Destination Germany: a great diversity of travel option

Destination Germany: a great diversity of travel options

October 31, 2011 in Destinations

(Forimmediaterelease.net) On behalf of the German federal government, the German National Tourist Board (GNTB) has been working internationally to promote Germany as a travel destination for more than 60 years. It communicates the diverse appeal of the country to a worldwide market, thereby promoting a strong and attractive brand – “Destination Germany.”

Germany is a country rich in natural beauty. Between the North Sea and Baltic coasts in the north and the peaks of the Alps in the south lie extremely diverse landscapes, with everything from wide expanses of river and lake land scenery, hilly uplands and densely wooded regions, to agricultural plains and industrial conurbations.

The Zugspitze is the highest mountain in Germany at 2,963 meters. Germany's longest river is the Rhine, which flows through the country for a total of 865 kilometers. Germany has 14 national parks, 101 nature reserves, and 15 biosphere reserves.

The GNTB has been responsible for marketing Germany in the domestic market since 1999, where its strategic role is to showcase consumer-oriented holiday themes with nationwide appeal.

The GNTB plays an important role in the promotion of Germany as a travel destination on the international market. Its activities include the development of new marketing strategies and concepts based on specific themes, events and attractions, and also bringing together and optimizing the diverse marketing activities of partners in the German travel industry. It also takes an active role in the form of far-ranging sales activities in new growth markets. In this respect, the GNTB relies on its close collaboration with the German travel industry, partners from commerce, and trade associations.

The GNTB's business goals are to: increase the volume of tourist traffic; boost foreign currency receipts; strengthen Germany's profile as a business location; and position Germany as a diverse and attractive travel destination.

Today, life in Germany is subject to a great diversity of cultural influences. It can generally be described as modern and cosmopolitan. The people of Germany love nothing more than getting together and celebrating, in traditional style during carnival season, at wine festivals, at the Oktoberfest and other beer festivals, or during music festivals from classical to rock – all helped along by great food and fine wines from the 13 vineyard regions.

ETN is introducing its readers to .travel companies and destinations through a series of articles. If you are a .travel company and would like to share your story about how the .travel domain has helped your business, please send us an email to: team@eturbonews.com .

If you are interested in getting your own .travel domain, go to: www.travel.travel .

PHOTO: Baden-Wurttemberg, Hohenzollern Castle / Image via germany.travelMEDIA CONTACT: German National Tourist Office, 122 East 42nd Street, Suite 2000, New York NY 10168-0072, Victoria Larson, Head of Public Relations North America, Tel: +1-212-661-7175, Email: Victoria.larson@germany.travel

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India and Seychelles review cooperation priorities

India and Seychelles review cooperation priorities

October 31, 2011 in Travel Related

(Forimmediaterelease.net) The Seychelles President, Mr. James Michel, has held a bilateral meeting with the Indian Vice President Hamid Ansari in Perth, in the margins of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). Mr Ansari is heading the Indian delegation to the CHOGM.

“Seychelles and India share a common destiny, common values, and a common ocean. India has always been by our side to reinforce security and combat the scourge of piracy” said President Michel during the meeting.

President Michel and Vice-President Ansari reviewed the status of the anti-piracy effort, and President Michel expressed appreciation of the recent Indian effort to boost Seychelles’ capabilities to respond to the maritime threats.

Vice-President Ansari said that India would do everything in its capacity to assist Seychelles.

President Michel said that the cooperation under the Indian Technical and Economic Assistance programme is going well and is on track.

Mr. Michel noted that airlinks between India and Seychelles would need tp be improved and called for greater efforts to increase tourism inflow from India to the Seychelles islands.

Scientific and maritime research opportunities were also discussed, in view of the recent seismic surveys conducted in the Seychelles Exclusive Economic Zone.

PHOTO (L to R): Vice President Hamid Ansari with President Michel / Photo from Seychelles Tourism BoardMEDIA CONTACT: Alain St.Ange, CEO, Seychelles Tourism Board, Email: alain.s@seychelles.com

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“Princess in Paradise” is the latest photoshoot to benefit from the unique beauty of the Seychelles

“Princess in Paradise” is the latest photoshoot to benefit from the unique beauty of the Seychelles

October 31, 2011 in Destinations

(Forimmediaterelease.net) Seychelles was complimented this week by the latest photo shoot posted on the online version of “Wedding & Style Magazine” published in Singapore. “This project was initiated by the Seychelles Singapore office in June 2011 in collaboration with the Raffles Hotel of Praslin in the Seychelles,” said Maria Morel from the Seychelles Tourism Board Singapore Office.

The article and pictures seen on the web site is entitled “Princess in Paradise.” The review is about the Mediacorp starlet Rebecca Lim soaking in the sun, sea, and tranquility in the tourist destination islands of the Seychelles while looking aisle-ready in a collection of evening and bridal gowns.

Alain St.Ange, CEO of the Seychelles Tourism Board, said that this photoshoot managed to capture the extraordinary beauty of the Seychelles as they showcased the spectacular collection of evening and bridal gowns. “Seychelles is one of these very few countries, when you land you always say that the pictures you have seen before do not do justice to the beauty of these islands,” Alain St.Ange said.

Seychelles continuously invites press and those responsible for photoshoots to visit them. Their Tourism Board is always fast to say that their country has nothing to hide. “A beautiful country - we have amazing beach scenes with turquoise blue seas as the back drop – we have diversity in island settings - we have, big granitic boulders shaped to every taste,” said Alain St.Ange, the CEO of the Seychelles Tourism Board.MEDIA CONTACT: Alain St.Ange, CEO, Seychelles Tourism Board, Email: alain.s@seychelles.com

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Asian market sees Seychelles as their “it” destination at ITB Asia

Asian market sees Seychelles as their “it” destination at ITB Asia

October 31, 2011 in Destinations

(Forimmediaterelease.net) Seychelles’ participation at the 4th edition of the ITB Asia trade fair, held from October 19-21, has reaffirmed the islands of the potential of the Asian travel market and of their interests in the destination.

This was the first time that Seychelles was represented at the ITB Asia, which this year had the participation of more than 750 exhibitors from over 70 countries all interested in tourism originating from Asia.

Seychelles was being represented by a small delegation, headed by the Deputy Chief Executive of the Seychelles Tourism Board, Elsia Grandcourt, along with the tourism board’s marketing executives, Christine Vel, Stephanie Lablache, and Maria Morel. The delegation was also comprised of Jessica Giroux of Mason’s Travel, Freddy Karkaria from Select Seychelles, Johnette Labiche of Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay Resort & Casino, and Air Seychelles’ representative Martin Suresh.

This trade fair is organized by Messe Berlin, which for 45 years has successfully hosted the World’s Leading Travel Show (ITB) that is held annually in March, in Germany.

ITB Asia is a “business 2 business” trade show and convention for the travel industry that is designed to become the primary event for the Asia Pacific travel industry, much like its parent event – ITB Berlin.

ITB is today the premier meeting place for tourism professionals and a platform for networking and establishing contacts.

Seychelles participation at this trade show saw the delegation meeting with companies from all over Asia, including China, Hong Kong, and India, as well as some European companies. Seychelles’ participation at the ITB Asia has indeed been an immense success, said Mrs, Grandcourt.

“The interest is very much there as the Asian travelers are so used to their usual holiday destinations and are now looking for something new to experience, with Seychelles today being very much on their mind,” noted Mrs. Grandcourt, the Deputy CEO of the Seychelles Tourism Board.

PHOTO: Seychelles tourism representatives at ITB Asia / Photo from Seychelles Tourism BoardMEDIA CONTACT: Alain St.Ange, CEO, Seychelles Tourism Board, Email: alain.s@seychelles.com

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Building resilience for small islands facing climate change and strengthening food security Seychelles says

Building resilience for small islands facing climate change and strengthening food security Seychelles says

October 31, 2011 in Travel Related

(Forimmediaterelease.net) Seychelles President James Michel has said that Commonwealth leaders have recognized the inherent vulnerabilities of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and their need for specific developmental mechanisms to address core challenges such as food security and climate change. The President attended the Executive Retreat of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting this morning.

“As we approach Rio 2012, it is a simple truth that SIDS are more in debt, more vulnerable, and with less finance than in 1992. Sustainable development is still a dream. If we cannot sustain islands, if we cannot achieve sustainable development in these societies that are simply microcosms of our global society, then we may as well agree that sustainable development is not possible,” said President Michel following the meeting.

President Michel said that islands can be the true laboratories for sustainable development and urged other leaders to consider green economy and blue economy projects to be targeted in SIDS. He also emphasized the need for climate change mitigation to be a priority for future consideration.

“The biggest challenge for all developing countries is the lack of genuine fast start climate change adaptation funds. These funds are critical for Small Island Developing States and their survival. These can be, for example, invested in renewable energy that can boost SIDS economies and less their vulnerability to imported oil prices, as well as create new business ventures where energy can be sold to the national energy grid,” said President Michel.

Mr. Michel also noted that the majority of climate change adaptation funds pledged by individual states are being channeled through existing Overseas Development Channels, which exclude middle income countries which include SIDS, and therefore SIDS are often found in this ‘middle income trap.’ The President urged Commonwealth leaders to treat this matter with urgency.

On the issue of food security, the President said that the Commonwealth efforts to address the global demand for food were admirable, and the small islands in particular would benefit from initiatives to address food insecurity in the African region.

President Michel commended the Australian Government for the commitment of $36 million for the strengthening of food security and bringing about transformative change in agricultural productivity.

Australia will also host in 2012 an international conference for food security in Africa and has also announced that it will create the Australian International Centre for Food Security.

PHOTO: President Michel at the CHOGM 2011 / Photo from Seychelles Tourism BoardMEDIA CONTACT: Alain St.Ange, CEO, Seychelles Tourism Board, Email: alain.s@seychelles.com

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Richmond, Virginia joins the International Council of Tourism Partners

Richmond, Virginia joins the International Council of Tourism Partners

October 30, 2011 in Destinations

(Forimmediaterelease.net) The International Council of Tourism Partners (ICTP) announced that Richmond, Virginia, USA, has joined the organization as its newest destination member, making the city of Richmond, ICTP’s third US city member.

Juergen T. Steinmetz, Chairman of the ICTP, said: “We are proud to welcome Richmond, Virginia, as our third US destination member, after our two initial US members, Saipan and Hawaii. ICTP is an ideal platform to network within a global community. Being based in the US, we are thrilled that more US destinations are joining our organization. Our current international destination members include Seychelles, Komodo, La Reunion, Johannesburg, Rwanda, Zimbabwe, Oman, Komodo and Grenada.”

Jack Berry, President and CEO of the Richmond Metropolitan Convention and Visitors Bureau (RMCVB) said: “It is an honor for the Richmond region to serve as the first destination in the (continental) US to join the International Council of Tourism Partners. Tourism is vital to the US economy – this is evident every day in the Richmond region where tourism is a US$1.75 billion industry that employs nearly 20,000 people. We look forward to a continuous exchange of resources, ideas, and best practices with our global partners as we work together to invite visitors to experience all corners of the world.”

Kitty J. Pope, who was recently appointed Director of Membership Development for North America of ICTP, said that it is the International Council of Tourism Partners which is honored that Mr. Berry made the decision to have Richmond join the alliance. “In a recent visit to the city, I learned what a dynamic tourism leader he is and how much he has contributed to the development of tourism initiatives in Virginia's capital city and even beyond," she said.

The tourism figures that Berry quoted provided US$52 million in taxes in 2010 and represents a 7.9 percent increase compared with 2009. Within the capital region, all the localities saw increased tourism revenues compared with their 2009 totals according to the bureau.

“I learned that these tourism number increases in the last couple of years are due in part to Berry's tourism approaches," said Pope, who is also the Director of the International Association of Black Travel Writers and Publications Editor for AfricanDiasporaTourism.com. “Richmond brings a lot to the table, and its partnership as an alliance member with ICTP will certainly make an impact on tourism's world stage," Pope concluded.

ABOUT ICTP

ICTP (International Council of Tourism Partners) is a force for socially-responsible and green travel and supports the UN Millennium Development Goals, the UN World Tourism Organization's Global Code of Ethics for Tourism, and a range of programs that underpin them. The ICTP alliance is represented in Haleiwa, Hawaii, USA; Brussels, Belgium; Bali, Indonesia; and Victoria, Seychelles. Members include countries, regions, and cities.

ICTP alliance members benefit from joint marketing and branding opportunities in primary and secondary markets, which are ideal for small- to medium-sized destinations that may not have the resources for developing and implementing projects independently. ICTP provides its members with the tools to help them market their destination, including help with finding new revenue streams and funding support, and providing special services from similarly committed suppliers, thereby helping destinations to engage employees and stakeholders to help market the destination.

For more information, go to: www.tourismpartners.org .MEDIA CONTACT: International Council of Tourism Partners, Juergen Thomas Steinmetz, Phone: +1-808-566-9900, Email: jts@tourismpartners.org

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Seychelles President Michel says commonwealth finding common ground for anti-piracy cooperation

Seychelles President Michel says commonwealth finding common ground for anti-piracy cooperation

October 30, 2011 in Travel Related

(Forimmediaterelease.net) Seychelles President James Michel has welcomed the progress made by the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Perth today, in identifying piracy as one of the main areas of concern for the development of Commonwealth countries.

“We have succeeded in getting the world community to realize that this is not a localized problem, but it is an international problem that requires an international response… I have warned in the past that the problem is piracy today, but tomorrow it is terrorism, and this is indeed what we are seeing develop, as we have seen in Kenya most recently,” said the President following the first day of discussions.

President Michel had raised the Somali piracy issue during his state visit to Australia in August this year and today is greatly encouraged by the announcements made by the Australian government at the opening day of CHOGM that it will host a counter-piracy conference in Perth next year. The 2012 conference will examine the means by which Somalia can be assisted, as well as other affected countries, in anti-piracy cooperation.

The President also commended the resolve of the Commonwealth countries to cooperate against piracy, which was expressed during the Indian Ocean Piracy Forum that was held in the margins of the CHOGM on Friday, and was chaired by the Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Kevin Rudd and the European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Baroness Catherine Ashton.

“It is important that the participants agreed that regional ownership and burden sharing is essential to this combat, and also that the countries of the region share a common legal heritage that presents opportunities for Commonwealth, as well as other organizations, to deliver legal assistances and support to criminal justice systems,” said the President.
The President furthermore acknowledged the support of the European Union (EU) in the fight against piracy, both in terms of the Atlanta operation, as well as regional anti-piracy projects.

“The coast states of the Indian Ocean need more support - both in terms of maritime assets, in terms of prisons, and in terms of legislative and human resource capacity building. These coastal states are in the majority Commonwealth states- and we salute the efforts of our partners: Mauritius, Kenya, Tanzania, The Maldives, and Mozambique. We also thank the government of India for its proactive role in helping our Coast Guard and training our military for appropriate response to piracy at sea. We believe the Commonwealth is ideally situated to bring more support to the member states to provide technical assistance for legal framework for prosecuting pirates.”

The President also said that the financiers of piracy must be targeted and pursued through surveillance, so that the true beneficiaries of the illegal trade may be brought to justice.

Mr. Michel also said that the Commonwealth needs to reinforce the capacity of the Somali people to tackle their security problems and to be able to pursue their economic activities in peace.

President Michel attended the Opening Ceremony of the CHOGM, which was opened by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, and attended by the Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Australia, Julia Guillard, and the Secretary General of the Commonwealth, Kamalesh Sharma, together with heads of government and foreign ministers of the 54 countries of the Commonwealth.

The theme for CHOGM 2011 is “Building global resilience, building national resilience.”

PHOTO: Seychelles President James Michel / Photo from Seychelles Tourism BoardMEDIA CONTACT: Alain St.Ange, CEO, Seychelles Tourism Board, Email: alain.s@seychelles.com

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Singapore tour operators’ familiarization visit in Seychelles a success

Singapore tour operators’ familiarization visit in Seychelles a success

October 28, 2011 in Destinations

(Forimmediaterelease.net) A group of tour operators from Singapore has successfully completed their familiarization trip in Seychelles and has described the islands as an incredible destination to visit for her culture, nature, and adventure.

The four agents travelled to Seychelles, who were here for the first time, to learn more about the mid-ocean Creole islands and what they offer.

Among the participants were Koh Nancy from Chan Brothers, Yoshizumi Miyuki from HIS, Ram K. Samtani from Ramesh Travel, and Timothy Tan from Eco Adventures. They were accompanied on the trip by Martin Suresh, the General Sales Agent (GSA) for Air Seychelles in Singapore as their tour leader.

The eager group experienced Seychelles hospitality firsthand by flying in to the country on the national airline, Air Seychelles, enjoying the comfort of both the Economy and Business (Pearl) Class.

Assisting with their visits were the local Destination Management Companies (DMC) Creole Travel Services, Mason's Travel, 7°South, and Select Seychelles. The group has described all the DMCs as very professional with good knowledge of the islands and meets their ground-handling requirements with efficiency.

Having a detailed itinerary, the group visited various hotel establishments on Mahè, Praslin, and La Digue such as Sunset Beach, Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay Resort and Casino, the Constance Group’ Ephelia and Lemuria Hotels, Raffles Resort, Le Meridien Fisherman’s Cove. and Le Meridien Barbaron, as well as Le Ocean on La Digue.

Culinary tasting was also part of their Seychelles experience. They were able to savor various dishes that the hotels offer on their menu, and at the Lemuria and Raffles Resort, they had the possibility of enjoying the resort’s incredible fine dining. The group also had the opportunity of sampling Seychelles’ Creole cuisine, which they described as interesting, palatable, and always fresh.

“The group commented that it is indeed a paradise for nature lovers, as they were blown away by the coastline and the picture-perfect sandy beaches and ancient forests,” Mr. Suresh said after touring the islands.

Mr. Suresh has expressed his thanks to Air Seychelles, the Seychelles Tourism Board, Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay, Constance Lemuria Resort, Raffles Praslin, Le Meridien Barbarons, Creole Travel Services, Mason’s Travel, 7° South, and Select Seychelles for doing a great job overseeing the traveling arrangements throughout the tour operators’ journey.MEDIA CONTACT: Alain St.Ange, CEO, Seychelles Tourism Board, Email: alain.s@seychelles.com

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Puerto Rico’s El Yunque National Forest in new Seven Wonders campaign

Puerto Rico’s El Yunque National Forest in new Seven Wonders campaign

October 27, 2011 in Destinations

(Forimmediaterelease.net) Puerto Rico’s Department of Economic Development and Commerce is urging Puerto Ricans to spread the word and vote for El Yunque to become one of the seven most impressive and unique natural attractions in the world by going online and visiting the votaporelyunque.com webpage. Voting ends November 11 at 11:11 am. On that same day, the New7Wonders organization will announce the preliminary results of the contest.

More than 600,000 visitors enjoy the waterfalls, flora, and natural beauty of El Yunque each year. Even princes and royals have visited this rainforest in order to appreciate its unique biodiversity!

This unique biodiversity is precisely what makes this one-of-a-kind place a natural wonder. In a very small geographic area, one can find a variety of distinct ecological zones and niches, a variety that one would have to travel and even fly many miles to be able to visit in other rainforests. This eco-diversity is what sets El Yunque apart from other rainforests including the Amazon.

Some of the natural locations competing for a spot in the final 7 are The Amazon Rainforest in South America; the Igauzú Waterfalls located between Argentina and Brazil; and the Vesuvius Volcano in Italy, responsible for the destruction of the city of Pompey. The campaign started back in 2007 and was created in order to select the new list of natural wonders of the world.

El Yunque was named a forest reserve in 1876 by King Alfonso XII of Spain, making it the oldest natural reserve in the Americas and the New World.

El Yunque is home to 150 fern species and 240 tree species of which 88 are found only in Puerto Rico and of those 23 are found only in this exceptional rainforest.

El Yunque is currently one of the 28 finalists in the competition to become one of the seven most impressive and unique natural attractions in the world.

After the results are announced on November 11, the voting process will be verified and audited once again. Each of the final seven locations will officially become a New Natural Wonder in a ceremony where Bernard Weber, President and Founder of the New7Wonders Organization, will present an engraved plaque recognizing the location as one of the final 7. From that moment on, the natural site will be confirmed as one of the New7Wonders and part of the Global Memory of the New7Wonders.MEDIA CONTACT: Marie Manning, Phone: 202-729-4106, Mobile: 703-965-2788, Email:Marie.Manning@Ogilvy.com

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Ministers of Tourism of major world economies call on decision-makers to use tourism to stimulate the economy

Ministers of Tourism of major world economies call on decision-makers to use tourism to stimulate the economy

October 27, 2011 in Events

(Forimmediaterelease.net) The Ministers of Tourism of the major economies meeting in Paris for the 3rd T20 Ministers’ Meeting have called on decision-makers to consider tourism within their strategies to foster the economy and when facing mounting challenges, namely that of job creation (Paris, France, October 25, 2011).

The meeting approved a declaration calling on members of the G20 to “register the importance and impact of tourism as a topic of discussion in the coming years’ summits” considering the “significant economic and social potential of tourism for the global economy, employment, and sustainable development.”

“We need to convince our decision-makers of the importance of tourism to the economy and employment,” said Mr. Frederic Lefebvre, Minister of Tourism of France, opening the meeting. “In these challenging times, we need to maximize our strengths, and tourism is one of them,” he added.

“Tourism can be part of the solution to the economic difficulties facing the world,” said Mr. Taleb Rifai, UNWTO Secretary General. “Amid increased economic uncertainty, unacceptably high unemployment rates, and the challenges of fiscal consolidation and increased taxation in many economies, it is time for us to recall the role tourism can have in increasing exports, driving economic growth, and creating jobs,” he added.

The debate highlighted the multiplier effect of tourism on other sectors of the economy in terms of output, and particularly employment, as well as the contribution of the sector to minimizing trade unbalances in many economies and promoting regional development.

With one billion tourists set to cross international borders in 2012, the meeting furthermore stressed the impact of tourism in fostering social wellbeing and understanding, and the need for it to address the challenges of sustainable development and climate change to ensure a sustained future. Ministers also stressed the need to reduce travel barriers and increase investment to move the tourism agenda forward.

“In this period of economic transition, tourism is a strong driver of development,” said Mr. Antonio Tajani, Vice President of the European Commission and responsible for Industry and Entrepreneurship. “As we face an economic and confidence crisis, all sectors should contribute to overcome difficulties and tourism can make a significant contribution to this effort,” he added.

The T20 is an initiative created to advocate the value of tourism within the strategies of economic recovery/growth; it aims to position tourism as a driver of economic, social and environmental change.

The next meeting of the T20 will be held in Mexico, in May 2012.MEDIA CONTACT: Principal Media Officer, Marcelo Risi, Tel: (+34) 91 567 81 60, Email:mrisi@UNWTO.org , Web: www.UNWTO.org ; UNWTO Communications Program, Tel: +34 91-567-8100, Fax: +34 91-567-8218, Email: comm@UNWTO.org

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Ground-breaking for Centara’s latest Bali resort

Ground-breaking for Centara’s latest Bali resort

October 27, 2011 in Accommodation

(Forimmediaterelease.net) The ground-breaking ceremony for Centara Wuku Resort&Spa Bali took place on October 1, with the hotel opening date set by the end of 2012.

This resort will be the third in Bali for Centara Hotels&Resorts, Thailand’s largest operator of hotels.

The resort is being developed by Indonesian company PT. Accolades Lakshmi Resort, which has developed two other projects in Bali.

Centara Wuku Resort&Spa Bali will be a boutique property designed to five-star standards and enjoying direct access to the beach.

Facilities will include a swimming pool, a roof garden, two restaurants, a spa and fitness center, and conference facilities.

Centara Hotels&Resorts is Thailand’s largest operator of hotels, with 38 deluxe and first-class properties covering all the major tourist destinations in the kingdom. A further 16 resorts in the Maldives, Philippines, Vietnam, Bali Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and Mauritius Indian Ocean, brings the present total to 54 properties. Brands and properties within Centara ensure that specific categories such as couples, families, individuals, and meetings and incentives groups will all find a hotel or resort that is appropriate to their needs.

Centara operates 25 branches of Spa Cenvaree, one of Thailand’s most luxurious and innovative spa brands, and the company’s Kids’ Club is available at all the family-friendly resorts to ensure that the youngsters and teens are taken care of. Centara Hotels&Resorts also operates two state-of-the-art convention centers in Bangkok, and one in Udon Thani in northeastern Thailand.

For more information and reservations, please contact tel. +662 101 1234 ext. 1 or email toreservations@chr.co.th or visit www.centarahotelsresorts.com .

Facebook: www.facebook.com/centarahotelsresorts
Twitter: www.twitter.com/staycentara

PHOTO: Centara Wuku Resort Spa Bali / Image from centarahotelsresorts.comMEDIA CONTACT: Centara Hotels & Resorts, 999/99 Rama 1 Road, Pathumwan Bangkok 10330, Thailand, Tel: +66 (0) 2 769 1234, Fax: +66 (0) 2 769 1235, Email: centara@chr.co.th

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US travel to Europe: set for recovery or still in the doldrums?

US travel to Europe: set for recovery or still in the doldrums?

October 27, 2011 in Events

(Forimmediaterelease.net) As the global economic situation remains volatile and the demographic make-up of the USA alters, we can expect changes in the way Americans travel. But what form will these changes take?

A joint seminar of the European Travel Commission (ETC), World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), and European Tour Operators Association (ETOA) will look at prospects for US outbound travel to Europe over the next 10 years. The seminar will be held at the World Travel Market at ExCel London on November 8 from 1600 to 1730 hours in the North Gallery, Rooms 4 and 5.

This seminar will showcase the findings of new research into the US Outbound travel market - traditionally Europe’s most important long-haul market. It will answer such questions as:

• Where will Americans travel?
• Will the profile of visitors to Europe be different?
• Will Europe retain its appeal, or will newer destinations “distract” Americans from traveling to Europe?
• How do Americans view Europe?
• What are they looking for when they travel on holiday?
• What makes Europe different for them?
• Where will Europe’s competition come from in the next few years?
• How will they find information and book?
• Will travel agents be replaced by the internet?
• Will mobile devices become a game changer?MEDIA CONTACT: European Tour Operators Association (ETOA), Email: office@etoa.org

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Seychelles says its first B767-200 aircraft is returned to ILFC

Seychelles says its first B767-200 aircraft is returned to ILFC

October 27, 2011 in Airline Industry

(Forimmediaterelease.net) The first of two Boeing 767-200 aircraft leased by Air Seychelles from the International Lease Finance Corporation (ILFC) was returned to the lessor, three years earlier than its due date of return. The second B767-200 is expected to be returned early next month.

Discussions between Air Seychelles and ILFC have been ongoing with talks being focused on the basic terms and conditions requested by ILFC to amend the current lease between both parties for an earlier return of both B767-200s.

Air Seychelles CEO Bram Steller has said: “In line with Air Seychelles' new business strategy, we are right-sizing our fleet and streamlining, hence the return of the B762s.Our new business strategy will focus on maximizing revenue by ensuring appropriate capacity on all routes, flights, and adequate use of our fleet.
The SEZ-registered aircraft, Isle of Bijoutier, that left Seychelles for Arizona this morning, joined the national airline’s fleet in August 2008 [and] was expected to be returned in August 2013."

An ILFC Techincal Services Official was in Seychelles to collect all records and manuals of both aircraft, whileAir Seychelles engineers carried out engine checks in compliance with the lease agreement.

The second B767-200, ILF-registered aircraft, Amirantes, will depart Seychelles early next week. This aircraft was leased in April 2009 by Air Seychelles and was to be returned in April 2014.

The aircraft, Isle of Bijoutier, departed Seychelles at 10:00 am this morning under the command of 2 Air Seychelles captains and an engineer.

The Airport Fire Services gave a water canon salute to the departing aircraft for having served some 3 years with Air Seychelles.

PHOTO: Water canon salute to B767-200 / Photo from Seychelles Tourism BoardMEDIA CONTACT: Alain St.Ange, CEO, Seychelles Tourism Board, Email: alain.s@seychelles.com

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Telegraph Travel Awards 2011 honors Cape Town as one of UK’s Favorite Cities

Telegraph Travel Awards 2011 honors Cape Town as one of UK’s Favorite Cities

October 27, 2011 in Destinations

(Forimmediaterelease.net) On October 25, 2011 the Telegraph Travel Awards named Cape Town a runner up in their Favorite Cities Worldwide category. La Residence in Franschhoek featured as runner up in the Favorite Hotels Worldwide category.

In August 2011, voting polls opened and 23,000 Telegraph readers were surveyed on their favorite travel places, experiences, and tourism and hospitality service providers.

The Telegraph Travel Awards 2011 honor top destinations and companies in categories from Favorite Country Worldwide to Favorite Tour Operator Worldwide and Favorite Travel Website.

This year’s Favorite City Worldwide honor went to New York in the USA, while Cape Town, South Africa, and Venice, Italy, were runners up. Villa d'Este in Lake Como, Italy, was voted Favorite Hotel Worldwide and runners up were La Residence in Franschhoek, South Africa, and Shangri La's Barr Al Jissah in Muscat, Oman. Favorite Travel Website went to TripAdvisor, the world’s best-known, customer-driven travel advisory site, and the USA was voted Favorite Country Worldwide, with runners up New Zealand and Australia.

CEO of Cape Town Tourism Mariëtte du Toit-Helmbold said: “In addition to the announcement of Cape Town as World Design Capital 2014 yesterday, we received news of another accolade for Cape Town – that of runner up in the Telegraph Travel Awards 2011 Favorite City Worldwide category. Accolades such as these affirm the allure of challenger brands like Cape Town; competing against established destinations further strengthen our brand as a city of inspiration and affirm our vision of establishing Cape Town as one of the world’s greatest cities to visit, live, work, study, and invest in.”MEDIA CONTACT: Cape Town Tourism, PR and Communication Manager Skye Grove, Email:skye@capetown.travel , Phone: +27 21 487 6800, Web: www.capetown.travel

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Corinthia Hotels appoints renowned hotelier Liam Lambert to head its hotel operations

Corinthia Hotels appoints renowned hotelier Liam Lambert to head its hotel operations

October 27, 2011 in Accommodation

(Forimmediaterelease.net) Corinthia Hotels announced the appointment of seasoned hotelier, Liam Lambert, as its Chief Operating Officer. Mr. Lambert will be directing Corinthia Hotels’ strategic operational objectives to maximize product quality, guest satisfaction, and profitability across all owned and managed hotels.

Mr. Lambert joins Corinthia Hotels following an illustrious international career spanning 30 years and four continents. His last appointment was that of President of Oberoi Hotels&Resorts. Prior to that, Mr. Lambert was the Director of Operations in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East for Mandarin Oriental Hotels.

“Corinthia Hotels is a natural move for me. Importantly, apart from its wonderful properties, the company puts great focus on its ‘Spirit of Corinthia’ message and its ‘Craftsmanship of Care’ philosophy among its team members, which are both very close to my heart. I am truly excited by the prospect of working as both coach and team-player in helping to grow the Corinthia portfolio,” said Mr. Lambert.

Welcoming his appointment, Simon Naudi, CEO of Corinthia Hotels, said: “Liam joins Corinthia at an exciting time, having just launched our flagship London hotel and looking forward to actively expanding our brand in major cities around the world. With his vast experience and extensive international luxury hospitality knowledge, Liam will be influential in giving life to our brand values across our collection of hotels, whilst providing a sound operational platform to our growth.”

Mr. Lambert, an Irish citizen, is a graduate of Harvard Business School. He is married and has three daughters. Initially, he will operate from his London base, before relocating to the company’s headquarters in Malta next year.

PHOTO: New Corinthia COO Liam Lambert / Photo from corinthia.comMEDIA CONTACT: Manuel Briffa, Phone: +356 2551 1146, Fax: +356 2123 9732, Mobile: +356 9943 2252, Email: mbriffa@corinthia.com , Website: www.corinthia.com ; Karen Hoffman or Sarah McHeffey, The Bradford Group, Phone: (212) 447-0027, Fax: (212) 725 8253, Email:info@bradfordglobalmarketing.com

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Seychelles comes out with its first events newsletter

Seychelles comes out with its first events newsletter

October 27, 2011 in Travel Related

(Forimmediaterelease.net) The Seychelles Tourism Board has come up with its first edition of the Seychelles Events newsletter in a bid to raise its profile as an events-based destination on the tourist market and also expand its attraction for visitors.

The colorful and informative Seychelles Events newsletter offers information on its calendar of activities and provides updates on events in Seychelles.

The first issue offers readers a broad prospective on all tourism events, as well as those at the national level planned for each year and updates on the activities that recently took place on the islands.

The first page of the newsletter takes a look at the all the activities that have been programmed on the tourism calendar such as the Carnaval International de Victoria, SUBIOS – the Seychelles’ Festival of the Sea, Seychelles Eco-Healing Marathon, Seychelles Regatta, Miss Seychelles 2012, and the many other activities that will definitely entice visitors to its shores.

As Seychelles gets ready for its second edition of the carnival, the newsletter reported on the recent working visit of Marymonde Matatiken, the Manager of the Events and Convention section in the UK, whereby she had the opportunity to learn more on how to uphold such an event.

The newsletter goes on to describe the unveiling of the Miss Seychelles 2012 banner and logo by Alain St.Ange, the Chief Executive of the Seychelles Tourism Board, during the exciting Seychelles Ball. The Miss Seychelles 2012 beauty pageant planned for July next year is expected to attract beauty talents from the Seychelles Creole islands.

The article about Seychelles getting ready to celebrate the marine world with the Festival of the Sea, takes a look at the different preparation and activities that will encompass the three days of activities from November 4-6. The popular festival is expected to draw a large crowd of Seychellois and visitors alike.

Next, Seychelles sets the stage for the second Carnaval International de Victoria from March 2-4, 2012. Planning of the three days of festivities is underway, and the islands are set to have another great event where the world will come together in Seychelles in a spectacle concocted to surpass that of the first edition.

The newsletter ended with an exciting piece on the Seychelles Ball 2011, which still lingers in the mind of those who partook in the event. The ball was seen as an important event on the country’s tourism calendar where government and officials and tourism stakeholders mingled and networked in an atmosphere of conviviality.

This newsletter will soon be supported by a new website, celebrateseychelles.com, which will be fully dedicated to events taking place in Seychelles.MEDIA CONTACT: Alain St.Ange, CEO, Seychelles Tourism Board, Email: alain.s@seychelles.com

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Anantara Bophut Resort and Spa, Koh Samui, Thailand, certified Green Globe

Anantara Bophut Resort and Spa, Koh Samui, Thailand, certified Green Globe

October 27, 2011 in Travel Related

(Forimmediaterelease.net) LOS ANGELES, California - Green Globe announced Anantara Bophut Resort&Spa, Koh Samui, Thailand, has been awarded certification for its sustainable operation and management.

Anantara Bophut presents a Koh Samui resort lifestyle that is quite unlike any other, from Bill Bensley-designed tropical gardens, which complement the charms of Fisherman’s Cove on Bophut Beach, to southern Thai architecture, which reflects local cultural heritage and world-class amenities enhanced by Anantara’s unique design touches. The Bophut area is one of Koh Samui’s most splendid, retaining some of the islands original Thai-Chinese heritage, centered at Fisherman’s Village.

Bophut Resort&Spa General Manager Mr. Manish Jha said: “Green Globe certification is a wonderful recognition of the team effort at Anantara Bophut Resort&Spa to protect the environment and local heritage through environmentally-conscious practices and sustainable initiatives. Each associate is very proud of our community programs, recycling practices, amazing gardens, and many other efforts which are a constant reminder of our responsibility to preserve Samui’s natural resources.”

Green Globe Certification CEO Guido Bauer said: “In one generation, Koh Samui has gone from subsistence farming to become a leading resort destination in Thailand, with the growth in tourism business surpassing more famous Thai destinations such as Phuket.

“Today, there are around 300 hotels and resorts on Koh Samui, making tourism the custodial industry for the island. The Anantara chain has adopted Green Globe for all its resorts across Southeast Asia, and the certification of Bophut Resort&Spa is adding to their contribution to sustainable travel.”

Achieving certification requires Anantara Bophut to commit to improving their sustainability practices by at least 3% year-on-year in accordance with the Green Globe Standard for Travel&Tourism. While celebrating their success this year, they are fully aware that there are more opportunities for improvement in operating more sustainably in an ever-changing global climate. Their commitment to doing business with a responsible mindset augurs well for the longevity of the whole organization and the industry.

About Anantara Bophut Resort&Spa Koh Samui

Anantara Bophut Resort&Spa is ideally located on the glorious white sands of Bophut Beach on Koh Samui’s northern coast, offering guests luxury comforts coupled with world-renowned Thai hospitality. Enjoy water sports on the Gulf of Thailand’s placid warm waters while residing at the elegant Samui resort. Soak in the sun by Anantara’s infinity-edge pool or on Bophut’s soft white sand. Unwind with one of the specially-developed Anantara spa packages. Dine on fiery Thai curries and handmade Italian pastas overlooking the ocean.

Every room features a bathtub for two, which opens onto a spacious bedroom that is brought to life by southern Thai artwork and décor. A wealth of leisure facilities and experiences from windsurfing and sailing to spa, beach yoga, reiki, tennis, cooking classes, and area excursions help to make the most of Koh Samui’s stunning natural and cultural attractions. In short, Anantara Bophut Resort&Spa brings all of the island’s riches with Anantara’s distinctive gracefulness.

Contact: Manish Jha, General Manager, Anantara Bophut Resort&Spa, Koh Samui, 99/9 Moo 1, Bophut Bay, Amphur Koh Samui, Surat Thani 84320, THAILAND, Phone: +66 (0) 77 428300-9, Fax: +66 (0) 77 428310

About Eco Leadership

Appointed as the Green Globe auditor for Southeast Asia, Eco Leadership offers a clear, compelling, science-based understanding of sustainability and a practical strategic planning framework to help organizations make the choices that will move them towards sustainability.

“Our approach is one of flexibility,” said co-founder Irene Millar, “to meet our clients at their current level of understanding of sustainability and to incorporate any existing programs that are already in place.”

Eco Leadership is the Preferred Partner of Green Globe in Southeast Asia.
Take your business to the next level of sustainability by contacting Abdul Rahim at:rahim@EcoLeadershipTraining.com or check out www.EcoLeadershipTraining.com for more details.

About Green Globe Certification

Green Globe Certification is the worldwide sustainability system based on internationally-accepted criteria for sustainable operation and management of travel and tourism businesses. Operating under a worldwide license, Green Globe Certification is based in California, USA, and is represented in over 83 countries. Green Globe is the only certification brand to be an affiliate member of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) an agency of the United Nations, and is partly owned by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC). For information visit www.greenglobe.com .

Watch Green Globe videos at www.youtube.com/user/greenglobecertMEDIA CONTACT: Green Globe Certification, Phone: +1-310-337-3000, Fax: +1-310-626-9982, Email: pr@greenglobe.com , Web: www.greenglobe.com

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Simon Soh appointed General Manager for Centara Hotel Manila

Simon Soh appointed General Manager for Centara Hotel Manila

October 27, 2011 in Accommodation

(Forimmediaterelease.net) Gerd Steeb, President of Centara Hotels & Resorts, has announced the appointment of Simon Soh as General Manager of Centara Hotel Manila.

Simon Soh, a Singaporean national, has a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from the University of Leicester, United Kingdom. He has a versatile background of working experience in the hotel industry, including working as General Manager of the Van Chai Resort, Vietnam, and Angkorland Hotel, Siem Reap, Cambodia. Before that he held various human resources and training roles with Hard Rock Hotel Bali, Indonesia; Banyan Tree Resort, Seychelles; and Le Meridian Hotel, Singapore.

Prior to joining Centara Hotel Manila, he was Training Director of Elegant Group of Companies, Egypt.

Centara Hotel Manila is a four-star property located in the culturally-rich district of Malate, in Manila. A newly-built, 15-story property, the hotel features 96 rooms and suites, the minimum size being a spacious 43sqm, with all rooms having views overlooking the city or Manila Bay. Centara Hotel Manila’s 96 rooms comprise 30 Superior rooms, 34 Deluxe rooms, 26 Premium rooms, 5 Junior Suites, and 1 Executive Suite. Each of the rooms and suites offers a choice of king bed or two double queen beds, accommodating up to two adults and two children in comfort.

PHOTO: Simon Soh, new GM at Centara Hotel Manila / Photo from centarahotelsresorts.comMEDIA CONTACT: Centara Hotels & Resorts, 999/99 Rama 1 Road, Pathumwan Bangkok 10330, Thailand, Tel: +66 (0) 2 769 1234, Fax: +66 (0) 2 769 1235, Email: centara@chr.co.th

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Alan MacAskill finds a man who loves his native Seychelles, but is still hungry for international experiences as is printed in Lloyds TSB Internation

Alan MacAskill finds a man who loves his native Seychelles, but is still hungry for international experiences as is printed in Lloyds TSB International

October 27, 2011 in Travel Related

(Forimmediaterelease.net) Political coups, Cold War conspiracies, launching airlines, and fighting for world peace – Sir James R. Mancham has had front-line experience of them all, and more.

“At over 70, I feel like a son of the world. And I love it!" he said. There's no hiding the infectious enthusiasm of Sir James Mancham, elder statesman and serial entrepreneur. As the founding President of the Republic of Seychelles, Sir James's life has been as colorful as it's been successful: in turns, a lawyer, a head of state, a businessman in forced exile, and now a leading elder statesman in the Indian Ocean region. His journey hasn't lacked excitement.

" I've always had a business gene," he said, “That's why, even when I was in exile from my beloved Seychelles, I never became a broken man. I was always able to maintain the standard of life I'd achieved as a political leader."

He is fiercely proud of his “beloved Seychelles," but it's far from being an inward-looking devotion. “We're all one," he likes to say, “and part of the global village." That was a wide perspective gained from an early age.

The son of a local businessman, Sir James left the capital, Victoria, in 1957, when he took a five-week voyage via Mombasa and Cairo to study law in London. After being called to the bar at the Middle Temple, he moved to study at the University of Paris and then undertook international labor studies in Geneva.

POLITICAL ACTIVITY

On returning to the islands, he took up general practice and became active in politics. His rise was inexorable – Chief Minister in 1966, Prime Minister, and then President of the republic ten years later. “I recognized that the Seychelles was too small to afford to be insular," he recalled, “We needed to open ourselves to the world." So, he created the infrastructure for a tourism industry which prospered as the economy developed.

Despite a popular and successful tenure as the elected leader of the republic, Sir James's government was deposed by a coup led by France-Albert René, while Mancham was in London attending a Commonwealth Heads of State Conference and the Queen's Jubilee in 1977. He wasn't to return home until after the end of the Cold War – 15 years later.

Stranded in London, he recalls that his big problem was to maintain the standard of life he'd achieved as a political leader. Unlike other exiled heads of state, he was determined not to rely on the charity of others. “I could tell friends of my plight and ask for money, but I knew this wouldn't last, and I'd outstay my welcome," he said. That's when his business gene kicked in.

“I knew my role had to be that of an entrepreneur. It was better to use my contacts to give people the opportunity to do business together," Sir James said. That way, he earned commission fees for the deals he facilitated – “and kept my friendships." He used the contacts with the powerful and the influential that he'd cultivated during his leadership tenure. “Knowing these people has enriched my life, particularly in the philosophical and intellectual sense. It's provided many souvenirs in the cupboards of my memories," he shared.

BUSINESS LIFE

And business came his way. He helped to establish a brewery on Grenada. He became president of Berlin European Airways. He acted as a public relations ambassador for Lars Eric Lindblad's cruise tours – “Lars was the father of eco-tourism. He opened up Antarctica, the Galapagos, and even the Seychelles before the airport was inaugurated,” Sir James explained.

As a non-domicile in the UK, Sir James maintained the long banking relationship with Lloyds TSB that he'd first established back in 1959. “It was my father," he remembered, “who told me to keep your banker close, establish a reputation, and build trust." He never forgot that and has a good relationship with Emma Quayle, Relationship Manager, who looks after his account. “I speak with her regularly on the phone and visit to discuss my finances whenever I'm in Europe," he said.

Reputation and loyalty have counted high with Sir James in his own career. Rather than turning his back on his homeland, he stayed steadfast to its cause throughout his exile. When the Soviet Union collapsed, he returned to the Seychelles in 1992 to contest the election there. “My popularity rating remained high, even though 35 percent of the people had left the country after the coup. In the elections I led the opposition with 42 percent of the popular vote," he said.

Despite narrowly losing in the Presidential elections, Sir James remained in parliament until 2005. And since then has maintained a high profile mixing public service with entrepreneurship – he's just launched a new magazine, The Voice of the Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea.

He had found a different atmosphere in the country, one which persuaded him to project himself as an “apostle of national reconciliation" in an effort “to bring unity and harmony rather than preside over an angry kingdom of divided people."

And now his boundless energies are focused on a wider canvas. He is President of the Global Peace Council of the Universal Peace Federation and was recently voted onto the committee of elders of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMISA). “The politician," he has discovered, “is interested in power. He's interested in the next election. The statesman is interested in the next generation. What the world requires at this time," he insisted, “is more statesmen."MEDIA CONTACT: Alain St.Ange, CEO, Seychelles Tourism Board, Email: alain.s@seychelles.com

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Official launch for International Council of Tourism Partners destination alliance announced during World Travel Market

Official launch for International Council of Tourism Partners destination alliance announced during World Travel Market

October 27, 2011 in Events

(Forimmediaterelease.net) The International Council of Tourism Partners (ICTP) announced its official launch ceremony will take place during the 2011 World Travel Market in London. The event will be hosted at the Seychelles stand (AS550) on November 8 at1600 hours at Excel Conference Center in London.

Juergen Steinmetz, Chairman of ICTP said: “We will formally launch the coalition at the Seychelles stand (AS550) at 1600 hours on November 8. Come and enjoy the party and meet our founding members.

“You will discover the unique characteristics of ICTP as a ‘grassroots grouping’ designed to help quality destinations and their stakeholders learn how to share green growth opportunities, as well as access the tools and funds that will be available for our common transformation.

“You will also learn about our grassroots support for the excellent initiatives of UNWTO [UN World Tourism Organization], WTTC [World Travel & Tourism Council], and IATA [International Air Transport Association] to mainstream the sector in policymaking, as well as our own core advocacy, supporting the sustainable growth of aviation, streamlined travel, and fair coherent taxation.

“You will also find out about our low-cost/high-focus support system that can help you better achieve your goals and those of your community, customers, and employees in sustainably developing your travel and tourism heritage.”

Alain St.Ange, CEO of the Seychelles Tourism Board and himself a founding member of ICTP said he was honored to have the launch of ICTP at the Seychelles Stand at the 2011 WTM in London.

Seychelles, as a country, remains dependent on its tourism industry. Alain St.Ange said to the press in China, where he was on a working visit as part of a delegation headed by the Seychelles President, Mr. James Michel, that he believed from day one of the need for such a body as ICTP to run alongside UNWTO.

“Countries depending on tourism as an industry must be able to meet and plan joint strategies together. We must find a body that is focused on marketing and visibility drives as we consolidate our own individual industry,” Alain St.Ange said.

“Working alongside Juergen Thomas Steinmetz and Professor Geoffrey Lipman, the founding Chairman and President of ICTP, has been so far enriching, and I look forward to the official launch of ICTP so that the many ideas we all have can be developed for a stronger tourism industry for the organization’s registered members,” Alain St.Ange told the Chinese media in Beijing.

The launching event is open to anyone visiting the World Travel Market.

Representatives from the current group of founding members are expected to attend the event. Current founding members include: Johannesburg (South Africa), Zimbabwe, Seychelles, La Reunion, Rwanda, Oman, Grenada, and Saipan, as well as Hawaii and Richmond,Virginia, USA.

ABOUT ICTP

ICTP (International Council of Tourism Partners) is a force for socially-responsible and green travel and supports the UN Millennium Development Goals, the UN World Tourism Organization's Global Code of Ethics for Tourism, and a range of programs that underpin them. The ICTP alliance is represented in Haleiwa, Hawaii, USA; Brussels, Belgium; Bali, Indonesia; and Victoria, Seychelles. Members include countries, regions, and cities. Current members include Seychelles, La Reunion, Johannesburg, Rwanda, Zimbabwe, Oman, Grenada, Hawaii, and Saipan.

ICTP alliance members benefit from joint marketing and branding opportunities in primary and secondary markets, which are ideal for small- to medium-sized destinations that may not have the resources for developing and implementing projects independently. ICTP provides its members with the tools to help them market their destination, including help with finding new revenue streams and funding support, and providing special services from similarly committed suppliers, thereby helping destinations to engage employees and stakeholders to help market the destination.

For more information, go to: www.tourismpartners.org .MEDIA CONTACT: International Council of Tourism Partners, Juergen Thomas Steinmetz, Phone: +1-808-566-9900, Email: jts@tourismpartners.org

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