Baobab studded camp set to open in 2020

MASHATU Game Reserve’s portfolio of camps is expanding with the introduction of Mashatu Euphorbia. Mashatu Euphorbia is the new 5-star camp, situated in this privately owned, baobab-studded reserve in #Botswana. 

This “green” camp combines luxury with conservation and sustainability, where solar energy and state of the art water processing systems ensure a harmonious blend with the African bush. Set high up on a cliff face amongst a forest of euphorbia succulents which open up to reveal exquisite vistas of the Majale River and endless plains below.

Mashatu Euphorbia will begin welcoming guests from June 2020, but reservations are now open mashatu.com 

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Celebrating the legacy of Nelson Mandela

AN award-winning agency established in 1987, named "Top Travel Specialist" for 19 consecutive years by Conde Nast Traveler, and recognized consistently by Forbes as well as other prestigious publications. Tully Luxury Travel designs life-enriching travel experiences for a global clientele, curated with the utmost attention to detail. Priding itself in its philanthropic and conservation initiatives which encourages how one can always travel with a purpose and make a difference.

In December, Mary Jean Tully, Founder and CEO of Tully Luxury Travel, proudly supported Giants of #Africa, the not-for-profit co-founded by Toronto Raptors president, Masai Ujiri, with the purchase of an exclusive and unique work of art. The painting titled "Madiba" by artist Ajiri Ujiri, was showcased at the annual Giants of Africa fundraiser, "Mandela 100", celebrating the legacy of Nelson Mandela. 

As 2018 would have marked Mandela's 100th birthday, Tully was honored to celebrate the icon's profound international impact. A devoted philanthropist, Tully is passionate about Africa and actively supports various causes to raise awareness for positive change, globally.


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Lucky Thirteen

THIRTEEN giraffes have been released in the Majete Wildlife Reserve in #Malawi, African Parks and Giraffe Conservation Foundation announced on Monday, 19 November. Nine are from South Africa and have traveled 2,500 km by road in one of the longest such transfers. These giraffes and four others already living in Malawi represent a new population for Majete and Malawi . The introduction boosts biodiversity on the reserve while helping tourism to strengthen the already emerging conservation-minded economy and support community development.

Although southern Africa has a strong giraffe population, there is little in Malawi; this transfer brings the number of national giraffes to just over 30. Overall, giraffe populations have fallen in recent decades, with habitat loss, civil unrest and illegal hunting reducing the animal population of the country. Africa with less than 100,000 animals. This introduction comes at a crucial time: November 14, the Red List of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) announced that several subspecies of giraffes are severely threatened. The transfer of the giraffe from South Africa to Majete aims to establish a viable population that will support giraffe conservation in the region.

It's also a new chapter in Majete's story. Since 2003, African Parks has been managing Majete in partnership with the Department of National Parks and Wildlife of Malawi (DNPW), whose collaborative efforts are a national achievement.


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New tax for international travellers to New Zealand

THE tourism industry wants to work with the Government to ensure its new tax on most of New Zealand’s international visitors is used to enhance their experience of the country, the key issue is how it will be spent.

The International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) will see around 2.3 million of the 3.8 million annual international visitors required to pay a levy of $35 each before they come to New Zealand, raising an estimated $80 million in the first year.

Australian and Pacific residents will not be required to pay the levy, which is due to be introduced in the second half of 2019.

The main collection method will be a new Electronic Travel Authority, which visitors from visa-waiver countries like the UK and USA will have to complete before travel. They will have to pay an estimated $9 for the ETA, on top of the visitor levy.



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World's Largest 3-D Printed Reef Installed at Summer Island Maldives

THE world's largest 3-D printed reef was submerged on Saturday (11 August) at Summer Island #Maldives, in what is hoped could be a new technology-driven method to help coral reefs survive a warming climate.

The artificial reef, assembled with hundreds of ceramic and concrete modules, was submerged at Summer Island's 'Blue Lagoon' -- a sandy part of the lagoon, where the resort hopes to create a new coral reef ecosystem.

The project started in a lab in Melbourne, Australia, where industrial designer Alex Goad of Reef Design Lab used sophisticated computing modeling to design reef structures similar to the coral reefs found naturally in the Maldives.

A large 3-D printer whirred away for 24 hours to print moulds of the reef structures. These moulds were cast in ceramic -- an inert substance, similar to the calcium carbonate found in coral reefs. The ceramic moulds were shipped to the Maldives, and filled with concrete on the beach at Summer Island. 220 ceramic, concrete filled moulds were then slotted together, like a giant LEGO set, to create the new reef.

The new reef sits in seven metres of water, close to the resort's existing coral nursery. Fragments of coral from the nursery are being transplanted onto the 3-D reef, where they will grow and colonise the structure.

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Unique trail for whale watching in Scotland

SCOTLAND'S west coast offers excellent opportunities for accessible, land-based whale watching, with a remarkable range of species to be spotted. The region’s seas are home to around a quarter of the world’s whale and dolphin species – including bottlenose, Risso’s and common dolphins, harbour porpoises, minke whales and Orca.

People are being asked to contribute ideas for top sites for spotting whales, dolphins and porpoises from land on Scotland’s west coast, to help create a Hebridean Whale Trail that will be the first of its kind in the UK. The high-profile trail will be a network of around 25 world-class whale-watching and whale heritage sites. Its development is being led by charity Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust.

The project will promote #Scotland as one of Europe’s best destinations for spotting whales, dolphins and porpoises – collectively known as #cetaceans – and champion conservation of the Hebrides’ unique, globally important marine wildlife and environment.

Due for a summer 2019 launch, the ambitious initiative will connect and support existing wildlife tourism businesses and heritage sites of national cultural significance that showcase the history of people’s relationships with whales in the Hebrides. Many of these will be small, community-run visitor centres at spectacular sites.

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A shining star

THE unveiling of a ‘star’ on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for Steve Irwin is set to continue the strong profile of his Sunshine Coast home in the North American market. Terri, Bindi and Robert Irwin, were in Hollywood at the unveiling along with some of their closest friends and family from around the world. The newest star is fittingly located directly outside the ‘Iguana Vintage Store’. 

Terri Irwin said Steve would have been chuffed at the award: “Steve always said that he hoped his message of conservation would live on forever. It means the world to us that Steve’s memory will live on in so many ways, including now on the internationally recognised Hollywood Walk of Fame. “We’re thrilled that so many people have joined us today in khaki to celebrate. It’s wonderful that there are lots of people back home on the Sunshine Coast celebrating too,” said Terri. 

Visit Sunshine Coast has worked closely with the Irwin family to gain the Hollywood recognition for Steve, who played a key role in elevating Sunshine Coast tourism through the establishment of Australia Zoo.

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Ride with Rhinos

OL PEJETA Conservancy is a 90,000-acre (360 km2) not-for-profit wildlife conservancy in Central #Kenya. The conservancy is now offering guests the opportunity to explore the 600 acre endangered species enclosure on #horseback. Confident riders can choose from a morning or afternoon 1 or 1.5 hour ride where you can get up close to some of the wildlife. Less experienced riders can opt for a 30-minute ride on the open plains close to the stables. 

Ol Pejeta was home to Sudan, the last male Northern White Rhino who was recently put to sleep after age-related complications worsened significantly.The last 2 females, his daughter and grandaughter are still to be found at the conservancy.

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Eggsplore Africa

IF you’re planning a #family #safari without the crowds, Easter in #Botswana ticks all the right boxes, says adventure travel specialist, Acacia Africa. Think emerald-green landscapes, blue skies, and with fewer visitors, a greater number of unexpected wildlife sightings.

The seven day Okavango Wilderness Trails small group tour includes a Fish Eagle River Cruise in the Chobe National Park, mokoro safaris on the delta, and a great introduction to conservation, a game drive in the Khama Rhino Sanctuary.

Acacia Africa’s small group safaris take between four and 12 travellers - those with kids in tow, joined by couples, singles and seniors. Often covering more than one country and going overland rather than by plane adds to the excitement, children connecting the dots between destinations. Prices for children and adults are the same - Acacia’s safaris aimed at travellers who want to see the real Africa on a budget.

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Picture Credit: Grenouille O_O 65125141@N00/14723888040 Delivery by mokoro via photopin

‘Ecotourism Corridor’ introduced in Argentina

THE Litoral region in #Argentina has recently launched a new tourist route called the ‘Ecotourism Corridor’. The circuit encompasses four major areas including Iguazu & Mancona, Ibera, Impenetrable and Bañado La Estrella, and features hiking routes, horse riding paths as well as offering visitors the chance to learn about native people and their culture. 

The aim of the project is to encourage the conservation of endemic species and to promote #tourism to these regions, whilst also positioning Argentina as one of Latin America’s number one tourist destinations. 

www.argentina.travel

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Picture Credit: By popejon2 from Paddington, Australia - Iguazu Falls, /commons.wikimedia.org 24659310

World’s first carbon-neutral travel company

SETTING the sustainability bar higher than it had ever been set before, Natural Habitat Adventures became the world’s first carbon-neutral #travel company in 2007. Now, in 2017, Nat Hab celebrates the 10-year anniversary of its carbon offset program, a groundbreaking endeavor that has since offset more than 34.5 million pounds of CO2 for guests’ nature adventures in destinations all around the globe. 

As the #conservation travel partner of World Wildlife Fund, Nat Hab noted early the impacts of globetrotting clients on a changing climate. The EPA estimates that about 14 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions are travel-related. Offsetting carbon emissions became mission critical for this nature travel company. 

Nat Hab’s carbon offsets encompass every aspect of each adventure—from vehicles on safari in Africa and the American Southwest, to marine diesel in the Galapagos, to energy consumed in lodges all around the world. Carrying through on this promise involves complex calculations—but it’s a commitment that remains core to Nat Hab’s company values as a world leader in conservation travel.

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Going Wild

NEW responsible wildlife packages have bolstered Adventure World’s newly released 2018/19 India and Asia portfolio. As a longstanding partner with World Animal Protection [WAP], Adventure World strictly adheres to a policy of no elephant rides in any of its programs and in partnership with The TreadRight Foundation and Wildlife SOS, Adventure World is supporting the development of an Elephant Conservation and Care Centre in Mathura, Uttar, India. 

New for 2018 is a dedicated Wildlife of Sri Lanka program where clients explore the lesser known Wilpattu National Park, home to a vast number of Sri Lankan leopards. Along with big cats there is the chance to see elephants, sloth bears and an array of other wildlife and flora on a thrilling Jeep safari. The program also includes an infrared night safari in Yala National Park and a day at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Horton Plains. 

Birding enthusiasts will be drawn to the new Jungles, Wildlife & Temples itinerary in Cambodia which features a lodge stay in the isolated village of Tmatboey, famous for the conservation of the giant ibis, Cambodia’s national bird. Clients can enjoy a series of wildlife and birding treks with local naturalists. 

In Indonesia, the new Kaliman tan Orangutans by Houseboat allows travellers to explore the wonders of Tanjung, putting by houseboat, cruising languid waters, surrounded by jungle and encounter wild orangutans. 

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Top Ten Zoos in the U.S.

THE Living Desert Zoo and Gardens was recently named to Conde Nast Traveler website’s list of 10 Best Zoos in the U.S. 

The cntraveler.com website has this to say about The Living Desert, “Because land is fairly plentiful in the middle of the California desert, seeing the animals here feels a little like stepping onto the set of The Lion King. The desert animals roam free with little inhibition, while visitors can roam the 50 gardens of 1,400 different plant and animal species in what’s undoubtedly the best desert-themed zoo in America.” 

The Living Desert joins the list along with San Diego Zoo; Indianapolis Zoo; Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle, Washington; St. Louis Zoo; Bronx Zoo; Columbus Zoo and Aquarium; Alaska Zoo; Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium in Omaha, Nebraska; and Brookfield Zoo.

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Whales & Gardens Tours in British Columbia

BRITISH Columbia’s largest and most trusted whale watching company Prince of Whales Whale Watching, is excited to welcome guests aboard the Salish Sea Dream — a sleek new state-of-the-art, eco-friendly $3.5 million catamaran that will provide a new experience for tourists and locals on the “Ultimate Day Tour.” 

The custom-built 78-foot catamaran will depart Vancouver each morning, taking guests on a whale-watching tour en route to the B.C. Capital. In Victoria, there will be many options for sightseeing around the city before travelling by shuttle to the world-famous Butchart Gardens. From the Gardens, guests will take a breathtaking sunset cruise back to downtown Vancouver. The vessel can carry 95 passengers and everyone will have a great view as each person will have a seat inside the cabin and on the deck. Combining two of Victoria’s “must do” activities, the Salish Sea Dream will offer whale-watching excursions each afternoon from the Inner Harbour and stopping for a visit to the Butchart Gardens as part of the “Whales and Gardens” packages. 

“It’s a fantastic trip and it really offers something different,” says Prince of Whales Whale Watching owner Alan McGillivray. “We live in such an amazing part of the world and this gives people a front-row seat to see and learn more about the animals that live in and travel through our waters.” 

Marine naturalists and experienced crew will be on board and offer informative talks about marine mammals, birds and other wildlife, as well as the ecosystem and key points of interest. It will be an entertaining and educational trip with a focus on conservation.


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Kruger National Park all day visits need to be pre-booked

DURING the school holidays, from July 1-23, access for visitors to the Kruger National Park will adhere to daily quotas, to manage the park’s carrying capacity.

SANParks reminds day visitors to the park that daily quotas will once again apply at all entrance gates. Visitors are urged to book for their visit prior to their arrival.

Pre-booking for day visits applies to the general public and tour operators, with tariffs charged per person, however when using an open vehicle, one must apply for permit direct from KNP.

The day visitor quota is a management tool to maintain the carrying capacity of the park, and is permanently in place throughout the year, although emphasised during long weekends and holidays due to the volume of visitors during these times.

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Walk this way

THE Department of Conservation (DOC) and Tourism New Zealand (TNZ) have joined forces to promote a range of short and day walks.

Research to better understand exactly what kinds of walks Kiwis and international visitors are looking for will kick off soon. Once finalised, the research results will be used along with kiwi, community and stakeholder feedback to help inform what existing walks might be further promoted. These will be in areas that both meet visitor needs and are ready and willing to host more visitors.

“We know there is demand for a range of shorter or less challenging walking options to go alongside our Great Walks and help alleviate pressures at high use sites. The aim is to cater for a wider pool of visitors and enable them to engage with and appreciate New Zealand’s natural environment,” says DOC Director Tourism, Recreation and Heritage, Gavin Walker.

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An Amazing place to stay

INKATERRA has announced the launch of a new hotel in the heart of the Tampobata National Reserve in the Peruvian Amazon called the Inkaterra Guides Field Station. 

Guests will have the option of staying in one of four ‘cabanas’ (small cabins) or, one of two large ‘pavilions’ featuring eight rooms which sleep up to four guests. The Inkaterra Guides Field Station includes a restaurant serving fresh local delicacies and an Eco Centre designed to educate guests on the local flora and fauna. 

Travellers will be offered the opportunity to explore the rainforest and participate in various conservation projects such as trips to the Gamitana Model Farm to work with local communities and the Bio-Orchard to learn about the sustainable techniques used in regional farming. 

www.inkaterra.com/guides-field-station

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Stay in a church; Holy heritage boosts local tourism

Peter Aiers, director of The Churches Conservation Trust in the south-east of England writes about #Champing and the UK’s heritage tourism offer . . . 

‘THE UK boasts around 400,000 listed buildings, and more than 16,000 churches. But as the organizations who look after our built heritage adjust to a new climate of fiscal restraint, we have had to think carefully about how to attract new visitors to these important places, in order to raise funds for their upkeep.

As a nation, we are less likely to visit our historic churches than our forefathers. So how can we make sure they are kept safe for generations to come? Heritage charities are a major contributor to tourism. It’s vital that we act not only to protect and conserve our historic buildings, but also generate interest in the buildings and their history, and encourage younger people to visit and enjoy them.

In 2015, The Churches Conservation Trust launched a new initiative: in-church camping adventures, or “Champing”. Champing is a new experience offering people the opportunity to absorb hundreds of years of history by staying overnight in some of the most beautiful and historic churches in England. The breaks make for a virtuous circle whereby people can have a real adventure staying in an historic church and by doing so, contribute to the upkeep of the building and prevent its possible closure. Equipment such as composting loos and beds is brought in and taken away with no permanent alterations made to the buildings which are so often highly protected.

It’s also a scheme designed to help the local tourism economy as we use local businesses to provide cleaning and catering for our guests. With links to other experiences such as canoeing, guests can choose to explore and enjoy more of the local surroundings and as a result, strengthen the local economy.

Our first year of operation was a great success with around 300 people Champing in four churches, and this year we have expanded Champing to ten sites across the south-east and East Anglia.

By innovating in this way, The Churches Conservation Trust has been able to reach new audiences while generating much-needed revenue to keep our collection of 349 historic churches across England in good repair.

There are further innovations to come from Champing as we seek to spread its appeal across the British Isles and Europe. It’s initiatives like these which will enable us to attract new visitors, boost tourism, and most importantly maintain our historical buildings and preserve our heritage for generations to come.

www.champing.co.uk

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Picture Credit:Pennsylvania St. Nicholas Eastern Rite Chapel</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin<

Holiday cottage guests fix the Lake District Fells

GUESTS staying with Coppermines and Lakes Cottages have made a contribution to the campaign to help protect and maintain Cumbria's uplands. 

Over the last five years, they have raised £26,000 for Fix The Fells, a team of skilled rangers and volunteers who repair and maintain the mountain paths in the #LakeDistrict. 

 

It was raised by the holiday agency donating a proportion of the profits from its sales of sustainably-sourced local firewood to guests.

The money has been used in a range of projects in the Coniston area including footpath repairs on Coniston Old Man and repairing drystone walls at Park Coppice.

Fix The Fells needs approximately £350,000 a year to maintain its current level of work. In the past ten years, it has repaired more than 200 sections of path and over the next decade it aims to repair a further 120 paths.

www.coppermines.co.uk
www.fixthefells.co.uk

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Awards for responsible tourism

TOURISM BUSINESSES and organizations are being invited to submit an entry for the World Responsible Tourism Awards 2016. 

The global search for the world’s most inspirational examples of responsible tourism in action kicks off with entries being accepted into five categories spanning issues across the tourism industry.

The announcement of the 2016 winners, at World Travel Market (WTM) London, will this year be part of the celebrations marking 10 years of World #ResponsibleTourism Day.

New categories for 2016 include the ‘Best responsible tourism campaign’ which aims to celebrate the most successful marketing or advocacy campaigns in encouraging and promoting a more responsible style of travel.

The importance of the awards in assessing how far responsible tourism has developed, and how much it been achieved in the last decade is not lost on the chairman of the judging panel, Professor Harold Goodwin of the Responsible Tourism Partnership and the International Centre for Responsible Tourism. ‘Through the awards winners every year, we see the standard of what is being achieved by people taking responsibility for tourism getting higher and higher. And every year we see more and more countries represented in our entries.

‘Tourism, if sold, enjoyed, and organized responsibly is of global importance, and our winners this year will set the standard to which all tourism businesses should aspire.’

Awards judge Simon Press, senior exhibition director for World Travel Market London, adds: ‘The World Responsible Tourism Awards at WTM London are a central pillar of the success of World Responsible Tourism Day. The winners and shortlisted companies act as a benchmark and inspiration for what the global travel and tourism industry can achieve in responsible tourism practice.’

The 2016 categories:

• Best accommodation for responsible employment 
• Best contribution to wildlife conservation 
• Best innovation by a tour operator 
• Best for poverty reduction and inclusion 
• Best responsible tourism campaign

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