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The International Travel Writers Alliance : Bulletin 37 : October 2008

Bulletin 38 : mid-October (below)

The Alliance bi-monthly bulletin provides key information in a no-frills format for professionals who travel to write, edit, broadcast or create images. Archive issues : www.itwalliance.com.

The media contacts listed will always be pleased to hear from Alliance members. When requesting ‘press trip’ facilities members should be on assignment, with a commission or able to obtain one.

Editor: Ashley Gibbins: [email protected].

In this issue 1 Alerts

Bullet point information of genuine interest to travel writers, editors, broadcasters and photographers

2 : Opportunities

Group and individual press trip opportunities

Bmi to Tel Aviv, Cairo and Moscow The Point Hotel, Mossel Bat, South Africa Pennsylvania The Italian travel writing awards

3: Leads

Brief information on travel and tourism industry initiatives

4: Reasons to write about …

Information on destinations and travel pursuits from Alliance partners and agencies

Les Soeurs Anglaises in South West France

The Shangri-La Hotel, Chengdu and the Wolong Giant Panda Reserve, China

Austin-Lehman Adventures Swala Camp, Tanzania Slovenia and Croatia Agro tourism in the UK Frégate Island Private, Seychelles’ Shakespeare Country, UK, at Christmas BKWine

5: A place to stay

Opportunities for Alliance members to review new and unusual accommodation

The Novotel Ha Long Bay, Vietnam Royal Garden Villas, Tenerife The Bryant Park Hotel, New York

6: Working with Alliance members

Travel partners and agencies keen to work with Alliance members.

7: Travel products and services

Providers of travel products or services happy to provide Alliance members with review items.

8: Travel guides

Travel publishers that are happy to provide Alliance members with review copies

Registering with the Alliance

To register with the International Travel Writers Alliance visit : www.itwalliance.com, click to enter the site and click on Register as a member/editor/partner or agency. We do no pass on contact details of our members without their direct permission.

Copyright © 2007 ITWA www.internationaltravelwriteralliance.com 1

http://www.itwalliance.com/

mailto:[email protected]


Alerts

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

Ranch Rider stays are steeped in tradition, allowing travellers to sample an authentic western experience.Ranch Rider will be pleased to consider press trip facilities to Alliance members. Visit: www.ranchrider.com. Contact: Siobhan at [email protected].

The Rocco Forte Collection is now the largest luxury hotel operator in Europe with 11 five-star properties.The Rocco Forte hotel group will be pleased to offer accommodation and support to Alliance members. Visit: www.roccofortecollection.com. Contact: Rebecca Holloway at [email protected]

Sea Kayak Adventures explore Baja and Canada's newest marine parks and prolific whale watching destinations by sea kayak with Sea Kayak Adventures. Sea Kayak Adventures will be happy to provide press trip facilities to Alliance members. Visit: www.seakayakadventures.com. Contact: Nancy Mertz at [email protected].

The View Hotel, Monument Valley, Arizona, USA, which opened in September 2008, is situated on the Navajo Tribal Park, on the border of Arizona and Utah. The View Hotel will be delighted to consider offering accommodation to Alliance members. Visit: www.MonumentValleyView.com. Contact: Mike Finney at [email protected].

Bike The Whites is New England’s inn-to-inn biking tour experience, which offers customized route planning for cyclists of all abilities, the scenic beauty of New Hampshire’s White Mountains. Bike the Whites will be delighted to hear from Alliance members. Visit: www.bikethewhites.com. Contact: Marti Mayne at [email protected].

The Peace and Plenty, Bahamas will be delighted to provide accommodation to Alliance members. Visit: www.peaceandplenty.com. Contact: Hazel Heyer at [email protected].

The Grand Hyatt San Antonio, Texas is a 1003-room, 37-storey luxury hotel, which has just opened in the bustling heart of the Alamo City. The Grand Hyatt San Antonio, Texas will be happy to consider providing accommodation to Alliance members. Visit: www.hyatt.com. Contact: Alison Wood at [email protected] or on +44 (0)207 385 7090.

Frontier Travel organise tailor-made holidays to Canada in both the Summer (www.frontier-canada.co.uk) and the Winter (www.frontier-ski.co.uk). The company will consider offering individuals press trips for Alliance members. Contact: Dave Ashmore at [email protected] or on +44 (0) 20 8404 2447.

Rosen Hotels will be delighted to host Alliance members who will be in the Orlando area, at the new 1500-room, 14-story Rosen Shingle Creek. Visit www.rosenshinglecreek.com. Contact Mary Deatrick at [email protected].

Golf & spa breaks with Charming Hotels Madeira will be pleased to consider offering accommodation to Alliance members. Visit: www.charminghotelsmadeira.com. Contact: Cathryn Hicks at [email protected]. Contact: Emily Wilson on +44 (0) 207 385 7090 or at [email protected].



http://www.charminghotelsmadeira.com/


http://www.rosenshinglecreek.com/

http://www.hyatt.com/


http://www.peaceandplenty.com/

http://www.bikethewhites.com/


http://www.MonumentValleyView.com/


http://www.seakayakadventures.com/

http://www.roccofortecollection.com/


http://www.ranchrider.com/

Reis de Mallorca Hotels will be pleased to consider offering accommodation to Alliance members. Visit: www.reisdemallorca.com. Contact: Doug Goodman PR on 0208 614 1448 or at [email protected].



http://www.reisdemallorca.com/

Opportunities


For ongoing opportunities visit : www.internationaltravelwritersalliance.com click opportunities.

Bmi to Tel Aviv, Cairo and Moscow

bmi is interested in providing flights for journalists with travel commissions for business titles along with any destination features to its recently launched long haul destinations such as Tel Aviv, Cairo and Moscow.

bmi is to double the number of services between Heathrow and Moscow Domodedovo from the start of its winter timetable.

The additional daily flight means improved flight times and wider range of convenient connections at both Heathrow and Domodedovo. bmi operates an A320 with a two cabin configuration of 20 Business seats and 108 Economy seats on the route. The bmi business cabin features comfortable leather seats with a market leading 50” seat pitch - 16" more than other carriers on the route.

bmi is the second largest airline at London Heathrow, one of the world’s busiest and best connected airports.

With the integration of BMED routes bmi now operates over 1,800 flights a week across its full mainline and regional airport network: Aberdeen; Addis Ababa; Aleppo; Almaty; Amsterdam; Ankara; Antigua; Baku; Barbados; Beirut; Belfast City; Bishkek; Brussels; Cairo; Chicago; Cologne; Copenhagen; Damascus; Dammam; Dublin; Durham Tees Valley; East Midlands; Edinburgh; Ekaterinburg; Esbjerg; Freetown; Glasgow; Groningen; Hanover; Jeddah; Jersey; Khartoum; Las Vegas; Leeds Bradford; London Heathrow; Lyon; Manchester; Moscow Domodedovo; Naples; Norwich; Palma Mallorca; Riyadh; Tbilisi; Tehran; Tel Aviv; Venice; Yerevan; Zurich. Visit : www.flybmi.com. Contact: Rob Coveney at [email protected] or on +44 (0) 870 420 3236

The Point Hotel, Mossel Bay, South Africa

Situated halfway between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth, in the heart of the Garden Route, lies the seaside town of Mossel Bay.

A bustling holiday resort in summer and an ideal retreat in winter. Mossel Bay is second only to Hawaii for having the mildest all-year climate in the world according to the Guiness Book of Records. The Point Hotel is built right on the rocks above a huge natural rock pool and overlooks the endless blue expanse of the Indian Ocean.

The point Hotel will always be prepared to offer accommodation to Alliance members on assignment or with a commission.Visit : www.pointhotel.co.za. Contact : Louis Harris at [email protected]. Pennsylvania



http://www.pointhotel.co.za/


http://www.flybmi.com/

http://www.internationaltravelwritersalliance.com/

Nearly 60% (17 million acres) of the states’ 28 million acres are forested – so it’s no surprise that Pennsylvania means ‘Penns’ Woods’!

As a result the state provides the chance to experience a bolder, bigger and brighter fall season in the US.

The Pennsylvania Wilds (www.pawilds.com) offers more than two million acres of public land used for recreational enjoyment, including hundreds of miles of backpacking trails, bike paths, trout fishing streams and the largest free roaming elk herd in the east.

Over 500 elk roam the county and September and October, the mating season, is the perfect time to observe or photograph these naturally shy creatures in their majestic splendour. The Pennsylvania Game Commission (www.pgc.state.pa.us) lists a series of safe public viewing sites.

The Wilds are home to natural wonders such as the 1000ft deep Pine Creek Gorge, the Allegheny National Forest, and the dark skies of Cherry Springs State Park, ideal for stargazing.

The Pocono Mountains region is home to rolling mountain terrain, breathtakingly beautiful waterfalls, thriving woodlands and 170 miles of winding rivers, and is an ideal destination to revel in the fall foliage.

Visit : www.fallinpa.com or www.visitpa.com. For press trip requests contact: Kristel Valaydon at AMG PR at [email protected].

The Italian travel writing awards

The Italian State Tourist Board is running its travel writing awards for a second year.

The best travel pieces in each of five categories will be awarded with a prize at a Gala evening on 9 December 2008.

The categories are :

Best newspaper article: daily or weekend issue, (including on-line articles) Best magazine article: travel magazines, consumer magazines (travel section) or trade

publication, (including on-line articles) Best TV and Radio programme Best travel guide to Italy, Italian region/ area or city. Special category: Best overall newspaper or magazine for number and quality of articles on

Italy.

Criteria

All articles must be travel and tourism pieces on Italy in general or on a specific Italian city, region or area and must have been published by a newspaper daily or weekend issue, travel or consumer magazine or travel trade magazine in Great Britain between 15 October 2007 and 31October 2008.

Travel guide books must be new editions on Italy in general, an Italian region or area or a specific city and they must have been published in Great Britain between the same dates. Fill in the attached form and send your article or guide by post to us at : Press Department, ITB Travel Awards, Italian State Tourist Board, 1, Princes Street, London W1B 2AY.

Closing date: 31st October 08.



http://www.visitpa.com/

http://www.fallinpa.com/

http://www.pgc.state.pa.us/

Contact : Alessandra Smith. Tel: 0207 399 3562 or e-mail: [email protected]

Leads


Oman’s Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa

Oman’s Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa is a trio of hotels beside the sparkling bay of Al Jissah, the resort has three pools, a lazy river, sandy beach, an extensive Chi spa, boat excursions and even an amphitheatre. Visit : www.shangri-la.com/en/property/muscat/barraljissahresort. Contact : Ian Bradley at [email protected].

The GrandResort, Cyprus

The newly renovated GrandResort, Cyprus is a five star hotel set in landscaped tropical gardens, on a beach side location in the exclusive Amathus area of Limassol about 11 km from Limassol town center. Visit : www.grandresort.com.cy. Contact : Anne Dugenetay at [email protected].

Lobster season in Sweden

West Sweden’s lobster season starts on 22 September and visitors can join the ‘lobster safari’ offered by Handelsman Flink hotel, on the island of Flaton, an hour from Gothenburg.

For those such inclined there is the chance to catch and cook lobster. Visit : www.handelsmanflink.se and www.westsweden.com. Sarah Belcher at [email protected]

bookahotelonline.co.uk

bookahotelonline.co.uk is a new accommodation-search website offering a wide selection of properties including many independent and major hotel chains, executive apartments, self-catering cottages and villas. Visis www.bookahotelonline.co.uk. Contact Beth Kendall at [email protected].

Central and South America

Cox & Kings has launched its Latin America brochure for 2009, featuring a programme of escorted group tours, private journeys and tailor-made holidays throughout Central and South America, and Antarctica. Visit : www.coxandkings.co.uk. Contact : Laura Smith at [email protected].

Trips to Santa at Finnish Lapland

Santa holiday specialist Esprit Holidays offers holidays of 1 - 5 days duration to Rovaniemi and Saariselka in Finnish Lapland, from Manchester, Bristol, London and Birmingham.The trips include a family snowmobile sleigh ride and private meeting with Santa, a husky dog ride, a reindeer sleigh ride



http://www.coxandkings.co.uk/


http://www.bookahotelonline.co.uk/


http://www.westsweden.com/

http://www.handelsmanflink.se/


http://www.grandresort.com.cy/


http://www.shangri-la.com/en/property/muscat/barraljissahresort

and outdoor thermal wear.Visit : www.santaslapland.com. Contact Mary Stuart-Miller at [email protected]

Don Carlos Leisure Resort & Spa, Marbella

The five star Don Carlos Leisure Resort & Spa, Marbella has opened its new gourmet restaurant – Ombú. The signature restaurant takes it name from the distinctive Ombú tree, known for its extraordinary trunk and wide girth, one of which is located in the Don Carlos stunning tropical gardens. Visit : www.cadoganholidays.com. Contact : Joanne Watkins at [email protected].

Worldwide Dream Villas

Worldwide Dream Villas offers villas in many of the most popular holiday areas of the world - from the hills of Tuscany to the glitz of South Africa to the tranquillity and calm of the British Virgin Islands. All Villas offer a luxury personal concierge service, which can be called on to assist with anything from flights to car-hire to nannies. Visit : www.worldwidedreamvillas.com. Contact : Phoebe Oliver at [email protected].

Bear Mountain Resort, Victoria, British Columbia

Bear Mountain Resort is located in Victoria, British Columbia, on the sunny southern tip of Vancouver Island and has been consistently rated as one of the most liveable cities in the world by Conde Nast Traveller Magazine. Visit : www.bearmountain.ca. Contact : [email protected].

Polo in Plettenburg Bay, South Africa

A new playground for jet setters has emerged in Plettenberg Bay on South Africa’s Garden Route. Meticulously manicured polo fields, the champagne cafes, boutique shopping, beaches, natural forests and fantastic nightlife. Visit www.plettpolo.com. Contact : Nicole Armitage at [email protected].

Triple Creek Ranch, Darby, Montana

The Triple Creek Ranch in Darby, Montana has been voted the top hotel in the Continental USA and Canada in Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards 2008 Visit : www.triplecreekranch.com. Contact : Meryl D. Pearlstein at [email protected].

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

Les Soeurs Anglaises in South West France

Les Soeurs Anglaises offers travellers a taste of an idyllic area of South West France whilst mastering a creative skill. Les Soeurs Anglaises was launched in early 2008 by Katie Elliott Armitage at her maison de maître in Riberac (Dordogne) with a Creative Textile Workshop.

With Quilted Wall Hangings, Textile Collages and Hand Stitched Art amongst the planned programmes over the next 12 months, the courses - all to be led by acclaimed international artists - are designed to appeal to all levels of expertise, not just those with an artistic background. Partners are always welcome, without being required to participate!Home cooking, wine tastings, and visits to local places of interest are all on the itinerary.



http://www.triplecreekranch.com/



http://www.plettpolo.com/


http://www.bearmountain.ca/


http://www.worldwidedreamvillas.com/


http://www.cadoganholidays.com/



http://www.santaslapland.com/

Visit : www.lessoeursanglaises. Contact : Liz Bolton at [email protected].

The Shangri-La Hotel, Chengdu and the Wolong Giant Panda Reserve, China

The Shangri-La Hotel, Chengdu, China has adopted a giant panda from the Wolong Giant Panda Reserve that was damaged in the Wenchuan earthquake in May 2008. The Wolong Giant Panda Reserve, 120 kilometres from Chengdu, was one of the most important habitats for giant pandas in China.

It is currently undergoing a five-year re-building, with the eventual return of its former panda residents.

Shangri-La Hotel, Chengdu adopted a baby giant panda there in 2007. The baby panda was named “Shangri-La” with the nickname “Xiang Xiang.” Shangri-La Hotel, Chengdu will continue its “We Love Panda” campaign with gifts of supplies and toys for the pandas, field trips for children to visit Xiang Xiang, and fundraising activities. Sichuan has been known for its fertile land and rich natural resources since ancient times. The pleasant climate and natural conditions provide an excellent living environment for the giant pandas. Thus, Sichuan is reputed as the panda’s home.

Visit : www.shangri-la.com. Contact : Kate Jones at [email protected].

Austin-Lehman Adventures

Austin-Lehman Adventures, which specialise in active travel experiences, have outlined their Top 10 accommodations picks:

Fox Island, Kenai, Alaska : Guests boat-in to log-hewn cabins sited in a rocky cove on a private three-square-mile island.

Burrowing Owl, Okanagan Wine Region, BC : Dramatic views of mountains and vineyards from the balcony of a charming 10-room guesthouse.

Spring Creek Ranch, Jackson Hole, Wyoming : Year-round luxury resort on a wildlife sanctuary enjoys Conde Nast Traveler’s Gold List designation.

Hotel San Juan de Dios, Chiapas, Mexico: Gardens and private gardens, antiques and chimneys grace guest accommodations of this one-time hacienda in the historic region of San Cristobal de las Casas.

Hotel Monasterio, Cusco, Peru: This one-time16th century monastery is built on the foundations of an Incan palace. Today it is a five-star hotel at 11,024 feet. .Grootbos Garden Lodge, Gansbaai, South Africa: A lush canopy embraces private balconies and suites in the Grootbos Nature Reserve, home to 650 indigenous plants and conserving 1700 hectares of fybos, the Cape’s unique vegetation.

Ant's Nest, Limpopo Province, South Africa: Guests experience classic Africa at this original veranda-laced homestead furnished with local fabrics, timber and stone and offering a swimming pool in manicured gardens.



http://www.shangri-la.com/


http://www.lessoeursanglaises/

Mountain Home Lodge, Leavenworth, WA: A 12-room lodge with cabins offers over-the-top cuisine in a 20-acre meadow overlooking the Washington Cascades.

Chico Hot Springs, Pray, Montana: Rustic cum chic, mineral hot spring pools, spa services and gourmet dining are part of the experience at this National Register of Historic Places inn.

Arenas Del Mar, Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica: Beach and rainforest combine near the Manuel Antonio National Park on the Pacific.

ALA offers 40 luxury, multisport, adult and family active adventure travel itineraries.

Visit : www.austinlehman.com. Contact : Sara Widness at [email protected].

Swala Camp, Tanzania

Swala Camp, one of Sanctuary Retreats’ deluxe properties in Tanzania, is being completely rebuilt and renovated in order to establish it as a sustainable tourism resort.

This will coincide with a full carbon footprint audit of the camp in order to make the camp a carbon neutral environment.

The rebuild project will be completed in June 2009 and will increase the total number of tents at the camp from nine to 12.

Sanctuary Retreats is also supporting local community groups to make charcoal briquettes from agricultural biomass waste or the planting of charcoal trees and by replanting important plant species in protected areas.

Swala Camp is situated in an exclusive pocket of Tarangire National Park, which is famous for some of the largest herds of elephant in Africa, as well as over 500 species of birds.

Sanctuary Retreats owns and manages exclusive boutique lodges and camps in Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana and Zambia, giving clients the ultimate opportunity to experience the spirit of Africa in luxury, privacy and comfort.

The lodges and camps are :

Aardvark Safaris www.aardvarksafaris.com Abercrombie & Kent www.abercrombiekent.co.uk Africa Travel Centre www.africatravel.co.uk Africa Travel Resource www.africatravelresource.com Audley Travel www.audleytravel.com Bailey Robinson www.baileyrobinson.com Expert Africa www.expertafrica.com Inspirational Travel www.inspirational-travel.com Kuoni www.kuoni.co.uk Magic Globe www.magicglobe.com Rainbow Tours www.rainbowtours.co.uk Steppes Travel www.steppestravel.co.uk Travel 2 www.travel2.com

Visit: www.sanctuaryretreats.com. Contact : Susie Tempest at [email protected].

Slovenia and Croatia



http://www.sanctuaryretreats.com/

http://www.travel2.com/

http://www.steppestravel.co.uk/

http://www.rainbowtours.co.uk/

http://www.magicglobe.com/

http://www.kuoni.co.uk/

http://www.inspirational-travel.com/

http://www.expertafrica.com/

http://www.baileyrobinson.com/

http://www.audleytravel.com/

http://www.africatravelresource.com/

http://www.africatravel.co.uk/

http://www.abercrombiekent.co.uk/

http://www.aardvarksafaris.com/


http://www.austinlehman.com/

A new five-night self-drive itinerary from specialist tour operator, Just Slovenia, combines two nights in Slovenia’s cosmopolitan capital, Ljubljana, with a trip to the mediaeval hill town of Motovun in the Istrian region of Croatia - and home to the highly esteemed white truffle, during the autumn/winter harvest.

During the whole of October, ‘Days of Truffles’ are held throughout the Mirna Valley, with tastings, truffle searches, fairs selling local produce and exhibitions of the largest and most beautiful truffles. Visit : www.justslovenia.co.uk. Contact : Karen Outred at [email protected].

Agro tourism in the UK

Interest in UK farmstay holidays is growing according to online ethical holiday company, responsibletravel.com.

The 106% increase in enquiries for the company’s UK farmstay accommodation collection - many of which are certified as organic - reflects a growing trend as more and more UK farmers are turning to travel and tourism – ‘agro tourism’ – as a means of subsidizing incomes.

Peak District self catering cottages

This traditional farmhouse on an organic dairy farm in the beautiful Peak District National Park offers the chance to wake up to stunning views and the scent of fresh organic bread. The breakfast is lovingly prepared by your welcoming hosts, with homemade organic yoghurt and special local porridge, alongside food sourced from local and organic suppliers.

Herefordshire farmstay accommodation

This award-winning self-catering and bed and breakfast accommodation is based on a working farm in Herefordshire. The welcome tea tray typically comes with home-made baking and fruit from the orchards, a range of teas and suggestions of local places to eat out. Depending on farm commitments, Jon, the owner, enjoys taking guests around the orchards, talking about the ancient names of the fields, the crops that are grown and his life as a third generation farmer.

Lake District organic bed & breakfast

This grade 2 listed property and farm in Cartmel has been certified by The Soil Association and operates an organic fruit and veg box scheme throughout Cumbria and North Lancashire. Owners Paul and Julia actively encourage visitors to get involved in farm life during their stay.

North Cornwall luxury accommodation

Situated near Bude this is the UK's first certified organic B&B in a beautifully restored Victorian house and converted coach house. Sample delicious home cooked food in the restaurant prepared with fresh organic produce from the gardens. Enjoy the chic and elegant ensuite bedrooms with roll top baths, crisp white linen and antique beds.

Organic farmstay accommodation in Somerset

This is a fascinating 15th century farmhouse offering comfortable B&B rooms, well equipped self-catering accommodation, and a very peaceful camping and tipi field. Activities on the farm and nearby can include walking, cycling, fishing, falconry (1:1 private tuition can be arranged), Wwoofing (Willing Workers on Organic Farms), and a Farm School.



http://www.justslovenia.co.uk/

responsibletravel.com sells over 3,000 holidays from over 270 specialist operators and 550 accommodations. All the holidays meet specific responsible tourism guidelines and aim to create better places for people to live and to visit.

Visit : www.responsibletravel.com/farmstays. Contact Krissy Roe at [email protected].

Frégate Island Private, Seychelles’

Frégate Island Private, a three-km square island offering 16 luxuriously appointed villas, in the Seychelles’ has launched its fleet of 14 new solar powered guest buggies as part of an ongoing drive towards achieving carbon-negative status.

Seven beaches can be experienced in total seclusion with the number of guests on the island never exceeding forty. .

Frégate Island, which is one of the most important sanctuaries for rare endemic and indigenous animals, has also reforested well over 80,000 local trees over the past decade as part of its programme to restore natural habitats, and, with two trees planted for every new arrival, the island boasts a guest:tree ratio of 1:17,600.

Visit : www.fregate.com. Contact : Jodie Fenn at [email protected].

Shakespeare Country, UK, at Christmas

Shakespeare Country, which embraces Warwick and Kenilworth, Royal Leamington Spa, Shakespeare’s Stratford-upon-Avon and the Cotswolds is promoting itself as this Christmas.

During the Christmas period the Royal Shakespeare Company will be presenting Romeo and Juliet and a new production inspired by Mozart’s opera Don Giovanni runs in repertoire at The Courtyard Theatre.

Warwick Castle has a range of Christmas entertainments as will Kenilworth Castle, one of the largest and most spectacular castle ruins in England.

Visit : www.shakespeare-country.co.uk. Contact : Tanya Aspinwall at [email protected].

BKWine

Specialist tour organiser BKWine has launched the spring program 2009 with two new wine and food tours. The destinations include Périgord (with truffles, duck and wine), and the wins and food of the Alentejo in Portugal.

BKWine is a tour organiser that focuses solely on wine and gastronomic travel. Over the years the company has organised more than two hundred wine tours to France, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Hungary, Germany and Austria. BKWine also arranges custom designed tours.

Visit : www.bkwine.com. Contact: Britt Karlsson at [email protected].



http://www.bkwine.com/


http://www.shakespeare-country.co.uk/


http://www.fregate.com/


http://www.responsibletravel.com/farmstays

A place to stay


The Novotel Ha Long Bay, Vietnam

The Novotel Ha Long Bay, Vietnam opens on 1 October 2008.

Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO listed World Heritage area, is 165 km from Hanoi in the Gulf of Tonkin and is one of the world’s most spectacular destinations. The area offers a series of more than 3,000 islands with many beaches and grottos. There are hundreds of caves set into the limestone rocks. The rocks rise straight out of the ocean, sometimes rising over 500 metres in the sky.

The Novotel Ha Long Bay, is located on the beachfront and is is within easy walking distance of local markets, the beach, and the pier where tourists board sightseeing cruises.

Novotel Ha Long Bay is the third addition to the Novotel network in Vietnam joining the Novotel Dalat and Novotel Ocean Dunes and Golf Resort and the ninth hotel currently managed by the Accor group in the country. Four other Novotels in Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, Hoi An and Hanoi are under development and expected to open by 2011.

Visit : http://www.accorhotels.com. Contact : Lisa Tyrrell at [email protected].

Royal Garden Villas, Tenerife

Royal Garden Villas, an innovative and exclusive five-star resort on Tenerife’s south-east coast, is fit for a princess or for those seeking a romantic escape, wedding proposal or honeymoon.

Tenerife is the largest of the seven Canary Islands in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Africa.Made up of 28 luxury villas set back on a cliff overlooking the Costa Adeje Golf Course, has views over the Atlantic Ocean and the nearby island of La Gomera.

Visit : www.royalgardenvillas.com. Contact Beth Kendall at [email protected].

The Bryant Park Hotel, New York The Bryant Park Hotel in Central Manhattan, and a short walk away from 5th Avenue, theatres, Broadway and Times Square.

Rising 25 stories above Manhattan, and overlooking the lovely Bryant Park, the hotel has 129 guest rooms, including 17 suites and ten park-view terraces with 360-degree panoramic views.

It is housed in the American Radiator building, the black-and-gold 1920´s Gothic landmark which inspired Georgia O’Keefe’s famous 1927 painting, Radiator Building – Night, New York.

The hotel’s new 'Romance Package' includes a romantic room set up upon arrival, full American breakfast at Mimosa's, complimentary champagne upon arrival, complimentary late check out, complimentary on demand movie package and Molton Brown Bath products.

Visit : www.bryantparkhotel.com. Contact : Debbie Schogger at [email protected].

The Peninsula House, Dominican Republic



http://www.bryantparkhotel.com/


http://www.royalgardenvillas.com/


http://www.accorhotels.com/

The Peninsula House, which opened its doors in late February 2008, is the Dominican Republic’s first Small Luxury Hotel.

The Dominican Republic is a Caribbean nation located west of Puerto Rico and east of Cuba and Jamaica Its western third is the nation of Haiti, making it one of two Caribbean islands that are occupied by two countries.

The architecture of The Peninsula House evokes the traditional 18th century Caribbean plantation house as researched by owner Thomas Stamm of South Africa. He then brought on board renowned French architect Serge Robin who has been named as one of Architectural Digest’s Top 100 Designers and Architects.

The result is an 18,000-square-foot estate sited on a 15-acre bluff overlooking the Atlantic and the 12-mile Coson beach of the Samana Peninsula.

Visit http://www.thepeninsulahouse.com. Contact : Rebecca Widness at [email protected].

The Black Swan Hotel, Yorkshire, UKVisitors to North Yorkshire can now explore the region with a car hire package from Helmsley’s Black Swan Hotel.

Working in partnership with Reflections Classic Car Hire the hotel is now offering its overnight guests the chance to hire an elegant classic car, in which to take in the sights and sounds of the Yorkshire landscape. The cars on offer range from the very rare MGA two-seater sports car and a Morgan Sports four-seater convertible.

The Black Swan will be delighted to provide accommodation and car package to Alliance members.

Visit : www.blackswan-helmsley.co.uk. Contact Bernice Saltzer at [email protected].

Working with Alliance members

The following travel partners and agencies have registered with the Alliance and are keen to work with Alliance travel writers, editors, broadcasters and photographers.

Details of other Alliance partners and agencies can be found at www.itwalliance.com.

Partners

Anguilla Hotel and Tourism Association

A hotel and Tourism association representing over 160 hotels and tourism businesses in the Caribbean island of Anguilla. Visit : www.ahta.ai. Contact : Trudy Nixon at [email protected].

East of England Tourism

Covering the counties of Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Norfolk and Suffolk - East of England Tourism is responsible for promoting sustainable tourism in partnership with the East



http://www.ahta.ai/



http://www.blackswan-helmsley.co.uk/


http://www.thepeninsulahouse.com/

of England Development Agency, local authorities and the tourism industry. Visit : www.visiteastofengland.com. Contact : Janice Kent at [email protected].

Eight Hotels

Eight Hotels Australia was formed in 2002 with the single vision to create Australia's best privately owned boutique hotel collection. Visit : www.eighthotels.com. Contact : Konstanze Werhahn at [email protected].

Canadian Tourism Commission

The CTC is a national marketing organization. Our vision is compelling the world to explore Canada. With our partners in the tourism industry and all levels of government it markets Canada in nine countries around the world. Visit : www.canada.travel. Contact : Nim Singh at [email protected].

Cruise West

Cruise West specializes in exploration small-ship cruises to explore remote and distinctive destinations in Alaska, West Coast, Central America, Mexico, South Pacific and Asia. Small ship cruising allows for up close and personal cruising not offered by the traditional larger cruise lines. Visit : www.cruisewest.com. Contact : Jerrol Golden at [email protected].

Seatours

Seatours offers variety of sea excursions in Iceland. Whale watching, Ferry, Sea Angling, Bird watching, 4- day cruise and more. Visit : www.seatours.is. Contact : Kristrun Konradsdottir at [email protected].

Erna Low

Erna Low are the original specialists in self drive ski holidays and can offer everything from accommodation only, through a full ski holiday package with a wide range of travel options and first class service. Visit : www.ernalow.co.uk. Contact : Jane Bolton at [email protected]

Agencies

Astute

Astute UK is an innovative, Ipswich based Communications, PR and Sponsorship Agency; specialising in intelligent brand-building and profile raising, to suit any budget. Both national and international clients handled.

Visit : www.astuteuk.com. Contact : Clare-Louise Pugh at [email protected].

AZ Communications group

AZ Communications Group delivers professional public relations and tourism marketing solutions for businesses and communities throughout Arizona. Producing results and exceeding client expectations are our hallmark and standard of service. Professional services include media relations, web design, e-communication, video production, extensive restaurant and hotel experience, domestic and international market representation.



http://www.astuteuk.com/


http://www.ernalow.co.uk/


http://www.seatours.is/


http://www.cruisewest.com/


http://www.canada.travel/


http://www.eighthotels.com/


http://www.visiteastofengland.com/

Visit : www.azcomgroup.com. Contact : Mike Finney at [email protected].

CSB Communications Ltd

Established by Carolyn Brown in November 2004, CSB Communications provides personal and professional service and solutions to the travel trade. With 24 years experience in the travel industry, CSB Communications objective is to work with their established and potential clients to achieve maximum results for their product or destination.

Carolyn Brown at [email protected].

Four Communications Group plc

Four Communications provides public relations for travel and other industry clients from offices in London, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Bahrain and Liverpool.

Four’s clients include some of the UK's and the world's most famous brands Including :

Bmi : Four handles the corporate, business and consumer PR for the most punctual British airline which has recently launched new flights to Cairo and Tel Aviv amongst other destinations Visit : www.flybmi.com Contact : [email protected]

Etihad : Etihad Airways is the national airline of the United Arab Emirates based in the UAE’s capital, Abu Dhabi. Currently Etihad offers flights to 45 destinations in the Middle East, Europe, North America, Africa and Asia. Visit : www.etihadairways.com. Contact : [email protected]

Hand Picked Hotels : Hand Picked Hotels is a collection of 17 luxuriously renovated country house hotels across the UK including Sussex, Surrey, Hampshire, Scotland and Jersey. Visit : www.handpicked.co.uk. Contact : [email protected]

Four Seasons Private Residences, Seychelles : Four looks after the property and lifestyle PR for Four Seasons Private Residences, Seychelles. Contact : [email protected]

Club Med : Club Med offers 64 resorts on five continents including destinations such as Phuket, Malaysia, USA, Sicily, Morocco and Egypt. Club Med has recently launched the Luxury Collection which brings together 14 resorts in destinations including Maldives and Mauritius. Visit : www.clubmed.com. Contact : [email protected]

Scandinavian Airlines : the national flag carrier of Scandinavia. Visit : www.flysas.co.uk. Contact : [email protected]

Nakheel : Dubai based property developer and creators of The Palm and The World amongst others. Visit : www.nakheel.com. Contact : [email protected]

The Celtic Manor Resort : Host of the 2010 Ryder Cup and a leading spa, fitness and holiday resort in Wales. Visit : www.celtic-manor.com. Contact : [email protected]

IFA Hotels and Resorts : Developer of luxury integrated hotel and resort investment projects around the world. Visit : www.ifahotelsresorts.com. Contact : [email protected]

Barclaycard Business Travel Survey. Four promotes the annual Barclaycard Business Travel. Visit : Surveyhttp://www.barclaycardbusiness.co.uk/information_zone/travel/index.html. Contact : [email protected]



http://www.barclaycardbusiness.co.uk/information_zone/travel/index.html


http://www.ifahotelsresorts.com/


http://www.celtic-manor.com/


http://www.nakheel.com/


http://www.flysas.co.uk/


http://www.clubmed.com/



http://www.handpicked.co.uk/


http://www.etihadairways.com/


http://www.flybmi.com/



http://www.azcomgroup.com/

La Dolce Vita. : an Italian lifestyle festival held annually in London. Visit : http://www.ladolcevitaevent.co.uk/. Contact : [email protected]

P&O Cruises Ventura : A luxury superliner designed to provide inspirational holidays for all ages. Visit : www.pocruises.com/ventura. Contact : [email protected]

Carnival : Visit : www.carnivalcruise.co.uk. Contact : [email protected]

Visit : www.fourcommunications.com. Contact : Lois Kettlewell at [email protected].

HypeHouse

HypeHouse is a San Francisco-based agency with a variety of clients across several industries including hospitality, fine dining and wine.

Visit : www.hypehouse.com. Contact : Emily Polsby at [email protected].

Milestones Marketing

Milestones is a specialist travel marketing agency promoting luxury safari lodges, camps and ground handlers to the international travel industry By combining our passion for Africa and a clear understanding of international travel markets we help safari companies to develop and manage imaginative, strategic and profitable marketing plans.

Clients include: Classic Safari Camps of Namibia; Ker & Downey, Botswana; Jaci's Lodges, South Africa; Ant Collection, South Africa; Chongwe River Camp, Zambia; Offbeat Safaris, Kenya; Campi ya Kanzi, Kenya; Manda Wilderness, Mozambique and Ibo Island Lodge

Visit : www.milestones-marketing.com. Contact : Mercedes Bailey at [email protected].

Travel products and services

The following providers of travel products and services will be happy to provide these for review to Alliance members on assignment, with commission or who are able to secure one and in return for a credit or review.

Magellan's

Magellan's, one of the worlds most trusted source of travel supplies, provides a superior selection of travel products to make travel more comfortable, safe, and rewarding.

The Magellan’s product range offers hundreds of useful and appreciated products and provides travelers with :

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

Magellan’s will be pleased to offer its products for review purposes to Alliance members on assignment, with a commission or who are able to obtain one.




http://www.milestones-marketing.com/


http://www.hypehouse.com/


http://www.fourcommunications.com/


http://www.carnivalcruise.co.uk/


http://www.pocruises.com/ventura


http://www.ladolcevitaevent.co.uk/

Visit : www.magellans.co.uk. Contact : Lynn Staneff at [email protected].



http://www.magellans.co.uk/

The International Travel Writers Alliance : Bulletin 38 : mid-October 2008The Alliance bi-monthly bulletin provides key information in a no-frills format for professionals who travel to write, edit, broadcast or create images. Archive issues : www.itwalliance.com.

The media contacts listed will always be pleased to hear from Alliance members. When requesting ‘press trip’ facilities members should be on assignment, with a commission or able to obtain one.

Editor: Ashley Gibbins: [email protected].

In this issue 1 Alerts

Bullet point information of genuine interest to travel writers, editors, broadcasters and photographers

2 : Opportunities

Group and individual press trip opportunities

The Island of Barra, Remote Scotland Ban Pako eco-lodge, Laos The Royal Yacht, St. Helier The Mantis Collection in South Africa Tybee Island, Georgia, USA Press trip : Rockland, Maine, USA :

January 24-25, 2009 The Wine & Food Lover’s Guide to

Portugal Berlitz Earworms The Riviera Maya Jazz Festival

3: Leads

Brief information on travel industry initiatives

4: Reasons to write about …

Information on destinations and travel pursuits from Alliance partners and agencies

White lions on the Sanbona Wildlife Reserve, South Africa

Election celebrations in Washington DC Usabamaba, Peru

5: A place to stay

Opportunities for Alliance members to review new and unusual accommodation

Anahita The Resort, Mauritus Mardan Palace, Turkey Le Méridien Al Aqah, Fujairah, United

Arab Emirates Palacio Duhau-Park Hyatt, Buenos Aires Amari Orchid Resort & Tower, Pattaya,

Thailand

6: Working with Alliance members

Travel partners and agencies keen to work with Alliance members.

7: Travel products and services

Providers of travel products or services happy to provide Alliance members with review items.

8: Travel guides

Travel publishers that are happy to provide Alliance members with review copies

Alerts





Golf & spa breaks with Charming Hotels Madeira will be pleased to consider offering accommodation to Alliance members. Visit: www.charminghotelsmadeira.com. Contact: Cathryn Hicks at [email protected].

Reis de Mallorca Hotels will be pleased to consider offering accommodation to Alliance members. Visit: www.reisdemallorca.com. Contact: Doug Goodman PR on 0208 614 1448 or at [email protected].

The Croation island of Kolocep will be delighted to hear from Alliance members. Visit: www.smallfamilies.co.uk or www.singleparent.travel. Contact: Amy Woodyatt at [email protected].

The Park Hyatt Istanbul-Maçka Palas, Turkey will be delighted to consider offering accommodation to Alliance members. Visit: www.hyatt.com. Kathryn Peel on +44 (0) 207 385 7090 or at [email protected].

Helpful Holidays, UK will be delighted to consider offering accommodation to Alliance members. Visit: www.helpfulholidays.com. Contact: Pat Edgar at [email protected].

Raemoir House, Scotland will be delighted to consider offering accommodation to Alliance members. Visit: www.raemoir.com. Contact: Su Hesketh at [email protected] or on +44 (0) 131 311 7050.

Jet2.com and Jet2holidays.com will be happy to consider offering flights and holiday opportunities. Contact: Adrian Johnson at [email protected] or on +44 (0) 113 243 1117.

Wilderness Journeys will be delighted to consider offering press trip facilities to Alliance members. Visit : www.wildernessjourneys.com. Contact: Stevie Christie at [email protected] or on +44 (0)131 625 6635.

MSC Cruises will be delighted to consider offering cruise trip facilities to Alliance members. Visit: www.msccruises.com. Contact: Maricel Foronda at [email protected].

Divi Resorts, the Caribbean will be happy to consider accommodation to Alliance members. Visit: www.diviresorts.com. Contact: Jacqueline Burton on 212.330.0702 or at [email protected].

Opportunities





http://www.diviresorts.com/



http://www.wildernessjourneys.com/



http://www.helpfulholidays.com/



http://www.singleparent.travel/

http://www.smallfamilies.co.uk/


http://www.reisdemallorca.com/


http://www.charminghotelsmadeira.com/

For ongoing opportunities visit : www.internationaltravelwritersalliance.com click opportunities.

The Isle of Barra, Scotland

Part of the Outer Hebrides, the Isle of Barra is often referred to as the ‘Jewel of the Hebrides’ thanks to the stunning landscape and breathtaking views.

The remote island has a number of historical and literary links, and is home to Kisimul Castle –one of the most spectacular medieval structures in the Outer Hebrides.

Situated in the main village of Castlebay, the 19th century Castlebay Hotel offers outstanding cuisine, comfortable accommodation and a real sense of escapism.

Visit : www.castlebay-hotel.co.uk.

Alliance members writing articles on the Scottish Hebrides and wishing to review the Castlebay Hotel and the Isle of Barra should contact :Jennifer McConachie at +44 (0) 131 311 7050 or at [email protected].

Ban Pako eco-lodge, Laos

Ban Pako eco-lodge is situated on the riverbank of Nam Ngum River, about 50 km from Vientiane, the capital of Laos.

Laos is a landlocked country in southeast Asia, bordered by Burma and China to the northwest, Vietnam to the east, Cambodia to the south, and Thailand to the west.

Laos traces its history to the Kingdom of Lan Xang or Land of a Million Elephants, which existed from the fourteenth to the eighteenth century.

Completely surrounded by jungle, the eco-lodge has room for 30 guests in bungalows by the river and double rooms with jungle view.

The eco-concept permeates the hotel in every way with local staff, the use of solar cells as the only energy source, and locally produced food.

The Ban Pako eco-lodge also supports a village called Ban Thaxai, helping them with school materials, English studies and helping to change the cash income from coal producing to ecological farming.

Alliance members visiting the lodge will receive complementary accommodation, food, trekking and transport along with a friend.

Visit : www.banpako.com. Contact : Frida Guldberg at [email protected].

The Royal Yacht, St. Helier

The Royal Yacht together with its four restaurants, three bars and beautiful Spa is situated on the waterfront of St. Helier, the trendy, cosmopolitan heart of Jersey, within easy reach of the bustling shops and golden beaches topped off with spectacular views.



http://www.banpako.com/


http://www.castlebay-hotel.co.uk/

http://www.internationaltravelwritersalliance.com/

Saint Helier is the largest town in Jersey, the largest of the Channel Islands in the English Channel.

Modern and elegant the Royal Yacht is a place to be seen, pampered and, most importantly, let your hair down.

The Royal Yacht has only recently reopened having reinvented itself with a £35million extension and refurbishment. The Royal Yacht will be delighted to consider offering accommodation to Alliance members.

Visit : www.theroyalyacht.com. Contact Emma Snow at [email protected].

The Mantis Collection in South Africa

Alliance members are invited to request accommodation at the Mantis collection of South African properties.

The Mantis Collection features a number of stunning properties around South Africa, from the Big Five safari experience at Shamwari Game Reserve near Port Elizabeth; the Sanbona Wildlife Reserve with its rare white lions and hotels around Cape Town. Sanbona Wildlife Reserve : Three hours scenic drive from Cape Town. More than 54,000 hectares of undulating mountains and plains, indigenous flora and fauna, rock formations, rock art and rare white lions. Sanbona is adding two new luxurious lodges, due to open in December 08 and February 09.

Shamwari Townhouse, Port Elizabeth : opened in September, the elegant and contemporary Shamwari Townhouse is a five star boutique accommodation in Port Elizabeth.

Oceana Beach & Wildlife Reserve, Port Alfred : in close proximity to Port Alfred, halfway between Port Elizabeth and East London, right on the beach it is a breathtaking private destination situated on 1000 hectares of prime private uninhabited beachfront property. It offers 10 suites with 180 degrees of panoramic bush and ocean views.

Nkomazi Game Reserve, Mpumalanga : opening in December. A malaria free destination, Nkomazi Game Reserve is situated on the Komati River surrounded by towering ancient mountains, broad river valleys and impressive grasslands. Offering luxury tented accommodation situated near to the Kruger National Park, Pilgrims Rest and the Blyde River Canyon. Each of the 12 tents enjoys a private setting with en-suite bathrooms, private viewing decks and plunge pools.

Princess Emma : a new, super luxurious 25 metre motor yacht, which is moored at the V&A Waterfront and available for private charter around the Cape Peninsula and the South African coastline.

The Long Beach, Kommetjie : 30 minute drive from Cape Town and on a white beach with views of Cape Town. All rooms have been renovated this summer.

The Franschhoek : in the stunning Cape winelands and located in the village of the same name. Visit : www.mantiscollection.com and www.thelastword.co.za. Contact : Joanna Cadbury at [email protected] Island, Georgia, USA

Savannah Beach Inn, is pleased to welcome Alliance members to a special retreat on gorgeous Tybee Island, Georgia, located 20 minutes from historic Savannah.



http://www.thelastword.co.za/

http://www.mantiscollection.com/


http://www.theroyalyacht.com/

The Inn is located on the bluff just steps away from the Atlantic. Sweeping ocean views, gentle sea breezes, the historic Tybee Lighthouse, and ships cruising majestically through the channel all make for an enchanting background. Strolling on the beach promises dolphins, starfish, sand dollars and the occasional mermaid sighting!

Facilities include evening wine and cheese reception, homemade cookies with milk at bedtime, champagne for your suite, unlimited access to bottled water, soft drinks, coffee and a selection of teas. Our famous gourmet breakfasts include: French Toast Bananas Foster, Mariner's Omelet, Crab Cake Eggs Benedict or delicious Strawberry Pancakes.

Special arrangements will be made for travel writers including :

Sunset Dolphin Cruise with Picnic Basket of Treats and Champagne Tickets for 2 to Historic Tybee Island Lighthouse and Museum Exclusive Tour around the Island in a 1960 Convertible Cadillac Dinner for 2 at one of Tybee's Four Star Restaurants Gourmet Breakfast for 2 on the Inn's Glorious Wrap-Around Porch

Visit : www.savannahbeachinn.com. Contact : [email protected].

Press trip : Rockland, Maine, USA : January 24-25, 2009

Food, travel and lifestyle media are invited to visit Rockland, Maine, aka. Pie Town USA, as the Historic Inns of Rockland stage the 5th Annual Pies on Parade Inn to Inn Pie Tour.

You and a guest will be treated to premier accommodations at the Berry Manor Inn, LimeRock Inn or Captain Lindsey House along with the chance to visit Rockland's Farnsworth Art Museum & Andrew Wyeth Gallery, the Maine Lighthouse Museum, and experience Rockland's fabulous restaurants and galleries.

Each year, the proceeds from this event are given to the local food pantry. Proceeds are used to feed as many as one hundred hungry families for a year.

What’s included : Two nights accommodations for you and a guest, breakfast each morning, dinner at Rockland's restaurants, complimentary admission to area museums, and two tickets to the Inn to Inn Pie Tour.

What’s not included : Transportation to Rockland

Visit http://www.historicinnsofrockland.com/press_releases.html#2006pies. Contact Marti Mayne at [email protected].

The Wine & Food Lover’s Guide to Portugal

The Wine & Food Lover’s Guide to Portugal, by Charles Metcalfe and Kathryn McWhirter, has won the Louis Roederer International Wine Book of the Year 2008. It is a guide to Portugal’s foods and cooking and the brilliant but as yet little-known wines.

Visit : www.innhousepublishing.com. For review copies contact Kathryn McWhirter at [email protected].

Berlitz Earworms




http://www.historicinnsofrockland.com/press_releases.html#2006pies


http://www.savannahbeachinn.com/

Developed by language teaching experts at Earworms MBT, Berlitz Earworms is based on the science behind catchy songs that stick in the head: the music acts as a catalyst for the memorising of foreign words.

Listening to melodious music is thought to put users into a relaxed state of alertness, the ideal condition for learning.

The audio pack comes with a booklet that contains all the words and phrases spoken on the CD, plus the sounds of the word.

There are 10 languages to choose from including Arabic, Chinese Mandarin, French, German, Greek, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish.

Visit : www.earwormslearning.com. Review requests to : Andrew Lodge at [email protected].

The Riviera Maya Jazz Festival, 26 – 30 November

The Riviera Maya's Destination Marketing Office invites Alliance members to experience the beauty of Mexico’s Riviera Maya

The Riviera Maya is emerging as one of the premiere jazz music venues in the Americas.

Hosted by the Riviera Maya's Destination Marketing Office, press trip participants will have the opportunity to experience a first-rate line-up for one of the most important musical events. This year, the festival will draw crowds on the white sandy beaches of Playa del Carmen, as it will be home to such jazz greats as Billy Cobham, Earl Klugh, David Sanborn, Hector Infanzon and others, all performing under a star-filled Riviera Maya sky.

When: Wednesday, November 26 - Sunday, November 30, 2008 (4 nights)

Where: The Riviera Maya region of Mexico named a Top Destination in Mexico for four consecutive years by Travel Weekly (2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007), one of the hottest beach destinations by Orbitz in 2008, was also featured in the January 2006 issue of Travel + Leisure as "The Next Riviera" and received the 2008 Crystal Apple Award as "The Best Destination of the Year".

This fully-hosted trip includes airfare from your nearest gateway city, hotel, stay, all meals and entry fees to attractions in accordance with the official itinerary.

Due to limited available space, journalist participation will be confirmed on a first come, first served basis.

Preference will be given to journalists who are on staff and who provide letters of assignment along with bylined clippings.

Visit : http://www.rivieramayajazzfestival.com/2008. Contact : Raminta Tsopelas at [email protected].

Leads




http://www.rivieramayajazzfestival.com/2008


http://www.earwormslearning.com/


PrivateJetShare.com

PrivateJetShare.com is an online global network enabling travellers to book individual seats and empty legs on private jets at affordable prices to and from destinations worldwide.

Private jet users conscious of the current financial climate can share travel costs with members and equally first class commercial travellers can now afford the luxury of a seat on a private jet.

Visit : www.PrivateJetShare.com. Contact : Alice Hart at [email protected].

Flights to Romania

The Romanian low cost carrier Blue Air, which currently operates two direct flights from London Stansted to Bucharest, is to add three more flights, via Brussels, from 26 October. Visit : www.blueair-web.com. Contact : Mihaela Chiruat [email protected].

Piccardy, France : 90th anniversary of the Armistice

The French region of Piccardy is holding a series of events to pay tribute to those that died for their countries during World War One. Visit : www.picardietourisme.com. Contact : Claude Chaboud at [email protected].

The General Tarleton in Ferrensby, North Yorkshire, UK

The General Tarleton in Ferrensby, North Yorkshire is surrounded by shooting country which at this time of year provides an abundance of fresh local game. The General Tarleton was named ‘Yorkshire Pub of the Year 2007. Visit : www.generaltarleton.co.uk. Contact : Sarah True on 01904 702274;M: 07766 557313 or [email protected].

Exodus cycling holidays

Exodus is adding 13 new cycling to its portfolio of 42 cycling itineraries. These include the Dolomites to Venice Ride, cycling the Mayan Empire and the Lake Constance Loop Trip. Visit : www.exodus.co.uk. Contact : Natalie Amos at [email protected].

Texas : Beaujolais Wine Festival

Dallas stages the 25th Anniversary of the country's biggest Beaujolais Wine Festival at the World Trade Center on Friday, Nov. 21. It is organised by the French-American Chamber of Commerce of Dallas/Fort Worth. Visit : www.faccdallas.com. Contact : Karla Neely at [email protected].

Golf in the Riviera Maya, Mexico

The Riviera Maya is one destination in Mexico where visitor can choose from a variety of golf courses surrounded by white sand, blue sea and world-class hotels. Visit : www.rivieramaya.com. Contact : Patricia M. Rowan at [email protected].



http://www.rivieramaya.com/


http://www.faccdallas.com/


http://www.exodus.co.uk/


http://www.generaltarleton.co.uk/


http://www.picardietourisme.com/


http://www.blueair-web.com/

http://www.blueair-web.com/


http://www.PrivateJetShare.com/

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

White lions on the Sanbona Wildlife Reserve, South Africa

A pride of white lions has been released into Sanbona Wildlife Reserve, situated in the Klein Karoo regions of the Western Cape Province of South Africa.

Over the past decades, white lions have been isolated to breeding programmes and circuses, and there have been very few reported sightings of these rare big cats in natural environments.

As a result, it has been widely assumed that the recessive gene in the lions producing the unusual colouring is bordering on extinction.

In 2003, Sanbona Wildlife Reserve procured two white lions, one male and one female as the basis for re-establishing the first wild, self-sustaining white lions since their removal from the Timbavati region in the 1970’s.

The Shamwari Dubai World Conservation team at Sanbona has successful released an integrated lion pride (including two adult males and two juvenile female white lions) into 40 000 hectares of wild land with herds of potential prey species.

Visit www.sanbona.com. Contact Kathryn Peel at [email protected].

Election celebrations in Washington DC

Washington DC’s restaurants and bars are serving up the presidential elections on 4 November with election-inspired cocktails.

Washington, DC’s restaurants are also offering limited-edition dishes to tie in with the election year and the city’s hotels are offering politically correct hotel packages.

Visit : www.washington.org or www.capitalregionusa.co.uk. Contact : Eugene Roberts at [email protected].

Usabamaba, Peru

Usabamaba lies over 13,000 feet in the Sacred Valley of the Inca high in the Peruvian Andes.

This small, impoverished, rural village, close to the main tourist highway to Machu Picchu, is passed over the lucrative tourist trade as thousands of tourists each year stop to visit the Sunday market and buy one of a kind weavings in the nearby town of Chinchero.

For the past 6 years Crooked Trails, too, has supported Chinchero weavers, Paulino Quillahuaman Llancay and his wife Vilma at their Chinchero weavers cooperative and community based tourism projects in their home.

Visit : www.crookedtrails.com/community. Contact : Mia Reyes at [email protected].



http://www.crookedtrails.com/community


http://www.capitalregionusa.co.uk/


http://www.sanbona.com/

A place to stay


Anahita The Resort, Mauritus

Anahita The Resort allows guests to experience a tropical holiday from the freedom of their own private Mauritian residence, complete with personal butler, concierge and daily maid service.

Mauritius is an island nation off the coast of the African continent in the southwest Indian Ocean east of Madagascar. In addition to the island of Mauritius, the Republic of Mauritius includes the islands of St. Brandon, Rodrigues and the Agalega Islands.

The island of Mauritius is renowned as the only known home of the dodo.

Anahita is situated in 213 hectares with lush vegetation and views across the blue lagoon and majestic mountain peaks.

Visit : www.anahita.mu. Contact : Caroline Parrish at [email protected].

Mardan Palace, Turkey

The Mardan Palace, Turkey opens in October 2008.

Located on the Turkish Rivera in Antalya, the luxury resort is surrounded by the Taurus Mountain range.It has 560 rooms including two Royal suites with private pools and will feature a Hammam-style Spa and Health centre.

Visit : http://www.antalyaresorts.com. Contact : Alice Hart at [email protected].

Le Méridien Al Aqah, Fujairah, United Arab Emirates

In the first summer after the Cyclone Gonu renovations were completed, Le Méridien Al Aqah’s occupancy has topped 80 per cent and is expected to reach 90 per cent this month.

Cyclone Gonu hit the shores of Fujairah, UAE in June 2007, causing damage to the resort’s beachfront.

A comprehensive repair program saw $2 million invested in a beach rejuvenation and redesign and 100 new coconut palms were planted along the shoreline this year.

Le Méridien brand has 120 properties in 52 countries located in Europe, Asia-Pacific, Africa and the Middle East.

Plans call for dynamic expansion of Le Méridien-branded hotels within the next five years, concentrating in the U.S., Latin America, and Asia-Pacific, including destinations such as India, Thailand and China.

Visit www.lemeridien.com. Contact : Jo Barnard at [email protected].



http://www.lemeridien.com/


http://www.antalyaresorts.com/


http://www.anahita.mu/

Palacio Duhau-Park Hyatt, Buenos Aires

To celebrate the start of the 2008 Argentinean Polo season, the Palacio Duhau-Park Hyatt Buenos Aires has unveiled its polo team.

Buenos Aires is the capital and largest city of Argentina. It is geographically located on the southern shore of the Río de la Plata, on the south eastern coast of the South American continent. Greater Buenos Aires is the third largest conurbation in Latin America, with a population of about 13 million.

With a handicap of 29, the Alegría Park Hyatt Polo Team consists of some of the most dynamic and exciting players competing in the world today, including Frederick Mannix (Canada), Luke Tommlinson, (Great Britain), Ruki Baillieu (Australia) and Francisco Bensadón (Argentina).

Alegría Park Hyatt is currently facing the difficult challenge of qualifying for the two most important tournaments in the world, Hurlingham and Palermo Open Polo Championships.

At the beginning of the season in Buenos Aires, Alegría Park Hyatt will compete firstly with La Baronesa and then El Paraiso. Two victories will allow them automatically to participate in the two Open mentioned above.

Visit : www.hyatt.com. Contact : Alison Wood at [email protected].

Amari Orchid Resort & Tower, Pattaya, Thailand

Amari Orchid Resort & Tower, Pattaya, has been voted readers Best New Beach Resort award at the 19th Travel Trade Gazette Annual Travel Awards 2008.

Pattaya is a city in Thailand, located on the east coast of the Gulf of about 165 km southeast of Bangkok.

It ranks as one of the most successful beach resorts in the world, with some 5.4 million visitors arriving in 2005.

With the opening of the Ocean Tower just at the end of 2007 at Amari Orchid Resort & Tower, the Ocean Tower has also been awarded official 5-star status by the Thailand Hotel Standard Foundation.

Visit : http://www.pattaya.bangkok.com/amari-orchid-resort/. Contact : Nikki Busuttil at [email protected].





Working with Alliance membersThe following travel partners and agencies have registered with the Alliance and are keen to work with Alliance travel writers, editors, broadcasters and photographers.

Other Alliance partners and agencies can be found at www.itwalliance.com.

Partners

Apex Hotels

Apex Hotels are a group of contemporary 4 star hotels in iconic city centre locations. With five properties in London, Edinburgh and Dundee and three additional hotels planned for 2009 the warm welcome goes hand in hand with the cool, stylish interiors. With award winning dining, flexible meeting spaces, superb leisure facilities and fantastic views Apex Hotels can accommodate individuals, groups, business and leisure guests with ease. Large comfortable beds with allergy free down duvets, a choice of pillows, widescreen TV's, DVD/CD players, luxury toiletries, power showers, free wi-fi and local calls Apex Hotels are the perfect choice.

Visit : http://www.apexhotels.co.uk. Contact : Linda Galt at [email protected]

Bml International

bml international is a marketing and promotion company in the field of travel and tourism and exhibitions. Established in 1995, the company has grown to provide a wide range of services for its global client base. In a world where face to face contact and up-to-date local and regional knowledge gives you the leading edge in business, bml international can ensure you have the right opportunities to succeed.From Exhibition representation, one-stop-shop marketing services, we provide cost effective services for all.

Visit : http://www.bmlinternational.co.uk. Contact : Caroline Laspas at [email protected].

Daryl Willcox Publishing

Daryl Willcox Publishing provides online news and media services for journalists and media relations professionals. All the tools we provide for journalists and editors are free. The services are based on dedicated websites including www.journalistdirectory.com, www.responsesource.com, and www.featuresexec.com.

Visit : http://www.dwpub.com. Contact : Vanessa McGreevy at [email protected].

Hotel Yasmin

The new design hotel Yasmin is located in the heart of Prague just few steps from the Wenceslas Square. Yasmin four-star hotel provides 198 luxury designed rooms on seven floors. All 187 standard rooms and 11 suites offer a superb quiet in the middle of the city centre as most rooms are facing the calm inner courtyard. Using the second hotel entrance from the Wenceslas Square you discover unexpected Yasmin summer garden terrace and Café Restaurant “Noodles”. To rest and relax you can use our sauna and fitness centre.

Visit : http://www.hotel-yasmin.cz. Contact : Martina Lazarova at [email protected]


http://www.hotel-yasmin.cz/


http://www.dwpub.com/


http://www.bmlinternational.co.uk/

http://www.apexhotels.co.uk/


Mead Brown

Mead Brown is a boutique firm offering extraordinary private villas and homes plus premium condominiums for celebrities and those who expect value, service and fine accommodations. The genuine care and comfort of our guests results in service and experiences as memorable as Costa Rica itself.

Visit : http://www.meadbrown.com. Contact : Michael Brown at [email protected].

VisitScotland

VisitScotland is Scotland's national tourist board. Visit : http://www.visitscotland.com/liveit. Contact : Kirsty Innes at [email protected]

World Exhibitions Club

World Exhibitions Club (WEC) is the ultimate independent international club dedicated to supporting its members in the travel, tourism and mice industries by promoting the unique value of exhibitions, as part of the marketing mix at a global level and provides all visitors with key information to assist in their international participation at exhibitions.

Visit : http://wecexhibitions.com. Dimitri Laspas at [email protected].

Visit Tees Valley

VsitTeesvalley is responsible for the overall direction, management and support of the visitor economy within the Tees Valley.

Visit : http://www.visitteesvalley.co.uk. Contact : Victoria Cornfield at [email protected].

The Association of British Travel Organisers to France

The Association of British Travel Organisers to France (ABToF) is an independent sssociation set up in 1992 representing specialists orgnasing travel to France. It was created to help members continue to develop tourism through lobbying, PR, networking, training and professional advice.

Visit : www.abtof.org.uk. Contact : Martyn Sumners at [email protected].

Agencies

Astute

Astute UK is an innovative, Ipswich based Communications, PR and Sponsorship Agency; specialising in intelligent brand-building and profile raising, to suit any budget. Both national and international clients handled.

Visit : http://www.astuteuk.com. Contact : Clare-Louise Pugh at [email protected].



http://www.astuteuk.com/


http://www.abtof.org.uk/


http://www.visitteesvalley.co.uk/


http://wecexhibitions.com/

http://www.visitscotland.com/liveit


http://www.meadbrown.com/

AZ Communications Group

AZ Communications Group delivers professional public relations and tourism marketing solutions for businesses and communities throughout Arizona. Producing results and exceeding client expectations are our hallmark and standard of service. Professional services include media relations, web design, e-communication, video production, extensive restaurant and hotel experience, domestic and international market representation.

Visit : http://www.azcomgroup.com. Contact : Mike Finney at [email protected] . Blakeborough PR

Blakeborough Ltd is a specialist travel PR agency. Established in 2000 its Director has almost 20 years experience working for travel clients ranging from tourist boards, to airlines, tour operators and hotels.

Visit : http://www.blakeborough.com. Contact : Liz Blakeborough at [email protected].

Crimson Edge

Crimson Edge PR is a PR Agency in Edinburgh with clients in the hospitality industry including food and drink, hotels and travel. Visit : http://www.crimsonedge.co.uk. Contact : Emma Pare at [email protected].

Lemongrass

We specialise in sales, marketing and representation for luxury hotels and destinations. We help our clients get more business from the vitally important UK and German markets. Our clients tell us they like working with us. They value our highly personalised service, our attention to detail and our young, creative and dedicated team of professionals.

Visit : www.lemongrassmarketing.com. Contact : Stephanie Parr at [email protected]

The P.R Team

The P.R Team is a boutique Public Relations & Publicity Agency based in Cape Town South Africa specialising in hospitality, leisure and celebrity representation. Visit : http://www.theprteam.com. Contact : Peter Unsworth at [email protected].

TerraCom Communications

TerraCom Communications Group is a marketing communications and public relations firm specializing in tourism, arts and culture. We provide clients with strategic planning, media relations, promotions, event management and crisis communication support. We choose clients who fit our philosphy of world citizenship and sustainability.

Visit : http://www.terracomgroup.net. Contact : Nora Weber at [email protected].

Tartan PR

Travel PR is a leading travel hospitality and real estate PR firm representing some of the most exlcusive resorts and travel destinations in the Pacific Northwest. Visit : http://tartanpr.com. Contact : Nancie Hall at [email protected].



http://tartanpr.com/


http://www.terracomgroup.net/


http://www.theprteam.com/

http://www.lemongrassmarketing.com/


http://www.crimsonedge.co.uk/


http://www.blakeborough.com/

http://www.azcomgroup.com/

Travel products and services

The following providers of travel products and services will be happy to provide these for review to Alliance members on assignment, with commission or who are able to secure one and in return for a credit or review.

Magellan's

Magellan's, one of the worlds most trusted source of travel supplies, provides a superior selection of travel products to make travel more comfortable, safe, and rewarding.

The Magellan’s product range offers hundreds of useful and appreciated products and provides travelers with :

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

Magellan’s will be pleased to offer its products for review purposes to Alliance members on assignment, with a commission or who are able to obtain one.

Visit : www.magellans.co.uk. Contact : Lynn Staneff at [email protected].



http://www.magellans.co.uk/

Travel guides

The following travel publishers will be happy to provide review copies to Alliance members on assignment, with commission or who are able to secure one and in return for a credit or review.

Anova BooksVisit : www.anovabooks.comContact : Helen Ponting at [email protected]

Berlitz

Visit : www.berlitzpublishing.com. Contact : Julia Spence at [email protected] Bradt Travel Visit: www.bradtguides.comContact: Debbie Hunter at [email protected]

Brit's Guide

Visit : www.foulsham.com. Contact Margaret Lashbrook at [email protected] or Sue Wilkins at [email protected].

Eland Publishing Visit: www.travelbooks.co.uk. Contact: Barnaby Rogerson at [email protected]. Fisher's Travel SOS Visit : www.fisherstravelsos.com. Contact Furgan Syed at [email protected].

Global Travel Publishers

Visit : www.africa-adventure.com. Contact Kate Bandos at [email protected].

Globetrotters LogBook

Visit : www.globetrotterslogbook.com Contact : Giedo Claes at [email protected]

Insight Visit : www.insightguides.com. Contact : Julia Spence at [email protected].

In your pocket guides

Visit: www.inyourpocket.com. Contact: Craig Turp at [email protected].

Jane’s Smart Art Guides

Visit : www.JanesSmartArt.com. Contact: Jane McIntosh at [email protected] Kuperard Publishers Visit : www.kuperard.co.uk. Contact : Caroline Eden at [email protected]

Lonely Planet Visit: www.lonelyplanet.com. Contact: Europe, Middle East and Africa: Louise McDonald [email protected], North and Central America: Rand Freedman at [email protected]; Australia, New Zealand and Asia: Simone McNamara at [email protected].

Mile Oak Publishing Inc.

Visit : www.i75online.com and http://www.flonline.info/. Contact Kate Bandos at [email protected].

Morris Communications

Visit : www.themilepost.com. Contact Kate Bandos at [email protected].

Rough Guides



http://www.themilepost.com/

http://www.flonline.info/.

http://www.i75online.com/




http://www.lonelyplanet.com/

http://www.kuperard.co.uk/


http://www.janessmartart.com/


http://www.inyourpocket.com/


http://www.insightguides.com/


http://www.globetrotterslogbook.com/


http://www.fisherstravelsos.com/


http://www.travelbooks.co.uk/



http://www.foulsham.com/


http://www.bradtguides.com/


http://www.berlitzpublishing.com/


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


mailto:press@roughguides

http://www.roughguides.com/

The Alliance bulletin

This bulletin is produced by:

Ashley Gibbins at [email protected] or +44 (0) 776 419 8286. Archive issue of the bulletin are available at www.itwalliance.com.

The International Travel Writers Alliance

The International Travel Writers Alliance provides key information and support for 7,200 professionals who travel to write, edit, broadcast or create images. Alliance information is also syndicated to 500 professional travel writers through the North American Travel Journalists Association (www.natja.org), 1200 travel writers through the Society of American Travel Writers (www.satw.org), 600 travel writers through the Professional Writers Association of Canada (www.pwac.ca/blog.htm) and directly to 150 members of the New Zealand Travel Communicators (www.travelcommunicators.co.nz). Finally Alliance information also goes to over 1,500 travel and tourist industry representatives. AllWays AllWays (www.allwaystraveller.com), the consumer travel service from the International Travel Writers Alliance.

The AllWays package

AllWays will comprises :

AllWays traveller : the regular and special issue e-newsletters and updates for AllWays travellers

AllWays online : a web archive of features, images and audio/visual streaming from the Alliance's professional writers, editors, broadcasters and photographers

AllWays more : a series of mini-guides providing key information in a no frills format for destinations or travel pursuits, and

the AllWays travel club : offering a wide range of travel discounts and incentives to AllWays travellers

In addition :

AllWays magazine : launches as phase two of the AllWays development, will be the quality end magazine for AllWays travellers, and

AllWays care : will focus on travel opportunities where there is an emphasis on social, environmental and economic responsibility.


http://www.allwaystraveller.com/

http://www.travelcommunicators.co.nz/

http://www.pwac.ca/blog.htm

http://www.satw.org/

http://www.natja.org/



The International Travel Writers Alliance : Bulletin 18 ...€¦ · Web viewThe International...

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