FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Contacts:    Charles Gill, Chair                         Kristi Stallings, Sponsorship Coordinator                    OBX SHAG                                   OBX SHAG                    seapadre@charter.net                     krististallings@charter.net Shag OBX Weekend, May 7-9, 2010 Award-winning instructors, DJ and live music this Mother’s Day weekend MANTEO, North Carolina (March 30, 2010) – A brand new event for beach music fans on the East Coast is coming to the Outer Banks of North Carolina.  Shag OBX will be held May 7-9, 2010 this Mother’s Day Weekend in Manteo at the Pirate’s Cove Pavilion which makes for a perfect bite-size getaway.  Sponsored by the Community Care Clinic of Dare, you can enjoy dance lessons from nationally recognized instructors Sam and Lisa West, shag to live music from Jim Quick and Coastline or spin to all your favorites with DJ’s Ed Timberlake and David Jones on the waterfront.  “Our SHAG stands for Support Healthcare Access for Good living,” explains Charles Gill, Chair of the event and Community Care Clinic of Dare (CCCD) Board member.  “We are taking the lead step in caring for the health of uninsured and underinsured workers on the OBX, offering free clinics for those who live and work in Dare. Shagging is the North Carolina state dance and has origins here on the Outer Banks, which is a natural fit for promoting and supporting healthy living on the beach.” Last year, 235 new patients registered for Community Care Clinic services, with almost 1,200 patient visits with providers overall.  More than 1,300 free long term prescriptions were dispensed and 1,200 short term prescriptions were written, many of which were free.  First opening its doors in May 2005, the CCCD has three locations providing service in Kitty Hawk, Manteo and Frisco.  To inquire about patient eligibility, please call 261-3041. “For the upcoming event, you get to have a good time, get great exercise and meet wonderful people,” explains Sharon Jones, whose Outer Banks Shag Club is helping organize this inaugural event. “My husband and I have been involved in the Shag Community for 20 years and one thing that really has impressed us both is the love and caring for one another.  All shag clubs are very community oriented and help whenever needed.  This makes being involved with such a great group of folks even more rewarding.”  To check out the full list of events and reserve your tickets, go online at www.shagobx.com

Outer Banks Visitors Bureau One Visitors Center Circle, Manteo, NC 27954  252.473.2138  252.473.2138 •  877.629.4386  877.629.4386 • 252.473.5777(fax) Duck • Southern Shores • Kitty Hawk • Kill Devil Hills • Nags Head Roanoke Island • Hatteras Island • Dare Mainland

March 2010 Cologne is a feeling.   Dear partners and friends of Cologne, Soon after the International Tourism Trade Fair (ITB) - one of the highlights of the marketing year for those in the tourism industry - we are able to report very encouraging feedback: good visitor numbers at the stands, interesting discussions, important stimuli for encouraging confidence. The Cologne Tourist Board has come up with some new offers and also has an up-to-date online presence. In particular, the packages for the “DSDS” shows have proved very popular. Once more, Cologne - City of Art - is presenting itself as a rewarding travel destination: with the Art Cologne exhibition and several other exciting, top-class exhibitions, art lovers will find a diverse and extraordinary range of events on offer. We look forward to the spring and to new visitors. Kind regards Josef Sommer Cologne 2010 - Media City and Sport Hot Spot A few days ago the ITB (International Tourism Trade Fair) ended in Berlin, at which the Cologne Tourist Board, along with the neighbouring cities of Bonn and Düsseldorf, showcased the strengths of the cathedral city and the Rhine region to an international professional audience. The tourism specialists used their new offers to promote Cologne as a media city.   more Art Cologne For the 44th time Art Cologne, Germany’s most important art fair, will again invite art lovers from around the world to Cologne from 21 – 25 April 2010. In hall 11 of the Cologne Exhibition Centre around 180 international galleries will present classical modern art, post-war art and contemporary art. The Vernissage is on 20 April 2010, 17.00 – 21.00.   more New Art and Design Hotel in the Rheinauhafen Area A new hotel is the talk of Cologne: the art’otel, belonging to the Park Plaza hotel group, opened in the middle of March in the Rheinauhafen area of the city and is winning fans with its original artworks by the Korean artist SEO. Colourful, large-scale pictures adorn the whole hotel, which offers 218 rooms, a health spa and six conference rooms. more Visit Cologne for Art Three important exhibitions make a visit to Cologne worthwhile: You can marvel at top quality Meissen porcelain in the Museum of Applied Art; the Romano-Germanic Museum has the latest archaeological finds from North Rhine-Westphalia on show; and holy monastery and temple treasures from the Himalayan country of Bhutan are on display in the Museum of East Asian Art. more IGLTA Gold Member Since the start of 2010, KölnTourismus GmbH has been a member of the IGLTA (International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association). This leading global organisation which unites and supports the gay and lesbian travel industry, headquartered in the USA, is a key player in the preparations for the VIII Gay Games Cologne 2010, which will take place in Cologne between 31 July 2010 and 7 August 2010. more Social Media - Become a Cologne Fan! In order to offer potential visitors to Cologne an even better service, the Cologne Tourist Board has further expanded its online activities. Social media and Web 2.0 elements, such as Facebook, Twitter and social bookmarks, will be used to implement continuous online interaction with the customer. more Imprint FORUM KölnTourismus is a monthly service of Cologne Tourist Board. Publisher: KölnTourismus GmbH, CEO: Josef Sommer, Kardinal-Höffner-Platz 1, 50667 Köln, Germany, Tel.:  +49 (0)221-221 30 400  +49 (0)221-221 30 400   subscribe | unsubscribe

Bonjour, Famous for its gastronomy, heritage and history, the Paris Ile-de-France region has always been at the avant-garde of French trends. In one stay, you can discover the new Parisian spirit, with its many museums of modern arts, young creators and organic cafés, plus the treasures of the past and traditions with visits to Auvers-sur-Oise, Vaux le Vicomte or Versailles. Our bulletin will reveal the vibrance and novelties of this region, along with our coups de coeur and favourite addresses. On the agenda, a new exhibition dedicated to women artists: Elles@centrepompidou, the first retrospective of the entire work of Yves St-Laurent at the Petit Palais, and a nostalgic promenade through the 20 craziest, most creative years of Haute Couture at the Museum of Decorative Arts. Continue with a visit to the Galeries Lafayette, which combines art, fashion and design. The exhibit, “Space for Fantasy” in the Galerie of the Galeries might just change the way you see the world… Then stroll through the five floors dedicated to fashion and beauty, or pause at the champagne bar for a refreshment. Once you have bought that new outfit, enjoy the City of Light with Bateaux Parisiens and the Illumination Dinner Cruise. Back on the river banks, discover the Seine differently with the “Yvelines animated picnics,” inviting you to have lunch on the riverside this year. A must for families and friends! The Fouquet’s Barrière Hotel, located in the heart of the Golden Triangle, or the Intercontinental Paris Le Grand, nestled by Place Vendôme and the department stores, both offer the perfect setting for your shopping escapade in Paris. Caroline Putnoki Director in Canada On the agenda   Yves Saint Laurent exhibition at the Petit Palais The exhibition retraces four decades (1962 to 2002) of creations by the famous fashion designer who died in 2008. From March 11 to August 29, 2010.   An Ideal History of Contemporary Fashion, vol. I: 70-80 The Museum of Decorative Arts presents a historical retrospective of twenty years of creation from April 1 to October 10, 2010. Discover 150 models and 40 videos of this intriguing period which saw the rise of fashion’s great names and of models becoming icons.   Elles@centrepompidou For the first time ever, a museum presents collections of art made by women only. Discover their creations in this innovative presentation at the National Museum of Modern Art.

Our favourites
	Royal Serenade and Nocturnal Fountains Show at Château de Versailles Every Saturday night, From June 19 to August 28, 2010, baroque musicians and dancing pairs invite you to join a grand ball in the style of the Grand Siècle while the gardens become a land of astonishing sights and sounds. This summer, come and spend an amazing night walking through the Château de Versailles!

 

Château of Vaux le Vicomte’s Exclusive Offer

Visit the Château of Vaux le Vicomte, a masterpiece of modernity and elegance, with your family and benefit from our exclusive offer: free costume rental for children!

 

« Voyage au Temps des Impressionnistes » at Château d’Auvers

Wishing to combine culture and art, the Château of Auvers-sur-Oise proposes this unique and surprising walk-through show. Thanks to multimedia techniques, music and commentaries along the visit, step into the paintings of Cézanne, Renoir, Pissarro, Monet…

Not-to-be-missed
	River cruise on the Seine with Bateaux Parisiens Yacht or glass-topped boat? Majestic Paris by day to the sounds of an Edith Piaf song or magical Paris by night to the sounds of jazz? For a ride, a lunch with friends or a diner with your loved one, the voyage begins right at the bottom of the Eiffel Tower!

 

The “Yvelines animated picnics”

To stay with this year’s theme, the third edition of the Yvelines animated picnics honours the “Picnics by the riverside”! An outdoor celebration gathering from May 30 to July 14…

Accommodation
	Dignified Luxury© in the heart of Paris’ Golden Triangle At the intersection of the Champs Elysées and the Avenue George V, Hotel Fouquet’s Barrière offers its guests the finest service and amenities while never forgetting their commitment to the environment. It’s what we call Dignified Luxury©.

 

The InterContinental Paris Le Grand

Across the street from the Opéra Garnier, close to some of the best-known Parisian attractions such as the Louvre, world-famous department stores and the wonderful Place Vendôme, this hotel is an invitation to all to experience what is unique in Paris.

Book now
	Montréal: newest Air France destination offering Premium Voyageur seating This year, as Air France Canada turns 60, the airline will reach another historic milestone on March 28, when its Boeing 777-300 will touch down in Montréal equipped with four distinct cabin classes, including the brand new Premium Voyageur cabin.

 

Discover ATOUT FRANCE’s best addresses for only $659*

For only $659*, taxes included, Air Transat will fly you to Ile-de-France, an area famed for its stunning beauty, vast array of activities and wonderful sites. Is your ATOUT FRANCE program filled to the brim? Then sit back and relax as Air Transat flies you there in the utmost comfort!

ATOUT FRANCE for Canada 1800 av. McGill College, Montréal, QC, H3A 3J6 |  1 (866) 313-7262  1 (866) 313-7262

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Copyright 2010 ATOUT FRANCE

The Grand Theatre announces 2010/11 MainStage Season

2010/11 will be a season of music, mystery and a magical coat

 

LONDON, ONTARIO -March 10, 2010 - Experience excitement and the spirit
of adventure with The Grand Theatre’s 2010/11 MainStage Season.

 

“Our 2010/11 MainStage Season will be filled with journeys. Both
internal and external quests are taken in far away mystical lands, and
take a look at who we really are,” Susan Ferley, Artistic Director of
The Grand says. The season, she adds, offers entertainment for all ages
and interests. “It will be a season full of musicals, mystery, drama,
romance and comedy.”

 

The 2009/10 MainStage Season saw the largest increase in subscribers in
20 years for the theatre and according to Deb Harvey, Executive Director
at The Grand, the theatre wants even more individuals to subscribe this
coming season. “Subscribers are the heart of any theatre,” Harvey says.
“Just as we did last year we are asking our subscribers to renew their
own subscriptions and to sell one new subscription to a friend, family
member or coworker. Our subscribers love this theatre and have been so
helpful in spreading the word about the world-class shows that we
produce at The Grand.”

 

The year begins with a journey to the 1930s with the Fall High School
Project, Anything Goes.  “This is a classic story of romance and
shenanigans,” Artistic Director Susan Ferley says of the lively musical.
Audiences will be taken on board the SS American, sailing from New York
to London, England.  It’s a brash comedy of a love sick Wall Street
worker stuck on the ocean liner with his boss and his boss’ daughter -
who happens to be the one of his heart’s desires.  It’s a story of love
and mistaken identity, “Complete with exuberant tap dancing,” Ferley
adds. The project will feature the talent of more than 60 local high
school students. 

 

The Grand kicks off the MainStage season with Side by Side by Sondheim.
The show is a musical revue of the legendary composer Stephen Sondheim.
It will feature some of his greatest hits from shows such as: Company, A
Little Night Music, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum,
Gypsy and West Side Story. “Once again we launch a season with the
wonderful music of Stephen Sondheim,” she says, reflecting on the 2001
season that opened with A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum.
“He is a witty and clever lyricist,” Ferley notes.  “There is both a
playful and richness in his music.”  The show will feature Sondheim
favorites like “Comedy Tonight” (from A Funny Thing Happened on the Way
to the Forum) and “A Boy Like That” (from West Side Story).

 

 ”Next we have a show that appeals across generations,” Ferley says of
The Grand’s holiday production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor
Dreamcoat. It tells the Old Testament Story of Joseph and his 11
brothers taken from the book of Genesis. Joseph is the dreamer and the
interpreter of dreams. He takes an inspirational journey from slavery to
power and journeys down the path of forgiveness. “It’s a story about
triumphing in the face of challenges,” she says.  “It is also great fun
because it features a range of musical styles,” Ferley says of the
holiday production she is set to direct. The Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd
Weber Musical showcases familiar songs such as “Any Dream will Do” and
“Go, Go, Go Joseph”. 

 

Next we take a trip to cottage country in the Canadian Shield in
Kingfisher Days. “This story speaks so profoundly to me because it’s a
story of a little girl at her cottage in the Canadian Shield and her
name is Susan,” Ferley says, referring to her own childhood in Winnipeg.
“We follow a little girl who befriends her neighbor, a retired school
teacher, who introduces her to a world of fairies and the language and
characters of Shakespeare. Kingfisher Days captures the luxuriousness of
time when you’re a child,” The Grand’s Artistic Director explains. “This
is a story that speaks to our imagination.”

 

The season then takes a detour to 221B Baker Street with Sherlock
Holmes: The Final Adventure. “It’s a who-dunnit adventure filled with
intrigue and mystery,” Ferley explains.  Playwright and adapter Steven
Dietz took the story from two Holmes stories, A Scandal in Bohemia and
The Final Problem. We follow the famous detective Sherlock Holmes on his
last case, accompanied by his faithful sidekick Dr. Watson. In this
story it seems Holmes has met his match with the genius of crime,
Professor Moriarty.  “I love that we are doing this show,” Ferley says.
“It is a Victorian story, and we are a Victorian theatre. It is a
perfect match.”

 

The theatre is bringing back a patron favourite, Shirley Valentine.
Shirley Valentine is a one-woman show about a frustrated housewife who
takes an external journey to Greece.  “This is where her internal
journey takes place; it’s a wonderful tale of self discovery,” Ferley
says.

 

From Greece we travel to the mystical Middle Earth, with one of the
greatest fantasy stories of all time: The Hobbit.  We follow Bilbo
Baggins, a hobbit, as his comfortable life is turned upside down when he
is recruited by Gandalf the Sorcerer on his quest to fight for their
kingdom and treasure. “We are excited to have these characters from The
Shire and Middle Earth come to life on The Grand’s MainStage,” says
Ferley of The Lord of the Rings prequel. 

 

Join us for a season of adventure! Subscriptions are available now.
Single tickets go on sale July 1, 2010. Please call The Grand Theatre
Box Office at               (519) 672-8800         (519) 672-8800 or visit grandtheatre.com.

 

 

2010/11 MAINSTAGE SUBSCRIPTION SERIES

SIDE BY SIDE BY SONDHEIM
A MUSICAL ENTERTAINMENT
Music and Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim
and music by Leonard Bernstein, Mary Rodgers,
Richard Rodgers, Jule Styne
OCTOBER 19 - NOVEMBER 6

 

JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT
Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber. Lyrics by Tim Rice
Directed by Susan Ferley
NOVEMBER 24 - JANUARY 2

KINGFISHER DAYS
By Susan Coyne. Directed by Susan Ferley
JANUARY 18 - FEBRUARY 5

SHERLOCK HOLMES: THE FINAL ADVENTURE
By Steven Dietz
Based on the original 1899 play by William Gillette
and Arthur Conan Doyle
FEBRUARY 15 - MARCH 5

SHIRLEY VALENTINE
By Willy Russell
MARCH 22 - APRIL 9

 

THE HOBBIT
Adapted by Glyn Robbins from the book entitled
“The Hobbit” by J.R.R. Tolkien
Directed by Susan Ferley
APRIL 27 - MAY 26

 

HIGH SCHOOL PROJECT FALL 2010
ANYTHING GOES
Music and Lyrics by Cole Porter
Original Book by P.G. Wodehouse & Guy Bolton
and Howard Lindsay & Russel Crouse
*High School Project not included in the Subscription Series

SEPTEMBER 21 - OCTOBER 2

 

 

THE GRAND THEATRE

The Grand Theatre is a cultural icon in London, Ontario and is
recognized nationally as a cultural leader. The Grand is committed to
producing some of the best professional, live theatre in Canada and to
enriching, engaging, entertaining and transforming the lives of members
of its community.  With its MainStage, UnderGrand and Theatre for Young
Audiences performances, the theatre takes great pride in providing
world-class entertainment to London and Southwestern Ontario residents
each season from September to May.

 

The Grand Theatre
471 Richmond Street, London ON N6A 3E4
For tickets call               (519) 672-8800         (519) 672-8800 or click www.grandtheatre.com
<http://www.grandtheatre.com> 

ON STAGE

Pride and Prejudice - March 10 to April 3
Macbeth - Spring High School Project - April 6 to 10
Legends - April 20 to May 22

See link to two articles on Smartertravel.com.  These articles arose as a
result of interviews the editors of this media group conducted with the
Director of Tourism and Marketing Manager prior to the Boston Globe Travel
Show last month.
 
http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/photos/the-10-best-budget-islands
-in-the-caribbean.html?id=4402522
<http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/photos/the-10-best-budget-island
s-in-the-caribbean.html?id=4402522&frame=10> &frame=10
 
http://www.smartertravel.com/blogs/today-in-travel/unusual-st-patrick-day-de
stinations.html?id=4508881
 
Ishwar Persad
Marketing Manager
Montserrat Tourist Board
P.O. Box 7, Brades
Montserrat, West Indies
Ph: (664) 491 2230/8730
Fax: (664) 491 7430
 <http://www.visitmontserrat.com/> www.visitmontserrat.com

Follow us on Twitter at  <http://twitter.com/volcanoisland>
http://twitter.com/volcanoisland

Become a Fan of Montserrat on Facebook at
<http://www.facebook.com/islandofmontserrat>
http://www.facebook.com/islandofmontserrat

Buddy Wasisname and the Other Fellers on their ” Steady
Belt Tour”  will be performing in Brantford, ON at the Sanderson Centre
for the Performing Arts on Wednesday May 5, 2010 at 8:00 p.m.
 In 1986, Kevin Blackmore (Buddy), Ray Johnson and Wayne Chaulk started
touring full time throughout Canada, stopping in almost every town and
city.  Their humour always brings them back home to their roots.  All
three members hail from Newfoundland where they originally plied their
musical trade.  After quitting their jobs they hit the road performing
comedic novelty songs, traditional tunes, contemporary folk songs,
hilarious skits and comedic routines that leave their audiences in
stitches.

  Let it be known that the boys really do not need to leave their cosy
little sanctuaries at all. No sir. They have stashed away their winter
supplies of moose, berries, vegetables and favourite wines and do not need
to budge.

  However, despite the state of uncertainty and misery in this great land
they are going to tear themselves away from their realms of paradise and
launch out on a mission. Armed with ample doses of happy vaccines the boys
will cross the country, inoculating all those in need. Everyone is high
priority.  The vaccine will include old and proven material as well as
fresh and exciting additives to guarantee immunity against the blues and
the blahs.
 They keep coming up with fresh material, songs like ?The Cowboys Job?,
?The Prison Dance?, ?The Castor Lullaby?, laid back instrumentals and new
skits, monologues and recitations. The boys have two new recordings, as
well as the older 16 albums, three DVD?s and several Tee Shirt designs.
Tickets to see Buddy Wasisname and the Other Fellers are available by
visiting the Sanderson Centre box office located at 88 Dalhousie Street,
Brantford. Tickets can be ordered with a major credit card by calling
              (519) 758-8090         (519) 758-8090 or               1-800-265-0710         1-800-265-0710 or on-line at www.sandersoncentre.ca   

Liz Oden  Communications & Public Relations
88 Dalhousie Street, P.O. Box 1762,  Brantford N3T 5V7
http://www.sandersoncentre.ca
2009 Tourism Award Winners - Promotion & Marketing over 30,000
              519.752.9910         519.752.9910 ext. 202 /               1.800.265.0710         1.800.265.0710 /               519.752.1866         519.752.1866 fax
Take our programming survey at: http://www.surveymonkey.com
Be a fan of the Sanderson Centre on Facebook   http://www.facebook.com

For Immediate Release Source: Saint Lucia Tourist Board Contact: Bevan Springer, Marketplace Excellence  + 1 201 861-2056  + 1 201 861-2056                bevanspringer@nj.rr.com The Saint Lucia-bound Laura Izibor thrilled fans at SOB’s in New York City. Photograph available at: http://docs.google.com/View?id=dgsbbfz_2158g8qf6hhj SINGING STAR LAURA IZIBOR GETS READY FOR SAINT LUCIA JAZZ   NEW YORK (March 20, 2010) - Laura Izibor, the hard-working 22 year-old singing sensation, is gearing up for a thrilling performance at the 2010 Saint Lucia Jazz festival, from May 1 to 9 in Saint Lucia this year. Booked to perform on Wednesday, May 5 at the Gaiety indoor venue in Rodney Bay, the Irish soul singer recently delivered a show-stopping performance at New York’s SOB’s entertainment venue last month, after which she expressed her enthusiasm for visiting the Caribbean paradise. “I am excited, it’s also going to be my vacation,” she disclosed, while meeting fans backstage. “I plan on reaping all the benefits of Saint Lucia! I heard it’s a wonderful gig to do and I am honored to be asked, and really, really look forward to going out there,” she added, explaining that while her music has a lot of ballads, “the show has a lot of energy - it’s soulful and most importantly we’ll have fun!” Currently touring the US, Laura Izibor is described as one of Rolling Stone magazine’s “Artists to Watch” and her voice has been compared to greats like Aretha Franklin and Alicia Keys and her writing to that of Carole King and Joan Armatrading. This past week, the Dublin soul star met US President Barack Obama at the White House for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. “We have heard so much about Laura’s amazing career and we’re honored she’ll be here to share her gifts, talents and abilities with Saint Lucians as well as with visitors to the island,” said Senator Allen Chastanet, Saint Lucia’s Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation. “And in turn, we look forward to delivering the vacation of a lifetime to this incredible musician,” he said. For a full concert schedule with updates about the line-up and information about the island of Saint Lucia, call  1 (888) 4-STLUCIA  1 (888) 4-STLUCIA or visit www.stluciajazz.org or www.saintlucianow.com. Fans can also follow the Saint Lucia Tourist Board on Twitter at @SLTB2010 and on Facebook under the fan group, ‘Saint Lucia Jazz’. About Saint Lucia One of the Windward Islands of the West Indies’ Lesser Antilles, Saint Lucia (pronounced Saint LOO-sha) is nestled halfway down the Eastern Caribbean archipelago. The “Helen of the West Indies,” Saint Lucia is known for its natural beauty and diverse attractions, including the signature Piton Mountains - a UNESCO World Heritage Site - a tropical rainforest and one of the world’s few drive-in volcanoes. Culturally rich offerings include the bustling marketplace in the capital of Castries, quaint fishing villages along the coastline, and the annual Saint Lucia Jazz festival. Saint Lucia’s wide range of accommodations includes world-class five-star resorts, all-inclusive resorts, intimate inns and value-oriented properties. For information about the island of Saint Lucia, call  1 (888) 4-STLUCIA  1 (888) 4-STLUCIA , or visit www.saintlucianow.com.

Quick Links  Receive a FREE DVD and Brochures Learn more about the Jordan Specialist Course     Jordan Videos   Jordan: Magical Mystical Tour  Jordan: A Biblical Land Jordan: An Eco-Adventure Jordan: An Incentive Experience Voluntourism in JordanJordan: A Tale of Two Sisters Contact Us  US Toll Free:  (877) 733-5673  (877) 733-5673   Canada Toll Free:  (866) 416-1686  (866) 416-1686   contactus@visitjordan.com  Jordanians Thanked by Hurt Locker Director for Hospitality   As Jordan becomes a premier destination for Hollywood film makers with movies such as Transformers 2 and Hurt Locker, more and more directors are taking notice of this unique destination. And while Jordan asserts itself as the ideal backdrop for blockbuster movies, film crews are subjected to another one of Jordan’s many appealing aspects: the hospitality of its people.  Below is a testimony to Jordanian hospitality as mentioned by Hurt Locker’s director, Kathryn Bigelow during her Oscar-winning speech.    Kathryn Bigelow Speech Jordan Travel Mart 2010 a Success On February 21-23, 2010, over 100 Travel professionals from North and South America met with their Jordanian counterpart at the Third Annual Jordan Travel Mart in the Dead Sea. Media personnel from the US, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, and Jordan were also in attendance covering this three day event with Albert Herrera, Vice President of Hotels, Destinations, and Tours at Virtuoso, as well as Phil Otterson, President of the American Tourism Society as keynote speakers. Pre-scheduled one-on-one appointments between travel specialists along with workshops and presentations from the Airport International Group, led by CEO Curtis Grad, as well as Performance Media Group and Baxter Travel Media, were some of the highlights of the event. The Marriot Jordan Valley Dead Sea and Spa hosted the opening dinner with a Bedouin-style reception. The subsequent dinners took place at the Holiday Inn Resort Dead Sea and Movenpick Dead Sea, each boasting their own unique themes.   During the event itself, Jordanian officials were on hand to meet with the delegates. Among them were Senator Akel Biltaji, Mr. Nayef al-Fayez, Director of the Jordan Tourism Board, and HE Mrs. Maha al-Khatib, Minister of Tourism, who spoke at the opening breakfast, highlighting the different niche markets of the country while mentioning its diversity and uniqueness. The Jordan Tourism Board, North America would like to thank all the trade organizations as well as media personnel who made this event a great success.Jordan is a land of diversity that is inviting to every type of traveler, and because of the efforts of such people, more and more travelers are becoming aware of this unique destination VP Biden Visits Petra  (Jordan Times) US Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr. and his wife Jill visited the Nabataean city of Petra on March 12, 2010. Earlier in the day, he met with civil society representatives to discuss preparations for the upcoming elections and ongoing domestic reforms, according to a US embassy statement. Biden, who met with His Majesty King Abdullah on Thursday, concluded his two-day visit to Jordan by stopping at Petra before departing to Washington, the statement said. Marriot International to Add Fourth Hotel in Jordan in Aqaba 264-room JW Marriott Hotel Aqaba to open in 2013; Will be first luxury JW Marriott-branded property in Jordan  Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE:MAR) will open its first luxury JW Marriott hotel and fourth branded hotel in Jordan in 2013 in Aqaba under a recently-concluded agreement with Beaches for Hotels & Spas P.S.C., an affiliate of long-time Jordanian partner, Arab International Hotels Co.,  led by Chairman of the Board Nadim Muasher.  The 264-room JW Marriott Hotel Aqaba will be ideally situated on the northern beach of the Gulf of Aqaba immediately adjacent to the Aqaba Marina, creating a unique destination that connects the city and the sea. The site is located in the center of Aqaba and fronts onto a public beach on the Gulf and provides easy access to prized tourism destinations like Petra and Wadi Rum and all offshore reefs and water sports for which the Red Sea is famous. Aqaba International Airport is 10 minutes away.  The stylish, contemporary JW Marriott Hotel Aqaba will complement its exterior environs with public areas that offer space, light and excitement. It will feature a wide range of food & beverage offerings, including an informal, vibrant lobby lounge; a pool bar with a covered terrace; an all-day casual restaurant; a specialty steak outlet; a restaurant connected to the marina and a Champions sports bar.  Accommodations will be spacious and will offer the latest in modern guest services and amenities including wi-fi, flat screen television, internet access and other electronic capabilities.  For recreation, the hotel will have an exceptional state-of-the-art health and leisure club that will incorporate a spa and a gymnasium featuring a yoga room, Turkish bath, indoor and outdoor swimming pool and a children’s play center.  Guests will appreciate its executive lounge, book shop and business center. Other amenities include a spa shop, a gift shop and 12 additional retail outlets.  Wheelchair-Accessible Taxis to Hit the Streets Soon  (zawya.com) AMMAN — Persons with disabilities across the country will be able to get around in wheelchair-friendly taxis under a project being implemented by the Public Transport Regulatory Commission (PTRC). “The commission carried out a study last year on the taxi needs of six governorates,” PTRC Director General Jamil Mjahed told The Jordan Times yesterday, adding that the findings revealed an insufficient number of cabs in the Irbid, Zarqa, Jerash, Karak, Maan and Ajloun governorates. He indicated that last week the PTRC called on investors to operate 50 additional taxis in each taxi office in the concerned governorates and allocate “some” cabs to serve the needs of wheelchair-bound customers. “People with movement impairments in Jordan have difficulties in taking taxis… the commission is looking to make taxis wheelchair accessible to serve this segment of society,” Mjahed said, indicating that the move, if implemented, will be the first in the region. If you would like to remove your email address from the list simply reply to this e-mail with the word UNSUBSCRIBE.

The secret is out…diving in Grenada is some of the Caribbean’s best FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 18, 2010. (Grenada, W.I.) –The otherworldly, weightless experience of diving in Grenada and Carriacou is both exhilarating and awe-inspiring. As you drift silently through the clear blue waters of the Caribbean, surrounded by breathtaking scenery and abundant marine life, you are completely disconnected from the rest of the world, left to reflect on your incredible surroundings. More and more people are quickly discovering that Grenada and Carriacou is home to some of the best diving in the Caribbean. In fact, it is THE tropical destination for divers. Sharks, turtles, lobsters, stingrays, unlimited schools of small tropical fish and coral are just some of the marine life you’ll see diving. Whether you are a beginner looking to take a lesson or get your certification, or you are an experienced diver, the area has over 30 dive sites, with varying levels of difficulty, for divers to explore. Divers have the opportunity to dive at sites in both Grenada and Carriacou. The depth of most dive sites varies from 20ft to 120ft. The deepest site, the Bianca C, is actually home to the largest wreck in the Caribbean, making for an exhilarating and challenging dive experience. Grenada is the site of the world’s first Underwater Sculpture Park. Located at Molinere Bay, the original sculptures were designed by British sculptor Jason de Caires Taylor and were submerged at a number of sites. Snorkeling or diving in the Sculpture Park is a truly magical experience and a ‘must do’ for visitors to Grenada. The sculptures have had a positive impact on the underwater ecosystem by allowing for the creation of artificial reefs. “We are proud to be home to the world’s first Underwater Sculpture Park and I only hope that visitors to the island will take the opportunity to see these unique pieces of art while in Grenada,” said William Joseph, director of tourism for the Grenada Board of Tourism. “Visitors to the island are quickly discovering that we have some of the best diving in the Caribbean and we continue to see diving grow in popularity.” In order to ensure the maintenance and further development of the site, the Underwater Park Action Group was established. Seven new sculptures will soon be added to the Park, the first of which was recently completed. Titled ‘The Silent Cry’, the sculpture was designed to capture the feel of the trees within Grenada’s rainforest. Created by Rene Froelich and produced along with craftsman Jefferson Thomas, it is the largest sculpture to date, standing 7ft tall. Grenada is home to numerous reputable dive operators, all of whom are regulated by the Grenada Scuba Diving Association. Members of the Diving Association all carry international affiliations such as PADI, NAUI and BSAC. Dive companies in Grenada and Carriacou are all strongly committed to preserving the underwater environment and regulations are in place to ensure their preservation. Damaging coral by anchor, chains and other means is strictly prohibited. No marine life may be taken from the waters while diving or snorkeling and use of a spear gun, Hawaiian sling, pole spear or seine net is not permitted without the proper license. Dive sites in Grenada include the following: Bianca C – On this advanced deep dive you’ll explore the largest wreck in the Caribbean. The 600-foot cruise ship sank in 1961 and has become a popular dive site. At 167ft, this advanced dive requires a checkout dive. Boss Reef – This extensive reef consists of three main dive sites, where you’ll see a variety of underwater life. Grenada Marine Park, Happy Valley & Flamingo Bay – This sheltered bay is the perfect spot for beginner divers; close to shore some of the most abundant fish life can be found. Hema 1 Wreck – Home to barracuda, nurse sharks, turtles and pelagic fish, this site is at a depth of 110ft. Kick ‘em Jenny – Full of rare and plentiful marine life, Kick ‘em Jenny is a submarine volcano. King Mitchell – This is one of the best advanced diving sites found in Grenada. Four miles out in the Atlantic Ocean, the wreck of a minesweeper can be found. Kohanee – This is one of Grenada’s most colourful reefs and you are certain to see plenty of marine life when diving here. Dragon Bay, Molinere Reef & Bucaneer Wreck – The wall portion of this dive is suitable for beginners along the top and advanced divers along the bottom. Inhabited by seahorses, lobsters and the occasional stingray, there is plenty to see at Molinere Reef. The reef begins at 20ft underwater, slopes to a wall at 35ft and drops to 65ft where the Bucaneer Wreck, a 43-foot yacht can be found. Purple Rain – Home to angelfish, lobster, turtles, green moray eels and stingrays, this reef dive will not disappoint. Quarter Wreck – This wreck lies on the edge of Grand reef and has beautiful coral formations and large schools of fish in the deeper parts. Red Buoy – An 18th century wreck, now visible as clumps of coral, can be seen on this dive. San Juan Wreck – Also known as shark wreck, this site is a resting spot for nurse sharks. Shakem Wreck – The inter-island freighter visible at this dive site has been overgrown with coral and remains fully intact. Shark Reef – At a depth of 60ft, divers will often see sleeping nurse sharks, giant channel clinging crabs, lobster, moray eels, turtles and reef sharks. Spice Island Reef – This is the ideal spot for beginners to learn how to dive. Three Wrecks – This site is home to the remains of a cargo ship, yet is rarely dived due to strong currents. Veronica L. – This small cargo vessel can be found in 50ft of water schooled by Creole wrasses and chromis. Whibble Reef – During this advanced drift dive, you’re likely to see schools of jack, runner and wrasse. Turtles, eagle rays and the occasional sleeping sand shark can also be seen among the brown coral. Windmill Shallows – This narrow ridge is 20ft to 30ft wide and many schools of fish can be seen on this dive. Dive sites in Carriacou include the following: Barracuda Point – For experienced divers only, this site provides many stunning photo opportunities. Deep Blue-Carriacou – Sloping from 27ft to 130ft, this reef sometimes has strong currents. Divers Surprise – This reef slopes from 20ft to 75ft and barracuda, snapper, flamingo tongue, moray eels, lobster and crab can be found here. Magic Garden – The wreck of a small tugboat can be seen on this dive, along with a rock-garden and ‘champagne’ bubbles from volcanic activity. Millennium 2000 – As this site has no strong currents, it is well suited for beginners and night diving. Sharky’s Hideaway – Divers can expect to see nurse sharks, along with green moray eels and porcupine fish. Twin Sisters – This dive, for experienced divers only, is one of the most spectacular in the region. Western Adventure – This dive site is suitable for both beginners and experienced divers. It is a good location for underwater photography, as well as night diving. World of Dreams – When diving this reef you are likely to see stingray, angelfish, turtles and giant soft coral. Wreck of the Westsider – This spectacular wreck dive can be found at a depth of 90ft and is suitable for experienced divers only. The following dive sites can only be accessed during dive trips to Isle de Rhonde: The Deep Blue – At this dive site there is a steep wall covered with beautiful sea fans and sponges. Ending in the shallow reef, you’ll see star coral boulders, which provide shelter for nurse sharks, lobsters and moray eels. Sister Islands – This dive site is centered around a grouping of three rocks, hence the name Sister Islands. Diamond Rock – The rock divides the currents and it is an excellent spot to see both turtles and sharks.   About Grenada Board of Tourism - The Grenada Board of Tourism (GBT) objective is to market and promote Grenada as a preferred year round Caribbean tourist destination, while also providing technical and managerial support to the travel trade, industry partners and airlines. For more information on Grenada contact the Grenada Board of Tourism office in Toronto at  416-595-1339  416-595-1339 , email at tourism@grenadaconsulate.com or visit www.grenadagrenadines.com How to Get to Grenada from Canada - Grenada can be reached via Air Canada Vacations that operates a seasonal direct flight from Toronto to Grenada until April 2010 (Sunday departure with easy connections from major Canadian gateways available at www.aircanadavacations.com ). AC operates daily flights from Toronto to Barbados (Saturday & Sunday departure from Montreal) with connections on LIAT to Grenada. Caribbean Airlines operate regularly scheduled flights from Toronto to Barbados and Trinidad with connections on LIAT to Grenada. GG Tours and Titan Tours operate seasonal charter services (www.ggtours.ca and www.titantours.com ). West Jet operates a flight from Toronto to Barbados with connections on LIAT to Grenada year round. American Airlines operates a non-stop flight three times per week from Miami to Grenada.

		Zürich Tourism Newsletter | March 18, 2010 Content: > ZürichPICASSO: Accommodation & Tickets to an Exclusive Exhibition > Take a Spring Trip to Zürich > ZürichCONCIERGE Excellent Service > Shopping in the Zürich Region > Agenda
		> Pablo Picasso Retrospective in Zürich   ZürichPICASSO: Accommodation & Tickets to an Exclusive Exhibition   From October 15, 2010, to January 30, 2011, the Kunsthaus, Zürich’s Museum of Fine Arts, is displaying a unique exhibition by Pablo Picasso with 70 originals from the most famous international collections. Exclusive – only in Zürich! At Zürich Tourism, you can reserve tickets and accommodation at the same time – at unbeatable prices. Zürich Tourism is also the official advance ticket office for admission tickets without accommodation. Reserve tickets now      > Celebrate Easter in Zürich   Take a Spring Trip to Zürich   Spend a fantastic Easter weekend in Zürich! Choose from diverse offerings including art exhibitions, concerts, boat tours, or an excursion to Europe’s largest waterfall, and benefit from our accommodation specials. Zürich tips for Easter 2010      > Excellent service from Zürich Tourism   ZürichCONCIERGE Excellent Service   With ZürichCONCIERGE, Zürich Tourism offers the perfect range of services. Zürich Tourism is doing everything possible to guarantee guests an exclusive stay and an unforgettable time in Zürich. That’s why the tourism organization launched the new Zürich Concierge service in the first quarter of 2010. This service fulfills the high demands of the premium segment and includes advice and hotel reservations, exclusive shopping tours, insider tips about the bar and restaurant scene, and the organizing of unforgettable excursions. Guests have the option of choosing whether Zürich Concierge plans every detail of their stay in this city on the River Limmat, or only specific programs. Zürich Concierge      > Celebrate spring with a Swiss shopping tour   Shopping in the Zürich Region   Discover shopping all over again. The Zürich region is full of great opportunities to enjoy limitless shopping excursions while in pursuit of those must-have items. Baden – Take a relaxing stroll through the cosmopolitan Badstrasse shopping district Winterthur – A design tour full of surprises Lake Zürich – Visit the lovely, fresh and popular Friday market in Rapperswil Click here to learn more      > Agenda   Zurich Festival Friday, 06.18.2010 – Sunday, 07.11.2010 Once again, the Zurich Festival provides another unique combination of opera, concerts, dance, theater, and art performances. > more   Züri Fäscht Festival Friday, 07.02.2010 – Sunday 07.04.2010 Hundreds of thousands of visitors take part in Switzerland‘s largest festival each year. The Züri Fäscht offers fun and entertainment for all ages and tastes, with activities on land, in the water, and in the air, centered around the lakeshore and throughout the entire city center. The different rides are exciting, the air show and high-wire acrobatics breathtaking, the countless concerts and mobile discos exhilarating, and the two large musical firework displays on Friday and Saturday evening over the lake are definitely spectacular events not to be missed. > more   Ironman Switzerland Sunday, 07.25.2010 Ironman Switzerland is an official qualifying competition for the Hawaii Ironman. Athletes from 49 countries, including national and international elite triathletes, will be at the starting line. A large area directly on Lake Zürich offers visitors a diverse sports and entertainment experience with a special children‘s zone, party tent, and other attractions. > more   Museum of Design: Paradies Schweiz Wednesday, 03.17.2010 – Sunday, 07.25.2010 The poster exhibition “Paradies Schweiz” (Swiss Paradise) explores the mythos of Switzerland and combines unmistakable advertising examples from 1900 up to today within a visual dialog. > more more events   Note: This Newsletter is sent to you by Zürich Tourism. If you no longer wish to receive this Newsletter, you can unsubscribe by clicking on the link below. Zürich Tourism cannot be held liable for links to third-party websites and their contents. Published by: Zürich Tourism P.O. Box CH-8021 Zürich Tel.  +41 44 215 40 00  +41 44 215 40 00 Editorial department:  redaktion@zuerich.com