Jetsettersblog

Biosphere Expeditions
CONTACT: Stephanie Moreland
TEL: 832-755-7661
E-MAIL: stephanie@atmstravelnews.com
WEB: www.biosphere-expeditions.org

Protecting ecosystems such as the Gulf of Mexico is critical to the preservation of the planet’s biodiversity, and as evidenced by the ecological repercussions of the oil spill, these delicate ecosystems are highly affected by both human and natural pressures.

Aside from contributing to a large part of the planet’s biodiversity, marine ecosystems contribute to the global economy, and so preservation becomes more than just an ecological necessity: it becomes an economic necessity. Dr. Matthias Hammer, founder of a non-profit volunteer wildlife conservation organization called Biosphere Expeditions, is well-acquainted with the challenges that come with attempting to protect some of the world’s most delicate marine environments.

For more than 10 years, his organization and its volunteers have worked to protect marine ecosystems.

”Preserving the biodiversity of our biosphere is one of the biggest challenges of our time”, says Dr. Matthias Hammer, “and not just because we have a moral obligation, but also because we are only beginning to realize the trillions of dollars of services provided by a biodiverse biosphere.

“Just think of the air and water filtering systems of the Amazon and the Atlantic, the protection of hillsides from mudslides by forests, the medicinal compounds that come from marine organisms that cannot be created by even our most advanced chemists or pharmaceutical giants.”

“If you look at persevering biodiversity, you have to consider the marine world,” adds Dr. Hammer. “After all, most of our amazing planet is covered by water and we know very little about what is going on or living under the waves. Pillaging, polluting, and ignoring our oceans is a recipe for disaster.

It’s not all doom and gloom, though. Humans are part of the problem, but they are also the key to sustainable solutions.

This is why we are keen to involve ordinary people in our conservation projects, get them out there, hands-on, to learn, understand, and become part of the solution.”

Dr. Hammer’s organization pairs the average traveler with real marine biologists to participate in field work that is used in the protection and preservation of marine ecosystems.

Their marine life protection projects in Honduras, the Azores, the Musandam Peninsula, and Western Australia, have had an impact in the protection of these natural areas.

Thanks in large part to the work of marine biologists and volunteers, the Musandam Peninsula in Oman for example, has now been put forward as a marine protected area, and there are also moves to make it a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Data collected in Honduras, on the Meso-American barrier reef system, the second largest in the world, has been used for improved management procedures of the marine protected area that is already in place there.

For more information about Biosphere Expeditions’ volunteer conservation work and current projects, visit the website at

www.biosphere-expeditions.org

The SUU Hotels, a brand of lifestyle small hotels, is opening two new locations, in Turkey and Costa Rica.

The SUU Türkbükü, situated on the northern shore of the Bodrum peninsula in Turkey and offering 48 villas, opened its doors on June 30.

The SUU Manuel Antonio opened in August in the tropical rainforests of Costa Rica, a few minutes from Manuel Antonio’s national park and walking distance from Biesanz Beach.

The SUU Hotels are centrally located small hotels using a blend of natural outdoor beauty with modern décor. Cenk Kinay, CEO and founder of The SUU, said, “We want our brand to distinguish itself from the others by providing superb personal service in a relaxed and elegant refuge in the most spectacular destinations of the world.”

Yoga programs and healing treatments are held at each hotel’s movement pavilion, where complimentary yoga classes are taught daily.

 Butlers are present to extend personalized service. Poolside butlers offer an afternoon fruit sorbet, Evian spring water, fresh towels and cucumbers.

Guests can also take advantage of indoor and outdoor spa services with organic products that include natural spices, fruits and minerals, indigenous to the area.

The SUU dining experience features fresh and organic ingredients and can be served on each guest’s terrace, poolside or outdoors. For those looking for a more intimate experience, a personal chef is also available upon request. The SUU plans to develop new properties in Asia, Marrakesh, Mikonos, Riviera Maya, Ibiza, Majorca, St. Barts and Tunisia. For more information, visit www.thesuuhotels.com

Smart Destinations, the company behind Go City Cards and Explorer Passes, announces its new partnership with the Massachusetts Lodging Association to create the MLA Explorer Pass, designed exclusively for Massachusetts Lodging Association members.

The MLA Explorer Pass gives hotel guests the choice of any one attraction from a list of Massachusetts’ top 54 destinations.

Guests can choose either a Premier Attraction pass, $25 for adults and children or the signature attraction pass respectively, $18 for adults and $12 children.

The pass acts as the admission ticket for the attraction with nothing further to purchase upon arriving.

The Premier Attractions include some of Boston’s must visit locations such as the New England Aquarium, Museum of Fine Arts or a 2-Day Beantown Trolley Pass. Signature attractions include great sights and tours such as a Fenway Park, a Charles Riverboat Cruise and the SkyWalk Observatory.

Smart Destinations makes the process easy for MLA member hotels.

After a Massachusetts Lodging Association member purchases the MLA Explorer Pass, they are given a card.

The guest then presents their card at their chosen attraction, the card is swiped and the guest is granted admission-it’s as easy as that. Once the pass is used at the attraction, the card expires.

ABOUT THE MASSACHUSETTS LODGING ASSOCIATION

The Massachusetts Lodging Association is a trade association representing and promoting the lodging industry in Massachusetts. MLA has more than 400 active property members, which include hotels, motels, resorts, inns and bed and breakfasts, comprising more than 35,000 rooms.

Association membership includes more than 200 companies that supply products and services to the lodging industry.

In addition, more than 15 colleges and universities that have hospitality programs are members, as well as a number of corporate members that represent companies which own or manage properties. For more information, please visit MLA’s website:
www.masslodging.com

J&G Steakhouse at The Phoenician may be one of a few sprinkled across the country, but this location has a uniquely Scottsdale twist. With the culinary world emphasizing local production and distribution, Chef Jacques Qualin incorporates that theme into the menu from the sophisticated entrées to the sauces paired with them.

Not only are the smoked chili glaze, soy-miso mustard and steak sauce homemade, so are the ketchup, relish, pickles, mayonnaise and even the ice cream.

Evoking even more Southwestern nostalgia, all steaks on the menu are served with locally sourced peppers and their creamed corn side dish has jalapeño, lime and cilantro for an extra kick.

Urban kitchen and lounge Primebar set its sights on a distinctly Scottsdale drink menu bringing the flavors and tastes of the area into an array of palette-pleasing choices.

Try the Scottsdale Quarter, named after the shopping center in which it resides, for a smooth, sweet and sour, strawberry taste. Or imbibe in the Pure Desert Margarita that mixes locally sourced agave nectar with tequila, lime juice and sugarcane for a tasty desert-inspired concoction.

If it’s beer you want, this spot features favorites from the nearby cities of Prescott, Sedona, Tempe and Tucson, Ariz. breweries so you can get a taste right here in Scottsdale.

The modern American steakhouse at JW Marriott Camelback Inn Resort & Spa is BLT Steak , one of more than 10 international locations that combine the favorites of a traditional steakhouse with elements of a cozy French bistro. You’ll find signature BLT dishes on the menu mixed with a few offerings that capture the region’s culinary zing.

Try the Spice Rubbed Cowboy Rib Eye or any of the weekly specials peppered with herbs from Camelback Inn’s on-site organic garden to highlight Scottsdale’s southwestern flavors.

Lonely Planet today announced its ‘augmented reality’ Compass Guides are now available for Google Android users in Australia, providing easy to use, mobile access to its best selling city guide content.

Lonely Planet is one of the first travel companies in the world to create augmented reality products for Australian travellers with Android handsets, launching a series of 25 Compass Guides for popular Asian, European and US cities.

Anyone with these handsets can now experience travelling with augmented reality technology, where real life is annotated with Lonely Planet travel information.

“This is one of the most innovative things we’ve launched and we’re really excited to see how people use this application,” said Matthew Cashmore, Lonely Planet’s Innovation and Ecosystems Manager.

“The application pinpoints your exact location so that when you find yourself in a new city and want to know what there is to see and do around you, just look through the camera and a wealth of Lonely Planet information on the best destinations, accommodation, sites, bars and restaurants appear stuck like posted notes to points of interest around you,” said Cashmore.

Key features of the Compass Guides include GPS enabled maps and location based information for hundreds of points of interest for every city, while the phone’s built in compass allows users to see their current location and how far or near they are to destinations and sites.

The guides also enable travellers to use all content offline (with the exception of the maps) meaning no roaming fees.

Twenty-five Lonely Planet Compass Guides are currently available; Amsterdam, Bangkok, Barcelona, Beijing, Hong Kong, Istanbul, London, Paris, Prague, Rome, Seoul, Singapore, Tokyo, Sydney, Vancouver, Boston, Chicago, LA, Las Vegas, Miami, New Orleans, New York City, San Francisco, Seattle and Washington DC.

“Lonely Planet’s commitment to innovation and new technology is unique.

After being the very first travel content publisher to launch augmented reality applications in 2009, it is fantastic to see the next phase and expansion of their mobile product proposition,” said Andy Gstoll, CEO Wikitude.

Lonely Planet’s Compass Guides are available for $4.99 USD from the Google Android store (available on all Android powered phones) and will work on all major Android phones back to the very first model, the G1.

Radisson Resort Gold Coast’s commitment to environmental practices has been recognised by EarthCheck, the world’s leading sustainable travel and tourism certification organisation.

The resort achieved the prestigious Bronze Benchmark. EarthCheck’s scientifically rigorous program measures key environmental indicators including energy and water consumption, waste production and community commitment.

EC3 Global Earthcheck CEO Stewart Moore says Radisson Resort Gold Coast took a holistic view of sustainable practices, identified where they were out-performing others and potential areas of improvement.

“I am delighted Radisson Resort Gold Coast achieved Bronze status,” he says.

“The team recognised a maturing of the science behind climate change and environmental sustainability and applied the highest possible standard to their community.
“Going beyond mere tick-box action is not an easy task. It requires commitment by all staff, visitors and key stakeholders. Radisson Resort Gold Coast emerged as an example of a community organisation committed to environmentally sustainable living.

“The EarthCheck logo demonstrates their claims are credible,” Mr Moore says.

He says EarthCheck allows organisations to compare performance with others using more than a decade of factual operational data submitted by more than 1000 communities, government entities and businesses in 60-plus countries. “EarthCheck is used by more sustainable travel and tourism companies than any other. It helps organisations navigate the path forward with certainty while recognising the planet deserves more than half measures,” Mr Moore says.

Infomaps is proud to celebrate its 10th year in publication during 2010.

In the past 10 years, Infomaps has supplied over 6 million tourist maps to visitors of the Gold Coast.

With informative, reliable maps, tourist information and advertising for attractions and businesses on the Gold Coast, Infomaps are proud to celebrate 10 years of telling people where to go and how to get there.

Infomaps provide a useful source of information to tour desks and information booths in directing visitors to the Gold Coast. The maps are also widely used through various car hire businesses as a useful guide to the Gold Coast.

Distributed exclusively through Gold Coast McDonald’s restaurants, and also found in Birch Carroll Coyle Cinemas, BP Service Stations, RACQ offices and other local businesses, even locals have had the pleasure of being told where to go!!

The past 10 years have seen many developments on the Gold Coast and Infomaps is proud to have seen them all.

Over the years, Infomaps has continued to grow, introducing new publications such as the Gold Coast Tourist Magazine, now producing 300,000 copies per year.

Infomaps also produce the Gold Coast Compendium Magazine and local area maps, which can be found in over 7,500 rooms on the Gold Coast.

Infomaps newest product is the desk pad maps, which can be found at the reception desk of accommodation houses and counters at information booths throughout the Gold Coast, and have proven to be extremely popular. www.infomaps.com.au

The intimate, boutique style, five-star Radisson Plaza Hotel Sydney has unveiled a stunning transformation of its lobby and has opened the new Bistro Fax Restaurant & Bar following completion of a AUD$2.9 million redesign program coinciding with the hotel’s 10th birthday year.

Spearheaded by design company TID International, the project commenced in March and involved a complete redesign of the lobby including reception, concierge, the lounge and the hotel’s signature restaurant and bar.

The hotel entrance at 27 O’Connell street has also been extended and enhanced.

The complete interior redesign included an update of the floors, walls, drapery and furniture. Jalex International were appointed to create the custom made furnishings.

The work has focused on clean lines with a signature look that epitomizes timeless elegance and enduring style in keeping with the beautiful heritage-listed building in which the hotel is housed.

The centrepiece of the lobby level is the new Bistro Fax Restaurant & Bar. As Sydney’s newest dining hotspot the upmarket restaurant and chic bar is set within a newly built contemporary space. The menu features modern Australian cuisine with European influences.

An extensive wine list is also present and the restaurant is one of the few in Sydney to also offer byo. The venue is open daily for breakfast, lunch, dinner and drinks and is supported by a new website www.bistrofax.com

Bistro Fax Restaurant & Bar also has a dedicated street entry from the corner of Hunter, O’Connell and Pitt streets.

The redesign work has been extensive and as the hotel remained open during the process the hotel carefully went about theming the project to create a point of interest for hotel guests. In keeping with the building, considered to be a masterpiece, and one of Sydney’s most iconic examples of architecture, the concept for the redesign was “Creating a Masterpiece”. In the lobby during the work the hoarding displayed a number of quotes from great artists of the world including Rembrandt, Michelangelo and Monet. A quote from artist Jackson Pollock particularly identified with the theme.

“It’s all a big game of construction, some with a brush, some with a shovel, some with a pen”. A plasma screen set within a beautiful ornate frame showcased a video presentation of the planned masterpiece – artist impressions of the redesigned areas. A monogrammed logo and long low leather lounges were the finishing touches to the art gallery look.

Peter Tudehope, General Manager said: “The last five months have been an exciting time at the hotel.

To undergo such an extensive redesign program across not only the main public area of the hotel but also to the signature restaurant and bar while remaining open was nothing short of ambitious.

It was paramount during the entire period to ensure that guest satisfaction was maintained. With our masterpiece theming the journey has been a time of excitement rather than inconvenience. We are delighted to now present our striking new lobby and launch Bistro Fax Restaurant & Bar”.

The redesigned lobby and new Bistro Fax Restaurant & Bar beautifully complement the hotel’s 362 stylish guest rooms, the fine dining 3-hat Bilson’s restaurant, a Health Club including indoor pool, spa, steam room and gym and eight meeting rooms including two heritage rooms.

The hotel also offers a local corporate catering service Desktop Dining and the Coffee Cart has returned to the steps of Bistro Fax Restaurant & Bar each weekday morning. Complimentary internet access is also provided to all hotel guests.

“All the pieces have now come together with the unveiling of our new lobby and Bistro Fax Restaurant & Bar. With our fine restaurants, facilities and perfect central cbd location Radisson Plaza Hotel Sydney is one of the most sought after five-star hotels in the city” said General Manager, Peter Tudehope.

Visitors from Los Angeles travelling on V Australia to Sydney can now continue on to Ayers Rock Airport (Uluru) with Virgin Blue’s new daily direct flights from Australia’s harbour city.

Tourism NT Chief Executive, Maree Tetlow said the new Virgin Blue connecting flights make it effortless for US visitors to take a trip to the Red Centre.

“With the new Virgin Blue service, visitors from the US can now experience a hassle-free journey from Los Angeles through to Uluru and experience the Red Centre’s iconic attractions.

“Over the last three years the Northern Territory has attracted, on average, 32,000 holiday visitors from the US every year.

“We expect this number to increase considerably over time given the extra travel option now available to Australia’s outback,” Ms Tetlow said.

“This is great news for our tourism operators who can expect a growth in visitor bookings from the US and New South Wales.

“In July, Tourism NT partnered with V Australia and launched an online marketing campaign in the US specifically targeting people considering coming to Australia who are searching the Internet for travel options,” Ms Tetlow said.

“People in the US are extremely value driven so we expect V Australia’s promotional airfare, at $878 for people who booked flights by 30 July, to act as a catalyst.

“Our wholesale partner Voyages is offering an extremely competitive package, a ‘pay for two nights and stay for three’, at either Sails in the Desert or Desert Gardens Hotel,” Ms Tetlow said.

Tourism NT is also supplying an incentive, a sweepstake for North American Travel Agents, which ends on 31 August. The winner will be announced in mid-August 2010 and the prize is a trip for two to Ayers Rock.

For further information about Virgin Blue flights and Red Centre packages go to

the banner below or the banner above and use key word “Ayres Rock”.

—the only in the world.

It’s a novel way to gain elevation in the area that birthed the hardcore mountain-bike movement. Wimps, stay home.

Tyax Air’s got an interesting way for mountain bikers to gain elevation. British Columbia’s Whistler Mountain Bike Park makes use of ski lifts. Freeriders on Vancouver’s North Shore usually shuttle up with trucks.

Fit riders, on such epics as the Seven Summits in Rossland, depend on good, old-fashioned pedal power.

But at a piece of wilderness about 100 km (62 mi) north of Whistler, BC, a lucky handful of off-road aficionados can jam into Dale Douglas’ ’61 de Havilland Beaver for a quick airlift to Spruce Lake Provincial Park for a day of unparalleled single-track bliss at 1,570 m (5,150 ft).

Trails etched by miners’ packhorses in the semi-arid country of the South Chilcotin yield some of the finest flowing single-track in the country.

In the summer, riders can expect to pass through meadows of mind-blowingly vibrant wildflowers with snow-flanked mountain peaks in the background. Douglas, a former National Veteran Cross-Country champion and bush pilot, owns and operates Tyax Air, offering an array of single-day and multi-day trips with the world’s only floatplane mountain-biking operation.

Many trips are done in conjunction with Tyax Wilderness Resort (although it is closed for renovations until winter 2011) on Tyaughton Lake, taking full advantage of its Euro-style mountain lodge. Floatplane-assisted pedalling, topped with a fine meal and soft bed, makes for one memorable day out.

www.tyaxair.com
www.tyax.com
www.hellobc.com

video:
Experiencing BC on Two Wheels
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vrMS1TnarS4
Mountain Biking – The Ultimate Ride
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fNqkfyMnrAc