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Key information on a no-frills format for professional who travel to write, edit, broadcast or create images. Ashley@itwalliance.com www.itwalliance.com
Opportunities : for group and individual press tripsNews : items of interest to travel journalistsLeads : story ideasThe year ahead : annual festivals and events Reasons to write about : destinations and travel pursuits A place to stay :and review hotels, resorts and other accommodationProfile on : destinations Alerts : ongoing press trip opportunitiesOngoing initiativesTravel products and services : of interest to travel journalistsTravel guides : that will offer review copiesThe International Travel Writers Alliance and AllWays
To register with the International Travel Writers Alliance visit : www.itwalliance.com, click to enter the site and click on Register as a member/editor/partner or agency.
Alliance members looking to take advantage of any of the following opportunities should be on assignment, with a commission or able to obtain one. For ongoing opportunities for Alliance members see Alerts (below) or visit : www.internationaltravelwritersalliance.com. Infinity Public RelationsInfinity PR manage the following clients : Cumbria TourismCumbria Tourism is the tourism body for Cumbria, incorporating the Lake District, will be happy for Alliance members to visit the county and sample its delights from the great outdoors and exciting attractions to stylish hotels and high quality restaurants. Visit : www.golakes.co.uk. Haweswater HotelThe Haweswater Hotel is a new art-deco hotel located next to the secluded Haweswater Reservoir. The beautiful property recently opened following extensive renovations to restore it to its former glory, while also offering contemporary and stylish rooms. Visit : www.haweswaterhotel.com. Premier CottagesPremier Cottages is the UK’s leading specialist in quality self-catering holiday cottages. The company features a range of stunning four and five star properties located throughout the UK, Channel Islands and Ireland. Visit : www.premiercottages.co.uk. South Lakeland ParksSouth Lakeland Parks is the north-west’s leading holiday park operator featuring nine sites within Morecambe Bay, Ribble Valley and Lake District. The company offers holiday homes for both sale and let with options to choose between luxury lodges or caravans. Visit : www.southlakelandparks.co.uk. VisitWiltshireVisitWiltshire is the tourism body for the county of Wiltshire, a destination famed for its white horses, stately homes and Stonehenge. Located in the heart of the south-west of England, Wiltshire is easy to reach from any parts of the UK and offers a lovely holiday destination. With a number of high quality luxury hotels and a whole host of unique attractions, Wiltshire is just waiting to be explored. Visit : www.visitwiltshire.co.uk. Dream MarineLuxury yachting holiday specialist offering breaks around the world, especially the Mediterranean in the summer and Caribbean in winter. Dream Marine’s yachts range from small simple vessels of around 30ft or superyachts over 200ft. Holiday options include bareboat sailing for experienced sailors to learn to sail, flotilla and crewed yachts for those who are inexperienced or simply want to relax. Visit : www.dream-marine.com. All the above (except Dream Marine) will be happy to consider offering press trip facilities to Alliance members. Contact : Samantha Marsh: samantha@infinitypublicrelations.co.uk South Australia A list of things to do in South Australia includes : Sea lions, dolphins and tuna on the Eyre Peninsula Baird Bay is the location to swim with sea lions and dolphins, whilst for those who prefer to stay dry, Point Labbatt offers excellent views of sea lions playing in off shore waters. To see larger mammals, June to October offers exceptional whalewatching opportunities off the Great Australian Bight. Adventure Bay Charters in Port Lincoln gets visitors up close with the mighty bluefin tuna, one of the ocean’s fastest fish. Guests can hand-feed the tuna, view them from an underwater glass tunnel or slip into the water for a swim with them. A wilderness lodge on Kangaroo Island The Southern Ocean Lodge on Kangaroo Island is located on a secluded cliff on a rugged stretch of coast with views of the wild Southern Ocean. Blending wine in the Barossa Valley A make your own blend tour at Penfolds culminates in a visit to the winemakers’ laboratory where visitors can sample the wines as well as create their own blend. On completion visitors can take home their personally labelled bottles or alternatively they can ask the chef at Appellation, one of the Barossa’s signature restaurants, to customise a menu to suit their newly created wine. Appellation is located within The Louise, a vineyard retreat. The Gawler Ranges on the Eyre PeninsulaThe Gawler Ranges offers one of Australia’s best Outback experiences. Visitors can camp in five-star permanent tents with Gawler Ranges Wilderness Safaris, and see some of South Australia’s finest scenery and a large selection of free roaming wildlife. Shopping with a master chef in Adelaide Take a tour of the southern hemisphere’s largest fresh produce market with master chef and foodie, Mark Gleeson. Explore the Flinders RangesWilpena Pound, located in the heart of the Flinders Ranges, is a prehistoric natural amphitheatre. The Pound can be explored on foot by joining a walking safari or by air on an unforgettable scenic flight. Mine for opals at Coober Pedy and saying in a underground hotel Coober Pedy’s four-hour Down ‘N’ Dirty tour replicates the thrill of opal mining and includes a visit to a working opal mine field along with entry to the Quest Mine, where visitors are supplied with a hard hat, torch and handpick to go fossicking for their own opals. The town’s other highlight is the Desert Cave Hotel offering guests the opportunity to stay in an underground room. Visit : www.southaustralia.com. To discuss media visits & feature ideas contact: Jovanka Ristich at jovanka@independentpr.co.uk. The Conrad Maldives Rangali Island The world’s first all-glass under-sea restaurant at the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island is located five metres below the waves of the Indian Ocean, encased in clear glass and surrounded by a coral reef. Since opening five years ago, the restaurant has hosted over 43,800 diners and 151 under-sea ‘Renewal of Love’ ceremonies, and is now offering guests the chance to spend the night under-water by turning the restaurant into an exclusive suite for two. The Conrad Maldives Rangali Island combines three distinct resort experiences on two islands, linked by a bridge and surrounded by a vibrant coral reef and lagoon. Accommodation includes 50 water, 79 beach and 21 Spa water villas. Visit www.conradhotels.com. Press trip requests contact: Gail Palmer at gail@ktapr.com. Rhodes, Greece The Greek island of Rhodes is preparing for a busy summer with the opening of four luxury hotels, including the first Sheraton branded hotel in Greece. The island is attempting to shun its former reputation as a party haven by upgrading its tourism product to attract those seeking a luxury holiday. The four new properties for 2010 are located in Kallithea, Rhodes Old Town and Lindos and all feature swimming pools, spa facilities and a high standard of guest accommodation. The Kresten Royal Villas and Spaopened April 2010 The five star Kresten Royal Villas and spa is located on the north-eastern side of Rhodes on a hillside in Kallithea. The hotel will offer a total of 203 rooms comprising of double rooms, junior suites, villas and grand maisonettes.. The Kresten Royal Villas & Spa is just 5.5km from the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Rhodes Medieval Old Town and within walking distance of the recently restored Kallithea Mineral Springs. Visit : www.thekrestenroyal.gr. La Marquiseopens May 2010 La Marquise is a five-star complex located on the outskirts of Rhodes Medieval Old Town and 1km from Kallithea. The hotel has been designed with the environment in mind. Renewable energy sources, recycling, environmentally-friendly plantations in the gardens, the use of technology in the swimming pools to reduce chlorination and the use of energy-saving lights are just some of the initiatives in place. Visit : www.lamarquise.gr. Aquagrand of Lindosopens May 2010 Located on the beachfront in Navarone Bay, the five-star Aquagrand hotel is just 1.5km from Lindos Village and the famous acropolis. The Aquagrand interior decoration includes artworks by famous Greek artists, handmade carpets, local ceramic products and pure linen and cotton. There are four restaurants and three bars for guests to choose from along with three swimming pools and a sun terrace with wooden deck. Visit : www.aquagrand.gr. Sheraton Rhodes Resortopens May 2010 Sheraton Hotels has taken ownership of the former Imperial Rhodes Hotel to launch the first Sheraton hotel in Greece this spring. The hotel is located on Ixia Bay, just a few kilometres from the historic Old Town and less than twenty minutes drive from Rhodes International Airport. Visit : www.starwoodhotels.com. Visit www.rodosisland.gr. For press trip requests contact Jenny Groutage at jenny@saltmarshpr.co.uk.
Twitter launches ‘Points of Interest’ pages for locations Twitter is adding location-based place pages to its website. The new feature, called Points of Interest, will allow users to click on a place name (or a location tag, if one exists) in a tweet and see that place on a map. Next to the map, they’ll also be able to see what people are saying about that place in a search results view. Facebook recently added location-sharing for its users’ status updates. Aruba Thomson Airways will operate a weekly service to the Dutch Caribbean island of Aruba from Manchester on Fridays from 7 May to 23 October 2010. Visit : www.aruba.com and www.thomson.co.uk. Contact : Contact : Tom Panagos at tom@saltmarshpr.co.uk. Amusement parks and attractions For the 20th consecutive year, Busch Gardens in Williamsburg, VA has been voted Most Beautiful Amusement Park. Walt Disney World (FL) came second. The National Amusement Park Historical Association’s 24th Annual Amusement Parks and Attractions Survey : Favourite traditional parkKennywood (West Mifflin, PA) Knoebels Amusement Resort (Elysburg, PA) Blackpool Pleasure Beach (Blackpool, UK) Favourite theme park Walt Disney World (Lake Buena Vista, FL) Busch Gardens (Williamsburg, VA) Holiday World (Santa Claus, IN) Universal Studios/Islands of Adventure (Orlando, FL) Best park for families Walt Disney World (Lake Buena Vista, FL) Knoebels Amusement Resort (Elysburg, PA) Idlewild and Soak Zone (Ligonier, PA) Holiday World (Santa Claus, IN) Favourite wood roller coasterVoyage, Holiday World (Santa Claus, IN) Phoenix, Knoebels Amusement Resort (Elysburg, PA) Thunderhead, Dollywood (Pigeon Forge, TN) Favourite steel roller coasterMillennium Force, Cedar Point (Sandusky, OH) Magnum XL200, Cedar Point (Sandusky, OH) Phantom's Revenge, Kennywood (West Mifflin, PA) Best new attractionDiamondback (Kings Island) Manta (Sea World Orlando) Prowler (Worlds of Fun). Visit : www.napha.org. Contact : Steve Schwahn at sschwahn@napha.org. Blue1 Blue1, the Finnish airline member of the SAS Group, is doubling its services to Helsinki from London Heathrow. Visit : www.flysas.co.uk. Contact : Julie Giraud at Julie.Giraud@fourcommunications.com.
The Newseum, Washington DC The Newseum, Washington DC is a 250,000-square-foot museum of news covering five centuries of news history.The Newseum’s new Elvis exhibit (to February 2011) features rare photographs and original newspapers and magazines covering Presley's career and artifacts on loan from Graceland. Visit www.newseum.org. Contact : Lisa Cooper at lisa.cooper@kbc-pr.com. Rail round southern France Ffestiniog Travel offers a 15-day rail trip across the French Alps and Pyrenees which takes in France’s largest glacier, Catalan country in Perpignan and the Pyrenees on the Petit Train Jaune. The walled city of Carcassonne and Lourdes – the largest pilgrimage site in France – also feature. Visit www.festtravel.co.uk. Contact : Sarah Belcher at S.Belcher@travelpr.co.uk. The Outer Hebrides, Scotland. The Outer Hebrides comprise an island chain off the west coast of Scotland. On the island chain Scottish Gaelic was formerly the dominant language and remains widely spoken alongside English. Explore offers a four-day hiking tour – taking in weaving lessons, sunsets, perfect beaches and deserted villages on Lewis, Harris and Great Bernera Visit : www.explore.co.uk. Contact : Richard Mellor at R.Mellor@travelpr.co.uk. Canada Journeys of Distinction run 19-day escorted tours of the Rockies that includes Banff, Yoho & Jasper National Parks, the Columbia Icefields, a Snocoach ride on Athabasca Glacier and a cruise to Spirit Island. Visit : www.jod.uk.com. Contact : Sarah Belcher at S.Belcher@travelpr.co.uk. Trusted Adventures Trusted Adventures alliance is a partnership of eight companies offering active walking, rafting, cycling, cruising and trekking trips throughout the Americas, Europe, Asia, Australia and Africa. Members are : Austin-Lehman Adventures Wildland Adventures Western River Expeditions Myths and Mountains The Wayfarers ROW Adventures Great Alaska International Adventure Vacations, and American Safari Cruises. Visit : www.trustedadventures.com. Contact: Sara Widness at sara@widnesspr.com. Albania Explore has two week group tours to the south eastern European country of Albania, which takes in remote frescoed churches, Corinthian ruins and forested hills. Visit : www.explore.co.uk. Contact : Richard Mellor at R.Mellor@travelpr.co.uk Lisbon, Portugal Research by Post Office Travel Money finds a weekend in Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, is the second cheapest European city destination beaten only by Prague. Lisbon has a lively Bohemian district where artisans and intellectuals used to gather; excellent seafood; the maze of tiny alleys in the Alfama District; the beaches at Cascais. Sunvil runs short reaks to Lisbon. Visit : www.sunvil.co.uk.Contact Sarah Belcher at s.belcher@travelpr.co.uk. LAN Airlines LAN Airlines is one of Latin America’s leading airlines serving 65 destinations linking Latin America with the United States, Europe and Asia Pacific. Visit: www.lan.com. Contact : Garbine Gil at garbine.gil@lan.com. Cuba Cuba’s favourite cocktail, the Mojito, turns 424 this year. The Holiday Place established in 1986, is a leading UK independent tour operator, specialising in Cuba.
The company also offers a range of exotic, luxury holidays to Caribbean, Middle East and Indian Ocean destinations. Itineraries include beach breaks, cruises, twin-centre holidays and tailor-made packages. Visit : www.TheHolidayPlace.co.uk. Contact : Laurel Greatrix at laurel.greatrix@rooster.co.uk.
Information for professional travel writes, editors, broadcasters and photographers on events and celebrations worldwide. Dublin Dance Festival, Ireland 8 to 23 May 2010 (6th) The Dublin Dance Festival showcases the best international contemporary dance through performances, workshops, masterclasses and seminars. Visit : www.dublindancefestival.ie. Contact : Eleanor Creighton at eleanor.creighton@dublindancefestival.ie World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest, Memphis, Tennessee, USA 13 to 15 May 2010 (annual, 33rd) Over 230 teams compete for the title of World Champion and around $90k in prizes. Billed as the largest pork barbecue-cooking contest on Earth. Visit : www.memphisinmay.org. Contact : Diane Hampton at dhampton@memphisinmay.org. Buskers And Street Performers Festival, Cambridge, UK 01 June 2010 to 03 July 2010 (annual, 3rd) The festival features over 50 acts at around 28 locations including jazz and blues performers. Celebrates Cambridge's talent and culture, while increasing busker's awareness of the street performer's code of conduct. Visit : www.cambridge.gov.uk/buskersfestival. Contact : Heather Bevan-Hunt at heather.bevanhunt@cambridge.gov.uk. Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival, Vancouver, Canada 3 June to 25 September From open-backed tents in Vanier Park, against a natural backdrop of mountains, sea, and sky visitors can enjoy four of the Bard’s performances during the annual Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival. Considered a signature summer activity in Vancouver, the festival boasts record crowds year after year. Visit : www.bardonthebeach.org. Contact : Wendy Underwood at wunderwood@tourismvancouver.com.
04 June 2010 to 12 June 2010 (biennial, 13th) The festival showcases Canada's most contemporary, innovative, and leading-edge dance choreographers and companies. Over 25 performances take place, including more than 12 world premieres. Visit : www.canadadance.ca. Contact : Debra Beauregard at dbeauregard@nac-cna.ca. Holland Festival, Amsterdam, The Netherlands 04 June 2010 to 28 June 2010 (annual, 63rd) The festival focuses on music, dance, theatre, multidisciplinary productions and visual arts. Holland's largest performing arts festival. Around 90 performances take place including opera, theatre, music, visual arts and dance. Visit : www.hollandfestival.nl. Contact : Norbert Bode at norbert@hollandfestival.nl. Vancouver International Jazz Festival June 25 to July 4 The TD Canada Trust Vancouver International Jazz Festival brings some of international ambassadors to Vancouver for 400 concerts in 40 venues across the city. Each day from noon, jazz of all styles and stripes resonates throughout Vancouver. Visit : www.coastaljazz.ca. Contact : Wendy Underwood at wunderwood@tourismvancouver.com. Museum Mile Festival, New York 08 June 2010 (annual, 32nd) Nine of America's finest museums open their doors for free for a mile-long block party and visual art celebration. Museums involved are The Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Goethe Institute, the Neue Galerie, the Guggenheim Museum, the National Academy Museum, the Smithsonian, the Jewish Museum and the Museum of the City of New York. Closes Fifth Avenue to traffic from 82nd to 105th street. Visit : www.museummilefestival.org. Contact : Robin Schatell at robin@museummilefestival.org. Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival, Manchester, Tennessee, USA10 June 2010 to 13 June 2010 (annual, 9th) Mammoth festival held on 700 acres of farmland and dubbed 'the American Glastonbury'. Over 100 bands and 20 comedians perform across more than 10 stages Visit : www.bonnaroo.com. Contact : Ken Weinstein at publicity@bonnaroo.com. Festival of Festivals, St Petersburg, Russian Federation 23 to 29 June 2010 (18th) The Festival of Festivals in St Petersburg is a non-competitive film festival taking place as part of the city's White Night celebrations. Over 100 films are screened. Visit : www.filmfest.ru. Contact : Sergey Grigorov at info@filmfest.ru
Alliance members looking to take advantage of any of the following should be on assignment, with a commission or able to obtain one. Shakespeare’s Henry VIII at the Globe Theatre, London The Globe Theatre will stage Shakespeare’s rarely performed Henry VIII from 15 May to 21 August 2010. Shakespeare’s Henry VIII was famous in its own day as a visual pageant of masques and royal ceremony, and was responsible for burning down the original Globe during a performance on 29 June 1613. The play centres on the young, married and charismatic Henry who will stop at nothing to make Ann Bullen his mistress. Shakespeare’s Globe’s Kings and Rogues theatre season also includes Macbeth, Henry IV Parts 1 and 2 and The Merry Wives of Windsor. Visit : www.shakespeares-globe.org . Contact : James Lever at James.L@shakespearesglobe.com. The Titanic Museum, Tennessee, USA The new Titanic Museum Attraction has opened in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee at the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. It is. The interactive museum is a permanent three-deck reproduction of the Titanic housing 20 galleries to display hundreds of authentic Titanic artifacts. These were either carried from the ship and into lifeboats by passengers and crew, or were found afloat soon after the sinking and quickly salvaged by rescue boats. Many of these pieces are on display for the first time. There is also full-size reproductions, built to actual Titanic blueprints, of a first class suite, first class hallways, third class accommodations and the museum’s centrepiece; a $1 million exact reproduction of the Titanic’s Grand Staircase.
Spanning both sides of Shanghai’s Huangpu River, the World Expo has 5 km of pavilions, each giving insight into different ways of coping with the demands of 21st century life and everyday urban living around the world. The theme for the 2010 World Expo is Better City – Better Life. Park Hyatt ShanghaiThe Park Hyatt Shanghai is a modern Chinese residence, occupying the 79th to 93rd floors of the Shanghai World Financial Centre, otherwise known as “The Vertical Complex City”, in the heart of Lujiazui business district.
Visit : http://en.expo2010.cn/ and www.hyatt.com. Contact : Emma Powell at Emma@grifcopr.com. Wetland wildlife cycle safari: Laos 5 to 20 February 2011 The Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT) is to run a cycle safari through the highlands of Laos, one of the world’s wildlife hotspots, with TV naturalist Nick Baker. The trip will raise money for WWT’s worldwide conservation work and will finish with a visit to one of WWT’s flagship projects in the capital city, Vientiane. Highlights include: seeing elephants, black bears, clouded leopards, sambar and mouse deer in the Phou Khao Khouay protected area boating down the Mekong on a spectacular trip to Pakbeng – a chance to meet the Meking people of the traditional villages spotting waterbirds at Ban Sivilay, also know as Bird Lake - 800+ egrets, 1,200 whistling ducks and many others exploring Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995 - this ancient royal city is a magical place, and getting an insight into WWT's innovative international conservation work on a tour of our work in the capital city, Vientiane The Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT) is a leading conservation organisation saving wetlands for wildlife and people across the world. Visit : www.wwt.org.uk. Contact Sacha Dench at Sacha.Dench@wwt.org.uk. The Great Mohican Pow-Wow, Mohican, OhioThe Great Mohican Pow-Wow, the oldest of the North-American Indian Pow-Wow’s, takes place between and 9 and 11July and again between 17 and 19 September 2010. The event is the coming together of 12 northeast Native tribes to honour ancestors and renew their traditions and heritage. They feature custom dancing, colourful ceremonial dress, passing down of songs, sharing foods and storytelling. All are critical to the survival of a culture. The Great Mohican Indian Pow-Wow has been named one of the top shows in North America. Visit : www.mohicanpowwow.com. Contact : Christopher J. Snively at mohicamp@bright.net. Master Paintings Week, London 3 to 9 July 2010 Master Paintings Week is a collaboration between leading galleries and auction houses, offering a selection of predominantly European paintings dating from the 15th to the 19th centuries. Many of the paintings have an untold story, a fascinating history or an important and newly discovered provenance. Master Paintings Week appeals to collectors, curators and enthusiasts from all over the world and highlights the unrivalled expertise that is to be found in London. For the second Master Paintings Week London the auction house Bonhams has joined Sotheby’s and Christie’s, and together with three new galleries – Deborah Gage (Works of Art) Ltd, Piacenti Art Gallery and Stair Sainty swell the number of participants to twenty-eight. Visit : www.masterpaintingsweek.co.uk. Contact : Annie Roperat annie@suebond.co.uk. Reefs to Rockies : MozambiqueReefs to Rockies, which specialises in conservation tourism, has seen its Mozambique by Land and by Sea selected as one of National Geographic Traveler Magazines’ 2010 Tours of a Lifetime. Each year, the magazine selects 50 top journeys spanning the globe. All of these trips offer small-group, thoughtfully crafted experiences that are eco- and culturally-sensitive and provide uncommon access to the destination while fostering interaction with locals. The new African Safari from Reefs to Rockies begins in Tofo, Mozambique, which is home to the best diving and snorkeling in Africa. However, the main attraction lies underneath the water’s surface. Whale sharks, the largest fish on the planet, frequent the waters from November to December and humpback whales visit from June through October. The journey then continues on to Gorongosa National Park, home to a visionary restoration project effectively working to re-establish the park to its former glory as a vibrant wildlife reserve. Gorongosa National Park was once home to the highest concentration of lions anywhere on the African continent. Here, travellers will get a chance to see historic Portuguese buildings that once housed celebrities on safari and feel the history that vibrated through this bio-diversity hotspot. The park provides ever-changing terrain perfect for both walking safaris and game drives.
Visit : www.reefstorockies.com/mozambique-by-land-by-sea. Contact : Sheridan Samano at Sheridan@ReefstoRockies.com. Wilderness Safaris and the Safari Adventure Company Wilderness Safaris and the Safari Adventure Company has 60 camps in seven different African countries Banoka Bush Camp, Okavango Delta, BotswanaCurrently scheduled to open in August the new tented camp will be located in the Khwai Concession, in the north-eastern corner of the Delta, adjoining the Moremi Game Reserve. Banoka Bush Camp will offer a wealth of wildlife, birds and scenic wonders to be discovered.
Kalahari Plains Camp, BotswanaThe repositioned, cutting-edge Kalahari Plains Camp is now open with a new look which includes sleep-out, star-gazing platforms above the rooms. Kalahari Plains Camp is now 100% solar powered and has capacity to harvest 180 000 litres of rainwater! Kulala Desert Lodge, Namibia The Kulala Desert Lodge has views of the famous red sand dunes of Sossusvlei, breathtaking mountain scenery and vast open plains in the 37,000 hectare Kulala Wilderness Reserve. Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe The new Davison's Camp offers a mix of diverse wildlife, ensuring one of the best nature experiences in Africa. Though well known for its phenomenal dry-season game viewing, the summer months here are less well known as one of the best locations for game viewing in southern Africa with an abundance on plains game and rare species like sable, eland and roan. HMS Zibadianja, Selinda Reserve, Botswana The new HMS Zibadianja is now docked in the Selinda Reserve and operational at Selinda Camp and Zarafa camps in Botswana! It is available for cruises on the Zibadianja lagoon and along the Selinda Spillway. Chelinda Lodge, Nyika Plateau, Malawi Set in the highlands of Nyika National Park in Malawi, this remote lodge enjoys views over expansive grasslands, home to herds of roan, eland and Crawshay’s zebra. Busanga Balloon Safaris, Zambia Guests staying at Busanga Bush Camp, Kapinga Camp and Shumba Camp can now view the game strewn plains in a hot air balloon. Kalamu Trails, South Luangwa National Park, Zambia This area is renowned as the place in which walking safaris first took place in Africa. Set in the Luamfwa Concession, in the southern sector of the Park, Kalamu trails sets out to explore the Luangwa River and its diverse environs. Ruckomechi Camp, Zimbabwe Situated on the western boundary of Mana Pools National Park, Ruckomechi Camp is a naturalist's paradise. The camps solar-powered guest rooms, set in a grove of shady trees on the bands of the Zambezi River, are an ideal base to experience this World Heritage Site. Visit : www.wilderness-safaris.com and www.safariadventurecompany.com. Contac : Kathryn Peel at Kathryn@grifcopr.com.
Alliance members looking to take advantage of any of the following opportunities should be on assignment, with a commission or able to obtain one. The Lovat, Loch Ness, Scotland The Lovat, Loch Ness, in the Scottish Highlands is offering amateur photographers the opportunity to hone their skills in some of the most spectacular surroundings in Europe. In July and October, the hotel at Fort Augustus is running a selection of two and three-day photography courses aimed at the enthusiastic amateur who is looking to improve their art. With the help of the professional team at Nevispix Photography, guests will learn, for example, how to adjust exposure, eliminate camera shake and shoot truly creative compositions before putting lessons into action against some of the country’s most beautiful backdrops. Based in a recently refurbished Victorian building set at one end of the infamous Loch Ness overlooking the Caledonian Canal, and the gateway to the Great Glen, The Lovat offers access to a wide range of spectacular landscapes, from scenic streams, crystal clear lochs, majestic mountains and rugged moorland to imposing castles, unspoilt beaches, wonderful waterways and perilous peaks. Visit www.thelovat.com. Contact : Caroline Keith at caroline@thekeithconsultancy.co.uk. St Orens Pouy-Petit, Armagnac, FranceAmy Drillsma has bought and renovated a house in the village of St Orens Pouy-Petit in the Armagnac/Gers region of south west France. The property is fibe miles from the bustling medieval town of Condom. ‘La Petite Maison du Gers’ is entirely renovated, has a private pool with stunning views and is being rented out to holiday makers keen to discover the ‘French Tuscany’. Visit : www.lapetitemaisondugers.com. Contact : Amy Drillsma at lapetitemaisondugers@gmail.com. W Retreat & Spa - Vieques Island, Puerto Rico W Vieques Island, which has just opened is located on the undiscovered island of Vieques with 30-acres of beachfront property Isla de Vieques, is an island-municipality of Puerto Rico in the northeastern Caribbean, part of an island grouping sometimes known as the Spanish Virgin Islands. The two main towns are Isabel Segunda located on the northern side of the island and Esperanza on the southern side. At peak, the population of Vieques is around 10,000. The resort is the W brand’s 37th hotel globally and its first within North America. Visit : www.whotels.com/vieques. Contact : Amalie Craig at amalie.craig@starwoodhotels.com. Wookey Hole Cave Hotel, Somerset, UKA 58-room hotel opens at the site of the Somerset tourist attraction, Wookey Hole Caves. The £3.5m property incorporates themed rooms, a bar and restaurant. Work began December 2008. Event Intelligence Visit : www.wookeyhotel.co.uk. Contact : Daniel Medley at daniel@wookey.co.uk. InterContinental New York Times SquareThe InterContinental New York Times Square opens in July. It is the largest new-build hotel developed in New York for eight years. Visit : www.ichotelsgroup.com. Contact : Natasha Gullett at natasha.gullett@ihg.com. Grand Resort Bad Ragaz, Switzerland The Grand Resort Bad Ragaz is set among the mountains, crisp air and fresh flowing water and an hour from Zurich. It comprises two five star hotels, a Medical Health Centre, the Tamina Therme thermal spa and the To B. Wellbeing & Spa. A €100 million refurbishment of the resort was completed in Spring 2009. Visit : www.resortragaz.ch. Contact Emma Powell at Emma@grifcopr.com. Kempinski Hotel Barbaros Bay, Bodrum, Turkey The Kempinski Hotel Barbaros Bay, in Bodrum, Turkey, is situated on Gökova Bay on the Aegean. Bodrum is a town of cobbled streets, past white washed houses and colourful flower displays with the lively Bodrum Bazaar. For those interested in discovering more about Turkeys passionate past, the hotel is close to many areas of historical interest, including the imposing medieval castle built by the Knights of Rhodes and the amphitheatre in Ephesus.It is also within easy reach of many Aegean villages which offer an insight into a time gone past. Visit : www.kempinski.com/bodrum. Contact : Emily Wilson at Emily@grifcopr.com. Preferred Hotel Group The Preferred Hotel Group has added 28 properties to its portfolio including : Gran Meliá Colon, which the first group property in Seville, Spain, which is located in the historic old quarter of the city Savoia Excelsior Palace, Trieste, Italy, which is a grand turn-of-the-century hotel that has been completely renovated and restored. Splendid Venice, Italy, which is reached by gondola directly to its private dock. Sterling Inn & Spa,Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada, which is the Falls' only luxury boutique hotel. Cork Factory Hotel, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA, which was once the home of a 19th-century cork manufacturing giant. Visit : www.preferredhotels.com. Contact : Laura Duncan at Laura@lucre.co.uk. Hotels in Vancouver, Canada The Georgian Court HotelThe Georgian Court Hotel has tailored one floor (18 rooms) exclusively to female travellers. At no extra charge, the ladies only Orchid Floor rooms include a flat-iron, curling-iron, ladies-only emergency kit, upgraded Aveda amenities, yoga mat and additional skirt hangers, as well as a copy of InStyle magazine. Visit : www.georgiancourt.com Opus Hotel Celebrity footwear designer, John Fluevog, has collaborated with Opus Hotels on a bespoke shoe for the valets and porters at their Vancouver and Montreal properties. The Opus Hotels Porter shoe is made with Italian leather and features a two-tone black and pink colour scheme reflecting Opus’s hip design. Guests can purchase the shoe for $329 (plus taxes). Visit : www.opushotel.com Contact : Wendy Underwood at wunderwood@tourismvancouver.com.
Ongoing independent press trip opportunities for Alliance members Lower Zambezi, Zambia : Sausage Tree Camp, a luxurious tented camp located within the heart of the Lower Zambezi National Park in Zambia, offering walking safaris, game drives, canoeing, boat trips and fishing - will be pleased to consider press visits to Alliance members with a commission. Visit : www.honourway.com. Contact : Honour Schram de Jong at honour@honourway.com. Wiltshire, located in the heart of the south-west of England has a number of high quality luxury hotels and a whole host of unique attractions. Visit : www.visitwiltshire.co.uk. Contact : Samantha Marsh: samantha@infinitypublicrelations.co.uk. Knockomie Hotel, Forres, Scotland, will be delighted to consider press trips from Alliance members for a 2-night stay in one of their 15 individually-themed rooms and dinner on one of the nights in their recently refurbished restaurant, The Grill. Visit: www.knockomie.co.uk. Contact: Lee MacGregor at lee@leemacgregorpr.com. South Lakeland Parks is the north-west UK’s leading holiday park operator featuring nine sites within Morecambe Bay, Ribble Valley and Lake District. Visit : www.southlakelandparks.co.uk. Contact : Samantha Marsh: samantha@infinitypublicrelations.co.uk Cumbria Tourism, the tourism body for Cumbria, UK incorporating the Lake District will be delighted to let Alliance members sample its delights from the great outdoors and exciting attractions to stylish hotels and high quality restaurants. Visit : www.golakes.co.uk. South Luangwa, Zambia : The Luangwa Valley has long been regarded as one of Africa’s finest wildlife destinations. Their portfolio includes Kapani Lodge and Kakuli, Luwi, Nsolo and Mchenja Camps. Norman Carr Safaris would be delighted to consider press visits to their properties to Alliance members with a commission. Visit : www.honourway.com. Contact : Honour Schram de Jong at honour@honourway.com. New York Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises will be delighted to host Alliance members with a commission. Visit: www.circleline42.com Contact: Lisa Chamberlain at lisa.chamberlain@btinternet.com The Haweswater Hotel, a new art-deco hotel located next to the secluded Haweswater Reservoir, Cumbria, UK, will be happy to consider offering accommodation to Alliance members. Visit : www.haweswaterhotel.com. Contact : Samantha Marsh: samantha@infinitypublicrelations.co.uk Premier Cottages has a range of stunning four and five star self-catering holiday cottages throughout the UK, Channel Islands and Ireland. Visit : www.premiercottages.co.uk. Contact : Samantha Marsh: samantha@infinitypublicrelations.co.uk. St Mary’s Hall Hotel, the Isles of Scilly is happy to provide press trip opportunities to Alliance members. Visit : www.stmaryshallhotel.co.uk. Contact : Karen Baker at karen@mercury-pr.co.uk 1066 Country which comprises the area of Battle, Bexhill, Hastings, Herstmonceux, Pevensey and Rye in East Sussex, UK. Visit : www.visit1066ocountry.com. Contact : Jane Ellis at jjmellis@hastings.gov.uk. The Wineport Lodge, Glasson County Westmeath, Ireland is happy to arrange press Alliance Members and can provide a range of story ideas related to food, wine, romance, weddings/honeymoons and spa escapes. Visit : www.wineport.ie. Contact: Nina Zapala at zapala@fzkllc.com. Sacha Lodge, Ecuador, which is a eco-lodge located within a 5000-acre private ecological reserve in Ecuador's Amazon region, right off the Napo RiverThe Lodge will be happy to consider offering press trip facilities to Alliance members, excluding flights. Visit : www.sachalodge.com. Contact : Adam York at adam@sublimepub.com. The Inn on Fifth, a luxurious, 87-room boutique hotel located in the heart of downtown Naples in Southwest Florida will be delighted to consider offering accommodation to Alliance members. Visit www.innonfifth.com. Contact : Kelly Grass Prieto at kelly@hayworthcreative.com. Great Hotels Organisation, representing over 200 of the world’s finest hotels and resorts worldwide through Great Hotels of the World and Special Hotels of the World would be pleased to consider offering press trip accommodation to Alliance members. Visit www.ghotw.com. Contact: Brooke Jester bjester@ghorg.com. Visit Chester and Cheshire and Visit Lincoln and Lincolnshire will be delighted to host Alliance members with a commission. Visit : www.visitchester.com and www.lincoln.gov.uk. Contact : Oliver Bennett at oliverbennett@blueyonder.co.uk. Swiss-Belhotel International, manages hotels, resorts and residences throughout the Asia Pacific, Southeast Asia, China and The Middle East regions. Visit : www.swiss-belhotel.com. Contact : Ayla Hass at aylahaas@swiss-belhotel.com. Pembrokeshire, South West Wales will be delighted to consider offering accommodation to Alliance members with a commission. Visit: www.pembrokeshire.com. Contact: Pat Edgar PRMatters@dsl.pipex.com The Rutland Hotel, Edinburgh, will be delighted to invite Alliance members to review this botique hotel. Visit www.therutlandhotel.com. Contact Yvonne or Fiona at info@nicheworks.co.uk. The Galapagos Islands : Quasar Expeditions would like to invite Alliance members to cover trips aboard the M/Y Grace, its vintage yacht in the Galapagos Islands. Visit : www.galapagosexpeditions.com/gracepresskit.php. Contact : Paul Schicke at paul@quasarex.com. Focus Hotels invite Alliance members to review their three and four-star properties located in key destinations across the UK. Visit : www.focushotels.co.uk. Contact : Eleanore Longley at eleanore@bacall.net. Champagne-Ardenne Tourisme, four departments boasting historic chateaux, walking & cycling routes, a variety of sports and superb natural scenery and of Champagne, will be pleased to consider press visits to Alliance members with a commission. Visit : www.tourisme-champagne-ardenne.comContact: Doug Goodman at doug@douggoodmanpr.com or on 0208 614 1448. The 5* Blythswood Square Hotel, Glasgow, formerly headquarters to the Royal Scottish Automobile Club, has been redeveloped by the Town House Collection Visit www.blythswoodsquare.com or www.thetownhousecollection.com. Contact: Jo Murphy at Jo@thespaprcompany.com. Aspects Holidays specialises in providing self-catering accommodation, from luxury apartments to traditional fisherman’s cottages in and around St Ives and the West Cornwall area of the UK. Aspects will be pleased to consider press visits to Alliance members with a commission. Visit www.aspects-holidays.co.uk. Contact : Karen Baker at karen@mercury-pr.co.uk. The Inn at Lathones, Scotland's only 4 star inn, is delighted to consider press trips from Alliance members. The 17th-century listed building near St Andrews is one of Scotland’s oldest coaching inns and boasts 21 recently refurbished external rooms/suites, an award-winning restaurant, an intimate stone-walled bar and converted stables that host regular music events. For more information visit: www.theinn.co.uk Contact: Lee MacGregor at lee@leemacgregorpr.com Cornwall Cottages will be delighted to consider offering accommodation to Alliance members. Visit: www.cornwallscottages.co.uk. Contact: Karen Outred at ko@freelancepr.fsnet.co.uk. Hartland Peninsula Arts, which runs landscape painting courses on the North Devon coast will be pleased to offer courses to Alliance members. Visit : www.landscapepaintingholidays.co.uk. Contact: Karen Outred at ko@freelancepr.fsnet.co.uk. The Discovery Collection, independent specialist in boutique breaks to North Cyprus, Turkey, Puglia, Sicily, Malta and Gozo, will be happy to consider offering press visits to Alliance members. A varied programme includes beach and city breaks, twin-centre stays, walking holidays and special interest tours. Visit : www.thediscoverycollection.com. Contact: Jill Guest at jill@ocean-advertising.co.uk or on 020 7436 Frontier Travel organise tailor-made holidays to Canada in both the Summer (www.frontier-canada.co.uk) and the Winter (www.frontier-ski.co.uk). The company will consider offering individuals press trips for Alliance members. Contact: Dave Ashmore at dave@frontier-travel.co.uk or on +44 (0) 20 8404 2447. Sail Lofts St Ives, a group of 12 luxury holiday apartments just metres from Porthmeor Beach, will be pleased to consider offering accommodation to Alliance members with a commission. Visit: www.saillofts.co.uk. Contact: Cathryn Hicks at cathryn@douggoodmanpr.com. The Alfajiri Villas and Galdessa Camp would like to invite Alliance members to stay at Alfajiri Villas (www.alfajirivillas.com) or Galdessa Camp (www.galdessa.com).Visit : www.FazendinPortfolio.com. Contact Sarah Fazendin at sarah@fazendinportfolio.com. The Peat Inn and 5-star restaurant in St.Andrews, Scotland will provide Alliance members able to review the Inn will receive complimentary dinner, bed and breakfast including guest. Visit : http://www.thepeatinn.co.uk. Contact : Megan Davidson at megan@crimsonedge.co.uk. The Isles of Scilly will be delighted to consider offering travel and accommodation to Alliance members on assignment, with a commission or who are able to obtain one. Visit: www.simplyscilly.co.uk. Contact: Karen Baker at karen@mercury-pr.co.uk. The Park Hyatt Istanbul-Maçka Palas, Turkey will be delighted to consider offering accommodation to Alliance members. Visit: www.hyatt.com. Kathryn Peel on +44 (0) 207 385 7090 or at Kathryn@grifcopr.com. Helpful Holidays, UK will be delighted to consider offering accommodation to Alliance members. Visit: www.helpfulholidays.com. Contact: Pat Edgar at PRMatters@dsl.pipex.com. Jet2.com and Jet2holidays.com will be happy to consider offering flights and holiday opportunities. Contact: Louise Woodward at louise@lucre.co.uk or on +44 (0) 113 243 1117 . Wilderness Journeys will be delighted to consider offering press trip facilities to Alliance members. Visit : www.wildernessjourneys.com. Contact: Stevie Christie at stevie@wildernessjourneys.com or on +44 (0)131 625 6635. Divi Resorts, the Caribbean will be happy to consider accommodation to Alliance members. Visit: www.diviresorts.com. Contact: Jacqueline Burton at jburton@fwv-us.com. Charming Hotel Madeira will be pleased to consider offering accommodation to Alliance members. Visit: www.charminghotelsmadeira.com. Contact: Cathryn Hicks at cathryn@douggoodmanpr.com. Sea Kayak Adventures explore Baja and Canada's newest marine parks and prolific whale watching destinations by sea kayak with Sea Kayak Adventures. Sea Kayak Adventures will be happy to provide press trip facilities to Alliance members. Visit: www.seakayakadventures.com. Contact: Nancy Mertz at info@seakayakadventures.com. The View Hotel, Monument Valley, Arizona, USA, which opened in September 2008, is situated on the Navajo Tribal Park, on the border of Arizona and Utah. The View Hotel will be delighted to consider offering accommodation to Alliance members. Visit: www.MonumentValleyView.com. Contact: Mike Finney at mike@azcomgroup.com. The Menzies Welcombe Hotel Spa & Golf Club, Stratford-upon-Avon will be delighted to offer dinner, bed and breakfast at this country house hotel to Alliance members able to review the property. Visit : www.menzieshotels.co.uk. Contact : Tanya Aspinwall at tanya@marketingaloud.co.uk Bike The Whites is New England’s inn-to-inn biking tour experience, which offers customized route planning for cyclists of all abilities, the scenic beauty of New Hampshire’s White Mountains. Bike the Whites will be delighted to hear from Alliance members. Visit: www.bikethewhites.com. Contact: Marti Mayne at Marti.Mayne@BedandBreakfast.com. Rosen Hotels will be delighted to host Alliance members who will be in the Orlando area, at the new 1500-room, 14-story Rosen Shingle Creek. Visit www.rosenshinglecreek.com. Contact Mary Deatrick at mdeatrick@cfl.rr.com. The Peace and Plenty, Bahamas will be delighted to provide accommodation to Alliance members. Visit: www.peaceandplenty.com. Contact: Hazel Heyer at hazel_heyer@hotmail.com. The Grand Hyatt San Antonio, Texas is a 1003-room, 37-storey luxury hotel, which has just opened in the bustling heart of the Alamo City. The Grand Hyatt San Antonio, Texas will be happy to consider providing accommodation to Alliance members. Visit: www.hyatt.com. Contact: Alison Wood at Alison@grifcopr.com or on +44 (0)207 385 7090. Ranch Rider stays are steeped in tradition, allowing travellers to sample an authentic western experience.Ranch Rider will be pleased to consider press trip facilities to Alliance members. Visit: www.ranchrider.com. Contact: Siobhan at siobhan@tionlondon.co.uk.
The following providers of travel products and services will be happy to provide these to Alliance members in return for a credit or review. Magellan's Magellan's, one of the worlds most trusted source of travel supplies, provides a superior selection of travel products to make travel more comfortable, safe, and rewarding. The Magellan’s product range offers hundreds of useful products. Visit : www.magellans.co.uk. Contact : Lynn Staneff at lstaneff@magellans.co.uk.
Dollar rent a car Dollar rent a car will be delighted to offer a discount to Alliance members on car rental in the USA in return for a credit. Discounts will be agreed on a case-by-case basis. Visit : www.dollar.co.uk, Contact : Cheryl Richardson at Cheryl.Richardson@DTAG.com or on + 44 (0) 20 7391 4622 The Leisure Pass The Leisure Pass Group creates all-inclusive ‘smart’ passes, for cities around the world. The purchase price covers entrance to all attractions, fast-track entry at a number of attractions, and gives discounts at shops, theatres, service providers and restaurants. Launching with The London Pass, the programme also includes York, New York, Paris and Philadelphia. Alliance members can get review passes for the cities covered. Visit : www.leisurepassgroup.com. Contact : Katie Wright at Katie.wright@sirenpr.co.uk. The Virtual Office The Virtual Office Group is offering Alliance members a special introductory rate to its selection of virtual office London Presence services. Home-based professionals wishing to enjoy a prestigious mailing address and dedicated central London telephone number can sign up for one or a combination of Virtual Office Service for a three month trial period, receive one month free and a waiver of the standard registration fee (£100). Visit www.virtual-office.co.uk. Contact : Karen Luard on 020 7917 9887 or at kp@KPcommunications.co.uk.
The following travel publishers will be happy to provide review copies to Alliance members. Anova Bookswww.anovabooks.com. Helen Ponting at hponting@anovabooks.co Berlitzwww.berlitzpublishing.com. Julia Spence at julia.spence@ukonline.co.uk Bradt Travelwww.bradtguides.com. Debbie Hunter at debbie.hunter@bradtguides.com Brit's Guidewww.foulsham.com. Margaret Lashbrook at margaret.lashbrook@lineone.net or Sue Wilkins at wilkins@foulsham.com. Cicerone www.cicerone.co.uk. Contact : Sarah Spencer at sarah@cicerone.co.uk Eland Publishing www.travelbooks.co.uk. Barnaby Rogerson at barnaby@travelbooks.co.uk.
www.fisherstravelsos.com. Furgan Syed at furqan.syed@fisherstravelsos.com. Global Travel Publishers www.africa-adventure.com. Kate Bandos at kate@ksbpromotions.com. Globetrotters LogBookwww.globetrotterslogbook.com. Giedo Claes at giedo@globetrotterslogbook.com Inn House Publishingwww.innhousepublishing.com. Kathryn McWhirter at kathrynmcwhirter@btopenworld.com. Insightwww.insightguides.com. Julia Spence at Julia.spence@ukonline.co.uk. In your pocket guideswww.inyourpocket.com. Craig Turp at editor@inyourpocket.com. Jane’s Smart Art Guideswww.JanesSmartArt.com. Jane McIntosh at MJM@JanesSmartArt.com Jonglez Publishing www.jonglezpublishing.com. Contact : Thomas Jonglez at info@jonglezpublishing.com. Kuperard Publisherswww.kuperard.co.uk. Contact : Geoffrey Chesler at geoffreychesler@btinternet.com. Lonely Planetwww.lonelyplanet.com. Europe, Middle East and Africa: Heather Carswell at heather.carswell@lonelyplanet.co.uk, North and Central America: Rand Freedman at rana.freedman@lonelyplanet.com.au; Australia, New Zealand and Asia: Brynony Cole at bryony.cole@lonelyplanet.com.au. Morris Communicationswww.themilepost.com. Contact Kate Bandos at kate@ksbpromotions.com. Odyssey Books & Guides www.odysseypublications.com. Contact : Caroline Eden at caroline@odysseypublications.com Oxygen Books city-litwww.oxygenbooks.co.uk Malcom Burgess at malcolm@oxygenbooks.co.uk Rough Guideswww.roughguides.com. Contact : press@roughguides. Turnleftwww.turnleftguides.comContact: Nick Buteau at nick@turnleftguides.com
Key information on a no-frills format for professional who travel to write, edit, broadcast or create images. Ashley@itwalliance.com www.itwalliance.com
Opportunities : for group and individual press tripsNews : items of interest to travel journalistsLeads : story ideasThe year ahead : annual festivals and events Reasons to write about : destinations and travel pursuits A place to stay :and review hotels, resorts and other accommodationProfile on : destinations Working with Alliance members : travel partners and their agencies Alerts : ongoing press trip opportunitiesOngoing initiativesTravel products and services : of interest to travel journalistsTravel guides : that will offer review copiesThe International Travel Writers Alliance and AllWays
To register with the International Travel Writers Alliance visit : www.itwalliance.com, click to enter the site and click on Register as a member/editor/partner or agency.
Alliance members looking to take advantage of any of the following opportunities should be on assignment, with a commission or able to obtain one. For ongoing opportunities for Alliance members see Alerts (below) or visit : www.internationaltravelwritersalliance.com. Grifco : Wilderness SafarisPR agency Grifco is now handling Wilderness Safaris and will be happy to consider offering pres trip opportunities to Alliance members. Wilderness Safaris has camps and runs overland safaris in Botswana, Namibia, Malawi, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe as well as the stunning North Island in the Seychelles. NamibiaNamibia is the fifth largest country in Africa and is the driest country south of the Sahara. Wilderness Safaris has 15 camps across Namibia including the acclaimed Little Kulala desert retreat and Serra Cafema Camp, one of the most remote camps in Southern Africa. Watch giraffes amble along the white saltpans of Etosha National Park, see gemsbok plunge up the steep red dunes of Sossusvlei and admire the unique desert-adapted elephant in Kunene. Botswana In the heart of southern Africa, Botswana offers one of the finest authentic wildlife experiences in the world. Wilderness Safaris has a total of 21 camps in the Okavango Delta, the Linyanti and the Central Kalahari Desert. Zimbabwe Zimbabwe offers a wealth of scenic landscapes cradled between two great African rivers, the Zambezi and the Limpopo. Wilderness Safaris has concentrated on the unspoilt, peaceful Northern parks and has four camps in the Hwange National Park and the Mana Pools National Park. Zambia A vast, landlocked country offering superb wildlife and remote game areas, Zambia is one of the region’s least visited and most rewarding destinations. Wilderness Safaris has ninr camps located in the Kafue National Park, the South Luangwa National Park, and the breathtaking Victoria Falls. Malawi A country in the heart of central southern Africa, known as the “warm heart of Africa”. The Liwonde National Park, Lake Malawi National Park, and Nyika National Park are the areas covered by Wilderness Safaris with their 6 Malawi wilderness camps. South Africa In recent years, South Africa has become one of the world’s top travel destinations. Its interior is characterised by a wide assortment of habitats from lush tropical forest to arid desert. Wilderness Safaris has two camps in the Kruger National Park and one in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park at Rocktail Bay. North Island, Seychelles North Island is a truly unspoilt tropical retreat 30km from the main island of Mahé. Comprising three granite outcrops with a tropical interior, the island was acquired by Wilderness Safaris in 1997 and the company has 11 guest villas on the island. Visit : www.wilderness-safaris.com. Contact : Claire Griffin at Claire@Grifcopr.com. Gairloch – North West Highlands, Scotland Scotland's Personal Hotels are helping to promote the rich biodiversity of the north-west Highlands of Scotland, focussing on the wildlife, dramatic highland landscapes and relationship between the mountains and the sea. Alliance members interested in an independent press trip to the area will get to take a marine wildlife trip to the Shiant Islands (known as “the enchanted islands”), to see harbour porpoise, minke whale, winter sea ducks, divers, and the chance to look for killer whale, white-beaked dolphin, common dolphin, risso’s dolphin, atlantic white-sided dolphin, bottlenose dolphin, long finned pilot whale, hump-back whale, fin whale, sei whale, sperm whale, great shearwater, manx shearwater, white billed diver. The area also has 240,000 puffins, 15,000 guillemots, 9,000 razorbills, 11,000 fulmar petrel, great skua and gulls,hebridean wren, white-tailed eagle, peregrin falcon Visit : www.scotland-hotels.com. Contact : Mark Linklater at mark@scotland-hotels.com. Kamili adds Rwanda Itineraries and remote Zambia African camps company Kamili is offering travellers the chance to explore Rwanda Itineraries and remote Zambia, some of Africa’s less trodden paths Rwanda, which is famed for its gorillas and known as the ‘land of a thousand hills’, also includes : Nyungwe Forest, the largest track of montane rainforest in East and Central Africa with its colonies of colobus monkeys, over 100 species of orchids and 250 species of birds; and Lake Kivu - ’a veritable inland sea’ dotted with picturesque islands. Plains Camp Busanga in Zambia is one of Africa’s most remote and beautiful spots, set in a wetland area of the far north of Kafue that is only accessible for four months of the year (July-October). The Plains Camp is the only independent camp in the area. Lions are abundant as well as cheetahs, huge herds of buffalo and wildebeest. Kamili represents a portfolio 40 independent African 4 and 5 star camps. Visit : www.kamili.co.uk. To discuss media visits contact : Jovanka Ristich at jovanka@independentpr.co.uk. St Mary’s Hall Hotel, the Isles of Scilly The new St Mary’s Hall Hotel, on the Isles of Scilly, is happy to provide press trip opportunities to Alliance members. Visit : www.stmaryshallhotel.co.uk. Contact : Karen Baker at karen@mercury-pr.co.uk. Press trips to AustriaThe Austrian National Tourist Board has put together suggestions for individual and group press trips, which focus on : Back to the roots – Alpbachtal Natural Wellbeing – Lech Zürs Different notes in perfect harmony – Bregenzerwald Leisure activities in the Alps – Montafon Art & Culture in nature – Bodensee Austria's fine cuisine – Zillertal Magical Hills – Country holidays for the whole family – SalzburgerLand Water world Austria - Zell am See Walking at its purest – Tirol Natural adrenaline rush – Saalbach Hinterglemm Group Press Trips Art & Culture in nature : May 2010 Natural Wellbeing : Autumn 2010 (September) Emotions, passion and pure bliss: It’s got to be winter! - Ski press trip : December 2010 Enjoy the beauty of an Austrian winter : December 2010 Visit : www.austriatourism.com. Contact : Martina Jamnig at martina.jamnig@austria.info.
The Holland House festival The Holland House festival takes place in Trafalgar Square on Saturday 17 April 2010. In addition to a nu,ber of exhibitions and displays there will be live music (by Dutch bands including headliners DI-RECT), authentic Dutch food and drink, a Dutch market and clog making. Visit : www.holland.com. Contact : Evelina Sugintaite at esugintaite@holland.com. Luxury Lanka Alliance member Will Rankin has become launch editor of a new luxury lifestyle magazine called Luxury Lanka. Based in Sri Lanka and Dubai, the magazine aims to attract discerning travellers and investors to Sri Lanka and to help Sri Lankans connect with businesses and investment opportunities in the Middle East. Luxury Lanka has the backing of the Ministry of Tourism, and is a BOI (Board of Investment) Company and will be looking for hotel news,luxury spa information and product reviews, etc.
Contact : Will Rankin at rankin73@gmail.com. Gulf Air and Jet Airways Middle east airline Gulf Air and Indian carrier Jet Airways have entered into a code share agreement on flights between Bahrain and India. From April 12, Gulf Air will put its ‘GF' flight code on Jet's daily services between Bahrain and Mumbai.
Gulf Air has a fleet of 35 aircraft connecting 43 cities in 28 countries Visit : www.gulfair.com and www.jetairways.com
The Tigmi boutique hotel, Marrakech The Tigmi boutique hotel is located in a biblical Berber hamlet on the Haouz plain outside Marrakech, where average spring temperatures are mid-to-high 70s. Visit : www.realmorocco.com. Contact : Sarah Belcher at S.Belcher@travelpr.co.uk.
The annual Dominica Dive Fest, which showcases the marine environment of Dominica is a ten-day festival focussing on scuba diving (9 to 18 July 2010). Visit : www.discoverdominica.com Contact : Marie Rosa at marie@adams-pr.com The Great Swedish Cruise The Great Swedish Cruise takes place aboard an historic white steamship for a journey through the scenic heartland of Sweden. A six-day cruise along the Göta Canal, part of a waterway including lakes and rivers connecting the cities of Stockholm and Gothenburg, takes in classic sights like Baroque Läckö Castle and canal landmarks such as the chain of locks at Berg, lifting the boat 18m above Lake Roxen. Visit : www.gotacanal.se. Contact : Sarah Belcher at S.Belcher@travelpr.co.uk.
The Globe Travel Centre consisting of three specialist tour operations including Kerala Travel Centre, India Travel Centre and Sri Lanka Travel Centre. Visit : www.srilankatravelcentre.com, www.indiatravelcentre.com and www.keralatravelcentre.co.uk. Contact : Raj Olickel at raj@indiatravelcentre.com. Steam trains in Snowdonia, Wales Ffestiniog Travel run a two-night scenic Snowdonia Steam Weekend, with return journeys on the recently-opened Welsh Highland Railway and the famous Ffestiniog Railway. Visit : www.festtravel.co.uk. Contact : Sarah Belcher at S.Belcher@travelpr.co.uk.
Shakespeare’s Globe will undertake regional tours of The Comedy of Errors and A Midsummer Night’s Dream between April and September 2010. Audiences to the Globe’s tours have grown over the years – reaching over 35,000 people across UK and Europe in 2009.
Visit : www.shakespeares-globe.org. Contact : Richard Scandrett at Richard.s@shakespearesglobe.com. Azamara Club CruisesAzamara Club Cruises is a cruise line for upmarket travellers aboard the Azamara Journey and Azamara Quest, with sailings in 54 countries calling at 174 ports sail in Europe, Asia, the Panama Canal, Transatlantic, and the Caribbean. Visit : www.azamaraclubcruises.com. Contact Briony Peters at bpeters@rccl.com.
Information for professional travel writes, editors, broadcasters and photographers on events and celebrations worldwide. The Wichita River Festival, Kansas May 7 – May 15, 2010 The Wichita River Festival is one of Kansas’ largest celebrations. Festivities start with opening night fireworks and a concert with Bret Michaels Roses and Thorns World Tour, and ends with Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture performed by the Wichita Symphony Orchestra and the Kansas Army National Guard and carillon bells. In between, attendees will enjoy additional concerts, parades, hot air balloons, a Cajun food fest, open air markets, ice cream socials and more. Visit : www.gowichita.com. Contact : Derek Mackenzie-Hook at dmh@TravelKsOk.co.uk. Reykjavik Arts Festival, Iceland 12 May 2010 to 05 June 2010 (annual, 40th) The festival features a variety of theatre events, dance shows, music concerts and art exhibitions. Visit : www.listahatid.is/en. Contact : Ingimundur Sigfússon at artfest@artfest.is. Lufthansa Festival Of Baroque Music, London 13 May 2010 to 22 May 2010 (annual, 26th) The festival is one of the largest celebrations of baroque music of the 18th century featuring performances from international soloists and ensembles. Visit : www.lufthansafestival.org.uk. Contact : Helen Tweedy at helen@albion-media.co.uk. Seattle International Film Festival, Washington State, USA 20 May 2010 to 13 June 2010 (annual, 36th) Largest and most highly attended film festival in the USA showcasing over 550 screenings. Includes 270 features and 140 shorts. Visit : www.siff.net. Contact : Cal Ledbetter at cal.ledbetter@siff.net. Carnival Of Culture, Kreuzberg, Berlin, Germany 21 May 2010 to 24 May 2010 (annual) A multi-cultural parade and street festival features music, dance and art. Over 100 bands and 4300 paraders from 70 countries participate in the procession. Parade takes place on May 23. Visit : www.karneval-berlin.de. Contact : Nadja Mau at info@karneval-berlin.de. Salzburger Pfingsfestspiele - Salzburg Whitsun Festival, Austria 21 May 2010 to 24 May 2010 (annual) Held in the House of Mozart, Festival House, Salzburg has performances by guest conductors, orchestras, singers, actors and virtuoso instrumentalists. Visit : www.salzburgerfestspiele.at. Contact : Ulla Kalchmair at u.kalchmair@salzburgfestival.at. Bath International Music Festival, Bath UK 26 May 2010 to 06 June 2010 (annual, 61st) The festival features classical, world, folk, contemporary and jazz music. Visit : www.bathmusicfest.org.uk. Contact : Juliet Simpson at juliet.simpson@bathfestivals.org.uk. Festspillene: Bergen International Festival, Norway 26 May 2010 to 10 June 2010 (annual, 58th) The Largest event of its kind in Nordic countries featuring opera, dance, drama, literature and visual arts. Around 50,000 visitors attend (30,000 at indoor events and 20,000 at outdoor performances). Visit : www.fib.no. Contact : Silje Gripsrud at siljeg@fib.no. International Mount Everest Day, Nepal 29 May 2010 (annual, 3rd) Nepal commemorates the first ascent of Mount Everest by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay. Celebrations include a mountain film festival, photography exhibitions and cultural programmes. Visit : www.tourism.gov.np. Contact : info@tourism.gov.np. Maailma Kylässä - World Village Festival, Helsinki, Finland 29 May 2010 to 30 May 2010 (annual, 14th) Multicultural celebration features music, workshops, children's activities, literary events and seminars where representatives of nearly 200 NGOs discuss global development issues. Visit : www.maailmakylassa.fi. Contact : Johanna Eurakoski at johanna.eurakoski@kepa.fi. Festival Flamenco Internacional de Alburquerque 9-13 June 2010 The festival will feature a number of premier performances as well as more than 30 workshops taught by master artists. Visit : www.nationalinstituteofflamenco.org and www.itsatrip.org. Contact : Megan Mayo at media@itsatrip.org. June events in Iceland International Annual Viking Festival11 to 20 June 2010 The Viking Village in Hafnarfjördur, hosts this annual festival celebrating the heritage of the wild and adventurous race that was the first to settle in Iceland. Enthusiasts from around the world dress in Viking costume ready to display their battle skills to whoever challenges them! Visit : www.vikingvillage.is/fjorukrain/is. Independence day 17 June 2010 Icelanders take to the streets in the world’s biggest block party to celebrate independence from the Danish crown in 1944. Festivities include colourful ceremonies, parades, street theatre, sideshows and dancing under the midnight sun. Visit : www.17juni.is Summer Solstice Festival 21 June 2010 Icelanders celebrate the midnight sun on the longest day of the year. Some believe that if you roll naked in the dew on this day, all your dreams will come true! Get-togethers often involve bonfires, a feast and merriment throughout the night during which the sun never sets. Við Djúpið22 to 27 June 2010 The annual music festival held in the West Fjords of Iceland around summer solstice, offering series of concerts and master classes. Visit : www.viddjupid.is Arctic Open Golf Tournament, Akureyri 24 to 26 June The tournament is held in Akureyri, just south of the Arctic Circle, with tee off at midnight during Iceland’s longest days and play taking place through the night. Midnight-sun open tournaments are also held in Reykjavík and the Westman Islands (Vestmannaeyjar). Visit www.arcticopen.is and www.golf.is. Visit : www.visiticeland.com. Contact : Sigridur Groa Thorarinsdottir at siggagroa@icetourist.is.
Alliance members looking to take advantage of any of the following should be on assignment, with a commission or able to obtain one. Taiwan Taiwan is a leaf-shaped island lying off the southeastern coast of mainland Asia, between Japan and the Philippines and across the Taiwan Straits from China. It sits on the western edge of the Pacific Rim of Fire and the resulting tectonic movements have formed a varied terrain of high mountains, rolling hills, fertile plains and basins and beautiful coastlines. There are six national parks and 13 designated national scenic areas on the island. Taiwan’s weather is as varied as its landscape but can be generally termed as sub-tropical. There are two distinct seasons: hot, from May-October - where temperatures can rise to 35C - and cool from November to March, where temperatures can dip to 10C. Typhoon season runs from mid-August to early October, however Taiwan’s infrastructure is well designed to cope when one blows in. Taiwanese culture is a mix of Chinese heritage, Japanese colonial influence and aboriginal culture, where fine art, folk traditions and popular culture all mix together. Visitors should ‘brush up’ on Taiwanese habits and customs to ensure that they do not cause offence and learn basic Taiwanese history to enjoy the culture and country to its fullest. Visit : www.taiwan.net.tw. Contact Sarah Habicht at sarah@saltmarshpr.co.uk Orpheus and Bacchus, Bordeaux Orpheus & Bacchus specialist cultural tour operator, which offers a range of special interest holidays in a house-party setting at the Domaine Le Faure, a renovated 18th century estate just 25 minutes from the historic wine-producing town of St Emilion in rural Bordeaux. Each year, Orpheus and Bacchus also host a number of Classical Music Festivals at the estate combining the great passions of classical music, great food and fine wine. The highlight of the Music Festival calendar will be the Second International Hummel & Friends Festival (18 – 21 May, 2010) the only festival in the classical music world to showcase the music of Johann Nepomuk Hummel, in association with the Hummel Project. Visit : www.orpheusandbacchus.com and www.jnhummel.info. Contact : Clair Horwood at clair@saltmarshpr.co.uk. The Nadaam Festival, Mongolia Mongolia, a landlocked country in East and Central Asia with Russia to the north and the People's Republic of China to the south, east and west, is remote and vast and home to one of the world’s last remaining nomadic cultures. Asia Transpacific Journeys runs trips to Mongolia that features : camel riding in the Gobi Desert traditional Mongolian feasts with locals lodging in a comfortable, furnished ger, the traditional yurt of the nomad archery, wrestling and horse racing at the Nadaam Festival conversations with reindeer herders in the forested north authentic song and folk dance performances, and tour leadership by a scholar of Inner Asian Studies The trips are run in July (2020 and 2011) around the annual Nadaam Festival in Ulannbaatar where men, women and children compete in horse racing, wrestling, archery and other ancient arts their ancestors plied while plundering and pillaging their way through Europe and Asia.
Asia Transpacific Journeys specialize in custom journeys and small group trips to Asia and the Pacific region. Visit : www.AsiaTranspacific.com. Contact : Sara Widness at sara@widnesspr.com. York County, PennsylvaniaYork County, Pennsylvania, the self-proclaimed ‘factory tour capital of the world’, has added three new tours to its itineraries. These include : the First Capital Federal Credit Union goes green with geo-thermal heating, rainwater capture, natural light enhancement, locally-sourced wood and recycled materials. Painted Spring Farm, which is a tour of a working alpaca farm at Painted Springs. York Time Institute founder, Dan Nied, has undertaken the conservation, restoration and repair of antique timepieces, as well as, manufacturing of custom watches and clocks. York County, is home to more than 15 free factory tours and located in the centre of the Pennsylvania Dutch Country Roads Region a short drive to Lancaster's Amish Country, Gettysburg's Battlefields and Hershey's Chocolate World. Visit : www.yorkpa.org/tours. Contact : Alison Smolinski at alison@yorkpa.org. Three Austrian cities The Austrian cities of Graz, Innsbruck and Salzburg offer a combination of culture, history and gastronomy Graz, which is Austria's southernmost city, is located on either bank of the River Mur is the Styrian capital, whose roots date back to the Roman age.It is known for its striking architecture. Salzburg, which is the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, is dominated by churches, castles and palaces. Its picturesque old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Sight. Innsbruck is located in the Tirol province in the heart of the Alps with all that this entails. Visit : www.graztourism.at, www.innsbruck.info and www.salzburg.info. Contact : Martina Jamnig at martina.jamnig@austria.info. Santa Monica Farmers' Market The Downtown Santa Monica Farmers' Market, one of the oldest and largest in California, features 75 farmers on Wednesdays, and 45 on Saturdays over four city blocks. Santa Monica is a city in western Los Angeles County. The star of this market is the California grown produce, and the dedicated farmers who raise it, from the potatoes on offer from Weiser Farms (German butterballs, Red Crescents, Peruvian Purples) and the English peas from McGrath Farms to the marinated chevres and fresh fromage blanc made at Harley Farms. Visit : www.smgov.net/farmers_market. Contact : Erika Maya at erikam@ballantinespr.com. The Silk Route Cycling ExpeditionAn epic journey by bicycle from Istanbul to Samarkand along the legendary Silk Route has been oted one of National Geographic Traveler’s “Tours of a Lifetime.” The Silk Route Cycling Expedition (22 May to 4 July 2010) hosted by Tour d’Afrique is among an annual showcase listing of the world’s 50 most extraordinary journeys. The Silk Road follows in the footsteps of Alexander the Great, Marco Polo and Genghis Khan on bike across the vast Asian continent. Participants pedal from Istanbul, Turkey to Samarkand, Uzbekistan via the Caucasus republics of Georgia and Azerbaijan, as well as enigmatic Turkmenistan. The Tours of a Lifetime feature will be in the May/June 2010 issue of National Geographic Traveler, on newsstands in mid-April. Visit : www.tourdafrique.com. Contact : Sara Widness at sara@widnesspr.com. One Ocean Expeditions Polar cruise operator, One Ocean Expeditions, which run nature-based tours to the Arctic and Antarctica that explore the extreme wilderness areas of the Canadian Arctic and Greenland. The Clipper Adventurer sails from Resolute Bay, Nunavut on 2 August 2010 arriving in Kangerlussuaq, Greenland on 14 August 2010. The voyage starts at the western end of Lancaster Sound, which connects the waters of the North Atlantic and Baffin Bay to the Arctic Ocean and the Canadian High Arctic Archipelago. From the fjords of Northeast Baffin Island the Clipper Adventurer will cross Baffin Bay to the icecap and dramatic mountains of Greenland. As well as lengthy hikes on the tundra for wildflowers and lichens, and wildlife zodiac cruises along the base of bird cliffs with many thousands of nesting guillemots, murres and kittiwakes, there is an important cultural aspect to this voyage. The Clipper Adventurer is a 122-passenger expedition vessel, reminiscent of the days of the great ocean liners, with lots of varnished wood and brass. Visit : www.oneoceanexpeditions.com. Contact : Debra Taylor at debra@toucanmoon.com.
Alliance members looking to take advantage of any of the following opportunities should be on assignment, with a commission or able to obtain one. Pennsylvania Farm VacationsThe 22 members of the Pennsylvania Farm Vacation Association includes : Flint Hill Farm and Education Center in Coopersburg, Lehigh County, where guests help feed the sheep, milk the goats and groom the horses. Rocky Acre Farm Bed and Breakfast in Mount Joy, Lancaster County, where wannabe farmers can gather their own eggs before breakfast or help milk the cows - the farm has more than 650! - and feed the calves. Pheasant Field Bed and Breakfast in Carlisle, where visitors can hike parts of the Appalachian Trail - a spring/summer tradition - or try their hand at fly fishing. Kaltenbach's Farm Bed and Breakfast in Wellsboro allows guests to bike the rail trail running through Pennsylvania's "Grand Canyon and guests can saddle up and ride trails through the Appalachian Mountains at Buck Valley Ranch in Warfordsburg Fulton County and Uncle Clem's Place in Harrisonburg in south-central Pennsylvania. Visit : www.pafarmstay.com. For press trip opportunities contact : Nadine Fox at info@pafarmstay.com. The Sukhothai BangkokThe Sukhothai Bangkok has unveiled the first phase of renovations to 40 of the hotel’s superior rooms, with all 100 rooms to be completely refurbished by July 2010. Set within six acres of landscaped gardens in the heart of Bangkok, this hotel has long been a favourite with visitors to Thailand’s bustling capital and is a member of the Leading Hotels of the World network. The current refurbishment has been undertaken by internationally-renowned interior designer Edward Tuttle, who has been involved with hotel and resort developments worldwide, including The Chedi Phuket and Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme. Visit : www.sukhothai.com. Contact : Alex Everall at alex@bacall.net Courtyard by Marriott's three resorts in PhuketCourtyard by Marriott's three resorts in Phuket, which is an island in the south of Thailand, are the Patong Beach, Kamala Beach and Surin Beach. All three are situated very close to to Phuket's finest beaches and the island's shopping and restaurants districts. The Patong Beach resort is also home to the Hard Rock Café. Visit : www.courtyard.com. Contact : Patsada Satthacharoen at patsada.s@courtyard.com. Nantucket Island, New England Wimco Villas is to begin offering luxury villa rentals in North America starting with Nantucket Island, New England where a collection of 30 villas are available as summer rentals. The Nantucket Wine Festival takes place from May 19-23, the Nantucket Restaurant Week from 7 to 13 June and the Nantucket Film Festival from 17 to 20 June. Visit : www.wimco.com. Contact : Rebecca Widness at rebecca@widness-co-pr.com. The Sheraton Bratislava Hotel The opening of The Sheraton Bratislava Hotel marks the debut of the Sheraton brand in Slovakia. The hotel, located in the new multifunctional city quarter EUROVEA on the Danube embankment, features 186 rooms and 23 suites. It is next to the new Slovak National Theatre and ten minutes walk from the historic centre of the city. Visit : www.sheraton.com/bratislava. Contact : Amalie Craig at amalie.craig@starwoodhotels.com. The Sheraton Qiandao Lake Resort, China The Sheraton Qiandao Lake Resort is located on the shores of China’s famed Qiandao Lake, also, known as the Lake of Thousand Islands. The hotel is located on the lakeshore of Qiandao Lake, a popular tourist destination for mountain climbing, cycling and other outdoor activities. Starwood is set to open more than 20 hotels in China this year. Visit www.starwoodhotels.com. Contact : Amalie Craig at amalie.craig@starwoodhotels.com.
The following travel partners and agencies have registered with the Alliance and are keen to work with Alliance travel writers, editors, broadcasters and photographers. Other Alliance partners and agencies can be found at www.itwalliance.com. PartnersNew York State Division of Tourism New York City is just one of the 11 regions in New York State. The State is roughly the size of France and boarders Pennsylvania, New England, New Jersey and Canada. It covers over 47,000 square miles and boasts 4000 lakes, 1500 towns and villages, over 240 wineries and 150 State Parks. Historic and cultural sights and museums are found across the State and include the Roosevelt Mansion, The Vanderbilt Estate, Fort Niagara, The Kodak International Museum of Photography and WestPoint Military Academy. Visit : www.nylovesu.co.uk. Contact : Lyndsey Thomas at Lyndsey.thomas@nyseurope.com. North Cyprus Tourism Centre The North Cyprus Tourism Centre runs promotional activities, encouraging and co-ordinating promotional efforts of organisations marketing North Cyprus as a holiday. The NCTC also focuses on developing tourism from continental Europe to North Cyprus. Visit : www.northcyprus.cc. Contact : Burcu Okur at burcu@northcyprus.cc. The Texas Travel Industry AssociationThe Texas Travel Industry Association is a non-profit organization of businesses, organizations, associations and individuals dedicated to developing Texas tourism to its fullest potential. Visit : www.ttia.org. Contact : Sarah Ruh at sarahr@ttia.org. Adventure Cycling Association The Adventure Cycling Association is the premier bicycle travel organization in North America with more than 42,000 members. Adventure Cycling welcomes press inquiries regarding our routes and tours. Opportunities also exist for complimentary press tours. Visit : www.adventurecycling.org. Contact : Winona Sorensen at wsorensen@adventurecycling.org. Destination Portugal Having offered holidays to every kind of accommodation throughout the Portuguese mainland, Madeira and the Azores for 32 years, Destination Portugal has added programmes to ex-Portuguese colonies around Africa, namely Cape Verde Islands, Mozambique and Sao Tome. Visit : www.destination-portugal.co.uk and www.africanislands.co.uk. Contact : John Perriss at jrp@destination-portugal.co.uk. Agencies Doug Goodman PR
Doug Goodman PR specialise in travel and leisure PR for hotels, resorts and tour operators. Current clients include: 3 hotels in Mallorca Charming Hotels Madeira Sail Lofts - St Ives self-catering properties Champagne-Ardenne Tourist Board P&O Ferries (Dover - Calais) Indian specialist Avion Holidays and various clients in India BRIGHT (training consortium for independent travel agents) Contact: Cathryn Hicks at cathryn@douggoodmanpr.com. Adams Unlimited Adams Unlimited is a full-service marketing communications and public relations firm specializing in the domestic and international travel and hospitality industry. Visit : www.adams-pr.com. Cathy Preece at cathy@adams-pr.com. Beacon PR Beacon PR is a UK-focused agency working on behalf of travel and leisure cleints in the UK. Visit : www.beaconpr.co.uk Contact : Jane Williams at jane@beaconpr.co.uk. Independent Public Relations With its portfolio of clients collectively featuring 80 destinations across the globe Independent Public Relations (IPR) is able to provide freelance writers and commissioning editors with a diverse selection of feature ideas as well as travel and accommodation suggestions on a range of themes. Contact : Jovanka Ristich at jovanka@independentpr.co.uk. Jungle Public Relations Jungle PR are travel and tourism specialists. Contact : Kate Abbot at kate@junglepr.com.
Ongoing independent press trip opportunities for Alliance members Lower Zambezi, Zambia : Sausage Tree Camp, a luxurious tented camp located within the heart of the Lower Zambezi National Park in Zambia, offering walking safaris, game drives, canoeing, boat trips and fishing - will be pleased to consider press visits to Alliance members with a commission. Visit : www.honourway.com. Contact : Honour Schram de Jong at honour@honourway.com. St Mary’s Hall Hotel, the Isles of Scilly is happy to provide press trip opportunities to Alliance members. Visit : www.stmaryshallhotel.co.uk. Contact : Karen Baker at karen@mercury-pr.co.uk South Luangwa, Zambia : The Luangwa Valley has long been regarded as one of Africa’s finest wildlife destinations. Their portfolio includes Kapani Lodge and Kakuli, Luwi, Nsolo and Mchenja Camps. Norman Carr Safaris would be delighted to consider press visits to their properties to Alliance members with a commission. Visit : www.honourway.com. Contact : Honour Schram de Jong at honour@honourway.com. Knockomie Hotel, Forres, Scotland, will be delighted to consider press trips from Alliance members for a 2-night stay in one of their 15 individually-themed rooms and dinner on one of the nights in their recently refurbished restaurant, The Grill. Visit: www.knockomie.co.uk. Contact: Lee MacGregor at lee@leemacgregorpr.com. New York Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises will be delighted to host Alliance members with a commission. Visit: www.circleline42.com Contact: Lisa Chamberlain at lisa.chamberlain@btinternet.com 1066 Country which comprises the area of Battle, Bexhill, Hastings, Herstmonceux, Pevensey and Rye in East Sussex, UK. Visit : www.visit1066ocountry.com. Contact : Jane Ellis at jjmellis@hastings.gov.uk. The Wineport Lodge, Glasson County Westmeath, Ireland is happy to arrange press Alliance Members and can provide a range of story ideas related to food, wine, romance, weddings/honeymoons and spa escapes. Visit : www.wineport.ie. Contact: Nina Zapala at zapala@fzkllc.com. Sacha Lodge, Ecuador, which is a eco-lodge located within a 5000-acre private ecological reserve in Ecuador's Amazon region, right off the Napo RiverThe Lodge will be happy to consider offering press trip facilities to Alliance members, excluding flights. Visit : www.sachalodge.com. Contact : Adam York at adam@sublimepub.com. The Inn on Fifth, a luxurious, 87-room boutique hotel located in the heart of downtown Naples in Southwest Florida will be delighted to consider offering accommodation to Alliance members. Visit www.innonfifth.com. Contact : Kelly Grass Prieto at kelly@hayworthcreative.com. Great Hotels Organisation, representing over 200 of the world’s finest hotels and resorts worldwide through Great Hotels of the World and Special Hotels of the World would be pleased to consider offering press trip accommodation to Alliance members. Visit www.ghotw.com. Contact: Brooke Jester bjester@ghorg.com. Visit Chester and Cheshire and Visit Lincoln and Lincolnshire will be delighted to host Alliance members with a commission. Visit : www.visitchester.com and www.lincoln.gov.uk. Contact : Oliver Bennett at oliverbennett@blueyonder.co.uk. Swiss-Belhotel International, manages hotels, resorts and residences throughout the Asia Pacific, Southeast Asia, China and The Middle East regions. Visit : www.swiss-belhotel.com. Contact : Ayla Hass at aylahaas@swiss-belhotel.com. Pembrokeshire, South West Wales will be delighted to consider offering accommodation to Alliance members with a commission. Visit: www.pembrokeshire.com. Contact: Pat Edgar PRMatters@dsl.pipex.com The Rutland Hotel, Edinburgh, will be delighted to invite Alliance members to review this botique hotel. Visit www.therutlandhotel.com. Contact Yvonne or Fiona at info@nicheworks.co.uk. The Galapagos Islands : Quasar Expeditions would like to invite Alliance members to cover trips aboard the M/Y Grace, its vintage yacht in the Galapagos Islands. Visit : www.galapagosexpeditions.com/gracepresskit.php. Contact : Paul Schicke at paul@quasarex.com. Focus Hotels invite Alliance members to review their three and four-star properties located in key destinations across the UK. Visit : www.focushotels.co.uk. Contact : Eleanore Longley at eleanore@bacall.net. Champagne-Ardenne Tourisme, four departments boasting historic chateaux, walking & cycling routes, a variety of sports and superb natural scenery and of Champagne, will be pleased to consider press visits to Alliance members with a commission. Visit : www.tourisme-champagne-ardenne.comContact: Doug Goodman at doug@douggoodmanpr.com or on 0208 614 1448. The 5* Blythswood Square Hotel, Glasgow, formerly headquarters to the Royal Scottish Automobile Club, has been redeveloped by the Town House Collection Visit www.blythswoodsquare.com or www.thetownhousecollection.com. Contact: Jo Murphy at Jo@thespaprcompany.com. Aspects Holidays specialises in providing self-catering accommodation, from luxury apartments to traditional fisherman’s cottages in and around St Ives and the West Cornwall area of the UK. Aspects will be pleased to consider press visits to Alliance members with a commission. Visit www.aspects-holidays.co.uk. Contact : Karen Baker at karen@mercury-pr.co.uk. The Inn at Lathones, Scotland's only 4 star inn, is delighted to consider press trips from Alliance members. The 17th-century listed building near St Andrews is one of Scotland’s oldest coaching inns and boasts 21 recently refurbished external rooms/suites, an award-winning restaurant, an intimate stone-walled bar and converted stables that host regular music events. For more information visit: www.theinn.co.uk Contact: Lee MacGregor at lee@leemacgregorpr.com Cornwall Cottages will be delighted to consider offering accommodation to Alliance members. Visit: www.cornwallscottages.co.uk. Contact: Karen Outred at ko@freelancepr.fsnet.co.uk. The Discovery Collection, independent specialist in boutique breaks to North Cyprus, Turkey, Puglia, Sicily, Malta and Gozo, will be happy to consider offering press visits to Alliance members. A varied programme includes beach and city breaks, twin-centre stays, walking holidays and special interest tours. Visit : www.thediscoverycollection.com. Contact: Jill Guest at jill@ocean-advertising.co.uk or on 020 7436 Frontier Travel organise tailor-made holidays to Canada in both the Summer (www.frontier-canada.co.uk) and the Winter (www.frontier-ski.co.uk). The company will consider offering individuals press trips for Alliance members. Contact: Dave Ashmore at dave@frontier-travel.co.uk or on +44 (0) 20 8404 2447. Sail Lofts St Ives, a group of 12 luxury holiday apartments just metres from Porthmeor Beach, will be pleased to consider offering accommodation to Alliance members with a commission. Visit: www.saillofts.co.uk. Contact: Cathryn Hicks at cathryn@douggoodmanpr.com. The Alfajiri Villas and Galdessa Camp would like to invite Alliance members to stay at Alfajiri Villas (www.alfajirivillas.com) or Galdessa Camp (www.galdessa.com).Visit : www.FazendinPortfolio.com. Contact Sarah Fazendin at sarah@fazendinportfolio.com. The Peat Inn and 5-star restaurant in St.Andrews, Scotland will provide Alliance members able to review the Inn will receive complimentary dinner, bed and breakfast including guest. Visit : www.thepeatinn.co.uk. Contact : Megan Davidson at megan@crimsonedge.co.uk. The Isles of Scilly will be delighted to consider offering travel and accommodation to Alliance members on assignment, with a commission or who are able to obtain one. Visit: www.simplyscilly.co.uk. Contact: Karen Baker at karen@mercury-pr.co.uk. The Park Hyatt Istanbul-Maçka Palas, Turkey will be delighted to consider offering accommodation to Alliance members. Visit: www.hyatt.com. Kathryn Peel on +44 (0) 207 385 7090 or at Kathryn@grifcopr.com. Helpful Holidays, UK will be delighted to consider offering accommodation to Alliance members. Visit: www.helpfulholidays.com. Contact: Pat Edgar at PRMatters@dsl.pipex.com. Jet2.com and Jet2holidays.com will be happy to consider offering flights and holiday opportunities. Contact: Louise Woodward at louise@lucre.co.uk or on +44 (0) 113 243 1117 . Wilderness Journeys will be delighted to consider offering press trip facilities to Alliance members. Visit : www.wildernessjourneys.com. Contact: Stevie Christie at stevie@wildernessjourneys.com or on +44 (0)131 625 6635. Divi Resorts, the Caribbean will be happy to consider accommodation to Alliance members. Visit: www.diviresorts.com. Contact: Jacqueline Burton at jburton@fwv-us.com. Charming Hotel Madeira will be pleased to consider offering accommodation to Alliance members. Visit: www.charminghotelsmadeira.com. Contact: Cathryn Hicks at cathryn@douggoodmanpr.com. Sea Kayak Adventures explore Baja and Canada's newest marine parks and prolific whale watching destinations by sea kayak with Sea Kayak Adventures. Sea Kayak Adventures will be happy to provide press trip facilities to Alliance members. Visit: www.seakayakadventures.com. Contact: Nancy Mertz at info@seakayakadventures.com. The View Hotel, Monument Valley, Arizona, USA, which opened in September 2008, is situated on the Navajo Tribal Park, on the border of Arizona and Utah. The View Hotel will be delighted to consider offering accommodation to Alliance members. Visit: www.MonumentValleyView.com. Contact: Mike Finney at mike@azcomgroup.com. The Menzies Welcombe Hotel Spa & Golf Club, Stratford-upon-Avon will be delighted to offer dinner, bed and breakfast at this country house hotel to Alliance members able to review the property. Visit : www.menzieshotels.co.uk. Contact : Tanya Aspinwall at tanya@marketingaloud.co.uk Bike The Whites is New England’s inn-to-inn biking tour experience, which offers customized route planning for cyclists of all abilities, the scenic beauty of New Hampshire’s White Mountains. Bike the Whites will be delighted to hear from Alliance members. Visit: www.bikethewhites.com. Contact: Marti Mayne at Marti.Mayne@BedandBreakfast.com. Rosen Hotels will be delighted to host Alliance members who will be in the Orlando area, at the new 1500-room, 14-story Rosen Shingle Creek. Visit www.rosenshinglecreek.com. Contact Mary Deatrick at mdeatrick@cfl.rr.com. The Peace and Plenty, Bahamas will be delighted to provide accommodation to Alliance members. Visit: www.peaceandplenty.com. Contact: Hazel Heyer at hazel_heyer@hotmail.com. The Grand Hyatt San Antonio, Texas is a 1003-room, 37-storey luxury hotel, which has just opened in the bustling heart of the Alamo City. The Grand Hyatt San Antonio, Texas will be happy to consider providing accommodation to Alliance members. Visit: www.hyatt.com. Contact: Alison Wood at Alison@grifcopr.com or on +44 (0)207 385 7090. Ranch Rider stays are steeped in tradition, allowing travellers to sample an authentic western experience.Ranch Rider will be pleased to consider press trip facilities to Alliance members. Visit: www.ranchrider.com. Contact: Siobhan at siobhan@tionlondon.co.uk.
The following providers of travel products and services will be happy to provide these to Alliance members in return for a credit or review. Magellan's Magellan's, one of the worlds most trusted source of travel supplies, provides a superior selection of travel products to make travel more comfortable, safe, and rewarding. Visit : www.magellans.co.uk. Contact : Lynn Staneff at lstaneff@magellans.co.uk. Dollar rent a car Dollar rent a car will be delighted to offer a discount to Alliance members on car rental in the USA in return for a credit. Discounts will be agreed on a case-by-case basis. Visit : www.dollar.co.uk, Contact : Cheryl Richardson at Cheryl.Richardson@DTAG.com or on + 44 (0) 20 7391 4622 The Leisure Pass The Leisure Pass Group creates all-inclusive ‘smart’ passes, for cities around the world. The purchase price covers entrance to all attractions, fast-track entry at a number of attractions, and gives discounts at shops, theatres, service providers and restaurants. Launching with The London Pass, the programme also includes York, New York, Paris and Philadelphia. Alliance members can get review passes for the cities covered. Visit : www.leisurepassgroup.com. Contact : Katie Wright at Katie.wright@sirenpr.co.uk. The Virtual Office The Virtual Office Group is offering Alliance members a special introductory rate to its selection of virtual office London Presence services. Home-based professionals wishing to enjoy a prestigious mailing address and dedicated central London telephone number can sign up for one or a combination of Virtual Office Service for a three month trial period, receive one month free and a waiver of the standard registration fee (£100). Visit www.virtual-office.co.uk. Contact : Karen Luard on 020 7917 9887 or at kp@KPcommunications.co.uk.
The following travel publishers will be happy to provide review copies to Alliance members. Anova Bookswww.anovabooks.com. Helen Ponting at hponting@anovabooks.co Berlitzwww.berlitzpublishing.com. Julia Spence at julia.spence@ukonline.co.uk Bradt Travelwww.bradtguides.com. Debbie Hunter at debbie.hunter@bradtguides.com Brit's Guidewww.foulsham.com. Margaret Lashbrook at margaret.lashbrook@lineone.net or Sue Wilkins at wilkins@foulsham.com. Cicerone www.cicerone.co.uk. Contact : Sarah Spencer at sarah@cicerone.co.uk Eland Publishing www.travelbooks.co.uk. Barnaby Rogerson at barnaby@travelbooks.co.uk.
www.fisherstravelsos.com. Furgan Syed at furqan.syed@fisherstravelsos.com. Global Travel Publishers www.africa-adventure.com. Kate Bandos at kate@ksbpromotions.com. Globetrotters LogBookwww.globetrotterslogbook.com. Giedo Claes at giedo@globetrotterslogbook.com Inn House Publishingwww.innhousepublishing.com. Kathryn McWhirter at kathrynmcwhirter@btopenworld.com. Insightwww.insightguides.com. Julia Spence at Julia.spence@ukonline.co.uk. In your pocket guideswww.inyourpocket.com. Craig Turp at editor@inyourpocket.com. Jane’s Smart Art Guideswww.JanesSmartArt.com. Jane McIntosh at MJM@JanesSmartArt.com Jonglez Publishing www.jonglezpublishing.com. Contact : Thomas Jonglez at info@jonglezpublishing.com.
Kuperard Publisherswww.kuperard.co.uk. Contact : Geoffrey Chesler at geoffreychesler@btinternet.com. Lonely Planetwww.lonelyplanet.com. Europe, Middle East and Africa: Heather Carswell at heather.carswell@lonelyplanet.co.uk, North and Central America: Rand Freedman at rana.freedman@lonelyplanet.com.au; Australia, New Zealand and Asia: Brynony Cole at bryony.cole@lonelyplanet.com.au. Morris Communicationswww.themilepost.com. Contact Kate Bandos at kate@ksbpromotions.com. Odyssey Books & Guides www.odysseypublications.com. Contact : Caroline Eden at caroline@odysseypublications.com Oxygen Books city-litwww.oxygenbooks.co.uk Malcom Burgess at malcolm@oxygenbooks.co.uk Rough Guideswww.roughguides.com. Contact : press@roughguides. Turnleftwww.turnleftguides.comContact: Nick Buteau at nick@turnleftguides.com
Key information on a no-frills format for professional who travel to write, edit, broadcast or create images. Ashley@itwalliance.com www.itwalliance.com
Opportunities : for group and individual press tripsNews : items of interest to travel journalistsLeads : story ideasThe year ahead : annual festivals and events Reasons to write about : destinations and travel pursuits A place to stay :and review hotels, resorts and other accommodationProfile on : destinations Working with Alliance members : travel partners and their agencies Alerts : ongoing press trip opportunitiesOngoing initiativesTravel products and services : of interest to travel journalistsTravel guides : that will offer review copiesThe International Travel Writers Alliance and AllWays
To register with the International Travel Writers Alliance visit : www.itwalliance.com, click to enter the site and click on Register as a member/editor/partner or agency.
Alliance members looking to take advantage of any of the following opportunities should be on assignment, with a commission or able to obtain one. For ongoing opportunities for Alliance members see Alerts (below) or visit : www.internationaltravelwritersalliance.com. Solstice Spa & Suites, Washington, USA Solstice Spa & Suites, a destination spa located at the foot of the Cascade Mountains (approx. 2 hours from Seattle) is inviting writers who wish to discover the beauty of North Central Washington. The resort is especially interested in spa & travel writers and requires a letter of assignment or three writing samples for publications with 100,000 +/- circulation. Visit : www.solsticespa.net. Contact Julie Hamstreet at PR@solsticespa.net. Widness PR Widness PR has a number of clients willing to offer Alliance members with press trip opportunities including : EcoventuraEcoventure is a family-owned company based in Guayaquil, Ecuador. In operation since 1990, Ecoventura transports 4,000+ passengers annually aboard three expedition vessels, identical, superior first-class 20-passenger motor yachts, plus a 16-passenger dedicated dive live-aboard. www.ecoventura.com
Maverick brings together business owners, entrepreneurs and CEOs for ultra exclusive access to high adrenaline, life-transforming adventures. www.maverickbusinessadventures.com Planeterra Foundation A global non-profit dedicated to sustainable community development through travel; founded in 2003 by Gap Adventures, the largest independent adventure travel company in the world. Planeterra identifies needs, develops projects and works with Gap Adventures to arrange voluntour travel programs worldwide. www.Planeterra.org
Tour d’Afrique organizes transcontinental bicycle tours and races of 10 days to four months with cycling events for amateurs and professionals traversing all or part of four continents and over 30 countries. Its mission is to give back to the communities touched by their tours and raise consciousness about the many benefits of bicycles as a means of sustainable transportation. www.tourd’afrique.com
Trusted Adventures represents the industry’s tours and itineraries designed to enrich the travel experience while preserving the planet and its cultural heritage. www.trustedadventures.com
Africa Adventure Consultants supports a variety of African conservation organizations, community-based tourism programs and humanitarian causes; customized soft-footprint safaris for individuals, couples and small groups. www.adventuresinafrica.com
Based in Lake Tahoe, California, AdventureSmith Explorations is a leader in small ship, expeditionary cruise vacations. Founder Todd Smith pioneered the concept of wilderness cruising that combines the comforts of a small cruise ship with the adventure of sea kayaking and exploring ashore in remote wilderness areas. The company specialises in off-the-beaten-path destinations in Alaska, the Caribbean, Costa Rica, Belize, Ecuador and the Galapagos, Guatemala, the Arctic, Antarctica and New Zealand.
Press trips are often an option for Alliance members on assignment or with a commission. Contact : Sara Widness at sara@widnesspr.com. The Black Swan Hotel, Helmsley, North Yorkshire, UKFood and wine lovers are being offered a true taste of Yorkshire with a special summer stay at one of the region’s finest hotels. The Black Swan Hotel in the market town of Helmsley, has launched a two-night break giving visitors the chance to sample some of the finest wine and cuisine that Yorkshire has to offer. The package includes two night’s accommodation in a classic room, many with views overlooking the hotel’s stunning landscaped garden, a three course dinner in the hotel’s Rutland Restaurant on one evening of their stay and full English breakfast on both mornings. Visit www.blackswan-helmsley.co.uk. To arrange a review visit contact : Claire Buchan at at claire@sortedpr.com. Llandudno, Conwy, Colwyn Bay and Rhos-on-Sea, North West Wales, UK
North West Wales, UK, offers a destination for a beach holiday, gentle sightseeing or more strenuous activities. Activities : kite surfing, rock climbing, underground mining experience Outdoors : The Great Orme nature reserve includes rare butterflies, nesting birds and wild kashmiri goats, gateway to Snowdonia, Heritage : UNESCO World Heritage Site, Conwy Castle, the UK’s smallest house and church, 125 year old pier, Punch and Judy Food : fresh Mmussels, country pubs, local producers of cheese, chocolate, bakery goods, award winning deli, Conwy High Street nominated for Google’s Best Foodie Street Accommodation : boutique B&Bs, sea front hotels, self catering cottages Upcoming events : Llandudno Transport Festival 1-3 May, Victorian Extravaganza 1-3 May, Bay of Colwyn Promenade Day 3 May, Three Castles Welsh Classic Trial and Heritage Tour 2 – 5 June, The Llandudno Festival of Music and Arts 19 June - 17 July Visit : www.visitllandudno.org.uk. For press trip opportunities contact Caroline Peers at cpeers@webershandwick.com. Scotland's Personal Hotels Scotland's Personal Hotels is delighted to offer press trip facilities to Alliance members.
Scotland’s Personal Hotels, comprises independent hotels across Scotland, ranging from deluxe country house hotels and Castles to small country pubs with rooms. Visit : www.scotland-hotels.com. Contact : Mark Linklater at mark@scotland-hotels.com
The New Steine Hotel, Bar and Bistro & Gulliver’s Hotel, Brighton, located two minutes walk from the sea front, is a small boutique hotel with 16 bedrooms. Visit : www.steinehotel.com. Contact : Mark Linklater at mark@scotland-hotels.com The Virtual Office The Virtual Office Group is offering Alliance members a special introductory rate to its selection of virtual office London Presence services. Home-based professionals wishing to enjoy a prestigious mailing address and dedicated central London telephone number can sign up for one or a combination of Virtual Office Service for a three month trial period, receive one month free and a waiver of the standard registration fee (£100). This represents savings of between £155 - £200. Many home workers based outside the UK capital have discovered the advantages of a central London mailing address and dedicated central London telephone number. Visit www.virtual-office.co.uk. Contact : Karen Luard on 020 7917 9887 or at kp@KPcommunications.co.uk. St Mary’s Hall Hotel, Isles of Scilly The St Mary’s Hall Hotel, Isles of Scilly, ha reopened after a four month refurbishment programme to upgrade its facilities and offer 21 rooms and 3 self contained suites within an elegant Townhouse. The Isles of Scilly are a string of islands forming an archipelago some 28 miles off Lands End, the south western tip of the UK's Cornish peninsula.
Visit : www.stmaryshallhotel.co.uk. Alliance members interested in press trips to the hotel and islands should contact : Karen Baker at karen@mercury-pr.co.uk.
The Guild of Travel and Tourism The Guild of Travel and Tourism is a travel industry trade association open to individual and corporate membership within the travel and tourism industry of the UK. The Guild’s focus is to incorporate a programme of business-to-business forums supporting membership businesses nationally and internationally. The Guild’s first international chapter, in Hong Kong, launches in April 2010 and plans are in place to set up operations to India, Europe, America and the Middle East. Visit : www.traveltourismguild.com. Contact : Karen Luard at kp@KPcommunications.co.uk Emirates Emirates will launch a A380 Dubai-Beijing-Dubai service on 1st August 2010.
The new service is the first A380 operation to China, and Emirates operation of A380 aircraft on routes to Toronto, London Heathrow, Paris, Seoul, Bangkok, Sydney, Auckland, Jeddah and Beijing, from its hub in Dubai. Contact : www.emirates.com. Contact : Leisa Workman at lworkman@bell-pottinger.co.uk The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba, the Caribbean Luxury hotel brand Ritz-Carlton has announced plans to open an exclusive 320-room oceanfront resort situated on Aruba’s famed Palm Beach. The property will be located in Palm Beach, which is home to some of the island’s finest beaches, with lush tropical surroundings and a balmy temperature that allows for swimming, sunbathing and relaxation by the water all year round. The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba is projected to open in late 2012 and will be the seventh property in The Ritz-Carlton portfolio in the Caribbean. Visit : www.aruba.com and www.ritzcarlton.com. Tom Panagos at tom@saltmarshpr.co.uk. Luxury Lanka Alliance member Will Rankin has become launch editor of a new luxury lifestyle magazine called Luxury Lanka. Based in Sri Lanka and Dubai, the magazine aims to attract discerning travellers and investors to Sri Lanka and to help Sri Lankans connect with businesses and investment opportunities in the Middle East. Luxury Lanka has the backing of the Ministry of Tourism, and is a BOI (Board of Investment) Company and will be looking for hotel news,luxury spa information and product reviews, etc.
Contact : Will Rankin at will73@hotmail.com
Tour d'Afrique Tour d'Afrique, a small, socially responsible bike tour company has opened registration for a January 2011 departure of a cycling tour from the Taj Mahal in Agra to Kanyakumari at the southern tip of the Indian sub continent.
The expedition features 37 riding days, each ranging from 40–125 km (25-78 miles), as well as 9 rest days. Riders may choose to do the entire 3,300 km (2050 miles) north to south route or opt for one of two shorter tour segments. Visit : www.tourdafrique.com. Contact : Sara Widness at sara@widnesspr.com. Grape Escapes, BordeauxGrape Escapes is organising a Bordeaux Classical Music House Party from 18-21 May 2010. Celebrating the music of Johan Nepomuk Hummel, the long-running Orpheus & Bacchus Music Festival is hosted at Domaine Le Faure, an 18th century estate just 25 minutes from the historic wine-producing town of St Emilion. Grape Escapes is a specialist in travel to the French wine regions offering a selection of gourmet wine-tasting weekends in Champagne, Burgundy, Bordeaux, the Loire and the Rhone.
Reef & Rainforest Tours has introduced a new range of itineraries for those wanting to see leopard, lion, cheetah, tiger, jaguar and puma. The trips are : lion, leopard and cheetah in South Africa tigers in India jaguars in Brazil puma in South America, and leopards and blue whales in Sri Lanka Visit : www.reefandrainforest.co.uk. Contact : Jovanka Ristich at jovanka@independentpr.co.uk. Asia-Transpacific Journeys Asia-Transpacific Journeys announced recently that it is adding Turkey to its roster of exotic itineraries with programs blending tradition with luxury travel. Asia Transpacific Journeys is a Boulder, Colorado-based tour operator specializing in Custom Journeys and Small Group Trips to Asia and the Pacific region. Visit : www.asiatranspacific.com. Sara Widness at sara@widnesspr.com. The Cape Royale Luxury Hotel, Cape Town The Cape Royale Luxury Hotel and Residence in Green Point, Cape Town, South Africa, has been selected as the Overall Winner of the TripAdvisor Travelers Choice award for Best Luxury Hotel in Africa. Visit : www.caperoyale.co.za. Contact : gabriella@trumarketing.com. Lebanon Adventure specialist Explore has added 20 new 2010 departures across its three Lebanon tours – Lure of the Lebanon, Exploring the Old Levant (incl Syria) and Grand Tour of the Middle East (incl Syria & Jordan). Tailormade Explore, which offers bespoke trips to Beirut and the countryside, has also seen demand for Lebanon increase. Visit : www.explore.co.uk and www.tailormadeexplore.co.uk. Contact : Richard Mellor at r.mellor@travelpr.co.uk. Champagne-Ardenne, France The Champagne-Ardenne tourist board, France, has introduced English versions of their popular audio mini-guide series. The guides, which are available to listen to or download from its website, are mix of tourist and historic information, interviews, music, literary references, flavoured with quotes from a local ‘expert’ and useful pointers on highlights of the particular area and suggestions for further exploration. Visit : www.tourisme-champagne-ardenne.com. Contact : Cathryn Hicks at cathryn@douggoodmanpr.com. Follow the Tour de France Follow the Race is an eight-day cycle tour with Ciclismo Classico, in July 2010, that follows selected sections of the Tour de France route, after the participants have passed. It offers the chance to get a real feel for challenges of the race and to watch parts of it.. The tour is graded as intermediate with 40 - 60 miles a day in the saddle.
Visit : www.ciclismoclassico.com. Contact : Adam York at adam@sublimepub.com.
Information for professional travel writes, editors, broadcasters and photographers on events and celebrations worldwide. Los Angeles Bent Festival, California, USA 22 to 24 April 2010 (annual, 7th) Forum for performers and artists to display their circuit-bending (creation of new musical instruments through short-circuiting of devices) skills. Features installations, artwork and workshops. Event Intelligence Visit : www.bentfestival.org. Contact : Jenn De La Vega at jenn@thetanknyc.org. Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Australia To 18 April 2010 (annual, 23rd) The festival celebrates comedy with local and international acts showcasing Australian humour. Includes the Great Debate, open mic competitions, Class Clowns and a comedy appreciation class, as well as cabaret and street performances. Event Intelligence One of world's three largest comedy festivals, alongside Edinburgh Festival Fringe and Montreal's Just for Laughs Festival. Visit : www.comedyfestival.com.au. Contact : Tatia Sloley at tatia@tspublicity.com.au Brighton Festival Fringe, UK 01 May 2010 to 23 May 2010 (annual) Features over 700 events, incorporating comedy, music, arts, film, dance and theatre performances and workshops. Held in over 240 venues. Runs alongside Brighton Festival. England's largest and oldest annual fringe festival. Visit : www.brightonfestivalfringe.org.uk. Contact : Kate Morrison at katem@brightonfestivalfringe.org.uk. International Sunflower Guerrilla Day 01 May 2010 (annual, 4th) Guerilla gardeners (activists who reclaim disused land) and members of the public plant sunflower seeds in a bid to transform neglected plots and areas of land. Visit : www.guerrillagardening.org. Contact : Richard Reynolds at richard@guerrillagardening.org. Prague Spring International Music Festival, Czech Republic 12 May 2010 (annual, 65th) A showcase for performing artists, symphony orchestras and chamber music ensembles of the world. Also features an international music competition. Visit : www.festival.cz. Contact : Alena Svobodová at svobodova@festival.cz. Spring events in Iceland Start of the main Whale watching seasonApril 2010 Orcas, humpback, pilot, minke, sperm, fin and blue whales are all waiting to be spotted in the Icelandic waters. Art Without Boundaries April 22 to 9 May 2010 List án landamæra (Art Without Boundaries) is an annual art festival in Iceland. It aims to promote the art of people with disabilities and to facilitate co-operation between people with and without disabilities. www.listanlandamaera.blog.is Garðabær Jazz Festival 22 to 24 April 2010 The Garðabær jazz festival celebrates its 5th anniversary in 2010 and features some of the best Icelandic jazz musicians. www.gardabaer.is Fossavatn Ski Marathon in Isafjordur 1 May 2010 The Fossavatn Ski Marathon is the oldest ski race in Iceland, dating back to 1935. Fossavatn Ski Marathon is intended for skiers of all levels, from elite racers to recreational weekend skiers, from the oldest to the youngest. Participants can choose between four distances, 50 km, 20 km, 10 km, and 7 km. www.fossavatn.com Days of Kopavogur 8 to 14 May 2010 A colorful cultural festival in Kopavogur town, that lasts a whole week. The festival offers a program for all ages including theatre, arts, music, workshops and sports. www.kopavogur.is Reykjavík Arts Festival 12 May to 5 June 2010 The Reykjavik Arts Festival is the oldest and most respected arts festival in Iceland and is dedicated to the promotion of Icelandic and international culture in all fields of the arts. Every year sees a different artistic discipline take centre stage but no creative talent goes unrecognised, with an annual programme of concerts, theatre, exhibitions, dance and visual arts offering entertainment across the board. www.artfest.is Visit : www.visiticeland.com. Contact : Sigridur Groa Thorarinsdottir at siggagroa@icetourist.is. Bletchley Park, Gloucestershire, UK Bletchley Park, home to the codebreakers of World War Two, has launched its 2010 programme of events. As in previous years, the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight squadron will be supporting Bletchley Park with a number of flypasts to coincide with different events in their ever popular Spitfires, Hurricanes and Lancasters.
Vintage Computer FestivalThe UK’s first ever Vintage Computer Festival will be held in The National Museum of Computing at Bletchley Park on 19 and 20 June.
Armed Forces weekendAnother new event for the calendar is the Armed Forces weekend on 3 and 4 July, during which visitors will learn about the work of the armed forces throughout the ages and how the modern-day forces and cadet corps serve in today’s world. Polish DayThe annual Polish Day on 18 July, celebrates the vital efforts made by Polish code breakers and the Polish Air Force, whose pilots fought alongside British military personnel in the Battle of Britain 70 years ago. Classic Car and Motorbike PicnicThe annual Classic Car and Motorbike Picnic returns on 1 August, with over 200 classic vehicles. Post Office International FestivalNew for August Bank Holiday Monday will be the Post Office International Festival, looking at the history of the Post Office and the contribution it made during World War Two. Enigma Reunion and Churchill WeekendCoinciding with the 70th anniversary of Churchill’s appointment as Prime Minister in 1940, the joint Enigma Reunion and Churchill Weekend take place on 4 and 5 September. Golden Age of CinemaAs home to one of the UK’s only working wartime cinemas, the Park will also host its first ‘Golden Age of Cinema’ day on 3 October. BlitznightThe Park’s annual Blitznight firework display takes place on 6 November and the year is rounded off with the Remembrance Day Parade on 14 November. Visit : www.bletchleypark.org.uk. Contact : Caroline Murdoch at caroline@redworks.co.uk.
Alliance members looking to take advantage of any of the following should be on assignment, with a commission or able to obtain one. Activity holidays in Europe European activity holidays specialist UTracks has announced an expanded programme for 2010, which includes : Caliphs And Knights – Cordoba and Segura, SpainThis trip explore the historic towns and picturesque villages of eastern Andalusia, dominated by the castles of the knights of Santiago. A central focus of the tour is in Cordoba city, with its unique mosque-cathedral, the castle with its magnificent water-gardens, the picturesque Jewish quarter and the Potro square which captured the imagination of Cervantes. Italian Lakes Walk, ItalyThe great lakes of northern Italy have been a popular holiday destination since Roman times. This weeklong self-guided walking programme takes in the highlights of Lake Como and Lake Lugano with walking trails exploring the forested valleys, mountaintops and traditional villages, which have retained their unique character. Transylvania Castles and Mountains The legends of Transylvania takes in Romania's mountain landscapes and unique culture making it one of the best ridge walks in Europe. The Bucegi mountains are home to a diverse range of landscapes from pine and beech forests to flower laden meadows and high limestone cliffs and Bran Castle. Visit : www.UTracks.com. Contact : Tom Panagos at tom@saltmarshpr.co.uk. Birdwatching on St Lucia Guests staying at Anse Chastanet, St Lucia between 1 and 15 October 2010 will have the opportunity to take part in a number of birdwatching events hosted by Marty Kenefick, renowned Caribbean based ornithologist and author.
Anse Chastanet sits quietly in an idyllic spot on St Lucia’s south western coast close to the Piton Mountains. St Lucia has five rare species of bird with regularly sighted birds including the St Lucia Pewee, found along the entrance track to the resort and the St Lucia Warbler. Not quite as numerous, but just as dramatic and boldly coloured is the yellow and black St Lucia Oriole. Finally, there is "Jacquot", the national bird, officially known as the St Lucia Parrot. There is a flourishing population of perhaps 1,000 birds, normally found in higher elevation rainforest. Visit : www.itcclassics.co.uk. Contact : Kathryn Peel at Kathryn@grifcopr.com. Ranch Rider in Argentina
Ranch Rider is extending its portfolio into Argentina, enabling horseback enthusiasts to sample authentic South America with the gauchos. Tipiliuke LodgeLocated in northwest Patagonia, at the foothills of the majestic Andes Mountain range, the luxury Tipiliuke Lodge is surrounded by more than 48,000-acres of mountains and valleys. A favourite with anglers worldwide, the famous Chimehuin and Quilquihue Rivers also flow through the property. Featuring 4,000 head of cattle the lodge combines a range of riding pursuits with special programmes covering, gourmet lessons, birding, fly-fishing, mountain biking and skiing. Estancia Los Potreros
A luxury organic cattle farm situated in the region of Cordoba, the Estancia Los Potreros allows its guests to experience the rural traditions of Argentina. The owners place a strong emphasis on the traditional role of the gaucho, riders rounding up the horses and protecting them from the elusive puma. Overnight pack trips into the Sierras are available during the summer, the estancia’s herd of 80 horses including the Paso Peruano – its fifth gait making for an extremely comfortable ride. When not cantering along the grassy hilltops guests can try their hand at lassoing and trek to hidden rock pools. Visit : www.ranchrider.com. Contact : Siobhan Kindness at siobhan@tionlondon.co.uk. Spring and summer tobogganing on Mont Saint-SauveurThe resort of Saint-Sauveur located in the Laurentians region, north of Montréal, Canada is looking to enhance its four-season destination status with the introduction of summer toboggans. The single car slides freely in a series of step descents and circular curves on a track cut through rugged mountain terrain. The difference between this and alpine coasters is that the toboggans are firmly connected to the rail system and cannot be separated from the rails. These rails are built a few meters above the ground and so can also be used during the winter season. Visit : www.mssi.ca. Contact : Pascale Tremblay at Pascale.Tremblay@Laurentides.com. Antigua Sailing Week, the Caribbean Antiguw Sailing Week takes place from 24-30 April 2010 from the island’s English Harbour. Now regarded as one of the world’s premier sailing regattas, Antigua Sailing Week is a chance to see yachts racing in some of the best sailing conditions in the world, while soaking up the party atmosphere in the historic English Harbour. Nonsuch Bay, Antigua’s newest sailing resort, has availability during the island’s 43rd Sailing Week in April. This year, some of the world’s top skippers will be taking part in the racing, including round the world yachtsman Brian Thompson, Olympic competitor Sally Barkow and America’s Cup competitor Doogie Couvreux. Nonsuch BayNonsuch Bay, which opened in January, is situated on the east coast of the island 20 minutes from English Harbour. The resort will be offering a complimentary daily shuttle bus to the regatta and to the evening events. Visit : www.sailingweek.com and www.nonsuchbayresort.com. Contact : Tiggy Dean at tiggy@hillanddeanpr.com. Hans Christian Andersen Theme Park opens, China A Theme park dedicated to the work of Danish author Hans Christian Andersen opens on 11 May 2010 on an eight-hectare site in the Yangpu District of Shanghai, China. The park focuses on the author's successful works including the Little Mermaid, the Emperor's New Clothes and the Ugly Duckling. The opening marks 60-years of ties between Denmark and China. Denmark is donating a replica of the Andersen statue that stands in front of Copenhagen city hall. The theme park opens during the World Expo in Shanghai. Visit : www.gujing.com. Contact : xushanshan@gujing.com.cn.
Alliance members looking to take advantage of any of the following opportunities should be on assignment, with a commission or able to obtain one. Mercure Hue Gerbera, Vietnam Accor, the largest international hotel operator in Vietnam, has Mercure Hue Gerbera in the former imperial capital of Hue.
The, 110-room contemporary newly built hotel, is located conveniently in the centre of the city on Le Loi Street, by the river. It enjoys views of the city, the picturesque Perfume River and Trang Tien Bridge with especially stunning view at night from the Sky Bar, the hotel’s lounge bar on the roof top.
A one hour flight from Hanoi, Hue is one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites and has been a travel destination dating back to the 18th century. The cities main attractions include the Royal Tombs of past emperors, Thien Mu Pagoda – the largest pagoda in Hue and the official symbol of the city, Citadel and the Forbidden City, where reconstruction efforts to restore this ancient city continue.
Mercure Hue Gerbera is third Mercure hotel for the brand in Vietnam with the other two the Mercure Hanoi La Gare and Mercure Dalat. Visit : www.mercure.com. Contact : Ajay Teli at Ajay.Teli@grayling.com. The Andaz, San Diego The Andaz, San Diego has officially opened following the opening of three other Andaz locations in London, West Hollywood and New York City. The Andaz San Diego is located in the heart of the historic Gaslamp Quarter in the city’s downtown. The hotel’s Quarter Kitchen features American cuisine using fresh and locally harvested ingredients created by Executive Chef Nathan Coulon. Visit : www.sandiego.andaz.hyatt.com. Contact : Kathryn Peel at Kathryn@grifcopr.com. Kilindi, Zanzibari Kilindi, which opened in 2009, is spread over 52 acres beside Zanzibar's best beach. The resort’s 15 pavilions each have twin plunge pools, and domed living and sleeping areas that are open to the sea. There is a T-shaped, 80ft swimming pool, lush tropical gardens and a restaurant, run by Richie Tewnion (once sous-chef at Jamie Oliver's London Fifteen Restaurant) that produces Zanzibar-fusion cuisine from its on-site smokery and organic kitchen garden. Visit : www.expertafrica.com. Richard Mellor at R.Mellor@travelpr.co.uk. Kempinski Hotel Dukes’ Palace, Bruge, Belgium Since its construction in 1430, Bruges’ Prinsenhof was the premier venue in which to host royal events. The Prinsenhof (or Palace) has been reinstated to its former grandeur with the Kempinski Hotel Dukes’ Palace the city’s only five star hotel and is reviving the traditions of the Dukes of Burgundy era by holding a series of classical concerts in its listed chapel this spring. Visit : www.kempinski.com/bruges. Contact : Emily Wilson at Emily@grifcopr.com. Guernsey The island of Guernsey is a British Crown Dependency in the English Channel off the coast of Normandy. As well as the island of Guernsey itself, it also includes those of Alderney, Herm, Jethou, Brecqhou, Burhou, Lihou, Sark and other islets. The Farmhouse With parts of the building dating back to the 15th Century, boutique hotel The Farmhouse has now been completely renovated to offer a contemporary country feel and a welcoming relaxed atmosphere. www.thefarmhouse.gg St. Pierre Park Hotel Guernsey’s largest hotel, the St. Pierre Park in St Peter Port, has regained its four-star status following an extensive £1.3 million refurbishment. Set in parkland, woodland and lakes, The St. Pierre Park boasts has Le Mirage Health Spa and a 9 hole par 3 golf course designed by Tony Jacklin. The development brings the total of four-star hotels on the island to seven, which between them provide more than 20 per cent of the hotel accommodation on Guernsey. www.stpierrepark.com Cobo Bay Hotel Following a complete renovation, the Cobo Bay Hotel in Guernsey has received the highest AA rating ever achieved by a three-star hotel on the island and was the only hotel in this category to receive a Gold Award from VisitGuernsey. The Cobo Bay Hotel enjoys a beachfront location, overlooking one of Guernsey's most beautiful bays. www.cobobayhotel.com Visit : www.visitguernsey.com. Contact : Tom Panagos at tom@saltmarshpr.co.uk. Preferred Hotels Thirteen Preferred Hotel Group properties have received AAA Five Diamond Status, the travel authority's highest rating for hotels. And two PHG hotels – The Greenbrier® and The Broadmoor – maintained their Five Diamond status for the 34th consecutive year – as long as AAA has awarded Five Diamonds. The hotels are : Sandy Lane (St. James, Barbados) Montage Laguna Beach (Laguna Beach, California, USA) Ojai Valley Inn & Spa (Ojai, California, USA) The Grand Del Mar (San Diego, California, USA) The Broadmoor (Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA) The Lodge at Sea Island Golf Club (Sea Island, Georgia, USA) The Peninsula Chicago (Chicago, Illinois, USA) The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort (Kiawah Island, South Carolina, USA) Woodlands Inn (Summerville, South Carolina, USA) – 13th consecutive year The Hermitage Hotel (Nashville, Tennessee, USA) Stein Eriksen Lodge (Park City, Utah, USA) The Jefferson Hotel (Richmond, Virginia, USA) The Greenbrier® (White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, USA) Visit : www.preferredhotels.com. Contact : Sian Fletcher at Sian@lucre.co.uk. Cottages & Castles Scotland’s leading holiday lettings agency, Cottages & Castles has created an alliance with the National Trust for Scotland, which will make some of the country's most prestigious and historical properties available to a much larger market.
The National Trust for Scotland's portfolio of self-catering holiday properties, ranging from cottages to grand architectural homes and castles in some of the most beautiful and scenic locations, will now be accessible with Cottages & Castles. Some of the National Trust for Scotland’s properties available through Cottages and Castles include:
The Laird's Wing, Brodie Castle, near Forres, MorayThis listed house was previously the private residence of the Brodie Family and is located within Brodie Castle. South Stables, House of Dun, near Montrose, Angus Set within extensive grounds of the historic House of Dun, this attractive 18th-century sandstone building, once home to the coachmen and grooms of this important Scottish estate. West Cottage, Hill of Tarvit, Cupar, FifeThese three cottages are situated in and around Hill of Tarvit Mansionhouse, a graceful Edwardian house with beautiful gardens, both remodelled in 1906 by the distinguished architect Sir Robert Lorimer. Visit www.cottages-and-castles.co.uk. Contact : Lorna Inglis at Lorna@mediahouse.co.uk. Royal Plantation Ocho Rios, Jamaica Royal Plantation Ocho Rios, Jamaica has introduced a butler service for all 74 suites. Each butler will be trained by the Guild of Professional English Butlers, the London-based Guild known for its training of individuals for careers in Five Star hotels, palaces, international embassies, and private households. Overlooking a private Caribbean cove and located on 17 acres, Royal Plantation Ocho Rios also includes a fitness centre, tennis courts, meeting spaces, freshwater pool, heated whirlpools, and nightly entertainment. The Royal Plantation Collection also includes : the private island, Royal Plantation Island, Exumas, and the Bahamas; and Royal Plantation Private Villas in Discovery Bay, Ocho Rios and Whitehouse, Jamaica. Development is underway for additional resorts in Bloody Bay and Dragon Bay, Jamaica and Providenciales, Turks & Caicos, slated for completion by 2012. Visit : www.royalplantation.co.uk. Contact : Holly Barnett at hbarnett@sandals.co.uk.
The following travel partners and agencies have registered with the Alliance and are keen to work with Alliance travel writers, editors, broadcasters and photographers. Other Alliance partners and agencies can be found at www.itwalliance.com. Partners The Africa Travel and Tourism Association The Africa Travel and Tourism Association (ATTA) are responsible for the positive development of travel and tourism in Africa. With over 350 members the ATTA is Europe's largest trade association promoting Africa. Visit : www.atta.travel. Contact : Nigel Vere Nicoll at nigel@atta.travel. ANTOR - Association of National Tourist Office Representatives ANTOR is the principal lobbying organisation for the world's tourist offices. Its UK membership comprises around 70 national and regional tourist offices, which are represented in Britain. Visit : www.antor.com. Contact : Esther Smith at esther@antor.com. Anguilla Hotel and Tourism Association A hotel and Tourism association representing over 160 hotels and tourism businesses in the Caribbean island of Anguilla. Visit : www.ahta.ai. Contact : Trudy Nixon at ahta@anguillanet.com Mead Brown Mead Brown is a boutique firm offering extraordinary private villas and homes plus premium condominiums for celebrities and those who expect value, service and fine accommodations. The genuine care and comfort of our guests results in service and experiences as memorable as Costa Rica itself. Visit : www.meadbrown.com. Contact : Michael Brown at michael@meadbrown.com Laguna PhuketLaguna Phuket is Asia‘s finest destination resort comprising five deluxe hotels: Banyan Tree Phuket, Dusit Laguna Resort, Laguna Beach Resort, Sheraton Grande Laguna Phuket and Allamanda Laguna Phuket. All share 600 acres of tropical parkland and three kilometres of beach frontage with the Laguna Phuket Golf Club, Canal Shopping Village, Banyan Tree Spa, four Angsana Spas, Laguna Wedding Chapel and Quest Laguna Phuket Adventure, a leading corporate training and outdoor recreation facility. Visit : www.lagunaphuket.com. Contact : Nattira Anakasiri at nattiraa@lagunaphuket.com. The Belize Tourism Board The Belize Tourism Board is a statutory Board within the Ministry of Tourism which represents a strategic partnership between government and the private sector to develop, market, and implement tourism progress that will fulfil the emerging needs of our local industries and the international tourism market place for the benefit of Belize and Belizeans. Visit : www.travelbelize.org. Contact : Vivienne Acosta at vivienne@travelbelize.org. Lloret de Mar Lloret de Mar is a coastal town in Catalonia on the Mediterranean. It is adjacent to Blanes and Tossa de Mar and is 75 kilometres from Barcelona. With a population of 29.445 (as of 2005) it is the second largest town in the Selva comarca (county) of Catalonia. For decades it has attracted summer visitors, mainly from northern Europe and it is now the most important resort in the Costa Brava. In addition to five main beaches and seven km of coastline, there is a medieval fort on the outskirts of the town (Lloret was founded in 1001 AD). Visit : www.lloretdemar.org. Contact : Anna Ariera at ariera@lloret.org. Kentucky.gov Kentucky.gov disseminates information about Kentucky tourism and parks and responds to media inquiries. Visit : www.ky.gov. Contact : Bob Adams at bob.adams@ky.gov. Mississippi Mississippi is the Birthplace of America’s Music. Blues, country, rock n roll they all started here. It has Gulf Coast beaches and championship golf courses, antebellum history, exceptional hospitality and the beauty of the South in Mississippi. Visit : www.mississippi.org. Contact : Sandy Bynum at sbynum@mississippi.org. Romania Romania is blessed with a great diversity of tourist attractions, breathtaking sceneries, some of the best un-spoilt nature spots in Europe. These include the romantic Danube Delta, magnificent architecture, fairy tale villages, castles and palaces, many UNESCO sites and a vibrant folk culture. Visit : www.romaniatourism.com. Contact : Maria Lordache at romaniatravel@btconnect.com. Visit York Visit York promotes the beautiful, historic city of York, England. Visit York is delighted to hear from journalists interested in writing about the city, however, all press trips must have advance commissions. Visit : www.visityork.org. Contact : Kay Hyde at Kh@visityork.org. AgenciesScarlett PR & Marketing Scarlett PR & Marketing specialises in the luxury travel, health & beauty and food & drink sectors. Visit : www.scarlettpr.co.uk. Contact : Juliet Wheater at juliet@scarlettpr.co.uk Doug Goodman PR
Doug Goodman PR specialise in travel and leisure PR for hotels, resorts and tour operators. Current clients include :
Reis de Mallorca hotels Charming Hotels Madeira specialist Middle East tour operator Peltours - remove Champagne-Ardenne Tourist Board - add BRIGHT (training consortium for independent travel agents) - add P&O Ferries Indian specialist Avion Holidays and various clients in India. Contact : Doug Goodman at info@douggoodmanpr.com. Blakeborough PR Blakeborough Ltd is a specialist travel PR agency. Established in 2000 its Director has almost 20 years experience working for travel clients ranging from tourist boards, to airlines, tour operators and hotels. Visit : www.blakeborough.com. Contact : Liz Blakeborough at liz@blakeborough.com.
Ongoing independent press trip opportunities for Alliance members Lower Zambezi, Zambia : Sausage Tree Camp, a luxurious tented camp located within the heart of the Lower Zambezi National Park in Zambia, offering walking safaris, game drives, canoeing, boat trips and fishing - will be pleased to consider press visits to Alliance members with a commission. Visit : www.honourway.com. Contact : Honour Schram de Jong at honour@honourway.com. South Luangwa, Zambia : The Luangwa Valley is one of Africa’s finest wildlife destinations and includes Kapani Lodge and Kakuli, Luwi, Nsolo and Mchenja Camps. Norman Carr Safaris would be delighted to consider press visits to their properties to Alliance members with a commission. Visit : www.honourway.com. Contact : Honour Schram de Jong at honour@honourway.com. Knockomie Hotel, Forres, Scotland, will be delighted to consider press trips from Alliance members for a 2-night stay in one of their 15 individually-themed rooms and dinner on one of the nights in their recently refurbished restaurant, The Grill. Visit: www.knockomie.co.uk. Contact: Lee MacGregor at lee@leemacgregorpr.com. New York Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises will be delighted to host Alliance members with a commission. Visit: www.circleline42.com Contact: Lisa Chamberlain at lisa.chamberlain@btinternet.com 1066 Country which comprises the area of Battle, Bexhill, Hastings, Herstmonceux, Pevensey and Rye in East Sussex, UK. Visit : www.visit1066ocountry.com. Contact : Jane Ellis at jjmellis@hastings.gov.uk. The Inn on Fifth, a luxurious, 87-room boutique hotel located in the heart of downtown Naples in Southwest Florida will be delighted to consider offering accommodation to Alliance members. Visit www.innonfifth.com. Contact : Kelly Grass Prieto at kelly@hayworthcreative.com. Great Hotels Organisation, with over 200 hotels and resorts worldwide through Great Hotels of the World and Special Hotels of the World would be pleased to consider offering accommodation to Alliance members. Visit www.ghotw.com. Contact: Brooke Jester bjester@ghorg.com. Visit Chester and Cheshire and Visit Lincoln and Lincolnshire will be delighted to host Alliance members with a commission. Visit : www.visitchester.com and www.lincoln.gov.uk. Contact : Oliver Bennett at oliverbennett@blueyonder.co.uk. Swiss-Belhotel International, manages hotels, resorts and residences throughout the Asia Pacific, Southeast Asia, China and The Middle East regions. Visit : www.swiss-belhotel.com. Contact : Ayla Hass at aylahaas@swiss-belhotel.com. Pembrokeshire, South West Wales will be delighted to consider offering accommodation to Alliance members with a commission. Visit: www.pembrokeshire.com. Contact: Pat Edgar PRMatters@dsl.pipex.com The Rutland Hotel, Edinburgh, will be delighted to invite Alliance members to review this botique hotel. Visit www.therutlandhotel.com. Contact Yvonne or Fiona at info@nicheworks.co.uk. The Galapagos Islands : Quasar Expeditions would like to invite Alliance members to cover trips aboard the M/Y Grace, its vintage yacht in the Galapagos Islands. Visit : www.galapagosexpeditions.com/gracepresskit.php. Contact : Paul Schicke at paul@quasarex.com. Focus Hotels invite Alliance members to review their three and four-star properties located in key destinations across the UK. Visit : www.focushotels.co.uk. Contact : Eleanore Longley at eleanore@bacall.net. Champagne-Ardenne Tourisme, four departments boasting historic chateaux, walking & cycling routes, a variety of sports and superb natural scenery and of Champagne, will be pleased to consider press visits to Alliance members with a commission. Visit : www.tourisme-champagne-ardenne.comContact: Doug Goodman at doug@douggoodmanpr.com or on 0208 614 1448. The 5* Blythswood Square Hotel, Glasgow, formerly headquarters to the Royal Scottish Automobile Club, has been redeveloped by the Town House Collection Visit www.blythswoodsquare.com or www.thetownhousecollection.com. Contact: Jo Murphy at Jo@thespaprcompany.com. Aspects Holidays specialises in providing self-catering accommodation, from luxury apartments to traditional fisherman’s cottages in and around St Ives and the West Cornwall area of the UK. Aspects will be pleased to consider press visits to Alliance members with a commission. Visit www.aspects-holidays.co.uk. Contact : Karen Baker at karen@mercury-pr.co.uk. The Inn at Lathones, Scotland's only 4 star inn, is delighted to consider press trips from Alliance members. The 17th-century listed building near St Andrews is one of Scotland’s oldest coaching inns and boasts 21 recently refurbished external rooms/suites, an award-winning restaurant, an intimate stone-walled bar and converted stables that host regular music events. For more information visit: www.theinn.co.uk Contact: Lee MacGregor at lee@leemacgregorpr.com Cornwall Cottages will be delighted to consider offering accommodation to Alliance members. Visit: www.cornwallscottages.co.uk. Contact: Karen Outred at ko@freelancepr.fsnet.co.uk. The Discovery Collection, independent specialist in boutique breaks to North Cyprus, Turkey, Puglia, Sicily, Malta and Gozo, will be happy to consider offering press visits to Alliance members. A varied programme includes beach and city breaks, twin-centre stays, walking holidays and special interest tours. Visit : www.thediscoverycollection.com. Contact: Jill Guest at jill@ocean-advertising.co.uk or on 020 7436 Frontier Travel organise tailor-made holidays to Canada in both the Summer (www.frontier-canada.co.uk) and the Winter (www.frontier-ski.co.uk). The company will consider offering individuals press trips for Alliance members. Contact: Dave Ashmore at dave@frontier-travel.co.uk. Sail Lofts St Ives, a group of 12 luxury holiday apartments just metres from Porthmeor Beach, will be pleased to consider offering accommodation to Alliance members with a commission. Visit: www.saillofts.co.uk. Contact: Cathryn Hicks at cathryn@douggoodmanpr.com. The Alfajiri Villas and Galdessa Camp would like to invite Alliance members to stay at Alfajiri Villas (www.alfajirivillas.com) or Galdessa Camp (www.galdessa.com).Visit : www.FazendinPortfolio.com. Contact Sarah Fazendin at sarah@fazendinportfolio.com. The Peat Inn and 5-star restaurant in St.Andrews, Scotland will provide Alliance members able to review the Inn will receive complimentary dinner, bed and breakfast including guest. Visit : http://www.thepeatinn.co.uk. Contact : Megan Davidson at megan@crimsonedge.co.uk. The Isles of Scilly will be delighted to consider offering travel and accommodation to Alliance members on assignment, with a commission or who are able to obtain one. Visit: www.simplyscilly.co.uk. Contact: Karen Baker at karen@mercury-pr.co.uk. The Park Hyatt Istanbul-Maçka Palas, Turkey will be delighted to consider offering accommodation to Alliance members. Visit: www.hyatt.com. Kathryn Peel at Kathryn@grifcopr.com. Helpful Holidays, UK will be delighted to consider offering accommodation to Alliance members. Visit: www.helpfulholidays.com. Contact: Pat Edgar at PRMatters@dsl.pipex.com. Jet2.com and Jet2holidays.com will be happy to consider offering flights and holiday opportunities. Contact: Louise Woodward at louise@lucre.co.uk or on +44 (0) 113 243 1117 . Wilderness Journeys will be delighted to consider offering press trip facilities to Alliance members. Visit : www.wildernessjourneys.com. Contact: Stevie Christie at stevie@wildernessjourneys.com or on +44 (0)131 625 6635. Divi Resorts, the Caribbean will be happy to consider accommodation to Alliance members. Visit: www.diviresorts.com. Contact: Jacqueline Burton at jburton@fwv-us.com. Charming Hotel Madeira will be pleased to consider offering accommodation to Alliance members. Visit: www.charminghotelsmadeira.com. Contact: Cathryn Hicks at cathryn@douggoodmanpr.com. Sea Kayak Adventures explore Baja and Canada's newest marine parks and prolific whale watching destinations by sea kayak with Sea Kayak Adventures. Sea Kayak Adventures will be happy to provide press trip facilities to Alliance members. Visit: www.seakayakadventures.com. Contact: Nancy Mertz at info@seakayakadventures.com. The View Hotel, Monument Valley, Arizona, USA, which opened in September 2008, is situated on the Navajo Tribal Park, on the border of Arizona and Utah. The View Hotel will be delighted to consider offering accommodation to Alliance members. Visit: www.MonumentValleyView.com. Contact: Mike Finney at mike@azcomgroup.com. The Menzies Welcombe Hotel Spa & Golf Club, Stratford-upon-Avon will be delighted to offer dinner, bed and breakfast at this country house hotel to Alliance members able to review the property. Visit : www.menzieshotels.co.uk. Contact : Tanya Aspinwall at tanya@marketingaloud.co.uk Bike The Whites is New England’s inn-to-inn biking tour experience, which offers customized route planning for cyclists of all abilities, the scenic beauty of New Hampshire’s White Mountains. Bike the Whites will be delighted to hear from Alliance members. Visit: www.bikethewhites.com. Contact: Marti Mayne at Marti.Mayne@BedandBreakfast.com. Rosen Hotels will be delighted to host Alliance members who will be in the Orlando area, at the new 1500-room, 14-story Rosen Shingle Creek. Visit www.rosenshinglecreek.com. Contact Mary Deatrick at mdeatrick@cfl.rr.com. The Peace and Plenty, Bahamas will be delighted to provide accommodation to Alliance members. Visit: www.peaceandplenty.com. Contact: Hazel Heyer at hazel_heyer@hotmail.com. The Grand Hyatt San Antonio, Texas is a 1003-room, 37-storey luxury hotel, which has just opened in the bustling heart of the Alamo City. The Grand Hyatt San Antonio, Texas will be happy to consider providing accommodation to Alliance members. Visit: www.hyatt.com. Contact: Alison Wood at Alison@grifcopr.com or on +44 (0)207 385 7090. Ranch Rider stays are steeped in tradition, allowing travellers to sample an authentic western experience.Ranch Rider will be pleased to consider press trip facilities to Alliance members. Visit: www.ranchrider.com. Contact: Siobhan at siobhan@tionlondon.co.uk.
The following providers of travel products and services will be happy to provide these to Alliance members in return for a credit or review. Magellan's Magellan's, provides a superior selection of travel products to make travel more comfortable, safe, and rewarding. The Magellan’s product range offers hundreds of useful and appreciated products. Visit : www.magellans.co.uk. Contact : Lynn Staneff at lstaneff@magellans.co.uk. Dollar rent a car Dollar rent a car will be delighted to offer a discount to Alliance members on car rental in the USA in return for a credit. Discounts will be agreed on a case-by-case basis. Visit : www.dollar.co.uk, Contact : Cheryl Richardson at Cheryl.Richardson@DTAG.com or on + 44 (0) 20 7391 4622 The Leisure Pass The Leisure Pass Group creates all-inclusive ‘smart’ passes, for cities around the world. The purchase price covers entrance to all attractions, fast-track entry at a number of attractions, and gives discounts at shops, theatres, service providers and restaurants. Launching with The London Pass, the programme also includes York, New York, Paris and Philadelphia. Alliance members can get review passes for the cities covered. Visit : www.leisurepassgroup.com. Contact :Andrew Campbell-edie at Andrew.Campbell-edie@Sirenpr.co.uk. The Virtual Office The Virtual Office Group is offering Alliance members a special introductory rate to its selection of virtual office London Presence services. Home-based professionals wishing to enjoy a prestigious mailing address and dedicated central London telephone number can sign up for one or a combination of Virtual Office Service for a three month trial period, receive one month free and a waiver of the standard registration fee (£100). This represents savings of between £155 - £200. Many home workers based outside the UK capital have discovered the advantages of a central London mailing address and dedicated central London telephone number. Visit www.virtual-office.co.uk. Contact : Karen Luard on 020 7917 9887 or at kp@KPcommunications.co.uk.
The following travel publishers will be happy to provide review copies to Alliance members. Anova Bookswww.anovabooks.com. Helen Ponting at hponting@anovabooks.co Berlitzwww.berlitzpublishing.com. Julia Spence at julia.spence@ukonline.co.uk Bradt Travelwww.bradtguides.com. Debbie Hunter at debbie.hunter@bradtguides.com Brit's Guidewww.foulsham.com. Margaret Lashbrook at margaret.lashbrook@lineone.net or Sue Wilkins at wilkins@foulsham.com. Cicerone www.cicerone.co.uk. Contact : Sarah Spencer at sarah@cicerone.co.uk Eland Publishing www.travelbooks.co.uk. Barnaby Rogerson at barnaby@travelbooks.co.uk.
www.fisherstravelsos.com. Furgan Syed at furqan.syed@fisherstravelsos.com. Global Travel Publishers www.africa-adventure.com. Kate Bandos at kate@ksbpromotions.com. Globetrotters LogBookwww.globetrotterslogbook.com. Giedo Claes at giedo@globetrotterslogbook.com Inn House Publishingwww.innhousepublishing.com. Kathryn McWhirter at kathrynmcwhirter@btopenworld.com. Insightwww.insightguides.com. Julia Spence at Julia.spence@ukonline.co.uk. In your pocket guideswww.inyourpocket.com. Craig Turp at editor@inyourpocket.com. Jane’s Smart Art Guideswww.JanesSmartArt.com. Jane McIntosh at MJM@JanesSmartArt.com Jonglez Publishing www.jonglezpublishing.com. Contact : Thomas Jonglez at info@jonglezpublishing.com. Kuperard Publishers www.kuperard.co.uk. Contact : Geoffrey Chesler at geoffreychesler@btinternet.com. Lonely Planetwww.lonelyplanet.com. Europe, Middle East and Africa: Heather Carswell at heather.carswell@lonelyplanet.co.uk, North and Central America: Rand Freedman at rana.freedman@lonelyplanet.com.au; Australia, New Zealand and Asia: Brynony Cole at bryony.cole@lonelyplanet.com.au. Morris Communicationswww.themilepost.com. Contact Kate Bandos at kate@ksbpromotions.com. Odyssey Books & Guides www.odysseypublications.com. Contact : Caroline Eden at caroline@odysseypublications.com Oxygen Books city-litwww.oxygenbooks.co.uk Malcom Burgess at malcolm@oxygenbooks.co.uk Rough Guideswww.roughguides.com. Contact : press@roughguides. Turnleftwww.turnleftguides.comContact: Nick Buteau at nick@turnleftguides.com
Key information on a no-frills format for professional who travel to write, edit, broadcast or create images. Ashley@itwalliance.com www.itwalliance.com
Opportunities : for group and individual press tripsNews : items of interest to travel journalistsLeads : story ideasThe year ahead : annual festivals and events Reasons to write about : destinations and travel pursuits A place to stay :and review hotels, resorts and other accommodationWorking with Alliance members : travel partners and their agencies Alerts : ongoing press trip opportunitiesOngoing initiativesTravel products and services : of interest to travel journalistsTravel guides : that will offer review copiesThe International Travel Writers Alliance and AllWays
To register with the International Travel Writers Alliance visit : www.itwalliance.com, click to enter the site and click on Register as a member/editor/partner or agency.
Alliance members looking to take advantage of any of the following opportunities should be on assignment, with a commission or able to obtain one. For ongoing opportunities for Alliance members see Alerts (below) or visit : www.internationaltravelwritersalliance.com. The Pestana Chelsea Bridge Hotel and Spa The new Pestana Chelsea Bridge Hotel and Spa opened on 1 March 2010. The 216-room is located near to Battersea Park and within close proximity to the designer shops and restaurants on the Kings Road and Sloane Square It is owned by global leisure chain Pestana Hotels and Resorts, Portugal’s largest international tourism and leisure group, which has a portfolio of 82 luxury four and five star hotels worldwide Visit www.pestana.com. For more information and to review the hotel contact Kristel Valaydon at kristel@clearcutpr.co.uk. Group and independent press trips to France ATOUT FRANCE, the France Tourism Development Agency has published its group and independent press trip programme for 2010. Visit : www.francemeetsthemedia.co.uk. Contact : Anne-Lise Rousé Anne-Lise Rousé – anne-lise.rouse@franceguide.com Knockomie Hotel, Forres, Scotland The Knockomie Hotel is a 4-star arts and crafts hotel set in 4 acres of gardens and just 5 minutes from the diverse wildlife and stunning scenery of the Moray Coast and the village of Findhorn. Well placed at the Western gateway to the Speyside Malt Whisky Trail. Knockomie will be delighted to consider press trips from Alliance members for a 2-night stay in one of their 15 individually-themed rooms and dinner on one of the nights in their recently refurbished restaurant, The Grill. Visit: www.knockomie.co.uk Contact: Lee MacGregor at lee@leemacgregorpr.com. The Borgo Egnazia Hotel Villas Spa & Golf Resort, Southern Italy The new Borgo Egnazia Hotel Villas Spa & Golf Resort, is striving to become one of the leading luxury family resorts in the Mediterranean, with the opening of its OurSpace Children’s Club. Opening in June, the club offers a full range of childcare for children aged 8 months to 13 years. The Hotel and Villas at Borgo Egnazia open on 15 April 2010; whilst the remaining Resort including the Village, Children’s Club, cooking school, Spa and beach club open on 20 June 2010. Visit www.borgoegnazia.com. For information and press trip requests contact : Bronwen Batey at bronwen@lemongrassmarketing.com. Las Vegas weddings press trip The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority will host a weddings focused press trip from 22 to 26 April 2010. Deemed the "Wedding Capital of the World," Las Vegas was once known for its quick chapel weddings but today the city rivals other wedding destinations with lavishly planned affairs held at world-class resorts. The trip will allow journalists the opportunity to experience Vegas weddings and highlight the amenities available to couples planning a destination wedding or honeymoon. The tour will include complimentary airfare, hotel accommodations, dining, show tickets, spa, nightlife and chapel tours. Contact Emily Wofford at Emily.wofford@rrpartners.com. Naïade’s Diva resort, the MaldivesTripAdvisor reviewers have voted Diva - Naïade’s luxury resort in the Maldives - third in the ‘Romantic Hotels in Asia’ category of the 2010 TripAdvisor® Travellers' Choice® Awards. With Indonesian and Thai resorts occupying first and second place, Diva is rated the best resort for romance in the Maldives.
Diva Maldives offers seven restaurants and bars, five exclusive room categories and the Infinity Spa. Founded in 1990 and based in Mauritius, Naïade is a hotel group with nine hotels and one private island. In Mauritius : Beau Rivage (five star deluxe) Legends (five star) Les Pavillons (five star) Tamassa (four star) Merville Beach (three star plus) Le Tropical (three star), and the private island of Ile des Deux Cocos. In the Maldives : Hotel du Recif (three star) Grand Hotel du Lagon (four star) in Reunion Island, and Diva (five star deluxe).
Adventure travel operator Exodus has twelve volcanic trips in 2010 that include Ecuador’s volcanic backbone, the peaks amidst the rainforest of New Zealand and the mountains of Uganda.
The Avenue of the Volcanoes trip in Ecuador is one of the most challenging trips in Exodus’ volcanic portfolio, the Avenue of the Volcanoes trip takes travellers through Ecuador's volcanic backbone and involves climbing Cotopaxi, the world's second highest active volcano. Explore the Sicilian VolcanoesThis begins with a tour around the seven Aeolian islands of the UNESCO World heritage site and ends with a hike up to Mt. Etna, which at 3350m remains the highest active volcano in Europe.
Follow in Darwin’s footstepsThis is a Galapagos trek for those who like the idea of trekking through the volcanic regions of the world but prefer to do it at a more leisurely pace. Isabela is the only place in the archipelago where extended trekking is possible. It also has five major volcanoes. Discover New Zealand This trip takes in the volcanic peaks of New Zealand and includes kayaking with fur seals, hiking along glaciers, trekking through dense rainforest and scaling the best volcanic peaks in the region
Operating in 90 countries with over 400 tours, Exodus insists on low impact tourism with activities on offer including walking, trekking, cycling, mountain biking, rafting, kayaking, caving, cross country skiing, snowshoeing and dogsledding. Visit www.exodus.co.uk. Contact including press trip press trip requests : Lois Kettlewell at Lois.Kettlewell@fourcommunications.com. Sporting Packages from Qantas Holidays Taking in motor racing, cricket, rugby and football Qantas Holidays (has announced a new series of packages featuring major international sporting events taking place 2010-2011. These include : The Ashes, cricket, AustraliaDecember 2010 and January 2011 The chance to catch the final three tests of the five-match series in Perth (16-20 December), Melbourne (26-30 December) and Sydney (3-7 January 2011). There’s also the chance to see the best that Australia has to offer including : celebrating New Year in Sydney exploring the Margaret River wine region in Western Australia the cosmopolitan atmosphere of Victoria’s capital, Melbourne, and the Hunter Valley just a couple of hours’ drive from The Rugby World Cup, New Zealand September and October 2011 2011 will see the All Blacks play host to rugby’s greatest tournament giving fans the opportunity to see if the Webb Ellis Trophy stays in the Southern hemisphere or returns to the North. With Qantas Holidays’ motorhome packages fans can travel freely between the various venues and enjoy New Zealand’s spectacular scenery along the way. Visit : www.qantasholidays.co.uk. Contact, including to discuss media visits : Jovanka Ristich at jovanka@independentpr.co.uk.
Jacki’s Lodges, Madikwe, South Africa
Soccer World Cup News - Jaci’s Lodges in Madikwe, South Africa, are offering return road transfers (fees apply) to the soccer matches in Soccer City Johannesburg, Loftus Versfeld Pretoria and Royal Bafokeng near Rustenburg! Combine a wildlife safari experience with the Soccer World Cup. Visit : www.honourway.com. Contact : Honour Schram de Jong at honour@honourway.com. High speed rail between Helsinki, Finland and St Petersburg, Russia The high-speed Allegro trains service between Helsinki, Finland and St Petersburg, Russia will operate from the end of 2010. Visit www.visitfinland.com. Contact Kate McWilliams at kate@lotus-uk.co.uk. Sri LankaThe Sunday Times recently voted Sri Lanka as best 'long haul bargain' hotspot for summer 2010. The war is over, boutique hotels are springing up and new flights are starting. Visit : www.srilanka.travel. The GB Foreign and Commonwealth Office provideds information for visitors at www.fco.gov.uk. Contact June Field at june@representationplus.co.uk. The Westin Wall Centre, Vancouver AirportStarwood Hotels & Resorts has opened The Westin Wall Centre, Vancouver Airport, a new-build hotel in Richmond, British Columbia, situated four km from Vancouver International Airport, within a five minute walk to Yaohan Centre and a 20 minute Skytrain ride to downtown Vancouver. Visit : www.westin.com. Contact : Sarah-Jane Johnson at sarah-jane.johnson@starwoodhotels.com Kaya Mawa, Likoma Island, Malawi Kaya Mawa, set in the Lake Malawi re-opens on 1 April 2010 after extensive renovations. Visit : www.kayamawa.com and www.honourway.com. Contact : Honour Schram de Jong at honour@honourway.com. The LEGOLAND Discovery Centre The LEGOLAND Discovery Centre opens on the 22 March 2010 in Manchester, UK. Other centres are located at Duisburg and Berlin,Germany and Chicago, USA. Visit : www.legolanddiscoverycenter.com. Contact : Emma at emmat@brazenpr.com. The Sani ResortThe Sani Resort, a three-generation family-owned resort in Halkidiki, on the shores of the Kassandra peninsula, Greece has planted 3,000 trees as part of its ongoing Plant A Tree scheme. This is the resort’s contribution towards reforesting areas of Halkidiki most damaged by forest fires. The Sani Resort, which is located within a 1,000 acre ecological reserve, comprises four hotels: Sani Asterias Suites; Porto Sani Village & Spa; Sani Beach Club and Sani Beach Hotel & Spa.
Orion Expedition Cruises In March, April and October 2010, Orion Expedition Cruises are running itineraries to Papua New Guinea with five voyages to rarely visited points-of-call including Lambom and Lamassa. Travel is on Orion’s only five star specialist expedition cruise ship, based year round in Australian and nearby waters with expeditions along the remote Kimberley coast (Australia), Arnhem Land (Australia), Papua New Guinea, Melanesia, New Zealand and Antarctica. Visit : www.orionexpeditions.com. Contact : Lois Kettlewell at Lois.Kettlewell@fourcommunications.com. South Australia Wilderness Wanders’Wilderness Wanders’ tuna swim & dune combo offers the chance to swim with giant tuna, one of the ocean’s fastest fish and sand duning at Wreck Beach in an extreme 4WD tour through Lincoln National Park’s massive shifting sand dunes. Visit : www.wildernesswanders.com.au. Calypso Star Charters’Calypso Star Charters’ offer the chance to spot great white shark without getting in the water while also seeing passing pods of dolphins and islands teeming with bird life. The company is also known for offering cage diving out of Port Lincoln, one of only three locations in the world that offers cage diving with great white sharks in their natural environment. Visit : www.sharkcagediving.com.au. Visit : www.southaustralia.com. Contact : Jovanka Ristich at jovanka@independentpr.co.uk. Art in Havana Swiss art collector Gilbert Brownstone has donated nine works by artists including Picasso, Miro and Warhol, to Havana’s National Museum of Fine Arts and plans to donate a total of 120 works over time. Captivating Cuba has six-night stay in Havana Visit : www.captivatingcuba.com. Contact : Sarah Belcher at S.Belcher@travelpr.co.uk. GreenlandWith much of Greenland is only accessible by ship, cruise company Hurtigruten, offers the chance to explore the world’s largest island complimented by informative lectures and landings ashore on polar cirkle boats. These landings get passengers to otherwise inaccessible areas with the chance to meet the people and discover genuine cultures. Visit : www.hurtigruten.co.uk. Contact : Lois Kettlewell at Lois.Kettlewell@fourcommunications.com. Faroe Islands The first direct flights to the Faroe Islands, located within the Gulf Stream in the North Atlantic, will be available this Easter. The islands offer activities including boat trips to see the highest sea cliffs in Europe, hikes in a virgin landscape and bird-watching that includes a thriving puffin colony. Sunvil Discovery offers a five-night stay including flights from Stansted and private transfers and B&B at Hotel Torshavn. Visit : www.sunvil.co.uk. Contact : Sarah Belcher at S.Belcher@travelpr.co.uk. The Red Earth Museum, Oklahoma The Red Earth Museum has relocated to downtown Oklahoma City. The new location is immediately south of the Skirvin Hilton Hotel and is within walking distance of the Cox Convention Center where the non-profit organization will conduct the 24th annual Red Earth Festival June 18-20, 2010. Visit: www.redearth.org and www.travelok.com. Contact: Derek Mackenzie-Hook at DerekMackenzieHook@supanet.com. The Great Swedish Cruise – Gothenburg to Stockholm, Sweeden The Great Swedish Cruise is a six-day voyage linking Sweden’s two picturesque coasts via the Gota Canal aboard a historical steamship. The canal is one of the world’s great waterways passing through no less than 66 locks. Visit : www.gotacanal.se. Contact : Sarah Belcher at S.Belcher@travelpr.co.uk.
Information for professional travel writes, editors, broadcasters and photographers on events and celebrations worldwide. The Madeira Flower Festival 15 and 18 April 2010 The Madeira Flower Festival takes place in the capital city of Funchal between 15 and 18 April 2010. The Island is determined to move on from the storm of 20 February. The festivities begin on Thursday 15 April with the opening of the Flower Market in the Central Square and the construction of floral carpets along the main streets of Funchal. On Saturday morning, thousands of youngsters take part in the Children's Parade, each carrying a flower to place in a mural known as the "Wall of Hope", located in Praça do Município. The Grand Flower Parade, on Sunday, sees hundreds of flower-themed floats and characters making their way through the city. The Flower Festival, is one of the Islands' most colourful celebrations. Visit : www.madeiraislands.travel. Contact : Joana Dias at joanadias@ap-madeira.pt. Spring events in London Fit for a King Tower of London Opens April 2010 Held within the White Tower of the Tower of London this exhibition brings together a range of customised armour worn by royalty throughout the centuries. Includes a variety of objects collected by the Royal Armouries over the last 500 years.
17 April - 26 September 2010 The wardrobe of Grace Kelly will be on display at the V&A. Tracing the evolution of her style from her days as one of Hollywood's most popular actresses in the 1950s and as Princess Grace of Monaco, the display will present over 50 of Grace Kelly's outfits together with hats, jewellery and the original Hermes Kelly bag.
British Museum 22 April - 25 July 2010 A collaboration between the Uffizi and the British Museum, this major exhibition features 100 drawings by Italian artists during the critical period of the Renaissance, from 1400 to 1510. Drawn from the two foremost collections in the field, the display will feature works by Leonardo da Vinci, Fra Angelico, Botticelli, Carpaccio, Michelangelo, Verrocchio and Titian. Visit : www.thebritishmuseum.ca.uk. Contact Hannah Boulton at hboulton@thebritishmuseum.ac.uk London Burlesque Week 2010 Various London Locations 20 - 25 April 2010 Following the success of the 2009 event, veteran producer Chaz Royal has lined up international burlesque talent for London Burlesque Week 2010! It is billed as the world's most extravagant celebration of Burlesque in each of its exotic forms! Contact Holly Loader at holly@halo-pr.com Shakespeare's Globe 2010 theatre season 23 April - 3 October 2010 Building on the success of its 2009 theatre season, which saw record attendance, Shakespeare's Globe 2010 theatre season is entitled 'Kings and Rogues'.
Beverly Hills Film Festival, California, USA14 April 2010 to 18 April 2010 (annual, 10th) An international competition dedicated to showcasing the art and talent of emerging filmmakers in the city recognised as home to the motion-picture industry. Features screenings, celebrity panels, special events, seminars and VIP parties. Final night sees judges present awards honouring cinematic achievement at a black tie gala held at the Beverly Hills Hotel. Visit : www.beverlyhillsfilmfestival.com. Contact : Steve Diamond at steve@beverlyhillsfilmfestival.com. IMAGINE - Amsterdam Fantastic Film Festival, The Netherlands 14 April 2010 to 24 April 2010 (annual, 26th) This film festival showcases international short and feature films of genres including fantasy, horror, animation, thriller, cult and science fiction. Visit : www.afff.nl. Contact : Nienke van der Wal at nienke@afff.nl, www.afff.nl. Coachella Festival, Indio, California, USA 16 April 2010 to 18 April 2010 (annual, 10th) One of America's major music festivals over a three day weekend. Visit : www.coachella.com. Contact : Ken Denton at ken@goldenvoice.com. Tribeca Film Festival, New York, USA 21 April 2010 to 02 May 2010 (annual, 9th) This film festival screens over 400 new and independent films, and features panel discussions with filmmakers and actors, and an outdoor family festival. Organised by Robert De Niro's production company Tribeca Productions. Renowned festival brings local, national and international talent to downtown New York. Visit : www.tribecafilm.com. Contact : Tammie Rosen at trosen@tribecaenterprises.com The Jules Verne Adventure Film Festival, Paris, France 22 April 2010 to 25 April 2010 (annual, 18th) This festival celebrates the spirit of authentic adventure and exploration, all things Verne and includes screenings of current and classic films. Event Intelligence Visit : www.julesvernefestival.com/jva. Contact : Shilpa Surati at contact@julesverne.org. New Orleans Jazz And Heritage Festival, Louisiana, USA 23 April 2010 to 02 May 2010 (annual, 41st) The birthplace of jazz celebrates its heritage with live music, food and crafts. Runs over two weekends. Over 500 acts perform in total. Visit : www.nojazzfest.com and www.jazzandheritage.org. Contact : Matthew Goldman at matthew@nojazzfest.com. Shakespeare Birthday Celebrations, Stratford upon Avon, Warwickshire 23 April 2010 to 25 April 2010 (annual) A weekend of events celebrate the Bard's birthday (April 23, 1564) including street theatre, dancing and music. Visit : www.shakespeare.org.uk. Contact : Helen Robson at helen.robson@shakespeare.org.uk. Sci-Fi-London, Apollo West End Cinema, London, UK 28 April 2010 to 03 May 2010 (annual, 9th) The UK's only film festival dedicated to science fiction and fantasy genres. Features UK and world premieres, classic features, debates, internet film section, film competition and short film showcase. Visit : www.sci-fi-london.com. Contact : Frazer Nash at fnc@frazer-nash-communications.co.uk. Beale Street Music Festival, Memphis, Tennessee, USA 30 April 2010 to 02 May 2010 (annual, 34th) A major multi-genre music festival featuring over 60 acts performing on three outdoor stages and a blues tent. Organised as a part of the Memphis in May International Festival Visit : www.memphisinmay.org. Contact : Diane Hampton at dhampton@memphisinmay.org. Houston's top events in 2010 Houston, the self-proclaimed capital of Texas has a number of significant events and developments throughout 2010. Maurizo CattelanThe Menil Collection To 15 August 2010 The Italian artist, best known for his provocative and controversial sculptures, debuts recent large-scale works and installations in his first-ever solo show in Texas. Visit : www.menil.org/exhibitions/MaurizioCattelanNew.php. Houston Livestock and RodeoTo 21 March 2010 This annual festival offers visitors the World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest, wine tasting at the Champion Wine Garden, shopping, trail rides, concerts and championship rodeo. The nightly rodeo performances by artists like Tim McGraw, the Black Eyed Peas and Brad Paisley. Visit : www.rodeohouston.com. Fotofest Biennial12 March to 25 April 2010 The longest running photography biennial in the states, as five curators team up for an exhibition focusing on contemporary U.S. photography. Hundreds of local art spaces and galleries will also feature special exhibitions. Visit : www.fotofest.org Art Car Parade8 May 2010 More than 250,000 spectators line downtown’s streets each year to see the oldest and largest art car parade in the country. Visit : www.orangeshow.org/art-car/. Pride ParadeJune 26, 2010 Houston hosts the largest pride event in the southwest in the largest US city with an openly-gay mayor. Visit : www.pridehouston.org and www.MyGayHouston.com. MLS All-Star GameJuly 2010 (exact date TBD) This summer, Houston—home of the two-time MLS Cup champion Houston Dynamo—will welcome soccer fans from around the world to the 70,000-seat Reliant Stadium. The 15th-annual competition showcases the sports’ top players taking on a high-profile international team. Visit : www.mlsnet.com. Bernar VenetHermann Park To 30 September 2010 Fifteen monumental sculptures created by the world-renowned French artist, on display at Hermann Park. Each of the dramatic, curving creations are made of cor-ten steel, stand up to 30 feet high and weigh as much as 12 tons. Visit : www.hermannpark.org/press5.php. Houston Collects Latin American ArtMuseum of Fine Arts, Houston 27 October 2010 to 6 February 2011 Comprised of more than 90 works in MFAH's collection, this exhibition celebrates the 10-year anniversary of the establishment of the MFAH's Latin American Art Department and the International Center for the Arts of the Americas (ICAA). The center, the only one of its kind in the world, serves as both a curatorial department and a resource center within the museum. Visit : www.mfah.org. African FestHouston Zoo December 2010 In late 2010, the Houston Zoo will unveil the first phase of its African Forest project—the organization’s most ambitious undertaking to date. The 6.5-acre site will provide 1.7-million zoo visitors with an awe-inspiring educational experience that puts them face-to-face with chimpanzees, rhinos and giraffes. Visit : www.houstonzoo.org/africanforest/. Visit : www.visithoustontexas.com. Contact : Cathrin Casselt at ccasselt@kaus.net. The Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Florida 26 to 28 March 2010 Drivers will race at speeds in excess of 170 mph along a 14-turn, 1.8-mile temporary circuit that runs through the streets of St. Petersburg and through the Albert Whitted Airport and overlooking the picturesque St. Petersburg waterfront. Visit : www.gpstpete.com. Contact : Mary Kalemkaryan at mary.kalemkaryan@fleishmaneurope.com.
Alliance members looking to take advantage of any of the following should be on assignment, with a commission or able to obtain one. The Savoy, London The Savoy will reopen in Summer 2010 after a GBP100 million restoration programme – the most expensive hotel refurbishment in London’s history. Encompassing the entire building from the courtyard and American Bar to the public areas and 268 guestrooms, the responsibility for this extensive restoration is being handled by designer, Pierre Yves Rochon, who earned special recognition for his work on other landmark hotels such as the George V in Paris and the Hermitage in Monaco. The programme heralds a number of notable highlights including the addition of a luxurious new two bedroom Royal Suite, the complete remodel of the legendary River Restaurant and the re-launch of the 58 River Suites with their iconic views over the River Thames. In addition, The Savoy Grill will return again under the operation of Gordon Ramsay Holdings. New to the hotel will be The Beaufort Bar and Savoy Tea Shop, the first an opulent new venue to enjoy champagne and cocktails and the latter, a bijou teashop selling Savoy branded tea products, patisserie and other goodies. Within the Thames Foyer, the re-introduction of a winter garden gazebo beneath an ornate glass dome will provide the ambience for afternoon tea. The glass enclosed fitness gallery and rooftop swimming pool is one of only two in the city.
Room rates at The Savoy will start from around GBP 350 per room per night. Visit www.the-savoy.com. Contact : Brett Perkins at Brett.Perkins@Fairmont.com. Beach Break Live, WalesBeach Break Live, the UK’s biggest student festival, will be held at the Pembrey Country Park, Carmarthenshire, South Wales between 14 and 18 June 2010. Beach Break Live was first held in June 2007 and, with this a success, Celia Norowzian and Ian Forshew, the two young entrepreneurs behind the festival, appeared on the BBC’s Dragons’ Den programme in November 2007. They presented their plans and projections for the UK’s first student-only festival and had four offers made to . Instead, the two agreed a deal with Outgoing Ltd the student event and travel specialist best known for staging the infamous Snowbombing Festival in Mayrhofen. Growing from just 1000 students in it’s first year to 5000 in it’s second and 10000 in it’s third, 2010 will see 17,500 UK students attending the three day music festival. Visit www.beachbreaklive.com. Contact : Eva McBride eva@gonefishingpr.com. Serbia Travel the Unknown has launched tours to Serbia, one of Europe’s undiscovered destinations. Situated in the heart of the Balkans, Serbia stretches across two geographic and cultural regions of Europe. As a result the Serbian lands formed the crossroads for various past civilizations – Roman, Medieval, Hungarian, Austrian, Ottoman and, as a result, the country has a broad architectural, religious and artistic heritage. Once in the news for the wrong reasons, Serbia is looking forward to a new era, but the country still sees little in the way of tourists. The north of the country is characterised by Central-European lowlands with fields and meadows, while the south and central parts are mostly mountainous. Cutting a swathe through the middle is the mighty Danube River.
The company’s four-day Serbia’s Secret North tour journeys through Serbia’s semi-autonomous northern province of Vojvodina, which is vastly different from the south. Here are wide flatlands and plains, picturesque villages and the city Novi Stad and the architectural and cultural influences of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Visit : www.traveltheunknown.com. Contact : Vanessa Aves at VanessaAvesPR@aol.com. Trekking in Nepal Tailor made specialist cazenove+loyd has introduced new trekking holidays in a remote area of Nepal. The off the beaten track adventure in lower Solu Khumbu offers offers some of the finest trekking country in Nepal and is much less visited than the Everest area. The area has an average altitude of 2000m and passes over 3000m but altitude and cold is not such an issue as in the higher Khumbu. The vegetation is stronger, farming easier and the countryside scattered with apple orchards and cheese factories. Located across the hillsides are many Buddhist monasteries, including some of the best in the country such as Thupten Choling and Chiwong, both in spectacular settings. The area is home to the legendary Sherpas of Nepal, who have strong Buddhist traditions. Solu Khumbu is accessible by road from Kathmandu, trekking in from the west to east crossing the ridge lines and river valleys that stream down from the high Himalayas, or by flying into Luka and then turning south before the route leads west back towards Jiri. Guests stay in dome tents in a mobile tented Sherpa camp, which offers freedom of choice and movement. Evening meals will often be locally prepared Nepalese curries with other specialities including local pancakes for breakfast and fresh Yak cheese straight from the dairies. The best time to trek and camp in Nepal is from December to May. Trekkers need to be reasonably fit as there is an average of six to eight hours walking per day. Visit www.cazloyd.com. Contact : Emma Hill at emma@hillanddeanpr.com. Crusoe excursions on the MaldivesThe Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa Maldives offers the Robinson Crusoe Excursion when guests at the resort are taken after breakfast by speedboat to a nearby uninhabited island and left there alone on the beach. They are then free to wander the island, exploring the interior and swimming in the clear blue waters of the lagoon. The ‘castaways’ take with them a cold lunch that has been prepared by the resort’s chefs which includes steamed lobster, roast beef tenderloin, a selection of salads, fresh fruit, dessert and cheese. A bottle of cold champagne is also included. When the guest is ready to be picked up, they call the resort and the speedboat will return. Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa Maldives is located at the South Ari Atoll in the Republic of Maldives. Designed in a colonial style, with whitewashed timber accommodation and meandering boardwalks, this premier-level resort is the first overseas property of Thailand’s leading hotel owner and operator, Centara Hotels & Resorts. Some of the world’s best snorkeling and diving sites are within easy reach and there is a house reef complete with a dedicated sunken shipwreck. Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa Maldives is easily accessible from Male International Airport with an air transfer time of just 25 minutes or speedboat services in 85 minutes. Visit : www.avenuesales.co.uk. Contact Ian at imills@avenuesales.co.uk. Learning to sail in GreeceSunvil Sailing run yachting holidays off Lefkas island in the Greek Ionian Sea with a choice of accommodation either on board the boat or shore-based in a hotel, villa or apartment. The company specialises in learn-to-sail weeks with certification but also offer flotilla, bareboat charter, individually tailored villa-flotilla packages and day boat hire.
The Greek sailing holidays run from early May to end October; holidaymakers can charter their own yacht with or without tuition, while singles, couples and parties too small to skipper their own boat can take advantage of Sunvil’s share-a-yacht weeks. New this year will be tuition yachts for single parents plus their children.
Visit www.sunvilsailing.co.uk. Contact : Pat Edgar at PRMatters@dsl.pipex.com. The capping of Havis Amanda, Helsinki, Finland On 30 April thousands of Finns take part in the yearly ritual of the capping of Havis Amanda. Traditionally a celebration for students and workers, the evening’s celebrations kick off the two-day Vappu carnival offering mass picnics, music and merriment in Finland’s cities and parks marking the start of spring. For the most part of the year Helsinki’s naked mermaid, the Havis Amanda remains in graceful stance looking over Helsinki’s Market Square. But on 30 April however, this all changes at 6pm when thousands of people flock to join in the May Day Celebrations and the statue gets officially capped. The weather can be anywhere from 2ºC with rain to 20ºC and sunny but whatever the weather, the festive spirits are high and the atmosphere is one of mass community spirit. Visit : www.visitfinland.com/uk. Contact : Kate MvcWilliams at kate@lotus-uk.co.uk. The Ocean Sun Festival cruise round Britain The Ocean Sun Festival cruise, on board the five-star plus MS EUROPA, departs from Kiel, in Northern Germany, on 24 August and returns to Kiel on 8 September 2010. The 15-day round Britain cruise offers classical concerts onboard as well as exclusive concerts at historical sites ashore as the ship sails from Kiel to Scotland, the Orkneys, Ireland, Wales, the Scilly Islands and back to Kiel. As free transfers are provided from Hamburg to Kiel and back, passengers can also take the opportunity to explore the city before sailing day. For the landscape designers and enthusiastic gardeners onboard there’s a different garden to explore almost every day, all accompanied by the ships garden art expert. Additional highlights include a visit to the most northerly whisky distillery in the world; Ring of Brodnar and Skara Brae a UNESCO World Heritage site on the Orkney Islands and some of Britain’s historic castles including an evening pipe and drum military tattoo at Edinburgh Castle. MS EUROPA is the only cruise ship in the world to be awarded 5-stars plus by Berlitz Cruise Guide The Ocean Sun Festival is organized by The Cruise People that specialises in niche cruise markets including ultra-luxury, small ship cruising, expedition voyages and freighter travel. Visit : cruise@cruisepeople.co.uk. Contact Debra Taylor at debra@toucanmoon.com.
Alliance members looking to take advantage of any of the following opportunities should be on assignment, with a commission or able to obtain one. Spring openings for Sheraton Hotels Sheraton Rhodes Resort, Greece Sheraton Rhodes Resort, Greece, is to open in Spring 2010. This hotel is located on the island of Rhodes, a few kilometres from the historic town of Rhodes. The introduction of the Sheraton brand will extend Starwood’s footprint in Greece, where it currently operates seven Luxury Collection hotels and one Westin hotel.
The Sheraton Batumi Hotel, Georgia, scheduled to open in the Spring of 2010. Located on the eastern coast of the Black Sea, just minutes from the centre of Batumi and conveniently located within a short drive to the international airport. Visit : www.starwoodpromos.com. Contact : Sarah-Jane Johnson at sarah-jane.johnson@starwoodhotels.com. Hand Picked HotelsHand Picked Hotels, is a collection of 17 UK country house hotels including : Norton House Hotel & Spa in EdinburghBuilt in 1840, Norton House Hotel & Spa in Edinburgh is a four-star hotel situated a 20-minute drive from Edinburgh city centre. A traditional country retreat situated in 55 acres of grounds offering 83 luxury bedrooms and suites, Norton House Hotel & Spa has been awarded AA Hotel of the Year 2008/2009 Scotland, and has been a finalist two years running in the Destination Spa of the Year Awards.
The Priest House Hotel in Castle Donington, DerbyshireThe Priest House Hotel in Castle Donington, Derbyshire is situated on the banks of the River Trent and offers 17th century cottage rooms with exposed beams and feature fireplaces. Audleys Wood Hotel, HampshireAudleys Wood Hotel, is a country house sited within seven acres of lush woodland in the Hampshire countryside. The hotel has a AA rosettes restaurant, The Gallery. The Hand Picked Hotels collection has 19 hotels across the UK, including two partner hotels, with locations ranging from the New Forest and Jersey to Yorkshire and Edinburgh. Fourteen of hotels have achieved two AA rosette status with Norton House Hotel & Spa in Edinburgh winning three AA rosettes. Visit : www.handpickedhotels.co.uk. Contact : Lois Kettlewell at Lois.Kettlewell@fourcommunications.com. Wimco VillasWimco Villas manages a portfolio of private villas in the Caribbean and Europe. In the Caribbean Wimco represents villas on St. Barts and throughout the region, including the US and British Virgin Islands, Turks & Caicos, Anguilla, Barbados, Mustique, Nevis, St Martin, Jamaica and Grand Cayman. In Europe, Wimco represents villas in Italy, the South of France, and Mykonos. Visit www.wimco.com. Contact : Rebecca Widness at rebecca@widness-co-pr.com Hotel Paracas, PeruStarwood Hotels & Resorts has opened Hotel Paracas, a Luxury Collection Resort, in Peru. The hotel is located on Peru's southern Pacific coast and surrounded by the Paracas National Reserve, a 900,000-acre marine park along the country's pristine southern Pacific coast and the Ballestas Islands. Guests can enjoy one of the world's largest wildlife reserves from a private 52-foot luxury yacht with excursions to the Ballestas Islands. Guests are also invited to explore the region's mesmerizing Nazca Lines, one of ancient Peru's most impressive petroglyphs in the desert, which can be best experienced via the hotel's private airplane. The Luxury Collection is also set to open Tambo del Inka, in the sacred valley of Urubamba, followed by the 2011 opening of Palacio del Inka, in the capital of the ancient Incan Empire. Visit : www.luxurycollection.com. Contact : Sarah-Jane Johnson at sarah-jane.johnson@starwoodhotels.com.
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