Update on the situation in Kampala 11 September 2009
September 11, 2009
Editor’s Note: ATTA Member Volcanoes Safaris has just issued the following:
Update on the situation in Kampala 11 September 2009
During the last two days there have been reports of civil disturbance in a few areas of Kampala city sparked off by local political issues. The Government has taken steps to restore law and order and most of Kampala is calm now and has returned to normal. Volcanoes Safaris is monitoring the situation and will inform agents/clients if there is any change. Clients safety is paramount to the company and if required we will change safari programs to minimize inconvenience or risk to clients. At present travel to and from Kampala is proceeding normally.
If you have any enquiries please address them to carol@volcanoessafaris.com
Thomson Safaris wins 2009 Tanzania Conservation Award
May 25, 2009
Honored for community-based initiatives at Enashiva Nature Refuge
Arusha, Tanzania — The Tanzania Tourist Board has honored Thomson Safaris (www.thomsonsafaris.com) with the 2009 Tanzania Conservation Award.
The award specifically recognizes the company’s efforts in establishing and supporting the Enashiva Nature Refuge, a community-based conservation project east of the Serengeti.
On May 19, Enashiva’s project manager, Daniel Yamat, received the award on behalf of Thomson Safaris at a ceremony in Cairo, Egypt, which was attended by Tanzania’s minister of tourism, Shamsa Mwangunga, among other distinguished guests.
“Thomson Safaris is humbled to receive this honor,” said Yamat. “We owe our deepest gratitude to the Tanzania Tourist Board, the government, and, most of all, the Maasai communities around Enashiva that have helped make conservation successful. The award really belongs to them.”
Since conservation efforts began at Enashiva, wildlife populations have more the doubled in the area and sightings of endangered species such as wild dog have increased dramatically. Rare woodland habitats that support endangered tree species are also being restored.
Yamat, who is of Maasai heritage, collaborates with a liaison committee of Maasai elders and leaders who assist in guiding Enashiva’s principles and work with local communities on conservation efforts and community projects. In 2008, select projects included the development of a borehole and water well, support for a women’s entrepreneur group, and the donation of a maize-grinding machine. Yamat noted several projects that are in the planning stages for 2009.
“As tourists come to Enashiva, we hope more opportunities will open up,” said Yamat. “Wildlife and communities do not have to be in conflict with each other. They can both win.”
The Conservation Award marks the third honor Thomson Safaris has received from the Tanzania Tourist Board. In 2005, Thomson received the Humanitarian of the Year Award, and they were named Tour Operator of the Year in 2001. More recent recognitions include being named among the Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth by National Geographic Adventure in 2008 and 2009. Thomson Safaris was also a finalist for the 2008 Condé Nast World Savers Award, which recognized the company’s efforts in supporting education initiatives in Tanzania.
Thomson works closely with Friends of Tanzanian Schools (www.fotzs.org), a non-profit organization that has funded education projects at more than 12 schools that educate approximately 11,000 children annually. Earlier in 2009, FOTZS funded and facilitated the construction of teachers’ housing at Robanda Primary School, which has also received more than 3,000 donated textbooks from the organization. More than 40% of Thomson Safaris travelers visit schools in Tanzania and provide most of FOTZS’ funding through donations.
ATTA Lends Adventure Travel Industry Voice, Perspectives at Events Worldwide
April 20, 2009
ATTA’s leadership, advisors and strategic partners are playing active roles in the industry and getting out and about. This synopsis of where the ATTA is representing the industry’s voice is the start of what we hope will become regular updates within AdventureTravelNews.com. Our intention is to give ATN readers insights as to where ATTA team members are throughout the year. If you’ll be in the region where we’re headed and you’re interested in connecting with us, please write to info@adventuretravel.biz.
For April and May, here’s where the ATTA will be represented:
Belize (April)
Shannon Stowell will be a guest keynote speaker in Belize City at the Belize Tourism Board’s annual industry event on Wednesday, April 22nd, 2009. It is one of the Board’s signature events and has an attendance of approximately 350 tourism stakeholders. It provides the public sector arm of the tourism industry an opportunity to share with their tourism partners a review of the Board’s efforts over the past year as well as future development plans that will impact tourism growth and market development. Shannon’s presentation will focus on the state of the Adventure Travel Industry, and how Belize and its tourism businesses might increase their market share in a competitive and challenging environment. Shannon will join the Belize Minister of Tourism, the Director of Tourism and the CEO of the Belize Tourism Board in this event.
Mexico (April)
Shannon Stowell, Christina Heyniger (long time ATTA partner and President of Xola Consulting) and Antonio del Rosal, ATTA Executive Director-Mexico, have been invited to speak during the 34th edition of the Tianguis Turístico in Acapulco Mexico, which will be held from the 26th to the 29th of April. During their intervention, ATTA and Xola members will explain the strategic importance adventure travel holds with regard to the development of Mexico’s Tourism Industry, and the crucial role ATTA will be playing in its growth. ATTA and Xola are collaborating with Mexico’s Secretary of Tourism to develop a National Adventure Travel Assessment. This assessment is expected to allow the ATTA, SECTUR and the Mexican Tourism Promotion Board (CPTM) to assist the government in developing a market positioning plan for the Country. With the opening of ATTA representation in Mexico, the ATTA hopes to become a strategic ally for the Mexican Government and for local operators who wish access to: best practices worldwide, strategic media, top tier specialized tour operators and travel agents, and position Mexico as a world class adventure travel destination.
During Tianguis, the ATTA will sign a strategic alliance with AMTAVE, the Mexican Adventure and Ecotourism Travel Association and two-year ATTA Association Partner, through which the benefits of ATTA membership will be more readily available to AMTAVE’s nearly 100 members. Witnesses of honor to this signature will be: The Mexican Tourism Promotion Board, represented by Marketing Director Steve Austin, the Federal Ministry of Tourism, represented by Monica Vejar, Director of Alternative Tourism and the Secretary of Tourism for Mexico City, Alejandro Rojas.
Scotland (April)
For the week of April 20th, ATTA Business Development Director Paula Mendes is on a trade mission to Scotland to size up its adventure travel market and to meet with its tourism officials and tour operators, and to participate in on-the-ground adventures there. For possible appointments there, contact Paula at paula@adventuretravel.biz.
Vancouver, Canada (May)
ATTA’s Shannon Stowell and Paula Mendes will co-host an ATTA Vancouver, B.C., Canada, Regional Meeting on May 5th.
South Africa (May)
ATTA’s Vice President of Business Development Chris Chesak will attend INDABA and will be available for appointments. Email cchesak@adventuretravel.biz
New York (May)
ATTA Vice President Chris Doyle will host an ATTA NYC Regional Meeting on May 13th.
Sweden (May)
Chris Doyle will work from Gothenburg, Sweden, May 15-28 to develop closer ties to the region’s adventure tourism industry. For appointments during his time in Sweden, please email cdoyle@adventuretravel.biz.
THE AFRICA TRAVEL ASSOCIATION (ATA) INTRODUCES AN AFRICA MARKETPLACE FOR TRAVEL TRADE BUYERS AND SELLERS
March 6, 2009
Act Now to Make Appointments to Meet Travel Experts Specializing in Africa and to Register for the 34th Annual Congress in Cairo, Egypt
– The Africa Travel Association (ATA) announced today that it will introduce a marketplace for buyers and sellers specializing in Africa at the upcoming 34th Annual Congress in Cairo, Egypt on Tuesday, May 19, 2009. Titled African Bazaar, the marketplace provides a forum for travel trade buyers and sellers to sign up for pre-scheduled, one-on-one appointments devoted to networking and building business linkages.
“A marketplace is the most efficient way for the buyers in the travel industry to really discover the wonderful products of Africa, said Bob Whitley, President of the United States Tour Operators Association (US-TOA). “The one-on-one meetings can result in creating new business for all.”
Suppliers and buyers will have the chance to meet a targeted 24 experts, including hoteliers, airlines, destination marketing companies (DMC’s), ground handlers, tour operators, and wholesalers, for 15-minute appointments during the morning and afternoon sessions.
“This is a well-tested and proven format for building business linkages between travel professionals,” said Edward Bergman, ATA Executive Director. “No more chance meetings and missed opportunities. This will be strictly by appointment only and will provide all stakeholders in the future of African tourism with an opportunity to meet.”
In addition to introducing the African Bazaar at this year’s congress, ATA will also host the first ATA Tourism Ministers’ Roundtable on Monday, May 18. This networking event aims to facilitate direct communication between congress delegates and tourism ministers in three separate one-hour long discussions.
To register for the congress, book an appointment at the African Bazaar, or reserve a place at the Tourism Ministers Roundtable, visit
http://africatravelassociation.org/ata/events/ac.html. Early bird congress registration is available until March 31, 2009 with rates as low as $400. For more information, call +1-212-447-1357 or email info@africatravelassociation.org.
About the Africa Travel Association (ATA) The Africa Travel Association is the world’s premier travel industry trade association promoting tourism to Africa and intra-Africa travel and partnership since 1975. ATA members include ministries of tourism and culture, national tourism boards, airlines, hoteliers, travel agents, tour operators, travel trade media, public relations firms, NGOs, and small and medium size enterprises. For more information, visit
www.africatravelassociation.org.
About the 34th Annual Congress in Cairo, Egypt
The congress will run for four days, engaging participants in discussions on a range of topics, such as intra-Africa cooperation, airline access, tourism infrastructure development, tourism industry investment, branding and marketing, and responsible tourism. A special roundtable for ministers will take place, as well as the first African marketplace for buyers and sellers. The congress also provides a variety of professional networking and business linkage opportunities. On a Host Country day, delegates will explore Cairo with a day-long tour to the Pyramids and a visit to the National Museum. Egypt Air, the official congress carrier, and the Fairmont Heliopolis, the official congress hotel, are both offering special discount rates to delegates.
Official Update from Madagascar as of Feb. 25, 2009
February 25, 2009
OFFICIAL COMMUNIQUE FROM MADAGASCAR’S NATIONAL TOURISM BOARD
Madagascar’s National Tourism Board (Office National du Tourisme de Madagascar / ONTM) informs all its partners and the general public at large that:
- The crisis opposing the present government and one part of the opposition led by the former mayor of the capital resulted in partial strikes and some perturbation of economic activities in the capital Antananarivo at the beginning of the month of February 2009.
- Negotiations between the two parties are at present going on under the care of the Oecumenical Council of Churches. Calls for strikes have stopped and economic activities have come back to normal.
- The tourists who were in Madagascar at the time of the events could finish their stays or circuits without any problem and could leave the Malagasy territory quite safely.
- The managers of the different hotels and restaurants, travel agencies/ tour-operators, national parks and the heads of all the infrastructures that have a tourist vocation are preparing the reception of the tourists that were programmed as early as the beginning of March 2009.
E-mail address for all queries: partenariat@ontm.mg
Adventure, Experiential Travel Partner to Propel PURE ‘Experiential Travel’ Trade Show Concept
February 11, 2009
(SEATTLE) – February 12, 2009 – In an invitation only, highly specialized travel trade gathering, 300 targeted suppliers and 300 targeted private travel designers representing the adventure and experiential travel segments will assemble in Marrakech, November 16-19, 2009, at PURE, the industry’s first travel trade exhibition and conference dedicated to the “Experiential Travel” sector.
Launched by Serge Dive, the original founder and former CEO of International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM) in Cannes, and supported by the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA), PURE arrives as ‘experiential travel’ gains ground within the leisure and hospitality market. PURE defines experiential travel as ‘a journey away from home, involving a truly memorable and powerful experience (active, cultural, natural, social or spiritual) that will enrich a person’s life and improve the way they connect with both loved ones and with the world’.
“As wealthy customers move away from the simple indulgence of bling holidays poolside towards more active and more experiential mini adventures abroad (what we call ‘Survivor Chic’ customers), the adventure travel sector will rapidly play a key role in the morphing DNA of an ever reinventing high-end travel market,” said Dive. “Our decision to partner with the ATTA, came from a willingness to combine our expertise in the high end market, acquired after many years of working with the leading partners in the active and adventure travel sector, creating a team capable of facilitating the organization of the newest and most exciting segment of the travel market, the experiential travel market.”
Signaling strategic sector alignment, the ‘adventure travel’ segment, represented by the ATTA, will assist PURE in attracting and qualifying conference participants and exhibitors from within the global adventure travel community. The ATTA and adventure travel sector businesses also will have a presence through an Adventure Travel Exhibit. ‘Adventure travel’, as defined by the ATTA, is as strong match for PURE as the trade association views ‘adventure travel’, at its core, as a ‘blend of physical, cultural and nature-based travel. For both adventure and experiential travel, ethical, responsible and sustainable are shared, core tenets.
“We are supporting this new concept as we believe it will help move the travel market to new levels,” said ATTA President Mr. Shannon Stowell. “Truly conducive to business, PURE brings together leaders who can get business done within the right environment, within an innovative marketing context, and where each participant knows the other person they’re meeting with is the right fit, a senior travel buyer and ready to make business happen.”
Only buyers who have demonstrated a proven track record in producing for this very specific and specialized segment of the market will be qualified for the clearly focused, tailored business-to-business PURE networking event. The event is exclusively reserved for FIT buyers representing travel agencies and tour operators. Only the genuine ‘Travel Designers’ of each agency, those who are influencing purchases, may attend.
With one day of conference and three days of meetings, a computerized pre-scheduled meetings system, PURE provides the setting for tightly managed one-on-one appointment setting and networking periods. Restricted in the first year to 300 exhibitors and 300 buyers, PURE offers an intimate forum with an exclusive invitation forum and the right format to foster the creation of in-depth and long lasting business relationships with travel buyers. Buyers will represent key strategic markets whose clients are high-volume consumers of experiential travel. Only companies that represent the following categories will participate: lodges and retreats, discovery journeys, wilderness experiences, soft and extreme adventures, gastronomic and cultural escapes, events and festivals.
# # #
Media Contact:
Chris Doyle, VP ATTA cdoyle@adventuretravel.biz
Sarah Ball, Director & Co-Founder, PURE Life Experiences, sarah@purelifeexperiences.com
Destination Egypt Road Show Coming to Three Cities to Promote Africa Travel Association’s 34th Annual Congress in Cairo
January 8, 2009
New York, NY – Get ready for the Africa Travel Association’s Destination Egypt Road Show in the United States with stops in Chicago, Atlanta and Los Angeles. The tourism promotion event will showcase Egypt as a top African destination and host of ATA’s 34th Annual Congress, to be held in Cairo from May 17-21.”I am honored to work with ATA to bring travel and tourism experts and enthusiasts across the U.S. to Egypt,” said Egyptian Tourist Authority Director ElSayed M. Khalifa. “Egypt is home to the world’s most ancient and modern sites, attracting travelers and tourists from around the world since the beginning of time. Egypt continues to be one of Africa’s top travel draws and I look forward to inviting the US travel market to experience the eye-opening country.”
In each city-Chicago, Atlanta and Los Angeles-an evening cocktail reception for travel specialists interested in tourism to the African continent and specifically the Northern African destination Egypt will be held. Brief presentations of Egypt’s diverse travel products and ATA’s annual hallmark event will be given at the networking event.
Egypt Air, the country’s flag carrier airline and the Official Congress Carrier, will raffle one round-trip ticket from New York to Egypt at each event to be used for the congress.
“ATA has longstanding ties with Egypt. We held our 8th Congress in Cairo in May 1983 and our 16th in 1991,” said ATA Executive Director Edward Bergman. “We hope the 2009 Congress will help Egypt reach its target of 16 million tourism arrivals by 2014, with an increase of arrivals from the U.S. and Africa”.
Partnering with the ATA Chicago Chapter, Adventures in Travel Expo Chicago and the American Society of Travel Agents-Midwest Chapter, ATA will organize the first reception in Chicago on January 9, from 6-8:00 pm at Petterino’s restaurant, located at 150 North Dearborn. To RSVP, email Ebayley@africatravelassociation.org.
The Atlanta event, co-hosted by the ATA-Atlanta Chapter and the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA)-Southeast Chapter, will be held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, located at the Atlanta Perimeter at Ravinia at 4355 Ashford Dunwoody Road on January 26th from 6-8:00 pm, following the Atlanta Travel Expo Show. To RSVP, email Ebayley@africatravelassociation.org.
The final stop on the Road Show will be Los Angeles on February 16. Co-hosted by SoCal-ATA, the Southern California ATA chapter, the dinner event will be held at the Marriott Hotel at 6336 Bristol Parkway in Culver City. To RSVP, email Sylvia at clubtrvl@aol.com.
About the Africa Travel Association (ATA)
The Africa Travel Association is the premier global travel association promoting tourism to Africa and intra-Africa travel and partnership since 1975. ATA members include ministries of tourism and culture, national tourism boards, airlines, hoteliers, travel agents, tour operators, travel trade media, public relations firms, students, NGOs, individuals, and SME’s. For more information, visit ATA online at www.africatravelassociaton.org or call +1.212.447.1357.
About ATA’s 34th Annual Congress in Cairo, Egypt
The Congress, to be held at the Cairo International Conference Center (CICC), will run for five days, engaging participants in working discussions on a range of topics, such as intra-African industry cooperation, infrastructure development and investment opportunities. Roundtables for ministers, suppliers, travel agents and tour operators, alongside special networking events, a marketplace expo, and ATA Young Professionals events, will also be held. ATA will also organize networking opportunities for Africans living in the Diaspora as part of its Africa Diaspora Initiative. Congress delegates will stay at the Fairmont Heliopolis Hotel. For more information, visit http://africatravelassociation.org/ata/events/ac.html.
About Egypt Air
For more information on Egypt Air and to check departures and arrivals, visit http://www.egyptair.com/English/Pages/default.aspx.
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Leading Tour Operators Consider Madagascar
December 18, 2008
Arlington, Virginia (December 17, 2008) – Conservation International (CI), working in close collaboration with the National Tourism Board of Madagascar, Responsibletravel.com and the Adventure Travel Trade Association, is pleased to announce the successful conclusion of a 12-day familiarization trip to Madagascar by 12 U.S. and U.K. tour operators.
Supported by funding from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), and following extensive research, key operators from the United Kingdom and United States were invited to Madagascar to learn more about the destination, and to inform the national strategy for ecotourism, poverty alleviation and biodiversity conservation. The familiarization trip culminated in the presentation of the first ever Madagascar Responsible Tourism Awards.
In addition to viewing the scenic beauty of Madagascar, targeted networking opportunities were provided throughout the familiarization tour to build relationships at the regional and national levels with hoteliers and ground handlers to facilitate future negotiations.
Participants reported a new understanding of both the destination, and the demands of the U.K. and U.S. source markets, which research indicates provides improved yield and therefore improved opportunities for conservation and poverty alleviation in Madagascar.
CI and the project participants are grateful to USAID and the Government of Madagascar for their support of this important initiative, as well as the valued input and contributions of the participating tour operators.
Winners of the Madagascar Responsible Tourism Award:
Menabe:
Travel Flying Services
+261 33 11 177 70 / +261 32 40 199 90
CAZ:
Eastern Tours
+261 20 53 315 79/ +261 32 11 566 31
Companies Participating in the familiarization trip:
US Companies
Wildland Adventures www.wildland.com
Geographic Expeditions www.geoex.com
Butterfield & Robinson www.butterfield.com
REI Adventures www.reiadventures.com
Myths & Mountains www.mythsandmountains.com
OARS www.oars.com
UK Companies
Blue Ventures www.blueventures.org
Discovery Initiatives www.discoveryinitiatives.co.uk/
Explore www.explore.co.uk
The Adventure Company www.adventurecompany.co.uk
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
For more information, please contact:
Madagascar:
Tsitohaina ANDRIAMANOHERA
National Tourism Board of Madagascar
BP 1780, Ambatomena, Antananarivo
Madagascar
+261 20 22 661 15
United States
Neel Inamdar
Senior Advisor, Ecotourism
Conservation International
2011 Crystal Drive, Suite 500
Arlington, VA 22202
USA
Tel: 703-398-1091
AFRICA TRAVEL ASSOCIATION ANNOUNCES 2009 AFRICA CONGRESS
November 12, 2008
Egypt to Host 34th Annual Congress in Cairo in May 2009
Cairo, EGYPT – Hon. Zoheir Garranah, Egyptian Tourism Minister, and Edward Bergman, ATA Executive Director, today announced the Egyptian Tourism Ministry, in cooperation with the Egyptian Tourist Authority, will host the Africa Travel Association’s 34th Annual Congress in the capital city of Cairo from May 17-22, 2009.
Under the banner of “Connecting Destination Africa,” ATA’s hallmark event will be attended by African tourism ministers, directors of national tourism boards, leaders from Africa’s private sector, travel agents, tour operators, heads of nongovernmental organizations, scholars, and members of the media, who will address local and global challenges related to global tourism promotion to Africa.
“It is with great pride that we are now working with ATA to welcome the world to Egypt for ATA’s Annual Congress,” said Minister Garranah. “We look forward to welcoming the world to our country.”
“ATA is looking forward to engaging with the world’s leading travel and tourism specialists to bring the world to Africa,” Bergman said. “By combining Egypt’s unique capacity to achieve record numbers in tourist arrivals with ATA’s ability to bring diverse industry leaders together to shape Africa’s tourism agenda, this international meeting holds tremendous promise and opportunity for change on the African continent and the global marketplace.”
The Egypt Congress builds on the success of the nation’s longstanding ties with ATA. In May 1983, ATA held its eighth congress in Cairo; its 16th was held in 1991. In 1983, the country had only recently launched promotional efforts. By 1991, tourism arrivals had more than doubled, helping the industry become a mainstay of the country’s economy. After a lull in tourism arrivals in the 1990’s, tourist arrivals reached a record high of over 8.6 million in 2004 and, today, tourism is the largest source of foreign currency revenue in Egypt. Building on this momentum, Egypt’s travel authorities plan to welcome 16 million tourism arrivals by 2014.
“We anticipate that the 2008 Congress will not only help Egypt reach its target, but it will also help the country generate even more tourism growth from the U.S. and Africa, as well as from Asia and the Caribbean” said Bergman.
The Congress, to be held at the Cairo International Conference Center (CICC), will run for five days, engaging participants in interactive working discussions on a range of topics, such as intra-African industry cooperation, infrastructure development and investment opportunities. Roundtables for ministers, suppliers, travel agents and tour operators will also be held, alongside special networking events and a marketplace expo. ATA’s Young Professionals Network will also participate in the event. For the first time, ATA will also organize a series of networking and learning opportunities for Africans living in the Diaspora as part of its new Africa Diaspora Initiative.
“Egypt also stands as a example for other African destinations to turn to, especially given that foreign and Egyptian investments helped drive the tourism boom by helping the government target coast regions and build supportive tourism infrastructure, including accommodation stock and better airport services. In fact, ATA delegates will arrive in Egypt’s newly opened international airport,” said Bergman.
Home to the world’s most ancient sites and famous monuments, including the Giza Pyramids, the Great Sphinx, the Nile and Red Sea coral reefs, and Sharm El Sheik resort, as well as the grand Khan El Khalily market, Egypt stands as one of the continent’s top travel draws. Egypt will organize a Host Country Day for delegates, who will have the opportunity to explore some of these tourism spots, as well as many more. Pre and post-country tours will also be offered.
To prepare for the event, ATA sent a delegation to Egypt in August for a site inspection. The team met Hon. Zoheir Garranah, Minister of Tourism, Mr. Amr El Ezabi, Chairman of the Egyptian Tourist Authority (ETA), as well as Mr. Riad Kabil, Secretary General of the Egyptian Travel Agents Association, a 1,600-member association.
The ATA delegation also met Captain Tawfik Assy, Chair of Egyptair Holding Company, and Mr. Ashraf Osman, EGYPTAIR’s General Manager of Sales to introduce the association and the congress.
The 2007 Africa congress was held in Tanzania’s Safari Capital of Arusha, when over 300 tourism experts from around the world came together from May 19-23, 2008 to explore Africa’s competitive advantage in the global marketplace. Ethiopian Airlines served as the Official Congress Carrier. Dubai World Africa (DWA), ATA’s first Premier Partner, was a corporate sponsor of the event.
About the Africa Travel Association (ATA)
The Africa Travel Association is the premier global travel association promoting tourism to Africa and intra-Africa travel and partnership since 1975. ATA members include ministries of tourism and culture, national tourism boards, airlines, hoteliers, travel agents, tour operators, travel trade media, public relations firms, students, NGOs, individuals, and SME’s. For more information, visit ATA online at www.africatravelassociation.org or call +1.212.447.1357.
About Egypt
For more information on Egypt, visit the Egyptian Tourist Authority (ETA) website at www.egypt.travel.
Africa Adventure Consultants Highlights Destinations, Trends for 2009
October 9, 2008
DENVER, CO (October 9, 2008) – Despite challenging economic times, record numbers of Americans are finalizing their plans right now for their “trip of a lifetime” to Africa in 2009. Kent Redding, one of the leading experts in African travel today, outlines what he sees as key trends in travel to Africa in 2009.
“There are some clear trends when it comes to African travel for 2009,” said Kent Redding, President of Africa Adventure Consultants. “Destinations like Zambia and Zimbabwe are lighting up, and travelers are increasingly incorporating eco-friendly travel options into their safaris. Our clients are also, now more than ever, looking for ways to stretch their dollar the furthest when planning a safari to Africa.”
The following are five key trends in African Travel for 2009:
Carbon Neutral Travel: 2009 will be the “moment of truth” for Carbon Neutral travel and Carbon Offsets. Consumers have proved slow to fully grasp these initiatives, and these trends will either take hold in 2009 – or fade away.
Wild Africa: Zambia is definitely the rising star of the African travel industry. With new properties, remote game reserves and specialist safari guides, in-the-know safari operators like Africa Adventure Consultants can now offer a true “wild Africa” experience.
Second Chance for Zimbabwe: Zimbabwe may be coming back on the radar when it comes to African safaris, following word of the power-sharing agreement among the politicians there. Soon the country may be in a position to rebuild and flourish and the entire African travel industry anxiously awaits its rebirth.
Competitive Prices: As domestic airfare prices soar in 2009, air travel to Africa is still affordable. With new flight routes to Africa being added all the time, prices should remain affordable well into 2009.
Value: As the American economy faces some of its greatest challenges since the Great Depression, even luxury travelers are branching out and demanding more value for their travel dollars. Many travelers are seeking out destination specialists, such as Africa Adventure Consultants, who can help them plan an itinerary that is an outstanding travel experience but at less overall cost.
Denver-based African safari expert Africa Adventure Consultants organizes safari adventures throughout East and Southern Africa, with destinations including Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Namibia, Botswana, Malawi, South Africa, Zambia, Victoria Falls and most recently, Ethiopia. The company sells destinations they know personally and offer guests assurance of strong on-the-ground partnerships with only the best local companies. Africa Adventure Consultants supports a variety of African conservation organizations, community-based tourism programs and humanitarian causes. And now, the company runs a completely carbon neutral office in Denver and is further committed to carbon neutral safaris by automatically offsetting 50% of each African trip they sell as well as offering clients the opportunity to offset the remaining 50%. With an eye on personal service, the principals create carbon neutral safaris and customized trips for individuals and small groups. To learn more, please call 1.866.778.1089.
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About Africa Adventure Consultants
Denver-based Africa Adventure Consultants organizes carbon neutral safari adventures throughout East and Southern Africa, with destinations including Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Namibia, Botswana, Malawi, South Africa, Zambia and Victoria Falls. The company sells destinations they know personally and offer guests assurance of strong on-the-ground partnerships with only the best local companies. Africa Adventure Consultants supports a variety of African conservation organizations, community-based tourism programs and humanitarian causes. With an eye on personal service, the principals create customized carbon neutral safaris for individuals and small groups. To enquire about a safari with Africa Adventure Consultants please contact Kent Redding, President, at 1.303.778.1089 or 1.866.778.1089.
High-res images for publication available upon request. Please contact Sarah Fazendin at Sarah@FazendinPortfolio.com or call our office at 1.303.993.7906 with any media inquiries.
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