Screenshot of the Bahamas page on Gunyah.com, the website shortlisted by the Caribbean Web Awards 2012

An Award for Quality Websites

Unlike most travel awards, the Caribbean Web Awards 2012 focused on the websites that represent the travel companies, not on the travel companies themselves. As stated on the Caribbean Web Awards 2012 website, special attention was given to best practices in online marketing with an eye toward recognizing websites with excellent graphic communication, superb online copy and salesmanship, and laudable examples of strategies and techniques for enhanced site conversion.

Through its recently launched online presence, designed with all of this in mind, Gunyah dishes up memorable short-break package holidays and vacations managed by a dedicated network of passionate people all around the world. With locals in every destination and a clear responsible travel vision, Gunyah is more in tune with what makes a truly authentic local travel experience.

“We wanted to convey the authenticity and inspiration of our short breaks from the moment users started researching their trips, something that combined the spontaneity of independent travel with the comfort of a package holiday,” commented Luke Ford, CEO of Gunyah, about the unique look and feel of Gunyah.com. “The experience begins from the moment they start corresponding with our local operators. We wanted the navigation functionality to be simple and so it’s search by destination, but we also wanted to include a search by experiences for those looking for, for example, diving or a cultural break. We were thrilled to have been shortlisted.”

A screenshot of one of the packages available in the Bahamas on the Gunyah.com website

A Work in Progress

At the present time, Gunyah lists 170 short-break package holidays in 46 countries with an additional 600 contracted or under construction. Gunyah is working with 83 local partners in a total of 78 countries, including developed markets in North America, Europe and Australia, and emerging-market economies across Africa, Asia, South America and elsewhere.

The short breaks – all of which consist of carefully selected accommodation, tours and activities – average four to six days in duration, but can also extend to 12 days. Regardless of length, Gunyah’s goal is to evoke an authentic experience through each package by connecting travelers to the people, communities, food and culture of each destination.

“We are only at the early stages with product development in the Caribbean, but this attention from the Caribbean Web Awards provides us with even more motivation to include more fascinating destinations in the region,” added Ford. “We have some amazing experiences in San Salvador, Bahamas, with diving, fishing, nature and eco walks, history and adventure, something for everyone! Our local partners in the Bahamas deserve credit for all of their hard work developing such unique experiences.”

The kind of idyllic setting found on of the many islands that make up the Bahamas

The Winning Announcement

The TravelMole Caribbean Web Award winners were announced on the eve of the Caribbean Marketplace held in Nassau, Paradise Island, Bahamas. In their second year, the awards were run by the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association in association with TravelMole, one of the largest online travel trade communities in the world, and LeadGenerators, the UK’s specialist online marketing agency for the travel industry.

The awards were presented by TravelMole’s Graham McKenzie, who praised the shortlisted websites but called for a stronger focus on online marketing within the Caribbean: “With the obvious exception of the shortlisted sites, the general standard of nominations were very poor and for the benefit of all really needs to improve. The importance of a good online presence for all tourism businesses cannot be overstated and at this time many do not make the most of the opportunities presented.”

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The Gur-e Amir (which translates to ‘tomb of the king’) is steeped in both rich architecture and legend. Its construction began in 1403 after the death of Temor’s most beloved grandson, who is also buried there. The Persian-style building features a single turquoise copula, ribbed and detailed with ornate rosette pattern. The dome tops an octagonally-shaped building that is also highly detailed with ornamental mosaics and epigraphs.

Is Temur really buried in this mausoleum? In 1941, the tomb was unsealed to verify the remains as Temur’s. The excavation was successful in the sense that the skeleton’s damage matched descriptions of the injuries Temur received in battle that caused his death and confirmed that the remains are indeed his.

On this Gunyah Short Break guests learn the secrets of the cuisine on Greece's island of Crete with hands-on cooking classes at a boutique accommodation. Photo courtesy of the local Gunyah partner in Crete

“Planning your travels takes a lot of time, and, let’s face it, people are increasingly busy and have fewer holidays,” says Gunyah CEO, Luke Ford. “Whilst it is easy to book an all-inclusive package holiday or group tour online, travellers still crave a more authentic holiday experience, which is not readily accessible online due to the fragmented nature of the market. Our short breaks allow travellers to easily book real local experiences online. Gunyah puts travellers just a click away from their first, or their next, locally inspired journey.”

Gunyah works directly with local travel experts in each destination to ensure the short breaks offered via its travel website are of the highest quality and at all times uphold a responsible travel ethos. In each destination, these local teams stand ready to process requests and answer any question, as well as then providing complete on-the-ground support.

“Our short breaks still cover the essential sights you would expect on a traditional tour,” says Ford, “but they also allow travellers to experience the destination from a local’s perspective, to evoke a more authentic travel experience.”

A screenshot of the inspirational Gunyah travel booking website

One example of a Gunyah Short Break reveals how unique travel experiences can be found on even the most popular Greek Islands. This five-day Crete Culinary Adventure takes guests around the island to discover local wines, cheeses and taverns, as well as cooking classes with the host and adopted grandma for the week, to learn the secrets of Cretan cuisine.

Other experiences include a homestay adventure in Mongolia, some horseback riding through the Andes mountainous in Ecuador, a chance to go chimpanzee-spotting in Uganda and an extreme adventure in Jordan.

Gunyah was developed with the backing of the WHL Group, the largest local-travel company in the world and a collective of companies enthusiastically promoting local travel initiatives. Of the Gunyah launch, Len Cordiner, the founder and chairman of the WHL Group, said “We have connected some of the best local travel experiences to global markets and we’re extremely pleased with the result.”

Gunyah is on track to launch short breaks in another 40 countries over the coming months, which will make it one of the largest providers of experiential travel products in the world.

Llama Caravans in Argentina

Stretch your legs by trekking with llamas in the Jujuy Province of Northern Argentina. No, you don’t actually ride these long-necked beasts of burden; you trek alongside them in the traditional style of the ancient Andeans. Guided by Santos Manfredi and his wife Eva, you discover the rugged beauty of the Quebrada de Humahuaca, a narrow mountain valley bordered by the Altiplano of the Andes. On the way, you stop for a picnic accompanied by delicious local wine; an optional overnight stay with a local family provides a chance to engage with the people of the village and learn about their way of life. At every step, the views are spectacular and an opportunity to experience a place that is inaccessible by car. You should be wary of one pesky issue, however: the llamas are prone to spitting!

Give a Little on a Tour in Vietnam

Responsible travel in its truest form, Bloom Microventures in Hanoi, Vietnam, allows you to really get off the beaten track and interact with local community members who who have benefited from microfinance loans from the Microfinance and Community Development Institute (MACDI). You are driven out to a remote rural community where you spend the day with the locals – hear their stories and participate in daily activities like preparing lunch or harvesting crops. In the afternoon, you are encouraged to borrow a bicycle and explore the village, meet the local people and savour the countryside of northern Vietnam.

Yakkity Yak in the Himalayas

After a very bumpy and long bus journey to the north of bustling Kathmandu, Nepal, and a further four days of trekking along a yak trail through misty valleys, you arrive at Kyanjin Gompa, a tiny village in the remote Himalayan foothills. This village is home to mostly Tibetans who, while they live in Nepal, still follow ancient Tibetan traditions and customs. The views are incredible as this is the end of the ‘road,’ if there were roads… but what also makes this village different is the tiny cheese factory where two locals make delicious yak cheese as good as if transported from the slopes of the Pyrenees Mountains in Europe. It doesn’t get much more local than this and there is also a monastery that you can explore!

Smile for a Week at Crocodile Creek

Watch out for the elephants as you drive along the dusty road to the Crocodile Creek Community Village, an accommodation and community project in Livingstone, Zambia. The village was built by and for the people, and provides a sustainable income for local families involved in assisting guests. Located on the banks of the Zambezi River, four bungalows welcome visitors interested in the world-famous Victoria Falls, located just downstream, as well as the social development of the local people. Crocodile Creek is a prime example of how things should be done, with all materials used in building the village found in or around the area. Even the the camp-style bathrooms – a product of local innovation – are built into the natural surroundings. All food is prepared using vegetables from the on-site garden, as long as the elephants haven’t eaten them first! Stay for a few days – or a few weeks! – to lend a hand in in adjoining village.

Nugal-warra Elder Willie Gordon shows his guests around on his Rainbow Serpent Tour. Photo courtesy of Guurrbi Tours

Aboriginal Cave Paintings Rock!

Discover one of the oldest cultures in the world in tropical North Queensland, Australia, on a walk with a Nugal-warra elder, Willie Gordan. Willie started his company, Guurrbi Tours, in 2003, and the his tours are already listed as one of Australia’s must-do experiences.

Just outside of Cooktown, you walk to rock art sites where Aboriginal people recorded stories that have been passed down to Willie, who gives insight into the life and spirituality of his people. Learn about the traditional Aboriginal way of life whilst devouring delicious ‘bush tucker‘ (native food) and learning about bush medicine and ancient survival methods. With an infectious laugh and admirable passion, Willie is unforgettable.

Hikers take in the stunning view Krvavac peak near Lukomir village in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Photo courtesy of Green Visions

Real Local Culture in the Mountains of Bosnia and Herzegovina

High in the mountains of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the village of Lukomir lies far removed from the rapidly developing city of Sarajevo, just a few hours away. The people of Lukomir – the Bjelašnica highlanders – maintain a very traditional way of life, and you are invited to experience it with Green Visions.

This responsible travel company delivers the very best local travel experiences in Bosnia and Herzegovina and is committed to several projects that encourage the sustainable development of tourism in the region. The area around Lukomir is ideal if you’re after real travel adventures and traditional villages, not to mention old water mills, stunning views and high mountain terrain. Visit Bosnia and Herzegovina and travel like a local!

The destruction of flood waters in Faizabad village in Swat. Photo by Imran Khan, courtesy of Oxfam International/Flickr

“It is miserable,” said Sadia Kalsoom, tour manager of Walji’s, a large tour operators based in Islamabad. “Millions of people are without a home, the animals have died, crops have been destroyed. Some of the most beautiful valleys in our country have also collapsed, throwing another hard blow to the already suffering tourism industry.”

The people in the flood-stricken areas were already desperately impoverished, surviving at the most basic of living standards. The full extent of the new damage has not yet been fully realised, but the mass destruction has left those who had little with absolutely nothing. Currently, there is a desperate need for funds to build temporary shelters and toilets, and to provide clean drinking water to prevent a public health catastrophe. The locals are in dire need of medical care and basic food items, but aid on this scale will require substantial public support.

The Red Cross provides an update on the situation in Pakistan

How You Can Help

The people of Pakistan need our help. Oxfam is on the ground assisting 600,000 people in the hardest-hit areas: trucking in water and installing water tanks, building emergency toilets, providing sanitation kits and hygiene supplies to reduce the threat of disease. They are also distributing cooked meals and setting up work programs for locals to rebuild their towns and establish an income. Officials are hoping to raise US$6 million for their immediate and long-term response to the crisis; you can donate by visiting the Oxfam website.

Other relief organisations working within the country include Action Against Hunger, for whom the priority is on containing the spread of water-borne disease; the American Red Cross, which has committed US$1 million to the relief effort; and UNICEF, which has so far set up nine medical camps to provide treatment to flood victims. For a complete list of the aid organizations currently operating within Pakistan, click here.

The WHL Group's Europe and the Middle East office team meet at ITB with Murat Boranalp (right) of Marjinal Travel, the whl.travel local partner for Ephesus, Turkey

It was no surprise that there was so many participants from around the world as ITB is one of the world’s leading travel industry trade shows. It did seem somewhat quiet compared to previous years, but that certainly wasn’t the case according to official visitors’ statistics, with a total of 11,098 exhibiting companies from 189 countries, and almost 110,900 trade visitors. In fact, there were almost double the number of exhibitors from Asia and Africa on last years figures, a sign that the markets are recovering following the global financial downturn.

The WHL Group team made the journey to ITB this year to meet with the various whl.travel local connections present, as well as to discuss new partnerships with others interested in joining what is now the world’s largest local-travel network.

Will Plummer of Alanka Tours, the whl.travel local partner in Oman, commented that “The value of [the WHL Group] network becomes very evident at events like ITB, when you can meet with other whl.travel partners and have an instant trust and friendship with people you’re meeting for the first time. You know they’re a good company and can trust their products are going to be of high quality.”

Fringe Travel Event

Hosted by The Blue Yonder (a tour operator leading the field in local, sustainable travel experiences in India), along with Green Circuit, the Fringe Travel Event was by all accounts a big success. The goal of the gathering was to bring together travel companies in an informal atmosphere to meet, discuss and share their ideas. Held within ITB’s Trends and Events stand – a space dedicated to companies doing something a little bit different in tourism – and listed as an official gathering on the ITB programme, the Fringe Travel Event generated some real interest, drawing an impressive 150 participants to the room.

Klaudija Janzelj presents the WHL Group at the Fringe Travel Event of ITB Berlin

With such a diverse group of people, the conversation was guaranteed to flow well into the evening (and morning for some!). The WHL Group team was fortunate to be able to present at the event to the various tour operators, and travel and development agencies present. Ms. Klaudija Janzelj of the WHL Group’s Europe and the Middle East office commented, “It was so nice to meet with so many passionate travel professionals all dedicated to responsible tourism, it was the highlight of the trade show this year.”

At a massive show like ITB with over 110,000 exhibitors, it is difficult to sift through those that actually offer unique travel experiences that focus on responsible tourism. That’s what makes the networking and connections encouraged through the Fringe Travel Event so beneficial.

For more information about Fringe Travel, their events and their get-togethers at major travel trade shows, read about their event at the WTM 2009 and visit http://fringetravel.ning.com.

Chez Galip poses with just a few examples of his singularly decorated earthenware art

The town of Avanos has been renowned for its high-quality earthenware since 3000 BC. Although the modern plastic revolution saw serious contraction of the Avanos pottery industry for quite some time, today, thanks to local artists like Galip, the town is witnessing a renaissance of the craft. More and more travellers have come in search of their own unique souvenir from the World-Heritage listed Cappadocia region. After 47 years of continuing a family tradition that reaches back five generations, Galip assures us that “Many things have started and many things have ended, some things have brought much and some things much less, but what’s never changed is my enthusiasm for the bit of clay next to my wheel.”

Our plans of a short visit inevitably stretch into the evening. The conversation deepens as the sun sets behind the area’s incredible lunar landscape of weathered rock formations. The humble potter with his now clay-stained şalvar (Turkish baggy trousers) takes us into an even bigger cavern, where hundreds of his items are on display. Beyond it, in an even deeper chamber, are exhibits of the most impressive handmade crafts, those using his unique family design. Also on display is a huge pot some 600-800 years old, found near the town. It is in Galip’s gallery with special permission from the municipality.

Chez Galip at his wheel in his pottery workshop in Avanos, Turkey

We continue up a small incline toward a low doorway. I almost expect to meet Bilbo Baggins on the other side. Alas, while we meet no hobbits, we do learn that Chez Galip is passionate about more than just pottery and good wine; he also has a world-record collection of hair cuttings from woman around the world. Some 16,000 of them hang in another chamber at his gallery in town. Of course this may seem quite peculiar, but it also confirms that Galip is one very extraordinary and interesting character, one that you’ll remember for many years.

Fans of expertly made Turkish pottery should not miss the annual Cappadocia Avanos International Tourism and Handicrafts Festival, held in the last week of August. Of course, Galip – and all of Avanos – is ready to welcome all callers at any time of year.

A special visit to Galip’s workshop, including pottery instruction from the potter and a taste of his homemade wine, is available to the intrepid traveller through Urban Adventures, which also has other experiences on offer in Cappadocia.

More about Chez Galip can be learned on his website or via the spectacular 360-degree photography of his workshops and studios.

For more information about Avanos and the entire Cappadocia region, visit www.cappadocia.travel and contact Lirita Tours, your whl.travel local connection. They can also arrange stays in actual cave-houses, deep inside rocks often excavated thousands of years earlier.

whl.travel's Luke Ford (centre) takes a moment at the WTM with Mr Kim (left) and Ms Lee of Holiday Planners, the whl.travel local connection for South Korea

WHL Group, parent company of whl.travel, was also in attendance, sharing the messages of whl.travel, Urban Adventures and WHL Consulting, all of which were received positively. With a growing network around the world in more than 90 countries, whl.travel was there with 15-plus whl.travel local connections.

“I’m so glad I can visit such an important travel event like WTM and see the friendly faces of whl.travel local partners from around the world,” enthused Carmelita Xavier, the whl.travel local connection for the Caribbean island of St. Lucia and director of Solar Tours & Travel. “We’re one big family and I feel part of something quite amazing!”

It wasn’t just Carmelita smiling; St. Lucia’s Minister for Tourism, Senator the Honorable Allen M. Chastanet, was there as well, showing his support for the work of Solar Travel and their commitment to responsible tourism on the island.

Mr Neil Forrester (centre), the whl.travel local connection for Antigua and Barbuda meets with Klaudija Janzelj (whl.travel) and Stephen Chapman (WHL Consulting)

Another whl.travel local connection, Nigina Muhtarova of Afsona Travel, local partner for Samarkand and Bukhara in Uzbekistan, had this to say: “Working online with each other is great, but coming to WTM and being able to meet everyone in person really means a lot. It gives us the chance to share ideas and get to know one another in a social setting as well!” With almost all continents covered by at least one whl.travel partner, the WTM really was like a mini global gathering.

It was great to see that WTM is having such a positive influence on the tourism industry, a chance to stress the importance of responsible tourism through the WTM World Responsible Tourism Day and the various activities that surround the now globally recognized date of 12 November.

Dorine Naeye of DN Travel & Events, based in Antwerp, Belgium, has been visiting WTM since its inception and commented that “Of all the years I’ve been visiting WTM, it’s great to see them making an effort to promote responsible tourism. They’re really trying hard and now I see them reaching a greater audience with the message.”

On the Tuesday, the WTM also organized a roundtable discussion on the state of travel philanthropy, with a range of speakers including Dr. Dawid de Villiers, Chairman of the UNWTO World Committee on Tourism Ethics; and Fiona Jeffery, Chairman of WTM and Managing Director of Just a Drop Foundation.

It is evident that a major change is occurring within the industry. Responsible tourism is shifting from a niche to a mainstream industry priority, and whl.travel has been there all along with a unique model connecting travellers with local travel experts eager to help provide authentic, personal and ethical access to their home destinations, the kind of travel more and more people are yearning for.

Once a well-kept secret, Albania is on the verge of being ‘discovered’ by tourists. Until 1992 a communist country closed off to the rest of the world, Albania has only recently seen greater numbers of foreign travellers venture down to its southern Balkan corner of Europe, bringing with them suitcases of western brands and influences. Not to be discouraged though, and despite a growing number of Mercedes-Benzes, Coca-Colas and Mai Tai cocktails, the country remains very Albanian. Quaint mountain villages indifferent to modern development in the cities, which also retain their own unique charm, give rise to incredible travel experiences that you would be hard pressed to find elsewhere in Europe.

A look down Lake of Koman on the way to the Valbona Valley

Neighbouring countries have therefore already started flocking to Albania, with holidaymakers from Greece, Macedonia, Bulgaria and Serbia tempted by the beautiful coastline and, of course, very low prices. As reported by the Albanian national media: In 2008, over 400,000 more foreign tourists visited Albania than in 2007, an increase of about 23%. So while the tough economic times of 2009 are expected to hit other summer destinations hard, tourism in Albania may experience a big lift as people look for affordable memorable holidays.

Going Local

In Albania, already off the beaten track, you can really enter another world. Begin with a meander along the turquoise waters of the narrow and twisting Lake Koman flanked by jaw-droppingly steep cliffs (think Lord of the Rings). Follow this with a moderate-to-strenuous hike through the Valbona River Valley, the gorgeous jewel in the crown of northern Albania. Then descend towards the Theth Valley where you can enjoy extraordinary overnight hospitality in the traditional houses of Albania’s best-preserved alpine village. The surroundings could hardly be more stunning.

The Village House Salimaj, stunningly situated in Valbona Valley

This guided trek to local village houses is just one of many unique experiences offered by Outdoor Albania, a local Albanian adventure-travel company. Although one of many tour companies in Albania, Outdoor Albania is one with its heart in the right place. “We love our city and our country and want to show travellers the true side of Albania and for them to see and do as much as possible!” said the director of Outdoor Albania, Laura Payne, Dutch-born but now considered Albanian by many. “We want to promote the protection of the natural habitats of Albania whilst also supporting the small local communities economically. We try to involve as many actors as possible in our business, using drivers, guides, craft makers, mule/horse porters, winemakers, etc., on our tours.”

Acting Responsibly

Evident in tours like the trek to local village houses, Outdoor Albania believes in responsible tourism. This community-minded approach saw Outdoor Albania selected for a project sponsored by the International Finance Corporation (part of the World Bank Group) to develop tourism infrastructure in the Balkans. One valuable outcome was the creation of the first locally-owned and -operated accommodation- and tour-booking Web portal for Tirana and a travel portal covering the Albanian Alps, both part of the whl.travel global grassroots network of travel websites.

Rafting down the Osumi kanyo, one hour south of Berat in south-central Albania

It doesn’t stop there, though; Outdoor Albania has been working to improve the local environment and alleviate the pressures from social issues felt by certain groups in Tirana. Outdoor Albania continues to promote a recycling initiative to hotels, one outgrowth of which is a programme for Romany woman to collect the discarded aluminium cans as a source of small income. Alongside this, Outdoor Albania is convincing hotels to showcase the artwork of local disadvantaged youth so that travellers can purchase a unique souvenir, the proceeds of which directly benefit the community.

With tour operators like Outdoor Albania helping lead the way in Albanian tourism, no wonder their future looks bright. When considering your next holiday destination, keep Albania in mind and, especially, organizations like Outdoor Albania who work responsibly for the benefit of both guests and hosts.

British Airways has up to seven direct flights each week from London to the Albanian capital city of Tirana; a return ticket costs around 200 GBP. Alternatively, you can connect through Budapest with Malev Airlines from most major European destinations.

Outdoor Albania is your local connection and the whl.travel partner in Albania. For more information about Albania, including hotels, tours, activities and a lot of insider tips, Laura Payne and her team are standing by at www.travel-tirana.com.

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Want to learn more SUMMER IN THE BALKANS? Read about Bosnia & Herzegovina and Montenegro.