DESTINATIONS January 19, 2015
• Travelmood's Summer 2015 Thailand, Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka, Caribbean.
• If we turn our back on wildlife - tourism, we make it easier for poachers
• Armchair Travel: Great British Railway Journeys - Getaways
• Culinary celebrations in the Gambia
• What's new for Qatar 2015
• Holiday World Dublin January 23-25, 2015
Travelmood's Summer 2015 Thailand, Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka, Caribbean.
• Travelmood's Summer 2015 Thailand, Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka, Caribbean.
• If we turn our back on wildlife - tourism, we make it easier for poachers
• Armchair Travel: Great British Railway Journeys - Getaways
• Culinary celebrations in the Gambia
• What's new for Qatar 2015
• Holiday World Dublin January 23-25, 2015
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| Jonathan and Angela Scott: see below, "if we turn our back on wildlife-based tourism, we make it easier for poachers" |
Travelmood's Summer 2015 collection is now on offer for destinations worldwide including Thailand, the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka and the Caribbean. Here some offers available this January
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Thailand - Hua Hun -Stay 7 nights and pay for 4 nights or stay 14 nights and pay for 10 nights. Book before 31st January to save a further 10%
Example: 7 nights in the 4* Evason Hua Hin on a B&B basis from only €879pp.
Price includes: Return flights ex. Dublin, 7 nights accommodation, return airport transfers, taxes. Based on two sharing. Travel: May 2015 Ref No: 921059
Indian Ocean - Mauritius - free nights offer in Mauritius and free upgrades from half-board to all-inclusive
Example: 10 nights in the 3* Coin De Mire Attitude on a half-board basis from only €1299pp.
Price includes: Return flights ex. Dublin, 10 nights accommodation, return airport transfers, taxes. Based on two sharing. Travel: May 2015 Ref No: 942364
Sri Lanka - 30% off hotel prices
Example: 9 nights in the 4* Avani Kalutara Resort on a half-board basis from only €1339pp.
Price includes: Return flights ex. Dublin, 9 nights accommodation, return airport transfers, taxes. Based on two sharing. Travel: March 2015 Ref No: 942370
Maldives - half price offers on seaplane transfers and free nights offers. Book by 31st January 2015.
Example: 7 nights in the 4* Meeru Island Resort & Spa on a full-board basis from only €1399pp.
Price includes: Return flights ex. Dublin, 7 nights accommodation, return airport transfers, taxes. Based on two sharing. Travel: June 2015 Ref No: 942363
Barbados - 30% early booking offers and seat sale until 15th January 2015.
Example: 7 nights in the 3* Coconut Court Beach Hotel on a room-only basis from only €929pp.
Price includes: Return flights ex. Dublin, 7 nights accommodation, return airport transfers, taxes. Based on two sharing. Travel: May 2015 Ref No: 943205
More information or to book visit www.travelmood.ie, or phone 01 4331063
or visit Travelmood, Duke Street, Dublin 2, just off Grafton Street.
If we turn our back on wildlife- tourism, we make it easier for poachers
Jonathan Scott, zoologist, wildlife photographer, conservationist and TV presenter of the BBC’s Big Cat Diary and Big Cat Live series has lived in Kenya for nearly 40 years. He is passionate about the role tourism to Kenya plays in saving that country’s endangered wildlife.
"Kenyans have got to be the friendliest and most welcoming people on earth" he says "if I had only one day left in my life, I’d spend it in the Maasai Mara with my wife Angie. There is nowhere else like it."
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He continued: "Without tourism we will not be able to protect the best of our wildlife areas. There are a lot of people in Kenya desperate for land to settle on. For the moment, the government has been able to protect amazing wildlife places like Tsavo, the Maasai Mara, Samburu and Amboseli, because people can see the financial benefits. But as the human population continues to expand there will always be pressure on the land. Tourism is one of Kenya’s biggest industries along with the exportation of tea, coffee and cut flowers. We are always lobbying to ensure that more of the money from tourism reaches the pockets of the local communities – that is the best way to protect wild places".
He says tourism makes it harder for the poachers "The benefit of tourists visiting Kenya is that it is much harder for poachers to target the country’s national parks. There are more eyes and ears and telephoto lenses on the ground – and the money from visitors’ park fees helps to pay the costs of protecting our wildlife. But it is a constant battle and we have to be vigilant. You only have to look at what happened in the past to see how important tourism is to conservation.
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Jonathan reminds us: "When Tanzania closed its border with Kenya from 1977 to 1983, the number of visitors to the Serengeti dropped from 70,000 a year to around 10,000. The loss in revenue caused a 60% decline in anti-poaching patrols; there just wasn’t enough money to ensure that the rangers had the equipment they needed, or the vehicles and fuel to administer the anti-poaching effort. The result? The rhinos disappeared from the Serengeti, the elephant numbers dropped severely and meat poaching skyrocketed".
Be aware and read the travel advisories carefully and do some research. Jonathan says "Don’t interpret a warning against visiting Mombasa Island as a warning against visiting the whole country – or against visiting the Kenya coast. I’m not saying ignore travel advisories – but take the time to read, listen and then make up your own mind as to where to go. If you are worried, talk to your tour operator. Most are reputable companies and members of KATO, the Kenya Association of Tour Operators. They pay their dues and are regulated by the industry. Believe me, they’re not going to send you to places that are dangerous. They are going to do everything they can to try and ensure your safety".
Information on Kenya:www.magicalkenya.com or call: 0207 367 0931
Jonathan Scott visit: www.jonathanangelascott.com
Armchair Travel: Great British Railway Journeys
On Monday, Michael Portillo is following his Bradshaw's handbook from the industrial East Midlands of England to the island of Lindisfarne off the coast of Northumberland. Great British Railway Journeys, 6.30pm., January 19, BBC2 N Ireland. On the first trip he visits the railway hub of Derby and travels to Nottingham where he finds the Victorian origins of a well-known British chemist and drops into a historic one-time grocer's shop in Grantham, Lincolnshire
Thailand - Hua Hun -Stay 7 nights and pay for 4 nights or stay 14 nights and pay for 10 nights. Book before 31st January to save a further 10%
Example: 7 nights in the 4* Evason Hua Hin on a B&B basis from only €879pp.
Price includes: Return flights ex. Dublin, 7 nights accommodation, return airport transfers, taxes. Based on two sharing. Travel: May 2015 Ref No: 921059
Indian Ocean - Mauritius - free nights offer in Mauritius and free upgrades from half-board to all-inclusive
Example: 10 nights in the 3* Coin De Mire Attitude on a half-board basis from only €1299pp.
Price includes: Return flights ex. Dublin, 10 nights accommodation, return airport transfers, taxes. Based on two sharing. Travel: May 2015 Ref No: 942364
Sri Lanka - 30% off hotel prices
Example: 9 nights in the 4* Avani Kalutara Resort on a half-board basis from only €1339pp.
Price includes: Return flights ex. Dublin, 9 nights accommodation, return airport transfers, taxes. Based on two sharing. Travel: March 2015 Ref No: 942370
Maldives - half price offers on seaplane transfers and free nights offers. Book by 31st January 2015.
Example: 7 nights in the 4* Meeru Island Resort & Spa on a full-board basis from only €1399pp.
Price includes: Return flights ex. Dublin, 7 nights accommodation, return airport transfers, taxes. Based on two sharing. Travel: June 2015 Ref No: 942363
Barbados - 30% early booking offers and seat sale until 15th January 2015.
Example: 7 nights in the 3* Coconut Court Beach Hotel on a room-only basis from only €929pp.
Price includes: Return flights ex. Dublin, 7 nights accommodation, return airport transfers, taxes. Based on two sharing. Travel: May 2015 Ref No: 943205
More information or to book visit www.travelmood.ie, or phone 01 4331063
or visit Travelmood, Duke Street, Dublin 2, just off Grafton Street.
If we turn our back on wildlife- tourism, we make it easier for poachers
Jonathan Scott, zoologist, wildlife photographer, conservationist and TV presenter of the BBC’s Big Cat Diary and Big Cat Live series has lived in Kenya for nearly 40 years. He is passionate about the role tourism to Kenya plays in saving that country’s endangered wildlife.
"Kenyans have got to be the friendliest and most welcoming people on earth" he says "if I had only one day left in my life, I’d spend it in the Maasai Mara with my wife Angie. There is nowhere else like it."
He continued: "Without tourism we will not be able to protect the best of our wildlife areas. There are a lot of people in Kenya desperate for land to settle on. For the moment, the government has been able to protect amazing wildlife places like Tsavo, the Maasai Mara, Samburu and Amboseli, because people can see the financial benefits. But as the human population continues to expand there will always be pressure on the land. Tourism is one of Kenya’s biggest industries along with the exportation of tea, coffee and cut flowers. We are always lobbying to ensure that more of the money from tourism reaches the pockets of the local communities – that is the best way to protect wild places".
He says tourism makes it harder for the poachers "The benefit of tourists visiting Kenya is that it is much harder for poachers to target the country’s national parks. There are more eyes and ears and telephoto lenses on the ground – and the money from visitors’ park fees helps to pay the costs of protecting our wildlife. But it is a constant battle and we have to be vigilant. You only have to look at what happened in the past to see how important tourism is to conservation.
Jonathan reminds us: "When Tanzania closed its border with Kenya from 1977 to 1983, the number of visitors to the Serengeti dropped from 70,000 a year to around 10,000. The loss in revenue caused a 60% decline in anti-poaching patrols; there just wasn’t enough money to ensure that the rangers had the equipment they needed, or the vehicles and fuel to administer the anti-poaching effort. The result? The rhinos disappeared from the Serengeti, the elephant numbers dropped severely and meat poaching skyrocketed".
Be aware and read the travel advisories carefully and do some research. Jonathan says "Don’t interpret a warning against visiting Mombasa Island as a warning against visiting the whole country – or against visiting the Kenya coast. I’m not saying ignore travel advisories – but take the time to read, listen and then make up your own mind as to where to go. If you are worried, talk to your tour operator. Most are reputable companies and members of KATO, the Kenya Association of Tour Operators. They pay their dues and are regulated by the industry. Believe me, they’re not going to send you to places that are dangerous. They are going to do everything they can to try and ensure your safety".
Information on Kenya:www.magicalkenya.com or call: 0207 367 0931
Jonathan Scott visit: www.jonathanangelascott.com
Armchair Travel: Great British Railway Journeys
On Monday, Michael Portillo is following his Bradshaw's handbook from the industrial East Midlands of England to the island of Lindisfarne off the coast of Northumberland. Great British Railway Journeys, 6.30pm., January 19, BBC2 N Ireland. On the first trip he visits the railway hub of Derby and travels to Nottingham where he finds the Victorian origins of a well-known British chemist and drops into a historic one-time grocer's shop in Grantham, Lincolnshire
Also on Monday, Getaways, January 19, 7.30pm BBC1 N Ireland, Angela Scanlon and Joe Lindsay are in north-west Croatia, Istria County, a beach destination but is also becoming a foodie locale. They visit the city of Pula, and take an excursion to the Brijuni islands. At home, Angela also heads to Co Tyrone and visits the Ulster American Folk Park, then tries rally driving in Sperrin Mountains
On Tuesday's Great British Railway Journeys, 6.30pm., January 20, BBC2 N Ireland, Michael Portillo journeys from Derby to Lindisfarne, beginning in Boston, south Lincolnshire, where he finds the links between Boston UK and Boston USA. At Southwell, Nottinghamshire, he checks out a favourite Victorian apple. Then into West Yorkshire to an asylum built in Menston to provide for people with mental health problems. He moves on to Wakefield and Hensall in North Yorkshire.
On Wednesday, Great British Railway Journeys, 6.30pm., January 21, BBC2 N Ireland, Great British Railway Journeys, 6.30pm., January 20, BBC2 N Ireland, Michael Portillo begins in Hessle, East Yorkshire examining the Humber Bridge. In Hull, talks to local MP Alan Johnson about anti-slavery campaigner William Wilberforce, then on to Scarborough Castle, where George Fox, the founder of the Quaker movement, was once imprisoned. His last stop is York, and learns about that city's sweet-making industry.
On Thursday, Great British Railway Journeys, 6.30pm., January 22, BBC2 N Ireland, Michael journeys from Derby to Lindisfarne, Middlesbrough, and visits one of the last iron foundries in the town. In Darlington, Co Durham, he meets the editor of the Northern Echo and finds out about the colourful history of W.T. Stead, one of his predecessors - some claim he paved the way for the modern British tabloid. Michael then visits St Paul's monastery in Jarrow, Tyne and Wear, and learns all about an 8th-century monk the Venerable Bede and his most famous work, The Ecclesiastical History of the English People which gained him the title "The Father of English History". He ends in Hexham, Northumberland, visiting a historic ginger beer emporium.
On Friday, Great British Railway Journeys, 6.30pm., January 23, BBC2 N Ireland, Michael starts in Newcastle on the final leg of his journey from Derby to Lindisfarne, visits the world's earliest swing bridge designed by William Armstrong. He travels by boat from Seahouses to find out about the lighthouse keeper's daughter Grace Darling, who, along with her father, rescued nine people from raging seas in 1838. On Lindisfarne island, He explores how Christianity spread from here across northern England in the 7th century
Culinary celebrations in the Gambia
On February 20 - 21, 2015 The Gambia will host its annual Food & Beverage Festival -a two day event to indulge in Gambian delicacies. An exciting line up of culinary delights include cooking demonstrations with local chefs and stalls selling delicious local fog - Mbahal, a smoked and salted fish dish prepared with groundnuts, Benachin, a revered one pot stew as well as a selection of traditional meat dishes such as lamb and pork afra.
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Whilst at the festival, visitors can explore other highlights including the River Gambia, places related to its slave history, some vibrant markets and a wildlife expedition.
The Gambia Experience offers packages to The Gambia from £890 (currently€1,133) per person. Stay at the 3.5 Grade Senegambia Hotel for £890 per person for travel from 13th February 2015. Price includes return flights, 7 nights accommodation based on a bed and breakfast basis. Or stay at 5 grade The Kairaba for £999 (currently €1,289) per person for travel from 13th February 2015. Price includes return flights and accommodation based on a bed and breakfast basis.
Visit www.gambia.co.uk
Information on The Gambia: www.visitthegambia.gm
What's new for Qatar 2015
On the shores of the Arabian Peninsula, Qatar combines year-round sunshine, sightseeing, shopping, top-class accommodation, recreation, and sport. Below 2 new hotels and a famous restaurant launch in 2015
Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara will open
True private Arabian luxury, on its own exclusive island, is Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara just recently opened. The resort comprise a 96-room hotel, 34 two and three-bedroom poolside villas, 11 overwater-style villas, on stilts - a truly deluxe experience. Amenities: a nine-hole golf putting course, water sports activities and a family entertainment centre featuring an 8 pin bowling alley and a cinema. There is also the Anantara Wellness Centre and Signature Spa.
Kempinski Hotels launches Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl, Doha
The ultra-luxurious new Marsa Malaz Kempinski The Pearl island. The finest European architecture blended with traditional Arabian elements will present a wealth of bespoke dining and entertainment, a secluded beach, outdoor swimming pools, a tranquil Spa by Clarins, water sports facilities, a yachts jetty, tennis court and plush gardens. Over 281 luxurious rooms with private butlers, together with Kempinski’s name for impeccable customer service, will make a truly iconic destination for visitors to Doha.
The World’s Biggest Nobu Restaurant
High end dining in the Middle East doesn't come better than this - the world’s biggest Nobu in Doha. The Four Seasons Hotel Doha has partnered with Nobuyuki Matsuhisa to open the world renowned seafood and sushi restaurant. Although keeping many of the brand’s signature dishes such as yellowtail sashimi with jalapeno, the menu will also feature new creations using local ingredients such as exotic spices and the freshest seafood from the Arabian Gulf, such as black-streaked monocle bream.
More information: www.qatartourism.gov.qa
Holiday World Dublin January 23-25, 2015
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Holiday World Dublin takes place at the RDS Simmonscourt, Ballsbridge, Dublin this week over three days, Friday January 23 to Sunday, January 25. Admission charge is €5, children €2 and families €10. Friday morning is reserved for members of the trade and media. This year there is a new show format where exhibitors are grouped in 9 distinct regions: • Home holidays • Africa and the Middle East • Europe and the Mediterranean • Caribbean • The Americas • Asia and the Pacific • Cruise lines and Ferries • Adventure travel • Tour Operators • Caravan & Motorhomes
Visit: www.holidayworldshow.com/visit/dublin/
On Tuesday's Great British Railway Journeys, 6.30pm., January 20, BBC2 N Ireland, Michael Portillo journeys from Derby to Lindisfarne, beginning in Boston, south Lincolnshire, where he finds the links between Boston UK and Boston USA. At Southwell, Nottinghamshire, he checks out a favourite Victorian apple. Then into West Yorkshire to an asylum built in Menston to provide for people with mental health problems. He moves on to Wakefield and Hensall in North Yorkshire.
On Wednesday, Great British Railway Journeys, 6.30pm., January 21, BBC2 N Ireland, Great British Railway Journeys, 6.30pm., January 20, BBC2 N Ireland, Michael Portillo begins in Hessle, East Yorkshire examining the Humber Bridge. In Hull, talks to local MP Alan Johnson about anti-slavery campaigner William Wilberforce, then on to Scarborough Castle, where George Fox, the founder of the Quaker movement, was once imprisoned. His last stop is York, and learns about that city's sweet-making industry.
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| Colourful editor W.T. Stead |
On Friday, Great British Railway Journeys, 6.30pm., January 23, BBC2 N Ireland, Michael starts in Newcastle on the final leg of his journey from Derby to Lindisfarne, visits the world's earliest swing bridge designed by William Armstrong. He travels by boat from Seahouses to find out about the lighthouse keeper's daughter Grace Darling, who, along with her father, rescued nine people from raging seas in 1838. On Lindisfarne island, He explores how Christianity spread from here across northern England in the 7th century
On February 20 - 21, 2015 The Gambia will host its annual Food & Beverage Festival -a two day event to indulge in Gambian delicacies. An exciting line up of culinary delights include cooking demonstrations with local chefs and stalls selling delicious local fog - Mbahal, a smoked and salted fish dish prepared with groundnuts, Benachin, a revered one pot stew as well as a selection of traditional meat dishes such as lamb and pork afra.
The Gambia Experience offers packages to The Gambia from £890 (currently€1,133) per person. Stay at the 3.5 Grade Senegambia Hotel for £890 per person for travel from 13th February 2015. Price includes return flights, 7 nights accommodation based on a bed and breakfast basis. Or stay at 5 grade The Kairaba for £999 (currently €1,289) per person for travel from 13th February 2015. Price includes return flights and accommodation based on a bed and breakfast basis.
Visit www.gambia.co.uk
Information on The Gambia: www.visitthegambia.gm
What's new for Qatar 2015
On the shores of the Arabian Peninsula, Qatar combines year-round sunshine, sightseeing, shopping, top-class accommodation, recreation, and sport. Below 2 new hotels and a famous restaurant launch in 2015
Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara will open
True private Arabian luxury, on its own exclusive island, is Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara just recently opened. The resort comprise a 96-room hotel, 34 two and three-bedroom poolside villas, 11 overwater-style villas, on stilts - a truly deluxe experience. Amenities: a nine-hole golf putting course, water sports activities and a family entertainment centre featuring an 8 pin bowling alley and a cinema. There is also the Anantara Wellness Centre and Signature Spa.
 |
| The Pearl, Doha |
The ultra-luxurious new Marsa Malaz Kempinski The Pearl island. The finest European architecture blended with traditional Arabian elements will present a wealth of bespoke dining and entertainment, a secluded beach, outdoor swimming pools, a tranquil Spa by Clarins, water sports facilities, a yachts jetty, tennis court and plush gardens. Over 281 luxurious rooms with private butlers, together with Kempinski’s name for impeccable customer service, will make a truly iconic destination for visitors to Doha.
The World’s Biggest Nobu Restaurant
High end dining in the Middle East doesn't come better than this - the world’s biggest Nobu in Doha. The Four Seasons Hotel Doha has partnered with Nobuyuki Matsuhisa to open the world renowned seafood and sushi restaurant. Although keeping many of the brand’s signature dishes such as yellowtail sashimi with jalapeno, the menu will also feature new creations using local ingredients such as exotic spices and the freshest seafood from the Arabian Gulf, such as black-streaked monocle bream.
More information: www.qatartourism.gov.qa
Holiday World Dublin January 23-25, 2015
Holiday World Dublin takes place at the RDS Simmonscourt, Ballsbridge, Dublin this week over three days, Friday January 23 to Sunday, January 25. Admission charge is €5, children €2 and families €10. Friday morning is reserved for members of the trade and media. This year there is a new show format where exhibitors are grouped in 9 distinct regions: • Home holidays • Africa and the Middle East • Europe and the Mediterranean • Caribbean • The Americas • Asia and the Pacific • Cruise lines and Ferries • Adventure travel • Tour Operators • Caravan & MotorhomesVisit: www.holidayworldshow.com/visit/dublin/