Boosted by the strong economic performance of countries such as Brazil and Argentina, South America’s domestic and international travel markets registered high double-digit growth. In America, economic uncertainty dampened many U.S. citizens’ desire for travel. Trips to North America increased slightly over the last eight months, whereas international travel remained at last year’s levels. For next year, UNWTO forecasts a 4 to 5 percent increase in international tourists from the Americas, compared with 6.4 percent in 2010.

By contrast, many countries in South America continues to boom.

Even if growth rates have now slowed when compared with previous years, during the past eight months trips abroad by South Americans increased by 15 percent. Brazilians were particularly keen to travel. With the help of a robust domestic economy and strong currency they spent 45 percent more on trips abroad than in 2010. Relatively young, well educated and wealthy travelers are characteristic of South America’s three burgeoning markets, those of Brazil, Argentina and Mexico.

The arrival of more low-cost airlines in South America will further increase the number of long-haul trips. Many holidaymakers who travel abroad have also put South America at the top of their wish list. International arrivals increased by 13 percent, while trips to the Caribbean and Central America rose by a lowly 4 percent each.

The difficult economic times currently experienced by many Americans is also reflected in how they take holidays. The focus is increasingly on price awareness and travel bargains. “Staycationers” either remain at home altogether or go on holiday locally.

Only 23 percent of U.S. citizens intend to take more trips abroad next year, 28 percent aim to take less, while 23 percent have no plans at all to travel abroad next year.

The U.S. inbound market registered only slight growth.

During the last eight months, the number of international arrivals rose by only 3 percent, compared with 7 percent in 2010.

The findings are based on the assessments of 50 tourism experts from 30 countries, on a special IPK International trend analysis undertaken in leading source markets, and on core data supplied by the World Travel Monitor, recognized as the largest ongoing survey of global travel trends in some 60 source countries. The findings reflect trends which emerged during the first eight months of 2011.

The new product offers the option of purchasing a Brazilian Amazon pre-extension and/or Machu Picchu and Peru post-extension.

In addition, the 11-day tour may be extended to 16 days with the addition of Chile, featuring a Lake Crossing of the Andes, Chilean Wine Country and the sights of Santiago, Chile’s capital city. With this product, Collette is introducing a modular concept of a tour in which clients are offered a shorter base tour with many options, Collette has made it easy for travel agents to custom tailor an unforgettable and comprehensive South American vacation for their clients based on budget and desired length of vacation stay.

“We created this new tour to be customizable and to uncover the many marvels of South America – its beauty, culture, history, cuisine, entertainment, and geography,” said Allison Flint, Collette’s product manager. “We’ve included the most sought-after attractions like a visit to Iguazu Falls and Rio’s Christ the Redeemer statue with culinary experiences like learning how to craft the famous caipriniha cocktail and indulging in a Brazilian-style barbeque at a renowned ‘Churrascaria’ restaurant.”

In addition to the experience of viewing Iguazu Falls’ “Devil’s Throat” from a platform perch, other tour highlights include a tango lesson in Buenos Aires; a train ride to the top of Rio’s Corcovado Mountain to see the statue of Christ the Redeemer, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World; and a tour of Mendoza, the lovely Argentinean city within the shadows of the Andes Mountains and the ideal base for exploring the Caminos del Vino wine route. Guests also experience Argentina’s most famous wine, Malbec, during a gourmet wine pairing lunch and visits to bodegas in Mendoza.

The new program is available to book now with departures beginning in May 2012. The starting at price for the 11-day Wonders of South America tour is $2,599 per person double, land only. For more information and details of the pre- and post-extension options and alternate Chile itinerary, call 800-340-5158.

For information, call 800-611-3361 or visit www.collettevacations.com

For those who’d like to delve into the wildlife and culture of Indonesia’s exotic isles, International Expeditions is introducing an expedition cruise encompassing Bali and the Komodo National Park. The journey offers travelers an exclusive small ship experience aboard a traditional Indonesian Pinisi sailing ship, the 26-guest Sea Safari VII along with a four-day exploration of fascinating Ubud, Bali. Daily snorkeling, hikes, guided tours of sacred temples and local village visits round out this 15-day exploration of eight distinct islands. Ensuring that guests enjoy a journey that is enriching, educational and worry free will be seasoned Expedition Leader Jorge Salas, a guest favorite, and Indonesian naturalist Oswald Huma. An optional extension to explore the extraordinary temples of Borobudur and Prambanan in Yogyakarta is also available.

The Bali to Komodo expedition has two departures, with per person rates starting at $5,898 for the May 27 and June 10, 2012, journeys. Prices are double occupancy, and include accommodations, most meals, ground transportation, entrance fees, transfers, bottled water, and tips to porters, drivers, local guides and to waiters for included meals.

For history and archaeology enthusiasts, International Expeditions’ new Turkey & Greece journey spans centuries of history and culture along the ancient Turquoise Coast and Greek Isles. IE’s 12-day journey offers an immersive survey of ancient history, from Bronze Age shipwrecks at Bodrum’s Underwater Archaeological Museum to unexcavated Lycian sites in remote Lydae. Highlighting this comprehensive journey are archeologist-guided explorations of three sites which were part of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World — the Colossus of Rhodes, Mausoleum of Halicarnassus and Temple of Athena; swimming and relaxing off secluded, scenic coves and beaches; rare time at leisure to enjoy tasty food at a local taverna or explore independently; and a full-day in the once-flourishing town of Knidos, where the Mediterranean meets the Aegean. IE Co-Founder and Executive Director Steve Cox will be joining both 2012 departures aboard the spacious MY Halis Temel. For a more in-depth look at Turkey, optional extensions are available to Istanbul and Cappadocia.

Prices for the two Turkey & Greece expeditions start at $4,798 per person for departures Sept. 6 and 13, 2012. Prices include accommodations, most meals, ground transportation, bottled water, entrance fees, transfers, and tips to porters, local guides, drivers and to waiters for included meals. For more information, call 800-234-9620, email nature@ietravel.com  or visit www.IEtravel.com.

The offer is good on new bookings made by Aug. 31 on cruises by both Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity. The savings is double the published amount of previous “bonus” promotions for the seven voyages.

The offer includes complimentary air transportation from 24 North American gateways (or an air credit), plus $500-per-person shipboard credit.

The “double bonus savings” is 57 to 62 percent off brochure fares.

Eligible cruises include Panama Canal/Caribbean sailings as follows:

Jan. 4 to 17, Los Angeles to Miami; Jan. 4 to 18, Miami to Los Angeles; Jan. 17 to 27, Miami to Caldera, Costa Rica; Jan. 27 to Feb. 6, Caldera to Miami; and April 21 to May 8, Los Angeles to New York City.

In South America, eligible cruises are the Feb. 6 to 20 sailing from Miami to Rio de Janeiro and the March 3 to 19 Buenos Aires-to-Miami cruise.

Both include an overnight in Rio.

Bonus savings fares start at $3,215 per person, double occupancy.

Latin America is a region of dramatic contrasts overrun with natural wonders, a colourful and varied heritage and warm, passionate people at every turn. A decade spent refining how to deliver an unequalled holiday experience ensures A&K delivers the very best there is.

Sujata Raman, Abercrombie & Kent Managing Director says, “Despite a year of challenges including natural disasters within the region and financial trials, Latin America is back and firing on all cylinders. There’s a destination to suit all interests and at any time of the year.”

Acknowledging the centenary of the rediscovery of Machu Picchu by American explorer Hiram Bingham in 2011, Abercrombie & Kent Managing Director Sujata Raman says, “Because of this milestone, we anticipate heightened interest in travel to Peru. Machu Picchu is also one of the three Latin American ‘New’ wonders of the world and should be at the top of everyone’s bucket list. When the artefacts excavated from the site are returned to Cusco our guests will be there to see them.”

Hotels & Cruises

The MV Aria joins classy sister ship, MV Aqua, on the Peruvian Amazon in April 2011. The intimate vessel plays host to just 32 guests catered for in a style not readily anticipated in the depths of the jungle. These luxury vessels deliver experiences beyond the ordinary and to that end employ only the most adept guides from the region to share the unique wildlife experiences. Food and wine are also key elements of the journey and one of Peru’s leading chefs designs all the menus with strong local influences using Amazonian produce. The cruises operate for 3, 4 and 7 nights year-round beginning or ending in Iquitos. A 4-day cruise onboard MV Aqua starts at US$2400.

On the desert coast of Peru, Starwood’s Luxury Collection has opened the 120 room Hotel Paracas. A beachfront location makes this the perfect base for explorations in the area to the Ballestas Islands marine reserve, best done by yacht, and the mysterious Nazca Lines, visible only from the air. A&K’s 4 day Paracas Extension priced from $2030 includes 3 nights at Hotel Paracas.

There’s a new way to explore the Galapagos Islands – from the comfort of a safari tent! Galapagos Safari Camp is the first eco-luxury camp in Ecuador and offers a unique land-based alternative to the traditional cruise product. Located on a farm in the highlands there’s much to do from walking, bird watching and cycling to horse riding, kayaking, diving and snorkelling. It’s family friendly with home-style comforts. A&K’s 4 day Galapagos Safari Camp Extension priced from $2635 includes 3 nights at Galapagos Safari Camp.

The latest luxe lodging in the Chilean capital, W Santiago, is the epitome of style and sophistication. The signature ‘W’ bed is heaven, the rooms are spacious and some of the city’s finest restaurants are on site. A&K’s 10 day Inside Chile priced from $9895 includes 2 nights at the W Santiago.

On the shores of one of Chile’s most scenic lakes sits Hotel Cumbres Patagonicas. Its 92 rooms offer breathtaking views, some with private terrace, and there’s a spa and pool. A&K’s 12 day Best of Chile & Argentina priced from $9635 includes 2 nights at Hotel Cumbres Patagonicas.

More boutique pousada than luxury hotel, Villa Bahia in Brazil’s Salvador is set right in the heart of Pelourinho, the UNESCO World Heritage Old Town. Two adjoining colonial mansions have been thoughtfully renovated and now offer 17 bright and colourful rooms. A&K’s 9 day Best of Brazil priced from $6220 includes 3 nights at Villa Bahia.

Sunseekers and partygoers alike will love A&K’s new offering in Buzios. Insolito Buzios is a chic and stylish boutique hotel with glorious views over the peninsula. There are two swimming pools, boats and bicycles to keep guests active and for indulgence an on-site wellness centre. A 4-day jaunt here is priced from $1755.

More remote and intimate, Ponta dos Ganchos on Brazil’s south coast is perfect for honeymooners. 25 bungalows have private decks and hammocks to while away the hours plus there’s tennis, nature trails and diving for the more active. A 4-day stay here is priced from $1845.

Consistently rated as having some of the best beaches in the world, Mexico’s Riviera Maya is home to Maroma Resort & Spa. Also highly acclaimed this property has a glorious setting between beach and jungle with fresh white interiors and local artworks scattered throughout. A&K’s 4 day Riviera Maya Extension priced from $1185 includes 3 nights at Maroma Resort & Spa.

Private Journeys

Named on the latest U.N. List of Intangible Cultural Heritage thanks to its famous culinary customs, Mexico is hot and happening right now and it has been rated in A&K’s Top 10 destinations for 2011. There are colonial attractions aplenty; ancient archaeological sites, galleries and craft studios, a rich gastronomy, tropical jungle and golden beaches. A&K’s 13 day Mexico Discovered priced from $9715 includes a cross-section of the country’s major attractions staying in stylish lodgings throughout.

Neighbouring countries, Peru and Ecuador make the perfect combination for the luxury traveller in South America. Each blessed with outstanding natural wonders they also have cultural attractions aplenty, exquisite hotels and A&K offices on the ground to ensure smooth sailing. Highlights include the many delights of Cusco, Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley, a Galapagos cruise, Quito and the rural attractions of Otavalo. A&K’s 17 day Best of Peru & Ecuador is priced from $16,340.

Down south Chile and Argentina are a logical pairing offering sophisticated cities, impressive gastronomic credentials, breathtaking scenery and jaw-dropping natural wonders. The countries are linked with a specially tailored Lake Crossing with VIP catamaran sailing and the finest hotels are included. Highlights include Santiago and its wine regions with an exclusive market visit and cooking demonstration, the Lake District, Bariloche, Buenos Aires with an urban archaeological experience and Iguazu Falls. A&K’s 12 day Best of Chile & Argentina is priced from $9635.

Contrasting attractions in Chile are the appeal of A&K’s 4 day Vineyards & Valparaiso priced from $2440. It showcases the Casablanca Valley wine growing district and the charming port city of Valparaiso. There are three delightful boutique hotels featured including The Aubrey which nestles in magnificent Art Deco splendour in Santiago’s bohemian Bellavista and is one of only a handful of boutique hotels to arrive in the Chilean capital.

Wine enthusiasts will relish A&K’s Mendoza Extension priced from $3965 which commences with a spectacular all day drive across the Andes from Santiago into Argentina’s famous wine-growing region. Guests bed down at the sophisticated Cavas Wine Lodge and there are tastings at some of the finest wineries around and some really special dining experiences.

Guests staying in Rio seeking a contrasting experience to the norm will be intrigued by the city’s favelas (slum district) on a tour revealing the other side of life as a Carioca. It is colourful and absorbing and a fascinating insight into the commercial and personal lives of the slum dwellers. A&K’s 9 day Best of Brazil includes the opportunity to visit the favelas, the iconic Statue of Christ the Redeemer, enjoy dinner with a local Carioca artist, and visit beaches in Salvador and the spectacular waterfalls in Iguassu National Park and Brazilian & Argentine Falls. The price commences at $6220.

Argentina is ‘Caliente’
According to Justin Laycob, owner of Southern Explorations, bookings for Argentina tours have almost doubled since the previous year. This trend can be attributed to the fact that Argentina is closer to the U.S (with no time changes) and it’s a great value for people who want a European feel without a European price tag. Also, Argentina has some extremely popular wines and the possibilities for outdoor adventure activities like world-class hiking, glacier exploration, and exploring Argentina’s stunning lakes and landscapes are endless.

“Argentina has really been surprising our guests. They have been blown away by the astounding diversity of activities that are available in the country, from the culinary delights to outdoor adventures and the fascinating cultures,” says Laycob. “Argentina is a large location geographically, but our guests have still been packing in a lot activities within a short time. All of them have been pleasantly surprised at how smoothly and quickly they have been able to visit so many areas of Argentina.”

Exploring the Galapagos…by Land
Galapagos land-based tours are becoming increasingly popular with travelers right now. Travelers just don’t want to be stuck on a boat anymore; they want to be on foot, exploring this famous destination in a more “front row seat” kind of way. Also, tourism seems to be transforming the job market in the local communities there, especially with the emergence of the land-based tours because travelers are on land for longer periods of time. This is quite different from the hop-on and off tourists that previously visited for brief periods of time. The land-based Galapagos tours are also attractive to active travelers who want to stretch their legs and get a good workout while exploring a once in a lifetime destination.

Venturing Outdoors in Brazil
Brazil has been in the world spotlight for quite a while. It’s always been known for exciting Carnival, the economy is booming, and with the World Cup in 2014 and the Olympics taking place in 2016, the country is gearing up for a boost in tourism. But what makes Brazil even more enticing is the potential for outdoor adventure travel. Adventure travelers in Brazil have plentiful choices for unique itineraries like combining the classic sights and sounds of Rio with adventures like an easy climb up to famous Corcavado Mountain coupled with panoramic sightseeing during a ride down the mountain’s gondola. Also, surfing, yoga, mountain biking and hiking in the Southern Brazil’s “New Rio” –Florianopolis—would be a dream trip for adventure vacationers. Of course, enjoying the distinct culinary delights in Brazil along with the cultures in the various regions add plenty of appeal to Brazil as an adventure vacation destination.

Southern Explorations offers dozens of different ways to explore the mountains, islands, jungles and beaches of Argentina, Brazil, the Galapagos Islands, and other destinations in South America. To find out more, visit www.southernexplorations.com

Travelers skip paying the overhead fees often charged by larger tour companies while ensuring that their travel dollars truly contribute to the local economy of the destination.

Best of all, travelers who visit Detour’s website will find a one-stop-shop of trips that would fulfill any adventurers travel “dream list”. From cycling and diving tours to horseback riding and rafting,

Detour’s marketplace makes planning a once in a lifetime tour a truly exciting adventure. www.detourdestinations.com

www.detourdestinations.com

A testament to that is the upcoming opening of Hilton Bogota scheduled for March 2011, as well as six new hotel openings in the region that will be taking place over the next 12 months.

Hilton Worldwide’s strategic priority is to expand its platform and the company is focused on accelerating its growth internationally.

The company currently has 59 hotels and resorts throughout the Caribbean and Latin America and has announced plans to add an additional 150 hotels and resorts over the next four years.

With these efforts, Hilton Worldwide aims to quadruple its current presence in Latin America from 59 to more than 200 properties. Hilton Worldwide’s South and Central America development teams are working diligently to increase the presence of the Hilton Hotels & Resorts brand and introduce Doubletree Hotels, Hilton Garden Inn and Hampton Inn, to the region’s gateway cities.

The company’s target markets include Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Chile, Costa Rica, Panama and Peru.

Growth plans also include a number of secondary emerging cities and resort areas.

Hilton Worldwide plans on growing its footprint with new agreements and through new-build properties.

As of today, Hilton Hotels & Resorts brand has four hotels under construction and Hilton Worldwide plans the introduction of two new brands in South and Central America.

The Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts and Hilton Garden Inn brands will debut in the region with the opening of The Panamera, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel, set to debut in May 2011, and the Hilton Garden Inn Santiago, to open in March 2011.

Other properties soon to open include Doubletree By Hilton, Panama City, Panama, scheduled to open in late 2010; Hilton Bogota, Colombia, scheduled to open in March 2011; Hilton Panama, Panama, scheduled to open in June 2011; Hilton Iguazu Resort, Argentina, scheduled to open in June 2011; Hilton Ushuaia, Argentina, scheduled to open in late 2011; and Hilton Lima Miraflores, Peru, scheduled to open in early 2012.

In 2011, Hilton Worldwide will be returning, after 17 years, to the capital city of Bogota with the opening of Hilton Bogota, a new-built 245-guestroom hotel scheduled for completion in the first quarter of 2011.

Hilton Worldwide already holds a strong presence in the country, with Hilton Cartagena and Embassy Suites Bogota-Rosales.

In addition, the company is in active discussions to introduce new brands to the market, including Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton Inn and Doubletree.

Hilton Worldwide’s global development pipeline continues to be one of the strongest in the industry. With a dedicated South American development team, the emerging tourism destinations offered in the region and a portfolio of brands all of them offering unique features for specific market needs, Hilton Worldwide’s expansion in South America will continue its steady growth.

The 160-room Georgetown Marriott Hotel is on track to receive LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and is on track to be Marriott’s first LEED hotel in the Caribbean and Latin America. It will operate under a management agreement with Atlantic Hotel Inc (AHI).

AHI is currently owned by the Government of Guyana (GoG) as part of a public-private partnership between the Government of Guyana and private sector investors. The hotel’s architectural and interior design concept will be created by the firm of Urbahn Architects of New York.