Daily Telegraph’s Adventure Travel Show
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By Karen Dabrowska
Afghanistan and Mongolia, the final frontiers in adventure, were among the challenging destinations at this year’s four-day Adventure Travel Show organised by the Daily Telegraph in mid-January.
Noted by their absence were countries promoting desert safaris especially Jordan, Libya and the Gulf States. There was little information for the obvious adventure travel destination: Central Asia and the Silk Road. Wild Frontiers, is continuing its successful trips into Bhutan which began in March 2006 when the border with India’s Assam province was opened and also offers trips to Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmeinstan and Uzbekistan. While not for the fainthearted these destinations make for an incredible adventure travel providing the intrepid tourist with wonderful horse treks, cultural tours and activity holidays. Veteran overland tour operator, Geoff Hann of Hinterland Travel is expanding his Afghan tours which re-started in 2001, after the ousting of the taleban. A new trek starting on October 18th will follow the route taken by the British Army when it abandoned Kabul on 6 January 1842 to Jalalabad and India. Few actually made it because of the ferocious sleet, snow, ice and intense cold. Kinder weather is expected on Hinterland’s autumn trek. Hann will also be leading tours to Azerbaijan and Daghestan, Turkey, Kurdistan Iraq and Iran, Uzbekistan and the Lapis Mines of Afghanistan and an exploratory tour to Bangladesh and Burma.Wilderness Adventures Mongolia has made it possible for six explorers to travel with a local nomad family during their seasonal migration with flocks and herds up to the alpine region. The 15-day journey is an immersion into the everyday life and culture of nomadic horsemanship. The route is adventurous with long hours in the saddle, trekking at high altitudes and camping over night with some nights spent in traditional gers (tents).Amartuvshin Dorjsuren, the Director of Wilderness Adventures Mongolia described the country as a niche market where tourism is developing gradually. “There has been a lot of interest since the company was established in 2002 and the number of tourists is increasing gradually”.Mr Dorjsuren is also organising a total solar eclipse tour in August 2008. The ideal viewing location is the Gobi National Park. A visit to prehistoric paintings in Gurvan Tsenkher, a trek to Mt Munkhhairkhan, a drive through Uench Gorge and sightseeing in Ulaanbaatar are included in the tour.Visitors to Malaysia can combine jungle discoveries, mountain and rock climbing, cave exploration, river cruising, white water rafting, mountain biking, bird watching and wreck diving with visits to magnificent mosques.One of the famous is the floating mosque (Tengku Tengah Zaharah Mosque), in Terengganu. It was built on five acres of reclaimed land with its foundation in the lagoon of the Ibai river. During high tide, the water rises covering the foundation, creating the illusion of a floating mosque. Other famous mosques include the Acheen Street Malay Mosque in Penang and the pink-domed mosque in Putrajaya. It is made from rose-tinted granite and can accommodate 15,000 worshippers.The Pharoah Dive Club in El Quseir an old port introduces visitors to the quiet life of an Egyptian town with local cafes and a chance to experience Egypt off the traditional tourist route.Divers are introduced to a fantastic variety of undisturbed marine life. The club organises mini safaris to the brothers and daily diving elphinstone , renowned as some of the top diving sites in the world.. It also operates a dive school and welcomes other dive clubs and schools emphasising that “our home is your home”. Steve Rattle the club’s managing director told Islamic Tourism that the area of El Quseir & Marsa Alam are ideal location for sighting of sharks: oceanic white tips, scalloped hammerheads and threshers. The Adventure Travel Show also showcased the best that ‘voluntourism’ has to offer. No longer a preserve of gap year students, volunteering is a chance to walk the path less travelled and give something back. The options are increasingly varied: a sponsored bike ride in India, conservation work in Africa, taking a sabbatical to teach English in Nepal.Exhibitors included Global Vision who offer a feast of volunteer opportunities all over the world. “There is definitely a growing awareness amongst people about the true satisfaction that one can get by taking time to volunteer, and many forward-thinking employers are recognising this by offering sabbatical programme”, said Andy Woods-Ballard, Global Vision’s International Director of Operations. “We see lots of people who come back from volunteering with a new lease of life, enthused by their personal ability to make a difference on important humanitarian or conservation projects”.Since 2001, MondoChallenge has sent 1,000 volunteers (primarily career-breakers) from across the world to work in ten countries (Ecuador, Chile, Romania, Senegal, Gambia, Kenya, Tanzania, Nepal, India and Sri Lanka). They helped over 7,000 families.“We are not in the Middle East yet but we are growing and maybe we will get there eventually”, said Derek Reardon, who spent 30 years in the industrial gasses industry and five years as a teacher before volunteering. Reardon worked in northern Tanzania with families affected by HIV. Using the money lent by MondoChallenge one woman hired a sewing machine, bought cloth and set up a small business. Another started growing her own vegetables and selling the excess produce. Selling fired fish was another enterprise. African Conservation Experience arranges conservation placements for enthusiastic people on Game and Nature Reserves in Southern Africa where it has been working for over eight years. One of the placements is on the Nholwasi Community Project. (Nholwasi means to build and work together). Situated near Kruger National Park, the project is based in the Acorn Hoek Community. Students live in a 2000ha game reserve containing species such as giraffe, buffalo and the occasional leopard.Teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL) is another way to see the world, earn some pocket money and help local communities. The I-to team gave out copies of their publication ‘Gimme a Break: A Career Breaker’s Guide to a Life Less Ordinary’ from their impressive stand.Joe Hallwood, courses manager for I-to-I says: “Teaching English is a brilliant way to become a part of a community, rather than just travel through it – great if you’re looking for the full ‘cultural immersion’ experience. What’s more, with I-to-I, training is quick, convenient and most importantly – it won’t leave a big dent in your travel fund”.Commenting on her TEFL experience Amy Weatheritt said: “I didn’t want to be stuck in gloomy Manchester and the thought of teaching in any UK high school filled me with dread. That was when a friend suggested TEFL. I signed up for the twenty hour intensive weekend course, it was just what I needed to give me a taster of teaching and the boost to use my degree and passion for languages, not to mention a great excuse to travel the world. Since then I have been travelling around Australia and have just booked a flight to go to Japan to teach English as a foreign language for about six months. I-to-I has given me a range of new opportunities, the world is literally my oyster”.The 32 short listed entries in the Adventure Travel Show’s photographer of the year competition greeted visitors to the exhibition. “The calibre of entrants was absolutely incredible”, said one of the judges, travel journalist Jon Lorie of Traveller’s Tales. “We were looking for that exceptional image which embodies a passion for adventure and love of travel and that was exactly what we found”. The first prize was awarded to Ray Hems of Headley in Thatcham for his shot entitled ‘Bungy Jumpers’, a gut wrenching slice of adventure in action. After a visit to the many varied 103 stands at the show the greatest challenge could be deciding where to go: Trekking in Tanzania? Hang gliding in the Himalayas? Ocean rafting in Oz? An adventure down the Amazon?
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The articles
which appeared in Islamic Tourism magazine
Camley Street Nature Park: Wilderness in the heart of London Issue 73 Impressive Middle Eastern stands at World Travel Market Issue 73 Three anniversaries for London’s Mesopotamian story telling group Issue 73 London’s lesser known parks ideal for autumn walks Issue 72 Signs, Symbols Secrets: London’s Science Museum sheds light on alchemy Issue 72 Enduring Middle East: Scottish artist follows in the footsteps of Orientalist painter David Roberts Issue 71 An Interview with Mr. Ben Harper, Director of Sales & Marketing for Go Native Apartments in London Issue 71 Ramadhan in London Issue 71 Leptis Magna fascinates famous war photographer Issue 70 Middle Eastern states showcase heritage at London Book Fair Issue 70 Education, Knowledge, Networking and Entertainment at MPI event, the EMEC Issue 68 World Hajj & Umrah Convention, 11-12 February 2012, British Museum, London–UK Issue 68 Hyde Park’s Winter WonderlandEnchanting fairground for the festive season Issue 67 Rye: a quaint historic town in East Sussex Issue 67 Arab Spring Countries At World Travel Market Optimistic About Tourism Issue 66 Exciting Horizons From New Exhibitors At WTM Issue 66 London’s Shubbak Festival: Penetrating flash of insight into Arab culture Issue 65 Heracles to Alexander the Great: Treasures from the Royal Capital of Macedon Issue 65 British Museum's Afghan exhibition extended due to popular demand Issue 63 Hadrian’s WallA walk through history in Britain’s idyllic country side Issue 63 British Museum Showcases Omani Jewellery Issue 62 Hyde Park’s Winter WonderlandBigger And Better Every Year Issue 60 Middle East & North Africa Travel Association (MENATA) launched at World Travel Market Issue 59 Windsor: The Largest Inhabited Castle In The World Issue 59 Aladin's Cave Re-discovered: London's Silver Vaults Issue 59 World Cup Puts Africa Ahead Of The Tourism Game Issue 59 London's Garden MuseumOasis Of Tranquillity In A Majestic Church Building Issue 58 Pitzhanger Gallery & HouseCulture At Its Best In West London Issue 58 British Library Showcases Magnificent Maps Issue 57 Ramadan In London: Muslims And Non Muslims Celebrate Spirituality And Diversity Issue 56 West WycombeOverground Walks, Underground Caves Issue 56 Dickens HouseInsight Into The Life Of A Great Novelist Issue 56 Holland ParkEntertainment In Tranquil Surroundings Issue 56 Chatham and Gillingham: Britain›s Historic Ports Issue 55 London International Fine Art Fair: Beauty & Elegance Issue 55 Ashridge EstateFocal Point of Walks in the Chilterns Countryside Issue 54 Fortnum & Mason Showcases British Crafts Issue 54 Wales offers middle east travellers family fun adventures Issue 54 London Canal MuseumThe Capital's Waterways Then And Now Issue 53 London EyeA Bird's Eye View Of An Amazing City Issue 53 British Museum Showcases Muslim World's Extraordinary Legacy Issue 52 Historic Baths Draw Visitors To English Country Town Issue 51 First Nations Contribution To Winter Olympics Showcased By Canadian High Commission in London Issue 51 British Museum Introduces Native North American Indian Rituals Issue 51 Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland: an ideal day out for the family Issue 50 Chasing MirrorsLondons Arabs Exhibit Work At National Portrait Gallery Issue 50 Stratford-upon-Avon thrives on Shakespeare's legacy Issue 49 MoctezumaMyth Comes To Life In British Museum's Aztec Exhibition Issue 49 Magic of Arab calligraphy attracts students from four continents Issue 49 Hampton CourtA great day out at a wonderful palace with magnificent gardens Issue 48 AfricaTremendous potential for the development of tourism Issue 48 Impressive middle eastern stands at world travel market Issue 48 SouthallLondon's Little India Issue 47 Warwick CastleBringing the past to life Issue 46 London University Showcases Work of Kazakh Craftswomen Issue 46 Southend-on-Sealegendary pier, impressive fair grounds Issue 46 AveburyA mysterious present from the past Issue 45 Britain’s Premier Holiday Location Now Easier to See Issue 44 HampsteadLanes, Alleyways, Historic Houses, Quaint Boutiques Issue 44 StonehengeMagnificent, Magical And Mysterious Issue 44 ZipangMesopotamian story-tellers bring ancient tales to life in London Issue 44 Arabic Translation of Obama's biography announced at London book fair Issue 42 British & Ireland Issue 41 Leigh-on-Sea (UK)An Upper Class Fishing Village Where Heritage Is Everything Issue 38 The Lure of the EastBritish Orientalist Painting Issue 36 The New ForestAn Experience Of Peaceful English Life Issue 35 Adventure Travel ShowIntroducing Challenging Destinations Issue 34 HastingsThe 1066 Country Issue 33 African States Eager To Promote Islamic Sites Issue 33 China`s Terracotta Army Exhibitionat the British Museum Issue 32 Luxury Travel Fair Issue 31 AdvertITW - Advertise in ITW Issue 30 SacredThe British Library’s Visual Feast Of Holy Texts Issue 30 AdvertITW - Advertise in ITW Issue 30 BTTFBritish travel trade fair - 2007 Issue 29 AdvertArabian Travel Market 2007 Issue 28 DestinationsExcellent introduction to unique attractions Issue 28 SouthamptonHistory Comes Alive In The Old Town Issue 27 WTM 2006Emphasis on the link between sport and tourism Issue 27 Spain Lives In PueblaMexico’s City Of Angels Issue 27 HerefordRural England At Its Best Issue 26 Ramadan In BritainSpiritual Havens In A Secular Society Issue 26 Buckingham PalaceWhere the Queen lives and works Issue 25 British Travel Awards 2006Who are the best companies in the travel industry? Issue 25 Activities of the arab tourism organisation Issue 24 AdvertIslam Expo Issue 24 1001 InventionsEnlightened Tribute To Muslim Discoveries Issue 23 Britain Hosts Festival of Muslim Cultures Issue 22 London's International Travel ShowsAttract Muslim Countries Issue 22 World Travel MarketArab and Muslim presence grows from strength to strength Issue 21 GreenwichWhere time began Issue 20 Forgotten EmpireThe british museum in london is hosting a magnificent ... Issue 20 AdvertIT Noor Issue 20 TrafalgarThe decisive battle reinvented by tourism Issue 18 DestinationsNewcomers set up impressive stands Issue 17 CardiffFrom the Industrial Revolution to Yemeni Mosques Issue 17 The Muslim WorldAn ideal adventure travel destination Issue 16 HajThe most sacred journey on earth Issue 15 World Travel MarketArabs optimistic despite Middle East's negative image Issue 15 The Muslims in LondonStriving for self-sufficiency without isolation Issue 14 Britain embracedIslamic culture before immigrants arrived Issue 13 Awards to Islamic TourismInspire confidence Issue 13 The Rise of Islamic TourismInternational conference discusses effect of 9/11 ... Issue 13 British Travel Trade FairBosses predict 'best-ever' ... Issue 11 Nine eleven sep asideMuslim countries are popular with tourists Issue 10 The arab and muslim worldsTremendous potential for the development … Issue 10 The ThamesLondon's lifeline, England's pride Issue 8 EdinburghThe Muslim community of Edinburgh and their central mosque Issue 6 WTMWorld Travel Market - London Issue 5 LondonWorld Travel Market 2001 Issue 2 |
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