Summer is nearly here, bringing with it ample sunshine and plenty of reasons to plan an outdoor travel adventure. Why not try British Columbia?
One Word: Whitewater Should a snapshot of the wild wave variety suit your fancy, ready your 100-watt smile and suit up for a wondrously wet whitewater rafting excursion. Where to start? Kumsheen Rafting Resort, outside of Lytton in the Thompson Okanagan region, defines family fun: guests can paddle under their own steam or simply roll with it during power rafting excursions on daily outings or multi-day family camps. With over 35 years at the helm on the legendary Thompson and Fraser rivers, Kumsheen knows a thing or two about taming the waves. Add to this, they house some cool digs for bunking down for the night: quaint cabin tents, teepees and resort lodging blend seamlessly with beach volleyball courts, a salt water swimming pool and crackling campfires. More picture-perfect whitewater adventure awaits on the Kicking Horse River in the Kootenay Rockies region; gather the family and let the love flow, with Alpine Rafting steering the way. Situated near Golden, enthusiasts can choose from a host of rafting excursions, complete with glacial waters, dramatic drops and plenty of thrills. Eager to combine a river run with a little land and air exploration? The Whitewater Discovery Package offers it all with an afternoon on the Kicking Horse River, a grizzly bear refuge tour, a gondola ride complete with sky lunch and one night’s accommodation. www.kumsheen.com; www.alpinerafting.com
Break out the Bikes for a BC-brand of Cool
Come summer at Whistler Blackcomb, it’s little wonder why bikes are boss. As the official Alpine Skiing Venue for the 2010 Winter Games, Whistler Mountain ranks as the number one lift-accessed downhill bike park in the world, thanks to its blend of gentle banked cruisers, steep rock faces and drops for expert riders. Ready for camp? Here, you’ll find sessions geared for the Whistler Mountain Bike Park: Bike Park 101 is ideal for first-timers who want to sample the park’s terrain with a guide, while Summer Gravity Camps promise coaching by top-notch athletes, including World Cup and National Downhill Champions, and Dirt Series Mountain Bike Camps feature both women-only outings along with four legendary co-ed weekends. Far from the Whistler Mountain Bike Park, one can take to the singletrack in BC’s Kootenay Rockies – where rides are sacred. With over 12 years on the trails, Sacred Rides, based near Fernie in southeastern BC, showcases a network of seemingly endless trails and challenging topography. Named by National Geographic Magazine as “#1 Mountain Bike Tour Company on Earth,” excursions with Sacred Rides range from two to 13 days; multi-day treks can include whitewater splashes, horseback riding, and heli-biking, along with backcountry lodging and tasty menus. Indeed, you’re sure to be in good hands; noted as BC’s first adventure operator to offer singletrack mountain bike holidays, Sacred Rides is wholly dedicated to responsible riding (portions of tour revenue filter to local development and sustainability projects within their communities).www.whistlerblackcomb.com; www.sacredrides.com
British Columbia Means Big Water Adventure
In British Columbia, an ocean of kayaking adventures awaits, with more than a few shores perfect for launch. Synonymous with adventure, the Broken Group Islands, situated off the west coast of Vancouver Island, is simply a kayaker’s dream; here you’ll find an archipelago of more than a hundred islands and islets in Barkley Sound. From April through October, Majestic Ocean Kayaking mans the paddles during half-day, full-day and multi-day glides through quiet coves and sheltered bays; hands-on instruction mingles with the promise of eagle, sea lion and even whale sightings. With a base in Ucluelet, just south of the Broken Group Islands, Majestic Ocean Kayaking supplies gourmet lunch on a sandy shore, treks into an old growth forest and cosy beach-front camp accommodations ideal for multi-day excursions. In the province’s Haida Gwaii, or Queen Charlotte Islands, July marks the beginning of ocean kayak adventures which blend wilderness terrain, a distinctive ecosystem and a storied First Nations heritage. Set amid the Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve and Haida Heritage Site in Northern BC, Kingfisher Wilderness Adventures promises eight to 15-day sea kayak expeditions, all within an area hailed as Canada’s Galapagos (this archipelago is a hotbed for uniquely evolved flora and fauna). And with opportunities to visit remote Haida villages and cultural sites sheltering the remains of long houses and a handful of still-standing mortuary and memorial poles, you’re assured adventure, complete with a deeply defined sense of wonder. Time to test the waters. www.oceankayaking.com; www.kingfisher.ca
BC Offers Family Fun Outside of the Box
Should you have aspirations to suspend reality, or simply leave things open to interpretation, gather the family for a bit of fun far from the beaten path. On Vancouver Island, it’s all about WildPlay Nanaimo. Here’s the breakdown: the attraction’s Tree Course, an elevated tree-to-tree obstacle course within a Douglas fir setting, proves a lofty playground, some 10 to 50 feet off the ground (think: zip lines, suspended bridges, scramble nets and swinging logs). “Three-two-one-bungee!” might just be your mantra when you take the big jump in bungee territory, a.k.a. WildPlay’s 140-foot bridge, or perhaps when you settle into your paragliding harness at the King Swing. The latter, not for the timid, literally launches riders into the atmosphere, like a slingshot, at speeds of up to 140 kilometres per hour. Still feel your legs? Catch your breath and fly across the Nanaimo River on the Canyon Zip, a high-flying zipline that passes under the bungee bridge. For a change in temperature, heat it up in the Thompson Okanagan; here one can discover a microclimate that’s more than a little out of the ordinary. Kelowna, the region’s largest city, boasts over 2,000 hours of sunshine per year, and falls within the northernmost tip of the Sonora Desert – as a result, cacti, rattlesnakes and even black widow spiders share digs with some pretty fascinating extinct volcanoes and rock formations. Indeed, nearby Layer Cake Mountain, with its distinctive “layered” exterior, is a favourite for those seeking a unique glimpse of the landscape. Need a little adventure with your cake? Let the folks at Monashee Adventure Tours lead the way: a half day out-of-doors excursion to Layer Cake includes a leisurely hike to the mountain, nourishment and liquids, transportation, plus an in-depth look at the scenery and its resident critters, courtesy of your guide. www.wildplayparks.com; www.monasheeadventuretours.com
All Trails Lead to BC
Favor an outing that is sure of foot? Lace up, break out the BC map and… you get the idea. First stop: the Sunshine Coast. Point your hiking boots north of Vancouver, and you’ll find the coast’s namesake trail, which spans 180 kilometres (120 miles) from the ferry terminal in Saltery Bay up the coast to Sarah Point at the entrance to Desolation Sound. Wonder how long it would take to make the journey? Plan for 10 stride-filled days. The Sunshine Coast Trail, nestled in the Vancouver, Coast & Mountains region, proves a breathtaking gem which houses plenty of perks: with two dozen access points, section hiking allows for a myriad of terrain including old growth groves, temperate rainforest valleys, and secluded stretches of beaches. For those eager to hike the length of the trail, evenings can be spent at campsites situated along ocean shores, creeks or on mountain ridges. For a bit of elevation, on the other side of the province there’s another excursion aimed to keep your head in the clouds. Canadian Mountain Holidays (CMH) has revolutionized higher altitude excursions with an array of heli-hiking trips for every skill level. In July, ready for three or four-day Short Escapes into the Kootenay Rockies and Thompson Okanagan regions; Family Trips, also slated for July, in the Kootenay Rockies, pledge views of mysterious ancient forests, million-year-old rock formations and emerald glacial lakes. There’s even some fun for the gal pals with Bodacious in the Bugaboos, August 26 – 29 and Bodacious in the Bugaboos – Let’s Get Vertical!, August 29 – September 1, each offering mountain-top hikes, energizing yoga, muscle-melting massages and more than your share of laughs with the ladies. Just don’t forget the sunscreen. www.sunshinecoastcanada.com; www.canadianmountainholidays.com
Project Successfully Reduces Overall Nitrogen Oxide Emissions by an Unprecedented 22 Tons per Year
In 2001, before the green movement was on the radar of most local businesses, San Diego Harbor Excursion voluntarily initiated a series of eco-friendly engine modifications on six of its vessels to dramatically reduce the fleet’s environmental impact. In addition, the company added two new vessels to the fleet built with the same eco-friendly specifications. Now, with the engine overhaul project complete, San Diego’s oldest and most established touring company is pleased to announce that in the past seven years it has successfully reduced overall nitrogen oxide emissions, or NOx, by an average of 22 tons per year.
San Diego Harbor Excursion has already removed 240 tons of dangerous, smog-producing NOx from the San Diego Air Basin. That is the equivalent of thousands of daily vehicle trips.
San Diego Harbor Excursion invested over $600,000 in order to install the lowest emission technology available in its six heaviest operating vessels . Such a costly undertaking was certainly not the company’s only option for greening its fleet. One less expensive option would have been to switch from fossil fuel to bio-diesel fuel, or bio-organic fuel made of plant and animal substances, as a means of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. However, several reports, including a 2007 study by Nobel Laureate Paul Crutzen, found that the use of biodiesel fuel may actually emit more NOx than the fossil fuel it replaces.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), nitrogen oxide forms when fuel is burned at high temperatures, such as in the use of motor vehicles, electric utilities and other industrial, commercial and residential sources that require the burning of fuels to operate. The NOx emitted by these sources has been linked to serious environmental impacts, such as increased smog levels, water quality deterioration, acid rain formation and added greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, causing a gradual rise in the earth’s temperature. All of these effects lead to increased health risks, a rise in the sea level and other adverse changes to plant and animal habitats.
As a leading tenant of the San Diego Unified Port District, San Diego Harbor Excursion has taken a lead role in maintaining San Diego Bay’s water quality. The eco-friendly engine renovation project has not only had a significant impact on the county’s air resources, but has also had a large impact on the bay’s aquatic life. Greener engines help decrease nitrogen levels in the ocean allowing aquatic plants and animals to get the nutrients and oxygen they need to sustain life.
San Diego Harbor Excursion has been in operation since 1915, making it San Diego’s oldest and most established touring company. The company provides numerous services including, private and corporate charters, harbor tours, ferry and water taxi transportation, nature cruises, whale watching excursions and gourmet dinner and brunch cruises. For more information, please call (800)442-7847 or visit www.sdhe.com.
The best part of my job is I get to meet incredible women around the world. And last night I got to hang out with Ali Hewson – you know the wife of Bono and the founder of the incredible clothing line EDUN. Clary Sage Organics on Fillmore Street in San Francisco hosted a private VIP cocktail party for her latest line of organic clothes.
EDUN specializes in Organic Clothing, Graphic Tees, and Eco Clothing with a mission to drive sustainable employment in developing economies. The company was founded in 2005 by Ali Hewson and Bono.
EDUN is a for-profit business founded on the premise of trade, not aid as a means of building sustainable communities. The company works on a micro-level to help build the skill sets of factories where the clothes are produced. EDUN is currently produced in India, Peru, Tunisia, Kenya, Uganda, Lesotho, Mauritius and Madagascar.
Ali and me
In addition, EDUN acts as a voice encouraging the fashion community to do business in Africa and thereby help bring the continent out of extreme poverty. In 1980, Africa had 6% share of the world trade. By 2002, this had dropped to just 2% despite Africa having 12% of the world’s population. If Africa could regain just an additional 1% share of global trade, it would earn $70 billion more in exports each year. This is several times more than what the region currently receives in international assistance.
Ali and Melina
Really, what could be cooler? Married to Bono and creating sustainable communitees throughout the world.
If you’re like me and always wonder how some women can leave the runway after an 18 hour flight and still look fresh and fashionable, here’s a hint.
A very fashion-savvy friend of mine travels almost non-stop for work and always brings only a carry-on. Her secret is that she has an endless stash of yoga clothes that she pairs with a great jacket or cashmere sweater tied over her shoulders. She said that ever since she found some beautifully designed yoga apparel, it’s a snap to pack since everything fits in a carry on, is color-coordinated, washable, and can be worn starting from an early morning work-out all the way to a night on the town-with a few nice jewels!
Immediately after landing I researched a bunch of Yoga clothing companies and found two standouts for traveling in style: Zobha and Be Present.
Zobha is a Sanskrit word meaning grace, beauty and brilliance, which their apparel exemplifies with it’s superior fit and high style fashion statement. Founder Jamie Hanna, pays attention to detail by providing many thoughtful touches such printing on their labels, all seams are sewn flat so non- irritating, tops have a shelf-bra liner for added support and The Essential Pant, comes in two lengths, so I finally have a pair that’s long enough for boots.
P.s. Their tops rule when it comes to femininity, with just the right touch of sexy for a hot date.
Be Present is a Colorado-based family owned company which began in 2002 when Amy Lopatin Dobrin decided to create versatile, stylish clothing for the yoga lifestyle. It was also important that the clothes dried quickly (yeah!) and were eco- conscious. (Just check out her environmentally P.C. exclusive Bamboo knits–made from 95% bamboo / 5% Lycra. Not only do they fit great, but they are also naturally wicking, breathable, odor-reducing, anti-bacterial, in other words, perfect for travel.)
Plus you can have some fun with your color choices since they are based on the seven chakras, symbolizing energy centers in the body. For example, if you need more grounding, choose red, a root chakra, attributed to stability and inner strength, which is just what you need to get through the rigors of air travel.
The Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa in Sonoma, CA, the heart of the Nothern California wine country, is offering a great package for a tasting trip of some of the area’s best wineries. The Sonoma Valley Sommelier Experience Package includes three nights’ accomodation, a reserve wine tasting at the Chateau St. Jean winery, an eco-hike and private tour at the Kunde Estate Estate & Vineyards, and much more, including tours and tastings at ten other participating wineries. The package starts at $800 for one person, and $1250 for two, with suite upgrades available for $50 per night. The package is only available April 5 – 8, 2009. So book soon, and happy tasting!
Photo Credit: Denise Chambers/Weaver Multimedia Group
With the current economy, many families are looking for values when planning their 2009 summer vacation. Colorado is offering special travel packages to make it affordable for families to take an unforgettable getaway that many feel is crucial to family bonding. From rafting adventures to camping at hundreds of campsites across the state, Colorado offers a summer vacation option for just about any family. Below is a selection of family vacation packages in Colorado. For more information or additional Colorado travel deals, visit: www.colorado.com
In Vail, An Epic Summer Family Adventure Awaits. Vail Resorts is introducing Epic Summer: three and six night all-inclusive family vacation adventure packages in Keystone, Breckenridge, Vail and Beaver Creek. Families will embark on locally-guided adventure experiences, including whitewater rafting; horseback riding; gondola rides; family-friendly naturalist hikes; mountaintop picnics; a gold mine tour; gold panning; a Wild West cowboy campfire dinner, complete with wagon rides and storytelling; and more. All meals are included and carefully planned to reflect the character and flavor of the Rocky Mountain West. Both itineraries include experienced guides, accommodations in nicely-appointed condominiums or lodge rooms in Keystone or Breckenridge, all activities, transportation to/from all activities, ground transfers to/from Denver International Airport and all meals. Airfare is not included. Vail will offset the carbon impacts associated with the lodging and transportation portion of each guest’s trip. Recommended for children ages 6 and older. Booking starts on April 1 for travel from June 26 through Sept. 6, 2009. 888-538-EPIC (3742);www.epicsummer.com
Ruby, Take Your Kids to Town! The Ruby of Crested Butte, the newest and most posh bed and breakfast in Crested Butte, is offering a “Butterflies, Tots, and Forget-Me-Nots” family vacation package for less than $80 per person, per night for a family of four. The nearby Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory offers a Kids Nature Camp in June and July, allowing kids to learn about our fascinating natural world through exploration of meadows, forests, and mountains. Games, hikes, crafts, and scavenger hunts make learning easy and fun in this spectacular mountain town. The package includes daily breakfast and a half-day Kids Nature Camp Program (based on program dates and availability). 800-390-1338;www.gunnisoncrestedbutte.com
A Luxury Family Respite at The BROADMOOR. The BROADMOOR, Colorado Springs’ iconic luxury hotel, is offering spring break family packages starting at just $85 per night, per person (double occupancy) – a 40 percent discount off of published rates, not including taxes. Plus, children 10 and under stay and eat free when accompanied by a paying adult. From March 1 – April 22, families enjoy complimentary access to The Broadmoor Movie Theater, 50 percent discount on adult admission to the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, and a $75 resort credit (minimum three night stay) or a $150 resort credit (minimum four night stay). Guests will also enjoy a 15% discount on select services in the world-class BROADMOOR Spa. 866-837-9520;www.broadmoor.com
Camping In Colorado Is ‘In Tents!’ The plains of eastern Colorado boast 23 state wildlife areas, three state parks, and national grasslands that allow visitors a glimpse of the land as the early settlers might have seen it. Travelers can even see remnants of the Santa Fe Trail etched into the plains. There are several campgrounds in this area, including Jackson Lake State Park, which offers 260 campsites, many of which are available year-round. Activities at Jackson Lake State Park include wildlife watching, fishing, hiking, swimming, and watersports. Nearly all campsites have electric hookups and can be rented for as little as $8 per night! Campsites may be reserved up to 72 hours prior to your arrival. 800-678-2267;http://parks.state.co.us/Parks/JacksonLake/Camping/
I Can See For Miles and Miles. This summer, treat the kids to a look into the ancient past of the Ancestral Puebloan people at Mesa Verde National Park, the nation’s richest archeological preserve. The “Family Values” package at the Far View Lodge starts at less than $60 per person, per night for two adults and two children 11 and under, not including taxes. The package includes two nights’ accommodations, full American breakfast daily, complimentary dinner for children for two nights and a half-day ranger-guided bus tour of Mesa Verde’s ancient sites including Cliff Palace, the largest cliff dwelling in North America. The lodge, at 8,500 feet in elevation, is one of the highest hotels in the country, offering views that span more than a hundred miles. 800-449-2288;www.visitmesaverde.com
Denver Family Fun at the JW Marriott. At the JW Marriott in Denver’s Cherry Creek neighborhood, families get the VIP treatment with packages including four tickets to the Denver Zoo, coloring book and scavenger hunt, complimentary children’s movie, milk and cookies at turn down, a shopping passport offering discounts at children’s stores, and more. Concierge tip: book a mountain-view room and enjoy spectacular views of the Rocky Mountains and the Denver skyline. Packages start at just $235 per night, double occupancy. Use promotional code FML when booking. 866-706-7814; www.jwmarriottdenver.com
Spring Thaw in Glenwood Springs. From April 1 through May 21, travelers can take advantage of hotel rates starting at just $84 per night in beautiful Glenwood Springs. Thaw out in the largest natural hot springs pool in the world, the Glenwood Hot Springs Pool, which measures two blocks long, or relax at the Hot Springs Spa. Families can also check out Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, a one-of-a-kind mountain-top vacation destination offering a scenic Tramway, the Historic Fairy Caves; pan for gemstones; take a trail ride on gentle, well-trained horses; try the climbing wall or mechanical bull; and enjoy a virtual Conestoga wagon ride, fort-style maze, bungee trampoline and more.www.visitglenwood.com;www.springsthaw.com
Discover Your Inner Cowboy at Sylvan Dale Ranch. Located near Fort Collins, the 3,200 acre working ranch in the scenic Colorado foothills, provides families with not-to-be-forgotten western adventures including cattle drives, roundups, riding instruction, family rides, breakfast rides, and overnight pack trips. Plus a number of activities such as whitewater rafting, hiking, skeet shooting, guided rock-climbing and fly-fishing. In the evening, enjoy cowboy cookouts and great entertainment. All-inclusive, week-long packages start at $1765 per week for adults and $995 for children.www.sylvandale.com
Family Escape to Historic Pueblo. The Pueblo Marriott Hotel is located in the heart of historic downtown Pueblo next to the Pueblo River Walk. The hotel’s “Escape! Family Package” includes a free in-room movie, $10 snack gift credit for the hotel’s gift shop and breakfast daily for two adults and three kids. Rates start at $149 per night, available through August 18, 2009. Pueblo is home to the top-ranked Buell Children’s Museum, a 12,000 square-foot facility offering innovative, hands-on exhibits focusing on the arts, science and history. The museum features “Sensations” – a high-tech, multi-sensory exhibit in which visitors activate lights, sound clips and video by pressing 50 separate sensors located on floors and walls. Families will also enjoy the Pueblo Zoo, located minutes from the hotel. 800-228-9290;www.marriott.com
Photo credit: Matt Inden/Weaver Multimedia Group
ABOUT COLORADO
Colorado is a four-season destination offering unparalleled adventure and recreational pursuits, a thriving arts scene, a rich cultural heritage, flavorful cuisine, and renowned ski resort areas. The state’s breathtaking scenic landscape boasts natural hot springs, the headwaters of four major rivers, many peaceful lakes and reservoirs, 10 national parks and monuments, and 54 mountain peaks that top 14,000 feet. For more information or a copy of the Colorado Official State Vacation Guide, call 1-800-COLORADO or visitwww.COLORADO.com
The beautiful Spindrift Inn in Monterey, California, is offering double rooms for just $149 a night. The Spindrift is located right on world-famous Cannery Row, which makes it the perfect place to stay in Monterey: you’ll be close to all the shops, wineries, beaches, and of course the incredible Monterey Bay Aquarium. The Spindrift even offers an Aquarium Package, which includes overnight accomodation for two, and VIP admission for two adults into the aquarium. And don’t forget to check out all the amazing hiking trails in Monterey, and the stunning coastal views Highway 1 has to offer!
Volunteer work? Earth Day? Coastal preservation? The coinage of a new word (voluntourism!) – Sign me up now!
Although a volunteer vacation is not a new concept, the travel industry has recently seen a growing interest in getaways that combine philanthropic work with leisurely activity. The feel-good, do-good vacation, also known as “voluntourism,” is a rewarding way to make a difference in the lives of other people.
This Earth Week, Lake Quinault Lodge and Kalaloch Lodge in the Olympic Peninsula are inviting guests to help preserve a bit of history and clear up public beaches through their second annual Earth Day “Volunteer Vacation.”
- On Saturday, April 18, 2009, volunteers will work with the Washington Clean Coast Alliance to pick up waste and tidy up the beaches at Kalaloch.
- Then the following Saturday, April 25, 2009, volunteers can assist the Park Service in restoring the Kestner Homestead property from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Later that evening, Lake Quinault will host a barbecue on Saturday afternoon as a token of its appreciation for the volunteers.
Why the Kestner Homestead? More than a century ago, Anton Kestner ventured through the Quinault Rainforest looking for the perfect place to claim land under the Homestead Act of 1862. He and his family built a cabin on the North Shore and lived on the homestead for nearly 40 years before passing it to the Olympic National Park. Since then the park service has developed a trail into the Homstead which is in the first phase of restoration.
In conjunction with the volunteer events, Lake Quinault Lodge and Kalaloch Lodge are offering the “Earth Day Working Vacation” deals* for guests, available only online.
-On the nights of April 17 and 18, the voluntourists can stay in a Seacrest room for $99, or a cabin starting at $109. The rates include a one-night stay and boxed lunches for two.
-On April 24, guests can receive a one-night stay in a Lakeside or Main Lodge room at Lake Quinault Lodge and enjoy the barbecue for two for just $108. Additional nights can be added at just $89 a night.
As an added bonus, both lodges will give guests an additional $15 gift certificate if they arrive in style- seated in or on a green vehicle-as part of the “Every Day is Earth Day” promotion. The gift certificate can be used in the lodges’ gift shop, store or restaurant.
*Based on double occupancy. Extra rates apply to additional adults. New reservations only, based upon availability, special rates do not include taxes, fees, or gratuities. Inventory is limited and some blackout dates may apply, rates based on double occupancy. Additional people and pet fees apply.
Are you a writer? Does travel writer, freelancer, or editor fit your title?
Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism invites you to participate in a Travel Writer Competition to win a three-night Media Tour to the Bellingham-Mt. Baker Region in 2009.
Three categories:
1) Adventure Travel in June
2) Culinary Travel in July
3) Cultural Travel in October
Write one paragraph about yourself and your interests, describing the markets you write for and why your audiences might be interested in Bellingham, WA as a travel destination. Email entries to media@bellingham.org by Friday, April 30, 2009 with the press tour of your choice in the subject line.
Tours include accommodations, meals and pre-scheduled activities for the writer. Travel expenses considered case by case.
The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, called on the world to come to London for the experience of a lifetime, as he announced a new international marketing campaign to boost overseas visitors to the capital.
The Mayor launched the campaign on The London Eye, one of the capital’s most popular and unique attractions, on the first day of British Tourism Week.
Funded by the London Development Agency, the global campaign will be called “Only in London” and focus on the unique and exceptional experiences, sights and attractions that make this city such a popular destination for visitors from all over the world. It will also encourage Londoners to enjoy the distinctive and rich diversity of their own city.
Mayor Boris Johnson said: “Only in London can you visit the historic Houses of Parliament in the morning, ride the London Eye in the afternoon, and see a wonderful West End Show before deciding which of the world’s cuisines to sample in its many restaurants. As well as the massive choice of things to do and see, our overseas visitors will find London even greater value for money today. They’ll see that their travel budget buys so much more in London and the only limit to their enjoyment will be not having enough hours in the day to fit it all in.”
To celebrate the campaign announcement, Visit London has also launched “Only in London 100″ – one hundred examples of what makes the capital a unique place in the world to visit. These include:
- Ride the world’s highest cantilevered observation wheel, the London Eye.
- See the Rosetta Stone at the British Museum.
- Enjoy strawberries and cream at Wimbledon Centre Court.
- Drink at Europe’s longest champagne bar at St Pancras International.
- Discover where Hugh Grant met Julia Roberts in the movie Notting Hill.
- Shop at the Queen’s grocer, Fortnum & Mason’s.
- Watch the 2009 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships at the 02.
Visit London will be promoting further examples throughout the campaign. The full “Only
in London 100″ list is available by visiting www.visitlondon.com
