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Women Dominating the World of Travel

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Badass Women Who Are Dominating the World of Adventure Travel

In honor of International Women’s Day, Friday March 8, 2019, these inspiring travel professionals are working to make outdoor travel a more balanced place for women around the world.

This Mar. 8, 2019 is International Women’s Day (IWD), and the theme is #BalanceforBetter, focusing on how a more gender-balanced world will create a better working environment for everyone. It couldn’t come at a better time; in the outdoor travel industry, women have been historically under-represented – particularly in leadership positions. According to The Adventure Travel Trade Association’s report “Out in Front: Tracking Women’s Leadership in Adventure Travel,” while women make up 60-70% of the travel industry, only 38% of board positions are held by females in the adventure sector, and there are significantly fewer female guides on average, especially in developing destinations.

However, women are beginning to break down the barriers of this male-dominated sector, and along with “The Rise of the Female Adventurer” and women’s-only travel providers comes a marked increase in women taking on more leadership roles, and challenging the status quo.

Here are just a handful of driven, fearless women from around the world who are working every day to make their mark in adventure travel:

Payal Mehta

Expedition Leader – India, Nepal & Bhutan

Natural Habitat Adventures

Payal Mehta may have spent her childhood in urban Mumbai, but her lifelong love for the outdoors has led her to become a Nat Hab Expedition Leader, guiding travelers throughout the remote and wild areas of India, Nepal and Bhutan. Once a member of an elite training program for India safari guides, Payal started leading tours in India’s Kanha National Park, and is now a multi-disciplined wilderness specialist and trained mountaineer. As a Nat Hab guide, Payal interprets the nature and local culture she and her groups explore together, as well as being a translator, teacher and storyteller – all while ensuring the trip runs smoothly.

Badass Claim to Fame: “I was part of an all-women mountaineering expedition up the 6420-metre-high Mt. White Sail in the Himalayas. We ended up in a serious rescue situation on our way back when our guide suffered high altitude pulmonary edema. But we all made it back alive!”

Future Goals: “I’d love to have my own wildlife tourism project near a forest. One that is much more than a commercial outfit, that truly involves everyone in the local community, is a center for learning and is run with high standards of environmental consciousness.”

What IWD Means to Payal: “It’s saluting and celebrating all the women of the past who fought for women’s place in society, and because of whom I get to enjoy my life as it is today. It also brings a hope that the message will continue to spread and there will be further change in attitudes in the future.”

Maritza Chacacanta

Deputy Operations Manager – Treks, Inca Trail

Exodus Travels

Maritza Chacanta is a proud single mother and a former Inca Trail Guide who has worked her way up to become the Deputy Operations Manager for Exodus Travels. When Maritza was first told how challenging it was to become an Exodus guide (applicants have to take special training courses and be among the best guides in order to be hired), she became determined to secure the coveted role. After years of hard work and dedication, Maritza made good on her promise to herself – and is now not only leading Exodus Travels’ signature Inca treks, but managing the operations from start to finish while collaborating with porters, horse wranglers, and guides.

Badass Claim to Fame: “Being a single mom is one of the things I’m proudest of. Nowadays, women do not need a man to push ahead. To the single mothers out there: it’s important to know that you are not alone. You can have a successful career while being a successful mom.”

Future Goals: “To develop some projects related to the environment (reforestation, clean campaigns, etc.), and train our staff on how important it is to take care the environment – not only to benefit our treks, but to share the results with our communities.”

What IWD Means to Maritza: “It means rights and gender equality. [It’s the ability to] make your decisions – and be free from violence and discrimination.” 

Alice Goodridge

Adventure Coordinator – Scotland

Wilderness Scotland

Alice Goodridge keeps a sledgehammer in her car during the winter, so she can go swimming anytime, anywhere – no matter how frozen the lochs may be. That’s because as an extreme cold water swimmer, she isn’t afraid of a little physical discomfort – which is part of what made her want to become an Adventure Coordinator for Wilderness Scotland.

The company runs the type of trips Alice always wanted to experience herself, which means she now combines her love of the great outdoors with her expertise in organizing sustainability and adventure holidays.

Badass Claim to Fame: “My long distance and cold-water swims. I swam the 21-mile English Channel in 2012 and the length of the 22-mile Loch Lomond in 2018, which took place overnight from 6 p.m. – 8 a.m. the next morning. I also completed an Ice Mile last year, which was a mile in water less than 5 C° without a wetsuit.”

Future Goals: “I want to challenge myself in a discipline I am not so familiar with. I am currently working through my sea kayaking qualifications, with the hope of becoming a sea kayak guide in the future. Paddling or swimming… any excuse to spend more time on/in the water! “

What IWD Means to Alice: “There is still a lot of inequality in the outdoor activity sector and International Women’s Day mean taking a closer look and seeing what can be done about it. UK society is 51% female. Yet we know that there are less women and girls participating in the types of outdoor activities likely to lead to the interest, skill and motivation to pursue a career in this area. I would like to see greater equality in the outdoor activity sector and a higher percentage of female guides leading walking, biking and paddling trips in the UK.”

Laura Adams

Explorer, Consultant & Artist – BC, Canada

Adventure Canada

Laura Adams, an Adventure Canada expedition guide, is also a professional member of the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides and the Canadian Avalanche Association and was the fifth woman in Canada to become a fully certified winter Ski Guide. She also has a Masters degree in Leadership, with her research focused on decision making and risk management in mountain environments. In her spare time, Laura mentors people who aspire to a career in the professional mountain guiding industry, and coaches women in building leadership and backcountry skills.

Badass Claim to Fame: “In January 2019 I lead a small group expedition to Northern China; close to the borders of Kazakhstan, Russia and Mongolia to experience the ancient Tuvan mountain culture, and to ski-tour amongst the ‘Golden’ mountains of the region. We went during a time when China/Canada relations were tense, which added a great deal to the risk of traveling to this little-known part of the world. We all embraced the challenges with faith and endurance, and were rewarded with a remarkable experience of awe, cooperation, trust, and unity.”

Future Goals: I am now focusing my career to increasing awareness, stewardship and leadership of these special places and cultures; through expeditions, my art and speaking/presentations.

What IWD Means to Laura: “International Women’s Day calls on us to give thanks and appreciation for the women in our lives and communities who live life with courage, integrity, and grace, who don’t just accept the way things are, and who make a genuine difference in the lives of themselves and others. It’s a day to inspire and cultivate qualities in emerging women around us who have big dreams and can make their ideas real.”

About Bannikin Travel & Tourism

Bannikin is a Toronto and Hong Kong-based travel and tourism consultancy dedicated to enhancing the businesses of niche-focused tour operators, destinations and lodging providers worldwide. Bannikin was built on a great respect for travel-minded visionaries who provide the utmost experiences in the wildest parts of the planet. With a combined 50+ years of experience, Bannikin knows what needs to come together to turn a travel company into the travel company, and a place into a destination.

To know more, visit Bannikin on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

SANCTUARY ON CAMELBACK MOUNTAIN

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It’s Time to Seek Refuge at Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain

By Patrick T Cooper

Sunshine and serenity await you at the Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain. A unique property nestled in beautiful Scottsdale area with a meticulous landscape design. The views alone will bring your mind & body to a peaceful state. Pairing the view with exceptional service makes this travel destination a must visit. Moreover, the new category of room titled camelback casitas and suites are absolutely phenomenal. Get ready to see sunset in a new way.

Wake up and prepare to sizzle by the pool for a gorgeous Arizona tan. Then dash to the spa where there are 12 indoor and outdoor treatment rooms that will renew your spirit. Originally designed as a tennis ranch for the elite, this property is steeped in history. It’s no secret, that American businessman Bob Costellini was a patron of the facility and knew the potential for an award-winning respite for affluent clientele. Year-round outdoor dining is a plus or wrap your day as the hotel boast a magnificent dining experience at Elements with bespoke cocktails. The Sanctuary will have you practicing a new religion of hospitality.

For more about Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort and Spa visit : http://www.sanctuaryoncamelback.com/

The Northwoods of Wisconsin: An Outdoorsman’s Paradise

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By Jake Porter & Vaughn Lowery

There is no better place in the United States to experience as many snow and cold-weather activities in one day as there is in the Northwoods region of Wisconsin. The two larger towns, Cable and Hayward, which are located in the far north of the state, act as home bases for tourists to Wisconsin. Hayward is a small, quaint town in Sawyer County, Wisconsin. It is characterized by its gently rolling hills, while Cable is just 15 minutes away. Aside from being known for it emphasis on outdoor activities, Cable is also renowned for being the starting point of the American Birkebeiner cross-country skiing race. There are also nationally renowned restaurants within a short 30 minute drive. Both locations offer an opportunity to escape from the stress of congested metropolitan cities and relax in the welcoming environment that both towns offer.

Traveling from the west coast, the north of Wisconsin is a dramatic change of pace from the bustling vibes of the many developed metropolitan cities. It is also the top destination for most snow-related adventure spots. The food and travel businesses in the area, the top two largest economies in the northern Wisconsin, are thriving and are welcoming to new small-businesses. With a well-developed and diverse school system in the surrounding communities, both towns are extremely capable of hosting both tourists and accommodating people intending to move to the region.

With their proximity to the great woods of the Chequamegan National Forest and the sparkling waters of Lake Owen and Namakagon, the recreational activities are abundant. Activities range from cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, ice fishing, and winter fat biking. Cable is an epicenter for skiers, offering wonderfully groomed trails traversing the relatively flat landscape. At the start of the Birkebeiner trail in Cable, there is a newly built rest area and event center which offers a wide range of amenities including a source of heat in the wintertime. Snowmobiling is a crucial activity for the adventure-seeking traveler. It is also a staple for most of the locals in the area. In addition, ice fishing is a classic wintertime sport and can be done on most frozen lakes in the area. Fat Bike riding and snowshoeing can be done by most any able-bodied traveler. Bikes and snowshoes can be picked up at Howl Adventure Center, while snowmobiles can be rented from Hayward Power Sports.

As for the less adventurous travelers, downtown Hayward, which was named one of five Hallmark-worthy small towns in Wisconsin, is easy to explore. The downtown includes small boutiques and coffee/pastry shops which line the beautiful, quiet streets. Meet the artists at local art shops such as Art Beat and Nordic Northwoods, who specialize in fun, artsy gifts and souvenirs. Hayward Mercantile is a delightful place as well, filled with Wisconsin-made goods, while Ronnings, just a few doors down provides everything from moccasins to sweatshirts. Just 10 minutes away, Glassy Ladies Art Studio provides a fun environment to get your creative juices flowing while you learn glass fusing, bead making, metal-smithing, and how to work with stained glass.

After a long day in the snow, there is nothing better than a hot meal at lunch or at the end of the day. Lucky for you, there are countless, award winning, restaurants within close proximity. Tamarack Farms Winery is not only the number one winery in the area, but also provides small sandwiches and artisan pizza. The Old Southern Smokehouse, a creation of the award winning BBQ chef Dave Anderson, is the epitemy of a BBQ experience. Their menu consists of quality meats, fresh produce, and award winning sauces. The Landing, situated on the Chippewa Flowage is an amazing place known for its nationally renowned fish fry and its liquor bar. The owners, Chris and Elsie Lee are extraordinary people and are extremely hospitable. Located in Cable, The Brick House Cafe is a quaint place featured on Food Network’s Diners, Drive-in, and Dives with Guy Fieri. Serving sandwiches and fresh salads, they are known for their locally sourced meats and vegetables. It even occupies one of the oldest buildings in Cable, dating back to the 1800s!

Finally, The Rookery exhibits casual gourmet dining at its finest. The Rookery’s ever-changing menu features fresh fish specials and their famous bison steak. Here you will find some of the best vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options you’ll find anywhere in the northern Wisconsin communities. And what’s Wisconsin without cheese? Most of the restaurants and dives nestled in the towns serve a wide range of cheeses and fried cheese curds which are almost like a staple in the state. With all of these amazing options for food in the area, your taste buds are in for a real treat!

Not only is there a multitude of thrilling activities interspersed amongst the trails, forest, and lakes surrounding the area, there are also countless establishments in which to shop and also create art. Both communities are extremely sustainable, and are excitedly welcoming tourists and thrill-seekers alike. The spirit of the towns are quite endearing. The eager traveler definitely has a chance to fully experience what the area has to offer in a 5 day to a week span. Can you imagine visiting a region for the first time and immediately feeling at home and being welcomed by the locals? Can you imagine having access to incredible activities and nationally recognized eateries? Then the sister towns of Cable and Hayward should be at the top of your list of future travels. They are communities that are welcoming and make you feel at home, no matter your background, ethnicity, or culture.

Restaurants and Eateries:

http://tamarackfarmswinery.com/

http://www.oldsouthernbbq.com/

http://www.thelcolanding.com/

http://thebrickhousecafe.net/

http://www.rookerypub.com/

Shopping and Art:

http://www.artbeatofhayward.com/

http://nordicnorthwoods.com/

http://haywardmercantileco.com/

http://ronningsofhaywardinc.business.site/

http://www.travelwisconsin.com/arts-and-culture/glassy-ladies-art-emporium-281937

Adventure Sports Rentals:

http://www.howlinbayfield.com/bike.html

http://www.haywardpowersports.com/

Eco-tourism

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Eco-tourism: the sexy growing trend in travel

Traveling the world, while saving the planet – sounds too good to be true. Yet, eco-tourism – travel intended to support conservation efforts while enjoying nature – dates back to the 70s and has been growing in popularity in recent years.

The trend’s resurgence takes shape as sustainability and green living are becoming the buzzwords of the 21st century. So much so that a recent study shows that responsible travel is outpacing overall growth in the trillion-dollar-plus tourism industry.

Many are skeptical of the recent boom in eco-tourism’s popularity, questioning the motives of travelers journeying to obscure places through programs that conserve sea turtles, whales, even rhinos and chimpanzees. However, no matter the rationale behind travelers’ decisions to book an eco-driven trip, the positive outcome of these programs on the environment is undeniable, when properly organized. By simply traveling to the world’s parks and reserves, tourists are helping to protect those wilderness areas by paying park fees and contributing to a local economy that supports conservation efforts. For more adventurous travelers, however, there are charitable opportunities for scuba divers and nature explorers alike to get involved while taking a well-deserved getaway.

Expeditioners can dive into the epicenter of global marine biodiversity aboard a liveaboard ship in Raja Ampat, explore the “soft coral capital of the world” in Fiji, or travel to Kenya and gain an insider’s look at wildlife conservation in the savannas and seas of the region.

Last year alone, Oceanic Society, America’s oldest non-profit organization dedicated to ocean conservation, saw more than 1,400 hours of conservation-related volunteering logged by its travelers.

Founded in 1969, the organization leads more than 40 trips annually, with destinations across 16 countries, to ensure there is a trip for any interested traveler to help improve ocean health by deepening their connections with nature. Oceanic Society also leads whale watching expeditions in the San Francisco Bay area nearly every weekend of the year.

By participating in an eco-tourism expedition, participants become an active member in a global effort to build a healthy future for the oceans and environment. And who wouldn’t love a vacation that has an added feel-good bonus to it?

GOING CUCKOO FOR SOUTHWEST GERMANY

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Going Cuckoo for SouthWest Germany

SouthWest Germany’s Specialist Program for Travel Agents

Informs, delights and awards certificates and a trip!

In little over a few hours, travel agents and anyone interested in

SouthWest Germany, officially the federal state of Baden-Württemberg, is a beautiful part of Germany that offers green hills and valleys, caves of ancient art and forests, large and small rivers and lakes, as well as great cities, palaces, castles and medieval monasteries. The variety means that visitors can have a total, in-depth German experience in just one visit. And, it is easy for travel agents to help their clients create that dream vacation.

The specialist program has 11 modules each with a different topic. The modules introduce the visitor with basic knowledge courses about why to go covering the top highlights such as the famous cities and towns; how to get there by plane, train, bus or car; and the best time of year to go. The variety of modules lead the travel agent through the courses in a fun, interactive and engaging manner so time passes quickly.

In the heart of Europe, SouthWest Germany is the country’s sunniest region. Bordering on France, Switzerland and Austria, SouthWest Germany offers visitors the perfect European experience. Rail is the convenient alternative to flying and is often the quickest way of getting around Europe and South-West Germany. Long-distance and local train times are coordinated to ensure quick, easy connections. The ICE-Intercity Express high-speed service offers at least one train every hour between Germany’s major cities and neighboring countries. SouthWest Germany has an excellent network of highways (Autobahn) and there are seven international airports.

World-famous highlights include the beautiful Black Forest and the sophisticated spa resort of Baden-Baden, but there are also lesser-known treasures and ready-to-be-discovered small town gems. SouthWest Germany appeals to young and old alike, thanks to its combination of unspoiled nature, outdoor activities, unique historical palaces and castles and world-class natural spas. It also offers fun festivals, and award-winning restaurants and wines. Anytime of year is fun in SouthWest Germany because there are the Christmas markets, skiing and winter sports and the Carnival (Fas’nacht) celebrations in the Black Forest; fall is a perfect time for enjoying the wines and going hiking through the two luscious wine regions as well as raising a Stein at Stuttgart’s famous beer festival; summer is wonderful for visiting the luxurious and historic castles and palaces while spring is perfect for almost everything especially the gardens and the fruit trees and indulging in the annual treat of white asparagus which is on every menu. At every time of year, the cities and towns, museums, opera, dance and festivals entertain and delight with their regular cultural performances and displays.

SouthWest Germany offers charming villages going back in time, historic towns and luxurious getaways. The university cities of Heidelberg, Tuebingen and Freiburg are vivacious and historic, each has its own highlights such as the Chocol’Art chocolate market in Tuebingen at Christmas time or the music festival in Heidelberg where famous people perform in intimate places throughout the town in the spring. Freiburg has an amazing wine festival in July and yet, at any time of year, these towns offer museums, restaurants and fabulous charm. Baden-Baden is a luxurious getaway where highlights include the world class performances at the Spielhaus and the casino.

SouthWest Germany has the potential to absorb visitors so while it is possible to see the entire state in seven to 10 days, we recommend spending one month. Of course this may be difficult for people who don’t have so much vacation time so it is understandable if you have to limit your time to certain regions or routes all of which are content and activity rich so you can experience a lot in a short time.

The north provides the towns of Heidelberg, the castle road, the Technomuseum of Mannheim, the ZKM Center for Art and Media in Karlsruhe and many castles and palaces such as royal palace and gardens of Schwetzingen and the asparagus route. The middle of the state is home to the capital of Stuttgart surrounded by the wine region of Wuerttemberg. Stuttgart has two world class art museums as well as museums for architecture and antiques. Einstein came from the town of Ulm in Swabia where there is also a fantastic bread museum and this is close to a great beer route and the town of Ehingen on the Danube as well as the baroque route and some of Europe’s most extraordinary cave art as well as the town of Ravensburg of puzzle fame. The Black Forest provides endless possibilities for hiking and biking and outdoor experiences. In the south, bordering Switzerland and Austria, Lake Constance is a paradise for families interested in the Bronze Age Village, the seaside castle of Meersburg, the UNESCO World heritage monastery island of Reichenau and the garden island of Mainau and the Zeppelin Museum to name a few.

Many travelers delight in that SouthWest Germay is a haven and heaven for car lovers. This is where the world’s first car was made and today the tradition of producing top notch cars of the future has not let up. Both Mercedes and Porsche call Stuttgart home. They have extraordinary museums and restaurants and interactive and changing exhibits. Stuttgart also is home to two car themed hotels and a world class car trading center where visitors can rent vintage cars, trade in their own vintage autos.. There are additional car museums in Ladenburg and Sinsheim and the Formula 1 racetrack at Sinsheim where visitors can complete test drives. So, whether you choose to do European delivery and picnic in a Porsche or you prefer to visit the work studios of Daimler and Maybach outside of Stuttgart and the museum dedicated to Benz in Mannheim, there are endless opportunities for gearheads.

Participants will learn about all of the above and more and those who complete all of the course modules earn a special certification that they can scan and upload to their websites and put in their signatures. It is a great way to start the year and give travel agents an opportunity to reach out to their clients with their new expertise and ideas. Those who complete eight of the 11 modules may be entered for a free trip to SouthWest Germany.

www.tourism-bw.de

http://going-cuckoo.com/

Sports Tours International Spring Marathons

Sports Tours International Invites Runners to Back-to-Back April 2019 Marathons in Rome and Paris

Two European capitals are gearing up for April 2019 when hordes of marathoners create their own spectacles while running through the ancient streets first of Rome and a few days later of Paris.

In 2018, the two cities combined hosted some 56,000 runners who took up the challenge of cobblestone streets and promenades flanked by some of the world’s most remarkable antiquities and architecture.

Sports Tours International, the pros at securing hotel packages and entry into prestigious running and cycling events around the globe, again this spring has lined up hotels (breakfasts included) convenient to the marathons and the services of its seasoned reps who will pamper and prep runners in advance of these events.

Rome Marathon 2019 is first up on Sunday, April 7. Every year 16,000 runners from over 130 countries come to Rome to explore ancient ruins such as the Roman Forum and the Colosseum during the Maratona di Roma weekend. Runners may obtain in advance a three-night (April 6-8) plan that includes overnight accommodations for three nights at the four-star Mercure Centro Colosseo, daily breakfasts, local assistance and a pasta party with beverages. The per person rate is from £529. Sports Tours International can also book entry into the marathon from now through Feb. 28 at £75 and from March 1-25 at £85. For details see here.

After running in the Eternal City, marathoners have until April 12 to get to the City of Lights for Paris Marathon 2019 on April 14. Sports Tours International stands ready to arrange accommodation in other places along the way. In Paris itself packages are available for two, three or four nights with two hotel options from £219 per person. With accommodation and daily breakfast come running rep services and guaranteed entry into the race. An early booking entry fee available for a limited time is £75 per entry. Staff service on the Paris Marathon includes a Marathon race briefing, daily hotel visits, an escorted trip to the Marathon Expo on Friday and Saturday and an escorted trip to the Marathon start.

The Paris Marathon, attracting over 40,000 runners annually, was established in 1977 during the beginning of a craze for big city, international marathons. There are now more than 23,000 runners from abroad, making up 40 percent of the field. The 26.2-mile running and sightseeing journey begins on one of the world’s most famous streets, Les Champs Elysées. From the foot of the Arc de Triomphe the route heads towards the Place de la Concorde. From the Rue de Rivoli runners sweep through the Place de la Bastille. Then comes a glimpse of greenery in the Bois de Vincennes which has views of Notre Dame and Eiffel Tower before reaching the finish line on the Avenue Foch.

Sports Tours International’s operations executive Simon is a huge fan of this race. Find out why he loves it here.

For Paris Marathon packages please see here.

Sports Tours International suggests booking race packages early. For more information, available packages, space availability and reservations please visit online, email: sales@sportstoursinternational.co.uk, or call: (+44) 161 703 8161.

Sports Tours International is Europe’s leading specialist in sports travel. Since inception in 1973 they have hosted thousands of participants and spectators at major sporting events worldwide. With the tagline, Our experience will make yours, the company’s initial roots came from a devotion to running when founder Vince Regan began taking runners to the NYC Marathon. Since the early 2000s, the company now embraces international cycling events, triathlon competitions, sports training camps and corporate hospitality.

Follow Sports Tours International on Social Media

French Renaissance Anniversary

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WEILL TO REPRESENT LOIRE VALLEY TOURISM BOARD FOR THE 500TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FRENCH RENAISSANCE

Geoffrey Weill Associates has been appointed US public relations representative of the Loire Valley Tourism Board, on behalf of Atout France, the France Tourism Development Agency, to promote the 500th Anniversary of the French Renaissance this year.

The year 1519 symbolically marked the start of the Renaissance, on the occasion of the death of Leonardo da Vinci at Amboise, the start of the construction of the Château of Chambord and the birth of Catherine de’ Medici in Florence. To mark the anniversary, the Loire Valley region, considered the birthplace of the French Renaissance, will celebrate the artistic, cultural, scientific and intellectual developments of this period with a number of celebrations held throughout 2019.

“We are thrilled to be working with the Loire Valley Tourism Board and Atout France to promote the celebration of such a fascinating period of history in France to travelers,” says Geoffrey Weill. “France is one of our favorite destinations in the world, and we are honored to have been invited to be a part of such a significant anniversary.”

Highlights in the Loire Valley region will include a large traveling digital show mixing contemporary artistic and musical creations, an international architecture competition, numerous exhibitions held in and around the châteaux of the Loire Valley and a variety of guided tours, banquets and international symposia.

To learn more about Geoffrey Weill Associates’ complete list of clients, visit their website.

BAUR AU LAC’S PAVILLON RESTAURANT

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BAUR AU LAC’S PAVILLON RESTAURANT AWARDED SECOND MICHELIN STAR

“THE PERFECT GIFT FOR OUR 175TH ANNIVERSARY”

The Pavillon restaurant at the Baur au Lac in Zürich has been awarded a second Michelin Star, it was announced earlier this week by the Michelin organization. “This comes as the perfect gift as we celebrate the 175th anniversary of our hotel,” said Andrea Kracht, sixth-generation owner of what is often described as the world’s finest hotel.

“Being awarded a second Michelin star is an incredible honor for our team,” says Pavillon chef, Laurent Eperon, “because maintaining the highest standards and inspiring our guests with new creations each time they visit are my biggest goals and most daunting challenges.” Eperon has over 20 years of experience working at the Baur au Lac and 10 years as the head chef at the Pavillon, bringing a creative and innovative approach to classic French haute-cuisine. Eperon stressed that he shares the upgraded Michelin recognition with restaurant manager, Aurélien Blanc, and Chef Sommelier, Marc Almert as well as their entire Pavillon team, all of whom take this accolade as motivation to continue focusing on total guest satisfaction.

ABOUT THE BAUR AU LAC

Voted the number one hotel in Europe in the 2018 Condé Nast Traveler Reader’s Choice Awards, the 119-room Baur au Lac has been owned and operated by the same family since it was built in 1844. A short walk from Zurich’s world-famous Bahnhofstrasse, the central Paradeplatz, Lake Zürich and the city’s bustling financial district, the hotel is a long-time favorite among the world’s elite, and is one of Europe’s few grand hotels that is still family-owned. In 2009, the hotel completed an approximately US$45-million renovation of its Michelin-starred Pavillon restaurant, Terrasse restaurant and various rooms and suites.

Vagabond Tours Accepts Two Top Awards

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Vagabond Small Group Tours of Ireland is no stranger to accepting awards. In early February the company received not one but two 2019 Irish Tourism Industry Awards presented Feb. 2 at the Clayton Hotel in Dublin.

These awards recognize those people and companies that create enhanced experiences to draw people to Ireland. Awards are granted across 15 categories for general initiatives such as accommodation and marketing, and regional specific awards for the Atlantic Way, Hidden Heartlands and Ancient East. Fifteen winners were chosen from among 75 shortlisted nominees. For more on the awards see http://www.irishtourismindustryawards.ie/

Vagabond Small Group Tours of Ireland’s 6 Day Ancient Ireland Tour won in the category Best Ireland’s Ancient East Tourism Experience, under 25,000 visitors. “We introduced this tour in 2018 to help answer the question, “Who are the Irish?” explained Rob Rankin, co-owner with his wife, Amy Rankin. In their imaginations guests burrow into bogs, scale crenellated towers and shimmy up mountains for glimpses of Ireland beginning with Iron Age Celts sifted into Stone Age sands. See: http://vagabondtoursofireland.com/tour/6-day-eastern-ireland-tour/.

Best Environmental Tourism Innovative went to Vagabond Tours of Ireland for environmental initiatives that in some instances have led to significant cost savings for the company while other initiatives are viewed as company investments that “we hope will have a long-term benefit to the environment,” said Rankin. These include:

Offsetting the company’s total annual carbon emissions and restoring Ireland’s lost woodlands with a program of replanting indigenous Irish hardwood trees.
Offering free compostable cups to guests to use in local coffee shops instead of non-recyclable cups.
Giving each guest an aluminum water bottle to use instead of single use plastic bottles, helping to eliminate an estimated 30,000 fewer plastic bottles per year in Ireland.

Vagabond’s staff curate locally owned accommodations, pubs and restaurants that help serve their goal of authenticity. In the end the mission is to have guests “love Ireland as much as we do.” Transport is in custom mini buses, Mercedes ‘Vagatrons’ or 4×4 Sprinters Newtrons that allows access beyond where regular tour buses go.

For details on all of Vagabond Small Group Tours of Ireland itineraries, availability and for 2019 reservations, please visit http://vagabondtoursofireland.com/. Call toll free (from the US) 1.833-230-0288; in Ireland 00353 (0) 1 5634358; or email: info@vagabond.ie.

Croatia’s Natural Habitat Adventures

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The planet’s leader in sustainable nature travel, Natural Habitat Adventures, has launched its newest trip, Wild Croatia by Land & Sea, a 10-day Adriatic adventure designed to go beyond the standard cruise and motor coach vacation and explore Croatia’s most secluded mountains, forests and islands in an intimate, small group setting.

Join two naturalist Expedition Leaders for a personalized, 12-person journey that begins with birdwatching with a local ornithologist in Lonjsko Polje Nature Park, the largest protected wetland in the entire Danube Basin. Enjoy wilderness walking in Plitvice Lakes National Park, noted for its turquoise travertine pools, 321 butterfly species and shy population of 50 endangered European brown bears. Then step aboard Fortuna, a private, 108-foot mahogany yacht, for an exclusive sailing among the Dalmatian Coast’s 1,100+ islands and reefs. Take in the splendid Mediterranean scenery while sea kayaking the shores of secluded limestone islands, each with its own unique offering of sheltered coves, tranquil caves, private beaches and dolphin populations.

Croatia’s ancient seaside towns and temperate climate set the stage for cultural tours and culinary discoveries. Explore Split’s Old Town – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – with an expert guide. Stroll through Vis, a tiny 5,000-year-old town replete with wild rosemary, sage, olive groves and lemon orchards, stopping at a farmhouse for a dinner of peka (a Dalmatian delicacy of vegetables, lamb and octopus roasted in an open fire). In the seaside town of Jelsia, sample the wares of a winemaker who is leading the area’s viticulture renaissance of indigenous varietals, and enjoy a farm-to-table garden feast with a local family who has lived on the island for generations.

Wild Croatia by Land & Sea runs September 5-14 and October 3-12, 2019, with per person double rates starting at USD $8,995 (add $4,495 for single supplement). All activities, accommodations, entrance fees, taxes, permits and service fees are included, along with two Expedition Leaders and local guiding, and most meals, gratuities, and airport/train station transfers.