[جتستّرسبلوغ]

[أليسا] [كس] إفريقيا وثائقيّة متوفّر على شبكة الإنترنات

يتوفّر ل [دوونلوأد] حصريّة على [سبيرلفروغ]

انتقيت [سبيرلفروغ] كان ب ال [نون-بروفيت ورغنيزأيشن], يحافظ طفلة حيّة ([كك]), أن يكون الحصريّة [دوونلوأد] شريكة لالبرنامج وثائقيّ من [أليسا] مفاتيح' سفر [مونث-لونغ] من خلال إفريقيا.

NEW YORK, NY, - SpiralFrog, Inc., (www.spiralfrog.com) the free and legal, ad-supported web-based music service, today announced it was selected by the non-profit organization, Keep a Child Alive (KCA), to be the exclusive download partner for “Alicia in Africa: Journey to the Motherland,” the documentary of Grammy Award-winning musician and Keep a Child Alive (KCA) Co-Founder, Alicia Keys’, month-long trip to Africa to visit communities affected by HIV and AIDS.

Keep a Child Alive is the non-profit organization that engages the public for a-dollar-a-day to buy the life-saving anti-retroviral drugs that keep children and their families alive in Africa. Alicia’s commitment to the fight against AIDS is contagious and she is leading the effort to spread the message of KCA, “Start a Virus to Stop a Virus,” virally, so she has selected a number of prestigious interactive media partners to help get the message out. Running April 9 - May 19, the full-length film will be available for download exclusively at SpiralFrog.com with information provided and donations accepted at www.AliciainAfrica.com

“We are proud to support the efforts of Keep a Child Alive and Alicia Keys,” said Matthew Stern, vice president of marketing for SpiralFrog. “This is a powerful and important story to tell. We hope to help make a difference in the lives of the African children affected by AIDS by driving donations to AliciainAfrica.com.”

“We have received extraordinary support from the music and entertainment industries,” says Leigh Blake, founder of Keep a Child Alive. “We are incredibly grateful to those organizations and celebrities who demonstrate their support by helping us generate awareness and donations for the families and children battling this disease everyday.”

SpiralFrog is enlisting the help of its advertisers in further spreading awareness by creating turn-key, cross-platform sponsorship packages. The exclusive availability of ‘Alicia in Africa’ on SpiralFrog will include promotion on American Idol on April 9th, advance screenings of the documentary on college campuses, viral marketing and an email marketing campaign that will reach over 20 million people. Additionally, Alicia Keys will also be embarking on her US tour in more than 30 cities to let Americans know where to find the film and how they can help. SpiralFrog will be promoting the exclusive availability to download the film on the ground at each of these events.

“Supporting artist initiatives and organizations like Keep a Child Alive is important to us,” said Joe Mohen, chairman and founder of SpiralFrog. “Our members are active and aware and want to know what is happening in the world. This is a serious issue and we are proud to play a part in spreading the word and opening the eyes of many who may not know how devastating the impact of AIDS is in Africa.”

“Keep a Child Alive is an amazing charity and we applaud every effort they make in helping to change the world,” said Mel Schrieberg, CEO of SpiralFrog. “Alicia Keys’ efforts with the organization are noble and extraordinary. We hope to help their efforts by offering this film to watch again and again, and motivate active support.”

When downloaded from SpiralFrog, “Alicia in Africa” will play on multiple formats, including PCs and Macs.

About SpiralFrog

Headquartered in New York, SpiralFrog (www.spiralfrog.com) is a Web-based advertising-supported music experience that combines music discovery tools with free and legal downloads of audio and video content licensed directly from the catalogs of the world’s leading music owners. With more than 2.6 million monthly uniques, over 900,000 registered users, 1.1 million songs and 4,000 music videos, SpiralFrog offers music-lovers a compelling alternative to illicit file-sharing and pirate sites, with a secure environment for them to satisfy their unyielding passion and thirst for music and entertainment information at no cost.

About Keep a Child Alive

Keep a Child Alive is a charitable and educational foundation committed to accelerating action to combat the global AIDS pandemic. With more than 28 million dead and 15 million orphaned, the disease continues, wiping out whole societies, threatening economic infrastructures and creating tragic family devastation. KCA provides life-saving medication, social support, and orphan care, to keep these children and families alive. KCA also develops global awareness campaigns targeted at boosting funding for the fight against HIV/AIDS. For just a dollar a day, you can help save the life of a child or a parent who cannot afford essential treatment and care in some of the world’s poorest countries. http://www.keepachildalive.org

Africa Adventure Consultants a Safari Leader

Boutique Safari Operator Now Offering Carbon Neutral Travel

BOULDER/ DENVER, CO - Africa Adventure Consultants continues to lead the industry with innovative safari design, and now they are pleased to announce the launch of a comprehensive effort to reduce carbon emissions as well. Africa Adventure Consultants has joined forces with Sustainable Travel International (STI) on its pioneering TravelGreen™ program, which allows Africa Adventure Consultants to offer carbon neutral safaris to travelers. Africa Adventure Consultants is STI’s first African safari operator partner implementing a sophisticated program that offers carbon offsets on every safari the company sells.

“Carbon neutral” means the point at which greenhouse gas emissions have been identified, measured, reduced where possible, and 100% of the remaining emissions have been offset through high quality renewable energy or energy efficiency projects. Total greenhouse gas emissions are a factor of the air travel to get to Africa as well as the style of safari people enjoy. Sustainable Travel International assists in determining the total greenhouse gas emission per traveler, and Africa Adventure Consultants then absorbs 50% of that amount and provides the option for the traveler to offset the remaining 50%.

“We’ve found that our clients not only appreciate our initiative to protect and preserve the delicate ecosystems of Africa, but appreciate being given the voluntary opportunity to contribute directly as well.” said Kent Redding, President of Africa Adventure Consultants. “Earlier this year we worked to make our Denver office 100% carbon neutral, we continue to carefully select game areas in Africa that operate under sensitive environmental standards and now feel that Carbon Neutral travel is the next logical step. What does this mean for our clients? We are providing a way to travel to Africa with a limited negative impact on the environment.”

Africa Adventure Consultants also works with their African partner companies to reduce CO2 emissions by implementing solar and wind power schemes, reduce wood burning, protect land to create carbon sinks, and more.

Proceeds from purchased offsets are invested by Sustainable Travel International into high-impact sustainable development projects, including reforestation, renewable energy and energy conservation. These projects, which also benefit local communities, are located throughout Africa and other regions. Sustainable Travel International provides carbon offset projects that are independently verified by third-party sources.

The projects must verifiably reduce greenhouse gas emissions according to the CDM Gold Standard, consistent with the principles of the Kyoto Protocol, or meet the standards set forth by the Climate, Community, and Biodiversity Alliance. In 2007 Sustainable Travel International received the highest ranking in an independent study of carbon offsetting programs commissioned by the environmental group Clean Air-Cool Planet.

About Sustainable Travel International

Sustainable Travel International is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to promote sustainable development and eco-friendly travel by providing programs that help travelers and travel-related companies protect the environmental, socio-cultural and economic needs of the places they visit, and the planet at large.

About Africa Adventure Consultants

Denver-based Africa Adventure Consultants organizes safari adventures throughout East and Southern Africa, with destinations including Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Namibia, Botswana, Malawi, South Africa, Zambia and Victoria Falls. The company sells destinations they know personally and offer guests assurance of strong on-the-ground partnerships with only the best local companies. Africa Adventure Consultants supports a variety of African conservation organizations, community-based tourism programs and humanitarian causes. With an eye on personal service, the principals create customized trips for individuals and small groups.

To learn more, please call 1.866.778.1089.

Biggest Earth Day Ever Fast Approaching

Top African Travel Providers Promote Sustainable Travel Practices

In 1970, Earth Day founder Gaylord Nelson, then a U.S. Senator from Wisconsin, proposed the first nationwide environmental protest “to shake up the political establishment and force this issue onto the national agenda.” The Fazendin Portfolio, representing top African travel companies, takes the conservation of Africa’s delicate ecosystems very seriously and enthusiastically supports the global environmental initiatives that have been successfully implemented since the first Earth Day nearly four decades ago. Tourists are demanding environmentally friendly options and Africa’s finest travel providers are responding with a variety of programs in 2008.

Express Travel Group: The greatest eco-challenge facing Kenya today is finding the perfect balance between utilization and conservation of natural cultural resources to ensure sustainability. Kenya’s tourism is dependent on natural and cultural resources both of which can either be degraded or lost altogether if not properly utilized. Express Travel Group’s “Green Kenya” itinerary takes all this into careful consideration. By fostering exceptional relationships with some of Kenya’s most respected eco-friendly properties, this itinerary combines the best of the classic safari experience with enlightening environmental and community programs.

African Latitude: African Latitude strives to increase working relationships in safari operations with local communities in Kenya and Tanzania. Not only does the company have strong relationships with these communities, but they have created partnerships whereby the Masai people are directly involved with and benefiting from the tourism industry – the ultimate model for sustainable tourism today. The company is now building a community lodge which will bring benefit and employment to the local communities, linking different communities bordering conservation areas and national parks in East Africa and encouraging these communities to create their own conservation projects with the ultimate objective of helping them reap economic benefit from wildlife protection.

Choroa Luxury Safaris: Choroa Luxury Safaris operates luxury mobile safaris in Tanzania, which involves erecting tented camps for each individual safari group and completely removing these camps once the group is done — leaving absolutely no trace and minimal impact on delicate African ecosystems, including the famed Serengeti and Ngorongoro conservation areas.

EcoTraining: Thriving on the foundation that education powers conservation, EcoTraining provides “hands on” travel experiences for adventure travelers across the globe. EcoTraining’s philosophy is that no one can truly appreciate Africa’s wild places without actually spending time in the wild. Whether looking for professional safari guide training or for a learning vacation with a difference and an opportunity to experience the African bush first-hand, EcoTraining strives to educate and instill the great passion for and protection of the African bush in travelers from around the world.

Heritage Hotels: Kipungani Explorer Lamu, the stunning resort on Kenya’s Lamu Island recently announced its commitment to a long-term plan that will ensure that only local staff and materials are used in the development and maintenance of this property. Already considered the finest property on Lamu, this five-star property has proven that it doesn’t require giant generators, imported foods, or state-of-the-art gadgets to keep guests happy. By combining the latest environmental technologies with traditional local knowledge, Heritage Hotels is working to create a model for sustainable ecotourism throughout East Africa.

Dinknesh Ethiopia Tour: The Danakil Depression is considered a “cradle of mankind” for the large number of hominid remains found there. Only the Afrar people have been able to inhabit this difficult region, and continue living today as nomads tending to their livestock. This combination of culture, topography and climate make the Danakil Depression an exotic and mysterious destination for eco-travelers featuring the stunning landscapes and beautiful, enduring people of this remote region of Ethiopia.

The Fazendin Portfolio represents African travel companies providing classic African experiences. From luxury tented camping safari experiences to unique cultural adventures, this collection representing Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and South Africa was developed specifically with the needs and desires of North American adventure travelers in mind. Ever dedicated to environmental conservation, the company recently launched a comprehensive marketing CD including detailed information on the complete representation portfolio which has eliminated the need to print large brochures. To learn more about these eco-friendly travel options in Africa please visit http://www.fazendinportfolio.com/  

ROW Adventures New Idaho Adventure Tours

Two new trips designed to educate, excite and enrich travelers to Idaho.

COEUR D’ALENE, ID - ROW Adventures, an Idaho-based adventure travel company, today announced the addition of two trips to its catalog of solo and family adventure tours. The trips, Superlative Idaho and Journey into the Land of the Nez Perce, explore the wilderness highlights and native culture of Idaho. Departure dates are available July through September.

“Idaho is known for its vast wilderness areas and thousands of river miles,” said Peter Grubb, founder of ROW Adventures. “But without a knowledgeable guide, it’s easy to miss some of the top highlights of our great state. These trips are designed to share the best of Idaho with our guests—whether you’re a solo adventurer or large family, Idaho has something for everyone.”

Home to more than 3,500 whitewater river miles, dozens of mountain ranges and the largest wilderness area in the lower 48 states, Idaho is an unspoiled Pacific Northwest adventure destination.

Superlative Idaho

Adventurers travel across the state on this multisport trip, bagging Idaho’s tallest peak, rafting its deepest canyon and paddling its largest lake. Highlights include; Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve; hiking Mount Borah (12,668 feet); a three-day whitewater rafting trip through Hells Canyon, the deepest gorge in the United States; and sea kayaking on Lake Pend Oreille, Idaho’s largest and deepest lake. Transportation by air taxi offers outstanding views of Idaho’s diverse topography and wilderness. Accommodations included. Trips begin in Boise and end in Idaho’s Panhandle.

Journey into the Land of the Nez Perce

Designed specifically for families (ages 5 and up), this multisport trip provides a rare look at the history and rich culture of the Nez Perce Tribe, one of the largest Native American tribes in the Pacific Northwest and Northern Rockies. Highlights include; visiting the Wolf Education and Research Center, Nez Perce National Interpretive Center and Nez Perce Appaloosa Horse Camp; horseback riding in the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness Area; and a gentle multi-day float trip on the Middle Fork of the Clearwater River. Trip includes accommodations and begins and ends in Lewiston, Idaho.

Additional trip information and full itineraries are available at http://www.rowadventures.com/

About ROW Adventures

Since 1979 ROW Adventures has been sharing the excitement of adventure travel with guests from around the world. With an eclectic collection of destinations spanning the continents, each ROW Adventure is artfully crafted, meticulously organized and enthusiastically conducted. Whether you’re whitewater rafting in Idaho, yachting in Croatia, barging in France, sea kayaking the Galapagos Islands or trekking in Algeria, you’ll benefit from our deep experience and responsible travel ethics. For more information, please call (800) 451-6034 or visit http://www.rowadventures.com/

TERRORIST CAMPS AROUND THE WORLD

When most people hear of terrorist camps and human oppression, countries such as Iran, Iraq and Afghanistan immediately come to mind. However, within recent months, there have been reports of these “terror training facilities” existing throughout countries such as South Africa, India and China, according to http://www.state.gov.

As Gary Garner, author of Through the Eyes of Madness, was about to embark on an airline flight from London to Tanzania, he learned that his flight had been targeted by terrorists. Garner, a thrill-seeking adventurer who is familiar with life-threatening situations, was faced with an important decision: cancel the flight or continue on with the trip.

“I am grateful I made it there without any major complications,” says Garner. “Africa is a life-changing place and I would not be the same person I am today had I decided to abort the mission.”

The airplane targeted by terrorists was only one of the many dangerous situations Garner found himself in during his backpacking trip around the globe. For the past five years, he has been traveling across all seven continents in search of a simpler life. He has experienced:

• Witnessing a brutal murder on the South China Sea
• The wrath of an angry mob in the midst of a Nepalese civil war
• His own near-death experience at the heights of Mt. Everest
• Being ambushed and robbed in Costa Rica by very unusual suspects
• Countless other harrowing escapes that illustrate valuable and moving life lessons

Each chapter of his new book is richly detailed with real life-and-death adventures as he continually puts himself in situations that are seemingly un-survivable.

Through the Eyes of Madness also has an intriguing twist: Garner has a mysterious surprise waiting for anyone who can decipher the encrypted codes in his journals, which point to physical clues planted around the world.From beginning to end, the book is laced with a visual and mathematical secret code—but unlike its fictional cousins, this book’s secret is very real. “These past few years have been so fantastical and life-altering that even I have trouble believing it,” admits Garner. “But that’s why I kept the journals and constructed the book in the way that I did. Now, others can share in the adventure.”

 

TRAVEL DYNAMICS AFRICA CRUISES

New York, NY – Observing elephants in Gabon’s Loango National Park, visiting the lush vineyards of Stellenbosch, South Africa, taking in a mask dance performance in Mali’s Dogon Region and exploring ancient ruins in Libya’s Leptis Magna may appear to have little in common, but with cultural and expedition cruise company Travel Dynamics International these are just some of the dramatic excursions to take place on the African continent from winter 2008 through fall 2009.

Nine customized Africa itineraries take passengers to remote attractions generally inaccessible to individual travelers or passengers sailing aboard the mass cruise liners. “Each year we’re thrilled to design special voyages for our passengers to experience the myriad facets of Africa,” said Vasos Papagapitos, founding co-president of Travel Dynamics International. “The continent’s raw scenic beauty and wildlife, rich culture and ancient history are in ever greater demand among discerning travelers, and Travel Dynamics International is gratified to offer them unique entrée into these natural and man-made marvels.”

Among the new and back-by-popular-demand cruises are:

Desert Kingdoms and Imperial Cities: A Christmas /New Year’s Voyage from Casablanca to Dakar - The ideal itinerary for holiday adventurers, this December 18, 2008 - January 2, 2009 cruise aboard the 34-guest Callisto embraces exotic culture—including the oral storytellers, jugglers, snake charmers and magicians of Morocco Marrakech’s Djemaa el-Fna Square—and evocative nature, as in the arresting silence of Mauritania’s desert and mountains. Guests will ring in the New Year in tropical Senegal to rhythmic drumbeats and Marche Soumbedioune’s colorful crafts.

Coexistence of Cultures and Faiths: Christianity, Islam and Judaism in the Maghreb and al-Andalus – This exploration of the three great monotheistic faiths in North Africa and Southern Spain unfolds in March 2009, with two nights in Marrakech before embarking on Callisto and sailing for the Moroccan towns of Essaouira, Casablanca and Rabat. An overnight excursion to Fez celebrates one of the best-preserved medieval cities in the world. Crossing the Strait of Gibraltar into Spain, where Islamic culture was well entrenched before the 8th-century Moorish invasion, guests will come to know the most treasured cities of al-Andalus: Seville, site of the Alcazar, and Granada, home of the incomparable Alhambra Palace.

The Road to Timbuktu and the Rivers of West Africa – A Travel Dynamics International favorite, this two-week voyage has departures in January and February, 2009. Prior to embarking on Callisto in week two, travelers will savor the dazzling attractions en route to fabled Timbuktu, including the Grand Mosque of Djenne, the bustling city of Mopti and the Dogon region, where mask ceremonies, vibrant rock paintings and mystical cliff dwellings await the culturally inquisitive. Transporting guests to Timbuktu is a chartered plane. Once aboard ship, the group will cruise down the Gambia and Saloum rivers of Senegal and The Gambia, experiencing the extraordinary villages and wildlife of the Kiang West National Park and the Makasutu Culture Forest. The voyage concludes amid the vibrant markets, fine museums and storied slave history of Dakar.

West Africa Discovery: Desert Cities, Imperial Capitals and Natural Treasures - This is a unique opportunity to cruise along the west coast of Africa from Dakar to Casablanca, with departures from February – March, 2009. Senegal, the poster country of new urban Africa, will intrigue cultural questers through such attractions as the Marche Soumbedioune, while those seeking the quiet beauty of the desert and mountains will revel in Mauritania’s natural offerings. This 13-night cruise aboard Callisto also features Marrakech’s magical Djemaa el-Fna Square.

South Africa by Sea - Beginning with two nights in Cape Town, this March 19-April 3, 2009 voyage aboard the board the all-suite, 114-guest Corinthian II boasts a number of calls not usually available on South African cruises. Travelers will enjoy touring Stellenbosch wine country and the bold Cape Peninsula mountains before tacking west for the acacia woodland of Hluhluwe-Umfolozi National Park, home to rare black rhinos; Addo Elephant National Park; and Port Elizabeth’s Victorian architecture. Humpback whales might be sighted off the bow as the ship forges through Richards Bay into cosmopolitan Durban.

A Voyage from the Cape of Good Hope to Gibraltar: Exploring the Cultural & Natural Diversity of Africa – For those who want to do it all, this grand voyage of March 31 - May 4, 2009 follows in the wake of the early explorers and merchant ships of the 18th and 19th centuries. Corinthian II will traverse the length of Africa’s Atlantic coast, calling at ports and exploring destinations largely unknown to travelers. Embarking in Cape Town, the port city near the landmark Cape of Good Hope, guests will explore virtually every country along Africa’s west coast: South Africa, Namibia, Angola, Gabon, São Tomé and Príncipe, Cameroon, Benin, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Senegal, Mauritania and Morocco, before reaching the Rock of Gibraltar and wrapping up in historic Seville. This is an unprecedented opportunity to observe ancient cultures and tribal customs as well as landscape and animal life, from the dunes of Namibia to the wildlife of Gabon’s rainforests and from the markets of Ghana and Senegal to the medinas of Morocco.

Ancient Lost Cities of Libya and Tunisia: Greco-Roman Civilization Between the Desert and the Sea - History buffs and adventure seekers can get up close and personal with the ancient Phoenicians, Greeks and Romans who settled the coastal cities of Libya and Tunisia and turned them into centers of power. This nine-night cruise aboard Corinthian II during May – June, 2009 introduces travelers to Libya’s Leptis Magna–the capital of Roman North Africa–from the Arch of Septimius Severus to the Severan Forum and the Hadrianic Baths. Other attractions include the historic medina of Tripoli, also in Libya, and the impressive Roman amphitheater of El Djem in Tunisia. This voyage culminates in a visit to Crete and its historically rich town of Chania.

North Africa’s Mediterranean Coast Through the Centuries – On this expansive journey along North Africa’s entire Mediterranean coast, guests will sail aboard Corinthian II from Egypt to Morocco, discovering marvels like the Roman ruins of Djemila; the old city of Tlemcen; the World War II battlefields of Tubruq; and Libya’s Greco-Roman cities. The 16-night cruise (plus one night in a Cairo hotel) in October-November, 2009 will also explore the walled holy city of Kairouan, Tunisia, the Islamic world’s preeminent pilgrimage site after Mecca and Medina, and consider Tangier’s history of invasions, from the Phoenicians in the 7th century B.C. to the Romans, Vandals, Byzantines, Visigoths and, in the 8 th century, the Arabs.

Passage to Leptis Magna: Exploring Ancient Landmark Sites of the Mediterranean - As the pioneer of cruise travel to Libya, Travel Dynamics is pleased to introduce travelers to its historic shores and monuments. This eight-night cruise (plus one night in an Athens hotel) in October, 2009 begins with an exploration of Athens and Crete’s historically compelling town of Chania before Corinthian II sets sail for North Africa. In Libya, participants will stroll through ancient Cyrene and Apollonia, and on to the Roman ruins of Leptis Magna, the most lavish ancient city of North Africa. They will also visit Tripoli’s Jamahiriya Museum and the remains of coastal Sabratha before sailing back to Athens via Pylos, with a visit to the Mycenaean Palace of King Nestor.

Rates begin at $6,995 per person, including suite accommodations, shore excursions, open bar, with wine served for lunch and dinner, and all taxes. For bookings contact Amalia Ciprijan at 212 774 1511 or email Amalia@travdyn.com.

The TDI Experience

Travel Dynamics International enjoys a peerless reputation of excellence in small-ship cruising, established in nearly forty years of operating and creating unique itineraries for the inquisitive traveler.

For additional information, call 212 774 1534. Visit the enrichment cruise company’s website at http://www.traveldynamicsinternational.com/

Tall Ships Sailing Holidays

The ultimate in activity sailing holidays on Round the World ocean-going yachts are being offered for the first time this summer with the launch of a 4-yacht Challenger Fleet by Tall Ships Adventures (023 9283 2055 www.tallships.org).

Voyages on the steel-hulled 72-foot yachts, recently purchased by the UK’s leading sail training charity, the Tall Ships Youth Trust, will operate in tandem with voyages on their traditional tall ship, the 60 metre brig STAVROS S NIARCHOS, for which the Trust is best known.

The summer programme for the Challengers and their Tall Ship - featuring voyages in the Caribbean, Mediterranean, across the Atlantic and a Round Britain challenge - are unveiled in the Summer 2008 brochure.

The Challengers, which formerly took part in ‘round the world’ races, can each accommodate a crew of up to 18 and at least two will always sail together to offer a competitive race element. Voyages are open to anyone aged 14 to 75, experienced sailors and novices alike.

“For the first time literally anyone will be able to sail on an ocean-going yacht – until now a dream for most of us,” said Tim Law, Marketing Director. “These yachts offer a safe, fast and exciting challenge and with our brig, a chance to experience two memorable sailing holidays.”

Challenger Summer 2008 highlights:

• As an introductory offer Challenger Sails start at £199 per person for 7-night sailing holidays around the Canaries and then the Balearics from February through to April

• Round Britain Youth Challenge (14-25): All four yachts will sail around Britain from Portsmouth via Bristol, Glasgow and Leith - with stops en route: 7-10 night legs from £499 in July

• Race Weeks: Race a Challenger in a series of races for adult and youth novice crews for the Tall Ships Challenger Race Series Cup. Solent or Tor Bay from £499 May/June

• Funchal 500 Tall Ships Race: The Challengers sail from Falmouth to Portugal, then on to Madeira for the Island’s 500th Anniversary celebrations. From £699pp in September

• ARC Trans-Atlantic Race: Race across the Atlantic with 200 yachts on a Challenger in the world renowned ARC Rally. November 2008 from £1,850

Summer 2008 Tall Ship highlights

• Ten-night Discover the Caribbean voyages on STAVROS S NIARCHOS, operate from Barbados until 6 April. Prices from £499 per person. A 21-night Trans-Atlantic voyage from Barbados to the Azores. Departs 20 April and costs £999pp

• Tall Ships Races 2008: STAVROS will be centre stage at the Mersey celebrations in July to mark Liverpool becoming 2008 European City of Culture before taking part in the 2008 Tall Ships Races in Norway and Netherlands. From £595 for 7 nights

• Voyages will also take in visits to many ports around the UK – Newcastle, Southampton, Brixham, Barry, Swansea and Glasgow as well as to Cork

All Challenger Yacht and Tall Ship voyages include full board and training. Flight connections are extra.

Most Beautiful Village in Europe

In less than a century, the prizewinning Austrian Alpine village of Lech, has changed from being a mountain farming community into a tourist centre of international repute, without losing its unmistakable character as a parish of the Walser region. In contrast to many other tourist areas, Lech has been able to maintain the atmosphere of a small village settlement. In terms of tourism, Lech wants to maintain its exclusive touch by following the maxim of “Less is more, especially if it is of high quality”. This also includes the conscious fostering of an independent tradition, a culture of hospitality and an attractive home with its healthy way of life and unique qualities. Its “economic space” also has to be its inhabitant’s “living space”. To this end, there is a range of regulations, guidelines and principles that the municipality of Lech has implemented for decades.

The following are Lech’s contribution to sustainability in tourism and living…

Biomass heating plant

The plant is used for producing hot water from the renewable energy source of biomass, and currently supplies 223 customers (mostly hotels and guest- houses) via a 17,500m heating network. Below the forecourt, on which bark is stored, are two fuel bunkers with a storage capacity of 5,000 m3, which are operated by automatic crane systems. Approximately 65,000 cubic metres of wood chips and bark, which come exclusively from the local sawmill and timber industry, are burned annually. This allows approximately 4 million litres of oil to be substituted every year and guarantees a sustainable improvement in air quality as well as a sustainable strengthening of the local economy.

Tunnel system

In 1995, the residents of Oberlech decide to install an underground tunnel system to handle supplies to and from the village. The first stage of construction took place in early summer 1995, with the main tunnel being opened in autumn 1995. The first underground supplies took place in December 1995. The remaining work on the tunnels and the transfer station were completed in autumn 1996. The return station and approach tunnel were built in summer 1997. The tunnels measure a total of 770 metres, and have 10 sluices and 8 emergency exits. The approach tunnel is 300 metres long. The transfer stations have a total surface area of more than 3,200 m2and cost approximately € 8.5 million. The Oberlech tunnel system is a unique type of construction and cannot be found at any other European tourist destination.

Local bus

The Lech local bus service entered into service on 28 June 1997 with 4 buses and two routes. Today, 11 buses ply the 6 routes and carry over 1.2 million passengers per year. Whether operating as the ski bus in winter or hiking bus in summer, it is impossible to picture Lech and Zürs without the “blue fleet”. Buses specially constructed for Lech enable a special type of mobility. In winter, the district bus goes as far as Rauz, and in summer as far as Hochkrumbach in the neighbouring district of Warth. During the night hours, the busservice “James” picks up those who need to get around. The Lech local bus is a real alternative to using private cars; it contributes actively to a significant reduction in pollution, and traffic levels have been cut drastically since it entered service.

Spring water from the Tap

Lech spring water, particularly the water taken from the source of the Schwarzbach in the Zugertal, has a number of distinctive features. What other people bottle as mineral water, comes out of the tap in Lech. The nitrate content of Lech water is more than 20 times lower than the EU drinking water limit of 25 mg/l. According to detailed research, the Schwarzbach spring water also contains ideal levels of important minerals such as calcium, magnesium and sulphates. This is backed up many other facts, such as the delicious Gut spring water from Lech, which is deliberately used as drinking water thanks to its extremely high quality. It is a unique part of the residents’ Lech home.

Botanical garden

The botanical garden of the municipality of Lech has been in operation for almost 30 years. Many types of local plants are for the most part nurtured at the Lech botanical garden in their own seed beds for 2 to 3 years, then pricked out and later potted up for distribution. Besides the reforestation projects, plants are also supplied to institutions such as the Mountain Torrent and Avalanche Barrier. Many locals also use trees from the seed garden in their gardens and forecourts. In 2004, an impressive 5,738 plants were taken from the stock and cultivation of the botanical garden and planted throughout the district.

Ski lifts and the environment

The first ski lifts were thought up in western Arlberg towards the end of the 1930s and installed without having to cut down any trees. This is a principle that still applies today. Based on the ski lifts at Lech, worldwide exemplary research programs and practical applications have been thought up, initiated and implemented. Lech takes a special interest in using its alpine environment responsibly and having a proactive environment policy based on prevention. Projects such as the greening of high altitude locations, fertilization, soil stabilising, reforestation and our own environment management system show just how important our dealings with nature are.

Fostering Local Culture,

The village community and the life of the association are very important in Lech. Lech is, after all, the living space for its own population. The same is true for its young, its families and its older people. Lech’s associations are very important for retaining its village culture. They foster traditions, offer work to the young and give many locals the opportunity to participate actively in the community.

Lech, with its population of 1,400, has a total of 22 associations; proof that village life in the municipality is alive and well! the “trachtenkappele”, the traditional costume band of lech was founded in 1927, and currently has around 45 members. Church occasions and official events take place against a background of music. More than a third of all members are under the age of 18; these young people meet once a week to make music together. The traditional costume association of Lech has set itself the aim of fostering and maintaining the traditional Walser costume. Much of the association’s work has to do with making new costumes according to historical guidelines.

Lech Music School provides a musical education which makes an important contribution to the formation of an individual’s personality and provides a stimulus for living together in harmony within the community.

The Arlberg ski club is a local association with a rich tradition. It was founded in 1901 and has helped to write the history of skiing in the Alps. The world’s first skiing course was held on the Arlberg, the first ski school was founded here, and Lech is the only place in the world that has produced four Olympic winners in the alpine sport of downhill skiing. Names such as Trude Jochum Beiser, Othmar Schneider, Egon Zimmermann, Patrick Ortlieb, Gerhard Nenning, Marianne Jahn are omnipresent in the world of sport skiing.

Sama Airlines of Saudi Arabia offers Free Tickets

Riyadh - Sama, the newest Low-Fares airline in Saudi Arabia, is pleased to launch its Frequent Traveller Program for rewarding frequent travellers. This program is part of the “Just for You” customer care campaign, which was announced earlier this year. Frequent Traveller is providing one free trip for every 9 trips, via any of Sama’s sales centres or airport sales shops.

In this occasion, Mr. Samer Atawi, Chief Commercial officer said: “Sama has initiated the “Just for You” customer care campaign, to be a slogan for the current year, and a goal to achieve continuously. This campaign will include several initiatives on the operational side and marketing side, whether it is a new initiative or enhancement. One example is that we increased the total weight of passenger baggage allowance from 15 to 20 Kg. Today, we are proud to launch the Frequent Traveller Program to reward our guests who make Sama their favourite choice for smiply travel”.

Faisal Al-Duhaim, Director of Marketing, said: “We are pleased today, to announce Frequent Traveller Program as the first loyalty and traveller rewards program in Low-Fares Airlines in the Middle East. This is very competitive with all other programs for all the airlines in the region. It provides a free ticket for every nine tickets, regardless of the miles or destination. These benefits make this program the most reward able, profitable, and exciting programs in the region for passengers. To get the free ticket, all you need to do is provide nine boarding pass for the same passenger, at any Sama sales shops (domestic or international), then choose your free destination and collect your free flight. This is any destination for any nine boarding passes for the same passenger.”

Sama has four Sales shops at (Riyadh, Dammam, Jeddah, and Madinah), in addition at airports (Riyadh, Dammam, Jeddah, Madinah, Abha, Jizan, Hail, Qurayyat, Arar, Rafha, Tabouk, and Jouf), and international airports (AbuDhabi, Sharjah, Amman, Damascus, Latakia, Aleppo, and Beirut). Sama offers various ways for booking, through website: www.flysama.com, Call Centre 920005588, or authorised travel agents.

• Fares to Beirut begin at SR 450 from Jeddah, departing on Sun, Mon, and Friday, and SR 425 from Riyadh, departing on Sun, Wed, and Friday. Sama’s overall number of international destinations is increased to 7 (Abu-Dhabi, Sharjah, Amman, Damascus, Latakia, Aleppo, and Beirut), departing from the international airports of Dammam, Riyadh, and Jeddah.

• Sama is the newest Low-Fare Carrier in Saudi Arabia. Founded by Investment Enterprises Ltd, chaired by HRH Prince Bandar bin Khalid al Faisal on 2005, with 30 major Saudi private and institutional investors

• A low fares airline is an airline which offers low fares by efficiently managing its operational costs and removing many traditional passenger frills that passengers don’t value. Passengers or guests as we refer to them in Sama are encouraged to book early to get the best price.

• Sama has 6 Boeing 737-300 aircraft as well as a Jetstream for the operation of regional services. These are maintained to the highest international standards. Sama plan to increase its fleet to 30 - 35 aircraft by 2010.

• Sama’s mission to be the most preferred low-fare airline in Middle East

• Sama have more than 400 employees, with more than 40% of them being Saudi’s.

• First flight was on 18 March 2007, departing from King Fahad International Airport in Dammam to King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah. Now, Sama operates more than 300 weekly flights.

• Sama now flies to 12 domestic destinations (Dammam, Riyadh, Jeddah, Madinah, Abha, Jizan, Hail, Arar, Jouf, Tabouk, and Rafha). Fares begin from SR 69

• Sama also operates international (charter) flights to 7 international destinations across the Middle East (Abu-Dhabi, Sharjah, Amman, Damascus, Latakia, Aleppo, and Beirut). Fares begin from SR 229.

• Sama offers various way for booking, such as:

Website: http://www.flysama.com/
Call Centre: 9200 05588
Sales Centre: in all the main cities and airports
Authorized Travel Agents (Inside Saudi Arabia and outside)

• Sama offers many ways for payment, such as:

Cash
Credit Cards (American Express, Visa, MasterCard)
Sadad (ATM and Saudi Banks websites)

. Sama’s slogan is “Simply Fly” reflecting the simplicity of the travel experience with Sama. We also seek to promote the concept of advance booking to secure the lowest fares, adopted as “Book early, Save more” in a recent marketing campaign.

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