Global Rescue medically evacuates U.S. Ski Team racer after crash
November 30, 2009
Global Rescue has medically evacuated injured U.S Ski Team downhiller TJ Lanning from Calgary, Alberta, to Vail, Colorado, after a crash that left the skier with a dislocated knee and a fractured vertebra in his neck.
Lanning was transported to Vail by a medically equipped Lear jet.
The Olympic hopeful caught an edge in the opening downhill and fell face-first before tumbling several times into the netting lining the trail. The crash occurred in the fastest section of the course where skiers have been clocked at speeds in excess of 60 miles per hour. He was airlifted off of the mountain and taken to the Foothills Medical Center, where he was diagnosed with a fractured C5 vertebra and a dislocated patella. Lanning elected to recover at the Vail Valley Medical Center.
Global Rescue is an emergency services company that provides best-in-class medical, aeromedical evacuation, search and rescue and security services to individuals, corporations, travelers and expeditions worldwide. The company’s emergency response teams are composed of paramedics, physicians and security personnel, many of whom are veterans of elite special operations units of the U.S. Military. Through an exclusive relationship with Johns Hopkins, Global Rescue members benefit from the advisory services of some of the world’s finest physicians. The company utilizes only the finest contracted medical aircraft worldwide and will fly members to the domestic hospital of their choice in the event of an illness or injury requiring hospitalization.
Global Rescue is the official medical evacuation provider for the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Teams.
For more information on these or other missions, visit http://blog.globalrescue.com, contact (617) 459-4200 or email press@globalrescue.com.
Editor’s Note:
ATTA Member and Major Sponsor Global Rescue offers special services for adventure travelers worldwide. In this case, it’s a bit closer to home, but conveys the depth and speed of their services. They’ve many compelling “rescue” stories from around the globe. And, while we hope never to use their services, it offers a bit of extra insurance for the unexpected.
ExOfficio Launches Innovative Outerwear for Fall 2010
November 25, 2009
Creating Layering Solutions that Utilize Cutting Edge Technology
Tukwila, WA – ExOfficio, a leading manufacturer of adventure travel apparel, has launched a new line of outerwear that utilizes Primaloft One and Polartec Wind Pro.
Keeping the meandering adventurer in mind, ExOfficio outerwear is engineered for travel, adventure and the ultimate performance while outdoors. This logical layering system works together to achieve the ultimate warmth and functionality. Focusing on durability and versatility, these pieces provide varied solutions for outdoor layering.
Storm Logic™ (MSRP: $120-$150)
Innovative Outerwear Utilizing PrimaLoft® One for Lightweight Insulation
How It Works
PrimaLoft One absorbs 3x less water, is 14% warmer when dry and 24% warmer when wet than the competitive insulation. This slightly puffy collection is engineered with specially treated ultra-fine fibers to form a water resistant insulating structure.
Wind Logic™ (MSRP: $95-$149)
Innovative Fleece Collection Utilizing Polartec® Wind Pro®
Made with Polartec® Wind Pro®, this fleece collection is breathable and provides 4x the wind resistance of traditional fleece.
- 4 times more wind resistant than traditional fleece
- Warmth without weight
- Highly Breathable
- Machine Washable
- Water repellent
- Durable
Rain Logic™ (MSRP: $199)
Introducing Waterproof, Breathable 2.5 Layer Fabric
How It Works
Made with mechanical stretch nylon that’s laminated with a thin polyurethane membrane, treated with DWR and printed on the inside for additional abrasion resistance.
Water Repellency: 15,000mm
Breathability: 20,000g
About ExOfficio
ExOfficio was born in 1987 when two guys in a garage engineered a shirt with the functions of a fly-fishing vest, the ventilation of a cool breeze and the construction of a men’s dress shirt. The company has created apparel known for innovative technical features and performance benefits ever since. ExOfficio is sold internationally in specialty outdoor, fly-fishing, travel and luggage stores. Products are available in ExOfficio retail stores and online. ExOfficio is devoted to enhancing worldly exploration through clothing and footwear that packs-well, performs and is durable enough for a lifetime of adventure.
For more information visit www.exofficio.com.
Nat Geo Traveler Rates Norway The Best Destination in The World
November 24, 2009
Recently, Norway was rated by National Geographic Traveler as the Best Destination in the World.
“If you have only a vague sense of Norway as fjords, cruise ships, snowflake sweaters, and dried fish, it’s long past time to update the internal wiki. Norway, as the talented cover blurb writers at National Geographic Adventure recently put it, is “Europe’s Next Adrenaline Capital”. In fact, Norway will blow you away with its beauty, its open space, and, most of all, its potential for adventure”, writes photographer & writer Steve Casimiro.
Read his article “Looking For Your Next Adventure? Here’s 15 Reasons Why Norway Rocks“, as published on The Adventure Life.
Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards Recognizes Rivers Fiji For It’s Preservation of Cultural Heritage Practices
November 24, 2009
Angels Camp, California – Rivers Fiji, an O.A.R.S. (Outdoor Adventure River Specialists) affiliate organization, has been highly commended in the “Preservation of Cultural Heritage” category at this year’s Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards. Rivers Fiji, a whitewater rafting and multi-sport outfitter committed to sustainable tourism practices in the Fiji Islands, was selected as one of the top 35 companies out of more than 2000 nominations worldwide.
The Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards are the most prestigious and competitive of their kind in the world. They are a collaboration of the online travel directory responsibletravel.com, UK media partners Telegraph Travel and Geographical Magazine and World Travel Market (WTM). WTM hosted the awards ceremony earlier this month. The central tenet of the awards is that all types of tourism can and should be operated in a way that respects and benefits destinations and local people.
Rivers Fiji is the result of one of many O.A.R.S. Family of Companies’ sustainable tourism endeavours. George and Pam Wendt founded O.A.R.S. in 1969 with a goal to help people of all ages and abilities enjoy “the best outdoor experience of their lives.” This Northern California-based whitewater rafting and adventure travel outfitter is recognized as a leading environmental steward within the industry. O.A.R.S. was the first, and only, North American rafting outfitter to be 100% carbon neutral through the support of carbon offset projects that are inspected, verified and certified by independent third parties including Green-e, the Gold Standard, CDM, and the Climate, Community and Biodiversity Alliance. Because of O.A.R.S.’ eco-savvy reputation, they have been asked repeatedly to host education trips for congressional staffers, politicians and eco-celebrities. It is the 1998 founding of Rivers Fiji, however, that the company is most proud. By supporting community development and environmental conservation, Rivers Fiji programs are not only “eco-friendly,” they define eco-tourism. With the help of 9 mataqali (landowning groups), 2 villages, a logging company, and the Native Land Trust Board (NLTB), O.A.R.S. and Rivers Fiji successfully established the Upper Navua Conservation Area in 2000. This unique public-private partnership protects the pristine Upper Navua River Canyon from future logging or gravel extraction in a 10.5-mile conservation corridor. In return, Rivers Fiji compensates the NLTB and landowners through lease payments, user fees and employment opportunities. Rivers Fiji believes that empowering local communities in this manner makes its programs successful. “We have created full-time employment for the local people,” said George Wendt, President of the O.A.R.S. Family of Companies. “In fact, with the exception of our managing director, all of our employees are from the communities where we operate. Thus they have a real stake in the long-term sustainability of the places we visit and in Rivers Fiji as a sustainable tourism operation. Infractions by logging companies and plans for road development through the conservation area have been thwarted due to mataqali alerting Rivers Fiji management and local authorities.”
Steve Markle, O.A.R.S. Marketing and Partnerships Director, stated from the awards ceremony in London, “Historically Fiji’s tourism development has been focused on the coastal communities – with Fiji’s interior populations receiving little benefit. Rivers Fiji, however, provides economic alternatives for people whose previous development options were limited to logging and resource extraction. We believe Rivers Fiji has helped broadened Fiji’s overall perspective regarding the economic value of conservation as it relates to its people and ecosystems.”
Dr. Harold Goodwin, Director, International Centre for Responsible Tourism and Chair of Judges said, “Working our way through this year’s long lists, we were impressed by the willingness of so many organizations to take responsibility and to do what they can to help make better places for people to live in and better places for people to visit. Despite the economic difficulties being faced by the travel and tourism industry, responsible tourism continues to move ahead, and I’m continually impressed as more is achieved by more people. As judges we are all very aware of the great work that is being done by so many and our decisions are often very difficult and sometimes long debated.”
Calgary Couple Launch African Queen Tours
November 23, 2009
Calgary – It was almost exactly ten years ago that an ordinary Calgary woman set off to do some extraordinary things. And for freelance writer Maureen Magee, extraordinary events have now become part of everyday life.
In 1999 Magee was writing a series of travel articles for the Calgary Herald. Then adventure beckoned in the form of a film-making friend, Doug Spencer.
Spencer had been filming a series of documentaries about “ordinary women doing extraordinary things” (OFF THE MAP, Gorica Productions). He had previously filmed Magee in the Canadian Arctic – now he was off to Ethiopia…it was an offer she couldn’t refuse.
“Ethiopia was just supposed to be another quickie adventure, and then I would come back home to Calgary,” says Magee (now Demissie). But the ‘quickie adventure’ turned into a life-altering affair. “I fell in love with Ethiopia. I fell in love with my guide Mageru and within two months, I said good bye to Calgary and moved to Addis Ababa. I knew immediately that this amazing country was the world’s biggest travel secret and I wanted to share it with others. As Mageru had years of guiding experience, it seemed only natural we would work together to form our own company.”
It only took them 9 years.
“Ethiopia just blew me away” Magee continues. “It is such a huge and happy surprise. It has the ancient history of a land 4000 years old that was never colonized, and for many centuries was forgotten by time. Travelers experience fabulous endemic bird life, lush green jungles, sparkling rivers, lakes, waterfalls and pristine alpine mountains. Ethiopians are sincerely friendly folks who are thrilled to introduce you to their culture. The travelling is safe; and you will encounter very few tourists. If you want to add some ‘extraordinary’ to your life, I suggest you come on over.”
African Queen Tour Operations is based in Calgary and offers personalized, small-group tours throughout Ethiopia.
National Geographic CSD Partners With Hurtigruten In Geotourism
November 23, 2009
New York, NY – National Geographic’s Center for Sustainable Destinations (CSD) and Norwegian coastal liner Hurtigruten have signed a cooperation agreement to safeguard and enhance Hurtigruten’s unique destinations along the Norwegian coast — known as some of best destinations in the world.
“Hurtigruten is unique in the world. With Hurtigruten you are really a part of Norway, part of a Norwegian tradition — the crew is Norwegian, the food and experience is Norwegian. Hurtigruten is uniquely identified with the country in which it operates. That’s not true with conventional cruiseliners,” says Jonathan Tourtellot, National Geographic CSD Director.
The cooperation agreement has been established with the intent to help Hurtigruten to become even better — following a code of good practices. Hurtigruten has served the passengers, the ports and the Norwegian coast since 1893 bringing freight and passengers between 34 daily ports of call year round. This history of service gives the coastal voyager an insight beyond a travel product; and in many ways already fulfills much of National Geographic geotourism principles: to sustain or enhance a place’s geographical character by maintaining the destination’s distinctiveness – its nature, culture, history and the well-being of its residents.
“National Geographic pinpoints what we understand is the unique character of Hurtigruten. In many ways Hurtigruten has a mission besides presenting the beautiful Norwegian coast to tourists. This mission is exercised in cooperation with our environment – with our destinations as our local partners. Hurtigruten supports and depends on strong and sustainable destinations and wants to improve our skills and performance on this field. By doing this we will enhance what makes Hurtigruten unique in the world”, states Hurtigruten CEO Olav Fjell.
National Geographic CSD, with their knowledge of sustainable destinations and geotourism, is a recognized leader in one of the world`s largest industries — tourism. For Hurtigruten this cooperation is seen as a confirmation of good practice and but also as a possibility to improve skills within a field that is becoming more and more important for future tourism.
“This cooperation will strengthen and clarify Hurtigruten’s unique position as the original coastal voyager. The Norwegian fjords have already won several prizes as the world`s best travel destinations. This happens partly because Norway as a nation has the wisdom to manage our nature and our culture with sense and in a sustainable way. After almost 120 years in service it’s vital that Hurtigruten operate in accordance with sustainable principles related to both nature and our destinations along the coast,” says Christian Bue Nordahl, Global Brand Manager, Hurtigruten ASA.
Support and Track the Snow Leopard
November 23, 2009
World Big Cat Safaris, the privately-owned specialist safari-company, has launched a pioneering 15-day trip to Ladakh in the Indian Himalaya, in search of the rare snow leopard. The trip, for a group of up to 9 travellers, begins in Delhi on February 15 2010 and is priced from £2,950pp (2 sharing) or £3,600 for solo travellers. Leading the group is Dr Yash Veer Bhatnagar, director of The Snow Leopard Trust and a world authority on the rarest and most beautiful of wild cats.
The time of year and the location offer the best chance to see the critically endangered snow leopard, of which 4000 – 7500 are estimated to live in the mountain regions of Central Asia. In winter months they move to lower altitudes in pursuit of prey, and the Ladakh region sees the highest number of sightings. Other wildlife likely to be seen by the group includes Golden Eagle, Argali (impressively horned wild sheep), Bharal (blue sheep), Red Fox and Tibetan Magpie.
On arrival in Dehli (international flights can be booked independently or by World Big Cat Safaris) the group flies to Leh to acclimatise. At altitudes between 3500m and 4200m, the itinerary includes Husing – the snow leopard capital – the upper Rumbak Valley, Phyang Village, Ganda La and the remote village of Yurutse. Accommodation combines quality hotels (in the towns), tented camps and local houses in mountain villages, where guests will enjoy a fascinating experience of the traditions, cuisine and culture of a warm and hospitable people.
Cultural highlights of the trip will include Shey Palace and Monastery (a ruined palace with a spectacular 39-foot Sakyamuni Buddha, of gilded copper), Hemis Monastery (the largest and richest in Ladakh) and Stok Palace on the other side of the Indus. Views of the Zanskar Range and K2 on the return journey to Delhi are a memorable way to end this adventure of a lifetime. Travellers will need to be prepared for harsh weather and extreme cold, but a sighting of the snow leopard will more than make up for any hardship.
The price includes accommodation, most meals, internal flights (Delhi-Leh-Delhi), transfers, porters/ponies (to carry baggage), park/monument fees, local guides, insulated mattresses/sleeping bags and the invaluable knowledge of Dr. Yash Bhatnagar. The Snow Leopard Safari supports The Snow Leopard Trust and the local Ladakh communities.
For more information, please see the Track the Snow Leopards PDF Brochure.
RESERVATIONS : Tel: 01273 691 642 / www.worldbigcatsafaris.com
Fifty “Eco-Friendly” Ways to Experience the Unforgettable Nature of an O.A.R.S. Adventure
November 23, 2009
Angels Camp, California – O.A.R.S. (Outdoor Adventure River Specialists), announced today the release of their 2010 full-color catalog featuring “50 ways to experience the unforgettable nature of an O.A.R.S. adventure.”
Recognized by National Geographic Adventure Magazine as “The Best River & Sea Outfitter on Earth,” O.A.R.S. has been a leader in the whitewater rafting and adventure travel industry for 40 years. The California-based, eco-conscious organization provides exceptional whitewater rafting, sea kayaking, hiking and multi-sport adventures throughout the western U.S., Canada, Latin America and Fiji.
Beyond the stunning photography and the robust selection of nature-based adventures, what is most remarkable about the new O.A.R.S. catalog is the company’s demonstrated commitment to reducing their impact on the environment. This year O.A.R.S. downsized their print run and reduced the number of pages in their catalog in favor of better paper rather than more paper and introduced an easy-to-navigate online version of their catalog.
Steve Markle, O.A.R.S. Marketing and Partnerships Director, stated from Angels Camp, California, recently, “Conservation is the foundation of our company and we are committed to minimizing our footprint on the planet. This year our catalog is printed in the U.S. on New Leaf Paper Company’s Symphony Gloss, which contains 30% Post-Consumer Waste and is Elemental Chlorine Free. The cover stock is Primavera Gloss, which is 80% Recycled, 60% Post-Consumer Waste and Elemental Chlorine Free. Both the paper and the printer we’ve selected for this year’s catalog are Forest Stewardship Council chain of custody certified and we printed with vegetable-based inks.”
The number of pages in the company’s catalog may have decreased, but O.A.R.S. did not reduce their selection of adventures. New itineraries in 2010 include hiking the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne River in Yosemite National Park and a new lodge-based sea kayaking adventure in British Columbia. Located northeast of Vancouver Island, Johnstone Strait is internationally recognized as the best location to see orca whales in the wild. Nearly 300 orcas (a.k.a. killer whales) congregate here each summer between June and September.
Additional vacation options in 2010 include O.A.R.S.’ signature rafting expeditions in the Grand Canyon and dozens of other national park adventures, Idaho whitewater rafting trips on the Wild and Scenic Salmon and Snake rivers, family-friendly vacations on Oregon’s Rogue River and the Green River through the Gates of Lodore in Colorado, as well as a variety of sea kayaking, hiking and multi-sport adventures varying in length from a ½-day to more than two weeks.
Editor’s Note:O.A.R.S.’s approach to catalog printing for 2009-2010 reflects a growing trend among tour operators surveyed by the ATTA in August-September 2009 in its 2009 Mid-year Snapshot report, where 60% of the 287 tour operators surveyed indicated that for 2010 they are “Reducing number of shipped catalogs”, while 46% of the same tour operators indicate they are eliminating print catalogs altogether in 2010. The ATTA’s 2009 Mid-Year Snapshot report is available free to ATTA Members in The HUB, the ATTA’s online community for Members, and for $50 for non-members.
The Goal Is Life: &Beyond Scores for Positive Health
November 23, 2009
“The Goal is Life” is a one of a kind wellness programme developed by &Beyond to inspire staff and local communities to have a goal to work towards, and in doing so, to promote physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing. Working closely with World Wide Sports and both African and international football legends, staff take part in tournaments and workshops at their safari camps and lodges across the continent and are encouraged to make healthy living choices.
There are 21 &Beyond soccer teams from seven African countries taking part in “The Goal is Life” challenge, with the overall winner receiving the ultimate honour of winning tickets to the World Cup in South Africa in 2010 to see their heroes in action.
Football is a global phenomenon and language, loved by millions of people. &Beyond has tapped into the fierce passion that both their staff and communities share for the game, encouraging them to realise their abilities and talents.
To win a game of football, you have to score a goal, and to win the game of life, you have to have a goal. &Beyond believes that if more people are encouraged to have a goal worth living for then there will undoubtedly be a significant impact on the overall morale and health of the communities surrounding their lodges and camps.
Excitement for “The Goal is Life” challenge has spread from &Beyond’s safari camps and lodges into the neighbouring communities, with an additional 42 teams taking part in the programme. There are seven dedicated football legends (Mark Fish, Pollen Ndlanya, Neil Tovey, Joe Kandenge, Shaun Bartlett, Gabrielle Machado and Andre Arendse) who attend the competitions and “Goal is Life” challenges, inspiring the players and local communities with their skills and passion for the game.
&Beyond also has a “Sing for Life” wellness programme which celebrates the passion in modern African music, as well as the timeless traditions of African drumming, singing and dancing. Both of these programmes form part of &Beyond’s Positive Health initiative which was launched in 2003 to train &Beyond staff to counsel and care for people with life-threatening diseases, including HIV/Aids. The impact on &Beyond’s staff and neighbouring communities has been immense, with a significant growth of both health awareness and a passion for life.
&Beyond Making a Positive Difference to Health
November 23, 2009
In addition to its founding values of Care of the Land, Care of the Wildlife, Care of the People, &Beyond strongly believes in promoting the wellbeing of its staff and the local communities.
Launched in 2003, ‘Positively &Beyond’ is an initiative designed to train &Beyond staff to counsel and care for people with life-threatening diseases, including HIV/Aids. The programme is run by Neil Orr, a research psychologist, and David Patient, who, after 26 years, is one of the longest documented HIV-positive survivors in the world.
The week-long course is based around the benefits of natural vitamins and minerals, affordable foodstuffs and the power of positive thinking. It takes into account that in Africa many people living with HIV/Aids come from impoverished rural areas, and focuses on affordable prevention and treatment.
The course teaches how to counsel those living with incurable diseases, how to identify unresolved feelings that pose obstacles to wellness, how to make affordable home remedies and how to promote nutrition through creating vegetable gardens.
On completion of the course, trainees transfer their newly acquired knowledge into their communities through workshops and one on one sessions promoting healthy living and a positive attitude.
In addition, &Beyond is particularly proud of two wellness programmes that focus on keeping staff healthy and motivated. The ‘Goal is Life’ harnesses Africa’s love for the great game of soccer to promote healthy activity and ‘Sing for Life’ celebrates the passion in modern African music, as well as the timeless traditions of African drumming, singing and dancing.
&Beyond has committed substantial funding to its health programmes, the first of their kind. These highly successful initiatives have seen &Beyond nominated for Best Community Service Programme at Virtuoso’s Best of the Best Awards in 2007, as well as for the Tourism for Tomorrow (Investor in People category) Awards in 2005.
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