Friday, December 4, 2015

USA TODAY Announces Airline Ambassadors International (AAI) Hero Force was voted one of the top 10 best gift ideas for Business Travelers.

USA Today awards: 

A panel of experts picked the initial 20 nominees, and the top 10 winners were determined by popular vote. Experts Sarah Cloninger (Road Warriorette), Sandy Dhuyvetter (TravelTalkMEDIA), Christopher Elliott (USA TODAY), Rob Hard (Business Travel Destinations) and Lydia Schrandt (10Best Editor) were chosen based on their extensive business travel experience.


USA TODAY Announces Airline Ambassadors International (AAI) Hero Force was voted one of the top 10 best gift ideas for Business Travelers.
Airline Ambassadors International (AAI) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization helping children worldwide.


Washington DC – USA TODAY announced Airlines Ambassadors International was recognized as one of the top best gift ideas for Business Travelers. http://www.10best.com/awards/travel/best-gift-for-business-travelers/ Voters were impressed with the opportunity of giving the gift of paying it forward in the name of a business Traveler. The hero force program allows an individual to contribute monthly at three different levels. Contributions support Airline Ambassadors work helping orphans and vulnerable children worldwide. http://airlineamb.org/eforms/hero-force/

“This is a great gift for the person who everything. It’s also a great way to show compassion and gratitude, ” said president and founder of Airline Ambassadors, Nancy Rivard. “We hope that today on Global Giving Tuesday shopper
s and contributors will come to the Web site and join the AAI Hero Force”.

Tuesday, December 1, 2015, #GIVINGTUESDAY, 12/1
About Airline Ambassadors International (AAI)
Airline Ambassadors International (AAI) helps orphans and vulnerable children worldwide by leveraging connections with the airline industry towards humanitarian service.

Volunteers escort children for life changing medical care, hand deliver humanitarian aid to children in orphanages, clinics and remote communities, and advocate and educate on child protection and human trafficking awareness.

About the USA Today awards:
A panel of experts picked the initial 20 nominees, and the top 10 winners were determined by popular vote. Experts Sarah Cloninger (Road Warriorette), Sandy Dhuyvetter (TravelTalkMEDIA), Christopher Elliott (USA TODAY), Rob Hard (Business Travel Destinations) and Lydia Schrandt (10Best Editor) were chosen based on their extensive business travel experience.

10Best and USA TODAY extend their congratulations to all the winners.
The top 10 winners in the category Best Gift for Business Travelers are as follows:

  1. Lo & Sons OG Overnight Bag
  2. Personalized Royce Nappa Leather Luggage Tags
  3. Knomad Portable Organizer
  4. Molton Brown Travel Luxuries Set
  5. Incase City Brief
  6. Airline Ambassadors Hero Force
  7. Jackery Mini
  8. GoToob
  9. Genius Pack 22" Carry On Spinner
  10. Mujjo Leather Wallet Case for iPhone

    Another Gift Idea! Check it out here.

Monday, October 26, 2015

Jordan Uses Its Only Natural Resources to Promote Tourism

I have been writing stories around this innovative event. Personally, I love these mud and salt products and have been using them for over a year now. I am thrilled that Odalisque is sponsoring our good friends in Jordan....Sandy Dhuyvetter

Odalisque, Jordan’s Supplier of Therapeutic Muds and Salts is
Instrumental in World Record Breaking Event at the Dead Sea Jordan

Amman, Jordan - Odalisque Therapeutic Muds and Salts, a subsidiary of  Numeira Mixed Salts and Mud Company   located in Jordan is celebrating a victory with their latest partnership with Monaco Business Development and  Ziyad Mazzawi Corporation as the Guinness World Records acknowledges the longest Slip and Slide at the Dead Sea Jordan

The worlds’ longest slip and slide began its tour of Jordan with a launch at the Dead Sea, Jordan, October 17th. The event took place at the lowest spot on earth which is 420 meters below sea level.
The slide will tour Jordan offering rides to those who want to be part of the historic tour.

Odalisque represents products that use the only natural resources Jordan produces in the Dead Sea which are the salt and mud. In the salt and mud, life changing minerals are found representing magnesium, bromide, iodine, sulfur, potassium, and calcium.
Odalisque General Manager, Ismail Daqour was thrilled about the outcome of the latest Guinness World Record and said, ‘We could not be happier for our country of Jordan, this wonderful country of ours deserves to be hailed as a family fun destination. This kind of event proves that Jordan is a world class tourism destination and appropriate for every age group. We are also thrilled that Odalisque could be highlighted throughout the event as a natural and therapeutic product that can make life better.”

Odalisque is no stranger to supporting Jordanian events; others include the "Largest Floating Human Image" of a peace sign and the Dead Sea Mud Festival held in 2014.

For ticket  and tour information go to the Slip and Slide Jordan site:     www.Slidejordan.com


About Odalisque
Odalisque is the retail line of products from the Numeira Mixed Salts and Mud Company.  
Numeira Mixed Salts and Mud Company was established in 1997 under the Arab Potash Company (APC) with exclusive rights to extract and utilize Dead Sea minerals and materials. The Dead Sea Jordan is known as one of the world's first health resorts due to its high concentration of salt and containing 21 minerals, 12 of which cannot be found in any other body of water on Earth!

About the Dead Sea Jordan
The Dead Sea Jordan is a beautiful setting for outstanding Resorts and award-winning Spas. It is the home of the only World Class Conference and Convention Center managed by Hilton, at the lowest spot on earth. The conference center is supported by surrounding International Brands which include Marriott Hotel Jordan Valley Resort and Spa, Dead Sea Spa Hotel, Movenpick Resort and Spa Dead Sea, and the Winter Valley Warwick Resort and Spa. 


About Slide Jordan

Monaco Business Development and Ziyad Mazzawi Corporation have created an event known as Slide Jordan, the World's Longest Slip and Slide. The slide is manufactured in Jordan by Jordanians and supported by Jordanian sports brand, TOL Clothing.  The campaign is designed to highlight Jordan as a ‘cool and fun destination’ encouraging tourism to the Kingdom.



Jordan Slides into the Record Book One More Time

Jordan Slides into the Record Book One More Time
Guinness World Records acknowledges the longest Slip and Slide at the Dead Sea Jordan

Amman, Jordan - Monaco Business Development and Ziyad Mazzawi Corporation announced today the successful record breaking event called Slide Jordan at the unveiling of the 611 meter (over 1/3 of a mile) Slip and Slide at the Dead Sea Jordan.   Guinness World Records
representatives at the event also acknowledged the longest Slip and Slide at the Dead Sea Jordan with another record breaking award given to the region.

The first record breaking award was given to another Monaco Business Development  and  Ziyad Mazzawi Corporation event at the Dead Sea just a year ago with the largest floating human image in the world on October 30th 2014. The event was also witnessed by a Guinness World Record Representative and chosen  in the 2016 Guinness World Record book.

Mona Naffa, President of Monaco Business Development and director of the project said, “We are thrilled with the outcome of this amazing project, it truly highlights Jordan as a family fun destination. We want the world to know that life in Jordan is filled with joy and innovation. We also want to welcome visitors to come and experience first-hand the kindness of Jordan”.  Ms  Naffa went on to say ‘We could not have accomplished this feat without the support of sponsors like Orange Jordan. Orange Jordan is the backbone of communications in Jordan and we know that our visitors to Jordan will be happy with our communication standards largely due to Orange Jordan and their world class offerings’.

Slide Jordan opens at the Dead Sea Oct 17 and more information can be found at www.slidejordan.com

Other significant supporters include Al Markaziyah the sole distributor of Toyota Motors, Queen Alia International Airport, Numeira Mixed Salts and Mud Company, The Jordan Express Tourist Transportation Company (JETT).”

Slide Jordan also welcomes sponsorship from Fitness First Health and Wellness Clubs and the Coca Cola Bottling Company. Doculand and Buffalo Wings & Rings, where the belief that ‘Happiness is contagious’, also shared the love of slip and sliding by supporting the event.
And very important to the event is Treasury for Conference Equipment and Watania, one of Jordan’s first insurance companies in the Kingdom. Media support was given by Roya TV, Jordan TV, and Spin Radio”.

About Slide Jordan
Monaco Business Development and Ziyad Mazzawi Corporation have created an event known as Slide Jordan, the World's Longest Slip and Slide. The slide is manufactured in Jordan by Jordanians and supported by Jordanian sports brand, TOL Clothing.  The campaign is designed to highlight Jordan as a ‘cool and fun destination’ encouraging tourism to the Kingdom.

Thursday, October 8, 2015

Odalisque Therapeutic Muds and Salts Sponsors Third Significant Event at Dead Sea Jordan

World’s Longest Slip and Slide Made by Jordanians at Dead Sea will be Unveiled to the Public in mid-October 


October 8th 2015 Amman, Jordan - Monaco Business announced this week that Odalisque Therapeutic Muds and Salts, a subsidiary of the Numeira Company located in Jordan will be a major sponsor of the Slide Jordan Campaign.  

The worlds’ longest slip and slide will begin its tour of Jordan with a launch at the Dead Sea, Jordan October 17th. The event will take place at the lowest spot on earth, Dead Sea Jordan, 420 meters below sea level.  The slide built on the grounds of the Dead Sea Spa Hotel which was the first hotel built on the shores of the Dead Sea in 1989 was chosen as the practice and testing grounds for the slide keeping the message of supporting local talent and manufacturing.

Mona Naffa, president of Monaco Business Development and organizer of the event said, ‘It is a natural pairing of Jordan’s finest enterprises and entrepreneurs, as we incorporate products with natural and healthy minerals produced by Odalisque. It really doesn’t get better. We have the ingenuity of Jordan’s finest talents attempting to break a world record and of course, we are incorporating a message about the destination that offers complete relaxation in a world class resorts. This will be a truly memorable experience in a most welcoming country.”

Odalisque General Manager, Ismail Daqour is optimistic about the partnership with the creative forces saying, “We are delighted to continue supporting endeavors that help tell the real story of Jordan and highlight human ingenuity as well as the natural resources in our region. Monaco Business Development has done an excellent job in bringing together other fine events that we have supported like the 1st annual Dead Sea Mud Festival held in 2014. We continued our support celebrating Jordan's source of natural resources:  the Muds, Salts and healing Sea, in the message of Peace via the Guinness World Record "Largest Floating Human Image". We are looking forward to this next event and hope to continue attracting visibility for our fine products.”

For information on tickets to the Slip and Slide at the Dead Sea on October 17, 2017
Go to:
www.Slidejordan.com

To view 40 second video on Dead Sea Go to: https://traveltalkmedia.smugmug.com/Other/DEADSEA2015/i-Jw38Lds

About Odalisque:
Odalisque is the retail line of products from the Numeira Mixed Salts and Mud Company.  
Numeira Mixed Salts and Mud Company was established in 1997 under the Arab Potash Company (APC) with exclusive rights to extract and utilize Dead Sea minerals and materials. The Dead Sea Jordan is known as one of the world's first health resorts due to its high concentration of salt and containing 21 minerals, 12 of which cannot be found in any other body of water on Earth!

About the Dead Sea Jordan:
The Dead Sea Jordan is a beautiful setting for outstanding Resorts and award-winning Spas. It is the home of the only World Class Conference and Convention Center managed by Hilton, at the lowest spot on earth. The conference center is supported by surrounding International Brands which include Marriott Hotel Jordan Valley Resort and Spa, Dead Sea Jordan, Movenpick Resort and Spa Dead Sea, and the Winter Valley Warwick Resort and Spa. 
  

MEDIA CONTACT:
Sandy Dhuyvetter
US Press:
sandy@traveltalkmedia.com
or Mona Naffa Email:
mona@monacojo.com
or
naffamona@yahoo.com
Phone: +962796600962
FB: Destination Jordan 

Friday, September 11, 2015

Filmed in Jordan: “The Martian” and Six Other Films Debut at the Toronto

Seven feature-length narrative movies shot in Jordan, including Ridley Scott’s “The Martian,” starring Matt Damon, will take part in the 40th edition of the Toronto International Film Festival. Kicking off today, the festival runs from September 10th to the 20th. The Toronto International Film Festival will showcase 256 features from 71 countries. Selected from more than 5,600 submissions from around the world, these seven films showcase what Jordan has to offer to cinematographers and travellers alike. 
This is the first time that this number of films shot in Jordan have found their way to an international festival in the same year. Amongst them is Director Ridley Scott’s latest science fiction movie, “The Martian,” starring Matt Damon, Jessica Chastain and Kristin Wiig. Scott spent eight days filming in the stunning lunar landscape of Wadi Rum in Jordan and the movie has already been released with success in theaters. Three films being featured are Arab dramas, all partially or entirely shot in Jordan. These include the biographical film “The Idol” by award-winning Palestinian Director Hany Abu Assad, the Palestinian drama “3000 Nights” by Mai Masri and the first feature by Gazan brothers Tarzan and Arab Nasser, “Dégradé”.
Finally, the three featured action movies “Kilo Two Bravo (Kajaki)” by British Director Paul Katis, the Canadian “Hyena Road” by Paul Gross and the Austrian “Thank you for Bombing” by Barbara Eder are set in Afghanistan and were filmed in various parts of the Kingdom of Jordan.
“Foreign productions are attracted to Jordan not only for the variety of its locations but also for its well-developed infrastructure, the absence of ‘red tape’ and the availability of skilled cast and crew,” said George David, General Manager of the Royal Film Commission (RFC). He noted that “tourism is hugely and positively affected by a movie shot in Jordan, as millions of viewers are encouraged to visit a country they see on screen; hence the importance of close cooperation between the RFC and the Jordan Tourism Board (JTB).”
“Film Tourism is an important market for Jordan; following in the footsteps of films like ‘Lawrence of Arabia’, ‘Indiana Jones’ and now ‘The Martian’ help make the scenes come alive,” said Malia Asfour, Director of the Jordan Tourism Board North America (JTBNA). “It is an important segment for us and we are excited to work with the travel trade on new itineraries and ideas for their travellers.” Toronto International Film Festival is certainly an excellent opportunity to promote Jordan as a cinematic and tourist destination for all it offers. 

Tuesday, September 8, 2015

Please help us with getting our dear friend, John Rutherford a little boost.

Let's get this party started!
There are few people who genuinely touch lives and hearts of all they know. How fortunate we feel to have one of those special people in our midst. Anyone who has had contact with John Rutherford knows a man of compassion and honesty. His family and his music are at the heart of Johns life. He has played music in this county for over 40 years and has selflessly shared the talents of his music and his time to make lives better for all in this region.

John and Joan, his wife of more than 50 years, raised 3 beautiful and talented daughters who passed down to their families a love of music. The entire family supports the arts and are active in public shows, theatre and school events, a true testament to a family living in harmony. The family harmony can also be heard on occasions when the Rutherford family performs in the
Reggie Show and other local events.

It is because of our gratitude and respect for John and Joan we celebrate our appreciation by bringing our community together with music, food, dancing and great conversations with friends. As we celebrate John, we also support him in his recovery. John recently experienced a stroke which slowed his ability to perform.  He is determined and working hard to regain full ability.

Sunday, September 13, is officially John Rutherford Appreciation Day and will be celebrated at all Masses at St Marys and finally at the VFW from 4 8 p.m. where a silent auction, 3 local bands and great food and drink will be offered to all friends and admirers. We are hoping that the county commissioners will name September 13, 2015, John Rutherford Appreciation Day. A crowdrise site and facebook page are up and running.



Friday, September 4, 2015

Jordan Takes on the World - David and Goliath Style Longest Slip and Slide to be unveiled this fall to celebrate life in Jordan.


September 01, 2015, -- Amman Jordan. Event organizer, Monaco Business Development announced today that the tiny Kingdom of Jordan is ready to 'take on' the challenge of creating the longest Slip and Slide in the world. The slide is made in Jordan by Jordanians.  Monaco Business Development and the manufacture/creator Ziyad Mazzawi Corporation are preparing to offer a mighty ride highlighting to the world that Jordan is the best destination in the region to visit, work and play.  

The largest Slip and Slide will be unveiled at the lowest spot on earth, at the Dead Sea, Jordan. This one of a kind experience will be offered to hotel and invited guests to experience the craze and adrenaline rush at the lowest spot on earth at the Dead Sea Jordan.

The slide is being created in an effort to highlight Jordan as a family destination and a unique experience for tourist and local families. Mona Naffa, president of Monaco said, ‘this small yet mighty Kingdom of Jordan is a country rich in history and culture, religious sites and artifacts, and home to important UNISECO sites. We could not be more thrilled to offer this event to a most deserving region.’

Following the event at the Dead Sea, the event organizers have plans to continue the party by relocating the monstrous Slip and Slide throughout Jordan. Stops will include Amman, Jordan’s capital, a cosmopolitan city with a mix of the old historical sites. Using the Citadel in the middle of the city as a backdrop, the slide will offer a speedy trip down its forefront including a one of a kind blend of old and new scenery. Other stops include Wadi Rum and Petra. The slide will end its tour at Jordan’s only seaside port, the Red Sea, Aqaba. This growing resort living destination has the only 18-hole Greg Norman golf course in the Levant Region.

Ms Naffa added, ‘ultimately our mission is to drive economic growth for our youth and our citizens through tourism and destination development.  This time we will accomplish our goal with the "ride in a lifetime".


About Jordan:
Modern Jordan was founded by King Abdullah I after World War I.  It was then ruled by his grandson the late King Hussein for 46 years until his death in 1999.  King Abdullah II assumed the throne in 1999 and the country has grown to a peaceful and stable nation. Jordan is a cool destination on its own and open for business.  Jordan is also the destination of the new Wonder of the World-Petra.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Sandy Dhuyvetter
US Press: sandy@traveltalkmedia.com
or Mona Naffa
Email:
mona@monacojo.com and naffamona@yahoo.com
Phone: +962796600962
FB: Destination Jordan 

Thursday, September 3, 2015

Lexus Tennis Tournament - Jordan is Living Large with Events and Celebrity Sightings

Visit Jordan and enjoy tourism as it should be enjoyed in a natural setting with world class events including as much pampering as you wish...Sandy Dhuyvetter


Legendary Multiple Grand Slam Tennis Champion Mary Pierce to Attends 2015 Lexus Tennis Festival

The Tennis Academy Amman, Jordan’s leading tennis training institute, in collaboration with Lexus Jordan, announced today that tennis legend and multiple Grand Slam champion Mary Pierce will be attending the 2015 Lexus Tennis Festival to be held September 4 to 11, under the patronage of HRH Prince Faisal al Hussein in the Kingdom of Jordan.

In her first visit to the Hashemite Kingdom, Ms. Pierce will be the Guest of Honor during the 8-day Lexus Tennis Festival, which will feature local tournaments. Open to all age groups, the exhibition matches will highlight two top 70 international players including a Family Tennis Day with Ms. Pierce as the special star guest.

“I am delighted to come to Jordan and especially to celebrate the first Tennis Festival,” Ms. Pierce said. “It is an honor for me to attend this event and I am very excited to discover this wonderful country.”

Pierce, a French champion, turned pro at the age of 14. She won four Grand Slam titles, including the 1995 Singles Australian Open, the 2000 Singles French Open, the 2000 doubles French Open, and the 2005 mixed doubles Wimbledon title.

“We are thrilled to have Mary Pierce at our academy.” said Tennis Academy President Khalid Naffa who is the driving force behind the festival. “This is the first time we have hosted a tennis champion of her caliber in Jordan. Our kids are super excited and we are looking forward to building a long-term relationship with Ms. Pierce for the benefit of the game in Jordan.”

The 2015 Lexus Tennis Festival will be held under the patronage of HRH Prince Faisal Al Hussein, President of the Jordan Olympic Committee, member of the International Olympic Committee and the Kingdom’s leading advocate of sports and its crucial role in the development of our youth.

About The Tennis Academy Amman, Jordan
The academy’s mission is to create a dynamic and professional environment for young and aspiring Jordanian tennis players to thrive and eventually compete on the global tennis stage.

Essential to this mission is hosting international events like the 2015 Lexus Tennis Festival, so that our kids can be exposed to the highest levels of the game and most importantly, to instill in them a belief that they too can one day become champions.

For more information about the Lexus Tennis Festival, please call: 079-696-9530 or email: TTAAMMAN@GMAIL.COM or check out our Facebook page: THETENNISACADEMYAMMAN

For more information about Mary Pierce’s visit and for interview requests, please call: 079-552-8589 or email: TTAAMMAN@GMAIL.COM



Tuesday, July 7, 2015

SAN FRANCISCO RANKED FIFTH BEST CITY IN AMERICA


After spending most of my life in the Bay Area, I can easily see why Travel+Leisure Worlds Best Awards 2015 readers' love San Francisco . . . Sandy Dhuyvetter

Two San Francisco Hotels Recognized Among
Top Large City Hotels in the Continental U.S. in the
Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards 2015 Readers’ Survey Announced Today

Virgin America Named Best Domestic Airline for Eighth Consecutive Year

New York, NY (July 7, 2015) – San Francisco is ranked No. 5 on the list of Top Cities in the U.S. and Canada, according to the Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards 2015 readers’ survey announced today and available now on http://www.travelandleisure.com/worlds-best.  The St. Regis in San Francisco ranks No. 16 on the list of Top Large City Hotels in the Continental U.S. and is the top-rated hotel in San Francisco. The No. 1 Large City Hotel in the Continental U.S. is The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park in New York City and the World’s Best Hotel Overall is Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur, India.  Charleston is the top-rated city in the U.S. and Canada for the third consecutive year. The World’s Best City Overall is Kyoto, Japan for the second time.

TOP 10 CITIES IN THE U.S. AND CANADA 2015

Charleston            
New Orleans
Savannah
Santa Fe
San Francisco
Quebec City
Chicago
New York City
Victoria, British Columbia
Asheville, North Carolina

Two hotels in San Francisco rank among the Top Large City Hotels in the Continental U.S.:
16.           St. Regis San Francisco
25.           Loews Regency (formerly the Mandarin Oriental)

Virgin America is named the Best Domestic Airline for the eighth consecutive year. Singapore Airlines is named Best International Airline for the 20th time.

Travel + Leisure readers rated their favorite hotels, cities, islands, spas, cruise lines, airlines, tour outfitters, car-rental agencies, and more. The World’s Best Awards 2015 readers’ survey results (listed by overall and regional rankings) and survey methodology are featured on www.TravelandLeisure.com/worldsbest now and is the cover story of the August issue of the magazine, on newsstands July 17.

Follow the conversation on Twitter with @travlandleisure #tlworldsbest.

Tuesday, May 26, 2015

Only 4 Days Left on the BOGO Sale


Our good friends at Star Clippers are really giving it away. They know that once you try this special trip, you will be back time and time again. . . Call today 1800 442 0551 or go to http://www.starclippers.com


Reservations Opening Hours:

Terms & Conditions. Buy One Get One cruise-only promotion of $710 is available on September 23rd, 2015 aboard the Star Flyer in Cat. 6. Select dates and available categories depend on time of booking. Exceptions apply. Port charges of $110-$255 per person are additional. Airfare & transfers are additional.  Offer not valid for single occupancy. New bookings only. Offer is capacity controlled and may be withdrawn at any time; cannot be combined with other promotion. Other restrictions apply. Valid for North & Latin American residents only.

Friday, May 1, 2015

Biggest event ever organized in Seychelles speaks for itself

Even though there were last minute issues and I could not return to the Seychelles this year, we will return next year. Following is an overview of what I missed with my whole heart, however so happy to hear of it's success. It is with great pride and friendship, we present the current state of the 5th edition of the Carnival de Victoria in the Seychelles. Hope to see all you beautiful Seychellois soon...Sandy Dhuyvetter
Biggest event ever organized in Seychelles speaks for itself says Alain St.Ange, the island's Minister responsible for Tourism  Culture

For decades the Seychelles has seen activities and events being organized but never before has one event captured the imagination of the people of Seychelles and earned their support. The launch of the Carnaval International de Victoria five years ago has captivated Seychelles and public support for this event has grown annually making it today the biggest event ever organized in Seychelles.

"The proof of the pudding is in the eating. The Ministry of Tourism and Culture and its Tourism Board has managed to stage an event that clearly appeals to the Seychellois Community and they have continued to show their support for the three days of the carnival events by being out and about in Victoria" said Alain St.Ange, the Seychelles Minister responsible for Tourism and Culture.  http://www.seychelles.travel/en/events/carnaval-international-de-victoria 

At the 2015 edition of the island's carnival Minister Alain St.Ange, accompanied by Sherin Naiken, the CEO of the Tourism Board, Anne Lafortune, the PS for Tourism and Benjamine Rose, the PS for Culture led the first part of the carnival procession themselves. As the main organizers of the event that has captured the Seychelles they were seen at the front of the parade waving to the large crowd who had gathered alongside the carnival route.

"We all feel good at the Ministry and at the Tourism Board because we have managed to stage an event that the Seychellois want, that they appreciate and that they support with their heart. The opening ceremony is popular, the carnival parade continues to see the Seychellois gather in Victoria to such a degree that it is now over flowing with people and the carnival closing ceremony is today recognized as the only event that manages to fill to capacity 'Freedom Square' in the centre of Victoria. The text messages, emails and letters we continue to receive year after year shows clearly that what we are doing is appreciated. It shows that our efforts are being well received by the people of Seychelles" Minister St.Ange said.   

The carnival in Seychelles has grown to become listed as a world classed event on the calendar of events of the Community of Nations.   The Press Community continues to be supportive of this carnival that brings to life the concept of the 'Melting Pot of Cultures' and they have now baptized the event as the Carnival of Carnivals.
             
Kitty J. Pope from the U.S.A. is often quoted because of a document she published following the fourth edition of the Seychelles carnival. Kitty J. Pope wrote:-  "It was over four years ago that the Honorable Seychelles Minister of Tourism and Culture Alain St.Ange came up with the idea of organizing a huge carnival where nations from around the world could parade their cultures. With many countries already having their own unique carnivals, St.Ange envisioned an international carnival that would bring nations together in one setting to not only showcase their cultures, but also to help promote an understanding of multiculturalism. He went on to launch the Seychelles International Carnival where communities of nations get the opportunity to network and socialize in a relaxed atmosphere. The first of its kind, the carnival, which has grown every year, has come to be known as the “Carnival of Carnivals.”  
St.Ange says that the carnival is a unique world event for bringing nations together where different cultures are respected as well as celebrated. “Even in the General Assembly of the United Nations when some world leaders stand to deliver their address, some delegates walk out, but here respect for everyone is and will remain the key to ties of friendship and togetherness,” he explains. 
                                                                                                                                                      
Supporting St.Ange's view of the carnival, Canadian journalist Carol Perhudof said that she has come to believe that the "Carnaval International de Victoria" could help to change the world because it's a celebration of every culture together. “The Seychelles Carnival is a brilliant tourism idea that helps bring us to a point where we can live in harmony beyond colour of skin, to live in peace with each other,” said Perehudoff, after her first visit for Seychelles Fourth International Carnival.

Through this "Carnival of Carnivals," St.Ange has no doubt embarked on a global multicultural movement where people can capture the spirit of internationalism to gain a better understanding and appreciation of another country's culture. Seychelles Carnival has captured the interest of leaders, tourism officials and travelers alike from the world over. As word spreads near and far among VIPs, media sources and curious tourists, the carnival has continued to get more popular each year. So just what is it about St.Ange that has allowed him to be able to successfully devise such an ingenious way to propel people and nations to come together under one accord?


For one thing, he has been dubbed a master marketer and promoter by Creole International Magazine, published in the UK, as he was able to turn around visitation numbers to substantially increase tourism arrivals in Seychelles. Implementing and forging forth the tourism portfolio set forth by President James Michel, St.Ange's tourism approach and marketing methods have proven to be extremely effective, garnering him invitations from a host of countries and organizations that want to learn about the “Seychelles Tourism Brand” as a guide for replication".

Wednesday, April 29, 2015

Honored to receive "Star Trainer Hero Force 2015" from Human Trafficking Training

Flight Attendants Association Human Trafficking Awareness Training in Las Vegas

I was honored yesterday at a meeting, attended by 400 flight attendants at the Association of Flight Attendants conference. Airline Ambassadors International, a non profit organization conducted a Human Trafficking Awareness training for the attendees during their luncheon. At that time I received  The Star Trainer Hero Force 2015 Award. This was for conducting more trainings than any other in the organization since the inception of the training some years ago.
Thank you Airline Ambassadors!! www.airlineamb.org


Tuesday, April 28, 2015

Why You Are on Your Own Without a Travel Agent...lets discuss!

Enjoy  this important discussion on why using a travel agent can give you peace of mind and make your trip that much more memorable, with no extra costs!!...Sandy Dhuyvetter


Zane Kerby the American Society of Travel Agents President and CEO joins me on TravelTalkRADIO to talk about why travel agents are worth their weight in gold.

An informative discussion that will highlight the value of travel agents and how to best use their services.

We think you might be surprised at the demographics that are stepping up to the plate to use travel agents in mass groves! They must know something!

Join us and see why ASTA is truly the only organization in the world the best supports travel agents and their work. 

ASTA has also built a Web site where you can find your perfectly matched travel agent. Go to www.astatravelsense.org

Listen HERE: http://www.traveltalkradio.com/ASTA/zane_kirby_april28_15_8min.mp3 


Tuesday, April 21, 2015

The Trip to the Seychelles begins!

One of the worlds leading airlines, Emirates is my airline this trip and I am thrilled.
I have no idea who my hotel will be, however, that is the life of a reporter. It's all a box of chocolates... all good...Sandy Dhuyvetter




Carnaval of Carnivals opens this coming Friday in the Seychelles

The unique event in the world of carnivals is the Carnaval International de Victoria because it remains the only carnival that manages to bring all the best carnivals of the world to parade one after the other followed by cultural troupes from the Community of Nations.


This year is no different as carnivals from Brazil, Notting Hill from the UK, Dusseldorf from Germany, Italy, Indonesia and more will be part of the 29 countries represented in the carnival of carnivals in the Seychelles that opens on the 24th April.

Friday, April 17, 2015

Congresswoman Matsui & Senator Blumenthal Express Concerns with Coast Guard Rulemaking on Passenger Protections for Cruise Vessels

We have supported the International Cruise Victims Organization (ICV) and frankly very disappointed it has take congress all these years to make this wrong a right.
Let's finish the job and make all involved accountable!
Sandy Dhuyvetter

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, April 16, 2015
CONTACT:
Jonelle Trimmer (Rep. Matsui) 202-225-7163
Sarah Zukowski (Sen. Blumenthal) 202-224-0335


Congresswoman Matsui & Senator Blumenthal Express Concerns with Coast Guard Rulemaking on Passenger Protections for Cruise Vessels
WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-CA) and Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) sent a letter to the Commandant of the Coast Guard expressing concerns with oversights in the Coast Guard’s notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) on the implementation of the Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act (CVSSA).  Matsui and Blumenthal – sponsors of CVSSA follow-up legislation, the Cruise Passenger Protection Act – urge that the Coast Guard’s final regulations reflect the intent of the legislation and provide strong protections for cruise passengers.
“We appreciate this opportunity to comment as we are concerned with several items in the NPRM.  These items must be addressed in order to ensure that the CVSSA is truly improving safety on cruise ships and protecting the lives and well-being of all passengers,” the members wrote.  “Although we are pleased that many of the mandated items from the CVSSA were included in the NPRM – such as requirements for peep holes in cabin doors, security latches and time-sensitive key technology – there are several oversights in the proposed rules that bring us great concern.”
Specifically, the letter calls on the Coast Guard to address the following concerns:
  • A Man Overboard System should be required to be installed on all cruise ships, as the technology is now available.
  • The Coast Guard should certify Victim’s Advocates for the Cruise lines to make certain victims are informed of their rights and ensure the Cruise lines are in compliance with the laws.
  • Medical staff credentialing and certifying processes outlined and required in the CVSSA must be adhered to when treating all medical cases onboard a ship, not just in cases of sexual assault.
  • Cruise ships must add acoustic sounding devices.  A ship’s public address system is not enough because it was not designed to be audible at great distances from the ship.
  • The requirements of the CVSSA should apply to all voyages regardless of whether or not it embarks or disembarks passengers in the United States. 
A PDF copy of the signed letter is available here.
The full text of the letter is below:
April 15, 2015
Admiral Paul F. Zukunft
Commandant of the Coast Guard
United States Coast Guard
2701 Martin Luther King Jr Avenue Southeast
Washington, DC 20032

Dear Admiral Zukunft:

We write pursuant to the United States Coast Guard’s request for comment on the notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) published in the Federal Register on January 16, 2015 (80 FR 2350) regarding the passenger vessel regulations to implement the Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act (CVSSA). The CVSSA became law in 2010, and as longtime advocates for stronger passenger protections on cruises and sponsors of the Cruise Passenger Protection Act, follow-up legislation to the CVSSA, we have a particular interest in making certain that the final regulations implemented pursuant to the legislation are in line with the original intent of Congress. 

We appreciate this opportunity to comment as we are concerned with several items in the NPRM. These items must be addressed in order to ensure that the CVSSA is truly improving safety on cruise ships and protecting the lives and well-being of all passengers. Although we are pleased that many of the mandated items from the CVSSA were included in the NPRM – such as requirements for peep holes in cabin doors, security latches and time-sensitive key technology – there are several oversights in the proposed rules that bring us great concern.

First, the CVSSA requires a Man Overboard (MOB) System to be installed on all cruise ships as the technology becomes available. The legislation was enacted five years ago, and the technology is indeed now available for installation. Accordingly, the Coast Guard should require a MOB system on all cruise ships. This system should have both an alarm and video capture feature. The clear intent of Congress was for these systems to have the capability to immediately capture and detect a man-overboard event.  Video capture alone is insufficient because an alarm feature is needed to expedite a search for an overboard passenger and to prevent valuable time from being wasted reviewing camera footage. Thus, it is very important that the fall detection system should have both the detection capability to sound an immediate alarm and a capture system to record the event for documentation and evidence purposes for criminal investigations.

Second, the CVSSA gives victims the right to keep information confidential from the cruise line unless written permission is given by the victim to disclose such information. However, the proposed regulations state that the Coast Guard will train an employee from the cruise lines to oversee the handling of victims of a sexual crime. The proposed rules inappropriately designate such an employee to be the first point of contact for victims of sexual assault.  This is contrary to the intent of the CVSSA because potentially confidential and sensitive information would be given to the cruise lines without the victim first knowing of their legal rights. In addition, crime victims, under the CVVSA, were given the legal right to report crimes directly to a government agency rather than to a cruise line’s security personnel who have no legal authority to arrest, skill to provide care, or training to properly investigate or collect evidence. Moreover, the training of a cruise line employee to counsel a victim of sexual assault would also be a breach of the law not only under CVSSA’s confidentiality clauses, but also under the Victims’ Rights and Restitution Act. The remedy that we urge the Coast Guard to consider would be for the agency to certify a Victim’s Advocate to make certain the victim was informed of his or her rights and ensure the cruise line was in compliance with the laws.

Third, medical staff credentialing and certifying processes outlined and required in the CVSSA must be adhered to and considered applicable in the course of treating and caring for all medical cases onboard a ship, not just in cases of sexual assault. We believe that the proposed eight hour course prepared and issued by the Coast Guard, FBI, and U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in crime prevention, detection, evidence preservation and reporting will not meet an acceptable standard. Outside experts including private maritime training academies have concurred that this course must be improved. This training should be mandatory and certified by an independent third party entity and not including in-house training by the cruise lines themselves.

Fourth, the CVSSA required that cruise ships add acoustic sounding devices. This would serve to enforce the Homeland Security requirement that no ship – such as a ship manned by pirates or terrorists -- should come within 500 feet of a cruise ship. For the proposed regulations not to consider terrorism a possibility in US waterways, ports and harbors, or that cruise ships are a terrorist target, is to deny the circumstances of September 11, 2001, and the recent terrorist attack in the National Bardo Museum in Tunisia, which left 17 cruise passengers dead. Acoustic hailing devices are a critical way for a cruise ship to confront small vessel threats at safe distances before those vessels become threats both domestically and in overseas ports. A ship’s public address system is not enough to satisfy this requirement because it does not have the technical capability, nor was it designed to be audible at great distances from the ship.

Finally, the requirements of the CVSSA should be applicable to all voyages regardless of whether or not a voyage “embarks or disembarks passengers in the United States.” There is no reason for any cruise ship to be given special dispensation or exemption from critical, life-saving measures simply because of a “temporary” visiting status.

We would appreciate clarification regarding our concerns with the NPRM and we urge the Coast Guard to consider these changes. The CVSSA was signed into law for the purpose of protecting those onboard cruise ships and we believe these provisions must be fully implemented as originally intended to ensure the safety of cruise line passengers. We look forward to your cooperation as we work together to strengthen the final regulations in order to prioritize the safety of travelers and victims onboard cruise ships.
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New York City-based Battery Dance Company, America's leading ambassadors of dance, will collaborate with dancers and musicians from Jordan and Iraq, April 10 - 20, 2015, in Amman



The Company's program will be anchored by performances as part of The Amman Contemporary Dance Festival, April 16, 8 pm, at the Al Hussein Cultural Centre; and The Amman Jazz Festival, April 19, 7:30 pm, at the Haya Cultural Centre.  In the dance Festival, the Company will present 4 works from its repertoire including 'Observatory', a work created on commission by South African choreographer Theo Ndindwa.  At the opening night of the Jazz Festival, Battery Dancers Sean Scantlebury and Mira Cook will appear together with their Iraqi protege, Adil Qais Adil, whom the New York dancers have trained over the past 6 months via Skype, and whom they will meet for the first time live when they arrive in Amman on Thursday evening, April 9th.  All of the choreography for the jazz festival will be generated while the dancers are in Amman and will be performed to the live music of Jordanian singer/guitarist Hani Mitwasi, backed up by the local band, Black Ice.  

Jonathan Hollander, founder and artistic director of the company says, 'Our experience in over 60 countries tells us that the arts can provide hope to those in conflict and can engender unity across religious and ethnic differences and national borders. Battery Dance Company will put this belief to the test, moving farther than we have ever done before in marrying our art with humanitarian goals, in Jordan.'

Recent coverage in the Wall Street Journal, LA Times, Washington Post and BBC/PRI’s programThe World has brought unprecedented attention to the Company’s work in the conflict zones of the Middle East.  As an outgrowth of BDC's Dancing to Connect program in Iraq in 2012, the Company members have been training aspiring Iraqi and Kurdish performing artists long-distance utilizing Skype and social media. 

Their most promising mentee in Iraq, a creative artist of phenomenal ability and dedication, is the dancer Adil Qais Adil.  Although the media attention accorded to BDC's program has exposed Adil's artistry to  world-wide audiences electronically,  he is unable to practice his craft outside of his family’s home in Baghdad without inviting threats from extremists in the community.

Through a grant from the Prince Claus Foundation of the Netherlands and other private donors, Adil has boarded a plane and took the 90-minute flight from Baghdad to Amman, with life-changing consequences. 

Each day beginning on Friday of this week, before and after teaching classes to Jordanian dancers in schools and conservatories, Sean, Mira and Adil will rehearse for 5 hours at the National Centre for Culture and Arts in Amman, bringing to life their camaraderie and artistry after months of electronic interaction.  They will collaborate on new pieces of choreography for the jazz festival, but this is no standard artistic collaboration.  It is a fusing of their shared hopes and dreams for a future in which young people can pursue their artistry without fear.

Articles about Battery Dance Company's International Artists Mentorship Program:

Wall Street Journal article (and video) about BDC's work with Adil Qais Adil:  http://on.wsj.com/16Z3xGG

BBC/PRI program “The World”:  http://bitly.com/1Anz3cm


For more information, contact:
Jonathan Hollander


Press Release Distribution


Media Sponsor: Sandy Dhuyvetter