December 2011 edition of Travel World News

DECEMBER 2011

C

T

INDusTRY eVeNTs 4Calendar of eventsFor complete and current list please visit:www.travelworldnews.com/calendar

INDusTRY NeWs 8

euRoPeDiscovering Turkey’s Treasures with FLO-USA 10The Eastern Mediterranean B2B Exchange 13Turkish Airlines: To Istanbul and Beyond 14Turkey: Sura Design Hotel and Suites 16Magnificent Corinthia Hotel London BlendsTraditional Grandeur with Sophisticated Signatures 20

Fam AnnouncementsFor complete and current list please visit:www.travelworldnews.com/fams

CARIBBeANCancun Travel Mart: Looking Ahead to 2012and the Mayan New Dawn 22Agents Can Earn $23,000 Selling FamilyPackage at Lighthouse Bay 23Cancun: 2012 and Beyond 24The Caribbean B2B Exchange 25Hotel Villa Taina is Perfect for Fully EnjoyingDominican Republic’s Cararete 26Grand Case Beach Club ProjectsExcellent Winter Season 27

LATIN AMeRICAIncomparable Panama’s CATM 2011Promotes Splendors of Central America 28The Central America B2B Exchange 29Expo Manuel Antonio 2011 Features“The Best of Costa Rica” 32GT Tours Launches Air-Inclusive Specials forLatin American Trips 34Viajes Pacifico Provides Luxury Itineraries in Peru 36Latin Trails’ Amazon Tourism Club Will AddVariety to Ecuador Experience 38The South America B2B Exchange 39

PRoFITABLe WoRLD oFNIChe MARkeTsGlobal Vision Award Goes to Austin-Lehman Adventures for Used Bike Program 40The Adventure B2B Exchange 41Maduro Dive Fanta-Seas Creates ProfitWidget for Dive Travel Agents 42The Dive B2B Exchange 43The Special Interest B2B Exchange 45UTS Offers Unusual Adriatic Region Cycling Tour 47

e x e c u t i v e o f f i c e

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e d i t o r

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Shawn Hebert • I T m a n a g e r

Cindy Johnson • c i r c u l a t i o n m a n a g e r

c o n t r i b u t i n g e d i t o r s

Mona Birch • Ann Charles • Gail P. Dubov

Judith Glynn • Barry Goldsmith • Peggy Hageman

George Hairston • Al Haut • Marjorie Klein • Peter Lowy

Nancy Marcantonio • Anita Mason

D.O. Christian Rieger • Knox Robinson

Helen Kitti Smith • Robin Swados • Diane Terry

c r u i s e e d i t o r

Michael Iachetta

s o u t h e a s t r e g i o n a l c o r r e s p o n d e n t

Joan Gonzalez

w e s t e r n r e g i o n a l c o r r e s p o n d e n t

Connie Skoog

Travel World News (ISSN 1044-4602) is published monthly by

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DeCeMBeR 2011 Issue No. 282

EUROPE / Turkey - page 10

CARIBBEAN / Cancun - page 22

PROFITABLE WORLD OF NICHE MARKETS / Botswana - page 40

LATIN AMERICA / Costa Rica - page 32

LATIN AMERICA / Panama - page 28

Nonstop Smiles To The Most Places In Africa

AFRICA’S WARMEST WELCOME

With our legendary South African hospitality, we have been bringing

travelers to Africa for over 75 years. Our daily nonstop service from

New York (JFK) to Johannesburg offers convenient connections to

more than 45 cities across Africa. Add this to our daily direct service

amenities and you’ll see why we’re Africa’s most awarded airline.

souTh AFRICAN AIRWAYs AND oN shoW soLuTIoNs seT 2012 sCheDuLe FoR souTheRN AFRICA shoWCAse

South African Airways and event organizer On Show Solutions

have finalized dates in 2012 for their popular Southern Africa

Showcase. The information trade showcase will be held in six major

US cities September 5–13, including four new cities. Plans are in

place to host agents and tour operators specializing in Africa for

one-one-one presentations with world-class exhibitors representing

luxury hotels, safari game lodges, destinations tourism organiza-

tions and other travel services from throughout Southern Africa.

Travel professionals will learn the latest updates about the region,

ensuring they receive the competitive edge for sales to this lucrative

and specialized market segment. The dates and cities for 2012 are

September 5, Los Angeles/Orange County; September 6, Denver;

September 10, Atlanta; September 11, Boston; September 12,

Stamford/Greenwich, CT; and September 13, New york City/Long

Island, Ny.

“The 2011 Showcase was a success, thanks to a stellar lineup of

exhibitors, and the truly capable planning and leadership of On

Show Solutions,” said Todd Neuman, executive vice president,

North America, for South African Airways. “Looking to 2012, we

aim to stage an ever more enriching and valuable showcase, build-

ing on the fact that it has become a popular event for travel profes-

sionals who specialize in selling Southern Africa. We will make

stops in the traditionally strong markets such as New york and Los

Angeles, while also visiting new cities which continue to show a

growth in interest for travel to the African continent.”

“Now in our fourth year running the Southern Africa Showcase

with SAA, it is exciting to see the commitment from the Southern

African suppliers,” says Jacqui Reynolds, owner of On Show

Solutions. “The Southern African Showcase has become a key

event on the tourism calendar with many suppliers using these

product seminars as their primary marketing platform for the

U.S. market.”

Additional details and updates about the 2012 Southern Africa

Showcase will be issued in the coming months.

south African Airways (sAA), 800-722-9675, www.flysaa.com;

on show solutions, [email protected],

www.onshowsolutions.co.za

www.travelworldnews.com • Travel World News6 •DeCeMBeR 2011

INDUSTRy EVENTS

eXPoTuR 2012 PRoMoTeD IN 5 CoNTINeNTsFrom May 9 to 11, 2012 EXPOTUR, the most important travel

trade mart of Central America, will be held at the Ramada Plaza

Herradura Conventions Center, in San Antonio Belen, Costa Rica.

yadyra Simon, President of the Costa Rica Association of

Professionals in Tourism (ACOPROT), organizer of the mart, indi-

cated that since the last edition their executives have attended and

plan to be in the main tourist fairs to promote the event. Information

will also be sent to Asia, Australia and Africa.

In its upcoming 28th edition, EXPOTUR, as a commercialization

mart, will promote the effective gathering of buying wholesalers with

the suppliers of the entire region to close business agreements. The

event offers innovations in products, new properties and multiple ser-

vices as well as very attractive alternatives for all participants.

eXPoTuR, www.expotur.com

Travel World News • www.travelworldnews.com DeCeMBeR 2011 • 7

INDUSTRy EVENTS

WoRLD TouRIsM AWARDs AT WTM

British Airways, Jonathan M. Tisch and National GeographicTraveler were presented the 2011 World Tourism Awards atWorld Travel Market in London recently. Celebrating its 14th an-niversary, the Awards are co-sponsored by American Express,Corinthia Hotels, International Herald Tribune and Reed TravelExhibitions.

British Airways was recognized for “its investment annually(roughly $8–9.6 million) to support its Global CommunityPrograms, in direct and in-kind donations, to more than 100 com-munity- and conservation-focused charities around the world aswell as in the UK.”

Jonathan M. Tisch, Chairman and CEO, Loews Hotels, was hon-ored for “his leadership role to help rebuild New york City in theaftermath of September 11, by reviving the local travel andtourism industry and for securing major funding for NyC &Company to expand its global marketing initiatives, resulting inrecord tourism for New york City.”

National Geographic Traveler was recognized for “its pioneeringgeotourism, and working with local communities around the worldto create Geotourism Mapguides that raise awareness of a destina-tion’s endemic natural and cultural assets, thereby contributing tosustainability and community-based tourism development.”

Shown left to right: Patrick Falconer, Managing Director–United Kingdom, Northern Europe, Middle East and Africa, TheNew yorkTimes/International Herald Tribune; accepting on behalf of Jonathan M. Tisch, Chairman and CEO, Loews Hotels,George Fertitta, CEO, NyC & Company; Alfred Pisani, Founderand Group Chairman, Corinthia Hotels; Sheila Heustess, VP,Travel Industry Relations, American Express; and Fiona Jeffery,Chairman, World Travel Market for Reed Travel Exhibitions.The Bradford Group, [email protected],www.bradfordglobalmarketing.com

www.travelworldnews.com • Travel World News8 • DeCeMBeR 2011

INDUSTRy NEWS

GLoBAL VoYAGes GRouP NAMes jANICe TuLLY BRAND MANAGeR FoR sCeNIC CRuIses, TouRsJanice Tully, CTIE, has been named U.S. Brand Manager for two of Global Voyages Group’s (GVG) clients,

Scenic Cruises and Scenic Tours. Tully is responsible for maximizing U.S. sales results for the two GVG clients

and will have overall responsibility for Scenic’s marketing, public relations and collateral development as well as

for developing and implementing training programs for travel sellers.

Tully brings more than 30 years of travel industry experience to GVG, most recently serving as Senior Vice

President, Sales, for Uniworld. She has also served in sales and marketing roles for Islands in the Sun, Holland

America Line, Celebrity Cruises, Princess Cruises and Sitmar.

“Janice is a true expert in river cruises and in the escorted tour business,” said David Giersdorf, president &

CEO Global Voyages Group. “Her stellar reputation in the travel industry and vast experience in river cruising

and escorted tours will bring incredible insights and results to Scenic.”

GVG was founded in 2010 and has been working to expand business in North America for clients including Scenic Cruises and Scenic

Tours. The company provides a comprehensive, cost-effective and performance improving solution for cruise companies, tour operators and

other travel suppliers in the North America market.

Global Voyages Group (GVG), www.globalvoyagesgroup.com

hAhN AIR ANNouNCes 250Th PARTNeR AIRLINe: jeTBLue AIRWAYsHahn Air announces JetBlue Airways (B6), New york’s Hometown Airline™, as its 250th partner airline to sign an Interline E-Ticketing

(IET) agreement. A record number of airlines are now available for e-ticketing on Hahn Air’s universal e-ticketing platform.

Since 1999, when the first IET agreement was signed, Hahn Air has successfully implemented a total of 250 partner airlines into its e-

ticketing platform ensuring that the Hahn Air e-document (HR-169) covers every conceivable interline scenario. Flights of Hahn Air part-

ner airlines are available in all Global Distribution Systems (GDSs) worldwide and in more than 190 countries.

JetBlue Airways (B6) is an American value airline headquartered in New york. Its main base is the newly built Terminal 5 at John F.

Kennedy International Airport. Since 1999, when JetBlue was established, it has become the sixth largest airline in the United States by

revenue passenger miles, operating 650 flights a day. JetBlue’s fleet will consist of 120 Airbus A320 and 49 Embraer E190 aircraft by the

end of the year.

JetBlue is available in Sabre, Worldspan, Apollo, Galileo systems and Amadeus GDS.

hahn Air, www.hahnair.com; jetBlue Airways, www.jetblue.com

jANICe TuLLY

GoWAY oFFeRs AGeNT INCeNTIVes, APT ReWARDs A recent promotion by Australian Pacific Tours offered Goway agents the

opportunity to earn an iPod Nano, iPod Touch or iPad for booking APT fully

escorted coach tours to New Zealand. Australian Pacific Tours Sales

Manager Aubrey Schmidt was in Toronto and Vancouver to acknowledge the

top sellers of APT’s New Zealand fully escorted Premier Plus, Premier and

Affordable Tours.

In addition to internal incentives, Goway offers many creative incentives

to all their valued agents, which range from products such as free airline

tickets, to incentives paid onto Goway’s unique reward card, which can be

used at a variety of stores throughout North America. Applying for the card

can be done online. On Goway’s agent page, a variety of rewards are listed

and updated regularly.

Australian Pacific Tours is one of the South Pacific’s premier coach tour-

ing companies. Famiily owned and run for over 80 years, The McGeary fam-

ily started APT based on a personal dream to offer unique and luxurious hol-

idays to travelers who have a spirit of adventure and discovery. All prices are fully inclusive and guaranteed and with APT, all programs

have a great mix of cultural touring experiences included so passengers can discover local culture first-hand.

“Coach touring is a great way to experience Australia and New Zealand,” commented Product Manager Meghan Boyd, “It’s a worry-

free tour for travelers ensuring they see all of the key sights under the guidance of a professional tour director. And for agents, it’s a simple

sale that earns great commissions.”

More information on Goway’s escorted touring experiences in Australia and New Zealand is available in their Downunder or Australia &

New Zealand Escorted Touring brochures.

Goway Travel, 800-387-8850, www.goway.com/motorcoach, www.goway.com/thecard, www.gowayagent.com, www.goway.com

Pictured accepting their awards from Aubrey (center) areGoway Toronto staff members sunita singh, Zarir Irani,Carolyn Bell and emma Woodward and in VancouverMichael Whittington.

CLAY sAWYeR NAMeD DIReCToR oF MARkeTING FoR IhG LATIN AMeRICA & CARIBBeAN ReGIoNIHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) has named Clay Sawyer Director of Marketing for its Latin America &

Caribbean region, with responsibility for developing and implementing marketing strategies that support 77 multi-

branded hotel properties. He will be based at IHG’s Americas corporate office in Atlanta, Georgia.

Prior to his new role, Sawyer was Director of Sales & Marketing at the 780-room Holiday Inn Parque Anhembi

hotel in Sao Paulo, Brazil, the largest IHG-branded hotel in the region, as well as one of city’s most popular con-

vention services venues. Earlier, Sawyer served in a number of executive capacities with Starwood Hotels &

Resorts, also in Brazil.

“Clay brings with him a broad marketing skill set that will enable him to leverage the full range of IHG’s mar-

keting resources for the benefit of the region,” said Ricardo Lopez, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, IHG

Latin America & Caribbean. “In addition, Clay’s extensive experience in hotels allows him to be a key advocate

for hotels and enable him to create synergies between regional and local marketing investments.”

“These are very exciting times for the hospitality industry in Latin America and the Caribbean, and for IHG in particular,” Sawyer added.

“There is a great deal of growth in the region, and I am very pleased to be working with the world’s most recognized hotel brands, within a

company whose roots in the region span 65 years.”

Sawyer, who is trilingual (English, Portuguese, Spanish), graduated from Florida International University, with a focus on marketing, fi-

nance and international business.

IhG (InterContinental hotels Group), www.ihg.com

CoRINThIA hoTeLs APPoINTs ReNoWNeD hoTeLIeR LIAM LAMBeRT To heAD hoTeL oPeRATIoNsCorinthia Hotels has appointed seasoned hotelier Liam Lambert as its Chief Operating Officer. Mr. Lambert will

be directing Corinthia Hotels’ strategic operational objectives to maximize product quality, guest satisfaction and

profitability across all owned and managed hotels.

Lambert joins Corinthia Hotels following an illustrious international career spanning 30 years and four conti-

nents. His last appointment was that of President of Oberoi Hotels & Resorts. Prior to that, he was Director of

Operations in Europe, Africa and the Middle East for Mandarin Oriental Hotels.

“Corinthia Hotels is a natural move for me. Importantly, apart from its wonderful properties, the company puts

great focus on its Spirit of Corinthia message and its Craftsmanship of Care philosophy among its team members,

which are both very close to my heart. I am truly excited by the prospect of working as both coach and team player

in helping to grow the Corinthia portfolio,” said Lambert.

Welcoming his appointment, Simon Naudi, CEO of Corinthia Hotels, said “Liam joins Corinthia at an exciting time, having just launched

our flagship London hotel and looking forward to actively expanding our brand in major cities around the world. With his vast experience

and extensive international luxury hospitality knowledge, Liam will be influential in giving life to our brand values across our collection of

hotels, whilst providing a sound operational platform to our growth.”

Lambert, an Irish citizen, is a graduate of Harvard Business School. He is married and has three daughters. He will operate from his

London base initially before relocating to the company’s headquarters in Malta next year.

Corinthia hotels, www.corinthia.com


INDUSTRy NEWS

2016

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EUROPE

Abridge between two continents with one foot in

Europe and another in Asia, Turkey’s cultural and

historic treasures delight and inspire even sea-

soned travelers. its breathtaking natural beauty,

unique archaeological sites, deluxe hotels, and ever-improv-

ing infrastructure have spiked tourism numbers for the past

few years. With a tradition of hospitality that’s legendary, and

a weakening local currency, not only are tourists warmly wel-

comed, they get a lot more bang for their buck. And, with polit-

ical and economic unrest in neighboring countries, Turkey is a

safe, stable travel option, a modern secular country with a

booming economy. it is quickly becoming the most popular

tourism destination in the region, making it easier to sell than

ever before.

FLO-USA, a Florida-based tour operator, is committed to

bringing the glory of Turkey to the American market. A family-

owned-and-operated boutique travel company, it offers small

group tours, private luxury tours, and special-interest travel.

its owner, Cengiz Aras, a Turkish archeologist, and his wife,

Shebby, an architect, manage their Orlando-based US office,

sending groups of 12-16 to Turkey, Greece, Egypt, China, and

most recently, Jordan and israel. FLO has local offices in

istanbul and Cappadocia as well as Cairo and Athens. Whether

it's history, religion, food, golf, shopping, specialized location

tours, or one-of-a-kind honeymoons, FLO offers trips that are

affordable, with an eye on service and quality. The company

avoids large US chain hotels, preferring five-star Turkish prop-

erties or charming, small boutique hotels. “We don’t try to save

pennies and dimes when it comes to accommodations,” FLO

owner Aras explained. “We book the best that’s available, even

if it’s expensive beach hotels in the summer.” Tour guides are

knowledgeable, licensed professionals and drivers are trained

every year to operate the company’s new fleet of nine buses

and eight minivans. FLO also has two S-500 Mercedes and

four bMW’s for private tours. All equipment in Turkey is owned

by the company, which gives them control of vehicle servicing.

in fact, other tour operators rent FLO’s vehicles when avail-

able. “No one can compete service-wide with us,” explained

owner Aras. Unlike many competitors, most meals are in-

cluded in escorted tour packages and there are no hidden

costs, no optional tours. Turkish Delight, FLO-USA’s 10-day es-

corted tour covers all the “must see” spots of the country.

First Stop, istanbulistanbul is a mix of the exotic and the cosmopolitan. Perhaps

no coincidence, it's area code is 212, the same as New York –

and despite its minarets and hilly cobblestone streets, it’s hum-

ming with the energy of a big city, with a sexy European twist.

but history is what puts istanbul on the map. Roman sites like

the Hippodrome, where chariot races took place, was the heart

of Constantinople’s political and sporting life. Close by is the

grand Haghia Sophia, built as the greatest church in the

Christian world, a masterpiece of 6th-century engineering with

the largest dome constructed until St Peter’s was built in Rome

a thousand years later. Converted to a mosque in 1453, it now

stands as a museum, its thick ancient walls echoing with his-

tory. Across from Haghia Sophia is the Sultanahmet Mosque,

or “blue Mosque.” its six minarets and cascade of domes light

up at night giving the Sultanahmet district a Disney-like aura.

but nothing comes close to the splendor of Topkapi Palace, a

former residence of the great Ottoman sultans. Wandering

through its hundreds of rooms and many courtyards, the palace

can take up half a day in istanbul. The harem quarters, set

Discovering Turkey’s Treasures with FLO-USAA stable government and weak currency make this historically rich country a booming tourist mecca.G A i L P. D U b Ov

CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

hot air balloon: even a cloudy day can’t stop a hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia from being magical!

C M Y CM MY CY CMY K

aside exclusively for the sultan’s mother and his concubines,

are rich with tile work, mosaics, domed roofs, and heated mar-

ble floors. Nearby, the Yerebatan Sarnici, the city’s ancient un-

derground cistern, is a must-see. its brick vaulted ceilings and

rows of marble columns rise from pools of water, dramatically

lit under istanbul’s streets. but the liveliest destination in

istanbul is the Grand bazaar, miles of aisles chock full of shops

selling anything you can think of. it’s an indoor mall with ag-

gressive salesmen playfully luring the wandering tourist in to

their shop to buy carpets, leather, jewelry, pottery. When the

Grand bazaar ends, the Spice Market begins. Senses are bom-

barded with heaps of red saffron, yellow turmeric, and a kalei-

doscope of other colorful spices. Turkish Delights, small

gelatin-like candies covered in powdered sugar, are offered to

entice you to buy a box, or perhaps five, at a special tourist

price – just for you!

To Ephesus and beyondFLO-USA packs the best of Turkey’s archeological sites into

their itineraries. but perhaps the highlight of any trip to Turkey

is a visit to Ephesus, one of the largest and best-preserved an-

cient cities in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Walking the remarkably preserved wide marble streets (with

chariot grooves still visible!), flanked by towering columns and

temples, is an unforgettable experience. The Library of Celsus,

a tiered façade decorated with exquisite statues and once hold-

ing three million books, stands at the end of the wide boule-

vard. Arches, statues, and carved marble is everywhere, in-

cluding a carved relief of Nike, the winged goddess of victory,

pointing the way to the city center. Ephesus was the site of the

Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient

World, no longer standing, though if you listen carefully, you

can hear echoes of history as you walk the hallowed grounds.

Other sites visited in the ten-day itinerary are the Necropolis

in Pamukkale with hundreds of ancient tombs dotting the hill-

side; Perge, most notable for its huge marble pool running

down the center of the main thoroughfare, the water source in

the hillside beyond; Aspendos, with its beautiful Roman the-

atre; and Aphrodisias, the ancient city dedicated to Aphrodite,

the goddess of love.

The itinerary includes stops at the fascinating Antalya

Regional Archeological Museum, home to an astounding col-

lection of artifacts, marble statuary ,and sarcophagi; the

Mevlana Museum in Konya, a 13th century whirling dervish

monastery and nearby tomb of Rumi; and the historic

Agzikarahan Caravanserai, where travelers on the Silk Route

stopped to rest their camels and spend the night.

Nothing can prepare a traveler for the landscape of

Cappadocia. Some call it lunar, i call it bewitching, especially

seen from the perch of a hot air balloon. its rocky cliffs and tow-

ering sandstone pillars stand tall, eroding over the centuries.

Rocks appear to be balancing on top of high stone columns, for-

mations known as “fairy chimneys”. Carved into the rock are

scores of hidden chapels at Goreme, an open-air museum with

a series of domed rooms adorned with exquisite frescoes, their

brightly colored paint still visible centuries later. Descending

into the warren-like subterranean city of nearby Kaymakli is en-

tering yet another surreal world. believed to have housed thou-

sands of people from the 6th to the 9th centuries, it is five levels

deep and covers one square mile underground. Amazing!

Oh the Food!Whether Turkish cuisine originated in the grand kitchens of

the sultans or in small villages growing an abundance of egg-

plant, it ranks as one of the world's top culinary traditions. And

everything delights the palette, whether high end cooking or

simple street fare. Kebap, grilled cubes of skewered meat, are

Turkey’s response to fast food. “Lahmacun” is its answer to

pizza. “Dolma” is a popular stuffed vegetable with rice or meat

and “borek” are pies of flaky pastry stuffed with meat or

cheese. There are lamb stews cooked in sealed pottery crocks

and the freshest fish from the surrounding seas. Meze are

small dishes of everything from creamy feta cheese to mari-

nated mackerel. breads abound--from flat bread to the famous

“simit” – sesame seed rings sold on the streets of istanbul.

Famous Turkish desserts like “helva” (a mix of flour, pine nuts,

butter and sugar), baklava, or muhallebi, popular milk pud-

dings, are a sweet end to a meal. Olives, figs, dates, apricots,

fresh pomegranate juice, local cheeses, and fresh salads are on

every buffet. Any meal is enhanced with a glass of raki, an

anise-flavored spirit or brought to a close with a glass of thick,

dark Turkish coffee.

Committed to Serve Client and Agent“Our istanbul office is doing very well,” Aras told Travel

World News. international clients from Europe, China, Japan,

and brazil are booking tours through local FLO offices. but, ac-

cording to Aras, the American market is still timid about trav-

eling – for economic and political reasons. With the Turkish lira

so low next to the dollar, he is hoping for a banner year in 2012.

“The price will be lower in 2012, even lower than this year,”

Aras explained. in past years, FLO sent up to four thousand

clients to Turkey a year and they are hoping to see numbers

inch back up to that level. “it’s not easy to serve the American

client,” owner Aras explained. To be sure he serves them well,

Aras has a varied schedule of FAM trips to acquaint travel

agents with FLO-USA destinations. The FLO agent site below

will give dates, prices and itineraries for FAMS in 2012 to

China, the Holyland, Turkey, Russia, india, Egypt, Greece, and

their new destination, vietnam.

Turkish Delight 10-day escorted tours to Kusadasi, Pamuk-

kale, Antalya, Cappadocia and istanbul start at $1799/ppdo.

FLO-USA, 888-435-6872, [email protected],

www.flo-usa.com, www.agentfamtrips.com


EUROPE

DIsCoVeRING TuRkeY FROM PAGE 10

EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN b 2 b E X C H A N G E

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We thrive to provide our customers with tailor made programs while focusing on

memorable voyages of discovery and relaxation where

every destination,cruise, cultural

circuit, safari andsea resort can

be relished individually or

in groups.

The exotic Mediterranean is our home, where eachone of our visitors is welcome and treated asour personal guest.We recognize the significant responsibility of sending travelers to this region, rich in cultural, historical, spiritual and emotional significance.Ya’lla Tours USA has made a commitment toexcellence that will meetand often even surpass all expectations.

GMTours specializes in programs to Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Turkey, Greece,

Spain, Dubai & Morocco. In addition to our advertised packaged

tours, which offer excellent value, we customize a program to suit specificrequirements. Our tours can be booked

individually or in your choice of combinations. GMTours strives to maintain

superior customer satisfaction.

800-783-7839www.sunnylandtours.com

Sunny Land TourS is one of the largest specialists to Egypt and the Middle East, and had been known as a Mediterranean

and Middle East specialist tour operator untilthe company expanded its product line to

Central America and South America, and as aresult of this move Costa Rica, Brazil, Peru

and Galapagos have become one of Sunny Land’s most important destinations.

We focus on sharing wonderful experiences in countries on the Mediterranean

along with tours to Jordan.Enjoy the ancient worlds of the Egyptians,Greeks or Romans, or modern-day life in

Israel, Egypt, Turkey, Greece, Spain, Jordan and Italy.


EUROPE

it is hard to argue with numbers. Data from the World

Tourism Organization shows that global tourism de-

clined over 4% last year. but Turkey managed to in-

crease tourism by over 3%. And, in the first six months

of 2011, the number of visitors

coming to istanbul increased

15%. but the most impressive

numbers are for the country’s

airline. While airlines around

the world are suffering from the

sluggish global economy,

Turkish Airlines is showing

growing profits. it was voted

“Europe’s best Airline” by

Skytrax in 2011, and garnered

awards for “Southern Europe’s

best Airline” and world’s “best

Premium Economy Class

Airline Seat”. The survey, avia-

tion’s “Oscars,” are based on passenger votes – and the fact

is, 19 million passengers can’t be wrong. And awards keep

coming. The “Market Leadership Award 2011” was pre-

sented by Air Transport World, the leading magazine covering

the global airline industry. Placing 7th in the world’s “best

Airline” ranking, Turkish Airlines is on a roll, growing fast as

a global gateway to Turkey and beyond. it’s all about location,

location, location. istanbul is in the perfect geographic spot

for easy connections to destinations north, south, and east.

Flying to over sixty countries, the airline has popular routes

to 192 destinations, not only in the U.S. and Europe, but far-

ther east and in Africa. it’s setting its sights on becoming a

truly intercontinental hub airline, able to offer connections to

all corners of the globe via istanbul’s Ataturk international

Airport.

Part of the Star Alliance, Turkish Airlines has gained more

strength than ever in the past few years. The airline served

approximately 17 million people and made $2.2 billion in

2006. in 2009 their passenger total was up to just over 25 mil-

lion with total revenue of $4 billion. The target for the end of

2011 is $8 billion, with passengers totaling 35 million. The

carrier plans to increase seat capacity by 16% and increase its

fleet to 177 aircraft. Twenty boeing 737-800’s and 15 boeing

737-900ERs are on order, all featuring innovative Sky

interiors. The 900ER airplanes will have additional fuel

tanks, increasing their range and scheduled for use on

African routes. Four of the aircraft will be delivered and

added to the airline's fleet in late 2011 with delivery of the rest

completed by 2015. These new aircraft are part of the

Airlines’ ongoing fleet expansion and renewal, giving the

carrier one of the most modern and technologically advanced

fleets in the world.

Turkish Airlines Launches New Routes toAfrica and Middle East

Mevlut Kayar, Turkish Airlines’ new general manager for

Chicago and the Midwest, knows Nairobi better than

Michigan Avenue. in 2009 he was appointed to Kenya as

general manager to open that destination with flights from

istanbul to Nairobi. The airline started with three flights a

week and in four months increased to five. “it was not easy to

make business and start new flights in Kenya,” Kayar told

Travel World News. but one year later, daily flights were

started and Kenya is now one of Turkish Airlines best desti-

nations in Africa. The airline has run FAM trips from Europe

to Kenya and sponsored two documentary films about Kenya

to publicize the destination. And it worked. Now, flights to

Nairobi are completely booked during the holidays. The air-

line launched service to Entebbe, Uganda and Dar es

Salaam, Tanzania last year, adding to a list of African desti-

nations that includes Johannesburg, Tunis, Algiers,

Casablanca, Khartoum, Addis Ababa, Lagos and Dakar. The

airline now operates over 90 weekly flights to 17 destinations

on the continent.

Flights to Dar es Salaam, three a week via Nairobi, will

become four direct fights a week starting in December.

“Potential is great for Turkish Airlines in Tanzania,”

Kayar told Travel World News. With even more name

recognition than Kenya, and Zanzibar an added attraction,

Kayar believes the new direct flights from istanbul will be just

the beginning of a growing market to Tanzania. And for

Americans connecting through istanbul, a few nights of belly

dancing and kebabs are a great way to begin – or end –

a safari.

Turkish Airlines is becoming a serious contender for

the wider Middle Eastern market. New routes have been

announced to Mosul, iraq, and Mitiga, Libya with

four weekly flights operating to both destinations. The airline

flies to beirut and Cairo and Saudi and Gulf destinations.

it flies four times daily between Tel Aviv and istanbul, one

of their most popular routes. With Turkey located between

the Middle East and European regions, travel time is

approximately three hours. The airline has been focusing on

the axis around this region where $14 billion worth of travel

takes place.

Turkish Airlines: To istanbul and beyondvoted Europe's best Airline in 2011, there are blue skies ahead for this fast-growing carrier.G A i L P. D U b Ov

MeVLuT kAYAR

U.S. Gateways: istanbul, First StopTurkish Airlines has signed Kobe bryant as brand promotion

ambassador and Caroline Wozniacki (No.1 female tennis

player in 2011) as the new face promoting Turkish Airlines

business and Comfort Class. With an aggressive marketing

campaign and competitive fares in its gateways of New York,

Washington, Los Angeles and Chicago, Turkish Airlines is

building greater U.S. awareness. its new premium economy

“Comfort Class,” configured between economy and business

class, offers more legroom, wider seats and more onboard

catering without the cost of a business class ticket. Comfort

Class is available on the new fleet of boeing 777s. The

Chicago market now has fares as low as $505 to istanbul in

low season, with “Early bird” pricing reducing fares booked

three or four months in advance. Chicago has hot ticket prices

to Amman, beirut, Dubai, Cairo, Damascus and Tel Aviv for

as low as $699. Flights to istanbul from New York depart

twice daily; Chicago flights depart once a day; Los Angeles

flights depart five times a week but will begin daily service in

2012; Washington, D.C. flies six times a week to istanbul.

According to general manager Kayar, 65% of Americans trav-

eling on Turkish Airlines head for istanbul and 35% continue

beyond to other destinations.

Miles&Smiles is the frequent-flier program of Turkish

Airlines. The earned miles can be used for Turkish Airlines’

flights as well as flights on Lufthansa, including the entire

Star Alliance Network.

Turkish Airlines, 800-874-8875, www.turkishairlines.com

2012 MeDITeRRANeAN TouR PRoGRAMLAuNCheD BY uNIVeRsAL TRAVeL sYsTeM

Universal Travel System (UTS), a Santa Monica, California-

based tour operator, is launching its 2012 Tour Program.

The focus continues to be the Mediterranean basin and number of

tours and destinations have been added for 2012. Croatia, Turkey,

Israel, Greece, Slovenia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Montenegro,

Albania and Macedonia are now featured in various UTS

programs.

Deluxe and budget tour programs will be available to these

destinations in 2012. Another addition to next year’s programs in-

cludes Mediterranean and Adriatic cruises (luxury and budget).The

company’s budget programs are particularly suitable for groups.

UTS will have number of familiarization trips to various destina-

tions including Adriatic and Mediterranean cruises and will extend

special discounts to travel agents taking UTS’ regular tours. UTS

will also send a number of media representatives this year to its

destinations.

Most UTS 2012 tours have been already been loaded onto their

website.

universal Travel system (uTs), 800-848-3611,

[email protected], www.uts-travel.com

GoWAY LAuNChes uNIque IsRAeLeXPeRIeNCe

Goway’s 2011 Africa and Middle East travel planner has just

been launched. One of the exciting and innovative products featured

is Goway’s first small-group guaranteed departure program to

Israel. “We recognized the demand for a tour which offers all the

advantages of a small group, while staying in first or deluxe accom-

modation and seeing all the must-see sights,” said Moira Smith,

General Manager for Goway’s AFRICAExperts.

In addition to the classical tourist sites such as Jerusalem,

the Dead Sea, Caesarea, Acre and the Sea of Galilee, this

8-day/7-night program offers some exclusive features that

include: artists’ sites in Tel-Aviv like The Nachum Gutman

Museum and Dani Karavan’s environmental sculpture the “White

Square;” the desert in the Negev; the ancient city of Tel Be’er

Sheva, a World Heritage UNESCO site; and a visit to a unique and

unusual local spice market to enjoy the rich aroma of Israeli tastes

and flavors.

Goway’s Treasures of Israel program starts from $1,970. This

includes 7 nights’ accommodation, breakfast and dinners, all

sightseeing, an English-speaking guide and a luxury air-condi-

tioned vehicle.

Goway Travel, 800-245-0920, [email protected],

www.goway.com


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An imposing building in sultanahmet, haghia sophia, built in the6th century, is now a museum.

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There’s lots of activity at the Sura Design Hotel and

Suites. busboys rush by with fresh flowers as hotel

staff put the finishing touches on this new addition

to istanbul’s short list of distinctive boutique hotels.

it's about to have its “soft opening” and there’s excitement in

the air. This elegant 60-room hotel is right in the middle of

istanbul’s hottest area, Sultanahmet, and within walking dis-

tance of everything that makes the city an architectural and

historic treasure. Topkapi Palace, Haghia Sophia, the blue

Mosque, the Archeological Museum, basilica Cistern, and the

Grand bazaar are within a ten-minute walk. The area is alive

with shops, cafés, and restaurants. There isn’t a better location

for a visitor to stay if they want to hit the hot spots of istanbul.

For the discerning client who wants comfort, contemporary el-

egance, and personal service, Sura Design Hotel and Suites is

a quiet oasis in this exotic, energetic city.

Using a twist of phrase, “if they come, i will build it,” Sura

Design Hotel and Suites was conceived. ibrahim Kaygisiz,

owner of an international jewelry company, welcomed busi-

ness associates to istanbul, only to find it difficult to book them

into the kind of hotel he would want to stay at himself. So as

any entrepreneurial businessman would do, he decided to

build his own hotel. Turning to his designer/architect son,

Mustafa Kaygisiz, he commissioned a hotel with distinct con-

temporary design features – and the Sura was born – the first

of nine hotels he is now building around the country. Today the

hotel has references to its owner’s profession with floors

named for gemstones: Amber, Turquoise, Lapis, and Silver.

Each floor offers soundproof rooms with a specific color theme

and stylish, uniquely-designed spacious interiors. Luxury

linens, terry robes, marble bathrooms, a phone charger/radio,

wi-fi access, and coffee machine are available in each room.

Amber rooms are yellow and gold and exude elegance;

Turquoise rooms purport to relax and ease peace of mind; Lapis

rooms are rich, dark blue and “ignite passion and romance”;

and Silver rooms are black, silver, and pink, reminiscent of the

opulent colors of the silk road. All rooms have balconies with

café tables and chairs, some overlooking a courtyard garden

and the blue Mosque beyond. Others face the narrow cobble-

stone street the hotel opens on, its patisserie and outdoor café

lining the sidewalk below. The hotel restaurant, Gurme Kebap,

seats 300 indoors and 60 outdoors, with an outdoor heating

system that allows for al fresco dining all year round. Not only

does the restaurant serve fresh traditional Turkish specialties,

all meats are raised on the owner’s organic farm 65 kilometers

from istanbul. The newly opened Café Sura serves traditional

Turkish pastries and coffee with both indoor and outdoor seat-

ing. A meeting room/banquet hall for 300, a smaller one for 60,

plus a garden area add potential for corporate and private

events. A gym and a restored historical hamam (Turkish bath)

are available, as will be the soon-to-open business center and

rooftop terrace.

“istanbul tourism is growing and our economy is strong,”

Cenk Sabuncuoglu, Sura’s poised, well-spoken general man-

ager, told Travel World News. Cenk, a twenty-two year veteran

of istanbul’s hospitality industry, has worked for Ramada,

Princess and Dedeman hotel groups. Today, as Sura Hotel’s

GM, he is confident the hotel will soon see full occupancy from

tourist and business travelers. The numbers prove him right.

According to European hotel performance statistics from TRi

Hospitality Consulting, a London based industry surveyor, ho-

tels in istanbul enjoyed an almost 50% profit growth during the

first six months of 2011. “Turkey is one of the fastest growing

hotel markets in Europe and has been a focus for much devel-

opment in the past few years,” explained David bailey, direc-

tor of TRi. “Despite this expanded supply, hotels are continu-

ing to perform strongly and istanbul has easily the most

profitable hotels in our survey,” he continued. Two years ago,

according to Sura’s general manager, hotels were empty half

the year. but Turkey’s economy entered a rapid process of re-

covery and today hotels are full year round, thanks to its now

strong economy, a stable government, and good business con-

tracts and investments. “business travelers fill up hotels when

the tourist season ends,” Sabuncuoglu explained to Travel

World News. The Sura has facilities for business meetings and

is not far from istanbul’s Convention and Exhibition Center.

“We are determined to give quality service to our guests,”

Sabuncuoglu continued. All employees were trained for three

months prior to the hotel opening and a quality control com-

Turkey: Sura Design Hotel and SuitesFocused on high design and personal service, a luxury boutique hotel opens in istanbul.G A i L P. D U b Ov

Manager Cenk sabuncuoglu and owner Ibrahim kaygisiz at theentrance to sura Design hotel and suites in Istanbul.

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pany checks the hotel every two weeks. The hotel offers a num-

ber of specials including a City break Package (stay 4 nights in

garden deluxe room, pay for 3; one way airport transfer; a free

dinner after seven night stay); the Explore istanbul Package (3

nights in garden deluxe room; round-trip airport transfer; wel-

come cocktail and discount to restaurant); and the Honeymoon

Package (3 nights in garden deluxe room; chocolate and wine

in room; round-trip transfers; free 3-course dinner at Sura

restaurant and welcome cocktail.) Following the soft opening

weekend, the hotel is fully booked. “We project 70% occupancy

this year and 100% next year,” Sabuncuoglu added confidently.

Hotel marketing is extensive, with ads in newspapers,

brochures, catalogs, club brochures and the work of two PR

agencies. FAM trips are being planned three times a year with

Turkish Airlines and Lufthansa. Turkish Airlines sells packages

using Sura Design Hotel and Suites and offers a free night at

the hotel after three Turkish Airline tickets are purchased in

one year. in March of 2012 their first FAM from the U.S. will

be offered. US agents get 15% commission for stays of up to

three days and a generous 21% commission for stays of more

than three days. Rooms start at $260/night including breakfast.

Reservations can be made through online reservation websites

or directly through [email protected].

Sura Design Hotel and Suites, www.surahotels.com

DuBRoVNIk suN GARDeNs GeTs oPP GoLD AWARD FoR ‘BesT DeVeLoPeR IN souTheRN euRoPe’

Dubrovnik Sun Gardens has won an Overseas Property Professional

‘Gold Award for Excellence 2011’ in the category for “Best

Developer in Southern Europe.” This award, coupled with the fact

that the resort has experienced its most successful season to date,

with a 95% occupancy rate this past summer, demonstrates how the

resort is going from strength to strength under its new management.

The judges (an independent panel of 50) collectively stated,

“Nobody could argue with the careful planning and total commit-

ment of the developer team involved in Dubrovnik Sun Gardens. This

really is a well presented, high quality operation—a true flagship

development for Croatia. It deserves to do well, and the team be-

hind the scheme clearly knows exactly what it needs to do to get

there. This is a wonderful case study in how to refresh a large-scale

development with verve and quality.”

“We have been methodical in our approach to create a resort real

estate offering that appeals to today’s lifestyle investor,” explained

Julian Houchin, Commercial Director for iO Adria Limited

(Dubrovnik Sun Gardens’ owning group). Surpassing stiff competi-

tion, he noted that, through a strategic marketing and communica-

tion program, Dubrovnik Sun Gardens is quickly generating great

interest from a variety of markets across Europe.”

The five-star resort, uniquely located on Croatia’s Dalmatian

Coast, just outside the UNESCO city of Old Town Dubrovnik, offers

both hotel facilities as well as an opportunity for residence owner-

ship. In addition to one of the most comprehensive spas in the

Adriatic, the resort also has its own private beach, thirteen bars and

restaurants, three pools and extensive sports club. It offers as well

some of the largest and most flexible meeting spaces in Dubrovnik

and Croatia (capacity up to 900), enabling ideal conferences and

business retreats.

One-bedroom residence prices range from approximately

$234,360 for a ground-floor residence with a garden view up to

around $461,896 for a larger one-bedroom residence with premium

panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea. Two bedroom residences range

from approximately $427,432 for a garden-view residence up to ap-

proximately $765,338 for larger two-bedroom residences with pre-

mium panoramic sea views.

Radisson Blu Resort & spa, Dubrovnik sun Gardens,

www.radissonblu.com/resort-dubrovnik;

The Residences at Dubrovnik sun Gardens,

www.dubrovniksungardens.com

BeRLIN joINs ‘BesT CITIes ALLIANCe’Berlin is the newest member of the renowned service network

“BestCities Global Alliance.” The news was announced in October

at IMEX America in Las Vegas. Berlin stands out with its ultra-

modern hotels and locations, excellent transport links and profes-

sional marketing as a convention destination.

“We have spent a year working towards becoming a part of this

powerful network,” says visitBerlin CEO Burkhard Kieker. “Our

membership will help us attract further international conventions

to Berlin.”

Ten major convention destinations are part of “BestCities,”

among them Dubai, Singapore, Vancouver, Melbourne and

Houston.

The cities’ convention bureaus regularly share information and

plan joint marketing campaigns in global markets. They also focus

on the development of new markets.

Information on meetings destination Berlin and the Berlin

Convention Office is available online.

Berlin Tourismus & kongress Gmbh, Berlin Convention office,

www.convention.visitberlin.de


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sTuART ChAPPeLL Is NeW GeNeRAL MANAGeRFoR CoRINThIA hoTeL IN MALTA

Corinthia Hotels has appointed Stuart

Chappell general manager of five-star

Corinthia Hotel St George’s Bay, in St

Julian’s, Malta.

His long hospitality career in the UK and

more recently China included general man-

ager for the 440-room, 5-star Guoman

Hotel Beijing.

Prior, he was general manager of the

1,000-room Cumberland Hotel in Marble

Arch, London, with responsibility for the

700-room Thistle Marble Arch as well.

Corinthia COO Liam Lambert said, “Stuart’s successful track

record in leading both business and leisure hotels internationally guar-

antees that our Corinthia Hotel St George’s Bay in Malta will con-

tinue to achieve growth and meet its targets in all market segments

and lead our team to service improvements and healthy returns.”

The hotel, with private beachfront, is located at the mouth of

St George’s Bay, just minutes from Malta’s prime entertainment

areas. It boasts extensive conference and leisure facilities, including

Apollo Day Spa. A large cascading pool complex flows all the way

down from the restaurant level to the hotel’s own lido, offering water

sports and specialty restaurants right at water’s edge.

Corinthia hotels, www.corinthia.com

VICToRIA hoTeL hosTs BANk PeNsIoNeRs, AX hoLDINGs APPoINTs NATAshA FALZoN

At Victoria Hotel recently, the Central Bank of Malta Pensioners’

Group enjoyed a lavish buffet lunch as part of their monthly meet-

ing, celebrating the group’s 18th anniversary. Led by newly elected

Chairman Philip Chircop, the group numbers over 90 and also in-

cludes partners of former bank employees who passed away. Apart

from keeping old friendships alive, the Group provides support to

members and their partners when they require assistance, including

in cases of medical treatment.

In his opening talk, group Chairman Phillip Chircop said that

“whilst serving its social function the Group should focus on, and

provide support, to those members who are home-bound, bedridden

or hospitalized.” He also thanked Saviour Portelli, Frederick

Bonnici and George Camilleri who’ve led the group in the past and

are still active in the organization.

AX Holdings has appointed Natasha Falzon Administration

Secretary at The Victoria and The Palace Hotels, 4- and 5-star

properties within the group in Sliema. She has worked in various

companies and gained vast exposure and knowledge in her field.

Kevin Callus, Hotel Manager of both hotels, welcomed her and

wished her well in her new capacities and future career with the

company.

The Palace, www.thepalacemalta.com;

The Victoria hotel, www.victoriahotel.com

hILToN MALTA sCoRes VesTAs AND CuLINARY hoNoRs

At the 2011 VESTA Awards, Hilton Malta (in the accommoda-

tion category) was among eleven winners selected as outstanding ex-

amples to showcase best practices in Europe.

The Visions/DestiNet European Sustainable Tourism Awards

(VESTAS) were created by Vision on Sustainable Tourism in col-

laboration with the Destinet Sustainable Tourism Information and

Communications Portal to showcase, consolidate and highlight the

enormous potential of sustainable tourism.

As a VESTAS winner, Hilton Malta is highlighted to a network of

7,000 specialist European travel agencies and also brought to the

attention of the UN, WTO, and UNEP as one of Europe’s best of the

best practice examples.

In culinary competitions, Hilton Malta has garnered accolades

also. Its restaurants were again recipients of a wide variety of

awards at the Restaurant Awards Gala last December. This is an an-

nual ceremony organized by The Definitive(ly) Good Guide to

Restaurants, a comprehensive guide to the best restaurants in Malta

and Gozo. The awards are a direct result of the Malta and Gozo

Restaurant Survey, which reviews over 1,000 establishments on the

Maltese islands with the aim to pinpoint the best 150 restaurants.

Big winners were The Gazebo Restaurant, The Blue Elephant,

Oceana and Bottega del Vino. Hilton Malta has often been recog-

nized by connoisseurs and lauded for its excellence, testament to its

continuous striving for quality and perfection.

Hilton Malta’s culinary team competed in the Malta Culinary

Competition in May at the Institute for Tourism Studies. Steve

Mallia, Senior Sous Chef assisted by Clint Buhagiar, Demi Chef De

Partie, won the competition in the Global Chef’s challenge. Ryan

Marmara Demi Chef de Partie competed in the Hans Bueschken

Challenge and won this competition. Ryan was assisted by Max

Brincat, Demi Chef de Partie. Both Hilton Malta team members will

be representing Malta in the European qualifiers that will be held in

Slovenia in January 2012.

The Hilton Malta chefs competed under the guidance of Executive

Chef Joe Vella.

hilton hotels & Resort,www.hilton.com;

sTuART ChAPPeLL

Mr. and Mrs. Philip Chircop (center) flanked on their left by Dr. and Mrs. josie Pace LLD., and to their right, Mr. and Mrs.joe Mercieca (the group’s event organizer) and Wilfred sultana.

TRAVeLsAVeRs esTABLIshes TIes To ITALYThe TWIN (Travelsavers Worldwide Independent Network) global

travel management company has established a strong tie to Italy

with the signing of Frigerio Viaggi to its network. A leader in its re-

gion, Frigerio Viaggi was established in 1974 and today operates in

various sectors of travel including retail services with nine offices;

franchise networking (Frigerio Viaggi Network was established

in1999 and currently has 63 franchises throughout Italy); and busi-

ness travel, MICE, leisure and holidays, supported by over 200 em-

ployees. Sales & Marketing Director Simone Frigerio said, “We are

very proud to be part of TWIN, as we’ve been chosen among some

of the major national TMCs to represent Italy. The new partnership

will enable us to provide travel services in highly competitive

markets, offering sophisticated tools for travel management, as

well as having international exposure. Frigerio Viaggi will

participate in international bids and provide our customers with

a global presence.”

Rick Mazza, Travelsavers/TWIN President & CEO, commented,

“We welcome the team at Frigerio Viaggi to our organization. They

bring additional resources to TWIN and a personal touch on-the-

ground in Italy that will help our agencies deliver higher standards

of service to their clients visiting the region. In turn, TWIN gives

Frigerio access to a network of top agencies on five continents to col-

laborate with and share business. TWIN also provides state-of-the-

art technology to assist them in increasing operational efficiencies.”

TWIN (Travelsavers Worldwide Independent Network),

[email protected], www.twintravelmanagement.com


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ARTA100% Travel Agents.We’re proud to say that ARTA

does not accept airlines or

other suppliers as members.

We work ONLY

for agents!

Sign up for our

FREE30-day trial membership:

www.artaonline.com

GRANDhoTeL LIeNZ ReCoGNIZeD FoR ITsMeDICAL sPA AT WTA AWARDs

World Travel Awards Managing Director Graham Cook pre-sents the “Best European Medical Spa Hotel 2011” Award toProf. Heinz E. Simonitsch (left) for Grandhotel Lienz in Tyrol,Austria. The 5-star all-suite hotel was build within 18 monthsfrom scratch and opened on April 30, 2009.

Grandhotel Lienz is a much-lauded wellness destination, com-plete with a medical center equipped to do checkups and test-ing. Markedly ecologically sound, all its energy is obtained with-out using gas and oil.Grandhotel Lienz, www.grandhotel-lienz.com

MTA WINs PResTIGIous AWARD AT WoRLD RouTes CoNFeReNCe 2011

At the 2011 World Routes Conference held recently in Berlin,The Malta Tourism Authority was recognized as the best nationaltourism organization with the World Routes–Best DestinationMarketing Campaign Award. MTA’s CEO Josef Formosa Gauci(pictured left) said, “This award recognized the continuous ef-forts of MTA to ensure adequate accessibility to our islands.” Hethanked all the staff at MTA for their efforts and recognized theexcellent cooperation with Malta International Airport withwhom MTA attends the Routes events.

The award was announced during the Gala Dinner held in thegrounds of the new Brandenburg Airport due to open next year.The MTA had been short-listed together with the Las VegasConvention & Visitors Authority, the Jordanian Tourism Boardand the Greek National Tourism Organization. Additionally, onthe occasion of this year’s prestigious “Globus Awards” inFrankfurt, the MTA’s German Office was awarded the SecondBest Destination E-Learning Program for Travel Agents. Malta Tourism Authority, www.visitmalta.com


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Corinthia Hotels’ new flagship is a su-

perlative five-star treasure in the heart

of London, meticulously reconstructed

from an imposing victorian-era building

on Whitehall Place.

“The project marks the culmination of an exciting

journey,” says General Manager Matthew Dixon.

“Corinthia Hotel London is an intricately restored

grand hotel with a 21st century approach. its mod-

ern elegance is defined by a blend of classic

victorian architecture with outstanding craftsman-

ship and contemporary art, mirroring the energy,

style and history of the area. Guests are offered all

the modern luxuries whilst enjoying an authentic

experience in a hotel and location with heritage.”

Opened in April 2011, the property features 294

guest accommodations, including 43 luxurious

suites. Seven signature suites, located inside his-

toric turrets with terraces, overlook some of

London’s most recognized landmarks, including the Thames

and Trafalgar Square. Each of the seven is a distinctive design

inspired by a great figure in british history including a musi-

cian, inventor and writer.

Sumptuously appointed guestrooms rank among the largest

in their category in London’s luxury hotel market. There are no

restrictions on check-in and checkout times, to provide guests

ultimate flexibility.

Top talent touches The blending of traditional elegance with splashes of moder-

nity is seen everywhere. A Full Moon chandelier of 1,001

baccarat crystal baubles created by Parisian designer Chafik

Gasmi graces the dome in the hotel’s slick Lobby Lounge.

GA Design international handled the interior, including its

spa, suites, public spaces and one of the two restaurants. Laid

out over four levels, the pioneering ESPA Life at Corinthia has

17 treatment rooms, a private spa suite, indoor pool, vitality

pool, amphitheater sauna, ice fountain, marble-heated

lounges, private sleep pods, a state-of-the-art gym and Daniel

Galvin hair salon. Exceptional therapists, naturopaths,

acupuncturists, osteopaths and physiotherapists offer height-

ened service in this striking spa setting.

Award-winning David Collins created the hotel’s musically

inspired bar, bassoon, that serves both molecular cocktails and

colonial inspired drinks from its boutique spirits collection.

Chef Massimo Riccioli, celebrated owner of La Rosetta in

Rome, in his native italy, brought his fresh market style to the

hotel’s Mediterranean specialty seafood restaurant, Massimo

Restaurant and Oyster bar.

Michelin star winner at three different establishments, Garry

Hollihead is at the helm of The Northall. This outstanding

restaurant celebrates the best of british artisanal produce, in-

cluding Cumbrian short horn cattle, together with an extensive

selection of organic and biodynamic wines.

The hotel additionally boasts a beautifully refurbished grand

ballroom, with stunning original victorian grand columns and

majestic coving. Natural light pours in from three large win-

dows, reflected in full-length, antique mirrors.

Located on the mezzanine floor are six state-of-the-art meet-

ing rooms, conveniently linked through to the mezzanine din-

ing area of The Northall for a private lunch or dinner. Five are

fitted with a high-definition optical turnkey system that effort-

lessly allows total connectivity for media broadcasting, record-

ing, editing and mixing.

Prior to its launch, Alfred Pisani, Chairman and founder of the

Corinthia Hotel Group said, “Once again, the eyes of worldwide

travelers are turning towards the business and cultural attrac-

tions of London. Whether to regular visitors, or first-time tourists

from the newly emerging economies, London never loses its ap-

peal. i am dedicating myself, personally and with great passion,

to delivering to London a five-star luxury hotel, which will be

amongst the best-of-the-best in the world. Corinthia Hotel

London will be a true grand hotel for the 21st century.”

This London masterpiece certainly respects that promise.

Corinthia Hotel London, www.corinthia.com/london

Magnificent Corinthia Hotel London blends Traditional Grandeur with Sophisticated Signatures

Grand entrance, a deluxe Whitehall welcome.

www.travelworldnews.com • Travel World News22 • DECEMBER 2011

caribbean

Cancún Travel Mart: Looking Ahead to 2012 and the Mayan New DawnP E G G y H AG E M A N

Cancún, Mexico and its home state of Quintana Roo

are gearing up for the year 2012, the year of the

Mayan New Dawn. This year’s 24th annual

Cancun Travel Mart, held at the Cancún

Convention Center October 12-14th, focused on new opportu-

nities in Cancún in 2012 and well beyond. Travel Mart was at-

tended by 650 delegates from twenty different countries, all

coming together to explore what Cancun has to offer, both new

and established product. An estimated 3,700 business meet-

ings were held. The event was managed by William H.

Coleman, Inc.

The conference opened for the first time with a sit-down din-

ner at the convention center, where suppliers and buyers

could meet and mingle. Filmed advertisements for the new

tourism promotion, “2012: A New Beginning” were shown.

World attention is focused on the Mayan calendar ending in

2012 after 26,000 years but rather than an ending the cam-

paign focuses on a “New Dawn,” and new opportunities as a

starting point for the future.

The next morning, the working days began with remarks

from numerous important figures in Mexican tourism, from

both the government and the private sector. The official open-

ing ceremony was chaired by Eugene Rybicky, from the

Mexican Association of Travel Agencies in Quintana Roo;

Eduardo Muñiz Urquiza, Fonatur Director; Juan Carlos

Hernandez Gonzalez, Secretary of Tourism; Rodrigo de la

Peña, President of the Cancun Hotel Association; Roberto

Borge Angulo, Governor of Quintana Roo; Eligio Serna,

Director of Relations with Partners of the Council for Tourism

Promotion of Mexico; Jesús Almaguer Salazar, the General

Director of the Cancún Convention and Visitors Bureau and

CEO of the Cancún Tourism Board; Paul Michel Carrillo,

Deputy President of the Tourism commission. The presence of

so many government officials, both state and federal, under-

scored the importance placed on Cancún tourism. The

Cancún region makes up roughly fifty percent of Mexico’s

tourism income.

The first speaker of the morning was Rodrigo de la Peña,

president of the Cancún Hotel Association, one of the main

sponsors of the event. He emphasized the Cancún tourism’s

triple threat: modern, high-quality amenities; natural won-

ders; and most importantly, the wonderful Mexican people

providing the service. Looking ahead to the future, the goal is

too maintain quality and raise occupancy.

The Governor of Quintana Roo, Roberto Borge Angulo, re-

marked later on the great growth Travel Mart has seen and

that it has the government’s support. He encouraged

wholesalers to “trust us, and trust the Cancun market.”

The State of Quintana Roo has a good relationship with

the Mexico Ministry of Tourism and that will help better

position Quintana Roo in both the Caribbean and the world

markets.

Raul Marrufo, Undersecretary of Tourism for Quintana Roo,

emphasized the government’s strong support of the Cancun

region and how excited they were for the coming year. The

Cancún region offers the best of both Mexico and the

Caribbean to travelers. He spoke about important strides in

the areas of weddings, spa and golf tourism, as well as new

packages and initiatives and improved branding. The Cancún

region has been fortunate and has not seen as much of a drop

in tourism as has the rest of Mexico and the Caribbean in re-

cent years and Cancún’s success is expected to continue.

Jesús Almaguer Salazar, the General Director of the Cancún

Convention and Visitors Bureau, echoed his sentiments. US

arrivals in the region were only down 2% in 2011 and first

quarter reservations for 2012 are already looking to be 9-40%

above last year’s figures. The target goal for 2012 is to achieve

numbers 5-10% above this year.

Cancún is a mature destination, a leader in Latin American

tourism, but it is also one that offers new experiences for trav-

elers. Services and infrastructure will be both maintained and

increased. Tourist safety is as always a top priority, and he

pointed out that there has never been a serious incident in-

volving tourists in the Cancún region.

Cancún’s “Treasures of the Caribbean” program focuses on

Jesús Almaguer Salazar, General Director of the CancúnConvention & Visitors Bureau with Erika Mitzunaga Magaña,Public Relations Manager for the US, Canada and Asia.

the nearby islands of Cozumel, Isla Mujeres, Isla Contoy, and

Holbox, as well as the seaside town of Puerto Morales.

Everything that tourists look for in a Caribbean vacation is

available in Quintana Roo, plus a whole lot more. The Cancún

CVB will be reaching out through social media to promote

both “Treasures of the Caribbean” and “2012: A New

Beginning” to the general public and tool kits for travel agents

are on the way.

Cancún and Cancún Travel Mart,

www.cancun.travel.en,

www.cancuntravelmart.com

AGEntS CAn EARn $23,000 SEllinGFAMily PACkAGE At liGhthoUSE BAy

Travel agents looking to “wow” their clients searching for the ul-

timate private vacation escape for family and friends—and earn up

to a $23,000 commission—can offer the getaway of a lifetime at

Lighthouse bay resort in barbuda with the seven-day/six-night

“Friends and Family reunion” package. agents are offered a 20%

commission on this package (priced at $114,999 for up to 20 peo-

ple), which translates into significant earnings for booking a group

of people on their own private island.

Privacy is paramount with only nine suites allowing groups of up

to 20 people to virtually “own” a private island for a week with lux-

urious accommodations, superior service and 17 miles of pristine

pink sand beach.

The seven-day/six-night “Friends and Family reunion” package

includes the entire island buyout of Lighthouse bay resort which

features nine suites, all meals and drinks, and use of a private fresh

water pool. each room’s amenities and technology allow guests to

feel “plugged in” despite their remote location with flat screen

satellite televisions, iPod alarm clock cD players, personal laptops

and iPads for guests’ use while on property, and Wi-Fi internet

connection. Unlimited international telephone calls are at no

additional cost and complimentary laundry service is available

for all guests.

Other highlights of this package include the following for all mem-

bers of the group (except where noted): day charter complete with

lunch, snorkel and sail gear; one hour of horseback riding; group

cooking class with chef Lennox; beach bbQ and bonfire; and a per-

sonal photographer and commemorative album with photos.

The “Friends and Family reunion” package is available through

December 17, 2011, with all-inclusive package rates starting at

$114,999 for up to 20 people. Transfers to the resort can be

arranged for an additional cost to the package.

Privacy is guaranteed, as the property is only accessible via S.V.G.

(St. Vincent and The Grenadines) airlines or helicopter. Guests who

want to venture off-property can visit the world’s largest frigate bird

sanctuary or enjoy sailing, fishing, horseback riding and other ac-

tive pursuits arranged by the hotel staff.

lighthouse Bay, 888-214-8552,[email protected],

www.lighthousebayresort.com

ShARinG A SUitE At thE SAnDS At GRACE BAyGEtS hiGh-SEASon RAtES AS low AS $93

The Sands at Grace bay can offer families and friends a surpris-

ingly affordable Turks & caicos retreat during caribbean’s high sea-

son in 2012. Situated alongside the world-famous Grace bay

beach, families or friends can reduce vacation costs during this pop-

ular Turks & caicos travel season by simply sharing one of the re-

sort’s spacious and luxurious suites.

This luxurious family-friendly resort offers one-, two- and three-

bedroom suite options that can comfortably sleep four, six and up to

eight people–designed to feel like a tropical ‘home away from home.’

This is the perfect excuse for travelers looking to escape the

chill of winter and take a week’s vacation in paradise with their fam-

ily members and friends. resort suites feature full kitchens with

modern appliances, spacious bedrooms and full bathrooms, a liv-

ing/dining room area complete with a big-screen plasma TV and

comfy couches and a private screened balcony.

in addition to enjoying the resort’s breathtaking location, guests

enjoy three free-form swimming pools and complimentary access to

watersports equipment—including kayaks and windsurfing equip-

ment to snorkel gear and Hobie cats—plus free bicycle rentals for

island exploration.

the Sands at Grace Bay, 877-777-2637, www.thesandstc.com

nAtionAl hAnGoVER wEEk SAVinGS AtBolonGo BAy BEACh RESoRt

after all the celebrating, overeating and too many social

gatherings to count, the overriding desire can be to just get away.

bolongo bay beach resort has the perfect recipe for recovery—

national Hangover Week savings on a beach vacation to the

U.S. Virgin islands.

between January 1 and 15, 2012, staying five nights at bolongo

bay on this ‘recovery plan’ comes with 20% off room-only rates for

two guests in an Oceanview room; free lodging for friends, as the

third and fourth adult over 18 years of age in the room stays free;

Welcome rum Punch; a bottle of cruzan rum per room; and a com-

plimentary Sunset cocktail cruise for the two to four guests in the

room (a $110 value per person).

Guests can grab an ice-cold cocktail, find a beachfront hammock

and relax as the holidays become a far distant memory. Then, they’ll

have fun in the sun with complimentary Discover Scuba Diving in-

pool lesson and non-motorized water sports including Hobie cats,

windsurfers, kayaks, snorkel gear, paddleboards and more.

This five-night package, including all taxes and service charges, is

$1,733.20 for up to four people—less than $100 per person, per

day for four. The offer is subject to availability.

Family owned since 1974, bolongo bay beach resort on St.

Thomas is one of Frommer’s “World’s 10 best beachfront Hotels,”

with a flip-flop casual atmosphere and 62 true beachfront rooms.

Located in the U.S. Virgin islands, american citizens do not need a

passport to visit.

Bolongo Bay Beach Resort, 800-524-4746, www.bolongobay.com

Travel World News • www.travelworldnews.com DECEMBER 2011• 23

caribbean


caribbean

Cancún. The name

alone conjures up

images of sandy,

white beaches,

frosty margaritas and dancing

till dawn. But Cancún and the

surrounding areas are far

more than just a party town. A

few days of exploring all that

the region has to offer might

just make that time on the

beach even more enjoyable.

Well-established nearby

tourist destinations such as

Chichen Itza and Cozumel

are still a great day out, but

there are some great new op-

tions and hidden gems just

waiting to be discovered.

And 2012 is just the right

time to visit Cancún. The

Mayan calendar ends and

everyone’s wondering about

what it means. A new public-

ity campaign ties in to these Mayan myths surrounding

next year and is titled 2012, A New Beginning. Mexico

is looking to 2012 as a rebirth. The eyes of the world will be

on the Mayans next year and Cancún is hoping that people

will want to experience 2012 right in the heart of Maya coun-

try. Many events are planned, including the first annual

Cancun-Riviera Maya Wine & Food Festival, March 15th –

18th. A full schedule of events has yet to be announced but

there are many events currently being planned.

Updates will be available on the Cancun Convention and

Visitors Center website.

Island WondersIsla Contoy is a little slice of nature just 45 minutes from the

hotel strip. The tiny undeveloped island is a bird sanctuary

with no full-time human inhabitants. There’s a winding trail

that takes you through the sea grapes and natural beauty, the

short way across the island. you can also go up inside a man-

made tower for a better view of the frigate bird nesting areas.

There’s a small museum with more information about the

flora and fauna found on the island. After exploring, you can

find a strip of beach and swim and watch the birds circle and

swoop overhead. The number of visitors to the island is

tightly controlled and only a few tour companies are allowed

access. One is Kolumbus Tours, which offers passage on

replica historical wooden ships, with lunch included.

Isla Mujeres, or Island of the Women, is a quick (and beau-

tiful) 30-minute boat ride from Cancún. The island is roughly

four and a half miles long. While walkable, mopeds and golf

carts are available for rent. On the southern tip of the island

there is a former Mayan temple, now occupied by a sculpture

garden as well as a government-sponsored sea turtle farm.

Further north is the village of Dolores, full of small shops and

local restaurants. Aquaworld, operating out of Albatros

Marina, offers a full day trip including buffet lunch and un-

limited drinks, plus a snorkeling excursion to the Underwater

Museum.

Museo Subacuatico de Arte/Underwater Art Museum

Just north of Isla Mujeres is Cancún’s latest and possibly

most interesting attraction: the Underwater Museum.

Hundreds of life-size human sculptures have been placed in

strategic locations along the sea floor. As sea life grows in and

around the statues, new protective barrier reefs are formed.

Coral is constantly growing, causing the sculptures to change

and evolve, creating an amazing habitat in which to snorkel

Cancún: 2012 and BeyondP E G G y H AG E M A N

isla Contoy, unspoiled beauty just 15 miles off the coast of Cancun.

cOnTinUeD On PaGe 26

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caribbean

or dive. It also encourages divers and snorkelers to spread out

from the traditional dive sites and so helps protect the exist-

ing, fragile coral reef. There are currently 415 sculptures and

more are being placed all the time. The eventual goal is to

have almost 1500, creating an undersea world unrivalled in

the Caribbean. In 2012 there will also be the addition of two

new visitors centers with more information for tourists. A $4

million publicity campaign is in the works, in co-operation

with the Mexican government.

Where to StayStarwood has expanded the Westin brand in Cancún with

its latest hotel, the Westin Lagunamar. (Westin is already rep-

resented in Cancún with the Westin Resort & Spa, which just

received the MLT Vacations 2011 Quality Assurance Award.)

At the Westin Lagunamar there are only suites (studios and

one bedrooms with connecting rooms available) all of which

have ocean views. Their “Sunsational Savings” deal offers

4th night free, a $200 credit on food and beverage, and up-

grade when available.

The Fiesta Americana Grand Coral Beach Cancún Resort &

Spa is one of the hotel jewels of Cancún. Movie stars and

presidents stay here when in Cancún. It has won the presti-

gious Five Diamond Award more times than any other luxury

resort in Cancún and garnered accolades from Travel +

Leisure and Condé Nast Traveler as one of Mexico’s best re-

sorts. It boasts a 40,000 sq. ft. spa, six restaurants and, of

course, the beautiful beach. Destination weddings are their

specialty.

Le Meridien Cancun Beach Resort & Spa is another great

option. It’s been designed with “residential” in mind, so

guests feel at home. It’s also one of the few hotels that allows

dogs to stay. The hotel has had some upgrades over the past

year including new dining options and newly renovated

lobby. There is a three-tiered cascading infinity pool with lux-

urious new cabanas and its Spa del Mar was named as one of

the top spas in "North America, Caribbean and at Sea" by

Condé Nast Traveler. There’s even a Penguin Club for kids

with fun and educational things to do. The hotel is also a

member of the Starwood Preferred Guest® program and a

kids’ all-inclusive dining package is available.

The Ritz-Carlton Cancún: The brand Ritz-Carlton has al-

ways been synonymous with elegance and luxury, and their

Cancún property is no exception. They’ve received all the

major awards the hospitality industry and consumer organi-

zations can bestow. The Ritz-Carlton Cancún offers many spa

and resort options including a tennis center, two award win-

ning Restaurants, Fantino and The Club Grill, and of course

not the least of which is the breath-taking view of the

Caribbean from each room’s private balcony. They’re also

more affordable than your clients might think, especially with

the stay-four-nights-pay-for-only-three promotion that runs

through December 21st, 2011. Multiple packages are avail-

able, including spa and tequila tastings, with room starting at

$379 USD per night.

The Ritz Cancún also maintains a Culinary Center, de-

signed by Viking® Range and run by chef Rory Dunaway. It

offers cooking classes as well as a “Dine with the Chef” night

when up to twelve guests can enjoy a delicious four-course

meal with wine pairings prepared by Chef Dunaway tailored

to the occasion. They might even get to help out a little too.

2012 and BeyondAs the Mayan calendar draws to a close, the whole world is

watching and talking about what’s to come in 2012. Is it the

end of the world, some ask? Absolutely not, says Cancún, it’s

the start of a new beginning for the North American traveler

and the Cancún region.

Cancún Convention and Visitors Bureau,

www.cancun.travel/en/2012-a-new-dawn;

Isla Mujeres, www.isla-mujeres.net/home.htm

hotEl VillA tAinA iS PERFECt FoR FUllyEnJoyinG DoMiniCAn REPUBliCS’S CABAREtE

For those “into” any kind of surfing, cabarete on the north shore

of the Dominican republic is the place to be. Whether seeking a

number of hot breaks or some world-renown kite and windsurfing,

this is the place to visit.

Five minutes from the center of town is Playa encuentro with

five separate breaks and a host of surf shops that provide

equipment and lessons, if needed. On any given day, one can find

surfers from all over the globe here. The entire north coast has a

number of hot spots ranging from beach breaks to reefs with top-

to-bottom barrels.

in the afternoon as the wind comes up, cabarete bay is filled with

kite and windsurfers. People return here year after year for the

wind and ideal conditions. There are also a number of other local

activities like horseback riding on the beach or in the mountains,

kayaking, canyoning, radical zip lines, and more.

in the middle of cabarete bay sits the four-star Villa Taina. The

hotel itself is adorned with images and objects from the original is-

land inhabitants, the Taino indians. acommodations are available

for all individual needs ranging from a standard garden room to an

ocean-view penthouse room.

Villa Taina’s beachfront restaurant and bar Serenade offers a

breakfast buffet plus international cuisine such as a mongolian

barbeque and argentinian-style dinners, resplendent with live

music. after a wild day in the water, Happy Hour at the bar is a

great way to end the day before getting ready for cabarete’s

nightlife on the beach.

Hotel Villa Taina’s motto is “Life has its moments. make them

special.” and the beach here is the perfect place to experience

those moments of fun, action and memories.

hotel Villa taina, www.villataina.com

CAnCUn FrOm PaGe 24

DoMiniCA toURiSM tURnS oUt FoR ZiP linE DEBUt

rain Forest adventures Dominica welcomed Dominica minister of

Tourism, the Hon. ian Douglas, President of the Dominica Hotel and

Tourism association Simon Walsh (who served as emcee), the

Discover Dominica authority, and the invest Dominica authority to

the opening ceremony of the park’s Gorge Zip challenge September

30 at the Fort Young Hotel in roseau. The eco-tourism park’s new

zip line now reigns as the Southern caribbean’s highest zip line,

with an 840-foot long line suspended over the 350-ft drop of

breakfast river Gorge.

The six-platform Gorge Zip challenge serves as Dominica’s largest

sustainable tourism attraction launch in recent years. Three adren-

aline-pumping lines navigate through the rainforest canopy, acces-

sible by rain Forest adventures’ signature aerial Tram or

chatannier nature Trail. admission begins at $50 for island visi-

tors. children must fit in a harness to ride, with some restrictions.

Rain Forest Adventures Dominica, 866-759-8726,

www.rainforestadventure.com

GRAnD CASE BEACh ClUB PRoJECtSExCEllEnt wintER SEASon

Strong advance reservations indicate that Grand case beach club

should see another record-breaking winter season, according to ron

muzii, president of muzii & associates, inc., the oceanfront resort’s

north american marketing representative. “While there is still

space available, i urge anyone planning a vacation this winter at the

Grand case beach club to book their reservations as soon as possi-

ble to secure preferred dates.”

a variety of upgrades culminate a more-than-$2-million program

that began nearly two years ago. besides major renovations to bath-

rooms, subtle touches include new in-room fabrics, curtains and

most outdoor furniture. The resort was recently presented with its

fifth consecutive “Golden apple” award from apple Vacations,

which cited its outstanding service and hospitality. Over 40% of the

resort’s guests are repeat visitors.

The apple Vacations’ award is one in a long list, which includes

being featured on expedia’s insiders Select List for four consecutive

years. Orbitz presented the resort with its “best in Stay” award and

Tripadvisors consistently rate it “excellent.” caribbean Travel & Life

has named it one of the best medium-size resorts in the caribbean.

Offered again this winter is the popular “Honeymoon magic”

package available for either three or seven nights. Designed for hon-

eymooners, second honeymooners or incurable romantics, the pack-

age includes accommodations with either private balcony or terrace;

a bottle of red or white wine on arrival; welcome cocktail; continen-

tal breakfast daily; floral bouquet; picnic basket for two one day;

Grand case beach bag and use of all non-motorized water sports

equipment. From December 18, 2011, to april 14, 2012, rates for

the three-night package begin at $1,070 per couple ($2,410 for

seven nights).

Grand case’s amenities include two beaches, swimming pool,

water sports and fitness centers; tennis court; and the boardwalk

that wraps around the hill overlooking the ocean and connects to the

Sunset cafe, which offers breakfast, lunch, dinner and Happy Hour

seven days a week. all units have a full kitchen and a flat-screen

satellite TV.

Those in the travel industry can access the resort through the fol-

lowing GDS codes: amadeus: iPSFG122; apollo: iP29999; Sabre:

iP11637; and Worldspan: iP8194.

Grand Case Beach Club, 800-340-3016, [email protected],

www.grandcasebeachclub.com

Travel World News • www.travelworldnews.com DECEMBER 2011• 27

caribbean

Dominica Minister of tourism, the honorable ian Douglas,speaks at the Rain Forest Adventures Dominica Gorge ZipChallenge opening event at the Fort young hotel in Roseau.

Incomparable Panama played host to the Central America

Travel Market october 19 -21, 2011, at Panama City’s

spacious Figali Convention Center, attracting hundreds

of Central American travel suppliers, international tour

operators and journalists. CATM, an exciting major tourism

event hosted by a different Central American country each

year, promotes the innumerable splendors of the fascinating

land bridge of seven nations linking North and South America,

generating tourism growth from around the globe.

ernesto orillac, Panama’s Vice Minister of Tourism, said,

“Panama is investing $10 million for advertising and we are

projecting 12 – 14% tourism growth in 2012. We enjoy part-

nerships with many top tour operators. New charter flights

scheduled with wholesalers will increase the number of visi-

tors.” he also noted that the Amador cruise ship port on the

Pacific side will complement the home port of Royal Caribbean

in Colon.

Inaugural ceremonies were held in the opulent newly-reno-

vated National Theater in the historical Casco Antiguo (or

Viejo) section of the city. Winners of the “PremiosTurismo sin

Fronteras” sustainable tourism awards for excellence included

Porta hotel del Lago, Panajachel, Guatemala

www.PortaHotels.com, and Punta Islita, Costa Rica

www.hotelpuntaislita.com. The following evening, partici-

pants (wearing white for Panama’s tropical night!) celebrated

in the famed habana Panama nightclub. The final evening,

honduras took center stage in the fabulous 5-star Wyndham

hotel Veneto www.wyndham.com, extending a gracious wel-

come to next year’s honduras CATM 2012…an extraordinary

time, an extraordinary place.

Prior to the travel market, many participants traveled on pre-

tours of the host country. Destinations included gorgeous bocas

del Toro archipelago in the Caribbean and boquete, home to

Panama’s majestic volcano baru standing at 11,400 feet.

After closing ceremonies, fairgoers departed on post-tours to

one of the other intriguing Central American countries: Costa

Rica, Nicaragua, el Salvador, honduras, belize, and Guate-

mala. CATM truly presents a “hands-on” experience for all who

wish to knowledgeably promote these alluring destinations.


Latin aMeRica

continued on page 30

Incomparable Panama’s CATM 2011 PromotesSplendors of Central AmericaL I S b e T h h o LT

Proud, passionate, incomparable Panama City, Panama.

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Bringing the Americas Togetherwww.sata.travel

Travel Latin America

www.crna.co.cr www.calaluna.com www.casacorcovado.com

www.elpescador.com

www.hamanasi.com

www.matarocks.comwww.panamatravelexperts.com trumpoceanclub.com

A Once In A Lifetime A Once In A Lifetime Adventure Tour! Adventure Tour!

From the fiery majesty of an active volcano

to a family adventure or romantic Honeymoon

Suite, discover the splendor of Costa Rica’s

natural treasures. We own and operate the

magical Pacuare Jungle Lodge &

the highestCanopy Tour in Costa Rica!

Experience the best in nature adventure tours!

Found on Langosta Beach, in Costa Rica’s Guanacaste province on the northern Pacific coast – adjacent to Tamarindo, a charming beach

community, our property enjoys all thenearby conveniences of the beach town,yet sits beyond the hustle and bustle to

offer guests a quiet escape.

tucked away in the trees and cooled by thePacific Ocean – a 170-acre private reserve

bordering corcovado National Park. carefully designed and built by an

american naturalist with over 30 years of local experience.

Hamanasi is a Garifuna word meaning almond from the Belizean hamans tree, a gorgeoustree that grows on the seaside. We wanted a name connected to the Garifuna culture andthe physical beauty of the location. Explore all the wonderful sites of Belize – from Mayan ruins, rainforests and caves to atolls, pristine reefs and palm-studded beaches.

Relax into our boutique charm – stroll past

our entry, down the tree-shaded sandy path,

and catch the first glimpse of the beach

and ocean beyond – have a drink from

the beachside bar or sit in a lounge chair

under a palm tree just steps from the water.

This is why t ravelers come to Ambergris Caye.

A new benchmark

for luxury living in

Panama. Rising up

over Latin America’s

most dynamic city,

it represents the

ultimate expression of

architectural originality,

incorporating the most

advanced technological

innovations and

design elements.

Whether dreaming of the angler’s Grand Slam, diving in and around our world famous barrier reef, or just relaxing in a tropical paradise, the experienced staff at El PEScador resort will help plan the perfect Belize vacation.

What is it about this legendary land, Panama, that creates

such lasting impressions, filled to the brim as it is with such a

dazzling variety of what-to-do and where-to-go?

Mr. Salomon Shamah, Panama’s Minister of Tourism,

summed it up succinctly, “We want visitors to be surprised by

our diversity and authenticity.”

It’s the city, ultramodern with its thicket of commanding sky-

scrapers. It seems to be on steroids with its explosion of growth,

the very epicenter of exciting developments and passionate

discoveries. This dynamic metropolis is home to near 1 million

inhabitants and continues its commanding presence as an in-

ternational center of commerce. here the luxury hotels, fash-

ionable restaurants, huge shopping malls, glamorous night-

clubs and Las Vegas style casinos; culture and pleasure we’re

talking about.

A bevy of stunning hotels include the sail-shaped

Trump ocean Club International hotel and Tower

www.trumppanamahotel.com, the hotel RIU Plaza Panama

www.riu.com, the Panama Marriott hotel www.marriott.com

and later this year, the hard Rock hotel Panama Megapolis

www.hardrockhotels.com/panama. The luxurious new Finis-

terre Suites & Spa www.finisterresuites.com in the capital’s

business and financial center aims to please the most discrim-

inating clientele. Guests will enjoy its wine cellar, holistic spa,

and stunning views of the Pacific from poolside.

The Residence Inn by Marriott Panama City Albrook is under

development for 2012; and for 2013, the Ritz-Carlton, the

Renaissance Panama City Financial District and the Casamar

Marriott Panama Resort near San Carlos, among others!

It’s Casco Antiguo, a UNeSCo world heritage site, with its

historical neo-classical architecture. The Metropolitan

Cathedral (Pope benedict XVI will be visiting in 2013 celebrat-

ing five hundred years of the Catholic Church in Panama); the

ruins of the Convent of Santo Domingo, constructed in 1678;

the Church of San Jose with its gold-covered altar that legend

says was hastily covered by thick oil and mud, thereby saved

from the Welsh buccaneer henry Morgan and the destruction

of Panama Vieja in 1671.

It’s the biodiversity Museum. This “bridge of Life” is situ-

ated near the beautiful bridge of the Americas, designed by

one of twentieth-century’s most influential architects, Frank

Gehry. Although the opening is slated for 2012, with an ad-

vance appointment, it’s possible to view some of the galleries.

This stunning interactive museum is unlike any other; the ex-

terior a kaleidoscope of odd angles, primary colors and the

shape of a guacamaya (macaw).

It’s the cuisine. Scrumptious seafood, steaks, and tropical

fruits will delight the palate. The national dish is sancocho, a

spicy chicken and vegetable stew. Rice and plantains are a fre-

quent accompaniment to most every meal.

It’s that audacious engineering feat, the world-renowned

Panama Canal which links the mighty Atlantic and Pacific

oceans! What ingenious plans, international intrigue, unflag-

ging efforts, obstacles overcome, to complete this superlative

project, its impact felt throughout the world. Yes, Panama is

where the world meets, indeed. It is now undergoing an amaz-

ing expansion to accommodate even much larger vessels.

Who doesn’t dream of cruising through the Panama Canal?

The Panama Marine Adventures www.pmatours.net offers

seven unforgettable days aboard its exploration cruise ship, the

Discovery, “the journey between the seas.” Ports include

Panama City on the Pacific, Darien jungle, Pearl Islands,

Panama Canal, Chagres River, Portobelo on the Caribbean, and

can be cruised in reverse. For full and partial transfers of the

Canal, the company’s Pacific Queen offers daily tours.

It’s the unique biodiversity of Panama. The name “Panama”

is said to mean “fish, trees, butterflies, orchids.” It has a richer,

more diverse flora and fauna than that of any other Central

American country. Migrations, adaptations, mutations; yes,

survival of the fittest! one-fourth of the country is protected by

national parks. These include La Amistad International Park

shared with Costa Rica, and Darien National Park, both UN-

eSCo world heritage sites. Panama is a birdwatcher’s par-

adise with over 900 species which happens to be more than

found in the United States and Canada together! Magnificent

rainforests abounding in amazing wildlife are here to explore!

Five different big cats: jaguars, pumas, ocelots, jaguarundis,

margays. Monkeys! Squirrel, howler, spider, and adorable

white-faced capuchins easily viewed in the treetops of Isla

Monos in Gamboa’s Rainforest Reserve.

It’s the 1,500 islands! What other country can boast of hav-

ing all these quintessential slices of paradise around its main-

land? The San blas islands, bocas del Toro, the Pearl islands,

Contadora, Taboga, on and on. Where to hang your hammock?

Where to be pampered in sybaritic style? Many of these is-

lands lie within mere minutes from the capital!

It’s the indigenous peoples! Seven proud tribes, each with its

own distinctive ancestral traditions and language: the Kuna,

embera-Wounaan, Nobe-bugle, Naso (Teribe), Guaymi,

Talamanca, and the bokata. For a fascinating glimpse into the

embera’s authentic way of life, the community of Parara Puru

is reached by piragua canoe on the jungle-edged Chagres

River.

It’s the thrilling sports activities, most easily accessible!

Fishing, white-water rafting, surfing, snorkeling, diving,

kayaking, boating, cycling, hiking, zip-lining, canopy-touring,

bird-watching, golfing, rock-climbing. Does duty-free shop-

ping qualify for a sport! Whatever the traveler’s fancy, it’s here

in Panama.

It’s the history, a legacy that has helped to shape the world!

The events that happened here could not be dreamed up by

even the wildest imagination. Situated at the very crossroads

of the world since the 1500’s…even much, much farther geo-

logically speaking! After all, this sinuous slender strip of land


Latin aMeRica

CATM fRoM page 28

was split asunder some 50 million years ago with the immense

shifting of land masses until some 3 million years ago when the

land bridge arose again.

It’s explorer Vasco Nunez de balboa, the first european to

view the Pacific in 1513; conquistadors with the looted riches of

Midas hauled on mule back over treacherous terrain; Spanish

galleons on perilous seas headed for royal coffers; the fierce on-

slaught of brazen pirates; it’s the thousands of treasure-laden

vessels entombed on the ocean floor! It’s the California gold

rush with adventurers scrambling over the isthmus.

It’s the unforgettable country inns providing sweet tranquil-

ity and rejuvenation. Less than an hour from the city in the

midst of a cloud forest in Las Nubes, Cerro Azul, bordering the

Chagres National Park, the Casa de Campo Country Inn & Spa

www.panamacasadecampo.com provides an oasis of blissful

pampering. The inn features spa treatments, wholesome din-

ing, and a rainwater pool.

enchanting Finca Lerida www.fincalerida.com is located an

hour’s flight from Panama City in the mountains of boquete,

Chiriqui province. The fertile volcanic soil produces world-fa-

mous coffee and an abundance of delicious fruits and vegeta-

bles. The Finca Lerida, “a special place to connect your soul

with nature,” feels like the Swiss Alps with exuberant flowers

blooming on every side. The rooms are cozy, the cuisine de-

lectable. The dessert of a tomate del arbol drenched in syrup

with flan is memorably decadent.

Treasure-packed Panama is compellingly mysterious, still

somehow off-the-beaten-path. It must be experienced to savor

the vividly contrasting worlds in just one nation. It has the ap-

peal of an Atlantis: an old world, a new world, a surreal world,

a futuristic world! Peak tourist season is from mid-December

to mid-April, the dry season, although rain is quite possible

year-round. Incomparable Panama welcomes all those who

travel here “leaving no footprints, taking only memories and

photos”.

Central America Travel Mart,

www.catmcentroamerica.com;

Visit Panama, www.visitpanama.com;

Tourism Authority of Panama, www.atp.gob.pa

CosTA RiCA’s TABACon REsoRT offERsVETERAns 30% DisCounTs All YEAR

this november, in observance of Veteran’s day, tabacón grand

Spa thermal Resort in costa Rica, the five-star, carbon-neutral re-

sort in the shadow of the active arenal Volcano, introduced a year-

round discount for active military servicemen and women, veterans

and their families. the 30% discount lowers the resort’s nightly

rack rate of $195, for example, to $136, for a superior room,

based on double occupancy, and includes taxes. the discount is

available for all room categories, dining options (breakfast, lunch

and dinner), and spa treatments and is subject to some restrictions

and blackout dates. the reduced rate does not apply to off-property

excursions. the promotion will be valid until november 1, 2012.

“We are delighted to honor vets and, in some small way, show

our grateful appreciation for the selflessness they show every day,”

says resort Managing director uwe Wagner. “With its lush

gardens and natural waterfalls, lagoons, thermal rivers and hot

spring pools, it is hard to imagine a more rejuvenating and relax-

ing setting than tabacón to restore and reset the body’s natural

sense of peace and balance. Whether they served years ago, have

recently been discharged or are simply enjoying a short break

between tours of duty, these heroic men and women will be wel-

comed enthusiastically and reverently. due to their efforts, today’s

world is a better place.”

during their stay, guests have unlimited access to the award-win-

ning resort’s thermal mineral hot springs, lagoons and river pools

and, nearby, can enjoy ziplining through the rainforest, navigating

costa Rica’s picturesque hanging bridges and hiking to the arenal

volcano. the resort’s top-rated chefs offer a delicious combination

of ayurvedic, costa Rican and international cuisine (sure to top

anything served at the canteen). at the grand Spa, signature ser-

vices such as a Volcanic Mud Wrap use local mud from the volcano

to capture the essence of the resort’s rainforest location.

Tabacón Grand spa Thermal Resort, 877-277-8291,

www.tabacon.com

Travel World News • www.travelworldnews.com DECEMBER 2011 • 31

Latin aMeRica

Kuna entrepeneur with enticing textiles in Casco Antiguo.

lis

be

th

hO

lt


Latin aMeRica

From october 8–16, expo

Manuel Antonio greeted its

guests with a warm welcome,

beginning with the introduc-

tion of the country’s catch phrase, “pura

vida.” Translated literally, the expres-

sion means “pure life,” but in the par-

lance used by nearly everyone in Costa

Rica, the two simple words accompany

almost anything that merits a smile,

ranging from “hello” to “goodbye” to

“great!” or “awesome!” or “cool!” The

first country to formally abolish armed

forces (in 1949), such is the pervasive

friendliness of the Costa Rican people

that no matter what you do, no matter

where you go, whether bathed in sparkling sunshine or occa-

sionally immersed in pure rain water, the visitor to Costa Rica

cannot help but smile by way of agreement. because what

awaits tourists here is a wealth of physical beauty nearly un-

paralleled in the world, with a breathtaking variety of sandy

white beaches, lush rain forests, majestic waterfalls, and rivers

both tranquil and raging, to say nothing of a phantasmagoria

of rare birds, monkeys, alligators, and (last but not least)

amazing iguanas.

Put another way, Costa Rica contains an astonishing

five percent of the world’s biodiversity—all in a country

no larger than the size of Vermont and New hampshire

combined. bordering the Caribbean Sea to the east, the

Pacific ocean to the west, Nicaragua to the north and

Panama to the southeast, Costa Rica also contains a wide va-

riety of mountain ranges and volcanoes, the most popular of

which—Mt. Arenal—draws hordes of tourists and nature

lovers each year hoping for a rumble or two, having first

erupted in 1968. [A word to the wise: although the preponder-

ance of literature flowing out of Costa Rica proclaims

Mt. Arenal to be “active,” it is only occasionally so, the last

major eruption having taken place in 2010. It is currently in a

“resting” phase.]

Arrival in Costa Rica will inevitably involve a stopover in the

capital, San José. The best way to get a feel for this modest,

lively city is on foot, where such sights as the Catedral

Metropolitana, Avenida (2-4 - Calle 2-4), the 120-year-old

National Theater (Plaza de la Cultura 2nd Ave and 5th Street),

and the Museo del oro (Gold Museum, Calle 5, between avs.

Central and 2), are all within a stone’s throw from one another.

A visit to the Museum of Costa Rican Art, with its remarkable

Salon Dorado (Golden Room), is noteworthy. There are also

many lively markets, some focusing on food, others on bric-a-

brac, each in their own way a terrific means of absorbing the

local culture.

Meeting in the Midst (and Mist) of the Rain Forest

For expo Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica opened its arms to a

host of travel agents and this reporter in a tented ceremony that

actually took place in the Manuel Antonio Rain Forest, an ap-

proximately three-hour drive from San José. And yes, it rained,

quite appropriately, but no one seemed to notice. Pura Vida!

Although the smallest of Costa Rica’s protected parks, Manuel

Antonio is justifiably famous, being the second most-visited in

country (after the Poas Volcano). Its unique geographic situa-

tion—1,700 acres of land mass and 135,906 acres of marine re-

serve—draws approximately 150,000 visitors a year, opening

up a mysterious and beautiful world that is home to the endan-

gered squirrel monkey (endemic to the area), white faced ca-

puchin monkey, raccoons, three and two-toed sloths, white-

nosed coaties, brown pelicans, black-collared hawks and green

kingfishers, to name but a few.

Countless Activities, With a Little help fromthe Professionals

As much as there is to see of Manuel Antonio, taking it all in

in a relatively short period of time is truly the province of the

expo Manuel Antonio 2011 Features “The best of Costa Rica”A tiny republic says “Pura Vida” to friends and strangers alike.R o b I N S WA D o S

The “active” side of Mt. Arenal volcano.

rO

biN

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ad

Os

experts; an excellent choice here is the Midworld Costa Rica

tour group, located in a huge 1,000-acre farm and surrounded

by three miles of riverfront and primary rain forest. Midworld

is unique in that it offers a wide array of activities in one gor-

geous setting, minimizing travel time for the tourist and replac-

ing it instead with such offerings as the high Ropes Course, in

which the intrepid traveler can get a monkey’s-eye view on the

area’s only puzzle/adventure course. The tour includes numer-

ous game bridges, a Tarzan swing, rappel line, and monkey

climb. For the truly adventurous, the “Superman” zip line al-

lows the traveler to start his journey on a forested mountain-

top, fly high above the Rio Cañas and conclude his journey

back in the forest. This double-cabled ride measures nearly a

mile and (by the way) is compliant with the highest interna-

tional standards of safety. Your guides throughout all these ac-

tivities are friendly, fun, and clearly enjoy their job. Their en-

thusiasm rubs off.

The third leg of this visit to Costa Rica moved to the area sur-

rounding Mt. Arenal. While it’s easy to simply sit back and

enjoy the fantastic vistas of the volcano, the area surrounding

Arenal is—like Manuel Antonio—best appreciated when ac-

companied by an expert. Arguably the finest of these is Costa

Rica expeditions, an all-inclusive tour group that not only of-

fers a choice of excellent hotels and restaurants but which also

includes a huge array of activities for both the first-time and re-

turning visitor, with local excursions ranging from horseback

riding to gentle bird-watching trips up the Rio Frio river in the

Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge, to hikes through the Arenal

Volcano National Park, to white water rafting that is bound to

make the visitor’s heart skip a beat or two. Voted one of the

“Top 10 best Tour operators in the World” by Travel and

Leisure, 2011 and “Tours of a Lifetime” by National Geographic

May 2011, no matter which excursion the visitor may choose,

he will find that Costa Rica expeditions’ world-class guides

share not only a deep love for the region, but are also possessed

of an incredibly sophisticated and university-bred knowledge

of history, botany, ornithology and volcanology, to name but a

few of their fields of expertise.

At the end of long days spent hiking, climbing, zipping, or

rafting, there are a number of ultra-luxurious ways to soothe

those aching bones. Spa Uno, established in 1999, offers a

wide array of massage experiences from warm stone to deep

tissue massages, and packages that can extend to an entire

day. It’s a luxurious way for your clients to pamper themselves.

Where to StayThere is a wealth of lodging in Costa Rica ranging from the

modest to the utterly extravagant. In San José, the hotel

barcélo San Jose Palacio and the hotel Aeropuerto both offer

remarkably pleasant surroundings in areas within easy reach

of the airport. In Manuel Antonio, the hotel Parador is a beau-

tiful enclave offering stunning views of the Pacific, including

some outlying islands, from nearly every room. In Arenal, the

hotel Arenal Springs is a huge yet intimate place with bunga-

lows, each with a perfect view of the volcano.

how to Get ThereTaca/Avianca Airlines offers well-organized, courteous, and

prompt flights direct from New York to San José. It features

more than generous leg room; an excellent selection of enter-

tainment geared more toward adults than children, including

unabridged movies and TV shows; a complimentary full bar;

and a selection of well-prepared and delicious Costa Rican food.

Midworld Costa Rica, www.midworldcostarica.com;

Costa Rica Expeditions, www.costaricaexpeditions.com,

Taca/Avianca Airlines, www.taca.com

lA MAnsion inn is A DEluxE AnD ToTAl ExPERiEnCE

in the ever-changing world of tourism, the global demand for spe-

cific vacations is something the industry has to watch. However there

is something that will always be true no matter what the client is

looking for: the experience begins in the hotel.

one type of hotel simply sells rooms. the other aims to sell not just

rooms, but the entire experience. this is the goal at La Mansion inn.

Beyond its package deals offering whale-watching expeditions, zip

line tours, and fishing adventures, first and foremost it’s the experi-

ence beginning right in the hotel that matters.

from the moment of arrival, the environment welcomes, entertains

and relaxes guests. Honeymooners, businessmen, eco tourists, and

“paradise seekers” all share one thing in common: they want to es-

cape to a place where worries vanish, and where they don’t necessar-

ily need to call a cab or get in a car to achieve it. they can simply turn

the corner in their hotel for one amazing experience after another.

a short distance from La Mansion’s lobby, guests ascend a small

wooden staircase through a hobbit-like doorway into one of the most

unique bars in all of central america. the Bat cave bar, carved out

of solid rock in the heart of the hotel, provides a cool, quiet tavern-

like environment, with soft lighting and the subtle sound of water

trickling, granting the sensation of forgetting where one is. down the

ocean-view hallway past the bar, visitors emerge into an

open-air waterfall pool area and swim-up bar, then arrive at the spec-

tacular Sky Lounge.

in direct and perfect contrast to the cave bar, this is an amazing

open-air terrace for dining or sunbathing with a fantastic 360-de-

gree ocean view bordered by magnificent jungle rainforest palm trees

and deep forest undergrowth. When it comes time to eat, guests stroll

to the Jacques cousteau restaurant, relaxing in cool elegance and se-

lecting whatever they want from a spectacular menu.

in summation, La Mansion inn is not in the business of selling

rooms—they are sharing a unique experience. their very meaningful

motto is: come as a guest, leave as a friend.

la Mansion inn, [email protected],

www.lamansioninn.com


Latin aMeRica


Latin aMeRica

G T TouRs lAunChEs AiR-inClusiVE sPECiAlsfoR lATin AMERiCAn TRiPs

g t tours, a specialist on marketing and selling escorted land

packages to Latin american destinations, is launching for remain-

ing 2011 plus 2012 a promotion to ecuador, its galapagos islands

and peru, with a series of specially priced tours in combination with

Lan. the tour packages feature air from Miami and new York for

the ecuador and galapagos tours; Miami, new York and Los

angeles for the peru program; fully escorted land services on pri-

vate and semi-private services in each country; four- and five-star

hotels in ecuador and throughout peru; first-class and deluxe hotel

and cruise-based programs in galapagos.

g t tours’ website is completely updated as of december 1 to in-

clude these promotions as well and all of its tour programs for 2012.

G T Tours, 800-666 8587, [email protected], www.gttours.com

ViAVEnTuRE To CElEBRATE ThE 2012PhEnoMEnon in CEnTRAl AMERiCA

next year on december 21 the ancient Maya Long count calendar

will complete a 5,125-year cycle. new age interpretation suggests

earth may undergo a positive transformation, but others fear it may

signal the dreaded ‘end of the world.’

Modern Maya, on the whole, haven’t attached significance to the

date, and classical sources are scarce and contradictory, suggesting

little if any agreement about what, if anything, the date might mean.

Regardless of theory, we can be certain that the onset of 2012 will

mark a heightened awareness of the ancient Maya civilization and

modern Maya culture. to mark the phenomenon, Viaventure is in-

troducing a 12-day itinerary that takes in many important elements

of the ancient and living Maya culture in guatemala and copan

(Honduras). guests will visit the main sites and learn about the his-

tory of the Mayas and will witness the still-living culture of the

Mayas during their trip.

the program is called Maya Magic & Mystery With focus on

2012, and some of its features include antigua’s historical churches;

a fairly traded coffee and Jade Workshop (jade being a sacred stone

of the Mayans); a scenic atitlan lake tour and visits to San Juan La

Laguna and Santiago villages with emphasis on textile weaving,

painters and spiritualism; famous chichi Market; pretty copan in

Honduras with its famous ruins site and tropical bird park; cruising

the lush Rio dulce area and reaching Livingston on the coast;

Quirigua and its uneSco-protected Mayan temple; Yaxha national

park; interesting uaxactun (site of the oldest complete Maya astro-

nomical complex) with camping in the beautiful jungle; and tikal,

where huge Mayan temples rise above the jungle canopy. More infor-

mation on the spectacular tour is available from Becky Harris.

Viaventure, [email protected], www.viaventure.com

GAlExTuR REPoRTs A PosiTiVE YEAR-EnD,WiTh iMPREssiVE GRoWTh in 2011

With 2011 coming to a close, galextur is reporting important

changes and improvements within the last 12 months, including the

grand opening of its new city art Hotel Silberstein that formally

opened april 27.

Located centrally in Quito, this hotel is in a perfect spot for trans-

portation connection and options. as indicated in its name, all fur-

niture and art at the property is for sale. guests can purchase any-

thing they see in their rooms, and there are also many pieces

scattered on the property to enjoy.

galextur has also started redesigning its websites online, starting

with galextur.com. Here one can view various tour offerings in a

more “folio” type format.

their dive Base in the galapagos (Silberstein dive center) is also

going through a stylistic marketing change, with updates to the ac-

tual dive center itself. a new website has been launched detailing

the different combination land and diving packages the company of-

fers along with its flagship property, Hotel Silberstein. the website

will include a full 360-degree virtual tour of the hotel.

Galextur (Galapagos Expedition Tours), www.galextur.com;

silberstein Dive Center, www.divingalapagos.com

TACA AiRlinEs REsTATEs AGREEMEnT As CATA’s solE PlATinuM MEMBERtaca airlines signed an agreement restating its participation as sole platinum member

for cata, the central american tourism agency, for the seventh consecutive year at the

catM world trade show in panama in october.

“central america has always been an important region for the airline and therefore we en-

courage and join the promotion efforts that can help increase tourism towards the area,”

said Roberto Kriete, chairman for aviancataca. “as the sole platinum member for cata we

continue to strengthen the bond between private and public sectors working as a team in the

search of synergies to further develop and improve the central american tourism sector.”

the airlines’ annual contribution to cata amounts to $500,000, which is invested in

promotion efforts such as fam trips, press trips, support to tour operators, and trade shows

as catM, in order to increase tourism flow and position the area as an important leisure

destination.

avianca and taca aim to offer a world-class service seeking passenger preference.

together the airlines offer a complete travel option in Latin america with hubs in Bogota,

el Salvador, Lima, and San Jose; and serve over 100 destinations in the american continent and europe.

AviancaTaca, www.aviancataca.com

for AviancaTaca, Chairman Roberto Krieteand CEo fabio Villegas; with José napoleónDuarte, CCT President pro tempore, signingon behalf of the Central American TourismCouncil.


Latin aMeRica

ECuADoR’s MinisTRY of TouRisM honoRsCAsA CEiBo BouTiquE hoTEl & sPA

ecuador’s Ministry of tourism is aware of the importance of spot-

lighting entrepreneurs contributing to strong, sustainable tourism.

Recently tourism Minister fredy ehlers recognized several award-

winning private business ventures, including casa ceibo Boutique

Hotel & Spa, a luxury resort on the outskirts of coastal Bahia de

caraquez.

at a special event at Quito’s historic centro de convenciones

eugenio espejo, ecuadorian officials and representatives from

throughout its tourism industry celebrated the honors. daniel

Jacome, who co-owns casa ceibo in addition to being a galapagos

guide and drummer for the hit band tercer Mundo, accepted the

recognition on behalf of his partner, charles Van diver of destin,

fla., and staff.

the trophy recognized “excellence in the hotel category,” and an

international Star diamond award bestowed to casa ceibo by the

american academy of Hospitality Sciences. casa ceibo is the first

recipient in South america to receive the green Star diamond

award, given for complete dedication to protecting the environment,

plus its commitment to five-star excellence.

the ceremony was hosted September 27 in conjunction with

World tourism day, a global initiative that highlights the

importance of tourism and raises awareness about its complex

role in local and international economies.

Casa Ceibo Boutique hotel & spa, [email protected],

www.casaceibo.com

GoWAY offERs luxuRY inCA TRAil oPTion To fAMous MAChu PiCChu

goway travel has introduced a new luxury option for the classic

inca trail trek.

the inca trail to Machu picchu is the most famous and popular

trek in South america. it is a spectacular trek through the high

andes on original inca highways with a chance to visit extraordi-

nary ruins, enjoy beautiful mountain views, walk through strikingly

different climatic zones and experience the unique feeling of arriv-

ing at Machu picchu by foot.

“options to walk the trail and view Machu picchu run from a 2-

day “Baby inca trail,” for those short on time, or the famous 4-day

trail, or our preferred option, a 5-day trail. But now goway goes

one step further and takes walking the trail up a notch as we are the

first to offer a luxury inca trail option,” continues forster.

With large Bedouin-style tents with beds, gourmet meals, crystal

glasses to hold the champagne and a massage service, there is no bet-

ter way to push your body hard during the day and reward it at night.

the luxury inca trail option starts from $5,225.

Goway Travel, 888-469 2955, [email protected], www.goway.com


Latin aMeRica

GoWAY hElPs TRAVElERs ExPERiEnCE ChilE liKE loCAls

goway travel has announced two new exclusive day tours in

Santiago and Valparaiso chile.

“our new ‘Like a native’ day tours for Santiago and Valparaiso

offer travelers the opportunity to see the city from the locals’ per-

spective. You may ride the subway, visit local markets, art galleries,

and sample local drinks,” stated don forster, product & Marketing

Manager for goway’s Latin america division. “there is nothing like

seeing the true nature and culture of a city in the embrace of a local

who knows his or her town and is as proud to present it to travelers.

goway now offers this experience,” he continued.

santiago like a native from $150 offers a journey on one of the

most efficient and clean subways in the world, a visit to the stock

exchange, sampling local coffees, and finishing the day with a local

cocktail called the terremoto. the terremoto, literally translated as

“earthquake,” leaves one with the ground feeling a little shaky.

Valparaiso like a native from $260 offers “grassroots” experi-

ences such as local markets, a ride in one of the many elevators that

dot the shoreline, a ride on the local trolley buses, a casino visit and

a chilean Micro brew to finish off the day.

goway’s Latin america travel planner features many chile options

as well as a complete choice of travel ideas in central and South

america.

Goway Travel, 888-469 2955, [email protected], www.goway.com

ADVAnTAGE TRAVEl PREsEnTs BEsT WAY ToVisiT ECuADoRiAn RAinfoREsT

advantage travel presents an exclusive adventure exploring the

ecuadorian coast and amazon rainforest, with visits to all protected

areas, and the chance to see the best variety of ecosystems.

guests will enjoy the amazon rainforest on board the Manatee

amazon explorer, the ecuadorian amazon region’s only floating

hotel. cruising along the napo River, they’ll see the most incredible

areas in 4, 5 or 8 days, in a real ecological adventure.

travelers may also visit the ecuadorian coast’s most beautiful and

enchanting area, the Machalilla national park, where they can stay

at the Mantaraya Lodge, an exclusive Mediterranean-style hotel

with the best amenities in the area. guests can become licensed

scuba divers and enjoy diving with the amazing giant Manta ray, or

go kayaking with a company guide along the beautiful coastline.

this is an opportunity to combine two of the most remarkable des-

tinations in ecuador. advantage travel is now offering new in-situ

tours such as “the Road of the Roses,” the new and improved eloy

alfaro train, the new incas complex at cotopaxi, a cultural en-

counter in otavalo with its world-renowned indigenous Handicraft

Market, and tours of magnificent cities such as Quito and cuenca,

both declared World cultural Heritage Sites, in one of the com-

pany’s entertaining and informative daily tours.

Advantage Travel, www.advantagetravel.com

ViAJEs PACifiCo PRoViDEs luxuRYiTinERARiEs in PERu

there is no doubt that peru should be a destination on every

american’s travel list. Located in the same time zone as the eastern

uS and an average 7 hours’ nonstop flight from La, San francisco,

Houston, atlanta nY and Miami, this is a country that remains rel-

atively unexplored for most americans.

Lima is the gastronomical capital of Latin america due to its ex-

cellent cuisine and great restaurants with a variety of nouveau or fu-

sion dishes. the city has many new facilities like the just-opened

Westin Hotel, atton Suites and the soon-to-open Hilton and four

Seasons plus the ones already established and operating success-

fully—JW Marriott, Sheraton, orient express, country club,

Sofitel, and casa andina private collection among others.

cusco and Machu picchu are must-see destinations. Located at an

hour’s flight from Lima, guests can explore the traces of ancient cul-

tures with their traditions in a comfort of modern minivans, buses

and trains accompanied by english-speaking guides.

new and luxury hotels are now everywhere. the Monasterio Hotel

and the Sanctuary Lodge in Machu picchu run by orient express as

well as the inkaterra, La casona and Machu picchu pueblo and the

Libertador cusco and Sacred Valley are constantly nominated as

best hotels in South america by prestigious magazines.

perfect itineraries from 7 to 14 days are now provided by Viajes

pacifico –Vipac, peruvian tour operator with more than 38 years

providing excellence in travel.

Viajes Pacifico (ViPAC), 888-392-9793, www.vipacperu.com


Latin aMeRica

METRoPoliTAn TouRinG offERs innoVATiVE,PosiTiVE ExPloRATion of ECuADoR’s CoAsTAl WoRlD

ecuador’s pacific coastline is little-known, despite being a rich

source of experiences and activities for visitors to the country. Keen

for its guests to experience all ecuador has to offer—from north and

south to east and west—Metropolitan touring has designed a new

itinerary which explores, in just a few hours from guayaquil, the

fauna and flora of two different and fascinating ecosystems: man-

groves and coastal forests.

“By visiting this beautiful area,” explains north american

commercial Manager cristina Valdivieso, “guests will contribute

not only to its conservation but also to the wellbeing of the families

who provide services to visitors throughout the day.”

the “Manglares churute ecological Reserve” is part of the coun-

try’s national System of protected areas and is also registered in

the “Ramsar convention,” due to its importance as one of

ecuador’s most intact wetlands.

the mangrove ecosystem, and its surrounding coastal forests, pro-

vides livelihoods for tens of thousands of families all along the coast,

who use its resources for sustenance and for making some extra in-

come. Recently, the inhabitants of a section of mangrove at the

mouth of the River churute estuary, protected by the ecological re-

serve created in 1979 and situated to the southwest of guayaquil,

embarked on a community tourism initiative to encourage visitors

to explore their world and learn about their lives.

the mangrove ecosystem once covered vast swathes of

the ecuadorian pacific coast. But it’s been progressively

destroyed over the years. pockets of this remarkable habitat remain,

home to hundreds of bird species, but they are few and far between

and many have had to be protected within nature reserves in order

to survive.

“in line with our commitment to the principles of responsible

travel, our new itinerary aims to give visitors not only a wonderful

experience of one of ecuador’s seldom-visited ecosystems but also

an enriching insight into the lives, work and dreams of the people

who inhabit it,” says Valdivieso.

the Reserve is a mere one-hour drive from guayaquil, making it a

perfect day-trip for visitors wanting to ‘do something different,’

while contributing to local people’s welfare.

Metropolitan Touring, www.metropolitan-touring.com


Latin aMeRica

EAsY ACCEss To ThE BEsT of liMA AT sonEsTA hoTEl El oliVER

Sonesta Hotel el olivar is located in Lima, known as the city of

the Kings, within the attractive residential and financial district in

front of the historic olive grove park. nearby, visitors will find var-

ious financial institutions, large corporations as well as shopping

centers, boutiques, art galleries, restaurants, cafes and nightclubs.

Known as one of the best Lima hotels, the property, managed by

gHL Hoteles, is a five-star hotel offering tradition, culinary excel-

lence and high-quality service. Hotel el olivar offers a health club,

meeting space, business center and other luxury amenities. el olivar

Restaurant and Bar, the signature restaurant, features a fusion of

peruvian and international flavors and ichi Ban is known as one of

the best Japanese restaurants in Lima.

this city offers many world-class museums, artisan markets and at-

tractions, including Huaca Huallamarca, a pre-inca pyramid; bird-

watching tours; Lima’s cathedral; and cultural highlights including

the Larcomar cultural and entertainment center.

the Lima international airport is 11 miles north of the hotel.

sonesta hotel El olivar, www.sonesta.com;

Ghl hoteles, www.ghlhoteles.com

KlEinTouRs AnnounCEs M/V GAlAPAGoslEGEnD hAs BEEn REnoVATED

Kleintours, ecuadorian company operating a cruise line in the

galapagos islands, has announced the renovation of its deluxe ves-

sel M/V galapagos Legend (100-guest capacity) that took place

during its last dry dock.

the ship has undergone a fresh, stylish makeover in social areas

and cabins. an interpretation corner will be available for guests to

learn more about the islands, with guides available to answer ques-

tions. new adjustable air conditioning and noise isolating systems

have been installed in the cabins, as well as a video system in each

that will allow guests to select up to 60 movies and galapagos’ spe-

cialized briefing. it’s also possible to make international phone calls

direct from the cabin.

upgrades also include new decoration, furniture, linen and a new

restroom next to Lonesome george restaurant. additional improve-

ments consist of an upgraded sewage system, a new automatic mas-

sage chair and steam room for up to 6, new decoration and games

for Kids corner, general maintenance of the furnishings for inner and

outer areas including new carpeting and curtains, and renovated au-

ditorium chairs.

the chefs have also been trained in fusion cuisine to offer passen-

gers a refreshed menu with healthy and delicious options.

as pioneers in tourism, Kleintours has gotten an environmental li-

cense issued by the galapagos national park qualifying them to op-

erate within the islands safely—without pollution, keeping an eco-

friendly operation. Bookings for 2012 should be made soon to

secure space. exciting, new surround and fascinating places await

visitors to these ‘enchanted islands.’

Kleintours, www.kleintours.com

lATin TRAils’ AMAzon TouRisM CluB WillADD VARiETY To ECuADoR ExPERiEnCE

With two other inbound operators’ collaboration and support from

the united States agency for international development (uSaid),

Latin trails is introducing the ecuadorian amazon tourism club.

Joining efforts of eight top ecuadorian amazon operators, including

lodges, cruises and community projects, the club’s purpose is to inte-

grate amazon rainforest options into one complementary offer. With

carefully thought-out itineraries, the club will function as an ‘amazon-

hopping program’ in one of most fascinating places in the world.

the ecuadorian amazon is one of the few remaining mega diverse

areas in the planet, with a great percentage of endemic species and

millenary jungle cultures whose customs have remained intact. So 4

worlds within a small country have access to a unique, dense terri-

tory. Recognizing the lure’s huge advantage and with proven infra-

structure capable of supporting numerous groups, Latin trails co-

founded the club. instead of working separately and offering fewer

options, the club will integrate various operators to offer richer, bet-

ter itineraries. for example, one combines the cultural experience of

meeting authentic indigenous locals with the opportunity to appreci-

ate the rainforest’s exotic array: it joins the community lodge of

Kapawi with the famous napo Wildlife center into an organized tour.

another combines an amazon River cruise on the amazon Manatee

explorer with the excellent ground accommodation Sani lodge.

Several other options are certain to captivate varied clientele.

this club not only makes the ecuadorian amazon a more complete

destination, but gives secluded communities a way to maintain their

cultures through well-applied ecotourism. all club operators have var-

ious sustainability certifications, commitments to community devel-

opment, qualified professional guides and even various international

recognitions and awards. infrastructure and operating capacity is so

developed that they have no problem coordinating logistics to work

with each other. the operators—all with over ten years’ experience—

have well planned, coordinated activities designed so no excursion is

similar to the next. a certified guide to accompany the groups at all

times as a tour leader overseeing the operation. itinerary prices will

range from $1,400 to $1,900 in the 5-day and 7-day options that in-

clude accommodations, transportation, meals and activities.

latin Trails, www.latintrails.com

21/4 x 2

South AmericaCustom Itineraries • Affordable Rates

Superior serviceshandled by experiencedprofessionals

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Call the South American experts today!Latin America Reservation Center, Inc.

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discover the Galapagosislands on board the finest expedition vessel available. converted specifically for upscale cruising in the islands, and designed to meet theexacting demands of luxury travel –the Eclipse isthe perfect base for any Galapagos experience.whether snorkeling with sea lions, watching ablue-footed booby feed its young, or following agiant tortoise through the forest, the

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the most experienced Dmc in the market with over 25 years of history. As an integral part of turismo cocha – chiles largest travel group, we are the perfect partner in South America. Fit, mice, cruises,leisure Groups or Niche products, we custom-build products and services that suit your markets like a glove giving you instantly the power to sell.

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PROFITABLE WORLD OF NICHE MARKETS

Goway offers okavanGo Delta savinGs

Pristine Botswana, with its policy of low-impact tourism and high-

value conservation programs, is Africa at its finest. It is,

however, pricey. For those who’ve yearned to experience the

Okavango Delta, Goway is offering savings of up to $1,600 on an 8-

night itinerary.

“Our itinerary includes 6 nights in two different parts of the Delta

and 2 nights in Livingstone. For those with time constraints it’s per-

fect as a standalone itinerary and also ideal as an extension to a

South Africa vacation,” said Moira Smith, General Manager for

AFRICAExperts by Goway.

Summer is a special time in Africa. It is the time when there is a

kaleidoscope of color with rich landscapes, an explosion of new life

with many species giving birth to their young and a myriad bird

species to be seen. These mostly exclusive safari areas continue to

offer frequent predator sightings as they take advantage of the glut

of inexperienced, younger prey. Dramatic summer skies and a tapes-

try of green exploding with seasonal abundance provide ideal pho-

tographic opportunities of an endless assortment of subjects.

At $3,780, the special includes 2 nights at Toka Leya in

Livingstone, 3 nights at the Linyanti Discoverer Camp, 3 nights at

Xigera camp, intercamp air transfers, all meals, camp activities,

local drinks and laundry.

Goway’s 2012 AFRICAExperts Travel planner is available by

email or calling them toll-free.

Goway travel, 800-245-0920, [email protected], www.goway.com

Global vision awarD Goes to austin-lehman aDventures for useD bike ProGram

Travel + Leisure magazine has announced that tour operator

Austin-Lehman Adventures is a recipient of its 2011 Global Vision

Award. The award in the category of corporate innovation and com-

munity development recognizes the Austin-Lehman-driven program

called Wheels of Change that from a collection center in Billings,

MT, receives used bicycles for eventual delivery to African villages.

“We are honored and appreciative of the recognition but our work

has just begun,” notes Dan Austin, director of Austin-Lehman

Adventures and founder of Wheels of Change. He points out that a

bike can change a life in a poor country, but for millions of low-in-

come individuals a new bicycle is financially out of reach.

The project came about in 2010 when Austin realized that bikes

used in its own domestic and international touring programs needed

to be replaced. Along with an equal number of donated bikes he

shipped them to Ngoma, Namibia, where his company operates a

luxury wildlife tour. Here his team helped locals turn the used bikes

into a rental and repair business operating out of a shipping con-

tainer that carried the bikes. The shop became self-sufficient within

10 months, inspiring Austin to create the nonprofit organization.

The benefits are significant: 10 million bikes are discarded

annually in the United States, and each can give someone in the

developing world vital access to water, schools, jobs and medical

facilities, he said.

Cyclists on Austin-Lehman Adventure’s Namibia Family

Adventure and a new Kenya Adventure can visit bike shops set up by

Wheels of Change.

austin-lehman adventures, 800-575-1540,

www.austinlehman.com;

wheels of Change, www.wocmontana.org

antarCtiC Dream’s Polar exPerts set sail aGain, new ProGram introDuCeD

Antarctic Dream has started in November with its seventh success-

ful Antarctic season, offering three programs to visit Antarctica,

with daily landings, kayak and camping activities, wildlife observa-

tion and lectures on board in a comfortable environment.

There’s still availability, so adventurers seeking this thrill of a life-

time should request a spot. An expedition aboard M/V Antarctic

Dream is a most unforgettable experience, allowing travelers to dis-

cover the awesome immensity of the White Continent. The trip finds

magnificent sites for travelers in search of unique sensations.

antarctica fly & sail (8 days/7 nights) explores the Peninsula and

departs and returns from both Punta Arenas, Chile, and Ushuaia,

Argentina. Itinerary A leaves from Punta Arenas and Itinerary B

leaves from Ushuaia.

antarctic Dream expedition (11 days/10 nights) is Antarctica

Shipping’s classic Antarctic Expedition that crosses the legendary

Drake Passage departs and returns from Ushuaia, Argentina. The

highlight of this trip is the thrilling discovery of the White

Continent.

Polar Circle Crossing (14 days/13 nights) sails down toward the

Antarctic Circle. This is a new program—Antarctic Dream’s ex-

tended classic program—departing and returning from Ushuaia,

Argentina, January 6, 2012.

Expedition maps, full details and available spots can be found on-

line. M/V Antarctic Dream is an expedition vessel built specifically

for Antarctica exploration and totally refurbished to add the com-

fort of a small cruise ship (private bathroom in each cabin). The ves-

sel allows a true expedition experience, with multiple landings in the

most unique and marvelous settings of Antarctica.

antarctic Dream, 877-aD triPs (238-7477),

www.antarcticdream.com

A D V E N T U R E b 2 b e x c h a n g e

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Pioneering the harley-Davidson® motorcyclerental concept and the guided motorcycle tour business – we’re the world’s largest

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enthusiasts and adventure travelers.

Our greatest achievement has been to placequality of service above all else, fostering a warm, caring and supportive style of guiding that places the enjoyment and safety of our guests uppermost.

We devote ourselves to making each and every trip the finest possible.

Discover the luxury of the true wildernessWelcome to Natural Retreats USA —

a chance to experience luxury vacation rentals in some of America’s most stunning

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Our stunning locations and luxurious residences offer extraordinary vacation rental experiences, in some of the most

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In Costa Rica we have it all! Mountain jungles with giant waterfalls,

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We have dedicated our company to discovering as much as we can about this incredible world and using our knowledge and expertise to helpprovide you with full, meaningful experiences that are custom tailored to your exact wants and interests.

Ron Speed is probably thebest known internationalfisherman, fishing guide,and outfitter in the world.

Ron has been outfittingand entertaining American

fishermen for 40 years in Canada, Mexico,Cuba, Costa Rica, Brazil, Yucatan,

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Go with the Best!

We have been committed to the concept that river travel can be pleasurable and enriching. Our Special-Interest

rafting adventures are a natural outgrowth of this idea. Our core program includes

natural history, anthropology, and photographic expeditions

www.natureexpeditions.com

Why Travel with Nature Expeditions?

“To give clients exceptional

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E A S T A F R I C A



Cousteau team member albert falCovisits statia

On October 10 and 11, Albert Falco (center), former captain for

37 years of the mythic vessel “La Calypso,” right-hand man of Jean-

Jacques Cousteau, came to visit Statia. Falco has been diving with

the Calypso team all around the word but had not yet visited Statia.

The Scubaqua team was honored to guide underwater such a leg-

end as Falco, who claims approximately 35,000 was really im-

pressed with the quality of dive sites of St. Eustatius.

Falco confirmed that marine parks are key to underwater preser-

vation; he is still very active around the world with efforts to protect

and create marine reserves.

scubaqua Dive Center st. eustatius, www.scubaqua.com

maDuro Dive fanta-seas Creates Profit wiDGet for Dive travel aGents

Maduro Dive Fanta-Seas, an innovative leader in dive travel for

over 30 years, plans to introduce at DEMA their new online tool

called PAW.

PAW stands for Profit Application Widget and was designed to

provide dive travel agents a proven method to enhance profits, mer-

chandise and retain customers, while maintaining complete control

of clients at all times. Those attending DEMA can see the PAW pre-

sentation at booth 1949. The PAW presentation is now available to

review online by logging in (TradeZone Login) at the very bottom of

their homepage, and after signing in, inside the TradeZone clicking

on the PAW Tab.

Maduro Dive Fanta-Seas is offering over 90 DEMA group specials,

with dive resorts and liveaboards in the Caribbean, Micronesia,

South Pacific/Oceania, Asia, Mexico, North, South and Central

America. These offer excellent value and lucrative returns, with

commissions up to 15%, free airfare, free packages, free diving,

multiple value-added benefits, special negotiated group airfare, Best

Rate Guarantee on all dive packages and knowledgeable dive travel

specialists—all adding up to fun dive group trips and thousands in

profits. Details can be found at Maduro’s booth 439 at DEMA, by

logging into the TradeZone section of their website and clicking on

DEMA Specials, or by contacting a group dive specialist.

Maduro’s experienced dive travel specialists, all certified divers

and travel agents, are also available to help with any questions on

DEMA Specials, airfare, dive destinations and how agents can make

money. They may be contacted for additional information, a cus-

tomized quote or to make reservations.

maduro Dive fanta-seas, 800-327-6709,

[email protected], www.maduro.com

free air for GrouP leaDers anD DemasPeCials exClusively from CaraDonna

Caradonna Worldwide Dive Adventures is offering fantastic op-

portunities for retail dive stores to earn free air tickets (only paying

air taxes) for their group leaders in 2012.

Included are many top dive destinations served by Delta Air Lines:

Aruba, Bahamas (Nassau, Grand Bahama, and Georgetown,

Exuma), Bermuda, Belize, Bonaire, Costa Rica (Liberia), Ecuador

(Guayaquil and Quito), Grand Cayman, Grenada, Mexico (Cancun,

Cozumel and Cabo), Turks & Caicos (Providenciales), Roatan, San

Juan, St. Croix, St. Kitts, St. Lucia, St. Maarten and St. Thomas.

For these, groups can book and travel anytime through December

31, 2012.

Delta is also offering free air for group leaders traveling to the

Pacific: Bangkok, Guam, Manila, Palau, Saipan, Singapore and

Sydney. Groups can book and travel anytime up through March 31,

2012, for these destinations.

Continental Airlines is offering a free air ticket for groups to

Palau, Truk, Yap, Pohnpei, Kosrae, Majuro, Guam and Saipan for

travel through March 31, 2012.

Groups traveling on either Delta or Continental must include a

minimum of 15 paid passengers to receive a free (16th) ticket.

Smaller groups can take advantage of free air tickets for which

only 10 paid tickets are required to earn a free 11th ticket on Air

Tahiti Nui between Los Angeles and Papeete, Tahiti, as well as Air

Pacific to Nadi, Fiji. These must be booked and deposited by March

31, 2012; travel dates extend into 2013.

Groups interested in Bonaire or Curacao can earn a 12th ticket

free on Insel Air from either Charlotte or Miami if they book and

deposit by December 2011 for travel between April 15 and

December 10, 2012. They will also get an additional 22-pound bag-

gage allowance to better accommodate dive gear.

There are nearly 200 DEMA Specials with which to combine these

air offers that include discounted rates, added value, special comps,

and lenient deposit and payment policies. All packages are commis-

sionable to their fullest extent including optional travel insurance

(excluding non-commissionable elements, taxes and service

charges).

Those not already working with Caradonna in their travel program

are urged to contact the company for exceptional service and

turnkey quality dive vacations. By signing up as a dive retailer on

their website, one can receive monthly emails and special retail

emails including the latest offers for group travel.

Caradonna worldwide Dive adventures, 800-329-9989,

[email protected], www.caradonna.com

D i V E b 2 b e x c h a n g ewww.beadiver.com

MAKE MONEY ON DIVE TRAVEL

1- 800-327- [email protected]

www.MaduroDive.com

TRAVEL SPECIALISTS SINCE 1975

BIG thrills.

St. EustatiusDiscover diving in

Photos courtesy B&D Kirkby

Tiny island.

Find out more...www.statiatourism.com

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We pride ourselves on our customer service with special attention to your

safety, enjoyment and reef preservation. Our talented staff of multilingual scuba professionals are sure to enhance your

diving experience with personal attention and contagious enthusiasm.

The BEST of the RED SEA – Dive Clubs Run For Diver By DiversTravel to the dive sites is in air-conditioned mini buses, while the crew takes the equipment in

advance. Our staff makes a diving experience the best it can be. To make the shore diving more

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marquee, freshwater rinse showers, water & fruit, and of course first aid equipment.

We are now at 4 locations and growing!

Waterfront Main Facility: a retail store and dive coordination center at 602 Avenida Refael Melgar.Beach Locations: Hotel Barracuda, Club de Playa Villablanca and the Hotel Cozumel.

SCUBA DIVING AND SAFARI TOURSIN SOUTH AFRICA AND MOZAMBIQUE

We specialize in scuba diving safaris and wildlife safaris encompassing the entire coastline – length and breadth

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Tap into our experience of more than twelve years in the diving industry.

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packages to Belize. Contact us, and we’ll helparrange an adventure of a lifetime!

Ocean Rover was the first purpose-designed luxury liveaboard to be built in Thailand.

The object was to build a comfortable, safe and solid liveaboard dive boat that would offer optimal ease of operations for both

her passengers and her crew.



sunbreeze hotel anD sunbreeze suitesoffer January sPeCials

Centrally located on beautiful Ambergris Caye in Belize,

SunBreeze Suites has been tops for divers, adventurous and passion-

ate travelers. With just 20 one-bedroom beachfront suites, it offers

peace, relaxation and inspiring views of the Caribbean Sea and the

second-largest barrier reef in the western hemisphere. There are 8

Oceanfront and 12 Ocean view suites, all suitable for families,

friends and couples desiring a fun holiday of activities and relax-

ation. Access is easy to local and gourmet restaurants, souvenir

shops, art galleries, and entertainment on this unique, multicultural

island. Each suite has a private ocean-view balcony, private bed-

room, private bath with hot and cold shower, fully equipped kitchen,

dining/living area, queen sofa-bed, ceiling fan, air-conditioning,

cable TV, telephone, radio alarm clock and hairdryer (All nonsmok-

ing.) Mojito’s Bar and Grill serves breakfast and lunch. Hugh

Parkey’s Belize Dive Connection is an 8-minute stroll away at sister

property SunBreeze Hotel, for savings and professional diving.

Currently the resort has on offer a January 2012 Holiday Special

where guests pay just 5 nights and get 2 more nights free.

SunBreeze Hotel in the heart of Ambergris Caye is a U-shaped

Spanish architectural design with Caribbean flavor and dazzling

tropical gardens. Located just feet from the calm Caribbean and an

eye sight away from the second largest Barrier Reef in the western

hemisphere, the hotel provides worldwide travelers a mind-blowing

vacation—diving, snorkeling, fishing, ecological and Mayan

Mountain Caving tours all within easy reach. SunBreeze Hotel of-

fers 43 spacious garden and ocean view rooms with commodities

that complement a first-class beach vacation. Amenities include

Blue Water Grill Restaurant & Bar with its stylish blend of island

cuisine in open-air setting overlooking the sea, and 10 feet of

wooden sundeck around a relaxing and beautiful freshwater pool.

Hugh Parkey’s Belize Dive Connection provides safe and profes-

sional reef dives, atoll dives, and PADI certification courses. Art of

Touch Massage Studio & Wellness Center features treatments for

relaxation and wellbeing. The Art of Touch Gallery offers tropical

and colorful paintings by Christopher Emmanuel.

A January 2012 special at SunBreeze Hotel offers 1 night free

when guests pay for 6.

sunbreeze suites, www.sunbreezesuites.com;

sunbreeze hotel, www.sunbreeze.net

afriCa tour Combines safari anD sea Africa Tour recommends a scuba diving safari to Rocktail Bay, of-

fering perhaps the most unspoiled beach experience in South Africa.

The coral is in magnificent condition and, as for the fish, over 1,250

species have been recorded. These reefs only opened up to scuba

divers a few years ago.

Rocktail Bay Lodge is situated within the coastal forest just be-

hind the forested dunes along Maputaland’s coastline, with the

warm Indian Ocean just beyond the dunes.

The Indian Ocean is ideal for snorkeling (flippers and snorkels may

be borrowed at the lodge), while surf and flyfishing is among the

best on the east coast. At Rocktail, Loggerhead Turtles come ashore

to nest and lay their eggs. The height of turtle activity occurs be-

tween October and March, with hatching January to March. Guests

can choose to participate in evening turtle drives on the beach and

to assist with the turtle conservation research project.

Maputaland, on KwaZulu-Natal’s northeastern seaboard, is a di-

verse region of forested dunes, wetlands, sandy beaches, woodlands

and warm seas. This camp is set within iSimangaliso (formerly

Greater St Lucia) Wetland Park, one of South Africa’s World

Heritage Sites; offshore is the Maputaland Marine Reserve, sanctu-

ary to prolific marine life including coral reefs, huge shoals of fish,

and various dolphin and whale species.

Offshore is the almost virgin Maputaland Marine Reserve, offer-

ing extraordinary diving and snorkeling encounters with huge shoals

of fish, pristine reefs and excellent visibility. From April through

October, there’s a good chance to see the Humpback Whale migra-

tion. The reefs off Island Rock/Rocktail Bay have never before been

commercially dived. Diving occurs on world-class sites, with the pos-

sibility of seeing shoals of game fish and sharks. The coral reefs are

pristine, and divers’ buoyancy will be strictly controlled to avoid the

possibility of reef damage.

africa tour, www.africatour.co.za

Goway Celebrates hinDu festivalDiwali, the Hindu festival of lights, is one of the most popular

festivals in South Asia. The 5-day festival celebrates the victory of

good over evil, light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance,

although the actual legends that go with the festival vary across

India.

Goway celebrated in their Toronto office October 27 in true fes-

tive spirit. Staff enjoyed traditional snacks such as Samosas, sweet

cashew rolls, crunchy Bhel mix, tasty Khaman Shokla, and lentil

Kachoris. Goway’s Vancouver office celebrated similarly the previ-

ous day.

Many staff dressed in beautifully adorned Saris and other tradi-

tional Indian wear. Bollywood videos played on the projector, entic-

ing everyone to break out their dance moves. Everyone received a

chocolate coin, a symbol of good fortune and good luck.

The Asia division has announced it will be an annual celebration,

spotlighting the wonderful foods and traditions of India.

Goway travel, 800-387-8850, www.goway.com

S P E C i A L i N T E R E S T b 2 b e x c h a n g e

www.captaincook.com.au

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www.sghgolf.com

www.wineloverstours.com

www.lakani.com

977-44-ASK MEwww.askmeaboutdestinationweddings.com

www.greatsouthernrail.com.au

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MadeiraNew ZealandNorth AmericaPortugalSicilySouth AfricaSouth AmericaSpainTrentinoTruffleTuscany

helping wine lovers realize their dreams

It is our pleasure to assist you with your golf vacation plans. We take pride in our work as it provides our clients with memoriesto last a lifetime. We realize the customer, is our most important asset.

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World Tours

To Lakani there is no such thing as a foreign country

We are committed to doing our share in keeping the earth a beautiful place

to travel. To be eco-friendly, we are not producing individual tour brochures.

Details and itineraries for our programs are available on this website, if you wish

to have an itinerary sent to you by email or mail, please contact us.

From the Great Barrier Reef to the

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of Sydney Harbour to the outback vastness

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euroPean waterways’ thames Cruise Puts travelers in holiDay sPirit

“What better way to enjoy the holidays than by absorbing the rich

cultural heritage and traditions of London and the picturesque

towns along the Royal River Thames,” asks Derek Banks,

Managing Director of European Waterways, suggesting a festive

charter aboard the company’s 8-passenger luxury barge Magna

Carta.

The 4-night Christmas cruise begins December 24 with afternoon

tea and mince pies at 5-star Stafford Hotel. Boarding is at

St. Katharine’s Dock next to the Tower of London and Tower

Bridge. Guests enjoy champagne and a sumptuous dinner of re-

gional specialties prepared by the barge’s private chef. Actors later

drop by for select readings from “A Christmas Carol,” which can

be followed by optional Christmas Eve mass.

Christmas Day service is offered in England’s great Westminster

Abbey. On return to their ‘floating hotel,’ guests enjoy hot mulled

wine while cruising Chelsea to Chiswick before a wonderful,

traditional Christmas feast. The following two days’ cruising

can include a tour of the Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew, a

walk around Bushy Park and a visit to magnificent Hampton

Court Palace.

The 5-night New Year’s cruise, also available as a charter, begins

December 28 with afternoon tea at the Stafford followed by a

cruise on the Thames to scenic Runnymede, famous location of the

sealing in 1215 of the Magna Carta, the hotel barge’s namesake.

Highlights the second day include Windsor Castle, one of the

country’s top 20 tourist attractions and a Royal home for over

900 years.

The cruise continues along scenic stretches such as beautiful

Cliveden Reach. From the banks, one can see the Astor family’s for-

mer home, now one of the world’s finest hotels.

New Year’s Eve celebrations include dinner and party onboard—

or guests may join villagers at one of England’s oldest pubs in 11th-

century Hurley. The cruise also features an optional visit to Sir

Stanley Spencer’s art gallery, as well as a final stop in Henley on

Thames, home of the Henley Royal Regatta.

Prices for either the Christmas or New Year full-boat charter

cruise are from $30,200, with full details online.

European Waterways offers at least 10% commission for all

bookings.

european waterways, 877-879-8808, [email protected],

www.gobarging.com

austin-lehman aDventures announCesnew yellowstone in winter tour

Austin-Lehman Adventures points out that Yellowstone isn’t only

a warm weather destination. The active travel company is introduc-

ing three February 2012 five-day/four-night Yellowstone in Winter

programs.

Activities include snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, ice-skating,

dog sledding, ranger talks and sipping hot chocolate fireside. The

rate is $2,198 ppdo ($580 single supplement) inclusive of accom-

modations and meals at historic Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel

(dates to 1883), Old Faithful Snow Lodge, and Chico Hot Springs

Resort and Spa (dates to 1920s and features pools fed by mineral

hot springs, a spa and exceptional dining); intra-lodge/activity

snow coach transfers, sporting equipment and more. Departures

based from Bozeman, MT, are February 5–9, 12–16 and February

26 through March 1.

“We live and play in this special corner of Wyoming and Montana

and Yellowstone National Park is literally our back yard. It’s a

natural,” said Dan Austin, founding director. “Devoid of

crowds, winter in Yellowstone is an amazing time. The cold

temps make even more dramatic the thermal activity (geysers,

bubbling mud pots, hot spring pools and steam vents), and wildlife

is concentrated in the warmer, snow-free geyser basins for

easier viewing.”

Austin noted that while snowshoeing the Upper Geyser Basin Trail

guests will experience in an approximately two-square-mile area

the largest concentration and nearly one-quarter of all the geysers

in the world. This is the home of Old Faithful.

Yellowstone in Winter is one of six brand-new ALA adventures

that won’t be found in their new 2012 print catalog but are only

featured on the ALA website. The new trips include The Real Cuba,

Glacier National Park Family Adventure, Croatia — The

Dalmation Coast, Slovenia — The Julian Alps Adventure, and

Chile/Argentina — Salta to Atacama.

“National Park vacations have always been a major part of our

offerings,” said Dan Austin, founding director, noting that his com-

pany first began offering trips into Yellowstone decades ago. “Year

after year it’s our Yellowstone Park vacation packages that outsell

all others; however we have seen interest in all of our National Park

vacations grow at an astounding rate.”

austin-lehman adventures, 800-575-1540,

[email protected], www.austinlehman.com

Travel World News • www.travelworldnews.com DeCember 2011 • 47


uts offers unusual aDriatiC reGionCyClinG tour

California-based Universal Travel System (UTS) has an unusual,

attractive tour in the Adriatic and Dalmatian Coast.

A small, private boat carrying cyclists and their bikes docks at

one point of an island in the Adriatic where the bikes are off-

loaded. Cyclists take a cycling tour of about 20–40 miles from this

point to the other side of island and by the time they reach the other

side, the boat is already waiting for them. After that, they find a

small hidden beach on a remote island and enjoy swimming and div-

ing. The next day is the same but on a different island and so on for

8 days/7 nights.

Breakfasts and lunches are included while dinners are usually left

to individual passengers to explore Dalmatian delicious cuisine.

Bikers can bring their bikes or rent from the operator. One does not

have to be a biker to enjoy this tour. There are plenty of activities

planned for non-bikers while the bikers are circling the island,

among them snorkeling, swimming, scuba diving, sightseeing, wine

tasting and exploring local life.

With plenty of excitement, variety and pleasant surprises, this is

a trip sure to exhilarate. Bikers love the fact that every day it’s a

different island, different scenery, different food—“but always the

same fun.”

universal travel system (uts),

www.uts-travel.com

Gvb to be title sPonsor for 2012 xterraGuam ChamPionshiP event

The Guam Visitors Bureau (GVB) has announced that they will

be the title sponsor for the 2012 XTERRA Guam Championship

Qualifier event set for March 10, 2012. GVB will be joining forces

with Platinum Sponsor and official airline of XTERRA Guam,

United Airlines, in addition to the Port Authority of Guam, Cycles

Plus, Payless Car Rental, the Guam Triathlon Federation, KUAM

Sports, Hornet Sports, and the Mayor’s offices of Ordot-Chalan

Pago and Piti.

“Our region yearns for top-notch sporting events and Guam

couldn’t be a better spot to showcase our island to professional and

amateur triathletes from around the world,” said Jen Crisostomo,

Guam Visitors Bureau Board Director and Chairwoman of the

Sports Tourism Committee, “We have our signature Ko’Ko’ Road

Race for runners so we hope to see the XTERRA Guam

Championship Qualifier become another signature event for visit-

ing and local triathletes,” she said.

This will be the first year that the XTERRA Guam race will be li-

censed as an official championship qualifier event, meaning that

professionals have a chance at winning a part of the $15,000 prize

purse and age-group (amateur) participants have the ability to earn

a coveted spot in the XTERRA World Championship event held an-

nually in Maui to race against the best athletes from around the

world in their age group.

“Having it as a championship event is important because in order

to grow the event where we can attract more visiting athletes,

we need to have certain components that are part of being a cham-

pionship,” said Eric Tydingco, XTERRA Guam Race Director,

“GVB’s inclusion is essential as their marketing presence

and reach in the Asia region will help boost the international

participation.”

Tydingco, fresh off of promoting Guam’s race at the XTERRA

World Championships in Maui, has already seen increased interest

from elite professionals and amateurs alike.

“The interest and attention has been fantastic,” Tydingco

continued, “I was approached by Tim DeBoom of Colorado—a two-

time Ironman World Champion, who basically said he wanted to

race in Guam because of all the photos and stories he’s seen in

magazine and the word-of-mouth reputation of the event,”

said Tydingco.

Besides DeBoom, Olivier Marceau (Switzerland, ITU World

Champ, Olympian), Shonny Vanlandingham (USA, 2010 XTERRA

World Champion), Ben Allen (Australia), Graham Wadsworth

(UK), Takahiro Ogasawara (JPN), Renata Bucher (Switzerland, 5

time XTERRA Saipan Champion), Melanie McQuaid (Canada, 3x

XTERRA World Champion), Richard Ussher (New Zealand),

Richard Stannard (UK), and Jimmy Archer (Colorado), have all ei-

ther committed or expressed serious interest to racing the champi-

onship qualifier event, according to Tydingco. “We’re very excited

to have the Guam race be a championship race, they’ve done a fab-

ulous job over the past year being an age group points series race

that the pros have already discovered,” said Janet Clark, President

of Team Unlimited—the organization behind the creation of the

XTERRA races.

Guam visitors bureau (Gvb), www.visitguam.org;

xterra Guam, [email protected],

www.xterraguam.com

Documents

December 2011 edition of Travel World News