HM Treasury - International Travel Writers Alliance



| | |

| |The Alliance |

| |Bulletin |

|Issue 75 : June 2010 |

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

Ashley@



|In this issue |

Opportunities : for group and individual press trips

News : items of interest to travel journalists

Leads : story ideas

• The month ahead : annual festivals and events

• Reasons to write about : destinations and travel pursuits

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

• Profile on : destinations

• Working with Alliance members : travel partners and their agencies

Alerts : ongoing press trip opportunities

Ongoing initiatives

Travel products and services : of interest to travel journalists

Travel guides : that will offer review copies

• The International Travel Writers Alliance and AllWays

|Registering with the Alliance |

To register with the International Travel Writers Alliance visit : , click to enter the site and click on Register as a member/editor/partner or agency.

|Opportunities |

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

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

Press trips to France

ATOUT FRANCE is pleased to inform you about the press trips to France’s regions happening in June…

Provence - Alpes- Cote d’Azur - Provence Naturally!

10-13 June

Provence Naturally! From tasting organic and local produce to learn how to cook “à la Provençale”, aromatic plant gardens and colours.  Fall in love with the charms of Provence.

Burgundy - Vineyards ‘Road

10-13 June

Follow the ‘Vineyards’ Road’ in Chablis, take a hot air balloon ride over Vezelay (UNESCO World Heritage Site) and visit Guédelon Castle… a wonder in the making!

Vendee - Camping in a whole new way

17-20 June

A journey through stunning countryside and seaside from Nantes to La Rochelle as you will stay in “eco” campsites

Gironde – Celebrating the coming of summer with Bordeaux Wine Festival

23-28 June

The Bordeaux Wine Festival is the best opportunity to taste and celebrate the Wines of Bordeaux.  Visits of St Emilion, The Medoc, the bay of Arcachon’s oyster farms and bastides (fortified towns) will give you a taste of summer.

Paris – Paris in Music

21- 23 June

‘Fete de la Musique’ is an institution in France and what better place than Paris to enjoy it! You’ll get the chance to visit the Theatre du Chatelet and the Opera Garnier and Cite de la Musique. A one-off opportunity not to be missed.

Limousin – Charming Accommodations

24 – 27 June

Charming accommodations and exceptional historical heritage await in Limousin. This journey will take you from picturesque villages in Creuse to Pompadour via Correze.

 

Visit : . Contact : Anne-lise Rouse at anne-lise.rouse@.

Press trips to Malta

With its all-year sunshine, direct flights, a safe environment and wealth of events, Malta is developing as a weekend destination.

It offers its UNESCO World Heritage listed capital city, charming villages, vibrant nightlife and good food. A first press trip takes place from 17 to 20 June and will be a stylish trip around some of the country’s best spas and hotels.

 

A second press trip takes place from 28 June to 1 July to coincide with Malta Music Week and celebrates Malta as one of Europe's hottest party destinations.

 

Malta Music Week is a six-day festival held across the island's best and most picturesque music venues.  International club nights including Ministry of Sound and Creamfields have confirmed their attendance and have a fantastic line up of top dance DJs headline each night – please see some more details below.

 

Visit : and index.php. Contact : Anna Sharp at Anna@essence-.

Polaris World, Murcia, Spain

8 – 10 June 2010

This press trip goes to the Jack Nicklaus designed golf resorts of Polaris World and includes a 2-night stay at the luxurious 5* InterContinental La Torre Golf Resort Murcia, two rounds of golf, a visit to historic Murcia and a superb sampling of local cuisines.

There will be opportunities to experience the exclusive spa and treatments and explore the local area including the beach resort of Mar Menor.

The trip is ideal for golf, general sports, beauty, holiday or general travel based features and we can tailor the trip to your needs.

Visit : polarisworld/es. Contact : Caroline.Eardley@mason-.

Pissouri Bay, Cyprus

Alliance members are invited to apply for a place on a three day press trip to Pissouri Bay on the south west coast of Cyprus.

The resort has a sweeping 2 km expanse of beach surrounded by rugged cliffs reached from a winding road through valleys of almond trees, olives and vineyards.

The only hotels’ in the bay, situated on the Blue Flag beach, are owned by Columbia Hotels & Resorts and accommodation will be at the five star Columbia Beach Resort.

Visit : columbia-. Contact : Anita Hamilton at anita@.uk.

Dubai

Dubai Tourism will be interested in considering working with Alliance members on press trips to Dubai. Visit dubaitourism.ae. Contact Natasha Behrouz at nbehrouz@thecommunicationgroup.co.uk.

Maine

Migis Lodge

Migis Lodge on the shores of Maine’s Sebago Lake invites travel journalists to experience Maine Lakeside Luxury.

Open since 1916, this all-inclusive classic resort is located in South Casco, Maine, in the heart of the Lakes Region, just a 40-minute drive northwest from Portland.

The recipient of minimal media coverage, Migis Lodge is a secret gem that has welcomed generations of extended families during the summer season and is known as a secluded couples’ retreat for reflection and romance during spring and fall.

Offer includes complimentary accommodations and meals. Alcohol, special services and transportation not included.

The Inn at Ocean’s Edge

The Inn at Ocean’s Edge in Lincolnville has an expansive oceanfront lawn and commanding view of Penobscot Bay.

Those who take the short ride north to Belfast will be touched by this spirited community rich in history, yet emerging with a new culture of young artists, musicians and entrepreneurs.

Explore Belfast’s historic district, 23 art galleries, dozens of interactive street sculptures, and shop at the many interesting locally-owned shops including the oldest shoe store in the country, one of the largest and first green stores, and many other unique specialty boutiques. On Fridays, don’t miss the Farmers Market and town-wide Art Walk.

Alliance members are invited to stay at The Inn at Ocean’s Edge and join our group press excursion to Belfast, Maine, to be hosted during the week of June 21st.

Visit : and . Contact : Susan Soltero at ssoltero@.

Butler County Tourism & Convention Bureau, Pensylvania

Butler County Tourism & Convention Bureau, Pa is inviting Alliance members to apply for places on a number of press trips.

Butler County is located 20 minutes north of Pittsburgh.

Meals, accommodations and transportation once you arrive in Butler County are provided. If you prefer to explore on your own, a customised itinerary can be created.

Washington's trail

7 and 8 June

George Washington passed through Butler County during his journey to Fort LeBouf in Erie to chase the French away, just before the start of the French and Indian War. A newly expanded driving tour travels throughout the County, retracing Washington's steps.

The Birds and the B's

28 and 29 June 28 & 29

There are many "b" activities in Butler County, including bird watching, looking for bald eagles on a pontoon boat, and getting close to nature as we canoe. Also butterflies in Moraine State Park and the brand new "Batitat", a bat condo for female bats and their young.

Wine and spirits

Late September weekend

A wine and spirit itinerary of wineries and some haunted places including a restaurant, a theater, the cemetery where Night of the Living Dead was filmed and another unusual cemetery.

Out and about in Butler County

October

This trip is for the ultimate outdoorsperson! Includes a visit to a game bird hunting farm, fishing on Lake Arthur, hiking trails, beer brewing and dirt-track racing!

Sweet Tooth

November - Weekdays

This tour is of bakeries, candy stores, ice cream shops and specialty coffees and teas in the county.

Visit : . Contact : Patti Jo Lambert at pjlambert@.

Indianapolis

First Public Relations has been appointed to handle the public relations programme for the Indianapolis Convention and Visitors Authority. 

 

Birthplace of Steve McQueen, Indianapolis is regarded as the “motor sports capital of the world”, home to iconic sporting events such as the Indy 500, which is the world’s largest single-day sporting event and the Red Bull Indianapolis Moto GP, the world’s premier motorcycle race series. 

In 2011 the famed speedway will host the centennial Indy 500 race and in 2012 Indianapolis will host the NFL’s Super Bowl. In addition :  

• other than Washington DC, Indianapolis offers more monuments and memorials than any other city in the USA

• home to some of the finest golf courses in USA, designed by Indianapolis native and legendary course architect, Peter Dye

• North America’s newest airport terminal  and the first to be build post 9/11

• the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis has 400,000 square feet of space and 11 permanent exhibits, making it the world’s largest.

• the first airport terminal designed and built post 9/11 is in Indy

• the Wall Street Journal recently ranked Indianapolis top for  ‘best hot el value the USA

 

Visit : A press trip is planned to attend the MotoGP Red Bull Indianapolis Grand Prix in late August 2010.  Contact : Lynda Daboh at lynda@firstpr.co.uk.

|News |

Kingfisher Airlines

Kingfisher Airlines has opened up two new routes from Mumbai to Bangkok and New Delhi to Bangkok The airline also offers one-stop connections from London Heathrow to Bangkok via Mumbai.

Visit . Contact Gail Palmer at gail@.

The Feathers Hotel, Woodstock, Oxfordshire UK

The Feathers Hotel in the historic town of Woodstock, Oxfordshire UK has been upgraded to four-star status following a redesign and refurbishment. Alliance members are invited to review the hotel.

Visit : feathers.co.uk. Contact : Jo Preston at Jo.p@cookeandbrandpr.co.uk.

The Park Hyatt Milan

The Park Hyatt Milan, located in the heart of Milan, overlooking the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, has opened its new spa.

Visit : . Contact : Alexandra Allason at Alex@.

The Royal Ontario Museum

The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) presents House Calls with my Camera (to 11 October 2010(,a series of photo essays capturing the lives of the patients of Toronto physician Dr. Mark Nowaczynski.

Visit : rom.on.ca. Contact : Anne Marie Todaro at amtodaro@rom.on.ca.

Sheraton Edinburgh

Work on the multimillion pound refurbishment of the Sheraton Grand Hotel, Festival Square, Edinburgh is scheduled to be completed in July.

Visit : sheratonedinburgh.co.uk. Contact : grandedinburgh.sheraton@.

The 2010 Dance Critics Association (DCA) Conference 

July 16 - 18 in New York City 

Held in conjunction with the World Dance Alliance, the conference features speakers, panels and dance performances.

Visit : . Contact : Sally McKinney at sallybrownmckinney@

Peckforton Castle Hotel, Cheshire, UK

Peckforton Castle Hotel in Cheshire, UK will reopen in July following a £1.7 million restoration restoration of a formerly unused part of the building and the unveiling of 11 luxury en-suite bedrooms, a brasserie and a mini spa.

Visit : peckfortoncastle.co.uk. Contact : Karen Floyd at karen.floyd@.

|Leads |

Splendid Sri Lanka

Splendid Sri Lanka is a 16-day journey by Asia Transpacific Journeys that departs 15 August 2010.

On this Asia Transpacific Journeys tour guests travel from one UNESCO World Heritage Site to another along a route scheduled to accommodate one of Asia’s most spectacular festivals, Esala Perahera, a celebration of Buddhism held annually in Kandy.

Visit : . Contact : Sara Widness at sara@.

Bath, UK

Bath has been voted the UK’s best spa destination and the world’s second best spa destination by TripAdvisor in their 2010 Travellers' Choice Awards.

 

Bath has the only natural thermal springs in the country at Thermae Bath Spa and has spa hotels including the 5 star Royal Crescent Hotel and Lucknam Park Hotel, both part of the Relais and Chateaux Association.

The TripAdvisor top ten spa destinations are :

1.     Sedona, Arizona

2.     Bath, UK

3.     Reykjavik, Iceland

4.     Bora Bora, French Polynesia

5.     Ubud, Indonesia

6.     Playa Mujeres, Mexico

7.     Oia, Greece

8.     Providenciales

9.     Sante Fe, New Mexico

10.   Arenal Volcano National Park, Costa Rica

 

Visit : visitbath.co.uk.  Contact : Lucy Weaver at lucy_weaver@bathtourism.co.uk.

 

The Spirit of Burgas festival, Bulgaria

13 to 15 August

The Spirit of Burgas festival takes place on white sands of the city's central beach on Bulgaria's Back Sea coast. Launched in 2008, the festival was the first event of its kind in the country offering a variety of stages and diverse range of artists covering all genres of music.

Burgas is Bulgaria’s fourth largest city offering a combination of sea, sun and nature.

Visit : , burgas.bg, balkanholidays.co.uk and

Frigate Island, Seychelles

Frégate Island Private, the Seychelles’ luxury eco resort, has be named one of the 10 most spectacular places in the world to photograph by the British Journal of Photography.

Frégate Island Private is the only destination in the Indian Ocean to feature in the list.

Visit : . Contact : Jodie Fenn at jodie@.

|The month ahead |

Information for professional travel writes, editors, broadcasters and photographers on events and celebrations worldwide.

Chicago Blues Festival, Illinois, USA

11 to 13 June 2010 (annual, 27th)

Major festival held over four days and six stages. Largest of Chicago's music festivals. Over 640,000 visitors attend.

Visit : . Contact : Blythe Lopez at tourismmedia@,

Falmouth International Sea Shanty Festival, UK

18 June 2010 to 20 June 2010 (annual, 7th)

The festival takes place in various venues in Falmouth, Cornwall, UK. Around 350 British and international singers perform. Aims to preserve and promote the maritime heritage of Falmouth and Cornwall. World's biggest free maritime music festival.

Visit : . Contact : John Warren at signals@,.

Midsommar Festival, Geneva, Illinois, USA

22 June 2010 to 27 June 2010 (annual, 61st)

Swedish heritage festival includes an arts and crafts show, carnival, live music and parade.

Event Intelligence. Largest Swedish festival in America.

Visit : . Contact : Mary Miller at mpmiller@.

Glastonbury Festival, UK

23 June 2010 to 27 June 2010 (annual, 40th)

The Glastonbury Festival at Worthy Farm, Pilton, Somerset is the highlight of the UK live music calendar. It is Britain's biggest outdoor music festival. the tune of more than £73m.

Visit : glastonburyfestivals.co.uk. Contact : Dick Vernon at press@glastonburyfestivals.co.uk.

Greenwich + Docklands International Festival, London UK

24 June 2010 to 04 July 2010 (annual, 14th)

London's largest and longest established festival of free outdoor arts and spectacle. Features free performances from major international companies and pioneering new work from UK artists.

Visit : . Contact : Sharon Kean at sharon@.

Lumberjack World Championships, Wisconsin, USA

23 to 25 July 2010

The 49th annual Lumberjack World Championships in Hayward features over 21 events, including men and women's logrolling, power-sawing, speed-climbing, axe-tossing and chopping.

Visit : . Contact : Diane McNamer at dianemcnamer@.

JazzAscona New Orleans & Classics, Switzerland

24 June to 04 July 2010

The 26th annual JazzAscona New Orleans & Classics in Ascona showcases classical jazz, blues and gospel music.

Visit : . Contact : Luca Martinelli at press@jazzascona.ch.

Festival International de Jazz de Montreal, Quebec, Canada

25 June 2010 to 06 July 2010 (annual, 31st)

Over 3000 jazz, blues and R&B artists from 30 countries play around 750 concerts on 12 outdoor stages. Includes 350 free performances. Also known as Montreal International Jazz Festival (MIJF). Certified as the world's largest jazz festival by Guinness World Records.

Visit : and mmmis.ca. Contact : Hugo Leclerc at hugo.leclerc@equipespectra.ca.

Zanzibar International Film Festival

10 to 18 July 2010 (annual, 13th)

The 12th annual Zanzibar International Film Festival at Stone Town, Zanzibar is dedicated to films and music. The festival screens over 150 films from Africa, Middle East, Europe, Latin America, USA and Asia. Theme is Enduring Links: Media, People and Environment. It is the largest multi disciplinary art and cultural festival in Africa.

Visit : ziff.or.tz. Contact : Martin Mhando at martin.mhando@ziff.or.tz.

|Reasons to write about |

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

O Beach, Jordan

O Beach is a new luxury day beach complex and night attraction located on the shore of Dead Sea in Jordan.

Situated 50 minutes from Queen Alia International Airport (Amman) or 35 minutes from the capital itself, O Beach is a destination for day-trips from the city or as an extended stop-off en-route south towards Petra or Aqaba or vice versa.

Spreading over 33,000 m2 and with 250m of sea front, the new beach development accommodates up to 1,200 guests per day and up to 1,500 by night.

As well as the Dead Sea itself, O Beach offers five different pools and 12 luxury private day-use Cabanas.

O Beach also offers different styles and moods of restaurants with terraces overlooking the sea.

Visit : . Contact : Julie Kemp at Julie.kemp@.

Taiwan

Taiwan plans 37 new hotel developments

 

T he Taiwan Tourism Bureau has approved 37 new hotel investment projects on the island.

The building of these new facilities, including large international tourist hotels, business properties and boutique hotels, will increase the number of guestrooms in Taiwan by more than 10,000.

 

Recent visitor figures show that a record 4.4 million people travelled to Taiwan in 2009.

 

Taiwan launches a new bus service for tourists

A new tourist bus service has launched in Puli, central Taiwan, to make it easier for independent travellers to tour some of the area’s most impressive visitor attractions.

The local government developed the new bus service to cater to Puli’s increasing popularity for sightseeing.

 

There are currently two bus routes for tourists to choose from. Buses on the Blue Line visit a number of impressive leisure locations, including one of Taiwan’s most remarkable sights – the Chung Tai Chan Monastery – and the Puli Winery which is famous for producing Shaohsing, a smooth wine originally from China.

Buses on the Green Line make stops at the Musheng Insect Museum, which is home to Taiwan’s largest species of living butterflies, as well as other popular attractions.

 

Visit : .tw. Alliance members interested in in visiting Taiwan on an individual or group press trip contact Sarah Habicht at sarah@saltmarshpr.co.uk.

The LakeArts Foundation

The LakeArts Foundation is a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization committed to the development and presentation of global innovation in the arts and technology through an International Festival of Arts and Innovation to be held each Spring and Fall on the grounds of Chautauqua Institution.

 

The International Festival of Arts and Innovation takes place between 11 and 13 June at Chautauqua Institution in Western New York State.

Set on Lake Chautauqua, the festival will present artists of music, dance, film and theatre; new works in development, symposia and workshops that advance independent thought and artistic expression.

It is a partnership with The Toronto International Film Festival (known as TIFF.365) which focuses on the best of Canadian Cinema.

This first festival features the world premire of the TIFF award winner, CAIRO TIME, directed by Ruba Nadda and starring Patricia Clarkson, as well as screenings of the Best of TIFF and TIFF Short Cuts Programme. 

In coming months the LakeArts Foundation will join the Stratford Shakespeare Festival of Ontario, The Shaw Festival, The Disney Corporation and The Toronto International Film Festival to present new collaborations between the arts and technology.

Visit : . Contact : Margaret Johnson at mjohnson@.

|A place to stay |

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

Moksha Himalaya Spa Resort

Located in the foothills of the Himalayan Mountain range, the Moksha Himalaya Spa Resort, is the first property under the new Centara Boutique Collection brand to open outside Thailand. 

Moksha is accessible via New Delhi, on Jet Airways and Kingfisher Airlines, followed by a 35 min transfer by private car and then a 10 minute cable car ride to the resort itself. There is a direct express train service from Delhi to Chandigarh which takes 2.5 hours. Shimla, the colonial getaway is a 2 hour transfer for guests wanting to explore the faded grandeur of the British empire. 

Visit : . Contact : Ian Mills at imills@avenuesales.co.uk.

Hotel Lanai, Hawaii

 

Aqua Hotels and Resorts in Hawaii has added Hotel Lanai to its portfolio.

 

The hotel was built in 1923 by pineapple pioneer James D. Dole as a retreat for his guests, is located in the heart of Lanai City at a comfortable elevation of 1,700 feet and is one of only three hotels on the island.

 

The hotel’s plantation heritage is still evident in the furnishings and décor of the guest rooms and adjacent cottage.  Each room has its own personality which includes a beautiful Hawaiian quilt produced by Lanai artists.

 

Lanai, once known as the pineapple island and now labeled the ‘enticing island’, is nine miles off Maui’s west coast.  The untouched island is a haven of unspoiled valleys and beaches offering a myriad of activities including hiking, snorkeling, sailing, fishing and has a marine sanctuary.

 

Aqua Hotels & Resorts is a full-service management company founded in 2001 by Hawaii hotelier Mike Paulin.  There are 18 properties within the group ranging from resorts to the Aqua Boutique Collection.

 

Visit . Contact : Samantha Preece at samantha@firstpr.co.uk.

The Capitol Hotel Tokyu, Tokyo

Preferred Hotels & Resorts is to open, The Capitol Hotel Tokyu in October 2010 at Akasaka in downtown Tokyo.

Located next to the tranquil and beautiful surroundings of Hie Shrine, the hotel will be close to four different subway lines and a short distance from the Prime Minister's official residence and other government buildings

Visit . Contact : Christine Cheong at ccheong@.

Emirates Palace Hotel, Abu Dhabi

The modern Chinese restaurant Hakkasan will be opening at the Emirates Palace Hotel, Abu Dhabi on 1 June 2010.

Hakkasan, at the Emirates Palace Hotel, is situated on the main entrance level of the hotel and has its own private entrance with valet parking. The 165-cover restaurant features four private dining rooms, that seat from 6 to 12 guests, a 15m long bar offering a wide selection of signature cocktails and an outside terrace.

In 2004 Hakkasan was awarded a Michelin star, at that time and for four years following, the only Chinese restaurant to hold the rating.

Hakkasan has also been included in the annual ‘The World’s 50 Best Restaurants’ list, since 2004.

Visit : . Contact : Emily Wilson at emily@.

The Hyatt Regency, Curaçao, Caribbean

The Hyatt Regency Curaçao Golf Resort, Spa and Marina has opened on the Dutch-influenced Caribbean island.

As the focal point of the 1,500-acre Santa Barbara Plantation resort community, the 350-room beachfront resort features Old Quarry by Pete Dye, the island’s only 18-hole championship resort golf course; Atabei Spa, an eco-friendly holistic retreat inspired by the island’s ancient traditions and rituals; and a full-service, six-slip marina.

Visit : . Contact : Alexandra Allason at Alex@.

The Swissôtel Göcek, Turkey

The Swissôtel Göcek Marina & Resort has opened for the summer 2010 season.

The hotel is located in the fishing village of Göcek on the Turkish Mediterranean coast overlooking the bay.

The destionation offers excellent for sailing, crystal-clear water, Mediterranean scenery and a private sandy beach.

It is the only hotel in the village and boasts its own 280-metre-long private beach along with a marina with berths for 400 yachts.

The Turkish Riviera has an abundance of art and culture and the hotel organises excursions to the historical sites in the area, including the Lycian ruins in the Xanthos valley and the historical harbour town of Caunos.

Göcek is just 25 minutes from Dalaman International Airport and can be reached easily by public transport

Visit : . Contact : Eva-Maria Panzer at Eva-Maria.Panzer@.

Hotel Schloss Fuschl, Austria

The Hotel Schloss Fuschl on Lake Fuschl near Salzburg has joined the Luxury Collection’s portfolio.

The hotel dates back as far as 1450 and was originally built as a hunting lodge. It has also been used as a Summer Residence for the Archbishops of Salzburg, and now features gourmet restaurants, the hotel's own fishery and jetty, a collection of old masterpieces and a fleet of vintage cars.

The hotel overlooks one of Austria’s most beautiful lakes and is suited for a range of winter and summer alpine sports.

Visit : . Contact : Amalie Craig at amalie.craig@.

Palazzo Versace, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

The Palazzo Versace (Versace Palace) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates opens in July.

The luxury holiday resort is located in Dubai's Culture Village and follows the design lead of the first Versace hotel, opened in 2000 on Australia's Gold Coast. Features the world's first refrigerated beach - a series of under-surface pipes that cool the sand.

Visit : palazzoversace.ae and . Contact : Via Manzoni at info@.

Serengeti Soroi Lodge,Tanzania

The Kamili Serengeti Soroi Lodge in Tanzania opens 1 June.

Located on a remote hill overlooking overlooking the vast plains of Musabi on the Western Corridor of the Serengeti plains, the lodge offers an excellent vantage point for the wildebeest migration as it heads North and West at this time of year.

The lodge has been designed to maximise the views and sunsets.

Twenty-five magnificent thatched chalets complete with hardwood floors, Turkish baths and outdoor showers, are tucked away amongst the thorn Acacia trees, and are linked to the main lodge by timber walkways.

The Serengeti National Park is known to the Masai, who had grazed their cattle on the vast grassy plains for millennia.

It is the Great migration for which the Serengeti is most famous.

Over a million wildebeest and about 200,000 zebra flow from the Northern hills to the Southern plains for the short rains every October and November, then swirl West and North after the long rains in April, May and June.

Apart from the migration, the park is well known for its healthy populations of other resident wildlife particularly the cheetah and African Wild dog.

Other hoofed animals such as gazelle, impala, hartebeest, topi and waterbuck also occur in huge numbers.

The park also boasts about 500 bird species, including the Ostrich, Secretary bird, kori bustard, Crowned Crane and the Marabou Stork.

Kamili has a portfolio of over 40, independent African camps and lodges.

Visit : kamili.co.uk. Contact : Jovanka Ristich at jovanka@independent-pr.co.uk.

|Working with the Alliance |

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

Other Alliance partners and agencies can be found at .

Partners

Nanaimo, Canada

Canada Nanaimo's downtown’s new Vancouver Island Conference Centre is just steps from the spectacular harbour front and includes 38,000 square feet of function space and state-of-the-art technology. We have a vibrant social and cultural life.

Nanaimo is known as the Island's "shopping Mecca" offering the largest shopping centre on Vancouver Island.

Downtown is home to fabulous restaurants, a vivacious art scene, an 800 seat Performing Arts Theatre, the old city quarter shopping district, the 154 year-old Hudson Bay Bastion and the Nanaimo District Museum.

Visit : . Contact : Chelsea Barr at chelsea.barr@nanaimo.ca.

G Hotel, Malaysia

A bold, beautiful creation in homage to modern, contemporary design, G Hotel fuses cool modernity with stylish comfort. The stunning atrium, lobby, awashed in sumptuous lighting is accented with an imaginative and carefully selected collection of designer furniture.

It’s convenient location overlooking Penang’s most famous boulevard – Gurney Drive – means that guests enjoy advantages of being close to the sea and all the shopping and dining attractions along the promenade, such as the destination mall Gurney Plaza and Gurney Drive’s legendary hawker food enclave.

G Hotel’s location is only a short drive away from the central business and banking districts.

Visit : .my. Contact : Kevin at Cheah at kevin.cheah@.my.

Discover the World

Discover the World is one of the UK's leading specialist tour operators. Committed to responsible tourism, for 26 years they have been operating high-quality holidays, offering a selection of imaginative itineraries to ensure travellers get the most out of each destination.

Bonded by ATOL and members of ABTA and AITO, they have an unusually high staff to passenger ratio so they can spend more care and attention on each booking.Discover the World offer a range holiday types to Iceland, Swedish Lapland and the ICEHOTEL, Greenland, Norway, Finland, Australia, New Zealand, as well as Arctic and Antarctic polar exploration.

Visit : discovertheworld.co.uk. Contact : Paul Cooke at paul@discovertheworld.co.uk.

Active Tours Pakistan

Active Tours Pakistan is one of the leading travel companies in Islamabad, Pakistan. It is a registered tour operating company with the Ministry of Tourism in Pakistan. ATP organises mountaineering expeditions, treks, jeep safaris, culture tours, biking, boating & rafting, horse riding, hotel reservations, and overland trips to and from China, India & Iran.

Visit : Contact : Karim Uddin at web@

Biscayne Lady Yacht Charters

Biscayne Lady Yacht Charters is located in Miami, Florida and offers private yacht charters in the South Florida area to leisure travlers, corporations and private social events. It is one of the most highly reputable, well-known yacht charter companies in the business.

Visit : Contact : Jeanne at Juan at jeanne@.

Eyes on Nature Expeditions

Eyes on Nature Expeditions runs long or short tour packages within Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, South Africa and Seychelles.

Visit : . Contact Steve Natureman at lecden_2005@

Destination Portugal

Destination Portugal in a small independent tour operator with almost 30 yrs of experience in arranging holidays to Portugal. Fully bonded and licensed.

Visit : destination-portugal.co.uk. Contact : Mary Anne Popoff at map@destination-portugal.co.uk.

Marten Netherlands Antilles

Shaigan Marten is the Owner/ Managing Director of Caribbean Travel & Leisure; a new online Caribbean travel guide featuring select Caribbean destinations, special interest vacation themes, reviews and travel deals.

Visit : . Contact : Shaigan Marten at info@

Pilgrim Spirit Tours

Pilgrim Spirit Tours provide unique pilgrimages to Tibet and China that nurture the body, mind and spirit.

Visit : . Contact : Contact : Barbara Lee at barbaralee13@

Waterfalls Estate



Waterfalls Estate will be a Unique Luxury Eco Holiday Resort in the heart of rural Northumberland. Set in a 16-acre site, it will offer a traditional country estate experience for visitors looking for a truly memorable holiday in this beautiful county.

The exclusive accommodation will comprise 18 luxury chalets and three holiday cottages (converted from existing stone barns) designed and equipped to the highest standards, whilst site facilities include a restaurant, bar, pool and beauty spa. All external activities will be centred on country pursuits and sports, including a state of the art equestrian centre.

Contact : Sherod at Walker at swalker@waterfallsestate.co.uk.

Whitney Travel

whitney-travel.co.uk

Whitney Travel is a specialist tour operator to mainland Portugal, Madeira and the Azores

John Perriss at jrp@witney-travel.co.uk.

Agencies

River Communications

River Communications is a boutique PR agency for the Leisure and Tourism industry.

We specialise in gaining relevant and credible editorial coverage across all traditional as well as online media for our clients.

Visit : river- Contact : Deirdre Cumberbatch at deirdre@river--

Harrison Sadler

HSL has built a sound reputation for PR within the travel industry through its clients in the foreign exchange, travel insurance (including backpacker, business, individual, group and those with pre-existing conditions), travel assistance, car hire and passport/ID protection sectors.

Visit : . Contact : Alison Reeson at alison@

Bonner and Hindley

Bonner & Hindley Communications is a full service communications agency - they help people to communicate better with the media, their markets or each other.

Based in Leeds, Yorkshire, they specialise in leisure and business tourism PR, consortium management, website development and marketing consultancy.

Visit : bandhcommunications.co.uk. Contact : Naomi Roberts at naomi@bandhcommunications.co.uk

Redhot PR

Redhot PR is a lifestyle product and profile building PR and Marketing agency.

Visit : redhotpr.co.uk. Elizabeth Bolton at liz@redhotpr.co.uk.

|Alerts |

Ongoing independent press trip opportunities for Alliance members

• 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 . Contact Mary Deatrick at mdeatrick@cfl..

• Migis Lodge on the shores of Maine’s Sebago Lake invites travel journalists to experience Maine Lakeside Luxury. Visit : . Contact : Susan Soltero at ssoltero@.

• The Peace and Plenty, Bahamas will be delighted to provide accommodation to Alliance members. Visit: . Contact: Hazel Heyer at hazel_heyer@.

• 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: . Contact: Alison Wood at Alison@ or on +44 (0)207 385 7090.

• Ranch Rider stays are steeped in tradition, allowing travellers to sample an authentic western experience.Ranch Rider will be pleased to consider press trip facilities to Alliance members. Visit: . Contact: Siobhan at siobhan@tionlondon.co.uk.

• Lower Zambezi, Zambia : Sausage Tree Camp, a luxurious tented camp located within the heart of the Lower Zambezi National Park in Zambia, offering walking safaris, game drives, canoeing, boat trips and fishing - will be pleased to consider press visits to Alliance members with a commission.  Visit : .  Contact : Honour Schram de Jong at honour@.

• Wiltshire, located in the heart of the south-west of England has a number of high quality luxury hotels and a whole host of unique attractions. Visit : visitwiltshire.co.uk. Contact : Samantha Marsh: samantha@infinitypublicrelations.co.uk.

• Knockomie Hotel, Forres, Scotland, will be delighted to consider press trips from Alliance members for a 2-night stay in one of their 15 individually-themed rooms and dinner on one of the nights in their recently refurbished restaurant, The Grill. Visit: knockomie.co.uk. Contact: Lee MacGregor at lee@.

• South Lakeland Parks is the north-west UK’s leading holiday park operator featuring nine sites within Morecambe Bay, Ribble Valley and Lake District. Visit : southlakelandparks.co.uk. Contact : Samantha Marsh: samantha@infinitypublicrelations.co.uk

• Cumbria Tourism, the tourism body for Cumbria, UK incorporating the Lake District will be delighted to let Alliance members sample its delights from the great outdoors and exciting attractions to stylish hotels and high quality restaurants. Visit : golakes.co.uk.

• South Luangwa, Zambia : The Luangwa Valley has long been regarded as one of Africa’s finest wildlife destinations.  Their portfolio includes Kapani Lodge and Kakuli, Luwi, Nsolo and Mchenja Camps.  Norman Carr Safaris would be delighted to consider press visits to their properties to Alliance members with a commission. Visit : .  Contact : Honour Schram de Jong at honour@.

• New York Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises will be delighted to host Alliance members with a

commission. Visit: Contact: Lisa Chamberlain at lisa.chamberlain@

• The Haweswater Hotel, a new art-deco hotel located next to the secluded Haweswater Reservoir, Cumbria, UK, will be happy to consider offering accommodation to Alliance members. Visit : . Contact : Samantha Marsh: samantha@infinitypublicrelations.co.uk

• Premier Cottages has a range of stunning four and five star self-catering holiday cottages throughout the UK, Channel Islands and Ireland. Visit : premiercottages.co.uk. Contact : Samantha Marsh: samantha@infinitypublicrelations.co.uk.

• St Mary’s Hall Hotel, the Isles of Scilly is happy to provide press trip opportunities to Alliance members. Visit : stmaryshallhotel.co.uk. Contact : Karen Baker at karen@mercury-pr.co.uk

• Woodovis Park, the independently run holiday park on the edge of Dartmoor, Devon UK invites Alliance members to review. Visit : .  Contact : Samantha Kirton at samantha@independentpr.co.uk

• 1066 Country which comprises the area of Battle, Bexhill, Hastings, Herstmonceux, Pevensey and Rye in East Sussex, UK. Visit : . Contact : Jane Ellis at jjmellis@.uk.

• The Wineport Lodge, Glasson County Westmeath, Ireland is happy to arrange press Alliance Members and can provide a range of story ideas related to food, wine, romance, weddings/honeymoons and spa escapes. Visit : wineport.ie. Contact: Nina Zapala at zapala@.

• Sacha Lodge, Ecuador, which is a eco-lodge located within a 5000-acre private ecological reserve in Ecuador's Amazon region, right off the Napo RiverThe Lodge will be happy to consider offering press trip facilities to Alliance members, excluding flights. Visit : . Contact : Adam York at adam@.

• The Inn on Fifth, a luxurious, 87-room boutique hotel located in the heart of downtown Naples in Southwest Florida will be delighted to consider offering accommodation to Alliance members. Visit . Contact : Kelly Grass Prieto at kelly@.

• Great Hotels Organisation, representing over 200 of the world’s finest hotels and resorts worldwide through Great Hotels of the World and Special Hotels of the World would be pleased to consider offering press trip accommodation to Alliance members. Visit . Contact: Brooke Jester bjester@.

• Visit Chester and Cheshire and Visit Lincoln and Lincolnshire will be delighted to host Alliance members with a commission. Visit : and .uk. Contact : Oliver Bennett at oliverbennett@blueyonder.co.uk.

• Swiss-Belhotel International, manages hotels, resorts and residences throughout the Asia Pacific, Southeast Asia, China and The Middle East regions.  Visit : swiss-. Contact : Ayla Hass at aylahaas@swiss-.

• Pembrokeshire, South West Wales will be delighted to consider offering accommodation to Alliance members with a commission. Visit: . Contact: Pat Edgar PRMatters@dsl.

• The Rutland Hotel, Edinburgh, will be delighted to invite Alliance members to review this botique hotel. Visit . Contact Yvonne or Fiona at info@nicheworks.co.uk.

• Dubai Tourism will be interested in considering working with Alliance members on press trips to Dubai. Visit dubaitourism.ae. Contact Natasha Behrouz at nbehrouz@thecommunicationgroup.co.uk.

• The Galapagos Islands : Quasar Expeditions would like to invite Alliance members to cover trips aboard the M/Y Grace, its vintage yacht in the Galapagos Islands. Visit : gracepresskit.php. Contact : Paul Schicke at paul@.

• Focus Hotels invite Alliance members to review their three and four-star properties located in key destinations across the UK. Visit : focushotels.co.uk. Contact : Eleanore Longley at eleanore@.

    

• Champagne-Ardenne Tourisme, four departments boasting historic chateaux, walking & cycling routes, a variety of sports and superb natural scenery and of Champagne, will be pleased to consider press visits to Alliance members with a commission.  Visit : tourisme-champagne-Contact: Doug Goodman at doug@ or on 0208 614 1448.

• The 5* Blythswood Square Hotel, Glasgow, formerly headquarters to the

Royal Scottish Automobile Club, has been redeveloped by the Town House Collection

Visit or . Contact: Jo Murphy at Jo@.

• Aspects Holidays specialises in providing self-catering accommodation, from luxury apartments to traditional fisherman’s cottages in and around St Ives and the West Cornwall area of the UK. Aspects will be pleased to consider press visits to Alliance members with a commission. Visit aspects-holidays.co.uk. Contact : Karen Baker at karen@mercury-pr.co.uk.

• The Inn at Lathones, Scotland's only 4 star inn, is delighted to consider press trips from Alliance members.  The 17th-century listed building near St Andrews is one of Scotland’s oldest coaching inns and boasts 21 recently refurbished external rooms/suites, an award-winning restaurant, an intimate stone-walled bar and converted stables that host regular music events. For more information visit: theinn.co.uk  Contact: Lee MacGregor at lee@

• Cornwall Cottages will be delighted to consider offering accommodation to Alliance members. Visit: cornwallscottages.co.uk. Contact: Karen Outred at ko@freelancepr.fsnet.co.uk.

• Hartland Peninsula Arts, which runs landscape painting courses on the North Devon coast will be pleased to offer courses to Alliance members. Visit : landscapepaintingholidays.co.uk. Contact: Karen Outred at ko@freelancepr.fsnet.co.uk.

• The Discovery Collection, independent specialist in boutique breaks to North Cyprus, Turkey, Puglia, Sicily, Malta and Gozo, will be happy to consider offering press visits to Alliance members. A varied programme includes beach and city breaks, twin-centre stays, walking holidays and special interest tours. Visit : . Contact: Jill Guest at jill@ocean-advertising.co.uk or on 020 7436

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

• Sail Lofts St Ives, a group of 12 luxury holiday apartments just metres from Porthmeor Beach, will be pleased to consider offering accommodation to Alliance members with a commission. Visit: saillofts.co.uk. Contact: Cathryn Hicks at cathryn@.

• The Alfajiri Villas and Galdessa Camp would like to invite Alliance members to stay at Alfajiri Villas () or Galdessa Camp ().Visit : . Contact Sarah Fazendin at sarah@.

• The Peat Inn and 5-star restaurant in St.Andrews, Scotland will provide Alliance members able to review the Inn will receive complimentary dinner, bed and breakfast including guest. Visit : . Contact : Megan Davidson at megan@crimsonedge.co.uk.

• The Isles of Scilly will be delighted to consider offering travel and accommodation to Alliance members on assignment, with a commission or who are able to obtain one. Visit: simplyscilly.co.uk. Contact: Karen Baker at karen@mercury-pr.co.uk.

• The Park Hyatt Istanbul-Maçka Palas, Turkey will be delighted to consider offering accommodation to Alliance members. Visit: . Kathryn Peel on +44 (0) 207 385 7090 or at Kathryn@.

• Helpful Holidays, UK will be delighted to consider offering accommodation to Alliance members. Visit: . Contact: Pat Edgar at PRMatters@dsl..

• and will be happy to consider offering flights and holiday opportunities. Contact: Louise Woodward at louise@lucre.co.uk or on +44 (0) 113 243 1117 .

• Wilderness Journeys will be delighted to consider offering press trip facilities to Alliance members. Visit : . Contact: Stevie Christie at stevie@ or on +44 (0)131 625 6635.

• Divi Resorts, the Caribbean will be happy to consider accommodation to Alliance members. Visit: . Contact: Jacqueline Burton at jburton@fwv-.

• Charming Hotel Madeira will be pleased to consider offering accommodation to Alliance members. Visit: . Contact: Cathryn Hicks at cathryn@.

• 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: . Contact: Nancy Mertz at info@.

• 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: . Contact: Mike Finney at mike@.

• The Menzies Welcombe Hotel Spa & Golf Club, Stratford-upon-Avon will be delighted to offer dinner, bed and breakfast at this country house hotel to Alliance members able to review the property. Visit : menzieshotels.co.uk. Contact : Tanya Aspinwall at tanya@marketingaloud.co.uk

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

• 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 . Contact Mary Deatrick at mdeatrick@cfl..

• The Peace and Plenty, Bahamas will be delighted to provide accommodation to Alliance members. Visit: . Contact: Hazel Heyer at hazel_heyer@.

• 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: . Contact: Alison Wood at Alison@ or on +44 (0)207 385 7090.

• Ranch Rider stays are steeped in tradition, allowing travellers to sample an authentic western experience.Ranch Rider will be pleased to consider press trip facilities to Alliance members. Visit: . Contact: Siobhan at siobhan@tionlondon.co.uk.

|Travel products |

The following providers of travel products and services will be happy to provide these to Alliance members in return for a credit or review.

Magellan's

Magellan's, one of the worlds most trusted source of travel supplies, provides a superior selection of travel products to make travel more comfortable, safe, and rewarding. The Magellan’s product range offers hundreds of useful products.

Visit : magellans.co.uk. Contact : Lynn Staneff at lstaneff@magellans.co.uk.

Dollar rent a car

Dollar rent a car will be delighted to offer a discount to Alliance members on car rental in the USA in return for a credit. Discounts will be agreed on a case-by-case basis.

Visit : dollar.co.uk, Contact : Cheryl Richardson at Cheryl.Richardson@ or on + 44 (0) 20 7391 4622

The Leisure Pass

The Leisure Pass Group creates all-inclusive ‘smart’ passes, for cities around the world.

The purchase price covers entrance to all attractions, fast-track entry at a number of attractions, and gives discounts at shops, theatres, service providers and restaurants.

Alliance members can get review passes for the cities covered.

Visit : . Contact : Katie Wright at Katie.wright@sirenpr.co.uk.

|Travel guides |

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

Anova Books

. Helen Ponting at hponting@anovabooks.co

Berlitz

. Julia Spence at julia.spence@ukonline.co.uk

Bradt Travel

. Debbie Hunter at debbie.hunter@

Brit's Guide

. Margaret Lashbrook at margaret.lashbrook@ or Sue Wilkins at wilkins@.

Cicerone

cicerone.co.uk. Contact : Sarah Spencer at sarah@cicerone.co.uk

Eland Publishing

travelbooks.co.uk. Barnaby Rogerson at barnaby@travelbooks.co.uk.

 

Fisher's Travel SOS

. Furgan Syed at furqan.syed@.

Global Travel Publishers

africa-. Kate Bandos at kate@.

Globetrotters LogBook

. Giedo Claes at giedo@

Inn House Publishing

. Kathryn McWhirter at kathrynmcwhirter@.

Insight

. Julia Spence at Julia.spence@ukonline.co.uk.

In your pocket guides

. Craig Turp at editor@.

Jane’s Smart Art Guides

. Jane McIntosh at MJM@

Jonglez Publishing

. Contact : Thomas Jonglez at

info@.

 

Kuperard Publishers

kuperard.co.uk. Contact : Geoffrey Chesler at geoffreychesler@.

Lonely Planet

. Europe, Middle East and Africa: Heather Carswell at heather.carswell@lonelyplanet.co.uk, North and Central America: Rand Freedman at rana.freedman@.au; Australia, New Zealand and Asia: Brynony Cole at bryony.cole@.au.

Morris Communications

. Contact Kate Bandos at kate@.

Odyssey Books & Guides

. Contact : Caroline Eden at caroline@

Oxygen Books city-lit

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

Rough Guides

. Contact : press@roughguides.

Turnleft

Contact: Nick Buteau at nick@

|The International Travel Writers Alliance and AllWays |

| |The International Travel Writers Alliance |

| | |

| | |

| |The International Travel Writers Alliance provides information and support to who travel to write, edit |

| |broadcast or create images. |

| |  |

| |The Alliance reaches and influences professional travel journalists through : |

| | |

| |the bi-monthly Alliance bulletin |

| |Alliance alerts providing specific information on destinations or travel pursuits |

| |Destination dossiers, providing detailed media briefings |

| |Destination networking events |

| |planning and managing individual and group press trips and travel writer symposiums, and |

| |staging professional development workshops |

|[pic] |AllWays |

| | |

| | |

| |AllWays is the new consumer travel service from the Alliance, which allows Alliance embers to get their |

| |features and images to travelers worldwide. |

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