Iceland opens 100% naturally powered facility

Icelandic Water Holdings ehf, makers of Icelandic Glacial mineral water, the world’s first CarbonNeutral certified bottled water, for both its product and operations, has begun production of its multi-award winning water from its new 100% naturally powered bottling facility in Ölfus, Iceland. 

The facility increases production capacity of Icelandic Glacial mineral water to meet the growing consumer demand for this exceptionally pure Icelandic water in an environmentally responsible fashion.

The new 71,688 square foot bottling facility opens as one of the world’s greenest, maximizing output while minimizing expenditure of energy resources thanks to an array of environmentally efficient and modern bottling equipment. Like the former bottling operation, the new facility harnesses Iceland’s natural green energy, operating entirely on geothermal and hydroelectric power.  The combination of modern equipment and use of natural green energy means that Icelandic Glacial mineral water is able to roll off the production line with an even smaller carbon footprint than before and one that is considerably smaller compared to other bottled waters in the industry.

“Environmental stewardship has always been a core part of our company’s philosophy – it’s a natural part of being from Iceland,” comments Icelandic Glacial Chairman and CEO Jon Olafsson. “Beginning today, we move production to one of the world’s most environmentally advanced bottling facilities ever constructed, further reinforcing our commitment to delivering consumers a product they can drink with a clear conscience.”

At the grand opening, Icelandic Glacial co-founders Jon and Kristjan Olafsson paid tribute to Iceland and the environment as they officially open the new facility, pushing the production line button for the very first time. 

Icelandic Glacial is currently expanding its UK rollout and is available at Whole Foods, Fresh & Wild, Waitrose, Pure California as well as select premium delicatessens, coffee shops, premium grocers and up-scale clubs and bars in London.

To find out more about the secrets of Iceland and exactly what this island has to offer, visit the world's number one tour operator to Iceland, Discover the World, at www.discover-the-world.co.uk

Matariki - Maori Culture set to come alive in this year's Maori New Year celebrations

This year's Matariki celebrations are set to be one of the largest the country has ever witnessed. 

The following information is straight from Tourism New Zealand and details all you need to know to get some great story ideas. At the end of the post, I have suggested a selection of itineraries perfect for experiencing the planned events and regions involved in the celebrations:

Hundreds of events are being planned around the country and the New Zealand Maori Tourism Council says it's a sure sign of New Zealand's increasing awareness of its unique culture and place in the world.

Matariki is a cluster of stars, also known as the Pleiades, or the Seven Sisters.  For Maori, the stars' appearance in the skies above Aotearoa signifies the end of one year and the beginning of another. This year the Maori New Year officially begins on 16 June 2007. 

Traditionally, Matariki (translated as tiny eyes or eyes of God) occurred at the end of harvest and it was a time to celebrate, prepare the land for planting, renew associations with whanau (family) and friends, reflect on the past and set goals for the future. 

"Today Matariki is a time for all New Zealanders to celebrate who we are and what we have achieved together," says Johnny Edmonds, Chief Executive of the New Zealand Maori Tourism Council.

The revival of Matariki has been gathering momentum for the past few years. This year will see regions all over the country participating in Matariki with their own unique activities. "It's fantastic to see so many people embracing Matariki," says Edmonds. "While it may be of Maori origins, Matariki is a time for all New Zealanders to celebrate their identity and look towards the future."

Matariki is also a time of year to learn about New Zealand's indigenous Maori culture. "It gives people, especially those visitors from overseas, a chance to engage with Maori and see what it is that makes Maori unique," says Edmonds.

Some of the highlights of Matariki 2007 include two weeks of celebrations at Te Papa, New Zealand's national museum in Wellington, including concerts, seminars, shows, workshops and a Matariki Gala.

In Northland more than 80 events are scheduled throughout the month long celebrations. 

"The renaissance of this significant Maori celebration is a great opportunity for all New Zealanders to remind ourselves of what we have achieved together and of our special place in the world," says Edmonds.
Further information:
www.tepapa.co.nz/matariki / www.taitokerau.co.nz/matariki / www.puanga.org.nz / www.matarikifestival.co.nz

SUITABLE ITINERARIES FROM DISCOVER THE WORLD:

• Let's face it, if you're going all that way, you might aswell do as much of the country as possible. For this very reason, our North & South Island self drive itinerary (14 days) is one of our most popular and takes in all the best bits of the country including Wellington (home of Te Papa museum, focus for the above Matariki events). Prices in June start from £804 pp based on twin share (exc flights*).
• Our 15 day Simply the Best itinerary is another gem that takes-in both islands with more of the south Island's west coast, as well as visiting NZ's southernmost city, Invercargill. Prices in June start from £972 pp based on twin share (exc flights*).
• If time is short then our Northern Discovery will take you to the city at the heart of the Maori culture, Rotorua, as well as Auckland and of course the capital, Wellington, with its huge selection of cafes, bars and of course home to the National Museum, Te Papa. Prices in June start from £457 pp based on twin share (exc flights*).
  
  * Flights are not included and are available through Discover the World from around £1100 inc taxes per person with Air New Zealand. 

CONTACT DETAILS
Discover the World, recently voted NZ Travel Specialist of the year 2007 by Tourism New Zealand, offer a substantial range of New Zealand holidays, including a wide selection of self drive holidays. For enquiries, a brochure or to make a booking, please call 0870 060 3288 or visit the comprehensive website www.discover-the-world.co.uk/newzealand 

PRESS:
If you need any images or further info, then call me (Alexis) on 01737 214 294 or email alexis@discover-the-world.co.uk - thanks!!

Alaska food and drink - the best food and drink in downtown Anchorage!

We offer one of the UK's most comprehensive Alaska holiday programmes of any UK operator according to Tourism Alaska and with it we like to give our clients just that little bit of insight to help ensure their holiday goes off to a Tee.

After a delay due to various factors, our man in Alaska - David Howe - is back on track with a plethora of recommendations for anyone visiting the state. In his first return instalment, the setting is Anchorage and he goes into crucial detail about the essential component of any holiday - food and drink.

All the details are available on Discover the World's Alaska Blog - www.alaskablog.co.uk

We offer a great selection of holidays in the 49th State including fly-drives, bear watching, small vessel cruising and motor, coach & rail experiences. Prices start from approximately £500 per person excluding flights which can of course be booked through us from approximately £800 per person. For more information on our web-based Alaska programme, please visit www.discover-the-world.co.uk/alaska.

Thanks. Alexis

Iceland hot dogs get international acclaim!

As www.icelandreview.com reports, "Baejarins beztu pylsur, a hot dog stand located near the Reykjavi­k Harbor, has been named one of the five best food stalls in Europe by the Guardian newspaper".

"Virtually a national institution, Baejarins beztu pylsur ("the town's best hot dogs") truly does live up to its name and is commonly recognized as serving Iceland’s best hot dogs. According to the Guardian report, every single Icelander is thought to have eaten there at least once. It is also popular with tourists and celebrities, with even Bill Clinton making a stop there during a visit to Iceland in 2004."

"The Guardian reckons the special recipe for the remouladi sauce used on the dogs makes all the difference, whereas Icelanders believe it to have something to do the water in which the dogs are soaked. Icelandic hot dogs have a distinct and mild flavor as compared to their foreign counterparts, as they are made with lamb instead of pork."

If you think your readers might like a taste of the good stuff, then why not take a look at our diverse Iceland offerings and call me to discuss possible round up/feature ideas & angles. Our winter time Reykjavik City Break - www.arctic-experience.co.uk/tour1w/ - is great for sampling a fantastic hearty winter fill of all things tasty and hot, including the "the town's best hot dogs"

NZ's World of Wearable Arts - an international affair

TVNZ.co.uk reports that "The organisers of New Zealand's Wearable Arts Awards say a high level of interest from international designers is recognition of its growing prestige as a major fashion event. The first round of entries for this year's show has attracted 380 designers from countries such as India, Iceland, Germany, Thailand and the United Arab Emirates."

The festival has now moved to the NZ capital of Wellington - www.worldofwearableart.com - and will take place in September & October this year.

Discover the World have a selection of itineraries that encompass Wellington, alloing you to visit the WOW awards/festival. How about our 14-day Whale Rider Country, or if the fantastic wine of NZ is your main priority, our 8-day New Zealand Wine Trail is perfect for sampling the best wine on offer in the Land of the Long White Cloud.   

BBQ the Icelandic Way

The summer sun is hitting the streets of Reykjavik and the BBQ frenzy looks like it's taking off.

In Iceland, what kind of barbeque you have says a lot about you. So when you come to Reykjavík and are invited to a summer grill, don't forget to take a good, sidelong glance at your host’s wares.

www.icelandreview.com tells us how to distinguish a boy scout from a cadillac and a Camry from a weekender...do you know the difference?

Ice Cream - Eskimo style!

Needing inspiration for that next house party?

Look no further than 'Akutak' - that's Yupik Eskimo for ice cream. David Howe over in Alaska shows you how to create this speciality in the comfort of your own home!

Click here for David's guide - http://www.alaskablog.co.uk/food_and_drink/index.html

Good luck and happy eating (not too much though!)

Great Barrier Seafood Celebration

Just north of the Coromandel Peninsula & North East of Auckland, Great Barrier Island is set to wow the taste buds in May with their inaugural Great Barrier Seafood Celebration (www.seafoodgreatbarrier.com).

Restaurants all over the island have created special seafood menus to be served with accompanying wines and beverages, every Saturday in May.

The island also provides a unique outdoor playground from surf beaches to thermal springs, walking tracks and much more.

For more information on all our NZ offerings, please call me on 01737 214 294 or visit www.discover-new-zealand.co.uk

Thanks. Alexis

Pickled Ram's Testicles...an Iceland favourite?

People often ask if Icelanders really do enjoy indulging in a boiled sheep’s head with a side of pickled ram’s testicles. Traditional food is a great marketing tool, but not a great meal out or a true indication of “Icelandic food”. With that in mind, here’s a little guide to what the stereotypical offering of food would be in most social situations:

Breakfast: Lýsi (cod liver oil) pills. Cheerios on weekdays and Cocoa Puffs on weekends. If you’re older than 50, you might have rye bread with sliced cheese and cucumber.

Wednesday night dinner the traditional way: Fish and potatoes, heavy on the salt and butter, light on the spice. Onions if you’re lucky. Sliced cucumbers for the vitamin quotient. Coke to drink.

Friday night: Pizza of course. Popular toppings include ham and blue cheese. Wash it down with Coke.

Snack time: Coffee (never with sugar), maybe some sweet rye bread with butter and slices of plain cheese. Yoghurt or skyr for the more adventurous.

Baptisms, confirmations, funerals:  Expect a variety of meals prepared by those attending. Will almost always include a sort of casserole main dish which incorporates white bread and asparagus soup in a filling and fairly tasty way. Desserts will usually involve at least one pavlova (meringue base filled with whipped cream and toppings). Coke and coffee to drink.

Night on the town with office colleagues: Set menu involving a seafood or salmon starter, lamb fillet with potatoes and vegetables as a main dish, and chocolate cake with ice cream for dessert.

Any day from February – November when it’s warmer than 5C and not too windy or raining: BBQ weather. Those on a budget fry up burgers and buns, while fancier Icelanders usually opt for slabs of marinated lamb. Mayonnaise-heavy salads are a common accompaniment. Oh, and Coke.

Of course it’s possible to get exotic “International” cuisine here, from pasta (yes, in the “international” category) to fajitas to durian fruits, but much of this has yet to make significant inroads into the Icelandic food lexicon.

alexis