Success Continues for ATTA’s ‘Manufacturer FAM Tours’
July 7, 2008
Outdoor Gear Companies and Adventure Destinations Continue to Prove They are a Great Fit By Chris Chesak The ATTA’s Manufacturer FAM trips continue to be successful, as a recent trip to the Yukon proved. The Manufacturer FAM’s bring outdoor industry gear and apparel manufacturers to a destination as an opportunity to take photos of their outdoor product for use in catalogs, advertisements, and more. “The (FAM) tour was an unbelievable success,” noted Paula Pawlovich, manager of the YukonWILD marketing program and host of the FAM. “I foresee Yukon attaining many exceptional opportunities out of it. The ATTA did a brilliant job getting exceptional partners here.” ATTA staff were able to use their 40+ years experience in the outdoor industry, utilizing their deep contacts there to recruit the trip’s participants, including: Canada Goose, Canadian made extreme outerwear, ExOfficio travel clothing, KEEN Inc. footwear, Kelty packs, and Schoeller performance fabrics. Said Shannon... Read More →
Media Buzz Member Press Releases Partner NewsNational Geographic Adventure Calls on Tour Operators to Assist in Updating Adventure Rating Guide for 2009
July 3, 2008
An open call from the editors at National Geographic Adventure: “Dear Tour Operator, Last year National Geographic ADVENTURE magazine conducted the world’s first comprehensive rating of adventure travel outfitters. To build on the success of the project (check out the results in our November 2007 issue, as well as at ngadventure.com/ratings), we’re pleased to announce that we will be updating these ratings for 2009. In order for your company to be considered, please fill out ADVENTURE’s digital survey by August 4, 2008. The survey and more information are available at: http://adventure.nationalgeographic.com/2008/08/adventure-travel-survey-guide We look forward to hearing from you. The Editors National Geographic ADVENTURE magazine” Read More →
By the NumbersFifty-seven Percent (57%) of Americans Believe that Life is too Short to Spend more Time than Necessary at Work
July 3, 2008
Gen X (28 to 41) is the most conflicted generation when it come to work – life balance – they are the most likely to believe that life is too short to spend it all at work but the most likely to give up vacations and weekends to go to the office. Incorporating a better work / life balance may just change the conflict.The majority of American workers (62%) want their employer to reflect their values and companies like REI and Patagonia understood this early on and encouraged employees to put their passions into practice by introducing time off when the surf was up and by encouraging employees to get outside and enjoy Mother Nature. Thirty-nine percent (39%) of Americans say that a flexible schedule is a top factor that keeps them at their current company. Work / life balance is especially important for retaining women employees because 26% of women cite work / life balance as a reason for staying on the job. Source: *About LeisureTRAK® – For the past eighteen years, Leisure... Read More →
Member Press Releases Spotlight: SustainabilityCC Africa Brings Its “Doing Well by Doing Good” Philosophy to India
July 3, 2008
New York – July 2008: In keeping with Conservation Corporation Africa’s and Taj Hotels Resorts & Palaces‘ shared social and conservation principles, Taj Safaris’ lodges have now adopted the CC Africa ethos of “Doing Well by Doing Good” in India. Mahua Kothi, adjacent to Bandhavgarh National Park, recently held their first Conservation Lesson, involving three naturalists, 15 community school children and a teacher, who gathered at the lodge for an interpretive jungle game-drive experience. The focus was on teaching the children why conserving the jungle is important for future generations. The children spent the entire day learning about animals, plants, insects and birds and saw chital, wild boar, peafowl, monkeys and a tiger. “This Conservation Lesson was a great start and the first of many more to come. The children had a wonderful time and are looking forward to their next drive,” said Karan Modi, naturalist at Mahua Kothi. “Tomorrow’s... Read More →
Member Press ReleasesIntrepid Travel Opens North America Sales and Marketing Company
July 2, 2008
The following text is drawn directly from a July 2, 2008 letter sent via email to the ATTA from the Intrepid Travel team: “2 July 2008 Intrepid Travel Announces North American Industry Team Dear Partners Intrepid Travel is thrilled to announce it has opened a new North America Sales & Marketing Company. The company, Intrepid Travel Inc which is based in Toronto, will be responsible for growing Intrepid’s brand presence in the Canadian marketplace and also take on responsibility for managing and developing Intrepid’s North America Industry relationships. The North American sales & marketing office will be the Intrepid groups 17th international subsidiary, and 6th sales and marketing business with other company owned sales and marketing businesses in Australia, UK, U.S., New Zealand & South Africa. The group is expecting to turn over $140 million globally in the next year and take 80,000 travellers to over 100 countries. North America is the fastest growing outbound... Read More →
New & Different Spotlight: SustainabilityGuilt-free Ride; Natural Habitat Adventures Takes Travelers Off-Road in the World’s First Hybrid Safari Vehicle
July 1, 2008
By Paige Stringer Recently named a “pioneer in sustainable travel” by National Geographic Adventure magazine, Natural Habitat Adventures is a company that walks the talk when it comes to achieving eco-friendly travel. They are recognized as an industry leader in finding and advocating alternative energy solutions, and became the first travel company in the world to become 100% carbon neutral. They have now taken their commitment to climate conservation one step further with the planet’s first-ever hybrid safari vehicle. The new Safari One is a four-wheel-drive hybrid Toyota Highlander that has been retrofitted for optimal wildlife viewing. It is projected to achieve 25 miles to the gallon, which is more than double the mileage of a typical safari truck of the same size. The Safari One accommodates four passengers, and includes custom features such as beefier suspension, a roof with a sliding canvas top, and specialized flip-up photography windows. It is also outfitted... Read More →
Member Press Releases New & Different Partner NewsInnovative Earth Class Mail Redefines “Postal Mail Service” for Businesses
July 1, 2008
ATTA Member and partner Earth Class Mail continues to press ahead with new developments: - Launched three new prestigious street addresses where customers can receive postal mail and packages. New York’s Park Avenue, San Francisco’s Market Street, and West Hollywood’s Santa Monica Boulevard are now part of our network of 23 addresses in 18 major US cities. - Announced an agreement with Comerica Bank to provide a $3 million senior secured borrowing facility. The money will fund the company’s infrastructure growth as it expands its number of mail receiving locations (retail stores) and mail processing “hub” facilities. - Won a CIO 100 Award, which recognizes organizations around the world that exemplify the highest level of operational and strategic excellence in information technology. - Hired more talented professionals to grow the business: new VP of Operations, Chris Salvage, a veteran of 24 years at FedEx; new VP of Marketing, Mike Dusche, formerly... Read More →
By the NumbersUnited States, Brazil Agree to Expanded Air Services
July 1, 2008
The United States and Brazil concluded an agreement that will provide for a nearly 50 percent increase in passenger flights between the two countries as well as eliminate restrictions on the number of airlines that can provide U.S.-Brazil air service, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Mary E. Peters has announced. Any number of U.S. or Brazilian airlines now may fly between the two countries, removing the previous limit of four carriers from each side. The agreement also will, in four stages between July 2008 and October 2010, permit an increase in the number of weekly U.S.-Brazil passenger flights from 105 to 154 for each country’s carriers, Secretary Peters added. The agreement also will allow expanded air cargo services between the United States and Brazil. The number of weekly cargo flights may expand from 24 to 35 immediately, and to 42 in the year 2010. In addition, the agreement allows cargo charter flights to increase from 750 per year to 1,000 immediately, and to 1,250 in... Read More →
ATTA Member ProfilesClassic Escapes Inc.
July 1, 2008
Simply put, Classic Escapes’ Mission is to provide exciting, educational and fun-filled travel experiences that nurture and directly support the diverse wildlife and cultures we visit around the world. We feel travel is the best tool for building the mutual respect, awareness and understanding that are vital to preserving this planet for future generations. Our travelers often want more than the typical ‘tourist’ experience – and that’s what they get. We provide opportunities to visit schools and communities, meet leading conservationists and wildlife researchers, and even participate in volunteer service at your destination through our Global Philanthropy programs. more… Read More →
