Search All Traveloscopy Sites


Tuesday, February 15, 2011

HAWAIIAN ADDS OSAKA IN ASIA EXPANSION


Hawaiian Airlines is expanding to Asia once again – this time to Osaka, Japan!

Hawaiian announced today the launch of daily, nonstop flights between Honolulu and Osaka, starting July 12. The new service will add approximately 100,000 new air seats to Hawaii's visitor industry from Japan's second-most populous region.



 

 

Agreement signed for a Bulgari Hotel in London Knightsbridge

Bulgari Hotels & Resorts signed an agreement today for the new Bulgari Hotel in London due to open in spring 2012.

The luxury hotel located in Knightsbridge, the most prestigious area of Central London next to Hyde Park, is the third hotel project of Bulgari Hotels & Resorts, after the opening of the Bulgari Hotel in Milan in 2004 and of the Bulgari Resort in Bali in 2006.

The Bulgari Hotel in London was designed for Bulgari by the renowned architectural firm Antonio Citterio, Patricia Viel & Partners, with Squire and Partners as the local architect for the project.

With the contemporary style and outstanding service and design for which Bulgari is famous, the hotel will feature sleek lines and refined colour combinations created using a variety of marbles, fine woods, and unique details.

Silver is the dominant theme of the interior design. The ancient yet timeless metal - a tribute to Bulgari’s origins as a silversmith and to Britain’s noble manufacturing traditions – expresses understated, poised elegance in line with the style of the Bulgari Hotels.

The Bulgari Hotel, London has been designed to incorporate the highest standards of environmental sustainability, and it has already been awarded Best Hotel and Development at the prestigious UK Property Awards 2010 in association with Bloomberg Television.

The hotel, with its 85 rooms and suites -- including seven extraordinary Bulgari suites, each more than 200 square meters large -- will offer a unique combination of refined amenities and exclusive services. Its restaurant and bar were designed to become the destination of choice in Knightsbridge. The hotel will also feature a large ballroom, a private cinema and a 2,000 square meter SPA and fitness centre with 25 meter indoor pool .

Francesco Trapani, CEO of Bulgari Group, said, “We are extremely proud to be able to open a Bulgari Hotel in the heart of London, something that we have wanted to do for a long time. This hotel -- the first new hotel built in London in over 40 years – will be another important element in the Bulgari Hotels & Resorts project. I’m convinced that it will be a further statement of our brand in the UK, which is a strategic market for luxury goods.”

Antonio Citterio said, “Constructing a new building in this part of London is an event because the city tends to be extremely conservative due to its consolidated urban plan. The architectural style of the project reflects the rigour of the Bulgari Hotel in Milan: its classic, solid, contemporary style will consolidate the urban landscape in an area of London that is undergoing a profound transformation. In this sense, the use of Portland stone and bronze, which are typical materials of a certain architectural style of public buildings in London, and the precise façade design reveal a rigorous, modern approach to the theme.”

Lord David Puttnam, Chairman of Prime Development, said: " We are delighted to be working with Bulgari on this extremely exciting project. The hard work and dedication of everyone involved means we are firmly on track for the delivery in 2012 of an outstanding product which will raise the bar for standards of service and elegance within the Knightsbridge luxury hotel market while maintaining a modern approach to sustainability. The vision behind the Bulgari hotel and the attention to detail that characterises its design and construction epitomise the hard work that has been put in THE PROJECT and I look forward to its opening in 2012.

Monday, February 14, 2011

PEIRCE & LESLIE A LUXURY INDIA TRAVEL OPERATOR INTRODUCES "CIRCLE OF LIFE JOURNEYS THROUGH INDIA" TO THE AUSTRALIAN MARKET

PEIRCE & LESLIE A LUXURY INDIA TRAVEL OPERATOR INTRODUCES "CIRCLE OF LIFE JOURNEYS THROUGH INDIA" TO THE AUSTRALIAN MARKET

One of India's leading boutique luxury travel operators Peirce & Leslie is delivering dedicated first ever "Circle of Life - Journeys through India" experiences to the Australian travellers. Peirce & Leslie also offer a range of customised thematic itineraries featuring Wildlife, Culinary, Textiles, Craft and Sport.

"Peirce & Leslie tours truly reflect the unique colours of India including culture and history, festivals, palaces, spirituality, game parks and tastes of India" says Scott Cammell, National Sales Director for Peirce & Leslie Australian representative Momento Travel Service. " Luxury means thinking of the fine details; caring enough to minutely plan each day,  while still remaining flexible to travellers wants, needs  and budget."

Tours include Peirce & Leslie Specials such as the 12–day tour "A Royal Romance" travelling through Delhi, Agra and Rajasthan. The tour starts with a walk in the back streets of Old Delhi guided by a former street child and features palaces "behind the curtains" exploring glittering chambers and boudoirs reserved for the royals of residence. It also introduces the lifestyle and culture of rural India while staying in deluxe tents and boutique hotels. Prices* starting from $ 4760 per person in twin including land arrangements, government service charges and a domestic flight.

"Eastern Rapture" is an 11-day tour to Assam, Orissa, Hyderabad and Kolkata, the first Capital of Great Britain's Indian Empire. In Kolkata the tour visits the architecturally bizarre Victoria Monument and the landmark Kali Temple. The tour continues to Kaziranga National Park, the home of the Indian Rhino and a variety of Indian wildlife and Bhubaneswar, the Capital of Orissa a temple city dating back to the 2nd century. The tour, which is a blend of Indian nature, colourful history, art and architecture ends in Hyderabad famous for its gem stones and for its "monuments, mosques and mistresses. Prices* starting from $ 2260 in twin including land arrangements and domestic flights.

Other tours include the 14 day "Southern Harmony" through Tamil, Nadu and Kerala regions,

"Mountain Escapade" touring Delhi and Ullarakhand for 14 days, "Colours of the North" visiting  Delhi, Varanasi, Madhya, Agra and Jaipur for 12 days and the 13 day  "Serene South" tour.

Peirce & Leslie customised thematic itineraries featuring Wildlife, Culinary, Textiles, Craft and Sport such as the" Culinary tour to South India" and an experience around the Pushkar Camel Fair in Rajasthan.

For more information and booking details please contact, Momento Travel Services. Tel. 1300 300713 and www.peirceandleslie.com

* Prices are subject to change

Peirce & Leslie, caters to luxury boutique travel in India as well as Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka and the Maldives and is represented by Momento Travel Services in Australia. Renowned as 'one of the best purveyors of elegant journeys in the sub-continent', Peirce & Leslie has, since its inception set the benchmark for elegant, comfortable and seamless travel experiences that capture the real essence of the country.  Peirce & Leslie is an approved Virtuoso on site luxury tour operator in India.


Brisbane River Cruises are Back to Business

Now that the Brisbane River is open for limited use to commercial vessels, Brisbane's river cruises are getting back to business.

Mirimar Cruises, Kookaburra River Queens, River City Cruises and Brisbane Star Cruises have all reopened after a month of being closed following the floods.

All of Brisbane's river cruises are using temporary pick up and drop off locations at either North Quay, Brett's Wharf or Manly.

The message is clear- the best way to support the tourism industry in Brisbane is to support these businesses.

Mirimar Cruises
Operating daily from temporary location at North Quay
Rob Treasure
Ph: 0412 749 426 or 0419 726 688

River City Cruises
Operating daily - departing North Quay 10.30am and 12.30pm
Carolyn Timms
m: 0428 278 473
e: info@rivercitycruises.com.au

Kookaburra River Queens
Both paddleboats departing from Brett's Wharf for day and evening cruises.
Jim Kelly
m: 0407 500 843
e: jim@brisbanecruises.com.au

Brisbane Cruises
Departing from Manly for the next week - 10 days and then returning to Brett's Wharf
Jim Kelly
m: 0407 500 843
e: jim@brisbanecruises.com.au

Brisbane Star Cruises
Contact:
Darren Wensor
m: 0433 418 569
e: bstar@bigpond.net.au


Why Journalists Don't Read Press Releases


Journalists receive hundreds of press releases each week. So how do you ensure yours is read?

Old school press releases no longer cut it in a world of Twitter, online news and video content.

Long subject headings, uncaptioned and unsolicited image attachments, generic Dear All, open group emails and press releases that don't immediately get to the point will all end up in the deleted folder.

Update your skills and learn the new craft of press release writing straight from a journalist with PitchIt2Me PR training.

Lead by leading journalist, Rachael Oakes-Ash, PitchIt2Me press release, pitching and PR half day workshops are being held in Sydney on March 22 and 24 and Melbourne on March 30 and 31.

Visit www.pitchit2me.com.au for full workshop details

Conference and Corporate News from Peppers


Teleconferences are out. Business travel is back in. Peppers Hotels, Resorts and Apartments has an array of deals for corporate travellers and conference organisers.

FRASER COAST, QUEENSLAND
MEMORABLE EVENTS: For conferencing in style consider the full-day delegate packages from $50* per person at the popular Peppers Pier Resort in Hervey Bay. This special rate includes conference room hire, morning and afternoon tea, a conference luncheon, pads, pens, mints, iced water, flipchart, whiteboard and complimentary data projector hire. Valid for sale until March 31 for conferences held before June 30, 2011 for a minimum of 20 delegates. Great accommodation choices are also available. Call 07 4194 9700 or email pierresort.conf@peppers.com.au.

TROPICAL NORTH QUEENSLAND
BUSINESS & LEISURE: Escape to the haven of Port Douglas for business with a touch of leisure, with a great Conference Special at the stylish Peppers Beach Club for conferences booked by May 31 and held before June 24. A full-day delegates package starts from $45* per person, with single share accommodation from $224* per person, including waking up to a sumptuous Continental Breakfast daily. Book your conference for between 8 and 25 delegates and receive a complimentary two-hour team building experience 'Race Around Port Douglas'. This will allow delegates to explore the region's sites, plus guests can enjoy the resort's private swim-up pool decks around a lagoon pool, lush tropical gardens and perhaps indulge in the onsite Exclusive Spa. Call 07 4087 1000 or email portdouglas.events@peppers.com.au.

IT'S A DEAL: It is hard to refuse the combination of the inviting tropical location of Palm Cove, the fantastic facilities of Peppers Beach Club & Spa and a great deal when it comes to doing business. Book your beachside conference before March 31 receive a complimentary 30-minute drinks and canapé package for one evening during your conference. Also, for every 10 delegates booked on a day delegate package, receive one day delegate package for free, along with free data projection and screen hire for each day of the conference. Plus choose between a complimentary return seat in coach airport transfers or 10 per cent discount on the total food and beverage bill during one on-site dinner function. Full-day delegate packages start from $45* per person and single share accommodation starts from $203* per person, including breakfast. This offer is available for conferences held before June 30th, with delegate numbers between 40-80 guests. Call 07 4059 9275 or email vanessa.pope@peppers.com.au

SMART MOVE: Make an executive decision to hold your coming conference at the stunning Peppers Balé Resort in Port Douglas, and add a dash of unsurpassed luxury and style to your event with lush rainforest surroundings and pavilion accommodation inspired by South East Asian architecture. Book your meeting before May 31, to be held by June 24 in a Sanctuary occupied by two or more delegates for the duration of the conference, and the delegate rate will be halved*. Full-day delegate rate is from $120* and half-day delegate rate is from $75*, with a One Bedroom Sanctuary priced from $610* per night, including breakfast for two. This resort's luxuriously appointed four bedroom Sanctuaries provide a wonderfully unique meeting experience and can cater for up to 18 delegates. Dining options range from a personalised barbecue in the sanctuary to fine dining in the onsite restaurant, and themed events at the beach or in the rainforest setting are very popular. Call 07 4084 3000 or email bale@peppers.com.au.

MAGNETIC ISLAND, QUEENSLAND
CONFERENCE CALL: There's so much to experience on Magnetic Island, from the amazing natural attractions to the allure of Peppers Blue on Blue Resort, the ideal location for a conference. Book a conference for 40 to 80 delegates before May 31 and enjoy an hour of island-style welcome drinks and canapés with stunning views of the Magnetic Island marina. Full-day delegate packages start from $68* per person and single share accommodation is from $176* per person in a stylish Hotel Room with a full buffet breakfast daily. This uniquely located resort is just 20 minutes by Fastcat ferry from Townsville. Call 07 4758 2407 or email events.blueonblue@peppers.com.au.

THE WHITSUNDAYS, QUEENSLAND
WORK, REST & PLAY: Combine the best of everything at Peppers Coral Coast Resort in the holiday wonderland of Airlie Beach, where you can grab great conference specials. Book before May 31 to hold a conference before June 30 for a minimum of 30 full-day delegate packages and receive complimentary room hire for your conference dinner and a spa voucher to the value of $100 for the event organiser. Plus receive a complimentary 30-minute welcome or post-conference reception, or 30-minute pre-dinner cocktail reception if more than 50 delegates are booked on a full-day delegate package, which start from $58* per person. Single share accommodation is from $245* per night including a tasty breakfast. Peppers Coral Coast Resort boasts the delightful Tides Restaurant & Bar, magnificent views of the Whitsunday Passage and islands, a welcoming pool and a free shuttle bus from the resort to Airlie Beach town centre running between 9am and 7pm. Call 07 4962 5100 or email sandi.holman@peppers.com.au.

SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS, NEW SOUTH WALES
BUSINESS BUILDER: If you need a place for your upcoming conference then aim to impress with the first class facilities at Peppers Manor House. Superb meals include a complimentary stay for two people with events booked between February and April, with events booking 10 rooms or more receiving a free 10-minute head or shoulder massage for delegates, a complimentary group boot camp session for bookings of 30 rooms or more and a complimentary bottle of local wine for delegates when 60 or more rooms are booked. Single accommodation starts at $179* per night including breakfast, a full-day delegate package is $60 and half-day is $50 per person.
Visit www.peppers.com.au or call 02 4860 3111.

DAYLESFORD, VICTORIA
BEST FOR BUSINESS: Peppers Springs Retreat and Mineral Spa in Hepburn Springs has a Refreshing Summer Events conference special for delegates venturing to the beautiful Daylesford and Macedon Ranges region. A full-day delegate package is from $65* and accommodation is from $195* per night single share , or from $180* per night single share if 40 room nights or more are booked before March 9, 2011. The retreat offers enjoyable activities and a stunning setting for a summer conference or event, with refreshing mineral pools and water therapy treatments at the award-winning Mineral Spa, a fully-air conditioned conference centre for up to 80 and healthy summer menus. There's also a range of mineral water bush walks nearby, together with Daylesford Lake - a great option for boating, kayaking and water activities. Let our experienced conference and events team tailor a complete program. Prices are midweek, Sunday to Thursday. Call 03 5321 6273 or email rhiannon.campbell@peppers.com.au.

GREAT OCEAN ROAD, VICTORIA
CONFERENCE SPECIAL: Whether you have a cosy 10 or a busy 400 delegates to impress, Peppers The Sands in Torquay can help you make the most with its summer special for conferences. Just over an hour from Melbourne, this premium golf resort features 112 various guest rooms, a state of the art conference centre, indoor pool, gymnasium and restaurant. Single studio rooms start at $209* per night including breakfast, with a conferencing day package rate of $65* per person, which is $5 off the standard rate. Add a round of golf for $65 per person, including 18 holes with cart hire. Valid for new bookings only and for events held before March 31. Call 03 5264 3333 or email ebony.kirk@peppers.com.au.

*Conditions apply. Subject to availability.

El Salvador Emerges as Eco Destination


EL SALVADOR EMERGES AS ECO-ADVENTURE DESTINATION WITH "GREEN" PORTFOLIO OF ITINERARIES, CENTRALIZED BOOKING SYSTEM: ECOEXPERIENCIAS EL SALVADOR

For the first time online, El Salvador is "speaking the language" of international travel companies with a new centralized booking system for eco and adventure travel:  www.ecoexperienciaselsalvador.com. This website provides detailed information on multitudes of new itineraries in Central America's least explored country, El Salvador.

Surfing the world's best waves at dawn, mountain biking along the narrow trails of the coffee highlands at midday and kayaking the serene channels of the mangrove forests that line the Pacific Ocean are the types of day trips that make El Salvador a prime destination for thrill-seekers and outdoor lovers alike.  EcoExperiencias also recently launched a new line of seaside tours including endangered sea turtle nesting and release tours, whale watching and artisan fishing with local guides!

EcoExperiencias El Salvador has developed exciting itineraries with international tour operators such as GAP Adventures and ResponsibleTravel.com.  The expert staff at EcoExperiencias seeks to work with adventure and ecotourism firms across the U.S. and Europe to create unique itineraries with its growing list of well-trained inbound operators.

The innovative EcoExperiencias El Salvador business model was designed to support small-scale tour providers with the expert guidance of sustainable tourism consulting firm, EplerWood International, in cooperation with an extensive local team that has combed the countryside for the best national parks, deserted beaches, colonial villages and back-country adventures available.

EcoExperiencias upholds the international sustainable tourism standards, the Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria (GSTC), developed as part of an initiative led by Rainforest Alliance, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the United Nations Foundation, and the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).

The full EcoExperiencias tour portfolio is available at: http://www.ecoexperienciaselsalvador.com


Last Month's Most Popular Posts

The Expeditionist

The Expeditionist
Venturing to the world's special places