joi, 31 octombrie 2013

The Top Reasons You Should Visit Romania

For some, the thought of visiting Romania isn’t too persuasive, but for others, it’s an idea that’s met with open arms. Some people may associate the area with danger or political conflict, but that is far from the truth my friends -Romania is one of the most rewarding places to sojourn in this day and age. Check out five reasons why Romania makes a fantastic place to vacation!

1) Romania is affordable.
Of course, this is a weighted statement. Romania’s affordability is relative. But if you’re from a western country, you will most definitely agree. The average price of a beer is around $1.50 to $3.00 at a nice bar, a meal at a decent sit-down restaurant will run you about $8-$10 with tip, and accommodation can be had at a fraction of the prices you’d shell out for in places like Paris, London and New York. The currency used in Romania is the leu (lei for plural, also written as RON) and the exchange rate is usually about 3.4 lei to the USD (1 Euro ~ 4.4 lei).

2) Romania is part of the EU.
Romania joined the EU in 2007, and since then, has been moving at light speed to accommodate the regulations and standards that the EU has established. It is estimated that Romania will even be using the euro as soon as 2015. The differences between Western and Eastern Europe are shrinking greatly these days, and this is definitely evident in Romania.

3) Travel within Romania is easy.
Romanian is actually a romance language (along with French, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, etc.) and that means if you speak one of the languages mentioned above, even a little bit, you’ll most likely: 1)be able to read the street signs, menus, etc. to a local and have them understand you, and 2) see some similarities in words that will help get you around. A high percentage of people speak English as well, especially in the cities. Beyond the ease of communication, transportation is very easy to navigate as well. From the extensive and affordable metro in Bucharest (a 10-trip card only costs 15 RON or € 3.34!), to the quality trains and regional airports, you can get around the country for practically nothing.

4) Romania has it all.Romania has it all, from the bustling and cosmopolitan city of Bucharest, to towering mountains in the ancient Carpathians, to beautiful beaches on the Black Sea. The Transylvania region in the western part of the country (sorry, no vampires) is a beautiful mountainous region with outdoor activities like hiking, skiing and mountain biking, that can be enjoyed all year long. A couple of fine places to base your Transylvania travels would be the historic and medium-sized city of Cluj-Napoca, or the medieval city of Brasov that’s cradled in between two almost-vertical green mountains.

Bucharest is located in the southern central part of the country. It is a safe, large and affordable capital city with great dining and sights to enjoy for a few days, and of course, a pretty epic nightlife which is centered in the old town and the northern part of the city.
Just 2.5 hours east of Bucharest is the famed Romanian seaside. There is a beach for virtually everybody. If you want a fun, bohemian vibe with bonfires and camping right on the sand, head to Vama Veche, next to the Bulgarian border. If you seek a bit more of a party scene, head to Mamaia, just north of Constanta which is the largest city on the coast. Mamaia offers countless clubs, drink service on the beach and an abundance of nice accommodations.
5) The people.
No matter how beautiful, affordable or quaint a place is, ultimately it’s the people that really make a trip. The Romanian people are known for their hospitality, friendliness and general interest in foreigners. As mentioned above, many people speak English, and almost every person under the age of 30 will speak at least a little English. You can stop anybody in the street and they will be happy to point you in the right direction, offer you advice, or maybe even invite you out to hang out with their friends or family!

marți, 29 octombrie 2013

TUI Travel chief in Greece for tourism talks

Peter Long, chief executive of TUI Travel, one of the world’s leading leisure travel companies, has met with the Greek prime minister Antonis Samaras to discuss the growth plans for the company in the country, one of its key destinations.

“I would like to thank the prime minister for sharing his vision of tourism as one of the main economic engines in the Country and commend his strategy to accelerate the growth in this dynamic and high potential industry,” said Long.

“TUI Travel has enjoyed a strong relationship with Greece for over 50 years built on a common vision and efforts to position it as one of the most attractive holiday destinations.”

Greek tourism has been hit by the European financial crisis, which has seen the country bailed out three times by financial regulators.

Austerity cuts in the country have seen street demonstrations rumble on for a number of months, deterring tourists.

However, the country may now be turning the corner.

“Greece has seen an impressive recovery in 2013 and in 2014 we will increase the number of our customers enjoying a holiday in this destination to some two million - an increase of nearly ten per cent over this year,” continued Long.

“We believe these numbers will continue to grow as we develop more unique holiday experiences for our customers.

“Following the troubles last summer, Greece has put its economic woes behind it and is looking towards a future of growth in which tourism will undoubtedly play a large part.

“By investing in the country’s main gateways’ infrastructure, such as airports and ports, as well as improving road networks, the Greek Government can ensure tourism will remain a key driver of the economy.”

British Airways to return to Malta

Malta Tourism Authority, together with British Airways has announced that Malta is the latest destination to be added to the daily flight map.

Commencing March 30th 2014, BA will fly from Gatwick to Malta International Airport with daily direct flights.

For group bookings, advanced seats are now available for travel in 2014 on board a combination of Boeing 737 and Airbus 319/320 aircrafts.

The new daily flights provide the ideal solution for those seeking a destination with year round sunshine, a rich history & culture and easy access from the UK.

Malta minister of tourism, Karmenu Vella, recognised the strong link between adequate seat capacity and success within the tourism industry.

He warmly welcomed the announcement that British Airways will be returning to Malta from next March.

“This announcement is a huge vote of confidence in our islands from one of the world’s leading flagship carriers.

“This will further strengthen our links with London and beyond and should boost both the leisure and the conference sectors,” he explained..

Minister Vella thanked the Malta Tourism Authority and Malta International Airport for handling the discussions and bringing them to a successful conclusion.

Kenya Tourism Board hosts buyers to boost presence in UK market

The Kenya Tourism Board has hosted six influential product decision makers on a destination familiarisation trip to highlight the country’s range of product offering as a tourism destination.

The trip hosted product decision makers from Bales Worldwide, Exodus, African Pride, Acacia Africa, The Natural Travel Collection and Six Star Holidays.

Excursions in Nairobi on the programme included a visit to the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage at Nairobi National park, a trip to the Giraffe Centre in Langata and a VIP dinner at new luxury hotel, Villa Rosa Kempinski.

The group then left Nairobi to sample various tourism products across Kenya, including site inspections of a diverse range of Kenya’s hotels, national parks and conservancies from the famous Treetops Lodge to Sweetwaters Serena Camp to Ol Pejeta House.

The Ol Pejeta conservancy was a particular highlight for the group, supporting Kenya’s status as a leading safari destination.

Phil Ellis, Bales Worldwide said: “The game drive in Ol Pejeta Conservancy was the best I have experienced anywhere in Africa.”

Hotels in the itinerary included Hemingways Nairobi, a new luxury boutique hotel overlooking the Ngong Hills which opened in April 2013, Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club, located in the foothills of Africa’s second highest mountain, and the silver eco-rated Turtle Bay Beach Club and luxurious Hemingways Watamu, both of which overlook the internationally acclaimed Watamu Marine National Park.

Muriithi Ndegwa, managing director, Kenya Tourism Board, said: “We are pleased to welcome 150 hosted buyers to magical Kenya, their attendance is a demonstration of their confidence in Kenya as a key tourism destination and we are thrilled they have had the opportunity to experience some of the country’s best national parks, beaches, accommodation and activities as well as the warmth of the Kenyan people.

“We hope they can return to the UK as ambassadors for Kenya filled with inspiration on new products to feature and that they are able to share their first-hand experiences and knowledge gained during their stay with their customers.”

Game of Thrones boosts Dubrovnik tourism

According to figures released by the Croatian National Tourist Office, some 94,845 Brits holidayed in Dubrovnik between January-September 2013, up an impressive 15 per cent on the same period in 2012.

The Dubrovnik-Neretva County, which among other destinations includes Cavtat and the islands of Mljet and Korcula, also reported a year-on-year boost of 16 per cent with 131,167 Brits visiting the region between January-September 2013.

In the same time period, 675,208 tourists from around the world visited the ‘Jewel of the Adriatic’, a rise of 11 per cent on 2012’s figures.

With a strong end to the tourism year expected, Dubrovnik is already looking to attract even more UK holidaymakers by improving its accommodation stock for 2014.

“Dubrovnik, with its mighty walls, designer shops and close proximity to fascinating islands has long tempted Brits to its shores, and it’s great to see that the city continues to inspire new and returning visitors,” said Tonko Rilović, UK & Ireland Director, CNTO.

“However, to get back to the record-breaking visitor figures of the early 1990s, we need to show UK holidaymakers that Croatia offers much more than just beautiful coastline for a memorable break all year-round.”

As many of Dubrovnik’s palaces, its oldest arboretum and Bokar fortress featured in the award-winning HBO TV series, Game of Thrones, and with Split’s upcoming debut in the fourth series, film tourism is also set to boost 2014’s arrival figures.

Boasting a wealth of breath-taking architecture and scenery, as well as fine local wines and delicious fresh seafood, Croatia is the ideal destination for all seasons, interests and budgets next year.

Dubai Air Show to return to Middle East

Taking place at its new purpose built home at Dubai World Central the 2013 Dubai Airshow has a lot to offer as it returns to the Middle East.

With a huge range of events happening, including a chance to view the planes on the ground, meet the pilots and see some of the best flight display teams in the world, the event is not to be missed.

Running from November 18th-21st, the complete line-up of the show is set to be revealed a little closer to the time.

However, some highlights have already been confirmed.

Among he most exciting is Al Fursan or The Knights, the United Arab Emirates air force’s own aerobatic stunt display team.

Confirmed to be flying at the show this year, Al Fursan are set to perform a daring and skillful aerial display in their seven Aermacchi MB-339A aircraft.

Painted in the official colours of the UAE (black, gold, white, red and green), this year’s display is set to be unmissable.

Also on show is the F/A-18, with a top speed of 1,190mph and a design made for aerial manoeuvrability making the plane a must see.

This impressive American multi-role fighter has the ability to attack both air and ground targets; land on aircraft carriers and excel in dogfights with other advanced planes.

Confirmed for this year’s event, the F/A-18 will be giving a demonstration of its agility and speed.

The largest passenger plane ever created, carrying over 850 people, the Airbus A380 could be dropping in for a fly-by.

The size of this plane is incredible, so if it does fly past, you will definitely notice it!

There will be plenty of airplanes parked on the ground for visitors to look at.

Pilots of all sorts of aircraft will be making regular appearances at the show.

Ellis Island to reopen to public

Ellis Island Immigration Museum, part of Statue of Liberty National Monument, will reopen to the public on Monday for the first time since Hurricane Sandy submerged the island a year ago.

“We are delighted to be able to share Ellis Island’s uniquely American story with the world once more,” said superintendent David Luchsinger.

“I can think of no better way to celebrate Lady Liberty’s 127th birthday than to welcome visitors back to the place where those ‘huddled masses yearning to breathe free’ first came to our shores.”

Visitors will once again walk the halls of the immigration station where 12 million people began life in America.

Open areas on the first and second floors include the Great Hall, where immigrants were inspected, and Journeys: The Peopling of America 1550-1890.

This first-floor exhibit, developed with the support of The Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation, tells the story of American immigration prior to Ellis Island’s years of operation.

Visitors can pick up a free audio tour, join a ranger program and watch an introductory film.

Outside, visitors can stroll to the popular American Immigrant Wall of Honour and take in fabulous views of Manhattan.

Ellis Island Immigration Museum will remain a work in progress at least through the spring.

Repairs to the water and sewage systems have already taken place.

An entirely new electrical system will be installed along with a new air conditioning system for climate control of the park’s million documents and artifacts.

Elevator access to the Great Hall on the second floor is not yet available, but should be restored by early next year.

Because of the storm, most of the museum collection is currently stored in a climate-controlled facility in Maryland.

A temporary ventilation system will be replaced by permanent equipment later this year.

When Hurricane Sandy hit New York Harbour on October 29th, 2012, Ellis Island was completely covered by water.

The storm surge destroyed electrical, communications, heating and cooling systems. After the Statue reopened on July 4th, the park shifted its efforts from repairs at Liberty Island to planning the more complex task of reopening an historic structure that preserves a delicate museum collection.

UK braced for severe storm

As a powerful storm makes its way towards England and Wales, commuters have been urged to be prepared for ‘potentially significant travel disruption’. The Met Office has issued an amber warning for winds of up to 80mph in Wales, the west and east Midlands, east and south-west of England, and London and the south-east. Train companies have cancelled early-morning services, and London bound flights have been reduced. Gusts of up to 80mph (130km/h) are predicted as the weather hits the South West then moves north and eastwards amid fears of flooding and damage.

World Travel Market expands into Africa

World Travel Market expands into Africa

Senior executives from the African travel industry believe World Travel Market’s international experience and reputation will guarantee the success of the inaugural World Travel Market Africa, taking place in May 2014 in Cape Town, South Africa. WTM Africa will be held at Cape Town’s International Convention Centre on May 2nd-3rd, 2014. It will be the leading B2B exhibition for Africa’s travel industry, bringing the world to Africa and promoting Africa to the world’s leading source markets. With more than six months to go exhibitors have started to sign up already, with confirmations ahead of target. Dreams4Africa Director Mark Collins explained: “WTM has the experience and recognition worldwide as good travel show organisers. “There are so many new emerging markets that we are hoping WTM will attract a larger number of buyers from across the globe. “Holding WTM Africa in Cape Town will attract interest locally and internationally.” WTM Africa will be one of three co-located travel industry events at the Cape Town International Conference Centre (CTICC) that form Africa Travel Week 2014. The others will include IBTM Africa (Incentive, Business Travel & Meetings) and ILTM Africa (International Luxury Travel Market) which will take place from April 28th-30th.

Israel continues incentives focus with new appointment

The Israel Government Tourist Office has announced the appointment of Janice Grant as its new MICE specialist. Grant will be responsible for overseeing the development of IGTO’s MICE strategy and will continue to develop IGTO’s ties within the industry. Over the course of 2013 IGTO has promoted Israel as an emerging MICE destination within the UK and Irish markets. Naama Oryan-Kaplan, UK and Ireland director of IGTO said: “We are delighted with the reaction of the industry towards Israel as a potential MICE destination. “The response has been so positive. “We are very happy that Janice Grant, who has many years’ of experience in MICE along with her in-depth knowledge of Israel as a destination, is working with us in the development of this important market segment.” Israel can accommodate conferences from 50 to 10,000 participants around the country - from luxury hotels in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem to spa resorts in Eilat, the Galilee and Dead Sea. Located between the Eastern Mediterranean and the Red Sea, Israel is just 4.5 hours flying time from the UK and Ben Gurion Airport is the country’s gateway located under an hour away by car from both Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. Http://www.gsaromania.ro

Turkey links Asia to Europe with new Bosphorus tunnel

Turkey has inaugurated a new railway tunnel under the Bosphorus Strait in Istanbul, creating an historic new link between Europe and Asia. Work on the project began in 2004 but archaeological excavations delayed the construction. The 8.5 mile long tunnel includes an immersed tube tunnel which government officials say is the world’s deepest at 60 metres below the seabed. The inauguration of the ambitious project – which cost an €3 billion - coincides with the 90th anniversary of the founding of modern Turkey. The tunnel is part of a larger Marmaray project which also includes an upgrade of existing suburban train lines to create a 47-mile line that links the two continents. Prime minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, a former mayor of Istanbul, launched the plan in 2004 as one of his mega construction projects for the bustling city of 16 million people. He also facilitated work on a third airport, a third bridge across the Bosphorus and a canal parallel to the international waterway to ease traffic. Transport is a major problem in Istanbul, and each day two million people cross the Bosphorus via two usually jammed bridges.

miercuri, 16 octombrie 2013

WTM Score High Calibre Sports Speakers for Sports Tourism Panels

Why Visit?

Staged annually at ExCeL – London, WTM is a vibrant must-attend business-to-business event presenting a diverse range of destinations and industry sectors to 47,776 global travel professionals.

WTM is the place to do business. Worldwide buyers and sellers from every sector of the travel industry come together at WTM. More than £1,859 million of travel industry deals will be generated as a result of WTM 2012. WTM. Means Business.

Top 10 Reasons to attend WTM

	Meet with almost 5,000 exhibitors representing 184 countries and regions
	WTM 2012 will have generated £1,859 million worth of business
	91% of visitors say WTM has improved their business opportunities
	89% of visitors agree it is important to attend WTM
	Conduct business with over 800 exhibitors at the WTM Speed Networking sessions (WTM Buyers’ Club Members only)
	Launch of The Travel Tech Show at WTM bringing more industry professionals than ever
	53% of visitors do not attend any other trade event. WTM is the focal meeting point for the global travel industry
	Connect with other WTM participants before, during and after the event via My WTM Connection Service, fully synched with the WTM Mobile App
	Acquire market intelligence, industry forecasts and trends from over 100 content rich events hosted by senior figureheads
	Attend the diverse event programme with 350 speakers and over 8,000 attendees

- See more at: http://www.wtmlondon.com/Content/Why-Visit#sthash.7yrCqiab.dpuf

Why Visit?

Top 10 Reasons to attend WTM

	Meet with almost 5,000 exhibitors representing 184 countries and regions
	WTM 2012 will have generated £1,859 million worth of business
	91% of visitors say WTM has improved their business opportunities
	89% of visitors agree it is important to attend WTM
	Conduct business with over 800 exhibitors at the WTM Speed Networking sessions (WTM Buyers’ Club Members only)
	Launch of The Travel Tech Show at WTM bringing more industry professionals than ever
	53% of visitors do not attend any other trade event. WTM is the focal meeting point for the global travel industry
	Connect with other WTM participants before, during and after the event via My WTM Connection Service, fully synched with the WTM Mobile App
	Acquire market intelligence, industry forecasts and trends from over 100 content rich events hosted by senior figureheads
	Attend the diverse event programme with 350 speakers and over 8,000 attendees

- See more at: http://www.wtmlondon.com/Content/Why-Visit#sthash.7yrCqiab.dpuf

World Travel Market, the leading global event for the travel industry, has confirmed Patrick Nally, who designed the sponsorship, hospitality and media packages around the FIFA World Cup, and other high profile speakers for its Sports Programme which is once again sponsored by Eurosport.
Patrick Nally founded the West Nally Group, now widely credited as “the university of sports marketing”, in 1970 and conceived the FIFA World Youth Championship, the event responsible for gaining FIFA Coco-Cola’s sponsorship.
He has served as Academic Director of Sports Management at IE Business School in Madrid, worked with the International Olympic Committee and currently consults for UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization).
Patrick is speaking at The Trends & The Impact session where he will share is insights into the new ways we will start to consume sport, and the impact this will have on how we travel to it.
Alongside Patrick will be;
· Sandra Greer, Head of Research and Consulting, Repucom
· David Cushnan, Editor, SportsPro, who will act as moderator for the session.
Organised by the Sports Industry Group, the Sports Tourism – the Trends and the Impact session is from 4.30pm to 5.30pm on Wednesday 6 November, on the WTM Stage, Platinum Suite 4.
The first Sports Tourism session – Hosting Major Sports Events - takes place on Tuesday 5 November and looks at the transformative impact one of events such as the Olympic Games can have on local and national economies.
The three speakers will be;