While nothing has been confirmed yet, it has been reported that at least one of the tour operators is seriously considering withdrawing Malta as one of their destinations, and the fear among Malta hotel owners and those in the holiday industry is that once one holiday company pulls the plug on the island, others will follow, relegating Malta from a mainstream holiday island offered by major travel agents to smaller specialist companies.

But First Choice Holidays, winner of the ‘Holiday Company of the Year’ travel award in 2002, 2003 and 2004 and one of the UK’s best known holiday companies have told one independent Malta travel guide that despite being named in the Malta press as the company most likely to do so they have never said they were pulling out of the Malta holiday market, but did admit that the Malta market was ‘increasingly difficult’ to sale.

Malta has been struggling for some years to adapt to the modern traveller, but government figures released for March showed a year on year drop in tourists of nearly 10 per cent, and most worrying of all was that the number of tourists arriving from the UK, Malta’s main market, fell by over 13 per cent, and visitors from Italy, a market the Tourist Office had been trying to cultivate also fell.

Holidays in Malta and the related tourist sector are a major source of employment in Malta, and with unemployment running at over 8 per cent any fall in tourists could spell long term damage to the island’s economy.

Another sector of the economy that could suffer with the Malta holidays market is real estate.

Property in Malta has risen in price in recent years, and 2004 saw Malta achieving the highest increase among the EU countries, with speculators buying property in Malta in the hope that joining the EU would see Malta real estate increase in value in the short and medium term.

Tribune Properties, who specialise in Malta Real Estate, view the potential downgrading of holidays in Malta as a double edged sword.

Managing Director Michael Johnson says that many Malta property buyers do so after visiting the island on holiday, and liking it so much they want to move to the island full time, while others who normally stay in hotels in Malta want to buy a property they can buy for their own and family holidays in Malta, and see buying a property in Malta as an investment for the future that they can enjoy too.

With less people taking holidays in Malta, the number of potential buyers will fall too.

Silver Lining

While Malta hotels and the tourist industry in Malta wait anxiously for news, the withdrawal of major tour operators from the island might not be all bad news.

There has been some discontent on the island about the rising prices of property in Malta, and with less overseas buyers the possibility of prices falling and more islanders being able to get on the property ladder could be welcome news.

In addition to lower property prices, YourMalta feel that projections of a collapse in the island’s holiday market if tour operators did withdraw could be exaggerated.

‘While the loss of the tour operators bringing tourists to the island is significant, in time the island will be less reliant on their business as more and more people make independent travel plans through the internet, and book their flights and hotels in Malta independently of traditional holiday companies.

Malta tends to attract the older tourist, so it might take longer than somewhere like Ibiza for example which attracts a younger visitor who as a group are more internet friendly’, states Managing Director Roger Munns, ‘but in time when the internet is seen as the primary source of booking a holiday across the age range, Malta will stand as much chance as anywhere of attracting tourists.

There has been speculation for some time now that low cost airlines are going to start offering flights to Malta, and this will help the Malta hotels and holiday market as more people consider three and four day breaks instead of the traditional week or fortnight, boosting the overall number of visitors, especially if Air Malta and the low cost airlines bring the cost of Malta flights to levels seen for the Spanish islands.

With an ineffective promotions board there is plenty of hope still for the holiday market in Malta, despite and not because of the Malta Tourist Authority, who are failing to promote Malta in the UK in any meaningful way.’

More information go to holidays to lanzarote

Malta Holidays – Rumours Hit Tourist Island is a post from: Tour And Travel | chefsguildofgeorgia.org

Raa Atoll is North West of Male Atoll and west of Noonu Atoll, on the outer margins of the Maldives. It is an enormous atoll 65kms long and 28kms wide with more than 90 islands. Only 16 of the islands are inhabited, mostly on the eastern side of the atoll, and only one contains a tourist resort..

The atoll is famous for boat building the traditional dhonis and also for its fishing fleet. As a tourist there are a lot of uninhabited islands to visit, fishing villages, and the diving is particularly spectacular due to the unusual formation of the atoll with complex reef formations at the centre of it.

Raa Atoll is located in the Northern part of Maldives and to the west of the Noonu atoll. The Raa Atoll comprises of a collection of over 90 islands of which only 16 are inhabited. With a population around 19,003, the majority of these inhabited islands lie on the eastern side of the atoll. Out of the remaining uninhabited islands, only one island has been developed as a tourist resort.

Meedhupparu Island Resort is a 4 star hotel with 225 rooms and it is situated 130 Km from the airport, and is reached by sea plane transfer in 40 minutes. It is a very large resort being spread over 43 acres and is a very new and bright star. There are 215 beach bungalows and then the Water Villas part of the Water Village, an exclusive complex with its own restaurant, and bar. There are 20 spacious villas on stilts.

Raa Atoll may not be top of your list, in fact you may never have heard of this area in the Maldives, but if you like unspoilt islands and you want a truly great honeymoon vacation, and you dont mind a short seaplane flight, you need to do some research on Meedhupparu Island Resort and Raa Atoll.

For more information go toholidays to alcudia

Maldives Holiday On The Raa Atoll is a post from: Tour And Travel | chefsguildofgeorgia.org

However, there are plenty of places on Majorca where you can escape the crowds. Deserted sandy coves, where mountains meet the sea, and remote beaches, only accessible by boat or on foot, are perfect for a quiet holiday. In the traditional rural villages, surrounded by olive and almond groves, with their centuries-old monasteries and delightful bars and cafes, you can mix it with the locals and get well away from the crowds.

If youre short of time, you dont have to head for remote parts of Majorca to escape the masses. Not far from busy Palma, Illetes has two pine-lined coves with beautiful sandy beaches. And in the west of the island, you can follow in the footsteps of poet Robert Graves, who used to take the coastal path across to Lluc Alcari. Stop for a swim in the deep azure waters of Cala Deia, where weathered rocks form amazing shapes, and continue to the seaside village of Port Soller for refreshments.

The north of the island, where the Tramuntana mountains meet the sea, near the resorts of Port de Pollenca and Port de Soller, youll find beautiful, sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters and much less competition for that spot on the sand. On the east coast, the little bays of Cala Mesquida have good waves, and are popular with surfers in the know. At both Port de Pollenca and Port d’Alcudia are more idyllic fine sandy beaches, and further southward, Cala Rajada has more small bay beaches that are easily accessible.

Some of the most isolated places are away from the coast, and the mountains offer some great walks. Starting from the central northern village of Selva on the eastern flanks of the Tramuntana, you can trek cobbled cart tracks to the lovely monastery at Lluc. Along the way check out the pretty village of Caimari, an important centre of olive cultivation, and continue on through a dramatic steep-sided canyon. In the eastern part of the island, recently declared a nature reserve, you can walk from the secluded beaches at Estreta and Torta, along lanes, coastal paths and horse trails to Cala Rajada and rarely meet another walker.

The hottest summer months of July and August are the busiest time on Majorca, and resort and villa accommodation is at a premium. Crowds are obviously less than at other times of the year, and the weather is often still pleasant in May, June, September and October, when swimming is still possible. Even in the middle of winter, January and February, there are beautiful sunny days, although the nights can be very cold.

The best way to enjoy a holiday on this special island is to rent your own Majorca villa. Villa operators offer great value rental properties, each with a private pool. These villas are located all over the island, with easy access to un-spoilt coastal beaches and the small villages and mountain regions in the interior of the island. But you are never far from major towns, where theres plenty of shopping, fine dining and exuberant nightlife should you need to see crowds again

Majorca Without The Crowds is a post from: Tour And Travel | chefsguildofgeorgia.org

Established in 1984, Delta AirElite has been steadily growing and making money for Delta. While the airline part of the company is rapidly and continually hemorrhaging cash, AirElite continues to make money and grow. Indeed, with a fleet of sought after business jets in its portfolio including the Challenger 300, Gulfstream IV-SP, and Learjet 31A, AirElite is an attractive company for any potential suitor.

Truly, if Delta were to sell AirElite it would only slow the bleeding for Delta, not stop it. With debt totals exceeding $20 billion, a sale of AirElite would likely only fetch the carrier a few hundred million dollars, if that. Last year, Delta sold off its Delta Connection carrier, Atlantic Southeast Airlines (ASA), for $425 million cash to Skywest Airlines. The sale was perceived by industry analysts as a desperate one as ASA was valued to be worth between $700-800 million dollars. The sale took place just before the airline filed for bankruptcy in September 2005, and had no effect in stemming the filing.

So, what should Delta do? In my opinion, get out of the airline business altogether. Thats right, instead of laying off thousands of additional workers and requiring steep give backs in employee wages, Delta might consider selling all of its assets off piece by piece to the competition. This would especially make sense as Deltas restructuring is dependent on steady fuel prices and, at this point, airlines can expect to pay even more for fuel in 2006 than they did last year. Kiss that recovery plan goodbye!

Once the airline business is sold, AirElite should be all that is left of Delta. The new company can thrive as the business aviation market is booming. The writing is on the wall for the airlines as further consolidation, retrenchment, and big time price pressure will remain. Indeed, once Virgin America gets official government approval to fly, its fleet of 105 modern Airbus jets will have much more appeal to passengers than Deltas aging fleet. One more reason for Delta to get out of the commercial airline business now.

Is my recommendation radical? Yes, it is. Delta, however, is in too much of a hole to ever recover. Better to realize that now when their assets have some value than to wait until what they have slips away forever. By that time, even AirElite may get dragged down and suffer.

Will Delta Sell AirElite? is a post from: Tour And Travel | chefsguildofgeorgia.org

Some people are of the opinion that the nearer one is seated to an emergency exit, the safer one is. Sadly, that is not absolutely true. A fire can start near the emergency exit as in any place within the plane. And if the emergency exit is jammed, then the person sitting nearest it is in as much of the same fix as the one sitting farthest from it.

Regardless of where the passenger is seated inside the aircraft, the risks to ones safety is greatly minimized by one thing above all else: by being alert and aware of ones surroundings.

Being alert means being watchful and attentive. Note the location of all exits. Listen to all pre-flight and in-flight instructions. Do not drink too much. Use common sense and try not to do anything that will be detrimental to your own safety, as well as to that of others, such as having too many or too heavy carry-on luggage, spilling hot drinks, being careless with pointed objects or things with sharp edges, and the like. Again, use common sense.

Airplane accidents are rare, despite the fears and misgivings surrounding air travel. But if one does occur during the flight, it is very important for the passenger to stay calm and not to panic. Fear is a highly contagious disease. Many casualties in accidents, even those that happened on land, could have been prevented had the panic been contained. Thus, in case of an accident, take a deep breath, keep the tone of voice down and follow the line.

There is no such thing as the safest seat in the plane. But any passenger can always make his or hers the safest seat if he or she chooses to, wherever he or she is seated. Creating the sense of safety within ones self, after all, is a mind game.

What is the Safest Seat in an Airplane? is a post from: Tour And Travel | chefsguildofgeorgia.org

A lot of people discuss UFOs as flying saucers – it seems to be the best description that they can come up with. Others suggest, rather dismissively, that UFO simply means unidentified flying object and that the light that someone saw flashing in the sky was either a plane, a helicopter or a reflection of light off of a cell phone tower or another metal object.

Reflections of light from a cell phone tower do little to explain away “mysterious materials” found in Roswell, New Mexico in the late 1940s. While the United States military has always stood their ground that these materials were merely fragments of a research balloon, a top secret test that ended badly, others offer another explanation. They assert that the materials were fragments of a UFO, an alien craft that crashed rather than safely landing. They believe that the “flying disc” – as it was called by military personnel – that was recovered could not be something from this world, and so began one of the most talked about UFO encounters in the world.

Many who believe that the UFO in Roswell, New Mexico deserved more attention than it was being given, believe that it wasn’t something that could just be dismissed. In part, this is likely to have something to do with other stories surrounding the flying saucer. A farmer talked about having found materials miles away from Roswell, and the story was picked up by newspapers, accompanied by photos of the strange find – strips of rubber, something like aluminum foil, sticks. It’s a story that has gained so much attention around the world that it has influenced many people’s sense of alien life and alien visitations to earth.

If the Roswell, New Mexico story had never become so widespread, UFO and flying saucer may not be so common in our language, in our experiences and in novels, television programming and films. How common is it for people to see a UFO?

It’s hard to say, really, because many people who see an unidentified flying object in the sky are reluctant to report it. Either the person who saw a UFO believes that there is a far more logical explanation or merely thinks that no one would believe them if they were to say anything about it. And yet, there are UFO sightings that are shared and that become the topic of conspiracy theories by those who believe that beings from other planets and galaxies have visited the earth.

One such incident occurred in 1980 in Rendlesham Forest in Suffolk, England. Those who saw the UFO all claimed to have seen flashing lights coming from an unidentified flying object that was descending towards the woods – a UFO that was roughly the size of a car and seemed to float on a beam of light. After reports were made about the object, it was discovered that trees were damaged, radio frequencies became nothing but static and soil samples later showed radioactive activity.

Similarly, in Gulf Breeze, Florida in 1987 tales of a UFO began to circulate when a man saw a strange light coming from his lawn. When he saw the flying saucer, he grabbed a camera and started shooting photos as proof of what he had seen. Of course, in this situation, the story was not just of a UFO sighting, but about repeated experiences and of the man’s being beamed up onto the craft.

Though discussions of these UFO sightings continue, and there has been audio recordings and photo documentation, it is still difficult to know whether or not the unidentified flying objects were indeed from space. Many claimed, in regard to the Gulf Breeze, Florida UFO sightings, that the man had manipulated the photographs and fabricated the story.

In each case, both sides – the believers and the skeptics – find evidence to support their claims. Those who believe in UFOs and alien visitations cite facts that they claim cannot otherwise be explained. Those who are skeptical offer their own explanations along with their own supporting evidence. Which side is right? For now, that’s up to you to decide.

UFO Simply Means ‘Unidentified’ Flying Object is a post from: Tour And Travel | chefsguildofgeorgia.org

In the second of our UK airport travel guides, we will focus on the world’s busiest airport. London Heathrow.

Around 90 airlines use Heathrow as their hub, operating flights to over 180 destinations in 90 countries. Heathrow consists of four terminals, with a fifth currently under construction.

Terminal 1

All of Heathrow’s UK and Ireland flights operate from this terminal as well as some flights to long haul destinations and Europe.
Terminal 2

This terminal caters for European destinations as well as some long haul destinations.
Terminal 3

Long haul operators are the bulk users of this terminal, although some flights to Europe also operate from here.
Terminal 4

This terminal is used almost exclusively by British Airways and KLM.

Getting there

Although London by name, Heathrow is not actually situated in the Capital. London Heathrow is approximately 20 miles from the centre of London and this needs to be taken into account when getting to the airport.

Getting to the airport is relatively easy by all means of transport. London Underground (Tube) trains on the Piccadilly line go direct to the airport, taking about an hour and costing approximately 5.

Heathrow Express offer a great direct rail link from London Paddington, with a journey time of about 15 minutes. Heathrow Express operate trains every 15 minutes from Paddington and from Heathrow with a single ticket costing 14 and a return for 26.

Railair operate good coach links from principal areas, including Reading, Woking and Watford.

If you intend to travel by car to Heathrow Airport, sufficient time should be allotted as it is served by the busy M4 and M25 motorways. Sufficient car parking is available at all terminals, but we recommend booking parking in advance. This could also save you money on car parking costs.

If you had planned to stay in a hotel the night before your flight, a Hotel Hoppa bus service operates from most of the major hotels surrounding the airport, priced at 3 each way. Services run every 15 minutes through most of the day.

London Heathrow is truly an International airport and the millions of passengers who use this airport each and every year, represent nationalities from all corners of the globe.

Travel guide – UK airports – London Heathrow is a post from: Tour And Travel | chefsguildofgeorgia.org

A short weekend trip to Niagra falls doesn’t require a passport, or does it. You may want to go into Canada to see the Falls from the other side. You checklist would have covered this.

You want to fly to vegas for the weekend. break out the checklists. First, book a flight. You live in a time when you can now book flight from the comfort of you own home. Book online. Try every site at least once throughout the year. I like to find out of the way consolidator sites. They tend to have cheaper fares because the buy in bulk. the beauty of these sites is, not only are they cheap, they are like have a hidden travel treasure. Sites like http://lowairfares.com or http://aironsale.com have great names that say exactly what they do.

This is an example of why you need to use multiple sites to find airfare. Fares vary from hour to hour and it’s a competative business. That’s good for us.

So here’s my cheap airfare checklist:

* Choose a destination.
* Get to a computer & get online.
* Go to any search engine & type in “cheap airfare.”
* look through the results & choose 10 sites. Bookmark all 10, organize in travel folder. You don’t have to use all ten right away. Just have the reference available for future use.
* get 5 quotes for your proposed flight from 5 different sites. (3 major names, and 2 minor consolidators)
* choose your best fare.
* if you are not in rush, keep looking. Fares change hourly.

Below is a generic Travel checklist. Modify this list to your pesonal needs. Modify it to your types of travel.

Pre-Departure

* Passport
* Visa if needed
* Health Documentation
* Transportation Tickets
* Frequent Flyer Cards
* Emergency Information
* Insurance
* Hotel Reservations
* Travelers Checks
* Currency (both local and American)
* Credit Cards
* Guide Books and Maps (X)
* Trip Cancellation/ Medical

Information

* Copies of Passport, ID and Documents
* Special Event Reservations

Travel Gear

* Main Travel Bag (Duffle/Luggage, etc.)
* Packing Accessories (clothes, small stuff and toiletries)
* Security (Passport carrier, luggage locks/ tags)
* Document Organizer
* Everyday Bag

Everyday Basics

* Travel Clothing
* Raincoat/ Umbrella
* Travel Footwear
* Visor or Brimmed Hat
* Camera, binoculars (scopes) (X)
* Radiation Shield for Film
* Video Camera, Tapes
* CD/ Cassette Player
* Electric/ Phone Converters
* Travel Alarms
* Language Books
* Reading Materials
* Address Book
* Travel Journal
* Pen/ Pencil
* Scarf/ Bandana
* Games/ Playing Cards
* Snacks
* Hand Sanitizer/ Towlettes
* Travel Neck Pillow
* Eye Shade/ Ear Plugs
* Portable Door Lock
* Tissues/ Toilet Paper
* Keys

Maintenance Items

* Flashlight Batteries/ Bulbs (X)
* Matches or Lighter (X)
* Extra Batteries
* Sewing/ Repair Kit
* Duct Tape
* Travel Iron or Steamer
* Sink Stopper for Hotel Sinks
* Zip-Close Plastic Bags

Travel Health

* Travel Health Booklet
* Pain Reliever/ Aspirin (X)
* Cold Medicine (X)
* Contact Lens Items
* Diarrhea Medicine
* Motion Sickness Medicine
* Laxative
* Insect Protection (X)
* Sun Protection (X)
* Antibiotic Cream
* Malaria Medication
* Personal Hygiene Items
* Personal Prescriptions

Travel Checklist For Cheap Airfare is a post from: Tour And Travel | chefsguildofgeorgia.org

Why Charter a Private Business Airplane?
The following are four reasons why chartering an executive business aircraft makes good business sense:

In Flight Security – Chartering an executive business jet provides a higher level of personal security that cannot be found on most of the commercial airlines today. Dont forget that when you fly on a chartered private executive aircraft, you are renting the entire jet, not just one seat. This is why you can be sure of much greater security in terms of the protection of sensitive business information. You wont have to worry about why the guy in the seat behind you frantically scribbling away in a notebook as your meeting is going on.

Efficiency – Chartered private executive airplane passengers will save more time during departure by having direct access to the aircraft instead of waiting in long lines at the airport security screenings. Not only that, but because it is possible for the jet to wait for you at the arrival location you can depart on your own timetable. It is possible to conduct a meeting in the early afternoon and still be home in time for dinner allowing you to be back to work the following morning.

Simplicity – It is now easier than ever before to charter an executive business aircraft. One of the easiest ways of finding an aircraft charter company is on the internet. However you can also search for aircraft charter brokers who act as your private charter jet liaison and can assist you in locating the best charter company that will suit your requirements.

Status Symbol – One of the biggest bonuses offered to quite a few prized CEO’s is the use of the company jet. Many companies are noticing this, and to remain competitive in recruiting talent they have to offer the best perks. Chartering a private executive business jet has become the trend with several mid-sized businesses that cant afford to purchase their own company jet. Yet another example why the aircraft charter business is on the increase.

It may sound more expensive at first, but this can be an excellent business decision. The jet will leave when you want it to leave, and depart from, or arrive at, an airport of your choice, while avoiding the stress caused by long security delays. Furthermore, depending upon the amount of passengers, the actual price tag of chartering business aircrafts can be comparable to that of any scheduled commercial flight.

Top Four Things You Need to Know About Executive Jet Charters is a post from: Tour And Travel | chefsguildofgeorgia.org

That’s what happens to me when I’m boarding a plane. I’m wild-eyed, desperate, panicky and not listening to any reasonable thing my flying companion is telling me. When I’m boarding a plane I need a cheat sheet; a quick reference guide of simple statements that I know to be true but am unable to think of on my own. Here are some from my personal list:

1. There are millions of people on thousands of flights EVERY DAY that are very routine and never make the news.
2. The plane was designed to be in the air, that’s where it performs best.
3. Air is a thick fluid, a lot like jello. The plane is being supported by big columns of “jello air”. It has substance even though I can’t see it.
4. Turbulence in a plane is like being in a car going over a bump in the road. It doesn’t hurt the plane. The wings will not fall off.
5. The plane is designed to handle more stress than any normal flying situation will deliver.
6. The pilots and flight crew do this every day, the sky is their office, they are professionals.
7. The pilots go through extensive repetitive training for every possible situation, even ones I haven’t thought of.
8. The plane has many backup systems and is capable of flying safely with several systems not functions perfectly.
9. The sounds I hear are normal and mean the plane is functioning correctly.
10. This flight will not last forever, I will get through it one minute at a time and then I will enjoy my destination.

Sometimes one statement has more meaning than another, it depends on which fear is bothering me the most. It can help to repeat the important points over and over. Focus on them. Make them real. I imagine myself as the pilot just going to his job; a job that he worked hard for, he dearly loves and cares deeply about. He loves to fly, and he’s going to deliver me to my destination and then turn around and take more people to their destination. I am just one of millions of people that will fly today.

Repeating these statements over and over helps me to come back to reality and out of my fog of fear. Your top 10 statements may be different. Some of them may be the same. As a fellow fearful flyer I know how hard it is to remember the facts that gave you comfort while in your living room. That’s why I’m always sure to take my cheat sheet of power statements with me on every flight.

Top 10 Fear of Flying Power Statements is a post from: Tour And Travel | chefsguildofgeorgia.org