Jetsettersblog

Easter is one of the main holidays in Germany and the Easter Markets are a wonderful way to rediscover artistic traditions and rituals, to prepare for the Easter holidays.

Easter Markets take place on the weekends before Easter and showcase designs of regional and international artists.

They are held all over Germany, but especially in Baden-Wuerttemberg in the southwest, eastern Bavaria and of course in the region of Lusatia, south of Berlin bordering Poland.

The region is home to the ethic group of the Sorbs, who are well known for their Easter traditions:

Bautzen, the main city, is also called the ’Easter Town’ and visitors can experience some long-standing German Easter traditions.

Among the highlights is a visit to the local the Easter Egg markets, that display Sorbian Easter eggs that are made with special techniques and are renown for their beauty.

Easter events in Bautzen include the procession of Easter Riders in traditional customes who march on richly decorated horses through the town of Bautzen and the villages around on Easter Sunday.

www.germany.travel

The newly renovated Renaissance Resort at World Golf Village, located in northeast Florida, is offering the Prime Outlets Shop and Stay Package as well as the Premium Outlets Shop and Stay Package.

The Prime Outlets Shop and Stay Package includes deluxe accommodations in a newly remodeled guest room; breakfast for two daily in the resort’s 500 South Restaurant; a voucher to be redeemed at the Prime Outlets — St. Augustine for a $100 center-wide gift card, to be used at any of the 75 name brand and designer outlet stores; and a St. Augustine Prime Outlets VIP coupon book worth hundreds of dollars of additional savings at participating stores.

The package starts at $219 per room, per night.

The package is available through April 30, 2010, based on availability, and is not available to groups of 10 or more rooms, or can be combined with any other promotion. When making a reservation, reference promotional code ZH5.

The Premium Outlets Shop & Stay Package includes a $100 center-wide gift card at the St. Augustine Premium Outlets and includes deluxe accommodations in a newly remodeled guest room, breakfast for two daily in the 500 South Restaurant, a voucher for a $100 gift card to be used at any of the 85 outlets, a free VIP gift from St. Augustine Premium Outlets, and a St. Augustine Premium Outlets VIP coupon book good at participating stores.

The St. Augustine Premium Outlets are located just one exit south of The Renaissance Resort, a 10-minute drive. The package is priced from $222 per room, per night, and is available through April 30, 2010, based on space availability.

The package is not available to groups of 10 or more rooms, or can be combined with any other promotion. When making a reservation, reference promotional code ZH4.

For reservations for either package or more information, call 888-740-7020 or visit www.WorldGolfRenaissance.com

The Ala Moana Hotel in Honolulu is offering a Suite Pampering package in conjunction with the Ala Moana Center’s third annual Shop a Lea, which takes place March 22 to 28.

The five-night package includes a one-bedroom suite, an arrival amenity, a $500 Ala Moana Center gift card, the limited edition Shop a Lea organic cotton tote, an Ala Moana Center premier passport, a Shop a Lea event guide, a one-hour reflexology foot massage for two, daily buffet breakfast at the Plantation Café, a dinner for two at either Royal Garden or Restaurant Tsukasa, two passes to the Shop a Lea beauty bar event on March 24, VIP seating at the Ala Moana Hotel’s “Pakele Live!” Hawaiian music concert on March 25, and two tickets to Shop a Lea’s Passport to Luxury event on March 26. The package is priced at $1,050 per room, double, and is valid March 20 to 29.

Shop a Lea is a weeklong spring shopping event with fashion and trunk shows, exclusive products, events at Centerstage, cuisine demonstrations, a center-wide gift with purchase incentive, mall-wide shopping and dining offers, a grand prize spa vacation for two to Sedona, a donation opportunity for Dress for Success, a free concert by Amy Hanaiali‘i, and a luxury shopping event.

For reservations or more information, call 808-955-4811 or visit

www.alamoanahotel.com

The Brazilian Tourist Board, Embratur, partnered with Google Brazil to produce the first Google/YouTube brand channel, combining videos and Google maps to provide an interactive online Brazilian tourism experience.

Now accessible at www.youtube.com/visitbrasil  the site currently features more than 85 videos from Brazil.

This is the first convergence of its kind involving Google Maps into YouTube.

The site provides experiential reviews for travelers integrated with Google Maps.

Videos are subtitled in several languages.

More than six months of work with YouTube and Google’s teams went into building the site, and it will evolve with additions and modifications, including a new functionality allowing user-uploaded videos in early spring.

Alex Dias, general manager of Google Brazil, called it the “first mash-up of Google Maps and YouTube videos.”

Brazil is trying to leverage its high profile status as host of the 2014 World Cup and the 2016 Olympic Games to promote itself as a global tourism destination before, during and after the events.

To help define tourism goals for 2010 and beyond, Embratur has created the Aquarela Plan 2020, setting forth objectives over the next 10 years.

Goals of the Aquarela plan include a 113 percent increase in international tourism from 2010 to 2020, bringing 11.1 million foreign visitors to Brazil; increase foreign spending by 304 percent within Brazil, totaling $17.6 billion; an increase totaling 500,000 tourists in Brazil in 2014 and a 15 percent year-over-year increase in 2016, the year of the Olympic Games in Rio; maintain sustained growth of at least 1 percentage point above the average growth rate in South America; and consolidate tourism leadership in South America, with 27 percent share of the tourists on the continent.

Americans are main targets of Brazil’s tourist promotion.

The United States is the second-largest source of tourists to Brazil behind Argentina.

In 2008, 625,506 American tourists visited Brazil. Sun and beach were named as the top reason for leisure travelers at 33.7 percent.

Culture was also an important driver at 27.3 percent and 94.6 percent of American visitors noted they intend to return.

The mission of the Brazilian Tourism Board, Embratur, is to promote Brazil in the international market as a destination for travelers.

The Brazilian Federal Government and Embratur have implemented the Aquarela Plan which calls for generating consumer awareness about Brazil and attracting more tourists.

The established target for the U.S. sector is increasing the annual numbers for tourists entering the country to 9 million, and attracting a total amount of $8 billion in revenue by 2010.

There are nine Embratur offices globally including Lisbon, Portugal; Paris, France; London, U.K.; Frankfurt, Germany; Madrid, Spain; Milan, Italy; and Tokyo, Japan.

There is also a Bureau for Tourism for Latin America, based at the Embratur office, in the city of Brasilia. For more information visit www.braziltour.com

Tourists who make a purchase of $500 or more while in Fiji will now receive Value Added Tax (VAT) refunds upon their departure. The Tourist VAT Refund Scheme (TVRS) allows for refunds to be collected at the ANZ Nadi Airport Branch and at the Suva Wharf for visiting cruise liners. Conversion to foreign currency is an individual option, but the nominated currency must be on the ANZ Standard Currencies Listing.

To be eligible for a VAT refund, a tourist must not be a Fiji citizen, holder of a Fiji passport, employed in Fiji the past six months, or a member of cabin or flight crew and not under the age of 13.

To qualify a tourist must spend FJ$500 ($257) or more in any of the registered VAT refund outlets on the same day; take the goods out of Fiji within two months from the date of purchase; and present the goods for inspection along with the Refunds Form, original tax invoice, passport and international boarding pass to a customs officer at the Tourist VAT Refund Inspection Counter.

For more information, call 310-568-1616, email infodesk@bulafiji-americas.com  or visit www.fijime.com

Ohhhh…Ladies First, Ladies First

FIRST Food & Bar launches special ladies night with food and drink specials and retail therapy

LAS VEGAS – Ladies come first at FIRST Food & Bar with the addition of FIRST Ladies Retail Therapy Thursdays and the introduction of the new FIRST Lady card.

Each and every Thursday night beginning March 4, ladies will receive a complimentary FIRST Lady Cocktail, 20% off their food and $5 Sponsored Vodka beverage purchases starting at 8 p.m. With resident DJ Jeff Retro and special guest DJ Mckenzie providing the tunes, women will also be treated to special gifts and offers from retailers and shows including those located inside The Shoppes at the Palazzo. There will also be on-site retail displays and other special happenings.

During the inaugural night, FIRST staff will be providing all women who attend with the restaurant and lounge’s FIRST Ladies card. Select women will receive a VIP card that will get the bearer special benefits such as dinner on any Thursday, Friday or Saturday night for the card holder and three of her girlfriends from Chef Sam’s special Ladies Night menu, as well as other offers. If ladies miss out on the kick-off due to their busy social schedule, fear not – they can stop by the restaurant anytime after the launch and see the manager on duty to receive their card.

FIRST Food & Bar can be found on Facebook www.facebook.com/firstfoodandbar  and Twitter@firstfoodandbar  – special promotions, trivia and free food offers are often posted for those in the know.

ABOUT FIRST FOOD & BAR:

Located inside The Shoppes at The Palazzo just steps from The Strip, FIRST Food & Bar brings the authenticity and character of the neighborhood bar and restaurant concept back to life. This hip, yet comfortable restaurant and lounge is set in the heart of the Las Vegas Strip and has the vibe of a late-night spot blended with the casualness of a local eatery. FIRST caters to those who stagger in to feed their late-night cravings, as well as those looking for a mid-day business lunch or casual dinner. The menu features American eats and drinks created by Executive Chef Sam DeMarco.

Delicious, affordable and familiar are on the menu year-round.

For reservations, please call 702-607-3478 or visit www.firstfoodandbar.com  for more information.

The L’Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival brings a packed programme of runway shows and seminars to the city in March.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA, — The latest trends and designer collections will be on show in Victoria when the L’Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival gets underway next month.

Running from March 14th to 21st, the event is a celebration of Australia’s fashion industry and aims to provide a showcase for clothes that are affordable and attainable, as well as being the height of fashion.

For people staying in Melbourne hotels, the week is sure to pass quickly in a hectic schedule of catwalk shows, film screenings, exhibitions, seminars and parties.

Many up-and-coming Australian designers have been confirmed as participants in the festival, including Daniela Orlando, Gary Bigeni, Carly Hunter, Aurelio Costarella and Tina Kalivas.

Tickets for individual events will go sale following the festival’s official launch on February 10th, although special early-bird prices are currently available on certain business events.

The Melbourne Fashion Festival has the support of Victoria premier John Brumby, who described it on the event’s official website as a “thought-provoking and crowd-pleasing” feature of the city’s social calendar.

Comparing the festival with Melbourne’s other high-profile events such as the Australian Open tennis tournament, he said that the week “showcases the best of Victoria’s fashion, retail and creative sectors”.

The Colorado Tourism Office (CTO) has released the 2010 Colorado Official State Vacation Guide.

This year’s guide holds Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) designation.

The guide is printed on FSC-certified paper made in the U.S. from 85 percent recycled content, including 20 percent post-consumer waste.

The guide provides accounts of Colorado experiences through feature stories and departments, which highlight “What’s Now,” “What’s Surprising” and “What’s Timeless.” The guide contains coverage for every season and photography that highlights the state’s natural beauty.

The “What’s Timeless” department covers Colorado activities such as whitewater river rafting, golf and trips on scenic and historic trains.

“What’s Now” focuses on summertime in Colorado ski towns, camping, craft breweries and beer festivals. For out-of-the-ordinary Colorado activities, the “What’s Surprising” section highlights Colorado bird watching, the wine country, hot springs, high altitude regattas, concert and theatre venues, and shopping.

The trip planning section includes detailed maps, airport information, things to see and do in each of the state’s travel regions, and tips for navigating the state.

The guide also lists information on more than 700 hotels, events, attractions, outfitters, restaurants and organizations.

Each section also directs readers to pages on www.colorado.com  where they can go for more information and encourages them to stay up to date on news and deals from across Colorado through the state’s social media channels, including Facebook (www.facebook.com/visitcolorado ), Twitter (www.twitter.com/colorado ), YouTube (www.youtube.com/visitcolorado ) and Flickr (www.flickr.com/photos/visitcolorado ).

The guide is available free of charge. For more information, call 800-265-6723 or visit www.colorado.com

From Dumfries & Galloway in the south to Shetland in the north, there is always something going on for the food-loving visitor to Scotland. Some of the food festivals on offer are listed below.

EASTEREGGSTRAVAGANZA
4 April
Traquair House, Scottish Borders

Easter fun at the historic Traquair House with new egg hunts in the maze, children’s activities and workshops. Thousands of eggs to be found and lots of other Easter prizes.
www.traquair.co.uk

CELT FOR A DAY
4 April,11am-4pm

Relive Scotland’s Celtic past with a day of Iron Age costumes, cooking and crafts.

THE CRANNOG CREPERIE
8 April, 11am-4pm
All day Iron Age breakfast.

CELT FOR A DAY
15 April,11am-4pm

Relive Scotland’s Celtic past with a day of Iron Age costumes, cooking and crafts.

CELTIC FOOD AND DRINK FESTIVAL
25th April, 11am – 4pm
Scottish Crannog Centre, Kenmore, Perthshire

Going back to the Iron Age at the Scottish Crannog Centre needn’t mean mouldy old grub. The aroma of Celtic spit-roast at this food and drink festival would be enough to make anyone’s mouth water. The festival’s prehistoric cooking demonstrations include not just the spit roast, but pit cooking, bread baking and other ancient techniques, local smoked meats, dairy products and tasty herb and meat dishes all washed down with authentic beverages including iron age beer making.
Website: www.crannog.co.uk

PAISLEY BEER FESTIVAL
28 April – 1 May
Paisley Town Hall, Paisley

The Paisley Beer Festival gives visitors the chance to taste what local breweries have to offer. The annual event attracts thousands of people keen to sample over 130 real cask conditioned ales and ciders not to mention an array of foreign beers.

The four-day festival is the biggest real ale festival in Scotland. The brewers will pit their finest ales against the competition in a bid for the gold, silver and bronze medals awarded by a judging panel.

www.paisleybeerfestival.org.uk

SPIRIT OF SPEYSIDE WHISKY FESTIVAL
29 April – 3 May
Throughout Speyside

Major whisky festival with over 200 events.

Visitors to the Festival in 2010 will be able to enjoy the best that Speyside has to offer. Themed on Whisky, Food and the Heritage and Culture of Speyside, the festival will aim to deliver a full range of quality events including the opportunity to visit distilleries not normally open to the public and to follow in the footsteps of whisky smugglers on walks through the countryside.

www.spiritofspeyside.com

MAY

LOCH FYNE FOOD FAIR
15 – 16 May
Next to Inveraray Castle, Inveraray

A feast of west coast food with a wide range of foods, sold by the producers.

Alongside Loch Fyne Oysters’ own sea food stands, stalls include Winston Churchill Venison, Isabella’s Preserves, Lambros Quality Foods, the Inverloch Cheese Company, Orkney Herrings, Barbreck Farms, Bumble Puddings, The Really Garlicky Company, Great Glen Game, Robin’s Herbs and Ayrshire Confections. Food from Argyll will be a prominent presence at the festival.

Ales will be supplied by Fyne Ales plus specially selected wines from Europe and Australia. There will be live music throughout both days and a music event on Saturday evening.

Entertainment and activities for all ages.
http://lochfyne.com/Events/Loch-Fyne-Food-Fair.aspx

FESTIVAL OF NETTLES
16 May,11am-4pm
Cooking and crafts in homage to the humble nettle.

ISLAY FESTIVAL OF MALT AND MUSIC
22-30 May
Across Islay

Feis Ile, the Islay Festival of Malt and Music, was founded by the local people of Islay in 1986 to celebrate the heritage and culture of Isle of Islay.

Since 2000 Feis Ile has been run in conjunction with the distilleries of Islay and Jura and Port Ellen Maltings. Each distillery has its own open day, putting on special events. Islay has a wealth of musical talent which is very much in evidence at the ceilidhs, while mainland artists are also brought to the island for the festival week.

www.islayfestival.org

IRON AGE BREAD AND BUTTER MAKING
23 May, 11am-4pm.
Learn the basics the Iron Age way.

TASTE OF EDINBURGH
28 – 31 May
The Meadows, Edinburgh

The Taste of Edinburgh festival is an upmarket food and drink festival set in the beautiful outdoor surroundings of The Meadows.

A celebration of Scottish food and drink, Taste of Edinburgh gives food lovers the chance to enjoy the best that Scottish restaurants, chefs, and food and drink producers have to offer. Festival-goers can sample dishes from Edinburgh’s top restaurants and enjoy food from the rising star chefs in Scotland, as well as the established Michelin-starred gurus.
Learn all the little tricks of the trade at the Chef’s Theatre, and find out more about picking a great complementary wine at the Wine Experience.

You’ll find unrivalled opportunities to get up close and personal with the chefs, and to enjoy plentiful tastings and demonstrations.

www.channel4.com

JUNE

TASTE OF GRAMPIAN
5 June
Thainstone Centre, Inverurie

This one day food and drink festival is a great day out for all the family. Visitors can discover and sample the wide range of high quality food and drink products from Grampian in the north east of Scotland. Local producers invite you to taste and buy the finest smoked salmon, mouth-watering shortbread, delicious ice-cream, sumptuous prime roast beef, creamy fudge and maybe a dram or two of the best Scottish whiskies from local distilleries plus much more.

The festival programme also includes music, children’s entertainment, arts and crafts, cookery competitions and demonstrations from local and celebrity chefs.

www.tasteofgrampian.co.uk

Continue reading Scotland’s Food And Drink Event Diary 2010…

Anyone heading to Prague during the Easter period may want to take in the city’s annual markets to mark the religious festival.

Every year, two of Prague’s squares are taken over by stalls for the city’s annual Easter Markets.

Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square will be full of more than 100 stalls selling hand-crafted products and a wide range of traditional food and drink.

This year, the markets will open on March 20th and will run until April 11th, with all the stands open daily.

Anyone staying in hotels in Prague will no doubt be enticed to explore by the mouth-watering scents coming from some of the food stalls.

Visitors may be tempted by a barbequed sausage, washed down with a bottle of ice-cold Pilsner beer.

For those who enjoy shopping, there will be plenty of opportunities to buy souvenirs.

Wooden toys, puppets and Czech glass and crystal are among the wares available, however, it is the hand-painted eggs which really symbolise the holiday.

Easter eggs are painted in bright colours and feature all manner of patterns. Some of the artists, who are all women, will even personalise them to produce a special gift or a piece of art to remember the trip by.

The location of the markets is also something of a tradition. Old Town Square dates back to the late 12th century and was originally the central marketplace in Prague.