Posts about Travel

Renting a Limousine in New York

March 8th, 2010

There used to be a time when people could not stop celebrating the invention of the motor car – and why not? It enabled unparalleled transportation capacity – and even in poor countries like Pakistan they are but a common sight on our roads. But there are still some perfectly understandable reasons as to why people get excited about what they see traveling on our roads – many people would readily show off just the possession of a chauffeur driver’s license, never mind get excited about riding through town in the back of a limousine.

Every once in a while you may hear a limousine driving past you, its passengers leaning out the window blowing kisses at you. It is not true that limousines are only reserved for established celebrities; it is easy enough to open a copy of the Yellow Pages and successfully find a limousine company for whatever event you would like to make an impression at. In New York, at least, renting a limousine seems to be a popular option when making your wedding, a defining moment in your life to say the last, as celebration-worthy as possible. As long your night is not spoiled by the vehicle starting down a hill only to get caught with no wheels on the road, you and your spouse will surely be the talk of the town!

New York, despite its high crime rate, remains a haven of excitement and fun for anyone who is just willing to accept it. The people of the “city that never sleeps” do not cut corners when selling limousine services. They say that “your ride is your image” – like your dress sense, or the way you speak, it should not be overlooked that your means of transport can say something about who you are. Who you are in your heart, but in your soul as well. Because when you shell out for a Coast to Coast Limousine, you are not merely procuring a ride, simply to get from A to B. You are forging an experience for yourself.

At the very least, you can be sure of a smooth and chauffeured ride; so that your celebration will not be compromised. Hiring a limousine will be enough to get the spotlight shone on you when you need and deserve it most. Even if the event for which you hire the limousine will not get into the news of the mainstream media, chances are that it will contribute to changing others’ impressions of you (including those of complete strangers who have otherwise heard your name). Whatever you are proud of yourself for, New York limousines constitute a reminder to look out for opportunities to truly live.

About CoastToCoastLimousine

CoastToCoastLimousine.com is the online portal of the #1 luxury travel service providers. They are the Leading Limousine service providers in New York. High Level of Luxury Limousine Services is their specialty.

For more information, visit http://www.coasttocoastlimousine.com/

New GPS App for iPhone and GPS Device Map Your Route No Matter the Transit Method (A020)

March 4th, 2010

FIND YOUR WAY ON MULTIPLE TRANSIT ROUTES WITH KAPTEN FOR iPHONE AND KAPTEN NG GPS ON THE MOVE


Please click the thumbnails below to open high-resolution images.


Photo 1: Kapten iPhone application menu


Photo 2: Kapten iPhone application in use

Photo 3: Kapten NG GPS device

Chicago, February 25, 2010 (word count: 627)
Kapsys, a specialist in portable GPS devices, has launched the Kapten  for iPhone application, a comprehensive navigation application for use with the iPhone, and Kapten NG, the smallest pocket-size multi-transport GPS device on the market.

Following the successful launch of Kapten, the first voice-controlled GPS for use in cities, Kapsys is extending its range of GPS products with its Kapten for iPhone application and its portable Kapten NG. Thanks to this new range of products, Kapsys is extending its multi-transport GPS product offer, helping users find their way around cities whether on foot, or by public transport, car, bicycle or motorcycle. Kapsys’s products offer extensive coverage of North America, as well as Western Europe.

For the first time on the market, Kapsys is offering an iPhone navigation application at a highly competitive price. Since such an application is not necessarily required every day, Kapten for iPhone is available on the basis of a monthly subscription rate at $7.99 for unlimited use over a 30-day period, which can be renewed at will. Kapten for iPhone also offers the option of transferring to a permanent license via the in-application purchase mechanism, for $74.99.

Kapsys has also launched the innovative Kapten NG, the smallest pocket-size multi-transport GPS device on the market. Because of its compact size (H100 mm x L55 mm x W13 mm) and weight (90 g), the Kapten NG can be carried inside the user’s pocket. Its multi-transport functionality is suitable for navigation on foot, with or without the use of public transport, as well as driving or cycling.

The Kapten for iPhone application is on sale as of today through Apple’s online iTunes App Store. Two versions are available: one for the United States/Canada and one for Western Europe. These applications will turn any 3G or 3GS iPhone into a true multi-transport navigator, usable in a multitude of geographic areas.

The main functionalities offered by this application include multi-transport navigation, unique coverage of public transport (underground, suburban trains and trams), genuine voice guidance and extensive visual displays, and “Ktag” creation for tagging and sharing favorite locations.

The Kapten for iPhone North America application includes a map of the U.S. and Canada. It costs $7.99 for a monthly subscription and $74.99 for a permanent license.

The Kapten for iPhone Western Europe application covers 22 countries and territories – Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Gibraltar, Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the Vatican. It costs $7.99 for a renewable monthly subscription and $74.99 for a permanent license.

Kapten NG offers the following functionalities: multi-transport navigation in a pocket-size format, unique coverage of public transport (underground, suburban trains and trams), which can be used with pedestrian navigation, genuine voice guidance and extensive visual displays, and Ktag creation to record favorite locations. Kapten NG has been available as of February 2010. Kapten NG North America includes a map of the USA and Canada and retails at $224.90.

The cartography behind these applications has been developed by TeleAtlas. The Kapten for iPhone application, as well as Kapten NG and Kapten models, are available for testing by members of the press.

Kapsys attended the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain, from February 15 to 18, 2010 (Hall 2F49, France Pavilion); and will exhibit at CeBit in Hanover, Germany, from March 2 to 6, 2010 (Hall 7A10, France Pavilion).

About Kapsys:
Kapsys is a French start-up based in Sophia Antipolis, near Nice, in southeastern France. Founded in February 2007 by Aram Hékimian, its core business is designing, developing, marketing and distributing a range of mobile products and navigation applications featuring voice technology, intended mainly for urban and multi-transport use (public transport, pedestrians, bicycles, motorcycles and cars).

For more information, please contact:

KAPSYS
Manuel Nau
Marketing & Communication Manager
790, ave. Dr Maurice Donat
Le Marco Polo A1
06250 Mougins
FRANCE
Tel.: +33 4 92 28 88 82
E-mail: manuel.nau@kapsys.com
Web: www.kapsys.com

or:

FRENCH TECHNOLOGY PRESS OFFICE
205 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 3740
Chicago, IL 60601
Tel.: (312) 327-5260
E-mail: contact.ftpo@ubifrance.fr

Waldachtal – the famous tourist Hotel Belvital

January 12th, 2010

January 12, 2010, Waldachtal – the famous tourist Hotel Belvital is inviting global visitors to experience the fascinating view of the Black Forest combined with the peace, tranquility and pure air of a Spa village by offering special 15% savings on all its online bookings through its website www.hotel-belvital.com or www.hotel-belvital.de.

Those who have to travel Waldachtal on business or leisure can enjoy the best of Waldachtal’s hospitality services, natural reservoirs and well-ness benefits at discounted prices at Hotel Belvital, located at Lützenhardt area.

In the picturesque area of Waldachtal, the hotel is situated in the quite village of Lützenhardt with its 1.700 inhabitants. Only 5-10 minutes walking distance away is the adjoining Spa-Park with its 2 lakes or the wellness forest with its meditation and fitness paths. Besides, tailor-made accommodation and arrangements add value to your stay at the hotel very much.

The facilities at hotel Belvital include Big BelVital breakfast, extensive hot and cold buffet, gourmet dinner, aroma essence whirl-pool & champagne, aroma essence partial massage, visits to traditional Black-Forest-ham “smokehouse” and afternoon tea with traditional “Black Forest Gateau”. An exclusive entry to hotel’s wellness area can be benefited at very reasonable value addition.

The hotel administration further facilitates its visitors by arranging transfer from Stuttgart Airport, car hire at reasonable rates, exciting adventurous day trips with local guides, Strassburg and Baden-Baden (Spa and Casino town), Freiburg (University town with its magnificent Cathedral), Metzingen (shopping town, home to the Boss factory outlet store and many more)

There is a lot to see and enjoy at this culturally rich and naturally affluent Black Forest like legendary Mummelsee, spectacular Lotharfad, Mount Hornisgrinde, Vogtsbauernhofe, Cuckoo clock factory, and much more.

The promotion campaign offer includes –

2 x nights accommodation including an extensive breakfast buffet, 4 course dinner menu, fango, aromatic oil partial massage etc.for only 211€ in double room sharing.

2 x nights accommodation with connoisseur half board, 1 x aromatic mosaic beauty ritual ( approx. 60 min ), 1 x aromatic body symphony etc. for only 250€ in double room sharing.

Experience the pleasant warm energy of water and stone. Treat your senses. Body and soul will fall into a state of relaxation, stress will vanish and your organism will be revitalized. 320,00 € per person in double room sharing +1,15 € spa tax per person per day.

Enjoy the invigorating effects of herbal and pure aroma essences. Submerge into a sensual sea of fragrances… your soul will be thankful! 270,00 € per person in double room sharing + 1,15 € spa tax per person per day

Whether you want to enjoy holidays at its full or want to hold a business conference or a seminar in the Black Forest, Hotel BelVital meets all your expectations, in budget. Book online now and claim the huge 15% saving in your account.

For more information about hotel-belvital – Visit wellness schwarzwald and wellnesshotel schwarzwald.

Delfino Blu Boutique Hotel: A Corfu hotel for all cases

August 11th, 2009

Corfu, August 10th, 2009- Delfino Blu Boutique Hotel is one of the finest hotels not only in Corfu but in Greece as well. This Corfu hotel is situated at the foot of a hill and also close to the spectacular and popular beach of Agios Stefanos. Recently the hotel has been in the news and also for all the right reasons. Delfino Blu Boutique Hotel has been awarded with the title of TripAdvisor Traveler’s Choice Award for “Best for Romance, Europe.” This prestigious award has made the hotel even more popular among tourists and couples across the globe. Constant influx of tourists who stay and experience the luxurious amenities and facilities provided in this hotel has in turn increased the tourism industry on Corfu Island. In this Corfu hotel, there is an exclusive combination of chic modern architecture with Corfu traditional architecture.

The peaceful surroundings around this Corfu hotel render a charming atmosphere. There are in total 12 spacious Corfu apartments and 3 fabulous luxury suites in the hotel. Among these suites, it also has a honeymoon suite. There are in total 2 pools and one is solely dedicated to the needs of the children. They organize various sorts of exciting pool activities for children. The other pool is only for adults. In case one feels like having a drink while taking a swim in the pool, there is also a beach bar in the hotel catering the best cocktails, barbeque and salads. The exquisite a la carte restaurant is situated in an open air veranda and is very reputable for its tasty international cuisine and superb sunset views.

Each of the rooms in this Corfu hotel has a balcony from which there are splendid views of Corfu nature. Some may have the gorgeous sea view while some may have the tranquil garden views. All of them have attached bathrooms, well equipped with all the modern bath fittings and some even have a Jacuzzi. The large suites even have spacious living areas as well. The largest suite can accommodate a total of 6 persons. All of the rooms exude a certain glow and energy due to the bright pastel shades painted on the walls. The bed is always neatly done and the pillows are extremely soft.

There will be complimentary flowers on the bed or a bouquet, especially made for the guests, standing at one corner in the bedroom. It is a sort of appreciative gesture on the part of the hotel for being chosen amongst other hotels on the island. There are plenty of facilities that can be enjoyed here. The lobby is large and has a lounge area where visitors can relax and get to know each other. It also has a big plasma screen for the entertainment of the guests. This Corfu hotel serves a Buffet Breakfast. Besides the children’s pool, there is also a children’s playground. On the beach, there are rows of loungers and umbrellas available.

For people traveling due to business affairs, this Corfu hotel can be an excellent choice. If the family crowds do not pose to be a problem, then one can certainly carry out conferences in this hotel as well. There is 24 hr high speed internet access available through which one can send and receive important business mails. One can also conduct video conferences in the hotel. Apart from such amenities, this Corfu hotel has water sport facilities. There are trainers available who can give safety tips.

The hotel also provides car rental services for those tourists who would love to tour the island. If requested, then the guests can be picked up and also dropped at the airport and port of the island. A spa facility can be spotted at this Corfu hotel as well.

Delfino Blu Boutique Hotel is renowned for organizing weddings, for quite some time now. Many couples have got married at this picturesque Corfu hotel. The ideal place in this vast hotel for the wedding venue is the attractive pool area. An enthralling sunset view can be the background, as the couple takes their holy vows. This Corfu hotel is known to create the most wonderful wedding decorations and cater impressive and lavish wedding banquets.

Elda Hotel: The Pelion hotel for all seasons

August 7th, 2009

Elda Hotel is located on the eastern side of Mt. Pelion, in the village of Agios Dimitrios, in the beautiful and gorgeous region of Pelion in Greece. The advantage of this unique location is that this Pelion hotel is only 6 km from the stunning beach of Agios Ioannis and 24 km from the popular Agriolefkes Ski Resort, so it is ideal for all seasons. This Pelion hotel has pretty soon become a favourite vacation hotel and gives its guests the fantastic opportunity to enjoy the gigantic mountain views combined with the views of the crystal clear Aegean Sea. Another factor behind its popularity is that one can make reservations at the Pelion hotel at any time of the year, as it remains open all the year round. Reaching this impressive Pelion hotel is easy as there are two ways by which one can reach here from Volos city. One route is via Portaria whereas another route is through Milies.

As it is in a traditional village environment, this Pelion hotel from outside looks just like any other traditional village mansion but it has extremely striking interiors. Originally this Pelion hotel was a mansion that was converted into a hotel for the accommodation purposes of the tourists that started flocking into this region thereby increasing the fame of the place. This mansion has undergone a lot of renovations to provide the guests with modern amenities and get that exceptional attractive look that it possesses at present. The architecture of this Pelion hotel is mainly dominated by stone and wood. The interiors are furnished and styled with wooden furniture, handmade carpets and amazing decorative items. The rooms are very comfortable and cosy and they have this homely feeling about them. Exclusive landscape paintings can also be noticed on the huge interior walls.

Elda Hotel has 7 spacious studious and 4 luxurious suites. Each of the rooms has a window that provides excellent outdoor views. One can sit here and enjoy the home-made breakfast that the staff brings each morning or the evening tea or coffee. Each of the suites has certain facilities like central heating, double glazing, television, telephone connection and refrigerator. Almost all the apartments in this Pelion hotel have air-conditioning, fireplace and a superb view of the magnificent Aegean Sea. This Pelion hotel always strives to showcase village art through the innumerable exquisite showpieces that adorns each and every room and corner in the hotel. One can enjoy the hotel surroundings in the summer due to its proximity to the beach and also in winter due to its nearness to the reputed ski resort of this region.

Elda Hotel is a family hotel and one can come here with the entire family to spend some quality time with them. The tempting landscape and attractive location and room snaps are always a hit with the tourists. The warm hospitality and friendly nature of the Pelion hotel staff let one unwind in an unknown environment with a feeling of security and being pampered at the same time.

Open air Dining at The Palace

July 30th, 2009

Sliema, Malta ( PressReleaseRoom ) July 30, 2009 – It’s summer and dining at The Palace has moved outdoors.

Situated at street level in High Street, Sliema Malta, with the beautifully restored 18th century chapel as a back-drop, Talk of Town offers diners an idyllic location in summer. Here, in the relaxed ambiance of their terrace, patrons may enjoy a traditional Maltese a la carte menu offering authentic Maltese food including marinated fish, soups, rabbit, meats and much more.

Talk of Town is more than a simple Café Malta. It also serves delicious breakfasts as well as fresh bakery, sandwiches & light meals throughout the day; high tea in the afternoon; and a variety of dips to accompany its excellent wine list in the evening.

At the high end of this superior Malta Hotel, way above on the 9th floor terrace, the unique TemptAsian Restaurant is once again offering patrons it’s Tempting Asian BBQs every Wednesday on its spectacular terraces. The barbeque menu was an instant hit when launched last summer and is now being revisited with a fusion of Asian and traditional cuisine. Courses include an assortment of mouth-watering favourites such as sushi, makimono and sashimi; and a vast selection of salads, barbequed meats, chicken and fish. The dessert menu is also extremely varied and consists of a selection of Asian fruits and delightful sweets and sorbets made by the TemptAsian award winning chefs.

Patrons may opt for TemptAsian lunches which feature an Asian influenced summer menu at the roof-top pool deck. The menu includes ethnic dishes, salads, wraps, sushi, grills home made desserts and ice creams.

One can also unwind over a light snack sushi, platters, cocktails or wine, at the indoor and outdoor lounge areas. For those with time to spare The Palace is also accepting a limited number of day-members for the pool.

The Tempting Asian barbeques are held every Wednesday and are open to non-residents. Diners at any of the Hotel restaurants may utilise the Hotel’s underground parking facilities free of charge.

About :

The Palace is one of the established five star hotels in Malta offering a superior choice of Accommodation Malta , top selection of Malta Restaurants, and a state of the art Spa and Wellness Centre. Adjoining The Palace is the Victoria Hotel, one of the leading four star Luxury Malta Hotels .

Enquiries:
Contact Press Office
Tel: +356 21 333444
Web: www.thepalacemalta.com
Email:    info@thepalacemalta.com

###

Corfu Delfino Blu: Remember your Vacations for a Lifetime

July 3rd, 2009

Corfu, June 27 2009- Situated on the beautiful Greek island of Corfu, Delfino Blue is a small boutique hotel that attracts visitors with its beauty, elegance and modern comforts. Delfino Blu is a Corfu Hotel found over the beach of Agios Stefanos, one of the most beautiful, clean and best organized beaches of the island. This Corfu hotel is located very close to the popular resort of Sidari with the intense nightlife and the wild beach Canal d’ Amour, which means the Channel of Love.

However, it is not only the location of Delfino Blu but also the facilities it offers that makes it a wonderful Corfu Hotel. The beautifully decorated studios and suites can host from 2 to 6 people, which makes them perfect for couples, companies of friends and families. All rooms are fully equipped and have daily room service, while their view is awesome. Note that the rooms can have views to the lovely garden of Delfino Blu or the magnificent Ionian Sea. Walls are decorated with beautiful portrays and landscapes, while there has been a strong effort to have vivid colours in the rooms to see a nice picture when you walk up in the morning.
The surrounding of this Corfu Hotel is just as wonderful as the internal decoration. You can seat at the garden and have a coffee or a drink under the hot Greek sun, while your children are playing in the playground. Relax by the pool and enjoy your summer day in the water playing games or swimming. Have a drink at the pool bar and eat a delicious traditional meal in the restaurant, with view to the pool and the beach and with the sounds of summer games at your ears.

Delfino Blu is not only a Corfu hotel to spend some nice and comfortable summer vacations on a gorgeous island in Greece, but it is also a lovely place for special occasions. Many couples have organized their weddings in the garden of Delfino Blue, right close to the beach and with view to the romantic sunset of Agios Stefanos. While the golden sun meets the calm sea, the couple is united with the holy bonds of marriage and lives the first most romantic experience of their common life.

If you want to live such a unique experience in this Corfu hotel, just tell the owners of Delfino Blu and they will do their best to organize the perfect wedding setting for you. This Corfu hotel will take care of the organization, the decoration, the documents needed, the wedding car, the flowers and anything else you will ask for to make this day even more special for you.

After all, the comfort of the client is the most important priority of Delfino Blue Hotel. That is why the staff of this Corfu hotel is ready to make your vacations the most comfortable needed. You are welcome to ask for free transport from the port/ airport to the hotel when you arrive and back when you leave. Also you can ask for any info regarding the island, close excursions, guides or even a car to move around, which are rented in excellent prices per week. All you need to remember your vacations for a lifetime…

Corsica Cruise Club Presents Upper Corsica Destinations at Cruise Shipping Miami 2009 (Z018)

February 19th, 2009

CORSICA CRUISE CLUB REPRESENTING UPPER CORSICA’S PORTS AT CRUISE SHIPPING MIAMI THIS MARCH

Please click the thumbnails below to open high-resolution images.


Photo 1: Port of Bastia


Photo 2: Port of Calvi


Photo 3: Port of Ile Rouse


Photo 4: Port of Saint Florent

Chicago, February 17, 2009 (word count: 448)
Today the Chamber of Commerce of Bastia & Upper Corsica is taking part on the development of cruise activities for Upper Corsica in a global manner in terms of expansion for both the economic activity and tourism. Corsica Cruise Club is gathering all these players together to form a think tank and carry out a global action to organize cruise calls. The Corsica Cruise Club will attend Cruise Shipping Miami 2009 from March 17 to 19 on the French Pavilion, booth 1058.

Four sites, including ports and anchorages, have been determined: Bastia, Calvi, l’Ile-Rousse, and Saint Florent. They are closely connected with magnificent regions overlapping each other on the tourist level.

Corsica Cruise Club’s mission is organized around three main points :
- Welcoming ships by improving facilities and port services
- Promoting Corsican ports of call by participating in cruise conventions, creating brochures, websites, etc.
- Welcoming passengers with planned entertainment, special hostesses, dedicated brochures, organizing shuttles, mobilizing and informing shopkeepers, and more

About the Ports:

Bastia: Bastia is the number-one port on the island in terms of traffic and the second largest of all French ports. The port of Bastia provides nearly 60% of Corsica’s global maritime traffic, with both passengers and freight taken into account. Bastia has 3 ports: in a central position, the Port Saint Nicolas is reserved for commercial operations, to the South the Old Harbor is used for fishing and boating and to the North the Toga Marina.

Calvi: The city of Calvi is built on a rocky point to the Southeast of Punta San Francesco. A square bell tower dominates the upper town, inside the citadel. The lower town spreads out to the southwest with a port on its borders and modern neighbourhoods in terraced rows on the hills. A long sandy beach bordered by pine trees with a railway running alongside it borders the gulf.

Ile Rousse: Isula La Pietra and Isula Sicota further south are linked to each other and to the coast by a road suitable for motor vehicles that shelters the Port from the sea and westerly winds. A jetty facing southeast forms a shelter against northerly winds. In the city, the double bell tower of the Sainte Marie church, the cathedral and the Hotel Bonaparte are visible. The port can accommodate ships with a draught of 8 meters.

Saint Florent: A fishing port and marina, access is facilitated by the lighthouses of Punta Vecchiaia, Punta Mortella and at a closer distance by the lighthouse of Fornali and the light from the turret of Ecueil de Tignosi. In the daytime, the village’s bell tower and Citadel make it possible to localize the port from a great distance.

For more information, please contact:

CORSICA CRUISE CLUB
Marie Madeleine Guidicelli Poletti
Port Administation Manager
Port de Bastia – Terminal Nord
20200 Bastia
FRANCE
Tel.: +33 (0)4 95 55 25 00
E-mail: mm.guidicelli@bastia.port.fr
Web: www.clubcroisiere.corse.fr

or:

FRENCH TECHNOLOGY PRESS OFFICE
205 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 3740
Chicago, IL 60601

Fax: (312) 327-5261
E-mail:
contact.ftpo@ubifrance.fr


Note to Editors:
Please advise us of publication of this press release and continue to send reader responses to FTPO.  This is the only way we can ensure the follow-up is done efficiently.

French Riviera Ports Coming to Cruise Shipping Miami 2009 this March (Z017)

February 19th, 2009

FRENCH RIVIERA PORTS COMING TO CRUISE SHIPPING MIAMI THIS MARCH


Please click the thumbnails below to open high-resolution images.


Photo 1: Presentation of Riviera ports


Photo 2: FRCC logo

Photo 3: River Ports Authority logo

Chicago, February 17, 2009 (word count: 441)
The French Riveria now has two new ports of call: Antibes and Golfe-Juan. Joining a revamped port at Cannes, and mainstays at Nice and Villefranche, the French Riviera now has five ports of call to welcome cruise ships. The French Riviera Cruise Club will attend Cruise Shipping Miami from March 17 to 19 on the French Pavilion, booth 1058 to present the popular destination’s attributes.

The five ports open the door to the heritage and cosmopolitan culture of the French Riviera. All are located in the heart of their respective cities and provide direct access to shopping and sightseeing. The huge variety of must-see attractions gives visitors a chance to discover a new itinerary every time they visit.

With this in mind, the French Riviera Cruise Club has implemented a new, personal approach to tailor-made travel itineraries. When a cruise passenger disembarks in any of the five ports, a French Riviera Cruise Club hostess is waiting to assist. They can suggest and provide information on excursion itineraries to suit all tastes and interests.

Some of the French Riviera’s must-see attractions include:

At Antibes
Fort Carré: typical military architecture by Vauban
Le Château Grimaldi-Musée Picasso: exhibited works by Picasso but also de Staël, Richier, Bergman.
La Chapelle Saint-Esprit: inside the rampart of the old town

At Cannes
La Croisette: sidewalk cafes, luxury hotels, elegant shops and palm trees line the Bay of Cannes
Allée des Etoiles du Cinéma: handprints of the greatest film actors of all time at the foot of the Festival Center

At Golfe-Juan
Musée de la poterie: created with passion to show visitors the different processes and stages in making pottery
Espace Jean-Marais: this venue offers an exhibition relating the life of the artist who was profoundly influenced by Jean Cocteau

At Nice
La Vieille ville: set off to discover Nice, its perfumes, and its panoramas. “Old Nice” is one of the most picturesque and widely visited parts of the city.

At Villefranche
This radiant city, with its harbor and citadel at the foot of a huge amphitheatre of hills and the majestic curve of its shore, has retained its style since it was founded in 130 B.C.

A FINAL NOTE: VENUE ANNOUNCED FOR SEATRADE MED 2010

The Seatrade Med 2010 exhibition will be held in Cannes at Palais des Festivals et des Congrés, hosted by French Riviera Cruise Club. A signing ceremony took place at the French Riviera Cruise Club stand within the Medcruise Pavilion, Seatrade Med, Venezia, where Chris Hayman, md, Seatrade Communications Ltd and Alain Gumiel, president of the French Riviera Cruise Club signed a memorandum of understanding. Dates will be announced in the coming weeks.

For more information, please contact:

RIVIERA PORTS AUTHORITY
Anne Sophie Peyran
Marketing and Communication Manager
20 Quai Lunel
06300 NICE
Tel: + 33 4 92 00 43 55
Fax: +33 4 92 00 43 60
E-mail:
anne-sophie.peyran@cote-azur.cci.fr
Web: www.ccinice-cote-azur.com

or:

FRENCH TECHNOLOGY PRESS OFFICE
205 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 3740
Chicago, IL 60601

Tel.: (312) 327-5260
E-mail:
contact.ftpo@ubifrance.fr


Note to Editors:
Please advise us of publication of this press release and continue to send reader responses to FTPO.  This is the only way we can ensure the follow-up is done efficiently.

Evac’s Quiet Waste-Removal Systems for Cruise Ships Come to Cruise Shipping Miami this March (Z008)

February 15th, 2009


EVAC’S QUIET AND ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY WASTE-REMOVAL SYSTEMS FOR SHIPS COME TO CRUISE SHIPPING MIAMI THIS MARCH

Please click the thumbnails below to open high-resolution images.


Photo 1: Evac 910 vacuum toilet


Photo 2: OnlineMAX


Photo 3: Evac logo

Chicago, February 12, 2009 (word count: 352)
Evac designs and manufactures environmentally friendly wet and dry waste collection and treatment systems for the shipbuilding industry. These systems, such as the Evac 910 vacuum toilet and OnlineMAX vacuum-and-discharge system, offer maintenance-cost savings for the operator, and comfort of use for the passenger thanks to reduced maintenance needs and quieter operation. Evac will present these and other systems at Cruise Shipping Miami 2009 from March 17 to 19 on the French pavilion, booth 1058.

A common complaint from cruise ship passengers relates to noise generated by the flushing vacuum toilets. Evac has come up with a solution to this problem with its recently launched Evac 910, the quietest vacuum toilet on the market. Incorporating a patented quick-relief valve, the Evac 910 is around 5 to 8 dB lower than other vacuum toilets on the market. An integrated miniature check valve makes servicing easier and reduces the spare parts requirements. Inclusion of a new bypass valve allows flushing manually from the service area. The complete backplate can be removed through the service space or cabin by removing two screws.  A vacuum guard unit ensures there is sufficient vacuum in the pipes to carry out efficient flushing and prevent blockages in the piping. The Evac 910 has been tested for a lifecycle of 300,000 flushes.

The OnlineMAX vacuum generation and waste discharge system is specially designed to meet the need for more energy-efficient vacuum capacity on large passenger vessels. Today’s cruise ships can achieve significant savings with the OnlineMAX, with an ROI of two-to-three years. Utilizing a minimum footprint design, fully automatic operation, robust design, and vacuum performance independent of discharge requirement, OnlineMAX is simply the best solution for vacuum generation.

Evac is the most experienced supplier of vacuum toilets and wastewater management solutions for the ship building industry, with more than 30 years of experience in the business. It has more than 9,500 references from sailing boats to large luxury cruise liners to military aircraft carriers. Its premises are located in Espoo, Finland; Machesney Park, Illinois; Paris, France; Shanghai,China; and Notodden,Norway. Evac is part of the French Zodiac Marine & Pool Group.

For more information, please contact:

EVAC North America Inc.
Kenneth Postle
Executive Vice President – General Manager
1260 Turret Drive
Machesney Park, IL 61115
Tel.: (815) 639-7759
E-mail: kpostle@evac.zodiac.com
Web: www.evac.com

or:

FRENCH TECHNOLOGY PRESS OFFICE
205 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 3740
Chicago, IL 60601

Tel.: (312) 327-5260
E-mail:
contact.ftpo@ubifrance.fr



Note to Editors:
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South Corsica’s Ports Highlighted at Cruise Shipping Miami 2009 this March (Z010)

February 15th, 2009

RELAX IN SOUTH CORSICA, THE GROWING MEDITERRANEAN DESTINATION
Coming to Cruise Shipping Miami 2009 this March

Please click the thumbnails below to open high-resolution images.



Photo 1: Port of Ajaccio



Photo 2: Port of Propriano

Chicago, February 13, 2009 (word count: 378)
The Ajaccio & South Corsica Chamber of Commerce & Industry (CCIACS) runs four ports where the services offered to passengers and ships are permanently optimized. The ports were reorganized in 2008 to include new and updated berths, enhance security and offer the best “Corsican Welcome” to its visitors. The CCIACS will be attending Cruise Shipping Miami 2009 from March 17 to 19, on the French Pavilion, booth 1058.

A 2008 port-improvement project increased berthing capacity and passenger comfort by launching a new cruise-dedicated berth in Ajaccio (292 m long, 10 m draft, 20 m width) and a new landing area in Propriano. The project also maximized ships’ security with the application of the ISPS code (marsec level 1), which includes Port Facility Security Officers (PFSO), additional security guards, video cameras, ALS system, compliant fences, and more. Lastly, a new dynamic welcoming policy, the famous “Corsican Welcome,” has been implemented and is offered for specific occasions.

Thanks to its exceptional natural environment and its diversity, South Corsica shines over all other Mediterranean destinations. Each of the four ports has its own individual beauty and personality:

- Port of Ajaccio, the Imperial call (ships up to 340 m alongside)
An elegant and sunny city, Ajaccio is proud to be the birthplace of Napoleon, allowing visitors to relax and to experience the history of the Napoleonic legend.

- Port of Bonifacio, Luxury and Discovery call (ships up to 134 m alongside)
Built on a white-clay cliffs with its ramparts, Roman and Gothic churches, citadel, medieval upper town, and dreamy lagoon beaches, Bonifacio is undoubtedly a visual and historical treat in Corsica.

- Port of Porto-Vecchio, Leisure and Pleasure call (ships up to 190 m alongside)
This is a city-dweller’s shopping paradise. A world of natural beauty and ideal for all types of outdoor activities, this prestigious resort is renowned for its fabulous coastline and will cater for all type of visit.

- Port of Propriano, Emotion and Tradition call (ships up to 210 m alongside)
Integrated into an authentic and preserved natural environment, surrounded by an exceptionally picturesque hinterland, Propriano is the gateway to the Corsican mountains.

Photo 3: Port of Porto-Vecchio


Photo 4:
Ajaccio and South Corsica Chamber of Commerce logo

Photo 5: Port of Bonifacio

For more information, please contact:

AJACCIO & SOUTH CORSICA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY
Marie Louise Giudicelli
Ports Director
Hotel Consulaire
Quai l’Herminier, BP 253
20180 Ajaccio cedex 01
FRANCE
Tel.: +33 (0)4 95 51 21 80
E-mail: ml.giudicelli@sudcorse.cci.fr
Web: www.ajaccio-sudcorse.cci.fr

or:

FRENCH TECHNOLOGY PRESS OFFICE
205 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 3740
Chicago, IL 60601

Fax: (312) 327-5261
E-mail:
contact.ftpo@ubifrance.fr


Note to Editors:
Please advise us of publication of this press release and continue to send reader responses to FTPO.  This is the only way we can ensure the follow-up is done efficiently.


Le Havre, the Gateway to Paris, at Cruise Shipping Miami 2009 (Z007)

February 15th, 2009

LE HAVRE, THE GATEWAY TO PARIS, AT CRUISE SHIPPING MIAMI 2009 THIS MARCH

Please click the thumbnails below to open high-resolution images.


Photo 1:  Le Volcan (Photo courtesy of the Le Havre Office of Tourism)

Photo 2: Nini Lopez, Pierre-Auguste Renoir (Collection SENN, Musée Malraux, Ville du Havre – Jean-Louis Coquerel)

Chicago, February 13, 2009 (word count: 351)
Le Havre, the premier French cruise port of the European west coast, has the capacity to host the biggest cruise ships in service in the world, round the clock. The Le Havre Office of Tourism will attend Cruise Shipping Miami 2009 from March 17 to 19, on the French Pavilion, booth 1058, where it will show a new film about cruise facilities in Le Havre and excursions.

Le Havre, World Heritage (UNESCO) for its 20th century architecture and world-renowned as the birthplace of Impressionist painting, asserts itself as a cruise destination, the gateway to Paris, in the heart of Normandy. In 2010, Normandy will host an international cultural event: Impressionism in Normandy.

Looking to 2009, Le Havre expects another great year: over 50 calls and 100,000 passengers are expected. In mid-September 2009, the Le Havre Office of Tourism will host a professional event called “Le Havre Escale en Baie de Seine,” a combination of tourism workshops and discovery tours dedicated to tourism and cruise decision makers.

Le Havre combines the development of transit calls and turnaround operations. The cruise welcome center offers touring and practical services. New buildings will be added to allow turnarounds up to 500 passengers, starting spring 2010. Le Havre Tourist Office, coordinator of Le Havre Cruise Club, has been developing and promoting cruise activity for 15 years. Le Havre Tourist Office is a member of Cruise Europe. In 2009, Le Havre Cruise Club is launching a registered mark “Le Havre, the gateway to Paris.”

Flashback on 2008: 59 calls were programmed in Le Havre. This means that 78,000 passengers and 37,000 crew members stepped down in the Norman city. 50% were Americans and 43% Europeans (mainly from UK, 38%, and from Germany, 33%). Excursions: 41,000 passengers went on a pre-paid tour (Paris 53%, Normandy 47% including Le Havre 3%). 28 240 passengers used shuttle busses from the cruise center to Le Havre. Survey: 440 people were questioned (passengers and crew). 84% highly appreciated their call at Le Havre. 62% said they will come back.

Photo 3: Queen Mary 2 (Laurent Breard)



Photo 4: Le Havre Tourism Office logo

For more information, please contact:

LE HAVRE OFFICE OF TOURISM
Valérie Dubuc
Cruise Director
Tel.: +33 (0)2 32 74 04 07
Fax: +33 (0)2 35 42 38 39
E-mail:
valerie.dubuc@lehavretourisme.com

Web: www.lehavretourisme.com

or:

FRENCH TECHNOLOGY PRESS OFFICE
205 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 3740
Chicago, IL 60601

Tel.: (312) 327-5260
E-mail:
contact.ftpo@ubifrance.fr


Note to Editors:
Please advise us of publication of this press release and continue to send reader responses to FTPO.  This is the only way we can ensure the follow-up is done efficiently.

Discover Cherbourg-Normandy at Cruise Shipping Miami 2009 this March (Z006)

February 12th, 2009

DISCOVER THE CHERBOURG-NORMANDY PORT AND DESTINATION AT CRUISE SHIPPING MIAMI 2009 THIS MARCH

Please click the thumbnails below to open high-resolution images.


Photo 1: Port of Cherbourg (Photo courtesy of JE Reinhardt)


Photo 2: Mont Saint-Michel by night (Photo courtesy of Houdus Pontorson – CDT Manche)


Photo 3: Photo from the U.S. Army Memorial in Caen, France

Chicago, February 11, 2009 (word count: 344)
Reliable services and first class port facilities: Cherbourg is a deep-water port that offers easy and safe access at any time of the year. Back in the 1930s, Cherbourg was one of the most important transatlantic ports in Europe. More than 70 years later, Cherbourg, gateway to Normandy, has become a Prime Cruise Destination. The Cherbourg Cruise Club will attend Cruise Shipping Miami 2009 from March 17 to 19, on the French Pavilion, booth 1058.

With first-class service to the cruise ships, crew and passengers, the new Cherbourg cruise terminal provides a 600-meter-long berth with a water depth of 13 meters, 2,500 square meters on two levels for top class operation to passengers, and luggage handling with easy connection to bus and taxis and covered access to the ship via electric gangways.

The Art Deco-style cruise terminal fully complies with ISPS code and is provided with top safety equipment: metal detector arches, X-Ray machines, customs/police desk, and more. Within a walking distance from the heart of the city, the terminal provides all modern port facilities and reliable services for either a tourist or turnaround destination.

A taste of France with something more:

The unspoiled shores of La Hague; the D-Day beaches and the UNESCO World Heritage sites always delight visitors. The Cherbourg-Normandy Peninsula has three UNESCO world heritage sites: The Mont Saint Michel, the famous Bayeux Tapestry depicting the Norman Conquest in England and the towers of Vauban — architectural military wonders from the 17th century located in the Val de Saire.

The Cherbourg region is also home to famous artistic and historical figures such as Alexis de Tocqueville (Democracy in America author), Jean-François Millet, the Impressionist who inspired Van Gogh, Jacques Prévert the poet, and Christian Dior.

Normandy is known for equine events, jazz music festivals, and outdoor activities. It is also rated the world’s tenth-best golf destination. A large range of delicacies await discovery: seafood; cider and apple products; honey and cakes; and many other specialities. Please see the port’s promo video here: welcome.port-cherbourg.com/welcometopassengers.html.

The port of Cherbourg is also proud to be a Cruise Europe and Atlantic Alliance Member.

For more information, please contact:

CHERBOURG CRUISE CLUB
Guillaume Hamel
Cruise manager
Hotel Atlantique
Boulevard Félix Amiot
BP 839
50108 Cherbourg Octeville Cedex
FRANCE
Tel.: +33 (0)2 33 23 32 42
Cell: +33 (0)6 70 69 73 88
E-mail: cherbourg.cruise@gmail.com

Web: www.port-cherbourg.com

or:

FRENCH TECHNOLOGY PRESS OFFICE
205 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 3740
Chicago, IL 60601

Tel.: (312) 327-5260
E-mail:
contact.ftpo@ubifrance.fr


Note to Editors:
Please advise us of publication of this press release and continue to send reader responses to FTPO.  This is the only way we can ensure the follow-up is done efficiently.

Divineisland Books announces author Natalia Ippolito, Airport Security Travel Expert, appears in National Geographic’s Traveler Magazine!

April 5th, 2008

ASHEVILLE, NC, April 4, 2008 – Divineisland Books today announced the release of Natalia’s interview with National Geographic Traveler Magazine- Pg. 26. Her book, I Might As Well Be Naked: How to Survive Airport Screening With Your Clothes On, reveals how the flying public can breeze through airport security painlessly and stress free, even if you are a passenger with “Special Needs”.

Natalia Ippolito, a former Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Dual Function screener wrote the book to help what she saw as a vacuum of clear and comprehensive information for the nation’s almost one billion air travelers a year. “I x-rayed thousands of carry-on bags, searched thousands of passengers and checked baggage and realized that many passengers traveling through our nation’s 452 commercial airports are still clueless about what to pack, what to wear, and especially, what not-to-bring through security checkpoint”.

The book details 369 tips and 119 of those tips for passengers with special needs. She makes the airport security process fast and stress free for everyone. Ms. Ippolito relates some humorous as well as serious personal stories of security breaches that no doubt will surprise even the most seasoned air traveler.

With airport security tightening and alerts changing frequently, I Might As Well Be Naked certainly is a hot topic book and could save the reader time and even money if even some of the 369 tips are followed.

“I’ll bet most of the flying public isn’t even aware of some really vital information in this book”, said Divineisland Books publisher, Tim Dineen. “Natalia was on the front lines of airport security and she knows all the details…she’s seen it all”. And now it’s all in her book. “I fly all the time and I learned a lot form this little book”, said Dineen.

In both her book and on her website; http://airportbook.com/bookstore.htm, Natalia asks readers and visitors to share their airport/airplane stories in order to include them in future editions of her book. Free Airport Security Tips of the Week, Ultimate Packing List and Unknown Fines and Violations report are also available on the website.

About Divineisland Books

Divineisland Books is a small boutique publisher, dedicated to publishing, marketing and promoting authors who write one-of-a-kind books and platforms.

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As Residency “Match Day” approaches, residency candidates find interview travel can crunch their already meager means

March 2nd, 2008

NASHVILLE, Tennessee, March 1, 2008 – From October to February, U.S. medical students embark on the arduous task of residency interviewing to determine their ultimate position in the profession. Fourth-year medical students can go on anywhere from five to forty interviews in one season, depending on the competitiveness of their specialty.

Unlike other professions, medical students largely pay the interview travel costs out of pocket. There are even special loans up to $10,000 to assist with travel costs. (Just what a medical student needs — more debt.)

In response, two Vanderbilt medical students created SmartMedTravel.com. The site features a comprehensive database of advice, itineraries and little-known budget-travel options specific to the hospitals and cities where students must travel. Ben Rosenbaum, 26, a neurosurgery applicant, and Randon Hall, 25, a pediatric applicant, have joined to help students save thousands of dollars in an interview season.

Their own frugality drove them to educate other students on the ins and outs of budget travel. Rosenbaum lives in a one-room apartment and is accustomed to sleeping in rental cars and $15 hostels on the eve of interviews. Hall is no stranger to the fifteen-hour Chinatown bus from Nashville to New York priced at a little less than a tank of gas. “We don’t expect students to go to the same extremes as us to save money,” Hall said, “but we want them to know that there may be a $3 train or an $11 rental car alternative to that $50 taxi we’ve seen too many people take.”

Rosenbaum said, “It’s not uncommon to hear students incurring anywhere from $2,000 to $10,000 in travel costs during the interview season. Students are just too busy to spend hours searching for the very best deal; they are more concerned about just getting where they are supposed to be in a safe and timely manner.”

SmartMedTravel.com is a medical-student-created Web site dedicated to showing medical and pre-med students the cheapest travel options for every city that has a residency program or medical school. It is a comprehensive site filled with travel advice, personalized itineraries, as well as features that allow students to uniquely organize interviews and request to share hotels with other students.

Residency “Match Day” is March 20, 2008.

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If you’d like more information about SmartMedTravel.com, or to schedule an interview with Randon Hall and Ben Rosenbaum, please e-mail us at info@smartmedtravel.com