November 2009 Edition: Travel World News

The Magazine for DestinationTravel SpecialistsThe Magazine for DestinationTravel Specialists

NOVEMBER 2009

®

SouthAfrıca

SouthAfrıca

ForaVacation

They’ll NeverForget

For aVacation

They’ll NeverForget

SendYour Clientsto

INDUSTRY EVENTSFITUR’s Focus is a Commitment toGlobal Tourism 4CALENDAR OF EVENTS 7INDUSTRY NEWS 8THE INSIDE TRACK 11FAM ANNOUNCEMENTSFor complete and current list please visit:www.travelworldnews.com/famsEUROPE 12CARIBBEANS-h-h-h-h, The Dominican Republic’sLittle Secret: Its Southwest 16

Guests “Reconnect’ at the Abaco Clubon Winding Bay 18

Domingo Velasco Appointed Director ofMarketing for Rosewood Little Dix Bay 19

MEXICOJalisco Leads in Mexico’s Tourism Recoveryand Hosts the 2009 North American Leaders’ Summit 20

Yucatan Holidays Organizes VacationRewards Club for Agents 22

Agents Can Now Become Mexico Specialistsby Learning – and Earning – on the Web,Compliments of the Mexico Tourism Board 24

LATIN AMERICATravelMart Latin America #34: This Year It Was Chile and, As Always,It Was Strictly Business 28

Brazil Tour Operators CelebrateRio’s Olympic Win 31

Antarctic Dream Offers Adventure, Nature,and History in the White Continent 32

AFRICAFor a Vacation They’ll Never Forget SendYour Clients to South Africa 34

Special $100 Per Person Discount fromZara Tanzania Adventures 40

ATA Hosts Annual Presidential Forum onTourism in New York 42

e x e c u t i v e o f f i c e

28 Knight StreetNorwalk, CT 06851-4707

Voice: 203.286.6679 • Fax: 203.286.6681

p u b l i s h e r

Charles Gatt, [email protected]

d e s i g n p r o d u c t i o n m a n a g e r

Linda [email protected]

e d i t o r

Carol A. [email protected]

Maria Rebello • Accounting ManagerShawn Hebert • IT Manager

Cindy Johnson • Circulation Manager

c o n t r i b u t i n g e d i t o r s

Mona Birch • Ann Charles • Gail P. DubovJudith 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 SchultzHelen Kitti Smith • Robin Swados • Diane Terry

d i v e e d i t o rLorry Heverly

c r u i s e e d i t o rMichael Iachetta

s o u t h e a s t r e g i o n a l c o r r e s p o n d e n tJoan Gonzalez

w e s t e r n r e g i o n a l c o r r e s p o n d e n tConnie Skoog

Travel World News (ISSN 1044-4602) is published monthly byTravel Industry Network, Inc., 28 Knight Street, Norwalk, CT06851-4707. The cost of a subscription in the USA is $25, inCanada $40. For subscribers outside USA or Canada, the rate is$80. Please send check or money order in U.S. dollars payable toTravel World News. For change of address, please enclose yourmailing label and send to: Circulation Department, Travel WorldNews, 28 Knight Street, Norwalk, CT 06851-4707. Periodicalspostage paid at Norwalk, CT, and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Travel World News, 28 Knight Street, Norwalk, CT 06851-4707. Address advertisinginquiries and/or editorial copy to: Travel World News, 28 KnightStreet, Norwalk, CT 06851-4707. Copyright 2008. All rightsreserved. Printed in USA. No part of this publication may be repro-duced without permission.

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

i n t e r n e t w e b s i t e

www.travelworldnews.com

NOVEMBER 2009 ISSUE NO. 257

INSIDE TRACK/JFK LOUNGE- page 11

CARIBBEAN/DOMINICAN REPUBLIC- page 16

MAGIC OF MEXICO- page 24

LATIN AMERICA/TRAVELMART- page 28

AFRICA/SOUTH AFRICAN AIRWAYS- page 34

One Globe. One Ticket.

For further information please visit www.hahnair.com

Hahn Air Lines GmbH

An der Trift 65D-63303 DreieichGermany

Phone: +49. 61 03. 50 13 - 200Fax: +49. 61 03. 50 13 - 129Email: [email protected]

HR 169: trusted by 80.000 travel agents worldwide.

Hahn Air offers

convincing benefits

For more than a decade Hahn

Air has specialised in providing

global sales and distribution

services to airlines and travel

agencies.

Hahn Air’s Ticketing Platform

is designed for travel agencies

and suppliers to issue pub-

lished fares of a great variety

of carriers worldwide.

More positive effects

for travel agencies:

Vast variety of international

carriers on the Hahn Air

(HR-169) document.

E-ticketable in all GDS.

www.hahnair.com as easy

source of information: use

“Quick Check” for airline

availability.

All standard payment

methods accepted (cash

and credit card sales).

Satisfy all needs of corpo-

rate and leisure travellers,

even if they are heading

to remote places all over

the world simply by using

Hahn Air tickets.

Rely on competent support

of our local helpdesk,

toll-free number:

1 877 HR169HR or e-mail:

[email protected]

When the first edition of the InternationalTourism Trade Fair in Madrid (FITUR) openedin 1981, then Minister of Transport,Communications and Tourism José Luís Ál-

varez referred to it as “an opportunity for us all to participatein the evolution of one of most transcendental social, culturaland economic phenomena of our century.”

FITUR, now about to celebrate its 30th anniversary January20–24, has certainly witnessed such an evolution. Travelingsurpassed 920 million international movements in 2008—it’s more accessible now, transport methods have progressed in an extraordinary way, and many communitieshave converted this market into the keystone of their economy.

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

Trend leadership A key factor in this evolution has been FITUR’s recognition

of business trends. FITUR 2010 incorporates programs likeINVESTOUR, a forum organized with the World TourismOrganization (WTO) to stimulate investment in Africa thuscontributing to improving life in many communities. Timelytools such as renewable energies that foster sustainability willbe another highlight. At the request of exhibitors, FITUR willunveil the RECEPTIVO ESPAÑA area, grouping proposals inthis field under a single banner.

Back in 1994, FITUR responded to a Spanish desire to breakaway from seasonal alternatives by creating FITUR ACTIVOto unite all the nature, culture and adventure programs onoffer. A year later, organizers created FITUR KNOW HOW:knowledge in the areas of hotel management, consultancy,training, etc. In 2000, coinciding with the fair’s 20th anniver-sary, FITUR CONGRESOS was launched—a workshop onbusiness and incentive travel spotlighting the enormous im-pact this segment had gained.

Some years previously, FITUR had introduced its website

offering exhibitors and visitors tools to interact over theInternet. The revolution of new technologies affectingtourism is constantly widening, and in 2007 the first FI-TURTECH seminars were held to analyze technologies. In2009 the SMX-Travel @FITUR forum took place, dedicatedto training new generations of marketing experts by applyingonline search engines.

An internationally sensitive event Apart from adapting to professional demands, FITUR has

demonstrated a capacity to face historic moments as well. The1991 edition was witness to uncertainty in the industry beforethe Gulf War; two years later, some Eastern European territo-ries were incorporated for the first time in their own right, fol-lowing the disintegration of the Soviet Union.

Solidarity was again shown when Hurricane Mitch in 1999devastated areas of Central America and the Caribbean,where tourism is fundamental. For the show a few monthslater, exhibition space was donated to these countries, en-abling them to show capacity to receive visitors and maintainneeded income. The same formula was applied in 2005 to aidterritories affected by the tsunami in December 2004.

The role of FITUR during the past three decades would haveserved no purpose without the unconditional support of thesector in faithful attendance each year, the empathy ofSpanish and foreign administrations supporting the event,and all the professionals who use FITUR to exchange experi-ences and employ its platform for the commercialization oftheir products.

This participation is what propels FITUR’S continuous com-mitment to tourism.FITUR, www.fituronline.com

wwwwww..ttrraavveellwwoorrllddnneewwss..ccoomm •• Travel World News4 • NOVEMBER 2009

INDUSTRY EVENTS

Visit Florida at FITUR in Madrid.

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

Travel World News •• wwwwww..ttrraavveellwwoorrllddnneewwss..ccoomm NOVEMBER 2009 • 5

INDUSTRY EVENTS

IFEMA CALL CENTRE

IFEMA Feria de Madrid28042 MadridEspaña / Spain

FAX (34) 91 722 57 87

INTERNATIONAL CALLS (34) 91 722 30 00

[email protected]

EXHIBITORS 902 22 16 16

CALLS FROM SPAININFOIFEMA 902 22 15 15

ORGANISED BY

Committedto Tourism

years30

CHTA MEETS WITH PUERTO RICO GOVERNOR AND CONFIRMS

PARTICIPATION IN CHTIC 2010

During a meeting with Puerto Rico Governor Luis Fortuño todiscuss the 14th Caribbean Hotel & Tourism InvestmentConference (CHTIC 2010) taking place at San Juan’s PuertoRico Convention Center May 4–6, the Caribbean Hotel &Tourism Association (CHTA) confirmed the governor’s partici-pation as the keynote speaker at the Opening Ceremony for theregion’s tourism investment event.

CHTIC 2010 will bring together hoteliers, tourism officials,developers, bankers, lenders and others interested in Caribbeantourism to discuss and plan investment strategies for the re-gion. With Governor Fortuño’s support now confirmed, CHTAanticipates a very well attended conference hosted by thePuerto Rico Tourism Company (PRTC), the Puerto Rico Hoteland Tourism Association (PRHTA) and the Puerto RicoConvention Bureau (PRCB).

Building on the momentum achieved in recent years with agrowing interest in Caribbean tourism development, CHTIC isthe only official tourism investment conference of theCaribbean managed by the region’s public and private sectororganizations—CHTA (the regional hotel association) and CTO(the public sector tourism body)—and is the only event of itskind which is staged by the region’s not-for-profit organiza-tions, with all funds being reinvested in the region for the ben-efit of the Caribbean tourism industry.

Sponsorship opportunities for CHTIC are available for hospi-tality and investment companies seeking to maximize exposurein front of key players in the regional and global market. Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association (CHTA),[email protected], www.caribbeanhotelandtourism.com/InvestmentConference.php, www.caribbeanhotelandtourism.com

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

WORLD TRAVEL AWARDS NORTH & CENTRALAMERICA WINNERS UNVEILED

American Airlines, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts and Mexicanawere among those presented awards at the World Travel AwardsNorth and Central America regional ceremony at the HaciendaTres Rios in Mexico in September.

In the North American categories, American Airlines was NorthAmerica’s Leading Airline. Fairmont Hotels & Resorts bagged fourawards including Canada’s Leading Golf Resort, Canada’s LeadingSki Resort, Canada’s Leading Business Hotel and North America’sLeading Golf Resort. The Leading Hotel Brand for North Americawent to Marriott Hotels & Resorts and Leading Destination Miami.

In the Central America categories, Mexicana triumphed as

Central America’s Leading Airline, Parador Boutique Resort &Spa Central America’s Leading Hotel and Cancun Convention &Visitors Bureau Leading Destination. A total 34 travel agents andtour operators were nominated in the ceremony held in partnershipwith Hacienda Tres Rios, Cancun Convention & Visitors Bureau,Yucatan Holidays, Yucatan Travel, RCI and Vive Mexico. NorthAmerica’s Tour Operator was presented to Adventures by Disney;North America’s Leading Travel Agency went to Anthony Travel.Cruises.com was named North America’s Leading Cruise TravelAgent and Central America’s Leading Travel Agency wasL’Alianca. Each winner is put forward for the WTA Grand Finaltaking place at the five-star Grosvenor House in London November8 immediately before World Travel Market. World Travel Awards, www.worldtravelawards.com

ADVENTURES IN TRAVEL EXPO HELD IN NEW YORK

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

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

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

There were 1,200 travel agents registered for the show, free tothe trade with identification. Adventures in Travel Expo, www.adventureexpo.com


INDUSTRY EVENTS

New York, NY • October 10-11, 2009 | Chicago, IL • January 9-10, 2010

Los Angeles, CA • February 13-14, 2010 | Washington D.C. • March 6-7, 2010

Seattle, WA • November, 2010

Stay on top of your client’s changing needs and interests by attending the largest series of consumer travel shows. You’ll:

• Network with hundreds of suppliers

• Evaluate new product offerings from worldwide destinations

• Cultivate businesspartnerships and opportunities

• Attend Special agent functions highlight featured destinations

Register for your FREE Agent Pass at: www.adventureexpo.com/trade

Find Your Client’s NextGreat Travel Experience

Interested in Exhibiting? Email us at:

[email protected]

D A T E E V E N T L O C A T I O N C O N T A C T

TO LIST YOUR EVENTS EMAIL: [email protected] • FOR ADDITIONAL EVENTS VISIT: www.travelworldnews.com/calendar


CALENDAR OF EVENTS • 2009/10

N O V E M B E R4-7 DEMA Show 2009 Orlando, FL www.demashow.comD E C E M B E R1-3 EIBTM 2009 Barcelona, Spain www.eibtm.com1-3 Discover American Pavilion at EIBTM 2009 Barcelona, Spain www.discoveramericapavilion.travel5-6 Adventure in Travel Expo Seattle, WA www.adventureexpo.com8-10 USTOA Annual Conference Banff, Alberta, Canada www.ustoa.comJ A N U A R Y 2 0 1 0 12-17 Vakantiebeurs The Netherlands www.vakantiebeurs.com 13-17 BTL Lisbon, Portugal www.btl.fil.pt15-17 Monte Carlo Travel Market Grimaldi Forum, Monaco www.mctm.mc20-24 FITUR 2010 Madrid, Spain www.fituronline.com21-24 MATKA Helsinki, Finland www.matkamessut.fi21-24 Moroccan Travel Market Marrakech, Morocco www.mtm.ma21-24 Slovakiatour Bratislava, Slovak Republic www.incheba.sk21-24 Tourism & Leisure Show Ljubljana, Slovenia www.tourism-fair.com27-31 Discover American Pavilion at FITUR 2010 Madrid, Spain www.discoveramericapavilion.travel 28-30 SATTE 2010 New Delhi, India www.satte.org/exhibit-2010.aspF E B R U A R Y4-7 Holiday World Czech Republic www.holidayworld.cz7-14 Discover American Pavilion at OTM 2010 Mumbai/New Delhi, India www.discoveramericapavilion.travel11-14 EMITT Istanbul, Turkey www.emittistanbul.com18-21 Discover American Pavilion at Bit 2010 Milan, Italy www.discoveramericapavilion.travel 19-21 Boston Globe Travel Show Boston, MA www.boston.com/travelshow21-23 Jordan Travel Mart Dead Sea, Jordan www.jordantravelmart.com24-28 IFT Belgrade, Serbia www.ift-belgrade.com26-28 2010 New York Times Travel Show New York, NY www.nytravelshow.comM A R C H8-9 TTG Polish Travel Mart 2010 Warsaw, Poland www.polishtravelmart.pl10-14 ITB Berlin 2010 Berlin, Germany www.itb-berlin.com10-14 Discover American Pavilion at ITB Berlin 2010 Berlin, Germany www.discoveramericapavilion.travel 17-20 MITT Moscow, Russia www.mitt.ru/en17-20 Discover American Pavilion at Mitt 2010 Moscow, Russia www.discoveramericapavilion.travel 24-26 UITT Kiev, Ukraine www.uitt-kiev.com25-28 TUR Gothenburg, Sweden www.ittfa.org25-28 Discover American Pavilion at TUR 2010 Gotehnburg, Sweden www.discoveramericapavilion.travelA P R I L15-17 AITF Baku, Azerbaijan www.travel-exhibitions.com22-24 KITF Almaty, Kazakhstan www.travel-exhibitions.comM A Y4-6 CHTIC 2010 San Juan, Puerto Rico [email protected] Discover American Pavilion at ATM 2010 Dubai, UAE www.discoveramericapavilion.travel 17-20 ATA 35th Annual Congress Banjul, The Gambia www,africatravelassociation.org25-27 Discover American Pavilion at IMEX 2010 Frankfurt, Germany www.discoveramericapavilion.travel

2009 MOTIVATION SHOW EXCEEDSEXHIBITOR, ATTENDEE EXPECTATIONS

According to both exhibitors and attendees, The 2009 MotivationShow held September 29 through October 1 in Chicago’sMcCormick Place, exceeded expectations. One reason is that thoseattending came with plans to buy. “Our attendee registration to-taled 9,131, compared with 10,467 in 2008,” said Peter Erickson,Managing Director of the Show. “Most trade shows have beendown significantly more this year.”

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

Three innovative products earned People’s Choice Awards withattendee votes on over 50 items in the Innovative Products Gallery.These products were the Heys USA BioCase (George Cassius),voted most innovative—made of nearly indestructible 100-percent

polycarbonate and featuring a biometric security system, theSwany Walkin’ Bag (Cassius, second place) invented by a polio sur-vivor incorporating a pull-out seat for up to 300 pounds, and theOreck® Halo (Incentive Concepts) for third place—the only vac-uum killing many germs, viruses, bacteria and dust mite eggs withUV-C Light and without chemicals.

The schedule for 2010 has been changed to reduce exhibitingcosts while maintaining a full three-day program of education, ex-hibits, and networking. A dedicated “Education Day” on Tuesday,October 12, from 9 to 5, will be followed by two full days of ex-hibits Wednesday and Thursday. The deadline for the first round ofspace assignments is November 16.The Motivation Show, www.motivationshow.com, www.motivationshow.com/attendees-featured.php; George Cassius, [email protected], Incentive Concepts, [email protected], www.incentiveconcepts.com

JET AIRWAYS NAMES NIKOS KARDASSISACTING CEO

Wolfgang Prock-Schauer, ChiefExecutive Officer of Jet Airways, has re-signed from the services of the companyeffective October 15. Mr. Prock-Schauerwishes to rejoin his family in Europe andwill be joining British Midland PLC (bmi)as its Chief Executive Officer to be basedin the UK. Mr. Prock-Schauer has been atthe helm of Jet Airways since June 2003and has guided the company during thecritical period of its international expan-

sion growth. He conveys his gratitude to the Chairman, Mr. NareshGoyal and the Board members for their guidance and support. TheChairman and the members of the Board thank Mr. Prock-Schauerfor his leadership and commitment to the company during histenure as CEO.

Nikos Kardassis has taken over as Acting Chief Executive Officerof the company. Mr. Kardassis, who was formerly the CEO of JetAirways from 1994 to 1999, brings with him a wealth of experi-ence in both the aviation and financial services industries. Mr.Kardassis began his career with TWA holding various finance andoperational positions. He joined Merrill Lynch from GeneralElectric where he served as President for GECAT. Mr. Kardassis

was also the Managing Director and Head of Business Developmentand Distribution for the Global Bank Group at Merrill Lynch. In the past 18 months, Mr. Kardassis has served as Senior Vice President, The Americas for Jet Airways, closely involved inthe restructuring, cost/network management of the airline andworking as Senior Advisor to the Chairman on both Finance and Strategy.Jet Airways, www.jetairways.com

VIRGIN VACATIONS LAUNCHES NEW GLOBALHOTEL PROGRAM

The launch of Virgin Vacations Global Hotel Program gives cus-tomers the chance to “Treat Yourself Right,” and get more thanjust a bed when booking travel plans. The new program provides aseamless booking service to travelers for all Virgin brands. Thatmeans Virgin customers can take advantage of incredible air dealsand then seek the hotel of their choice with room rates starting at$29 per person in Orlando, $49 per person in Paris, and $59 perperson for London. With hotels from Shanghai to Mumbai and NewYork to Cape Town, this is a no-surprise offer—there are no hiddenfees, no change fees and no cancel fees.

Virgin Vacations’ customers are “treated” right from the begin-ning, while in the air Virgin Atlantic gives 30 channels of free en-tertainment, with no extra charge for an aisle seat or to check abag, and free drinks too.

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

Virgin Vacations offers hotel deals in over 150 destinations.Rates in Europe include buffet breakfast, tax, and service charges.Virgin Vacations, 866-674-6209, www.hotels.virgin-vacations.com

KOR HOTEL GROUP CHANGES NAME TOVICEROY HOTEL GROUP

Kor Hotel Group has announced a name change to Viceroy HotelGroup, reflecting the decade-long growth and evolution of the hotelmanagement company, as well as successful results for its Viceroybrand since the flagship property debuted in Santa Monica in2002.

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

Signature Viceroy amenities and services include dining venuesfeaturing world-class culinary talents and destination spas special-izing in health, fitness and beauty. The Tides collection of resortsoffers ‘chic-by-the-shore’ settings that invite guests to unwind andreconnect with culturally inspired leisure and wellness experiences. Viceroy Hotel Group, www.viceroyhotelgroup.com


INDUSTRY NEWS

NIKOS KARDASSIS

ARTA100% Travel Agents.We’re proud to say that ARTA

does not accept airlines or

other suppliers as members.

We work ONLY

for agents!

Sign up for our

FREE

30-day trial membership:

www.artaonline.com

DAVE RANDON ACCEPTS VICE PRESIDENT POST AT EXPEDITION CRUISES Small Ship industry cruise veteran Dave Randon has accepted the position of Vice President, Sales and

Marketing for Expedition Cruises for North America.Dave will reinforce the mission of Expedition Cruises: to align itself with key consortiums, travel agents, and

tour operators. He has worked in the cruise industry since the 1970s. He was recently the Vice President of Sales for

Variety Cruises and earlier occupied the position of Director of North American Sales for Antarctic DreamExpeditions.

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

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

HAHN AIR IMPLEMENTS RESERVATIONS/TICKETING FACILITIES FOR AGENTS IN NORTH AMERICA

Hahn Air has implemented a reservations and ticketing facility for travel agents in North America via Airworld Alliance, their generalsales agent. This facility is available for agents who do not wish to make reservations or issue tickets using their own GDS via ARC or BSP.

Operating the industry’s leading universal ET (E-Ticketing) platform, Hahn Air has implemented agreements with over 200 airlinesworldwide, generating extra revenue for its airline partners through global accessibility to all IATA travel agents using any GDS in allkey BSPs worldwide and ARC in the U.S. Agents should contact the Hahn Air service desk by email or by calling their toll-free numberfor reservations or ticketing questions for GDS bookings or website assistance.

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


INDUSTRY NEWS

Providing your travel programs an extra boost\Providing your travel programs an extra boostOur Escrow products and services enable you to:• Promote professionalism and dependability to the travel agents and consumers you serve.

• Comply with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), as required by charterers and air carriers.

• Streamline your records with an automated escrow accounting system.

• Be efficient with online capabilities to view account activity.

• Be cost effective by releasing funds to providers of transportation or travel services to cover initial deposits and prepayments as required.

• Earn interest while the funds are on deposit in an FDIC-insured deposit account.

We offer a variety of products to meet your varying travel industry needs – from our recognized Travel Funds Protection Plan™ to public charter depository escrows, trust agreements and special purpose depository agreements. Please call us today.

David Valpredo, Senior Vice PresidentPhone: [email protected]

Our Travel Funds Protection Plan is endorsed by the National Tour Association® (NTA) and American Society of Travel Agents® (ASTA). Also, our plan has been approved as a consumer protection escrow plan under the California Seller of Travel Law and is in compliance with various states with Seller of Travel Law.

Member FDIC • ©2007, National City Corporation®

Allegiant Asset Management Company (“Allegiant”) is an SEC-registered investment advisor and a subsidiary of National City Corporation®. Allegiant provides travel escrow products and services through Allegiant Institutional Services, a division of National City Bank.CS-27632

DAVE RANDON


INDUSTRY NEWS

WORLD MONUMENTS FUND NOTES CULTURAL HERITAGE SITES AT RISK For more than 40 years, the World Monuments Fund (WMF), a nonprofit organization, has worked to preserve cultural heritage across

the globe. The 2010 Watch includes 93 sites now at risk, representing 47 countries. These include nine sites from the United States and15 dating from the 20th century. The Watch is WMF’s flagship advocacy program, and it calls international attention to threatened cul-tural heritage. Ranging from the famous (Machu Picchu, Peru) and remote (Phajoding, a monastery high in the mountains of Bhutan), tothe unexpected (Merritt Parkway, Connecticut, U.S.) and little-known (desert castles of ancient Khorezm, Uzbekistan), the sites vividlyillustrate the ever-more pressing need to create a balance between heritage concerns and the social, economic, and environmental inter-ests of communities around the world. Nearly half the sites featured on the Watch lists through 2008, representing 79 countries, have re-ceived WMF support totaling $50 million. These WMF funds have in turn leveraged an additional $150 million in assistance from othersources, demonstrating the effectiveness of the Watch program. The World Monuments Fund is the leading independent organization de-voted to saving the world’s most treasured places. Its highly skilled experts have applied proven and effective techniques to preserve im-portant architectural and cultural-heritage sites around the globe. Through partnerships with local communities, funders, and govern-ments, WMF inspires an enduring commitment to stewardship for future generations. World Monuments Fund, wmf.org

ARTA AND ARTA CANADA CLEAR THE AIR ABOUT UNITED AIRLINESARTA and ARTA Canada have reviewed very carefully the comments from agents and the media regarding the associations’ stand in

the matter of United Airlines’ shift of credit card merchant of record status for various travel agents.Reports that ARTA and ARTA Canada have “caved” or laid down their concerns about such a shift are unequivocally false. At no time

did ARTA ever accept such a policy change at United. To the contrary, ARTA made it very clear to United that such a change was bothunacceptable and a non-starter for the agency community.

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

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

ARTA and ARTA Canada understand that travel agents and the media would like to know more about the substance of the associations’discussions with United. While more information might appear to some to be useful, the associations and United both feel that dialoguein a more public setting would be inappropriate. Every business has the right to have private conversations, especially regarding contrac-tual agreements, with their customers and partners directly. That is the foundation to a good working relationship. In fact, some of theimpacted travel agents that have had additional dialogue with United have recently discussed those conversations with the media andhave done so under anonymity. Discussions are ongoing and both associations are optimistic that solutions acceptable to travel agentsand United will be found. More information will be made available at the proper time.ARTA, 800-969-6069, [email protected]; ARTA Canada, www.artacanada.ca/join

STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP 2009Statement of Ownership, Management and Circulation (Act of August 12, 1970: Section 3685, Title 39, United States Code) (1) Title of publication: TRAVEL WORLD

NEWS. (2) Publication number: ISSN 1044-4602. (3) Date of filling: October 1, 2009. (4) Frequency of Issue: monthly. (5) Number of issues published annually: 12. (6)Annual subscription price: Free to qualified subscribers. (7) Complete mailing address of known office of publication: 28 Knight St., Norwalk, CT 06851-4770. (8) Completemailing address of general business office of the publisher: 28 Knight St., Norwalk,CT 06851-4770. (9) Names and addresses of publisher, editor, managing editor: Publisher:Charles Gatt, Jr., 28 Knight St., Norwalk ,CT 06851-4770. Editor: Charles Gatt, Jr. 28 Knight St., Norwalk ,CT 06851-4770. (10) Owner: Travel Industry Network, Inc.,Charles Gatt, Jr., 28 Knight St., Norwalk ,CT 06851-4770. (11) Known bondholders, mortgages, and other security holders owning or holding, 1% or more of total amountof bonds, mortgages or other securities: None. (12) Not applicable. (13) Publication name: Travel World News. (14) Issue date for circulation data below; October 1, 2009.(15) Extent and nature of circulation: Average number of copies each issue during preceding 12 months: A. Total copies printed: 14584. B. Paid and/or requested circula-tion: 1. Sales through dealers and carriers, street vendors, and counter sales: None. 2. Paid or requested mail subscription: 7746. C. Total paid and/or requested circulation:7746. D (1). Free distribution by mail: 41. D (4). Free distribution outside the mail: 6592. E. Total free distribution (sum of D): 6633. F. Total distribution (sum of C and E):14379. G. Copies not distributed: 1. Office use, leftover, spoiled after printing: 204. Returns from news agents: None. H. Total (sum of F and G): 14583. Percent paid and/orrequested circulation: 53.87. Actual number of copies of a single issue published nearest to filing date: A. Total copies printed: 14998. B. Paid and/or requested circulation:1. Sales through dealers and carriers, street vendors and counter sales: None. 2. Paid or requested mail subscription: 6548. C. Total paid and/or requested circulation: 6548.D (1). Free distribution by mail: 32. D (4). Free distribution outside the mail: 8218. E. Total free distribution (sum of D): 8250. F. Total distribution (sum of C and E): 14798.G. Copies not distributed: 1. Office use, leftover, spoiled after printing: 200. 2. Returns from news agents: None. H. Total (sum of F and G): 14998. Percent paid and/or re-quested circulation: 44.25. (16) This statement of ownership will be printed in the November 2009 issue of this publication. (17) I certify that all information furnished onthis form is true and complete.

Charles Gatt, Jr., Publisher

Ilove flying business class. It’s so much more relaxing.You’re treated to totally reclining seats with lumbar sup-port, the latest headphones, aromatherapy, largeflatscreen televisions, deluxe eat-all-you-want meals

prepared by celebrity chefs, fine wine, latest periodicals toread – and that’s before you even leave the airport. What I justdescribed is the latest in business-class lounges.

Travel still is a wondrous event for me. To look well groomed,I always wear a navy blazer and button-down shirt – exceptwhen I fly Upper Class on Virgin Atlantic from HeathrowAirport. Virgin Atlantic upped the ante over ten years agowhen they introduced massages, shoe shines and even hair-cuts in their Upper Class “Clubroom” lounges. Why shineyour shoes, get your hair styled and even shower before you get to the airport? When it’s so much better there!(www.virginatlantic.com)

What is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year? GoneWith the Wind, The Wizard of Oz and American Airlines’ busi-ness-class lounge, which opened at New York’s LaGuardiaAirport when Fiorello LaGuardia was still mayor.

I have two complaints about business-class lounges. First:Keep children off the free internet terminals. AmericanAirlines solved this problem – they have children’s play centers in many of their Admiral Clubs. (Strange, an airline lounge named after a navy ranking – “Admiral”?)(www.aa.com)

A word of advice. Lifetime business-class club membershipis worth the money if it’s for your lifetime and not the airline’slifetime. (And the younger you are, the more you get for yourmoney.) I wonder what happened to lifetime membership inTWA’s Ambassador Clubs, National Airlines’ clubs, EasternAirlines’ clubs, etc.

My second complaint is business-class lounges located bbee--ffoorree airport security. The philosophy behind a business-classlounge is for the passenger to relax in relative tranquility.However, when the lounge is located before airport security,there is an underlying tension – worrying about airport-secu-rity lines and allowing enough time to catch your plane.

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

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

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

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

Avianca’s Bogota Airport lounge has the greatest number offree internet terminals I’ve ever seen. I was supposed to meetmy group in the LAN lounge at Santiago Airport. I had aTwilight Zone experience when over an hour later, no one hadshown up. How was I supposed to know that LAN had twoairport lounges just to avoid overcrowding? (www.LAN.com)

I wish more lounges would preview local cuisine of their air-line’s nationality. Instead of eating Milano cookies at theAlitalia lounge at Malpensa, I’d rather eat cookies fromMilano. My favorite lounge food is China Airlines’ at TaipeiAirport: the best dumplings I have ever had, in elegant marble-walled rooms. (www.china-airlines.com) PAL hassome of the best food: Filipino specialties (www.PhilippineAirlines.com)

Delta Airlines is adding local cuisine in some of their international lounges such as those at Frankfurt and Naritaairports.

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

However, I didn’t mind - I got to spend a few more hours inparadise. (www.Koreanair.com)


TRAVEL TIPS

The Inside TrackB A R RY G O L D S M I T H

Barry Goldsmith is a professor of architecture and humor. Goldsmith isa television host of travel-related TV series in the USA and UK. And heis a regular on a new syndicated radio show, Let’s Travel Radio.

Virgin Atlantic’s London Heathrow Clubhouse Bar Lounge.

MALTA HAS SYMBOLIC AND COLORFULEASTER EXPERIENCES INTRODUCING SPRING

Easter is one of the most colorful and interesting times of the yearin Malta. Maltese culture comes alive with outdoor activities tocompliment the gorgeous spring weather that bursts into color andbright sunshine across the archipelago. Being predominantlyCatholic, Easter is a celebrated event across Malta and Gozo, withtowns and villages in full preparation for the Good Friday andEaster Sunday processions preceded by Palm Sunday and MaundyThursday’s Seven Churches visits.

Good Friday is a public holiday, with elaborate scenes featuringlife-sized statues depicting the Passion and Crucifixion of JesusChrist. Each stage is re-enacted by volunteers, down to the finestdetail in costumes, flags and props. In many towns, a Last Supperdisplay is set up on large tables. Statues in the processions areunique works of art, sculpted or made by renowned artists, somedating back to the 1800s. Those holding the statues have vied for aprestigious place on teams of between six and eight men each. Thefaithful then carry the holy images high on their shoulders for up tosix hours in the course of the evening, dressed as biblical figuresand Roman soldiers in the processions.

Another spectacle is white-robed and hooded men walking whilethey trail heavy chains strapped to their ankles as an act of penanceon behalf of all sinners. Mosta and Zebbug (Malta) are just twowell-known villages featuring Good Friday processions. The holyfestivities are a photographer’s delight—color, scenery, uniquebackdrops and crowds, together with a full complement of the localvillage brass bands take to the streets in honor of the crucifiedChrist. The mood is sombre, but with local participation high.

Easter Sunday becomes an explosive festivity of joy all across theislands. Accompanied by fireworks and petards, the most notoriousEaster Sunday celebration is the feast of the ‘Risen Chris’t in

Senglea, Vittoriosa and Cospicua, where local men run with astatue of Christ through village streets. Spring in the Islands

Spring is one of the best times of the year to visit Malta and Gozo.Conditions are close to perfect with warm days and cool evenings.Beaches and resorts are relatively free from summer crowds andthe countryside is alive with indigenous plants and flowers thatgrace the Mediterranean garigue and hills once a year. The sheersize of this phenomenal place makes it perfect for those seeking totry a new sport or challenge climbing, or just ramble along thecoast to indulge in sunrises, sunsets and breathtaking views.

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

Nibbling on mouth-watering traditional Easter cookies or bask-ing in the spring sunshine while sipping on an aromatic soft drinkor frothy real cappuccino in Piazza Regina, Valletta, this is the joyand relaxation of Malta in the springtime. For those wishing tocombine their Maltese experience with a Mediterranean cruise, themost beautiful MSC Splendida offers Malta-to-Malta cruise depar-tures from the Valletta Grand Harbour.Malta Tourism Authority, www.visitmalta.com; www.heritagemalta.org, www.visitmalta.com/holy-week-easter,www.maltadiocese.org, www.airmalta.com/easter-in-malta

DUBROVNIK TRAVEL DMC IS NEWEST ICCA MEMBER

Dubrovnik Travel DMC has marked its position as a leadingProfessional Conference Organizer in Croatia by becoming a mem-ber of the International Congress and Convention Association.

A market share that’s grown steadily over the past ten years hasput Dubrovnik Travel at the forefront of business travel in Croatia.With a growing number of renovated and newly built hotels in theregion, capacities have increased and with them the need for pro-fessional conference organizers.

Dubrovnik Travel sees its membership in ICCA as an opportunityto bring more conference business to the Dubrovnik and Split re-gions. “This area has been overlooked for too long as a conferencedestination, but we are working hard to change public percep-tions,” says Daniel Marusic, CEO and General Manager ofDubrovnik Travel. “We have untapped potential in this region thatwe are excited to promote.”Dubrovnik travel, www.dubrovniktravel.com


EUROPE

VANTAGE WORLD TRAVEL HAS NEWESCORTED EUROPEAN TOURS FOR GROUPS IN ENGLISH

The 2010 offers from Vantage World Travel are some of the mostcomprehensive in Central, Eastern and Mediterranean Europe andinclude some with the Oberammergau Passion Play, the story ofJesus of Nazareth.

New this year, there are three special Passion Play tours, eithersix, 12, or 16 days that arrive in Munich. A picture postcard jour-ney takes travelers on the 16 days from Munich to Prague stoppingat the Neuschwanstein Castle, the Hofburg Palace, and St.Stephen’s Cathedral with the highlight of the tour inOberammergau.

New this year as well in this collection, Vantage World Travel hasfour Cruise and Tour combinations along the Adriatic coastline fea-turing Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia, Montenegro, with one of thecruises to include the highlights of Italy, Venice Florence and Romeand a shorter version stopping in Italy in Venice only. Many othertours in this collection travel from Moscow to Warsaw, fromGreece to Dalmatia.

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

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

The 2010 Escorted European Tour Programs is downloadable onthe website.Vantage World Travel, 800-826 8268,[email protected],www.travelvantage.com/pdf/VantageEurope2010.pdf, www.travelvantage.com

AER LINGUS VACATION STORE OFFERSAMAZING COMBO DEAL

The Aer Lingus Vacation Store has introduced a new packagethat offers amazing savings on travel to Ireland priced from just$499 including hotel, airfare, and rental car.

The Ireland Five-Star Resort Package is centered on a stay at theHeritage 5 Star Golf & Spa Resort, nestled deep in the quaint vil-lage of Killenard, County Laois, around an hour from Dublin. Theresort comprises a five-star hotel, the Seve Ballesteros and JeffHowes co-designed 18-hole championship golf course, and anaward-winning spa featuring Pevonia Botanica spa products, aswell as a variety of restaurants and bars, walking track, tenniscourt, and health club. It provides an ideal spot for exploring

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

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

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

Travelers can choose to add-on the following: a round of championship golf for $99; a three-hour treatment for $40 at theHeritage Spa; flight from only $499 each way additional inBusiness Class on Ireland’s national carrier from New York,Boston, or Chicago.Aer Lingus Vacation Store, 800-495-1632, www.aerlingusvacationstore.com


EUROPE

The Mediterranean’s best kept secret

www.visitmalta.com

Daily fl ights to Malta available from all major European cities.

The jewel of the Maltese islandsThe jewel of the Maltese islands

090116_TravelWorldNews_87.3x123.8_rm.indd 1 16.01.2009 10:11:09 Uhr


EUROPE

SOUTHWEST GERMANY SPARKLES DURINGTHE HOLIDAYS

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

To the east, the Swabian Alb, a limestone mountain range pre-sents its stark and rugged character. Numerous caves, castles,ruins and palaces lend a special trait to this varied landscape. Thesouthwest of Germany is well-known for countless romanticChristmas markets like the one in Stuttgart or Bad Wimpfen, theMedieval Christmas Market in Esslingen or the Baroque ChristmasMarket in Ludwigsburg. From the Black Forest to Lake Constance,from Heidelberg to Freiburg and from Karlsruhe to Ulm, everyyear in the four weeks preceding Christmas Baden-Württemberg’snumerous Christmas markets invite visitors to browse and shop.Festively decorated booths in enchanting settings are laden with un-usual gifts, arts and crafts, seasonal food and drink. The smell ofspiced wine, fried apples, gingerbread and other Christmas delightsfill the air against the happy sounds of bells and trumpeters.

Some of the more famous markets include those at Bad Wimpfen,Stuttgart, Ludwigsburg, Ulm, Gengenbach and Freiburg. Each hasspectacular, unique offerings, making a trip to this unique regionduring the holiday season an unforgettable extravaganza for thewhole family.State Tourist Board Baden-Württemberg, [email protected]

PASSION PLAY IS GERMANY’SOBERAMMERGAU TRADITION

The world-famous Passion Play, dating back to 1633 when aplague epidemic raged in the Upper Bavarian town, is due to be re-enacted next year in Oberammergau, a charming village set in thevalley of the River Ammer, an hour’s drive from Munich and itsInternational Airport. History has it that in order to receive God’smercy, the inhabitants solemnly swore to stage this Play every 10years of the last days, death and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth

if they would be spared from further deaths from the plague.In 2010, the 41st performance of the Passion Play will take place

from May 15 through October 3. The play is enacted in its specialpurpose-built theatre against the impressive backdrop of theAmmergau Alps. There are regular guided tours that include athree-hour break for dinner. Props, wardrobes, simple dressingrooms, stage and auditorium are included in the tour. The 41st pro-duction will see a revised text, new stage designs and music alongwith new costumes (made in the village).

Other attractions nearby are the magnificent interiors of thechurch of St. Peter and Paul, the Pilateshaus, and theOberammergau museum with its fabulous historical collections.There are a number of woodcarving workshops and others to be vis-ited as well as a wide choice of shops offering anything fromBavarian clothing, Christmas decorations, and souvenirs, as wellas plenty of cafes, restaurants and bars. In the evening, many of thebars have live music—music of all types is an Oberammergau tra-dition, and there are also a number of theatres.

Putting Oberammergau on one’s travel calendar for 2010 makesan excellent travel choice. In 2010, hundreds of thousands willflock to the Bavarian village to see this famed performance. TheOberammergau Passion Play was performed for the 40th time in2000, when nearly half a million visitors came to watch 110 per-formances of the play.Oberammergau Passion Play 2010, www.oberammergau-passion.com, (office) [email protected]

THURINGIA IS THE CULTURAL HEART OF GERMANY

A great variety of scenery, a fabled wealth of fortresses and cas-tles, an incomparable diversity of architecture and culture and lotsof leisure fun—this is Germany’s Thuringia. The best description ofthe state is the one given by Goethe: “Where else in Germany canso many good things be found so close together?”

Over 400 fortresses, castles, palaces and castle ruins exist inThuringia; the most famous landmark in the city of Eisenach isWartburg Fortress, a UNESCO Heritage Site. There are historicfestivals, jousting contests and medieval feasts that provide oppor-tunities to appreciate centuries past.

Sporting opportunities include cycling tours, Nordic walking, hik-ing with GPS systems, mountain biking, and experiences usuallyreserved for world champions like the guest bobsleigh in Oberhof.Thuringia’s clear winter air, enchanting snow-covered forests andhills, ski trails, prepared cross-country ski routes and downhill skipistes transform the state in winter into a sports paradise.

Christmas trees and tree decorations originate from Thuringia.Adelaide of Saxe-Meiningen imported the German Christmas treeto Great Britain. Glass blowers in Lauscha made strings of beadsand little shapes for their trees. Tourist Information Thuringia, [email protected],www.thuringia-tourism.com

This is life in full COLOR

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

www.GoDominicanRepublic.com

The Republic of

COLORS


CARIBBEAN

From the tropicalrain forests thatsurround the10,000 foot Pico

Duarte (the tallest moun-tain in the Caribbean andthe tallest east of theMississippi), to theshores of the DiscoveryCoast (the north shore),to Santo Domingo's richhistory, to the golfcourses at Punta Cana,Casa de Campo andPlaya Grande, and the in-ternational restaurantsthat cluster around thepopular tourist destina-tions, the DominicanRepublic offers a varietyof tourism product thatinvites vacationers to itsshores and to return,again and again.

But rarely visited, andshould be visited by morevacationers, is the Dominican Republic’s southwest.

This island nation has a change of scenery at almost everyturn in the road, but the southwest region of Barahona andPederales is the most diverse ecologically. It varies from dryforest sea shore, to desert, to coffee plantations, to humid,tropical rainforests, and, believe it or not, a pine forest. In thehigh mountains, the temperature can range from 78 to 32 de-grees Fahrenheit in one day. How’s that for eco-diversity?

Planted amongst all this are two salt water lakes (Who knew,right?), one being the largest in the Caribbean. One is 40 feetbelow sea level. The whole area provides a haven for a largevariety of birds and reptiles.

Because of its rich diversity in a relatively small area, UN-ESCO declared a Biosphere Reserve of Enriquillo-Bahoruco-Jaragua, where there are flamingoes, spoon bills and papa-gallos. Two types of iguanas live here — you can see themdash around on tip toes like a flash of lightning — Americancrocodiles, and turtles hatching out of their eggs.

The two main towns of the region are Pederales and

Barahona. Pederales is a small fishing village bordered bytwo of the Dominican Republic’s major wilderness parks, theParque Nacional Jaragua on its southwest and ParqueNacional Sierra de Bahoruco on its north. Consequently, thetown is a good center for hikers and trekkers. Being close tothe border with Haiti, it also a convenient jumping off placeto visit this culturally different country.

Not far off shore from Pederales is the isle of Alto Velo wherethe world's smallest reptile lives, the dwarf gecko. When fullgrown it measures less than two centimeters, about the diam-eter of an American dime.

Wanna see cave paintings? The nearby island of Isla Beataabounds in caves that have wall paintings left by the TainoIndians, the immediate predecessors to the Spanish coloniz-ers. On the land side, near the town of San Cristobal, is a se-ries of forty caves, the Cuevas de Borbon. Among them, theCuevas de El Pomier has more than 5,000 petroglyphs andseveral thousand Amerindian wall paintings. That is enoughto give someone a lifetime of study as to what they all mean.

S-h-h-h-h, The Dominican Republic’s Little Secret: Its SouthwestBio-diversity, cave paintings.D . O. C H R I S T I A N R I E G E R

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

Travel World News •• wwwwww..ttrraavveellwwoorrllddnneewwss..ccoomm NOVEMBER 2009• 17

CARIBBEAN

It is also home to thousands of bats.Near Barahona, three hours drive west of the capital city of

Santo Domingo, are miles of secluded beaches, many bor-dered by spectacular cliffs. The people here live simply andmodestly. (After all, the tropics take care of their heating bill,the night sea breezes take care of the air conditioning, andthe climate provides a bounty of year-round food. Do they re-ally need toasters and pop tarts?)

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

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

Get Out There and Do It!The Eco Tour Barahona company offers adventure and

trekking tours throughout the Barahona area. The tour thatgets you out to the greatest variety of countryside in one dayis their horseback riding expedition. The day starts with rid-ing along Paraiso beach and to photograph pelicans at theirearly morning fishing.

The ride then follows a path uphill where the riding groupvisits the coffee plantation "Café de las Mujeres" on the edgeof the mountain facing the village of Paraiso. In addition tocoffee and cacao, riders sample a variety of fresh, off-the-plant, tropical fruits: mangoes, guava, coconut, passion fruitand pineapple.

Lunch is on the shore, next to a waterfall and a naturalswimming pool at the Rio Nizaito on the Rancho Platon,. Afterlunch, the tour returns to Paraiso down along the river. On theway riders meet isolated farm families who love to share amoment of their life with travelers.

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

Where to StayCasa Bonita Tropical Lodge is a member of the Small Luxury

Hotels of the World. In this capacity, it joins only two othermembers in the Dominican Republic, The Casa ColonialBeach & Spa in Puerto Plata on the north coast, and the SivoryPunta Cana in Punta Cana on the east coast.

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

In 1976, it was built as a summer house for the Schiffinofamily. In 1991 they added nine bedrooms to the originalthree and opened a country inn.

Half the bedrooms have a king a size bed and half have twofull-size beds. All have modern tropical furnishings and a pri-vate balcony overlooking the sloping hill and over the

Caribbean. They are all air-conditioned, and have such handy-dandy

little human creature thingies as a wine cooler and an ipod-ready clock radio. The graphic art on the walls is by conser-vation photographer Eladio Fernandez. His recent book,Hispaniola, a Photographic Journey through IslandBiodiversity, it was published by Harvard University Press.

The rates are extremely low for luxury-rated accommoda-tions, $130.00 for weekdays, and $170.00 for weekends plus26% tax, per room, double occupancy, including breakfast.Yes, breakfast on the terrace in the middle of a huge park andover looking the Caribbean in a really small hotel where youare treated like family.

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

Here is the important point, the kicker, the selling point. Upthrough 2008, vacationers were looking to be personally pam-pered on a luxury vacation. Today, pampering is consideredto be more of a natural experience. At Casa Bonita, you getboth. Can’t beat it.Dominican Republic,www.godominicanrepublic.com, www.ecotourrepdom.com, www.casabonitadr.com

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

MIN

ISTR

Y O

F TOU

RIS

M, D

OM

INIC

AN

RE

PU

BLIC


CARIBBEAN

CARIMAR BEACH CLUB PRESENTS ‘TASTE OF ANGUILLA’ PACKAGE

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

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

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

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

Participating restaurants are (lunch) Dune Preserve, Smokey’s onthe Cove, and Valley Bistro; and (dinner) Oliver’s Seaside Grill,Straw Hat, and Davida.Carimar Beach Club, 800-235-8667, www.carimar.com;www.dunepreserveanguilla.com, www.smokeysatthecove.com,www.olivers.ai, www.strawhat.com, www.davidaanguilla.com

GUESTS ‘RECONNECT’ AT THE ABACO CLUB ON WINDING BAY

The Abaco Club on Winding Bay in The Bahamas, a Ritz-CarltonManaged Club, offers Guest Members a privileged glimpse into theluxurious out-island sanctuary. The nightly Reconnect packages areavailable now through December 19, 2009 starting at $699 pernight. With the package, guests receive a $100 daily credit to enjoythe many Club amenities. The package also includes unlimited golffor two each day at the renowned, tropical Scottish-style links golfcourse, twice ranked the number one golf course in The Bahamasby Golfweek.

The 534-acre Club offers experiences for every lifestyle rangingfrom pampered treatments at the European-style spa to world-classbone fishing. Known for its secluded, residential atmosphere, TheClub features octagonally-designed cabanas along the first fairway

that are just a short stroll to the white powder beaches. With approximately 570 square feet of living area, each cabana

provides a master bedroom with a king bed and a walk-in cedarcloset. There’s a sitting area with sleeper sofa and lounge chairs,42-inch plasma television, Bose sound system with DVD and CDplayers, desk and chair, marble-topped wet bar and under-the-counter Sub-zero refrigerator/ice maker and complimentaryWi-Fi access.

Two-, three- and four-bedroom cottages may be rented for nightlyReconnect stay packages. Golf, family and spa packages are alsoavailable.

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

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

Reservations are travel professional commissionable.The Abaco Club, 800-593-8613, www.ritzcarlton.com

MADURO DIVE FANTA-SEAS PROFITABLE TOTRAVEL AGENTS FOR GROUPS

Travel agents using Maduro Dive Fanta-Seas for commissionabledive travel packages for individuals have learned how profitable themarket can be. Many exciting new group dive packages are an-nounced in time for the DEMA Show, the annual trade show hostedby the Dive & Equipment Marketing Association. The DEMA showwill be held this year at the Orange County Convention Center inOrlando, Florida, November 4–7, and Maduro Dive Fanta-Seas isexhibiting at Booth #531.

Maduro Dive Fanta-Seas, a wholesaler for dive travel since 1975,will pay travel agents 11-percent commission on any of its DEMAgroup specials. These specials offer free spots for group leaders, anincentive travel agents can use to further promote these sales.Maduro’s dive travel specialists can provide information aboutpricing, package information and commission. All Maduro’s asso-ciates are certified divers and travel agents, and all of Maduro’spackages offer a Best Rate Guarantee.

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

Maduro is a member of IATAN, ARC, ASTA, DEMA and ATTA(Adventure Travel Trade Association). Maduro’s select dive desti-nations cover 36 countries worldwide with packages for over 225dive resorts and 58 liveaboards. Maduro Dive Fanta-Seas. 800-327-6709, [email protected],www.madurodive.com

Travel World News •• wwwwww..ttrraavveellwwoorrllddnneewwss..ccoomm NOVEMBER 2009• 19

CARIBBEAN

DOMINGO VELASCO APPOINTED DIRECTOR OFMARKETING FOR ROSEWOOD LITTLE DIX BAY

Rosewood Little Dix Bay on VirginGorda, B.V.I. has announced the appoint-ment of Domingo Velasco as Director ofMarketing.

A Rosewood veteran who returns to thehotel group after a six-year absence,Velasco is responsible for the developmentand implementation of innovative market-ing strategies to draw new and returningclientele to the renowned beachfront re-sort. He will be based in Rosewood’s New

York Regional Sales Office.“Domingo brings a strong marketing background as well as ex-

cellent experience as part of the Rosewood family, and we’re ex-cited to have him running the marketing efforts for our VirginGorda property,” said Martein van Wagenberg, Managing Directorof Rosewood Little Dix Bay.

Velasco’s return to Rosewood follows a brief stint as CorporateDirector of Leisure for Kor Hotel Group. Previously, he wasDirector of Sales and Marketing for La Samanna, an OrientExpress resort on St. Martin in the French West Indies. Velasco’scareer in hotel Sales and Marketing got rolling as AssociateDirector of Sales for Rosewood Caribbean Resorts, and he laterheld the same position at The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel in NewYork City, following several years in hotel operations.

A native of Spain currently residing in Long Island City, NewYork, Velasco holds a Bachelors Degree in Social Sciences with aconcentration in Political Science from the University of PuertoRico. He is fluent in six languages: Spanish, German, English,French, Portuguese and Italian. Rosewood Little Dix Bay, Rosewood Hotels & Resorts,888.ROSEWOOD (888-767-3966), www.rosewoodhotels.com

LADIES ESCAPE TO BOLONGO BAY BEACHRESORT WITH ‘GIRLS JUST WANT TO HAVEFUN’ PACKAGE

A Girls Just Want To Have Fun five-night package at Bolongo Bay Beach Resort in St. Thomas is targeted to womenlooking to book their next getaway, reunion or bachelorette party.Rates start at $1,219 per room ppdo for travel through December22, 2009. Additional guests sharing the room with two adults(maximum four people) are charged $295 per person for the five-night package.

Ladies booking the Girls Just Want To Have Fun Package willenjoy accommodations in an oceanview room for five nights; onehalf-hour massage per person; roundtrip shuttle to CharlotteAmalie, St. Thomas’s capital, for duty-free shopping; an island tourof St. Thomas; $25 gift certificate (per person) towards dinner atBolongo’s The Lobster Grille, Iggie’s Beach Bar & Grill restaurantor Bolongo’s gift shop; an all-day sail and beach outing to St. John

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

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

As a territory of the United States, the U.S. Virgin Islands (St.Thomas, St. John and St. Croix) does not require American citi-zens to possess a passport to enter the destination or return to theU.S. mainland.Bolongo Bay Beach Resort, 800-524-4746, [email protected], www.bolongobay.com

FORT YOUNG HOTEL LAUNCHES DECEMBERSPECIALS AND ADDS NEW DIVE OPTIONS

The Fort Young Hotel in Dominica has added a shore dive optionto its dive program that enables divers to experience boat divingalong with the freedom of shore diving. To make this offer evenmore attractive, Fort Young Hotel is offering special promotionsfor the month of December.

Fort Young’s “ Dominica’s Scuba Diving Madness” package consists of a seven-night package complete with five days of two-tank boat diving, daily full breakfast, airport/hotel transfers,and all taxes/service charges starting at only $932 per person.When booking a seven-night dive package in a Standard room,divers will receive a free upgrade to an Oceanfront room, savingover 30 percent.

“With a choice of multiple dive sites for a different dive everytime, unique marine-life diversity, excellent wall diving, and amaz-ing pinnacles, it’s no wonder that Dominica has earned the reputa-tion as one of the top five dive destinations in the world”, says FortYoung Hotel’s General Manager Ruud van Baal.

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

The special is offered for new bookings only and valid for traveland stay in December 2009 ppdo in a standard room. Dominica’sScuba Dive Madness package is valid only as stated, cannot be combined with other special promotions, and is subject to availability. Prices and conditions are subject to change withoutprior notice.

The free upgrade from a Standard room to an Oceanfront roomand from an Oceanview room to an Oceanfront DeLuxe room is sub-ject to availability. Fort Young Hotel, 800-581-2034,[email protected] [email protected], www.fortyounghotel.com

DOMINGO VELASCO


MEXICO

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

Mexico’s Minister of Tourism, Rodolfo Elizondo, inaugurated theMexico’s pavilion recently, with a ceremonial ribbon cutting at the2009 Motivation Show at the McCormick Palace in Chicago.

Accompanied by the Consul General of Mexico in Chicago,Manuel Rodriguez; the CEO of the Mexico Tourism Board, OscarFitch and by various state tourism authorities, Elizondo thankedexhibitors and wished them much success in their efforts to con-tinue to attract more visitors to Mexico, taking advantage of thebenefits that Mexico offers the meetings and conventions industry.

According to the International Congress & ConventionAssociation (ICCA), Mexico has moved from 11th to 9th place interms of number of attendees at conferences worldwide. This meansthat from 2008 to 2009, the number of attendees increased from74,116 to 119,084, a significant boost of six percent.

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

Elizondo also met with various industry leaders such as Orbitzand United Airlines, to discuss trends in travel and tourism oppor-tunities in Mexico, as well as strategies to help restore air travelfrequency to Mexico. He also met with Alumni HolidayInternational, one of the largest companies for educational and cul-tural group travel, with whom he discussed the opportunities forMexico in this segment, including museum groups, schools, col-leges, universities and alumni associations of prestigious institu-tions in the United States. Elizondo concluded his trip yesterdaywith a final meeting with directors of Martiz, the largest incentiveprograms company in the world.Mexico Tourism Board (MTB), www.visitmexico.com

JALISCO LEADS IN MEXICO’S TOURISMRECOVERY AND HOSTS THE 2009 NORTH AMERICAN LEADERS’ SUMMIT

With hotel occupancy over 80 percent in Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco,home to the symbolic traditions that embody Mexican culture, isshowing that the tourism industry is enjoying full recovery.

According to Lopez, Jalisco is thrilled with the results and is pre-pared to show its magic and beauty to those visitors who are readyto enjoy the variety of experiences the state offers, including beau-tiful beaches, peaceful rivers, scenic basins, valleys and mountains.

Home to the mariachi and tequila, Jalisco has been chosen to hostthe 2009 North American Leaders’ Summit, taking place inGuadalajara on August 9 and 10. U.S. President Barack Obama,Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Mexican PresidentFelipe Calderon will unite to discuss a variety of issues related tothe economy, energy, climate change, health and welfare of theNorth American people. This important meeting will take place atthe monumental Cabañas Cultural Institute, which was named aUNESCO Cultural World Heritage Site in 1997.Mexico Tourism Board, www.visitmexico.com, www.allaboutguadalajara.com

PUEBLO BONITO OCEANFRONT RESORTS ANDSPAS OFFERS AGENTS PROFESSIONALLEARNING TOOL

Pueblo Bonito Oceanfront Resorts and Spas are inviting travelagents to embark on a free new virtual learning voyage to the pre-miere Pueblo Bonito Resorts in Los Cabos and Mazatlán, Mexico.The three-step educational program, dubbed “Pueblo BonitoUniversity,” includes an interactive study course, a familiarizationtrip to Mexico and unique sales rewards.

“Pueblo Bonito University,” or “Pueblo Bonito U,” is an onlinelearning program designed to expose travel agents to the latestamenities and selling points of Pueblo Bonito Resorts’ authentic yetelegant Mexico experience.

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

As an added incentive, graduates of Pueblo Bonito U will secure“continuing education credits” toward a professional designationof “Certified Travel Counselor” from The Travel Institute in theUnited States or the Canadian Institute of Travel Counselors. Uponcompletion, graduates will also receive a color diploma ready to bedisplayed to provide added credibility and recognition.Pueblo Bonito Oceanfront Resorts and Spas, 800-990-8250,www.pueblobonito-u.com, www.pueblobonito.com

Shown from left to right: Oscar Fitch, CEO of the Mexico TourismBoard; Consulate General of Mexico in Chicago, Manuel Rodriguez; Juan A. Ochoa, Chief Executive Officer, Metropolitan Pier andExposition Authority; and Mexico’s Minister of Tourism RodolfoElizondo inaugurate the Mexico Pavilion during the opening of the2009 Motivation Show in Chicago.


MEXICO

THEME WEEKS, AWARD ANNOUNCED FORSANDOS HOTELS & RESORTS

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

Apple Vacations provides clients with a Vacation SatisfactionQuestionnaire upon their return home and uses the feedback toaward a Golden Apple to those hotels that receive the highest rat-ings and positive feedback from Apple Vacations clients.

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

The Salsa & Merengue theme weeks are included as part of anall-inclusive getaway. Travelers can learn two Caribbean dancestyles, Salsa and Merengue, and have the chance to win prizes in-cluding vouchers to spend at the hotels’ shops, excursions and freestays. Participants will be paired in couples and will take part in adance contest at the end of the week where three couples will“dance away” with prizes. At the end of the year, all first-prize win-ners from each week will have the chance to return to SandosHotels & Resorts to compete in a final competition. Participantsmust be 18 or older. Guests can choose to spend an evening outafter a celebration dinner at La Bodeguita del Medio, a popularrestaurant, club and live music venue in Playa del Carmen, for anadditional $25 per person, which includes roundtrip transportationand entrance to the restaurant. Beverages are not included.

For exercise aficionados seeking a weeklong getaway filled withfitness classes, Yoga & Pilates theme weeks are available for a reg-istration fee of $24 per person. Participants will spend the weekenjoying meditation and relaxation courses as well as learn variousYoga and Pilate practices including Aquayoga, Yogilates, JñanaYoga and more. Guests may register for the theme weeks by phoneor email.Sandos Hotels & Resorts, 866-887-5601, 866-336-4083, [email protected],www.ktcpr.com/hosted/themeschedules.zip, www.sandoshotels.com

YUCATAN HOLIDAYS ORGANIZES VACATIONREWARDS CLUB FOR AGENTS

Yucatan Holidays has established a rewards program called theVacation Rewards Club to thank agents who choose their hotels andvacation packages. To participate and receive its benefits, agentsneed to join the Vacation Rewards Club. It’s free. Simply register-ing as a Yucatan Holidays’ Specialist will begin the process. Agentsshould click on the Travel Agents tab in the upper right-hand cor-ner of Yucatan’s webpage, then click on Yucatan HolidaysSpecialist link in the third paragraph to enroll. Members of theVacation Rewards Club receive a TruCash MasterCard in whichcash incentives will be deposited. The Vacation Rewards TruCashMasterCard is a gift card loaded with cash and ready to use. It’snot a credit card—credit doesn’t get checked. Once registered as aYucatan Holidays’ Specialist, members receive amazing incentivesevery time they book through Yucatan—added to the agency 10-percent commission. When booking any three nights directly viathe Website, 800 number, or Live Help system, the reward is $100per booking at Hacienda Tres Rios and $70 per booking at OceanSpa Hotel or Laguna Suites Golf & Spa resort. If booking is madethrough any other channel, the gift is $50 per booking at HaciendaTres Rios and $40 per booking at Ocean Spa Hotel or LagunaSuites Golf & Spa Resort. Agents receive payment for all bookingsthat have charged at least the first night of the reservation. With areservation for three nights, the charged deposit must equal thetotal amount. If a reservation exceeds three nights, a non-refund-able deposit for only one night’s reservation is required.

For reservations made via Yucatan’s Website, 800 number, orLive Help System, based on the date the booking was made, theagent’s Vacation Rewards TruCash MasterCard will be creditedwith the reward the following Friday. For reservations madethrough other channels, agents may send an email identifying thebooking. Once Yucatan has confirmed the reservation and the de-posit has been made, the agent’s Vacation Rewards TruCashMasterCard will be credited with the reward the following Friday.

Agents may use their TruCash card anywhere debit MasterCardis accepted—millions of locations worldwide, including retail anddining establishments. Agents get a 20- to 55-percent discount onprescriptions at over 54,000 U.S. pharmacies. Over 1,000 onlineretailers are in the TruCash MarketPlace, so purchases earn lots ofpoints that convert to cash. By registering a card with one’s emailaddress, 300 bonus points are earned.

The first step is to sign the back of one’s card, and tell a cashierto select “Credit.” If purchasing gas with the card, one must payinside and not outside at the pump. If using the card at a restau-rant, hotel, or car rental agency, the merchant may need to pre-au-thorize the transaction for the purchase amount, plus add up to 15percent to ensure sufficient funds are available to cover tips and in-cidental expenses. The point-of-sale fee for each transaction is 50cents. The cash value of the card goes back to zero after 90 days. Yucatan Holidays, 800-658-3141, [email protected],www.yucatanholidays.travel

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


MEXICO

MEXICO’S XV FESTIVAL GOURMETINTERNATIONAL RETURNS THIS MONTH

Mexico’s newest destination, Riviera Nayarit, and its neighborPuerto Vallarta will host the annual Festival GourmetInternational November 12–22, 2009. Featuring the region’s mostacclaimed restaurants (26 this year), guests will have the opportu-nity to sample special menus celebrating the Festival GourmetInternational and available at the establishments daily.

Celebrating its 15th year, the Festival Gourmet International willalso offer access to exclusive chef’s tables at participating restau-rants, wine and cheese events, food demonstrations, tequila tast-ings and gala dinners featuring the best of the Pacific Coast’sgourmet cuisine. Guest chefs from all over the world are invited toparticipate and share their signature dishes at participating restau-rants during the ten days of the Festival.

This year’s participating restaurants in Riviera Nayarit include,but are not limited to: Frascatti in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle; NuevoVallarta; Gong at the Grand Mayan Resort, Nuevo Vallarta;Bellavista at the Marival Resorts & Suites; and, the newest addi-tions, Café de Artistes del Mar at the Hotel des Artistes; La Casonaat the Hotel Villa La Estancia;Highlights of the event follow:

A Gran Gala Lounge Party on November 12 starting at 8:30 p.m.is the opening ceremony for the Festival at Casa Velas HotelBoutique Puerto Vallarta.

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

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

Winemaker’s Night is November 21 (8 p.m.). Guests can discoversignature dishes of several participating restaurants for an extra-ordinary fixed price.

The Festival was founded by chefs Thierry Blouet of Café desArtistes, Heinz Reize of Hotel Krystal and Silvan Müller of NestléMexico to enrich the profile of Riviera Nayarit and PuertoVallarta’s gastronomic scene locally and internationally. Riviera Nayarit, www.rivieranayarit.com; Festival GourmetInternational, www.festivalgourmet.com

CAPELLA IXTAPA ROMANCES VISITORS WITHBUY-ONE/GET-ONE-FREE OFFER

Now through December 25, 2009, guests may purchase one nightat Capella Ixtapa in Ixtapa, Mexico, and receive the consecutivenight free.

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

The special offer is available for stays up to 14 nights, subject toavailability; complimentary night(s) will be applied at checkout.Rates do not include 18-percent tax or 10-percent nightly servicecharge. Service charge equal to 10 percent of rate on paid night(s)will be applied on complimentary night(s). Capella Ixtapa, 800-CAPELLA (800-227-3552), www.capellaixtapa.com

MEXICO CITY SETS INTERNATIONAL TOURISM FAIR OF THE AMERICAS 2010

The government of Mexico City has announced the inauguralInternational Tourism Fair of the Americas (“FITA”) 2010. Theevent, which will draw destinations and travel and tourism organi-zations from around the world, will take place in Mexico City,September 23–26, 2010.

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

Commenting on the announcement, Mayor Marcelo Ebrard em-phasized that Mexico City is the ideal location to host theInternational Tourism Fair of the Americas, which is well posi-tioned to become one of the world’s most important tourism events.He added that with the launch of FITA 2010, Mexico City is renew-ing its commitment to the tourism sector, which is critical to thecity and the country’s prosperity.

FITA 2010 will coincide with the bicentennial celebration ofMexico’s Independence and the centennial celebration of theMexican Revolution.FITA 2010 (International Tourism Fair of the Americas),www.fita2010.com


MEXICO

The Mexico Tourism Board has developed an interactivelearning resource for travelagents and tour operator

partners. A storehouse of knowledgeand instruction, resources, and sales insights is open and ready for use 24 hours a day, seven days a week, year round.

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

Whether one is a novice or a true Mexico expert,www.magicofmexico.com displaysMexico’s stunning beauty, historicgrandeur, and unique attractions.Selling trips to this southern neighborwill be utterly simple. From 6,000 milesof sun-kissed shore, to 30 centuries of cultural heritage, Mexico is fascinating, close-by and easily explored.

Specialist statusBy completing the free interactive

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

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

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

Graduates are eligible to attend any of the Mexico field inspections.Programs are currently offered toCancun, Acapulco or Puerto Vallarta,with more coming soon. (Fees and restrictions apply.)

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

At the interactive campus, visitors aregranted access to electronic (PDF) versions of the entire Magic of MexicoStudy Guide (12th edition)—availableon demand, in full-color, and ready toemail or print for clients.

Graduates receive colorful collateral

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

Bulletin Board and ChatCourse users are able to chat with

other users via an innovative online bulletin board/chat room, in order to expand one’s knowledge and makefriends with other Mexico-sellingagents.

Consumer LeadsThe Mexico Tourism Board has an

online database on its website, givingconsumers an opportunity to search fortheir nearest “Mexico Specialist.”

In addition to the current courses inthe Mexico Specialist Program,Specialized Destination Programs asCancun Tourism Institute, AcapulcoAcademy, Los Cabos Expert, MazatlanMazters and Puerto Vallarta Pro areavailable at www.magicofmexico.com

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

Agents Can Now Become Mexico Specialistsby Learning – and Earning – on the Web,Compliments of the Mexico Tourism Board


MEXICO

LOS CABOS HOTELS OFFER AMAZING GOLF PACKAGES

With over 10 championship golf courses and several in develop-ment, Los Cabos is a real draw for golf lovers. Several hotels and re-sorts are currently offering packages featuring complimentaryrounds or golf related amenities.

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

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

Located on the world-class Cabo del Sol development, FiestaAmericana Grand Los Cabos Golf & Spa Resort offers an “UnlimitedGolf Package”—unlimited rounds (including green fees, golf cart,practice range and other amenities) at two of the best courses in thedestination, Cabo del Sol Ocean & Desert courses. After, guests arechauffeured back to the resort to be pampered with free entry to thefitness center, sauna and steam room at the SOMMA WineSPA. Alsoincluded are access to the Concierge Lounge with daily breakfast buf-fet, complimentary international cocktails and appetizers 5–8 p.m.and access to the VIP pool and beach club with concierge service.Signature welcome drinks are featured on arrival; accommodationsare in Grand Club ocean view rooms. For travel through December17, 2009, the package rate is $320 per night for a minimum four-day/three-night stay.

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

Pool Casita with oceanfront view, with daily buffet breakfast for twoat Vista Ballenas Restaurant. Also included are a dinner for two atany resort restaurant including Suite Service and a special golf gift.Through December 18, 2009, package price for a Junior Suite is$670 ppdo, and $860 ppdo per night (taxes and service charge in-cluded) for a Private Pool Casita, minimum three-night stay.

The Sheraton Hacienda del Mar Resort & Spa Los Cabos in con-junction with Cabo Golf Tours is offering two fantastic golf packages.“Package One” is a seven-night stay at the Sheraton Hacienda delMar including five days of golf at the following—Cabo del Sol OceanCourse, Cabo Real, Club Campestre and Puerto Los Cabos. Golf in-cludes shared cart, range balls and bottles of water. Additionally,there’s daily complimentary breakfast, transportation to Cabo delSol golf course and roundtrip airport transfers. Package rate beginsat $1,775 ppdo including taxes and service charge for a Garden Viewroom. For a quick getaway, “Package Two” offers a four-night staywith three days of golf at Cabo Del Sol Ocean Course, Cabo Real andClub Campestre and the same amenities as above. Package Two ratebegins at $1,195 ppdo including taxes and service charge for aGarden View room. Both are valid for travel through December 20,2009. Los Cabos Convention & Visitors Bureau,www.visitloscabos.travel; Casa Dorada Los Cabos Resort & Spa,www.casadorada.com; Crowne Plaza Los Cabos Grand Faro,www.cploscabos.com; Fiesta Americana Grand Los Cabos Golf &Spa Resort, www.fiestamericanagrand.com; Marquis Los Cabos,www.marquisloscabos.com; Sheraton Hacienda del Mar Resort &Spa Los Cabos, www.sheratonloscabos.com

MEXICO’S VELAS RESORTS EXTENDS DOUBLEUPGRADE PROMOTION

Velas Resorts has extended its Welcome Back to Mexico all-inclu-sive double upgrade promotion through December 24, 2009. Guestsreceive a double upgrade when booking the lowest priced suite atthree resorts in top beach destinations including Riviera Maya,Riviera Nayarit and Puerto Vallarta. All-inclusive rates range from$165 ppdo—a $255 savings per person per night—at Velas VallartaSuite Resort to $300 ppdo at the Grand Velas All Suites & SpaResorts in the Riviera Maya and Riviera Nayarit—savings of $140per person per night and $228 per person per night respectively. Inaddition, children and teens up to 16 years of age stay and eat forfree at all resorts.

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

Upgrades are based on availability and restrictions apply depend-ing on the resort.Velas Resorts, 888-210-9591, www.velasresorts.com

Enjoy your trip before you arrive at the destination.

International

menu with

three entrée

options.

Reclining seats

that convert to

beds.

Free transfer.

Access to

VIP lounge.

Wide selection

of movies

and TV series,

in addition

to audio

channels

and

multiplayer

games.

TAMBusiness

Class

For more information,

please call1-888-2FLY-TAM

(888-235-9826)


LATIN AMERICA

Restless , i t inerantTravelMart L at inAmerica steered awayfrom the big cities in

order to conduct its recent 34thannual get-together in the lilliputian villages of PuertoVaras and Frutillar in the remoteChilean Lakes Region. But moreabout TMLA’s site-selectionprocess later.

TravelMart’s long-standingmission has been to link up travelproduct buyers, primarily fromthe U.S., Canada and Europe,with suppliers from throughoutCentral and South America. Themeet is organized on a “strictly-business” basis of pre-scheduledappointments , each 15-20minute in length, over a period oftwo days. (Well, it’s not strictly“strictly business.” There are al-ways a blowout opening party and a blowout closing party aswell, there are familiarization pre-tours, there are familiariza-tion post-tours.)

William H. Coleman, Inc., the Jacksonville, Florida com-pany that organizes the event, has long capped the supplierrolls at 250, though a supplier company is at liberty to sendmore than a single delegate. Many if not most of the suppli-ers have been coming year after year, and William H. “Bill”Coleman, the chairman of the company (his wife Irma is pres-ident and CEO), speaks of a substantial waiting list. Thebuyer presence ranges annually between 250 and 350. Thisyear, given the state of the economy and the remoteness of thelocation, the buyer count was somewhat on the low side, butMr. Coleman seemed pleased to be able to announce that, atan event which has increasingly come to have an old-home-week or college-reunion feel, this year there were 60 first-time buyers.

“Get beyond a total event population of 1,000 persons,which is where we are now, and you get a whole different dynamics,” Mr. Coleman says. The implication: a less gooddynamics. The idea here is that buyers should all be important buyers. Decision-makers. Suppliers should be

quality suppliers.TravelMart is of course not the only event at which U.S. and

other non-native buyers have a chance for a fast immersioncourse in what’s new and what’s interesting in Central andSouth American travel product. I myself have been hangingaround ABAV, the annual congress of the Brazilian travelagents for years (not, to be sure, either as buyer or supplierbut as press), and I have looked in a number of times at theannual Feria Internacional de Turismo in Buenos Aires. Hugeevents, these. Milling and churning events. There is muchback-slapping, much looking over shoulders to see who elsehas a back to be slapped. Brochures and fliers are distributed— and then wind up, many of them, in the garbage. Whoknows how much business really gets accomplished, if any,at these madhouses? Who knows if business, of the kind thatTravelMart exists to promote, is even what their purpose is?TravelMart is neither exactly a boutique nor exactly a depart-ment store, but it does seem to be focused.

Witness Jonathan Lansdell, a buyer for Toronto-basedButterfield & Robinson, a specialist in “luxury active travel”biking and walking tours: “I was one of the first-timers and I

TravelMart Latin America #34: This Year It Was Chile and, As Always, It Was Strictly BusinessM A R K Z U S S M A N

Standing third from left: William Coleman, Chairman; Irma Coleman, President and CEO; ChristinaFlesch, Controller and Manuel Cuevas, Director of Sales & Marketing all of William H. Coleman, Inc.,the organizer of TravelMart Latin America with the hard-working team of host country volunteers..

CONTINUED ON PAGE 30


LATIN AMERICA

met people from at least a dozen different countries, maybeas many as 15. It was an opportunity to put faces together withnames of people we already use and to find the people weshould partner with as we start into countries in which we donot yet operate.”

Paul Kinney, general manager of the rustico-luxurious Yan-Kee-Way Lodge a short distance up the lake from the meetingtowns, said, “It was nice to have the event in our own back-yard at last. There are people I’ve been talking to for years.I’ve told them how great our place is. This year I was able toget them up there to see it, and for the first time they reallyunderstood what I’ve been talking about.”

TravelMart 2008 took place in Quito. TravelMart 2010 willtake place in Lima. These are cities that handle a 1,000-per-son meeting effortlessly. This year’s event, not effortless at alland not without its little bumps, was held in Puerto Varas andFrutillar, Chile, first, according to Mr. Coleman, as a way ofintroducing the emerging Chilean Lakes destination to abroader public; second, as a reminder that the event reallydoes continue to have a boutique-y side; and third, I believe,though it was never really stated this way, just for the sheerbravado of it.

TravelMart 2011 will likely take place somewhere in Brazil.TravelMart Latin America, www.travelmartlatinamerica.com

FIESTA HOTEL GROUP PARTICIPATES INANNUAL BRAZTOA FAIR IN BRAZIL

In September, Fiesta Hotel Group participated in the renownedBraztoa fair in Sao Paolo, Brazil. The Fiesta Hotel Group, based in Ibiza, Spain, announced at the Spanish Chamber ofCommerce in Sao Paulo the formal development plans for thenewest addition to the award winning Grand Palladium “all inclu-sive” resort brand of resorts—the Grand Palladium ImbassaiResort and Spa.

With an ever-growing collection of hotels and resorts, the recentevent in Sao Paulo introduced the resort to the important Brazilianmarket and also the international market. Scheduled to be open inmid-2010, this newest resort is located in Salvador de Bahía,Brazil, on world-famous Playa Imbassai and is adjacent to one ofthe largest nature preserves in Brazil. Constructed on a property ofover 22 square miles and right next to the beach, surrounded by na-ture, the resort will feature 864 fully equipped suites, four pools, aBaby and Mini Club for children, Spa, al la carte dining and more.

The resort has been constructed in perfect harmony with the re-gion’s spectacular natural environment and boasts a great locationnear Praia do Forte and Salvador de Bahía, one of the oldest citiesin Brazil.

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

METROPOLITAN TOURING ADDS CHILE TO ITS COLLECTION

Metropolitan Touring is now in Chile. The Quito, Ecuador-basedcompany, with extensive operations already in place in Ecuadoritself, in Peru, and in Argentina, made the launch of its long-an-ticipated Chilean office formal with the purchase of a quintuplebooth at the September TravelMart Latin America in the ChileanLakes Region, by virtue of the presence of a large contingent ofMT personnel from Ecuador, from the new office in Santiago,and elsewhere, and with a sumptuous Thursday-evening party atthe Puerto Varas Meliá.

Metropolitan Touring has been providing the highest qualitytravel services in Quito, Guayaquil, Cuenca, the Galapagos andelsewhere in the home country of Ecuador since 1953. Its objec-tive now is to provide one-stop shopping for travel product allover the South American continent.

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

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

Metropolitan Touring has recently been selected as a case studyby the World Travel & Tourism Council for its achievements inenvironmental sustainability, good practices and commitment.Metropolitan Touring, www.metropolitantouring.com

The Metropolitan Touring team at TravelMart shown from left toright: Gabriel Nicolai, General Manager, Argentina; CristobalLuna, GM, Chile; Constanza Paulsen, Sales Exec, Chile; AlonsoRoggero, GM, Peru; Paulina Burbano de Lara, Executive VP,Ecuador; María Eugenia Tanaka, Commercial Director, Peru; DickBurkemper, Sales Rep, North America; Adriana Velasco,Marketing Manager, Ecuador; Tamara Karolys, CommercialDirector for Europe, Ecuador; Cristina Valdivieso, Sales Managerfor North America, Ecuador; Tom Pelizzaro, Sales Rep, NorthAmerica; Gabriel Jose, Commercial Manager, Argentina.

TRAVELMART FROM PAGE 28


LATIN AMERICA

BRAZIL TOUR OPERATORS CELEBRATE RIO’S OLYMPIC WIN

For the first time, a South American city will stage the OlympicGames. Stunning Rio de Janeiro will host the summer competition,with a chance to display its dramatic natural scenery and beautifulbeaches like Ipanema, Copacabana, Saõ Conrado, Leblon andBarra.

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

Preparing for the Olympics, the city fathers plan to make major infrastructure improvements, upgrade the transporta-tion system and continue cleaning up the environment. Hotel ca-pacity is set to more than double, world-class sports facilities arebeing designed and both the historic quarter and the port area willbe rejuvenated.

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

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

American travelers for all the destinations in Brazil.“As a Carioca myself, I am thrilled that Rio will host the Olympic

games,” says Jose Gherardi, Vice President of BTOA. “We intendto spread the word and encourage more North Americans to visitthis incredibly warm and hospitable destination. And they don’thave to wait five years,” he adds.

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

BTOA’s active members are: AAT American Adventure Tours;Abreu; Air Projects; American Express Vacations; AvantiDestinations; Borello Travel and Tours; Brazil Nuts Tours;Brazilian Vacation Center; BROL/Brazil Online Travel;Chanteclair; Cox & Kings USA; Discover Brazil Tours; DumondeTravel, 4 Star South America Tours & Travel; Fredson Travel;Globus; HOTUR–Just Brazil Vacations; Marnella Tours; PanAmerican Travel Services; SITA World Tours; Skyline TravelSpecialists; Tourlite International, VIP Tour Group, and VisitBrazil Tours. Brazil Tour Operators Association (BTOA), [email protected], www.braziltouroperators.com

Adventure, Nature and History

in the White Continent.

Eleven days and ten nights of navigation in the Antarctic Peninsula,

with daily landings, wildlife observation, conferences and lectures on board

in a comfortable environment, as if it were a group of friends, is journey on

board the historic M/V Antarctic Dream, which starts in November with its fifth

successful Antarctic season.

Antarctic Dream Expedition (11 days / 10 nights) This expedition offers you the ideal

introduction to the Great White Continent. Departing from and finishing in the port of

Ushuaia, we take in the most exciting sights of the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic

Peninsula. Our program is oriented towards the viewing of wildlife. Day 1: Ushuaia, Argentina

Day 2 to 3: Drake Passage Day 4: Aitcho Island Day 5: Antarctic Peninsula & Neko Bay

Day 6: Paradise Bay - Cuverville Island Day 7: Pleneau - Petermann Island Day 8: Deception

Island - Whaler’s Bay - Pendulum Cove Days 9 and 10: Drake Passage Day 11: Ushuaia,

Argentina

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

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

Established in 2002, Antarctic Shipping SA is the largest Chilean

company operating cruise tours to Antarctica, with safety stan-dards and quality according to market demands and environmentalregulations of the International Association of Antarctica TourOperators. Antarctic Dream begins at Ushuaia, the provincial cap-ital of Tierra del Fuego, Argentina. After an exciting sailingthrough the Drake Passage, passengers arrive in the AntarcticPeninsula and South Shetland Islands.

The foundation of success and enjoyment of the journey is the dis-tinctive red and white M/V Antarctic Dream. Antarctic is an ice-rated ship built in Holland specifically to navigate polar areas,commissioned by the Chilean Navy. Its first name was “PilotoPardo” in honor of the Chilean pilot who in 1916 helped rescue theexplorers who accompanied Sir Ernest Shackleton in his unsuc-cessful attempt to reach the South Pole.

The first contact with the White Continent is Aitcho Island, thelargest of the South Shetland Islands. The sailing continuesthrough the Bransfield and Gerlache Straits to reach the AntarcticPeninsula. In the area of Pleneau, there’s a zodiac cruise in a beau-tiful ice-strewn landscape, weather with it. On the way back toUshuaia and before returning to the Drake Passage, the expeditionincludes visits to the submerged crater of Deception Island, thelargest active volcano in the area, where travelers experience acontradiction with the cold appearance—an unforgettable bathingin hot springs at Pendulum Cove.

Since the M/V Antarctic Dream began operating, many have hadthe privilege of navigating with the vessel. The unique structureadapted for ice also allowed the company to open a route to theArctic, which has already had two seasons. Its Antarctic season be-gins November 7, and offers an experience way beyond imagina-tion—with safety, comfort, adventure and entertainment in one ofthe world’s most breathtaking, natural and pristine backdrops.Antarctic Shipping S.A., www.antarctic.cl adventuresincorporated.com

INKANATURA TRAVEL HAS NEW PLANE FORMANU TOURS IN PERU

Manu Biosphere Reserve is a premier jungle destination in Perufor nature lovers. It is located in eastern Peru’s Amazon territoryand very close to Cusco and Machu Picchu. Manu has an incredi-ble concentration of wildlife that includes tapirs, giant otters, mon-keys, jaguars, several species of birds and more.

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

In addition to the Manu rainforest area, InkaNatura operates thefamous Inca trail to Machu Picchu (standard and deluxe option),Choquequirao, different treks around Cusco, Tambopata nature re-serve, Chiclayo, Trujillo, Chachapoyas, Kuelap fortress, Cajamarcaand nature and birding tours.InkaNatura Travel, 888-870-7378, www.inkanatura.com


LATIN AMERICA

TAMARINDO BEACH & GOLF RESORT HASSPECIAL DISCOUNTS ON ROOMS

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

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

Located on the Pacific Northwest coast of Costa Rica, as Tamarindo’s first hotel, the Tamarindo Diria Beach & Golf Resort has been in the hospitality business for over 30 years. Spread out over five acres, it features 182 rooms, an oceanfront pool, the largest scenic pool in Tamarindo, a children’s pool, two bars, two restaurants, a cafeteria, 24-hour free guarded parking, laundry services, tour desk, business center, meeting room for up to 40 people, amphitheatre for up to300, golf driving range, National airport with VIP facilities, andcommercial shopping area.

The front desk at Tamarindo Diria Beach and Golf Resort reportsa 40-percent return rate for guests, while Expedia.com clients givethe hotel an 88-percent recommendation. Tamarindo Diria Beach & Golf Resorts, www.tamarindodiria.com

EARLY BIRD SAVINGS SALE AT BREEZES RESORTS

Guests who book early for winter travel to the Caribbean orPanama with Breezes Resorts earn handsome savings. The newlyexpanded Breezes Resorts’ “Early Bird Savings” special rewardsearly bookings made by November 18, 2009 with savings up to$700 per couple on seven-night getaways from January 7 throughAugust 31, 2010.

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

Breezes Panama, the first Panamanian development by SuperClubs opened since October 1, is also extending a special invitation to travel agents with an exclusive AgentAppreciation $149 per person rate for four-day/three-night stays,including roundtrip airport transfers, for travel through November30, 2009. The offer must be booked by November 26, 2009, withrequired documentation: a copy of current IATAN Card or CLIAcard with name and photo, copy of IATAN list of CLIA certificate,and verification of employment letter composed and signed by amember of management. They must also mention code BPNTACOMP when booking.Breezes Resorts, 877-BREEZES (273-3937),www.breezes.com/specials/2009/09/14/book-2010-now-save-up-to-700, www.breezes.com; SuperClubs, 800-GO-SUPER (467-8737), www.superclubs.com

NEW LUXURY HONEYMOON SUITES AT LA MANSION INN

At La Mansion Inn, Manuel Antonio in Costa Rica, luxuryHoneymoon Suites and Packages are designed to relax, inspire andawe. Selected by patrons as a “Best for Romance” and BestLuxury” hotel by TripAdvisor® in the 2009 Travelers’ Choice®

awards, the 22-guestroom boutique hotel is both popular and inti-mately exclusive. At a time of choosing, the honeymooners each re-ceive a one-hour couple’s massage and the opportunity to go cata-maran sailing and snorkeling off the offshore islands.

This Honeymoon Package may be booked in accompaniment withthe majority of the rooms and suites at the hotel, all of which haveocean views. However, the 2009 addition of the Penthouses Suitesin the East Wing were especially designed to meet the needs of cou-ples. Both suites are perfectly situated, capturing not only the post-card views of the Pacific, but also the spanning rainforest that blan-kets the hills as they slope inland toward the mountains. Spaciousbalconies with outdoor furniture face the ocean, allowing the tintedfloor-to-ceiling windows within to provide views of the expansivetropical canopy. Due to its intimate size, La Mansion Inn lends it-self to natural exclusivity. Advance bookings are recommended toensure availability.La Mansion Inn, [email protected], www.lamansioninn.com


LATIN AMERICA

Prime location in the town of San Pedro, Ambergris Caye witheasy access to the town’s activities yet out of the hustle and

bustle of town. Ideal for singles, couples and families.

TWO GREAT VACATION GETAWAYS: US$100.00 off per dbl diver on all published packages

Visiting Travel Agent Special Exclusive - 50% off Published Rates

Dive, Adventure and Honeymoon Packages available now thru December 18, 2009

SUNBREEZE HOTEL & SUNBREEZE SUITES

AMBERGRIS CAYE, BELIZE

SUNBREEZE SUITESemail:

[email protected]: www.sunbreezesuites.com

toll free: 1-800-820-1631

SUNBREEZE HOTELemail:

[email protected]: www.sunbreezehotel.com

toll free: 1-800-688-0191

Yep, you’re right, South Africa is a long way fromhome. However, it is also one of those lifetime ex-periences your clients will cherish forever and bechomping at the bit for a chance to return. The

country covers a large, diversearea and it is almost impossibleto visit and experience it all onjust one fantastic trip.

With a stubborn determina-tion to succeed both as a great place to live and a fascinating country for visitors, South Africa gave birth to South African Airways75 years ago.

The airline is a Star Alliancemember and, “The World’sMost Awarded Airline toAfrica.” Mr. Marc Cavaliere,

SAA’s Executive Vice President North America, based in Ft.Lauderdale, also wants to remind agents that they have a number of code share flights that allow passengers to travel seamlessly on flights operated by other airlines.

SAA offers a series of special vacation packages for individuals and groups to South Africa from both the United States and Canada, handled by Lucille Sive, president of Lion World Tours and who also handlesSouth African Vacations. (www.lionworldtravel.com). She has a long list of award-winning 5-star hotels and lodges that she features in her programs. For toll freecalls from the U.S, dial, 888-722-4872 and from Canada,800-668-9968. For in-depth information about the variousproperties, check the website: flysaavacations.com/itin-specials.htm.

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

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

It’s Not All About AnimalsBelieve it or not, South Africa has other diversions beside

its huge game reserves. Soccer is said to be, “gripping the nation!” Other sports gaining in popularity include cricket, rugby, tennis and of course golf, although golf has been around awhile. But the big news is that South Africa will be holding the 2010 World Soccer Cup event inJune and July.

The final championship match will be July 11. Get bids inearly for seats and accommodations as 500,000 people areexpected to show up. The country is already working on howto provide transportation to the games. However, there willbe special “fan parks,” where fans without tickets can safelywatch the 64 World Cup matches in secure areas on high de-finition big screen televisions. Food and beverages will beavailable and also public transportation. It is really expectedto be one big party in the park with D Js and bands.

The tourist board and others involved have literally left nostone unturned, even providing charter flights for those whocan’t find close-in accommodations. And if all the accommo-dations on land are full, there will be luxury cruise linerswaiting at sea. The country can’t be any more accommodating than that!

South Africa’s ParksSouth Africa is truly one of the most fantastic places on

earth. It has many interesting national parks, includingKalahari Gemsbok National Park, Augrabies Falls,Marakele, Richtersveld, Vaalbos, Golden Gate Highlandsand of course, the famous Kruger Park. South Africa differsfrom East Africa in game sighting.

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

South African AirwaysThere’s no better way to get to South Africa than


AFRICA

For a Vacation They’ll Never Forget Send Your Clients to South Africa J OA N G O N Z A L E Z

LUCILLE SIVE

on the country’s own airline, SouthAfrican Airways, that has service fromthe U.S. to South Africa with daily de-partures from Washington D.C.(Dulles) and New York (JFK) toJohannesburg, with same day connec-tions to more than 20 cities in Africa.

The airline flies Airbus A-340 aircraft,one of the most modern on the air-waves and also one of the most com-fortable for its passengers.

Premium class has fully-flatbed seats and in economy more legroom than many other airlines, with34 inches of seat pitch.

And, to keep passengers entertainedon the long haul, there is individualon-demand entertainment systemswith movies, television shows andmusic channels.

Meals are so good that it is the firstairline to be granted honorary mem-bership in the South African Chefs’Association. The airline and the coun-try, “aim to please,“ and it certainly does.SAA Vacations,888-722-4872, www.flysaavacations.com


AFRICA

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

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

No One Is Faster To More Of Africa Than We Are

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

With daily non-stop service from New York (JFK) to Johannesburg, only South African Airways gives you same day connections to over 20 cities in Africa. Add this to our legendary South African warmth and hospitality and you’ll see we’re the only way to fly.

SOUTH AFRICAN TOURISM LAUNCHESMARKETING FOR FIFA WORLD CUP INCHICAGO

South African Tourism (SAT) kicked off its campaign for the2010 FIFA World Cup™ with events in Chicago promoting SouthAfrica as tournament host. World-renowned soccer superstarLucas Radebe—Global 2010 Ambassador, and Zakumi, the official2010 FIFA World Cup™ mascot, was on hand, as well as SouthAfrica’s Ambassador to the USA, H.E. Ambassador Welile Nhlapo.

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

The contest was launched September 26 at a Major LeagueSoccer match of the Chicago Fire versus Toronto FC at the ToyotaPark Stadium. At the pre-game FireFest, attendees received thun-dersticks branded with the contest URL. Fans registered entries forthe SA trip (courtesy of official World Cup operator DestinationSouthern Africa), had their faces painted in South African colors,and practiced with the Joffrey dancers.

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

Khaled Elkhatib, Director of International Relations for the Cityof Chicago, delivered a proclamation from Mayor Richard M.Daley establishing September 25–29 as “South Africa 2010 FIFAWorld Cup™ Days.” Sthu Zungu presented Mr. Elkhatib with aframed Bafana Bafana jersey signed by Lucas Radebe for theMayor.South African Tourism, 800-593-131, [email protected],www.southafrica.net/2010, www.southafrica.net/dance,www.southafrica.net

NEW CAPE ROYALE LUXURY HOTEL &RESIDENCE INTRODUCED

The Cape Royale Luxury Hotel & Residence is the newest SouthAfrican luxury client member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts.

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

A special offer currently allows guests to stay for three nights and pay for two or stay for seven and pay for five through December15, 2009.

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

Bookings may be made through a Preferred tour operator partner.Cape Royale Luxury Hotel & Residence, www.caperoyale.co.za

CAPE TOWN PIONEERS RESPONSIBLETOURISM CHARTER

The Executive Mayor of Cape Town, Alderman Dan Plato, alongwith major tourism associations, has signed a Cape TownResponsible Tourism Charter. Associations that signed the Charterwith the City are the Federation of Hotel Associations of SouthAfrica (FEDHASA); the Southern African Tourism ServicesAssociation (SATSA), representing the private sector of the re-gion’s incoming tourism industry; the Southern AfricanAssociation for the Conference Industry (SAACI), representing theinterests of conference organizers and venue owners; and CapeTown Tourism.

Mariette du Toit-Helmbold, CEO of Cape Town Tourism, com-mented on the significance of the Responsible Tourism Charter,“Ours is a city of contrasts. Cape Town has made its mark interna-tionally as a premier tourist destination and boasts incredible nat-ural beauty and good infrastructure. This is juxtaposed with socialproblems and poverty that are directly related to our colorful pastand troubled history. The tourism sector in Cape Town is wellplaced to lead in terms of responsible practice and can make a realdifference in Cape Town by implementing small changes to the waywe live and do business. We must invest in solid, practical and firmprinciples of ethical behavior, management and lifestyle, balancingthe fragile state of our climate, communities and the natural envi-ronment with the need to grow the tourism economy to addresspoverty and unemployment.”

With 255 days to the kick-off of the 2010 FIFA World Cup inJune 2010, a Green Goal program has been put in place to ensurean environmentally responsible event. Cape Town Tourism Board,www.capetown.gov.za/EN/TOURISM/Pages/ResponsibleTourism


AFRICA

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

&BEYOND GIVES MORE ANDTAKES LESS BY DOING WELLFOR ENVIRONMENTS

After 18 years of pioneering luxury re-sponsible tourism, &Beyond has shown it’spossible to make meaningful improvementsto the planet while delighting guests.

A new system has been launched to mea-sure the company’s eco overheads—eachlodge is challenged to reduce the negativeimpact of operations while doing more toimprove living conditions of neighboringcommunities.

Some impressive &Beyond accomplish-ments over the past year include the plant-ing of 2,500 trees, a drop in Co2 emissions(lowering use of generators, fuel andpetrol), 1,200 hectares added to &BeyondPhinda Private Game Reserve, reintroduc-tion projects of cheetah, leopard, giraffe,black rhino and duiker and translocation ofsuni, Guar, buffalo, elephant, rhino andreedbuck, with 62 leopards now collaredand monitored in KwaZulu-Natal.

In addition, water access has been im-proved for 19,000, with 75 communityablution and sanitation facilities built, bedsand facilities provided for 1,000 orphanedchildren, facilities improved at four healthclinics and housing built for seven doctorsand nurses.

&Beyond guests contribute to the com-pany’s conservation strategy, makingmeaningful differences to sustainable com-munity empowerment, thus enabling&Beyond to ‘do well by doing good.’ &Beyond, www.andBeyond.com

‘SAFARI AND THE CITY’PLANNED BY SWAIN TOURS

Swain Tours is offering an exciting“Safari and the City” tour priced from$2,999 (deluxe, land only) for sevendays/six nights, organized for specifictravel dates during the period October 1 toDecember 19, 2009 and also January10–31, 2010. Travelers save $290 per per-son with this package price.

Destinations are Cape Town and the SabiSands Game Reserve. The itinerary in-cludes meet and greet service on arrival,

round trip airport/lodge transfers, one nightin Cape Town at More Cape Cadogan plustwo free nights, a Peninsula tour, threenights in Sabi Sands Game Reserve at LionSands River Lodge with spectacular gameviewing in “big five” country, and sixbreakfasts/three lunches/three dinners.

Few urban centers anywhere can matchCape Town’s setting along the mountainousCape Peninsula spine, which slides into theAtlantic Ocean. A ride in a cable car to thetop of Table Mountain, a ferry journey toRobben Island, or a meandering tourthrough the Winelands will leave no doubtthis is a must highlight on any African vacation.

At the Lion Sands Game Reserve, travel-ers will enjoy an astronomy surprise in theevening, interesting and informative bushwalks, morning and evening game drives, afascinating Hippo Tour, safari lunches andan assortment of wildlife lectures.

A typical day starts with an early rise anda light snack before departing on an activ-ity, with a stop for a snack and tea/coffee enroute. Upon return to camp (normallyabout three hours later), guests enjoy asizeable brunch. Free time is ample duringthe heat of the day for a siesta or a dip inthe pool. Mid-afternoon tea, cakes and sa-vories are served, before departure for theafternoon activity, with a stop for cocktailsen route. On return to camp, a sumptuousdinner is enjoyed.

It’s advisable to contact a DestinationSpecialist at Swain for more details and thebest available airfare. The trip must bebooked by January 15, 2010, with travelcompleted by January 21, 2010.Swain Tours, 800-227-9246, [email protected], www.swaintours.com/specialoffers/safariandthecity.asp, www.swaintours.com


AFRICA

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

New Non-Stop FlightsFrom D.C. To Dakar

With Continuing Service To Johannesburg

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


AFRICA

TANZANIA TOURIST BOARD 2009 PRINTMEDIA AWARD PRESENTED AT ATA’S ANNUALPRESIDENTIAL FORUM IN NYC

H.E. Ombeni Y. Sefue, Tanzania’s Ambassador to the UnitedStates, presented the 2009 Tanzania Tourist Board Print MediaAward to journalist Eloise Parker at the African TravelAssociation’s (ATA) Fourth Annual Presidential Forum held at theKimmel Center of New York University on September 25. Ms.

Parker was honored for her firsthand account of reaching the sum-mit of Mt. Kilimanjaro, which appeared in the New York DailyNews print and online edition. Tanzania National Parks(TANAPA), Africa House of NYU, and South African Airways co-sponsored the event.

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

TANZANIA TO CONSTRUCT MONUMENT ATARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE

The Government of Tanzania will construct a monument andpodium to preserve the archaeological site where the first specieshominid Zinjanthropus boiesei skull was discovered by Dr. MaryLeakey in 1959—Olduvai Gorge, part of the NgorongoroConservation Area in Northern Tanzania. The announcement wasmade at the 50th Anniversary of the Gorge at the ArushaInternational Conference Center. The five-day event was attendedby more than 200 delegates and scientists from around the world.

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

The discovery of Zinjanthropus boisei at Olduvai Gorge, togetherwith the oldest existing footprints at Laitole (3.6 million years ofage), further verifies that the origins of the human species was inthe Ngorongoro Conservation Area in Tanzania, and not in Asia aspreviously thought. In keeping with the significance of this infor-mation, Olduvai Gorge is now known as “The Cradle of Mankind,”while Laetoli holds the only undisputable evidence for humanbipedalism.Olduvai Gorge has continued to attract tourists andyield scientific findings that have added more value to the recordsof human evolution. The significance of Olduvai and Laetoli has ledto the elevation of the Ngorongoro Area Conservation to be nomi-nated as a World Heritage site in 2008 to incorporate both naturaland cultural outstanding universal values. Tanzania Tourist Board, www.tanzaniatouristboard.com

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

��

��


AFRICA

RUSSIAN BILLIONAIREOWNER OF LONDON’SCHELSEA FOOTBALL CLUBCLIMBS MT. KILIMANJARO

Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich,owner of London’s premier league ChelseaFootball Club in England, scaled Africa’shighest peak, Mt. Kilimanjaro Abromovicharrived at Kilimanjaro InternationalAirport on a 200-seater chartered Boeing747 with only six people on board and wasmet by Cyril Chami, Tanzania DeputyMinister for Trade and Industries, beforebeing driven to Arusha’s exclusiveRivertree Country Inn where he spent thenight. The billionaire started the six- orseven-day ascent to the summit of themountain that followed the Lemosho routeon the western slope of the mountain viaWestern Breach Wall. At the end of his firstday of climbing, Mr. Abromovich slept atMti Mkubwa before continuing his journeyin the early morning, spending his secondnight at Shiri One, before stepping up toShiri Two the following day.

Mr. Abramovich is the primary owner ofthe private investment company MillhouseLLC. Prior to the financial crisis, he wasconsidered to be the second richest personliving within the United Kingdom. Tanzania Tourist Board, tanzaniatouristboard.com

OMONG’WE TRAVEL TO OFFER2010 WORLD CUP PACKAGES

Omong’we Travel & Tours, a travel com-pany based in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania hasfinalized plans to offer 2010 World Cuptour packages during the time of first-African World Cup to be staged in SouthAfrica in June and July 2010.

The clients can customize their vacationsby choosing a combination of safari to endless plains of Serengeti, world-famous Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara or Tarangire National Parks,climb Mount Kilimanjaro or visit white-sandy beaches of Zanzibar. TheTanzanian tour package can then be com-bined with South African tour packages inorder to provide end-to-end travel experi-ence to clients.

To facilitate the travel arrangements forits clients, Omong’we Travel & Tours hasentered into an agreement with XL TurnersTravel, one of the most respected travelmanagement companies in South Africa.XL Turners Travel can arrange for airporttransfers, South African domestic tourismactivities, hotel reservations, local airline,ferries and rail reservations. Omong’we Travel, [email protected],www.omongwetravel.com; XL TurnersTravel, www.turnerstravel.co.za

SPECIAL $100 PER PERSONDISCOUNT FROM ZARATANZANIA ADVENTURES

Zara Tanzania Adventures invites travel-ers to experience the trip of a lifetime—with a Kilimanjaro climb and a Safari forthe ultimate African holiday. For a limitedtime, Zara is offering a $100-per-persondiscount on its amazing Trekking andSafari Packages.

Package 1 consists of 13 days total, aseven-day Kilimanjaro climb and a five-daySafari. Package 2 is a total of 11 days: asix-day Kilimanjaro climb with a four-daySafari. And Package 3 is also 11 days—with a five-day Kilimanjaro climb and afive-day Safari. At booking, travelers needto mention promotion code ZaraTS. Thespecial discount is available for bookingsmade by December 31, 2009.

Hikers and animal enthusiasts continue torecognize Zara value, as treks and safarisare packed with people from around theworld. In terms of guest numbers, Zara isTanzania’s No.1 Kilimanjaro outfitter andone of Tanzania’s biggest safari operators.

Four value packages include the followingitineraries: Package 1, TrekMachame/Safari Serengeti, 13 days;Package 2, Trek Machame/SafariTarangire, 11 days; Package 3, TrekMarangu/Safari Serengeti, 11 days; andPackage 4, Safari/Cultural Tour Zanzibar,18 days.

Years of experience and knowledge withqualified climbing guides and safari tours inTanzania assures infinitely memorable ex-periences, with safety, efficiency and relia-bility built in. With 88 registeredKilimanjaro guides and a fleet of 4x4 LandRovers, 4x4 mini buses, and 4x4 LandCruisers (all equipped with viewing roofs),Zara is ready to lead safari adventures andclimbs to the top of Kilimanjaro. English,German and Spanish-speaking guides sharetheir knowledge and stories of the incredi-ble Tanzania Game reserves and intimatelyknow the many routes up the legendarymountain. Zara Tanzania Adventures, 866-550-4447, [email protected], www.zaratours.com


AFRICA

2010 FIFA WORLD CUP—SOCCER AND THE BIG FIVE WITH CORDIAL TOURS

A great opportunity to visit Tanzania—the Land of Kilimanjaro,Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Zanzibar during 2010 FIFA WorldCup, is now being offered by Cordial Tours and Travel Services Ltd.These two travel companies will join together to present the big fiveof soccer and the big five of Tanzania within the same day. Travelersmay choose one to four days of fantastic game safaris at Serengetiand Ngorongoro, watching the big five of Tanzania, spend two daysfor beach leisure at Zanzibar, the Island of Species, or take at leastfive days climbing the roof of Africa, Kilimanjaro.

More information about this fabulous opportunity is available onthe Cordial Tours website.Cordial Tours, www.cordialtours.com

THE SOCCER FEVER EXPERIENCE INNAMIBIA FOR 2010 AND BEYOND

When it comes to preparing for the 2010 Soccer World Cup inSouthern Africa, no other destination serves tourists like Namibia.Only two hours of direct flight away from Cape Town andJohannesburg, Namibia offers excellent facilities for soccer profes-sionals, and those who want to break away to ‘another’ world in-between games.

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

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

Windhoek is a modern, cosmopolitan city with a population over350,000. It has several conference centers, for those who want tocombine business with pleasure. Soccer professionals have a choiceof over fifty sports being practiced in Namibia for keeping fit.

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

World-class medical services and state-of-the-art medical equip-ment and technology are available in Namibia for those who mayneed care, as well as top-class transportation and communicationinfrastructure across the country.

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

Soccer is a game that pulls together the various cultures ofNamibia, especially when world tournaments such as a SoccerWorld Cup are played, and one will find spectators watching thegame all over in sports clubs and pubs in Namibia, cheering theirfavorite teams, and celebrating wins. Namibia Tourism Board, www.namibiatourism.com.na

SSppeecciiaalliissttss iinn ttoouurrss ooff

NNAAMMIIBBIIAA

TThhee ccoooolleesstt eexxppeerriieennccee iinn tthhee hhootttteesstt ddeessttiinnaattiioonn

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

wwwwww..aabbeenntteeuueerraaffrriikkaa..ccoomm


AFRICA

ATA HOSTS ANNUAL PRESIDENTIAL FORUMON TOURISM IN NEW YORK

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

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

Tanzanian Ambassador to the United Nations Obmeni Sefue thenpresented the Tanzania Tourist Board’s 2009 Print Media Awardto journalist Eloise Parker for her coverage on summiting MountKilimanjaro. Speaking on behalf of Tanzania, a country that cur-rently holds ATA’s rotating presidency, Ambassador Sefue alsospoke about the role ATA can play in improving tourism on theAfrican continent.

World Bank Vice President of the Africa Region, ObiageliEzekwesili delivered an opening statemen, which set the stage forthe panel discussion that followed, much of which centered on in-troducing each country as a unique travel destination and the rolethat tourism plays in each economy. Ezekwsiili also spoke about theneed to build a tourism sector driven by economic and social con-siderations rather than political ones.

Africa House Director Dr. Yaw Nyarko moderated the discussionfeaturing Dr. Oldemiro Baloi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of theRepublic of Mozambique, Baba Hamadou, Minister of Tourism ofthe Republic of Cameroon, Anna A. Kachikho, MP, Minister ofTourism, Wildlife and Culture of the Republic of Malawi, Samia H.Suluhu, Minister of Tourism, Trade & Industry of the RevolutionaryGovernment of Zanzibar, Dr. Kaire M. Mbuende, Ambassador ofthe Permanent Mission of the Republic of Namibia to the U.N., andDr. Inonge Mbikusita-Lewanika, Ambassador of the Republic ofZambia to the U.S.

In three years, the forum has become a highlight on the diplo-matic and travel industry calendars, taking place in parallel to theUN General Assembly meetings in September. In 2006, Tanzania’sand Nigeria’s heads of state launched the inaugural event; in 2007,Tanzania’s and Cape Verde’s heads of states delivered the keynoteaddresses. They were joined by ministers from Benin, Ghana,Lesotho, and Malawi, as well as representatives from Rwanda andthe Africa Union. In 2008, ministers from Tanzania, Zambia andMalawi participated.

This year, over 200 participants from the travel trade industry,media, diplomatic community, African diaspora, business sector, non-profit world, and academia and hospitality studies participated. Africa Travel Association (ATA),[email protected], www.africatravelassociaton.org

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

TThhee LLaanndd ooooff LLeeggeennddaarryy TTeerraannggaaaanndd BBeeaauuttiiiiffuull TToouurriissttiicc SSiitteess......WWeellccoommee!!

SENEGALSENEGALSenegal Tourist Office

Phone: (212) 695-9630

Email: [email protected]

website: www.senegal-tourism.com


AFRICA

EXTRAORDINARY JOURNEYS IS APTLY NAMED

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

Combining Marcia’s 30 years of experience in the travel industryspecializing in East and Southern Africa, with Elizabeth’s greatorganizational skills and savvy sense of what the younger marketwants, the team has already opened a branch in Paris.

Marcia and Elizabeth intensify client pampering. There are no setitineraries. They incorporate a range of activities and experiencesinto every itinerary. For the two hard-working ladies, the art oftravel planning is the ability to match the lifestyles and aesthetic ofeach client to the exact properties that will be the most unique andinteresting for them.

Normally, if she thinks her clients are daring, Marcia likes to mixthings up a bit with a night or two of adventure – such as sleepingunder the African night sky speckled with stars… in a comfortablebed with a soft duvet and fine linens—followed by nights in a lux-ury lodge with fine décor, delicious wines, gourmet food and a re-laxing spa. But regardless of the type of accommodation, Marciais unrelenting in her insistence that guides be well-informed, enter-taining, and receptive to wishes of her clients.

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

For the many honeymoon couples that contact her, Marcia lovesto begin or end the safari with a fabulous beach experience.Mozambique is the perfect culmination to a trip through SouthAfrica as it is only a short flight away. Her favorites are Marlin Lodge and the new Azura island retreat, which pairs wellwith the boutique experiences of Southern Tanzania.

Marcia is able to offer generous commissions to agents. Extraordinary Journeys, www.ejAfrica.com

LA MAMOUNIA’S EXQUISITE RENOVATIONRESPECTS ITS HISTORICAL, CIVILIZED FLAIR

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

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

La Mamounia has hosted the “who’s who” of international roy-alty, politicians, celebrities and the jet set. Its name can be tracedback to the eighteenth century, starting with King Sidi MohammedBen Abdellah.

At the time, it was customary to offer one’s sons a house and a garden located outside the Kasbah as a wedding gift. La Mamounia is located on the site of the King’s gift to his son, Prince Moulay Mamoun. Today the garden, noted for its an-cient olive groves and wide array of flora, covers almost 20 acres.Winston Churchill declared the site to be, “the most lovely spot inthe whole world.”

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

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

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

The hotel has been symbolic of traditional Moroccan hospitality and a classic example of the great age of grand hotels.Room rates start at $775 (based on the conversion rate at time of release).La Mamounia, www.mamounia.com

For thousands of top selling ideas plus the best airfares

Make up to 15% commission 1 800 387 8850


AFRICA

ROBERT MURIITHI NDEGWA IS NEW MANAGING DIRECTOR FOR KENYA TOURISM BOARD

Tourism Minister Hon. Najib Balala hasannounced the appointment of a RobertMuriithi Ndegwa as the new ManagingDirector of the Kenya Tourism Board. Mr.Ndegwa, 46, is the current ManagingDirector of the East African Cables(Tanzania Ltd), which he successfullyturned around from near collapse after ayear of taking charge in 2006. The com-pany paid dividends to shareholders forthe first time in ten years of operation.

Prior to that, he served as Marketing Development Manager ofMagadi Soda Co. ltd and of Firestone East Africa, and earlier washead of Marketing for Kenya Post Office Savings Bank (PostBank). He holds a Masters degree in Business Administration andhas made a distinguished career in the field of marketing and pub-lic relations—critical in the stewardship of a tourism marketingagency. He was rated the best MBA student in marketing at theUniversity of Nairobi for three straight academic years.Kenya Tourist Board, (agents-only site) www.kenyaagent.com,(consumer site) www.magicalkenya.com

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

Nick Aslin has been associated with high-end tourism to Zambiafor almost two decades as the Managing Director of Norman CarrSafaris, Zambia’s oldest and most established safari company.With the industry’s bigger names getting involved in Zambia aswell, the destination is now quite sought after.

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

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

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

The company offers assistance and advice with trip planning; personalized airside meet and greet service on arrival, displaying the client’s logo if required; the booking and coordina-tion of all air and land transfers, and also the booking of accommodations throughout Zambia—with excellent negotiatedcommission rates.Zambian Ground Handlers, [email protected]

ROBERT MURIITHI


AFRICA Your one-stop shop for customized tours to

WEST AFRICA

Come fly to Timbuktu and back again!Our Mali-based company specalizes in cultural and adventure programsthroughout our country, plus Benin, Burkina Faso, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Mauritania, Senegal and Togo.Owner-guided tours trace the history and mystery of West Africa, offering experiences of a lifetime!Contact us now —we promise 24-hour or sooner response to inquiries:

Tel: (221) 77 510 15 18 & (223) 7646 6124Fax: (223) 20 28 52 32

Email: [email protected] & [email protected]

www.westafricajourneys.com

ATA ORGANIZES TRAVEL INDUSTRYWORKSHOP AT ATE TRAVEL SHOW IN NYC

The Africa Travel Association (ATA) joined Adventures inTravel Expo (ATE) as a major industry partner in present-ing Destination Africa to travel industry professionals inter-ested in learning more about Africa at a special workshopat ATE’s travel show at the Jacob Javitz Convention Centeron Saturday, October 10.

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

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

Workshop speakers included Achma Asokan from GroupSystems America, Inc., a company representing over twenty Africa-based airlines; El Hadji Aziz Gueye, Director of the Senegal Tourism Office; Karen Hoffman, the Tanzania Tourist Board Representative; Dean Jacobberger,Manager of Trade Relations at South African Tourism; ElSayed Khalifa, Director of USA & Latin America at theEgyptian Tourist Authority; Lloyd Murray, President ofPalace Travel; Charlie Newton, Senior Sales Director ofSITA World Tours; and Kathi Scott of South AfricanAirways Vacation. Edward Bergman, Executive Director ofATA, moderated the event.Africa Travel Association (ATA), [email protected], www.africatravelassociaton.org

EM

ILY B

AY

LEY

Let us put you on the right track!

Visit www.apta.biz or [email protected].

APTA IS AFRICAWE’LL PUT YOU ON THE RIGHT TRACK!APTA is recognized as the foremost Travel Trade Association for the Promotion

of Tourism to the Continent of Africa and its islands. Join us and connect with

hundreds of fellow Travel Counselors, Tour Operators, Tourism Boards, Airlines,

and other Suppliers for unique and invaluable information on travel to Africa.

Your APTA Membership Includes:

Educational Dinner Programs

Guest Speakers

New Sales Tools

Destination/Product Presentations

Networking Opportunities

Access to Informative Website

Member Supplier List on Website

Special Discounts

Invitation to Annual Travel Show “Discover Africa”

Quarterly Newsletter Subscription and Submissions

Unique Educational Opportunities


AFRICA

AIR MAURITIUS’ NEWIDENTITY TAKES FLIGHT

A dynamic redesigned logo for AirMauritius is breathing new life into the vi-sual identity of the country’s national air-line. This November, it takes off—with the Airbus A340-300, its new

livery, going into service. Last year its cabin interior was com-

pletely reconfigured, with new lie-flat seatsin business class as well as a new designscheme inspired by local colors. The com-pany also reinforced its collaboration withAir France to offer passengers a widerchoice of destinations.

“We are delighted to have our ‘modern-ized icon’ in flight and to see the brightlycolored stripes of our flag in the air. Afternearly a year since we redesigned ourpaille-en-queue logo, we are very proud of

the result. Our aim is to renew the livery ofthe whole fleet in the next two years. Thisgives an impetus to our all-round efforts tore-energize the company,” declared ManojR K Ujoodha, G.O.S.K, CEO of AirMauritius. Air Mauritius, [email protected],www.airmauritius.com

APTA ANNOUNCES DISCOVER AFRICA ANDFOCUS ON AFRICA 2010

This is an opportunity to meet the traderepresentatives of various airlines, lodges,camps and tourist boards and to networkwith industry colleagues who travel, selland specialize in Africa. Supported by numerous APTA corporate sponsors, each host chapter will present their own “unique” version of Discover Africa. The Discover Africa Road Show will be preceded by Focus on Africa in NewYork City.

APTA corporate members are invited toexhibit in the APTA pavilion at the JacobJavits Center in New York City. OnFebruary 25, visitors are invited to join theFocus on Africa “Launch” sponsored by theNorth East APTA Chapter. This event willinclude dinner, networking and a tradeshow. The next day will feature the Focus onAfrica Conference. The cost to participateincludes both events: $1,500 per APTACorporate member. There will be a 15-percent discount if paid in full by December 1.

Discover Africa 2010—Corporate mem-bers who participate in Discover Africa willhave a tabletop display area during thetrade show portion of this event.

The dates and host chapters are as fol-lows: March 2, San Diego; March 4,Northern California; March 9, Midwest(Chicago); and March 11, Florida (FortLauderdale). The cost to exhibit at eachvenue is $700. A 15-percent discount is of-fered to APTA corporate members who ex-hibit at all four venues and pay in full by 1December 2009. Association for the Promotion of Tourism to Africa (APTA), [email protected], www.apta.biz

1-800-518-7781

1-866-933-5963

1-877-625-2942

1-800-742-3006

1-877-359-0999

1-800-537-1182

TO AND FROM USA

In cooperation with transatlantic partners from many US gateways.

Call the toll-free numbers to make reservations.

1-888-359-8228

1-866-322-5561


AFRICA

ETHIOPIA AVIATION CONFERENCE HONORSKENYA AIRWAYS CEO

Titus Naikuni was recently hon-ored when receiving the 2009Aviation Achievement Award dur-ing a conference held at the AddisAbaba Hilton Hotel.

The honor was bestowed upon theKenya Airways chief executive byhis counterpart from EthiopianAirlines during the award-givingceremony, which crowned thethree-day meeting.

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

among others. The theme of this year’s conference was “Air Transport in

Africa—One Continent, One Strategy.”Kenya Airways, www.kenya-airways.com

SAFARI PRICES DROP ALMOST 30 PERCENTWITH 2AFRIKA, INC. PROMOTION

2AFRIKA, INC. and its preferred airline partners Virgin Atlantic Airways, United Airlines, Continental Airlines, KenyaAirways, South African Airways and Turkish Airlines have combined forces and launched a unique Fall East African Safaripromotion.

African safaris have a reputation for delivering exclusive experi-ences often with high price tags; travelers typically don’t know howto save money when venturing into the unknown territory of safariplanning for Africa. Thanks to 2AFRIKA, INC., that’s changing.The established safari tour operator based in New York City specializes in “Keeping Africa Affordable” with its preferred airline partners.

2AFRIKA has announced a Fall East African Safari promotionoffering 21 safaris to Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Uganda withdiscounts up to 30 percent. With these prices, it’s possible to safariwithin the giant continent to experience firsthand its untamedbeauty at a budget price.

“I’m thrilled about this Fall East African Safari promotion,which will motivate travelers to follow their dreams and make thecommitment to visit my magnificent continent,” says Kenneth R.Hieber, founder and President of 2AFRIKA, INC.

“I have spent a lot of time negotiating the 2010 safari prices to Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda and Uganda, and this is one travel deal travelers cannot afford to miss, particularly when you consider that African safari prices increase by at least 7.5–10percent every year. Analysts are already predicting increases intravel and we’re seeing that starting to come into effect. Yet2AFRIKA, INC. has worked hard to create this Fall East African

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

2AFRIKA’s Fall East African Safari promotion prices runthrough December 4, 2009, and are available for any of the 2010Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Uganda safaris showcased exclu-sively through 2AFRIKA’s website. The deals are for travel duringanytime in 2010, and must be reserved, confirmed and paid forwithin the select dates.

“We all like to save money and I expect this promotion to be asbig as those we have previously launched,” Hieber says.“Considering what you’re getting for the price, this is a very valu-able opportunity in terms of just how affordable these priceless ex-periences actually are.”2AFRIKA, INC., 866-462-2374, www.2afrika.com

GOWAY’S AFRICAEXPERTS RELEASESSPECIAL EDITION 2010 BROCHURE

Goway’s AFRICAExperts 2010 Travel Planner is a special Goway40th Anniversary edition featuring the top selling travel ideas forAfrica and the Middle East, several new travel experiences plus a timeline of significant events that have impacted travel to Africa over the last 40 years. “This new brochure is our most com-prehensive yet with over 170 independent and escorted travelideas,” claims Moira Smith, General Manager for the specialistGoway division.

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

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

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

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

Six- and seven-night unique Nile cruises on luxurious Dahabiyas.These upscale sailing boats carry just 16 people, ensuring a uniqueand exclusive experience. Prices start from $2,178 for a six-night cruise.Goway’s AFRICAExperts, 800-245-0920,[email protected], www.africaexperts.com

TITUS NAIKUNI

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

Date post:	15-Mar-2016
Category:	Documents
Upload:	c-gatt
View:	234 times
Download:	5 times

November 2009 Edition: Travel World News

Documents