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Study finds journalism in transformation

Study finds journalism in transformation Journalism in 2004 is in the midst of an epochal transformation that is complicated by cost-cutting and a public mistrust of the media, a US study by the Project for Excellence in Journalism has concluded.

The first of an annual look at electronic, print and online journalism paints a picture
of a business going through fragmentation and convergence at the same time.

For example, Americans are turning to more and different sources for news, yet outlets are increasingly owned by a few giant companies. Online, ethnic and alternative media are the only sectors seeing growth.

The circulation of Spanish-language newspapers has tripled in the past decade,
as English-language newspaper readership shrinks.

Much of the new investment in journalism goes toward distributing the news,
not gathering it, the study said. Newspapers have about 2,200 fewer
newsroom employees today than in 1990.

At the same time, the public is taking an increasingly dimmer view of journalists.
The number of Americans who think news organisations are highly professional shrunk from 72 per cent in 1985 to 49 per cent in 2002.

People who feel journalists try to cover up mistakes rose from 13 per cent to 67
per cent in the same time, according to polling done by the Pew Research
Centre for the People and the Press. Source: www.newsobserver.com

Opportunities

Invite to Prisoners of the Tower
Travel writers are invited to the press viewing of Prisoners of the Tower
on 27 April 2004.

The special exhibition, which runs at the Tower of London from 28 April
to 5 September 2004 will explore the incarceration of many of its most
interesting and intriguing prisoners.

Displays comprise unique personal possessions, rare documents and artefacts, furniture, clothing, 3d models, film footage, and works of art including the
personal Prayer Books of Lady Jane Grey and Anne Boleyn; papers containing
the signature of Rudolf Hess; the Episcopal Staff and Ring of Bishop Flambard,
the first Tower prisoner; and the chair in which Josef Jakobs, the last prisoner
to be executed at the Tower, was shot.

The exhibition will also tell the stories of lesser known prisoners: from the very first in 1100, who also became the first prisoner to escape, to the 20th-century Germans accused of espionage, and it will explode the Victorian myth of the Tower's dripping dungeons. Visitors will learn how most prisoners of state were kept in relative luxury, the punishments some endured and the variety of reasons for being 'sent to the Tower', as well as what fate awaited those who became Prisoners of the Tower. Travel writers' wishing to attend the press preview or the exhibition at any time should contact Natasha Woolard at natasha.woollard@hrp.org.uk or 020 7488 5662.

Launch of the Airline Public Relations 
Organisation Directory 
CIoJ Travel Writers' are invited to the launch of the Airline Public Relations Organisation directory 2004/5 launch at the Waldorf Hilton, Aldwych, London
WC2 on Wednesday 14 April 2004 from 18.00 to 20.00. The event will give
the chance to get a copy of the APRO 2004 directory and learn more about
the organisation, hear about the take-over of the Wardorf - of one of London's
grand hotel - by the Hilton group, and enjoy a pleasant networking evening.
Confirm attendance to Malcolm Ginsberg at apro@abtn.co.uk.

The Art of Travel Writing
The Tourism Society is staging a high level discussion on the Art of Travel Writing at The French Institute, Kensington, London on Wednesday 26 May 2004 from 18.00 to 21.30. The event is being organised in association with the 24 Hour Museum and Eurostar. The Tourism Society is keen to work with the CIoJ and has offered CIoJ Travel Writers' £7 off the entrance fee of £25. Full details from www.tourismsociety.org or contact Flo Powell at
flo@tourismsociety.org or 020 7488 2789

The Springs Resort & Spa, Palm Springs' 
The owners of the Springs Resort & Spa in downtown Palm Springs' are extending a two-night stay at the resort to qualified journalists on assignment from an audited publication or news outlet.

This stylishly appointed courtyard retreat is the latest example of downtown Palm Springs' ongoing renaissance and redevelopment. The Springs is a boutique resort property featuring 25 artistically designed suites with courtyard and mountain views. Similar in style to its sister property, Andalusian Court, the Springs' architecture and design is Spanish/Moorish with a more communal, social flair. All of the hotel's custom made furnishings, from the bureaus and desks to the bed and nightstands, compliment the 1930's Spanish Revival period. The resort is also home to the desert's newest full-service spa, called Rituals, which specializes in unique, customizable couples therapies and treatments. For a press kit or to inquire about travel arrangements contact Aaron Heier at aheier99@yahoo.com.

NEWrotic New York City Tours
NEWrotic New York City Tours helps travel writers' discover unknown NYC Attractions and offers unique New York Tours. For most travellers, the borough of Queens is about airports whereas, in reality, Queens New York City is the most ethnical diverse piece of real estate on planet earth. It is the new Ellis Island and completely undiscovered by the travel industry.

Travel writer looking for a good New York City travel story should contact
Marc Preven at marc@NEWroticNewYorkCityTours.com.

Dominican Annual Tourism Exchange
BlueSky PR invites journalists to consider the Dominican Annual Tourism Exchange (April 28-30) in Puerto Plata, Domincan Republic. The event serves as a networking platform for both buyes and sellers to meet and contract to increase tourism and revenue in the Domincan Republic.

Media representatives from trade publications will have the opportunity to interect with both buyers and suppliers, providing a welcome venue to launch advertising initiatives. Please respond with a letter of assignment or for further information contact Anju Sodhi at: Anju.Sodhi@discoverblue.com.

Cycling tours of the Loire Valley
Journalists interested in cycling tours of the Loire Valley are invited to join, expert cyclist, Frank Pettee, for a week-long stay at Le Vieux Moulin, the only home based bicycling and walking center in France.

Only two hours from Paris, Le Vieux Moulin, the "Old Mill", is devoted to recreational cyclists of all abilities. Daily cycling tours are offered to over twenty different destinations ranging from 20 to 50 miles, depending on interests and abilities. Journalists specialising in cycling, mature travel, outdoor life, historic destinations, French cuisine, and wine tasting are invited.

For more information about the 2004 press invitation to Le Vieux Moulin, contact Frank Pettee at mailtinfo@lvmoulin.com.

Kayak journey in the San Juan Islands
Outdoor Odysseys hosts a three-day sea kayak journey in the San Juan Islands in summer 2004. Writers with assignments will be given priority.

Journalists will be considered based on the criteria of: national exposure, circulation of publication, Letter of Assignment and clips/tearsheets and track record. Print and broadcast media is desired in the areas of adventure travel, family travel, outdoor interests, watersports, etc. Contact Nancy Pfeiffer at nancy@atmstravelnews.com.

The Swag Country Inn, North Carolina 
Secluded atop a spectacular 5,000-foot mountain ridge in western North Carolina, The Swag Country Inn (www.theswag.com) commands fifty-mile vistas (including legendary Cold Mountain), private access to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and unique guest rooms boasting hand crafted interiors, stone fireplaces, Jacuzzis and steam showers for two.

Press trips to The Swag Country Inn are available with options for freelancers and staff journalists covering romantic travel, luxury travel, adventure,
food or historic categories.

The Inn is open from late April to mid November. With a confirmed assignment in a reputable publication, the inn offers courtesy accommodations during open season for freelancers and staff journalists on week-days only beginning
May 1 through July 30, 2004.

All press and media guests pay a 15% service charge (to cover all gratuities) based on the respective room rates. Contact Tom Swanson at tom@swanson-pri.com

Industry News  
KLM to introduce internet check-in
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines is hoping to introduce its fully functional internet check-in across the UK later this year. The service, already available at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, enables KLM passengers flying from the airport to check-in from the convenience of their home or office up to one hour before departure. Customers can choose their seat online and print out their boarding pass at the click of a mouse, before heading to the airport to drop off luggage at specially designated points and proceed straight to the gate. The Department for Transport is set to allow KLM and other carriers to introduce the service this spring. Contact Jason Wakeford at klm@consol.co.uk or 0207 208 2702.

Singles market booming
The singles market is now bigger than ever with almost 48% of the UK adult population being single and set to increase further. This means that a huge 15 million adults over 25 are single in the UK.

However due to the cost and complications of booking single rooms going on holiday if you are single can be a daunting experience. As a one-stop-shop for single travellers, Solo's Holidays are exclusively for single people but do not incur a single supplement.

Contact Anna Addison at anna.addison@recognitionpr.co.uk or 01325 363436.

Travel Channel forms alliance with CECTA
The Central European Countries Tourists Associations (Cecta) and the Travel Channel have formed an alliance to develop programmes on Central Europe for the satellite TV travel channel.

The Travel Channel broadcasts to over 80 countries and up to 68 million people throughout Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

The first programme being planned will highlight the cultural tourism offerings of Vienna, Bratislava, and Budapest. Contact Gill Wilson at gill.wilson@cecta.org or 01844 338332

Tourism society debates accommodation
standards in UK
The Tourism Society is hosting an event entitled 'Accommodation Standards, The Quality Review', on 26th April 2004 at The Berners Hotel, London W1.

This will continue a debate that began with discussions with the AA, RAC and Tourist Boards. The Review's recommendations will be made to the chairmen of the three National Tourism Organisations (VisitBritain, VisitScotland and the Wales Tourist Board) and then passed on to government.

Tickets for the event start at £5 for students, £20 for members.
Further information at www.tourismsociety.org.

Park Plaza Croatia
Park Plaza Hotels Europe has announced a franchise agreement with the Wren's Hotel Group to operate Park Plaza Hotels & Resorts in Croatia.
Contact Julia Stone at jstone@parkplazahotels.co.uk or 20 7034 4800.

Pre-paid internet services
Pure WorldWide Internet's new prepaid Internet service solves many problems for travelerswho need reliable Internet access on the road.
Contact Jeff Miller at jeff@pwi.net.

PlacesToStay.com
Pure WorldWide Internet's new prepaid Internet service solves many problems for travelerswho need reliable Internet access on the road.
Contact Jeff Miller at jeff@pwi.net.

Hotel reservations website PlacesToStay.com, offers bookings with over 35,000 distinctive hotels, bed and breakfasts, inns and resorts across 160 destinations worldwide. Pre-travel extras include airport transfers, museums, rail travel, sporting events and theatres. Contact Katrina Walker at katrina.walker@rooster.co.uk or 020 7691 3939.

Prague the tops
Paris has been replaced by Prague as Brits' number one destination reports Onlinetravel.com, the independent travel website in the UK. New York is also witnessing a boom in demand, as the pound's soaring value Stateside means we're hungrier than ever for a bite out of the Big Apple. Contact Katrina Walker at katrina.walker@rooster.co.uk or 020 7691 3939.

Netherlands Tourism
The Netherlands Board of Tourism & Conventions has been formed following the official merger of the Netherlands Board of Tourism and the Netherlands Convention Bureau. Contact Christa Enter at center@holland.com.

SN Brussels Airlines
SN Brussels Airlines has improved its in-flight catering service in economy class. A 'Brussels Bistro' menu has been introduced on all SN Brussels Airlines flights serving up healthy breakfasts, hot meals, snacks and salads, using the freshest of ingredients. All the meals are being presented in boxes, for ease of stowing on aircraft and handing out to passengers. Contact Sue Heady at sue@heady.demon.co.uk or 078 5595 0705.

UK weeklies report rising sales
Britain's local weekly newspapers are thriving. One in two of the weeklies recorded sales increases when the Audit Bureau of Circulations reported on the regional press.

Over the past ten years their readership has increased by a remarkable 15 per cent and they now sell 5.7 million copies a week. Another 24 million free local weeklies are distributed every week.

About 99 per cent of regional papers, in the jargon of the trade, are now "actively purchased", which means that sales figures aren't inflated by giveaways and that their buyers pay the full cover price.

They have 40 million readers. Most of the regional dailies, however, seem to be suffering from the same trend of decline as the nationals.

All of the top 20 evening papers recorded falling sales (London's "Evening Standard" is excluded from the table of the top ten) as did all but three of the morning papers.

Austrian's direct Services between 
Dublin and Vienna
Austrian commences three times weekly direct services between Dublin and Vienna from 30 March to 30 October 2004, increasing to four times a week between 26 May and 22 September. Contact Melanie Grubb at melanie.grubb@virgin.net 020 7766 0300.

Be Yourself. Enjoy England
VisitBritain has launched 'Be Yourself. Enjoy England' to entice UK residents planning their holidays to see England as a country that will surprise and delight visitors. Contact Elliot Frisby at Elliott.Frisby@visitbritain.org or 020 8563 3035.

WHEREWILLWEWGO
Wherewillwego.com's on-line magazine has a new design and contains interesting trips and offers from some great tour operators.

Two new routes from easyJet
Low-cost airline easyJet, have announced two new additions to its Dortmund base, with daily services to Budapest and Prague. Contact Samantha Day at samantha.day@easyjet.com or 01582 525 546

Nottingham hosts conference on business tourism
Experience Nottingham has been selected to hold the Second National Conference on Business Tourism on 15 and 16 November 2004. The conference will be held in association with Business Tourism Partnership. Contact Sue Kelly at sue.kelly@experiencenottingham.com or 0115 915 9232

New domestic Australian airline
Jetstar, Australia's newest domestic airline, would commence flying on 25 May with flights from Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne to 10 eastern Australian destinations. Contact Melissa Heyn at
Melissa@shinecom.com or 0207 553 3333.

New tourism speakers' directory
The Tourism Society has joined forces with VisitBritain publication Insights to create a new resource centre for speakers who are available on tourism issues. Contact David Curtis-Brignell at david.curtis-brignell@mill-cop.com
or 020 7872 2472.

Easyjet record
EasyJet had record numbers of passengers this half-term, with almost 500,000 people travelling to its destinations across Europe. easyjet has also launched daily services from London Gatwick and Liverpool John Lennon Airport to Cologne Bonn Airport bringing its total network to 148 routes. Contact Samantha Day at samantha.day@easyjet.com or 01582 525 546.

Afternoon tea with unlimited champagne
Swissôtel The Howard has introduced a brand new Afternoon Tea with Unlimited Champagne. Contact Alison Hull at alison@ahpr.co.uk or 020 7837 8808.

EasyJet flies from Ljubljana Airport starting in May
Low-cost airline EasyJet starts daily flights between London Stanstead and Ljubljana on 1 May. Prices start at 45 euros return.

Meeting in Edinburgh
Edinburgh Convention Bureau has launched meetingedinburgh.com, a new, specially designed interactive website providing on-line information on over 200 Edinburgh and Lothians meeting and events suppliers. Contact Clare Damodaran at Clare.Damodaran@eltb.org.

Opodo Launches Charter Flights Service
Opodo, the pan-European online travel service has launched a new charter flight service on its UK site: www.opodo.co.uk, in a partnership with Avro, the UK charter flight-only company. The new service provides travellers with a wide choice of great deals, to key charter flight destinations. Contact Gail Sinden at gail.sinden@opodo.com or 0870 099 5087

GB Airways
British Airways franchise carrier, GB Airways, will be flying more often to more places in Spain than ever before this summer. Contact James Christie on 01293 664634.

Businesses urged to support marketing campaign initiatives from VisitBritain
British tourism businesses are being urged to put their support behind a new series of international marketing campaign initiatives from VisitBritain. The campaigns, aimed at boosting visits and spending by visitors from around the globe, include City Breaks, Good Living, and Touring throughout England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales and are set to play a key role in VisitBritain's international marketing activity over the next three years. Contact Elliott Frisby at Elliott.Frisby@visitbritain.org or 020 8563 3035

Storyboard

Story provides snippets of information that might give a lead or two. It is compiled from a range of sources including www.travemedia.com.

Top European dance acts perform In Prague
Visitors to the Czech capital on 30 April 2004 will be able to enjoy a unique light and dance show with performances by stars of the European dance scene Master Blaster, 666, Brooklyn Bounce and Mark`Oh. It's all geared to celebrating the Czech Republic's entry into the EU. Contact Marc Di Duca at diduca@visitczechia.org.uk or 0044 207 631 0427

Myres Castle is Scotland's top house party venue
Myres Castle, a luxurious 16th century baronial castle on the outskirts of Auchtermuchty, Fife has been voted top house party venue by Peter Irvine, author of 'Scotland the Best 2004' This castle is currently offering a special spring rate to guests until the end of May 2004. Contact Caroline Keith at caroline@thekeithconsultancy.co.uk or 01463 811 000.

New short breaks from the world's oldest travel company
Cox & Kings has launched a brand new luxury short breaks brochure featuring 27 of Europe's finest hotels in 19 different locations. The collection ranges from a relaxing beach break at the famous La Residencia in Mallorca to a cultural break in Lisbon; from the emerging medieval gems of Tallinn and Riga to the classical romance of Venice. Contact Michael Pullman at michael.pullman@coxandkings.co.uk
or 020 7873 5006

Eastern European thrill weekends
Brilliant Weekends the UK provider of short-break experiences for groups is offering Eastern European thrill weekends with fighter jet flights in Lithuania, bobsleighing in Latvia and jeep safari in Estonia. Contact Daniel Johnson at daniel.johnson@rooster.co.uk or 020 7691 3939

Antiques in Isle-sur-la-Sorgue
Isle-sur-la-Sorgue in the Vaucluse, just 20 minutes from Avignon, on the banks of the river Sorgue has many old canals and wooden mills, with houses built over rushing water and is often described as a provencal Venice. It also boasts one of the largest number of antique specialists in France with seven Antiques Villages and more than 300 shops. Contact Ann Noon at ann.noon@franceguide.com or 020 7399 3535.

Cruising Loch Ness
Jacobite Cruises offer five sailings on the world famous loch departing from Tomnahurich Bridge near Inverness and the Clansman Harbour on Loch Ness. There are a selection of excursions on offer from one-hour inspirational cruises to longer coach and cruise combinations which take in the scenery and history of the surrounding area. Contact Karen Laird at caroline@thekeithconsultancy.co.uk
or 01463 811 000.

California tourism launches visitor's guide
The California Travel and Tourism Commission has published its 2004 California Visitor's Guide and Travel Planner containing special features, regional information and easy-to-read maps that take the stress out of travel planning. This year's guide features more than 2,000 listings including attractions, entertainment, accommodation, outdoor activities, parks and public lands, shopping areas and
more. Contact Lynda Daboh at lynda@firstpr.co.uk

New Dutch theme park
Cape Holland, a new national attraction focusing on everything to do with the East India Company and the wealth of the 17th Century, opens on 28 April at Den Helder, on the northern tip of the Dutch west coast.

The historic fishing towns of Noord-Holland, including Den Helder, were once the point of departure for the East India Company vessels setting sail for the Dutch colonies in South East Asia.

Visitors to Cape Holland can experience sea-faring life during the Golden Age through many of the attractions and activities. Whether its firing canons from the Prins Willem, a lifesize replica of the East India Company's largest trading vessel, facing a gale force 10 on deck, or even enduring a near sinking with the biggest Nautic simulator in Holland. Contact Christa Enter at center@holland.com.

French-speaking Switzerland
The 2004 edition of the catalogue "Vacances à la campagne en Suisse romande", lists some 300 farms and country houses offering holiday accommodation and reveals the diversity of holiday properties on offer in French-speaking Switzerland. Contact info@tourisme-rural.ch.

The Austrian Tirol
Travel writing opportunities in the Austrian Tirol include discovering the rare Martagon Lily in its native Alpine habitat to hopping off a mountain bike for a concert featuring composers and musicians from new EU members of Hungary Lithuania and Slovenia. There's also taking a walking tour of secluded valleys and dramatic peaks, over-nighting in traditional Austrian huts. Contact Mary Stuart-Miller at mary.stuart-miller@virgin.net
or 01403 738844

Twitching in Tasmania
Tasmania's isolation and ancient landscape has created a natural haven for some of the world's most unique birds. Ranked beside Amazonian Brazil, Galapagos and Mauritius, Tasmania is one of the few places in the world where the entire island is identified as an 'Endemic Bird Area'. Contact James Brooke at james@mccluskey.co.uk or 020 8237 7979.

Ghost tours on the Queen Mary
The Queen Mary has introduced a new the ghost encounters tour aboard the haunted ocean liner. Contact Robin Wachner at public.relations@queenmary.com.

Virgin's flying without fear 
Virgin Atlantic is launching a Flying Without Fear course at Manchester Airport on 25 April 2004. The one-day courses to be run throughout the year will teach sufferers how to overcome their fear and will include an optional 45-minute flight at the end of the day. Contact Virgin Atlantic Press Office on 01293 747373

Easter In Mexico
Easter in Latin America is a colourful and deeply emotional affair, nowhere more so than in Mexico. Throughout Holy Week, or 'Semana Santa', spectacular and colourful processions can be seen in almost every town, village and city. Cox & Kings' Highlights of Mexico escorted group tour has a special Easter departure for those who want to witness the festivities for themselves. Contact Michael Pullman at michael.pullman@coxandkings.co.uk or 020 7873 5006.

Kanteen in K West
Design hotel K West, in Shepherd's Bush, has launched its newly designed restaurant, Kanteen. Contact Alison Hull at alison@ahpr.co.uk or 020 7837 8808

Tall ship race Around The Isle Of Man 
Historical Ships is offering passengers the chance to race around the Isle of Man on one of the world's largest tall ships during TT fortnight in June - no experience necessary! And if you want to visit the TT but find much accommodation is sold out - you can stay on one of them! Contact Linda Verrall at linda@saltmarshpr.co.uk or 020 7928 1600.

The Hearts In San Francisco 
During the spring and summer of 2004, more than 130, five-foot tall heart installations, designed by numerous artists and celebrities, will bring whimsy and art to the sidewalks, plazas and street corners of San Francisco and the Bay Area. Till - September 2004, the Handlery, located in Union Square and just steps from the first two hearts unveiled on Valentine's Day, is offering guests the "Heart Stopping Art" package. Contact Gretchen Krueger at gretchen@landispr.com

Japan and South Korea
A new trip from The Imaginative Traveller combines a tour of Japan with a trip to South Korea. Although only an overnight ferry divides the two, each has its own strong social traditions, profound religious beliefs and even distinct cuisines. Contact Rena Brennecke at rena@imtrav.net or 01473 636066.

Hooray For Hollywood
US specialist, Bon Voyage, is featuring short break packages to Hollywood allowing 'star struck' visitors can check out the Kodak Theatre where the Oscar ceremony took place on 29 February. Contact Karen Niven
karen.niven@bon-voyage.co.uk or 0800316 0194

Sweden
The new 2004 Sweden brochure showcases this diverse and exhilarating country. Contact Madeleine Meech at m.meech@travelpr.co.uk or 020 8891 4440

Sonesta Beach Resort & Spa Bermuda
Sonesta Beach Resort & Spa Bermuda will re-open on May 15, after undergoing a major renovation. All public spaces and guest rooms have been refreshed, and a Water Park with 3 pools will offer a water slide, waterfalls, fountains and more. Every dining experience is new, including a Sushi restaurant. Applications for a Dolphin Encounter have been submitted. Contact medianews@sonesta.com

Babe watch
The new five star boutique hotel, the Asterias Suites and its sister property Porto Sani Village hotel in the resort of Sani, Halkidiki, on the Kassandra peninsula, have introduced a complimentary Babe Watch service for up to 30 minutes a day. Contact Claire Griffin at Claire@grifcopr.com or 020 7736 9718

Traders Hotel Dubai
Traders Hotel Dubai, a Shangri-La Hotel, is set to open in April and on the heels of the opening of the Shangri-La Hotel, Dubai. The Hong Kong-based Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts currently manages 42 hotels in Australia, mainland China, Fiji, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and the United Arab Emirates. It has more than 20 projects under development in Australia, mainland China, Malaysia, Maldives, India, Dubai, Oman and Qatar. Contact Sharon Garrett at sharon.garrett@shangri-la.com

Ski naked
A poll conducted by ifyouski.com has revealed that 40% of voters 'could ski naked?' Every week ifyouski.com posts an online poll, covering everything from serious snow issues to winter fun. Recent topics include 'Who would you rather ski with' and 'worst ski Christmas pressie'. Contact Laura Bradley at
laura.bradley@rooster.co.ukor 020 7691 3939.

Peru
Sonesta's 7 Peruvian Posadas del Inca, a collection of city inns and country lodges, are located in the top touring destinations in the country. A converted 300-year old monastery in the Sacred Valley is only a 1-hour train ride from Machu Picchu. In Cusco, the ancient Inca capital, the is just off the city's main square. In Lima, the Sonesta Posada del Inca El Olivar is located on the historic olive grove park in the fashionable neighborhood of San Isidro. Contact droker@sonesta-kb.com.

Melbourne is world's best city again 
Melbourne, Australia, has retained its position as the best city in the world to call home according to a poll in The Economist. Contact Zoe Mason at zoe@saltmarshpr.co.uk or 020 7928 1600.

Blenheim Palace unveils Secret Garden 
Blenheim Palace, which celebrates the 300th anniversary of the Battle of Blenheim this year, has a number of special events throughout the year. Perhaps the most exciting news for garden lovers is the rediscovery of 'The Secret Garden' that has remained hidden for more than thirty years. Contact Sarah Priddis at sp@leader.co.uk or 01564 796200.

Solo Iceland
Solo's Holidays 'Icelandic Magic' offers the single traveller an itinerary taking in some of the most spectacular areas of the country with accommodation at the Blue Lagoon Resort, a guided tour of Reykjanes Peninsula, a Golden Circle Tour including Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss Waterfall and the geyser area and a tour of Reykjavik. Contact Anna Addison at anna.addison@recognitionpr.co.uk
or 01325 363436.

New Dutch Zoo
Dierenrijk Europa, (Animal Kingdom Europe), Holland's newest animal park on Gulbergen Estate in Mierlo near Eindhoven, opens on 1 May The zoo will be home to a variety of wildlife species typical for Europe. Visitors will walk through seven European theme areas, including the Far North, the Alps and Beach & Sea. Well over 60 European animal species will live in the park, such as polar bears, wolves, brown bears, lynxes and seals. Contact Christa Enter at center@holland.com.

Events

German Travel Show
The German Travel Show 2004 takes place at the Millennium Hotel, Gloucester Road, London on 8 June. Contact Vaughn Wrenn at Vaughn.Wrenn@d-z-t.com

British Association of Conference Destinations Conference 
The British Association of Conference Destinations (BACD) is holding its 2004 Spring Convention and AGM at Austin Court, Birmingham from 9-11 June. The theme of this year's conference is 'Building Better Bureaux' and the keynote address will be given by Rick Taylor, chief executive of the Cape Town Convention Bureau. Contact Jill Hawkins at alexs@fridays-group.co.uk or 020 7917 1767

Rotary Steam, Horse & Vintage Rally, Victoria, Australia 
Echuca's Rotary Steam, Horse & Vintage Rally (12 to13 June) is the oldest and most varied of its kind in Australia. Held in Victoria's Paddle steamer capital it is a two-day display of yesteryear's steam engines and transport, old-time farming skills and heritage crafts and cooking. Veteran, vintage and classic cars and motorcycles are on display as well as a children's farm yard and the famous Singing Dog competition! Contact Zoe Mason at zoe@saltmarshpr.co.uk or 020 7928 1600.

French Quarter Festival, New Orleans 
The French Quarter Festival, a musical showcase for hundreds of musicians, takes place from April 16 - 18. Fourteen stages will present a variety of musical sounds, from Dixieland Jazz to Cajun, Zydeco, Classical and Gospel. Contact www.frenchquarterfestival.com.

Ali Baba's den in Chambery 
On the last Sundays in April (25) and September (26), the centre of Chambery in Savoie is transformed into an enormous Ali Baba's den for the town's famous Grande Braderie. Three thousand stallholders welcome hordes of eager rummagers, all on the lookout for a bargain. Contact Ann Noon at ann.noon@franceguide.com
or 020 7399 3535

Australia Good Food and Wine Show  
Australia's Good Food & Wine Show at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre (12 - 14 June) showcases every aspect of cooking and entertaining, from food and wine to homewares and features a glittering array of some of the biggest name celebrity chefs from Australia and worldwide. Contact Zoe Mason at
zoe@saltmarshpr.co.uk or 020 7928 1600.

Slovene Tourist Forum in Ljubljana
Slovenia's capital, Ljubljana, will host the 7th Slovene Tourist Forum - organised by the Slovenian Tourist Board -on 20 and 21May. The central theme of this year's forum will be the importance of developing destination management.

Successful Slovene and international examples of the development of tourist destinations will be presented. There will also be discussions on branding Slovenia as a tourist country and presenting the marketing campaign to increase the recognition of Slovenia, particularly upon its joining the European Union on May 1 this year. Contact Miro Gracanin at miro.gracanin@slovenia-tourism.si

Why Write About...

Basel - The City on the Rhine
With low cost flights from Stanstead Airport to Basel, the delights of this wonderful city are now within easy reach writes Russell Palmer. 

Nestled in the Three Countries of Germany, France and Switzerland, Basel is a city full of surprises. The city canton with roughly 190,000 inhabitants and a 2000-year history is located on the bend of the Rhine on the borders with France and Germany.

The city offers a unique range of culture and art, and possesses one of Europe's most attractive and best-preserved Old Towns. Even the beautiful nearby regions can be reached in next to no time.

The Jura, the Vosges and the Black Forest are all conveniently close by and the city on the bend of the Rhine offers a big variety of sights and places of interest.

Whether you are interested in museums, modern architecture, historical churches or art in public places, the best way to discover Basel is on foot.
This particularly applies to the Old Town, where the various places of interest are close together.

Contact Russell Palmer at Russell Palmer, Switzerland Tourism at russell.palmer@switzerland.com or 020 7851 1709.

French Rugby 
Believe it or not, the birthplace of French rugby was Le Havre writes Ann Noon.

The sport was introduced across the Channel in 1872 by a group of English merchants who formed the Le Havre Athletic Club which still exists today (although it's switched allegiance to football) with its original sky and navy blue colours, representing Cambridge and Oxford.

Rugby is pretty much a religion in the deep south west of France where the area is even referred to as L'Ovalie, the Land of the Oval Ball. So it's fitting that there's a church dedicated to the sport. Notre-Dame du Rugby is a small Romanesque chapel perched on a hillside above the village of Larriviere in the valley of the Adour river. Inside the glass cabinets lining the walls are hundreds of brightly coloured rugby shirts donated by internationals from across the globe.

One bears a note from a Welshman that reads "In hope of better results this year".

Among the biggest names in French rugby are the six Spanghero brothers and in particular Claude and Walter who were in the national team from 1971 to 1975.

Legendary French lock Walter was once told that there were certain benefits to training at altitude in order to increase his red blood cell count. His reply: "The best way to maximise your red globule count before a game is to drink a bottle of red globules - Beaujolais for example. If there's a drug test, drink a bottle of white to restore the balance."

Since retiring from professional rugby, the brothers have made a new name for themselves selling cassoulet and other specialities from the southwest such as
confit de canard and foie gras.

Their factory is based in the Languedoc canal town of Castelnaudary, the undisputed birthplace of cassoulet - a hearty combination of sausage, duck or goose and a
white bean stew.

One of the most famous of France's rugby players is former Biarritz fullback Serge Blanco. Born in Venezuela and raised in France, Blanco was one of the most exciting players ever to appear for Les Bleus and his greatest try was his injury-time score against the Wallabies in the 1987 World Cup semi-final which sent France through to the final to meet the All Blacks.

Now a successful businessman, he runs the luxurious Chateau de Brindos in Anglet on the Basque coast. A Relais & Chateaux property, the hotel's 1930s romantic charm has been lovingly restored by Blanco and is tucked away in lush greenery near one of France's largest private lakes.

In the Correze in Limousin, the town of Brive runs special weekends for rugby fans and British visitors are particularly welcome. The first day features a tour of Brive and a visit to the Distillerie Denoix, which has been producing a walnut liqueur since the 19th century. This is followed by a match at the stadium where local team Club Athletique de Brive, also known as Les Blancs et Noirs, play their qualifying rounds for the Championnat de France.

The evening is spent at a dinner in the company of players from both teams, and the second day is given over to discovering some of the Plus Beaux Villages de France - Turenne with its chateau that dominates the valley and Collonges-la-Rouge where the paved streets lead to turreted houses

Finally, where do retired rugby players go when they've hung up their boots?

To a campsite on the Atlantic coast if Philippe Bernat-Salles and Pierre Albaladejo are anything to go by. Bernat-Salles scored one of the best-known tries in recent rugby history against New Zealand in the 1999 World Cup semi-final and amassed an impressive international scoring record, having won 110 points from 22 tries. He now owns the Camping de la Mer in Labenne, set in the middle of a pine and oak forest, 500 metres from the ocean.

Further up the coast, Albaladejo who was French rugby's first real star, runs the Camping Eurosol in Vieille Saint Girons de Pierre. A fullback turned fly-half, he was the top scorer in the Five Nations' tournament from 1961 to 1963. The campsite is 700 metres from one of France's most beautiful beaches, Saint Girons.

Contact Ann Noon at ann.noon@franceguide.com or 020 7399 3535.

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