The Postcards series project comprises a collection of places, curious situations and memories. It is a project in endless progress: to visit touristic places and perform comparative shots using a video camera. Relating the actual postcard to the scene it portrays, the videos are usually a result of different resources, seeking for situations and moments where sounds and images can reveal layers other than the landscapes might suggest. Conceived originally as a series of short videos for the web (2000) it is also a tribute to a series of videos called Cartes Postales (1987) by Robert Cahen, Stéphanie Hunter and Alain Longuet. The Postcard project has been presented in distinctive formats, sometimes over the web, sometimes as an installation work.

So that's what's on my mind.

What's on your mind? Let me know in a comment, to keep the blog hopping while I'm away.

A warm spot has turned up under the ice sheet in Green land. Now granted there still should be concern over the pollution that is being put up in the atmosphere and the ocean. Why? Because countries like China, India and Russia keep polluting the planet with their uncontrolled factories. Another interesting factor about the icecap in the melting arctic icecap is because of volcanoes that started erupting in 1999 about the same time that the temperatures were noticed to start rising. The tremendous amount of carbon dioxide released into the ocean along with heat may be one of the major contributing factors to the disappearing icecaps.

By the way Al Gore claimed that all the ice will melt on the earth and raise water levels by 20 feet in the next seven years. One would have to ask a simple question if most of the ice is 90 percent under water how would it raise the water level that high. Now the ice on the Antarctic would cause some concern if the temperature could rise above an average of minus forty degrees. Some so called scientist claim that the earth’s temperature will rise by 3-6 degrees Celsius excuse me but that is not even close to above freezing. Now the hot air from Al Gore seems to have cooled a lot recently. He has not been stomping around claiming the world is coming to an end. In fact some real scientists believe the warming trend is ending. It snowed over 12 inches of snow in the Ogden, Utah area on October 12, 2008.

Yes, some will say the weather is in a changing pattern so is Mother Nature. The Green bubble has busted and Al Gore cannot be found. He must have taken his millions of dollars and run. That is the only reason Al Gore was on board with his lies. Now they can call him Mister Green Moneybags.

qele qele here this.

http://www.WhyLoo.com

whyloo world.

There is no denying the fact that the U.S. economy is struggling through a difficult period.  However, it is promising to see that consumers are still planning to take much needed vacations and holiday trips. 

The Outer Banks offers a great opportunity for a short breather from everyday stresses, and it is an affordable vacation alternative during difficult economic times.  Gorgeous vacation rentals are available throughout the year. 

For more information on the Outer Banks and to view available homes, please visit www.OuterBanksVacations.com. 

Oct. 19 @ 2:00pm
Fairview Cemetery
Van Buren, Arkansas

Today, on the other hand, I'm suffering the fallout of a busy morning modelling (yes really...) and a weekend with no voice - I'm not ill (I'm really not!) but I am getting tired from all the heavy-duty whispering, so I'm considering getting off a bit early and flopping out at home with a lemon and honey. See you tomorrow, then!

Do you know where New Mexico is?  I do...I live there AND I looked it up on the huge elementary school atlas last Wednesday.  If you are thinking of visiting, I highly recommend it.  We have mountains (snow included), rivers, amazing sunsets, a Balloon Fiesta, and lots of wide open space.  We also have a lot of people who used to live somewhere else.  They come here for a job or to escape the stress of a bigger city and fall in love with our climate and outdoor activities.  So, here's to you, NM, my home sweet home.

Reed Exhibitions with its singular charitable foundation, Just a Drop gives to various good causes around the planet. The machinery of the show moves on.  Its all a bit impersonal already, yet without this grand  commerce, how would the tourism industry survive. One wonders if the giving is a marketing tool or a real emotional fulfillment for the benefit of others. The commercialisation of charity into something of a sideshow is a depressing though, however this too may be the reality of modern life, Small charitie such as www.eyeonthewild.org who do local projects for the benefit of people, environments and causes damaged or influenced as a direct result of tourism struggle to achieve funding and promotion of worthy beneficiaries. An analogy somewhat akin to the tourism business.

     November 10 - 13th Excel London

    World Travel market

An example of how this is best seen and dealt with, in Asian countries may well be the ATF. The Asean Travel Forum.

The next show is due to be held in the city of Ha Noi, Vietnam from the 5-12th January 2009

tp://www.atf2009vietnam.com

Unlike the WTM and other global exhibitions, ATF is also a collective of the Asian countries governmental ministers all debating and actioning the best way to self promote, protect their sovereign states at the same time as working together and acting in unison without compromising each delicate balanced tourism industry at the expense or each other or to the lost of another destination. Diplomacy at its best.

Unlike most European countries and other global destinations, Asean may be best compared to Central America. There are one or two prime destinations within a pennisular of several countries, very advanced enjoying the wealth from foriegn investment and taking the largest slice of the tourism pie.

Simiarly, Asia, a union of countries all self and jointly promoting (as long as it not at the expense of their prime locations). Malaysia certainly takes a prime position within the Asean group and having spent vast resources over the last few years to establish itself as a safe destination, friendly 2nd home  and retirement location. Investment into KL in particular is evident of the success of this programme. The Uk, South Korea and China being the major players there. 

Thailand (currently sufferring political unrest) best compared to Costa Rica, the pearl in the shell of Asia. Jealously guards its tourism industry despite concerns on the large established sex industry which no doubt accounts for a vast slice of its income. A lot of information, promotion and the clean up of the under age and criminal elements of this trade has been put into displaying the other side of Thailand and if reading various travel blogs of younger, first-time travellers to thailand is anything to go by, there is a curious balance between enjoying, and frowning on this aspect of tourism within Thailand, the exploits of middle-aged men, and women seen within the redder entertainment regions of the country.

India, a major player in investment, tourism and travel throughout Asia is a likely brother in arms, or a threat to the current stablibity of the group. whilst China hovering on the peripheral of introduction into the Asean family, the group's top members may well be concerned about how their cousins may influence travel trends but is the lure of the yellow dollar too alluring as many Chinese travellers are now seeking international travel since relaxation of travel restrictions and easy access/visa agreements are forged.

South Korea has certainly been an agressive golf frenzied market driven high end tourism target for many of the current members who can offer sophisticated destination. Investment by South Koreans who too have been allowed relaxed monetary controls due to the stock piles of devaluing dollars within their country, have been keen to examine local international markets,  Brunei, Philippines, Malaysia have lured these travellers, investors and residents, not just from Korea particularly, but on a global targeted promotion. 

But its all done on a friendly and civilised level. I do wonder and have for many years how the role that the Asean management group will evolve at the very top of the tree. Will it support, police the poorer members, Cambodia, Laos. Comment, influence and bring about harmony to Myanmar. Certainly, when the recent cyclone hit this troubled region, the Association of South East Asian Nations was one of the first to broadcast and promote relief aid requests and support.

Currently there are thirteen member states, but that can quickly change as korean, south and north, China, India, other Asian countries may deem this the best way to self govern, promote and support their regions within the unity of the group. Hopefully, Asean will not go the same as Europe in trying to introduce an expensive regional state that governs all. A fat cash cow for the bureaucrats to milk dry for years to come.

As the governments and tourism industry of Europe and other regions of the world looks at the Asean operations and working profile, they must wonder if they have seen the magic formula to self-support and self promote and how long will it be before the voice of Asean becomes the unified voice of all of Asia.

Threat or friend, it is at the very least a powerful and united voice. Fair trade agreement and other politically correct proceedures are introduced and debated on an almost daily basis.  The joint statements issued by members as a collective can be viewed on http://www.aseansec.org.   once you have seen how the system is working then the realisation that somehow and through a lot of hard work, Asean has become a voice to be recognised and soon I suspect a policital machine to influence the views of all asian countries to stand beside the EC commission and possible too the United nations.

Originally touted in 2002 with the release of the King Valley Master Plan, this development was seen as a key tourism development for the Upper King Valley.

A year ago, it was suggested that it might actually be constructed on the shores of Lake Buffalo.

It is believed the project has been encouraged by the State Government as such a development will provide a commercial reason not to raise the level of Lake William Hovell as Ken Jasper and the King Valley irrigators have been calling for.  This development will also prevent the enlargement of the alternate energy hydo electicity generation plant that, no doubt, would have been part of enlarging the lakes capacity.

Still, the construction of "Big Buffalo dam" should provide adequate extra water storage for the Ovens/Murray system.  But, don't hold your breath on that one either!

© Breeze Magazine | AS Trinity Sdn Bhd

So when  Breeze Magazine Chief Editor scratched his head and needed help with their entertainment directory page, E COMPASS "Know where to get your kickz!!!" was inked. Check out Issue 9 of Breeze October 2008 online. The content is rich, informative, exciting, a mark of quality that has come a long way since Issue 2.

A recent report stated that 20 or more airlines face bankruptcy due to fuel costs and other economic issues. Maybe it's time to pull a page from Hawaiian Airlines' playbook. They're reportedly set to shave $4 million off their fuel costs by taking actions such as ordering lighter seats and food carts, washing the engines more often and slowing air speed. A penny saved is a penny earned.

If you enjoyed this post, please share it on sites such as StumbleUpon, vote for it, or bookmark it. Thanks for your support! Travelrific® was featured as Blog of the Day on NJ.com!

Thanna remained the place of great importance for traders of Kashmir and set of India. This place was considered as centre place for Kashmiris as well as Punjabi traders, because from here the high mountains of Panchal Range start and it was not possible for Punjabi traders to cross these high altitudes with their loaded horses and camels. On the other hand Kashmiri traders were also unable to sell their handicrafts in Punjab because they were not in a position to accommodate themselves in hot climatic conditions prevailing here. Therefore, the traders and businessmen of both the sides assembled at Thanna for the exchange of their goods and commodities like Kashmiri Shawls, loes, wood carving work carpets from one side and salt, tea and gur from the other side. In these circumstances, this small village on the foot hill of Rattan Pir (8600 foot) developed as a Mandi (Bazar) for traders and businessmen of Punjab and Kashmir. Later on the word “Mandi” was also attached with Thanna and the new name emerged as Thannamandi

Thannamandi came into the lime-light of history in 1420 when a severe conflict took place between Shahi Khan (Zain-ul-Aabdeen) and his brother Sultan Ali Shah of Kashmir. This battle for Kashmir which was fought at Thannamandi decided the fate of Sultan Ali Shah who was killed and Shahi Khan who after defeating his brother at Thanna ascended to throne of Kashmir in 1420 AD under the title of “Sultan Zain-ul-Aabdeen-Badshah.”

Mr N. K. Zutshi writes in his book “Sultan Zain-ul-Aabdeen of Kashmir” the details of Thanna battle. He wrote that on the death of Sultan Sikander his elder son Mir Khan ascended the throne of Kashmir under the title of Ali Shah in 1413 A.D. He was not a balanced man and could not control the situation prevailing in Kashmir. On the other hand, he declared his brother Shahi-Khan as heir apparente (Yuvaraj a). Later on in 1419 AD he handed over the kingdom to Shahi Khan and left for pilgrimage towards Mecca. When he reached Jammu his father-in-law Raja Bala Raja of Jammu disapproved his action and scolded him for giving up the throne of Kashmir to Shahi-Khan. Now Ali Shah repented and instead of going on pilgrimage to Mecca, he returned along with the forces of the Ruler of Jammu and regained his kingdom from his brother.

At this occasion Shahi Khan left Kashmir alongwith his supporters who were Muslims of Thakar and Maliks by caste which remain traditionally a fighting class and were inhabiting the hilly territories of Thanna and its surrounding villages. Shahi Khan along with Thakar and Maliks reached Thanna and made this place as his headquarter for the final show with his brother.
Sultan Zain-ul-Aabdeen in 1420 A.D. ascended the throne in Kashmir. He ruled Kashmir upto 1470 A.D. Since the Muslim Thakar and Rajputs of Thanna and its surrounded villages remained the most important allies of Sultan Zain-ul-Aabdeen when he had wrested the kingdom of Kashmir from his brother in the battle of Thanna, hence after becoming the Sultan of Kashmir he rewarded these tribes of Thanna with jagirs in Kashmir and bestowed upon them the high offices of his kingdom.
On the orders of Emperor Jahngir, a big Mughal Sarai of red bricks was also constructed at Thanna Mandi Jahangir had visited this place for about 13 times. When he was on the way to Kashmir. He describes Thanna in his Tuzak as under.
“On Thursday, the 7th, the village Thanna became the camping place. The great difference of this place from Kashmir. Was apparent in the climate, the language, the clothing etc. The people are speaking both Persian and Hindi. Evidently Hindi is the real language and they have acquired Kashmiri on account of proximity to Kashmir. Briefly one enters India at this place. The women do wear woolen clothing and like India women wear nose rings.”

Before partition Thanna was a jagir of Bakshi Hindu family of Kashmir. This jagir was given by the Maharaja Ranbir Singh to Bakshi Daya Ram who was his Shahi Hakim and a Sanskrit scholar. This family never came to Thanna. The jagir was looked after by their representatives of Raina family of Kashmir. The last representative was Prem Nath Raina who was killed in the happenings of 1947 at Thanna.

At present Thanna Mandi is emerging as a commercial centre and a beautiful town. It is Tehsil Head Quarter. The old Sarai of Mughal’s period is still existing. But now it has been occupied by the security forces to combat militancy in the area. Three temples of Dogra’s period are also existing in old Thanna area in dilapidated condition. Some idols of ancient time are also lying in Kali Temple which have been constructed recently. Apart from the chikhri wood craft the main importance of this place is due to the renowned shrine Shah Dara Sharif which is six kms from Thanna. A big complex alongwith educational centres and Musafar khana is under construction at this place. The people from all over country come to this scared place and offer prayers in the shrine. Keeping in view the religious importance due to Shah Dara Sharif and attractive natural scenic beauty of Thannamandi. This part can be developed as tourist resort.

Even in a recession, there are a number of options to maintain or even increase your market share. Take  a look at your marketing and check the balance between price and perceived quality. Of course, you can do nada. If your customers are loyal and you accept to loose some of the poorer ones, you´ll most probably survive to a smaller market share and lower profitability. Doing nothing but raising the price will maintain your level of profit but probably leave you with a reduced stock of customers. What to do?

Maybe you´re one of those many that, more or less by routine, are passing on unexpected price rises for fuel costs, airport taxes or whatever, to your customers just because it´s allowed in the small print ? No wonder they´re cancelling. Everybody´s on pins and needles and you raise the price…

It´s cheaper to maintain the price and raise the customers perceived value. Your suppliers will surely help if you just initiate the discussion. Local destination management companies has a range of possibilities to balance costs or raise the guests experiences by small means. Ask them. They can often negotiate better rates for lodging, change to cheaper hotels with a similar service level, add an experience or even change the route if communicated properly. In the best of worlds, this might even allow you to cut prices and get a better market share. Of course, it depends on what kind of tours you are operating and how these are described in your programme. Remember, your customers want to go on your tour. Your local DMC and their suppliers want them to come.

In a recession, I´d suggest that you exhaust your low-visibility price moves first: eliminate cash & group discounts. Curtail your low-margain services. Charge for valuable services that until now has been offered as free. Try to absorb one or two cancellations, it will benefit you in the long-term.

A successful price increase can certainly have a strong effect on profits. If your margain is 3% of sales, a minor 1% price increase will get you a 33% profit increase if sales volume is unaffected. So, if you choose to raise the price there must be a sense of fairness surrounding increase to avoid cancellations. Prepare people. Give time to adjust to the new circumstances. Explain in simple and understandable terms what actions you are taking to avoid further price increases, what options they have and why prices are going to change.

Communicating with customers means dialogue, a two-way street. Sending a newsletter is not. A bulletin at your website is even worse. You need interaction that engage people. Ask questions. Invite customers to an exciting and informational event. Inform about your preparations and actions.

How about your re-sellers? You have them for profit- & effectiveness. Likewise, they sell your stuff for the very same reasons. Dump distributors that don´t give high priority to your products. Activate, engage and evaluate the others. Visit them. Arrange a seminar. Initiate a sales contest. An award for “Top seller of the month”. Launch a sales campaign together.

Then of course there´s also an option to reduce the perceived quality. You cut marketing expenses to combat rising costs. Even here there´s a road to success. Next time I´ll let you in on one of the best marketing tools I´ve ever seen. Does it work? You bet.

/ Curt Landin

Haunting blues, big band swing, vibrant Latin sounds, Dixie bands, and jazz-influenced dance music are just a few of the international jazz styles that will be showcased around the region.

The star-studded line up includes Kiwi favourites Tim Beveridge and the Candy Lane Dancers, multi-talented singer-songwriter Anika Moa, violin virtuoso Fiona Pears, the Frank Gibson Quartet featuring New Zealand’s foremost drummer, Lewis McCallum, one of the country’s most versatile and exciting saxophonists, jazz fusion group Subject2Change, uptown blues specialists King Leo and The Growling Dogs and many, many others.

It's a resort located in Koronadal. If you're coming from Gensan, it comes before you reach downtown area. It got its name from the barangay (carpener hills) it is located in.

The resort has lots of zen-inspired gardens. They used a lot of bamboo and wood in their structures. The place would be great for activities needing some peace and quiet. The plants and wood design would surely relax you.

I particularly like their restaurant, Aviary Cafe. The menu is done far better than most menu I have seen in Gensan. The food is surprisingly priced reasonably and the presentation is impressive. I can imagine though that the place must be a little bit inconvenient to dine in at night because of mosquitoes and insects. (We were already pestered by mosquitoes at 10am.) The music could also be better.

Their convention hall was a stunning room good for around 200 with a cozy foyer and a wide side area that could serve as an extension of the convention hall.

The staff were also very courteous and accommodating. Too bad there was not any good way to welcome guests. If you don't go to the front desk or bump into an employee, the place would seem unwelcoming. But all in all, it's a very charming place.

According to the article, “MyKey allows parents to limit teenage drivers to a top speed of 80 miles per hour, cap the volume on the car stereo, demand seat belt use and encourage other safe-driving habits.”

The MyKey feature will begin in 2010 on the Ford Focus and eventually many other Ford, Lincoln and Mercury models will come equipped with it.

Obviously, driving is a huge part of the travel/tourism industry—it’s how many people get to the destination! So, what do you think the implications of a device such as “MyKey” are for the travel industry?

Will teens be allowed to travel to further destinations because their parents feel safer? Or will this technological advancement create a burden for the travel industry because it will take young travelers longer to reach their destinations with a maximum speed programmed into the car? What other ways can you think of that this technological advancement might impact the travel industry?

The tranquil pastoral landscape of Binh My Tourism Site on the outskirts of HCMC.

Nestled along the serene Saigon River, the lush and green Binh My Tourism Site in Cu Chi District on the outskirts of Ho Chi Minh City is a refreshing getaway from the hustle and bustle of the urban center.

Located about 25 kilometers from downtown HCMC, this four-hectare retreat is a choice among locals and those in-the-know. After an arduous work week, come here to relax amid beautiful nature and partake in a range of bucolic activities to relieve accumulated stress.

The site boasts two hectares of farmsteads where visitors can set up a day-long picnic, get down and dirty with local farmers doing daily chores, and observe the routines of country living.

Other areas on site host a variety of activities. Tourists can go fishing, unwind on a sightseeing cruise, visit a miniature zoo, and buy handicrafts made from coconut, rattan and bamboo.

The highlight of visiting Binh My is the delectable cuisine. Savory dishes like soya cakes, spring rolls, braised shrimp and fish, and unique drinks such as wine with milk cost from VND14,000-180,000 (US$0.84-10.84). Presented in a confluence of colors and brash decorations, each dish will surely satisfy the palate of even the most discerning guest.

The forthcoming development plan for the tourism site focuses on expanding the riverbank grounds by about two hectares and upgrading the ecological zone, outdoor field, and sporting center. The cruise route on the Saigon River will be extended on two lines: Bach Dang Harbor – Binh My and Binh My – Trung An orchard – Cu Chi tunnels.

A chain of comfortable, clean and airy bungalows – priced at around VND180,000 a night – is available for overnight stay. With the cool lazy breezes from the Saigon River chasing away one’s worries, Binh My is a prime location for the Saigonese to enjoy a cozy weekend escape from the city’s heat.

Binh My Tourism Site

Hamlet 4A, Binh My Commune, Cu Chi District, HCMC

Tel: (08) 3 797 7181

Reported by Kim