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04/07/09, 20:13:41 EDT
Adventure in green with GreenSpot.travel
“Green travel” is a term that a fast-growing number of travelers are identifying with as their preferred style of seeing the world. Often seen as a very broad term, the phrase encompasses several positive ideas. “Our selection of .travel as an integrated component of our name and brand, combined with today's very identifiable meaning of the word “green,” allows travelers to easily relate our purpose and offering to the type of eco-friendly trip they're looking for and greatly eases our ability to be seen in the green travel space online,” said Richard G. Edwards, co-founder of GreenSpot.travel.
GreenSpot.travel’s mission is to promote green travel throughout the world, with a focus on Costa Rica and the rest of Central America. Condé Nast Traveler magazine has cited GreenSpot.travel as one of the Top Travel Specialists in the world over the last several years for their expertise in sustainable travel and quality upscale trips to Central America. Edwards, co-founder of GreenSpot.travel with his wife Irene Edwards, says that the name itself is “a conversation starter that quickly leads to an opportunity for us to explain what we do with the interesting .travel twist.” He is emphatic, though, that “the clearest advantage is in the online marketing opportunities created by having .travel in our name. We have an immediate affiliation with the travel industry, which allows us to focus on different aspects of our marketing message, knowing that our link to travel is in the URL.” He believes the benefits of .travel’s identification with solid travel industry members will grow as more and more respected industry organizations, tourism boards, agencies, and other companies continue to adopt the .travel name.
TourCrafters' spring/summer Europe sale ends February 15
LIBERTYVILLE, IL — TourCrafters' special deal with Air France — which produced some amazing bargains for spring and summer travel to Europe — has been extended to February 15. Now is the time to book a package with TourCrafters and pin down these very special high-season prices.
The 5-day/4-night Paris package, for example, provides round-trip air fare from New York, accommodations at the deluxe Villa Montparnasse (it's near transportation, restaurants, and cafés), daily buffet breakfast, tax and service charges. The price is US$640 from April 1 to May 15 and in September and October. In July and August, the price is US$889. The 5-day/4-night Rome package, which includes accommodations at the 4-star River Palace Hotel (located close to the Piazza del Popolo), starts at US$899 in April and September and goes up to US$1,379 in the second half of May. The Rome package also includes a discounted sightseeing tour and an extra night can be added for only US$1 from July 16 to August 31.
Celebrate Chinese New Year Package
Welcome the Year of the Ox with the Chaophya Park Hotel’s Let’s Celebrate Chinese New Year Package. Great value for money with 2 nights accommodation in a business deluxe room with full buffet breakfast, welcome drink, and fruit basket on arrival; free internet access and wireless internet; DVD movies; free MRT ticket daily; and free late check out until 6:00 pm.
Valid during January 15 – February 28, 2009, priced Baht 5,000 net including breakfast. Children under 12 years stay free with free breakfast. Baby-sitting service available.
MIR Corporation launches new Essential Baltics Tour to showcase Vilnius – European Capital of Culture
The Baltic countries of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania clustered along the eastern shore of the Baltic Sea in northern Europe, stepped out from the shadow of the Soviet Union in the late 20th century. And 2009 is a banner year in Vilnius, Lithuania’s capital. Chosen as one of this year’s two European Capitals of Culture, Vilnius will be hosting over 300 cultural, artistic, and social programs and projects throughout the year. One such program, with events each month, is called “Baroque Dialogues,” and highlights the baroque arts – architecture, music, theater, literature, and dance – in some of the city’s beautiful baroque churches and public buildings. Another one is an exhibit from June through August at the National Art Gallery of the Lithuanian Art Museum called “Color and Sound Dialogues,” based on ideas connecting the work of early 20th century Lithuanian artist M. K. Èiurlionis and his modernist contemporaries.
Christening events set for AMAWATERWAYS' new MS Amalyra
CHATSWORTH, CA - Award-winning European river cruise line AMAWATERWAYS will celebrate the newest addition to its fleet, MS Amalyra, with an Easter Sunday christening along the spectacular Danube River. The luxurious MS Amalyra will sail its inaugural cruise on the newly-introduced, 7-night “Romantic Danube,” itinerary departing April 6, 2009 from Budapest, Hungary. Christening ceremonies will take place on Sunday, April 12 in the quaint town of Vilshofen, Germany and will include local dignitaries, entertainment, and a festive spring-time atmosphere.
Michelle Morgan, president of the Signature Travel Network, will serve as the ship’s godmother. A highly-regarded travel industry visionary, Morgan heads the prestigious retail travel cooperative that generates close to $4 billion dollars in annual sales. In addition to Morgan and members of the board of directors of the Signature Travel Network, distinguished guests onboard the sailing will include AMAWATERWAYS chairman, Jimmy Murphy.
MIR Corporation’s custom journeys inspired by your travel dreams
July 4th marked the end of the GlobeRiders’ 2008 World Tour, the fifth that MIR has facilitated for the motorcycle adventure company. This year they roared across seven countries in 53 days, from China to Germany. Starting their engines 300 kilometers outside of Beijing, the riders headed north through eastern China up to Russia’s Lake Baikal region, across the entire length of Siberia, and down the Volga to the Black Sea where they boarded a ferry to Ukraine and rolled through the lowlands of Poland, Czech Republic, and Slovakia into Germany at the end of the tour. The contingent of 11 riders mingled with a Chinese motorcycle club in Harbin, ate smoked omul - an indigenous fish - on a boat on Lake Baikal, dodged the potholes on the Siberian “National Highway,” savored the civilized cuisine of Eastern Europe, and arrived in Germany in time to join the BMW Motorrad International Biker Meeting. All along the way, MIR was there to double-check the unusual arrangements and to improvise when necessary.
Agoda and Bangkok Airways in online partnership
BANGKOK, Thailand - Agoda.com, an online travel company specializing in discount hotel bookings in Asia, announced a partnership with Bangkok Airways – the region’s award-winning ASIA’S BOUTIQUE AIRLINE, offering flyers special deals on hotel bookings. Travelers can find this new hotel offer today at http://bangkokair.partners.agoda.com/ .
In light of boosting the sales volumes during the difficult time of economic recession, this partnership brings about a new link as a convenient one-stop shop for worldwide clientele seeking better deals on air tickets and rooms in this part of the world.
Free airfare to Europe!
AMAWATERWAYS 4-Day only Spring Sale
Extended to January 31
Book an AMAWATERWAYS River Cruise and get FREE AIRFARE from: New York, Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Denver, Los Angeles, Miami, Philadelphia, Phoenix, San Francisco, Seattle, or Washington DC.
This April, don’t miss this unique opportunity to fly free to Europe and to cruise onboard one of our award-winning, deluxe river cruise ships and experience legendary cities ablaze with color, floral displays, and special festivities.
MIR travel logs
What’s it like to float down the Volga River along with the Russian National Orchestra? Or to take a luxury private train from Moscow all the way to UlaanBaatar to attend the annual Naadam Festival? Or to visit the fabled Iranian city of Isfahan with its luminous bridges and gracious UNESCO-listed Imam Square?
MIR Corporation now includes travel logs on its website written by candid clients and thoughtful staff reporting on several of its imaginative tours. Check out www.mircorp.com and click on “Travel Log.” In business for over 22 years, MIR specializes in St. Petersburg, the Silk Road, Mongolia, and beyond and is an acknowledged expert in this corner of the world.
Private Journeys — introducing MIR Corporation’s Flexible Essential Trips and custom travel planners
MIR Corporation, experts in travel to Russia, the Silk Road, the Trans-Siberian Railway, and beyond has developed a new planning tool for your clients who prefer to travel solo, with their family, or with friends. Now you can offer them the freedom to create their own completely customized journey to the crossroads of Europe and Asia, with MIR’s expert assistance. Or, select one of MIR’s streamlined Flexible Essential Trips — suggested itineraries available on a private departure basis with your client’s choice of dates.
Your Client’s Trip, Dates and Signature Experience — MIR’s 22 Years of Expertise
You and your client select the destinations, travel dates, level of accommodation (from rustic lodges to luxury hotels), and the pace of travel. MIR’s Private Journey specialist will give you plenty of suggestions and guide you through the options involved in planning a personalized journey for a client. Enjoy the security and comfort of knowing that capable guides and drivers have been selected, accommodations are waiting at the end of the day, and transportation to the next town or country is already arranged.
Africa Travel Association launches online registration for the 2nd US-Africa Tourism Seminar in Washington, DC - February 19-20
NEW YORK, NY - The Africa Travel Association (ATA) announced today that it has launched online registration for the Second Annual US-Africa Tourism Seminar, which will take place at the Washington Convention Center from February 19-20, two days prior to the Adventures Travel Expo (ATE) travel mart.
Focusing on sports, adventure, and diaspora travel and tourism, the two-day event will showcase Africa as a top tourism destination from the US and as a site for investment and business exploration in one of the world’s fastest-growing tourism markets.
“In addition to some of the world’s most spectacular natural wonders, Africa offers some of the most unique and exciting travel products,” said Eddie Bergman, ATA executive director. “With Africa’s improving infrastructures, a growing private sector, and an increasing awareness of the role the travel industry can play in a country’s socio-economic development, Africa is poised to increase its global marketshare in tourism.”
Festival time in Mongolia
Mongolia is about open space, with its boundless grassy steppe and great red Gobi Desert; about a place in history, with Genghis Khan and his mounted warriors leaving their mark on two continents; and about the culture of the nomad, who created a coherent and organic life revolving around four-legged creatures. It is said that in Mongolia, livestock outnumber people thirteen to one.
The annual Naadam Festival is the country's favorite festival, showcasing Mongolia's best in wrestling, horse racing, and archery, as well as uniquely Mongolian sports such as "ankle-bone shooting." It originated many centuries ago, but in the 20th century, this celebration of the nomad’s courage, strength, dexterity, and marksmanship now commemorates July 11, the anniversary of Mongolia's independence from China.
Agoda celebrates the Year of the Ox with hot hotel deals for the Chinese New Year
BANGKOK, Thailand – The holiday celebrations continue as the Chinese New Year, the most important date on the Chinese calendar, comes early this year falling on January 26. Agoda.com, an online hotel reservations company, readies itself for the Year of the Ox, helping Chinese communities celebrate by offering availability at preferred hotels with great rates in top Asian destinations.
Chinese New Year, or the Spring Festival, is China’s biggest celebration with parties taking place in every Chinese town and city. In fact, celebrations happen around the globe in any city with its own “Chinatown.” The festivals start the night before Chinese New Year when families gather for a traditional dinner and acknowledge the spirits of ancestors. The celebrations last for 15 days, each day having significance as Chinese families get together to celebrate and exchange gifts. The streets are lit up with red lanterns, twinkling lights, and elaborate decorations. The famed dragon and lion dances are highlights of the parades held throughout the world.
ITE MICE 2009 - unique program for MICE exhibitors to enhance contacts with our 12,900 buyers, trade, and corporate visitors
ITE MICE exhibitors will be offered, free of charge, certain number of pre-appointments with hosted buyers, extra exposures in seminars targeting corporate visitors, and editorial coverage in supplements in business dailies. Also, they can access pre-show our hosted buyers list to make more appointments, and take part in buyer-meet-seller sessions. Assistance will also be provided for holding own seminar or function.
“MICE are relatively new in the region. It has only been recently that various countries and regions set up MICE or convention bureaus with budget and promotions separate from leisure travel. Understandably, MICE needs more supports so we plan to offer MICE exhibitors this unique program,” said KS Tong, managing director of TKS, which organizes ITE MICE and ITE in Hong Kong.
United Airlines to offer Gogo Inflight Internet service on p.s. transcontinental flights between New York and California
CHICAGO, IL – United Airlines will begin offering inflight Internet service to customers onboard its p.s. transcontinental service between New York and California starting in the second half of this year.
Aircell’s Gogo® Inflight Internet service will turn United’s p.s. aircraft into flying Wi-Fi hotspots, enabling customers to surf the Web, check e-mail, instant message, and access corporate VPNs on their Wi-Fi-enabled devices. The service will be available to United customers traveling in all classes of service for a flat fee of US$12.95.
Free April air from AMAWATERWAYS
CHATSWORTH, CA - This spring, AMAWATERWAYS makes it easier than ever to enjoy a spectacular European river cruise. For a limited time, the award-winning river cruise line is offering FREE AIR* to Europe during the month of April, 2009 from the major US gateway cities of New York; Boston; Washington, DC; Chicago; Atlanta; Miami; Los Angeles; Phoenix; and Seattle. Don’t miss this opportunity to fly free to Europe, arriving as the spring season gets underway and legendary cities are ablaze with color, floral displays, and special festivities. This exciting FREE APRIL AIR promotion is available to passengers who book the following AMAWATERWAYS April departures:
MIR Corporation announces new ways to explore Russia, China, Mongolia, and the Silk Road in 2009
2009 brings four new exciting opportunities to travel with MIR Corporation, a company that specializes in trips at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. Travelers can choose from an array of scheduled small group active and cultural tours and sophisticated private rail journeys or create their own custom-crafted private adventure. MIR Corporation gives adventurers the chance to go deep, far, and wide across Russia, China, Mongolia, and the Silk Road on these imaginative scheduled group tour itineraries:
TourCrafters' Paris Special is romantic Valentine getaway
LIBERTYVILLE, IL - What could be more romantic than a long weekend in Paris over Valentine's Day? But is it affordable in this economic downturn? TourCrafters comes to the rescue with their 5-day/4-night Paris Special package that provides round-trip air from New York, four nights accommodation at the deluxe St. James & Albany Hotel, daily buffet breakfast, service charges, and taxes — all for as little as $888 per person. (For those whose budget won't stretch even that far, TourCrafters offers the same deal at the Hotel All Seasons Voltaire République for only $559.)
The glittering capital of France is, arguably, the world's most romantic city, with its beautiful Haussmannien buildings, the enchanting Eiffel Tower, glamorous shopping streets like rue du Faubourg-St-Honoré, dreamy bateaux-mouches rides on the River Seine, and thousands of charming restaurants and cafés. And this year, with the euro worth far less than it was last year, even the restaurants and cafés are more affordable.
National Geographic Adventure recognizes Ker & Downey
KATY, TX - National Geographic Adventure magazine’s February 2009 issue names Ker & Downey as one of the “Best Luxury Adventure Travel Companies on Earth.” Ker & Downey ranked exceptionally high in customer satisfaction, as well as service, education and sustainability.
The magazine goes on to recommend a prior National Geographic award-winning itinerary offered exclusively by Ker & Downey, the luxurious adventure journey, “Splendors of the Cape: Whales, Walking, Wilderness & Wildlife.” This quintessential South African eco-journey explores all of the major biomes using all 5-star boutique hotel properties or lodges such as Samara Private Game Reserve, Shamwari Private Reserve, and Grootbos Private Nature Reserve, just to name a few. Each property has been duly recognized for its devotion to the conservation of flora, fauna, and wildlife. This 15-day itinerary explores Cape Town and District Six, the Cape Coast and the Garden Route, the Karoo desert biome and the Western Cape.
Tralliance, the .travel registry, amends its policies
FORT LAUDERDALE, FL - Tralliance, the .travel Registry, announced that the policy changes approved by The Travel Partnership Corporation (TTPC) went into effect on December 20 after a 30-day comment period. For a full description of the new policies, visit, www.travel.travel or www.ttpc.travel
La Palm Royal Beach Hotel Christmas program
CHRISTMAS DAY LUNCH
Sit back and relax. Take the stress out of Christmas and let us do the hard work for you.
Arrival from 12:00 GMT for Bucks Fizz served in our lovely hotel lounge, followed by a gourmet lunch, complimented by highly-attentive service and swinging live music.
Santa will also join in the fun to entertain your children and give each child a surprise gift bag! Lunch will be served between 12:00 GMT and 15:30 GMT at $50.00 per guest; children below the age of 12 will be at half price.
Spring time executive FAMS on AMAWATERWAYS
This spring, travel agents can learn about European river cruising from the industry’s top experts. Award-winning river cruise line AMAWATERWAYS is offering three travel agent FAMS timed to coincide with Europe’s most colorful festivals, pageants, and markets. Each 7-night FAM cruise is hosted by an AMAWATERWAYS executive who will provide insights into the history of river cruising, as well as a detailed overview of the AMAWATERWAYS product. The 7-night FAM cruise price starts at $630* per person.
Agoda begins Thailand’s countdown to 2009 with amazing winter deals
BANGKOK, Thailand – To get in on the Christmas spirit and celebrate the coming new year, Agoda.com, an online hotel reservations service, is offering customers a number of unbeatable, last-minute Thailand hotel deals. To boost tourism, Thailand hotels have begun to slash their rates, even during this normal “peak period.” Agoda is now able to offer further savings of up to 40 percent off these already-discounted rates.
Thailand’s amazing scenery and hospitality makes it a great choice anytime for winter holidays. With colorful countdown activities occuring throughout Thailand ready to welcome 2009, it is the perfect time to visit the “Land of Smiles.” ‘Hands Bangkok Countdown 2009’ is the city’s biggest celebration. Held on the Rajaprasong shopping street, the event is a massive street-party where Thais and foreigners ring in the new year together. Attractions include a live concert featuring Thailand’s top singers, celebrities, and superstars together with many other entertainment activities and fireworks.
Arrive in style at Le Méridien Angkor
SIEM REAP, Cambodia – Explore the cultural attractions of Cambodia in style. Book now to enjoy our best available rate with daily buffet breakfast at Angkor Royal Café and complimentary one-way airport pick-up service.
Rate starts from US$155+++ per room, per night exclusive of 10 percent government tax, 5 percent service charge, and 2 percent accommodation tax from now until December 22, 2008 and January 5-31, 2009.
Maui’s newest luxury beach resort, Honua Kai Resort & Spa, entices visitors with $195 introductory rate
NORTH BEACH KAANAPALI, Maui – It has been nearly 15 years since the last new resort opened on Maui, but there is a new kid on the block. The block happens to be the posh strip of North Beach Kaanapali on Maui. The new kid is leading mountain resort developer Intrawest’s first Hawaiian beachfront resort – Honua Kai Resort & Spa – and they are celebrating the venture with a startling introductory rate of $195 per night and 50 percent off published rack rates in all categories.
The introductory rates start at $195 per night for the Ohana Resort View category. Partial Ocean View introductory rates begin at $225 per night, and Ocean View starts at $250 per night.
LimoRes.net agreement with Delta provides unique mileage earning opportunities for customers
NEW YORK — (BUSINESS WIRE) – LimoRes.net, the revolutionary provider of corporate ground transportation, announced today that it will offer its customers the ability to earn frequent flyer miles in the Delta SkyMiles program under an exclusive arrangement with Delta Air Lines Inc., the world’s largest carrier.
The offer provides 42 million SkyMiles members with the opportunity to earn miles with LimoRes.net, Delta’s exclusive luxury transportation provider. The program extends to customers who place an order for any type of vehicle with LimoRes.net.
“We’re gratified that Delta selected us as their exclusive provider, which will enable us to reward our customers with the benefits of the world-class SkyMiles program,” said LimoRes.net Chief Executive Officer Alex Mashinsky.
TourCrafters' spring packages to Europe up to 25 percent off
LIBERTYVILLE, IL — Now is the time to book a spring/summer vacation to Europe. Not only is the dollar stronger against the euro, but TourCrafters has gotten a special fare from Air France and up to 25 percent off on hotels, making their spring/summer specials an unusually good deal. The catch: the packages must be booked by January 19.
The 5-day/4-night Rome package, for example, provides round-trip air fare from New York, accommodations at the 4-star deluxe River Palace Hotel (which is located on Via Flaminia, close to the Piazza del Popolo), daily buffet breakfast, tax and service charges, and a 10 euro discount on Rome sightseeing tours. The price is $899 from April 1 to 31 (and September 1 to 31), $929 from May 1 to 15 (and October 1 to 31), $1,379 from May 16 to 31, $1,350 from June 1 to July 15, $1,199 from July 16 to 31, and $1,159 from August 1 to 31. In addition, from July 16 to August 31, travelers can purchase an extra night's hotel accommodation for only $1.
ARC pioneers new carrier participant category
ARLINGTON, VA - ARC’s board of directors this month approved the addition of a supplementary agreement to the Carrier Services Agreement that will allow ticketing and settlement of transactions for Indirect Air Carriers (Public Charter Operators). The first such entity to join ARC as a carrier is PublicCharters.com (P1/351), effective with sales on December 29, 2008.
PublicCharters.com is based in Northeastern Pennsylvania and currently serves Southern Florida, the Caribbean and select US regional markets. Their business model uses chartered aircraft to serve routes lacking scheduled service and includes plans to make seats available to the traveling public on corporate jet aircraft.
Cruise buyer leads – low cost
In this tough economic environment, MyBestFareFinder.com allows travel agents to connect with highly-motivated cruise vacation buyers via its low-cost, lead-referral service. Lead prices start at only 15 cents for a three night or less sailing on a budget cruise line and reach a maximum of $2.50 regardless of the cruise line, sailing length, or the agent’s potential commission. Other competitive lead referral services are typically priced from $5 to $15 per lead, or can cost agents up to 30 percent of their commission.
Agoda offers Asian alternatives for Christmas and New Year’s celebrations
BANGKOK, Thailand – As 2008 winds down, festivities crank up all over the world, and Asian destinations are becoming ever-more popular with unique and interesting variations of Christmas and New Year celebrations. Agoda.com, an online hotel booking company, encourages travelers to spend a memorable holiday season away from the cold and snow, with a number of last-minute hot Asian hotel deals to light up the season.
Various countries celebrate the holiday season with their own flavors and distinctive cultural influences. Singapore sweetens the occasion with “A Sweet Christmas” where famed shopping malls and sights, from Orchard Road to Marina Bay, are transformed into a candy-themed wonderland perfect for kids and parents alike.
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