Travelbeat
Eco & Adventure News
Including Cultural and Historical travel news
Update: September 03, 2010 [1 Story]
Australia
APT Partners With Djabulukgu Association In Kakadu
APT has a formed a partnership with Djabulukgu Association, an indigenous association representing the interests of the traditional owners in Northern Kakadu and parts of Western Arnhem Land.
The partnership has formed Kakadu Cultural Tours (KCT) which will offer unique and exclusive experiences in the Kakadu and Arnhem Land areas within APT’s Northern Territory Short Breaks product range.
These experiences include Arnhemlander Cultural and Heritage Tour, Guluyambi Cultural Cruise, Magela Cultural and Heritage Tour and the Hawk Dreaming Wilderness Camp.
Hawk Dreaming Wilderness Camp in Kakadu National Park was introduced to the Short Breaks programme earlier this year.
APT has a similar partnership with the Wunan Foundation which represents the indigenous people of East Kimberley.
The partnerships provide employment and training opportunities for Aboriginal people through tourism development which support local Aboriginal communities.
(Graeme Willingham Public Relations Pty Ltd)
Update: September 02, 2010 [1 Story]
Australia
World-class Safari Camp For The Bungle Bungles
A new commercial safari camp catering for up to 20 visitors will be created in the foothills of the Bungle Bungles in Purnululu National Park in the Kimberley.
Western Australia's Environment Minister Donna Faragher and Tourism Minister Liz Constable said the facility was the first to be created under the State Government’s innovative Naturebank programme that aimed to develop low impact, sustainable nature-based tourism operations.
Mrs Faragher congratulated Intrepid Connections, a joint venture between Australian Pacific Touring and Intrepid Travel, which has been chosen to develop the site following a call for expressions of interest.
“We look forward to working with Intrepid Connections in this public-private partnership to create a best practice tourism facility at this significant location,” Mrs Faragher said.
“Purnululu National Park is renowned for its distinct cultural, geological and ecological features and was voted Western Australia’s top destination by the Royal Automotive Club WA (RAC).
“The Bungle Bungle massif is a fascinating landmark which attracts more than 26,000 visitors a year. Purnululu is truly one of WA’s famous attractions - internationally recognised on the World Heritage List.
“The development of a new safari camp at the Kurrajong site in the park will provide alternative accommodation to camping, offering a comfortable base for visitors to stay several days to enjoy the park and its wonderful scenery.”
Dr Constable said the new camp was a great example of how the Naturebank partnership between the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) and Tourism Western Australia worked to develop nature-based tourism in regional areas.
(Government of Western Australia)
Update: September 01, 2010 [1 Story]
Australia
Customers Help The Conway's Kids
Harvey World Travel Dandenong reports that some of its customers returning from APT’s Kings Canyon Wilderness Lodge were so inspired with the 'Conway’s Kids Fund' - the not-for-profit organisation providing educational opportunities for Aboriginal children from remote homelands in the Kings Canyon area -- they organised their own collection of children’s books, clothes and blankets for the fund.
Impressed with the initiative, HWT Dandenong and APT bundled up the goods and sent them on.
Pictured with the boxes of goodies are (l-r) Narelle Newhouse - Harvey World Travel Dandenong; and Denise Isaacs and Melinda Flavell - APT.
APT’s King Canyon Wilderness Lodge is located on Kings Creek Station (1,800 square kilometres) owned and run by Ian and Lyn Conway, co-founders of the Conway’s Kids Fund.
(Graeme Willingham Public Relations Pty Ltd)
Update: August 29, 2010 [1 Story]
New Zealand
Brazil Beckons For Young New Zealanders
Young New Zealanders will be able to spend a year working, studying and holidaying in Brazil from September 1, Foreign Minister Murray McCully announced on Friday.
The New Zealand-Brazil Working Holiday Scheme allows 300 young New Zealanders to travel to Brazil each year, and offers reciprocal rights to the same number of young Brazilians.
"This is a wonderful opportunity for young Kiwis aged between 18 and 30 to spend a year sampling the life and culture in Brazil," Mr McCully said.
"At the same time the scheme will see a growing group of young Brazilians developing a real affinity and understanding of New Zealand, which will have a positive impact at a time when the relationship between our two countries is steadily gaining in importance at political, commercial, and cultural levels."
The Brazilian Embassy in Wellington will start accepting Working Holiday Scheme visa applications from Wednesday, September 1.
(beehive.govt.nz)
Update: August 28, 2010 [2 Stories]
Australia
Best August Snowfalls In 25-years
Australia's largest and most popular alpine resort, Perisher, has experienced the best August snowfalls in over 25 years.
In an amazing turnaround for skiers and boarders, snow for the 2010 season has arrived, and convincingly, with record falls being recorded across the Snowy Mountains this August.
"Despite above average temperatures in Sydney, the mountains have continued to produce very cold temperatures and now abundant snow. With the recent fresh snowfalls of over 30cms in the past 24hrs upping the August total to 113cms, it's smiles all round from the visitors here at Perisher," said Perisher's General Manager of Marketing, Sales and Hospitality, Gary Grant.
"You only have to look back through the snow charts to see that a slow season start doesn't necessarily translate into a poor one with many record breaking falls being recorded on the back of a less than average start," Grant added.
The previous season recording the largest fall in August was in 1984, and this year's season follows almost an identical snowfall pattern.
On August 1 the independent (SHL) snow depth measure at Spencer's Creek (located 6km down the road from Perisher) was 35.9cm, it is now 192.5cm, that's an increase of 156.6cm to date and it's still snowing now, with Snowy Hydro saying it is definitely over 2 metres now, but the official measure wont happen till next week.
In 1984 August snowfalls were 157cm for the month.
(Perisher Media)
Australia
Bench Launches Safari/Golf Desk
African holiday specialists Bench International have set up a specialist desk to handle queries from agents and incentive operators with clients who want to combine an African safari with a golfing segment.
The new service will be headed up by Julie De Palo who has extensive experience organising group travel to southern and east Africa, including golfing safaris.
Bench product director Fiona Orton said that the new service had been prompted by the growing number of requests from agents and incentive houses wanting to add golf to a safari.
The golf segments will be arranged through the South African group easyGolf which is an off-shoot of the company which has operated the Shongololo rail safari itineraries for the last 16-years.
Ms Orton said that the move had been taken after increasing enquiry from retail agents with clients wanting to play golf on the wide choice of world-class golf courses in South Africa and luxury lodges and resorts in neighbouring countries.
(David Baker & Associates)
Update: August 25, 2010 [1 Story]
Ecuador
Resort Adds PADI Dive Resort Distinction
Red Mangrove Galapagos Lodges, an up-and-coming hospitality company that is pioneering responsible, multi-island, land-based touring in the Galapagos, has secured PADI Dive Resort certification for its lodge operations.
In so doing the company underscores its commitment to programming that supports sustainability in this fragile ecosystem.
Red Mangrove Galapagos Lodges is the life work of native Ecuadorian Hernan Rodas whose passion for and commitment to the Galapagos led to the creation of the region’s foremost branded travel option for visitors who prefer a sustainable, land-based option to a cruise experience.
Until Red Mangrove Galapagos Lodges began offering multiple island hospitality in 2007, the Galapagos was primarily a cruise-only destination.
Today the company is the leading lodge-to-lodge operation in the region, setting standards for quality and responsible tourism.
“The PADI programmes give us yet another way to help our guests immerse themselves in the natural world here,” said Rodas.
He noted that the dive environments close to the company’s lodges are as diverse as the islands themselves.
“We encourage our visitors to island hop among our three lodges to experience the magnificent diversity of nature, scenery and, of course, people,” he said, noting that his is the only company in the Galapagos that can welcome guests to its doors on multiple islands while maintaining consistent quality and service throughout.
(Widness PR)
Update: August 24, 2010 [1 Story]
Singapore
SIA Commits To Rainforest Preservation
Singapore Airlines is donating US$3-million in its first major involvement in a large-scale green project with long-term, sustainable benefits for the global environment.
Funds donated by the Airline will go towards supporting the Harapan Rainforest Initiative, a unique collaboration between international non-governmental organisations including BirdLife International and Burung Indonesia (BirdLife Partner in Indonesia).
Representatives from Singapore Airlines, BirdLife International and Yayasan KEHI sealed the agreement at a signing ceremony in Singapore.
The Yayasan is an Indonesian not-for-profit foundation charged by the BirdLife consortium with the day-to-day management of the project.
Straddling Indonesia’s Jambi and South Sumatra provinces, Harapan Rainforest spans almost 100,000 hectares.
The forest concession for Harapan was recently licensed to the BirdLife consortium by the Indonesian Government under a new regulation that allows forests, initially slated for felling or plantations, to be managed for long-term conservation and restoration.
Harapan is one of the world’s first forest protection and restoration concessions of this type, and the licences have been granted for almost 100-years.
Singapore Airlines’ contribution towards the protection and restoration of one of the most extensive tracts of lowland rainforest left in Indonesia reflects its strong belief that environmental efforts must focus on making a real and direct difference to the well-being of our planet, and sustain our shared environment for future generations.
(Weber Shandwick)
Update: August 23, 2010 [1 Story]
Scotland
Young Zambians Take Part In Scottish Safari
A group of visitors from Africa sampled some of the best of Scotland's nature recently when they visited one of Argyll's ancient woodlands, as part of a month long cultural exchange.
The 18 young people from Zambia joined some of their host families for a guided walk through the mossy oakwoods at Taynish National Nature Reserve, on the scenic west shore of Loch Sween.
The visit was hosted by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH).
After a brief introduction to the national nature reserve by John Halliday, the SNH reserve manager, the group walked the Barr Mhor trail, stopping at the highest point to enjoy the lovely views of Loch Sween and the Sound of Jura.
The group were equipped with digital cameras so they could take pictures on the way, with advice from SNH photographer Lorne Gill.
Over lunch, Liam Wright, SNH area officer, gave a talk on climate change.
The trip to Scotland has been organised by the Mthunzi and Lilanda Initiative (MALI), a Scottish charity that funds the education of vulnerable young Zambians whose families have been affected by HIV and AIDS.
The charity also arranges cultural exchanges between Zambia and Scotland, which focus on music, dance and drama. This year the theme of the visit is climate change.
Taynish is one of over 50 national nature reserves across the country.
They are special places that look after some of the best of Scotland's nature for everyone who lives in or visits Scotland.
(Scottish Natural Heritage)
Update: August 21, 2010 [2 Stories]
Australia
Artists Named For Iconic Indigenous Tilt Trains
Queensland Premier and Minister for the Arts Anna Bligh has named Judy Watson and Alick Tipoti as the artists whose work will adorn the first of two unique Indigenous Tilt Trains travelling from Brisbane to Cairns.
"This moving canvas will travel through some of our state's most stunning locations, and it is only fitting it should end in Cairns in Far North Queensland, home to some of the most exciting Indigenous artists to emerge in recent years," Ms Bligh said.
"It is a fabulous tourism opportunity that combines our iconic Tilt Trains with our unique Queensland Indigenous art.
"This is an Australian first and at 185m long - that's seven carriages and two locomotives - this is Australia's largest piece of contemporary Indigenous art.
"The first Tilt Train is due to be on the tracks by the end of the year, with the second Indigenous Tilt Train ready in early 2011.
"Thirteen artists have been shortlisted for this exciting project that will feature our emerging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists."
Ms Bligh said Indigenous Tilt Trains were the result of a partnership between Arts Queensland's art+place Queensland Public Art Fund and Queensland Rail.
"I am proud of Queensland Rail's world-class Tilt Train service, and am delighted that my Government is able to showcase this stunning art to domestic and international visitors."
(Government of Queensland)
Australia
ASAA Supports Permanent Cloud Seeding Project
The Australian Ski Areas Association (ASAA) has publicly supported moving the Snowy Hydro Cloud Seeding Project from a scientific trial, to a permanent operation in time for the 2011 winter snow sports season.
Buoyed by results from the independent scientific assessment of the Snowy Hydro Cloud Seeding Trial project, the ASAA has thrown its full support behind the move and, in collaboration with NSW resorts, Australia’s ski resort owners and operators are united in their backing.
“Perisher applauds both Snowy Hydro and the NSW Government for conducting such a detailed trial and subsequent assessment of the cloud seeding project and now asks the NSW Government to approve cloud seeding as a permanent activity. This will lead to more snow and more jobs that has minimal, if any, impact on the environment,” said Mr Peter Brulisauer, CEO of Perisher Ski Resort.
Kevin Blyton, Chairman of Charlotte Pass Ski Resort, said ... "The trial now needs to be formalised as a permanent process, the results have clearly shown how important it is to the snow industry and to our resort."
Several comprehensive scientific briefings have been presented to resort management and the communities of Thredbo, Perisher, Charlotte Pass and Selwyn Snowfields by experts of the Snowy Hydro Cloud Seeding team.
The independent scientific report establishes that seeded storms produced, on average, an additional 14% more snow over the trial period, that there was no evidence of any downwind effects on communities in lower elevation areas, and that after 6-years of detailed monitoring there were no significant environmental impacts.
The ASAA, together with the resorts, is asking the NSW Government to expedite the decision to formally authorise the Snowy Hydro Cloud Seeding Project to operate on a permanent basis, and in time for the winter 2011 season.
(Australia Ski Areas Association)
Update: August 20, 2010 [1 Story]
Cambodia
Royal Group Unveils Master Plan for Koh Rong
The Royal Group of Cambodia has unveiled its visionary Master Plan to transform the pristine island of Koh Rong into Asia's first environmentally planned resort destination.
A 6-month study by MAP Architects of Hong Kong and environmental consultants Scott Wilson produced the exciting vision for “one of the last undiscovered paradises in South-East Asia.”
The full story ... Royal Group Unveils Master Plan for Visionary
(Grebstad Hicks Communications Ltd)
Update: August 19, 2010 [1 Story]
USA
Ecoventura Executive In The TIES Spotlight
Ecoventura, the pacesetter for responsible tourism to the Galapagos, has announced that Executive President Santiago Dunn will be a guest panelist at the The International Ecotourism Society (TIES) Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism Conference (ESTC), September 8-10 in Portland, Oregon.
Dunn, on behalf of his visionary, small-ship expedition cruise company, Ecoventura, is also a finalist for TIES’ 2010 first annual Innovation Leadership in Sustainable Tourism Award that will be announced at the Presentation Ceremony during the closing reception on Friday, September 10.
On September 9 during the Tour Operators roundtable discussion on sustainable tourism business strategies Dunn will discuss how since 1999 Ecoventura has become a recognized leader in sustainable tourism to the Galapagos Islands.
Through its core commitment to the ongoing sustainability of this fragile and at-risk ecosystem, Ecoventura is a case study for communities and regions seeking to discourage the negative effects of irresponsible tourism.
Other panelists are Rafael Gallo, president, Rios Tropicales; Wendy B. Lama, ecotourism specialist/consultant, KarmaQuest Ecotourism & Adventure Travel; Gopinath Parayil, founder and chief executive, The Blue Yonder; and Bruce Smith, owner and founder, Seascape Kayak Tours.
The Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism Conference is North America’s largest and only conference focusing on sustainability.
This conference brings together innovative minds from across the industry to discuss practical ideas and solutions that inspire positive changes.
(Widness PR)
Update: August 14, 2010 [1 Story]
Austalia
Festival 2010: One Week Till Touchdown
The Cairns Festival 2010 launches its bounty of fabulous, free events for all the family to enjoy, on Friday, August 20.
From August 20 to September 5, Cairns in Northern Queenaland will become party-central, with locations all over the city and surrounds hosting a stellar programme1 spanning 17-days of quirky entertainment and cultural events.
The fun starts with a bang, with the highly-anticipated Opening Parade and Fireworks on the Esplanade on August 21.
The parade will see a procession of colourful floats pass by our beautiful waterfront, culminating in a free open-air concert by local music-makers, Kamerunga, and a spectacular display of fireworks to light up the skies.
"Cairns Festival 2010 is especially about families enjoying time together. Carnival on Collins and the Opening Parade and Fireworks are long-time favourites, plus there are plenty of new activities to try," said Cairns Festival producer Eric Holowacz.
Free festival highlights for littlies and their families include the Amazing Drumming Monkeys, a new Circus Arts series, family films at the Esplanade, and a homecoming concert by Indigenous roots reggae band, Zennith.
The celebration concludes with Carnival on Collins on September 5 at Tanks Arts Centre.
The event, which has become a Father's Day tradition for many families, will transform the Edge Hill cultural precinct into a playground of music and entertainment, market stalls, food, art and more.
For more information, visit www.cairnsfest.com.au
(Pip Miller PR)
Update: August 12, 2010 [1 Story]
USA
Red Mangrove Joins Eco-Friendly Client Roster
Dave Wiggins and Sara Widness of Widness & Wiggins PR have announced that Red Mangrove Galapagos Lodges has joined their extensive portfolio of active and eco travel clients who are making a positive difference in the world.
Back in 1835, Charles Darwin had no choice but to tour the Galapagos by boat.
In fact, up until 3-years ago all but the most intrepid Galapagos visitors had to do the same.
But there’s been an evolution in tourism to this magical archipelago.
Red Mangrove Galapagos Lodges, with properties located on three separate islands, has introduced the world to environmentally responsible land-based Galapagos tourism.
They now offer the definitive cruise-alternative when visiting this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Terrestrial travelers can plan a personalized bespoke holiday of active days and restful nights in deluxe accommodations visiting Santa Cruz, Isabela, and Floreana Islands.
Wildlife excursions, extraordinary PADI certified scuba diving and snorkeling and swimming off sandy beaches provide an exclusive Galapagos experience like no other.
(Widness & Wiggins PR)
Update: August 07, 2010 [1 Story]
Australia
Ransom Wins Star Of The Year Award
'Halls Ransom', one of Australian Outback Spectacular’s top bred Australian Stock Horses, has taken out the prestigious Westpac Bank 'Star of the Year' award.
The Westpac Bank ‘Star of the Year’ trophy is an illustrious award bestowed in recognition of an outstanding ambassador for the Australian Stock Horse breed and is promoted nationally through the Australian Stock Horse Society.
Ransom joined the Australian Outback Spectacular in February 2008 and for the past 2½-years has featured in over 500 shows, most recently starring in the new Australian Outback Spectacular 2 ‘Heroes of the Light Horse’ dinner show.
He is also the hero horse featured in Simon Wincer's Australian Outback Spectacular filmed version of 'The Man from Snowy River'.
Ransom recently made the trip to the 2009 Warwick Gold Cup with rider/trainer Brett Welsh; after two successful rounds, Ransom and Brett made it through to the final, out of approximately 800 entries.
Ransom met the high level of criteria required to enter the prestigious competition and has been recognised for his superior performance in a public arena by a panel of judges from the Australian Stock Horse Society.
The Westpac Bank Star of the Year award was presented in a ceremony on July 24, 2010 at the AGM, Rydges Southbank Hotel in Townsville. A special presentation will be made at Australian Outback Spectacular in August.
Since launching the original show in April 2006, Australian Outback Spectacular has entertained over a million people from all over the world, with its celebration of Australian stock men and women at work and play.
The new show Australian Outback Spectacular 2 ‘Heroes of the Light Horse’ continues to retain the fun, charm and skill of the original show but with an important difference, this time celebrating the link between our stockmen and the legendary Australian Light Horse.
(Warner Village Theme Parks)
Update: August 06, 2010 [1 Story]
Scotland
Birse Community Purchases Balfour Woodland
The Birse Community Trust (BCT) has purchased Balfour Wood on Deeside with the support of a grant from Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH).
The purchase will allow Birse residents to manage the 241 hectare woodland sustainably, bringing economic, social and environmental benefits to this rural community.
Elizabeth Clements, SNH Grampian area officer, said ... "Over the years, BCT has had a record of delivering excellent results for their community through their expertise in sustainable woodland management.
"They don't expect others to do things for them; they roll up their sleeves and get stuck in - so we are more than happy to help them out. This is a great result for everyone - for the community, for conservation and Scottish Natural Heritage."
The wood was planted in the 1960s with a mixture of Scots pine and other conifers.
BCT plans to develop a path network to enable everyone to visit the woodland and enjoy this new community resource.
Robin Callander of BCT said ... "The community in Birse has long sought to buy Balfour Wood to address local issues and play a key role in creating new local opportunities. It was a great blow when our Lottery bid failed and we therefore also had to withdraw our bid for LEADER funding.
"We did then manage to find a major private donor and are also especially grateful to SNH who were able to increase their original grant to make up the final shortfall - we couldn't have done it without them."
BCT is a community business which promotes the common good of those who live in the scattered settlements of Birse parish and to deliver wider public benefits.
(Scottish Natural Heritage)
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