Tourismembassy Blog

Royal Caribbean International's Shekhar Grover Crowned Best Bartender at Diageo Reserve World Class™ Global Travel Final 

Royal Caribbean International: Shekhar's signature serve: the 'French Royale'

Ingredients

CÎROC Vodka

Sauternes Dessert Wine

Fresh Grapes

Fresh Lime Juice

Crème De Cassis

Recipe: Muddle fresh grapes in a Shaker Glass, add fresh lime juice and sugar syrup

Then add CÎROC Vodka and dessert wine. Add a splash of Crème de Cassis and cubed ice. Shake all the ingredients well and double strain in a chilled martini glass

Glassware: Martini glass

Garnish: Cassis infused skinned black grape (soak overnight)

The Canary Islands continues to commit to interaction with the end public to promote the islands as a tourist destination. Through Promotur, has presented two new initiatives, "Star in Your Own Brilliant Story" and "Change Your Story into a Fantastic Film", as part of its "Shine Again" online platform, designed to encourage tourists from across Europe to visit the islands.

The campaign invites people to star in a 'brilliant' story in their holidays and, for those who have already enjoyed the experience, to share it with a cinematographic approach through this platform and the Facebook page of Turismo de Islas Canarias.

Contestants in "Star in Your Own Brilliant Story" have until 10 July to enter and the winners will be drawn on 15 July. People who enter the second competition, to share the 'script' of their experience, have until 15 December to enter and can also win a €3,000 voucher for shopping at Amazon. Plus, the best story will be made with professional resources and actors and shown on the Internet.

Canary Islands - Increasingly Popular Destination for Ireland

The Canary Islands is working hard to attract tourists from Ireland, after studies have shown that the country has consolidated its position as one of the main suppliers of tourists in recent years. The latest figures gathered by Promotur in 2013 show that of the total number of Irish tourists who travel abroad, 46% visit the Canaries. It also highlights that Irish tourists are the most repeat destination.

The climate, relaxation and the natural appeal of the islands and their volcanoes are the main reasons for Irish tourists to visit. With an average stay of 9.3 days tourists from Ireland account for 3,4% of visitors, with couples being the most common types of tourists, followed by families (11,6%).

In terms of preferences for the 7 islands on the archipelago, Irish tourists favour Lanzarote firstly (nearly 50%), followed by Tenerife (nearly 22%), with Gran Canaria in third place (18,8%), according to the figures on tourist distribution by island.

To enter the "Shine Again" Platform competitions, see http://www.shineagain.com

Freeze filtered at -6°C for an exceptionally smooth taste.

The SMIRNOFF brand that boasts the world's number-one selling premium spirit and the top-selling flavored vodka in North America, traces its heritage back to 19th century Russia.

Today MSC Cruises signed a contract with Fincantieri for the construction of two new cruise ships with an option for one more. The two ships will join MSC Cruises' fleet, currently counting 12 ships.

Launched in 2005, Adventures by Disney provides immersive, hassle-free and unforgettable group guided family vacation experiences to destinations in Europe, North America, South America, Africa, Asia and Australia. 

Starting June 11 through August 13, 2014, American Airlines will launch an additional weekly non-stop connection from Miami to Martinique, featuring a departure and return on Wednesdays. The flight will supplement its weekly Saturday service from Miami to Fort-de-France, the island's capital.

With continued growing interest in its Jewish Heritage excursions, Crystal Cruises is expanding its spiritual offerings ashore for 2014 luxury European cruises. 

Paul Gauguin Cruises (www.pgcruises.com), operator of the highest-rated and longest continually sailing luxury cruise ship in the South Pacific, the m/s Paul Gauguin, and the 88-guest m/v Tere Moana, features unique, optional shore excursions for its Fiji & Australia sailings highlighting marine life, culture, natural wonders, and World War II history.

The world's first-ever "Asia Cruise Fund" was announced at Cruise Shipping Miami on March 11th, 2014 by Philip Yung, Commissioner for Tourism of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) Government, Anthony Lau, Executive Director of the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), and Dr. Wayne Liu, Deputy Director-General of the Taiwan Tourism Bureau (TTB).

Today MSC Cruises signed a letter of intent (LOI) with STX France for the construction of two new cruise ships with an option for two more. The two ships will join MSC Cruises' fleet, currently counting 12 ships, all built in the Saint-Nazaire yards. The signature took place at the Hotel de L'Industrie in Paris in the presence of Gianluigi Aponte, President of MSC group, Laurent Castaing, General Manager of STX France, and Pierre Moscovici, French Minister of Economy and Finance. Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of MSC Cruises, and Gianni Onorato, CEO of MSC Cruises were also in attendance.

Vince Cook, CEO of Grand Circle Cruise Line, the leader in small ship and river cruising worldwide, announced today that the fleet has acquired the River Cloud II,  a 90-passenger ship that will operate Grand Circle Cruise Line's new river cruise tour in Bordeaux beginning in March 2015.  Renamed the M/S Chanson, the river ship was acquired for an undisclosed price from Sea Cloud Cruises. "We are delighted to add the Chanson to our award-winning fleet," said Cook.  "With its capacity of just 90 passengers, our new ship can enter small ports that are inaccessible to larger ships, allowing our travelers to explore small villages and towns, engage with local people, and experience the daily life of a community.  These are the experiences our travelers want in small ship travel, and we are extremely happy to offer this in a brand new river cruise in one of the most beautiful parts of the world."

The Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) is your way onto a winning team—the cruise industry. FCCA membership cultivates close relationships with the team's players, coaches and management—Member Line CEOs, presidents and executives deciding what products are sold onboard and where ships call—while letting you showcase your talents and discuss what you offer over a friendly dinner, private one-on-one meeting, cocktail reception or even Caribbean cruise.

Mazatlan, Mexico's "Colonial City on the Beach,"  is prepared to host more than one million international and domestic tourists at its Carnival 2014 celebration.  With hotels booked to capacity, thousands of day visitors expected and cruise ships in port, Mazatlan is ready to welcome a record-breaking number of guests.

Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE: CUK) announced today that Micky Arison, Chairman of the Board of Carnival Corporation and Carnival plc, has advised Carnival Corporation that trusts organized for his benefit plan to sell up to 10 million shares of Carnival Corporation common stock ("Shares") in market sales, representing up to approximately 1% of the total combined voting rights of Carnival Corporation & plc. Arison indicated that he is selling for tax planning, estate planning and diversification purposes. All Arison Shares are held either directly or indirectly in various trusts for his benefit.

More than 350 Excursions Already Planned for Luxury Line's Sold Out Global Voyage

From Ibiza to Skagen, Crystal Cruises is expanding its repertoire of ultra-luxury European cruises with nine maiden calls.

Holland America Line announced the addition of Australian Chef Mark Best as the newest member of the line's esteemed Culinary Council. Celebrated as one of the most innovative chefs in the world today, Best was welcomed to the group at an event on ms Amsterdam during the ship's call in Sydney, Australia, while sailing on its 115-day Grand World Voyage.

Hope you have a great new year 2014. Let the celebration begin. Cheers to 2014. May all your dreams come true.. !

The Tourismembassy Team