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Welcome to the Second Issue
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Dear Reader,
Well it has certainly been a busy couple of months for Travel Contacts and all its members, and the summer season is now most definitely upon us!
April started with a fantastic stint at IMEX where we were happy to meet up with many of our members to discuss how the industry is doing. Industry site Mimegasite included a quote from our New Orleans and Las Vegas member Carling Dinkler III of Customs Conventions. He said "I have been exhibiting at IMEX since the show's 2002 debut and this year was one of the best. I walked out of there with 16 or 17 qualified leads."
Following on from this we are pleased to welcome five new members in the Travel Contacts fold. Escapade Travel in Egypt and Dubrovnik Travel in Croatia joined us in April, shortly afterwards Ines Travel in Bulgaria came on board, and most recently we were thrilled to be joined by Glamour Tours in Jamaica and Kontiki Incentives in Northern Italy. I hope that this will be the start of a very fruitful working relationship for them and us. Please feel free to check out their sections of information about them and the beautiful regions which they represent, both within this newsletter and on our website.
Speaking of our website, we are also thrilled with the progress that it has made since we launched it in January of this year; the site is now getting thousands of hits each month and making steady progress showing that it is meeting the needs of those in the industry.
Please take the time to visit www.travelcontacts.com for more information on each of our exclusive members or email me directly on jo@travelcontacts.com.
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Leading Destination Management Companies join Travel Contacts
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Escapade Travel, Egypt joins Travel Contacts; Renovates own 5 Star Cruise Ship
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Since its establishment in January 2000 Escapade Travel has developed its range of services to include: a deluxe bus fleet of 25 vehicles of varying sizes; a 5 star Nile cruise ship operating between Luxor & Aswan; branch offices in the major touristic cities; professional multilingual staff based on a stable and solid financial background. Vice President Nahla Mofied said, "We have a strong buying power with suppliers, as well as the know-how to assist you in planning, budgeting, organizing and executing your project in our destination. Our previous history includes arrangements for product launches, medical & pharmaceutical conferences, birthdays, meetings, as well as leisure incentive groups & events. In all the above, we act in an environmentally friendly way. 'A taste of excellence' is our slogan and our ultimate goal."
Escapade Nile cruises is thrilled to announce that the M/S Queen of Hansa Nile, the company's own 5 Star Superior cruise ship, has been completely renovated and refurbished.
The major changes and upgrades are in the lounge area, the cabins, the Panorama Bar and the main restaurant. All carpets have been changed, the linen, the tableware, the chinaware, glassware, etc…
Our menus include Buffet style meals and a la carte twice a week.
Now the M/S Queen of Hansa is glad to welcome you aboard for a relaxing cruise between Luxor & Aswan. During this trip also visit the most beautiful temples & colorful tombs of the Pharaonic era. Visit www.escapadetravel.com.eg
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Glamour Tours, Jamaica's DMC-leader joins Travel Contacts.
"We are proud to present Glamour Tours, the tourism industry's destination management leader since 1987," said the company's director of Business Expansion.
"We have been setting new standards that have made us the ground service provider of choice. From a dedicated team to innovative themes and concepts, to unique locations and activities, we are the experts who provide boundless opportunities to discover the "fairest isle" - Jamaica", she said. Visit www.glamourtoursdmc.com.
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Ines Travel, Bulgaria proudly joins Travel Contacts. Here they introduce their spell-binding destination.
Bulgaria is one of the oldest European states with a variety of jewels from its 6000-year old gold treasures, a centre of ancient civilizations, a country that hosts the sanctuary of the mystical singer Orpheus and gave the world the first Slavonic letters. It is a small country by area and population, but it was this precise piece of land that God blessed with unearthly beautiful nature, a proud people and rich culture.
Here, Alp-like beautiful mountains are in abundance. The highest peak on the Balkans, Mussala (2,925m) rises in the magnificent Rila Mountain. And if you like golden beaches by the sea, then Bulgaria boasts some of the best; it is also home to all mineral waters known worldwide (over 225 sources), and the modern spa-centers are competitive to the European centers.
Managing Director Iskra Pavlova said, "Every corner of the Bulgarian territory is affluent in antique excavations and rich Thracian tombs, ancient prehistoric and medieval settlements and castles, along with the invaluable monasteries and churches, which have safeguarded Bulgarian spirit for millennia… Just pick your destination and prepare yourself for an adventure.
"There are so many wonderful things to find out about Bulgaria which we hope you might find out with our help - as guests of Bulgaria and Ines Travel," she added.
Visit www.ines.bg.
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Kontiki Incentives proudly joins Travel Contacts as the member for Northern Italy
Kontiki Incentives presents to you a unique experience for VIP Clients in Milan.
For your special guests Kontiki Incentives offers customized tours at the F1 Circuit in Monza with pilot instructors who demostrate the characteristics of one of the greatest circuits for car racing.
"In the evening luxury limousines drive your guests to the favourite venues of the high society of Milan to discover the culinary masterpieces of Italian chefs, in sophisticated atmosphere," explained Stefania Genoni.
"Kontiki Incentives can also supply tickets and Vip packages for the Grand Prix of Monza on September 9th."
For more information kindly contact Stefania through the website
www.k-incentives.it |
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Leading Croatia DMC Dubrovnik Travel, Croatia joins Travel Contacts.
"Dubrovnik Travel is one of the leading DMCs in Croatia for MICE & other Exclusive Group Programs," said GM Daniel Marusic. "We have been in the travel industry since the 70's. Dubrovnik Travel was opened in 1998 and has won several unique local awards in Croatia for being a successful Croatian company since then.
"Our staff in our Dubrovnik Head Office number more than 18 and they are all young and professional multilingual people. We have a sister company called Talas-M in Montenegro with a staff of 10. We are a member of SITE and MPI as well as other important global and local MICE associations.
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"We have been in the MICE business since 1998 and are the only company in Croatia purely specialised for MICE and Exclusive Group only business.
"Our services also include organising shore excursions and all shore services for exclusive groups from cruise ships in all ports on this side of the Adriatic (Slovenia, Croatia, Montenegro and Albania). We regularly attend trade shows such as WTM, IMEX, EIBTM, CONFEX, EMIF and IT&ME as well as some other local ones.
"In the past we have had the privilege of organising meetings & incentives for groups of 8,500 pax. This May we organised the 14th Annual Croatian Conference of Family Medicine for 1,400 people.
"We also have an insurance policy for third liability securing an amount of 1.000.000,00 Euros," he added. Visit www.dubrovniktravel.com .
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News from our other DMC's
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Sintec Tours in Argentina give us a Tango lesson
Its date is not precise and its origins are even more uncertain. There are theories that refer back to its black roots and others that assert its migratory origin. The truth is that in the mid 1800´s, the well-known conventillos (large houses inhabited by several families) in the booming city of Buenos Aires were crowded with countrymen, foreigners who had just descended from the boat and several porteños without any means of support who, maybe to make a difference or perhaps to take root, set their own stamp on the new popular expressions.
A mixture of closed codes and having a particular language, the tango would germinate in the dancing houses by the Riachuelo, the carters' and horse caretakers' shops and in the southern end conventillos. In those days, many of the immigrants would come along on their own and the few women that would come to Buenos Aires used to be in the academies or the dating houses.
The tango stopped being exclusive from the suburbs to gradually get deep into the core of the city. The street organs would spread across the neighborhoods, where it was normal to see male couples dancing in the streets.
Nowadays, Tango is part of Buenos Aires nightlife; offering daily shows, lessons and milongas. Come to Argentina and enjoy the experience!
Kindly contact Sintec Tur, Argentina through their website www.sintectur.com.ar
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Travel Services Inc, our Puerto Rico member, win prestigious award.
Travel Services, Inc., from San Juan, Puerto Rico, in the Caribbean, has been awarded the Service Excellence Award by the Puerto Rico Convention Bureau for the second time in two years. This award is based upon feedback received from Convention Bureau Clients in post-program interviews. The most recent award was for the fiscal quarter of January 1 through March 31, 2007. In his congratulatory letter Executive Vice President and CEO of the Bureau, Ramon Sanchez, stated "The 'Excellent' satisfaction rate obtained by Travel Services, Inc. - Destination Puerto Rico reflects your staff's professionalism and commitment to high standards of quality and service".
For more information on this and other location in Puerto Rico visit www.destinationpr.com
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Customs Conventions sends news from Las Vegas and New Orleans.
"It is a busy time for Las Vegas," said Customs Conventions owner Carling Dinkler III. "We are happy to work with anyone who has a program into Vegas and we do have excellent relationships and good purchasing power. There are now several air carriers with direct service from the UK which makes travel much easier for those arriving from many parts of the world.
"As for New Orleans, it is now very much open for business with all but two of the hotels up and running, the city is anxious for the return of business and the price is very good at this time. The city's levies are fixed and we all feel very good about this protection.
"I make this offer: Anyone that has serious business for New Orleans can make their own flight arrangements and Custom Conventions will take care of the rest at no cost to the buyer, but it must be a serious piece of business," he said. visit www.customconventions.com
Customs Conventions are delighted to present out updated Medical Congress room block availability for 2007. Please contact Carling Dinkler at Custom Conventions should you wish to book or have any questions.
Click Here for Hotel Medical Tariffs 2007.
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Cox & Kings praise Ayurveda massage: "it's best during monsoon"
Did you know that it is clinically proven that Ayurveda therapy is most productive during monsoon time?
Ayurveda: (Ayu: Life, Veda: Knowledge Of) is an old age way of life. And an ancient system of medicine that operates in tune with nature. It is a holistic and natural healing technique that believes in treating the individual rather than the disease. It follows that a complete understanding of not only the mind, body and spirit are in order, but a study of the psychological, dietary, behavioural and environment factors are equally important before any formal treatment can be offered to an individual.
So with the monsoons in India approaching the next few months are the ideal time to send your clients to Southern India - the birthplace of Ayurveda. Please contact us for programmes and hotels specialising in Ayurveda. visit www.coxandkings.com
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MC & A, INC. in Honolulu, Hawaii, tell us more about their beautiful destination and what it has to offer
The islands of Hawaii continue to be an irresistible draw for corporate groups and independent travelers from around the globe. With its perfect combination of natural beauty and cosmopolitan lifestyle, Hawaii caters to a wide range of interests and tastes.
One island that is experiencing an increase in popularity is the island of Lanai. Once known as Hawaii's Most Private Island, Lanai is expanding its offerings to accommodate large scale groups. The Lodge at Koele has recently been renovated and has re-opened as a Four Seasons property. The recent development has made it an attractive option for special events as never before.
New activities are also popping up to give travellers a whole new way of looking at Paradise. The newest thrill is the Island Zipline activity where you'll find yourself soaring over emerald rainforests and hidden waterfalls via a special zipline suspended above the sites. In the past three years, zipline courses have appeared on the Big Island, Maui and Kauai with more on the way.
As for special events, Hawaii continues to be a hot location. Besides the surf and beach themed events which continue to be major successes, special event offerings have expanded in scope and imagination. For groups that are in Hawaii for multiple days, a combination of fun and whimsical theme parties with formal elegant affairs is the ideal way to keep guests happy and inspired.
Themed parties such as our Great Chefs of Hawaii, Fire and Ice, Taste of the Islands, Hoolaulea (A Hawaiian Celebration) and Lava Lounge are just a few of the unforgettable events we've offered this year.
To find out more about Hawaii and to see how we can tailor a program especially for your group, visit us on the web at www.mcahawaii.com or call us at +1-808-589-5500.
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Sue Shefras at Blue Ribbon Events, our UK representative, brings us up to speed on what events are forth-coming in her part of the world.
EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL
10 August - 2 September 2007
The festival celebrates 60 wonderful years of richly entertaining classical music, theatre, opera and dance. Blue Ribbon Events programmes combine a mix of Festival, the Edinburgh Tattoo and the great historic sights.
Hair & Beauty
Salon International 13 - 15 October 2007
Blue Ribbon Events has worked for more than a decade with clients coming into London to attend the world renowned hair show, combining with visits and seminars with the international hair and beauty brands.
Tutankhamun'
15 November 2007 - 30 August 2008
London prepares to welcome the treasures of the world's most famous pharaoh, Tutankhamun. The exhibition will be in London.
START PLANNING FOR 2008 and onwards
Summer Festivals
There are a whole host of fabulous music, film and food festivals in London and around Great Britain. Blue Ribbon Events can provide all the necessary outdoor clothing, picnic hampers and camping equipment if required!
Olympics 2012 - London
Blue Ribbon Events have already received advance requests for packages. Why not register your initial interest?
Blue Ribbon Events
Tel:+ 44 (0) 208 455 2255
Email: team@blueribbonevents.com
www.blueribbonevents.com
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2008 Superbowl on the calendar for Southwest Events in Arizona, USA
Southwest Events is proud to be a leader in hosting the 2008 Superbowl, the championship game of the National Football League within professional American football.
"Here at Southwest Events we specialize in unique Arizona experiences for groups of all sizes. We know the territory!" said General Manager Carmella Diamond. "Let us assist you in planning your next event - whether it be a visit to the Grand Canyon, a Cowboy Cookout in the Desert, Private Artist's Home Tours, Jeeping, Panning for Gold and Shopping. We can also assist you with hotel site selection, and transportation," she said. Visit www.southwestevents.com
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Photo by Jeff Brown at www.alleventsphotos.com
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Accenting Chicago wins "Best DMC in Illinois" award
Accenting Chicago is a full service DMC, rich in creativity and experience in the meeting, hospitality, event, and tourism industries. Of special note is that clients are always in contact with a decision maker. The company also has a special niche of working with many international DMCs and meeting planners and can provide guides and Meet & Greet services in 14 languages. "Chicago is a FABULOUS city and ACET is always delighted to show it off to all groups," said Partner Jacquie Brave. Visit www.accentingchicago.com
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Raglin Events detail the best way to spend a summer day in New York City
Sail Away and find yourself gazing at the mesmerizing sunset :
What better way to enjoy a beautiful New York sunset than on board one of the finest sailing yachts in New York? An evening voyage on this vessel is sure to impress you with a breathtaking view of the New York skyline and an amazing sunset just beyond the Statue of Liberty.
Fourth of July fireworks cruises:
Take to the water for thrilling views of the Manhattan skyline, the Statue of Liberty and the Brooklyn Bridge, and experience the most spectacular fireworks with the best view in the city.
Buddha Bar:
Enjoy a few cocktails at this trendy hotspot and enjoy the French influenced Asian Cuisine and an intriguing design that will guarantee to make for a night to remember.
Sports Heaven:
"For all those sports fans out there, why not enjoy America's past time in none other than the 'House That Ruth Built' or in the home of the 'Kings of Queens'. Catch a Yankees or Mets ballgame and experience the passion of New York baseball. For those tennis fans out there, what better way to end the summer than to watch the world's greatest tennis players in the U.S. Open. Located in Arthur Ashe stadium this event will be sure to fulfil your need for action. For more information visit www.raglinevents.com
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Our Polish member Haxel Adventure Tours present an exciting destination
Wroclaw - MEET UNFORGETABLE PEOPLE IN A UNIQUE CITY. Go West to test the capital city of former Polish "Eastern Exposure".
Although Wroclaw is the ancient Piasten capital of Lower Silesia its identity is completely different than the rest of the country. It's simply more oriental.
This creative mixture gives Wroclaw a very special spirituality, attracting the guests with some unique kind of vital humor and positive attitude towards life.
Located between the arms of the Sudeten Mountains and the Odra River, being a city of 12 islands and 112 bridges Wroclaw became a center of easy-going existence and culture offering a plenty of cozy places to go out and enjoy your free time. One of the tourist attractions of Wroclaw is Panorama Raclawicka - a gigantic rotunda, housing a huge panoramic battle painting.
For more information on this and other location in Poland visit www.haxel.pl
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S-Tours in Slovakia offer fantastic, well-rounded options for visitors
S-TOURS Destination Management has been serving the needs of incentive, conference and special interest buyers for a long time. "We are offering great tour options for travellers to Slovakia," said General Manager Eva Mackova. "An example of this would be to include a visit to the St. Maria Church in Samorin, small town situated at the entry to the Danube lowland and the Corn-Island, a trip to Hurbanovo, a town which prides itself with the oldest Observatory in Europe as well as a walking tour of the Old Town of Komarno," she said.
For more information please visit www.s-tours.sk
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Malta hosts exhibition to mark the 400th year since Caravaggio's sojourn on the island.
To mark the 400th year since the master of chiaroscuro and realism Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio came to Malta, the St John's Co-Cathedral Foundation is holding an exhibition in October to focus on his stay here. The exhibition will bring to light little-known important works found in Malta and several of the major works will be loaned from national as well as private collections.
The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist. The latter, in the oratory of the Co-Cathedral of Saint John, is the only work that the artist signed. This impressive painting may be viewed by visitors to the Islands all year round. For more information please contact
joe@alliancemalta.com.
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For more information about Travel Contacts or its Member Companies then please contact jo@travelcontacts.com or visit www.travelcontacts.com .
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