Jetsettersblog

Leading independent holiday company, Wildlife Worldwide, has introduced a range of new small group trips for 2010/11, three photography tours (to be led by award-winning wildlife photographer Nick Garbutt) and five volunteer projects in Europe and Africa.

Wildlife Worldwide’s increasingly popular Festivals of Wildlife – the 2010 event takes place in the Pantanal in Brazil and 2011 in Mexico – are also highlighted and new destinations include China, Mozambique, Ethiopia, Slovakia and Portugal. The Brazil trip will be accompanied by a number of well known wildlife experts including Mark Carwardine, co-presenter of the recent ‘Last chance to see’ BBC TV series with Stephen Fry.

Comments Chris Breen, Managing Director of Wildlife Worldwide: “We have broadened our options for 2010; mastering wildlife photographic techniques empowers people to take home fantastic memories from their holiday whilst our volunteer holidays enable people to play an active part in conservation.

“So whether you prefer to learn a new skill, get stuck in to help out, or simply enjoy spectacular wildlife in its natural habitat, Wildlife Worldwide will have the holiday, to suit you.”

Here is a brief summary of highlights from the new Wildlife Worldwide 2010/2011 brochure.

New – Small Group Tours

A new series of tours which provide people with the opportunity to join a small group of like-minded enthusiasts to some of the world’s most prolific wildlife destinations, to discover the natural world.

There is a choice of 19 tours to choose from in Africa, Americas, Asia and Europe including Tanzania, Kenya, Zambia, India, Finland, Guyana, Costa Rica and Brazil.

New – Photographic Tours

Wildlife Worldwide has, over the years, forged relationships with many first class wildlife photographers used in the company’s award-winning brochures. There are three new trips to Kenya, Zambia and Borneo, all of which will be led by Nick Garbutt. Lead in price is £2799 pp for the 6-night Kenya trip.

New destination – China

A unique opportunity to track pandas, the highest density of which live at high altitude in Shaanxi province in north east China. The trips provide a chance to learn about panda protection first hand amid stunning scenery. All trips can be tailor made with prices from £2199 pp for the 6-night Panda Highlights itinerary.

New destination – Mozambique

For years Mozambique was ravaged by civil war but it is now able to claim its right as the ultimate beach and bush destination in southern Africa.

Parks are being restored to their former glory with the re-introduction of species including elephants, wildebeest and buffalo. Accommodation is in Gorongosa National Park, in an area renowned for its lion population. Trips are tailor-made with prices on request.

New destination – Ethiopia

Not for the first time wildlife enthusiast, Ethiopia is a mythical land home to over 800 species of birds and 80 species of large mammals, the most notable of which are the Gelada Baboon, Walia ibex and the highly endangered Ethiopian wolf.

Accommodation includes the Simian Lodge in the Simian Mountains which at 3260m is the highest lodge in Africa. Trips from £2399 for the 7-night Highlights of Ethiopia itinerary.

New destination – Slovakia

Slovakia is one of Europe’s lesser-known wildlife destinations. We team up with rangers in the Western Tatras Mountains to track and monitor brown bears in areas that the public are usually forbidden to enter. The project is run in conjunction with the High Tatras National Park Authority and the trips cost from £1569 pp. A donation of €180 from each booking goes towards the project.

New destination – Portugal

Portugal’s climate and topography make it one of Europe’s premier birdwatching destinations. This itinerary combines Estrela Mountain, Portugal’s highest peak, with the Tagus International River Natural Park to observe mammals and birds with accommodation in extremely comfortable accommodation. The itinerary costs from £849 pp.

All prices quoted include flights, accommodation, transportation, park fees, expert guides/tuition, some meals and accommodation (see itineraries for detail).

For further information call 0845 130 6982 or visit www.wildlifeworldwide.com

Wildlife Worldwide is committed to preserve the natural environment and minimise and negative impact on local cultures through education, conservation, sustainable development and socially responsible practices. Donations are made direct to a variety of charities and environmental causes through Wildlife Worldwide’s holidays.

African Travel Inc.
CONTACT: Heidi Podjavorsek
TEL: (800) 421-8907 x 115
E-MAIL: heidip@africantravelinc.com
WEB: www.africantravelinc.com

African Travel Inc., a company that specializes in super-luxe journeys throughout the African continent, to islands in the Indian Ocean, and to Dubai, recently announced an exciting lineup of itineraries for the 2010 season.

African Travel Inc. caters to travelers who seek highly personalized and customized encounters with African wildlife and culture, and who require product exclusivity, diversification, and extraordinary personal services.

Although these are just a few of African Travel Inc.’s diverse offerings, the following provides a sneak preview of some exciting 2010 itineraries.

The Ultimate Safari

An unprecedented safari experience awaits travelers on this journey that combines culture, natural attractions, and superb Big Five game viewing.

A private car and guide transform ordinary sightseeing into a comfortable and personalized adventure and accommodations have been carefully chosen to reflect the best that Africa has to offer.

Highlights include accommodations in distinctive lodges and camps including some of Conde Nast’s “Gold List” winners, gourmet South African food and wine, dinner with a local Capetonian family, extraordinary game viewing in Kruger National Park and Botswana, an elephant back excursion at Elephant Whispers, and much more. 18 days starting at $10,795 per person, land cost.

Southern Jewels

With a combination of vast pristine wilderness and a small population, Namibia is the definitive land of discovery and soul-searching.

Marvel at the world’s tallest sand dunes and one of the oldest forms of art before becoming entranced in the distinctive safari experience in Etosha, Namibia’s largest animal refuge, before finishing up in cosmopolitan Cape Town. Other highlights include exploring Fish River Canyon, second only in size to the Grand Canyon, climbing the world’s tallest sand dunes at Sossusvlei, viewing some of the fascinating geological features in Damaraland and rock engravings by some of Namibia’s oldest inhabitants, the Bushmen, wildlife excursions in and around Etosha National Park, and more. 13 Days starting at $6,995, land cost.

Nile Splendors

From the moment of arrival in Cairo, travelers are immersed in the sights and sounds of a thriving modern culture living side by side with remnants of the ancient past.

From the legendary pyramids at Giza to the immense temple complex at Karnak, the sheer magnitude of these structures dwarfs the imagination, and to bear witness to the accomplishments is truly a humbling experience.

Highlights of this journey include walking in the footsteps of Egypt’s greatest pharaohs, exploring the temples along the Nile from the comfort of a luxury cruise ship, private tours led by Egyptologist guides, recreating the past while donning a galabeya for a traditional dinner aboard the Nile cruise, gazing at the golden mask of Tut, and much more. 12 days starting at $2195, land cost.

African Travel Inc. caters to adventurers and luxury travelers of all ages — singles, couples, families, small groups of friends, inter-generational, and special interest groups. Their travel experts help travelers plan family travel, honeymoons, golfing tours, spa trips, wine and food tours, as well as cultural extensions and special interest safaris.

To learn more about African Travel Inc. or to order a brochure, visit the website at www.africantravelinc.com  or contact Heidi Podjavorsek at (800) 421-8907 x 115.

Ethiopian Airlines Journeys is expanding its vacation package product offerings in 2010 to deliver vacations throughout Africa.

Leveraging the fact that Ethiopian Airlines connects to more destinations in Africa than any other airline, the airline’s tour operator subsidiary is packaging and marketing a wider variety of African leisure travel experiences for the U.S. consumer.

The first new package offerings will include Uganda and Rwanda. As the 2010 rollout continues, additional destinations will include Djibouti, Egypt, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, among others.

In Uganda, gorilla tracking is an unforgettable experience; the Murchison Falls Park offers relaxing Nile cruises, Queen Elizabeth Park scenery and adventure in Lake Edward. Rwanda provides a serene adventure setting in which travelers can find themselves peering through mist-shrouded bamboo into the eyes of a magnificent silverback mountain gorilla.

Like all Ethiopian Airlines Journeys’ vacation packages, each of these new experiences will be fully customizable and feature complete itineraries, hotels, knowledgeable guides and meal options.

Over the past two years, Ethiopian Airlines Journeys has been successful at developing, marketing and delivering vacation travel packages to Ethiopia, along with safari add-ons to Kenya and Tanzania. Ethiopian Airlines Journeys is the link between the Ethiopian Airlines, ground operators and hotels in Africa, and the American consumer who seeks an unforgettable travel experience. For more than 60 years,

For information, call 866-599-3797 or visit www.seeyouinethiopia.com

Destination specialist Voyages of Discovery has launched its summer 2010 season with a 20 percent early-booking discount and low-cost air add-ons from 25 North American gateway cities.

The summer 2010 season offers voyages to the Arctic, Northern Europe, the Mediterranean, Red Sea and North Africa. Guests who book by Feb. 1 can save an additional 10 percent Launch Offer Savings.

Special rates for single travelers also are available. “Summer 2010 on Discovery will feature a wide range of interesting and eclectic destinations,” said Mark Flager, vice president-sales, marketing and passenger services.

“We’ll begin in Safaga, Egypt, on April 16, and sail the Mediterranean and Black Sea to Syria, Turkey, Spain and Italy before beginning our summer season round-trip from London to Scandinavia, the Baltic, Iceland and the Arctic.”

New ports in 2010 include Sicilian Catania, Nauplion near the Greek citadel of Mycenae, the island of Korcula and the city of Split on the Dalmation Coast.

Each of the itineraries has been planned to maximize time spent ashore exploring sights, many beyond the reach of larger ships. Guests will also be able to visit inland destinations including Berlin and Cairo. Overnight stays are offered in places such as St. Petersburg, Venice and Reykjavik.

Summer 2010 programs on the 650-passenger Discovery include a rare visit to Ilulissat (120 miles north of the Arctic Circle), Nuuk and Qaqortoq, Greenland, on the 17-night “Iceland & Greenland” voyage sailing Aug. 6 from Reykjavik, Iceland.

Cruise fares, with the launch offer savings, start at $4,337 per person.

The “British Isles Heritage Trail” begins June 22 round-trip from Harwich (London) and includes Discovery’s first visit to Liverpool as well as visits to the Scilly Isles, Dublin, Belfast, Oban and Dundee. Fares begin at $3,485 per person.

Also new in 2010 is “A Taste of France,” a 10-night voyage calling at St. Helier, Channel Islands, La Rochelle, Bordeaux (overnight), St. Malo and Rouen. Fares for the Aug. 17 cruise begin at $3,458.

All Voyages of Discovery itineraries feature an enrichment program featuring historians, diplomats, scientists and naturalists. Scheduled guest speakers include Air Chief Marshall Sir Richard Johns; Derek Blundell, emeritus professor of geophysics at Royal Holloway, University of London; and Prof. Richard Wilson, host of the BBC’s “Writers and Places” series.

The company invested $3.5 million to update and improve the vessel over the last two years, and a further $3.5 million will be spent this year.

From late May to late August next year, a majority of Voyages of Discovery’s summer cruises will sail round trip from Harwich, a port near London.

Cruise-tour packages feature two hotel nights in London pre- or post-cruise and a half-day sightseeing tour.

The Discovery repositions to the Mediterranean on Sept. 6 with a 20-night “Grand Iberia & Italy” sailing, with fares starting at $4,708 per person.

Late-summer and fall destinations include the French and Italian Riviera, the Adriatic and the Black Sea.

The season concludes with an antiquities cruise beginning Nov. 6 from Alexandria to Safaga, with calls at Sharm El Sheikh and Port Said for Cairo, and also an overnight onboard in Aqaba for Petra.

Fares for the 12-night “Egypt & the Red Sea” cruise begin at $3,516 per person. The new program also features “Grand Voyages” that combine two or more summer cruises.

Fares start at $6,232 per person for the “Grand Andalucia, Italy & Adriatic” voyage departing Sept. 3, which combines the “Grand Iberia & Italy” voyage with the “Venice & the Adriatic” cruise.

To celebrate the launch of its summer 2010 program, Voyages of Discovery is offering a 10 percent Launch Offer Savings for guests booked by Feb. 1.

For more information, call 866-623-2689 or visit www.voyagesofdiscovery.com

Africa Adventure Consultants has taken advantage of low air fares and favorable exchange rates to create value pricing on South Africa Safari Specials.

South Africa Highlights is eight days from $3,496 per person. Enjoy two of South Africa’s finest private game reserves with day and night game drives, plus highlights of Johannesburg on this discounted luxury safari. South Africa Cape and Kruger Safari is 10 days from $3,292 per person.

This 10-day tour includes Cape Town, the winelands and excellent wildlife viewing in a private game reserve near Kruger National Park. With guided tours and ample free time, this safari offers a comfortable pace, with exceptional guides and intimate accommodations. South Africa Value Safari is eight days from $2,400 per person.

Learn about the Soweto uprising, and gold mining in Pilgrim’s Rest. Enjoy panoramic views of the coast and surrounding region and game drives in South Africa’s best game reserve. End with a dip in the Indian Ocean.

Cape Town Highlights is five days from $1,799 per person. Cape Town’s unique cultural blend — part African, part European and part Asian — makes for a cosmopolitan of touring and dining experiences. Here, you’ll see Table Mountain, visit the beautiful Cape Winelands and the Cape Peninsula on one of the finest coastal drives in Africa. Africa Adventure Consultants also specializes in 2010 World Cup Africa Travel planning.

Denver-based African safari expert Africa Adventure Consultants organizes safari adventures throughout East and Southern Africa, including Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Namibia, Botswana, Malawi, South Africa, Rwanda, Zambia, Victoria Falls and Ethiopia. Africa Adventure Consultants supports a variety of African conservation organizations, community-based tourism programs and humanitarian causes. It runs a carbon neutral office in Denver and is offsetting 50 percent of each African trip as well as offering clients the opportunity to offset the remaining 50 percent.

For more information, call 866-778-1089 or visit www.adventuresinafrica.com/index.aspx

Africa Travel Association (ATA) and the World Religious Travel Association (WRTA) renewed their partnership agreement in an effort to promote both organizations’ endeavors in the religious travel trade. Religious travel and hospitality is present throughout the continent and is defined in four ways by WRTA: visiting a religious destination, attending a religious gathering, traveling for missionary or humanitarian purposes, or leisure traveling with fellowship intent.

“Faith-based tourism attracts 300 million travelers worldwide, who spend $18 billion annually,” said WRTA President Kevin Wright.

“We look forward to once again working with ATA, especially as Africa has long served as a top destination for people of faith.” Under the new partnership agreement, ATA and its members will participate in the WRTA World Religious Travel Expo and Educational Conference 2009 to be held Nov. 14 to 16, 2009, in Reno, Nev., and WRTA will participate in ATA’s upcoming events in the United States and across Africa, most notably the 35th Annual Congress in The Gambia in May 2010.

The Africa Travel Association (ATA) was established as an international travel industry trade association in 1975. ATA’s mission is to promote travel, tourism and transport to and within Africa, and to strengthen intra-Africa partnerships.

For more information, visit ATA online at www.africatravelassociaton.org  or call 212-447-1357. WRTA is the leading global network for the $18 billion faith tourism industry.

For more information, call 859-219-3529 or visit www.WRTAreligioustravel.com  or www.WRTAexpo.com

Jaz Hotels, Resorts & Cruises Dive With The Dolphins In Marsa Alam, Egypt Sol Y Mar Dolphin House

Jaz Hotels, Resorts & Cruises is delighted to announce the opening of its newest hotel in Marsa Alam, the four star Sol Y Mar Dolphin House, located in one of the most exclusive diving hot spots on the beautiful Red Sea coastline. Close to the popular Samadai Reef the hotel is known as Dolphin House because of the hundreds of spinner dolphins that inhabit the nearby waters.

With 200 luxuriously furnished guest rooms and a variety of leisure activities to enjoy by day and night, guests will find it hard to leave the resort which offers a selection of restaurants and bars, a shopping arcade, two large swimming pools and a full range of watersports, as well as billiards and table tennis. For relaxation and pampering there is the sea-view Spa with sauna, Jacuzzi, steam rooms, massage rooms and an on-site beauty salon.

A variety of entertainment is also provided at the hotel’s Roman-style amphitheatre, while the Wild West disco guarantees lively dancing.

Children are well catered for at the Kids Club, which offers daily activity programmes for all ages including a separate freshwater swimming pool and its own Beach Summer Class for dolphin spotting. The restaurant offers special kid’s menus.

With diving a major year-round attraction at the resort, a fully equipped professional Dive Centre offers a range of diving tours and courses, including memorable dives with dolphins, windsurfing and a variety of equally thrilling water sports and activities.

The half-moon shaped Samadi Reef is famous for the beauty of its underwater caves and its shallow waters are accessible for novice and advanced divers, as well as those who simply enjoy snorkelling.

An all inclusive package covers full board with all food and drink, a welcome drink on arrival and afternoon tea with a selection of cakes and coffee every day.

About Jaz Hotels, Resorts & Cruises
Jaz Hotels, Resorts & Cruises is a unique collection of highly regarded brands that encompasses Jaz Resorts, Iberotel Hotels & Resorts, Sol Y Mar Resorts and Travcotels Nile Cruise Ships. In key destinations around the Red Sea and other key resorts in Egypt and the UAE, each brand has its own unique personality combining excellent service and stunning designs.

There are exceptional facilities across the portfolio of properties including luxury spas; brilliant kids clubs, fascinating souks, vibrant nightlife, invigorating water sports and diving, and alluring restaurants.

Sol Y Mar Resorts is all about Sun & Fun. Each of the four-star properties delivers a vibrant experience and an attention to detail that is particularly appealing to families. Sol Y Mar has two properties in Sharm El Sheikh, (with two openings in November 09), three in Madinat Makadi, four in Marsa Alam including the new Sol Y Mar Dolphin House with two further openings, early 2010, one each in Taba, Safaga and Hurghada and two in the Al Dakhla & Al Kharga Oases. New openings are also planned for Al Dakhla and Ras Sidr in 2010.

Jaz Resorts is a portfolio of five-star properties that blend stylish, contemporary elegance with extensive leisure facilities. Each is situated in a stunning location and offers guests an unrivaled fusion of sports, entertainment and dining experiences.

Jaz Resorts has four properties in Sharm El Sheikh (with a new hotel opening 2010), two in Madinat Makadi, two planned for Hurhgada, three in Mersa Matrouh, including the recently opened Jaz Crystal Resort and the new Jaz Oriental Resort, planned for June 2009;

Taba (opening Nov 09) and Ain El Sokhna, planned for June 2009.

Iberotel Hotels & Resorts comprise four and five-star properties, each individually designed in a local style and situated in spectacular beach side locations on the Red Sea and on the Nile. With a wide range of activities and entertainment, there is something for everyone at each resort. In addition to the new Iberotel Aswan and recently opened Cairo Hotel & Casino, Iberotel has a new resort planned in Hurghada for August 09.

Other properties include three in Sharm El Sheikh, four in Madinat Makadi, three in Marsa Alam, one in Dahab, one in Luxor and one in Fujairah in the UAE.

Travcotels, Egypt’s leading Nile Cruise Company, owns and operates a fleet of 18 Nile and Lake Nasser cruises of 5 star and 5 star deluxe standards. Two additional Nile cruise boats are due to launch in November 2009.

Each allows the visitor to immerse themselves in the culture and history of the Nile, whilst ensconced in the luxurious modern environment of a 21st century ship.

www.jaz.travel

The five-star Jaz Oriental Resort  is set to become one of the major attractions of Mersa Matruh, with its outstanding design, modern oriental interior and natural surroundings on the turquoise waters of the Southern Mediterranean.

With 212 spacious and well-appointed rooms, the new Jaz Oriental Resort enjoys its own secluded beach, a selection of indoor and outdoor restaurants, bars, swimming pools and evening entertainment.

For the active, Jaz Oriental offers a host of leisure and sports facilities including a gym and health club, tennis courts, beach volleyball, billiards and diving at Almaza Beach. There is also the chance to learn the skill of shooting with a bow and arrow at the archery club while the on-site Kids’ Club provides a haven of fun and games. The resort’s own amphitheatre offers a variety of entertainment and there is plenty of shopping on site.

Jaz Oriental Resort, alongside the recently launched Jaz Crystal Resort and Almaza Bay’s first hotel, Jaz Almaza Beach Resort, caters particularly to families and couples, but there are excellent facilities for business travellers looking to conduct meetings in an exotic location with catering and banqueting facilities on hand. Transfers to and from the airport are offered by the resort’s shuttle bus service.

Renowned for its legendary silky sand beaches and translucent azure waters, guests of Jaz Oriental can also enjoy the nearby historic sites of Mersa Matruh particularly the Marine Ruins in El Alamain, with baths, tombs, temples, and nobles’ houses, dating back to the Graeco-Roman period.

About Jaz Hotels, Resorts & Cruises

Jaz Hotels, Resorts & Cruises is a unique collection of highly regarded brands that encompasses Jaz Resorts, Iberotel Hotels & Resorts, Sol Y Mar Resorts and Travcotels Nile Cruise Ships.

In key destinations around the Red Sea and other key resorts in Egypt and the UAE, each brand has its own unique personality combining excellent service and stunning designs.

There are exceptional facilities across the portfolio of properties including luxury spas; brilliant kids clubs, fascinating souks, vibrant nightlife, invigorating water sports and diving, and alluring restaurants.

Jaz Resorts is a portfolio of five-star properties that blend stylish, contemporary elegance with extensive leisure facilities. Each is situated in a stunning location and offers guests an unrivaled fusion of sports, entertainment and dining experiences.

Jaz Resorts has four properties in Sharm El Sheikh (with a new hotel opening 2010), two in Madinat Makadi, two planned for Hurghada and three in Mersa Matrouh, including the new Jaz Oriental Resort and recently opened Jaz Crystal Resort. Additional openings include Taba (opening Nov 09) and Ain El Sokhna, planned for June 2009.

Iberotel Hotels & Resorts comprise four and five-star properties, each individually designed in a local style and situated in spectacular beach side locations on the Red Sea and on the Nile.

With a wide range of activities and entertainment, there is something for everyone at each resort. In addition to the new Iberotel Aswan and recently opened Cairo Hotel & Casino, Iberotel has a new resort planned in Hurghada for August 09.

Other properties include three in Sharm El Sheikh, three in Madinat Makadi, three in Marsa Alam, one in Dahab, one in Luxor and one in Fujairah in the UAE.

Sol Y Mar Resorts is all about Sun & Fun. Each of the four-star properties delivers a vibrant experience and an attention to detail that is particularly appealing to families. Sol Y Mar has two properties in Sharm El Sheikh, (with two openings in November 09), three in Madinat Makadi, four in Marsa Alam including the new Dolphin House opening June 09 with two further openings (early2010), one each in Taba, Safaga and Hurghada and two in the Al Dakhla & Al Kharga Oases. New openings are also planned for Al Dakhla and Ras Sidr in 2010.

Travcotels, Egypt’s leading Nile Cruise Company, owns and operates a fleet of 20 Nile and Lake Nasser cruises of 5 star and 5 star deluxe standards. Two additional Nile cruise boats are due to launch in November 2009.
Each allows the visitor to immerse themselves in the culture and history of the Nile, whilst ensconced in the luxurious modern environment of a 21st century ship.

www.jaz.travel

Thousands of people will have an unprecedented view of ancient history in New York City with the grand opening of the “Lucy’s Legacy: The Hidden Treasures of Ethiopia” exhibit at Discovery Times Square Exposition.

Thanks to Ethiopian Airlines Journeys, Americans now have the chance to come over to experience the history of man, Africa and Ethiopia for themselves with an exciting new vacation package.

The new “Lucy’s Legacy” tour from Ethiopian Airlines Journeys introduces travelers to the 5 million year history of Ethiopia, known as the Cradle of Mankind, along with some of the most historically significant and fascinating cities in the world. The “Lucy’s Legacy” tour features stops in Axum, the reputed resting place of the “Ark of the Covenant,” and Lalibela, where travelers marvel at rock-hewn churches carved from solid red volcanic rock in the 12th century by King Lalibela.

The package includes luxury hotel accommodations, all international and domestic flights, meals, a professional guide and much more. Best of all, travelers can customize and extend the package to take a safari in Tanzania as an add-on to see some of the best wildlife in the world.

More than 100 artifacts in the exhibit illuminate this rich heritage, including fossils, historical manuscripts, paintings, coins, musical instruments, implements of daily use, religious artifacts and more.

For more information on the exhibit, visit www.lucyexhibition.hmns.org

Ethiopian Airlines Journeys is a single-source solution to plan and realize vacations in one of the most exciting and historical regions of Africa. Ethiopian Airlines, one of the largest airlines in Africa serving 53 destinations around the globe, is the winner of the 2007 African Business of the Year and Best African Airline Award for 2006. Featuring five flights weekly from Washington, D.C.’s Dulles International Airport, the airline offers both morning and evening departures, with the morning departure allowing seamless connections to 32 African destinations.

The airline’s website provides excellent information on additional flights, services and special web fares. For more information about Ethiopian Airlines, visit www.ethiopianairlines.com

Cardholders to “Go” around the world with leading payment solutions provider and Dnata Holidays

Dubai : Visa, the leading global payment solutions provider and Dnata Holidays, the Middle East’s most experienced tour operator, have launched an exciting summer travel promotion offering cardholders a range of world class travel offers.

Cardholders jetting off for a summer break this year can win the chance to travel around the world simply by using their Visa debit and credit cards abroad.

The promotion is open to Visa cardholders across the Middle East, and also offers a 5% discount for those travelers booking online at www.dnataholidays.com

Visa cardholders will automatically be entered into a draw for the three month promotion lasts until 31 August 2009, when either using their Visa cards to pay for items or withdraw money from ATMs overseas or booking at any Dnata Travel or Holiday Lounge by Dnata outlet across the region.

There are seven around the world travel prizes to be won, each including the opportunity to slow down and experience a non-traditional form of travel.

Adventurous winners can choose to enhance their trip with travel in a hot air balloon, on an elephant, by train or a boat cruise.

Commenting on the exclusive deals available to Visa and Dnata Holidays customers for summer 2009, Norliza Kassim, Head of Marketing, Middle East and North Africa for Visa, said:

“Despite the diverse profiles of GCC residents, we recognise among our customers an inherent interest in and desire to travel.”

Visa’s Traveler Study, Outbound Travelers (CEMEA Travelers), has revealed that 70% of travelers make their bookings through travel agents.

Nathan Adams, Manager Dnata Holidays, commented: “Dnata Holidays is delighted to work in partnership with Visa to provide efficient and innovative travel solutions to meet the demands of the emerging outbound travel industry in the GCC.”

Nathan Adams added, “One of Dnata Holidays’ key strengths is being able to offer a wide variety of hotels and airlines for our customers to choose from.

“Thanks to our great value offers and partnership with Visa, customers will find they get some great value-added benefits when they book this summer using their Visa card.”

“Visa continuously strives to enhance travel experiences by offering added value rewards to our cardholders . Visa is committed to helping cardholders get more value out of their holiday and experience the convenience and security of a Visa card,” added Norliza Kassim.

To promote the summer travel offer, Visa is hosting a series of in mall activities in Dubai at key locations within Wafi Mall, Mercato Mall, The Walk at Jumeirah Beach Residence and Uptown Mirdiff where Visa cardholders have the chance to win a variety of UAE weekend breaks from Dnata.

With acceptance in more than 170 countries, Visa is an excellent travel companion for those exploring overseas.

Find out more about Visa and Dnata Holidays’ exclusive travel offers at: www.visamiddleeast.com/travel  or visit your local Dnata Travel or The Holiday Lounge by Dnata Outlet.