Downtown workers, residents and visitors can now enjoy even greater access to the Downtown Alliance’s growing free wireless network. Over the last several weeks the Downtown Alliance launched three more Wi-Fi service hubs in Lower Manhattan and upgraded all of its hotspots with higher bandwidth, new technology, and expanded coverage at each site.

In 2003, the Downtown Alliance pioneered the city’s most extensive free, public Wi-Fi initiative. Today, there are 15 hotspots – covering 715,000 square feet which is roughly the equivalent of 17 football fields.

The newest Wi-Fi access points are located at:

• Louise Nevelson Plaza at Liberty and William
• The Plaza at 59 Maiden Lane at Maiden and William
• Trinity Churchyard

“These new additions to our growing Wi-Fi network greatly expand the scope of the Downtown Alliance’s free Wi-Fi network,” said Elizabeth H. Berger, President of the Downtown Alliance. “With 15 Wi-Fi locations — and more on the horizon — Lower Manhattan’s 56,000 residents, 309,000 workers and nine million annual visitors now have more places to go online for free. The Downtown Alliance is excited to make Lower Manhattan the best place for free, accessible Wi-Fi in the city.”

The Downtown Alliance has significantly expanded one of its existing hotspots on Stone Street – growing to the size of nearly four football fields alone. Specifically, this expansion creates a 168,000 square foot wireless corridor that runs from the top of British Memorial Garden all the way down Stone Street and into the plaza area south of Stone Street and even covers some of Coenties Slip to Water Street, also extending to the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial Plaza Wi-Fi service across the street.

The existing Downtown Alliance hotspots are:

• Plaza at 7 World Trade Center
• Bowling Green Park
• British Memorial Garden
• Charlotte’s Place
• City Hall Park
• The Elevated Acre
• Peter Minuit Plaza
• South Street Seaport
• Stone Street
• Vietnam Veterans Memorial Plaza
• Whitehall-Water Street Plaza
• Winter Garden

Since the program’s inception, the number of connections to the network has risen dramatically. In 2010, connections skyrocketed by more than 96 percent over 2009 to over 100,000 connections. In 2011, the network averaged 638 connections a day, with more than 230,000 connections logged throughout the year and almost 9 terabytes of data transferred on our Wi-Fi network.

Downtown Alliance sponsored hot-spots are free for all users. Those using smartphones, laptops, and tablets with wireless capabilities can automatically connect to any of the Downtown Alliance’s wireless networks. When connecting this network, users must choose the network with “Downtown Alliance” in the title.

For more information on Downtown Alliance free wireless locations, visit http://www.downtownny.com/programs/free-public-wifi. To download the Downtown Alliance’s free events app, iPhone and iPad users can search “Downtown NY” in the app store.

The mission of the Alliance for Downtown New York is to provide service, advocacy, research and information to advance Lower Manhattan as a global model of a 21st century Central Business District for businesses, residents and visitors.

The contributions are especially significant because in FY2012 the federal government will match private sector contributions 2-1, which means these investments will yield $21 million in new funds for Brand USA’s growing marketing budget.

“We are incredibly proud and grateful that these three iconic brands have chosen to invest at such a significant level in Brand USA,” said CEO Jim Evans. “Recently President Obama called for a national travel and tourism strategy to attract more international visitors, and Brand USA is a major pillar of that. This is more than an investment in a marketing program – it is an investment in job creation and economic growth for hundreds of visitor destinations across America.”

The announcement follows dozens of financial commitments that have been received to date from other businesses, destinations and even individuals across the country.

“We are well on our way to reaching and exceeding our target of $100 million in FY12,” said Evans. “Brand USA already has great momentum, which will ensure a strong budget for the global marketing campaign we are preparing to launch in April.”

Announcing Marriott’s support of Brand USA, Chairman and CEO Bill Marriott said: “We are proud to make an investment in Brand USA because we know that the more people learn about America, the more they want to visit. And the more they travel here, the more cultural barriers between people fall and jobs are created that power this country’s economic engine. I’m thrilled to see this great initiative take shape and applaud President Obama’s leadership. Go Brand USA!”

“Disney has a long-standing history of supporting efforts to increase international tourism to the United States so we’re honored to continue our partnership with Brand USA to bring more international visitors to our shores,” added Tom Staggs, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. “The work being done by Brand USA will not only help bolster our economy and create jobs but also make our nation the destination of choice for millions of travelers around the globe.”

“America’s destinations are totally unique, and we have a history of welcoming all cultures,” stated David Kong, President and CEO of Best Western International. “Best Western is delighted to be part of Brand USA’s founding partnership to help enhance the United States’ appeal as a top destination for international visitors and to amplify our nation’s message of welcome to the world.”

The investments will be used to fund advertising, new media marketing, in-country representation, international trade show presence and other forms of marketing to international travelers. The funding also will be used to build sustaining programs such as sponsorship and cooperative marketing opportunities that will ensure a long-term source of revenue for Brand USA. After FY12, the private sector is required by law to fund at least 50 percent of the overall budget for the marketing entity.

Already one of the world’s most romantic destinations, San Antonio is going all out for this year’s Valentine’s Week by transforming into the “City of Yellow Roses.” Roses mean romance, but in San Antonio it’s only natural that the color of romance be yellow, not red.

Visitors can experience the City of Yellow Roses February 10-19 in many ways:

• Three River Walk barges will charm visitors with floating serenades. Acoustic guitar, marimba and mariachi musicians will entertain with live music the weekends of February 10 and 17, as well as Valentine’s Day, February 14.
• In addition to the serenade barges, 10 other barges will be decked out in yellow roses, ribbons and more, to add even more color and romance to the River Walk during Valentine’s Week.
• Romance-themed hotel packages offer special getaways. A dozen are currently listed, with more being added every day. One hotel is even including 1,000 yellow rose petals in its package offering.
• A Valentine Value Card will offer other “City of Yellow Roses” specials. The card is available online. Visitors can also pick one up at hotel reception desks of downtown hotels, bed and breakfasts and resorts (next to a bouquet of yellow roses), as well as the San Antonio International Airport, the Visitor Information Center on Alamo Plaza, and at the Convention Center. Romantic offerings include everything from yellow roses at hotel turn-down service or presented at check-in, Yellow Rose drink specials, Yellow Rose cupcakes, spa specials, and more.
• San Antonio is also partnering with American Greetings as part of “City of Yellow Roses.” Starting February 10, there will be a themed romance card on Americangreetings.com that will carry the yellow rose and San Antonio romance messaging.

A dreamy mix of European-like canals, Spanish flair, Old West charm, and Texas big hearted warmth – there will be more romance than ever in San Antonio this Valentine’s Week.  At CityofYellowRoses.com, visitors can learn more about what makes San Antonio que romantica! Information includes 10 Great Romantic Spots in San Antonio, Tips from Locals, San Antonio After Dark, Food & Wine, Four-Day Romance Itinerary, and videos showcasing San Antonio as a romantic and relaxing destination.

Religious monuments, places of pilgrimage and other interesting religious destinations attract more and more tourists. That is precisely why we would like to invite you to the Olomouc region. The city of Olomouc itself has one of the 12 monuments that the Czech Republic is especially proud of: the sights included in UNESCO’s world heritage list. However, there are many more reasons to visit the region.

Olomouc Holy Trinity Column

The Holy Trinity Column, situated in the Upper Square (“Horní náměstí”) in Olomouc, was registered in UNESCO’s World Cultural Heritage list in 2000. Its height of 35 metres makes it the tallest sculptural group to be found in the Czech Republic. Together with the Marian Column, located in the Lower Square (“Dolní náměstí”), and a group of six baroque fountains, it has been a national cultural monument since 1995. It was built between 1716 and 1754 and has become a monument that local inhabitants have been immensely proud of since its erection. The fact that it was built in Olomouc speaks in favour of the historical importance of the city, once the capital of the Moravia region and a seat of bishops since 1063. The idea of building a column was conceived by a stonemason and a privileged architect called Václav Render who managed to push his project through the city council, developed it and contributed to its funding. Originally it was supposed to be a plague column but the project was changed in the course of time and the monument was eventually dedicated to the Holy Trinity. Gold-plated copper sculptures representing the Holy Trinity dominate the three-storey monument which also features an additional 18 statues of Saints and 14 reliefs as well as a small chapel enclosed by them. It is only when you stand in front of the monument that you feel its genuine atmosphere and you can appreciate its architectural and artistic value and pay tribute to its creators.

Olomouc Astronomical Clock

Another rarity to be found in Olomouc is located just a few steps from the UNESCO monument: an astronomical clock. It was probably built at the turn of the 15th and 16th centuries and has undergone several renovations that have gradually changed its appearance. It was heavily damaged at the end of the 2nd World War, in May 1945, and a national artist named Karel Svolinský, a native of nearby Svatý Kopeček (“St. Hill”), was asked by the city to repair it. It was he who re-built it in 1955 in the shape as we know it today: the mosaic of the astronomical clock in the spirit of socialist realism embodies the life and work of the region’s people. It is a truly unique monument that is probably unparalleled throughout the world.

Olomouc has many more sights to offer!

The Olomouc panorama is inseparable from the towers of St. Wenceslas’ Church. It got its neogothic appearance as we know it today, with the tallest tower to be found in Moravia – and the second tallest in the whole of the Czech Republic – at the end of the 19th century. You should definitely take a stroll there when visiting the city. And don’t forget to visit the Romanesque palace of Moravian bishops at the Premyslid castle, which is sometimes incorrectly referred to as the “Premyslid Palace”. It is the most outstanding architectural monument of Central European importance to be found in Olomouc that was built in the first half of the 12th century and features unique Romanesque arched windows decorated with relief ornaments that are unparalleled in the Czech Republic.

Aviation Museum features many interesting attractions!

You might think that the Moravian city of Olomouc is too far to travel to when visiting the Czech Republic. However, it is not that difficult: the cities of Prague and Olomouc are connected with a motorway but you can also take a plane and land at one of five Czech international airports. When getting from plane in Olomouc, do visit its Aviation Museum, which features different technology, including military jet planes, many exhibits from the history of air transport, a large collection of flight simulators and aircraft engines.

Svatý Kopeček

Situated just eight kilometres from the city centre is the most popular tourist destination and a place of pilgrimage in the region, Svatý Kopeček (“Saint Hill”). This part of the foothills of a mountain range called Nízký Jeseník is dominated by a baroque Church of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, rising majestically above Olomouc and offering a beautiful view of the region. Since 1956 the surrounding forests have encompassed a zoological garden, spreading over an area of 40 hectares. When visiting the zoo, you can enjoy a sightseeing tour on board a mini-train or a view from an observation tower. It offers nice relaxation and new knowledge at the same time. You will find more than 350 animal species and many of them are very rare. The whole region enjoys a network of hiking paths and cycle routes. If you have had enough of strolls in the countryside, why not go back to the city and take a cruise along the river Moravia! You can choose one of the one to three-hour cruises on comfortable eight-seat inflatable boats. Don’t worry: each boat has its own skilled instructor on board! Night cruises on boats decorated with Chinese lanterns along illuminated sights are especially romantic, and more experienced canoeists can take a longer trip on a raft or a canoe to a nearby picturesque natural reserve called “Litovelské Pomoraví”.

Flora Olomouc

The metropolis of the Haná region is inseparable from the traditional international gardening exhibition called “Flora Olomouc”. Whether you visit its spring or summer stage, you will definitely be fascinated by a wide range of flower species coming in countless colours. Various flower arrangements displayed in many corners of the city will call your attention to the exhibition that just takes place in Olomouc. The Olomouc Exhibition Grounds hosts 15 exhibitions and fairs every year and its staff take care of 47 hectares of parks including greenhouses, a rosarium and a botanical garden.

Another opportunity to relax is provided by Olomouc’s renowned restaurants. If you visit one of the places labelled with the “CzechSpecials” mark, you can be sure it offers national and local specialities. Try “hrstková polévka” (Haná mixed soup), “syrečky” (local ripened round cheese with bacon) or Haná traditional pear scones. After a good hearty meal you can take a trip on to a different part of the Olomouc region.

Olomouc Region

The symbols of the Olomouc region include traditional ceramics, the dialect of Haná, Haná dances, songs, music, ornamental costumes and many folk ensembles, folk festivals and shows. And of course several castles including probably the most beautiful among them, Bouzov. If you prefer chateaux to castles, there are also plenty to choose from: Náměšť na Hané, Plumlov, Tovačov or Velké Losiny, which is one of the oldest functional hand paper mills to be found in Europe. The region also features a technical rarity: the Dlouhé Stráně pumped-storage hydro power station. Last but not least: we should definitely not forget to mention hot and cold healing springs, baths and colonnade concerts you can visit in several spa towns renowned for their high-quality care.

Known affectionately as “The Grand Strand,” Myrtle Beach has grown by more than 35 percent over the past decade and continues to evolve and expand, giving way to an entirely “new” Myrtle Beacharea of accommodations, attractions and events. Here is a sneak peek at some of the newest developments anticipated in 2012.

*Updates are listed alphabetically

MYRTLE BEACH AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE / CVB AIRPORT A rendering of the Myrtle Beach International Airport Extension, planned to accommodate growing numbers of visitors arriving by air.

Coastal Uncorked: Food, Wine & Spirits Festival

The annual Coastal Uncorked festival, in its third year, will take place April 22-29, 2012. All events will be moved to one central location, downtown across from the Boardwalk. The event will include two days of Tasting Tents (April 27-28) with live music and a gourmet village at the site. For more information, call  (843) 916-2030 or visit www.coastaluncorked.com.

Grand Park Athletic Complex

The Grand Park Athletic Complex will open in early 2012. Three full-size and two youth-size multipurpose fields as well as a new roller hockey rink will make up the athletic complex. This project is owned by the City of Myrtle Beach.

Myrtle Beach Adrenaline Adventures

Two new zip line adventure courses are planned to open in spring 2012 where the former Pavilion Amusement park stood between 8th and 9th Avenues on Ocean Blvd. and on a few acres on the south end of Myrtle Beach. The former Pavilion site’s theme will be a “Carolina Beach-shabby-shack” theme, while the property on South Ocean Boulevard between Springmaid resort and Damon’s restaurant will have a “Swiss Family Robinson-tiki” theme.

Myrtle Beach Art Museum 15th Anniversary Year Long Celebration

MYRTLE BEACH AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE / CVB SPRINGMAID BEACH PIER A historic landmark in the heart of Myrtle Beach, Springmaid Beach Pier is undergoing a few changes in 2012.

The Franklin G. Burroughs-Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum has launched a new yearlong campaign celebrating its 15th anniversary, called “I Heart Art.” Throughout the year, the museum will host events designed to get the public excited about art, with plans to build an art-themed miniature golf course and hold collector’s events, exhibitions of high school art works and fashion runway competitions. For more details and a full list of events visit http://www.myrtlebeachartmuseum.org/Events/anniversary.cfm.

~Entertainment~

Pat Boone Family Theater

The Pat Boone Family Theater is slated for opening this winter. Approximately one-half million dollars in renovations will turn the former NASCAR Cafe restaurant into a 600-seat theater. Pat Boone, who rose to fame in the 1950s and 1960s and continues to record, will help book acts and also perform several times a year. A Boone Museum will feature some of his memorabilia. The Pat Boone Family Theater will offer a variety of entertainment, appealing across age groups to tourists as well as residents. The resident performers will include magicians and singers, and the theater will house special events and performers such as comedians, nostalgic pop artists and gospel festivals. For more information, call  (843) 213-6880 or visit www.pbftheater.com.

South Carolina Warriors Basketball Team

The South Carolina Warriors is a semi-professional basketball team based in Myrtle Beach as a franchise of the American Basketball Association (ABA). The Warriors will play its 2011-2012 home games in Little River, SC.  The season runs throughMarch 2012. For more information visit www.scwarriorsaba.com.

~Major Construction Projects~

Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

Non-profit organization Plug In Carolina has installed electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in the Grand Strand as a part of a larger goal of installing 80 active stations in South Carolina. Each station supports the charging of two vehicles simultaneously. Stations are located at Coastal Carolina University, Ocean Lakes Campground in Surfside, 4th and Laurel Street in Conway, the Horry County Library in Conway, 6th Avenue South in North Myrtle Beach, and the Horry-Georgetown Technical CollegeGrand Strand Campus in Myrtle Beach.

Highway 17 Bypass Interchange Project at the Back Gate

The Highway 17 Interchange will eliminate the traffic signal at the intersection and provide uninterrupted movement on Highway 17. The Interchange will decrease traffic delays and construct a U-turn at the north end of the Interchange under the bridge.

Kings Road Boat Ramp

Two million dollars will be spent to build the Kings Road Boat Ramp, pave the parking lot and build public restrooms. The project is a joint effort of the Horry County Transportation Committee and the Horry County Parks.

International Technology and Aerospace Park (ITAP)

ITAP is a 460-acre class A aviation and technology park owned by Horry County and located on the Myrtle Beach International Airport property. The park has a public entrance in the Market Common district, known for upscale shopping and dining. Phase 1 of the park was completed in November 2011. This included the installation of utilities, access roads, storm drainage and landscaping. For more information visit www.mbitap.com.

Myrtle Beach International Airport Extension

To accommodate growing numbers of visitors arriving by air, Myrtle Beach International Airport has begun an expansion project with the recent addition of a general aviation terminal, which opened in 2010, and the continued construction of a new passenger terminal. The massive projects, which will extend the passenger terminal from seven to 12 gates, are expected to increase the airport’s capacity and efficiency for vacationers, business travelers and locals alike. M.B. Kahn Construction is serving as the program manager for the $130 million passenger terminal expansion which will be completed in early 2013. For more information visit www.flymyrtlebeach.com/expansion.cfm.

Springmaid Pier Improvements

A historic landmark in the heart of Myrtle Beach, Springmaid Beach Pier is undergoing a few changes in 2012. BARnacles, the pier bar and grill, will receive a reinvigoration as Myrtle Beach’s newest waterfront hot spot. There will be outdoor seating and the deck will be revamped with the addition of a full bar drink line up and new menu. There will also be weekly live entertainment and a happy hour on Fridays. A pier hurricane simulator will be added as well as a giant beach chair to be used for photo opportunities. For more information visit http://www.springmaidbeach.com/default.asp?springmaidbeach=30.

Target Store

A new Target shopping center will be coming to Myrtle Beach. SayeBrook Town Center, a 700-acre development, is planned near the U.S. 17 Bypass and S.C. 544, ranging from commercial to single-family homes. The Target will be about 135,000 square feet and include a produce section. The shopping center will be anchored by Target, but include space for additional stores. For more information, call (843) 294-6197 or visit www.thejacksoncompanies.com.

~Lodging~

Grande Shores Oceanfront Resort

The Grande Shores Oceanfront Resort will receive a renovation and update of hotel rooms and all common areas. Renovations include updated oceanfront pool decks, resurfacing of the Lazy River, a new ceiling for the indoor pool, a new covered walkway at the main entrance, renovated elevator interiors and new furniture in the lobby. Grande Shores hotel rooms are being updated with new closet organizers, paint, new bathroom vanities and lighting. All updates will be completed byFebruary 2012, at a cost of more than $1 million. For more information call (843) 692-4000 or visitwww.grandeshores.com.

Springmaid Beach Resort

In October 2011, Springmaid launched its status as Myrtle Beach’s newest dog-friendly resort. The resort now offers an affordable dog-friendly rate and designated dog-friendly specific rooms. Also, a fenced doggie run was created with ample room to play, with benches and waste containers for owners.

Also, for 2012, a product and team investment in wedding business is being developed. The resort has hired a wedding specialist — experienced in wedding product sales, development and management — to provide team training and professional development to group managers specific to the needs of wedding planners, couples and their parties. The property has also created wedding packages around the specific needs and drivers for wedding groups. The website is also undergoing a development to create a weddings section. Visit www.springmaidbeach.com.

~Dining~

Dining in Myrtle Beach International Airport Expansion

The Myrtle Beach International Airport Expansion project will also include some new dining, some of which are inspired by local fare. Two restaurants are Bubba’s Fish Shack and Nacho Hippo, locally run by the Divine Dining Group which will include local barbeque, Carolina Coastal Cuisine and a Latin twist on traditional local dishes. Boardwalk Cafe will also join the dining scene as a complete restaurant with bar. Also completing the restaurant landscape will be national chains Dunkin’ Donuts and Steak n’ Shake.

Nosh

The restaurant Nosh opened in fall 2011 and is located in the historic Pawley’s Island Hammock Shop village. Executive ChefJermaine Taliaferro is a true artisan, masterfully creating unique works of culinary art. Nosh offers handcrafted cuisine featuring the finest of locally sourced seasonal ingredients. Its “tapas-inspired” menu is a fusion of Southern and Italian dishes. For more information, visit www.noshpi.com.

New Mexican Restaurant & Boardwalk Extension

In December 2011, a group of investors presented plans for an oceanfront Mexican restaurant to the City of Myrtle Beach, which would also include building a small city park and extending the boardwalk to the restaurant. This would be built on the lot adjacent to the Yachtsman Resort on 14th Ave. North. The Mexican restaurant will be 4,800 square feet and have a Spanish Colonial look with 90 seats inside and outdoor transitional spaces, stepping down to a courtyard with a fountain and wood patio, perhaps with a fire pit. At the side facing Ocean Boulevard, a water feature is planned with a spill and wishing well where the water will change color when coins are tossed in. The building will have three tiers: 13 feet, 19 feet and 31 feet high. Exterior walls will be off-white and gray-toned terra cotta or metal roofs are planned. Windows will be tinted blue.

Historic Peaches Corner Renovations

The historic Peaches Corner restaurant in downtown Myrtle Beach is celebrating their 75th anniversary with a facelift. Included in the work is a new facade and giant, spinning peach that will sit atop their Ocean Boulevard building. The renovation also included replacing the old counter with one that displays dozens of old photos that show Myrtle Beach as it has been from the 1930s to the present. For more information visit their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/PeachesCorner.

Police believe a criminal gang is behind the theft but they doubt the criminals were stealing ice to place in their own drinks. Some international gourmets will pay high prices for designer ice cubes, believing that a piece of pure glacier ice can enhance the taste or the social prestige of their cocktails, gin-and-tonics or Scotch-on-the-rocks.

Police found a large chunk of the 5.2 tonnes of ice, thought to have been stolen from the Jorge Montt glacier, in a refrigerated truck, the Guardian reported.

Authorities believe the theft could be adding to the impact of global warming in damaging the glacier. They may charge the truck driver with violating a national monument.

Jorge Montt is already on the retreat, shrinking by almost a kilometre a year. A widely publicised series of images of the glacier have been used to show graphically the effects of global warming. Scientists argue whether the activities of man are to blame for global warming but no one disputes that humans were behind the glacier ice-cube theft.

Jorge Montt glacier is part of Chile’s Bernardo O’Higgins National Park. Bernardo O’Higgins, incidentally, was an 18^th-century Chilean independence leader, the illegitimate son of the splendidly named Ambrosio O’Higgins, First Marquis of Osorno, a Spanish officer born in County Sligo, Ireland, who became governor of Chile and later viceroy of Peru. It’s yet another example of the influence of Ireland on the world. The ice cubes could go well with Irish whiskey.

Written by Peter Needham

DoT-Central Luzon Regional Director Ronaldo P. Tiotuico said the MoA aims to expand access to vital destinations by building roads that directly connect to infrastructures like international gateways as well as town service centers where a cluster of hotels, restaurants, travel and tour services and other related services abound.

Ronaldo said that an action planning conference was held recently among regional executives of DoT and the DPWH, together with some partner non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and tourism councils to flesh out the directives contained in the agreement by prioritizing tourism road infrastructure projects (TRIP) located in the 21 tourism development areas (TDAs) identified in the National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP 2011-2016).

He said that the TDA is defined as an area covered by a single local government unit (LGU) that has already an existing or emerging tourist center but which lacks road infrastructure support leading to places most frequently visited by tourists. “This is just the first step in achieving the goal of generating 10 million visitors in 2016,” he added.

Based on the agreement, the DOT would identify the tourism road projects while DPWH would be the one to build. The timetable for the project is between 2013 up to 2016.

He said priority will be given to those tourism development areas which have already an existing gateway like an airport or seaport, and are served by a service center clustered by hotels, dining facilities, among other services. Also, priority will be granted to tourist centers which generate a significant number of visitors and are supported by an ample supply of rooms and services.

In Central Luzon alone, and in accordance with the NTDP conclusions, its TDAs consist of Subic-Clark-Tarlac corridor, Pampanga, Bulacan, Bataan coast and inland, Zambales coast, Nueva Ecija and Aurora.

“These areas have already existing gateways and are served by a host of vital tourism services while the volume of visitor arrivals has become significant to warrant priority consideration in the program with a significant number of hotel rooms to support such development,” Ronaldo said.

He also said that the tourism development for the region is centered on the current and future development of Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA) which is seen to be the next premiere gateway to the world. At present, DMIA generates monthly inbound travel for some 30,000 passengers wherein half of which are foreign visitors.

Its existing passenger terminal can accommodate 2.5 million passenger movements but once the second phase of the terminal is completed this year, its holding capacity will reach 10 million.

On the other hand, the volume of domestic visitor arrivals in the entire region has reached the one millionth mark based on statistics gathered by local government units (LGUs) wherein 50% of which is generated by both Clark and Subic.

The tourism road infrastructure project is expected to interlink all the provinces in Central Luzon to the gateway in Clark.

In so doing, “we are optimistic that it will increase visitor traffic in all the provinces, bolster the economic development of the entire region and at the same time, create more jobs for all,” he said.

He said the final draft of the project for Region 3 is expected to be formally submitted to DPWH by April 9, 2012 for inclusion in their 2013 work program.

Written by: Kanchana Ganglani

The Biggest Loser 2012 centres around four teams of overweight contestants attempting to lose the most weight to win a cash prize.

Contestants are pushed to their physical and mental limits with a series of contests, challenges and temptations designed to help them lose weight and turn their lives around. The Biggest Loser 2012 focuses on a group of single contestants on a quest to lose weight, love themselves and find love.

Contestants were ripped out of their comfort zones to take on the challenging course and compete head to head, climbing over giant logs and a bus, crawling through thick mud pits, crossing the creek on the zip line and sliding down the giant mud slide before crossing the finish line.

The show’s host Hayley Lewis as well as popular trainers Michelle, Shannan, Tiffiny and The Commando were also at Glenworth Valley to support the contestants in their challenge.

In mid-November 2011 over 6000 participants took on the inaugural Valley Stampede and the event is set to take place again at Glenworth Valley on Saturday 17 November 2012. Earlybird tickets are now on sale for just $50 for a limited time. Visit www.valleystampede.com.au for information or to register.

The Biggest Loser’s Valley Stampede challenge episode will air on Channel Ten at 7:00pm on Thursday, February 9 2012.

The entire mountain tourist resort was at various times during the three day holiday embraced with a magnificent thin hoarfrost covering and later by a thick layer of gleaming white snow.  When snow falls in the mountainous regions of Southern China, it is a beautiful sight to behold!

The snow arrived after sunrise on the third day.  In the mountainous area of Guling Shancheng, the view of beautiful jade towers and crystal palaces among the sparkling snow-laden trees and flowers was truly a sight to behold – a sight one could only imagine in a fairy tale. Tourists arriving from Guangdong, Zhejiang, and Jiangsu provinces were amazed at the sight of the silver-white snow, glittering ice and exotic hoarfrost as they breathed in the frosty air and busily took pictures to capture the precious and rare moments.

The well-known scenic spots – Lushan Central Park, Blossom Path, Jinxiu Valley and Fairy Cave - received the most traffic, with entire families spanning three generations enjoying the scenery.  Family members were in wonderment at the intricate designs created by the hoarfrost and took pictures excitedly while the youngest among them threw snowballs and made snowmen. A good time was had by all who chose Lushan as their destination.

Lushan Mountain has been promoting the scenic area as an ideal destination for a winter vacation, especially during the Spring Festival Golden Week, and the number of tourists choosing to visit the area during the winter months has been increasing steadily. This year during this period, the number of tourists traveling to Lushan Mountain reached 40,000, up 11.8% over the same period last year. The area’s experience with tourism shows the choice of Lushan Mountain as a travel destination to be not only a safe and comfortable one, but also one that is truly enjoyed by all.  Lushan Mountain’s tourist organizations expect the number of visitors to continue to grow.

These gelatinous orbs seem downright curious. If I could laugh underwater I would. Who would ever think jellyfish could be so harmless? I’ll remember this sensational wildlife encounter as one of the most wonderful experiences of my life. You’ve got to experience this for yourself.”

Lieb lives near the Atlantic Ocean and the beaches of Charleston, South Carolina. She knows that encounters with jellyfish can often end in pain. “I once got tangled in a jellyfish’s tentacles,” she recalls. “I was covered in painful welts. But Palau’s jellyfish don’t sting. They’ve evolved without predators, and they’re living peacefully in Palau. Maybe they’re official greeters. Jellyfish Lake is one of the reasons Palau is called the 8^th Natural Wonder of the World as well as one of The Seven Underwater Wonders of the World.”

WHERE IS PALAU?

Most have heard of Palau as one of Planet Earth’s legendary dive and snorkel destinations. But for those who wonder where it is, you’re not alone. Located in the westernmost corner of Micronesia, Palau is an archipelago of over 586 islands. Only 20,000 people call this area home. But those willing to travel a to this remote paradise will swim in the translucent Pacific Ocean with over 1400 species of fish, 500 species of coral living underneath the stunning Rock Islands….and incredible jellyfish in Palau’s Jellyfish Lake.

“Jellyfish Lake is a well-known tourist destination,” says Yositaka Adachi, Governor of Koror State. “To swim among millions of harmless jellyfish is an unforgettable experience. Our Government is vigilant about conserving and managing our ecological integrity. We are devoted to preserving our natural environment as part of our heritage and culture.”

THE SCIENCE BEHIND THE NON-STINGING JELLYFISH

The golden jellyfish found only in Jellyfish Lake are called “Mastigias Papua Etpisoni.” Living in their tissues are zooxanthellae, which are symbiotic dinoflagellates. Theirs is a special relationship: the jellyfish rotates in a circle and swims around Jellyfish Lake, making sure the zooxanthellae get enough sunlight for photosynthesis. In exchange, the zooxanthellae provide their jellyfish with energy and nutrients.

The jellyfish capture tiny organisms for food, with stinging cells inherited from their ancestor, Mastigias Papua. But they did not evolve to eat large vertebrates like humans. They bob peacefully in the sun and are completely harmless to snorkelers exploring beautiful Jellyfish Lake.

JELLYFISH FOLLOW THE SUN

These unusual jellyfish swim in a migratory pattern seen only in Jellyfish Lake. At sunrise, they swim towards the east shoreline, stopping at the shadow line formed by overhanging trees and rocks. They hover there in the sunlit seawater. As the sun arcs overhead throughout the day, the jellies turn and swim towards the west shoreline, again stopping to bob at the shadow line. Like sunflowers, and tourists snoozing on the beach, Palau’s jellyfish are ardent sun worshippers.

A LIFE CHANGING EXPERIENCE

“For twenty years, I’ve traveled the world, publishing articles about my intense encounters with wildlife,” says travel journalist Sharon Lieb. “I’ve kayaked with orca killer whales, snorkeled with beluga whales, swum with forty foot long whale sharks and photographed wild Canadian polar bears. But, never in my life have I been lovingly touched by a creature that is supposedly dangerous. Their curiosity and intelligence is humbling. Holding a jellyfish in your hand is a real The Twilight Zone moment. I suspended my fear, and floated into the Fourth Dimension, where all creatures share the joy of being alive. Open your heart for this life changing experience.”