CARIBBEAN
The ‘Grand’ in Jamaica’s Two Grand Palladium Resorts Real value in addition to sunsets, coves and cuisine. HELEN KIT TI SMITH
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he Caribbean is one of the easiest getaway choices for U.S.–based travelers. In today’s tight marketplace, they demand stellar value for hard-earned cash. The two new five-star, all-inclusives, the Grand Palladium Jamaica Resort and Spa and Grand Palladium Lady Hamilton Resort and Spa on Jamaica’s northwest coast, nicely satisfy that demand. The Grand Palladium properties offer their guests an enhanced experience: all guests share the respective features of each property. Opened in July 2008, the properties command spectacular views as they embrace both lava-rock and sandy beach coves or simply meander across the 172-acre terrain. Located some 23 miles west of Montego Bay off the Negril Highway, these are the only Jamaican properties of Spain’s Fiesta Hotels Group. Based in Ibiza, Fiesta Hotels Group is established in Mexico - on the Mexican Riviera and in Puerto Vallarta, and in the Dominican Republic – in Punta Cana and Santo Domingo. Other properties are located throughout Spain, and in the Spanish island resorts in Canarias (the Canary Islands) and in Ibiza, Mallorca, and Menorca (the Balearic Islands). In Italy, they offer one property in Sicily. “Grand” reflects the value-laden and upscale offerings; “Palladium” refers to the myriad Grecian pillars, architectural elements liberally found on the grounds. The design philosophy that incorporates low-density buildings at all the Grand Palladium Resorts enhances the immense sense of space the guest experiences. No building is too daunting, no structure impedes the view. American, Canadian, Spanish, British and Russian guests populated most of the 1,056 rooms during a recent visit. Jamaica itself possesses a well-developed tourism infrastructure. In addition to the stunning beauty found here, a long-established variety of tourist attractions, and genuinely warm people, Jamaica will always call forth audiophiles as the homeland of reggae and Bob Marley. The Grand Palladium Resorts and Spas feature two lobbies and resorts. The Grand Palladium Lady Hamilton Resort and Spa consists of 516 rooms in 13 villas of one-bedrooms and junior suites. Here 48 “adults only” ocean-front villa suites four per villa - face Las Brisas (Breezes) Beach. Those with the most dramatic views overlook the Point. Book the Lady Hamilton for a couples’ getaway. The Grand Palladium Jamaica Resort and Spa houses 540 rooms divided into 15 18 • MARCH 2009
The Lobby Staircase in the Grand Palladium Lady Hamilton Resort and Spa.
three-level villas with one-bedrooms and junior suites. Here children are welcome. In high season, junior suites are $175 pp/do, low are $120; one-bedrooms are $190 pp/do, low are $135. The adult-only villas in Lady Hamilton are high season $205 pp/do, and low $150. Agent commissions are net. Special promotions not available. And Lady Emma Hamilton? She was British Admiral Horatio Nelson’s great love, portrayed in the 1941Academy Award-winning film “That Hamilton Woman.” With Vivien Leigh and Sir Laurence Olivier, the film was Sir Winston Churchill’s favorite. Equally as cinematic are the five Grand Palladium fresh water swimming pools, swim-up bars, and the quiet Spa pool. Renova Spa is a full compliment of beauty services, several kinds of massage, hydrotherapy, and a state-of-the-art gym. All Spa services are separate charges. Other tourist facilities include three tennis courts, two volley beach courts, one basketball court, one soccer field and a nine-hole mini-golf facility. The open-air lobbies are conjoined by a lovely breezeway where six of the ten restaurants, very wisely-situated, offer exceptional cuisine from an international culinary roster. Spanish, Indian, Chinese, Mexican chefs, along with local Jamaican chefs, faithfully recreate specialties from their respective countries. Seasoned foodies will verify this claim. The daily paella, for example, featured at the Sunset Cove Restaurant, and offered buffet-style in an authentic oversized paellera (paella pan) is as much at home at Sunset Cove as it would be at any of the Fiesta Hotels Mediterranean resorts or www.travelworldnews.com • Travel World News
CARIBBEAN Spanish properties. Similarly, the dal and biryanis from Bhogali’s Restaurant authentically represent their origin, and would be appreciated unquestionably throughout India and by Indophiles. But it is at the Grand Palladium’s Xaymaica Creole Restaurant (Xaymaica is old Spanish for ‘Jamaica’) where one of the finest dessert specialties is made, the one that proudly represents this unique island. Packed inside the sweetness of British West Indies sugar and rum, entwined within its history marked by the toils of slave labor, this specialty is summed up in three words: Jamaican rum cake. And the indulgence is a supreme one in situ, enhanced only by a cup of the island’s world-renowned Blue Mountain coffee. Of the ten restaurants, three are buffets. Twelve bars are situated throughout the property as well. The Jamaica-themed bar known as “Miss Lou” features premium call brands, served at no extra charge. It is here at “Miss Lou” – named for the lauded Jamaican poet Louise Bennett-Coverley – that the quiet refuge bridge and chess players is located, as are the book exchange and newspapers. Most evenings a Cuban cigar vendor holds court in the adjacent Infinity Lobby Bar. Internet service is available free-of-charge in the lobby for technophiles with laptop in hand. Those without, can simply head for the internet café downstairs where rates are billed incrementally. American Airlines offers non-stop service to Jamaica via four gateways: Miami (MIA is 3 times daily); Dallas (DFW is 5–day frequency, but excludes Tuesdays and Wednesdays); Chicago (ORD is Saturday/ Sunday weekend-only service); New York Kennedy (JFK is 4–day frequency but excludes Wednesday, Friday and Sunday). In its effort to truly partner with travel agents (especially given today’s marketplace and cash flow considerations), American Airlines offers a new payment policy with their AAVacations agent bookings: travel agents now can pay net fees to American. This policy was instituted in December 2008, according to Tony Mara, VP of AAVacations. Two more exciting changes boost the American Airlines/ travel agent relationship. First, a newly-enhanced, drop-down “Deal Section” on AAVacations’ website (www.aavacations.com) features an easy product segmentation to facilitate agent research. Categories include All-inclusives, EP Plan, and Family Values, among others. Second, all travel agents are encouraged to sign up with “www.aavacations.com/agent” to receive advanced notice about AA’s top five featured “Deals of the Week.” This advanced travel pick (sent every Thursday) informs to augment agents’ savvy and sales.
The Grand Palladium Hotels and Resorts, 888-237-1226, www.fiestahotelgroup.com; American Airlines, 800-321-2121, www.aavacations.com Travel World News • www.travelworldnews.com
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CARIBBEAN HOLIDAY INN SAN JUAN LAUNCHES PACKAGE FOR SABOREA CULINARY EXTRAVAGANZA After the successful inaugural Saborea Puerto Rico Culinary Extravaganza in 2008, the event returns April 3–5, 2009 to Escambrón Beach in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The beachfront weekend destination event will once again feature culinary celebrities, live demo kitchens, signature dinners, wine and spirits tastings, and a tasting pavilion. For foodies everywhere, host hotel Holiday Inn San Juan has launched an official package that includes three-night/four day stay in single or double room; upgrade to deluxe room based on availability; government tax and resort fee; welcome rum drink from Rums of Puerto Rico© on arrival; daily full American breakfast; $40 supplementary transportation credit; reserved seat at inaugural signature gala dinner; full-access weekend pass to Saborea Village; nightly “goodies for foodies” turndown amenity; and farewell epicurean keepsake. Holiday Inn San Juan’s Saborea Puerto Rico Package is $939 per person in single occupancy, $1,285 ppdo. Package is valid for groups and bookings are commissionable for travel agents. The experience begins April 3 with an inaugural gala dinner hosted by Rums of Puerto Rico, when local and international chefs will present a five-course rum-inspired menu to pair perfectly with some of the finest local sipping rums. On April 4 and 5, everything revolves around Saborea Village, with cooking and beverage seminars and a tasting pavilion showcasing the products of wine, beer and spirits distributors, as well as some of the island’s finest restaurants. Holiday Inn San Juan’s Executive Chef Damián Hernández is scheduled to take part in the live kitchen demonstrations and will also oversee the participation of the hotel’s hip new Eighty20 Bistro. An event shuttle will provide transportation to and from scheduled activities, courtesy of the Metropolitan Bus Authority and Saborea Puerto Rico; clients may apply the 20 • MARCH 2009
supplementary transportation credit at their discretion for activities on their own or to cover airport-hotel-airport transfers on taxi. Located in trendy Isla Verde, the hotel is five minutes from the airport, a block away from the beach and surrounded by restaurants, casinos, and clubs within walking distance. Holiday Inn San Juan, www.hisanjuan.com; Saborea Puerto Rico, www.saboreapuertorico.com
SABOREA PUERTO RICO EXTRAVAGANT GASTRONOMIC EVENT IN CARIBBEAN Saborea Puerto Rico: A Culinary Extravaganza will return April 3–5 at the world-famous Escambrón Beach in San Juan, featuring distinguished chefs and personalities from Puerto Rico and around the world. Renowned culinary personalities and chefs will participate, as well as famed chef and chocolatier Jacques Torres of Mr. Chocolate in New York, Iron Chef Cat Cora from the Food Network and Michael Psilakis, executive chef and owner of Anthos in New York and proclaimed “Chef of the Year” by Bon Appétit magazine. Puerto Rico has gained notable support to the gastronomic sector through the efforts of the Puerto Rico Hotel & Tourism Association (PRHTA) and its President and CEO Clarisa Jiménez with the creation of Saborea Puerto Rico to showcase the culinary contributions of the island in the devel-
opment of this tourism niche. Saborea Puerto Rico’s Founder and Executive Director Barbara Mari has assured it “will be spectacularly creative, refreshing and innovative, with the overwhelming support of the culinary industry and international press.” There will be nine daily demo kitchens at the Al Euro Demo Kitchen Theater where visitors will be able to learn techniques and ingredients to prepare recipes by the experts. Guests visiting the Tasting Pavilion will enjoy samples from Puerto Rico’s finest restaurants. At the Saborea Kids Pavilion, children and teens will be able to try their hand at dish preparation through kitchen workshops and educational activities and games. Despite its entertainment value, said Jiménez, “Saborea Puerto Rico is much more than culinary enjoyment; it also has an important component of social responsibility and tourism development. The proceeds of the event are part of PRHTA’s Educational Fund for training, skills development and education of employees of the hospitality industry.” Saborea Puerto Rico has received the Excel Award in the Special Events category from the Association of Public Relations Professionals of Puerto Rico (ARPPR). The Puerto Rico Tourism Company is the title sponsor of the event and MasterCard the exclusive card. Other sponsors include Al Euro, Jeep, American Airlines, Splenda, Cristalia, OneLink, and Bon Appétit. The Puerto Rico Hotel & Tourism Association, www.tcpr.com; Saborea Puerto Rico, www.saboreapuertorico.com www.travelworldnews.com • Travel World News
CARIBBEAN MANGO BAY FOCUSES ON VALUE-FRIENDLY GETAWAYS TO COMBAT RECESSION Mango Bay, Barbados, the 76-room boutique-style property on the famed Gold Coast, offers an all-inclusive vacation that’s ideal for travelers seeking a tropical retreat during these difficult economic times. The all-inclusive vacation features hotel accommodations, all meals, afternoon tea, local and brand-name drinks including wine with dinner, water sports (waterskiing, hobie cat sailing, kayaking and snorkeling) and nightly entertainment. Mango Bay’s beachfront restaurant creates a fusion of Caribbean and international cuisine, and live music is offered nightly. Drinks can be enjoyed any time (by the pool or beach) at the Mango Bay bar including signature beverages like the Mango Bay Burning Flame or the Total Eclipse made with only top-shelf liquors. Travelers seeking added indulgence can relax at Mango Bay’s Elements Spa, a cozy facility with one treatment room in a delightful tropical atmosphere. Elements Spa is operated under the strictest hygienic standards; cultural spa treatments are performed with the Phytomer line of products derived from beneficial properties from the sea. Services at the spa are administered by trained professionals and not included in the all-inclusive room rates. Mango Bay is a romantic place to “tie the knot” or renew wedding vows. A wedding package is $1,000 added on to the cost of a hotel stay and features the personalized services of a wedding coordinator and the services of a clergyman to perform the ceremony, administration and marriage license fees; roundtrip transfers to obtain the marriage license; decoration of a wedding arch; boutonniere for the groom and wedding bouquet for the bride; one bottle of champagne; and a one-tier, 12-inch light sponge cake with icing. Mango Bay can arrange tee times for guests wanting to golf in the tropics at world-class championship golf courses, including Royal Westmoreland, Sandy Lane, Rockley Golf and Country Club and The Barbados Golf Club. Nightly rates now through April 1 start at $510 ppdo in Standard accommodations, $545 in a Standard One-Bedroom Apartment, $582 for Superior accommodations, $650 Deluxe, $690 Oceanfront, and $2,250 for a Penthouse Suite. Mango Bay, reservations@mangobaybarbados.com, www.mangobaybarbados.com
According to Michele Perry, vice president of global communications for TripAdvisor, millions of real travelers worldwide identified the outstanding hotels and resorts based upon exceptional accommodations, service and value. Bucuti’s dedicated team members craft an exceptional and specific environment for romantic getaways as the resort caters exclusively to couples. The uncrowded white sands of Eagle Beach, intimate moonlight dinners for two, a serene infinity pool and an overall tranquil ambience allow couples to enjoy each other without distraction. Bucuti associates are known for providing personal attention as they create unforgettable moments for their guests, from private beach picnics to memorable sunset cruises and underwater proposals. “Our associates are gifted with a sincere spirit of hospitality, and they pride themselves on developing personal connections with our guests and creating one-of-a-kind, individualized experiences,” said Director of Sales and Marketing Susan Biemans. “Because of this, we have many return guests who we truly consider family. While our intimate and serene beachfront environment sets the stage for a magical experience, it’s the element of genuine service that helps Bucuti stand out and continue to receive positive accolades from our guests.” Bucuti Beach Resort, www.bucuti.com; TripAdvisor, www.tripadvisor.com
BUCUTI BEACH RESORT HONORED AS ARUBA’S BEST RESORT FOR ROMANCE Bucuti Beach Resort has again been lauded by TripAdvisor® users as a top resort for romance in the 2009 Travelers’ Choice® awards. TripAdvisors contributors chose Bucuti as one of the top 10 most romantic resorts in the world for the fourth year in a row, as well as one of the top five most romantic hotels in the Caribbean and Mexico. Bucuti was the only resort in Aruba to be recognized in the romance category. Travel World News • www.travelworldnews.com
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CARIBBEAN ST. LUCIA’S COCO PALM LAUNCHES KREOLE ROOMS, FAMILY SUITES AND CONFERENCE FACILITIES
held at True Blue Bay Resort in True Blue, St. George’s. The session was created to polish the people-skills of Immigration Officers in order to deliver the best quality customer service to locals as well as visitors to the shores. Mr. Russ Fielden, Owner/Manager of True Blue Bay Resort and current President of the Grenada Hotel & Tourism Association (GHTA), readily consented to partner with EJ Communications to make the program a reality. It was designed and facilitated by Eddie Frederick, a longstanding regional certified hospitality trainer and human resource development practitioner. Mr. Frederick has worked widely within the region under the auspices of a European Union funded Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) Tourism Development Program and has served many private and public sector entities internationally. True Blue Bay Resort, www.truebluebay.com
THE ARUBAN RESORT CONTINUES RENOVATION PROGRESS Coco Palm, St. Lucia’s award-winning boutique hotel, is opening up new rooms, family suites and a conference center in Rodney Bay Village, located in the north of the island. The new Kreole Rooms at Coco Palm, formerly part of the adjacent Coco Kreole property, offers EP rates starting at $125 per night. The recently upgraded Kreole Rooms are just a short walk from a wide selection of popular St. Lucian bars and restaurants, featuring French creole, Thai and tapas-themed cuisine. In addition to the Kreole Rooms, Coco Palm now has four 600square-feet Family Suites offering a master bedroom, flat screen television, I-Pod docking station and cordless phones with the ensuite master bathroom offering both a shower and Victorian roll top tub. The adjoining room offers two twin beds, cable television, DVD player and en-suite bathroom, and is easily able to accommodate two children 16 years and under. A newly built Conference Center, centrally located in the heart of Rodney Bay Village adjacent to the Kreole Rooms, has also opened in January. The traditional chattel house-styled meeting room accommodates up to 90 people and is fully fitted with wireless Internet access, with secretariat services offered at the Kreole Rooms. In addition, Coco Palm has added the Caribé boutique shop along with poolside showers and bathroom facilities. Located in the heart of St Lucia’s entertainment capital, the award-winning Coco Palm caters to the savvy traveler looking for a chic boutique hotel with affordable rates and uncompromising standards of style and service. Coco Palm, 877-655-COCO (2626), www.coco-resorts.com
IMMIGRATION OFFICERS PRESENTED HOSPITALITY PROGRAM AT TRUE BLUE BAY True Blue Bay Resort (TBBR) collaborated with EJCommunications in January to stage a one-day Customer Service orientation program for Immigration Officers of the Royal Grenada Police. The program, themed “Motivation for Better Results” was 22 • MARCH 2009
The Aruban Resort & Casino at Eagle Beach on Aruba is building momentum on its comprehensive renovation project, including expected completion of 16 units to reflect a completely new Caribbean Contemporary design, a new Owners’ VIP Reception Room and Open-Air Seating Lounge, and completion of a new three-bedroom model. These renovations complement a number of recent capital improvements at the resort including a new one-bedroom model, a new Cardio Fitness Gym exclusively for members and guests, a refurbished pool, waterslide and outdoor showers, new pool furniture, new magnetic key room locks, a new state-of-the-art telephone system, new Internet station and replacement of the roofing. The 16-Unit Building B is getting a completely new exterior look that combines glazed blue roof tiles, plantation-style shutters and Brazilian hardwood trellises as well as blue-gray glass and aluminum railings to create a modern yet traditional feel for the resort. The one-, two- and three-Bedroom suites and penthouses are being completely remodeled with porcelain designer tiles, Artone kitchen cabinets and LG & GE stainless steel appliances, granite countertops and European style bathrooms with walk-in showers. Italian marble vanity counters with raised porcelain sinks and wallmounted faucets finish the bathroom décor, creating a spa-like visual experience. The living areas feature a 42-inch flat screen television and a comfortable sectional queen sleeper. The bedrooms will feature a completely new contemporary design aesthetic, with pillow top beds, an abundance of pillows along with and fresh white linens and built-in dresser closets to visually open up the rooms. The units will include a second 42-inch flat screen television in the master bedroom, along with 32-inch sets in the other bedrooms. A new state-of-the-art Otis elevator has also been installed. The Aruban Resort & Casino at Eagle Beach, 888-970-1717, aruban@travelmarketing.com, www.thearuban.com www.travelworldnews.com • Travel World News
CARIBBEAN CARIBBEAN MARKETPLACE WILL HELP REVERSE TOURISM SLUMP, SAYS HOTELIER
Feolla Chastanet of Coco Palm (second from right) talks business with Julie Suehiro of the Canada-based WestJet Vacations. In background (from left) are Claudia Edgar and Claudine Gilbert of Coco Palm. St. Lucia’s recent staging of Caribbean Marketplace, produced by the Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association, will help give
tourism a lift for today’s challenging international economic environment, says Caribbean hotelier Feolla Chastanet. Chastanet, Managing Director of the three-year-old Coco Palm, a top boutique property in St. Lucia, said the island’s ability to showcase new and upgraded accommodations and attractions to a discerning audience of tour operators, travel agents and elite media representatives is a lucrative investment that is already paying off for the island. “We found it extremely productive,” said Chastanet of January’s regional travel meeting that attracted over 400 booths and close to 1,500 delegates who gathered to brainstorm strategies to increase Caribbean demand in the global marketplace. The hotelier also congratulated the St. Lucia government for unveiling its new brand strategy and design initiative to boost the island’s position significantly in the marketplace while promoting sustainable tourism development that benefits the island’s people and communities. Coco Palm recently opened up newly-renovated rooms, family suites and a conference center in Rodney Bay Village in the north of the island. Located in the heart of St Lucia’s entertainment capital, awardwinning Coco Palm is a chic boutique hotel with affordable rates and uncompromising standards of style and service. Coco Palm, 877-655-COCO (2626), www.coco-resorts.com
*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.
Travel World News • www.travelworldnews.com
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CARIBBEAN RECORD NUMBER OF PRIVATE JETS FLEW INTO ANGUILLA FOR HOLIDAYS There was no sign of economic fallout on the island of Anguilla this holiday season with some 215 private jet flights into the island. Famous throughout the world for its pristine beaches, tony resorts and celebrity clientele, the island’s Wallblake Airport was alive during the Christmas and New Year holiday season with a recordbreaking number of executive jets roaring in and out of Anguilla. Causing near traffic jams on the tiny tarmac, and keeping staff working nearly round the clock, jets included Gulfstreams 4s and 5s, Falcon 900s, Citations, Lear Jets, Challengers, Hawkers, Astras, Embraer 135s, Global Expresses and Galaxies. The activity began on December 19, 2008 and continued through January 5, 2009, with celebrity and VIP passengers staying at the signature luxury resorts and renowned super villas that dot the island. Anguilla Tourist Board, 877-4 ANGUILLA (877-426-4845), www.anguilla-vacation.com
ANGUILLA ISLAND UPDATE FOR THE SEASON With some of the world’s best beaches, finest restaurants and roadside eateries, and accommodations to suit every budget, Anguilla remains a top spot for warm getaways. Here’s a brief recap of some island-wide features this winter. Bird of Paradise, the stunning villa with meandering, lagoon-style pools that weave between the four buildings, will provide services of expert Chef Zoe Tise Hodge for additional fees. Her extensive menu includes Mediterranean, Thai, French, Italian, Caribbean and Vegetarian. An executive chef in Anguilla for 10 years, she previously had the California catering service Saveur & Co. and has studied and cooked in France. Cap Juluca shows off mega-million investment improvements from new owner Adam Aron—solar powered golf carts, wooden game tables from Morocco, hand-sewn bedspreads and other luxury in-room amenities and technologies. Flowering plants by the thousands have been added and a beach groomer insures the first footsteps on the sand belong to guests each day. Exciting changes have been introduced to the restaurants as well, with new Executive Chef Rene Bajeux one of only 50 French Master Chefs in the U.S. and Chevalier du Merite Agricole designation. At West End Bay, nine sophisticated holiday suites just opened overlooking CoveCastles Resort, a three-minute walk to the beach. Cool and modern Caribbean, each has a full kitchen with professional-grade equipment, living room, air conditioning, dining area, spacious bathrooms and large balconies. Rates range from $325 for a one-bedroom to $475, two-bedroom, per night, excluding 10percent service charge and 10-percent government tax. The luxury boutique villa hotel Sheriva has a winter special dubbed “Shed the Shivers” until April 1, at Villas Mystique, Infinity, and Harmony. With a villa rental of seven nights or more, guests enjoy a complimentary three-course champagne dinner, served poolside on their private terrace the night of arrival, plus a two-day car. For those staying 10 nights or more, three complimen24 • MARCH 2009
tary lunches are included, plus four complimentary sunset massages and a four-day car rental. Rum Punch Villa is the exclusive new property on Jopsey Bay combining privacy, elegant indoor/outdoor living, state-of-the-art amenities and stunning views—the culmination of a dream for owners Bruce and Elaine Hearn. Bruce draws on management experience of 25 years at top resorts and properties. Featured are expansive patio areas, private infinity pool and intimate beach, and three finely-appointed master suites and a penthouse. Covecastles’ new fitness center has equipment that includes Tuff Stuff Apollo 5425 Multi Gym, True TS1 Elliptical Trainer, True ES 9.0 Treadmill, True CS 8.0 Bike, Hoist HF 4165 6 position benches and Kettler Master Pro Table Tennis units. Villa Alcyon, the Mediterranean-inspired villa with infinity pool directly on the Caribbean and views of St. Martin and St. Barts, has a special celebratory opening promotion of “Pay for Six Nights Stay for Seven” plus a car on all new bookings now through December 18, 2009 (some holiday exceptions). Rates are from $960 per night. The villa can be rented as 1/2, 3, 4 or 5 bedrooms. Ambia Bed & Breakfast offers guests the ambiance of a bed and breakfast, the luxury of a hotel and the comfort of home. Ambia is centrally located in Anguilla with spectacular views overlooking Sandy Ground. Now through September 1, guests may book six nights and receive the seventh free (discount code AMBIA0809). Anguilla Tourist Board, 877-4 ANGUILLA (877-426-4845), www.anguilla-vacation.com
SAVVY GRENADA BOOSTS MARKETING WITH GRACE’S DISTINCTIVE PROPERTIES Savvy Grenada, a development and management company chaired by Peter de Savary, has contracted Grace’s Distinctive Properties to promote Mount Cinnamon and Grenada as a destination. Headed by travel industry executive Grace Grillo, the destination management and marketing company has begun promoting the new boutique resort property to the United States market. “It is important for us now to intensify our promotion of De Savary properties and of Grenada as a unique destination. Grace Grillo, President of Grace’s Distinctive Properties has achieved remarkable results in the Caribbean and other parts of the world. They market to some of the most exclusive travelers and these are the kind of tourist that we want to attract to our properties. In addition, we feel even more confident about tapping the US market now because of the American Airlines service. This is why we invested heavily in sponsoring the American Airlines bond which ensured their service,” said Development Director Mark Scott. Savvy Grenada will be intensifying marketing of Grenada and the de Savary properties this year, especially Mount Cinnamon, with its prime location on Grenada’s most famous beach. Renovated and furnished villas with access to Mount Cinnamon’s clubhouse varied amenities will include five-star Italian dining. Grace’s Distinctive Properties, www.gracesdistinctiveproperties.com www.travelworldnews.com • Travel World News
CARIBBEAN ANNUAL MOONSPLASH MUSIC FESTIVAL SET FOR ANGUILLA
A weekend of music and beach party magic—Moonsplash 2009—is set to take place this March 26–29 under the glorious Anguillian full moon. Hosted by Anguilla’s own musical ambassador Bankie Banx at his ultra-funky Dune Preserve beach club and concert venue on Rendezvous Bay, fans will be treated to a combination of talented artists in a bright Caribbean backdrop. Moonsplash began as a musical outlet for Bankie Banx and has emerged as a showcase for emerging regional talent and a musical reunion for some of reggae’s finest. Joining Bankie and his All Star Band this year are Reggae Bad Boys “Inner Circle” and up-andcoming conscious crooner Duane Stephenson, along with a lineup of additional artists to be announced. Inner Circle goes back nearly four decades with a host of reggae dance floor standards. They are best known for their international COP anthem “Bad Boys” which has been used as the theme song for the long-running Reality TV hit COPS and was also the feature for the soundtrack of the Will Smith/Martin Lawrence blockbusters Bad Boys and Bad Boys II. Duane Stephenson, originally a member of Toisis, has carved out a unique sound and loyal following since leaving to go solo only two years ago. The festival kicks off on Thursday, March 26, and includes two nights of seaside headliner concerts at Dune Preserve Friday and Saturday, March 27–28. The weekend caps off with a grand beach party open to the public at the Dune Preserve on Sunday, March 29, starting at noon with local foods, crafts and more music. The Dune setting is an eclectic blend of driftwood, fishing boats and brightly-painted platforms set on one of the world’s most beautiful beaches, a picture-perfect concert venue in the Caribbean. The festival is sponsored by the Anguilla Tourist Board and Caribbean Liquors/Coors. Anguilla Tourist Board, 877-4 ANGUILLA (877-426-4845), www.anguilla-vacation.com; www.bankiebanx.net Travel World News • www.travelworldnews.com
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CARIBBEAN THE RENAISSANCE CURAÇAO RESORT & CASINO DEBUTS IN CARIBBEAN
Maylin Trenidad, General Manager of the Renaissance Curaçao Resort & Casino. Restaurants and lounges at the resort, and those at the adjacent Rif Fort are many, and offer tremendous flavor choices. An expansive fitness center is complimentary to all guests, and the Aqua Spa, located within the Rif Fort, will offer invigorating treatments utilizing indigenous island ingredients. New meeting and banquet facilities provide versatile indoor and outdoor function space. Renaissance Curacao Resort & Casino, 888-778-4722, www.renaissancecuracao.com
FODOR’S IDENTIFIES THE PENINSULA HOUSE AS ‘ONE OF THE BEST’ CARIBBEAN PROPERTIES
Located on Willemstad’s picturesque historic waterfront and connected to the legendary 19th-century Rif Fort, the 237-room Renaissance Curaçao Resort & Casino is the newest full-service, branded resort to open on Curaçao in more than 15 years. Its contemporary Caribbean style evokes the colorful architecture of the large Dutch Lesser Antilles island and blends it with traditional European design. The resort’s signature “Eternity Beach” sits above sea level adjacent to the resort’s freshwater infinity pool, giving both spectacular views of the Caribbean Sea—a marvel of modern maritime engineering. Arriving vacationers may save 40 percent off regular room rates by booking the resort’s special $199 premier rate valid now through April 15, 2009 (based on availability and not including taxes). There are 14 spacious suites including two, one-bedroom Majestic Suites— large corner suites on the top floor with spectacular views of the Caribbean, the historic stately bridge, the ‘Swinging Old Lady’ and ‘Handelskade,’ Willemstad’s famed harbor-front street lined with brightly-painted 18th-century buildings. The Majestic Suites feature a lounge area with flat screen television, reading area, dining area and separate bedroom. The suites have a fully-equipped bathroom with separate shower and whirlpool bath plus a separate half-bath. On the spacious balcony guests can relax while enjoying some of the best views of the historical world heritage city. The resort’s Carnaval Casino captures the ambiance and energy of Carnaval with a wide variety of the latest slot machines and challenging table games. “The Renaissance Curaçao Resort & Casino is truly a destination within a destination, offering nightlife, entertainment, gaming, dining and shopping all in one place,” said 26 • MARCH 2009
Fodor’s, the prominent guidebook series, has listed The Peninsula House as being one of the best accommodations experiences in the Caribbean and “if not the world.” To celebrate this and its first anniversary, guests of The Peninsula House can enjoy a sixth complimentary night to all five-night bookings from now through September 30, 2009. The rate for the “book five/receive six” 2009 Anniversary Package is $2,600 for two, with full European breakfasts daily. This represents a savings of nearly $100 per night. Taxes and service charges are additional. The Peninsula House in Las Terranas on the Samana Peninsula opened in February last year as the Dominican Republic’s first small luxury hotel—an exclusive, private environment with worldclass works of art, exceptional accommodations and services, and gourmet fare. The hotel offers a chance to experience five-star amenities while enjoying a relaxed and private ambience reminiscent of visiting a friend’s Caribbean home. Junior suites have high ceilings and crown moldings, hardwood floors and four-poster king beds draped with Frette linens. Oversized bathrooms feature mahogany soaking tubs and walk-in rainforest showers. A private helicopter-landing pad ushers guests to the property. Outside, lush gardens and an infinity pool grace the estate. A lounge area has a fully stocked refrigerator, as well as WiFi convenience. Also located poolside is The Chapel, an intimate structure where guests receive pampering massages; treatments are also available in the comfort of the guest’s suite. Whale watching is a top attraction: the Peninsula is a marine mammal sanctuary and each year from January through March thousands of Humpback whales migrate to breed and give birth. Next to Hawaii this area in the Dominican Republic is the premier spot for visitors to enjoy the phenomenon. Additional outdoor activities include horseback riding, island tours, kite and wind surfing, surfing and deep-sea fishing. Evenings guests may venture in to Las Terranas village where old fishing shacks renovated into beachfront lounges feature live music, revolving art exhibits and the perfect surround for a sunset cocktail. The Peninsula House, www.thepeninsulahouse.com www.travelworldnews.com • Travel World News
CARIBBEAN TRAVEL AGENTS WHO SELL THE BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS CAN DISCOVER NATURE’S LITTLE SECRETS FOR THEMSELVES In an effort to boost bookings to the British Virgin Islands in 2009, BVI Tourism has launched an incentive program for travel agents in the U.S. Those booking as few as three client trips to the BVI can earn a three-night stay in the BVI, with airfare for two, valued at more than $1,450. Travel agents who make four bookings will earn a four-night vacation, valued at more than $1,700. Agents who make six or more bookings will earn a seven-night vacation, valued at more than $2,450. In order to qualify for the program, each client booking must have a five-night minimum stay and be booked by June 30, 2009 for travel to be completed by December 31, 2009. Airfare and hotel vacations are only for registered IATAN Agents. Airfare is not included for CLIA agents, only hotel stay. British Virgin Islands Tourist Board, www.bvitourism.com
BIRAS CREEK RESORT PARTNERS WITH GHML TO DEVELOP INTERNATIONAL MARKET Florida-based Global Hospitality Marketing Link has announced a new collaboration with Biras Creek Resort, helping the iconic Caribbean property expand their sales efforts and target the growing international inbound markets to the British Virgin Islands. Through their overseas network of sales offices, Global Hospitality Marketing Link will focus primarily on development of the leisure individual traveler from Europe and Latin America through close partnerships with tour operators and the travel trade. “Biras Creek Resort is a unique product with an unparalleled setting in one of the world’s fastest growing tourism markets,” said Eric Hamblen, managing director of Global Hospitality Marketing Link. Tucked in a private bay on the lush island of Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands (BVI), Biras Creek Resort is a hidden oasis set upon a 140-acre nature reserve amidst white sand beaches and turquoise waters of the North Sound, Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea. A member of the prestigious Relais & Chateaux hotel group, and celebrated as the 2008 Condé Nast Johansens Most Excellent Hotel in the Caribbean, Biras Creek is a boutique resort known for its island charm, exceptional hospitality, myriad outdoor activities and BVI fine dining. “Although Biras Creek Resort had a long tradition of UK-based visitors, we are looking forward to expanding into additional European and Latin American markets. Our international guests seem to have a real appreciation for the uniqueness of the Biras Creek property, our low-key luxury and environmental consciousness are special attractions,” said Rik Blyth, General Manager of Biras Creek. “We are excited about the opportunity to work with Eric Hamblen and his team at Global Hospitality Marketing Link to attract more guests from all over the world. I’ve known Eric for years and he is absolutely one of the most knowledgeable internaTravel World News • www.travelworldnews.com
tional sales and marketing guys around. I have no doubt in his ability to bring additional guests to Biras.” Biras Creek, 877-883-0756, www.biras.com
BEACH VIEW OPENS ITS DOORS IN BARBADOS
The 36-suite Beach View in Barbados’ affluent St James region is now fully open for business. A brand new all-suite condo hotel, the property is set amid three acres of beautifully landscaped gardens overlooking Barbados’ famed West Coast. Spacious, fully equipped two- and three-bedroom suites, all over 1,300 square feet, feature tropical furnishings, air conditioned bedrooms, water views, full kitchens and open-plan living areas that lead onto large balconies, offering the perfect setting for dramatic champagnesunsets. A large centrally located pool area with separate children’s pool, spacious sun decks and a “beach” access adult swimming pool forms the heart of the new resort. Rates lead in at $215 ppdo for a one-bedroom room in summer season; the same room is $301 in shoulder season and $414 during winter, inclusive of VAT. Under the guidance of Beach View’s General Manager, Patricia Affonso-Dass, Beach View’s helpful staff can arrange nearby spa treatments, golf tee times and visits to some of Barbados’ many historic and cultural attractions. Just a few minutes away is vibrant Holetown, Barbados’ second largest town with a wonderful choice of Zagat-rated restaurants and duty-free boutique shopping. The island offers exceptionally rich culture, history and remarkable landscapes, including The Crane beach, St. Philips, voted one of the world’s sexiest beaches for 2008 by Concierge.com. Barbados has also hosted numerous athletic championships, including the ICC Cricket World Cup Final 2007 and the 2006 PGA World Golf Championship—The Barbados World Cup. Accommodations range from picturesque plantation houses and villas to quaint bed and breakfasts to awardwinning five-star resorts. Trip Advisor’s ‘2008 Travelers Choice Destination Awards’ in its Top 100 Destinations category voted Barbados eighth in the world. Beach View, reservations@beachviewbarbados.com, beachviewbarbados.com; Barbados Tourism Authority, 800-221-9831, www.visitbarbados.org MARCH 2009•
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CARIBBEAN GARRY PEROTIN NAMED NEW DIRECTOR OF SALES/MARKETING FOR AWARD-WINNING REGENT PALMS TURKS AND CAICOS Garry Perotin has been appointed Director of Sales & Marketing for The Regent Palms Turks and Caicos. With a quarter-century of sales and marketing experience throughout the hospitality and cruise industries, Perotin is responsible for all sales and marketing initiatives for The Regent Palms, named one of Robb Report’s 100 Best Places to Stay in 2008. GARRY PEROTIN Perotin joins The Regent Palms from Entrée Destination, a luxury destination management company based in Vancouver, British Columbia. Prior to Entrée, Perotin was Senior Director of Sales at GOGO Worldwide Vacations. The luxury resort boasts deluxe accommodations and amenities like custom-made mahogany furnishings and 400 thread-count Egyptian linens—along with a $1.8-million serpentine infinity pool. Their Regent Spa has an immense reflecting pool and standalone treatment rooms, with numerous signature and classic treatments. Caribbean fusion cuisine at Parallel23, A Tropical Grille, is served up by acclaimed Executive Chef, Torsten Rumprecht, formerly with world-renowned Mobil 5-Star White Barn Inn Restaurant in Kennebunkport, ME. Regent Palms Turks and Caicos, www.regenthotels.com/thepalms
& Tara Beach Suites, Aruba; Top 100 Best Luxury in the World: The Caves, Jamaica; Seven Stars Resort, Turks and Caicos; Little Arches Hotel, Barbados; Chabil Mar Villas, Belize; The Tuscany, Turks and Caicos; Jamaica Inn, Jamaica; Rock House, Bahamas; East Winds Inn, St. Lucia; and Villa Renaissance, Turks and Caicos. TripAdvisor, www.TripAdvisor.com; Caribbean Tourism Development Company (CTDC), www.CaribbeanTravel.com
ST. LUCIA’S COCONUT BAY BLENDS FAMILY FUN, ROMANCE AND ADVENTURE St. Lucia’s exotic southern coast is home to Coconut Bay Beach Resort, an all-inclusive resort able to create a complete vacation experience and mix it up for all generations. Mirrored after the island’s most famous landmarks, the twin Piton Mountains, Coconut Bay has its own set of twins, Harmony and Splash. “Harmony” is a tranquil adult-only oasis perfect for those seeking a romantic escape, with a coconut palm-fringed pool, braided hammocks and intimate daybeds. Couples can bring their vacation home after a couple’s massage class at the oceanfront Kai-Mer Spa. At the opposite side of the resort, the young at heart are drawn to “Splash,” the resort’s tropical playground featuring Kidz Klub, a paintball facility and the island’s largest water park. Guests can float in the lazy river, visit the swim-up bar or play paintball. Since Coconut Bay is all-inclusive, breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets at Coconut Walk offer guests variety and ease. Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa, 866-978-6226, www.cbayresort.com
CARIBBEAN SCORES HIGH FOR VALUE, ROMANCE, FAMILY AND LUXURY VACATIONS: TRIPADVISOR.COM
FORT YOUNG HOTEL CELEBRATES 20TH ANNIVERSARY
TripAdvisor’s annual “Traveler’s Choice” Awards for 2009 has named properties in the Caribbean among the world’s best for value, romance, family, all-inclusive and luxury vacations. The awards are based on consumer feedback from TripAdvisor’s more than 10 million members. Inclusion is reflective of the quantity and quality of reviews a hotel or resort receives. A wealth of Caribbean destinations were represented in 2009 including Aruba, the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bonaire, Jamaica, St. Lucia, St. Martin and Turks and Caicos. “TripAdvisor’s ‘Traveler’s Choice’ Awards are of particular importance to the Caribbean as they reflect the unfettered opinion of our guests without provocation or persuasion,” said Hugh Riley, interim secretary general of the Caribbean Tourism Organization. Top 100 Best Bargains in the World: Deep Blue View Intimate Resort, Bonaire; Peach and Quiet, Barbados; The Inn on the Bay, St. Lucia; and Catcha Falling Star, Jamaica; Top 10 Best AllInclusives in the World: The Caves, Jamaica; Mopan River Resort, Belize; Royal Plantation, Jamaica, Sunset at the Palms, Jamaica; and East Winds Inn, St. Lucia; Top 10 Best for Families in the World: FDR Pebbles, Jamaica; Top 10 Best for Romance in the World: The Caves, Jamaica; and Golden Tulip Bucuti Beach Resort
The Fort Young Hotel in Dominica is marking its 20th year with special celebration. Various attractive packages are available, plans are being finalized to upgrade the 31 original rooms, a book’s been published on the history of the Fort Young, and toward year’s end extensive jubilee programs are planned for both guests and Dominican residents. “We are happy to launch a wide range of new packages that will be appreciated by all guests with special expectations. Unique about the Fort Young Hotel is its diversity and we are home for many different type of guests; scuba divers, adventurers, families, culture and history seekers—who will find what they are looking for during their vacation,” Ruud van Baal, Fort Young’s General Manager explains. Recently the Fort Young Hotel launched new Adventure, Family, Honeymoon and Wedding packages; others will be added soon, and those existing for Scuba Divers and Whale Watchers continue to be available. Special promotions for the upcoming popular Dominica Carnival (Mas Dominik) and the Annual Dive Fest are also being offered. Fort Young Hotel, 800-581-2034, sales@fortyounghotel.com, www.fortyounghotel.com
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www.travelworldnews.com • Travel World News
CARIBBEAN CHRISTOPHER CALABRESE NAMED VICE PRESIDENT AND GM OF JW MARRIOTT CANCUN AND CASAMAGNA MARRIOTT CANCUN RESORTS Christopher Calabrese, a veteran of Marriott International since 1972, has been newly appointed as Vice President and General Manager of the JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa (just announced as an AAA Five Diamond Award winner for the second year in a row!) and the CasaMagna Marriott Cancun Resort. Mr. Calabrese was most recently the director general for both Cancun properties, a poCHRISTOPHER CALABRESE sition he has held since the year 2000. During his tenure at the Marriott Cancun properties, Calabrese has led the way in positioning them as award-winning hotels for discriminating travelers. As director general, Mr. Calabrese oversaw major renovations, instituted revamped guest programs and set high standards for the culinary and spa experiences. In his new position as vice president and general manager, Calabrese will continue to set high goals at the two properties in order to ensure that all guests continue to receive the utmost in personalized service and a truly unforgettable resort experience. Furthermore, in addition to Mr. Calabrese’s promotion, staffs at both hotels are celebrating the news that the JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa has been honored with the AAA Five Diamond award for the second year in a row. The AAA Five Diamond Award for hotels and restaurants is North America’s most coveted symbol of excellence in the hospitality industry and is reserved for properties that exemplify the highest levels of excellence in every facet of operation. “It had been my mission, for the past ten years, to receive the AAA Five Diamond Award, and for the JW Marriott Cancun Resort to receive this great honor now two years in a row, is spectacular,” said Mr. Calabrese. The JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa and the CasaMagna Marriott Cancun are members of the Marriott and Renaissance Caribbean & Mexico Resorts. JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa, CasaMagna Marriott Cancun, 888-PARADISE (-727-2347), www.jwmarriottcancun.com, www.casamagnacancun.com
SANDOS HOTELS & RESORTS LIGHTS UP THE STAGE WITH 2009 SPRING CONCERT SERIES Sandos Hotels & Resorts, with four all-inclusive products housed in two resort complexes on the Riviera Maya, Mexico, invites travelers to enjoy some incredible performances for 2009 Sandos concerts as part of an all-inclusive getaway. In March and April, Sandos Hotels & Resorts will feature one or more bands at each of their Riviera Maya Complexes (Playacar Complex and Caracol Complex). Concerts are included as part of Travel World News • www.travelworldnews.com
the hotel’s all-inclusive plan, and will be presented at each of the property’s theaters. Taking place on March 27 at Sandos Playacar and March 28 at Sandos Caracol will be Black Dog’s “Tribute to Led Zeppelin.” Performances will include all of Zeppelin's classic anthems using many of the same musical instruments such as a harmonica, violin bow and keyboards to recreate the signature sound. On April 27 at Sandos Playacar and April 28 at Sandos Caracol, Tokyo Road will present “Tribute to Bon Jovi.” Tokyo Road is Houston's only Bon Jovi Tribute Band. Guests will enjoy chart-topping singles such as Bad Medicine, Raise Your Hands, Wanted and many more. An all-inclusive Sandos Hotels & Resorts vacation features access to the concert events; all meals and beverages; sporting activities; water sports; use of the fitness center and spa; daily activities program; water and beach activities; supervised “Kids Club” and a “Teen Club;” nightly entertainment and entrance to the disco; and all hotel taxes and service charges. Rates vary based on travel dates. Sandos Hotels & Resorts, 866-887-5601, www.sandoshotels.com
BLUEBAY RESORTS APPOINTS ROBERTO CINTRÓN A SALES MANAGER BlueBay Resorts has announced that Roberto Cintrón has joined its team as Sales Manager for USA, E-commerce and Mexico. Roberto will provide key account support and business development for the BlueBay and Hotetur Resorts in the Caribbean. He brings extensive management experience in the hotel industry to his new post—with an emphasis in sales for variROBERTO CINTRON ous operations in Mexico. In addition to serving as Groups and Conventions Manager at Melia Turquesa Cancun, he’s held sales management positions at Camino Real Cancun for both Groups and Conventions and Tour and Travel. He was named Best Groups and Conventions Manager (a national award) in 1999 by Destinos y Convenciones Magazine. He served as Director of Sales at Camino Real Loreto, Camino Real Huatulco, Costa Club Acapulco, El Cozumeleño Beach Resort at Cozumel, and Grand Coco Bay all-inclusive resort at Playa del Carmen. Mr. Cintrón was born in Mexico City and attended schools in Cancun and the USA. His high-school studies were with Lyman Ward Military Academy at Camp Hill in Alabama, where he graduated fourth in his class and was offered scholarship to a military college. He opted to pursue Communications and a marketing major at the Anahuac University of North Mexico. He currently lives in Cancun with his wife Ana and their two sons. BlueBay Hotels and Resorts, www.bluebayresorts.com MARCH 2009•
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LATIN AMERICA
Buenos Aires Attracts with Its Diversity PETER LOWY
An Introductory Itinerary Buenos Aires is too large to conquer in one visit, but first-time travelers can get a good introduction over the course of a 30 • MARCH 2009
PETER LOWY
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grand city in the European style – with tree lined streets, numerous parks and plazas, outdoor cafes, wide boulevards, and perhaps the most diverse architecture found in any city – Buenos Aires is a sensory treat. Considered by many as the cultural capital of South America, Buenos Aires is friendly, welcoming, multicultural, and never seems to sleep – which is probably why, in 2007 and 2008, it garnered the Conde Nast Traveler’s Readers Choice Awards as the top city to visit in South America. North Americans in recent years have accounted for about 10% of tourists visiting Argentina’s capital, with the number of arrivals from the U.S. and Canada in 2008 up about 5.5% over 2007. Situated on the Rio de la Plata, the widest river in the world, this city of 13 million offers an appealing climate year-round. Buenos Aires is a featurefilled, affordable destination at any time, and may have special appeal for tourists looking to escape the cold northern winter but who want more than a beach vacation. The cuisine of Buenos Aires is astonishingly varied. The justly famous Argentine beef, of course, tops the menu, most particularly asado – wood-fired, barbecued beef. As befits a world capital, Spanish, Italian, German, French fare and new fusion styles such as Peruvian-Japanese are readily available. In advance of next year’s 200th anniversary of Argentina’s May Revolution, Buenos Aires is undertaking many improvements, including the complete renovation of Teatro Colon, one of the world’s great opera houses.
Highly ornamented doorway on the Calle Florida pedestrian street in downtown Buenos Aires displays some of the wide variety of the city’s architecture.
few days or a week. A five-line metro system, 144 bus routes, and ever-present black and yellow taxis make getting around the city easy. No matter where one goes in Buenos Aires, architecture dominates. From the Italianate portico of the presidential palace of Casa Rosado (Pink House) in Plaza de Mayo to the super modern high rises side-by-side to refurbished warehouses that house cafes and cultural centers in the old port area of Puerto Madero, the city provides a visual feast. Barry Goldsmith, professor of architecture at New York University, says, “Whatever the style of architecture – be it Spanish colonial, neo-classical, neobaroque, neo-gothic, French, Italian, English, art deco, or art nouveau – Buenos Aires has it, and frequently all of the above styles in a single building. No where else will you find anything like this.” The downtown business district, known as Microcentro, provides a central base for exploring the city. While
many excellent hotels abound, the Park Tower Hotel, part of Starwoods’ Luxury Collection near Plaza San Martin, offers outstanding amenities, having won the 2007 and 2008 Travel & Leisure Award for best hotel in Latin America. Calle Florida, the city’s famed pedestrian shopping street, is a five-minute walk away, and provides a good introduction to the constantly busy street life. Avenida 9 de Julio. Named to honor the country’s independence from Spain in 1816, this is the widest avenue in any city in the world – at 130 meters – and essentially divides the city. On it are the Teatro Colon and the Obelisk at Plaza de la Republica, built in 1936 to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the founding of Buenos Aires. Palermo Soho. Appropriately named after its New York counterpart, this recently gentrified area offers numerous off-beat stores and cafes and is a great locale for walking, shopping, and people watching. Although always active, it really comes alive around 11 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday. La Recoleta Cemetery. Located in the exclusive Recolata neighborhood, this museum cemetery is reminiscent of Père Lachaise in Paris. Mirroring the country’s history, it is the final resting place of some of Argentina’s most historical figures. Buried in vaults of widely varying architectural styles are ex presidents, heavyweight boxer Luis Firpo, artists, scientists, Nobel Prize winners, and Eva Peron, who only relatively recently was allowed to be buried in her father’s family tomb – some 50 years after she died. San Telmo. Plaza Dorrego in the heart of this old Buenos Aires neighborhood is host to outdoor cafes and, on Sundays, the bustling San Telmo Antiques Fair which features hundreds of vendors and people doing the Tango in the street. For a more formal presentation of Argentina’s national dance,
www.travelworldnews.com • Travel World News
LATIN AMERICA head to La Ventana nearby. In addition to a tantalizing Tango performance, this brick-lined, dinner-theatre restaurant offers a memorable evening of folk music and an electrifying performance of the gaucho’s skills with the boleadoras, weighted cords used to round up cattle. La Boca. Sometimes called the Little Italy of Buenos Aires, this picturesque neighborhood of brightly colored buildings is full of restaurants and galleries, particularly on El Caminito, its main street. While sipping your afternoon cortado (espresso coffee with warm milk) at a sidewalk cafe you’ll likely be entertained by a couple dancing the Tango. Malba Museum and Evita Museum. Buenos Aires has a rich variety of museums, but these two, small in scale, are especially worth a visit. The former displays the works of 20th century Argentine and South American artists; the latter tells the life story of Eva Peron. Arguably one of the most politically important persons in Argentine history, though she was not a politician, Peron still remains controversial. Tigre. This unique, jungle-like web of tributaries and islands along the Paraná Delta, a short train ride from downtown Buenos Aires, is a popular getaway for locals – as a day trip or vacation spot. Be sure to take the 90-minute boat trip along the waterways and follow it up with an asado grill luncheon at the Lo de Negri restaurant.
Getting There American Airlines has two flights a day from Miami to Buenos Aires’ Ezeiza Airport and now offers flat-bed service in business class. In addition to daily flights from Dallas, the airline last fall increased the New York–Buenos Aires run from once a day to 12 times a week. This will continue through April after which American will decide whether to keep or modify the schedule.
Argentina Tourism Office, www.argentina.travel Travel World News • www.travelworldnews.com
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LATIN AMERICA
Rio de Janeiro’s ToursBrasil Greets Hard Times by Going High Upscale MARK ZUSSMAN
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very business in the travel industry is going to have to come up with its own way of staying afloat during the deepening world financial crisis and, in relation to the important North American market, the Rio de Janeirobased destination management company ToursBrasil has decided to go with the formula of quality over quantity. No need to translate the terms really, since everyone knows what they mean. The strapped middle class is simply going to have to be put on hold over the short term. People who are struggling to keep up home payments, car payments, credit card payments and kids’ tuition just aren’t going to be coming to Brazil this year, forget the siren song of one of the world’s most gorgeous tropical coastlines, the lure of the Amazon rain forest, the richness of the cultural life. Wave pictures of Rio beaches in front of people who are worrying at night about whether their jobs are even going to be there in the morning and you make the hurt even worse. Instead, go after that much smaller population that has still, for whatever reason, escaped the rampant carnage and offer them something really exclusive and special. ToursBrasil has a list of about a dozen pampering, high-end hideaways for this purpose — resorts and small hotels — most of them right at water’s edge at various strategic points along the approximately 5,000 miles of Brazilian coast. One is the Tivoli Eco Resort in the lovely little beach town of Praia do Forte just a short distance north of the international airport in Salvador. Take it easy on the sand and in the water or drive into town for a taste of the exoticism that has made some people call Salvador the black Rome. Another option, the Txai Resort, in a somewhat remote area of coconut 32 • MARCH 2009
The Pestana resort at Angra dos Reis.
groves and old cacao plantations, on the state of Bahia’s southern coast, offers spa treatments of various kinds as well as all the usual ocean and swimming pool diversions, horseback riding, rafting, mountain biking, visits to the nearby town of Itacaré and other gentle excursions.
Angra, Búzios, Floripa Many clients of course would just as soon take their leisure at a shorter distance from the great southern cities of São Paulo and Rio, and for these folks ToursBrasil proposes the Pestana Beach Bungalows on a glorious bay of several hundred islands at Angra dos Reis, a couple of hours’ drive away from Rio to the west, or the even more intimate Trópico de Capricórnio with its panoramic views of many a nearby beach on the Búzios peninsula, a couple of hours’ drive away from Rio to the east. “It’s a rare North American who knows the three southern Brazilian states of Rio Grande do Sul, Paraná and Santa Catarina at all,” says ToursBrasil
founder and president Abraham Peczenik. “But there’s an excellent reason to correct that deficiency, and that’s the Costão do Santinho Resort and Spa on Santinho Beach at the edge of SC’s island capital of Florianópolis. The facilities are beautiful. The island has 42 beaches.” But consult ToursBrasil for the full list of featured properties and to help find the right one for any particular traveler. In addition to working traditional markets in North American and Western Europe, Mr. Peczenik has been imaginative in recent years in also developing emerging markets in Russia, in the former SSRs and in Eastern Europe. On behalf of his Russian clients, many of them not just absurdly wealthy but liking to travel in extended family groups and to pass a month or so not in a hotel but in a large rented beachside house, he has developed a sizable inventory of such properties at numerous points along the Brazilian coastline — and also of small luxury inns that the Russians can take over lock, stock and barrel. This is not the way most North Americans prefer to travel necessarily, but for any who might like to give the approach a shot, the product is now available. Mr. Peczenik has been toying with a new slogan for his company as well. He doesn’t have it in final form yet, but translated from Portuguese into English, it goes kind of like this: Don’t just put more years into your life, put more life into your years. The life in this last phrase doesn’t need any more translating than the word “quality” does. But for anyone in doubt, life here means Brazil. Put more Brazil into your years.
ToursBrasil, www.toursbrasil.com.br, toursbrasil@toursbrasil.com.br www.travelworldnews.com • Travel World News
LATIN AMERICA U.S. CARRIERS FOCUSING ON COLOMBIA JetBlue Airways recently inaugurated its first flight to South America with daily, nonstop service between Orlando, Florida and Bogota, Colombia, originating at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). The inaugural flight January 29 marked a trend in new, convenient air service to Colombia’s top destinations. Just prior, Delta Airlines began daily, nonstop flights between JFK and Bogota, Colombia. This follows on the heels of two new flights launched by Spirit Airlines from Fort Lauderdale, Florida to Cartagena and Bogota respectively in March and June 2008. Spirit has announced its strategy to further expand in Colombia in 2009 with new service to Medellin starting in March and plans to launch flights to Armenia and the Island of San Andres in the following months. “Connecting the largest cities in the United States to Colombia is something we’re very excited about,” says Nubia Stella, Vice President Tourism Proexport Colombia. “In the past year, Colombia has experienced incredible growth from the U.S. with travelers eager to discover a wide array of refreshing and new experiences in one of Latin America’s most unexplored regions. With the added flight service from the U.S., we expect this growth to continue steadily over the coming years.” In 2008, Colombia welcomed approximately 1,000,000 foreign tourist arrivals. Colombia’s leading destinations include Cartagena de Indias, Bogota, Medellin and Cali. Colombia Official Tourism Portal, www.colombia.travel.com; Proexport, www.proexport.com
Global Encounters’ signup page on the website links to a demonstration video and provides a short survey/series of questions that will show how the new system can easily streamline and improve operations for agents. “This system has emerged from our DMC’s logistical need for a tool that eases the work of organizing dynamic and customized travel requests for our clients and travelers. The system provides ease of access to information on excursions, hotels, and tour circuit possibilities for multiple countries through Latin America. My favorite feature rests in the state-of-the-art technology which allows sales people to customize any itinerary online with their passenger,” says Marc Harrison, Global Encounter’s Sales Director. “Now that the Beta phase is over and we have tested it with some of our current clients, it’s time to offer this free system to any company that looks to begin effectively selling destinations in Latin America, or that is dissatisfied with their current Latin America Provider,”Harrison added. The free Global Encounters Latin America Travel System will start seeking out users in March, applying results from the survey questions and Beta group, recognizing companies’ specific concerns and requirements. Global Encounters, www.globalencounters.com
GLOBAL ENCOUNTERS WILL OFFER FREE USE OF NEW TRAVEL SYSTEM TO U.S AGENCIES Global Encounters, the Latin America travel holding company that operates CAT DMC and Class Adventure Travel, is in final stages of development, set to start sharing a new cutting-edge Latin America Travel System with all interested agencies. Global Encounters has developed a system designed to integrate 21st-century technology with the boom in Latin American travel due to its recognizable proximity to the US and reduced overall cost. Global Encounters will allow travel agencies around the world to quote with speed and ease as well as build thousands of customizable itineraries and, in the process, revolutionize agencyclient interactions. Companies interested in or already selling travel in Latin America should consider themselves prime candidates for this new system, which will allow agencies and its users to make realtime adjustments to itineraries. The drag-and-drop feature changes any itinerary at the click of a button, so agents and clients can construct a tour and make adjustments to it instantly. Travel World News • www.travelworldnews.com
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LATIN AMERICA LAS ALCOBAS IS MEXICO CITY’S NEWEST SMALL LUXURY HOTEL
Las Alcobas, just opened last month, is a new hospitality venture in Mexico City’s posh Polanco district. The intimate 35-room, seven-story property crafted by acclaimed interior design duo Yabu Pushelberg (whose client base includes Prada, Louis Vuitton, Four Seasons, W Hotels and Thompson Hotels) reflects the property’s namesake—“the alcoves” in Spanish, expressing a modern sensibility infused with warmth and texture. Business and leisure travelers will delight in Las Alcobas’ extreme attention to privacy and seclusion, its design-savvy furnishings and residential layout and its personalized amenities.All 35 guestrooms, including the twobedroom suite and three penthouse suites featuring wraparound terraces. Room rates at Las Alcobas begin at $415 for a standard room and range to $2,500 for the penthouse suites. Las Alcobas, www.lasalcobas.com
RIU EMERALD BAY OPENING SET FOR MAY IN MAZATLÁN, MEXICO Riu Emerald Bay, the 15th RIU resort in Mexico, the 30th in the Americas and Caribbean region and first RIU resort in Mazatlán, will open its doors in May of this year. The all-inclusive beachfront resort offers 716 rooms, five restaurants, five bars, two swimming pools and three conference rooms. Located on La Playa de Bruhas, Riu Emerald Bay’s buffet dining room offers themed dinners three times a week offering dishes and 34 • MARCH 2009
entertainment from select countries. Four a la carte restaurants include: “Tabasco” featuring Mexican cuisine, “Bamboo” with its Asian dishes and “Las Gaviotas,” offering tastes from the traditional American steakhouse. Riu Emerald Bay offers a gym, table tennis, beach volleyball, windsurfing, sailing, snorkeling and kayaking equipment. A free introductory scuba lesson is available in the large freeform pool. Kids have entertainment daily, a separate pool and kids club. Adults enjoy daytime and evening entertainment, live music and complimentary access and drinks at Pacha nightclub. Available at additional charge are spa and salon services, billiards, motorized water sports, golf and horseback riding. Each guestroom has an ocean view, balcony and is complete with a complimentary mini bar with full-size liquor bottles, satellite TV, laptop-size room safe, iron and ironing board. Select rooms can interconnect and duplex double rooms with living rooms with sofa beds are available on the ground floor with an additional bedroom and bathroom on the second floor. Triple rooms are also available. Junior Suites offer larger balconies and the bathrooms feature a hydromassage bathtub, shower and bidet. Junior Suites also have a lounge area with sofa and swiveling TV. Senior Suites offer all amenities of a Junior suite plus a dressing room and a Jacuzzi on the terrace. RIU also has resorts opening this year in Guanacaste, Costa Rica; Tunisia; and Morocco. RIU Hotels & Resorts, www.Riu.com
INEXPENSIVE FAMILY GETAWAY DELIVERED BY CASAMAGNA MARRIOTT PUERTO VALLARTA CasaMagna Marriott Puerto Vallarta is making wallet-friendly family fun with its new Escape! Family promotion. The Escape! Family special has rates as low as $200 per night with newly-renovated accommodations for two adults and two children 12 and under.Included in the special price are daily complimentary breakfast, pizza and movie night, and a milk-and-cookies nightly turndown service for the little ones. Kids four to 12 years old will also enjoy complimentary entry to the resort’s Kid’s Club, where tykes are invited to learn about Mexican culture with Spanish lessons, barro-clay pottery painting, bilingual folktales, Mexican cooking lessons and more. Escape! Family is available for booking now through December 11, 2009, and requires a three-night minimum stay. For reservations when booking online, the promotional code is MAJ. Situated between the Sierra Madre Mountains and Banderas Bay in Mexico, CasaMagna Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa is one of the 100 World’s Best Hotels according to Conde Nast Traveler. CasaMagna Marriott Puerto Vallarta, 888-727-2347), www.puertovallartamarriott.com www.travelworldnews.com • Travel World News
LATIN AMERICA HACIENDA SAN ANGEL PLANS LANDMARK RENOVATION OF FORMER ELIZABETH TAYLOR RESIDENCE From a glamorous and infamous past comes an elegant and subdued future for Casa Kimberly, one of Mexico’s most famous celebrity landmarks. Once home to screen legend Elizabeth Taylor, the hilltop villa and its adjacent Burton House (which was connected to Casa Kimberly by an elevated ‘love bridge’) have been acquired by Janice Chatterton, owner-manager of Hacienda San Angel, the neighboring luxury boutique property renowned for its elegant Colonial Mexican design. The renovation of the two villas, which Chatterton expects to complete by fall, 2010, will provide 12 fully remodeled, luxurious suites, a brand-new scenic restaurant, and a renovated pool area and fitness center within a combined, cohesive property to visitors seeking lavish, private accommodations in the outstanding destination of Puerto Vallarta. Both Casa Kimberly and the Burton House were purchased by actor Richard Burton after he filmed Night of the Iguana in Puerto Vallarta in the 1960s. Post-renovation, the homes will boast a total of twelve guest suites, nine of which will offer guests private scenic terraces with spectacular views of Banderas Bay, and three of which are located adjacent to the property’s tranquil pool area. Eight of the property’s rooms will also possess private Jacuzzis. Casa Kimberly’s exclusive “Elizabeth Taylor Suite,” once the star’s personal retreat, will be accessible via private elevator, making it suitable for privacy-seeking celebrities and VIPs visiting the area. All rooms will be fully-equipped with the same museumquality artwork, rare antiques and amenities found at Hacienda San Angel. Chatterton plans to add a new, open-air scenic restaurant, and will fully renovate all additional interior common areas, including courtyards (which will be re-landscaped and filled with artisancrafted fountains and sculpture), the property’s pool (which will be decorated with hand-painted Mexican tiles and sculpture) and the property’s fitness center. Hacienda San Angel, Janice@haciendasanangel.com, www.haciendasanangel.com
Travel World News • www.travelworldnews.com
‘FLY FREE’ PACKAGES AT THE TIDES RIVIERA MAYA AND THE TIDES ZIHUATANEJO OFFER AIRFARE CREDITS WITH PREMIUM ACCOMMODATIONS ‘Fly Free’ Packages at The Tides Riviera Maya and The Tides Zihuatanejo Offer Airfare Credits with Premium Accommodations If an unpredictable economy is making vacationing seem a touch extravagant, The Tides Riviera Maya and The Tides Zihuatanejo offer a couple of irresistible choices in Mexico with significant airfare reimbursements—$500 to $1,500 per person! Credits are based on the cost of pre-purchased airline tickets and choice of accommodations—a villa at the Caribbean-reposed Tides Riviera Maya or a suite at The Tides Zihuatanejo on the Pacific. The Tides Riviera Maya on Playa Xcalacoco is an eco-conscious hideaway of private villas along the Caribbean waterfront. Royal Villa, from $785, has up to $500 per person airfare credit; and Tides Villa, from $1,600, up to $1,500 per person airfare credit. The Tides Zihuatanejo’s thatched palapa cabanas dot six hundred feet of private beach—Playa la Ropa, with an infinity pool at bay’s edge. Suites are within two-story, terracotta-tiled casitas, each with private terrace and intimate outdoor infinity pool, among tropical gardens and waterfalls, steps from the beach. The Lagoon Suite, from $570, has up to $500 per person airfare credit; Beach Suite, from $780 up to $700 per person airfare credit. Penthouse Suite rates are from $970, up to $800 per person airfare credit; and The Tides Suite’s rates from $1,150, with up to $1,000 per person airfare credit. There’s a limit of two per room with a required four-night minimum. Guests must book by April 30 for stays through December 18, 2009. Pre-purchased airline tickets are presented at check-in, with the credit amount deducted from room folio at checkout. No cash value; blackout dates apply; subject to availability at time of request. Promotion does not apply to groups, and is not combinable with other offers. The Tides Riviera Maya, 866-332-1672, www.tidesrivieramaya.com; The Tides Zihuatanejo, 866-905-9560, www.tideszihuatanejo.com; www.thetidesresorts.com
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LATIN AMERICA LOS SUEÑOS MARRIOTT OCEAN AND GOLFRESORT IS FOR COSTA RICA CONSERVATION
As part of a commitment to protect Costa Rica’s natural resources, Los Sueños Marriott Ocean and Golf Resort the Resort has embarked on a project to reinsert the Scarlet Macaw into its natural habitat. Tonka Bean (Dipteryx panamensis) trees, used by the macaws for nesting and food source, are being acquired for the Central Pacific area, one of the places where the birds’ presence has diminished. Laura Miranda, Los Sueños Marriott’s Marketing Manager, notes that “at this time there are nearly 450 Scarlet Macaws in the area and with the project we expect to increase their population. The goal of Los Sueños Marriott is to create a transitional center for these trees where they will be given adequate attention prior to planting them in the Central Pacific Area, where the Hotel is located,” Miranda adds. Fifty Tonka Bean trees have been planted in green areas at Los Sueños Marriott and the golf course. The Hotel is attempting to determine the feasibility of developing a nursery where the species of trees can be reproduced. Additionally, for over a year the Herradura School of Puntarenas, in conjunction with Los Sueños, has implemented an ecological beach campaign to pursue the Ecological Blue Flag Award—an award given to a beach with optimal ecological efforts and standards. Ms. Miranda states that the hotel uses sustainability environmental policies requested by the Sustainable Tourism Certificate (CST) program of the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICR) to reach their goals. The Hotel recycles 80 percent of their waste. The majority of the vegetation in the gardens is native to the area, and guests are informed about which protected areas they can visit and their conservation policies. Miranda explained that the hotel established policies on water flow regulation, biodiversity protection, fixation of gases that produce the greenhouse effect, and maintenance of scenic beauty.The hotel also has extends efforts to protect the underground hydro resource that supplies the area’s drinking water. Marriott Hotels and Resorts of Costa Rica, laura.miranda@marriotthotels.com, www.marriott.com/costarica; Los Suenos Marriott Ocean and Golf Resort, www.marriott.com/sjols 36 • MARCH 2009
NATUREAIR LAUNCHES ALTERNATIVE FUELING STATION Every liter of household cooking oil flushed down the drain pollutes nearly one million liters of Costa Rican river waters. In an effort to keep these waters clean NatureAir, the world’s first carbon neutral airline, has started Costa Rica’s first alternative fueling station, through its own aviation fueling company, Aerotica. Since December, Aerotica has been providing bio-fuel in addition to its traditional sales of aviation gas and jet fuel. The alternative fuel is produced from a mixture of recycled vegetable and cooking oils, and can be run in any vehicle accustomed to diesel. NatureAir is the first airline in Central America to run its entire ground operations equipment and fleet of diesel vehicles off this biodegradable fuel, estimated to reduce nearly 49,256 gallons of CO2 emissions a year. Most of the recycled oil comes from NatureAir employees, each of whom were given their own canisters for collecting cooking oil in their homes to later bring the previously discarded oil to Aerotica where it is then converted to bio-diesel. The fuel helps keep the country’s waters free from pollution, significantly reduces smog production, and keeps vehicle motors cleaner. Currently Aerotica is a private fueling station, but NatureAir is in talks with the government to be able to open Aerotica bio-fuel sales to other Costa Rican companies. NatureAir, www.natureair.com, blog.natureair.com
COSTA RICA’S LA MANSION INN WINS TRIPADVISOR TRAVELERS CHOICE AWARDS The 25-guestroom boutique hotel in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica, known as La Mansion Inn was chosen as a Best for Romance and Best Luxury Hotel by TripAdvisor® in its 2009 Travelers Choice® awards. La Mansion Inn plans to unveil its new East Wing this month, officially adding four more Deluxe Rooms, two Honeymoon Suites, an Open Air Sky Lounge with 360-degree view and a Gym and Billiard Room to its inventory. Located mountainside in picturesque Manuel Antonio in Central Pacific Costa Rica, the resort boasts magnificent views of the Pacific Ocean, Manuel Antonio Park and surrounding jungle. It’s the ideal destination for adventure travelers and honeymooners, with its certified wedding coordinator and planner also making it a perfect venue for destination weddings. (La Mansion Inn, it should be noted, does not allow children under 12). Resort low-season rates range from $125 to $850 plus taxes per night. In commemoration of Trip Advisor s 2009 Travelers Choice Award, La Mansion Inn is currently offering a special TripAdvisor four-night appreciation rate from $700 that includes complimentary breakfast, lunch and non-alcoholic beverages; valid from April 15 until sold out. La Mansion Inn, rosalie@lamansioninn.com, www.lamansioninn.com; TripAdvisor, www.tripadvisor.com www.travelworldnews.com • Travel World News
LATIN AMERICA K HOTELS ANNOUNCES OPENING OF COSTA RICAN HOTEL, THE BEACON ESCAZÚ Los Angeles-based K Hotels has announced the grand opening in February of The Beacon Escazú, overlooking the mountains just outside of San Jose, Costa Rica. More than a luxury resort, The Beacon Escazú represents an ultimate escape to a haven of tranquility. Featuring architecture with an exotic, vibrant Spanish aesthetic merged with old Colonial and modern design, The Beacon Escazú property includes a full-service restaurant and bar, wine cellar, and cigar room. A relaxing on-site spa and the cozy luxury of 300 thread-count Italian sheets are just a few of the upscale comforts offered by the serene boutique hotel. “This property is an ideal place for any traveler looking to explore Costa Rica and in need of complete relaxation. We are excited about having The Beacon Escazú as part of our boutique collection,” said Lara Weiss, Managing Director of K Hotels. The Beacon Escazú features The Muse Restaurant, fine international cuisine, prepared by world-renowned Chef Jean Pierre Peiny; business and fitness centers, spa facilities, outdoor pool, and luxury transportation. The hotel is located only six miles from San Jose. For the first 90 days, a special opening rate of $99 is being offered, after which rooms will be available from $189 on weekends and $229 on weekdays. K Hotels, www.k-hotels.com; The Beacon Escazú, www.mybeaconescazu.com
BLANCANEAUX LODGE OFFERS RANGE OF TRAIL WALKS IN THE MAYA FOREST Blancaneaux Lodge is usually associated with Belize’s Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve yet within a couple of miles of the lodge guests can enjoy the amazing ecological diversity of the 13,000 acres of jungle within the Noj Kaax Meen Elijio Panti National Park. A range of new half-day and full-day walking tours have been developed for all ages and abilities. Expert guides lead guests to the lodge’s own infra-red cameras that contribute data to Dr. Marcella Kelly’s jaguar density research program. The trails give easy access to the 100-plus orchid species found within a 10-mile radius of the lodge and the lodge’s guides will identify and explain medicinal plants used by the ancient Maya. Howler Monkeys, tapir, ocelot, Keel-billed Toucan are just a few of the creatures that inhabit this remote and stunningly beautiful protected area. Travelers may choose from dawn birding walks; jaguar tracking expeditions; treks to hilltop lookouts and secret waterfalls; or exciting night walks tracking the jungle’s nocturnal creatures. Blancaneaux Lodge guides are experts in exposing and explaining the wonderful secrets of the Maya Forest. Blancaneaux Lodge, www.blancaneaux.com Travel World News • www.travelworldnews.com
RIBBON-CUTTING AT HILTON GARDEN INN LIBERIA AIRPORT
Celebrating the opening last November of the first Hilton Garden Inn in Central America (as well as the fourth Hilton to open in Costa Rica in 2008) are (pictured, from left): Manny Gonzales, Director Hotel Performance Support, Hilton Garden Inn; Jacob Ascher, General Manager, Hilton Garden Inn Liberia Airport, Costa Rica; Don Ruben Pacheco, Sr. Owner, Enjoy Group; Carlos Ricardo Benavides, Minister of Tourism, Costa Rica; Andres Pacheco, Owner, Enjoy Group; and Uri Lipszyc, Owner, Solarium. Hilton Garden Inn, www.hiltongardeninn.hilton.com
THE LODGE AT BIG FALLS SCHEDULES A ‘LIVING MAYA PACKAGE’ Planned as a four-day/three-night trip to Toledo, Belize, March 28–31, The Lodge at Big Falls is including exciting surprises in its Mayan package. The Living Maya package takes visitors to the Maya Day events organized by the Tumul Kin Center of Learning in the Blue Creek village of the Toledo district. The all-day Sunday program March 29 includes a rare chance to see the ancient Mayan ball game played. The ball game had ritual associations and the Popol Vuh, the Mayan religious narrative establishes its importance, which may have included human sacrifice. There will also be a performance of the traditional Cortes dance that tells the story of the arrival of the conquistadores in Central America. The finale to the day will be a fireball game where players use sticks to strike a burning ball. Other activities throughout the celebrations include the finals of marimba and harp-playing competitions and poetry competitions. This colorful festival attended by hundreds of villagers from the district is being repeated after being successfully staged for the first time in 2008. On the second full day, guests will visit the ancient Mayan site of Lubaantun where in 1926 the famous crystal skull was discovered by Frederick and Anna Mitchell-Hedges. After leaving Lubaantun they’ll travel through Mayan villages with traditional palm thatched roofs to the Rio Blanco National Park. The package includes accommodation, all meals, and tours and transfers, and is priced at $699 ppdo plus tax; commissionable. The Lodge at Big Falls, rob@thelodgeatbigfalls.com, www.thelodgeatbigfalls.com, www.birding-belize.com MARCH 2009 •
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ISSUE NO. 249
MARCH 2009 executive office
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INDUSTRY EVENTS FITUR XXIX Faces Up to the Storm and Comes Out, Well, Not All That Badly Bruised 3
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS
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INDUSTRY NEWS Egyptian Tourist Authority Saw Healthy Increase from American Market in 2008
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FAM TRIPS
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EUROPE
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NORTH AMERICA
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editor
Jennifer M. Lane editor@travelworldnews.com design production manager
Linda Rogers linda@travelworldnews.com Maria Rebello, Accounting Manager Shawn Hebert, IT Manager Cindy Johnson, Circulation Manager Carol A. Petro, Design Consultant dive editor
CARIBBEAN The ‘Grand’ in Jamaica’s Grand Palladium
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Saborea Puerto Rico Extravagant Gastronomic Event in Caribbean
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Caribbean Marketplace Will Help Reverse Tourism Slump, Says Hotelier
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Annual Moonsplash Music Festival Set for Anguilla
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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 Buenos Aires Attracts with Its Diversity
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Rio de Janeiro’s ToursBrasil Greets Hard Times by Going High Upscale
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Los Sueños Marriott Ocean and Golf Resort Is for Costa Rica Conservation
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PROFITABLE WORLD OF NICHE MARKETS Deilmann Cruises Awarded Travel + Leisure’s ‘World’s Best’ in Small-Ship Cruise Line
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A Selection of Representation Companies Specializing in Niche Markets
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Dude Ranchers’ Association Offers Multiple Choices for Summer 2009
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Air-Inclusive Scuba and Eco-Vacations a Specialty of Caradonna Dive Adventures
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COVER PHOTO CREDIT: Latin America, Peter Lowy; Niche Markets, Dude Ranchers’ Association.
INDUSTRY EVENTS
FITUR XXIX Faces Up to the Storm and Comes Out, Well, Not All That Badly Bruised The world economy couldn’t be a whole lot worse. But, in Madrid this year, there were still many encouraging signs of life in the travel industry. MARK ZUSSMAN
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o wonder informal conversations at this year’s FITUR kept returning to the world economic crisis. FITUR is Madrid’s Feria Internacional de Turismo, or International Tourism Fair. It’s the big one — make that Big One — at the end of January that gets the annual cycle of European travel trade fairs percolating at fever pitch. What that meant this year of course is that FITUR, in its 29th edition, had the dubious honor of being the first big travel event since people have had a chance to take some measure of the damage that the world financial crisis was causing in the travel industry. What, after all, is the great fact of the travel and tourism industry, aside from its phenomenal growth in recent years? That it’s a reed in the wind. Crisis comes, people batten down, the first thing they sacrifice is non-essential gallivanting. Let’s get the negative out of the way first, then go on to the positive. The most distressing indicator of hard times at FITUR? Participation on the part of travel-related businesses was off 9 percent since the fair’s 2008 edition. Rented exhibition space fell by 13 percent. Ana Larrañaga, the director of FITUR, has been running the event for nine years. This was the first time, she said, that she had seen negative growth. FITUR, mind you, remains a giant despite this year’s contraction. FITUR this year continued to make use of all 12 pavilions at the Parque Ferial Juan Carlos I, and the vast majority of the 11,137 registered and paid-up exhibitor companies from every nook and cranny on the planet actually turned up. It was also useful to keep the losses in perspective. Ms. Larrañaga argued, for example, that “the results were a positive one for the tourism industry by comparison with what was going on in other economic sectors.” Salvador Santos Campano, the president of FITUR’s organizing committee, pointed out that the decline in sale of exhibition space was no greater than the previous edition’s gains. He further contended that many entities that in the past had mounted their own stands were still present. They were simply a touch less visible by virtue of using the umbrella of their local or regional or national tourism promotion boards. Antonio Bernabé, the general manager of Turespaña, considered the overall picture encouraging, because the industry had at least come out of the storm of 2008 alive and, even Travel World News • www.travelworldnews.com
Spanish royals, Prince Felipe and Princess Letizia pose with the folks in serapes.
without any growth over 2007, results very closely resembled those of 2006, which was “un año magnífico.” Can we assume that no translation is required there?
Novelties Among other positive signs: Participation from the AsiaPacific region was actually up by 10 percent. BosniaHerzegovina, Gabon, Nigeria and Kuwait made premier appearances at the show, and so did the official government tourist offices of Myanmar, Cambodia, the Philippines, Botswana, Kenya, Mozambique, Armenia, Georgia (the one in the Caucasus, not the one in the American South), Reunion Island (a French overseas department just east of Madagascar), and the British Virgin Islands. The Latin Americans, decked out in their brightest and, in some instances, their gaudiest colors and with the wildest, most improbably stuff piled on top of their heads, also bucked the downsizing trend. Their efforts, admittedly, were probably directed less at the travel industry pros in attendance that at the general public welcome over the FITUR weekend, but, whatever the motive, their show was all-stops-out, and it was not for nothing that the awards for best presentation went to Mexico, Guatemala, and Brazil.
Spanish Perspective Same as in the past, about half of all FITUR exhibitors this CONTINUED ON PAGE MARCH 2009 •
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INDUSTRY EVENTS FITUR XXIX
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year were from Spain itself, and the range and the depth of the offerings were much too rich to be sorted out easily. That’s why it was interesting, in the FITUR month of January 2009, to pick up Madrid’s leading newspaper, El País, and see the five home destinations that the newspaper’s editors were most enthusiastically recommending to readers. 1. Asturias. Oviedo, the capital of this province on Spain’s northern coast, has a fine Gothic cathedral and some lovely small churches. But the real draw here will be the nice little fishing ports, the off-the-beaten track villages, the mountains and the meadowy mountain valleys, the beaches, the seaside cliffs. The Tito Bustillo cave contains interesting prehistoric animal drawings, and the Peña Tu statue, or idol, in the Sierra Plana de la Borbolla is thought to be a relic of the Bronze Age. 2. Galicia. The ancient Romans thought that this region in Spain’s northwestern corner, west of Asturias, north of Portugal, was the end of the earth, and so in some respects it may seem even today. At La Coruña, the largest city hereabouts, there is even a surviving Roman lighthouse. Many visitors to the region still get here on an extended tramp to the pilgrimage site of Santiago de Compostela, sometimes starting from as far away as Southern France. Others will prefer to visit Compostela only in passing and use a rented car to explore the dramatic Costa de la Muerte, or Coast of Death, so named for its tempests and shipwrecks, the medieval villages and towns, the gorgeous and lonesome beaches. 3. Castile and León. Asturias and Galicia are mountainous. The Castile and León region is as flat as a pancake, but with a grandeur all its own. This is where the medieval walled city of Ávila, perfectly preserved, rises out of the sand-colored plain, and Segovia, not very far away, still thrills visitors with its extraordinary Roman aqueduct, its Gothic cathedral, its Romanesque churches, and its Moorish fortress. 4. Andalucía. The El País inventory makes no mention of either Madrid or Barcelona, but in Andalucía, in the Spanish south, American visitors will be back on familiar turf. Don’t like the idea of a Death Coast, as in Galicia? Come here for the Sun Coast, one of the world’s great playgrounds, but also for the great Moorish and Christian architectural monuments of Sevilla, Córdoba, and Granada and for plenty of clattering castanets. 5. The Canary Islands. Most North Americans wanting a taste of Spanish island life will head for the Balearics — for either Ibiza or Majorca. The Canaries are something else altogether. They’re off the coast of Africa and, whereas the Balearic Islands are Mediterranean, the Canaries are tropical. Water sports are high on the agenda here, along with tennis and golf, but the islands’ music and folklore and crafts are unlike any anywhere else in Spain, and ditto the cuisine.
FITUR, www.fitur.ifema.es 4 • MARCH 2009
DISCOVER AMERICA MEETS MADRID
The Discover America Pavilion made a debut appearance at this year’s FITUR with a contingent of 25 exhibitors including an impressive cluster of power players ranging from NYC & Company to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority to the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism to Harrah’s Entertainment to The New York Palace Hotel. Many another country has a National Tourism Office that serves as an umbrella at travel fairs for numerous exhibitors that prefer not to mount large stands of their own. For the United States, no such big umbrella exists as yet. For the U.S., the Discover America Pavilion, a division of B-FOR International, fills the gap. In the course of the current year, the Discover American Pavilion is also going to have put in appearances at the BIT in Milan in February, at the OTMs in Mumbai and Delhi in February, at the ITB in Berlin in March, at the MITT in Moscow in March, at the ATM in Dubai in May, at the ITB Asia in Singapore in October, at ABAV in Rio de Janeiro in October, at the WTM in London in November, and at several other such gatherings. In Madrid, the Discover America Pavilion’s occupied approximately 1600 square feet of exhibition space, and an exhibitor that drew a disproportionate amount of attention was the Department of Homeland Security. The DHS had gone along to demonstrate its new on-line Electronic System for Travel Authorization, more commonly known as ESTA, for non-U.S. citizens traveling to the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program. The idea was to allay concerns that Spaniards might have been feeling about the rigors of getting through U.S. immigration, and positive responses on the floor suggest that the effort paid off. The Discover America Pavilion, mwalsh@exhibitpro.com, www.discoveramericapavilion.com www.travelworldnews.com • Travel World News
INDUSTRY EVENTS ANNUAL TRADE SHOW BY AWTA IN WESTCHESTER The Alliance of Westchester Travel Agencies (AWTA) will stage a Trade Show at the Greentree Country Club in New Rochelle, New York, on Monday, March 30. Admission is free for all travel agents, who are urged to come and meet suppliers from 5 to 7 pm, after which there will be a complimentary dinner immediately following the show. All that’s needed is two business cards for entry. To pre-register, agents may phone 718684-2051, fax 718-684-2052, or register by email to awta1@optonline.net. Alliance of Westchester Travel Agencies (AWTA), awta1@optonline.net
vate sector from every continent. In welcoming the Summit to Brazil, Jeanine Pires, President of Embratur, noted: “The Government of Brazil, Embratur, the Brazilian Ministry of Tourism and the State of Santa Catarina have partnered with WTTC to realize the world's highest-level gathering of global industry leaders to discuss ways in which the industry can overcome the economic downturn.” Announcing his commitment to the Summit, Luiz Mór, the TAP Executive
Board Member responsible for the Commercial, Sales, Marketing and Communications departments at TAP, the national flag carrier of Portugal and the leading Portuguese airline, said “TAP is delighted to join the prestigious list of Summit partners and we look forward to providing the level of service and commitment to the Summit participants in which we at TAP pride ourselves.” Global Travel & Tourism Summit, regine.doloy@wttc.org, www.globaltraveltourism.com
WTTC ANNOUNCES THEME FOR 2009 GLOBAL TRAVEL & TOURISM SUMMIT Members of the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) met in January with the Brazilian Minister of Tourism, Luiz Barretto and President of Embratur, Jeanine Pires, along with high-level representatives of the Brazilian state of Santa Catarina and other key business leaders to unveil the theme of the 9th Global Travel & Tourism Summit: ‘Real Partnerships– Energizing Economies.’ At the launch event, WTTC’s President and CEO Jean-Claude Baumgarten outlined WTTC’s provisional estimates for the industry’s economic impact in 2008 and 2009. “The deterioration in the macroeconomic environment and the marked slowdown in the monthly indicators of tourism activity in the last months of 2008 resulted in a much more pronounced cycle in Travel & Tourism Economy GDP than envisaged in January 2008,” Baumgarten noted. The theme of the 9th Global Travel & Tourism Summit, which will be held in Santa Catarina’s state capital, Florianópolis, is therefore all the more pertinent, and it has been acclaimed as an exemplary public-private partnership as it will bring together national, state and local governments from Brazil and other parts of the world, together with leaders of the priTravel World News • www.travelworldnews.com
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INDUSTRY EVENTS SOUTH AFRICAN AIRWAYS ANNOUNCES $599 TRAVEL INDUSTRY FARES FOR INDABA South African Airways (SAA), South Africa’s flagship airline, has announced a special fare of $599 round trip (excluding taxes and fuel surcharges; limited seating) for travel from New York JFK or Washington, D.C., to Durban, South Africa, for industry delegates attending Indaba, Africa’s premier travel and trade exhibition.
JAPEX
Indaba will take place May 9–12 at the Albert Luthuli International Convention Center in Durban. “We offer this low fare as an opportunity for travel agents and industry partners to make a small investment in their business that could later translate into larger profits. Attending Indaba will go a long way toward making that happen,” said Todd Neuman, vice president of sales for SAA in North America. South African Airways, 800-722-9675, www.flysaa.com
2009
The Jamaica Product Exchange
Jamaica’s Premier Hospitality & Tourism Trade Show May 11-14, 2009
Ritz Carlton Golf & Spa Resort, Jamaica Staged annually in one of Jamaica’s key tourism centres, JAPEX provides a unique opportunity for the international travel trade to meet, network, negotiate, conduct business and experience first-hand, the diverse offerings of Jamaica’s hospitality and tourism industry. JAPEX brings together worldwide buyers and sellers from every sector of Jamaica’s tourism industry. To participate, contact:
The Jamaica Hotel & Tourist Association 2 Ardenne Road, Kingston 10, Jamaica Tel: (876) 926-3635-6 - Fax: (876) 929-1054 Email: info@jhta.org 6 • MARCH 2009
ANNUAL CARIBBEAN HOTEL & TOURISM INVESTMENT CONFERENCE IN BERMUDA APRIL 14–16 With record-breaking attendance and more than $100 billion in investment in the Caribbean announced at the 2008 convention, the 13th Annual Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Investment Conference (CHTIC) slated for April 14–16 at the Fairmont Southampton in Bermuda will build on that momentum when it brings together hoteliers, tourism officials, developers, bankers and other lenders to discuss and plan investment strategies for the Caribbean. The Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association (CHTA), the event’s organizer, is developing the conference program to include vital topics impacting today’s tourism marketplace. Session subjects will include: Outlook for the Caribbean, New Capital/Equity Sources, How to Develop and Operate a ‘Green’ Product, Devising and Implementing ‘Green’ Destination Strategies, Investing in the Caribbean, The Resort/Vacation Ownership/Real Estate Component, Managing Debt While Building a Hotel in Today’s Economy, Asset Management and Value Preservation, and Putting Together the Timeshare/Fractional Deals. “As demonstrated at last year’s CHTIC, there is a strong interest in investing in the Caribbean region and we are providing a forum for investors to hear about the opportunities available within our countries.” said Enrique De Marchena, president of CHTA. CHTA registration rates are $975 for members and $1,075 for non-members. Delegates can register for the conference via the CHTA website. CHTIC was founded by CHTA and CTO in 1997 with the specific objectives of improving the tourism investment and operating climate in the Caribbean, raising awareness of development opportunities and stimulating a continuing flow of equity and loan capital into the region. Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association (CHTA), events@caribbeanhotelandtourism.com, www.caribbeanhotelandtourism.com www.travelworldnews.com • Travel World News
INDUSTRY EVENTS VACATION.COM’S ANNUAL CONFERENCE HAS NEW PROGRAM
UMA AND NTA PLAN TO CO-LOCATE ANNUAL CONVENTIONS AND TRADE SHOWS The United Motorcoach Association (UMA), representing the bus and motorcoach industry, and the National Tour Association, tourism professionals from the packaged travel industry, announce a plan to explore co-locating their two annual conferences, UMA Motorcoach Expo and the NTA Annual Convention, to strengthen the industry and refocus the industry’s event calendar.
Travel World News • www.travelworldnews.com
BILL CANCELLARE JR.
Vacation.com® plans to stage extensive training and supplier seminars at their 11th International Conference & Trade Show June 16–20 at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. Key enhancements to their products will be shown including EZguider’s upcoming airline displays, the Engagement marketing program’s ability to target travelers with discretionary income and new client acquisition programs via e-Engagementplus. Attendees will have opportunities to train on EZguider and exclusive products like e-Engagementplus. Attendees will also be able to garner insights from Vacation.com’s Preferred Suppliers, as well as a VIP Industry Panel moderated by Travel Weekly’s Arnie Weissmann. Vacation.Com, www.AgentNet.com/conference
ASTA WINTER FESTIVAL
The New York ASTA (American Society of Travel Agents) recently held their annual “Winter Festival” at Tavern on the Green. Pictured from Left to Right: is the new Board of Directors: Barbara Columbo, ASTA VP, Bronx; Bob Paradiso, NY ASTA VP, NYC; Simone bassous, ASTA VP, NYC; Allice Tillem, Chairperson; Ralph Vasami, Treasurer; Barbara Jathas, NY ASTA President; Migdalla Cruz, ASTA VP, Brooklyn. NTA currently hosts the Destination and Attractions aisle at UMA Motorcoach Expo, while UMA reciprocates by sponsoring the motorcoach exhibits during NTA’s Convention. The two associations share members with common customers, and group travel passengers, as well as common challenges and opportunities. United Motorcoach Association (UMA), www.uma.org; National Tour Association (NTA), www.NTAonline.com
MARCH 2009 •
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2009•CALENDAR OF EVENTS DATE
EVENT
LOCATION
APRIL 2-6 Cruise 3sixty 4-8 Travel South 2009 9-12 Ecuador Verde 14-16 CHTIC 2009 15-16 Cultour 15-17 IT&CM 20-22 DATE 2009 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 7-10 IGLTA Annual Convention 9-12 Indaba 2009 10-12 GTM 2009 11-14 JAPEX 2009 13-15 Expotur 2009 15-16 WTTC Global Economic Forum 16-19 POW WOW 2009 17-19 Global Spa Summit 2009 17-22 ATA 34th Annual Congress 18-19 EMIF 2009 19-22 RTD-3 20-22 SMART 2009 21 LATAM Show 2009 26-28 IMEX JUNE 3-5 Asia Tourism Resort & Attraction 2009 4-6 NTA Tour Operator Spring Meeting 11-14 ITE 2009 15-16 City Break 15-18 Asia Luxury Travel Market JULY 29-31 DMAI Annual Convention SEPTEMBER 8-10 CIBTM 9-11 La Cumbre 22-25 Top Resa 23-25 Travelmart Latin America 28-29 MITM Euromed 29-Oct 1 The Motivation Show 2009 OCTOBER 10-11 Adventures in Travel Expo 25-30 ADHT 2009 20-22 Adventure Travel World Summit NOVEMBER 7-11 ICCA Exhibition 9-12 WTM 14-18 NTA Annual Convention TO LIST YOUR EVENTS EMAIL :
8 • MARCH 2009
CONTACT
Fort Lauderdale, FL Kissimmee, FL Quito, Ecuador Hamilton, Bermuda Dusseldorf, Germany Shanghai, China Punta Cana, DR Beijing, China New Delhi, India Lima, Peru Acapulco, Mexico
www.cruise3sixty.com www.travelsouthusa.com www.turismoverdeecuador.com/ www.caribbeanhotelandtourism.com www.cultourfair.com www.itcmchina.com www.drdate.net www.cottm.com www.satte.org www.perutravelmart.com.pe www.tianguisturistico.com.mx
Dubai, UAE Barcelona, Spain Toronto, Canada Durban, South Africa Rostock, Germany Ocho Rios, Jamaica San Jose, Costa Rica Florianopolis, Brazil Miami, FL Interlaken, Switzerland Cairo, Egypt Brussels, Belgium Belize St. Maarten, NA Miami, FL Frankfurt, Germany
www.arabiantravelmarket.com www.salotourisme.com www.iglta.com www.indaba-southafrica.co.za/default.aspx www.germany-travel-mart.de info@jhta.org www.expotur.travel www.globaltraveltourism.com www.powwowonline.com www.globalspasummit.com www.africatravelassociation.org www.emif.ru www.icrtbelize.org www.shta.com www.latamshow.com www.imex-frankfurt.com
Shanghai, China Monterey, CA Hong Kong, China Gothenburg, Sweden Shanghai, China
www.tourism-attraction.com www.ntaonline.com www.itehk.com www.citybreakexpo.com www.altm.com.cn/
Atlanta, GA
www.destinationmarketing.org
Beijing, China San Juan, Puerto Rico Paris, France Pantagonia, Chile Oviedo, Spain Chicago, IL
www.cibtm.travel www.lacumbre.com www.topresa.com www.travelmartlatinamerica.com www.mitmeuromed.com www.motivationshow.com
New York City, NY Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania Quebec, Canada
www.adventureexpo.com www.adht.net www.adventuretravelworldsummit.com
Florence, Italy London, England Reno, NV
www.iccaworld.com www.wtmlondon.travel www.ntaonline.com
editor@travelworldnews.com •
FOR ADDITIONAL EVENTS VISIT:
www.travelworldnews.com/calendar
www.travelworldnews.com • Travel World News
INDUSTRY NEWS HILTON HOTELS CORPORATION ANNOUNCES APPOINTS BILL DUNCAN SENIOR VP, BRAND MANAGEMENT FOR ITS HOMEWOOD SUITES AND HOME2 SUITES Hilton Hotels Corporation (Hilton) has appointed Bill Duncan to Senior Vice President, Brand Management for the Homewood Suites by Hilton and newly-launched Home2 Suites by Hilton™ brands. He replaces Rebecca Wyatt, who left the company to be with family in Atlanta. “Bill has held nearly every role imaginable on both the management and brand sides of hotel operations and has practical experience in the nuances of the extended-stay segment,” said Phil Cordell, Global Head of Focused Service Brands, Hilton Hotels Corporation. Duncan is responsible for product development, marketing and growth of the two brands. Based at Hilton’s Memphis Operations Center, he is also responsible for brand management planning and development, and overseeing all programs designed to increase occupancy and enhance owner satisfaction. Previously, Duncan was Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Homewood Suites for 10 years, where he BILL DUNCAN directed strategy and implementation in the areas of sales, marketing, public relations, quality, guest retention, and development support. He also served as Vice President of Hotel Performance Support for the brand, where he oversaw the growth and productivity of revenue management, product service and development, brand performance support, and financial management and profitability. A 27-year industry veteran, Duncan began his career as a hotel management trainee and rose rapidly to key executive positions. With practical sales management experience and expertise in all market segments, he’s held a variety of management positions with the Embassy Suites and Homewood Suites brands, as well as with Hilton Family marketing. Duncan holds a BA in Business Administration (major in marketing, minor management) from Texas A&M. He’s on the board of directors of the National Coalition for the Homeless and several nonprofits in the Memphis area. Last month, he was honored with the Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association’s “Top 25 Extraordinary Minds in Sales & Marketing” award at the organization’s 52nd annual Adrian Awards. Hilton Hotels Corporation; Homewood Suites by Hilton, 800-CALL-HOME (-225-5466), www.homewoodsuites.com; Home2 Suites, www.Home2Suites.com
Travel World News • www.travelworldnews.com
MARCH 2009 •
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INDUSTRY NEWS ARTA ELECTS LYNN HAYES, CTC, MCC AS CHAIRMAN AND RE-BRANDS WITH NEW LOGO At its first board meeting of 2009, held at the Hilton Hotel, ARTA elected Lynn Hayes, CTC, MCC (CWT Vacations, formerly Piedmont Travel, Greenville, SC) as Chairman. Hayes was previously ARTA Chairman from 1997-2000. Other ARTA Executive Committee officials newly elected include Jane Dever (Crosby Cruises & Tours, Florida, NY) as Vice Chairman; Carol Young, CTC (Experience Travel, Hixon, TN) as Secretary; John Faulds, CTC (Travel Destinations, Scottsdale, AZ) as Treasurer; and Nancy Linares, CTC (Holidays ’N Travel, Austin, TX) as Member-At-Large. ARTA’s executive committee reflects both continuity of leadership and a deep commitment to take ARTA successfully into the future. Also all-new is ARTA’s corporate identity. ARTA has re-branded its organizational identity with a new logo and complementary banners. Using a “compass metaphor,” ARTA seeks to convey its goal of assisting travel agencies in navigating a profitable travel agency and the association’s leading the way through advocacy, educaLYNN HAYES tion, and strengthening the travel agency sales and distribution channel. The Association of Retail Travel Agents (ARTA) is the largest non-profit association in North America that represents travel agents exclusively. It’s headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, and is the strategic partner of Canadian-based ARTA Canada. ARTA, 800-969-6069, pat@artaonline.com
ROMANTIK PRESIDENT ROLAND ZADRA HOTELIER OF THE YEAR 2009 Roland Zadra, owner of the Romantik Hotel Landschloss Fasanerie in Zweibruecken and president of Romantik Hotels & Restaurants International, was named Hotelier of the Year 2009 by the Allgemeine Hotel & Gaststaetten Zeitung (AHGZ) and the publishing house Deutscher Fachverlag during a gala event in Berlin in January. Since 1990 this most important hospitality industry award in Germany is bestowed on an individual who renders outstanding services to the hospitality industry. The main criteria are the pursuit of continuity, the courage to take risks, a spirit of innovation and enduring economic success. All of the above can be found in the South Tyrolean born Roland Zadra. In 1993 he took over the Romantik Hotel Landschloss Fasanerie in Zweibruecken, a country manor he was enamored with from the beginning. Today he calls it “a refuge from daily routine” and continues the tradition of an inviting country estate seamlessly. Roland Zadra has always considered the training and promotion of young employees as very important, not only ROLAND ZADRA in his own hotel, but also within Romantik Hotels & Restaurants International and hence within the European hospitality industry. He expressed his gratitude to his family and his employees, because without them he would not be able to transform these admirable goals into real life projects. For 37 years, Romantik Hotels & Restaurants in 11 European countries have been offering discerning guests a wide selection of 200 historic and award winning properties: country inns and city mansions, castles and palaces, manor houses and cottages. Regionally influenced gourmet cuisine plays a very important role at Romantik Hotels & Restaurants—20 of the chefs have been awarded Michelin stars, over 60 hold 14 points or more at the prestigious Gault Millau gourmet guide. A tip for Spa aficionados: 62 hotels in five countries meet the criteria of the proprietary Romantik Wellness seal and offer a variety of treatments in a relaxing atmosphere. Romantik Hotels & Restaurants, www.romantikhotels.com
ANNOUNCING A NEW SWISS FIRST CLASS: A SUITE ABOVE THE CLOUDS Starting this spring, SWISS will gradually introduce a new First Class cabin in conjunction with its fleet renewal program. The focal point is the new SWISS First seat offering exclusive design, top in-flight comfort, and extensive privacy. “With our new First Class, we’re setting new benchmarks for individual travel in an exclusive in-flight environment,” says Christoph Beckmann, Chief Marketing and Product Officer. “Our ‘suite above the clouds’ underlines SWISS’ positioning as a top-quality airline, and marks a further consistent step in our ongoing quality drive, both on the ground and in the air.” With numerous settings and comprehensive adjustability, the new SWISS First Seat offers excellent in-flight comfort that can be specifically tailored to each guest’s individual preferences. The spacious surroundings and adjustable sidewalls provide extensive privacy, while sophisticated lighting and the contemporary-yet-warm SWISS design combine to create a pleasant sense of space. As a further bonus, the unique guest seat, complete with backrest and armrests, enables the First Class customer to dine or work with a fellow traveler at a generously proportioned table. The SWISS First seat can be reclined at the touch of a button into a totally lie-flat bed that is more than six feet long. It is also equipped with a down-filled duvet, and incorporates an innovative pneumatic air cushion that can be adjusted to individual preferences in any seating position. Further extras include a 23-inch in-flight entertainment screen, and generous work surfaces and storage facilities. SWISS, 877-FLY SWISS (-359-7947), www.swiss.com 10 • MARCH 2009
www.travelworldnews.com • Travel World News
INDUSTRY NEWS
Egyptian Tourist Authority Saw Healthy Increase from American Market in 2008
A
merican tourism to Egypt showed a dramatic increase of arrivals in 2008 over the previous year according to an announcement made by the Hon. Zoheir Garranah, Egypt’s Minister of Tourism. “We had 319,000 thousand visitors from the US last year, representing a 17-percent increase.” According to Hon. Garranah, “Egypt is optimistic that despite the challenging economic climate, this growth will continue because we have an excellent, diverse, high-quality tourism product that offers Americans great value for the dollar.” The Minister added, “We are ZOHEIR GARRANAH confident that the travel industry will bounce back and we will be ready. We have modernized our airports, ports, roads and we are now working on our railway networks. Regarding hotel investment, Egypt has been very successful in attracting international investment in tourism. It is interesting to note that the US has the largest market share among foreign hotel management companies. By the end of 2008, we had 211,000 rooms with 156,000 under construction, 70 percent of which are at Egypt’s coastal resorts.” Egypt is hosting four major US-based travel industry organizations within an eight-month period, and that will ensure the popularity of that destination in America. Mr. Sayed Khalifa, Director, Egyptian Tourist Office in New York, noted that “the American Tourism Society (ATS) held a conference in Cairo in October, 2008. This spring we are hosting the Society of American Travel Writers (SATW) Freelance Council February 2–10, 2009, the United States Tour Operator Association (USTOA) Executive Council in March 2–11, 2009 and the Annual Africa Travel Association International Congress, May 17–21, 2009.” Egypt Air, now a partner in the Star Alliance, has been offering special rates for delegates to these industry conferences. Much of this optimism is supported by US-based tour operators. Robert Whitley, President, USTOA, said “In these times when many Americans are cutting back on travel, the real bright spot is Egypt which has enjoyed growth while other destinations have had declines. USTOA is excited about going to Egypt with the hope that more tour operators will inTravel World News • www.travelworldnews.com
clude Egypt in their programs and tour operators who currently have Egypt programs will expand their product.” Phil Otterson, Sr. VP External Affairs, Tauck World Discovery and President, the American Tourism Society (ATS), said “Exotic destinations that offer value for the dollar, such as Egypt, are doing quite well in 2009. We are very pleased that as a result of the ATS conference, some of our members who had never been to Egypt before, were so impressed with the quality of the tourism experience there, that they are now including Egypt in their tour programs.” “One of the strengths of our destination,” added Mr. Khalifa, “is that it has such a diverse range of activities and accommodation, that there are tours that appeal to the high-end luxury client as well as for those on more limited budgets.” Mohamed Anwar, President, Lotus International Tours, said “we expect an increase in traffic in 2009 despite the economic climate. At Lotus there is a demand for lower-cost trips and we can offer quality Egyptian programs for limited budgets. In fact the demand for Egypt is so high for this coming summer, that Lotus is adding one more student package to its Egyptian programs.” “2008 was an excellent year for US tourism to Egypt and we expect that 2009 will be equally as good, “said, Ronen Paldi, President, Ya’lla Tours USA. “Egypt is what we call an ‘emotional’ destination. Our clients want to go to fulfill their oncein-a-lifetime dream, to see the world famous Pyramids, take a Nile cruise stopping Luxor and Aswan. For this reason, Egypt has proven to be almost ‘recession’ proof. Ya’lla has experienced a steady flow of bookings since the New Year and we have not had to compromise our high standard or quality of our large selection of tour options.” Adam Leavitt, Vice President Marketing at Trafalgar said “Egypt tours have been growing steadily in popularity over the past few years. Our passenger numbers for 2007 Egypt tours were up 35 percent over 2006, with 2008 up 44 percent over 2007. 2009 is looking strong as well, and we are over 35 percent ahead with our 2009 bookings year to date. Given the current state of outbound international travel in general, these numbers are incredibly encouraging and speak well to another successful year for Trafalgar’s tours to this region. We see this increase in popularity as a result of both the incredible value that escorted touring provides in visiting exotic destinations as well as the desire on the part of our passenger to visit Egypt knowing that all of the details and any of their concerns are being handled by experts.”
Egyptian Tourist Authority, www.egypt.travel MARCH 2009 •
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FAM TRIPS BRAZIL South Star Tours is offering a new FAM to Brazil, a diverse, sophisticated destination enjoying popularity nowadays for its economy and scientific achievements. To ensure enough convenient choices, four inexpensive seven-day/six-night programs are planned. Agents may take up to three companions at additional cost of only $90 each! All programs include Rio de Janeiro: HD Sugar-Loaf Tour, HD Corcovado Tour, FD Tropical Islands with lunch, Rio By Night: Dinner and Samba Show. Ground transportation, taxes and service charges at hotels, daily breakfast, English-speaking guides, and the assistance of local representatives is included. Offered are Rio de Janeiro and Iguassu, from $599 ppdo; Rio de Janeiro and Buzios, from $669 ppdo; Rio de Janeiro and Angra Dos Reis, from $777 ppdo, and Rio de Janeiro and Salvador Da Bahia, from $789 ppdo. Detailed itineraries
and tour particulars are available on the website. Agents must have a valid IATAN card/IATAN list, CLIA, OSSN or valid travel business license; offer provided to a maximum of two agents per agency for the year. South Star Tours, 800-654-4468, sales@southstartours.com, www.southstartours.com
EGYPT Sunny Land Tours has prepared a fantastic FAM to Egypt that includes a luxury Nile cruise! Agents and their companions will enjoy Egypt for 10 days, departing JFK October 2 and December 4, 2009. The trip is priced from $1,090 and includes: Round trip air from JFK, all inter-Egypt domestic flights, and all airport/hotel/cruise boat transfers. Featured are a four-night deluxe Nile cruise aboard MS Carnival from Luxor to Aswan, and four nights’ deluxe accommodation in Cairo at Pyramids Intercontinental with breakfast daily and all meals during the cruise. There are excursions to Cairo with lunch (visiting Egyptian Museum), and visits to the Pyramids, Sphinx, Memphis and Sakkara with lunch. Egyptologist tour guides and all admission fees to museums and other places of interest are included; escorts throughout. This is for IATAN agents only, with up to four companions ($700 supplement each); limited space. Details are provided at www.HotFamTrips.com . Sunny Land Tours, 800-783-7839, www.sunnylandtours.com; HotFamTrips.com
KENYA Cheli & Peacock is offering a stunning scheduled Kenyan Fam this year for June 16–22 and June 24–30, 2009. The price is $850 per participant (lower cost as does not include coastal properties). Agents participating on the June Fam trips will visit Cheli & Peacock’s safari properties only. Kitich Camp is not included due to the temporary closure for refurbishment. Park/conservation fee waivers are being ne12 • MARCH 2009
gotiated with KWS and KATO. Itinery inclusions (based on 10 participants traveling in shared accommodation) are: full-board accommodation at all properties; soft drinks, beer, non-luxury spirits and house wine at all properties; game drives in 4x4 vehicles; shared private charters, scheduled flights, airport/airstrip transfers, all domestic flight departure taxes; laundry; and membership to Flying Doctors Society. Excluded are champagne, luxury spirits and wines at all properties, special activities such as spa, massage and balloon flights; any statutory increases beyond the control of Cheli & Peacock; international flights and visa fees; gratuities to camp staff and park/conservation fees. John Moody will respond to requests for detailed itineraries for the date selected. Bookings are on a first-come, first-served basis through Caro Njambi (email below). Cheli & Peacock, johnafrica@mac.com, pamarketing@chelipeacock.co.ke; www.chelipeacock.com
RUSSIA Imperial River Cruises is planning a 10-day fam cruise from Moscow to St. Petersburg, on the M/S Lavrinenkov, from May 15 to 24, 2009. Agents will learn about Russian history and culture, Imperial’s ships and cruise facilities, accommodations and how to attract more clients and earn more money. A government-licensed guide will describe the history, mythology, and art of the ports visited for a greater understanding of Russia. A detailed itinerary is available on the website. Prices are from $995 per person, cruise only, and includes accommodations, three meals per day, sightseeing and shore excursions with English-speaking guides. Companions may accompany for $1,095. Airfare can be purchased on request; port tax of $95 and fuel surcharge of $60 are not included in the price. Imperial River Cruises, 800-555-0678, river@cruisebyriver.com, www.imperialrivercruises.com www.travelworldnews.com • Travel World News
EUROPE AUSTIN-LEHMAN ADVENTURES ANNOUNCES FAMILY-FRIENDLY CYCLING ITINERARIES
In summer 2009, Austin-Lehman Adventures (ALA) brings its active family vacation programs to Europe with four familyfriendly cycling trips exploring France, Holland, Germany and Austria. Dan Austin, Director, says that routes have been carefully assessed both for cycling ease and inclusion of those sites and scenes that will be of most interest to children as well as their parents. “Instead of focusing on the most prestigious lodgings with paths that get us there.” The four new European itineraries for 2009 are fully described on their website, and are called: France Family: La Loire Valley of the Kings—July 11–18 and August 15–22; eight days/seven nights at $3,498 per adult double ($565 single supplement); $3,148 first child, $2,798 additional child. Holland Family: Bike Paths, Windmills & Pancakes—July 19–26 and August 9–16; eight days/seven nights at $2,998 per adult double ($510 single supplement); $2,698 first child, $2,398 additional child. Germany Family: Mosel Magic—July 11–17 and August 8–14; six days/five nights at $2,498 per adult double ($480 single supplement); $2,248 first child, $1,998 additional child. Austria Family: Fun in the Alps—June 27–July 4 and August 8–15; eight days/seven nights at $3,298 per adult double ($780 single supplement); $2,968 first child, $2,638 additional child. Austin-Lehman Adventures, 800-575-1540, info@austinlehman.com, www.austinlehman.com
HIGH VALUE IN GERMANY’S HISTORIC CITIES The Maritim Hotel Group has established their signature combination of luxurious accommodations with advanced business meetings capabilities at six East German destinations accessible from Frankfurt and Berlin, some with names familiar for their cultural Travel World News • www.travelworldnews.com
and historical influence. Together with the adjoining International Congress Center Dresden (ICD), the Maritim Hotel Dresden provides an impressive 21 halls accommodating up to 6,800. This unusual hotel in an historic warehouse enjoys an enviable spot right on the banks of the River Elbe close to the center of town. The Maritim Hotel Magdeburg has a prime location in the center of Saxony-Anhalt’s capital, and includes 514 sleeping rooms and 15 halls for up to 1,600 participants as well an additional four meeting suites for up to 30. Magdeburg’s Gothic cathedral, dating back as early as the 10th century, is within walking distance of the hotel. Near the central station, the Leipzig/Halle Airport and the exhibition city of Leipzig, the Maritim Hotel Halle has 298 sleeping rooms and 13 meetings rooms. Halle is best-known as the birthplace of Georg Friedrich Handel, whose music can be heard at the annual Handel Festival in the city’s 700-year-old cathedral. Other Maritim properties in Germany’s eastern region are found in Travemuende, Heringsdorf, and of course, Berlin. Events planners can be confident, even in cities traditionally less traveled by Americans that Maritim’s experienced, efficient and proactive personnel will provide a wide range of conference packages and related services. And now for the very pleasant surprise: The daily delegate rate at the Maritim Hotel Dresden begins at approximately $60 per person, the Maritim Hotel Magdeburg rate is about $58 per person, and at Maritim Hotel Halle it’s around $44 per person. Maritim Hotels, 800-843-3311, info@maritimusa.com, lcherepon@maritimusa.com, www.maritim.com; German Convention Bureau (GCB), gcb@germany-meetings.com, www.germany-meetings.com
DUBROVNIK TRAVEL JOINS EUROMIC AS MEMBER FOR CROATIA Euromic, destination management partnership in Europe and the Mediterranean Basin, voted to admit Dubrovnik Travel, Croatia’s leading DMC and PCO, as its 29th official member. A booming European destination, Croatia draws nearly 10 million international visitors a year. As well as offering newly-renovated properties, Croatia is easily accessible from international gateways and just a short flight from many major European cities. MICE business is a fast-growing sector of Croatian tourism. Meeting and incentive planners looking to “wow” clients are increasingly eager to take advantage of the unique fusion of Central European culture and the stunning, luxurious Dalmatian coastline, a popular excursion for Mediterranean cruise programs. Visitors are especially attracted to the Old City in Dubrovnik, called “the Pearl of the Adriatic” by Lord Byron. It was the medieval rival to Venice in culture and commerce and has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. “Dubrovnik Travel is proud to become part of the Euromic tradition of excellence,” said Daniel Marusic, CEO of Dubrovnik Travel. Euromic, marketing_usa@euromic.com MARCH 2009 •
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EUROPE THE MARMARA HOTELS & RESIDENCES OPEN THIRD ISTANBUL HOTEL, MARMARA SISLI The Marmara Hotels & Residences, which operate Turkey’s most prestigious hotel collection, opened its third hotel in Istanbul. The Marmara Sisli, a four-star hotel located in the city’s business district of Mecidiyeköy, will join The Marmara Istanbul, the only five-star hotel in Taksim Square and The Marmara Pera in historic Old Istanbul. Travel + Leisure magazine voted Istanbul the #3 city in Europe in their 2008 “World Best Awards” and recognizing the growing popularity of Istanbul as a top travel destination, Marmara Hotels & Residences wanted to offer a variety of accommodation levels in the city’s prime locations. Offering panoramic views of Istanbul, The Marmara Sisli features a stylish and modern interpretation of 1950s design. The 107-room hotel is within walking distance
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to Istanbul’s business centers, historic sights, shopping and active nightlife, making it an affordable choice for both business and leisure travelers. The Marmara Sisli’s “Nano” rooms offer the most affordable option. These provide all the necessities and amenities in a chic, comfortable and cheerful setting. Guest accommodations also include 88 “Square” rooms and 13 “Wagon” rooms. Located on the penthouse level, the “Wagon” rooms are designed to resemble individual train compartments giving the entire floor the appearance of a train. All guestrooms have satellite cable LCD TV, complimentary wireless high-speed Internet access, inroom safe, and mini-bar. Room rates start at approximately $161, exclusive of VAT. The Marmara Sisli also features a lobby lounge concept, Marmara’s alternative to the usual hushed public spaces found at luxury hotels. Located on the ground floor is an expansive open area that incorporates a restaurant, lounge, and lobby all into one inviting, interactive public space where guests can relax, dine and work. The Marmara Sisli is the latest property to open after The Marmara Hotels & Residences’ announcement this year of plans to spend $1.5 billion on international expansion with the goal of adding 40 hotels globally over the next 10 years. Marmara Hotels & Residences, www.themarmarahotels.com
55+ TRAVELERS QUALIFY FOR $200 PER COUPLE DISCOUNTS THROUGH CIE TOURS INTERNATIONAL Travelers 55 and over can save $200 per couple (or $100 per person) on more than 100 escorted vacation departures to Ireland and Britain in 2009 by booking with CIE Tours International. For example, the $100 discount is valid on seven departures of CIE’s Irish Odyssey, a fully escorted 12-day vacation that covers the coastal circuit of Ireland, regularly priced from $1,598 for land-only or from $1,982 including airfare from New York or Boston. The mature traveler discount applies to departures on March 26, May 3,
June 4, July 2, August 13, September 3, and October 1. Conducted at a leisurely pace, with many two-night hotel stays including a night at a castle, the itinerary provides a kaleidoscope of the most scenic parts of Ireland, starting at Dublin, and taking in sixth-century Cashel, Blarney, Cork, Killarney, Dingle Peninsula, Adare, Bunratty, Cliffs of Moher, Galway, Connemara, Knock, Sligo, Donegal, Derry, Giant’s Causeway, Omagh, and Cavan. The price covers superior and first class hotel rooms with private bath for 10 nights; full Irish breakfast daily; nine dinners including dinner with traditional Irish entertainment in Dublin, and farewell dinner with music at Cabra Castle; welcome gettogether drink; tour of Dublin with local guide; ”Titanic” walking tour of Cobh and walking tour of Derry; fully escorted sightseeing tour via luxury motorcoach including admission fees to 14 attractions; service charges, baggage handling, and taxes. The $100 discounts are also offered on three departures of the 10-day Irish Legends tour; six departures, 13-day Irish Classic tour; two departures, 10-day Irish Explorer; seven departures, 12-day Irish Odyssey; five departures, 13-day Irish Tradition; and one departure each for the 10-day Irish Interlude, 9-day Mystical Ireland, and 7-day and 9-day Irish Fling. In addition, the discount applies to three departures of the 10-day British and Irish Delight; 15 departures, the 11- or 12-day Taste of Scotland & Ireland; four departures, 11- or 12-day Scots Irish Tour; two departures, 13-day Scottish and Irish Dream; six departures each, 15-day British and Irish Voyager and the British and Irish Grandeur; nine departures, Scottish Isles and Glens; two departures, 6- or 7-day Taste of Scotland; seven departures, 8-day Scottish Dream and four departures, 9-day Scottish Dream; and one departure of the English and Scottish Discovery. Early booking is essential; discounts are limited to the first 15 seats requested for each date. CIE Tours, 800-CIE-TOUR (-243-8687), www.cietours.com www.travelworldnews.com • Travel World News
NORTH AMERICA LIBRARY HOTEL NEW YORK CALLED “BEST LUXURY HOTEL UNITED STATES” BY TRIPADVISOR
may explore the unique delights of each room, one visit at a time. Intriguing room themes such as Astronomy and Botany are offered on the Math and Science floor. Law, Eastern Religion, Money, and New Media are also among the eclectic themes. The Library Hotel, www.libraryhotel.com; HKHotels, www.hkhotels.com
GRAY LINE NEW YORK SIGHTSEEING CREATES NEW TOUR ATTRACTION
KHHotels’ The Library Hotel New York, was chosen as a “Best Luxury Hotel United States” by TripAdvisor® in its 2009 Travelers’ Choice® awards. “We are especially proud of this award, because unlike any other hotel awards program in the world, TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice winners are based on real and unbiased reviews and opinions about the hotel from our actual guests,” noted Director of Sales Yogini Patel. Designed to feel more like a private club than a hotel, each of the Library’s 60 elegantly appointed accommodations have been individually adorned with a collection of art and 25–100 books based on one distinctive topic. Each floor of the hotel is dedicated to a major category of the Dewey Decimal System and the guest rooms on that floor reflect the featured topic: Social Sciences, Literature, Languages, History, Math & Science, General Knowledge, Technology, Philosophy, The Arts and Religion. Personal service goes one step further as guests may request a room based on a favorite interest such as those found on the Literature floor—subjects from Poetry to The Classics to Erotic Literature—or they Travel World News • www.travelworldnews.com
Gray Line New York Sightseeing has added an additional attraction to their “Spectacular Red-Hot Winter Sale,” which can save New York City travelers who are Gray Line guests over $218 on regularly priced tour loops and attractions. Gray Line New York Sightseeing’s All Loops Tour includes Uptown, Downtown, Brooklyn Loops, and the Night Tour (which is not hop-on, hop-off). Led by experienced tour guides on the world’s largest fleet of double-decker buses, Gray Line New York, offers unlimited hop-on, hop-off access to over 50 stops throughout Manhattan and Brooklyn. The 48-hour All Loops Tour is $49 and the 72-hour All Loops Tour ticket is just $10 more. “The time to visit New York is now,” said Gray Line New York President Tom Lewis. “We are seeing historic bargains all around town, which is exactly where Gray Line will bring you. Our expert, guided doubledecker bus tours are world-renowned for excellence, and we are happy to offer winter travelers a way to enjoy them for a little less.” During this special offer, Gray Line customers who purchase 48 and 72-hour All Loops Tours during March receive: Unlimited hop-on, hop-off privileges on all four loops throughout New York City at more than 50 locations (the Night Tour is not hop-on, hop-off). New York Water Taxi Statue of Liberty New York Express Harbor Tour (daily; $25 value). Discover Staten Island Tour (Friday through Sunday only; $15 value). Sports Museum of America (Closed Mondays; $17 value). Meet a Broadway Performer (Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday only; $25 value).
And now free Admission to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Annex NYC (Thursday through Sunday only; $24.50 value), and 10 percent off on select store merchandise. Gray Line New York’s All Loops Tour customers seeking additional savings can purchase tickets online and save $10 per ticket. Gray Line New York Sightseeing, 800-669-0051, www.NewYorkSightseeing.com
TRUMP HOTEL LAS VEGAS EXTENDS $89 ‘SUITE ESCAPE’ VALUE THROUGH JUNE In order to accommodate the overwhelming response to its “Suite Escape” package priced from $89 per night, Trump Hotel Las Vegas has extended the extraordinary opportunity to experience its personalized service and world-class amenities through June 30, 2009. Accommodations include an elegant Studio Suite boasting floor-to-ceiling windows, custom-designed furniture, European kitchens, expansive marble bathrooms, and a bed with custom mattress and 500thread-count linens. Guests will also receive a $50 credit at the 10,000-square-foot Spa at Trump, applicable toward any massage or facial, including exclusive treatments such as the Vegas Recovery Massage or Royal Facial. In addition, they will be treated to a late check-out (4 pm). Some restrictions apply. The spa credit is valid exclusively for massage and facial treatments, and rates cannot be combined with another offer, nor are they applicable to groups. Located just off the Strip across from the Fashion Show Mall, the 24k gold-clad Trump Hotel Las Vegas is an oasis from the stresses and concerns of the outside world. With its non-gaming, smoke-free environment, it provides all of the comfort and services of a boutique hotel. DJT, its Michelinstarred signature restaurant, offers chic dining in the lobby of the hotel. Trump Hotel Las Vegas, 866-939-8786, tourtravellv@trumphotels.com, www.TrumpLasVegasHotel.com MARCH 2009 •
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NORTH AMERICA SANTA FE’S “UNDERSTATED LUXURY” GRACES MUSEUM, GALLERY, HOTEL, AND CONVENTION CENTER OPENINGS As America’s oldest capital city approaches its 400th Anniversary in 2010, Santa Fe’s timeless attributes along with new projects are luring visitors, homebuyers and meeting planners alike. The New Mexico History Museum will open in historic downtown Santa Fe on Memorial Day weekend, May 24. The 96,000-squarefoot cultural institution will offer state-of-the-art, immersive interactive exhibitions that redefine the modern history museum. A multi-media environment brings to life legendary New Mexico, exploring its early history through 400 years of Spanish colonization, the Mexican Period, and travel and commerce on the Santa Fe Trail. The museum also speaks to New Mexico’s world-renowned arts communities and the clash and melding of cultures—Native American, Spanish, Mexican, French and Anglo-American. Innovative exhibition treatments were created in partnership with two internationally recognized design firms: Gallagher & Associates of Bethesda, Maryland, whose past projects include the Jamestown Settlement Museum; and Second Story, a Portland, Oregon, company known for its award-winning interactive work for the Smithsonian Institution and the National Geographic Museum. Last year Santa Fe debuted the Railrunner Express, a new train service that links downtown Albuquerque with the Santa Fe Depot, located in Santa Fe’s vibrant Railyard District. Shuttles are available from the depot to the Santa Fe Plaza. The new service holds great potential for visitors as well as commuters, with shuttle service from Albuquerque’s International Sunport Airport. The new 72,000-square-foot Santa Fe Convention Center provides 40,000 square feet of event space and state-of-the-art audio/visual capabilities. A full schedule of events in 2009 includes SOFA Santa Fe, June 11–14—the renowned exposition of sculptural objects and functional art. Santa Fe Convention and Visitors Bureau, www.santafe.org
THE ROOSEVELT HOTEL NEW YORK SWITCHES TO UTELL® HOTELS & RESORTS Madison Avenue’s historic The Roosevelt Hotel has selected Utell® Hotels & Resorts to generate bookings and increase visibility worldwide. Utell, the largest and most experienced third-party hotel marketing, sales and representation company, will provide global distribution and aggressive promotion through its international sales force to help The Roosevelt better compete on a global level. Boasting 1,015 rooms and suites, as well as more than 30,000 square feet of meeting space, The Roosevelt in New York City is a prime destination for business and leisure travelers. Its heritage, sterling reputation and prime location at Grand Central Station make it a desirable property to add to Utell’s more than 11,000hotel portfolio, according to Ric Leutwyler, president of Utell. “We’re proud to now offer The Roosevelt Hotel to the travel agen16 • MARCH 2009
cies, major TMCs, corporations and consortia groups who rely on Utell,” said Leutwyler. “It’s a standout in our overall portfolio, and greatly adds to our U.S. and New York City offering. With Pegasus’ distribution solutions to increase visibility of the hotel, and our demand sales teams actively promoting it, we know we can help The Roosevelt book more room nights, even in this economy.” The Roosevelt Hotel, www.theroosevelthotel.com; Utell® Hotels & Resorts, 800-44-UTELL (-448-8355), www.UtellAgent.com, www.utell.com
THOSE WHO BOOK DISNEYLAND® RESORT CAN PUT CASH IN THEIR POCKETS From now until the end of March, United Vacations is awarding $1,800 in VISA gift cards to the agents who rev up their Disneyland® Resort bookings the most. The incentive runs through March 31, 2009 for travel through December 31, 2009. Weekly prizes are two $100 VISA gift cards, awarded to the top two Disneyland® Resort agent producers of the week. The Grand Prize is a $100 VISA gift card, to be awarded to the top onsite Disneyland® Resort agent producer of the entire incentive. A Consolation Prize of a $100 VISA gift card will be awarded to one random agent from all Disneyland® Resort onsite bookings made during the incentive. (Agents can increase their chances of winning with onsite bookings!) Valid reservations are: Airfare, hotel and three-day or longer Park Hopper® Bonus Ticket for entire party, paid in full; and Hotel and three-day or longer Park Hopper® Bonus Ticket for entire party, paid in full. Onsite and offsite hotels qualify. A minimum of one onsite booking per week is required. The following combinable deals are valid for bookings made by April 25, 2009 for travel through April 26, 2009. $150 Disney Gift Card received at hotel check-in— Stay four nights or more at one of these Hotels of the Disneyland® Resort for arrivals through April 26, 2009: Disneyland® Hotel, Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel® & Spa, or Disney’s Paradise Pier® Hotel; New! $100 Disney Gift Card received at hotel check-in— Stay three nights or more at a Hotel of the Disneyland® Resort for arrivals through April 27, 2009; New! $50 Disney Gift Card received at hotel check-in— Stay two nights or more at a Hotel of the Disneyland® Resort for arrivals through 4/28/09; Everyone Plays for the Kids’ Price— Purchase a Disneyland® Resort Park Hopper® Bonus Ticket for an adult and receive the child’s rate. Save up to 20 percent on Dollar full-size cars and minivans. Instant $75 off per reservation— Simply enter promotion code CITY at the time of booking. Travel agents can book United Vacations through VAX VacationAccess at www.vaxvacationaccess.com or the VAX VacationAccess technology via Amadeus AgentNet, Sabre Vacations, and Vacation.com AgentNet. Complete terms and conditions are described on the website. United Vacations, jverban@unitedvacations.com, vaxvacationaccess.com www.travelworldnews.com • Travel World News
PROFITABLE WORLD OF NICHE MARKETS DEILMANN CRUISES AWARDED TRAVEL + LEISURE’S ‘WORLD’S BEST’ IN SMALL-SHIP CRUISE LINE For the fourth time in five years, Peter Deilmann’s river and ocean fleet was voted one of the top ten small-ship cruise lines in Travel + Leisure’s “World’s Best” Awards. The award is one in a long line of praises the cruise line has received over the years including seven years on Condé Nast Traveler’s Gold List and nine years on Porthole Cruise magazine’s Reader’s Choice Awards as Best River Cruise Line, the former referring to their level of service as “second to none.” And in Great Britain, the prestigious Helmsman’s Award honored Peter Deilmann Cruises with “Best River Cruise Company” in December 2006. The Travel + Leisure “World's Best” awards are based on a questionnaire developed by the editors of the premier leisure travel publication, in association with Harris Interactive. Respondents were asked to rate the cruise lines on service, itineraries/destinations, food, activities, cabins and value—of which Deilmann excelled in every category. A pioneer in the river cruise industry since the 1980s, Peter Deilmann was the first to design and build ships that reflected the style and amenities of ocean-going cruise ships but were keyed to the unique specifications of river cruising. In 1998, Deilmann launched the ocean liner MS Deutschland—a 513-passenger luxury reminiscent of Old World cruising with grand European styling. In 2009, the fivestar ship will sail the Baltic and Mediterranean Seas, in addition to voyages to South Africa and parts of Europe. Deilmann’s program of “Special Interest” cruises, first introduced in 2005, has grown in popularity and choices with 2009 offerings including visits to the legendary Christmas markets in Europe during the holiday season, wine tastings at both family estates and world renowned vineyards in French wine country, access to wellness sauna and massage treatments as well as personal consultations with renowned health professionals, recitals and concerts 38 • MARCH 2009
PETER DEILMANN CRUISES’ MV MOZART
performed by distinguished classical musicians and discussions with composers, and equestrian riding through the stunning landscapes of the Baltics, Europe, and the Middle East. Peter Deilmann Cruises, 800-348-8287, pdcmail@deilmann-cruises.com, www.deilmann-cruises.com
AMAWATERWAYS’ IMPRESSIVE GROWTH PATTERN CONTINUES INTO 2009 To their fast-growing fleet on the historic Danube, Rhine, Main and Mosel rivers, award-winning AMAWATERWAYS will introduce in 2009 new itineraries and two brand-new vessels—MS Amalyra and MS Amadolce, joining the luxurious MS Amacello and MS Amadante (2008), MS Amalegro (2007) and MS Amadagio (2006). Luxurious AMAWATERWAYS river cruise vacations range in length from seven to 30 days, and feature an all-English language product. The “AMA” ships on Europe’s rivers feature extraordinarily spacious staterooms—with 82 percent boasting French balconies. Guests enjoy premium, hotel-style bedding with plush, down duvets; luxurious terry bathrobes and slippers, as well as bottled water replenished daily. Marble-appointed baths feature luxurious, spa-quality toiletries and a sleek, multi-jet shower system. Flat-panel stateroom TVs offer a unique Infotainment sys-
tem featuring Internet access, an array of satellite channels and movies. The vessels also feature a fitness center, beauty salon, whirlpool, walking track on the Sun Deck and bicycles for passengers to explore quaint towns and villages on their own. The “AMAWATERWAYS Difference” extends to many complimentary amenities that passengers enjoy on a daily basis, with all-inclusive features that include: complimentary Wi-Fi in the public lounges; complimentary, free-flowing local wines at dinner, and a specialty coffee and tea station. Each cruise is accompanied by a professional cruise director, and accomplished tour guides lead complimentary shore excursions in every destination. In addition to its core fleet of “AMA” ships on Europe’s legendary rivers, AMAWATERWAYS offers destination cruises to the breathtaking Porto River Valley in Portugal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; a Provencal sojourn on the romantic Rhone river in France, and an exhilarating journey through the legendary waterways of Russia. The line offers a total of 16 different itineraries for 2009, including a new “Romantic Danube” cruise, from Vilshofen to Budapest. The innovative company was founded in 2002 by river cruise industry pioneer Rudi Schreiner, cruise industry executive Kristin Karst and former owner of Brendan Worldwide Vacations Jimmy Murphy. AMAWATERWAYS, 800-626-0126, www.amawaterways.com www.travelworldnews.com • Travel World News
PROFITABLE WORLD OF NICHE MARKETS LOUIS CRUISE LINES SEASON STARTS IN MARCH Louis Cruise Lines has just released their 2009 Eastern and Western Mediterranean cruises brochure, featuring cruise programs three to 16 days in length for dates from March 2009 to January 2010. The new brochure includes scheduled departures for three-, four-, and seven-day cruises from Pireaus— Eastern Mediterranean Cruises, with complete abolition of fuel surcharge supplements for all cruises departing from this port. Western Mediterranean cruises featured in the publication include Louis Cruise Lines sailings from Genoa, Italy and Nice, France. Details and itineraries on all the cruises are outlined in the new brochure. Also just released is Louis Cruise Lines’ enhanced Aegean Cruises DVD, featuring exclusive footage of Greece and the Greek Islands and detailing the benefits of traveling with Louis Cruise Lines as told by trav-
Travel World News • www.travelworldnews.com
LOUIS CRUISE LINES’ THE AEGEAN PEARL
elers. The piece gives travelers the opportunity to envision themselves in Greece and the Mediterranean, including direct feedback from travelers just like them. These mini ‘video diaries’ can be viewed on a TV or on a computer, making the information easily accessible to agents to showcase for
their clients. The 2009 Aegean Cruises DVD is free. Itineraries can be booked through most major tour operators in the U.S. and Canada. Louis Cruise Lines, 877-568-4787), LCLUSA@louiscruises.com , www.louiscruises.com
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PROFITABLE WORLD OF NICHE MARKETS A SELECTION OF REPRESENTATION COMPANIES
DUDE RANCHERS’ ASSOCIATION OFFERS MULTIPLE CHOICES FOR SUMMER 2009
SPECIALIZING IN
NICHE MARKETS Company Name: Local Phone Number: Email Address: Niche Markets Client:
CREATIVE TRAVEL MARKETING 407.578.2290 curchyenterprises@yahoo.com Rocky Mountaineer Vacations AMAWATERWAYS
Company Name: Local Phone Number: Email Address: Niche Market Client:
DESTINATIONS UNLIMITED 520.297.4753 bgross236@comcast.net Rocky Mountaineer Vacations
Company Name: Local Phone Number: Email Address: Niche Market Client:
FORREST CRAMER, DSM, NE 860.537.4215 fcramer@snet.net Viking River cruises
Company Name: Toll-Free Number: Email Address: Website Address: Niche Market Client:
KARTAGENER & ASSOCIATES 800.524.7979 henry@kainyc.com www.kainyc.com Hapag Lloyd Cruises
Company Name: Local Phone Number: Email Address: Niche Market Client: Company Name: Local Phone Number: Email Address: Niche Market Client:
REUTHER & ASSOCIATES, INC. 630.530.7436 mmreuther@sbcglobal.net AMAWATERWAYS SAND AND SEA MARKETING, LLC 727.460.1225 bwaters@tampabay.rr.com “Beyond Band of Brothers”
Company Name: Local Phone Number: Email Address: Website Address: Niche Market Client:
TRUMARKETING 305.864.4569 info@trumarketing.com www.trumarketing.com The Blue Train
For the online Multi Line Rep Directory please visit
www.travelworldnews.com/multi 40 • MARCH 2009
Summer bookings are always strong at dude ranches in the American West and Canada, with over a third of each season’s visitors repeat guests, according to the Dude Ranchers’ Association (DRA.) Added to the obvious need to book early, one must consider location and category. The DRA website describes Working Dude, Dude and Resort Dude ranches and offers an excellent roundup of choices to satisfy any combination of needs or fancies—active cattle or sheep operations, Western pleasure horseback riding, or myriad resort-style activities. Multi-Sports Family Adventures According to DRA Executive Director, Colleen Hodson, there are folks who wouldn’t dream of hopping on a saddle that choose a DRA Western dude ranch for active family vacations. In addition to riding or sometimes in place of, they ride the rapids, paddle a canoe, play golf or tennis, hike in the wilderness, cycle the back roads and mountain trails, go caving, hot air ballooning or rock climbing. She says active parents usually participate in the same sports as their kids, and she adds, “Another beauty of multi-sporting at a dude ranch is when they want to take time for themselves, Dad can play a round of golf and Mom can relax with spa treatments.” Perfect description for Averill’s Flathead Lake Lodge—a 2,000acre, family operated Montana dude ranch with on-site professional masseuses, and a top-rated Jack Nicklaus Jr. golf-course close by! Just south of Glacier National Park, its waterfront activities include sailing, water skiing, and wake boarding. Volleyball, tennis, and basketball courts see a lot of action too, as do the horses—with competitive team penning and barrel racing events all week ending with a family rodeo. Horseshoe Canyon Ranch is a multi-sport paradise in the Buffalo River wilderness of Northern Arkansas. Here, adventure includes “Frisbee” golf, skeet shooting, the state’s longest zip line course, and of course, rock climbing. For some, paddling the Buffalo River, trout fishing, or exploring old Indian caves offer enough action. There are well over 100 DRA member ranches in the US and Canada. Each earns its membership by maintaining or exceeding the association’s high quality standards. Dude Ranchers’ Association, 866-399-2339, info@duderanch.org, www.duderanch.org www.travelworldnews.com • Travel World News
PROFITABLE WORLD OF NICHE MARKETS AUSTIN-LEHMAN ADVENTURES RISES TO TOP IN SURVEY OF WORLD’S BEST ADVENTURE TRAVEL OUTFITTERS National Geographic Adventure magazine has singled out Austin-Lehman Adventures (ALA) for its highest accolade as one of the “Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth.” Announced online and in its February 2009 print edition, ALA was ranked third in the luxury category and 13th in the world overall in the magazine’s selection of the 200 best adventure outfitters worldwide. “We are honored to be recognized as one of the preeminent adventure travel companies in the world, shoulder-to-shoulder with such esteemed veteran companies as Mountain Travel Sobek, Wilderness Travel, Butterfield and Robinson, and Wildland Adventures,” said Dan Austin, ALA’s co-founder and Director. Using a scoring system with criteria synonymous with the high standards set by National Geographic—sustainability, quality of service, education, spirit of adventure, and client satisfaction— 248 outfitters and tour operators were considered. Of those ALA scored in the top five percent. Austin says he tips his hat to the ALA team that consistently delivers the ALA service promise to its discerning clientele after his company scored in the top two percent worldwide in overall client satisfaction. “Really, we owe this award to our folks on the firing line—our sales people and guides.” Austin’s partner, Paul Lehman, notes that in these challenging economic times where dollars are stretched, “being singled out by this prestigious magazine underscores how important it is that we at ALA continue to deliver the trip of a lifetime, the first time and every time.” He added, “We have always strived to provide the best quality trips and customer service in the industry. It’s nice to have the leading adventure travel magazine recognize our accomplishments.” For three consecutive years from 2006 to 2008 ALA was awarded the “World’s 25 Best New Trips” accolade from National Geographic Adventure and in 2007 the outfitter was recognized by National Geographic Traveler in their “50 Tours of a Lifetime” edition. Austin-Lehman Adventures, 800-575-1540, info@austinlehman.com, www.austinlehman.com
of membership in USTOA as a symbol of integrity and financial stability. We are delighted to welcome Explorica as our newest member, and we are looking forward to working with them to further the cause of the tour operator industry in America,” said Whitley. Of the new association with USTOA, Olle Olsson, Founder and CEO of Explorica, Inc. said, “Explorica is excited to become USTOA’s newest member. Our active membership in USTOA reaffirms to our customers Explorica’s enduring commitment to service and reliability.” Founded in 2000, Explorica is now a leader in the field of teacher-led educational travel for middle and high school students. According to Olsson, having helped more than 150,000 teachers and students explore the world through safe and well-organized educational travel, Explorica has enjoyed double-digit growth since its inception, thanks in no small part to its web-based tool planning and overall tour quality. Founded in 2000, and based in Boston, Explorica, Inc. operates student tours to Europe, Central and South America, Asia and the South Pacific, plus the U.S. and Canada. The company is located in Boston, Massachusetts. Explorica, Inc., 888-310-7120, info@explorica.com, www.explorica.com USTOA, 800-G0-USTOA (800-468-7862), information@ustoa.com, www.ustoa.com
EXPLORICA, INC. JOINS USTOA Explorica, Inc. has joined USTOA as its newest active member, bringing the association’s current total to 48 corporate members and more than 150 brands. Along with Explorica, Inc. Keating Educational Tours becomes a brand member of USTOA, according to Bob Whitley, USTOA president. “With the addition of Explorica, Inc., USTOA is increasing its representation in the student travel segment. This area of the industry continues to recognize the importance Travel World News • www.travelworldnews.com
MARCH 2009 •
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PROFITABLE WORLD OF NICHE MARKETS SUNSET HOUSE IN CAYMAN ISLANDS HAS WINTER-INTO-SPRING ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL Sunset House has announced it’s celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2009 with specials all year long. Through March 31, incredible savings are offered on dive and non-dive packages. Sunset House provides first-class customer service with economic friendly prices—great for snorkelers, divers and those who want to get away for some fun. A small picturesque public beach is just a short walk away. The ironshore coast along the property is a perfect place to explore the Caribbean, with a beautiful reef system coming straight up to several easy entry and exit points. Sunset’s special attractions are the legendary nine-foot underwater bronze mermaid and the Atlantis submarine exploring its “backyard.” More that draws divers are the famous My Bar, along with Sunset Divers, the Beyond Massage Spa, SeaHarvest Restaurant, Cathy Church’s Underwater Photo Gallery and Studio. Those booking now will find a free “Limited Edition 50th Anniversary” beach towel waiting in their room. Non-dive packages begin as low as $373 ppdo for a three-night package that includes accommodations, breakfast, transfers and more. Five-night dive packages start at $958 per person. All dive packages include: air-conditioned accommodations with digital
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 • MARCH 2009
cable TV and telephone with data port, full made-to-order breakfast, daily two-tank boat trips except day of arrival and departure, complimentary off-shore diving every day except day of departure, tanks, weights and belt, complimentary dive gear locker, a welcome alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverage of choice, surprise anniversary gift, taxi transfers from and to the airport, all tax and service charges, free resort course for non-diving partner on a 5-plus night package, along with a free afternoon review and instructor-guided dive for inactive divers on 5-plus night dive package. The iconic West Indies gem is a haven for those who want to escape to a friendly, fret-free, happy locale—“Grand Cayman’s Hotel For Divers By Divers!”—offering real water adventure plus laidback relaxation for its guests. Sunset House, www.sunsethouse.com
BONAIRE EAST COAST DIVING OPEN FOR BUSINESS Last December, Bonaire East Coast Diving (BECD) acquired the NB757 from Larry Baillie’s Wild Side Diving. After cleaning, maintenance and upgrading, as of February 1 the group is now fully operational on the East Coast, the only owner of a boat especially designed for the Bonaire’s Eastern coast. The Zodiac Hurricane 920 is a powerful RIB, powered by two 225-hp Yamaha four-stroke engines, equipped with all the necessary safety gear. Ger Boermeester, the new boat captain, commented: “Everything went even smoother than expected. During the extensive training, we’ve added a number of new dive-sites to our program that previously existed with the Blue Hole and Funchi’s Reef.” Wim Timmermans, instructor and dive supervisor, also expressed enthusiasm: “ In the past, people talked about the wild side. Our aim is to make the North and East Coast of Bonaire accessible to every diver. The diving is spectacular: on each dive we see numerous turtles, tarpon, eagle rays and stingrays, and we saw sharks on many occasions. The help of James Thodé during practice was very welcome. He’s known locally for both his athletic capacities and his knowledge of boats and sailing.” The new owners, Roy Celestijn and Gijs Hoogerkamp, are actively working to introduce more improvements to Bonaire East Coast Diving. A unique new website was developed where everyone can make reservations. Their truck, a Ford F-350, has become a work of art, thanks to airbrush artist Francy Stewart from Curacao. New radios, fire extinguishers and a state-of-the-art GPS were purchased. “At the moment, we’re expanding our network of agents,” comments Gijs Hoogerkamp. We’re very happy with the results—every organization that has been approached so far has agreed to cooperate and the first reservations have already been made.” Bonaire East Coast Diving, www.bonaireeastcoastdiving.com www.travelworldnews.com • Travel World News
PROFITABLE WORLD OF NICHE MARKETS CARIBBEAN ADVENTURES WORLD DIVE ADVENTURES WELCOMES NICHE CORE Caribbean Adventures World Dive Adventures has been rated top Dive Travel Specialist by scuba divers for over 18 years, providing divers with exotic dive trips around the world while offering both land-based and live-aboard dive vacations. World Dive has also presented niche offerings such as specialty romance scuba packages as well as family events like Kids Sea Camp, multi-island-hopper packages and others. Featuring a wide array of the world’s best dive and snorkel destinations, the group offers hot dive specials in Honduras, Bahamas, Belize, Bonaire, Caymans, Costa Rica, Cozumel, Curacao, Dominica, Saba, Africa, St.Kitts, Fiji, Tobago, Turks & Caicos, Indonesia, Maldives, Palau, Yap and many more dive and snorkel destinations. Travel agents who have dive clients or want to specialize in dive travel especially are urged to avail themselves of the expertise and zeal of these scuba divers themselves—specializing in the unique needs of the recreational diving, snorkeling and water sports enthusiast. Their motto? “Deep down you want the best.” After all, this is a very loyal niche market that loves to travel to get wet in various locations! A complete package for affordable resort/diving to sell to clients is available through Caribbean Adventures/World Dive Adventures. Caribbean Adventures/World Dive Adventures, 800-433-3483), diveres@worlddive.com, www.worlddive.com, www.loves2dive.com, www.kidsseacamp.com, www.scubapro.com
SUNBREEZE HOTEL & SUNBREEZE SUITES OFFER SCUBA GETAWAY Two great divers’ resorts in the heart of Ambergris Caye, Belize, form a crescent that embraces the waterfront as well as its white sandy area, palm and tropical garden complete with a fresh-water pool. SunBreeze Hotel & SunBreeze Suites provides the perfect location to the town’s daily activities. SunBreeze Hotel boasts spacious air-conditioned deluxe rooms with partial ocean/garden views, and modern comforts that include cable television, direct-dial telephones, daily maid and laundry services and hotspot wireless Internet. SunBreeze Suites offers a private, ocean-view balcony and a beautifully-furnished, centrally air-conditioned suite with living room, dining room, fully-equipped kitchen with refrigerator, stove, cookware, china and flatware, a beautifully-appointed bathroom and bedroom, with ceiling fans, cable television, telephones, hairdryers and clock radios. Aqua Dives Belize—the Ultimate Dive Center—is a certified Gold Palm PADI Dive Operator offering PADI instruction courses, private courses, introductory dives, referrals, local morning and afternoon dives, dives to the famous Blue Hole, Turneffe Elbow and daily snorkeling trips to various sites including the phenomenal Holchan and Shark Ray Alley. The Sunbreeze dive package is valid April 16 through December 18, 2009, and is priced from $838 ppdo, which includes seven Travel World News • www.travelworldnews.com
nights’ accommodations with room taxes, four days local two-tank boat dives, weights, belt and tanks, and round-trip local air transfers Belize International to San Pedro. SunBreeze Hotel & SunBreeze Suites, www.sunbreeze.net
BLUE MARLIN LODGE OFFERS LAID-BACK ADVENTURE IN BELIZE The southern atolls, the barrier reef, and the cayes off the lower Belizean coastline offer an untainted mecca for divers and fishermen to explore when they vacation at Blue Marlin Lodge at Southwater Caye in Belize. Adventurers may experience diving the Belize Barrier Reef, and Glover’s Atoll or diving with whale sharks from March through July during the full moon period. The Blue Marlin Lodge specializes in offering vacationers simple pleasures to help them relax in this hidden paradise for divers, anglers and beachcombers, and brings them worry-free ways to experience the natural wonders of Belize. Over the past few months the Lodge has done a great deal of work to maintain their sustainable and environmentally safe and sound operation. For those booking now, a 10-percent discount is offered on all packages. This offer is good through May 31, 2009. All packages can be customized to suit individual needs. Blue Marlin Lodge, 800-798-1558, reservations@bluemarlinlodge.com, info@bluemarlinlodge.com, www.bluemarlinlodge.com
Haavveenn BBlluue 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
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BLUE HAVEN HOTEL Bacolet Bay, Tobago Website: www.bluehavenhotel.com E-mail: reservations@bluehavenhotel.com Tel: 868 660-7500 Fax: 868 660-7900 W h e r e He aven Begins MARCH 2009 •
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PROFITABLE WORLD OF NICHE MARKETS AIR-INCLUSIVE SCUBA AND ECO-VACATIONS A SPECIALTY OF CARADONNA DIVE ADVENTURES
Caradonna Dive Adventures is the largest scuba dive travel wholesaler in North America offering air-inclusive dive and adventure vacations throughout the world. The company specializes in group, individual travel, special and event programs related to scuba-diving and eco-tourism, and
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currently markets more than 300 hotels in over 37 destinations worldwide. The group excels in working with agents and their clients to share suggestions about new and exciting vacations for both the well-traveled and those traveling just once a year. Their product team travels the world to scope out the best values from the simplest and purist dive lodgings to the extraordinary. Highly-recommended by Caradonna for Caribbean travelers is diving the beautiful island of St. Lucia accompanied by a stay at magnificent Jade Mountain— a unique resort that exemplifies how great design and architecture can harmonize and meld the natural and the man-made. Here, one experiences grand, sweeping spaces—with bedroom, living environment and private infinity pool gliding into one another to form an amazing floating plateau. Each of the 24 handcrafted sanctuaries embraces the full glory of the World Heritage Pitons and the shimmering Caribbean Sea, a most unforgettable view. The mesmerizing Caribbean resort is a top recommendation for clientele because it captures the essence of what divers seek to find below the water. Rates for Jade Mountain are from $4,918 ppdo include 12 boat dives with Scuba St. Lucia, an SSI Platinum/PADI Gold Palm scuba center full diving program, all meals, tea, welcome cocktail, fruit basket, drinks package and airport transfers. The package price is valid June 1 through October 31, 2009. Whether clients choose to dive the world’s reefs or snorkel calm bays, travel plans can be arranged by Caradonna so each vacation is complimented with adventure excursions and spa holiday packages that produce more than a vacation. Getaways are guaranteed to exceed the expectations of the active traveler seeking above-the-ordinary experiences in the world’s top destinations! Agents and dive shops partners are invited to make inquiries regarding quotes on commissionable packages. Caradonna Dive Adventures, 800-328-2288, sales@caradonna.com, www.caradonna.com
STUART COVE’S DIVE BAHAMAS FORMS NEW COMMISSION PROGRAM FOR RETAILERS AND TRAVEL AGENTS Stuart Cove explains their new Dive Bahamas program—COVE CA$H—for dive retailers and travel agents like this: “We love working with travel agents. The trend today is more divers are booking themselves, therefore preventing travel agents from making commissions on individual bookings. We saw this problem and wanted to create a method for our travel partners to receive commissions on an individual dive booking—As a result, we created a commission program for FIT or individual bookings called ‘COVE CA$H.’” Mr. Cove continues: “This program is really very simple. All a travel agent has to do is place a special link and banner on their store’s website. This special link will take a consumer to a quote page where we can quote a dive vacation for their customers. This process is automatically tracked via the special link, and we commission all bookings directly in cash back to the retailer. The program works in much the same way PADI’s eLearning banners work, in terms of tracking where a person came from on the web.” Here’s how Stuart Cove’s Dive Bahamas innovative “COVE CA$H” program works: First, a Retailer or Travel Agent installs a Stuart Cove’s Dive Bahamas graphic banner or special text link on their website. Stuart Cove’s supplies a special link that can be used for their supplied graphic banners or any other photo or link on a newsletters, emails, etc. That special link allows Stuart Cove’s Dive Bahamas reservation specialists to track the quote as coming from a retailer store or agency. This link works similar to PADI's eLearning banners. Each booking from a retailer or travel agent’s website will then be fully commissionable (less hotel taxes, grats and service charges). Retailers start receiving commissions (“COVE CA$H”) on individual bookings. Stuart Cove’s Dive Bahamas, www.stuartcove.com/covecash www.travelworldnews.com • Travel World News
PROFITABLE WORLD OF NICHE MARKETS KLEINTOURS’ SOCIAL PROJECT IN ECUADOR’S NORTHERN ANDES
Because of its wealth, beauty, and folklore, the northern region of the Andes is one of Ecuador’s most popular areas for tourism, though there remain countless hidden wonders tourism hasn’t yet developed. Examples are the Valley of Salinas, not far from Otavalo and its famous indigenous market, and several villages known for their arts and crafts like Mascarilla, Peguche, Ibarra and the Valley of El Chota. To promote tourism in this area of the country, Kleintours has adapted the railway facilities between Ibarra and Salinas by building a locomotive with a 34-passenger car that has panoramic windows. This Project is called “Chaski Antawa” (Quechua words that mean “messenger train”) and also involved organizing the community, which now has a restaurant, an arts and crafts store, music, and other elements exhibiting its genuineness. The Messenger Train, goes down from Ibarra at almost 24 feet above sea level to the valley of Salinas located at approximately 18 feet, along around a 16-mile run, visitors can observe a wide array of plant life and landscapes at different altitudes. The “Chaski Antawa” project increased tourism in this area. Kleintours has also developed two community projects, one setting up a traditional workshop for arts and crafts such as purses, backpacks, and puppets using domestic raw materials such as fine palm fiber, hemp, coconut, and tagua nut (vegetable ivory), for which people shall be trained in manufacturing and marketing. The second project consists of recycling paper, which shall also be used to create arts and crafts. Kleintours, sales@kleintours.com.ec, www.kleintours.com, www.ecuadortrain.com
GOWAY’S AFRICAEXPERTS ON TRACK WITH SOUTH AFRICAN TRAIN TRAVEL Goway's AFRICAExperts has announced special savings in Southern Africa aboard the Shongololo Express. Named for the Zulu word for millipede, the Shongololo Train is more aptly described as a traveling hotel which incorporates touring experiences by day. Travel World News • www.travelworldnews.com
The Shongololo operates two 17-day train experiences between Johannesburg and Cape Town, and Johannesburg and Victoria Falls. The train travels between destinations by night, and by day guests board air-conditioned vehicles to explore the regional attractions. These customized vehicles are carried on-board the train, a feature unique to this operator. The Good Hope operates between Johannesburg and Cape Town, and takes in virtually all the “must-see” sights in South Africa. Goway’s AFRICAExperts is offering value pricing for the Shongololo on specific departures: regularly priced at $4,451 per person, guests can save up to $1,238 per person. The Southern Cross is now priced at just $4,498, reflecting a savings of $1,466 per person for select departures. The itinerary traverses six countries in Southern Africa journeys (South Africa, Mozambique, Botswana, Swaziland, Zambia and Zimbabwe) between Johannesburg and Victoria Falls. Goway Travel AFRICAExperts, 800-245-0920, www.goway.com
TREKKING ART IN THE PYRENEES Imagine being able to trek the same route that shepherds and smugglers followed for centuries as they traveled from The Nuria Valley to the Mediterranean sea! “Pyrenees, the Trekking of Art,” a project of the Center of Contemporary Creation Nau Côclea and Maka Ecotourism, will take you there—through the Catalan Pyrenees, with its historic trails, July 4–12, 2009, for the cultural experience of a lifetime. The nine-day/eight-night trip will trek through the Ribes Valley, Alta Garrotxa, the Albera and Cap de Creus Natural Parks, providing insight into the social systems and intimate relation of indigenous people with their territory. The vacation is advisable for people accustomed to walking in uneven land and who go trekking often—between seven and 12 times a year (independent of age), as it traverses medium-high mountain territory. The price of approximately $1,020 per person includes accommodation in mountain cottages, traditional Catalan country houses and hotels, breakfasts, six lunches, three dinners, luggage transfer, accompanying guides, experts in trekking and arts, logistics and technical assistance, a support van, two bus transfers, participation in all the artistic activities, and special mountain insurance. Not included are the train transport from Barcelona to Ribes de freser and then to Nuria, two lunches, five dinners and personal expenses (approximately $116). Booking is until May 15, 2009, with 30-percent of the total price per person required at time of booking. Space is limited; required information and material for booking is the full name, passport photocopy, telephone and email of each participant. Cancellations before June 4 carry a penalty of approximately $39; after June 4, penalty is as follows: 30 percent if more than 15 days prior departure, 50 percent 7–15 days prior, and 100 percent if cancelled during the previous seven days. Makà Ecotourism, info@makaecotourism.com, reservas@makaecotourism.com, www.makaecotourism.com MARCH 2009 •
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PROFITABLE WORLD OF NICHE MARKETS ANGUILLA’S CHARMING ESCAPES COLLECTION WON’T LET ECONOMY DASH WEDDING DREAMS In these challenging economic times, Anguilla has an important message for couples looking to launch a lifetime of happiness: Love Does Conquer All! The spectacular island paradise is opening its arms to brides, grooms, friends and families with its “Wedding OFF the Rocks” package. The package allows couples a chance to leave their worries and cares stateside and elope to Anguilla, where they will start life together by enjoying their wedding ceremony and wedding night free at one of the island’s Charming Escapes Collection (CEC) properties. And as an extra wedding night bonus—the package also comes with a serving of Goat Water, a signature island broth long linked with virility. The elopement packages are available through March 31, 2009. Guests must book a minimum of four nights to qualify for the “Wedding OFF the Rocks” package, which also includes discounts for family and friends who come to join the party, a civil ceremony, champagne and wedding cake. “Wedding OFF the Rocks” packages including four night’s accommodations and all amenities noted above vary based on the property and are based on double occupancy: Paradise Cove is $1,080 including service charges and taxes; Sirena Resort is $660 excluding taxes and service charges, Carimar Beach Club is $1,160 inclusive of all taxes and service charges; and Arawak Beach Inn starts at $700, excluding taxes and service charges. The Charming Escapes Collection is a group of 14 charming and intimate hotels, villas and inns offering travelers a unique and affordable way to experience Anguilla. While each is unique in its own way, many boast a variety of shared attributes, from stunning ocean views to beautifully landscaped grounds. An array of personalized services and amenities such as a private chef are available at select properties, and all properties include a warm and friendly staff that typifies the spirit of the island. Anguilla Tourist Board, 877-4 ANGUILLA (877-426-4845), www.anguilla-vacation.com, www.charmingescapescollection.com
GRANDTRAVEL’S 10-DAY LONDON-PARIS TOUR OFFERS MULTI-GENERATIONAL BONDING London and Paris are the venues for grandparents and grandchildren will enjoy cherished time together—a behind-the-scenes tour of Theatre Royal Drury Lane, visiting a French bakery to learn the secrets of creating delectable Pain aux raisons and Pain au chocolat, dining atop the Eiffel Tower, and riding the Chunnel under the English Channel from London to Paris—on Grandtravel’s 10-day program departing July 18 and August 1, 2009. Prices of $7,195 ppdo and $6,995 triple include accommodations at London’s charming City Inn Westminster and Paris’ elegant Hotel Royal Saint Honore. AARP members receive a $200 per-person discount. One-of-kind excursions in London include a private tour aboard 46 • MARCH 2009
one of London’s iconic red double-decker buses; exploring the West End’s myriad theaters with two plays; touring Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, and visiting the Tower of London of nearly a millennium ago. In Paris, museum visits feature the Musee D’Orsay’s Degas, Cezanne, Monet and Renoir art; the fascinating Montmartre artist quarter where Modigliani, Picasso and Toulouse Lautrec resided; and an excursion to Giverny, where Claude Monet’s gorgeous gardens and house inspired many a painting. The London and Paris vacation also visits the cities’ palaces and castles, including London’s Windsor Castle, where Grandtravelers see the Queen’s spectacularly decorated State Apartments, St. George’s Chapel and Queen Mary’s Doll House; Eton College, founded by Henry VI in 1140 and attended by Prince William and Harry; the Changing of the Guards at Buckingham Palace; and Paris’ 17th-century Palace of Versailles, the official residence of French kings from 1682 to 1790. Grandtravel is recognized as a premier provider of luxury vacations exclusively for grandparents and grandchildren. Prices include deluxe accommodations with private bath, most meals, transportation, admission to all scheduled attractions and events, en route activities for children, pre-departure guidance, the services of a professional tour manager, a Grandtravel activity director (an experienced educator or youth counselor), and service charges and hotel taxes. Grandtravel, 800-247-7651, www.grandtrvl.com
ANDBEYOND RATED #1 LUXURY ADVENTURE TRAVEL COMPANY ON EARTH andBEYOND (formerly CC Africa) has received the highest rating for luxury travel in the 2009 National Geographic Adventure magazine’s “Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth” survey, a comprehensive ranking of the world’s best outfitters. This unprecedented survey of 248 adventure travel companies is “based on the idea that a traveler’s most important decision is not always where to go, but who to go with.” Various key factors considered in the analysis of the world’s best tour operators included environmental awareness, sustainability, reliable service, local knowledge and spirit of adventure. “andBEYOND is committed to providing world-class guest delight through journeys that not only change people’s lives but help preserve the incredible places in which we operate, as well as support the communities around them,” said Gary Lotter, andBEYOND Commercial Director. Globally recognized as one of the world’s pioneering responsible luxury adventure companies, andBEYOND has expanded its ecotourism network across six African countries and more recently into India. The company has 40 years’ experience as a professional travel operator and understands that a holiday is all about dreams. “Our well-traveled consultants are on hand to design journeys that exceed any traveler’s wildest expectations,” added Gary. “We cannot wait to welcome more guests to Africa and beyond.” AndBEYOND, www.andbeyond.com www.travelworldnews.com • Travel World News
PROFITABLE WORLD OF NICHE MARKETS NEW EDEN ON CHILKO LAKE ADDED TO ADVENTURE WEST RESORTS’ PORTFOLIO
Offering luxurious lakefront accommodations that include private chalets, deluxe half duplexes and waterfront suites in authentic Chilcotin log cabins, Eden on Chilko Lake will present a refined experience in the heart of British Columbia’s wild west. Open from June through October, guest packages include accommodation, all meals, Pilates or aqua aerobics class, and one guided morning outdoor activity such as wildflower hikes, instructional flyfishing or scenic lake tours. Eden on Chilko Lake, www.edenonchilkolake.com; Adventure West Resorts, 877-346-9378, www.adventurewestresorts.com
Adventure West Resorts has announced the addition of the new Eden on Chilko Lake to its portfolio. Formerly known as the Chilko Lake Lodge, Eden on Chilko Lake will begin operations starting in June 2009 as a lakeside wellness resort and spa following an extensive renovation. Set in Tsylos Provincial Park in British Columbia’s Coast Mountains, a two-and-ahalf hour drive from William’s Lake, Eden on Chilko Lake will feature breathtaking views of the unspoiled Chilcotin wilderness. Inspired by the natural healing benefits of Mother Nature, Eden will offer guests a combination of healthy outdoor activities blended with unforgettable spa and dining experiences. From nutritional consulting and locally inspired spa treatments, to unsurpassed trout fishing, grizzly bear viewing and guided wildflower hikes, guests to Eden on Chilko Lake will leave relaxed and inspired, with a renewed sense of balance. “Through programs designed to instill health and wellness in the true, native and rugged paradise of Chilko Lake, our aim will be to offer guests the unique opportunity to find spiritual, mental and emotional balance,” says Aaron Smith, Director of Marketing and Operations for Adventure West Resorts. “Chilko Lake is considered a healing ground to the local First Nations. In line with the history of the area, we plan to create a relaxing and enlightening experience unlike anything else offered in the region.”
ABENTEUER AFRIKA SAFARI STAGES FLYING SAFARIS OVER NAMIBIA’S SKELETON COAST
Travel World News • www.travelworldnews.com
Namibia’s Abenteuer Afrika Safari offers a four-day, three-night Flying Safari along Africa’s legendary Skeleton Coast with stays at comfortable, fully-equipped camps. Named for the hulks of ships smashed by the tumultuous, fog-beset Atlantic, and strewn with the bleached bones of whale and seal, the Skeleton Coast is a visual believe-it-or-not. Travelers depart at Eros Airport in Windhoek and take in aerial views of gargantuan red sand dunes, the remote Kuiseb Canyon and the remains of the Eduard Bohlen shipwreck of 1909. Continuing northward at low level, the flight passes the seal colony at Cape Cross across the desert to the Ugab formations, a landscape of black ridges on the white desert floor. The flight touches down at Kuidas Camp in the Huab River Valley for a walking tour to see ancient rock engraving amidst the red lava and yellow sandstone scenery. Next day, the flight lands at Terrace Bay in Skeleton Coast National Park. Guests take a Land Rover to the “roaring dunes” for a colorful beach walk. Then back for a flight to the Hoarusib Valley in the Kunene Region bordering Angola. Night is spent in the valley’s Purros Camp. After breakfast next day, there’s a drive to a settlement of the semi-nomadic Himba
people, an area frequented by the magnificently adapted desert-dwelling elephant. Next, back to the aircraft to fly further north over the Coast, taking in views of the Kaiu Maru shipwreck and the rusted remains of old sailing vessels. From the airfield the Land Rover motors to a favorite lunch site. The journey continues through the mountains and dunes of the Hartmann Valley and arrives at Kunene River Camp late afternoon. The final day includes an early morning boat trip on the Kunene River. After lunch at the camp, the plane returns to Eros Airport in Windhoek, arriving late afternoon. The price of $5,495 ppdo is all-inclusive: accommodations as indicated, meals and drinks (except premium brands), game drives and activities. Not included are laundry and gratuities. Groups of four are entitled to a discount. Luggage restrictions apply. Abenteuer Afrika Safari, plaprelle@abenteuerafrika.com, www.abenteuerafrika.com
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