ISRAEL - INTERNATIONAL MEDITERRANEAN TOURISM MARKET

The 16th annual 'International Mediterranean Tourism Market' (IMTM) was recently held in February 2010 in Tel Aviv, Israel.

Several USA 'hosted buyers' boarded flights from either LAX or JFK - El Al Airlines gateways in the US.

The first day we relaxed in our respective 4-/5-star hotels -based on whether you upgraded for an additional 15-Euros/$25 per night. I chose the oceanfront 'Renaissance Hotel' overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. I enjoyed room service on my balcony on the 11th-floor as I watched a small group play a friendly game of beach volleyball at night and a spectacular view of Tel Aviv.

The following day it was all business as we attended the opening ceremony for 'IMTM' and the tradeshow visiting various local vendors as well as an international section.

Hosted buyers had a relaxing lounge area where we could eat light snacks and sip on beverages and Israeli wines or check emails on the complimentary laptops provided.

In the afternoon, those of us who had recently arrived participated in half-day 'Tel Aviv City



Tour', which included the 'Old City of Jaffa' - where 'St. Peter's church' and spectacular view of the Tel Aviv coastline could be seen. That evening many of us did 'nightclub/bar tours' and called it a night.

The following we all divided up into different buses and did a full-day 'Jerusalem Tour', which included a stop first at the "Yad Vashem" -National Memorial and Museum of the Holocaust.

We continued on to see a panoramic view of Jerualem's Old City from theMount of Olives.

Also, sights included: Entry thru Mt. Zion to see the 'Room of the Last Supper' which we missed; the Christian Quarter with the 'Church of the Holy Sepulcher'; 'Via Dolorosa' - stations of the Cross; the 'Western Wall'-Judaism's most sacred site and some quick shopping in the 'Arab Market'.

Later that evening we stopped at a 'kibbutz' -a collective farm - for appetizers and beverages including wine from their own winery.


It was a full day and we prepared for the following day's tours to either: Galilee area or the Dead Sea area. Since I am a Bible Student, I selected the Galilee area which is the birthplace of Christianity and of course - the life and ministry of Jesus Christ.

Our 'spiritual journey' day began with a stop in 'Caeserea' - an ancient port city built by King


Herod in tribute to Ceasar of Rome. It was remarkable, especially the miles long aqueduct.

We had lunch in Tiberias in a boutique hotel 'The Scots Hotel St. Andrews Galilee', owned by the Church of Scotland. It was formerly a medical center refurbished and complete with a wine cellar and Galilee lake view simming pool. Defnitely a great base for tours in the Galilee area.







Afterwards we headed to the Mount of Beatitudes - traditional site of Jesus' sermon on the Mount; Tabgha - site of the Miracle of the Multiplication of the Fishes and Loaves';

Capernaum- "City of Jesus" - an ancient Jewish fishing town with a synagogue from the 4th century where Jesus began his ministry.

We then headed towards Nazareth - the childhood town of Jesus. Passing thru Cana, where Jesus performed his first miracle of turning water into wine - I later imagined Jesus walking down the hill from Nazareth to Cana to attend the wedding ceremony.

In Nazareth we drove by 'Mary's well' and visited the majestic 'Basilica of the Annuciation' where Mary received word from an angel of the Lord of the Christ Child.

Finally we had some time for quick shopping at the 'Arab Bazaar' before we headed back to Tel Aviv. Also, it was time to reflect on the awesome experience, especially to Believers seeing the 'Holy Land" up close and personal.

Back at my hotel, I packed up and headed to the airport for my flight on El Al to JFK and then on to San Francisco.


Next to Egypt, this was definitely a 'spiritual journey' I will always treasure...

2010-MOROCCO TRAVEL MART-MARRAKECH

My recent adventure was to the 'Morocco Travel Mart'-MTM in Marrakech, Morocco in January 2010 - invited as a 'hosted buyer' by Morocco tourism.

Here along with 500+ other agents/meeting & event planners - from all over the world - primarily from Europe and France in particular for the third annual event.

We flew into Morocco via Casablanca on Royal Air Maroc which offered warm hospitality in flight aboard our 7-hours flight from JFK.

Attendees were spread out over several 4-and 5-star resort and hotel properties and 'riad' (B&B's) in Marrakech. Our small American group of four were assigned the 5-star 'Eden Andalaou Resortan Spa', the most remote but well-situated with two swimming pools with a spectacular view of the awesome Atlas mountains.

Rooms are Moroccan/French-themed ith arched doorways and well-appointed bathrooms with bidets and tub and showers with either a large sitting sitting or a smaller sitting area with balcony overlooking either the swimming pool and courtyard area or the gardens.

The spa I head was pretty aesome, but due to limited time constraints (and a substantial entry fee just to use the sauna or treadmills), I did not partake but rather enjoyed the serenity poolside.

After we checked into our resort, we made arrangements to take the complimentary shuttle into the city center or 'Jamaa El Fna', where one could arrange a city tour, shop, ride a horse-drawn carriage or eat at one of the many restaurants or riads.

Lunch as a colorful, multi-course delicious meal served on a rooftop riad with the sounds and smells of Marrakech in full-blown sensuality.

After lunch, some of us did the hop-on/hop-off tour which cost $16, and consisted of two mini tours of the 'inner medina' and 'outer medina' - the walled city and the outlying suburbs and 'palmerie'-an area of miles of palm trees that could include a camel ride.

Before or after the tour one could relax in the sqaure - 'Jamaa El Fna' and take in the sights and sounds and even be charmed by snake charmers or admire the lovely children.

Later that evening some of us returned for the 'Night Market' and an opportunity to sample

various made-to-order appetizers and snacks in the area as well as chocolate desserts and mint-laced tea.

Local vendors sold spices, fruits and vegetables, and various souvenirs as live music filled the square. This is a wonderful way to enjoy Marrakech by night.

The following two days it was down to business at the fairgrounds for 'MTM 2010'.

Here buyers attended pre-arranged appointments with various hoteliers, DMCs, tour operators and companies, as well as vendors selling Morrocan-themed spa produtcs and oils and local crafts such as hand-made leather shoes and purses and local clothing. It was nice to squeeze in some shopping in while taking care of business.

In the evening, we were hosted at various luxury resorts/hotels at 'dnners' I would more likely call 'receptions' as they were no seated tables but rather buffet-style setups with hot and cold food items with drinks - alcoholic and non-alcoholic - flowing all evening.

Networking could yield invitations to private functions at other hotels or 'riads' which included full Moroccan dinners and bellydancing.

Attendees also were invited to a local nightclub 'Panach' where many danced until the wee hours of the morning.

The closing gala event at the ultra-luxury 5-star 'Palmiere Palace & Golf Resort' which featured live entertainment and Flamenco dancing and hot and cold buffet items with a seemingly endless open bar with beverages being served in glasses fit for royalty. This definitely was a grand send-off and finale on abeautiful moon-lit evening.

For sure, Marrakech, Morocco has something to offer everyone with such lovely people who are anxious to make your stay memorable.

Lin's Fiji Adventure Travel

It's been over two years since I was in the beautiful islands of Fiji. Unfortunately, I went back for a family emergency. Nevertheless, I was able to site inspect the following hotels: Marina Denarau, Radisson, Sheraton Denarau, Hilton and The Uprising Resort. I also squeezed in a 2-night Captain Cook Cruise - 'The Adventure Sailing Safari' as well as trying out Zip Fiji which is located at the Coral Coast near Pacific Harbor. This zip line, the first zip line the South Pacific, zips you over the tropical rain forest!

For more pictures for the trip, click the link -

Lin's Fiji Adventure Video

*Radisson Resort – This property is more like a family resort with kitchenettes. I loved the sand surrounded swimming pools. Fiji Radisson Info

*Sheraton Denarau - This is one of the largest hotel resorts in the Denarau area. Many of the rooms were recently renovated to feel more contemporary. Fiji Sheraton Info

*Hilton Denarau - This high-end apartment style family property was being built when I last visited Fiji two years ago. I was rather impressed with the site inspection. First of all, the staff was the friendliest, even greeting me with a cold drink, something I really appreciated as it was VERY hot in Fiji ! Secondly, the rooms were beautiful with a black and white color theme. Each room has kitchenettes and the bathrooms even have old antique bathtubs. Additionally, barbecues were set-up on the balcony for quick outdoor dining. I definitely recommend this property. Fiji Hilton Beach Resort Info

*Uprising Resort- After the Fiji Zip, I stopped over since it was on its way. Amazingly, it was much nicer than I anticipated. This moderate budget resort has a beautiful ground. The front beach bures looks beautiful and has a beautiful view. The resort also has backpacking style staying in a dorm style bure which cost only $17.00 dollars including breakfast. Great for low budget travelers to families. Fiji Uprising Beach Resort Info

*Captain Cook Cruises’ Adventure Sailing Safari - I've wanted to try this adventure sailing safari for long time, and I was indeed lucky to get a 2-night cruise on such short notice! I must say this was quite an adventure, rustic but yet fun. Fiji Captain Cook Cruise Info

Our adventure began with a full day cruise through the Mamanuca and Southern Yasawa Islands to the tropical base camp- the Barefoot Lodge on beautiful Drawaga Island. We each were assigned a beachfront bungalow, known as a “bure.” Each bure was rather rustic without air conditioning, but instead equipped with only a ceiling fan. Unfortunately it was rather noisy making it hard to sleep.

There was evening entertainment every night. One night was international night where each group of travelers demonstrated their talents to represent their home country. I did not represent the USA very well. I guess I’ll have to practice before my next sailing safari! We also learned/practiced Fijian and Kava Ceremony dances. Thankfully the Captain Cook crew did not follow strict procedures! In the old days, one could be killed for not following the proper procedures doing the Kava Ceremony!

The following day, we visited a local Fijian village to experience the Fijian culture. The tour consisted of visiting the town’s church and participating in a real Kava ceremony (These are traditionally practiced when visiting a village). Though I have been to Fiji 7 times and have visited many different villages and participated in several Kava Ceremonies, I truly enjoy them each time I go. I also truly love how the little children all gather around and always eager to have their pictures taken. They are so cute!

Each evening we return to the Barefoot Lodge where we could swim, play valleyball with the staffs and glazing at sunset with glass of wine. Fijian lovo feast was also part of the fun.

My 2-day adventure on Captain Cook Cruises’ Adventure Sailing Safari cost only about $275 US dollars, including all meals, snorkeling, hiking and kayaking trips! The only thing not included in the price was bottled water. I thought this was rather odd, but considering it is a low budget ship, that was OK with me! After all, my water bill was only $12.5 US. All in all, it was quite an adventure, rustic, and definitely fun for me! Oh yes.......don't forget to bring your own towel!

*Fiji Zip Line - In addition to the Sailing Safari, I also did a Zip line on the Coral Coast . I met Dan (the owner) two years ago at the Blue Water Lodge which is owned by my cousin Fiona Fong. He invited me to come experience it for myself (comp!). So, after enjoying the sun, sand and water in Fiji , I thought “why not do one last adventure before going home?” After all, as I always say, when it comes to adventure, count me in! Fiji ZIP Line Info

The car trip from Nadi Town to the Pacific Harbor was very scenic and took only a bit over 2 hours. The Zip staff greeted us upon our arrival and I was ready to Zip! Although I have ridden zip lines before, I was still a bit scared, but there were plenty of guides to calm me and keep me safe.

As soon as they strapped me into a harness and connected me to the wire, I was ready to zip/slide over the beauty of the rain forest. The ride was 45m (148 feet) above the ground, and one of the rides was 200m (219 yards) across the river. Believe it or not, I actually rode the zip line twice, each with 8 runs--all in less than an hour! With each zip trip I felt more confident and could better enjoy the spectacular views of the rain forest below me! The guides were friendly and fun, and they even helped me with the Flick camera and took many pictures of me zipping along until I was finally satisfied with a photo of me.

The Zip Fiji is a must for all adventure lovers. A truly unforgettable ride!

See the video of my Zipline ride below.

Heartland Travel Showcase

Heartland Travel Showcase is for Tour and Travel Agents to become familar with the Heartland States. One of these states is Ohio. Below is the Pre-Fam Tour I am going on.

Granville, Glass and Gardens

Wednesday February 17, 2010
2:30 pm Complimentary pick up at Hyatt Regency hotel and travel to Licking County. Check into the beautiful Cherry Valley Lodge. The only hotel in the nation that’s also an arboretum and botanical garden. Cherry Valley Lodge features two breathtaking courtyards that offer lovely quiet places to relax and unwind. Waterfalls, a gazebo, Bluebird boxes and other special features compliment the incredible collection of plant species.

4:00 – 6 pm Enjoy a guided historical and architectural tour of the New England Village of Granville.
Depart the coach for shopping and afternoon snacks in the village.

6:00 pm – 7:30 pm Experience the Buxton Inn in Granville for an exquisite dinner and a haunted talk of the 1812 inn by owner Mr. Orr.

7:30 Return to Cherry Valley Lodge for an evening of fun including a scavenger hunt and social time.


Thursday February 18, 2010
8:00 am Breakfast at Cherry Valley Lodge and depart for a fun filled day of hands on tours

9:00 am A step-on guide will take you on a four mile driving tour to explore 1,700 acres of nature at the Dawes Arboretum including the Japanese Garden, Dawes Lake and the world’s largest hedge lettering. Hands on activities will be provided, plus a chance to visit the visitor’s center and gift shop.

11:00 am – 2:00 pm You will forget it is still February with a trip to The Beautiful Davis-Shai House as Wilson’s Garden Center demonstrates how to arrange plants and flowers. Wilson’s offers 4 full seasons of beauty. We will then get to try out hand at it. Wilson’s is manned by a professional plant designer who will help you put together a beautiful and compatible flower arrangement to enhance your home or be a great gift for a loved one. You will learn more about the Davis –Shai House, history, cultural attraction and special event facility and enjoy a delightful lunch and entertainment by Licking County’s “Shirley Lock Holmes”.

2:15 – 3:45 Enjoy The Glass Blowing Studio of The Works a Smithsonian affiliate museum of history, art and technology. Enjoy glass blowing demonstrations, try your hand at it and enjoy hands on glass jewelry making yourself! Enjoy The Works Museum and gift shop.

4:00 pm 5:00 View over 4,500 pieces of glassware featured on display in 2 galleries in the beautiful 1831 Samuel King residence at the National Heisey Glass Museum.

5 pm – 7 pm Return back to Cherry Valley Lodge to relax and unwind. No trip would be complete with an experience in the Banyan Leaf Spa. Enjoy a hand paraffin dip, 15 minute chair massage or mini manicure. .

7:00 pm Enjoy dinner with hands on cooking lead by the Chef of Cherry Valley Lodge. Participate in Recipe for Success as we all prepare a very special dinner just for you using fresh herbs and spices.


Friday February 19, 2010

8:00 am Awake to a wonderful hearty breakfast and listen to the Master Gardener talk about the Lodges Arboretum and landscaping.

10:00 am 11:30 am Complimentary shuttle departing for the Host Hotel for Heartland Travel Showcase!

Post Fam that I am going on is all about Columbus Ohio and its many attractions.

Feb 19,20,21st Columbus Ohio Convention Center. Meet the Suppliers.

HTS 2010 Post FAM TOUR
Taste of the Columbus Experience
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 21
3:00pm-9:00pm

3:00pm Check-in at the Hampton Inn and Suites Downtown Columbus

3:15pm Meet in the Hampton Inn and Suites Downtown Columbus lobby and depart for Woodhaven Farm

4:00pm-8:00pm Mix it up at Woodhaven Farm, in the countryside, for a hands-on cooking experience with Tami J. Cecil, a Culinary Institute of America trained chef. Cook a tempting meal from start to finish and get the recipes so that you can prepare them at home.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 22
8:00am-9:00pm

8:00am – 9:00am Breakfast at Hampton Inn & Suites Downtown Columbus

9:15am–10:30am German Village Home Tour German Village is one of the country's largest individually owned, privately financed neighborhood restorations. Brick streets run through this historic, restored community on the south side of downtown Columbus. German Village is a 233-acre historic residential district.

10:45am-1:30pm Meet prominent figures from Ohio’s history as a guide dressed in 1800s period clothing takes you on a tour of the Ohio Statehouse. After your tour, experience a Taste of History as a guest at “Miss Emma’s Table,” named for a local socialite who lived beside the Ohio Statehouse in the 1800s. You’ll be treated to an old-fashioned boarding-house style meal inside the immaculately restored Greek Revival Statehouse.

2:00pm–4:00pm At the Ohio Herb Education Center located in the Herb Capital of Ohio you’ll experience the wonderful world of herbs as you relax, learn about and sample herbal teas. Treat your taste buds to pound cake complimented with herbal syrup during an herbal infusions workshop. Discover the spa in your own kitchen as you create customized herbal bath and beauty products using common ingredients found in your own home.

4:45pm-6:30pm Candle Lab & Wine Tasting @ House Wine (Worthington) The Candle Lab provides a longer burning, higher quality candle experience by using soy wax, cotton paper wicks and pure fragrance oils. Candles will burn evenly and cleanly for up to 60 hours, filling your home with fragrance from beginning to end. It is your destination for custom fragrance. House Wine of Worthington is where wine buying is fun, simple, and interactive. They have created a destination for all of your wine needs. Over 250 different labels, hand picked, are in stock. The inventory is separated by country or food for matching and each wine falls into a class. Customers will be able to find their own “house wine” in no time.


6:45pm-8:30pm Over the past 25 years, the Worthington Inn has worked hard to maintain the traditions that began in 1861— our chefs bake our bread daily; churn our own ice creams and sorbets and make our homemade pickles, sauces, and soups. We source the finest ingredients to create our seasonal menus and we believe in strongly supporting local and sustainable farming techniques.


TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 23
8:00am-9:00pm

8:00am Depart for Columbus Zoo & Aquarium

8:30am-9:45am Breakfast with the animals at Columbus Zoo & Aquarium Eat Breakfast with the animals and interact with exotic animals up-close. Learn from the experts after enjoying a breakfast buffet. Find out more behind-the-scenes information on a guided walking tour, before the gates open to the public.


10:00am-12:00pm 4-Leaf Clover Irish Scavenger Hunt (Dublin) Embark on a fun treasure hunt through Dublin’s quaint Historic District. Look for clues to Irish trivia questions while enjoying sweet treats, gifts and surprises along the way.

12:00pm-1:00pm Lunch @ Biddie’s Coach House, located in historic Dublin, in the original Sells Hotel built in the 1830s. Biddie’s is rated highly as “an eclectic variety of from-scratch foods and breads, colorfully served in a charmingly decorated, authentic inn setting”.

1:30pm-3:00pm One of the largest family-owned candy making facilities, Anthony-Thomas Candy Company is a tour not to be missed. Save room for a sampling of delicious chocolate and be sure to take some home from the gift shop.


3:30pm-5:00pm Franklin Park Conservatory You will be Going green as you travel on a guided tour of Franklin Park Conservatory. It is a premier horticultural and educational institution showcasing exotic plant collections, special exhibitions, and spectacular Chihuly artworks. Join your tour guide on An Island Adventure, featuring thousands of bright pink, yellow, orange, lime green, and purple orchid blooms.


5:15pm – 6:00pm Rest and Refresh at Hampton Inn & Suites Downtown Columbus

6:30pm-8:30pm “Dickens of a Mystery” Enjoy a hearty meal while you interact with a historic cast of characters and strive to solve the mystery of this “Ohio Village Whodunit.”


WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 24
8:15am – 12:15pm

8:15am Depart for Easton Town Center

8:30am – 9:50am Nordstrom Ever wonder what if feels like to have a store open just for YOU? While preparing for the day’s customers, you’ll be whisked through Nordstrom celebrity-style for a delicious breakfast at the Bistro Café. Personal Touch consultants will share the latest looks in apparel, accessories and shoes, and explain what makes Nordstrom a leading fashion retailer nationwide.

10:00am – 12:00pm Archiver’s, A Photo Memory Store Make every month of the year memorable with a custom calendar. At the Create a Calendar Workshop, decorate each page of our 8x8 calendar with our exclusive designs. Learn paper-crafting techniques and take home extra supplies for your next Archiver’s inspired project!

12:15pm Return to Hampton Inn & Suites Downtown Columbus for departure

I have never been to Ohio and want to experience Columbus and Small Towns.
Especially in the Winter with all the snow. For the future possible Group Tours
I will put together. Robin