Baltimore, MD–6/25/2009—The 2009 monsoon season will soon arrive in the Asian territories and culicine mosquito populations are expected to increase. “These mosquitoes may carry the virus that causes Japanese Encephalitis (JE), which kills 10-15,000 people each year,” warned Fran Lessans, CEO of Passport Health, the largest provider of travel medical services in the U.S. A new vaccine called Ixiaro® has been approved by the FDA, and is ready for distribution in the United States. Some Passport Health’s offices will have both JE-VAX® and Ixiaro® until JE-VAX® is phased out. “The new vaccine is good for adults over 18 so we still have to use JE-VAX® for the younger population,” concluded Lessans. Both vaccines protect against JE.
Monsoons flood areas with fresh rain water and this attracts culicine mosquitoes which may carry the virus that causes Japanese Encephalitis. 30,000-50,000 people are infected each year. An educational video is available here (http://bit.ly/BmP6I).
China, Korea, Japan, Taiwan and Thailand have seen epidemics of Japanese Encephalitis. The CDC explains that the disease is controlled primarily by vaccination in these areas. “Vaccination is the best prevention for this potentially deadly disease,” cautioned Lessans, whose clients’ number one travel destination is India, followed by China. “JE is endemic in northeastern India and we see outbreaks in China as well.”
The new JE vaccine is given in a 2-shot series, 28 days apart, while JE-VAX® requires 3 doses. The FDA has approved the new vaccine and it is already available at some Passport Health offices.
Japanese Encephalitis is a serious infection which occurs in certain rural parts of Asia and it’s transmitted by the bite of infected mosquitoes. It causes the brain to swell and symptoms of severe infections include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, abnormal movements, occasional convulsions (especially in infants), coma, and paralysis. About 1 in 4 of such cases results in death.
“In addition to being vaccinated travelers need to know how to use the correct type of mosquito repellent and other precautionary measures,” cautioned Lessans. She went on to offer some tips for travelers:
• Remain in well-screened areas whenever possible
• Wear clothes that cover most of the body
• Use an insect repellent containing 20%-30% DEET on skin.
• Spray Permethrin on clothes, bedding and mosquito nets
For more information visit www.passporthealthusa.com or call 888-499-(PASS)
***
Jorge Castillo
410-727-0556
Jorge.castillo@passporthealthusa.com
Jun 25, 2009
Jun 20, 2009
Going on Faith quoted in Associated Press article
Spiritual destinations’ reach mind, body, soul - MSNBC
WRTA Partner and Going on Faith editor Brian Jewell is quoted in this Associated Press story on religious travel.
Read full story at: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/31174070/ns/travel-destinations/
Church group travel remains strong in spite of the recession, said Brian Jewell, the editor of "Going on Faith," a publication for faith-based travel planners. "Because of the importance that people place in their faith, they come up with the means or make other sacrifices to take that trip once or twice a year," Jewell said. Jewell also said church groups tend to travel in larger numbers, allowing visitors to get better price discounts.
WRTA Partner and Going on Faith editor Brian Jewell is quoted in this Associated Press story on religious travel.
Read full story at: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/31174070/ns/travel-destinations/
Church group travel remains strong in spite of the recession, said Brian Jewell, the editor of "Going on Faith," a publication for faith-based travel planners. "Because of the importance that people place in their faith, they come up with the means or make other sacrifices to take that trip once or twice a year," Jewell said. Jewell also said church groups tend to travel in larger numbers, allowing visitors to get better price discounts.
Jun 19, 2009
New Israel tourism minister to focus on promoting Israel as the holy land
Full article at http://ehotelier.com/hospitality-news/item.php?id=P16479
Jun 19, 09
Just weeks after his May 2009 appointment by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as Israel's Minister of Tourism, Stas Misezhnikov, has ordered a major refocusing of the Ministry's overseas promotional efforts to place greater emphasis on Israel as the land holy to the three monotheistic religions. "What Israel needs to focus more on," Misezhnikov recently declared, "is what other countries don't have, or in other words: the Holy Land. Israel is holy to Judaism, Christianity and Islam, and the increasing focus of the tourism ministry today is to promote Israel as such."
Misezhnikov is petitioning his government for a virtual doubling of the Ministry of Tourism's promotional budget, with an aim to spending close to $100 million in 2010. "I know there's a global economic crisis but that's exactly the reason we need the money for marketing now," he underscores, "because when the world gets out of this crisis, not too long from now, we need to be ready so we don't miss the train.
Tourism to Israel in 2008 broke the all-time record, with more Americans, and more international visitors coming to Israel than ever before. "And while tourism to many countries is suffering decreases of 30, 40, 50 percent this year because of the recession," commented Arie Sommer, Israel Tourism Commissioner, North and South America, "2009 tourism to Israel is down just 13% - a result that is deeply encouraging for the long-term health of Israel's tourism industry."
Jun 19, 09
Just weeks after his May 2009 appointment by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as Israel's Minister of Tourism, Stas Misezhnikov, has ordered a major refocusing of the Ministry's overseas promotional efforts to place greater emphasis on Israel as the land holy to the three monotheistic religions. "What Israel needs to focus more on," Misezhnikov recently declared, "is what other countries don't have, or in other words: the Holy Land. Israel is holy to Judaism, Christianity and Islam, and the increasing focus of the tourism ministry today is to promote Israel as such."
Misezhnikov is petitioning his government for a virtual doubling of the Ministry of Tourism's promotional budget, with an aim to spending close to $100 million in 2010. "I know there's a global economic crisis but that's exactly the reason we need the money for marketing now," he underscores, "because when the world gets out of this crisis, not too long from now, we need to be ready so we don't miss the train.
Tourism to Israel in 2008 broke the all-time record, with more Americans, and more international visitors coming to Israel than ever before. "And while tourism to many countries is suffering decreases of 30, 40, 50 percent this year because of the recession," commented Arie Sommer, Israel Tourism Commissioner, North and South America, "2009 tourism to Israel is down just 13% - a result that is deeply encouraging for the long-term health of Israel's tourism industry."
Jun 18, 2009
The Top 10 Health Tips for International Travel
Passport Health http://www.passporthealthusa.com
DENVER -- Michelle Reesman, RN, executive director of Passport Health Colorado, says far too many international travelers, from business travelers to the more adventurous types, leave home without taking the basic steps she suggests below. "People need to put the same kind of preparation into their health as they do into their destination choice, passport acquisition or flight plans," Reesman advises.
1. Get advice from a travel health professional. Four to six weeks before departure, consult a travel medicine specialist for the most up-to-date immunization, malaria recommendations and consultation. They can answer your questions and prepare you for a safe and healthy trip. It's important to get your immunizations early, as some of the vaccines take time to effectively protect you.
2. Protect yourself from disease-bearing insects. Wear protective clothing and use products containing 20 percent to 30 percent DEET, the insect repellant permethrin and bed nets.
3. Never go barefoot, even on the beach.
4. Make sure your water is purified. Do not use tap water when brushing your teeth.
5. Consume only well-cooked food. Fruits and veggies? Peel it, boil it or forget it!
6. Pre-fill your prescriptions, they may not be available at your destination. Take extra in case your trip is extended. In some countries counterfeit medications can be a problem. Carry medications in their original packaging and pack in your carry-on luggage.
7. Don't swim in rivers, lakes, ponds and streams. Well-chlorinated pools and salt water are usually considered safe.
8. Take a basic first aid kit. Include medications for pain relief, such as ibuprofen and Tylenol, topical preparations for minor skin wounds and infections, and medications for allergic reactions. Consider presumptive treatment (Imodium and an antibiotic) for traveler's diarrhea. Discuss the appropriate antibiotics for your destination with a travel health specialist.
9. Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of medical problems among tourists. Avoid riding motorcycles or wear a helmet and don't drink and drive. Wear a seatbelt and only travel during daylight hours.
10. Purchase travel insurance that includes emergency medical evacuation. Most medical insurance plans aren't accepted when you travel internationally.
Source: Passport Health Colorado
DENVER -- Michelle Reesman, RN, executive director of Passport Health Colorado, says far too many international travelers, from business travelers to the more adventurous types, leave home without taking the basic steps she suggests below. "People need to put the same kind of preparation into their health as they do into their destination choice, passport acquisition or flight plans," Reesman advises.
1. Get advice from a travel health professional. Four to six weeks before departure, consult a travel medicine specialist for the most up-to-date immunization, malaria recommendations and consultation. They can answer your questions and prepare you for a safe and healthy trip. It's important to get your immunizations early, as some of the vaccines take time to effectively protect you.
2. Protect yourself from disease-bearing insects. Wear protective clothing and use products containing 20 percent to 30 percent DEET, the insect repellant permethrin and bed nets.
3. Never go barefoot, even on the beach.
4. Make sure your water is purified. Do not use tap water when brushing your teeth.
5. Consume only well-cooked food. Fruits and veggies? Peel it, boil it or forget it!
6. Pre-fill your prescriptions, they may not be available at your destination. Take extra in case your trip is extended. In some countries counterfeit medications can be a problem. Carry medications in their original packaging and pack in your carry-on luggage.
7. Don't swim in rivers, lakes, ponds and streams. Well-chlorinated pools and salt water are usually considered safe.
8. Take a basic first aid kit. Include medications for pain relief, such as ibuprofen and Tylenol, topical preparations for minor skin wounds and infections, and medications for allergic reactions. Consider presumptive treatment (Imodium and an antibiotic) for traveler's diarrhea. Discuss the appropriate antibiotics for your destination with a travel health specialist.
9. Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of medical problems among tourists. Avoid riding motorcycles or wear a helmet and don't drink and drive. Wear a seatbelt and only travel during daylight hours.
10. Purchase travel insurance that includes emergency medical evacuation. Most medical insurance plans aren't accepted when you travel internationally.
Source: Passport Health Colorado
Jun 13, 2009
Taking the Bite Out of Travel/Passport Health
WRTA Member Passport Health interviewed by Wall Street Journal
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124459335008800343.html#
.....Likewise, some travelers throw caution to the wind in an effort to have genuine local experiences. "People do crazy things when they are on vacation and take risks they would never think of at home," says Fran Lessans, a nurse who is founder and chief executive of Passport Health, which operates 167 travel-medicine clinics around the U.S. and provides vaccination services to the federal government.
......Travelers can obtain preventive care from their doctor or a private clinic. Passport Health charges $48 for a pre-travel consultation. It also offers vaccinations and kits that include medicine for diarrhea and a 12-hour controlled release mosquito repellent.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124459335008800343.html#
.....Likewise, some travelers throw caution to the wind in an effort to have genuine local experiences. "People do crazy things when they are on vacation and take risks they would never think of at home," says Fran Lessans, a nurse who is founder and chief executive of Passport Health, which operates 167 travel-medicine clinics around the U.S. and provides vaccination services to the federal government.
......Travelers can obtain preventive care from their doctor or a private clinic. Passport Health charges $48 for a pre-travel consultation. It also offers vaccinations and kits that include medicine for diarrhea and a 12-hour controlled release mosquito repellent.
Apr 29, 2009
WRTA publishes Religious Travel Buyer's Guide
Never before has a guide to the $18 billion faith tourism and hospitality marketplace been produced and distributed throughout North America and around the world. This is extraordinary considering religious travel is one of the oldest and fastest growing segments of the travel industry. Thanks to the debut of the WRTA Religious Travel Buyers Guide, you now possess the definitive “go to” publication for faith-based travel opportunities and networking.
The timing of this publication could not be better. In 2008, the WRTA hosted the World Religious Travel Expo, the first-ever gathering of the faith tourism marketplace featuring hundreds of travel organizations, professionals, and planners from 30 countries. This remarkable event officially ushered in a new era of religious travel and hospitality.
What is the New Era of Religious Travel & Hospitality?
Today, faith-based travel appeals to all ages, comprises a diverse range of travel experiences, encompasses destinations both near and afar, and is driven by a desire for quality products and services.
How can I make the most of the WRTA Religious Travel Buyers Guide?
Be pro-active in using this authoritative guide to the “Who’s Who” in the faith tourism industry. Mark up this book; highlight it; make notes in it. Whether you are a member of the travel trade, group planner, religious leader, or a faith community—you can use this compendium to network with and/or learn about providers, destinations and suppliers specializing in travel products and services for religious travelers and groups.
What types of companies, products, services, and faith vacation opportunities can I find in the WRTA Religious Travel Buyer’s Guide?
Tour operators
Travel agencies
Tourist offices
Visitors bureaus
Travel wholesalers
Cruise agencies
Attractions
Travel Trade Assoc.
Incoming/receptives
Hotels/lodging
Religious sites
Cruise lines
Air services
Airport parking
Safari operators
Rail/train services
Travel health
Event services
Retail services
Travel insurance
How can I get more copies of the WRTA Religious Travel Buyer’s Guide? How can our organization be featured in future editions? Contact the World Religious Travel Association at www.WRTAreligioustravel.com; 888.255.WRTA (9782), ext. 101.
The timing of this publication could not be better. In 2008, the WRTA hosted the World Religious Travel Expo, the first-ever gathering of the faith tourism marketplace featuring hundreds of travel organizations, professionals, and planners from 30 countries. This remarkable event officially ushered in a new era of religious travel and hospitality.
What is the New Era of Religious Travel & Hospitality?
Today, faith-based travel appeals to all ages, comprises a diverse range of travel experiences, encompasses destinations both near and afar, and is driven by a desire for quality products and services.
How can I make the most of the WRTA Religious Travel Buyers Guide?
Be pro-active in using this authoritative guide to the “Who’s Who” in the faith tourism industry. Mark up this book; highlight it; make notes in it. Whether you are a member of the travel trade, group planner, religious leader, or a faith community—you can use this compendium to network with and/or learn about providers, destinations and suppliers specializing in travel products and services for religious travelers and groups.
What types of companies, products, services, and faith vacation opportunities can I find in the WRTA Religious Travel Buyer’s Guide?
Tour operators
Travel agencies
Tourist offices
Visitors bureaus
Travel wholesalers
Cruise agencies
Attractions
Travel Trade Assoc.
Incoming/receptives
Hotels/lodging
Religious sites
Cruise lines
Air services
Airport parking
Safari operators
Rail/train services
Travel health
Event services
Retail services
Travel insurance
How can I get more copies of the WRTA Religious Travel Buyer’s Guide? How can our organization be featured in future editions? Contact the World Religious Travel Association at www.WRTAreligioustravel.com; 888.255.WRTA (9782), ext. 101.
Apr 13, 2009
40%+ Surge in Pilgrims to Israel
43-percent surge in Christian pilgrims
The Jerusalem Post
By ETGAR LEFKOVITS
To read the full story, click here: http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1238562896531&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull
Christian tourism to Israel has increased by 17 percent since Pope John Paul II visited nine years ago, the Tourism Ministry said on Thursday.
Nearly 1.8 million of the 3 million tourists who came to Israel last year were Christians, the ministry said. In 2000, 1.5 million Christians came.
The number of Christian visitors from Eastern Europe and Africa was up dramatically in 2008 compared to 2000, while the figures for Western Europe and Asia fell.
Meanwhile, there was a 40% increase in Christians from the United States visiting Israel last year compared to the year 2000, while there were fewer visitors from Latin America, including a 64% drop from Argentina and 37% decrease from Mexico.
Last year, more than a million incoming tourists defined themselves as Catholic, 300,000 as Protestant, 360,000 as "other Christian," and 75,000 as Evangelicals, according to the Tourism Ministry statistics that were released during a tour of Christian holy sites in Nazareth ahead of the Pope Benedict XVI's visit to the Holy Land next month.
Meanwhile, the number of Christian visitors who defined themselves as pilgrims shot up a whopping 43% over the last eight years, with more than one million in 2008 - more than half of the Christian visitors - calling themselves pilgrims.
The pope will visit the Holy Land between May 11 and 15, with stops that will include Jerusalem, Bethlehem and Nazareth.
The ministry hopes the papal visit will be an impetus to further increase Christian pilgrimages to the Holy Land, as was the case in the months after John Paul's visit in 2000. Last year was a record year for tourism to Israel.
The Jerusalem Post
By ETGAR LEFKOVITS
To read the full story, click here: http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1238562896531&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull
Christian tourism to Israel has increased by 17 percent since Pope John Paul II visited nine years ago, the Tourism Ministry said on Thursday.
Nearly 1.8 million of the 3 million tourists who came to Israel last year were Christians, the ministry said. In 2000, 1.5 million Christians came.
The number of Christian visitors from Eastern Europe and Africa was up dramatically in 2008 compared to 2000, while the figures for Western Europe and Asia fell.
Meanwhile, there was a 40% increase in Christians from the United States visiting Israel last year compared to the year 2000, while there were fewer visitors from Latin America, including a 64% drop from Argentina and 37% decrease from Mexico.
Last year, more than a million incoming tourists defined themselves as Catholic, 300,000 as Protestant, 360,000 as "other Christian," and 75,000 as Evangelicals, according to the Tourism Ministry statistics that were released during a tour of Christian holy sites in Nazareth ahead of the Pope Benedict XVI's visit to the Holy Land next month.
Meanwhile, the number of Christian visitors who defined themselves as pilgrims shot up a whopping 43% over the last eight years, with more than one million in 2008 - more than half of the Christian visitors - calling themselves pilgrims.
The pope will visit the Holy Land between May 11 and 15, with stops that will include Jerusalem, Bethlehem and Nazareth.
The ministry hopes the papal visit will be an impetus to further increase Christian pilgrimages to the Holy Land, as was the case in the months after John Paul's visit in 2000. Last year was a record year for tourism to Israel.
Nov 24, 2008
Travel Guard Helping Religious Travelers
TRAVEL GUARD HELPING RELIGIOUS TRAVELERS
Leading travel insurance plan provider launches the Faith Travel Plan for religious-destination travelers just in time for religious holiday season
Stevens Point, WI, October TK, 2008 – According to the Travel Industry Association of America, one in four Americans is interested in faith-based travel*. The size of the faith-based travel industry is estimated at $18 billion**. This month, Travel Guard announced the launch of a new travel insurance offering – the Faith Travel Plan – developed to appeal to this growing market. The new plan is a novel approach to meeting the travel insurance needs of travelers embarking on mission trips, pilgrimages, volunteer vacations, conferences and retreats. In addition to enhanced coverage options, the Faith Travel Plan features specialized concierge services to help customers who may feel “out of their element” traveling to religious destinations around the world.
"The travel agency partners we work with who specialize in faith-based travel asked us to develop a program specific to their clients’ needs," said Tom Zavadsky, Travel Guard Executive Vice President. "We continually look for innovative ways to develop travel insurance programs that meet the needs of our travel partners and their clients. Travel Guard's Faith Travel Plan provides these travelers with enhanced worldwide coverages as well as customized services such as last-minute safety advisories or travel information specific to their upcoming mission trip or pilgrimage."
Faith Travel Plan featured coverages:
• Trip cancellation coverage up to $100,000 – High coverage limit if overseas travel must be cancelled for reasons such as sickness of religious pilgrimage traveling companion or financial default of mission tour operator.
• Children 17 and under at no additional charge – Ideal for religious-oriented family travel, the Faith Travel Plan includes coverage for children under age 17 at no additional cost.
• Medical Evacuation – Medical coverage for insureds whether traveling in religious groups, individuals or families that includes medical evacuation and transportation to the hospital of choice or home in the event of an unforeseen incident.
• Cancel for Any Reason – The Faith Travel Plan reimburses up to 50% of the trip cost if the insured(s) cancels a covered trip for any reason, up to 48 hours prior to departure.
• Cruise, airline, and tour operator default coverage
Included in the plan is a Faith Traveler’s 24-hour hotline with specialized concierge services giving religious travelers convenient access to worldwide religious destination information, urgent message relay to friends and worship leaders and pre-trip health and safety advisories. Plus, LiveTravel emergency assistance services offer an around-the-clock travel hotline for finding alternative flight options, rebooking flights, replacing lost travel documents and making hotel and rental car reservations.
Travel Guard is one of the nation’s leading providers of travel insurance plans, and markets its plans through over 12,000 travel companies throughout the United States. For more information on Travel Guard, log onto www.travelguard.com. Travel agents with questions on the Faith Travel Plan or any of Travel Guard’s comprehensive range of travel insurance plans can call Travel Guard’s 24-hour World Service Center at 800.826.1300.
Travel Guard Group, Inc. (“Travel Guard”) is one of America's leading providers of travel insurance and assistance services plans for more than 6 million travelers each year. Travel insurance plans through Travel Guard are distributed by more than 12,000 travel agents across the United States.
Travel insurance through Travel Guard may include coverage for trip cancellation, travel interruptions and delays, emergency medical expenses, medical evacuation expenses, and lost or delayed baggage. Most of the plans available through Travel Guard also include 24-hour travel assistance services† for emergency medical assistance, last-minute or emergency travel changes, lost luggage tracking, pre-trip travel advice, and more.
Insurance is underwritten by National Union Fire Insurance Company of Pittsburgh, Pa, with its principal place of business in New York, NY. The Policy will contain reductions, limitations, exclusions and termination provisions. All coverages may not be available in all states. †Assistance services provided by Travel Guard Assist.
* Travel Industry Association of America, November, 2006.
**The International Conference on Religious Tourism, 2006.
###
Leading travel insurance plan provider launches the Faith Travel Plan for religious-destination travelers just in time for religious holiday season
Stevens Point, WI, October TK, 2008 – According to the Travel Industry Association of America, one in four Americans is interested in faith-based travel*. The size of the faith-based travel industry is estimated at $18 billion**. This month, Travel Guard announced the launch of a new travel insurance offering – the Faith Travel Plan – developed to appeal to this growing market. The new plan is a novel approach to meeting the travel insurance needs of travelers embarking on mission trips, pilgrimages, volunteer vacations, conferences and retreats. In addition to enhanced coverage options, the Faith Travel Plan features specialized concierge services to help customers who may feel “out of their element” traveling to religious destinations around the world.
"The travel agency partners we work with who specialize in faith-based travel asked us to develop a program specific to their clients’ needs," said Tom Zavadsky, Travel Guard Executive Vice President. "We continually look for innovative ways to develop travel insurance programs that meet the needs of our travel partners and their clients. Travel Guard's Faith Travel Plan provides these travelers with enhanced worldwide coverages as well as customized services such as last-minute safety advisories or travel information specific to their upcoming mission trip or pilgrimage."
Faith Travel Plan featured coverages:
• Trip cancellation coverage up to $100,000 – High coverage limit if overseas travel must be cancelled for reasons such as sickness of religious pilgrimage traveling companion or financial default of mission tour operator.
• Children 17 and under at no additional charge – Ideal for religious-oriented family travel, the Faith Travel Plan includes coverage for children under age 17 at no additional cost.
• Medical Evacuation – Medical coverage for insureds whether traveling in religious groups, individuals or families that includes medical evacuation and transportation to the hospital of choice or home in the event of an unforeseen incident.
• Cancel for Any Reason – The Faith Travel Plan reimburses up to 50% of the trip cost if the insured(s) cancels a covered trip for any reason, up to 48 hours prior to departure.
• Cruise, airline, and tour operator default coverage
Included in the plan is a Faith Traveler’s 24-hour hotline with specialized concierge services giving religious travelers convenient access to worldwide religious destination information, urgent message relay to friends and worship leaders and pre-trip health and safety advisories. Plus, LiveTravel emergency assistance services offer an around-the-clock travel hotline for finding alternative flight options, rebooking flights, replacing lost travel documents and making hotel and rental car reservations.
Travel Guard is one of the nation’s leading providers of travel insurance plans, and markets its plans through over 12,000 travel companies throughout the United States. For more information on Travel Guard, log onto www.travelguard.com. Travel agents with questions on the Faith Travel Plan or any of Travel Guard’s comprehensive range of travel insurance plans can call Travel Guard’s 24-hour World Service Center at 800.826.1300.
Travel Guard Group, Inc. (“Travel Guard”) is one of America's leading providers of travel insurance and assistance services plans for more than 6 million travelers each year. Travel insurance plans through Travel Guard are distributed by more than 12,000 travel agents across the United States.
Travel insurance through Travel Guard may include coverage for trip cancellation, travel interruptions and delays, emergency medical expenses, medical evacuation expenses, and lost or delayed baggage. Most of the plans available through Travel Guard also include 24-hour travel assistance services† for emergency medical assistance, last-minute or emergency travel changes, lost luggage tracking, pre-trip travel advice, and more.
Insurance is underwritten by National Union Fire Insurance Company of Pittsburgh, Pa, with its principal place of business in New York, NY. The Policy will contain reductions, limitations, exclusions and termination provisions. All coverages may not be available in all states. †Assistance services provided by Travel Guard Assist.
* Travel Industry Association of America, November, 2006.
**The International Conference on Religious Tourism, 2006.
###
Sep 27, 2008
World's Leading Cruise LInes Launch New Website
WORLD’S LEADING CRUISE LINES LAUNCHES NEW WEBSITE TO ENHANCE CONSUMER AWARENESS OF MEMBER LINES
MIAMI (September 23, 2008) — World’s Leading Cruise Lines (WLCL), a marketing alliance between Carnival Corporation & plc’s six brands serving the North American market – Carnival Cruise Lines, Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Cunard Line, Costa Cruises, and The Yachts of Seabourn – has created a new website to provide a one-stop resource for exploring the full range of quality cruising experiences available to consumers today.
Created to enhance awareness with both consumers and travel agents, WLCL’s new website www.worldsleadingcruiselines.com provides insight into each brand’s fleet, shipboard experiences and popular destinations. Videos featuring each brand are provided as well as links to member lines.
“Each brand contributed content and imagery, allowing guests and travel agents to more fully appreciate the diverse features and amenities offered by the World’s Leading Cruise Lines, each a leader in its specific market segment,” said Bill Harber, Carnival Corporation’s Director of Marketing.
WLCL is part of Carnival Corporation & plc and capitalizes on the array of ships, destinations, durations, and cruising styles that are available for excellent vacation choices. WLCL also provides a number of cross-market opportunities for its brands, including joint research and advertising, trade and affinity group sponsorships, and active participation in a number of cruise industry functions and events.
Carnival Corporation & plc is the largest cruise vacation group in the world, with a portfolio of brands in North America, Europe and Australia, comprised of AIDA, Carnival Cruise Lines, Costa Cruises, Cunard Line, Holland America Line, Ibero Cruises, Ocean Village, P&O Cruises, P&O Cruises Australia, Princess Cruises, and The Yachts of Seabourn.
Together, these brands operate 88 ships totaling more than 167,000 lower berths with 18 new ships scheduled to be delivered between October 2008 and June 2012. Carnival Corporation & plc also operates Holland America Tours and Princess Tours, the leading tour companies in Alaska and the Canadian Yukon. Traded on both the New York and London Stock Exchanges, Carnival Corporation & plc is the only group in the world to be included in both the S&P 500 and the FTSE 100 indices.
MIAMI (September 23, 2008) — World’s Leading Cruise Lines (WLCL), a marketing alliance between Carnival Corporation & plc’s six brands serving the North American market – Carnival Cruise Lines, Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Cunard Line, Costa Cruises, and The Yachts of Seabourn – has created a new website to provide a one-stop resource for exploring the full range of quality cruising experiences available to consumers today.
Created to enhance awareness with both consumers and travel agents, WLCL’s new website www.worldsleadingcruiselines.com provides insight into each brand’s fleet, shipboard experiences and popular destinations. Videos featuring each brand are provided as well as links to member lines.
“Each brand contributed content and imagery, allowing guests and travel agents to more fully appreciate the diverse features and amenities offered by the World’s Leading Cruise Lines, each a leader in its specific market segment,” said Bill Harber, Carnival Corporation’s Director of Marketing.
WLCL is part of Carnival Corporation & plc and capitalizes on the array of ships, destinations, durations, and cruising styles that are available for excellent vacation choices. WLCL also provides a number of cross-market opportunities for its brands, including joint research and advertising, trade and affinity group sponsorships, and active participation in a number of cruise industry functions and events.
Carnival Corporation & plc is the largest cruise vacation group in the world, with a portfolio of brands in North America, Europe and Australia, comprised of AIDA, Carnival Cruise Lines, Costa Cruises, Cunard Line, Holland America Line, Ibero Cruises, Ocean Village, P&O Cruises, P&O Cruises Australia, Princess Cruises, and The Yachts of Seabourn.
Together, these brands operate 88 ships totaling more than 167,000 lower berths with 18 new ships scheduled to be delivered between October 2008 and June 2012. Carnival Corporation & plc also operates Holland America Tours and Princess Tours, the leading tour companies in Alaska and the Canadian Yukon. Traded on both the New York and London Stock Exchanges, Carnival Corporation & plc is the only group in the world to be included in both the S&P 500 and the FTSE 100 indices.
Sep 26, 2008
Lifetree Adventures Offers Christian Family Travel to Alaska
Lifetree Adventures is a new division of Group Workcamps Foundation, a leading non-profit mission organization offering Christian travel trips for youth and adults for over 30 years.
(live-PR.com) - Loveland, CO, September 26, 2008 -- Lifetree Adventures today announced a new addition to their portfolio of trips, a Christian family adventure to Alaska. Part vacation and part Christian service, this new adventure will allow travelers to experience the thrills of Alaska as well as helping local villagers.
Travelers on this Christian family adventure will stand atop a glacier, hike in Denali National Park, and catch a glimpse of the tallest mountain in North America, Mt. McKinley. They will spend a day sailing in Prince William Sound, listen for the crackling noise of a calving glacier, and visit the wildlife preserve near Anchorage and get to know the many “wild” residents who call Alaska their home.
While participating in this Christian family travel, families will enjoy numerous activities, including horseback riding, river rafting, or shopping for Native Alaskan handicrafts in the largest open-air market in Anchorage. Their time in this beautiful land will be filled with exploration, once-in-a-lifetime moments, and mesmerizing vistas that are guaranteed to take your breath away. Families will experience the many lakes, mountain ranges, and wildlife that make Alaska God’s country! For a detailed itinerary visit: www.lifetreeadventures.com/Alaska.aspx
Immersed in all this glorious beauty is great need. On Lifetree Adventures Christian family trip, travelers volunteer at a camp that cares for kids from around the country. Every summer they come to be stretched in their faith and grow in their love for Jesus. Travelers will help around the camp with maintenance, gardening, cleaning, and plenty of other projects that a family can do together.
When not working in the camp, families will serve in the nearby community and bless the elderly who can no longer do the things they need to do in preparation for a long, hard winter. On this Christian family trip, families work alongside men, women, and their families. Experience everyday life in the Alaskan wild, and spend time learning about their traditions. Life in the village is very hard, and the time passengers spend with them, showing God’s love to these amazing people, will make a difference for years to come.
Lifetree Adventures Christian Family Trip Itinerary: July 25 - August 2, 2009
Day 1 Arrive in Anchorage and transfer to the hotel.
Day 2 Depart in the morning for a day hike in Alyeska and Girdwood. Passengers visit an animal sanctuary in the afternoon.
Day 3 Transfer by coach to the camp. Service days begin this afternoon.
Days 4-6 Various service projects in/around camp. Passengers provide service in the neighboring community to the elderly.
Day 7 Board a coach in the morning for Talkeetna (near Denali National. Park). Passengers will enjoy a free family day in Talkeetna Choose and will be able to choose from various tour options in and around the park.
Day 8 Return to Anchorage by coach and share experiences with fellow travelers at the farewell dinner.
Day 9 Transfer to the airport.
The age requirement for this Christian family travel is 7 years of age. The prices for 9 days are $1450 per person adult $450 per child (age 7 - 17). For more information about this Alaskan Christian family adventure please visit: www.lifetreeadventures.com/Alaska.aspx or call 800-747-2157.
Lifetree Adventures is a new division of Group Workcamps Foundation, a leading non-profit mission organization offering Christian travel trips for youth and adults for over 30 years. Lifetree offers Christian travel options to Kenya, Tanzania, Peru, Guatemala, Israel, Jordan, Mazatlan, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Uganda and Vanuatu with new destinations being constantly added. Through Group Workcamps, over 250,000 volunteers have provided more than 7 million hours of volunteer service to projects in hundreds of U.S. and international locations. www.lifetreeadventures.com
For media inquiries please contact Alexia Nestora at Lasso Communications, 303.898.3376
Press Release Submission by PressReleasePoint(www.pressreleasepoint.com)
Contact:
Alexia Nestora
Lifetree Adventures
1515 Cascade Avenue
Loveland, CO 80538
800-747-2157
www.lifetreeadventures.com
(live-PR.com) - Loveland, CO, September 26, 2008 -- Lifetree Adventures today announced a new addition to their portfolio of trips, a Christian family adventure to Alaska. Part vacation and part Christian service, this new adventure will allow travelers to experience the thrills of Alaska as well as helping local villagers.
Travelers on this Christian family adventure will stand atop a glacier, hike in Denali National Park, and catch a glimpse of the tallest mountain in North America, Mt. McKinley. They will spend a day sailing in Prince William Sound, listen for the crackling noise of a calving glacier, and visit the wildlife preserve near Anchorage and get to know the many “wild” residents who call Alaska their home.
While participating in this Christian family travel, families will enjoy numerous activities, including horseback riding, river rafting, or shopping for Native Alaskan handicrafts in the largest open-air market in Anchorage. Their time in this beautiful land will be filled with exploration, once-in-a-lifetime moments, and mesmerizing vistas that are guaranteed to take your breath away. Families will experience the many lakes, mountain ranges, and wildlife that make Alaska God’s country! For a detailed itinerary visit: www.lifetreeadventures.com/Alaska.aspx
Immersed in all this glorious beauty is great need. On Lifetree Adventures Christian family trip, travelers volunteer at a camp that cares for kids from around the country. Every summer they come to be stretched in their faith and grow in their love for Jesus. Travelers will help around the camp with maintenance, gardening, cleaning, and plenty of other projects that a family can do together.
When not working in the camp, families will serve in the nearby community and bless the elderly who can no longer do the things they need to do in preparation for a long, hard winter. On this Christian family trip, families work alongside men, women, and their families. Experience everyday life in the Alaskan wild, and spend time learning about their traditions. Life in the village is very hard, and the time passengers spend with them, showing God’s love to these amazing people, will make a difference for years to come.
Lifetree Adventures Christian Family Trip Itinerary: July 25 - August 2, 2009
Day 1 Arrive in Anchorage and transfer to the hotel.
Day 2 Depart in the morning for a day hike in Alyeska and Girdwood. Passengers visit an animal sanctuary in the afternoon.
Day 3 Transfer by coach to the camp. Service days begin this afternoon.
Days 4-6 Various service projects in/around camp. Passengers provide service in the neighboring community to the elderly.
Day 7 Board a coach in the morning for Talkeetna (near Denali National. Park). Passengers will enjoy a free family day in Talkeetna Choose and will be able to choose from various tour options in and around the park.
Day 8 Return to Anchorage by coach and share experiences with fellow travelers at the farewell dinner.
Day 9 Transfer to the airport.
The age requirement for this Christian family travel is 7 years of age. The prices for 9 days are $1450 per person adult $450 per child (age 7 - 17). For more information about this Alaskan Christian family adventure please visit: www.lifetreeadventures.com/Alaska.aspx or call 800-747-2157.
Lifetree Adventures is a new division of Group Workcamps Foundation, a leading non-profit mission organization offering Christian travel trips for youth and adults for over 30 years. Lifetree offers Christian travel options to Kenya, Tanzania, Peru, Guatemala, Israel, Jordan, Mazatlan, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Uganda and Vanuatu with new destinations being constantly added. Through Group Workcamps, over 250,000 volunteers have provided more than 7 million hours of volunteer service to projects in hundreds of U.S. and international locations. www.lifetreeadventures.com
For media inquiries please contact Alexia Nestora at Lasso Communications, 303.898.3376
Press Release Submission by PressReleasePoint(www.pressreleasepoint.com)
Contact:
Alexia Nestora
Lifetree Adventures
1515 Cascade Avenue
Loveland, CO 80538
800-747-2157
www.lifetreeadventures.com
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