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Category Archives: Beaches

Beaches And Beyond Boom for Retail Sales

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Beaches And Beyond Boom for Retail Sales

Auckland 25 February, 2014. Tourism Australia together with Tourism Events Queensland and retail partner House of Travel are the first week into a beaches and beyond campaign promoting the regions of Queensland as the destination of choice for Kiwis seeking a winter sun escape. The coming weeks will reveal a showcase of experiences and great value offers from the Southern Great Barrier Reef, Tropical North Queensland, Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast.

House of Travels Commercial Director Brent Thomas reported the first week as being the most successful Gold Coast campaign that the chain had been involved in for three years. Thomas attributes the success not just to targeting the right audience across multiple platforms; radio, print and digital but also advocacy.

The campaigns advocacy element is through Coast radios top rating breakfast show personality, Brian Kelly. Tourism Australias Jenny Aitken says that advocacy is a key driver for Australia sharing their stories with Kiwis who love to hear from real people within their peer groups. Before embarking on the campaign, Brian travelled to a number of the featured locations in Queensland to gain first hand experience in the destinations being featured.

Aitken says the public response to the campaign so far backs up Tourism Australias earlier consumer research suggesting Australian beaches, particularly those around Queenslands Tropical North, Whitsundays and Gold Coast are considered some of the best in the world.

Kiwis already love Queenslands beaches as a holiday escape, and now, with this campaign theyre really beginning to appreciate that the state has a huge variety of other attractions, events and activities that are really worth visiting for.

Add to that the fact that Australia represents an excellent holiday option in terms of value for money for New Zealanders, with great opportunities for shopping and excellent restaurants, and we should continue to reap great rewards from the campaign, she says.

Tourism & Events Queenslands New Zealand Manager, Sally Holyer says the beaches and beyond theme perfectly captures the essence of a great Queensland holiday. Yes, we have the great beaches, but also some amazing, and very different experiences all within a one hour drive zone of the beach. Sally cites food and wine trails, shopping, nature and wildlife experiences as being standouts for the hinterland regions of the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast.

Its something of a journey of discovery for even the most seasoned of travellers who know our regions for their beaches and islands but are amazed to discover what lies just a little way beyondits like two holidays in one.

House of Travels Brent Thomas says the group is expecting a good year with New Zealanders expressing an early propensity to spend. And when it comes to spending on travel, Australia is and will forever be their number one. We are seeing three key things trending early in the year, all of which have been very evident in the booking decisions around this Queensland campaign.

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Beaches And Beyond Boom for Retail Sales

Oil From the Exxon Valdez Spill Lingers on Alaska Beaches

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Jane J. Lee in Honolulu

The Exxon Valdez oil spill is not just an awful memory. Oil from one of the most devastating environmental disasters in U.S. history still clings to boulder-strewn beaches in the Gulf of Alaskaand could stick around for decades. Researchers presented evidence of a lingering, foamy, mousse-like emulsion this week at the Ocean Sciences meeting in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Chemical analyses find that this 25-year-old oil is from the Exxon Valdez spill, when the tanker ran aground on Bligh Reef in Prince William Sound (map) in 1989. And to the surprise of the scientists, the oil still has most of the same chemical compounds as oil sampled 11 days after the initial spill. (See "Exxon Valdez Anniversary: 20 Years Later, Oil Remains.")

The oil's presence in areas that were cleaned right after the spill 25 years ago points to the need to monitor certain environments long after the visible effects disappear, the researchers say.

It's Like Mayonnaise

There are two main reasons why there's still oil on some of the beaches of the Kenai Fjords and Katmai National Parks and Preserves in the Gulf of Alaska, explains Gail Irvine, a marine ecologist with the U.S. Geological Survey and lead researcher on the study.

When the oil first spilled from the tanker, it mixed with the seawater and formed an emulsion that turned it into a goopy compound, she says.

"When oil forms into the foam, the outside is weathering, but the inside isn't," Irvine explains. It's like mayonnaise left out on the counter. The surface will crust over, but the inside of the clump still looks like mayonnaise, she explains.

When that foamy oil met the boulders and cobbles of beaches in the Gulf of Alaska, it plopped down between and under the rocks, and it's still there.

PHOTOGRAPH BY GAIL IRVINE, U.S. GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY

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Oil From the Exxon Valdez Spill Lingers on Alaska Beaches

Erie's cold, snowy winter could be a 'blessing'

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That snow and ice you've been hating all winter could mean better beaches and fewer bugs this summer.

"It actually does have some real benefits," Harry Leslie, operations manager at Presque Isle State Park, said.

A record-setting season has kept Erie-area residents bundled up in winter wear and busy shoveling.

But the frigid, precipitation-heavy conditions can be a boon for the outdoors we enjoy once the weather warms.

Ice and snow can protect parts of the environment, possibly deter invasive species and even create more recreational opportunities for humans.

Leslie said the ice came early and thick to the peninsula this year, helping protect the park from wave erosion.

The beautiful ice dunes that form along the shore are good at preventing the beaches from losing sand.

But, Leslie cautioned that while helpful, the hollow ice dunes are dangerous to climb on.

The snow that's also been piling up on shore is good news because Leslie said it stops sand from being blown away by the wind.

"Complete snow cover has been a real blessing," he said.

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Erie's cold, snowy winter could be a 'blessing'

Let’s Play: The Curse of Monkey Island (PC) part 5: Dangers of beaches and jungles – Video

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Let #39;s Play: The Curse of Monkey Island (PC) part 5: Dangers of beaches and jungles
Guybrush finds out that life certainly is not easy, no matter where you go or what you do or who you talk with. Follow me on Twitter and Twitch! http://twitt...

By: SpiderMwa

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Let's Play: The Curse of Monkey Island (PC) part 5: Dangers of beaches and jungles - Video

Photos: America's 10 Best Family Beaches

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America's 10 Best Family Beaches

Beach Haven - Beach Haven, N.J.: Beach Haven is a borough on Long Beach Island, which stretches about 18 miles and has long been a favorite amongst East Coasters. Families enjoy calm waters and crowds, monitored by lifeguards, and easy accessibility to several bathroom facilities, some of which include showers and street or lot parking nearby.

Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce

Bethany Beach - Bethany Beach, Del.: Many families rave about Bethany's non-commercialized boardwalk and town. It is quaint and charming, with restaurants, shops and galleries. Other attractions include the walking trails near Bethany Beach Nature Center and Captain Jack's Pirate Golf.

Bethany Fenwick Chamber of Commerce

Coquina Beach - Nags Head, N.C.: You won't find a flashy boardwalk with games and rides at this Outer Banks beach, located along Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Instead, you'll find seemingly endless miles of shoreline with calm waves and even calmer crowds (if you can even call them that).

Aaron Tuell/Outer Banks Visitors Bureau

Coronado Central Beach - Coronado, Calif.: Coronado Central Beach (and really any beach in this area) never disappoints. There's plenty of parking lots (which are often free) and shower and bathroom facilities available. Lifeguards are on duty, and the clear-blue waves are picturesque as they calmly sweep ashore.

Courtesy Brett Shoaf

Fort De Soto Park - St. Petersburg, Fla.: The largest park within the Pinellas County Park System, Fort De Soto Beach isn't just a beach, it's an all-inclusive package for family fun. There's more than enough powdery sand and fresh water to sink your toes in, but you can also hike nature trails, go fishing, ride bicycles and visit a historic fort.

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Photos: America's 10 Best Family Beaches

Dredged sand headed for storm-damaged NYC beaches

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Operation Gimme Shelter provides winter relief for pets Operation Gimme Shelter provides winter relief for pets

Updated: Saturday, March 1 2014 7:42 PM EST2014-03-02 00:42:56 GMT

With New York City experiencing a horrendously brutal winter, frigid temperatures and record-breaking snowfall, many pet owners simply lack the resources or knowledge to provide adequate shelter for their pets. Well, now the city is ready to help with Operation Gimme Shelter.

With New York City experiencing a horrendously brutal winter, frigid temperatures and record-breaking snowfall, many pet owners simply lack the resources or knowledge to provide adequate shelter for their pets. Well, now the city is ready to help with Operation Gimme Shelter.

Updated: Saturday, March 1 2014 7:04 PM EST2014-03-02 00:04:07 GMT

Here we go again. Another major snow storm is expected for late Sunday into Monday. Between 4 to 8 inches of snow are forecasted for New York City and the surrounding areas including Long Island. The Hudson Valley could get 3 to 6 inches.

Here we go again. Another major snow storm is expected for late Sunday into Monday. Between 4 to 8 inches of snow are forecasted for New York City and the surrounding areas including Long Island. The Hudson Valley could get 3 to 6 inches.

Dredging will begin this month to replenish sand on the beaches of New York City's Rockaway Peninsula.

Dredging will begin this month to replenish sand on the beaches of New York City's Rockaway Peninsula.

Updated: Friday, February 28 2014 8:33 PM EST2014-03-01 01:33:23 GMT

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Dredged sand headed for storm-damaged NYC beaches

Business tourism in Tenusa Island in Basilan

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THE PLACE may be beautiful but it will take a while for tourists and Filipinos to get over the fear of reports on the safety and security of the place. Photo by Ayunan G. Gunting, Contributor

The Philippines, due to its archipelagic nature, is full of scenic beaches.

On top of the popular and world-renowned beaches in the country, there are still plenty undiscovered.

We are developing Tenusa Island in Basilan, Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao Governor Mujiv Hataman proudly says.

For travelers looking for beaches that are world-class in terms of crystal sea waters but are not yet crowded with tourists, the stunning beaches of Basilan are definitely the place to go to, Hataman adds.

Basilan is the largest and northernmost of the major islands of the Sulu Archipelago and is located just off the southern coast of the Zamboanga Peninsula. The island is a 30-minute boat ride from Zamboanga City.

Photo by Ayunan G. Gunting, Contributor

The image of Basilan is that of a war-torn place where kidnapping flourishes. Peace and order needs wanting.

What most people dont actually know is that Basilan is a paradise waiting to be revealed for the rest of the world to see and experience, according to its officials.

Basilan boasts of beautiful and unspoiled beaches that both local and foreign travelers should put on the top of their must-go to places this summer.

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Business tourism in Tenusa Island in Basilan

Mazarrn beaches and Cartagena canons promo filmed and edited by VisioAero.com – Video

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Mazarrn beaches and Cartagena canons promo filmed and edited by VisioAero.com
Take a look at the magnificent beaches of Mazarrn starting with the Cartagena canons, all the way down past Bolnuevo, enjoy! Filmed and edited by VisioAero.

By: Ben Van Nimmen

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Mazarrn beaches and Cartagena canons promo filmed and edited by VisioAero.com - Video

Top 5 Best Bali Beaches For New Surfers

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Details Published on Friday, 28 February 2014 23:24

/hotelguide.comFOR the last eight decades, wave riders from around the world have been flocking to Balis beautiful beaches in hopes of catching the big one. With the peak surfing season running from May to September, there is no shortage of fantastic surf spots.

However, if youre stepping onto a board for the first time, the renown Balinese Pipeline at Padang Padang, or the challenging Racetracks at Uluwatu can be a tad intimidating. So before you try anything death defying, there are a number of surf spots perfect for those first time wave riders.

Kuta Beach

Its hard to believe the maze of alleyways that make up the islands backpacker mecca was once a sleepy little fishing town. A quick motorbike ride from the heart of Kuta lies Kuta Beach, a silty 3 kilometer stretch of sand that spans from Tuban to Seminyak Beach. This is the islands most popular beach, and is the ideal place to get in the water for the first time. With a plethora of surf board rental stands, plenty of instructors on hand, and some of the best sunset surfing sessions imaginable, Kuta Beach should be your first beginners surf stop.

Batu Bolong Beach

If youre looking for a spot thats a little less crowded, a 5km car ride will take you to the picturesque Batu Bolong Beach in Canggu Village, in the Kerobokan District. There are plenty of board rental vendors on site, and there are bargains to be made here, so never take the first offer. There are a number of restaurants perched above the beach, and the panoramic views are spectacular.

Dreamland

Any pro surfer worth their salt will tell you the best surfing in Bali is in the Bukit. But lucky for you novices, there are a few spots calm enough to get some wave action. Dreamland promises mellow breaks, and the mid-tide beach break offers up the opportunity to catch your first barrel. This beach is one of the busiest on the island, but if you arrive early enough, you can snag yourself some prime beach real estate, and spend your day frolicking in the waves.

Merta Sari Beach

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Top 5 Best Bali Beaches For New Surfers


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