Destination News - Destination, Rail, Road.

Apr 14, 2008

Cuixmala is located within the Chamela-Cuixmala Biosphere Preserve, offering up-close encounters with coati mundis, wild boars, zebra and white tail deer among other inhabitants. Families can wander through more than 25,000 acres uninhibited by barriers, or tour with a local biologist who will not only provide the back story on each of the endemic, and often endangered, animals but also share details on their latest conservation projects, including the tracking of jaguars and pumas. Tell your clients to check out newly hatched sea turtles on the beaches of Cuixmala. Following the lead of on-property rangers, families become part of a team and spend the evening combing the beaches for new nests, relocating eggs to safe havens, and then releasing hatchlings into the waves. Work becomes play as families take on the role of gauchos, or ranchers, for a day at the organic ranch at Hacienda de San Antonio. Your clients can experience the coffee-making process from start to finish by touring groves, viewing bean harvesting, drying and roasting facilities. Afterwards, they can taste the fruits of their labor. Clients can also watch master Mexican mask makers, carvers and more in the surrounding villages of both Hacienda de San Antonio and Cuixmala for a true taste of local life. The village of Comala, known as the Pueblo Magico, is 20 minutes from the hacienda and the perfect place to observe traditional art techniques that have been handed down through generations. Apr 11, 2008

As Mexico continues to rebrand itself, the country continues to become a great sell for a diverse clientele. From zip-lining to cave-diving, Mexico has put an emphasis on the array of soft adventure it offers. The latest properties to plug are Cuixmala and Hacienda de San Antonio. Staff at both former private residences can arrange itineraries filled with stimulating and educational choices. Hereis a peek at some of the propertiesi adventure opportunities to pitch to clients looking to break a sweat somewhere other than on the beach. Apr 11, 2008

Felix Romuliana, today Gamzigrad, arose on a broad plain under Gaius Valerius. It is believed that the Roman city was also a bishop's seat after the empire's conversion to Christianity. Gamzigrad was entered on the UNESCO list of world heritage sites in 2007. Naisus was the birthplace of Emperor Constantine the Great, who declared Christianity the official religion of the Roman Empire. A comprehensive brochure including a map details in English and Serbian the various sites along the Itinerarium Romanum culture route in Serbia. For more information, visit www.serbia-tourism.org Apr 11, 2008

Serbia is promoting tourism along the Itinerarium Romanum culture route, which follows the trail of Roman emperors through eastern and southeastern Europe centering around Roman fortifications, cities and forts. The Danube long marked Rome's northern frontier, and no fewer than 16 emperors were born in the region. The Itinerarium Romanum starts out from Aquincum, now within the city limits of Budapest, and runs along and near the Danube through southeast Europe to the Black Sea and Greece. In Serbia alone, seven ancient sites are located along the route of emperors. Sirmium, today Sremska Mitrovica, was once capital of the Roman province of Pannonia and a refuge for early Christians. Singidunum, which was the predecessor of present-day Belgrade, was in fact built by the Romans on the location of a Celtic settlement and experienced its heyday under Emperor Flavius in the fourth century. Viminacium was famed not only as a city but as a military base. Parts of the once prosperous city have been excavated, giving visitors a vivid insight into Roman life along the Danube. Apr 11, 2008

The beach destination of Acapulco, once a booming honeymoon spot, is experiencing a renaissance like no other, led by private investments, new hotel openings, spas, restaurants, theaters and exhibit halls that have enhanced its offerings of luxury accommodations and attractions. The unveiling of the "new" Acapulco has been up until now a well-kept secret. And, according to tourism officials and an onslaught of young, chic visitors, Acapulco will soon regain the lead as Mexicois hottest getaway, mirroring global destinations such as South Beach, Miami; Mykonos, Greece; and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. iIt is essential to the destination that we embrace these developments and enhancements, but also remain committed to preserving our traditions and authenticity that led us into the tourism spotlight years ago,i said Mary Bertha Medina, president of Acapulco Convention and Visitors Bureau & Acapulco Hotel Association in a written release. iAcapulco offers the upscale traveler an unrivaled playground highlighted by our glamorous tradition that resonates in pulsating nightlife, luxury accommodations, world-renowned dining and international appeal.i Visit www.visitacapulco.com.mx Apr 11, 2008

The beach destination of Acapulco, once a booming honeymoon spot, is experiencing a renaissance like no other, led by private investments, new hotel openings, spas, restaurants, theaters and exhibit halls that have enhanced its offerings of luxury accommodations and attractions. The unveiling of the inewi Acapulco has been up until now a well-kept secret. And, according to tourism officials and an onslaught of young, chic visitors, Acapulco will soon regain the lead as Mexicois hottest getaway, mirroring global destinations such as South Beach, Miami; Mykonos, Greece; and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. iIt is essential to the destination that we embrace these developments and enhancements, but also remain committed to preserving our traditions and authenticity that led us into the tourism spotlight years ago,i said Mary Bertha Medina, president of Acapulco Convention and Visitors Bureau & Acapulco Hotel Association in a written release. Visit www.visitacapulco.com.mx. Apr 11, 2008

The contract for development of a canal linking Bucharest and the Danube will be offered in an auction scheduled for September, according to Romania's minister for transportation, Ludvic Orban. A feasibility study will be carried out prior to the contract being granted. According to Constanta Waterway Channels Administration, completion of the project will require investments in the amount of 450 million euros. The canal will connect the Romanian capital directly with the Danube. The latest editions of the Danube Tourist Commission's guides to cruises, excursions, yachting and special events on and along the Danube are now available. The guide to cruises on the Danube and Main-Danube Canal lists offers from 13 different tour operators in Austria, Germany and Switzerland. The excursion ship guide provides an overview of offerings from nine firms in Austria, Germany, Hungary and Slovakia. Apr 11, 2008

The Polynesian Cultural Center's "Passport to Polynesia" program has welcomed 7-Eleven as a new partner. The Passport to Polynesia program allows families to play together while learning about Polynesian culture. The Passport to Polynesia is a child's guide to navigating the activities and shows at the PCC. The colorful booklet features a schedule of the day's activities geared toward a family experience, as well as space to write down the greeting for each island village and collect themed stamps to show completion of the games or activities. If the child collects at least four stamps, he or she qualifies for a free prize at Pacific Market Place, a free kid's meal at Denny's, free keiki ice cream at Cold Stone Creamery, a free upgrade to a dry snorkeling set from Snorkfin at Hanauma Bay, and free 12-ounce Slurpee at 7-Eleven. The Passport also includes facts about each island, games that they can play at each island and an illustration. The keepsake booklet is a reminder experience at the PCC. There is no additional cost to get a Passport to Polynesia. Booklets are available at the ticket counter or customer information booth. General admission packages start at $43 for adults and $33 for kids. Children under 3 are free. For more information, call 800-367-7060 or visit www.Polynesia.com. Apr 11, 2008

Tourism in the German city of Passau has grown steadily over the last 10 years. In 2007 tourism to the city chalked up a new record: 242,562 guests from Germany and abroad visited the city at the confluence of three rivers; the Danube, the Inn and the Ilz. This result represented an increase of 4.2 percent over the previous year. Overnights expanded by 5.3 percent, the highest rate in Bavaria. The figures for overnights are also influenced by the development of cruise traffic: in 2007 99 cruise ships docked in Passau 1,601 times bringing 196,148 passengers to the town. A total of 152,928 guests arrived in Passau as part of day excursions or group tours. The number of group tours for cruise passengers accounted for almost 23 percent of the total figure in 2007. For more information, email tourist-info@passau.de or visit www.passau.de. Apr 11, 2008