Multicultural Travel News – News From Ireland, Jamaica, Alaska, Vancouver, Turks and Caicos Islands, Germany and More
| Multicultural Travel News
In This Issue: News Briefs: * National Heritage Week – The Emerald Isle Shines, Celebrating Irish Medieval History and Culture, August 23-31, 2014 Ireland * Jamaica Tourist Board Encourages Visitors To ‘Meet the People’ * State of Alaska Tourism Office Launches Spanish-language Travel Website * CMI presents 15th Conference on LGBT Tourism & Hospitality, Las Vegas, December 7-9. * New Aboriginal-Themed Hotel In Vancouver
* Why A Rise In Hispanic Travel Could Mean A Win For The Travel Industry
* Fourth Annual Caribbean Food & Wine Festival – Turks and Caicos Islands – November 6 -8 * Germany for the Jewish Traveler – Comprehensive Guide Available Online |
| Multicultural Travel News Briefs:
National Heritage Week – The Emerald Isle Shines, Celebrating Irish Medieval History and Culture, August 23-31, 2014 Ireland Whether your interest is tracing your ancestors, exploring walled towns, learning more about Ireland’s famous playwrights, visiting Ireland’s historic properties or learning traditional skills, National Heritage Week focuses on getting people involved in the heritage of Ireland and particularly the heritage of the local community, making it accessible to everyone. National Heritage Week is coordinated by The Heritage Council, the statutory body that identifies, protects, preserves and enhances Ireland’s national heritage. National heritage includes Monuments, Archaeological objects, Wildlife habitats, Landscapes, Seascapes, Wrecks, Geology, Heritage gardens and parks, and Inland waterways. The wide variety of over 1600 National Heritage Week events that are scheduled to take place throughout Ireland during the week-long festival will include medieval fairs, classical music and poetry recitals, traditional music sessions, storytelling, historical re-enactments, and local history walks and talks. Among them are: Kilkenny’s Independence, August 24, a walking tour to highlight the events that happened in Kilkenny County in the early 20th century; Tour of Galway – August 24 – This walk incorporates all the things Galway is famous for – people, theater and literature, including such notables as James Joyce and Oscar Wilde http://www.facebook.com/Druid. Tours.Ireland. The Insider’s Limerick, August 27, a retrospective tour exploring over 800 years of local government in Limerick City, covering both the political and administrative structure; and Taispeántas Grianghrafadóireachta, August 29, an opportunity to view a collection of photographs of Árainn, depicting the natural and cultural history of the island, Nature Walk and Barn Dance – August 30 — Nature walk along the banks of the River Lee followed by old style barn dance at Con Dunne’s farm. All events are listed on the week’s website,www.heritageweek.ie and in the official National Heritage Week Event Guide, available in Tourist Offices nationwide, on Twitter @heritageweek and the Heritage Week Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/HeritageWeek. National Heritage Week is part of European Heritage Days, which is celebrated in over 49 countries across Europe.
Jamaica Tourist Board Encourages Visitors To ‘Meet the People’ The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) launched the Meet the People program to offer visitors a chance to explore beyond the resort and experience the culture and lifestyle of this vibrant Caribbean island. Over 500 Meet the People ambassadors have volunteered a hand of friendship and hospitality to visitors who want to immerse themselves in the Jamaican way of life. Whether visitors are seeking to spend an afternoon with a local family, visit a school, learn to cook an authentic Jamaican dish, or meet with a famous Jamaican artist to learn the styles of the local art scene, the JTB will pair travelers with a Jamaican who shares a common interest, hobby or profession. Meet the People is offered to individuals and families at no cost. Visitors can sign up online at VisitJamaica.com or contact the Jamaica Tourist Board in Montego Bay at (876) 952-4425. http://www.visitjamaica.com/feel-the-vibe/people/meet-the-people-program
State of Alaska Tourism Office Launches Spanish-language Travel Website The Alaska Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development (DCCED) has launched a Spanish language version of its official state vacation and travel information website, TravelAlaska.com. TravelAlaska.mx provides increased accessibility to DCCED’s extensive online trip planning resources for Spanish-speaking travelers interested in visiting Alaska. According to the Alaska Visitor Statistics Program, 6 percent of international visitors to the state originate from Mexico. The Spanish-language website complements the English, German, Japanese, Korean and Chinese language sites already offered by the state. The website includes all of the features that the current TravelAlaska.com offers, from interactive maps and suggestions of places to go to travel tips for the Last Frontier. Visit TravelAlaska.com.  CMI presents 15th Conference on LGBT Tourism & Hospitality, Las Vegas, December 7-9.Every year, CMI brings together leading tourism professionals to learn about the gay and lesbian market from the experts. Community Marketing, Inc. has earned its position as the global leader in gay and lesbian marketing. Through the company’s tireless efforts since 1992, “doors have opened” around the world for gay and lesbian consumers. CMI has helped grow LGBT market recognition through research, media relations and education; and has brought marketing opportunities to the world’s leading businesses and organizations. Designed for marketing and sales executives of tourism boards, CVBs, DMOs, accommodations, tour operators, travel suppliers, events, agencies and meeting planners, the conference will feature over 40 speakers concentrating on LGBT tourism marketing and sales. Topics include: Internet, mobile, print and direct marketing, research trends, LGBT niche segments, sales techniques, ROI tracking, community involvement, press relations and more. To register, visit
New Aboriginal-Themed Hotel In Vancouver Visitors interested in learning more about Canada’s rich First Nations culture have the opportunity to stay at an entirely aboriginal-themed hotel in downtown Vancouver. Opened in May by Skwachàys Lodge, the hotel has 18 rooms, featuring distinctly cultural accommodations. Designed by six aboriginal artists and Vancouver-based interior design firms, each room boasts a unique theme featuring various animal spirits and original indigenous artwork like carvings, blankets and paintings. The property also features a sweat lodge and gathering places that include an artist’s workshop, smudge room (a room for religious ceremonies) and guest lounge. Skwachàys Lodge’s historic brick exterior is crowned by a traditional longhouse with a 40.5-foot totem pole (called the “Dreamweaver”) shooting toward the sky. Closer to street level, visitors and passersby alike can view a video display celebrating First Nations culture that sits half-submerged in a glass sidewalk. Guests also have the opportunity to test out their creative juices through hands-on First Nations experiences (carving, weaving and painting classes), and also have the chance to meet with local aboriginal artists. Situated at the crossroads of Gastown and Chinatown, the Vancouver Native Housing Society development first opened its doors in 2012 as a social housing structure. Now, two floors of the property have been transformed into an experiential hotel that will give back to the non-profit society and local community. To learn more, visit http://bit.ly/VhIit9.
With buying power looking to top $1.5 trillion next year, the extensive travel among Hispanics impacts various segments of the economy presenting a tremendous opportunity for the travel industry to not only get Hispanic travelers to their destinations, but to make a lasting impression on them that will pay dividends for years to come. A recent study conducted by ThinkNow Research found that among U.S. Hispanics, the fastest growing demographic in the country, 79% say they take one or more vacations each year. Of those who vacation at least once a year, 17% said they vacation three to six times each year. And for affluent Hispanics (HHI > $100k), 46% vacation three to six times every year, with reported spending upwards of $8,700 on average for international vacations compared to about $7,000 spent by affluent non-Hispanics. Regardless of income, Hispanics spend more money on average than non-Hispanics on domestic vacations, with 48% saying they spend $5,000 or more (including 9% that spend more than $10,000). During these trips, Hispanic travelers are more likely to visit theme parks and casinos such as California (Disney Land), Florida (Disney World) and Nevada (The Vegas Strip) rounding out the top three. Hispanics are also more likely than non-Hispanics to take vacations outside of the U.S. Top destinations are the Caribbean, Mexico, and South America. Affluent Hispanics are more likely than lower-income Hispanics to travel to Western Europe (England, France, Spain) and Australia. While traveling, Hispanics are more likely than non-Hispanics to report staying in many different hotel chains, regardless of income level; top choices were: Holiday Inn (23%), Best Western (20%), Hilton(17%), Comfort Inn (16%), and Marriott (16%). To download the study, visit http://www.thinknowresearch.com/downloads/.
Turks and Caicos Islands Celebrate Cuisine and Culture with Three-Day Festival, November 6-8, 2014 Grace Bay Resorts, in partnership with the Turks and Caicos Tourist Board and The Wine Cellar, has announced the official schedule for the Fourth Annual Caribbean Food & Wine Festival taking place November 6-8, 2014. The event, focused on the local food and flavors of the island, welcomes chefs from around the world, including Leah Cohen, David Lefevre, Hans Peter Haider, as well as renowned vintners from Benzinger Family Winery, Cuvaison Estate, Weingut Salzl Seewinkelhof and Duck Pond Cellars & Desert Wind Winery. The not-for-profit event will raise funds for The Department of Youth Affairs and the islands’ ‘Little Chefs’ mentor program that supports and encourages young local chefs to pursue careers in hospitality, a vital industry of Turks and Caicos. Ralph Higgs, Director of Tourism for Turks and Caicos Islands Tourist Board said, “The Turks & Caicos Tourist Board is proud to support the Fourth Annual Caribbean Food & Wine Festival. In just a few short years, the event has grown into a treasured island tradition, while still capturing the most current culinary trends and offering guests an authentic taste of local culture.” The 40 islands of the Turks and Caicos, of which eight are inhabited, are known for their beaches, diving and array of world-class resorts, including Grace Bay Resorts, a boutique developer and operator of high-end, luxury resorts and branded residences, founded from its flagship property Grace Bay Club. This year festivities include a starlit Welcome Dinner at Blue Haven Resort’s Fire & Ice restaurant; the second annual Women of Wine luncheon with distinctive dishes and carefully selected wine pairings; the ‘Gourmet Safari’ which will lead guests on a progressive dinner party around Providenciales; dinner at Seven Stars and The Regent Palms; dessert at The Gansevoort; the annual Food & Wine Pairing event at West Bay Club, a Grace Bay Resorts Managed property; the third annual ‘Island Street Food Fair’ and ‘Dinner with the Stars’ at Grace Bay Club. The festival guests will have an opportunity to discover the incredible restaurants, focused on the local food and flavors of the island, and meet the talented chefs. To learn more, visit www.caribbeanfoodandwinefestivalci.com
The German National Tourist Board (GNTB) has launched a new e- brochure entitled ‘Germany for the Jewish Traveler’ which contains travel tips and information about Jewish life, Jewish culture and places of interest in 64 German cities. Germany is home to the third-largest Jewish community in western Europe, indeed the only European Jewish community that is growing rather than shrinking. In 2013, the GNTB reported strong growth of nearly 15.4% of overnights from Israel to Germany, compared to the same period in the previous year. “The travel tips brochure for Jewish travelers is an important contribution to the DZT’s travel guides, particularly in view of the preparations underway to celebrate the anniversary of 50 years Geman – Israeli relations in 2015” says Petra Hedorfer, CEO of the DZT. The new e-brochure ‘Germany for the Jewish Traveler’ also contains interactive maps and useful links to destinations and places of Jewish interest which are to be found throughout today’s Germany. The e- brochure, which is free to download from www.germany.travel/en/ebrochures.html, is an integral part of a global travel campaign launched by the GNTB for travelers with Jewish heritage. Visit www.germany.travel. |
