FEBRUARY 2010

The Magazine for DestinationTravel Specialists ®

South African Airways Is Ready for 2010 FIFA World Cup

Tanzania the‘Height’ of AdventureTravel

Discover Senegal in 2010 FEBRUARY 2010 ISSUE NO. 260 executive office INDUSTRY EVENTS 28 Knight Street ITB Berlin 2010 Norwalk, CT 06851-4707 Coming Up in March 4 Voice: 203.286.6679 • Fax: 203.286.6681 CALENDAR OF EVENTS 10 internet website www.travelworldnews.com INDUSTRY NEWS 11 THE INSIDE TRACK publisher Small Ship Cruising 12 Charles Gatt, Jr. [email protected] EUROPE INDUSTRY EVENTS/ ITB BERLIN - page 4 Malta’s Rich Military History Is On editor Display With Many Visitor Attractions 13 Carol A. Petro [email protected] FAM ANNOUNCEMENTS For complete and current list please visit: design production manager www.travelworldnews.com/fams Linda Rogers [email protected] CARIBBEAN

Maria Rebello • accounting manager Sports, Eco & Social on the Shawn Hebert • IT manager Dominican Republic’s North Coast 16 Cindy Johnson • circulation manager Seven-Night Getaways at Breezes Save Up to $770 Per Couple 20 THE INSIDE TRACK/CRUISING - page 12 cruise editor Michael Iachetta Spice Island Beach Awarded Coveted Green Globe Recertification 22 southeast regional correspondent Joan Gonzalez Ladera Claims Top Position Among the Caribbean’s Finest 23 western regional correspondent Connie Skoog MEXICO contributing editors Playa Mambo is an Eco-Getaway Near Mona Birch • Ann Charles • Gail P. Dubov Magical Mayan Setting 24 Judith Glynn • Barry Goldsmith • Peggy Hageman George Hairston • Al Haut • Marjorie Klein • Peter Lowy Four Palace Resorts in Mexico Join EUROPE/MALTA - page 13 Nancy Marcantonio • Anita Mason Wyndham Hotels and Resorts 26 D.O. Christian Rieger • Knox Robinson • Mary Ellen Schultz Alcapulco International Helen Kitti Smith • Robin Swados • Diane Terry Reopens for 2010 Events 28

Travel World News (ISSN 1044-4602) is published monthly by Industry Network, Inc., 28 Knight Street, Norwalk, CT LATIN AMERICA 06851-4707. The cost of a subscription in the USA is $25, in Metropolitan Touring Appoints Canada $40. For subscribers outside USA or Canada, the rate is Paulina Burbano De Lara Its New $80. Please send check or money order in U.S. dollars payable to Executive President Travel World News. For change of address, please enclose your 29 mailing label and send to: Circulation Department, Travel World News, 28 Knight Street, Norwalk, CT 06851-4707. Periodicals Antarctic Dream Expedition an postage paid at Norwalk, CT, and additional mailing offices. Introduction to Great White Continent 32 POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Travel World News, 28 Knight Street, Norwalk, CT 06851-4707. Address advertising La Mansion Assists Real Estate CARIBBEAN/DOMINICAN REPUBLIC’S NORTH COAST - page 16 inquiries and/or editorial copy to: Travel World News, Investment Travelers 33 28 Knight Street, Norwalk, CT 06851-4707. Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. Printed in USA. No part of this publication may be reproduced without permission. AFRICA South African Airways is Ready for All advertising in Travel World News is based on data submitted to the Publisher by the advertisers. The Publisher shall not be liable 2010 FiFA World Cup 35 for the accuracy or inaccuracy of any information contained in Travel World News and shall not be liable, including but not Virgin Atlantic Appoints Simon Newton Smith limited to consequential or special damages, to any party for any products or services advertised or reported upon herein. The South America’s Country Manager 38 Publisher shall not be responsible for typographical errors. All information contained herein is subject to change without notice by CTA Incentive Promotes Senegal to the the parties providing such products and services. The Publisher U.S. Travel Marketplace 39 reserves the right to reject any advertising that has been submitted at his sole discretion. Upon providing a refund of any amount paid AFRICA/SAA-FIFA - page 34 to the party whose submittal was rejected, the Publisher shall not Tanzania is the “Height of 42 have any liability to any party for such rejection. One Globe. One Ticket.

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For further information please visit www.hahnair.com INDUSTRY EVENTS ITB Berlin Convention 2010 Coming Up in March Trendsetting themes and leading experts address the industry’s concerns at the world’s largest tourism convention.

et for March 10–12, the ITB Berlin Convention 2010 will highlight effects of the financial and economic crisis on tourism, Sstructural changes in society, and shifts in travel patterns, when over 200 leaders dis- cuss the future of travel at around 100 events.

ITB Marketing and Distribution Day The ITB Marketing and Distribution Day will focus on changes in consumer booking patterns and information needs; a featured discussion will be “personal- ized package tours.” The Internet will be examined as a way to occupy attractive market niches and personally address customers. Another panel will talk about strategies for the growing gay and lesbian The global travel industry’s leading think tank lures crowds. tourism market. The ITB Media Summit 2010 will address the shaken confidence of the travel indus- ITB Aviation Day’s key topics will be the future of aviation try. Among the leading speakers at the round-table discussion alliances and a discussion on budget airlines. Urgent issues will be former Minister of Economics Wolfgang Clement. will be raised in interviews with financial experts from low- cost carriers. At the global CEO panel discussion members Theme Days will opine about the future of commercial aviation. A discus- The convention opens with ITB Future Day. The ITB Global sion headed “A revolution in airline prices, the recession as Future Summit will analyze trends in demographics, climate an innovative force in the absence of premium customers” change, natural resources, technology and consumer behav- will reveal progressive models. Numerous analysts, among ior. Rolf Freitag, CEO of IPK International, will present the them Dr. Stefan Schulte, Chairman of the Board of Fraport forecasts of the ITB World Travel Trends Report. “Web 2.0 and AG, and Prof. Dr. Rainer Schwarz, Management Spokesman Social Media” will discuss gaining customers and securing of Berliner Flughäfen, will air measures with particular loyalty, as well as mobile travel solutions. The ITB Tourism promise. and Climate Panel will analyze the challenges of climate At ITB Corporate Social Responsibility Day, a high-level change and ecology. government representative of the Federal Republic of Against the backdrop of a changing climate, ITB Hospitality Germany will highlight the significance of CSR in economic Day will discuss new services. Three high-ranking ex- and social terms. Keynote speeches and panel discussions ecutives from leading hotel chains will speak about the mar- will debate examples of the role CSR can occupy in tourism. ket and their survival strategies under the unconventional This is the first time GfK is presenting a survey undertaken heading of “Ways to change boring hotels.” Distributors of exclusively for ITB Berlin, entitled “Leading CSR companies online applications and hotel owners will tell how mobile from the vantage point of the customer.” High-ranking mem- phones with Internet access are changing hotel-booking pat- bers will be attending the cruise session. In her terns. Taking as their slogan “What are the challenges facing keynote, world-famous explorer Céline Cousteau will ask the industry?” leading executives heading hotel chains in “Marine protection and tourism, are they friends or foes?” America, Europe and Asia will debate budget hotels. Experts, among them Prof. Dr. Martin Visbeck from the

4 • FEBRUARY 2010 www.travelworldnews.com • Travel World News INDUSTRY EVENTS

Leibniz Institute of Marine Sciences at the University of Kiel, world’s first zero-carbon city, will talk about their progress will examine whether the expanding cruise market is having to date. a negative effect on the environment. The ITB Forum will take place all three ITB Destination Days will be about the challenges of creat- days. Workshops, panel discussions and keynote speeches at ing destinations, with keynote address by the MICE Day, Strategy Day and Hands-On Day (with a Vural Öger, owner of the Öger Group. Representatives from focus on economics) will provide opportunities for an ex- Essen/Ruhr, Istanbul and Pécs, cities designated “European change on business travel and events management. Decision Capital of Culture” in 2010, will summarize developments. A makers can learn the latest technology trends March 10–11 subsequent discussion as to whether the title of UNESCO at the Conference, PhoCusWright@ITB. World Cultural Heritage Site is a curse or a blessing is certain “E-Travel Success Across Europe” will highlight the signifi- to be insightful. Brazil and Ecuador will present their success- cance of travel technology, addressing experts involved in ful concepts at the South America Forum, and at the Africa sales, marketing and business promotion. Forum experts will discuss how important tourism is in com- No prior registration is necessary to visit the convention. bating poverty. Turkey, this year’s partner country at ITB Holders of a trade visitor ticket to ITB Berlin may attend any Berlin, will show how to score with . The find- of the events free, with the exception of the Travel Technology ings of the latest conference of the German Society Convention. PhoCusWright@ITB will be held in English; si- for Tourism Research will be made public, highlighting op- multaneous interpreting into English and German is avail- portunities for investors exploring the niches of spirituality able at all other lectures and discussions. A trade visitor pass and tourism. with unlimited admission to ITB Berlin is approximately $67, The China Outbound Tourism Marketing Forum@ITB 46 Euros. Admission tickets to PhoCusWright@ITB are about Berlin 2010 will talk about ways to make destinations more $435 (300 Euros) per person. All tickets are available online. appealing to tourists from China. Zero-carbon luxury hotels ITB Berlin, ITB Berlin Convention; are both a significant topic and elements of a vision of future www.itb-convention.com/program, tourism. Two speakers from Masdar City, planned as the www.itb-kongress.com, www.itb-berlin.com

Travel World News • www.travelworldnews.com FEBRUARY 2010 • 5 INDUSTRY EVENTS

UFTAA WORLD CONGRESS DISCUSSES AGENT on-one with them, and advised colleagues to try the direct BENEFITS WITH CHANGING APPROACHES approach for themselves. More than one hundred delegates were in attendance at UFTAA President William TAN of NATAS (Singapore) last November’s 43rd World Congress of the United Federation observed that this Congress marked a significant and promising of Travel Agents Associations (UFTAA) in Kathmandu, change in direction for UFTAA, and looked forward to leading Nepal. UFTAA represents 80 national and multinational travel a more proactive federation, stressing that change can be agent associations. achieved only by hard work by those who’d undertaken to effect re- The three days devoted to business issues covered a spectrum of forms desired. topics. Several informative presentations were made by members United Federation of Travel Agents Associations (UFTAA), to illustrate how imaginative applications of new technologies offer www.uftaa.org opportunities for agents to position themselves more advanta- geously in a rapidly changing marketplace. CARIBBEAN TOURISM ORGANIZATION Of particular significance was the determination made by mem- ANNOUNCES RETURN OF SUSTAINABLE bers to take firmer control, with a view to strengthening the posi- TOURISM CONFERENCE tion of travel agents who, in recent years, have gained the impres- The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) has brought sion that sight has been lost of the true value of their services to back its Caribbean Conference on Sustainable Tourism the industry’s suppliers. Development, otherwise known as the Sustainable Tourism In that connection, a three-year plan is being developed by a Conference (STC), after a one-year absence due to the global group of members for the board’s consideration. That plan will economic crisis. flesh out more services and products for member associations and The 11th annual conference (STC-11) will be held May 9–12, will seek to stabilize the federation’s financial platform by making 2010, in Bridgetown, Barbados, and is being organized in collabo- it progressively less dependent on third-party support. ration with the Barbados Ministry of Tourism. In a wide-ranging debate on the direction in which the “We are delighted that we are able to once again bring travel agent sector should be moving, it was agreed that now together a wide range of experts and stakeholders to discuss is the time for UFTAA to assert for its members a more the region’s sustainability,” said Hugh Riley, Secretary General of independent stance. Travel agents should be exercising more au- the CTO. “We thank the government of Barbados for hosting thority over their own affairs instead of allowing third parties, this very important conference in this difficult global economic whose legitimate areas of interests do not and cannot fully overlap climate.” those of travel agents, to encroach on areas better run by agents This year’s conference will examine critical issues relating to themselves. sustainability and will explore creative solutions to many of the Vocational training was mentioned specifically as an area best co- challenges facing CTO Member Countries, including the effects of ordinated by travel agents. climate change. Some members stressed that, increasingly, when dealing “STC will continue with the focus on how Member States can de- with air -related problems, they receive a more sign and incorporate sustainable tourism policies and practices into constructive response from the airlines themselves by dealing one- their regional and international initiatives,” said Gail Henry, the CTO’s Sustainable Tourism Product Specialist. “We recognize that the development of the tourism sector in the Caribbean has to con- tinue on a sustainable path. The Caribbean has an opportunity to lead advancements in this area while also creating valuable em- ployment opportunities.” A comprehensive and dynamic program is being planned to include the customary study tours—a key feature of this conference. The annual Caribbean Conference on Sustainable Tourism Development is part of the information dissemination and regional awareness component of CTO’s Strategy for Sustainable Tourism. It looks at how member states can design and implement sustainable tourism policies and programs, offering a regional forum for information exchange on the successes and pitfalls of national, regional and international initiatives. Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), For more info, visit www.AfricaTravelAssociation.org E: [email protected] - T: +1.212.447.1357 www.caribbeantravel.com, www.onecaribbean.org

6 • FEBRUARY 2010 www.travelworldnews.com • Travel World News INDUSTRY EVENTS

OSSN HOME-BASED FORUM TAKES SHAPE agent delegates will be able to network personally with both ven- IN SAN DIEGO dors they’ve worked with before, as well as new ones. A compelling conference program is being developed for the in- Fee went on to say that a wide range of niche topics will be avail- augural OSSN Home Based Travel Agent Show scheduled for May able in an ambitious new training and education curriculum, giv- 24–26 at the Town & Country Resort in San Diego. ing the delegates rewarding choices and opportunities to enhance According to Gary Fee, President and founder of the Outside their professionalism and profitability. Sales Support Network, this new official OSSN event will roll out The conference will also deliver new programming to delegates a wide range of timely training and educational activities for all for their day-to-day home-based office operations. Topics will travel agents from coast to coast and Canada. run the gamut from legal advice to cashing in on incentive travel, He further explained that he expects more than 1,000 travel and from working with a consortium to the effective use of social agents to register for the three-day gathering, which is based on the networking. theme of “Catching the Wave of the Economic Upturn.” Fee also emphasized that accredited training will be The early-bird registration fee of $40, effective until offered by CLIA and the Niche Cruise Marketing Alliance February 28, represents one of the most affordable all-inclusive (NCMA). events on the 2010 calendar (starting March 1, the rack rate will Early hotel sign-up at the Town & Country Resort earns a special go to $60). introductory room rate of $89. Space is limited for these low- In an important new development, Fee introduced the fact that priced rooms, after which the rate will be $99. NACTA President Scott Koepf has accepted an invitation to appear Suppliers wishing to learn more about the show or reserve booth in San Diego as a conference participant. Fee said that the debut space can contact Jim Cloonan by email (listed below). of this OSSN show and forum has given impetus for his plans to Outside Sales Support Network (OSSN), build new bridges throughout the travel industry for the home- [email protected], based community. www.homebasedtravelagentforum.com, www.ossn.com; The nucleus of this event, the trade show, will attract more than Town & Country Resort, 888-231-3058 (mention OSSN show), 200 domestic and international suppliers, designed to ensure that www.homebasedtravelagentforum.com/hotel.html

Travel World News • www.travelworldnews.com FEBRUARY 2010 • 7 INDUSTRY EVENTS

ITTFA ELECTS NEW EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Strijker of Vakantiebeurs, who will be taking up the role of FOR 2010 Database Officer. The Trade Fairs ITTFA is dedicated to the continual development of the travel Association (ITTFA) has elected a new ex- trade show industry, increasing participation and setting high stan- ecutive committee for the year. Tom dards worldwide. Recent changes to entry requirements and the an- Nutley, Chairman and founder, stated, nual fee structure mean that membership is more accessible to “All appointments were aimed at smaller and developing shows, as well as more established ones. strengthening the central administration International Tourism Trade Fairs Association (ITTFA), of ITTFA and providing a firm base for the [email protected], www.ittfa.org continued growth of the association across cultural and international bound- CHICAGO’S LONGEST RUNNING TRAVEL SHOW ANTONIO aries. This year we are delighted to wel- HAS NEW LOOK AND NEW MARCH DATES DELL’AQUILANO come Officers from Italy and the As part of a series-wide update, Adventures in Travel Expo Netherlands, bringing with them fresh ideas and knowledge from Chicago (presented by Chicago Tribune) will carry a new name for their own markets as well as industry expertise.” 2010—the Chicago Tribune Travel & Adventure Show. This mir- Antonio Dell’Aquilano, Exhibition & Event Manager of TTG rors a successful change previously made with the LA Times Travel Italia Spa, was elected as President of ITTFA. He commented, “I & Adventure Show. The new dates for the show are March 20–21. am delighted to take on this prestigious role and look forward to a The Show offers the chance to impact short-term bookings. successful year ahead.” Registrants can reach over 13,000 serious travel buyers. They may Johan F Lundberg, Exhibition Manager of TUR, who has led the benefit from a fully supported integrated marketing program with association previously as President, will take the post of Treasurer. the Chicago Tribune and affiliated media outlets, including a 12- Meanwhile, Zeljka Tomljenovic, Events and Sales Manager ITE page in-paper show guide. The new date pattern gets consumers Travel Exhibitions, will continue to support the association via a thinking about buying trips rather than buying gifts, and expanded new role, Industry Liaison. The Association also welcomed Bart focus enables marketing options to a growing attendee base, realizing greater ROI. Over 70 percent of Chicago consumers found their next vacation at the show, and 55 percent of them will book that vacation within six months. Adventures in Travel Expo, www.adventureexpo.com

BLOSSOM JAPAN INVITATION-ONLY LUXURY ARTA TRAVEL EVENT LAUNCHED Blossom Japan, conceived by Lucioles, a recently launched com- 100% Travel Agents. pany headed by Jay Martens, the co-founder of Asia Luxury Travel Market (ALTM), is planned for a 2011 launch in Tokyo. The pre- We’re proud to say that ARTA mium trade event will be exclusively for the development of the high-end travel market of Japan. Blossom Japan will provide par- does not accept airlines or ticipants an opportunity to tap into the lucrative but hard-to-pene- other suppliers as members. trate Japanese market by presenting a forum of exceptional one- to-one business opportunities. Japan is still one of the most significant markets for luxury We work providers seeking to attract high-end consumers. All buyers will be fully hosted during their stay in Japan whether ONLY they come from Tokyo, Hokkaido, Hong Kong or New York. And ex- hibitors as well are fully hosted during their stay in Tokyo. for agents! The invitation-only event will be held in Tokyo January 18–21, 2011. It will commence with a full-day conference followed by a Sign up for our three-day exhibition at the Tokyo International Forum. The exhibi- FREE tion will be facilitated by pre-scheduled appointments ensuring that all attendees are conducting serious business by day, and will be 30-day trial membership: supplemented by a series of social events by night. A free day in www.artaonline.com Tokyo is included in the package. Blossom Japan, www.blossomjapan.com

8 • FEBRUARY 2010 www.travelworldnews.com • Travel World News INDUSTRY EVENTS

FIRST TCI GLOBAL CONFERENCE ON Thursday, March 4, followed by a day of workshops on Friday, TOURISM CLUSTERS WILL BE STAGED IN March 5, 2010, prior to the two-day ATE event at the Washington DOMINICAN REPUBLIC Convention Center in Washington, D.C. The first global thematic conference on tourism clusters will be Africa’s Tourism Agenda focuses on issues facing Africa’s travel held under the general theme “World Class Sustainable industry, such as airline access, and the World Cup, Competitive Tourism Clusters” from April 7–10, 2010, in Punta and U.S. policy approaches to tourism in Africa. Cana. The event is hosted by the National Competitiveness Council Professional Development offers tour operators and other travel of the Dominican Republic. experts best practices and skills-building with workshops on mar- The conference will bring together worldwide cluster practition- keting and branding, social media and travel trade shows, as well ers, researchers, international experts and tourism professionals to as up-to-date information on Africa’s travel products. discuss the main issues and the latest trends on promoting compet- Under the ATA-Travel & Adventure Show premier partnership itiveness through local development and clusters in one of the most agreement, seminar participants will receive a complimentary important global industries. For four intense days, practitioners ticket to the show on Saturday, March 6, and Sunday, March 7 at will be dedicated to networking, deepening knowledge and ex- the Washington Convention Center. changing ideas, best practices and lessons learned throughout the The show attracts high-value consumers from the DC area who world, and also experiencing on-site tourism clustering in one of are ready to book African . Participants are encouraged the top destinations in the Caribbean, the Dominican Republic. to take advantage of the location and exhibit at the show at a spe- TCI is the global practitioner’s network for competitiveness, clus- cial ATA member rate. ters and innovation. Media wishing to attend the seminar must apply for media ac- TCI Network, [email protected], creditation by February 25. www.drtourismclusters.com (registration), www.tci-network.org Africa Travel Association (ATA), [email protected], JAMAICA’S HALF MOON WILL BE VENUE www.africatravelassociation.org/ata/events/documents/ FOR JAPEX IN MAY 2010US-AfricaTourismSponsorshipWebsite.pdf, Jamaica’s resort capital, Montego Bay, will again be on show as www.africatravelassociation.org it hosts the 20th annual Jamaica Product Exchange (JAPEX) from May 11–13, 2010, at the luxurious Half Moon. Hosted by the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA) and Find Your Client’s Next the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), JAPEX, the island’s premier Great Travel Experience travel trade show, offers the ideal forum for leading suppliers of the Jamaican tourism product to meet with travel wholesalers and tour Stay on top of your client’s changing needs and interests by operators from Europe and the Americas in a professionally orga- attending the largest series of nized business exchange. Jamaica’s tourist industry has been un- consumer travel shows. You’ll: dergoing a continuous process of growth and improvement, with • Network with hundreds new and expanded hotels, exciting new attractions, and enhance- of suppliers • Evaluate new product ments from allied product and service providers. offerings from worldwide According to JHTA President Wayne Cummings the annual travel destinations • Cultivate business trade show will provide an ideal opportunity for attendees to see partnerships and opportunities firsthand all the spectacular developments that are making • Attend Special agent Jamaica an even more desirable tourist destination. functions highlight featured destinations Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), 800-JAMAICA (526-2422), Interested in Exhibiting? Register for your FREE Agent www.visitjamaica.com Email us at: Pass at: [email protected] www.adventureexpo.com/trade U.S.-AFRICA TOURISM SEMINAR SET FOR MARCH IN WASHINGTON, D.C. The Africa Travel Association has announced that Travel & Adventure Show will again co-sponsor ATA’s annual U.S.-Africa Seminar. The 2010 seminar aims to raise the visibility of Destination Africa and its diverse travel products in order to in- crease tourism arrivals and investment from the U.S.

The seminar begins with an evening networking reception on Los Angeles, CA • February 13-14, 2010 | Washington D.C. • March 6-7, 2010 “Destination Gambia,” the site of ATA’s 35th Annual Congress, on Chicago, IL • March 20-21, 2010 | New York, NY • October 9-10, 2010

Travel World News • www.travelworldnews.com FEBRUARY 2010 • 9 2010 • CALENDAR OF EVENTS DATE EVENT LOCATION CONTACT MARCH 6-7 Travel & Adventure Show - D.C. Washington, DC www.adventureexpo.com 8-9 TTG Polish Travel Mart 2010 Warsaw, Poland www.polishtravelmart.pl 10-14 ITB Berlin 2010 Berlin, Germany www.itb-berlin.com 10-14 Discover American Pavilion at ITB Berlin 2010 Berlin, Germany www.discoveramericapavilion.travel 17-20 MITT Moscow, Russia www.mitt.ru/en 17-20 Discover American Pavilion at Mitt 2010 Moscow, Russia www.discoveramericapavilion.travel 20-21 Travel & Adventure Show - Chicago Chicago, IL www.adventureexpo.com 24-26 UITT Kiev, Ukraine www.uitt-kiev.com 25-28 TUR Gothenburg, Sweden www.ittfa.org 25-28 Discover American Pavilion at TUR 2010 Gotehnburg, Sweden www.discoveramericapavilion.travel APRIL 14-16 Home Based Travel Agent Show & Conference Fort Lauderdale, FL www.homebasedagentshow.com 15-17 AITF Baku, Azerbaijan www.travel-exhibitions.com 15-18 Tourism Real Estate Expo Venice, Italy www.tre-expo.com 19-21 DATE 2010 Punta Cana, DR www.drdate.net 22-24 KITF Almaty, Kazakhstan www.travel-exhibitions.com MAY 4-6 CHTIC 2010 San Juan, Puerto Rico [email protected] 4-7 Discover American Pavilion at ATM 2010 Dubai, UAE www.discoveramericapavilion.travel 4-7 ATM 2010 Dubai, UAE http://www.dicec.ae 15-19 PowWow 2010 Orlando, FL www.tia.org/powwow 17-20 ATA 35th Annual Congress Banjul, The Gambia www,africatravelassociation.org 18-22 Bula Fiji Tourism Exchange Port Denarau, Fiji www.bfte.com.fj 20-21 Expotur Costa Rica www.expotur.com 24-26 OSSN Forum San Diego, CA www.ossn.com 24-27 TRENZ 2010 Auckland, New Zealand www.trenz.co.nz 25-27 WTTC Global Travel & Tourism Summit Beijing, China www.wttc.org 25-27 Discover American Pavilion at IMEX 2010 Frankfurt, Germany www.discoveramericapavilion.travel 25-27 IMEX 2010 Frankfurt, Germany www.imex-frankfurt.com JUNE 23-27 BETEX 2010 Belize City, Belize www.betex.bz JULY 21-23 96th DMAI Annual Convention Hollywood, Florida www.destinationmarketing.com AUGUST 8-11 NBTA Intl. Convention & Expo Houston, Texas www.nbta.org SEPTEMBER 8-10 La Cumbre San Diego, CA www.lacumbre.com 13-25 The Trade Show Las Vegas, Nevada www.thetradeshow.com 19-21 16th World Route Development Forum Vancouver, BC, Canada www.routesonline.com 22-24 TravelMart Latin America Lima, Peru www.travelmartlatinamerica.com 23-26 FITA 2010 Mexico City, Mexico www.fita2010.com OCTOBER 6-8 MITM Americas 2010 Quito, Ecuador www.gsamark.com 8-10 CATM 2010 Guatemala City, Guatemala www.catm2010guatemala.com 12-14 The Motivation Show Chicago, IL www.motivationshow.com 20-22 Discover America Pavilion at ABAV 2010 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil www.discoveramericapavilion.com 20-22 Discover America Pavilion at ITB Asia 2010 Singapore www.discoveramericapavilion.com 20-22 ABAV 2010 Rio de Janerio, Brazil www.feiradasamericas.com.br/en/ 20-22 ITB Asia Singapore www.messe-berlin.de 22-24 Discover America Pavilion at TTG Incontri 2010 Rimini, Italy www.discoveramericapavilion.com 22-24 TTG Incontri Rimini, Italy www.ttgincontri.it NOVEMBER 8-11 Discover America Pavilion at WTM 2010 London, England www.discoveramericapavilion.com 8-11 World Travel Market London, England www.wtmlondon.com 17-20 DEMA 2010 Las Vegas NV www.demashow.com 18-21 Discover America Pavilion at CITM 2010 Shanghai, China www.discoveramericapavilion.com 18-21 CITM 2010 Shanghai, China www.citm.com 30-Dec 2 Discover America Pavilion at EIBTM 2010 Barcelona, Spain www.discoveramericapavilion.com 30-Dec 2 EIBTM 2010 Barcelona, Spain www.eibtm.com TO LIST YOUR EVENTS EMAIL: [email protected] • FOR ADDITIONAL EVENTS VISIT: www.travelworldnews.com/calendar 10 • FEBRUARY 2010 www.travelworldnews.com • Travel World News INDUSTRY NEWS

GOWAY OFFERS TOURS INTERWEAVING DIFFERENT FUN THEMES Goway Travel’s escorted tours under the banner Holidays of a Lifetime include ‘Fun Themes’ on all six different tours, with appropriate themes interwoven into the tours that differ for each departure. This gives the passenger a choice of departure date while deciding which theme they’d like to experience. Because of the specific destinations Goway offers, the themes are carefully selected to reflect the culture, history, etc. of the destination. The intent of the Fun Themes is to enhance passengers’ enjoyment during their tour without being over- whelmed by them. On Goway’s Downunder 22-day , The Waltzing Matilda starting at $7,999 pp from Los Angeles, the themes cover Animal and Plant Life which is very abundant, Food and Wine, a natural theme for the area, the Geography and History of both countries and the Lifestyles and Native Culture. On Goway’s 20-day Magic of Africa tour visiting South Africa, Botswana and Victoria Falls and starting at $9,229 pp from New York, the most obvious theme is Animal and Plant Life. There is also the Geography and History and the Lifestyles and Native Culture. On Goway’s 21-day Middle East Treasures tour to Egypt, Jordan and Israel, starting at $7,799 pp from New York, the themes reflect the region by offering Geography and History plus Lifestyles and Ethnic Culture. For Goway’s Asia tours, the 16-day Splendours of China and Tibet, starting at $4,969 pp land only, the 17-day Splendours of India starting at $4,349 pp land only and the 14-day Splendours of Indochina (Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos), starting at $4,579 pp land only, the themes that naturally lend themselves to this part of the world are Cuisines of the Region, Geography and History and Lifestyles and Ethnic Cultures. The returning passenger from any Goway tour will hopefully not only be more knowledgeable about certain aspects of the destination, but will have had fun learning about them. Goway, 800-387-8850, www.goway.com

OSSN SURVEY SEES 85 PERCENT OF AGENTS EXPECTING SUCCESS IN 2010 Among 1,430 agents responding to the year-end North American survey conducted by the Outside Sales Support Network (OSSN), 35 percent posted higher sales, but 43 percent saw a decrease in their 2009 bookings. Looking ahead to 2010, 85 percent predict the year will be successful for them, with 15 percent disagreeing. OSSN’s latest survey results capture a snapshot of the way these retailers oper- ate their home-based travel businesses: Twenty-two percent have their own merchant account to process credit card sales. Forty-six per- cent have their own errors and omissions/general liability insurance coverage. Forty-seven percent use their own branded Web domain names for email (e.g., [email protected]), instead of public-domain email systems. The Travel Retailers Universal Enumeration (TRUE) booking code system is the most popular choice among these agents, with 39 per- cent using TRUE codes when they make reservations for clients. Thirty-one percent use a Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) number, while 30 percent use codes provided by airline groups (ARC, IATA). The 2009 year-end survey also focused on several key topics that will affect home-based agents in 2010: Hotel Bookings—Forty-nine percent of agents said their clients “sometimes” tell them which properties to book, while 39 percent said their clients simply suggest locations. Three in four home-based agents book international hotel stays for their clients (the most impor- tant criteria: a good location, followed by quality, price, safety, brand name, and unique experience). Nine in 10 also book pre- and post- cruise hotel stays (only 10 percent reported that they never book them). Social Media—Facebook is the # 1 choice, followed by LinkedIn and Twitter. Seven in 10 responding agents said they plan to use social media sites in 2010. Those agents saying they do not plan to use social media next year gave these reasons: They’re not familiar with the applications (34 percent), they don’t have time (28 percent), or they’re not aware of any benefits (23 percent). Complete survey results can be found on the website. Outside Sales Support Network (OSSN), www.ossn.com/ossn_survey/2009yearendsurvey/index.html, www.ossn.com

FIVE NEW PREFERRED SUPPLIERS JOIN ACCLAIM MEETINGS LINEUP Industry organization Acclaim Meetings has recently signed on several new preferred suppliers. The partnerships provide the organiza- tion’s independent agencies and meeting planners with additional product offerings to ensure their corporate clients’ needs are met within budget as they travel around the world. The new partnerships are with the following preferred suppliers: Outrigger Enterprises Group, a large, privately-held leisure lodging and hospitality company in the Asia Pacific and Oceania regions; Gran Meliá Golf Resort Puerto Rico with the attractions of the El Yunque rainforest and the Trump International Golf Club’s courses designed by Tom Kite; Dragonfly Adventures, a full-service destina- tion management company serving groups visiting Puerto Rico; the Puerto Rico Convention Bureau, long encouraging to the easily accessible island; and the Israel Ministry of Tourism, promoting Israel’s sophisticated top-tier hotels with convention facili- ties, transportation infrastructure, and unparalleled tourist sites. On behalf of all of its travel agents and meeting planners, Acclaim Meetings has negotiated special packages and commissions with each of these new preferred suppliers. Acclaim Meetings, [email protected], www.acclaimmeetings.com

Travel World News • www.travelworldnews.com FEBRUARY 2010 • 11 TRAVEL TIPS The Inside Track BARRY GOLDSMITH BARRY GOLDSMITH like water – be it in a bath, a canal, a river, a lake, a sea or an ocean. I have lectured on ocean cruises, sea cruises and river cruises. My favorite? River cruises by far. I’ll start with one of my favorite architecture Iquotes. On Sir Christopher Wren's tomb in St. Paul’s Cathedral in London are the words, “If you want to see my monument, look around you.” On river cruises, if you want to continuously sightsee – look around you. Sea cruises are great, especially Caribbean islands or around any islands – Greek Islands, Hawaiian Islands, etc. Most major cities are inland – on rivers. So the trip from the port (be it Civitavecchia to Rome, Le Havre to Paris, or Southampton to London) is a trip unto itself. When you’re on a river cruise and you dock, touring a city starts the minute you step on shore – with the possible excep- tion of Vienna. Vienna is identified with the “Blue Danube”, but it’s one of the few major European cities which a river does not divide. In Vienna the Danube marks the edge of the city, not the city center. In too many American cities, the river River cruising allows scenic enjoyment such as the Paris’ Notre is also the boundary. Manhattan’s Hudson River is a state Dame Cathedral towering over the Ile de la Cite floating in the middle of the Seine. boundary between New York and New Jersey. Philadelphia’s Delaware River separates Pennsylvania from New Jersey. St. boat. Since castles of the Rhine are almost equally distributed Louis’ Mississippi River separates Missouri from Illinois. on both riverbanks, the best way of seeing them is not from Until the 19th century, rivers were the easiest form of trans- either bank – but by floating leisurely down the middle in the portation, so civilization grew up along their banks. The Rhine. On an ocean or sea cruise it doesn't really matter Thames transported royalty from their palaces at Hampton where you sit on deck if you're surrounded by horizons of Court, Greenwich, and Richmond directly through the Tower water. On a river cruise, you want to sit on the prow or stern of London’s gates and to imprisonment. In Paris, the ruins of where you can equally see both river banks. the ancient Roman baths are part of the medieval Cluny Whether it’s a Rhine, Danube, Nile, Li or Yangtze River Museum on the Seine’s Left Bank. (A great overlooked mu- cruise – you can constantly watch life going by. On the Nile seum.) The Loire River boasts many great chateaux. Chateau you glide past temples and see oxen pulling plows – scenes Chenonceux was actually built over a river! that haven’t changed for thousands of years. On the Li River As an architectural historian, I travel to see great buildings: in Guilin you see rice paddies with giant karsts – cliffs dra- palaces, churches, universities, parliaments, etc. Yet there matically soaring out of the water like Chinese dragons. I’m are other historic structures that are often overlooked a Yangtze Doodle Dandy. I particularly love a Yangtze River that look over rivers – bridges. Over the Thames there’s cruise in which you see gorgeous gorges, sprawling cities, Tower Bridge and London Bridge. Paris has Pont Alexander Buddhist temples and gigantic cave and cliff statuary. But III with putti holding candelabra transforming into elaborate above all, between sightseeing ports of call, there's continual street lamps and the Pont Neuf (“New Bridge”), which ironi- sightseeing which makes river cruising special. cally is Paris’ oldest bridge. In Rome are ancient Roman And if you like rivers, you’ll enjoy cruising rivers within a bridges as well as the magnificent Bridge of Angels with city: Cities composed of many small rivers – Bernini’s angel sculptures framing the Castle St. Angelo. In canals – are a water-lover’s paradise. Bruges, Amsterdam, Florence there’s the Ponte Vecchio – one of the world’s last Stockholm, St. Petersburg are all called, “The Venices of medieval bridges – lined with stores. Ha’Penny Bridge is no Europe”. What I’d like to do someday is to create and lead a joke in Dublin. Prague’s St. Charles Bridge is one of its major tour called The Venices of Europe with the aforementioned sites. Budapest lost its chains of Communism, but still has its cities plus one brillant addition – Venice. Chain Bridge. Barry Goldsmith is a professor of architecture and humor. Goldsmith is Music has “Surround Sound.” River cruising has a television host of travel-related TV series in the USA and UK. And he “Surround Sightseeing” – sightseeing from all sides of the is a regular on a new syndicated radio show, Let’s Travel Radio.

12 • FEBRUARY 2010 www.travelworldnews.com • Travel World News EUROPE Malta’s Rich Military History Is On Display With Many Visitor Attractions The impressive bravery and devotion of the islanders over time is commemorated proudly in museums, films, ceremonies, and— yes, it’s even sewn into the flag.

ocated in the Mediterranean between Europe, tolls each day in memory of the war dead. Africa and the Middle East, Malta has always held During the Axis siege, a network of tunnels was converted a strategic position and been fought over by succes- into military operations rooms from where the island’s de- sive civilizations. fense was orchestrated. Recently renovated, the Lascaris War LBetween 1940 and 1943, German and Italian forces Rooms now house an impressive museum where visitors can launched nearly 3,500 bombing raids, effectively placing it relive events and see where commanders such as Eisenhower under siege. At the start, Malta’s air defenses consisted of and Montgomery conducted Allied forces. little more than a handful of obsolete Gloucester biplanes, Located in three hangars in the old RAF Ta’Qali Aerodrome, and the next three years were a constant struggle for the Aviation Museum is the perfect venue to explore the vital the Allies, both to keep the islanders supplied and build up role air forces played in the battle for Malta. As well as capacity. Hawker Hurricane and Spitfire aircraft, there are instru- Eventually, though, rolling Allied victories in North Africa ments, weapons, uniforms and other fascinating exhibits. began to limit Axis ability, and the last bombing raid was in Based in a rehabilitated underground air raid shelter at July 1943. The bravery of the islanders in resisting them for Couvre’ Porte Gate, the Malta at War Museum gives visitors so long led King George IV to award the George Cross collec- a taste of what life was like for Maltese citizens in the dark tively: “to bear witness to a heroism and devotion that will days of the war. There is a wealth of period memorabilia on long be famous in history.” The medal image appears in the display, as well as a documentary film about the siege. upper hoist corner of the Maltese flag as a permanent re- Every day Malta remembers the sacrifice of islanders with minder of their courage and sacrifice. the firing of the noonday gun. The perfect place to watch When in Malta there are many historical sites to visit. this stirring ceremony is the Upper Barrakka Gardens, but for Malta’s impressive Grand Harbour has been used as a port a small fee visitors can go onto the gun platform itself at since Phoenician times. Despite heavy bombing during the 11am, where the volunteer firing crews will explain how the War, much of interest remains for the visitor, including the guns work. Knights of Malta’s Fort Ricasoli and the Siege Bell, which Malta Tourism, www.visitmalta.com

Grand Harbour Saluting Battery.

Travel World News • www.travelworldnews.com FEBRUARY 2010 • 13 EUROPE

‘HAPPIEST NATION’ COPENHAGEN HIGH-TECH MEDICAL CENTER AT CONTINUES TO MAKE AGENTS HAPPY GRANDHOTEL LIENZ USES ‘SYMBIOMED’ In the heart of the beautiful Austrian Alps, the recently opened Grandhotel Lienz is presenting a new concept in health and well- ness centers in hotels—SymbioMed, incorporating the symbiosis of the different medical branches. By complimenting conventional medicine with the latest medical advances, the Centre is gaining recognition around the world as vacationers flock to it for both basic and extended physical checkups at rates generally far below those in the U.S. Travelers may also seek diagnosis, recuperation, sports examina- tions, weight-loss programs, heart checkups, nutrition programs, homeopathy and traditional Chinese medicine, all at reasonable rates. Further programs for stopping smoking, skin care, and anti- aging are available. The Medical Centre, occupying over 2,690 square feet, is led by Denmark, the “Happiest Nation on Earth” according to several Professor Dr. Peter Lechleitner, internationally known for internal studies, is going to continue sharing its happiness with visitors by medicine and cardiology. He is the leader of the department for in- extending its very popular Copenhagen Happiness Packages ternal medicine at the hospital of Lienz and was part of the coordi- through April 2010. Available through Nordique Tours, the pack- nation team for the world’s most successful heart attack study. He ages offer excellent value on a Copenhagen getaway plus perks that has also studied sports medicine and traditional Chinese medicine make guests happy. A Copenhagen Happiness vacation with air including acupuncture. travel by Scandinavian Airlines comes with a complimentary If an MRI, CT or endoscopy is needed, there is collaboration with Copenhagen City Card good for free admission to top attractions the hospital of Lienz, five minutes away and using state-of-the-art and museums including Tivoli Gardens plus special offers and machines. Nor is there a need to stay overnight at the hospital so “happiness elements” specific to each hotel. Packages are commis- the patients return to the hotel. sionable at 10 percent. Prices depend upon the treatment. A basic checkup is $842 and Hotel D’Angleterre is a legendary hotel with old world charm, sit- an extended checkup is $1,423. Individual diagnosis ranges from uated in the heart of Copenhagen’s most prestigious square. Their $65 for a Bio-Impedance Measurement to $275 for a scan. Happiness special includes three-nights in a standard room, daily Rates at the Grandhotel Lienz start at $177 EP and packages are breakfast buffet, champagne in room upon arrival, and access to available. the exclusive spa and fitness area; priced from $919. Grandhotel Lienz, [email protected], Royal Hotel, is the world’s first designer hotel. The www.grandhotel-lienz.com hotel overlooks Tivoli Gardens. Happiness special: three-nights in a standard double room, daily breakfast buffet, champagne and AIR BERLIN’S 2010 SUMMER SCHEDULE strawberries in room upon arrival, and a three-course dinner for INCLUDES NEW DESTINATION two at Café Royal including wine. Price starts at $735. New on Air Berlin’s 2010 schedule is nonstop service from San Copenhagen Admiral Hotel is a unique 18th-century property. Francisco starting in May with two flights weekly. Air Berlin will Happiness special price, from $615, includes three-nights in a continue to offer service from New York (JFK), Los Angeles, standard room with upgrade to best available room category upon Miami, and Fort Myers, with roundtrip fares (including taxes) check-in, daily breakfast buffet, drinks for two at SALT bar, and a starting as low as $594 from JFK, $607 from Miami, $633 from three-course dinner for two at SALT . Package is. Fort Myers, and $805 from both Los Angeles and San Francisco. Clarion Collection Hotel TwentySeven is a contemporary, Air Berlin features attractive fares and convenient connections Scandinavian designed hotel. Happiness special: three-nights in a from Düsseldorf, centrally located in the heart of Germany to standard double room, daily breakfast buffet, drinks for two at numerous European cities such as Vienna, Zurich and many ICEBAR CPH by ICEHOTEL, Cava champagne in room upon ar- other premiere European destinations. The airline offers both busi- rival, complimentary light dinner buffet, coffee/tea, fruit; price ness and economy class in its ultra-modern and efficient Airbus starts at $439. A-330 fleet. All packages are valid through April 30 except for Hotel Booking early secures the best deals. Fares quoted are subject to D’Angleterre, good until September 30. Prices are per person, and availability at time of booking. They may change based on fluctua- bookings are subject to availability and blackout dates. tions in the currency exchange rates; additional fees may apply. VisitDenmark, www.visitdenmark.com Air Berlin, 866-266-5588. www.airberlin.com

14 • FEBRUARY 2010 www.travelworldnews.com • Travel World News EUROPE

VALENCIA AGAIN HOST TO AMERICA’S CUP EUROPEAN WATERWAYS PRESENTS On February 12, Valencia will host the catamaran regattas be- UNIQUE HOTEL BARGE CRUISE TO tween the Swiss Alinghi team and the North American BMW PARIS AND BURGUNDY Oracle team for the 33rd edition of the oldest sailing event in the In 2010, the Paris marathon takes place on Sunday, April 11, world, the America’s Cup. Following the successful 32nd race, when 37,000 intrepid athletes will be pounding the streets of the Valencian waters will again host the regattas in accordance with world’s most beautiful city. European Waterways’ Renaissance will the final ruling of the New York Supreme Court. The city is be moored in central Paris for four days from Wednesday, April 7, equipped with the necessary infrastructures to enable sports fans at an ideal location for exploring the city. The arrangement will to fully enjoy the races between Alinghi and BMW Oracle. allow guests to visit the nearby Latin Quarter, Notre Dame, or per- Magnificent 90-foot catamarans with masts over 30 feet high and haps watch the marathon, and to have the freedom to dine out in- the latest technological advances will be featured. dependently in the evening. The Juan Carlos I Royal Marina already has a space dedicated to European Waterways is offering the special 10-night ‘Paris the team bases, as well as the “Veles e Vents” building, designed Marathon’ package aboard its luxurious hotel barge Renaissance by British architect David Chipperfield and his Spanish counter- at the same price as a standard six-night cruise—$5,450 person, part Fermín Vázquez. The moorings allow spectators to witness the based on two people sharing a cabin suite. entry and exit of the boats to and from the inner harbor, as well as European Waterways’ all-inclusive hotel barge cruises offer com- to view fans cheering from the shore.The Malvarrosa and Arenas fortable accommodation for four–12 passengers in air-conditioned, beaches next to the city’s port are perfect for observing the races. ensuite cabins; gourmet meals; fine wines; an open bar and all ex- The seafront area is easily accessed from the city center, just 15 cursions. All vessels are fully crewed with a Captain, gourmet chef, minutes away by subway or 20 minutes by bus. hostess and .These cruises are ideal for people looking for Valencia Tourism, www.turisvalencia.es either an individual cruise with other like-minded people, or for those wanting a whole barge charter for a family or group of friends. LOUIS CRUISES INTRODUCES European Waterways, [email protected], 2010-2011 BROCHURE www.gobarging.com Louis Cruises is inviting travelers to explore and enjoy the Eastern and Western Mediterranean and beyond with their just-re- leased collection of cruises presented in the company’s new January 2010–March 2011 brochure. The comprehensive 68-page publication includes many of Louis Cruises’ time-honored itiner- aries, plus newly added programs. Louis Cruises is unveiling itiner- aries on seven of the fleet’s vessels including the Louis Cristal, The jewel of the Maltese islands Coral, Orient Queen, Aquamarine, The Aegean Pearl, Calypso, and its newest addition, the Louis Majesty. Featured throughout the full-color publication are 19 exciting cruises where guests can sail along to discover the treasures of some of the world’s most exotic ports of call.Travelers may experience the grandeur of Ancient Greece, Italy and Egypt; the most celebrated sites of the Greek Islands, Spain and Morocco; the worldly sophistication of France and the Coastal splendor of Croatia; the eternal spring of Madeira and the Canary Islands; the treasures of Cyprus, Portugal and Malta; the intrigue of Turkey and the Red Sea; the intricate mys- tery of Israel and Jordan, and more. Some of the newest programs showcased are an eight-day Spanish Odyssey & Tangier, a seven- day Three Continents (Europe, Asia, Africa), a 10-day Adriatic Coast, Italy and the Ionian; a 10-day Corinth Canal, Greek Islands, Istanbul; and an eight-day Red Sea Voyage. Daily fl ights to The new 2010-11 Louis Cruises brochure can be accessed online available or a printed version ordered. The brochure will also be available in Malta the ebrochures section of www.mailpound.com. from all major Louis Cruises, 877-LouisUS (568-4787), European cities. The Mediterranean’s best kept secret www.louiscruises.com/download_brochure.html, www.visitmalta.com www.louiscruises.com

Travel World News • www.travelworldnews.com FEBRUARY 2010 • 15

090116_TravelWorldNews_87.3x123.8_rm.indd 1 16.01.2009 10:11:09 Uhr CARIBBEAN Sports, Eco & Social Tourism on the Dominican Republic’s North Coast Social Interaction to Physical Challenges. D. O. CHRISTIAN RIEGER, IV TIM HALL, TUBAGUA PLANATION VILLAGE

The palapas of Tubagua Plantation Village nestled on a hill top "800 feet above stress level," north shore of the Dominican Republic.

acationing is no longer only about hanging out at Tubagua is convenient to a plethora of that in- all-inclusive resorts, lying in a hammock and clude a trip along the “Carreta Turista” (Tourist Highway). It drinking piña coladas. There are now a multiplic- is so named not for the sake of foreign visitors, so much as for ity of niche markets ranging from kite surfing to Dominicans who drive this scenic route from Santiago in the Vmountain biking to helping with service projects that travel mountains, through amber mine country, to the seashore at agents can arrange and book. Sosua and Cabarete. Along the road are fruit stands (50+ And missionary-type work is not just for missionaries. Tim tasty, sweet finger bananas on a stem sells for two dollars), Hall, owner of Tubagua Plantation Village near Puerto Plata, cheese from local cheese makers, wood-fired, whole roast says, “Examples of social service projects would include pork and the amber mines. Tim Hall will also direct guests to Habitat for Humanity and Doctors Without Borders.” nearby mountain, trails waterfalls, rapids and caves. Hall refers to helping with social causes as “voluntourism.” Visiting an amber mine is an important cultural phenome- It is a particularly good experience for high school and col- non. Amber has been used since the ancient Greek and Druid lege students. He says, “This gives a dual purpose to a trip civilizations for healing and religious purposes. It also gives combining social projects, such as building schools and visitors a chance to see some amber with insects which have needed housing for the very poor, with vacation time. Staying been entombed in them for about 20 million years. in a place like Tubagua Plantation Village gives an experi- Private quarters are available for $35.00 per person per ence they are unlikely to get anywhere else.” night, single or double occupancy. Rate includes an Tubagua is designed and built for just such voluntourism. American-style breakfast served from 7:00 to 10:00 AM. Accommodations are “Robinson Crusoe” style palapas: Group rates are arranged directly. Ask Tim Hall how you can wood-framed structures with thatch roofs and open sides. It put together a group to help a Dominican community. is how the Taino Indians lived when Columbus showed up. Staying at Tubagua Plantation Village is like going native. There are a couple of modern considerations like canvas Tubagua Plantation Village, www.tubagua.com sheeting to pull back for siding for privacy and to protect from the rains, and mosquito netting. Surfer Dudes and Dudettes The combined kitchen and prep room is also a palapa, as is There is a new surfers' camp in Cabarete, Swell. It caters to the dining room/social hall which overlooks the forest, sugar traditional surfers in what would be called a “surf camp” in cane fields and ocean below. It is away from most signs of civ- the sport, except that it isn’t surf-camp traditional. Most of ilization— as one guest put it, “800 feet above stress level.” CONTINUED ON PAGE 18

16 • FEBRUARY 2010 www.travelworldnews.com • Travel World News

CARIBBEAN

DR NORTH COAST FROM PAGE 16 SEA HORSE RANCH these places are like camps, Swell, however, is more like mod- ern inn, with modern architecture and style generally seen only in fine homes and resorts. It is modern with softness and style, not brusque, harsh or menacing. This is a cross between a B & B, a high-end resort, and a private villa. It is completely walled in with buildings on two sides, quiet and user friendly. It has a pool of which its “night light” is 700 led bulbs that sparkle in the water like stars in the heavens. Frankly, the place is so inviting to look at, if it were a cake, you would want to eat it. It has an open-air kitchen, one of the best Dominican cooks in the country, and what would be considered gourmet din- Horseback riding on the sea shore section of the trails of Sea Horse ing, at an astoundingly low price. Ranch, north shore of the Dominican Republic. It has six bedrooms plus two dormitory-style rooms for fam- ily use, or for use by friends on a budget traveling as a pack. where the waves of the Atlantic Ocean crash below. Greens Clare Barnaby and Jim Mutsaars, the owners, designed and fee is $110.00. built this mini-resort. Jim explains, “We came up with the Sea Horse has two pools at its beach club. Next to that is the idea for Swell because I did a lot of when I was resort’s restaurant, Fata Morgana, in a large gazebo that 20 years old, and loved the social aspect of it. We saw that partly hangs over the ocean. The chef is Italian. The food is there is a gap between a ‘normal hotel’ and a surfers’ , excellent. The service is attentive without being cloying. which I think our place has fills. It has perhaps a dozen tables, so it never feels crowded and We think the old cliché of surfers wanting only the most diners do not feel rushed. The breeze sweeps in from the basic accommodation is not true anymore, since there are ocean, and the surf breaks beneath. I have eaten at a lot of plenty of surfers in their 30’s 40’s and 50’s who have money half way around the planet and have not eaten to spend, but want a good bed to sleep for themselves and, anywhere at which the total vacation dining experience maybe more important, for the non-surfing wives or girl- equaled this. friends. That is what we have here” Sea Horse has 17, three to six bedroom, rental villas within A learner’s package price of $660, ppdo, includes airport its community of permanent residents. Villas range in size transfers for Puerto Plata Airport, an astounding breakfast and from 3,228 to 12,000 square feet. Winter rates start at $780.00 dinner, daily transportation to where the waves are the best at and go to $3000.00 per night. Cooks/chefs are extra. the Cabarete surf beaches, four surf lessons and a three-day Jennifer Kirkman, marketing and sales manager, says, “Sea surf board rental, and a Swell T-shirt. (Double entendre is Horse is very family oriented. You actually see people using probably intended.) None-package rates are also available. the paths and children riding bikes on the streets. Unlike most If surfers’ facilities were rated by swells instead of stars, this Caribbean resort developments this has tree-shaded, winding would get five swells. It’s damn good. roads and lanes, instead of contrived, grid-style streets.” Swell, www.swellsurfcamp.com Sea Horse Ranch, www.sea-horse-ranch.com These three vacation establishments will book other sports For the Horsey, Tennis & Golf Set through Iguana Mama in Cabarete. Iguana Mama, founded Where do you send clients for the best horseback riding, in 1993, is the first adventure sports tour company licensed in tennis and golf? Send them to horse, tennis and golf heaven, the Dominican Republic. It offers 15 tours that include a vari- or to the 250-acre Sea Horse Ranch, at Cabarete. ety of day and half-day trips. These include rappelling, moun- It has a half mile of waterfront with three boutique beaches, tain biking, hiking, canyonning, cascading, and white water night-lit, clay tennis courts and a teaching pro; horse stables, rafting. jumping ring and bridal paths. Lessons are available for Among the mountain biking trips is the Islabon Coast everything. Cruise tour. It combines a boat trip down the Yasica River with Private English riding lessons are $35.00 per hour. One and a six mile bike ride along the coast. It is a tour that beginners, a half hour group rides to the beach and on trails is $30.00. A families and bird lovers will have a chance to learn about the three hour tour is $50.00. Tennis rates are $14.00 for court fees Dominican coastal vegetation and daily fishing life. $55.00 and $29.00 for private lessons. About a 45 minute drive away for adults and $40.00 for children. is one of the best golf courses in the Caribbean, Playa Grande. The more adventurous can take the cascading tour to the It was the last one Robert Trent Jones designed, and he said it Ciguapa Falls in the Septentrional Mountains. At $89.00, was his best. 10 of the holes are next to the 200 foot cliffs participants leap off a series of waterfalls and immerse them-

18 • FEBRUARY 2010 www.travelworldnews.com • Travel World News CARIBBEAN selves in a Dominican wilderness unseen by most tourists. DOMINICA’S CARNIVAL CELEBRATES THE Iguana Mama is the only tour company that offers this tour. ISLAND’S RICH CULTURE AND HERITAGE Iguana Mama, www.iguanamama.com From February 15–16, 2010, Dominica’s (pronounced “dom-in- eek-a’) “The Real Mas,” Carnival, unquestionably one of the most Really Grand Villas festive times on “the Nature Island,” will display the unique folk- Caribbean Vacation Properties owns and manages 15 villas lore and pageantry of Dominica, blending elements of African, along the north coast of the Dominican Republic from Puerto European and regional influences through song, dance, drama, po- Plata (the country’s third largest city) in the west, to Samana etry and music in a variety of competitions, performances and (the whale-watching bay) in the east. Villas range from 7 to street activities. The traditional Parade kicks off the Carnival fes- 10 bedrooms — along the ocean or in the solitude of the tivities. The Queen contestants, Calyponians, Princess Show con- mountains. testants, the most popular bands, stilt walkers, cheerleaders and Villa vacations are perfect for getaways with the family, many more people saunter through the streets in a kaleidoscope of ideal for productive and secretive corporate retreats, a supe- colors. Additional activities during this period include the National rior romantic place to host a Caribbean wedding/, Queen Show, the Junior Calypso Monarch, Carnival Costume and the “new idea” for vacationing groups of friends and Street Parade and a traditional Masquerade competition. buddies who might otherwise stay at an all inclusive. National Geographic’s Center for Sustainable Destination ranked “Renting a villa with a group of friends is like owning your the island as the top sustainable island in the Caribbean and among own all inclusive,” claims Richard Schecher Jr., sales man- the top ten in the world. Dominica was recognized by Islands ager. “When you consider the cost of staying at a villa and Magazine and was included in its 2007 Blue List for being a leader what you get in return, it is an excellent deal. The main points in responsible tourism and ensuring an environmentally and cultur- are: all the food, the times you eat, how you dress when you ally sound island for future generations. Most recently, Travel + eat, how long you keep your bathing suit on in bare feet, what Leisure announced Dominica as one of the most compelling desti- your selection of booze is, is the guest’s decision, not manage- nations to visit in their 100 Greatest Trips 2008 edition. ment’s. Plus, there are no strangers to interfere with your va- Discover DominicaAnuncio Verdanza Authority, enero.ai 12/15/2009 866-522-4057, 4:35:57 PM cation lifestyle. The fact that you have your own bartender www.discoverdominica.com makes for the real deal. More importantly, the service you get in a vacation villa exceeds what you get at a luxury resort. The Center of This makes the price right.” Two villas are within a five minute ride to the famed Playa Grande Golf Course. One of Exciting them is Villa Lazy Heart. San Juan Lazy Heart is Caribbean Vacation Properties’ villa for the horsey and tennis set, as well as the golfers. It has 15 horses that are ready to go when the renter wants—all-day rides into the country if the guests want. Located at the beach on a bluff with a commanding view of the ocean (and whales during whale season), the villa has a tennis court and a pool with a view over the ocean. It has ten bedrooms, each as an indepen- Located in the heart of Isla Verde Tourist Area, Verdanza Hotel is just minutes dent cottage. This makes for privacy amongst a group. from all there is for your clients to see and do in San Juan. If it’s sun and surf Through April 15th, the rate per night is $2,595.00 . The all- they’re looking for, Isla Verde Beach is just one block away. If they’re in the shop-till-they-drop spirit, they’re a short drive from Plaza Las Americas Shopping day-long food and booze supplement is $69.00 per person. Center. They’ll find old-world charm and cultural wonders in Old San Juan, San Villa Cabofino, with 10 bedrooms in connecting private cot- Juan Port - Puerto Rico Convention Center, just a quick drive away. tages, is $2,595.00 per night, with a food and booze supple- The Hotel that Has it All. ment of $69.00, through April 15th. On the water, it also has a When you’re out of town, it’s nice to know that your hotel offers all the comforts of home. Verdanza Hotel features 222 contemporary rooms and suites, 3 night-lit, lawn tennis court. According to Tennis magazine, it restaurants and 15,000 flexible meeting space, which include just about is the only tennis court overlooking the ocean in the everything you can think of. Caribbean. That’s a Bingo! Caribbean Vacation Properties, www.caribbean-vacation-properties.com/pages Dominican Ministry of Tourism, www.godominicanrepublic.com 8020 Tartak Street, Isla Verde, Puerto Rico • 787.253.9000 • verdanzahotel.com To contact the writer: [email protected] A Member of Summit Hotels & Resorts

Travel World News • www.travelworldnews.com FEBRUARY 2010• 19 CARIBBEAN

NEWLY REPOSITIONED ELBOW BEACH, therapies by the ocean. BERMUDA, OPEN FOR BUSINESS “We are proud of the legacy of excellence at Elbow Beach, Bermuda, as we begin this new chapter in the history of this leg- endary resort. We look forward to continuing to contribute to Bermuda’s bright future as a unique tourist destination, by creat- ing a luxurious resort that is in keeping with its heritage as the first luxury hotel to have opened on the island’s South Shore over a century ago,” said HRH Prince Khaled bin Sultan bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud, owner of the resort. Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, which has managed Elbow Beach, Bermuda, since 2000, continues to operate the resort property. Elbow Beach, Bermuda, www.mandarinoriental.com

SEVEN-NIGHT GETAWAYS AT BREEZES RESORTS SAVE UP TO $770 PER COUPLE Those eager to escape to tropical relief without wringing out their wallets, or repeat guests with a desire to return to their favorite Caribbean vacation spot on a budget, will like Breezes Resorts’ “Early Booking Bonus.” Bookings made by February 17 can result in up to $770 per couple on seven- night/eight-day getaways through August 31, 2010. Rates begin at $120 ppdo. Elbow Beach, Bermuda, has announced that the property will In Jamaica, Breezes Resorts’ all-star lineup includes the all- be repositioned as a truly intimate resort with 98 luxury suites suite Breezes Grand Negril, named one of Travel + Leisure’s and cottages. This follows the closure of selected outlets and “Top 25 Hotels in the Caribbean, Bermuda and the Bahamas” in guestrooms within the hotel’s 101-year-old main building on 2008. Breezes Trelawny is a favorite for all ages with four swim- November 30, 2009, for a planned renovation. ming pools, a rock-climbing wall and a circus workshop featur- As part of the 50-acre beachside resort’s conversion, a series of ing flying trapeze lessons. refurbishments will be carried out in gradual phases. These will Adventure buffs will thrill to a host of land and water activities be done with minimal disturbance to guests and completed by the at Breezes Runaway Bay, including a golf school and scuba first quarter of 2010. diving lessons. The neighboring Breezes Rio Bueno boasts a Enhancements include the addition of advanced in-room enter- quaint Jamaican village-style architecture and treats guests to tainment systems, luxury interior fittings and improved bathroom the resort’s signature seaside massage, one of the many rejuve- facilities for all of the 98 recently renovated suites and cottage nating treatments offered at the full-service à la carte Blue units. Mahoe Spa. Joining the wide variety of dining and refreshment options al- Travelers can embark on an island-hopping journey in the ready available, which include Lido, the beachside restaurant, Bahamas starting from the legendary Cable Beach in Nassau Sea Breeze, the chic open-air tapas and sushi lounge, Mickey’s with beachfront accommodations at Breezes Bahamas. ‘On-the-Beach’ Bistro and the seasonal poolside restaurant, will Breezes Curaçao in the Netherlands Antilles, the island’s be a new bar and entertainment facility within The Deep night- only Super-Inclusive resort, beckons world-class divers and club. The former Veranda Bar will also be fashioned into a recre- water sports enthusiasts alike to explore its 1,500-foot ation lounge for guest entertainment. white-sand beach whose pristine waters teem with vibrant marine Additional resort enhancements will include a new business cen- life. ter and the complete renovation of the freestanding Bermuda For 30 years, Breezes Resorts’ “Super-Inclusive” concept Room, which will be restored to its authentic 1908 design becom- has required making only a single payment for accommodations. ing a luxurious meeting and banqueting venue for small groups, All meals and multiple dining options; unlimited premium- weddings and social functions. brand drinks; land and water sports including equipment The renowned spa, temperature-controlled 82-foot swimming rental and instruction; entertainment; weddings; recreational pool, fitness room and kids’ club, all remain in operation, activities; and hotel taxes are included. Tipping is not while the half-mile pink-sand beachfront will benefit from allowed. a new spa beach pavilion for experiencing holistic spa Breezes Resorts, 877-Breezes (273-3937), www.breezes.com

20 • FEBRUARY 2010 www.travelworldnews.com • Travel World News CARIBBEAN

SANDY LANE BARBADOS NAMES fishes like sharks, whale sharks and now even mantas ray have VANESSA WILLIAMS been seen both above and below water. The dolphins and manta EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT MANAGER rays loved their bay, too. Robert Logan, The small apartment complex is located in the small fishing vil- of Sandy Lane in Barbados, has an- lage of “Westpunt,” at the west end of the island, the most pleas- nounced the appointment of Vanessa ant part surrounded by the tropical hills, with outstanding sun- Williams as Executive Assistant sets and star-filled skies. Manager/Sales, Marketing and Hotel All West Apartments & Diving offers attractive packages of Operations. room, car and diving all year long. One week in a Studio for two He stated, “Vanessa has proven including car and unlimited diving starts at $542 per person. herself to be highly passionate about Diving at All West is possible round the clock thanks to its onsite the luxury hotel industry and her dive shop. VANESSA WILLIAMS 20-plus years of global experience The main dive shop, Ocean Encounters West, observes the one- certainly make her an asset to Sandy stop diving concept—which takes divers to all of Curaçao, from Lane. We’re confident Vanessa’s remarkable leadership skills will the Mushroom Forest and Watamula, to the Superior Producer, continue to reaffirm Sandy Lane’s position as one of the Tugboat, and the island of Klein Curaçao. Caribbean’s leading resorts as we head into our busy winter Courses are offered from Discover Scuba Diver to Dive season.” Instructor, Emergency First Response to Technical Diving, boat In her role, Williams will report directly to Mr. Logan. She will and shore diving every day. be responsible for the global management of sales, marketing and For May and August, All West Apartments & Diving has a stay public relations on behalf of the resort and also actively involved 7/pay 6 only package for room, car and diving. in the day-to-day operations of Sandy Lane. All West Apartments & Diving, [email protected], A native of Johannesburg, South Africa, Williams joins www.allwestcuracao.com, www.oceanencounterswest.com Sandy Lane with more than 20 years of experience in the hotels and . Prior to her appointment at Sandy Lane, she was /EAM Sales & Marketing at Raffles L’Ermitage in Beverly Hills, California, where she oversaw daily operations along with leading the sales and marketing efforts of the 119-room, Mobil Five Star and AAA Five Diamond hotel. Previously, she served as Director of Marketing at the Intercontinental Hong Kong and Director of Sales and Marketing at Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong, where she took a lead role in the successful renovation and relaunch of the flagship property. She has also held positions with Nikko Hotels in the USA and Asia Pacific. Williams is married with two sons, Wesley and Blake, who live and work in South Africa. Sandy Lane, 866-444-4080, www.sandylane.com

ALL WEST APARTMENTS & DIVING DEDICATED TO DIVERS’ INTERESTS IN CURACAO In 2009, All West Apartments & Diving guests got plenty to see underwater and above. The All West crew and its dive shop Ocean Encounters West have recognized that dolphin groups are swimming by in the morning hours and come back from the west coast in the early af- ternoon. But in 2009, even they were surprised. More and more big

Travel World News • www.travelworldnews.com FEBRUARY 2010• 21 CARIBBEAN

SPICE ISLAND BEACH RESORT AWARDED INTERVAL INTERNATIONAL WELCOMES COVETED GREEN GLOBE RECERTIFICATION FIRST WHOLE OWNERSHIP RESORT COMMUNITY IN ARUBA Interval International, global provider of vacation services and an operating segment of Interval Leisure Group (Nasdaq:IILG), has added Gold Coast Aruba to its vacation ex- change network. The master-planned resort community will feature 270 whole-ownership villas and townhouses in the island’s Malmok area, and offer purchasers Interval’s upgraded membership pro- gram, Interval Gold®. The resort community is located on 26 acres just a few minutes away from the scenic northwest coastline, and its architecture and Recognizing the resort’s commitment to operating at the interior design reflect a Mediterranean style with Caribbean touch. world’s highest environmental standards, the luxurious 64- Membership in Interval Gold® further reinforces the value room Spice Island Beach Resort in Grenada has received the of ownership by giving new purchasers the opportunity to exchange prestigious Green Globe Certification Award. their accommodations for those at other resorts in Interval’s world- “Spice Island Beach Resort has continuously operated as an wide network, as well as the ability to relinquish their resort weeks environmentally-friendly property and we’re extremely pleased toward the purchase of cruise, golf, and spa vacations. that our hard work and efforts have garnered us this esteemed They also enjoy an extensive menu of benefits, including discounts award,” said Sir Royston O. Hopkin, KCMG, chairman and on resort Getaways, ShortStay ExchangeSM, access to a personal owner of Spice Island Beach Resort. concierge service available 24 hours a day via phone and email, “We’re extremely proud that our efforts are helping to sus- complimentary Hertz #1 Gold® membership, and worldwide hotel tain Grenada and its natural treasures and we will continue to seek out new and innovative ways to continue our operations and dining discounts. with the environment in mind,” he added. Interval International, www.intervalworld.com, “Green Globe congratulates Spice Island Beach Resort on re- www.resortdeveloper.com ceiving accreditation. They have demonstrated their commit- ment to care for the natural environment and to engage with NEW VERDANZA HOTEL IN SAN JUAN OFFERS their staff and the local communities. Spice Island Beach SPECIAL GETAWAY PACKAGE Resort is a beacon for sustainable operation and management The all-new Verdanza Hotel in San Juan, Puerto Rico, is offering of resort properties across the Caribbean,” said Mr. Guido a cure for the wintertime blues with its Winter Getaway package, Bauer, CEO, Green Globe Certification. starting at $90 per person per night now through April 30. Spice Island Beach Resort was the first property on Grenada Included in the package is accommodation for two adults, a wel- to be Green Globe Certified in 2004. In 2005, following a brief come gift, daily buffet breakfast for two adults, a $25 credit food property closure as a result of Hurricane Ivan, the resort em- and beverage credit for use in the hotel, one Rondanza-Verdanza barked on a massive $12 million rebuilding and renovation project and implemented a variety of green initiatives. signature rum drink per adult, 20-percent discount on massages Among the ‘green’ efforts are solar rooftop heaters for hot from Body Healers, and a “free one night stay” certificate for fu- water and on-property desalinization of sea water (during the ture use with the purchase of three nights or more. dry season). The resort has also converted more than 295,000 Rates do not include nine-percent government tax and eight-per- gallons of pool water to purification by the chemical-free Auto cent resort fee. Minimum stay is two nights. Up to two children 16 Pilot system, which uses salt instead of chlorine. years or younger are welcome to stay in same room with adults at A vegetable and herb garden (composted) is maintained that no additional cost. Children under five years old eat free at supplies the kitchen with fresh ingredients; any produce pur- Eighty20 Bistro. chased is grown locally and organically. The offer is subject to availability and restrictions apply. The Employees are trained and educated as “Environmental package is commissionable at 15 percent for travel agents. Agents” on the resort’s environmental practices, policies and Verdanza Hotel officially opened its doors January 15 as the only objectives. A “Green Team” is comprised of staff supervisors independent full-service hotel in San Juan. Located steps from the and managers to oversee and implement the program. Pictured left to right: Jesson Church, Ryan Hopkin, Fabian beach in the Isla Verde tourism district, the boutique property has Mitchell, Sir Royston Hopkin, KCMG, Wendy Charles, Brian 222 rooms with 20 suites, three restaurants, a pastry shop, and Hardy, CHA, Seymour Thompson. more than 15,000 square feet of meeting and banquet space. Spice Island Beach Resort, [email protected], Verdanza is a member of the Summit Hotels & Resorts collection www.spiceislandbeachresort.com; Green Globe, of Preferred Hotel Group. www.greenglobe.org Verdanza Hotel, www.verdanzahotel.com

22 • FEBRUARY 2010 www.travelworldnews.com • Travel World News CARIBBEAN

LADERA CLAIMS TOP POSITION AMONG THE an open bar. CARIBBEAN’S FINEST HOTELS A shuttle to nearby restaurants, beaches and sightseeing; media library of books, music and DVDs; breakfast food items (a selec- tion of coffees and teas, juices, eggs, cereal, milk) pre-stocked in the cottages or a continental breakfast delivered daily; WIFI and local calls; fresh fruit; bicycles, and roundtrip airport transfers are also included. The three-night Honeymoon Romance Package costs $3,500 per couple. Taxes are additional. Cotton Tree, www.caymancottontree.com

FLAMBOYANT HOTEL RENOVATION CELEBRATES 20 YEARS The Caribbean’s Flamboyant Hotel & Villas is marking 20 years The prestigious standing of Ladera in the West Indies as one of as a pioneer and icon in the hotel industry in Grenada with reorga- the world’s best hotels was recently reaffirmed when it appeared nization and an upgrade of its facilities. on the annual Gold List in the January issue of Condé Nast The transformation will implement improved systems, processes Traveler. Gold List hotels are selected by the magazine’s highly se- and procedures, which will result in enhanced operational effi- lective, discerning readers. Ladera received an impressive score of ciency and customer service delivery. 88.9 out of a possible 100 and is one of only two St. Lucian prop- Tourism strategic consultant, Dr. Kerry Hall, has been erties on the list. engaged to oversee this process with the primary focus “Ladera is honored to be recognized by such a discriminating, being the professional development of the 100 staff at the well-traveled group. We’re delighted to start the New Year in the resort to create a culture of excellence. Already the hotel impressive company of the other Gold List winners representing the has hired a qualified trainer on the permanent staff and very best in travel experiences,” says Waddy Francis, General intense daily training has been progressing since spring Manager. “The recognition coincides with the completion of sev- of 2009. The focus of putting customers first, according eral upgrades at Ladera, including the opening of Paradise to the Managing Director, is part of the new strategic Pavilion, the resort’s impressive new destination wedding venue direction of the hotel. “The staff have eagerly embraced this new which will be the setting for the Caribbean’s most coveted be- agenda and are very enthusiastic about the opportunities for trothals in 2010.” continuing their professional development,” says Lawrence Ladera, 866-290-0978, www.ladera.com Lambert CBE. The 68-room hotel and villas will undergo a generous facelift to VALENTINE’S DAY EXTENDS ALL YEAR reflect its flamboyant personality. Chairman of the Flamboyant AT NEW BOUTIQUE COTTAGE Hotel & Villas, well-known and pioneering businessman Hugh HOTEL ON GRAND CAYMAN Dolland, has announced a $3,000,000 upgrade program to en- A private tour aboard a luxury yacht, aphrodisiac dinner hance the soft furnishings of the resort. prepared in-suite, professional photograph amid lush The project, due to start after the winter season has ended so as landscape and more entice couples this Valentine’s Day and beyond not to disturb current bookings, will include new furnishings, drap- to Cotton Tree, the Cayman Islands’ first boutique cottage hotel. ery and redecorating of the guest rooms. Romantic treatment starts when couples enter their beachfront The hotel is adding two golf carts for availability to guests cottage, pre-stocked with grapes and cheese and champagne and to maneuver the hillside on which the rooms are perched— chocolate. all have an outstanding view of world-famous Grand Anse As a memento, couples can receive a professional photograph of Beach. themselves, done either in Cotton Tree’s garden (under a Cotton Flamboyant Hotel has grown from nine to 68 rooms over the Tree or exotic fruit tree) or on the beach. Additionally, a top local years, renowned for its “home-away-from-home” hospitality to vis- chef is on hand for a cooking lesson to prepare an aphrodisiac din- itors from many corners of the globe. Lambert expressed great ner ensuite (starting with oysters or one of the Caribbean’s favorite pride in the hotel’s monumental achievements over the last two aphrodisiacs, conch, and ending with a chocolate decadence decades, attributing the hotel’s success in large part to the patron- dessert) with a sommelier choosing the wines to match. age of its loyal customer base, which has become an important part Couples are also treated to three hours on a luxury 42’ Sea Ray of the Flamboyant family. sport yacht that includes fresh fruit, light snacks, snorkel Flamboyant Hotel & Villas, 866-978-8013, gear, the use of a Sea-Doo Wave runner, sparkling wine and www.flamboyant.com

Travel World News • www.travelworldnews.com FEBRUARY 2010• 23 MEXICO

PENTHOUSE SUITE GETS LUXURY UPGRADES a daily activity, all children that are enrolled in the complimentary AT FLAMINGO HOTEL Kids Club will enjoy a trip to the Aqua Park under the supervision of the Sandos Animation staff. Children two–12 can make new friends at the Kids Club through additional age-specific activities including dance lessons, sandcas- tle building, Olympic games, competitions on the beach, water polo, water balloons, face painting, arts and crafts, sack races, movies, table tennis, bingo, football, a mini disco, fashion parade, piñata party games, board games, kayaking trips, water aerobics, archery, croquet, basketball, and water volleyball. Supervised Kids Club activities are available from 10 am to 10 pm (for children ages two–12 years old) and Teen activities from 10 am to 9 pm (for young adults ages 13–17). Hotel Flamingo, a lovely boutique property located on the island Vacationing families are afforded increased savings as one child of Cozumel, Mexico, has completely renovated its Penthouse. The under the age of 12 stays, eats and plays free, and a second and suite has two bedrooms and is a spacious unit with full gourmet third child (under the age of 12) receive a 50-percent discount (for kitchen, dining area, large living room with ocean views, one full kids staying in the same accommodations as paying bathroom with shower and one half bathroom, hair dryer, and mini parents/adults). Certain restrictions apply during holidays. split-zone air conditioning, Amenities include an entertainment For larger families, Sandos Caracol Eco Resort & Spa features center with large flat-panel TV, stereo system with iPod docking, spacious accommodations for up to five guests (two adults, three high-speed Internet connection, ceiling fans throughout the children). Junior Suites feature one king-size bed, a separate living Penthouse, and an electronic in-room safe. There’s a huge private area with double sofa bed and an outdoor terrace with patio deck with Jacuzzi to enjoy the ocean view. The bedroom with a dou- Jacuzzi and a garden, pool, or jungle view. ble bed also has an ocean view; the second bedroom has a king bed. Sandos Hotels & Resorts, 866-336-4083, www.sandoshotels.com Both rooms are fitted with luxury bedding. Laundry services are available. Full breakfast is included and may be served in the PLAYA MAMBO IS AN ECO-GETAWAY NEAR Penthouse. Bar service is open until 11 nightly. The Flamingo of- MAGICAL MAYAN SETTING fers full concierge services. For many years Tulúm, in Mexico’s southeastern Yucatan In celebration of its renovated Penthouse Suite, Flamingo is of- Peninsula, has been the Mecca of travelers looking for physical and fering a 20-percent discount for arrivals through April 15, 2010, spiritual relaxation. The walled city, built on the top of a 40-foot with a three-night minimum and a complimentary welcome bottle cliff overlooking the Caribbean, contains vestiges of one of the most of champagne. As a special invitation to the travel agent commu- exquisite cities revealing remote Mayan culture. nity, the Flamingo is offering a 40-percent discount to travel agents Playa Mambo, less than four miles from the Tulúm archaeologi- for minimum three-night stays also until April 15. cal site, is a small paradise inspired by ancient Mayan construc- Hotel Flamingo, 800-806-1601, [email protected], tions that combines the distinctive natural surroundings of the area www.hotelflamingo.com with the comforts of a city. Harmony and balance have been cre- ated by integrating native, rustic materials such as shells, wood and SANDOS CARACOL ECO RESORT & SPA stone with modern elements. There are eight ecological suites, all OPENS NEW AQUA PARK located on the beach, and each is named by the color that evokes Kids and adults of all ages can cool off under the Riviera Maya the sense of its environment and special decor. Some have a lovely sun at Sandos Caracol Eco Resort & Spa at the resort’s brand new ocean view, a private terrace and wooden decks. The rooms have Aqua Park which features a variety of water play areas including private bathrooms, hot water, electricity and king-size beds with 17 water slides. silk and cotton sheets. All have been built on the beach, so guests Open daily 10–5, families can kick back and relax poolside while simply step out of their rooms onto the soft, white sand. The eco- children enjoy splash-filled fun under lifeguard supervision. The resort features a beach club with twin and double sun loungers, a Aqua Park features a pool bar as well as the convenience of show- bar that’s open from 11 until 6 p.m. and a grill used for cooking ers and bathrooms. All children must be accompanied by an adult. dinner with the specialties being meat and lobster. All guests of Sandos Caracol Eco Resort & Spa and the Sandos Those seeking a unique, intimate location for a special event or a Select Club area are permitted to use the facility as part of an all- wedding reception are encouraged to consider Playa Mambo. The inclusive vacation. charm of this delightful boutique eco-hotel is best conveyed on its A variety of water play areas include “raining” palm trees, a website, with photos and slideshows that capture its special style. large water bucket area and water spouts throughout the park. As Playa Mambo, [email protected], www.playamambo.com

24 • FEBRUARY 2010 www.travelworldnews.com • Travel World News

MEXICO

THE GRAND PALLADIUM RESORTS IN INTRODUCTORY $50 HILTON MEXICO CITY MAYAN RIVIERA RECEIVE PRESTIGIOUS REFORMA TRAVEL AGENT RATE GREEN GLOBE AWARD Travel agents can enjoy a special $50 introductory travel agent rate at the new Hilton Mexico City Reforma, now through February 28, 2010. The hotel, located just steps from the famous Reforma Avenue, will welcome travel agents with a special introductory rate starting at $50 per night for three nights. Strategically located at a gateway to the city’s business district, the hotel at Avenida Juarez 70, Colonia Centro, is just a stone’s throw from major corporations and financial institutions. The spe- cial rate of $50 per room per night plus tax is based on single or double occupancy. The offer is subject to availability and does not include taxes, service charges, or gratuities; it cannot be combined The Grand Palladium Resorts in the Mayan Riviera (Mexico) have with any other offers. Other restrictions may apply. been awarded the prestigious Green Globe Award (Bronze) in Agents should request plan code TR when booking to take advan- recognition of their environmental sustainability efforts. The Grand tage of the special offer. Palladium Resorts in the Mayan Riviera follow a strict philosophy Hilton Mexico City Reforma, 800-445-8667 (800-HILTONS), of respect for the environment, preserving over 80 percent of the www.hiltonmexicocity.com resorts’ natural habitat as well as attaining energy savings of 4.67 percent in 2009. The Green Globe Award is the standard worldwide FOUR PALACE RESORTS IN MEXICO JOIN award for the recognition, certification and improvement of the WYNDHAM HOTELS AND RESORTS tourism industry for sustainability. Wyndham Hotels and Resorts and Palace Resorts has announced The Fiesta Hotel Group also boasts the MARTI certificate as well that four upscale Palace Resorts properties in Mexico will join the as the prestigious Kuoni Green Planet award, and is currently Wyndham® brand: Beach Palace®, Cancun; Isla Mujeres Palace®, working to improve further its environmental policy and achieve Isla Mujeres; and Playacar Palace® and Xpu-Ha Palace®, both in the Green Globe Award for its other Palladium Resorts throughout Riviera Maya. the Caribbean. Xpu-Ha Palace will be rebranded as a Wyndham Resort while Fiesta Hotel Group, 888-237-1226, www.fiestahotelgroup.com Beach Palace, Isla Mujeres Palace and Playacar Palace will gain the Wyndham Grand Resort designation. All will continue to be WINTER RETREAT DEALS APLENTY AT owned and operated by Palace Resorts. MEXICO’S ONE&ONLY PALMILLA Each Palace Resorts property features unlimited fine dining and Once the tropical hideaway for the likes of Hemingway and top-shelf beverages at a wide variety of international a la carte or Harlow, the serenely private One&Only Palmilla in Los Cabos, buffet restaurants, 24-hour room service, non-motorized water Mexico, features expansive ocean-facing accommodation, each sports, live nightly entertainment shows, wireless Internet service with veranda, sunbeds, and indulgent amenities. throughout the resort, unlimited telephone calls to the United Guests can now stay four nights at this legendary resort and enjoy States, Canada and Mexico and unlimited tours to selected local the fourth night free—and get a $200 resort credit toward dining, cultural sites. spa or golf, $100 food and beverage credit, and two $50 spa cer- The four resorts soon will join the Wyndham Rewards® program tificates to apply to the One&Only Experience by ESPA. The spe- and offer the brand’s Wyndham ByRequest® personalized benefits. cial package is valid for bookings made now through May 13, Points can be redeemed for complimentary hotel stays, airline tick- 2010, for stays beginning January 2, 2010, through May 13, ets, name-brand merchandise and dining and shopping gift cards, 2010. Bookings made before January 29, 2010, will receive com- among other options. In lieu of points, members may elect to earn plimentary round-trip airport transfers valued at $250. airline or rail miles with a variety of partners. Recently, the Rates start at $675/night. Blackout periods apply. This offer ex- Wyndham Rewards® program added Mexico’s leading air carrier, cludes a 29-percent room tax and service charge. AeroMexico, as an earning and redemption partner. One&Only Palmilla is located along the Pacific Ocean and the Sea Palace Resorts operates 12 all-inclusive resorts in Cancun, of Cortez within the Los Cabos Corridor, a 21-mile stretch between Riviera Maya, Cozumel, Isla Mujeres, and Riviera Nayarit in San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas. There are ample direct Mexico and Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic. flights from numerous U.S. gateway cities to San Jose Del Cabo Wyndham Hotels and Resorts, 800-WYNDHAM (996-3426), International Airport, a mere 20 minutes by car from the hotel. www.wyndham.com; Palace Resorts, www.palaceresorts.com One&Only Palmilla, [email protected], Wyndham Hotel Group, www.wyndhamrewards.com, www.oneandonlyresorts.com www.wyndhamworldwide.com

26 • FEBRUARY 2010 www.travelworldnews.com • Travel World News UNLEASH YOUR SECRET PASSION

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ACAPULCO INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION cal setting with equal portions of stimulation and relaxation. CENTER REOPENS FOR 2010 EVENTS Ten modern rooms in contemporary Mexican design overlook a tropical garden, and two rustic beach cabanas sit on the sand just a few feet from the water. Now through March 31, Boca de Iguana is offering special prices for one-, three- and seven-night stays. Palmeras Standard accom- modations are $160, $450 and $999 respectively; Palmeras Deluxe is $180, $500 and $1,099. Rates are per couple and in- clude taxes. Two kids (up to eight years old) stay free. An adventure activity menu includes an onsite 50-foot high nat- ural rappelling wall, ocean kayaking, birdwatching and jungle hik- ing. The beach club restaurant offers a healthy and tasty menu fea- turing fresh local ingredients, and the Boca West beach bar has drinks, delicious margaritas and a great variety of snacks. The Acapulco Destination Marketing Office and Secretary of Installation of a holistic wellness center is planned. Tourism C. Ernesto Rodriguez Escalona have announced the re- Special Honeymoon Packages are available on request. opening of the Acapulco International Convention Center for the Turnkey custom villas, casas and condominiums are also for sale duration of 2010. The Center was temporarily closed on November in this eco-resort community. 30, 2009, while new investors were sought in order to fully upgrade Boca de Iguanas, [email protected], and renovate the facility to meet the changing needs of the meet- [email protected], www.bocadeiguanas.com ings community. Since then, the CAABSA Group has become in- volved in the project, investing over $40 million as well as oversee- MEXICO PLAYS HOST TO ASTA’S ing the construction and development of a new convention center. BOARD OF DIRECTORS, CPC The construction of the new Center, set to be built adjacent to the Los Cabos, Mexico, hosted ASTA’s joint meeting of its Board of existing Acapulco International Convention Center, will take two Directors and Chapter Presidents Council in November last year. years to complete and will feature 22 meeting rooms for confer- The Board met with the Los Cabos Convention and Visitors Bureau ences and conventions, the newest technology and nearly 3,000 to brainstorm new ways to market the region to consumers and the parking spaces. The current space will be transformed into a new travel industry. shopping center featuring world-renowned fashion brands, eateries “Los Cabos has so much to offer even the most seasoned traveler. and entertainment. These new centers will allow for Acapulco to I am proud ASTA’s Board was able discuss new ideas and work with become a destination that international meetings and incentives Los Cabos on a public relations campaign to further Mexico’s groups think of when planning major conferences and conventions. tourism goals. I would like to thank Ella Messerli, general man- Events scheduled for 2010, including Tianguis Turistico and the ager of the Marquis Los Cabos Hotel and vice president of market- National Congress of Pediatrics Summit, will not be disrupted. Any ing for Los Cabos CVB, for her role in making this all possible. plans for construction will be scheduled around these important Thanks to her efforts, we had the chance to see for ourselves some events. of the many great offerings that await our clients,” said ASTA Acapulco is Mexico’s largest and most dazzling at- President and Chairman Chris Russo. tracting over five million visitors annually. Acapulco is exotic yet In the brainstorming session, ASTA’s Board and the Los Cabos easily accessible via direct or convenient connections through all CVB worked together to develop a plan to promote Los Cabos to major airline carriers from gateway cities across the United States consumers and fellow ASTA members. Among the ideas were that and Canada. Los Cabos host targeted FAM trips for the media, create and run a Acapulco Tourism, www.visiteacapulco.com Los Cabos Expert program to educate travel professionals and more. To further these plans, Board members suggested Los Cabos BOCA DE IGUANAS RINGS IN NEW YEAR will be offering travel specials through airlines and their local WITH SUPER SAVER SPECIALS transportation systems to grow tourism in the region, among other Boca de Iguanas is an eco-hotel and green real estate develop- initiatives. ment in Costalegre, Mexico, where wellness of being and luxurious American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) aims to facilitate the surroundings are packaged in a complete vacation experience. business of selling travel through effective representation, shared Situated in a quiet bay along Mexico’s Costalegre just 40 min- knowledge and the enhancement of professionalism. ASTA seeks a utes north of Manzanillo International Airport (ZLO), Boca de retail travel marketplace that is profitable and growing and a re- Iguanas Beach Hotel offers rustic but luxurious and stylish accom- warding field in which to work, invest and do business. modations that deliver an ultra-chic vacation in a pristine ecologi- American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA), www.asta.org

28 • FEBRUARY 2010 www.travelworldnews.com • Travel World News LATIN AMERICA

METROPOLITAN TOURING APPOINTS Machu Picchu, Koricancha Temple, Sacsayhuamán, Kenko, Puca PAULINA BURBANO DE LARA ITS NEW Pucará, Ollantaytambo, the Inca Trail, Tambomachay. Cusco was EXECUTIVE PRESIDENT declared a World Heritage Site and offers both colonial cathedrals Paulina Burbano de Lara has been and ancient temples that celebrate its storied past. The hotel is just appointed as new Executive President minutes from Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport. of South Americas’ Metropolitan Touring, GHL Hoteles, who has managed Sonesta Hotels in Peru since with headquarters in Quito, Ecuador 2005, owns and operates hotels throughout South America. With and operations offices in Argentina, Chile more than 40 years of experience in the hotel industry, GHL oper- and Peru. ates hotels under several flags. Currently, GHL operates 37 hotels Paulina Burbano de Lara has been part in Colombia, Chile, Peru, Ecuador and Panama; including ten of Metropolitan Touring for the last eight Sonesta Hotels located in Peru, Chile and Colombia. years, and her most recent position was as Sonesta International Hotels, 800-766-3782, www.sonesta.com PAULINA BURBANO Executive Vice President; she replaces DE LARA Roque Sevilla as head of the company. TRANCOSO, BRAZIL, WELCOMES FIRST Roque Sevilla will continue his close relationship with Metropolitan FIVE-STAR , UXUA CASA Touring as main shareholder and Chairman of the Board of the Since its May 2009 grand opening, stunning UXUA Casa Hotel company. in the south of Bahia has already hosted the likes of 11 world-fa- As Metropolitan Touring’s CEO, Paulina will be working closely mous supermodels and photographer Terry Richardson during the with the executives of the company’s offices in Argentina, Chile and 2010 Pirelli Calendar shoot, as well as well-known Brazilian so- Peru as well as with those in the main office in Ecuador. Her lead- cialites and celebs. ership will be key to pursue the company’s continued growth in UXUA, which in local native Pataxó Indian language means other South American markets and in strengthening the impor- “marvelous,” is under the ownership and direction of long-time tance of South America as a privileged destination for tourism in Diesel Creative Director Wilbert Das who realized the project as a the world. tribute to the area of southern Bahia which he loves. Over three Paulina is an economist, and joined Metropolitan Touring in 2002 years Wilbert tapped Colonial, indigenous, and Afro-Bahian histo- as Financial Vice-President. Then she took a one-year leave to at- ries, arts and customs, and collaborated with local artisans using tend the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and re- traditional building methods and recycled materials. turned to Metropolitan Touring as Commercial Vice-President for Accommodations at UXUA are nine extraordinary casas, each Inbound Tourism. exquisitely outfitted with all of the accoutrements and special ser- Metropolitan Touring, www.metropolitan-touring.com vices that bring the property to the five-star level. Each has an in- door-outdoor living room, a full gourmet kitchen and sumptuous SONESTA INTERNATIONAL HOTELS OPENS bedrooms (1–3 depending on the casa) with ensuite bath. The lake- SONESTA HOTEL CUSCO, SEVENTH IN PERU like swimming pool is crafted from 40,000 pebbles of green aven- Sonesta International Hotels Corporation has announced its sev- turine quartz thought to be one of the most powerful healing crys- enth hotel in Peru, the 127-room Sonesta Hotel Cusco. This full- tals in the world. service hotel is located in the midst of business, shopping, restau- Dining at UXUA features organically-sourced Bahian fusion cui- rants and historic attractions in downtown Cusco. The hotel is sine served at the poolside or beachfront restaurants. A full-service located across the street from the handcraft market on the Avenue spa features indoor and outdoor treatment rooms. The gym offers Sol, just a few blocks from the main square. This hotel (and its sis- yoga and pilates, but also instruction in capoeira and local dances ter properties in Peru, Colombia and Chile) has resulted from the taught to individual guests or in small groups, with instruction pro- strong relationship between GHL Hoteles and Sonesta. vided exclusively by native instructors. “We at Sonesta are excited to bring another full-service business A rustic Beach Lounge offers guests the perfect venue to relax on class hotel to our collection in South America,” said Stephanie one of Trancoso’s most specactular stretches of beach with their Sonnabend, President and Chief Executive Officer for Sonesta. The own private sofas. The Beach Lounge was built by utilizing aban- Sonesta Hotel Cusco features contemporary guest rooms with first- doned fishing boats that were left on the site, which now serve as a class amenities, a full-service business center, three-meal-a-day bar and covered sitting areas along the beach. A massage area, restaurant, room service, 24-hour concierge service, WiFi through- restaurant, private dining space, volleyball, an open-air gym and out, a banquet room for receptions for up to 100, and several meet- capoeira training are all available at the Beach Lounge. ing rooms for 30 guests theater-style. The hotel joins the 23-room Rates per casa, per night start from $541 during low season Sonesta Posadas del Inca Cusco, just a few blocks away. (March through November) and $706 during high season Located in the ancient Inca and Spanish Colonial capital of (December through February). Cusco, the hotel is near historic points of interest that include UXUA Casa Hotel, www.uxua.com

Travel World News • www.travelworldnews.com FEBRUARY 2010 • 29 LATIN AMERICA

BREEZES COSTA DO SAUÍPE OFFERS SAVINGS Add-ons are available from LAX $280, NYC $200, WAS $250 ON SEVEN-NIGHT GETAWAYS via Avianca Airlines. The offer is valid until June 30, 2010. Not in- cluded in the price are U.S.A. and Colombia airport departure taxes/fuel surcharges, security—about $150–170, insurance. In addition, Tara Tours is offering even more of Colombia, with all-inclusive packages to Santa Marta from $1,195 ppdo, and to San Andres and Providencia Islands from $1,195 ppdo. Rounding up the whole destination is Tara’s 13-night Best of Colombia pro- gram, visiting Bogota, Barranquilla, Santa Marta and Cartagena, priced from $2,995 ppdo and based on Sunday departures from U.S. gateways. Tara Tours, 800-327-0080, www.taratours.com

CANODROS S.A. SETS SPRING AND SUMMER Just south of the equator in Bahia, Breezes’ first venture outside SPECIALS FOR M/V GALAPAGOS EXPLORER II of the Caribbean—Breezes Costa do Sauípe—sits on a pristine The Canodros M/V Galapagos Explorer II features itineraries cove along Brazil’s unspoiled Eastern coast. An escapade in this that allow travelers to perceive Galapagos through different per- part of the southern hemisphere offers a chance to tour and appre- spectives—from underwater experiences, bird watching activities ciate the Amazon, the very majestic Iguassu Falls, and Rio. and guided walks, to wildlife observation and sunbathing on multi- Bookings made now through February 17 at Breezes Costa do colored beaches. Sauípe reap savings of up to $770 per couple on seven-night/eight- Spacious suites are fully air-conditioned, with marble bathrooms, day getaways through August 31, 2010. Rates begin at $117 ppdo. spacious closets, sitting areas, TV, mini-bar, wireless Internet and All Breezes “Super-Inclusive” Resorts’ require paying only for satellite communication. Some have private balconies with sitting accommodations. Meals and multiple dining options including au- area. The areas offer a variety of rest, leisure and interpretation thentic regional cuisine; unlimited premium-brand drinks; land and options for a comfortable stay at the archipelago. Complete pack- water sports including equipment rental and instruction; entertain- ages in Ecuador are also provided, including highlands, coast and ment; weddings; recreational activities; and hotel taxes are all in- the Amazon rainforest. cluded. Tipping is not accepted. New promotions for 2010 include the following: Breezes Resorts, 877-Breezes (273-3937), www.breezes.com Rabida promotion—Discounts from $350 up to $977 (22-percent discount cruise rate) on selected departures from January to RESURGENT COLOMBIA A TARA TOURS March. SPECIAL OFFERING Sea Turtle special—Discount per passenger from $286 up to Colombia, the Gem of Two Oceans, is making a comeback as a $799 (18-percent discount cruise rate) plus free snorkeling equip- modern, safe and dynamic nation as well as a commanding vaca- ment rental, five cocktails and one hour of Internet, on selected de- tion destination welcoming visitors to Andean mountain vistas and partures in January and February. Amazonian rainforests, long white beaches on Caribbean and Albatross promotion—Discounts from $239 up to $666 (15-per- Pacific coasts, rich history of pre-Columbian and Spanish colonial cent discount cruise rate) on selected departures March to May. treasures, and great food, music and shopping. Lonesome George—A 75-percent discount is granted for a sec- Tara Tours is offering a package to Bogota and Cartagena, with ond child (youths up to 15 years old). The discount applies to all daily departures from the U.S., and in cooperation with Pro-Export the available departures from June to September. Colombia (Tourism office of Colombia) and Avianca Airlines. The Promotions are available on specific departures. Promotional trip’s price of $1,294 ppdo includes airfare from Miami to Bogota spaces are limited to five cabins per departure. Included are guided and Cartagena, local airfares Bogota-Cartagena, all transfers on visit to the islands, all meals and on-board activities. Not included arrival and departure, two nights in Bogota with daily breakfast, are the fuel surcharge ($26 per night per person), Galapagos four nights in Cartagena with daily breakfast, a city tour of National Park fee, TCT transit control card, and air ticket to the Cartagena (UNESCO World Heritage Center in 1984) and city Galapagos Islands, alcoholic and additional non-alcoholic drinks, tour of Bogota with a visit to the Gold museum, English-speaking mini-bar and boutique consumptions. Rates are applied on FIT tour guides and the assistance of Tara’s local representative. Four- basis, no groups, and are subject to change without prior notice. star hotels are Regency Bogota and Decameron in Cartagena for Complete details, along with departures dates and other terms $1,294 ppdo. (Decameron Cartagena includes all the meals, shows and conditions for each promotion are detailed on the website. and drinks.) Five-star deluxe hotels are La Fontana in Bogota and Canodros S.A., 800-613-6026, [email protected], Santa Clara in Cartagena at $1,870 ppdo. www.galapagosexplorer.com

30 • FEBRUARY 2010 www.travelworldnews.com • Travel World News LATIN AMERICA

METROPOLITAN TOURING’S ISABELLA II flamingoes, and giant tortoises in Santa Cruz Island. RUNNING HALF-WEEK EXPEDITIONS Extraordinary snorkeling sites are featured at Gardner Bay IN GALÁPAGOS and Champion Islet. This three-night expedition is $1,800 per Metropolitan Touring’s 40-passenger yacht Isabella II has person in twin classic cabin plus airfare and shown the best of Galápagos to nature enthusiasts since 1988. entrance fees. The yacht is large enough for comfortable sailing along the arch- Friday–Tuesday guests will visit the Charles Darwin ipelago, but small enough to ensure a familiar atmosphere. Research Station, the unique island of Tower, the world Refurbished in 2000, it includes many amenities, like sea kayaks, largest colony of red–footed boobies, with their cousins the glass-bottom boat, wet suits and snorkel gear, Wi-Fi and Nazca boobies. Tower is the bird island, with greater frigates, Internet. tropical birds, swallowtailed gulls among many other land and Half-week expeditions (Tuesday to Friday or Friday to sea bird species. Tuesday) allow guests to see some of the Galápagos’ top visiting Fernandina Island, where guests walk among fields of sites, and also include other highlights of continental Ecuador in motionless marine iguanas, is also the home of two flightless a single visit. marine birds, the Galápagos penguin and the flightless The Isabella II officers, crew and expedition cormorant. team including highly qualified naturalist guides, all have years On Santiago Island, sea lions and fur seals share the habitat of experience. in a most impressive volcanic coast with coastal birds and Tuesday–Friday trips will include North Seymour Island, inter-tidal organisms. where land and marine iguanas share the grounds with Bartolomé Island has the pinnacle rock and the most blue-footed boobies, two species of frigate birds, swallowtailed impressive geological landscape. Great snorkeling is in store gulls, and Galápagos sea lions. in Tower, Isabela, Santiago Islands. The four-night expedition Española: the only home of the waved albatross (April to is $2,400 pp in twin classic cabin plus airfare and December), blue-footed and Nazca boobies, and colonies of sea entrance fees. lions. Floreana: nesting sea turtles (December to April), greater Metropolitan Touring, www.metropolitan-touring.com

Lake Llanquihue PATAGONIA CHILE The Llanquihue Lake is located in the Chilean Patagonia, about 1,000 km south of the capital Santiago. It can be accessed by air, with several flights daily and a flight time of nearly one and a half hour. Also accessible by land, with a travel time of 12 hours. The towns of Puerto Varas, Llanquihue, Puerto Octay and Frutillar and locations of Cascadas and Ensenada provide the visitors with all kinds of services and facilities, from 5 star hotels to small , restaurants of all kinds serving gourmet food to local traditional fare. A casino, an innumerable number of companies providing tourist services, such as excursions, scheduled trips and in general everything the visitor needs to have a pleasant stay. Due to the diversity of the Lake, your client can experience a multitude of activities for all ages and tastes: from adventure sports like rafting, trekking, canopy, climbing, kayaking, skiing in the Osorno Volcano in the winter, to quiet and beautiful walks to enjoy nature. Llanquihue Lake also has a rich tradition related to German colonization and visitors can today enjoy a variety of German food in addition to the rich architectural heritage. We invite you to visit us and enjoy our environment and safety throughout the year. www.lagollanquihue.cl

Travel World News • www.travelworldnews.com FEBRUARY 2010 • 31 LATIN AMERICA

ANTARCTIC DREAM EXPEDITION AN world-class wines and sampling the wine world through touring its INTRODUCTION TO GREAT WHITE CONTINENT winery and vineyards. Patagonia Camp is the first luxury camp in South America. It is an original and distinctive camping concept where every detail has been carefully thought of so guests can appreciate the magnificent and wild nature of mythical Patagonia, combining comfort, conve- nience, and the warm hospitality characteristic of Chileans. The Wine & Nature package has rack rates per person for six days/five nights at (single) $2,480 and (double) $1,810; rack rate for a seven-days/six nights option are (single) $3,110 and (double) $2,250. There is a two-person minimum. The six-day/five-night price is inclusive of two nights at La Casona and three nights at Patagonia Camp; transfer Santiago International Airport/Matetic Vineyards/Santiago International Airport; transfer Punta Arenas Airport/Patagonia Camp/Punta Arenas Airport; a guided wine tour at Matetic Vineyards; a tour to Antarctic Shipping’s Classic Antarctic Expedition of 11 days and Isla Negra, home of the famous poet Pablo Neruda; two full-day 10 nights provides the ideal trip to the Great White Continent. excursions in Torres del Paine National Park; and entries to Pablo With departure and return from Ushuaia, the provincial capital of Neruda Museum and Torres del Paine National Park. Tierra del Fuego, Argentina, the vessel makes an exciting crossing Most meals are provided, including box lunches for the days tour- of the legendary Drake Passage to arrive in the South Shetland ing Torres del Paine National Park. Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula. From the waters of Patagonia Patagonia Camp, www.patagoniacamp.com/index_wine_eng, to the gateway of the spectacular landscape of fjords, glaciers and www.patagoniacamp.com icebergs, the Antarctic Dream passengers in a comfort- able environment, with on-board entertainment, hotel and dining INNOVATION, ECOLOGY AND CULTURE ON services, and the attentive care of crew. EASTER ISLAND AT HANGAROA ECO VILLAGE This trip is oriented toward observing wildlife taking into account & SPA respect and protection of the environment. Depending on weather Hangaroa Eco Village & Spa is creating a sustainable tourism conditions, there will be eight to 10 landings at selected points to model in Easter Island, the most isolated inhabited place on Earth. maximize the experience of Antarctica. Its 106,000-square-foot property due for completion April 30 is A 10-percent discount is offered for all passengers who pay a non- based on the island’s original houseboats. Local materials, textures refundable deposit of $1,500 before March 31, 2010, for travel and colors will be reflected in its suites, museum, artisanal work- during the 2010/11 season. shop, bars, restaurant, terrace, pool, spa, event rooms, cinema, The next Antarctic Dream expedition is February 8–18. lobby—all laid out within spacious gardens overlooking the im- Antarctic Dream, www.antarctic.cl mense ocean and striking Polynesian landscape. Added to its 4,000 inhabitants, over 50,000 visit the island each PATAGONIA CAMP PRESENTS A CHILEAN year. To control environmental impact, the hotel leaves nothing to WINE & NATURE EXPERIENCE chance: power efficiency through installation of Trigen micro tur- Wine & Nature Week is an invitation to enjoy a fully luxurious bines—the first of their kind in Chile; an electrosmog protection experience in two exclusive boutique hotels in South America, com- system that will reduce magnetic fields that alter the natural im- bining Chilean wine elegance and harmony with the wild Chilean mune system; water saving; optimal use of natural lighting and an Patagonia. LED system for maximum energy saving, among other practices. Matetic Vineyards combines high-quality organic wine produc- Music from all over the world plays in the background in the tion with luxury tourism. At La Casona Hotel at the vineyard, Kaloa emporium-bistro, a buffet breakfast and typical foods are guests get to live the unique wine experience lodging in the luxuri- served in its main restaurant Poerava; its Mana Vai Spa will offer ous colonial Casona, enjoying fine gastronomy accompanied by special baths, massages and saunas; movies play in the Mana’u cin- ema; there’s typical Easter Island dancing in the main events room CORRECTION Kona Mana; its conceptual museum called Ara Tupuna describes In the feature on AeroGal in Travel World News last month (“AeroGal Makes Aviation History With Nonstop Flights to New the Rapa Nui inhabitants’ history and view of the universe, and York,” page 42), it was erroneously reported that AeroGal flew the local artisans are at work in its Kona Tarai workshop. first nonstop service between GYE and the USA on December 7. Hangaroa Eco Village & Spa, [email protected], This is incorrect, since Ecuatoriana Airlines offered nonstop service to JFK in the 70s and 80s. www.hotelhangaroa.cl

32 • FEBRUARY 2010 www.travelworldnews.com • Travel World News LATIN AMERICA

LA MANSION INN ASSISTS REAL ESTATE PANAMANIAN DIGNITARIES PRESENT FOR INVESTMENT TRAVELERS OPENING OF BREEZES PANAMA Luxury boutique hotel “La Mansion Inn” in the beach resort SUPERCLUBS RESORTS community of Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica, offers support and ac- commodation reimbursement for clients purchasing property in Costa Rica through selected Realtors. While at La Mansion Inn, if a qualified property is viewed and purchased through the on-site representative, reimbursement to- ward the cost of one’s stay is offered—up to $2,500 value. Onsite representative Gary Haynes is the owner and principal broker of Costa Rica Property Sales and President of R.E.A.D Intl. He’s pro- vided foreign investors and buyers with legal guidance, due dili- gence and support for over 20 years, including after-sales assis- From left to right: Mr. Salomón Shamah, Minister of Tourism of tance like health care, legal residency, complete development Panama; Excelentísimo Sr. Ricardo Martinelli, President of The Republic of Panama; Mr. John J. Issa, Chairman of SuperClubs; Sr. planning, and support services for developers. Juan Carlos Varela, Vice President and Foreign Minister of Panama Clients of the 665-acre resort-style community “Hacienda and Mr. Paul E. Pennicook, Chief Marketing Officer of SuperClubs. Matapalo” are offered a free three-night stay in an Ocean View Suite at La Mansion Inn with any Hacienda Matapalo Breezes Resort & Spa Panama, the first Super-Inclusive resort in purchase. (Purchase reservation must be made by February Central America, officially opened its doors December 12, 2009, 13, 2010). with statewide luminaries, including Excelentísimo Sr. Ricardo Investing in Costa Rica looks promising, as the full-service Martinelli, president of the Republic of Panama. Located in the Marina Pez Vela facility in Manuel Antonio will be the largest of coastal community of Santa Clara, just 90 minutes from Panama its kind in Central America. With 300 concrete floating dock slips, City, the 294-room resort has been booked solid with consumers boats up to 200 feet will be accommodated in Quepos harbor. The and agents since its soft opening October 1. first 100 slips will be available this month. Breezes Resorts, 877-Breezes (273-3937), www.breezes.com Barely three hours’ flight from Florida and other southern states of the U.S., many view the Costa Rican lifestyle as a retreat into a more values-centered world. With a peaceful political environment, friendly multicultural communities, beautiful weather, charming wildlife, fabulous scenery and a number of lucrative investment op- portunities available, Costa Rica is rapidly becoming a haven for people seeking both luxury and peace. La Mansion Inn, [email protected], www.lamansioninn.com

CARADONNA DIVE ADVENTURES OFFERS 7-NIGHT BELIZEAN PACKAGE Jacques Cousteau first brought Belize into the limelight when he documented his dive on Belize’s famous “Blue Hole,” and the bar- rier reef that runs along the Caribbean coast of Belize is second only to the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. Belizean Shores, lo- cated on the offshore island of Ambergris Caye, is ideal for divers wishing to experience Belize underwater. Belizean Shores offers a relaxed atmosphere, white sandy pathways, fantastic views, and a premiere resort pool. PADI Dive and Tuff E Nuff Tours is located on the resort’s pier. The dive package includes seven nights in Beach Level Suites ac- commodations, room tax and service charges, six days of local two- tank boat dives, and roundtrip airport transfers. Prices begin at $916 ppdo and are valid April 9 to November 18 and December 3 to 23, 2010. Competitive airfare is available. Caradonna Dive Adventures, www.caradonna.com

Travel World News • www.travelworldnews.com FEBRUARY 2010 • 33 AFRICA South African Airways Is Ready for 2010 FIFA World Cup Carrier has geared up for increased passenger load with division dedicated to ensuring efficient, plentiful transport to and throughout the country for the thrilling event.

Johannesburg skylight.

outh Africa’s tourism slogan is “It’s Possible.” For of being the official carrier of South Africa’s national team, those wishing to travel to the 2010 FIFA World Cup Bafana Bafana, which will open the tournament versus soccer tournament, the first to be held on the Mexico. SAA understands that it will play a prominent role in African continent, the initial thought might be that flying passengers into the country and back and forth be- Stravel to South Africa to attend the tournament will be any- tween the matches, and intends to be fully engaged in this thing but possible. However, according to South African unique opportunity to showcase its home country. Airways, planning a trip to their homeland is an excellent Cavaliere pointed out that the airline is working in tandem possibility, with plenty of seats still available for soccer revel- with MATCH, the official hospitality provider for FIFA, to ers to see the U.S. and their other favorite teams compete on lease additional planes, therein supplementing the fleet. This the world stage. arrangement will permit SAA to offer round-the-clock domes- The airline has formed a corporate division dedicated solely tic flights during the month of the tournament, which offi- to ensuring there are a maximum number of seats available cially takes place June 11–July 11. “Fans will be able to shut- for fans to travel from points throughout the world to tle from one game to another, even if games take place in the Johannesburg, and to the cities in which the matches are tak- evening. Many soccer fans will be able to leave their hotel in ing place. “Like many South Africans, we’ve been counting the morning, attend matches during the day or evening, and down to the tournament from the moment FIFA announced fly back to their base city in preparation for the next day’s the selection of South Africa for the 2010 World Cup,” said matches, or for their vacation components.” This flight Marc Cavaliere, the airline’s Executive Vice President for strategy will enable visitors to choose one city, such North America. For Cavaliere, the airline’s connection to the as Johannesburg or Cape Town, as their base of operations tournament is undeniable. As South Africa’s national flag car- for the trip, enabling them to conduct “day trips” to rier, South African Airways just celebrated its 75th anniver- other match cities. sary of service in 2009. It offers the most flights throughout For those not inclined to take quick trips back and forth, South Africa and Southern Africa, and also has the distinction South Africa’s geography and the match sites mean that fly-

34 • FEBRUARY 2010 www.travelworldnews.com • Travel World News AFRICA ers won’t have to venture more than two arrival also allows passengers to remain until the start of the tournament. hours by air between match cities. Two quickly connect to a host of cities For South African Airways, this invest- of the stadiums, Soccer City and Ellis throughout South Africa and Southern ment has meant a move into a brand Park, are located in Johannesburg, Africa. SAA also operates a direct flight new, state-of-the-art terminal at their while a third stadium, Loftus Versfeld, is from Washington, D.C.’s Dulles Airport, hub in Johannesburg, which opened in located in Pretoria, just a 40-minute which departs in the early evening, 2009. With its entire operation now at drive from “Jo’burg,” as the locals call makes a short stop in Dakar, Senegal, the new Terminal B, this has resulted in it. The other stadiums are located in and arrives into Johannesburg the fol- quicker and more seamless connections Cape Town, Nelspruit (near Kruger lowing evening. Nighttime connections for passengers, since all SAA flights National Park), Rustenburg, Durban, to Cape Town and Durban are available now depart from one central terminal. Bloemfontein, Polokwane and Port for those wishing to reach their match Travelers on other airlines are required Elizabeth – each a quick flight from cities the same day. to switch terminals when connecting Johannesburg. A cursory study of these It’s estimated that by the time the tour- between international and domestic cities reveals that fans will be able to nament begins, the government of flights. In addition to enhancements in visit the beach while in Durban, go on South Africa will have invested almost Johannesburg, the airport in Cape Town while in Nelspruit, and enjoy 14 billion rand, or $1.8 billion, on reno- has been fully remodeled in preparation whale watching or wine tasting while in vations and building new World Cup for the games, and a brand new airport Cape Town or Port Elizabeth. Each stadiums, along with investments in the has been built in the busy port city of match city showcases a unique, visually country’s infrastructure. This outlay has Durban. stunning vantage point of the country. extended to Johannesburg Interna- A new, luxurious lounge will also greet In order to fully accommodate the tional Airport, which features a count- South African Airways passengers as large number of U.S. travelers visiting down sign announcing how many days CONTINUED ON PAGE 36 South Africa, South African Airways has forged agreements with the four MATCH-approved tour operators with The Only Non-Stop From exclusive rights to package tours with game admission tickets. SportsMark, The Big Apple To The Big Five Great Atlantic Travel, Destination Southern Africa and Cartan Tours have each partnered with SAA to offer pre- ferred rates for those wishing to have their trip fully packaged from A to Z. But for those travel professionals with clients who like to plan trips that are a bit less structured, Cavaliere promises that there are plenty of seats still avail- able for sale directly with the airline. “By no means should travel agents or tour operators be discouraged from con- tacting us to purchase seats for their clients,” he insisted. “Now that we have the exact game schedules, we will very quickly be making available additional seats at reasonable fares.” No One Is Faster To More Of Africa Than We Are South African Airways operates two daily flights from the U.S. – the most of With daily non-stop service from New York (JFK) to Johannesburg, only South African Airways gives you any carrier. Its New York Kennedy de- same day connections to over 20 cities in Africa. parture, which to Johannesburg Add this to our legendary South African warmth and nonstop, departs JFK mid-morning and hospitality and you’ll see we’re the only way to fly. arrives in South Africa the following morning, allowing travelers to make Go See For Yourself. www.flysaa.com • 1-800-722-9675 some matches the same day. The early

Travel World News • www.travelworldnews.com FEBRUARY 2010 • 35 AFRICA

SAA/FIFA FROM PAGE 35 line’s tournament-period schedule is available on major GDSs, or agents can call 1-800-722-9675. “Of course, agents can also call one of the MATCH-approved tour operators who have the ability to put all of the components together into one easy package,” he added. “Either way, they should act quickly, since World Cup fever is rising, and available seats on our flights won’t last for long.” South African Airways, www.flysaa.com

AFRICAN HOMESTEADS WINS GLOBAL GOLD AT INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY AWARDS The African Homesteads at &Beyond Phinda Private Game The Durban stadium is built on the site of old Kings Park Stadium. Reserve in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, took top honors in they travel through Johannesburg. Scheduled to open in the November’s International Property Awards ceremony in San spring, the lounge will boast rainfall showers, personal Diego. “snooze” rooms and entertainment systems, along with the The African Homesteads won global gold in the most prestigious requisite wi-fi connections for the traveler who insists on stay- category, Best International Property, beating out finalists from ing connected. “We understand and appreciate what it takes the competition’s six geographical regions—Africa, Europe, for travelers to visit South Africa, and we’re especially mind- Middle East, UK, Americas and Asia-Pacific. The International ful that the world will be watching. In keeping with our spirit Property Awards are the largest celebration of the residential and of hospitality in South Africa, we fully intend to host visitors commercial property industry worldwide. in comfort and convenience as they visit our country, whether Designed as the ultimate retreat for owners to share with family on board or in the airport terminal,” said Cavaliere. and friends, the 15 exclusive African Homesteads represent luxury On the in-flight side, the airline will continue to offer its pas- value at the top end of the property market. Priced from $6 million sengers a personal entertainment system, along with compli- for a 70-year lease, each four-bedroom, 8,600-square-foot mentary meals and fine South African wines for every pas- Homestead occupies a private 10-acre site, but owners have tra- senger on board, whether they’re traveling in Economy Class versing rights over the full extent of the 56,800-acre Big Five or the airline’s award-winning Premium Business Class. “It’s Reserve. what we’ve come to be known for, and I imagine many Expansive wooden verandahs and a large infinity pool at each Americans will travel with SAA for the first time during World Homestead offer magnificent views of the bush and the wildlife that Cup. We can’t wait to impress them with our service,” added passes through it. Each African Homestead is equipped with its Cavaliere. own 4x4 safari vehicle and is managed by an &Beyond-trained So where should travel professionals start when planning team, including a ranger, tracker, chef and host who provide the sa- their client’s trip to the World Cup? Cavaliere says they fari experience characteristic of &Beyond’s award-winning lodges. should start by calling South African Airways and securing &Beyond, www.andbeyond.com; African Homesteads, their seats. “See which team you would like to follow, and www.africanhomesteads.com; International Property Awards, give us a call so we can start the process for you.” The air- www.propertyawards.net INSPIRING GLOBETROTTERS FOR YEARS For thousands of top selling ideas plus the best airfares 40402010

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36 • FEBRUARY 2010 www.travelworldnews.com • Travel World News AFRICA

FRENCH SOCCER TEAM PICKS UNCHARTED AFRICA WILL hair dryers, will look out over 7,500 acres PEZULA & HAVE CAMP AT CRADLE OF of pristine, privately owned land. The tents SPA FOR 2010 WORLD CUP HUMANKIND DURING will be lined with a crisp, campaign-striped, The French Football Federation has con- SOCCER WORLD CUP cotton canvas and each will have a firmed that Pezula Resort Hotel & Spa in Uncharted Africa Safari Company is deep veranda with a chaise lounge from Knysna will be the base camp of the French setting up their famous camps at the which guests can enjoy the views. soccer team during the 2010 Soccer World Cradle of Humankind near Johannesburg, A minimum stay of three nights will be Cup. South Africa, for the 2010 Soccer packed with experiences: hot-air balloon- France, which was drawn in Group A to World Cup. The Camps will offer an ing, guided walking with Bushmen play South Africa, Mexico and Uruguay, opportunity to combine the biggest sporting Trackers, lectures by a PhD Archaeologist will arrive at Pezula in early June. Les event in the world with a luxury safari on The Cradle of Humankind, massage Bleus, who won the competition on home experience. treatments, as well as game drives in 4x4 soil in 1998, appear to be the favorites in An oasis of style and comfort on the urban vehicles to view the resident fauna and their group. They will play Uruguay in Cape edge of Johannesburg, the Camps at the flora. Town on June 11, Mexico in Polokwane on Cradle will echo the style and standards of Ideally situated for guests at the Cup’s June 17 and South Africa in Bloemfontein Uncharted Africa’s flagship Jack’s Camp. soccer matches, the camps are equidistant on June 22. Each of the four classically styled camps from the Johannesburg, Pretoria & Keith Stewart, Pezula Chairman, ex- will accommodate up to 24. Comfortable Rustenburg football stadiums and just 8.5 pressed his delight that after months of ne- and elegant white tents reminiscent miles from Johannesburg’s second airport gotiations and visits from the Federation of a bygone era but complete with every Lanseria. and FIFA and following the World Cup modern necessity such as 64-inch plasma Uncharted Africa, draw in Cape Town, Pezula is set to become televisions, WIFI, electric blankets and www.unchartedafrica.com the home of the French team next year. Stewart says that the French Federation was attracted by the privacy, luxury accom- New Non-Stop Flights modations and superb facilities at the re- sort. “We can offer them excellent training From D.C. To Dakar facilities and a host of activities onsite for the periods between games, including horseback riding, canoeing, hiking, beach, spa, gym and golf,” says Stewart. “There isn’t another base camp in the country that can offer all this on one property. Pezula is also well known for its personalized service and the team will be well looked-after and made to feel at home while they are with us. We have even employed a language teacher to work with our staff members so that they will all be familiar with French by June next year!” “This is a fantastic opportunity not just for Pezula, but also for Knysna. I believe that this event will herald a new chapter for With Continuing Service to Johannesburg Knysna as a destination” adds Stewart. He believes that the location was also a big Only award-winning South African Airways offers daily non- draw for the French. “Knysna has one of the stop service from Washington (Dulles) to Dakar and direct to Johannesburg. And with 180-degree completely lie-flat most temperate climates in the world and is business class seats and more legroom in economy, you renowned for its scenic beauty. Moreover, it can see why we’ve earned more awards as “Best Airline to is easily accessible from all major airports Africa” than any other carrier. in South Africa.” Pezula Resort Hotel & Spa, Go See For Yourself. www.flysaa.com • 1-800-722-9675 www.pezularesorthotel.com

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VIRGIN ATLANTIC APPOINTS his new venture,” says Sabi Sabi Marketing Director SIMON NEWTON SMITH SOUTH AMERICA’S Jacques Smit. “There are many synergies connecting us: COUNTRY MANAGER from Warren’s in-depth knowledge of the South African Virgin Atlantic has announced bushveld and his extensive experience at our lodges, to his the appointment of Simon Newton Smith exemplary track record in America,” says Smit. “His as its new Country Manager in South company’s focus on green initiatives and sustainable Africa. destinations is an ideal match for the Sabi Sabi philosophy of Simon replaced Richard Myerscough, offering a safari experience that is both luxurious and responsible. who will be moving to become Country We have a recognized, award-winning conservation program, have Manager for Virgin Atlantic in Japan. been honored with numerous awards for five-star excellence Simon’s new role, which is based in (including Travel & Leisure’s 3rd Best Hotel in the World–2009) Johannesburg, means he’ll be responsible and were the first game lodge in South Africa to receive a Fair SIMON NEWTON for the airline’s South African operation, Trade in Tourism accreditation from the World Conservation SMITH which includes a daily service between Union (IUCN).” Johannesburg and London Heathrow, and a seasonal service Sabi Sabi just recently celebrated its 30th anniversary in the sa- between London Heathrow and Cape Town from October until fari industry. April. Simon will also be responsible for the airline’s operation Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve, [email protected], in Mauritius. www.sabisabi.com; Warren Green and Associates, Simon arrives in South Africa from New York where he held the [email protected], post of Vice President Sales, North America, for the past five www.warrengreenandassociates.com years. Simon began his career with Virgin Atlantic in 1990, based at its London headquarters before becoming Sales and Marketing LUXURY CAPE TOWN DELUXE TOUR OFFERED Manager Australia, and New Zealand. Prior to his most recent BY LION WORLD TOURS role in the U.S., Simon was Vice President Sales, North America, Lion World Tours is presenting Luxury Cape Town, an exciting for South African Airways. journey to South Africa that includes the opportunity to explore Jon Harding, General Manager, International and Distribution, two distinct areas and enjoy accommodation in two unique hotels: commented, “It gives me great pleasure to welcome Simon into 15 on Orange in Cape Town and Rijk’s Country Lodge on Rijk’s his role in South Africa. Simon brings a wealth of experience to Wine Farm, minutes from Tulbagh. his new post and I wish him every success for the future as Virgin Each location has its own character and tempo from the bustle Atlantic continues to support and promote our Johannesburg and of Cape Town to the calm of the wine farm. The Luxury Cape Town Cape Town routes.” package is only $1,699 ppdo for six nights and includes five-star Since it was founded in 1984, Virgin Atlantic has become accommodation and international airfare. The price does not in- one of the world’s leading long-haul airlines serving the world’s clude a $300 fuel surcharge and $140 tax. Single supplement is major cities. It operates long-haul services to 30 destinations $470. worldwide. The trip price includes international flights: New York or Virgin Atlantic, www.virginatlantic.com Washington/Johannesburg/New York or Washington, South Africa domestic flights: Johannesburg/Cape Town/Johannesburg, SABI SABI APPOINTS WARREN GREEN AND all services as specified, all transfers as specified, accommoda- ASSOCIATES NEW U.S. MARKETING tions as specified, meals as specified, transportation in luxury air- REPRESENTATIVE conditioned vehicles with the service of qualified drivers, and Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve, a premier private safari South African Airways Vacations Representative Meet and Greet game reserve in South Africa, has named Warren Green upon arrival. and Associates (WGA) as the U.S. and Canada marketing Not included are items of a personal nature such as laundry, representative. telephone calls, drinks, etc., all other services not mentioned; Warren, a South African, who for the past decade has promoted gratuities/tips for guides and drivers; new Government taxes, lodges and resorts to the North American travel trade, also levies, fuel or industry increases beyond Lion World Tours’ spent several years as a conservation officer, guide and manager control; costs of obtaining or visas; and trip cancella- at Sabi Sabi before moving to the U.S. in 2000. He has also tion insurance. successfully grown international travel icons such as Rovos U.S.A. holders do not require a visa for South Africa Rail and Grootbos’ Private Nature Reserve in the North American for a visit of less than 90 days. Full terms and conditions are avail- market. able on the website. “We are absolutely thrilled to be working with Warren Green in Lion World Tours, 800-387-2706, www.lionworldtours.com

38 • FEBRUARY 2010 www.travelworldnews.com • Travel World News AFRICA

NOUVELLES FRONTIERES SENEGAL HAS building programs, tailor-made tours for individuals or small WIDELY MULTILINGUAL REACH groups, events by corporate meetings, and professional travel and learning expedition programs. Attractive programs are presented, from the Lompoul desert, the Pink Lake, Bandia reserve, Saloum Islands, Gorée to Saly. The ma- jority feature an original concept from CTA INCENTIVE—Talent Event® parties that showcase international artists celebrating Senegalese talent. There are parties under the stars or under Mauritanian tents on the beach or inside Bandia reserve with “Out of Africa” atmosphere. In Goree Island, in authentic places like the Slaves House with Gospel songs or in a private house with a Gorean soul for party, cocktail or private visit, emotion is raised. A high-level bivouac on the beach or in the forest with Talisman Lodge® (25 luxury mobile tents) or a charming house for a small group—one might enjoy any of these with CTA INCENTIVE. Some treats are Olympic challenges through the forest; treasure hunts in Taking the idea for its name from a JFK speech, Nouvelle Goree and Ngor Islands, Pink Lake or a fishing village; the beauty Frontieres Senegal is a division of Groupe Nouvelles Frontieres, the of the Baobab tree, sports—quad, 4x4, jet ski, catamaran, nauti- first tour operator in France, whose head office is located in Paris. cal ski, canoe races (with lifejackets and rowing), and various artis- It has been a member of the TUI network since 2000 (with 37 in- tic challenges. coming agencies worldwide). For strengthening the harmony of a sales team or building culture Operating throughout Senegal since 1983, Nouvelle Frontieres for customers, CTA INCENTIVE provides original services em- has become the first incoming agency in terms of clients—mainly bracing Senegalese realities and activities. from Europe, but more and more from North America and Africa. CTA INCENTIVE, [email protected], www.ct-afrique.com The company also handles surrounding countries such as Mali, the Gambia, Cape Verde, Mauritania, Benin, Togo and Ghana. Services include adventure tours, cultural tours, ecotourism, beach resorts, conferences, incentives, FIT, excursions, transfers, The Land oof Legendary Teranga airport assistance, car rental, and air ticketing with local and in- ternational companies. A dedicated and efficient team of 25 is and Beautiiful Touristic Sites...Welcome! committed to responding with initial feedback to requests within 24 hours. Languages spoken are French, English, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese and Arabic. Guides are multilingual. The company has four offices: Dakar, Airport, Saly and La Somone. It has contracts with main hotels and tourism providers all over Senegal and allotments with the main hotels. Their fleet of coaches is renovated yearly. Nouvelles Frontieres’ services are regularly subjected to strict quality inspections, and are in full compliance with international health and safety rules for tourism. Rates and programs are available in English upon request. Nouvelles Frontieres, [email protected], www.nfsenegal.com CTA INCENTIVE PROMOTES SENEGAL TO THE SENEGALSENEGAL U.S. TRAVEL MARKETPLACE Operating since January 2001, CTA INCENTIVE is a Senegalese Senegal Tourist Office DMC agency specializing in the MICE market. Its team members Phone: (212) 695-9630 each have nearly 15 years of experience. CTA belongs to the asso- Email: [email protected] ciation Pensées d’Ailleurs, created by Belgian and Senegalese vol- unteers sharing its vision of humanitarian and sustainable tourism. CTA’s focus is: incentive travel with high-level standards, team- website: www.senegal-tourism.com

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AFS VOYAGES HIGHLIGHTS EXCLUSIVE ACT’S UNIQUE JOURNEYS EXEMPLIFIED SENEGAL TOURS BY ‘MEDICINE’ TOUR AFS Voyages specializes in Senegal, a West African country Africa Connection Tours (ACT) has designed programs with that has 435 miles of coastline, almost 250 miles of sandy strong focus on the cultural aspects of Senegal: Ethnicity, Ancient beaches, 12 months of sun and eight months of springtime. Their and Modern Arts, Traditional ceremonies, Rites of passages, eight-day/seven-night Djolof Tour explores the special African Historical roots of the African American Diaspora, Black History cities and sites of Dakar, Lac Rose, Saint Louis, and Saloum. Month special programs, Music festivals, Workshops on African Accommodations are in three-star hotels; encampment is in The handicrafts and more. They also have special birdwatching pro- Saloum. An air-conditioned bus and a local guide fluent in grams and ecotourism packages. English make the tour comfortable and informative. ACT is presently developing Inter-African Tours that combine The Song of the Praise Singer—Land of Colours, Land of various West African countries such as Senegal/Mali/Ivory Coast Nomads is a nine-day/eight-night tour that encompasses Senegal or Senegal/Gambia/Guinea Bissau, or Senegal/Ivory Coast/Ghana. from its national parks, desert, endless seaside and natural sites One special tour is called Traditional Medicine ‘On the Paths of like the “pink lake” to the Mauritanian territory where cities the Medicine Men.’ It starts with a Dakar conference given by a spring from the desert. The authentic journey is enhanced by the Senegalese professor known for his research in the field of tradi- friendliness of welcoming natives with whom travelers share tea tional medicine. Travelers get to visit markets where traditional under the shade of their tents. herbalists share their knowledge of plants and their uses. A Combination Tour and Stay Senegal runs eight days/seven Toubacouta along the Saloum Delta is rich with vegetation and nights and takes in a variety of places from the boundaries to the bird sanctuaries. Crossing the Gambia River by ferryboat, cities—rich with history, natural wonders, and warm welcomes. Gambia’s capital Banjul offers exchanges with tradipractitioners. Travelers with an interest in touring Senegal should email AFS The main market in Ziguinchor, Saint-Maur—with its numerous for prompt responses, including quotations. Note—Technical im- medicinal plants, provides more interaction with herbalists. peratives may force modifying some programs on occasion, but In Mawa there’s an opportunity to meet the “Marabout” spiri- this will not change the meaning or quality of the services of AFS. tual leader and medicine man. It is here that the principles of tra- AFS Voyages, [email protected], www.afsvoyages.com ditional psychotherapy are applied. Visitors go to Malango Center in Fatick, known for its efficiency in healing sick persons. The clinic gathers outstanding tradipractitioners in the Sine region— APTA IS AFRICA “Saltigués,” and modern medicine doctors. Beyond healing, the Saltigués are believed to be capable of predicting the future. WE’LL PUT YOU ON THE RIGHT TRACK! Africa Connection Tours, [email protected], APTA is recognized as the foremost Travel Trade Association for the Promotion www.actours-senegal.com 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, ETHIOPIAN AIRLINES OPENS NEW and other Suppliers for unique and invaluable information on travel to Africa. WEST AFRICAN HUB Officially realizing Ethiopian Airlines’ longstanding vision to form a hub in the West African region, ASKY, the new community airline of Africa, has begun operation as of January 15. One year after Ethiopian Airlines and fledgling airline ASKY signed a management contract guaranteeing the preeminent East African carrier management rights for a period of five years and a 25-percent stake in the startup airline, the two companies now have Your APTA Membership Includes: a new West African hub in Lome, Togo, for regional and intercon- r Educational Dinner Programs tinental routes. Strategically positioned in one of the fastest-grow- r Guest Speakers ing economies in the world, ASKY is a multinational private air- r New Sales Tools r Destination/Product Presentations line initiative geared to meet the growing demands for safe, reliable r Networking Opportunities and competitive air transportation services in Central and West r Access to Informative Website r Member Supplier List on Website Africa. Its equity ownership includes the private multinational r Special Discounts ECOBANK and the two major development banks of the region, r Invitation to Annual Travel Show “Discover Africa” r Quarterly Newsletter Subscription and Submissions namely EBID, the Economic Community of West African States r Unique Educational Opportunities (ECOWAS), Bank of Investment and Development, and BOAD, Let us put you on the right track! West African Development Bank and South African investors. Visit www.apta.biz or [email protected]. Ethiopian Airlines, www.ethiopianairlines.com

40 • FEBRUARY 2010 www.travelworldnews.com • Travel World News AFRICA

SPECIAL DISCOUNTS, FAMILY-FRIENDLY 400,000 zebra, large teams of Thompsons gazelle, as well as ele- PACKAGE FROM OMONG’WE TRAVEL & TOURS phant, lion, buffalo, eland etc. This is the planet’s largest Migratory World Cup, and is an event not to be missed. Other events are also taking place over this period—the Kilimanjaro Marathon in February and the daily Gorilla Family Trekking Days (all year, limited seats available), which can all be combined with the main event in the Serengeti. While many humans will be in South Africa watching a game played by 22 people with a ball, in June/July, many other humans will be watching the Greatest Game on the Planet—the FIMA 2010 Wildebeest World Cup—played on a field of almost a thou- sand square miles, by teams totaling over two million animals of many species. Spokesman John Addison states: “This event, as in Omong’we Travel & Tours, a travel company based in Dar Es all years, has no clear winner and games are expected to be tight, Salaam, Tanzania, will offer special discounts and a “Family hard-fought affairs—sometimes bloody. Flexibility is the key . . .” Friendly” package for clients planning to travel to Tanzania be- “We know the players, the stadia, and the pitch and weather con- tween May and August 2010. The offerings will also appeal to ditions—as our guides live amongst the teams all year . . . With world soccer fans planning to be in South Africa in June and July many of the games taking place at night, staying right amongst the 2010 for the first-African World Cup by giving them a chance to players in our camps allows us to be involved with these games visit Tanzania on their way to and from South Africa. too.” “We want people from all over the world to experience the nat- Adventurers are urged to book guaranteed seats to the 2010 ural wonders of Tanzania. Our idea is to provide an end-to-end FIMA Wildebeeste World Cup now. Children are welcome, of travel experience to travelers who want to visit famous Tanzanian course, and enjoy discounts. tourist attractions, either before or after their stay in South Africa, Wild Frontiers, [email protected], at affordable prices,” said Martin Warioba, co-founder and www.wildfrontiers.com Director of Technology & Marketing at Omong’we Travel & Tours. Clients can customize their vacations by choosing a safari combi- nation to endless plains of Serengeti, world-famous Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara or Tarangire National Parks, a Mount Kilimanjaro climb or a visit to the white-sandy beaches of Zanzibar. The special discounts will be in the range of 10- to 15-percent de- pending on the chosen package and length of stay in Tanzania. The “Family Friendly” package will provide the same range of dis- counts for a group of four or more clients booking same destina- tions together. To qualify for these discounts and special prices, .LOLPDQMDUR clients will have to place their travel bookings between February 6DIDULV 13 and April 1, 2010. 2XWGRRU 7UHNNLQJ To ensure that high-quality customer service is provided through- &XOWXUDO7RXUV out this end-to-end travel experience, Omong’we Travel will collab- orate closely with its travel service partners. These partners include :LWKDOPRVW\HDUVLQEXVLQHVV=$5$7DQ]DQLD$GYHQWXUHVLV7DQ]DQLD·VOHDGLQJ.LOLPDQMDURWUHNNLQJRSHUDWRU DQGRQHRIWKHFRXQWU\·VELJJHVWDQGPRVWH[SHULHQFHGVDIDULFRPSDQLHV:HKDYHGDLO\JURXSGHSDUWXUHV RQDOO.LOLPDQMDURURXWHVDQGZHRIIHUJURXSDQGLQGLYLGXDOVDIDULLWLQHUDULHVRXWGRRU WUHNNLQJDGYHQWXUHVDQG Precision Air, Hotels, Sopa Lodges, Moivaro Lodges, FXOWXUDOHQFRXQWHUVDWDOO7DQ]DQLDQ1DWLRQDO3DUNVDQGZLOGHUQHVVDUHDV$VZHRSHUDWHRXURZQKRWHOVDQG Serena Hotels and Hotel in Tanzania. VDIDULFDPSVZHFDQRIIHUEHVWYDOXHRIDQ\RSHUDWRULQ7DQ]DQLD Omong’we Travel, [email protected], www.omongwetravel.com

FIMA 2010 WILDEBEESTE ‘WORLD CUP’ 6SULQJODQGV+RWHO0RVKL.LOLPDQMDUR +LJKYLHZ+RWHO.DUDWX1JRURQJRUR ,NRPD 6HUHQJHWL:LOGFDPSV COMING TO SERENGETI, TANZANIA In June and July 2010, the annual FIMA 2010 Wildebeeste World Cup will take place in the Serengeti. The governing body, FIMA (International Federation of Migratory Animals), is well prepared for this annual event, having been at it for centuries. =$5$7DQ]DQLD$GYHQWXUHV‡KWWSZZZ]DUDWRXUVFRP‡LQIR#]DUDWRXUVFRP 3KRQH7ROOIUHH8.7DQ]DQLD Teams of over 1.2 million wildebeeste are expected to attend—over )D[‡32%R[0RVKL7DQ]DQLD

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TANZANIA IS THE ‘HEIGHT’ OF ADVENTURE One of the highlights of the Serengeti National Park is a hot-air TRAVEL balloon safari. The journey takes off flying low over the plains as the sun comes up and turns the grasslands from blue to gold. After landing, guests have a champagne breakfast complete with crystal glasses and white linen tablecloths in the middle of the African bush, as zebra and antelope graze nearby. The deep waters of the Indian Ocean along Tanzania’s coast are rich in big-game fish, from marlin and tuna to swordfish and biting barracudas. Horseback game viewing is also available in the con- cession areas of Ikorongo, Grumeti and Ikoma in Serengeti District, Mara Region. Tanzania Tourist Board, www.tanzaniatouristboard.com; www.tanzaniaparks.com

ZARA TOURS CREATES MEMORABLE KILIMANJARO TREKS Every year, over 25,000 set foot in Tanzania to climb Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak. Also the tallest freestanding mountain in the world, Kilimanjaro is a place of myth and folklore. Located just 200 miles from the equator, the mountain defies logic with its glaciated peak. As Ernest Hemingway wrote, Kilimanjaro is “as wide as all the world, great, high, and unbelievably white in the sun.” The importance of having competent, high-quality guides and porters cannot be overstated when it comes to climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. Zara employs local guides, all of whom have received extensive training in first aid, mountain rescue, flora and fauna, and history. All are registered with Kilimanjaro National Park (KI- With approximately 28 percent of the land protected by the NAPA). Government, 15 national parks and 32 game reserves, Tanzania of- There are six established routes to climb Mount Kilimanjaro— fers plenty of adventure travel options. Tanzania’s world-famous Marangu, Machame, Lemosho, Shira, Rongai, and Umbwe. There icon—Mt. Kilimanjaro, at 19,331 ft. the highest mountain in are minimum days for each of the Kilimanjaro climbing routes, Africa —is one of the most challenging. however, Zara recommends adding an extra day or two to a trip to The most frequent expeditions are to Kilimanjaro and Mt. Meru. help travelers acclimatize to the altitude. Scaling the peak of Mount Kilimanjaro is a heavy challenge, more Zara offers flexible daily departures on all Kilimanjaro routes to from the rigors of altitude than the actual difficulty of the hike it- individuals, small and large groups. Zara owns and operates prop- self. The climb, which takes on average five days, takes hikers erties throughout Tanzania where guests enjoy dining, drinks, pool, through thick forests and alpine grasslands, desolate rockface and Internet and massage amenities during their stay. brilliant white glaciers. Zara’s most popular treks include the following itineraries: Boating and canoeing through the rivers, ocean bays, and water- Kilimanjaro’s Marangu Route—The “Coca Cola” Route is ways of Tanzania can be an exhilarating experience. River boaters Kilimanjaro’s easiest, shortest, and most popular route. The trip can encounter sleeping crocodiles and hippos sunning themselves usually takes five days. An additional acclimatization day can be with their mouths wide open, gathered in half-submerged herds. added to make it a six-day trip. Its price is $1,172– $1,367. Boating safaris are fast becoming a popular alternative for safari- Kilimanjaro’s Machame Route—This is Kilimanjaro’s longer, goers adventurous enough to venture off the beaten track. Canoeing more scenic “Whiskey Route.” The typical duration for this trip is excursions in Tanzania are an active option for the visitor with a six days. Travelers may add an extra acclimatization day and make few days to spend exploring the northern lakes. Excursions on the it a seven-day trek. It’s priced at 1,447–$1,642. shores of Lake Manyara National Park involve canoeing past thou- With years of experience and knowledge, Zara’s qualified climb- sands of pink flamingos in the shallow waters. In Arusha National ing guides on Mount Kilimanjaro assure memorable experiences of Park, the freshwater Momela Crater Lakes make a spectacular ca- a lifetime. Safety, efficiency and reliability have earned them a rep- noeing trip, with the forests, highland game, and the imposing utation for being valued and reliable. crater of Mt. Meru looming nearby. Zara Tours, www.zaratours.com

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SUN INTERNATIONAL RECOGNIZED FOR The Institute for Economics and Peace singled out Botswana as RESPONSIBLE TOURISM the most peaceful nation in Sub-Saharan Africa. This Institute col- Sun International Zambia is the overall winner of this year’s lates and calculates information on 144 nations on an annual basis, Imvelo Awards for Responsible Tourism. and ranks them from the most peaceful to the least peaceful na- Imvelo, which means ‘nature’ in South Africa’s Nguni language, tions. It also undertakes research and education on the relationship is part of an ongoing hospitality industry campaign to encourage between economic development, business and peace. industry members to accept voluntary guidelines promoting re- “Tourism is the second largest economic contributor behind min- sponsible tourism. The awards are in line with the responsible erals in Botswana’s economy,” states Myra Sekgororoane, CEO of tourism guidelines for the South African hospitality industry and Botswana Tourism, “and a priority sector for continued economic the UN World Tourism Organization’s code of ethics and are sup- growth in the Government’s economic diversification strategy. ported by the Heritage Environmental Rating Programme. Maintaining peace and stability in Botswana are keys to growth, Since its opening in 2001, Sun International Zambia has taken not only to further the country’s economic and social progress, but its role as a stakeholder in the community to heart by embarking to ensure Botswana remains a stable and safe travel destination for on a number of partnerships. The main aim is to help alleviate international visitors.” poverty and increase food security in the local community by en- “We are proud to be representing tourism interests in a country couraging and developing small-scale entrepreneurship. Initiatives that is committed to providing a peaceful and stable political and were created to enhance sustainable sources of revenue for local economic environment for both its citizens and visitors to its coun- communities, including several hydroponic and open-field farming try,” says Leslee Hall of the Botswana Tourism Board, North projects. The property also developed new ways of waste manage- American office. “In Botswana, it is possible to experience the al- ment such as an on-site worm farm, or vermiculture, to process lure of the African continent—its genuinely friendly people, vast leftover food and other organic matter. The resort’s Corporate pristine wilderness, prolific wildlife and cultural heritage, without Social Investment (CSI) program also focuses on the disadvan- undue worry about traveler safety. That makes the travelers’ vaca- taged in the local communities, specifically concentrating on job tion experience all the more rewarding and life-affirming.” and wealth creation and the empowering of the disabled and so- Botswana Tourism Board, 888-675-7660, cially vulnerable. [email protected], www.botswanatourism.us Additionally, Sun International Zambia as well as The Cascades Hotel at Sun City, earned Heritage Platinum status for their re- Your one-stop shop for customized tours to sponsible tourism progress from The Heritage Environmental Rating Programme. The goal of the Heritage Programme is to ed- ucate tourism businesses on environmental issues. WEST AFRICA Sun International operates resorts in South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Lesotho and Swaziland. Their properties include the award-winning Table Bay Hotel in Cape Town as well as The Palace of the Lost City at Sun City and The Royal Livingstone in Zambia. Sun International Hotels & Resorts, [email protected], www.suninternational.com; Imvelo Awards for Responsible Tourism, www.imveloawards.co.za; Heritage Environmental Come fly to Timbuktu and back again! Rating Programme, www.heritageza.co.za Our Mali-based company specalizes in BOTSWANA RANKED MOST PEACEFUL NATION cultural and adventure programs IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA throughout our country, plus American travelers desiring an African safari experience, but Benin, Burkina Faso, concerned about safety and stability of the countries in Africa The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, can take heart and head to Botswana, ranked the most peaceful na- Mauritania, Senegal and Togo. tion in Sub-Saharan Africa in the recently-released 2009 Global Owner-guided tours trace the history and Peace Index. mystery of West Africa, offering experiences of a lifetime! Botswana, ranked first in Africa and 34th in the world out of 144 Contact us now —we promise 24-hour or sooner response to inquiries: nations, was presented the 2009 Global Peace Index award at this Tel: (221) 77 510 15 18 & (223) 7646 6124 year’s Global Symposium of Peaceful Nations in November in Fax: (223) 20 28 52 32 Washington D.C. H.E. Caesar Lekoa, Botswana Ambassador to Email: [email protected] & [email protected] the United States, received the award on behalf of the Botswana government. www.touringmali.com

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FREGATE ISLAND PRIVATE PLANTS just for marketing Kenya as a destination for sports tourism but 100,000TH TREE also supporting Kenya to maintain a higher profile in the country and abroad,” commented Kenya Airways Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications Dick Omondi, who added that sport was a key pillar of the airline’s engagement with its markets spread throughout Africa, Europe and Asia. Kenya Airways is sponsoring the Rugby Sevens squad for Kenya. Kenya Airways, www.kenya-airways.com

EXTRAORDINARY JOURNEYS OFFERING GENEROUS COMMISSIONS TO AGENTS Following a year of exceptional growth, bespoke safari operator Extraordinary Journeys is poised to work with travel agents to help them plan African luxury vacations for their high-end clients. After a record year of business based on repeat and referral business, founder Marcia Gordon is renewing her contacts in the agent Pictured left to right: Environmentalist Steve Hill and Managing community to offer them the same experiences that have made her Director Marc Aeberhard. business thrive. The Seychelles’ luxury eco-retreat, Frigate Island Private has cel- Extraordinary Journeys is a specialist tour operator creating cus- ebrated planting the 100,000th tree since reforestation of the is- tomized high-end African Safaris for clients seeking luxury, ro- land began 11 years ago. In addition to their endemic hardwood mance, adventure and excitement. Marcia has been planning cus- program, Frégate Island Private plants two trees for every guest tom safaris for 30 years, has lived in Kenya, and travels to Africa arriving at the resort, one of many facets of a concerted effort to several times a year to experience special places still unknown. become a carbon-neutral enterprise. For agents whose clients are accustomed to being treated like When the Seychelles was colonized, much of the natural foresta- VIPs, Marcia Gordon specializes in close, personal attention. tion was destroyed and coconut trees were planted in their place. Extraordinary Journeys is able to keep a finger on the pulse of Frégate Island Private has boldly led a campaign to replenish their what’s going on where and remain informed of new destinations, island’s supply of natural trees and is well on its way to becoming activities, etc. because of its many contacts throughout Eastern and the largest nursery of hardwood trees in the Indian Ocean. The Southern Africa. 100,000th tree planted was an endemic Ficus tree, a genus that Extraordinary Journeys, [email protected], prospers in the rocky underground of the Seychelles islands. The www.ejafrica.com tree grows at a remarkable rate and can reach heights over 50 feet. Reforestation is but one of the many conservation practices exe- WILD FRONTIERS ZIMBABWE NEW AFRICAN cuted at Frégate Island Private. With buildings and infrastructure SAFARI LAUNCH THIS YEAR occupying only five percent of the island, the remaining 95 percent Wild Frontiers Zimbabwe, a joint venture between Robin and Jo is in a restored, natural state, which has allowed for several en- Brown (Canoeing Safaris) and John and Debbie Addison of Wild demic species of wildlife and flora to avoid extinction. Frontiers, is planned for launch this year. The operational base will Exclusivity in every respect is the maxim of Frégate Island and be in Victoria Falls, and all vehicles, guides and equipment will be the preservation and protection of the island’s unique flora and locally (Zimbabwean)-based. Its vision is to offer a middle- to up- fauna is one of its proudest achievements. With 16 villas, the num- market mobile safari solution for Zimbabwe. Included in the itin- ber of guests is limited. The island remains private to Frégate eraries will be Hwange National Park, Victoria Falls, Matopos, guests only, making it an ideal refuge for the discerning traveler Matusadonna and the naturals Mana Pools and Lower Zambezi. looking for the rare feeling of a truly tropical island paradise. Wild Frontiers Zimbabwe will connect the vast wildlife options Fregate Island Private, www.fregate.com Zimbabwe provides using a comfortable, quality 4x4 vehicle, au- thentic-style camping and an expert guide. KENYA AIRWAYS SPONSORS RUGBY The safari style will be similar to Wild Frontiers’ existing opera- SEVENS SQUAD tion in Tanzania—en-suite tents, exclusive sites, safari crew going The Kenya Airways national seven-a-side rugby team to play in ahead of guests, quality meals and top guides. Walking, canoeing, the third and fourth leg of the International Rugby Board Series and other activities synonymous with the region will be part of the 2010 has been selected and will play the weekends of February 5–6 itineraries. and 13–14 in Las Vegas. Wild Frontiers Zimbabwe, [email protected], “Rugby is a popular event, which has been a major platform not [email protected]; Wild Frontiers, www.wildfrontiers.com

44 • FEBRUARY 2010 www.travelworldnews.com • Travel World News AFRICA

LIMPOPO-LIPADI GAME AND tified the need for a ‘good news’ case study evaluated and Limpopo-Lipadi was selected WILDERNESS RESERVE IS book on SEA and EIA in southern Africa. among the 20 best EIAs/SEAs in terms of ABOUT PRESERVING ONE’S SAIEA asked for nominations of projects case studies and best practice in the SADC OWN SHARE OF SAFARI that showcased and demonstrated best region. WILDERNESS practice in SEA and EIA in the SADC re- Shareholders become as involved in the Investing in a fabulous bush destination as gion. Nominations were requested from all management, preservation and develop- well as ecotourism safari for a sustainable sectors and countries in SADC. ment of the reserve as they wish, resulting experience is what shareholders had in The Development Bank of Southern in a well-managed five-star private holiday mind when launching the paradise known as Africa (DBSA), who provided the bridging destination preserved for future genera- at Limpopo-Lipadi Game and Wilderness finance for the Limpopo-Lipadi project, tions by its shareholders. Reserve in 2007. nominated it in April 2009 as one of these Limpopo-Lipadi Game & Wilderness It occupies an unspoiled environment over worthy case studies. Nominations were Reserve, www.limpopo-lipadi.com 32 square miles stretching 13 miles along the Limpopo River, situated in the world renowned, malaria-free, Tuli Block in southeast Botswana, bordering South Africa. The wilderness reserve offers not only the Big Five, but the now much sought-after smaller game, including wild dog, croco- dile, leopard, cheetah and antelope galore. TO AND FROM USA Nile monitors, springhare and a myriad in- teresting species can also be seen here in 1-877-359-0999 their natural habitat. The over 37 fish and 400 bird species live harmoniously in the magnificently diverse landscapes. 1-800-518-7781 Six unique lodges are offered: Kirkia Camp, set among giant white sy- ringe and marula trees, offers two- and three-bedroom units with views of a private 1-866-933-5963 waterhole from a savanna vantage point; Wilderness Tented Camp, described as a symphony in canvas, wood and sustainable 1-877-625-2942 materials, offers an ambience of discreet wealth; River Camp offers a spectacular view of the Limpopo River, with complete privacy, complete with a symphony of hippo 1-800-537-1182 snorts and fish eagle cries; Lipadi Rock Lodge is set atop a natural rock, offering views of a sacred place where eagles and 1-800-742-3006 vultures made their home; Island Lodge on the Limpopo River offers luxurious rooms, a rim-flow pool with a unique island suspen- 1-888-359-8228 sion bridge and tree boardwalk, complete with viewing decks on the island in a majes- tic river setting; Marula Tented Camp is ideal for the minimalist in tune with living 1-866-322-5561 without clutter in a tasteful environment. Ecotourism and sustainable preservation of the region is key and during 2008, the In cooperation with transatlantic partners from many US gateways. Southern African Institute for Call the toll-free numbers to make reservations. Environmental Assessment (SAIEA) iden-

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TRIPS BY WEST AFRICAN TOURS REVEAL THE ETHIOPIAN AIRLINES JOURNEYS LIVELY VARIETY OF THE REGION EXPANDS LINE TO COVER MORE DESTINATIONS IN AFRICA Ethiopian Airlines Journeys is expanding its vacation package product offerings in 2010 to deliver vacations throughout Africa. Leveraging the fact that Ethiopian Airlines connects to more desti- nations in Africa than any other airline, the airline’s tour operator subsidiary is packaging and marketing a wider variety of African leisure travel experiences for the U.S. consumer. Uganda and Rwanda is first. As the 2010 rollout continues, addi- tional destinations will include Djibouti, Egypt, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, among others. In Uganda, gorilla tracking is an unfor- gettable experience; the Murchison Falls Park offers relaxing Nile cruises, Queen Elizabeth Park scenery and adventure in Lake Edward. Rwanda provides a serene adventure setting in which trav- elers can find themselves peering through mist-shrouded bamboo into the eyes of a magnificent silverback mountain gorilla. Like all Ethiopian Airlines Journeys packages, each of the new experiences will be fully customizable and feature complete itiner- aries, hotels, knowledgeable guides and meal options. West Africa Tours (WAT) in Mali, founded by Mariama de Lys, Over the past two years, Ethiopian Airlines Journeys has been a Timbuktu native, offers customizable cultural/adventure successfully developing, marketing and delivering vacation travel trips that package authentic Africa. Visitors may create packages to Ethiopia, along with safari add-ons to Kenya and journeys, if they wish, to include spots they find particularly Tanzania. Ethiopian Airlines Journeys is the link between the intriguing. Ethiopian Airlines, ground operators and hotels in Africa, and the Mali–Burkina (15 days/14 nights) is a cultural trip to Mali and American consumer who seeks an unforgettable travel experience. Burkina Faso offered from July to March that takes in Bamako, Ethiopian Airlines Journeys, 866-599-3797, Segou, Djenne, Mopti, Dogon Country, Ouagadougou, Gaoua, www.seeyouinethiopia.com; Ethiopian Airlines, Banfora, and Bobo Dioulasso. www.ethiopianairlines.com Another combination is Senegal–Mauritanie (13 days/ 12 nights). This trip visits Dakar, Goree Island, Saint ESPLANADE TOURS CELEBRATES Louis, Nouakchott, Atar and Chinguetti. There’s a 15-day/ 56TH YEAR 14-night Senegal–Mali tour, and another longer trip (20 days, Esplanade Tours, celebrating its 56th year, is enjoying wide 19 nights) that explores the areas of Mali–Burkina– recognition for being trusted and respected as a tour operator of- Benin–Togo. fering travel around the world. Travelers are treated to a cornucopia of culture, festivity, ecol- Africa has for many years been one of Esplanade’s top destina- ogy, lore and history on these intimate and charming tours. A visit tions with service to Johannesburg and beyond on South African to Djenne brings back medieval times, with its mud-made ‘largest Airways with direct service out of New York or Dulles, and with mosque’ and a marketplace where barter’s still used. On the Bani Virgin Atlantic offering flights through London with stop-over River (Mopti), one can still find slabs of salt for sale, continuing permitted. the age-old trade. Esplanade’s Africa specialists regularly travel extensively Senegal has an extraordinary ecosystem. Located in a desert throughout the region, enabling the company to offer excellent area, the national park of Djoudj is the third largest ornithologi- advice on new adventures and places to stay. Some of those cal park in the world, where more than three billion birds arrive ideas for 2010 include making the mountain Gorillas in yearly. Rwanda part of a Tanzania itinerary, and cruising the The Republic of Benin, a UNESCO World Heritage site, has Chobe River aboard the luxurious Zambezi Queen combined an ancient temple built from a mixture of clay and human blood with Botswana camps and Vic Falls. And Esplanade has (the kingdom’s economy was based on war and slave trade). discovered Makweti Safari Lodge, a small luxurious camp In beautiful Togo, one can often spot fire dancers when they located only three hours from Johannesburg in the Waterberg hike to a sacred mountain that once served as a hiding place Mountains. from enemies. Esplanade Tours, 800-628-4893, [email protected], West Africa Tours, www.touringmali.com www.esplanadetours.com

46 • FEBRUARY 2010 www.travelworldnews.com • Travel World News AFRICA

GOWAY’S AFRICAEXPERTS GAMEWATCHERS MEET THE up permanent residency within the conser- LAUNCHES 2010 TRAVEL LIONS REGULARLY IN KENYA vancies. ITINERARIES Mara Lion Guides at Porini Lion Camp The conservation of wildlife and wildlife Goway’s AFRICAExperts offers a com- and Mara Porini Camp have completed habitat, and the encouragement of in- prehensive range of product covering training on predator ecology and identifica- creased biodiversity is supported by North, East and South Africa as well as the tion that will provide invaluable informa- Gamewatchers Safaris through the estab- Middle East. Recognizing the diverse needs tion on the lion and cheetah populations in lishment of conservancies and by building of North American travelers, the experi- the Olare Orok and Ol Kinyei Conservancies relationships with local communities in ences include safaris, lodges, small-group adjacent to the Maasai Mara.Within the wildlife dispersal areas near and adjacent escorted tours, self-drives, Indian Ocean re- safety of the conservancies, lion numbers to national parks and reserves in Kenya. sorts, cruises and rail journeys. have increased to 51 in Olare Orok and 19 Gamewatchers Safaris and Porini Safari Some of the new travel experiences intro- in Ol Kinyei. These healthy prides of lions Camps, [email protected], duced for 2010 include: with their many cubs appear to have taken www.porini.com A new 21-day ”Middle East Treasures” Holiday of a Lifetime due to increased in- terest in the Middle East. This comprehen- sive, fully escorted tour includes the high- lights of Egypt, Jordan and Israel, and offers many special experiences that are unique to Goway. Prices start from $7,799 per person sharing from New York. .HQ\D$LUZD\VLVtrulyWKH PRIDE OF AFRICA.. serving over 45 Internation Three Southern Africa itineraries for fam- RHJLRQDOGHVWLQDWLRQV ilies offer special activities for children. These were introduced as multi-genera- tional travel is on the increase, with parents and grandparents taking their children along for trips. Prices start from $1,740 per person. A six-night itinerary including two Route Network 2010 nights in Victoria Falls, two nights Hwange and two nights Lake Kariba make the perfect extension to a South Africa Abidjan Freetown Malabo vacation. Prices including return flights Accra Gaborone Malindi from Johannesburg and start at $2,642 per Addis Ababa Guangzhou (China) Maputo person. Amsterdam Harare Mauritius The East Africa Safari is a comprehensive Antananarivo Hong Kong Mayotte (Comoros) and competitively priced 14-day itinerary Bangui Johannesburg Mombasa that takes in all the highlights of Kenya and Bangkok Khartoum Moroni (Comoros) Tanzania. Prices begin at $3,699. Bamako Kigali Mumbai Six- and seven-night unique Nile cruises Brazzaville Kilimanjaro Nairobi are offered on luxurious Dahabiyas. These Bujumbura Kinshasa Ndola upscale sailing boats carry just 16 people, Cairo Kisangani Paris ensuring a unique and exclusive experience. DarEs Salaam Lagos Seychelles Prices are from $2,178 for a six-night Dakar Libreville Yaoundé cruise. Djibouti Lilongwe Zanzibar Goway’s 2010 Africa & Middle East Douala London – Heathrow travel planner is available free of charge Dubai Lubumbashi and provides full details on the trips. Entebbe Lusaka AFRICAExperts, 800-245-0920, [email protected], www.africaexperts.com; Goway Travel, www.goway.com Toll Free Reservations Number: 1-866 536 9224 www.kenya-airways.us

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