Join in the carnival with Jamaican Twist at Notting Hill

The multiple-award winning Jamaican Twist Carnival Club is offering people the chance to dance their way through the streets of London to a Caribbean rhythm as part of its vibrant Jamaica troupe at this year’s Notting Hill Carnival.

Inspired by Jamaica’s national motto, ‘Out of many, one people’, which refers to the island’s multicultural heritage, everyone is welcome to join in with this fantastic opportunity. The Jamaican Twist float – known as a ‘band’ – will bring together people of all ages and backgrounds to bring an energetic blend of colourful costumes, dancing and music to Carnival. To underline the diversity of the Jamaican float, a group of flamboyant Brazilian dancers and drummers will samba its way alongside the float, adding even more glamour, entertainment and a ‘twist’ to Jamaica’s band.

The originality and creativity of Jamaican Twist, who are sponsored by the Jamaica Tourist Board, was recognised last year at Carnival when the band picked up no fewer than four awards. Its theme for this year has been unveiled as ‘Ackee and Saltfish’, a traditional Jamaican breakfast which is regarded as a national dish. The carnival costumes promise to be as spectacular as ever, with the male Carnival King representing the Saltfish and female participants dressed in shimmering Ackee costumes. Jamaican Twist is sure to draw attention from the crowds as it passes through the streets of London with reggae beats pumping from its sound system.

No music, dance or performance experience is required to participate in Jamaican Twist – the electrifying atmosphere of Carnival guarantees to get feet moving and hips shaking in true Caribbean style. Participants can take part either as a costumed performer, dressed as Ackee, or as part of the larger T-shirt band. To participate in the Costume Section is £85, which includes the spectacular full 2010 Ackee female Costume, a pre-selected meal, drinks & tasty Jamaican patties and a T-shirt for Sunday’s fun Mas. To be part of the T-shirt section costs just £15, for which participants will receive their very own Jamaican Twist T-shirt, which can be customised to add individuality and style to the band.

To sign up, visit http://www.jamaicantwist.com/membership/

For more information or images please contact:
McCluskey International
Kate Popham / Matt Kelly
T: 020 8237 7979
E: jamaica@mccluskey.co.uk

About Jamaica Tourist Board

The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), founded in 1955, is Jamaica’s national tourism agency based in the capital city of Kingston. The JTB was declared the Caribbean’s Leading Tourist and Convention Bureau by the World Travel Awards (WTA) from 2006 to 2009, while Jamaica earned the WTA’s vote as the World’s Leading Cruise Destination, the Caribbean’s Leading Destination and the Caribbean’s Leading Cruise Destination.

JTB offices are located in Kingston, Montego Bay, Miami, Toronto and London. Representative offices are located in Düsseldorf, Barcelona, Rome, Amsterdam and Tokyo.

For details on upcoming special events, attractions and accommodations in Jamaica go to the Jamaica Tourist Board’s Web site at www.visitjamaica.com, or call the Jamaica Tourist Board on 020 7225 9090.

Malév Airlines’ 24hr Flight Sale

Flights to Budapest from £99 on sale from 11 – 12 August 2010

ENGLAND will play their first international football match of the 2010/11 season against Hungary at Wembley on 11 August and to celebrate Malév Hungarian Airlines (www.malev.uk.com) is running a 24 hour flight sale on the Gatwick to Budapest route.

Flights will be up for grabs from just £99, including all airport taxes and charges on their web site www.malev.uk.com/specialoffer.html from 14.00 on 11 August 2010 until 13.59 on 12 August 2010.

The travel period is from 15 September 2010 until 28 February 2011 (excluding the period 12 December 2010 to 10 January 2011. This fare is subject to availability so the sooner people go online the more chance they will have of securing the best fare.

Budapest is currently one of the best value destinations in Europe and visitors will find many boutique and luxury hotels exceptionally good value, including the 4 star design hotel Lanchid 19 that offers fantastic views over the Danube and the famous Chain Bridge from just €76 per room per night or the new 4 star Hotel Continental Zara from just €98 per room per night.

Travellers will find plenty of things going on in Budapest in autumn and winter including the following events and festivals:

Budapest Pálinka & Sausage Festival (8 – 10 October) – a unique outdoor event where up to 20 Pálinka distillers and 10 different sausage makers showcase these typical Hungarian foods.

Budapest Autumn Festival (8 -17 October) – the autumn equivalent of the well-known Spring Festival and includes theatre, concerts, dance and art exhibitions at venues throughout the city. This year’s theme is ‘Present Tense’ and there are more than 90 events and performances with representatives from 12 countries.

Budapest Christmas Markets (19 November – 29 December) – taking place in Vörösmarty Square on the Pest side the many  market stalls offer arts and crafts, as well as delicious Hungarian delicacies such as kürtőskalács (conical pastries covered in sugar and cinnamon), strudels, roast meats and some of the finest mulled wine (forralt bor) in the world.

ENDS

To book flights visit www.malev.uk.com/specialoffer.html. For hotels try either www.lanchid19hotel.hu or www.hotelcontinentalzara.com.

For more information on Hungary visit www.gotohungary.co.uk

Megan Whiteside
McCluskey International
0208 237 7979 Email: hungary@mccluskey.co.uk

Karin Jones, PR consultant for the Hungarian National Tourist Office (Tues & Weds)
07908 488 492 Email: media@gotohungary.co.uk

Crave Sydney International Food Festival

Sydney is the place to be – and eat – this October with the Crave Sydney International Food Festival offering 31 days of extraordinary food experiences in unique Sydney locations and featuring some of the world’s top chefs. From 1^st – 31^st October there will be a host of events for visitors and Sydneysiders alike taking place across the city to entertain, educate and celebrate our city’s obsession with food.

Crave Sydney International Food Festival offers something for everyone – large scale food events; intimate dinners cooked by some of the world’s leading chefs; authentic food experiences in Sydney’s culturally diverse suburbs; family activities on and around Sydney Harbour Bridge and islands.

Britain’s Marcus Wareing and Rick Stein, New York’s Wylie Dufresne and Australia’s Peter Gilmore and Tetsuya Wakuda will be amongst more than 35 international talents taking place in the World Chef Showcase from October 9^th – 10^th.

The World Chef Showcase provides global perspectives on cooking and dining as these remarkable chefs and food personalities bring their creative genius to Sydney for two action-packed days. This year’s themes include the fascinating flavours of Turkey and the Middle East; the consumer’s increasing interest in where produce comes from; and the latest in kitchen wizardry from the avant-garde chef set.

Fine dining is not the only option on the menu during Crave Sydney International Food Festival, which caters to all tastes and budgets. Kicking off the month-long feast of events, and celebrating an Australian tradition, the Barbecue Madness weekend will be held on October 2^nd. The popular Night Noodle Markets take over Hyde Park North near the city centre from October 11^th – 22^nd, offering visitors the chance to sample Asian-inspired treats in an atmospheric setting.

During October take to the water and enjoy a Sydney Harbour Island Hopping tour. This is an exciting way to learn about Sydney’s diverse natural and cultural history, as each journey not only transports visitors to a different harbour island, but also uncovers a different aspect of Sydney’s magnificent heritage.

There will be a series of announcements around Crave Sydney International Food Festival rolling out from now until October.

For more information, please visit Crave Sydney International Food Festival website www.siff.com.au. For further information on visiting Sydney, go to www.sydney.com

For media information and images, please contact:
McCluskey International
Kate Popham / Matt Kelly
T: 020 8237 7979
E: NSW@McCluskey.co.uk

Smatt’s International Polo at Royal Berkshire Club

The Smatt’s International Polo took place on Sunday 4^th July, at the Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club, continuing Jamaica’s long held association with the sport. As well as the spectacle of the Eduardo Moore Polo Final itself, guests were treated to a fabulous afternoon of Jamaican music, a BBQ lunch and a glamorous after party hosted by Rogue London during the evening.

The event was attended by around 200 guests, including His Excellency Anthony Smith Johnson, the Jamaican High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, various polo press and enthusiasts, the Jamaica Tourist Board and product partners including British Airways. Jamaican TV personality and chef Levi Roots also attended, providing some of his speciality ‘reggae reggae’ marinade for the lunchtime BBQ.

The event was hosted by Smatt’s Rum, which is produced in Jamaica, and sponsored by the Jamaica Tourist Board, who hosted media at the event as part of their sports marketing strategy.

Liz Fox, Regional Director at the Jamaica Tourist Board, said “This was a great opportunity to interact with young, wealthy consumers who travel regularly and tend to stay in luxury accommodation. As one of the world’s premier polo destinations, Jamaica offers the  chance for the polo ‘jet-set’ to pursue their passion for the sport, whilst enjoying the Island’s spectacular beauty and exclusive resorts.”

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For more information or images please contact:

McCluskey International

Kate Popham / Matt Kelly

T: 020 8237 7979

E: jamaica@mccluskey.co.uk

About Jamaica Tourist Board

The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), founded in 1955, is Jamaica’s national tourism agency based in the capital city of Kingston. The JTB was declared the Caribbean’s Leading Tourist and Convention Bureau by the World Travel Awards (WTA) from 2006 to 2009, while Jamaica earned the WTA’s vote as the World’s Leading Cruise Destination, the Caribbean’s Leading Destination and the Caribbean’s Leading Cruise Destination.

JTB offices are located in Kingston, Montego Bay, Miami, Toronto and London. Representative offices are located in Düsseldorf, Barcelona, Rome, Amsterdam and Tokyo.

For details on upcoming special events, attractions and accommodations in Jamaica go to the Jamaica Tourist Board’s Web site at www.visitjamaica.com, or call the Jamaica Tourist Board on 020 7225 9090



In Hungary, there’s a festival for everything

From food and culture to motorbikes and rock music, there’s an event for everyone in Hungary

Castle Evenings, Gyula, July 30^th – August 1^st
More than 50,000 people attend this three day festival in the historic surroundings of Gyula Castle. Hungary’s medieval history comes to life in this spa town, about three and a half hours drive from Budapest on the far east border of Hungary. Period costume is the order of the day, as visitors witness traditional knight’s tournaments on horseback and archery contests. Folks crafts are on sale and each night includes performances from some of Hungary’s biggest musical acts – both the traditional and the modern. www.julianustarsasag.hu

Sziget Festival, Budapest, 11^th – 16^th August
This music festival first took place in 1993, and has since then grown to become one of the biggest festivals in Europe – in 2009 around 390,000 people attended, that’s about twice the capacity of Glastonbury. It takes place on Óbudai-sziget (Old-Buda Island)in the middle of the Danube, very central within Budapest and most acts don’t start until late into the afternoon or evening – making it the perfect festival to incorporate into a city break. This year’s line up features some massive names from across the world, including Muse, Iron Maiden, Madness, Yeasayer, DJ Shadow and Calvin Harris. www.sziget.hu

Pumpkin Tours are offering a package for £327. This includes flights, tickets for the festival, a pre-erected tent at the festival for three days and a hotel on the last night (to clean up before the flight home). www.pumpkintours.co.uk 0845 527 3385

International Adult Puppet Festival of Pécs, Pécs, 23^rd – 28^th August
Pécs is continuing to celebrate its status as 2010 European Capital of Culture with festivities throughout the year, see www.pecs2010.hu for details of everything going on, but the International Adult Puppet Festival promises to be a highlight. Around 100 puppetry companies from 30 different companies will descend on the pretty town of Pécs in Southern Hungary for a week in August, performing thought provoking, modern, artistic puppetry shows for grown up minds. Performances will take place in indoor venues including the Bóbita Puppet Theatre and the National Theatre of Pécs, as well as outdoors in Minerva Park and the Culture Garden.  www.bobita.hu

2010 World Hot Air Balloon Championship, Debrecen, 2^nd – 10^th October
Taking place for the 19^th time this year, this annual worldwide hot air ballooning competition is coming to Hungary’s second largest city, Debrecen, which is about two and a half hours drive east of Budapest. Competitors will be bringing their balloons from all over the world to compete over a week, promising a spectacular display over this beautiful and historic city. www.2010worldballoons.com

Balaton International Egg Festival, Balaton, 8^th – 10^th October
Starting on World Egg Day, this festival celebrates all things egg-related. There’s egg painting, egg-based recipe contests, master chef displays, an egg art exhibition and the Egg Ball takes the festivities through to dawn. Balaton is Central Europe’s largest lake, a popular holiday destination for families and an amazing destination for sailing. www.tojasfesztival.hu

Budapest Christmas Markets, Budapest, November 19^th – December 29^th
Budapest is the perfect Christmas city break destination as it hosts some of the best Christmas markets in Europe. The famous Café Gerbeaud overlooks the main market in Vörösmarty Square, turning it’s many windows into a giant advent calendar. The market has stalls featuring arts and crafts, as well as delicious Hungarian delicacies such as kürtőskalács (conical pastries covered in sugar and cinnamon), strudels, roast meats and some of the finest mulled wine (forralt bor) in the world. www.budapestinfo.hu

-ENDS-

For more information on Hungary visit www.gotohungary.co.uk

Press Enquiries:

McCluskey International
Megan Whiteside
020 8237 7979  hungary@mccluskey.co.uk

Karin Jones, PR consultant for the Hungarian National Tourist Office (Tues & Weds) 07908 488 492 media@gotohungary.co.uk

The “who’s who” of digital descend on Valencia for Campus Party

Valencia will make way for thousands of the worlds most influential and budding technology experts Campus Party kicks off on July 26 at the City of Arts and Sciences.  Steve Wozniak, co-founder of Apple, will officially open the seven-day event, which is hailed as the biggest online meeting for innovation, creativity, digital culture and electronic entertainment in the world. It’s at Campus Party where the youth of the technology industry can share their creations and interests, participate in workshops and gain insight into new technologies and communications through presentations hosted by the key innovators of the digital industry.

Now in its 13^th year, Campus Party is the trendsetter for many disciplines such as electronic entertainment, robotics, software creation, digital culture, modding, security and networks and digital creativity. Human-robot interaction is a key focus this year; engineers from Spanish company AISoy Robotics will present to the world AISoy1, a new type of robot for in-house use that can feel, learn, play, listen and talk to humans.  Bram Vanderborght from the University of Brussels will discuss how robot applications can make life easier, and Bob Allen from Silicon Valley will be informing guests about the robots they are developing in OLogic Inc.

Campus Party has grown into a necessary calendar appointment for members of the tech community, and last year more than 6,000 visitors attended the Valencia event, held in the City of Arts & Sciences.

Campus Party Valencia Director, Miguel Angel Exposito said: “Steve Wozniak’s support of Campus Party confirms again that our event is recognised as one of the most important and influential for the technology sphere.  Each year we continue to bring the best worldwide professionals to Valencia to share and impart their knowledge with the future generation of technology professionals to listen and take from the knowledge and experts’ experiences with them”.

Campus Party in Valencia will be held from July 26 to August 1 in the Museum of Sciences Principe Felipe within The City of Arts & Sciences.  This modern, 21^st-century design museum is surrounded by over 13,000 square metres of water curtains and has built a reputation for hosting activities and initiatives related to the evolution of life and the dissemination of scientific and technological information.

For anyone interested in attending the Valencia Campus Party or would like more information visit:  www.campus-party.org and the Valencia Tourism website for what to do and where to stay while in Valencia: www.turisvalencia.es

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NOTES TO EDITORS:

For further press information:

Megan Whiteside
McCluskey International
Tel: 0208 237 7979 or email valencia@mccluskey.co.uk

About Campus Party

Campus Party started in 1997 as an event for internet enthusiasts but today has grown into an event for anyone interested to be informed about computers, new technologies and communications. There are four annual editions of the event in: Valencia, Sao Paulo, Bogota and Mexico City.

See Steve Wozniak’s announcement about Campus Party:

About the City of Arts & Sciences

The City of Arts and Sciences is a cultural entertainment centre with stunning architecture and great capacity to entertain, teach and excite by promoting public participation.

Situated along almost two kilometres of what was formerly the bed of the River Turia, with a surface area of 350,000 square metres, the City of Arts and Sciences is a huge open space.

Offering cultural and intellectual leisure, it has given Valencia the best centre of this type in Europe.

The outstanding role of its architecture was made possible thanks to the work of two Spanish architects of international renown, who have contributed the very best of their work to this area: the Valencian Santiago Calatrava, who designed the Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía, the Hemisfèric, the Príncipe Felipe Science Museum, the Umbracle, the Ágora, and Félix Candela, designer of the unique roofing of the main Oceanográfico buildings.  Visit the official web of the CAC www.cac.es

Up to two children stay for free at Almond Resorts this summer

All-inclusive holidays to St Lucia and Barbados from £3,916 per family

Still looking for great deals for the family this summer?  Look no further than Caribbean holiday experts, Almond Resorts, who have just announced that up to two children can stay for free this summer at their family friendly properties in Barbados and St Lucia. Read more

Kimpton entices travel professionals with a free stay

Boutique Hospitality Leader Offers Special Rate and Complimentary Stay to Travel Agents

From now through to 31 December, 2010, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants invites travel agents and industry professionals to a “Free Spree” which includes a two-night stay and site tour at any of Kimpton’s 50 hotels across the U.S.  The offer includes a special rate of $99USD for the first night (except at New York City and Miami hotels, where the special rate is $125USD) and a complimentary stay for the second night.)

The offer is available to retail travel agents: IATA and ABTA accredited travel agents, as well as staff from airline, tour operator, and receptive tour operator partners.  Reservations can be made by using SPREE in the rate code box at www.KimptonHotels.com.   A valid travel agent identification number is required for agents and non-agency industry partners will be asked for partner affiliation documentation in the form of an authorisation letter on partner letterhead at check-in.  The Free Spree agent offer is based on availability.

Kimpton’s “Free Spree” program is available at all Kimpton hotels in 22 cities including: Alexandria, Arlington, Aspen, Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Cambridge, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Philadelphia, Portland, Salt Lake City, San Diego, San Francisco, San Jose, Scottsdale, Seattle, Vero Beach and Washington DC.

Kimpton recently unveiled its landmark 50^th hotel in the portfolio, Eventi in New York, which opened doors in May. Eventi’s soaring 54-story exterior adds an impressive silhouette to the Manhattan skyline, with the new glass tower occupying the entire block of Avenue of the Americas between 29th and 30th Streets, while bringing a new vitality to New York City’s North Chelsea neighborhood as the area’s first luxurious hotel with a dynamic energy and personality of its own.

“We want people in the travel and hospitality profession who sell our hotels to experience Kimpton firsthand so that they can enjoy the fun, customized care and individuality of each hotel in our collection,” said Kimpton Chief Operating Officer Niki Leondakis.  “It’s the best way for us to share what truly makes Kimpton unlike any other hotel group.”

To learn more about Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, please visit www.kimptonhotels.com, www.Twitter.com/Kimpton, or www.Facebook.com/Kimpton.

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Press enquiries:

Sarah-Jane Johnson
McCluskey International
Email: SarahJane@mccluskey.co.uk
Tel: 0208 237 7979

ABOUT KIMPTON

San Francisco-based Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, a collection of boutique hotels and chef-driven restaurants in the US, is an acknowledged industry pioneer and was the first to bring the boutique hotel concept to America. Founded in 1981 by Bill Kimpton, the company is well-known for making travelers feel welcomed and comfortable while away from home through intuitive and unscripted customer care, stylish ambience and having a certain playfulness in its approach to programs and amenities. Each hotel provides a range of exciting culinary experiences through locally-loved, top-rated, destination, chef-driven restaurants. Kimpton leads the hospitality industry in ecological practices through its innovative EarthCare program that spans all hotels and restaurants. Market Metrix, a recognized authority and leader in feedback solutions, consistently ranks Kimpton above other hotel companies in luxury and upper upscale segments for customer satisfaction. Privately held Kimpton operates 50 hotels and 54 restaurants in 16 states. For more information visit www.KimptonHotels.com or call 1-800-KIMPTON.

Usher and Chris Brown confirmed for Reggae Sumfest in Jamaica

Global superstars Usher and Chris Brown are set to headline Jamaica’s Reggae Sumfest which takes place from 17^th – 24^th July 2010.

Reggae Sumfest is Jamaica’s largest annual music event, attracting around 50,000 people each summer, including thousands of overseas visitors. The event celebrates Jamaica’s musical heritage by showcasing the best of dancehall and reggae music, as well as bringing top R ‘n’ B and hip hop performers to the island.

Usher and Chris Brown will perform alongside other international and home-grown artists including Beenie Man, Shaggy, Bounty Killer, Tarrus Riley and Jah Cure.

Reggae Sumfest takes place at Catherine Hall, just a short drive from the centre of one of Jamaica’s most popular resort towns, Montego Bay. In addition to the music, the festival offers delicious Jamaican cuisine and stalls selling arts and crafts from all over the island.

The main performance nights are Thursday 22^nd July (Dancehall night), Friday 23^rd and Saturday 24^th July (International nights), with tickets costing from US $32 – $53 (approx. £21 – £35) per night. Discounts are available on multiple-night tickets. All tickets can be purchased online at www.ReggaeSumfest.com.

Performances take place in the evening, leaving visitors with plenty of time to relax and explore the numerous attractions in and around Montego Bay. As well as the beautiful sandy beaches and water sports available at hotels along the coast, the area boasts fantastic golf courses and other outdoors activities from horse riding to rafting and zip-lining. Visiting one of the local Great Houses will unlock the door on Jamaica’s history, while the Hip Strip is the place to be for food, drink and entertainment. Music fans might also be interested in the Bob Marley Experience and Theatre at the Half Moon Shopping Village in Montego Bay, where Jamaica’s most famous musical son is celebrated through a documentary and memorabilia.

For full information on visiting Jamaica, see www.VisitJamaica.com.

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For more information or images please contact:

McCluskey International
Kate Popham / Matt Kelly
T: 020 8237 7979
E: jamaica@mccluskey.co.uk

About Jamaica Tourist Board

The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), founded in 1955, is Jamaica’s national tourism agency based in the capital city of Kingston. The JTB was declared the Caribbean’s Leading Tourist and Convention Bureau by the World Travel Awards (WTA) from 2006 to 2009, while Jamaica earned the WTA’s vote as the World’s Leading Cruise Destination, the Caribbean’s Leading Destination and the Caribbean’s Leading Cruise Destination.

JTB offices are located in Kingston, Montego Bay, Miami, Toronto and London. Representative offices are located in Düsseldorf, Barcelona, Rome, Amsterdam and Tokyo.

For details on upcoming special events, attractions and accommodations in Jamaica go to the Jamaica Tourist Board’s Web site at www.visitjamaica.com, or call the Jamaica Tourist Board on 020 7225 9090.

Click on Cruise Control in New England!

Release your inner Thelma & Louise, with thee original road-trip down Route 1! Read more

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