Red Star Line is spreading the word! Thanks RSL!

Check out @traveltalkmedia's Tweet: https://twitter.com/traveltalkmedia/status/468057044969611265

Obama Meets with Travel CEOs Ahead of Baseball HOF Speech

There is always much work to do to keep tourism front and center in the minds of governments and lawmakers. The US needs a cabinet member that represents Travel and Tourism, like our neighbors from around the world, called Ministers of Tourism. The 50 states must be represented to create an equal opportunity for all destinations.

I admire and agree with all these leaders who have come to DC today to meet with our president, however I still see Brand USA as a PR firm dressed up like a government agency where equal opportunity exists only for the paying client....Sandy Dhuyvetter

Here is what some of the travel industry experienced today with President Obama.

Tourism as Economic Growth Driver

WASHINGTON (May 22, 2014)—President Obama met today with leaders of America's travel industry for a discussion in the White House Roosevelt Room on activities to spur economic growth through travel and tourism.
The meeting was the president's second such gathering with travel leaders; in March 2009, President Obama convened a similar West Wing meeting.

Other Administration leaders involved in today's meeting were Senior Advisor to the President Valerie Jarrett, National Economic Council Director Jeff Zients, and Deputy Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas of the Department of Homeland Security.

The discussion with the President included both domestic and international travel community priorities, including the development of airport-specific action plans to improve international visitors' experience upon arrival; expansion of the Visa Waiver Program to nations such as Brazil and Poland; surface and aviation infrastructure needs; and provisions of the JOLT Act now pending before the House, specifically those related to immigration reform.

"The president recognizes that travel is a top performer on many of his economic priorities, like job creation and the U.S. trade balance," said U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Roger Dow. "He invited us in to ask us what we need to be able to do even better. Customs entry reform, Brand USA renewal, infrastructure improvements—we didn't hold anything back, and he listened intently to everything we had to say."
Renewal of Brand USA, the public-private partnership that markets the United States as a tourism destination and is nearing its statutory sunset date in 2015, was also discussed with the President.
Today's meeting coincides with the release of an Presidential Memorandum on travel and tourism for the heads of executive department and agencies as well as the President's related remarks in Cooperstown, N.Y. at the Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum.

In attendance at the White House meeting:

Jim Abrahamson Chief Executive Officer Interstate Hotels & Resorts		Geoff Ballotti Chief Executive Officer Wyndham Hotel Group
John Caparella President and Chief Operating Officer The Venetian | The Palazzo		Stephen Cloobeck Founder and Chairman Diamond Resorts International
Roger Dow President and Chief Executive Officer U.S. Travel Association		Barney Harford Chief Executive Officer Orbitz Worldwide
Mark Hoplamazian President and Chief Executive Officer Hyatt Hotels Corporation		Jeremy Jacobs, Jr. Principal Delaware North Companies
Stephen Joyce President and Chief Executive Officer Choice Hotels International		Tom Klein President and Chief Executive Officer Sabre
Christopher Nassetta President and Chief Executive Officer Hilton Worldwide		Joseph Popolo, Jr. Chief Executive Officer Freeman
Trudy Rautio President and Chief Executive Officer Carlson		Sergio Rivera President, The Americas Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide
Arne Sorenson President and Chief Executive Officer Marriott International		John Sprouls Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer Universal Parks and Resorts
Greg Stubblefield President Alamo Rent A Car and National Car Rental		W. Edward Walter President and Chief Executive Officer Host Hotels & Resorts
Paul Whetsell President and Chief Executive Officer Loews Hotels		Anre Williams President, Global Merchant Services American Express Company

Contacts:
Cathy Keefe, (O) 202-408-2183, (C) 703-899-7031
Jamie Morris, (O) 202-218-3621, (C) 530-545-9274

Australian ultra marathon runner ran through Lebanon, Jordan, the Palestinian territories to Israel arriving at the Jaffa Gate, Jerusalem yesterday afternoon.

The  Dan Hotels continues to Lead with Example and Support... Running for Peace in Israel

Tel Aviv, Israel, May 20^th, 2014: Dan Hotels Israel was delighted to be a part of Pat Farmer’s mission to complete his Middle East Peace run. Starting on May 1^st, Pat 52, the Australian ultra marathon runner ran through Lebanon, Jordan, the Palestinian territories to Israel arriving at the Jaffa Gate, Jerusalem yesterday afternoon.

The celebratory reception last night at the King David Hotel, Jerusalem, was hosted by the Australian Ambassador to Israel, Mr. Dave Sharma, who spoke about this wonderful and inspiring achievement that shows one man’s efforts to overcome obstacles.

Farmer told the audience how he hoped that running together could help show the positive side to the places that he had visited. He commented on the great support he received in all areas and how the Dan Hotels had looked after him all the way through Israel. 

Pictured here in the grounds of the King David: Pat Farmer, 

sporting the Dan Logo on his arm, with 

Rafi Baeri, VP Marketing and Sales, Dan Hotels, on the right 

and Dror Danino, Hotel Manager.

Danny Hakim, the founder and chairman of Budo for Peace, who helped untangle some of the bureaucracy involved in crossing borders, also spoke at the reception, explaining how the initiative came about and how he believes that sport is an agent for change. Hakim also commented on the Dan involvement saying: “Imagine how it feels, running 80 kms a day knowing that you’re going to end up in a Dan Hotel.” Pat himself added jokingly, "it made starting the next morning more difficult.”

In addition to creating awareness and better understanding among people in the Middle East, Pat wanted to show the unique and beautiful tourist attractions of the region and its people. A documentary film crew with LIVE TV feed accompanied him throughout the run.

About the Dan Hotels:

Dan Hotels Israel is the country’s leading luxury hotel chain with 14 properties located around the country. Established in 1948 the company motto has also been to provide guests with the very best in luxury, service and cuisine. The King David is a member of The Leading Hotels of the World. During his run, Pat Farmer was hosted at; Dan Eilat, Dan Gardens Ashkelon, Dan Accadia, Herzliya, Dan Carmel, Dan Jerusalem and the King David.

www.danhotels.com

SUMMER KICK-OFF AND OTHER LAKE MEAD EVENTS SATURDAY, MAY 17

Yes, this is a late notice, but if you are in the area or can get to Lake Mead, it will be memorable. 

http://www.nps.gov/lake/planyourvisit/mead50th.htm 

SATURDAY, MAY 17

WHAT: Swim Las Vegas 10K Open Water Swim

 

Around 300 swimmers will compete in an open water swim race at Lake Mead.

 

WHERE: Boulder Beach

 

WHEN: 8 a.m. to noon

 

 
WHAT: No-Cost Aquatic Invasive Species Removal Station Opening

 

Lake Mead National Recreation Area Superintendent Bill Dickinson and Nevada Department of Wildlife Director Tom Wasley will officially launch a new service that provides Lake Mead National Recreation Area boaters with free quagga mussel inspections and hot-water washes.

 

WHERE: Hemenway Harbor (490 Horsepower Cove Road, Boulder City, Nevada)

 

WHEN: 11:30 a.m.

 

 

WHAT: 50^th Anniversary Summer Kick-off

 

Lake Mead National Recreation Area is celebrating its 50^th anniversary and kicking off the summer season. The day’s activities include free vessel inspections, boating exhibits and information about recreational opportunities in the park, such as kayaking, scuba diving and fishing. For more information, visit http://www.nps.gov/lake/planyourvisit/mead50th.htm.

 

WHERE: Hemenway Harbor (490 Horsepower Cove Road, Boulder City, Nevada)

 

WHEN: Noon to 4 p.m.

 

WHAT: Life Jacket World Record Event

 

Joining thousands of people around the world, Lake Mead visitors will gather at Las Vegas Boat Harbor and don their life jackets in an attempt to break the world record for most life jackets worn on one day. The annual event kicks off National Safe Boating Week.

 

WHERE: Hemenway Harbor (490 Horsepower Cove Road, Boulder City, Nevada)

 

WHEN: 1 p.m.

 

 

WHAT: University Forum Lecture: America’s Wilderness

 

WHO: Mark Harvey, Ph.D., author of “Wilderness Forever: Howard Zahniser and the Path to the Wilderness Act,” will discuss the vision of America’s Wilderness and the writing of the Wilderness Act of 1964.

 

WHERE: UNLV Marjorie Barrick Museum

 

WHEN: 6 to 7:30 p.m.

 

FOR MORE LAKE MEAD NEWS: 

http://www.nps.gov/lake/planyourvisit/mead50th.htm
http://www.nps.gov/lake/ or
http://groups.google.com/group/lakemeadnews
http://twitter.com/LakeMeadNRA

Sandy Dhuyvetter Takes Trafficking Awareness to London Conference on Disruptive Passenger Incidents

London Conference Explores Disruptive Passenger Incidents "As a member of Airline Ambassadors International and one of the original trainers of trafficking awareness, I am always grateful to spread the information to groups who are in the front lines of trafficking. I will be presenting with two of our new AAI trainers!"                                                                                                                                        Sandy Dhuyvetter Unique Conference Explores Bad Behavior on Airplanes. London  Learn first hand experiences from the people in the front lines Pilots, Flight Attendants and Deportees If you are in London on the 10th and 11th June you will have the opportunity to hear, first-hand, the experiences of pilots, flight attendants and passengers who have found themselves embroiled in disruptive passenger incidents. - from a Captain whose aircraft controls were seized by a schizophrenic passenger, - from a flight attendant who had to restrain a passenger and summon law enforcement intervention, and - from a deportee who, whilst resisting deportation, suffered broken bones as a result of injuries incurred To see the full program, visit: http://www.dispaxworld2014.com/programme/    Director of Conference, Phillip Baum joins Sandy this Sunday on TravelTalkRADIO May 18, 2014 For more information go to: www.TravelTalkRADIO.com Sandy Dhuyvetter during one of her training sessions in Grand Rapids, Michigan at the  States Prosecutors Association

H A P P Y   M O T H E R S   D A Y Sunday May 11, 2014 TravelTalkRADIO and BusinessTravelRADIO LIVE via Satellite on radio stations in USA and beyond. Show streams from this page at Noon to 1pm ET and Rebroadcast at 2 - 3pm ET  Second Hour: 1 - 2pm ET Rebroadcast at 3 - 4pm ET This Week on TravelTalkRADIO Sandy welcomes Kathy Kratzer National Director of Sales, Forever Resorts Carol Whitaker, Author Ridiculously Happy   This Week on BusinessTravelRADIO Sandy welcomes Roger M. Thorp, AIA, LEED AP, NCARB, President Thorp Associates, P.C. Architects and Planners Estes Park, Colorado, Rocky Mountain National Park

http://www.TravelTalkMEDIA.com

Flanders Fields Tourism Board Chooses Unique Campaign Byline: No More War

First in a series of articles by Sandy Dhuyvetter, Host TravelTalkRADIO and BusinessTravelRADIO Cemeteries filled with the remains of soldiers from all over the world. Over 8 million lost their lives in World War I. Many casualties were in Belgium  I was in London this past year at one of the largest travel exhibits in the world called World Travel Market when I met Dr. Peter DeWilde, the CEO of Flanders Tourism. We were both participating in the International Institute for Peace through Tourism award ceremony. As a board member, I was accepting an award for the work Airline Ambassadors International does for children around the world and Peter was busy spreading the good word about the upcoming 4 year campaign to honor Flanders Fields and experiencing the colorful culture of Belgium.  Dr. Peter DeWilde, Dr. Peter DeWilde, the CEO of Flanders Tourism. I couldn’t wait to learn more about the commemoration because of my personal connection to World War I, which by the way, is often referred to as, the Great War. As a travel journalists and a first generation American, my parents were Belgians from the villages of Ruiselede and Marie Alter in Flanders. My father was  born in1902 and had lived through World War I. That fact was Dr. DeWilde’s comments were extremely compelling and coupled with my insatiable curiosity on the subject, I decided to make another trip to Belgium to see for myself the effects of The Great War. I have been to Belgium many times but this trip turned out to be the most enlightening and endearing to me. Previously, I had been to my parent’s villages and sat in my father’s home where he said his last good bye to his Mother in 1919. However, I was still hungry for more knowledge about those dark years where 8 million people lost their lives. Sandy and her father, Joseph Dhuyvetter.  Born in Flanders Belgium in 1902, Joseph lived through World War I.  My father was just 12 when WWI broke out. German soldiers moved  into his family home in Ruiselede and life was forever changed. Perhaps the most memorable part of all his stories was the fact he never criticized the young German soldiers who he said were only doing what they were told to do and they were alone in a strange country without their mothers and fathers, a fact that struck my father very deeply as a young boy. Even during the course of the 4 years, when my Grandmother hid my father in the hay in the back of the house for weeks because the boys were being taken to the front, my father never harbored any hate for the invading army. Donald Buyze, WWI Historian and Sandy's guide throughout the trip. During my latest visit to Belgium, I thought of my father often as I visited every museum and cemetery possible related to WWI.  My dear friend and colleague Donald Buyze, who is from Wervik and a WWI historian, was my travel guide and host. During our time together, I created hours of footage and shot over 500 photos which are being incorporated into a documentary and will be used as a guide for those who want to travel to Belgium to see for themselves the very grounds where 50 nations changed the course of the war.One of the must sees is the haunting Red Star Line museum in Antwerp where visitors can find their ancestors names and how they emigrated from so many countries around Europe and beyond.  The museum is housed in the actual buildings where immigrants where processed for their Atlantic ocean voyage. If you are on a river cruise in the area, Antwerp is a port where visitors will see the Red Star Line Museum just a few steps from their ship. A day trip to Flanders Fields is easy and doable from Antwerp. The Red Star Line ocean steamers paved the way to a new life for about two million men, women and children between 1873 and 1934. Visiting the cemeteries in Waregem, Poperinge and Wervik and observing the emotional Last Post which happens each night in Ipers was just part of my experience. I also stayed a night at the Talbot House where weary British soldiers came for a night or two of respite. It brought home the actual experience of these young men and seasoned soldiers.  Last Post happens each night in Ipers As a part of my coverage, I interviewed Dr. Peter DeWilde, on  BusinessTravelRADIO. An historian, professor and clearly one of Europe's tourism leaders.  Dr. Wilde shared his personal journey as a history professor with an emphasis on understanding how studying history gives us the opportunity to learn from mistakes and most importantly, not to repeat those mistakes. This conversation is enlightening, serious, and will hopefully provide our listeners with an incentive to go, experience and remember that there is never a good reason to fight, to kill and scar this precious earth. To Listen to Dr DeWildes Interview go to: http://www.traveltalkmedia.com/belgium_2014_2018.html

About the Author Sandy Dhuyvetter:

Sandy is an award winning producer and host of TravelTalkRADIO
and BusinessTravelRADIO and has successfully launched a
host of businesses including her current media company
called TravelTalkMEDIA.


Born into a household of all girls, Sandy has 3 big sisters who
were as much as 21 years older . By the time she was three,
all of her sisters had embarked on their journeys as moms and
wives and Sandy was in much of the sense of the word, raised
as an only child whose parents gave her art, music and much
of their time. She heard many stories of the ‘old country’ and
her father’s voyage to America. Sandy’s mother’s parents came
on the Red Star Line just a year before her mother was born.
English was her parents second language. Sandy often says
“we spoke Kitchen English as my parents continued throughout
their lives to combine the Flemish and English language”.
Her family still chuckles about that memory.

http://www.visitflanders.com
http://www.TravelTalkMEDIA.com 

Greenland for $1.99 Authors Miriam Murcutt and Richard Starks TravelTalkRADIO

 Greenland for $1.99

While the title of this book might be confusing, it is indeed just $1.99 when bought as  a kindle read. Authors Miriam Murcutt and Richard Starks come back to TravelTalkRADIO  for the 4th time to talk about their 4th book.

 Making a departure from old school publishing, Miriam and Richard have gone digital for the first time and from the sounds of things, they just might not look back. Listen to the story of  Greenland and how they decided to publish this book as a ebook.

 BTW, would Miriam and Richard return to Greenland? Check out the interview and hear their answer this week. 
 

Right Click to Save

approx 15 min

Other books written by Miriam Murcutt and Richard Starks

Lost in Tibet - July 05, 2009 Click HERE
Along the River that Flows Uphill -  October 25, 2009 Click HEREA Room with a Pew -  September 23, 2012 Click HERE