Palm Springs, CA, March 26, 2013 — Random Haus Palm Springs, a new luxury LGBT property recently opened in Palm Springs, has teamed up with local non-profit Desert AIDS Project.

During the sales phase of each of the 144 fractions available in Random Haus Palm Springs a percentage of each sale will be donated to the local humanitarian organization.
Several D.A.P. events are also planned for the coming months in which Random Haus will be the preferred lodging, and a percentage of the room rates for rooms booked for those attending the events will be donated to D.A.P.

“We are very excited and honored to be the beneficiary of these efforts by Random Haus Palm Springs and its owners and management,” said Darrell Tucci, Chief Developments Officer for Desert AIDS Project. “The property is beautifully designed and executed and we are looking forward to being a part of its success.”

Random Haus Palm Springs and DAP will also be co- hosting a Grand Opening Gala in the coming weeks that will feature fundraising efforts to benefit DAP.

For more information, please visit www.desertaidsproject.com and www.randomhauspalmsprings.com.

ABOUT Random Haus Palm Springs:
Inspired by unique architecture and a sophisticated design aesthetic, Random Haus is a collection of exclusive vacation residences/hotel suites situated in the heart of south Palm Springs. The union of the original mid-century structure with sleek, contemporary design offers a truly distinctive destination for the modern gay traveler. Let Random Haus be your perfect desert escape. For more information, visit www.randomhauspalmsprings.com.

ABOUT Desert AIDS Project:
Desert AIDS Project serves people living with HIV and AIDS by providing comprehensive support, including medical care, case management, and social services, like food, housing, and counseling. D.A.P. also offers free and confidential HIV testing at a number of locations throughout the communities it serves. To learn more about Desert AIDS Project, please call 760-323-2118, or visit www.desertaidsproject.org.

ABOUT Joseph Allen Agencies:
With over 40 years of combined experience, the principals at Joseph Allen specialize in design, marketing and public relations for a diverse portfolio of clientele. At JAA, they place a significant focus on appealing to human emotion and psyche. They can handle all aspects of design and marketing needs through their internal staff, as well as through their incomparable mix of strategic partners. For more information, visit www.josephallenagencies.com.

Contact:
Brandy Webb
Joseph Allen Agencies
28560 Avenida Diosa
Cathdral City, CA 92234
760-285-8381
brandywebbjosephallenagenciescom

http://www.josephallenagencies.com

The hotel’s management and staff have faithfully pursued an effective environmental policy that includes guidelines for staff training as well as conserving water and energy, while also ensuring the safe disposal of waste and chemical products.

Radisson Blu Hotel, Cairo Heliopolis General Manager Ashraf Naguib said: “Receiving the Green Key label is a major achievement for the hotel, and recognition of the efforts of all our staff. I want to thank and congratulate every member of staff and particularly Emad Fouad who led the team and was the project champion.”

The Green Key eco-rating system raises the awareness of leisure industry staff and clients in using sustainable methods of operation and technology and to run environmentally-aware businesses.

Radisson Blu Hotel, Cairo Heliopolis succeeded by empowering staff to take responsibility for the program and in also educating clients and suppliers on ‘green’ issues.

The World Tourism Organization stated that ‘ecotourism’ is the fastest-growing sector of the industry and that over two third of American and Australian tourists, and 90% of British tourists, “consider active protection of the environment and support of local communities to be part of a hotel’s responsibility.”

General Manager Ashraf Naguib added: “When guests stay in a hotel awarded the Green Key label they are guaranteed to be staying in a hotel that protects and conserves the environment, where they will also be encouraged to participate in ‘green’ practices.”

The World Luxury Hotel Awards are recognized as the world’s leading luxury hotel awards.Winners are voted by acclaimed industry experts from across the globe alongside hotel guests based on their overall hotel experience. 2012 saw a 50% increase in countries participating in the World Luxury Hotel Awards with over 1,000 hotels, lodges, resorts and private islands having been nominated, underlining the growing importance of this award in the travel industry.

“We are delighted with the recognition of “Best Luxury Beach Resort” at the 2012 World Luxury Hotel Awards and would like to thank our hard working team. We have set a benchmark as an industry leader with this outcome and we trust that this Award will be an inspiration to our entire staff for years to come” said Mr. Kelly Lewis, General Manager of Indigo Pearl.

For reservations, please email reservationsindigo-pearlcom

Note to Editors:

Situated within its own tropical gardens – where lush lagoons juxtapose post-modern art – Indigo Pearl is located on Phuket’s sheltered northern shore, an easy 10 minutes from Phuket International Airport.

A Bill Bensley design masterpiece, the ‘all villa and suite’ property offers 177 accommodation choices, 8 restaurants and bars, 3 outdoor pools, private beach club, library, tennis courts, ‘TinBox’ kids’ club, award-winning COQOON Spa, conference facilities and Thai cooking school. A host of leisure facilities both on land and sea can also be arranged. Opened in 2007, the luxury resort is ever evolving. In December 2011, Indigo Pearl unveiled new individually designed, private pool villas – including the largest villa on the island – setting a new benchmark for accommodation in Phuket.

Raw beauty. Bold designs. Luxury unhindered.
www.indigo-pearl.com

For more information & images, please contact:
Panchan Noimeecharoen
Public Relations Manager
Tel: +66 076 327 006
Email: panchanindigo-pearlcom
www.facebook.com/indigopearlresort

Tourism Australia Managing Director Andrew McEvoy said the award reflected the national tourism organisation’s increasing leadership within digital marketing tourism, and followed a major refresh of the website earlier in the year.

“Here at Tourism Australia, we are lucky enough to have the job of promoting I’d argue the greatest brand in the world, Australia and Australia.com has built up a deserved reputation for the increasing contribution it makes to this important task,” Mr McEvoy said.

“With 50 per cent of global consumers were now using digital channels to research, plan and book holidays, having a strong website is essential. Australia.com plays a vital role in telling our story to the world and, as part of our broader strategy to raise our game in the digital space,” he said.

Tourism Australia relaunched its popular global website, http://www.australia.com/ in March 2012 with a cleaner design, simpler navigation and additional functionality, aimed at helping international and domestic travellers better research, plan and make the most of an Australian holiday.

Since the re-launch, the site has had more than 8.9m unique visitors – more than the 8.6m that visited last year.

“We now have a website which is more attractive to the eye, stronger in functionality and easier to navigate with rich and engaging content which informs and inspires more people to look to Australia for their next holiday.

“More than 29 per cent of the world’s population is online today and this number is expected to grow to five billion people, or 66 per cent by 2020, with one in two consumers using digital channels to make their travel plans.

“These sorts of stats only serve to reinforce the importance of a good website, delivering rich, destination specific and appealing content in an engaging and user-friendly way which helps move the user further towards booking an Australian holiday,” Mr McEvoy said.

Tourism Australia was also nominated for World’s Leading Tourism Board and World’s Leading Destination Marketing Campaign for its current There’s nothing like Australia campaign.

The only Australian operators to pick up an award were Terry and Cathy Maloney, the founders and owners of Daintree Eco Lodge & Spa, who were voted World’s Leading Eco Resort and Lodge.

Speaking about the award win owner Terry Maloney said, “The ecolodge has many imitators, but no equals. This is clearly shown by winning the World’s Leading Eco Resort and Spa at this year’s prestigious World Travel Awards.

“To be a winner in the “best of the best” world categories is humbling, however is also testament to the growing appreciation of experiential travel,” Mr Maloney said.

“This is the biggest travel event in the global tourism industry. It takes 10 months to judge the country, regional and finally the best of the best in the world. This is a huge opportunity for Australia, Queensland and our region to be in the world travel spotlight.

“It’s small physical footprint of land, buildings, staff and guests, already has a huge impact on the preservation of ancient culture, conservation of ancient rainforest and the empowerment of Indigenous people – a true example or the 3 P’s – people, planet and profit,” Mr Maloney said.

World Travel Awards was founded in 1993 to recognise, acknowledge and reward excellence in the travel, tourism and hospitality industry worldwide.

The votes are cast by travel, tourism and hospitality professionals and the consumer traveller whether leisure or business. A vote cast by a registered travel agency employee carries a weighting of two whilst the consumer vote counts as one vote.

About Tourism Australia

Tourism Australia is responsible for promoting Australia world-wide as the world’s best destination for business and leisure. Through a wide range of activities Tourism Australia aims to raise awareness of Australia’s unique attributes which attract and entice visitors to experience our country. Our activities in 23 markets, including Australia, include advertising, public relations and media programs, trade shows and programs for the tourism industry, consumer promotions, online communications and research.

In November 2010 Tourism Australia unveiled a new strategic approach for Australian tourism – the 2020 Tourism Industry Potential – to improve the industry’s performance and competitiveness. The 2020 Tourism Industry Potential is a 10 year vision for the industry which aims to grow the overnight expenditure generated by tourism to as much as $140 billion by 2020.

To achieve the 2020 Potential, Tourism Australia operates in key markets around the world offering the greatest opportunities for tourism growth including Australia. This includes established markets such as the United Kingdom, Japan, New Zealand, USA, Germany, Korea, and China; growth markets such as Canada, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Taiwan, India; Thailand, and Gulf Countries.

The event will be held at the aLoft Philadelphia Airport Hotel on Tuesday, September 18, 2012, from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. with a special appearance by Foundation Founder Michael Vick.

Tickets for the event and memorabilia items will be available for purchase with the proceeds going to the charity. There will be food, drink and entertainment available as well as a meet-and-greet with Vick, including autographs.  Several star Eagles players are expected to be in attendance as well.

ESPN affiliate, 97.5 The Fanatic will feature a live broadcast during the event. Top Philadelphia market personality Mike Missanelli will interview the Philadelphia Eagles’ star quarterback.

To Purchase Tickets please visit: TeamVickFoundation.org

For more info about the aLoft please visit: www.alofthotels.com/philadelphiaairport

ABOUT TEAM VICK FOUNDATION

Called into existence to respond to the real and immediate needs of underserved young people, aging adults and families. The Team Vick Foundation, its partners, supporters, initiatives, programs and events, bridge the gaps between donors and communities to promote hope and enhance the quality of life for those that reside in socially and economically under-represented neighborhoods.  Team Vick Foundation is committed to being a constant, ever-present voice and support system for people in need. Many of us will lose our way and make mistakes at some point in our life. Sometimes because of unforeseen circumstances we may find ourselves in need of assistance or on a “road” we never expected. Our decisions, mistakes and lessons learned impact not just us – but our children, parents and communities. Team Vick Foundation helps strengthen our communities by working to collectively become better global citizens willing to SHARE, INSPIRE AND ENCOURAGE one another to DIG DEEPER.  For the details, visit us at www.teamvickfoundation.org

Contact: Tracy L. Morris, Executive Director, 757.535.3924, tracyteamvickfoundationorg

ABOUT ALOFT HOTELS

Created to shake up the staid, traditional select service segment of the hotel industry, the Aloft brand delivers style at a steal with urban-influenced, modern, open and vibrant design – and a social guest experience – at an affordable price point.  Building on its tech-savy DNA, the brand recently pioneered the industry’s first “keyless entry” automatic check-in program.  Aloft can be found everywhere from Abu Dhabi and Baltimore to Dallas and Beijing and everywhere in between.  For more information, please visit www.alofthotels.com

Contact for Aloft Philadelphia Airport Hotel, Nina Timani, Director of Sales and Marketing, 215-220-4620, ninatimanisheratoncom

Luxury Travel Ltd. has served the luxury travel industry for many years, and their staff has acquired first-hand knowledge about the luxury travel market in Vietnam. They have visited their recommended destinations, and have personally checked out the finest hotels, resorts and restaurants designed for discriminating travelers.

“Danang now has a new International airport and launched direct international flights throughout Asia, which has given a boost to local tourism. This makes movement in the central area much easier than it had been previously. This tour focuses snew destinations, new hotels, on local life and food. Starting in Hanoi or Saigon, you will then fly directly to Danang International Airport. From here, they will gradually access each spot of the central area with the help of an experienced guide and, along with local experts, they will discover the most charming aspects of each destination,” said Pham Ha, Founder and CEO of Luxury Travel Ltd.

The company often offers new tours for discerning travelers and has just announced The Mixing of Adventure & Heritage Sites Visit in Central Vietnam 10 days.

The tour price starts from US$2271 per person for 2 persons (25.000.000VND). Price includes all transportation, domestic flights, accommodation, boat trip, canoe, lunch, entrance fees, and the services of an English or French-speaking guide. This offer is valid until 30 December 2013.

“The center of Vietnam is home to many of the most important natural and man-made sites in the country. Stretching from Quang Binh to Quang Nam, the trip “The Mixing of Adventure & Heritage Sites in Central Vietnam 10 days” is the combination of heritage and the intangible which was recognized by UNESCO: Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park (Quang Binh), Hue Imperial City & Royal Music, and Quang Nam (with two heritage sites, Hoi An and My Son). On your route you will have a chance to discover many other attractions such as Bana Hill, Cham Island, Tam Giang Lagoon as well as the beautiful beaches of Cua Dai, Non Nuoc, Lang Co, Thuan An and Nhat Le. And for those who love adventure, snorkeling at Bai Nam and kayaking on the Chay River will be a must when joining in this tour,” Adds Pham Ha.

Vietnam’s first luxury tour operator/DMC (www.luxurytravelvietnam.com) based in Hanoi with offices throughout Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand, Luxury Travel is exceptional in designing tailor-made tours and providing unique travel experiences. Opened in 2004, the Luxury Travel Company Limited has its own offices, luxury vehicles, luxury travel advisors, and reprentative offices in California, London, Paris, and Sydney. The company’s depth of experience and large infrastructure enable it to create unique itineraries with the operational confidence to fulfill client expectations. Luxury Travel Ltd won numerous travel awards for excellent performance including the most recent award: Best Luxury Tour Operator in Vietnam.

Media Contact:

Link Doan
Luxury Travel Ltd
05 Nguyen Truong To Str.,
Ba Dinh Dist, Hanoi 84444
Vietnam
84439274120
Email: marketing12luxurytravelvietnamcom
Website: www.luxurytravelvietnam.com

The exciting new partnership between both currency specialists promises to provide World First clients with ultra competitive exchange rates on over 45 currencies. This money-saving strategy is coupled with the convenience and safety that comes with ordering online plus a free, secure and fully insured guaranteed next day home delivery option on every currency order.

Jonathan Quin, Managing Director of World First said, “We’re very happy to be working in partnership with The Currency Club to offer a cash service to clients. Typically our private clients are moving larger amounts to pay for things like overseas property purchases, transferring pension payments or repatriating earnings. We help thousands of people move their money overseas every year, at the best exchange rates on the market. Thanks to this new arrangement it’s great to be able to offer the cash market those fantastic exchange rates too.”

Sam Thakkar, The Currency Club’s co-founder, has welcomed the latest business relationship, which is one of a series of dynamic new partnerships unveiled by the foreign exchange experts so far this year. He said, “It is an absolute pleasure to be working with World First. Their company values are aligned with ours as we both stand by a fair pricing policy and dedication to excellent customer service. The introduction of this partnership is also very timely, given that we are in the midst of the summer holiday season.”

As an online travel money supplier, www.thecurrencyclub.co.uk has rapidly established itself as the go-to website for overseas travellers aiming to get the best exchange rates for their trip. The service is commission free and there are no charges for the fully insured delivery service. Travellers have complete peace of mind, knowing the transaction is secure from the minute the order is confirmed through to the cash being dispatched and the parcel arriving the next day.

As a wholly owned subsidiary of Sterling Consortium Limited, The Currency Club tracks wholesale foreign exchange prices to ensure that its travel money rates are the best online, beating anything available on the high street, at the airport or any ATM.  Their website offers a unique rate optimiser tool which allows those placing an order to manage their own rate of exchange. There is also a quick and easy foreign exchange buy back service for any surplus currency.

World First helps tens of thousands of businesses and private individuals to transfer money quickly and safely across borders. It offers a Best Rate Guarantee on cash transfers and has won a number of awards in testament to its excellent levels of customer service and enterprising endeavours.

For more information on The Currency Club’s exchange services and to order online, please visit http://www.TheCurrencyClub.co.uk or call 0207 723 7000.

March 1- August 15 2012

(Napa, CA) The Napa Valley Wine Train is inviting journalists to experience a unique wine country adventure. Created 22 years ago from the passion and creativity of founder Vincent DeDomenico (inventor of “Rice-A-Roni”), The Wine Train has evolved into a product that has a high level of diversity. Many new products and events have been added to the iconic Napa Valley destination over the last year.

The Napa Valley Wine Train provides a relaxing three-hour, thirty-six mile round-trip journey from the historic town of Napa, through one of the world’s most famous wine valleys, to the quaint village of St. Helena. Guests aboard the Wine Train enjoy the option of a freshly prepared lunch or dinner as they view vineyards and wineries from any of the vintage 1915-1917 Pullman Dining, Lounge, or 1952 Vista Dome rail cars which have been lavishly restored.

Products have a wide range, from gourmet lunch and dinner to murder mystery, private winery tours, and holiday experiences. The train even hosts Napa’s only evening winery tour.

Journalists are invited to enjoy and review most of the available packages.

Some great story ideas are:

-Winemaker events, hosted by celebrities such as Lasseter and Vermeil, that offer a personalized guest experience of food and wine unlike any other.

-In a world full of impersonal corporations, the Wine Train is family-owned, which provides a unique work experience and a feel good purchase for customers.

-The Wine Train has one of the nation’s first love-lock bridges following ancient Chinese practices of locking two loving soul together for eternity.

###
Press Contact

Ryan Neergaard
Press and Media Coordinator
RyanNeergaardwinetraincom  (ryanneergaardwinetraincom)  
707-251-5205
www.winetrain.com

The Napa Valley Wine Train is one of the most unique and best Napa restaurants. This top dining establishment is housed in an antique train that runs on 25-miles of track in the heart of the Napa Valley. The train itself has two engines, three kitchens on board and a collection of early 20th century rail cars that are pure Americana. It offers guests great regional food and fabulous, hard-to-find wines. Enjoy winery tours, wine tasting on board, and celebrity winemaker dinners: A great place to celebrate your special moments, or just to enjoy everyday life.  (800) 427-4124 winetrain.com

Please contact if interested in receiving press releases.

TGV high speed trains will transport around 12 million passengers on the French, Swiss and German rail networks taking rail travellers to important cities and regions, without having to go through Paris.

Journey times have been cut bringing Europe closer together and increasing the reach of the TGV.

The Rhine-Rhône line consolidates France’s strength as a hub for rail travel in Europe, and was cited by the European Union as a priority connection for the European transport network, when work began back in 2006.

The 2,312 billion Euro project was financed by 20 partners including the French State, the European Union, Switzerland, the Burgundy region, Franche-Comté, Alsace and the Railroad network of France.

The high speed lines on the Rhine-Rhône network include an eastern branch between Dijon (Burgundy) and Mulhouse (Alsace) via two new stations: Belfort-Montbeliard and Bescancon Franche-Comte, which are regions well worth exploring.

The other high speed sections are a spur towards the Rhône-Alpes region and a southern line between Paris and Lyon and onwards to the Mediterranean.

The opening of the 140km TGV Rhine-Rhône line affects two routes. Paris-Mulhouse-Zurich and Germany-Strasbourg-Lyon-southern France.

Journey times on the TGV on these routes have been reduced by as much as 90 minutes between Mulhouse and Marseille and Dijon and Strasbourg.

For example Dijon – Strasbourg now has a journey time of 2 hours (instead of 3 hours 40 minutes), Paris-Belfort-Montbéliard now takes 2 hours 15 minutes (instead of 3 hours 50 minutes) while the Paris-Besancon route now takes just two hours. Dijon is now only 1 hour and 25 minutes from Basel in Switzerland and Lyon is just under five hours from Frankfurt.

No fewer than six TGV services run every day between Strasbourg and Lyon, five of which continue down to the Mediterranean coast (Marseille, Montpellier etc.), with journey times cut by at least one hour.

From March 23, the new Euroduplex TGV trains (comfortable double-decker trains) will whisk passengers daily between Germany’s Frankfurt and France’s Strasbourg and onwards to Lyon and Marseille.

Individual and group fares are now available to book and the new service will be priced similarly to the successful Paris-Frankfurt/Stuttgart route, which has been in operation since December.

Passengers using the line on the TGV Lyria trains should note that all trains will now leave from Gare de Lyon.