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Lead Story
The International News
Safety Institute
The International News
Safety Institute is a global organisation
created by news organisations and journalist
support groups concerned with the safety of
journalists working around the world.
As journalists travel
they may encounter conditions or local
practices that might be useful to pass on to
international correspondents planning to
visit the same country, eg health
precautions, visa requirements, work permits
and social and religious mores than the
sensitive visiting journalist should
observe.
The Institute’s website
www.newssafety.com carries useful
information under its "hotspots" tab and is
continually seeking information in order to
expand this service and make it more useful
to colleagues.
Journalists can post
their tips on the site's Noticeboard, or
email INSI Director Rodney Pinder at
rodney.pinder@newssafety.com or his
Deputy Sarah De Jong at
sarah.dejong@newssafety.com
Christmas shopping trips in Europe
The magic of historic
European Christmas Markets is attracting
more and more UK shoppers every year.
As a result, European
coach travel company, Leger Holidays, has
expanded its selection of yuletide shopping
tours for the 2004 season.
European Christmas Market
breaks, start from just £79, are perfect for
people who relish the opportunity to buy
their loved-ones
gifts with a difference and to experience
the festive atmosphere of a truly
traditional event.
Christmas
Markets, which offer festive shopping and a
short break, include :
Aachen, Germany
The old city’s market
lasts for four weeks and the area’s bakers –
who traditionally distribute their products
all over the world – sell local cakes and
pastries.
Bruges, Belgium
This romantic city is the
perfect place to stock up on Belgian
chocolates and lace, which are made
locally. There are also canals and cobbled
streets to explore and an ice-rink for that
romantic evening skate.
Cologne, Germany
See the biggest Christmas
tree in the Rhineland and experience the
city’s floating market aboard one of the
cruise ships moored along the Rhine
promenade.
Frankfurt, Germany
This Christmas Market
attracts almost 3 million visitors a year.
Dating back to the 14th century it is set
among half-timbered
buildings.
Unique specialities include ‘Brenten’
(almond cookies) and Quetschenmännchen
(prune figures).
Heidelberg, Germany
This university
city’s market is held on the banks of the
River Neckar, overlooked in the evenings by
the illuminated grand castle.
Lille,
France
Enjoy a ride on
the Ferris wheel then sample roast chestnuts
washed down with glüwein at the largest
Christmas Market in France.
Prague, Czech Republic
There can’t be
many Christmas Markets much more festive
than the one in Wenceslas Square. Shoppers
can buy local handicrafts including puppets,
Czech glass, jewellery and Christmas tree
ornaments, and all to a soundtrack
of Christmas carols sung by international
choirs.
Reims,
France
The centre of
the Champagne city transforms itself into an
alpine village with street artists,
magicians, jugglers and singers.
Salzburg, Austria
The market
stalls in this wonderfully romantic city are
situated around the baroque cathedral –
treats include Salzburg Christmas ornaments
and colourful advent wreaths.
Valkenburg, Holland
This unique
market is set in the Gemeentegrot caves that
were excavated under the town in Roman
times. Grottos and fairy lights make this
one of Europe’s most unusual Christmas
Markets.
Contact Adrian
Johnson at
adrian.johnson@poultergroup.com or
0113 285 6428.
Travel planning tips
Travel website
Onlinetravel.com has consulted industry
experts in compiling a top 20 travel
planning checklist.
These are :
1. Check your
passport’s not expired (and take a photocopy
of it with you)
2. Don’t forget travel insurance (one in
three people suffer some kind of problem on
holiday and 18% are without insurance)
3. Don’t forget your driving licence if
you’re planning to hire a car.
4. Get a neighbour to keep a watch on your
house (four out of five burglaries occur
while the occupant is on holiday)
5. Check what vaccinations you need with
your GP at least six weeks before you travel
6. Change your
money before you go, and take a mixture of
cash and travellers’ cheques
7. Pack plenty
of sunscreen
8. If you need
to take any prescription medication - carry
a letter from your doctor and check that
your medication is legal in the country that
you are visiting
9. To avoid
anything being planted in your luggage, pack
all your bags yourself and keep them with
you at all times
10. Buy a
guidebook and read up about your destination
before you travel.
11. If you’re travelling with children,
check the availability of childminding
services in your hotel/resort before you
leave
12. Find out the time difference in your
destination and let all your friends and
family back home know
13. Check if your mobile phone will work at
your destination
14. If you’re travelling as a couple, rather
than sharing one bag, pack two and put equal
amounts of your clothes in each. This way,
if you loose one you’ll have a change of
clothes
15. Defrost the fridge to avoid any unwanted
surprises when you arrive home!
16. Cancel newspapers and milk
17. If you wear glasses - pack an extra pair
18. Weigh your luggage before you go to make
sure you won’t pay an excess
19. Make sure you know about local culture,
especially in relation to dress codes
20. Arrange for a food delivery to arrive
when you get back home
Contact Ryan Levitt at
ryan.levitt@rooster.co.uk or 020 7691
3939.
Opportunities
Destination Czech Republic
The CIoJ Travel Writers',
the Central European Countries Tourist
Association (CECTA) and the Czech Tourist
Board are to stage Destination Czech
Republic at the Czech Embassy in London
on Thursday 16 September from 18.00 to
21.00.
The networking event will
bring together journalists, commissioning
editors and representatives from those
transport, travel, tourist and business
organisations with an interest and
involvement in the Czech Republic.
Destination Czech
Republic will
be the first in a series of UK based
Destination events organised by the CIoJ
Travel Writers’ and CECTA. Others will look
to focus on Slovakia, Austria, Germany,
Poland and Hungary.
These will also act as a
lead in to Destination Central Europe,
a major travel event to be held in
Bratislava in May 2005.
Destination Czech
Republic will
provide an excellent networking opportunity
for any one interested in exploiting the
travel opportunities in this emerging
central European country.
Those attending will also
receive a Destination Dossier of key
facts, story ideas and contact details for
the Czech Republic.
There is no cost for
attending Destination Czech Republic
but places are limited.
Journalists and travel
industry organisations with an interest in
the Czech Republic who would like to attend
should contact Ashley Gibbins, Chairman of
the CIoJ Travel Writers’ at
Ashley@williamjack.co.uk
Industry news
Virgin and BA
support London Olympics bid
Virgin Atlantic
Airways has joined BA in becoming an
official sponsor of London 2012 making the
capital unique among the cities bidding to
host the 2012 Olympics Games and Paralympic
Games in that it has the full support of two
international airlines. Contact
pressreleases@fly.virgin.com
San Fransisco
To receive regular
What’s new in San Fransisco information
email Tim Zahner at
tzahner@sfcvb.org
Trailfinder Magazine
The autumn edition of the Trailfinder
Magazine has a 730,000 print run – the
biggest ever There are over 30 Trailfinder
specials and exclusive offers. Contact Lisa
Warner at
lisawarner@trailfinders.com or 020 7937
6544.
London TV
London TV, a 24 hour TV
channel dedicated to what to do and where to
go in the Capital is now previewing on Sky
Digital Channel 166 between 3pm and 9pm.
London TV is created by
VisitLondon and produced by Enteraction TV.
The channel will broadcast proper from
September 2004. Contact Zoe Anderson at
zoe.anderson@freud.com or 0207 580 2626.
National Conference on
Business Tourism
The Rt Hon. Richard Caborn MP, Minster for
Tourism is to attend the 2nd
National Conference on Business Tourism,
taking place from the 15th - 16th
November 2004 at the Nottingham Royal Moat
House. The Business Tourism Partnership
represents the leading trade associations
and government agencies involved in
conferences, exhibitions, meetings and
incentives. Contact Andrew White at
andrew@triggerfish.co.uk or 020 7251
6789.
Sky Travel's
'World Live'
Sky Travel hass launched
World Live a weather and travel service on
the Sky Travel channel. The service provides
viewers with first-hand experience of the
weather at a particular destination.
Each 90 second programme
delivers footage from the world’s largest
and fastest growing unmanned broadcast
camera network, delivering live views from a
selection of 65 destinations on 5
continents.
Up to 12 times a day, Sky
Travel’s World Live will also provide
viewers with temperatures, wind speed and
humidity details alongside live shots from
destinations worldwide.
Sky Travel is
available on Sky digital channel 139, NTL
channel 931 and Freeview channel 11. Contact
Anna Ridgewell at
anna.ridgewell@cpn.co.uk or 020 7853 2211.
So British magazine
VisitBritain has launch
So British, its new dedicated luxury
consumer magazine, Contact Elliott Frisby at
elliott.frisby@visitbritain.org or 020
8563 3035.
Storyboard
BA to Fez
British Airways has
announced a new twice weekly service to Fez
in Morocco
starting on November 2, 2004. The new
services will be the first direct flights
from the UK to the city of Fez. Flights
will operate on Fridays and Tuesdays from
London Gatwick by GB Airways who operate in
BA livery. Contact Ali Rigby at
Ali.Rigby@gbairways.com.
The Emirates Palace, Abu
Dhabi
The Emirates Palace, Abu
Dhabi is opening in December 2004 after the
GCC (Meeting for the Heads of State from the
Gulf). Set in 10 acres the Emirates Palace
has an exterior adorned in heather coloured
marble and domes of gold and an interior
that promises a palatial existence in all
its 352 suites. Abu Dhabi, is known as the
green desert, owing to the trees and
wonderful vegetation now evident in the
city. Contact Claire Griffin at
Claire@grifcopr.com or 0207 736 9718.
South Carolina
The $125 million
Sanctuary at Kiawah Island (www.thesanctuary.com)
opens this month to add to the resort
islands championship golf and pristine
beach. It is situated 35 minutes from
downtown Charleston. Contact Chris Nobles at
CNobles@CharlestonCVB.com
Golf
in Austria
Austria has been
nominated for the ‘Undiscovered Golf
Destination of the Year’ at the
International Association of Golf Tour
Operators (IAGTO) annual awards. As well as
beautifully-maintained courses, stunning
scenery, friendly staff and ease of access,
the value-for-money green fees – as low as
£25 - were highlighted.
British tour operators
are now featuring golfing holidays in
Austria with the provinces of Salzburg and
Upper Austria particularly popular. There
are direct flights from London, Southampton
and Birmingham to Salzburg (90 minutes) and
London to Linz. Contact Karin Mrkvicka at
Karin.Mrkvicka@austria.info
Florida by motorhome
Travel City Direct offers
the El Monte RV as a way to combine Orlando
and its theme parks with the opportunity to
'hit the road' in Florida. Contact Tanya
Hillman at
Tanya.Hillman@kbc-pr.com or 01825 76 36
36
Brighton, UK
Two listed Georgian
townhouses have been stripped to create
Drakes, a unique design-led, 20 bedroom,
'hand-made' hotel on Brighton's Marine
Parade which is billed as a true retreat from
everyday life. Contact Flora Gandolfo at
flora@rochecom.com or 020 7436 1111
Las
Vegas
Las Vegas is set to get an increase in UK
visitor numbers from November when bmi
launches its first direct scheduled service
from Manchester to Las Vegas. The service
will operate three times a week. Contact
Melanie Jones at
melanie@celletpr.co.uk or 0207 491 1112
Le Méridien Hotels
Meridien Hotels & Resorts
and Visa International are offering that
enables Visa cardholders who complete two
qualifying stays at a Le Méridien hotel and
pay with a Visa Card a free weekend night at
Le Méridien properties worldwide. Contact
Julia Clark at
julia.clark@lemeridien.com or 020 7301
2553
The
Hotel Cervo welcomes Nikki Beach
The Cervo Tennis Club, the sport facility
belonging to the Cervo Hotel & Conference
Center in Porto Cervo, has opened the first
Italian Nikki Beach. Contact Carla Burt at
carla.burt@starwoodhotels.com or 0020
7290 7106
Sheraton Porto
The Sheraton Porto Hotel & Spa, the newest
Starwood Hotel in Portugal has opened.
Contact Carla Burt at
carla.burt@starwoodhotels.com or 020
7290 7106
New
Four Seasons in Canada
Four Seasons Hotels and
Resorts has opened its first mountain resort
in Canada, at the base of Blackcomb Mountain
in Whistler, British Columbia, site of the
2010 Olympic Winter Games. The new 242-room
retreat is located in the heart of the
largest ski area in North America. Contact
Sophie Hennell at
shennell@prco.org or 020 7259 1124.
Canada for Scots
A Scottish based holiday company will launch
low cost city breaks direct from Scotland to
five Canadian cities this autumn. Go Travel
Direct, will offer city breaks to Toronto,
Vancouver, Calgary, Halifax and Ottawa with
prices starting from £339 for five nights
including direct scheduled flights from
Glasgow Airport. Contact Lorna Inglis at
lorna@mediahouse.co.uk or 0141 226 3700.
Second
holidays
Research undertaken by Irish
Ferries has shown that those couples who
take a second summer holiday are more
productive at work, more
content with their home lives and enjoy a
much healthier sex life. Contact Tom
Williams at
tom.williams@flagshipgroup.co.uk or 020
7886 8446.
Italian farm offers Spa treatments in a cave
La Joie de Vivre, the specialist spa tour
operator is offering holidays at a fortified
farmhouse in southern Italy with one of the
most atmospheric spas in the world plus
cookery course opportunities. Contact Toby
Oliver at
toby@oliverrelations.co.uk or 01273
818112
Wales wins
The Wales Tourist Board (WTB)
has won the Precision Marketing Response
Award for Best Travel and Leisure Campaign.
Contact Heledd Llewelyn at
heledd.llewelyn@tourism.wales.gov.uk or
029 20475 326.
The
Ghan Transcontinental
The Ghan to Darwin train at 1.2 kilometres
in length, with 45 carriages and two
locomotives and weighing more than 2100
tonnes has become the longest passenger
train in Australia's history. Contact Philip
Engelberts at
philip@pepr.com.au
Shangri-La Traders Hotel Dubai
The Shangri-La Traders
Hotel Dubai has opened. The four-star deluxe
250-room property, reflects the debut of the
Traders brand in the Middle East region and
is the sixth Traders Hotel for Shangri-La
Hotels and Resorts worldwide. Contact Karen
Luard at
karen.luard@shangri-la.com.
Parents seek holidays with a difference
Travel retailer Flight Centre UK reports
that more parents are looking at taking
their children away on less conventional
holidays and are looking for something more
adventurous. Contact Karin Jones
karin_jones@flightcentre.co.uk or 07990
553 839.
New hotel brand
Dakota is a new hotel brand for people who
want to travel business but pay economy.
Created by Ken McCulloch and designed by
Amanda Rosa, the first Dakota hotel has
opened in the Sherwood Business Park,
Nottingham. Contact Almon Jones at
almon@halpern.co.uk or 020 73492514.
Tourism Society signs leisure pass deal
The Tourism Society has
signed a deal with the Leisure Pass Group,
which enables its members to enjoy a 50%
discount on
the London Business Card. The card
provides a range of benefits including free
entry to over 50 attractions in the capital,
and a fastrack entrance to attractions.
Contact Flo Powell at
flo@tourismsociety.org or 020 7488 2789.
British tourism growth
continues
VisitBritain has published figures which
show that between March and May 2004, six
and a half million international visitors
travelled to the UK, the highest
ever-recorded numbers of visitors for this
period. Contact Jonathan Simpson at jonathan.simpson@visitbritain.org
or 020 8563 3038.
Delivering the luggage
First Luggage, looks to
take the hassle out of travelling by
collecting and delivering luggage direct to
any European destination. The service caters
for holidaymakers, business travellers,
golfers and skiers. Contact Natasha Seth at
natasha@halpern.co.uk or 0207 349 2491.
Breaking down in Europe
Italy has introduced a law
that forces motorists, whose vehicles break
down at night or in poor visibility, to wear
a reflective jacket when they get out of
the car or face an on-the-spot fine of up to
138 euros. Spain will also enforce a
similar law, fining up to 91 euros.
Countries with compulsory emergency
equipment laws include: Greece (first aid
kit, fire
extinguisher, warning triangle), Italy
(warning triangle, reflective jacket),
France (warning triangle, headlamp
adjustment), Spain (warning triangle, spare
bulbs, headlamp adjustment).
Charleston
Charleston has been voted
4th "Top City in the United States & Canada"
by Travel & Leisure magazine. Contact Chris
Nobles at
CNobles@CharlestonCVB.com
Liverpool walks
Liverpool is launching a
series of summer walks reflect the city's
influence on European and world culture. For
the first time, the city has employed the
blue badge guides to deliver a fully
detailed programme of walks which focus on
Liverpool's greatest achievements and claims
to fame. Contact Mike Doran at
Mike.Doran@liverpool.gov.uk
Jamaica
Barbecue experts from around
the world will be visiting Jamaica for the
International Jamaican Jerk/Southern
Barbecue Cook-Off on 19 September. Last
year's event brought more than 1,000 patrons
and 40 teams from around
the world. Contact Andria Mitsakos at
andria@andriamitsakospr.com,
Seattle
Seattle will have its first, authentic
Russian bath and steam room when Banya 5
opens on 15 September 15. Inspired by the
handful of Russian baths in the United
States, the urban spa and health facility
offers a unique blend of Old World wellness
rituals and treatments. Contact Margaret
Nicoll at
getresults2@gruman-nicoll.com
Vancouver
Vancouver's
bustling Chinatown is a treasure within the
city. Get to know this colourful district
with "A Wok around Chinatown," a guided
culinary and cultural walking tour. Contact
Kate Colley Lo at
kcolley@tourismvancouver.com
Events
UK Seafood Week
UK Seafood Week (www.seafoodweek.co.uk)
which is organised by the Sea Fish Industry
Authority takes place from 1-8 October 2004
under the banner of Feeling Good with
Seafood. The week will involve including
tastings and promotional activity within
supermarkets, hotels, restaurants and other
outlets throughout the UK. Contact Alex Orr
at
aorr@3x1.com
or 0141 353 5131.
Leeds Castle hot air
balloon festival
The Leeds Castle Hot Air
Balloon & Vintage Car Festival takes place
on September 11 and 12. Up to thirty
brightly coloured hot air balloons,
including the castle's own vibrant hot air
balloon, will take to the skies, weather
permitting, above the historic Kent
attraction.
Hannah Davies at
hannah.davies@ehapr.com or 01622 674177
Trafalgar 200
The Royal Navy has
announced plans to commemorate the 200th
anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar
(www.trafalgar200.com). Events will take
place in Portsmouth during the summer and in
London during October 2005.These start with
a Fleet Review of vessels from 30 countries
at Spithead in the Solent on Tuesday 18 June
2005.The International Festival of the Sea
takes place in Portsmouth from 30 June to 3
July 2005.Public celebrations also take
place in Trafalgar Square on Sunday 23
October 2005.Contact Commander Pam Healey at
pressoffice@trafalgar200.com or 02392
720 063.
Rocktoberfest
Rocktoberfest (25 to 26 September) is a free
outdoor 50s and 60s rock ’n’ roll music
festival in downtown Palm Springs, where
stores, shops and restaurants remain open
and vendors line Palm Canyon. Many of the
performers are Rock ’n’ Roll Hall of Famers,
lending an air of nostalgia to the show.
Fabian, the Drifters, Shirelles, Little
Anthony and the Imperials, and many other
legends have appeared here. There is also a
classic car show, a free street fair and
“VillageFest” on Thursday night. Contact:
Linda Fort at
lfort@palm-springs.org
Seville's flamenco
festival
Every other year,
Seville, the vibrant capital of Andalucia,
becomes a giant stage for some of the
world's most outstanding Flamenco artistes
to demonstrate their talents in lively
concerts and performances across the city.
The 13th Biennial Flamenco Festival (www.spainatheart.co.uk)
takes place from 14 September to 10 October
at venues throughout Seville, with impromptu
performances of singing, dancing and guitar
playing expected in the city's squares,
parks and gardens between. Contact Karen
Outred at
ko@freelancepr.fsnet.co.uk or 01189
401893.
The Bermuda Jazz Festival
International jazz and R&B
musicians and singers will perform in the
oldest British colony of Bermuda during its
annual Jazz Festival, held from 6 to 10
October at the Royal Naval
Dockyard and other venues
across the islands. Contact Karen Outred at
ko@freelancepr.fsnet.co.uk or 01189
401893.
Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade (25
November 2004) in New York has become the
traditional kick-off to the Christmas
holiday season. On Thanksgiving Eve,
visitors can enjoy watching the parade’s
signature giant character and novelty
balloons come to life as they are inflated
with helium. The parade also features
marching bands, floats, and clowns. Other
popular elements include celebrities,
entertainers, cheerleading squads, costumed
characters, motorcycle units, and
participants on horseback. Contact: Reagan
Stulbaum at
rstulbaum@nycvisit.com
Tobago
Fest
The tranquil Caribbean
island of Tobago sheds its peaceful,
laid-back image to host an array of parties,
costumed parades, dancing in the streets and
Carnival music as part of the annual Tobago
Fest (28 to 30 September). This is held in
and around the capital, Scarborough with
visitors are welcome to take to the streets
with locals, and should feel free to don
feathered and sequinned costumes. Contact
Karen Outred at
ko@freelancepr.fsnet.co.uk or 01189
401893.
Why Write About...
The UK’s West
Country
Helpful Holidays
have forty top-level holiday homes
throughout the West Country with
accommodation for twelve guests or more.
Ideal for family gatherings, celebrations
and groups taking a holiday together, many
come with catering and maid services, too,
if required. The largest, a Grade II listed
country house near Bovey Tracey in Devon,
sleeps up to seventy and is believed to be
the largest self-catering property in the
UK. Guests can also choose from ancient
farmhouses, historic manors, contemporary
split-level properties, Edwardian seaside
mansions and grand family houses. Contact
Pat Edgar, PR Matters at
PRMatters@dsl.pipex.com or 01494 764932.
Best known for its fine country homes set in
beautiful locations and offering luxury bed
and breakfast accommodation, Wolsey Lodges
also boasts several award-winning
properties, including the holder of the Les
Routiers Bed & Breakfast of the Year Award
for the UK and South West England -
Anchorage House in St Austell, Cornwall.
Located just five minutes from the Eden
Project, this Georgian-style property is set
in secluded landscaped gardens, with a
15-metre pool and Jacuzzi. Contact Linda
Moore at
moore.com@talk21.com or 01753 861850.
Stenhill Country Estate in Launceston on the
Devon/Cornwall border is the
ideal escape-from-it-all retreat and perfect
for a winter break that offers
nothing but peace and tranquillity. Set in
some 40 acres of pasture
farmland, this oasis of calm comprises a
recently renovated medieval long
house providing superb guest accommodation
and a three-bedroom self-catering
cottage. Contact Emma Hulse at
emmahulse@copperstream.co.uk or 01628
665593.
Downe Cottages & Health Spa, located near
Hartland on the beautiful North
Devon coast, is offering a 'Winter Warmer'
package from October 2004 to
February 2005. The special deal comprises
two night's accommodation in a
warm, cosy cottage and a luxurious Pamper
Day for two at the adjoining Spa.
Contact Karen Outred at
ko@freelancepr.fsnet.co.uk or 01189
401893.
Flight
Lines
Aer
Lingus
Aer Lingus has announced
the introduction of four new routes from
Dublin to Europe in its winter schedule
bringing to seventeen the number of new
routes introduced in 2004.Contact Gillian
Culhane at
gillian.culhane@aerlingus.com.
GB Airways
British Airways franchise
partner GB Airways has launched a range of
lower
year-round business class fares across its
network to the Mediterranean and
beyond. Contact Ali Rigby on
Ali.Rigby@gbairways.com or 01293 664634
bmibaby
bmibaby is to establish a new base at
Birmingham in January 2005 and is set to
become the largest carrier at the airport.
Next summer the budget offshoot of Sir
Michael Bishop's bmi Group will operate up
to 20 routes from the airport. The
Birmingham services will be in addition to
its existing base at East Midlands Airport
near Derby, consolidating the carrier's
position as the largest airline in the
Midlands.
The next issue
The next issue
of the CIoJ Travel Writers’ bulletin will be
out in September 2004. Send your
contributions to
ashley@williamjack.co.uk.
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