Sairam Tourism Company
August 20, 2009
SAIRAM TOURISM Company is one of the leading tour-operating companies in the Republic of Uzbekistan in terms of volume and quality of services provided to the foreign tourists visiting the country. Successfully operating in the travel market since 1993 SAIRAM TOURISM specialises in inbound tourism. The tourist product of the company is rather diversified. Besides traditionally popular cultural tours along the Great Silk Road and round Uzbekistan which include the main historical places in Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva, Shakhrisabz, Termez, Nukus, the Ferghana Valley. The company arranges many expeditions, archeological, ecological and adventure tours. In particular, there are 11 types of adventure tours: trekking heli-skiing mountain-ski biking rafting horseback riding camel trip bird-watching tour flower watching tour jeep safari golf tour The company carefully selects the product and makes its assessment before introducing to the market, thus participating in all steps of product... Read More →
ATTA Member ProfilesTucan Travel
August 20, 2009
Passionate about adventure travel since 1987, Tucan Travel shares its clients’ exploratory spirit and desire for authentic travel experiences. We offer hundreds of high quality, affordable and exciting escorted group tours, Independent Travel packages and Expedition Cruises to destinations worldwide. Staffed by experienced and enthusiastic adventure travellers, we have gained a solid reputation in the travel industry for providing high quality tours that offer significant value for money. Unlike most tour operators we privately own and maintain our own expedition vehicles And, with over 20 years experience we’re confident that our support staff, tour leaders, and local operators are the best in the business. Products and/or Services Discovery Tours are generally suited to travellers who are keen to see Latin America and Africa with the added security and flexibility that travelling in a custom-made vehicle provides. Discovery Tours gives clients the extra comfort of door-to-door travel... Read More →
ATTA Press ReleasesDossett Joins Adventure Travel Trade Association Advisory Board
August 20, 2009
(SEATTLE) – With special interest in his core leadership strengths and extensive experience in new media, philanthropic causes, customer care and consumer experiences, the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA) today announced the addition of Jeff Dossett, chief executive officer of AdventureLink, Inc., to its Advisory Board. Prior to AdventureLink, Dossett served as Senior Vice President, Audience Experiences for Yahoo! North America. In this role, Dossett was responsible for editorial, content and programming of all consumer “touch-points” including Yahoo!’s industry-leading media, communications and community products and services in the United States and Canada. Prior to Yahoo!, Dossett was executive producer and general manager of the MSN Media Network in the United States, providing overall leadership for audience, content and programming strategy and execution. Dossett, who has climbed the highest mountain on each of the seven continents, known as the “Seven... Read More →
ATTA Press Releases Travel & Outdoor GearATTA and Teva Introduce Scholarship Program for Adventure Tour Operators
August 20, 2009
(SEATTLE) – To assist deserving adventure tour operators in growing responsibly, today the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA) and Teva® (a division of Deckers Outdoor Corporation, NASDAQGS: DECK) announced the launch of a new scholarship program that provides financial support to early-stage adventure tourism enterprises. Providing young businesses with access to the ATTA’s global network, its membership resources and the Adventure Travel World Summit, is the strategic impetus behind the ATTA‘s Tour Operator Scholarships – made possible by Teva. In 2009, three scholarship recipients will receive: A complimentary membership in the ATTA for one year ($500 USD value); One pass to the Summit ($895 USD value); and A $1,000 USD travel stipend for travel to the Summit “Now more than ever, we want to continue supporting the needs and interests of business leaders who are committed to building sustainable businesses in culturally and ecologically rich regions worldwide,” said... Read More →
Member Press ReleasesBuffalo Tours Launches in Thailand
August 19, 2009
Buffalo Tours has taken over tour operator North by North East Travel Services in Thailand and officially launched a Buffalo Tours Thailand office in Bangkok. The main aim of Buffalo Tours Thailand is to offer inspirational, unique, and affordable responsible travel experiences. Thailand Country Manger, Ms Arabella Lakin (formerly Direct Sales Manager for Buffalo Tours) will offer niche holiday options engaging and supporting local communities, which in-turn also provides guests opportunities for authentic and mutually-respectful cultural exchange. ‘Buffalo Tours experience in the dynamics of sustainability enables us to both ‘raise the bar’ in terms of setting new high standards within the industry, and to contribute directly to the wellbeing of local communities, where tourism’s importance cannot be overemphasized. We go beyond the ‘sun, sea & sand’ image, and our guests visiting the Kingdom of Thailand will continue to contribute directly to local communities, whether... Read More →
By the NumbersPriceline.com’s 2nd quarter report reflects 12.8% increase over a year ago
August 13, 2009
(Editor’s Note: The following is an excerpt from Priceline’s recent financial report – the full investor release is available here. Due to the sheer volume of the site’s business, it’s worth the read and to consider the comments by the company’s President and CEO Jeffery H. Boyd) August 10, 2009 – Priceline.com Incorporated (Nasdaq: PCLN) today reported its financial results for the 2nd quarter 2009. Gross travel bookings for the 2nd quarter, which refers to the total dollar value, inclusive of all taxes and fees, of all travel services purchased by consumers, were $2.38 billion, an increase of 12.8% over a year ago. Priceline.com had revenues in the 2nd quarter of $603.7 million, a 17.5% increase over a year ago. The Company’s international operations contributed revenues in the 2nd quarter of $197.6 million, a 20.1% increase versus a year ago (approximately 38% growth on a local... Read More →
Industry Partner News Partner NewsOpenTravel Announces 2009-2010 Board of Directors
August 13, 2009
(August 12, 2009) – The OpenTravel Alliance (OpenTravel), the travel industry’s leading distribution specification standards development organization, announced its board of directors for 2009-2010. For the first time, the board includes representatives from the timeshare/vacation rental and tour operators segments. “The travel distribution world is changing, and OpenTravel is changing along with it. We know emerging travel segments like vacation rental, golf and tour operators are poised to explode their online distribution capabilities,” said Valyn Perini, executive director of OpenTravel. “With representation on the board from companies in the vanguard of these emerging segments, we are well-positioned to provide to these segmentsthe value of standard messaging and interoperability.” Air Carrier Board Representative Michelle Aaron, Director Application Development, PSS Replacement, American Airlines Hotel Company Board Representative Lisa Fues,... Read More →
By the NumbersNew research confirms Mexico’s tourism will remain strong over long term
August 13, 2009
(August 10, 2009) — WTTC expects Mexico’s Travel & Tourism Economy GDP growth to average around 5% per annum over the next decade (2009-19), generating some 2 million direct industry jobs by the end of the period. As the first country in the world to experience an outbreak of the now widespread A (H1N1) influenza virus, Mexico has been really hard hit in terms of tourism demand over the past three months. Preliminary estimates from the Mexican Government put the impact so far at around US$200-$300 million, but the final toll could well be much greater. More than 2,000 inbound flights were cancelled during the early stages of the crisis. “Mexico should be applauded for the way it handled the swine flu crisis,” said Ufi Ibrahim, Chief Operations Officer of the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), speaking at a recent media breakfast organised by the Mexico Tourism Board. “The Mexican Government and other stakeholders in the local Travel & Tourism... Read More →
Member Press ReleasesTravel industry embraces .travel and reaps the benefits
August 10, 2009
More travel industry destinations and businesses are adopting the .travel domain and witnessing its clear benefits. With such key industry players as the Ministry of Tourism of Argentina with www.Argentina.travel and the Colombian government with www.Colombia.travel, .travel is showing substantial growth globally and especially in Latin America. As an industry specific domain name for travel and tourism, .travel is leading the evolution of the Internet into niche information verticals or channels. Unlike the traditional and generic extensions of .com or .net, .travel is industry specific, thus, providing a clear message and brand security. Only travel industry professionals can register a .travel domain name. Each applicant for a .travel name is vetted to be a valid travel entity. With this security, .travel is a sign of a true travel entity to the end consumer as well as B2B. As this trust crosses linguistic and physical borders, .travel is globally recognized with destinations such as... Read More →
By the NumbersJune and Mid-Year Outdoor Sales Down
August 5, 2009
Camping, backpacking and hiking sales remain healthy BOULDER, CO – Retail sales for all core outdoor stores combined (chain, internet, specialty)* dropped 2% compared to last June, moving from $388,488,048 to $382,503,177, according to the most recent edition of the Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) Outdoor Topline Report, produced for OIA by the Leisure Trends Group. Equipment and key footwear categories saw sales grow for the period. Sales for the entire first half of 2009 totaled $2.2B, down 5% from the same period in 2008. Although total outdoor sales were down in June, outdoor vacations continued to resonate with consumers this summer, fueling sales in key categories. The National Park Service kicked off the first of its three free-entrance weekends on June 20-21, to great success. Yellowstone National Park reported record attendance levels through June 2009, and many other parks were tracking above average attendance as well.** Across all three store channels, products related... Read More →
