'The Loch Ness Monster - A Cuddly Creature'

When thinking of Scotland, what usually comes into my mind is the traditional sound of the bagpipe, the geographical features that Scotland has to offer and the historical myths that have been past on from generations. One of the most well-known, legendary myths is about the Loch Ness Monster - a sea horse that inhabits in the Scottish Highlands which is usually portrayed as a harmful creature, until recent years when the film industry has changed that perception.

The first film that was made about the Loch Ness in 1934 did not put Scotland in a positive light as stated by senior film lecturer, Dr. Martin Jones, "a stereotypical land of monster-fearing locals" since then the image of the Kelpie has been rebranded and Scotland has seen a boost in visitor numbers.

In 1996 and most recently in 2007 it has been seen that the Loch Ness monster has been transformed into a family friendly creature which has proven to be a global hit and is part of Scotland's tourism growth in an overall aspect. The role of film within tourism is a wonderful partnership when created in the right manner.

To follow this story click below...
 http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/highlands_and_islands/8382986.stm

G.T.I.


 

"Keepin' it green(ish)..."

Although we are aware that the only real method of sustainable transportation is to travel everywhere solely on foot, we are also aware that this is not ever going to be common place. So this story follows how those clever Dutch chaps at KLM have operated its first ever passenger flight powered by sustainable biokerosene...

Johan van de Gronden, director of WWF The Netherlands: “We want to protect our fragile natural environment against climate change. Clean technology is one way to reduce the impact that humanity has on our climate. The establishment of SkyEnergy is a groundbreaking initiative and KLM’s demonstration flight using biokerosene is a concrete and positive step on the way to a sustainable future...”

Mr. Hartman: “KLM has been involved in biokerosene research since 2007. With the establishment of SkyEnergy, we are accelerating development and hope to achieve a market breakthrough. We are moving forward with great resolve. But we cannot do it alone. We need the support of government, industry and broader society...”

KLM and Air France are jointly pursuing an ambitious Climate Action Plan. The fruits of this endeavour are exemplified by the fact that Air France KLM has been the sector leader on the Dow Jones Sustainability for five consecutive years...

Good luck to them all..

Read more at http://www.traveldailynews.com/pages/show_page/34375-KLM-takes-strides-in-sustainable-air-transport

Barticus.

"And stay out...."

The European Commission has published it's twelfth update of the Community’s list of airlines banned in the European Union which comprises those of three additional countries following safety deficiencies highlighted by audits. With this update the ban imposed upon three airlines is lifted and one airline is allowed to resume operations under conditions given satisfactory improvements in safety...

With this update three carriers licensed in Ukraine have been removed from the list: Ukraine Cargo Airways and Volare have both lost their Air Operator Certificates; following the receipt of certain information from the Ukrainian authorities, the carrier Motor Sich is also removed from the list. A fourth carrier, Ukrainian Mediterranean Airlines is allowed to resume operations with one aircraft. This is the result of a successful visit lead by the European Aviation Safety Agency with the participation of two Member States in Ukraine to verify improvements achieved by the companies...

In the same vein, the significant progress made by the civil aviation authority of Angola and the air carrier TAAG Angola Airlines to resolve progressively any safety deficiencies are recognised. TAAG is therefore allowed to increase the number of aircraft it uses for its flights to Portugal...

The Community’s list has five individual carriers whose operations are fully banned in the European Union – Air Koryo from the Democratic People Republic of Korea, Air West from Sudan, Ariana Afghan Airlines from Afghanistan, Siem Reap Airways International from Cambodia and Silverback Cargo Freighters from Rwanda...

For more news of how this is aiming to control the airways in European skies, please follow http://www.traveldailynews.com/pages/show_page/34381-Commission-updates-the-list-of-airlines-banned-from-the-European-airspace

Barticus.

"Cook eyes growth!!..."

Following a poor year for global travel markets, Thomas Cook has reported flat annual pre-tax profits of £308.2 million for the year ending September...

Things to note in this are firstly that they are not, like so many of it's competitors, losing money, and secondly that they have seen encouraging signs in the last four weeks, with bookings up 14%...

Added to this is the development of their on-line strategies, with the strength of the Thomas Cook retail brand, can give access to inventory and a "true multi-channel capability", the strategy to develop an international online travel agent represents a "compelling customer proposition..."

“We have continued to invest in our dynamic packaging capabilities and products and we have, in parallel, improved our online capabilities across the group,” said group chief executive Manny Fontenla-Novoa...

“As well as ongoing content management, merchandising, programming and technology investment, we have also ensured that customers booking travel online have access to all the same services that are available in-store and receive a seamless customer experience across channels...”

For more about this news and strategy go to http://www.travelmole.com/stories/1139699.php

Barticus.

"Nassau crime wave hits cruises.."

Cruises have stopped going to the idyllic Caribbean city of Nassau following a spate of violent crimes against tourists...

The Telegraph reports that "A series of armed attacks on cruise ship passengers in Nassau has raised fears about the safety of visitors to the Bahamas...

Several Europeans were among a group of 18 tourists held up by two men wielding shotguns during a guided tour of an eco-park close to Nassau last weekend. Their local guide was tied up and a woman hit in the face with the butt of a gun as the robbers took money, cameras, mobile phones and passports from the passengers...

Last month, in another daylight incident, 11 cruise passengers were robbed at gunpoint as they stood at the top of the Queen's Staircase, the city's landmark attraction..."

The Bahamas is trying to combat an increase in violent crime – there have been a record 77 murders so far this year. In the past it was rare for tourists to be targeted...

"It is difficult to promote the islands as a place for people to consider for their holiday when these kinds of incidents occur," said Vernice Walkine, minister for tourism. "We are deeply concerned about a troubling series of events involving rogue elements of our society. We want to assure our cruise line partners that we will work closely with the police until they have rooted out these problems and restored these places and activities as safe for the enjoyment of our visitors."

With the Bahamas tourism industry worth an estimated $2.3 billion a year, these criminal elements need to be eradicated before serious harm is done to the businesses of those that depend on tourist arrivals...

For more on this, follow http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/cruises/cruise-news/6669176/Nassau-crime-wave-hits-cruises.html

Barticus.

"In need of a long, luxurious soak..."

With so many areas of tourism hit by the current economic doom and gloom, it is always good to be able to report areas that are courting success, regardless...

Australia's spa sector has announced this week the progress of their 600 spa's thanks to the report by Intelligent Spa's...

Intelligent Spas’ fifth Spa Benchmark Report on the Australian spa market presents an extensive collection of financial statistics including breakdowns of key performance indicators by day spas, hotel spas and resort spas. The new research found over 600 spas are operating in Australia and are expected to generate AUD500 million (approximately USD465 million) in revenue during 2009, representing a 17% increase compared to 2008...

“Overall, the Australian spa industry continued to grow during the global economic crisis however some key performance indicators per spa declined due to the crowded market. Spa owners and managers are currently challenged with increasing visits per spa and these updated statistics will help them identify how to operate more effectively in this competitive market going into 2010” stated Julie Garrow, Managing Director of 100% independent research company Intelligent Spas...

Good news in gloomy times indeed...

Follow this at http://www.traveldailynews.com/pages/show_page/34357-600-spas-in-Australia-expected-to-generate-USD4-65m-in-revenue-during-2009

Barticus.

"Show me the future..."

The Tourism 2023 project report has been launched at the ABTA Travel Convention in Barcelona, and is now available online (at http://www.forumforthefuture.org/projects/tourism-2023) to help the UK outbound travel and tourism industry understand the challenges it faces and plan for a sustainable future...

They note that the project has identified three potential work streams on issues which require urgent industry collaboration: demonstrating that tourism delivers real socio-economic benefit to tourist destinations; making tourism a low-carbon, low-impact industry; and encouraging demand from customers for sustainable tourism...

But what of future trends? Vivid details bring the world of each scenario to life and are designed to provoke debate. Will mass tourism, swollen by the Chinese and Indian middle classes, cause huge overcrowding in popular destinations? Will soaring oil prices make air travel so expensive that families have to save for years to fly abroad? Will we see “Doomsday tourism”, with visitors rushing to see glaciers and coral reefs before they’re gone for good? Or will household “carbon quotas” see Britons go back to holidaying at home? We can only guess...

This story offers great insight to the future possibilities of the industry, so please go to http://www.travelmole.com/stories/1139627.php?news_cat=3 and the link above to learn more.

Barticus.

"It's good to be green..."

With people now starting to run scared from the ecological results of their family vacations, it is good to see guidance as to the options available within the "Green" marketplace...

In this article, Richard Hammond, travel editor of National Geographic's new "Green" supplement, recommends five eco-friendly trips for the new year...

From city breaks with rail and ride holidays in Amsterdam, to the idyllic countryside setting of tree houses in Italy, this article shows how it is possible for even the most green conscious of us to have a good holiday...

Read more at http://www.guardian.co.uk/travel/2009/nov/27/green-short-breaks-2010

Barticus.

"Despair and happiness, pleasure in pain..."

With the growth of "Dark" and "Thana" tourism types, we bring news that if you want, you are able to book tickets for a Titanic Memorial Cruise in 2012.....

British travel firm Miles Morgan Travel are taking reservations for this unique cruise that will commemorate the Titanic's tragic voyage in April 1912...

"Our voyage of a lifetime will sail from Southampton on 8th April 2012 the twelve night cruise on board the MS Balmoral and will follow the RMS Titanic's original itinerary, passing by Cherbourg on the French coast before calling into the Irish port of Cobh..."

"From here the ship will sail across the Atlantic, arriving at the Titanic site on April 14th/15th exactly 100 years on from this tragic voyage, where a memorial service will be held to pay tribute to the brave passengers and crew who perished on that fateful night..."

This just goes to show that it takes all sorts, as shown by our friends at http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000453793153&ref=ts that explores this phenomenon...

For more on the Titanic cruise story, please follow http://www.titanicmemorialcruise.co.uk/

Barticus.

"It's ok guys, we are back....."

With all the doom and gloom being forecasted this week, it is good to hear news that the business travel market appears to be on the rebound...

According to those fabulous fellows at Travelmole, business travel is showing early signs of stabilisation against the backdrop of the worst global recession since the 1930s, as reported by Hogg Robinson Group today...

The group saw half year pre-tax profits almost halve to £3.3 million...

Revenue for the six months ending September 30 was down by nine per cent to £155.3 million over the same period a year earlier...

HRG said the frequency of travel on business by clients had reduced in the half year...

The period saw clients trading down, an increased level of online booking and greater use of technology, more use of advance bookings and restricted tickets, a re-negotiation of supplier deals and stronger travel policy compliance...

In a week where we have reported the financial problems being suffered by so many sectors within the travel and tourism industry, this is all really good news...

For more information on this, please go to http://www.travelmole.com/stories/1139684.php?mpnlog=1&m_id=s~bvs~bm

Barticus.

'Protect Us!'

Independent travellers who enjoy creating all aspects of their desired experience may continue doing so with an extra bonus – levels of protection for holidaymakers is to be available for all.

According to the European Commission, compensation, when company failure occurs, will be provided to those vacationers who organise their own flights, accommodation and other additional services such as car hire.

We have heard many cases where travellers have been abandoned at airports due to the sudden collapse of their chosen operator, and due to recent European airlines that have been unsuccessful it is a positive beginning for the travel industry. Let’s hope that it all goes according to plan.

To follow this story click below...
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/travelnews/6661514/Europe-seeks-to-extend-protection-for-holidaymakers.html

G.T.I.

"But I am CONCERNed...."

News reaching us today about our charity of choice "Tourism Concern" airing it's views with regards to the effects of the tourism industry in developing areas...

Tourism Concern claims tourism developments often exploit tribal people, force locals from their homes and damage the environment...

The campaigning charity’s latest report, Putting Tourism to Rights, calls on the UK government and tourism industry to tackle poverty by protecting the rights of local people...

Tricia Barnett, Tourism Concern director, said: ‘While tourism has great potential to create wealth and improve the lives of local communities, our report shows that it is often developed at the expense of human rights. This is particularly true for people who are poor and easy to exploit, often driving them deeper into poverty....’

These worries, along with many others, are the things that we need to address if we are to continue to develop towards a committed and sustainable future for the travel industry...

Please follow more at http://www.e-tid.com/News-Home/Tourism-charity-challenges-human-rights-abuses.aspx

Barticus.

"What do you mean you can't pay?..."

These are hard times for all within the tourism industry. Over recent weeks we have seen not only SMI's (small to medium businesses) going to the wall, but also the struggles of many of the bigger players such as British Airways. But now, when so many were starting to show how the worst of this economic slump is past, one of the biggest tourism servers is bringing fresh worries in turbulent times...

This follows the breaking news that Dubai World has (reportedly) asked for more time to make a loan payment, news that has sent shock waves not just through the tourism sector, but also through the financial sector as people try to work out "Whats going on" with what was considered to be financially safe "Uber" resort of Dubai...

Banks have also invested heavily in the area. According to the Emirates Bank Association, HSBC has $17bn invested in UAE, Standard Chartered has $7.8bn, Barclays has $3.6bn and has . RBS $2.2bn. Citigroup also has $1.9bn in the UAE whilst BNP Paribas $1.7bn and Lloyds has $1.6bn....

For more on this, follow http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/nov/26/dubai-first-domino-new-crash

Barticus.

"Death of a ledgend..."

Bad news from the Irish travel industry today as reports show that Budget Travel, Ireland’s biggest operator, is to cease trading today...

The closure will lead to the loss of 172 jobs and the closure of 17 travel agencies.

Almost 750 people are on holiday abroad with the operator.

Up to 380 people were due to fly out on holidays with Budget Travel between tomorrow and Sunday from Dublin and Cork...

But flights have been cancelled and people are being told they can get a refund from the Irish Commission for Aviation Regulation...

Budget Travel managing director Eileen O'Sullivan was quoted by Irish media as saying: “This has been a painful and distressing time for us all and we deeply regret that this situation has arisen...

“We will do everything we can to minimise the impact of this decision especially on those who are currently travelling with us...”

The company was established in May 1975 and had a 30% share of the market...

There are those that blame the recent problems within the Irish tourism sector on the additional aviation taxes, but this all comes down to the general effects of the ongoing global recession proving that despite the calls of many that the worst is over, for many the worst is still to come...

Follow more of this story at http://www.travelmole.com/stories/1139656.php

Barticus.

"Cut it out..."

This follows the news of the Eurocontrol and ACI Europe joint programme of reducing CO2 emission, and the growing support within the Airport sector of the tourism industry...

Eurocontrol and ACI Europe’s collaboration to increase operational efficiencies at European airports is already making progress with more than 30 airports so far engaged in the programme. Airport Collaborative Decision-Making (A-CDM), directly links airports into the Air Traffic Management network and gives users access to a range of operational data allowing them to make their operations more efficient. Successful implementation leads to significant reduction in CO2 emissions, which in turn helps airlines save fuel..

David McMillan, Director General of Eurocontrol said “The environmental balance has clearly tipped from awareness and acknowledgement to concrete actions resulting in a willingness to adopt substantive changes to operational procedures. A-CDM and other initiatives such as continuous descent approaches are good examples of what can be achieved when a number of stakeholders work together in partnership..."

This is good news for the ecologically aware, and we hope that this goes further, taking in the rest of the airports in Europe, thus setting a standard for the world to follow...

Follow more at http://www.traveldailynews.com/pages/show_page/34311-Eurocontrol-and-ACI-Europe-joint-programme-of-reducing-CO2-emissions

Barticus.

"Just four more years..."

Air travel liquid ban to remain in place until 2013...

This is the breaking news today with regards to air travel. Air passengers must carry liquids and gels in containers no larger than 100ml under current restrictions, which were imposed in 2006 after the break-up of a plot to blow up transatlantic airliners travelling from Heathrow to North America...

The plans, which have not yet been rubber-stamped, will mean millions of air passengers face three to four more years of having liquids confiscated at airport security gates...

The draft regulation states that transfer passengers from non-EU countries will be allowed to carry liquids on to connecting flights from 2011, ending a restriction that has seen the impounding of duty-free goods. However, duty-free purchases must be packed in a sealed bag with a receipt showing where and when the goods were bought...

The commission says all airports should be able to screen suspect liquids in just over three years. It has altered plans to relax the rules in 2012 for airports handling more than 10 million passengers a year...

Smaller airports would have waited until 2014 but the proposal was deemed impractical and potentially confusing for passengers...

Follow this at http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/travelnews/6650479/Air-travel-liquid-ban-to-remain-in-place-until-2013.html

Barticus.

"Danger, danger. High Voltage..."

Travellers be warned...

This follows news that in Florence, Italy, it has been found that many trips that are being taken around this most beautiful of cities, as advertised on "Tripadvisor," are not, in fact, registered, and therefore do not have licences or insurances...

"Tripadvisor appears to have no qualms about promoting concerns that may be unlicensed and lack insurance. " Says the Telegraph...

Customers are picked up by these operators from hotels or street corners and pay the guide, often in cash. One company admitted that 90 per cent of its business comes through Tripadvisor...

Police acted against two questionable operators in September after complaints from licensed tour operators and drivers to Florence's Chamber of Commerce...

It was difficult to find Italian officers who could pose plausibly as foreign tourists, but they finally caught out Per's Bike Rides and Tuscan Wine Tours, confiscating their vehicles and fining them for trading illegally...

So let this be a warning for all, in particular Tripadvisor itself...

For more on this follow http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/travelnews/6560309/Unlicensed-tours-thrive-on-the-internet.html

Barticus.

"Promotion, promotion, promotion..."

Economy in trouble, tourism not hitting the heights expected, what do you do? Make a film....

This is an obviously brilliant way to promote your country using a media method that is followed by so many all of the time...

Take a look at the "Lord of the rings" trilogy that showed the beautiful views on offer in New Zealand, or the animated film "The Lion King" showing the beauty of wildlife in Africa, or how about the classic film "Australia" that showed Australia to be, ah, ok so it does not always show you to be how you may have imagined...

But following the footsteps of this has led to sites being specially developed to promote this phenomenon, such as the United Kingdom's industries through it's tourism body, VisitBritain...

So, for a look at the British film industry, and to have a chance to experience the locations, go to http://www.visitbritain.us/campaigns/british-film/index.aspx

Barticus.

"The problem with Youtube..."

Most people within the tourism industry are aware of the problems of Youtube...

You spend lots of time, lots of money and lots of effort into promoting your company or destination to be the place that tourists feel that they MUST part with their money, and then along comes someone who you may have accidentally upset once, may have wronged in some way, or someone who simply has too much time on their hands, and all of your plans are suddenly washed away...

I bring this up because while looking at Youtube today, I noticed that this is the number 1 tourism download http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ysmLA5TqbIY

Watch it and wonder how easily your plans could be shattered...

Barticus.

"But, is it really cultural??.."

Thanks to Virtual Tourist for bringing out a list (ye gods, another list, ha ha) that this time focuses on one of the most notorious cultural reflections of modern city life, Ugly Buildings...

From Morris A. Mechanic Theater; Baltimore, Maryland, that they describe as "Looking at the grim, impersonal façade of this once-thriving theater, it’s hard to believe its stage once hosted the likes of Katherine Hepburn and George C. Scott. Although it would be ugly without them, the windows boarded up with wood certainly don’t help matters. Its doors now closed, the structure still incites debate among locals, many of whom feel the final curtain should have come down on this building long ago," to Ryugyong Hotel; Pyongyang, North Korea said to be "Riddled with issues that range from lack of money to poor construction to rumored collapse, this still unfinished nightmare has been under some form of construction for over 20 years. Started in 1987, construction was halted a few years later and left untouched until fairly recently."

But are these monstrosities really so bad? Or are they set to be the "must see" cultural icons of the future?

Follow http://members.virtualtourist.com/vt/t/354 and you decide.

Barticus.

'Its time for a change'...

Heathrow Airport is going under construction...

Terminal two at London's Heathrow Airport has closed its doors after 54 years for a £1 billion replacement.
The new developement will become home to the world's largest airline alliance, Star Alliance, which includes Lufthansa, Air Canada, United Airlines, LOT - just a few of the many members under the umbrella. The development should be completed and successfully opened to the world in 2014.

To follow this story just click on the link below...
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/travel/business/article6928787.ece

G.T.I.

"Ryanair comes bottom of the class..."

With the latest poll out concerning "family brands," it is more bad news for Ryanair with the publication that they are the "least liked" when it comes to this area of customer satisfaction...

The no-frills airline is seen as doing little to promote family values and not enough to be seen to care or listen to customers, according to the FamilyBrands poll...

In fact the 10 least favourite companies included: Ryanair, British Midland, BMI Baby and Easyjet showing that the budget airlines generally did not do well in this poll. But then maybe this shows the point of these airlines. They are not about family values, great service, the ability to make you feel great, or even food in most cases, they are in fact about getting you from one place to another as cheaply as possible which surely means this poll is not a good pointer as to how appropriately the "family values" are seen within the context of the provider...

Follow http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/travelnews/6641220/Ryanair-named-worst-family-brand.html and make up your own mind.

Barticus.

"They think it's all over..."

With the 2012 Olympics racing towards us, we have shown the general fear of the proverbial "damp squib" anticipated by those within the tourism industry, the Olympic committees and even the general public, so it makes a nice change to bring some positivity on the subject for a change...

VisitBritain, Visit London, the European Tour Operators Association (ETOA) and UKinbound have agreed to set up a joint working party to develop a strategy that will encourage visits to Britain and London throughout 2012 and beyond as London hosts the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games....

Visit London’s director of communications, Ken Kelling, said: “London has so much to offer sports fans and non-sports fans alike and visitors are well used to travelling to and from the city for business or pleasure. We are expecting the atmosphere to be amazing during 2012 and no-one will want to miss out. Now’s the right time to be getting the message out as the travel trade starts to think about “brochuring” for the next few years..."

So, after a period of "They think it's all over" it would hopefully seem that the answer is "Not yet...."

Good luck to all involved, and follow this at http://www.traveldailynews.com/pages/show_page/34199--Industry-comes-together-to-maximise-tourism-opportunity-form-the-2012-Games

Barticus.

''Having a drink with Antonio...'

It has been known that when public figures visit destinations for vacations or for work related purposes,
tourism within that area gets a boost.

Actor Antonio Banderas has just invested in a vineyard in the North of Spain, Ribera del Duero, to not only produce Spain’s finest wines but to educate and promote wine tourism. The actor also has plans to build a hotel of a small size but with a warm and intimate atmosphere so tourists may enjoy their experience in true Spanish style.

To follow this story click below...
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/article-1230172/Antonio-Banderas-plans-new-hotel-Spanish-vineyard.html

G.T.I.

"No job? Time for funemployment....."

Funemployed glampers could boost recession-hit travel firms is the latest view of the Irish Times...

Bad economic times could offer a boost to a travel industry willing to embrace the “funemployed”, tourism providers have been told...

The concept of the funemployed was outlined by Thalia Pellegrini, presenter of the BBC’s Fast:track travel programme, at Fáilte Ireland’s national tourism conference in Dublin. She said the term was coined to describe recently unemployed people who are using their free time to travel...

“This group is tempted by unprecedented travel deals and have a now-or-never attitude towards travelling,” she said. “Most have severance packages to cushion the blow, and more than half of those unemployed in North America are under the age of 35, mainly single, without children or a mortgage.”

So, no job? Things getting to you? Then you too could be funemployed...

For more information please follow http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/travel/2009/1121/1224259216736.html

Barticus.

"Easy Jet to run the world!!..."

The UK prime minister in waiting, David Cameron has turned to easyJet’s low-frills model as a way to run the public sector in recessionary times. Cameron believes that no-frills politics is the way forward, having looked at the Sir Stelios’s success in starting up a tightly-run business that is used by everyone from the royalty to stag and hen parties..

Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou, the easyJet founder, told The Times: “Political parties are now proposing different ways of running local councils – one is easyCouncil and the other is John Lewis. I am not going to say I know which one is right but I think the public know exactly what easyCouncil means – a standard level of service at a low price with additional services that cost more. Nothing’s hidden...”

He adds: “It’s about choice as much as price. It’s all about giving power to people to pay for what they value. Take ‘speedy boarding’. I have flown for 14 years a couple of times a week on easyJet. If you buy ‘speedy boarding’ you get on the plane among the first people. Others like to use it to sit at the front because that’s where first class usually is, but I prefer the back of the plane as it feels more spacious...”

But does this mean the Tory party are going to swap their traditional blue for the orange and white hoarding of the easy group?..

Follow this story at http://www.breakingtravelnews.com/news/article/tories-turn-to-stelios-for-easypolitics/

Barticus.

"Worried about the plane? Then take the train..."

With many people starting to show their environmental concerns, this follows how it is possible to travel to your favourite skiing destination without resorting to taking the plane...

A website that aims to encourage and enable more skiers to travel to resorts by trains went online last week, and with trains to France, Austria and Switzerland we can see the possibilities...


Snowcarbon.co.uk gives a useful overview of the options, as well as strategies for finding the lowest fares available, and should be a must for any self conscious ski traveller this season...

For more on this please follow http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/journeysbyrail/6550296/Skiing-Getting-to-the-Alps-by-train.html

Barticus.

'Bon Appetit!'

Now, this is a great idea! I've just read this article about 'closed door restaurants' that I would like to share with you all...

In Buenos Aires a culinary trend has taken over by the name of 'puertas cerradas' meaning 'closed door restaurants'. Local chefs or in general people who have a passion for food are offering real home-made dishes within their homes. The menu varies from a traditional cuisine to personal, worldwide dishes served by the chefs. The atmosphere? 'The sofa is pushed aside, family photos overlook the diners and there's a conviviality and multilingual chatter never found in conventional restaurants'...

Whilst travelling abroad, wanting to taste the real experience and meet the locals (as most desire) what a pleasant combination of the two.

To follow this story just click on the link below...

http://www.guardian.co.uk/travel/2009/nov/21/buenos-aires-secret-restaurants

G.T.I.

"Pay attention, it's your place too..."

Tourism. It's got to be possitive. It's got to be planned. It's got to be sustainable...



I was thinking about the future of the industry and I came across this article from Sue Hurdle, the chief executive of The Travel Foundation...



Looking at green projects and initiatives such as "Every drop counts" she helps to show ways that we can all help towards the sustainability of tourism and improvement of the industry for the future...



"Customers are more aware of issues such as climate change and are beginning to look to companies to provide evidence of their commitment to people and the environment.

At the same time, destinations are looking for ways to differentiate their product to gain competitive advantage - and by demonstrating their ‘green’ credentials they can do just that..."

please follow this to see the difference YOU can make at http://www.travelmole.com/stories/1139529.php?news_cat=3

Barticus.

"New York, New York..."

With the festive season upon us it is good news for those economically "beaten up" Brits for their festive shopping trips...

With the pound rebounding against the American dollar (23% better than March this year) huge savings are there to be had...

Research released this week by the Post Office, which compared the price of 25 popular items in major stores in London and New York (including Selfridges, John Lewis, Bloomingdales and Macy's), found that Britons can make significant savings on all but one item. Among the biggest reductions were on a men's Abercrombie & Fitch "Cold River" shirt that costs £70 in London compared with £23 in New York; women's True Religion jeans, down from £220 to £119.21, and Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream, £11.79 from £22...

The most sought-after Christmas toys were, on average, 27 per cent cheaper in New York. A Rubik's 360 puzzle was nearly 50 per cent cheaper in New York (£10.39) than in London (£20), while the new Barbie & the Three Musketeers Doll cost 41 per cent less (£15.93 in New York; £27 in London)...

The only item surveyed that was more expensive in New York was the Wii Console (and Wii Fit) which cost £233.60 in New York, compared with £214.99 in London....

With savings like this, now IS a good time to fly. For more on this news follow http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/travelnews/6607211/Bargains-beckon-in-US-shops-as-the-pound-surges.html

Barticus.

"Travellers, the new breed...."

Fascinating news from Amadeus following a poll of 2700 travel professionals that highlighted this new type of traveller as the relationship between travel companies and their customers changes...

And this new type of emerging tourist is the "amateur-expert travellers," described as being more knowledgeable, adventurous and more likely to live in an emerging economy than ever before - having been identified as a new Internet-empowered breed...

A third of respondents thought that virtual reality will soon have the biggest impact on the travel experience by matching holidaymakers with destinations much more accurately...

So the news is therefore that the newest marketing strategies should be aimed at, instead of the traditional mass markets, the Nerd and Geek markets...

Hmm, interesting..

Follow this at http://www.travelmole.com/stories/1139526.php?mpnlog=1&m_id=s~bvs~bm

Barticus.

"How big is too big?..."

This follows the introduction of the newest "Super Cruiser," "The Oasis of the Seas" that is preparing to enter service in the Atlantic...

It is not yet carrying any paying passengers but when it goes into service next month, it will carry 6,300 of them, as well as its 2,100 crew...

To keep them busy, the ship has a 750-seat outdoor amphitheatre, an ice rink, golf course, an indoor theatre seating 1,300 people, volleyball and basketball courts, and several swimming pools....

Its manufacturers claim it will be the "most environmentally friendly cruise ship to date", discharging no sewage into the sea, reusing its waste water and consuming 25 per cent less power than similar, but smaller, cruise liners....

No sewage and reusing waste water? Sounds scary to me. But what of other implications. What of the effects on wildlife and terrains as it passes. But more importantly to the travelling fraternity, who really NEEDS to travel in a floating city? It is certainly beyond me...

For more on the news of this amphibious monster, please follow http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/travelnews/6484930/Worlds-largest-cruise-ship-to-enter-Atlantic.html

Barticus.

Tourism Concern. Let Us Spread The Word! Part 2.

I have some wonderful and positive news... It looks like Tourism Concern will keep its doors open!

On the 25th October 2009, I posted news about Tourism Concern who were in danger of closing before Christmas, due to a much needed sum of £40,000 to survive and keep their essential worldwide projects on the run. Although the black cloud has not fully disappeared, the sun is slowly showing its rays as already more than £32,000 has been donated.

To follow this story click below...
http://www.travelmole.com/stories/1139470.php?news_cat=3

G.T.I.

"Show me the money..."

Good news, at last, for European air travellers...

Consumer groups have hailed as ‘historic’ a European decision to requiring airlines to compensate travellers for long flight delays....

The ruling will require airlines in the European Union to compensate victims of mass delays for which they are responsible....

Passengers who are forced to wait three hours or more will be compensated 600 euros, the same as if their flight had been cancelled, the European Court of Justice in Luxembourg decided yesterday....

This is a huge change from the "two phone calls and a cup of tea" mentality that has stood for so long, and should force airlines, especially the budget ones, into taking more care about adhering to scheduling...

Follow this story at http://www.travelmole.com/stories/1139570.php?mpnlog=1&m_id=s~bvs~bm

Barticus.

"Can you say aaahhhh??.."

Medical Tourism. The group "Patients Without Borders" is the latest offering from Healthy Travel Media and the Association of Private Hospitals of Malaysia...

Produced in collaboration with Malaysia's Tourism Ministry and supported by hospitals and related organizations, the 240-page guidebook features 16 color pages and offers an in-depth overview of Malaysia's 20 international hospitals, selected health travel agents, recovery and guest accommodations, and area travel information...

"Malaysia's quality healthcare system ranks among the best in Asia," says Dato' Dr. Jacob Thomas, President of APHM. "Value- conscious patients impacted by the present economic climate will find costs here among the lowest of any international medical travel destination...."

And with it's beautiful beaches, warm climate and great hotels, it offers a touch of luxury to help you get over your surgery...

for more news of this follow http://findarticles.com/p/news-articles/wireless-news/mi_hb5558/is_20090725/travel-guide-spotlights-malaysias-medical/ai_n39971020/

Barticus.

"You want me to what????"

Silly signage out to confuse the traveller...

This is an absolutely brilliant collection of REAL signs that have been posted around the world to help out the travelling community...

Please follow http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/travel/travel_images/article6923037.ece?slideshowPopup=true&articleId=6923037&nSlide=1&sectionName=Travel and enjoy as you try to work out how such curious mistakes were possible, while wondering who paid for these...

Barticus.

"You're the poison running through my veins..."

Celebrity travelling does not always live up to what you might expect...

This follows an interview with "Alice Cooper" in today's papers where the legendary rocker cites his wife and golf clubs as the "must have" items on his holidays...

He says "If you're going to go some place where it's going to be a huge time change, it's essential that you throw your watch away. The whole idea behind a vacation is to not worry about what time it is..." Good advice...

For this and more tips and travel insight from one of the "Gods of Rock" follow http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/celebritytravel/6604592/Alice-Coopers-holiday-heaven-and-hell.html

Barticus.

"Brit's don't go..."

This follows the news that Outbound International tourism has fallen 14% (which is nearly 10 million actual trips) in the year so far from the UK...

Inbound tourism fell as well, but not by as much with actual income down only 1%...

But why the surprise? With the value of the tourist pound falling through the floor, threats of redundancies looming, and the promise of a "barbecue" summer, the "staycation" was the only option available for many...

With the promise that inbound tourism will be the foundation for economic recovery in the UK, these figures will only make sense when evaluating what the Brit's spent on domestic tourism for the same period...

To follow this, and try to evaluate your own findings, go to http://www.travelmole.com/stories/1139543.php

Barticus.

"Tres Crazy......"

News of a new place to stay in France with a new gîte in Nantes that offers guests the chance to live as a rodent for the night - complete with fur costumes and a romantic hamster wheel for two...

Tucked away down an unremarkable side-street near the centre of the western French city, the Villa Hamster offers guests the "unique" opportunity to leave their species at the door and live the life of a rodent. Urging those curious to enter into its "poetic" world of wood chippings and fur costumes, its website asks: "Is it possible to put myself in the place of my hamster???"

Whatever their intentions, they seem to be doing something right. Since opening a fortnight ago, the Villa has been submerged with requests for visits from both inquisitive media and paying guests. But at the moment most people are choosing to keep their hamster transformation to a Saturday night-only experience, often as a present to a friend or partner...

So, is it "Tres Crazy" or "Magnifique..."

Follow the link and you decide http://www.guardian.co.uk/travel/blog/2009/nov/18/human-hamster-hotel-france

Barticus.

"Er, whatisthatabout???.."

First let me say that I am a HUGE Baz Luhrmann fan, but while spending a day advert spotting I have to wonder if he knew what he was doing with this one...

Given the opportunity to promote the country he knows and love, he, for me anyway, seems to kind of miss the point...

Australia, a vast and varied land with so much natural beauty adorned with a mix of vibrant peoples and cultures, at least that's how I was lucky enough to experience it. But Baz (I still love you but) instead shows us a rainy city (that could be anywhere) and a woman diving into a pool in a deserted landscape...

Was this meant to inspire people? Sorry Baz (luv ya) but I am most unimpressed...

Follow this link to see what you think http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQGMuxJ0vCc

Barticus.

"Two's company, three's a crowd..."

So what is eight hundred and forty?......

With news that the first ( in fact being the first and second as they have ordered 2) single class Airbus A380 double-decker super jumbos carrying 840 passengers have been ordered by Air Austral, who are based in La Réunion in the Indian Ocean....

The airline’s president Gérard Ethève said: “The A380 will offer the best comfort of any aircraft in a high density configuration. “With its spacious and extremely quiet cabins, we'll enter a new era in terms of economic air travel....”

But 840 in one class on a plane designed to carry 315 less in various classes, is it really an answer, or are travellers being treated more and more like cattle?

Follow the link and you decide http://www.travelmole.com/stories/1139517.php?mpnlog=1&m_id=s~bvs~bm

Barticus.

"Lifes a beach..."

Well it is if you live in or are visiting Cape Town, South Africa...

This is the news that Cape Town now has an incredible total of seven blue flag beaches, with a further 22 in South Africa bringing their total to 29 (a huge improvement from 19 last year)..

Commenting on the achievement, Cape Town Tourism CEO Mariette du-Toit Helmbold said that the Blue Flag endorsement was a thumbs-up for tourism, “International travelers have confidence in the Blue Flag indicator. Having as many Blue Flag-graded beaches as we do, accurately suggests that the Cape coastline is not only beautiful but well-maintained and protected as one of our greatest resources....”

These seven beaches that deserve recognition and praise from us all are:
Big Bay beach, Bloubergstrand Cape Town (new)
Clifton 4th beach,
Cape Town Camps Bay,
Cape Town Muizenberg,
Cape Town Strandfontein beach,
Cape Town Mnandi beach,
Cape TownBikini beach, Gordon’s Bay

For more details on this brilliant achievement, please follow http://www.forimmediaterelease.net/pm/3021.html

Barticus.

"Poor Mans Riches for Dominic.."

This follows news that, thanks to the addition of flights from British Airways as well as a stylish new face lift, that, that is known as "poor man's Caribbean" the Dominican Republic, has become more accessible to all from the U.K....

Fred Mawer explains "Let's say you have £900 to spend on a low-season week in the Caribbean including flights. For that money you could stay in a distinctly average three-star, all-inclusive, in Antigua; in a mid-range hotel, room only, in Barbados; or all-inclusive at the five-star Dreams Punta Cana. Why would you hesitate over the decision? Only, perhaps, because the Dreams Punta Cana is in the Dominican Republic, long lumbered with the label of "the poor man's Caribbean"..."

He then goes on to say that "I stayed in and visited as many of those upmarket hotels as I could. Most are still of the giant, all-inclusive variety. Though service and food rarely matched that of luxury hotels on other Caribbean islands, it was hard not to be dazzled by some elements of their offerings. We are talking beautiful grounds, gigantic swimming pools, king-size double day beds under canvas drapes or thatch by the beach or pool, and giant suites with whirlpool baths designed for sharing. Moreover, the all-inclusive rates at these classier hotels included premium (not just locally branded) drinks, room service and a turn down in the evenings. A few exclusive, small-scale "boutique" hotels – such as the Sivory and Tortuga Bay – have also been opening in the Punta Cana area in the past few years..."

Does this mean that the Dominican Republic will ever be able to lose this label? Follow the link and you decide http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/centralamericaandcaribbean/6589350/Dominican-Republic-Riches-in-the-poor-mans-Caribbean.html

Barticus.

"Er, excuse me Madame..."

It would appear that narcotics are not the only thing that people run the risk of smuggling...

This follows the publication of "the weirdest items confiscated by customs" and kicks off with the story of a woman that was stopped in Stockholm, Sweden with 75 live snakes hidden in her bra after only giving the game away by the constant scratching of her chest...

Other stories include when Robert Cusack, 49 was stopped at LAX when 4 birds of paradise flew from his luggage creating much disturbance in arrivals only to utter the immortal words "I have monkeys in my pants," which turned out to be 2 slow loris pygmy monkeys, all earning him 5 and a half months in prison...

Away from the airports, America 2006 saw the arrival of a Mexican truck that caught the attention of officials after seeing 40 packages hidden in compartments when performing an x-ray, but instead of the drugs they were anticipating police found 40 pounds of cheese...

For the full list of smuggling craziness, please follow http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/picturegalleries/6580933/The-weirdest-items-confiscated-by-airport-security.html

Barticus.

"Wild, wild west..."

It appears that Arizona is the home for the latest offering from far eastern hotel chain Aman thanks to its hotel Amangiri. Hidden between the vast ridges and cacti of the Arizona desert whilst offering the most luxurious of retreats...

The report goes that "light falls quickly in Arizona. Once the sun has slipped behind the vast ridges that edge the skyline, the sprawling desert turns mauve, then deep purple, then suddenly treacle-black. Driving out of the small town of Page into a darkening void, it struck me that these were not ideal conditions for finding our hotel – the unsigned, unannounced Amangiri, somewhere beyond the rocky outcrops and the silent, towering buttes, deliberately, almost wilfully, elusive...

It's a classic Aman trait of course. Adrian Zecha's chain of hotels may have grown to 24 since he started in Thailand in 1988, but their profile remains deliberately low. Even so, they are astonishingly successful: Zecha's trademark luxury minimalism now even has its own breed of clientele. "Amanjunkies" are the wearied wealthy who tailor their holidays around locations with an Aman hotel, and greet a new opening with the delight of a group of astronomists discovering a new planet. And they've been counting the days to the opening late last month of this, only the second Aman in North America."

To see more, follow http://www.guardian.co.uk/travel/2009/nov/15/aman-hotel-utah

Barticus.

"Beauty of mobility...."

I was present at (although subsequently kicked out for not paying) a seminar at last weeks World Travel Market about the future effect of mobile communications within the airline sector...

Using the (free) information gained I realised the importance of the information, and subsequently found this story today...

"Travelers young and old are increasingly using mobile devices for flight notification, check in, and seat selection, and are also willing to accept advertising with free travel applications. These findings and more were revealed in a global mobile survey of travelers, conducted by Sabre Travel Network. The survey of 800 corporate and leisure travelers from Asia-Pacific, Europe, Latin America and North America covered topics ranging from preferred features to fees travelers might pay for travel applications..."

"There's been a lot of experimentation with pay-for-services in the past. With advertising emerging as a more palatable choice for travelers, application providers and retailers now have a way of monetizing their offering and driving more value out of a potentially lucrative marketing channel," said Webb. "For our own part, Sabre remains committed to helping the travel industry advance their mobile strategies, and next year we will increase our mobile investments to continue growing our award-winning portfolio of mobile solutions for both agency and airline customers..."

For more on this news and the future applications of mobile technologies in the airline industry, please follow http://www.traveldailynews.com/pages/show_page/34140--Appetite-grows-for-mobile-travel-services

Barticus.

"I canee see..."

Good news for Galloway Forest Park, that has seen it officially unveiled as the first Dark Sky Park in the UK...

The award, announced by the International Dark Sky Association, confirmed Galloway as one of the best places for stargazing in the world...

Lighting experts were brought in to ensure the skies above the forest park were pitch black at night...

The organisers of Galloway's bid said they hoped the award would boost tourism in south west Scotland. ...

To see (or not) this new typology of tourism phenomenon, follow http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/south_of_scotland/8361244.stm

Barticus.

"I may be cheap, but I still care...."

With airlines suffering most of all in the current economic climate, it is very good to see cabin crew staff at Ryanair "stripping off" for a 2010 charity calender in aid of the charity “KIDS” which provides support to disabled children and their families across Britain....

Last year Labour MEP Mary Honeyball accused Ryanair of “sexualising” the airline industry.
“Ryanair has again done the dirty in a desperate bid for profits and pimped out its “sexiest” airline stewards in a “bare all” calendar,” she said. “Such derisory marketing will surely deter more serious candidates interested in a career in airline services and bring the entire airline service industry career into disrepute as a result....”

But we at GTI disagree with Madam Honeyball as we feel that airlines have often looked at the sexiness of it's cabin crew to sell seats (look at the recent advertisement for Virgin Atlantic, or previous from many, many others) as the calender looks set to make upwards of £100,000 for this worthwhile charity...

The calendars will be sold on-board Ryanair flights and on its website (http://www.ryanair.com/) for €10 (£9). ..

To follow more of this story go to http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/travelnews/6544874/Ryanair-cabin-crew-strip-off-for-charity-calendar.html

Barticus.

'Never Give Up!'...

I have found this interesting article in the guardian on Montserrat that I would like to share with you all...

Between the years 1995 and 1997 tradgedy strikes. Volcano erruptions have devastated the island and its wonders. One of many who were affected by this disaster was David Payne, a man who built an eco-camp and was due to open it to the world in 1995. But he did not give up and over the past 12 months has recreated his vision and now welcomes tourists for the ultimate experience. Although Montserrat has not got the highest visitor numbers when compared to other Caribbean Islands, it is slowly and successfully making a positive name for itself due to the gems it has to offer, such as pearly beaches, clear waters, astounding wildlife and good food made from fresh local produce.

It looks like tourism is on the increase for Montserrat! So to follow this remarkable story click below...
http://www.guardian.co.uk/travel/2009/nov/14/montserrat-island-tourism-volcano?page=all

G.T.I.

"Can I get fries with that?..."

Thai street food has always been an area of worry for the hungry traveller, but not anymore if this article from visit-Chiang-Mai is anything to go by....

Street sellers have, so they say, cleaned up their act thus leaving the days of "somewhat unhygienic, with rumours that consumption of it could lead to serious stomach complaints" far behind them...

With various menu's to choose from, including:
* Som Tam - a spicy salad with shredded papaya
* Khao Mun Gai Tom - steamed chicken served on rice cooked in chicken broth
* Rat Naa - fried flat noodles and pork in a thick gravy
* Ba Mee Nam - yellow egg noodle soup with wonton
* Pad Thai - fried noodles with dried shrimp and tofu
* Johk - a thick rice soup excellent for breakfast
* Pad See Iew - pan-fried noodles with pork & green vegetables
* Khao Pad - fried rice
* Pad Krapow Moo - pork fried with basil served on rice
* Khao Moo Daeng - red pork with rice
This is leaving even me quite hungry...

For more on Thai Street Food, please go to http://www.visit-chiang-mai-online.com/thai-street-food.html and enjoy having your taste buds tickled...

Barticus.