October 2010 Edition by C Gatt

OCTOBER 2010

JXe[fj CXleZ_\j 8^\ek Gifdfk`fe N`k_ =i\\ E`^_kj Xe[ IXk\j JkXik`e^ Xk +,

BFI<8

K_\ 9<JK f] 8J@8 `e FE< JD8CC :FLEKIP 8j`XÃ&#x2039;j )(jk$:\eklip Jligi`j\

ISSUE NO. 268

OCTOBER 2010 executive office

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

www.travelworldnews.com publisher

Charles Gatt, Jr. charlie@travelworldnews.com

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

Linda Rogers linda@travelworldnews.com

manager

Cindy Johnson • c i r c u l a t i o n

FITUR 2011 to Showcase a Promising Tourism Forecast

CALENDAR OF EVENTS INDUSTRY NEWS NORTH AMERICA EUROPE

3 7 8 9 12

FAM ANNOUNCEMENTS

INDUSTRY NEWS / FITUR - page 3

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

editor

Shawn Hebert • I T

INDUSTRY EVENTS

manager

cruise editor

CARIBBEAN Mango Bay, Barbados, Goes Beyond Average All-Inclusive Offers

Bahamas Ministry of Tourism Announces All-Inclusive Deals Throughout the Islands

The Private Island of Mustique Announces New ‘Villa Honeymoon Collection’

MEXICO / SANDOS RIVIERA MAYA - page 24

Michael Iachetta

MEXICO southeast regional correspondent

Joan Gonzalez western regional correspondent

Connie Skoog

Sandos Launches Agent Promotion With Free Nights and Rates Starting at $45

USA Today Names Isla Mujeres a Best Place to Swim With Sharks

CostaBaja Resort & Spa is First 5-Star Property in La Paz, Mexico

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 2010. All rights reserved. Printed in USA. No part of this publication may be reproduced without permission. All advertising in Travel World News is based on data submitted to the Publisher by the advertisers. The Publisher shall not be liable for the accuracy or inaccuracy of any information contained in Travel World News and shall not be liable, including but not limited to consequential or special damages, to any party for any products or services advertised or reported upon herein. The Publisher shall not be responsible for typographical errors. All information contained herein is subject to change without notice by the parties providing such products and services. The Publisher reserves the right to reject any advertising that has been submitted at his sole discretion. Upon providing a refund of any amount paid to the party whose submittal was rejected, the Publisher shall not have any liability to any party for such rejection.

LATIN AMERICA / COSTA RICA - page 32

LATIN AMERICA Cayo Adventures Tours Packages Experiences for High Adventure Seekers

South Star Tours Presents New Offers on Costa Rica Vacations

Azur Real Hotel Boutique Attains Conde Nast ’s Hot List

PACIFIC ASIA Korea: The Best of Asia in One Small Country – Asia’s 21-st Century Surprise!

Big on Nature, Big on Culture, Big on Surprises – The Small Island of Taiwan

Malaysia is Becoming a Leading Golf Destination

Exotic Journeys Offering Private and Personal Luxury Tours and 13% Commission

Wendy Wu Tours Comes to America WithFully-Inclusive, Commissionable Adventures to China

COVER PHOTO CREDITS: Korea, Barry Goldsmith

PACIFIC ASIA / KOREA - page 36

PACIFIC ASIA / TAIWAN - page 40

INDUSTRY EVENTS

FITUR 2011 to Showcase a Promising Tourism Forecast U.S. to again take part in the all-important industry event set for January 19–23 in Madrid.

ext year’s International Tourism Trade Fair (FITUR), organized by IFEMA, will be held in Madrid from January 19 to 23, 2011. The 31st edition of this travel Fair, one of the most important industry events worldwide, will use the exhibits of the 166 participating countries/regions to reflect the recovery being experienced by the tourism industry. The forecasts issued by the World Tourism Organization (WTO) point to rising trends in 2010 of between three and four percent. In fact, early results for the first four months of this year are already showing seven-percent growth. The United States is one of the countries already exhibiting signs of recovery. January and February 2010 saw a 15-percent increase in tourists arriving from abroad, accounting for nearly 40 percent of all visits to the American continent. According to the authors of the WTO study, the United States Department of Commerce expects these results to benefit in the long term from the Travel Promotion Act passed last March, which aims to draw more international visitors to the U.S. through various marketing strategies intended to enhance the country’s appeal as a travel destination.

4, which will house the American and African exhibits. Pavilion 2 is reserved for Asia/Pacific Rim countries, while 6 and 8 will present Europe’s offerings. An additional part of Pavilion 8 will be used, along with 10, to host company stands, with the even-numbered pavilions being used to showcase all international and company exhibits. Spain’s Autonomous Communities will be represented in Pavilions 3, 5, 7 and 9, with Pavilion 1 being used exclusively for visitor registration.

Promotional Platform

Discover America Significant

In this context, the United States’ participation in the 2011 FITUR Trade Fair is more relevant than ever. The Trade Fair offers an unbeatable stage for promoting the U.S. as a travel destination and is particularly important to the goal of drawing visitors to the U.S. from such a large potential market as Europe. It is this that has helped to consolidate the Trade Fair over its 30-year history as one of the most significant events in the tourism industry. In short, FITUR is an extraordinary tool for a sector that experts regard as pivotal to turning the economy around, not least of all because of the 75 million direct jobs it creates around the world, according to WTO data.

The Discover America Pavilion at FITUR 2011 is designed to draw attention to the United States as one of the world’s premier travel destinations. The Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce has certified the Discover America Pavilion at the upcoming show, endorsing FITUR 2011 as “an excellent opportunity to showcase U.S. products and services,” and recognizing B-FOR International’s “professional capability to organize a United States Pavilion.” The Discover America Pavilion is again located in a prime location along the central aisle at the front of “The Americas” hall, Hall 8. The Pavilion is about 90 percent sold with a limited number of booths still available. Applications can be made online.

International FITUR Stands The United States’ FITUR stand will be located in Pavilion Travel World News • www.travelworldnews.com

Orlando is a perennial exhibitor at FITUR.

CONTINUED ON PAGE OCTOBER 2010 •

4 3

INDUSTRY EVENTS FITUR

FROM PAGE

The Pavilion offers a prime show location, state-of-the-art quality and design, turnkey booths or space only, exhibitor passes, official Show Catalog listing, a Hospitality/ Meetings Lounge, business services, a bilingual Pavilion staff, daily cleaning and waste disposal and sponsorship and promotional opportunities.

A Powerful Marketing Force FITUR’s greatest contribution to tourism is its ability to multiply its participants’ business prospects, as well as to enhance and bolster tourism activities. These qualities are particularly important when set against the backdrop of the current economic recovery. Along with these benefits, the Trade Fair remains committed to tourism by reflecting market trends and incorporating offerings that not only serve as a key driver for disadvantaged areas, but which also encourage a more eco-friendly economic model. Along these lines, and following its success at last year’s Fair, the Investour forum, co-hosted by the WTO, will once again be organized this year in an effort to promote tourism as an engine for development in Africa. The 2011 event will also see the participation of the South African Development Community (SADC) member countries. The WTO is also joining forces with the Madrid Tourist Board to organize FITUR Green, which promotes sustainability and energy efficiency in the sector. Alongside these initiatives is the offering from Inbound Spain (Receptivo España), which brings together tourism companies and destinations.

On Top With Technology Technology will also play a starring role as the 2011 travel fair hosts, for the fifth year in a row, the Fiturtech tourism innovation seminars, co-sponsored by the Trade Fair and by the Institute for Hotel Technology (ITH). The next FITUR event will likewise see a redoubling of the efforts started in 2010 to link the fair to social networks like Facebook and YouTube. Through this initiative, the Trade Fair is aiming to engage in more fluid comm unications with both tourism professionals and the visiting public by getting to know firsthand what their opinions, interests and expectations of the Fair are, as well as by creating an additional outlet for broadcasting everything happening at FITUR.

FITUR Congresses Are Back The 2011 edition of the Fair has been chosen to revive the series on incentive trips with the FITUR Congresos function, which has been renamed FITUR Meetings & Events. The professional meetings will all be held in just one day, on January 18, instead of two as was done at previous Fairs. The new name is intended to bring together every aspect of 4 • OCTOBER 2010

business travel: meetings, incentives, congresses and expositions, given the concept’s full acknowledgment by the industry worldwide. The goal of holding these professional meetings between Spain’s suppliers and international buyers in one day is to make the most of participants’ time by letting them interview both representatives from the most consolidated markets as well as potential clients from emerging areas in just one session. To this end, the Trade Fair schedule will be lengthened by half an hour, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Also increased, to 23, will be the number of professional meetings scheduled per day for every buyer. FITUR Meetings & Events, then, will highlight the quality of the international companies that TURESPAÑA, through its network of offices abroad, will invite to the event. This organization will place special focus on the potential offered by these companies to transform the contacts made at FITUR Meetings & Events into future investments in Spain’s convention market segment. Invitees will not only benefit from the customary pre-tours, during which they will learn of the incentive trip packages offered by several of Spain’s provinces, but also from other activities designed to help them make the most of their stay in Madrid. FITUR Meetings & Events, to be held in pavilion 14.1 at the Feria de Madrid, will be organized by IFEMA and hosted by TURESPAÑA and the Spain Convention Bureau, in collaboration with the Empresa Municipal Promoción Madrid and Turismo de Madrid. The event will be sponsored by Trapsa and the Madrid Hotels Business Association (Asociación Empresarial Hotelera de Madrid, or AEHM).

FITUR 2011, www.fituronline.com, www.ifema.es

APTA SETS ROSTER OF EVENTS FOR 2011 APTA will kick off 2011 with The Gathering, a trade-only exhibition and dinner, and hosting of the Focus on Africa seminar in conjunction with the New York Times Travel Show in February 2011. The annual Discover Africa Roadshow will again span the period between the New York Times Travel Show and the Travel and Adventure Show in Los Angeles For opportunities to participate and exhibit in the APTA pavilion, those interested should contact Kate Daniel. The 2011 schedule of events includes: The Gathering, February 24; Focus on Africa, February 25; New York Times Travel Show, New York, NY, February 25–27; Discover Africa Road Show, Denver, CO, March 8; Discover Africa Road Show, Seattle, WA, March 10; Discover Africa Road Show, Phoenix, AZ, March 15; Discover Africa Road Show, Los Angeles, CA, March 17; and Travel & Adventure Show, Los Angeles, CA, March 19–20. APTA (Association for the Promotion of Tourism to Africa), discoverafrica@apta.biz, www.apta.biz www.travelworldnews.com • Travel World News

INDUSTRY EVENTS KARIBU TRAVEL AND TOURISM FAIR OFFERING SPECIAL PACKAGES FOR AGENTS

Karibu Travel and Tourism Fair, slated for June 3â&#x20AC;&#x201C;5 2011, is working with international airlines, local hotels and national parks to provide a comprehensive package for overseas agents. Karibu Travel and Tourism Fair 2011 marks its twelfth year, where members of the tourism sector from the East African region of Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda gather to promote partnerships in tourism. Tour operators, airlines, hotels, lodges and

national tourist boards join forces with eco-tourism and cultural tourism purveyors for the exciting three-day outdoor fair that facilitates sustainable economic development by providing a platform to showcase diverse tourism product offerings, facilitate the exchange of ideas, build alliances and bring global visibility to the thriving East African tourism industry. The 2011 event is expected to draw even more exhibitors from Kenya and Uganda. Next yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fair will take place at the usual venue outside the northern Tanzanian town of Arusha near the Arusha airport. Daily roundtrip transportation to local hotels will be provided for out-of-town visitors. To draw agents, the fair organizers are working with airlines and hotels to create a comprehensive package that will include familiarization trips to some of the major tourism attraction sites in Tanzania. Last year Ethiopian Airlines offered a 50-percent discount on their economy fare from the U.S. Overseas visitors always enjoy special privileges such as a dedicated lounge with complimentary coffee and tea along with Internet access. A representative from Karibu Fair will be on hand at the Tanzanian stand at upcoming World Travel Market in London in November to provide agents and interested parties with detailed information on the package. Karibu Travel and Tourism Fair, marketing@karibufair.com, www.karibufair.com

Fly Africaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Most Awarded Airline To The Most Places In Africa

Voted #1 To Africa By Global Traveler, OAG, Skytrax and More The next time your clients fly to Africa, have them fly with the leader, South African Airways. Our two daily non-stop departures â&#x20AC;&#x201C; New York (JFK) to Johannesburg and Washington, D.C. (Dulles) to Dakar and direct to Johannesburg â&#x20AC;&#x201C; offer the convenience of same day connections to over 49 cities throughout Africa. Add this to our legendary South African warmth and hospitality and theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll see weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re the only way to fly.

WWW FLYSAA COM s Travel World News â&#x20AC;˘ www.travelworldnews.com

Africaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Most Awarded Airline

OCTOBER 2010 â&#x20AC;˘

INDUSTRY EVENTS EIBTM VISITOR REGISTRATION LIVE With EIBTM under four months away, pre registration is live on their website, giving visitors added benefits prior to attending the event from November 30 to December 2 at the Fira Gran Via in Barcelona. Benefits include free registration, saving the onsite entry fee of around $25 (20 Euros), and fast-track entry into EIBTM and advanced pre-show information to help plan a successful and profitable visit. Graeme Barnett, EIBTM’s Exhibition Director comments, “We encourage visitors to pre-register to attend as the earlier this happens, the earlier visitors can plan their business schedule and take advantage of the free entry and discounted flights and accommodation in Barcelona.” Visitors will find inspiration from over 3,300 exhibiting companies representing more than 90 countries. Over 20 new exhibitors, and 40 main stand holders have increased their stand space since 2009. Barnett notes, “Additionally, our education program, featuring over 40 sessions, including the presentation of the EIBTM 2010 Industry Trends and Market Share Report, and daily Technology Hour, provides visitors with a tremendous opportunity to increase their knowledge base.” Visitor pre-registration takes just a few minutes to complete online. The website gives visitors full information of the event with details of exhibitors, professional education seminars and networking functions. EIBTM 2010, www.eibtm.com

ONEWORLD TRAVEL MART TO BE PREMIER TRAVEL EVENT IN NORTHERN CALIFORNIA Strategically located in a top U.S. travel market, San Francisco has long required a premier travel event of its own. The OneWorld Travel Mart (OTM) set for May 27–29, 2011, at the Concourse Exhibition Center is ready to serve this need, offering a unique marketing opportunity to sellers from the U.S. and over 100 countries. OTM will deliver a family-friendly international tourism festival of ethnic food and performances, with the opportunity for travelers to make last-minute summer bookings both locally and internationally. It is strategically timed during the weekend before Memorial Day to draw thousands of consumers from the lucrative Bay Area. OTM will also feature an exclusive B2B marketplace that will bring together U.S.-based buyers with international sellers. Exhibitors will meet face-to-face with domestic travel trade, including tour operators, wholesalers, travel agents and media. Participants can increase the value of this trade networking opportunity by offering trip drawings, FAM offerings, competitive commission rates and other valuable incentives. U.S. outbound traveler spending is expected to reach $121 billion by 2020. California is the richest U.S. State and is ranked #1 in domestic and international travel expenditures. San Francisco is at the center of the larger Bay Area, forming the second largest consumer market in the U.S. OTM is supported by the combined strength of two leading travel event organizers—Fairfest Media and J2L Events, who together 6 • OCTOBER 2010

have successfully organized nearly 150 top travel shows in the U.S. and India. OTM is a registered trademark of Fairfest Inc. An Exhibitor Prospectus is available online at OTM’s website. OneWorld Travel Mart (OTM), 888-705-6576, info@oneworldtravelmart.com, www.oneworldtravelmart.com

DISCOVER AMERICA PAVILION AT EIBTM 2010 EIBTM, the international event for the meetings and incentives industry set for November 30 to December 2 in Barcelona, Spain, has announced an 80-percent increase in new exhibitors, re-bookings and space for this year’s show. The event maintains a business-to-business format, a strong hosted-buyer program and an effective pre-scheduled appointment system to ensure business success. The U.S. Travel Association has included EIBTM 2010 in the Discover America Pavilion Program and U.S. destinations and suppliers are now offered the convenience and efficiency of a Discover America Pavilion. The Discover America Pavilion at EIBTM 2010 is offering unparalleled exposure and service through a number of affordable participation alternatives enabling ever more U.S. exhibitors to attend the important show. EIBTM 2010 participation options include, for all alternatives, exhibit space rental, electric outlet, daily cleaning, and access to all Discover America Pavilion services and amenities. Participants may choose from a Turnkey Booth, a Workstation option, or a Custom Booth design; information is available by contacting B-FOR. B-FOR International, b-for@exhibitpro.com, www.discoveramericapavilion.com

2011 SATH WORLD CONGRESS SET IN FT. LAUDERDALE SATH World Congress, a conference for the travel market that focuses on travelers with disabilities and the mature, is planning its 14th Annual Congress to be held in Florida at Navigator of the Seas January 20–24, 2011. The unique travel and hospitality event celebrates the 34th Anniversary of SATH. The goal of the conference is to bring about industry integration and participation while enhancing the facilities for all people for travel irrespective of their age or abilities. Exceptional content and unparalleled networking opportunities are trademarks of the congress, with opportunities to learn the basic skills to excel in setting up trips and executing them with expertise, along with methods for using social media to its full extent. Jackie Hull, a previous conference delegate from Outta Sight Travel, commented, “We met some fantastic people and learned many interesting things… I have been to many conventions and trade shows but never have I come across so many caring and compassionate professionals at the same place and time.” Further information about the event including the registration process is available by contacting Susan Mydanick or Jani Nayar. SATH Conferences Associations, susan@sath.org, jnayar@sath.org, www.sath.org www.travelworldnews.com • Travel World News

CALENDAR OF EVENTS • 2010/2011 DATE

EVENT

NOVEMBER 5-8 8-11 8-11 13-17 17-20 18-20 18-21 18-21 18-21 30-Dec 2 30-Dec 2 30-Dec 2 DECEMBER 6-9 10-12

LOCATION

CONTACT

Taipei International Travel Fair (ITF) World Travel Market 2010 Discover America Pavilion at WTM 2010 NTA Convention DEMA 2010 Global Tourism Industry Expo Philoxenia CITM 2010 Discover America Pavilion at CITM 2010 EIBTM 2010 Discover America Pavilion at EIBTM 2010 Seatrade MED

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

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

ILTM 2010 USTOA Annual Conference & Marketplace

Cannes, France New Orleans, LA

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

Utrecht, The Netherlands Santa Clara, CA Montego Bay, Jamaica Tokyo, Japan Madrid Spain Helsinki, Finland Bratislava, Slovak Republic Fort Lauderdale, FL Ljubljana, Slovenia Chicago, IL

www.vakantiebeurs.nl www.adventureexpo.com www.caribbeanhotelandtourism.com www.blossomjapan.com www.fituronline.com www.matkamessut.fi www.incheba.sk www.sath.org www.tourism-fair.com www.adventureexpo.com

Kathmandu, Nepal Tel Aviv, Israel Prague, Czech Republic Instanbul, Turkey Boston, MA Milan, Italy Milan, Italy Mumbai & New Delhi, India Mumbai & New Delhi, India

www.pata.org www.ortra.com/imtm www.incheba.sk www.ite-exhibitions.com www.bostonglobetravelshow.com www.hospitalitynet.org www.discoveramericapavilion.com www.ttfotm.com/otm www.discoveramericapavilion.com

Berlin, Germany Berlin, Germany Washington D.C. Moscow, Russia Moscow, Russia Los Angeles, CA Kiev, Ukraine Gothenburg, Sweden Gothenburg, Sweden

www1.messe-berlin.de www.discoveramericapavilion.com www.adventureexpo.com www.mitt.ru/en www.discoveramericapavilion.com www.adventureexpo.com www.ite-exhibitions.com www.nemonet.swefair.se www.discoveramericapavilion.com

Barcelona, Spain San Juan, Puerto Rico Almaty, Kazakhstan Baku, Azerbaijan

www.saloturisme.com www.asta.org www.ite-exhibitions.com www.ite-exhibitions.com

Bali, Indonesia Atlanta, GA San Francisco, CA San Francisco, CA

www.globalspasummit.org www.adventureexpo.com www.ustravel.org www.oneworldtravelmart.com

Arusha, Tanzania Hong Kong, China

www.karibufair.com www.itehk.com

Las Vegas, NV

www.imex-america.com

JANUARY 2011 11-16 Vakantiebeurs 15-16 Travel & Adventure Show 16-18 Caribbean Marketplace 2011 18-21 Blossom Japan 19-23 FITUR 2011 20-23 Matka 20-23 ITF SlovakiaTour 20-24 SATH 14th Annual World Congress 27-30 Tourism & Leisure Show 29-30 Travel & Adventure Show FEBRUARY 1-5 PATA AT&RT Conference/Mart 8-9 IMTM 2011 10-13 Holiday World 2011 10-13 EMITT 11-13 Boston Globe Travel Show 17-20 BIT 2011 17-20 Discover American Pavilion at BIT 2011 18-26 OTM 2011 18-26 Discover American Pavilion at OTM 2011 MARCH 9-13 ITB Berlin 2011 9-13 Discover American Pavilion at ITB Berlin 12-13 Travel & Adventure Show 16-19 MITT 2011 16-19 Discover American Pavilion at MITT 2011 19-20 Travel & Adventure Show 23-25 UITT 24-27 TUR 2011 24-27 Discover American Pavilion at TUR 2011 APRIL 7-10 SITC 2011 19-22 2011 ASTA IDE 20-22 Kazakhstan Intl. Travel & Tourism Fair 28-30 AITF MAY 16-18 Global Spa Summit 19-20 Faith Travel Conference & Expo 21-25 International Pow Wow 26-29 OneWorld Travel Mart JUNE 3-5 Karibu Travel Fair 9-12 ITE Hong Kong OCTOBER 11-13 IMEX America TO LIST YOUR EVENTS EMAIL :

editor@travelworldnews.com •

Travel World News • www.travelworldnews.com

FOR ADDITIONAL EVENTS VISIT:

www.travelworldnews.com/calendar OCTOBER 2010 •

INDUSTRY NEWS BRADLEY BRENNAN JOINS SITA WORLD TOURS SITA World Tours has announced that travel executive Bradley Brennan has joined the company as SITA Business Development Manager, Midwest. Brennan comes to SITA from the Korean Tourism Organization, Chicago Office, where he has served as the Marketing Manager–Midwest Region since 2004. Travel has been at the center of Brennan’s life since he left Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, Washington in 1993 to study abroad at Lancaster University in the UK. After becoming the Public Relations Manager for the Korean Tourism Organization in Seoul, he was later transferred back to the U.S. in June 2004 to become the KTO’s Marketing Manager for the Midwest Region. Brennan brings in-depth travel experience to his new position and is currently preparing a series of SITA Agent Seminars that will highlight the exciting new options related to SITA’s key destinations including Africa, Asia, India BRADLEY BRENNAN and South America. The seminars are launching early fall and will be conducted throughout Brennan’s 16-state Midwest territory. He has been a member of PATA Midwest since 2006 and served as Chairman of the organization from 2008 to 2010. SITA World Tours, www.sitatours.com

ANNETTE GREGG NEW MCCVP VP–SALES & MARKETING The Monterey County Convention and Visitors Bureau (MCCVB) has appointed Annette Gregg as Vice President, Sales & Marketing. Gregg will oversee the Bureau’s leisure marketing and group sales efforts, managing a staff of eight reporting to a 25-member Board of Directors, Executive Committee, nine jurisdictions and six sub-committees with a $2.6-million sales and marketing budget. A 17-year veteran of the tourism industry, Gregg, CMP, CMM, was most recently Regional Director for Unbridled Solutions, a global corporate event marketing firm where she managed sales and marketing for the company’s presence in the western U.S. Her expertise spans convention and visitors bureau and for-profit entities including posts as Vice President/General Manager at Concepts Worldwide, Inc., a global event marketing and consulting firm, and San Diego Visitors & Convention Bureau, where she managed a team of 15 generating $3 million in annual revenues as Vice President of destination services. ANNETTE GREGG She also currently serves as Program Advisor to San Diego State University’s Meeting and Event Certificate Program. Gregg has a B.A. degree from University of California, Berkeley and plans to complete her Masters in Business Administration. Monterey County Convention and Visitors Bureau (MCCVB), www.seemonterey.com

TELLURIDE TOURISM BOARD WELCOMES TODD GEHRKE AS GROUP SALES DIRECTOR Telluride Tourism Board (TTB) has announced the addition of Todd Gehrke as Group Sales Director. He joins TTB most recently from Dream Outdoors, a full-service Virtuoso travel and event management company based in Aspen; he has over 15 years of experience in the travel and group sales industry. Todd became very familiar with Telluride when he managed the destination as national sales manager for Rocky Mountain Connections from 2004-2006. During his tenure, relationships with members of the Telluride business community were essential in selling the destination. Thoroughly experienced in every facet of the travel and hospitality industry, Gehrke has also earned a Certification in Travel Management (Carlson Travel Academy); he is a Certified Travel Industry Executive (CTIE)/Certified Travel Associate (CTA) (Travel Institute); is a Certified Meeting Manager (CMM) through TODD GEHRKE Meeting Planners International; and has attended the Ritz-Carlton Management Training program. He and his family look forward to relocating to Telluride. Telluride Tourism Board, 888-355-8743, www.visittelluride.com

BAOBAB EXPEDITIONS’ ‘FABULOUS EXPERIENCE’ IS NOW ‘THE ADVENTURE PORTFOLIO’ The Fabulous Experience Company has announced it’s changing its name to The Adventure Portfolio, trading as Baobab Expeditions. Richard Pfaffli, Managing Director, noted that the name change reflects more closely the mission statement of the company, which is to offer some of the world’s greatest adventure experiences. Tours offered through Baobab Expeditions include African Safaris, Wildlife Exploration, Nature Explorer, Tribal Expeditions, Maloob Active and Corporate Breaks.Baobab Expeditions was founded in 2005 by a team of travel professionals who combined their passion for travel to create a unique approach to exploring Africa, Antarctica, Asia, Europe, North and South America. Today, the company has evolved and grown to become one of the leading discovery expedition companies with offices in London, New York and Cape Town offices.In the next few months Baobab will be launching a number of new itineraries. Baobab Expeditions, reservations@baobabexpeditions.com, richard@baobabexpeditions.com, www.baobabexpeditions.com 8 • OCTOBER 2010

www.travelworldnews.com • Travel World News

NORTH AMERICA PAPILLON AIRWAYS ADDS HOOVER DAM GROUND TOUR TO ITS POPULAR AIR TOUR Only weeks after launching a new Hoover Dam helicopter tour, Papillon Airways, Inc., a leader in “flightseeing” tours, has incorporated ground tours into the experience. Now starting at $154, the Hoover Dam Helicopter Tour includes a low-level air tour of the historic monument inside a deluxe EC130 Eco-Star helicopter. Guests will view this engineering marvel rising 726 feet from its foundation. This magnificent structure cannot fully be appreciated until seen from the air. The tour flies over Lake Mead, America’s largest man-made reservoir, the tributaries of the Colorado River and the beautiful Black Canyon before returning. From there, guests will be taken by shuttle to walk around and go on an interior tour of Hoover Dam showcasing its power plant and history. Tours depart daily from either Papillon’s Las Vegas or Boulder City terminals. With nearly 100 drivers and 30 to 40 shuttles, tours include transfers to and from all major Las Vegas resorts. Tour duration is approximately two hours without transfers or 4.5 hours with transfers. Named one of the top 10 construction achievements of the 20th century, Hoover Dam continues to attract more than one million visitors per year nearly 70 years after its creation. In 1930, construction began in Black Canyon, located minutes outside of Las Vegas. Despite its enormity and harsh desert conditions, the project was completed in less than five years instead of the projected seven and well under budget. The dam is named after America’s 31st president, Herbert Hoover. Hoover Dam is the highest concrete dam in the Western hemisphere, standing at more than 725 feet above the Colorado River with 17 generators producing four billion kilowatts of electricity every year. The Colorado River Bridge is the central portion of the Hoover Dam Bypass project that began January 2005 and is due for completion at the end of 2010. The 2,000-foot-long bridge is quite the engineering site. When completed it will span the Black Canyon, connecting Arizona and Nevada approach highways nearly 90 feet above the river. Papillon Airways, 888-635-7272, www.papillon.com

certified in San Diego. “La Costa offers guests a taste of the Southern California coastal lifestyle, making it our responsibility to protect our natural resources and be good stewards of our environment,” said Paul McCormick, General Manager of La Costa. “We are thrilled that our vibrant sustainability program has met the criteria for this certification and it is our goal to continue on this path of environmental consciousness.” The resort dehydrates food waste to produce soil that is suitable for landscape use on the golf course and in hotel plant and flowerbeds. La Costa caters to groups by providing local and/or organic foods at functions and events, upon request, reducing the group’s carbon footprint. Employing various eco-initiatives, La Costa has reduced a significant amount of electricity, gas and water usage on the property. With aggressive use of computerized energy management systems, green lighting and staff training, La Costa saved enough electricity in 2008 to power 200 homes. La Costa Resort and Spa, 800-854-5000, www.lacosta.com

ARTA

100% Travel Agents. We’re proud to say that ARTA does not accept airlines or other suppliers as members.

We work ONLY for agents!

LA COSTA RESORT AND SPA AWARDED BRONZE LEVEL CERTIFICATION BY GREEN SEAL Affirming its commitment to bringing a new level of environmental consciousness to San Diego County, La Costa Resort and Spa has earned a Bronze-level rating from Green Seal, which provides science-based environmental certification standards across vast industries. La Costa is the 17th certified hotel in California and the only one Travel World News • www.travelworldnews.com

FREE

30-day trial membership:

www.artaonline.com OCTOBER 2010 •

NORTH AMERICA CLUB MED SANDPIPER BAY UNDERGOING $25 MILLION IN ENHANCEMENTS

Club Med plans is investing $25 million in an enhancement program for the newly renamed Club Med Sandpiper Bay. Known as the only family all-inclusive resort in the United States, Sandpiper Bay will become the flagship of Club Med “Premium Sports” resorts. The resort is currently closed for renovation, with a grand opening scheduled for December 18, 2010. The 216-acre renovation will boast features such as a 7,000square-foot state-of-the-art fitness center with an indoor cardio dance studio and outdoor meditation areas offering panoramic views of the tranquil bay, championship tennis facilities and an 18-hole golf course on-site with additional access to over 16 courses nearby. The property will offer activities through partnerships with worldclass brands such as IMG Academies. This will include International Golf Academy powered by Brad Brewer, International Tennis Academy [ITA] coached by experts like former tennis director of the Nick Bollettieri Academy Gabriel Jaramillo, and KidZ Village. French architect, Francois Champsaur, collaborated with Club Med to design vibrant accommodations offering different room categories including Deluxe Family rooms with two separate bedrooms to ensure enough room for everyone, three new restaurants serving gourmet cuisine from around the world and new children’s facilities. Enhancements to the children’s programs and facilities will include activities such as a Le Petit Chef and a water park. Highchairs, cribs, strollers, bottle warmers, bathtubs and much more await families arriving with babies to ensure a seamless vacation experience. Club Med, 800-ClubMed (258-2633), www.clubmed.us

ACCOMMODATIONS IN ARIZONA’S COCHISE COUNTY UPGRADE AND EXPAND Located in southeastern Arizona, Cochise County is one of the most culturally, historically and geographically diverse areas in the American Southwest. Its legendary communities—Benson, Bisbee, Douglas, Tombstone, Sierra Vista and Willcox—were strategically located less than a day’s journey by stagecoach and are now just a short drive from one another. With a new guest ranch in Tombstone, upgrades to Sunglow Ranch and a new hotel in Douglas, guests have inviting new choices to stay and play. 10 • OCTOBER 2010

Tombstone, iconic for its cowboys, will add a little more Apache spirit to its accommodations mix this fall. The Apache Spirit Ranch will open October 2 just east of Tombstone on Schieffelin Monument Road, the site of a former working ranch. With lush desert views, the property’s 17 well-appointed guest quarters, a banquet facility, as well as a stable and horses on 270 acres will be available for guests in the ranch’s initial phase. German owner Peter Stenger, who has been a frequent Arizona visitor, plans to expand the ranch in the future. At Sunglow Ranch, sitting at the pool and viewing pond and mountains is now part of the experience. A new pool, a hot tub and a fitness room opened. Both the pool and hot tub are solar heated with panels located on the fitness room. Fitness facilities include a treadmill, elliptical trainer, free weights, and a separate quiet room for massage therapy. Tombstone’s old high school was purchased recently and will be converted into a mixed-use property that will include a Victorianstyle hotel. A local architect will assist in the planning with an opening date estimated to be 2013. In Douglas, the newly built Best Western Douglas Inn & Suites opened to guests in November last year with 67 rooms. The Old Bisbee Bed & Breakfast inn has changed its name to the Tombstone Canyon Inn. The Holiday Inn Express, just off I-10 at on Highway 90 in Benson, is now the Desert Rose Inn. Cochise County Tourism Council, 800-862-5273 www.explorecochise.com

HONUA KAI RESORT & SPA OFFERS THREE NIGHTS FREE TO QUALIFIED AGENTS BOOKING HAWAII Maui’s newest luxury resort, Honua Kai Resort & Spa, is embracing the travel agent family (ohana) with a “Red Umbrella Getaway” offer. Qualified agents are invited to experience a threenight stay anytime through November 30, 2010. Dubbed “Red Umbrella Getaway” after the large red shade umbrellas dotting the oceanfront one-acre Aquatic Playground, the promotion is designed to familiarize travel agents with the property and its newest offerings—Konea Tower, Aquatic Playground and Duke’s Beach House restaurant—as well as learn from the travel community. All agents who book vacations to Hawaii and have a valid and verifiable IATA card are eligible. Requests are based on availability at the time of request. The three complimentary room nights are in the Ohana category. Suites are upgradeable for $200/night for twobedroom, $400 three-bedroom. Additional nights are available at a cost of $200/night for Ohana category and upgrade fees if applicable. A daily $25 Resort Fee and additional person charges apply. Travel agents are required to participate in a one-hour property tour exchange during the stay. There is no cancellation fee; credit card required to hold suite. Other rules apply. Honua Kai Resort & Spa, 877-662-2809, www.redumbrellagetaway.com, www.honuakaimaui.com www.travelworldnews.com • Travel World News

NORTH AMERICA MICHELE MARSEE NAMED DIRECTOR OF SALES & MARKETING AT NAPLES BEACH HOTEL & GOLF CLUB Michele Marsee has been named Director of Sales & Marketing at The Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club in Southwest Florida. In her new position, Marsee oversees the sales and marketing efforts and the sales team for the newly renovated beachfront resort. Marsee joins The Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club from the 2,345-room Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, where she served as Vice President of Hotel MICHELE MARSEE Sales. Prior to that, she served as Director of Sales for the 2,567-room Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas for four years. She has been Director of Sales at the Sheraton Bal Harbour Resort in Bal Harbour, Florida, and Director of Association Sales at the 963-room Boca Raton Resort & Club. “Michele is an exceptional sales and marketing professional, and we’re very pleased that she is now leading our sales and marketing efforts and team,” said Jason Parsons, general manager of The Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club. “She brings great skills and outstanding experience, and will be a tremendous resource for our clients and staff.” Continually enhancing its already-impressive offerings, the resort completed a multi-million dollar renovation and remodeling of its guest rooms and suites in January 2010, and completed its $5-million all-new beachfront pool complex in February 2010. Owned and operated by the Watkins family for more than 60 years, the resort’s many features include an on-site par 72 championship golf course, world-class spa, an award-winning tennis center, 34,000 square feet of indoor meeting and event space, and an Orchid House, home to over 3,000 tropical plants. Its popular Sunset Beach Bar is consistently noted as the “Best Place to View a Southwest Florida Sunset” and the Travel Channel named it “Naples’ Best Beach Bar.” The Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club, 800-866-1946, www.naplesbeachhotel.com

HAWAIIAN, DELTA SIGN CODESHARE AGREEMENT Hawaiian Airlines and Delta Air Lines have announced the signing of a new codesharing agreement in September that will offer Delta’s customers access to connecting flights within the Hawaiian Islands for the first time. Customers can now connect between their Delta flights and 70 daily inter-island flights operated by Hawaiian Airlines on a single ticket. Hawaiian flights will connect Delta customers between Honolulu and Kahului, Lihue, Kona and Hilo, as well as between Kona and Kahului. Fares are available and for sale on Delta’s site and other ticketing channels. Delta this fall will offer nonstop service between Honolulu and Atlanta; Detroit; Los Angeles; Minneapolis–St. Paul, Minnesota; Travel World News • www.travelworldnews.com

Seattle; San Francisco; and Salt Lake City. It also offers nonstop service between Los Angeles and Kahului airport in Maui, Lihue and Kona, and daily nonstop flights between Honolulu and Tokyo-Narita and Osaka, Japan. Delta also has announced plans to add new nonstop flights between Honolulu and Nagoya, Japan, effective December 22. Hawaiian and Delta’s new codesharing agreement expands on an earlier frequent flier agreement between the two carriers that allows their respective frequent flier members to earn and redeem miles for travel on either carrier. Delta and Hawaiian have also agreed to enhance award availability by allowing SkyMiles members to book additional redemption awards on inter-island flights operated by Hawaiian. SkyMiles members will now have access to enhanced availability of awards within the islands of Hawaii. Delta Air Lines, www.delta.com; Hawaiian Airlines, www.hawaiianair.com

CHATEAU ON THE LAKE RESORT, SPA & CONVENTION CENTER NAMES CINDA CULTON DIRECTOR OF SALES & MARKETING Cinda Culton has joined the AAA Four-Diamond Chateau on the Lake Resort, Spa & Convention Center in Branson, Missouri, as Director of Sales & Marketing. In her new position, Culton oversees the sales and marketing efforts and the sales team for the 301-room resort. A 19-year hospitality industry veteran with extensive sales and marketing experience, Culton served for six years with Vail Resorts and held the position of Area Director of Sales & Marketing. In that position she was responsible for overseeing sales and marketing for four resort facilities: Jackson Lake Lodge, Colter Bay Village, the Four-Diamond Jenny Lake Lodge, and the Four-Diamond Snake River Lodge & Spa. “Cinda is an outstanding sales and marketing professional, and we’re very pleased that she is now leading our sales and marketing team,” said Stephen Marshall, the resort’s Vice President and General Manager. Boasting an impressive 10-story sky-lit atrium that features meandering streams brimming with colorful fish, Chateau on the Lake Resort, Spa & Convention Center provides vistas of Table Rock Lake and the surrounding Ozark Mountains. Its 301 spacious guest rooms and suites feature cherry wood beds, down comforters, tiled stone baths, dual-line telephones with data port, and WiFi access. The resort’s Chateau on the Lake Marina offers more water sports activities than any other resort in the Midwest. Six area golf courses, including two of Missouri’s finest, are also available to groups and guests.The resort is a consistent recipient of the meetings industry’s highest honors, having just captured Successful Meetings magazine’s highly coveted “Pinnacle Award” for 2010. Chateau on the Lake Resort, Spa & Convention Center is owned and managed by Springfield, Missouri-based John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts. Chateau on the Lake Resort, Spa & Convention Center, 888-333-LAKE (5253), www.chateauonthelake.com OCTOBER 2010 •

EUROPE ISLAND PUBLICATIONS ‘REVOLUTIONIZING’ VISITS TO MALTESE ISLANDS

payment to visit, but entering these sites is at the discretion of the hunter. “Malta Treasure Hunts is the new, fun way to discover and tour the islands and see what they have to offer,” says Terence Mirabelli, Managing Director of Island Publications and originator of the hunts. He’s already working on a second edition. Malta Treasure Hunts is available from Agenda bookshops and from leading book retailers and stationers in tourist resorts at around $8. It is also available for download as a pdf file for approximately $6.35 (5 Euros). Island Publications Ltd., mirabelli@onvol.net, www.travelmalta.com/mth/mthindex.htm

AIR MALTA OFFERS ‘DISCOVER MALTA’ PACKAGE FOR TRAVEL AGENT BOOKINGS

Malta Treasure Hunts—redefining the way to tour Malta. Island Publications is about to ‘revolutionize’ the way tourists and residents see Malta. The Mosta-based travel industry publisher has just produced Malta Treasure Hunts. Devised and written by Terence Mirabelli, its first edition is a 48-page booklet that contains a series of themed hunts that take tourists and residents alike on a self-guided voyage of discovery around the Maltese islands. For instance, Temples trail is a treasure hunt of about 31 miles that takes in ancient temples and the more noteworthy churches. Gardens of Malta leads hunters on a tour of the most notable—and some little known—gardens on the island. Gozitan odyssey is an exciting tour of Gozo. Other, shorter, pedestrian, hunts let one discover Victoria, Valletta, Mdina, Birgu as well as the popular resorts of Sliema and St Julian’s and Bugibba and Qawra (dubbed ‘Bugiwra’). All treasure hunts are color-coded denoting levels of difficulty. Green hunts are easy, yellow ones are slightly harder and red ones require (a bit of) thinking and deduction. Each hunt has a set of questions that sometimes lead to a landmark or requires an answer to find a hidden password. Hunts are either circular or linear, meaning they either end where they start or not. A map is recommended for car hunts, otherwise one is not necessary for the pedestrian treasure hunts. No treasure hunt requires the payment of any entrance fees. Some hunts do go past sites, museums and landmarks that may require 12 • OCTOBER 2010

With sunny weather, sprawling beaches, a thriving nightlife and more than 7,000 years of intriguing history, Malta offers an extraordinary winter escape for U.S. travelers. Its modern capital is known for fine cuisine and cafes, shopping, theatres, art galleries and lively nightlife. A short drive away, travelers step back in time as they explore charming medieval towns and fishing villages flanked by palaces, ancient churches, baroque architecture and oldworld shops. Malta also boasts some of the world’s best scuba diving and snorkeling sites just offshore. To help entice clients this fall or winter, Air Malta has unveiled a seven-day “Discover Malta” air-inclusive travel package from NYC priced from only $935 pp (net rate for travel agent bookings). Included are coach-class roundtrip airfare from JFK or EWR to Malta International Airport via Air Malta (with a connection in either Munich or Frankfurt) as well as six nights’ hotel accommodations at the four-star Hotel Cavalieri, including hotel taxes and breakfast daily. Package rates do not include air taxes, fees and fuel surcharges, (Estimates for these costs can by obtained by calling Air Malta directly.) The offer is valid for travel now through December 31, 2010. Travel Agents can add their markup up to 15 percent at the time of booking. Agents may book the net rates for their clients toll-free (through Marc Stafrace or Valerie Jobst); net rates are not bookable online. The following five-star hotel upgrades are also available for an additional charge, featuring the same package inclusions: The Excelsior Hotel (package rates from $1,335), The Meridien (package rates from $1,239) and the Intercontinental Hotel (rates from $1,315.) These offers must be booked a minimum of two weeks prior to departure, and rates may vary subject to availability and/or individual hotel restrictions. An additional hotel charge for booking travel (approximately $200 pp) during the Christmas holiday week (December 16–January 3) applies. Air Malta can be contacted directly to get quotes for this travel period. Air Malta offers travel agents net airline rates and special destination packages and promotions, as well as tiered commission options for agents based on bookings. Air Malta, 866-357-4155 (agent bookings), www.airmalta.com www.travelworldnews.com • Travel World News

EUROPE ECOTOURISM IS A NATURAL IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC The Czech Republic is promoting Ecotourism with programs that minimize the negative aspects of conventional tourism on the environment such as conservation of biological diversity, promotion of energy efficiency, recycling and water conservation. Several interesting Czech eco hotels support these missions. Chateau Mcely is only the second five-star hotel to earn the right to use the European Union’s Eco Label. The hotel, which belongs to the Small Luxury Hotels of the World, is situated in the Czech Republic’s legendary St. George Forest located just one hour outside of Prague. The resort is also a great place for weddings and honeymoons. Hotel Adalbert is an eco hotel near the Brevnov monastery in Prague. The newly reconstructed baroque building provides comfortable accommodation in an eco-friendly environment. MaMaison Residence Belgicka has been awarded the European Union Eco label. The hotel offers accommodation in several Art Nouveau buildings in the trendy Vinohrady district. It consists of 30 elegantly furnished apartments in contemporary style. Hotel Adria Praha has been striving to be environmentally

Travel World News • www.travelworldnews.com

friendly for several years. Adria is a first four-star hotel in Prague holding the EU Eco label. In Pilsen, tourists will find eco-friendly Hotel Irida; Sporthotel Zaton is close to the UNESCO World Heritage town Cesky Krumlov. Agrotourism offers travelers an opportunity to connect with daily life in a rural countryside or stay on a farm to gain firsthand experience on agricultural life in the Czech Republic. At Belina organic farm, visitors may taste organic products made from locally grown produce and participate in educational events, such as weaving baskets from rattan and processing of sheep’s wool using traditional techniques. Sasov organic farm has begun to produce feed crops, buckwheat, potatoes, onions and soya. One of the farm’s popular products is organic salami known as “biouherak.” Guests can stay at an organic Javorice Lhotka organic farm and have the opportunity to taste honey and sheep products, apples, pears, cherries, rowanberries, fruit ciders and liquors. More information on the Czech Republic’s eco-tourism opportunities is available by contacting Andrea Liskova. Czech Tourism, liskova@czechtourism.com, www.czechtourism.com

OCTOBER 2010 •

EUROPE HACKNEY HERITAGE TOURS’ WEBSITE LISTS THEIR ‘TRUE LONDON EXPERIENCES’

Hackney Heritage LLC, a subsidiary of Black Cab Heritage tours (London) has announced the opening of its United States-based business. Through its online site, the company will be offering unique theme-based and highly personalized tours within London and surrounding areas. Additionally, the new company will be able to offer a full range of ground transportation services and complimentary offerings such as river cruises, London theater tickets and top restaurant dinner reservations. Hackney Heritage is focused on providing a totally unique set of products and services to those American tourists who want the “true London experience.” Each tour is undertaken in a traditional London black cab, where the driver is also an accredited City of London tour guide. Capitalizing upon the success of its parent, Hackney Heritage will offer tours such as the very popular Harry Potter tour, the “Classic” London tour and the “Royal London” tour. This will be supported by an increasing number of very focused and unique offerings. Each tour can accommodate up to five passengers, which makes the whole experience very personal and highly interactive. Hackney Heritage Tours LLC, daviddart@hackneyheritage.com, www.hackneyheritage.com

DELTA AIR LINES MOVES TO EXPAND COMPETITION AT LONDON’S HEATHROW Delta Air Lines has filed applications with the European Commission and the U.S. Department of Transportation requesting permission to operate twice-daily year-round service between London’s Heathrow Airport and Boston, and daily year-round service between Heathrow and Miami. Delta’s new service would benefit consumers by increasing competition among airlines and airline alliances between the U.S. and Heathrow, which is tightly restricted by airport slot restraints. SkyTeam, whose members include Delta, Air France-KLM and Alitalia, holds only five percent of Heathrow’s slots. If approved, Delta’s Heathrow service from Boston and Miami would begin March 27, 2011, and would be offered in cooperation with its trans-Atlantic joint venture partners Air France-KLM and Alitalia. The proposed Boston-Heathrow summer 2011 Delta schedule con14 • OCTOBER 2010

sists of (daily flights): Flight 270 departing Boston 7 p.m., arriving Heathrow next day at 6:45 a.m.; flight 144 departing Boston 9:50 p.m. and arriving Heathrow 9:35 a.m. next day; flight 271 departing Heathrow 10:30 a.m. and arriving Boston 1:25 p.m.; and flight 145 leaving Heathrow 1:30 p.m., arriving Boston 4:25 p.m. As Florida’s largest carrier offering international service, and the second-largest carrier in Miami, Delta and its SkyTeam partners are well-positioned to enhance competition between Miami and Heathrow. If approved, Delta would operate one daily flight on the route using Boeing 767-300 aircraft. Delta’s proposed Miami-Heathrow summer 2011 schedule (daily): flight 260 leaving Miami 5:30 p.m. and arriving Heathrow 7:30 a.m. (next day); and flight 261 departing Heathrow 10:20 a.m., arriving Miami at 3:25 p.m. Delta Air Lines, www.delta.com

FROM SLOEVNIA WITH LOVE IN 2011 The past four years have been very successful for Slovenian tourism, and in 2009 the industry accounted for 12.3 percent of GDP. Last year almost three million people experienced this small but beautiful country in the heart of Europe, causing it to jump nine places to position 35 in the Travel and Tourism Competitive Index. The number of foreign arrivals has doubled over the past decade, from 884 thousand in 1991 to over 1.6 million in 2009. ITTFA member Alpe-Adria Tourism & Leisure show has clearly played an important role in the development of the Slovenian tourism industry and has recently changed its name to better reflect the importance of whole region and its importance and diversity Patronage of the show has already been accepted by the City Municipality of Ljubljana and the Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Slovenia and is supported by key figures from the Slovenian tourism industry. In addition to the regional expansion, the show will, for the first time, present its products from the visitors’ viewpoint. The layout and themes of the Show will thus correspond to various tourist “tribes” or target groups, to include traveler, holiday, excursion and active sectors. The wide support of Slovenian tourism ensures that the event will become more than just an exhibition space. The program will contribute to the continual upgrading of knowledge of those working in the tourist industry. It will also assist in the important function of guiding young people into tourism, which is of key importance for the development of the industry. The main connecting theme throughout the exhibition, its accompanying programs and awards, given for special achievements in the field of tourism, will be based on cookery. The Jakob prize, a new international prize for the event, will be awarded by the organizer, the Ljubljana exhibition and Convention Centre, for tourist quality and excellence. Alpe Adria will be held in Ljubljana next year January 27–30. Slovenia Tourist Board, www.slovenia.info;International Tourism Trade Fairs Association (ITTFA), info@ittfa.org, www.ittfa.org www.travelworldnews.com • Travel World News

BOOK

EUROPE WITH THE FOLLOWING DESTINATION SPECIALISTS

A leader creates. Others observe and follow. The name Amphitrion represents leadership with trust.

Amphitrion ranks among a select group of Greek Travel & Tourism Organizations that claim full quality assurance. With leading positions in our operating markets, our mission is to provide first-rate services to our clients.

BMIT has been bringing Americans to Ireland & Britain for over 30 years, and we now offer more vacation options than ever before. Escorted tours, affordable golf packages, and numerous sightseeing options. From budget B&B’s with rental cars to a luxury chauffeur and escorted Castle vacation. Whether booking for a family, heritage, music, sightseeing, sports, or group travel, BMIT can make it happen. The possibilities are endless!

800-982-2299

www.amphitrionholidays.com

www.bmit.com

: S TO

LIN EIS is dedicated to providing creative services to meet the demands of the contemporary traveler – the person seeking more from a trip than just seeing the sights or passing the time. For more than 25 years, we’ve been the place to call for individuals and groups of all sizes looking for unusual, customized travel experiences in Italy, the Mediterranean and Europe.

800-443-1644

www.eistours.com

Croatia Travel Agency in New York is the gateway to one of the world's best kept secrets, the new Croatia, a small country less than one hour away from Rome and Vienna. Our agents will help with everything a traveler needs to know, where to stay and where to visit.

www.croatiatravel.com

GIGLIO TRAVEL US

Hotels Cruises Travel

offers shore excursions at any port in Italy and also offers excellent service with F.I.T. services through its cooperation with small chauffer driven companies in Italy. From group of 120 or a 6 day trip for two HOTEL RESERVATIONS TOURS OF ITALY * TRANSFERS EXCURSIONS * GUIDE SERVICES

European Vacations Car Rentals

CONGRESS & SEMINARS INCENTIVES

www.gigliotravelus.net

TourCrafters brings you a world of prestigious vacations! Considered THE EXPERTS in Greek travel, we take our reputation very seriously. We have experienced staff and partners all over Greece to assist at every step of the way. Our company offers a wide range of services and will tailor a program to meet your specific needs. We believe that your trip to Greece should be the vacation of a lifetime!

800-736-5717

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

Specialist in Italy and Europe since 1980, Tourcrafters offers you the best hotels and tours, together with courtesy, timeliness and service. TourCrafters knows that service is the key to a successful vacations. * Quality tours efficiently conducted * Professional and cordial * Best and more reliable selection of hotels * Knowledgeable and experienced staff * Professional Error and Omission Coverage of up to $2,000.000 * Consumer Protection Plan $250.000

800-621-2259

www.tourcrafters.com

At Visit Italy Tours, giving exceptional memories that will last a lifetime is our mission. All tours are designed by native Italian experts. Call now to create a custom Italy Tour 800-255-3537

www.visititalytours.com OCTOBER 2010 •

CARIBBEAN LIFESTYLE HOLIDAYS VACATION CLUB DEBUTS PRESIDENTIAL SUITES PUNTA CANA

Lifestyle Holidays Vacation Club (LHVC), with corporate offices in Puerto Plata on the North Coast of the Dominican Republic, has announced its second high-end Presidential Suites by Lifestyle product and second resort offering in Punta Cana, as part of a strategic alliance with Spain-based Globalia Corporation. The new joint product, Presidential Suites by Lifestyle Punta Cana, features 80 luxury multi-bedroom suites that are fully integrated into LHVC’s member inventory. The property is located next to Cabeza de Toro Beach in Punta Cana and includes six restaurants, six bars, adult and children’s swimming pools, fitness center and spa, casino, daily activities, nightly shows and nearby golf at the 18-hole Catalonia Caribe Golf Club. “The success of our new Presidential Suites by Lifestyle product has been incredible since introducing it in Puerto Plata the end of 2009,” said Hans Larcher, Managing Director of Lifestyle Holidays Vacation Club. “This partnership gives us the opportunity to provide a high-end club experience and now in the exciting destination of Punta Cana. Without a doubt, it’s a winning combination for our members.” In February and May this year, LHVC also announced its partnership with Globalia for the new Dream Suites by Lifestyle Puerto Plata and the new Dream Suites by Lifestyle Punta Cana, respectively. Globalia Corporation is a leading travel and leisure conglomerate in Spain, owning and operating leading travel companies such as Air Europa, Travelplan, Iberrail, and call centers, technology and graphic art, as well as high-end hotels and resorts internationally. Lifestyle Holidays Vacation Club, www.lifestyleholidaysvc.com 16 • OCTOBER 2010

MANGO BAY, BARBADOS, GOES BEYOND AVERAGE ALL-INCLUSIVE OFFERS All-inclusive resorts typically offer guests amenities such as meals, drinks and accommodations, but Mango Bay in Barbados is going beyond all this, featuring shopping excursions to the capital city of Bridgetown as well as catamaran sailings off the resorts beachfront property. Guests of the boutique-style, 76-room Mango Bay have the option of exploring the shopping mecca of Bridgetown on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, with transportation leaving directly from the hotel. Guests can walk along Broad Street, the main street of Bridgetown, discovering numerous duty-free shops, department stores and local restaurants.Conveniently, on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays visitors can embark on a catamaran trip off the resort’s coastline. Guests sail for two hours and enjoy snorkeling and sunbathing on the open sea. In addition, a Mango Bay all-inclusive experience includes hotel accommodations, all meals, afternoon tea, all local and brand-name drinks including wine with dinner, use of the resort’s new gym, watersports (waterskiing, Hobie Cat sailing, kayaking and snorkeling) and nightly entertainment. Spa treatments are available for an additional fee at Elements Spa located at the resort. All-inclusive rates through December 14, 2010 are $425 in Standard accommodations; $440 in a Standard one-bedroom apartment; $456 in a Superior room; $500 in a Deluxe room; $575 for an Oceanfront room; and $1,500 for the Penthouse Suite. Rates quoted are ppdo per night and do not reflect the discount. Mango Bay, reservations@mangobaybarbados.com, www.mangobaybarbados.com

NEW FERRY ROUTES TO TAMARIND BEACH HOTEL There’s now even more easy access for travelers arriving into Canouan Island and Tamarind Beach Hotel & Yacht Club, thanks to a new schedule from Jaden Inc., operating their fast ferry the Jaden Sun on routes between St. Vincent and the islands of Bequia, Canouan, and Union. The new weekly ferry services provides a roundtrip route that begins with a morning departure at 9 a.m. from Kingstown, St. Vincent over to Bequia Island, and then from Bequia with Canouan Island, departing Bequia at 9:45 a.m. The onward bound service continues from Canouan to Union Island, departing Canouan at 10:45 a.m. The return route sees the Jaden Sun departing from Union Island to Canouan Island at 2 p.m., then continuing from Canouan back to Bequia at 2:45 p.m., and then sailing from Bequia back over to Kingstown at 4 p.m. For guests at Tamarind Beach Hotel, it opens up a very convenient way to explore, shop or enjoy the entertainment on these other Grenadines at a very reasonable one-way trip cost of just $16.66 on the Bequia-Canouan routes or $11.17 on the Union Island–Canouan routes. Tamarind Beach Hotel & Yacht Club, reservations@tamarind.us, www.tamarindbeachhotel.com www.travelworldnews.com • Travel World News

The

Palladium

Experience

Riviera Maya - Riviera Nayarit - Punta Cana - Montego Bay - Salvador de Bahía Palladium Hotels & Resorts Luxurious resorts in the most desired destinations. Get to know what everyone is talking about. With facilities and services for all ages as well as the ideal scenery and expert team of coordinators for weddings and other types of events, Palladium is the perfect option.

The Royal Suites by Palladium Our masterpiece. A new concept in adults only all-inclusive resorts featuring all the luxuries and amenities you could wish for: butler service, exclusive restaurant and bar, private beach, private lobby and concierge service, pillow menu, Balinese beach beds, and much, much more. Your Private Oasis.

Call Center: +1888 237 1226 JHSSJLU[LY HTLYPJH'ÄLZ[HOV[LSNYV\W JVT ^^^ ÄLZ[HOV[LSNYV\W JVT

CARIBBEAN BAHAMAS MINISTRY OF TOURISM ANNOUNCES ALL-INCLUSIVE DEALS THROUGHOUT THE ISLANDS

Uncrowded beaches, eco-inspired lodging and blissfully tranquil surroundings may not sound like a typical all-inclusive resort experience, but travelers to The Bahamas can expect simple pleasures like these in paradise on their next island getaway. Boutique resorts throughout The Bahamas are going above and beyond for travelers on a budget with all-inclusive rates and special meal plan add-ons, allowing visitors to enjoy the islands with no surprises. With all-inclusive rates starting at just $83 per night, it’s the perfect time for travelers to pack their bags and choose an exciting jaunt. Grand Bahama Island is currently offering its Club Grand Bahama package allowing visitors to choose from five hotels, 21 restaurants, 50 destination activities, two championship golf courses, beach parties, gaming and more at a single great price. All-inclusive rates start at $83 per person per night for Silver level package. Pelican Bay at Lucaya, the island’s boutique hotel, features an eclectic blend of Danish and Caribbean design with a view of the harbor from its perch on the peninsula. The resort is located adjacent to Port Lucaya Marketplace, the gateway to over 30 restaurants, shops, live entertainment and more. The Abacos, known as the boating capital of The Bahamas, refers to a chain of islands whose serendipitous layout provides a calm and warm turquoise haven for boaters and sailors. Green Turtle Club, an hour’s flight from Ft. Lauderdale, offers unspoiled beaches and luxurious accommodations starting at $159 per night with the option to purchase a Modified American Plan (MAP) for just $48 per person per day. 18 • OCTOBER 2010

For a vacation that’s more about fishing, snorkeling and relaxing in ultimate seclusion, Acklins/Crooked Island with its population of just 400 is the place to get lost and love every minute of it. Tranquility on the Bay, recognized for its serene environment, offers rates starting at $140 per night plus the option to purchase an all-inclusive meal package for $65 per person per day. Andros’ inland waterways edged with mangroves, unexplored caves and uncrowded beaches continue to lure travelers; it’s the largest yet one of the most intimate islands in The Bahamas. Small Hope Bay Lodge, a dive all-inclusive resort offers eco-tours and underwater activities in one of the world’s largest barrier reefs with rates starting at $235 daily per person. Swain’s Cay Bonefish Resort, a newly renovated all-inclusive resort that was once a private oceanfront estate, is offering rates starting at $252 per person per night. Cat Island’s hidden coves, uninhabited cays and high bluffs provide a year-round tropical vacation full of adventure, where thrill-seekers never grow bored. Sammy t’s, resting amid beautiful tropical gardens with its own private beach, offers rates starting at $160 per night plus the option to purchase an all-inclusive meal plan for just $55 daily per person. Fernandez Bay, featuring rustic ambiance with enchanting stone beachfront villas and their signature garden showers, starts at $365 per night with an option to purchase their all-inclusive meal package for $72 per adult per day. The tiny jewel-like islands of The Exumas, a paradise best enjoyed in barefoot elegance, exude exotic luxury and have become the choice retreat for celebs looking to own private islands, including Johnny Depp and country music couple Tim McGraw and Faith Hill. Peace and Plenty, overlooking Elizabeth Harbour with nearby access to sailboat rentals, snorkeling, diving and more, offers rates starting at $662 based on three-night double occupancy including breakfast and dinner daily. Staniel Cay Yacht Club, invites guests to soothe body, mind and soul with small-island charm and all-inclusive rates starting at $162 daily per person. Hotel Higgins Landing, an award winning, adult-only eco-resort located on off-the-beaten-path Stocking Island, offers rates starting at $465 ppdo per night plus gourmet dinner, ground transportation, and water sports rentals such as sailboats, kayaks and snorkeling gear. Long Island, dotted with quaint villages and miles of uninterrupted pink and white shoreline, beckons visitors with the promise of beautiful beaches, world-class bonefishing and thrilling sea escapades. Stella Maris, with villas, cottages and bungalows scattered throughout a palm grove in a panorama of tropical foliage, prices its Sun & Sea Inclusive Package starting at $1630 per person for five-nights’ accommodation. From Exuma, Eleuthera and Abaco to exciting Nassau/Paradise Island and Grand Bahama Island, it’s easy to see why it’s better in The Bahamas, as culturally diverse as it is vibrantly beautiful. Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, 800-Bahamas (224-2627), www.bahamas.com www.travelworldnews.com • Travel World News

BAHAMAS

R E S O U R C E

D I R E C T O R Y The Buck Stops Here!

The Entertainment Capital of the Abacos

Exuma Bahamas Hotels Augusta Bay Bahamas located in Great Exuma,Bahamas

largest hotel in scenic Marsh Harbour * The on the Sea of Abaco short boat ride to dozens of charming * Aislands and tranquil cays, including

Hope Town and Man-o-War Cay * Five miles from the Marsh Harbour Airport 50-minute plane ride from Ft. Lauderdale, * AOrlando, Palm Beach and Miami

www.abacobeachresort.com

Come join us at Augusta Bay Bahamas, ideally located in Great Exuma where you can enjoy the amazing tropical atmosphere. On The Queens Highway overlooking Elizabeth Harbour Sound, George Town.

www.beachinnexuma.com

All rates INCLUDE your all inclusive cruise, surcharges and taxes in one low advertised price for both fun day cruises and cruise ‘n® stay vacation packages it’s that simple. No hidden charges. Rates may be higher for weekend and holiday sailings.

800-259-1579

www.discoverycruiseline.com

WELCOME TO THE BAHAMAS!

G raycliff Hotel is an oasis of tranquility with beautifully appointed inviting pools, a sauna, jacuzzi and gym.

Through strategic alliances and code-share agreements with other airlines, Gulfstream International Airlines can ensure that customers have access to additional destinations through a seamless booking. Our customers can experience seamless travel through Gulfstream’s coordinated flight schedules, electronic ticketing and one-stop check in.

800-476-0446

Domestic: 800-523-3273 International: 800-231-0856

www.graycliff.com

Small Hope Bay Lodge, hosting scuba divers, nature lovers, & friends at our out island getaway in the Bahamas since 1960. A unique island, from dramatic scuba diving, the best snorkeling sites, world class bonefishing, & more. Unspoiled & virtually undiscovered. Andros Island, Bahamas is a world apart from the crowds & is a true Bahamas Vacation.

TOTALLY ALL INCLUSIVE!

800-223-6961

www.smallhope.com

In a playground of 700 islands, rocks and cays, there is much to explore and experience. Friendly locals, turquoise-blue-green ocean, exquisite cuisine. We can personalize a trip for one or several of our beautiful islands. We arrange hotel reservations, airport transfers, excursions and flights, or a totally customized ‘island hopping’ package to Nassau, Paradise Island, Abaco, Andros, Eleuthera, Cat Island, Long Island, Exuma, and Grand Bahama. Contact the people who know the islands of The Bahamas –

www.majesticholidays.com

www.gulfstreamair.com

Welcome to Staniel Cay! Beautiful sunsets on the islands secluded beaches and beautiful clear waters – a paradise in the middle of the beautiful Exumas.

www.stanielcay.com

One of the biggest and best of the Out-Islands...Guests of the resort appreciate the House and Garden look of the architecture, the tropical plantings, the beachfront, an excellent golf course and the marina facilities. – Frommer's Travel Guide, Bahamas

800-327-1584

www.treasurecay.com

CARIBBEAN RENOVATIONS COMPLETED AT GRAND CASE BEACH CLUB Christmas time has traditionally been a heavily booked period for the Grand Case Beach Club, and this year is no different. While there are still availabilities, GM Steve Wright urges those contemplating a stay during that time to make reservations as soon as possible. When guests arrive, they’ll find renovations complete, including the final ten bathrooms, which now boast everything from mahogany countertops to new mirrors, indirect lighting and commodes. In addition, every unit has a new mattress, as well as colorful fabrics on all the furnishings. The carpeted stairways in the lofts have been replaced with laminate wood. “Excellent response” is how Wright describes the cuisine in the Sunset Cafe, operated by Chef Alexandre and his wife Chantal. Besides a newly stocked lobster tank, “special value” entrees are available daily along with the traditional signature dishes. In addition, guests have the option for “carry out” or room service. Adding to the redecorated ambience at the Sunset Cafe, open for breakfast, lunch, dinner and Happy Hour seven days a week, is the beautiful view of the ocean and beach. The Grand Case Beach Club has a variety of activities for its guests, including a swimming pool, tennis court, fitness and water sports centers. In addition, the boardwalk, which wraps around a hill overlooking the ocean, is now connected to the Sunset Cafe. It’s ideal for those relaxing in a chaise with a cocktail and watching the

UNSPOILED

A leisurely swim in sparkling azure waters. A soothing massage on your own private balcony. An afternoon spent gazing at the sun-splashed Atlantic with not a cruise ship or a care in sight. The Sands at Grace Bay

UN C O M M O N

offers a soul-satisfying tranquility along with inspired cuisine, considerate service and as much – or as little – activity as you choose.

UNPRETENTIOUS

Providenciales • Turks & Caicos

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

20 • OCTOBER 2010

fish, especially the tarpon at night, and the boats. There’s also an island boutique and a car rental facility. The Grand Case Beach Club has won a number of awards and citations for its excellent service and hospitality, among them inclusion in Expedia’s Insiders’ Select List; Apple Vacations, Caribbean Travel & Life Magazine; and TripAdvisor. Grand Case Beach Club, 800-340-3016, info@gcbc; www.grandcasebeachclub.com

HALF MOON RESORT WINS ANOTHER GOLD KEY AWARD Half Moon, the 400-acre luxury resort located in Rose Hall, Jamaica, scored another top prize from U.S.-based Meetings and Conventions magazine. The magazine publishes worldwide destination information services for the travel, meetings and hospitality industry. Awardees are chosen annually by readers, considered the most knowledgeable and respected judges of the service. The M&C Awards go to conventions and visitor bureaus, properties, conference centers and resorts that are consistent in providing outstanding services. Half Moon has won the M&C Gold Key Award 12 years in a row (1998–2009), and was inducted in the M&C Hall of Fame in 2009. The Gold Key Award is the top prize for attitude of staff meeting; quality of meeting rooms; availability and quality of guest services; quality of food and beverage services; proficiency and ease of handling reservations; quality of A/V and other technical support equipment and range of recreational activities. The Hall of Fame Award—the highest accolade—is granted for receiving an award 12 consecutive times. “In this challenging economy, it is truly great to see that outstanding properties, facilities and destinations maintain their highest standards and services despite tremendous pressure on reducing cost,” said Bernard W. Schraer, Meetings and Conventions Group Publisher. In accepting the award, Half Moon’s Managing Director Richard Whitfield said, “For more than 50 years Half Moon has operated on the foundation that superior service has to support a great product to ensure that guest expectations are met and surpassed. I am indeed grateful to know that foundation continues to be rewarding.” In addition to a massive amount of flexible meeting space including a 12,000-square-foot grand ballroom, conference center with stage, sound and lighting booth and a variety of dramatic outdoor venues, the AAA Four-Diamond resort also offers extensive amenities and activities. These include multi-award winning Fern Tree, The Spa at Half Moon™, a Robert Trent Jones Sr.-designed 18-hole golf course, Half Moon Golf Academy, Spinning® studio, tennis courts, equestrian center, fitness center, 54 swimming pools, Children’s Village, teen activity center, dolphin lagoon, and shopping village, including 24-hour medical center. Half Moon, 888-830-5974, www.halfmoon.com www.travelworldnews.com • Travel World News

CARIBBEAN GUY HARVEY AND NEAL WATSON JOIN FORCES WITH DIVE BIMINI Celebrated artist and conservationist Guy Harvey along with his Guy Harvey Outpost organization will team with noted dive authority Neal Watson to offer “top-of-class” dive centers at Guy Harvey Outpost resort properties. Their first dive center will open midOctober at the newly renovated and rebranded Bimini Big Game Club, a Guy Harvey Resort & Marina. The pair’s joining forces will bring Neal Watson’s legendary diving reputation and world-record accomplishments together with Guy Harvey’s internationally recognized work in marine research, underwater photography and marine life art. Known fondly as The Dive God within the scuba diving community, Watson is considered one of the world’s foremost “Shark Encounter” divers and a member of the DEMA Hall of Fame. He began diving in the Bahamas in the mid sixties, setting the Scuba depth record in 1968. He opened a Bimini dive operation in 1975, expanding in the mid 80s throughout the Bahamas and Caribbean under the Neal Watson Undersea Adventures brand. Dive Bimini will be opening on arrival of its 60-foot dive boat. Notes Mark Ellert, President of Guy Harvey Outpost, “two-decks, a glass bottom and certified for 100 passengers—nothing in Bimini will come close to offering the comfort and safety that Dive Bimini guests will enjoy, never mind the chance that Neal or Guy might be on board diving with you.” Neal Watson’s Dive Bimini, a Guy Harvey Outpost Dive Center is currently taking reservations and is expected to be operational in October of this year. In addition to equipment rentals and air fills, the center will offer instruction for PADI SCUBA certifications as well as open water referrals and specialty classes. The legendary Bimini Big Game Club officially reopened this summer as a Guy Harvey Outpost Resort & Marina following completion of a $3,500,000 renovation that included all guest rooms, the new Bimini Big Game Bar & Grill, and the Outfitter Shop, a retail experience featuring sportswear, fishing supplies and gifts. Big Game Club, 800-867-4764, www.biggameclubbimini.com

THE PRIVATE ISLAND OF MUSTIQUE ANNOUNCES NEW ‘VILLA HONEYMOON COLLECTION’ The island of Mustique has long been considered one of the Caribbean’s most romantic destinations, and this year, love is certainly in the air as the Mustique Company unveils their new Villa Honeymoon Collection. Scattered along this 1,400-acre private island paradise in the Grenadines are 72 designer villas, each with its own distinctive architecture and atmosphere. Newlyweds seeking a dream honeymoon can opt for one of the 12 two-bedroom villas and cottages now part of the Villa Honeymoon Collection: Aurora’s “Jasmine Cottage,” Bali Hai, Blue Waters, Heron Bay, Shogun’s “Little Shogun,” Moana, Rocina, Samambaia, Seastar, Serenity Bay, Simplicity and Sunrise’s “Beach Cottage.” Each villa is set in landscaped grounds Travel World News • www.travelworldnews.com

with private terraces, freshwater swimming pools and spectacular views of the Caribbean Sea or Atlantic Ocean. When booking a stay at one of the villas in the Honeymoon Collection, guests can enjoy a complimentary in-villa couples massage or dinner for two at Veranda Restaurant at the Cotton House, the island’s only resort. The island’s incredible romantic offerings include deserted picnics on the world-famous Macaroni Beach, nighttime dives under the stars, sunset cruises, horseback riding trails on the beach and moonlit walks on sandy grounds at Pasture Beach. Villa Honeymoon Collection rentals are available through December 15, 2010, for a minimum seven-night stay with rates from $7,000 to $10,000 per week, plus 18-percent tax. As an added bonus, complimentary flight transfers between Barbados and Mustique are offered to guests staying for a minimum of two weeks. Each villa has its own dedicated staff (minimum of three, and the majority have butlers, chefs and/or house managers) plus use of one vehicle. Other amenities include a weekly cocktail party hosted by the Mustique Company, complimentary laundry services, tennis courts, fitness trails, and weekly movie nights. Those interested in additional information on the Villa Honeymoon Collection rentals or booking a stay may contact Villa Rentals Manager Jeannette Cadet directly. A 10-percent commission is offered to travel agents. Mustique Company, jeannette@mustique.vc, www.mustique-island.com

The beach is so close, shoes are strictly optional. Emerald green mountains as a backdrop. The turquoise Caribbean Sea at your feet. Could there be any place more charming than this picture perfect cove called the Grand Case Beach Club ? Two powder white beaches. Fresh water pool. Day and night tennis. Delightful dining. Invigorating water sports. Shopping and excursions. Everything your heart desires.

For reservations see your travel professional or call 1-888-845-5821. www.grandcasebeachclub.com OCTOBER 2010•

CARIBBEAN BIRD OF PARADISE OFFERS ‘FALL MIGRATION’ PACKAGES WITH FREE GOLF

Those who fly south to the “Bird,” will enjoy a flock of amenities from October 1 to December 15 (excluding Thanksgiving). The Bird of Paradise is offering a fantastic “Fall Migration” package to celebrate the owner’s favorite time of year in Anguilla. Guests will be met upon arrival by the Bird’s property manager. Exclusive use of the Bird of Paradise villa, daily housekeeping and continental breakfast, and all taxes and service charge are included. A complimentary round of golf with golf cart at Temenos Golf Course and a spa treatment for each guest is also included in the special fall “migration” rate, which is as low as $355 per day per guest. An additional option is a chef package for one lunch and two dinners, with Bird of Paradise’s executive chef, servers and food included. The Bird of Paradise villa has four master suites, each with a private veranda and breathtaking views of the Caribbean. Guests can enjoy four living areas or dining experiences as well as lagoon-style pools, all surrounded by lush landscape. The award-winning villa was recently named one of the Top 20 Villas in the World. Fall is a spectacular time of year on Anguilla, according to the owner. If there isn’t a hurricane in the neighborhood, she says, “the wind and seas are considerably calmer than in the winter, which makes it an ideal time to play golf or visit the deserted barrier islands that surround Anguilla.” What if a hurricane does come? The Bird of Paradise will refund any days not used. Traditionally, the airlines, too, will refund tickets or change flights without penalty should a hurricane interrupt a trip. Details about the Fall Migration Special are available by contacting Melody Dill. Bird of Paradise, anguillabird@yahoo.com, www.anguillabird.com

MALLIOUHANA HOTEL & SPA OFFERS CHANCE TO STAY LONGER, PAY FOR LESS Malliouhana Hotel & Spa, the award-winning luxury resort overlooking Meads Bay in Anguilla, is introducing two options for travelers loath to pack away their summer clothes and in search of Caribbean sun this autumn. Guests can either Stay for 7 and Pay 22 • OCTOBER 2010

for 5 or Stay for 4 and Pay for 3 in a spacious Ocean View Double between November 1 and December 15, 2010. Stay for 7 and Pay for 5 is priced at $2550 November 1–22 and costs $3,450 November 23–December 15. Stay for 4 and Pay for 3 is priced at $1,530 November 1–22, and $3,070 November 23–December 15. Rates are quoted per room based on single or double occupancy and are subject to 10-percent service charge (in lieu of gratuities) and 10-percent tax. Complimentary watersports, including water skiing, are included in the rate. Perched on a bluff overlooking the ocean, the picturesque 55room Malliouhana Hotel & Spa is owner-managed by Leon and Nigel Roydon. The Malliouhana Hotel & Spa is a member of Small Leading Hotels of the World and the only hotel in the Caribbean to be named Best Hotel for Food in the 2010 Gold List by Conde Nast Traveller UK. Malliouhana Hotel & Spa, 800-835-0796, reservations@malliouhana.com, www.malliouhana.com

30% SAVINGS AT BOLONGO BAY FOR U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS PARADISE JAM BASKETBALL TOURNEY Fans can cheer on a favorite men’s or women’s college basketball team in the U.S. Virgin Islands this November and save 30 percent at Bolongo Bay Beach Resort. The Caribbean resort has always been a proud platinum sponsor of Paradise Jam, the #1 women’s holiday tournament in the world and the fastest-growing men’s college basketball holiday tournament in the U.S. With the 30-percent discount, daily rates begin at $185.50 for an Oceanview room based on double occupancy. Plus, mentioning a team gets 10 percent off dinner at Bolongo’s own Iggies Beach Bar & Grill with its cool cocktails, tasty Caribbean cuisine and nightly entertainment. NCAA college basketball teams facing off in this year’s Paradise Jam women’s tournament November 23–28 are the perennial powerhouse Tennessee Lady Volunteers and include Iowa State, West Virginia, Virginia, Georgetown, Georgia Tech, Missouri and TCU. The November 19–22 men’s tournament is led by the surprisingly strong pre-season Top 25 ranked Xavier and including Old Dominion University, Alabama, Clemson, Iowa, Long Beach State, Seton Hall and Saint Peters. Tickets can be purchased online. Bolongo Bay is the place to kick back and have fun on St. Thomas. All guests receive unlimited access to Bolongo Bay’s complimentary non-motorized water sports equipment including Hobie Cats, Sunfish sailboats, windsurfers, kayaks, snorkel gear, paddle boats and more. From its numerous water adventures or the resort’s “snorkel booze hunt” during the day to dancing at night, there’s always something going on at Bolongo Bay. No passport is required for U.S. citizens traveling to the U.S. Virgin Islands. Bolongo Bay Beach Resort, 800-524-4746, www.bolongobay.com; www.paradisejam.com www.travelworldnews.com • Travel World News

MEXICO SANDOS LAUNCHES AGENT PROMOTION WITH FREE NIGHTS AND RATES STARTING AT $45

Sandos Hotels & Resorts, with two resort complexes on the Riviera Maya, Mexico, has launched an exclusive Extra Night promotion for travel agents that includes free night(s) and special all-inclusive rates starting at $45 per person per night for travel through November 15, 2010. Agents who stay at the resort for four nights will pay for only three, while those interested in longer vacations can stay for five nights and pay for four or book six or seven nights and pay for five. Agents can head to environmentally-friendly Sandos Caracol Eco Resort & Spa, through November 15 to enjoy a rate of $45 per person per night, or to the sprawling beachfront Sandos Playacar Beach Resort & Spa through October 31 to enjoy a rate of $50 per person per night. The Extra Night promotion is based on one travel agent per room. Rates quoted are ppdo per night in select room categories and must be paid directly to the resort upon arrival. A mandatory site inspection of the property will be arranged on-site. Booking is taken by email, and a travel agent ID must be presented on check-in. Those traveling with children are afforded increased savings as one child under the age of 12 stays, eats and plays free, and a second child (under the age of 12) receives a 50-percent discount off regular rates (for kids staying in the same accommodations as paying adults). An all-inclusive Sandos Hotels & Resorts vacation features accommodations, all meals and beverages, sporting activities, daily activities program, supervised Kids Club and Teen Club, nightly entertainment and entrance to the disco, and all hotel taxes, service charges and gratuities. Sandos Hotels & Resorts, 866-336-4083, asistreservas@sandoshotels.com, www.sandos.com

HACIENDA TRES RÍOS RESORT CERTIFIED GREEN GLOBE For the second year in a row, Green Globe has certified Hacienda Tres Ríos Resort, spa and nature park; recognizing their sustainable practices, conservation of the environment, support for local communities and preservation of local culture. Located in Riviera Maya, the luxury resort focused on green travel has received the highest grades from Green Globe Certification after an extensive 24 • OCTOBER 2010

review of the procedures, daily operations and green practices. The Vice President of Development and Financing, Tres Ríos Romárico Arroyo highlighted the hard work that has been invested in Hacienda Tres Ríos Resort. “Tres Ríos started out as an ecological park and we have been consistent in following our set guidelines and standards to protect the extraordinary beauty and diversity of the region.” he said. Green Globe Certification CEO, Guido Bauer said, ‘It is reassuring to see how a luxury beach resort, can operate at such high standards of sustainable management. The Tres Rios Sustainability Team are experts in managing natural resources, including the care of 120 species of plants and 90 species of animals. This conservation management is further enhanced by their training programs for staff and the local community.’ Hacienda Tres Ríos has been recognized by the highest Mexican environmental authorities, the Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT), as well as international organizations UNEP, Sustainable Travel International and Rainforest Alliance. Hacienda Tres Ríos Resort, www.haciendatresrios.com; Green Globe, www.greenglobe.com

ME CANCUN WILL ADOPT ‘COMPLETE ME’ CONCEPT ME Hotels, a collection of “experience-based” urban hotels and contemporary resorts operated by Sol Melia, has announced that ME Cancun will shift to an all-inclusive business model January 1, 2011, and will embrace the brand’s first “Complete ME” concept, breaking the mold of traditional all-inclusive resorts where nonguests are prohibited access to the property grounds and amenities. Besides welcoming hotel guests, the revolutionary business approach will embrace non-guests and local movers and shakers, allowing them to enjoy a la carte culinary offerings and revel in ME Cancun’s high-style design and vibrant social scene. Basic offerings will feature unlimited food and beverage options, complimentary access to the pool, YHI Spa’s fitness center, “Chill Out Deck,” “The Beach Club,” the property’s WiFi and all in-room amenities including iPod docking stations, Aveda organic products and house mini bar. Guest rooms on “The Level,” the hotel’s premium accommodations, will offer elevated privileges and amenities like private VIP check-in, use of the 10th floor’s “Living Room” lounge, exclusive concierge services and 24-hour in-room dining. Guests will still be able to enjoy dining services at Salt, Beachhouse Restaurant, Silk, e-space, in-room dining and The Water Grill, an Argentinean-style grill that will debut alongside the new model. Additional services such as private “barefoot dinners” on the beach, premium high-energy pool parties with special performances by guest DJs, treatments at the 11,000-square-foot YHI Spa and top-shelf liquor products, among others, will be available for an added fee. Sol Melia, www.solmelia.com; ME Urban Hotels & Contemporary Resorts, www.mebymelia.com www.travelworldnews.com • Travel World News

MEXICAN CARIBBEAN The

Palladium

Experience

RESOURCE DIRECTORY

In the heart of Playa del Carmen, you’ll enjoy our hotels’ high quality service at affordable rates.

With majestic views of the Mexican Caribbean Sea and crystalline gentle waves breaking onto a dramatic shoreline, we work everyday on perfecting the fine art of combining world-class and discreet service, a soothing and relaxing ambiance that respects the natural integrity of the environment, with stylish design facilities and luxury suite accommodations. Call Center: +1888 237 1226 (Toll Free) GEPPGIRXIV EQIVMGE$½IWXELSXIPKVSYT GSQ

www.ÄLZ[HOV[LSNYV\W.com

www.tukanhotels.com reservations@tukanhotels.com

AN APPLE VACATIONS PARTNER

We are an organization committed to accomplishing changes that allow us to make the world we live in a better place. Our goal is to generate ecological awareness through activities we develop, not only in the world of tourism, but the virtual world as well by means of a web community. Our endeavors begin in real economy (our hotels) and transcend into the web, an ideal environment to promote and instill a change in our awareness with respect to the world we live in.

has been synonymous with the Playa Del Carmen beach experience for hundreds of thousands of guests from around the world.

www.enchanting-group.com

www.blueparrot.com

One of Playa's original hotel and beach clubs, the

BLUE PARROT

The Hotel Posada del Mar is located directly across the street from a large white sand beach, and only a short distance from the world famous North Beach. Walking distance to a wide variety of restaurants and bars, that will satisfy any palate.

www.posadadelmar.com

Founded in Cancun in 1975, Royal Resorts is a pioneer in Mexican tourism and a leader in the international vacation ownership industry.

www.royalresorts.com

www.bluetulumresorts.com

Set among verdant jungle beside a white, sandy beach, Maroma Resort and Spa is pure escapism with a touch of Mayan magic. This Orient-Express paradise is one of the Yucatan’s hidden gems, a haven of well-being.

www.maromahotel.com

Mayan Resorts offers a world of endless vacation possibilities. Its prime beachfront locations, spectacular architecture and unsurpassed service and amenities have made it a leader in Mexican tourism for over 30 years. Mayan Resorts has redefined the concept of luxury vacations, making it the best option for people wanting to experience the vacation of their dreams.

www.mayanresorts.com.mx

MEXICO USA TODAY NAMES ISLA MUJERES A BEST PLACE TO SWIM WITH SHARKS

Isla Mujeres, a Caribbean island off the coast of Cancun, was recently recognized by USA Today for being one of its “10 great places to swim with sharks.” From June to September the waters surrounding Isla Mujeres are home to some 1,400 migrating whale sharks, the largest fish in the sea. Their largest concentrations are reported in the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico, primarily in the northeastern corner of the Yucatan Peninsula. It’s not rare to see over 50 whale sharks congregated in Isla Mujeres’ waters searching for plankton. The slow-moving and docile whale shark is not carnivorous, but actually prefers eating macro-algae, plankton, krill, and small squids. This unique characteristic is one of the many reasons why swimming with whale sharks is both a thrilling and completely safe experience. A short ferry ride from Cancun, Isla Mujeres has capitalized on its whale shark fame and offers hundreds of guided tours allowing visitors to get up close with the mammoth fish. Ceviche Tours tours cost of 125 per person. Private tours are also available for a maximum of 10 guests at $1,100. Prices include snacks, refreshments and snorkeling equipment, as snorkeling is the preferred method of interacting with whale sharks. Tours usually leave at 8 a.m. from a local dock, and return at 2 p.m. Another tour provider is Searious Diving, which offers tours for $125 per person or $1,250 for a private tour for up to eight passengers. Departing between 7 and 9 a.m. (depending on the habits of the sharks), the Searious Diving tours last up to two hours and cover a seven-mile-wide circle. While onboard, passengers are offered snacks and beverages. Tour cost includes life jackets and snorkel gear. For $125 per person, Aqua Adventures’ tours leave between 7 and 7:30 a.m. and return 1–2 p.m. The large and comfortable boats fit up to 10, and are navigated by an experienced captain and crew. Snorkel equipment is included in the price, and travelers are allowed to snorkel on the reef outside of Isla Contoy. Light breakfast and lunch are included. Mexico Tourism Board (MTB), www.visitmexico.com 26 • OCTOBER 2010

FLAMINGO HOTEL COZUMEL WELCOMES FORD IRONMAN COMPETITORS, SPECTATORS Flamingo Hotel is welcoming Ironman competitors and fans for this year’s Ford Ironman 2010 Competition set for November 28. The program officially begins Thursday, November 25, allowing athletes three days prior to race day to train, register and prepare. The race itself is on Sunday, November 28. The 2.4-mile swim, 112mile bike race and 26.2-mile run all begin and end at Chankanaab Park. The award ceremony and closing party will be held Monday, November 29. In support of the athletes and interested spectators, Flamingo Hotel is offering 30 percent off nightly rates for stays during this time. Courtyard rooms are now only $53 per night, Superior rooms $62, and the Penthouse Villa—ideal for families traveling together—is just $149 a night. All prices include full breakfast each morning. The 22-room boutique hotel sports tastefully decorated accommodations enhanced by high-level service. The Flamingo’s Aqua Restaurant and Bar offers complimentary breakfast with all stays and cocktails throughout the day and into the evening. Scuba diving, horseback riding, snorkeling, sailing, parasailing, fishing and tours of Mayan ruins are also available for booking by Flamingo’s English-speaking staff. Hotel Flamingo, 800-806-1601, info@hotelflamingo.com, www.hotelflamingo.com

VALENTIN IMPERIAL MAYA PROMOTES HEALTH Valentin Imperial Maya, a luxurious adult-only all-inclusive resort nestled along the stretch of Riviera Maya coastline aptly named Playa del Secreto, offers options for guests watching their waistline that permit indulging in gourmet offerings without worrying. At Le Marché, the resort’s buffet restaurant open for breakfast and lunch, each dish’s name cards are color-coded to correspond to dietary restrictions. Valentin Imperial Maya recently launched the Concierge Corner, allowing guests booking online to take advantage of unique packages not otherwise available once on property. The Valentin Healthy Day Package helps keep guests on track by giving them healthy options packaged within their vacation. On the first morning at the resort, they receive a special breakfast delivered to their room that includes a selection of tropical fruits and fiber. A 50minute Swedish massage followed by a 60-minute mud body treatment detoxifies and rehydrates. Following this, a yoga lesson on white-sand beach is made all the better with waves crashing as a backdrop. Package price is $250 per person with the second person receiving 50 percent off. Conveniently located 25 minutes from Cancun’s International Airport (CUN) and close to downtown Playa del Carmen, Valentin Imperial Maya Resort features superior all-suite accommodations, unlimited access to nine restaurants, eleven bars, non-motorized water sport equipment, live entertainment nightly, fully equipped business center and complimentary high-speed Internet access. Valentin Imperial Maya Resort, www.valentinmaya.com www.travelworldnews.com • Travel World News

MEXICO NEWLY NAMED HOLA GRAND FARO LOS CABOS OVERLOOKS SEA OF CORTES

The Hotel “Crowne Plaza Los Cabos-Grand Faro” has a new name, according to Grupo Hola, owner and operator of the property located on the Sea of Cortes, at one of the most beautiful beaches of San Jose Del Cabo. As of July 1 this year, the hotel is operating under the name of Hola Grand Faro Los Cabos, Luxury All Inclusive Resort. Well-located overlooking the sea, next to the beach and close to the international airport of Los Cabos, the resort’s privileged location allows visitors to move around comfortably from the picturesque Centre of San José del Cabo and the new marina Puerto Los Cabos, to Cabo San Lucas driving through the prestigious tourist corridor. Hola Grand Faro Los Cabos, Luxury All Inclusive Resort offers facilities and services to enjoy unforgettable holidays or to organize successful meetings for groups of 20 to 1,200. The property has 333 deluxe rooms and suites, five swimming pools and Jacuzzi, paddle, volley, basket and racquetball, kids club for children four to 10 and a family room. Guests will enjoy splendid buffets served in restaurants by the sea and alongside gardens from dawn till dinner time. At night, exquisite dishes of international cuisine are available in its fine Italian and Mexican restaurants. There is also a Lobby Bar and, in the top of the hotel lighthouse, the Sky Sports Bar with has the best panoramic view in Cabos. The Spa and sports facilities at the hotel offer relaxation and health refreshment. Guests can practice water polo or aquaerobics in one of five pools. For those who prefer to play golf or go sport fishing, Cabos offers some of the world’s best spots. For weddings, all details are handled, from hosting and serving guests, arranging all legal procedures, organizing the ceremony on the beach, preparing the banquet, hiring music, decorating the bridal room with cool champagne, and pampering the couple with a succulent breakfast the morning after the wedding. Hola Grand Faro Los Cabos, Luxury All Inclusive Resort, www.holagrandfaro.com.mx Travel World News • www.travelworldnews.com

VIRTUOSO’S ‘BEST OF THE BEST’ AWARDS ‘BEST SPA’ TO GRAND VELAS RIVIERA MAYA Leading luxury travel network, Virtuoso®, along with its awardwinning magazine Virtuoso Life, named Grand Velas Riviera Maya as the Best Spa within the prestigious “Best of the Best” Awards for 2010. Representing the finest in hospitality standards and amenities, the ‘Best of the Best’ awards were revealed on August 18, 2010, by Virtuoso CEO Matthew D. Upchurch, Virtuoso Life publisher Terrie Hansen and Virtuoso Vice President Destinations & Tours Albert Herrera, during the Hotels & Resorts dinner at Virtuoso’s 22nd annual Travel Mart conference. “The ‘Best of the Best’ awards acknowledge those hotels and individuals that really go above and beyond the expected standards,” said Herrera. “As the recipient of the award for Best Spa, Grand Velas Riviera Maya has proved itself as a leader in the industry. The winners are characterized by the service they provide to guests, and these products represent the best experiences in luxury travel.” “We are so proud to be recognized by Virtuoso as the hotel spa that offers the most alluring environment for rest and rejuvenation, creative and therapeutic treatments, and highly skilled and knowledgeable therapists,” said Fernando Garcia Rossette, Managing Director of Grand Velas Riviera Maya. Virtuoso Life editors, in collaboration with Virtuoso’s member travel advisors, selected nominees in 10 categories representing the pinnacle of service, design and luxury in the industry. Grand Velas Riviera Maya was selected above other nominees as the very best in its category demonstrating innovation, dedication, a heightened social conscience and even courage. At 89,000 square feet, The Spa at Grand Velas Riviera Maya is built amid the lush jungle that hugs the resort and boasts an organic style reflective of its Mexican surroundings. A cavernous lower level takes its inspiration from the region’s underground water pools, or cenotes. Grand Velas Riviera Maya, 866-230-7221, www.rivieramaya.grandvelas.com; Virtuoso, www.virtuoso.com

THIRD LARGEST CABLE CAR NOW IN MEXICO The state of Chihuahua in Mexico has launched the world’s third largest cable car in Copper Canyon’s Adventure Park. Travelers can view the canyon from the comfort of cable car seat, or at high velocity as they zip line across—literally flying above one of the world’s most majestic natural wonders. The multi-million dollar cable system consists of two cars running simultaneously, each moving in a different direction. It also includes an intermediate station where passengers can board smaller cars that run in the same way as a carousel. A restaurant travelers may visit this way offers them one of the most beautiful views in the world. Chihuahua is also home to unique historical locations, from mansions standing during the time of the Mexican Revolution, to the iconic Palacio Federal (now known as Casa Chihuahua) to Pancho Villa’s grave. Mexico Tourism Board (MTB), www.visitmexico.com; Chihuahua, www.ah-chihuahua.com OCTOBER 2010 •

MEXICO ANDRÉS SANHUEZA NAMED GM OF CUTTING-EDGE HOTEL MATILDA Hotel Matilda has appointed Andrés Sanhueza General Manager of the iconoclastic boutique hotel that just opened in San Miguel de Allende. The cutting-edge hotel in the heart of the 500-year-old historic center of Mexico’s most revered colonial town will be a “living art gallery” catering to the lifestyle of today’s international traveler. “Our guests will enjoy a modern, ANDRES SANHUEZA lifestyle-focused guest experience at Hotel Matilda that will be defined by personalized service, sophisticated amenities, an evocative and comfortable ambiance, and dramatic contemporary art,” said Sanhueza. Sanhueza comes to Hotel Matilda with 13 years of hospitality experience in Mexico and his native Chile. Most recently, he was part of the opening team for the W Hotel Santiago, where he served as Assistant Food and Beverage Director. Previously, he was Director of Food and Beverage at Casa Sierra Nevada, the Orient Express Hotel in San Miguel de Allende, and at Valle Nevado Ski Resort, Chile. His additional experience includes Director of Restaurants, Hotel Carrera, a Leading Hotel of the World in Santiago, Chile; and Head Butler/Food & Beverage Operational Manager as part of the opening team for the San Cristobal Tower Luxury Collection & Sheraton Santiago, Chile. The new hotel offers 32 rooms and suites—many with vistas over San Miguel’s dramatic steeple-studded skyline, in addition to international gourmet dining, personalized spa experiences and a dynamic art scene. Hotel Matilda, 800-Matilda (628-4532), info@hotelmatilda.com, www.hotelmatilda.com

COSTABAJA RESORT & SPA IS FIRST 5-STAR PROPERTY IN LA PAZ, MEXICO CostaBaja Resort & Spa, the first five-star resort in La Paz, Mexico, is set to open November 13, and will be the centerpiece of the 220-acre Costa Baja development. In addition to the new hotel, CostaBaja will be opening a new Gary Player-designed golf course November 7. CostaBaja Resort & Spa is just 10 minutes north of downtown La Paz, the capital of Baja California Sur. The resort is set on the magnificent Sea of Cortez overlooking a 250-slip double-basin marina and white sand beaches. Rates start at $149. The 115-room property will offer ocean, mountain, golf course and marina views. In-room features include 42-inch flat-screen televisions, glass-enclosed showers, and dark mahogany wood finishes to contrast the bright surroundings. CostaBaja Resort & Spa will also be home to the first spa in La Paz, two signature restaurants, two pools and a beach club. The property will include a 2,477-square-foot ballroom that can also be 28 • OCTOBER 2010

divided for smaller functions. “Grand Heritage is pleased to make CostaBaja Resort & Spa our first property in Mexico,” said John W. Cullen, III, President of Maryland-based Grand Heritage Hotels. “We are excited to bring a new level of service and hospitality to the destination of La Paz and we look forward to welcoming guests to the Gateway to the Sea of Cortez.” “We are thrilled to be partnering with Grand Heritage Hotels for CostaBaja Resort & Spa,” said Alejandro Yberri, CEO of CostaBaja. “They bring a proven track record of operating some of the greatest resorts in the world with a commitment to quality.” CostaBaja, www.costabaja.com; CostaBaja Resort & Spa, www.costabajaresort.com

MEXICO SEES IMPRESSIVE 27.5% INCREASE IN INTERNATIONAL AIR TRAVELERS IN JULY In July of this year, according to Mexico’s Secretariat of Tourism, the number of international tourists arriving in Mexico by air increased 27.5 percent over July last year, with its airports receiving 899,172 foreign visitors, up 193,899 passengers. According to the National Institute of Migration, the United States was the main market source for Mexican travelers, seeing 583,732 Americans arriving, an impressive 20.1-percent increase compared to 2009. Mexico also saw an increase in Canadian arrivals—57,587 visited Mexico in July, an increase of 22,864 passengers. Spain came in at number three with 35,893 Spanish visitors in July, a 57.8-percent increase over 2009. France registered an increase of 39.4 percent, with 17,564 arriving in July 2010, compared to the 12,597 in 2009. When it comes to Latin America, Argentina is the country with the most air travelers visiting Mexico: 16,235 represented a 48.3percent increase for July alone. Between January and July, more than 108,000 Argentinean travelers visited Mexico, a 51-percent increase over 2009. Brazil is the Latin American country with the second greatest number of air travelers, with 13,546 arriving in July of this year, a 173-percent increase over July 2009. Over 68,000 Brazilians traveled to Mexico this January–July, 106.5 percent over the same period in 2009. From January to July of this year, more than 6 million tourists traveled into Mexico via air, an impressive 19.8-percent increase over the same period in 2009. Nearly four million came from the U.S. alone—16.9 percent over 2009, and almost a million Canadian tourists came to Mexico between January and July this year, a 20.2-percent increase from 2009. Secretary of Tourism Gloria Guevara Manzo reported that Mexico’s federal government has invested over $3 billion in new tourism projects, generating 12,000 new jobs in the tourism sector. Furthermore, she reported that from January to June 2010, $1.833 billion dollars were attributed to private sector investment, of which 88.4 percent were from domestic investors and 11.6 percent from foreign investors. Mexico Tourism Board (MTB), www.visitmexicopress.com www.travelworldnews.com • Travel World News

LATIN AMERICA FRIENDLY PLANET TRAVEL HAS CAPTIVATING COSTA RICA TOURS Costa Rica is one of Central America’s jewels, a lush and vibrant country with a stunning collection of landscapes including pristine beaches, tropical rainforests, soaring mountains, and an amazing array of plant and animal species. And now, travelers can experience the best of Costa Rica on Friendly Planet Travel’s newest tour, a seven-day Captivating Costa Rica tour for just $799. The trip includes roundtrip flights from Miami via scheduled carriers (other gateways available on request), all transfers in air-conditioned chauffeur-driven minivans, accommodations at superior hotels for six nights, and breakfast daily. The special offer is available until October 28 for departures on November 5 and November 7. For an additional $100, the following departure dates are available at $899: November 14 and 19, January 21, February 11 and 18, and March 4. For travelers who want more, Friendly Planet Travel is also offering a nine-day Costa Rica Pura Vida tour for $999, where they will be able to visit the secluded Caribbean beaches of Tortuguero. This trip also includes roundtrip flights from Miami via scheduled carriers, all transfers in air-conditioned chauffeurdriven minivans, comprehensive sightseeing with a naturalist bilingual guide in Tortuguero, all meals in Tortuguero including three lunches and two dinners, and superior hotel accommodations for eight nights. Travelers can also take advantage of a three-night optional extension on this tour where they spend three days relaxing at a luxurious resort and spa in Manuel Antonio on the Pacific coast. Friendly Planet Travel, jackie@gregoryfca.com, www.friendlyplanet.com

OCTOBER VACATION SPECIALS AT MANUEL ANTONIO’S LA MANSION INN During the month of October, guests can stay at La Mansion Inn for three nights in an ocean-view Deluxe Room or Junior Suite and pay for only two, receiving one night for free. The Junior Suites (592 sq. feet) and Deluxe Rooms (452 sq. feet) are air-conditioned and beautifully decorated, with a king-size bed. Two queen-size beds may also be arranged. All rooms have a large shower and bathroom, dresser, television, telephone, safe deposit box, mini bar, outside dining area, sitting area and desk. Rooms are situated to offer a spectacular view of the Pacific Ocean and Manuel Antonio National Park. La Mansion Inn overlooks the Pacific Ocean, rainforest canopy and internationally renowned Manuel Antonio National Park. The five-star hotel provides fabulous 360-degree views from its rooftop Sky Lounge—also the perfect venue for intimate weddings. The National Park and beaches are a little over a mile from the hotel, and the local airport and world-class sport fishing at Marina Pez Vela are just minutes away. This exotic setting, combined with La Mansion’s fine foods, services and amenities, creates a remarkable luxury experience. 30 • OCTOBER 2010

A special feature at La Mansion Inn is the Jacques Cousteau Restaurant and unique Cave Bar, carved from natural rock. Accessed from a short winding staircase through a miniature door, or exclusively through the V.I.P Room, the Cave Bar provides a cool hideout where guests can listen to the soothing sound of a waterfall trickling over rocks as they sip one of the bar’s specialty cocktails. The intimate size of La Mansion Inn lends itself to a natural exclusivity, so reservations are recommended. Visitors should plan ahead for a special dream summer vacation, romantic destination wedding, or honeymoon package. La Mansion Inn, reservations@lamansioninn.com, www.lamansioninn.com

CAYO ADVENTURE TOURS PACKAGES EXPERIENCES FOR HIGH ADVENTURE SEEKERS Cayo Adventure Tours, recent winners of the Belize Tour Operator of the Year award, serves adventure travelers and vacationers seeking the ultimate Belize experience. A tour operator and destination management company in San Ignacio, Cayo—adventure hub of Belize, Central America, the company has over 18 years’ experience, and has pioneered inland expeditions and adventure travel showing the best of Belize and beyond. Specializing in land-based high-adrenaline adventures, Cayo Adventure Tours offers exploration of ancient Maya civilizations, canoe trips and kayaking, caving expeditions, zip-lining, bird watching, jungle hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding in the tropical forests of Belize. The full-service destination management company arranges hotel and resort accommodations, whole-family vacation packages, and extreme adventure itineraries spanning the entire country of Belize. This means they’re actually on location in Belize—looking after every aspect of the traveler’s vacation and taking care of every detail. Being Belizeans, on the ground in Belize, has privileged them to become intimately familiar with the Belize tourism product, the resorts and hotels, the archaeological sites, the national parks, the wildlife sanctuaries, the marine reserves, and the weather and road conditions. Offices are open seven days a week and they answer their phone 24 hours a day. Travelers have the comfort of knowing they’re just a phone call or email away at any time before, during and after their Belize adventure. The company packages a complete adventure vacation, committing themselves to looking after it from start to finish. Those in search of the ultimate jungle adventure, discovery of ancient Maya sites and history, a memorable family vacation, the perfect honeymoon, or simply a relaxing vacation on the beach should contact tour manager Michael Simmons for a memory-filled experience in a country they will absolutely love. Cayo Adventure Tours, info@cayoadventure.com, www.cayoadventure.com www.travelworldnews.com • Travel World News

CENTRAL AMERICA

Discover the wonders of Honduras through us, we are tour outfitters and service providers to many retail and wholesale travel companies located throughout the world. We are currently offering services in neighboring Guatemala, El Salvador and Nicaragua. Our friendly and knowledgeable team of travel professionals are brought closer to you than ever before thanks to modern technology, they are just one click away.

RESOURCE DIRECTORY

Beaches, Volcanoes, Indian Markets, Rainforest, Islands, Colonial Cities Our goal is to offer you a fun, fascinating and comfortable vacation, while also arranging cultural visits to meet the local Nicaraguan people.

800-800-1132

Nicaragua is the next Costa Rica. Visit and experience the best mix of tropical paradise real estate and Spanish Colonial architecture, in a charming beachside village setting.

www.explorenicaragua.com 800-959-NICA

www.granpacifica.com

www.explorehonduras.com Travel thru Guatemala and the Mayan World at the best price

PTP has offices in Guatemala city, Flores Petén, Cancún, and in all of them share one common factor – SERVICE QUALITY Mango Inn located on Utila in the Bay Islands of Honduras Central America, is a charming dive operation & hotel offering pristine waters, great reef formations, isolated cays and beaches, and a friendly, colorful community.

www.mango-inn.com

We offer a wide range of services such as packages, day tours, hotels reservations, private transportation, rent-a-car, and much more, for individuals, families and groups, all tailor made to respond to tastes and needs.

www.ptpmundomaya.com

Set in the heart of Central America, Honduras is as picturesquely rugged as it is boisterously lush. It offers a verdant habitat for more than 700 species of bird and 200 species of mammal, living in 80 protected wilderness areas and 20 vast national parks.

www.mctours-honduras.com

“This inn is a pearl. It is easy to say that it’s my favorite inn in Antigua for its attention to detail, intimacy, and extraordinary service.” ~ Former Prime Minister of Canada, Pierre Trudeau

Hotel Vista Real Guatemala has 123 luxurious suites surrounded by luscious gardens distributed as: 44 Master Suites, 26 Grand Class Suites, 50 Business Class Suites, two Governor Suites and one magnificent Presidential Suite. posada Del Angel …a well kept secret – where Presidents and Aristocrats leave their title and footsteps at the door to become our guests.

www.nica-adventures.com

www.posadedelangel.com

www.quintareal.com.gt

LATIN AMERICA SOUTH STAR TOURS PRESENTS NEW OFFERS ON COSTA RICA VACATIONS

Visitors can stroll on one of numerous sandy beaches, go for a swim in the Caribbean, watch birds in the rain forest, go river rafting, hiking or bicycling in the Arenal Volcano area and much more—with dozens of new and low-priced packages available through South Star Tours exploring the variety of Costa Rica. With “Caribbean Costa Rica,” guests experience fascinating atmosphere with fragrances, tropical rhythms and brilliant colors. The unbeatable price starts at only $675 per person and includes two nights of hotel accommodation in San Jose, three nights at the Magic Mountain Hotel in Arenal, two nights at a beachfront hotel in the Caribbean coast as well as a welcome tropical fruit plate, dinner at the hotel on day five and a typical handcraft gift. Or, they may explore the “Northern Pacific Coast” with its gulfs, splattered hills with forests and cliffs, panoramic routes, volcanoes and wild rivers. The incredible price starts at only $685 per person and includes two nights of hotel accommodation in San Jose, three nights at the Magic Mountain Hotel, two nights at a beachfront hotel in Playa Panama on the Pacific Coast, as well as a welcome tropical fruit plate, dinner at the hotel on day five and also a typical handcraft gift. Additional tours and activities are available, with snorkeling, mountain biking or visiting the National Parks. Travelers may choose between shared grounds transfers (shuttle) or a car rental option. The special offer is valid for travel dates until November 30, 2010. South Star Tours, Inc. specializes in custom-designed individual and group packages throughout Central and South America. Low airfares are available with the tour packages from the U.S. Other special promotions are available and may be discovered by contacting them or viewing their website. South Star Tours, 800-654-4468, info@southstartours.com, www.southstartours.com 32 • OCTOBER 2010

EXOTIC CAYE BEACH RESORT IN BELIZE HAS 25% SAVINGS OFFER Exotic Caye Beach Resort in San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, Belize, has announced its 2010 Early Bird Special. The resort is offering the opportunity for guests to receive a 25-percent savings off their resort accommodations if they book before October 31, 2010. This offer is for any of Exotic Caye’s beachfront condos complete with a queen size bed, full bath, fully equipped kitchenette, living area, ceiling fans, cable TV, WiFi, air conditioning, and a balcony with an ocean view. The offer cannot be combined with any other offer and is for a limited time only. Some restrictions apply and all bookings are subject to resort availability. Exotic Caye Beach Resort offers beachfront dining at their full-service restaurant, The Blue Iguana Grille, and poolside breakfasts complemented by icy Caye-paccinos at Caye Coffee and Ms. Sara’s Kitchen. They can soak up the sun beside their 125, 000 gallon swimming pool located at the San Pedro Fitness Club or enjoy the resort’s beachfront, freshwater swimming pool and shaded deck area. Discovery Expeditions Adventure Center is now located on the resort’s private dock. For the past 16 years, Discovery Expeditions has enjoyed providing visitors with high-quality eco-tourism products and services. Their goal is to offer exceptional nature and eco-tours to the various natural wonders of Belize with a commitment to ensuring comfort, safety and excellence. Exotic Caye Beach Resort, www.belizeisfun.com

LODGE AT BIG FALLS’ ‘BATTLE OF THE DRUMS’ PACKAGE COMMISSIONED AT 25% A Battle of the Drums package valid November 11–15 during Belize’s Garifuna celebrations is being commissioned at a generous 25 percent for wholesalers and tour operators by The Lodge at Big Falls. The package includes four nights’ accommodation for the price of three with free breakfast and attendance at listed events with an escort guide; transfers between Punta Gorda airport and Big Falls; nine-percent government taxes on accommodation and 10 percent GST on other items; as well as nature trails; swimming pool; mountain bikes, inner-tubes, kayaks, badminton and table tennis. Not included are bar sales, staff and tour guide gratuities, and a $35 per person international airport departure tax. Fare of $235.75 per person for return flights from and to Belize International Airport must be added; the Lodge can book internal air transfers on the guest’s behalf. Rack room rates are $575 ppdo, $495 triple and $785 single. The Toledo Tourism Expo November 13 will celebrate cultural diversity of the Garifuna, Mayan and East Indian cultures. The Battle of the Drums competition will showcase the best drumming from Belize, Honduras and Guatemala. The Garifuna in southern Belize are part of the Garifuna diaspora created by their expulsion from the islands of St Thomas and St Vincent in the 1790s. They retain their own language, culture, music, medicine and religious practices. The Lodge at Big Falls, www.thelodgeatbigfalls.com www.travelworldnews.com • Travel World News

LATIN AMERICA COSTA RICA’S TABACON HONORED ON WORLD SAVERS AWARDS, FIRST TIME ON LIST A newcomer to the Conde Nast Traveler World Savers Awards, Tabacón Grand Spa Thermal Resort in Costa Rica, has earned an honorable mention in the poverty relief category. The resort’s Poverty Relief Program, which matches each optional $3 per-room, per-night guest donation to support schools and a shelter for orphans, scored the highest rating in the competition among large resorts worldwide. The Awards recognize resorts worldwide dedicated to social responsibility. A team of 22 expert judges and seven editors chose the honorees for the awards from a record-breaking 164 applicants; awards were announced in the September issue. A ceremony will be held in Singapore October 19–20 during the annual Condé Nast Traveler World Savers Congress to formally announce the award winners. This new social responsibility honor directly follows Tabacón’s recent achievement of the Luxury Eco Certification Standards (LECS) from Sustainable Travel International (STI) in association with The Leading Hotels of the World. Individually owned Tabacón is a consistent world leader in responsible travel and sustainability efforts and is a 100-percent carbon neutral resort recognized by the Government of Costa Rica. Tabacón’s Green Brigade ensures that the resort continues to conserve energy and water, as well as recycle, which helps to protect the natural treasures and resources that inhabit the resort’s 872 acres. The brigade, comprised of staff members, focuses on community service to proactively preserve Costa Rica’s wildlife, rainforest and the Arenal Volcano. This year, Tabacón Grand Spa Thermal Resort joins three other Costa Rican World Savers Awards honorees: Nature Air, an overall winner in the airline section based on its education programs and wildlife conservation and the world’s first carbon-neutral airline; Pacuare Lodge, receiving an honorable mention for environment preservation by using non-fossil fuels and generating electricity via water-driven turbine; and Cayuga, the overall winner among small hotel chains, a hotel group that invests two to five percent of their revenue in social-responsibility projects. Costa Rica’s goal is to become the world’s first carbon-neutral country by 2021. Tabacón Grand Spa Thermal Resort, 877-277-8291, www.tabacon.com; Condé Nast Traveler World Savers Awards, http://www.concierge.com/cntraveler/articles/502974

well-appointed standard deluxe rooms, luxury suites, celebrity villas and casitas are uniquely designed to give guests the most impressive views of the lava-flowing side of Arenal Volcano, one of the 10 most active in the world. The resort offers exclusive use of its private walking paths with babbling brooks, large and small waterfalls and excellent bird watching. Guests enjoy self-guided healthful wanders, or tap the services of the resort’s onsite wildlife guide. Conveniently located near many of the area’s popular attractions, guests of Lost Iguana can walk the famous Hanging Bridges, enjoy white-water rafting adventures, rappel alongside cascading waterfalls into stunning canyons, or take dips in the local thermal hot springs. The new Balinese-themed Golden Gecko Spa provides a host of relaxing treatments including the Costa Rican Facial with volcanic clay, the Mango Lily Body Polish to nourish and exfoliate, and a Cocoon Steam Therapy session that improves circulation and detoxifies the body. There are open-air massage bungalows and all guests have full use of the complimentary gym and saunas. Lost Iguana Resort & Spa’s “Two for Two Special” saves guests 50 percent off regular rates. Four-night stays start at $370 ppdo, including two free nights and daily breakfast. Guests will also receive a complimentary couples massage when travel agents mention Travel World News at the time of booking. This package is available for travel through November 15, 2010. Lost Iguana Resort & Spa, maritzalostiguana@mac.com, www.lostiguanaresort.com

LOST IGUANA RESORT & SPA ANNOUNCES ‘TWO FOR TWO’ SPECIAL WITH 50 PERCENT OFF ROOMS THROUGH NOVEMBER Travelers staying two nights at Costa Rica’s upscale Lost Iguana Resort & Spa through November 15 will get two bonus nights free (including breakfast daily)—an incredible 50 percent off regular rates. What’s more, they’ll also receive a complimentary couples massage at the resort’s beautiful Golden Gecko Spa when the travel agent mentions Travel World News at the time of booking this “Two for Two” special. Nestled on 120 acres of pristine rainforest, the Lost Iguana’s 42 Travel World News • www.travelworldnews.com

OCTOBER 2010 •

LATIN AMERICA CHILE’S SONESTA HOTEL CONCEPTION THANKS ASSOCIATES POST-EARTHQUAKE

Sonesta Hotel Conception recently expressed thanks to the Sonesta family, GHL hotels and friends for all the help they extended post-earthquake. With this support, they were able to recover quickly and achieve results with partners. On August 10, delivery was made of the first house built as the result of this solidarity, and later in the month, 25 fully repaired houses were delivered belonging to staff. In addition, the entire staff received a full complement of crockery and glassware for six. Help with other costs, particularly in health, was also granted. Sonesta delivered a fixed sum to each collaborator, sharing the help provided with each member of its staff. This action earned an average 53-percent occupancy on all rooms, an excellent result considering the percentage of remodeling that’s done constantly. By September 20, the hotel had 100 percent of its guest rooms remodeled and ready to provide services. Sonesta Conception launched an effort to help Coliumo, whose population was one of the most affected by the tsunami. A day was shared with 45 hotel workers delivering food, clothing, electric heaters, etc.; lunch was shared with locals and at playgrounds. Sonesta Hotel Concepcion’s team expressed gratitude to Sonesta International Hotels, GHL Central Office, all the hotels operated by GHL Hotels, Caves, Setel, PYM, Sun Vacation Club, Lercos, Innsist, Zeus, Embassy Suites and Christian Vasquez for his significant contribution to the campaign. Sonesta Hotel Concepcion, www.sonesta.com/concepcion

HACIENDA CUSIN DESIGN ENHANCEMENTS TO FURTHER BEAUTIFY ECUADORIAN ESTATE Design changes finishing soon will further enhance Hacienda Cusin, a restored, 17th-century Andean estate in Ecuador. A dramatic redesign of the reception courtyard will be completed by mid-October. Redecorated guest rooms Sierra 11–16 will be considerably enlarged and now brighter, and will have a wider ‘hacienda’ corridor with terracotta roof-tiles and white banisters, similar to the patio surrounding the central house. Rooms 12, 13 and 15 will have tall, traditionally designed façades. Guests will have more space to relax and check their complimentary wi-fi. This very personal hotel and its attentive staff are close to the 34 • OCTOBER 2010

Equatorial Line and the famous market town of Otavalo. Spanishcolonial Quito and its airports are available by direct shuttle via a new and improved PanAmerican Highway that has facilitated direct airport transfers to and from Cusin. A romantic, tailor-made Andean wedding at Hacienda Cusin is an unforgettable event. Two- to six-day weddings have been managed for groups of five to 200 guests from all over the world—Ecuador, the United States, Iceland, Colombia, Sweden, Great Britain, Hong Kong, etc. This important event is best served by an initial meeting, preferably at Cusin or by arrangement in New York City. The bride arrives at Hacienda Cusin in a horse-drawn carriage. Making her entrance through a 17th-century garden patio, she proceeds on a rose-petal path to her wedding ceremony. Family, friends and her groom await in Cusin’s main garden, under the shadows of an ancient cedro tree. After the ceremony, a wedding-party procession, with folklórica musicians, goes to a reception in El Monasterio, one of Hacienda Cusin’s two sister hotels. The wedding ball ends with a spectacular fireworks display. Hacienda Cusin, www.haciendacusin.com; El Monasterio de Cusin, www.elmonasteriodecusin.com, Las Palmeras Inn, www.laspalmerasinn.com

EPICUREAN ECUADOR FEATURED AT LA MIRAGE WITH COTACACHI/OTAVALO TOUR Agents can now offer clients interested in learning the art of Ecuadorian cuisine on a trip to Ecuador and Galapagos a threeday/two-night package at La Mirage that includes cooking school. The commissionable package at $854 ppdo includes: round-trip private transportation Quito–Cotacachi with stops en route at Otavalo market, Peguche, etc.; two nights’ suite accommodations with American breakfast and three-course a la carte dinner; two threehour, hands-on cooking classes per person supervised and instructed by a team of professional chefs (apron and cooking utensils provided); two luncheons (as prepared) served with one glass of white and one glass of red wine; 22-percent taxes per government regulation; and a certificate of participation at the end of the class. There is a longer, more in-depth package available, as well as a two-day cooking class that can be booked for passengers staying at another property in the Otavalo area. If guests would like one cooking class during their stay at La Mirage, that can also be requested (subject to availability at the time they’ll be present), along with its price. La Mirage Garden Hotel & Spa has 23 luxury rooms and suites and a world-class spa. The hotel’s cooking school is hosted by proprietor Jorge Espinosa, who trained at the famous Hotel Training School in Bad Reichenhall, Bavaria, Germany, and honed his culinary skills at several notable hotels before opening La Mirage in 1986. He teaches a unique style that blends ancient pre-Incan cuisine with the experience he’s gained working with some of the best chefs in the world. LARC (Latin America Reservation Center), 800-327-3573, travel@LARC1.com; La Mirage, www.mirage.com.ec www.travelworldnews.com • Travel World News

LATIN AMERICA RED MANGROVE GALAPAGOS LODGES HAS ECO-LODGES, PADI, MULTI-ISLAND TOURS

Red Mangrove Galapagos Lodges, a hospitality company pioneering responsible, multi-island land-based touring in the Galapagos, has secured PADI Dive Resort certification for its lodge operations. In so doing the company underscores its commitment to programming that supports sustainability in this fragile ecosystem. Guests of Red Mangrove Galapagos Lodges may choose from a selection of set itineraries of varying lengths or create their own private bespoke adventure. Daily activities include naturalist tours, wildlife viewing, snorkeling, scuba diving, hiking, mountain biking and more. Red Mangrove’s certified PADI Dive operations offer the latest equipment, expert instructors and safety features. For divers novice to advanced, Red Mangrove offers many options and packages. Prices vary per length of stay, party size and chosen itinerary. 2010 rates for the popular eight-day/seven-night Full Adventure in Galapagos program start at $2,602 ppdo and include a 10-percent service charge, all meals noted in the itinerary, excursions with English-speaking naturalist guides, boat transfers between lodges, free use of bikes when in Puerto Ayora and Isabela and all snorkeling gear. There is a 25-percent discount for children under 10 years old. Red Mangrove Galapagos Lodges is the life work of native Ecuadorian Hernan Rodas whose passion for and commitment to the Galapagos led to the creation of the branded travel option for visitors preferring a sustainable, land-based option to a cruise experience. Red Mangrove Galapagos Lodges, 888-254-3190, www.redmangrove.com/contact-us, www.redmangrove.com

AZUR REAL HOTEL BOUTIQUE ATTAINS CONDE NAST’S HOT LIST Azur Real Hotel, the first boutique hotel in the city of Cordoba, Agentina, has made Conde Nast’s Hot List, which annually highlights the best hotels in the world. The luxury hotel provides all the services important to business and leisure travelers. Details are seen in every amenity: pillow menu, 180-thread-count linens, women’s and men’s robes and slippers in all rooms, and attractive, upscale furnishings. Relaxing treatments and massages are available in the comfort of the rooms or on the deck of the hotel. The wooden deck on the hotel’s top floor offers a splash pool for reTravel World News • www.travelworldnews.com

laxation. Sunsets on the terrace accompanied by its soft lighting are the perfect background for a snack like Colonia Caroya salami accompanied by an excellent wine. El Papagayo, located on the upper floor of the hotel, is one of the most exclusive dining experiences in town. The restaurant is small and is open to locals and hotel guests and also for special events; booking in advance is recommended. Javier Rodriguez Arias, its chef, is experienced in international cuisine and has cooked for prominent figures throughout his career. The restaurant, whose menu changes each month, also features an eight-course tasting menu. Among the cultural highlights close by is the Jesuit block, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2000, the historic center, temples, museums, mansions and art galleries. El Paseo de las Artes, the city’s park surrounded by greenery, has more than 350 antique and craft stalls. A great variety of restaurants, entertainment and shows are available in nearby cities, along with shopping centers and malls, as well as the more than 40 in Córdoba. Nightlife in Córdoba vibrates with countless bars, theaters, restaurants and nightclubs. Azur Real Boutique Hotel, info@azurrealhotel.com, www.azurrealhotel.com

METROPOLITAN TOURING GETS HONORABLE MENTION IN WORLD SAVERS AWARDS Condé Nast Traveler has awarded Metropolitan Touring an Honorable Mention in the category of Poverty Alleviation as part of the World Savers Awards 2010, listed in its September issue. The awards will be announced in a formal ceremony during the annual Condé Nast Traveler World Savers Congress in Singapore October 19. Judges—academics, CEOs, and philanthropists—looked at five types of initiatives: education, poverty alleviation, wildlife conservation, cultural and environmental preservation, and health. The chosen companies listed are turning travel’s enormous potential to improve the planet, into reality. Metropolitan Touring was also recognized by World Savers Award in 2008 with an Honorable Mention in the category of Wildlife Conservation. Metropolitan Touring actively participates in and promotes corporate stewardship, nature conservation initiatives and projects that improve the quality of life of local communities. These efforts, in Galapagos, include: solid-waste recycling on Santa Cruz Island; coastal cleaning outings with volunteers and local fishermen’s boats; expedition voyages for Galápagos students to improve awareness; expediting burnt oil and used filters from the Galápagos to the mainland; contributions to a bakery and handcrafts enterprise for local women’s projects. Metropolitan Touring’s Boutique Hotel in downtown Quito, Casona de San Miguel, sponsors neighborhood community work; it opens mid-2011. Mashpi Lodge’s construction and operational standards incorporate best practices in environmental design and community involvement (also opening mid-2011). Metropolitan Touring, www.metropolitan-touring.com OCTOBER 2010 •

PACIFIC ASIA

Korea: The Best of Asia in One Small Country – Asia’s 21st-Century Surprise! BARRY GOLDSMITH BARRY GOLDSMITH

hen someone says they’re going to China, the reaction is usually “Wow!” When someone says they’re going to Japan, the reaction is usually “Wow!” When someone says they’re going to South Korea, the reaction is usually “Why?” Never thought you’d be caught dead in a Hyundai Sonata? Take a look at the 2011 Hyundai Sonata – absolute beauty. The stunning new Hyundai Sonata symbolizes the surprising beauty that awaits the tourist in South Korea. Beijing’s Forbidden City (palace) is truly one of the outstanding palaces in the world. For tourists who love palaces, it’s a must. Tokyo has a magnificent royal palace – just one royal palace. But it’s closed to the public (unless you’re lucky enough to visit on the emperor’s birthday – or unless you’re the emperor). For palace lovers there’s another “must” – Seoul. Seoul has not one, but five royal palaces! For those who love the changing of the guard, sadly the Forbidden City doesn’t change guards. (Just security guards’ shifts.) Buckingham Palace has its daily changing of the guard. (It’s a good thing those English guards wear very tall bearskin hats – so you can at least see fur moving above the crowd.) Seoul has two changings of the guard – at the Gyeongbok Palace and another at the Deoksu Palace. And because Seoul is still an undiscovered gem, you actually get to see the guards changing – head to toe. Not only are there five palaces, with every palace is set in extensive grounds – larger than most urban parks. This makes Seoul one of Asia’s greenest cities. The Changdeok Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage site and not just because of its palaces. Changdeok Palace even has a “Secret Garden” – which won’t be so secret once tourism to Seoul catches on. China has a long history of famous dynasties – Qin, Han, Tang, Song, Ming, Qing, etc. Japan’s royal family is well known in America. Korea also has a royal dynastic history – and the art, architecture and culture that goes with it. (All five of Seoul’s royal palaces are from the Joseon Dynasty 1392-1910.) Not only does Seoul have five royal palaces, it also has another UNESCO site unique in all the world – Jongmyo Royal Ancestral Shrine (17th century). This shrine is more than a temple. It’s the resting place for the spirits of Joseon Royals according to Confucianism. Architecturally it’s stupendous. While it’s not as old as the Sanjusangendo Temple in Kyoto (Japan), it vies with its Japanese counterpart for longest wooden structure in the world. And if you view the colonnade long portico from the 36 • OCTOBER 2010

Andong Hahoe Folk Village, South Korea’s Colonial Williamsburg, the world’s latest UNESCO site.

right perspective, it takes on the surrealist feel of an arcade in a de Chirico painting. If you like the Drum and Bell Towers in major Chinese cities, you’ll love Seoul’s equivalent: ancient gateways. Seoul’s ancient-city gates “float” in traffic – such as their #1 “historical treasure” (yes, South Korea actually numbers their treasures while preserving them), a 14th-century gateway (that is being restored after an arson attack). Surprised that Seoul has five palaces? You’ll be even more surprised to find it such a green city. One of the world’s most daunting green projects has restored a small natural river running more than two miles through the heart of Seoul. Sadly, the river was filled in and topped with an elevated highway cutting the city in half and adding to its pollution. Boston’s “Big Dig” buried a highway, creating a similar swatch of urban green. But that took almost a generation. Seoul’s was finished in a mere two and a half years! That’s how things get done in South Korea. The restoration of Seoul’s river did more than bring back fish, fowl and fauna – it created an outdoor museum running its entire length. Fountains, statues, mobiles and murals surround a sunken, natural hiking trail. Tourists escape the city while being in the heart of the city. If it’s too inclement for outdoor art, visit Seoul’s many outstanding museums. The world’s sixth largest museum and one of the newest is Seoul’s National Museum of Korea – set in its own large green park with gardens, ponds and restaurants. The building and setting are as dazzling as the art. If you like the different neighborhoods of New York and London, you’ll love Seoul. Each Seoul neighborhood has its CONTINUED ON PAGE

www.travelworldnews.com • Travel World News

PACIFIC ASIA FROM PAGE

38 • OCTOBER 2010

BARRY GOLDSMITH

KOREA

own “high street” (as the Brits would call it) with major stores, malls and restaurants. I was lucky to stay in my favorite neighborhood, Itaewon. Itaewon is very eclectic and international. Itaewon has great international restaurants, interesting stores, many tailors and some of the finest hotels. I stayed in two entirely different hotels, both in Itaewon. During my last visit to Seoul, I stayed at the Grand Hyatt Seoul, perched on a hill offering 360-degree views. On a clear day, you can sightsee without even leaving the hotel. The Grand Hyatt has seven restaurants. I wish I had stayed long enough to sample all of them. Their buffet had me eating both Korean specialties like bibimbap (hot rice and vegetables with raw egg) and kim chi (fermented cabbage), which I enjoyed along with apple pie and their interpretation of New York cheesecake. My other hotel was a new hotel, the Imperial Palace Boutique Hotel, right on Itaewon’s main drag. It’s the most “swinging” hotel I’ve ever experienced. The lobby has chairs and real swings. Almost every Seoul neighborhood has a museum. Itaewon has the Leeum Museum, founded by the Samsung family. You can tell a great city (Beijing, Shanghai, Tokyo, Taipei) by the “starchitects.” The museum’s three distinct buildings were designed by three different international super-star architects: Mario Botta, Rem Koolhaus and Jean Nouvel. Located in yet another park is the War Memorial Museum – actually an anti-war museum. The museum’s surrounding parks park old airplanes, tanks, artillery and commerative statues, You could spend hours here even before entering the museum. The museum documents Korea’s many wars with China and Japan going back centuries. Some of the lifesize tableaus are even animated. The overpowering display is the planes suspended in mid-air. For those who love the Smithsonian’s Air and Space Museum, this Seoul memorial museum is a must. Yes, Koreans have a sense of humor. After all they must, with the Kim Chi Museum and the Chicken Art Museum – real museums. With so much to see in Seoul, I was chicken to leave it. However, I’m glad I did to see magnificent temples, gardens and scenery of South Korea’s southeast, Gyeonju Province. On the way to Gyeonju we stopped in Andong Hahoe Folk Village – South Korea’s newest (designated last month) UNESCO site. As an architectural historian, I love Sturbridge Village (MA), Mystic Seaport (CT), Skansen Village (Stockholm), Bucharest Village Museum, etc. What separates Andong from the above? Andong is a real Korean village that was built in situ. Buildings were not moved from all over Korea to form an ersatz outdoor museum. This village (16th century on) is still lived in today – albeit with 21st-century conveniences.

Gyeongju Bulguksa Temple, one of two UNESCO sites in Korea.

Now it’s southeast to Gyeongju, the province with the oldest and most magnificent Korean art and architecture, in bucolic settings. There are two UNESCO sites very close to each other – Seokguram and Bulguksa Temple. Seokguram, on a mountain top distantly overlooking the Pacific, is an artificially created cave with a vaulted (Mycenae-like beehive) dome. Under this dome sits a sublime stone-carved 8th-century Buddha. The walls have smaller Buddha sculptures. The effect is like the famous Indian Buddhist caves at Ajanta and Karla. Masterpieces worth the climb. The large Bulguksa Temple complex (8th century) is unlike any other temple in Korea, China or even Japan. [The closest any other building comes is the Byodoin Temple (outside Kyoto)]. Bulguksa’s high stone base (more like a pedestal than a foundation) is orginal. The wooden parts were destroyed in the Japanese conquest of 1592 and rebuilt starting in the 17th century. The entrance is unique. It’s a long horizontal wooden building resting on an ancient stone pediment intersected by three 90-degree wooden pavilions forming the portals – much like a medieval cathedral’s transept intersecting the nave. Each of the three protrusions is further accentuated by stone stairways tumbling down into the road in front. If you like the art, architecture and cuisine of China and Japan, visit the great country that’s the go-between between the two of them – literally and figuratively – South Korea. And if you only have a few hours’ layover at South Korea’s Incheon International Airport, near Seoul, take one of their transit tours. Like tossing coins into Rome’s Trevi Fountain, taking a transit tour almost guarantees that you’ll return. Then you’ll experience all the above that South Korea offers – and much more.

The Korea Tourism Organization, 800-TourKorea, www.visitkorea.or.kr; The Grand Hyatt Seoul, www.hyatt.com; The Imperial Palace Boutique Hotel, www.imperialpalace.co.kr; Asiana Airlines, www.flyasiana.com www.travelworldnews.com • Travel World News

PACIFIC ASIA

R E S O U R C E

D I R E C T O R Y Spreading Wings, Transforming Dreams

Presently, Bangkok Airways has obtained permits to operate scheduled flights of over 20 different major routes—covering nearly all major resort destinations in Thailand. Additionally, the airline has also obtained permits to fly internationally to Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, China, and Japan.

www.bangkokair.com

We are committed to promote our heritage and the unique attractions of Palau through sustainable tourism development and the encouragement of responsible practices.

www.bulafiji-americas.com

www.visit-palau.com

EVA Air had lofty goals when it made its maiden flight and today, we fly to more than 40 destinations on four continents, including Asia, Australia, Europe and North America. In addition, carefully developed alliances with major carriers worldwide give EVA Air a far-reaching service network that benefits both passenger and cargo customers.

www.evaair.com

Our enchanting islands...a place like no other in the world. With our unique Pacific customs and way of life, ancient stone money, friendly, smiling faces, warm and generous people and an underwater realm that’s been called one of the world’s best places to dive, come to Yap to experience first-hand all that our islands have to offer.

www.visityap.com

MELANESIAN TOURIST SERVICES Madang Resort – The combined properties offer 170 standard, deluxe, executive and presidential suites. Kalibobo Village overlooks Dallman Passage at the entrance of the beautiful Madang Harbour and adjacent to the historic Madang Resort – is PNG’s newest resort. Kalibobo Spirit is Papua New Guinea's ultimate private charter vessel. Based in Madang, it offers unique, personalized luxury day and extended charters. Niugini Diving Adventures is solely owned and operated by MTS to provide P.A.D.I. services to guests at the Madang Resort, Kalibobo, Malagan aboard the Sepik Spirit.

We look forward to your continued interest in Papua New Guinea.

www.mtspng.com

Welcome to the exotic culture of PAPUA NEW GUINEA Five luxury ships exploring four countries, Pandaw is the largest luxury river cruise company in Asia. We offer a real adventure experience, travellers experience incredible comfort, fine dining, great cocktails and choice wines, not to mention extraordinary levels of service. Our ships were built new and designed and finished as replicas of colonial river steamers. These small ships have the highest space to passenger ratio of any ships afloat – our much loved staterooms are 170 square feet and finished in teak and brass.

www.pandaw.com

Learn what it really means to step back in time where the worries of the world fade and the magic of nature unfolds.

866-629-3837

www.tawali.com

PACIFIC ASIA

Big on Nature, Big on Culture, Big on Surprises – The Small Island of Taiwan BARRY GOLDSMITH BARRY GOLDSMITH

orace Greeley told Americans in search of adventure to “Go West, young man.” To those in search of adventure in Taiwan, my advice is “Go East, young man, young woman – people of every age!” Taiwan developed in the opposite direction of the United States. Its west coast has its many large cities from Taipei in the north, to Taichung and Tainan in the middle and Kaohsiung in the south. Immigrants from Mainland China developed Taiwan’s west coast. And since Europeans (Portuguese, Spanish, Dutch, British) arrived from the west, that was also their first point of debarkation. Taiwan’s east coast is near Japan, so it was developed later, from 1890 to 1945 – the period of Japanese occupation. (Japan’s first Far East colony.) Taiwan’s west is built up with modern infrastructure such as bullet trains and multilane highways. It’s Taiwan’s east that’s rugged, unspoiled with pristine natural beauty that even this city slicker – an architecture professor – can love. Though not bullet trains as in western Taiwan, trains crossing the country (west to east) from Taipei to Hualien are still faster than most American trains, and more scenic. No garbage strewn along its tracks. (If you want to see beer cans and tires in Taiwan, grab a can of beer and go to an auto showroom. If cleanliness is next to Godliness, Taiwan is heaven. It’s that clean.) Traveling along the eastern coastline from Hualien to Kenting, we see rugged scenery – cliffs jutting out into the sea with natural unspoiled beaches. Many scenes suggest what Hawaii’s Waikiki Beach – with Diamond Head jutting out into the Pacific – must have looked like before Captain Cook discovered it. Toward the middle of Taiwan’s eastern coastline, there’s a geographic surprise. One of the highly touted tourist sites in Ecuador is the Equator’s monuments. I had forgotten that Taiwan is on the Tropic of Cancer – but you’ll remember that when you see its majestic monument of demarcation. (Or when you start seeing sub-tropical vegetation and crops such as bananas and pineapples.) Having been to over 100 countries, I find something from almost every country to be discovered in Taiwan. Israel has 12 Tribes. Taiwan has its 14 recognized indigenous tribes. The largest is the Amis (which in French means “Friends”) – a name that applies to the Amis we met. Native Americans have their unique cultures. Australia has its indigenous inhabitants, the aborigines. And, contrary to 40 • OCTOBER 2010

“Amis Country’s” Cifaydahan Cafe redefines “fresh” and “homemade.”

some preconceived ideas, Chaing Kai-Shek did not bring his followers to a deserted island. When did the Amis come to Taiwan? There was no one with a steno pad and pen ready to greet them upon arrival – so no one knows for sure. What’s known is the Amis number around 150,000 (the most of any tribe) and they mainly live between Hualien and Taitung. Lancaster County (PA) is a popular American tourist destination. Tourists visit to experience the unusual Amish lifestyle and to sample their Amish cuisine. That’s what I was lucky enough to do in Taiwan’s Amis Country. We ate at the Cifaydahan Café – owned and operated by its chef, “Nakaw” (her Amis name). Nakaw also designed the café and created most of the art. Sounds like a lot of work for one woman – but then, the Amis is a matriarchal society. Cifaydahan Café is the epitome of “green” – everything is grown on location, including the fish in the pond. Even the mushrooms are collected the same day from the forest – the same one that supplied the wood to construct the café. Taroko Gorge was covered before in Travel World News. It’s still worth mentioning that its one gorge is as awesome as Mainland China’s Three Gorges. I stayed before at the beautiful Formosa Inn, which this year became Silk’s – a luxury resort, with spa, zen-like décor and atmosphere. It’s so restful that this city slicker slept with the balcony door open to hear the rush of the river. South of Taroko Gorge is Chihpen with a natural hot spring developed by the Japanese. The closest I had ever gotten to any spring, hot or cold, was having lunch in the Pump Room in Bath (England) and sampling their sulfur-enriched hotspring water, once. Not wanting to brave my first hot spring in public in a Speedo (or in my case, a “Speedon’t”), I had the luxury of experiencing its hot-spring water in my own tub in the privacy of my own bathroom. CONTINUED ON PAGE

www.travelworldnews.com • Travel World News

PACIFIC ASIA FROM PAGE

Never have so many surprises come in such a small island. The next town down on this eastern rural coast of Taiwan, Taitung, has the amazing, modern, high-tech National Museum of Prehistory! (High tech on a subject that’s “no tech.”) At the southernmost point of the east coast – “Taiwan’s Tail” – (just before it turns into the West Coast) is one of Taiwan’s most beautiful areas, with many natural beaches – Kenting. Hsiaowan has magnificent unspoiled white beaches – that is until travel agents start sending planeloads of tourists there. This peninsula, surrounded by crystal-clear waters, is ideal for scuba diving and snorkeling amid coral shoals. Rounding Taiwian’s southern corner, we reach to its secondlargest city and biggest port, Kaohsiung. And we’re back to 21st-century high-speed trains, fantastic stadiums and spectacular architecture such as Kaohsuing’s tallest building, the Tuntex Skytower, complete with luxury hotel. (I call it the Godzilla building because its twin towers form the legs and the third building – covering the space between the two lower towers – forms its torso.) Part of Koahsiung’s 21st-century infrastructure is the new subway. Moscow’s subway, the most fabulous and famous in the world, has a station with stained-glass windows – and now it’s not the only one. Kaohsiung has a station with magnificent stained-glass windows, too. My specialty is recommending sites (“BEEN THERE, HAVEN’T DONE THAT”) missed around the world by most Americans. In Mainland China, I recommend an overnight trip from Beijing to Emperor Qianlong’s wonderful summer resort town of Chengde – for its overpowering eight temples in a row. You don’t have to go to Beijing to see eight temples dramatically lined up. Just a few miles from downtown Kaohsiung, on beautiful Lotus Lake, there are even more than eight temples – and most of them are actually built in the lake and linked to the shore by causeways. Imagine Santa Monica’s pier times eight! Now let’s look at nature near Taipei – just a half-day trip north of Taipei are two unique natural wonders in coastal Yehliu. You don’t have to go to England to look at the queen’s head. Just gaze at the gigantic natural rock formation – coincidentally called “Queen’s Head” – and see her. In profile she looks like a real queen. She’s the image of Queen Nefertiti, the world-famous bust in Berlin. On this trip to the rugged coast just north of Taipei, you’ll see rock formations that only a few others have seen – such as Neil Armstrong. Yehliu has the most intriguing lunar-like rock formations this side of the moon. If you love the beauty of nature, this is the perfect time to visit Taipei. For nearly six months, you’ll see flora from around the world in one place – the Taipei International Flora Expo from November 6, 2010 to April 25, 2011. This flora 42 • OCTOBER 2010

BARRY GOLDSMITH

TAIWAN

Taipei National Theater (at the Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial), part of Taipei’s booming nightlife and arts scene.

expo has more in common with the Shanghai Expo than it does with London’s Chelsea Flower Show. Areas of Taipei that have been unused and neglected are being redeveloped – improving the city’s quality of life once the expo closes. The Taipei International Flora Expo will have more permanent pavilions than the Shanghai Expo. And most of these pavilions are green technologically as well as botanically. Its Fashion Pavilion is made from discarded plastic bottles, which insulate against heat and allow in light – a first for Taiwan and the world. Other pavilions have similar innovations. If you’re familiar with Taipei, you’re not surprised. Every time I return to Taipei, there’s something new to marvel at. Whether I bring tourists or press to Taiwan, they’re always amazed at its culture. Taipei has the world’s first 24/7 bookstore, Esclite. The number of museums grows each year as do the number of theaters. The Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial is more than just a national monument. It’s framed by twin theaters – the National Concert Hall and the National Theater. It’s Taipei’s Lincoln Center. Taipei is planning ahead. On the drawing board is yet another performing-arts complex with two theaters spanning a roadway. And to accommodate all the increased business and tourism, there’s a hotel boom. This December, Taipei joins the hippest cities of the world, with the opening of its W Taipei Hotel – which literally will open with a “big splash”: its design theme is an urban beach. Taipei gets a French accent, also in December, when its first chic Le Meridien Hotel opens. Good things come in small packages. Great sightseeing comes on small islands, Taiwan. Taiwan has it all, great natural beauty and one of the world’s great manmade centers of commerce, art and culture – Taipei.

Taiwan Tourism Bureau, www.go2taiwan.net; Westin Taipei, Sheraton Taipei, W Taipei, Le Meridien Taipei, www.Starwood.com; Silks Place Hotel Taroko Gorge, www.silksplace-taroko.com.tw; Hotel Royal Chihpen: www.hotel-royal-chihpen.com.tw; Eva Airlines, www.evaair.com www.travelworldnews.com • Travel World News

PACIFIC ASIA MALAYSIA IS BECOMING A LEADING GOLF DESTINATION

first multi-year agreement in Southeast Asia. The inaugural event will feature 40 international players with a $6-million purse, with another $1 million going to the winner. The LPGA inaugural Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia will be played at the impressive Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club (KLGCC) October 22–24. The three-year agreement tournament will feature the top 50 LPGA members from the Official Money List and 10 sponsor exemptions in a 54-hole, no-cut tournament. Additional information on Malaysia along with a complete list of its golf courses can be found on Tourism Malaysia’s website. Tourism Malaysia, www.tourism.gov.my

Malaysia is adding another compelling activity to its long list of reasons to visit: Golf. The country made history recently when both the PGA TOUR and LPGA announced tournaments would be held there. “This is indeed very exciting for the PGA TOUR to be able to venture into Southeast Asia, an opportunity made possible through the commitment shown by the Malaysian government, the organizational capabilities of Carbon Worldwide and PGA Promotions of Malaysia, and access to a world-class golf facility in The Mines Resort & Golf Club. Southeast Asia has great potential for burgeoning growth in golf, and we are extremely pleased to take this significant first step into the marketplace,” said PGA TOUR Vice President of Business Development, Matthew Rapp. Malaysia has an incredible array of beautiful golf courses throughout the country, from city landscapes surrounded with gleaming skyscrapers to lush jungles—monkeys and exotic birds included. Many of them were created by world-renowned designers such as Jack Nicklaus, Robert Trent-Jones, Max Wexler, and Ted Parslow. “Malaysia is rapidly emerging as Asia’s leading golf destination, with over 200 golf courses currently available around the country. It has bloomed as the ideal destination for combining a memorable vacation with an exciting game of golf; and the hosting of a PGA TOUR event is testimony to Malaysia’s strong golfing heritage,” said the Prime Minister, Y.A.B. Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib Bin Tun Haji Abdul Razak. The PGA TOUR will introduce the Asia Pacific Golf Classic, Malaysia 2010 at The Mines Resort & Golf Club October 28–31, the

KUMUKA EXPANDS CYCLING TOURS WITH ADDITION OF NEW SRI LANKAN TOUR Adventure travel specialist Kumuka Worldwide has introduced a new tour in Sri Lanka targeted to those who love to travel and love to cycle. The 12-day tour includes visits to remote villages, tea estates, temples, botanical gardens, safaris, national parks and fortresses. Included are seven nights’ hotel accommodation and four nights’ guesthouse, 11 breakfasts and 11 dinners, all activities and entrance fees as per itinerary, the fully escorted tour with local biking guide, support vehicle, mountain bike, drinking water and snacks for cycling days. The tour is priced at $1,465 per person.The cycling tour is graded moderate to hard. Cyclers need to have a good level of fitness and mobility and good experience of mountain biking. The challenge of substantial altitude gains in short time periods is rewarded by unpolluted environments with endless opportunities to enjoy nature, and visits to world-renowned attractions. There is the option of adding on a four-day Bentota Beach extension to the end of the tour. Bentota has become an area not only for relaxation with its peaceful surroundings of sun, sea, sand and lush tropical foliage, but for many activities such as windsurfing, water skiing and diving to explore the treasures of the underwater sea world. The new tour compliments the company’s existing cycling tours in Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand and Laos. Kumuka Worldwide, 800-517-0867, adventureexperts@kumuka.com, www.kumuka.com

1. Easy to navigate Website

6. Over 40 years Experience

2. Most extensive Travel Planners

7. Friendly and knowledgeable Staff

3. Best airfares on the best airlines

8. Most Options for travel ideas

4. Amazing $uper$pecial$

9. Members of USTOA

5. Sydney ofﬁce for extra Convenience

10. Voted “Best Wholesale Partner”

Earn up to 15% commission

2016613-20

TOP 10 REASONS TO GO with

Request our TRAVEL PLANNERS

Check out our $uperSpecial$ at www.goway.com or call 1.888.469.2944 Travel World News • www.travelworldnews.com

OCTOBER 2010 •

PACIFIC ASIA FLY GUAM SOON TO BEGIN SERVICE

Locally owned Freedom Air and Hong Kong-based World Aviation Incorporated Ltd., have announced the two companies will join forces to form Fly Guam, an international carrier scheduled to begin service from Guam to major Asian cities toward the end of the fourth quarter of 2010. The airline’s marketing strategy includes integrating the “Hafa Adai Spirit” into everything from in-flight meals and employee uniforms to a quarterly in-flight magazine, said Fly Guam spokesman and WAI CEO Jeffrey Stern. The Guam brand signature will also appear on each of the airline’s planes. “Introducing another air carrier into the industry influences more competitive pricing for local residents and potential visitors,” said GVB General Manager Gerald S.A. Perez. “But the excitement that comes with the introduction of Fly Guam extends far beyond the price of tickets. The founding principles of this company are a real tribute to how our brand can transcend into the business community. Practices like serving Chamorro food on flights, featuring images of the island on the aircraft, and integrating our Guam brand signature will begin the Guam experience for visitors when they board the plane.” The airline will service Taipei, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Osaka, Manila, Palau and Seoul. Fly Guam will begin operations with two Boeing 737-300s, each with seating capacities of 112 economyclass seats and 12 business-class seats. Tickets will be sold on the Fly Guam website once it launches in the immediate future, as well as through travel agents, and city ticket offices in the Philippines, Taiwan, Hong Kong, China (Shanghai, Beijing, and Guangzhou), and Japan. Guam Visitors Bureau, egalito@visitguam.org, www.visitguam.org

GOWAY’S ESCORTED TOURS TO INCREDIBLE INDIA SHOWCASE ITS MANY WONDERS Bordered by the majestic Himalayan ranges in the north and lined with an endless stretch of golden beaches to the south, India is a vivid kaleidoscope of landscapes, magnificent historical sites and royal cities, misty mountain retreats, colorful people, rich cultures and festivals. This country offers visitors an unforgettable experience at an affordable price. Visiting India leaves globetrotters with a remarkable, individual and lasting impression. Goway’s Asia Experts offer plenty of unique travel ideas to India. India Odyssey is perfect for first-timers to India. This 12-day trip includes accommodations in first-class hotels, daily breakfast and 44 • OCTOBER 2010

dinner, transfers and sightseeing by air-conditioned vehicle and an English-speaking National guide. Visitors travel from Delhi to Varanasi; Khajuraho to Agra and Jaipur to Mumbai—all starting at $2,099. Goway’s Holidays of a Lifetime refers to a range of their aptly branded small-group experiences. The 18-day Splendours of India is an all-inclusive travel experience priced from $4,949 and is fully escorted by a North American tour director. This amazing trip starts in Mumbai and ends in New Delhi and includes the charming cities of Udaipur, Jaipur, Ranthambore, Agra, Khajuraho and Varanasi. All hotels are either first class or deluxe accommodation. Goway Travel, 800-387-8850, info@goway.com, www.goway.com

BEIJING TO HOST PATA’S 60TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS The China National Tourism Administration (CNTA) will be the host of PATA’s 60th Anniversary and Conference at Beijing’s China World Hotel April 9–12, 2011. CNTA Vice Chairman Zhu Shanzhong is enthused about the event: “We are looking forward to working with PATA for a successful conference.” Themed ‘Building Tourism: Past. Present. Progressive,’ anniversary activities will reflect on PATA’s past, highlight its present and make strides toward a progressive future. This anniversary year the power of voting in PATA’s ‘Face of the Future’ is being turned over to its members. The campaign spotlights someone who’s worked to change or advance travel and tourism in the Asia Pacific. Submissions are being accepted on the dedicated URL launched in September at PTM in Macao. This sub-section of the main PATA site is a one-stop information source for all 60th-anniversary related activities and events. An online photography exhibition grouped by decade charts key people and events in PATA’s history. More memories are found in ‘My PATA My Story,’ a commemorative book about the travel industry over the past 60 years written by PATA lifetime and honored members. ‘Tomorrow’s Tourism Competition’ will ask tourism students to contribute ideas for creating a more sustainable future for the industry. The ‘Zero Footprint Challenge,’ a competition that will launch at the anniversary celebrations in Beijing, seeks to highlight examples of tourism organizations that take environmental responsibilities seriously. Upcoming PATA events and meetings include the Adventure Travel and Responsible Tourism Conference and Mart in Nepal February 7–11; the PATA Executive Board Meeting in Hawaii February 18–19; the 60th Anniversary and Conference in Beijing April 9–12; the PTM 2011 in New Delhi September 6–9, and the Pacific Asia Indigenous Tourism Conference in Darwin, Australia, September 27–30. Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), communications@PATA.org, www.PATA.org/PATA60, www.PATA.org www.travelworldnews.com • Travel World News

BOOK

PACIFIC ASIA WITH THE FOLLOWING DESTINATION SPECIALISTS

Wo r l d w i d e t o u r s a n d travel company since 1979

Journey begins in your mind

Exotic Journeys Can Assist India • Nepal • Tibet • Bhutan • Sikkim The Himalayas • Sri Lanka Myanmar (Burma) Korea • Tours • Airfares • Hotels Customized Itineraries We pay 11% commission to booking agents. We pay additional 2% commission to booking agents who book 10 tourist on any of our published tours in one year. We are creating a separate page to list special agents/agencies who are interested in selling our tours.

A boutique travel company dedicated to exotic destinations worldwide. The Redondo Beach, California-based A CLASSIC TOURS COLLECTION offers independent and escorted tours to India, Asia, Africa, South America, the South Pacific, Greece, Turkey and Russia.

The China Symphony offers six itineraries, are to w onders like the Classic Route, the Silk Road, the Yellow M ountain, the Three Gorges of the Yangtze and a journey through “Shangri-la”– the legendary Yunnan.

Search no more, please come and join us to explore the fascinating World of the Orient.

We are launching a special promotion w ith AsiaNow Campaign and w e are presenting special related programs.

find all our helpful links at:

www.exoticjourneys.com Email: exoticjourneys@sbcglobal.net

Our goal is to provide the professional and personal service that is too often lacking in today’s business environment. We provide the information, knowledge and experience to help make the best decisions. We handle all of the details so we can make sure a vacation runs smoothly. As a Professional Travel Specialist, we promise the the best value, personal service and expert advise.

www.exoticescapestravel.com

www.aclassictour.com

Besides specializing in tours to India, Nepal, Bhutan, Tibet, Kashmir, Sri Lanka we have added to our list such destinations as Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia and Indo-China with a network of affiliate offices in the major cities of Delhi, Srinagar, Kathmandu, Bangkok, Thimpu, Lhasa, Singapore and Kuala-Lumpur – staffed with certified tourism professionals.

800-421-8975 www.himalayantours.com

www.elitetours.com

A guided visit by professionals with knowledge of the land and people will enriches a journey. We are committed to support the cultures and heritage of the countries we visit and to protect the biodiversity of the ecosystems we explore. Eco-friendly Three Camel Lodge is unparalleled comfort and service, located in the heart of Mongolia’s legendary Gobi Desert.

800-998-6634

www.nomadicexpeditions.com

SCENIC TOURS

It is comforting to know that this selection of vacations is offered through Australia and New Zealand’s most experienced tour operators— experience that brings many satisfied customers back time and again for more.

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

is not only a leader in luxury land tours – 2008 hailed the long anticipated launch of the Scenic “Space-Ships” in the European River Cruising market. The Scenic Sapphire and Scenic Emerald were launched in July 2008, with Scenic taking delivery of Scenic Diamond and Scenic Ruby in 2009. Scenic Pearl will join the fleet early in 2011.

866.689.8611

www.scenictours.com

Worldview Tours has grown to become one of the largest tour operators in the country offering tours to India, the Himalayas and the Far East – more than 25 tours covering the Indian sub-continent and Far East. Our goal is to offer quality, variety and best value that customers just cannot get from any other tour operator. We enjoy one of the highest repeat customers in the trade. Our greatest reward is planning your next trip and the next.

800-373-0388

www.worldviewtours.com OCTOBER 2010 •

PACIFIC ASIA FRIENDLY PLANET’S THAILAND TOUR A BARGAIN AT $999 Friendly Planet Travel has re-launched its nine-day Taste of Thailand tour for $999. The tour takes travelers to three of Thailand’s most dynamic and awe-inspiring cities: Bangkok, Ayutthaya, and Kanchanaburi. Included in the price are roundtrip airfare from Los Angeles via China Airlines, including fuel surcharges; intra-Thailand transportation; accommodations at firstclass hotels; daily American buffet breakfast; a welcome dinner; sightseeing tours as per itinerary and all transfers; and professional, English-speaking tour guides. The tour begins in Bangkok, Thailand’s sprawling capital city, also known as “Venice of the East.” Travelers will take a canal boat ride on Bangkok’s waterways for a close-up view of traditional Thai life. But to fully understand Thailand, it is essential to experience the fabric that binds together its national identity: its temples. Travelers will visit some of the country’s most important temple sites, including Wat Po, the oldest temple in Bangkok, and Wat Trimitr, where the five-ton, 700-year-old Golden Buddha resides, the largest in the world. Then it’s on to Ayutthaya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, best known for Bang Pa, King Rama IV’s summer palace. It represents an appealing fusion of Thai, Chinese, and European architectural styles. Next up is Kanchanaburi and the River Kwai, where visitors can ride an elephant through the lush jungle and enjoy a bamboo raft ride down the gently flowing river. Travelers can also choose from two optional extensions. The first is Phuket Island, Thailand’s largest island, also known as “the Pearl of the Andaman Sea.” This stop includes a relaxing stay at Thailand’s famous Novotel Resort with plenty of sun-drenched days on the pristine beaches of Kalim Bay. There’s also an optional tour to the astonishing Angkor Wat in Cambodia for travelers looking to explore one of the most magnificent archaeological sites in the world. Friendly Planet Travel, jackie@gregoryfca.com, blog.friendlyplanet.com, www.friendlyplanet.com

EXOTIC JOURNEYS OFFERING PRIVATE AND PERSONAL LUXURY TOURS AND 13% COMMISSION Chicago-based Exotic Journeys is now offering several monthly luxury Private and Personal tours to India with renowned upscale luxury Oberoi and Taj Hotels. The “Exotic Journeys’ Classical India Luxury Tour” is a 15-day tour that includes Delhi, Agra, Ranthambhore Tiger Project, Jaipur, Udaipur, Ranakpur and Mumbai. Visitors stay at luxury hotels: three nights at Taj Mahal Hotel, New Delhi, and two nights each at the following hotels—Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra; Oberoi Vanyavilas, Ranthambhore; Rambagh Palace, Jaipur; Lake Palace, Udaipur; and Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai. Detailed tour itinerary is available on their website.This all-inclusive tour is priced at $7,775 ppdo. The cost includes private and personal airport transfers, luxury hotels, luxury jungle lodge, all meals, comprehensive city tours, personal English-speaking tour guides, jungle safaris with resident natural46 • OCTOBER 2010

ists, sunset cruise on Lake Pichola, and all taxes and entrance fees. Additional estimated domestic airfare is $378 in economy class. The estimated airfare from New York, Newark, and Chicago is $7,090 in First Class, $3,190 in Business Class and $900 for Economy Class. Taxes and fuel surcharges are extra. Airfares remain subject to change. Business and First Class have flat beds on Air India. Nonstop flights are available on New York–Delhi and Mumbai–New York sectors. Beginning November 1, 2010, Air India will operate nonstop flight on Chicago–Delhi–Chicago and Newark–Mumbai–Newark sectors. Another all-inclusive luxury tour, “Exotic Journeys’ Mystical India” is a 21-day tour visiting Delhi, Varanasi, Khajuraho, Orcha, Agra, Jaipur, Udaipur, Mumbai, Cochin, backwaters of Kerala and Chennai. Priced at $9,475 ppdo, it includes private and personal airport transfers, luxury hotels, luxury jungle lodge, all meals, comprehensive city tours, personal English-speaking tour guides, jungle safaris with resident naturalists, and a sunset cruise on Lake Pichola, with all taxes and entrance fees. Additional estimated domestic airfare is $ 1,070 in economy class. Exotic Journeys is offering 13-percent commission for bookings received by November 30, 2010 on its selected luxury series of tours. Exotic Journeys, 800-556-6342, info@exoticjourneys.com, www.exoticjourneys.com

TOURISM MALAYSIA, SINGAPORE AIRLINES VACATIONS OFFER LUXURY TRAVEL TO MALAYSIA FOR JUST $1,299 For those interested in traveling to Southeast Asia, the timing could not be more ideal. Tourism Malaysia and Singapore Airlines Vacations have partnered together to offer travelers an unbelievable deal to visit Malaysia: five nights in Kuala Lumpur, from $1,299. This package includes roundtrip economy class airfare on Singapore Airlines (departure airports: LAX, SFO, JFK, IAH), hotel accommodation at the five-star Hotel Istana Kuala Lumpur, daily breakfast, a half-day city tour with lunch, airport/hotel transfers, and the airline fuel surcharge.The offer is for travel until November 30, 2010 and January 1 through March 31, 2011. The package must be purchased by October 10, 2010. In addition, a two-night extension to one of four destinations is available for only $299. Destinations include Penang, Kuching, and Langkawi in Malaysia, or Singapore. Accommodations are Parkroyal Penang Hotel (Panang), Hilton Kuching. Berjaya Resort (Langkawi), and the Marina Bay Sands Resort in Singapore. The Singapore extension package includes airport/hotel transfers, unlimited rides on SIA Hop-on Bus, and a 50percent discount on the food menu at designated food outlet at Marina Bay Sands.This special offer includes economy class airfare from Kuala Lumpur to the destination airport, accommodation at deluxe hotels, daily breakfast and local transfers. Prices cited are per person based on twin share. Taxes are extra. Tourism Malaysia, www.tourismmalaysiausa.com; Singapore Airlines Vacations, (booking) www.sqvacations.com www.travelworldnews.com • Travel World News

PACIFIC ASIA AUSTRALIAN PACIFIC TOURING SUGGESTS WINTER GETAWAY DOWNUNDER

Travelers looking to escape winter can greet the summer season ‘downunder’ and save $800 per couple with a 15-day South Pacific Highlights tour currently being offered by Australian Pacific Touring. Guaranteed dates for this two-week (Saturday to Saturday) vacation to Australia and New Zealand are November 6–20, 2010; December 18, 2010 to January 1, 2011; and February 5–19, 2011. APT’s fully escortable, affordable vacation captures the highlights of Australia and New Zealand with many three-night stopovers and leisure days in major cities for independent exploring. Travelers may choose to go punting on the Avon River in Christchurch. Or cruise past towering Mitre Peak on Milford Sound, or explore beautiful Sydney Harbour. They might opt to snorkel and swim on the Great Barrier Reef, Cairns. The package includes 23 meals and air from Los Angeles. The offer is valid for new bookings through October 31, 2010, when booking tour EV15 with international and domestic air from Los Angeles for travel on the guaranteed dates listed. This specific offer must be requested at time of booking. Space is limited and subject to availability and no other discounts apply. The offer cannot be combined with other offers. Australian Pacific Touring (APT), reservations@aptouring.com, www.aptouring.com

GOWAY PUTS TAHITI WITHIN REACH IslandsEscapes by Goway, North America’s Downunder specialists for the past 40 years, is offering spectacular savings to Tahiti of over $600 per couple. Tahiti is a true paradise, with its lush palm trees and white sandy beaches, tranquil blue lagoons, and luxurious hotels with over-water bungalows. According to Meghan Boyd, Goway’s Product Manager for IslandsEscapes, “People visit Tahiti looking for the beautiful surroundings and charming hospitality. It’s a great destination for honeymooners, families or anyone looking for a getaway to a cultural paradise.” Those who have lusted to travel to this dream destination can now take advantage of outstanding savings with Goway. IslandsEscapes is offering a seven-night getaway to Tahiti & Moorea for $1,699. This includes roundtrip airfare from Los Angeles to Papeete on Air Tahiti Travel World News • www.travelworldnews.com

Nui, five nights’ stay at InterContinental Moorea Resort and Spa in a Lanai Room (including two free nights), two nights’ stay at Intercontinental Tahiti Resort in a Standard Room, breakfast daily, and transfers and inter-island ferry. The special offer is valid for travel from January 7 until March 31, 2011. IslandsEscapes specializes in vacations to the world’s most idyllic islands including Fiji, and offers creative itineraries for weddings and honeymoons, diving programs, cruising and family vacations. The IslandsEscapes philosophy is to provide travelers with absolute satisfaction on a South Pacific Island experience of a lifetime. Goway Travel, 800-667-6601, res@goway.com, www.goway.com/islandsescapes, www.goway.com

WENDY WU TOURS COMES TO AMERICA WITH FULLY-INCLUSIVE, COMMISSIONABLE ADVENTURES TO CHINA Wendy Wu Tours, the UK and Australia’s largest tour operator to China, is now offering the North American market its winning formula: focus on value, fully-inclusive tours, unique offerings, prices starting at $140 a day, entry to areas not accessible to other operators, and top-notch customer service. Travel agents earn commission on every aspect, right down to any fuel surcharges and tax. Pricing includes international flights (from NYC and LAX), fuel surcharges, taxes, accommodations in centrally-located, superior three- and four-star hotels, three meals a day, intra-China transportation, daily tours and entrance fees, evening entertainment, English-speaking guides, a Wendy Wu’s China Manager escort—even the $190 visa fee and processing. The only added charge is the gratuity. Fourteen group tours range from 10 to 29 days. The 27-day China Highlights ($3,790 ppdo) highlights Beijing, Shanghai, Xian, Chengdu, Suzhou, Hangzhou, Guilin and a Li River Cruise; the 10day China Experience at $2,490 includes visits to magical Shanghai, Wuzhen, Xian and Beijing. Group Tours are limited to 28, traveling in 50-passenger coaches for most tours. Single supplements are available as well as sharing opportunities. Eight private tours offer more flexibility for small groups, reunions, family groups, alumni groups or just friends looking to enjoy a private visit to a mystical land together. All are customizable and upgradeable, or a tour can be planned with multiple preferred components mixed together. Suggested offerings include an 11-day “Tibetan Trails,” taking in Chengdu with visits to the Panda Reserve, Lhasa, Gyantse and Shigatse ($3,790) and the 14-day “Majestic Yangtze,” with Shanghai and Beijing bookending stays in Chongqing, Chengdu and Xian, and a four-day exploration of the Yangtze River ($4,090). Short-stays and extensions varying from mainstream locales to the very remote are possible. A new 68-page, full-color brochure has been produced, aptly named Wendy Wu’s China, and a new North American website has been unveiled to serve travel agents. Wendy Wu Tours, 877-993-6399, www.wendywuschina.com OCTOBER 2010 •

One Globe. One Ticket.

Your solution to ticket 162 airlines on one e-ticket Saﬁ Airways, FlyBe, Kenia

Simply check fare rules and

Airways and 159 other airlines

restrictions prior to ticketing

worldwide are available for

to avoid the risk of debit

multi-airline ticketing* on

memos in general.

HR-169: trusted by over 80,000 travel agents worldwide

HR-169 e-tickets. Are you also interested in single airline

Log on to www.hahnair.com

ticketing? Most of our airline

today and ﬁnd out about

partners offer this option,

the 4 easy ticketing steps

too! Just consult the “Quick

through your GDS (section

Check” tool on our website

ticketing assistant).

for ticketing possibilities. P.S. Did you know that Hahn You do not need to include

Air is the only airline in the

an HR operated ﬂight to issue

industry providing insurance

an HR-169 e-ticket. You will

coverage? Simply visit our

never receive any debit memo

website for more information.

Service partner and local helpdesk: Airworld Alliance Toll-free number: 1 877 HR169HR Email: servicedesk@hahnair.biz Hahn Air Lines GmbH An der Trift 65 D-63303 Dreieich Germany www.hahnair.com www.allairpass.com

for that reason.

* the combination of two or more airlines on one ticket

For more information please visit www.hahnair.com