Jetsettersblog

Crew Wanted For 600 BC Sailing Expedition

Phoenicia Fact Sheet The search is on for keen sailors to take part in an ambitious expedition which aims to recreate the first circumnavigation of Africa believed to have been completed by Phoenician mariners almost 3,000 years ago.

The Phoenician Ship Expedition will set sail this summer from the ancient Syrian port of Arwad, which is where the 70 ft replica vessel is being built.

Led by Philip Beale who successfully headed the Borobudur expedition in 2003-04 sailing a replica 8th century Indonesian trading vessel from Indonesia to West Africa, this latest venture is more ambitious and will see the ship cover 17,000 miles over 12 months before she arrives in London.

“You don’t have to be Ellen MacArthur to take part in this project, although she’d be most welcome. We’re looking for people who have a sense of adventure and curiosity to be part of a small team in what will inevitably be challenging circumstances. We want a multination crew and obviously not everyone can take so long away from work and family commitments so we’d welcome applications from people who could come for part of the voyage” said Beale.

The Phoenicia team are in need of specialist skills such as medical, culinary, IT and photographic expertise as well as experienced and novice sailors. Applications forms are available to down load from the projects website www.phoenicia.org.uk

ALICIA KEYS AFRICA DOCUMENTARY online

AVAILABLE FOR EXCLUSIVE DOWNLOAD ON SPIRALFROG

SpiralFrog was selected by the non-profit organization, Keep a Child Alive (KCA), to be the exclusive download partner for the documentary of Alicia Keys’ month-long journey through Africa.

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/  

Elegant Early-Booking Savings for Red Sea Cruises

Elegant Cruises & Tours, a niche cruise line specializing in culturally enriching travel, announced early-booking savings for its new “Monasteries of the Lonely Desert” voyage to the Red Sea and Gulf of Aqaba. The cruises are aboard the 62-passenger Monet, including the inaugural voyage on Dec. 18.

According to Tatjana Stanovic, executive vice president of Elegant Cruises & Tours, anyone booking prior to May 31 can elect to deduct $300 per person from the regular published fares, or deduct $350 per person from the price of the Cairo pre/post cruise extension.

The new program takes passengers through the Gulf of Suez to the Red Sea for a 14-day sea and land adventure exploring the ancient world and visiting Egyptian temples and Greco-Roman architecture. The central focus are the desert monasteries of early Christianity, including the Monasteries of St. Anthony & St. Paul, now UNESCO World Heritage Sites; the 4th century Monastery of the Seven Nuns; and St. Catherine’s, the oldest working monastery and home to the one of the world’s largest collections of illuminated manuscripts.

Additional highlights are the ancient cities of Petra and Thebes, the Bedouin village of Wadi Rum made famous by Lawrence of Arabia, the Chapel of the Burning Bush and Ras Mohammed National Park. Key ports of call are Safaga for Luxor and Valley of the Kings; Sharm El Sheik; and Aqaba for Petra, Amman and Jerash. A slate of guest lecturers is planned, beginning with Near East archeologist, scholar and author Dr. William Dever.

Nine Red Sea cruise-tours are planned following the Dec. 18 maiden voyage. Prices begin at $3,512 per person, based on double occupancy, including meals onboard, shore excursions, four-night land portion in Jordan, one overnight in Cairo, all transfers and guest lectures. The cruise-only package featuring the cruise, all meals, lecturer, all shore excursions (exclusive of the land/overnight portions) begin at $2,706 per person, double occupancy. Group and charter rates are available.

For more information, call 800-683-6767 or visit http://www.elegantcruises.com/

Mövenpick Resort Aswan With A Nubian Touch

In summer 2004 Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts announced the take over of a resort on the Elephantine Island near Aswan. The extensive renovation and extension work is just about to be completed. The 5-star hotel, which now goes by the name of Mövenpick Resort Aswan, delights with its contemporary design punctuated with Nubian style elements.

“The newly renovated Mövenpick Resort Aswan reflects the high quality standards with which we intend to spoil our guests here in Egypt,” says Josef Kufer, Senior Vice President Africa Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts. “With its fantastic location the resort is ideally suited to be combined with Nile cruises or a visit to the many sites in and around Aswan.”

All the hotel’s areas are characterised by warm, bright colour tones, spacious interiors, a contemporary and locally influenced design combined with Nubian style elements. It is not just the rooms which have been extensively renovated or redesigned, but also all the public areas and the gardens, with the creation of a new Kids’ Club and a large infinity pool.

With the work completed, the Mövenpick Resort Aswan now offers 234 spacious and comfortable rooms, including 38 duplex junior suites and 8 double villas. Culinary treats await the guests at the main restaurant “Orangerie” and in the Italian speciality restaurant “La Perla”. The Panorama Bar on the 14th floor of the Aswan Tower offers breathtaking views of the Nile and its fascinating surroundings and is certain to prove particularly popular. The culinary choice is rounded off by a poolside restaurant and bar as well as a lobby lounge. Besides the vast choice of excursion opportunities (including sailing trips on-board typical feluccas), other leisure activities include billiards, table tennis and massages. A meeting room for a maximum of 120 delegates is available for conferences and banquets.

“The gardens and the different terraces are ideal for celebrating all kinds of occasions outdoors,” says Urs Umbricht, General Manager Mövenpick Resort Aswan. “The wonderful views of the Nile, Aswan, the Botanical Gardens on Kitchner Island, the West Bank and the Aga Khan Mausoleum are certain to make any event an unforgettable experience.”

“We will shortly be starting a new expansion project that includes 160 additional rooms, restaurants and bars as well as a new conference centre,” adds Josef Kufer. “This project, which is due to be completed by 2010 to the north of the existing hotel premises, will not affect our guests in any way.”

Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts, a premium hotel management company with over 12,000 employees, is represented in 26 countries with over 90 hotels existing or under construction and focuses on its core markets in Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia. The international hotel group with Swiss roots is forging ahead with its expansion and aims to extend its portfolio to include 100 hotels by 2010. Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts has an established presence in the 4 and 5-star segment with two types of accommodation: business and conference hotels and holiday resorts. The hotel group is a byword for the uncompromising quality of its products and services and is owned by the Mövenpick Holding (66.7 %) as well as the Kingdom Group (33.3 %).

Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts On The Red Sea

Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts is pushing ahead with its expansion strategy in Egypt. At the end of 2007 two new luxury cruisers set sail on their maiden voyage on the Nile and Lake Nasser, and just recently two projects were announced in Sharm El Sheikh. Now a management agreement for a 5-star holiday resort in El Sokhna has been signed with the owning company Galalah Company for Touristic Investments S.A.E. The official opening of the Mövenpick Resort El Sokhna is already scheduled for June 2008.

The Mövenpick Resort El Sokhna is an integral part of the 62 acre El Ein Resort Village, directly on the shores of the Red Sea with its own private beach of fine sand and crystal clear waters.

“Our new hotel will appeal not just to guests from all over the world, but above all to our target group in Egypt,” says Josef Kufer, Senior Vice President Africa. “Indeed, El Sokhna is located 55 km south of the Suez Canal, which means it is only 90 minutes by car from Cairo.”

The hotel’s 162 rooms and suites are contemporary in design and each has a sea view. Spacious swimming pools, a whole raft of sporting activities, a health club and a variety of boutiques (including a Gourmet Shop) offer a comprehensive range of leisure and entertainment facilities. The various lounges and restaurants (one of them uniquely located on a small island in the sea offering fresh seafood and grilled delicacies) will ensure that guests enjoy the very best culinary choice around the clock. Premises for up to 160 persons cater for conferences and banquets. All kinds of events for up to 1’000 guests can be celebrated outdoors.

“The Mövenpick Resort El Sokhna will ideally complement our portfolio of exceptional holiday resorts on the Red Sea,” says Jean Gabriel Pérès, President & CEO Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts. “After El Quseir, El Gouna, Taba and Sharm El Sheikh, El Sokhna is now the fifth Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts destination on Egypt’s Red Sea, and we are already looking forward to treating our guests in El Sokhna to our unique brand of genuine Swiss hospitality.”

Hotels & Resorts, an upscale hotel management company with 12,000 employees, is represented through over 90 hotels existing or under construction in 26 countries with a concentration in its core markets of Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia. The international hotel group with roots in Switzerland is expanding and has a stated objective of increasing its hotel portfolio to 100 by the year 2010. With two hotel types, business and conference hotels, as well as holiday resorts, Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts has clearly positioned itself in the 4 and 5-star segment. The hotel group stands for uncompromising product and service quality and is owned by Mövenpick Holding (66.7%) and the Kingdom Group (33.3%).