Paris Around

Archive for the ‘Travel N Sport’ Category

Gullivers Sports Travel has been named Best Sports Specialist 2007 by South African Airways UK.

South African Airways UK’s annual awards honour its top performing trade partners for their support.  Gullivers was recognised and celebrated for the high volume of flights it requires from the airline for the many tours and incentive travel it organises to South Africa every year.

In recent years, Gullivers has seen South Africa become its number one touring destination for clubs and schools, for all types of sports, and as an official licensed operator for the British & Irish Lions Tour to South Africa 2009, the company estimates that it will take 3,000 rugby supporters over next year as well.

John Hall, Chairman of Gullivers Sports Travel said: “Gullivers is delighted to be awarded the title of Best Sports Specialist by South African Airways UK – it comes from years of arranging travel to one of the most captivating destinations in the world.  We first took clients to South Africa in 1980 – our inaugural Lions tour – just 100 people!  We’ve now taken thousands and awards like these show how much the company has moved forward.”

Gullivers is well known for its involvement in major sporting events such as Rugby World Cups and Ashes Tours. Although this is an important part of their business, equally important are the smaller events and playing tours and they pride ourselves on their service and attention to detail whatever the scale of the project.  Read more...

It can be challenging and a lot of hard work or it can be simply just taking some time out. However, if you look at your gap year one thing should be gained from your time out – reward. Developing a skill, learning a language, experience a different way of living – all can be rewarding and mean that your gap year was a fulfilling experience.

One gap year experience is to play sport. Are you passionate about sport and feel like you want to share your passion with others? How about sharing this with youngsters in an exciting overseas environment? If these two questions really grab your attention then here is another one – are you going to do something about it? With a gap year sport programme you can develop your coaching skills whilst passing on your knowledge and enthusiasm to the next generation.

Sport coaching placements can last for between 10-19 weeks, depending on the sport you coach. Participants coach sport to youngsters in local schools and community teams. On average coaches may also be able to do a part time job and, if desired, it is often possible to supplement this with additional umpiring or refereeing work for your specialist sport.

Whilst challenging and demanding (you could be responsible for a whole class of future sporting heroes!) there is no doubt that the experience of working with youngsters over the course of a school term is highly rewarding. Coaching sport is also a fantastic addition to any CV, allowing you to demonstrate initiative, leadership and communication skills.  Read more...

The numbers and revenue show that sports enthusiasts are increasingly traveling to Mexico to get their hearts pumping and muscles moving. Both amateur and professional athletes are contributing to the ever-continuing expansion of Mexico’s sports tourism segment.

Many sports benefit from Mexico’s natural beauty and unique backdrops, a fact not gone unnoticed by professional sporting event planners. Mexico has recently hosted many high-profile international sporting events, including Rip Curl’s Pro Search surfing event, part of the Association of Surfing Professionals’ Men’s World Championship Tour last June, and the PGA’s 2006 Champions Tour’s Puerto Vallarta Blue Agave Golf Classic last March. Upcoming events include the yearly Mexico City International Marathon in August.

Amateur athletes and sports lovers are also helping to spur Mexico’s sports sector growth. 2005 enjoyed robust numbers, with sports activities pumping approximately US$1.27 billion into the national economy. Several high-grossing sports activities which contributed to the impressive overall figure.

- In 2005, 600 thousand golfers traveled to Mexico, generating $400 million.

- Triathlons attracted 36 thousand travelers to Mexico, who in turn generated US$6 million in 2005.

- In 2005, diving and relating activities produced US$200 million in revenue.

- Sports fishing reeled in $500 million in 2005.

Bright future forecast for sports tourism

The increased popularity of Mexico’s sports tourism sector echoes travel developments on a global scale. The World Tourism Organization predicts that sports tourism will be the second most important travel segment by 2020.  Read more...

Depending on requirements, an individual, family, or group, can select and purchase an appropriate Travel Insurance package from insurance companies or the travel agent at the time of booking for a trip. Travel Insurance is offered for Single trips with return journeys, Multiple trips in a year either within the country or international travel, Ski and Winter Sports Insurance, Cheap Travel Insurance for Backpackers, and more.

If you are an individual or a family planning a yearly holiday and plan to travel within the country or visit another country for a few days, then the Single return journey package is appropriate. But you still have to analyze the options in the policy and the risks covered by the policy being offered. Most of the Single trip insurance packages include medical insurance for emergencies during travel, baggage insurance, and cancellation of flights and bookings insurance. The premium may seem a bit too much to pay for a few days travel, but it is always better to play it safe than to be sorry for not purchasing Travel Insurance.  Read more...

Extreme sports holidays have become popular with those who are looking to experience an adrenaline rush during their holidays. And with a wide variety of different sports to cater for all tastes – from rock climbing and white water rafting to hang gliding and mountain biking – as well as a wide range of terrains on which to explore, there’s something for everyone.

However, such exhilaration could turn out to be expensive unless you are prepared for any emergencies. Because of this, it is important to arrange some insurance before you travel, if not to put your mind at ease before you take the plunge or to the skies.

Indeed, travel insurance can be a very useful element to pack as part of your trip, whether you’re heading abroad to participate in extreme sports or are embarking on a backpacking excursion. Some of the most common factors that are covered by policies are:

Flight cancellations Delayed departure or baggage Medical expenses – these can vary depending on your country of visit Repatriation as a result of an injury Theft or damage to personal possessions – including any travel documentation Legal assistance Rental car excess and personal liability

This can help to cover you in case of emergencies, but cover can differ depending on the circumstances, so it’s important to check all details of your policy before you travel. There are several factors which will affect the cost of your policy, so it’s best to make your insurer aware of these from the start, including: