Oct 19, 2008

Fiji Adventure Travel

Fiji Adventure Travel

"Traveling to Fiji may very well be an adventure in and of itself, but not until you reach the tropical paradise will you realize what Fiji adventure is truly all about. Perhaps that is the mysterious allure of the exotic Fiji Islands. They are a place that is perfect for rest and relaxation, as well as being a place to find some of the world's greatest adventures. Whether you love to play underwater as an honorary fish, surf with the dolphins or explore Fiji's tropical and mountainous interior terrain, there's something for every adventurous heart, even if you only feel like watching the surfers from your comfortable spot on the beach."

Fiji Adventure Travel

Oct 16, 2008

New Green Hotel Bookings Site launches : TerraCurve.com - Responsible travel news, places, people and events.

New Green Hotel Bookings Site launches

October 15th, 2008 in Featured • News • Products and Services

John Glen DiGuiseppe, Founder/CEO of Investors Hospitality Management (IHM), has just announced the launch of new green hotel booking website GreenHotelBookings.com.

Throughout the travel industry, the hospitality sector has increasingly become far more aware of not only its own responsibility to the environment as well as surrounding individual communities, but to the desires for travelers to be able to choose “greener” options in their travels. Hotels, inns, B&B’s and more have taken to adopting programs such as the utilization of eco-friendly products and supplues, robust recycling programs, energy efficiency, water re-use, and much more.

Meanwhile, certification programs sprout up on a weekly basis; some are government funded (both state and federal agencies), while others are private organizations, aiming to become the next “standard” in green travel. There are many green hotel certification standards with varying levels of compliance.

However, this next standard has yet to be adopted, so consumers have had no place to go that easily displayed all the hotels that met at least one of these qualifications. Greenhotelbookings.com, a new website by John Glen DiGuiseppe, Founder/CEO of Investors Hospitality Management (IHM), is an “attempt to help both the hotel operators and the consumer by providing a place where they can both find what they are looking for.”

Property managers can locate information about certification and be listed on GHB. On the other hand, consumers can search for qualified properties that meet their particular requirements.

GreenHotelBookings.com recommends that hotels pursue certification from outside agencies, however, has established it’s own three tier program to categorize properties that are using eco-friendly products and procedures in their operation. The tiers provide a measure that property owners can use to identify their current level and examine the requirements for other levels they may want to achieve.

Green Hotel Level I:

Use of eco-friendly cleaning products, including General Purpose, Bathroom, Glass and Carpet Cleaning
Must use at least one ENERGY STAR appliance

Green Hotel Level II:

Meet Level I Requirements
Use of eco-friendly paper products - Consumable Paper Products shall be made from recycled fibers
Linen and Towel Reuse Program – Property shall implement and execute a well designed Linen and Towel Re-use program for all Guest Rooms

Green Hotel Level III:

Meet Level I Requirements
Meet Level 2 Requirements
Recycling Program – Property shall establish and maintain recycling programs for the common areas, administrative areas, and Guest rooms. The Guest Room Receptacle must be clearly identified for Glass, Paper, Aluminum, & Plastic.
Lighting – All Guest Room Lighting shall be Energy Efficient. No incandescent lighting is acceptable in Floor, Desk, Table or Nightstand lamps. Bathroom lighting shall be either Linear Fluorescent, Compact Fluorescent or a combination of each type
High Efficiency Plumbing Fixtures – Property shall use the following: 2.2 GPM Faucets with 1.5 GPM or less aerators, the shower heads shall be 2.5 GPM or less , and the toilet shall be 1.6 GPF or less.

“This is not a referral program nor a fee-based system but a free, actual verifiable green hotels booking engine, which, through its affiliation with bookings.com, Expedia, Orbitz, etc., provides reservations services in more than 18 languages for domestic and international visitors in quest of supporting sustainable hospitality in worldwide hotels and luxury estates,” DiGuiseppe says. “IHM conceived, developed and trademarked www.greenhotelbookings.com as a dual-focused site which both provides varied certification levels of green hotels, offering consulting to assist venues with methods to acquire higher sustainability accreditation, while simultaneously providing a free international booking system.”

“Over 50 percent of travelers book their travel online,” says Sean Kane, director of operations for IHM. Noting that many smaller hotels do not realize the significant percentage of this business opportunity, IHM has carved yet another niche into its portfolio of hospitality services to capture market share from Asian and European travelers in response to the economy’s current forecast.

“Through IHM’s service, hotels can strategize and/or adjust rates for distressed inventory within a 24/48 hour time period to maximize occupancy and sell rooms,” Kane says.

New Green Hotel Bookings Site launches : TerraCurve.com - Responsible travel news, places, people and events.

Oct 15, 2008

Sustainable Practices: Environmental Tips for Green Hotels

Sustainable Solutions for Green Hotels

This page lists sustainable practices that hotels can implement. Hotels can keep up to date on green lodging news at greenlodgingnews.com. If you would like to encourage hotels you stay at to implement these ideas, consider printing this information and dropping it off at the front desk or mailing it in with the hotel's comment card.

Start a linen (both towels and sheets) reuse program in all guest rooms. One company that sells guest information signs is www.projectplanetcorp.com.
Install low-flow showerheads and sink aerators.
Switch to low-flow toilets or install toilet-tank fill diverters. To learn more about low-flow toilets, go to www.plmg.com/crtoilet.htm.
Switch to compact fluorescent light bulbs in guestrooms, lobbies, and hallways. Use sensors and/or timers for areas that are infrequently used.
Whenever possible, buy food and guest amenities in bulk (i.e., use refillable hair and skin care dispensers).
Educate your staff to turn off lights and turn down heating/air conditioning when rooms are unoccupied. Also, during summer months, to close the drapes.
Install window film to lower heating and cooling loads and reduce glare in guestrooms.
Provide guestroom recycler baskets for newspaper, white paper, glass, aluminum, cardboard, and plastic.
Provide recycling bins both in public areas (i.e., poolside), in the kitchen, and in the back office (including one at each desk) to make recycling as easy as possible.
Buy office and guest amenity products that contain recycled material. For company listings, access the Recycled-Content Product Directory (www.ciwmb.ca.gov/RCP/Search.asp) and/or the Recycled Plastics Product Directory (www.plasticsresource.com).
Buy organic, fair trade, cruelty-free guest amenity products whenever possible:
- bedding (www.organiccottondirectory.net and www.fairtradefederation.org)
- hair and body care (www.ecomall.com/biz/body.htm and www.caringconsumer.com/resources_companies.asp)
- coffee and tea (www.transfairusa.org)
- etc.
Use recycled paper products (with high post-consumer recycled content) that are either unbleached or bleached using a chlorine-free process. Minimize the amount of paper used for each guest (i.e., reduce paper size of invoices, etc.). Print with soy-based inks.
Use nontoxic or least toxic cleaners, sanitizers, paints, pesticides, etc. throughout the hotel. Make sure all chemicals are stored safely in a well-ventilated area.
Purchase "Energy Star" appliances wherever possible (Energy Star for Hospitality (www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=hospitality.bus_hospitality) provides detailed information about energy saving appliances and monitoring systems). Replace old washing machines with both water and energy conserving models.
If the hotel has a pool and/or hot tub, install a solar water heating system and use pool and hot tub covers when the pool area is closed.
Provide your guests with bicycles, walking maps, and information on public transportation.
Provide reusable items such as cloth napkins, glass cups, ceramic dishes, etc. with all food and beverage services.
Provide glass cups and ceramic mugs (instead of plastic) for in-room beverages. Place cups and mugs upside down on paper doilies (instead of covering opening with a plastic wrapping).
Use daylight exclusively in your lobby, bar, and restaurant for as much of the day as possible. Consider installing skylights if needed.
Donate leftover food to a local nonprofit organization and/or use a compost bin.
If your hotel has a restaurant, consider transitioning it into a Certified Green Restaurant (www.dinegreen.com). Buy organic, locally-grown food and/or plant an organic garden to provide fresh produce for your guests.
Switch to drought resistant native plants in garden areas. Replace mowed landscaping with native ground cover.
Replace exit signs with Light Emitting Diode (LED) exit signs.
Include filter changes, coil cleaning, thermostat calibration, and damper adjustments in your ongoing maintenance plan.
Monitor, record and post rates of energy and water use. Make repairs or replace equipment when rate changes indicate problems.
Use an energy management system (EMS) to tie in air handling units, HVAC, and lighting to prevent conditioning space when it is not necessary.
Create an incentive program to encourage your staff to participate in and improve upon environmentally-friendly practices.
Use proper insulation and reflective roof coverings.
When doing construction or remodeling projects, contact the U.S. Green Building Council (www.usgbc.org) to learn about the nationally accepted standards for green buildings (called LEED). Buy previously used or recycled-content products whenever possible. For company listings, access the Recycled-Content Product Directory (www.ciwmb.ca.gov/RCP/Search.asp) and/or the Recycled Plastics Product Directory (www.plasticsresource.com).
Consult outside sources to evaluate the total system when replacing major mechanical equipment (such as chiller, water tower, etc). Often, this can lead to downsizing and other opportunities to reduce both the initial investment and operating costs.
Replace electric package terminal air conditioner (PTAC) units with more efficient heat pumps or other geothermal technologies.
Donate leftover guest amenities, old furniture and appliances to charities.
If available, schedule an energy audit through your local energy provider.
If your hotel has a gift shop, consider purchasing fair trade products. A list of wholesalers can be found at: www.fairtradefederation.org/memwhl.html.
Offer discounted rates to sustainable living/environmental organizations who would like stay at and/or hold meetings at your hotel.

Resources:

Descriptions of available hotel certification programs (http://www.bostongreentourism.org/Certification_Programs.html)
EPA's Energy Star for Hospitality (www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=hospitality.bus_hospitality)
Green Seals Lodging Certification (http://www.greenseal.org/programs/lodging.cfm)
U.S. Green Building Council's LEED Certification (http://www.usgbc.org/DisplayPage.aspx?CMSPageID=64)
EcoLogo for Accomodation Facilities (from TerraChoice and Audubon International) (http://www.ecologo.org/en/seeourcriteria/details.asp?ccd_id=365)
Green Globe 21 - Sustainable 21st Century Tourism (www.greenglobe21.com)
"Green" Hotels Association (www.greenhotels.com)
Environmentally Sound Hotel Management Links (excellent resource) (pasture.ecn.purdue.edu/~epados/hotel/src/contact_ww.htm)
Books on ecotourism and sustainable tourism.
Great example of a green hotel: www.orchardgardenhotel.com.

Sustainable Practices: Environmental Tips for Green Hotels

Oct 12, 2008

Wind Powered Tram: Melbourne Australia

Seen on the streets of Melbourne is this wind powered tram. No it's not a tram with sails, but it is using power bought from a wind farm. The tram is currently running on Route 96 from St Kilda Beach to East Brunswick.

Wind Powered Tram
itravelnet.com Travel Blog

Oct 11, 2008

AdventureUs.com | Fiji Adventure Package, offered by Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco Adventure Resort

Fiji Adventure Package

Offered by Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco Adventure Resort

True adventure can only be found in those pristine, out of the way places where new experiences and cultures combine into a life changing experience.

Come experience this awesome adventure at Matava on Kadavu and immerse yourself in world class adventure activities in this outer island paradise.

Dive the world renowned Great Astrolabe Reef and Kadavu's all year round Manta Reef with Manta rays, devil rays and sharks, then spend a day with Matava Gamefishing Charters to catch some yellowfin tuna for fresh sashimi for dinner.

Follow that up with a day's sea kayaking the inlets and mangrove bays of Kadavu with award winning Tamarillo Sea Expeditions.
At the end of each day indulge in the comfort of your own private en-suite bure at Matava, Fiji's Premier Eco Adventure Resort, directly on the Great Astrolabe Reef while enjoying the adventure of a lifetime.

* 7 nights in Oceanview Traditional Bure
* 1 day Gamefishing with Matava Gamefishing Charters
* 1 day sea kayaking with Tamarillo Expeditions
* 1 day 2 tank dive or "Intro to Diving" lesson
* All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner, unlimited tea/coffee)
* Airport and boat transfers to/from Kadavu airport
* All taxes

Price F$1949 per person

(price based on Double Occupancy and valid to 31st March 2009)

Photos

AdventureUs.com | Fiji Adventure Package, offered by Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco Adventure Resort

Oct 5, 2008

Best coach seats on Singapore 747

Assuming you're flying coach on a Singapore Airlines 747, the hot ticket is to get in rows 61-64(or the equivalent on other airliens configurations), seats A/C or H/K.

The normal configuration of the plane is 3/5/3 but because the fuselage narrows at the back, the seats there are 2/4/2. This gives you a bit more room to place things on the floor or even stretch out a bit and there's an area behind row 64 that's good for standing to stretch out legs and get the blood flowing.

Plus the bathrooms are in the back. Singapore does meal service back-to-front so you get fed first, too. (if YOU order a special meal, and Singapore airlines has quite a nice choice, YOU will always get fed first) There are only 8 of these
seats so you may have to finagle to get

Sep 11, 2008

Fiji forums: Anybody ever been to Kadavu? - TripAdvisor

Fiji-Suz

Fiji Islands
Joined: Apr 2005
Forum posts: 673
Travel map pins: 70

"BULA from Fiji -

Three cheers for Matava! It's a wonderful Eco Resort. Best things to do:

Snorkel by kayak

Kayak to a village (you can even spend the night in the village and kayak back for a unique native experience)

Do a waterfall trek

Visit the small, uninhabited outer island for sandy beaches and snorkeling

Go deep sea fishing for a day

Vist the villagers

Take a "resort course" - it just takes a couple of hours, then you can dive while you are there!

Most of all, enjoy this rugged, unique island and the wonderful people from Matava. You will probably hear back from Richard, who normally answers their emails. Tell all of them (Richard, Jeannie, or Adrian) that Susan from Fiji highly recommends Matava!"

Fiji forums: Anybody ever been to Kadavu? - TripAdvisor

Sep 8, 2008

Traveler Reviews - Thank you for an amazing stay - TripAdvisor

“Thank you for an amazing stay”

Matava - The Astrolabe Hideaway

ianmfaye

Regina, Saskatchewan

Mar 28, 2008

2/2 found this review helpful

More photos

This was a truely wonderful place to stay. We were not divers, we are eco junkies, and we found plenty to do. The hiking in the rainforest to the waterfall; to see the Fijian Children scaling cliffs and jumping into the cold freshwater was a blast. The medicine man tour. Talking to the locals about their culture. Kava nights with the Fijians. Canoeing around the resort. Some people did a night in the local village, others hung out and relaxed. We also experienced a Lovo (Fijian underground cooking)

Matava did not have a beach, but it was a short snorkel over the beautiful house reef, or canoe to the Island Waya to spend the day on the white sand beach. While on Waya, climb the Island peek to get amazing views of Kadavu, Matava Resort and the most beautiful Astrolabe reef.

Snorkling trips for 25 dollars for 2-3 hours.....WOW, I can not tell you how beautiful the corals are. The staff made sure you were safe, and kept a keen eye on you. The coral is undescribable. I think it may put the Great Barrier to shame. So Divers...this is the place for you! (Manta Rays, Sharks, corals, etc)

The staff and food is acceptional. The staff took time for us, and made sure we were taken care of. If you go; you will enjoy wonderful cooking from the kitchen ladies, and I challenge anyone to shave some coconuts. Maggie is an amazing host, and will make your stay that much better.

Accommodations are state of the Art. They are clean, well taken care of. The sheets are changed every 3 days. Oh and there is hot showers...a plus for the tropics.

Please remember before you go, that Kadavu Island is not very developed and you are in the middle of no where with limited power. It takes 45 min by boat from the airport to get you to the resort. (No Roads) Pack mosquito spray, and a flashlight. Bring extra batteries for your camera, and huge memory card. Participate and ask questions to the locals as they love to share their culture. We met many people from all over the world, and we will never forgot this place and the people that have touched our lives. You soon understand what is means to be on "Fiji Time."

Ian Faye
Regina, Saskatchewan
Canada

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.

ianmfaye's Summary

Date of Stay: February 2008

Traveled with: Spouse / significant other

Visit was for: Hobbies / interest / culture

Age group: 25-34

Member since: March 28, 2008

Would I recommend this hotel to my best friend?

absolutely!

I recommend this hotel for:

Young singles, An amazing honeymoon, A romantic getaway, Families with teenagers, Tourists

I do not recommend this hotel for:

People with disabilities, Older travelers, Great pool scene, Pet owners

I selected this hotel as a top choice for:

Beach / Sun, Outdoor / Adventure

Kadavu Island: Matava - The Astrolabe Hideaway - Traveler Reviews - Thank you for an amazing stay - TripAdvisor

Aug 17, 2008

Bure Levu (The new Main Bure Complex) - a set on Flickr

See more pics of the new Main Bure being built here:

Bure Levu (The new Main Bure Complex) - a set on Flickr

Aug 15, 2008

Green hotels on Expedia.com

Sustainable travel—also known as responsible travel, green travel, eco-tourism, and geotourism—is redefining the travel industry. Hotels and other tourism companies are being challenged to do business in an increasingly environmentally friendly, socially responsible way.

This growing demand has spurred many hotels, both large and small, to implement sustainable business practices. To recognize these pioneers, each striving toward the three main areas of sustainability—environmental protection, socio-cultural responsibility, and local economic growth—the Sustainable Tourism Criteria program was created.

Over the past year, Expedia, Inc. has supported the efforts of the United Nations Foundation, United Nations Environmental Programme, United Nations World Tourism Organization, the Rainforest Alliance, and other leading sustainable tourism experts to develop a comprehensive set of standardized global criteria to evaluate sustainable hotels and tour operators. The efforts of these industry and conservation experts will culminate in the Global Baseline for Sustainable Tourism Criteria program, that will be officially launched in October 2008 at the IUCN World Conservation Congress in Barcelona, Spain.

This program uses criteria pulled from the hundreds of existing certification programs to create a common understanding of what sustainable tourism really means—and best practices for achieving it. These criteria represent a guideline for businesses to strive toward, including a self-assessment piece missing from the current marketplace. Once in place, the Sustainable Tourism Criteria will help consumers, the travel industry, media, and even governments differentiate, recognize, and support sustainable tourism.

To demonstrate our support for this sustainability project—and to help travelers to make informed choices when planning a vacation—Expedia is highlighting hotels that comply with existing certification programs that best match the Global Baseline for Sustainable Tourism Criteria that’s being developed. But this is just the beginning.

In October, our list will be updated to only display the hotels that meet the Global Baseline for Sustainable Tourism Criteria, creating a resource travelers can use to find sustainable hotel options around the world.

Learn more about the Sustainable Tourism Criteria Initiative.

Green hotels on Expedia.com