Accidental Travel Writer

Thailand: King's Cup Elephant Polo Tournament Slated for September

Green Tourism 

The 11th annual King's Cup Elephant Polo Tournament will be held in September 2012, Anantara Hotels, Resorts and Spas has announced.

Held to raise money to help Thailand's elephants, the charitable event has raised more than half a million US dollars so far.

This year's event will be held Hua Hin, a seaside resort favoured by Thai Royalty. It will be held from 12 to 16 September 2012.

"The eleventh year of the tournament promises to be bigger and better in terms of teams, fun and activities," says Bill Heinecke, CEO Minor International and owner of Anantara.

"But we must never forget the true meaning of holding the event and that is to make a considerable donation to the conservation and welfare of the Thailand elephant population and this year we are determined to raise more money than ever."

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Environment: Shangri-La Hotels to Stop Serving Shark's Fin Soup

Food and Beverage 

Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts has announced a Sustainable Seafood Policy, which will include the commitment to stop serving shark's fin at all of the restaurants it operates. It will also stop accepting new orders for shark's fin products at banquets with immediate effect.

The group, however, will honour existing contractual agreements to serve shark's fin if they were signed prior to the adoption of the policy.

Shangri-La removed shark's fin from the menus of its restaurants in December 2011. It plans to phase out Bluefin tuna and Chilean sea bass within a year.

Shangri-La is the second high profile Hong Kong based hotel chain to remove shark's fin from its menus this year. The Peninsula Hotels announced a similar ban on 1 January 2012.

Comment

Okay, I'll admit it. I've had shark's fin soup on many occasions, and I enjoyed it.

What I've learned over the years, however, is that shark's fin itself doesn't have much flavour. That wonderful taste comes not from the shark's fin, but from a very costly broth made of very expensive ingredients. So theoretically you could make a soup with a similar taste – using another ingredient.

But then there is the issue of texture – some people like the texture, and I agree, it is very nice.

Basically, I have two issues with shark's fin soup. 

The first is finning. European fishermen apparently slice the fins off the sharks while they are still alive and then throw the sharks – live!!! - back into the sea. This completely and totally disgusts me.

The second issue is sustainability. According to my understanding, sharks are key to the ecosystem of the seas, and if they are eliminated – which very well could happen if current practices continue – we could be in big trouble.

On the opposing side, shark's fin aficionados maintain that shark's fin soup is a delicacy and an important part of Chinese celebrations. An attack on shark's fin soup, to them, is an attack on Chinese culture.

Some go so far as to suggest that an element of racism is involved.

Your Say

Would love to hear your comments – have you ever tried shark's fin soup, did you enjoy it, do you think it should be banned? Why or why not?

You can email me if you've got my email address. Or you can send comments to: Please Comment Here!

What Others Are Saying

The Guardian: Shark Fin Goes Off the Menu at Peninsula Hotels.

USA Today: Peninsula Hotels to Ban Shark Fin Soup in 2012.

Digital Journal: Sir Richard Branson and Celebrities Rally to Ban Shark Fin Soup.

CNN Go: The Peninsula Hotels group Bans Shark Fin from Menus.

Copyright: Michael Taylor.

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Environment: World's Top 10 Sustainable Tourism Bodies

Green Travel

The Global Sustainable Tourism Council of the United Nations Foundation has recognized 10 national bodies around the world for their activities to promote sustainable tourism.

To achieve this recognition, these organizations underwent a thorough review and authorization process. Pictured: traditional irrigation is used in the rice paddies of Bali, Indonesia. Photo Credit: Bali Hotels Assocation.

Tourism Bodies Go Green 

• Ecotourism Australia's Ecotourism and Advanced Ecotourism Certification
• Bundesministerium für Land - und Forstwirtschaft, Umwelt und Wasserwirtschaft (BMLFUW)'s Austrian Ecolabel for Tourism (Österreichisches Umweltzeichen)
• Costa Rica Tourist Board (ICT)'s Certification for Sustainable Tourism (CST)
• Ecotourism Ireland's Ecotourism Ireland Label
• European Ecotourism Knowledge Network's European Ecotourism Labelling Standard (EETLS)
• Fair Trade in Tourism for South Africa (FTTSA)
• Instituto de Turismo Responsable's Biosphere Hotels
• Japan Ecolodge Association's Environmentally sustainable accommodations standard
• Rainforest Alliance's Standard for Tourism Operations
• Sustainable Travel International's Sustainable Tourism Eco-Certification Program (STEP).

"We are thrilled to have this global recognition for the Australian ecotourism industry," says Kym Cheatham, Chief Executive of Ecotourism Australia.

"While Ecotourism Australia's environmental certification was a world first 16 years ago, since then many other programmes have been developed. This recognition shows that Australian ecotourism continues to lead the world in environmental best practice."

Book Your Hotel Room Now

• Readers in Australia can book hotels at the following link: Hotels.com Australia
• Readers in New Zealand can book hotels at the following link: Hotels.com New Zealand

 

New York: Hilton Hotels Offer Wedding Package for Same Sex Couples

Travel Destination

Hilton Worldwide Hotels in Manhatten is offering a Wedding Your Way NYC Package is celebration of the Marriage Equality Act, which was passed by the New York State legislature in mid 2011.

The law applies to both residents of and visitors to the state and is believed to have had a significantly positive effect on the state's tourism industry. Seven Hilton hotels - all of them located on the island of Manhatten - are taking part in the scheme.

What's Included: overnight room accommodations for two, “Just Married in New York City” tote bag, crystal heart designed corkscrew and wine stopper set, silver brushed "Just Married in New York City" double-heart 4x6 photo frame, coupon valid for 20% off Starbright Floral Design. When: through 30 June 2012.

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Travel Tip!

Looking for an affordable family getaway? Kids Always Stay FREE at Motel 6!

 

 

Britain: Celebrate Christmas by Planting a Tree

Environment

If you want to give someone an interesting – and unique – present this Christmas, why not a tree?

But not for their garden, for a forest!

The National Forest Company in Britain has a programme that allows you buy a tree in someone's name and present it to them as a gift.

For 27 pounds, you will get a certificate to present as your Christmas gift, and it will bear your own message to celebrate the planting of the tree. There will be a special tree planting event, and staff from the National Forest Company will help you choose from a selection of native species. You will then plant the tiny tree, which will become part of the forest.

Deadline

The deadline for Christmas is 16 December 2011. If you miss it, there's always New Years!

Pictured: a robin. Photo Credit: Gordon Hudson.

Itchy feet? Click on the following link that some interactive travel ideas: ZUJI Hong Kong: Your Online Travel Guru

 

Corporate Greed: Holidays Ruined by Last Minute Canceled Tours

Australia 

Many travelers have their dream holidays ruined by unscrupulous tour operators that cancel group departures because they haven't signed up enough passengers to make the trip profitable.

To encourage bookings and gain the trust of travelers, a growing number of tour companies are skirting around this issue by offering what they are calling “Definite Departures.” But the devil is in the fine print, warns Albatross Tours of Australia.

"As reassuring as this sounds, only a limited percentage of their overall departures attract this apparent 'guarantee', and even those 'definite' departures are by no means certain," warns Euan Landsborough, Managing Director, Albatross Tours.

Pictured: Beynac on the River Dordogne in France, Courtesay of Albatross Tours.

Read the Fine Print

"Travelers who read the fine print will learn that these operators can still cancel a tour at the drop of a hat. When Aussie's have planned a trip half way around the world and parted with their hard earned cash, this is a huge disappointment - not to mention a blow to their hip pocket."

Albatross Tours is offering that it calls “totally transparent 'Guaranteed Group Departures'. “ This means that every one of its tours is guaranteed to depart with as few as seven passengers.

Thumb's Up

Travel agents have given the programme the thumb's up.

"We book our clients tours in good faith that they will be departing,” says Leanda Blank, a travel agent from West Coast Tours and Travel in Perth, Australia.

“I've had as many as 23 passengers canceled by one tour operator in one year. When tours are canceled it creates a lot of stress for our clients and is costly exercise for us to rectify. Our repeat business is built on our reputation for being, reliable and easy to book with - when tour operators cancel, it reflects badly on us as a business."

Itchy feet? Click on the following link that some interactive travel ideas: ZUJI Hong Kong: Your Online Travel Guru

 

United States: Inn by the Sea Fights to Save New England Rabbits

Ecotourism

Inn by the Sea in Maine in the United States has joined an effort to stop New England rabbits from disappearing from state.

The effort is being organized jointly with the Maine Department of Conservation and Bureau of Parks and Lands in collaboration with Crescent Beach State Park.

So what is to account for the population loss?

A loss of native scrub land and predators have been cited as reasons behind the region's dwindling Cottontail populations. Their habitats usually include a combination of local shrubs, vines, dense thicket, and wetlands.

Restoration of Habitat

Reflecting its commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Inn by the Sea will replant the area with indigenous shrubs such as raspberry, blackberry, dogwood, alder, winterberry and dewberry to create a high quality and safe habitat for rabbits.  Herbs and grasses such as goldenrod, clover, plantain, chickweed, wild strawberry and buttercup will also be planted as additional food sources.

Restoration work will begin in November 2011. It will be completed in early spring.

"The beauty of Cape Elizabeth's natural surroundings is an important part of our guest's experience," says Sara Masterson, the inn's general manager.

"Restoring habitat and preserving the state's pristine environment for future generations is not only the right thing to do, it also makes good business sense. Maine's natural environment is the magnet that attracts tourism to the state."

Endangered Species

In 2006, the New England cottontail was named a candidate for the US Endangered Species Act. It is listed as an endangered species in the American states of Maine and New Hampshire, which are located in the Northeastern section of the United States, also known as New England.

According to the US fish and Wildlife Service, the Cottontails' range from New York through New England has diminished by 86% since 1960. The species has all but disappeared in Rhode Island, Vermont and New Hampshire.

Itchy feet? Click on the following link that some interactive travel ideas: ZUJI Hong Kong: Your Online Travel Guru

Pictured: Inn by the Sea  viewed from the harbour Photo Credit: Inn by the Sea

 

United States: Thanks, Guys, for Ruining Thanksgiving!

Corporate Greed

Thanksgiving is the second most important holiday in the United States after Christmas.

It is also one of the few days that most businesses – including retailers – remain closed.

While the following day is not an official holiday, all schools are closed, and most companies give their employees the day off, too, creating a rare four day weekend.

Black Friday

Traditionally, stores had big sales on the day after Thanksgiving, kicking off the Christmas shopping season. Because most people didn't have to work or go to school, they headed downtown or to the malls to take advantage of the day off – and the big discounts.

The Friday following Thanksgiving, which occurs on the fourth Thursday of November, has come to be known as Black Friday because this is the day that many retailers start turning a profit, putting their accounts into the black for the first time.

Break With Tradition 

Eager to get a head start this year, Toys 'R' U will open most stores on Thanksgiving night at 9 pm. Walmart will follow, opening most outlets at 10 pm. Macy's, Target, Best Buy, and Old Navy have all announced plans to open most of their units at 12 midnight.

For employees that work at these stores, that will mean having to rush to work following a day of family reunions, feasting and – in some cases – drinking. Then they will have to stay up into the wee hours waiting on customers.  

For shoppers wanting to take advantage of the best deals, that might mean having to arrive in the afternoon – or even in the morning – on Thanksgiving Day in order to be the first in line.

Resentful salespeople and tired shoppers – not a happy combination.

At least two states have got it right. Maine and Massachusetts have prohibited retail employees from working on Thanksgiving. I'm wondering if a store opens at 12.01 am Friday morning – will that count?

Itchy feet? Click on the following link that some interactive travel ideas: ZUJI Hong Kong: Your Online Travel Guru

Copyright: Michael Taylor Pictured: shopping carts stuffed with toys at Toys 'R' Us Photo Credit: Joshua Garcia, US Air Force, via Wikimedia Commons

 

Australia: Qantas Offers Special Perks to Loyal Passengers

Airlines and Aviation

Loyal passengers can expect special offers from Qantas in appreciation of their loyalty during the industrial action that was recently taken by unions against the Australian carrier.

Selected Qantas Frequent Flyers will be offered additional points based on their tier status for all eligible Qantas flights from 16 November 2011 until 23 December 2011. This will include both new bookings and reservations that have already been made.  

"We deeply regret the impact on our Frequent Flyers of the recent industrial action and grounding of the Qantas fleet,” says Qantas Chief Executive Officer Alan Joyce.

“However, our customers can now book Qantas flights with confidence and certainty. Qantas is now 100 per cent focused on getting customers to their destinations, safely, on time, in comfort, and rewarding their loyalty to Qantas. We are delighted to be offering these special bonuses to our valued Frequent Flyers."

What Frequent Flyers Can Expect

Bonus points for passengers enrolled in the Qantas Frequent Flyer programme include:

• All Platinum and Platinum One Members - Double the points they would normally earn for eligible Qantas flights from 16 November until 23 December 2011.
• All Gold Members - 50% more points than they would normally earn for eligible Qantas flights from 16 November until 23 December 2011.
• All Silver and selected Bronze Members - 25% more points than they would normally earn for eligible Qantas flights from 16 November until 23 December 2011.  

Frequent Flyers that were directly impacted by industrial action will be offered a unique Qantas gift or experience, such as complimentary membership to epiQure by Qantas Frequent Flyer, the on line food and wine community, a Qantas First Lounge or Qantas Club invitation, a voucher for Qantas Valet or Qantas Drive, or a complimentary Q Bag Tag, depending on the member's tier status.

Book Your Hotel Room Now

Readers in Australia can book hotels at the following link: Hotels.com Australia

Readers in New Zealand can book hotels at the following link: Hotels.com New Zealand

Itchy feet? Click on the following link that some interactive travel ideas: ZUJI Hong Kong: Your Online Travel Guru

Pictured: Airbus A380 Photo Credit: Qantas

 

Australia: Hotel Guests Can Donate Christmas Toys in Lobby

Corporate Social Responsibility

The Christmas Tree of Hope Charity Program aims to grant the Christmas wishes of disadvantaged children around Australia.

A Christmas Wish Counter will be set up in the lobby of the Swissôtel Sydney from from 10 November to 24 December 2011 from 10 am to 5 pm so that guests can give Christmas presents to disadvantaged Australian children with the assistance of A Start in Life, a charitable organization.

"We are just as excited as the children and their families to be able to make their Christmas dreams come true,” says Daniel Fueglister, General Manager of Swissôtel Sydney.

“The Christmas Tree of Hope Program is a unique one as its main objective is to give the children exactly what they want for Christmas. With wishes as simple as a soft toy or a gift card, we do hope to be able to fulfill all 250 wishes and make this charity program an annual event."

Thanks to the hotel's sense of corporate social responsibiity and the generosity of guests staying there, this Christmas will be a bit merrier for disadvantaged children in Australia.

Itchy feet? Click on the following link that some interactive travel ideas: ZUJI Hong Kong: Your Online Travel Guru