GLOBUS GROWS VACATIONS TO EXOTIC HOT SPOTS FOR 2008

09/05/2007
LITTLETON, Colorado – September 5, 2007 – Exotic destinations – including China, South and Central America and the South Pacific – continue to dominate traveler’s vacation plans this year. According to the Travel Industry Association, tourism growth to adventurous locations is on the rise – with travel to the Asia-Pacific region alone up 7.6 percent in 2006. With a 26 percent increase in bookings to these regions over last year, more Americans than ever are looking for travel experiences that take them out of their comfort zone and into exotic and lesser-known destinations. In response to this major demand, the Globus family of brands announced new 2008 tour offerings to some of the top exotic hot spots.
 
The experience is ready for any kind of traveler - an exhilarating journey around Hong Kong, celebrating all the culture and festivities of the Chinese New Year, embarking on a thrilling Patagonian adventure through the southern regions of South America, or enjoying a breathtaking excursion of the Great Barrier Reef - the Globus family of brands is building on the popularity of these exciting destinations. The addition of nine new vacations to the South Pacific, nine to South and Central America and five to China/Asia in 2008 offer an array of eclectic excursions. For travelers seeking soft adventure, there’s no shortage of once-in-a-lifetime opportunities – like passing along the west side of the Sarmiento Canal in Chile and through the famed Strait of Magellan – or exploring the mystique and lure of old and new China, with a visit to the Great Wall of China and Beijing, the host city of next year’s Olympic Games.
 
“Overall, travelers are far more adventurous now than they used to be,” said Phillip Gordon, president and chief executive officer of the Globus family of brands.  “We’re continuing to see more interest in vacations that buck tradition and take them to some of the most unusual, culturally-rich destinations in the world – our China bookings alone have increased 35 percent over last year and are continuing to grow.”
 
For travelers who may be on the fence about venturing into new territory, the Globus family of brands is making the decision to book an “exotic hot spot” getaway even easier with two limited-time deals. Travelers who book a 2008 Globus, Monograms or Avalon South America or Asia air-inclusive vacation between now and October 31, 2007 will receive $400 off per couple*. Also, travelers looking to explore the South Pacific can book a 2008 Globus “Down Under Discovery” air-inclusive vacation between August 15 and September 30, 2007 will save $1,000 off per couple**.
 
Below are several highlights from the Globus family of brands 2008 offerings:
  • New! Chinese New Year in Hong Kong – Globus (6 days) – Get an exclusive view of the most important festival of the Chinese calendar. This six-day Globus Special Event vacation celebrates the Chinese New Year in Hong Kong. Begin with a cable car ride up Victoria Peak for panoramic views of the city. Continue your discovery at Repulse Bay – the Aberdeen fishing village – for a Sampan ride on the harbor and head over to Stanley Market to browse for clothing, arts and crafts. Later, New Year festivities include a spectacular parade with dragon dancers, floats, celebrities and entertainment. An included dinner cruise on Hong Kong’s harbor shows off the city during a spectacular fireworks show, and plenty of leisure time lets you create more lasting memories as you conclude your Chinese New Year celebration in Hong Kong. (Priced from $1,029; land-only)
 
  • New! Patagonia Adventure: Journey to the End of the World – Globus (13 days) – Discover the “south” in South America on this spectacular Panorama journey to the end of the world and back. Begin in vibrant Santiago, Chile, where you’ll enjoy guided city sightseeing and two nights, then continue to Puerto Natales via Punta Arenas, a city which claims to be the world’s southernmost city. Enjoy a scenic drive into Torres del Paine National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and your home for the next two nights. Spend time checking out the area’s shimmering waterfalls, glaciers and abundant wildlife. Then, return to Punta Arenas, where you embark on a four-night cruise on board the M/V Via Australis. Travel through channels, bays and fjords on your journey to Ushuaia, the self-proclaimed “End of the World.” Visit Tierra del Fuego National Park before flying to colorful Buenos Aires for two overnights, abundant leisure time and the perfect finale to your incredible vacation. (Priced from $5,299; land price, including intra-tour flights)
 
  • New! Ecuador and the Galapagos – Avalon Waterways (11 days) – This 11-day cruise vacation lets you sample the natural wonders of Ecuador and the Galápagos. Your trip begins in Quito with guided sightseeing of the Legislative Palace and the 16th-century San Francisco Monastery. Have your photo taken in front of the Equatorial Monument, “the center of the world.” Next, fly over the Pacific to Baltra Island to embark on an exciting eight days of cruising among various Galápagos Islands aboard the La Pinta yacht. During your cruise, visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and see incredible plants and animals native to the area. Depart the Galápagos for Guayaquil, where you will have time at leisure to reflect on your South American journey. (Priced from $5,179, land-only)
 
  • New! Journey Down Under – Monograms (10 days) – Discover Australia from the Great Barrier Reef to the Outback. In Cairns, enjoy a spectacular half-day trip to the Great Barrier Reef with time to explore on your own. Visit a local zoo to see crocodiles, kangaroos and koalas, and have dinner at the home of a local Aussie family. Then travel to the Outback, where the stunning landscape is sure to inspire you. Enjoy guided sightseeing in Ayers Rock and Alice Springs, and then explore the Outback on your own. View the vast “Red Centre” from helicopter – for a unique desert experience, ride a camel! Last stop is Sydney, the largest city in Australia. After the guided sightseeing tour you will have plenty of time to pursue independent activities. Take surfing lessons at one of the local beaches, dine at the Sydney Sky Tower for a 360-degree view of the city and visit the Blue Mountains. (Priced from $2,499; land price including intra-vacation flights)
 Please contact Globus for air-inclusive pricing.  Additional information, images and a wide selection of tour packages can be found at www.groupvoyagers.com.
About the Globus family of brands
Littleton, Colorado-based Group Voyagers, Inc. is the privately held company that markets and sells the Globus family of brands within the United States.  These brands include Globus, Cosmos, Monograms and Avalon Waterways.  The Globus family of brands offer top quality vacations with leading escorted travel companies Globus and Cosmos, as well as Monograms, which specializes in independent travel.  Avalon Waterways river cruising has set the standard for cruise experiences in Europe, Egypt, China and the Galapagos.
 
Travel agents can request 2008 brochures by visiting www.globusfamily.com/agents.  Reservation agents for the Globus family of brands can be reached at the following toll free numbers: Globus, Cosmos and Monograms: 1-800-221-0090; Avalon Waterways: 1-877-380-1544. 
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*Booking must be made, under deposit and discount applied between August 15 and October 31, 2007 for travel commencing by December 31, 2008.  Not applicable with any other discounts, and applies to new 2008 bookings only.  Offer reliant on space availability.  Full cancellation penalties will apply.  Additional restrictions may apply.
 
** Booking must be made, under deposit and discount applied between August 15 and September 30, 2007 for travel commencing by December 31, 2008.  Not applicable with any other discounts, and applies to new 2007 bookings only.  Offer reliant on space availability.  Full cancellation penalties will apply.  Additional restrictions may apply.