Travelbeat
Eco & Adventure News
Including Cultural and Historical travel news
Update: March 10, 2010 [3 Stories]
Australia
Message From Adventure World
Adventure World is advising agents that it will continue to service Explore Worldwide bookings made through the ADW brochures.
CEO Carl Frier said today that after an extremely healthy, long-standing 30-year relationship with Explore he acknowledges that agents need to be aware that the current trade partner agreement with Explore for their product in the ADW white label brochures will be honoured by Explore.
Mr Frier added that agents should also be conscious of the fact that clients who wish to book Explore product through Adventure World can continue to do so.
In addition Adventure World remains the general sales agent for their New Zealand market.
He stressed there was no animosity between Adventure World and either Venture Holidays or Explore Worldwide.
(SMB Communications)
Australia
Venture To Market Explore Worldwide
One of the world’s biggest and best known adventure travel operators, Explore Worldwide, has turned to Adelaide-based Venture Holidays to market its holidays in Australia.
Venture will take up the role of Australian sales representative on Thursday April 1.
Explore managing director Ashley Toft, who began with Explore as a tour leader, said that the adventurous and informal nature of Explore tours, the small group format and the fact that travel is with other like-minded people from around the world, really suits the Australian market.
Venture Holidays managing director, Robert Mackay said ... “When it comes to getting off the traditional tourist track it’s impossible to beat them.”
Explore’s 2010 programme features more than 450 itineraries in 120 countries.
The groups average 12-16 people and all are led by expert tour leaders, renowned as the best in the industry.
75% are local leaders from the country in which you are travelling, and all are trained directly by Explore staff.
(David Baker & Associates)
Australia
Young Canadians Take On WA In Van-Tastic Adventure
Young Canadian filmmakers, Alex Heaslip and Patrick Shine have received their driving orders: “Go west, young men!”
The two award-winning short-filmmakers will take charge of steering Geoff, the Van-Tastic Adventures van, on his final adventure, through the wilds of Western Australia.
Heaslip and Shine will turn their talents to capturing the wild and funny side of Western Australia, as the winners of the 7th and final leg of the WorldNomads.com Van-Tastic 30,000km, around-Australia Adventure, which began in Cairns in August, 2009.
They will take the baton from Northern Territory team and fellow North Americans, Andrew Adams and Willie Concepción, in Darwin on May 6 and drop Geoff the van off in Perth - his final destination - on June 17.
Their task along the way is to ‘road test’ the best of Western Australia’s holiday and adventure offerings - and share their adventures with the world via blogs and videos on the Van-Tastic Adventures website.
Tourism Western Australia, World Nomads and the Western Australia tourism industry have teamed up to provide Heaslip and Shine with a swag of adventures to report on during their trip.
The Van-Tastic Adventure has travelled through every Australian State.
At the end of the trip, from July 2 to 25, the viewing public will vote for the best video produced during the year-long, 30,000km adventure - and the winning team will take home $10,000 cash.
To see how the first teams fared on their holiday of a lifetime, visit: vantastic.worldnomads.com
(Splash Communications)
Update: March 09, 2010 [1 Story]
Cambodia
Trips To Cambodia's Cardamom Mountains
Khiri Travel has launched small group tours to Cambodia's Cardamom mountains, the largest tropical forest wilderness area in mainland Southeast Asia.
The company says that the township of Chi Phat in the Cardamoms is emerging as Southeast Asia's new adventure destination for mountain biking, trekking, kayaking, wildlife spotting, bird watching and waterfall discoveries.
Biologists predict that the area holds unrecorded biodiversity.
Trips to Chi Phat reveal hornbills and monkeys to the casual observer.
Gibbon calls are commonly heard in the forests surrounding Chi Phat.
"The southern Cardamom mountains are an exceptionally beautiful area," said Frans Betgem co-founder of Khiri Travel, which specializes creating innovative itineraries in Thailand and Indochina.
"The locals can see the longterm benefit of turning from logging and hunting to ecotourism. Backpackers are arriving.
"Although Chi Phat is not an easy proposition at the moment, Khiri Travel has started to include it on specialist tours through Cambodia."
Khiri Travel is supporting the efforts of the Wildlife Alliance which started the community-based ecotourism (CBET) project in Chi Phat in 2006.
Chi Phat comprises four villages on the banks of the Phipot river.
Wildlife Alliance said that Chi Phat received 829 tourists in 2009.
(ScottAsia Communications)
Update: March 05, 2010 [1 Story]
Scotland
Outdoor Enthusiasts Asked To Help Wild Birds
The return of sustained freezing temperatures across the country has prompted Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) to ask visitors to the outdoors to be sensitive to the plight of wildlife and birds.
The present frozen conditions means wild birds, particularly those species which rely on wet habitats such as ducks, geese and shore waders, will likely be struggling to find sufficient food to survive.
Dr Andy Douse, SNH Senior Ornithological Adviser, said ... “The return of the severe cold weather has brought back freezing conditions to many areas of Scotland sustaining significant populations of waterfowl.
"These scenic locations also naturally attract many people out into the countryside for recreation. We would therefore ask people to be conscious of the birds’ ongoing survival struggle and avoid stressing them further.
“It might be tempting to try and get closer to the birds for a better look but scaring birds during severe weather conditions can mean the difference between life and death as they need all their energy just to keep warm.”
(Scottish Natural Heritage)
Update: March 03, 2010 [3 Stories]
Australia
Close Encounters Of The Small Mammal Kind
Those seeking an outdoor adventure of the warm and furry kind need look no further than Victoria's Grampians National Park.
Conservation Volunteers Australia and Parks Victoria are offering people the unique experience of taking part in a small mammal monitoring project currently underway in the park.
The project is investigating the impact of the severe 2006 Grampians wildfire on local native animals, as well as the success of fox control programmes.
Over the past 3-years it's discovered new populations of endangered creatures such as the Long Nosed Potoroo, Heath Mouse and Southern Brown Bandicoot.
The teams are transported into remote locations within the park, armed with data-sheets, clipboards and a UHF radio.
Close encounters with wildlife are common as the group works alongside local researchers checking traps, processing wildlife and recording data.
The trips range between 5- and 8-days and operate between April and June.
Accommodation is provided at the Grampians Eco YHA, in single, twin, double or dorm rooms.
The programme has Advanced Eco Certification, and has been identified as one of Australia's most innovative ecotourism products.
In 2008 it won a Victorian Tourism Award for Conservation Volunteers Australia which manages the Naturewise programme.
More details are available at www.conservationvolunteers.com.au
(Parks Victoria)
Australia
Kuranda On Track For The future
A new Kuranda Infrastructure Agreement will help ensure the mountain-top village stays at the forefront of Far North Queensland's tourism industry, Local Government Minister Desley Boyle said on Monday.
Ms Boyle was joined by Member for Barron River and Tourism Parliamentary Secretary Steve Wettenhall and Tablelands Regional Council Mayor Tom Gilmore to sign the agreement at the Kuranda Amphitheatre.
"This 10-year agreement will help protect Kuranda's award-winning natural assets including the Barron Falls and the tropical rainforest as well as the famous cultural attractions," Ms Boyle said.
"The ongoing costs associated with providing facilities necessary to service the large number of visitors to Kuranda is considerable," Ms Boyle said.
"Without assistance provided under the agreement, the costs would be too great too for the council or Kuranda's small number of residents.
"We're talking about a small town with less than a dozen streets and more than a million visitors each year - it is just not possible.
"The agreement has been updated with increased emphasis on sustainability, community consultation and planning."
Currently the Kuranda Scenic Railway and the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway have a licence to transport passengers through and across World Heritage Wet Tropics area between Cairns and Kuranda.
Member for Barron River Steve Wettenhall said the new agreement was cause for celebration.
"This new 10-year agreement enables the Government to collect funds from these licensed corporations and put the funds towards protecting Kuranda's natural assets," he said.
(Government of Queensland)
Australia
AW Chile Passengers Located Safe And Sound
Adventure World has been in communication with hotels and local tour operators in the different regions of Chile and can confirm that all passengers are safe and in good physical condition.
Passengers to Puerto Varas, northern Chile and Punta Arenas are conducting their excursions as planned, while excursions for passengers in Santiago and Viña del Mar have been suspended.
In Easter Island passengers remain in their hotels.
Marketing Manager, Neil Rodgers said ... "It is important to point out that the areas affected by the earthquake are concentrated around the cities of Concepcion, Santiago, Viña del Mar and Valparaíso.
"The important tourist regions of northern Chile, Patagonia, and the Lake area around Puerto Montt have been spared by the earthquake.
"Santiago is little affected, but in some areas electricity and water supply were also cut.
"The telecommunications are working again, nevertheless, the international lines are heavily overloaded.
"The safety of our clients is our top priority and we are working to give reliable information to our agents. Once the airport resumes normal operation, we will be able to gradually offer alternate arrangements on their itineraries."
(SMB Communications)
Update: March 01, 2010 [2 Stories]
Australia
Adventure World Chile Update
Adventure World is working directly with its local ground operator in Chile to assist affected clients in the devastated region.
Marketing manager Neil Rodgers said that they were in the process of revising bookings and updating those agents concerned.
Adventure World will not be charging any cancelation fees and will request with their local suppliers on a case by case basis any cancelation fees charged under the tragic circumstances.
He also said that retail agents and all trade associates will be updated immediately more information comes to hand from ground operators in Santiago.
Rodgers said that LAN had advised that flights scheduled from Santiago to Auckland and Sydney will not operate today or tomorrow.
(SMB Communications)
Australia
Sustainable Tourism Award Winners
The national winners of the Qantas Award for Excellence in Sustainable Tourism were announced in Hobart on Friday night at the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards.
Crystal Creek Meadows Luxury Cottages & Spa Retreat, Kangaroo Valley in NSW and Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, Cairns in Queensland have been recognised for their contribution to the Australian tourism industry by being named joint winners of the Qantas Award for Excellence in Sustainable Tourism.
The winners each received a $25,000 cash prize from Qantas.
Group Executive Qantas Airlines Commercial, Mr Rob Gurney, said ... “Qantas launched this award 2-years ago as part of an industry wide approach to sustainable tourism,” he said.
“The award was introduced to encourage Australian tourism operators to minimise their impact on the environment and showcase Australia to domestic and international tourists as one of the world’s leading sustainable tourism destinations.”
“We are pleased to see so many businesses entering the awards and embracing the importance of sustainability, and congratulate this year’s award winners on their efforts.”
“Our winners demonstrate that any operator, large or small, can make a significant, positive impact on the environment and on their local communities by building sustainability into all aspects of their operations.”
“In the 2-years since we launched the programme, close to 1,000 tourism operators have been involved in the programme and it is pleasing that 80% of attendees commenced work on implementing sustainable business practices after participating in the workshops.”
(Qantas Corporate Communication)
Update: February 26, 2010 [1 Story]
New Zealand
Hauraki Gulf Marine Park Marks 10-years
New parks and private land are to be added to the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park to mark its 10th anniversary, Minister of Conservation Kate Wilkinson announced today.
The new additions feature over 300 parcels of land in Waitakere City Council coastal parks and reserves bordering the Waitemata Harbour, from Whenuapai in the north to Kelston in the south east.
Forest and Bird have also signalled they wish to have three of their reserves on Waiheke Island vested into the park.
Anniversary festivities, to be held on Saturday on Motutapu Island, are a great opportunity to celebrate both these new additions and the marine park itself as a significant natural asset on Auckland's doorstep, Ms Wilkinson said.
"This marine park is enjoyed by so many New Zealanders, not just Aucklanders. Its conservation values are unique and it is fantastic to see the continued work being done to ensure future generations can enjoy it.
"Thanks to pest control and eradication programmes an increasing number of islands are pest free sanctuaries, providing safe homes for some of our rarest native species.
"I would like to congratulate the Hauraki Gulf Forum for the work it has done to encourage the inclusion of more reserves in the park and thank the Waitakere City Council and Forest and Bird for actively becoming involved."
The marine park consists of 1.2-million hectares including marine reserves and more than 50 islands within the Gulf, the most well known of these being Tiritiri Matangi, Rangitoto and Motutapu Islands, Great Barrier Island, and Kawau Island.
It includes public conservation land as well as areas of public land administered by local councils and private land that has been vested in the park.
(beehive.govt.nz)
Update: February 24, 2010 [1 Story]
Australia
Thai Community Supports Bushfire Affected Regions
The Thai community of Victoria is supporting the bushfire affected regions of Victoria by taking the Melbourne Thai Festival on the road this year - to Marysville on March 19-20, 2010.
This popular, annual family cultural festival - which is traditionally held at Melbourne's Federation Square - will be brought to Marysville by the Thai Community to support the communities of Marysville and surrounding districts to help them to rebuild.
The event will not only raise awareness of the region and encourage visitors to return to Marysville, but all funds raised through the event will be donated to a local community projects as part of the rebuilding process.
The Festival will also be at held at Federation Square on Sunday, March 21, 2010.
The two festivals are organised by the Thai Culture and Food Festival Inc, a not-for profit Association incorporated in Victoria.
(Tyrrell Publicity & Promotions)
Update: February 23, 2010 [1 Story]
Vietnam
Lack Of Standards A Concern For Booming Eco Projects
Eco-friendly real estate developments have been identified as the upcoming trend in Vietnam but experts have raised concerns about the lack of standards in regard to such developments.
According to the Ministry of Construction, it confirmed that there are no standards for eco-friendly projects as it is a relatively new concept.
These projects are typically priced higher and are being developed in coastal areas or adjacent to water bodies.
It was reported that investors see potential in these products as this market is considered to be relatively underdeveloped in Vietnam.
(HVS International)
Update: February 21, 2010 [1 Story]
Scotland
Workshops Teach Campers To ' Leave No Trace'
Scottish Natural Heritage conducted workshops at the recent Fort William Mountain Festival to demonstrate wild camping techniques which ‘leave no trace’ on the natural environment.
The Leave No Trace workshops, presented by experienced outdoor leader Myles Farnbank, demonstrated how wild campers can enjoy adventures without leaving negative impacts on the natural landscape such as human waste, litter and scars from open fires.
A specialist in developing and teaching the Leave No Trace responsible camping ethos of Scotland's Outdoor Access Code, Myles said ... "Individuals and parties who set out to travel and camp on wild land, rivers and coast will interact closely with the natural landscape and habitat.
"It's important to be aware of how that interaction can leave impacts which change the quality of that environment both as a habitat for wildlife and as landscape for other visitors.
"These workshops help outdoor enthusiasts identify activities and behaviour which might cause damage or pollution and demonstrate ways to minimise impact and remove any traces of their camping activity."
A number of high profile cases of antisocial and careless behaviour last year prompted the recent consultation on proposals to introduce bye laws limiting wild camping at sensitive sites such as the east shore of Loch Lomond following.
These incidents raised concerns after some locations were affected by vandalism, out of control fires, rubbish, abandoned equipment and pollution from unburied human waste.
(Scottish Natural Heritage)
Update: February 17, 2010 [1 Story]
Australia
Cruise Passengers Go For African Safaris
African safari operator Bench International has reported a 50 per cent increase over last year in the number of safari itineraries it has sold to people taking fly/cruise holidays which begin or end in southern Africa.
Groups manager Julie De Palo said that the figures related to passengers departing before March 31 and taking segments on round-world itineraries that pass through Africa.
She added that Bench’s recently established Cruise Desk is still making bookings and receiving enquiry for cruise passengers who will be in Africa in the second quarter of 2010.
Most passengers join or leave their voyages in Cape Town which is an ideal stepping off point for South Africa’s splendid Winelands region and game parks in the Eastern Cape Province.
Ms De Palo said, however, that some passengers were travelling as far north as the private lodges bordering Kruger National Park, Zululand in Kwa Zulu Natal and even as far as the great Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe.
She added that since Bench set up its Cruise Desk during 2009 retail agents had become aware that they could also book well–priced day tours for their clients.
(David Baker & Associates)
Update: February 14, 2010 [1 Story]
Canada
Planeterra Mobilizes Community Relief Efforts For Peru
Over 12,000 people have been uprooted and/or severely impacted by the late January rains and flooding in Peru’s Sacred Valley between Cusco and Machu Picchu.
Planeterra has mobilized an onsite team to assess the situation and help with immediate needs of the local people.
The nonprofit has established an online help site: Peru Flood Relief where the public can make charitable donations.
One of the communities severely impacted by the flooding is Ccaccaccollo, home to Planeterra's women's weaving cooperative, a community travellers visit as part of the organization’s Project Peru voluntourism adventure.
A company blog describes Ccaccaccollo's main plaza, an area usually bustling with women demonstrating their craft and selling colorful textiles, as flooded out and empty.
Planeterra has already donated the funds to fuel the equipment required to fix a main road and clear landslides.
In addition, the organization is looking at ways tourism dollars might help by reworking itineraries to include some of the most impacted communities in future tour itineraries.
A donation goal of $25,000 has been set of which to date nearly $9,000 has been raised.
Through a partnership with Gap Adventures that covers all of Planeterra’s administration costs, 100% of all donations will go directly to those in need.
An appeal has also gone out to anyone now in or planning to visit Cuzco. Donations of blankets, sleeping bags, warm clothes for children & adults, jackets, raincoats, tents & mattresses, dried food (rice, pasta, oatmeal, cans of tuna, sugar, salt, evaporated milk etc) and matches can be dropped off at: Hotel Tupac Yupanqui in Cusco.
(Widness PR)
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