tourism

Morilla: "A Subversive Disneyland" with Wine, Art, Beer and Atheists

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels, Art

"Apropos of nothing, it's nice to have you here and thank you we need the money."

I was standing in the living room in "Esmond", one of Morilla's winery's four new guest pavilions, and the black carpet with the red block letters only caught my eye after I'd admired the contemporary art on the wall, had gotten myself oriented to the in room control panel (lights, TV, window shades, music) and had gone out onto the balcony to take in the panoramic view of Tasmania's Derwent River.

Of course, the idea of Morilla needing money is entirely preposterous. This hotel/winery/brewery/event space and oh yeah, soon-to-open museum called MONA that will be the largest private art collection in the Southern Hemisphere -- is owned by a guy with deep pockets, a Tasmanian named David Walsh.

A math whiz, Walsh made his money gambling -- two years ago, he proposed that a story about him in the Australian newspaper AGE start with "David Walsh is a rich wanker." Morilla is one place where he's been spending some of those riches since he bought it in 1995.

Often, when a rich person gets the idea to go into the hospitality business as a lark, you end up with places that are on the bizarre side of idiosyncratic. But Walsh has not skimped out on hiring experienced staff, so as he's added on to one of Tasmania's most venerable wineries, the result is a place that definitely showcases his personality -- for instance, there's no bible in guest rooms, but there is a copy of The God Delusion -- but also meets standards of a well-run luxury accommodation.

Gallery: Morilla: "Subversive Disneyland" in Tasmania

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Tags: australia, australian wine, contemporary art, hotels, morilla, museum, tasmania, tasmanian wine, tourism, travel

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Tourism Lagging in Japan So Pack Your Bags and Go!

by Deb West (RSS feed) —

The Japanese National Tourism Organization announced that the number of foreign visitors to Japan are down. Just a year ago in 2008 the number of visitors to Japan was at a record high of 8.35 million and now the number has fallen by 18.7 percent to 6.79 million. It is the biggest drop in the rate of tourism the country has seen in forty years.

The decline is being attributed to the global economic downturn, a strong yen which makes travel to Japan expensive and fears over the swine flu. Interestingly the country's largest tourism markets are South Korea, Taiwan and China. Japan had been enjoying an increase of visitors for decades. In 1989 there were 2.84 million tourists and a decade later in 1999 the number had almost doubled to 4.44 million visitors.

Some of the biggest hassles one encounters when traveling revolve around other tourists. The best news for people who are interested in going abroad to a country whose tourism numbers are down is that they are likely to experience less crowded conditions at major attractions and even promotional deals from hotels with unexpected seasonal vacancies.

Tags: Japan, Kyoto, ryokan, tourism, travel

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The New Plans For Graceland

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Although Elvis Presley has been gone for over 30 years he still has plenty of fans and many people make the pilgrimage to Graceland each year. A recent AP story says that the owners of the property, CKX Inc., are beginning to make moves on a redevelopment project for the 100 acres surrounding the Tennessee home. Robert Sillerman, owner of the "American Idol" franchise, bought controlling interest of Elvis Presley Enterprises in 2004, previously floated a $250 million redevelopment of the area several years ago that would include a demolition of the old visitors center and Heartbreak Hotel. He is planning a two-day session next month at Graceland to discuss the plans for a new vision for the popular landmark.

The meeting will not include government officials but they may be involved at a later date because improvements to city features like Elvis Presley Boulevard may be necessary. While now isn't the best time for starting projects given that banks are still holding tightly to the purse strings when it comes to loans, it seems like this is one project that is a bit of a sure thing. After all, Elvis continues to be on the list of top earning dead celebrities year after year.

Tags: elvis presley, ElvisPresley, graceland, tennessee, tourism

Billionaire Plans $100 Vouchers To Tempt Tourists To Ireland

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels, Big Givers

Billionaire Chuck Feeney has spread his philanthropy around the world as far as Australia and his latest plan is to help boost Irish tourism. The Irish-American philanthropist is working on a plan to give $100 vouchers to American tourists who visit Ireland. According to the London Times, tourism minister Martin Cullen said that Feeney got in touch with him after the Global Irish Economic Forum in Farmleigh, where business people got together to discuss the economy.

Feeney made his money through duty free products and in 1982 he set up Atlantic Philanthropies, which gives money to initiatives in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, as well as other places. Ireland's tourism industry slipped along with the rest of the world in 2009, falling by 12 percent. The vouchers which have a total value of up to $5 million, would be used for discount flights and hotel stays and could boost tourism numbers by 50,000.

Tags: atlantic philanthropies, AtlanticPhilanthropies, billionaire, chuck feeney, ChuckFeeney, ireland, tourism

Guam's Push To Attract More Tourists

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels

The Guam Visitors Bureau is doing a big push to court the Chinese to visit the small island which is a U.S. territory. Century Travel has organized a series of special charter flights between Guam and Beijing to take place in October 2009. Air China is the carrier for the three charters and 450 passengers are anticipated per flight. Guam wants to encourage visitors from emerging travel markets.

The tourism push also continues toward Taiwan with the hiring of Leroy Yang, a well-known actor and former model, who has created a guidebook of his travels in Guam. In his guidebook Welcome to Guam, Yang takes his readers through a tour of the island. The interesting thing is that Taiwan promotes Guam as "a unique American destination."

Guam's economy relies on tourism which has suffered in recent months. A recent report said that the Pacific island welcomed 60,100 visitors in June, down from 94,882 during the same month last year. There is hope that the tourism industry will fare better as the year goes on. The island offers tranquil beaches, diving and abundant wildlife.

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Tags: guam, tourism

A Luxury Spa Opens at Spain's Finca Cortesin

by Paul Rogers (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels

Much has been written about Spain's tourism woes, particularly in light of the struggling British pound. For high-end travelers still determined to use their passport, here's a bulletin of good news. Finca Cortesin, a boutique hotel and resort on the Costa del Sol that welcomed its first guests last fall and promptly earned a spot on Condé Nast Traveler's Hot List of new hotels, has opened an exquisite 23,000 square-foot-spa. Guests can now indulge in a Turkish hamam (or steam bath) and then cool off in the Snow Cave, inspired by the Finnish tradition of rolling in the snow after a sauna as a way to boost immune defenses. There's also a 114-foot indoor pool that bathed in natural light as well as two outdoor pools, one of which is Olympic-size, that offer sweeping views of the Mediterranean.

The spa is just the latest amenity at the Moorish-style resort, 45 minutes west of the international airport in Málaga. The Finca Cortesin has two restaurants, a fountained courtyard and a scenically rolling golf course that hosts the PGA European Tour's Volvo Match Play Championship.

Gallery: Finca Cortesin Hotel, Golf & Spa

Tags: Andalucia, Finca Cortesin, FincaCortesin, Malaga, Spain, tourism

Get Paid $25,000 To Ride The Rides In Orlando

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels

One side effect of this economy seems to be an increase in stunt jobs, temporary gigs for PR purposes. We've seen a global competition for a six-figure tourism adventure, a wine advocacy job, and now a chance to earn money by taking in the sights in Orlando, Florida,

The 67 Days of Smiles competition will give one lucky pair the chance to spend 67 days checking out the more than 100 attractions offered in Orlando. The winners of the contest will stay in a furnished two-bedroom condo in downtown Orlando for 67 days. They will receive $25,000 to cover living expenses back home. As they ride the rides, go golfing, take in the museums and more they will document it all with cell phones, a digital video camera and still camera on social media tools like blogs, Twitter and Facebook. To apply you need to create a one-minute or less video with your partner and complete a short application.

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Tags: florida, orlando, stunt jobs, StuntJobs, tourism

Tour India With Gandhi's Grandsons

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels, Charity

Go Philanthropic is offering a unique way to see India next December. You can join the grandsons of M.K. Gandhi on a one-of-a-kind philanthropic adventure. The trip, which runs from December 1-6 with an optional extension to December 11 offers an in-depth look at current social and development projects in India. The trip will support the Gandhi Memorial School project aimed at protecting children from child labor and exploitation.

Group members traveling commit to contributing $1000 per person, for a collective goal of raising $10,000 for the Gandhi Memorial School to create either a new classroom or a water well. Travelers will also see significant sights in towns including Mumbai, New Delhi, Agra (Taj Mahal), and Jaipur.

The trip begins with a visit to M.K Gandhi's residence in Mumbai, visits to Women's India Trust and MarketShare, organizations focused on women's empowerment, education and vocational development, the group contribution and visit to Sunanda Gandhi Memorial School in Kolhapur and a meeting with Verala HIV prevention program. The optional extension includes a visit to the Taj Mahal and a tour of Old and New Delhi including Delhi Street Walk guided by former street children now supported by important youth development programs. The experience is not voluntourism but is instead an opportunity to travel and see a place from a different angle than one might usually experience. The trip includes carbon offset and promises to be a life-changing journey.

The trip will cost around $3,300 plus the $1,000 donation for standard accommodations or there is a five-star option for around $6,000. Go Philanthropic also does custom travel for individuals, family and groups.

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Tags: gandhi, india, philanthropy, tourism

Decline In Travel Costs Coachella Valley $30 Million

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels

Like Las Vegas, the area around Palm Springs, California is another location that has felt the bite of the drop in tourism. The Desert Sun reports that the Coachella Valley has lost nearly $30 million in convention and meetings travel in the last seven months. A survey of f local meeting hotels conducted by the Palm Springs Desert Resort Communities Convention and Visitors Authority revealed that canceled meetings added up to a total loss of 51,000 room nights in hotels in the area.

The event was part of Tuesday's Travel Rally Day, a nationwide event meant to raise attention for the beleaguered travel industry. Like private jets, corporate travel has taken a huge hit partially because of the economy and partially because of the media focus on the excesses of big business.

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Tags: coachella valley, CoachellaValley, palm desert, palm springs, PalmDesert, PalmSprings, tourism

Bad Economy Clips Matt Lauer's Wings

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels

The economy has grounded one popular television host. Usually the Today show's Matt Lauer heads to exotic locales around the globe for "Where in the World is Matt Lauer?" This year Lauer will be popping up in various places around the United States because of the current economic crisis.

Given that so many people are struggling financially the Today show decided it was a bad idea to send Lauer off an extravagant junket. Instead, Lauer will embark on the time-honored American classic, the road trip, along with Meredith Vieira, Al Roker and Ann Curry. The focus will be on affordable vacation spots. It seems a shame to abandon this popular segment and to send the message to the American people that traveling abroad is a bad idea right now. The travel and tourism industry has already taken a tremendous hit, I think Lauer could have focused on affordable destinations outside the U.S. and still been in line with the current economic picture.

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Tags: matt lauer, MattLauer, today show, TodayShow, tourism, travel, where in the world is matt lauer, WhereInTheWorldIsMattLauer

Monaco Offers Lower-Priced Getaways To Tempt Tourists

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels

Tourism just about everywhere from Dubai to Las Vegas is hurting and now some places that have never had to deign to ask for your tourist dollars are throwing out the welcome mat. Bloomberg reports that the ultra-pricey small country of Monaco is offering travel packages costing around $500 to attract new visitors. Monaco is traditionally a vacation spot for some of the world's wealthiest people. But hotel bookings dropped eight percent in January and with the worldwide economic crisis affecting many deep-pocketed globetrotters the country wants to let people know it is open to more than just the rich. A new five-year marketing plan from Monaco's tourism board will get the message out that all are welcome in Monaco. The country still hopes that the well-heeled, especially those coming in on luxury cruises and yachts, will visit but right now anyone with cash is welcome. As my colleague Jared Paul Stern reported last year, Monaco has already shelved plans for a multibillion dollar land expansion into the Mediterranean which would have created more space for shops and apartments.

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Tags: monaco, tourism

Hawaii Braces For Tourism Slowdown

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels

President Obama vacationed in Hawaii in December but not a lot of other people did. The Honolulu Star Bulletin reports that Hawaii's hotels and resorts experienced their lowest occupancy in December since the aftermath of 9/11. The hotel occupancy ratewas 60.9 percent in December, down from 70.4 percent the year before. Revenue per room was also down and the average daily room rates were off by almost five percent. The occupancy rate for the year was 70.4 percent which was down 4.6 percent overall.

It's not predicted to get better any time soon. Joe Toy, president and chief executive officer of Hospitality Advisors LLC, who spoke yesterday at the annual Travel & Tourism Research Association/Pacific Asia Tourism Association tourism forecast seminar said that he expects that the recovery phase won't begin until summer 2010. It is expected that some businesses will close during the slowdown and much of the recent growth in the past few years will be lost.

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Tags: hawaii, tourism, vacation

Six Figures For Snorkeling: Tourism Board Offers Dream Job

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels

Australia's Tourism Queensland has found a new way to attract attention to the Great Barrier Reef. They are offering a job with a six-figure salary to one lucky applicant. It's billed as the "best job in the world" and comes with a three-bedroom home to stay in that has a pool. The job duties involve taking pictures, making video updates, blogging and doing media interviews all while exploring the Great Barrier Reef. The job pays $150,000 Australian for just six months and the only requirements are that you be enthusiastic, media-friendly and love to swim and snorkel. A nice marketing idea and a great gig for one lucky traveler. To apply you need to send a short video on why you want the job and fill out the online application form at www.islandreefjob.com Applications close on February 22.

[via CNN]

UPDATE: The winner has been announced, Ben Southall from England will be enjoying six months of Great Barrier Reef bliss.

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Tags: australia, dream job, DreamJob, great barrier reef, GreatBarrierReef, tourism

Best Hospitality in Bermuda: The Pompano Beach Club

by Meg Massie (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels

It's hard to have a bad vacation in a place like Bermuda. The island is lovely, the people are friendly, and it's unlike any other place on earth. When traveling internationally, it's always a plus to stay somewhere with a warm, accessible staff. I've never been better accommodated than when I stayed at the Pompano Beach Club in Southampton, Bermuda.

The resort itself is made up of a few dozen oceanfront cottages along the most sparkling blue water you'll ever see. The Pompano has all the standard resort amenities, including a private beach, pools, game and fitness center, spa, and water excursions, but by far the greatest amenity is its dining room. Your breakfast and dinner each day are included in the price of your stay, and the food easily competes with most of the finest restaurants in America. The dress code is "smart-casual," meaning collared shirts for men and no jeans, t-shirts, or sandals. You will have your choice of three or four different items per course each evening on the resort's rotating five-course dinner menu. There are plenty of restaurants nearby if you choose to dine out, but why would you?

The staff is the friendliest I've ever encountered on any of my travels. Merv, the bartender, makes the best rum swizzle on the island -- it's a Bermudian staple.

Even though Bermuda is due east of the Carolinas, its climate is much nicer, tempered by the gulf stream. It can get uncomfortably hot and humid in the summer months, but spring and fall are lovely. Even in winter, temperatures rarely dip below the mid-50's, and the water is usually warm enough for a swim.

It's a tiny island -- only a few miles long -- but there's so much to do. Don't let Bermuda just be a short stop on your next cruise, like so many tourists do. This island is ideal for a nice long vacation, and the Pompano is the perfect place to spend that time.

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Tags: bermuda, dining, island, pompano-beach-club, southampton, tourism, travel, vacation

Colorado Wants Your Wine Tourism Dollars

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

When I think of a wine country vacation I'm generally letting my mind wander up the Pacific Coast, Napa Valley or maybe Oregon or Washington. A new Colorado hotel is hoping tourists will look a little farther afield. The Wine Country Inn in Palisade, Colorado is located in Colorado's western wine region in the Grand Valley. The new hotel has Victorian-style architecture with wrap-around porches complete with rocking chairs and is surrounded by vineyards. Owner Richard Tally toured wine regions all over California and Europe and hopes to bring that ex perience to the 80-room hotel.

There are three main buildings, a landscaped courtyard with an outdoor pool, spa, and pavilion. For larger parties there is the Vinter's House, a , a two-story house with a large Club Room with completely equipped kitchen, living and dining areas on each floor . Bedrooms flank each Club Room, and can be rented as either a one or two bedroom suite.

There is also a new wine label for the inn with five varieties marketed by neighboring Grand River Vineyards, Chardonnay, Merlot, Meritage White (blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon), Ten Acre Red (blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon). Wine will be for sale in both the hotel gift shop and available to guests at complimentary afternoon tastings in the hotel lobby. It is also within walking distance of two of Palisade's wineries.

As a grand opening special a two-night stay starts at $190.

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Tags: colorado, hotel travel, HotelTravel, tourism, wine

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