.

www.tranquilitybayantigua.com

www.longbayhotel.com

Antigua Village a very special place to stay, a real community, a relaxed resort.

With a long-standing tradition of welcoming hospitality, personalized resort service, and refined taste, travellers return again and again to our Antiguan resort paradise in the sun.

Nestling on one of the world’s most breathtaking beaches, this dream destination offers a unique combination of comfort, character and culture that encapsulates the spirit of the Caribbean.

Antigua Village - where a warm welcome awaits!

www.antiguavillage.net

Twenty five private, secluded and extraordinarily spacious Cottage Suites have now been built to blend into the natural landscape with nothing else but comfort in mind.

They nestle on a spectacular bay edging the turquoise water of the Caribbean against a backdrop of terraced gardens.

800-557-6536 www.bluewaters.net

At Siboney Beach Club, described as “the Oasis alternative on Dickenson Bay”, your client can lounge in sun or shade on the beach, cooled by the tradewinds.

www.siboneybeachclub.com

Facilities include The Jolly Harbour golf club, a large fully stocked supermarket, a bank, numerous gift shops and art galleries, bars and restaurants, including Castaways beach bar, Dogwatch tavern, Melini’s Italian restaurant and Peter’s BBQ, Sports complex with a swimming pool, squash and tennis courts.

There is also Grand Princess Casino, with sports bar and nightclub.

www.jollyharbourantigua.com

CARIBBEAN JOY CAIN IS NORTHEAST SALES REPRESENTATIVE FOR HALF MOON Professional Travel Agents of North America’s Top Supplier Sales Representative for 2010 Joy Cain has joined Half Moon as Northeast Sales Representative for the 400-acre luxury resort.

According to Myrtle Dwyer, Director of Sales and Marketing for Half Moon, Cain will be responsible for increasing sales to the Rose Hall, Jamaica resort from JOY CAIN Virginia, Washington DC, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut and Massachusetts.

Cain was previously Northeast Area Sales Manager for Air Jamaica, Jamaica’s national airline and worked with the airline for over 20 years. While with Air Jamaica, she was named #1 Airline Representative by Travel Agent magazine in 2010, 2009 and 2008.

“We are delighted to welcome Joy to the Half Moon team and are confident that the success she achieved with Air Jamaica will translate quite naturally to Half Moon,” Dwyer said.

In addition to representing Half Moon to travel agents and tour operators, Cain has been charged with increasing the resort’s groups and romance business. On accepting the appointment Cain was upbeat about representing the 56-year-old luxury resort. “Half Moon is such a legend in Jamaica, representing the very best of a Jamaican resort experience, I am confident that the travel professionals and consumers I will be targeting will fall in love with this jewel,” she said.

Cain will be based in her hometown of Villanova, Penn.

Half Moon, www.halfmoon.com

GRAND CASE BEACH CLUB OFFERS FALL SPECIALS A fifth night free, a Honeymoon Magic package and a special offer to travel agents highlight the fall specials at the Grand Case Beach Club, located on the ocean in St. Martin adjacent to the picturesque village of Grand Case.

The fifth night free is valid in all room categories for new bookings started and completed by October 31. The free night only applies at the end of the stay and may not be used in conjunction with any other promotion.

While popularly known as the Honeymoon Magic package, it actually appeals to newlyweds, second honeymooners, and incurable romantics as well. Also valid through October 31, it is available for either three or seven nights. Both packages include air-conditioned accommodations with either a private balcony or terrace; continental breakfast daily; use of tennis court; bottle of either red or white wine on check-in; Grand Case beach bag; island floral bouquet on arrival; one-day car rental (plus gas and insurance); picnic basket for two (one-day); match play casino vouchers; and use of all non26 • AUGUST 2010

motorized water sports equipment.

For travel agents, the Grand Case Beach Club is offering a 50percent discount (space available) through October 31, for a maximum of three nights. Agents must request accommodations on agency letterhead with a copy of the ARC list. A business card or letter from the agency must be presented on check-in.

The Grand Case Beach Club has a wide variety of facilities for its guests. Accommodations are larger than standard hotel rooms and have a fully equipped kitchen, flat screen satellite TV; the Sunset Cafe, open for breakfast, lunch, dinner and a Happy Hour seven days a week; swimming pool; tennis court; fitness center; water sports center and an island boutique. Car rentals are available.

Grand Case Beach Club, 800-344-3016, info@gcbc.com, www.gcbc.com

THE SANDS AT GRACE BAY PROVIDES EXTRA INCENTIVE FOR END-OF-SUMMER TRAVEL

The Sands at Grace Bay is offering a 3rd Night Free promotion for those seeking a quick, end-of-summer getaway to the newly voted #1 Beach & Sun Destination in the World by Trip Advisor’s Traveler’s Choice’ Awards. This 3rd Night Free promotion is valid for all room categories, for stays of three nights or more this September and October. With the free night offer, the familyfriendly resort boasts rates as low as $124 per night, a perfect excuse to book some end-of-summer relaxation in the paradisiacal retreat.

The 3rd Night Free promotion is valid for new bookings made on all room categories at The Sands at Grace Bay, for stays of three nights or more started and completed between September 1 and October 31, 2010. The offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other resort offer or promotion, and the complimentary third night will be applied to the resort bill at the end of the stay. The third night free is not transferable or redeemable for cash, and is not applicable for groups. If guests prefer a lengthier stay, they can also choose to take advantage of the resort’s current 25-percent rack rate discount, which also applies to all room categories and is available for travel now through December 31, 2010.

The Sands at Grace Bay, 877-777-2637, www.thesandstc.com www.travelworldnews.com • Travel World News

TURKS & CAICOS

Accommodations for up to 36 guests in adjacent beach front villas built on 310 feet of prime Grace Bay Beach Front Property…All Beach Front units faces the ocean offering amazing views for Sunrise breakfasts or lazy Sunset dinners.

www.aquamarinebeachhouses.com

Here, in a setting seemingly untouched by time, each suite has been designed to include every luxury, leaving you free to encounter your own personal state of grace.

www.pointgrace.com

Providing the upscale service you expect with the simplicity you crave, the Turks & Caicos Club is the perfect retreat from the fast pace of the outside world.

Tucked within the world-renowned beaches of Grace Bay on the island of Providenciales, the private, gated resort captures the magic of the Caribbean with a quaint intimacy that’s unmatched elsewhere.

RESOURCE DIRECTORY

The beachfront destination combines our adults-only Turks & Caicos Hotel with our spacious, family-friendly Turks and Caicos Villas and The Estate residences — our exclusive resort within a resort.

Our location means each suite offers dramatic ocean views over one of the finest beaches in the Caribbean...

www.gracebayclub.com

With its white sand beaches, crystal clear turquoise waters and unsurpassed recreational opportunities, the island of Providenciales in the Turks and Caicos is truly a tropical paradise.

Osprey Beach Hotel offers 27 beachfront rooms, and 10 atrium rooms. Enjoy the unhurried pace of island life, and relax at the beachside pool, hotel restaurant and bar.

Swim, snorkel, and scuba dive in the clear ocean water. Enjoy live entertainment every Wednesday and Sunday night with Mitch Rolling and the High Tide Band.

www.ospreybeachhotel.com

Memories are waiting to be made at The Somerset on Grace Bay. Every nuance of this multimillion-dollar resort has been gracefully executed and beautifully brought to life.

800 532 8536

877-887-5722

www.reefresidence.com

www.thesomerset.com

As the Caribbean s only beachfront residential resort community of its kind, The Veranda features architectural styles inspired by legendary coastal destinations such as Nantucket and Key West. The Veranda tastefully blends tropical exterior colors, lush landscaping and inviting walkways, which wind past the guest rooms and homes, restaurants, spa, swimming pools and peaceful spots.

With 52 luxury condominiums overlooking beautiful Turtle Cove, The Yacht Club is sure to capture your heart.

Relax in the living experience that is The Yacht Club, in the magnificent Turks and Caicos Islands.

877-698-2258

www.turksandcaicosclub.com

www.verandatci.com

www.yachtclubtci.com

CARIBBEAN ANGUILLA TOURIST BOARD HOSTS MEDIA LUNCHEON FOR CHIEF MINISTER HUBERT HUGHES

The Anguilla Tourist Board hosted a media luncheon for Chief Minister, The Hon. Hubert Hughes June 3 at Per Se, in Manhattan’s Time Warner Center. Approximately 40 consumer and trade media representatives attended, including editors from prestigious travel and lifestyle magazines and online sites, and reporters from the leading Caribbean print and broadcast media houses. Also in attendance were Parliamentary Secretary The Hon. Haydn Hughes; the Anguilla Tourist Board’s Chairman Eustace Guishard, Acting Director of Tourism Merlyn Rogers, and North America Director Marie Walker.

At the media luncheon, the Chief Minister shared his vision for the future of Anguilla’s tourism product, and gave an update on the state of Anguilla’s booming travel and tourism trade. He also thanked the media for their continued support of the destination. Parliamentary Secretary the Hon. Haydn Hughes then took the stage and fielded a variety of questions from reporters. Following the luncheon, one-on-one interviews were scheduled with several members of the Caribbean media.

The wide cross section of media outlets included Brides Magazine, Caribbean Life, Conde Nast Traveler, CIN-TV, Destination Weddings & Honeymoons, Esquire, Redbook, Travel+Leisure, Travel Agent Magazine, W Magazine, Departures, WBLS-FM and Carib News among many others.

The Anguilla delegation included a number of hoteliers representing Anguilla’s leading hotels.

Shown in the photo (front row, left to right) are Rebecca Sajous, CuisinArt; Marie Walker, Anguilla Tourist Board; Merlyn Rogers, Anguilla Tourist Board; Amelia VanterpoolKubisch, Malliouhana; David Lyon, CuisinArt; (back row) Charles Black, Cap Juluca; Virgil Napier, Viceroy; Gary Thulander, Cap Juluca; Chief Minister, The Hon. Hubert Hughes; ATB Chairman Eustace Guishard; Ian Edwards, Sunset Homes; Brent Hall, Viceroy; and Parliamentary Secretary, The Hon. Haydn Hughes.

Anguilla Tourist Board, www.anguilla-vacation.com

ANGUILLA’S BIRD OF PARADISE RANKED AMONG TOP 20 VILLAS IN THE WORLD Islands magazine has selected and ranked “The World’s Top 20 Villas.” Editors, local experts from around the world as well as 28 • AUGUST 2010

guests voted for the best villas for relaxation, a scenic location, and those special villas that allow guests to retreat but also engage in the island’s offerings. The Bird of Paradise was the only villa honored for Anguilla, St. Martin or St. Barths.

Designed in an Asian tropical style with multiple buildings intertwined with lush landscape and lagoon-style pools, the Bird of Paradise overlooks a perfect crescent beach and the mountains of St. Martin and St Barths beyond. The villa offers guests all the privacy and comforts of home ownership, but all of the services and amenities of a resort. An executive chef, in-villa spa treatments and a Kids’ Club are just some of a long list of options available to guests.

Standard services and amenities include daily continental breakfast and housekeeping, 24-hour concierge, complimentary phone calls to the U.S., Canada and Europe, wireless Internet, as well as Italian linens and Bvlgari amenities. There is a staff of seven.

Guests do not share facilities or staff with any other villa. Special summer/fall rates start at $1,796 per day with exclusive use of the entire estate. This four-suite villa with multiple living and dining experiences is ideal for families and couples, but also perfect for a wedding or honeymoon. This summer and fall, Free Nights are offered with five nights for the price of four and seven nights for the price of five. The offer is valid until November 19, 2010.

Bird of Paradise, anguillabird@yahoo.com, www.anguillabird.com

NEW ANACAONA BOUTIQUE HOTEL WILL OPEN ON ANGUILLA Robin and Sue Ricketts, the creators of famed Malliouhana and Cap Juluca, have announced an October 15 opening for a new Anguilla hotel.Anacaona Boutique Hotel is the new name for Sirena Resort refurbished. The hotel sits in over three acres of frangipani and coco palms a few paces along a garden path from mile-long beautiful Meads Bay. When it reopens this fall, the new Anacaona will feature stylish décor, new menus in the garden-poolside restaurant, two swimming pools (for 27 rooms!), full beach service, a boutique, massage center—and a reinvention of island nightlife.

Rates will start at just $150 a night double, $250 peak with luxury perks like cold towels and rum punch on arrival, free Wi-Fi and Internet, drinks and lunch service on the beach.

Anacaona will package five nights for the price of four, seven for the price of five, and other offers. A Solo Traveler’s Promotion will be tailored in conjunction with a local guide’s one-of-a-kind tours.

There will also be special-interest weeks—painting, photography, cooking, wellness, crafts, adventure and, of course, golf.

The hotel is located in Anguilla’s trendy West End, with its luxury resorts and high-end villas, restaurants and beach bars, the Greg Norman golf course and other attractions—but no more than 20 minutes by car from the airport or 10 from the ferryboat dock.

Anacaona Boutique Hotel, 877-647-4738, www.sirenaresort.com www.travelworldnews.com • Travel World News

CARIBBEAN LIFESTYLE HOLIDAYS VACATION CLUB EXPANDS WITH TWO DREAM SUITES PRODUCTS

Lifestyle Holidays Vacation Club (LHVC), with corporate offices in Puerto Plata on the North Coast of the Dominican Republic, has added Dream Suites by Lifestyle at Grand Oasis Bavaro, to its portfolio through an ongoing strategic alliance with Spain-based Globalia Corporation. The product is a second in Punta Cana, which also includes the adjacent Dream Suites by Lifestyle at Grand Oasis Punta Cana with 46 luxury suites.

Dream Suites by Lifestyle at Grand Oasis Bavaro, located next to Cabeza de Toro Beach, features large suites with designer décor, and includes six restaurants, six bars, adult and children’s swimming pools, fitness center and spa, casino, daily activities, nightly shows and nearby golf at the 18-hole Catalonia Caribe Golf Club.

Globalia Corporation is a leading travel and leisure conglomerate in Spain, owning and operating leading travel companies such as Air Europa, Oasis Hotels & Resorts, Travelplan, Iberrail, and call centers, technology and graphic art businesses.

At the end of 2009, LHVC launched its strategic alliance with Globalia Corporation for The Presidential Suites at Lifestyle Holidays Vacation Resort in Puerto Plata. In February this year, the company also announced its partnership with Globalia for the new Dream Suites by Lifestyle at Grand Oasis Marien in Costa Dorada, Puerto Plata.

Lifestyle Holidays Vacation Club also encompasses The Lifestyle Holidays Vacation Resort in Puerto Plata with four distinct developments; The Tropical, The Crown Suites, The Crown Villas, and The Residence Suites; as well as Executive Spa Suites by Lifestyle in Puerto Plata; and the upcoming Costa Esmeralda by Lifestyle, Center Court by Lifestyle and The Level by Lifestyle resorts in Puerto Plata.

From hotel accommodations to stand alone villas, LHVC provides all members with a unique V.I.P concept with access to “members only” facilities such as restaurants, bars, swimming pools, exclusive beach areas and entertainment, as well as golf carts, limousine transfers and helicopter tours.

Lifestyle Holidays Vacation Club, www.lifestyleholidaysvc.com Travel World News • www.travelworldnews.com

WINAIR ANNOUNCES OPTIONS TO DOMINICA Discover Dominica Authority has announced that WinAir has resumed their service between major Caribbean hubs and Dominica.

The regional airports servicing the flights to Dominica’s Melville Hall Airport (DOM) are St. Lucia’s George F L Charles Airport (SLU) and St. Maarten (SXM).

WinAir will operate a 19-seat DHC-6 Twin Otter aircraft from St. Maarten (SXM) to Dominica on the following schedule: Saturday through Wednesday, flights from SXM to DOM are flight WM7101 departing 8 am, arriving 8:55 am and WM7107 departing 4 pm, arriving 4:55 pm; Saturday through Wednesday from DOM to SXM, flight WM7100 departs 10:30 am and arrives 11:25 am, and Thursday and Friday WM7104 departs 10:55 am, arriving SXM 11:50 am.

WinAir will fly a 19-seat DHC 6 Twin Otter aircraft from St. Lucia (SLU) to Dominica as follows: Saturday through Wednesday, flights from DOM to SLU are flight WM7101 departing 9:15 am, arriving 9:55 am and WM7107 departs 5:15 pm, arriving 5:55 pm; Saturday through Wednesday from SLU to DOM, flight WM7100 departs 9:30 am and arrives 10:10 am, and Thursday and Friday WM7103 departs 9:45 am, arriving DOM 10:25 am.

For reservations on WinAir, travelers from the United States should contact the booking center at their toll-free number.

WinAir, 866-466-0410, www.fly-winair.com; Discover Dominica Authority, 866-522-4057, www.discoverdominica.com

“Most Romantic Resort in the World” TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice, 4th consecutive year

Located on one of the Caribbean’s top 10 "Dream Beaches of the World", the sophisticated and stylish Bucuti and Tara Beach Suites offer Aruba's only refined and tranquil boutique resort experience.

Exchange your vows on our magnificent white sandy beach.

Let us make your honeymoon a celebration that you will cherish for a lifetime...

Eagle Beach • Aruba • Dutch Caribbean info@bucuti.com • 888-4-BUCUTI www.bucuti.com

AUGUST 2010•

29

CARIBBEAN ST. MAARTEN TOURIST BUREAU AND CTO CHAPTER WELCOME AGENTS, HOTELIERS TO DINNER EVENT

Pictured (left to right): Denis Heron, Radisson St. Martin; Lou Peters, St. Maarten Tourist Board; Raul Max Brown, Mary’s Boon; Oscar Paez, Hotel Beach Plaza and Le Flamboyant; Bonnie Hanley, Divi Little Bay; Sharon Bennet, Orient Beach Hotels; Alan Sloane, Orient Beach Hotels; Dominique DeBay, Le Domaine; Cyndi Miller-Aird, St. Maarten/St. Martin Tourist Office; Aida Weinum, Office de Tourisme St. Martin.

Representatives from the St. Maarten Tourist Bureau and the South Florida Chapter of the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) sponsored a travel agent dinner event and presentation highlighting St. Maarten/St. Martin at the Tropical Acres Restaurant in Fort Lauderdale on April 27.

Eighty travel agents and 10 hotel representatives participated including Mary’s Boon, Divi Little Bay, The Moorings Yacht Charters in Oyster Bay, Radisson St. Martin, Orient Beach Hotels, Grand Case Beach Club, Le Domaine, Beach Plaza Hotel and Le Flamboyant. Representatives from the Tourist Bureau provided a presentation about the destination, and agents were able to network with island hoteliers.

Presentations were given at the Go Go Worldwide Vacations offices in Orlando and Fort Lauderdale. The hoteliers also participated in Sun Coast Travel Association Tradeshow in Tampa and hosted a dinner meeting for the Orlando and Daytona Beach Chapters of the Outside Sales Support Network (OSSN) association for home-based agents.

St. Maarten Tourist Bureau, www.vacationstmaarten.com

TOURISM CORPORATION BONAIRE HONORS CAPT. STEWART FOR LIFETIME OF ACHIEVEMENT Tourism Corporation Bonaire has made Captain Don Stewart the first local recipient to receive Bonaire’s prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award. It was presented to him during his birthday celebration in June at Captain Don’s Habitat Bonaire.

The Award honors long-serving, high-performance professionals whose careers have truly made a difference. It is for achievement over a period of several years rather than a single contribution and is awarded for achievement that distinguishes the individual’s work and provides a legacy for future generations.

A Bonaire household name, Captain Don Stewart is considered 30 • AUGUST 2010

the founder of dive tourism on Bonaire, an industry considered by many to be the engine driving Bonaire’s local economy.

Truly a man ahead of his time, he led the campaign to ban spearfishing on Bonaire, instituted the first permanent mooring system which eliminated the need for boats to drop an anchor (now considered a standard for any marine-protected area), founded the Council of Underwater Operators (CURO), and implemented a mandatory orientation dive for all diving on Bonaire. He’s also responsible for opening the first hotel on the island, Zeebad (now Divi Flamingo Beach Resort & Casino), and in 1976 opened Captain Don’s Habitat, which introduced the innovative concept of “diving freedom” (diving 24 hours a day, 365 days a year).

Over his nearly half-century on Bonaire, Stewart has received many awards and commendations for his efforts for Bonaire and sustainable tourism. DEMA granted him the 1998 Reaching Out Award and Bonaire recognized him with a bronze memorial plaque placed at Captain Don’s Reef at Klein Bonaire. He’s been inducted into the International Scuba Diving Hall of Fame. He was given the title of Knight within the Order of Orange-Nassau, a military and civil order of merit created in 1892 on behalf of Queen Wilhelmina of The Netherlands. Captain Don Stewart is a prolific writer, authoring a number of novels and short stories chronicling his life. He founded International Accolade Foundation, which has an environmental objective to proliferate reef/sea management, to maintain a continuing productive underwater environment, and to guarantee the economic health of the world’s communities, nations and their industries.

Tourism Corporation Bonaire, 800-BONAIRE (266-2473), www.tourismbonaire.com

TORTUGA BAY HONORED WITH AAA FIVE DIAMOND AWARD FOR 2011 Tortuga Bay, a luxury boutique hotel designed by Oscar de la Renta, has been honored with the AAA Five Star Diamond Award for 2011. The hotel is the first in the Dominican Republic and one of only four hotels in the Caribbean to ever receive the distinction.

The AAA Five Diamond Award for hotels and restaurants is reserved for properties that exemplify the highest level of excellence in every facet of operation. Only a third of one percent of the over 31,000 properties approved by AAA achieve this designation.

Tortuga Bay, which opened at the PUNTACANA Resort & Club in 2006, has received much attention for its guest experience, including VIP transport from the airport, access to the exclusive Bamboo Restaurant and Six Senses Spa, and ability to play the resort’s two golf courses, the Tom Fazio-designed Corales and P.B. Dye-designed La Cana.

The honor follows a recent announcement that the hotel was named to the American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts Program.

The program is a Card benefit of U.S.-issued Platinum and Centurion® Cards, wherein Card members enjoy special amenities when staying with luxury partner hotels around the world.

PUNTACANA Resort & Club, www.puntacana.com; Tortuga Bay, www.puntacana.com/accommodations/tortuga-bay www.travelworldnews.com • Travel World News

MEXICO MAZATLÁN SCORES IN TRAVELOCITY’S ‘BATTLE OF DESTINATIONS’ CONTEST

Hosted by Travelocity.com.mx and the Mexican Council for the Promotion of Tourism (CPTM), the online ‘Battle of Destinations’ featured weekly match-ups between 14 competing Mexican destinations this summer. Travelers were asked to vote for their top pick in four categories, including Family Beach, Luxury Beach, Urban City and Colonial Town.

More than 2.3 million throughout Mexico cast their ballot for Mazatlán in the battle for Best Family Beach Destination. Winning over 73 percent of votes, the seaside destination known as “The Pearl of The Pacific” celebrated a landslide victory over the rival beaches of Cancún, Acapulco and Ixtapa.

“We are honored to be recognized as Mexico’s top family beach destination,” says Carlos Berdegué, Vice President of the Mazatlán Hotel Association and Tourism Board. “Visitors to Mazatlán enjoy 16 miles of golden-sand beaches along the Pacific Ocean, as well as rich culture, historic sites, world-class resorts, authentic cuisine and unique events that draw families from across North America year-round.”

Mazatlan garnered more than half of the total ballots cast in the Battle of Destinations. The competition drew a total of nearly 3.9 million votes in all four categories.

Mazatlán welcomed Travelocity’s roaming gnome to its shores July 9–11. The tiny traveler was on hand to present the honor for Best Family Beach Destination during a special award ceremony, accompanied by Rodrigo Cobo, Director General for Travelocity México. Raúl Llera Martinez, Undersecretary of Tourism Operations and Promotions for the State of Sinaloa, accepted the award on behalf of Mazatlán, with Mazatlán Hotel Association and Tourism Board members attending.

Following the reception, the gnome ambassador set off to explore Mazatlán’s renowned beaches, cosmopolitan tourism district, state-of-the-art 70-million-dollar International Center, pristine scenery in the Sierra Madres foothills, and many other travel attractions in the interesting city full of culture, history and thrills.

Mazatlán Hotel Association and Tourism Board, www.gomazatlan.com 32 • AUGUST 2010

GRAND VELAS RESORT RIVIERA NAYARIT AND CASA VELAS HOTEL BOUTIQUE EARN IMPRESSIVE AWARDS The AAA Five-Diamond Grand Velas All Suites & Spa Resort was chosen the #1 hotel in Nuevo Vallarta, Riviera Nayarit, Mexico, and #26 worldwide by Expedia® Insiders’ Select 2010. Sister property, the adults-only Casa Velas Hotel Boutique, was chosen the #1 hotel in Puerto Vallarta and #162 worldwide. Grand Velas scored 99.9 and Casa Velas scored 99.3, the highest of any property in their respective destination in terms of value, quality, service, cleanliness and comfort. Based on travelers’ opinions, value and Expedia Hotel Expert input, Expedia® Insiders’ Select™ includes just the top one percent of all Expedia® hotels and resorts.

Grand Velas and Casa Velas are part of the Velas Resorts Group which have earned numerous prestigious international awards for its services and facilities, among them Conde Nast’s “Most Excellent Spa Hotel,” AAA’s 5 Diamond Award, the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences’ 5 Star Diamond Award, and more.

Frida Restaurant at the Grand Velas All Suites and Spa Resort Riviera Nayarit Resort recently received the AAA Four Diamond Award. Under the helm of Chef Regis Lacombe, the colorful restaurant modeled after legendary Mexican painter Frida Kahlo, is recognized by AAA as one of “North America’s finest restaurants offering creative cuisine, excellent service, and upscale surroundings.”

Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit is the only all-inclusive Five Diamond Award winner in Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit with three AAA Four Diamond restaurants.

The AAA Four Diamond rating is an assurance of superiority.

Every year more than 65 AAA/CAA tourism editors visit over 70,000 lodgings, campgrounds, restaurants and attractions throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean.

Tourism editors conduct unannounced evaluations, scrutinizing such areas as cleanliness, ambiance, amenities and service. Less than 3 percent of the nearly 27,000 restaurants surveyed are awarded the prestigious AAA Four Diamond distinction.

Grand Velas All Suites & Spa Resort in Nuevo Vallarta, Riviera Nayarit, Mexico, is 15 minutes from Puerto Vallarta on Banderas Bay. Its grand Grand Velas Spa is the crown jewel of the resort.

The resort also offers tiered three-temperature infinity pools with iPod minis, tennis court, 25,321 total square feet of meeting space, special entertainment for adults and kids and a Kids Club.

Hacienda-style Casa Velas is just five minutes from Puerto Vallarta Airport and 15 from the popular downtown area. The hotel is nestled on the greens of Marina Vallarta’s 18-hole golf course and also offers privileges at two others, designed by Jack Nicklaus and Tom Weiskopf. Spa Casa Velas encompasses five treatment rooms, a hydrotherapy area, a fitness gym and a beauty salon.

Emiliano fine dining restaurant is at the hands of one of the area’s leading chefs serving Mexican and international cuisine.

Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit, 888-261-8436, www.grandvelas.com; Casa Velas Hotel Boutique, 866-529-8813, www.hotelcasavelas.com www.travelworldnews.com • Travel World News

MEXICO

R E S O U R C E

D I R E C T O R Y

The

Palladium

Experience This unique country, as extensive in surface area as it is bountiful in natural resources and beauty, is a land of contrasts. These contrasts range from the arid north to the Pacific coastline, or the Baroque and colonial central area to the famous Yucatan peninsula, cradle of thousand year-old cultures.

Call Center: +1888 237 1226 (Toll Free) GEPPGIRXIV EQIVMGE$½IWXELSXIPKVSYT GSQ

www.ÄLZ[HOV[LSNYV\W.com

We recommend taking a dive in our rooftop pool and use our fully equipped gym that offers the most spectacular views of the city and of the Angel of Independence, Mexico City’s trademark monument. Because of our friendly staff, personalized service, exquisite dining, spectacular views and a wide array of meeting facilities, Galeria Plaza Hotel is the best lodging alternative in Mexico City.

www.brisas.com.mx

Our adults-only world revolves around six meandering pools, the crystal clear Caribbean…and you.

Here, in a setting of all inclusive luxury, we address your every need so you are free to create the moments you dream of, and memories you'll have forever.

www.excellence-resorts.com

When the place is the right one the energy flows spontaneously Everything is dedicated to your wellness and to completely restore your body, mind and spirit.

Located on the Cancun island just 10 minutes from the airport and only 15 minutes from the commercial zone, restaurants and exciting Cancun nightlife.

www.bahiaprincipe.com

866 799 9097 www.thebelair.com.mx

Come see why Costa Azul Adventure is called the “best kept secret south of the border”

Explore the fascinating Mayan World! A refugee of great biodiversity of flora and fauna, exuberant jungles, the second largest coral reef in the world, natural springs (cenotes) and the most important archeological sites of the ancient Mayan civilization in México. Swim with Whalesharks, bike through the Yucatan Peninsula.

800-365-7613

www.costaazul.com

A stunning location between mountain and sea, an elegant building with Old Mision flavors, a state of the art European style Spa, a choice of fine dining experiences and 70 subtle, sumptuous rooms.

www.lamisionloreto.com

www.ecotravelmexico.com

Mayaland is the gateway to two very different worlds: the quiet glories of Old Yucatan and the might of the ancient Maya. To fully appreciate the magic of the Yucatan, you must experience both.

800-235-4079 www.mayaland.com

MEXICO THE FLAMINGO HOTEL COZUMEL CELEBRATES NEW LOOK WITH AGENT PROMO

The Flamingo Hotel has introduced a new look to their rooms. All have been remodeled in a fresh, colorful style that reflects Caribbean charm while providing more guest comfort. In celebration of these changes, the Flamingo is offering 60 percent off the standard rack rates for travel agents who book their own stay for travel now through December 17, 2010. With discounted rates as low as $30 per night for Courtyard accommodations and $36 for Superior accommodations, Flamingo has made it the perfect time for travel professionals to plan vacation getaways.

The 22-room boutique property is located in the cultural center of Cozumel, just steps away from the waterfront and the dining and shopping attractions of the town square. Flamingo Hotel offers opportunities for scuba diving, horseback riding, snorkeling, sailing, parasailing, fishing and tours of Mayan ruins. The hotel’s Aqua Bar is great for meeting and greeting other guests at the end of the day.

Offering high-level personalized service in a spacious and stylish environment, the Flamingo appeals equally to solo travelers, couples, families and friends.

For reservations agents will need to call the hotel’s toll-free number and provide their ASTA, NACTA, IATAN or CLIA number. The agent discount will be applied to qualified travel agents plus one additional guest, and reservations will be based on hotel availability.

Hotel Flamingo, 800-806-1601, info@hotelflamingo.com, www.hotelflamingo.com

PRIVILEGE PACKAGE AT VALENTIN IMPERIAL MAYA RESORT TAKES ALL-INCLUSIVE TO NEW LEVEL Nestled along a half-mile of white-sand coastline aptly named Playa Secreto (Secret Beach), Valentin Imperial Maya Resort offers its guests the sense of a secluded island paradise. A luxurious all-inclusive, adult-only resort property; Valentin Imperial Maya is the newest offering by the European hotel brand, Valentin Hotels.

The only resort from the Valentin Hotels collection located in Mexico, Valentin Imperial Maya Resort sees to it that guests receive a high level of personalized service, with superbly trained staff and attention to detail emphasized.

34 • AUGUST 2010

For the utmost in VIP treatment, guests at Valentin Imperial Maya Resort can reserve the Valentin Privilege Package, which will make their vacation completely unique to them. Exclusive services featured within the Package include private check-in and checkout at the Valentin Privilege Club, pre-arrival concierge services, early check-in and late checkout (subject to availability), a fruit basket, in-room fresh flowers, sparkling wine and chocolate-covered strawberries on arrival, customized minibar selections from the Privilege Menu, reservations at all seven a la carte restaurants (seating is on a first come-first serve basis for non-Privilege Package guests), a signature beach bag, and reserved seating with towel service throughout the pool and beach area.

Also included in the package is exclusive access to the Privilege Lounge (7 a.m. until 11 p.m.), which consists of private businesscenter service, private concierge service, ultra premium bar service, and exclusive Valentin Privilege refreshment.

The Valentin Privilege Package may be purchased at a cost of $50 per person/per day at the same time hotel reservations are made.

Valentin Imperial Maya Resort, 800-232-8316, www.valentinmaya.com

4TH NIGHT FREE AT RIVIERA MAYA LUXURY RESORT CEIBA DEL MAR Boutique Ceiba del Mar Beach & Spa Resort, situated on a half mile of private beach at the edge of Puerto Morelos in Mexico’s Riviera Maya, is inviting guests to stay an extra night at no extra cost with the Rest & Relax 4th Night Free package.

Complementing attributes include access to the wellness aromatherapy Spa at Ceiba del Mar, on-site dining, and sporting and cultural excursions for the duration of the reservation, which is extendable with the Rest & Relax 4th Night Free package. This includes five days and four nights in Luxury Ocean-View accommodations, with the fourth night free; a welcome champagne cocktail; two 50-minute relaxing massages with a 10-percent discount on all other spa therapies; one three-course private candlelight dinner for two with a bottle of wine and personal butler service; and daily a la carte breakfast on the European Plan, or all a la carte meals, snacks and beverages on the all-inclusive Luxury Gourmet Plan.

Rates for this package start at $740 ppdo, plus taxes and a service charge.

Composed of 88 spacious suites and deluxe rooms, seven of which are penthouses, Ceiba del Mar offers ocean views from every guest residence, among the many amenities: a balcony or terrace and hammock; expansive sitting areas; organic bath products; handcrafted furnishings and decor; 300 thread-count premium cotton linens and pillow menu; complimentary in-room morning coffee; nightly turndown service with Mexican handcrafted gift.

Ceiba Del Mar Beach & Spa Resort was included on Conde Nast Traveler’s 2009 and 2010 Gold List, earning perfect scores of “100” in “Best Rooms” and “Best Service” categories for Mexico.

Ceiba Del Mar Beach & Spa Resort, 877-545-6221, www.ceibadelmar.com www.travelworldnews.com • Travel World News

LATIN AMERICA METROPOLITAN TOURING HAS GREAT PRICES FOR ‘ISLANDS OF FIRE’ EXPEDITIONS

II. The yacht’s itinerary is a nature-lover’s dream, taking in the best landing sites for a holistic view of the archipelago.

Metropolitan Touring, 877-534 8584, www.metropolitan-touring.com

SONESTA HOTEL VALLEDUPAR, AIRES AIRLINES AND CESAR JOIN TO WELCOME AGENTS AND MEDIA TO COL0MBIA

Metropolitan Touring is celebrating summer with an excellent last-minute price of $999,99 net per person for a four-day cruise aboard the superb M/V Santa Cruz. The 90-passenger yacht was completely refitted for Galapagos expeditions and enjoys one of the best reputations for operating in the archipelago.

The four-day cruise departs Fridays for a bountiful trip in which guests experience the breathtaking, volcanic landscapes for which Galapagos is famous. Highlights include up-close encounters with sea lions, waved albatrosses, and blue-footed boobies, as well as the chance to explore the Islands’ marine life either snorkeling or aboard a glass-bottom boat.

Prices apply to September bookings and the discount also applies to the Santa Cruz’s five-day cruise taking in different islands.

Prices do not include taxes or airfares.

Metropolitan Touring is also offering a special departure focusing on geology both in the Galápagos and the Andes mountains. The fixed departures on August 24 to 31 and December 7 to 14 are led by the volcanology professor, Dr Theofilos Toulkeridis, a world authority on Ecuador’s fascinating volcanic past.

Dr Toulkeridis will share his expertise as he guides guests throughout the trip, employing eye-catching lectures and discussions about Ecuador & Galápagos’ geology, right in the Middle of the World. On this trip, apart from traveling through beautiful landscapes, guests will explore glacial and geological phenomena up close and then sail around the islands on board the yacht Isabela

The city of Valledupar, the capital of Cesar in the north of Colombia, was the destination for an early-June visit by a group of travel agents from the major cities of Barranquilla, Cartagena, Medellin and Bogotá, and also journalists from various media outlets such as El Tiempo newspaper, the specialized magazine Gerencia de Viajes, and Conexión, Colombian Airlines’ Aires magazine.

Thanks to an alliance between the government of Cesar, the and AIRES Airlines, the group had the opportunity to experience local culture; to enrich their spirit with the sounds of voices and music from Los Grandes Juglares and the children’s group Los Niños del Vallenato; and also see the city’s main tourism attractions—Pueblo Bello, La Mina, Patillal, Badillo, among others. This trip served to demonstrate that Valledupar and its surroundings is a tourism destination worth promoting.

The journey exposed the exceptional folklore and the culture of the catchy “vallenato” music genre. From the moment visitors arrive in Valledupar, the rhythm of accordions and drums invades body and spirit, a mixture between cultures creating the unique flavors of folklore represented with sounds of lively local music.

Travelers are able to bathe in the mythical waters of the Guatapurí River, visit the town of Patillal—the location of the La Mina settlement and the residence of maestro and composer Escalona, visit the town of Badillo, and finish the trip with an amazing lunch of chicken “sancocho” in Pueblo Bello, where visitors also find handcrafts like bags and accessories made by the indigenous Arhuaca.

This event allowed hosts to showcase the Sonesta Hotel Valledupar— the city’s only luxury hotel, and the city of Valledupar and its surroundings as a new and desirable national tourism destination.

GHL Hoteles, www.ghlhoteles.com

Manu Wildlife Center “The most intense wildlife experience in the Amazon" (Condé Nast Traveler). Includes Macaw Lick, Tapir Lick, Giant Otters, Spider Monkeys, Emperor Tamarins, private hot-water bathrooms.

Fixed departures from Cusco.

Manu National Park also available.

Discover the world's richest rainforest, only 40 minutes from Cusco InkaNatura Travel / Toll Free 1-888-870-7378 (USA & Canada) / postmaster@inkanatura.com.pe / www.inkanatura.com

Travel World News • www.travelworldnews.com

AUGUST 2010 •

35

LATIN AMERICA CANODROS HAS SPECIAL FOR FAMILY VACATIONS TO GALAPAGOS ABOARD EXPLORER II

son. Conditions apply.

During the cold and dry season that started in June, the weather changes to an average 67 degrees. This is excellent for observing marine life and bird reproduction periods.

Children seven years old up to 15 are considered kids. Discounts apply to cruise rate only. There is a maximum of three children per family reservation. Free snorkeling rental equipment is only for kids. The Family Adventure Package is available for departures from through September 2010.

Canodros S.A., www.galapagosexplorer.com, www.canodros.com

DELTA AIR LINES AND GOL ANNOUNCE SHARED BENEFITS FOR SKYMILES AND SMILES MEMBERS

Canodros’ Explorer II has a special Family Galapagos Adventure package featuring a discount of 75 percent off the cruise rate for two kids under 15, and an additional 50-percent discount for a third child. This family package includes snorkeling equipment, Internet access, special activities for kids, and a family picture.

With this program, families can enjoy each other’s company aboard a premiere all-suite 100-passenger vessel perfect for exploring the Galapagos in style.

The Galapagos Explorer II ideally provides family adventure with close encounters with nature commonplace. The ship allows travelers to discover the magical archipelago in a luxurious environment.

Explorer II is the only all-suite vessel operating in Galapagos that offers up to 24 balcony suites, allowing guests to observe nature as they rest.

Also, on special departures, the Rabida promo is available, starting at $1,240 (all year). Conditions apply to all promotional rates.

Off-the-boat excursions are led by a bilingual naturalist guide, in groups of up to 15 at a time. What results is a personal experience on the islands and a deep connection with this pristine museum of natural history, offering true understanding of wildlife and evolution.

All activities and island visits are included in the program. Guests are pampered by a personalized crew while they enjoy the comfort of the Explorer II’s cozy, casual areas. Many choose to combine a Galapagos tour with a stay on the Ecuadorian mainland, taking advantage of packages that include stays at any of four different Ecuador regions.

Scuba divers are also welcome. Two programs are offered: Mosquera Islet or Daphne Islet (two dives) and Academy Bay (two dives). The rate is $195 (includes the two dives) per day per per36 • AUGUST 2010

Delta Air Lines and GOL have agreed to offer members of Delta’s SkyMiles and GOL’s SMILES frequent flyer programs the ability to earn miles on all flights operated by each carrier.

“This new agreement will offer SkyMiles members the opportunity to earn mileage on eligible GOL flights, increasing their ability to redeem miles for upgrades, award travel tickets and other awards,” said Luiz Teixeira, Regional Manager of Sales for Delta in Brazil.

“With this agreement, SMILES will become even more attractive to passengers traveling to North America and Asia. We are offering our clients the opportunity to earn miles and issue tickets with Delta, one of the largest airlines in the world. On the other hand, GOL will offer SkyMiles members 62 destinations in Brazil, South America and the Caribbean,” said Marcelo Bento, Yield & Alliances Director for GOL. Delta and GOL filed requests with the governments of the United States and Brazil for authorization to implement a codeshare agreement. When approved, the agreement will provide Delta and GOL customers improved access beyond the carriers’ respective hubs by allowing Delta to place its code on flights to more than 40 GOL markets departing from Brasilia, Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo to other cities throughout Brazil. The codeshare agreement also will cover GOL flights between Brazil and Paraguay and Uruguay (subject to government approvals).

Delta’s SkyMiles program has more than 140 worldwide partners with more than 81 million members worldwide and is among the longest running and most successful loyalty programs in the travel industry. The award-winning program offers members multiple mileage-earning opportunities when flying Delta, Delta Shuttle, the Delta Connection carriers, Delta AirElite and all SkyTeam member airlines.

GOL’s SMILES program currently has over 6.8 million participants and offers members the chance to obtain upgrades, providing them with even more benefits, such as differentiated service at check-in, extra baggage allowances, access to SMILES VIP lounges, as well as to their exclusive customer service center.

Delta Air Lines, www.delta.com/skymiles, www.delta.com; GOL, www.smiles.com.br, www.voegol.com.br www.travelworldnews.com • Travel World News

PANAMA

R E S O U R C E We built Tranquilo Bay inside the rainforest overlooking the Caribbean Sea and the beautiful Panamanian Jungle.

Bocas del Toro, Panama includes an archipelago of some 68 tropical islands which are excellent for beach combing, birding and exploring.

www.bernhotelspanama.com

www.tranquilobay.com

Panama, comes from an Indian word that means abundance of fish, flowers, and butterflies .

Bordered by the Caribbean Sea on the north, the Pacific Ocean on the south, Columbia on the east and Costa Rica on the west, Panama is a connecting link between Central and South America and a true crossroads of the world.

We invite you to come to Taborcillo, a small private island off the Pacific coast of Panama that once belonged to John Wayne.

Here you can feel his spirit at every turn!

When you come to Taborcillo you will be fascinated by the island’s virgin nature, its long white beaches and the old mango trees planted by the “Duke” himself!

www.grayline-panama.com

www.isla-taborcilio.com

Our mission is to bring people to a comfortable closeness with the rich Panamanian rainforest, and to share our enthusiasm for the birds and wildlife, so they will join with us in working to conserve the spectacular diversity of Nature.

www.canopytower.com

o Fishing o Inshore Fishing o Offshore Fishing o Fly Fishing

Panama is south of Costa Rica and north of Colombia.

The Panama Canal bisects the isthmus at its narrowest and lowest point, allowing passage from the Caribbean Sea to the Pacific Ocean.

There are extensive forests in the fertile Caribbean area.

D I R E C T O R Y

Coronado Golf & Beach Resort is a unique hotel with history and great traditions long lost in other hotels.

www.coronadoresort.com

www.nikkibeachhotels.com/ playablanca

We are driven by the satisfaction of offering excellence in our services as well as the competitive quality of our products. We are committed to the protection of the environment in the development of our events and to adhere to the responsibility of promoting the wonders of our country through our work.

866-924-2837

www.coralstar.com

www.turistaintl.com

LATIN AMERICA ‘MACHU PICCHU ON A BUDGET’ PRESENTED

BY TARA TOURS Tara Tours Inc. is promoting an exciting journey high in the Peruvian Andes following the steps of the Inka civilization.

This Inka Express program lands in Lima with an immediate flight to Cuzco. A quiet morning is spent there to enable getting used to the high altitude and to the surroundings. During the stay in Cuzco, once known as the Capital of the Inka Empire, a city tour and visit to the ruins nearby of Sacsayhuaman, Kenko, PucaPucara, Tambomachay and other archeological sites are included.

The next day, bus and train take travelers to one of the most exciting places on earth: “Machu Picchu.” Temples, palaces, towers and staircases are built into the side of the mountain. Here the tour guide takes the group from site to site explaining the advanced world of the Inkas. Overnight is spent in the village of Aguas Calientes, just at the bottom of Machu Picchu.

The next day is leisure—to go back and explore “The Lost City of Inkas,” or visit the Inka Thermal baths of Aguas Calientes or the local market. At mid-afternoon, the group returns to Cuzco.

On the way back, there’s the opportunity to enjoy incredible views of the Andean peaks, the Urubamba Valley and the powerful Vilcanota River.

This full and busy itinerary is for seven days and five nights and departs every day from the U.S. The cost per person including domestic airfare and all ground arrangements with daily breakfast, entrance fees, train tickets, etc. is $1,285 ppdo (The single supplement cost is $376.)

Airfare available from Miami is priced from $450 to $550 and add-ons from other major cities are available on request.

The full itinerary is available online at Tara Tours’ website.

Tara Tours Inc, 800-327-0080, www.taratours.com

ROMANTIC WEDDINGS ARE A SPECIALTY OF LA MANSION INN IN COSTA RICA Looking for an elopement wedding destination? Costa Rica is the epitome of exotic—with its sun-kissed beaches lined with wild flowers, active volcanoes lighting up the dawn, and colorful wildlife still ruling the land.

The boutique luxury hotel La Mansion Inn, located in the heart of Manuel Antonio, offers a most intimate wedding event.

For groups of 40, their rooftop Sky Lounge is perfect—providing 360-degree panoramic views of Manuel Antonio National Park, the Pacific Ocean, and rainforest canopy.

Depending on the size and scope of the wedding, the resort can work directly with clients in order to arrange important details such as a lawyer, flowers, catering and other requests, and it can also work with professional wedding planners ensuring the special day unfolds flawlessly, exceeding expectations.

Special packages are available for the bride and groom should they wish to stay on at La Mansion Inn after the wedding to enjoy their honeymoon. A Honeymoon Package includes fresh tropical flowers in your room upon arrival, plus a fruit plate and a bottle of 38 • AUGUST 2010

sparkling wine. Daily breakfast, lunch and all drinks at the pool are included for two people until seven in the evening. Couples receive an in-room one-hour Couples Massage and a catamaran tour that includes snorkeling, a tour of the offshore islands and a delicious meal for two.

La Mansion Inn, reservations@lamansioninn.com, www.lamansioninn.com

RADISSON HOTEL BELIZE CITY LAUNCHES MAJOR RENOVATION Carlson Hotels Worldwide has announced the 102-room Radisson Fort George Hotel & Marina located at #2 Marine Parade in Belize City, is undergoing a $160,000 renovation that began in June. Refurbishment of the hotel’s Baymen’s Tavern, Le Petit Café, Business Center, Santa Rita Room, VIP Room and the Club Tower Elevator is expected to be completed by October 2010.

Major changes include expansion of the Le Petit Café, relocation of the Business Center in the main lobby, redoing the décor of two meeting rooms and refurbishing the elevator. “These changes will better accommodate our guests and customers,” Scott noted.

Radisson Hotels & Resorts®, a worldwide leading, full-service hotel company, aims to offer warm and engaging genuine hospitality at every point of guest contact and is focused on being the hotel of choice with business and leisure travelers by understanding their independent mindset, changing needs and desire to have more control over their hotel experience. Radisson is continuing to evolve the brand, introducing new product and service standards to enable guest choice. Radisson recently introduced Business Class Rooms, 3-Hour Express Laundry & Grab & Run. Radisson Hotels & Resorts, www. radissonbelize.bz

AUTHENTIC ECO-TOUR BY HORIZONTES NATURE TOURS Horizontes Nature Tours is a true pioneer in developing eco-tours in Costa Rica, working closely with the Rainforest Alliance in initiatives.

Their Costa Rica Sport Adventure for Families tour features the Rainforest Tram, Sarapiqui rafting, Tortuguero National Park’s tropical forest, a Quepos canopy adventure, and famous Manuel Antonio National Park with rainforest extending to three white beaches.

Included are lodging (double/triple)/tip, ground/boat/airplane transportation, majority of meals, water/sodas/snack on bus, entrance fees/local guide tips, and bilingual guide.

Not included are alcoholic beverages, guide and driver’ tips, $26 departure tax, phone calls, laundry or personal expenses.

Low season through August is priced at $2,899 pp (min. three), less $780 for child in room with two adults; December 2010 and peak until January 2, 2011, costs $3,199 pp, $849 discount for child sharing.

Four or more passengers in party earns discount. Agent commission is 10 percent.

Horizontes Nature Tours, info@horizontes.com, www.horizontes.com/eng www.travelworldnews.com • Travel World News

AFRICA

Africa Travel Association (ATA) Convenes in The Gambia for 35th Annual Congress

T

he 35th annual Africa Travel Association congress commenced on May 17th and was hosted by the Gambia. The congress invited delegates and press from Africa, Europe and North America to discuss the successes and future development of tourism in the Gambia and elsewhere in Africa. The event involved various seminars by key figures in the African tourism industry and ample time was dedicated to discussing the myriad of amenities Africa can offer as a tourist destination.

The event was hosted at the Sheraton Hotel Spa and Resort with displays of traditional Gambian dancing and music. Key government officials including tourism ministers and the Vice President of the Gambia attended and showed their continued The ATA Congress was hosted at the Sheraton Hotel Spa and Resort with displays of dedication for the development of tourism. This traditional Gambian dancing and music. congress also introduced important collaborative The seminars and workshops were broken up by “Host efforts between the ATA, national governments and independent private organizations. A memorandum of understanding Country Days” where delegates and press were shown nubetween the Africa Union and the ATA was signed which de- merous cultural sites and attractions. On the first Host clares that both organizations share a commitment to expand Country Day the congress was floated down the Gambia the promotion of tourism and travel. New York University’s River to James Island. This UNESCO world heritage site was Africa House, the World Bank and the ATA pledged to de- a point of departure for enslaved Gambians. After a guided velop Africa’s tourism industry to coincide with a joint publi- tour and an emotional memorial to the slave trade where delcation entitled The State of Tourism in Africa. The publication egates floated wreaths down the river, ATA unveiled a plaque utilizes a multifaceted mosaic of figures, fact and personal commemorating their contribution to rebuilding a badly damstories to create a plan of action for the region’s development. aged pier. The congress departed for Juffureh and Alex The report also insists on bolstering resource allocation to the Haley’s “Homecoming and Heritage Trail.” The congress was greeted by the village’s chief and met with Kunta tourism industry by governments.

The United Nations World Trade Organization and the ATA Kinteh’s descendants. We were assured by the guide that they engaged in a dialogue during congress events and the were indeed his descendants because one of the elder women UNWTO promised to aid in developing tourism in Africa. The resembled LeVar Burton, the star of the Roots miniseries.

35th ATA congress would also be the first “Carbon Off-Set After a meal at the Kunta Kinteh Lodge the congress returned Free” congress thanks to the Gambia Organizing Committee. to Serrekundu. The Coco Ocean Beach Resort hosted a cockThe committee planted seedlings to grow an “ATA Forest” tail reception to further promote the congress and provided maintained by an NGO entitled Concern Universal. an opportunity for the congress to network.

Travel World News spoke with Edward Bergman, Executive President of the Gambia, the Honorable Sheik Professor Dr. Alhaji Yaya A. J. J. Jammeh demonstrated his attention to Director of the ATA. He assumed the position in 2006 and has tourism in the Gambia and Africa by hosting a variety of so- built on the foundation of the organization and increased opcial and networking events during the duration of the con- portunity for different areas of tourism to thrive. Mr. Bergman gress. These events included a visit to his village, Kanilai, and said that this congress was a momentous occasion and set the the annual cultural festival, which brings together dozens of stage for further developments in African tourism and intraditional dance and musical troupes from various countries creased cooperation between the public and private sectors. in West Africa. The start of the congress was commemorated In regards to the key milestone of this congress, Mr. Bergman with a dinner at the Ocean Bay Hotel hosted by the Republic said, “The most important thing we’ve been able to accomCONTINUED ON PAGE 40 ofTanzania’s ministry of tourism.

Travel World News • www.travelworldnews.com

AUGUST 2010 •

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AFRICA ATA

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plish is signing the MOU with the Africa Union. We hope that it brings about an increase in tourism and that we will be able to establish the ATA as a political headquarters for tourism in the future.” The expanding role of the ATA in the private and governmental sectors of African nations shows promise that the organization will positively benefit tourism.

An important addition to the ATA congress was a vendor exchange in which different privately owned companies were able to market their services to delegates and tour operators.

On May 20th, two seventy five minute windows were created where buyers and sellers in the tourism industry could exchange information and ideas. The vendors consisted of travel agents, tour operators, wholesalers and group planners. ATA delegates were also given the option to schedule 15-minute one-on-one appointments with wholesalers and tourism experts.

Many of the United States’ press and delegates were flown to the Gambia by Arik Air. Arik Air is a relatively new and rapidly expanding world class Nigerian Airline. Arik Air seeks to revamp the public’s perception of Nigerian airlines by offering patrons a luxurious and first rate flying experience. The airline offers service to 28 international and domestic destinations with an average of 130 flights daily. As the airline grows and the number of passengers increases, Arik Air is acquiring traffic rights to new international destinations such as Sao Paulo, Houston and Beijing.

year for the first six months.

The company was named by both Tourism New Zealand and Australia as Best Travel Wholesaler six and five years running respectively. Similarly, Africa Answers will rely heavily on relationships built with South African Tourism and travel boards.

Down Under Answers, 800-889-1464, info@duatravel.com, www.duatravel.com

THE BLUE TRAIN SCOOPS AFRICA’S LEADING LUXURY TRAIN AWARD

Africa Travel Association, www.africatravelassociation.org Blue Train team: Hilda Thomas, Hanlie Kotze, Herbert Masheula

DOWN UNDER ANSWERS BRANCHES INTO SOUTH AFRICA MARKET WITH ‘AFRICA ANSWERS’ DIVISION Down Under Answers, specialist in wholesale travel to Australia, New Zealand and the islands of the South Pacific, has extended its scope to include Southern Africa and the nations of Eastern Africa.

New affiliate Africa Answers will specialize in travel packages to the nations of South Africa, Tanzania, Botswana, Mozambique, Namibia and the Indian Ocean, including the island nation of Seychelles.

“It’s a natural progression for our company to include an African vacation focus, because so many people want to experience its scenic beauty, wildlife and cultural offerings firsthand. We’ve fallen in love with it,” says DUA’s President and founder Kirk Demeter from Johannesburg.

Since its 1992 inception, the Seattle-based company has grown steadily from a boutique adventure operator to one of the leading travel wholesalers in North America. Down Under Answers enjoyed a record year in 2008 in sales to the South Pacific (including Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, Fiji, Cook Islands, Vanuatu and more), with Australia vacation destinations representing 65 percent of total sales. Projected sales for 2010 are expected to reach an all-time peak. Already the company has seen a 95-percent increase in passengers and a 50-percent growth in revenue over last 40 • AUGUST 2010

The Blue Train won the highly contested ‘Africa’s Leading Luxury Train’ award last month—for the second time—during the World Travel Awards’ Africa and Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony held at the Sandton Convention Centre.

These prestigious awards aim to encourage world-class competition and to stimulate innovation and creativity as well as ensure that travelers receive exceptional value. They further acknowledge the organizations that contribute significantly in the tourism and travel industry. Winning the World Travel Awards, known as “the Oscars of the Travel Industry,” is a great achievement for any company because it means that winners consistently excelled beyond expectations. Winners were carefully selected based on the 183,000 votes cast by travel professionals including travel agencies, tour and transport companies as well as tourism organizations in over 160 countries across the world.

The Blue Train, which combines the luxury of the world’s leading hotels with the charm of train travel, has won this award for two consecutive years. It has also won The World’s Leading Luxury Train award in 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001 and again in 2009.

The Blue Train will now automatically go through as a nominee for the World’s Leading Luxury Train when the travel trade votes later in the year.

The Blue Train, www.bluetrain.co.za www.travelworldnews.com • Travel World News

AFRICA

SAA and SAAV Expect Turnkey Travel from Cup Post-FIFA, the word’s out: The limitless splendor of South Africa demands a return visit

S

outh Africa was the center of the globe during the World Cup, so the secret is out about the magic of this destination,” claims Marc Cavaliere, Executive Vice President of North America for South African Airways. The tournament’s enormous success is likely to result in bringing many new visitors back to this incredible location to explore and experience more of what it offers. Let’s face it—Africa the destination is intoxicating.

Travelers who decide to explore South Africa this year will benefit from the after-glow of the tournament and infrastructure enhancements the country has made. These enhancements, such as a new terminal at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, renovations at Cape Town International Airport, and an entirely new airport in Durban, have only added to an already advanced destination.

Cavaliere stressed that as the national carrier of South Africa, “we strive to match the high level of service offered at South Africa’s tourist destinations by offering a comparable experience on board SAA’s flights. That’s why every seat on board features an individual, on-demand entertainment system, a complimentary selection of South African wines, a pillow, blanket and amenity kit, and fine cuisine to ensure travelers arrive to our homeland refreshed and ready to discover its wonders.”

He points out that now is an excellent time to promote return visits, with a number of deals and packages available throughout the remainder of the year: “SAA for some time has been focused on fares and deals for the post-World Cup period, and we’ve been working with our closest partners to put together some great packages.”

Classic South Africa SAA Vacations is offering the ‘Classic South Africa’ package at a savings of $1,500 for travel in October and November.

This nine-day package features four nights at the hot, new 15 on Orange Hotel in Cape Town, plus two nights on safari at the Lion Sands River Lodge in the Lion Sands Private Game Reserve. The price starts at $2,989 plus taxes per person, which is a great deal for these five-star properties.

Luxury Cape Town Aside from the ‘Classic South Africa’ package, SAA Vacations has put together an array of air-inclusive packages at a range of price points that make it affordable for budgetminded travelers and those who are not so price-conscious.

In either case, the accommodations are luxurious.

For instance, the ‘Luxury Cape Town’ package is priced starting at $1,999 plus taxes, per person, and offers an in-depth Travel World News • www.travelworldnews.com

Luxury suite bedroom at Lion Sands River Lodge.

Cape Town experience, with five-star accommodations in the city, as well as in the wine region, and including breakfasts, a dinner at a luxurious wine farm, and a wine estate tour.

Safari Royale A tour loaded with true African adventure is the Safari Royale, with opportunities for sighting—besides ‘Big 5’ lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino—cheetah, wild dog, hippo, crocodile, mountain zebra, eland and ostriches. This trip includes a thrilling Funicular ride to the scenic viewing point where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet.

Also providing a wine tour and adequate time to enjoy the variety of Cape Town with ultra-luxurious five-star accommodations, the package is priced from $2,929 plus taxes per person.

Coastline features include the harbor that’s the heart of the local crayfish industry, thrilling rocky-mountain peak views of shimmering bays, visiting a beach of penguins and an old European settlement now a naval port. Travelers will also get a glimpse at the hottest real estate in the world—the pristine beaches of Camps Bay, Clifton and Llandudno.

Cup visitors due back Many who made the trip here for the first time and got just a taste of Africa’s allure will be eager to return, to experience more of the exhilaration this vast continent holds. And according to Marc Cavaliere, “Word of mouth is that South Africa is an outstanding host to its visitors.”

Travel professionals should immerse themselves in learning more about the opportunities in South Africa, he advises.

“Now that the destination has graced the world stage, agents and tour operators should be ready to capitalize on the interest travelers will undoubtedly have in South Africa.”

South African Airways (SAA), www.flysaa.com; South African Airways Vacations, www.flysaavacations.com AUGUST 2010 •

41

AFRICA REAL TRAVEL EXPERIENCES WITH HLO TOURS

Travel to East Africa is made simple and efficient with a range of tours that will be unforgettable without “breaking the bank.” Long a dream of many travelers from North America, ET African Journeys offers a wide range of tours in both northern and southern Tanzania, Kenya, and Rwanda with an added bonus of Ethiopia and its fascinating culture and history.

A new website will be launched at the end of August and travel agents will be able to book all programs online with last-minute availability for both air and land. Programs can be customized for groups, special interests, and other needs.

Complete information on these Ethiopian Airlines African Journeys is currently available by toll-free or email contact.

Group IST, 800-662-5406, information@groupist.com, www.groupist.com, (soon) www.etafricanjourneys.com

HLO Tours is a U.S.-based tour operator with over 25 years of experience throughout Egypt, Israel, Syria, Jordan, Morocco, East and South Africa. All tours, whether for individuals, small groups, travel clubs or incentive programs, are unique and custom-planned to meet specific expectations and wishes.

Customized trips always include: international air transportation, domestic air, deluxe hotel, Nile cruise, lodge and camps accommodations, all our transfers, tours and safaris by private air-conditioned vehicle with permanent English-speaking guide and driver, all fees to the sites, buffet breakfast daily and three meals on board or during safaris, as well as all taxes. Prices are based on destination and the number of people in the group.

A teacher whose group recently toured Egypt commented: “After hearing Laurie Nossair from HLO Tours, Inc speak to my class, I developed a passion to go to Egypt with her husband’s company, HLO Tours. One of the biggest selling points was the fact that her husband, Hamdy Nossair, is from Egypt and still has family there.

Since I have traveled to 27 different countries, I know that having a native as a guide is so much better. After signing up for the tour, I had no idea what a wonderful, diverse experience I would have.”

Nossair will personally accompany any group of 10 or more choosing a customized trip, where, according to him, “you come as a tourist and leave as a friend.”

HLO Tours pays 12-percent commission to travel agents.

HLO Tours, 800-736-4456, hamdy@hlotours.com, www.hlotours.com

SITA WORLD TOURS GIVES TRAVEL INDUSTRY THE GREEN LIGHT

GROUP IST CHOSEN BY ETHIOPIAN AIRLINES FOR TOURS Ethiopian Airlines has announced the appointment of Group IST as their in-house tour operator. One of the premier packagers of cultural, educational and faith-based travel programs, Group IST has developed and is marketing a diverse array of travel products to destination East Africa with very competitive prices. Ethiopian Airlines African Journeys will provide the only nonstop Boeing 777 flights between the East Coast and East Africa, beginning in November this year.

42 • AUGUST 2010

Roger Mahal, SITA’s Chairman & CEO, poses shovel-ready with Angel Island park ranger.

SITA World Tours’ efforts and commitment to operating within the world’s highest environmental standards were recognized recently when they received the prestigious Green Globe Certification award. The certification reflects new and innovative policies adopted by SITA’s staff worldwide directed at preservation of nonrenewable resources. Roger Mahal is an enthusiastic member of Tourism Cares, an organization dedicated to preserving the travel experience for future generations. He was one of approximately 300 travel industry volunteers on hand June 4 for a day of cleaning, repairing, stacking and beautifying San Francisco’s Angel Island. Designated one of America’s 10 most threatened historic sites by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the park has a colorful history that pre-dates the Civil War. According to Angel Island State Park staff, Tourism Cares volunteers did tens of thousands of dollars worth of work that would have taken state workers months to accomplish.

The Angel Island project was the first Tourism Cares for America event held on the West Coast.

SITA World Tours, 800-421-5643, laudie@sitatours.com, www.sitatours.com www.travelworldnews.com • Travel World News

BOOK

AFRICA WITH THE FOLLOWING DESTINATION SPECIALISTS

Escorted Tours Around the World From its inception, DESIGN TRAVEL & TOURS has been the premier “go to” company for custom designed itineraries to exotic and exciting international destinations.

They now offer set departure tours, module programs to build your own tour and sample itineraries to help choose.

WHAT IS RIGHT FOR YOU!

The Pioneer of the Creative African Safari Born Free Safaris Associates are experts in planning safaris. Our philosophy is to spend time with you - to find out what is the right trip that meets your comfort level, budget and expectations.

Excellence in Africa for over Thirty Years

International Expeditions’ escorted tours combine elements that make them extraordinary.

Please read on to learn about the things that set us apart...and why we think you'll enjoy traveling with us.

DESIGN TRAVEL & TOURS 800-543-7164

www.designtraveltours.com

(800) 4 SAFARI (472-3274) africa@bornfreesafaris.com

www.ietravel.com

NAIPENDA SAFARIS SWAHILI TRANSLATION: I LOVE TO TRAVEL

Tanzania Safari Specialists A boutique tour company specializing in customized journeys to East and Southern Africa's safari destinations and the Indian Ocean. Mango’s safaris are spirited adventures that touch and feel the many intangible components that make Africa magical: close encounters with wildlife, the top guides, unbridled luxury and African culture.

While we like to keep our groups small and personal, we can accommodate as many as you need. Our pricing ranges from budget camping safaris to true five-star luxury whether in lodging or in camping. Custom safaris are available to everyone – from family groups with children, to honeymooners and non-profit organizations.

888 40 MANGO www.mangosafaris.com 888-404-4499 www.naipendasafaris.com

It is with this tradition of excellence and our commitment to deliver unique experiences that we continue to develop engaging journeys and bring the very best ways to see the world.

Please join us as we continue to explore the world’s most extraordinary and enriching places in uncompromising luxury and style.

THE TERM AFRICANMECCA GENUINELY EVOLVES FROM A PHILOSOPHICAL COMBINATION OF 2 LITERAL WORDS REFLECTED IN OUR DAY-TO-DAY OPERATIONS: THE WORD “AFRICA” REFERRING TO TOURISM AND DESTINATION OFFERINGS, DIVERSITY, PEOPLE, ACTIVITIES, CULTURES, AND ALL UNIQUE AND WONDERFUL OPPORTUNITIES THAT THE AFRICAN CONTINENT HAS TO OFFER TO DISCERNING GUESTS AND THE WORD “MECCA” REFERRING TO THE COMING TOGETHER. “The Complete Coming Together Of Africa’s Greatest Tourism Offerings From a Native Perspective.”

800 992-2003

www.travcoa.com Travel World News • www.travelworldnews.com

www.africanmecca.com

Creating journeys to extraordinary places is what United Travel Group is all about. We believe that luxury can be affordable and that planning a vacation should be as easy and stress-free as the journey itself.

800-223-6486 www.unitedtravelgroup.com

Vantage World Travel is a travel wholesaler specializing in international travel, with high service standards, designing travel itineraries that match unique destinations and activities with the personal interests and desires of the traveler. Extensive experience and the intimate knowledge of the areas, language and the local culture, including culinary specialties, has allowed Vantage to create the best contacts for the type of tours requested by our clientele

vantage@travelvantage.com

www.travelvantage.com AUGUST 2010 •

43

AFRICA EJ AFRICA ANNOUNCES KAYAK+VOLUNTEER TRIP IN MOZAMBIQUE Specialists in customized luxury African Safaris, Extraordinary Journeys (EJ Africa), has designed a new volunteering and kayaking program in Mozambique. Prices start at $2,975 per person for a 10-day trip starting and ending in Pemba, Mozambique.

The journey begins in the bustling port city of Pemba, gateway to the island gems of the Indian Ocean’s Quirimbas Archipelago, one of the most unspoiled destinations on the planet. Travelers will fly by plane to Ibo Island, a 16th-century Portuguese fort where they’ll stay at the beautiful Ibo Island Lodge. Professional guides will lead them on a kayaking tour of the tropical islands where activities include observing exotic birds; snorkeling alongside dolphins and turtles in some of Mozambique’s richest coral reefs; and eating fresh seafood cooked over an open fire under the stars at one of the mobile beach camps set up along the way.

The trip concludes at Guludo Beach Lodge, a true eco-lodge built to the highest of environmental and social integrity, whose bandas mix traditional and contemporary styles. There, travelers will have a chance to volunteer for one of many projects operated by the lodge’s associated charity, the Nema Foundation, whose main goals are “to relieve poverty and protect the environment.” In 2009, the School Feeding Project increased school attendance by over 490 percent by providing 550 local children with nutritious meals from locally sourced sustainable farms. Other projects focus on improving water, health, enterprise, and conservation. The lodge donates five percent of its income to the charity to help support the local community.

Run by an extraordinary mother-daughter team with offices in New York and Paris, EJ Africa organizes trips for honeymooners, families and individual travelers to Botswana, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia. Mixing and matching safaris, camps, lodges, and villas, with travel by private planes, 4x4s, hot air balloons, elephant, camel and even horse, EJ Africa has planned over 300 trips to Africa and not one has been the same.

Extraordinary Journeys, www.extraordinaryjourneys.net/blog, www.ejafrica.com

DESIGN TRAVEL & TOURS ANNOUNCES FOUR NEW TOURS Design Travel & Tours has put together four enticing new itineraries in Zambia.

The Very Best, 10 Days in Zambia is a high-end itinerary offering five days in South Luangwa, three nights at Mchenja Camp and two in Tena Tena. Three nights then in the Lower Zambezi National Park at the fabulous Sausage Tree Camp offers drive safaris, walking safaris and canoeing to view game as it congregates by the water’s edge. Tiger fishing is excellent, with two nights in Livingstone at the romantic Tongabezi Camp. The program starts at $9,420 ppdo during the shoulder season and is commissionable at 10 percent to travel agents.

44 • AUGUST 2010

Lower Zambezi, Luangwa and Lake Malawi is a 10-day itinerary highlighting the best two game-viewing areas in Zambia and the idyllic Likoma Island in Lake Malawi. It starts with three nights at Chongwe River Lodge in the Lower Zambezi, and proceeds to Nsolo Bushcamp for two nights and two nights at Mchenja Camp in the South Luangwa National Park. Here clients can do game walks as well as open-vehicle drives. A charter flight then takes clients to Likoma Island in the middle of Lake Malawi for a final three nights of secluded luxury at Kaya Mawa. Starting rate for this program in shoulder season is $7,550 ppdo, also commissionable at 10 percent.

For clients with a little more time, there’s a 14-night safari to Luangwa, Lower Zambezi, Kafue and Livingstone. The itinerary incorporates Zambia’s three premier National Parks as well as Livingstone and the Victoria Falls. It includes helicopter flights into and out of the luxurious Shumba Camp in Kafue. The rate in shoulder season starts at $11,700 ppdo, commissionable at 10 percent.

Lastly, there’s a 14-night safari to South Luangwa, Livingstone and the Lower Zambezi, whose itinerary gives guests the opportunity to explore the country’s two premier National Parks and the area around Livingstone and the Victoria Falls. Camps have been carefully selected to offer excellent accommodations and cuisine with good value. The commissionable, shoulder-season rate for this program starts at $7,325 ppdo.

Design Travel & Tours also custom designs programs for any budget.

Design Travel & Tours, 800-543-7164, designtt@ix.netcom.com, www.designtraveltours.com

VANTAGE INVITES TRAVELERS TO REDISCOVER AFRICAN CULTURE, BEAUTY Africa dazzled the explorers of long ago, and, magically, all the wonder and majesty that captured them is still there—plus added modern conveniences.

From Morocco, where visitors can stay in traditional Riads in the heart of ancient towns, and Egypt, a land of mysterious structures where ancient history comes alive on the Nile or Lake Nasser on luxurious boats or traditional Dahabiyas, through East Africa where Kenya and Tanzania offer safaris with spectacular wildlife and incredible landscapes, to Namibia with its majestic sand dunes where every sunrise brings in strong, constantly changing colors, and South Africa with its famous game parks and powerful natural beauty—every itinerary introduces an in-depth experience of the grand continent.

Vantage provides tours and safaris to all these destinations that emphasize not only their scenic beauty but also an understanding of their ancient and modern cultures.

Information and commissions on Vantage tours to South Africa, East Africa Morocco and Egypt are available to agents by calling their toll-free number.

Vantage World Travel/Vantage Adventures, 800-826-8268, vantage@travelvantage.com, www.travelvantage.com www.travelworldnews.com • Travel World News

AFRICA

R E S O U R C E

No one has better all-round knowledge of the Zambian tourism product and how to pull it together than us.

We are independent and are happy to book which ever camps you prefer to support, alternatively we can recommend what we believe to be the best itinerary to suit your criteria.

Our objective is to develop adventure and other related tourism activities within Angola following the theme of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Discover Angola with usâ&#x20AC;?.

We value the pristine nature of our special bush and beaches and aim to keep them pristine.

www.eco-tur

We, at Asyanut Tours & Travel are dedicated to give our customers the very best service.

We assist you in finding the most pocket friendly package price, the right safari destination and the easiest flight schedule within the shortest traveling time.

www.asyanuttours-safaris.com

D I R E C T O R Y

AFRICA CONNECTION TOURS SENEGAL Presents

FESMAN 2010 The World Festival of Black Arts and Cultures to be held in Dakar from December 10th to 31st Please inquire about our special packages and attend!

Africa Connection Tours

www.zambiangroundhandlers.com

Email: act@orange.sn Phone: (221) 33 849 52 00 Fax: (221) 33 821 83 26 Website: www.actours-senegal.com

Twiga Tours is a family owned and managed Destination Management Company with 29 years experience in the tourism industry. Specializing in travel within East Africa and beyond, we ensure that all our clients receive a personalized, reliable and high quality service.

As thousands of our clients have discovered, it is possible to enjoy high quality service faster, efficiently and at a competitive price!

Appointed in the utmost luxury, the Lodge offers outstanding hospitality together with an authentic wildlife experience. Its also an ideal base for touring the Falls themselves and the many nearby attractions, offering guests a complimentary shuttle service to one of the true natural wonders of the world, and to the town of the same nature.

www.twiga-tours.com

www.victoria-falls-safari-lodge.com

The No.1 Gorilla Safari Company over 10 years of great ape ecotourism With an unrivalled, visionary approach to great ape ecotourism we hope to give clients a special insight into the complex gorilla-human world. Over the past decade, no other company has invested so heavily in the areas around the gorilla parks of Uganda & Rwanda.

www.volcanoessafaris.com

Lonrho is focused on the fact that Africa is developing as one of the strongest global emerging markets.

African growth is primarily driven by the expanding mineral, oil and agriculture sectors, and a significant internal economy being generated by a population that is approaching one billion people.

www.lonrho.com

AFRICA ARIK AIR WINS BEST SECURITY CONSCIOUS AIRLINE AWARD Nigeria’s largest commercial airline, Arik Air, has emerged as the Best Security Conscious Airline of The Year at the International Security Conference and Awards 2009/2010 held in Abuja in May. The honor was granted by the International Institute of Professional Security (IIPS) for the airline’s commitment to security consciousness in the aviation industry and for distinguishing itself from others through continuous improvements to security safety standards. The IIPS Board said Arik Air’s security measures, procedures and contributions to the aviation sector have helped minimize criminal and fraudulent activities in the industry.

This is the third award for Arik Air this year, following the 15th Annual Thisday Award in February and the Leadership Award for Excellence held in April. The airline also won the Thisday Airline of the Year Award in 2008 and 2009.

Sundaram added that Arik Air has International Air Transport Association (IATA) and International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) qualified security managers as well as trained profilers. The airline also boasts equipment for detecting explosives and drugs in addition to having special units for various investigations.

Arik Air, www.arikair.com

NAMIBIA TOURISM BOARD’S FIRST TOURISM ACADEMY HOSTS INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL PROFESSIONALS Namibia Tourism Board greeted over 80 professionals for the destination’s first Namibia Academy May 31 to June 7. Participants from Europe, Asia and neighboring African countries including Angola, China, the Czech Republic, Estonia, France, Germany, Holland, Italy, South Korea, Poland, Latvia, Lithuania, Russia, South Africa, Spain, Zambia, the United Kingdom and the U.S. attended. Picasso Travel’s Samuel Seyoum was part of the U.S. contingent.

Networking was followed by a gala dinner hosted by Namibia Tourism’s CEO Digu Naobeb, during which the Minister of the Environment and Tourism, Hon. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, delivered the keynote address and introduced new branding for the Board.

Guests were invited to a preview of the Namibia Tourism Expo and a VIP dinner and awards ceremony in Windhoek, Namibia’s capital.

There followed a four-day fam for delegations from the USA, China, Angola, Zambia and South Africa. Some headed for Etosha National Park and others Sossusvlei’s magnificent dunes. Those taking their trips before the Expo included a group that enjoyed coastal catamaran sails and Cape Cross Seal colony, and some visited the enormous Fish River Canyon.

The “World Meets Namibia” event at the Safari Hotel Conference Centre allowed one-on-one meetings with 35 suppliers. Destination marketing companies, local tour operators, lodge, tented camp and hotel owners, hotel marketing companies and safari operators presented products and opportunities.

Representatives from Classic Safari Camps of Namibia, Gondwana Collection Namibia and Namibia Country Lodges showed their prop46 • AUGUST 2010

erties. Owners and managers came from the Hotel Heinitzburg, Gocheganas, Harnas Wildlife Trust and Guestfarm, Huab Lodge, Kalahari Anib Lodge, Kempinski Mokuti Lodge, Mt. Etjo Safari Lodge and Vogelstrausskluft Lodge.

Industry professionals met with Abadi Safaris & Bushcamp, African Sun Car Hire, Abenteuer Afrika Safari, Baraka Marketing, Camelthorn Transfers & Tours, Catamaran Charters, Desert Explorers, Exclusive Reservations & Marketing, Exotic Travel & Safari, Kuoni Private Safaris, Mule Trails Namibia, Namibia Travel Connection, Ndandi Safaris, Reservation Destination, Royal Tours Namibia, Sefofane Air Charters, Sense of Africa, Singuruve Safaris, Springbok Atlas, SWA Safaris, Tenna Express, Terra Nova, Tongai Safaris, Vulkanruine Tours and Wilderness Safaris Namibia.

Host airline was Air Namibia. Most stayed in the Hotel Windhoek Country Club Resort and the Safari Court Hotel Windhoek, enjoying a lunch at Relais & Chateaux’s beautiful Hotel Heinitzburg.

Namibia Tourism Board, marketingops@namibiatourism.com.na, www.namibiatourism.com

DELTA EXPANDS COMMITMENT TO AFRICA WITH NEW LIBERIA SERVICE AND ANOTHER GHANA NONSTOP Delta Air Lines has announced new services from Atlanta to Africa.

The airline has launched the only nonstop from Atlanta to Accra’s Kotoka International Airport, and plans to start new Liberia service between Atlanta and Monrovia, Liberia, on September 4.

The new Liberia service will connect Delta’s hub at HartsfieldJackson Atlanta International Airport and Roberts International Airport in Monrovia with a stop in Accra, Ghana. The flight will be operated on 215-seat Boeing 767-300ER equipped with 34 BusinessElite seats and 181 in Economy.

Delta has received approval from the Liberian Civil Aviation Authority, and preliminary approval from the U.S. government, to sell seats for the new flight for the planned launch in September, with final U.S. government approvals expected before the flight begins.

Delta’s service between Atlanta and Monrovia via Accra will operate once weekly on the following schedule: Flight 134 will depart Atlanta at 7 p.m. and arrive Monrovia next day at 2:25 p.m. (effective September 4); effective September 5, return flight 135 departs Monrovia at 5:30 p.m., arriving next day at 5:30 a.m. in Atlanta.

Delta Air Lines has recently launched the only nonstop service between Accra and Atlanta with a flight operating four times a week using a 243-seat Airbus A330-200 aircraft, complementing the airline’s existing five weekly nonstop services between Accra and New York-JFK. This service departs Ghana at 1 a.m., arriving into Atlanta at 8:45 a.m. on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday, with the return flight leaving Atlanta at 11:15 p.m., arriving back into Accra at 2:40 p.m. the following day.

The Airbus A330-200 is equipped with ample cargo space, providing significant opportunities for freight forwarders and cargo shippers in Ghana.

Delta Air Lines, www.delta.com www.travelworldnews.com • Travel World News

AFRICA BAOBAB EXPEDITIONS OFFERS TREK SHERATON ADDIS EXHIBITS ART OF THROUGH EASTERN AFRICA WITH BORN FREE ETHIOPIA 2010 Adventure specialist Baobab Expeditions has partnered with the Born Free Foundation to offer a ten-day expedition through Eastern Africa, where travelers will learn about conservation efforts of the Born Free Foundation with British TV presenter and naturalist Benedict Allen. For each booking, Baobab will make a generous donation in support of the Foundation. The adventure begins in Nairobi, where the group will meet with the experts of Born Free Kenya and learn about their vital work in animal conservation and welfare.

Guests will spend the night at five-star Sarova Stanley hotel.

Tsavo National Park is the next day’s feature. En route, guests will see the Born Free de-snaring project before winding down at Kilaguni Lodge. Amboseli National Park follows, an ecosystem of almost 2,000 acres stretching into Tanzania, with some of the best wildlife viewing in the world because of the system of swamps and the low rainfall. Travelers will stay at the Amboseli Serena Lodge with its Maasai fresco walls and central dining area reached by timbered bridge. Guests will then go to African Heritage Restaurant and the Elsamere Conservation Center before spending the night by Lake Naivasha. The last three days are in Kenya’s Masai Mara, with its cheetah, leopards, lions and jackals, and likely elephant, wildebeest and antelope game drives. Guests will stay at the Sarova Mara Tented Camp. Finally, travelers will return to Nairobi for lunch at Rusty Nail Restaurant and relaxing at OleSereni Hotel until their departure for the airport.

Trips are set for October 30, 2010 and 2011. Pricing begins at $5,891 ppdo and includes accommodations, breakfast in Nairobi, meals on safari, all transportation specified by the itinerary, game drives, park and conservation fees, the services of professional guide Allen, and the donation to Born Free. International flights, visa entry fees for Kenya and Tanzania, medical and travel insurance, and personal expenses are not included.

Baobab Expeditions, reservations@baobabexpeditions.com, www.baobabexpeditions.com; Born Free Foundation, www.bornfree.org.uk

Located in the heart of the Ethiopian capital, the Sheraton Addis, A Luxury Collection Hotel overlooks the city with plunging views of the National Palace. The hotel mixes African refinement with modern accents, exquisite furnishings and service excellence. Guests can immerse themselves in a sanctuary of artifacts at the National Museum, the bustling traditions of the Merkato, or the architecture of one of the most sacred churches in the world.

Art of Ethiopia 2010 will be exhibiting nearly 400 works of art from 40 of Ethiopia’s leading established artists August 21–24 in the five-star hotel’s Lalibela Grand Ballroom with entrance complimentary. In addition to the well-known artists’ work on display from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. each day, there will be opportunity to view the works of some exciting new talents showcasing the future of Ethiopian art.

The following 40 artists will be featured during the exhibition: leading and renowned Artist Laureate Maitre Afework Tekle, Ale Felege Selam, Worku Mammo, Abdurahman M. Sherif, Worku Goshu, Tadesse Belaineh, Bekele Abebe, Zerihun Yetmgeta, Desta Hagos, Tadesse Mesfin, Wosene Worke Kosrof, Teshome Bekele, Eshetu Tiruneh, Lulseged Retta, Sisay Beyene, Mezgebu Tesema, Getahun Assefa, Bisrat Shibabaw, Abyalew Assefa, Daniel Taye, Wondwossen Beyene, Girma Seboka, Teferi Mekonnen, Gizachew Kebede, Gizachew Kebede, Dawit Abebe, Mathias Lulu, Yosef Lule, Eskinder (Alex) Maffi, Kerima Ahmed, Yitagesu Mergia, Kohar Kevorkian, Afera Teklu, Merikokeb Birhanu, Yacob Bekele, Meron Ermias, Tewdros Hagos, Addis Gezehagn, Bitsuamlak Ashenafi, Aklilu Temesgen and Nitsusew Terefe.

The Sheraton Addis, A Luxury Collection Hotel has long been a patron of Ethiopian art. Seventy paintings by local artists are on permanent display as part of the hotel’s collection.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, www.starwoodhotels.com

BRADFORD GROUP’S MYRA BERMAN, INDUSTRY ICON, PASSES Founder and President, The Bradford Group, and former Executive Director, Africa Travel Association, Mira Berman Freedman passed away on June 29. She along with her mother and sister miraculously escaped the holocaust and reached the United States.

Ms. Berman, was a child prodigy violinist who gave up a solo career in order to help her family. She was also a writer, author and marketing expert. She established significant advertising agencies such as Allerton Berman and Dean, known for its award-winning campaigns for such clients as the Israel Government Tourist Office, Finnair, Olympic Airways and the Plaza Hotel. Ms. Berman was founder and President of the Bradford Group, whose clients include Corinthia Hotels, Tanzania Tourist Board, American Tourism Society, World Tourism Award, as well as past Executive Director of the Africa Travel Association.

Her career in advertising and public relations was marked by remarkable achievements and awards including Advertising Woman of the Year, The International Film and TV Festival’s Television’s Gold Medal and Grand Award (Israel 25th); (SATH) Society for Accessible Travel & Hospitality’s Founder’s Award; International Institute for Peace Through Tourism Lifetime Achievement Award; Tanzania Tourism’s Outstanding Leadership Award, and the ATA Leadership Award.

She is survived by her husband, Prof. Richard Freedman, and her sister-in-law Beth Freedman.

Travel World News • www.travelworldnews.com

AUGUST 2010 •

47

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