Partners Tourism Western Australia

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.

Travel guides

The following travel publishers will be happy to provide review copies to Alliance members.

1. Anova Books

www.anovabooks.com. Helen Ponting at hponting@anovabooks.co

3. Berlitz

www.berlitzpublishing.com. Julia Spence at julia.spence@ukonline.co.uk

5. Bradt Travel

www.bradtguides.com. Debbie Hunter at debbie.hunter@bradtguides.com

6. Brit's Guide

www.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.

 

Fisher's Travel SOS

www.fisherstravelsos.com. Furgan Syed at furqan.syed@fisherstravelsos.com.
Global Travel Publishers
www.africa-adventure.com. Kate Bandos at kate@ksbpromotions.com.

7. Globetrotters LogBook

www.globetrotterslogbook.com. Giedo Claes at giedo@globetrotterslogbook.com

8. Inn House Publishing

www.innhousepublishing.com. Kathryn McWhirter at kathrynmcwhirter@btopenworld.com.

9. Insight

www.insightguides.com. Julia Spence at Julia.spence@ukonline.co.uk.

10. In your pocket guides

www.inyourpocket.com. Craig Turp at editor@inyourpocket.com.

11. Jane’s Smart Art Guides

www.JanesSmartArt.com. Jane McIntosh at MJM@JanesSmartArt.com
Jonglez Publishing

www.jonglezpublishing.com. Contact : Thomas Jonglez at

info@jonglezpublishing.com.

 

12. Kuperard Publishers

www.kuperard.co.uk. Contact : Geoffrey Chesler at geoffreychesler@btinternet.com.

14. Lonely Planet

www.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.

15. Morris Communications

www.themilepost.com. Contact Kate Bandos at kate@ksbpromotions.com.
Odyssey Books & Guides

www.odysseypublications.com. Contact : Caroline Eden at caroline@odysseypublications.com

16. Oxygen Books city-lit

www.oxygenbooks.co.uk Malcom Burgess at malcolm@oxygenbooks.co.uk

17. Rough Guides

www.roughguides.com. Contact : press@roughguides.

18. Turnleft

www.turnleftguides.comContact: Nick Buteau at nick@turnleftguides.com

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  Opportunities : for group and individual press trips
  

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  News : items of interest to travel journalists
  

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  Leads : story ideas
  

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  The year ahead : annual festivals and events
  

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  Reasons to write about : destinations and travel pursuits
  

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  A place to stay :and review hotels, resorts and other accommodation
  

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  Profile on : destinations
  

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  Working with Alliance members : travel partners and their agencies
  

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  Alerts : ongoing press trip opportunities
  

Ongoing initiatives

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  Travel products and services : of interest to travel journalists
  

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  Travel guides : that will offer review copies
  

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  The International Travel Writers Alliance and AllWays
  

Registering with the Alliance

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.

Madeira update

Madeira is recovering quickly from the freak storms of Saturday 20 February 2010that brought havoc to the island. The fine weather has returned.

The Madeira Island’s You Tube platform http://www.youtube.com/user/APMadeiraPT shows the areas of central Funchal including the Cathedral, Avenida Arriaga and Avenida do Mar once again made accessible to tourists and Madeirans alike.

Cleaning and recovery work in Madeira is proceeding quickly and effectively.

Visit : www.ap-madeira.pt. Contact : Joana Dias at joanadias@ap-madeira.pt.

Opportunities

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.
Heading Bush Outback Adventures
Heading Bush Outback Adventures is offering a new three-day Mountain Safari into South Australia’s Flinders Ranges and Outback.

The journey takes groups to:

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  the Pichi Pichi Pass into the deserted Willochra Plain
  
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  Aboriginal art sites at Yourambulla Caves and the Flinders Ranges National Park
  
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  walking in awe inspiring Wilpena Pound
  
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  Brachina Gorge, also known as the Corridors of Time
  
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  wine tasting in the Clare Valley wine district
  

Heading Bush specialises in small group tours of the Australian Outback in off-road vehicles and features a number of South Australia’s most important highlights in the new tour, including Wilpena Pound, Rawnsley Park, Aboriginal art sites and wine tasting in the Clare Valley.

Visit : www.headingbush.com. To discuss media visits contact: Jovanka Ristich at jovanka@independentpr.co.uk.
Events and festivals to light up Taiwan in 2010

Taiwan is famed for its events and festivals throughout the year including :

 
Dragon Boat Festival, nationwide

16 June 2010

 
Together with Chinese New Year and the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival, the Dragon Boat Festival is one of Taiwan’s three major annual holidays. Each year, most local areas in Taiwan hold their own races.
The Taipei Dragon Boat Festival takes placeat Dajia Riverside Park from 28 to 30 May 2009. During the Festival, there are dragon boat races and spectators eat glutinous rice dumplings called zongzih.
 
Ghost Festival, 1st August, Keelung
3 September 2010

The Ghost Festival combines the Buddhist Ullambana (deliverance) Festival and the Taoist Ghost Festival, both of which honour dead spirits.

The seventh lunar month is known as ‘ghost month’ and each year a different Keelung clan is chosen to sponsor it. Highlights of the event include folk-art performances, the opening of the gates of hell and the release of burning water lanterns.
The festival takes place in the large port town of Keelung, just outside Taipei. Keeling is also renowned for having some of the best nightmarkets for food in the country.
 
11th Taroko Gorge Marathon, Taroko Gorge

6 November 2010

The Taroko International Marathon, said to be the world’s only marathon held at a gorge in a mountainous area, takes place at Taiwan’s scenic Taroko National Park.
This annual event draws thousands of long-distance runners from all over the world, offering participants the chance to tour through the winding roads of the majestic marble-walled Taroko Gorge.  
During the run, runners will pass lofty mountains, deep canyons that cut off from the main gorge, head-spinning precipices, elegant waterfalls and wild rapids.             

Taipei International Flora Expo, Taipei
6th November 2010 – 25th April 2011

This year, Taiwan’s capital, Taipei hosts the International Flora Exposition for the very first time.

Over six million tourists are expected to attend the Expo, which will showcase Taiwan’s achievements in horticulture, science and environmental technology to the theme of ‘Rivers, Flowers, New Horizons’.
  
Visit : www.taiwan.net.tw. Alliance members interested in visiting Taiwan on an individual or group press trip contact Susie Tempest at susie@saltmarshpr.co.uk.
Press trips to Austria
For summer 2010, Austria is offering individual and group press trips based on :

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  Back to the roots – Alpbachtal
  
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  Natural Wellbeing – Lech Zürs
  
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  Different notes in perfect harmony – Bregenzerwald
  
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  Leisure activities in the Alps – Montafon
  
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  Art & Culture in nature – Bodensee
  
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  Austria's fine cuisine – Zillertal
  
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  Magical Hills – Country holidays for the whole family – SalzburgerLand
  
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  Water world Austria - Zell am See
  
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  Walking at its purest – Tirol, and
  
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  Natural adrenaline rush – Saalbach Hinterglemm
  

Group press trips includes :

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  Art & Culture in nature : May 2010
  
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  Natural Wellbeing : Autumn 2010 (September)
  
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  Emotions, passion and pure bliss: It’s got to be winter! - Ski press trip : December 2010
  
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  Enjoy the beauty of an Austrian winter : December 2010
  

Dates for the group press trips will be announced about eight weeks before the trip takes place.

Visit www.austria.info. Contact : Martina Jamnig at martina.jamnig@austria.info or on 020 7440 3840.
Cruise SE Alaska on an intimate Small Ship
Alliance members are invited to request to Fantasy Cruises during the summer on its 32 passenger "Small" cruise ship.

The company operates 9-day vacations among the islands, wildlife, glaciers and whales of Alaska.

It’s the chance to njoy time in pristine bays, swinging on the anchor, while savouring some of the best cuisine, small ships have to offer.
Kayak or enjoy a ride with our naturalist among the widlife and bergy bits. Listen for the blow of a humpback whale as your natural alarm clock.
You will cruise by day among the jewels of the Tongass National forest, anchor in peaceful bays for the evening. Visit tiny towns and hot tubs by day awaiting a sumptous meal each night. Fresh seafood, vegetarian or meat. It's your choice, bought locally and prepared elegantly onboard.
Published travel writer may bring a guest. Air tickets not included
Visit : www.smallalaskaship.com. Contact: Jeff Behrens at fancruz@rockisland.com.
Group and independent press trips to France
ATOUT FRANCE, the France Tourism Development Agency has publiched its goup and independent press trip programme for 2010.
Visit : www.francemeetsthemedia.co.uk. Contact : Stephanie Boyle at stephanie.boyle@franceguide.com or Amelie Leroy at amelie.leroy@franceguide.com.
Amee Farm, Pittsfield, Vermont
Amee Farm, a new "green" 12-room inn in Pittsfield, VT near Killington will welcome Alliance members on assignments on a space-available basis.
The farm is particularly interested in writers pursuing stories about destination weddings and adventure/physical training
Visit : www.ameefarm.com, www.riversidefarmweddings.com, www.peakcamps.com and www.peakraces.com. Contact Sara Widness at sara@widnesspr.com.

Hilton Maldives/Iru Fushi Resort & Spa
Situated 60kms north of Male International Airport in the Noonu Atoll, the Hilton Maldives Iru Fushi Resort & Spa covers 52 acres of white sand and tropical vegetation on the island of Medhufushi.
The resort comprises Beach and Water Villas and Retreats; four unique restaurants; a selection of bars and an over-water Wine Cellar; a Spa Sanctuary and a wealth of leisure facilities.
Hilton Worldwide runs 3,400 hotels in 79 countries and include Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Hilton, Doubletree, Embassy Suites Hotels, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton Inn & Suites, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Home2 Suites by Hilton and Hilton Grand Vacations. 
Visit www.hiltonworldwide.com. Contact including press trip requests : Gail Palmer at gail@ktapr.com.

News

Africa Adventure Consultants
Widness & Wiggins PR now represent Denver-based Africa Adventure Consultants. AAC organizes customized and exclusive safari adventures, throughout East and Southern Africa, that are 100% carbon-neutral.
Visit : www.adventuresinafrica.com. Contact Dave Wiggins at d.wiggins@comcast.net.
Orlando Mega Park Pass
Keith Prowse Attraction Tickets has launched a new Florida combination ticket called the Orlando Mega Park Pass, which gives 14 days access to Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and Universal Orlando Resort.
The ticket includes admission to Magic Kingdom Park, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park and Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park as well as Universal Studios, Universal’s Island of Adventure and Universal CityWalk.
The Orlando Mega Park Pass is available from £299 per adult and £269 per child (ages 3 -9) and is available to book until 31 March 2010 for use by 31 December 2010.
Visit www.keithprowse.com. Contact : Becky Hartfield at Becky.hartfield@kbc-pr.com.
Experience Big Tree Country, Perthshire
Perthshire based Catkin Press has published the second volume of Experience Big Tree Country ~ 12 walks around Perthshire by Felicity Martin. 

Outdoor writer and photographer Felicity provides clear descriptions of the walks, each of which is presented on a double page spread with numbered route points and a map.

Additional information and photographs highlight the special aspects of Perthshire's natural heritage that make it 'Big Tree Country'.

Visit : www.catkinpress.com. Contact for review copies : info@catkinpress.com.

Pegasus Airlines
Pegasus Airlines, Turkey’s leading low-cost carrier has launched direct flights to Antalya, Bodrum and Dalaman for the summer season.
Visit : www.flypgs.com. Ceyda Pekenc at ceyda@redmintcomms.co.uk.
The Four Seasons, Los Angeles
The Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills is nearing the completion of its exciting $33 million renovation.
Visit : www.fourseasons.com. Contact : Kim Kessler at kim.kessler@fourseasons.com

Leads

Four Seasons Ocean Residences - maiden voyage, Helsinki, Finland

01 June 2010

Residential cruise ship, a joint venture between Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts and BV International Holdings has its maiden voyage on 1 June 2010.
The luxury liner has 112 apartments that range from a one-bedroom cabin priced at £1.8m to a £20m penthouse. Facilities include a spa and fitness centre, two shopping malls, a casino, business centre and a driving range. Ship stops in St Petersburg, London, Bilbao and other European destinations.

Event Intelligence

Visit : www.oceanresidences.com and www.fourseasons.com. Contact : Kristian Stensby at kstensby@oceangroupllc.net.
Qantas
Qantas has started Melbourne to London A380 services via Singapore. The airline now offers A380 services on four routes (two from Melbourne and two from Sydney).
Visit : www.qantas.com. Contact Caren Rowley at carenrowley@qantas.com.au.
MSC Yacht Club
MSC Cruises is offering complimentary flights and Bali Spa Packages to MSC Yacht Club passengers
MSC Splendida offers seven Winter Mediterranean departures from January to March calling at a variety of destinations including Greece, Egypt, Crete, Malta, Italy, Tunisia and Israel with a selection of 10 and 11 night cruises. During the summer MSC Splendida offers weekly departures for seven night cruises from March to November calling at France, Spain, Tunisia, Malta and Italy.

 

MSC Fantasia also offers seven 11-night Winter Mediterranean departures calling at Spain, Morocco, Canary Islands and Italy. Weekly departures for seven-night cruises are also available during April to November for passengers in search of a Mediterranean Summer visiting Italy, Tunisia, Balearic Islands, Spain and France.

 

Visit www.mscyachtclub.com or www.msccruises.co.uk. Contact : Sarah McCreesh at sarah@ashcommunications.com.

The year ahead

Information for professional travel writes, editors, broadcasters and photographers on events and celebrations worldwide.
The Tree Council's Tree Care Campaign, nationwide, UK

01 March 2010 to 30 September 2010 (annual)

The campaign highlights the need for better care for all trees, in order to ensure their survival and increase their numbers.
Visit : www.treecouncil.org.uk. Contact : Pauline Buchanan Black at info@treecouncil.org.uk.

Celtic Festival Of Wales (Cwlwm Celtaidd), Porthcawl

05 March 2010 to 07 March 2010 (annual, 9th)

The festival features over 20 traditional and folk acts from Wales and beyond. Activities include dance and instrument workshops, a parade and real ale bars. It is the only Celtic festival in Wales.
Visit : www.cwlwmceltaidd.com. Contact : Derek Smith at derek@cwlwmceltaidd.com.
Womadelaide, Adelaide, South Australia

05 March 2010 to 08 March 2010 (annual, 18th)

An outdoor music festival featuring seven stages and around 400 artists from over 20 different countries. Part of the Womad (world of music, arts and dance)
Visit : www.womadelaide.com.au. Contact : Nicola Prime at apadmin@artsprojects.com.au.
Altitude Festival, Meribel, France

20 March 2010 to 26 March 2010 (annual, 3rd)

This festival mixes comedy, DJs, live music and snowboarding. Takes place in the French Alps.
Visit : www.altitudefestival.com. Contact : Claire Walker at claire@clairewalkerpr.com.
Hawick Reivers Festival, Hawick, Scotland

26 March 2010 to 28 March 2010 (annual, 8th)

This festival marks centuries of conflict between Scotland and England. Celebrates the culture and traditions of the area through music and theatre performances, a 16th century market and other activities.
Visit : www.hawickreivers.com. Contact : Catherine Elliott at info@hawickreivers.com.
Snowbombing, Mayrhofen, Austria

05 April 2010 to 10 April 2010 (annual, 10th)

Europe's biggest skiing, snowboarding and music festival features 625km of piste, eight music arenas, pro competition, arctic disco, snow bingo, comedy nights, daycare centre and mountain stages.
Visit : www.snowbombing.com. Contact : Gareth Cooper at gareth.cooper@outgoing.co.uk.
St Ives Festivals 2010, Cornwall, UK
The coastal town of St Ives hosts two of Cornwall’s major festivals :
St Ives Literature Festival

1 – 8 May 2010

Now in its 3^rd year, this annual even is organised by local poet and artist Bob Devereux and includes readings, talks, walks, workshops and performances - many are free.
Visit : www.stivescornwallblog.co.uk/2010/01/st-ives-literature-festival-may-2010.html
September Festival

11 – 25 September 2010

With events over two weeks every September, this Cornish festival celebrates arts of all genres: music, art, film, exhibition, poetry, theatre and guided walks in a range of locations from the Guildhall to local pubs.

There are 30 commercial art galleries and many artists in St Ives and the St Ives School of Painting.

One of the highlights of the festival programme is that 90% of these offer an ‘Open House’ – a wonderful opportunity for serious art collectors to browse and buy without commission.
Visit : www.stivesseptemberfestival.co.uk
Sail Lofts - St Ives
The five star properties of Sail Lofts - St Ives are ideally placed for visitors to enjoy the festival events,
just a few metres from Porthmeor Beach and a five minute stroll to the town centre.
Visit : www.thesaillofts.co.uk .
Visit : www.visitcornwall.co.uk. Contact : Doug Goodman at info@douggoodmanpr.com.

Reasons to write about

Alliance members looking to take advantage of any of the following should be on assignment, with a commission or able to obtain one.
Iceland 2010
New Reykjavik surf camps with Arctic Adventures
Already known in pro-surfing circles for its uncrowned, world-class waves, Iceland has launched new surf camps with local adventure tour operator, Arctic Adventures.
These die-hard surfers the chance to discover the dramatic coastline of the Reykjanes peninsula, combined with Reykjavik’s nightlife for après-surf fun.
The Reykjavik Surf Camps take place from 23 August, 30 August, 6 September and 13 September 2010.
Visit : www.arcticsurfers.is.
4x4 adventures launched by Arctic Trucks
The company who were behind Top Gear’s memorable expedition to the North Pole now give visitors the chance to experience some of Iceland’s most remote areas in the same cars used for the programme’s gruelling, adventurous race towards the North Pole.
Visit : www.arctictrucks-experience.com.
Wild Photography Holidays unveils new Iceland itineraries for 2010
Four new Icelandic itineraries have been launched by specialist small-group travel company Wild Photography Holidays discovering the country’s more inaccessible landscapes.
Visit : www.wildphotographyholidays.com.
Glacier ski tours from Borea Adventures
Icelandic operator Borea Adventures has added a new Glacier Ski Tour for true winter adventurers to its portfolio of expeditions based in the Westfjords in north-west Iceland.

With departures in May 2010, the six-day trip explores the uninhabited Hornstrandir Nature Reserve, one of the most remote areas of Iceland.

Visit www.boreaadventures.com.
Ramblers introduces new trips to lesser-known Iceland
Walking holiday specialist Ramblers Worldwide Holidays has introduced three new itineraries to its 2010 portfolio, enabling travellers to discover lesser-known areas of Iceland.
Visit : www.ramblersholidays.co.uk
Visit : www.visiticeland.com. Contact : Clair Horwood clair@saltmarshpr.co.uk.

New Zealand
Sail a Tallship around Hauraki Gulf
Explore charters the Soren Larsen, a square-rig tallship built 60 years ago in Denmark.
She briefly tasted fame by appearing in the BBC's The Onedin Line back in the 70s, but is now based in Auckland, sailing for eight months a year around New Zealand and the South Pacific. Guests can join for single or multiple voyages from 5-22 days. On Ocean Sailing Voyages, you work as part of a crew – navigating by stars, filling in the log or climbing the rigging and standing watch
Visit : www.explore.co.uk.

First timers
For the uninitiated Journeys of Distinction runs an introductory 20-day tour of the North & South Islands that includes the Bay of Islands, where the historic Waitangi Treaty was signed.
Visit : www.jod.uk.com.
Rail New Zealand
Ffestiniog Travel runs a 27-day rail tour that takes in the harbour hotspots of Auckland and the vibrant buzz of Christchurch before railing through New Zealand’s gorges, glacial fjords, river valleys and plains.
Visit : www.festtravel.co.uk.

The open road
Go Touring has self-drive holidays to New Zealand. The suggested 15-day road trip from Auckland to Christchurch takes in stunning scenery without another soul in sight. The itinerary includes stops in Rotorua, Tongariro National Park, Wellington, Nelson, Greymouth, Franz Josef and Queenstown.
Visit : www.gotouring.uk.com.
Contact : Camilla Colley at C.Colley@travelpr.co.uk.
Southwold, Suffolk, UK
Southwold is a town on the North Sea coast in the county of Suffolk.
It is located at the mouth of the River Blyth within the Suffolk Coast and Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Southwold offers a sandy beach, traditional pier (complete with Tim Hunkins’ eccentric Under The Pier Show).There’s also a traditional boating lake and café, fully restored Electric Picture Palace, boutique shops and invigorating coastal walks.
In recent years, the resort, and its smaller neighbour, Walberswick has attracted many travellers keen to soak up its special atmosphere.
Visit : www.choosesuffolk.com. Contact : Richard Ginger at Richard@choosesuffolk.com.
Africa Adventure Consultants
Denver-based Africa Adventure Consultants organize exclusive safari adventures throughout East and Southern Africa that are 100% carbon-neutral.
Countries include East and Southern Africa: Tanzania, Kenya, South Africa, Uganda, Namibia, Botswana, Malawi, Mozambique, Rwanda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Ethiopia, and The Seychelles.
To be qualified to work with ACC, a partner must:

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  employ local people and offer training and education
  
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  maintain business practices that minimize negative impacts on the environment
  
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  provide environmentally friendly accommodation, and
  
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  procure supplies from local sources
  

A $25 donation made in behalf of each guest, AAC supports a variety of African conservation organisations, community-based tourism programs and grass-roots humanitarian causes. Current aid recipients include Mwangaza, which funds health-related projects, particularly those impacting the physically disabled and the Serengeti Cheetah Project.

Visit : www.adventuresinafrica.com. Contact : Dave Wiggins at dave@travelnewssource.com

North Devon and Exmoor walking festival
The tenth North Devon and Exmoor walking festival offers 84 guided walks on offer between Thursday 29 April to Friday 7 May 2010. It’s one of a series of events taking place within the North Devon Coast to celebrate the 50 anniversary of it achieving Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty status.
The other festival outings will cover most of North Devon and Exmoor with guided walks ranging from a short half-day up to a full day’s hike, so there is something for most abilities.
Visit : www.exmoorwalkingfestival.co.uk. Contact : Pat Edgar at PRMatters@dsl.pipex.com.

A place to stay

Alliance members looking to take advantage of any of the following opportunities should be on assignment, with a commission or able to obtain one.
Casa de Campo, the Dominican Republic
The 7,000-acre Casa de Campo on the southeast coast of the Dominican Republic, known as one the Caribbean’s most complete resorts reopened in December following a $32 million dollar investment
The resort was winner of the 2009 World’s Leading Golf Resort and Pete Dye´s classic Teeth of the Dog course attracts the world’s best professional and amateur golfers in the world.
It has been ranked the first in the Caribbean and 43rd in the world’s top 100 coursesby Golf Magazine.
Casa de Campo also features tennis, horseback riding, a shooting center and private beach and :

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  new Elite hotel rooms and suites,
  
• 
  La Cana Restaurant & Lounge by Il Circo (among six restaurants on the resort)
  
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  a fitness center featuring Cybex equipment and the new “Sweet Spot” fitness solution
  
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  a main pool area with three pools, private cabanas and trellised platforms for yoga.
  

The family programme offers nannies by day and night.  

Within the resort area is an international airport; the Altos de Chavon village with museums, art galleries and the Casa de Campo Marina & Yacht Club, home of the RolexFarr40 World Championships in April 2010. 
Visit : www.casadecampo.com.do   Contact: Kimberly Hutchinson at khutchin@pwmonline.com
The St. James’s Hotel and Club, London
The St. James’s Hotel and Club, London is just a short stroll from the Royal Academy of Arts where the “Real Van Gogh” exhibition is running.
Over 35 original letters, rarely exhibited to the public, will be on display, together with about 65 paintings and 30 drawings. This is the first major Van Gogh exhibition in London for over 40 years.
St James’s Hotel and Club has carefully appointed and original art collection features throughout the hotel including a collection of 20th-century paintings.
Visit : www.Stjameshotelandclub.com and www.royalacademy.org.uk. Contact : Julie Kemp at Julie.kemp@brightergroup.com.

Zermatt, Switzerland
The Swiss of municipality Zermatt is a car-free village located in a valley dominated by the Matterhorn.
There is guaranteed snow, a glacier allows for skiing 365 days a year and Cervinia and Valtournenche are just over the Italian border.
Though mostly known for its skiing, Zermatt is also home to a number of mountain restaurants such as Chez Vrony and Zum See.
Chalet Zen, is a privately owned chalet located just 100m from the main lift up to Schwarzsee and Klein Matterhorn with direct access to the new Furi Riffelberg connection.
Visit : www.chalet-zen.com. Contact : Kathryn Peel at Kathryn@grifcopr.com.
Kinloch Lodge, the Isle of Skye, Scotland
Kinloch Lodge has been awarded a Michelin star for its food, the first Michelin star to be awarded in Skye.
In addition to the Michelin Star, Kinloch retained its Red Grape award for it wine list.
The hotel is located at the foot of Kinloch Hill on the shoreline of the sea-loch Na Dal in Sleat on the Isle of Skye. It is fifteen minutes from the Skye Bridge at Kyleakin and 20 minutes from the landing point of the Mallaig/Armadale ferry.
Kinloch also has 3 boat moorings in the bay infront of the hotel.
Kinloch Lodge has been run by award-winning cook and food writer, Claire Macdonald and her husband Godfrey for the past 37 years.
Visit : www.kinloch-lodge.co.uk and www.michelin.co.uk . Contact : Ginny Lawson at ginny@ginnylawsonpr.com.
Sugar Ridge Antigua
Sugar Ridge Antigua is a contemporary, boutique four-star resort, situated on the west coast of the island.
Each of the sixty hillside rooms offer views of the Caribbean Sea and the neighbouring islands of Redonda, St Kitts and Nevis.
Visit : www.sugarridgeantigua.com. Contact : Lucy Quilliam at lucy@ktapr.com.
W London – Leicester Square, London, UK
W Hotels Worldwide will open W London – Leicester Square in the capital’s West End in the summer of 2010.
Leicester Square is host to numerous high-profile movie premiers and celebrity events throughout the year and W London – Leicester Square will provide an exciting and new venue for such events.
The hotel’s location gives guests access to the city’s theatres, restaurants, lounges and nightclubs and is within walking distance to Soho, Trafalgar Square, Covent Garden and Piccadilly Circus.

W London – Leicester Square, will be the newest hotel in the UK for Starwood Hotels & Resorts, joining sister properties under the Sheraton, Le Méridien, St. Regis and The Luxury Collection brands in London, Heathrow, Edinburgh, and Ayrshire.

W Hotels is also planning 2011 openings in Downtown New York; Hollywood; London; Paris; St. Petersburg; Guangzhou; Shanghai; Bali; Vieques Island; Koh Samui and Verbier.
Visit : www.whotels.com. Contact : Sarah-Jane Johnson at sarah-jane.johnson@starwoodhotels.com.
Alsace!
The French region of Alsace is located on France's eastern border and on the west bank of the upper Rhine adjacent to Germany and Switzerland.
The region was listed as one to visit in the 2010 edition of Lonely Planet’s Best In Travel guide.
Alsace has two nature parks and 21 nature reserves and many wildlife parks.
As well as being the ideal region for walking holidays, Alsace features over 1,300 kms of marked cycle touring routes and also offers many holiday opportunities for horse riding, canoeing and climbing enthusiasts.
There is also a range of ‘green’ accommodation on offer, varying from hotels to lodges and farms, which provide the perfect location for an eco-holiday.

 

These include Hôtels au Naturel, which have to meet strict criteria to be included in the group including respect of the local region and its heritage, preservation of traditional working practices and preservation of the environment.

Alsace has over half of the 20 Hôtels au Naturel that are found throughout France.

 

These include :

Villa Rosa in southern Alsace whose owner, Anne Rose, is a qualified nature guide who can provide guided walks through the surrounding countryside.
www.villarosa.fr
La Rochette a quiet hotel in the Vosges Mountains that provides seasonal food sourced only from local producers
www.larochette-hotel.fr
Le Cheval Blanc is an impressive traditional Alsatian house in the perfect location from which to explore the Vosges du Nord national park.
www.hotel-cheval-blanc.fr
The World Wildlife Fund, in association with Gîtes de France and the National Parks Association, has created a classification for gîte accommodation called Les Gîtes Panda.
This award recognises lodgings that actively preserve their surrounding environment and also provide education for visitors. Within Alsace these gîtes are located close to nature trails and footpaths within the Ballons des Vosges and the Vosges du Nord national parks.
Les Hautes Huttes near Orbey is situated in a mountain setting with an organic kitchen garden and wood burning stove.
www.hautes-huttes.com
There are over 50 fermes-auberges in Alsace.
These are traditional working farms that are almost totally self sufficient and provide home-produced organic food and, in most cases, accommodation.
The farms, situated in the Vosges Mountains, often actively encourage holidaymakers to muck in.
The Ferme-Auberge du Christlesgut is a dairy farm that allows visitors to help with the milking process and the making of cheese and butter. The farm also lets children help prepare a meal, using ingredients that they have sourced during the day.
www.christlesgut.com
The TGV Est high speed train link provides holiday makers to Alsace with an environmentally viable rail service to the region.

 

www.tgvesteuropeen.com and www.raileurope.com

Visit : www.tourism-alsace.com. Contact : Toby Oliver at toby@oliverrelations.co.uk.
Cotton Bay Village, Saint Lucia
Cotton Bay Village, Saint Lucia’s only member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, has teamed up with Friendship Travel to create a series of packages especially designed for single parent families, including fun activities, entertainment and social events for kids and parents alike.
Visit www.holidaysforsingleparents.com. Contact : Eleanore Longley at eleanore@bacall.net.
Coral Lodge 15.41, Mozambique
Coral Lodge 15.41, a luxury lodge at a prime beach location near the UNESCO World Heritage site has opened.
The resort comprises 10 villas built on a privately- owned reserve called Varanda, a peninsula jutting into the ocean on one side and a large lagoon on the other.
Through the lagoon the tides offer life to the mangrove forest behind massive sand dunes. Guests can explore Varanda by canoe or on foot.

While visiting Coral Lodge 15.41 guests can also visit UNESCO World Heritage site Ilha de Mozambique.

Visit : www.corallodge1541.com. Contact: Mallory Corbett at Mallory@FazendinPortfolio.com.
Private chalets in ski resorts
Vacations-Abroad.com, a website that focuses on private vacation and holiday rentals in unique destinations around the world, has private chalets within close proximity to world-renowned ski slopes. 
These include :

 

Zermatt, Switzerland

Zermatt, Switzerland, is a small alpine village located in the southwestern part of Switzerland near the Italian border. 
The village is surrounded by majestic Swiss Alps, which contain nine of the ten highest mountains in Europe, including the famous Matterhorn.  
Mt Tremblant, Canada
The tiny village of Mont Tremblant, Canada, has achieved an international status as a major ski destination with the recent $1 billion development of a new village and multiple luxury condominium complexes located near the ski lifts.
Mont Tremblant is 60 minutes north of Montreal in the midst of the Laurentian mountains. The region offers guests the opportunity to experience the foods and cultures of French Canada.
Lake Tahoe, California
Lake Tahoe, California, is located high in the Sierra Nevada Mountainsalong the California and Nevada border.  One of the main attraction of this ski resort is that it is the home to the largest alpine lake in the USA. 

 

Visit : www.vacations-abroad.com. Contact Linda Jenkins at linda@vacations-abroad.com.

Profile on

Destinations giving a particularly warm welcome to Alliance members.
Naples, Florida, USA
Naples, in Southwest Florida, first became popular in the late 19th Century when magazine articles praised the area for its pleasingly sub-tropical climate, pristine beaches and glorious sunsets.
Naples, with Marco Island and the western portion of the Everglades, in Southwest Florida, is known as the Paradise Coast.
Naples beach, which has been voted best beach in America by the Travel Channel, runs along 10 miles of the Gulf of Mexico. The wider area also takes in a number of major nature preserves.
The Naples Botanical Garden
The Naples Botanical Garden opened in late 2009 following a total transformation led by a team the world's best landscape architects and garden designers and a passionate band of staff and volunteers.
The Garden displays the plants and highlights the culture of regions between 26 degrees north and south, which includes Naples.
Visit : www.naplesgarden.org.
That Philharmonic Center for the Arts
That Philharmonic Center for the Arts is a truly premier arts and performance centre based in Naples thanks to the overwhelming drive and commitment of Myra Daniels, its founder, president and CEO.
This dynamic woman, widow of real life advertising Mad Man Don Draper, has devoted the last 25 years to creating a three-story, 30,000-square-foot complex with 15 galleries dedicated to displaying world-class paintings, sculpture, drawings and other art forms.
As a performance venue the Phil attracts the world’s finest musicians and entertainers, of all genres.
Visit : www.thephil.org.
The von Liebig Art Center
The von Liebig, in downtown Naples, is a free entrance community art centre showcasing contemporary American art with an emphasis on Florida art.
From March through June 2010 the von Liebig stages Princess Diana: Dresses of Inspiration featuring gowns, shoes, handbags and memorabilia owned by Princess Diana.
Visit : www.naplesart.org.
The Seminole Tribe of Florida
The Seminole Tribe of Florida live on the Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation and run swamp buggy eco-tours, airboat rides and a number of animal shows.A rustic camping village provides native-style chickees for overnight stays.
Every spring the tribe stages the Big Cypress Shootout, a three-day battle reenactment and festival (26 to 28 February 2010), which honors the Seminole’s struggle and sacrifice to remain in their homeland during the 1830’s, when the United States was attempting to enforce its policy of Indian removal.
Visit : www.semtribe.com.
The Inn on Fifth
If you are looking to stay in downtown Naples, you will want to stay at the Inn on Fifth.This luxury boutique hotel, with roof top pool and opulent spa, is located in the heart of downtown Naples and within strolling distance of almost everything (including the Fifth Avenue Coffee Company).
McCabes Irish Pub and Grill, part of the hotel, is an authentic, Dublin built, pub that was shipped to Naples with its memorabilia intact.
The Irish ambience of the place is enhanced with traditional Irish music most evenings.Truluck's (just along the block) has a sophisticated piano lounge and a wonderful restaurant that the locals flock to (which is always a good sign).
It’s fresh stone crab, is reared from the restaurants own fisheries. These two are complemented by, at least, 20 independently owned restaurants offering a wide range of dining options.
Visit : www.innonfifth.com. Contact : Kelly Grass Prieto at kelly@hayworthcreative.com.
Visit : www.ParadiseCoast.com. Contact : JoNell Modys at JonellModys@colliergov.net.

Working with the Alliance

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
N Rao Travel Consultancy Services
J N Rao Travel Consultancy Services is a travel agency of over four decades standing. One of its many clients is the Government of Gujarat with whom it is presently working closely with to promote tourism into this Indian State.
Visit : www.jnraoindia.com. Contact : Uttej Rao at jnraotcs@eth.net.

 

Tourism New Zealand

Tourism New Zealand's press office can help with editorial content, images, and broadcast quality video footage. Media with firm commissions can also apply for media discount passes, and select media may be considered for further support through our visiting media programme.
Visit : www.tourismnewzealand.com, www.newzealand.com, www.media.newzealand.com and www.images.newzealand.com. Contact : Gillian Monahan at gillianm@tnz.govt.nz.
Agencies
Doug Goodman PR

 

Doug Goodman specialises in travel and leisure PR for hotels, resorts and tour operators. Current clients include :

• 
  Charming Hotels Madeira
  
• 
  P&O Ferries
  
• 
  Champagne-Ardenne Tourist Board
  
• 
  Sail Lofts - St Ives self-catering properties
  
• 
  Indian specialist Avion Holidays, and
  
• 
  various clients in India.
  

The consultancy also produces travel and training films, provides media, crisis management and PR skills training and has an extensive photo library.

Visit : www.travelshots.com. Contact : Cathryn Hicks at cathryn@douggoodmanpr.com.
Superyacht Art Agency
The Superyacht Art Agency exclusively services the large yacht market by combining a team of writers, designers and creative experts to produce the best communication tools, exclusive books and magazines for clients of this luxury business.

Visit : www.superyachtart.com. Contact : Lauren Barker at lauren@superyachtart.com.

Alerts

Ongoing independent press trip opportunities for Alliance members

• 
  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, 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 17^th-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 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.
  

• 
  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.
  

• 
  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.
  

Travel products

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 and appreciated products and provides travelers with :

• 
  a single source of state-of-the-art, quality travel products
  
• 
  up-to-the-minute and well-researched information to meet the needs of all travelers, and
  
• 
  an exceptional customer experience
  

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.

Travel guides

The following travel publishers will be happy to provide review copies to Alliance members.

Anova Books

www.anovabooks.com. Helen Ponting at hponting@anovabooks.co
Berlitz

www.berlitzpublishing.com. Julia Spence at julia.spence@ukonline.co.uk
Bradt Travel

www.bradtguides.com. Debbie Hunter at debbie.hunter@bradtguides.com
Brit's Guide

www.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.

 

Fisher's Travel SOS

www.fisherstravelsos.com. Furgan Syed at furqan.syed@fisherstravelsos.com.
Global Travel Publishers
www.africa-adventure.com. Kate Bandos at kate@ksbpromotions.com.
Globetrotters LogBook

www.globetrotterslogbook.com. Giedo Claes at giedo@globetrotterslogbook.com
Inn House Publishing

www.innhousepublishing.com. Kathryn McWhirter at kathrynmcwhirter@btopenworld.com.
Insight

www.insightguides.com. Julia Spence at Julia.spence@ukonline.co.uk.
In your pocket guides

www.inyourpocket.com. Craig Turp at editor@inyourpocket.com.
Jane’s Smart Art Guides

www.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 Planet

www.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 Communications

www.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-lit

www.oxygenbooks.co.uk Malcom Burgess at malcolm@oxygenbooks.co.uk
Rough Guides

www.roughguides.com. Contact : press@roughguides.
Turnleft

www.turnleftguides.comContact: Nick Buteau at nick@turnleftguides.com

1 : Opportunities
Group and individual press trip opportunities
2 : News

News of interest to travel writers, editors, broadcasters and photographers

2. 3 : Leads

Travel and tourism industry leads and initiatives

4 : The year ahead
Events and celebrations of interest sponsored by The Year Ahead
5 : Reasons to write about …
Information on destinations and travel pursuits from Alliance partners and agencies

3. 6 : A place to stay

Opportunities for Alliance members to review new and unusual accommodation

7 : Working with Alliance members
Travel partners and agencies keen to work with Alliance members.

5. Ongoing information

8: Alerts
Bullet point information on destinations, accommodation and travel pursuits that offer ongoing press trip opportunities to travel writers, editors, broadcasters and photographers
9 : Travel products and services
Providers of travel products or services happy to provide Alliance members with review items.
10: Travel guides
Travel publishers that are happy to provide Alliance members with review copies
11 : The International Travel Writers Alliance and AllWays

Registering with the Alliance
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. We do no pass on contact details of our members without their direct permission

Opportunities
Alliance members looking to take advantage of any of the following opportunities should be on assignment, with a commission or able to obtain one.
Networking event with the Netherlands Board of Tourism

Thursday 25 February 2010

The Netherlands Board of Tourism would like to invite UK based Alliance members to Taste the Dutch Lifestyle, a networking at the Institute of Directors, 116 Pall Mall, London. SW1Y 5ED on Thursday 25 February 2010 between 18.30 and 21.00.

 

This will give you the chance to find out what's new in Holland for 2010 and to discuss a range of

press trip opportunities to the country.

 

This drinks reception with Dutch cuisine will also see the launch of Destination Holland, which has been produced by the Netherlands Board of Tourism and the International Travel Writers Alliance.

There will also be the chance to win a number of prizes including city breaks to Amsterdam.

 

If you would like to attend, could you please email esugintaite@holland.com.

Rancho Pescadero, Todos Santos, Mexico
Rancho Pescadero, in Todos Santos Mexico, has been dubbed 'a different kind of dude ranch'.
It is the brainchild of Lisa Harper, a drop out CEO who now lives on the beach in Mexico and has created a luxury boutique hotel with ‘a soul and a personality’.
Todos Santos is small town about 1.25 hours from Cabo on the Baja Peninsula which is filled with art galleries and restaurants and is possessed of great surf for boarders.
Visit : www.ranchopescadero.com For press trip opportunities contact : Nyna Cox at nyna@gracemarketing.com.
West Cornwall Cottages, UK
West Cornwall Cottages offers a choice of around 60 comfortable, welcoming holiday homes in unspoilt locations across South Cornwall, the majority on the Roseland and Lizard Peninsulas, both Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

With waterfront properties, traditional houses in quaint fishing villages, converted barns, stables, mills, a coach house and a dairy, plus studios and apartments ideal for couples, and accommodation for families and groups of up to 14 people.

West 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.

Press trips to Kansas and Oklahoma
The Annual Symphony in the Flint Hills, Kansas (12 June 2010) and the Red Earth Festival, Oklahoma (18,19,20 June 2010)

1. The Annual Symphony in the Flint Hills Concert, Kansas

Once a vast prairie covered one-third of our continent–an endless grassland teeming with bison, deer, antelope, fowl and wildflowers of every colour, the Flint Hills today are an untouched piece of that prairie.

Each spring there is a gathering, a coming together of art, nature and the kindred souls who appreciate them both.
For one evening, the meadowlark’s song is joined by a Symphony in the Flint Hills.
Alliance members will get the chance to visit the magnificent Flint Hills for a memorable afternoon and evening.
Visit: www.symphonyintheflinthills.org

2. The Red Earth Native American Cultural Festival

The 24th annual Red Earth Native American Cultural Festival will be held at the Cox Convention Center on 18, 19, & 20 June 2010 in downtown Oklahoma City.

More than 1200 American Indian artists and dancers from throughout North America will gather to celebrate the richness and diversity of their heritage with the world.
For three days Oklahoma City will be at the centre of Native American art and culture in America. A grand parade, unlike any other parade in the world, opens the Red Earth Festival on Friday morning.
The streets of downtown Oklahoma City will vibrate in Native American tribal spirit as representatives of more than 100 tribes, in full tribal regalia, make the Red Earth Parade one of America’s most unique.
Visit : www.nativeart.net

3. Opportunities

Economy class flights from the UK, car hire, fuel costs, accommodation, most meals and a detailed itinerary will be provided for qualified journalists with a firm commission.

Visit : www.TravelKs.com. To request a visit Kansas and/or Oklahoma at this or another time contact : Derek Mackenzie-Hook at dmh@travelksok.co.uk or on 08450 533 280

Hartland Peninsula Arts, North Devon, UK

Hartland Peninsula Arts, which runs small group and one-to-one landscape painting courses on the North Devon coast, in the heart of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, will be delighted to offer short courses to Alliance members. 

Visit : www.landscapepaintingholidays.co.uk. Contact Karen Outred at ko@freelancepr.fsnet.co.uk.

Spring in Savannah Press Trip
Alliance members are invited to request to join the Spring in Savannah Press Trip from 24 to 26 March 2010 that will showcase this city's chic, savvy side and timeless tradition of hospitality at the peak of spring, where you will be hosted by the Kessler Collection.
Azaleas, wisteria and other signature Southern blossoms blanket the city in luxuriant colour, while the Savannah Music Festival offers a heady blend of classical, jazz, folk and world music.
The Spring in Savannah Press Trip features tickets to the critically-acclaimed Savannah Music Festival, award-winning coastal cuisine, luxurious accommodations and more.
Accommodation is at the Bohemian Hotel Savannah Riverfront, a stylish boutique hotel overlooking the Savannah River. This latest Kessler Collection property has the distinction of being the first new hotel on River Street in more than 17 years. Transportation not included.
Visit : www.savannahvisit.com. Contact : Allison Hersh at savpresstrip@yahoo.com.
France meets the Media in the UK
Twenty French regions, five counties and four cities including Paris will be available at France meets the Media 2010 in :

• 
  London : 2 March from 10.30am to 4.00pm at the BAFTA, 195 Piccadilly, W1J 9LN
  
• 
  Manchester : 3 March from 12.00 to 3.30pm at The Midland Hotel, Peter Street, M60 2DS
  
• 
  Glasgow : 4 March from 11.00am to 2.30pm at The Millenium Hotel, George Square, G2 1DS
  
• 
  Edinburgh : 4 March from 5.00pm to 8.30pm at The Missoni Hotel, 1 George IV Bridge, EH1
  

It will be a one-stop opportunity to meet with French local tourist boards' press representatives and discuss editorial and press trip opportunities for 2010.

Visit : www.franceguide.com. Contact : info@francemeetsthemedia.co.uk.

Circle Line Sightseeing Yachts

Since 1945, Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises has hosted over 60 million passengers in New York City.

Providing generations of visitors with magnificent views of the Manhattan skyline and interesting tidbits about the city and its surroundings, Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises is a true New York institution and a "must-see" attraction while in town.

Sightseeing tour options include :

• 
  Full Island Cruise
  
• 
  Semi-Circle Cruise
  
• 
  Liberty Cruise
  
• 
  Harbor Lights Evening Cruise, and
  
• 
  The Beast : a custom built 70 foot off shore racing power boat.
  

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

For ongoing opportunities for Alliance members see Alerts (below) or visit : www.internationaltravelwritersalliance.com.

News
Savoy Hotel, London

The 118-year old Savoy, London will reopen in June following a £100m restoration - the most expensive hotel refurbishment in London's history.
Visit : www.the-savoy.com. Contact : Julian Haddon at julian.haddon@fairmont.com.
China Airlines
China Airlines will launch the first non-stop flights to Taipei from London Heathrow from 28 March 2010. Previously, UK passengers have had to travel via Amsterdam in order to fly to Taiwan with China Airlines.
 
Visit : www.china-airlines.com. Contact Susie Tempest at susie@saltmarshpr.co.uk.

Travellers’ Tales Festival
The annual Travellers’ Tales Festival will this be held at the Royal Geographical Society, London from Friday 19 to Sunday 21 Februar, 2010.
The Festival features lectures from some of the great names from the world of travel writing and travel photography, plus creative workshops and tutorials.

Visit : www.travellerstalesfestival.com. Contact : Duncan Mills at duncan@and-publishing.co.uk.

The Yorkshire Wildlife Park
Low fare airline, Jet2.com has flown a pride of neglected lions from a Romanian zoo to Yorkshire free of charge as part of, what is planned to be, the biggest ever big cat rescue to date.

 

Jet2.com has joined forces with the Yorkshire Wildlife Park, which is leading the mission to rescue a pride of 13 lions which are being held in cramped conditions and facing an uncertain future at Oradea Zoo, Romania.

Yorkshire Wildlife Park has raised over £120,000 for the welfare mission, but is still in need of another £30,000 to pay for veterinary care, building a lion house, transportation costs and creating the reserve for the big cats.
Visit www.lionrescue.co.uk and www.jet2.com. Contact : Kiran Ryatt at Kiran@lucre.co.uk.
Kristina
The UK premiere of the concert version of ABBA’s Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus musical Kristina takes places at the Royal Albert Hall on Wednesday 14 April 2010.
The concert will feature a cast of over 30 performers accompanied by a 50-piece Symphony Orchestra.
Visit : www.kristinathemusical.com. Contact : Amanda Malpass at amanda.malpass@btinternet.com.

Leads
Villarenters.com

Villas are now available to book online through villarenters.com. From villas in Spain and farmhouses in Tuscany to self-catering apartments in the South of France and condos in Florida, the site features more than 13,000 holiday homes.

Visit : www.villarenters.com. Contact : Olivia Wood at olivia.wood@aemedia.com.

Pestana Chelsea Bridge Hotel & Spa, London
The 216-room hotel Chelsea Bridge Hotel, Pestana Hotels' first UK property opens on 1 March 2010.
Visit : www.pestana.com. Contact : chelsea.bridge@pestana.com.
Nine country cycle ride
The Oronto-based Tour d'Afrique, a small, socially responsible bike tour company, is organising a six-week, nine country tour dubbed The Amber Route from 11 July 2010.
The 1864-mile tour begins in St. Petersburg and follows the Ancient Amber Trade Route used by the Romans. In doing so it passes through the Baltic states of Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, then through Poland and Slovakia, continuing on to Hungary, cutting through Slovenia and ending in Venice.
Riders may also opt to do one or more of the four shorter sections ranging from 330 to 600 miles each.
Visit : www.tourdafrique.com. Contact : Sarah Widness at widness@widnesspr.com.
The year ahead
Information for professional travel writes, editors, broadcasters and photographers on events and celebrations worldwide.
Music Festivals in Italy

4. Arena di Verona, Verona

18 June to 29 August 2010
The 88th year of the International Opera Festival. The 2010 calendar offers five operas, Turandot, Aida, Carmen, Madame Butterfly, Il Trovatore in the Roman Amphitheatre, which welcomes once again artists and public in its magnificent setting.
www.arena.it

5. Festival Dei Due Mondi, Spoleto

June and July 2010
The 52nd international art, culture and music festival is regarded as one of the most important

cultural events in Italy. Its programme profiles original, innovative and, at times, exclusive performances.

www.festivaldispoleto.com

6. The Festival Puccini, Torre del Lago

16 June to 22 August 2010
Torre del Lago hosts the 52^nd Festival Puccini, created by Puccini himself. The outdoor theatre, close to Villa Mausoleo where Puccini’s remains lie, is an fine setting to enjoy the music of one of the most outstanding and esteemed Italian artists. Operas on show in 2010 are: La Fanciulla del West, Turandot, Madama Butterfly, Tosca, plus ballet: Carmina Burana, Le Villi and Romeo and Juliet.
www.puccinifestival.it

7. The Roman Opera Festival, Roma

1 July to 8 August 2010
The Roman Opera Festival benefits from its privileged and outstanding setting in the Caracalla Baths. On stage this year operas such as Aida and Rigoletto and ballet such as Rome and Juliet.
www.operaroma.it

8. Maggio Musicale Fiorentino, Florence

29 April to 22 June 2010
This is one of the oldest traditional cultural events in Florence. The Stabile Orchestrale Fiorentina was set up in 1928 and, in 1933, it first organized the Festival, which has its own Ballet company called Maggio Dance
www.maggiofiorentino.com

9. Sferisterio Opera Festival, Macerata

29 July to 10 August, 2010
This opera festival is hosted almost entirely in the theatre-shaped Sferisterio, which was designed in 1823 by architect Ireneo Aleandri. This year the programme includes: Faust, La Forza del Destino, I Lombardi alla Prima Crociata, Attila.
www.sferisterio.it

10. Musica Riva Festival, Riva del Garda

17 July to 2 August 2010
This is a music festival highlights performances and events for young musicians worldwide and ranges from classical music to dance and includes a competition dedicated to the musician Riccardo Zandonai.
www.musicarivafestival.com

11. Mito Settembre Musica, Turin and Milan

3 to 26 September 2010
This festival connects Turin and Milan, in a programme of by the world’s best orchestras playing baroque opera, medieval music and jazz with open-air shows and night-time concerts.
Contact : Stefania Gatta at stefania.gatta@enit.it.

Other events :
The Tree Council's Tree Care Campaign, UK

01 March 2010 to 30 September 2010 (annual)

Highlights the need for better care for all trees, in order to ensure their survival and increase their numbers.
Visit : www.treecouncil.org.uk. Contact : Pauline Buchanan Black at info@treecouncil.org.uk.
Celtic Festival Of Wales (Cwlwm Celtaidd), Porthcawl

05 March 2010 to 07 March 2010 (annual, 9th)

Features over 20 traditional and folk acts from Wales and beyond. Activities include dance and instrument workshops, a parade, swimming and real ale bars. Only Celtic festival in Wales.
Visit : www.cwlwmceltaidd.com. Contact : Derek Smith at derek@cwlwmceltaidd.com.
British Pie Week, UK

01 March 2010 to 07 March 2010 (annual, 3rd)

During British Pie Week promotions take place in pubs nationwide.
Visit : www.britishpieweek.co.uk. Contact : Gemma Buckley-Roberts at gemma@jellybeancreative.co.uk.
Winter Party Festival, Miami Beach, Miami, Florida, USA

03 March 2010 to 08 March 2010 (annual)

Events comprising music, fashion, art and performance take place to benefit the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) community.
Visit : www.winterparty.com. Contact : David Orchard at dorchard@ideazeit.com.
Birds Eye View Film Festival, London

04 to 12 March 2010 (annual, 9th)

The Birds Eye View Film Festival celebrates and showcases international female filmmakers. It includes screenings of international UK premieres, masterclasses, parties, live music and the Fashion in Film initiative, a retrospective of fashion films by new filmmakers and renowned industry figures.
Visit : www.birds-eye-view.co.uk. Contact : Elizabeth Benjamin at elizabeth@emfoundation.com.
Womadelaide, Adelaide, South Australia

05 March 2010 to 08 March 2010 (annual, 18th)

An outdoor music festival featuring seven stages and around 400 artists from over 20 different countries. Part of the Womad (world of music, arts and dance) events brand and includes workshops, visual arts and street theatre programme.
Visit : www.womadelaide.com.au and www.womad.org/festivals/womadelaide. Contact : Nicola Prime at apadmin@artsprojects.com.au.

Reasons to write about

Castles on the Lower Rhine
For centuries kings, counts, princes and barons have left their traces on the Lower Rhine, the border of east-central Holland and western Germany.
The Lower Rhine covers the regions of North Limburg, North-Eastern Brabant, Veluwe, Arnhem and Nijmegen in Holland and the German Niederrhein with towns such as Kleve, Xanten, Neuss, Duisburg and Krefeld.
Numerous castles, fortresses and ruins bear witness to the glory of days gone by.
Today many invite visitors to spend an unforgettable night in royal surroundings.
The castles and fortresses all have one thing in common - they are all surrounded by beautiful, expansive parks that beckon visitors to take a walk.

Landgoed Jachtslot de Mookerheide

(Holland – Lower Rhine region)

Built in 1902-1905 in art nouveau style by Jan Jacob Luden, this hunting lodge has an interesting past. First privately owned, then a home for problem children run by the van Bethanië order of Dominican Sisters, in 1986 it was acquired by the current owner and turned into a luxurious castle hotel.
Fourteen of the 21 rooms are in the Palace de Jachthoorn, a separate building tucked away in the wooded parkland. The Scottish Barn is a rustic bar with a barbecue grill. The castle itself houses the restaurant and various rooms furnished in the original hunting style.
Castle Wissen

(Germany - Lower Rhine region)

Its tranquil setting in a picturesque park makes Wissen Castle a great place to escape the cares of everyday life. Relaxation is the priority here.
Soak up the historical atmosphere of the castle in one of the suites and take breakfast in the former mill. The architectural history of the building spans a number of styles, from medieval to Renaissance to neo-Gothic.
The castle is close to the river Niers.
Castle Montfort

(Holland - Lower Rhine region)

A bit west of Montfort in Midden-Limburg lie the ruins of Montfort Castle, one of the largest medieval castles in Holland.
Dating back to around 1260, it was built on an artificial hill in a swamp and occupied several times through the centuries. In 1794 it was destroyed by the French.
Visit : www.holland.com. Contact : Evelina Sugintaite at esugintaite@holland.com.
Karnataka, India
The Indian southern state of Karnataka is looking to attract more visitors in 2010.
Karnataka has one of the most sensitive and diverse tropical forest cover, with education and conservation projects funded by incoming tourism.
Tour operator Deccan Dreams has teamed up with local eco-development committees to offer eco-conservation and nature tourism programmes aimed at preserving local customs and traditions and protecting wildlife sanctuaries and rare species.
The Tiger Conservation is a project undertaken in tiger reserves to help preserve and protect this vulnerable species for future generations and offer a ‘hands-on’ opportunity to experience the nature conservation projects in tiger habitats at first-hand plus other vital initiatives to protect the wildlife.

Relatively quieter as a tourist destination than neighbouring Goa and Kerala, Karnataka is known as India’s ‘hi-tech’ state but is attracting more visitors keen to explore its many charms.

It has an almost undeveloped coastline between Goa and Kerala; the Western Ghats Mountain Range with a number of wildlife reserves; ancient temples; the palaces of Mysore; heritage sites and festivals and scenic railway journeys.
Bangalore, is a major hub for international and domestic flights, as well as rail and road connections to the neighbouring states of Kerala, Goa, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra.
Visit: www.pyramidsdeccan.com and www.avionholidays.co.uk. Contact : Doug Goodman at doug@douggoodmanpr.com.
The Collingwood Elvis Festival, Ontario, Canada
The 16th Annual Collingwood Elvis Festival, which is themed Welcome Home Elvis, will take place on between 22 and 25 July 2010. 
The town of Collingwood is located near Georgian Bay on the banks of the scenic great lakes and two hours North-West of Toronto.
More than 70,000 visitors come to the town to pay homage to the King of Rock and Roll and enjoy four days of food, musical entertainment and family fun. Many of those attending will dress up as Elvis. 
Visit : www.collingwoodelvisfestival.com and www.ontariotravel.net/uk. Contact : Lyndsey Thomas at lyndsey.thomas@circlesolution.com.
Oregon and Washington State
Stephanie Meyer’s Twilight books have been bestsellers worldwide and now travellers can have their own Twilight Adventure on a brand new 12-day tour from TrekAmerica, which takes in the many locations made famous by the books and films in both Oregon and Washington State.
The small town of St Helens in Oregon is where much of the movie was filmed and there will be the opportunity for Twilight enthusiasts to visit Bloated Toad, the restaurant where Bella and Edward dine and Thunderbird and Whale, the bookstore visited by Bella.
A private tour of the Twilight towns of Forks and La Push is included in the itinerary, visiting the Forks Welcome Sign, Forks Community Hospital, Police Department, the Cullen and Swan homes, Second Beach and Quileute Indian Reservation.

The first Twilight Adventure departs Portland, Oregon on May 27th 2010 and costs £699 per person excluding flights. The tour ends in Seattle.

Further departure dates are available in June, July and August 2010.
Visit : www.trekamerica.com. Contact : Lisa Chamberlain at lisa.chamberlain@btinternet.com.
Discover Greenwich
Discover Greenwich a £5.8m education centre opens in March in the Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich, London. The centre features a temporary exhibition gallery, learning suite and a tourist information spot.
A permanent exhibition provides an overview of the architectural and social evolution of the Old Royal Naval College, from its origins as the site of Henry VIII's Tudor Palace, to its present day significance as a heritage visitor destination. Includes historic artefacts, contemporary and replica artworks, interactive and hands-on activities, models and film footage.
Visit : www.oldroyalnavalcollege.org. Helen Beioley at hbeioley@greenwichfoundation.org.uk.
Alliance members looking to take advantage of any of the following should be on assignment, with a commission or able to obtain one.

6. A place to stay

Alliance members looking to take advantage of any of the following opportunities should be on assignment, with a commission or able to obtain one.
Stately accommodation in Derbyshire, UK

1. Lea Hall

Lea Hall is based in the village of Lea, near Matlock in Derbyshire has been totally refurbished and offers 10 unique double en suite bedrooms.

The Georgian-fronted property dates back to the 1600s and was the early childhood home of Florence Nightingale.

2. Harthill Hall

Harthill Hall, is near Bakewell in Derbyshire, and dates back to the 1200s.

The manor house offers 6 double en suite bedrooms and the cottages (in former outbuildings and the original manor house) offer various accommodation that sleeps from 2 to 12 people
Visit : www.derbyshirecountryhouses.com. Contact : Simon Turton at simon@operapr.com.

The Staincliffe Hotel, Hartlepool, UK

The Staincliffe Hotel is located in Hartlepool, County Durham, UK where the 2010 Tall Ships Race is being held between 7 and 10 August 2010.

Alliance members would like to visit this classic hotel should contact : Bernice Saltzer at bernice@sortedpr.com.

New properties in the Preferred Hotels portfolio

The Preferred Hotel Group has added 15 new properties to their portfolio :

• 
  the Royal Horseguards, London
  
• 
  Cameron House on Loch Lomond, Scotland
  
• 
  Jnane Tamsna Marrakech
  
• 
  Hotel Rialto, Warsaw, Poland
  
• 
  Schloss Hubertushöhe Hotel, Storkow, Germany
  
• 
  Seventh Mountain Resort, Bend, Oregon
  
• 
  The Martha Washington Hotel & Spa, Abingdon, Virginia , and
  
• 
  East, Hong Kong.
  

Visit : www.preferredhotelgroup.com. For the pportunity to review any of these properties contact : Laura Duncan at Laura@lucre.co.uk.

Ecofriendly holliday lettings
Holiday letting company www.holidaylettings.co.uk offers a selection of chalets and apartments around the world including many that are eco-friendly.

3. Chalet Zirbe, St Martin in Lungau, Salzburgerland, Austria

Chalet Zirbe is a three bedroom chalet and is part of the first energy self-sufficient eco village ever built.

Natural materials such as untreated timber have been used to build the resort and water is supplied water by a private spring.
On site, rainwater is collected in large underground tanks and used for irrigation. The village is situated in Lungau, which is surrounded by mountain chains and beautiful flora and fauna.

4. Le Manoir des Couts, Melle Lezay, France

Le Manoir des Couts is a traditional three bedroom 16th century manor house that has been lovingly restored to highlight its architectural features.

The house is situated in a small hamlet, a few steps away from the river Dive in a wildlife protected zone and boasts its own solar-heated wooden pool.
The property is surrounded by spectacular unspoilt countryside, perfect for afternoon walks in the woods.
Folie a Deux Villa, Duboka Bay, Island of Brac, Croatia
Folie a Deux is a five bedroom solar-powered home in a solar community, designed to respect the nature and beauty of the island and to preserve the local environment.
Duboka Bay is in close proximity to the villa, for a spot of sun bathing or water sports. The property also boasts its own swimming pool, lounge chairs and kayaks.
The Gite at Rigal, Lalinde, Dordogne, France
The Gite at Rigal is part of a cluster of 18th century honey-toned stone farm buildings.
The interior has a contemporary French feel, with three elegant bedrooms dressed in crisp luxurious linen.
The garden comes fully equipped with a heated pool, wooden play area, trampoline and orchards.
The grounds are also home to a number of rare breed chickens - which supply guests with daily free-range eggs - and grazing ponies. Le Rigal estate is run organically; no chemicals are used on the pastures and recycling is a way of life.
A composting system is in place, absorbing most of the kitchen waste, for use on the onsite organic vegetable plot.

5. Cats Abbey, Burford, Oxfordshire

Cats Abbey is a converted Cotswold farmyard located five miles west of Burford, with spectacular views across the Windrush Valley.

The barn has a beamed ceiling, wood-burning stove, and a stone floor with under floor heating - powered by a ground source heat pump.
All rainwater from the main roof is collected in an underground tank and used for flushing toilets and providing soft water to the laundry. Originally an out-farm yard, Cats Abbey is set within the National

Trust Estate at Sherborne. …/

Visit : www.holidaylettings.co.uk/eco-friendly-holidays/66/ideas/. To discuss press trips contact :

Beth Carroll at beth@ashcommunications.com.

TRIBE - The Village Market Hotel, Nairobi, Kenya
TRIBE – The Village Market Hotel, located in the heart of Nairobi’s Gigiri district, adjacent to The Village Market, the region’s best shopping destination, is Africa’s newest luxurious boutique hotel.
The building faces North, in stark contrast to traditional Colonial architecture – as the British built everything facing South as they would in the Northern Hemisphere.
Visit: www.africanpridehotels.com/tribe. Contact : Kelley Coughlan at kelley@ballantinespr.com.
Hotel Georgia, Vancouver
Rosewood Hotels & Resorts is now managing the Hotel Georgia in Vancouver, Canada, and is currently undergoing a full restoration and is scheduled to reopen in early 2011.

  

First opened in 1927, the Rosewood Hotel Georgia came to be known as Vancouver’s most historic and elegant hotel. The Georgian Revival structure welcomed Elvis Presley, Nat “King” Cole, Katherine Hepburn and British Royalty.

 

Rosewood Hotel Georgia complements the Rosewood portfolio of properties, which includes some of North America’s most historic properties. The hotel joins King Pacific Lodge, in British Columbia as Rosewood’s second Canadian property.

 

Visit : www.rosewoodhotels.com. Contact : Emily Wilson at Emily@grifcopr.com.

W London Hotel

The W London, which opens on 1 June 2010, features 194 rooms include nine suites, two WOW Suites and one Extreme WOW Suite, all featuring custom-made furnishings, as well as a spa, fitness facility, restaurant and W's Living Room experience where guests mix, mingle and relax.

Visit : www.wlondon.co.uk. Contact : Michelle Petersen at michelle.petersen@starwoodhotels.com.
Working with the Alliance
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.

2. Partners

Casa de Campo
Casa de Campo is the Caribbean's most complete resort located on the southeast coast of the Dominican Republic. It was voted the 2009 World's Leading Golf Resort
Visit : www.casadecampo.com.doKimberly Hutchinson at khutchin@pwmonline.com
Harem
Harem in Morocco is an all women's luxury Spa/retreat based on full week packages.
It is located on a 10 hectare property on the outskirts of Marrakech and include daily yoga, nutrition and meditations sessions, daily scalp and foot massages, hammams, body and facial masks, sumptuous organic food by a Spanish chef, fashion shows, daily movie screenings, a visit to the local souks as well as a guided tour of the extensive contemporary art collection displayed on the premises.
Visit : www.harem-escape.com. Contact : Sandra Shoemake-Zwollo at harem@darelsadaka.com
The Motorhome Experts
For three decades, the Motorhome Experts have been the leading specialists in North American motorhome rental for visitors from the United Kingdom, Europe, Scandinavia and beyond.
The Motorhome Experts are general sales agents for Cruise America and Cruise Canada: the world's largest motorhome rental network.
Visit : www.themotorhomeXperts.com. Contact : Patrick Richardson at patrichardson@aol.com
Bath Tourism Plus
Bath Tourism Plus is the destination marketing organisation for the city of Bath, England. The company carries out marketing and PR activity, runs a membership scheme for local tourism businesses.
Visit : www.visitbath.co.uk. Contact : Lucy Weaver at lucy_weaver@bathtourism.co.uk.
Canadian Tourism Commission
The CTC is a national marketing organization that promotes Canada in nine countries around the world. It provides travel information, media resources, meetings and conference planning details, research and news.
Visit : www.canada.travel. Contact : Nim Singh at singh.nim@ctc-cct.ca.
Central Oregon Visitors Association
Central Oregon Visitors Association markets and promotes Central Oregon as a year-round visitor destination to improve the long-term economic vitality of the region.
Visit : www.visitcentraloregon.com. Contact : Kristi Richter at kristi@visitcentraloregon.com.

4. Agencies

Adams Unlimited
Adams Unlimited is a full-service marketing communications and public relations firm founded in 1985 specializing in the domestic and international travel and hospitality industry. Small enough to offer highly customized service, yet large enough to handle a full range of marketing needs. Adams Unlimited is recognized for outstanding client service.
Visit : www.adams-pr.com. Cathy Preece at cathy@adams-pr.com.
Circle Solution Consultants
A full consultancy service for tour operators, attractions, airports, airlines and destinations. PR services include media relations, events, press trips, press conference organising, clipping services, membership to media portals and evaluation.
Visit : : www.circlesolution.com. Contact : Lyndsey Thomas at Lyndsey.thomas@circlesolution.com.
Crimson Edge
Crimson Edge PR is a PR Agency in Edinburgh with clients in the hospitality industry including food and drink, hotels and travel.
Visit : www.crimsonedge.co.uk. Contact : Emma Pare at emma@crimsonedge.co.uk.
Doug Goodman PR
Established in 1988, we specialise in travel and leisure PR for hotels, resorts and tour operators. Our team offers a wide range of skills to clients who prefer to work with a small consultancy, providing a personal and professional service with a "hands on" approach, either long term or on specific projects.
Current clients include Reis de Mallorca hotels, Charming Hotels Madeira, specialist Middle East tour operator Peltours, P&O Ferries, Indian specialist Avion Holidays and various clients in India. The consultancy also produces travel and training films, provides media, crisis management and PR skills training and has an extensive photo library (www.travelshots.com).
Contact : Doug Goodman at info@douggoodmanpr.com.

Alerts

Ongoing independent press trip opportunities from the Alliance

• 
  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, 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, which manages hotels, resorts and residences throughout the Asia Pacific, Southeast Asia, China and The Middle East regions, will be pleased to consider offering press trip accommodation to Alliance members.  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 17^th-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
  

• 
  West 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: http://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.
  

Alliance members looking to take advantage of any of the following opportunities should be on assignment, with a commission or able to obtain one.

1. Travel products and services

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 and appreciated products and provides travelers with :

• 
  a single source of state-of-the-art, quality travel products
  
• 
  up-to-the-minute and well-researched information to meet the needs of all travelers, and
  
• 
  an exceptional customer experience
  

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.

7. Travel guides

The following travel publishers will be happy to provide review copies to Alliance members.

1. Anova Books

www.anovabooks.com. Helen Ponting at hponting@anovabooks.co

3. Berlitz

4. www.berlitzpublishing.com. Julia Spence at julia.spence@ukonline.co.uk

 

5. Bradt Travel

www.bradtguides.com. Debbie Hunter at debbie.hunter@bradtguides.com

6. Brit's Guide

www.foulsham.com. Margaret Lashbrook at margaret.lashbrook@lineone.net or Sue Wilkins at wilkins@foulsham.com.
Cicerone

Visit : 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.

 

Fisher's Travel SOS

www.fisherstravelsos.com. Furgan Syed at furqan.syed@fisherstravelsos.com.
Global Travel Publishers
www.africa-adventure.com. Kate Bandos at kate@ksbpromotions.com.

7. Globetrotters LogBook

www.globetrotterslogbook.com. Giedo Claes at giedo@globetrotterslogbook.com

8. Inn House Publishing

www.innhousepublishing.com. Kathryn McWhirter at kathrynmcwhirter@btopenworld.com.

9. Insight

www.insightguides.com. Julia Spence at Julia.spence@ukonline.co.uk.

10. In your pocket guides

www.inyourpocket.com. Craig Turp at editor@inyourpocket.com.

11. Jane’s Smart Art Guides

www.JanesSmartArt.com. Jane McIntosh at MJM@JanesSmartArt.com
Jonglez Publishing www.jonglezpublishing.com. Contact : Thomas Jonglez at

1. info@jonglezpublishing.com.

 

12. Kuperard Publishers

www.kuperard.co.uk. Contact : Geoffrey Chesler at geoffreychesler@btinternet.com.

14. Lonely Planet

www.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.

15. Morris Communications

www.themilepost.com. Contact Kate Bandos at kate@ksbpromotions.com.
Odyssey Books & Guides

www.odysseypublications.com. Contact : Caroline Eden at caroline@odysseypublications.com

16. Oxygen Books city-lit

www.oxygenbooks.co.uk Malcom Burgess at malcolm@oxygenbooks.co.uk

17. Rough Guides

www.roughguides.com. Contact : press@roughguides.

18. Turnleft

www.turnleftguides.comContact: Nick Buteau at nick@turnleftguides.com

The International Travel Writers Alliance and AllWays

The International Travel Writers Alliance
The Alliance

 

The Alliance provides information and support to over 7,200 professionals who travel to write, broadcast or create images.

 

You can see the caliber of Alliance members by visiting www.itwalliance.com and clicking on Members/member profiles. This section is updated weekly.

Through the Alliance we can reach and influence professional travel writers, editors, photographers and broadcasters through :

• 
  the bi-monthly Alliance bulletin
  
• 
  Alliance alerts providing information and images to Alliance members on a specific destination or travel pursuit
  
• 
  Destination dossiers, providing detailed media briefings to members
  
• 
  organising Destination networking events (linked to the destination dossiers)
  
• 
  planning and managing individual and group press trips, and
  
• 
  staging professional development workshops
  

AllWays

 

AllWays (www.allwaystraveller.com) is the new consumer travel service from the Alliance.

 

The AllWays package

AllWays will comprises :

• 
  AllWays traveller : the regular and special issue e-newsletters and updates for AllWays travellers
  
• 
  AllWays online : a web archive of features, images and audio/visual streaming from the Alliance's professional writers, editors, broadcasters and photographers, and
  
• 
  AllWays more : a series of mini-guides providing key information in a no frills format for destinations or travel pursuits, and
  

8. The International Travel Writers Alliance bulletin

9. Issue 67 : February 2010

Providing key information on a no-frills format for who travel to write, edit, broadcast or create images.

The media contacts listed will always be pleased to hear from Alliance members. When requesting ‘press trip’ facilities members should be on assignment, with a commission or able to obtain one.
Editor: Ashley Gibbins : Ashley@itwalliance.com or 0776 419 8286
Archive issues : www.itwalliance.com.

11. In this issue

1 : Opportunities
Group and individual press trip opportunities
2 : News

News of interest to travel writers, editors, broadcasters and photographers

2. 3 : Leads

Travel and tourism industry leads and initiatives

4 : Reasons to write about …
Information on destinations and travel pursuits from Alliance partners and agencies

3. 5 : A place to stay

Opportunities for Alliance members to review new and unusual accommodation

6 : Working with Alliance members
Travel partners and agencies keen to work with Alliance members.

12. Ongoing information

7: Alerts
Bullet point information on destinations, accommodation and travel pursuits that offer ongoing press trip opportunities to travel writers, editors, broadcasters and photographers
8 : Travel products and services
Providers of travel products or services happy to provide Alliance members with review items.
9: Travel guides
Travel publishers that are happy to provide Alliance members with review copies
10 : The International Travel Writers Alliance and AllWays

Registering with the Alliance
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. We do no pass on contact details of our members without their direct permission

Opportunities
Alliance members looking to take advantage of any of the following opportunities should be on assignment, with a commission or able to obtain one.
Press trip to Austria

14-18 March 2010-01-18

The Hotel Goldener Berg and Arlberg Hospiz in Lech and St Christoph respectively are organising a press trip to highlight the excellent skiing and gourmet dining and wine on offer at both hotels.
The Arlberg Hospiz boasts the biggest big bottle (18 litre) collection of Bordeaux in the world. The Goldener Berg also has a alpine spa looking out over the slopes.
Visit : www.skiarlberg.at, www.goldenerberg.at and www.arlberghospiz.at. Contact : Annabel Goldie-Morrison at annabel@jvpublicrelations.com.
Visit France in the next twelve months

 

Doug Goodman Public Relations work with P&O Ferries promoting Nord and Pas de Calais and with Champagne-Ardenne Tourism covering historical, sporting themes, nature and outdoor and gourmet aspects of Aube, Marne, Haute Marne and Champagne Ardenne.

Doug is running a range of press trips to France in the next 12 months. An independent visit can also usually be arranged with P & O Ferries and the appropriate tourist board.

Contact : Doug Goodman at doug@douggoodmanpr.com.

Diva Maldives
Diva Maldives has become a flagship supporter of the recently designated FenMaaDhiguRan, the Maldives’ first fully regulated, Marine Protected Area (MPA).
The area is home to a globally significant population of whale sharks and some of the world’s finest dive sites. Diva Maldives has introduced a voluntary gratuity charge scheme enabling guests to actively contribute to the conservation of the whale sharks and their habitat.
Established following successful lobbying by the Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme conservation charity, the MPA was officially designated by the Republic of Maldives government in July 2009.
It is 42km in length and, through proper regulation and educational community initiatives, will protect important habitats and species in this area from threats including overfishing, unregulated tourism and pollution, and help the local community to protect their natural resources for future generations.
Diva Maldives is part of the Naïade hotel group, which currently consists of nine hotels and one private island: 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, all in Mauritius; Hotel du Recif (three star) and Grand Hotel du Lagon (four star) in Reunion Island; and Diva (five star deluxe) in the Maldives.
Visit : www.naiade.com. To discuss opportunities to visit Diva Maldives contact : Jodie Fenn at jodie@bacall.net.
The Boat Company, Alaska
The Boat Company, which runs boat trips in Alaska, will offer trips to qualified travel writers able to produces features and images of its tours including :

• 
  Adventure and experiential travel
  
• 
  Small group and family travel
  
• 
  Educational, cultural and historical travel
  
• 
  Small boat cruising
  
• 
  Luxury adventure and culinary travel
  

Visit : www.theboatcompany.com. Contact : Hunter McIntosh at hunter@theboatcompany.com.

Sunparks
Family holiday village specialist Sunparks has officially launched in the UK market. Sunparks operates eight holiday villages based in Belgium, the Netherlands and western Germany. The holiday villages, all located in Europe offer villa and hotel accommodation and are specifically aimed at families with young children. They are also easily accessible from the UK via Eurostar, ferry and air.
Visit : www.sunparks.co.uk. For media information and images or if you’re interested in a press trip contact : Laura Crickmore ay laura.crickmore@surfpr.co.uk.
Jersey
Seventy Seven PR now manages the Jersey Tourism PR account and can help arrange press trips for Alliance members to the island, as :

• 
  a domestic family break destination (since we have more sunshine than anywhere else in Great Britain, and as the Pound/Euro exchange looks set to stay poor)
  
• 
  an adventure sports destination (as a host of new beach sports centres have recently opened up offering everything from blokarting to wind and kite surfing)
  
• 
  a gourmand’s paradise (with two Michelin starred restaurants on the island and opportunities to catch local lobsters or eat oysters fresh from the surf)
  
• 
  a spa break (with several beautiful and indulgent spas on the island Jersey is a great place to come and get away from it all)
  

Visit : www.Jersey.com. Contact : Alex Kennedy at Alex.Kennedy@77pr.co.uk.
Walking in the Drakensberg, South Africa
The Drakensberg Mountains of KwaZulu Natal, South Africa, have a natural beauty with peaks, basalt cliffs, sandstone outcrops and deep gorges forming the core of an area of potential for walkers. There is also a large variety of antelope and other mammals and a regular bird list of over 200 species.
Walking in the Drakensberg has been written by Jeff Williams, a qualified Safari Guide, and details 75 graded day walks and scrambles from 1km to 20km, in 11 areas of the park. Jeff has also written walking and climbing guides to the Stubai Alps, Silvretta Alps and Ötztaler Alps in Europe.
It is published by Cicerone, specialist publishers of 250 guidebooks for walking, trekking, climbing and mountaineering, cycle touring and hill and mountain skills.
Visit : www.cicerone.co.uk. For review copies contact : Sarah Spencer at sarah@cicerone.co.uk.
Tour d'Afrique
Tour d'Afrique, is a small, socially responsible bike tour company that is named after its 2003 flagship cycling adventure that annually traverses the African continent from Cairo to Cape Town (7,500 miles in 120 days).
The company also organises epic transcontinental bicycle tours and races lasting ten days to four months that currently traverse four continents and over thirty countries.
Its non-profit foundation supports the communities touched by the tours and raises consciousness about the many benefits of bicycles as a means of sustainable transportation.
Visit : www.tourdafrique.com. For press trip opportunities contact Dave Wiggins at d.wiggins@comcast.net.
Press trip to : Apuglia (aka Pulia), Italy

April 15, 2010

This 5/6 day press trip is to Apuglia (aka Pulia), region of Italy located in the Southeast corner of the boot, surrounded by the Ionian and Adriatic seas, known as the "hidden jewel of Italy."
The trip includes full roundtrip airfare from the New York airport area with full hotel accommodations and food included.
It will visit Cathedrals, historic centers and markets, tour cooking classes, olive groves, local vineyards, cheese factory, meet local authorities and wine producers, view bicycle tour sites, experience farm life.
Contact : Kate McGrath at katemcgrath@nyc.rr.com.
For ongoing opportunities for Alliance members see Alerts (below) or visit : www.internationaltravelwritersalliance.com.
News
Haiti
Travel service brands are supporting the Haiti emergency efforts.
In addition to matching up to $50,000 in customer and employee donations, United Airlines has reported it's working with relief agencies to assist with airlift needs; British Airways planes, crewed by volunteers, are flying emergency service supplies to Haiti. Spirit Airlines is offering 5,000 Free Spirit miles to those who donate at least $5 to the Red Cross, UNICEF or Yéle Haiti.
American Airlines has flown three 10,000-pound-supply relief flights to Haiti and plans more and Jet Blue is flying aide workers to Haiti's neighbor, the Dominican Republic. Continental Airlines' OnePass frequent flyer members can donate miles to pre-selected organizations. The airline brand is also waiving various fees for travel to the Dominican Republic.
Norwegian Cruise Lines is stocking its ships in Florida to take aide to the island nation in concert with collecting, and matching, donations from passengers currently aboard its vessels.
And Royal Caribbean International has loaded Independence of the Seas with relief supplies today at San Juan, Puerto Rico, which included 60 cases of water and other dry goods.

Leads
England`s countryside markets

Sandra Shevey organises walking trips around England`s countryside markets. One or two-day trips available.

Contact : Sandra Shevey at sandra_shevey@yahoo.com.

Spanish wine routes
The Wine Routes of the Spanish Association of Wine-Producing Towns and Cities (ACEVIN) lead take in some of Spain’s oldest wine-growing regions.
Visit : www.crm.spain.info/TourSpain/Rutas+Vino/?Language=en. Contact : Paco Gutierrez at franciscojose.gutierrez@tourspain.es.
Cruising from Dubai
The number of cruise tourists visiting Dubai is expected to increase by almost 80 per cent between 2008 to 2010. The opening of the new Dubai Cruise Terminal at the end of January 2010 will allow for more passengers and ships than ever before.
Contact : Michelle McGrath at mmcgrath@thecommunicationgroup.co.uk.
Reasons to write about
Alliance members looking to take advantage of any of the following should be on assignment, with a commission or able to obtain one.
Festivals in Dominica
Located between the French islands of Guadeloupe and Martinique in the Eastern Caribbean, the independent nation of Dominica (pronounced “dom-in-eek-a”) is the largest and most mountainous of the Windward Islands, encompassing an area of nearly 290 square miles.
National Geographic’s Center for Sustainable Destination ranked the island as the top sustainable island in the Caribbean and among the top ten in the world
A number of festivals and events will take place on the island during 2010 including :
Carnival
Known as one of the Caribbean’s most original Carnivals, Dominica’s Carnival will take place on 15 and 16 February, 2010. During Carnival, the people of Dominica showcase their folklore and traditions through song, dance, drama, poetry and music in a variety of competitions, performances and street activities.
Visit www.dominica.dm/site/carnival.cfm.

Hike Fest
Tourists have the chance to explore the lush rainforests and natural beauty of the island through their scenic hiking trails when Dominica hosts its third Annual Hike Fest in May 2010.
The island’s unspoiled nature is unveiled while hiking to one of the island’s many waterfalls, or trekking through Morne Trois Pitons National Park, the first UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Eastern Caribbean.
Visit www.dominica.dm/site/hikefest.dm.
Dive Fest
The Dominica Watersports Association stages the 17^th Annual Dive Fest, a series of activities focused on scuba diving and other water sports, from 9-18 July 2010.
Dive Fest activities will take place along the entire East Coast, from Scotts Head to Portsmouth, as well as at selected locations around the island.
Although Dive Fest has an environmentally-oriented focus, it has widespread appeal due to the variety of planned activities, such as barbecues, wine tasting, whale watching, sunset cruises and more. For more information
Visit www.discoverdominica.com/site/divefest.cfm.
Creole In The Park
On 25-28 October, 2010, Dominica will host the eighth Annual LIME Creole in the Park, which was established for a daytime event during the island’s independence Celebrations. The four-day event is held at the historic Botanical Gardens and features performances from local, regional and international artists. The event blends traditional Creole music with steel pan drums, with the delectable aromas of local cuisine.
World Creole Music Festival
The 14^th Annual World Creole Music Festival will be held 29 – 31 October 2010. A Caribbean and International platform for artists, the festival is widely seen as one of the indigenous music events in the Caribbean.
Visit www.wcmfdominica.com.
Independence Day
Dominica will celebrate its 32^nd year as an independent nation on 3 November 2010 with cultural events, parties, traditional music performances, folklore and dances. D
Visit www.discoverdominica.com. Contact : Patricia M. Rowan at patricia@adams-pr.com.
Cycling in Washington State, USA
The San Juan Islands have been named one of the best places to cycle in world by respected travel bible Lonely Planet.
Located in Washington State, The Islands are known for their safe and scenic country roads and cyclists can follow the shoreline and catch glimpses including migratory Orca whales. 

This year Washington State, for which Seattle is the gateway city, was also named the best cycle friendly state in the US by the League of American Bicyclists.

Seattle’s compact centre makes it a good city to explore by bike and visitors can take a ride along the waterfront and see all the major attractions including, the Sculpture Park, Space Needle and historic districts. 
In the wider Washington State there are numerous trails and routes to suit all needs from gentle scenic rides to adrenalin fuelled mountain bike challenges.   
Biking is especially popular in Spokane, which is blessed with an amazing system of trails including the Spokane Centennial Trail which runs for some 37 miles along the Spokane River all the way to the Idaho border. 
Washington State has also seen a resurgence in the number of sea otters along its scenic and rugged coastline, especially in the Olympic National Park, which is also home to gray wolves and Bald eagles.
Visit : www.Visitseattle.org and www.Experiencewa.com. Contact : Samantha Preece at samantha@firstpr.co.uk.
The vineyards of Pico, Portugal
Pico is an island of the Azores noted for its volcano, Ponta do Pico (Pico Alto), which is the highest mountain of Portugal.
Moinho do Frade, located just south of Madalena, is the Unesco World Heritage wine growing area.
Dating back to the 15th Century, the vineyards of Pico consists of long linear walls of broken up basalt rock, which were built to protect the labyrinth of currais from wind and seawater.
The hot, dry microclimate of Pico’s slopes and nutrient rich volcanic soil allowed the vines of the verdelho grape to flourish.
Visit : www.picowines.net. Contact : Emma Goodwin at emma@ktapr.com.
The National Trust for Scotland
The National Trust for Scotland is the conservation charity that protects and promotes Scotland’s natural and cultural heritage.
The Trust was established in 1931 and now manages over 120 properties covering 76,000 hectares and representing much of the best of Scotland’s heritage.

 

Each year the Trust welcomes over 1.7 million visitors to those properties where numbers can be counted. It is estimated that as many again visit the countryside and open areas.

 

Visit : www.nts.org,uk. Contact : Anne Edwards at aedwards@nts.org.uk.

Tourism in Northeast Brazil
Nordeste Invest 2010 will take place from the 10th to 12th of May, in the city of Natal, capital of Rio Grande do Norte.
The three-day event will bring together hotel chains, investment fund operators, tour operators, and airlines.
The host city, Natal, is becoming a popular travel destination for the home and international travel markets and is one of the host cities for the 2014 World Cup.
Brazil expects to attract 600,000 visitors during this sporting event.
Visit www.nordesteinvest.com.br. Contact : Kerry Nicholas at kerry@tidewaycommunications.com.

13. A place to stay

Alliance members looking to take advantage of any of the following opportunities should be on assignment, with a commission or able to obtain one.
Aqua Hotels and Resorts, Hawaii
Aqua Hotels and Resorts hotels, located on Oahu, Maui, Kauai and Molokai, has three full-service properties, eight hotels in the Aqua Boutique Collection.
Travellers can currently take advantage of heavily discounted rates at the newly opened Maile Sky Court in Waikiki.
Aqua has also recently taken over Kauai Beach Resort, Kauai, which was formerly a Hilton property.
Visit www.aquaresorts.com. Contact : Fiona Gordon at fiona@firstpr2.nw002.com.
UXUA Casa Hotel, Trancoso, Brazil
The UXUA (pronounced ooh-shoo-ah) Casais a five-star botique Hotel in Trancoso, a sleepy 16^th century seaside village in the south of Bahia, Brazil.
The hotel opened in May 2009 and hosted the models and and photographer during the 2010 Pirelli Calendar shoot.
Bahia, one of the 26 states of Brazil, is located in the northeastern part of the country on the Atlantic coast.
It is the principal tourist center of the Northeast with of the biggest portion of seacoast of the country and cultural, folklore and religious interest.
Salvador, the states capital has an historical center and a coastline of beaches and dozens of islands.
Guests visiting the UXUA Casa fly into Sao Paolo, Salvador, or Rio, and connect via national and international airlines with direct daily flights to Porto Seguro followed by a 45-minute drive through Bahian landscape to Trancoso and UXUA.
visit www.uxua.com. Contact : Rebecca Widness at rebecca@widness-co-pr.com
Mount Falcon Country House Hotel, County Mao, West Ireland
Located in County Mayo between Foxford and Ballina, the four-star Mount Falcon Country House Hotel is located on 100 acres with a fishery and 3 & 4 bedroom self-catering luxury suites spread among three idyllic sites on the property.
The original country house was designed by James Franklin Fuller and commissioned in 1876 by a young man for his new bride.
In 1932, Major and Constance Aldridge purchased the Mount Falcon home and ran it season after season as a well renowned fishing and shooting lodge.
Today, Mount Falcon Country House Hotel has 32 rooms and suites with 15 foot high ceilings, original marble fireplaces, cornices, servant bell ringers, pitch pine floor boards and shutters.
Fshing and golf are the main two activities found at the Mount Falcon Estate with salmon fishing in the two miles of River Moy miles running through the property and 12 golf courses within a 30 mile radius.
Visit : www.mountfalcon.com and www.distinguishedhotels.com. Contact: Johanne Emond at johanne.emond@distinguishedhotels.com.
The Hyatt Regency Oubaai Golf Resort and Spa, South Africa
The Hyatt Regency Oubaai Golf Resort and Spa has opened on Herolds Bay in George, South Africa.
The hotel is part of the 263-hectare Oubaai Golf Resort, a residential and golf development overlooking the Indian Ocean on Herolds Bay on the Garden Route, which extends along the Western Cape from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth.
The area is known for its pristine beaches, indigenous forests and nature reserves.

 

Visit : www.hyatt.com. Contact : Kathryn Peel at Kathryn@grifcopr.com.

The Palm, Dubai
The Palm, Dubai, which opened in November 2008, has been voted Best Family Resort 2009 by Virgin Holidays.
The resort, located on The Palm Jumeirah, has a strong family offering, including a range of kids and teenage clubs and Aquaventure water park, the Middle East’s largest themed water park.
The Kid’s Club which offers younger guests (age 4 to 12 years) recreational experiences tailored to their age and interest and Club Rush, a private club for teenagers with a strict no adults aloud policy and a safe, non-alcoholic environment. Atlantis, The Palm is committed to educating visitors, particularly with regards to the marine life in the resort.
The Ambassador Lagoon is home to a marine habitat of 65,000 marine animals and at Dolphin Bay, guests are given an introduction to dolphin behaviour, physiology, wellness and the importance of conservation.

 

Visit www.atlantisthepalm.com. Contact : Maitha Ahmed at mahmed@bgb.co.uk.

Working with the Alliance

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.

2. Partners

Kansas/Oklahoma Travel & Tourism

Oklahoma's name derives from two Choctaw words, "okla" meaning people, and "humma" meaning red; literally meaning "red people". Oklahoma epitomizes America, and is where 39 nations of American Indians are headquartered. All descendants of the original 67 tribes that inhabited Indian Territory before the forced removal during the westward expansion of America.
Kansas is the center of the USA. It is where the passion and drive of the pioneers blazed many famous trails and historic cattle towns were homesteaded in the pristine tall grass prairie ecosystem. In Kansas/Oklahoma are six distinctly different ecosystems, eclectic small towns, working guest ranches, authentic cowboy culture, oil baron sophistication, and sacred Native American tradition!
Visit : www.travelksok.co.uk. Contact : Lisa Weigt at lisaw@travelksok.com.

3. Agencies

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