• Recognising the best in cruise writing, broadcast and photography
• Call for entries by 20 January 2012 – from editors, journalists, cruise lines and cruise partners

 For the first time, the Passenger Shipping Association, representing more than 40 cruise lines, is launching the PSA Cruise Journalism Awards to celebrate the best in cruise writing, broadcast and photography. With ten categories to enter covering a wide range of subjects from river cruising to spas at sea and best cruise reportage, there is an opportunity for everyone.

 William Gibbons, Director of the Passenger Shipping Association, says, “We are delighted to be hosting the first ever Cruise Journalism Awards – recognising the best editorial features that cover travel on the world’s oceans and rivers.  These ten awards reflect the breadth and diversity of cruise holidays. A record 1.73 million UK passengers are predicted to cruise next year so now is a perfect time to recognise those individuals who support the cruise industry. First-class journalism is consistently produced about this innovative and exciting sector of travel so we are really looking forward to seeing the entries.”

 The inaugural PSA Cruise Journalism Awards cover the following ten categories:

1. Best national newspaper cruise feature
2. Best ‘new to cruise’ travel feature
3. Best river cruise feature
4. Best adventure cruise feature
5. Best gourmet cruise feature
6. Best ‘spa at sea’ feature
7. Best travel trade feature
8. Best cruise photography/reportage
9. Best online cruise feature
10. Contribution to cruise journalism

 The prestigious PSA Cruise Journalism Awards will be presented in March at a central London venue in conjunction with the PSA Cruise Review which reveals the latest industry trends and statistics – from the numbers of people cruising from the UK to favourite destinations. Senior cruise line representatives and media contemporaries will attend to raise a glass to the winners and celebrate an industry that continues to grow.

 Entries for the awards will be welcomed from editors and journalists, as well as cruise line representative and industry partners. Editorial entries can be news stories, travel features, broadcast media files and photography and must have been published between 1 January and 31 December 2011 and encourage cruise travel by sea or river.

- ends -

• NEW ‘Adventure Pioneers’ -  highlighting unique or challenging trips in areas including Tibet, Bosnia, Mongolia and the Himalayas
• SAVINGS of up to £50 on all new cycling trips for bookings before 31 December 2011

 When the Olympic Games unfold in London in 2012, the most watched sport will be cycling, with a million people expected to watch. Tour de France attracted more than 15 million viewers and Olympic Champion Chris Hoy is a household name, but don’t stay glued to the TV screen – venture on your own cycling adventure, and with Exodus, the UK’s leading adventure tour operator, you can choose from up to 60 different trips across 35 countries.

The choice of trips for biking enthusiasts is vast and this year, responding to the massive growth in interest for cycling in general, Exodus has added 14 new trips to the menu. Travellers can now venture into an additional five countries on their two wheels – US (Alaska), Costa Rica, Czech Republic, Greece and Iceland – and enjoy trips that include cycling in Alaska, biking in the Southern Alps, cycling the Dolomites, Lake Garda and Venice and eight days cycling in Southern Iceland.

And if you needed any more persuasion, book before 31 December 2011, and benefit from savings of up to £50 per person per trip on any of Exodus’ new Cycling Holidays. There has never been a better time to escape on two wheels. Here is a selection of the newest trips:

 Cycle Southern Iceland – eight days from £1,999 including flights and most meals. Next departure dates are 23 June and 7 July 2012.

A country shaped by violent eruptions and remorseless glaciers, it is a great place to explore from the saddle of a bike. In such a sparsely populated country, with so little traffic, cyclists can really get under the skin of the country and feel a great sense of isolation and wilderness, passing the infamous Eyafjallajokul Volcano, the colourful mountains of Landmannalaugar and the 25m high mass of water known as the Skogafoss Waterfall.

 Cycle Alaska – 13 days from £3,559 including flights and most meals. Next departure dates are 9 June and 18 August 2011.

Nowhere else on earth offers such a perfect blend of excellent tarmac laid through pristine wilderness as Alaska. Thousands of miles of quiet roads and tracks offer the only interruption to a vast land of glaciers, rushing rivers, dense forest and towering peaks: ideal for the adventurous cyclist and an utterly unique biking experience. The wildlife is the epitome of North America and Grizzly bears, Bald eagles, moose, elk and wolf may be spotted from the saddle. Crossing Prince William Sound gives cyclists the perfect opportunity to look for whales, orcas and sea lions whilst another highlight is cycling close to North America’s highest peak, Mt McKinley at 6198m.  

Costa Rica Coast to Coast Ride– 15 days from £2,449 including flights and most meals. Next departure dates are 3, 31 March, 18 August and 24 November 2012.

For rainforest, volcanoes as well as stunning sections of coastline, Costa Rica is the only choice and to experience that variety of terrain by bike is an extraordinary. Starting in San Jose the Exodus group cycle south, covering a stretch of the picturesque coastal highway, with vast Pacific views to the right and dense forest to the left as far as the eye can see. Through the rainforests, travellers can hope to see wildlife including monkeys and iguanas as well as eagles, hawks and Scarlet macaws. Crossing the 11,000ft Cerro de la Muerte pass into the Orosi Valley the group cycle past coffee plantations and volcanoes to arrive on the fertile Caribbean plains where huge banana plantations cover the landscape. The final stage of the trip journey takes cyclists to pretty La Fortuna, a lovely spot located at the foot of Arenal – Costa Rica’s most active volcano.

To book, call Exodus on 0845 863 9601 or visit www.exodus.co.uk.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

Phil Liggett MBE. Cycling Broadcaster and Journalist said: “This year, Exodus has lots of plans with new road trips to Costa Rica, Iceland and Alaska – all stunningly beautiful places and best discovered from the saddle. I have said it before, but one day I am going to say “non” to the Tour de France and join you all in the cycling holiday of a lifetime. Nowadays the world is open for the taking, thanks to top travel companies like Exodus. Enjoy your ride!”

 For more information or to discuss a trip, please contact Natalie Amos or Lois Kettlewell at Four Communications on 0870 626 3141. Email: exodus@fourcommunications.com

 Exodus communities:

Website: www.exodus.co.uk

Facebook – www.facebook.com/exodustravels

Twitter – www.twitter.com/ExodusTravels

Youtube – www.youtube.com/Exodustravels

Flickr – www.flickr.com/people/exodus-travels

Social Media Releases – smr.fourcommunications.com/category/exodus/

The 2011 National Cruise Week Survey also reveals:

• Katie  Price is the celebrity respondents would most like to see “walk the plank”
• Deserted beaches are our favourite holiday view
• Johnny Depp and Jennifer Aniston still top the poll of our fantasy celebrity cabin mates along with Angelina Jolie
• ……and the Mojito is named as the favourite holiday cocktail

London, September 16: After two years at the top*, Venice has given way to New York as Britain’s favourite  port in a new survey commissioned from YouGov by the Passenger Shipping Association (PSA), published to mark National Cruise Week (Sept 18-25).

Top of the Ports

Nearly one in five of GB adults (19%) named New York as their favourite cruise port with 13% voting for the perennially popular Venice. There was a three-way tie for third place between Barcelona, Rome and Singapore, each registering 7%. And New York could be set to keep its crown as Top of The Ports as it was voted a firm favourite by more than a quarter (26%) of the younger adult respondents aged between 18 and 34.

So what’s the attraction of cruising?

With a record 1.7million Brits expected go cruising this year according to the PSA, the survey looks at the main attractions of a cruise holiday and it is clear that  multi-destinations really excite. Well over half (57%) of respondents said the opportunity  to visit a number of destinations in one trip was a main attraction of a cruise holiday, and next, with 50%, came the convenience of having to unpack just once, although this figure was more important to women (53%) than men (46%).

The all-inclusive nature of cruising was one of the most attractive features amongst 36% of respondents, just beating yet another multi-destination cruise attraction of waking up in a new port nearly every day, voted for by 35%. Next in appeal was the renowned dining offered onboard cruise ships (27%), with this increasing to 33% amongst Welsh respondents. A main attraction of cruise  for nearly one in five (19%) is the opportunity to meet people from a wide range of cultures and nationalities, and again those from Wales  recorded the highest percentage (28%) of any of the home countries respondents’ for this particular attraction to cruise.

The on-board professionally produced entertainment shows were also mentioned by 17% of those surveyed, as were the special entertainment programmes for children (4%).

It’s the uniforms that appeal

We all know that every girl loves a sailor, but when those who go on holiday were asked which uniformed officers they are most attracted to on holiday, the survey reveals that ship’s officers, in their pristine white, pressed uniforms, along with police officers, are each second only in appeal to airline pilots with their wings. Pilots in uniform spotted on holiday top this particular head-turning poll at 12%, with ships’ officers and police gaining a 9% vote each. Closely behind, however, are soldiers in uniform at 8%, rather eclipsing roadside patrolmen officers (such as AA/RAC/Euro Assistance) whose uniform attractions only appealed to 1% of respondents.

Ship’s officers in uniform appeal much more to women (12%) than men (5%), and if you are 45 and over, then one in ten (10%) are attracted most by ship’s officers in dazzling white-giving a slight hint of a “cougar” effect.

Cruise celebrity fantasies – cabin sharing and “walking the plank”

When it comes to dreaming about who to share your cabin with, amongst the celebrities Johnny Depp again comes out top with last year’s female winner, Jennifer Aniston, sharing this year’s top spot with Angelina Jolie. However, there is little danger of marital rifts with an on overwhelming 55% saying they would prefer to cabin share with their partner or another family member.

Respondents were less inhibited when selecting the celebrity they would most like to see “walk the plank”. Over one in five (22%) chose Katie Price (alias Jordan); 17% opted for Jedward; 11% for James Murdoch and 10% for Gordon Brown – with Simon Cowell and Boris Johnson tying on 6%..

Your favourite holiday views

Deserted beaches (28%), sun sets behind mountains (21%), countryside landscapes (20%) and city skylines at night (11%) are the favourite views seen on holiday, according to the National Cruise Week survey – all of which can be viewed from the deck of a cruise ship. Cruise goers, however, might actually be part of the view for the next most popular holiday scene was that of a ship on the horizon (5%).

Packing blues

Given the appeal of only unpacking once on a cruise holiday, the survey even delved deep into the suitcase to explore which items of clothing holidaymakers always over-pack. Tops or shirts are the number one culprit, with 31% claiming to regularly over-pack these, followed by T-shirts (24%), shoes (18%), knickers or pants (17%), trousers (15%) and socks or tights (11%). Among female respondents, these percentages were significantly higher for tops (38%), shoes (26%) and knickers and T-shirts (23%).

… and your favourite cruise cocktail is….

Having selected your cruise and destination, unpacked your suitcase just once and hung up those shirts, and having checked out your favourite view, there is only one thing to do with your partner (who is unlikely to be a celebrity)…. and that is to go to the sun deck and order yourself a stunning , cool cocktail. And that is likely to be a Mojito, a classical mix of rum, mint, sugar, lime and club soda, according to those who drink cocktails on holiday. Mojitos were the favourite holiday cocktails among 8% of the respondents who go on holiday, closely followed by Pina Colada (7%), Sex on the Beach (4%) and Margarita, Cosmopolitan, Long Island Iced Tea and Tequila Sunrise (all 3%).

Regionally, however, the highest recorded favourite cocktail on holiday figure was actually 16% – for Pina Colada – by those survey respondents living in…Wales!

“The survey highlights why more cruise holidays are being taken by Brits than ever before – it’s an effortlessly way to visit many great destinations across the world while only unpacking once.” said Bill Gibbons, director of the Passenger Shipping Association. “There’s a wide choice in the style of cruising, views that range from New York’s skyline to deserted Pacific beaches, and the inclusive nature of a cruise holiday means it’s great value.”

The Discover Cruises website (www.discovercruises.co.uk) is a one stop shop for everything cruise, whether it’s for family travelling for the first time,  a couple looking for adventure, or a solo traveller in need of a relaxing spa break.  Offering ultra luxury, deluxe, river and specialist collections, Discover Cruises gives visitors access to the latest on destinations, what’s new on board and a wave of exciting and innovative excursions and activities.

- ENDS -

4 May 2011: Figures released today from the Passenger Shipping Association (PSA) show that cruise holidays grew by 6% at a time when the total number of foreign holidays continued to decline. The PSA’s 2010 Cruise Review confirms cruising accounted for a 4.5% share of all foreign holidays taken in 2010 (36.1m) and 11.5% of the package holiday market (14m).

Brits took a record 1.62 million ocean cruises in 2010 – a figure which has more than doubled over the past 10 years and which the PSA forecasts will continue to grow to 1.7m cruise holidays in 2011.  Value and variety are the key reasons fuelling the increase with two-thirds (66%) of UK passengers citing value for money as the main reason for choosing their last cruise, and nearly a quarter (24%) citing the all-inclusivity of cruise pricing.

Cruising comes home

The main trend in cruising in 2010 was the above average 10% growth of UK departure cruises, with Southampton the busiest cruise port in Northern Europe. UK passengers sailing from a British port now account for more than 40% of all cruises, with the fly/cruise share declining to just fewer than 60%. Nevertheless fly/cruise numbers are still rising in absolute terms and are expected to exceed one million passengers from the UK in 2011.

More Shorter and Lower Cost Cruises

A second key trend is shorter cruises are becoming more popular with the average duration coming down from 11.1 days to 10.2. There’s growing interest in short cruises from UK ports, which also resulted in four out of ten cruises booked in 2010 costing under £1,000.

New to Cruise appeal maintained

In 2010, one in every three passengers was on their first-ever cruise.  Over the past five years cruising has attracted 2.4m first timers. More families are now cruising with children, with 7% of passengers under 18 years old and the ratio of those under 35 increasing from 11% to 13%. This contributed to the average age of a UK cruise passenger now being just over 54.

Ultra-Luxury Cruises continues on the up

The ultra-luxury cruise sector grew by a further 6% in 2010, responding to the economic downturn by including more elements, such as drinks, excursions and gratuities, in the price. Since 2004, ultra-luxury cruise holidays have grown 44% with more than 24,000 cruises taken in 2010.

Brits Head to Med

An 18% growth in Mediterranean cruises was seen in 2010, with UK port departures to the Med showing a massive 41% increase. Cruise holidays to the Caribbean have levelled off but it has still nearly doubled its number of British cruise passengers over the last decade, not far short of the 109% growth for the Mediterranean over the same period.

Meanwhile the Baltic has trebled its growth over the past decade and with last year’s 2% increase judged to be a blip, double digit growth is expected to resume to this very popular region. However, the accolade for the fastest growing cruise spot goes to the Arabian Gulf and Red Sea.  The 76% increase to 58,000 passengers was fuelled by the rapidly increasing deployment of cruise ships offering an alternative winter cruising destination. Geo-political events in these regions are unlikely to stall this growth.

Overseas Tourists Flock to UK Ports

A 32% increase in the number of overseas passengers cruising from UK ports in 2010 means this total has grown by two-thirds in just six years. A record 116 cruise ships visited the UK in 2010 with 47 ports receiving at least one call.

Travel Agents book 79% of cruises…

Despite the growth of online booking, cruise passengers still turn first to Britain’s High Street travel agents who accounted for over 79% of cruise bookings in 2010. Travel agent delegates at the ACE UK Cruise Convention in Southampton (3-5 May) point to the continuing investment in training and product knowledge that can make a real difference in successfully selling cruising holidays.

….and they keep on coming back

Once sailing – forever smitten. According to the Cruise Review, four out of ten UK passengers booked one cruise in the last year, with nearly 60% taking at least two cruises in 2010.

Commenting on the 2010 Cruise Review, PSA director Bill Gibbons said: “In a challenging economic environment, these figures show cruising is giving the British customer what they want – a complete, inclusive holiday with exceptional value, high standards, endless variety and exciting destinations. It is a more contemporary form of package holiday that appeals to families, couples of all ages and those with an adventurous streak.”

Visit www.discovercruises.co.uk – the home of cruising and to find your local ACE agent.

If your idea of the perfect holiday is to taste the exotic and experience the remarkable, book your holiday now with Exodus. And for those flirting with the idea of adventure travel, the ‘DISCO’ brochure – meaning ‘Discovery’ – has been redesigned to cater for new clients – offering more information for first time adventure travellers, with client endorsements and a plethora of expert advice. With summer just around the corner, there’s never been a better time to enjoy the great outdoors -  so escape, and enjoy the outdoors in the wild.  Download the brochure here

Here are some of the new trips from Exodus this year:

Eastern African Adventure Safari: 14 days form £2,079 including flights.  The next departures will be 4 September 2011, 9 October 2011, 23 October 2011 and 20 December 2011. This trip presents a unique opportunity to experience some of the best national parks and game reserves that Africa has to offer.  An ideal trip for those fascinated with wildlife; elephants, giraffes, antelopes, lions, the elusive leopard and endangered White and Black rhinos. These are just some of the animals found roaming the stunning parks of Tanzania.  The Ngorongoro Crater, with its striking scenery and unparalleled concentration of wildlife, is the highlight of this once in a lifetime trip.

Kayaking on the stunning coastline of the Dalmation Coast: 8 days from £989 including flights.  The next trips will depart 9 July 2011, 10 and 24 September 2011. The clean waters of Croatia’s beautiful Dalmatian Coast offer thrill seekers the perfect backdrop for an active week of kayaking.  The week is split between the beautiful islands of Brac and Hvar.  Brac has a mountainous coastline with olive groves, cypress and pine trees dotting the landscape.  For a break from the adrenalide rush, kayakers can enjoy the beaches of the one of the ten most beautiful islands in the world. 

Elephants & Leopards of Sri Lanka – 10 days from £1,999 including flights. The next departures are 9 September 2011 and 25 May 2012. Known for its culture, its beaches and its tea, few associate Sri Lanka with its wildlife and yet the Yala National park has one of the highest concentrations of Asian leopards in the world. One of Exodus’ Premium Adventures – for those who seek luxury as well as adventure – this trip celebrates the natural beauty of Sri Lanka with a host of wildlife including elephants and leopards. Minneriya National Park is home to ‘The Gathering’ – an extraordinary meeting of huge herds of elephants each afternoon. New, original and not done by any other tour operator to date, this is a pioneering wildlife safari giving the most valuable commodity of all in both parks – time.

Discover China’s Silk Road -  20 days from £2,419, including flights.  The next departures are 4 August and 6 October. A journey of discovery along the most famous of ancient trade routes, this trip provides a real sense of Chinese culture and is ideal for anyone looking to experience a different way of life from a beautiful location.  From the chance to watch deals being struck in the amazing Sunday market at Kashgar, to Xi’an’s inspiring terracotta army, this is a stunning itinerary.

To book, call Exodus on 0845 863 9601 or visit www.exodus.co.uk.

فمنصّة Fourum هي خدمة لإدارة الأخبار تتيح للمؤسَّسات فرصةَ التواصل مع الصحافيين والمجتمعات على الإنترنت من خلال تعزيز ترتيب المحتوى في محرّكات البحث والمدوّنات ووسائط الإعلام على الإنترنت مع تدعيمها بما يتّصل بها من روابط وصور وفيديو ومحتوى سمعي. وسيسهل تأشير (bookmark) البيانات وتشاركها مع المجتمعات والمجموعات والأتراب على الإنترنت. ومن شأن مجمَّع الوسائط التي نحشدها في موقع واحد سهل الاسعمال ومُعدّ للاستعمال الشخصي أن يؤدّي إلى تعزيز التغطية الإعلامية لقصص العملاء على الإنترنت.

 ومن العملاء الدوليين الذين يستخدمون Fourum نذكر Exodus شركة جولات المغامرة السياحية، وparentchannel.tv، وClub Med، ومشروع تعداد السكان في المملكة المتحدة للعام 2011، ومجلس نيوبورت البلدي Newport City Council، وكثيرون غيرهم. والآن ستقدّم Four هذه الخدمة إلى عملائها في الخليج بما في ذلك الاتّحاد للطيران وأبوظبي للتمويل وعمران وجامعة لندن للأعمال في دبي وهايدرا العقارية وشركة The Hideaways Club.

 وفي هذا إطار، يقول مدير عام الأعمال الدولية في فور كوميونيكايشونز السيّد راي إجلنجتون:

“إنّ إضافة خدمة اللغة العربية إلى Fourum تضيف عنصراً مهمّاً إلى الخدمات التي نقدّمها في سياق وسائط الإعلام الاجتماعية هنا في الخليج. فهي تتيح أمام عملائنا فرصة التواصل بسهولة مع كافة مجتمعاتهم على الإنترنت، أكان ذلك على تويتر وفايسبوك وديج أو ضمن مجتمع المدوّنات، وتعزيز التغطية الإعلامية لهم على الإنترنت.

 ”والأهمّ هو أنّ خدمتنا تقوم على تحقيق النتائج الملموسة القابلة للقياس. فعلى سبيل المثال، حصد أحد آخر البيانات في وسائط الإعلام الاجتماعية لعميل إطلاقنا الدولي Exodus مئات الاستعراضات وقد دامت زيارة الموقع الواحدة أكثر من دقيقتين ونصف الدقيقة في المتوسّط ما يُظهِر قوّة المحتوى الغنيّ.”

تشهد الخدمات الرقمية التي تقدّمها فور كوميونيكايشونز تطوّراً مستمرّاً للاستجابة إلى احتياجات السوق المتبدّلة دوماً ومع ذلك يحرص رئيس قسم الخدمات الرقمية السيّد فيل ريان على التشديد على أنّ التكنولوجيا الحديثة وحدها لن تحقّق الغايات التجارية في غياب إستراتيجية واضحة لجهة وسائط الإعلام الاجتماعية.

 فيقول:

“إنّ سهولة دخول هذه القنوات والصفة الفورية التي تتمتّع بها فضلاً عن العنصر ’الآني‘ للتسويق الرقمي وعلى الإنترنت جميعها تؤدّي إلى عجز بعض الشركات عن إدراك ما هي النتائج الفعلية التي ستحقّقها أنشطتها الرقمية. أما نحن فنضع جميع أعمالنا على الإنترنت في إطار يقوم على تحليلنا الشخصي للإنترنت ما يتيح لنا تحقيق استنفار شديد ضمن مجمّع الوسائط الذي نستحدثه والحرص دوماً على أنّنا قادرون على إظهار النتائج الواضحة وعوائد الاستثمار.”

 ومن الخدمات الرقمية الأخرى التي تقدّمها شركة فور كوميونيكايشونز نذكر الاستراتيجيات الرقمية، وتخطيط وتشييد المواقع الإلكترونية والإنترانت، واستحداث تطبيقات التسويق على الإنترنت، والنشرات الإخبارية الإلكترونية، والحملات التفاعلية والفيروسية، والفيديو والرسوم المتحرّكة، ومراقبة المدوّنات وآخر المواضيع الطنّانة (buzz) التي يتداولها الناس، والتواصل عبر وسائط الإعلام الاجتماعية، واستمثال محرّكات البحث (seo).

 وأيضاً، تقدّم الشركة مجموعة منتجات إدارة الاتّصال والتواصل الرقمي مع المعنيّين، The Centre، التي تتيح للشركات ضبط وإدارة دفق المعلومات في الحملات المعقدة.

وقد أعلنت فور كوميونيكايشونز في شهر ينايرعن شرائها وكالة العلاقات العامّة والتمثيل الرائدة في مجال السفر والسياحة bgb التي ستنضمّ إلى أعمال المجموعة في العلاقات العامّة والشؤون العامّة والخدمات الرقمية والرعاية والإعلام والتسويق تحت مظلّة Four Communications Group plc.

ندعو الشركات التي يهمّها تعزيز مكانة علاماتها على الإنترنت أو تحديد موعد لإجراء مراجعة لوسائط الإعلام الاجتماعية إلى الاتّصال بشركة فور كوميونيكايشونز في أبوظبي عبر البريد الإلكتروني أو عبر الهاتف على الرقم التالي +971 2 447 2774.

Fourum is a news management service which allows organisations to engage with online journalists and communities using content optimised for search engines, blogs and online outlets, enriched with relevant links, images, video and audio. The releases are made easy to bookmark and share with online communities, groups and peers. The rich collateral collected in on one easy to use self service site means clients’ stories are more likely to be covered by online media.

International clients using Fourum include adventure tour operator Exodus, parentchannel.tv, Club Med, the UK’s 2011 Census, Newport City Council and many more.  Four will now roll out the service to its Gulf clients, which include Etihad Airways, Abu Dhabi Finance, Omran, London Business School Dubai, Hydra Properties and The Hideaways Club.

Ray Eglington, Managing director – International of Four Communications, said:

“The addition of Arabic capability to Fourum adds an important element to our social media offer here in the Gulf.  It allows our clients to engage easily with all their online communities, whether on Twitter, Facebook, Digg or in the blogosphere, and enhance their online media coverage.

“Most importantly it is about delivering hard measurable results.  A recent social media release for our international launch client, Exodus, for example, received hundreds of page views with an average time on site in excess of two and a half minutes which shows the strength of the rich content.”

Four Communications digital offer is continuously evolving to respond to a dynamic market, but Phil Ryan, Head of Digital, is keen to stress that new technology alone will not achieve business objectives without a clear social media strategy.

He said:

“The low barriers to entry, the immediacy of this channel and the ‘of the moment’ element of digital and online marketing means there is a tendency for some companies to fail to understand what their digital activity will actually deliver. We frame all of our online work based on our own online analysis, having a strong call to action within the collateral we create and always ensuring we can demonstrate clear results and a return on investment.”

Other digital services from Four Communications include digital strategy, planning and building of websites and intranets, creating online marketing applications, electronic newsletters, interactive and viral campaigns, video and animation, blog and buzz monitoring, social media engagement and search engine optimisation.

The company also offers a suite of digital stakeholder communications management products, The Centre, allowing companies to control and manage information flows across complex campaigns.

Four Communications in January announced its acquisition of leading travel & tourism PR and representation agency, bgb, which will join the group’s public relations, public affairs, digital services, sponsorship, media and marketing practices under the umbrella of the Four Communications Group plc.

Companies interested in leveraging their brands online or scheduling a social media audit should contact Four Communications in Abu Dhabi by email or on phone number +971 2 447 2774.

ENDS

- Taste paradise on the beaches of Sierra Leone -

- Discover the heart of Italy by bike –

From the moment the royal engagement was announced, Prince William and Kate Middleton have been thrust into the stress of wedding planning, attempting to create the perfect day for themselves, the world and the centuries of royal wedding tradition that precedes them. But from the off, William and Kate have gone against the tide of tradition, shunning wedding gifts in favour of charitable donations and making major announcements over facebook. Indeed, the middle class Kate is not a traditional bride for the royal, so who says their honeymoon should be any different? Exodus Travels (www.exodus.co.uk), the original adventure travel company, are stepping in to advise on the perfect alternative honeymoon.

Don’t be seduced by the (in)appropriate names of Romance in the USA or Lover in Wiltshire, they might sound like the perfect honeymoon destinations, but you’d be wrong… this year Exodus Travels rate Antarctica as the new romantic “hot” spot – despite the freezing weather!  This cool continent provides ample opportunities for the royal couple to cosy up to one another and honeymoon photographs couldn’t have a better backdrop than the dramatic blue icebergs and basking whales. The intimate ice-breaker ships are the best place to get away from press attention and the short nights are heralded by a wonderful twilight; what better way for Wills to woo Kate? And what better example of a relationship for life than the surrounding penguins who are renowned for their life-long loyalty to their love-birds?

Sierra Leone provides a largely untapped honey pot of relaxation and fun, just the right mix for an unforgettable honeymoon. The Exodus trip includes a romantic sunset boat trip, jungle trekking and a visit to Beach No. 2, the scene for the well known 80’s advert, ‘Taste of Paradise’, for the Bounty chocolate bar.

A visit to the Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary, which rehabilitates chimps who are either orphaned or rescued from captivity, will give Wills a chance to show Kate his softer side. The cherry on the top of the wedding cake is that there is no time difference from the UK so the couple won’t have any jet lag to delay the adventure of newly married life!

It’s often said that Italy is the most romantic country in the world so what better place to take a honeymoon? A self-guided cycle tour through the beautiful Veneto region to the famed city of Venice provides a stunning holiday and is kind on the royal purse strings after the lavish ceremony itself. The Exodus itinerary would see the newlyweds cycling through the soft hills of Monti Berici and the green riverbanks of Adige, passing ancient churches, impressive, rural landscapes and vineyards, travelling to many places that are virtually inaccessible to vehicles.

So do away with the traditional honeymoon, and start married life with an unforgettable bang. Go for an alternative adventure with Exodus, leading the way in adventure travel for over 35 years.

Antarctic Explorer: 12 days from £5,270. Next departure dates are 23 February and 11 November 2011.

An expedition which will appeal to every naturist, explorer, photographer or ornithologist. This is an adventure that takes passengers to the heart of the Peninsula, exploring the ice wilderness of the South Shetland Islands and the channels of the Antarctic. From towering icebergs to emperor penguins and leopard seals, this trip offers every part of Antarctica that you would want to see. Highlights include Iceberg Alley and Deception Island the 19^th century refuge from icebergs and Polar storms.

Discover Sierra Leone: 9 days from £2,349 including flights and most meals. The inaugural trip is scheduled for 11 March 2011.

Join one of the very first group trips to experience Sierra Leone – a stunning and untouched paradise in West Africa that boasts everything from the beaches where they filmed the original bounty ads to monkey spotting in dense jungle on Tiwai Island.  Highlights of the trip include a visit to Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary, a night on Banana Island Guest House (an old Portuguese slave port) and a tour of Freetown, the vibrant capital city.

Cycling Venice and Veneto: 8 days from just £689. The next departure dates are 16 and 23 April 2011.

This eight day self-guided cycling trip explores this stunning region with lush vegetation, ancient churches and sandy beaches. The cities are true delights, and a bike is the ideal way to explore their narrow streets. The trip ends in Venice, giving you the chance to explore more of this unforgettable city and relax in the highest and richest symbol of Venetian civilisation – Piazza San Marco.

The London Marathon, which takes place on the 17^th April 2011, is run by more than 30,000 people each year, but how many of those runners precede the race with three other marathons in the same week? Even fewer run the London Marathon with a 9ft-high, 30lb aluminium-framed tiger strapped to their back on top of that.

One week, FOUR marathons – For Paul Goldstein, award-winning photographer, the London Marathon will be the fourth marathon he runs in April 2011; after Brighton (10^th April), Manchester (12^th April) and Cardiff (15^th April) – all wearing the distinctive Tiger costume that caught the eye of London Marathon fans in 2010. With his efforts, Paul hopes to raise more than £30,000 to protect the Bengal Tiger, one of the world’s most endangered animals.

Tiger numbers are at tipping point - At the turn of the last century, there were an estimated 45,000 tigers living wild in India’s forests and now there are less than 1,000. Poaching has left an indelible mark on this magnificent predator and Goldstein is leading the campaign ‘Worth More Alive’, now in its second year, to raise awareness and much-needed funds for the Bengal Tiger. Visit http://www.exodus.co.uk/news/2011/01/tigers-worth-more-alive-2 for more information and to sponsor; visit his just giving site – http://www.justgiving.com/worthmorealive2.

Support Paul and help end the decline – with lively and lavishly illustrated lectures taking place across the country, award-winning photographer Paul Goldstein tells the story of the Bengal Tiger and other endangered species. Show your support at presentations in Exeter, Edinburgh, Brighton, London, Manchester and Cardiff. Visit http://www.exodus.co.uk/community/slideshows for more information and to register.

More than 100 miles! 48 year old Paul has been training 40 miles a week since October 2010 to prepare him for the epic challenge. He hopes his drastic attempt to draw attention to the issue will work but modestly says, “It’ll hurt, but nothing to what tigers are going through”. Goldstein continues, “I’ve been lucky enough to guide a couple hundred of people to see their first tiger. It leaves a lifelong impression but also reminds the viewer what an important animal it is. In running this marathon, I am raising much-needed funds for the cause and encourage people to realise that we are in danger of losing this privilege completely.”

Click here check out Paul’s training video and keep up to date

The importance of local projects – Funds raised for ‘Worth More Alive II’ will support Exodus’ Friends of Conservation charity project in Bandhavgarh, India. Local projects in Bandhavgarh are vital for the survival of the tiger and the Exodus work in the Bandhavgarh region has included completely rebuilding a local school, installing clean water and funding a much-needed ambulance for the local hospital as well as patrol vehicles for the park. One of the critical projects for 2011 is a compensation war chest for local farmers who have lost cattle to tigers.

One pound for every Tiger found – Whether you’re watching from the comfort of your home or cheering the runners on from the roadside, Exodus and Paul are offering you to make your own contribution to the cause and the best thing, you don’t even have to spend your own money! Exodus has launched a social media campaign to support ‘Worth More Alive II’ meaning that every time someone spots Paul in the tiger costume, Exodus will donate up to £2 for posts on Twitter and Facebook. Write a message and contribute £1; upload an image contribute £2.  Tweet using the #exodustiger tag or visit the Exodus facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/exodustravels.

A man of many talents – When Goldstein hasn’t got a Bengal on his back, he indulges in his passion for wildlife, photography, travel and tour leading with Exodus. He’s journeyed to, and led successful adventure expeditions across, all seven continents including trips to Kilimanjaro, Masai Mara and Antarctica. He is a lively lecturer and hosts photographic presentations across the country with the next one on ‘Worth More Alive II’, ‘Endangered – Tigers and Other Predators’ on Rougemont Hotel, Queens Street, Exeter at 19:00.

Exodus run more than 10 inspiring Indian itineraries and are huge advocates of responsible travel with the following tiger trip of great benefit to the Bengal’s, those interested in their preservation and the local population. Exodus’ ‘Land of the Tiger’ trip in India, is from £1,759 for 17 days, including flights from London, departing 11 March, 25 March, 8 April, 15 April, 14 October and 28 October 2011.

For more information or to book a  trip call 0845 863 9601 or visit www.exodus.co.uk.

There is no better way to discover the world than on foot, close to the natural surroundings of the country. Exodus has just launched their Walking & Trekking brochure 2011 – 2012, offering more than 150 of the world’s finest walks and treks, from trekking the Central Atlas and Bougamez Valley in Morocco to the summits of the Chamonix area and the high passes of Kangra. It is time to pull on your boots and start exploring.

Highlights of the Walking & Trekking 2011 -2012 brochure include 14 new and improved itineraries as well as an itinerary in Reunion – a county new to Exodus in 2011. Plus, in response to increasing demand, the brochure features new trips in the Alps around Chamonix, as well as two new wildlife specialist trekking trips in the US – ‘Yellowstone Wildlife Trek’ and ‘Wilderness and Wildlife of Alaska’. And if you are not yet sure whether trekking is for you, you are in luck; the new brochure now features extended information especially for new-to-Exodus trekkers.

Programme Manager Dan Cockburn says, “At Exodus, we’ve continued to build on our long-established reputation as the world’s leading walking and trekking experts. We’ve welcomed more first-time clients this year than in our 37 year history, have 14 new and improved itineraries, and with 97% of existing clients saying they’d recommend Exodus to others, this year promises to be one of the best ever for Exodus’ walking and trekking portfolio. We hope that this brochure will inspire you to pull on the boots in the future.”

Here is a selection of Exodus’ walking and trekking itineraries – new and old:

Walk through the beautiful hills and tea plantations of South India on Exodus’ ‘Spice Trails of Kerala’ trip for 16 days from £1,749, departing 15^th and 29^th January, 19^th February and 12^th March 2011.

Exodus takes travellers through India’s tropical south – a region that offers an astonishing diversity of scenery, culture and people. Highlights of the trip include a backwater cruise, a visit to the old Raj town of Munnar, sitting below the towering rock face of Anamudi (2695m) – Kerala’s highest peak – and five days of trekking traversing the Western Ghats to reach the stunning Sri Meenakshi Temple at Madurai.  Surrounded by hills carpeted with tea plantations, grassland and verdant forest, this is a walker’s delight.

For quiet trails, clear air and magnificent views of the stunning High Atlas, choose Exodus’ ‘Mt Toubkal Winter Climb’ from just £769, departing 16^th and 23^rd January 2011. Associate Morocco with sunshine and spice souks? With Exodus, travellers can experience another side to Morocco. During winter months, Mt Toubkal and the surrounding peaks of the High Atlas turn into a winter walkers’ paradise – it is the perfect time to visit. The mountains are virtually deserted, apart from the local Berbers, the air is clear, and the views are spectacular. Starting from the vibrant Marrakech, Exodus take travellers right into the heart of the High Atlas to climb North Africa’s highest peak (4167m). Crampons and ice axes may be required on some of the days, but this trip is designed to be non-technical and achievable by those who are enthusiastic and fit, even if they are new to winter walking.

A once-in-a-lifetime, great adventure from just £1,549 including flights – trek up Africa’s highest mountain on the quiet and less demanding Rongai Route on Exodus’ ‘Kilimanjaro Climb – Rongai Route’ trip. 10 days departing about six times per month, starting with 10^th, 17^th and 18^th June 2011.

The Rongai Route approaches Kilimanjaro from the north and retains a sense of rugged, untouched wilderness lost on the crowded Marangu and Machame trails.
This is for the wannabe machos who actually like the easy ride. The Rongai Route is one of the easiest of all the routes with a relatively gentle gradient and short daily stages as it winds its way from the starting point just south of the Kenya-Tanzania border.

NEW ‘‘Yellowstone Wildlife Trek’ is an exploration of three national parks, glaciers, geysers, wolves and bears for 15 days from £2,299 including flights. Next departure dates are 25^th June and 9^th July 2011.

If you are looking for awe-inspiring scenery and an abundance of wildlife, this brand new trek from Exodus means you can stop your search. The Rocky Mountains span from northern Canada to New Mexico in the USA and in the middle of this range, are three celebrated national parks harbouring its most varied scenery and wildlife: the spires and azure lakes of Grand Teton, the towering sentinel peaks and broad valleys of Glacier, and of course the vigorous geology and wildlife of Yellowstone. Bison, bears, wolves, coyote and eagles roam amongst the forests, plains and peaks. With Exodus, travellers have the benefit of being escorted by experts and specialist local guides so in Yellowstone, expect to track with a wolf guide and hike amongst geysers with a geology guide.

NEW ‘Trekking in Reunion’ most spectacular trekking in Africa with views of the India Ocean views, active volcanic peaks, endemic flora and sleepy villages. Explore for 13 days from just £2,169 including flights departing 21 April, 2 June and 7 July 2011.

800 kilometres east of Madagascar, the volcanic island of Reunion is perhaps one of the most spectacular trekking destinations in Africa. In a new itinerary that is sure to inspire every traveller, Exodus offer a variety of different walks, trekking through forest, farmland, across high mountain passes and volcanic peaks – including Piton des Neiges (3070m) and the active Piton de la Fournaise (2632m). These walks range from leisurely to more challenging but with views of stunning, jagged, volcanic peaks, rising some 3000m out of the Indian Ocean, and comfortable mountain gites along the way, every step is worth it.

For more information on Exodus’ walking and trekking itineraries, visit their online brochure http://www.flippingtravelbrochures.com/Exodus_Walking.html.

To book, call Exodus on 0845 863 9601 or visit www.exodus.co.uk.

Do you have an iPhone, iPad or iPod touch? Then download the new Exodus App for free from iTunes or from the App Store.