31 May 2005
Lead Story
Machine Readable Passports Required For All Visa Waiver Program Travel as of 26 June 2005
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) today reminded travelers from 27 Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries that as of June 2005, they must have a machine-readable passport to enter the United States without a visa, as mandated by Congress. Machine-readable passports have a sequence of lines that can be swiped by U.S. Customs.
Opportunities
Gunpowder Treason exhibition at the Tower
The Tower of Londons Gunpowder Treason Exhibition (2 July 05 to 30 June 06) Marks the 400th anniversary of the gunpowder plot, the audacious Catholic plan to blow up the House of Lords and seize the Throne from James I. The Tower of London will be marking this anniversary with a new display using video and audio footage to explore the Tower's role as the traditional home of gunpowder and the experience and fate of the conspirators as prisoners within the infamous Tower of London. For press tickets contact Natasha Woollard at Natasha.Woollard@hrp.org.uk.
Media Invitation: tee off in the Austrian mountains
For a long time, the British have only associated Austria with mountains, Mozart, skiing and the Sound of Music. However, all this is about to change! Austria has been named as the winner of the "Undiscovered Golf Destination of 2005" Award by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO). Join us on our press trip! Contact Karin Mrkvicka at pressuk@austria.info
Media Invitation To Event Manchester
Manchester is in London to treat journalists to an evening of luxury! Join them for Event Manchester a showcase of the finest Manchester venues, hotels and attractions at Manchester Square, London on Thursday 23 June 2005 Contact Louise Latham at louise.latham@marketing-manchester.co.uk
Industry news
The Edinburgh Pass
Edinburgh has launched Scotland's first city card scheme.
For a one-off purchase, the Edinburgh Pass (from www.edinburghpass.org) offers free entry to 27 of the city's most exciting attractions, including Edinburgh Zoo, the Scotch Whisky Heritage Centre and exhibitions at the National Gallery of Scotland and the National Museums of Scotland.
Twenty-six of Edinburgh top retailers, restaurants, festival and leisure operators have also signed up to offer exclusive offers. Free public transport around the city is also included, plus return travel from Edinburgh Airport.
The Edinburgh Pass is now on sale from www.edinburghpass.org, selected travel agents, and tourist information centres in Edinburgh. Contact Martha Fletcher at martha.fletcher@visitscotland.com
MyTripJournal.com
MyTripJournal.com allows travellers to set up their own travel website, allowing them to plot their journey on maps with the IntelliMap System, store & display photos, stories and experiences, exchange messages with friends and family, control who views the ad-free personal travel website and download a permanent archive at the end of the trip. Contact Kate Bandos at kate@ksbpromotions.com
Cunards 2006 programme
Cunard's 2006 programme for the Queen Mary 2 and Queen Elizabeth 2, goes on sale on 4 June. Highlights for 2006 include 19 crossings between Southampton and New York, the launch of Queen Mary 2's New York Collection of packaged holidays, a new seven-night transatlantic voyage from Southampton to Fort Lauderdale and the largest selection of short break voyages ever offered by Cunard. Contact Eric Flounders at eric.flounders@cunard.co.uk
Dubai Weddings
A new opportunity for an exotic wedding in Dubai has been announced by Faraway Direct. The service - which costs from £769 per couple includes processing of application, translation and marriage certificate, hire of church and reverend, plus on-site wedding co-ordinator. Contact Victoria Marley at Victoria@beaconpr.co.uk Highlife Breaks
Highlife Breaks has unveiled its new brochure, with additional packages targeted at the high spend four and five star European travel market.The brochure features 400 hotels to over 80 destinations, including New York, Venice, Dubai and even Lapland with an emphasis on a more premium offering alongside its current luxury four star leisure breaks. Golfing weekends, hot air balloon rides, a Beatles experience, luxury pampering breaks, visits to Warwick Castle, powerboat weekends and even belly dancing breaks in Scotland are among the specialty themed offerings included in the portfolio. Contact Roxanne Kalha at roxanne.kalha@redconsultancy.com
Shop London guides
Two new, must-have guides have been launched to celebrate shopping as a key driver for visitors to the capital. The new Shop London 2005 guide - produced by Visit London provides a showcase of Londons diverse shopping scene in a handy pocket size and the Luxury London Shopping guide, produced by Global Refund focuses on the luxury end of the market. Contact Jenny Kite at jkite@visitlondon.com.
London Luton on TV With London Luton now handling over 8 million passengers a year and work continuing to complete one of the largest civil engineering projects in its history, since March this year Screenchannel Productions has been working closely with the Airport to film a 10-part television series for ITV London & Sky Travel Channel. Contact Ian Briggs at Ian.Briggs@ltn.aero.
Cuba Direct
The advent of the new Virgin Atlantic direct Cuba flight from Gatwick starting on 7 July coincides with Tucan Travels first programme of tours to the country. Contact Victoria Marley at Victoria@beaconpr.co.uk
Overseas visitors set to boost Londons economy
Latest figures show that London has increased its market share of global tourism for the second year running. The figures indicate that Londons market share of worldwide tourism rose to 1.76% in 2004, up from 1.69% in 2003 and 1.65% in 2002. This recovery follows a period of steady decline. Contact Hannah Collingbourne at hcollingbourne@visitlondon.com
Portugal Newsletter
For all the latest news from Portugal, including: TAP joins Star Alliance; New Thomson flights to Faro; The new Algarve coastal and river cruise; Walking in Madeira; Meliá Palácio da Lousã Hotel opens in Coimbra region; Golf passport in Estoril and Sintra contact Helen Wilson at helenwilson@hillsbalfour.com.
Le Méridien Sunny Isles Beach, Miami
Le Méridien Sunny Isles Beach, Miami, the luxurious 210-room hotel located in Sunny Isles, Florida, is now open. Located between Fort Lauderdale and ultra-hip South Beach in Miami, Le Méridien Sunny Isles Beach, Miami is the first US beachfront property for London-based Le Méridien Hotels & Resort and is one of 21 new Le Méridien hotels in the pipeline to open during 2005 and beyond. Contact Julia Clark at Julia.Clark@LeMeridien.com.
Virgin Atlantic sponsors record attempt of the Atlantic
Virgin Atlantic today announced that it is to sponsor Oliver Hicks attempt to become the youngest and fastest person to row solo across the North Atlantic west to east. Contact Anna Burdsall at anna.burdsall@fly.virgin.com.
D-nutz.com
www.d-nutz.com has been created by a number of Disney fanatics who have seen how difficult it is for people planning their first trip to Walt Disney world Florida.
Business Latvia Newsletter
To receive the Business Latvia Newsletter from the Latvian Tourism Bureau contact Eva Staltmane at eva.s@btconnect.com.
Volunteering a popular way to holiday
Combining travel with volunteering is becoming a popular way for young professionals to spend their holiday time according to Flight Centre. The independent travel retailer has said that they have noticed a growing trend for people wanting to do something worthwhile whilst on holiday as well as seeing a new destination. Contact Karin Jones at karin_jones@flightcentre.co.uk
Italy
Agriturist (farm) specialist, Discovery Tours has introduced the beautiful region of Basilicata, situated in the south of Italy. Here the company is highlighting Card farm, a beautiful masseria offering high quality accommodation and just five kilometres from Metaponto on the Ionian coast - with its long sandy beach. Contact Victoria Marley at Victoria@beaconpr.co.uk
Media newsletter from Tourism New Zealand
The latest news round-up from Tourism New Zealand including visitor numbers, tourism initiatives, luxury accommodation, Maori Arts Festival and new caving experiences in Waitomo. Contact Gillian Monahan at gillianm@tnz.govt.nz
Travelsphere Holidays
Travelsphere Holidays has launched their first short breaks brochure featuring an assortment of ideas to Europe, America and distant shores. Contact Andrea Mason at amason@travelsphere.co.uk
UK visitors to Korea rise
Visitor arrivals from the UK to South Korea for the first three months of 2005 were up 14% on last year to 23,900. Initial figures for April show a massive 42% increase on 2004. The Korea National Tourism Organization continues to expand tour operator activity and is confident that arrivals will continue to grow. Contact Ramy Salameh at london@mail.knto.or.kr
Asian destinations on the rise
The latest data on international tourist arrivals to the various destinations in the world collected by the World Tourism Organisation shows significant changes in the table of the worlds top tourism destinations in 2004. Asian destinations have significantly strengthened their position in the ranking. Contact Rok Klancnik at rklancnik@world-tourism.org
Brits linger longer in Ljubljana
British guests made more overnight stays in the Slovenian capital of Ljubljana in 2004 than any other visiting nationality, spending a total of 52,581 nights in the city, an increase of 69% compared with the previous 12 months. Contact Mary Stuart-Miller at m.stuart-miller@virgin.net.
The Edinburgh Brand
Work has begun on developing a new brand, which will reflect Edinburgh's standing as a successful, dynamic, world-class city region. Contact Lindsey Taylor at lindsey.taylor@edinburghbrand.com.
Singles wintersun in Egypt
Singles specialist, Friendship Travel is offering, for the first time in 2005, wintersun holidays in Egypt. The company is highlighting the five-star Abu Soma Intercontinental Resort on the shores of the Red Sea with departures on a choice of dates in November and December (including Christmas). Contact Victoria Marley at Victoria@beaconpr.co.uk
Family History Centre planned in Edinburgh
A £1.6 million one-stop-shop for genealogy research will open its doors in 2006 bringing together the services of the General Register Office for Scotland, National Archives of Scotland and the Court of the Lord Lyon. Contact Susan Corrigall at susan.corrigall@nas.gov.uk Belfast named UK business destination
National business magazine, Business Britain has presented the Belfast Visitor and Convention Bureau (BVCB) with an award naming Belfast as the UK Business Destination of the Year 2004/2005. Contact Sheelagh Uprichard at sheelaghu@gcasgroup.com
Storyboard
Costa Del Sols summer concerts
The Mijas Costa Hippodromo, Marbella is staging concerts by some of the worlds most successful music artists between June and September.
The Majestic / Seabreeze season of concerts includes Lenny Kravitz (11 June); Elton John (29 June); the Hungarian State Opera (9/10 July); Rod Stewart (13 July); the UB40 Reggae Festival (August); Jamiroquai (date to be announced); Bryan Adams (11 September) and the English National Orchestra (24/25 September).
The Mijas Costa Hippodromo, the home of the Spanish Derby, has established itself as the coasts foremost racing and family entertainment venue.
Contact Louise Clifford on 020 7408 2350 or louise@mcapr.co.uk
Tower of London Festival of Music
The Tower of London Festival of Music (6 to 16 July 2005) include five nights of the opera Anna Bolena being performed for the first time in the very location where Queen Anne Bolyen, 2nd wife of Henry VIII, was detained and beheaded by her husband in 1536.
There is also six nights of international jazz artists, the chance to picnic in the Tower Moat before the concerts and then to be entertained as the sun sets on the famous palace and fortress. Contact Natasha Woollard at Natasha.Woollard@hrp.org.uk. Eden Rock, St Barths
Eden Rock, (www.edenrockhotel.com) the intimate, stylish and seriously romantic resort on St Barth's, in the French West Indies, is launching a special summer promotion which, in some cases, sees room costs almost halved.Included in the room price is champagne breakfast everyday, a private hire car with which to discover the island plus snorkelling and kayak equipment. The Relais & Chateaux member resort reopened at Christmas after the completion of the first phase of a 10million euro refurbishment. Contact Toby Oliver at Toby@oliverrelations.co.uk
Philadelphia re-launches shopping discount vouchers The Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau (PCVB) is re-launching its Philadelphia shopping discount voucher program after a successful year. With no sales tax on clothing and shoes, Philadelphia is a bargain for shoppers, and a great holiday and city break destination. Contact Jane Wilson at jane@destination-marketing.co.uk
Great Hotels In Budapest, Hungary
Great Hotels of the World has a new member hotel opening in Budapest, Hungary with the opening of the Pólus Palace Thermal Golf Club Hotel. Contact Laura Shelbourne at lshelbourne@bigpragency.com
The Alexander Resort on Miami Beach
The Alexander Resort on Miami Beach has created a healthy and tasty menu based on kids favourite foods such as hamburgers and pastas by using low fat, low calorie ingredients. The menu items include Caesar salad, chicken burger, spaghetti & meatballs, and vanilla & banana smoothie. Log on to www.alexanderhotel.com for recipe and nutritional value. The Alexander Resort is an intimate and exclusive beachfront property located directly on the elegant Millionaire's Row of Miami Beach offering luxury all-suite accommodations, playground, two lagoon-shaped pools, poolside cabanas and Shulas Steak House, one of the top five steak houses in the country. Contact Esther Williamson at esther.williamson@kbc-pr.com.
The Mexican Caribbean.
First Choice Travellers are running a Manchester-to-Cozumel flight the Mexican Caribbean island of Cozumel. The island provides a destination for families seeking a warm, fun-filled, vacation, golfers visiting to play at the Nicklaus-design Cozumel Country Club golf course, honeymoon couples wanting to enjoy the quiet beaches, colorful reefs and romantic hotels on island, and divers choosing Cozumel to experience the world famous reefs, protected as part of the Cozumel Reefs National Marine Park. Contact Kathy Hernandez at kathy_hernandez@ypbr.com
Unusual Hotels Of The World
Unusual Hotels of the World is the online guide for travellers interested in staying somewhere different. Starting out as a discussion between friends in a pub, new featured hotels include a 1950's Airplane, converted Railway Carriage and the new 'Hobbit' Underground Lodge. These join over 120 entries in the Unusual Hotels of the World guide. www.unusualhotelsoftheworld.com Contact Steve Dobson at info@uhotw.com
Life's A Beach In Scotland
With over 70% of people taking a trip to the beach or seaside in Great Britain compared to 61% of those who take a beach holiday abroad, Scotland can offer an excellent seaside experience, a recent NOP survey commissioned by VisitScotland reveals. Contact Gayle Wilson at gayle.wilson@visitscotland.com
Virgins Flying Club Swingers
Virgin Atlantic has launched a new online golf tournament, Flying Club Swingers, which is open to all members of its frequent flyer programme. The tournament allows members to test their golfing skills against other Flying Club members and compete for a place in the final at The Grove Golf Course, Hertfordshire, where a variety of prizes can be won. So far, 1800 Flying Club members have joined the tournament and 236 scores have been verified. Contact Anna Burdsall at anna.burdsall@fly.virgin.com
Flights to the South Pole
Adventure Network International will operate five South Pole flights during the austral summer months of November, December and January - a journey as significant today as it was for those early explorers so many years ago. Debra Taylor at debra@toucanmoon.com
Music on the Isle of Wight Festival
The Isle of Wight boasts a great range of musical events over the next few months, kicking off with the Nokia Isle of Wight Festival from 10 to 12 June, with REM headlining. As well as pop and rock, jazz music is also very popular on the Island and the Mottistone Manor Jazz event from 29 - 30 July is an opportunity to enjoy great jazz music in the gardens of Mottistone Manor. With the spectacular views down to the sea, the evening is the perfect opportunity to have a picnic and listen to jazz under the stars. Contact Sue Emmerson at sue@islandbreaks.co.uk
Kenya
Wildlife and Water is the latest addition to The Imaginative Travellers Imaginative Family programme. This Kenya adventure divides its time between The Great Rift Valleys national park at Lake Nakuru, the Masai Mara and the Indian Ocean coast near Mombasa. Contact Victoria Marley at Victoria@beaconpr.co.uk
Tenerife
This summer will see the soft opening of ABAMA, a new luxury resort on the west coast of Guia de Isora, Tenerife. The resort is surrounded by banana plantations and has stunning Atlantic Ocean views The resort will include a luxury 5 star hotel, a conference centre, a tennis club, a beach facilities, a spa and wellness centre, a golf course and designer restaurants and bars. Contact Nick Moulton at Nick_Mouton@uk.bm.com
Brittany Ferries
Brittany Ferries has introduced a special summer return fare of only £390 for a car and 2 adults for travel from Plymouth to Santander between 1 June and 20 July (any return date qualifies). Contact Jeremy Tracy at jeremy.tracy@brightergroup.com.
Ullswater, Lake District
The M.V Totnes Castle is new passenger vessel which will ply the waters of from the autumn. The new boat joins Ullswater Steamers other vessels, the Raven, Lady of the Lake. Contact Justin Grammer at justin@ullswater-steamers.co.uk.
Las Vegas
Maverick Helicopter Tours who are based in Las Vegas and offer tours to the Grand Canyon. Contact Kirsty Dillury at kirsty@ttmworld.co.uk.
Delicious Mauritius
Mauritius, one of the worlds leading holiday destinations, is now home to Le Gavroche Des Tropiques, the first restaurant to be opened outside Europe by three Michelin-starred chef Michel Roux, Jr. The restaurant is located at the new luxury resort Voile DOr, located at Bel Ombre on the South coast of the island. Contact Ryan Levitt at ryan.levitt@rooster.co.uk
Malawi Safari
Kudu Travel (www.kudutravel.com) is launching a 13-day itinerary to Malawi entitled A Different African Safari starting August. Contact Victoria Marley at Victoria@beaconpr.co.uk
Discover Malta...and all that Jazz
For Jazz fans everywhere, Malta is the place to be this summer when the capital of Valletta comes alive to the sounds of world-renowned jazz musicians performing throughout the three-night festival, from 15-17 July 2005. Contact Jennie Mugridge at jennie.mugridge@cadoganholidays.com
Well being holidays for youngsters
PGL Travel is highlighting Well Being week-long breaks where youngsters (aged 13 16) try lots of different activities associated with health and beauty, from yoga and cardio-circuit sessions to this years must have fashions, make-up and hair care. Contact Victoria Marley at Victoria@beaconpr.co.uk
The Royal Highland Show
The Royal Highland Show (23 to 26 June) is the largest agricultural event in Scotland. Contact Heather Middleton at heather@kdmedia.co.uk Visit www.royalhighlandshow.org
La Joie de Vivre
La Joie de Vivre (www.lajoidevivre.co.uk) is offering four day holidays at the beautiful Villa San Michele, in the hills overlooking Florence, where the hotels famous School of Cookery has introduced a new children's course. The course caters for eight to 14 year olds and the lessons are designed to teach the fundamental points of nutrition, recognition of fresh foods, enjoyment of what is described as 'the circus of sweets' and, most importantly, how to cook real dishes. While the children are slaving away in the kitchen parents are free to visit Florence, tour the area or just relax in the Villa San Michele's beautiful gardens. Contact Toby Oliver at Toby@oliverrelations.co.uk.
St Augustine, Florida
The 7 Inns of Elegance know that the ghosts of St. Augustine are a mysterious, fascinating and compelling phenomenon. During the month of September, they are inviting guests to Ghost Hunters University for a thrilling 2-night adventure with renowned ghost hunter Christopher Moon, owner of Haunted Times Magazine. He and his staff will present the basics of good ghost hunting, including an introduction to ghost hunting theory and the use of technical equipment for real ghost hunting. Contact
Summer In Italys Dolomites
Trentino is a hidden gem of northern Italy, home to the famous Dolomite Mountains and some of the most spectacular scenery on earth and the freshest air in Europe. Contact Clare Corry at clare.corry@flagshipgroup.co.uk
Hummingbirds in Ohio
Visitors to Southeast Ohio's Hocking Hills can now feed hummingbirds by hand at Lake Hope State Park, adding to the already incredible number of unusual sites and adventures the region offers travellers. Contact Amy Weirick at amy@weirickcommunications.com
Morocco and Madeira
A new TV series about the life and times of Winston Churchill is about to hit the small screen. As a keen traveller and painter, two of Churchills favourite retreats were Morocco and Madeira, and Cadogan Holidays is highlighting holidays that follow in his footsteps. Contact Victoria Marley at Victoria@beaconpr.co.uk
Mud and health Korea
The Boryeong Mud Festival is held on Daecheon Beach in Boryeong, Chungcheongnam-do Province, Korea for seven days from 16 to 22 July 2005. Sixteen different kinds of cosmetics including mudpacks have been developed by processing mud from the flats along Daecheon Beach. Contact Michael Michael at london@mail.knto.or.kr.
Bamberg open air summer concerts
The Bamberg open air summer classical music concerts take place on June 24 at the majestic Dome Square beneath the Imperial Dome, the Old Court and the New Residence. Contact Anna-Maria Schühlein at aschuehlein@bamberg.info
Cycling in the Colne Valley
The Colne Valley offers traffic-free country lanes and a good range of well-established cycle routes and footpaths, giving visitors the opportunity to explore the wonderful countryside, tiny hamlets, historic buildings, woodlands, and picturesque villages that inspired the great landscape artist, John Constable. Contact Emma Hulse at emmahulse@copperstream.co.uk.
Self-guided UK walks
Sherpas programme of self-guided UK walks (www.sherpa-walking-holidays.co.uk) explores the varied landscapes of the British Isles and offers itineraries suitable for a range of abilities. For example, head to Dorset for a weeks easy walking and discover the hidden valleys and gently rolling hills that inspired Thomas Hardy in his Wessex novels. Contact Victoria Marley at Victoria@beaconpr.co.uk
Canadian Rockies Lodging Tour
The Canadian Rockies lodging tour provides an awe-inspiring wilderness exploration of the beautiful Canadian Rockies Parks during a 10-day activity-filled lodging tour with adventure specialists Footloose. ContactTim Melching at tim@trekamerica.co.uk
The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong
The stunning new Landmark Mandarin Oriental is destined to be the most luxurious, stylish and contemporary hotel in Asia when it opens in third quarter of 2005, with some of the largest guestrooms in Asia and also one of the premier holistic spas in the region, offering a comprehensive range of Eastern and Western treatments. Contact Cari von Waldburg at cari@annscott.co.uk
The Alsace-Moselle Memorial
The Alsace-Moselle Memorial a poignant reminder of European conflicts that have taken place during the last 140 years opens in Alsace in June - 60 years on from the end of the Second World War. It has been built at Schirmeck, in the Vosges Mountains south west of Strasbourg, on a site remembered for being the location of a Nazi internment camp. The 3,000 sq metre cultural facility will recount through sight and sound, the history of the region from 1870 onwards, a period during which the region has changed nationality five times It looks over a valley to the site of the former internment camp where the European Centre for Transported Wartime Resistance Fighters is to be established. Contact Toby Oliver at Toby@oliverrelations.co.uk.
Astronaut packages in Florida
Short break packages in Florida which include a full-day Astronaut Training Experience at the Kennedy Space Centre are being featured by Bon Voyage. Contact Victoria Marley at Victoria@beaconpr.co.uk
Porthcawl Elvis Festival
The Porthcawl Elvis Festival takes place from Friday 30 September to Sunday 2 October, and will feature Kraig Parker from Dallas, acknowledged as the world's No 1 Elvis tribute artist. Kraig will be backed by The Royals Tribute Band, his regular Las Vegas showband, and some very famous guests. Contact Steve Maitland Thomas at SMaitlandThomas@aol.com
Goa bird festivals
A perfect introduction to Indian birding is to relax and enjoy a Kingfisher beer whilst watching the colourful Greater Painted Snipe in glorious evening sunshine. Contact Debra Taylor at debra@toucanmoon.com.
Double Awards For M&C Restaurant, Singapore
Hua Ting at the Orchard Hotel Singapore has picked up two at the World Gourmet Summit Awards of Excellence. The hotel is part of the Millennium & Copthorne Group and is one of five hotels the company operates in Singapore. Contact David Curtis-Brignell at david.curtis-brignell@mill-cop.com.
Virgin Atlantic launches 'Flying Paws'
Virgin Atlantics furry passengers are now able to earn gifts for themselves and frequent flyer points for their owner after the new Flying Paws reward scheme is launched on 1 May 2005. The scheme not only caters for posh pooches and fussy felines but ferrets also qualify! Contact Anna Burdsall at anna.burdsall@fly.virgin.com
London to Cambridge Bike Ride
This years London-Cambridge bike ride will be on Sunday 24 July 2005. The route follows a 50 mile route from Waltham Abbey through rural Essex to finish at Midsummer Common. This years beneficiary charity is again Breakthrough Breast Cancer. Contact Frankie McGhee at frankiem@cambridge.gov.uk
Escorted tours to Spanish cities
Small group tours specialist Duende Flamenco have launched an extended programme of escorted tours to Spanish cities with everything from Christmas Shopping in Madrid's markets to Flamenco tours and workshops for dancers and guitarists to historic tours of southern Spanish cities visiting Madrid, Cordoba, Granada, Sevilla, Jerez and Cadiz.
All of the tours feature small groups travelling by scheduled carrier, staying in small family hotels and notably, most meals and outings are included in the cost. Eating typical restaurants sampling local cuisine and numerous outings to local nightlife and walking city tours, all included in the cost of the holiday. Contact duendeflamenco@aol.co.uk
175 years of Belgium
The Made in Belgium exhibition, which runs until 31 December, celebrates the 175th anniversary of the country with exhibits ranging from Tintin to Breughel and topics covering music, literature, arts, sports and tastes. Contact Jane Richards at Jrichards@compasspr.com
First diamond museum opens in Cape Town
The Shimansky Collection gives visitors to South Africa the opportunity to experience Cape Towns first and only diamond museum while visiting the Shimansky headquarters. Contact Deirdre Cumberbatch at deirdre@river-communications.com
Summer on the Isle of Wight
For information on summer activities on the Isle of Wight, from REM to the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, contact Jane Adkins at jane@adpr.co.uk.
Mandarin Oriental offers seasonal choices rates
Mandarin Orientals groupwide offer, Seasonal Choices, provides travellers with luxury accommodation and breakfast at exceptional weekday and weekend rates worldwide. Valid until 30 September, 2005 travellers have a choice of 22 award-winning Mandarin Oriental hotels, located in key city and resort destinations, including Mandarin Orientals newest property in Chiang Mai, Thailand and The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, which will open in Hong Kong in the summer. Contact Cari von Waldburg at cari@annscott.co.uk
Marrakech
Luxury hotel group Riads Lotus has added the Perle, Marrakech to its portfolio.The neo-classical, colonial style hotel is situated in the exclusive Dar Bacha district of , Marrakech and is walking distance from the heart of the citys famed Medina. Contact Brett Gregory-Peake at brett@frankearnest.com
Iceland to attract students
Low fare airline Iceland Express has launched a student fare scheme in a bid to attract a younger audience. Despite Icelands growing popularity and Reykjaviks notoriety as a party destination, the country is often shunned by students who perceive it to be to expensive. Contact Brett Gregory-Peake at brett@frankearnest.com
Spring Time In Trentino
Lake Garda, which is surrounded by the Dolomite mountain range in Trentino, northern Italy,is Italys best-loved and largest lake. Clare Corry at clare.corry@flagshipgroup.co.uk.
Small Luxury Hotels launches spa book
Small Luxury Hotels of the World, the hotel brand featuring over 329 independently-owned, luxury hotels in more than 50 countries, has produced their own spa book. Contact Ed Purnell at ed.purnell@slh.com.
Guide to London waterway events
A new guide from British Waterways features a host of water-based information from fish and chip cruises and puppet theatre barges to festivals and guided walks.
The free brochure covers spring and summer events and activities covering the whole of Greater Londons waterway network from Slough in the West to Limehouse in the East and Bishops Stortford to the north of London. These include cruises, guided walks, wildlife watching, shopping trips to Camden Market by boat and canal festivals. Contact Rebecca Richardson at rebecca.richardson@britishwaterways.co.uk
Mykonos
Specialist youth tour operator, Contiki Holidays, has launched a new concept of holidays, tailored for the more discerning 18-35s age range, looking for higher quality, child-free holidays without the bawdy element. Contikis new Mykonos Resort offers 4* quality accommodation in a beachside island setting. Flights from Gatwick, Manchester direct to Mykonos and transfers. Heathrow or flights on low cost carriers are also possible. Contact Mary Stuart-Miller at m.stuart-miller@virgin.net
Shepherd Neame Brewery tours
The Shepherd Neame Brewery in Faversham, Kent (www.shepherdneame.co.uk), is extending its guided tours in 2005 to include a tutored tasting session and a chance to explore its new state-of-the-art keg plant that allows a single operator and forklift truck driver to process 300 kegs an hour. Contact Zoe Springett at zoe.springett@edwardsharvey.com
World Museum Liverpool
World Museum Liverpool formerly Liverpool Museum has reopened with expanded galleries, improved facilities and exhibits on display for the first time. Contact Joanna Rowlands at joanna.rowlands@liverpoolmuseums.org.uk
Gunpowder Plot at Shakespeares Globe
To mark the 400th anniversary of the Gunpowder Plot, Shakespeares Globe (www.shakespearesglobe.org) at Londons Bankside is staging a special exhibition inviting visitors to investigate the plot afresh and decide whether they agree with the traditional view. Was it a Jesuit conspiracy to destroy Protestant England, or was it used by those in power to subjugate the wider Catholic Community? Shakespeares Globe is just one of 14 major institutions across England, which have created Gunpowder 400, a series of exciting events to mark this famous anniversary. Others include the Houses of Parliament, the National Archives, HM Tower of London, the Royal Gunpowder Mills at Waltham Abbey and Alnwick Castle in Northumberland. Contact Gerry Halliday at gerry@shakespearesglobe.com
SeaBritain2005
As part of SeaBritain2005 the Historic Dockyard Chatham will be hosting the two-day Medway Maritime Festival on 28-29 August. Contact:Simon Wakeman on (01634) 332776 Email: simon.wakeman@medway.gov.uk
Spy planes at the Royal International Air Tattoo
Some of the worlds greatest spy planes from the last 50 years will be on show at the Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire on 16-17 July. Canberras, U-2s and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) will be revealing the secrets of aerial surveillance as part of the exhibits of international aircraft on show at this world-famous event. Contact Richard Arquati at press.man1@rafcte.com
New urban eco-safari at London Zoo
London Zoo has launched a new walk-through forest, called Meet the Monkeys in a 1500 sq m enclosure built to house a breeding group of black-capped squirrel monkeys in a habitat designed to simulate a rainforest environment as closely as possible in the centre of London. This new urban eco-safari plunges visitors into the forests of Bolivia, giving them the chance to come face to face with the animals. Contact Polly Wills at polly.wills@zsl.org
5-star, hotel in Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt.
Millennium Hotels & Resorts are to operate a new 5-star, hotel and residence in Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt. Contact David Curtis-Brignell at david.curtis-brignell@mill-cop.com.
Private rail cars in the USA and Canada
Private Rail Cars in the USA and Canada are ideal for those who seek the luxury experience of traveling in a private train. Contact Simon Pielow at simon@trainchartering.com
Coracle Regatta
The Ironbridge Coracle Regatta will take place between noon and 4.30pm on Bank Holiday Monday, August 29th, attracting coracle makers and paddlers from all over Britain to participate in races, madcap team games and fiercely contended competitions, along the picturesque stretch of the River Severn at Dale End Park, Ironbridge. Contact Pat Edgar at PRMatters@dsl.pipex.com.
Kuoni launches dedicated birdwatching brochure
Kuoni has launched a dedicated birdwatching brochure to meet a growing demand for wildlife holidays, featuring a handpicked selection of 17 of the worlds top birdwatching destinations, including the Middle East, Asia, the Indian Ocean, Africa, the Caribbean and Central and Southern America. Contact Sarah Bolam at sarah.bolam@kuoni.co.uk
The Century Golden Resources Hotel, Beijing
The Century Golden Resources Hotel, Beijing is the 100th hotel to join the Great Hotels (http://www.ghorg.com)chain The hotel will also be a member of the organisations flagship luxury brand, Great Hotels of the World (http://www.ghotw.com). Contact Laura Shelbourne at lshelbourne@bigpragency.com.
Presthaven Sand
Haven Holidays' Presthaven Sand holds a Gold David Bellamy Conservation Award as a great place to holiday close to nature. Contact Deborah McCabe at deborah@aboutwords.co.uk
KittiCam launch at Haven Holidays Devon Cliffs
Devon Cliffs, flagship resort of Haven Holidays, has launched a unique web-cam to provide close-up images of a colony of kittiwakes that nest in the cliffs at Sandy Bay. The project is the latest initiative in a series of conservation and wild-life endeavours at the park, which holds a David Bellamy Gold Conservation Award. Contact Deborah McCabe at deborah@aboutwords.co.uk
Why write about...
Fly-fishing holidays in Slovenia
Fly-fishing is an increasingly popular sport, writes Emma Hulse, with men and women of all ages, offering the chance to witness the harmony of nature, the beauty of fish and fly, and to savour the inner peace and well-being promoted by pristine natural surroundings.
Independent tour operator Just Slovenia will help you to hone your skills on a tailor-made specialist break to one of Europes top fly-fishing destinations, offering an environment of wide, crystal-clear rivers, deep lakes and limpid chalk streams, abundantly populated with a fabulous array of grayling, trout and salmon.
The Soca River best-known and arguably the most beautiful of Slovenias waterways - flows along Slovenias border with Italy in a breathtaking landscape of high, rugged mountains and deep valleys. Its azure blue water is home to the Soca grayling, the brown trout, and the precious, indigenous marble trout. The Idrijca River is a tributary of the Soca and also excellent for fly-fishing.
Just Slovenia recommends a stay at Zelinc farmhouse, in an ideal location, directly overlooking the Idrijca River and within a short drive of the Soca.
The farmhouse offers very comfortable accommodation and serves excellent, traditional Slovene meals prepared with house recipes and home-grown ingredients, complemented by good local wines. A summer garden is available for alfresco dining in season.
Contact Emma Hulse at emmahulse@copperstream.co.uk.
Mansions in Newport, RI
The Newport, Rhode Island mansion museums have re-created themselves to appeal to a broad range of visitors writes Anne Marie McLaughlin.
In the late 1800s and early 1900s Americas wealthiest families selected Newport as the summer destination of choice.
In Newport, families with eminent names such as Vanderbilt, Astor, Belmont, and Duke spent leisurely summers in opulent ocean-side mansions, which they fondly referred to as their summer cottages, and enjoyed Newports temperate summer climate and spectacular sweeping views.
Today, many of these summer cottages, actually opulent mansions modeled after Italian and French palaces, are open for tours, existing as museums to an extravagant era of American history.
Of course, a drive along Bellevue Avenue lined with its magnificent mansions on each side is an essential element of every Newport visit.
A step through the door at the living history museum, Astors Beechwood Mansion is a step back in time! Daily tours are lead by actors portraying the wealthy Astor family, set in the year 1891. (www.AstorsBeechwood.com).
For unforgettable Newport style by day or by night, summer visitors can make the new Lunch and Garden Tour of The Elms, the elegant, restored gardens and grounds of The Elms includes the visitor's choice of a catered box lunch and soft drinks, served on the terrace of the Carriage House overlooking the sunken garden.(www.NewportMansions.org).
If stories of life in the late 1800s seem a bit to over-the-top, visitors can take in a reality check at Belcourt Castle, where the owners still live in a wing of the mansion. Visitors may enjoy a more mysterious tour on a Belcourt Castle Ghost Tour or Candlelight Tour. (www.BelcourtCastle.com).
Doris Dukes Rough Point is another must see. One of Miss Dukes favourite homes the three-story mansion sits on ten acres along Newports famous Cliff Walk, standing as a reminder of Dukes devotion to fine art and architecture. (www.NewportResotration.org)
Contact Anne Marie McLaughlin at annemariem@gonewport.com.
The Exit Festival in Serbia & Montenegro
The State of Exit in the Petrovaradin Fortress, Novi Sad, Federal Republic of Serbia & Montenegro (7 to 10 July, 2005) is a gathering of young people from all over Europe who come together to celebrate freedom, change, peace, and positivity writes Nikki Wright.
Its an opportunity to exchange energy and ideas, to build relationships, and above all else, party long and hard to some of the worlds finest contemporary talent.
Headliners include the White Stripes and Ian Brown, Underworld, Fatboy Slim, Dave Clarke and Sasha.
Whether it be the beach parties and lazy summer days camping by the Danube river, or enormous soundsystems and hot air ballooning by night, the beautiful Adriatic weather, or even the diverse artistic and historic local culture, EXIT offers the chance to do things your way, in your own time, relax, and enjoy the company of thousands of like minded people. Exit takes place in the historic Petrovaradin Fortress, built high on the banks of the River Danube, offering stunning views over the city of Novi Sad.
It is an ancient fortress site originally occupied by the Romans, and re-built by the Austro Hungarian Empire to defend against the Turks in the 17th Century.
The Fortress site houses 18 performance arenas including the Main Stage and Dance Stage. Theres also an extreme sports arena, a technology zone, an NGO zone, an open air Cinema.
Exit has always attracted the finest international talent and 2005 will be no exception, its just getting bigger and better.
Around 600 performances will take place within the mutli venue castle complex, an area that covers about three square kilometres an eclectic selection headlined by some of the biggest live bands and dance acts from genres such as hip-hop, house, drum and bass, African, reggae and Latin.
Contact Nikki Wright at nikki@imd-info.com.
Slovenia
It's 100 years since the start of organised tourism in Slovenia, writes Mary Stuart-Miller, and the modern day Slovenian Tourist Board is 10 years old in 2005, while a number of other famous landmarks are celebrating birthdays in 2005
Ljubljana's landmark hotel, the Grand Hotel Union, an elegant Art Nouveau building, is 100 years old in 2005 having been built in 1905 ....
It's 100 years since the statue to Slovenia's most important poet, France Preeren was unveiled and still stand in the heart of Preeren Square in Ljubljana ...
100 years ago Ljubljana Castle was purchased by the Municipality of Ljubljana for cultural purposes
and 135 years ago the first bottle of Radenci's famous mineral water was filled while 120 years old the Radenci Health Resort opened its doors to guests....
100 years ago - Bled was named `healthiest spot in Europe' and...
150 years ago, in 1855, the Swiss alternative health practitioner Arnold Rikli set up his health resort in Bled, celebrating light, air and water...
And 150 years ago the Lako Thermal Spa opened its doors to guests....
It's 425 years since Lipica, the cradle of the noble white Lipizzaner horse and one of the oldest stud farms in the world, was founded in 1580 and ....
600 years of tradition make the Dobrna Thermal Spa among Slovenia's oldest thermal health resorts
Contact Mary Stuart-Miller at m.stuart-miller@virgin.net
Flight lines
Wizz Air to Poznań from London Luton Low cost airline Wizz Air will start services to Poznań, west central Poland in September. It will be served by four flights a week initially and is the latest destination to be added to the airline's growing roster from London Luton - which already includes Warsaw, Katowice and Gdansk in Poland and the Hungarian Capital Budapest. Contact Ian Briggs at Ian.Briggs@ltn.aero.
Helvetic Airways moves Zurich service to London Luton Helvetic Airways has begun operating its daily services to Zurich from London Luton. The established Swiss carrier has moved its entire UK operation to London Luton, Contact Ian Briggs at Ian.Briggs@ltn.aero.
Flybe starts flights to Jersey from Southend
Low-cost airline, Flybe, has launched its first weekly flight from London Southend to Jersey, the first new scheduled service out of London Southend Airport for more than a decade. Contact Sophie Jackson at pressoffice@flybe.com.
Virgin Atlantic launches 'Flying Paws'
Virgin Atlantics furry passengers are now able to earn gifts for themselves and frequent flyer points for their owner after the new Flying Paws reward scheme is launched on 1 May 2005. The scheme not only caters for posh pooches and fussy felines but ferrets also qualify! Contact Anna Burdsall at anna.burdsall@fly.virgin.com
Virgin from Manchester to Orlando
Virgin Atlantic Airways has announced that all of its flights between Manchester and Orlando will now offer the Upper Class Suite for its Upper Class passengers. The aircraft also has an increased number of Premium Economy seats. The aircraft will operate the Manchester - Orlando route, which has recently increased to a daily service. Contact Anna Burdsall at anna.burdsall@fly.virgin.com
£100 Off BA Flights To Orlando And Tampa
British Airways is reducing the price of seats to Orlando and Tampa by £100 this summer. Flights need to be booked by May 31 2005 for travel from July 1 until September 30 2005. Contact Tiggy Dean at tiggy.l.dean@britishairways.com.
SAS offers business travellers lower prices
Passengers travelling from the UK to Denmark and Norway, as well as onwards to Finland and Eastern Europe, can combine fares across Business, Economy Flex (SAS premium Economy Class) and Economy classes. This new initiative will give business travellers even lower fares. Contact Abby Smith at abby@keenepa.co.uk
Sunsail
Sunsail is flying direct to Antigua using an upgraded Boeing 767. Contact Chris Clode at chris.clodepr@ntlworld.com
SAS Scandinavian
SAS Scandinavian Airlines becomes the first airline in the world to offer live internet access across its entire long haul fleet. Contact Frances Knox at frances@keenepa.co.uk
Zoom to Manchester and Cardiff to Canada
Zoom, the only low-cost scheduled transatlantic airline to fly between Manchester and Canada has launched a year-round service. Zoom fares start at £89 one-way inclusive of tax to East coast cities and £129 one-way to West coast cities, a factor that is proving extremely popular with the travelling public. Zoom has also launched Cardiff to Toronto departed. Contact Lorna Inglis at Lorna@mediahouse.co.uk.
Monarch
Monarch scheduled is offering passengers up to six inches more legroom, as it revamps its fleet this winter. From mid-November a 34" seat pitch will be available on up to 48 seats on the airlines Airbus and Boeing aircraft. The carrier is taking out a complete row of seats from each aircraft to enable more legroom to be offered, in response to a demand from passengers prepared to pay more space. The additional cost for the new seats will be £15 each way. Monarch Scheduled operates flights to Italy, Spain, Gibraltar and Portugal, from Birmingham, Gatwick, Luton and Manchester. (www.flymonarch.com)
Ryanair
Ryanair is to introduce five new routes to Poland and Slovakia. From 30 October, the airline will operate daily flights from its main base at Stansted to Gdansk, Bydgoszcz, Szczecin and Rzeszow in Poland and a twice-daily route to Bratislava, Slovakia (www.ryanair.com)
bmi
Newquay, the scheduled airport for Cornwall, is to become a destination for bmi baby from both Birmingham and Durham Teesside making it the fourth airline to operate into what is also RAF St Morgan. Air South West, successor to Brymon Airways, Skybus, the Isles of Scilly specialist and Ryanair, all have services. (www.bmibaby.com)
easyJet
easyJet has announced it will be adding an extra aircraft to its South West base and introducing three new routes from Bristol International Airport to Inverness, Murcia and Pisa. The additional aircraft will increase the fleet based at Bristol International Airport to eight, operating a choice of 22 destinations, with 66 daily flights. In the last year easyJet has introduced an additional nine new destinations making Bristol the largest UK base outside of London, with over 2.4 million passengers expected to travel in the next 12 months. Contact press.office@easyJet.com
Tips from a travel expert
Packing expert Susan Foster, author of Smart Packing for Today's Traveler (www.smartpacking.com), offers three tips for smart travel.
Make plane reservations as soon as possible to lock in current inexpensive fares. As fuel prices increase, airfares will also.
Select seats when you make the reservation -- this is the only way to ensure that you will be seated together. Waiting until you arrive at the airport will scatter each of your family members throughout the plane, or will require asking other passengers to accommodate you by moving seats when they are trying to get settled themselves.
Print boarding passes before leaving for the airport. If you have booked online, this option is generally available 24 hours in advance of the flight and will save standing in a check-in line at the airport.
Packing light will spare your back and your budget and minimise baggage hassles. Plan ahead, take less
See www.smartpacking.com for more family packing and airport tips.
The next issue
The next issue of the CIoJ Travel Writers bulletin will be out in July 2005. Send your contributions to ashley@williamjack.co.uk.
The CIoJ Travel Writers Bulletin is produced by Ashley Gibbins, WilliamJack Communications
