DFAT Travel Advice: Egypt (updated)

•We advise you not to travel to Egypt because of ongoing civil unrest and the high threat of terrorist attack.
•If you are currently in Egypt, and concerned about the security situation, you should leave if it is safe to do so. Dependents of Embassy staff have been authorised to leave on a voluntary basis.
•The security situation may affect Embassy opening hours. Australians in Egypt who require emergency consular assistance should in the first instance contact the Embassy directly on +202 2575 0444 or the Consular Emergency Centre on +61 1300 555 135.
•Since 25 January 2011, violent demonstrations have occurred at locations across Egypt, including Cairo, Alexandria and Suez, resulting in deaths and injuries. The situation remains unpredictable and may deteriorate quickly. Demonstrations could occur in any part of Egypt. Australians should avoid all demonstrations as they may turn violent. You should register your travel and contact details, so we can contact you in an emergency.
•The army is on the streets of the main towns and there are widespread reports of arson and looting. The civil police are not present to maintain law and order. Self protection groups have reportedly formed in some areas.
•The Government has imposed a curfew between 4pm and 8am. This situation may last for some time. You should respect curfew provisions and follow the advice of local authorities.
•International airports in Egypt remain open, although there are reports that numerous flights to and from the country have been cancelled or rescheduled.
•There are disruptions to communications networks, particularly mobile phones and the internet.

Full Advice

Top cruise achievers rewarded

Source: Cruise Weekly

A record 403 guests from Australia and New Zealand gathered in the Grand Ballroom at Sydney’s Sheraton on the Park this evening for the annual cruise industry awards dinner.

Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the International Cruise Council Australasia recognised 16 outstanding achievements from 2010 for their contribution to the growing local cruise market.

The cruise industry’s night of nights saw Bicton Travel in Western Australia named Best Cruise Ag ency of the Year Australia, and iCruise in Auckland for the same category for New Zealand.

The full list of award winners is as follows:

* Agency Promotion of the Year Australia –
Cruise Express, Balmain NSW: “P&O World Voyages – around the world in 80 days”
* Agency Promotion of the Year New Zealand –
Lets Cruise: “Cruise Sale Week”
* Network Promotion of the Year Australasia –
United Travel & Harvey World Travel (New Zealand): “Cruise Expo”
* Media Award –
Susan Kurosawa: “Tales of a new sea salt”, Weekend Australian
* Rising Star New Zealand –
Caroline Smith: House of Travel Jenny Nilsson
* Rising Star Australia –
Cory Edmondson: ecruising.travel
* Neil Frazer Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Cruise Industry by an Individual –
Helen Hutcheon, Seatrade Insider
* Frank Johnson Award: Cruise Consultant of the Year Australia –
Phil Smethurst: Bicton Travel, Bicton WA
* Frank Johnson Award: Cruise Consultant of the Year New Zealand –
Mark Smith: Lets Cruise, Auckland
* Bronze Cruise Agency of the Year New Zealand –
Lets Cruise: Auckland
* Silver Cruise Agency of the Year New Zealand –
Cruises Online: Auckland
* Gold Cruise Agency of the Year New Zealand –
iCruise: Auckland
* Bronze Cruise Agency of the Year Australia –
Clean Cruising: Brisbane, QLD (Tie)
Cruise Express: Balmain, NSW (Tie)
* Silver Cruise Agency of the Year Australia –
Phil Hoffman Travel: Glenelg, SA
* Gold Cruise Agency of the Year Australia –
Bicton Travel: Bicton, WA

“As the cruise industry continues to enjoy double digit growth it's a great time to recognise all of tonight's nominees and finalists for making this a great industry,” said ICCA chairman, Gavin Smith.

Cruise Weekly, proud sponsors of the Cruise Industry Awards, would like to congratulate all of tonight’s winners and finalists for their outstanding achievements.

For more cruise awards coverage including photos, see Monday’s edition of Travel Daily and next week’s Cruise Weekly issues.

ATTA Announces Featured Speakers for 2011 Adventure Travel World Summit

(SEATTLE) - The Adventure Travel Trade Association announced its featured speaker roster for the 2011 Adventure Travel World Summit (ATWS) set for October 17-20 in San Cristóbal de las Casas, Chiapas, Mexico.

Representing varied business disciplines, headliners for the adventure tourism industry's principal annual conference will address tourism trends, digital marketing, entrepreneurship, corporate social responsibility, indigenous tourism, values-driven business models, and demand creation.

Presenters for the 2011 Adventure Travel World Summit, themed, "Prosper with Purpose", and their respective talks include:

• Maryann Fernandez - Founder & President - Philanthropy Indaba: Fernandez explores how deeper-impact corporate social responsibility, traveler's philanthropy and volunteer programs succeed in an environment rich in mutual respect, shared values, and community empowerment.

• Leilani Latimer - Director, Sustainability Initiatives - Sabre Holdings: Through the lens of global strategy, marketing and business transformation, Latimer shares insights into how to create demand for sustainable product, while challenging problematic perceptions and stereotypes.

• Bruce Poon Tip - Founder - GAP Adventures: Poon Tip reveals his first-hand account of the artistic process of being an innovative and successful entrepreneur, of creating a company that represents one's own personality, the people who work within the business, and the spirit of an industry.

• Ben Sherman - President- Medicine Root, Inc.: Sherman shares ancient, universal values of native peoples and describes how to incorporate these values into practical, progressive and successful cultural preservation, environmental stewardship and community development models.

• Jens Thraenhart - Co-founder & President - Dragon Trail, previously with the Canadian Tourism Commission and Fairmont Hotels & Resorts: Thraenhart offers the industry's most comprehensive briefing on outbound Chinese tourism trends, followed by proven demand-generation strategies made possible through multi-cultural relevancy, social media and digital marketing solutions.

• Tensie Whelan - President - Rainforest Alliance: Whelan illustrates how using the power of markets, and connecting, educating and training the trade and consumers, helps to conserve forests and spur sustainable industries and economies worldwide.

"'Prosper with Purpose'" serves as our Summit theme this year as it reflects our undeterred interest in thriving and flourishing as businesses within an industry through gathered knowledge, thoughtful design and intent," said ATTA President Shannon Stowell. "We are determined to affect positive and measurable socio-economic and environmental change worldwide through adventure tourism- a model that serves as a powerful, real and sustainable economic force."

Entering its seventh year, the ATTA's Summit executive conferences engage, enlighten, inspire, and energize the leaders of the adventure travel community with networking, business and professional development programs, educational seminars and emerging adventure destination product review opportunities. Summit delegates, who also reflect ATTA's membership composition, include tour operators and adventure travel ground suppliers, tourism boards and destination marketing organizations, media, travel agents, lodges, and related tourism service organizations.

Industry and consumer research and trends, marketing and best practices will dominate the professional development sessions for the 2011 Summit. Political, economic and socio-cultural trends affecting adventure tourism, combined with emergent destinations, technology and niche products, will figure prominently into the research and trends track. For marketing, strategies addressing branding, marketing and advertising, with a heavy emphasis on digital marketing, will serve as focal points. On the tactical level, marketing session will address budgets, marketing mixes and integrated campaigns, backed by ready-to-use game plans for delegates. Integrated throughout the entire Summit, delegates also will gain education and training in best practices for sustainable tourism.

ATTA's full slate of speakers for 2011 ATWS and the complete, day-by-day agenda, is expected ahead of the April 15, 2011, Early Bird registration deadline.

Partners for the 2011 ATWS include the Chiapas Convention and Visitors Bureau, the State Government of Chiapas and the Tourism Ministry of Mexico and the Mexico Tourism Promotion Board.

Established in 1990, Seattle-based ATTA (www.adventuretravel.biz) is a global membership organization dedicated to unifying, networking, professionalizing, promoting and responsibly growing the adventure travel market. Host of the annual Adventure Travel World Summit executive trade conferences (www.adventuretravelworldsummit.com), the ATTA also makes possible www.Adventure.Travel, the traveler's hub of physical, cultural and nature-based adventure travel and guide to trusted tour operators.

Eruption of Mount Bromo volcano

This Bulletin is current for Saturday, 29 January 2011.
The Bulletin was issued on Friday, 28 January 2011, 15:23:48, EST.

Since 27 January 2011, a number of flights between Bali and Australia have been cancelled or redirected due to a volcanic ash cloud from the eruption of Tenggar caldera in the Mt Bromo volcano complex in East Java.

At this stage, the airport at Bali remains open, however, some airlines have decided to cancel or delay departures to and from Bali. Flight disruptions could continue in Bali and could also occur in other parts of Indonesia.

Any Australians affected by these disruptions should, in the first instance, contact their airline, travel agent and/or insurance company for advice and assistance.

You should monitor the media for information about flight disruptions.

Australians should read our full travel advice for Indonesia, which is kept under constant review.

Be a smart traveller. Before heading overseas:

o organise comprehensive travel insurance and check what circumstances and activities are not covered by your policy
o register your travel and contact details, so we can contact you in an emergency
o subscribe to this travel advice to receive free email updates each time it's reissued.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Canberra may be contacted on (02) 6261 3305.

Australian Travellers Give Up Emailing and Shopping

A brand new travel survey by Medina Apartment Hotels reveals that Australian travellers still value the back to basics approach to holidays and hotels.

As Australians settle back into their jobs and busy lifestyles after summer holidays, a new survey* conducted by Medina Apartment Hotels reveals what leisure travellers really want. On holidays, travellers are abandoning their addiction to email and shopping, preferring to keep in touch with phone calls amongst visits to museums and reading books.

The results of the survey showed that Australian travellers are more than happy to leave their addiction to email at home. Almost 50% thought a good old fashioned telephone conversation was the best way to keep in touch whilst on the road. Interestingly, the survey also revealed that almost a quarter didn't want to stay in touch at all whilst travelling.

More than half of all respondents indicated that the best thing about being away from home was soaking up a new city's culture including: going to museums, admiring the local architecture and checking out tourist attractions. This was in stark contrast to the less than ten percent that wanted to indulge in shopping whilst travelling, with only a similar amount of people packing an extra bag for souvenirs.

In line with this back to basics approach to travel, the must have suitcase items were no more high tech than a camera (34% always packed this item) and a good book (18% always packed this item). Both of these out ranked iPhones and/or BlackBerrys.

When asked about hotels over 60% of respondents thought a 'great location' was the most important feature of a hotel followed by space (16%).

Lisa Phillips, Director of Brands and Communication said: "The survey helped us to collect some real insights from our guests. The results have reinforced our commitment to Medina's core brand offerings - sleek, stylish and spacious apartment hotels in great city locations. Medina apartments are also a great solution for the quarter of respondents that crave a home cooked meal while they're away!"

Medina Apartment Hotels conducted the survey in order to gain insights from Australian leisure travellers about what they love about staying in hotels and travelling. The information will be used to improve each guest experience at the 21 Medina Apartment Hotels across Australia.

For more information about Medina Apartment Hotels or to book, visit www.medina.com.au or phone 1300 MEDINA (633 462).

*Research conducted by Medina Apartment Hotels. The survey was distributed online with a total of 1382 respondents

Summary of survey results:
• 47% of respondents keep in touch via phone whilst travelling
• 23% of respondents didn't stay in touch at all whilst travelling
• 52% of respondents thought the best thing about being away from home was soaking up a new city's culture - museums, architecture, tourist attractions...
• 9% of respondents enjoy shopping the most whilst on holiday
• 34% of respondents always packed a camera
• 18% of respondents always packed a good book
• 14% of respondents always packed an iPhone or BlackBerry
• 60% valued a great hotel location above all other facilities
• 16% valued space in their hotel room above all other facilities
• 25% miss a home cooked meal most when travelling

Scotland's Easto Named to Adventure Travel Trade Association Advisory Board

(SEATTLE) - Co-founder and chief executive officer of internationally acclaimed sustainable adventure tour company Wilderness Scotland, Paul Easto has joined the Advisory Board of the Adventure Travel Trade Association, a global membership organization dedicated to unifying, networking, professionalizing, promoting and responsibly growing the adventure travel market.

Entrepreneur and Scotland native, Easto founded Wilderness Scotland, an award-winning tour company reputed for innovative adventure experiences in Scotland's most undeveloped locations. Wilderness Scotland has earned recognition by National Geographic as one of the Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth, the Best Green Tour Operator in the World Travel Awards, and is a multiple time winner in the World Travel Mart Responsible Tourism Awards.

"Global leaders often rise to the surface by being at the center of influence as they work to bring various industry groups together for a common cause," said ATTA President Shannon Stowell. "We saw this trait in the Wilderness Scotland team, and Paul, with these proven characteristics, is an obvious selection to join the ATTA board. Paul's involvement will help us stay more relevant and connected to a location where we've held an Adventure Travel World Summit."

Easto also currently serves as an active champion for local and strategic development of the industry and advises public and private sectors throughout Europe on best practices in sustainability and marketing.

"In the three years that Wilderness Scotland has been members of the ATTA, I have seen Shannon and his team grow in stature and influence," said Easto. "I am sure that the ATTA will play a significant role in shaping the travel industry in the coming years and I am delighted to be able to contribute to their mission."

Established in 1990, the Seattle-based Adventure Travel Trade Association, with nearly 700 members worldwide, serves as the adventure tourism trade hub for tour operators, destination marketing organizations, tourism boards, specialty travel agents, guides, accommodations, media and service providers. Host of the annual Adventure Travel World Summit executive trade conferences, the ATTA publishes AdventureTravelNews.com the adventure travel trade's news source, and also makes possible Adventure.Travel, the traveler's hub of physical, cultural and nature-based adventure travel and guide to trusted tour operators from around the globe.

Latin Trails Launches New Luxury Cruise Galapagos Grand Odyssey

Starting February 1, 2011 Latin Trails will add another luxury boat to their top quality Odyssey liners and their first class Galapagos Journey Fleet. The new yacht was built from scratch at the port city of Guayaquil having the highest standards of safety and comfort in mind. These accommodations, that include spacious living areas, luxurious and comfortable environments, combined with Latin Trail's signature impeccable service, will be the perfect combination to explore this unparalleled natural sanctuary that is the Galapagos Islands in style.

M/Y Grand Odyssey will have a capacity for 16 passengers, featuring 7 spacious suites and one Master Suite all equipped with panoramic windows to enjoy the marvelous landscapes of the Islands and to open towards the fresh air flow, private bathrooms with hot/cold water, air conditioning with independent controlling for every room, minibar and television. These cabins will also be adaptable to twin bed or to one faux king bed. There will be connected suites ideal for families as well. The Main Deck will feature social areas such as our spacious and comfortable saloon, dining room areas, bar and a mini library. To enjoy the cool breeze and always captivating scenery, visitors will have an alfresco dining area, an open air bar along with two Jacuzzis and Balinese sun beds. Continuing Latin Trail's commitment to service, this new boat will finally be complemented with a Spa area with a complete massage and therapies menu. There will truly be no comparison to Grand Odyssey's Galapagos experience.

The boat will be designed to very high environmental standards to ensure its ecological footprint on this natural relic is minimal and thus assure the Galapagos Islands will continue dazzling future generations to come. This is why the M/Y Grand Odyssey will navigate with the latest technology available and will surpass all necessary safety requirements. This company, with over 20 year's experience, specializes in custom tours for small groups or individuals and only works with the most professional crew available. This crew includes a certified naturalist English speaking guide, available in various other languages as well, which will unlock the mysteries found in every single, unique island. From snorkeling and kayaking with playful sea lions, to hiking side by side with the mythical Galapagos tortoises, to discovering the numerous bird species that led to Darwin's theory of evolution ,to simply relaxing on many colorful beaches, Latin Trails will deliver the journey of a lifetime.

Latin Trail's also announces that starting 2011 they will have more tour length options in all their boats. There will be 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12 and 15 day tour that can be made in numerous combinations to adapt to every client's specific needs. With these new additions Latin Trails can offer more varied and complete itineraries so every single visitor leaves cuador entirely satisfied. This will also help reduce stress from every island's ecosystem and reiterate the company's eco-friendly mission. Galapagos Grand Odyssey prices will range from $3,400 to $4,080 in the 5 day tours to $10,500 to $12,600 in the 15 day tours.

Latin Trails, www.latintrails.com