Asian Trails celebrates 10th anniversary
Posted September 30, 2009 , comments closed- eTN Executive Talk: Palestinian tourism minister one-on-one
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By
Luc Citrinot, eTN Asia Staff Writer |
Sep 30, 2009
It has been ten years now since Luzi Matzig, one of the most prominent personalities in Asian tourism, created his own tour operation. For eTurboNews, Matzig – who just celebrated his 60th birthday - gives his vision of tourism in southeast Asia.
eTN: What are the most dramatic changes you have experienced over the last ten years?
Luzi Matzig: This is definitely Internet booking that has revolutionized distribution and the way to do business. Booking engines are now into the hands of large travel groups that contract directly with travel suppliers such as hotels. Agoda.com has been taken over by Priceline and asiarooms.com by TUI. Tour operators such as ourselves are not anymore needed to book rooms. We just lost ourselves a contract with asiarooms.com as they decided to deal directly with hotels. And we cannot compete, as it would request a lot of effort and money. We have to adapt our strategy and concentrate on our core business, the tour operating. We just, in fact, gained Kuoni UK as a new customer.
eTN: Are travelers from today very different from ten years ago?
Matzig: We definitely experience[d] a strong rise in individual travelers. As soon as a market becomes mature, it walks away from group tourism. We see also emerging two strong types of travelers, both at the extreme. With the collapse in airlines and hotels prices due to increased competition, there is a trend for cheaper and ever-cheaper packages. But how cheap can we further go? Is it really worth the energy to chase those mass tourism markets producing a very small return on investment? We prefer to look after the other segment, FIT who looks after exclusive up-market products. There is more disposable money and less competition.
eTN: What are the products then that you can offer?
Matzig: These FIT travelers have very determined ideas about what they would like to do and when. Our strength is then to propose packages à la carte. We can arrange for a private car with chauffeur or offer a tailor-made circuit in southeast Asia. We see, for example, a strong interest for cruises as the choice becomes more sophisticated in the region. They are classical cruises on the Mekong River or on the Andaman Sea. Borneo is also emerging as an attractive cruise destination. We also propose private jet[s] for top travelers. We also find more holidaymakers looking for exclusive destinations. For example in Thailand, we see up-market clients moving away from well-known tourist destinations such as Krabi, Phuket, or Pattaya to go more to secluded islands. The last Kuoni Switzerland catalogue on Asia is a very good example of the current trend. It contains up to ten pages of stays and packages at little-know[n] Thai islands.
eTN: Did you also experience a shift in destinations requested by travelers?
Matzig: Indochina has seen the biggest growth over the decade with tourism booming in countries such as Vietnam, Cambodia, and also Laos. Burma is coming back, rather slowly, but it went through a terrible time in 2008. I expect that Myanmar will double the number of its travelers next year compared to 2009… The Philippines is gaining in popularity, especially for Boracay with its fine beaches. But the most successful destination over the last two years is Indonesia. Especially for Bali, where it becomes extremely difficult to sort out an accommodation. The EU ban lift on air travel for some Indonesian airlines help us to design new packages. We propose again overland tours from Sumatra to Bali or propose tours to the Toraja in South Sulawesi in complement to a stay in Bali.
eTN: Is culture an attractive theme in Southeast Asia?
Matzig: It has always been, but as travelers are becoming more discerning, they like to link many cultural destinations with eventually a few days break at a seaside resort at the end of their tour. In Europe, travelers from France, Germany, or Switzerland are very keen at combining multi-countries cultural tours, such as Vietnam-Cambodia and Thailand. But Russians, Scandinavians, and Britons would mostly favor a single sea and sun holiday destination.
eTN: What are your predictions for 2010 for Asian Trails?
Matzig: We definitely will see a recovery, let[’s] say in a growth range of 10 percent. We are personally very happy with our position today and our presence all around southeast Asia. We do not plan to move to other markets as we estimate to remain among the best specialists in the region.
Text2Fly - African Mobiles "speak English" to Check Flight Schedules
Posted September 29, 2009 , comments closed) Text2Fly is a new way of searching for flight schedules by sending a text message that appears to be an English language sentence. The airline schedules arrive in a few seconds.
Leading commentators have predicted that Africa will be a hot bed of mobile innovation. A new mobile service that lets you check Nigerian flight schedules using plain old Sms proves just that.
Sms is a difficult medium for an application that would normally require lists of cities and other prompts to guide the user. But Text2Fly makes it easy by letting users enter what appears to be an English language sentence for example, “From lagos to abuja on thurdsay at 3pm”.
It doesn’t get much simpler than that.
Timi Agama, the founder and CEO says “Text2Fly is so simple even your mother can use it. And your flight schedules arrive on your phone in seconds.”
This approach to delivering an application by Sms is patented and brand new. In theory it can be applied to searching for train times in London or bus schedules in New York.
Nigeria is the largest economy in West Africa and, with over 5 million domestic seats sold annually, has the most vibrant aviation sector.
However the “simple” task of finding flight schedules in Nigeria is much more difficult than it needs to be. Some people send their driver to get flight schedules from the airline ticketing office, but in a busy city like Lagos a short trip can take an hour in each direction. Others look in newspapers, but the papers only show the current day’s flights while Text2Fly lets you search a week ahead. Besides, not all papers carry the Nigerian flight schedules. A further option is to search online, but then you have to go to the web site of every single airline in a country where Internet access is very slow.
Text2Fly is like having a travel agent in your pocket. So to have a little less hassle when you travel, visit text2fly.com.ng to find out more.
Text2Fly is a product of Anthill Digital Limited, a Nigerian provider of innovative web-based solutions.
7 Places to Experience French Culture Outside of France
Posted September 24, 2009 , comments closed7 Places to Experience French Culture Outside of France
Done Paris? Bored with Marseille? Feel like Avignon is so last year? Fear not, Francophiles. There are countless places on this big planet where you can immerse yourself in the best of all things French – the cuisine, the culture, or the language – without stepping foot on the motherland.
During the height of its empire, France controlled close to 5 million square miles of land, nearly 8% of the earth’s surface. While most of France’s former lands have gone on to establish their own identity, many still bare the indelible marks of French influence (some more than others of course). For a dose of French culture or to immerse yourself in the language without the trip to France, visit one of these French-influenced destinations.
Morocco
For several decades in the early 1900’s, Morocco was a protectorate of France. While the country has been independent for over 50 years, the influence of France is still apparent, especially in the language. The official language of the country is Arabic, but France is so widely spoken that it is the second most-popular foreign language and is generally the one spoken by government officials and in business transactions.
The country still has strong commercial ties to France, newspapers are written in French, the language adorns street signs and shop windows, and French films play alongside Arabic ones in the country’s theatres.
French influence in other aspects of the culture is more subtle. Moroccan cuisine, for example, follows North African traditions but is often a bit more sophisticated, using French cooking techniques or richer sauces created in the French style. Other North and West African countries where French is still widely spoken include Tunisia, Cote D’Ivoire, Senegal and Algeria.
New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
Americans don’t have to travel very far to feel as though they’ve been transported to a French town. While the modern culture of New Orleans reflects many different influences (African, Cajun, Spanish, Creole, and French), there’s no denying the impact the French had on the development of the city when it was part of France’s “New France” colony in North America during the 17th and 18th centuries.
That influence is particularly apparent in the aptly named French Quarter, where trellised buildings built by early French settlers call to mind the streets of Paris. Many of the street signs are in French – 7% of the population speaks French – and French cafes line the streets. Creole and Cajun food both have their roots in French (and Spanish) cooking, and of course, the most famous of New Orleans’ pastries, the beignet, was created by the French.
And though it has mostly devolved into a raucous drunken party, Mardi Gras (which translates to Fat Tuesday in the French language) has its roots in French Roman Catholic traditions. New Orleans isn’t the only pocket of French culture in Louisiana. Other towns around the state bear French names (Baton Rouge and Dulac are two) and still retain a bit of their former French identity.
Madagascar, Mauritius, Réunion and the Seychelles
In the late 1600’s, France began exploring the area off the southeast coast of Africa in the Indian Ocean. The country established posts on the islands now known as Mauritius and Réunion, briefly controlled the Seychelles, and then, in the late 19th century, invaded Madagascar, made the island nation a French protectorate, and controlled it until 1960, when it became independent. Mauritius and the Seychelles are also independent nations now – Réunion remains an overseas department of France – though the language is still widely spoken on all of the islands (it’s the official language on Réunion).
On each of the islands, despite the prevalence of the French language, the cuisine reflects a whole host of different influences. There are some French traditions used in cooking, but you’ll also find Indian, Chinese & African characteristics too, especially in the popularity of fish and rice, and in the local herbs and spices used to flavor each dish.
Luang Prabang and Vientiane, Laos
At first glance, Laos looks like it couldn’t be more different from France, and in many respects that is true. A quick look around the towns of Luang Prabang and Vientiane will reveal lush green fields of rice, Asians zipping around on scooters and motorbikes, and monks in brightly-colored robes heading solemnly to gilded Buddhist temples. But a long history with France has left its mark on the oft-forgotten country.
You may not hear much French spoken here, and the culture is decidedly Lao, but it’s interesting to see the small ways that France is still present in the lives of the people, most notably in the cuisine, in the baguettes sold on every corner, in the occasional glimpse of European-style architecture, and in the faces of the many French ex-pats who still reside in the country.
And Laos isn’t the only country in Southeast Asia to retain some effects from France’s rule. Both Vietnam and Cambodia were once colonies of the empire.
Saint Martin, Caribbean
The Island of Saint Martin (called Sint Maarten on the Dutch side) is the smallest land mass controlled by two countries. One side is part of the Netherlands Antilles and the other belongs to France as an overseas department of the country. The island was settled by the French in the late 1600’s, changed hands several times between the Dutch, Spanish, and English and then half was returned to France, with the other half given to the Dutch, in the early 1800’s.
If it weren’t for the French flags flying everywhere you look, you’d have no reason to think – at first glance anyways – that Saint Martin was so heavily influenced by the French. The beaches are soft and white and the buildings low slung and painted in the pale colors found on other Caribbean islands.
But when you look a little closer you’ll see that streets signs and shop names are all printed in French – it’s still the official language of the area – and you’ll find no shortage of restaurants serving an eclectic mix of Caribbean and French cuisine.
It’s not exactly the French Riviera (the French side of the island is relatively undeveloped compared to the Dutch side) but it is one French-inspired beach vacation that doesn’t require an 8-hour flight from the US. Other Caribbean islands with former ties to France include St. Lucia, Haiti, and Martinique.
French Polynesia
Made up of several group of islands (over 130 islands in all) in the Pacific Ocean east of Australia, French Polynesia became a French protectorate at the end of the 19th century. It’s now an overseas collectivity and French is the official language, though Polynesian languages are also widely spoken. Despite its governmental and economic ties to France, culture in French Polynesia is much more Polynesian than French – other than the language, there aren’t too many traces of French influence to be found and there’s still a strong island identity which the people celebrate in dress, traditions, dance and song.
You’ll see the most reflections of French culture in the food, which often puts a French spin on local ingredients with dishes like “poisson cru” a French take on ceviche. Locally grown vanilla also gets the French treatment as it’s used to create rich sauces in the French style. And of course, French wine is readily available.
Quebec, Canada
The Canadian province of Quebec, home to the large cities of Montreal and Quebec City, is known as one of the most “European” places in North America. Though the land has long since transferred from French control to become part of Canada, French is still the official language of the province, and you don’t have to look far to see the culture reflected in the architecture, streets signs, and layout of the cities in it.
Montreal is the more modern of the two main cities, with a downtown full of towering skyscrapers. But what the commercial center may lack in “old-world” style, the section known as Vieux Montréal (Old Montreal) more than makes up for with its cobbled streets and centuries-old buildings.
Quebec City features even more French touches. It’s one of the few cities in North America to retain its original fortified walls and the center is dotted with postcard-perfect squares where tourists and residents gather to people-watch, sip a latte, and munch on crusty baguettes. Dining on a meal of hearty poutine while the sounds of the French language swirl around you, you’ll almost forget for a second that you are on the opposite side of the Atlantic.
There are still close to 30 countries in the world where French is one of the official languages. Some of these countries offer more French experience than others, but in many you’ll find that French influence is still alive and well in the food, traditions, music and architecture, which means that for dedicated Francophiles, there’s a whole world of French culture to explore.
Photo credits:
Morocco by like, totally on Flickr, New Orleans by theSuperStar on Flickr, Seychelles by Steve & Jemma Copley, Laos by nakwoodford on Flickr, St. Martin by hduh on Flickr, Tahiti by imaxandco on Flickr, Quebec City by palestrina55 on Flickr
Kilimanjaro Choose Your Route
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Climbing Kilimanjaro is a physically challenging endeavour, which is why reaching the summit is so satisfying. Any difficulties experienced while Kilimanjaro trekking are usually related to inadequate acclimatisation, the pace of the trek, and the route that is taken up the mountain. You should choose the route for your Kilimanjaro trekking holiday carefully, and prepare properly. The Kilimanjaro Ambition Rising abruptly from the Tanzania plain, Mount Kilimanjaro (5,892 m) is an awe-inspiring sight. A climb of Kilimanjaro is a rewarding adventure, taking you to the roof of Africa. Depending on the pace of your group and the route plotted, it’s possible to get to the Uhuru summit and back within five days, staying overnight in huts and camps on the mountain. But trek durations vary. For example, the Lemosho route takes between 6 and 8 days and the Marangu route takes between 5 and 6, depending on the rest days incorporated. The idea that Kilimanjaro trekking routes can be completed in five days (rather than seven or eight) is part of the reason why so many summit attempts fail. Guides frequently have to tell people on a Kilimanjaro trekking holiday to slow down, since ambition and over-exertion can make the difference between reaching the summit or not. It’s worth considering: why rush anyway? Taking a slower approach on a Kilimanjaro climb will be less tiring and consequently more enjoyable. A steadier pace is more likely to lead to a successful summit, as well as giving you more time in a beautifully foreign environment. The importance of acclimatisation cannot be overstated. People react differently to the unfamiliar conditions at altitude, and even very fit people might experience symptoms like headaches and nausea. The key is to take things gradually on a Kilimanjaro climb, incorporating time to for your body to adapt. Some Kilimanjaro trekking holiday itineraries begin with a preparatory and enjoyable climb of the neighbouring Mount Meru. At 4,566 metres, Mount Meru is a good appetizer and acclimatizer. A few days climbing this moon-shaped volcano will allow you to see the safari wildlife of the surrounding Arusha National Park, and from the summit, you can see ‘Kili’ thirty miles to the east, towering into the horizon. Kilimanjaro Trekking Routes There are seven well-established routes for trekking up Kilimanjaro – Marangu, Machame, Lemosho, Mweka, Shira, Rongai and Umbwe – with several of the routes overlapping and sharing the same trail further up the mountain. Approaching Kilimanjaro from the East is the Marangu trail. This is the oldest and one of the easier routes, and consequently it has a well-established infrastructure to assist climbers. However, its popularity can be detrimental to the experience; known as the ‘Coca Cola’ route, the huts along the Marangu sometimes struggle to accommodate the traffic. Some claim its scenery is not as interesting as on other Kilimanjaro trekking routes. The Machame “Whisky” route is also very popular. It approaches Kilimanjaro from the south and then turns east towards the summit. This is more difficult than the Marangu and takes longer, but trekking Kilimanjaro via this route brings the rewards of beautiful forests and great views of the glaciers on the south face. If you are able to commit more time to your trekking Kilimanjaro adventure, the Lemosho route is recommended. It takes longer than the other routes and is by no means easy, but its gradual approach, with more rest stops and steadier acclimatization makes reaching the summit successfully more likely. Furthermore, this route is newer and less used than the others and is relatively unspoiled. Lemosho approaches from the west. Trekking Kilimanjaro via this route provides you with views of the mountain from a variety of angles, taking you through forests with alpine flowers and along a ridge past a collapsed volcanic crater: a stunning scenic trek.
Kilimanjaro and Meru - An Introduction
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Kilimanjaro trekking in Tanzania is one of the most popular adventures for visitors to Africa. Read about some of the sights you will see leading up to a Kilimanjaro climb and what you can expect from a Kilimanjaro trekking holiday. Introducing Kilimanjaro Mount Kilimanjaro (5,892 m) is a mighty mountain and a worthy test for an enthusiastic trekker. Because it is the highest mountain in the continent of Africa it represents an obvious challenge and is ideal for people who want to experience dramatic trekking. Kilimanjaro is an inactive volcano located in the north of Tanzania near the border of Kenya, and close to the Equator. Its three peaks are separate volcanic cones called Shira, Kibo and Mawensi, with the icy Kibo reaching the furthest into the sky. National Parks What people who embark on a Kilimanjaro trekking holiday might not expect is the variety of wildlife they are likely to see during their trip. Those that climb Kilimanjaro above the tree-line (at around 2,700 metres) will trek through the mountain’s National Park zone, chosen by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, with the lower region designated a game reserve. The neighbouring Arusha National Park has plenty to offer visitors in the way of safari animals, and is more importantly a chance for some essential acclimatisation on the park’s Mount Meru (4,566 m) ahead of their Kilimanjaro trekking experience. Arusha National Park lies just thirty miles from Kilimanjaro and is home to safari animals such as giraffes, buffalo, zebra, klipspringer and dik dik, which are species of tiny antelope. It is well worth visiting Arusha during a Kilimanjaro trekking holiday to see creatures such as blue monkeys and the playful black-and-white Colobus monkey, which are usually elusive on safaris but are easily found here. You might also spot a species of bird called a Turaco, which is green with a quiff. Mount Meru – Kili’s Cousin As well as inhabiting the lowlands of the park you might see these animals on the lower slopes of Mount Meru, which is the fifth highest peak in Africa, and the second highest in Tanzania after Kilimanjaro. Trekking up Meru is ideal preparation for a Kilimanjaro climb because it affords an opportunity to acclimatize properly, and many good Kilimanjaro trekking holidays will incorporate Mount Meru into their itinerary for this reason. Like Kilimanjaro, Mt Meru was formed from volcanic activity, but Meru is still active, with its last recorded eruption in 1910. A major explosive eruption thousands of years ago is responsible for Mt Meru’s unique shape. The eastern slope has collapsed leaving a concave shape called a caldera. Viewed from above, from a plane or by satellite imagery, it resembles a crescent moon. This caldera side faces Meru’s larger cousin to the west, Kilimanjaro. Trekking up Meru, you will be able to stop at the huts along the way, and you will pass through woodland and forests with animals and plants you will probably never have seen before. Between Meru and Kilimanjaro Facing east from the summit of Meru you will see ‘Kili’ in the distance, and on a day with good visibility you may be able to make out some of the features that lie between the two great peaks. You’ll be able to distinguish between the grasslands and the savannah scrub. The Jekukumia River runs from one mountain towards the other. There are also the Momella Lakes which are tinged with algae colouring them blues and greens, with wading birds such as pink flamingo. And of course, the horizon will be dominated by Kilimanjaro climbing into the clouds. After summiting Mount Meru, hopefully you will be ready for trekking Kilimanjaro, which will be the peak of your holiday in Africa.