Development Promotions

European Waterways purchases a new Luxury Hotel Barge...

noreply@blogger.com (Diana) — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 13:24:00 +0000

Luxury hotel barge operator, European Waterways, is in the process of purchasing a new barge, Panache, for the 2012 season.

The 12-passenger barge boasts spacious public areas and 6 large double or twin suites. There are large panoramic windows in the salon and the vessel is fitted out in the traditional yacht style with brass and mahogany fittings. A large sundeck and spa pool complete the picture.

In April/May Panache will operate the circular “Tulip Cruises” visiting the spectacular Keukenhof Gardens in full bloom, the world-famous Delft pottery and the cheese centre of Gouda. She will then reposition to cruise the beautiful Canal de la Marne au Rhin from Nancy to Strasbourg in Alsace Lorraine with its unique mix of French and German cultures, picturesque hamlets and wonderful white wines.

European Waterways now operates a total of 21 luxury hotel barges throughout Europe. Its main thrust is in France with 14 vessels positioned there. It also has barges in Scotland, Ireland, England, Italy, Germany and Holland.

7-Day cruises include all meals, shore excursions, wine with lunch and dinner as well as an open bar of beers, spirits and liqueurs. The barges are ideal for private charter by a group of friends or for a special family occasion.

For more information contact Development Promotions Tel: 011 442 0822 http://www.devprom.co.za/

Costa Romantica gets 90 million euro's makeover...

noreply@blogger.com (Diana) — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 13:11:00 +0000

Costa Cruises has invested around 90 million euros, for major restyling operations on the ship, Costa Romantica.

The restyling will turn the Romantica into a completely new ship and will become the “Costa neoRomantica” .

The objective is to offer a renewed cruise experience and bring a whole new dimension to cruising.

The work which commenced on 2nd November is due for completion in mid-February 2012.

The renewed ship will make her debut on 20th February 2012 when she sets sail from Savona on an 11-day cruise to Spain, Morocco, the Canary Islands and Madeira.

The Costa Romantica carries up to 1697 passengers.

Costa Cruises is the largest Italian travel group and Europe’s No.1 cruise company.

Costa Cruises is represented by Development Promotions, for more details visit http://www.devprom.co.za/ or contact us on 011 442 0822.

Discover Luxury Barging with TV Master Chef Rick Stein...

noreply@blogger.com (Diana) — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 10:15:00 +0000

Discover Luxury Barging in France on BBC Lifestyle TV with TV Master Chef Rick Stein

Viewers of BBC Lifestyle will be able to enjoy the series French Odyssey featuring renowned TV master chef Rick Stein on a culinary voyage through South West France on board two of European Waterways’ luxury hotel barges.

Rick Stein travels the 300 miles of the Canal du Midi on board Rosa and Anjodi and features the gastronomic delights of the region.

Viewers will enjoy an overview of life onboard a European Waterways luxury vessel, enjoying gourmet cuisine and fine wines whilst gliding gently through breathtaking scenery, fascinating history and colourful local culture.

The 10 episodes of the series will be shown from 11th to 24th August twice a day at 17h10 and 22h10.

Development Promotions is the official representative of European Waterways in South Africa. For brochures, information and reservations contact them on Tel: 011 442 0822
E-mail: Devprom@global.co.za http://www.devprom.co.za/

Largest Italian Cruise Ship, the Costa Favolosa enters service...

noreply@blogger.com (Diana) — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 09:42:00 +0000

Costa Cruises’ newest flagship, the Costa Favolosa, launched at the beginning of July 2011 is the largest cruise ship flying the Italian flag. With a capacity for 3 800 guests the Costa Favolosa is the largest ship built to date for Costa Cruises and brings the number of vessels in Costa’s fleet to 15.

Described as a “contemporary enchanted castle” offering a “fairytale holiday” experience, the Favolosa boasts an Aqua Park for children, a wellness area extending over 6000 square metres, and suites with veranda and Jacuzzi.

Throughout the summer of 2011 Costa’s flagship will sail 8-day cruises in the Eastern Mediterranean calling on Turkey, Greece and Croatia. In winter the Favolosa will sail the exotic seas of the Arab Emirates and Oman offering dream vacations in the mythical and fabulous areas of the Arabian Nights.

Costa Cruises is represented in South Africa by Development Promotions Tel: (011) 442 0822
http://www.devprom.co.za/

GW Travel launches 2011/12 "Voyages of a Lifetime" Luxury Rail Travel.

noreply@blogger.com (Diana) — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 08:13:00 +0000

Luxury train operator, GW Travel, has announced its 2011/12 programme.

As well as Its renowned “Winter Wonderland” rail cruise along the Trans-Siberian route in Russia onboard the Golden Eagle, the programme again features the March/April fascinating “Silk Road” voyages between Moscow and Beijing.

A number of new tours on board the Golden Eagle are planned for summer 2012 including the “Caspian Odyssey” from Almaty to Yerevan and the “Caucasian Exporer” from Yerevan to Moscow.

GW Travel have been pioneers in private rail travel in the former Soviet Union and its first ever tour there in 1992 was through the Caucasus region. In 2012 GW Travel recreates parts of that ground-breaking journey through Rostov, Kisodovsk and Pyatigorsk as well as Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan on board the Golden Eagle.

Another new addition for 2012 is the “Kingdoms of the Himalayas” a 34-day journey by rail, road and air from Beijing travelling through Tibet, Nepal and Bhutan before crossing India on the Maharajas Express. The Maharajas’ Express, was launched in March 2010, and has been acknowledged as the finest train in India.

For more information contact Development Promotions Tel: 011 442 0822 http://www.devprom.co.za/

GW Travel introduces Luxury Train Opera & Ballet tour in Russia...

noreply@blogger.com (Diana) — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 13:05:00 +0000

Luxury train operator, GW Travel, has introduced a themed Opera & Ballet tour on its Golden Eagle luxury train in November 2011 which promises a unique experience for enthusiasts.

Guests on this 9-day tour will have the opportunity to attend a ballet or opera performance at the famous Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow. They will be entertained each evening by acclaimed concert pianist Alexander Blok in the Golden Eagle bar and will be treated to a private concert by the Blagovest Male Voice Choir in Suzdal’s 14th Century cathedral.

In Kiev guests will enjoy a performance in the spectacular Ukrainian National Opera & Ballet Theatre as well as a performance on the following evening at the National Academic Theatre of Opera & Ballet in Odessa in the Crimea.

On Day 6 of the tour an ensemble from the world-famous Mariinsky Theatre of St Petersburg will perform in one of the Golden Eagle Restaurant Cars.

The highlight of the tour takes place on the final evening with an outstanding performance in The Mariinsky Theatre itself conducted by Valery Gergiev, Artistic and General Director of The Mariinsky Theatre and Principal Conductor of the London Symphony Orchestra.

Following this performance there will be a reception hosted by Lady Solti with Valery Gergiev as Guest of Honour thus providing a fitting end to GW Travel’s inaugural Opera & Ballet Tour in conjunction with The Mariinsky Theatre and Marinsky Theatre Trust.

A similar tour is scheduled for February 2012.

For more information contact Development Promotions Tel: 011 442 0822 http://www.devprom.co.za/

National Geographic Traveller Lists Ghana Untouched as 2011 Tour of a Lifetime...

noreply@blogger.com (Diana) — Mon, 16 May 2011 12:59:00 +0000

Every year National Geographic Traveller magazine scours the globe looking for the most authentic, most immersive, best guided and most sustainable tours and presents them in a “ 50 Tours of a Lifetime” list for their readers.

This year the Gap Adventures’ Ghana Untouched tour has been named a top pick!

“Untouched” is an apt name for this tour of Ghana, and it’s likely one of the main reasons for its selection. While the majority of tour operators focus on the south of the country between Accra, Kumasi, and Cape Coast (the so-called “southern triangle), the Gap Adventures’ Ghana Untouched tour journeys through the Eastern, Northern and Western part of the country, inviting travellers to take the path less travelled.

The Ghana Untouched tour immerses the tourist in the tribal culture of the Lobi people, visits a witchcraft oracle to learn about the spiritual traditions and Voodoo practices, and offers a firsthand insight into how foreign religions and influences have blended with the traditional animist beliefs to shape the character of the region.

Ghana boasts a rich diversity of music, dance, food and culture fostered by its pre-colonial and post-colonial history, a little something to appease the senses.

From city to tribe, hotel to camp, Ghana Untouched, witnesses the convergence of civilizations from a vantage rarely seen by most travellers.

Gap Adventures is represented in South Africa by Development Promotions Tel: (011) 442 0822 http://www.devprom.co.za/

Guinness Storehouse Awarded Sustainable Travel International Eco-Certification...

noreply@blogger.com (Diana) — Mon, 16 May 2011 12:55:00 +0000

GUINNESS STOREHOUSE, Ireland’s No. 1 visitor attraction, has been awarded the first ever Sustainable Travel International (STI) Eco-certification in Ireland.

Following the implementation of STI’s Sustainable Tourism Eco-Certification Program (STEP) over twelve months, Guinness Storehouse is delighted to announce that it is the first business to be eco-certified in Ireland.

This is a globally recognised accreditation which aims to assist those travelling around the world to make informed decisions about the companies they patron.

Managing Director at Guinness Storehouse, Paul Carty said “Sustainability and enhancing the environment of the Dublin communities has been a core philosophy of the Guinness company since it was founded and we are committed to retaining this philosophy by having a positive impact in the community where we do business, and to preserving the local area where our visitors and colleagues work, live and play.

Accordingly, we are delighted to receive this acknowledgement of our hard work towards a sustainable Guinness Storehouse and we are committed to integrating leading sustainability principles into our core business strategy”.

Throughout the STEP programme, the Guinness Storehouse was assessed across a wide range of practices outlined by STI including Visitor Experience, Energy & Climate Change, Community Impacts and Supports, Training & Communications and Purchasing and Supply Chain Management.

Issued by: TOURISM IRELAND SA
Contact: Tel: (011) 442 0822
E-mail: tourismireland@dpgsa.co.za

GW Luxury Rail Travel to use Maharaja's Express.

noreply@blogger.com (Diana) — Mon, 16 May 2011 12:49:00 +0000

Luxury rail operator, GW Travel, has announced that it will operate its September 2011 Darjeeling Mail tour with the Maharajas’ Express, replacing the Deccan Odyssey.

The Maharajas’ Express, was launched in March 2010, and has been acknowledged as the finest train in India. “The Maharajas’ Express is the ultimate way to travel on our stunning and exclusive private rail tour of Northern India,” says Tim Littler, owner/founder of GW Travel, “And fits in perfectly with our portfolio of private rail product around the world.”

The Darjeeling Mail rail cruise of India offers a unique blend of rich history, cultural treasures, temples, monuments, palaces and people as the train travels eastwards from Mumbai to Calcutta. And when they are not experiencing the many wondrous sights that India has to offer, guests can relax onboard the Maharajas’ Express enjoying the finest Indian and Western cuisine and discreetly attentive service.

For more information on the Darjeeling Mail and other Rail Cruise programmes by GW Travel contact Development Promotions Tel: 011 442 0822 http://www.devprom.co.za/

European Waterways refurbishes flagship - La Bella Epoque

noreply@blogger.com (Diana) — Mon, 16 May 2011 12:43:00 +0000

Luxury hotel barging operator European Waterways has completed a US$400,000 refurbishment project on its flagship, La Belle Epoque, for the 2011 season.

La Belle Epoque was originally built as a cargo carrying Belgian “Spitz” barge in 1931. She was converted to a luxury hotel barge by European Waterways’ founder/owner, Derek Banks, and launched in 1995.

“Now some 15 years later in 2010, after successfully hosting over 4000 passengers, we felt it time to give our company flagship a serious makeover,” says Derek.

The overall effect remains one of a classic English Motor Yacht from the 1920’s with a varnished wood and brass style offering timeless grace.

The complete refit reaffirms La Belle Epoque’s status as flagship within the European Waterways luxury hotel barge fleet and ensures that she complies fully with the latest Euro Class safety legislation requirements.

European Waterways is represented in South Africa by Development Promotions Tel: (011) 442 0822 http://www.devprom.co.za/

Belfast celebrates centenary of launch of RMS Titanic...

noreply@blogger.com (Diana) — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 11:04:00 +0000

Belfast City Council is to hold two months of events to mark the 100th anniversary of the launch of RMS Titanic.

Exhibitions, talks, plays and special commemorations all will be part of the ‘Titanic 100’ programme, which starts on Thursday 31 March and culminates on the centenary of the ship’s launch, 31 May.

The centrepiece of the events programme will be two major new exhibitions. ‘Titanic 100’, on the lawns of the City Hall. The first will celebrate the building of the great ship from its inception to launch, focusing on the photography of RJ Welch, the official photographer for Harland and Wolff. ‘Titanic 100’ will open on 31 March and run through until the end of April.

The second exhibition, in City Hall itself, will focus on the story of the SS Nomadic, also launched in 1911, telling her story from construction to the current restoration programme. The Nomadic exhibition also will feature rare artefacts from both the tender and the White Star line.

Throughout April and May, there also will be a series of tours, both on land and water, visiting key landmarks associated with the Titanic story.
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In addition to the centenary of the launch of Titanic, a number of other anniversaries are being marked throughout the period. These include the centenaries of the opening of the Thompson Graving Dock and the launch of SS Nomadic, the 150th anniversary of the opening of Harland and Wolff – and the 99th anniversary of the sinking, on 15 April 1912, of Titanic.

Issued by: Tourism Ireland SA - Contact: Helen Fraser - Tel: 011 442 0822

Irish Film-Maker Nominated for Academy Award...

noreply@blogger.com (Diana) — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 10:55:00 +0000

It was truly a family celebration when Irish writer and director, Michael Creagh learned he had been nominated for an Oscar for his short film “The Crush”.

The 15-minute short, shortlisted by the Academy in the “Best Live Action Short Film” category, starring Michael’s own son Oran (8), was also shot by the director’s brother, BBC cameraman Jim Creagh, with his father, James Creagh, being an executive producer on the project.

“The Crush”, shot in Gormanstown and Skerries, tells the story of a young schoolboy’s crush on his teacher, Miss Purdy.

“The family still can’t believe the news ,” Michael Creagh told the Irish Independent. “Something about it obviously struck a chord with the Academy members.”

Issued by: TOURISM IRELAND SA - Contact: Helen Fraser - Tel: (011 442 0822 - E-mail: tourismireland@dpgsa.co.za

Gap Adventures announces 2011 Cuba trips...

noreply@blogger.com (Diana) — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 10:46:00 +0000

With the thawing of relations between the US and Cuba, Gap Adventures has already announced details of its 2011 trips to the island which give travellers the chance to immerse in Cuba’s culture while changes within and outside the country continue.

“Our travellers rely on us to provide life-changing travel experiences, and this is an ideal time for adventure seekers to take advantage,” says Gap Adventures’ founder Bruce Poon Tip. “Not only is the worldview of Cuba changing, but Cuba is changing dramatically and rapidly, so opportunities are fleeting to experience the island at this exciting juncture.”

Offering unique homestay options, the most competitive pricing in the industry, and only local Cuban guides, the adventure tour operator expects a significant increase in bookings to Cuba.

Gap Adventures offers affordable trips of 8,9 and 15 days for active travellers seeking off the beaten path experiences away from resorts or large groups.

The Obama administration last week eased restrictions on US citizens travelling to Cuba and the first Cuban Communist Party Congress in 14 years will take place in April 2011. Many expect Cuba’s Congress to authorise the first major overhaul of the island’s Soviet-style economic model in 50 years which could create opportunities to increase tourism.

For more information contact Development Promotions Tel: (011) 442 0822 E-mail: Devprom@global.co.za http://www.devprom.co.za/

Dublin Designated UNESCO City of Literature...

noreply@blogger.com (Diana) — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 14:30:00 +0000

Formal notification has been received by the Lord Mayor of Dublin from the Director General of UNESCO that Dublin has been designated a UNESCO City of Literature, one of only four in the world.

This much sought after accolade recognizes Dublin’s diverse cultural profile and its international standing as a city of past and present literary excellence.

The designation as City of Literature, part of the UNESCO Creative Cities network, provides a unique platform for Dublin’s creative and tourism industries enabling the city to further increase its appeal as a destination for business and leisure. As John Boyne puts it, “It’s the history. It’s the love of words. It’s a city of literature….of course it is. It’s Dublin!”

The award also serves to reinforce the image of Ireland overseas as a creative, vibrant, dynamic nation, benefiting not just the capital’s economy but that of the entire country.

Said Ethna Murphy, Head of Leisure, Insights and Innovation, “This is a major coup for Dublin and for Ireland with ensuing worldwide media attention now expected. Literature is extremely important for tourism in that Irish writing is often the very first contact that an overseas visitor has with the Irish sense of humour and the Irish way of life. Irish literature can succeed where sometimes advertising campaigns may not; it paints an honest and vivid picture in the minds of the visitor of the diversity of the places and the character of the people.”

Issued by : Tourism Ireland SA
Contact: (011) 442 0822
E-mail: tourismireland@dpgsa.co.za
www.discoverireland.com www.dublincityofliterature.ie

Hurtigruten celebrates Polar Heroes Nansen and Amundsen...

noreply@blogger.com (Diana) — Mon, 17 Jan 2011 13:36:00 +0000

On 14 December 1911, Roald Amundsen and his men reached the South Pole, having set off from Fridtjof Nansen’s polar ship Fram and the Framheim camp. The expedition captured the imagination of the world.

The Norwegian Government has declared 2011 the Year of Nansen-Amundsen, to honour the achievements of polar explorers and Hurtigruten will be holding various activities to commemorate this anniversary year.

Centenary of Amundsen reaching the South Pole, MS Fram 4-19 December 2011
This main commemorative event will be on the day of the centenary, when Hurtigruten’s explorer ship MS Fram will be in Antarctica, where the anniversary will be marked with on board celebrations

Climate Voyage on the MS Fram 21-28 July, Reykjavik – Longyearbyen
Hurtigruten’s explorer ship MS Fram is named after Fridtjof Nansen’s polar ship Fram. This year’s Climate Voyage celebrates the 150th anniversary of Nansen’s birth with an eight-day voyage from Reykjavik to Svalbard on route visiting Jan Mayen which rarely sees visitors of any kind. As well as unforgettable natural beauty, the voyage includes fascinating climate-related lectures and debates on topics such as the work of Nansen.

Polar Bears, Islands and Fjords on the MS Fram, 7-19 September, Longyearbyen – Bergen
Hurtigruten offers a unique voyage in the wake of Fridtjof Nansen, combining highlights in the polar waters of the Arctic with the classic World’s Most Beautiful Voyage along the Norwegian coastline. A 13-day voyage in stunning surroundings shaped only by the forces of nature. 1896 saw Fridtjof Nansen’s polar ship Fram embark on its triumphant journey home to mainland Norway after three years in the polar ice. With Otto Sverdrup as captain, they had gone further north than anyone else had even been and were honoured and cheered in every port that they visited on their way down the Norwegian coast. Hurtigruten is embracing the Year of Nansen-Amundsen by sailing practically the same route from Svalbard and Spitsbergen and down mainland Norway.

The Ice-Breakers voyage on the MS Nordkapp, 14-20 October 2011, Bergen – Kirkenes
Historian and expert on Scandinavia Arne Kertelhein will give lectures on polar history with a focus on Fridtjof Nansen and Roald Amundsen. The MS Nordkapp will sail in the wake of the Norwegian maritime pioneers, while in Tromsø, Gateway to the Arctic, more absorbing knowledge awaits on the Polar History City Walk.

For more information contact Development Promotions Tel: (011) 442 0822 http://www.devprom.co.za/

Continental Airlines is First North American Carrier to fly with New Sky Interior...

noreply@blogger.com (Diana) — Mon, 17 Jan 2011 13:31:00 +0000

Continental Airlines has become the first carrier in North America to take delivery of a new 737-800 with Boeing's new Sky Interior.

This all-new interior features newly sculpted sidewalls, energy-efficient LED lighting and larger overhead bins that retract into the ceiling, permitting stowage of additional roll-aboard bags. Other features include improved ventilation and cabin-noise reduction for customers and new, touch-screen flight attendant panels and controls.

"When customers first step on the plane, they will immediately notice the fresh cabin architecture," said Ron Baur, vice president fleet. "This modern interior gives the airplane a more open look and feel while increasing cabin comfort and overhead storage space."

Before entering scheduled service, the airplane will be flown to Continental's maintenance facility in Orlando, where it will be fitted with fuel-saving winglets. As part of its ongoing fleet modernization plan, Continental will take delivery of several more 737s with the new Sky Interior in 2011.

Continental Airlines is represented in South Africa by Development Promotions Tel: (011 442 0822 http://www.devprom.co.za/

Costa Cruises 2011 brochure produced by Development Promotions.

noreply@blogger.com (Diana) — Wed, 15 Dec 2010 08:38:00 +0000

In a new initiative Costa Cruises has authorised Development Promotions to produce its 2011 brochure locally.

“ The locally-produced brochure is of the highest quality and on a par with international standards” said Jane Rezac, Marketing Manager of Development Promotions, “ Having them printed locally greatly facilitates timeous distribution ”

The colourful 36-page brochure features Costa Cruises Winter schedules until April 2011.

“We will launch the Summer Cruises brochure early next year,” says Jane.

For a copy of the brochure contact Development Promotions Tel: (011 442 0822 E-mail: devprom@global.co.za http://www.devprom.co.za/

Exciting luxury rail tours 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Diana) — Wed, 15 Dec 2010 08:35:00 +0000

GW Travel the world's leading operator of exclusive, long-distance rail cruises has announced exciting new tours for 2011.

For example the 9-Day Baltic Adventure: offers the choice two superb itineraries: Moscow to Vilnius or Vilnius to St Petersburg, which include the countries of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. Once hidden behind the Iron Curtain these Baltic countries have revealed themselves as enticing destinations brimming with cultural attractions.

The Golden Eagle 14-Day Trans-Mongolian Express from Moscow to Beijing traverses Siberia passing the “Pearl of Siberia” Lake Baikal, the deepest lake in the world holding 20% of the world’s fresh water; on through Mongolia’s Gobi Desert into China.

The 13-Day Madras Mail from Mumbai to Madras takes in, among other attractions, the picturesque coastal cities of Goa, Cochin and Trivandrum.

These are just a few examples of GW Travel’s Voyages of a Lifetime by Private Train which operate worldwide through Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Mongolia, China, Tibet, India and Africa.

For more information contact Development Promotions Tel: (011) 442 0822 http://www.devprom.co.za/

Continental receives top honours in Business Travel News Annual Airline Survey.

noreply@blogger.com (Diana) — Wed, 15 Dec 2010 08:32:00 +0000

Continental Airlines received top honours in Business Travel News' (BTN) Annual Airline Survey for the third consecutive year. The recognition marks the sixth time Continental finished first in the 13 years BTN has measured corporate travel buyer perceptions of airline performance in delivering service and maintaining preferred relationships.

"We are honoured to once again receive this recognition, which reflects the hard work of my co-workers over the past year," said worldwide sales senior vice president Dave Hilfman. "We're going to look top to bottom in our approach to the market to ensure the new airline continues to do those things that are appreciated and recognized by our key corporate buyers."

Continental Airlines is represented in South Africa by Development Promotions Tel: 011 442 0822 http://www.devprom.co.za/

All Continental Airlines Boeing 777 International Flights now have Flat-Bed BusinessFirst Seats...

noreply@blogger.com (Diana) — Wed, 15 Dec 2010 08:27:00 +0000

Continental Airlines has announced that all of its Boeing 777 long-haul, international flights now feature new flat-bed seats in its BusinessFirst cabin. Continental currently operates the 777-200 on international routes between its New York hub at Newark Liberty International Airport and Beijing, Delhi, Frankfurt, Hong Kong, London/Heathrow, Mumbai, Shanghai, Tel Aviv and Tokyo, and between its Houston hub at Bush Intercontinental Airport and London/Heathrow and Tokyo.

The BusinessFirst flat-bed seat reclines 180 degrees and provides 6 feet 6 inches of sleeping space in the fully extended position on the Boeing 777.

It is one of the widest business-class seats in the air, measuring up to 27 inches. Laptop power, headset and USB plugs are conveniently tucked above the customer's shoulder. iPod connectivity allows customers to view their personal videos and enjoy their music while their iPods are charging. The new seats feature 15.4-inch video monitors for customers to enjoy on-demand movies, music and games.

The flat-bed seats made their operational debut in November 2009 and are also being installed on Continental's fleet of Boeing 757-200 aircraft. CO will begin retrofitting substantially all of its Boeing 767 aircraft with BusinessFirst flat-bed seats in 2011. http://www.devprom.co.za/airlines.html

Continental Airlines is represented in South Africa by Development Promotions Tel: (011) 442 0822 http://www.devprom.co.za/

Luxury Train Journeys Launch Freedom of Choice Touring

noreply@blogger.com (Diana) — Wed, 15 Dec 2010 08:12:00 +0000

GW Travel, the world’s leading operator of exclusive, long-distance rail tours, has introduced Freedom of Choice Touring for its 2011 private rail programmes. Now passengers can choose from a selection of Freedom of Choice touring options for their off-train excursions in some of the key cities visited along their rail journeys. These cities include Moscow, St Petersburg, Beijing, Xian, Bombay, Delhi and Calcutta.

Guests will be presented, when onboard the train, with a variety of excursion options for the following day's tour from which to choose. ”This initiative means that clients are being offered an even greater degree of flexibility that best suits their interests whilst on tour,” says Jane Davidson, MD of Development Promotions who represents GW Travel in South Africa. “And it's all included in the price, with no more to pay.”

For more information contact Development Promotions Tel: (011) 442 0822 http://www.devprom.co.za/

New vessels for European Waterways in 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Diana) — Wed, 15 Dec 2010 08:05:00 +0000

Luxury hotel barge operator, European Waterways, has added a much bigger vessel to its fleet for 2011. The stylish La Bella Vita, a 20-passenger vessel based in Venice has been newly refitted to offer comfortable, fully air-conditioned accommodation. She boasts two upper-deck suites and eight lower-deck staterooms, and a bright spacious dining room and bar area. La Bella Vita promises a unique and charming cruising experience through a variety of waterways in the Po Valley between Venice and Mantua. Previously the largest vessels in the European Waterways fleet accommodated up to 12 passengers.

Two new vessels in France have also been added to the European Waterways’ fleet for 2011. The 8-passenger Amaryllis operating in the Lower Burgundy Canal, River Saone and Canal du Centre exudes style and uncompromising attention to detail, while the 6-passenger Fleur de Lys, also in the Lower Burgundy Canal, l is laid out in gracious elegance over two decks.

For more information contact Development Promotions Tel: (011) 442 0822 http://www.devprom.co.za/

Costa Cruises picks up 2 new prizes in the USA and Belgium

noreply@blogger.com (Diana) — Wed, 15 Dec 2010 07:57:00 +0000

Costa Cruises, the largest Italian travel group and Europe’s premier cruise company, has won two more special prizes, one in the USA and the other in Belgium, testimony to the growing worldwide popularity and recognition enjoyed by the Costa brand.

The first honour is one of the Porthole Cruise Magazine “Readers’ Choice Awards”. Porthole is one of the leading US cruise magazine. In the 2010 edition Costa Cruises was adjudged for the third year running to have the “Best Mediterranean Itineraries” and the “Best Africa/Middle East Itineraries”.

This recognition confirms both the Italian Company’s leadership and its spirit of innovation. Costa Cruises as the undisputed leader in the Mediterranean.

The second award comes from Travel Magazine, Belgium’s leading trade journal, which – for the third year in a row – designated Costa Cruises the best cruise line in 2010. The coveted “Travel Magazine Awards” are conferred annually and are assigned on the basis of the preferences expressed by Belgium’s travel agents .

Costa Cruises is represented in South Africa by Development Promotions Tel: (011) 442 0822 http://www.devprom.co.za/

Gap Adventures Offers Over 100 New Trips in 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Diana) — Wed, 15 Dec 2010 07:53:00 +0000

Gap Adventures has added some great new destinations to its 2011 programme and created some exciting adventures for the forthcoming year.

For those looking for something different and to escape the all-inclusives can experience the real Caribbean with the new Jamaica Rasta and Reggae or the Dominican Republic Adventure, or learn all about voodoo and encounter tribal royalty in West African Highlights.

The active adventurer can learn to surf in Costa Rica, hike the Kokoda Trail in Papua New Guinea, visit the home of Dracula on the Trek the Carpathians tour or check out the new group treks to Kilimanjaro.

In the 18-30 something YOLO tours, the young and adventurous can visit the historical highlights with Turkey on a Budget, or enjoy a taste of Asia’s two great empires on Roam Japan & China.

For the select few, Gap Adventures’ new limited edition trips range from the Venice Carnival to Zanzibar’s International Music Festival. These incredible value trips allow the traveller to enjoy once in a lifetime experiences.

The Great Adventure People have thought of everyone for 2011!

For more information contact Development Promotions Tel: (011) 442 0822 http://www.devprom.co.za/

Explore the fascinating Mayan culture and traditions with Gap Adventures...

noreply@blogger.com (Diana) — Fri, 19 Nov 2010 13:38:00 +0000

For anyone curious about how a Mayan calendar works, Gap Adventures will introduce you to a number of Mayan calendars and other fascinating aspects of the Mayan culture and traditions.

If anyone knows one thing about the Mayan calendar, they probably know some people claim it predicts the end of the world on December 21, 2012.

This is not a proper interpretation of the calendar, but what is even more interesting is that the Maya had numerous calendars, not just one!The calendar associated with the end of the world is the Mayan long count calendar.

The cycle of this calendar is coming to an end, as it has before, so when December 2012 arrives it is actually a time of celebration as the Mayans would be celebrating a change of one world to another.

Years and time will go on, and according to the Mayan long count calendar we'll simply enter into a new cycle of creation called the golden age. The Mayan calendars have gained much attention because they aren't just a means of measuring the passage of time.

They're more intertwined with human life, the cosmos and life cycles - giving them more of a prophetic interpretation than your common Gregorian calendar.The Mayan Tzolk'in calendar is the most ancient of Mayan calendars.

It has existed for more than 2600 years and is a 260-day calendar that many people believe is tied to the 9-month human pregnancy timeframe. This calendar is the most important of Mayan calendars and is still in use today by pockets of Maya people in Mexico and Guatemala.

The calendar includes 13 days and 20 day names and the Maya actually considered the days of their calendar to be living entities, more powerful than ourselves!For a 365-day calendar based on cosmic, solar and planetary events, the Mayans created the Haab calendar.

It, combined with the Tzolk'in calendar combine to create a 52-year Calendar Round. This is one of the most intricate and beautifully detailed Mayan carvings (and copies make popular souvenirs for tourists!) The calendar round also played an important role in the building of pyramids at Mayan sites like Chichen Itza.

The Tzolk'in, Haab and Long Count calendars are the basis for all Mayan calendars and events. Learning more about the importance of each individual year, birthdate and lunar cycle creates an even more complex Mayan calendar system that is best left to scholars and local, expert guides to explain! Whatever way one looks at it, the Maya created an impressive system for recording, predicting and remembering important events within their own lives, and for future generations!

Curious to know what your birthday is in the Mayan calendar? Check out this Gregorian -> Maya calendar link. For example, Halloween 2010 is: 12.19.17.14.16 (Long Count date), 13 Cib (Tzolk'in date) 9 Sac (Haab date).Gap Adventures covers some well-known destinations where Mayan traditions live on today in places like Palenque, San Cristobal and the Guatemalan Highlands.

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