WTH’s Sean Tolkin Sets Record for Marathon at Sea; Raises $50,000 for Make-A-Wish

Sean Tolkin, business development director at World Travel Holdings, became the first American to run a marathon at sea, doing it in record time (3 hours 43 minutes) onboard Norwegian Breakaway, and raising $50,000 to benefit Make-A-Wish®, the official charity of WTH’s CruiseOne and Cruises Inc. divisions © 2013 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

Sean Tolkin, business development director at World Travel Holdings, became the first American to run a marathon at sea, doing it in record time (3 hours 43 minutes) onboard Norwegian Breakaway, and raising $50,000 to benefit Make-A-Wish^®, the official charity of WTH’s CruiseOne and Cruises Inc. divisions.

The “Run Like a Champion, Cruise Like a Norwegian” marathon was held during the CruiseOne^® and Cruises Inc.^® National Conference. As of race time, Tolkin raised nearly $50,000 for the non-profit organization, that is dedicated to helping children feel stronger, more energetic and able to deal with their life-threatening medical conditions.

“I am beyond thrilled with the outpouring of support I received from my colleagues, friends, family and passengers leading up to and onboard Norwegian Breakaway this week,” said Tolkin, whose final laps were cheered on by hundreds of cruise agents attending the conference. “This marathon blended my love of the travel industry with my passion for running all in the name of a good cause, to benefit our signature charity Make-A-Wish.”

During the time it took Tolkin to run the 26.2 miles, or 210 laps around the track, the ship, Norwegian’s newest, traveled 74 nautical miles. Hundreds of onlookers cheered on Sean during each lap, with several agents and World Travel Holdings employees joining Sean for each mile.  As a result of the marathon, Make-A-Wish will be able to grant five wishes for children with life-threatening medical conditions.

Keri Rivera, corporate alliances manager for Make-A-Wish®; Sean Tolkin, business development director for World Travel Holdings, parent company of CruiseOne® and Cruises Inc. ®; and Captain Evans Hoyt, Norwegian Cruise Line® © 2013 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

Combined with $53,000 raised by the 700 agents attending the national conference, CruiseOne^® and Cruises Inc.^® raised more than $103,000 for Make-A-Wish.

CruiseOne franchises home-based travel agencies; Cruises Inc. is a host network for home-based cruise agents who are independent contractors. For more information, visit www.CruiseOneFranchise.com or www.SellCruises.com. 

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Vail Resorts Contributes to Colorado Flood Relief Effort

Vail Resorts’ Keystone Resort © 2013 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

Vail Resorts, Inc. is making an immediate $100,000 contribution towards relief efforts from the catastrophic flooding that has occurred in Colorado’s Front Range and additionally, will donate $1 for every season pass sold in Colorado, which will more than double its overall contribution. The Company is working with local officials to identify the appropriate organizations that need the funds and will post the final breakdown of its donations on the EpicPass.com website.

“Colorado is not just where our Company’s headquarters and four of our world-class mountain resorts are located, it’s our home. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of our friends, neighbors and employees in the Boulder and broader Colorado communities during this difficult time,” said Rob Katz chairman and chief executive officer of Vail Resorts. “We believe it will be critical for everyone to come together in the coming weeks and months to help the community rebuild and heal, and we hope others join us in our efforts to help those in need.”

On Saturday, Sept. 21, Vail Resorts is hosting its company-wide volunteer Echo Day, with employees working on community projects in 10 different locations across the country.  More than 350 employees and their families from the corporate office in Broomfield will now donate their volunteer hours to help with critical restoration efforts in Boulder County. The company is working with Boulder County and other agencies to determine the most critical projects.

For more information about the Company’s contribution to the flood relief efforts, visit www.epicpass.com.

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5K Trail Run at Bolton Valley Ski Area Aug 31 to Benefit Vermont Adaptive Sports

The Nordic Trails at Bolton Valley Ski Area will be filled with trail runners on Saturday, Aug. 31, as the 1st Annual Bolton Valley 5K to Benefit Vermont Adaptive kicks off the Labor Day Weekend festivities at the ski area. Held last year as Run Strong Vermont, a fundraiser to benefit those rebuilding from Tropical Storm Irene destruction in the Waterbury area, the event will now benefit the state’s largest volunteer-based nonprofit that provides sports and recreation to people of all disabilities, with many program locations in the state including Bolton Valley. Monies raised will be used toward skiing and snowboarding programs with Vermont Adaptive.

The 5K trail run takes place on Bolton’s Nordic Trails and is a scenic run that proceeds primarily through wooded trails with moderate up and down grades. Trails will range from groomed to muddy and semi-rocky terrain. The overall winner (male and female) will receive awards. All top finishers will receive awards in each age category: Teens (13-18), Young Adults (19-35), Mid-Lifer (36-49) and Seniors (50+).

The cost is $25/person regardless of age category and racers will receive an event tee shirt. All proceeds will be donated to Vermont Adaptive. The race begins at 10 a.m. rain or shine. Race day check in is required before 9 a.m. Runners should preregister through Active.com (online registration closes August 30). Race day registration is from 8-9 a.m. at the Bolton Valley Sports Center. Register by August 19th to guarantee yourself a Bolton Valley 5K race t-shirt. A raffle and the Awards Ceremony will occur immediately post race.

Bolton also will play host to the Labor of Love Rail Jam on Friday, Aug. 30 and is the stage for Vermont’s Largest Ski and Snowboard Sale Aug. 29-Sept. 2 and Sept. 6-8. For more details on Labor Day at Bolton visit www.boltonvalley.com.

For more information about the Bolton Valley 5K to Benefit Vermont Adaptive, contact Kim at pr@vermontadaptive.org or visit www.active.com.

Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports is the largest year-round disabled sports non-profit organization in Vermont offering the most diverse programs on a daily basis, statewide, with specialized equipment. The organization promotes independence and further equality through access and instruction to sports and recreational opportunities including alpine skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports; kayaking, canoeing, sailing, rock climbing, horseback riding, and more. More than 400 volunteers serve clients from all over the world in three locations in Vermont during the winter- Pico Mountain at Killington; Sugarbush Resort in Warren; and Bolton Valley Resort in Bolton. During warmer months, participants enjoy waterways, hiking trails, bike paths and more throughout the state. For more information, visit www.vermontadaptive.org.

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Country Artist Rockie Lynne to Perform During Princess Cruises’ Veterans Charity Cruise, Nov 5-9

Country artist Rockie Lynne will perform during Princess Cruises’ November 5-9
veterans charity cruise.

Country singer Rockie Lynne has been announced as a featured performer during Princess Cruises’ first-ever fundraising cruise to support U.S. veterans. Lynne, a veteran himself who frequently supports military causes, will perform with his five-piece band during the November 5-9 sailing.

Lynne’s debut single, “Lipstick,” spent an impressive 10 consecutive weeks in the #1 slot on Billboard’s Country Singles Sales chart. He is also co-founder of an annual charity motorcycle ride called TRIBUTE TO THE TROOPS, which has raised more than $250,000 in aid to families of the fallen. One third of the proceeds from his new album, “Songs for Soldiers,” will benefit troop-related charities. The inspiration for the album was his 21-day tour of Afghanistan, Southwest Asia, and The Persian Gulf, where he and his band entertained U.S. troops stationed abroad.

During the cruise, Lynne and his band will be headliners in the ship’s Princess Theater, and will also offer an up-close performance in Club Fusion.

The groundbreaking sailing will raise funds for two respected veterans’ organizations – Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund Inc. and Operation Homefront Inc. The voyage sails roundtrip from Houston aboard Caribbean Princess to the Western Caribbean, and is expected to generate $1 million for the two charities.

Lynne joins a number of special guests who will be aboard the cruise, including former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Michael Mullen (Ret.); retired senior officers from the Army, Navy, Coast Guard and Air Force; an award-winning war correspondent; and other respected speakers, authors and panelists. More information and the latest line-up of special guests can be found at http://www.princess.com/cruisingforacause/veteranscruise.html.

The cruise will offer passengers the opportunity to honor those who have served in the military as well as active duty military personnel. In addition to Lynne and the line-up of impressive military guests and speakers, there will be special performers, celebrities, unique topic panels and a military film festival. Princess will offer onboard activities such as a Stars and Stripes Sailaway, a Red, White and Blue Gala, and more – to celebrate U.S. veterans.

Also throughout the voyage, representatives from the Veterans History Project will be onboard to assist veterans interested in working with families and friends to record personal accounts of their service experience for preservation with the Library of Congress.

Cruise fares range from $499 to $1,849 per person based on double occupancy. A portion of each passenger’s cruise fare expected to reach approximately $500,000 will be matched by Princess Cruises for a total of $1 million earmarked for the two veterans’ organizations. As part of Princess’ ongoing Military Cruise Benefit Program, active and retired military personnel choosing to book this cruise will receive a $50 onboard credit.

The cruise launches Princess Cruises’ new “Cruising for a Cause” initiative where the company will dedicate entire sailings to support select charitable causes. This new, industry-leading program will provide the line’s passengers, many of whom are looking for opportunities to make positive contributions to their communities and the world, a way to make a difference even as they vacation.

More information about “Cruising for a Cause” sailings can be found at princess.com/cruisingforacause or by calling 1-800-PRINCESS.

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Ged Caddick’s Terra Incognita Ecotours Company Changes Lives of Travelers, Communities

Gerard “Ged” Caddick, founder Terra Incognita Ecotours, with Jane Goodall.

Charitable vacations are very popular right now as more and more people long to give something back to the incredible places they visit in exchange for the once-in-a-lifetime bucket-list experience these places give to them.

One of those offering life-changing charitable vacations is Ged Caddick who launched his ecotour company, Terra Incognita Ecotours. with the dumbfounding mission – to give his profits away! With a Masters Degree in Wildlife Ecology from the University of Florida, Ged has always been motivated by his passion for making a difference.

After successfully working in wildlife conservation, he launched Terra Incognita Ecotours, a Florida-based travel company with a massive, but simple mission – to give back.

Nine years later, Ged has donated more than $130,000 to charities in more than 7 countries, literally changing lives each and every time he gets on an airplane.

“The business model I created for Terra Incognita isn’t based on profits, like most businesses are. We measure success by how much we’re able to give away – the more the better,” says Ged.

So how does he do it? Every ecotour isn’t just an adventure of a lifetime – it’s a way for travelers to give back to the communities that so graciously host them for a day, a week or even a month. With destinations like Belize, Borneo, Brazil, China, India, Kenya, Rwanda, Madagascar and Tanzania, Ged’s ecotours attract travelers who want to visit the most exotic parts of the globe with an expert guide to show them the way.

“My clients want an incredible experience, but they are thoughtful and responsible,” says Ged. “They want to visit communities in the most remote parts of the world and not just take an experience with them, they want to give something back, too. A percentage of every person’s tour goes directly and immediately back to a conservation partner in the areas we visit.”

Ged doesn’t just donate a check at the end of each year. He takes all of his travelers right to the organization to which they are contributing. In Rwanda, his tours visit the Gorilla Doctors, a non-profit group of veterinarians responsible for keeping the highly endangered Mountain Gorilla population healthy

Ged doesn’t just donate a check at the end of each year. He takes all of his travelers right to the organization to which they are contributing. In Rwanda, his tours visit the Gorilla Doctors, a non-profit group of veterinarians responsible for keeping the highly endangered Mountain Gorilla population healthy. They also visit the genocide museum to learn about the country’s past, giving his guests a glimpse of the enormous and seemingly insurmountable obstacles Rwandans have overcome in just 20 years.

“I was humbled by the experiences on my Rwandan adventure,” says Susannah Smith, a recent ecotour traveler. “Not only did Ged show us wild gorillas, which is an awe-inspiring experience in and of itself, but he introduced us to Rwandans – people who have experienced unimaginable tragedy, but remain welcoming, warm and overwhelmingly friendly. I got more out of the trip than I ever could have imagined!”

Terra Incognita’s ecotours do more than just give back financially. Every planned tour gives meticulous attention to environmental and sustainable responsibility. Ged’s guiding principles are to minimize impact and to build and foster environmental and cultural awareness and respect. He provides positive experiences for both visitors and hosts.

“The Mountain Gorilla hikes could be difficult,” explains Susannah. “But since we only carried a day pack, we felt like we could carry our own packs. Ged explained that he had hired porters to carry our packs – not because we needed the help, but to support the local economy. In a country where most families survive on only $2 per day, being a porter is a lucrative career. When we heard other travellers opting not to hire a porter, we told them what Ged had explained to us, and they hired a porter right away. It’s the small things that make a big difference.”

“The more I give, the more it encourages others to give. The inspiring people in each of the incredible countries we visit need the money more than I do. They’ve faced hardships I could never image; yet they are still so warm and welcoming. I can’t think of a better way to earn a living.”

About Terra Incognita Ecotours

Gerard “Ged” Caddick founded Terra Incognita ECOTOURS in 2004 after more than 15 years of working in the Expedition Travel industry. Ged has led many trips for Lindblad Expeditions, International Expeditions, World Wildlife Fund, National Geographic Society and the American Museum of Natural History as well as many College Alumni groups, the National Audubon Society and the Smithsonian Institution. He also lived in Belize, Central America for a number of years in the late 1980’s and worked in the conservation of endangered species for twelve years before becoming involved in the expedition travel industry. It is this mix of expedition travel (a.k.a. ecotourism) and conservation that has helped to shape Terra Incognita Ecotours.

Visit www.ecotours.com for more information.

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Palace Entertainment Parks Collect Donations for Red Cross Oklahoma Tornadoes Relief Fund

In light of the recent tornadoes that occurred in Moore, Oklahoma this past week, all Palace Entertainment parks will collect donations on behalf of the Red Cross for the Tornado Relief fund.  Guests will be able to make donations at registers upon entering the park beginning Saturday, May 25 through Sunday, June 2.  All donations will be sent directly to the American Red Cross for the Oklahoma Disaster Fund specifically.

“We know people want to help and don’t always know how.  This is our way to facilitate.  Guests can donate as little as $1, every little bit we can collect will help the victims in the Moore community,” said Palace Entertainment President and CEO, Fernando Eiroa.

Palace Entertainment owns and operates 40 amusement parks, water parks and family entertainment centers nationwide, including Raging Waters, Kennywood, Idlewild, Boomers, Speedzone and Story Land. The company entertains millions of guests annually and is one of the largest park operators in the US.  For more information, or for a park nearest your location, visit palaceentertainment.com.

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CruisesOnly Teams with Susan G. Komen on Fundraising Cruise on Holland America

CruisesOnly^®, World Travel Holdings’ cruise-only agency network, and Susan G. Komen^® are teaming up to offer “A Cruise for the Cure^®,” a cruise fundraiser to raise money for breast cancer research, education, screening and treatment programs.

CruisesOnly, in partnership with Holland America Line^®, will serve as host to the exclusive cruise fundraiser sailing Nov. 10-17, 2013 (the new date is rescheduled from December 2012). The sailing on the Holland America ms Nieuw Amsterdam begins in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., making stops in Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos; San Juan, Puerto Rico; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; Half Moon Cay, Bahamas; and then back to Ft. Lauderdale on Sun., Nov. 17.

“We are honored to work with Komen for the very first time and offer this group sailing to our customers and anyone who wants to support the fight against breast cancer,” said, Jeff Smith, senior vice president of customer care for World Travel Holdings. “It’s always rewarding when we can help families and friends spend time together cruising. And, it is even more rewarding to do this while supporting such an important cause.”

The cruise offers a variety of Komen-specific activities including …

• · Exclusive Sail Away Concert Performance by a “Special Celebrity Guest”
• · Lunch and Learn Seminars conducted by Breast Cancer Experts
• · Culinary Demonstrations by “Onboard Executive Top Chef”
• · A Silent Auction and Pink Party benefiting Komen
• · Daily Zumba^® classes
• · A Spa Day on Nov. 13 — 10 percent of the overall sales will be donated to Komen

Prices for the cruise vary by location on the ship, room size and amenities. A portion of each traveler’s cruise price, equaling $200 per person, will be donated to Komen.

“We are so excited to be teaming up with CruisesOnly, in the fight against breast cancer,” said Dorothy Jones, vice president of marketing for Komen. “These travel experts are lending critical support to this cause by hosting this fun and unique group sailing trip and giving travelers the opportunity to take action for their breast health – all while enjoying the beautiful ship and ports.”

For more information or to book a cruise, visit the A Cruise for the Cure^® website, or call 1-866-552-1243.

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ET African Journeys Mama Hope Fund-Raising Trek up Mount Kilimanjaro Features Gourmet Feast by Chef Pierre Thiam at World’s Highest Pop-up Restaurant

African safari and tour provider ET African Journeys has partnered with Mama Hope, a non-profit organization that invests in projects that bring food, security, clean water, education and health care to African communities in need, to offer the Mama Hope Kilimanjaro Expedition, a hike to benefit Moshi, Tanzania’s St. Timothy’s School. Departing on Tuesday, July 30th, this one-of-a-kind trek up Africa’s highest mountain boasts an amenity that no other tour provider offers: a gourmet feast prepared by world-renowned African Chef Pierre Thiam at the world’s highest-altitude pop-up restaurant. Chef Thiam will open the temporary restaurant at a base camp at 12,500 feet above sea level exclusively to celebrate the fund-raising climb. After summiting Mount Kilimanjaro via the scenic Machame route, climbers will descend to the base camp restaurant to dine on Chef Thiam’s specially-prepared African regional cuisine, while enjoying views of the surrounding forests and grasslands.

Following the hike, travelers will spend two days volunteering at St. Timothy’s School, a school and children’s home built by Mama Hope and partnering organization, The Tanzania Children Concern, to educate Tanzanian orphans. Mama Hope’s community-centered development approach enabled St. Timothy’s to employ over 600 workers from the local community in the construction of the school.

“We are now focused on funding the construction of a boarding house on the St. Timothy’s compound, which will give the region’s orphans a home as well as an education,” said Mama Hope founder Nyla Rodgers. “This trip is a wonderful way to get Americans to come to Africa and get involved with a very worthy cause.”

“Adventurers who want to climb Mount Kilimanjaro don’t typically need much enticing, but this trip offers so much more than the satisfaction of the climb,” added ET African Journeys Vice President of Business Development Gilad Goren, who conceived of the trip concept with Rodgers. “It’s a chance to raise funds for a great cause, volunteer at a school and meet the children they are helping and, as an added perk, enjoy possibly the most unique dining experience of their lives, forgoing trail mix for a gourmet meal prepared by Chef Thiam.”

The Mama Hope Kilimanjaro Expedition is available for $3,500, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting St. Timothy’s School. Price includes lodging, Kilimanjaro climb and gourmet meal. For more information, call 800-662-5406 or visit www.etafricanjourneys.com/mamahope.

Mama Hope works in close partnership with local African organizations to connect them with the resources required to transform their own communities. The organization’s projects are managed for and by partner communities themselves to ensure sustainability. With a mission to fund the completion of schools, health clinics, children’s centers, clean water systems and food security projects.

ET African Journeys is a joint venture by Ethiopian Airlines and Group IST to create exciting, original, thematic, educational and cultural travel programs to Ethiopia and beyond. Working with the most experienced providers in the region, ET African Journeys is able to offer a diverse range of quality tour products at competitive prices to both the individual traveler and the group organizer. Ethiopian Airlines is the only non-stop service between the East Coast of the United States and the East Coast of Africa and is one of the largest and most modern air carriers on the African continent.

3rd Annual Long Trail Century Ride to Benefit Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports Set for June 22

The third annual Long Trail Century Ride to benefit Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports returns to Vermont again this spring, where cyclists of all abilities can ride a century, 50- or 20-mile course to raise funds and awareness for disabled sports programming. Adaptive athletes are sponsored and ride for free.

After what came together in less than six weeks in 2011 for its inaugural ride, thanks to the inspiration of Lookout Tavern owner Phil Black, the third annual Long Trail Century Ride to benefit Vermont Adaptive will be held on Saturday, June 22. Nearly three hundred riders from around New England and up and down the East Coast participated in 2012. Up to 500 riders are expected to participate in this year’s fundraising event. An après-ride party, featuring live music and entertainment plus kid and family activities, will be held after the ride at the brewery for all to enjoy – riders, spectators and visitors alike.

The century ride, plus 50- and 20-mile routes, will start and end at the Long Trail Brewery in Bridgewater Corners. The routes will travel through Killington and surrounding communities including Irene-survived Pittsfield, Stockbridge, Bethel, Woodstock, and Ludlow.

“We believe sports and recreation provide a physical, mental and social experience that is immeasurable in promoting self-confidence and independence in an individual,” said Erin Fernandez, executive director of Vermont Adaptive. “We extend an enormous thanks to Phil for starting this ride for us and to Long Trail and also to Killington Resort, who help us to provide an event of this caliber. Everyone in the community has been very supportive of our efforts, and the ride will help us to underwrite some of the costs of our adaptive programs and allow more people with disabilities to participate.”

The recreational rides loop through the towns of Killington, Pittsfield, Bethel, Barnard, Woodstock, Ludlow, Bridgewater, and Plymouth, Vermont. Quaint villages, the scenery of Route 100 and U.S. Route 4, the Crossroad of Vermont Byway, the seventh of its kind recently designated by the Vermont Transportation Board, are incorporated into the routes.

All riders and volunteers receive entry to the “Après-Ride” party, and additional party tickets are available for $15/adults and $10/kids.

Cyclists will check-in Friday night at a pre-ride party at the Umbrella Bar at Killington Resort, and rides begin at 7 a.m. on Saturday from the brewery on Route 4. All registrants will receive a lift ticket voucher to ski or ride Killington Resort during the 2013-2014 season, and those who raise an additional $300 or more will receive a special Long Trail Brewing cycling jersey.

Rider registration includes a Century Ride wicking t-shirt, food and support at aid stations during the ride, entry to the après-ride party complete with food and entertainment, plus a commemorative pint glass. There is no day of registration for the ride, and registration is limited to a total of 500 riders. Everyone is welcome to attend the “Après-Ride Party” and advance tickets are available for the party. Registration, pricing, information, and advance-ticket purchase to the party can be found at www.longtrailcenturyride.com.

Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports is the largest year-round disabled sports non-profit organization in Vermont offering the most diverse program opportunities and unique, specialized equipment. The organization promotes independence and further equality through access and instruction to sports and recreational opportunities including alpine skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports; kayaking, canoeing, sailing, rock climbing, horseback riding, and more. More than 400 volunteers serve clients from all over the world in three locations in Vermont – Pico Mountain at Killington; Sugarbush Resort in Warren; and Bolton Valley Resort in Bolton. For more information, visit www.vermontadaptive.org.

The Long Trail Brewing Company, a key sponsor of the event, is located in Bridgewater Corners, Vt. and has been producing an exceptional family of fine ales since 1989. Today, as the leading handcrafted beer in Vermont, Long Trail has demonstrated it fills a niche in the market for quality craft beer. Located in the heart of the Green Mountains, Long Trail takes the words “environmentally conscious” seriously and lives that eco-minded philosophy every day at the brewery. Long Trail’s facility is truly unique, as it was designed to minimize the impact on our environment and was recognized in 2009 by receiving the Vermont Governor’s Award in Environmental Excellence for resource conservation. Also, Vermont’s Green Mountain Environment Association has named the water produced by the brewery’s artisan wells as “Vermont’s best drinking water.” For more information, visit www.longtrail.com.

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Travcoa Develops New Collection of Itineraries Incorporating Philanthropic Initiatives

Travcoa, a world leader in luxury travel, is continuing its support of socially responsible travel by launching a new collection of philanthropic-focused journeys for 2013.

Collaborating with social enterprises and NGOs (non-governmental organizations), the new collection will engage Travcoa guests in outreach programs that support and empower community self-reliance, health, education and the conservation of traditional cultures, wildlife and natural resources. These life-changing experiences will enable Travcoa guests to contribute positively to the destinations they visit, and in turn rewarding them with a source of deep personal fulfillment.

“The benefits of philanthropic-focused travel are multi-faceted,” stated Jerre Fuqua, President of Travcoa. “Many of our guests already contribute to important causes in their daily life and they also want to make a difference in the communities they visit. By traveling with Travcoa, our guests will discover that together they can help support the local economy and impact the lives of the people they meet. Travcoa’s expanded philanthropic efforts will engage and inspire our guests through active and authentic encounters that focus on key issues facing the places we visit. These journeys will provide our guests with an opportunity to ‘give back’ while they travel.”

Travcoa is aligning 2013 product development with suppliers that engage in sustainable initiatives and work respectfully with indigenous communities and conservation-focused organizations. The company’s goal is that by the end of 2013 at least 50 percent of their suppliers be actively involved in socially responsible initiatives, and that an equal percentage of Travcoa itineraries incorporate at least one project visit per journey.

The brand new collection of philanthropic- and Corporate Social Responsibility-focused journeys will go hand-in-hand with projects that Travcoa and its guests currently support:

• The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust in Kenya — Travcoa sponsors an infant elephant on behalf of each guest traveling on the Grand Safari: Kenya & Tanzania Escorted Journey.

• The Gandhi Ashram School in Sikkim — Guests on the Festivals of Bhutan Escorted Journey visit the school, and Travcoa makes a donation to the organization.

• Huilloc Community in the Urubamba Valley — Travcoa makes a donation on behalf of guests who visit the community while traveling on the Hiram Bingham’s Hidden Peru Escorted Journey.

• The Lotus Children’s Center in Mongolia — Guests on the Sands of Time: Mongolia & the Gobi Desert Escorted Journey visit the school, and Travcoa makes a donation to the organization.

Travcoa has been leading luxury adventures and in-depth explorations of the world’s most interesting destinations since 1954. The company offers three types of travel experiences around the globe: small-group Escorted Journeys with comprehensive itineraries guided by professional Travel Directors; pre-designed and priced Independent Journeys for travelers who prefer private travel on a date of their choice; and Tailor-Made Journeys crafted to individual traveler specifications. For information, visit www.travcoa.com/.
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