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Lead Story
Globe Trekker Month on the Travel
Channel
Travel Channel is to be the primary
broadcaster of the award-winning adventure travel series Globe Trekker
(formerly known as Pilot Guides and Lonely Planet).
A fast paced, hour-long show which
explores the sights, culture and lifestyles of a wide variety of
destinations around the world, Globe Trekker has a global audience of 30
million and has won more than 20 international awards, including 6 American
Cable Ace Awards.
To celebrate this, November will be
Globe Trekker Month on Travel Channel, providing a unique showcase for
the adventures of presenters Ian Wright, Justine Shapiro, Megan McCormick.
From 7am to 1am daily, Travel
Channel will show over 200 hours of Globe Trekker programmes with
programmes grouped both geographically and within subject areas.
Travel Channel (www.travelchannel.co.uk),
operated by Travel Channel Europe Limited, broadcasts 18 hours a day in 10
languages to over 80 countries. It can be viewed in the UK on digital satellite,
EPG 148 and 149.
Contact Petra Shepherd at
petra@travelchannel.co.uk
or 020 7636 5401.
Visit London Awards
The sixteen winners of the annual
First Rate Travel Services Visit London Awards saw the large visitor attraction
award going to the Victoria and Albert Museum and the large hotel award going to
the Sheraton Park Tower.
The excellent guide and commentary
and the friendly, helpful and proactive staff at The Big Bus Company earned them
the accolade of the Sightseeing Tour Award.
The full list of awards were: B&B (Sponsored by NetHotels.com) :
Aster House; Small Hotel (Business Link): Grim’s Dyke Hotel; Large Hotel
(British Airways London Eye) : Sheraton Park Tower; Small Visitor Attraction
(Double-Eye) : Painshill Park; Large Visitor Attraction (Hilton) V & A
:National Martime Museum; Tourist Information Centre (Hard Rock Café) :
Kingston;Tourism Website (Web Diversity) : The London Pass; Outstanding
Customer Service (MSB Consultancy) National : Maritime Museum; Business Tourism
(HSBC) : Novotel London West; Sightseeing Tour (See Tickets) : The Big Bus;
Local Tourism Initiative (In association with London Development Agency) : Pool
of London Partnership for the Tower Environs Scheme; Event (Lonely Planet) :
ExCeL – The Boat Show; Nightlife (Zingo) : Sadler’s Wells
Consumer Choice Awards
Restaurant (in Association with Top
Table) : Gordon Ramsay at Claridge’s; Retailer –(Global refund in association
with WHERE London) : Selfridges; Kids Love London (in Association with the BBC)
: London Museum of Childhood. Call Zoe Shurgold on 020 7234 5710
Opportunities
Visit WTM and go on the Eye and get a pass
World Travel Market has teamed up
with The London Eye to offer all journalists, visitors and exhibitors a
complimentary flight on the London Eye. They will also be offered a free one-day
London Pass - which normally sells at £27 - with complimentary access to more
than 50 of the capital's top tourist attractions such as the Tower of London,
Shakespeare's Globe and London Zoo. Contact Jane Larcombe at jane@janelarcombecommunications.com
or 01580 201178
Cherry Valley Lodge is a 200-room
resort-style lodge located in Licking County, Ohio, 25 miles east of Columbus.
Interior design features a dramatic soaring lobby with towering twin stone
fireplaces. Two beautifully
landscaped courtyards are among the many outdoor features the nation's only
hotel to be designated an official Arboretum and Botanical Garden. Visitors
also enjoy indoor and outdoor pools, a game room and unusually large guestrooms
with luxurious appointments. More information are
available online at www.cherryvalleylodge.com.
For comp or press rate trips, color
art, video and additional media information contact Amy Weirick at
amy@WeirickCommunications.com.
To receive the regular Japan Travel
News from Japan National Tourist Organization email Kylie Clark at
kylie@jnto.co.uk
Noisebuster® active noise reduction headphone
A new and improved model of the
award-winning NoiseBuster® active noise reduction (ANR) headphone is being
introduced to the consumer audio market by Pro Tech Communications, Inc.
NoiseBuster NB-FX, electronically reduces irritating, anxiety-provoking,
background noise by coupling low frequency noise waves with their exact mirror
image waves. Ideal for use on airplanes. For more information, visit
www.protechcommunications.com. CIoJ Travel Writers’ can receive free evaluation
units by contacting Joanna Lipper on jlipper@nctgroupinc.com.
World Travel Market
WTM on the
Travel Channel
World Travel Market
has teamed up with Travel Channel to broadcast a half hour programme on the
event in November to more than 80 countries in Europe, Africa and the Middle
East. Contact Jane Larcombe at jane@janelarcombecommunications.com or 01892
The
Future Of Air Travel at WTM
Following the success of last
year’s inaugural airline conference at World Travel Market. A second two day
conference entitled ‘The Future of Air Travel: Transformation’ will be held
during this years event. Contact .Jane Larcombe at
jane@janelarcombecommunications.com or 01580 201178
CNN
and WTM partnership
CNN has signed as the World Travel
Market (WTM)'s first ever official Broadcast Partner. Contact Jane Larcombe at
jane@janelarcombecommunications.com
or 01580 201178
Dubai at WTM
Ninety-one organisations will be
exhibiting on the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM)
stand (ME2000) at World Travel Market.
Among the 50 hotels exhibiting on the DTCM stand will be newcomers Al Bustan
Residence Hotel Apartments, Mövenpick Hotel Bur Dubai, Princess Hotel, Regal
Plaza, Regent Beach Resort, Regent Hotel Palace and Sea View Hotel.
Other new exhibitors include Arabian Odyssey Travels & Tourism, ANTA Holidays,
Desert Link Tourism, Dubai Desert Tourism, Lama Desert Tourism & Cargo and Murex
Destinations bringing the total to 26 ground handlers.
Contact Lucy Blogg at
LBlogg@dubaitourism.co.uk
Italy at WTM|
All of Italy’s 20 regional tourist
boards will be present at WTM, together with more than 50 private companies
including hoteliers, tour operators and car hire firms as well as 500 tourist
trade representatives from Italy. Contact Stefania Gatta at
stefaniagatta@italiantouristboard.co.uk or 020 7399 3555
Industry news
Brittany Ferries
Following the recent announcement by P & O
of its intention to close the
Portsmouth-Cherbourg route at the end of
this year, Brittany Ferries has announced
plans to recommence a service on 3 January
using its luxury cruise-ferry, Val de Loire.
This will be supplemented by a new
high-speed service from mid-March to
mid-November. Contact : Jeremy Tracy :
jeremy.tracy@brightergroup.com
News From The Zulu Kingdom
For the current issue of Zulu Kingdom's
September update, bringing you the latest
news on what is happening in this province
of South Africa, contact Claire Roadley at
claire@ethosmarketing.co.uk or 01403 243
619
TIA Assists Florida with PR
Following the extraordinary disaster
coverage of Florida in the media, the Travel
Industry Association of America (TIA) is
helping the state’s travel industry get the
word out that Florida is open for tourism.
Florida’s state tourism office, VISIT
FLORIDA, reports that all of the state’s
major metropolitan areas, major theme parks,
convention centres, airports, cruise ship
ports and major roads are open with the
exception of those in the Pensacola area.
Most hotels and beaches are also open.
Contact Vanessa Welter at
Vanessa@visitflorida.org
International
visits to Britain best ever
The latest international visitor statistics
for June to August 2004, show the number of
international visitors coming to Britain
were the best ever recorded - increasing by
8 per cent compared with the same period in
2003. Contact Stuart Kirby at
stuart.kirby@visitbritain.org
or 020 8563 3337
Budget wins two
ITM awards
Budget Rent-a-Car has won ‘UK Car Rental
Company of the Year 2004’ and the ‘Award of
Excellence in Customer Service 2004’ from
the Institute of Transport Management .
Contact Jeremy Snook at
jeremy.snook@jspr.co.uk or 01488 670 002
Save Concorde
Group
The Save Concorde Group are working to
return a single Concorde to flight in a
heritage role, flypasts, air pageants etc.
Contact Steve Fald at
StevFald@aol.com
Christmas markets in
Thuringia, Germany
One of the most beautiful Christmas markets
in Germany is on the Cathedral square in
Erfurt, the capital of Thuringia. Surrounded
by buildings of the medieval town, more than
200 booths, offering traditional Thuringian
crafts, a rich choice of ceramics and
pottery as well as culinary specialities,
attract thousands of people every year.
The German state Thuringia is only one
hour’s flight away from the U.K. with
Ryanair operateing two direct daily
connections from London-Stansted, one to
Erfurt and one to Altenburg. Contact Vaughn
Wrenn at
Vaughn.Wrenn@d-z-t.com
Flight updates sent to your mobile
British Airways has launched a six-month
trial of a text message service called
Flight Tracker, which allows customers to
receive the latest information on the status
of their flight while from a mobile phone.
Contact Emma Hill at
emma.j.hill@britishairways.com or 020
8738 5153
visitscotland.com/adventure
VisitScotland has launched visitscotland.com/adventure
providing information on Scotland’s best
adventure sports, activity operators and
events. Contact Gayle Wilson at
Gayle.Wilson@visitscotland.com or n 0131
472 2338
Media
newsletter from Korea
All the latest
news from the Korea National Tourism
Organization, including: Visit Busan In
2005; Information on the World military band
festival, the 2004 Wonju International
Tattoo; News about the 2004 Seoul Drum
Festival. Contact Ramy Salameh at
london@mail.knto.or.kr or 020 7321 2535
WinterMagicBerlin
Between November and January ’05 the city
presents “WinterMagicBerlin” with a
programme involving shopping, culture,
Christmas markets and the biggest New Year’s
Eve party in Germany. Contact Vaughn Wrenn
at
Vaughn.Wrenn@d-z-t.com
Biggest event
in Disney history in May 2005
For the first time ever, the 10 Disney theme
parks around the world will join together in
a celebration to mark the 50th anniversary
of Disneyland in Southern California.
Beginning on 5th May 2005 and running
throughout 2006, the milestone will be
celebrated in all of the Disney theme parks
around the world with the opening of new
shows and attractions. For information and
images call 020 8222 2829.
Historic garden week Virginia
The houses and gardens of Virginia's leading
citizens past and present will be open
during the Historic Garden Week taking place
in Virginia from 16-24 April 2005. More than
250 houses, gardens and historic landmarks
will be featured on over 30 tours across the
state during this week. Visit :
www.VAGardenweek.org.
27th International Hot-Air Ballooning Week
in Switzerland
One hundred hot-air balloons from 15
countries will meet in Château-d Oex,
Awitzerland on 22-30 January 2005. Every
day, dirigibles and hot air balloons of all
shapes and sizes will share the air with
parachutists and hang-gliding experts in a
colourful spectacle. The Night Glow show is
scheduled for Friday, 28 January followed by
festivities in the village. Contact Russell
Palmer at
russell.palmer@switzerland.com
Storyboard
Cat campaign on Symi
Laskarina Holidays has announced the return of its Animal Welfare Programme on
the island of Symi in Greece. Laskarina, which specialises in trips to the
unspoilt islands of Greece, is attempting to tackle the problem of Symi's
excessive cat population, by supporting Martin Bilson - a UK vet with 29 years
of experience and a trustee of the Greek Cat Welfare Society. The project sees
cats from the wild neutered in Bilson's temporary practice, before being
returned to their natural habitat. Contact Janine Passley at
Janine.Passley@rooster.co.uk.
Ocean Village Unveils discount card for passengers under 45
Ocean Village,
the casual cruise company, has launched a discount card aimed at passengers
under 45 years. The U45 online Discount Card will offer under 45s at least 45%
off Ocean Village’s 2005 Caribbean holidays plus £45 to spend on a range of
activities from abseiling to white water rafting, wine tasting and scuba diving.
Contact Jason Wakeford at JasonW@consol.co.uk or 0207 287 2087
Azure Luxury Hotel Collection
The Azure Luxury Hotel Collection
has launched their new 2005 brochure with all the latest resorts and
destinations. Contact Kate Oliver at kate@oliverrelations.co.uk or 01273 818112
Belfast
The Belfast Visitor and Convention
Bureau has launched a major marketing campaign aimed at attracting 25-40 years
old into the city. Contact Sheelagh Uprichard at
sheelaghu@gcasgroup.com or 028
9055 7777
Cape-Cairo-Cape Safari Club’s maiden voyage
Cape-Cairo-Cape Safari Club’s maiden voyage, which promises the discerning
adventurer an unforgettable opportunity to traverse the African continent
through ten countries with legendary modern day explorer Kingsley Holgate, is
scheduled to embark in March next year. Contact Frank du Plessis at
frank@dpapr.com
Conde Nast readers vote for Fairmont Waterfront Hotel, Canada
The readers of Conde
Nast Traveler have given top marks for the second year to The Fairmont
Waterfront. Contact Jill Killeen at email
jill.killeen@fairmont.com
New boat enhances travel to Key West, Florida
Departing daily from
Fort Myers, the Alanticat, a high-speed catamaran, makes the trip to Key West in
a little over three hours, docking at the Hilton Key West in the heart of old
town. With 7,200 horsepower, the Atlanticat is the fastest, most-powerful ferry
to ever operate in Southwest Florida, traveling at speeds up to 40 miles per
hour. Accommodating up to 308 passengers, the vessel features three passenger
decks including an open-air top level for sun enthusiasts, six plasma
televisions with satellite reception and on-board movies, and food service.
Contact Kerry Morrissey at email kerrymorrissey@hotmail.com
Aspen,
Colorado
combines top-notch skiing and world-class art
View internationally
acclaimed works of art and ski some of the most diverse terrain in North America
at the first annual Art in Aspen Ski Week for 30 January to 6 February 2005.
Participants will take a curator-led tour of exhibits at the Aspen Art Museum,
visit area homes to view private collections and attend private receptions at
Aspen's finest art galleries. Contact Nancy Pfeiffer at
nancy@atmstravelnews.com
Shakespeare Country launches themed short breaks for groups
South
Warwickshire Tourism (SWT) has launch five new Shakespeare Country themed short
breaks. They include ‘The World of Shakespeare’, ‘Glorious Gardens’,
‘Spectacular Castles and Heritage’, ‘Magnificent Churches’ and ‘Art and Cultural
Treasures’. Each theme incorporates some of Shakespeare Country’s finest
attractions and can be tailor-made to suit the requirements of each individual
party. Contct Tanya Lavin at tanya@marketingaloud.co.uk or 01789 740383
Lost
battleship image found at Beamish Museum
An amazing
image of a lost Tyneside-built battleship, HMS Victoria, has been discovered in
the photographic archive at Beamish - just days after the wreck of the ship was
rediscovered, 111 years after it sank, off the coast of Lebanon. Contact Jacki
Winstanley at jackiwinstanley@beamish.org.uk or 0191 370 4024
Virgin Nigeria
The Nigerian Government and Virgin
Atlantic Airways have signed an agreement to establish a new airline for
Nigeria, to be called Virgin Nigeria. The new airline will be incorporated in
Nigeria and majority-owned by Nigerian investors. Virgin Atlantic’s support will
enable the airline to be launched early next year. Contact Anna Burdsall at
anna.burdsall@fly.virgin.com or 01293 747 373
Alsace
Located on the French-German
border, Alsace is France’s smallest region and features an eclectic mix of
cultures and landscapes. Every year, when winter comes, the region is
transformed into the Seven Lands of Christmas: Mysteries, Lights, Cheer,
Christmas Trees, Stars, Carols and Fabrics and finally Gatherings. Each of these
‘Lands’ lights up and puts on a great show of twinkling lights, special markets,
and traditional events to welcome visitors from around the world. Contact Kate
Oliver at kate@oliverrelations.co.uk or 01273 818112
Banyan Tree Group
Banyan Tree Group, the luxury
resort developer and operator, have unveiled to UK consumers a new palette of
hotels under “Colours of Angsana”. This collection features distinctive hotels
in locations that have an extraordinary offerings for guests. Contact Rachele
Grieve at rachele@celletpr.co.uk or 020 74911112
Largest resort spa In New Zealand opens
The largest
resort spa facility in New Zealand has opened at Queenstown’s Millbrook Resort.
The spa will feature eight dry treatment rooms, two wet treatment rooms, a hair
salon, manicure and pedicure areas, a retail area, an outdoor dining area and a
number of private courtyards. Contact Fiona Woodham at
fiona@southernpr.co.nz
Western Cape website
Western Cape, one of the biggest tourist destinations in Africa, including Cape
Town and the Garden Route, has launched its new website. Contact Janine Passley
at janine.passley@rooster.co.uk or 020 7691 3939
CityPass (North America) Expands
CityPass, the pay-one-price booklet bundling the best sightseeing in North
America has launched the Valid All Winter program in New York, Boston,
Philadelphia and Seattle. Susan Wilson at
susanw@citypass.com
Shania Twain centre, Ontario
Shania Twain
has opened a centre built in her honor in her home town of Timmins, Ontario.
Contact Ron Taylor at ron@400eleven.com
Galapagos.com launches
Galapagos.com
has been launched by Big Five Tours & Expeditions to provide Galapagos cruise
planning and island information. The website
www.galapagos.com delivers a
complete online resource center for Galapagos Islands information and cruise
options including ship details, photo gallery and interactive video gallery.
Contact Nancy Pfeiffer at email nancy@atmstravelnews.com
London
Red Carnation
Hotels, in London, offer a personal butler to festive visitors staying at either
the superb 5 star Milestone Hotel and Apartments overlooking Kensington Palace
and Gardens, or at the exclusive 41 Buckingham Palace, overlooking the Royal
Mews. Contact Arnelle Kendall at email akendall@rchmail.com
Vancouver
Conde Nast
Traveler magazine has voted Vancouver the Best City in the Americas at its
annual Readers Choice Awards ceremony. Vancouver won the top spot over Victoria
and Quebec City.
Tourism
Vancouver announces November story ideas including new luxury spa: Included are
the new spa Utopia at the five-diamond Pan Pacific Vancouver hotel. The
luxurious $4-million Spa Utopia and Salon will open in early January.
Contact Kate Colley Lo at
kcolley@tourismvancouver.com
Virgin launches flying without fear course at Birmingham Airport
Virgin Atlantic has launched its first ever Flying Without Fear course at
Birmingham Airport. In association with FWF Limited, Virgin offers one-day
courses throughout the year, aimed at teaching sufferers how to overcome their
fear. The new course schedule has been developed to include an optional 45
minute flight at the end of the day. Contact Charlotte Tidball at
charlotte.tidball@fly.virgin.com or 01293 747 373
Eco
tourism camps on aboriginal land
Eco tourism expert, Maningrida
Safaris, is opening up the landscape of Arnhem Land with the establishment of a
new luxury safari camp 400 kms north east of Darwin. The operator has
negotiated exclusive rights to the camping area with the traditional Bawinanga
Aboriginal owners to guests a special cultural and wildlife experience.
Facilities include luxury ensuite tented accommodation with a communal dining
room and library perched on top of an impressive escarpment overlooking the
Liverpool and Tomkinson Rivers. Contact
Jovanka Ristich at
ristichj@cs.com or 01628 623003.
Island hopping Australia
Quest Travel (www.questravel.com)
organises ten-night island hopping Australian holidays with a focus on
Aboriginal art and culture. Includes three nights on the Tiwi Islands located
north of Darwin in the Northern Territory, a two-night stay on Kangaroo Island
in South Australia where wildlife spotting includes kangaroos, koalas, seals,
penguins and wallabies, three nights of relaxation and sport on Hamilton Island
in the heart of Queensland’s Whitsunday Islands. Contact Jovanka Ristich at
email ristichj@aol.com or 01628 623003.
The Seafood
Restaurant at St Andrews
The Seafood
Restaurant at St Andrews has won the AA Restaurant of the Year for Scotland. The
forthcoming AA Restaurant Guide 2005 named the St Andrews eatery its Restaurant
of the Year after impressing inspectors with its combination of locally-landed
fresh fish and success in achieving destination status in such a short space of
time. Contact Caroline Keith at caroline@thekeithconsultancy.co.uk or 07734 543
923
Dubai developments
The 400-room Grosvenor House Hotel
and Apartments by Le Meridien situated in Dubai Marina will open In April 2005.
The completion of the 238-room Park Hyatt Hotel at the Dubai Creek Golf and
Yacht Club opens in June as does the new Clubhouse and 17-room and suite
Boutique Hotel at the Montgomerie Golf Course.
Scheduled
for September 2005 is the 400-room Kempinski Hotels and Resorts as part of the
new Mall of the Emirates complex. Other developments for 2005 include the
450-room Mövenpick Dubai Pearl Hotel near Media City; the 24 and 18-storey
towers of the 342-room Metropolitan Beach Resort and Towers on Jumeirah Beach;
and a 450-room hotel tower by Accor and Abu Dhabi National Hotels.
Contact Lucy Blogg at
LBlogg@dubaitourism.co.uk
Bournemouth base for new low fares
airline
Low fares
airline Thomsonfly.com will offer flights to a range of European beach, leisure
and city destinations from Bournemouth Airport starting in March next year.
Contatct Rachel O'Reilly at rachel_o'reilly@tui-uk.co.uk or 0207 383 1216
Renovation for Le Méridien Barbarons,Seychelles
Le Méridien Barbarons on the West
coast of Mahé in the Seychelles is to close for six months for an extensive
re-design and renovation costing. It will re-open in May 2005. Contact Julia
Clark at julia.clark@lemeridien.com or 020 7301 2553
Telegraph names Seabourn best cruise company
Seabourn Cruise Line has been named
"Best Cruise Company" for 2004 in the annual Travel Awards presented by The
Telegraph. Contact Bruce Good at bgood@seabourn.com or 0305 463 3394.
Rural Mallorca
‘Capture The Spirit’ is offering A
2-night ‘Mallorcan Tranquillity’ break for two people at the five star
Valldemossa Hotel with costs just €244 per person for stays until 31st March
2005. Contact Claire Roadley at
claire@ethosmarketing.co.uk or 01403 243 619.
Fly In For Big Five Safari
Visitors to the Sabi Sabi Private
game Reserve in South Africa can fly direct into the reserve thanks to the new,
private airstrip that opened in March. Contact Claire Roadley at
claire@ethosmarketing.co.uk or 01403 243 619
Mobile travel
support
Travel-Lists
(www.travel-lists.co.uk), the subscription-based online travel directory for
British travellers, has introduced clickable phone numbers on its lists for
mobile users, enabling users to research travel options more easily while on the
move. Mobile users can select a tour operator, agency or travel organisation
from a Travel-Lists’ list and simply click to automatically dial their phone
number. When the call is finished the user is returned to where they were on the
phone’s display. Contact Alastair McKenzie at
alastair@travel-lists.co.uk or 020
8341 2866
Icelandair
Icelandair are
introducing a new route to San Francisco International Airport (SFO) from both
from London Heathrow and Glasgow from May 18th until October 15th 2005. Contact
Ian Bradley at ian@icelandair.is or 020-78741007
The
El Monte Rv
El Monte RV, the U.S.A motorhome
specialist, is featured by Thomson for the first time in its brand new 2005
tailormade holiday programme to North America called Thomson America & Canada.
Contact Rachel O'Reilly at rachel_o'reilly@tui-uk.co.uk or 0207 383 1216
A
Mediaeval Christmas at Warwick Castle
This Christmas Warwick Castle will
be transformed into a magical mediaeval Frost Fair complete with a specially
constructed open air ice rink set amidst the splendour of the spectacular towers
and turrets. Contact Annalisa Hoadley at
ahoadley@freerangecommunications.co.uk or 020 7402 9966
Slovenia
In the first eight months of this
year, 1,649,762 tourists visited Slovenia, two percent more than in the same
period last year. Among them there were 52,523 UK visitors, 44% more than in the
same period last year. There were also more guests from France (38,663, a 45%
increase) and a much larger number as well from the United States (24,955).
Contact Mateja Vuckovic at mateja.vuckovic@slovenia-tourism.si
The
Beamish Museum
The Beamish Museum has been named
Large Visitor Attraction of the Year 2004 at the Pride of Northumbria Awards.
Contact Jacki Winstanley at Jacki Winstanley or 0191 370 4024
New
backpacker hostel in central Darwin
Melaleuca on Mitchell in the heart
of Darwin on lively Mitchell Street, is the city’s newest and largest backpacker
hostel. It provides budget accommodation in a four-storey property comprising
98 air-conditioned rooms of various configurations, ranging from those with
private ensuite facilities to dormitories with separate male and female
bathrooms. Two swimming pools designed as natural lagoons and rock pools, a
waterfall spa, an Internet café, communal kitchens and a laundry, are among the
facilities available to guests. Contact
Jovanka Ristich at
ristichj@cs.com or 01628 623003.
P&O
Arcadia
P&O Cruises has commissioned over
3,000 pieces of modern British art for display on its latest superliner,
Arcadia. The multi-million pound collection will showcase the work of more than
50 of Britain’s most celebrated contemporary artists. The 85,000-tonne Arcadia,
the largest cruise ship to be designed and built for British holidaymakers, will
become the country’s largest floating art gallery when it enters service in
April 2005. Contact Clare Cole at clare.cole@pocruises.com or 023 8052 5203
South Australia
For the latest news and events from
South Australia - including a brand new five-star gourmet retreat in the McLaren
Vale, new cookery schools, accommodation and other new tours contact Jovanka Ristich at
ristichj@aol.com
or 01628 623003
SeaBritain
SeaBritain 2005 is a year-long
festival celebrating Britain’s rich maritime history which inspired by the
bicentenary of The Battle of Trafalgar. Contact Rae White at
rae.white@visitbritain.org or 020 8563 3378
Festival of the Desert
British interest in African music
has prompted Guerba, the acknowledged leader in African overland travel, to
launch trips to Mali's music extravaganza in the Sahara, the Festival of the
Desert (7-9 January 2005). Contact Janine Passley at
janine.passley@rooster.co.uk or 020 7691 3939
Le
Méridien Kuala Lumpur
Le Méridien Kuala Lumpur,
Malaysia’s newest 5-star hotel has opened. The futuristic 35 story property,
which is Le Méridien group’s first in Malaysia, is offering special opening
packages until 28 February 2005. Contact Julia Clark at
julia.clark@lemeridien.com
Why Write About...Mozambique
Connections to Mozambique from the
UK are easy via Portugal, South Africa or Tanzania. It also combines brilliantly
with a safari in South Africa as you can self-drive or fly direct from the
Kruger National Park in South Africa – creating a fantastic safari/beach holiday
option.
The Pemba Beach Hotel near Pemba in
the North is ideal for those with a passion for diving and fishing. Breathtaking
coral reefs lie just off the coastline, which offer a magnificent display of
colourful coral species, thousands of tropical fish and mammals like whales and
dolphins.
There are also a number of idyllic
offshore islands which offer tranquil surroundings for those interested in
watersports, fishing, diving, swimming or simply sunbathing.
The Indigo Bay Island Resort is
situated on the idyllic and pristine Bazaruto Island, and offers the
quintessential Indian Ocean island holiday, as well as a gateway to the unspoilt
beauty of the Bazaruto Archipelago. Take your pick from a choice of thatched
rooms and suites, all with direct access to the beach and the balmy Indian
Ocean.
There are lots of exciting
developments going on in the idyllic Quirimbas Archipelago - which gives an
indication how tourism is flourishing in Mozambique. Rani Resort will shortly be
opening another two new island retreats, namely Matemo Island Resort, due to
open in December and Medjumbe Island Resort, which is due to open in February
2005. Both of these resorts will be small, exclusive - and very luxurious.
Or, for a fascinating mix of Africa
and Portuguese influences visit Maputo and stay at the fabulous five star Hotel
Polana. This stately Serena Hotel boasts panoramic views over the bay and prides
itself on its gracious service, tasteful colonial décor and world-class
facilities.
The best time to visit Moçambique
is between April and September and packages combining The Polana with these Rani
Resorts can be booked through most UK tour operators.
Moçambique is ideal for travellers
with an independent spirit searching for that perfect spot … before the rest of
the world discovers it too…
For more details on The Polana,
visit www.serenahotels.com. For more information on Indigo Bay, Pemba, Mejumbe
and Matemo visit www.raniresorts.com.
For more information or images
contact: Claire Roadley at claire@ethosmarketing.co.uk or 1403 243619
Flight
Lines
British Airways
British Airways is launching a
major new recruitment drive for its Executive Club, offering new members the
chance to fly to Europe for free. The airline is offering new members 12,000
bonus BA Miles, enough for a return flight to Paris, Geneva, Berlin, plus other
selected European destinations. The offer is open to new members who book and
fly a return flight between now and November 19 from Birmingham, Manchester,
Gatwick or Bristol on selected tickets.
Meanwhile, BA has also launched a
six-month trial of a text message service called Flight Tracker, which allows
customers to receive the latest information on the status of their flight while
on the move. Visit www.ba.com/signmeup
Low
cost flights to Charleston
Independence
Air (www.flyi.com) has begun service from Dulles Airport serving Washington DC
to Charleston and other smaller market cities in the US. This allows passengers
to fly to Dulles (IAD) and catch a direct/non-stop to Charleston International
Airport (CHS) for very reasonable rates. Until now, the major airlines had a
stranglehold on Charleston and the airfares were very high. Contact Chris
Nobles at CNobles@CharlestonCVB.com
Continental Airlines
Continental Airlines is to launch
daily non-stop flights between Belfast International Airport and New York/Newark
from next May.
Hapag-Lloyd Express, the German
low-cost airline, is to launch a new route linking Edinburgh with Hamburg from
December.
HLX is also launching new routes
next summer from Newcastle to Germany, adding Cologne/Bonn and Munich alongside
Hanover. The well-established Manchester routes to Cologne/Bonn and Stuttgart,
and Dublin's links to Hamburg and Stuttgart, will continue.
Wizz
Air to Warsaw and Gdansk from London Luton
Wizz Air, Europe's newest low cost
airline has begun two daily services from London Luton Airport to Warsaw the
Polish Capital and to Gdansk on the Polish Baltic Coast. Contact Ian Briggs at
ian.briggs@ltn.aero or 07714 728035
Aer
Lingus flights to Florida
Aer
Lingus will commence three flights a week from Dublin to Orlando from December.
Aer Lingus offers customers a package including return flights to Orlando, 7
nights hotel accommodation in a range of hotels and 7 days car hire. Gillian
Culhane at gillian.culhane@aerlingus.com
Zoom
to Canada
Zoom Airlines is the first to
operate low-cost scheduled flights to Canada this winter direct from Gatwick and
Glasgow. Prices start at £99 one-way including taxes for East Coast and £139
one-way for West Coast flights, allowing skiers and boarders to enjoy famous
transatlantic ski resorts at prices equivalent to European flights. Contact
Lorna Inglis at Lorna@mediahouse.co.uk
TAP Air
Portugal
TAP Air
Portugal has announced its winter timetable effective 31 October 2004 to 26
March 2005. The UK flight schedules increase in the number of flights to Lisbon
and include a new late departure from London at 20. From London Heathrow TAP Air
Portugal has 21 flights a week to Lisbon; 11 flights a week to Porto; four
flights a week to Faro and two flights a week to Funchal. Contact David Edwards
at dedwards@tap.pt or 020 7932 3607
London City Airport
London City Airport has received
the Palme d'Or from the European Regions Association General Assembly in Vienna
This is a new honour intended to recognise "consistency of performance and
sustained excellence" by individual airlines and airports over an extended
period. It is granted rather than won and
any airline or airport accorded the honour retains it in perpetuity.
BA
to Crete
British Airways franchise partner
GB Airways announced in Athens today that is to introduce a twice-weekly summer
service to Heraklion, Crete next May. The airline is the first to operate
direct scheduled services to the island from the UK. Contact Isabelle Baret on
01293 664631
Virgin Express and SN Brusles
Virgin Express and SN Brussels
Airlines have agreed to merge, creating a group that will control nearly 40% of
the market at Brussels Zaventem Airport.
Air
Baltic
Air Baltic, the Latvian airline, is
to introduce flights from Gatwick to Vilnius, the capital city of Lithuania for
the start of the winter season. The carrier already operates from Heathrow and
Manchester to Riga (Latvia). Visit
http://www.airbaltic.lv
Flybe
Flybe is to expand its services to
France from the UK with the launch of daily new routes from Southampton to
Cherbourg, Birmingham to Chambery and to Brest from Birmingham, Exeter and
Southampton airports. Flybe now operates seven routes from the UK to France
including Bergerac, Bordeaux, Brest, Chambery, La Rochelle, Perpignan and
Toulouse. Visit http://www.flybe.com
Wizz
Air
Wizz Air, the new Hungarian-based
budget airline is launching flights to Liverpool which it will serve from
Budapest, Katowice and Warsaw. Gdansk - Dortmund and Katowice - Brussels
(Charleroi) services will start on 31 October and 7 December respectively. Visit
http://www.wizzair.com
Durham Tees Valley Airport
Durham Tees Valley Airport is the
new name for what was Teesside International (MME). The new name is part of an
ambitious three year, multi-million pound redevelopment plan by the airport and
its strategic regional partners to build on past successes and reinforce its position as one of the UK’s
fastest-growing regional airports. Visit
http://www.teessideairport.com
The next issue
The next issue of the
CIoJ Travel Writers’ bulletin will be out in
December. Send your
contributions to
ashley@williamjack.co.uk.
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