Member News & Profiles
Explore Launches New 18 to 30s Adventure Travel Brand – Edge
January 30, 2012
Explore increased demand for adventure travel experiences amongst young professionals Adventure travel specialist, Explore, has launched a new brand that caters for the 18-30 somethings adventure travel market. Labelled edge, its 75 small-group trips offer flexible itineraries in over 40 countries. With over 30 years’ experience in running small group adventures around the world, Explore has recently noted increased demand for adventure travel experiences amongst young professionals. With little time to spare but a thirst for getting off the beaten track, some are looking for shorter ‘backpacking’ experiences, whilst others are looking for a social and stress-free way to explore multiple countries as part of a career break. With tour durations from four to 82 days, customers can choose whether to explore a specific place, region or whole continent. As with Explore tours, edge trips are run by a group leader, allowing customers to relax and enjoy their travels, without... Read More →
ATTA Member Profiles
PolarQuest Expedition AB
January 27, 2012
Established in 1999, PolarQuest specialises in small ship expedition cruises to the Polar Regions. We take you to some of the most remote and exciting destinations on the planet. Our expeditions are for ordinary people who want to experience close encounters with polar bears in Svalbard or hike on an Antarctic beach among hundreds of thousands of king penguins. Our expedition ships are comfortable and take relatively few passengers. This is how we offer an entirely different experience from what you get on a larger and more conventional cruise ship. Each day we make several landings with our sturdy Zodiac crafts and a knowledgeable guide team. Delicious meals and comfortable cabins are also part of our trademarks. In 2012, PolarQuest will operate three small expedition ships in Svalbard (June-September): M/S Stockholm (12 passengers), M/S Quest (53 passengers), and M/S Ocean Nova (73 passengers). We also offer trips to Antarctica, Falkland Islands and South Georgia as well as the Antarctic... Read More →
Member Press Releases
Acli-Mate Natural Sport Drinks Partners with Sports Accessories America
January 27, 2012
Gunnison, CO. – Acli-Mate Mountain Sport Drink, an all-natural altitude + energy aid and performance sport drink, announces a partnership with Sports America Accessories effective immediately. Sports Accessories America has been a snowsports distributor for 30 years and will be working with Acli-Mate to provide retail support. Sports Accessories America will be at the Snow Show in Denver in booth #2760. “Based on our retail growth, event efforts and increased recognition, we are excited to work with such a strong group,” says Rob Strickland, Acli-Mate’s Marketing Manager. “Our unique formulations are gaining retail space and with our sales increase, it was time to address all of this at once. We are very impressed and excited to have Sports Accessories America as a partner.” Read More →
Member Press Releases
Cheli & Peacock Named as a Tourism for Tomorrow Finalist
January 25, 2012
London, UK – The Tourism for Tomorrow Awards, one of the world’s most renowned and prestigious awards, has revealed its 2012 Finalists. We are delighted to announce that Cheli & Peacock has been named as one of three finalists in the Conservation category. The winners will be announced at Tourism for Tomorrow’s award ceremony being held in Japan during April 2012. The Tourism for Tomorrow Awards are one of the world’s highest accolades in the Travel & Tourism industry. They are aimed at recognising best practice in sustainable tourism within the industry worldwide.Given the growing concern about natural and cultural resources, these Awards are particularly important to the World Travel & Tourism Council and provide WTTC with the opportunity of promoting and partnering with industry leaders in responsible tourism, while highlighting prime examples of best practice. WTTC is proud to announce this year’s Tourism for Tomorrow Awards Finalists: Conservation... Read More →
Member Press Releases
VisitEngland Validates Sustainable Travel International’s STEP Eco-Certification Program
January 25, 2012
London, UNITED KINGDOM – In an effort to help maintain minimum certification standards for tourism businesses, VisitEngland, Visit Wales and Northern Ireland Tourist Board have endorsed, through an independent review by the International Centre of Responsible Tourism, Sustainable Travel International’s Sustainable Tourism Education Program (STEP) as a recognised certification programme. Developed by Sustainable Travel International (STI) to conserve the travel industry’s vital assets, STEP features a suite of online tools that help businesses and destinations of all sizes manage their impacts. Components include education and training programs, a self-assessment framework, and policy and documentation guidelines, as well as an independently-verified eco-certification process for businesses in all tourism sectors. STEP is designed to address all aspects of tourism operations and improve the bottom line. The standard is particularly focused on improving business systems, greening... Read More →
Members "In the News"
Eight ATTA Members on Outside Magazines ‘Best Places to Work’ Survey
January 23, 2012
Outside Magazine’s annual Best Places to Work feature had eight ATTA members on it in 2011: #1 – Natural Habitat Adventures #16 – MercuryCSC #21 – Geographic Expeditions #29 – Osprey Packs #34 – KEEN #35 – Intrepid Travel #45 – Deckers (Teva) #48 – Eddie Bauer Voting for 2012 closes on February 24th, so get more information and vote for your company today! Read More →
Member Press Releases
Travel Agents Can Now Book Flights Online with G Adventures
January 23, 2012
Adventure travel leader launches new online booking platform G Adventures, the world’s adventure travel leader, announces an enhancement to its online reservation platform Sherpa, allowing North American travel agents to package international airfares with adventure tours online for the first time. “We wanted to kick start the New Year for our agency partners by making it easier for them to satisfy the requirements of their clients in one simple process – online. Signaling an end for the need for agents to pick up a phone and call G Adventures to book their passengers’ flights,” says John Warner, G Adventures’ VP Global Sales. “It’s all about continually improving our customer service for our partners and their passengers. If they want to call and talk to our team as before, then of course that service is available but now they have the ability to book competitively priced airfares with the world’s best airlines with just a few clicks of the mouse,” Warner adds. Another... Read More →
Member Press Releases
Absolute Travel Wins Luxury Travel Advisor “2012 Award of Excellence” Best Local Destination Management Company
January 23, 2012
New York, NY – Absolute Travel, the premiere luxury travel company specializing in privately guided trips throughout Asia, Africa, South America and the South Pacific, is proud to announce that they were chosen to be the recipient of the prestigious Luxury Travel Advisor “Award of Excellence.” “We are thrilled to be named a Luxury Travel Advisor “Award of Excellence” winner in the “Best Local Destination Management Company” category for 2012,” said Ken Fish, Owner and President of Absolute Travel. “We are especially delighted since the award was bestowed by Luxury Travel Advisor readers themselves. At Absolute Travel, we strive to maintain the standards of superiority our clients have come to expect and are delighted to be recognized by Luxury Travel Advisor for our efforts.” Since 1989, Absolute Travel has been creating customized journeys to suit the schedule, budget and interests of adventurous travelers who want private tour guides during the day and luxury... Read More →
Member Press Releases
2011 – A Year of Positive Change for Ireland’s Tourism Industry
January 23, 2012
Overseas visitors to Ireland increased by 7% in 2011 – the first increase in four years, while domestic demand volumes held up well despite a downturn in consumer confidence. Arrivals from mainland Europe are expected to be up by 10%, with arrivals from North America showing an 8% increase and arrivals from Britain up by 5%. This was announced at the launch of its Year- End Review in the Westbury Hotel today by the Irish Tourist Industry Confederation (ITIC). “The estimated results for 2011 mark a turning point in what generally has been a year of positive developments for the tourism industry, including recognition by Government of the role tourism can play in the country‟s economic recovery,” according to ITIC Chairman, John Healy. “It was particularly pleasing that growth in the numbers employed in the sector also returned, with 6,000 jobs added after seasonal adjustments over the last 2 quarters,” he added. “The Government’s reduction of the VAT rate to 9% on most... Read More →
Member Press Releases
African Bush Camps Introduces Safari Logistics Program
January 23, 2012
African Bush Camps is proud to announce the start of a new initiative called ‘Safari Logistics’. Through the services of ‘Safari Logistics’ visitors from all corners of the world will now have convenient and cost effective access to Zimbabwe’s renowned and popular safari areas. Under ‘Safari Logistics’, African Bush Camps will begin its operation of a much–needed seat rate schedule, with flights which will link the renowned Hwange National Park to the World Heritage Site of Mana Pools National Park, Lake Kariba (Bumi) and the mighty Victoria Falls. In 2011, Zimbabwe’s tourism sector emerged triumphant after a barrage of political and socio–economic challenges that had culminated over the last decade. Travel trends continue to show an increased interest in the destination as well as increased occupancy figures. Boasting unparalleled safari experiences in some of the most remote wilderness areas and National Parks in the region, the destination is largely untouched by... Read More →
