On Turkey’s pristine south coast, nestled between the Taurus Mountains and the Mediterranean Sea, the city of Antalya has long been a favourite holiday destination. Dubbed the new Turkish Riviera, the flanking seaboard offers a rich blend of things to see and do in Antalyaand environs, from exploring Roman ruins to hiking or kayaking deep canyons.

Hadrian's Gate in Antalya, Turkey, is widely believed to have symbolised Roman triumph in the region. Photo courtesy of Unlimited Holidays

With 630 metres of dazzling oceanfront, Antalya has earned its title as the gem of the Turkish coast and welcomes nearly one third of all visitors to the country each year. The appeal of the harbour town is easy to see, not least because Antalya weather is pleasant all year round, with guaranteed sun throughout the summer, and because the white-sand beaches are kept clean and boast numerous local operators who manage water sports opportunities such as diving, snorkelling and kayaking.

In and around Antalya, Turkey, are underwater archeological sites, ancient caves, old temples and Xanthos (pictured here), which is mentioned in Homer's Iliad and a World Heritage Site. Photo courtesy of Unlimited Holidays

In addition to Antalya’s seaside attractions, outdoor enthusiasts will delight in hinterland hiking, white water rafting in Korpulu Canyon and relaxing by the magnificent Duden or Kursunlu waterfalls. Antalya is also the starting point for hiking the famous Lycian Way, the longest trekking route in Turkey.

In town, any tour of Antalya is bound to explore the city’s numerous World Heritage sites. The old city of Kaleiçi is a must-see as it contains much of the city’s archaeological heritage. Other nearby sites include ancient ruins such as Perge and Aspendos and Termessos, the latter a city once so well defended that even Alexander the Great could not conquer it.

Also not to be missed is Hadrian’s Gate, the old ornamental archway that marks the town entrance. All of the the area’s impressive historical heritage is fully explained at the Antalya Archeological Museum, which regularly receives high marks from travellers.

Unlimited Holidays, the whl.travel local connection in Antalya and also the Green Path Transfers local partner is a class-A tourism company (the highest rank in Turkey) helmed by Mehmet Yildiz and devoted to preserving this beloved region of their country by offering local connections to hotels that aspire to protect the natural beauty of the city as well as its cultural heritage.

“whl.travel will help us show everyone that Antalya has more than just sea, sun and beaches,” Yildiz says. “It has history, culture and friendly local people too.”

For more information about visiting Antalya, be sure to contact Unlimited Holidays. The Antalya airport, transfer service to which is managed by Unlimited Holidays, is well positioned to connect travellers to other top destinations in Turkey, such as Istanbul and Cappadocia.

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MESAJIN TÜRKÇESİ / IN TURKISH:

Türkiye’nin bozulmamış güney sahilinde, Toros Dağları ve Akdeniz arasında bulunan, uzun yıllardan beri favori bir tatil merkezi olan harikalar diyarı Antalya, whl.travel’ın en yeni destinasyonudur. Türk Rivierası olarak da bilinen kıyı şehri Antalya ve çevresi ile Antik Roma kalıntılarından, doğa yürüyüşlerine, derin kanyonlarda kayaking’e kadar bir çok görülmesi gereken yerler, aktivite ve dogal güzelliklersunar.

Days in Antalya, Turkey, are quiet as locals and tourists head outdoors into the year-round pleasant weather. Outdoor activities in this Mediterranean port include horseback riding, kite surfing, snorkelling, diving and sea cruises. Photo courtesy of Unlimited Holidays

630 kilometrelik göz alıcı sahil şeridi ile Antalya, ülkenin bir yılda elde ettiği turizm gelirinin yaklaşık 3’te birini kazandırdığı için Türkiye sahillerinin incisi ve turizmin baskenti olarak bilinir. Bu liman şehrinin çekiciliği, yaz boyunca eksik olmayan güneşi ile Antalya ikliminin tüm yıl boyunca ılıman olmasının yanısıra bununla birlikte beyaz kum sahilleri temiz tutulduğu için, snorkel ve tüplü dalış ve kayaking gibi su sporları düzenleyen birçok yerli operatörü kendine çekmektedir.

No visit to Turkey is complete without indulging in a Turkish hammam, or bath, an enduring local tradition. Both modern and traditional hammams can be found in Antalya in most luxury hotels or in the town centre. Photo courtesy of Unlimited Holidays

Antalya’nın deniz kıyısı çekiciliklerinin yanı sıra, outdoor meraklıları doğa yürüşlerinden, Köprülü Kanyon’da rafting yapmaktan, ve görkemli Düden ya da Kurşunlu şelalelerinde serinlemekten büyük keyif alacaktırlar. Ayrıca Antalya Turkiye’nin en uzun yürüyüs yolu olarakta bilinen Likya Yolu’nun başlangıç noktasıdır.

Herhangi bir Antalya turu ile şehrin birçok dünya mirası örenyeri ve mesire alanları keşfedilebilir. Eski şehir olarak da bilinen Kaleiçi, şehrin arkeolojik geçmişi ile ilgili birçok görülmesi gereken eser barındırdığı için kesinlikle görülmesi gerekir. Civardaki diğer antik yerleşimler arasında Perge, Aspendos ve daha uzakta bulunan; zamanında çok iyi savunulmuş, Büyük İskender’in bile ele geçiremediği Termessos yer alır.

Ayrıca şehrin girişini gösteren süslü, revaklı Hadrian Kapısı’nın da kesinlikle görülmesi gerekir. Tüm bölgenin etkileyici tarihsel geçmişi, ziyaretçilerinin de sürekli beğenisini toplayan Antalya Arkeoloji Müzesi’nde detaylı birşekilde açıklanmaktadır.

whl.travel’ın yerel bağlantısı ve Green Path Transfer’in yerel partneri olan Unlimited Holidays, Mehmet Yıldız tarafından işletilmektedir ve şehrin doğal yapısının yanında kültürel mirasını da korumaya azami özen gösteren oteller ve yerel bağlantılar sunan, ülkesinin bu nacizane bölgesini korumaya adamış, A-grubu (Türkiye’deki en üst sınıf) seyahat acentasıdır.

“whl.travel Antalya’nın sadece deniz, güneş ve kumdan ibaret olmadığını bunun yanısıra zengin tarihinin, kültürünün ve misafirperver halkınında oldugınu herkese göstermemizde bize yardımcı olacaktır,” diyor Bay. Yıldız.

Antalya’ya seyahatiniz hakkında daha fazla bilgi almak için lütfen Unlimited Holidays ile irtibata geçiniz. Antalya havalimanı transfer hizmetleri Unlimited Holidays tarafından sağlanmaktadır ve misafirlerinin İstanbul ve Kapadokya gibi diğer önemli turizm merkezlerine ulaşımı için çok uygun bir konumda bulunmaktadır.

The Mantazah Palace was originally built in 1892 and served as a summer residence for members of the Egyptian royalty. Overlooking the Mediterranean Sea in Alexandria, Egypt, it is surrounded on three sides by great walls and gardens. Photo courtesy of Senor Gogo

Over the centuries, Alexandria has ballooned in both size and importance, especially as a commercial centre of Egypt. Today it is an vital economic base that supports a flourishing tourism industry.

Alexandria hotels, of which there are many choices, promise great opportunities for relaxation, especially in light of the many summer resorts and sandy beaches. Fortunately, many of the best also combine five-star luxury with ecologically and socially responsible tourism. A stay at the Four Seasons Hotel in Alexandria, for example, will have you eating organic vegetables and fruits, many of which are locally grown in the hotel’s prided green spaces. Similarly a holiday at the Hilton Green Plaza Hotel, where all of the staff are Alexandria locals, will inspire you to participate in local sustainability by keeping the stunning beaches of Alexandria clean.

Recognised as the site of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Qaitbey Citadel was built by El Sultan al Ashrad Qaitbey in 1480. Perched on Pharos Island, just off the Alexandria mainland, the site was originally occupied by a lighthouse. Photo courtesy of Flickr/Shabayek

There are plenty of things to see and do in Alexandria, including taking in the ancient Roman architecture and the Qaitbey Fortress, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, that has occupied Pharos Island since 1480. Of course, no holiday in Alexandria would be complete without a tour to the iconic Pyramids of Giza, which are easily accessible from the Alexandria port.

One great way to experience the depth of Alexandria’s 18-century history is with a full-day Alexandria tour that takes in highlights like the Roman ruins, the Alexandria Library and the Mantazah Palace. For a more contemporary look at Alexandria, a tour to Alamein, the site of the famous World War II battle, is a must.

The Corniche is a coastal highway in Alexandria, Egypt, linking the Citadel of Qaitbey with the Mantazah Palace. Constructed in 1870, the Corniche runs for 10 miles and offers great views of the Mediterranean Sea. Photo courtesy of Yassin Zahran

Tourism expert and owner of WHL Egypt, Sherif Abd Elwahab is thrilled that his team of Alexandria locals is now available to assist in planning a fun and responsible Alexandria holiday.

“We at WHL Egypt are committed to promoting sustainable tourism and to using the tourism industry as a vehicle for protecting Egypt’s great historical sites,” said Elwahab. “We prefer to partner with Alexandria hotels that take responsible actions toward the community and develop environmental consciousness, using the least amount of non-renewable resources as possible.”

The Old Town Alexandria, Egypt, is filled with markets and vendors selling fresh fruit, vegetables, nuts, herbs and spices. Photo courtesy of Flickr/Heather Cowper

Alexandria joins the growing list of whl.travel destinations in Egypt, including Cairo, Sharm el Sheikh, Aswan and Luxor, Safaga, Ein Sokhna and Port Said.

The harbour of Port Said, Egypt, is a bustle of activity with ships constantly passing through on their way to the Suez Canal, often filled with regional products like cotton and rice to export around the world. Photo courtesy of Flickr/BillBl

Given its coastal placement, Port Said is more than just a business hub. It’s great sea views are a perk enjoyed by many patrons in Port Said hotels facing the harbour. Just watching ships pass on the canal side is an unforgettable sight. On the Mediterranean front, though, warm sandy beaches and welcoming water also attract both locals and tourists in search of a relaxing holiday.

Of course, there are plenty of other things to see and do in Port Said. The Port Said Museum is a must for anyone keen to learn more about the history of the region from the time of the Pharaohs to the construction of the Suez Canal. More contemporary insights are the focus of the Military Museum, which houses a collection of artefacts from the wars of 1956, 1967 and 1973.

A local market in central Port Said, Egypt, where fresh fruits and vegetables can be purchased, makes for a colourful afternoon walk and great insight into daily life in Port Said. Photo courtesy of DJ Paco

If you’re using Port Said as a base for visits to other Egypt attractions in the Nile Delta, the bustling capital of Cairo is easily accessible via day trips from Port Said, some of which visit the majestic Pyramids of Giza and Great Sphinx, or the Islamic and Coptic sites in Cairo. Anyone with more time to spare will appreciate the two-day tour that covers the central landmarks and sites in Cairo and Alexandria.

Educator and tourism expert Sherif Abd Elwahab of WHL Egypt is pleased to have added Port Said to the growing list of Egypt holiday destinations for which his team can now provide expert accommodation and tour advice.

Walking along a street lined with cafes and small sidewalk tables in central Port Said is a great way to experience local life on the Egyptian coast. Photo courtesy of Flickr/Argenberg

“Our mission has remained unchanged since we began our tourism business in Egypt,” says Elwahab. “We combine high-quality tours with great prices, always with a focus on individualised attention. We welcome you, your family and friends to Port Said.”

WHL Egypt manages destination portals all across Egypt, including Cairo, Sharm El Sheikh, Aswan and Luxor, Safaga and Ein Sokhna.

Now, with the addition of www.portsaid-shoreexcursions.com, the staff at WHL Egypt is excited to continue the partnership with whl.travel, a company with which it shares a commitment to ethical travel and the preservation of history and culture around the world.

Part of Traventuria's clean 10-vehicle fleet in Bulgaria is a Mercedes Sprinter that can fit up to nine people. Photo courtesy of Traventuria

Green Transfers and Tours in Bulgaria

For more than 10 years, Traventuria has been providing reliable ground transportation that focuses on all of Bulgaria, but also extends to and from major airports in neighbouring Skopje, Macedonia and Thessaloniki, Greece.

But what really sets Traventuria apart is its fleet of well-maintained vehicles that comply with either Euro 4 or Euro 5 emissions standards, a measure of the acceptable limits for exhaust emissions of vehicles sold in European Union. Traventuria’s cars have all been equipped with particle filters and use autogas, a mixture of propane and butane that produces fewer emissions than regular petrol.

More than just a transfer and transportation service, though, Traventuria is an independent tour operator that offers to travellers a suite of tour services. The company has an enticing menu of Bulgaria excursions – everything from active short breaks and wildlife and walking tours to spa and wellness trips. Traventuria can even arrange skiing and snowboarding tours, demonstrating that there really is no such thing as low season in Bulgaria.

Bansko is one of Bulgaria's premier ski resorts that Traventuria services, and one of the pristine alpine landscapes that it cares to conserve

Grounded in Responsible Tourism

Through both transport services and tours, and drawing on years of experience as tour leaders and travelers, the staff of Traventuria demonstrates a strong commitment to sustainable and responsible tourism, going green being something in which Green Path Transfers sees great merit.

“Lots of companies juggle with words like ‘responsible’ and ‘sustainable’ travel, converting them into clichés while giving them vague and broad meanings,” observes Atenas Zahariev of the Traventuria team. “As travellers ourselves, we believe that first-class experiences and unforgettable memories are granted in isolated communities, authentic cultures, preserved habitats and lively traditions. Naturally, we want to protect them for future generations.”

As this awareness of and concern for a sustainable future guides much of Traventuria’s growth, the company is always thinking of new and better ways to act on its guiding principles and to set examples for other tour operators. For example, Traventuria has supported a number of local and international nongovernmental organisations (NGOs) in Bulgaria: as active partners with the World Wildlife Foundation (WWF) in Bulgaria, they help conserve the precious ecosystems of the lower Danube River area; they also work with the Cooperation for Voluntary Service in Bulgaria to encourage international exchange and volunteering in Bulgaria; three other partnerships are with the Regional Environmental Center, the Bulgarian Biodiversity Foundation and the Balkani Wildlife Society.

“We’re involved with basically every NGO that works with nature conservation and protection in Bulgaria,” says Zahariev.

A Traventuria vehicle drops off passengers at the Sofia airport in Bulgaria. All the petrol vehicles in the fleet have been converted to use Autogas LPG. Photo courtesy of Facebook.com/Traventuria

A Bright Partnership

Traventuria has high hopes for Green Path Transfers and the mission to turn more people on to greener forms of transit and transport.

On having joined the innovative Green Path Transfers network, Zahariev says, “We are looking forward to collaborating with Green Path Transfers in Bulgaria to help them extend their presence worldwide, and to help us broaden the number of travellers serviced.”

“We couldn’t have found a better fit for our partner criteria in Bulgaria than Traventuria,” Adrian Cordiner, founder of Green Path Transfers, comments. “They really embody the kind of tourism and transit that Green Path Transfers is about.”

To learn more about Green Path Transfers and the carbon-neutral transfer services it offers growing number of destinations around the globe, visit www.GreenPathTransfers.com.

Praia do Barra is one of Mozambique's most popular beaches, right at the tip of the peninsula in Inhambane Province. The nearby waters are famous for their huge populations of whale sharks and manta rays. Photo courtesy of Riëtte Stoltz

A trip only a few kilometres outside of Maputo, the capital of Mozambique and a large port city, leads to a number of quiet hidden beaches perfect for snorkelling, diving and fishing. And across Maputo Bay, just far enough to be beyond the horizon, are islands like Portuguese and Inhaca, where isolated retreats provide hours of opportunity for quiet walks and tranquil reflection.

Alternatively, when you feel like sinking your feet into something other than sand, there’s a world of African wildlife waiting in the south of country. Right on the South African border, 100 kilometres south of Maputo, lies Kruger National Park, one of the best places in Africa to spot the ‘Big Five’ – lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards and rhinoceros – animals that old-time hunters used to risk life and limb to shoot.

Of course, there are plenty of things to see and do in Maputo itself. With impressive colonial architecture, the city lends itself to wandering along cobblestone streets, sipping coffee at local cafés and perusing colourful downtown markets. A tour of the Mafalala district opens windows onto Mozambique’s more recent and turbulent past, putting the country’s rich ethnic and cultural diversity into historical perspective.

A beautiful sunset behind the Matola Rio Bridge. Linking the Matola suburbs with Maputo, the capital city of Mozambique, the bridge is heavily used by both commuters and by travellers on their way to neighbouring Swaziland and South Africa. Photo courtesy of Riëtte Stoltz

As Mozambique continues to navigate its post-war development, effort is being put into building better infrastructure, like the good mix of Mozambique accommodation. Many Maputo hotels, like the Cardoso Hotel, realise the importance of connecting business development with community development and are actively involved in the local Maputo non-profit sector. A number of Mozambique spas and resorts are gaining popularity as well. Resorts like Indigo Bay balance diving and other water-sport activities against community involvement, an important part of creating successful ecologically and socially minded enterprises.

Natalie Tenzer-Silvia and her team at Dana Tours, the new whl.travel local partner in Mozambique, are no strangers to the community development that is so central to Mozambique’s success. In addition to organising a number of Mozambique tours and running their own Mozambique transport company, Dana Tours is actively involved in hosting volunteers through programs that connect North American students with hands-on learning experiences in Mozambique orphanages.

In Mozambique, a mother does her washing in the river near the Pequenos Libombo dam with her baby asleep on her back. The dam, near the Swaziland border, is a popular spot with the local community. Photo courtesy of Riëtte Stoltz

Dana Tours has been in operation since 2002 and Natalie is very excited to be expanding her business with the whl.travel family. “One of the attractions of joining whl.travel is that I will be dealing with the clients directly,” says Natalie. “So often we don’t get a feel for what the client really wants because there are agents in between us who don’t really know much about Mozambique and what it has to offer – though this is no fault of the agent. There is not much available in the way of tourist information about Mozambique. By dealing directly with the client, we can elicit exactly what he expects to accomplish, and ensure that we realise his dreams.”

The new Mozambique Web portal at www.tourmozambique.travel joins a growing list of whl.travel websites in Southern Africa.

Nestled into the southeastern coast of Brazil, the island of Vitória promises visitors immersion in the quiet beauty of the Atlantic coastline while simultaneously experiencing the electrifying buzz of contemporary and cosmopolitan Brazil. The capital of the island, Vitória City – which includes as part of its greater metropolitan area the smaller mainland city of Vila Velha – is also the capital of the Brazilian state of Espírito Santo. Anchored around three large ports, Vitória is a central fixture of the Brazilian economy, propelling the export of Brazilian coffee, oil and steel.

In the city of Vitória, Brazil, Camburi Beach is a six-mile stretch of coast that has been urbanised and integrated into the city. The boardwalk has tracks for running, biking and other activities, while the water is great for sailing, windsurfing and kitesurfing. Photo courtesy of the City of Vitória

In addition to its industrial and economic importance, the island of Vitória abounds in natural beauty. The city and environs are integrated into jagged green hills, rocky waterfronts and rich mysterious mangroves. The best place to take in the scenery is from one of the six sleek bridges linking Vitória Island to mainland Brazil. Peaking at over 70 metres above the waterline, the Darcy Castelo de Mendonca Bridge, also known as the Third Bridge, offers particularly excellent panoramic views of this scenic coastal city.

With a city-wide emphasis on green space, ecological conservation and recycling, Vitória has been ranked by the United Nations as the fourth best state capital in Brazil. It also has some of the highest living standards in the country, a measure that often comes with great opportunities for a Brazil holiday, something for which Vitória is well renowned.

Inaugurated in 2009, the Passagem Bridge is a milestone in the development of Vitória, Brazil. It combines modern design and functionality, greatly improving the flow of traffic in the city. Photo courtesy of the City of Vitória

For example, hiking in the mountains, walking along the coast or simply relaxing in a Vitória park are all qualities of a perfect Vitória vacation. Visitors can even appreciate the island from the direction of the sea via boat tours through the abundant mangroves or night tours that take in the lights of the city illuminating the rocky cliffs.

Of course, sustaining peace and rest between Vitóra tours and adventures is an abundance of Vitória accommodations, many of which strive to meet the same high standards of green living and conservation that the city promotes. Hotels like Comfort Hotel Vitória Praia and Champagnat Praia Hotel have developed extensive recycling and reuse programs to minimise waste, including plans to collect and reuse old kitchen oil.

With some of the best bars and restaurants in the city, Praia do Canto is one of the cutest neighbourhoods of Vitória, Brazil, an area central to its nightlife. Outdoor sport enthusiasts will love the area too as it is close to Praca dos Namorados, the perfect place to get some exercise. Photo courtesy of the City of Vitória

BWT Operadora is pleased to be joining forces again with whl.travel – it already operates the whl.travel local travel portal in Pantanal Sul – in presenting www.vitoria-vilavelha-hotel.com as the latest whl.travel destination in Brazil. Company president Adonai Aires de Arruda commented that “We like the idea of joining whl.travel because it is one of the most well-known Internet sites offering local tourism services. We are glad to give more tourists the chance to meet the beauties of our region of Brazil, and to give them the comfort of reserving tours and accommodation with just one click.”

As part of the larger Higi Serv Group, the team at BWT Operadora operates the Serra Verde Express, the centenary railroad running between Curitiba and Paranaguá. The historical train line is a top tourist attraction in the Paraná State, transporting nearly 150,000 people each year through one of the world’s most important coastal ecosystems. Higi Serv and its affiliates are one of Brazil’s largest partnerships devoted to such projects of preservation and conservation; it brings great strength to the extensive network of whl.travel destinations in Brazil.

Initially begun in 1928 as a ground procession to honour the Feast of St. Peter, the parade took to the water with the arrival of 200 Azorean fishermen and, since the 1970s, shifted from rowboats to motorboats. One highlight is the blessing of the hooks, which takes place on the high seas. Photo courtesy of the City of Vitória

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EM PORTUGUÊS / IN PORTUGUESE:

As cidades de Vitória e Vila Velha agora presentes na rede whl.travel no Brasil

Situada na costa sudeste do Brasil, a ilha de Vitória promete imersão aos visitantes na beleza tranquila da costa atlântica e ao mesmo tempo na eletrizante agitação do Brasil contemporâneo e cosmopolita. A capital da ilha, Vitória – que inclui como parte de sua área metropolitana a cidade de Vila Velha – é também a capital do estado brasileiro do Espírito Santo. Ancorada em torno de três grandes portos, Vitória é um dispositivo elétrico central da economia brasileira, impulsionando a exportação de café brasileiro, petróleo e aço.

Além de sua importância industrial e económica, a ilha de Vitória está cheia de belezas naturais. A cidade e seus arredores são cercados por montes verdes e manguezais. O melhor lugar para apreciar a paisagem é de qualquer uma das seis pontes que ligam Vitória ao continente. Atingindo um máximo de mais de 70 metros acima da linha d’água, a ponte Darcy Castelo de Mendonça, também conhecida como a Terceira Ponte, oferece particularmente excelentes vistas panorâmicas sobre a cidade costeira.

Handmade clay pots are some of the greatest expressions of culture in the state of Espírito Santo, Brazil. Artisans are linked to the Association of Paneleiras, located in the District of Goiabeiras. Two typical meals, the moqueca capixaba and toria capixaha, are traditionally served in clay pots. Photo courtesy of the City of Vitória

Com ênfase em espaços verdes, conservação ecológica e reciclagem, Vitória foi classificada pelas Nações Unidas como a quarta melhor capital de estado no Brasil. Ela também tem alguns dos mais altos padrões de vida no país, uma medida que muitas vezes vem com grandes oportunidades para umas férias no Brasil, algo para o qual Vitória é bem conhecida.

Por exemplo, passeio pelas montanhas capixabas, caminhar ao longo da costa ou simplesmente relaxar em um dos parques da cidade. Os visitantes podem ainda apreciar a ilha vista do mar através de passeios de barco pelos manguezais ou passeios noturnos que levam nas luzes da cidade iluminando os paredões rochosos.

E para manter a paz e descanso entre passeios e aventuras ha uma abundância de hoteis em Vitória, muitos dos quais se esforçam para atender os altos padrões de vida que a cidade promove. Hotéis como Comfort Hotel Vitória Praia e Champagnat Praia Hotel desenvolveram reciclagem extensa e programas de reutilização de resíduos, incluindo planos para coletar e reutilizar óleo de cozinha.

Vitória, the second-oldest capital of Brazil, is formed by an archipelago of 33 islands and a mainland port. The city is unique for its natural beauty, traditional cultural groups and remarkable economic growth. During the summer high season, the city’s landscape is altered by docked luxury ocean liners. Photo courtesy of the City of Vitória

A BWT Operadora ) tem o prazer de juntar forças novamente com a whl.travel – que já opera o portal de viagens no Pantanal Sul – para apresentar www.vitoria-vilavelha-hotel.com como o destino mais recente whl.travel no Brasil. Presidente da empresa, Adonai Aires de Arruda, comentou que “Gostamos da idéia da whl.travel e estamos contentes em oferecer aos turistas a oportunidade de conhecer as belezas da nossa região, e dar-lhes o conforto de reservar passeios e hotéis com apenas um clique.”

Como parte do maior Grupo Higi Serv, a equipe da BWT Operadora opera a Serra Verde Express, a ferrovia centenária que funciona entre Curitiba e Paranaguá. A linha de trem histórica é uma atração turística no Estado do Paraná, transportando cerca de 150 mil pessoas a cada ano através de um dos mais importantes ecossistemas costeiros do mundo. Higi Serv e suas afiliadas são uma das maiores parcerias do Brasil dedicado a projetos de preservação e conservação; traz, portanto, uma grande força à extensa rede de destinos whl.travel no Brasil.

Getting around Oman can be challenging, but booking your ground transportation ahead through Green Path Transfers is the perfect way to explore the country. Photo courtesy of Elite Travel & Tourism

A Green Path Transfers Partner

For anyone planning a trip to this beautiful country, finding reliable transportation is of course key. Long driving distances combined with regularly washed-out roads and occasionally dangerous wadi crossings all pose serious challenges for travellers. It therefore pays to consider booking at least ground transportation with a knowledgeable local taxi and transfer service.

Fortunately, the experienced professionals at Elite Travel & Tourism can provide comfortable transportation to any destination. In addition to being the whl.travel local connection in Oman, Elite is now the local partner of Green Path Transfers, the fast-growing global and eco-friendly transport service.

Through Green Path Transfers, Elite Travel & Tourism looks forward to expanding the reach of its taxi and transport business to responsible travellers from all over the globe.

“In a developing country like Oman, we have worked hard to bring professionalism and safety to this market,” explains Will Plummer, Business Director at Elite Travel & Tourism. “We believe that with our friendly staff we are ideally place to be the first introduction to those visiting Oman and reassure people of what a fantastic country it is to visit.”

Since 2004, the experienced and knowledgeable team at Elite Travel & Tourism has been helping travellers explore legendary Oman. Photo courtesy of Elite Travel & Tourism

A Local Leader

Founded in 2004 by a Omani local Amor Hardan, Elite Travel & Tourism has grown into a successful and responsible travel business that today offers transport services, as well as tailor-made tours and vacation packages throughout the country. When he decided to launch the company, Hardan, who had already enjoyed a 15-year career at the Intercontinental Hotel Muscat, was eager to show people the many stunning off-the-beaten track destinations worth visiting in his home country.

In 2009, Elite Travel & Tourism acquired another business, called Alanaka Tours, as a way to lead small-group tours and desert-camping adventures. In the same year, Amor’s wife, Karen Hardan, joined the company as general manager and, with her wealth of experience in the hospitality industry, raised the company’s overall level of professionalism.

Today, as a local tourism operator with a strong commitment to the environment and to local communities, Elite Travel & Tourism is pleased to join the Green Path Transfers’ growing global network of responsible transport partners and ground transfer operators. “Being part of the WHL Group family” – both whl.travel and Green Path Transfers are part of the WHL Group – “has already been very successful for us and it is great to be part of Green Path Transfers too,” Plummer adds.

A Greener Perspective

Elite Travel & Tourism is encouraged by the positive value of lasting partnerships with other like-minded tourism and transport businesses also part of Green Path Transfers. Like other partners committed to responsible and sustainable local travel and transportation, Elite Travel & Tourism shares the emphasis Green Path Transfers places on going green, in particular the ability to offset a full 100 percent of the carbon emissions generated by its transfers business.

In keeping with its responsible tourism philosophy, Elite Travel & Tourism is intent on helping to preserve the beautiful local environment of Oman. Photo courtesy of Elite Travel & Tourism

“We believe we can offer the services and standards that clients of Green Path Transfers expect and with our own responsible tourism policy we are very conscious of the need to offset the carbon emissions we make,” explains Plummer. “We are continually working to find new ways to make our own service more green and are exploring what we can do within the Middle East to accomplish this.”

In keeping with its own philosophy and goals, Elite Travel & Tourism hopes the new partnership will help raise consciousness in Oman around the need for more eco-friendly vehicles and transportation solutions.

Far-Reaching Service

With a 32-vehicle fleet of luxury sedans, 11-passenger minibuses and 4×4 off-road vehicles, Elite Travel & Tourism is more than capable of meeting any request for ground transportation in Oman. The majority of the company’s clients head to the beach resorts of Muscat or to the old capital of Nizwa in Oman’s northern region. A journey to Nizwa is Plummer’s top recommendation, since it can be a jumping-off point to the stunning canyon-like scenery of the Hajar Mountains. Also in the north is the Musandam Peninsula, separated from the main part of Oman by the United Arab Emirates.

Beyond this, says Plummer, “a trip to the desert is a must.” With the Wahiba Sands only two hours from Muscat, they are very accessible. For those with more time, he recommends visiting Salalah in the tropical south, a city famous for its sweet-smelling frankincense trail.

“Of course,” adds Plummer, “we offer services everywhere in between all these sites and have many guests who enjoy exploring between north and south, especially along the stunning coastline.”

To learn more about Green Path Transfers and how to be part of carbon-neutral travel arrangements that emphasise green technology in a growing number of destinations around the globe, visit www.GreenPathTransfers.com.

One such effort has been initiated by Ski-Lifts Ltd., an airport transfer and ground transportation operator with its operational headquarters in the Haute-Savoie region of the French Alps. Now also in cooperation with the global, eco-friendly transport network called Green Path Transfers, Ski-Lifts Ltd. has found a cleaner and greener way to transport skiers from airports to the slopes all over Europe.

The stunning slopes of Morzine, France, are just one of many ski destinations that Ski-Lifts Ltd. serves with its innovative airport transfer service. Photo courtesy of flickr/eGuide Travel

The Idea: Fewer Empty Seats

Ski-Lifts Ltd. saw an opportunity when its founders noticed the large number of empty seats on private ski shuttles and microbuses between area airports and the French Alpine ski slopes. They knew that this represented a lot of waste and missed opportunity, especially at a time when resourcefulness and cooperation should be part of every business’s credo.

So Ski-Lifts Ltd. devised a streamlined way for skiers to book individual seats on vehicle with the knowledge that they would share the ride with others travelling at approximately the same time. Ski-Lifts Ltd. also started offering larger vehicles (with passenger capacities of up to 53 seats) in order to cut down on the number of engines on the road.

Ski-Lifts Ltd. is headquartered in the town of Morzine in the French Alps. The company began by offering airport transfers to and from Geneva, Switzerland, which remains its busiest transport hub. Today, however, after five years of business growth and success, Ski-Lifts Ltd. has expanded its network to resorts all over Europe. It offers the widest range of ski-resort transfers in the world, connecting outdoor sports enthusiasts to their destinations from 32 airports in Europe, Canada and the United States, as well as train stations in Europe.

Ski-Lifts Ltd. greens your transit from the airport to the Vanoise Express ski lift in the Paradiski area in France. Photo courtesy of wikimedia/Parisdreux

Cooperation Is Key

A critical quality of the Ski-Lifts Ltd. model is cooperation with other companies. After all, rather than two businesses running two half-filled buses, it makes financial and environmental sense for both companies to fill just one. Ski-Lifts Ltd. also coordinates with local operators at various resorts to avoid long-distance trips between resorts with no passengers at all.

Ski-Lifts Ltd. even fosters cooperation between passengers. For example, in 2010, a shared transfer service was launched from one of the train stations in Cluses, France, to a nearby ski resort. Carbon-conscious skiers were offered a choice between the ski train (which often fills up) and sharing a Ski-Lifts Ltd. vehicle.

Partnering with Green Path Transfers

For a business like Green Path Transfers, Ski-Lifts Ltd. is a perfect partner, one that shares a vision of eco-friendly airport transfer services available across the globe (Green Path Transfers is now anchored in more than 100 destinations).

As Adrian Cordiner, CEO of Green Path Transfers, puts it, “Our partnership with Ski-Lifts Ltd. is a small step in trying to help preserve the pristine environments in which they operate.”

A skier admires the landscape of Espace Killy, one of the most popular destinations in France serviced by Ski-Lift Ltd. Photo courtesy of wikimedia/Jmex

For its part, Ski-Lifts Ltd. has high hopes about the new partnership and its potential for the upcoming ski season. The Ski-Lifts Ltd. team was very interested in Green Path Transfers when word of it first reached the office. “It is our firm belief that cooperative alliances between companies is the future for this industry and that is why we are keen to be involved,” commented Richard Smith on behalf of the Ski-Lifts Ltd. crew. “We’re now approaching our high season and we’re looking forward to seeing what this partnership will yield. We’re hoping for big things!”

To learn more about Green Path Transfers and how to be part of carbon-neutral travel arrangements that emphasise green technology in a growing number of destinations around the globe, visit www.GreenPathTransfers.com.

Perched on the roof of the world is the astounding region of Tibet, one of those lands that most people only dream of visiting. At an average elevation of 4,900 metres above sea level, Tibet encompasses the world’s highest plateau, some of the oldest and most guarded places on earth, crystal-clear lakes, ancient Buddhist temples and monasteries, and a skyline made remarkable by the world’s tallest mountains.

Tibetan men and women can be seen on the country's pilgrimage roads almost every day of the year. Photo courtesy of Wong Jiawang

Once you are settled in your comfortable accommodation in the capital city of Lhasa, there is a stunning range of things to see and do in Tibet. Given the vastness of the territory and the transport challenges, most sites are most easily enjoyed while on a Tibet tour.

For example, take in the venerable monasteries in the historical cities of Lhasa, Shigatse and Gyantse on a Tibet Cultural Exploration or join the pilgrims on a visit to lakes Namtso and Yamdrok Yumtso, considered holy by Buddhists. Of course, not to be missed is a hike to the world-famous Everest Base Camp, just one of the many awe-inspiring trekking tours in Tibet .

The unique culture of the Tibetans has for the most part been well preserved due to their isolation from the rest of the world for both geographical and political reasons. It was only in the 1980s that Tibet opened its doors to tourism. Since then travel has been a key factor in its development.

Lamas in Tibet stay fit like everyone else. Here they are exercising and practicing their martial arts, just one way of debating. Photo courtesy of Wong Jiawang

Technically speaking, Tibet is an autonomous region of China and travel to Tibet is regulated by the Chinese government. All travellers therefore need Chinese visas and special permits, as well as a complete package tour to travel around Tibet.

To help with that, whl.travel has partnered with Tibet Travel Professionals, the online arm of the International Department of Lhasa ChangThang Yak Travel Service, a local Tibetan travel agency based out of Chengdu, China.

Mr. Liu Anbing and the rest of his team at Tibet Travel Professionals have been organising complete Tibet travel packages for foreign visitors since 2005, ensuring a memorable and hassle-free trip to this ancient realm. The company strongly believes in responsible travel and authentic experiences. Many of their Tibet tours involve interaction with Tibetan families, shopping for local products and sustainable environmental practices.

“We feel very excited about the launch of Tibet-tours-travel.com,” commented Mr. Liu. “whl.travel has been very patient and helpful in building the site.”

Tibet is joins Beijing and Lijiang as whl.travel’s destinations associated with the People’s Republic of China.

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IN CHINESE / 用中文:

西藏位于世界屋脊，大多数人只在梦中来过这片令人震撼的土地。它的平均海拔为4900米，是世界上最高的高原，属于地球上最古老、最神圣的地方。它有着清澈的湖泊、历史悠久的佛教寺庙、世界上最高的山脉及其在天空中留下的美丽轮廓。

在西藏首府拉萨安顿好住宿后，你会发现西藏有太多值得去体验的事情。由于西藏地域辽阔、交通不便，可以通过参加西藏旅游行程轻松游览西藏的大部分地方。

例如通过西藏文化之旅可以拜访西藏历史名城拉萨、日喀则和江孜的古老而庄严的寺庙，参加圣湖之旅参观纳木错湖和羊卓雍错湖。当然不容错过的还有到世界闻名的珠峰大本营徒步，这只是西藏众多令人惊叹的徒步行程之一。

由于地理位置偏僻，西藏的独特文化大部分得以完好地保留了下来。直到上世纪八十年代西藏才对旅游者开放，从此旅游成为了西藏发展的其中一个最主要的动力。

严格来讲西藏是中国的一个自治区，由中国政府管理西藏的旅游。 所有外国游客需持有中国签证和入藏许可证件，并参加当地的旅游行程在藏旅游。

Tibet's high-elevation mystical landscape is full of snow-capped mountains like the one pictured here. Photo courtesy of Wong Jiawang

为了方便外国游客入藏旅行，whl.travel 和西藏当地的拉萨强堂亚旅游公司合作，通过其位于中国成都的国际部网络品牌 Tibet Travel Professionals, 为国内外游客提供高质量的旅游服务。

Tibet Travel Professionals 的负责人刘安兵先生和他的团队从2005年起就开始为国外游客组织西藏旅游行程，确保游客在这片古老的土地上旅行顺利，留下难忘的美好回忆。公司坚持以负责任的态度让客人体验一个真正的西藏。公司许多行程都包含了当地藏民家访、自由购买西藏当地产品并注重旅行中的环护措施。

刘先生说“我们很高兴 Tibet-tours-travel.com 即将开始正式运行，whl.travel非常有耐心地帮助我们建立了这个网站。”
和北京、丽江一起，西藏将成为whl.travel在中国的又一个合作区域。

Spread across south-central Brazil and covering an area larger than the island of Great Britain, the Pantanal is the world’s largest wetland. Running through the state of Mato Grosso, North Pantanal comprises a delicate ecosystem that benefits from dual seasons of flooding and droughts. The intense rains that deluge the region annually give way to a dry season during which grasslands thrive and support over 70 species of mammals.

Seasonal floods of the North Pantanal region of Brazil make for lush, green vegetation that supports over 70 species of mammals and hundreds of different kinds of birds and fish. Photo courtesy of Luiz Peixoto

The local human residents of the region fit into the all-embracing ecosystem as well. Cattle ranchers graze their stock on the abundance of green grass that shoots up during the dry season and the annual floods support one of the largest fishing areas in the world. In fact, in addition to nature appreciation, fishing is a big draw for visitors interested in several types of ‘big game’ fish amongst the 262 species inhabiting the region’s freshwater basins.

But fishing is just one of many outdoor activities in North Pantanal. Numerous tours through the wetlands provide a chance to observe native species, such as cayman alligators, jaguars and parrots, in the wild, while resource centres like the Refugio Ecolologico Caiman guide guests to a better understanding of the preservation and conservation processes underway to bolster and protect the region’s incredible biodiversity. The distinctly blue hyacinth macaw and famous jaguar are just two species that the centre has made great strides in helping to sustain.

A wide variety of hotels and lodgings in North Pantanal facilitate overnighting in the midst of one of Brazil’s foremost ecological wonders. The hosts at many lodges understand the potential impact that increased tourism can have in the region and have endeavoured to structure their hotels around sustainable practices. Pousada Rio Claro, for example, partners with local craftsmen and artisans, and bridges the divide between local residents and guests by developing events, lectures and workshops centred on Pantanal culture.

José Namen, the whl.travel local connection in North Pantanal, is no stranger to the process of integrating tourist infrastructure into nature’s delicate balance in North Pantanal. A Pantanal-born native, Namen understands the complexity of the interwoven systems – both those within the wetlands themselves and those astride the wetlands and the people who live there.

In North Pantanal, Brazil, a group of horseback riders moves through an area of blossoming Ipê trees during their short, seasonal blooming. Photo courtesy of Luiz Peixoto

As Namen states, “Lucas, my business partner, and I come from a family of traditional farmers in the Pantanal. Therefore, we learned to respect and love the impressive fauna and the astonishing landscapes of this amazing ecosystem, as well as the people who live here and their strong culture.”

For instance, on the one hand, he has advocated for regulating angling practices to protect certain species from overfishing and extinction; on the other hand, he understands that fishing is a central way of life for many local residents and that making changes to one part of the system can have unintended effects on another. Armed with this nuanced approach, he advocates for educational programs and the development of alternative sources of income for families that rely on the Pantanal for survival.

“We are excited about our partnership with whl.travel because we share the same view that tourism should help to protect the environment and promote the local people and their culture through the creation of jobs and the injection of resources into the local economy,” continues Namen. “We are sure that whl.travel will help us in marketing the Pantanal to the global market as an important touristic destination, and that we’ll succeed in achieving our goals.”

Pantanal Norte joins an ever-growing list of successful whl.travel destinations in Brazil, including South Pantanal.

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EM PORTUGUÊS / IN PORTUGUESE:

Localizado no centro-oeste brasileiro, cobrindo uma área maior que a Inglaterra, o pantanal é a maior área de terras alagadas do mundo. Percorrendo o estado do Mato Grosso, o Pantanal Norte compreende um delicado ecossistema que se modifica em função de duas temporadas ou estações, a época da cheia e alagamentos e a época de seca ou estiagem. A chuva intensa que cai anualmente e inunda sua vasta área, abre caminho para a temporada seca onde as áreas verdes prosperam e dão suporte para mais de 70 espécies de mamíferos.

A group of caymen alligators, native to the North Pantanal region of Brazil, gather at the water's edge. Photo courtesy of Luiz Peixoto

As pessoas que moram na região adaptam suas vidas da maneira que o ecossistema da região exige e levam a vida de acordo com o que ele proporciona. Criadores de gado criam seus rebanhos na abundancia de pastagens que crescem durante a temporada seca que sucede a cheia anual devida a época das chuvas intensas. Chuvas que dão suporte para uma das áreas de maior ocorrência de peixes do mundo, adicionando a apreciação da natureza, a pesca, um grande atrativo para visitantes interessados nas várias espécies de grandes peixes dentre as 262 espécies que ocorrem na região.

A pesca de peixes grandes é somente uma das varias atividades no Pantanal Norte. Diferentes passeios pelas terras alagadas proporcionam a chance de conhecer espécies nativas como os jacarés, onças pintadas, araras azuis e outros animais em seu habitat natural. Ao mesmo tempo, centros de recursos como o Refugio Ecológico Caiman mostram aos turistas um melhor entendimento do processo de preservação e conservação em andamento para proteção da incrível biodiversidade da região. A Rara Arara Azul e a famosa Onça Pintada são apenas duas das espécies que o centro trabalha para preservar e, neste sentido, já fez grandes avanços.

A ampla variedade de hotéis e alojamentos no Pantanal Norte facilita o pernoite em meio a uma das maiores maravilhas ecológicas brasileiras. Os anfitriões de muitas hospedagens sabem do grande impacto que o turismo tem na região e vem se esforçando para estruturar seus hotéis baseados em praticas sustentáveis. A Pousada Rio Claro, por exemplo, parceiros de artesões locais estreitam o relacionamento entre nativos da região e turistas, desenvolvendo eventos, palestras e oficinas centrados na cultura Pantaneira.

José Namen, a conexão da WHL no Pantanal Norte não é estranho no processo de integração da infraestrutura turística com a delicada natureza do Pantanal Norte. Um nativo pantaneiro, Namen entende a complexidade dos sistemas interligados, tanto os das áreas alagáveis, quanto os montados pelas pessoas que ali vivem.

The Ipê tree is iconic of the Pantanal of Brazil. Blossoms may be bright pink, yellow or white. Flourishing in September, the colours only last for about week, seeming to explode rather than blossom. Photo courtesy of Luiz Peixoto

Como Namen fala, “Lucas, meu parceiro neste negocio e eu viemos de uma tradicional família de fazendeiros do Pantanal. Com isso, nós aprendemos a respeitar e a amar a fauna e as impressionantes paisagens deste surpreendente ecossistema, juntamente com seu povo nativo e sua forte cultura.”

Como exemplo, por um lado ele defende a regulamentação da pratica da pesca esportiva para a proteção de certas espécies da pesca excessiva. Por outro lado, ele entende que a pesca é o principal meio de vida para muitos dos moradores locais e que, intercedendo em uma parte do sistema, pode causar importantes consequências não intencionais em outra. Armado com essa diferenciada abordagem, ele defende programas educacionais para desenvolvimento de meios alternativos de fontes de renda para as famílias que dependem do pantanal para sobreviver.

“Estamos animados com a parceria com a whl.travel pois compartilhamos a mesma crença de que o turismo deve ajudar a preservar o meio ambiente e promover os moradores da região e sua cultura através da criação de empregos e da injeção de recursos na economia local,” completa Namen. “ Temos certeza de que a whl.travel nos ajudará a promover o Pantanal para o mercado mundial como um importante destino turístico e que com isso vamos conseguir alcançar nossos objetivos.”

O Pantanal Norte se junta a uma crescente lista de destinos brasileiros bem sucedidos da whl.travel, incluindo Pantanal Sul.

At the marina of Ein Sohkhna, Egypt, private yachts come to dock from all over the world. In the background is one of the most luxurious hotels in the area: Porto Marina El Sokhna. Photo courtesy of Ahmed Kaoud

The quality of the beaches of Ein Sokhna stands head and shoulders above that of some of the other more isolated Red Sea resorts, especially when it comes to accessibility. In fact, Ein Sokhna’s proximity to Cairo, site of many key highlights on any Egyptian travel itinerary, adds considerably to the variety of exciting local things to see and do in Ein Sokhna itself. It’s perfectly feasible to spend the morning taking in the majestic wonder of the pyramids and then make the short drive for an afternoon dip in the crystal-clear waters of the gulf.

Ein Sokhna is no exception to the inescapable pull of the ancient world in Egypt though. Nearby are the Monasteries of St. Anthony and St. Paul, which are thought to be some of the oldest monastic sites in the world and are a key stop on any Ein Sokhna tour. According to religious texts, the Mount of Galala El Bahareya, also close at hand, is the site from which Moses led the Israelites across the Red Sea to freedom in the Sinai Peninsula.

With large umbrellas and reclining chairs sinking into some of the softest sands of the whole Red Sea, the beaches of Ein Sokhna are some of Egypt's best. Photo courtesy of Dusa Stankovic

There is nevertheless no denying that Ein Sokhna’s primary draw is the beach, where revellers can enjoy all the standard water sports, including deep-sea fishing and sailboating over the white-capped waves that break across fabulous dive-worthy coral reefs.

Thanks to a gradual increase in the number of foreign travellers looking to bask along the Red Sea, Ein Sokhna accommodations have kept pace with with steadily rising demand. There are several resort complexes and several more under construction, the larger of them complete with bazaars and malls that are great for souvenir shopping or sampling typical Egyptian cuisine. The Stella Di Mare Sea Club Hotel, for example, has all the extras one could desire on a pampered holiday, including an ideal location overlooking the Red Sea. There are even archery lessons and Latin dance classes!

Shortly before sunset, this lagoon in Ein Sokhna, Egypt, is a secret hardly known even to locals, a perfect place to relax and let the city pressures melt away just one hour by car from Cairo. Photo courtesy of Ahmed Kaoud

Now launching this new whl.travel destination in Egypt, Sherif Abd Elwahab of WHL Egypt said “We are searching the world, not only to sell quality travel products but also to find new innovative ideas. Launching our Ein Sokhna site is a step forward, as we consider Ein Sokhna one of the most important destinations, one from which shore excursions for cruise ship passengers are arranged to Cairo’s well-known attractions. Fortunately, we are an experienced group of travel companies and together we make an outstanding team for assisting travellers with all their Egypt needs.”

www.ainsokhna-shoreexcursions.com is the latest Egyptian travel portal to join the whl.travel family and operates alongside Cairo, Luxor & Aswan, Safaga and Sharm El Sheikh.

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.

The dizzying melting pot of Delhi, the quiet canal-lined streets of ancient Kochi and the magnificent Taj Mahal, a World Heritage Site, are just three highlights that travellers have visited for centuries. Countless other local sights are just as captivating to anyone who ventures just off the tourist trail.

The UNESCO World Heritage Site of the white-marble Taj Mahal is, with SS Travels, just a short ride away from the Indian capital of Delhi. Photo courtesy of Flickr/Friar's Balsam

Worry-free and Also Green

When faced with the vast distances to cover in India and so many worthwhile places to explore, however, you may find that planning travel in India can be overwhelming. Fortunately, one local company can take all the hassle out of getting around in India – helping travellers arrange transport that is comfortable and worry-free. Now they can do it in an environmentally responsible manner as well.

Since 1991, the experts at SS Travels have always used their first-hand local knowledge to bring a high level of luxury service to ground transportation in India. But the SS Travel quality promise hit a new high when they joined the growing ranks of local partners part of a new, global, environmentally friendly transfer service called Green Path Transfers. In keeping with the Green Path Transfers 100%-carbon-offset policy, SS Travels is poised to deliver reliable transfers to ever greater numbers of passengers keen to go green.

The reliable transfer service offered by SS Travels provides ground transport throughout India, including such cities as Delhi, Bangalore and Kochi. Photo courtesy of SS Travels

“We want to keep the environment of India clean and green,” explains Anil Kumar, Marketing Director of SS Travels. “Together with Green Path Transfers we look forward to demonstrating to the world our responsible outlook towards society.”

“It’s great to see a company in India offering such unparalleled service, whilst at the same time having a strong interest and focus on being eco-friendly,” commented Adrian Cordiner, CEO of Green Path Transfers.

An Established Local Leader

Launched with just one single car, SS Travels has since grown into a far-reaching transfer-service provider with over 600 modern, stylish and fuel-efficient vehicles. Renowned for its high quality transportation services, the company’s personalised and professional approach caters to both leisure and corporate travellers.

Today, SS Travels also maintains strong partnerships with airlines such as Air India, Gulf Air, Emirates Airlines and Malaysia Airlines as a proven purveyor of prompt and reliable airport transfers and hotel pickups in cities such as Delhi, Bangalore and Kochi.

The picturesque town of Alleppey in southern India has numerous canals and backwaters and is know as the

Comfortable and Reliable Rides

Placing special emphasis on ensuring that travellers’ ground transportation plans are secure, SS Travels offers 24-hour, seven-day reservation and operations services. In addition, SS Travels works only with carefully selected, well-trained, English-speaking chauffeurs who can demonstrate expert knowledge of local roads and vehicle safety measures.

Clients can choose from among a wide range of economy vehicles, luxury sedans or SUVs, all kept up to date thanks to a fleet change every three years. This helps SS Travels ensure its vehicles are highly fuel efficient and come equipped with all the modern conveniences, including extras like newspapers and magazines.

Enchanting Attractions of India

With one simple online reservation, tourists and business travellers alike can now easily arrange airport pickups, event transfers and ground transportation in India.

The area around the Kabini River, a recommended destination by the SS Travels team, is a popular site for elephant watching. Photo courtesy of Flickr/Pondspider

For visitors with a little time to spare, SS Travel drivers are fonts of knowledge about interesting sights easily accessible by vehicle. For instance, Mr. Kumar suggests that anyone arriving in Delhi should not skip a visit to Agra, site of the monumental white-marbled Taj Mahal, or Shimla with its beautiful old colonial buildings. Further afield, another excellent stopover is the ruined royal palace that towers over the mountain town of Leh.

If you’ve got even more time, Mr. Kumar recommends a visit to Ooty, a beautiful hill station in the Blue Mountains close to Bangalore; the Kabini River for its incredible wildlife viewing and frequent herds of elephants; and the lovely town Alleppey, which is known as the Venice of the East and is “all about house boats and beautiful trees in and around the backwaters.”

To learn more about Green Path Transfers and how to be part of carbon-neutral travel arrangements that emphasise green technology in a growing number of destinations around the globe, visit www.GreenPathTransfers.com.

This Citroen Jumpy Business 2.2 HDi at the Akropolis shopping center in Vilnius, Lithuania, is one of The Beautiful Land of Nevermind's two vehicles. Photo courtesy of The Beautiful Land of Nevermind

Two Cities

The impact of a rich and tumultuous history can be felt throughout Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania. Located in the country’s southeast, Vilnius is a superb example of a place where everything has been influenced by different and ever-changing artistic and cultural currents. Its many churches stand as proof of this with their Renaissance, Classical, Gothic and Baroque architectural styles, while the picturesque medieval Old Town of Vilnius, one of the largest in Europe, has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1994.

In contrast to Vilnius, Klaipeda is located on the shores of the Baltic Sea in the country’s northwest and serves as its main sea port. Small and quaint, it also has an enchanting old town with its own blend of architectural styles and peculiarities. Of particular noteworthiness though is the region’s geological wonder: the Curonian Spit. Also listed as a World Heritage Site, this thin strip of sand dunes stretches for over 98 kilometres and separates the Baltic Sea from the Curonian Lagoon.

Kestas and Vilija of The Beautiful Land of Nevermind enjoy other forms of transport too. Here they are canoeing on the Ula River in Lithuania. Photo courtesy of The Beautiful Land of Nevermind

One Company

The Beautiful Land of Nevermind was founded in 2005 by Kestas and Vilija as an inbound travel agency focusing on accommodation and tours for independent travellers. Since then, the business has grown and acquired a reputation as a leader in promoting responsible travel and local forms of tourism in Lithuania.

Aside from being genuinely friendly and helpful, Kestas and Vilija also are very knowledgeable about their homeland, capable of pointing you toward the unique off-the-beaten-track adventures, authentic local experiences and hidden gems of Lithuania.

Recently, in a response to increasing customer demand for greener and more fuel-efficient ground transportation, Kestas and Vilija expanded their existing car-rental and transfers business to include airport and intercity shuttle service. As an important environmental step, they decided to partner with Green Path Transfers, a far-reaching global network of eco-friendly airport transfer and ground transportation operators.

A view of the Curonian Spit of Lithuania as seen from space in 2006. The Baltic Sea is to the west and the Curonian Lagoon to the east. Courtesy of NASA Earth Observatory

Going Green

Building an eco-friendly fleet of vehicles has become an important goal of The Beautiful Land of Nevermind’s burgeoning ground transfers business. The company currently owns and operates two vehicles that run on diesel, a vital first step in reducing carbon emissions when compared to those from regular petrol engines. Through the Green Path Transfers 100% carbon-offset policy, all remaining emissions produced are neutralised.

In addition, Kestas and Vilija share a determination to pursue even greener forms of transport; they plan to convert entirely to hybrid vehicles in the near future. Of course, this commitment to going greener is in no way a compromise on service quality or attention for detail. “We’re always adding a personal touch to the transfer – our company’s drivers speak fluent English and are always trying to be extra helpful to travellers,” remarked Kestas. “We provide top-quality service without compromise, because we are travellers ourselves and treat our clients the same way we would like to be treated.”

“For these reasons and many others, we are excited at the opportunity to work with The Beautiful Land of Nevermind in Lithuania,” said Adrian Cordiner, CEO of Green Path Transfers.

Local Sights

The airport and inter-city transfer services provided by The Beautiful Land of Nevermind are available in all Baltic States, although there’s an understandable focus on the Lithuanian cities of Vilnius and Klaipeda, where vehicles are also available for sightseeing and touring.

Where should you go? Kestas recommends the historic town of Trakai, an easy day trip from Vilnius. Located 28 kilometres from the capital, it is a place where locals like to relax around quiet lakes, enjoy outdoor concerts and stroll through Trakai Castle’s stone passageways to reflect on its turbulent history.

Not far from Klaipeda is the rustic village of Nida on the Curonian Spit. Home to approximately 2,000 people, the village is known for its surrounding sand dunes and UNESCO-listed World Heritage forests. The views truly are magnificent as one contemplates the Baltic Sea to the west and the Curonian Lagoon to the east.

Finally, how about joining The Beautiful Land of Nevermind in trying one of the local culinary specialties? Skilandis is a pig’s stomach stuffed with meat and then smoked to perfection. Feeling adventurous?

To learn more about Green Path Transfers and how to be part of carbon-neutral travel arrangements that emphasise green technology in a growing number of destinations around the globe, visit www.GreenPathTransfers.com

At the heart of Indonesia’s South Sulawesi territory lies the vibrant provincial capital of Makassar. Formerly known as Ujung Pandang, the city has for centuries made its mark in Indonesian history as a bustling port. Today it’s a sprawling metropolis, still rich in history and culture – a perfect gateway from which to discover the rest of South Sulawesi and East Indonesia.

These 'Pinisi' can be found at Paotere sailing boat harbour, one of the points of interest in Makassar, Indonesia. Many pinisi are now used as live-aboard boats for tourism purposes in Indonesian waters, especially for diving. Photo courtesy of Ng Sebastian

Of particular interest is Tana Toraja, or “Torajaland,” a highland region that sits peacefully in the mountains more than 300 kilometres north of Makassar. This “Land of Heavenly Kings” is home to the indigenous Toraja people, who are known for their unique funeral rites, traditional houses with high-peaked roofs called tongkonan and their friendly and hospitable nature.

As a base of operations, though, the city of Makassar has something to offer to urbanites and outdoor enthusiasts alike. In town, a Makassar city tour takes visitors to see the most important cultural and historical icons, such as Fort Rotterdam, which was built during the Gowa/Makassar Kingdom in the 15th century and taken over by the Dutch in 17th century, Katangka Mosque, the oldest in the city, and Paotere Harbour, where you will find the traditional Pinisi sailboats.

The nature reserve of Bantimurung, located a short distance from Makassar, provides a snapshot of Sulawesi’s captivating natural beauty, while the Leang-Leang Caves, which can be covered as part of the same tour, opens a window into the lives of some of mankind’s ancient ancestors. Alternatively, sun-seekers can opt for a visit to Samalona Island, one of several neighbouring isles where guests can spend a day toasting under the sun on a powdery white-sand beach or go skin diving amongst thriving coral reefs. These are just a few of the many things to see and do in Makassar.

Of course, even further afield, various Tana Toraja tours allow travellers to immerse themselves in the traditional village life of the Toraja people, see the ancient graves where they bury their dead and walk through the region’s extensive, picturesque rice paddies.

A village of traditional Toraja houses, called Tongkonan houses, found in Tana Toraja highlands of Sulawesi, about 300 kilometres north of Makassar, Indonesia. Photo courtesy of Ng Sebastian

The new portal to Makassar and Toraja is now proudly owned by Ng Sebastian and the rest of his team at Incito Tours, also the local connection in nearby Komodo and the Lesser Sunda Islands. The launch of www.makassar-hotels.com gives travellers direct access to Makassar and Toraja hotels for every budget, as well as insight into the best places for shopping and eating, all of which contribute to an ideal getaway experience.

“Makassar and Toraja are destinations I know well as I live in Makassar and I started my tourism involvement here back in 1987 as a tour guide,” Sebastian gladly shares. “Makassar is my home base and my involvement in tourism at the destination is far more extensive than what I started 24 years ago. My whole life since then seems to be devoted to tourism, not only as a field where I earn my living, but also where I share my passion with others to make the destination better developed through my participation in various tourism activities. Operating the Makassar & Toraja portal, I talk about tourism but also take action in serving would-be visitors through the latest tourism trend: the use of information technology in planning the trips. whl.travel provides a great platform to work with, and there is always someone to help us out.”

Makassar is whl.travel’s newest travel portal in Indonesia, adding to those for Aceh, Manado and Komodo & Lesser Sunda Islands.

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IN INDONESIAN / DALAM BAHASA INDONESIA:

Datanglah ke Makassar dan Toraja – Indonesia bersama whl.travel

Di jantung Indonesia terletak Makassar, Ibukota Propinsi Sulawesi Selatan. Makassar adalah salah satu kota dengan pertumbuhan ekonomi tertinggi di Indonesia. Ini tidak mengherankan karena Makassar yang dulu sempat dinamakan Ujung Pandang ini adalah Bandar Perdagangan yang ramai sejak berabad silam. Saat ini Makassar adalah kota metropolitan yang terus tumbuh dengan warisan budaya yang kaya serta latar belakang sejarah yang kuat. Makassar adalah pintu gerbang yang ideal untuk menjelajahi Sulawesi Selatan, Pulau Sulawesi dan Indonesia Timur pada umumnya.

This closeup of the facade of a Tongkonan House shows some of the characteristic items, each of which is important in the Toraja culture of Sulawesi, Indonesia. There are more than 100 Toraja house-engraving patterns, each of which has a name and a meaning. Photo courtesy of Ng Sebastian

Berjalan ke utara anda akan menemukan Tana Toraja, yang bertengger di ketinggian pegunungan di jantung Sulawesi, sekitar 328 km dari Makassar. Tana Toraja yang dinamakan juga sebagai “Tondok Lepongan Bulan, Tana Matarik Allo” ini terkenal karena keunikan budayanya yang terjelma dalam Rumah Tongkonan, upacara penguburan serta masyarakatnya yang ramah dan bersahabat.

Makassar menawarkan daya tarik perkotaan dan juga aneka kegiatan luar ruang bagi pengunjungnya. City Tour Makassar mengantarkan wisatawan ke berbagai Ikon Kota Makassar seperti Fort Rotterdam yang dibangun oleh Raja – raja Gowa tetapi kemudian diambil alih oleh Belanda pada tahun 1667 setelah perang selama 7 tahun, Mesjid Katangka dan juga Pelabuhan Paotere dengan Perahu Pinisinya.

Melangkah sedikit ke Timur dari Makassar anda akan memasuki Bantimurung yang merupakan etalase keindahan alam dari Taman Nasional Bantimurung Bulusaraung (Babul) dengan air terjun, hutan tropis, gua – gua eksotis serta kupu – kupunya. Berdekatan dengan Bantimurung anda akan menemukan Gua Leang – Leang di mana anda seperti menengok dari jendela ke kehidupan prasejarah. Semua ini terangkum dalam tour yang sama. Sementara bagi anda yang suka dengan keceriaan di pantai dan laut, Pulau Samalona dan pulau lain di sekitarnya menanti dengan pasir putih dan air yang jernih serta keindahan bawa lautnya mengundang anda untuk menikmatinya. Semua ini hanya bagian kecil dari aneka Daya Tarik Makassar.

Aneka Paket Wisata Toraja memungkinkan pengunjung untuk merasuk jauh kedalam kehidupan Toraja dengan daya tarik budayanya yang erat berkaitan dengan penghargaan yang tinggi kepada nenek moyang melalui kuburan dan upacara pemakaman. Alam Toraja yang menawan dengan pemandangannya yang indah dan persawahan yang memikat mengundang pelintas alam menikmatinya.

A Toraja girl in traditional costume, Sulawesi, Indonesia. Photo courtesy of Ng Sebastian

Portal Makassar dan Toraja sekarang dimiliki oleh Ng Sebastian dan timnya di Incito Tour yang juga merupakan pemilik dari Portal Komodo & Kepulauan Nusa Tenggara. Peluncuran www.makassar-hotels.com memungkinkan pengunjung mendapat gambaran yang lebih jelas tentang berbagai Hotel di Makassar dan Toraja. Pengunjung juga ditunjukan tempat – tempat belanja dan makan terbaik sehingga melengkapi pengalaman perjalanan.

“Makassar dan Toraja adalah destinasi yang saya kenal dengan baik karena saya tinggal di Makassar serta keterlibatan saya dalam dunia kepariwisataan dimulai di sini pada tahun 1987 sebagai Pramuwisata”. Demikian dikatakan Sebastian. “Makassar adalah di mana saya berada dan keterlibatan saya dalam dunia pariwisata destinasi ini jauh lebih luas daripada apa yang saya mulai 24 tahun lalu. Sejak itu kehidupan saya tercurah dalam kepariwisataan tidak hanya sebagai lahan tempat saya menghidupi diri tetapi juga tempat di mana saya berbagi dengan sesama untuk memajukan kepariwisataan di destinasi ini. Dengan meluncurkan Portal Makassar dan Toraja saya tidak hanya berbicara tetapi juga berbuat langsung dalam melayani calon wisatawan melalui trend perencanaan perjalanan paling mutakir, yaitu penggunaan Teknologi Informasi (Internet). Whl.travel mempunyai platform sistem yang andal dan selalu ada orang yang bisa ditanyai jika menemukan persoalan”.

Makassar adalah portal di Indonesia yang paling baru untuk melengkapi portal lain yang telah ada sebelumnya yaitu Aceh, Manado dan Komodo & Kepulauan Nusa Tenggara.