G Adventures Increases Sales to Peru by 67% with Innovative Travel Education Program

G Adventures, the world’s largest adventure tour company, has introduced an innovative travel education program for Australian travel agents, increasing sales to some regions by over half.

G Adventures has increased sales to Peru with visiting local CEOs

The program has seen G Adventures CEOs (tour guides, or ‘Chief Experience Officers’) from overseas visiting Australian travel agents in store and on ‘micro-famils’ where they provide first-hand accounts of their home country and develop a deeper understanding amongst travel agents who may not have been to the destination themselves.

A recent visit from a G Adventures CEO from Peru saw sales to the destination increase by 57 per cent year on year for South American itineraries, and a 67 per cent increase in sales to Peru specifically.

Belinda Ward, Managing Director for G Adventures Australia and New Zealand, said G Adventures is always thinking of new ways to inspire both their CEOs and agency partners.

“CEOs and travel agents are the most important part of our business,” Ward said. “They are the front line to our travellers on a day-to-day basis. If G Adventures can help inspire agents by learning from our CEOs on the ground then we know travellers will be inspired too.”

“Our travel education programs and ‘micro-famils’ have been a huge hit with travel agents locally, and we are excited to run more programs like this in the future,” she added.

The innovative travel education program is part of an ongoing professional development program that G Adventures undertakes each year with its CEOs to deliver growth and development opportunities.

For more information or to book a trip with a G Adventures CEO, call 1300 796 618 or visit www.gadventures.com.au

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A&K's Top Travel Picks for 2015 including Destinations, Adventure and Cultural Experiences

As the founder of luxury travel company Abercrombie & Kent and a pioneer in experiential travel, Geoffrey Kent certainly knows the best destinations to recommend for adventure, authentic experiences, and unique cultural interactions – places that will change the way you look at the world.

Having travelled around the globe and consulted with A&K destination experts, here are his top picks for the best travel experiences for the year ahead.

Rivers of Southeast Asia

Why do it? Travelling along these historic rivers offers a comfortable way to explore remote regions and glimpse into the daily lives of the local peoples. Cruising along the Mekong River reveals remarkable landscapes, stilt villages, incredible birdlife, wing-tipped pagodas and remote Buddhist monasteries. But for a glimpse of old Indochina, there is no more eye-opening destination than Myanmar, and no better way to experience the romance of a bygone era than by cruising the Irrawaddy River aboard the new all-suite Sanctuary Ananda.

How to do it? A&K’s Journey on the Mekong itinerary (10 days from $10,545 per person twin share); A&K’s Myanmar in Style itinerary (11 days from $7,335 per person twin share).

GK’s Travel Tip? Rise early to visit the fascinating Cai Rang floating market in Vietnam…and bring your camera, this is the place to capture brilliant photographs of daily market life.

India

Why do it? India stirs your senses from every direction, and there are several distinctly different ways to explore the country. You can view the magnificence of the Taj Mahal, then venture deeper into the heartland of rural India. You can combine culture with rich wildlife viewing, from elephants and rhinos to lions and the true king of the jungle, the endangered Bengal tiger. Or you can take in the highlights travelling in comfort by private jet, ending in Hyderabad with a gala three-day festival of gourmet dining, local entertainment and five-star hospitality hosted by Geoffrey Kent at the legendary Taj Falaknuma Palace.

How to do it? A&K’s Splendours of Rajasthan itinerary (14 days from $9,355 per person twin share); In Search of Tiger itinerary (8 days from $4,233 per person twin share); India by Private Jet (15 days from US$28,995 per person twin share; includes Gala Chairman’s Event with Geoffrey Kent).

GK’s Travel Tip? India is one of the most consistently rewarding places to visit in the world and I can think of no better way to celebrate it than in a manner worthy of the maharajahs of old.

Southern Africa

Why do it? Combine outstanding wilderness experiences in Zambia when you visit the South Luangwa, home of the 'walking safari' and widely considered one of Africa's finest and most unspoiled wildlife reserves, and two of Botswana's richest game viewing areas - Chobe National Park and the Okavango Delta. You'll see game from safari vehicles, get up close on foot and float gently past herds on a river cruise. Unspoilt natural beauty and abundant game make these two countries an ideal southern African safari.

How to do it? A&K’s Best of Zambia and Botswana itinerary https://www.abercrombiekent.com/travel/?tid=6018(12 days from $10,594 per person twin share).

GK’s Travel Tip? To relax in complete comfort after a day filled with adventures, listening to the sounds of the bush and seeing the spectacular starry sky – that is one of my favorite things.

China

Why do it? What better way to get the next generation to understand another culture than by exploring with all five senses? Climb the Great Wall by cable car…then ride down by toboggan. Visit the Terra Cotta Warriors and ride a bike along the old Xian city walls, and see gorgeous baby pandas, an experience is not to be missed. Hands-on experiences include a kite-making factory, a lesson in kung fu and the chance to ride (or pedal) a pedicab through the winding alleys of Beijing's hutong district.

How to do it? A&K’s China: A Family Adventure itinerary (12 days from $9,708 per adult; $8,388 per child (under 12)).

GK’s Travel Tip? Adults and kids alike will delight in seeing pandas in their natural habitat. The Chengdu Panda Breeding and Research Center has just been awarded the prestigious “Global 500” honor by the United Nations.

Egypt

Why do it? A bucket list destination for centuries, there has never been a better time to travel to Egypt. Not only is the country buzzing with renewed optimism, but its many fabled sites are free of crowds and open to in-the-know travellers. Discover the secrets of the Pyramids and the Sphinx, and the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities with your expert Egyptologist. Relax on a scenic four–night Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan aboard an award-winning Sanctuary Sun Boat, stopping at off-the-beaten track Denderah, Edfu and Kom Ombo. Enjoy guaranteed entry into one of Egypt’s legendary pyramids, which you literally explore from the inside out.

How to do it? A&K’s Nile in Style journey (9 days from $5,325 per person twin share).

GK’s Travel Tip? The experience for tourists in Egypt right now is as welcoming and upbeat as I’ve ever seen it, plus the ability to see the pyramids without crowds won’t last long.

Peru

Why do it? World famous for its ancient ruins, spectacular scenery and colonial architecture, Peru can now add cuisine to its international appeal. Voted “Best Culinary Destination in South America”, Peru can also claim Lima as the continent’s culinary capital. Sophisticated and inventive, the Peruvian culinary scene is one of the world’s most exciting. Guests can sample the country’s remarkable local produce, scour markets with a local chef and take part in a cooking class, as well as taste local specialties like ceviche. Or venture beyond Lima to the Amazon rainforest, the source of so many of the local ingredients found in this innovative cuisine.

How to do it? A&K’s Taste of Peru journey (9 days from $8628 per person twin share); Cruise the Amazon (4 days from US$3,165 per person twin share).

GK’s Travel Tip? Explore the upper reaches of the wild Amazon in luxury on a cruise. What better way to understand the local cuisine than to see where so many of the indigenous foods come from.

Japan

Why do it? Though steeped in tradition, parts of Japan are stylishly modern. Tokyo is as cosmopolitan a city as you’ll find with its skyscrapers, neon lights and fashionably dressed citizens. But travellers can still glimpse ancient cultural traditions, from kimono-clad geishas in Kyoto to Shinto shrines. There’s incredible architecture, fascinating history and world famous gardens. Leading the country into the new millennium are cutting edge art installations on Naoshima Island and amazing hi-tech hotels. Then there are those cherry blossoms…

How to do it? A&K’s Ancient and Modern itinerary (10 days from $12,675 per person twin share).

GK’s Travel Tip? A visit to Kyoto is like travelling back in time. Founded in the seventh century, it is home to so many of Japan’s national treasures. Marvel at the 1,001 statues of the Goddess of Mercy at Sanjusangendo Temple, visit Kodai-ji for a lesson in Zen meditation, or take part in a tea ceremony.

Wonders of the World… in one extraordinary globe-spanning journey

Why do it? Machu Picchu, Easter Island, the Taj Mahal, Angkor Wat, Istanbul. These are some of humankind’s most enduring achievements, places that have drawn travellers for centuries. Join 50 privileged guests on a privately chartered Boeing 757-200ER with custom-designed Italian leather lie-flat seats. End the journey in Marrakech with A&K founder Geoffrey Kent.

How to do it? A&K’s Wonders of the World by Private Jet journey (24 days from US$108,000 per person twin share).

GK’s Travel Tip? Ride a camel through the pristine Erg Chebbi dunes to A&K’s exclusive desert camp. The handcrafted caidale-style tents once welcomed dignitaries in Moroccan palaces. Watch the sun set over the dunes and enjoy an unforgettable dinner under the stars with a traditional performance by local tribesmen.

To book your A&K itinerary today or to enquire further please contact Abercrombie & Kent on 1300 590 317 or visit www.abercrombiekent.com.au

Mountain Lodges of Peru Launches a New Trek: The Lares Adventure to Machu Picchu

Mountain Lodges of Peru (MLP), well respected for their high quality hiking and horseback riding tours complemented by guest lodging in world-class mountain lodges, has announced the addition of a new hiking program along the Lares Adventure to Machu Picchu and in the Urubamba Valley, “Sacred Valley of the Incas,” with exclusive accommodations in three new lodges.

The Lares Trail, a wonderful alternative to the more heavily traveled Inca Trail, is noted for its cultural attractions, including traditional weavers attired in colorful dress, roving herds of alpacas and llamas, and a panorama of waterfalls, snow peaks, and glacial lakes. The new mountain lodges, built in the towns of Lamay and Ollantaytambo and in the rural community of Huacahuasi, serve as deluxe “base camps” for day hikes in the surrounding environs. Guests may join a fixed departure or exclusive group from Cuzco, complete with an expert guide who will be with the group for the entire journey to Machu Picchu.

An extensive network of trails throughout the region lead to traditional Andean highland communities unchanged for centuries, where guests can meet local weavers and farmers and get a glimpse of the distant past, and to spectacular Inca archaeological sites including Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley, where the rebel Inca leader Manco Inca defeated the Spanish in battle. The lodge at Ollantaytambo is also an excellent gateway to visiting the spectacular site of Machu Picchu. More challenging trails bring guests to remote passes with views of Andean peaks, with the occasional condor soaring above. Two programs (7-day and 5-day) are designed to offer different hikes daily for a variety of experience and abilities.

Established in 2001, MLP began offering tourism services at destinations along the Salkantay Trail to Machu Picchu in 2008, and currently operates five deluxe mountain lodges primarily catering to travelers from the United States and Europe. MLP's lodges on the Lares Trail and in the Sacred Valley will be an extension of these same facilities, with architecture designed to blend into the existing landscape, reducing their visual impact to a minimum, and the use of local materials—stone, adobe, wood, and straw—that reflect the region's traditional construction. The lodges are also energy efficient, with high-performance solar and space water heaters.

For more information click here www.mountainlodgesofperu.com
To make a booking please contact your local travel agent or tour operator.

Head to Peru for fiesta time in 2012

Peru celebrates over 3,000 vibrant festivals each year so whatever time Aussies plan a visit they are likely to stumble across a unique insight into the Peruvian culture.  However, so as not to miss some of the most flamboyant and diverse festivals that are held, take note of some of the festivities taking place in 2012, and plan a trip accordingly.

Peru has many traditional dances and the north is home to the elegant couples Marina dance.  Aussies can get off the beaten track and head to the northern sites to coincide with the Marinera Festival from 23 – 29 January in Trujillo where the city comes alive with processions and dancing.  This festival and competition celebrates this dance which involves a great deal of flirting between the couple, who each twitch a handkerchief in their right hand.

Puno on the shores of Lake Titicaca is known as the Folkloric capital of Peru and holds one of the biggest festivals in the country, the Fiesta de la Candelaria where the city comes to life in a grand spectacle from 2 February to honour the Pachamana (Mother Earth).  With over 200 bands of musicians and 200 groups of dancers parading behind the Virgin in the streets and stadium of Puno, the festival is a spectacular array of colours and sounds.

The country comes alive at Carnival time in March with a colourful display of dance, elaborate costumes and unique masks. These festivities include throwing buckets of water and handfuls of powder over each other, so visitors need to be prepared to end up messy!

The southern province of Ica is famous for wines and Peru's famous Pisco liquor and in the first two weeks of March the city of Ica celebrates the International Grape Harvest Festival.  Visitors will enjoy tastings of wines, Pisco brandy and cachina (mature fermented grape juice) as well as gastronomic fairs, parades, music and the crowning of the Queen of the festival.

With its 33 churches, the Andean town of Ayacucho is a hive of activity during Easter with several daily processions on the city's streets.  Faithful devotees wait around bonfires lit in the main square overnight and then at dawn Christ Resurrected leaves the cathedral and is carried on a wax portable altar.

Museums, galleries and art spaces in Lima's trendy neighbourhoods of Barranco, Miraflores and San Isidro throw open their doors during Peru Art Week every year in May. Visitors can take advantage of free music concerts, talks and Gallery Night circuits where galleries are open until late.

On 24 June the entire Amazon region comes alive for the Feast of Saint John the Baptist.  This celebration has a strong association with water which is vital in the Amazon region as the rivers and rains are very important for the survival of the biodiversity.  All the stops are pulled out for these celebrations with live bands playing traditional music, dancing parades and a feast made up of Amazonian food is enjoyed.

Every year on 24 June Cusco celebrates the most famous festival in the Inca calendar, Inti Raymi – Festival of the Sun.  The winter solstice and local harvest are the driving force behind the celebration in honour of the God of the Sun: Wiracocha.  Visitors are advised to book accommodation early as it is now the second largest festival in Latin America with over 200,000 people visiting Cusco to join the merriment, parties and fireworks.  Professors, archaeologists and historians carefully script a performance of an Inca ritual in the fortress of Sacsavhumán which is just 2km away from Cusco then the city itself parties the day and night away.

Lima's Independence Day Fiestas are eagerly awaited and celebrated in plazas and parks throughout the city centre around the 28 July. On the final day a Great Military Parade takes place on either Avenida Brasil or Avenida De La Peruanidad and is a great spectacle to witness.

Every October hundreds of devotees crowd and parade the streets of Lima for the Procession of the Lord of Miracles through clouds of incense, singing and dancing.  This month is also known as the mes morado, or purple month as purple is the patron saints colour and people in Peru honour this.  Visitors should also try the sweets and delicacies which can be bought alongside the procession such as Turrón de Doña Pepa, a delicious soft and sweet paste made with eggs, butter, flour, aniseed and fruit syrup.

For more information on Peru and further festivals, please visit www.peru.travel

Explore the lesser known northern sites of Peru

Australians who want to get off the beaten track in Peru can book a trip along the Moche Route in northern Peru, where a range of archaeological sites, local traditions, sports, cuisine, beaches and history can be discovered.

Northern Peru is home to fascinating pre-Incan sites of the Moche culture who ruled much of this area from 100- 800 AD.  This ancient culture is most present in the museums and archaeological sites of the northern region and in exciting discoveries which are still being made. Sites along the route include El Brujo in the lower Chicama Valley, Chan Chan by the banks of the Moche River in the La Libertad region, and Huaca of the Sun and of the Moon located just 15 minutes south of Trujillo.

The El Brujo site dates back to the first and seventh centuries AD and was the final resting place of Señora de Cao, who lived around the year 450 A.D, while Chan Chan spans an area of 20km² and is the largest mud-brick citadel dating back to the pre-Hispanic era.  Huaca del Sol y Huaca de La Luna are distanced 500 metres apart from one another and are two of the most impressive Peruvian pyramids, built for ceremonial purposes by the Moche around 500 AD.

The Royal Tombs of Sipán Museum in Lambayeque also offers a fascinating insight into the history of the Moche people. According to studies, the Lord of Sipan died 1,770 years ago and it is estimated he lived for approximately forty years and was buried in an elaborate ceremony. The museum is a 10 minute drive from the city of Chiclayo, the capital city of the Lambayeque region, and houses some of the best exhibition rooms in the world. 

Less than one hour north of Lima by air, Trujillo, the colonial city of the north, provides the gateway to the Moche Route.  Trujillo is the capital of the La Libertad and sits on the banks of the Moche River. It is a vibrant city with plenty to offer visitors to the region. Learn to dance the Marinera, the 'National Dance of Peru' at the annual Marinera Festival in January which celebrates this graceful, romantic dance between two people representing a combination of the different cultures of Peru. 

For the outdoor enthusiast the north offers a year-round warm climate and beautiful coastline where a popular surfing culture thrives.  Here many Moche cultural practices are still very much alive today. 'Caballitos de Totora', reed watercrafts used by the Moche people for fishing, are now used to surf the waves.

Among other activities available, why not try riding a paso fino horse or visit the many local farms in the area that breed these beautiful animals. Then after a busy day, the region's delicious cuisine will satisfy any appetite. The popular and tasty 'ceviche' which combines fresh fish and seafood mixed with onions, lemon juice, salt, and a touch of chilli pepper offers the perfect taste of Peru.

With the Peruvian government investing in the infrastructure of the northern region and many operators in Australia now featuring the north of Peru, it has never been so easy to explore the Moche Route and the rich Peruvian culture surrounding it.

For more information on Peru, please visit www.peru.travel

Official programme and website for the Centenary of Machu Picchu's rediscovery released

The official programme of Machu Picchu's Centenary celebrations has been released and Australian travellers can enjoy various events this July whilst on holiday visiting the mystical Incan citadel.

The website www.machupicchu100.org.pe, detailing all the centenary events, has recently been launched containing information about the citadel and details of events taking place. You can also take a virtual panoramic tour of Machu Picchu by following this link.

On 07 July the official celebrations and ceremony will be taking place at Machu Picchu, and the city of Cusco will be a hive of festivities with many cultural and artistic shows.  Also, Cusco's Main Plaza will become a focal point as a big screen will be showing the main ceremonies taking place at Machu Picchu, ensuring everyone can take part in the celebrations.  Also, a concert by famous Peruvian musician Micky Gonzales will entertain audiences in the Main Plaza with his fusion rock.

After the main celebrations on 07 July, the festivities continue as throughout July many events will be held including street dancing, a photographic exhibition, gastronomy fairs and competitions, cocktail contest and concerts.

Peru's Tourism Board coordinator for Asia Pacific, Rosana Guinea, asserts that the centenary celebrations will be a very proud and vibrant occasion for everyone in Peru. "Travellers visiting Peru at this time will be taking part in an historic and momentous occasion for Peru.  Many events will be taking place throughout the month so visitors will have a unique insight into the Peruvian culture and history," she said.

For more information on Peru, please visit www.peru.travel

Upgraded online booking system for tickets to Machu Picchu

Tourists can now book and pay for tickets to visit Peru's leading attraction, Machu Picchu, from anywhere in the world thanks to an upgraded online booking system. 

From the end of April tourists can now simply go to www.machupicchu.gob.pe, reserve tickets, pay by VISA, print out tickets and go directly to the Historic Sanctuary.

Peru's Tourism Board coordinator for Asia Pacific, Rosana Guinea comments:  "Having an online booking portal where tourists anywhere in the world can plan trips to Machu Picchu does make it a lot easier.  It also allows us to understand the visitor profile to Machu Picchu as we capture information such as nationality, age and gender. 

We also plan to develop this site further with more information and have other cultural tours and activities available to book."

Machu Picchu is on everyone's wish list when booking a trip to Peru and 2011 is a very important year as it marks 100 years since the American explorer and politician, Hiram Bingham, rediscovered this lost city of the Incas for the world to see. 

The Inca citadel of Machu Picchu remains Peru's top tourist attraction and the first quarter of 2011 saw visits to Machu Picchu increase by 33,000 people compared to the first quarter of 2009 to 127,963 visitors (figures are compared to 2009 and 2010 as the citadel was closed between January and April 2010 due to heavy rain and mudslides).

Online booking site: http://www.machupicchu.gob.pe/

www.peru.travel 

Peru's Luxury Tourism to Grow in 2011 Driven by New Investments and Increased Airline Routes

Peru is experiencing a growth in luxury tourism with new hotels, ecological resorts and gourmet restaurants opening in 2011 in key tourist locations. These investments are being driven by an increase in demand for luxury travel in the country, and new airline routes opening. 2011 will also be a bumper year for the country, which will be celebrating the centenary of the Rediscovery of Machu Picchu by Yale archaeologist Hiram Bingham in July.

Promperu's coordinator for Asia Pacific Rosana Guinea says that, although adventurous travellers are key to their market, there has been an increase in higher yield travellers in recent years and both markets are being buoyed by increased air capacity.

"Both the range and quality of the services provided within the tourism industry in Peru have improved dramatically in recent years. Tourists are spending more money whilst in Peru and the visitor profile is changing which is driving the demand for more luxury accommodation and facilities," states Rosana Guinea.

At the same time, Lima is becoming more accessible with increased flight connections from around the world allowing more visitors to enter the country. Looking to capitalise on this increased capacity and demand for luxury, Peru is welcoming investments from international and domestic companies wishing to expand and open new restaurants and hotels.

From January 2011, travellers from Australia to Peru will have faster and easier journeys with LAN Airlines introducing new nonstop flights from Santiago de Chile to Peru's capital Lima. Other new code-share arrangements with airlines such as Cathay Pacific are also including Lima in their network, further enhancing connections.

Peru is the second most attractive country for foreign investment in the region for major South American companies, according to a survey on business climate conducted in August 2010 by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC). Recent hotel investments include major international brands such as Westin which is opening the Westin Lima in 2011. This first Westin in Peru will be a very modern hotel and the tallest building in Lima with a spa, convention space and luxurious suites.

Cusco and its surrounding region is also seeing an increased investment in the luxury sector and 2011 sees the opening of with a new Aranwa Hotel, a JV Marriot Hotel, and the expansion of the Orient Express owned Monasterio Hotel.

The last five years has already seen a dramatic rise in boutique and luxury hotels around Cusco due with new openings including the Hotel Casa Cartagena, the Andean Wings, the Rio Sagrado in Urubamba, Aranwa in Urubamba, the new Luxury Collection Tambo del Inka Hotel from Libertador Hotels, and seven new hotels in the Casa Andina group.

The 'eco market' is another key area for investment with resorts such as the San Agustin Paracas opening by 2012 on the south coast. This new resort, located 300 Km south of Lima and close to the World Heritage Listed Nazca Lines, will be one of the most modern ecological resorts and multifunctional hotels in the country. The project includes 120 rooms in two buildings and will be powered by solar energy.

2011 is not only seeing an evolving business sector but also celebrations for the centenary of the rediscovering of Machu Picchu in July. It will include the exciting return of thousands of Inca Artifacts excavated by Hiram Bingham and taken to Yale University and kept there for the last 100 years. These unique artifacts will be housed in Cusco at a dedicated museum and research centre.

For more information on Peru, please visit www.peru.info

Machu Picchu reopens in April

By Charlie Mills

Finally, the Inca ruins site at Machu Picchu will reopen to international visitors as of April 1st. This reopening comes following a closure of two months caused by flooding. This is good news for this area, which makes a lot of money off the tourists that come from all over to visit these ruins.

Officials from PromPeru, the nation’s tourism body, did go on to confirm the reopening of the site. The reopening is made possible thanks to the repairs being successful to the rail links. These rail links had been damaged in the flood earlier this year.

The nearby Vilcanota River overran its banks back in January. It destroyed the rail and road links to the site. This had a severe impact on tourism to the area and even stranded many tourist at the site or many days. The tourists finally had to be airlifted out of the area by helicopter.

It took a long time for officials to airlift everyone out of the area for many reasons. First of all, bad weather continued to make it impossible to fly helicopters into the area. Second, many hikers, who had started on their joinery to the site many days before continued to show up at the site long after the flood waters had destroyed the link to the area. During this time, people had to deal with a very small supply of food and water.

Originally, repairs to the tracks were not expected to be done until mid-April. However, favorable weather conditions have allowed work to be completed way ahead of schedule. PeruRail will recommence its Vistabome train service to Agus Calientes on March 29th. However, Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu will not reopen to tourists until April 1st