Tour News

www.Parctel.com: BANGKOK, February 16, 2009 - Holidaymakers all over the world can now visit a new website that gives them the latest information about the tourism situation on the ground in Thailand.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has launched the "Thailand Tourism Update" website (http://www.tourismthailand.org/thailandtourismupdate). The site aims to ensure tourists an enjoyable journey within Thailand by keeping them informed with latest updates. There will also be information geared for special interest tourists and repeat visitors.

Key elements of the fact-rich Web 2.0 site include constantly updated reports from independent news sources and organizations, topical feature articles on the country, blogs about Thailand by travelers around the world, RSS feeds, and a forum for travelers to discuss issues.

The site has been designed as an information resource that can handle any breaking news. A Thailand Tourism Update forum team is available online to share information and insights with forum participants.

Tourists will be able to keep themselves updated through RSS feeds on three main elements of the site: tourism news, travel blogs, and travel forums. Journalists, travellers, travel agents and tourism operators can subscribe to e-mail updates to keep themselves up to date.

Thailand Tourism Update is the first online space provided by TAT for tourists around the globe to share their knowledge, interest and experiences about travel in Thailand.

"Tens of thousands of tourists are here in Thailand right now having a great holiday enjoying the sun, smiles and cuisine we are famous for", said TAT's Deputy Governor for Policy and Planning, Mr. Suraphon Svetasreni. "Please help us get that message out to everyone around the world."

Further information:

Thailand Tourism Update: http://www.tourismthailand.org/thailandtourismupdate
Email: TourismUpdate@tat.or.th

www.Parctel.com: The Harry Potter Black Taxi Private Tour of London is conducted in a licensed London Black Cab by an expert taxi driver/guide who will take you to the sites made famous by the Harry Potter series.

First stop Diagon Alley where Harry and his friends visit at the start of every school year to pick up their supplies of spell books, Robes, wands and other items in preparation for their return to Hogwarts. Step inside the Leaky Cauldron for a Butter Beer and visit Gringotts bank, the Wizarding bank operated by Goblins.

Walk into the wall to get to platform 9 and 3/4 at King's Cross Station where the Hogwarts Express departs. Watch the time on the clock on the bridge and walk the bridge that Harry and Hagrid march across.

See the site where Harry and Ron stole Ron's fathers flying car. Stand on the bridge where the Knight bus crossed from the third book, Prisoner of Azkaban. And visit the all new Leaky Cauldron.

New and Exclusive to Viator - Visit the locations of the new movie "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix"!

Follow Harry's flight to London with Dumbledore's Army and see the bridges, buildings and ships they pass along the way. Enter the telephone box that descends into the Ministry of Magic below. Stand right where Harry and Voldemort come face to face for the first time since the Triwizard tournament in Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire.

Last stop is the Headquarters of the Order of the Phoenix, which is also home to Harry's beloved God father Sirius Black.

This is your chance to put yourself in the shoes of Harry Potter and Friends as you see the sights of London.

Find out more about the Harry Potter Tour

Visit the locations of the movie "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix"!

www.Parctel.com: Now, you can be the pilot of a single-engine, four-seat airplane, soaring over the Southern California landscape with an unbelievable view of the city and homes below. Best of all, there's no experience necessary!

While you're in the pilot's seat, a certified flight instructor will be guiding you every step of the way, from takeoff to landing. It's a memorable, exciting and fun experience. Plus, the time is FAA-logable as an actual flight lesson, if you bring a valid US passport or birth certificate. This adventure includes a pilot's logbook, "First Flight" certificate and souvenir photo.

Your hour-long experience includes pre-flight and post-flight briefings, and 30 or 60 minutes in the air.

Find out MORE here

www.Parctel.com: The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has launched two digital activities to encourage tourists around the world to participate in the "Amazing Thailand" campaign, and to attract more visitors to the Kingdom.

Tourists can win 200,000 baht of prizes by uploading video clips of their most amazing experiences in Thailand in TAT's amazing Experience Video Contest. The aim is to inspire other travelers to visit Thailand.

Thailand Portfolio Project features uploaded photographs and stories from journalists focused on the Amazing Thailand theme. Contributions are ranked by the site's visitors to generate a list of the most popular posts. This seeks to encourage more users to upload their experiences.
TAT will upload all submitted video clips on to social media networking sites such as www.youtube.com, www.crackle.com in order to create an inspiration for the online tourists around the world to visit Thailand.

TAT believes that Thailand Portfolio project and the Amazing Experience Video Contest will provide excellent first-hand tourism information to social networking site users.

TAT expect that within one year these clips will be viewed by more than 100 million visitors, which will help promote tourism in Thailand and will let people world wide have a better understanding of Thailand.

www.Parctel.com: JTB Corp. proudly announces the launch of Japan Travel Guide JTB on 3D virtual world “Second Life”.

JTB provides information in English language about how to enjoy a Japanese-style Inn (Ryokan), Japanese Foot Bath (Ashiyu) and Japanese garden for worldwide visitors to Japan.

* JTB is the biggest travel company in Japan
* JTB has launched an English version, which hardly find in Japanese companies.
* JTB provides an entertaining space where visitors can feel the atmosphere of Japanese traditional dance (Bon dance) and enjoy dancing to original “JAPANiCAN dance music.”
* Through a 3D virtual world, JTB draws the visitors’ attention to real websites of JTB Group companies, while introducing Japanese culture.

JTB has proudly launched the Japan Travel Guide JTB in English version with 3D virtual world “Second Life”.

JTB has started the Japan Travel Guide on a 3D virtual world “Second Life” supported in English for non-Japanese speakers, which is unique in Japan. As Second Life introduces a multilingual language support, the number of users is expected to significantly increase. Therefore, Second Life has the potential to replace a web browser as a new business market.

Based on this experience, JTB is actively researching the likelihood of world demand and expansion into new businesses in the virtual world. The main objective is to build a new business model.

As part of the plan, JAPANiCAN, one of our group companies running a site for non-Japanese visitors to Japan, shows how to enjoy a Japanese Inn (Ryokan), Japanese Foot Bath (Ashiyu) and Japanese garden. The outline is as follows.

Name of SIM (Name of island): "Japan Travel Guide JTB"

Contents: It consists of three areas - Japanese Inn (Ryokan), Japanese Foot Bath (Ashiyu) and Japanese garden.

1. In the Japanese Ryokan area, five kinds of Japanese culture such as how to take a Japanese bath, eating manners, etc. are shown using streaming videos in English. In the large hall, an amusing *camping spot is provided where visitors can feel the atmosphere of Japanese traditional dance (Bon dance) and enjoy dancing to original “JAPANiCAN dance music.”
2. In the Ashiyu area, a 3D feature is used, where a map-of-Japan-shaped virtual Ashiyu introduces real Onsen-Ryokans from all over Japan, guiding you to further local information on “JAPANiCAN.com” supported by JAPANiCAN.
3. In the Japanese garden area, JTB provides a garden of spectacular beauty for users around the world to be impressive for the first time they see.

Note: The term *camping is an activity in Second Life where visitors can get Linden Dollars by staying at one spot for a while.

www.Parctel.com: As part of the Amazing Thailand campaign, tourists worldwide can now gain access to a huge variety of hotel, resort and travel options in Thailand by visiting the new Amazing Thailand mini site, http://amazingthailand.tourismthailand.org, presented by the TAT.

The new site presents all the tourism products and services of Thailand that are part of the e-marketing campaign for Amazing Thailand 2008. This great new online channel aims to attract travellers through e-marketing tactics such as search engine marketing, online PR, e-mail, and e-CRM.

The mini site consists of over 2,000 Thailand tourism products including hotels, tours, attractions and restaurants and a travel agent directory. There are hundreds of direct links to websites covering a wide range of hotels, tour options, attractions, travel agencies and more. The new site provides over 300 exclusive travel deals for inbound travellers.

The new site also offers Web 2.0 capabilities with user ratings and reviews of hotels and tours. The various comments from online reviewers will help visitors choose the right travel option and enable TAT to enhance its customer relationships. The feedback will also help travel suppliers in Thailand to constantly improve the quality of their services

After only ten weeks of online operation, the new site has attracted over 110,000 unique visitors who have made over 422,000 page views in total. The TAT expects to massively boost visits through additional e-marketing campaigns during the rest of 2008.

http://amazingthailand.tourismthailand.org has been created to promote deals in each of the seven "Amazing Wonders of Thailand" themes: Thainess, Nature, Treasures, Health & Wellness, Beaches, Trendy activities, and Festivities.

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eNews 2 | Link AMT | Deal Alert March 08
Email : amazingthailand@borndistinction.com
Contact name/person : Tourism Authority of Thailand

Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) launches “E-Marketing for Amazing Thailand 2008”

TAT recently hosted an exclusive trade launch to unveil “e-Marketing for
Amazing Thailand 2008” – Thailand’s latest destination marketing initiative which incorporates the use of the e-marketing channels to promote ‘Amazing Thailand’ online which is expected to response in not only a greater revenue outcome to the travel suppliers as well the country but also a better reputation of Thailand tourism to world wide online travelers.

TAT launched “E-marketing for Amazing Thailand 2008” on January 28th 2008, introducing 5 new projects for the year, each targeting the inbound travelers from countries through out the world. The objective is to increase tourism in Thailand and create a better impression by conducting different online marketing activities for the focused group travelers via various online channels through the announced amazing Thailand campaign.

The announced 5 projects of “E-Marketing for Amazing Thailand 2008” campaign consists of:

Thailand Amazing Deals Project is to promote the travel products of Thailand by launching a mini site: http://amazingthailand.TourismThailand.org and e-mail campaigns targeting global travelers, travel traders, media and bloggers of over 1.1 million people around the world.

Her Own Way: “Thailand – The Woman’s Paradise” Project is to promote the travel products categorized under golf, shopping, beauty and spa by launching a mini site: http://HerOwnWay.TourismThailand.org (Under construction), e-mail acquisition campaigns and e-brochure (woman travel guide) targeting women travelers from Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore and Middle East.

Thailand Portfolio Project is to promote tourism in Thailand by distributing online travel content comprising of photos, videos and travel articles through 9 world’s most famous user-generated media websites such as www.flickr.com, www.youtube.com, www.igougo.com, etc. targeting world wide online travelers.

Amazing Shot… Amazing Experience Contest is to organize an online event, VDO competition, for both domestic and international travelers to send their travel experiences in Thailand through VDO clips format under the concept of “Amazing Shot.. Amazing Experience!” in order to win TAT’s amazing prizes.

WIKI Mission for Thailand Tourism Project is to improve and edit all the information about Thailand on www.WIKIPEDIA.org (all true facts) and www.WIKITravel.org (the travel guide) targeting digital citizen, to make them have a better understanding of Thailand by uploading complete, accurate and up-to-date information on to the websites in order to promote tourism in Thailand.

The project is launched with the favorable support from many partners and supporters such as Royal Orchid Plus, Thai Airways PLC., Advance Info Service PLC (AIS), Academic Institutions being Chulalongkorn University and Rangsit University, www.youtube.com, Software Park Thailand and travel related associations i.e. Thai Hotel Associations (THA), Association of Thai Travel Agent (ATTA), Thai Ecotourism and Adventure Travel Association (TEATA), Professional Tourist Guide Association (PTGA) and Thai Spa Association (TSPA).

This effort by TAT eases the marketing for members of the Thai travel and tourism industry while allowing them to participate in the campaign by sending their travel products, travel deals and related information to the project management team. They may visit TAT’s web portal site www.tourismthailand.org or direct to the mini site: http://amazingthailand.TourismThailand.org to get a better scope of the project. In order to participate in the projects or for more queries, travel suppliers may e-mail at: amazingthailand@tat.or.th

About Tourism Authority of Thailand
The major role of TAT is to supply information and data on tourist areas to the public, publicizes Thailand with the intention of encouraging both Thai and international tourists to travel in and around Thailand, conducts studies to set development plans for tourist destinations, and co-operates with and supports the production and development of personnel in the field of tourism.

www.JustParking.co.uk: Disneyland Paris celebrates its 15th birthday this month so there is no better time to treat the little ones! A host of events and festivities are planned to celebrate the resorts birthday making your trip a truly magical one!

Thrill seekers can ride the Big Thunder Mountain, or jump on board The Pirates of the Caribbean ride. The studio Tram tour will intrigue those wanting to take a look behind the scenes and then there’s the happy musical tour ‘It’s a small world’. With fantastic new parades such as ‘once upon a dream’ and even more Disney characters to say hi to the little one’s, entertainment is bigger and better than ever, guaranteeing the family has a fantastic time! Chase the magic and book today! Click here to find out more »

www.Parctel.com: The Irish events calendar is packed with exciting cultural & sporting activities this Summer.

Enjoy 4 days of great Irish food, drink and entertainment at the Taste of Dublin - 14th - 17th June. Don't miss the atmosphere and excitement of Ireland's leading arts festival - the Galway Arts Festival from the 11th-16th July.

For music lovers theres the Midlands Music Festival from the 28th - 29th July taking place in Westmeath, not to mention The World Fleadh taking place from 6th - 12th August in lovely Laois. One of the oldest and most unusual street fairs in Ireland, the Puck Fair, is taking place in Kilorglin from the 10-12th August.

Tours in Ireland
Dublin Tours

Dublin City Pass
The Dublin Pass gives you free entry to over 30 attractions in Dublin. Not only does the pass offer great value and convenience, it also allows you to be a VIP and skip the queues at major attractions. From the minute you arrive at Dublin Airport, you can collect the pass and travel FREE to the city center. From there, experience the delights Dublin has to offer for a fraction of the cost.

Book your Dublin Pass Online

www.Parctel.com: Five typically Italian towns make up the stunning area of Valdarno and provide a wealth of activities for all visitors.

Check out our top recommendations for things to do in this charming region of Italy:

* Why not visit in August and experience some of the summer festivals including the Cream Puff Village Festival (Sagra del Bignè) for some tasty, cakey delicacies?
* On the 14th August in Santa Maria a Monte check out the dream-like atmosphere of the illuminated night procession during the Fest of the Assumption.
* Go hunting for white truffles in Santa Miniato or relax in one of the fantastic local restaurants and sample them without all the effort.
* From the town of Castelfranco di Sotto visit the wonderful nature reserve of Monfalcone, which is home to deer, wild boar and many other animals.
* If you love jazz, visit in July to sample musicians playing under the San Matteo Tower, during Montopoli Jazz.
* The area is famous for its leather goods, so why not visit the heart of this industry in Santa Croce sull’Arno. Visit the Tannig Museum and splash out on some leather goods in the local outlet stores.

Book Tours in Italy

Travel from London Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton or City Airport to your London City Hotel. Transfer services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This is a private transfer so the price is the same for groups of:

* 1 to 3 people
* 4 to 5 people
* 6 to 8 people

When making a booking, you will need to advise your flight details and your London City Hotel details. Your transfer will be confirmed instantaneously and you will be provided with a travel voucher to present to the driver.

It's that easy!

Don't forget to book your London Departure Airport Transfer, simply type the product code 3891LONHTLAPT_P into the Keyword Box.

At time of booking, YOU MUST include the following flight and hotel details in the "Special Requirements" box:

* Airline
* Flight Number
* Departing City / Arrival City
* Arrival Time
* Hotel Name and Address

Schedule Details

Dates: Daily

Unavailable Dates:

* January 01 (New Years Day)
* December 25 (Christmas Day)
* December 26 (Boxing Day)

Location:
After you have collected your luggage, the driver will meet you at the Arrivals Hall, outside the information desk. The driver will be holding a sheet with the Lead Passenger's name.

Time:
Your chosen time (transfers operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week)

Additional

Inclusions:

* English speaking driver
* One way private transfer
* Meet and assist at the airport upon arrival

Exclusions:

* Optional gratuities
* Excess luggage charges (where applicable)

Additional Info:

* This transfer must be booked at least 24 hours in advance of your travel date.
* Confirmation for this product will be received at the time of booking.
* The duration of transfers are approximate. The exact duration will depend on the time of day and traffic conditions.
* Please note, the brand of vehicle used may vary depending on your specific travel date.
* Each traveler is allowed maximum 1 medium suitcase and 1 piece of hand luggage. Oversized or excessive luggage (e.g. surfboards, golf clubs or bikes) may have certain restrictions, please inquire with the supplier prior to travel to confirm if your excess luggage is acceptable. Contact details advised on voucher under Important Information.

Pricing Policy:

* Child prices are not applicable. Adult prices apply to all travelers

Pricing

Pricing is dependant upon a number of factors:
* Season
* Airport
* No. of persons in the group.

Click HERE for detailed pricing information

Airports served

London Heathrow Airport, London Gatwick Airport, London Stansted Airport, London Luton Airport, London City Airport

Transfer Rates start at $13.10.

Travel Voucher

For every confirmed booking you will be required to print a voucher which is presented at the destination. You will receive a link to your voucher via email once your booking is confirmed.

Book Your London Airport Transfer HERE

Those lucky buggers who are leaving London on Tours all over the world - More Info Here - are missing out on the "Access All Areas" - London Rock Music Legends and Beatles Site Tour:

"Access All Areas" - London Rock Music Legends and Beatles Site Tour. All aboard the magic bus to see where the legends lived and still live, and where some died. London is the greatest rock 'n' roll city in the world! There's five decades of rock and pop history here waiting to be found! Teddy boys, Beatniks, Mods and Rockers, Hippies, Punks, Rastas, New Romantics, Heavy Metal freaks, Hip-Hoppers and Rappers, they've all grooved, rocked, tripped and been busted in Britain's capital and in their wake left a thousand stories!

See famous gig sites, clubs, rock hotels, record labels, management offices and studios. Highlights include seeing where Jimi Hendrix lived and died, where Freddie Mercury and Queen hung out and Led Zeppelin's HQ. You will also see sites connected with The Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton and Cream, Pink Floyd, Bob Marley, The Clash, Coldplay, Oasis, Mama Cass, Georgie Fame, Elton John, Jimmy Page and the Yardbirds, Cliff Richards, The Sex Pistols, Bowie, The Faces, Bee Gees, The Who and many, many more! Then there's Bill Wyman's (Stones) "Sticky Fingers" restaurant and a host of famous album covers and recognizable video locations for you to get yourself into the picture.

You can see all the most important Beatles sites such as Paul and Ringo's houses, Apple HQ, EMI Studios, and many more. Have your photograph taken on the famed Abbey Road crossing. It's up to you whether you take your shoes off!

This tour takes you where other walking tours can't! Visit Chelsea, Kensington, Notting Hill, St John's Wood and Soho! It's a great way to see parts of London that you don't normally see.

But the real fun of this tour is in hearing the real inside stories of the bands from your informed and knowledgeable rock guide.

It's a true magical, mystery experience as you never quite know who you might see. This is the ORIGINAL London Rock Tour. Accept no substitutes!

More Info and Bookings

Looking for a change of scenery? No matter what your pleasure - relaxing beach getaway, cosmopolitan metropolis or something in between - UK residents are sitting pretty. Hundreds of colorful destinations, all with their own brand of magic and seductive powers, are just a train or plane ride away. Here's a quick roundup of our top getaways for Brits to escape to.

Book your Airport Parking and escape to:

Barcelona Gourmet Tapas Evening Walking Tour, 2.5 to 3 hours. Starting from USD $81.71 per person
Barcelona, Spain - Spend an evening with a small group strolling the streets of Barcelona with a knowledgeable guide, while tasting Spanish wines and culinary delights. Walk along Las Ramblas, visit La Boquiera and eat Tapas in the Gothic Quarter while learning about Spanish gastronomy.

Click here for more information and Booking Details

Singapore Night Safari, 4 hours, Starting from USD $28.31 per person
Singapore - The drama and mystery of the tropical jungle come alive after dusk at the world's premier Night Safari in Singapore. You will be lead on a tram ride to cover a loop of the Zoo and will be able to view animals in complete safety and comfort. For the adventurous, take the walking trails where you encounter free-flying Malayan Fruit Bats.

Click here for more information and Booking Details

Flowerfields and Keukenhof, 4.5, 7 or 9 hours, Starting from USD $38.90 per person
Amsterdam, The Netherlands, Holland truly is the land of tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, and many other flowers. Amsterdam's Keukenhof Garden showcases a huge flower exhibition where hundreds of glorious outdoor and indoor gardens create a majestic colorful atmosphere. Prepare to be amazed as you stroll through one of the most stunning Flowerfields you're likely to visit.

This tour is seasonal and operates from March to May only.

Click here for more information and Booking Details

4x4 Desert Wonder Safari - Sandboarding, BBQ Dinner and Bellydancer, 5 hours, Starting from USD $78.51 per person
Dubai, United Arab Emirates, A trip to the Middle East is not complete without exploring the massive sand dunes of the Arabian deserts. Why not take a camel ride, or try sand surfing down the huge red sand dunes. When the sun goes down, huddle around the campfire for a BBQ dinner and belly dancing fun.

Click here for more information and Booking Details

Half Day Sightseeing Tour of Table Mountain and Cape Town, 4 hours, Starting from USD $35.88 per person
Cape Town, South Africa, Travel by cable car to the top of the infamous Table Mountain for a view unlike any other. Descend to visit the Malay Quarter and city center before continuing to the Company Gardens and the Castle of Good Hope. Stop in Milnerton for a shot of Table Mountain, before visiting the Diamond Works.

Click here for more information and Booking Details

Paris Illuminations and Moulin Rouge Show, 4 hours, Starting from USD $118.17 per person
Paris, France, Discover the City of Lights and revel in the scintillating Parisian night life! Admire famous illuminated monuments such as the Arc de Triomphe, Opera, Madeleine Church, Champs Elysees and of course... the Eiffel Tower. Top off your evening sipping a complimentary glass of champagne while watching "Feerie", the new Moulin Rouge show.

Click here for more information and Booking Details

Gran Canaria Island Helicopter Ride, 20 or 30 minutes, Starting from USD $131.99 per person

Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain, Take to the air for a unique perspective of Gran Canaria as you get a birds eye view of the island from a helicopter. Choose from a 20 or 30 minute ride, and 2 scenic routes.

Click here for more information and Booking Details

Grand City Tour of Prague by Bus and On Foot, 3.5 hours, Starting from USD $30.18 per person
Prague, Czech Republic, Immerse yourself with the rich, opulent beauty of Prague on this 3.5 hour, morning or afternoon tour. See the State Opera, the National Museum and Wenceslas Square. Wander around Prague Castle courtyards and cross the River Vltava to wonder at the Old Town Square, with its baroque buildings and cobblestone streets.

Click here for more information and Booking Details

Fuerteventura Grand Tour, 7 - 8 hours, Starting from USD $51.54 per person
Fuerteventura, Canary Islands, Spain, Learn about life in Fuerteventura the way they used to live - see inside local houses, watch local crafts being created and sample the local delicacies. A typically Canarian lunch in Antigua is included, and in Tiscamanita you can sample Aloe Vera in its raw form.

Click here for more information and Booking Details

Loro Park - Tenerife's Wildlife Park, 8.5 hours, Starting from USD $59.08 per person
Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain, Loro Park is the ideal destination for some family fun, with something for all ages. Walk through a shark pool, come face to face with a majestic tiger or chatter with a cheeky chimpanzee, loads of fun for the whole family!

Click here for more information and Booking Details

www.Parctel.com: Fly with easyJet to the world full of chocolate - Saturday 17 March 2007 - one day only to indulge

Are you a chocolate lover? Then the following information is imperative to your wellbeing. The town of Versoix near Geneva will, for the third year running, host the famous and positively indulgent Geneva Chocolate Festival, which you definitely won’t be able to resist.

The tradition of chocolate festivals started on 12 March 2005 in Place du Bourg square, in Versoix near Geneva. More than 8,000 visitors and chocoholics were excited by the smell and volume of chocolate that met them around every corner of the square. The second year of the festival took place on a much larger scale in the Place de Gare, and attracted the more curious chocolate lover. More than 15,000 visitors from different regions and countries walked through the little chocolate town, created by renowned chocolate factory Favarger, which was established in 1826.

The Geneva Chocolate Festival brings the child out in everybody. If you thought the Roald Dahl classic ‘Charlie And The Chocolate Factory’ was an experience you could only dream about then don’t hesitate, put the diet on hold for a few days and take the family to Geneva from any one of 11 UK airports.

There is a huge tent with an interactive show about how chocolate is made where visitors can, of course, taste chocolate from 15 different Swiss chocolate producers. Be amazed at the size of the chocolate fountain and the ‘chococinema’, where you can sit back and relax and you eat your naughty treats as you watch chocolate related films, such as ‘Chocolat’ with Johnny Depp.

This year, organisers of the festival promise even more fun for whole family, more surprises and, of course, more chocolate!

Book your Geneva Tours in advance

www.Parctel.com: Crayfish, cooked, braaied, and in salad – crayfish on my mind, crayfish in my heart, crayfish on my plate! Eet Kreef! Celebrate South Africa's West Coast Rock Lobster at the Lambert’s Bay Crayfish and Cultural Festival from 22 – 25 March.

Sharpen your spear-gun, win a prize for the biggest crayfish or the largest edible fish shot on the day. Scratch out that tail and steam up some energy for the Crayfish Half Marathon. Kick back and relax with Bobbie van Jaarsveldt, Ollie the Clown, Broers, Ray Dylan and many other top class local artists!

The festival kicks off on Thursday, 22 March, with the opening of the bar … do we need to say more?

No better place to celebrate the maritime delicacy than on the West Coast, land of sun-faded signboards, weathered fishermen, and of sermons washed down with fiery drank. The local crayfishing industry earns millions each year, and export factories are part of the landscape of Saldanha, St Helena Bay, Elands Bay, Doring Bay and Lamberts Bay.

All funds raised during the festival will be ploughed back into the community to enable certain identified organisations, institutions and programmes to improve the lives of underprivileged residents in the community.

Did you know?

* Crayfish which goes by the fancy Latin name of Jasus Lalandii can reach an age of 40 years.
* Until 1953, our local kreef was knows as Crawfish or Spiny Lobster – until Parliament amended the Crawfish Act of 1940 by the substitution for the name.
* At 7 years of age, a female crayfish produces about 200’000 eggs of which only 1% reach maturity.
* Female crayfish may take up to 20 years to reach a catch-able size.
* In the previous centuries, fishermen regarded crayfish as a pest and would toss them overboard when caught in their nets.
* Wagon loads of dead crayfish used to be collected and sold to farmers as fertilizer.

Lambert’s Bay Crayfish and Cultural Festival from 22 – 25 March

Check out Accommodation in Lambert's Bay