Here’s a request I just received from a tour operator looking for driver guides this summer.
Hi Cherie,
That's great! Here is our posting. Let me know if you have any questions about us, or about the posting. You can check out our website at www.at-west.com (be sure to type it in the blue bar and use "www." otherwise for some reason it won't pull up the site.). I'll keep you in the loop for future postings as well - our needs change throughout the season depending on the number of tours we run in a certain language. I'm looking forward to getting to know some of your students!
Thanks,
Jarmila
ADVENTURE TRAVEL WEST IS HIRING BILINGUAL TOUR DIRECTORS FOR SMALL GROUP TOURS THROUGH THE SOUTHWEST USA
Business is booming and we need excellent tour directors for a busy season! We operate small group tours of 5-13 pax and our Tour Directors act as driver/guides (you are the only staff member on the tour). Tours last typically from 13-21 days. Our season runs from mid-April through November; currently we need to fill a few spots in the program, so this is not a full time position. However, if you want to get your feet wet with us this year and commit to the entire season next year, we will keep you as busy as you like all season in 2012!
Tour guiding is not for everyone. It's a highly demanding yet rewarding job. We are very stringent in our hiring process so PLEASE RESPOND ONLY IF YOU HAVE THE FOLLOWING QUALIFICATIONS:
- Fluent in Spanish, French or German (at this time we are NOT hiring English-only tour directors); we especially need Spanish-speaking guides
- Excellent location knowledge (at least 60%) of the National Parks: Grand Canyon, Bryce, Zion, Arches, Yellowstone, Yosemite, Death Valley, plus Las Vegas and SFO
- Experience driving a 15-passenger van/pulling a trailer (or similar large vehicle)
- CLEAN motor vehicle record
- CLEAN drug test
- Current CPR/First Aid (WOFA/WFR a plus)
- OUTDOOR leadership experience (leading GROUP hikes, camping trips, etc.)
- Ability to think on your feet and act in a mature and professional manner at all times
- Excellent communication, driving, interpersonal and outdoor skills
- Genuine enthusiasm and desire to provide the best possible tour experience to your clients
- Passion for the outdoors and the west - these are NOT bus tours, they are 'get out there and experience nature' tours
- Physically fit and able to lead daily hikes of 2-6 hours
- Able to lead camping tours (includes some cooking duties)
- Able to commit to a minimum of two back-to-back tours (2 weeks each, for a minimum commitment of one solid month)
- Professional guide training a plus
- Willingness to provide all pre-hire paperwork within 2 weeks (see the information below about our web site/hiring process)
- Flexibility to be on the road for at least 15-23 days at a time per tour; this includes transfer to/from tour; usually we try to schedule people for two tours back-to-back which means more than a month straight on the road (or more!)
What we offer:
- Highly competitive pay (includes per diem plus year-end performance bonus); all expenses paid while on tour
- Flexible schedule (this pertains to full-time guides only)
- Comprehensive materials about your tour to help you prepare commentary
- Extensive library of resources to support your own growth and learning
- Excellent back-office support before your tour and while you're on the road (the easier we make things for you, the easier our lives are too!)
- Please respond with "TD extraordinaire" in your reply to show that you have read this entire job posting; otherwise don't expect a response from us
- Transportation to/from the tour
- Reimbursement for tour-related expenses such as first aid certification, etc.
- Limited training
- Chance to meet people from all over the world and the satisfaction of being an integral part of their trip of a lifetime
We hire only the best... but if you're new to guiding and feel you possess the qualities we're looking for... and if this position truly resonates with you, don't be discouraged. Let's talk.
Please send your resume and three professional references to:
Jarmila Gorman
Operations Manager
Adventure Travel West
operations@at-west.com
fax 303-697-5384
Interested parties may also visit our website, www.at-west.com (type into the blue bar, and make sure you type in "www.") Under the page titled "Our Staff", near the bottom you will find a link to our employment page that lists all of the materials we require pre-hire, and in what sequence.
Please, NO phone calls and NO recruiters. Thank you for your interest in ATW!
Friday, May 27, 2011
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Facts About Los Angeles
Here's some very interesting facts that about Los Angeles. They may be fun to share when leading LA tours.
22 May 11
The City of Los Angeles holds many distinctions. LA is the entertainment capital of the world, a cultural mecca boasting more than 300 museums, and a paradise of good weather. From tourist attractions like the Walk of Fame’s collection of stars (numbering 2,434, and growing by one or two a month) to career opportunities like those presented in the expanding biotech industry, Los Angeles is the place to be. It is the only city in North America to have hosted the Summer Olympics twice. Downtown LA is the largest government center outside of Washington, D.C. Los Angeles has the only remaining wooden lighthouse in the state (located in San Pedro’s Fermin Park) and the largest historical theater district on the National Register of Historic Places (located Downtown on Broadway).
Los Angeles is on the leading edge of several growth industries. The LA five-county area, with more than 134,000 jobs in the fashion industry, has surpassed New York’s fashion district workforce. The metro area also has more than 230,000 people at work in health sciences/biomedical activities and 361,000 people in aerospace/technology. Here are some more facts and figures about Los Angeles: the city, the county and the region.
SIZE:
City of Los Angeles: 472 square miles
County of Los Angeles: 4,084 square miles
Los Angeles Five-County Area: 34,135 square miles
(Los Angeles, Riverside, Ventura, Orange and San Bernardino counties)
There are 88 incorporated cities in Los Angeles County ranging from Vernon
(population 95) to Los Angeles city (population 4.1 million).
Source: LACity.org, LACounty.org, California State Association of Counties – counties.org
GEOGRAPHY:
Los Angeles spans a widely diverse geographic area. Primarily a desert basin, the area is surrounded by the San Gabriel Mountain range and divided by the Santa Monica Mountains. Los Angeles County has 75 miles of coastline and altitudes ranging from 9 feet below sea level at Wilmington to 10,080 feet above sea level atop Mt. San Antonio. Area Rivers include the Los Angeles, Rio Hondo, San Gabriel, and Santa Clara rivers.
CLIMATE:
Southern California’s climate has often been described as “perfect” and with good reason. Most days are sunny and warm, with gentle ocean breezes in the summer. The humidity is low with little rain. In fact, there are no unpleasant seasons in Los Angeles.
Annual precipitation: 14.77 inches Average high temperature: 75° F
Avg. sunny/partly sunny days: 292 days Average low temperature: 57° F
Source: National Weather Service Forecast Office at Weather.gov
HISTORY:
Sept. 4, 1781, is the city’s official birthdate, when 44 vecinos pobladores—village settlers from the Mexican provinces of Sonora and Sinaloa — made their home in what is now Downtown Los Angeles. Two of the 44 settlers were Spaniards, while the others were Indians, Blacks and Mestizos (of mixed ancestry). Here to greet the pobladores was a tribe of American Indians called Tongva. The Spanish named the new settlement El Pueblo de Nuestra Senora la Reina de Los Angeles, or The Town of Our Lady the Queen of the Angels. After the territory changed hands from Spain to Mexico, the town was officially declared a city in 1835. In August 1846, American soldiers entered Los Angeles, and the stars and stripes have flown over the city since January 1847.
POPULATION (2009):
City of Los Angeles: 4.1 Million
County of Los Angeles: 10.4 Million
Los Angeles Six-County Area: 21.9 Million
(Los Angeles, Riverside, Ventura, Orange and San Bernardino and San Diego counties)
Source: E-1: CA Department of Finance (1/2010)
If the Los Angeles six-county area were a state, it would surpass all states in total population size with the exception of California and Texas. The County of Los Angeles alone would be the eighth most populated state, behind Ohio, with 11.5 million, and ahead of Michigan, with 10.0 million people. Los Angeles ranks as the second largest city in the nation.
PEOPLE:
The diverse, multiethnic population of Los Angeles today distinguishes the city as the cultural hub of the Pacific Rim. In fact, Los Angeles is one of only two U.S. cities without a majority population. People from 140 countries, speaking approximately 86 different languages, currently call Los Angeles home.
Hispanic or Latino (of any race): 48.4 percent
White: 29.4 percent
Asian/Pacific Islander: 10.6 percent
African-American: 9.9 percent
American Indian/Others: 1.7 percent
Source: census.gov American Community Survey 2006-2008
TOURISM STATISTICS (2010 Estimates):
Visitors to Los Angeles County 25.7 million
Domestic overnight visitors 20.2 million
International visitors 5.5 million
Visitor-related spending $13.1 billion
Source: CIC Research
NUMBER OF PASSENGERS FOR EACH AIRPORT IN 2010:
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) 59,069,409
Ontario International Airport 4,808,241
Bob Hope Airport (Burbank) 4,461,271
Long Beach Airport 2,978,326
Source: Lawa.org, Burbankairport.com, Long Beach Airport - Lgb.org
Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) is a unique system of four airports owned and operated by the City of Los Angeles. Each of the airports – Los Angeles International (LAX), LA/Ontario International (ONT) and Van Nuys (VNY) – plays an integral role in helping to meet the regional demand for passenger, cargo and general aviation service in the 21st century.
As the gateway to the West Coast and the #1 international gateway to Asia/Pacific, LAX offers direct flights from 81 domestic cities and 65 international cities. LAX is the seventh busiest passenger airport in the world. Opened in 1984, the Tom Bradley International Terminal at LAX (TBIT) completed a major renovation program designed to make traveling through this international gateway safer, faster and more comfortable. The three-year project, which came in under budget at a cost of $737 million, was commemorated with a ribbon cutting ceremony on May 26, 2010.
LA/Ontario is a medium-hub, full-service airport with commercial jet service to major U.S. cities. ONT is located in the Inland Empire, approximately 38 miles east of Downtown Los Angeles in the center of Southern California. The airport is the centerpiece of one of the fastest-growing transportation regions in the United States.
Source: Lawa.org
CRUISE TRAFFIC FOR THE PORT OF LOS ANGELES (2010 Estimates): 755,000
Source: PortofLosAngeles.org
AMTRAK PASSENGER BOARDINGS IN ALL LOS ANGELES COUNTY STATIONS IN FY2010: 1,717,708
Los Angeles Union Station is the 5th busiest station in the national Amtrak System.
Source: Amtrak.gov
BEACHES:
The Los Angeles County coastline, stretching from Malibu to Long Beach, is 75 miles long.
BUSINESSES:
The leading industries, based on employment, in LA County are:
Tourism and Hospitality
Professional and Business Services
Direct International Trade
Entertainment
Wholesale Trade and Logistics
THE ECONOMY:
Los Angeles has developed into one of the premier centers of economic and cultural activity in the world. If we compare the economy of the world’s top 20 countries; the LA five-county area ranks at No. 17 and Los Angeles County ranks at No. 19 in the world. The state of California ranks at No. 8 in the world economy ranking.
MOTION PICTURE INDUSTRY IN LOS ANGELES:
California is the leading supplier of entertainment to the world, and Los Angeles County produces the vast majority of the state’s entertainment output. The motion picture industry in California generates approximately $34 billion annually.
IMPORTS/EXPORTS:
Los Angeles is the No. 1 import/export port in the United States. The total value of two-way trade handled at the Los Angeles Customs District in 2009 is anticipated to be $283 billion.
The top trading commodities were electrical apparatus, electronic machinery, measuring devices, motor vehicles, magnetic radio recording & playback equipment, apparels, and fashion items.
HIGHER EDUCATION:
Los Angeles is home to 200 colleges and universities, including such prestigious institutions as the University Of Southern California (USC), UCLA, Pepperdine University, Occidental College, Loyola Marymount University and the Art Center College of Design.
Source: LAEDC
http://www.travmedia.com/north-america/pressrelease.php?id=66972&mo=3&referencekey=d66cd2092d34039ac4ad8d092024d19a
22 May 11
The City of Los Angeles holds many distinctions. LA is the entertainment capital of the world, a cultural mecca boasting more than 300 museums, and a paradise of good weather. From tourist attractions like the Walk of Fame’s collection of stars (numbering 2,434, and growing by one or two a month) to career opportunities like those presented in the expanding biotech industry, Los Angeles is the place to be. It is the only city in North America to have hosted the Summer Olympics twice. Downtown LA is the largest government center outside of Washington, D.C. Los Angeles has the only remaining wooden lighthouse in the state (located in San Pedro’s Fermin Park) and the largest historical theater district on the National Register of Historic Places (located Downtown on Broadway).
Los Angeles is on the leading edge of several growth industries. The LA five-county area, with more than 134,000 jobs in the fashion industry, has surpassed New York’s fashion district workforce. The metro area also has more than 230,000 people at work in health sciences/biomedical activities and 361,000 people in aerospace/technology. Here are some more facts and figures about Los Angeles: the city, the county and the region.
SIZE:
City of Los Angeles: 472 square miles
County of Los Angeles: 4,084 square miles
Los Angeles Five-County Area: 34,135 square miles
(Los Angeles, Riverside, Ventura, Orange and San Bernardino counties)
There are 88 incorporated cities in Los Angeles County ranging from Vernon
(population 95) to Los Angeles city (population 4.1 million).
Source: LACity.org, LACounty.org, California State Association of Counties – counties.org
GEOGRAPHY:
Los Angeles spans a widely diverse geographic area. Primarily a desert basin, the area is surrounded by the San Gabriel Mountain range and divided by the Santa Monica Mountains. Los Angeles County has 75 miles of coastline and altitudes ranging from 9 feet below sea level at Wilmington to 10,080 feet above sea level atop Mt. San Antonio. Area Rivers include the Los Angeles, Rio Hondo, San Gabriel, and Santa Clara rivers.
CLIMATE:
Southern California’s climate has often been described as “perfect” and with good reason. Most days are sunny and warm, with gentle ocean breezes in the summer. The humidity is low with little rain. In fact, there are no unpleasant seasons in Los Angeles.
Annual precipitation: 14.77 inches Average high temperature: 75° F
Avg. sunny/partly sunny days: 292 days Average low temperature: 57° F
Source: National Weather Service Forecast Office at Weather.gov
HISTORY:
Sept. 4, 1781, is the city’s official birthdate, when 44 vecinos pobladores—village settlers from the Mexican provinces of Sonora and Sinaloa — made their home in what is now Downtown Los Angeles. Two of the 44 settlers were Spaniards, while the others were Indians, Blacks and Mestizos (of mixed ancestry). Here to greet the pobladores was a tribe of American Indians called Tongva. The Spanish named the new settlement El Pueblo de Nuestra Senora la Reina de Los Angeles, or The Town of Our Lady the Queen of the Angels. After the territory changed hands from Spain to Mexico, the town was officially declared a city in 1835. In August 1846, American soldiers entered Los Angeles, and the stars and stripes have flown over the city since January 1847.
POPULATION (2009):
City of Los Angeles: 4.1 Million
County of Los Angeles: 10.4 Million
Los Angeles Six-County Area: 21.9 Million
(Los Angeles, Riverside, Ventura, Orange and San Bernardino and San Diego counties)
Source: E-1: CA Department of Finance (1/2010)
If the Los Angeles six-county area were a state, it would surpass all states in total population size with the exception of California and Texas. The County of Los Angeles alone would be the eighth most populated state, behind Ohio, with 11.5 million, and ahead of Michigan, with 10.0 million people. Los Angeles ranks as the second largest city in the nation.
PEOPLE:
The diverse, multiethnic population of Los Angeles today distinguishes the city as the cultural hub of the Pacific Rim. In fact, Los Angeles is one of only two U.S. cities without a majority population. People from 140 countries, speaking approximately 86 different languages, currently call Los Angeles home.
Hispanic or Latino (of any race): 48.4 percent
White: 29.4 percent
Asian/Pacific Islander: 10.6 percent
African-American: 9.9 percent
American Indian/Others: 1.7 percent
Source: census.gov American Community Survey 2006-2008
TOURISM STATISTICS (2010 Estimates):
Visitors to Los Angeles County 25.7 million
Domestic overnight visitors 20.2 million
International visitors 5.5 million
Visitor-related spending $13.1 billion
Source: CIC Research
NUMBER OF PASSENGERS FOR EACH AIRPORT IN 2010:
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) 59,069,409
Ontario International Airport 4,808,241
Bob Hope Airport (Burbank) 4,461,271
Long Beach Airport 2,978,326
Source: Lawa.org, Burbankairport.com, Long Beach Airport - Lgb.org
Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) is a unique system of four airports owned and operated by the City of Los Angeles. Each of the airports – Los Angeles International (LAX), LA/Ontario International (ONT) and Van Nuys (VNY) – plays an integral role in helping to meet the regional demand for passenger, cargo and general aviation service in the 21st century.
As the gateway to the West Coast and the #1 international gateway to Asia/Pacific, LAX offers direct flights from 81 domestic cities and 65 international cities. LAX is the seventh busiest passenger airport in the world. Opened in 1984, the Tom Bradley International Terminal at LAX (TBIT) completed a major renovation program designed to make traveling through this international gateway safer, faster and more comfortable. The three-year project, which came in under budget at a cost of $737 million, was commemorated with a ribbon cutting ceremony on May 26, 2010.
LA/Ontario is a medium-hub, full-service airport with commercial jet service to major U.S. cities. ONT is located in the Inland Empire, approximately 38 miles east of Downtown Los Angeles in the center of Southern California. The airport is the centerpiece of one of the fastest-growing transportation regions in the United States.
Source: Lawa.org
CRUISE TRAFFIC FOR THE PORT OF LOS ANGELES (2010 Estimates): 755,000
Source: PortofLosAngeles.org
AMTRAK PASSENGER BOARDINGS IN ALL LOS ANGELES COUNTY STATIONS IN FY2010: 1,717,708
Los Angeles Union Station is the 5th busiest station in the national Amtrak System.
Source: Amtrak.gov
BEACHES:
The Los Angeles County coastline, stretching from Malibu to Long Beach, is 75 miles long.
BUSINESSES:
The leading industries, based on employment, in LA County are:
Tourism and Hospitality
Professional and Business Services
Direct International Trade
Entertainment
Wholesale Trade and Logistics
THE ECONOMY:
Los Angeles has developed into one of the premier centers of economic and cultural activity in the world. If we compare the economy of the world’s top 20 countries; the LA five-county area ranks at No. 17 and Los Angeles County ranks at No. 19 in the world. The state of California ranks at No. 8 in the world economy ranking.
MOTION PICTURE INDUSTRY IN LOS ANGELES:
California is the leading supplier of entertainment to the world, and Los Angeles County produces the vast majority of the state’s entertainment output. The motion picture industry in California generates approximately $34 billion annually.
IMPORTS/EXPORTS:
Los Angeles is the No. 1 import/export port in the United States. The total value of two-way trade handled at the Los Angeles Customs District in 2009 is anticipated to be $283 billion.
The top trading commodities were electrical apparatus, electronic machinery, measuring devices, motor vehicles, magnetic radio recording & playback equipment, apparels, and fashion items.
HIGHER EDUCATION:
Los Angeles is home to 200 colleges and universities, including such prestigious institutions as the University Of Southern California (USC), UCLA, Pepperdine University, Occidental College, Loyola Marymount University and the Art Center College of Design.
Source: LAEDC
http://www.travmedia.com/north-america/pressrelease.php?id=66972&mo=3&referencekey=d66cd2092d34039ac4ad8d092024d19a
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
International Visitor Spending in the United States: 2010
More great news on Tourism!
The Office of Travel and Tourism Industries recently published its annual United States Travel and Tourism Exports, Imports, and the Balance of Trade report for 2010. Put simply, U.S. travel and tourism-related exports rebounded in 2010, following the precipitous drop in 2009 that resulted in a record-setting year-over-year decline of $21.0 billion (15%).
International visitors spent $134.4 billion experiencing the United States in 2010, averaging nearly $1.2 billion more a month than was spent in 2009.
Americans increased their travel-related spending abroad, too. In 2010 Americans spent $102.7 billion abroad, nearly 4 percent more than was spent in 2009.
The United States enjoyed a $31.7 billion trade surplus for travel and tourism last year, 50 percent more favorable than the $21.1 billion surplus in 2009 and the largest trade surplus on record.
U.S. travel and tourism-related exports accounted for 25 percent of all U.S. services exports and 7 percent of all exports, goods and services alike.
Travel and tourism exports to the Asia/Pacific region increased nearly 18 percent, the largest increase of any world region; indeed, international visitors from China, Singapore, and South Korea increased their tourism-related spending by 39 percent, 31 percent, and 30 percent, respectively.
Six of the top ten markets for U.S. travel and tourism-related exports posted double-digit gains in 2010; of the twenty-one preliminary countries reported, twelve countries produced double-digit gains and six countries generated record-level spending in 2010.
In fact every single country and region reported gains in total travel and tourism-related spending in the United States in 2010, except France and Belgium/Luxembourg. U.S. travel and tourism-related exports to visitors from France declined 1 percent in 2010, while exports to travelers from Belgium/Luxembourg declined 5 percent last year.
To view the United States Travel and Tourism Exports, Imports, and the Balance of Trade: 2010 report in its entirety, please visit:
.
The Office of Travel and Tourism also released its Top 10 International Markets: Visitation and Spending report for 2009. To view this report, please visit:
.
The U.S. Office of Travel and Tourism Industries (OTTI) is responsible for collecting, analyzing, and disseminating international travel and tourism statistics for the U.S. Travel and Tourism Statistical System.
The Office of Travel and Tourism Industries recently published its annual United States Travel and Tourism Exports, Imports, and the Balance of Trade report for 2010. Put simply, U.S. travel and tourism-related exports rebounded in 2010, following the precipitous drop in 2009 that resulted in a record-setting year-over-year decline of $21.0 billion (15%).
International visitors spent $134.4 billion experiencing the United States in 2010, averaging nearly $1.2 billion more a month than was spent in 2009.
Americans increased their travel-related spending abroad, too. In 2010 Americans spent $102.7 billion abroad, nearly 4 percent more than was spent in 2009.
The United States enjoyed a $31.7 billion trade surplus for travel and tourism last year, 50 percent more favorable than the $21.1 billion surplus in 2009 and the largest trade surplus on record.
U.S. travel and tourism-related exports accounted for 25 percent of all U.S. services exports and 7 percent of all exports, goods and services alike.
Travel and tourism exports to the Asia/Pacific region increased nearly 18 percent, the largest increase of any world region; indeed, international visitors from China, Singapore, and South Korea increased their tourism-related spending by 39 percent, 31 percent, and 30 percent, respectively.
Six of the top ten markets for U.S. travel and tourism-related exports posted double-digit gains in 2010; of the twenty-one preliminary countries reported, twelve countries produced double-digit gains and six countries generated record-level spending in 2010.
In fact every single country and region reported gains in total travel and tourism-related spending in the United States in 2010, except France and Belgium/Luxembourg. U.S. travel and tourism-related exports to visitors from France declined 1 percent in 2010, while exports to travelers from Belgium/Luxembourg declined 5 percent last year.
To view the United States Travel and Tourism Exports, Imports, and the Balance of Trade: 2010 report in its entirety, please visit:
The Office of Travel and Tourism also released its Top 10 International Markets: Visitation and Spending report for 2009. To view this report, please visit:
The U.S. Office of Travel and Tourism Industries (OTTI) is responsible for collecting, analyzing, and disseminating international travel and tourism statistics for the U.S. Travel and Tourism Statistical System.
Friday, May 13, 2011
Student Tours
The below company is looking for Tour Directors that can also work as Area Associates in the Tri States New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.
College Campus Trips
Contact: Gillian Harper
Email: Gillian@collegecampustrips.com
Job Details
College Campus Trips is a leading provider of pre-designed and customized, fully-escorted trips to colleges and universities across the United States. Our tours minimize the stress and guesswork normally associated with the college selection process by providing students with first-hand introductions to the colleges that are of interest to them, their parents, guidance counselors and advisors. We offer a unique opportunity of escorting and managing your very own tours.
These key positions will be responsible for generating local and nationwide campus tours with high schools located within a defined territory in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. They will work closely with high schools and college counselors by providing the highest level of customer service and gaining revenue opportunities by securing new tours offered by College Campus Trips.
The Area Associates will be responsible for conducting their own tours and as a Tour Director they are accountable for leading and managing the activities of the group while on tour for three or four days, visiting various college campuses. This Independent Contractor position is part-time and offers flexible hours and it’s a great way of managing your own business from the initial contact with high schools through to a series of your own professionally escorted tours.
Responsibilities:
• Generate and expand relationships with high schools in the assigned territory to maximize new tour opportunities
• Determine, in consultation with the school counselors, the best tour elements and departure dates based on their needs
• Communicate clear requirements to Head Office for group planning purposes
• Presentation to the school in a timely manner, of a customized college campus tours with costs per person, as provided by Head Office
• Establish a service call plan for assigned territory
• Build strong relationships with the Counselors and Advisors within the high school to ensure the decision makers are being reached who can approve the tours and services being offered
• Consult and expand relationships with schools, Associations to reach a broad cross section of tour prospects
• Conduct Presentations at PTA meetings to encourage student participation if required
• Carry out pre-tour briefing for students and their parents at a high schools, if requested
Responsibilities as Tour Director:
• Review ‘Guide Book’ prior to departure and become familiar with contacts, departure times and ensures that complete lists of participants and contact details are included
• Become familiar with the tour components (hotels, Bus Company, security company etc.) and that all tour items have been fully prepaid.
• To take the leadership role at all times during the tour.
• Be responsible for verifying attendance throughout the tour.
• Perform a meet and greet with an official introduction and provide a brief overview of the trip with some basic rules.
• Brief the bus driver daily
• Take charge in the case of an emergency
• Meet the Security Guard each evening and provide instructions
• Call ahead if the tour is off schedule
• Conduct a pre-tour briefing for students and their parents at a high school meeting if requested
• Follows corporate expense policies and guidelines
• Represents themselves and College Campus Trips with the highest level of integrity and professionalism
Job Requirements:
• Ideally the candidate will have experience in the area of education and have previous contacts within high schools in your area.
• Individuals must be self-motivated and possess excellent communication skills
• Responsible individuals with effective time management skills
Applicants who do not already have legal permission to work in the United States will not be considered.
College Campus Trips
PO Box 11783
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33339
Gillian@collegecampustrips.com
Job Available: Immediately
Compensation:
Business Development is based on commission
Tour Director activities are based on a daily Fee
Please note that College Campus Trips does not accept compensation from any educational establishment for a placement of a student.
College Campus Trips
Contact: Gillian Harper
Email: Gillian@collegecampustrips.com
Job Details
College Campus Trips is a leading provider of pre-designed and customized, fully-escorted trips to colleges and universities across the United States. Our tours minimize the stress and guesswork normally associated with the college selection process by providing students with first-hand introductions to the colleges that are of interest to them, their parents, guidance counselors and advisors. We offer a unique opportunity of escorting and managing your very own tours.
These key positions will be responsible for generating local and nationwide campus tours with high schools located within a defined territory in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. They will work closely with high schools and college counselors by providing the highest level of customer service and gaining revenue opportunities by securing new tours offered by College Campus Trips.
The Area Associates will be responsible for conducting their own tours and as a Tour Director they are accountable for leading and managing the activities of the group while on tour for three or four days, visiting various college campuses. This Independent Contractor position is part-time and offers flexible hours and it’s a great way of managing your own business from the initial contact with high schools through to a series of your own professionally escorted tours.
Responsibilities:
• Generate and expand relationships with high schools in the assigned territory to maximize new tour opportunities
• Determine, in consultation with the school counselors, the best tour elements and departure dates based on their needs
• Communicate clear requirements to Head Office for group planning purposes
• Presentation to the school in a timely manner, of a customized college campus tours with costs per person, as provided by Head Office
• Establish a service call plan for assigned territory
• Build strong relationships with the Counselors and Advisors within the high school to ensure the decision makers are being reached who can approve the tours and services being offered
• Consult and expand relationships with schools, Associations to reach a broad cross section of tour prospects
• Conduct Presentations at PTA meetings to encourage student participation if required
• Carry out pre-tour briefing for students and their parents at a high schools, if requested
Responsibilities as Tour Director:
• Review ‘Guide Book’ prior to departure and become familiar with contacts, departure times and ensures that complete lists of participants and contact details are included
• Become familiar with the tour components (hotels, Bus Company, security company etc.) and that all tour items have been fully prepaid.
• To take the leadership role at all times during the tour.
• Be responsible for verifying attendance throughout the tour.
• Perform a meet and greet with an official introduction and provide a brief overview of the trip with some basic rules.
• Brief the bus driver daily
• Take charge in the case of an emergency
• Meet the Security Guard each evening and provide instructions
• Call ahead if the tour is off schedule
• Conduct a pre-tour briefing for students and their parents at a high school meeting if requested
• Follows corporate expense policies and guidelines
• Represents themselves and College Campus Trips with the highest level of integrity and professionalism
Job Requirements:
• Ideally the candidate will have experience in the area of education and have previous contacts within high schools in your area.
• Individuals must be self-motivated and possess excellent communication skills
• Responsible individuals with effective time management skills
Applicants who do not already have legal permission to work in the United States will not be considered.
College Campus Trips
PO Box 11783
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33339
Gillian@collegecampustrips.com
Job Available: Immediately
Compensation:
Business Development is based on commission
Tour Director activities are based on a daily Fee
Please note that College Campus Trips does not accept compensation from any educational establishment for a placement of a student.
Saturday, April 23, 2011
International Visitation Up Three Percent In January 2011
The good news on Tourism continues. International US inbound Tourism has increased the last 16 months.
The incentives and meetings are also on the increase and doing very well. If you live in a popular tourist and or resort destination now is a good time to apply to the local DMC's. Southern California companies are so busy at least one is offering a finders fee for help in localing additional staff.
The U.S. Department of Commerce today announced that 4.2 million international visitors traveled to the United States in January 2011, a three percent increase over January 2010. January 2011 registered the 16th straight month of increases in total U.S. visits.
International visitors spent $11.7 billion in January 2011, 10 percent more than in January 2010. January 2011 marks the 13th consecutive month of growth in U.S. travel and tourism-related exports.
Highlights
Overseas Resident Visitation
January 2011 overseas resident visits (1.8 million) were up nine percent compared to January 2010.
Top 10 Countries
In January 2011, eight of the top 10 countries posted increases in visitation to the United States, with five of those countries posting double-digit increases. However, for the month, visitation from Mexico declined 10 percent, and visits from Germany dropped three percent.
Top 10 Countries
Country of Residence % Change January
2011 vs. 2010
Canada 6%
Mexico -10%
Japan 4%
United Kingdom 2%
Brazil 28%
South Korea 19%
People's Republic of China
(excl Hong Kong) 49%
Germany -3%
Australia 27%
France 19%
Top Ports: January 2011
In January 2011, visitation through the top 15 ports of entry accounted for 84 percent of all overseas visits-more than one percentage point lower than last year. The top three ports (Miami, New York JFK and Los Angeles) accounted for 40 percent of all overseas arrivals, about the same as last year. Eleven of the top 15 ports posted increases in arrivals in January 2011. Six of these ports posted double-digit increases.
Access to OTTI Data
Manufacturing and Services' Office of Travel and Tourism Industries (OTTI) collects, analyzes and disseminates international travel and tourism statistics from the U.S. Travel and Tourism Statistical System. OTTI produces visitation data tables, including a more detailed region, country and port analyses. To access this data, you are encouraged to visit the OTTI monthly arrivals page at.
National Export Initiative
To improve conditions that directly affect the private sector's ability to export and to boost employment recovery, on March 11, 2010 President Obama created the National Export Initiative (NEI). The automation of the arrival/departure form [CBP Form I-94W] for Visa Waiver Program travelers supports this initiative as the automated form will greatly improve the measurement of international arrival data to the United States. To learn more about the NEI, you are encouraged to visit.
Throughout this report, percent changes posted for international visitation to the United States for January 2011 were calculated by comparing data in January 2011 to data in January 2010.
http://www.travmedia.com/north-america/pressrelease.php?id=69882&mo=3&referencekey=d66cd2092d34039ac4ad8d092024d19a
The incentives and meetings are also on the increase and doing very well. If you live in a popular tourist and or resort destination now is a good time to apply to the local DMC's. Southern California companies are so busy at least one is offering a finders fee for help in localing additional staff.
The U.S. Department of Commerce today announced that 4.2 million international visitors traveled to the United States in January 2011, a three percent increase over January 2010. January 2011 registered the 16th straight month of increases in total U.S. visits.
International visitors spent $11.7 billion in January 2011, 10 percent more than in January 2010. January 2011 marks the 13th consecutive month of growth in U.S. travel and tourism-related exports.
Highlights
Overseas Resident Visitation
January 2011 overseas resident visits (1.8 million) were up nine percent compared to January 2010.
Top 10 Countries
In January 2011, eight of the top 10 countries posted increases in visitation to the United States, with five of those countries posting double-digit increases. However, for the month, visitation from Mexico declined 10 percent, and visits from Germany dropped three percent.
Top 10 Countries
Country of Residence % Change January
2011 vs. 2010
Canada 6%
Mexico -10%
Japan 4%
United Kingdom 2%
Brazil 28%
South Korea 19%
People's Republic of China
(excl Hong Kong) 49%
Germany -3%
Australia 27%
France 19%
Top Ports: January 2011
In January 2011, visitation through the top 15 ports of entry accounted for 84 percent of all overseas visits-more than one percentage point lower than last year. The top three ports (Miami, New York JFK and Los Angeles) accounted for 40 percent of all overseas arrivals, about the same as last year. Eleven of the top 15 ports posted increases in arrivals in January 2011. Six of these ports posted double-digit increases.
Access to OTTI Data
Manufacturing and Services' Office of Travel and Tourism Industries (OTTI) collects, analyzes and disseminates international travel and tourism statistics from the U.S. Travel and Tourism Statistical System. OTTI produces visitation data tables, including a more detailed region, country and port analyses. To access this data, you are encouraged to visit the OTTI monthly arrivals page at
National Export Initiative
To improve conditions that directly affect the private sector's ability to export and to boost employment recovery, on March 11, 2010 President Obama created the National Export Initiative (NEI). The automation of the arrival/departure form [CBP Form I-94W] for Visa Waiver Program travelers supports this initiative as the automated form will greatly improve the measurement of international arrival data to the United States. To learn more about the NEI, you are encouraged to visit
Throughout this report, percent changes posted for international visitation to the United States for January 2011 were calculated by comparing data in January 2011 to data in January 2010.
http://www.travmedia.com/north-america/pressrelease.php?id=69882&mo=3&referencekey=d66cd2092d34039ac4ad8d092024d19a
Friday, April 15, 2011
Gifts and Tourism
I've met so many interesting women offering wonderful gifts and services through Tory Johnson’s Spark and Hustle events. (SparkandHustle.com) I’m not involved in the gift market but I work in Tourism a market often misunderstood and over looked in the US. It is an industry which includes gifts, swag, decor, floras, services, events and opportunities for unique, upscale and personalized gifts and services.
Normally I’m an International Tour Director and Trainer. My students are leading international, domestic and local tours and programs. I can’t cover it all here but I want to give you an over view and basic understanding of the needs of the companies involved in tours, programs and events. If you’re looking for a new market, hopefully you‘ll be able to meet their needs in building your success.
I think everyone knows Travel Agents. They make reservations for travel, tours and cruises. Most like giving something special gifts to their clients. Some still do flowers but maybe you have something to offer that may be more specialized and appreciated that will remind them of their trip and the agent. Travel related gifts with the name of the agent? Travel bags? Personalized money pouches? Or?
I work for Tour Operators the companies with the beautiful brochures offering tours when you enter the travel agency. The tour operators also offer gifts to the travelers. When I started it was the old style flight bag with the company logo. It then went to fanny bags, document cases and etc. Their challenge is with repeat tour members and trying to come up with something unique. The tours may be domestic and or international. Do you have something unique to travel, the destination and or US?
I also give out gifts on my tours and cruises for repeat passengers, birthdays and anniversaries. The gifts have included pictures frames with the company name engraved, Kona Coffee, photo albums, make up bags with a Kangaroo logo, books and etc. Do you have something unique and easy for the Tour Director and passenger to pack?
The biggest market I see for gifts is the domestic market, especially the incentive market. Incentives are gifts offered to increase sales and production. It may be a special gift and or trip individually or as a group. Fortune 500 companies spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on their VIP’s, meetings, incentives and team building events. Think of the AIG meeting that received so much attention a couple years ago. Just the hotel bill was $600,000.
I recently assisted with coordinating a couple incentive events. The trip was a reward to the highest achieving sales persons. They stay at 4 and 5 Starr resorts. When they arrive they normally receive personalized bags and gifts. (As a person in and out of my car like a sales rep, I know something like the key finder we received at the LA Spark and Hustle would be appreciated.) They were awarded an iPad, watch and or diamond ring. The events are like staging a wedding each night with lighting, floras, plants, decorative curtains, luminaries, custom linens, entertainment, gifts and etc. Events may include an artist offering the guests a special gift to be sent to their home. These are all outside vendors. Think of producing a very upscale wedding with a theme. Each company producing the event tries to make it unique and very upscale. Do you have a gift and or service they may want to use?
Here’s where it can be a bit confusing. The Fortune 500 Company hires the Incentive House. The Incentive House works with the Fortune 500 Company to develop the program, keep track of the incentives, make the reservations and send staff to travel with the group. The Incentive House hires a local Destination Management Company in the location of the program. The DMC organizes and conducts the local activities, including arrivals, transportation, tours, events, team building and etc. (I train the staff that travels with the group and DMC tour directors and guides.)
I also want to mention services. Many of the smaller incentive companies, DMC’s, meeting planners, event planners and tour operators are owned by women. Do you have a service for them? Payroll? IT? Printing? Or?
Tourism is the largest and fastest growing industry in the world and the opportunities are endless. Fortunately, our industry is rebounding and especially the incentive and meeting market.
I hope this gives you ideas of new markets and helps in your success.
www.tourtraining.com
Normally I’m an International Tour Director and Trainer. My students are leading international, domestic and local tours and programs. I can’t cover it all here but I want to give you an over view and basic understanding of the needs of the companies involved in tours, programs and events. If you’re looking for a new market, hopefully you‘ll be able to meet their needs in building your success.
I think everyone knows Travel Agents. They make reservations for travel, tours and cruises. Most like giving something special gifts to their clients. Some still do flowers but maybe you have something to offer that may be more specialized and appreciated that will remind them of their trip and the agent. Travel related gifts with the name of the agent? Travel bags? Personalized money pouches? Or?
I work for Tour Operators the companies with the beautiful brochures offering tours when you enter the travel agency. The tour operators also offer gifts to the travelers. When I started it was the old style flight bag with the company logo. It then went to fanny bags, document cases and etc. Their challenge is with repeat tour members and trying to come up with something unique. The tours may be domestic and or international. Do you have something unique to travel, the destination and or US?
I also give out gifts on my tours and cruises for repeat passengers, birthdays and anniversaries. The gifts have included pictures frames with the company name engraved, Kona Coffee, photo albums, make up bags with a Kangaroo logo, books and etc. Do you have something unique and easy for the Tour Director and passenger to pack?
The biggest market I see for gifts is the domestic market, especially the incentive market. Incentives are gifts offered to increase sales and production. It may be a special gift and or trip individually or as a group. Fortune 500 companies spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on their VIP’s, meetings, incentives and team building events. Think of the AIG meeting that received so much attention a couple years ago. Just the hotel bill was $600,000.
I recently assisted with coordinating a couple incentive events. The trip was a reward to the highest achieving sales persons. They stay at 4 and 5 Starr resorts. When they arrive they normally receive personalized bags and gifts. (As a person in and out of my car like a sales rep, I know something like the key finder we received at the LA Spark and Hustle would be appreciated.) They were awarded an iPad, watch and or diamond ring. The events are like staging a wedding each night with lighting, floras, plants, decorative curtains, luminaries, custom linens, entertainment, gifts and etc. Events may include an artist offering the guests a special gift to be sent to their home. These are all outside vendors. Think of producing a very upscale wedding with a theme. Each company producing the event tries to make it unique and very upscale. Do you have a gift and or service they may want to use?
Here’s where it can be a bit confusing. The Fortune 500 Company hires the Incentive House. The Incentive House works with the Fortune 500 Company to develop the program, keep track of the incentives, make the reservations and send staff to travel with the group. The Incentive House hires a local Destination Management Company in the location of the program. The DMC organizes and conducts the local activities, including arrivals, transportation, tours, events, team building and etc. (I train the staff that travels with the group and DMC tour directors and guides.)
I also want to mention services. Many of the smaller incentive companies, DMC’s, meeting planners, event planners and tour operators are owned by women. Do you have a service for them? Payroll? IT? Printing? Or?
Tourism is the largest and fastest growing industry in the world and the opportunities are endless. Fortunately, our industry is rebounding and especially the incentive and meeting market.
I hope this gives you ideas of new markets and helps in your success.
www.tourtraining.com
Thursday, March 10, 2011
10 top augmented reality travel apps
These are wonderful apps for Tour Directors and Guides. Now we may be able to answer all of their questions instantly!
(CNNGo) -- It is the curse of every curious traveler -- you're walking through a new town and you can sense the history, you can smell the restaurant, you can hear the train you're meant to catch, but you have no idea how to get there or discover more.
Thank heavens for augmented reality.
Now, with apps that cost from nothing to a few bucks, you can lay digital worlds over the top of the real world through your phone's camera view. Suddenly data on hotels, restaurants, shop offers, landmarks, social gaming, even menu translations, is at your fingertips.
Here are 10 fantastic AR apps that every traveler should know about.
1. Wikitude
Price: Free
Platforms: Android 1.5+, iPhone 4.0, Symbian with compass, Bada
Download link: http://www.wikitude.org/en/dedownloadendownload
Voted the best augmented reality browser of 2010 by readers of Augmented Planet, Wikitude comes with a multitude of "worlds" that can be overlayed onto the real world that you see through your mobile device's camera.
For example, the Starbucks World shows you if any Starbucks cafes are in the direction you're pointing your camera.
Check out all the various worlds you can access, including World Heritage List, Wildlife Parks in Asia, Irish Pubs Worldwide and more, by clicking here.
CNNGo: 10 best travel apps ever
2. Layar: ArchINFORM
Price: Free
Platforms: Android 1.5+, iPhone 3.1+
Download link: www.layar.com/download
A nifty AR layer for architecture buffs. ArchINFORM is available as a real-world-overlay on Junaio, Layar and Wikitude, but Layar's version comes with special features.
It's a huge database of interesting architectural works, existing and yet-to-be-built, that you can search for with architect names and/or keywords.
Within the 3D layer, there's an AR-view perspective map and a walkable pedestrian route can be shown for every listed piece of architecture within the specified neighborhood.
3. Lonely Planet Compass City Guides
Price: $4.99
Platforms: All Android
Download link: Available in the Android Market
This is for those who travel by the Lonely Planet gospel, but can't be bothered to lug around their tomes. Now all their expert advice for 25 key cities around the world is available on an Android screen complete with GPS-enabled maps and augmented reality camera views.
Selected cities include Amsterdam, Bangkok, Boston, Istanbul, Prague, Seoul, Singapore, Sydney, Tokyo and Vancouver.
CNNGo: DoCoMo's Android-powered iPhone killer
4. Etips City Guides
Price: $0.99-4.99
Platforms: iPhone 3.1+
Download link: iTunes.apple.com
Etips provides daily itineraries as well as GPS-enabled maps and on-screen recommendations of nearby hot spots using the camera view.
Etips provides 131 different apps for the iPhone and 49 different apps for the iPad, covering various cities worldwide.
Bonus feature: even if you're not connected to the Internet, much of the content is available offline.
5. BuUuk
Price: Free
Platforms: All Android, iPhone 3.1+, Symbian
Download link: buuuk.com
A restaurant recommendation app, not unlike Urbanspoon. You can find nearby restaurants in camera view as well as where special deals are available. The data is user generated (140 characters or fewer, with links to Twitter and Facebook), and users can accompany their reviews with pictures.
BuUuk covers primarily Asian cities, but is expanding with Sydney, Perth, Phuket and Jakarta being recent additions.
6. Sekai Camera
Price: Free
Platforms: Android 2.1+, iPhone 3.1+
Download link: sekaicamera.com
Real-time air tagging, where air tagging means things people have written, photographed or said (using the voice message system) about stuff. These then float in your camera view like digital sticky labels.
You can comment on others' air tags or just view the info about nearby restaurants, hotels and so on.
Sekai Camera also features augmented reality games through various Sekai apps such as Sekai Cafe AR, which allows you to "build" an AR cafe in a real location and do business with other users.
7. Metro AR Pro
Price: $0.99
Platforms: iPhone 3.1+
Download link: itunes.apple.com
Find the nearest metro or subway station in Seoul, Tokyo, New York, Chicago, Mexico, London or Paris.
Granted, it's possible to do this in Google Maps, but there's something fun about seeing the stations floating in camera view with the distance from your current location indicated.
8. Waalkz
Price: Free
Platforms: iPhone 3.0+
Download link: itunes.apple.com
Download informative walking tours and let them guide you through Singapore's heritage Arab Quarter, Boat Quay, Chinatown and Little India neighborhood.
Check out the opium dens of old, sit in souk-like cafes, wander through temples and mosques. See sites pop up in camera view as you walk and once it's downloaded there's no need to be online to use it.
Would be great to see this extended to other cities.
9. iButterfly -- Coupon & Entertainment
Price: Free
Platforms: iPhone 3.1+ (Japan iTunes store only)
Download link: itunes.apple.com
An augmented reality game created by advertising agency Dentsu that allows users to catch and collect "butterflies" that pop-up in camera view.
Once caught, the butterflies release offers for nearby shops and restaurants as well as other informative content.
Japan only at the moment, but soon to extended to the rest of Asia.
10. Google Goggles in Google Mobile
Price: Free
Platforms: Android 1.6+, iPhone 4.0
Download link: Android Market and iPhone
Google Goggles is still in Google Labs stage, but this is a visual search app to watch. Take a picture of famous paintings, wine labels or bar codes among other things and Google Goggles will return information on the image captured.
Of most practical use is the translation function. Photograph text (for example a menu item) in English, French, German, Italian or Spanish and have it translated into one of those other languages.
While slower than Word Lens, it offers the capability to translate more languages.
http://www.cnn.com/2011/TRAVEL/03/08/cnngo.augmented.reality.travel.apps/index.html
(CNNGo) -- It is the curse of every curious traveler -- you're walking through a new town and you can sense the history, you can smell the restaurant, you can hear the train you're meant to catch, but you have no idea how to get there or discover more.
Thank heavens for augmented reality.
Now, with apps that cost from nothing to a few bucks, you can lay digital worlds over the top of the real world through your phone's camera view. Suddenly data on hotels, restaurants, shop offers, landmarks, social gaming, even menu translations, is at your fingertips.
Here are 10 fantastic AR apps that every traveler should know about.
1. Wikitude
Price: Free
Platforms: Android 1.5+, iPhone 4.0, Symbian with compass, Bada
Download link: http://www.wikitude.org/en/dedownloadendownload
Voted the best augmented reality browser of 2010 by readers of Augmented Planet, Wikitude comes with a multitude of "worlds" that can be overlayed onto the real world that you see through your mobile device's camera.
For example, the Starbucks World shows you if any Starbucks cafes are in the direction you're pointing your camera.
Check out all the various worlds you can access, including World Heritage List, Wildlife Parks in Asia, Irish Pubs Worldwide and more, by clicking here.
CNNGo: 10 best travel apps ever
2. Layar: ArchINFORM
Price: Free
Platforms: Android 1.5+, iPhone 3.1+
Download link: www.layar.com/download
A nifty AR layer for architecture buffs. ArchINFORM is available as a real-world-overlay on Junaio, Layar and Wikitude, but Layar's version comes with special features.
It's a huge database of interesting architectural works, existing and yet-to-be-built, that you can search for with architect names and/or keywords.
Within the 3D layer, there's an AR-view perspective map and a walkable pedestrian route can be shown for every listed piece of architecture within the specified neighborhood.
3. Lonely Planet Compass City Guides
Price: $4.99
Platforms: All Android
Download link: Available in the Android Market
This is for those who travel by the Lonely Planet gospel, but can't be bothered to lug around their tomes. Now all their expert advice for 25 key cities around the world is available on an Android screen complete with GPS-enabled maps and augmented reality camera views.
Selected cities include Amsterdam, Bangkok, Boston, Istanbul, Prague, Seoul, Singapore, Sydney, Tokyo and Vancouver.
CNNGo: DoCoMo's Android-powered iPhone killer
4. Etips City Guides
Price: $0.99-4.99
Platforms: iPhone 3.1+
Download link: iTunes.apple.com
Etips provides daily itineraries as well as GPS-enabled maps and on-screen recommendations of nearby hot spots using the camera view.
Etips provides 131 different apps for the iPhone and 49 different apps for the iPad, covering various cities worldwide.
Bonus feature: even if you're not connected to the Internet, much of the content is available offline.
5. BuUuk
Price: Free
Platforms: All Android, iPhone 3.1+, Symbian
Download link: buuuk.com
A restaurant recommendation app, not unlike Urbanspoon. You can find nearby restaurants in camera view as well as where special deals are available. The data is user generated (140 characters or fewer, with links to Twitter and Facebook), and users can accompany their reviews with pictures.
BuUuk covers primarily Asian cities, but is expanding with Sydney, Perth, Phuket and Jakarta being recent additions.
6. Sekai Camera
Price: Free
Platforms: Android 2.1+, iPhone 3.1+
Download link: sekaicamera.com
Real-time air tagging, where air tagging means things people have written, photographed or said (using the voice message system) about stuff. These then float in your camera view like digital sticky labels.
You can comment on others' air tags or just view the info about nearby restaurants, hotels and so on.
Sekai Camera also features augmented reality games through various Sekai apps such as Sekai Cafe AR, which allows you to "build" an AR cafe in a real location and do business with other users.
7. Metro AR Pro
Price: $0.99
Platforms: iPhone 3.1+
Download link: itunes.apple.com
Find the nearest metro or subway station in Seoul, Tokyo, New York, Chicago, Mexico, London or Paris.
Granted, it's possible to do this in Google Maps, but there's something fun about seeing the stations floating in camera view with the distance from your current location indicated.
8. Waalkz
Price: Free
Platforms: iPhone 3.0+
Download link: itunes.apple.com
Download informative walking tours and let them guide you through Singapore's heritage Arab Quarter, Boat Quay, Chinatown and Little India neighborhood.
Check out the opium dens of old, sit in souk-like cafes, wander through temples and mosques. See sites pop up in camera view as you walk and once it's downloaded there's no need to be online to use it.
Would be great to see this extended to other cities.
9. iButterfly -- Coupon & Entertainment
Price: Free
Platforms: iPhone 3.1+ (Japan iTunes store only)
Download link: itunes.apple.com
An augmented reality game created by advertising agency Dentsu that allows users to catch and collect "butterflies" that pop-up in camera view.
Once caught, the butterflies release offers for nearby shops and restaurants as well as other informative content.
Japan only at the moment, but soon to extended to the rest of Asia.
10. Google Goggles in Google Mobile
Price: Free
Platforms: Android 1.6+, iPhone 4.0
Download link: Android Market and iPhone
Google Goggles is still in Google Labs stage, but this is a visual search app to watch. Take a picture of famous paintings, wine labels or bar codes among other things and Google Goggles will return information on the image captured.
Of most practical use is the translation function. Photograph text (for example a menu item) in English, French, German, Italian or Spanish and have it translated into one of those other languages.
While slower than Word Lens, it offers the capability to translate more languages.
http://www.cnn.com/2011/TRAVEL/03/08/cnngo.augmented.reality.travel.apps/index.html
Saturday, March 5, 2011
A Growing Role for Tourism in Sustainable Development
By TANYA MOHN Posted 4:40 PM 03/04/11 Economy, Green
Think of environmentally friendly businesses, and you probably think of things like solar power, green building and recycling. But according to a report released last week by the U.N. Environment Programme (UNEP), one of the most promising green industries -- at least when it comes to creating economic growth, reducing poverty, fueling job creation and addressing major environmental challenges -- turns out to be sustainable tourism.
It's an interesting conclusion because tourism isn't generally considered green. Airplanes and cars burn carbon, for one thing, and vacations are often more about indulgence and excess than about protecting the environment. Vacationers often contribute to the consumption of key natural resources -- by using valuable water for swimming pools or golf courses -- and leave waste. Plus, the construction of resorts can degrade the land.
But the U.N. report, titled "Towards a Green Economy: Pathways to Sustainable Development and Poverty Eradication," finds that investing in sustainable tourism could play a big role in creating a green economy. The findings of the report -- which includes contributions from the U.N.'s World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), an agency that promotes sustainable tourism development, and economists and experts worldwide -- were presented to environmental ministers from more than 100 countries last week in Nairobi, Kenya.
"This is a landmark report. Advancing the sustainable agenda in tourism will allow the sector to strengthen its capacity to continue generating growth and creating jobs worldwide," UNWTO Secretary-General Taleb Rifai said in a statement. "The conclusions of this report corroborate what we at UNWTO have long been advocating for -- that the tourism sector can be a lead change agent in the transformation to the green economy."
Eradicating Poverty
The report's authors say the development of a green economy could improve human well-being and social equity while significantly reducing environmental risks and ecological scarcities. Environmentally friendly businesses could be a key catalyst for growth and poverty eradication in developing countries, where -- in some cases -- close to 90% of the gross domestic product is linked to natural resources, such as forest and fresh water, according to the report.
"With 2.5 billion people living on less than $2 a day and with more than 2 billion people being added to the global population by 2050, it is clear that we must continue to develop and grow our economies," UNEP Executive Director Achim Steiner said in a statement. "But this development cannot come at the expense of the very life support systems on land, in the oceans or in our atmosphere that sustain our economies, and thus, the lives of each and everyone one of us."
While tourism is one of the most promising generators of world economic growth, its development is accompanied by sustainability challenges, the report notes. But an investment of 2% of the global GDP per year to sustainable tourism between now and 2050 would allow the sector to reduce water consumption, energy use and carbon-dioxide emissions while continuing to grow steadily and contribute to much-needed economic growth, employment and development, according to the report.
The Economy and the Environment
The report proves that the idea of a "trade-off between economic progress and environmental sustainability was unfounded," says Sharr Prohaska, a clinical associate professor of hospitality and tourism management at New York University. Based on case studies, the report projects that destinations that plan for sustainable tourism and develop a green economy will outperform other destinations over the long term (meaning 2020 and beyond), even though green investment may initially reduce economic growth in the short term, she says.
See full article from DailyFinance: http://www.dailyfinance.com/story/un-report-green-tourism-economy/19867368/?icid=sphere_copyright
h
Think of environmentally friendly businesses, and you probably think of things like solar power, green building and recycling. But according to a report released last week by the U.N. Environment Programme (UNEP), one of the most promising green industries -- at least when it comes to creating economic growth, reducing poverty, fueling job creation and addressing major environmental challenges -- turns out to be sustainable tourism.
It's an interesting conclusion because tourism isn't generally considered green. Airplanes and cars burn carbon, for one thing, and vacations are often more about indulgence and excess than about protecting the environment. Vacationers often contribute to the consumption of key natural resources -- by using valuable water for swimming pools or golf courses -- and leave waste. Plus, the construction of resorts can degrade the land.
But the U.N. report, titled "Towards a Green Economy: Pathways to Sustainable Development and Poverty Eradication," finds that investing in sustainable tourism could play a big role in creating a green economy. The findings of the report -- which includes contributions from the U.N.'s World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), an agency that promotes sustainable tourism development, and economists and experts worldwide -- were presented to environmental ministers from more than 100 countries last week in Nairobi, Kenya.
"This is a landmark report. Advancing the sustainable agenda in tourism will allow the sector to strengthen its capacity to continue generating growth and creating jobs worldwide," UNWTO Secretary-General Taleb Rifai said in a statement. "The conclusions of this report corroborate what we at UNWTO have long been advocating for -- that the tourism sector can be a lead change agent in the transformation to the green economy."
Eradicating Poverty
The report's authors say the development of a green economy could improve human well-being and social equity while significantly reducing environmental risks and ecological scarcities. Environmentally friendly businesses could be a key catalyst for growth and poverty eradication in developing countries, where -- in some cases -- close to 90% of the gross domestic product is linked to natural resources, such as forest and fresh water, according to the report.
"With 2.5 billion people living on less than $2 a day and with more than 2 billion people being added to the global population by 2050, it is clear that we must continue to develop and grow our economies," UNEP Executive Director Achim Steiner said in a statement. "But this development cannot come at the expense of the very life support systems on land, in the oceans or in our atmosphere that sustain our economies, and thus, the lives of each and everyone one of us."
While tourism is one of the most promising generators of world economic growth, its development is accompanied by sustainability challenges, the report notes. But an investment of 2% of the global GDP per year to sustainable tourism between now and 2050 would allow the sector to reduce water consumption, energy use and carbon-dioxide emissions while continuing to grow steadily and contribute to much-needed economic growth, employment and development, according to the report.
The Economy and the Environment
The report proves that the idea of a "trade-off between economic progress and environmental sustainability was unfounded," says Sharr Prohaska, a clinical associate professor of hospitality and tourism management at New York University. Based on case studies, the report projects that destinations that plan for sustainable tourism and develop a green economy will outperform other destinations over the long term (meaning 2020 and beyond), even though green investment may initially reduce economic growth in the short term, she says.
See full article from DailyFinance: http://www.dailyfinance.com/story/un-report-green-tourism-economy/19867368/?icid=sphere_copyright
h
Thursday, February 24, 2011
9 easy ways to make a flight attendant go insane - An anonymous airline crew member lets rip on passengers' most annoying habits
As professional Tour Directors we meet a lot of Flight Attendants. I've watched their jobs change from 'glamorous' to almost overwhelming. I think every new passenger should read this before getting on the flight. This Flight Attendant is straight forward and blunt, but it's her job to keep us all safe just like our jobs as professional Tour Directors.
9 easy ways to make a flight attendant go insane
I’ve put together a list of the nine things that really get under a flight attendant’s skin. Worst of all these crimes against aviation are so common sense -- yet they happen on every single flight.
1. Adopt an 'I paid for my ticket so I can whine all I like' attitude
“My seat is too small.”
“The flight is delayed.”
“The coffee is too hot.”
“The tea tastes weird.“
"The airplane is ugly.”
Stop it right there! I’m sorry your bottom is too big for the seat. Next time upgrade to first class.
And you know what? The plane is delayed because your fellow passenger couldn’t decide which bottle of vodka he wanted to buy at the duty free shop, so he was 30 minutes late to the gate.
Keep complaining and your next drink will be a gin and tonic stirred with a high heel.
2. Play it like Nintendo
Unless it's an emergency, for the sake of all flight attendants worldwide, just pretend that little call button doesn't exist.
Just keep on pumping that flight attendant call button. Mario & Luigi aren’t coming to rescue you but the angry King Bowser will.
According to international regulations, one flight attendant is responsible for up to 50 passengers. This means that, worst-case scenario, the cabin crew could be giving someone CPR or delivering a baby while you or your precocious little darling is jamming on that button.
Here’s my advice: just get up and walk to the nearest galley and ask for what you need. Stretching your legs, getting up and walking around the cabin may even help prevent complications such as blood clots, cold feet and the breakdown of your skin.
3. Pretend you’re in a restaurant
“Today, we have beef steak with lemon grass and barbecue pork with Japanese rice. Which would you prefer?” asks the beautiful flight attendant.
The man turns to her and says, “I’ll have fish. Do you have fish? I want fish. I can’t eat anything else but fish.”
First of all, a galley on a plane is not a kitchen. We do not cook.
Here’s how to get your fish: send the request when your book your flight if you wish to have a specific meal.
4. Ask unintelligent questions
The dreaded glass of mystery liquid. Also known as water.
When faced with a glass full of dark water with bubbles and ice, what do you think it is? That’s correct, it’s cola. How about that clear liquid? Yes, that’s water.
Let’s imagine the whole row is asking these mundane questions, even though they are sitting next to each other. After being asked by around 50-plus people, I am eventually so depressed I just stop answering.
A passenger once even asked me if we had iPads on board. I was speechless.
5. Laugh and whisper
Talking behind someone’s back is rude. It’s even ruder to look at someone and laugh in their face, and then whisper/giggle to the person beside you in your own language.
Last time that happened, I accidentally parked a drink cart in front of the restroom and trapped that funny man inside. Karma comes fast.
6. Talk on the phone after the plane has left the gate
"I'm pretending I didn't hear you tell me to switch off my electronic device as I think that whole 'communication interference' stuff is a load of poppycock."
Not turning your phone off is a surefire way to make the cabin crew go berserk. I have to admit, I take great pleasure in yelling at people to switch off their phones. I make a really serious face, then point at the phone and say “OFF NOW.”
The fact is: communicating with the control tower is difficult enough. Pilots aren’t sitting there chit chatting about fashion or pop stars. They are trying to take off and not get struck by another plane that might be landing seconds later, all while your phone’s signal is potentially interfering with communications.
7. Be an irresponsible parent
A young mother once asked me put some coffee creamer in her baby’s bottle. Really. For your information: formula can be carried onto the plane with you.
Meanwhile, some parents assume flight attendants will happily babysit their kids for them while they do something else, like nap or watch a movie.
That’s not in my job description. Not every flight attendant loves children. Babysitting you is already hard enough.
8. Complain that your bags are too heavy
Flight attendants are happy to close the overhead bins. Cramming things into them is another story. You came all the way from home, dragged your bags down the stairs to the door, put them in the trunk of the car, drove all the way to the airport, dragged them through security and all the way to your seat.
Suddenly, the bags are too heavy for you to put into the overhead compartment by yourself.
Passengers don’t realize that flight attendants don’t get compensated for any injuries that come of this common situation. The deal is: you brought it, shove up there yourself or we throw it out the door and under the plane.
9. Ignore the seat belt sign
“When the seat belt sign is on, please take your seat and fasten your seat belt.”
Pretty obvious, isn’t it?
Yet on every single flight there will be people getting up to go to the washroom when the seat belt sign is on. This is somewhat understandable -- if you’re about to wet your seat. Or worse.
And then there are the passengers who just want to walk around and talk to people.
When the sign is on during takeoff, landing or during turbulence, it’s very dangerous to be wandering off. Your face could be smashed into the sink or another passenger’s head.
http://www.cnngo.com/bangkok/visit/9-easy-ways-make-flight-attendant-go-insane-609432
://www.cnngo.com/bangkok/visit/9-easy-ways-make-flight-attendant-go-insane-609432
9 easy ways to make a flight attendant go insane
I’ve put together a list of the nine things that really get under a flight attendant’s skin. Worst of all these crimes against aviation are so common sense -- yet they happen on every single flight.
1. Adopt an 'I paid for my ticket so I can whine all I like' attitude
“My seat is too small.”
“The flight is delayed.”
“The coffee is too hot.”
“The tea tastes weird.“
"The airplane is ugly.”
Stop it right there! I’m sorry your bottom is too big for the seat. Next time upgrade to first class.
And you know what? The plane is delayed because your fellow passenger couldn’t decide which bottle of vodka he wanted to buy at the duty free shop, so he was 30 minutes late to the gate.
Keep complaining and your next drink will be a gin and tonic stirred with a high heel.
2. Play it like Nintendo
Unless it's an emergency, for the sake of all flight attendants worldwide, just pretend that little call button doesn't exist.
Just keep on pumping that flight attendant call button. Mario & Luigi aren’t coming to rescue you but the angry King Bowser will.
According to international regulations, one flight attendant is responsible for up to 50 passengers. This means that, worst-case scenario, the cabin crew could be giving someone CPR or delivering a baby while you or your precocious little darling is jamming on that button.
Here’s my advice: just get up and walk to the nearest galley and ask for what you need. Stretching your legs, getting up and walking around the cabin may even help prevent complications such as blood clots, cold feet and the breakdown of your skin.
3. Pretend you’re in a restaurant
“Today, we have beef steak with lemon grass and barbecue pork with Japanese rice. Which would you prefer?” asks the beautiful flight attendant.
The man turns to her and says, “I’ll have fish. Do you have fish? I want fish. I can’t eat anything else but fish.”
First of all, a galley on a plane is not a kitchen. We do not cook.
Here’s how to get your fish: send the request when your book your flight if you wish to have a specific meal.
4. Ask unintelligent questions
The dreaded glass of mystery liquid. Also known as water.
When faced with a glass full of dark water with bubbles and ice, what do you think it is? That’s correct, it’s cola. How about that clear liquid? Yes, that’s water.
Let’s imagine the whole row is asking these mundane questions, even though they are sitting next to each other. After being asked by around 50-plus people, I am eventually so depressed I just stop answering.
A passenger once even asked me if we had iPads on board. I was speechless.
5. Laugh and whisper
Talking behind someone’s back is rude. It’s even ruder to look at someone and laugh in their face, and then whisper/giggle to the person beside you in your own language.
Last time that happened, I accidentally parked a drink cart in front of the restroom and trapped that funny man inside. Karma comes fast.
6. Talk on the phone after the plane has left the gate
"I'm pretending I didn't hear you tell me to switch off my electronic device as I think that whole 'communication interference' stuff is a load of poppycock."
Not turning your phone off is a surefire way to make the cabin crew go berserk. I have to admit, I take great pleasure in yelling at people to switch off their phones. I make a really serious face, then point at the phone and say “OFF NOW.”
The fact is: communicating with the control tower is difficult enough. Pilots aren’t sitting there chit chatting about fashion or pop stars. They are trying to take off and not get struck by another plane that might be landing seconds later, all while your phone’s signal is potentially interfering with communications.
7. Be an irresponsible parent
A young mother once asked me put some coffee creamer in her baby’s bottle. Really. For your information: formula can be carried onto the plane with you.
Meanwhile, some parents assume flight attendants will happily babysit their kids for them while they do something else, like nap or watch a movie.
That’s not in my job description. Not every flight attendant loves children. Babysitting you is already hard enough.
8. Complain that your bags are too heavy
Flight attendants are happy to close the overhead bins. Cramming things into them is another story. You came all the way from home, dragged your bags down the stairs to the door, put them in the trunk of the car, drove all the way to the airport, dragged them through security and all the way to your seat.
Suddenly, the bags are too heavy for you to put into the overhead compartment by yourself.
Passengers don’t realize that flight attendants don’t get compensated for any injuries that come of this common situation. The deal is: you brought it, shove up there yourself or we throw it out the door and under the plane.
9. Ignore the seat belt sign
“When the seat belt sign is on, please take your seat and fasten your seat belt.”
Pretty obvious, isn’t it?
Yet on every single flight there will be people getting up to go to the washroom when the seat belt sign is on. This is somewhat understandable -- if you’re about to wet your seat. Or worse.
And then there are the passengers who just want to walk around and talk to people.
When the sign is on during takeoff, landing or during turbulence, it’s very dangerous to be wandering off. Your face could be smashed into the sink or another passenger’s head.
http://www.cnngo.com/bangkok/visit/9-easy-ways-make-flight-attendant-go-insane-609432
://www.cnngo.com/bangkok/visit/9-easy-ways-make-flight-attendant-go-insane-609432
Monday, January 24, 2011
Request from Student Tour Operator
Student Tours are a well established and growing part of our industry. Tours vary greatly. For example, you may lead a day tour for a high school band to Disneyland, escort a group to Washington DC and or escort a European tour. The procedures are basically the same as for adult tours following the training in the “Tour Director Training Guide” and online course. It is important to have the ability to work with younger tour members, their parents and teachers.
Liz Moran has suggestions in finding Student Tour groups in my August 2010 blog.
Request for Tour Director
I recently received a request from a Student Tour group with immediate openings for qualified Tour Directors. Below is a copy of their request, information and qualifications. I also recommend visiting their website, it sounds like a unique and interesting position. If you are interested in the position apply directly to College Campus Trips.
Hello Cherie,
We are looking for Tour Director in several regions nationwide. Is there a possibility that we can work with you to post our open positions.
Please let me know
Thanks
Gillian
Gillian Harper
Vice President Sales & Marketing
Direct: 954-933-2786
Ph: 954-567-5751 | Fax: 954-302-4995
P.O. Box 11783, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33339
www.collegecampustrips.com
BONDED • INSURED • VIRTUS CERTIFIED
Florida Seller of Travel Reg. No. ST37245
Tour Directors nationwide
College Campus Trips
Contact: Gillian Harper
Email: Gillian@collegecampustrips.com
Job Details
College Campus Trips is a leading provider of pre-designed and customized, fully-escorted trips to colleges and universities across the United States. Our tours minimize the stress and guesswork normally associated with the college selection process by providing students with first-hand introductions to the colleges that are of interest to them, their parents, guidance counselors and advisors. We are seeking candidate for the positions of Tour Directors in various regions in the United States. These key positions will be responsible for leading and managing the activities of groups of high school students and chaperones while on tour for three or four days, visiting college campuses.
Responsibilities:
Review ‘Guide Book’ prior to departure and become familiar with contacts, departure times and ensures that complete lists of participants and contact details are included
Become familiar with the tour components (hotels, Bus Company, security company etc.) and that all tour items have been fully prepaid.
To take the leadership role at all times during the tour.
Be responsible for verifying attendance throughout the tour.
Perform a meet and greet with an official introduction and provide a brief overview of the trip with some basic rules.
Brief the bus driver daily
Take charge in the case of an emergency
Meet the Security Guard each evening and provide instructions
Call ahead if the tour is off schedule
Conduct a pre-tour briefing for students and their parents at a high school meeting if requested
Follows corporate expense policies and guidelines
Represents themselves and College Campus Trips with the highest level of integrity and professionalism
Job Requirements:
Individuals must be self-motivated and possess excellent communication skills
Responsible individuals with effective time management skills
Available for tour leadership from the time of departure until the tour has ended.
Applicants who do not already have legal permission to work in the United States will not be considered.
Job Available: Immediately
Compensation:
A Tour Directors fee per day
Accommodation and expenses while on tour
Please note that College Campus Trips does not accept compensation from any educational establishment for a placement of a student.
Liz Moran has suggestions in finding Student Tour groups in my August 2010 blog.
Request for Tour Director
I recently received a request from a Student Tour group with immediate openings for qualified Tour Directors. Below is a copy of their request, information and qualifications. I also recommend visiting their website, it sounds like a unique and interesting position. If you are interested in the position apply directly to College Campus Trips.
Hello Cherie,
We are looking for Tour Director in several regions nationwide. Is there a possibility that we can work with you to post our open positions.
Please let me know
Thanks
Gillian
Gillian Harper
Vice President Sales & Marketing
Direct: 954-933-2786
Ph: 954-567-5751 | Fax: 954-302-4995
P.O. Box 11783, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33339
www.collegecampustrips.com
BONDED • INSURED • VIRTUS CERTIFIED
Florida Seller of Travel Reg. No. ST37245
Tour Directors nationwide
College Campus Trips
Contact: Gillian Harper
Email: Gillian@collegecampustrips.com
Job Details
College Campus Trips is a leading provider of pre-designed and customized, fully-escorted trips to colleges and universities across the United States. Our tours minimize the stress and guesswork normally associated with the college selection process by providing students with first-hand introductions to the colleges that are of interest to them, their parents, guidance counselors and advisors. We are seeking candidate for the positions of Tour Directors in various regions in the United States. These key positions will be responsible for leading and managing the activities of groups of high school students and chaperones while on tour for three or four days, visiting college campuses.
Responsibilities:
Review ‘Guide Book’ prior to departure and become familiar with contacts, departure times and ensures that complete lists of participants and contact details are included
Become familiar with the tour components (hotels, Bus Company, security company etc.) and that all tour items have been fully prepaid.
To take the leadership role at all times during the tour.
Be responsible for verifying attendance throughout the tour.
Perform a meet and greet with an official introduction and provide a brief overview of the trip with some basic rules.
Brief the bus driver daily
Take charge in the case of an emergency
Meet the Security Guard each evening and provide instructions
Call ahead if the tour is off schedule
Conduct a pre-tour briefing for students and their parents at a high school meeting if requested
Follows corporate expense policies and guidelines
Represents themselves and College Campus Trips with the highest level of integrity and professionalism
Job Requirements:
Individuals must be self-motivated and possess excellent communication skills
Responsible individuals with effective time management skills
Available for tour leadership from the time of departure until the tour has ended.
Applicants who do not already have legal permission to work in the United States will not be considered.
Job Available: Immediately
Compensation:
A Tour Directors fee per day
Accommodation and expenses while on tour
Please note that College Campus Trips does not accept compensation from any educational establishment for a placement of a student.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Costa Rica Specialists
Hi Cherie,
My name is Ben Lapidus and I am the Founder of a study abroad opportunity for University students from around the world. Our program, GREEN, is extremely new, only 18 months old, and focuses on renewable energy and sustainability education in Costa Rica. With superior success having brought almost 50 students in its infancy stages, the founders of the program, who had previously no tour guiding experiences, have been able to offload a lot of the travel operations to inspired students who have offered to work with us and run the programs as counselors.
We are currently in the midst of a test run of that now, and while these student guides are doing a great job, they lack training, insight, and grand scheme perspective. It has become apparent that we are in need of a trained professional interested in the country, our mission, and demographic of attendees.
Your name is all over the web as a professional trainer of tour guides and so I am reaching out to you in hopes that you have a database or listserv that you could detail our opportunity to you previous students.
I would be open to telling you more specifics about our organization upon your reply. You can check out more about us at greenworknow.com.
I am looking forward to hearing from you.
Kindest Regards,
Benjamin Lapidus
Global Renewable Energy Education Network
Director, GREEN Campus Tour
ben@greenworknow.com
888.558.0579 | http://greenworknow.com
My name is Ben Lapidus and I am the Founder of a study abroad opportunity for University students from around the world. Our program, GREEN, is extremely new, only 18 months old, and focuses on renewable energy and sustainability education in Costa Rica. With superior success having brought almost 50 students in its infancy stages, the founders of the program, who had previously no tour guiding experiences, have been able to offload a lot of the travel operations to inspired students who have offered to work with us and run the programs as counselors.
We are currently in the midst of a test run of that now, and while these student guides are doing a great job, they lack training, insight, and grand scheme perspective. It has become apparent that we are in need of a trained professional interested in the country, our mission, and demographic of attendees.
Your name is all over the web as a professional trainer of tour guides and so I am reaching out to you in hopes that you have a database or listserv that you could detail our opportunity to you previous students.
I would be open to telling you more specifics about our organization upon your reply. You can check out more about us at greenworknow.com.
I am looking forward to hearing from you.
Kindest Regards,
Benjamin Lapidus
Global Renewable Energy Education Network
Director, GREEN Campus Tour
ben@greenworknow.com
888.558.0579 | http://greenworknow.com
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Alaska Careers 2011
Interested in working as a guide in Alaska this summer? Jill Hyatt, a past student. is hiring for Holland America-Princess Alaska/Yukon. Here's a copy of Jill's emails.
Hi Cherie,
I took your class about 8 years ago when it was offered at Santa Ana College on a Saturday. I was in a career that was well paying, but wanted into the travel industry. Your advice at the time was to seek out company's that would hire people with no experience. One of the companies that you recommended was Princess Tours. I went to work for Princess Tours as a driver/guide and loved it. I have now moved into more of a management position with Holland America-Princess Alaska/Yukon (the two companies combined their tour divisions several years ago). I will be recruiting for new driver/guides in the LA/OC area the week of the 17th of January. If you ever have questions about what type of jobs in the Alaska tour industry we offer, please feel free to contact me.
Thank you!!
Jill Hyatt
Assistant Manager, Transportation
HAP - Alaska/Yukon
Fairbanks Division
(907) 459-7963 Direct
(907) 479-9660 Reception
Hi Jill,
That's great. I'm so glad to hear about your career and that you love it. We are in the best industry in the world.
Thank you for letting me know about the your hiring. I'll post it in my Facebook pages, blog and in my classes. Are you also hiring outside of LA and OC? My online course is being offered throughout the US. Right now the enrollment is low due to the economy but I'll see what I can do.
I'd like to post your email as it is with your contact information. What's easiest for you? Do you want them to call? Email? Show up? Just let me know.
Thanks again Jill. I wish you all the best in 2011.
Cherie
Cherie Anderson
Professional Tour Management Training
www.tourtraining.com ;
cherie@tourtraining.com
www.tour-guide-training.com
www.facebook.com/tourtraining.com ;
www.facebook.com/protours ;
http://tourtraining.blogspot.com/ ;
Hi Cherie,
We do recruitment all over the U.S., and we have training programs in Provo, UT, Bellingham, WA, Phoenix, AZ and Los Angeles, along with Alaska. Many of our divisions have employee housing, although we do not in Fairbanks, which does seem to be a big issue for many folks. By all means people can contact me atJHyatt@hollandamerica-princess.com and go to our website to apply at www.alaskatourjobs.com. Once I know the exact locations of our recruitment events, I will forward it to you.
When guests and fellow employees ask me how I got into this business I always credit your class as getting me started.
Jill Hyatt
Assistant Manager, Transportation
HAP - Alaska/Yukon
Fairbanks Division
(907) 459-7963 Direct
(907) 479-9660 Reception
Hi Cherie,
I took your class about 8 years ago when it was offered at Santa Ana College on a Saturday. I was in a career that was well paying, but wanted into the travel industry. Your advice at the time was to seek out company's that would hire people with no experience. One of the companies that you recommended was Princess Tours. I went to work for Princess Tours as a driver/guide and loved it. I have now moved into more of a management position with Holland America-Princess Alaska/Yukon (the two companies combined their tour divisions several years ago). I will be recruiting for new driver/guides in the LA/OC area the week of the 17th of January. If you ever have questions about what type of jobs in the Alaska tour industry we offer, please feel free to contact me.
Thank you!!
Jill Hyatt
Assistant Manager, Transportation
HAP - Alaska/Yukon
Fairbanks Division
(907) 459-7963 Direct
(907) 479-9660 Reception
Hi Jill,
That's great. I'm so glad to hear about your career and that you love it. We are in the best industry in the world.
Thank you for letting me know about the your hiring. I'll post it in my Facebook pages, blog and in my classes. Are you also hiring outside of LA and OC? My online course is being offered throughout the US. Right now the enrollment is low due to the economy but I'll see what I can do.
I'd like to post your email as it is with your contact information. What's easiest for you? Do you want them to call? Email? Show up? Just let me know.
Thanks again Jill. I wish you all the best in 2011.
Cherie
Cherie Anderson
Professional Tour Management Training
www.tourtraining.com ;
cherie@tourtraining.com
www.tour-guide-training.com
www.facebook.com/tourtraining.com ;
www.facebook.com/protours ;
http://tourtraining.blogspot.com/ ;
Hi Cherie,
We do recruitment all over the U.S., and we have training programs in Provo, UT, Bellingham, WA, Phoenix, AZ and Los Angeles, along with Alaska. Many of our divisions have employee housing, although we do not in Fairbanks, which does seem to be a big issue for many folks. By all means people can contact me atJHyatt@hollandamerica-princess.com and go to our website to apply at www.alaskatourjobs.com. Once I know the exact locations of our recruitment events, I will forward it to you.
When guests and fellow employees ask me how I got into this business I always credit your class as getting me started.
Jill Hyatt
Assistant Manager, Transportation
HAP - Alaska/Yukon
Fairbanks Division
(907) 459-7963 Direct
(907) 479-9660 Reception
Friday, January 7, 2011
International Visitation Up 11 Percent for First 10 Months of 2010
The good news on US tourism continues.
January 6, 2010
The U.S. Department of Commerce today announced that for the first 10 months of 2010, 50.4 million international visitors traveled to the United States, an 11 percent increase over the same period in 2009. In October 2010, 5.1 million international visitors traveled to the United States, an increase of nine percent over October 2009. October 2010 registered the 13th straight month of increases in U.S. arrivals.
International visitors spent $111.5 billion during the first 10 months of 2010, 11 percent more than the same period in 2009. In October 2010, international visitors spent $11.9 billion, 18 percent more than in October 2009. October 2010 marks the 10th consecutive month of growth in U.S. travel and tourism-related exports. Total travel and tourism-related exports have increased, on average, $1.4 billion a month in 2010.
Highlights
Overseas Resident Visitation
October YTD 2010, overseas resident visits (22.2 million) were up 12 percent compared to the same period 2009.
In October 2010, overseas resident visitation (2.5 million) was up 12 percent over October 2009.
Compared to the first 10 months of 2008, October YTD 2010 overseas resident visits increased three percent. Compared to the first 10 months of 2000, overseas resident visits were up one percent.
October 2010 overseas resident visits were up 13 percent compared to October 2008.
Top 10 Countries
In the first ten months of 2010, nine of the top 10 countries posted increases in visitation to the United States. October YTD 2010, the United Kingdom posted the only decline, registering a one percent decrease when compared to the same period in 2009.
In October 2010, all top 10 countries posted increases in resident visitation for the month.
Link to full article:
http://www.travmedia.com/north-america/pressrelease.php?id=65656&mo=3&referencekey=d66cd2092d34039ac4ad8d092024d19a
January 6, 2010
The U.S. Department of Commerce today announced that for the first 10 months of 2010, 50.4 million international visitors traveled to the United States, an 11 percent increase over the same period in 2009. In October 2010, 5.1 million international visitors traveled to the United States, an increase of nine percent over October 2009. October 2010 registered the 13th straight month of increases in U.S. arrivals.
International visitors spent $111.5 billion during the first 10 months of 2010, 11 percent more than the same period in 2009. In October 2010, international visitors spent $11.9 billion, 18 percent more than in October 2009. October 2010 marks the 10th consecutive month of growth in U.S. travel and tourism-related exports. Total travel and tourism-related exports have increased, on average, $1.4 billion a month in 2010.
Highlights
Overseas Resident Visitation
October YTD 2010, overseas resident visits (22.2 million) were up 12 percent compared to the same period 2009.
In October 2010, overseas resident visitation (2.5 million) was up 12 percent over October 2009.
Compared to the first 10 months of 2008, October YTD 2010 overseas resident visits increased three percent. Compared to the first 10 months of 2000, overseas resident visits were up one percent.
October 2010 overseas resident visits were up 13 percent compared to October 2008.
Top 10 Countries
In the first ten months of 2010, nine of the top 10 countries posted increases in visitation to the United States. October YTD 2010, the United Kingdom posted the only decline, registering a one percent decrease when compared to the same period in 2009.
In October 2010, all top 10 countries posted increases in resident visitation for the month.
Link to full article:
http://www.travmedia.com/north-america/pressrelease.php?id=65656&mo=3&referencekey=d66cd2092d34039ac4ad8d092024d19a
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Increase In Tourist Spending Indicates Positive Outlook For Those Seeking A Career In Tourism
Increase In Tourist Spending Indicates Positive Outlook For Those Seeking A Career In Tourism
Date: 2010-12-02
Industry: -Hotel-Restaurant-Travel- Category: Education
Statistics released by the U.S. Department of Commerce during the summer of 2010 revealed that tourist spending has increased over the previous year. The good news came not long after U.S. Congress and President Obama passed the Travel Promotional Bill in March, which is designed to promote U.S. tourism around the world.
Cherie Anderson of Professional Tour Management Training (TourTraining.com) believes the bounce-back will mean more job opportunities in the months to come for those seeking a career in tourism. According to these statistics, there were 33.8 million international visitors to the United States during the first seven months of 2010, which was a 12 percent increase over the same period in 2009. And as for tourist spending, international visitors spent about $76.7 billion during the first seven months of 2010, which was a 10 percent increase over the month of July 2009. These studies indicate that the tourism industry may be slowly but surely recovering from the recession...a good sign for other economic sectors as well.
Through her Web site and e-book course titled "Tour Director Training Guide," Anderson provides professional training for students of all ages that are seeking a career in tourism, whether domestic or international guides and directors. She also helps students that are interested in other fields, but within the tourism industry, such as accounting, administration, marketing, customer service, event coordination, product management, etc.
Anderson states, "Many students have only one focus when they first start thinking about a career in tourism - becoming a travel agent. I help them to explore all possible options based on their skills and career goals. Other careers in tourism can be lucrative, challenging and fun."
Anderson also emphasizes that the tourism career sector isn't just for the young. She says, "It's great for young people and the retired. Many go into tour directing and guiding after their kids are grown. Maturity is seen as an asset in this industry, especially for those who will travel frequently."
Major tour operators including Globus, Tauck and Trafalgar have all reported an increase in international travel for 2010. Some operators within the European market are reporting 30 to 90 percent increases over 2009! In the U.S., tourism job availability is also picking up.
With so many new doors opening for job seekers, Anderson's tour career training e-book gives hopefuls a way to find out what jobs are available that match their skills, which employers pay the best, how to get their foot in the door, how to handle tour challenges or emergencies and more. Students will learn how to get hired by cruise lines, incentive houses, tour operators, sightseeing companies, student groups, adventure companies and destination management companies. "
My experience is a goldmine for beginners in this field. If they love to go on exciting vacations, staying in the finest hotels, and experiencing life to its fullest, while getting paid, then this book is a great starting point," says Anderson.
About Cherie Anderson
Cherie Anderson is the owner of Professional Tour Management Training. She has been training professional tour directors and guides since 1993. Her training is offered online through more than 2100 colleges worldwide. She has also compiled all the training into an e-book titled "Tour Director Training Guide," which is available for immediate download. Read more about tourism careers and tour training at the Web address below:
http://www.tourtraining.com/
For an interview or more information, please contact Cherie Anderson by phone at (949) 830-8603 or by email: tourtraining@aol.com
Date: 2010-12-02
Industry: -Hotel-Restaurant-Travel- Category: Education
Statistics released by the U.S. Department of Commerce during the summer of 2010 revealed that tourist spending has increased over the previous year. The good news came not long after U.S. Congress and President Obama passed the Travel Promotional Bill in March, which is designed to promote U.S. tourism around the world.
Cherie Anderson of Professional Tour Management Training (TourTraining.com) believes the bounce-back will mean more job opportunities in the months to come for those seeking a career in tourism. According to these statistics, there were 33.8 million international visitors to the United States during the first seven months of 2010, which was a 12 percent increase over the same period in 2009. And as for tourist spending, international visitors spent about $76.7 billion during the first seven months of 2010, which was a 10 percent increase over the month of July 2009. These studies indicate that the tourism industry may be slowly but surely recovering from the recession...a good sign for other economic sectors as well.
Through her Web site and e-book course titled "Tour Director Training Guide," Anderson provides professional training for students of all ages that are seeking a career in tourism, whether domestic or international guides and directors. She also helps students that are interested in other fields, but within the tourism industry, such as accounting, administration, marketing, customer service, event coordination, product management, etc.
Anderson states, "Many students have only one focus when they first start thinking about a career in tourism - becoming a travel agent. I help them to explore all possible options based on their skills and career goals. Other careers in tourism can be lucrative, challenging and fun."
Anderson also emphasizes that the tourism career sector isn't just for the young. She says, "It's great for young people and the retired. Many go into tour directing and guiding after their kids are grown. Maturity is seen as an asset in this industry, especially for those who will travel frequently."
Major tour operators including Globus, Tauck and Trafalgar have all reported an increase in international travel for 2010. Some operators within the European market are reporting 30 to 90 percent increases over 2009! In the U.S., tourism job availability is also picking up.
With so many new doors opening for job seekers, Anderson's tour career training e-book gives hopefuls a way to find out what jobs are available that match their skills, which employers pay the best, how to get their foot in the door, how to handle tour challenges or emergencies and more. Students will learn how to get hired by cruise lines, incentive houses, tour operators, sightseeing companies, student groups, adventure companies and destination management companies. "
My experience is a goldmine for beginners in this field. If they love to go on exciting vacations, staying in the finest hotels, and experiencing life to its fullest, while getting paid, then this book is a great starting point," says Anderson.
About Cherie Anderson
Cherie Anderson is the owner of Professional Tour Management Training. She has been training professional tour directors and guides since 1993. Her training is offered online through more than 2100 colleges worldwide. She has also compiled all the training into an e-book titled "Tour Director Training Guide," which is available for immediate download. Read more about tourism careers and tour training at the Web address below:
http://www.tourtraining.com/
For an interview or more information, please contact Cherie Anderson by phone at (949) 830-8603 or by email: tourtraining@aol.com
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Insight Vacations
Insight Vacations is offering a new tour package, Gold program. It includes, "...stay in 5-star luxury hotels, dine in authentic restaurants, and enjoy leisurely touring with premium included sightseeing." If you're an experienced or new Tour Director you may want to contact them. Their tours sales are doing very well and I understand they are hiring.
http://www.travmedia.com/north-america/pressrelease.php?id=646
Here's the press release. It includes tour descriptions and a link to their website.
Insight Vacations Announces "Gold" Touring Collection
29 Nov 10
Top European Tour Operator Launches Deluxe Class Program
Insight Vacations is delighted to announce the addition of their new luxury Gold itineraries. An exceptional range of 7 uniquely-tailored deluxe tours, you will stay in 5-star luxury hotels, dine in authentic restaurants, and enjoy leisurely touring with premium included sightseeing. It truly is an entirely new perspective on classical journeys. Three Nile River Cruises have been moved to Insight's new Gold program, and they have added four completely new premium itineraries. As always, enjoy full Insight benefits: smaller group sizes, luxury coaches with more legroom, and included sightseeing escorted by an outstanding Insight Tour Director. Insight's new luxury itineraries truly are the "Gold" standard!
Insight Gold Itineraries for 2011
Britain and Ireland—This expertly planned itinerary evokes the Golden Age of travel as it follows one of the truly classic routes around Scotland, England, Wales, and Ireland. Experience all the age-old towns, historic sites and superb scenery while still leaving plenty of time for personal exploration. Insight has put together a collection of luxury hotels which tastefully fuse traditional charm and atmosphere with modern design. Highlights of the tour include Edinburgh Castle, Chatsworth House-- home to the Duke of Devonshire, Trinity College in Dublin to see the Book of Kells, afternoon tea with scones and Guinness Cake on a private farm for an insight into rural Irish life, and the Cobh Heritage Centre. 15 days, priced from $5435, land only, based on double occupancy.
European Masterpiece—With two-night stays throughout, this classic route through the Alps sets the perfect pace. In the cities, it allows for sightseeing in the mornings and free time in the afternoon. You'll travel on the high-speed TGV from Dijon to Paris, turning what is normally a full day on the coach into a more leisurely affair. Your exquisite hotels are mostly traditional or historic in character, yet they have all been renovated to provide modern facilities with a touch of class. Highlights of the tour include a visit to the Vatican and Sistine Chapel, wine tasting in Chianti, Michelangelo's David in Florence, a cruise across the Venetian Lagoon with lunch in the colorful fishing village of Burano, Mt. Pilatus, a ride through the French countryside on the TGV, the world's fastest train, and a privately guided tour of the Louvre Museum. 12 days, priced from $5050, land only, based on double occupancy.
Iberian Classic—This tour expertly blends just the right amount of touring with in-depth sightseeing and free time for personal exploration. The comfortable rail journey from Madrid to Barcelona also transforms what is usually a full day's drive into a pleasant few hours on the train. Hop off, relaxed and refreshed, ready for your Barcelona city tour! Your first hotel in Lisbon is contemporary, chic and stylish. Other properties are more classic in design with lavish, opulent interiors, combining a timeless elegance with state of the art amenities and friendly, helpful service. Highlights of the tour include Jerónimos Monastery in Lisbon, a horse and carriage ride in Seville, the tomb of Christopher Columbus, a guided tour of the Alhambra Palace, the church of Santo Tomé in Toledo, and Barcelona Cathedral. 12 days, priced from $3650, land only, based on double occupancy.
Italian Vogue—As with all Insight Vacation's Gold itineraries, the tours have been planned, where possible, with two-night stays and later starts in the morning. In order to experience some of Italy's most secluded gems, you'll embark on a variety of ferries, hydrofoil, trains, gondolas and boats in addition to the usual armchair coach comfort. Your superb, traditional hotels are all excellently located, retaining the classic elegance and grace of their respective settings, but with a contemporary feel and friendly service. Highlights of the tour include a guided visit of the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel, a private tour of Pompeii, lunch and Frascati wine tasting in the Roman Hills, a visit to the Blue Grotto in Capri; Michelangelo's statue of David in Florence, and a cruise along the rugged coastline of the Cinque Terre with an included lunch in the village of Monterosso. 11 days, priced from $4350, land only, based on double occupancy.
Elegance along the Nile:
Insight Gold has three elegant Egypt cruises on the beautiful boutique river boat, River Tosca. The River Tosca is a newly purpose-built cruiser with all the modern conveniences, yet exquisitely decorated in fine Egyptian style. The roomy cabins are tastefully designed with chic, all-white armchairs, decadent fluffy beds and a luxury marble bathroom with separate bathtub and walk-in shower. And the sun deck, complete with pool and shaded cabanas from which to watch the Nile river gliding by, is downright bliss.
Elegance of Egypt—This relaxing three-night Nile cruise is book-ended with nights in Cairo. Your clients will unwind in style at the elegant 5-star Conrad Cairo hotel and marvel at breathtaking views of the Nile from the private balcony. 8 days, priced from $2425, based on double occupancy.
Elegance of the Nile—With seven nights on board the River Tosca, your clients have plenty of time to immerse themselves in the daily hubbub of the towns and cities, haggle with the hawkers and traders, and bear witness to the fascinating historic sites before returning to the sophistication and tranquility of their luxury Nile cruise. The two hotels, the Conrad in Cairo and the 5 star Winter Palace in Luxor, present an exotic mix of traditional and modern. 14 days, priced from $3725, based on double occupancy.
Elegance of the Pharaohs—A relaxed itinerary where travelers can watch ancient Egypt unfold before their very eyes from the French balcony of their deluxe river cruise suite. The two hotels on this tour both boast excellent island locations! The Marriott is in Zamalek, the heart of Cairo, while the Aswan Mövenpick is on Elephantine Island-- a welcome relief from the hustle and bustle of the city. The bar on the 13th floor of the tower has a fabulous panoramic view of Aswan and Elephantine Island! 11 days, priced from $2899, based on double occupancy.
Insight guests enjoy more intimate groups, limited to just 40 passengers, the services of an experienced tour director and the assurance of staying in top selected hotels which are centrally or scenically located. Travel in style on Insight's luxury reconfigured coaches with more legroom so the journey is as enjoyable as the destination.
Take advantage of the included sightseeing worth hundreds of dollars, ensuring your holiday budget goes further. With so many included meals, quality hotels and sightseeing experiences, you'll be astounded at the value of an Insight Vacation.
Insight Vacations has accumulated an international following by providing outstanding service and quality tour packages to the savvy traveler who seeks better accommodations, choices in dining, and smaller group sizes all while staying in the most desirable locations. For over 30 years, Insight Vacations has been the leader in premium escorted tours and cruises to Europe, the Eastern Mediterranean, Mexico, Canada and the United States.
Book now! For more information or reservations, please contact your local travel agent or call Insight Vacations at (888) 680-1241 .To order brochures or for more information visit Insight Vacations' web site at www.insightvacations.com
http://www.travmedia.com/north-america/pressrelease.php?id=646
Here's the press release. It includes tour descriptions and a link to their website.
Insight Vacations Announces "Gold" Touring Collection
29 Nov 10
Top European Tour Operator Launches Deluxe Class Program
Insight Vacations is delighted to announce the addition of their new luxury Gold itineraries. An exceptional range of 7 uniquely-tailored deluxe tours, you will stay in 5-star luxury hotels, dine in authentic restaurants, and enjoy leisurely touring with premium included sightseeing. It truly is an entirely new perspective on classical journeys. Three Nile River Cruises have been moved to Insight's new Gold program, and they have added four completely new premium itineraries. As always, enjoy full Insight benefits: smaller group sizes, luxury coaches with more legroom, and included sightseeing escorted by an outstanding Insight Tour Director. Insight's new luxury itineraries truly are the "Gold" standard!
Insight Gold Itineraries for 2011
Britain and Ireland—This expertly planned itinerary evokes the Golden Age of travel as it follows one of the truly classic routes around Scotland, England, Wales, and Ireland. Experience all the age-old towns, historic sites and superb scenery while still leaving plenty of time for personal exploration. Insight has put together a collection of luxury hotels which tastefully fuse traditional charm and atmosphere with modern design. Highlights of the tour include Edinburgh Castle, Chatsworth House-- home to the Duke of Devonshire, Trinity College in Dublin to see the Book of Kells, afternoon tea with scones and Guinness Cake on a private farm for an insight into rural Irish life, and the Cobh Heritage Centre. 15 days, priced from $5435, land only, based on double occupancy.
European Masterpiece—With two-night stays throughout, this classic route through the Alps sets the perfect pace. In the cities, it allows for sightseeing in the mornings and free time in the afternoon. You'll travel on the high-speed TGV from Dijon to Paris, turning what is normally a full day on the coach into a more leisurely affair. Your exquisite hotels are mostly traditional or historic in character, yet they have all been renovated to provide modern facilities with a touch of class. Highlights of the tour include a visit to the Vatican and Sistine Chapel, wine tasting in Chianti, Michelangelo's David in Florence, a cruise across the Venetian Lagoon with lunch in the colorful fishing village of Burano, Mt. Pilatus, a ride through the French countryside on the TGV, the world's fastest train, and a privately guided tour of the Louvre Museum. 12 days, priced from $5050, land only, based on double occupancy.
Iberian Classic—This tour expertly blends just the right amount of touring with in-depth sightseeing and free time for personal exploration. The comfortable rail journey from Madrid to Barcelona also transforms what is usually a full day's drive into a pleasant few hours on the train. Hop off, relaxed and refreshed, ready for your Barcelona city tour! Your first hotel in Lisbon is contemporary, chic and stylish. Other properties are more classic in design with lavish, opulent interiors, combining a timeless elegance with state of the art amenities and friendly, helpful service. Highlights of the tour include Jerónimos Monastery in Lisbon, a horse and carriage ride in Seville, the tomb of Christopher Columbus, a guided tour of the Alhambra Palace, the church of Santo Tomé in Toledo, and Barcelona Cathedral. 12 days, priced from $3650, land only, based on double occupancy.
Italian Vogue—As with all Insight Vacation's Gold itineraries, the tours have been planned, where possible, with two-night stays and later starts in the morning. In order to experience some of Italy's most secluded gems, you'll embark on a variety of ferries, hydrofoil, trains, gondolas and boats in addition to the usual armchair coach comfort. Your superb, traditional hotels are all excellently located, retaining the classic elegance and grace of their respective settings, but with a contemporary feel and friendly service. Highlights of the tour include a guided visit of the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel, a private tour of Pompeii, lunch and Frascati wine tasting in the Roman Hills, a visit to the Blue Grotto in Capri; Michelangelo's statue of David in Florence, and a cruise along the rugged coastline of the Cinque Terre with an included lunch in the village of Monterosso. 11 days, priced from $4350, land only, based on double occupancy.
Elegance along the Nile:
Insight Gold has three elegant Egypt cruises on the beautiful boutique river boat, River Tosca. The River Tosca is a newly purpose-built cruiser with all the modern conveniences, yet exquisitely decorated in fine Egyptian style. The roomy cabins are tastefully designed with chic, all-white armchairs, decadent fluffy beds and a luxury marble bathroom with separate bathtub and walk-in shower. And the sun deck, complete with pool and shaded cabanas from which to watch the Nile river gliding by, is downright bliss.
Elegance of Egypt—This relaxing three-night Nile cruise is book-ended with nights in Cairo. Your clients will unwind in style at the elegant 5-star Conrad Cairo hotel and marvel at breathtaking views of the Nile from the private balcony. 8 days, priced from $2425, based on double occupancy.
Elegance of the Nile—With seven nights on board the River Tosca, your clients have plenty of time to immerse themselves in the daily hubbub of the towns and cities, haggle with the hawkers and traders, and bear witness to the fascinating historic sites before returning to the sophistication and tranquility of their luxury Nile cruise. The two hotels, the Conrad in Cairo and the 5 star Winter Palace in Luxor, present an exotic mix of traditional and modern. 14 days, priced from $3725, based on double occupancy.
Elegance of the Pharaohs—A relaxed itinerary where travelers can watch ancient Egypt unfold before their very eyes from the French balcony of their deluxe river cruise suite. The two hotels on this tour both boast excellent island locations! The Marriott is in Zamalek, the heart of Cairo, while the Aswan Mövenpick is on Elephantine Island-- a welcome relief from the hustle and bustle of the city. The bar on the 13th floor of the tower has a fabulous panoramic view of Aswan and Elephantine Island! 11 days, priced from $2899, based on double occupancy.
Insight guests enjoy more intimate groups, limited to just 40 passengers, the services of an experienced tour director and the assurance of staying in top selected hotels which are centrally or scenically located. Travel in style on Insight's luxury reconfigured coaches with more legroom so the journey is as enjoyable as the destination.
Take advantage of the included sightseeing worth hundreds of dollars, ensuring your holiday budget goes further. With so many included meals, quality hotels and sightseeing experiences, you'll be astounded at the value of an Insight Vacation.
Insight Vacations has accumulated an international following by providing outstanding service and quality tour packages to the savvy traveler who seeks better accommodations, choices in dining, and smaller group sizes all while staying in the most desirable locations. For over 30 years, Insight Vacations has been the leader in premium escorted tours and cruises to Europe, the Eastern Mediterranean, Mexico, Canada and the United States.
Book now! For more information or reservations, please contact your local travel agent or call Insight Vacations at (888) 680-1241 .To order brochures or for more information visit Insight Vacations' web site at www.insightvacations.com
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