Splash White Water Rafting
September 29, 2009
Splash White Water Rafting is aiming to introduce more people to the joys of running the world’s rivers than any other operator. We work from our home base of Scotland where we have two rafting companies and other associated adventure companies and also from a base in Marrakech, Morocco. We also run rafting trips in 9 other countries.
We aim to grow by a combination of strong organic growth supplemented by the purchase of rafting operators in strategic global locations and by networking with quality rafting and adventure travel operators around the world.
Talking to travellers and adventure seekers has taught us that for many the thought of doing a several week adventure holiday in a far off country is a daunting thought and hence many do not commit to taking action. Therefore we have designed our business to introduce clients to adventure and travel by providing the majority with day trips and short breaks. The confidence they gain on these trips encourages them to be more adventurous and we take them to the next level by short break adventures in Europe or North Africa. Finally we have a small amount of people who want to experience that which only a long river journey can deliver and we take these people to the mighty white water rivers of the World in Asia, Africa and North America.
We have the ambitious target of taking 75000 clients per year on our adventure rafting trips by 2015.
Our primary product is White Water Rafting and that is what we are known for and what the majority of our clients come to experience. We operate on five rivers around Scotland from grade 2 to 5 providing clients with half day and full day rafting trips. Unlike other countries rafting in Scotland is a 12 month activity with some of the best water being available in the winter.
We are well known in Scotland and the UK and we feature regularly on various TV programs and in the national press.
We are also based in Morocco and offer rafting on several challenging rivers for around six months of the year. In combination with other operators we also offer our clients rafting in Zambia, Nepal, USA, Ethiopia, Australia, India, Turkey and Chile.
Although like many operators our business is seasonal we a rapidly making progress into having rafting operations in countries around the World that will enable us to keep many more of our excellent guides on year round contracts. We take the view that the company is only as good as its guides and hence we want to be able to ensure or guides develop in a range of environments around the World. We currently employee guides from over 10 different countries and this ensures we have a truly international flavour to the company. We have a strong emphasis on being professional and working but also on playing hard and ensuring everyone in the company has fun coming to work. This ensures that our clients also are looked after in a professional manner and also have a lot of fun during their time with us.
We also provide our clients with a range of other adventure sport products including Canyoning. We provide this adrenalin pumping experience in Scotland for 8 months of the year and in Morocco all year round.
We are also the only company in Europe to provide our clients with the unique river journey that is River Bugging. Many of our multi-activity breaks also include days of Kayaking and Duckie canoes as well as paintball, mountain biking and abseiling.
Our core market at present is the UK but due to our Morocco base we have a very fast growing sector from mainland Europe with France, Spain and Italy all providing good growth. We deal with a small amount of clients each year from North America and this is region we are interested in partnering or acquiring an existing rafting operator.
Our clients are really anyone and everyone. We deal with individuals, corporate companies, government departments, as well as schools and youth groups, charities and the military. We try to ensure the adventure is available for everyone so we often run rafting trips for disabled groups and special needs groups.
We have grown every year mainly by recommendation from our clients many of whom we see several times. Without them we know we could not live this life so we do everything in our power to ensure that their experience from first point of contact until departure is a professional and fun experience that has thrilled and exited them as well as hopefully educating.
We believe strongly that networking with industry companies in various locations around the world is the way to learn and ensure best practise is observed. The internet has enabled much closer collaboration and that is a great thing. The opportunities that niche companies can gain by working together are available and will continue to develop at rapid speed over the next few years.
We look forward to networking and meeting members of the Adventure Travel Trade Association and helping to develop our industry in a responsible and sustainable manner.
ETC-UNWTO Handbook on Tourism Destination Branding
September 29, 2009
Brussels, Belgium 21 September 2009. Tourism has become one of the world’s fastest growing economic sectors in recent years. Governments around the world are increasingly recognising the power of tourism to boost their nation’s development and prosperity. As more tourism destinations emerge and competition for visitors becomes more intense, a destination’s ability to project itself on the world stage and differentiate itself from others is ever more important.
Recognizing the value of successfully building and managing a destination’s brand, the European Travel Commission (ETC) and World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) have commissioned this Handbook to provide a useful and practical guide for both marketing novices and experienced destination managers.
Introduced by an essay by Simon Anholt on the importance of building a national brand image, the Handbook on Tourism Destination Branding provides a step-by-step guide to the branding process, accompanied by strategies for brand management. Case studies are featured throughout the Handbook to illustrate the various concepts, present best practices from destinations around the world and provide fresh insight into destination branding. The Handbook concludes with a section on evaluating brand impact and a set of practical recommendations.
Further details on this publication can be found under the following link: http://www.etc-corporate.org/modules.php?name=Content&pa=showpage&pid=239
Handbook: Table of Contents
- Acknowledgements
- Introductory Essay: Why National Image Matters – By Simon Anholt
- Executive Summary
- Introduction
1. Branding Explained
- 1.1 The Global Context
- 1.2 Role: What a Brand Is and What It Is Not
- 1.3 The Future
2. Practical Guide to Branding Strategy
- 2.1 Introduction
- 2.2 Defining Branding Objectives
- 2.3 Brand Positioning
- 2.4 The Branding Process
- 2.5 The Challenges
3. Bringing the Brand to Life
- 3.1 Introduction
- 3.2 Applying the Brand Values – Marketing Communications
- 3.3 Living the Brand Values – Behaviour
4. Managing the Brand
- 4.1 Introduction
- 4.2 Brand Manager/Guardian
- 4.3 Steering Group
- 4.4 Internal Marketing: NTO Staff
- 4.5 Internal Marketing: Residents
- 4.6 Internal Marketing: Commercial and other Stakeholders
- 4.7 Brand Champions
- 4.8 Brand Advocates
- 4.9 Brand Seminars
- 4.10 Maintaining Momentum – Keeping the Brand Fresh
5. Measuring Brand Impact
- 5.1 Introduction
- 5.2 Brand Tracking Surveys
- 5.3 Online Panel Surveys
- 5.4 Omnibus-style Surveys
- 5.5 International Benchmarking Surveys
- 5.6 Visitor Satisfaction Surveys
- 5.7 Monitoring Media Coverage
6. Branding Strategies in Action
- 6.1 Introduction
- 6.2 Case Studies
7. Conclusions and Recommendations
- 7.1 Introduction
- 7.2 At the Beginning: Understanding the Brand and Its Role
- 7.3 Developing the Brand – Main Steps
- 7.4 Implementing the Brand
- 7.5 Managing and Monitoring the Brand
- 7.6 Critical Success Factors and the Future
Annexes
- Annex 1 Current NTO Branding Practices (NTO Branding Survey)
- Annex 2 Glossary of Terms
Bibliography
ETC is an association of national tourism organisations (NTOs). It was created in 1948 to promote Europe as a tourism destination to the long-haul markets outside Europe and currently has 39 member NTOs, including 12 from outside the European Union. ETC is an independent body which is financed entirely by annual membership contributions and partnership funding.
Boundless Journeys Announces Move toward Paperless Communications
September 29, 2009
Boundless Journeys Announces Move toward Paperless Communications
STOWE, Vermont—Boundless Journeys has announced a change of marketing plans for 2010. Traditionally, the award-winning small group tour operator has published an annual catalog to whet the travel appetites of their adventurous clients. For the coming year, however, focus has been shifted to their newly redesigned Web site, www.BoundlessJourneys.com, in lieu of a paper catalog.
Company founder and president, Matt Holmes, explains the decision was made for several reasons. “By becoming more Web focused, we’ve been able to eliminate what we decided was a redundant resource. Why print a catalog when there is a much more comprehensive resource available that allows better service at a greater value to our clients? We are also members of The International Ecotourism Society and Sustainable Travel International, and have a responsibility to make decisions that continually move us toward less resource use, less waste, and a smaller carbon footprint, while still delivering the service and tools our clients want to help them plan their next great adventure.” He adds, “We’ve considered making this move in past years, but only recently do we feel the Web has allowed us to provide our clients the information they need at a level that matches – or exceeds – that of our catalog.”
Focusing on the Web is also allowing Boundless Journeys to adapt to the changing needs and habits of the company’s travelers. The newly redesigned www.BoundlessJourneys.com will function as the core informational tool for prospective travelers; available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, offering interactive components allowing clients to ask questions online and get immediate answers (during business hours), and staying current throughout the year are a few advantages offered by the site. Travelers can also sign up for Boundless Journeys’ monthly e-newsletter and weekly travel specials by submitting their e-mail at www.BoundlessJourneys.com or simply e-mailing info@boundlessjourneys.com.
Of course, Boundless Journeys still prefers to do some things the old-fashioned way. “Clients can still pick up the phone and talk to one of our staff in person without going through a crazy answering system. We pride ourselves on making the trip planning process as easy, fun, and hassle-free as possible.“
About Boundless Journeys
Boundless Journeys is an award-winning small group adventure tour operator, selected as one of the “Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth” by National Geographic ADVENTURE, February 2009; and a “World’s Best” tour operator by Travel + Leisure, August 2009.
With a diverse collection of locally guided, small group itineraries around the world, Boundless Journeys offers “The World’s Great Adventures.” The adventure trips 2-16 guests are active, ranging from leisurely cultural explorations and wildlife safaris to challenging trekking in remote regions ― with plenty of easy to moderate walking and sea kayaking in between. For more information, please call 1-800-941-8010 or visit http://www.BoundlessJourneys.com.
Boundless Journeys
CONTACT: Karen Cleary
TEL: 800-941-8010
E-MAIL: info@boundlessjourneys.com
WEB: www.boundlessjourneys.com
Click Here for Media Kit.
Seascape Kayak Tours has been named a finalist for the National Awards for Tourism Excellence
September 29, 2009
Seascape Kayak Tours has been named a finalist for the National Awards for Tourism Excellence, presented by the Globe and Mail. Selected as one of three finalists for the Parks Canada Sustainable Tourism Award, Seascape Kayak Tours’ nomination was submitted by the New Brunswick Government and the Tourism Industry Association of New Brunswick.
Adventure Tour Operator Scholarship Winners Named by Teva and ATTA
September 24, 2009
(SEATTLE) SEPTEMBER 24, 2009 – Entrepreneurs representing an ecotourism wilderness lodge operated by the Moose Cree First Nation people of James Bay, Canada; an eco lodge operated by members of Ethiopia’s Eastern Cushitic, ethno-linguistic Konso culture; and a bicycle ambulance service operated by community volunteers in Malawi, topped out 141 aspiring leaders seeking financial backing to attend the 2009 Adventure Travel World Summit (ATWS), a trade-only professional and business development conference for adventure tourism executives.
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), named the following winners of a joint, first-time scholarship program that provides financial support to early-stage adventure tourism enterprises (Project descriptions and tourism operations are available through the URLs provided.):
- Sacred Rides Mountain Bike Adventures/Bikes Without Borders – Toronto, Canada/Malawi
- Strawberry Fields Eco-Lodge – Konso, Ethiopia
- Washow Lodge – Moose Cree First Nation, Ontario, Canada
Providing young businesses with access to the ATTA’s global network, its membership resources and financial assistance to attend the October 2009 Summit is the intent behind the ATTA Tour Operator Scholarship Program. The program is made possible through a grant by Teva and managed by the association.
Each of the three scholarship recipients for 2009 receive:
- complimentary membership in the ATTA for one year ($500 USD value);
- entry to the 2009 ATWS ($895 USD value), a trade-only professional and business development conference for executives set for October 19-22 in Charlevoix, Québec, Canada; and
- $1,000 USD travel stipend for travel to the ATWS.
“Through our scholarship program, travel outfitters are rewarded for creating forward-thinking initiatives that enhance the adventure travel experience and benefit the local region at the same time,” said Liz Ferrin, Teva Branded Content Manager. “We look forward to watching how these first-time scholarship recipients will make a difference in the communities where they operate.”
Five finalists also were considered for their good work and sustainable practices:
- Black Mountain Montenegro Ltd. – Herceg Novi, Montenegro
- KumbukRiver Eco Extraordinaire – Dambeyaya, Sri Lanka
- SocialTours.com travels – Kathmandu, Nepal
- Ultimate Belize Adventure Travel – San Ignacio, Belize
- WAVES for Development International – New York, USA/Peru
“Choosing winners from such an incredibly rich, innovative and diverse applicant pool was a difficult task,” said ATTA President Shannon Stowell. “After studying many deserving applications, we’re confident that the responsible adventure tourism development projects to be led by this year’s winners and finalists are poised for success.”
Entries were reviewed by ATTA and Teva staff. Each of the 141 applicants were evaluated on the following criteria:
- Demonstrated need (start-up’s, nonprofit status – though not a requirement, located in an emerging but impoverished destination, etc.),
- Potential for positive impact on local cultural, ecological, and/or historical resources;
- Exemplary ecological, historical, and cultural practices;
- Exemplary efforts to work with local and indigenous peoples;
- Proof of the highest level of professional ethics and practices; and
- Ability to prove how this Scholarship will be used to elevate the business to achieve a higher level of success – and how it can be utilized sustainably to build long-term and lasting success for the company and the people and places visited.
“We are buzzing with adrenaline at being selected,” said Mike Brcic, President of Sacred Rides Mountain Bike Adventures. “As a small but growing business that is pushing the envelope on sustainable tourism, we’re excited for the opportunity to meet and learn from other tour operators, as well as share our innovative ideas with others in the global adventure travel community. And, given that we’re putting together a new trip in Quebec, the timing couldn’t be better!”
The scholarship will be used by selected incorporated tour operators to grow their business, network, develop their professional skills, and be mentored and inspired by industry peers and influencers.
About Teva
Founded in 1984, Teva began with an unassuming Grand Canyon river guide and an idea that would become the world’s very first sports sandal. The first pairs of Teva footwear were sold out of a van to friends and fellow boaters at the various put-ins along the river. From this beginning a culture of passion for adventure has defined the Teva lifestyle. Today, Teva remains committed to both the innovation in footwear suited for the adventure lifestyle and the protection of the earth’s waterways. Teva is a division of Deckers Outdoor Corporation, NASDAQGS: DECK. Deckers Outdoor Corporation strives to be a premier lifestyle marketer that builds niche brands into global market leaders by designing and marketing innovative, functional and fashion-oriented footwear
developed for both high performance outdoor activities and everyday casual lifestyle use. Teva®, Simple®Shoes, UGG® Australia, TSUBO®, and Ahnu® are registered trademarks of Deckers Outdoor Corporation.
About the Adventure Travel Trade Association
Established in 1990, the ATTA (www.adventuretravel.biz) is a global membership organization dedicated to unifying, networking, professionalizing, promoting and responsibly growing the adventure travel market. ATTA members include tour operators, destination marketing organizations, tourism boards, specialty travel agents, guides, accommodations, media and service providers. Host of the annual Adventure Travel World Summit executive trade conferences (www.adventuretravelworldsummit.com), the ATTA also makes possible
Adventure.Travel, the traveler‟s hub of physical, cultural and nature-based adventure travel and guide to trusted tour operators from around the globe.
Jenman African Safaris
September 17, 2009
Jenman African Safaris is a family-run business with brothers Garth, Brendan and Andrew Jenman having grown up in Southern Africa and spending well over a decade exploring the region, travelling and working in the hospitality industry. Their camping division, Campwild Tours and Safaris, was created in 1993. Since then the company has grown at a steady pace and has achieved a reputation for reliability, safety, high service standards and excellent value for money. With time, the brothers diversified their product range and, catering to their customers needs, started running scheduled as well as tailor-made Lodge style safaris. Thus in 1998 Jenman African Safaris was founded as the holding company and Campwild Tours and Safaris became Jenman’s camping division. In 2005 the brothers once again saw a gap in the market for exclusive upmarket tailor-made lodge-style safaris and they created African Luxury Hideaways with Andrew Jenman heading up this division.
Our philosophy: To provide comfortable, more personal and interactive small group safaris. Jenman African Safaris has positioned itself to be able to provide their customers with the product they require, whether its a budget or an upmarket safari, catering for those who are looking for a value for money African Safari experience.
Jenman African Safaris is a leading provider of safari and adventure travel in Southern and East Africa. Based in Cape Town and with operational offices in Namibia, Botswana, Madagascar and Zambia, Jenman African Safaris offers small group scheduled and tailor made travel across Southern and East Africa. Family owned and managed, Jenman has many years of experience in operating safe, comfortable, reliable and fun-filled tours to Southern and East Africa’s most spectacular destinations.
Jenman offers smaller more personal, highly interactive and flexible tours for the more adventurous traveller. We delight in designing tailor made travel itineraries for singles, couples and groups. Choose from lodge safaris, adventure safaris, luxury safaris, camping safaris, self-drive trips, day trips, walking safaris, family trips, flying safaris and accommodation only arrangements. Jenman take pride in its team of guides and rangers, all of whom are African locals. Our vehicles are designed for maximum comfort and safety whilst navigating big distances. Quality equipment is also provided on all camping trips and we use only approved lodges which are clean and comfortable.
Safari / Adventure trips offered in 14 fantastically diverse countries
| South Africa | Malawi |
| Lesotho | Mozambique |
| Swaziland | Tanzania |
| Namibia | Zanzibar |
| Botswana | Kenya |
| Zambia | Ethiopia |
| Zimbabwe | Madagascar
Angola |
What makes Jenman Different?
- Over 10 years experience in running safaris
- Small Group Policy on our scheduled tours with a maximum of 10 clients per schedualed tour but can run larger groups for customised requests.
- Can tailor-make any Mobile Safaris throughout Southern and East Africa as well as Madagascar
- We offer full Destination Management services
- Customized Safari vehicles for small to large groups depending on terrain.
- Qualified local guides as well as special interest and language guides of whom all are members of appropriate guiding associations.
- Family-run company with highly motivated and experienced staff.
- Central reservation office with 24-hour response time.
- Operational offices throughout Southern and East Africa to guarantee a high standard of service and 24-hour emergency phone
10.Responsible Tourism policy – we make use of eco-friendly lodges and have a responsible recycling policy at all our offices.
Need an Exclusive Itinerary?
At Jenman we are happy to tailor itineraries to suit the needs of your passengers. We often have operators wishing to use our services and “overbrand” the tour / safari as their own. We are well used to this type of arrangement and fully able to make a specific schedule fit your needs.
Company Information:
Jenman African Safaris
po box 36146
glosderry · 7702 · Cape Town
phone: +27 (0)21 683 7826 · fax: +27 (0)21 674 0248
mail: info@jenmansafaris.com
Tour Industry Executives Team Up for Global Sustainability Initiatives
September 17, 2009
Robin Tauck welcomes a new Senior Partner, Randy Durband
(September 9, 2009) — Robin Tauck, now of Robin Tauck & Partners today announced a new Senior Partner, Randy Durband, former President of both Travcoa and Intrav/Clipper, subsidiaries of TUI Travel (formerly First Choice Holidays).
Robin Tauck and Partners is dedicated to new public-private partnerships to raise awareness, advocacy, financial and other resources to assist initiatives of significant global impact.
In making the announcement, Ms Tauck said, “As the former President and CEO of Tauck World Discovery, I traveled to more than 65 countries and hundreds of experiential places on missions of cross cultural education and tourism development. I became immersed in the challenges impacting our public lands and common places, world heritage sites, and unique culture traditions. In 2008, I formed a new entity to engage the travel industry to promote action to collaborate in new solutions for global environmental problems.”
Durband, a 28-year industry veteran, adds, “Robin and I have a combined 50 years of travel industry expertise and we plan to use our experiences and lifetime connections to engage and inform a wider audience on the power of travel and travelers. The world is facing unprecedented challenges, yet there is a tremendous opportunity to grow economically and promote sustainable travel worldwide.” For more information: www.robintauck.com
For inquires:
203-227-0677 or email: info@robintauck.com
Joanne Chochos – Executive Assistant
Global Rescue Sponsors Adventure Travel Trade Association, 2009 Adventure Travel World Summit
September 17, 2009
Recent Sponsor Growth Reflects Rising Sector Confidence, Expanding Global Network
(SEATTLE) – September 17, 2009 – Global Rescue, a leading provider of worldwide medical, security, evacuation and crisis response services, has become a “Major Sponsor” of the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA) and its October 19-22, 2009 Adventure Travel World Summit (ATWS).
Global Rescue is one of three Major Sponsors that have entered into long-term sponsorships of the ATTA and its annual Summit events. Recent sponsor growth, mirrored by record membership sales at the ATTA in 2009, reflects rising confidence and growth in the adventure travel sector within the leisure travel market, as well as the association’s expanding global network.
“We help make the world safer for adventure travelers and reduce the legal and operations risks for tour operators,” said Global Rescue Chief Executive Officer Dan Richards. “The ATTA’s selection of Global Rescue as their exclusive medical, security and evacuation sponsor clearly indicates how important the safety and welfare of the client is to the industry.”
Backing for the ATTA also is increasing at other sponsorship levels in strategic service categories as well, including the recent addition of AdventureLink, Inc. As a new Contributing Sponsor, AdventureLink, the world’s largest online source for booking adventure travel, supports the ATTA, plus, it joins the 2009 Adventure Travel World Summit stable of significant sponsors including: Host Destination Tourisme Québec and Aventure Ecotourisme Québec; Major Sponsors ExOfficio and Men’s Journal; and Key Sponsors Alpine Tourist Commission, Archaeology Magazine, Best of the Alps, Brazil, Eddie Bauer, Tourism Promotion Corporation of Chile, Innovation Norway, and National Geographic Adventure.
Industry service organizations aligning with the ATTA are on the rise, with each providing vital support and value to a specific aspect of the adventure travel trade. In the case of Global Rescue, which airlifts climbers from the Himalayas, skiers from the Alps and the Andes, its partnerships with hundreds of tour and travel operators worldwide is a strategic service match for the ATTA as it helps adventure travel operators and travelers to be better prepared for the unexpected risks of travel.
Such service partners are attracted to the ATTA because of its proven track record of creating productive business-to-business platforms and increasingly, providing direct-to-traveler linkages with the adventure travel sector. Most Major and Key sponsor components for the ATTA and its annual ATWS events generally include financial, advertising, promotional and marketing considerations through a mixed array of digital mediums, events and cooperative agreements.
Growth in sponsorship also is evident in other ATWS sponsorship categories including an array of support for event elements including such things as carbon offsets, a Cyber Café, networking receptions, lunch and dinner events, and other program elements. Adventure Travel World Summit sponsors for 2009 ATWS include:
Supporting Sponsors:
Contributing Sponsors:
Sponsors:
Sponsors continued:
- Expedicion
- Fjord Norway
- First Ascent
- GORPtravel
- Orbitz.com
- Overseas Printing Corporation
- PromPeru
- Fishbowl
- Terramar Sports
- Teva
- TNT Magazine
- VAST
- Virtuoso
“Sponsor growth during this period conveys to me that the ATTA is on point, providing the right opportunities for our members to gain visibility and industry connections in the right places, through the right venues and at the right time,” said ATTA President Mr. Shannon Stowell. “Our expanding membership base, gained through the strategic expansion of our global network, has attracted some marquee brands that bring great value and commitment to the adventure travel community, and we’re grateful for their support.”
Event information and registration for the 2009 Adventure Travel World Summit is available at http://www.adventuretravelworldsummit.com.
Established in 1990, the Seattle-based ATTA (www.adventuretravel.biz) is a global membership organization dedicated to unifying, networking, professionalizing, promoting and responsibly growing the adventure travel market. ATTA members include tour operators, destination marketing organizations, tourism boards, specialty travel agents, guides, accommodations, media and service providers. Host of the annual Adventure Travel World Summit executive trade conferences, the ATTA also makes possible www.Adventure.Travel, the traveler’s hub of physical, cultural and nature-based adventure travel and guide to trusted tour operators from around the globe.
WAVES Hires New Manager for Surf Voluntourism Project in Peru
September 16, 2009
WAVES for Development is proud to announce a new team member to its surf voluntourism program.
Australian Naomi Godden joins WAVES as the Program Manager of the organization’s surf voluntourism program in Lobitos, Peru. In addition to an interest in surfing and volunteering, Naomi, a trained social worker, brings with her years of experience working in community development, research, and as a PADI Divemaster and Emergency First Response Instructor.
WAVES for Development, the first organization to offer voluntourism opportunities for travelers to surf and volunteer in Peru, began working in Lobitos, Peru in early 2008. Its surf voluntourism program offers volunteers from around the world the opportunity to enjoy great surfing while giving back to the community they visit. Volunteers teach and assist in educational programs for local youth that include surf lessons, life skills activities, environmental education, and English classes. Additionally, each volunteer carries out an individual community development project during their stay.
As the second member of WAVES surf voluntourism staff in Lobitos, Naomi joins local Peruvian Holggers Clavijo, WAVES’ Surf Instructor / Program Assistant. She has already worked to offer PADI First Aid Training for local community members and voluntourists and revise the program’s educational curriculum for youth. Local instructors are now offering Spanish and surf lessons to interested volunteers.
Over the next month, Naomi will be carrying out a participatory community consultation through visits to local families and organizations to get to know the community better and how WAVES can continue to help it meet its needs through sustainable development.
While living in Lobitos, Naomi will be enjoying some of the best surfing in Peru. Lobitos has over 5 surf breaks within walking distance (from perfect point breaks to great waves for beginners) that have attracted travelers from over 10 countries to surf and volunteer. Naomi, who grew up surfing in Margaret River on Australia’s west coast, says, “Lobitos is a perfect community for surf voluntourism. Volunteers have the opportunity to surf great waves every day, get to know a unique community and have a positive impact on the lives of community members. However, most say the experience has the biggest impact on their own lives.”
More information on how to surf and volunteer in Peru can be found at WAVES’s website: http://www.WAVESfordevelopment.org.
About WAVES:
WAVES believes that travel should benefit the people and the communities where it happens. WAVES uses surfing to make the world a better place by combining Educational Surf programs that develop youth into healthy and empowered adults with Surf Voluntourism programs that engage travelers and transform their world views. Community-based educational programs promote:
+ Healthy Living / Life Skills
+ Environmental Conservation
+ Social Entrepreneurship
+ Sustainable Tourism
Press Contact:
Dave Aabo
WAVES for Development International, Inc
345 W 48th St. Ste 1A
New York, NY 10036
518-339-2142
info@WAVESfordevelopment.org
http://www.WAVESfordevelopment.org
HURTIGRUTEN’S DELUXE MS FRAM SETS SAIL ON ANTARCTICA PATH
September 16, 2009
FIRST FORGED BY EXPLORERS NEARLY 100 YEARS AGO – ON A SHIP BY THE SAME NAME
Three Antarctica Expeditions Showcase Stunning Vistas, Mammoth Glaciers and Curious Wildlife
New York, NY, September 2009 — A maverick of the cruise industry, Hurtigruten has set itself apart with expedition voyages to some of the world’s most remote destinations; and now, the cruise company is offering three cruises that go further south than many of its competitors, allowing guests a rare glimpse into Antarctica’s pristine wilderness. Sailing against a backdrop of vast glaciers and captivating polar skies, guests follow in the footsteps of Roald Amundsen, the Norwegian explorer who led the first Antarctic expedition to reach the South Pole in 1912 aboard the original MS Fram — the namesake of the current day luxury vessel Hurtigruten passengers will use in their voyage. PolarCirkel crafts allow even greater intimacy with nature, taking guests up close to the unique flora and fauna; and ashore, where curious penguins are known to approach visitors and sea elephants and seals can be seen lounging on ice floes. The three itineraries, ranging in length from 13 to 22 days, are priced from $6,237 to $15,178 per person, double; higher rates are for suites.
- The 17-day “North & South Antarctica” voyage combines exploration with nature- and geography-focused programs. The ship sails to the farthest and most rarely visited reaches of the Antarctic Peninsula, including the historic Marguerite Bay — remote even by Antarctic standards and home to the only known colony of Emperor penguins on the peninsula’s western coast. Jan. and Feb. prices are $8,115 to $15,178.
- The “Argentina & Antarctica” cruise is a 13-day adventure through the Antarctic Peninsula accompanied by guided Antarctica tours, lectures and PolarCirkel landings. After making its way through the Drake Passage, the ship visits areas such as Whaler’s Bay, with its warm springs and black volcanic sands; Half Moon Island, a rookery for Chinstrap penguins; and Wilhelmina Bay, a feeding ground for whales and seals. The voyage offers seven departures between Nov. and Feb. with rates from $6,237 to $11,506.
- The 22-day sailings that take in the Falklands (Malvinas), South Georgia & Antarctica, departing Oct. 31, and Feb. 21, offer guests an extensive array of sights and experiences, visiting lands that are abound with wildlife and nature. Excursions in the Falklands include Sounders Island, with miles of colonies of Black-browed albatross and Rock Hopper penguins, and West point Island, known for its fur seals and sea lions – as well as for having the highest sea cliffs in the Archipelago. In South George, passengers can explore the abandoned whaling station Grytviken and visit Cooper Bay, known for its Macaroni and Chinstrap penguins. Fares are $7,920 to $14,627.
Fares include round-trip airfare from JFK or Miami, flights between Buenos Aires and Ushuaia, one night pre-cruise and post-cruise hotel accommodations in Buenos Aires, exploration guide services with onboard lectures and educational offerings, applicable land transfers, all meals onboard, port fees and land excursions. Airline fuel surcharges and taxes, gratuities and air add-ons from dozens of American gateways are additional.
Hurtigruten is a world leader in expedition cruising, sailing to the most remote of destinations including Antarctica, Greenland and the Arctic’s Spitsbergen. Information, brochures and reservations can be obtained from Hurtigruten Inc., (800) 323-7436; fax (954) 486-9340; for brochures (800) 582-0835, 24 hours a day; www.hurtigruten.us.
Contact: Elliot Gillies, (212) 724-7783, elliotgillies@gzpr.com
Gillies and Zaiser
10 Nytko Drive
Pomona, NY 10970-2646
HTN-27-September 2009
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