january2009 by C Gatt

JANUARY 2009

The Magazine for DestinationTravel Specialists

ASIA PACIFIC LATIN AMERICA

Goway Packages Australia’s Award-winning Tasmania

Palena in Chile: A Piece of Paradise

NORTH AMERICA

Alaska! 49th State Celebrates 50th Birthday

CARIBBEAN

Luxurious Ceiba del Mar Offers a Uniquely Mexican Experience

ISSUE NO. 247

JANUARY 2009 executive office

28 Knight Street Norwalk, CT 06851-4707 Voice: 203.286.6679 • Fax: 203.286.6681 i n t e r n e t

INDUSTRY EVENTS

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

INDUSTRY NEWS

w e b s i t e

www.travelworldnews.com publisher

Charles Gatt, Jr. charlie@travelworldnews.com

FAM TRIPS

EUROPE

NORTH AMERICA

editor

Jennifer M. Lane editor@travelworldnews.com design production manager

Linda Rogers

CARIBBEAN Luxurious Ceiba del Mar Offers a Uniquely Mexican Experience

All Ashore! Mexico’s Costa Maya Port & Surrounding Region Shine as a Top Ten

Jamaican Tourism Minister Announces John Lynch as Director of Tourism

Agua’s Special Promotion Includes Impressive Arrival by Helicopter

Anguilla Tourist Board Launches Charming Escapes Collection Website

linda@travelworldnews.com Maria Rebello, Accounting Manager Shawn Hebert, IT Manager Cindy Johnson, Circulation Manager Carol A. Petro, Design Consultant dive editor

Lorry Heverly cruise editor

Michael Iachetta southeast regional correspondent

Joan Gonzalez western regional correspondent

Connie Skoog south america correspondent

Mark Zussman mark_zussman@yahoo.com.br contributing editors

Jacquie Balaschak • Andrew Bill • Mona Birch Jerry W. Bird • Ann Charles • Gail P. Dubov George Hairston • Al Haut • Marjorie Klein Nancy Marcantonio • Anita Mason D.O. Christian Rieger • Knox Robinson • Mary Ellen Schultz Robin Swados • Helen Kitti Smith • 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 2008. All rights reserved. Printed in USA. No part of this publication may be reproduced without permission. 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 Palena in Chile: A Piece of Paradise Austin-Lehman Adventures Has Expansive Peru Itinerary for Time-Challenged Travelers 39 Small-Ship Company Ecoventura Singled Out 40 to Receive Award for Responsible Tourism Lonely Planet Names Mexico City One of Top 10 Cities for 2009

ASIA-PACIFIC First River Cruise in Borneo’s Sarawak Set by Pandaw River Cruises

Kempinski Hotel Sanya Appoints Puneet Singh General Manager

Adventure Magazine Places Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge One of Top 50 Eco-Lodges Worldwide

COVER PHOTO CREDIT: Alaska - Northern Lights, Brian Adams

INDUSTRY EVENTS ATTENDANCE UP AT WORLD TRAVEL MARKET 2008

Outside of World Travel Market, World Responsible Tourism Day, November 12, was marked by worldwide press conferences, product launches, picnics, a community fair and even a charity run. “Its aim is a simple one,” said Jeffery. “We want to encourage every travel company, operator, hotel and destination to take real action and show consumers that we not only care about the sustainability of Planet Earth but also the communities that are so often negatively affected by mass tourism. Making tourism responsible is one of the single biggest challenges that the industry faces today.” World Trade Market, www.wtmlondon.com

TAS TOURISM EXPERTS EXPLORE WAYS OF WORKING WITH AIRPORTS AND AIRLINES

World Travel Market’s figures are showing a 12-percent increase in visitors in 2008, with total participants at an unprecedented 50,246, up four percent. Trade delegate attendance climbed to 26,498, compared to 23,722 in 2007. There was also a four-percent increase in exhibiting companies to 5,631. “This was a phenomenal result, exceeding expectations,” said Fiona Jeffery, chairman of World Travel Market.” It demonstrated that in these tough times for the industry, it is absolutely necessary for senior and middle management to come together, not only to conduct business and identify new contacts and markets, but also to discuss, debate and address the many challenges that lie ahead.” The Ministers’ Summit, hosted by World Travel Market, brought together the largest number of tourism ministers anywhere in the world and examined how best to respond to the economic downturn without losing sight of priorities such as climate change and poverty reduction. “It’s a measure of World Travel Market’s role in helping to lead the international industry that it was once again chosen as the backdrop for such an important occasion”, said Jeffery. “The outcome of these summit discussions will penetrate government thinking and policy for the tourism industry in years to come.” Some of the world’s foremost economic brains came together for the prestigious WTM Global Economic Forum when senior management were helped with business planning for 2010 and 2011. Jean-Claude Baumgarten, President of World Travel and Tourism Council, issued a plea to governments: “Don’t overcharge, overtax, surcharge. On the contrary, let this industry help you to restart your economies.” Travel World News • www.travelworldnews.com

Up to 100 world tourism and air service experts gathered in the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre recently to attend TAS, The inaugural Tourism & Air Services Summit—a topical summit focusing on the three-way relationship between national tourism organizations, airlines and airports and their involvement in air service development. Launched by Routes in collaboration with the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) and sponsored by Tourism Malaysia, TAS is the first conference dedicated specifically to the vital link between air services and tourist development. The successful summit was characterized by presentations and intense discussions evolving around such topics as ‘Tourism destinations created by air services,’ ‘Destinations at greater risk from high oil prices’ and ‘What airlines want to know from tourism authorities.’ “The inaugural Annual Tourism & Air Services Summit could not have come at a better time, as we look to an uncertain future in our industry,” said Janice Antonson, Chairman, PATA Board of Directors. “Bringing together the leaders of aviation and tourism at this critical time gives us the opportunity to share ideas and together form solutions to the issues we all face.” Introduced by Antonson and Peter Semone, Vice President of Tourism Development at RDG, speakers included: Jon Woolf, Principal Consultant, Airport Strategy and Marketing; Mohamed Sallauddin Mat Sah, General Manager Marketing, Malaysia Airports; Anita Mehra Houmayoun, Vice President Marketing and Corporate Communications, Dubai Airports; Professor Callum Thomas, Centre for Aviation and the Environment, Manchester Metropolitan University; John Grant, Managing Director, Airport Strategy and Marketing; and Shaun Monnery, Director of Astraeus. The inaugural TAS event was co-located with Routes—The 14th World Route Development Forum. Routes is the world’s largest gathering of airlines, airports and suppliers, and the annual assembly of airline destination planners as well. TAS will be held annually, with the second summit planned to take place alongside Routes Regional Americas 2009 in Cancun, Mexico February 15–17. The Route Development Group (RDG), www.routedevgroup.com JANUARY 2009 •

INDUSTRY EVENTS EIBTM BREAKS ALL RECORDS FOR HOSTED BUYERS AND ATTENDANCE Last year’s EIBTM was confirmed by Paul Kennedy, MBE, Group Exhibition Director, Reed Travel Exhibitions Meetings and Incentive Events as the ‘biggest ever.’ Unaudited figures showed the event attracted a record number of hosted buyers— 3,711, up 12 percent on the previous year; 51,000 pre-scheduled meetings were organized over the three-day event—up over 11,000, and total attendance is expected to top the 8,000 mark, a six-percent increase over 2007. EIBTM is ABC-audited every year to guarantee that the number of visitors promoted is completely accurate and are unique attendees only. Paul Kennedy commented: “The record figures show not only how resilient the meetings market is in challenging times but the reputation EIBTM has as the place to do business. It certainly seemed that more actual business was being transacted on the show floor than ever before.” The buzz around the show highlighted the enormous amount of business generated at the event. Peter Bull, Saleslink Marketing Portugal, said “We had 290 pre-scheduled appointments in three days. We haven’t stopped. On Wednesday we had 14 signed specific group enquiries.” Tereza Zarogianni, Eventit Greece, declared “It's been fantastic business—no recession here; at least not here at EIBTM.” Hosted Buyer Dicky Riel, General Manager A La Carte International, claimed it to be “the most fantastic EIBTM event so far. I am very positive and did all my appointments plus twenty more.” Suzan Tosunlar, Director of Brand Services, Swisshotel comented: “A very good show, we received lots of good requests; it was far better than expected.” EIBTM 2009 will take place again in Barcelona, December 1–3. EIBTM, www.eibtm.com; Reed Travel Exhibitions, www.reedtravelexhibitions.com 4 • JANUARY 2009

www.travelworldnews.com • Travel World News

INDUSTRY EVENTS DISCOVER AMERICA PAVILIONS MAJOR BUSINESS DRAW AT BRAZIL’S ABAV

Identifying Brazil as a rapidly growing market, the Travel Industry Association (TIA) has included ABAV, the leading travel and tourism event in Brazil, in its Discover America Pavilion Program. Discover America Pavilions, organized by B-FOR International, brand, position, and promote the United States in high-priority inbound markets as the world’s premier travel destination. The first-ever Discover America Pavilion was presented to the Brazilian travel trade at ABAV 2008 in Rio de Janeiro, in October of last year. With over 40 U.S. exhibitors, the Discover America Pavilion became the largest international presence at ABAV, receiving much media and trade attention, with destinations like Florida, Las Vegas, New York and Texas reporting massive interest and positive business results. Other exhibitors included U.S. airlines, hotels, attractions, car and RV rental companies, shopping malls and tour operators. ABAV 2009 will take place in Rio de Janeiro October 21-23. Discover America Pavilion Program, www.discoveramericapavilion.travel B-FOR International, bbieneck@exhibitpro.com, www.b-for.com

SPAFINDER TEAMS UP WITH THE INTERNATIONAL SPA SHOW—LONDON Organizers of the International Spa Show in London for March announced a cooperative agreement with SpaFinder, the awardwinning spa media, marketing and gifting company. The UK’s premier event dedicated to spa industry and spa tourism will be held at one of the most established and prestigious London venues, Olympia National Hall, March 20–22, 2009. International Spa Show—London Event Director Stanislava Blagoeva, welcoming the liaison, comments “SpaFinder is a very well-known and respected brand in the spa community and makes a perfect partner for us.” SpaFinder promotes well-being experiences through vertical search, its new online magazine, SpaFinder Lifestyle, an annual spa directory, reservation technology and gift programs, and, like International Spa Show, aims to stimulate industry growth by connecting consumers and providers. International Spa Show, slava.blagoeva@eme-uk.com, www.spashow.co.uk; SpaFinder, www.spafinder.com Travel World News • www.travelworldnews.com

New

JANUARY 2009 •

INDUSTRY EVENTS ‘POWER’ SPEAKERS LINE UP FOR VACATION.COM’S 2009 CONFERENCE Leading North America travel services marketing organization Vacation.com® will feature four “power” speakers at their 11th International Conference & Trade Show June 17-20, 2009, at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. Making their debut at the conference will be Mark McMullen, CTC, PLS1, Executive Vice President of The Integer Group with more than 29 years’ advertising, sales and marketing experience, and Stuart Ellis-Myers, internationally-known speaker on communication leadership, sales and customer relationship management practices. Crowd favorites Mike Marchev, a motivating business speaker and trainer who specializes in sales, marketing and customer service, and Nolan W. Burris, President and “Chief Vision-eer” of Visionistics Enterprises, will be returning again for appearances. “Last year at Conference we received a 97.6-percent approval rating from a record 1,400 attendees,” said Lauraday Kelley, Vacation.com’s vice president of Conference and Corporate Communications. “This year—with these exceptional speakers onboard—I expect both the rating and the attendance to rise. These four men will inspire our members to rethink and reconfigure their current sales approach.”

The speakers will cover subjects including the principles of effective sales closing, the advantages of blogging and online social networking, turning rejection into revenue, and the importance of becoming a trusted travel advisor. Each will present two sessions on June 19—“Super Conference Friday,” action-packed with a supplier breakfast session, a session featuring a CEO panel moderated by Travel Weekly editor-in-chief Arnie Weissmann, the Power of the Partnership awards ceremony, entertainment and more. “This is my 11th Conference with Vacation.com, and I’ve never seen a day filled with so many highly-anticipated events,” confirms Kelley. “This Friday, the last full day at Conference, will be one for the ages.” The power sessions are part of an education schedule that includes more than 100 hours of classes and hands-on training, a new curriculum featuring a wide range of courses for agents at every skill level, enhanced Preferred Supplier and Destination sessions, and dedicated education tracks. U.S. members receive one complimentary registration per agency as part of their annual membership fee. Members may register online for the conference and show. Vacation.com is a subsidiary of Amadeus IT Group, SA, with headquarters in Alexandria, VA. Vacation.com, 800-843-0733, vacation.com, www.agentnet.com

presents...

THE

34TH

ANNUAL

CONGRESS Hosted by The Ministry of Tourism, EGYPT

CAIRO, EGYPT · 17-22 MAY 2009

“Connecting Destination Africa” For more information: Email: info@africatravelassociation.org Tel: +1.212.447.1357 Web: www.africatravelassociation.org

6 • JANUARY 2009

Media Sponsor

www.travelworldnews.com • Travel World News

CALENDAR OF EVENTS - 2009 DATE

EVENT

FEBRUARY 5-8 HolidayWorld 6-8 NY Times Travel Show 14-15 Adventures in Travel Expo 17-18 AIME 19-20 US-Africa Seminar 19-22 BIT 2009 21-22 Adventures in Travel Expo 22-24 Jordan Travel Mart 26-Mar 1 IFT 26-Mar 1 UTAZAS MARCH 11-15 ITB 16-19 Seatrade 17 Moscow Intl. MICE Forum 18-21 MITT 19-22 Salon Mondial du Tourisme 19-22 TUR 20-22 Adventure Travel Show 20-22 International Spa Show 2009 25-27 UITT 27-29 Toronto's Ultimate Travel Show 31-Apr 2 GIBTM 2009 APRIL 15-16 Cultour 15-17 IT&CM 22-24 COTTM 2009 23-25 SATTE OPEN WORLD 24-26 Peru Travel Mart 26-29 Tianguis 2009 MAY 5-8 ATM 7-10 SITC 9-12 Indaba 2009 10-12 GTM 2009 13-15 Expotur 2009 15-16 WTTC Global Economic Forum 16-19 POW WOW 2009 17-19 Global Spa Summit 2009 18-19 EMIF 2009 19-22 RTD-3 21 LATAM Show 2009 26-28 IMEX JUNE 11-14 ITE 2009 15-16 City Break 15-18 Asia Luxury Travel Market SEPTEMBER 8-10 CIBTM 9-11 La Cumbre 22-25 Top Resa 23-25 Travelmart Latin America 29-Oct 1 The Motivation Show 2009

LOCATION

CONTACT

Prague, Czech Republic New York City, NY Los Angeles, CA Melbourne, Australia Washington, DC Milan, Italy Washington D.C. Dead Sea, Jordan Belgrade, Serbia Budapest, Hungary

www.holidayworld.cz www.nytravelshow.com www.adventureexpo.com www.aime.com.au www.africatravelassociation.org www.bit.fieramilanoexpocts.it www.adventureexpo.com www.jordantravelmart.com www.ift-belgrade.com www.utazas.hungexpo.hu

Berlin, Germany Miami Beach, FL Moscow, Russia Moscow, Russia Paris, France Gothenburg, Sweden London, England London, England Kiev, Ukraine Toronto, Canada Abu Dhabi, UAE

www.itb-berlin.com www.cruiseshipping.net www.miceforum.ru www.mitt.ru/en/ www.mondialtourisme.com www.tur.se www.adventureshow.co.uk www.spashow.co.uk www.uitt-kiev.com www.totravelshow.com www.gibtm.com

Dusseldorf, Germany Shanghai, China Beijing, China New Delhi, India Lima, Peru Acapulco, Mexico

www.cultourfair.com www.itcmchina.com www.cottm.com www.satte.org www.perutravelmart.com.pe www.tianguisturistico.com.mx

Dubai, UAE Barcelona, Spain Durban, South Africa Rostock, Germany San Jose, Costa Rica Florianopolis, Brazil Miami, FL Interlaken, Switzerland Brussels, Belgium Belize Miami, FL Frankfurt, Germany

www.arabiantravelmarket.com www.salotourisme.com www.indaba-southafrica.co.za/default.aspx www.germany-travel-mart.de www.expotur.travel www.globaltraveltourism.com www.powwowonline.com www.globalspasummit.com www.emif.ru www.icrtbelize.org www.latamshow.com www.imex-frankfurt.com

Hong Kong, China Gothenburg, Sweden Shanghai, China

www.itehk.com www.citybreakexpo.com www.altm.com.cn/

Beijing, China www.cibtm.travel San Juan, Puerto Rico www.lacumbre.com Paris, France www.topresa.com Pantagonia, Chile www.itehk.com Chicago, IL www.motivationshow.com TO LIST YOUR EVENTS EMAIL : editor@travelworldnews.com • FOR ADDITIONAL EVENTS VISIT: www.travelworldnews.com/calendar

Travel World News • www.travelworldnews.com

JANUARY 2009 •

INDUSTRY NEWS CARINO COLLECTION ADOPTS NEW IDENTITY WITH COMPANYWIDE NAME CHANGE

The CARINO Collection, a sales and customer information company dedicated to assisting independent luxury hotels, has announced a new company name, repositioning and brand identity and image. Effective January 1, 2009, The CARINO Collection will be known as CARINO Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, to reflect the global nature of the company. The company will also have a new logo to more accurately represent its image, with a new look also for all marketing and advertising, including the website, directory and collateral materials. The new brand will be more in line with the upscale portfolio the company maintains. “Due to the new business direction and internal growth at CARINO Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, we felt we needed a new "footprint" that more accurately defines not only our portfolio of hotels, but more importantly, the visual tone and functionality of our core business objectives,” said Edward Socorro, Vice President, Advertising & Marketing for CARINO. At the heart of the company’s suite of services is SalesConnect 2.0TM, a web-based database of corporate, leisure and group account information. CARINO Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, www.carinocollection.com

IGLTA AND NTA PARTNER TO INCREASE MEMBER BUSINESS AND BENEFITS The International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA) and the National Tour Association have formed a cooperative agreement that will bring the two organizations together for a variety of marketing, education and research opportunities. Under the new agreement, IGLTA and NTA will collaborate on research initiatives that will benefit both associations and their memberships. Also built into the agreement are reciprocal visibility and educational opportunities at each association’s annual convention. “We are very excited to partner with an association like NTA that has a great reputation among the tour operator industry,” said IGLTA Executive Director John Tanzella. “Tour operators are IGLTA’s second largest membership category and we want to support their business. Partnering with NTA gives us an opportunity to reach out to this very important segment of the travel industry.” The agreement was announced at the 2008 NTA Annual Convention, which took place in November in Pittsburgh, 8 • JANUARY 2009

Pennsylvania. The NTA Annual Convention is the premier event for packaged travel professionals. Their annual five-day conference offers a mix of business appointments, professional development and networking events that is a one-stop-shop for buyers and sellers. IGLTA’s 26th Annual Convention will be held May 7-10, 2009, at the Hilton Toronto in downtown Toronto, Canada. Themed “Seek Chic,” this year’s conference will explore how technology can be used to increase outreach to gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender travelers—a market that continues to grow despite worldwide economic tightening. The organization’s 2008 conference in Las Vegas drew record attendance, bringing together nearly 500 travel industry professionals and media from 25 countries. NTA (National Tour Association), www.NTAonline.com; IGLTA (International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association), www.iglta.org/convention, www.iglta.org

AFFLUENT TRAVELER COLLECTION IS NEW MARKETING GROUP FOR LUXURY TRAVEL ADVISORS The Affluent Traveler Collection has been launched by The Affluent Traveler to provide its travel agencies with the buying power, technology, training and marketing expertise to profit in the premium to luxury travel market. “The Affluent Traveler Collection is defining the high-end luxury segment,” said Cheryl B. Weldon, CTC, Executive Vice President of The Affluent Traveler Collection. “We’re offering upscale niche suppliers the largest return on investment because we’re placing their premium and luxury travel products in front of the right target market.” Leading luxury suppliers have demonstrated their full support of the new organization. Jim Baer, Vice President of National Sales Accounts for Cunard Line, commented: “We are very excited to partner with The Affluent Traveler Collection and are confident of the rewarding benefits our agents will receive when they tap into the organization’s cutting-edge resources and renowned expertise in the luxury travel market.” An award-winning coffee-table quality magazine, The Affluent Traveler is sold at Hudson News, Trofie, and Anderson News newsstands; national bookstores in the U.S. (Barnes & Noble, Border’s Books, B. Dalton Booksellers, and Waldenbooks); and available in the first-class lounges of Delta, US Air, United and Continental. Agencies enjoy additional benefits from the group’s comprehensive program of consumer direct mail campaigns, an email marketing program, and worldwide advertising initiatives, which drive traffic to the website and business to the agencies. A leading database marketing tool supports agents to drill down and mine their customer databases for additional business. Whether luxury travelers choose to book their trips online or through their personal Affluent Traveler Collection agent, the commissions always go to the nearest Affluent Traveler Collection agency. The Affluent Traveler Collection, 877-645-6351, info@theaffluenttraveler.com, www.theaffluenttraveler.com www.travelworldnews.com • Travel World News

INDUSTRY NEWS WTM CHAIR WINS ‘SHINE WOMEN OF THE YEAR 2008’ LEADERSHIP AWARD Fiona Jeffery, chairman of World Travel Market has won a prestigious UK award dedicated to women working in the travel industry: the SHINE Women of the Year 2008 Leadership Award. Jeffery was recognized for her outstanding, approximately 20-year leadership of the World Travel Market. She was also praised for her development of the event into a world-class brand, as well as managing difficult decisions such as the controversial move to ExCeL London in 2002 and its response to 9/11, when much of the global industry was in trauma. In addition, Jeffery has pioneered key international initiatives such as WTM World Responsible Tourism Day and the founding of water-aid charity Just a Drop ten years ago on behalf of the international travel industry. The news came right after World Travel Market’s announcement recently that it had seen its largest show, with increases of 12 percent in visitors and four-percent in participants. FIONA JEFFERY Since their inception in 2004, the SHINE Awards have recognized the increasingly important role played by women in travel, tourism and hospitality by celebrating their success, professionalism and care. “I was absolutely delighted to receive the award which is a tribute, not just to me, but the entire World Travel Market team”, said Jeffery. “Together we have tried to make World Travel Market new, fresh and exciting every year, but always with the aim of pushing the barriers addressing and tackling industry issues while at the same time helping the industry to expand business opportunities and improve profitability.” Jeffery said she was especially pleased with the success of WTM World Responsible Tourism Day in association with the UNWTO, the first global day of action of its kind, now in its second year. Just a Drop, which has provided clean water to more than 900,000 children and families in 28 countries, attracts support and fundraising from travel companies and individuals worldwide. World Travel Market, www.wtmlondon.com

LUXE WORLDWIDE HOTELS CHOOSES ED CONWAY OF SEDONA ROUGE HOTEL & SPA 2009 GENERAL MANAGER OF THE YEAR Luxe Worldwide Hotels, a premier representation company whose impressive portfolio includes nearly 250 independently owned and operated hotels in the best locations around the globe, has selected Ed Conway of the Sedona Rouge Hotel & Spa as their 2009 General Manager of the Year. The announcement was made by Efrem Harkham, Luxe Worldwide Hotel’s CEO and President at the recent Luxury Travel Expo in Las Vegas. According to Mr. Harkham, “Ed Conway truly understands every aspect of what it takes to successfully run a luxury hotel. He not only continually strives to provide a level of service and accommodations that are top-notch and offers a unique guest experience, but Ed is also dedicated to sharing the many attributes of the Sedona Rouge Hotel & Spa with travel agents, leisure travelers and group planners through his proactive participation with Luxe Worldwide Hotels sales missions. He consistently communicates and shares ideas with Luxe and his hotel team, he is a PR advocate, a mover and shaker and this shows in the positive feedback we receive from his guests ED CONWAY and corporate clients and our travel agents and marketing teams.” Mr. Conway, who has been with the Sedona Rouge Hotel & Spa since March 2004, through its construction and grand opening in June 2005, commented “I am honored and proud to have been selected among the many fine General Managers in the Luxe Hotels family. My success is due to the fine team I have at the hotel and committed owners who want us to be the best hotel in Sedona. We have enjoyed our long relationship with Luxe Worldwide Hotels and their team who have always been there to help us and open the door for us to meet all the best travel agencies and corporate clients.” Worldwide Hotels, 866-LUXE-411 (866-5893-411), www.luxehotels.com

LIBERTY TRAVEL SELECTS PERILLO TOURS AS PREFERRED TOUR PARTNER Liberty Travel, one of the largest retail travel agencies in the U.S., has selected Perillo Tours, America’s largest escorted tour operator to Italy, as its most recent preferred partner for escorted tours. Now clients of Liberty Travel’s more than 200 U.S. retail locations will have direct access to all of Perillo’s tour offerings including special deals exclusive to Liberty Travel. “We couldn’t be more excited to have been selected as Liberty Travel’s most recent preferred partner for escorted tours,” says Steve Perillo, the third generation owner of Perillo Tours. “Liberty Travel’s 1,000-plus expert travel counselors offer specialized knowledge of destinations around the world and the fact that they now stand behind Perillo’s tours really means something.” Liberty has branches in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maryland, Washington D.C., Virginia, Rhode Island, Illinois, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Florida, and California. Liberty Travel, www.libertytravel.com; Perillo Tours, www.PerilloTours.com Travel World News • www.travelworldnews.com

JANUARY 2009 •

INDUSTRY NEWS LEADING TRAVEL COMPANIES CONSERVATION FOUNDATION SUPPORTS WTTC’S TOURISM FOR TOMORROW AWARDS The Leading Travel Companies Conservation Foundation has announced it will be a co-sponsor of the Tourism for Tomorrow Awards 2009 as part of its inaugural grant program, which aims to foster sustainability in the tourism industry. The Foundation’s sponsorship will encourage best practice among tourism operators and help raise awareness of the environmental and cultural challenges faced by destinations and communities. The Tourism for Tomorrow Awards is an initiative of the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and rewards best practice in sustainable tourism across the world. Susann Kruegel, WTTC’s Manager of the Tourism for Tomorrow Awards, says “The Foundation’s support of the Tourism for Tomorrow Awards is recognition that destinations and businesses are increasingly investing in the well-being of local people and are helping to safeguard the cultural and natural heritage of our planet. Through positive initiatives such as this, travel and tourism has the potential to improve quality of life, protect the environment and support cultural diversity.” Other projects announced in the first round of funding include sustainable tourism research and restoration in Venice, protecting Brazil’s Atlantic Forest with Conservation International, and wildlife research camps in Northern Botswana. Two others are forthcoming, yet to be announced. The Leading Travel Companies Conservation Foundation has committed to contributing a million dollars every year to projects around the world based on their ability to foster sustainable tourism, through the conservation and protection of the environment, wildlife and cultural heritage sites. The Leading Travel Companies Conservation Foundation was established in 2008 to make a positive contribution to conservation and sustainability and is supported by Trafalgar Tours, Insight Vacations, Brendan Worldwide Vacations, Contiki Holidays and AAT Kings and Grand European Tours. Leading Travel Companies Conservation Foundation, www.tltc.com/foundation/; World Travel & Tourism Council, www.wttc.org/

ABERCROMBIE & KENT WINS ‘WORLD’S LEADING LUXURY TOUR OPERATOR’ AWARD Abercrombie & Kent was voted “World’s Leading Luxury Tour Operator” by 167,000 travel professionals representing 200 different countries at the World Travel Awards’ ‘red carpet’ event recently at the Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort Villages & Spa, Providentiales, Turks & Caicos. Winners were judged on their ability to understand visitor needs and expectations; maximize business performance; value personnel; undertake enterprising product expansion and development; foster innovation and creativity, as well as work together as a team externally and internally. “With the dramatic changes sweeping the travel industry, it is an honor to be singled out for our uncompromising standards, high level of personal service and attention to detail,” said Scott Wiseman, president of Abercrombie & Kent, Inc. “Travel agents recognize the difference that our 62 offices around the world make in guaranteeing the quality of their client experience; they appreciate the peace of mind that comes from having everything professionally prearranged and reserved, with an English-speaking guide meeting guests at each ship, train or plane.” Established in 1993 to acknowledge and celebrate excellence in the travel and tourism industry, the World Travel Awards represent one of the highest accolades a travel company can receive. World Travel Awards, www.worldtravelawards.com

TRAVCOA TRAVELERS RAISE $1.25 MILLION FOR DISABLED VETERANS Thanks to some good-hearted Travcoa travelers, the luxury travel company was a part of an event that raised $1.25 million for disabled veterans returning from battlefields in Iran and Afghanistan. Over 300 people attended the gala on November 9. Retired Maj. Gen. Gale S. Pollock gave the keynote address, and Vets Helping Today’s Returning Heroes honored retired United States Air Force Col. George “Bud” Day with a Liberty Award.Vets Helping Today’s Returning Heroes hosted the inaugural Your Gift for Life Celebrity Golf Classic and Gala in Palm Beach, Florida, last November. The charity organization was co-founded by Travcoa traveler Jerry Kramer; Mel Lechner, a traveler as well, serves as treasurer. Vets Helping Today’s Returning Heroes provides professionally-trained service dogs to disabled veterans through its Gift for Life program. At the event, the charity presented America’s Vet Dogs with a check for $1.25 million to fund the procurement and training of service dogs for veterans. Travcoa Vice President of Sales and Business Development, Perry Lungmus, auctioned a 12-day trip for two, “The Nile Revealed,” to raise additional funds. “It was a great honor to talk to returning heroes at this event and to hear about a cause that our Travcoa travelers are so passionate about. It’s rewarding to know that our company is reaching out to help in their efforts,” Lungmus said. Travcoa, 800-992-2005, www.travcoa.com; www.vetshelpingheroes.org 10 • JANUARY 2009

www.travelworldnews.com • Travel World News

FAM TRIPS CHINA Trumarketing is offering FAM opportunity for a seven-day/six-night cultural program at The Linden Centre retreat in China’s pristine southwest province of Yunnan, February 23–March 1. Guests can participate in structured studies of the arts and history of Asia, as well as a host of other experiences, such as tea and wine appreciation, Asian religious practices, antique and artifact hunting and more. The price is $599 ppdo, which includes luxury accommodations within the center; most meals, daily activities, cultural services; and domestic transportation upon arrival in Kunming. International airfare isn’t included. Space is extremely limited; agents must be valid IATAN cardholders to qualify. Trumarketing, info@trumarketing.com

ISRAEL Isramworld is planning a travel agents’ educational FAM trip to Israel in February, their 28th Annual Seminar at the Source 2009. Trips offered will be from LAX on ELAL February 8–19, and from JFK on ELAL Feb 9–19.Agents will visit Jerusalem, the Dead Sea, Eilat, Tel Aviv, and Galilee; there’s an optional full-day tour to Petra in Jordan (with lunch) priced at $195 which includes visas and border fees.Prices for air and land, fully-escorted, are (LAX) $1,795, and (JFK) $1,525. Prices are per person sharing in twin room. Taxes of $84 are additional. A fuel surcharge of $332 (subject to change) is included in prices. The program includes roundtrip air on El Al Israel Airlines, deluxe hotels, comprehensive sightseeing throughout Israel, and many meals and spectacular evenings including a gala farewell dinner. Isramworld, 800-843-9728, info@isram.com, www.isram.com

SOUTH INDIA AND KERALA Exotic Journeys is offering a 14-day airinclusive new deluxe FAM tour to South India and Kerala that includes international, airport transfers, accommodation in Travel World News • www.travelworldnews.com

deluxe and best available hotels with breakfast, city tours and excursions, backwaters cruising, entrance fees to monuments, English-speaking local guides, and inspection tours to other sponsoring hotels. Agents will visit Chennai, Maha-balipuram, Pondicherry, Chidam-baram, Tanjore, Trichurapally, Madurai, Periyar National Park, Kumarakom, Kerala backwaters and Cochin. The trip is being offered in cooperation with Air India, with departure from New York, Newark or Chicago on April 2, 2009. Prices are $3,445 ppdo with businessclass air, $2,445 ppdo with economy-class air. Single supplement is $990; price without international airfare is $2,095; companions are eligible at the price of $5,630 with business-class air and $2,920 with economy-class air; Visa fee, airlines fuel surcharge and taxes not included. Exotic Journeys, 800-554-6342, info@exoticjourneys.com, www.exoticjourneys.com

THAILAND U Chiang Mai, the deluxe four-star hotel in the most culturally important city in the north of Thailand, offers special rates for travel trade employees to experience its “uniquely U” concept now until October 31, 2009, subject to availability. Accommodations are approximately $57 net per night for a superior room and $86 for a deluxe room. Rates include a 10-percent service charge and applicable government taxes. Some hotel features are “Eat&Drink” serving no menu in a bistro cuisine setting for breakfast; lunch/dinner with open air bar area; Residents’ Lounge and three spa treatment rooms in the past residence of the governor. Free bikes are provided for all guests, there’s free Wi-Fi internet access and international and local calls at cost, plus other amenities selected online with the U Choose program. Travel trade ID is required upon check-in. U Chiang Mai, reserve@uhotelsresorts.com, www.uhotelsresorts.com/chiang-mai/

THAILAND Abercrombie & Kent is offering a Thailand educational study tour for IATAapproved agents and an adult companion, June 3–12, 2009. Established rates are agent land $1,355, companion $1,455, internal air $34 and single supplement $340; with a minimum of 10 participants required. Travelers will see Southeast Asia’s bustling capital, elegant resorts and colorful bazaars, and more. Bangkok’s Grand Palace and its most venerated symbol, the Emerald Buddha, will be a highlight. A private cruise will travel along Bangkok’s Chao Phraya River for a look at the city’s renowned canals and floating markets. Agents can meet members of the Karen Hill Tribe in Chiang Rai, tour Chiang Mai’s Handicraft Village and participate in private mahout (elephant trainer) lessons. Confirmation is subject to approval and limited to one agent per agency. Cancellations subject to penalty; itineraries subject to change. Abercrombie & Kent, gaporter@abercrombiekent.com, www.abercrombiekent.com JANUARY 2009 •

EUROPE DEILMANN CRUISES INTRODUCES CLASSICAL MUSIC SAILINGS ON THE ELBE AND DANUBE

Classical music aficionados can choose from three distinct music voyages—one aboard the deluxe MV Dresden sailing from Germany’s Hamburg to Dresden on April 25, and two aboard the top-of-the-line MV Mozart on April 26 and October 4, roundtrip from Munich (Passau). In addition to hearing classical performances onboard, passengers can also purchase excursion packages that include five shore excursions and concert performances ashore for $257 per person. The 106-passenger MV Dresden’s classical music program is punctuated by performances in Dresden’s Semper Opera House, with headliner Sophie Koch singing chansons from Hector Berlioz, Henri Duparc and Richard Strauss. The MV Mozart, with its 100 guests, features five classical musicians who serenade guests en route with pieces from the Baroque era, classic sonatas repertoires and harp music; live performances will take place in several of the itinerary’s ports. Fares range from $1,625 to $4,500 ppdo. As well as hearing Sophie Koch perform at the Semper Opera House, those guests who purchase the $257 MV Dresden shore excursion package will also have the chance to take a behind-thescene tour of the Semper Opera house on the banks of the Elbe River. There will be optional city tours in Tangermünde, Magdeburg, Meissen and Wittenberg. Guests will also visit Prague and its ancient Hradcany Castle. Fares range from $1,625 to $3,135 ppdo. MV Mozart’s two Danube itineraries feature sonata repertoires and piano and harp music by French Impressionists Ravel, Debussy and Jolivet. The cruise includes live musical performances in Budapest and Vienna, a tour of the Theatre of Vienna, the Stephansdom Cathedral, and Figaro House—where Mozart wrote “The Marriage of Figaro.” Other stops include Dürnstein, Melk, the Benedictine Abbey, Greinburg Castle, and Bratislava with its Mirbach Palace. Fares range from $2,000 to $4,500 ppdo. Peter Deilmann Cruises, 800-348-8287, pdcmail@deilmann-cruises.com, www.deilmann-cruises.com/theme, www.deilmann-cruises.com 12 • JANUARY 2009

KEMPINSKI HOTELS IN HAMBURG AND BERLIN SLATED FOR RENOVATION Two legendary Kempinski flagship properties, the Hotel Atlantic Kempinski Hamburg and the Kempinski Hotel Bristol Berlin, will undergo renovations over the coming months. The Hotel Atlantic Kempinski Hamburg, celebrating its centenary, will start extensive work on all the rooms, suites, corridors and lifts throughout its main building early this year, remaining open during the renovation by closing off half of the hotel at a time to ensure undisturbed guest stays. The renovation of the rooms is the second of a three-step renovation plan. The first was the restoration of the historical façade of the ‘White Castle’ at the shores of the Alster Lake. The last step will be the demolition and rebuilding of the annex added in the 1960s to accommodate airline crews. It’s planned to increase the number of rooms from the current 252 to 350 elegantly appointed rooms and suites as well as twelve exclusive residences. Additionally, a spa and fitness area and underground parking will be added. The Kempinski Hotel Bristol Berlin, historically the ‘first’ Kempinski Hotel, is currently undergoing a revamp of its ‘tower.’ The plans include a redesign of the guest rooms and corridors, the fitting of soundproof and insulation glazing as well as electrical and sanitary installations. The new six-bedroom flagship suite of the Kempinski Hotel Bristol Berlin will be designed by renowned Peter Rudolf and will have two reception rooms, a board meeting room and fully-equipped kitchen. The suite will be furnished with art deco masterpieces. During the last two years, the hotel opened ‘Reinhard’s im Kempinski’ restaurant, with its terrace and classic Berlin coffeehouse flair. The overhaul of the hotel’s conference facilities on the Bel Etage with four function rooms and the grand ballroom as well as the Gartensaal, an airy conservatory on the ground floor followed. Kempinski Hotels, www.kempinski.com

JIVA HILL OFFERS FAMILY HOLIDAY SKI VACATION PACKAGE Jiva Hill Park, the stylish resort located 10 minutes from the Geneva airport on the French/Swiss border, proposes a winter family ski vacation. Now through March 1, for $695 per couple, their Family Ski Package includes two nights in a deluxe room, daily gourmet Jiva Hill breakfast and full-day ski passes for two days available on arrival (weather permitting). Children up to the age of six receive accommodation and breakfast for free; those seven to twelve are charged $38 per child per day. An adjoining room with rollaway bed can be rented for 75 percent of the nightly rate: $289. Prices should be confirmed; those listed are based on the exchange rate of the Euro to the US dollar in effect on November 17, 2008. Surrounded by the Jura Mountains on one side and the Mont Blanc area of the Alps on the other. In addition, there’s a range of other winter sports activities such as cross-country skiing, hiking with snowshoes, dog sledding and snowmobile riding. Jiva Hill Park, www.jivahill.com www.travelworldnews.com • Travel World News

EUROPE RADISSON SAS HOTELS ARRANGES SPECIAL OFFER FOR FEBRUARY 2009

RITZ TOURS EXPANDS INTO EUROPE WITH SIX DELUXE, AFFORDABLE PROGRAMS

February presents an excellent opportunity to meet and enjoy Maltese hospitality at the Radisson SAS Hotels. Radisson Baypoint has a room rate of approximately $63 per person per night in twin/double superior room per night on BB basis and approximately $99 in a superior room twin/double room for sole use per night on BB basis. At Radisson Golden Sands, the special rates are approximately $69 per person per night in twin/double superior room per night on BB basis and approximately $112 in a superior room twin/double room for sole use per night on BB basis. Gratuities include a free main meeting room and break-out rooms (excluding converted bedrooms); lunch for approximately $43 including beverage, non-alcoholic package; upgraded coffee break (includes juice and pastries); free WiFi internet in all guest rooms and public areas; a dedicated events team; and transportation to and from the airport. The offer is applicable to groups over 30 and subject to availability. A variety of conference and incentive packages are available to complement this offer. Bookings should be made through Escape Malta; rates are commissionable at five percent. Escape Malta Limited, andrew@escape.com.mt, www.escape.com.mt

Ritz Tours is bringing its brand ‘the best quality tours at the most affordable prices’ to Europe for the first time with six deluxe escorted programs departing the U.S. and Canada in 2009. “In the past decade, we have effectively grown our tour offerings beyond China to include Japan, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia and India so the next natural step in our development was to venture into Europe,” said Evan Chan, managing director of Ritz Tours. Europe programs for 2009 include: Europe Discovery, 12 days— London, Paris, Lucerne, Venice, Florence, Verona and Rome; priced from $3,080; Italy Experience, 12 days—Rome, Venice, Siena, Florence, Pompeii, Assisi, San Marino, Capri, Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast; from $2,980; Best of East Europe, 12 days— Germany, Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary, Croatia and Slovenia (Frankfurt, Wurzburg, Prague, Vienna, Budapest, Zagreb, Plitvice, Postojna, Liubljana, Salzburg and Munich); from $2,790. European River Cruises are: Blue Danube Discovery, 14 days— Budapest, Danube cruise to Nuremberg, Prague and Karlovy Vary; from $3,499; Europe’s Heartland Cruise, 14 days—Paris, cruise from Trier to Nuremberg (Moselle, Rhine and Danube Rivers), Prague and Luxembourg; from $3,499; and Russian Waterways, 14 days—cruise from Moscow to St. Petersburg with visits to Golden Ring Cities of Uglich and Yaroslavl, and cruises along the Volga-Baltic waterways and through Lakes Onega and Ladoga; priced from $3,799. All prices listed are ppdo and include fuel surcharges, government taxes and fees. Departures are available between March and November 2009 but vary slightly according to itinerary. Ritz Tours’ three Europe escorted tours feature roundtrip airfare on American Airlines from JFK in New York; intra-Europe transportation; deluxe hotel accommodations; daily hotel buffet breakfast; sightseeing; meals and entertainment per the itinerary; admission into many local attractions; and the services of knowledgeable tour guides. The collection of European River Cruises programs includes roundtrip airfare from JFK; pre- or post-cruise hotel accommodations with daily buffet breakfast; cruise accommodations with AMA Waterways in outside stateroom; all meals during the cruise; unlimited red or white wine or juice/soda with every dinner onboard; bottled water in every cabin; cocktail reception, welcome dinner and captain’s gala dinner; daily sightseeing; performances and classes onboard; free use of bicycles to explore on one’s own when docked; and tour guides. Land- and cruise-only rates are available for the three tours in the European River Cruises portfolio. Recognizing that unforeseen circumstances sometimes require consumers to either cancel or interrupt vacations, Ritz provides Travel Protection Insurance at no additional cost to travelers who confirm reservations and make final payment at least 60 days prior to departure. Ritz Tours, 800-900-2446, info@ritztours.com, www.ritztours.com

Travel World News • www.travelworldnews.com

JANUARY 2009 •

EUROPE NEW CONSTRUCTION MAINTAINS BERLIN’S ‘WEEKEND WHIRL TOUR’ OF ICELAND LEADERSHIP IN THE MICE MARKET STRETCHES THE TRAVELER’S DOLLAR

Berlin’s continuous growth is marked by a diversity of new hotels set to open in 2009. Among them is andel’s Hotel Berlin, www.andelsberlin.com, a four-star plus design hotel with 557 rooms. Flexible conference rooms extend over a total area of almost 41,000 square feet including an approximately 6,135square-foot ballroom. With a wellness center and sky bar, andel’s Hotel Berlin will be the fourth largest convention hotel in the city. The Spanish Silken Group, www.hoteles-silken.com, is building its first four-star plus hotel in Germany on Lietzenburger Strasse. Opening in March 2009, it features 205 rooms including 42 suites, a large wellness area and an approximately 4,844-square-foot meeting and conference area. The former police headquarters in Alexanderplatz, a listed building, is being converted by the Leonardo Group, into the Leonardo Royal Hotel Berlin, www.leonardo-hotels.com. It will have 345 guest rooms and meeting rooms for up to 300 and a nearly 1,292square-foot VIP lounge for special occasions, and is scheduled to open in June 2009. Not far from the station Zoologischer Garten near the famous Kurfuerstendamm will be the four-star plus abba Berlin Hotel, www.abbaberlinhotel. The 216-room hotel has a piano bar, sauna and conference area for up to 500. More information will be available from their website. In the Berlin-Dahlem district, the Seminaris Campus Hotel Berlin-Science & Conference Center, www.seminaris.com, of the Free University was designed by famous architect Helmut Jahn. Its transparent façade creates a light-filled, delicate appearance. Inside the conference cube are flexible conference, seminar and meeting rooms. The convention hall will accommodate up to 600. Plans for the conference center include an on-site hotel with 185 rooms, a restaurant, fitness center and an underground garage. Its opening is scheduled for spring 2009. In Berlin Mitte the Soho House, www.sohohouse.com, concept is being implemented for the first time in Germany. Planned for the former House of Unity at the foot of Prenzlauer Berg, the Soho House Berlin will open in autumn 2009. This listed building will have a luxurious wellness area, modern conference rooms and spacious hotel apartments. Berlin Tourismus Marketing GmbH, www.meet-in-Berlin.com; German Convention Bureau, www.germany-meetings.com 14 • JANUARY 2009

Iceland is a phenomenal vacation value at this moment. With “The Weekend Whirl Tour” offered by Iceland Experience, $219 buys three nights’ accommodation in a standard twin room (based on double occupancy), daily breakfast, and airport transfers. It also includes admission and transfers to the famed thermally heated lake, the Blue Lagoon. From tapas to Thai specialties, dining consists of global cuisine, as well as traditional local and Scandinavian fare and matchless fresh seafood. Shopping choices range from fine art and folk crafts to stylish clothes and fashion accessories—all with the best exchange rate in recent memory. Adventure tours are also at their most affordable in and around Reykjavik. There’s horseback riding, cave exploring and snowmobiling on glaciers. Super-jeep safaris with a seafood-buffet lunch on ice are treats in this volcanic land of “Fire and Ice.” “The Weekend Whirl Tour,” with daily departures year-round, is offered by Iceland Experience, a division of The Great Canadian Travel Company. The group has spent more than a quarter of a century traveling to Iceland and the North Atlantic, enabling a compilation of expertise and “insider” contacts for travel to Iceland, Greenland and the Faroe Islands. Iceland Experience, 800-661-3830, www.greatcanadiantravel.com

ICELANDAIR OFFERS TWO-FOR-ONE DEAL! Icelandair has just released a special offer sure to amaze couples, best friends, twins, turtle doves and everything that comes in twos: Icelandair’s Two-for-One deal! For just $699 per person, two passengers can travel in style to Reykjavik aboard Icelandair’s new Economy Comfort Class. Economy Comfort offers business-class amenities featuring new seats with increased legroom, a personal in-flight entertainment system and access to the business-class lounge (where available). Flights to Scandinavia and other European destinations such as Amsterdam, Frankfurt, London or Paris are also on sale for $999 per person for two Economy Comfort travelers. As always, passengers have the opportunity to stopover in Iceland to or from Europe for up to four nights at no additional airfare. Those traveling solo still benefit by receiving the Two-for-One perperson price. Prices are exclusive of applicable taxes and official charges by destination of approximately $100-190 per person, including a September 11th security fee. This special offer is good for travel through March 2009. It’s the perfect opportunity to experience Iceland’s geysers, waterfalls, and surreal Northern Lights. Those who prefer the city life can stay in Reykjavik to enjoy its hip, trendy atmosphere. There has never been a better time to visit the Land of Fire and Ice, for in addition to these remarkable airfares, the dollar is at an all-time high against the Icelandic kronur, granting consumers more than twice the buying power compared to last year. Icelandair, www.icelandair.us www.travelworldnews.com • Travel World News

EUROPE TWO HOTEL GENERAL MANAGER APPOINTMENTS AT CORINTHIA BEACH RESORT IN MALTA Mounir Sami, previously General Manager of the Corinthia Bab Africa Hotel in Tripoli, Libya, has been appointed General Manager of the Corinthia Hotel St. George’s Bay Malta and joins the hotel following an impressive lengthy career in senior hotel management. Educated at the Swiss Hotel School and Cornell University in the U.S., Mounir is a Canadian citizen fluent in English, JONATHAN PACE French, German and Arabic. His career spans top executive appointments with Hilton International, the Al Baraka Group of Hotels, Marriott Hotels & Resorts, Ramada Hotels International and Commonwealth Holiday Inns of Canada. He’s held GM positions in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Canada. Prior to joining CHI, Mounir was General MOUNIR SAMI Manager of the Ramses Hilton in Cairo. Jonathan Pace, previously Deputy General Manager at the Corinthia Palace Hotel & Spa in Attard, has been appointed General Manager of the Marina Hotel at the Corinthia Beach Resort. At 27, Jonathan is CHI Hotels & Resorts’ youngest-ever hotel general manager. He obtained his Higher National Diploma in Hospitality Studies from ITS Malta and following a year at the famous Gleneagles Hotel and stints at the Corinthia Hotel Prague and Corinthia Bab Africa Hotel in Tripoli, joined Corinthia Palace Hotel & Spa as Conference and Events Executive and later Food and Beverage Manager. Jonathan was promoted to Deputy General Manager where he shared responsibility for the hotel’s overall operation. Both report to Tony Potter, CHI Hotels & Resorts’ Managing Director and CEO, who commented “I am delighted that CHI is continuing to make first-class management appointments across the globe such as these two general managers. In Mounir Sami, the Corinthia Hotel St. George’s Bay will be operated by one of the industry’s true veterans, who will be able to bring the appropriate management style and experience in order to maintain Corinthia Hotel’s place as one of the leading five-star properties in the Mediterranean. In Jonathan Pace, we have a tremendous opportunity to develop a young and dynamic Maltese hotel professional to be one of Europe’s leading general managers of the future.” CHI Hotels & Resorts (CHI), mbriffa@corinthia.com, corinthia.com Travel World News • www.travelworldnews.com

BUNK BEDS AND TEDDY BEARS WELCOME CHILDREN AT LONDON’S DRAYCOTT

Families staying at The Draycott, Chelsea’s refined small hotel, will find a number of packages available that are ideal for families with children of all ages. For a deluxe double with adjoining bunkroom, prices start as low as $443 per night with a minimum two-night stay. To keep the children entertained, the Draycott makes a Play Station available for use with a number of games, a well-stocked CD and DVD library, teddy bears, and kids’ gift-packs issued on arrival that contain assorted sweets, comic and coloring books. The hotel also provides babysitting services, mini bathrobes, luxurious cashmere blankets and special children’s breakfasts. The Draycott Suite, spanning an entire floor of the hotel, is a sumptuous two-bedroom suite (beds can be twinned as needed) that has two bathrooms, a guest cloakroom, sitting room and fullyequipped kitchen. One of the bedrooms is open-plan with views overlooking the private garden square. Garden View Deluxe Doubles have an adjacent single room decorated in either a theatrical or nautical theme. Other Deluxe Doubles feature adjoining bunk bed rooms offering parents privacy while children are reassuringly close by. The rooms are spacious and beautifully decorated—each with its own fireplace, and a comfortable sitting area has a sofa and easy chair. Bedrooms are outfitted with either a king-size or twin beds and include AC, Wi-Fi, a private bar, as well as CD, DVD and satellite TV. Adults and children love the garden square many rooms overlook—perfect for the little ones to run around in (wellies and hats provided). Guests can also enjoy their very own gourmet picnics made to order by the hotel. The Draycott offers complimentary afternoon tea with homemade biscuits at four, a glass of champagne at six, and hot chocolate before bedtime! The rates cited are based on currency exchange as of December 5, 2008 and is subject to change. The offer is valid through April 11, 2009, subject to availability. The Draycott, reservations@draycotthotel.com, www.draycotthotel.com JANUARY 2009 •

NORTH AMERICA JEFFREY NAYLOR NAMED GM OF TETON SPRINGS LODGE & SPA

JEFFREY NAYLOR

Jeffrey A. Naylor, a hospitality industry executive with ten years of resort management experience in Idaho and Wyoming, has been named general manager of Teton Springs

Lodge & Spa. Prior to accepting this position Naylor was sales manager at Grand Targhee Resort Alta where he had responsibility for corporate, incentive, association and meeting sales as well as working with international wholesalers, recreational and social groups, and web intermediaries. In addition, he worked at the resort during winter seasons as an accountant from

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1993 to 1998 during which time he also helped manage Teton Branch Farms in Teton Valley, a family farm. Naylor began his hospitality career as a bellman at the Doubletree Hotel in San Diego before joining Bowest Mortgaging Service Corporation in La Jolla, California, where he was Manager of payment processing from 1989 to 1993. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from San Diego State University in Economics. “We are delighted to welcome Jeff to our management team,” said Stephen Price, of Spirit Dance Hospitality. “His experience at Grand Targhee and his intimate knowledge and passion for this magnificent part of the country will be invaluable in helping to achieve the goals of Teton Springs Lodge and Spa.” Teton Springs Lodge & Spa, www.tetonspringslodge.com

HAPPY 50TH BIRTHDAY, ALASKA! 49TH STATE CELEBRATES STATEHOOD When Alaskans found out the United States Senate passed the Statehood Act in June of 1958, sirens blared and crowds gathered and celebrated around bonfires. The Anchorage Elks Club members unfurled a 40-by-60-foot flag marking a spontaneous, joyful celebration that kicked off six months of anticipation ahead of President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s signature on the statehood proclamation January 3, 1959. Alaska is preparing to mark the 50th anniversary of the Declaration of Statehood with just as much fervor. With events recognizing the anniversary scheduled throughout the year and taking place across the nation’s largest state, 2009 makes a great year to travel to Alaska. Many tourism businesses are offering special anniversary deals that will reduce costs on experiences statewide, from flying around the tip of North America’s highest peak, Mount McKinley, to cruising the waters of the Inside Passage. Many Alaskans can think back over

the past 50 years and marvel at how the state has managed its natural resources, capitalized on its strategic location and preserved its Native culture. But even as the state grows up, it will only take a scan of the crowds’ exuberant ongoing celebrations to realize Alaska’s pioneering spirit is still alive in today’s generation. Alaska Travel Industry Association (ATIA), alaskatia.org, travelalaska.com

VIRGIN AMERICA WINS BEST LOW-COST AIRLINE IN BUSINESS TRAVELER AWARDS Virgin America today took the award for “Best Low Cost Airline in North America” among domestic carriers in Business Traveler Magazine’s 2008 “Best in Business Travel” Survey. “We’re honored to be recognized as the top low-fare carrier choice by the most selective and experienced travelers,” said Virgin America President and CEO David Cush. “Virgin America offers attractive fares and next generation amenities that appeal to today’s business travelers. With in-flight internet fleetwide by Spring 2009, we’re continuing to innovate and deliver a flight experience that keeps business travelers comfortable, entertained, and connected to their work and lives from 35,000 feet.” The Business Traveler “Best in Business Travel Awards” are based on a survey of four thousand randomly selected subscribers who were given openended questions about the overall quality and service provided by low cost carriers operating in North America. Business Traveler is the world’s leading publication geared towards frequent business travelers. Virgin America offers daily flights from SFO to LAX, SFO to JFK, SFO to SAN, SFO to IAD, SFO to LAS, SFO to SEA, LAX to JFK, LAX to IAD, LAX to SEA, JFK to LAS and as of Feb. 12, 2009— BOS to LAX and BOS to SFO. Virgin America, www.virginamerica.com www.travelworldnews.com • Travel World News

NORTH AMERICA VISIT DENVER NAMES JUSTIN BRESLER NEW VICE PRESIDENT OF MARKETING VISIT DENVER, The Convention & Visitors Bureau, has appointed Justin Bresler as its new Vice President, Marketing and Business Development, responsible for overseeing marketing, public relations and communications, website performance, and membership/business development operations. Bresler has over 14 years’ marketing and sales experience, most recently as seJUSTIN BRESLER nior director of innovation, Weaver Multimedia Group, where he worked with convention and visitor bureaus from destinations such as San Francisco, Las Vegas and Seattle. His work with Weaver included visitor guide development, website implementation, marketing research and positioning, oversight of copy writing, and publications. Previously, Bresler worked as National Marketing Manager for Dex Media, cultivating more than nine years of advertising agency and corporate marketing experience. He has a BA in political science and communications from the University of Michigan, and an MBA from the University of Denver, Daniels College of Business. VISIT DENVER is a nonprofit trade association that contracts with the City of Denver to market Denver as a convention and leisure destination, increasing economic development in the city, creating jobs and generating taxes. Tourism is the second largest industry in Denver. VISIT DENVER, 800-2DENVER (800-233-6837), jelving@visitdenver.com, visitdenver.com

LVCVA CREATES NEW TOOL FOR LEISURE TRADE INDUSTRY TRAVEL PROFESSIONALS The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) recently announced the launch of a new program to assist the leisure trade industry in selling Las Vegas. Called The Vegas Insider a newsletter helps Las Vegas resorts disseminate their special rates, added values, booking incentives and familiarization trips to travel agents, wholesale travel partners and consortia providers. The newsletter also includes timely information about the latest development news, new shows and attractions, product updates and information about planning group travel to Las Vegas. “We pride ourselves on being a convenient, one-stop resource to help travel professionals promote and sell Las Vegas,” said Art Jimenez, Senior Director of Leisure Sales for the LVCVA. “The Vegas Insider is a valuable tool to keep Las Vegas top-ofmind and to continue to educate the travel trade about our everchanging destination. We want to make sure they have timely inTravel World News • www.travelworldnews.com

formation to take advantage of great deals and to utilize as many opportunities as possible,” he continued. The monthly newsletter will be distributed in a variety of ways. All travel agents who are Vegas Certified will receive The Vegas Insider as part of an email blast. The newsletter will also be included in a direct mailing to top-producing agents and incorporated into sales kits, at tradeshows and at various LVCVA presentations. Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, www.lvcva.com; The Vegas Insider, 877-847-4858

NYCVP’S JOEL COHEN SAYS NEW YORK CITY HAS POSITIVE TRAVEL OUTLOOK FOR 2009 “New York City will be a major destination for American travelers in 2009,” claims Joel Cohen, Vice President of New York City Vacation Packages. “Although vacation travel in general will be affected by the economic situation worldwide, many signs point to New York City as being very attractive as an alternative to other leisure travel markets.” JOEL COHEN “When I think about what a vacationer can do in New York City in four or five days, I know it will result in a vacation full of memories—much more so than lying on a beach,” Cohen continued. “Seventy-five museums, 50 sightseeing tours, two skyscraper observation decks, the Statue of Liberty, Broadway performances, the world’s largest store, harbor cruises, comedy clubs, TV and movie sites, nine professional major sports teams, horse-drawn carriage rides, famous restaurants—New York City really can be a perfect destination.” Cohen says that with the advice of a good travel agent, potential travelers can find real value. Some tips to give a would-be New York City vacationer: Take advantage of seasonal pricing. Hotel rooms are often more than 50 percent discounted during “low” seasons. Plan a New York City trip well in advance, taking advantage of low rates by locking them in. Look for “smart pricing” opportunities, such as weekend versus midweek rates and tour packages that include free meaningful features and dine-around plans. And understand the importance of air and rail service. When other leisure destinations are experiencing severe cutbacks in air service, New York City is not. And lastly, Cohen urges travel agents to align themselves with a good New York City tour operator like New York City Vacation Packages, that offers commissionable, customized vacation plans for agents and clients. New York City Vacation Packages, 877-NYC-TRiP, www.nyctrip.com JANUARY 2009 •

NORTH AMERICA CONDÉ NAST TRAVELER READERS NAME WHISTLER NO. 1 IN NORTH AMERICA

Condé Nast Traveler magazine, the travel industry trendsetter, has awarded Canada’s Whistler the top spot in its annual “Best Places to Ski & Stay in North America” reader survey in its December 2008 issue. Condé Nast Traveler readers were asked to evaluate North American ski resorts they had visited in the past three years, rating each. Whistler received the top score on the combined criteria of Terrain and Conditions, Lifts and Lines, Local Ambience, Local Dining, and Après-Ski/Activities. The addition of the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola this winter received special praise in Condé Nast Traveler for going head-to-head with Wyoming’s Jackson Hole to be the “first to finish a fantastical mode of mountaintop transport” by linking Whistler and Blackcomb peaks together via one lift. Whistler also placed five of its hotels in North America’s top 25 ski hotels in the Condé Nast reader survey: Pan Pacific Whistler Village Centre, Four Seasons Resort & Spa, Hilton Whistler Resort & Spa, Westin Resort & Spa, and Fairmont Chateau Whistler. And with the recent announcement in Australia of the Luxury Travel Awards, Whistler once again won the Gold List 2009 Award for Best Overseas Ski Resort and a Platinum Award for winning it five years in a row. Fairmont Chateau Whistler was named Best International Ski Hotel. “These awards are great news for us as we move into a period of incredible energy and anticipation here at Whistler, the last full season before the 2010 Winter Games arrive,” says Arlene Schieven, Vice President of Marketing for Tourism Whistler. “We have a unique set of tourism products and experiences, and it’s gratifying when our visitors recognize the quality of the experiences we offer. And this year, along with the new PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola, our visitors can take in World Cup events showcasing our 2010 Winter Games venues.” One of the most popular promotions at Whistler right now is Third Night Free, a three-night/two-day package that includes hotel and lift tickets from $235 per person. Whistler, www.whistler.com 18 • JANUARY 2009

RENAISSANCE RESORT AT WORLD GOLF VILLAGE OFFERS “STAY AND PLAY PACKAGE” The Renaissance Resort at World Golf Village, having just completed a $10 million property-wide renovation, is offering a “Stay and Play Package.” Available for stays through February 12, 2009, the package at the St. Augustine, Florida, resort provides accommodations in a newly-remodeled deluxe guest room, a round of golf on the resort’s renowned King & Bear or popular Slammer & Squire championship course, daily breakfast in the resort’s new restaurant 500 South, and range balls. For two golfers staying in the room, the rate starts at $289 per room, per night, plus tax (reference code ZJ2). For one golfer and one non-golfer staying in the room, the rate starts at $189 per room, per night, plus tax (code G4U). The package is available seven days a week, based on space availability, and is not available to groups of 10 or more rooms. “For two people to play on these very popular courses, and to stay in a newly-remodeled room in our just-renovated resort, at this rate—it’s quite a deal,” said Mark Schwantner, General Manager of the Northeast Florida resort. The impressive renovation includes the remodeling of all 301 guest rooms and suites, dramatic changes to the resort’s lobby atrium and entry area, remodeling all guest room corridors, an expanded fitness center with new state-of-the-art equipment, remodeling of its billiard room, and enhancements to the meeting offerings and business center. The resort also remodeled its restaurant and bar, which opened in April 2008 as a new restaurant and bar called 500 South, An American Grill. Guest rooms and suites now feature all new furniture, soft goods, window treatments, and lighting. Rooms also boast new flat-panel screen LCD HDTV televisions, and the signature Marriott JackPack, which provides complete connectivity to guests for laptops, MP3 players, digital cameras, and video game players. The rooms and suites have a contemporary design with an Asian feel— rich red bed coverings with crisp white linens, along with a complementary color scheme of warm neutral gold. In-room offerings also include high-speed Internet access, two telephones with data ports, a wet bar and refrigerator and in-room coffee. The entry of the resort has beautiful new flooring, wood-wrapped columns, and accents of the Florida citrus colors, and leads to a dramatically remodeled 10-story atrium lobby, which now has a Colonial/Asian theme with new furniture, carpeting and foliage, as well as a colorful new seven-story modern hanging sculpture. On-site offerings at The Renaissance Resort include a professional golf simulator, a sauna, pool, hot tub, tennis courts, and full-service concierge. It’s an easy walk to The World Golf Hall of Fame’s 18-hole putting course, the 132-yard Island Challenge Hole, an IMAX® Theater, and the Walk of Champions. When visiting the resort, guests may explore beautiful St. Augustine, the nation’s oldest city, founded in 1565. The Renaissance Resort at World Golf Village, 888-740-7020, www.WorldGolfRenaissance.com www.travelworldnews.com • Travel World News

A magnificent view… or your next wild adventure?

All Sandos Hotels were built on the most priviliged locations, so we´ve made sure that our guests would not only be delighted by the breathtaking views, but also become part of them during any of the adventures we have especially designed so that you and your family may enjoy all the excitement and adrenaline Mexico and the Caribbean have to offer.

Sandos Caracol Sandos Select Club Sandos Playacar Sandos Playacar Riviera Sandos Papagayo Arena – Spain Sandos Monaco – Spain Sandos Punta Cana* *Opening soon

For more information and reservations call 1 866 887 5601 or visit us at www.sandoshotels.com

CARIBBEAN

Luxurious Ceiba del Mar Offers a Uniquely Mexican Experience Ceiba del Mar Beach and Spa Resort on the Riviera Maya offers everything your resort-bound client desires while capturing a “real Mexico” experience. CONNIE SKOOG

umerous resorts along the Mexican Riviera Maya claim to offer “something for everyone.” This assertion often relies on a facility the size of a small town. Ceiba del Mar Beach and Spa Resort, an exquisite 88-suite 5-star property provides guests with the best of the Riviera Maya without requiring that they join a multitude. Ceiba del Mar is located just 20 minutes south of the Cancun airport in Puerto Morelos. Owner Luis Segura, a well-known Mexican architect, has created a luxurious property that reflects genuine Mexican culture and design. From their first glimpse of the lobby until they relax on their balcony or patio overlooking the sea, guests know they are in Mexico at this property.

Some of Ceiba’s suites include a private mini-pool on the terrace.

Accommodations with a View All rooms, suites and penthouses have a view of the ocean. As a travel professional, you know that a beach resort vacation requires seeing and hearing the sea for most clients; that requirement is a sure thing at Ceiba del Mar. Deluxe rooms offer king or double queen beds, balcony or terrace and a separate tub and shower. Suites add a living room, while Master Suites, more than 750 square feet in area, offer an extra balcony, a 42” plasma TV, plus an extra bathroom and bar. Some of them include a mini-pool on the terrace. Free wireless access is available in-room in all units. The seven Penthouse Suites, each with a huge rooftop terrace with a whirlpool, are 900-square-feet one-bedroom apartments. All rooms meet the most discriminating guest’s expectations, with a “pillow menu,” European-style linens and state-of-the-art baths. If ordered, a complimentary Continental breakfast for two is delivered to each room via a convenient alcove at the door, so guests are not disturbed when it arrives. The décor of all rooms consists of purely Mexican materials and products. For instance, all of the bath products are hand made by a native tribe from pure natural ingredients. 20 • JANUARY 2009

Prices at Ceiba del Mar vary widely, depending on the season and choice of accommodation. Rack rates range from $410 (deluxe room) to $1050 (penthouse) during high season; many specials are offered throughout the year. Both European and American plans are available. An example of the 2008 autumn special (available until December 22): is $299 ppdo including accommodation, all a la carte meals, snacks and drinks.

Sand and Water The Riviera Maya may boast of as many “sugar-white” beaches as any place on earth, but the second largest coral reef (the largest is in Australia) along the coast puts this destination well above most tropical getaways for those interesting in life below the surface. Ceiba del Mar’s accredited dive facility offers everything from certification classes to snorkel trips. In keeping with Ceiba’s policy, they insist on keeping their excursions small. Probably Ceiba del Mar’s most compelling attraction (for me or anyone who would rather explore a coral reef than just about any other activity) is its world-class-snorkeling just off its beach. The coral is so close to the surface, it’s sometimes www.travelworldnews.com • Travel World News

CARIBBEAN necessary to hold your tummy so you don’t touch it! The sea along this coast is part of a National Marine Park; no motorized boats are allowed in the area except the local fishing boats that leave early every morning and return to the village each night and the snorkel and dive boats. The best snorkeling is either a fairly long swim or a very short boat ride from the shore. It is one of the best snorkeling areas I have ever encountered anywhere. Landlubbers will find shaded lounges on the beach and lining both pools. Waiters carry food and drink to any of these lazy spots. The largest pool includes the ubiquitous swim-up bar as well as a warm spa pool. The largest pool wraps around a swim-up bar as well as a warm spa.

The Spa Ceiba del Mar advertises spa treatments that go beyond the usual massage and wrap treatments. According to the spa manager, they assess stress and other health threats with a Meridian Stress Assessment machine that profile a client’s condition. Treatments to balance the body and the mind are prescribed from these results. Treatments include aromatherapy, unique Mayan treatments and ionithermie (created in France for correcting cellulite), as well as the usual scrubs, massage, wraps and facials. The whirlpool, Swiss shower and sauna are available to all guests free of charge. A complete gymnasium is also open to all guests.

Temazcal Ceremony One of the most unusual treatments offered by Ceiba del Mar is the Temazcal Ceremony, an ancient ritual conducted in a typical Mayan clay hut. Our group of about a dozen people participated in the Temazcal Ceremony on a beautiful afternoon at the resort. A leader painted us with herbs and calmed us with an explanation of the ritual before each of us filed into the hut and sat down on large palm leaves. She sang and chanted as glowing volcanic stones were brought into the hut. Herb water was sprinkled on the stones and we soon found ourselves in an aromatic steam bath. We shared visions and stories as the heat intensified. By the end of the ceremony, only three of us remained in the hut. The leader insisted that she wanted no one to “suffer,” so she encouraged anyone who was too hot to exit the hut. Everyone agreed that they were glad they had participated in the ceremony; a few people felt that it was the highlight of their trip and expressed feeling a deep relaxation and revelation.

Dining Options Arrecifes, the seaside restaurant at Ceiba del Mar, serves both Mexican and American dishes, with an emphasis on fresh seafood, grilled and wood-fired oven entries. Your clients will not be disappointed by the culinary expertise exhibited at the Arrecifes; we never had a bad or even mediocre Travel World News • www.travelworldnews.com

meal there. The small fishing village of Puerto Morelos, a short stroll down the beach from Ceiba boasts a remarkable number of good restaurants. Puerto Morelos is the oldest town on the Riviera Maya (stretching now from north of Cancun to below Tulum and growing). Unlike Cancun (a city that tourism built) or Playa del Carmen (a village that completely disappeared when tourism took over), Puerto Morelos remains an authentic fishing village: no Senor Frog, no streets lined with t-shirt shops. Your clients can choose from several seafood places, one German and four “international” restaurants, as well as an assortment of Mexican eateries. One place that shouldn’t be missed is John Gray’s Kitchen. John Gray moved to Mexico as chef for the Ritz-Carlton and now provides world-class food in Puerto Morelos.

Special Groups at Ceiba del Mar As “destination weddings” become more and more popular, the lure of celebrating other momentous occasions with group travel has also caught on. Families celebrating someone’s 40th, 50th or 60th, an anniversary or reunion, are likely to use you, their travel professional, to find the best property and to help pull their plans together. Your best source for making these kind of celebrations memorable at the Ceiba del Mar is Denise Courtney (groups1@ceibadelmar.com). Ceiba del Mar offers private gardens on the beach with covered patios and bar, a dock that can be lined with lights, and many other facilities that come alive with Denise’s imagination and panache. “We are small enough to be able to provide just about anything that a family or wedding party could think of,” said Denise. “”We’ve catered parties on a roof overlooking the sea, in one of the penthouses, on the beach, just about anywhere.” We suspect no client could think of anything that Denise and her crew have not already done with aplomb. She can email photos of many past celebrations.

Ceiba del Mar, 877-545-6221, www.ceibadelmar.com JANUARY 2009•

CARIBBEAN

All Ashore! Mexico’s Costa Maya Port & Surrounding Region Shine as a Top Ten An interview with director of marketing & sales director Cesar Lizarraga about the destination’s development and tourism growth. M A R Y E L L E N S C H U LT Z

COSTA MAYA

exico’s Caribbean coast on the Yucatan peninsula has enjoyed steady growth over the past thirty years. First, there was glittering Cancun. Then came Riviera Maya of the megaresorts and junglenestling boutique hotels. Over the past six years, though, another jewel in the country’s getaway crown has begun shining further south: Costa Maya. Stretching 80 miles along the coast between Felipe Carillo Puerto (approximately 180mi south of Cancun, 60mi. north of Chetumal and 2mi from the resort town of Mahahual), the gateway to this sun-soaked, culCESAR LIZARRAGA ture-rich and adventure-filled region is Puerto Costa Maya, the western Caribbean’s first port designed exclusively for the cruise industry. Resembling an ancient Mayan City, the port can accommodate three ships at once and introduces visitors to a destination showcasing the Mexican Caribbean’s ancient and colonial heritage. Accolades abound. It was named 2007 Port of the Year by Sea Trade magazine, one of the 10 Top Caribbean Ports by the Florida Caribbean Cruise Association and one of the hottest emerging dive destinations by industry publications. After receiving an impressive 2 million passengers within 5 years of its 2001 launch, the port suffered major damage and closed in the wake of 2007’s Hurricane Dean.This past October 31st, the port reopened with the arrival of Holland America Cruises’ Westerdam and high season is in full swing. Travel World News met recently with Cesar Lizarraga, Costa Maya’s marketing & sales director, for an update on the region’s recovery. Travel World News: What was Costa Maya’s total investment plan? Cesar Lizarraga: Taking a page from Cozumel’s success, we began six years ago with a 25-year development plan to convert the region into the premier cruise destination along our Caribbean coast. Costa Maya was built with an original 22 • JANUARY 2009

investment of $25mn, following responsible development guidelines to guarantee the preservation of landscape and Mayan culture…. the plan called for governmental collaboration with and integration of local communities. Following Hurricane Dean, the local and federal government provided an additional $20mn for reconstruction. TWN: Describe the port, please. CL: We’ve got three berths — we’re one of only four ports worldwide able to accommodate the F3 and Genesis-class type vessel...and one of only six [ports] in the Caribbean receiving over 1mn passengers a year! Ashore, we’ve got three grand pavilions, our own private beach club, saltwater pools, restaurants/bars, plus a 70,000-sq. ft artisan and luxury shopping center and bazaar and land and sea excursions galore. TWN: Which cruise lines dock at the port? CL: Currently, Carnival Cruise Lines, Celebrity Cruises, Cunard, Disney Cruise Line, Holland America, Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, P&O Cruises, Regent Seven Seas and Windstar. TWN: Some stats, please — when is high season, how many ships dock a day and how many passengers? CL: High season is October–April, usually three arrivals with approximately 9,000 total passengers disembarking daily. TWN: Beyond the port, what makes Costa Maya so special? CL: It’s a beach destination combined the region’s largest concentration of archaeological sites (e.g. Calacmul, Becan, Xpuhil and Chicanna) and existing Mayan population in Mexico, nature reserves.…plus, we’re a divers’ paradise — 26 nautical miles offshore, Chinchorro is part of the world’s 2nd most important coral reef in the world…till now, was so remote, known only by well-heeled diving cognoscenti…now, we’ve got the infrastructure in place to take more divers there. Think about it – 100ft visibility! TWN: What makes Costa Maya interesting for a travel agent to recommend to clients? CL: Travel agents are inclined to recommend cruises based on the variety/quality of shore excursions offered…vacationers select cruises for the same reasons…we offer over 25 diverse excursions — the perfect mix of beach and introduction to the beauty and rich history of our culture and myriad adventure options. TWN: Please describe some of these excursions. CL: Hmm…Biomaya Bacalar ziplining; Costa Maya Snuba www.travelworldnews.com • Travel World News

CARIBBEAN KEVIN MICHAEL CONNELLY

Holland America Cruises crew arriving at Puerto Costa Maya’s state-of-the-art port facility.

adventure (snorkeling/scuba combo); Dolphin Dream interaction and the Mayan Culture experience with local communities…or think trekking through subtropical rainforest and discovering prehistoric waterways…or Laguna Bacalar (a rainbow-lake with 7 shades of blue)….and of course, shopping till you drop for local crafts! TWN: What particularly do you want agents to know? CL: Cruise-concentrating agents need to learn about Costa Maya…our hope is to help them promote it. We were first known as a port of call, but please realize that beyond being a spectacular port facility, we’ve got with high-density attractions beyond typical daylong shore excursions. We’re becoming known as a true destination, comprising 20 communities in the heart of the Mayan world. Encourage your clients to use their brief shore visit as a “taste” of our rich Mayan culture and beauty— and then come back and spend some time to really explore all we’ve got to offer! [Note: FIT/Land-based clients can fly into Cancun or Chetumal airports.] TWN: Do you see interest in the region growing? CL: Definitely. The cruise is the hook to encourage repeat visits to the region…. this part of Mexico show strong promise for tourism development…we’ve got the figures to back it up…Costa Maya grew 15% between 2006 and 2007, and we’re projecting a 212% area population increase following our reopening. TWN: Will regional development focus primarily around Mahahual? CL: Actually, all along the coast, between Felipe Carillo Puerto and Chetuamal/Xcalak. Beyond port facility expansion, new infrastructure is being added, including new roads, Travel World News • www.travelworldnews.com

an airstrip and varied real estate offerings. Some small, privately owned hotels are operating now; future plans are for a maximum of 10,000 rooms to be built—eco-friendly structures— primarily smaller, boutique properties. TWN: With the northern Yucatan coast already so heavily promoted, what do you see as the challenges to building excitement about Costa Maya? CL: The main challenge is educating agents as to what exactly IS Costa Maya. Yes, it’s our state-of-the-art port facility, but it’s so much more…as mentioned above, sugar-sand beaches, the diving, the attraction-rich region. TWN: How are you marketing Costa Maya in the U.S.? CL: We’re now marketing Costa Maya as a regional destination, in addition to a port-of-cal l— that opens a whole new world of possibilities. Our new branding campaign will feature a new logo and image, along with a redesigned website. We’ve begun developing coop-marketing plans with the Mexico Tourist Board…e.g., tradeshows and print media. We’ve got budget constraints — particularly now with current economic situation — but do hope to be able to increase visibility, mainly via tradeshows, e.g. cruise-specific ones like Sea Trade, CLIA and Cruise 360, plus the traditional industry shows. We’re also seeking regional investors to create pooled marketing efforts. TWN: Closing words for our readers? CL: Once you arrive at the pier, is when your conversation with the destination begins…tell your clients to come and talk with us, soon!

Costa Maya, www.puertocostamaya.com, www.visitmexico.com JANUARY 2009•

CARIBBEAN SANDOS INCORPORATES NATURAL SETTINGS, TREATMENTS INTO TWO NEW FACILITIES Designed to promote serenity and relaxation, a new Spa Sandos facility at the all-inclusive Sandos Playacar Beach Resort & Spa offers Thalassotherapy treatments using the only Nausicca equipment found on the Riviera Maya, Mexico. Treatments combine marine water in its various forms (steam, micro drops, and liquid) with aromatherapy and colored lights (chromotherapy) to detoxify, purify and tone the skin to create a sense of well-being. The facility includes hydrotherapy baths, open-area hydro massage swimming pool, steam baths, sauna; gymnasium with rooms for spinning, Pilates, yoga; beauty salon for manicure and pedicure rituals, nails, hair styling and color, and make-up. All those who stay within the Playacar complex, consisting of Sandos Playacar Beach Resort & Spa and Sandos Playacar Riviera Hotel, have access to the facility, with first-floor services, including the fitness center, hydro massage pool and saunas, free of charge. Emerging on the scene with an environmental focus, Sandos Hotels & Resorts will convert Sandos Caracol Beach Resort & Spa and Sandos Select Club Beach Resort & Spa in the Riviera Maya into an unprecedented Eco-Resort and Eco-Versity in which guests will engage in ecological practices. Renovations are underway for

Sandos Caracol Eco-Resort & Spa to debut this year. “In order to move towards a sustainable future, we decided to transform our Caracol complex into an Eco-Resort by implementing a variety of ‘green’ practices that are taken to the next level,” said Jacques De Paep, director of sales and marketing, Sandos Hotels & Resorts.

*Golf & Spa 4th Night Free Special is valid for Stays until December 22, 2009. *Average Daily Rate displayed already reflects the 4th Nite Free discount. Not cmbinable with any other promotions. Current published prices valid only for New Reservations.

24 • JANUARY 2009

www.travelworldnews.com • Travel World News

CARIBBEAN Plans include a 75-percent reduction in carbon footprint by 2012 by using alternative energy technologies to create a hospitality-world first: “zero emissions” buildings. The resort will also implement breeding programs to re-establish endangered populations. With an Eco-Zoo in place, guests can learn about the wildlife and also interact and feed certain animals. They’ll be able to participate in activities like beach clean-ups, saving tortoises in Akumal, Mexico, and setting exotic bird species “free” into the wild to earn points that can be redeemed for free nights at the property. The Caracol complex was originally built to respect surrounding ecosystems. It’s the only property on the Riviera Maya with 16 cenotes, underwater caves that were used by the ancient Mayans as a place to communicate and contact their gods. Directly off its beach is the world’s second largest living coral reef, the MesoAmerican Barrier Reef, an underwater environment ideal for snorkeling and scuba diving. Sandos all-inclusive rates range from $67 to $132 ppdo in a standard room, based on availability, for travel now through April 18, 2009. Sandos Hotels & Resorts, 866-887-5601, www.sandoshotels.com

GRACE GRILLO APPOINTED SANDOS SENIOR SALES MANAGER In an effort to further develop its sales network within North America, Sandos Hotels & Resorts has recently appointed Grace Grillo as Senior Sales Manager for Northeastern U.S. and Eastern Canada. Grillo and her team, based in New York, will be responsible for regional brand representation; strategic pitching to travel agencies, tour operators, GRACE GRILLO incentive companies, national tourist boards and key industry organizations; and various promotional programs for clients via travel agents, wholesalers, tour operators. “With over 15 years in the travel industry, Mrs. Grillo will be an asset to our Sandos Hotels & Resorts team,” said Jacques De Paep, director of Sales and Marketing, Sandos Hotels & Resorts. “Grillo's extensive travel industry experience and intimate knowledge of both Canada and U.S. operations will aid our efforts to enhance services and support for our clientele,” he added. Sandos Hotels & Resorts has four products on the Riviera Maya, Mexico: Sandos Caracol Eco-Resort & Spa, Select Club Beach Resort & Spa, Sandos Playacar Beach Resort & Spa and the Playacar Riviera hotel section; and one in the Canary Islands, Sandos Papagayo Arena Beach Resort & Spa. Future openings are planned in Mexico and the Dominican Republic. Travel World News • www.travelworldnews.com

JANUARY 2009•

CARIBBEAN JAMAICAN TOURISM MINISTER ANNOUNCES APPOINTMENT OF JOHN LYNCH AS DIRECTOR OF TOURISM Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett has announced the appointment of John Lynch as Director of Tourism at the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), following Basil Smith’s decision to not renew his contract that expired in October. “Lynch’s knowledge, experience and strength in sales make him an ideal candidate to fill the available post,” noted Bartlett. JOHN LYNCH Prior to his appointment, Mr. Lynch worked for 16 years as executive vice president of Unique Vacations, with overall responsibility for public relations, sales promotions, and group sales and is credited with being a major force in the development of all Sandals Resorts brands worldwide. Mr. Lynch has also had experience in the public sector by serving the Jamaica Tourist Board in a variety of capacities in the past: senior manager of trade services, regional director based in Chicago, and deputy director of tourism, responsible for sales, marketing and conventions and overseas offices. He was a driving force behind the award-winning Come Back to Jamaica

26 • JANUARY 2009

campaign that significantly increased visitor arrivals during his tenure. Mr. Lynch also serves as third vice president of the Caribbean Hotel Association (CHA), chairing its marketing committee, and sits on the board of directors for the Caribbean Tourism Development Corporation (CTDC), a merger of the Caribbean Hotel Association and the Caribbean Tourism Organization. Minister Bartlett said he is looking forward to working with the new Director of Tourism as part of a renewed thrust to drive Jamaica’s tourism industry to new heights. “Mr. Lynch is one of the finest marketers in the tourism business today to be found anywhere in the world. He possesses the expertise and tireless energy that we need to meet the fierce challenges facing Jamaica in the global tourism marketplace today,” Bartlett noted. Mr. Lynch welcomes his appointment as Tourism Director: “I am eager to give back to Jamaica’s tourism industry and I look forward to working with the new Board as we protect and grow our market share in this challenging period,” said Lynch. He will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the JTB and the country’s global tourism marketing. Jamaica Tourist Board, www.visitjamaica.com

HALF MOON NAMED GOLF RESORT OF THE YEAR Over 300 golf tour operators from 45 countries cast their votes for the annual International Association of Golf Tour Operators that saw Jamaica’s luxury resort Half Moon declared Golf Resort of the Year in the Rest of World category. Half Moon’s General Manager Aram Zerunian was on hand to collect the award at the IAGTO Awards gala dinner held in Marbella, Spain, in November. Over 2,000 golf resorts from around the world were considered for this award category and were judged based on customer satisfaction, quality of golf course and accommodation, value for money, accessibility to tee times as well as speed of communication and quality of service of the golf resort sales and marketing team. In accepting the award Aram Zerunian said, “We are honored to receive this recognition and to be named among such legendary golf resorts in the world. This award affirms the work we have invested to continuously improve our product and the quality service offered by the over 800 men and women who work at Half Moon.” Half Moon joins a roster of acclaimed international golf resorts that have received the prestigious award in previous years. Past winners in the category included: Druids Glen Golf Resort in Ireland, Turnberry in Scotland, Mission Hills in China, Sandy Lane in Barbados and Arabella Western Cape in South Africa among others. The IAGTO Awards were established in 2000 to reward to recognize those exceptional resorts in the world of golf travel. Half Moon, 800-626-0952, www.halfmoon.com www.travelworldnews.com • Travel World News

CARIBBEAN ROSALIE BAY RESORT APPOINTS CELIA ROBERTS AS GENERAL MANAGER Celia A. Roberts has been appointed to the post of General Manager of Rosalie Bay—A Nature Resort, Dominica’s new four-star resort opening early this year. A 20-year veteran of the hospitality industry, Roberts has experience in hotel management, human resources, tourism and business development, and marketing. “Our mission at Rosalie Bay Resort is to define luxury in Dominica and provide CELIA ROBERTS guests with personal service at the highest of standards,” says Roberts. Embracing a holistic approach to tourism, she is excited to have an opportunity to play a part in the development of Dominica, as a flourishing travel destination in her position at Rosalie Bay. Roberts began her career in at the Royal Antiguan Resort, going on to become the general manager of the Marina Bay Beach Resort and to work in management in Antigua at Club Antigua andSandals Antigua Resort & Spa. In 2001 she launched Roberts & Associates, a consulting firm specializing in business operations. Consultancies included developing training programs, marketing plans and tourism projects for clients including Jolly Beach Resort & Spa in Antigua, Coral Reef Resort in Barbados, and the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism. Roberts has also taught business and marketing and industry-specific courses at various institutions including the Antigua & Barbuda Hospitality Training Institute and the Antigua and Barbuda International Institute of Technology. Roberts holds the designations Certified Caribbean Hospitality Trainer and Hospitality Advisor through the CTO/CRSHTD Hospitality Assured program, earned a Bachelor of Science in Hotel & Resort Management, and received her MBA in Total Quality Management from the University of Hampshire. Rosalie Bay Resort, info@rosaliebay.com

MONICA NEUMANN TO OVERSEE ALL OPERATIONS OF THE REGENT PALMS TURKS AND CAICOS AS GENERAL MANAGER A veteran of the luxury hospitality industry, Monica Neumann, has been appointed the new General Manager of the award-winning Regent Palms Turks and Caicos, one of only five Caribbean hotels to earn a spot on Robb Report’s 100 Best Places to Stay 2008, and the resort’s Regent Spa was on Condé Nast Traveler’s coveted “Hot List” for 2008. With extensive luxury hospitality expeMONICA NEUMANN rience, including Director of Operations and Director of Quality Integration and Training for Regent 28 • JANUARY 2009

Hotels, Neumann oversees all operations for the award-winning resort, which overlooks renowned Grace Bay Beach on the island of Providenciales. Neumann has been a leader within Regent managed hotels and brings much global experience to The Regent Palms Turks and Caicos. She has held several senior management positions with Hyatt Hotels Corporation, and was the company’s first female to open a Hyatt operationally (Hyatt Regency Crystal City, Washington DC) as well as the first female General Manager to open a Hyatt hotel (Hyatt Regency Coral Gables, Fla.). She also served as General Manager at the Hyatt Newporter Hotel in Newport Beach, and at the Radisson Plaza Warwick Hotel in Philadelphia. Her luxury expertise also includes leadership positions in client services for the upscale retailer Nordstrom. “Monica is a sparkling hospitality talent with a keen eye for quality and an impressive background in luxury. Combining Monica’s impressive talent with our award-winning Caribbean resort is a recipe for success,” said Bjorn Gullaksen of Regent Hotels & Resorts. The Regent Palms Turks and Caicos, www.TheRegentExperience.com

MONTSERRAT ANNOUNCES THE RETURN OF DAILY FERRY SERVICE TO ISLAND The island of Montserrat recently reestablished ferry service between Antigua and Montserrat, after a three-year hiatus. With the help of the United Kingdom’s Department for International Development, travelers will once again have the opportunity to enjoy views of the scenic coastline and lush tropical landscape while enroute to the island. In December, the 107-seat Diamond I began offering passengers daily roundtrip service Monday through Saturday, with the commuter boat departing Montserrat at 7:30 a.m. and arriving Antigua at 8:50, and on the return, departing Antigua at 5:30 p.m. to arrive in Montserrat at 6:50. At the start of January2009, a schedule and equipment change takes effect. For January 1–April 24, 2009, the ferry service will make two return trips, four days a week. The ferry used January 1 onward is the Provincetown III, launched in 2004 with a seating capacity of 149 passengers. It takes approximately one hour to complete the Montserrat/Antigua journey, with its cruising speed of 28 knots. Two daily roundtrips are offered four days a week. Roundtrip fares are approximately $135. Details are available on MONAIR’s website or from Carib World Travel. Montserrat, a lush green and mountainous island of approximately 39 square miles, lies in the Eastern Caribbean chain of islands. MONAIR, www.monair@candw.ms; Carib World Travel, info@carib-world.com; www.visitmontserrat.com www.travelworldnews.com • Travel World News

CARIBBEAN TUSCANY ON GRACE BAY OFFERS STUNNING VIEWS OF CARIBBEAN SUNSETS Conveniently located on the world-famous 12-mile Grace Bay Beach in Providenciales, Turks & Caicos, guests at The Tuscany on Grace Bay can enjoy the island’s spectacular sunsets and sunrises in any one of the hotel’s lavish beachfront suites. Visitors can witness magnificent views from their private enclosed patio or simply step out from the comfort of their first-floor suite and “catch some rays” beachside. And for intimate moments, a personal chef is available for couples who wish to ‘dine under the stars.’ The three-bedroom suites are stylishly appointed, with an expansive master bedroom and lavish ensuite bathroom, a contemporary gourmet kitchen and sprawling living and dining areas. As a seaside property, The Tuscany’s location allows guests to walk a few steps to a variety of off-site activities that range from deep-sea fishing, snorkeling, boating and wind surfing to horseback riding, golfing, and exploring the island’s caves. In addition, the hotel’s knowledgeable staff can also arrange excursions to see and experience the island’s offerings. The Tuscany is located on Grace Bay Beach in Turks and Caicos, just 15 minutes from Providenciales International Airport. The resort offers thirty 2,000-square-foot, well-appointed threebedroom/three bathroom suites providing guests with comfort and luxury, each having a distinctly different ambiance and décor. All units are beachfront and include extended screened patios with first-floor villas offering immediate beach access. Home to the pristine 12-mile Grace Bay beach, Turks and Caicos is surrounded by coral reef and tropical, turquoise waters. Tuscany on Grace Bay, 866-359-6464, www.thetuscanyresort.com

with Grand Salon and all inclusions of the Elite Wedding Package I. Plus, music during the ceremony, two keepsake champagne toasting flutes, one sea salt kkin buff (or similar treatment) each for the bride and her mother or a member of the wedding party and chocolate-dipped strawberries delivered the wedding night. Rates for Elite Wedding Package II from January 3–April 4 are $6,165 for the Studio and $9,235 for the Suite and Grand Salon. From April 5–October 31, rates are $5,155 and $7,315. Included in Seven Stars daily rate is golf course shuttle, tennis, use of the fitness center and Wi-Fi availability in the pool area. Accommodations feature a broad terrace or private balcony, marble floors, cable TV and a CD/DVD player with iPod connectivity, full or galley kitchens with granite countertops, GE Monogram appliances and an espresso machine with complimentary coffee set-up. Seven Stars’ courtyards, fountains and lush tropical gardens give way to magnificent ocean views. The hotel’s name comes from the seven stars of the Pleiades, the storied constellation seen so clearly from the Turks and Caicos Islands. In Greek mythology the stars represent the seven daughters of the god Atlas and goddess Pleione. Seven Stars Resort, 866-570-7777, reservations@sevenstarsresort.com, www.sevenstarsresort.com

NEW SEVEN STARS RESORT SETS ELITE WEDDING PACKAGES FOR GRACE BAY The new, luxurious Seven Stars Resort on Providenciales’ Grace Bay Beach in the Turks and Caicos Islands offers two wedding packages for couples wishing to tie the knot in a fairy-tale setting. Elite Wedding Package I includes four nights’ accommodation in either a one-bedroom Gardenview Studio or one-bedroom Oceanview Studio, a Wedding Officiate and post-wedding documentation, decoration and set-up, a romantic dinner for two served beachside or at an alternative location, Continental breakfast daily, one-hour couples massage, bottle of champagne and fruit plate on arrival, bottle of wine, transfers to and from airport and 10-percent hotel tax and 10-percent service charge. From January 3–April 4, 2009 per-couple rates are $3,720 for the Gardenview Studio and $4,985 for the Oceanview Studio. From April 5–October 31, 2009 rates are $3,140 and $4,100, respectively. Elite Wedding Package II includes four nights in either a onebedroom Beachfront Studio or a one-bedroom Beachfront Suite Travel World News • www.travelworldnews.com

Discover an island within an island with more than 51,000 sq. ft. of pure aquatic fun in The River Pool Village at Mayagüez Resort & Casino. Casino. Imagine yourself and your family discovering a water and sun paradise with ancient ruins, castles and tropical forests. With its worldclass pool, spa and bar you will experience the ultimate Caribbean experience in one place. Words can’t describe what you are about to live.

For Reservations call:

"The Best in the West"

787-832-3030 1-888-689-3030

P.O. Box 3781, Route 104, Km. 0.3, Mayagüez, P.R. 00682 www.mayaguezresort.com • e-mail: reservations@mayaguezresort.com JANUARY 2009•

CARIBBEAN AGUA’S SPECIAL PROMOTION INCLUDES IMPRESSIVE ARRIVAL BY HELICOPTER

Agua Resort & Spa in Punta Cana is offering special packages that will pamper couples seeking to get away to the seclusion and serenity of the golden beaches of the Dominican Republic. Agua is a full resort with spa, gourmet dining and an array of activities. Finely-appointed suites and villas each feature views of the lush gardens, pools and azure ocean water. High-season rates, January 6 through April 30—five nights, range from $3,150 to $8,505 ppdo, and for the low season, May 1–December 17, $2,205 to $5,481 ppdo. Agua’s special package includes accommodation in a Junior Suite (753 square feet of space with French doors leading to a private tropical terrace), a welcome drink upon arrival, daily Continental breakfast, romantic moonlight three-course dinner on the beach (night of choice), a couple massage, turn-down with amenities from executive chef, helicopter arrival from Punta Cana Airport, private, and ground airport transfer to Punta Cana Airport. MAP (breakfast and dinner) supplement available for extra charge. Taxes and service are included; extra nights available. Rack rates. Guest suite amenities include Frette linens, Korres (Greece) bath products, pillow menu, attractive bathrooms with separate showers, vanity areas, walk-in closets, mini-bars and Wi-Fi service. Room service and twice-daily maid service are also included. Agua Resort & Spa, 866-757-agua (-2482), res@aguaresort.com, www.aguaresort.com

Villegas joins Roco Ki from the Westin Los Cabos Ocean Villas and the Grand Regina, the luxury fractional ownership condominiums of the Westin Resort & Spa Los Cabos, where she’s served as the property’s Operations Manager. She also had responsibility for residential services under Starwood Vacation Ownership Latin America. She began her career with Starwood as part of the preopening team of the Westin Resort & Spa Los Cabos in November 1999, holding various positions in the finance department. She is a Certified Public Accountant in Mexico and holds a Hotel Business Administration Diploma from ITESM in Mexico as well as a certified Green Belt and a Westin Brand Trainer. The Westin Roco Ki is the first luxury hotel at Roco Ki. Situated on 2,500 acres, Roco Ki offers natural beach environments with dramatic cliffs, mangroves and 3.5 miles of secluded and undeveloped Roco Ki Beach.An adjacent lagoon inhabited by vibrant ocean life is nearby. Roco Ki is home to the Faldo Legacy Course, an 18hole, par-72 Nick Faldo-designed championship golf course offering a variety of challenges and dramatic settings combining beach, lakes, mangrove forests and cliffside views. For Faldo the six-time major tournament winner and three-time winner of the Masters, the course marks a personal landmark as it is his first course design project in the Caribbean. The Westin Roco Ki Beach & Golf Resort, www.westin.com/rocoki

LEADING HOTELS ANNUAL CONVENTION CONVENES IN BOSTON

WESTIN ROCO KI BEACH & GOLF RESORT NAMES ALICIA VILLEGAS CORRALES DIRECTOR RESIDENTIAL SERVICES Alicia Villegas Corrales has been named Director of Residential Services for The Westin Roco Ki Beach & Golf Resort in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. Her responsibilities include overseeing the dayto-day operation of 32 Jungle Luxe Bungalows, 20 spectacular Cliffside villas and 56 luxury two- and three-bedroom resort condos managed by The Westin Roco Ki. Having joined the management team ALICIA VILLEGAS in early December, she reports to Randall CORRALES Ha, the resort’s general manager. 30 • JANUARY 2009

The Leading Hotels of the World recently held its 2008 Annual Convention in Boston, Massachusetts. Taking place at the Taj Boston, The Langham, Boston, and the Liberty Hotel this past November, the conference attracted a record number of proprietors and general managers from member hotels across the globe. The Annual Commitment to Quality Awards were awarded to properties that achieved the highest scores during their most recent Leading Hotels’ anonymous inspections. Pictured on left is Welf Ebeling with Haydee Rainieri proprietor of Tortuga Bay in the Dominican Republic. Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd., 800-223-6800, www.lhw.com www.travelworldnews.com • Travel World News

CARIBBEAN BUCUTI BEACH INFUSES OUTDOOR SPACES WITH LOUNGE-LIKE AMBIENCE Bucuti Beach Resort, an Aruba boutique resort for couples, has completed a transformation of its outdoor areas. Comfortable modern furnishings, bar and restaurant enhancements and an expanded deck are highlights of the new elements incorporated into Bucuti’s award-winning design scheme conceptualized by Nhora Quintero of NCQ Design in Orlando. Bucuti’s updated areas include an opulent infinity pool and expanded lounge deck adjacent to the oceanfront Pirates’ Nest Restaurant where guests may enjoy drinks against the backdrop of tranquil ocean sounds. Designer lounge-like beds, sectionals and seats big enough for two by Kettal and Dedon are comfortable spots to listen to the music of Bucuti’s steel pan player. The new sunken bar has spacious seating in a setting still intimate. Palm trees are illuminated in translucent planters around the deck for a nighttime glow. Bucuti owner and CEO Ewald Biemans has a strong commitment to aesthetic enhancements as well as a constant awareness of hospitality industry trends outside of the Caribbean region. The most recent renovation project included the installation of Sun Square awning sails above the deck of the outdoor restaurant. “I discovered the Sun Square system while traveling in Austria, and I knew they would make a great addition to Bucuti and our unique ambience,” said Biemans. These innovative electronic awnings, which were recently featured in Architectural Digest, protect restaurant guests from sun and rain and add a stylish element to the outdoor décor. “The overall feel of Caribbean resorts has matured over the years, and our guests are seeking a more sophisticated experience than ever before,” said Biemans. “The combination of our impeccable facilities, the warm hospitality of our staff and our unbeatable location on the pristine sands of Eagle Beach allow us to offer an unmatched romantic experience for couples.” Bucuti Beach Resort, www.bucuti.com Travel World News • www.travelworldnews.com

Haavvenen BBlluuee H H O T E L

Hollywood legends made Blue Haven Hotel a favorite hideaway since the 1950's.

‘As lovingly restored as a vintage film, historic Blue Haven is again making a big splash with beau monde. Elegant rooms overlooking the sea are so awash in sunlight that they positively glow. The view is pure Technicolor.’ – Conde Nash Traveller 2007 Winner of

‘Tobago’s Leading Hotel’ Award World Travel Awards 2007 & 2008 Winner of

‘Premier Boutique Hotel of the Year’ Award Caribbean World Magazine COME ENJOY

BLUE HAVEN HOTEL Bacolet Bay, Tobago Website: www.bluehavenhotel.com E-mail: reservations@bluehavenhotel.com Tel: 868 660-7500 Fax: 868 660-7900 Where Heaven Begins JANUARY 2009•

CARIBBEAN ONE OF ST. BARTHS’ OLDEST HOTELS, THE NORMANDIE IS REBORN AS AN INN

Stylish up-do-date touches have been incorporated into the new Normandie in the French West Indies, the lovely hotel that’s a twominute walk from beautiful Lorient beach at St. Barths. Centrally located to dining, distinctive island shopping and water sports, the Normandie offers conviviality and relaxation in a charming surround. The Hotel’s bedrooms and bar/salon area have been totally renovated. The guest rooms are in two buildings, which are connected by a new deck of exotic Brazilian wood surrounding the Hotel pool, set in a tropical garden environment. Amenities at the Normandie, which offers a glimpse of life aboard France’s great luxury ocean liner, the SS Normandie, include WiFi, flat screen plasma TVs (with French and US channels), telephones, air conditioning, refrigerators and elegantly-styled ensuite bathrooms. For high season, January 5 through April 14, 2009, room rates are approximately $227 ppdo and approximately $200 single. From April 15 to December 14, prices are approximately $167 ppdo and approximately $147 single. A Continental breakfast and complimentary wine in the afternoon is included. Five-percent tourism tax is additional. Normandie Hotel, contact@normandiehotelstbarts.com, www.normandiehotelstbarts.com

RENTING A LUXURY VILLA AT AQUAMARE EQUATES TO EXCEPTIONAL PER-PERSON VALUE In the current economic environment, the perfect beach vacation is a happy marriage between an outstanding property and a fair price. Aquamare, Virgin Gorda’s villa enclave, manages to offer this by delivering the exclusivity of a villa rental with five-star amenities at noteworthy value. For multi-generational gatherings and holidays with friends, each of the three 8,000-square-foot villas, comfortably sleeping up to 12 guests, are priced at a low season rate of $13,750 per week. That price comes out to just $1,964 per day for up to 12, less than $165 per person per day, normally a fraction of what a bona fide five-star luxury hotel charges for a similar experience. Built for guests who would be sociable and want plenty of room to relax, each of the villas feature three master suites, a double suite and a junior suite. There are spacious common areas, fully equipped gourmet kitchens and waterfront infinity pools with unobstructed views of the Sir Francis Drake Channel. Guests at Aquamare are pampered by an on-site concierge, a private chef and beach attendants. They have access to a pair of private yachts. Daily housekeeping, laundry service and nightly turndown service are provided, featuring Frette linens and Bulgari bath amenities. Aquamare is set on the Western coast of Virgin Gorda at Mahoe Bay along half a mile of pristine beach frontage. Villa rates for 2009 range from $13,750 to $25,000. Aquamare, www.villaaquamare.com 32 • JANUARY 2009

www.travelworldnews.com • Travel World News

CARIBBEAN ST. LUCIA’S LADERA NAMES KEVIN SINNETT GENERAL MANAGER Kevin Sinnett has been named the General Manager of Ladera, St. Lucia’s openair resort, famously located on a ridge at the edge of the rainforest overlooking the volcanic Pitons and Caribbean Sea. Mr. Sinnett spent nearly a quarter of a century serving as a pilot in the U.S. Navy. He commanded a 350-person naval squadron and a fleet of eight Navy airKEVIN SINNETT craft. For Kevin, adjusting to a new life at 1,100 feet above the sea will be business as usual. He began his professional career in 1979 after graduating from the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. While at the Naval Academy, he was a record-scoring basketball star and was drafted by the Boston Celtics, though opted to fulfill his chosen career path in the military. Each year, the Academy awards a distinguished athlete the Kevin Sinnett Academic Achievement Award. Throughout his Navy tenure, Mr. Sinnett and his family were stationed at over a dozen military bases, instilling a remarkable ability to adapt and integrate into a wide range of cultures and lifestyles. “I look forward to applying all of my life experience to this exciting new challenge,” says Kevin Sinnett. “Doreen and I feel privileged to have the opportunity to apply all of our world experience to this exciting new phase in our life, and in such a stunning paradise as St. Lucia. We look forward to being part of its continued, extraordinary success.” Ladera, www.ladera.com

of January, February, March and April, Caravelle can arrange transportation to Frederiksted for their Sunset Jazz performances. Another fun event is Jump Up, a street party that occurs in November, February, April and July. Stores stay open late with sales, and food vendors and artisans are about, with steel pan bands and other live music on every corner. Mocko Jumbies dance the streets beginning at seven. The event is a production of the Christiansted Restaurant & Retail Association. A special Jump Up on May 1 celebrates the triathlon. On May 3, triathletes descend on St. Croix to compete in the St. Croix Half Ironman, a qualifier for the Ironman World Championships in Hawaii. The race starts at 6:30 a.m. when athletes plunge into the ocean for the swim around Christiansted Harbor. Now through May, there’s a Ruins Ramble organized by the Education Outreach Program of the St. Croix Landmarks Society, featuring interpretation of historic ruins with monthly walks that take place on a Sunday. Hotel Caravelle can arrange transportation to and from the meeting spot. St. Croix Food and Wine Experience, April 15–19, includes gourmet dinners, wine seminars, wine auctions, and the annual culinary competition, A Taste of St. Croix—all benefitting the St. Croix Foundation, a non-profit community foundation. Hotel Caravelle, 800-524-0410, www.hotelcaravelle.com; GoToStCroix.com, stcroixfoodandwine.com, www.stcroixlandmarks.com, www.stxrenaissance.com

UNSPOILED

FREE RUM CAKE AND FREE EVENTS FOR HOTEL CARAVELLE AND ST. CROIX Hotel Caravelle on the tropical island of St. Croix is inviting travelers to “Have Your Cake and Eat It Too.” Guests who stay at the hotel and support any of the local events listed enjoy a complimentary Tortuga rum cake when they book a three-night stay. Rates at Hotel Caravelle start at $150 through April 14, 2009, and from April 15 to December 14, $138. “St. Croix is home to so many talented people who express themselves through music, dance, painting, glass,” stated Sid Kalmans, owner of Hotel Caravelle. “The creativity is truly inspiring and with so many wonderful events coming up, it is a great time to discover the beauty of St. Croix—from the beaches and hills to the people and arts.” Hotel Caravelle is situated on the water in historic Christiansted, within walking distance to galleries, historic buildings, Fort Christiansvearn, restaurants and boutique shops. On the first Thursday each month, art galleries open their doors in the evening for music, fun and creative outpouring. Locals, artists and visitors stroll the streets to discover new creations and meet and make friends. On the third Friday Travel World News • www.travelworldnews.com

UN C O M M O N

UNPRETENTIOUS

And fortunately, completely unchanged. Several months and $6 million later, there’s a gracious new open-air lobby, elegantly redesigned suites with luxurious bathrooms, alluring new lighting and stunning new landscaping. The low-key pleasures of The Sands have become a bit more refined, but the breathtaking views of Grace Bay Beach, the considerate service and sense of peace, privacy and tranquility remain unchanged. Some things should never be tampered with.

Providenciales • Turks & Caicos

an exceptional all suite beachfront resort For reservations, see your travel professional or call 1.877.77.SANDS (72637) www.thesandstc.com JANUARY 2009•

CARIBBEAN ANGUILLA TOURIST BOARD LAUNCHES CHARMING ESCAPES COLLECTION WEBSITE

The Anguilla Tourist Board has announced the launch of its website www.charmingescapescollection.com, devoted exclusively to the island’s Charming Escapes Collection (CEC), a group of 14 select hotels, villas and inns that offer a unique and affordable way to experience what has become one of the Caribbean’s most exclusive island getaways. The new site provides travelers and members of the travel industry with information on each of the member properties as well as the diverse activities, culinary and cultural offerings of the island. The 14 properties, each unique in its own way, are supported by interior and exterior images, and distinctive visuals that showcase Anguilla’s natural beauty. Site screens include Things To Do, Restaurants, Weddings/Honeymoons, Things To Know and a Calendar of Events, with links to the Anguilla Tourist Board’s main site. Visitors are treated to the music of island icon, Bankie Banx, throughout their website journey. The CEC site incorporates a booking mechanism utilizing Island Resort Tours that offers consumers a quick and user-friendly online booking system and a search for the best pricing. For the trade, an exclusive Travel Agent log-in provides easy access for client bookings commissionable at 11 percent. The Collection portfolio includes Allamanda Beach Club, Ambia Bed and Breakfast, Anguilla Great House Resort, Arawak Beach Inn, Caribella Villas, Carimar Beach Club, Ferry Boat Inn, Sirena Resort and Villa, Lloyd’s Bed and Breakfast, Paradise Cove Hotel, Patsy’s Seaside Villas, Royal Palms, Serenity Cottage and Shoal Bay Villas.The Anguilla Tourist Board plans to implement special online promotions and value-added packages supporting the CEC properties and the launch of the new website. Anguilla Tourist Board, 877-4ANGUILLA (-426-4845), www.charmingescapescollection.com, www.anguilla-vacation.com

ANGUILLA ANNOUNCES NEW EXECUTIVE AIR SERVICE TO BEGIN FEBRUARY 14 Anguilla’s Ministry of Tourism has announced the launch of a new executive air service which will operate between San Juan, Puerto Rico and Anguilla. The service, scheduled to start on February 14, 2009, will be provided on the Anguilla Air Express, and operated by Rainbow International Airlines Inc, one of the premier charter 34 • JANUARY 2009

companies in the region, and currently operates executive charter service out of major hubs in the Caribbean including San Juan, St. Maarten, Antigua, Barbados and St. Kitts. Guests seeking the comfort, luxury and convenience a private jet service provides will enjoy traveling on the Anguilla Air Express. The Anguilla Air Express will operate a Beechcraft 1900D Turbo Prop Airplane with seating capacity for 19 in leather reclining cabin chairs on this route. Departures from San Juan are at 1:30 and 5:30 p.m. and departures from Anguilla are at 9 am and 3 pm. Bookings will be made direct using an 800 number or online, and negotiations are currently underway for guests to be able to book flights through their hotel. Ticket prices start at $399 per person, including taxes. Emphasis will be on first-class, personalized service, with an agent meeting all passengers at the gate and escorting them through security and to the departure gate in San Juan, and through Immigration and Customs on arrival in Anguilla. The same level of service will apply on the return journey, with all passengers greeted at the aircraft by an agent, then escorted through Immigration and Customs in San Juan. Anguilla Tourist Board, 877-4ANGUILLA (-426-4845), www.anguilla-vacation.com; Rainbow Airlines Inc., www.rainbowinternationalairlines.com/index.html

KAMIQUE PROVIDES RELIEF PACKAGE AND 25% BOOKING COMMISSION TO AGENTS Kamique Anguilla BWI is offering 25%-35% off the standard rates of their four- and six-bedroom luxury villas for bookings made before January 31 for travel anytime through April 15, 2009. As a further incentive for luxury travelers to escape the stresses of the economic downturn without straining one’s own finances they offer the following package on a complimentary basis for any weekly bookings: free private charter boat transfer from St. Martin, complimentary in-room massage and spa treatments for up to four guests, and complimentary private chef-fed dinner for up to six. Under the current promotion, rates for Kamique’s fourbedroom (up to 10 guests) villas start at $15,750 per week and rates for their six-bedroom (up to 14 guests) villa start at $22,750 per week. Rates are exclusive of 10% occupancy tax and 10% service charge. Kamique features pampered Caribbean luxury rental villa vacations with villas and estates designed to provide escapes without sacrificing the service and care a luxury traveler may expect. Kamique’s villas were recently featured, along with the Amanyara in Turks and Caicos and Carlisle Bay in Antigua, as one of “Seven with Style” Caribbean luxury accommodations. Kamique is located on the center of Anguilla’s south coast. A 25% booking commission is offered to agents. Kamique Anguilla BWI, www.kamique.com www.travelworldnews.com • Travel World News

CARIBBEAN ST. KITTS BREAKS GROUND ON NEW TOM FAZIO GOLF COURSE

Sandpiper in December 2009. The resort company is designing a similar program for teens, also to launch in 2009. Petit Chef daily cooking lessons are part of Club Med’s allinclusive package. Pricing for Club Med Punta Cana starts at $1,190 and Club Med Ixtapa starts at $1,260 per person for a seven-night all-inclusive vacation. Children’s rates for ages two to three are 30 percent of the original rate and 50 percent for ages four–15. Club Med, www.clubmed.com

STAY THREE AND GET ONE FREE AT BERMUDA’S SOLE ADULTS-ONLY RESORT

A groundbreaking ceremony for the 18-hole Tom Fazio-designed championship golf course on St. Kitts’ picturesque Southeast Peninsula demonstrated continued progress in the development of the island’s tourism product. The ceremonial “first dig” was made by St. Kitts & Nevis Prime Minister the Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas; Chairman and CEO of Christophe Harbour’s developer, Kiawah Development Partners, Mr. Charles P. “Buddy” Darby; and acclaimed golf course architect Mr. Tom Fazio during a groundbreaking event held last November. Tom Fazio is regarded as one of the world’s preeminent golf architects and creator of more than 200 topranking golf courses. The course is set 500 feet above sea level on the green hills overlooking the water and will also feature an elegant golf club. St. Kitts, 800-582-6208; info@stkittstourism.kn, WWW.STKITTSTOURISM.KN

YOUNG GUESTS LEARN TO CHOOSE AND PREPARE HEALTHY FOODS AT CLUB MED In an effort to promote a healthier lifestyle and encourage nutritious eating behaviors at an early age, Club Med Ixtapa Pacific recently launched a new Petit Chef program that offers daily cooking lessons for kids ages four to 10 during snack time in the Mini Club Med kitchen. “Research shows that children involved in the kitchen are excited to eat the foods they’ve made and willing to experiment with new foods—even vegetables,” comments Club Med corporate chef Erik Peters. The Petit Chef program teaches them how to prepare a different recipe daily, including nori rolls, guacamole, fresh salsa, handmade pasta, pizza from scratch, salads and light carrot cake. AEach recipe gives children a new opportunity to learn basic cooking techniques, kitchen safety and practice following food-preparation directions. These skills provide the perfect foundation for youngsters to help their parents in the kitchen. Club Med rolled out the Petit Chef program at the newly-renovated Punta Cana last month and plans to initiate it at the Travel World News • www.travelworldnews.com

Now through March 31, guests booking three nights at Cambridge Beaches Resort & Spa get a complimentary fourth night plus free room upgrade and free dinner nightly at the resort’s Tamarisk Room, one of Bermuda’s top-rated restaurants. In the winter, nightly rates at this AAA Four-Diamond resort start at $295 for a garden-view room, $555 for an oceanfront suite, and $1,160 for a luxury suite with private infinity plunge pool and panoramic views of the Atlantic. To book Cambridge Beaches’ Winter Romance Package, a Monday or Tuesday night stay is required, and reservations must be made by March 27. The package applies to new bookings only. Cambridge Beaches, set on a private peninsula at Bermuda’s western end, has 94 spacious Bermuda-style cottages. With water on three sides, the resort has four private beaches. Features are an award-winning spa, three restaurants, bar, nature preserve, marina, boutique shop, bath butler, and beachfront infinity pool with secluded tiered decks. Each cottage room and suite has a different décor—traditional to contemporary—to accommodate all tastes. All have a sitting area or living room as well as private terrace or patio providing garden or Atlantic Ocean views. Marble bathrooms house oversized showers and deep soaking tubs. Rooms have high-speed Internet access and Gilchrist & Soames bath amenities. Situated on a bluff there are three new luxury pool suites with plush furnishings, spa bath with whirlpool tub, Bose iPod-docking stereo and private terrace with infinity plunge pool offering ocean views. The Ocean Spa at Cambridge Beaches is recognized as the Caribbean’s and Bermuda’s “Most Excellent Spa” by Conde Nast Johansen Worldwide Luxury Travel Guide. The 10,000 square-foot spa has a fitness center, indoor pool with sunroof, aroma steam room, herbal sauna and innovative Crystal Mist Room for therapeutic cooling. Complimentary afternoon tea is provided daily in the historic Main House and breakfasts and fine dining in the Tamarisk Room, rated by Food & Wine as one of Bermuda’s best places to dine. The Chef’s Table features a five-course meal prepared by Cambridge’s five-star chef. For more casual fare, Shutters serves up lunch and dinner poolside with views of Mangrove Bay. Cambridge Beaches Resort & Spa, 800-468-7300, www.cambridgebeaches.com JANUARY 2009•

CARIBBEAN CURTAIN BLUFF COMPLETES RENOVATIONS AND FREEZES RATES FOR 2009

Curtain Bluff in Antigua has just completed renovations that will now enhance the property for the winter season. In addition, management at the resort has announced they’re placing a freeze on rates in 2009. “We have made strides to maintain our classic look at Curtain Bluff while making improvements to offer the best possible experience and overall service,” said Rob Sherman, Managing Director of the resort. “We also know that it has been a tough year economically and we want to thank our valued guests by continuing to grow and improve our resort experience without creating additional expenses.” The renovations were designed to give an overall fresh new look to Curtain Bluff’s main public areas and individual guest rooms. Many areas of the resort have been upgraded with the new changes. New spa-like bathrooms were installed in all 18 deluxe rooms and 12 bluff suites to enhance the relaxed sense of luxury for guests at the resort. New bathroom features include spacious walk-in showers, rain can showerheads and granite countertops with vessel sinks. The main bar was completely redone to extend to the outside patio. A second bar area with chairs on the outside of the original Sugar Mill Bar was opened to accommodate the increased amount of guests the resort can host since the property has grown from its inception in the 1960s. The bar at the beach restaurant was also enhanced with new refrigeration for wine and cold drinks, new blenders, dishwashers and an improved flow to facilitate better service for the guests. And the fitness center was outfitted with all new Cybex equipment. Last year, the resort opened the Spa at Curtain Bluff, a facility overlooking the ocean with five treatment rooms. This addition has been a hit among Curtain Bluff’s repeat visitors (who make up 70 percent of the guests) and new travelers alike. Curtain Bluff was recognized last year as one of the Top 10 classic Caribbean resorts in the September issue of Caribbean Travel & Life, and rated the #2 resort in the Caribbean by readers of Condé Nast Traveler in the November 2008 issue. Curtain Bluff, 888-289-9898, www.curtainbluff.com 36 • JANUARY 2009

SANDALS NAMED ‘CARIBBEAN’S LEADING HOTEL BRAND’ AT WORLD TRAVEL AWARDS For the 15th year in a row, Sandals Resorts has been named the Caribbean’s Leading Hotel Brand during the 15th Annual World Travel Awards held in December at Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort Villages & Spa in Providenciales, Turks & Caicos. Sandals Resorts was also named the World’s Leading All-Inclusive Company for the 13th year in a row. Sister-brands Beaches Resorts and The Royal Plantation Collection, which form part of the Sandals Resorts portfolio, also enjoyed top nods during the event. “Throughout our 27 years of operation, our number-one priority has always been—and will continue to be —offering travelers a top luxury product and an unforgettable experience,” Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart, chairman and founder of Sandals Resorts said. “We are humbled and flattered that our ongoing efforts to modernize and improve our resorts have been recognized today. As we have evolved over the last two decades, it is still our continued goal to challenge industry standards in order to provide our guests with the best vacation available.” For a total of 15 trophies, Sandals Resorts, Beaches Resorts and The Royal Plantation Collection rose above other highly acclaimed hotel brands, including four wins within the highly sought after ‘World’s Best’ categories. The Caribbean resort company’s top honors included: World’s Leading All-Inclusive Company— Sandals Resorts International (13th year), World’s Most Romantic Resort—Sandals Grande Antigua Resort & Spa (12th year), World’s Leading Family All-Inclusive—Beaches Resorts (11th year), World’s Leading Family Resort—Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort Villages & Spa (second year), Caribbean’s Leading Family All-Inclusive—Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort Villages & Spa (third year), Caribbean’s Leading Resort—Royal Plantation Ocho Rios, Jamaica (third year), Antigua & Barbuda’s Leading Resort— Sandals Grande Antigua Resort & Spa (second year), Antigua & Barbuda’s Leading Spa Resort—Sandals Grande Antigua Resort & Spa, Bahamas’ Leading Resort—Sandals Royal Bahamian Spa Resort & Offshore Island (fourth year), Bahamas’ Leading Spa Resort—Sandals Royal Bahamian Spa Resort & Offshore Island (second year), Jamaica’s Leading Resort—Royal Plantation Ocho Rios, Jamaica, Jamaica’s Leading Spa Resort—Royal Plantation Ocho Rios, Jamaica (second year), St. Lucia’s Leading Resort— Sandals Grande St. Lucian Spa & Beach Resort (fourth year), St. Lucia’s Leading Spa Resort—Sandals Regency La Toc Golf Resort & Spa in St. Lucia (second year), and Turks & Caicos’ Leading Resort—Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort Villages & Spa (third year). The World Travel Awards were established in 1993 for the express purpose of acknowledging and celebrating achievements in all areas of the world’s travel and tourism industry. This year’s voting campaign reached a total of 167,000 travel professionals worldwide in more than 164 countries Sandals Resorts, 800-Sandals (726-3257), www.sandals.com; Beaches Resorts, 800-BEACHES (232-2437), www.beaches.com www.travelworldnews.com • Travel World News

LATIN AMERICA

Palena in Chile: A Piece of Paradise

ocated in Chile in the southeastern corner of South America’s Lake Region, Palena has almost 6,000 square miles of rivers, lakes, mountains, fjords, glaciers, hot springs, and virgin forests—a land of enormous wealth in natural resources, but fewer than twenty thousand inhabitants. This territory of impressive natural beauty is divided into five townships. Its capital, Chaitén, was devastated by a volcanic eruption in May of 2008. Chaitén, Cochamó and Hualaihué are the largest townships, with extensive coastlines on the inland sea to their west, and Futaleufú and Alto Palena are at high elevations in the mountainous interior. With these geographical characteristics, Palena’s scenery and fauna provide an interesting backdrop for activities such as hiking, horseback riding, kayaking, rafting, canyoning and fly-fishing in its generous, fast-flowing rivers. And thanks to its proximity to the Puerto Montt and its El Tepual International Airport, good connectivity is available by land and sea, with multiple air taxi services.

Chaitén: Pristine nature Chaitén is the connection by sea to Palena and the rest of Chile’s far south. Surrounded by numerous natural attractions, it was made just a gateway by the volcano, but its beautiful scenery, with its valleys, fjords, volcanoes, lakes, rivers, redwood forests, lagoons, the sea and islands, remains intact. Activities vary from soaking in hot springs, to canyoning, climbing and fly-fishing in beautiful rivers like the Yelcho.

Futaleufú: A landscape painted by God Considered Palena’s capital of tourism, this township is world-famous for the river of the same name, one of the finest for world-class competitive kayaking and rafting. Its assorted rivers, lakes, mountains, forests and valleys are the ideal setting for getting back to nature at its purest. In Espolón, el Azul, las Escalas and Río Chico several Chilean and international operators, and increasingly local businessmen, offer kayaking and rafting trips down the Futaleufú River, trekking, horseback riding and fly-fishing. A territory of abundant natural riches, Futaleufú still possesses undeveloped potential for eco-tourism in unexplored valleys and canyons. The Espolón valley leads to the Blanco Volcano, which beckons climbers and trekkers.

Alto Palena: Paradise at the world’s end Small fertile evergreen valleys, such as El Azul and California, surround Alto Palena and emerge as a real Eden hidden between the frost of the mountains and the dry pampas. Forests of Southern Beech, uncountable lagoons in the sectors El Diablo y Puerto Ramírez and peaks over 6,000 feet, Travel World News • www.travelworldnews.com

Kayaking in Palena.

are just a few of the surprises offered by this region of fewer than three inhabitants per square mile. In Lake Palena National Reserve, a binational watershed, lies the source of the Palena River navigable by kayak throughout its entire course to the sea. Where the Futaleufú River empties into Lake Yelcho, also located within the Reserve, is a fly-fisherman’s paradise, just as Moro Peak, a 6,581-foot rocky massif, is a climber’s delight.

Hualaihué: Hot springs and nature Located only two hours by land from the city of Puerto Montt, including a half-hour ferry ride, Hualaihué possesses landscapes of astounding beauty, and its capital, Hornopirén, has the necessary services to make it a good base from which to organize excursions. Hualaihué’s hot springs with their rustic installations lure and fascinate visitors. Pumalín Park, a private nature reserve within the township, has excellent installations for receiving those who come to enjoy its interesting trails and special flora and fauna.

Cochamó: Adventure in Patagonia Cochamó is only 1.5 hours by land from the city of Puerto Montt and offers many adventure tourism activities. Known as “Patagonia’s secret,” Cochamó is characterized by its outstanding landscape; great numbers choose it as “the place” to practice extreme sports such as rock climbing. Cochamó has good support services that provide a range of possibilities to travelers. Trekking, sport fishing, horseback riding, kayaking and observing the natural habitat are only a few possibilities for visitors to this challenging spot. Its proximity to important cities with their services makes Cochamó an ideal destination for those who can spend only a few days in the region.

www.patagoniaverde.com JANUARY 2009 •

LATIN AMERICA HOTEL LIBERTADOR PALACIO DEL INKA CUSCO AMONG BEST HOTELS IN SOUTH AMERICA

Cusco’s international airport. El Hotel Libertador Palacio del Inka Cusco has 254 rooms ranging from standard accommodation to superior rooms and suites. This hotel is renowned for its innovative gastronomy, with chefs who combine the best of international cuisine with ingredients unique to the Cusco region. Libertador Hotels, Resorts & Spas owns exclusive properties in Arequipa, Cusco, Puno, Lima and Trujillo—all highly desirable travel locations in Peru. In addition, the company is currently building the new Hotel Libertador Paracas, which is expected to be the supreme resort and spa on the Peruvian coast. Together with the American hotel chain Starwood, Libertador Hotels, Resorts & Spas is building Westin Lima (the first in South America) and the Hotel Tambo del Inka Luxury Collection (in the Sacred Valley of the Incas—Urubamba). The Hotel Libertador Palacio del Inka Cusco will also form part of the new Luxury Collection. Libertador Hotels, Resorts & Spas, etrigoso@libertador.com.pe, www.libertador.com.pe

LOCAL TOURS IN QUITO FROM LARC

The renowned American travel magazine Condé Nast Traveler, through a recent survey of 32,000 readers, has reported that Peru boasts three of the best fifteen hotels in South America, and Hotel Libertador Palacio del Inka Cusco is one of them. The well-respected magazine has been publishing for twenty years and this year it was named as one of the ten most important magazines in the United States by Adweek and Advertising Age. Located at number twelve in Traveler’s list, the five-star Hotel Libertador Palacio del Inka Cusco offers its guests an unparalleled location in the historic center of the imperial city of Cusco facing the Inca Koricancha, or Temple of the Sun—just ten minutes from 38 • JANUARY 2009

The Latin America Reservation Center (LARC) is providing tours on a shared basis for agents, giving them an opportunity to offer money-saving choices to travelers already in Quito. LARC suggests agents keep a printout of this special offer handy at their desks, to remind them they can offer it to their passengers and save them precious travel dollars. The valuable add-on should produce win-win bookings. The minimum number of people required to operate the tours is two. Excursions take place Friday, Saturday and Sunday only. LARC will pick up at any Quito hotel. Tours are offered with or without lunch. Prices and details for those including lunch are as follows: Fridays: city tour of Quito plus trip to the Equator with lunch in Cochambamba, $55 per person, with minimum two persons booking; Saturdays: full-day trip to Otavalo with lunch at La Mirage, $89 per person, minimum two persons booking; and Sundays: full-day trip to Cotopaxi with lunch at Tambopaxi, $72 per person, with the twoperson minimum. Without lunch, tours are Fridays: city plus Equator, $29 per person with minimum two persons booking; Saturdays: full-day excursions to Otavalo, $49 per person with minimum two booking; and Sundays: full-day excursions to Cotopaxi, $59 per person, minimum two booking. The commission for agents is 10 percent. Rates do not include entrance fees, tips, drinks, and personal expenses. For tours that do not include lunch, persons will be taken to the restaurants listed where they pay directly for their meals. Latin America Reservation Center (LARC), 800-327-3573, travel@LARC1.com, latinamerica@verizon.net; www.LARC1.com www.travelworldnews.com • Travel World News

LATIN AMERICA AUSTIN-LEHMAN ADVENTURES HAS EXPANSIVE PERU ITINERARY FOR TIME-CHALLENGED TRAVELERS

Austin-Lehman Adventures (ALA) has expanded their South American trip portfolio to include an adventurous journey along the Cusco to Puno corridor through Peru’s Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu and then on to the waters of Lake Titicaca. “Our trip represents one of the most comprehensive overviews of Peru and its indigenous cultures available to today’s time-challenged traveler,” says Dan Austin, ALA co-founder and director. “We accomplish this journey in a nine-day/eight-night package from start to finish,” he says, noting that it took three years to carefully research and plan what he calls a “perfectly paced” program that includes Machu Picchu, the pre-Incan ruins at Pucara and a number of unheralded sites such as a kayak excursion on Lake Titicaca to Isla Taquile where residents in native costume thrive without electricity. One highlight of the adventure is biking the breathtaking Tinajani canyon alongside towering rock formations. Nights are spent in exemplary lodgings or luxury campsites. There are four scheduled 2009 departures: March 25–April 3, June 6–14, August 1–9, and October 17–25. The nearly all-inclusive ppdo rate is $3,998 ($880 single supplement)—exclusive of internal air which is $360. Included are first-class accommodations, most meals and beverages, expert guides, park entry fees, multisport activities such as hiking, biking, kayaking and more, ground transportation and luggage service. Not included is round trip travel to the host city. Austin-Lehman Adventures manages all arrangements for its selected destinations that include iconic regions of North, Central and South America as well as southern Africa and Europe. Small groups are limited to 12 guests (18 on family departures). Austin-Lehman Adventures, 800-575-1540, www.austinlehman.com Travel World News • www.travelworldnews.com

ADVENTURE TOURISM WITH CRILLON TOURS Three exciting adventure programs have been organized by La Paz's Crillon Tours for Bolivia. A four-day/three-night Madidi National Park rafting and expedition program allows visitors to experience fun rafting on the Tuichi River. The expedition is supported by professional guides, first-aid experts, full equipment, a specialized cook and a motorboat. Nights are spent in comfortable tents at the river shores. The Amazon exploration alternative exposes the luxurious flora and spectacular fauna of the region. One may also choose tailor-made expedition programs for special interests: Adventure and Nature, Photo Tour and Bird Watching. Trekking in the Top of the World and Titicaca Islands runs two days/one night. Crillon Tours Adventures launched a new trekking flier covering Royal Range and subtropical Valley trekking programs and this TRK-151 soft adventure option has been well received by clients for its coverage of outstanding Andes highlights. Pampalarama, an Indigenous Community Project is a full-day option. Crillon Tours is supporting emerging indigenous community projects and Pampalarama is an Aymara settlement dating back to 1871 that maintains the essential traditions and features of the Aymara culture. Located at the foothill of the Chacaltaya Mountain at the Royal Cordillera and one hour from La Paz, Pampalarama is open to tourism so visitors can enjoy this community dedicated to agriculture, the growing of llamas and alpacas and the production of “charke,” dried llama meat. The project emphasizes the preservation of nature within a sustainable development. Crillon Tours, titicaca@entelnet.bo, ngutierr@titicaca.com, www.titicaca.com

SAMARI RESORT & SPA IN ECUADOR HAS LAND AND TRADITION THAT INSPIRES Dr. Jose Gallegos Mora, General Manager of Samari Resort & Spa in Banos, Ecuador, has appointed LARC (Latin America Reservation Center, Inc.) as Samari’s North America sales and reservations office. Dr. Gallegos Mora, inspired by its mystic energy, purchased the property and transformed that which was a Jesuit monastery with beautiful countryside to produce what the Samari Resort is today. A stone house was converted into a gourmet restaurant; its hollow walls were discovered by builders to be a long-forgotten wine cellar. Artists, craftsmen and other masters from all over Ecuador have put together the structures of wood and stone, gold and silver work, metal crafts, paintings and handicrafts. 3D/2n packages are available and include the round-trip private car and driver Quito to Banos with stops enroute, accommodations, map and 22-percent Ecuadorian taxes. Rates range from $510 to $560 ppdo, depending on the desired room type, with additional nights available. Latin America Reservation Center (LARC), 800-327-3573, travel@larc1.com, latinamerica@verizon.net, www.larc1.com JANUARY 2009 •

LATIN AMERICA SMALL-SHIP COMPANY ECOVENTURA SINGLED OUT TO RECEIVE AWARD FOR RESPONSIBLE TOURISM

BOUNDLESS JOURNEYS ANNOUNCES PERU: SACRED VALLEY & MACHU PICCHU TRIP AS CHARITY EVENT FOR 2009

The small-ship, visionary travel company, Ecoventura, got a pat on the back at World Travel Market in London earlier this month. Ecoventura received the “Best in Marine Environment” accolade, among 13 overall award categories on responsible tourism presented by Virgin Holidays. Judges noted that Ecoventura contributes scholarships for education and helps local women develop micro-businesses. It recently converted a fishing boat into a restaurant and boutique providing alternative livelihoods for the wives of fishermen. Ecoventura was also recognized to be among the first cruise operators to be independently environmentally audited. “We, as a company, are both humbled and energized by this prestigious award,” said Ecoventura president Santiago Dunn who was present to receive the award. “It’s wonderful to be recognized for our past efforts but our groundbreaking work on setting the bar for responsible tourism in the Galapagos has just begun.” The distinguished panel of judges included Professor Harold Goodwin, co-director of the International Centre for Responsible Tourism at Leeds Metropolitan University; Justin Francis, managing director of responsibletravel.com; and Graham Boynton, group travel editor of Telegraph Media Group. “In this, the fifth year of the Awards, the bar has been raised for responsible tourism yet again,” said Justin Francis. “What inspires me are the efforts that businesses and destinations are making to ensure that responsible tourism lies at the heart of their strategies and plans. Without a doubt, this is the only way to plan for the future—responsible travel is not a passing fad or a niche travel trend for marketing purposes. It is an entire, holistic approach to tourism operations.” Ecoventura, 800-644-7972, www.ecoventura.com

Boundless Journeys is offering its August 2–9, 2009 Peru: The Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu trip as a special charity event to benefit the Instituto Machu Picchu and a community school in the village of Huanca. This follows the company’s successful 2008 event, a Tanzanian safari benefiting the Foundation for African Medicine and Education, which resulted in a donation of $6,000 to FAME and the participation of 10 Boundless Journeys clients in a well-child check at a Karatu, Tanzania orphanage. Founded in 1999 by Alfredo Ferreyros, IMAPI is a natural extension of the philosophies and practices that made him a 2007 winner of the Adventure Travel Trade Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award. A Peruvian nonprofit association dedicated to the conservation of natural and cultural resources in the Machu Picchu Sanctuary and Cusco region, IMAPI’s primary goal is to promote and execute projects related to the sustainable development of tourism, agriculture, cottage industries, education, and scientific research. As Karen Cleary, Peru Trip Manager for Boundless Journeys notes “It is part of Boundless Journeys’ mission to plan an annual charity event trip as one aspect of our commitment to sustainable tourism. The Huanca community school is in need of renovation and restoration. Our donation to the project of approximately $4,900, plus the time our guests will spend working, will allow the community to accomplish this important goal.” Along with the popular walking and hiking tour including important sites in the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, Boundless Journeys guests participating in the August 2–9 charity event will have the opportunity to spend a day working with Huanca villagers, assisting electricians, carpenters, painters, and masons to complete the community school renovation project; and spend the night camping in the community, giving participants time to get to know the villagers better, and enjoying a traditional party to celebrate the completion of the project. Group size is limited to 16 for Boundless Journeys’ charity event Peru: The Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu. Cost is $4,295 per person (not including international airfare). Boundless Journeys, 800-941-8010, karen@boundlessjourneys.com, www.boundlessjourneys.com

40 • JANUARY 2009

www.travelworldnews.com • Travel World News

LATIN AMERICA NEW BELIZEAN RESORT TRANQUILITY LODGE IS ‘WILD BY NATURE, TRANQUIL BY DESIGN’ Sheila and Rusty Nale have announced their purchase of Tranquility Lodge in the Toledo District of Southern Belize. After 12 years in hotel management in Belize, it was a natural progression to become owners of a lodge. Tranquility Lodge is already a prime spot for birders and adventure seekers alike. With the November 2009 addition of a jungle spa, it will become a prime choice for travellers to Toledo District looking for affordable luxury. Catherine Paz, manager of Tropic Air, says,“Toledo District is being discovered for its tropical lushness, exhilarating adventure, and vibrant Mayan culture. Tranquility Lodge is the place to embrace it all in affordable luxury accommodations.” Situated 8 miles from Punta Gorda Town off the Southern Highway in a peaceful, secluded setting on 20 acres of lush tropical gardens and jungle, Tranquility Lodge is an ideal base for exploring the cultural and eco-adventure activities of southern Belize. Afterwards, guests will enjoy tranquil spa services, superb dining, and casually elegant accommodations. Tranquility Lodge, 800-819-9088, info@tranquility-lodge.com, www.tranquility-lodge.com

along trails and remote Mayan sites such as Punta de Cacao, deep within the jungle. Laguna Verde, a small natural spring-fed lake about four miles north of the Farm, provides fun canoe rides. A small group of friends or family can now enjoy all these ecological treats with a stay in Chan Chich Lodge's new Villa, situated at the southeast corner of the plaza bordering the jungle. Comprising two bedrooms with king beds, the lovely structure with its generous deck looking out into Belizean flora, has also the following amenities: A/C; two outdoor living areas, one screened with a private Jacuzzi and

outdoor shower; and a large but intimate living room complete with its own bar. The accommodation also comes with a golf cart for its guests’ personal use. Rates for the Villa, which accommodates two to five persons are, for High Season through April 30, $895; and $795 for Low Season, May 1 through October 31, 2009. The cost of the meal package is: adults, $70 plus 10-percent GST; and for children under 12, $30 plus 10-percent GST. Rates are effective until October 31, 2009, and do not include the nine-percent hotel tax. Chan Chich Lodge, 800-343-8009, info@chanchich.com, www.chanchich.com

CHAN CHICH LODGE PROVIDES IDEAL BASE TO EXPLORE BELIZEAN NATURAL WONDERS With an unparalleled abundance of wildlife (and the best chance to see the elusive jaguar in its natural habitat), Chan Chich is an extraordinary destination for those seeking an authentic retreat to the jungle. The attractive Lodge is on a 130,000-acre private nature reserve in northwestern Belize at the heart of “La Selva Maya,” a launching spot for day trips to historical sites and jungle walks through the extensive Mayan trail system. Gallon Jug also has guided horseriding Travel World News • www.travelworldnews.com

“And in the sweetness of friendship let there be laughter, and sharing of pleasures. For in the dew of little things the heart finds its morning and is refreshed.” Khalil Gibran

For more information about

The Lodge at Chaa Creek contact the property toll free 877-709-8708, Belize (501) 824-2037

email: reservations@chaacreek.com or visit our website: www.chaacreek.com

JANUARY 2009 •

LATIN AMERICA PALMETTO BAY OFFERS OPPORTUNITY TO ENJOY ROATAN BEACHES, WATER SPORTS At Palmetto Bay Plantation, an eco-friendly resort on the north shore of Roatan, Honduras. The resort’s amenities include a beachfront restaurant and bar with live music on weekend nights, and a pool and hot tub looking onto the beach. Private Balinese-style villas equipped with modern appliances have wide sundecks surrounded by tropical gardens and oceanfront views. Special 2009 eight-day/seven-night packages, featuring an allinclusive meal plan plus specific activities for each, are listed with prices exclusive of lodging. Lodging prices vary and are per house, not per guest, ranging from weekly rates of $1,000–$1,800 (daily $150–$270). The meal plan provides breakfast, lunch and dinner in Palmetto’s beachfront restaurant. A fee of $55 per adult and $35 per child 12 or under is added to the daily rate. All items on the menu and nightly specials are included, except drinks from the bar and gratuities. There’s an Ecoadventure package for $630 ppdo, a Relaxation package at $677.50, a Diving package for $680 plus $35 diving taxes, a Spanish Course package at $730, and a Heavenly Honeymoon or Romantic Getaway priced at $707.50. Discount prices may be available for larger groups. The rates listed for 2009 are rack rates commissionable at 20 percent. As an incentive to travel specialists Palmetto Bay offers a 10-percent commission on any activity and packages booked by

SUNBREEZE HOTEL & SUNBREEZE SUITES AMBERGRIS CAYE, BELIZE

The SunBreeze Hotel features 43 rooms offering the facilities and services of a resort while the SunBreeze Suites has 20 oceanfront fully equipped suites. *Dive packages from US$1,232 ppdbl for 7 nights deluxe room accommodations, room taxes, 4 days local 2 tank boat dives, 1 tank night dive and round trip air transfers. *Packages valid through April 20, 2009

SUNBREEZE HOTEL

SUNBREEZE SUITES

email: sunbreeze@btl.net website: www.sunbreezehotel.com

email: sunbreezesuites@sunbreezesuites.com website: www.sunbreezesuites.com

toll free: 1-800-688-0191

toll free: 1-800-826-1631

42 • JANUARY 2009

travel agents. Rates provided through Palmetto’s website and brochure are valid through December 31, 2009 (taxes and gratuities not included). Tour operators should calculate taxes by adding 16 percent over lodging prices. Palmetto Bay Plantation, rentalinfo@palmettobayplantation.com, www.palmettobayplantation.com

DIVE, FISH, RELAX: DRAMATIC RATE REDUCTIONS FOR BELIZE’S TURNEFFE Turneffe Island Lodge in Belize has reduced rates up to 60 percent for 2009. For January 3 through May 31, package rates for four nights range from $1,800 to $2,400 ppdo; seven-night packages are priced from $2,300 to $3,120 ppdo. From June 1 through December 25, rates range from $1,600 to $2,220 ppdo for fournight packages to seven-night packages priced at $2,100 to $2,720 ppdo. Specific packages are designed for beachcombers (minimum) to those that encompass diving, fishing, and dive/fish combinations. Prices include deluxe lodge accommodations, all airport and boat transfers, all meals, daily morning coffee or tea delivered to the room, evening appetizers; iced tea, water, coffee and lemonade drinks. Gratuities and 10-percent tax are extra. Rates are subject to change without notice and are not valid on previously-booked reservations. Detailed information is available on the Turneffe website. Turneffe Island Lodge, 800-874-0118, info@turneffelodge.com, www.turneffelodge.com

CHAA CREEK PRESENTS A UNIQUE MAYA WEDDING IN THE RAINFOREST Couples seeking a magical setting for their wedding will find the perfect backdrop at The Lodge at Chaa Creek, an award-winning eco-lodge in the enchanting tropical rainforests of Belize, with three distinct wedding packages offered. It is a 365-acre nature reserve along the verdant banks of the Macal River in the foothills of the ancient Maya Mountains in the Cayo District of Belize. Maya Weddings are officiated at the nearby Maya temple ceremonial sites of Xunantunich and Cahal Pech, providing picture-perfect opportunities. They can also be performed in the privacy of Chaa Creek’s own unexcavated Maya Temple site, Tunchilen, with its lush foliage backdrop. Rainforest Weddings can be held at Chaa Creek’s spa gardens on Butterfly Hill overlooking the Macal River Valley or other intriguing gardens around the property. Butterfly Weddings can take place in the orchard overlooking the Macal River, on Butterfly Hill, or several garden spots of choosing. Five-day all-inclusive wedding packages include airport transfers and allow time for the couple to enjoy spa pampering or other stress-relieving activities, with an experienced wedding coordinator ensuring hassle-free preparations for their special day. Details on the wedding packages are outlined on the website. The Lodge at Chaa Creek, 877-709-8708, reservations@chaacreek.com, www.chaacreek.com/wedding/ www.travelworldnews.com • Travel World News

LATIN AMERICA LONELY PLANET NAMES MEXICO CITY ONE OF TOP 10 CITIES FOR 2009

CAPELLA CELEBRATES IXTAPA AS FIRST IN SERIES OF FOUR MEXICAN PROPERTIES

Mexico City is a Lonely Planet Best in Travel 2009 pick for the Top 10 Cities in the world. The information website for travelers contains over 20,000 pages of detailed information, and is reviewed by an ongoing army of dedicated authors on the road. Formerly titled Bluelist, Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2009 captures the hottest trends and experiences for the year ahead and lists the best places to go and things to do all around the world. “We are extremely excited to know that Lonely Planet has named Mexico City one of the Top 10 Cities in the world. Mexico City is immersed in culture, history and entertainment. There is something to be found in the city for everyone and we are proud that visitors around the world feel the same,” said Oscar Fitch, CEO of the Mexico Tourism Board. Mexico City is singled out for its architecture, rich culture, trendy bars, live-music venues, museums and fine restaurants. The World Baseball Classic and Festival de México en el Centro Histórico in March are highlights. Visiting the ruins at the Templo Mayor and taking a gondola ride through the canals of Xochimilco are also recommended as some top things to do. “The Most Unusual Place to Visit” is El Chopo, an alternative flea market held each Saturday that brings together locals with a variety of interests including metal heads and counterculturals seeking rare CDs and live music. Lonely Planet just released a new guidebook to the city—its first since 2000. The two authors, one a long-time Mexico City resident and the other a Mexican aficionado, really capture the city’s glory. With its insider’s perspective, this guide makes the exciting city accessible to the traveler through in-the-know neighborhood reviews and detailed maps, walking tours, top gallery showings, extensive dining coverage from street eats to Mexican haute cuisine, and the best nightlife for all tastes. Lonely Planet, www.lonelyplanet.com; Mexico Tourism Board, 800-929-4555, www.visitmexico.com, www.visitmexico.com

In December, Capella Ixtapa marked the North American debut of the growing Capella Hotels and Resorts brand. The 59-room hotel, tucked into Mexico’s lush Sierra Madre mountainside that overlooks the Pacific Ocean, is the first of four Capella Hotels and Resorts planned for Mexico. Joining Capella Ixtapa will be Capella Pedregal, to open in Cabo San Lucas spring 2009; Capella Bahia Maroma in Riviera Maya, also scheduled for this spring; and Capella Nahui, opening in Riviera Nayarit in winter 2010. “We couldn’t be more excited to unveil Capella Ixtapa,” comments Romana Heeg, General Manager, Capella Ixtapa. “We’re proud to be the first to introduce the Capella experience to Mexico and travelers from all over the world.” At Capella Ixtapa, guestrooms and suites cascade down the cliff toward the Pacific and range in size from 550 to 1,150 square feet, with airy outdoor terraces fronting the ocean and individual plunge pools thoughtfully positioned out of sight from other suites. Each room has a central computer system with controls for all of the room’s functions (lights, curtains, etc.) at bedside. Culinary options are A Mares, open for dinner and presenting the best local Mexican cuisine; Las Rocas, a rustic seafood restaurant featuring cliffside alfresco dining over the shoreline; and the Terrace Bar serving lunch and dinner, tiered in three levels to showcase the ocean views. Guests may also dine in the privacy of their guestroom or terrace through the resort’s 24-hour room service, or arrange for a romantic dinner experience at a unique location on the grounds. The 6,000-square-foot Spa at Capella Ixtapa has six individual treatment rooms and an additional couples treatment room with a rain shower and Jacuzzi. Spa guests are greeted with a foot cleanse and massage before being escorted to treatment rooms. Plunge pools highlight all 59 guestrooms, the resort beach is a welcome respite, and a nearby beach provides snorkeling, scuba diving, surfing and kayaking. Additionally, Capella Ixtapa enjoys proximity to two 18-hole championship golf courses. All activities, as well as dining reservations and off-site experiences, can be arranged by Capella’s signature personal assistants. Introductory rates start at $350 ppdo through December 2009. Capella Ixtapa, 877-247-6688, www.capellaixtapa.com

Travel World News • www.travelworldnews.com

JANUARY 2009 •

ASIA-PACIFIC GOWAY PACKAGES AUSTRALIA’S AWARD-WINNING TASMANIA Goway is offering a Discover Natural Tasmania six-day tour where travelers might complement a visit to Australia’s mainland with a wilderness escape to take in the island state’s World Heritage-listed wilderness areas and national parks, and unique wildlife and historic attractions. Adventurers hike over the Hazards Range to world-renowned Wineglass Bay, tour amongst the treetops at Tahune Air Walk and come face-to-face with a Tasmanian devil at Bonorong Wildlife Conservation Centre. Goway’s package includes three nights in Hobart at The Old Woolstore and Wrest Point Casino and one night each at Freycinet Lodge at Coles Bay and at Diamond Island Resort, both on Tasmania’s east coast. Also included is admission to Mount Field National Park, Freycinet National Park, Tahune Air Walk and Bonorong Wildlife Conservation Centre, an expert guide for four days, all meals and touring as per itinerary, as well as airport transfers. Prices are from $1,557 ppdo, ground only (valid until end of March). Current prices should be requested for the dates one wishes to travel. Goway, 800-387-8850, www.goway.com/ downunder/australia/tasmania/index.html

NEW ZEALAND TRAINING EVENT KIWI LINK 2009 SET FOR APRIL Registrations are now open for Kiwi Link, Tourism New Zealand’s North American product training event scheduled for April 3-5, 2009. Held every two years, the program is a unique opportunity for the US travel trade to receive upto-date training from New Zealand product operators. The convention will be held at the Sheraton Gateway Hotel in Los Angeles. Registrations are open to anyone selling New Zealand, which includes travel agents, frontline reservation staff and sales teams 44 • JANUARY 2009

TASMANIA

of wholesalers and airlines. Kiwi Link 2009 has traditionally attracted over 40 New Zealand operators in key areas of accommodation, transport, and activities as well as regional tourism organizations. Kiwi Link 2009 will highlight the importance of sustainability and the environment. The event will embrace measures such as using hotels with sound environmental policies, the offsetting of travel emissions, and encouraging participants to engage in responsible environmental practices. Registrations for Kiwi Link close on March 6, and participants are encouraged to enroll early on the website. Tourism New Zealand, www.newzealand.com

DREAM TAHITIAN HONEYMOON PREPARED BY SOUTH PACIFIC MANAGEMENT Beginning this month, South Pacific Management, which oversees Pearl Resorts & Spa, is offering a special package for honeymooners who wish to travel to any of its exotic destinations including Le Taha’a Island Resort & Spa; French Polynesia’s sole Relais & Chateaux property; and Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort & Spa, part of Leading Small Hotels of the World. The bride will receive 15 percent off her chosen accommodations—rooms, bungalows, villas, and suites (subject to availability), and a Tahitian black pearl pendant in its jewel case. Upon arrival, the couple will

receive a bottle of French champagne. Each tucked-away spot is a short distance from Tahiti and offers something for every couple. Newlyweds in search of adventure and minimalism can escape to either the Hiva Oa Hanakee Pearl Lodge or Nuku Hiva Keikahanui Pearl Lodge in the Marquesas Islands (three hours north of Tahiti) where hiking, waterfalls, and traditional wood carving await. The bride and groom can find relaxation and romance at one of SPM’s Manea Spa properties—Le Taha’a Island Resort & Spa, Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort & Spa, Moorea Pearl Resort & Spa, Tikehau Pearl Beach Resort & Spa, or Manihi Pearl Beach Resort & Spa, with massages and treatments, white-sand beach picnics, and world-class diving. For other special options, couples can choose to stay at Manava Suite Resort Tahiti (opening March 2009), Huahine Te Tiare Beach Resort, or Raiatea Hawaiki Nui Hotel. This offer is valid for new bookings only and cannot be combined with other special offers. A copy of the wedding certificate is required upon registration. The offer is valid from January 1, 2009 through March 31, 2010, and can only be used up to nine months from the official wedding date. Couples must notify SPMHNY once reservations are made. The offer is available through any tour operator or travel agency. South Pacific Management Hotels Resorts & Spa, www.spmhotels.com www.travelworldnews.com • Travel World News

ASIA-PACIFIC SARAWAK’S MICE MARKETING PROGRAM VOTED ICCA WORLD’S BEST

said Jill Henry. “As a relative newcomer we did not expect to be bringing this prestigious award home to Malaysia. Nothing is more daunting than presenting to a tough international audience like ICCA. The members represent the most experienced international marketers in the MICE industry today.” As an added bonus, the 2008 winner also receives a marketing package worth approximately $12677 from the Best Marketing Award sponsor, Bedouk Publications and acknowledgement on the ICCA website and in other international publications. Sarawak Convention Bureau; jillhenry@sarawakcb.com

FIRST RIVER CRUISE IN BORNEO’S SARAWAK SET BY PANDAW RIVER CRUISES

Jill Henry, Chief Executive Officer, Sarawak Convention Bureau; is shown with Amelia Roziman, Convention Bid Manager, Sarawak Convention Bureau, who shared Sarawak culture at the ceremony.

Sarawak Convention Bureau’s destination marketing programs have won the International Convention and Congress Association’s (ICCA) Best Marketing Award at the Association’s International Convention held in Victoria, Canada. Competing against two finalists from Liverpool, United Kingdom and Salt Lake City, USA, Sarawak’s campaign “Harnessing the Power of Story Telling to Launch a New Meetings Destination” was voted the winner of the 2008 Award by a panel of international judges and 740 delegates from over 20 countries. The prestigious international award capped off a triumphant year for the Bureau, following the launch of its unique destination commercial “Recharge in a New World SarawakBorneo” that earlier took out the Diamond Award for best overall entry across all categories at ITB in Berlin followed by a Gold Camera Award at the Los Angeles Film Festival in June and a Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) 2008 Gold Award, in September. The ICCA Best Marketing Award, established in 1997, recognizes the excellence and outstanding achievements of member organizations in their effort to market their destination or product. Entries can range from full-scale campaigns and branding exercises to individual promotions and events. The Bureau’s entry was presented by CEO Jill Henry. Convention Bid Manager, Amelia Roziman, co-presented sharing Sarawak stories and performing a specially-choreographed welcome dance from the Iban community. “We were thrilled just to be selected as finalists as it gave us a chance to promote Sarawak to international meeting planners,” Travel World News • www.travelworldnews.com

Pandaw River Cruises is planning a new expedition cruise on the Rajang River in Sarawak, Malaysia’s longest river, on the island of Borneo that will present a total jungle experience with rainforest and fast-flowing waters traversing the second largest island in the world after Greenland. On July 1, the new 60-passenger m/v Orient Pandaw will commence a series of eight-night cruises from Sibu to the Pelagus Rapids and beyond up the Baleh River. Shore excursions include a visit to Iban longhouses, boat trips up tributary rivers, a walk about the vestiges of the colonial Brooke Raja that ruled Sarawak for 100 years, tours of pepper farms, fruit plantations and other exotic fruit in Sareiki and a trip to the weaving workshops that produce traditional songkat textiles in Thanjung Manis. Jungle treks will offer opportunities to spot abundant wildlife. The cruise originates and ends in Sibu, with its old shop houses, markets and friendly inhabitants. The roomy Orient Pandaw has only 30 staterooms with 60 beds on two spacious decks, and a restaurant, bar, café, spa, and sun deck. Main deck cabins are $2,248 per person; upper deck is $2,495 per person. Rates include shore excursions, all meals including snacks, an open bar (for locally manufactured spirits), evening entertainment, transfers in Sibu and port charges. Guests have the option to add a two-night stop in the capital of Kuching—a glimpse of what Singapore or Bangkok must have been like half a century ago, untrammeled by commercial development. The serene Sarawak River flows through the city center, flanked by Brooke Raj palaces, courts and a fort that marks the first White Raja’s landing. Pandaw River Cruises, specialists in small-ship cruising to exotic destinations, operates five vessels that ply the rivers of Southeast Asia including the Irrawaddy and Mekong rivers. The UK-based company is owned by Paul Strachen, a businessman and philanthropist whose cruise services directly benefit the people of the countries they cruise. Pandaw River Cruises raised more than $500,000 in Burmese aid following the recent cyclone disaster. Pandaw River Cruises, 800-798-4223, www.pandaw.com JANUARY 2009 •

ASIA-PACIFIC MARCEL CAMACHO NAMED NEW DEPUTY GENERAL MANAGER FOR GUAM VISITORS BUREAU

MARCEL CAMACHO

The Guam Visitors Bureau has announced the selection of Marcel Camacho as its new Deputy General Manager. Camacho brings years of experience and an extensive knowledge of the tourism industry to his new position with GVB. Camacho, a former Senator with the 25th Guam legislature, graduated from California Polytechnic University with a degree in Hotel and Restaurant

Management. Following graduation, Camacho worked for the Hilton hotel conglomerate in Southern California for many years before returning home to Guam. His experience as a Guam senator, and his previous experience in developing the island’s zoning and land-use master plan, will bring an element of policymaking expertise to the bureau. Gerald S. A. Perez, GVB’s General Manager, stated that “Mr. Camacho’s professional background and experience will be an important asset as the bureau continues to work on the brand-building and community outreach initiatives outlined in the Five Year Tourism Strategic Plan.” Guam Visitors Bureau, gsap43@yahoo.com, www.visitguam.org

SHAUN LANDING APPOINTED DIRECTOR OF SALES AND MARKETING FOR ONE&ONLY RESORT One&Only Resorts has announced the appointment of Shaun Landing as Director of Sales and Marketing for One&Only Reethi Rah in the Maldives. Landing will manage all sales activities and streamline operations for both the Reservations and Sales and Marketing teams at the famed resort. “Shaun has developed solid relationships in the travel industry that will add a SHAUN LANDING strong dimension in securing new and repeat business for the resort,” says Michael R. Payne, General Manager. “With his talent and passion for the industry, we will continue our quest to amaze our guests and offer the most memorable moments during their stay on our beautiful island.” Landing’s entry into tourism began after obtaining his Business Management degree from South African College School. Following his education, Landing moved on to acquire years of experience in the industry—covering a range 46 • JANUARY 2009

of fields from corporate travel and car rental to hospitality management. He has held similar executive positions in international hotels and resorts in Dubai, Malawi, Kazakhstan and South Africa. Prior to his appointment at One&Only Reethi Rah, Landing worked as Sales and Marketing Director for Pezula Resort Hotel & Spa in South Africa. “I believe the key to success is developing a win-win approach while building passion and ability among a growing team,” says Landing. “This is my goal at One&Only Reethi Rah and I feel privileged to have the support of such an acclaimed group of team members.” One&Only Resorts, www.oneandonlyresorts.com

KEMPINSKI HOTEL SANYA APPOINTS PUNEET SINGH GENERAL MANAGER Kempinski Hotel Sanya has announced the appointment of Puneet Singh to the position of General Manager. Mr. Singh brings multicultural experience and knowledge to Sanya Bay’s only international five-star luxury beach resort. He started his hospitality career with the Kempinski Hotels in 1992 in Munich, Germany and since then has worked in PUNEET SINGH over eight countries including Germany, USA, Egypt, Turkey, People’s Republic of China, Russia, United Arab Emirates, and Tanzania with Kempinski Hotels and other international hotels and resorts. Before joining Kempinski Hotel Sanya, Mr. Singh was the General Manager in Zamani Zanzibar Kempinski, Tanzania. Kempinski Hotel Sanya is located on a sandy beach at the southernmost tip of China, spanning out on 166 acres of lush tropical greenery and palm trees. The hotel is 15 minutes away from Sanya Phoenix International Airport, Sanya city center and is close to key attractions such as Love Zoo, The End of the Earth, Nanshan Cultural Tourism Zone, Deer Looking Back Park and golf courses. Kempinski Hotel Sanya has eight meeting rooms with approximately 15,070 square feet of meeting space with an adjoining tropical garden lawn. The resort is designed to cater towards outdoor and indoor MICE functions. Culinary combines Europe and Asia, with a favorite—the Paulaner Brauhaus— presenting Bavarian food along with a firsthand glimpse of how beer is freshly brewed in–house by Master Brewer Andreas Heidenreich from Paulaner Brewery in Munich, Germany. Kempinski Hotel Sanya, Sanya Bay West, www.kempinski-sanya.com www.travelworldnews.com • Travel World News

ASIA-PACIFIC AIR INDIA APPOINTS CHITRA SARKAR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR FOR THE AMERICAS India’s largest airline, Air India, has announced the appointment of Chitra Sarkar to the position of Executive Director–Americas. Based in New York, Mrs. Sarkar will be responsible for the airline’s operations in the United States and Canada, as well as sales and marketing activity throughout the Americas. Prior to assuming her new role, Mrs. Sarkar held key managerial positions at CHITRA SARKAR Air India in Tourism, Marketing and Training. During her 30-year career with the company, she’s also been posted to various foreign stations including Hong Kong, Singapore, Los Angeles, and Chicago. In 2006 Mrs. Sarkar was appointed Dy. Commercial Director–Traffic Services with overall responsibility for establishing policy and procedures at all airports in Air India’s global network. She most recently served as Executive Director–Cargo at Air India’s headquarters in Mumbai prior to transferring to New York. Mrs. Sarkar is an alumnus of Cathedral School in Mumbai, as well as Elphinstone College. She holds a First Class Master’s Degree in Business Management from the University of Bombay. She is married and has two sons. Air India is India’s national carrier and largest airline. It has been in operation since 1932, and currently offers non-stop flights to Mumbai and Delhi from JFK International Airport in New York, plus direct service from Liberty International Airport (Newark) and O’Hare International Airport (Chicago). Air India, 800-223-7776, www.airindia.in

NEW KOSRAE SURF CAMP BECKONS SURFERS LOOKING FOR SOMETHING NEW A new surf camp is now open for surfers of all skill levels on the still-unspoiled Micronesian island of Kosrae, one of the four states of the Federated States of Micronesia. Kosrae Surf Tours Corporation (KSTC), an eco-tourism business providing all-inclusive surf tourism packages, is the only licensed surf tour on the island. KSTC provides exciting experiences to adventurous tourists looking to explore hidden destinations. According to Grant Ismael, director of the Kosrae Visitors Bureau, Kosrae offers the perfect experience for the surfer who wants to surf in a secluded region away from the crowds. The cost of the surf camp is $150 per day per surfer, with a nonsurfing partner rate of $100 per day. Typical stay is 10 to 14 days. This fee includes accommodations in cottages at Kosrae’s rustic Pacific Treelodge Resort, an eco-lodge that sits next to an ancient mangrove forest and calm lagoon. Also covered are food, land and boat transfers, as well as a full-time surfer guide. Optional activities included at no cost include a one-day, boat-based snorkeling/bottom fishing trip, several land-based snorkeling trips, Travel World News • www.travelworldnews.com

kayaking, jungle hikes, and anthropological site tours. Air travel to Kosrae is not included. KSTC’s 27-year-old owner Matt Rott has emphasized responsible surf tourism since moving to Kosrae in 2000. The island, just 42 square miles, is located north of the Soloman Islands, approximately 1,418 miles southeast of Guam and 2,960 miles southwest of Hawaii. With 70 percent of its area mountainous, the majority of Kosrae’s roughly 7,000 people live in its five coastal villages. KSTC is booking the 2008-2009 season that ends March 31, 2009. Reservations can be made through The Perfect Wave of Sydney, Australia. Kosrae Visitors Bureau, www.Kosrae.com; The Perfect Wave, www.theperfectwave.com.au

ADVENTURE MAGAZINE PLACES TIGER MOUNTAIN POKHARA LODGE ONE OF TOP 50 ECO-LODGES WORLDWIDE

Adding to an impressive list of accolades, Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge was included in the world’s top fifty eco-lodges by National Geographic Adventure magazine in its November 2008 issue. The global eco-lodges were rated because they provide “great service and comfort in spectacular locations, but they also support local communities, connect their guests to cultures on an authentic level, create impactful conservation initiatives, and increasingly place adventure at the center of the experience.” As the only property in Nepal and one of only five in the Indian subcontinent, Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge is one of the region’s leaders in responsible conservation tourism. Lisa Choegyal, Marketing Director, notes that this is a fitting tribute to the hard work of the staff team over the past ten years, since its opening in October 1998 by Sir Edmund Hillary. The Tiger Mountain Group has pioneered Himalayan trekking and wildlife tourism since the 1960s. Pokhara Lodge’s previous awards include Conservation International Ecotourism Excellence Award; Conde Nast Traveler Eco-Awards Best Lodge; Pacific Asia Travel Association Heritage & Culture Gold Award; TravelAsia Best New Ecotourism Product; World's Top “Room with a View”—Independent UK; Tourism Gold Award, Business Leaders Club Madrid, Spain; and Richard Hammond’s Top 30 Green Places to Stay Worldwide. Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge; tigermountain.com JANUARY 2009 •

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