November 2009 Edition: Travel World News

NOVEMBER 2009

The Magazine for DestinationTravel Specialists

For a Vacation They’ll Never Forget Send Your Clients to

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ISSUE NO. 257

NOVEMBER 2009 executive office

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

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Charles Gatt, Jr. charlie@travelworldnews.com editor

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

Linda Rogers

INDUSTRY EVENTS FITUR’s Focus is a Commitment to Global Tourism

CALENDAR OF EVENTS INDUSTRY NEWS THE INSIDE TRACK FAM ANNOUNCEMENTS

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

EUROPE CARIBBEAN

INSIDE TRACK/JFK LOUNGE- page 11

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S-h-h-h-h, The Dominican Republic’s Little Secret: Its Southwest

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Guests “Reconnect’ at the Abaco Club on Winding Bay

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Domingo Velasco Appointed Director of Marketing for Rosewood Little Dix Bay

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linda@travelworldnews.com Maria Rebello • Accounting Manager Shawn Hebert • IT Manager Cindy Johnson • Circulation Manager dive editor

CARIBBEAN/DOMINICAN REPUBLIC- page 16

Lorry Heverly

MEXICO cruise editor

Michael Iachetta southeast regional correspondent

Jalisco Leads in Mexico’s Tourism Recovery and Hosts the 2009 North American Leaders’ Summit 20

Joan Gonzalez western regional correspondent

Connie Skoog contributing editors

Mona Birch • Ann Charles • Gail P. Dubov Judith Glynn • Barry Goldsmith • Peggy Hageman George Hairston • Al Haut • Marjorie Klein • Peter Lowy Nancy Marcantonio • Anita Mason D.O. Christian Rieger • Knox Robinson • Mary Ellen Schultz Helen Kitti Smith • Robin Swados • Diane Terry Travel World News (ISSN 1044-4602) is published monthly by Travel Industry Network, Inc., 28 Knight Street, Norwalk, CT 06851-4707. The cost of a subscription in the USA is $25, in Canada $40. For subscribers outside USA or Canada, the rate is $80. Please send check or money order in U.S. dollars payable to Travel World News. For change of address, please enclose your mailing label and send to: Circulation Department, Travel World News, 28 Knight Street, Norwalk, CT 06851-4707. Periodicals postage paid at Norwalk, CT, and additional mailing offices.

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

Yucatan Holidays Organizes Vacation Rewards Club for Agents

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Agents Can Now Become Mexico Specialists

by Learning – and Earning – on the Web, Compliments of the Mexico Tourism Board 24

MAGIC OF MEXICO- page 24

LATIN AMERICA TravelMart Latin America #34: This Year It Was Chile and, As Always, It Was Strictly Business

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Brazil Tour Operators Celebrate Rio’s Olympic Win

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Antarctic Dream Offers Adventure, Nature, and History in the White Continent

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LATIN AMERICA/TRAVELMART- page 28

AFRICA For a Vacation They’ll Never Forget Send Your Clients to South Africa

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Special $100 Per Person Discount from Zara Tanzania Adventures

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ATA Hosts Annual Presidential Forum on Tourism in New York

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AFRICA/SOUTH AFRICAN AIRWAYS- page 34

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INDUSTRY EVENTS

Commitment to Global Tourism is FITUR Focus Strongly aligned with the tempo and temperament of the industry, the 30-year trade fair in Madrid remains a must-attend for the industry’s involved.

W

hen the first edition of the International Tourism Trade Fair in Madrid (FITUR) opened in 1981, then Minister of Transport, Communications and Tourism José Luís Álvarez referred to it as “an opportunity for us all to participate in the evolution of one of most transcendental social, cultural and economic phenomena of our century.”

FITUR, now about to celebrate its 30th anniversary January 20–24, has certainly witnessed such an evolution. Traveling surpassed 920 million international movements in 2008— it’s more accessible now, transport methods have progressed in an extraordinary way, and many communities have converted this market into the keystone of their economy.

Spain has become the world’s second destination in terms of income generated from travel and the third in international visitors. This increase has had a powerful impact on FITUR, which has grown from 1,500 participating companies from 37 nations in 1981 to 13,312 businesses attending from 170 countries/regions in 2009. The first fair attracted 3,000 trade visitors and 358 journalists who attended out of curiosity about the project of Feria de Madrid (IFEMA). At the last edition, 136,177 visitors and 8,470 media noted FITUR in their agendas. The trade fair has crossed the frontiers to become an international reference point—especially for Latin America, where it represents an entrance into the European market.

Trend leadership A key factor in this evolution has been FITUR’s recognition of business trends. FITUR 2010 incorporates programs like INVESTOUR, a forum organized with the World Tourism Organization (WTO) to stimulate investment in Africa thus contributing to improving life in many communities. Timely tools such as renewable energies that foster sustainability will be another highlight. At the request of exhibitors, FITUR will unveil the RECEPTIVO ESPAÑA area, grouping proposals in this field under a single banner.

Back in 1994, FITUR responded to a Spanish desire to break away from seasonal alternatives by creating FITUR ACTIVO to unite all the nature, culture and adventure programs on offer. A year later, organizers created FITUR KNOW HOW: knowledge in the areas of hotel management, consultancy, training, etc. In 2000, coinciding with the fair’s 20th anniversary, FITUR CONGRESOS was launched—a workshop on business and incentive travel spotlighting the enormous impact this segment had gained.

Some years previously, FITUR had introduced its website 4 • NOVEMBER 2009

Visit Florida at FITUR in Madrid.

offering exhibitors and visitors tools to interact over the Internet. The revolution of new technologies affecting tourism is constantly widening, and in 2007 the first FITURTECH seminars were held to analyze technologies. In 2009 the SMX-Travel @FITUR forum took place, dedicated to training new generations of marketing experts by applying online search engines.

An internationally sensitive event Apart from adapting to professional demands, FITUR has demonstrated a capacity to face historic moments as well. The 1991 edition was witness to uncertainty in the industry before the Gulf War; two years later, some Eastern European territories were incorporated for the first time in their own right, following the disintegration of the Soviet Union.

Solidarity was again shown when Hurricane Mitch in 1999 devastated areas of Central America and the Caribbean, where tourism is fundamental. For the show a few months later, exhibition space was donated to these countries, enabling them to show capacity to receive visitors and maintain needed income. The same formula was applied in 2005 to aid territories affected by the tsunami in December 2004.

The role of FITUR during the past three decades would have served no purpose without the unconditional support of the sector in faithful attendance each year, the empathy of Spanish and foreign administrations supporting the event, and all the professionals who use FITUR to exchange experiences and employ its platform for the commercialization of their products.

This participation is what propels FITUR’S continuous commitment to tourism.

FITUR, www.fituronline.com www.travelworldnews.com • Travel World News

INDUSTRY EVENTS CHTA MEETS WITH PUERTO RICO GOVERNOR AND CONFIRMS PARTICIPATION IN CHTIC 2010

30 years Pictured left to right: Miguel Vega, Chairman, Puerto Rico Hotel and Tourism Association; Hon. Luis Fortuño, Governor, Commonwealth of Puerto Rico; Enrique De Marchena Kaluche, President of the Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association; Clarissa Jimenez, President, Puerto Rico Hotel and Tourism Association; Vanessa Ledesma-Berrios, CMP, Conferences & Events Director, Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association; and Alec Sanguinetti, CD, Director General & CEO of the Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association.

During a meeting with Puerto Rico Governor Luis Fortuño to discuss the 14th Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Investment Conference (CHTIC 2010) taking place at San Juan’s Puerto Rico Convention Center May 4–6, the Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association (CHTA) confirmed the governor’s participation as the keynote speaker at the Opening Ceremony for the region’s tourism investment event.

CHTIC 2010 will bring together hoteliers, tourism officials, developers, bankers, lenders and others interested in Caribbean tourism to discuss and plan investment strategies for the region. With Governor Fortuño’s support now confirmed, CHTA anticipates a very well attended conference hosted by the Puerto Rico Tourism Company (PRTC), the Puerto Rico Hotel and Tourism Association (PRHTA) and the Puerto Rico Convention Bureau (PRCB).

Building on the momentum achieved in recent years with a growing interest in Caribbean tourism development, CHTIC is the only official tourism investment conference of the Caribbean managed by the region’s public and private sector organizations—CHTA (the regional hotel association) and CTO (the public sector tourism body)—and is the only event of its kind which is staged by the region’s not-for-profit organizations, with all funds being reinvested in the region for the benefit of the Caribbean tourism industry.

Sponsorship opportunities for CHTIC are available for hospitality and investment companies seeking to maximize exposure in front of key players in the regional and global market.

Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association (CHTA), events@caribbeanhotelandtourism.com, www.caribbeanhotelandtourism.com/InvestmentConference. php, www.caribbeanhotelandtourism.com Travel World News • www.travelworldnews.com

Committed to Tourism

ORGANISED BY

IFEMA CALL CENTRE CALLS FROM SPAIN INFOIFEMA EXHIBITORS

902 22 15 15 902 22 16 16

INTERNATIONAL CALLS

(34) 91 722 30 00

FAX

(34) 91 722 57 87

IFEMA

Feria de Madrid 28042 Madrid España / Spain

fitur@ifema.es

NOVEMBER 2009 •

5

INDUSTRY EVENTS WORLD TRAVEL AWARDS NORTH & CENTRAL AMERICA WINNERS UNVEILED

American Airlines, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts and Mexicana were among those presented awards at the World Travel Awards North and Central America regional ceremony at the Hacienda Tres Rios in Mexico in September.

In the North American categories, American Airlines was North America’s Leading Airline. Fairmont Hotels & Resorts bagged four awards including Canada’s Leading Golf Resort, Canada’s Leading Ski Resort, Canada’s Leading Business Hotel and North America’s Leading Golf Resort. The Leading Hotel Brand for North America went to Marriott Hotels & Resorts and Leading Destination Miami.

In the Central America categories, Mexicana triumphed as

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Central America’s Leading Airline, Parador Boutique Resort & Spa Central America’s Leading Hotel and Cancun Convention & Visitors Bureau Leading Destination. A total 34 travel agents and tour operators were nominated in the ceremony held in partnership with Hacienda Tres Rios, Cancun Convention & Visitors Bureau, Yucatan Holidays, Yucatan Travel, RCI and Vive Mexico. North America’s Tour Operator was presented to Adventures by Disney; North America’s Leading Travel Agency went to Anthony Travel.

Cruises.com was named North America’s Leading Cruise Travel Agent and Central America’s Leading Travel Agency was L’Alianca. Each winner is put forward for the WTA Grand Final taking place at the five-star Grosvenor House in London November 8 immediately before World Travel Market.

World Travel Awards, www.worldtravelawards.com

ADVENTURES IN TRAVEL EXPO HELD IN NEW YORK On October 10–11, the Adventures in Travel Expo came to New York City, attracting over 10,000 attendees and more than 1,000 travel agents and press. Thrill seekers, travel professionals, and weary New Yorkers looking for vacation inspiration filled the Javits Convention Center to learn about the industry’s hottest destinations.

“This is the first year we’re here in the fall, not January,” explained John Golicz, CEO of Unicomm, a company specializing in managing trade shows, and organizer of the Expo. Held around the country five times a year, the show is in Chicago in January, Los Angeles in February, Washington, D.C. in March and Seattle in December. Chicago’s primarily a family market; Washington, D.C, young professionals with money and highly educated who do big trips; Los Angeles, the largest Expo in the country for both exhibitors and attendees, focuses on Asia and a developing Caribbean market.

“We were doing four shows in the first three months of the year and it was too taxing,” he continued. “And, with strong Caribbean and Latin American interests in New York, the fall was a better booking season for anyone looking for a winter vacation.” “We attract people who buy and our exhibitors like that,” Golicz told Travel World News. New York draws an upper middle-class crowd, and according to Golicz, it’s the most adventurous group of all markets in the country. “They know what they want and they come here to get it,” he explained. Yes, the economy has had an effect on the show, with more lookers than buyers, but the Expo builds a desire and awareness of destinations. With an exhibitor list that included the African Travel Association, the Taiwan Tourism Bureau, Gap Adventures and Hurtigruten Cruises, there was something for everyone. Industry greats like Arthur Frommer, Patricia Schultz, Holly Morris and Tony Wheeler were scheduled speakers. For an adrenalin rush, one could even rock climb and scuba dive.

There were 1,200 travel agents registered for the show, free to the trade with identification.

Adventures in Travel Expo, www.adventureexpo.com www.travelworldnews.com • Travel World News

CALENDAR OF EVENTS • 2009/10 DATE EVENT LOCATION CONTACT NOVEMBER 4-7 DEMA Show 2009 Orlando, FL www.demashow.com DECEMBER 1-3 EIBTM 2009 Barcelona, Spain www.eibtm.com 1-3 Discover American Pavilion at EIBTM 2009 Barcelona, Spain www.discoveramericapavilion.travel 5-6 Adventure in Travel Expo Seattle, WA www.adventureexpo.com 8-10 USTOA Annual Conference Banff, Alberta, Canada www.ustoa.com JANUARY 2010 12-17 Vakantiebeurs The Netherlands www.vakantiebeurs.com 13-17 BTL Lisbon, Portugal www.btl.fil.pt 15-17 Monte Carlo Travel Market Grimaldi Forum, Monaco www.mctm.mc 20-24 FITUR 2010 Madrid, Spain www.fituronline.com 21-24 MATKA Helsinki, Finland www.matkamessut.fi 21-24 Moroccan Travel Market Marrakech, Morocco www.mtm.ma 21-24 Slovakiatour Bratislava, Slovak Republic www.incheba.sk 21-24 Tourism & Leisure Show Ljubljana, Slovenia www.tourism-fair.com 27-31 Discover American Pavilion at FITUR 2010 Madrid, Spain www.discoveramericapavilion.travel 28-30 SATTE 2010 New Delhi, India www.satte.org/exhibit-2010.asp FEBRUARY 4-7 Holiday World Czech Republic www.holidayworld.cz 7-14 Discover American Pavilion at OTM 2010 Mumbai/New Delhi, India www.discoveramericapavilion.travel 11-14 EMITT Istanbul, Turkey www.emittistanbul.com 18-21 Discover American Pavilion at Bit 2010 Milan, Italy www.discoveramericapavilion.travel 19-21 Boston Globe Travel Show Boston, MA www.boston.com/travelshow 21-23 Jordan Travel Mart Dead Sea, Jordan www.jordantravelmart.com 24-28 IFT Belgrade, Serbia www.ift-belgrade.com 26-28 2010 New York Times Travel Show New York, NY www.nytravelshow.com MARCH 8-9 TTG Polish Travel Mart 2010 Warsaw, Poland www.polishtravelmart.pl 10-14 ITB Berlin 2010 Berlin, Germany www.itb-berlin.com 10-14 Discover American Pavilion at ITB Berlin 2010 Berlin, Germany www.discoveramericapavilion.travel 17-20 MITT Moscow, Russia www.mitt.ru/en 17-20 Discover American Pavilion at Mitt 2010 Moscow, Russia www.discoveramericapavilion.travel 24-26 UITT Kiev, Ukraine www.uitt-kiev.com 25-28 TUR Gothenburg, Sweden www.ittfa.org 25-28 Discover American Pavilion at TUR 2010 Gotehnburg, Sweden www.discoveramericapavilion.travel APRIL 15-17 AITF Baku, Azerbaijan www.travel-exhibitions.com 22-24 KITF Almaty, Kazakhstan www.travel-exhibitions.com MAY 4-6 CHTIC 2010 San Juan, Puerto Rico events@caribbeanhotelandtourism.com 4-7 Discover American Pavilion at ATM 2010 Dubai, UAE www.discoveramericapavilion.travel 17-20 ATA 35th Annual Congress Banjul, The Gambia www,africatravelassociation.org 25-27 Discover American Pavilion at IMEX 2010 Frankfurt, Germany www.discoveramericapavilion.travel TO LIST YOUR EVENTS EMAIL : editor@travelworldnews.com • FOR ADDITIONAL EVENTS VISIT: www.travelworldnews.com/calendar

2009 MOTIVATION SHOW EXCEEDS EXHIBITOR, ATTENDEE EXPECTATIONS According to both exhibitors and attendees, The 2009 Motivation Show held September 29 through October 1 in Chicago’s McCormick Place, exceeded expectations. One reason is that those attending came with plans to buy. “Our attendee registration totaled 9,131, compared with 10,467 in 2008,” said Peter Erickson, Managing Director of the Show. “Most trade shows have been down significantly more this year.”

“Motivating customers and employees has become more important than ever in today’s economy,” commented Nancy Petitti, Show Director. “Improving morale and productivity as well as increasing sales are high priorities for all businesses.”

Three innovative products earned People’s Choice Awards with attendee votes on over 50 items in the Innovative Products Gallery.

These products were the Heys USA BioCase (George Cassius), voted most innovative—made of nearly indestructible 100-percent Travel World News • www.travelworldnews.com

polycarbonate and featuring a biometric security system, the Swany Walkin’ Bag (Cassius, second place) invented by a polio survivor incorporating a pull-out seat for up to 300 pounds, and the Oreck® Halo (Incentive Concepts) for third place—the only vacuum killing many germs, viruses, bacteria and dust mite eggs with UV-C Light and without chemicals.

The schedule for 2010 has been changed to reduce exhibiting costs while maintaining a full three-day program of education, exhibits, and networking. A dedicated “Education Day” on Tuesday, October 12, from 9 to 5, will be followed by two full days of exhibits Wednesday and Thursday. The deadline for the first round of space assignments is November 16.

The Motivation Show, www.motivationshow.com, www.motivationshow.com/attendees-featured.php; George Cassius, george@earthgear.org, Incentive Concepts, salesinfo@inconltd.com, www.incentiveconcepts.com NOVEMBER 2009 •

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INDUSTRY NEWS JET AIRWAYS NAMES NIKOS KARDASSIS ACTING CEO Wolfgang Prock-Schauer, Chief Executive Officer of Jet Airways, has resigned from the services of the company effective October 15. Mr. Prock-Schauer wishes to rejoin his family in Europe and will be joining British Midland PLC (bmi) as its Chief Executive Officer to be based in the UK. Mr. Prock-Schauer has been at the helm of Jet Airways since June 2003 and has guided the company during the NIKOS KARDASSIS critical period of its international expansion growth. He conveys his gratitude to the Chairman, Mr. Naresh Goyal and the Board members for their guidance and support. The Chairman and the members of the Board thank Mr. Prock-Schauer for his leadership and commitment to the company during his tenure as CEO. Nikos Kardassis has taken over as Acting Chief Executive Officer of the company. Mr. Kardassis, who was formerly the CEO of Jet Airways from 1994 to 1999, brings with him a wealth of experience in both the aviation and financial services industries. Mr. Kardassis began his career with TWA holding various finance and operational positions. He joined Merrill Lynch from General Electric where he served as President for GECAT. Mr. Kardassis

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was also the Managing Director and Head of Business Development and Distribution for the Global Bank Group at Merrill Lynch.

In the past 18 months, Mr. Kardassis has served as Senior Vice President, The Americas for Jet Airways, closely involved in the restructuring, cost/network management of the airline and working as Senior Advisor to the Chairman on both Finance and Strategy.

Jet Airways, www.jetairways.com

VIRGIN VACATIONS LAUNCHES NEW GLOBAL HOTEL PROGRAM The launch of Virgin Vacations Global Hotel Program gives customers the chance to “Treat Yourself Right,” and get more than just a bed when booking travel plans. The new program provides a seamless booking service to travelers for all Virgin brands. That means Virgin customers can take advantage of incredible air deals and then seek the hotel of their choice with room rates starting at $29 per person in Orlando, $49 per person in Paris, and $59 per person for London. With hotels from Shanghai to Mumbai and New York to Cape Town, this is a no-surprise offer—there are no hidden fees, no change fees and no cancel fees.

Virgin Vacations’ customers are “treated” right from the beginning, while in the air Virgin Atlantic gives 30 channels of free entertainment, with no extra charge for an aisle seat or to check a bag, and free drinks too.

Once on the ground, Virgin Vacations’ treats vary from each individual hotel but all follow the same iconic brand standards. Nigel Osborne, President Virgin Vacations, says “Virgin Treats pays homage to Richard Branson, Chairman of Virgin Atlantic Airways, by living up to his philosophy of ‘Give travelers more comfort, more amenities, and more entertainment at a better value.’”

Virgin Vacations offers hotel deals in over 150 destinations.

Rates in Europe include buffet breakfast, tax, and service charges.

Virgin Vacations, 866-674-6209, www.hotels.virgin-vacations.com

KOR HOTEL GROUP CHANGES NAME TO VICEROY HOTEL GROUP Kor Hotel Group has announced a name change to Viceroy Hotel Group, reflecting the decade-long growth and evolution of the hotel management company, as well as successful results for its Viceroy brand since the flagship property debuted in Santa Monica in 2002.

Viceroy Hotel Group will function as an umbrella company for the sister hotel brands that formerly fell under Kor, Viceroy Hotels & Resorts, The Tides and Urban Retreats.

Signature Viceroy amenities and services include dining venues featuring world-class culinary talents and destination spas specializing in health, fitness and beauty. The Tides collection of resorts offers ‘chic-by-the-shore’ settings that invite guests to unwind and reconnect with culturally inspired leisure and wellness experiences.

Viceroy Hotel Group, www.viceroyhotelgroup.com www.travelworldnews.com • Travel World News

INDUSTRY NEWS DAVE RANDON ACCEPTS VICE PRESIDENT POST AT EXPEDITION CRUISES Small Ship industry cruise veteran Dave Randon has accepted the position of Vice President, Sales and Marketing for Expedition Cruises for North America.

Dave will reinforce the mission of Expedition Cruises: to align itself with key consortiums, travel agents, and tour operators.

He has worked in the cruise industry since the 1970s. He was recently the Vice President of Sales for Variety Cruises and earlier occupied the position of Director of North American Sales for Antarctic Dream Expeditions.

Expedition Cruises features The Nuclear Icebreaker, 50 Years of Victory—the most powerful icebreaker ever built by man. This 15-Day North Pole expedition cruise is a bold journey that allows travelers to experience firsthand the awesome beauty and raw savagery of one of the last few remaining frontiers DAVE RANDON on earth.

Expedition Cruises, 877-692-5701, www.expedition-cruises.com

HAHN AIR IMPLEMENTS RESERVATIONS/TICKETING FACILITIES FOR AGENTS IN NORTH AMERICA Hahn Air has implemented a reservations and ticketing facility for travel agents in North America via Airworld Alliance, their general sales agent. This facility is available for agents who do not wish to make reservations or issue tickets using their own GDS via ARC or BSP. Operating the industry’s leading universal ET (E-Ticketing) platform, Hahn Air has implemented agreements with over 200 airlines worldwide, generating extra revenue for its airline partners through global accessibility to all IATA travel agents using any GDS in all key BSPs worldwide and ARC in the U.S. Agents should contact the Hahn Air service desk by email or by calling their toll-free number for reservations or ticketing questions for GDS bookings or website assistance.

Hahn Air, 877-HR169HR (877-471-6947), www.hahnair.com

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INDUSTRY NEWS WORLD MONUMENTS FUND NOTES CULTURAL HERITAGE SITES AT RISK For more than 40 years, the World Monuments Fund (WMF), a nonprofit organization, has worked to preserve cultural heritage across the globe. The 2010 Watch includes 93 sites now at risk, representing 47 countries. These include nine sites from the United States and 15 dating from the 20th century. The Watch is WMF’s flagship advocacy program, and it calls international attention to threatened cultural heritage. Ranging from the famous (Machu Picchu, Peru) and remote (Phajoding, a monastery high in the mountains of Bhutan), to the unexpected (Merritt Parkway, Connecticut, U.S.) and little-known (desert castles of ancient Khorezm, Uzbekistan), the sites vividly illustrate the ever-more pressing need to create a balance between heritage concerns and the social, economic, and environmental interests of communities around the world. Nearly half the sites featured on the Watch lists through 2008, representing 79 countries, have received WMF support totaling $50 million. These WMF funds have in turn leveraged an additional $150 million in assistance from other sources, demonstrating the effectiveness of the Watch program. The World Monuments Fund is the leading independent organization devoted to saving the world’s most treasured places. Its highly skilled experts have applied proven and effective techniques to preserve important architectural and cultural-heritage sites around the globe. Through partnerships with local communities, funders, and governments, WMF inspires an enduring commitment to stewardship for future generations.

World Monuments Fund, wmf.org

ARTA AND ARTA CANADA CLEAR THE AIR ABOUT UNITED AIRLINES ARTA and ARTA Canada have reviewed very carefully the comments from agents and the media regarding the associations’ stand in the matter of United Airlines’ shift of credit card merchant of record status for various travel agents.

Reports that ARTA and ARTA Canada have “caved” or laid down their concerns about such a shift are unequivocally false. At no time did ARTA ever accept such a policy change at United. To the contrary, ARTA made it very clear to United that such a change was both unacceptable and a non-starter for the agency community.

Rather than continue to decry United’s plans in the media, which both ARTA and ARTA Canada had indeed done, ARTA sought to meet with United to directly explain ARTA’s concerns, to hear United’s position, and to see if there were room to consider alternatives to this specific form of distribution cost reduction which ARTA and ARTA Canada are aware have been discussed with some of the impacted travel agents.

With receptivity to ARTA’s concerns and an indication to continue ongoing dialogue with ARTA on this matter, United’s positive approach was a basis for ARTA to show equal good faith by withdrawing its merchant of record complaint against United at the U.S. Department of Transportation. The decision to do so was neither a concession to United, nor any change in ARTA’s core position, but rather an indication that ARTA wished to progress additional dialogue with United in a constructive climate, not a confrontational one which clearly created speculation that was based on various interpretations of what happened instead of the facts.

ARTA and ARTA Canada understand that travel agents and the media would like to know more about the substance of the associations’ discussions with United. While more information might appear to some to be useful, the associations and United both feel that dialogue in a more public setting would be inappropriate. Every business has the right to have private conversations, especially regarding contractual agreements, with their customers and partners directly. That is the foundation to a good working relationship. In fact, some of the impacted travel agents that have had additional dialogue with United have recently discussed those conversations with the media and have done so under anonymity. Discussions are ongoing and both associations are optimistic that solutions acceptable to travel agents and United will be found. More information will be made available at the proper time.

ARTA, 800-969-6069, pat@artaonline.com; ARTA Canada, www.artacanada.ca/join

STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP 2009 Statement of Ownership, Management and Circulation (Act of August 12, 1970: Section 3685, Title 39, United States Code) (1) Title of publication: TRAVEL WORLD NEWS. (2) Publication number: ISSN 1044-4602. (3) Date of filling: October 1, 2009. (4) Frequency of Issue: monthly. (5) Number of issues published annually: 12. (6) Annual subscription price: Free to qualified subscribers. (7) Complete mailing address of known office of publication: 28 Knight St., Norwalk, CT 06851-4770. (8) Complete mailing address of general business office of the publisher: 28 Knight St., Norwalk,CT 06851-4770. (9) Names and addresses of publisher, editor, managing editor: Publisher: Charles Gatt, Jr., 28 Knight St., Norwalk ,CT 06851-4770. Editor: Charles Gatt, Jr. 28 Knight St., Norwalk ,CT 06851-4770. (10) Owner: Travel Industry Network, Inc., Charles Gatt, Jr., 28 Knight St., Norwalk ,CT 06851-4770. (11) Known bondholders, mortgages, and other security holders owning or holding, 1% or more of total amount of bonds, mortgages or other securities: None. (12) Not applicable. (13) Publication name: Travel World News. (14) Issue date for circulation data below; October 1, 2009.

(15) Extent and nature of circulation: Average number of copies each issue during preceding 12 months: A. Total copies printed: 14584. B. Paid and/or requested circulation: 1. Sales through dealers and carriers, street vendors, and counter sales: None. 2. Paid or requested mail subscription: 7746. C. Total paid and/or requested circulation: 7746. D (1). Free distribution by mail: 41. D (4). Free distribution outside the mail: 6592. E. Total free distribution (sum of D): 6633. F. Total distribution (sum of C and E): 14379. G. Copies not distributed: 1. Office use, leftover, spoiled after printing: 204. Returns from news agents: None. H. Total (sum of F and G): 14583. Percent paid and/or requested circulation: 53.87. Actual number of copies of a single issue published nearest to filing date: A. Total copies printed: 14998. B. Paid and/or requested circulation: 1. Sales through dealers and carriers, street vendors and counter sales: None. 2. Paid or requested mail subscription: 6548. C. Total paid and/or requested circulation: 6548.

D (1). Free distribution by mail: 32. D (4). Free distribution outside the mail: 8218. E. Total free distribution (sum of D): 8250. F. Total distribution (sum of C and E): 14798.

G. Copies not distributed: 1. Office use, leftover, spoiled after printing: 200. 2. Returns from news agents: None. H. Total (sum of F and G): 14998. Percent paid and/or requested circulation: 44.25. (16) This statement of ownership will be printed in the November 2009 issue of this publication. (17) I certify that all information furnished on this form is true and complete.

Charles Gatt, Jr., Publisher

10 • NOVEMBER 2009

www.travelworldnews.com • Travel World News

TRAVEL TIPS

The Inside Track BARRY GOLDSMITH

I

love flying business class. It’s so much more relaxing.

You’re treated to totally reclining seats with lumbar support, the latest headphones, aromatherapy, large flatscreen televisions, deluxe eat-all-you-want meals prepared by celebrity chefs, fine wine, latest periodicals to read – and that’s before you even leave the airport. What I just described is the latest in business-class lounges.

Travel still is a wondrous event for me. To look well groomed, I always wear a navy blazer and button-down shirt – except when I fly Upper Class on Virgin Atlantic from Heathrow Airport. Virgin Atlantic upped the ante over ten years ago when they introduced massages, shoe shines and even haircuts in their Upper Class “Clubroom” lounges. Why shine your shoes, get your hair styled and even shower before you get to the airport? When it’s so much better there! (www.virginatlantic.com) What is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year? Gone With the Wind, The Wizard of Oz and American Airlines’ business-class lounge, which opened at New York’s LaGuardia Airport when Fiorello LaGuardia was still mayor.

I have two complaints about business-class lounges. First: Keep children off the free internet terminals. American Airlines solved this problem – they have children’s play centers in many of their Admiral Clubs. (Strange, an airline lounge named after a navy ranking – “Admiral”?) (www.aa.com) A word of advice. Lifetime business-class club membership is worth the money if it’s for your lifetime and not the airline’s lifetime. (And the younger you are, the more you get for your money.) I wonder what happened to lifetime membership in TWA’s Ambassador Clubs, National Airlines’ clubs, Eastern Airlines’ clubs, etc.

My second complaint is business-class lounges located before airport security. The philosophy behind a business-class lounge is for the passenger to relax in relative tranquility.

However, when the lounge is located before airport security, there is an underlying tension – worrying about airport-security lines and allowing enough time to catch your plane.

Among the airport lounges located before security at JFK’s new Terminal Four are Air France’s, Lufthansa's and Oasis – a beautiful, private lounge used by many airlines. However, Lufthansa’s airport lounge at Frankfurt Airport is among my favorites – despite their ad, “Showers upon arrival in Germany.”

Shared airport lounges are found all over the world. Star Alliance is now branding them per alliance instead of per the individual airline. Star Alliance lounges share a clean-cut, modern design in four major hubs: LA, Narita, Paris and London. I actually like lounges shared by several airlines –

Travel World News • www.travelworldnews.com

Virgin Atlantic’s London Heathrow Clubhouse Bar Lounge.

they usually have inflight magazines from around the world– more reading to discover more destinations.

Having recently experienced airport lounges in South America, I am not surprised that Rio won the 2016 Olympics. TAM’s airport lounge in Sao Paolo goes beyond the requisite luxuries. It’s an airport piano lounge – with live entertainment.

Avianca’s Bogota Airport lounge has the greatest number of free internet terminals I’ve ever seen. I was supposed to meet my group in the LAN lounge at Santiago Airport. I had a Twilight Zone experience when over an hour later, no one had shown up. How was I supposed to know that LAN had two airport lounges just to avoid overcrowding? (www.LAN.com) I wish more lounges would preview local cuisine of their airline’s nationality. Instead of eating Milano cookies at the Alitalia lounge at Malpensa, I’d rather eat cookies from Milano. My favorite lounge food is China Airlines’ at Taipei Airport: the best dumplings I have ever had, in elegant marble-walled rooms. (www.china-airlines.com) PAL has some of the best food: Filipino specialties (www.Philippine Airlines.com) Delta Airlines is adding local cuisine in some of their international lounges such as those at Frankfurt and Narita airports.

Sometimes a lounge can be too good. Too much food, too much mood music, chairs that recline too much, such that you’re so relaxed, you fall asleep. Incheon Airport’s Korean Air lounge was so good, the room I was in so soundproof, that I missed the announcement for my USA flight.

However, I didn’t mind - I got to spend a few more hours in paradise. (www.Koreanair.com) Barry Goldsmith is a professor of architecture and humor. Goldsmith is a television host of travel-related TV series in the USA and UK. And he is a regular on a new syndicated radio show, Let’s Travel Radio.

NOVEMBER 2009 •

11

EUROPE MALTA HAS SYMBOLIC AND COLORFUL EASTER EXPERIENCES INTRODUCING SPRING

Easter is one of the most colorful and interesting times of the year in Malta. Maltese culture comes alive with outdoor activities to compliment the gorgeous spring weather that bursts into color and bright sunshine across the archipelago. Being predominantly Catholic, Easter is a celebrated event across Malta and Gozo, with towns and villages in full preparation for the Good Friday and Easter Sunday processions preceded by Palm Sunday and Maundy Thursday’s Seven Churches visits.

Good Friday is a public holiday, with elaborate scenes featuring life-sized statues depicting the Passion and Crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Each stage is re-enacted by volunteers, down to the finest detail in costumes, flags and props. In many towns, a Last Supper display is set up on large tables. Statues in the processions are unique works of art, sculpted or made by renowned artists, some dating back to the 1800s. Those holding the statues have vied for a prestigious place on teams of between six and eight men each. The faithful then carry the holy images high on their shoulders for up to six hours in the course of the evening, dressed as biblical figures and Roman soldiers in the processions.

Another spectacle is white-robed and hooded men walking while they trail heavy chains strapped to their ankles as an act of penance on behalf of all sinners. Mosta and Zebbug (Malta) are just two well-known villages featuring Good Friday processions. The holy festivities are a photographer’s delight—color, scenery, unique backdrops and crowds, together with a full complement of the local village brass bands take to the streets in honor of the crucified Christ. The mood is sombre, but with local participation high.

Easter Sunday becomes an explosive festivity of joy all across the islands. Accompanied by fireworks and petards, the most notorious Easter Sunday celebration is the feast of the ‘Risen Chris’t in 12 • NOVEMBER 2009

Senglea, Vittoriosa and Cospicua, where local men run with a statue of Christ through village streets.

Spring in the Islands Spring is one of the best times of the year to visit Malta and Gozo.

Conditions are close to perfect with warm days and cool evenings.

Beaches and resorts are relatively free from summer crowds and the countryside is alive with indigenous plants and flowers that grace the Mediterranean garigue and hills once a year. The sheer size of this phenomenal place makes it perfect for those seeking to try a new sport or challenge climbing, or just ramble along the coast to indulge in sunrises, sunsets and breathtaking views.

Visitors can discover Malta’s intense and endless history through countless relics in buildings, museums and structures or discuss international business followed by an evening of theatre, opera or fine dining. In just a couple of days one can take a dive in some of the clearest waters in the Med, take an island cruise, tour the most magnificent UNESCO sites and temples, enjoy a delectable lunch al fresco and still have time for a fine casino or club in Paceville, socializing at a funky jazz club or enjoying a quaint wine bar like ‘Borgo’ in Birgu. Real value—all within 95 square miles and smiles. Perfectly bilingual, the Maltese have strong historic and cultural links to Britain, making it home-away-fromhome for many.

Nibbling on mouth-watering traditional Easter cookies or basking in the spring sunshine while sipping on an aromatic soft drink or frothy real cappuccino in Piazza Regina, Valletta, this is the joy and relaxation of Malta in the springtime. For those wishing to combine their Maltese experience with a Mediterranean cruise, the most beautiful MSC Splendida offers Malta-to-Malta cruise departures from the Valletta Grand Harbour.

Malta Tourism Authority, www.visitmalta.com; www.heritagemalta.org, www.visitmalta.com/holy-week-easter, www.maltadiocese.org, www.airmalta.com/easter-in-malta

DUBROVNIK TRAVEL DMC IS NEWEST ICCA MEMBER Dubrovnik Travel DMC has marked its position as a leading Professional Conference Organizer in Croatia by becoming a member of the International Congress and Convention Association.

A market share that’s grown steadily over the past ten years has put Dubrovnik Travel at the forefront of business travel in Croatia.

With a growing number of renovated and newly built hotels in the region, capacities have increased and with them the need for professional conference organizers.

Dubrovnik Travel sees its membership in ICCA as an opportunity to bring more conference business to the Dubrovnik and Split regions. “This area has been overlooked for too long as a conference destination, but we are working hard to change public perceptions,” says Daniel Marusic, CEO and General Manager of Dubrovnik Travel. “We have untapped potential in this region that we are excited to promote.”

Dubrovnik travel, www.dubrovniktravel.com www.travelworldnews.com • Travel World News

EUROPE VANTAGE WORLD TRAVEL HAS NEW ESCORTED EUROPEAN TOURS FOR GROUPS IN ENGLISH The 2010 offers from Vantage World Travel are some of the most comprehensive in Central, Eastern and Mediterranean Europe and include some with the Oberammergau Passion Play, the story of Jesus of Nazareth.

New this year, there are three special Passion Play tours, either six, 12, or 16 days that arrive in Munich. A picture postcard journey takes travelers on the 16 days from Munich to Prague stopping at the Neuschwanstein Castle, the Hofburg Palace, and St. Stephen’s Cathedral with the highlight of the tour in Oberammergau.

New this year as well in this collection, Vantage World Travel has four Cruise and Tour combinations along the Adriatic coastline featuring Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia, Montenegro, with one of the cruises to include the highlights of Italy, Venice Florence and Rome and a shorter version stopping in Italy in Venice only. Many other tours in this collection travel from Moscow to Warsaw, from Greece to Dalmatia.

Comfortable and relaxing, the tours include first-class hotels, service charges and hotel taxes, daily breakfast, and in many cases dinner, touring in modern motor coaches with professional tour leaders and luggage handlers. Some tours also include airport transfers. Special cultural engagements like a concert of Strauss and Mozart in Vienna, dinner with Opera singers in Rome, wine tasting with local cuisine in Tuscany, or a typical Czardas dinner in Budapest are samples of what’s featured in the lineup.

Renato Vicario of Vantage World Travel, an expert on Europe for over 35 years, provides a professional edge always for any customization specifically designed for travel clients.

The 2010 Escorted European Tour Programs is downloadable on the website.

Vantage World Travel, 800-826 8268, vantage@travelvantage.com, www.travelvantage.com/pdf/VantageEurope2010.pdf, www.travelvantage.com

Ireland and is a little over two hours from Belfast City, Waterford City, the Shannon region (west) and an hour and 45 minutes from Kilkenny Town.

The Ireland Five-Star Resort Package includes six nights in deluxe two-bedroom villa at The Heritage 5 Star Golf & Spa Resort, round-trip airfare to Dublin, weekly manual full-size car rental, entrance to Belleek China Visitor Center, and a Shannon Region Discount Booklet (worth $500 in savings).

This package is priced from $499 per person, based on quad occupancy, for travel December 1, 2009, to February 11, 2010 (blackout dates of December 18 to 31, 2009 apply) for travel from New York or Boston. Travel from Chicago is priced at $549 per person and from $799 from San Francisco. Other departure cities and dates are available for slightly higher prices. Taxes ranging from $98–$165 per person are additional.

Other travel dates are available from November 1, 2009, to May 31, 2010.

Travelers can choose to add-on the following: a round of championship golf for $99; a three-hour treatment for $40 at the Heritage Spa; flight from only $499 each way additional in Business Class on Ireland’s national carrier from New York, Boston, or Chicago.

Aer Lingus Vacation Store, 800-495-1632, www.aerlingusvacationstore.com

The jewel of the Maltese islands

AER LINGUS VACATION STORE OFFERS AMAZING COMBO DEAL The Aer Lingus Vacation Store has introduced a new package that offers amazing savings on travel to Ireland priced from just $499 including hotel, airfare, and rental car.

The Ireland Five-Star Resort Package is centered on a stay at the Heritage 5 Star Golf & Spa Resort, nestled deep in the quaint village of Killenard, County Laois, around an hour from Dublin. The resort comprises a five-star hotel, the Seve Ballesteros and Jeff Howes co-designed 18-hole championship golf course, and an award-winning spa featuring Pevonia Botanica spa products, as well as a variety of restaurants and bars, walking track, tennis court, and health club. It provides an ideal spot for exploring

Daily flights to Malta available from all major European cities.

Travel World News • www.travelworldnews.com

The Mediterranean’s best kept secret www.visitmalta.com

NOVEMBER 2009 • 090116_TravelWorldNews_87.3x123.8_rm.indd 1

13

16.01.2009 10:11:09 Uhr

EUROPE SOUTHWEST GERMANY SPARKLES DURING THE HOLIDAYS

Baden-Württemberg, one of the largest tourist states in Germany, is situated in the southwest, a sunny state bordering France, Switzerland and Austria, known particularly for the Black Forest, Lake Constance and Heidelberg, Baden-Baden and Stuttgart.

To the east, the Swabian Alb, a limestone mountain range presents its stark and rugged character. Numerous caves, castles, ruins and palaces lend a special trait to this varied landscape. The southwest of Germany is well-known for countless romantic Christmas markets like the one in Stuttgart or Bad Wimpfen, the Medieval Christmas Market in Esslingen or the Baroque Christmas Market in Ludwigsburg. From the Black Forest to Lake Constance, from Heidelberg to Freiburg and from Karlsruhe to Ulm, every year in the four weeks preceding Christmas Baden-Württemberg’s numerous Christmas markets invite visitors to browse and shop.

Festively decorated booths in enchanting settings are laden with unusual gifts, arts and crafts, seasonal food and drink. The smell of spiced wine, fried apples, gingerbread and other Christmas delights fill the air against the happy sounds of bells and trumpeters.

Some of the more famous markets include those at Bad Wimpfen, Stuttgart, Ludwigsburg, Ulm, Gengenbach and Freiburg. Each has spectacular, unique offerings, making a trip to this unique region during the holiday season an unforgettable extravaganza for the whole family.

State Tourist Board Baden-Württemberg, m.kohler@tourismus-bw.de

PASSION PLAY IS GERMANY’S OBERAMMERGAU TRADITION The world-famous Passion Play, dating back to 1633 when a plague epidemic raged in the Upper Bavarian town, is due to be reenacted next year in Oberammergau, a charming village set in the valley of the River Ammer, an hour’s drive from Munich and its International Airport. History has it that in order to receive God’s mercy, the inhabitants solemnly swore to stage this Play every 10 years of the last days, death and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth 14 • NOVEMBER 2009

if they would be spared from further deaths from the plague.

In 2010, the 41st performance of the Passion Play will take place from May 15 through October 3. The play is enacted in its special purpose-built theatre against the impressive backdrop of the Ammergau Alps. There are regular guided tours that include a three-hour break for dinner. Props, wardrobes, simple dressing rooms, stage and auditorium are included in the tour. The 41st production will see a revised text, new stage designs and music along with new costumes (made in the village).

Other attractions nearby are the magnificent interiors of the church of St. Peter and Paul, the Pilateshaus, and the Oberammergau museum with its fabulous historical collections.

There are a number of woodcarving workshops and others to be visited as well as a wide choice of shops offering anything from Bavarian clothing, Christmas decorations, and souvenirs, as well as plenty of cafes, restaurants and bars. In the evening, many of the bars have live music—music of all types is an Oberammergau tradition, and there are also a number of theatres.

Putting Oberammergau on one’s travel calendar for 2010 makes an excellent travel choice. In 2010, hundreds of thousands will flock to the Bavarian village to see this famed performance. The Oberammergau Passion Play was performed for the 40th time in 2000, when nearly half a million visitors came to watch 110 performances of the play.

Oberammergau Passion Play 2010, www.oberammergau-passion.com, (office) info@passionsspiele2010.de

THURINGIA IS THE CULTURAL HEART OF GERMANY A great variety of scenery, a fabled wealth of fortresses and castles, an incomparable diversity of architecture and culture and lots of leisure fun—this is Germany’s Thuringia. The best description of the state is the one given by Goethe: “Where else in Germany can so many good things be found so close together?”

Over 400 fortresses, castles, palaces and castle ruins exist in Thuringia; the most famous landmark in the city of Eisenach is Wartburg Fortress, a UNESCO Heritage Site. There are historic festivals, jousting contests and medieval feasts that provide opportunities to appreciate centuries past.

Sporting opportunities include cycling tours, Nordic walking, hiking with GPS systems, mountain biking, and experiences usually reserved for world champions like the guest bobsleigh in Oberhof.

Thuringia’s clear winter air, enchanting snow-covered forests and hills, ski trails, prepared cross-country ski routes and downhill ski pistes transform the state in winter into a sports paradise.

Christmas trees and tree decorations originate from Thuringia.

Adelaide of Saxe-Meiningen imported the German Christmas tree to Great Britain. Glass blowers in Lauscha made strings of beads and little shapes for their trees.

Tourist Information Thuringia, service@thueringen-tourismus.de, www.thuringia-tourism.com www.travelworldnews.com • Travel World News

This is life in full COLOR

The Republic of

COLORS If your clients dream of an extraordinary Caribbean vacation, tell them about the Republic of Colors. Dominican Republic has a unique blend of glitz, glamour and tropical ease, giving them the freedom to do absolutely everything or absolutely nothing. Whether they're looking for sophisticated resorts or empty beaches, vibrant nightlife or world-class golf, colonial charm or lush tropical beauty, Dominican Republic has it all. For more information visit our website.

www.GoDominicanRepublic.com

CARIBBEAN

S-h-h-h-h, The Dominican Republic’s Little Secret: Its Southwest Bio-diversity, cave paintings.

D . O. C H R I S T I A N R I E G E R

F

rom the tropical rain forests that surround the 10,000 foot Pico Duarte (the tallest mountain in the Caribbean and the tallest east of the Mississippi), to the shores of the Discovery Coast (the north shore), to Santo Domingo's rich history, to the golf courses at Punta Cana, Casa de Campo and Playa Grande, and the international restaurants that cluster around the popular tourist destinations, the Dominican Republic offers a variety of tourism product that invites vacationers to its shores and to return, again and again.

Wild Flamingos foraging in the Barahona-Pederales eco-region of the Dominican Republic.

But rarely visited, and should be visited by more Barahona. Pederales is a small fishing village bordered by vacationers, is the Dominican Republic’s southwest.

This island nation has a change of scenery at almost every two of the Dominican Republic’s major wilderness parks, the turn in the road, but the southwest region of Barahona and Parque Nacional Jaragua on its southwest and Parque Pederales is the most diverse ecologically. It varies from dry Nacional Sierra de Bahoruco on its north. Consequently, the forest sea shore, to desert, to coffee plantations, to humid, town is a good center for hikers and trekkers. Being close to tropical rainforests, and, believe it or not, a pine forest. In the the border with Haiti, it also a convenient jumping off place high mountains, the temperature can range from 78 to 32 de- to visit this culturally different country.

Not far off shore from Pederales is the isle of Alto Velo where grees Fahrenheit in one day. How’s that for eco-diversity?

Planted amongst all this are two salt water lakes (Who knew, the world's smallest reptile lives, the dwarf gecko. When full right?), one being the largest in the Caribbean. One is 40 feet grown it measures less than two centimeters, about the diambelow sea level. The whole area provides a haven for a large eter of an American dime.

Wanna see cave paintings? The nearby island of Isla Beata variety of birds and reptiles.

Because of its rich diversity in a relatively small area, UN- abounds in caves that have wall paintings left by the Taino ESCO declared a Biosphere Reserve of Enriquillo-Bahoruco- Indians, the immediate predecessors to the Spanish colonizJaragua, where there are flamingoes, spoon bills and papa- ers. On the land side, near the town of San Cristobal, is a segallos. Two types of iguanas live here — you can see them ries of forty caves, the Cuevas de Borbon. Among them, the dash around on tip toes like a flash of lightning — American Cuevas de El Pomier has more than 5,000 petroglyphs and several thousand Amerindian wall paintings. That is enough crocodiles, and turtles hatching out of their eggs.

The two main towns of the region are Pederales and to give someone a lifetime of study as to what they all mean.

16 • NOVEMBER 2009

www.travelworldnews.com • Travel World News

CARIBBEAN MINISTRY OF TOURISM, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

It is also home to thousands of bats.

Near Barahona, three hours drive west of the capital city of Santo Domingo, are miles of secluded beaches, many bordered by spectacular cliffs. The people here live simply and modestly. (After all, the tropics take care of their heating bill, the night sea breezes take care of the air conditioning, and the climate provides a bounty of year-round food. Do they really need toasters and pop tarts?)

Locals live in the nationally famous Atejemani house that they build with intertwining sticks and branches.

A short distance south of Barahona is the beach at the small town of San Rafael. It has strong ocean surf as well as a calm, fresh-water pool formed by a waterfall from a stream flowing from the nearby mountains.

Get Out There and Do It! The Eco Tour Barahona company offers adventure and trekking tours throughout the Barahona area. The tour that gets you out to the greatest variety of countryside in one day is their horseback riding expedition. The day starts with riding along Paraiso beach and to photograph pelicans at their early morning fishing.

The ride then follows a path uphill where the riding group visits the coffee plantation "Café de las Mujeres" on the edge of the mountain facing the village of Paraiso. In addition to coffee and cacao, riders sample a variety of fresh, off-theplant, tropical fruits: mangoes, guava, coconut, passion fruit and pineapple.

Lunch is on the shore, next to a waterfall and a natural swimming pool at the Rio Nizaito on the Rancho Platon,. After lunch, the tour returns to Paraiso down along the river. On the way riders meet isolated farm families who love to share a moment of their life with travelers.

Because they have calm horses, this adventure is suitable for children and beginners. They also offer more difficult oneday treks or ones over several days with campsite stay-overs.

Where to Stay Casa Bonita Tropical Lodge is a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World. In this capacity, it joins only two other members in the Dominican Republic, The Casa Colonial Beach & Spa in Puerto Plata on the north coast, and the Sivory Punta Cana in Punta Cana on the east coast.

The Lodge sits on a hilltop with a panoramic view of the Caribbean nestled within a vast tropical forest of rivers and mountains. How’s that for fresh air?

In 1976, it was built as a summer house for the Schiffino family. In 1991 they added nine bedrooms to the original three and opened a country inn.

Half the bedrooms have a king a size bed and half have two full-size beds. All have modern tropical furnishings and a private balcony overlooking the sloping hill and over the Travel World News • www.travelworldnews.com

The dry-forest coast line portion of the remote, southwest region of Barahona & Pedernales. Go to the beach here and you could very well be the only one in these crystal clear waters.

Caribbean.

They are all air-conditioned, and have such handy-dandy little human creature thingies as a wine cooler and an ipodready clock radio. The graphic art on the walls is by conservation photographer Eladio Fernandez. His recent book, Hispaniola, a Photographic Journey through Island Biodiversity, it was published by Harvard University Press.

The rates are extremely low for luxury-rated accommodations, $130.00 for weekdays, and $170.00 for weekends plus 26% tax, per room, double occupancy, including breakfast.

Yes, breakfast on the terrace in the middle of a huge park and over looking the Caribbean in a really small hotel where you are treated like family.

And now for the bonus, these rates are good all year: summer, winter, Christmas, Easter, you name it. Considering the price of luxury these days, that is mighty cheap.

Here is the important point, the kicker, the selling point. Up through 2008, vacationers were looking to be personally pampered on a luxury vacation. Today, pampering is considered to be more of a natural experience. At Casa Bonita, you get both. Can’t beat it.

Dominican Republic, www.godominicanrepublic.com, www.ecotourrepdom.com, www.casabonitadr.com NOVEMBER 2009•

17

CARIBBEAN CARIMAR BEACH CLUB PRESENTS ‘TASTE OF ANGUILLA’ PACKAGE

Travelers can enjoy the best lunches and dinners with a new “Taste of Anguilla” package offered by Carimar Beach Club for travel December 11–19, 2009 and April 20–30, 2010.

The package includes six nights’ accommodation, three dinners and three lunches per person, tax and service, and two-day car rental. Additional nights are available at rack rate with no meals.

A 50-percent deposit is due on booking with balance paid at check-in. The deposit is refundable less a $100 cancellation fee if made not less than 30 days prior to arrival. For less than 30 days, a 10-percent fee applies.

For the December and April travel dates, the package is priced at $2,060 for a one-bedroom and for two bedrooms $3,045 and $3,360. For accommodations January 4–27 and March 17–31, 2010, prices are $3,070 for double occupancy, $4,150 for three persons and $4,465 for four persons.

Participating restaurants are (lunch) Dune Preserve, Smokey’s on the Cove, and Valley Bistro; and (dinner) Oliver’s Seaside Grill, Straw Hat, and Davida.

Carimar Beach Club, 800-235-8667, www.carimar.com; www.dunepreserveanguilla.com, www.smokeysatthecove.com, www.olivers.ai, www.strawhat.com, www.davidaanguilla.com

GUESTS ‘RECONNECT’ AT THE ABACO CLUB ON WINDING BAY The Abaco Club on Winding Bay in The Bahamas, a Ritz-Carlton Managed Club, offers Guest Members a privileged glimpse into the luxurious out-island sanctuary. The nightly Reconnect packages are available now through December 19, 2009 starting at $699 per night. With the package, guests receive a $100 daily credit to enjoy the many Club amenities. The package also includes unlimited golf for two each day at the renowned, tropical Scottish-style links golf course, twice ranked the number one golf course in The Bahamas

by Golfweek.

The 534-acre Club offers experiences for every lifestyle ranging from pampered treatments at the European-style spa to world-class bone fishing. Known for its secluded, residential atmosphere, The Club features octagonally-designed cabanas along the first fairway 18 • NOVEMBER 2009

that are just a short stroll to the white powder beaches.

With approximately 570 square feet of living area, each cabana provides a master bedroom with a king bed and a walk-in cedar closet. There’s a sitting area with sleeper sofa and lounge chairs, 42-inch plasma television, Bose sound system with DVD and CD players, desk and chair, marble-topped wet bar and underthe-counter Sub-zero refrigerator/ice maker and complimentary Wi-Fi access.

Two-, three- and four-bedroom cottages may be rented for nightly Reconnect stay packages. Golf, family and spa packages are also available.

Rates cited are subject to availability, cannot be combined with any other offer, and do not apply to groups. Prices are per room, per night, single or double occupancy, and exclusive of taxes, gratuities and other charges unless otherwise noted.

Credit cannot be used toward room rate, room tax, resort fee or gratuities, and cannot be reimbursed or exchanged if not used during the Guest Member’s stay.

Reservations are travel professional commissionable.

The Abaco Club, 800-593-8613, www.ritzcarlton.com

MADURO DIVE FANTA-SEAS PROFITABLE TO TRAVEL AGENTS FOR GROUPS Travel agents using Maduro Dive Fanta-Seas for commissionable dive travel packages for individuals have learned how profitable the market can be. Many exciting new group dive packages are announced in time for the DEMA Show, the annual trade show hosted by the Dive & Equipment Marketing Association. The DEMA show will be held this year at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida, November 4–7, and Maduro Dive Fanta-Seas is exhibiting at Booth #531.

Maduro Dive Fanta-Seas, a wholesaler for dive travel since 1975, will pay travel agents 11-percent commission on any of its DEMA group specials. These specials offer free spots for group leaders, an incentive travel agents can use to further promote these sales.

Maduro’s dive travel specialists can provide information about pricing, package information and commission. All Maduro’s associates are certified divers and travel agents, and all of Maduro’s packages offer a Best Rate Guarantee.

Maduro also features a TradeZone area on their website intended solely for travel trade professionals. To request the user name and password, visitors to the website should scroll to the bottom of the page and click on TradeZone Login, then click on “New to the TradeZone” and fill in a request for user name and password. In this way, all of Maduro’s DEMA group specials, marketing tools and other items can be viewed.

Maduro is a member of IATAN, ARC, ASTA, DEMA and ATTA (Adventure Travel Trade Association). Maduro’s select dive destinations cover 36 countries worldwide with packages for over 225 dive resorts and 58 liveaboards.

Maduro Dive Fanta-Seas. 800-327-6709, info@maduro.com, www.madurodive.com www.travelworldnews.com • Travel World News

CARIBBEAN DOMINGO VELASCO APPOINTED DIRECTOR OF MARKETING FOR ROSEWOOD LITTLE DIX BAY Rosewood Little Dix Bay on Virgin Gorda, B.V.I. has announced the appointment of Domingo Velasco as Director of Marketing.

A Rosewood veteran who returns to the hotel group after a six-year absence, Velasco is responsible for the development and implementation of innovative marketing strategies to draw new and returning DOMINGO VELASCO clientele to the renowned beachfront resort. He will be based in Rosewood’s New York Regional Sales Office.

“Domingo brings a strong marketing background as well as excellent experience as part of the Rosewood family, and we’re excited to have him running the marketing efforts for our Virgin Gorda property,” said Martein van Wagenberg, Managing Director of Rosewood Little Dix Bay. Velasco’s return to Rosewood follows a brief stint as Corporate Director of Leisure for Kor Hotel Group. Previously, he was Director of Sales and Marketing for La Samanna, an Orient Express resort on St. Martin in the French West Indies. Velasco’s career in hotel Sales and Marketing got rolling as Associate Director of Sales for Rosewood Caribbean Resorts, and he later held the same position at The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel in New York City, following several years in hotel operations.

A native of Spain currently residing in Long Island City, New York, Velasco holds a Bachelors Degree in Social Sciences with a concentration in Political Science from the University of Puerto Rico. He is fluent in six languages: Spanish, German, English, French, Portuguese and Italian.

Rosewood Little Dix Bay, Rosewood Hotels & Resorts, 888.ROSEWOOD (888-767-3966), www.rosewoodhotels.com

LADIES ESCAPE TO BOLONGO BAY BEACH RESORT WITH ‘GIRLS JUST WANT TO HAVE FUN’ PACKAGE A Girls Just Want To Have Fun five-night package at Bolongo Bay Beach Resort in St. Thomas is targeted to women looking to book their next getaway, reunion or bachelorette party.

Rates start at $1,219 per room ppdo for travel through December 22, 2009. Additional guests sharing the room with two adults (maximum four people) are charged $295 per person for the fivenight package.

Ladies booking the Girls Just Want To Have Fun Package will enjoy accommodations in an oceanview room for five nights; one half-hour massage per person; roundtrip shuttle to Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas’s capital, for duty-free shopping; an island tour of St. Thomas; $25 gift certificate (per person) towards dinner at Bolongo’s The Lobster Grille, Iggie’s Beach Bar & Grill restaurant or Bolongo’s gift shop; an all-day sail and beach outing to St. John Travel World News • www.travelworldnews.com

aboard “Heavenly Days,” the resort’s 53-foot catamaran, with lunch and open bar; a “discover scuba diving” in-pool lesson; and use of non-motorized watersports equipment (snorkel gear, paddle boats, sunfish sailboats, windsurfing equipment, kayaks and more).

To book the Girls Just Want To Have Fun package, travelers should contact the resort’s reservations department by e-mail to the reservations department. The name of the package must be mentioned at the time of booking. The program is valid on new bookings only and cannot be combined with any other offer.

As a territory of the United States, the U.S. Virgin Islands (St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix) does not require American citizens to possess a passport to enter the destination or return to the U.S. mainland.

Bolongo Bay Beach Resort, 800-524-4746, reservations@bolongobay.com, www.bolongobay.com

FORT YOUNG HOTEL LAUNCHES DECEMBER SPECIALS AND ADDS NEW DIVE OPTIONS The Fort Young Hotel in Dominica has added a shore dive option to its dive program that enables divers to experience boat diving along with the freedom of shore diving. To make this offer even more attractive, Fort Young Hotel is offering special promotions for the month of December.

Fort Young’s “ Dominica’s Scuba Diving Madness” package consists of a seven-night package complete with five days of two-tank boat diving, daily full breakfast, airport/hotel transfers, and all taxes/service charges starting at only $932 per person.

When booking a seven-night dive package in a Standard room, divers will receive a free upgrade to an Oceanfront room, saving over 30 percent.

“With a choice of multiple dive sites for a different dive every time, unique marine-life diversity, excellent wall diving, and amazing pinnacles, it’s no wonder that Dominica has earned the reputation as one of the top five dive destinations in the world”, says Fort Young Hotel’s General Manager Ruud van Baal.

Easy group-check in upon arrival is an enhancement. For only $45 per person, can explore the house-reef of Dive Dominica, the top dive operator on the island. The shore dive option includes a dinner at Dive Dominica’s “Barana Breeze.” Transportation between the Fort Young Hotel and the dive site is free.

The special is offered for new bookings only and valid for travel and stay in December 2009 ppdo in a standard room. Dominica’s Scuba Dive Madness package is valid only as stated, cannot be combined with other special promotions, and is subject to availability. Prices and conditions are subject to change without prior notice.

The free upgrade from a Standard room to an Oceanfront room and from an Oceanview room to an Oceanfront DeLuxe room is subject to availability.

Fort Young Hotel, 800-581-2034, reservations@fortyounghotel.com or fortyounghotel@mindspring.com, www.fortyounghotel.com NOVEMBER 2009•

19

MEXICO MEXICO’S MINISTER OF TOURISM WELCOMES VISITORS AT CHICAGO’S 2009 MOTIVATION SHOW

Shown from left to right: Oscar Fitch, CEO of the Mexico Tourism Board; Consulate General of Mexico in Chicago, Manuel Rodriguez; Juan A. Ochoa, Chief Executive Officer, Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority; and Mexico’s Minister of Tourism Rodolfo Elizondo inaugurate the Mexico Pavilion during the opening of the 2009 Motivation Show in Chicago.

Mexico’s Minister of Tourism, Rodolfo Elizondo, inaugurated the Mexico’s pavilion recently, with a ceremonial ribbon cutting at the 2009 Motivation Show at the McCormick Palace in Chicago.

Accompanied by the Consul General of Mexico in Chicago, Manuel Rodriguez; the CEO of the Mexico Tourism Board, Oscar Fitch and by various state tourism authorities, Elizondo thanked exhibitors and wished them much success in their efforts to continue to attract more visitors to Mexico, taking advantage of the benefits that Mexico offers the meetings and conventions industry.

According to the International Congress & Convention Association (ICCA), Mexico has moved from 11th to 9th place in terms of number of attendees at conferences worldwide. This means that from 2008 to 2009, the number of attendees increased from 74,116 to 119,084, a significant boost of six percent.

The Motivation Show is instrumental for Mexico, being that it is most important for the incentive travel market, and is visited by more than 20,000 people throughout the world.

Elizondo also met with various industry leaders such as Orbitz and United Airlines, to discuss trends in travel and tourism opportunities in Mexico, as well as strategies to help restore air travel frequency to Mexico. He also met with Alumni Holiday International, one of the largest companies for educational and cultural group travel, with whom he discussed the opportunities for Mexico in this segment, including museum groups, schools, colleges, universities and alumni associations of prestigious institutions in the United States. Elizondo concluded his trip yesterday with a final meeting with directors of Martiz, the largest incentive programs company in the world.

Mexico Tourism Board (MTB), www.visitmexico.com 20 • NOVEMBER 2009

JALISCO LEADS IN MEXICO’S TOURISM RECOVERY AND HOSTS THE 2009 NORTH AMERICAN LEADERS’ SUMMIT With hotel occupancy over 80 percent in Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, home to the symbolic traditions that embody Mexican culture, is showing that the tourism industry is enjoying full recovery.

According to Lopez, Jalisco is thrilled with the results and is prepared to show its magic and beauty to those visitors who are ready to enjoy the variety of experiences the state offers, including beautiful beaches, peaceful rivers, scenic basins, valleys and mountains.

Home to the mariachi and tequila, Jalisco has been chosen to host the 2009 North American Leaders’ Summit, taking place in Guadalajara on August 9 and 10. U.S. President Barack Obama, Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Mexican President Felipe Calderon will unite to discuss a variety of issues related to the economy, energy, climate change, health and welfare of the North American people. This important meeting will take place at the monumental Cabañas Cultural Institute, which was named a UNESCO Cultural World Heritage Site in 1997.

Mexico Tourism Board, www.visitmexico.com, www.allaboutguadalajara.com

PUEBLO BONITO OCEANFRONT RESORTS AND SPAS OFFERS AGENTS PROFESSIONAL LEARNING TOOL Pueblo Bonito Oceanfront Resorts and Spas are inviting travel agents to embark on a free new virtual learning voyage to the premiere Pueblo Bonito Resorts in Los Cabos and Mazatlán, Mexico.

The three-step educational program, dubbed “Pueblo Bonito University,” includes an interactive study course, a familiarization trip to Mexico and unique sales rewards.

“Pueblo Bonito University,” or “Pueblo Bonito U,” is an online learning program designed to expose travel agents to the latest amenities and selling points of Pueblo Bonito Resorts’ authentic yet elegant Mexico experience.

Along with ongoing support in course study work about Pueblo Bonito Resorts, the program delivers perks and enticements that extend beyond the digital classroom. Travel agents who complete the program will be eligible for a complimentary three-night stay for two with daily breakfast at any of the six Pueblo Bonito properties. Other alumni benefits include bonus commission of 15 percent when booking through the toll-free number and special agent rates of $50 per night at all of the Pueblo Bonito destinations.

As an added incentive, graduates of Pueblo Bonito U will secure “continuing education credits” toward a professional designation of “Certified Travel Counselor” from The Travel Institute in the United States or the Canadian Institute of Travel Counselors. Upon completion, graduates will also receive a color diploma ready to be displayed to provide added credibility and recognition.

Pueblo Bonito Oceanfront Resorts and Spas, 800-990-8250, www.pueblobonito-u.com, www.pueblobonito.com www.travelworldnews.com • Travel World News

MEXICO THEME WEEKS, AWARD ANNOUNCED FOR SANDOS HOTELS & RESORTS

Pictured from left to right: Mark Noenig, General Manager, Apple Vacations–West; Jacques De Paep, Director of Sales and Marketing, Sandos Hotels & Resorts; Cesar Romero, Sales Manager, Sandos Hotels & Resorts; and Tim Mullen, Executive Vice President, Apple Vacations.

All-inclusive Sandos Hotels & Resorts was recently honored by Apple Vacations with the company’s Golden Apple award for their standard of quality, service and value at Sandos Playacar Beach Resort & Spa and the connecting Sandos Riviera Beach Resort & Spa in the Riviera Maya, Mexico.

Apple Vacations provides clients with a Vacation Satisfaction Questionnaire upon their return home and uses the feedback to award a Golden Apple to those hotels that receive the highest ratings and positive feedback from Apple Vacations clients.

Sandos is offering Salsa & Merengue and Yoga & Pilates theme weeks each month through December 2010.

The Salsa & Merengue theme weeks are included as part of an all-inclusive getaway. Travelers can learn two Caribbean dance styles, Salsa and Merengue, and have the chance to win prizes including vouchers to spend at the hotels’ shops, excursions and free stays. Participants will be paired in couples and will take part in a dance contest at the end of the week where three couples will “dance away” with prizes. At the end of the year, all first-prize winners from each week will have the chance to return to Sandos Hotels & Resorts to compete in a final competition. Participants must be 18 or older. Guests can choose to spend an evening out after a celebration dinner at La Bodeguita del Medio, a popular restaurant, club and live music venue in Playa del Carmen, for an additional $25 per person, which includes roundtrip transportation and entrance to the restaurant. Beverages are not included.

For exercise aficionados seeking a weeklong getaway filled with fitness classes, Yoga & Pilates theme weeks are available for a registration fee of $24 per person. Participants will spend the week enjoying meditation and relaxation courses as well as learn various Yoga and Pilate practices including Aquayoga, Yogilates, Jñana Yoga and more. Guests may register for the theme weeks by phone or email.

Sandos Hotels & Resorts, 866-887-5601, 866-336-4083, grupos@sandoshotels.com, www.ktcpr.com/hosted/themeschedules.zip, www.sandoshotels.com 22 • NOVEMBER 2009

YUCATAN HOLIDAYS ORGANIZES VACATION REWARDS CLUB FOR AGENTS Yucatan Holidays has established a rewards program called the Vacation Rewards Club to thank agents who choose their hotels and vacation packages. To participate and receive its benefits, agents need to join the Vacation Rewards Club. It’s free. Simply registering as a Yucatan Holidays’ Specialist will begin the process. Agents should click on the Travel Agents tab in the upper right-hand corner of Yucatan’s webpage, then click on Yucatan Holidays Specialist link in the third paragraph to enroll. Members of the Vacation Rewards Club receive a TruCash MasterCard in which cash incentives will be deposited. The Vacation Rewards TruCash MasterCard is a gift card loaded with cash and ready to use. It’s not a credit card—credit doesn’t get checked. Once registered as a Yucatan Holidays’ Specialist, members receive amazing incentives every time they book through Yucatan—added to the agency 10percent commission. When booking any three nights directly via the Website, 800 number, or Live Help system, the reward is $100 per booking at Hacienda Tres Rios and $70 per booking at Ocean Spa Hotel or Laguna Suites Golf & Spa resort. If booking is made through any other channel, the gift is $50 per booking at Hacienda Tres Rios and $40 per booking at Ocean Spa Hotel or Laguna Suites Golf & Spa Resort. Agents receive payment for all bookings that have charged at least the first night of the reservation. With a reservation for three nights, the charged deposit must equal the total amount. If a reservation exceeds three nights, a non-refundable deposit for only one night’s reservation is required.

For reservations made via Yucatan’s Website, 800 number, or Live Help System, based on the date the booking was made, the agent’s Vacation Rewards TruCash MasterCard will be credited with the reward the following Friday. For reservations made through other channels, agents may send an email identifying the booking. Once Yucatan has confirmed the reservation and the deposit has been made, the agent’s Vacation Rewards TruCash MasterCard will be credited with the reward the following Friday.

Agents may use their TruCash card anywhere debit MasterCard is accepted—millions of locations worldwide, including retail and dining establishments. Agents get a 20- to 55-percent discount on prescriptions at over 54,000 U.S. pharmacies. Over 1,000 online retailers are in the TruCash MarketPlace, so purchases earn lots of points that convert to cash. By registering a card with one’s email address, 300 bonus points are earned.

The first step is to sign the back of one’s card, and tell a cashier to select “Credit.” If purchasing gas with the card, one must pay inside and not outside at the pump. If using the card at a restaurant, hotel, or car rental agency, the merchant may need to pre-authorize the transaction for the purchase amount, plus add up to 15 percent to ensure sufficient funds are available to cover tips and incidental expenses. The point-of-sale fee for each transaction is 50 cents. The cash value of the card goes back to zero after 90 days.

Yucatan Holidays, 800-658-3141, info@yucatanholidays.travel, www.yucatanholidays.travel www.travelworldnews.com • Travel World News

MEXICO MEXICO’S XV FESTIVAL GOURMET INTERNATIONAL RETURNS THIS MONTH

The Festival was founded by chefs Thierry Blouet of Café des Artistes, Heinz Reize of Hotel Krystal and Silvan Müller of Nestlé Mexico to enrich the profile of Riviera Nayarit and Puerto Vallarta’s gastronomic scene locally and internationally.

Riviera Nayarit, www.rivieranayarit.com; Festival Gourmet International, www.festivalgourmet.com

CAPELLA IXTAPA ROMANCES VISITORS WITH BUY-ONE/GET-ONE-FREE OFFER

Mexico’s newest destination, Riviera Nayarit, and its neighbor Puerto Vallarta will host the annual Festival Gourmet International November 12–22, 2009. Featuring the region’s most acclaimed restaurants (26 this year), guests will have the opportunity to sample special menus celebrating the Festival Gourmet International and available at the establishments daily.

Celebrating its 15th year, the Festival Gourmet International will also offer access to exclusive chef’s tables at participating restaurants, wine and cheese events, food demonstrations, tequila tastings and gala dinners featuring the best of the Pacific Coast’s gourmet cuisine. Guest chefs from all over the world are invited to participate and share their signature dishes at participating restaurants during the ten days of the Festival.

This year’s participating restaurants in Riviera Nayarit include, but are not limited to: Frascatti in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle; Nuevo Vallarta; Gong at the Grand Mayan Resort, Nuevo Vallarta; Bellavista at the Marival Resorts & Suites; and, the newest additions, Café de Artistes del Mar at the Hotel des Artistes; La Casona at the Hotel Villa La Estancia; Highlights of the event follow: A Gran Gala Lounge Party on November 12 starting at 8:30 p.m. is the opening ceremony for the Festival at Casa Velas Hotel Boutique Puerto Vallarta.

Thierry Blouet’s Cocina de Autor at Café des Artistes del Mar demonstrates classic French cuisine at a Gourmet Cooking Demonstration November 14–16, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Cheeses of the World Tasting, November 20 at 1 p.m., is at the Casa Velas Hotel Boutique in Marina Vallarta, featuring delights like Quesos Caprina of Atotonilco paired with the exquisite wines of Monte Xanic.

Winemaker’s Night is November 21 (8 p.m.). Guests can discover signature dishes of several participating restaurants for an extraordinary fixed price.

Travel World News • www.travelworldnews.com

Now through December 25, 2009, guests may purchase one night at Capella Ixtapa in Ixtapa, Mexico, and receive the consecutive night free.

The romantic new Mexican hotel, recently named to Condé Nast Traveler’s “Hot List” and a Robb Report “Best of the Best,” offers a secluded getaway in an exclusive cliffside setting, where visitors may enjoy endless views of the azure ocean from private plunge pools in each of the hotel’s 59 expansive guest rooms; an intimate, open-air spa with outdoor treatment rooms; gourmet cuisine; and the services of Capella-signature Personal Assistants.

The special offer is available for stays up to 14 nights, subject to availability; complimentary night(s) will be applied at checkout.

Rates do not include 18-percent tax or 10-percent nightly service charge. Service charge equal to 10 percent of rate on paid night(s) will be applied on complimentary night(s).

Capella Ixtapa, 800-CAPELLA (800-227-3552), www.capellaixtapa.com

MEXICO CITY SETS INTERNATIONAL TOURISM FAIR OF THE AMERICAS 2010 The government of Mexico City has announced the inaugural International Tourism Fair of the Americas (“FITA”) 2010. The event, which will draw destinations and travel and tourism organizations from around the world, will take place in Mexico City, September 23–26, 2010.

Set in Mexico’s bustling capital, FITA 2010 is expected to attract more than 200 national and international exhibitors from more than 70 countries. FITA 2010 will bring together major industry players such wholesalers, tour operators, transportation companies, hotels, event promoters, official tourism organizations, travel agencies, conventions representatives, and the media.

Commenting on the announcement, Mayor Marcelo Ebrard emphasized that Mexico City is the ideal location to host the International Tourism Fair of the Americas, which is well positioned to become one of the world’s most important tourism events.

He added that with the launch of FITA 2010, Mexico City is renewing its commitment to the tourism sector, which is critical to the city and the country’s prosperity.

FITA 2010 will coincide with the bicentennial celebration of Mexico’s Independence and the centennial celebration of the Mexican Revolution.

FITA 2010 (International Tourism Fair of the Americas), www.fita2010.com NOVEMBER 2009 •

23

MEXICO

Agents Can Now Become Mexico Specialists

by Learning – and Earning – on the Web, Compliments of the Mexico Tourism Board

T

he Mexico Tourism Board has developed an interactive learning resource for travel agents and tour operator partners. A storehouse of knowledge and instruction, resources, and sales insights is open and ready for use 24 hours a day, seven days a week, year round.

The award-winning Magic of Mexico Campus helps visitors gain the knowledge and confidence to make Mexico a most popular and profitable leisure destination. Departments include Online Lessons, Webinars, FAM Trips, Resources (maps, videos, etc.), and Mexico Up-to-Date News.

Whether one is a novice or a true Mexico expert, www.magicofmexico.com displays Mexico’s stunning beauty, historic grandeur, and unique attractions.

Selling trips to this southern neighbor will be utterly simple. From 6,000 miles of sun-kissed shore, to 30 centuries of cultural heritage, Mexico is fascinating, close-by and easily explored.

Specialist status By completing the free interactive online study course, agents can receive “Mexico Specialist” status from the Mexico Tourism Board, exclusive benefits, and a fully updated “Magic of Mexico” Sales

24 • NOVEMBER 2009

Guide in PDF format. There’s also a diploma to certify one’s expertise and continuing education credits.

Ongoing support, rewards, and enticements extend beyond course completion. The Magic of Mexico Specialist Course makes it very good business sense to sign up via the website for this free and profitable trove of information and education.

Graduates are eligible to attend any of the Mexico field inspections.

Programs are currently offered to Cancun, Acapulco or Puerto Vallarta, with more coming soon. (Fees and restrictions apply.)

Graduates will secure “continuing education credits” from The Travel Institute (US) and CITC (Canada), towards earning professional designation as “Certified Travel Counselors.”

At the interactive campus, visitors are granted access to electronic (PDF) versions of the entire Magic of Mexico Study Guide (12th edition)—available on demand, in full-color, and ready to email or print for clients.

Graduates receive colorful collateral

items (a color diploma and table tent) upon completion, ready to display, adding credibility and recognition.

Bulletin Board and Chat Course users are able to chat with other users via an innovative online bulletin board/chat room, in order to expand one’s knowledge and make friends with other Mexico-selling agents.

Consumer Leads The Mexico Tourism Board has an online database on its website, giving consumers an opportunity to search for their nearest “Mexico Specialist.”

In addition to the current courses in the Mexico Specialist Program, Specialized Destination Programs as Cancun Tourism Institute, Acapulco Academy, Los Cabos Expert, Mazatlan Mazters and Puerto Vallarta Pro are available at www.magicofmexico.com

Mexico Tourism Board, www.visitmexico.com, www.magicofmexico.com

www.travelworldnews.com • Travel World News

MEXICO LOS CABOS HOTELS OFFER AMAZING GOLF PACKAGES

With over 10 championship golf courses and several in development, Los Cabos is a real draw for golf lovers. Several hotels and resorts are currently offering packages featuring complimentary rounds or golf related amenities.

Casa Dorada Los Cabos Resort & Spa has a “Spa & Golf Package” with accommodations in an ocean view Junior Suite (minimum three nights), including daily breakfast buffet at Maydan Restaurant for two, a round at Cabo Real Golf Course, two golf massages, three-day car rental (Budget Rental Car, not inclusive of insurance or gas), free access to the fitness center and complimentary use of sauna, steam room and Jacuzzi at Saltwater Spa. Guests have access to the Pro Shop, club rentals, putting green and a golf instructor.

The Crowne Plaza Los Cabos Grand Faro All-Inclusive Resort offers a classic “Golf Package” with four days and three nights of allinclusive accommodations in a Plaza Tower Ocean View guestroom and two 18-hole rounds of golf per person. For travel through December 19, 2009, the package is $743 per golfer, with additional nights available for $245 per room per night ppdo.

Located on the world-class Cabo del Sol development, Fiesta Americana Grand Los Cabos Golf & Spa Resort offers an “Unlimited Golf Package”—unlimited rounds (including green fees, golf cart, practice range and other amenities) at two of the best courses in the destination, Cabo del Sol Ocean & Desert courses. After, guests are chauffeured back to the resort to be pampered with free entry to the fitness center, sauna and steam room at the SOMMA WineSPA. Also included are access to the Concierge Lounge with daily breakfast buffet, complimentary international cocktails and appetizers 5–8 p.m. and access to the VIP pool and beach club with concierge service.

Signature welcome drinks are featured on arrival; accommodations are in Grand Club ocean view rooms. For travel through December 17, 2009, the package rate is $320 per night for a minimum fourday/three-night stay.

The Marquis Los Cabos, A Resort for All Senses, is offering the “Sense of Golf” package, beginning with VIP transportation from the airport and a signature welcome drink on arrival. This package includes four rounds of golf per stay at Latin America’s finest 36hole Cabo Del Sol. Accommodations are in a Junior Suite or Private 26 • NOVEMBER 2009

Pool Casita with oceanfront view, with daily buffet breakfast for two at Vista Ballenas Restaurant. Also included are a dinner for two at any resort restaurant including Suite Service and a special golf gift.

Through December 18, 2009, package price for a Junior Suite is $670 ppdo, and $860 ppdo per night (taxes and service charge included) for a Private Pool Casita, minimum three-night stay.

The Sheraton Hacienda del Mar Resort & Spa Los Cabos in conjunction with Cabo Golf Tours is offering two fantastic golf packages.

“Package One” is a seven-night stay at the Sheraton Hacienda del Mar including five days of golf at the following—Cabo del Sol Ocean Course, Cabo Real, Club Campestre and Puerto Los Cabos. Golf includes shared cart, range balls and bottles of water. Additionally, there’s daily complimentary breakfast, transportation to Cabo del Sol golf course and roundtrip airport transfers. Package rate begins at $1,775 ppdo including taxes and service charge for a Garden View room. For a quick getaway, “Package Two” offers a four-night stay with three days of golf at Cabo Del Sol Ocean Course, Cabo Real and Club Campestre and the same amenities as above. Package Two rate begins at $1,195 ppdo including taxes and service charge for a Garden View room. Both are valid for travel through December 20, 2009.

Los Cabos Convention & Visitors Bureau, www.visitloscabos.travel; Casa Dorada Los Cabos Resort & Spa, www.casadorada.com; Crowne Plaza Los Cabos Grand Faro, www.cploscabos.com; Fiesta Americana Grand Los Cabos Golf & Spa Resort, www.fiestamericanagrand.com; Marquis Los Cabos, www.marquisloscabos.com; Sheraton Hacienda del Mar Resort & Spa Los Cabos, www.sheratonloscabos.com

MEXICO’S VELAS RESORTS EXTENDS DOUBLE UPGRADE PROMOTION Velas Resorts has extended its Welcome Back to Mexico all-inclusive double upgrade promotion through December 24, 2009. Guests receive a double upgrade when booking the lowest priced suite at three resorts in top beach destinations including Riviera Maya, Riviera Nayarit and Puerto Vallarta. All-inclusive rates range from $165 ppdo—a $255 savings per person per night—at Velas Vallarta Suite Resort to $300 ppdo at the Grand Velas All Suites & Spa Resorts in the Riviera Maya and Riviera Nayarit—savings of $140 per person per night and $228 per person per night respectively. In addition, children and teens up to 16 years of age stay and eat for free at all resorts.

The Velas Resorts’ all-inclusive rates include suite accommodations, a la carte gourmet meals at a choice of specialty restaurants, premium branded beverages, 24-hour in-suite service, fitness center, kids’ club, evening entertainment, activities for adults and children, taxes and gratuities and more. A round of golf at a championship golf course and a spa treatment at Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit are also part of the Welcome Back package.

Upgrades are based on availability and restrictions apply depending on the resort.

Velas Resorts, 888-210-9591, www.velasresorts.com www.travelworldnews.com • Travel World News

TAM Business Class International menu with three entrĂŠe options.

Reclining seats that convert to beds.

Free transfer.

Access to VIP lounge.

Wide selection of movies and TV series, in addition to audio channels and multiplayer games.

For more information, please call 1-888-2FLY-TAM (888-235-9826)

Enjoy your trip before you arrive at the destination.

LATIN AMERICA

TravelMart Latin America #34: This Year It Was Chile and, As Always, It Was Strictly Business MARK ZUSSMAN

R

estless, itinerant Tr a v e l M a r t L a t i n America steered away from the big cities in order to conduct its recent 34th annual get-together in the lilliputian villages of Puerto Varas and Frutillar in the remote Chilean Lakes Region. But more about TMLA’s site-selection process later.

TravelMart’s long-standing mission has been to link up travel product buyers, primarily from the U.S., Canada and Europe, with suppliers from throughout Central and South America. The meet is organized on a “strictlybusiness” basis of pre-scheduled appointments, each 15-20 minute in length, over a period of Standing third from left: William Coleman, Chairman; Irma Coleman, President and CEO; Christina two days. (Well, it’s not strictly Flesch, Controller and Manuel Cuevas, Director of Sales & Marketing all of William H. Coleman, Inc., the organizer of TravelMart Latin America with the hard-working team of host country volunteers.. “strictly business.” There are always a blowout opening party and a blowout closing party as quality suppliers.

TravelMart is of course not the only event at which U.S. and well, there are familiarization pre-tours, there are familiarizaother non-native buyers have a chance for a fast immersion tion post-tours.)

William H. Coleman, Inc., the Jacksonville, Florida com- course in what’s new and what’s interesting in Central and pany that organizes the event, has long capped the supplier South American travel product. I myself have been hanging rolls at 250, though a supplier company is at liberty to send around ABAV, the annual congress of the Brazilian travel more than a single delegate. Many if not most of the suppli- agents for years (not, to be sure, either as buyer or supplier ers have been coming year after year, and William H. “Bill” but as press), and I have looked in a number of times at the Coleman, the chairman of the company (his wife Irma is pres- annual Feria Internacional de Turismo in Buenos Aires. Huge ident and CEO), speaks of a substantial waiting list. The events, these. Milling and churning events. There is much buyer presence ranges annually between 250 and 350. This back-slapping, much looking over shoulders to see who else year, given the state of the economy and the remoteness of the has a back to be slapped. Brochures and fliers are distributed location, the buyer count was somewhat on the low side, but — and then wind up, many of them, in the garbage. Who Mr. Coleman seemed pleased to be able to announce that, at knows how much business really gets accomplished, if any, an event which has increasingly come to have an old-home- at these madhouses? Who knows if business, of the kind that week or college-reunion feel, this year there were 60 first- TravelMart exists to promote, is even what their purpose is?

TravelMart is neither exactly a boutique nor exactly a departtime buyers.

“Get beyond a total event population of 1,000 persons, ment store, but it does seem to be focused.

Witness Jonathan Lansdell, a buyer for Toronto-based which is where we are now, and you get a whole different dynamics,” Mr. Coleman says. The implication: a less good Butterfield & Robinson, a specialist in “luxury active travel” dynamics. The idea here is that buyers should all be biking and walking tours: “I was one of the first-timers and I important buyers. Decision-makers. Suppliers should be CONTINUED ON PAGE 30 28 • NOVEMBER 2009

www.travelworldnews.com • Travel World News

LATIN AMERICA TRAVELMART

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met people from at least a dozen different countries, maybe as many as 15. It was an opportunity to put faces together with names of people we already use and to find the people we should partner with as we start into countries in which we do not yet operate.”

Paul Kinney, general manager of the rustico-luxurious YanKee-Way Lodge a short distance up the lake from the meeting towns, said, “It was nice to have the event in our own backyard at last. There are people I’ve been talking to for years.

I’ve told them how great our place is. This year I was able to get them up there to see it, and for the first time they really understood what I’ve been talking about.”

TravelMart 2008 took place in Quito. TravelMart 2010 will take place in Lima. These are cities that handle a 1,000-person meeting effortlessly. This year’s event, not effortless at all and not without its little bumps, was held in Puerto Varas and Frutillar, Chile, first, according to Mr. Coleman, as a way of introducing the emerging Chilean Lakes destination to a broader public; second, as a reminder that the event really does continue to have a boutique-y side; and third, I believe, though it was never really stated this way, just for the sheer bravado of it.

TravelMart 2011 will likely take place somewhere in Brazil.

TravelMart Latin America, www.travelmartlatinamerica.com

FIESTA HOTEL GROUP PARTICIPATES IN ANNUAL BRAZTOA FAIR IN BRAZIL In September, Fiesta Hotel Group participated in the renowned Braztoa fair in Sao Paolo, Brazil. The Fiesta Hotel Group, based in Ibiza, Spain, announced at the Spanish Chamber of Commerce in Sao Paulo the formal development plans for the newest addition to the award winning Grand Palladium “all inclusive” resort brand of resorts—the Grand Palladium Imbassai Resort and Spa. With an ever-growing collection of hotels and resorts, the recent event in Sao Paulo introduced the resort to the important Brazilian market and also the international market. Scheduled to be open in mid-2010, this newest resort is located in Salvador de Bahía, Brazil, on world-famous Playa Imbassai and is adjacent to one of the largest nature preserves in Brazil. Constructed on a property of over 22 square miles and right next to the beach, surrounded by nature, the resort will feature 864 fully equipped suites, four pools, a Baby and Mini Club for children, Spa, al la carte dining and more.

The resort has been constructed in perfect harmony with the region’s spectacular natural environment and boasts a great location near Praia do Forte and Salvador de Bahía, one of the oldest cities in Brazil.

More information about Palladium Resorts in Brazil, Jamaica, Riviera Nayarit, Riviera Maya and Punta Cana is available on Fiesta Hotel Group’s website.

Fiesta Hotel Group, www.fiestahotelgroup.com 30 • NOVEMBER 2009

METROPOLITAN TOURING ADDS CHILE TO ITS COLLECTION

The Metropolitan Touring team at TravelMart shown from left to right: Gabriel Nicolai, General Manager, Argentina; Cristobal Luna, GM, Chile; Constanza Paulsen, Sales Exec, Chile; Alonso Roggero, GM, Peru; Paulina Burbano de Lara, Executive VP, Ecuador; María Eugenia Tanaka, Commercial Director, Peru; Dick Burkemper, Sales Rep, North America; Adriana Velasco, Marketing Manager, Ecuador; Tamara Karolys, Commercial Director for Europe, Ecuador; Cristina Valdivieso, Sales Manager for North America, Ecuador; Tom Pelizzaro, Sales Rep, North America; Gabriel Jose, Commercial Manager, Argentina.

Metropolitan Touring is now in Chile. The Quito, Ecuador-based company, with extensive operations already in place in Ecuador itself, in Peru, and in Argentina, made the launch of its long-anticipated Chilean office formal with the purchase of a quintuple booth at the September TravelMart Latin America in the Chilean Lakes Region, by virtue of the presence of a large contingent of MT personnel from Ecuador, from the new office in Santiago, and elsewhere, and with a sumptuous Thursday-evening party at the Puerto Varas Meliá.

Metropolitan Touring has been providing the highest quality travel services in Quito, Guayaquil, Cuenca, the Galapagos and elsewhere in the home country of Ecuador since 1953. Its objective now is to provide one-stop shopping for travel product all over the South American continent.

Says MT general manager for the Chilean operation Cristobal Luna, “Our experts in the field and in our offices in four countries can help plan an infinite variety of special interest trips. So, if your guests are nature lovers or academics, a honeymoon couple or extreme sports fans, or simply want to get their family together for a reunion, send us your brief and we’ll take care of the logistics and practicalities. We integrate all the essential travel services — transfers, accommodations, excursions, expeditions, travel within and between the countries we operate in, consolidated billing.”

Innovative MT package tours in Chile include “The Two Extremes” (glaciers and mountainscapes in the Chilean south, desert in the north), “The Wine Experience,” “Total Remoteness” (featuring the Torres del Paine National Park and Easter Island), and “Escape to the Untamed” (an 18-day extravaganza designed to familiarize visitors with Chile as a whole).

Metropolitan Touring has recently been selected as a case study by the World Travel & Tourism Council for its achievements in environmental sustainability, good practices and commitment.

Metropolitan Touring, www.metropolitantouring.com www.travelworldnews.com • Travel World News

LATIN AMERICA BRAZIL TOUR OPERATORS CELEBRATE RIO’S OLYMPIC WIN For the first time, a South American city will stage the Olympic Games. Stunning Rio de Janeiro will host the summer competition, with a chance to display its dramatic natural scenery and beautiful beaches like Ipanema, Copacabana, Saõ Conrado, Leblon and Barra.

The city is known for world-class dining, fresh seafood and traditional barbecue, and sizzling, non-stop nightlife. And the charming Cariocas, as the people of Rio are called, know how to party and will give a warm welcome to all.

Preparing for the Olympics, the city fathers plan to make major infrastructure improvements, upgrade the transportation system and continue cleaning up the environment. Hotel capacity is set to more than double, world-class sports facilities are being designed and both the historic quarter and the port area will be rejuvenated.

“We’ve been working to get the word out about Brazil’s fabulous attributes,” says Adam Carter, President of the Brazil Tour Operators Association (BTOA.) ”Rio’s winning the bid will definitely increase visibility for this vibrant exciting city,” he continues.

The BTOA’s mission is to raise awareness of its member companies as Brazil travel experts and heighten visibility among North

American travelers for all the destinations in Brazil.

“As a Carioca myself, I am thrilled that Rio will host the Olympic games,” says Jose Gherardi, Vice President of BTOA. “We intend to spread the word and encourage more North Americans to visit this incredibly warm and hospitable destination. And they don’t have to wait five years,” he adds.

Currently the world’s 10th largest economy, Brazil is forecast to be the fifth largest by 2016 when the Games are staged. Experts are already talking about the Olympic’s “effect,” when a city experiences a renaissance cultural and economically after hosting the Games.

BTOA’s active members are: AAT American Adventure Tours; Abreu; Air Projects; American Express Vacations; Avanti Destinations; Borello Travel and Tours; Brazil Nuts Tours; Brazilian Vacation Center; BROL/Brazil Online Travel; Chanteclair; Cox & Kings USA; Discover Brazil Tours; Dumonde Travel, 4 Star South America Tours & Travel; Fredson Travel; Globus; HOTUR–Just Brazil Vacations; Marnella Tours; Pan American Travel Services; SITA World Tours; Skyline Travel Specialists; Tourlite International, VIP Tour Group, and Visit Brazil Tours.

Brazil Tour Operators Association (BTOA), info@braziltouroperators.com, www.braziltouroperators.com

Adventure, Nature and History in the White Continent.

Eleven days and ten nights of navigation in the Antarctic Peninsula, with daily landings, wildlife observation, conferences and lectures on board in a comfortable environment, as if it were a group of friends, is journey on board the historic M/V Antarctic Dream, which starts in November with its fifth successful Antarctic season.

Antarctic Dream Expedition (11 days / 10 nights) This expedition offers you the ideal introduction to the Great White Continent. Departing from and finishing in the port of Ushuaia, we take in the most exciting sights of the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula. Our program is oriented towards the viewing of wildlife. Day 1: Ushuaia, Argentina Day 2 to 3: Drake Passage Day 4: Aitcho Island Day 5: Antarctic Peninsula & Neko Bay Day 6: Paradise Bay - Cuverville Island Day 7: Pleneau - Petermann Island Day 8: Deception Island - Whaler’s Bay - Pendulum Cove Days 9 and 10: Drake Passage Day 11: Ushuaia, Argentina

Travel World News • www.travelworldnews.com

NOVEMBER 2009 •

31

LATIN AMERICA ANTARCTIC DREAM OFFERS ADVENTURE, NATURE AND HISTORY IN THE WHITE CONTINENT

Eleven days and ten nights of navigation in the Antarctic Peninsula, with daily landings, wildlife observation, conferences and lectures in comfort—as if it were a group of friends—describes a journey onboard the historic M/V Antarctic Dream, starting its fifth successful Antarctic season this month.

Established in 2002, Antarctic Shipping SA is the largest Chilean

company operating cruise tours to Antarctica, with safety standards and quality according to market demands and environmental regulations of the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators. Antarctic Dream begins at Ushuaia, the provincial capital of Tierra del Fuego, Argentina. After an exciting sailing through the Drake Passage, passengers arrive in the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands.

The foundation of success and enjoyment of the journey is the distinctive red and white M/V Antarctic Dream. Antarctic is an icerated ship built in Holland specifically to navigate polar areas, commissioned by the Chilean Navy. Its first name was “Piloto Pardo” in honor of the Chilean pilot who in 1916 helped rescue the explorers who accompanied Sir Ernest Shackleton in his unsuccessful attempt to reach the South Pole.

The first contact with the White Continent is Aitcho Island, the largest of the South Shetland Islands. The sailing continues through the Bransfield and Gerlache Straits to reach the Antarctic Peninsula. In the area of Pleneau, there’s a zodiac cruise in a beautiful ice-strewn landscape, weather with it. On the way back to Ushuaia and before returning to the Drake Passage, the expedition includes visits to the submerged crater of Deception Island, the largest active volcano in the area, where travelers experience a contradiction with the cold appearance—an unforgettable bathing in hot springs at Pendulum Cove.

Since the M/V Antarctic Dream began operating, many have had the privilege of navigating with the vessel. The unique structure adapted for ice also allowed the company to open a route to the Arctic, which has already had two seasons. Its Antarctic season begins November 7, and offers an experience way beyond imagination—with safety, comfort, adventure and entertainment in one of the world’s most breathtaking, natural and pristine backdrops.

Antarctic Shipping S.A., www.antarctic.cl adventuresincorporated.com

INKANATURA TRAVEL HAS NEW PLANE FOR MANU TOURS IN PERU Manu Biosphere Reserve is a premier jungle destination in Peru for nature lovers. It is located in eastern Peru’s Amazon territory and very close to Cusco and Machu Picchu. Manu has an incredible concentration of wildlife that includes tapirs, giant otters, monkeys, jaguars, several species of birds and more.

InkaNatura Travel, running fine tours in the amazing Manu rainforest area, is now using a bigger aircraft to fly from Cusco to Boca Manu airstrip, the main entrance to the Manu Biosphere Reserve. The new plane is a high-winged and a twin-engine turboprop Twin otter.

In addition to the Manu rainforest area, InkaNatura operates the famous Inca trail to Machu Picchu (standard and deluxe option), Choquequirao, different treks around Cusco, Tambopata nature reserve, Chiclayo, Trujillo, Chachapoyas, Kuelap fortress, Cajamarca and nature and birding tours.

InkaNatura Travel, 888-870-7378, www.inkanatura.com 32 • NOVEMBER 2009

www.travelworldnews.com • Travel World News

LATIN AMERICA TAMARINDO BEACH & GOLF RESORT HAS SPECIAL DISCOUNTS ON ROOMS

NEW LUXURY HONEYMOON SUITES AT LA MANSION INN

The Tamarindo Diria Beach & Golf Resort, the only four-star luxury hotel located directly on the white sand beach of Tamarindo— called Costa Rica’s “most popular beach” by Forbes—has announced a special offer for November: the hotel is offering across-the-board discounts on all rooms.

The Sunset Ocean View discount is 15 percent, the Tropical Rooms are 20 percent off and the Classic Rooms are 30 percent off.

Located on the Pacific Northwest coast of Costa Rica, as Tamarindo’s first hotel, the Tamarindo Diria Beach & Golf Resort has been in the hospitality business for over 30 years. Spread out over five acres, it features 182 rooms, an oceanfront pool, the largest scenic pool in Tamarindo, a children’s pool, two bars, two restaurants, a cafeteria, 24-hour free guarded parking, laundry services, tour desk, business center, meeting room for up to 40 people, amphitheatre for up to 300, golf driving range, National airport with VIP facilities, and commercial shopping area.

The front desk at Tamarindo Diria Beach and Golf Resort reports a 40-percent return rate for guests, while Expedia.com clients give the hotel an 88-percent recommendation.

Tamarindo Diria Beach & Golf Resorts, www.tamarindodiria.com

At La Mansion Inn, Manuel Antonio in Costa Rica, luxury Honeymoon Suites and Packages are designed to relax, inspire and awe. Selected by patrons as a “Best for Romance” and Best Luxury” hotel by TripAdvisor® in the 2009 Travelers’ Choice® awards, the 22-guestroom boutique hotel is both popular and intimately exclusive. At a time of choosing, the honeymooners each receive a one-hour couple’s massage and the opportunity to go catamaran sailing and snorkeling off the offshore islands.

This Honeymoon Package may be booked in accompaniment with the majority of the rooms and suites at the hotel, all of which have ocean views. However, the 2009 addition of the Penthouses Suites in the East Wing were especially designed to meet the needs of couples. Both suites are perfectly situated, capturing not only the postcard views of the Pacific, but also the spanning rainforest that blankets the hills as they slope inland toward the mountains. Spacious balconies with outdoor furniture face the ocean, allowing the tinted floor-to-ceiling windows within to provide views of the expansive tropical canopy. Due to its intimate size, La Mansion Inn lends itself to natural exclusivity. Advance bookings are recommended to ensure availability.

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

EARLY BIRD SAVINGS SALE AT BREEZES RESORTS Guests who book early for winter travel to the Caribbean or Panama with Breezes Resorts earn handsome savings. The newly expanded Breezes Resorts’ “Early Bird Savings” special rewards early bookings made by November 18, 2009 with savings up to $700 per couple on seven-night getaways from January 7 through August 31, 2010.

This offer is now available at seven Breezes properties; enticing per person per night rates for five-night minimum stays start at $103 in Jamaica, $120 in Curaçao and the Bahamas, and $111 in Panama, based on double occupancy.

Breezes Panama, the first Panamanian development

by SuperClubs opened since October 1, is also extending a special invitation to travel agents with an exclusive Agent Appreciation $149 per person rate for four-day/three-night stays, including roundtrip airport transfers, for travel through November 30, 2009. The offer must be booked by November 26, 2009, with required documentation: a copy of current IATAN Card or CLIA card with name and photo, copy of IATAN list of CLIA certificate, and verification of employment letter composed and signed by a member of management. They must also mention code BPN TACOMP when booking.

Breezes Resorts, 877-BREEZES (273-3937), www.breezes.com/specials/2009/09/14/ book-2010-now-save-up-to-700, www.breezes.com; SuperClubs, 800-GO-SUPER (467-8737), www.superclubs.com Travel World News • www.travelworldnews.com

SUNBREEZE HOTEL & SUNBREEZE SUITES AMBERGRIS CAYE, BELIZE

Prime location in the town of San Pedro, Ambergris Caye with easy access to the town’s activities yet out of the hustle and bustle of town. Ideal for singles, couples and families.

TWO GREAT VACATION GETAWAYS: US$100.00 off per dbl diver on all published packages Visiting Travel Agent Special Exclusive - 50% off Published Rates Dive, Adventure and Honeymoon Packages available now thru December 18, 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: 1-800-820-1631 NOVEMBER 2009 •

33

AFRICA

For a Vacation They’ll Never Forget Send Your Clients to South Africa JOAN GONZALEZ

Y

ep, you’re right, South Africa is a long way from home. However, it is also one of those lifetime experiences your clients will cherish forever and be chomping at the bit for a chance to return. The country covers a large, diverse area and it is almost impossible to visit and experience it all on just one fantastic trip.

With a stubborn determination to succeed both as a great place to live and a fascinating country for visitors, South Africa gave birth to South African Airways 75 years ago.

The airline is a Star Alliance member and, “The World’s Most Awarded Airline to LUCILLE SIVE Africa.” Mr. Marc Cavaliere, SAA’s Executive Vice President North America, based in Ft. Lauderdale, also wants to remind agents that they have a number of code share flights that allow passengers to travel seamlessly on flights operated by other airlines.

SAA offers a series of special vacation packages for individuals and groups to South Africa from both the United States and Canada, handled by Lucille Sive, president of Lion World Tours and who also handles South African Vacations. (www.lionworldtravel.com).

She has a long list of award-winning 5-star hotels and lodges that she features in her programs. For toll free calls from the U.S, dial, 888-722-4872 and from Canada, 800-668-9968. For in-depth information about the various properties, check the website: flysaavacations.com/ itin-specials.htm.

A magnificent creation, South Africa was spewed out of a series of volcanoes millions of years ago. It is a land with great stone mountains, miles of fertile hills and deep valleys, bottomless diamond and gold mines, blankets of wild flowers, superb wines and great nature reserves where elephants, lions and zebra roam and herds of graceful impala leap and play. It is great for bird watching, with hundreds of bird species in not only Kruger Park but in Botswana and Zimbabwe.

Two oceans, the Atlantic and the Indian wash its coastline,

34 • NOVEMBER 2009

converging at Cape Point, a short, spectacular drive out of Cape Town.

It’s Not All About Animals Believe it or not, South Africa has other diversions beside its huge game reserves. Soccer is said to be, “gripping the nation!” Other sports gaining in popularity include cricket, rugby, tennis and of course golf, although golf has been around awhile. But the big news is that South Africa will be holding the 2010 World Soccer Cup event in June and July.

The final championship match will be July 11. Get bids in early for seats and accommodations as 500,000 people are expected to show up. The country is already working on how to provide transportation to the games. However, there will be special “fan parks,” where fans without tickets can safely watch the 64 World Cup matches in secure areas on high definition big screen televisions. Food and beverages will be available and also public transportation. It is really expected to be one big party in the park with D Js and bands.

The tourist board and others involved have literally left no stone unturned, even providing charter flights for those who can’t find close-in accommodations. And if all the accommodations on land are full, there will be luxury cruise liners waiting at sea. The country can’t be any more accommodating than that!

South Africa’s Parks South Africa is truly one of the most fantastic places on earth. It has many interesting national parks, including Kalahari Gemsbok National Park, Augrabies Falls, Marakele, Richtersveld, Vaalbos, Golden Gate Highlands and of course, the famous Kruger Park. South Africa differs from East Africa in game sighting.

East Africa has open plains where you can see large herds at great distances. In South Africa, you must really game spot. Impala are all over the place, but for some of the other game, their camouflage is almost complete and you must be sharp of eye. It is amazing how even an elephant can blend in with the side of a rock mountain. Brochures on all the parks are available from the tourist offices.

South African Airways There’s no better way to get to South Africa than www.travelworldnews.com • Travel World News

AFRICA

An experience not to be missed, is the cable car ride up the famous Table Mountain that forms a backdrop for the city of Cape Town.

on the country’s own airline, South African Airways, that has service from the U.S. to South Africa with daily departures from Washington D.C. (Dulles) and New York (JFK) to Johannesburg, with same day connections to more than 20 cities in Africa.

The airline flies Airbus A-340 aircraft, one of the most modern on the airwaves and also one of the most comfortable for its passengers.

Premium class has fully-flatbed seats and in economy more legroom than many other airlines, with 34 inches of seat pitch.

And, to keep passengers entertained on the long haul, there is individual on-demand entertainment systems with movies, television shows and music channels.

Meals are so good that it is the first airline to be granted honorary membership in the South African Chefs’ Association. The airline and the country, “aim to please,“ and it certainly does.

SAA Vacations, 888-722-4872, www.flysaavacations.com Travel World News • www.travelworldnews.com

The Only Non-Stop From The Big Apple To The Big Five

No One Is Faster To More Of Africa Than We Are With daily non-stop service from New York (JFK) to Johannesburg, only South African Airways gives you same day connections to over 20 cities in Africa.

Add this to our legendary South African warmth and hospitality and you’ll see we’re the only way to fly.

Go See For Yourself. www.flysaa.com • 1-800-722-9675

NOVEMBER 2009 •

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AFRICA SOUTH AFRICAN TOURISM LAUNCHES MARKETING FOR FIFA WORLD CUP IN CHICAGO

From left to right: Nicole Jarrell; Zachary Jarrell; Terry von Guillaume, President, Destinations Southern Africa; Sthu Zungu, President, South African Tourism, North America.

South African Tourism (SAT) kicked off its campaign for the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ with events in Chicago promoting South Africa as tournament host. World-renowned soccer superstar Lucas Radebe—Global 2010 Ambassador, and Zakumi, the official 2010 FIFA World Cup™ mascot, was on hand, as well as South Africa’s Ambassador to the USA, H.E. Ambassador Welile Nhlapo.

SAT and U.S. Youth Soccer launched a Web video contest, a nationwide “dance call” for youth soccer teams to perform the soccer-inspired Diski Dance. Grand prize is a trip to South Africa for all 12 players of the team plus the coach and one parent for each player prior to the World Cup, where they’ll compete against South African youths of similar age.

The contest was launched September 26 at a Major League Soccer match of the Chicago Fire versus Toronto FC at the Toyota Park Stadium. At the pre-game FireFest, attendees received thundersticks branded with the contest URL. Fans registered entries for the SA trip (courtesy of official World Cup operator Destination Southern Africa), had their faces painted in South African colors, and practiced with the Joffrey dancers.

On September 28, SAT in conjunction with the South African Consulate General, hosted a ‘South African Update’ for leaders of the SA community, Chicago’s City Hall, representatives from the business and leisure tourism industry in South Africa and the US, friends of South Africa, and the Chicago-based travel trade and consumer media.

Khaled Elkhatib, Director of International Relations for the City of Chicago, delivered a proclamation from Mayor Richard M. Daley establishing September 25–29 as “South Africa 2010 FIFA World Cup™ Days.” Sthu Zungu presented Mr. Elkhatib with a framed Bafana Bafana jersey signed by Lucas Radebe for the Mayor.

South African Tourism, 800-593-131, info@us.southafrica.net, www.southafrica.net/2010, www.southafrica.net/dance, www.southafrica.net 36 • NOVEMBER 2009

NEW CAPE ROYALE LUXURY HOTEL & RESIDENCE INTRODUCED The Cape Royale Luxury Hotel & Residence is the newest South African luxury client member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts.

The Cape Town jewel, centrally located and set against the iconic outline of Table Mountain, provides an enclave of refinement in the vibrant city, from its elegant facade and entrance to lavish designer suites. Added to the luxury package is the Equinox spa, incredible rooftop vistas, and 1800, the city’s hottest new restaurant.

A special offer currently allows guests to stay for three nights and pay for two or stay for seven and pay for five through December 15, 2009.

Additionally, guests will receive the following complimentary extras: a welcome drink on arrival, transfer within approximately a three-mile radius, wireless Internet, an Equinox Spa voucher, and stay and breakfast for children under 16.

Bookings may be made through a Preferred tour operator partner.

Cape Royale Luxury Hotel & Residence, www.caperoyale.co.za

CAPE TOWN PIONEERS RESPONSIBLE TOURISM CHARTER The Executive Mayor of Cape Town, Alderman Dan Plato, along with major tourism associations, has signed a Cape Town Responsible Tourism Charter. Associations that signed the Charter with the City are the Federation of Hotel Associations of South Africa (FEDHASA); the Southern African Tourism Services Association (SATSA), representing the private sector of the region’s incoming tourism industry; the Southern African Association for the Conference Industry (SAACI), representing the interests of conference organizers and venue owners; and Cape Town Tourism.

Mariette du Toit-Helmbold, CEO of Cape Town Tourism, commented on the significance of the Responsible Tourism Charter, “Ours is a city of contrasts. Cape Town has made its mark internationally as a premier tourist destination and boasts incredible natural beauty and good infrastructure. This is juxtaposed with social problems and poverty that are directly related to our colorful past and troubled history. The tourism sector in Cape Town is well placed to lead in terms of responsible practice and can make a real difference in Cape Town by implementing small changes to the way we live and do business. We must invest in solid, practical and firm principles of ethical behavior, management and lifestyle, balancing the fragile state of our climate, communities and the natural environment with the need to grow the tourism economy to address poverty and unemployment.”

With 255 days to the kick-off of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in June 2010, a Green Goal program has been put in place to ensure an environmentally responsible event.

Cape Town Tourism Board, www.capetown.gov.za/EN/TOURISM/Pages/ResponsibleTourism www.travelworldnews.com • Travel World News

AFRICA &BEYOND GIVES MORE AND TAKES LESS BY DOING WELL FOR ENVIRONMENTS After 18 years of pioneering luxury responsible tourism, &Beyond has shown it’s possible to make meaningful improvements to the planet while delighting guests.

A new system has been launched to measure the company’s eco overheads—each lodge is challenged to reduce the negative impact of operations while doing more to improve living conditions of neighboring communities.

Some impressive &Beyond accomplishments over the past year include the planting of 2,500 trees, a drop in Co2 emissions (lowering use of generators, fuel and petrol), 1,200 hectares added to &Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve, reintroduction projects of cheetah, leopard, giraffe, black rhino and duiker and translocation of suni, Guar, buffalo, elephant, rhino and reedbuck, with 62 leopards now collared and monitored in KwaZulu-Natal.

In addition, water access has been improved for 19,000, with 75 community ablution and sanitation facilities built, beds and facilities provided for 1,000 orphaned children, facilities improved at four health clinics and housing built for seven doctors and nurses. &Beyond guests contribute to the company’s conservation strategy, making meaningful differences to sustainable community empowerment, thus enabling &Beyond to ‘do well by doing good.’ &Beyond, www.andBeyond.com

round trip airport/lodge transfers, one night in Cape Town at More Cape Cadogan plus two free nights, a Peninsula tour, three nights in Sabi Sands Game Reserve at Lion Sands River Lodge with spectacular game viewing in “big five” country, and six breakfasts/three lunches/three dinners.

Few urban centers anywhere can match Cape Town’s setting along the mountainous Cape Peninsula spine, which slides into the Atlantic Ocean. A ride in a cable car to the top of Table Mountain, a ferry journey to Robben Island, or a meandering tour through the Winelands will leave no doubt this is a must highlight on any African vacation.

At the Lion Sands Game Reserve, travelers will enjoy an astronomy surprise in the evening, interesting and informative bush walks, morning and evening game drives, a fascinating Hippo Tour, safari lunches and an assortment of wildlife lectures.

A typical day starts with an early rise and a light snack before departing on an activity, with a stop for a snack and tea/coffee en route. Upon return to camp (normally about three hours later), guests enjoy a sizeable brunch. Free time is ample during the heat of the day for a siesta or a dip in the pool. Mid-afternoon tea, cakes and savories are served, before departure for the afternoon activity, with a stop for cocktails en route. On return to camp, a sumptuous dinner is enjoyed.

It’s advisable to contact a Destination Specialist at Swain for more details and the best available airfare. The trip must be booked by January 15, 2010, with travel completed by January 21, 2010.

Swain Tours, 800-227-9246, swainvalues@swaintours.com, www.swaintours.com/specialoffers/ safariandthecity.asp, www.swaintours.com

New Non-Stop Flights From D.C. To Dakar

‘SAFARI AND THE CITY’ PLANNED BY SWAIN TOURS Swain Tours is offering an exciting “Safari and the City” tour priced from $2,999 (deluxe, land only) for seven days/six nights, organized for specific travel dates during the period October 1 to December 19, 2009 and also January 10–31, 2010. Travelers save $290 per person with this package price.

Destinations are Cape Town and the Sabi Sands Game Reserve. The itinerary includes meet and greet service on arrival, Travel World News • www.travelworldnews.com

With Continuing Service To Johannesburg Only award-winning South African Airways offers daily non-stop service from Washington (Dulles) to Dakar and direct to Johannesburg. And with 180-degree completely lie-flat business class seats and more legroom in economy, you can see why we’ve earned more awards as “Best Airline to Africa” than any other carrier.

Go See For Yourself. www.flysaa.com • 1-800-722-9675

NOVEMBER 2009 •

37

AFRICA TANZANIA TOURIST BOARD 2009 PRINT MEDIA AWARD PRESENTED AT ATA’S ANNUAL PRESIDENTIAL FORUM IN NYC

Pictured left to right: Karen Hoffman, Tanzania Tourist Board USA; Eloise Parker, Journalist and 2009 TTB Media Award Winner; Honorable Samia H. Suluhu, Minister of Tourism, Trade & Industry, Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar; H.E. Ombeni Y. Sefue, Ambassador to the United States for the United Republic of Tanzania; Eddie Bergman, Executive Director, Africa Travel Association.

H.E. Ombeni Y. Sefue, Tanzania’s Ambassador to the United States, presented the 2009 Tanzania Tourist Board Print Media Award to journalist Eloise Parker at the African Travel Association’s (ATA) Fourth Annual Presidential Forum held at the Kimmel Center of New York University on September 25. Ms.

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38 • NOVEMBER 2009

Parker was honored for her firsthand account of reaching the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro, which appeared in the New York Daily News print and online edition. Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA), Africa House of NYU, and South African Airways cosponsored the event.

Hon. Samia H. Suluhu, Minister of Tourism, Trade & Industry, Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar, presented a speech on behalf of H.E. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, President of the United Republic of Tanzania. Other participants in the forum were the Honorable Baba Hamadou, Minister of Tourism of Cameroon, His Excellency Dr. Kaire M. Mbuende, Ambassador and Permanent Representative, Permanent Mission of the Republic of Namibia to the United Nations, Honorable Anna A. Kachikho, MP, Minister of Tourism, Wildlife, and Culture of Malawi, Her Excellency Dr. Inonge Mbikusita-Lewanika, Ambassador of the Republic of Zambia to the United States, His Excellency Dr. Oldemiro Baloi, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Honorable Obiageli Ezekwesili, Vice President, Africa Region, World Bank, Washington, D.C. Tanzania Tourist Board, www.tanzaniatouristboard.com

TANZANIA TO CONSTRUCT MONUMENT AT ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE The Government of Tanzania will construct a monument and podium to preserve the archaeological site where the first species hominid Zinjanthropus boiesei skull was discovered by Dr. Mary Leakey in 1959—Olduvai Gorge, part of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area in Northern Tanzania. The announcement was made at the 50th Anniversary of the Gorge at the Arusha International Conference Center. The five-day event was attended by more than 200 delegates and scientists from around the world.

The architectural rendering was developed by Ardhi University and submitted to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism to be completed in 2011. In the five days of the Golden Anniversary celebration, a number of papers on the hominin fossil, (Palaeoenvironment at Olduvai, Stone Ages, Rock Arts, and Cultural Resource and Heritage Management) were presented and discussed by delegates.

The discovery of Zinjanthropus boisei at Olduvai Gorge, together with the oldest existing footprints at Laitole (3.6 million years of age), further verifies that the origins of the human species was in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area in Tanzania, and not in Asia as previously thought. In keeping with the significance of this information, Olduvai Gorge is now known as “The Cradle of Mankind,� while Laetoli holds the only undisputable evidence for human bipedalism.Olduvai Gorge has continued to attract tourists and yield scientific findings that have added more value to the records of human evolution. The significance of Olduvai and Laetoli has led to the elevation of the Ngorongoro Area Conservation to be nominated as a World Heritage site in 2008 to incorporate both natural and cultural outstanding universal values.

Tanzania Tourist Board, www.tanzaniatouristboard.com www.travelworldnews.com • Travel World News

AFRICA RUSSIAN BILLIONAIRE OWNER OF LONDON’S CHELSEA FOOTBALL CLUB CLIMBS MT. KILIMANJARO Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich, owner of London’s premier league Chelsea Football Club in England, scaled Africa’s highest peak, Mt. Kilimanjaro Abromovich arrived at Kilimanjaro International Airport on a 200-seater chartered Boeing 747 with only six people on board and was met by Cyril Chami, Tanzania Deputy Minister for Trade and Industries, before being driven to Arusha’s exclusive Rivertree Country Inn where he spent the night. The billionaire started the six- or seven-day ascent to the summit of the mountain that followed the Lemosho route on the western slope of the mountain via Western Breach Wall. At the end of his first day of climbing, Mr. Abromovich slept at Mti Mkubwa before continuing his journey in the early morning, spending his second night at Shiri One, before stepping up to Shiri Two the following day.

Mr. Abramovich is the primary owner of the private investment company Millhouse LLC. Prior to the financial crisis, he was considered to be the second richest person living within the United Kingdom.

Tanzania Tourist Board, tanzaniatouristboard.com

40 • NOVEMBER 2009

OMONG’WE TRAVEL TO OFFER 2010 WORLD CUP PACKAGES Omong’we Travel & Tours, a travel company based in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania has finalized plans to offer 2010 World Cup tour packages during the time of firstAfrican World Cup to be staged in South Africa in June and July 2010.

The clients can customize their vacations by choosing a combination of safari to endless plains of Serengeti, worldfamous Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara or Tarangire National Parks, climb Mount Kilimanjaro or visit white-sandy beaches of Zanzibar. The Tanzanian tour package can then be combined with South African tour packages in order to provide end-to-end travel experience to clients.

To facilitate the travel arrangements for its clients, Omong’we Travel & Tours has entered into an agreement with XL Turners Travel, one of the most respected travel management companies in South Africa.

XL Turners Travel can arrange for airport transfers, South African domestic tourism activities, hotel reservations, local airline, ferries and rail reservations.

Omong’we Travel, reservations@omongwetravel.com, www.omongwetravel.com; XL Turners Travel, www.turnerstravel.co.za

SPECIAL $100 PER PERSON DISCOUNT FROM ZARA TANZANIA ADVENTURES Zara Tanzania Adventures invites travelers to experience the trip of a lifetime— with a Kilimanjaro climb and a Safari for the ultimate African holiday. For a limited time, Zara is offering a $100-per-person discount on its amazing Trekking and Safari Packages.

Package 1 consists of 13 days total, a seven-day Kilimanjaro climb and a five-day Safari. Package 2 is a total of 11 days: a six-day Kilimanjaro climb with a four-day Safari. And Package 3 is also 11 days— with a five-day Kilimanjaro climb and a five-day Safari. At booking, travelers need to mention promotion code ZaraTS. The special discount is available for bookings made by December 31, 2009.

Hikers and animal enthusiasts continue to recognize Zara value, as treks and safaris are packed with people from around the world. In terms of guest numbers, Zara is Tanzania’s No.1 Kilimanjaro outfitter and one of Tanzania’s biggest safari operators.

Four value packages include the following itineraries: Package 1, Trek Machame/Safari Serengeti, 13 days; Package 2, Trek Machame/Safari Tarangire, 11 days; Package 3, Trek Marangu/Safari Serengeti, 11 days; and Package 4, Safari/Cultural Tour Zanzibar, 18 days.

Years of experience and knowledge with qualified climbing guides and safari tours in Tanzania assures infinitely memorable experiences, with safety, efficiency and reliability built in. With 88 registered Kilimanjaro guides and a fleet of 4x4 Land Rovers, 4x4 mini buses, and 4x4 Land Cruisers (all equipped with viewing roofs), Zara is ready to lead safari adventures and climbs to the top of Kilimanjaro. English, German and Spanish-speaking guides share their knowledge and stories of the incredible Tanzania Game reserves and intimately know the many routes up the legendary mountain.

Zara Tanzania Adventures, 866-550-4447, zara@zaratours.com, www.zaratours.com www.travelworldnews.com • Travel World News

AFRICA 2010 FIFA WORLD CUP—SOCCER AND THE BIG FIVE WITH CORDIAL TOURS A great opportunity to visit Tanzania—the Land of Kilimanjaro, Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Zanzibar during 2010 FIFA World Cup, is now being offered by Cordial Tours and Travel Services Ltd. These two travel companies will join together to present the big five of soccer and the big five of Tanzania within the same day. Travelers may choose one to four days of fantastic game safaris at Serengeti and Ngorongoro, watching the big five of Tanzania, spend two days for beach leisure at Zanzibar, the Island of Species, or take at least five days climbing the roof of Africa, Kilimanjaro.

More information about this fabulous opportunity is available on the Cordial Tours website.

Cordial Tours, www.cordialtours.com

THE SOCCER FEVER EXPERIENCE IN NAMIBIA FOR 2010 AND BEYOND When it comes to preparing for the 2010 Soccer World Cup in Southern Africa, no other destination serves tourists like Namibia.

Only two hours of direct flight away from Cape Town and Johannesburg, Namibia offers excellent facilities for soccer professionals, and those who want to break away to ‘another’ world inbetween games.

With an average of 300 sunshine days per year, teams are guaranteed to find optimal opportunities to practice in the clean, fresh,

open air. Both the altitude and weather in Windhoek and Walvis Bay are similar to those of Johannesburg, Polokwane, Rustenburg and Cape Town respectively.

Windhoek is a modern, cosmopolitan city with a population over 350,000. It has several conference centers, for those who want to combine business with pleasure. Soccer professionals have a choice of over fifty sports being practiced in Namibia for keeping fit.

The city also boasts two major soccer stadiums for practice— Independence Stadium where major international soccer matches are hosted, and Sam Nuujoma Stadium where Premier League matches are played on synthetic turf.

World-class medical services and state-of-the-art medical equipment and technology are available in Namibia for those who may need care, as well as top-class transportation and communication infrastructure across the country.

The Namibia Football Association (NFA) became a member of footballs’ world governing body FIFA, shortly after Namibia’s independence in 1990. Namibia’s team, the Brave Warriors, play on a regular basis on the international circuit.

Soccer is a game that pulls together the various cultures of Namibia, especially when world tournaments such as a Soccer World Cup are played, and one will find spectators watching the game all over in sports clubs and pubs in Namibia, cheering their favorite teams, and celebrating wins.

Namibia Tourism Board, www.namibiatourism.com.na

Specialists in tours of

NAMIBIA

The coolest experience in the hottest destination ~~~~~~~

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

NOVEMBER 2009 •

41

AFRICA ATA HOSTS ANNUAL PRESIDENTIAL FORUM ON TOURISM IN NEW YORK

Shown left to right (back row): Unknown; Ogo Sow, Radio Journalist, ATA Board Member; Dr. Kaire Mbuende, Ambassador and Permanent Representative, Permanent Mission of the Republic of Namibia to the United Nations; Dr. Oldemiro Baloi, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Mozambique; Karen Hoffman, Senior Vice President, Bradford Group, ATA Board Member; Jane Thompson, Consultant, Bradford Group, ATA Board Member; (front row) Dr. Yaw Nyarko, Director, Africa House, New York University; Ambassador Ombeni Sefue, Ambassador of the United Republic of Tanzania to the USA; Obiageli Ezekwesili, Vice President, Africa Region, World Bank; Edward Bergman, Executive Director, Africa Travel Association; Anna Kachikho, MP, Minister of Tourism, Wildlife, and Culture, Republic of Malawi; Baba Hamadou, Minister of Tourism, Republic of Cameroon; Samia Suluhu, Minister of Tourism, Trade & Industry, Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar; Doris Wooten, ATA Vice President, ATA Board of Directors; Amadeu Leitao Nunes, Minister Counsellor, Trade Representative, Embassy of Angola to the U.S.

The Land oof Legendary Teranga and Beautiiful Touristic Sites...Welcome!

SENEGAL Senegal Tourist Office Phone: (212) 695-9630 Email: sentouroffice@aol.com

website: www.senegal-tourism.com 42 • NOVEMBER 2009

The Africa Travel Association (ATA) held its fourth annual Presidential Forum on Tourism at New York University’s Africa House in September. Co-sponsored by South African Airways (SAA) and Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA), the forum focused on how tourism can drive economic growth even during challenging economic times.

“Whether it’s fostering economic growth through foreign exchange earnings and increasing state revenue—or improving people’s well-being in the areas of, job creation, income distribution and regional development, or even changing perceptions, Africa’s tourism industry requires attention, investment and partnership,” ATA Executive Director Edward Bergman said in his welcoming remarks.

Tanzanian Ambassador to the United Nations Obmeni Sefue then presented the Tanzania Tourist Board’s 2009 Print Media Award to journalist Eloise Parker for her coverage on summiting Mount Kilimanjaro. Speaking on behalf of Tanzania, a country that currently holds ATA’s rotating presidency, Ambassador Sefue also spoke about the role ATA can play in improving tourism on the African continent.

World Bank Vice President of the Africa Region, Obiageli Ezekwesili delivered an opening statemen, which set the stage for the panel discussion that followed, much of which centered on introducing each country as a unique travel destination and the role that tourism plays in each economy. Ezekwsiili also spoke about the need to build a tourism sector driven by economic and social considerations rather than political ones.

Africa House Director Dr. Yaw Nyarko moderated the discussion featuring Dr. Oldemiro Baloi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Mozambique, Baba Hamadou, Minister of Tourism of the Republic of Cameroon, Anna A. Kachikho, MP, Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Culture of the Republic of Malawi, Samia H. Suluhu, Minister of Tourism, Trade & Industry of the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar, Dr. Kaire M. Mbuende, Ambassador of the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Namibia to the U.N., and Dr. Inonge Mbikusita-Lewanika, Ambassador of the Republic of Zambia to the U.S. In three years, the forum has become a highlight on the diplomatic and travel industry calendars, taking place in parallel to the UN General Assembly meetings in September. In 2006, Tanzania’s and Nigeria’s heads of state launched the inaugural event; in 2007, Tanzania’s and Cape Verde’s heads of states delivered the keynote addresses. They were joined by ministers from Benin, Ghana, Lesotho, and Malawi, as well as representatives from Rwanda and the Africa Union. In 2008, ministers from Tanzania, Zambia and Malawi participated.

This year, over 200 participants from the travel trade industry, media, diplomatic community, African diaspora, business sector, non-profit world, and academia and hospitality studies participated.

Africa Travel Association (ATA), info@africatravelassociation.org, www.africatravelassociaton.org www.travelworldnews.com • Travel World News

AFRICA EXTRAORDINARY JOURNEYS IS APTLY NAMED

LA MAMOUNIA’S EXQUISITE RENOVATION RESPECTS ITS HISTORICAL, CIVILIZED FLAIR

Creating unique experiences for discerning clients is the promise of Extraordinary Journeys, launched less than a year ago by safari veteran Marcia Gordon and her daughter Elizabeth. Rather than focusing on the elegance or price point of hotels and lodges, the team begins with the experience that their travelers want to have, and weaves a collection of camps and lodges into a coherent, exciting safari package.

Combining Marcia’s 30 years of experience in the travel industry specializing in East and Southern Africa, with Elizabeth’s great organizational skills and savvy sense of what the younger market wants, the team has already opened a branch in Paris.

Marcia and Elizabeth intensify client pampering. There are no set itineraries. They incorporate a range of activities and experiences into every itinerary. For the two hard-working ladies, the art of travel planning is the ability to match the lifestyles and aesthetic of each client to the exact properties that will be the most unique and interesting for them.

Normally, if she thinks her clients are daring, Marcia likes to mix things up a bit with a night or two of adventure – such as sleeping under the African night sky speckled with stars… in a comfortable bed with a soft duvet and fine linens—followed by nights in a luxury lodge with fine décor, delicious wines, gourmet food and a relaxing spa. But regardless of the type of accommodation, Marcia is unrelenting in her insistence that guides be well-informed, entertaining, and receptive to wishes of her clients.

For families or couples looking for the perfect island in the Indian Ocean, Marcia’s favorite is Wilderness Safaris North Island— accessible only by helicopter and catering to the privileged few.

For the many honeymoon couples that contact her, Marcia loves to begin or end the safari with a fabulous beach experience.

Mozambique is the perfect culmination to a trip through South Africa as it is only a short flight away. Her favorites are Marlin Lodge and the new Azura island retreat, which pairs well with the boutique experiences of Southern Tanzania.

Marcia is able to offer generous commissions to agents.

Extraordinary Journeys, www.ejAfrica.com

La Mamounia in Marrakech is fully open following extensive design restoration led by internationally-acclaimed Jacques Garcia.

“An icon of Marrakech, La Mamounia is the incarnation of Moroccan identity and a true jewel among international hotels,” said Didier Picquot, General Manager of La Mamounia.

La Mamounia has hosted the “who’s who” of international royalty, politicians, celebrities and the jet set. Its name can be traced back to the eighteenth century, starting with King Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah.

At the time, it was customary to offer one’s sons a house and a garden located outside the Kasbah as a wedding gift.

La Mamounia is located on the site of the King’s gift to his son, Prince Moulay Mamoun. Today the garden, noted for its ancient olive groves and wide array of flora, covers almost 20 acres.

Winston Churchill declared the site to be, “the most lovely spot in the whole world.”

Fashion design team Terre & Ciel Conseil recently sewed the final buttons and sequins on La Mamounia’s tailor-made staff uniforms that clothe all 777 employees.

Over 170 different exquisitely detailed uniforms have been hand-made in Europe and embroidered in Morocco for every hotel role, including distinctive designs for airport collection staff, bellmen, concierge, F&B staff, guest services and garden staff uniforms.

Two clay tennis courts are available for guest play within the gardens. International tennis legend Henri Leconte is developing Tennis by Henri Leconte, offering clinics and classes throughout the year at La Mamounia, as well as several exhibition matches between himself and other global tennis stars.

The hotel has been symbolic of traditional Moroccan hospitality and a classic example of the great age of grand hotels.

Room rates start at $775 (based on the conversion rate at time of release).

La Mamounia, www.mamounia.com

For thousands of top selling ideas plus the best airfares

Make up to 15% commission 1 800 387 8850 Travel World News • www.travelworldnews.com

NOVEMBER 2009 •

43

AFRICA ROBERT MURIITHI NDEGWA IS NEW MANAGING DIRECTOR FOR KENYA TOURISM BOARD

ZAMBIAN GROUND HANDLERS IS ZAMBIA’S ONLY INDEPENDENT DESTINATION MANAGEMENT COMPANY

Tourism Minister Hon. Najib Balala has announced the appointment of a Robert Muriithi Ndegwa as the new Managing Director of the Kenya Tourism Board. Mr. Ndegwa, 46, is the current Managing Director of the East African Cables (Tanzania Ltd), which he successfully turned around from near collapse after a year of taking charge in 2006. The company paid dividends to shareholders for ROBERT MURIITHI the first time in ten years of operation.

Prior to that, he served as Marketing Development Manager of Magadi Soda Co. ltd and of Firestone East Africa, and earlier was head of Marketing for Kenya Post Office Savings Bank (Post Bank). He holds a Masters degree in Business Administration and has made a distinguished career in the field of marketing and public relations—critical in the stewardship of a tourism marketing agency. He was rated the best MBA student in marketing at the University of Nairobi for three straight academic years.

Kenya Tourist Board, (agents-only site) www.kenyaagent.com, (consumer site) www.magicalkenya.com

Nick Aslin has been associated with high-end tourism to Zambia for almost two decades as the Managing Director of Norman Carr Safaris, Zambia’s oldest and most established safari company.

With the industry’s bigger names getting involved in Zambia as well, the destination is now quite sought after.

Nick saw a niche opportunity with no independent ground handlers capable of compiling and overseeing a trip throughout the country.

Launched in September, his new company Zambian Ground Handlers has plenty of interest already.

He and his assistant Maggie Mwale work from a small office in Lusaka, Zambia’s capital city. They visit camps throughout Zambia regularly in order to maintain up-to-the-minute knowledge of their product.

The company offers assistance and advice with trip planning; personalized airside meet and greet service on arrival, displaying the client’s logo if required; the booking and coordination of all air and land transfers, and also the booking of accommodations throughout Zambia—with excellent negotiated commission rates.

Zambian Ground Handlers, nick@zambiangroundhandlers.com

JXc\j Xe[ I\j\imXk`fej F]ÔZ\j `e Efik_ 8d\i`ZX $ :_`ZX^f# ?fljkfe# Cfj 8e^\c\j# E\n Pfib# Kfifekf# MXeZflm\i% :Xcc (/-- B<EP8 8@I (/-- ,*-$0))+ 44 • NOVEMBER 2009

www.travelworldnews.com • Travel World News

AFRICA

Your one-stop shop for customized tours to

WEST AFRICA

ATA ORGANIZES TRAVEL INDUSTRY WORKSHOP AT ATE TRAVEL SHOW IN NYC EMILY BAYLEY

The Africa Travel Association (ATA) joined Adventures in Travel Expo (ATE) as a major industry partner in presenting Destination Africa to travel industry professionals interested in learning more about Africa at a special workshop at ATE’s travel show at the Jacob Javitz Convention Center on Saturday, October 10.

At the workshop, Africa’s leading travel experts representing North (Egypt), South (South Africa), East (Tanzania) and West Africa (Senegal) highlighted their region’s unique and diverse travel offerings and spoke about current trends and forecasts for the future.

ATA industry members then presented special vacation packages, tours, flights and offers to the American consumer. SITA World Tours, the workshop sponsor, provided a holistic view of Africa as a travel destination for American tourists and travelers.

Workshop speakers included Achma Asokan from Group Systems America, Inc., a company representing over twenty Africa-based airlines; El Hadji Aziz Gueye, Director of the Senegal Tourism Office; Karen Hoffman, the Tanzania Tourist Board Representative; Dean Jacobberger, Manager of Trade Relations at South African Tourism; El Sayed Khalifa, Director of USA & Latin America at the Egyptian Tourist Authority; Lloyd Murray, President of Palace Travel; Charlie Newton, Senior Sales Director of SITA World Tours; and Kathi Scott of South African Airways Vacation. Edward Bergman, Executive Director of ATA, moderated the event.

Africa Travel Association (ATA), info@africatravelassociation.org, www.africatravelassociaton.org Travel World News • www.travelworldnews.com

Come fly to Timbuktu and back again!

Our Mali-based company specalizes in cultural and adventure programs throughout our country, plus Benin, Burkina Faso, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Mauritania, Senegal and Togo.

Owner-guided tours trace the history and mystery of West Africa, offering experiences of a lifetime!

Contact us now —we promise 24-hour or sooner response to inquiries: Tel: (221) 77 510 15 18 & (223) 7646 6124 Fax: (223) 20 28 52 32 Email: westair@afribone.net.ml & mariamaludovic@yahoo.com

www.westafricajourneys.com

APTA IS AFRICA

WE’LL PUT YOU ON THE RIGHT TRACK! APTA is recognized as the foremost Travel Trade Association for the Promotion of Tourism to the Continent of Africa and its islands. Join us and connect with hundreds of fellow Travel Counselors, Tour Operators, Tourism Boards, Airlines, and other Suppliers for unique and invaluable information on travel to Africa.

Your APTA Membership Includes:

r Educational Dinner Programs r Guest Speakers r New Sales Tools r Destination/Product Presentations r Networking Opportunities r Access to Informative Website r Member Supplier List on Website r Special Discounts r Invitation to Annual Travel Show “Discover Africa” r Quarterly Newsletter Subscription and Submissions r Unique Educational Opportunities Let us put you on the right track!

Visit www.apta.biz or info@apta.biz.

NOVEMBER 2009 •

45

AFRICA AIR MAURITIUS’ NEW IDENTITY TAKES FLIGHT

A dynamic redesigned logo for Air Mauritius is breathing new life into the visual identity of the country’s national airline. This November, it takes off— with the Airbus A340-300, its new

livery, going into service.

Last year its cabin interior was completely reconfigured, with new lie-flat seats in business class as well as a new design scheme inspired by local colors. The company also reinforced its collaboration with Air France to offer passengers a wider choice of destinations.

“We are delighted to have our ‘modernized icon’ in flight and to see the brightly colored stripes of our flag in the air. After nearly a year since we redesigned our paille-en-queue logo, we are very proud of

TO AND FROM USA 1-877-359-0999 1-800-518-7781 1-866-933-5963 1-877-625-2942 1-800-537-1182 1-800-742-3006 1-888-359-8228 1-866-322-5561 In cooperation with transatlantic partners from many US gateways.

Call the toll-free numbers to make reservations.

46 • NOVEMBER 2009

the result. Our aim is to renew the livery of the whole fleet in the next two years. This gives an impetus to our all-round efforts to re-energize the company,” declared Manoj R K Ujoodha, G.O.S.K, CEO of Air Mauritius.

Air Mauritius, com@airmauritius.com, www.airmauritius.com

APTA ANNOUNCES DISCOVER AFRICA AND FOCUS ON AFRICA 2010 This is an opportunity to meet the trade representatives of various airlines, lodges, camps and tourist boards and to network with industry colleagues who travel, sell and specialize in Africa. Supported by numerous APTA corporate sponsors, each host chapter will present their own “unique” version of Discover Africa. The Discover Africa Road Show will be preceded by Focus on Africa in New York City.

APTA corporate members are invited to exhibit in the APTA pavilion at the Jacob Javits Center in New York City. On February 25, visitors are invited to join the Focus on Africa “Launch” sponsored by the North East APTA Chapter. This event will include dinner, networking and a trade show. The next day will feature the Focus on Africa Conference. The cost to participate includes both events: $1,500 per APTA Corporate member. There will be a 15percent discount if paid in full by December 1.

Discover Africa 2010—Corporate members who participate in Discover Africa will have a tabletop display area during the trade show portion of this event.

The dates and host chapters are as follows: March 2, San Diego; March 4, Northern California; March 9, Midwest (Chicago); and March 11, Florida (Fort Lauderdale). The cost to exhibit at each venue is $700. A 15-percent discount is offered to APTA corporate members who exhibit at all four venues and pay in full by 1 December 2009.

Association for the Promotion of Tourism to Africa (APTA), discoverafrica@apta.biz, www.apta.biz www.travelworldnews.com • Travel World News

AFRICA ETHIOPIA AVIATION CONFERENCE HONORS KENYA AIRWAYS CEO

TITUS NAIKUNI

Titus Naikuni was recently honored when receiving the 2009 Aviation Achievement Award during a conference held at the Addis Ababa Hilton Hotel.

The honor was bestowed upon the Kenya Airways chief executive by his counterpart from Ethiopian Airlines during the award-giving ceremony, which crowned the three-day meeting.

In attendance were representatives of the African Union’s Civil Aviation Commission, ICAO, AFRAA, and IATA,

among others.

The theme of this year’s conference was “Air Transport in Africa—One Continent, One Strategy.”

Kenya Airways, www.kenya-airways.com

SAFARI PRICES DROP ALMOST 30 PERCENT WITH 2AFRIKA, INC. PROMOTION 2AFRIKA, INC. and its preferred airline partners Virgin Atlantic Airways, United Airlines, Continental Airlines, Kenya Airways, South African Airways and Turkish Airlines have combined forces and launched a unique Fall East African Safari promotion.

African safaris have a reputation for delivering exclusive experiences often with high price tags; travelers typically don’t know how to save money when venturing into the unknown territory of safari planning for Africa. Thanks to 2AFRIKA, INC., that’s changing.

The established safari tour operator based in New York City specializes in “Keeping Africa Affordable” with its preferred airline partners.

2AFRIKA has announced a Fall East African Safari promotion offering 21 safaris to Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Uganda with discounts up to 30 percent. With these prices, it’s possible to safari within the giant continent to experience firsthand its untamed beauty at a budget price.

“I’m thrilled about this Fall East African Safari promotion, which will motivate travelers to follow their dreams and make the commitment to visit my magnificent continent,” says Kenneth R. Hieber, founder and President of 2AFRIKA, INC. “I have spent a lot of time negotiating the 2010 safari prices to Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda and Uganda, and this is one travel deal travelers cannot afford to miss, particularly when you consider that African safari prices increase by at least 7.5–10 percent every year. Analysts are already predicting increases in travel and we’re seeing that starting to come into effect. Yet 2AFRIKA, INC. has worked hard to create this Fall East African Travel World News • www.travelworldnews.com

Safari promotion and keep 2010 safaris lower for a limited time only.”

2AFRIKA’s Fall East African Safari promotion prices run through December 4, 2009, and are available for any of the 2010 Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Uganda safaris showcased exclusively through 2AFRIKA’s website. The deals are for travel during anytime in 2010, and must be reserved, confirmed and paid for within the select dates.

“We all like to save money and I expect this promotion to be as big as those we have previously launched,” Hieber says.

“Considering what you’re getting for the price, this is a very valuable opportunity in terms of just how affordable these priceless experiences actually are.”

2AFRIKA, INC., 866-462-2374, www.2afrika.com

GOWAY’S AFRICAEXPERTS RELEASES SPECIAL EDITION 2010 BROCHURE Goway’s AFRICAExperts 2010 Travel Planner is a special Goway 40th Anniversary edition featuring the top selling travel ideas for Africa and the Middle East, several new travel experiences plus a timeline of significant events that have impacted travel to Africa over the last 40 years. “This new brochure is our most comprehensive yet with over 170 independent and escorted travel ideas,” claims Moira Smith, General Manager for the specialist Goway division.

Some of the new travel experiences introduced for 2010 include:A new 21-day Middle East Treasures Holiday of a Lifetime due to increased interest in the Middle East. This comprehensive, fully escorted tour includes the highlights of Egypt, Jordan and Israel and offers many special experiences that are unique to Goway. Prices start from $7,799 per person sharing from Toronto.

Three Southern Africa itineraries for families offer special activities for children (Little Paws, Fun in the Sun, The Big “7”: Whales, Sharks and the “Big 5”). These were introduced as multi-generational travel is on the increase as parents and grandparents take their children along. Prices start from $1,740 per person.

Victoria Falls, Hwange and Lake Kariba: a six-night itinerary including two nights in Victoria Falls, two nights Hwange and two nights Lake Kariba, the perfect extension to a South Africa vacation. Prices including return flights from Johannesburg start from $2,642 per person.

The East Africa Safari is a comprehensive and competitively priced 14-day itinerary that takes in all the highlights of Kenya and Tanzania. Prices start from $4,638.

Six- and seven-night unique Nile cruises on luxurious Dahabiyas.

These upscale sailing boats carry just 16 people, ensuring a unique and exclusive experience. Prices start from $2,178 for a sixnight cruise.

Goway’s AFRICAExperts, 800-245-0920, info@africaexperts.com, www.africaexperts.com NOVEMBER 2009 •

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Visit Tanzania, before and after the FIFA World Cup, for your once in a lifetime experience of the world's natural wonders.