In photography, as in real estate, the three most important words are…location, location, location. And ever since Jamaica was first described by Christopher Columbus as the fairest isle I ever did see the word Jamaica has been synonymous with romance, tropical passion and beautiful scenery. It is therefore no surprise that in recent years it has become a highly desirable location for film and print photography as productions including fashion shoots, commercials, documentaries, music videos, feature films and recently reality tv shows, have been flocking to the island.

Three decades ago, the Jamaican government recognized the benefits of supporting the country’s burgeoning film industry. The math was simple. Film productions have the ability to make a substantial contribution to the economic prosperity of a small country. They provide jobs for the skilled laborers, training and experience for the lessskilled and generate substantial revenue for many ancillary businesses ranging from lodging and catering for the oftensizeable cast and crew to transport services for equipment and personnel. In addition to this direct revenue, the product of their work, whether it is scenes from a major motion picture, a video or a fashion shoot serves to further promote Jamaica as a vacation destination. The Jamaica Film Commission was established in the 1980s within Jampro (Jamaica Promotions Organization) as a one-stopshop to address the requirements of film producers, simplifying the process and enhancing Jamaica’s attractiveness as a location.

The process is straightforward. In the case of commercial films, scripts must be submitted to the Film Commissioner, Mrs. Dell Crooks, for approval before shooting can commence- Jamaica is naturally very protective of its brand. Local liaisons are then recommended and approved by the Film Commission. The Commission then assists with clearing any red-tape related to work permits, licenses, duty exemptions and access to public buildings and support systems including helicopters from the Jamaica Defense Force. The success of this cooperative effort coupled with Jampro’s direct role in promoting location Jamaica to the Hollywood studios and international production houses, has been evident in the large number of overseas productions using Jamaica as a primary location.

Jamaica offers a great variety of terrain from white-sand beaches to lush rainforests to waterfalls and mountain peaks. This allows for geographically disparate scenes to be shot in a single location saving time and money. Areas of Jamaica have been shot for Africa, Southeast Asia, the U.S., England and, of course, the greater Caribbean. Jamaica has been a principal location for a number of Hollywood features over the years including: Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea, Dr. No, The Harder They Come, Papillon, Live and Let Die, Return to Treasure Island, Cocktail, Mighty Quinn, Cool Runnings and How Stella Got Her Groove Back. Taxi drivers and other guides are generally eager to point out locations from past film shoots, so just ask. Many major fashion houses and magazines use Jamaica for their cruise and summer catalogs and editorial spreads including Brooks Brothers, Teen Vogue, Ann Taylor, Self Magazine, Glamour UK, and Madame. Recent commercials filmed in Jamaica include uma, Slimfast, Carnival Cruise Lines, Clairol and Herbal Essences.

In recent years, competition within the Caribbean has intensified, particularly for Hollywood projects, with several islands prepared to pay cash incentives for the privilege of hosting a big-budget production. Just this past summer Jampro announced that they would be reorienting their effort towards wooing more tv and commercials business, in addition to the feature films. These smaller productions have the ability to provide a steady stream of business for the local film industry and the strategy has already yielded some recent successes.

Maxine Walters is a line producer promoting Jamaica as a location from her U.S.-base. Contact: maxinew@cwjamaica.com. The Jamaica Film Commission website is located at www.filmjamaica.com. Contact: (876) 978-7755 or email dcrooks@cwjamaica.com Location, Location, Location

**For more information visit www.jam-boree.com, Jamaica’s visitor website, the complete source for travel and tourism information featuring hand-picked deals on vacation packages, hotels, villas, flights and car rentals**

http://www.jam-boree.com Jamaica’s travel and tourism source.

It is hard to believe in this day and age that a successful business can be run as a one man or family operation especially if the business in question is the ultra competitive travel industry. Add to the equation that this business is run from home from Ireland?s oldest two storey thatched cottage and it makes the storey all the more fascinating.

Promoting a tourism product or website is a daunting and difficult challenge at the best of times given the vast array of resources and finances available to larger companies. Competing from a home base as a small husband and wife team makes such a challenge even more precarious. However as in life nothing is impossible given sufficient drive, motivation and the necessary passion that inspires.

Ireland is a changing place. It is fast emerging as a top 3 world economy with many large multinationals choosing to located their workforce in Dublin or other Irish cities. The country has also become a haven for foreign visitors eager to catch a little bit of that famous Irish hospitality. Providing guests with what they want is the new challenge facing the Irish tourism market. The days of thatched cottages and friendly service are well and truly gone. Or are they?

Dara Ward is the Managing Director of Cottages in Ireland and operates over 20 Irish Travel and Tourism websites. Dara is married to Dawn and together they operate from Ireland?s oldest 2 storey thatched cottage in County Wexford, South East Ireland. He is widely recognised as an expert in the promotion of tourism to and within Ireland and has an in-depth knowledge of the travel industry in Ireland. The couple are also partners in Global Hotels a leading supplier of hotels worldwide.

With its maze of narrow streets, 17th-century canal houses, rich history, listed buildings, quirky boutiques and bars, the Jordaan is one of Amsterdam?s most popular areas not only with the artists and designers who frequent the district, but with people wanting to experience a true piece of Amsterdam. In the Nine Lanes one can buy anything from 1940s cocktail glasses and retro memorabilia to fine wines, home interiors and funky clothes. Noordermarkt is a lively square, hosting weekly flea and organic farmer?s markets, surrounded by bars and caf?s where visitors can kick back and watch weird and wonderful Amsterdammers at work and play. The district is in the west of the city and is bordered by Lijnbaansgracht on one side and Prinsengracht on the other.

The Amsterdam Jordaan is undoubtedly the most sung about, described and romanced town district in Amsterdam. Started as a district for the poor, today it is a favorite place for students, artists and young professionals. This new inhabitants of the Jordaan, together with the people that stayed behind from the early days, made this neighborhood a pleasant place with a mixture of all kinds of styles and activities.

Many people wonder where the name Jordaan comes from. The most heard explanation is that the word has been derived from the French jardin (garden). The French immigrants of the 17th century might have called the district Jardin, because the most of the streets of the Jordaan are named after to flowers.

Some say that the name has been inspired by the river Jordaan, the well-known water from the holy land. Historian Kannegieter is convinced that the name comes from the French river the Jordanne in the Auvergne. The historian explains that the french compared this polluted river with the Prinsengracht, which at that time also was not too clean itself.

During daytime Jordaan blessed with a total absence of tourist honey pots – is remarkably peaceful strolling territory. The Bloemgracht canal is considered to be the city?s prettiest, and the Jordaan?s market scene offers diversions and temptations.

Rahul viz recommends that you visit http://www.bookings.nl/city/nl/amsterdam.html?aid=305255 for more information on Hang Out In The Jordaan.

Hilton Hotels are upscale, full service properties catering to business travel and leisure guests. They are a chain of over 500 hotels all over the world from Rome to Omaha. Hilton Hotels are enjoying a phenomenal growth in online sales. Hilton hotels are the place for you if you want a distinctive hotel. The original company was founded in 1919 by Conrad Hilton.

Conrad Hilton was determined to maximize every square foot of hotel space and serve the hotel guest. Mr. Hilton bought his first hotel in Cisco, Texas in 1919. And, of course there’s always Paris. Paris is the great-granddaughter of Conrad Hilton, founder of the Hilton hotels and source of an estimated $300 million family fortune. Paris Hilton is the daughter of one of the sons of Mr. Hilton, a hotel magnate. Conrad Hilton (1887-1979) was born in San Antonio. He was determined that his hotel to be the best in every city and coined the phrase, take me to the Hilton.

And, of course there’s always Paris. Paris is the great-granddaughter of Conrad Hilton, founder of the Hilton hotels and source of an estimated $300 million family fortune. Paris Hilton is the daughter of one of the sons of Mr. Hilton, a hotel magnate. Conrad Hilton (1887-1979).

Hilton hotels are known for featuring world class accommodations in the countries hottest destinations. The hotels are adding MP3-friendly alarm clocks, allowing guests to awaken to their own music. They are internationally known for their Hilton Meetings Business Centres. Hilton Hotels are known for a high level of comfort and prestige. The Port of San Diego and Hilton are planning to develop a 1200-room hotel on the waterfront adjacent to the San Diego Convention Center.

Mr. Hilton bought his first hotel in Cisco, Texas in 1919. And, of course there’s always Paris. Paris is the great-granddaughter of Conrad Hilton, founder of the Hilton hotels and source of an estimated $300 million family fortune. Paris Hilton is the daughter of one of the sons of Mr. Hilton, a hotel magnate. Conrad Hilton (1887-1979) was born in San Antonio. He was determined that his hotel to be the best in every city and coined the phrase, take me to the Hilton.

HHonors program effectiveness has grown from 34% in 2002 to 40% now. The program is designed to thank meeting planners who schedule events at Hilton Hotels worldwide. The program Members can earn both HHonors points and airline miles for the same business rate stay – what we call Double Dipping. MilePoint sponsors, in addition to the Hilton HHonors program, are America West, Continental, Delta, Northwest, TWA, US Airways and Hilton Hotels. The American Express Hilton Hhonors Program Credit card earns points for free stays at Hilton hotels.

Hilton Hotels are internationally known for their Hilton Meetings Business Centers. Business travel has always been a top priority of the chain. Since 1919, Hilton Hotels has led the way with innovations for executives on the road. Maureen Mackey is Managing Director of Sales, Business Travel Sales for Hilton Hotels Corporation.

Hilton hotels are upscale, full service properties catering to business and leisure guests. Hilton hotels are known for featuring world class accommodations in the countries hottest destinations. The prestigious Hilton Malta promises the best in accommodation and a high standard of service for which Hilton hotels are renowned. For business or pleasure the Homewood suites by Hilton hotels are designed with all the comforts of home in mind. The Hotels are the Official Hotel Group of UK Athletics and the Great Britain and Northern Ireland Athletics Team. Hilton Hotels are now building computer files on customer preferences using a system called OnQ, pronounced on cue. The Hotels are known across the globe and offer a choice of 2700 quality hotels in the UK, Europe, Asia, America, Africa and Australia. Room 902 in the Amsterdam Hilton became famous when in 1969 Yoko Ono and John Lennon staged their first Bed-In for Peace.

The Corporation is based in Beverly Hills. Hilton hotels are the most recognized name in the global lodging industry and have been in service for more than 80 years. The chain is focused on the needs of business and leisure travelers who desire a full array of quality services.

Copyright ? Mary Hanna, All Rights Reserved.

This article may be distributed freely on your website and in your ezines, as long as this entire article, copyright notice, links and the resource box are unchanged.

Mary Hanna has traveled the world by Air and Ship while writing eBooks, Software Reviews and Practical Articles on Internet Marketing, Cruising, Gardening and Travel. Visit her websites at: http://www.CruiseTravelDirectory.com and http://www.CruiseGold.com You can read more of her articles at http://www.ArticleBazaar.net.

Do you have your trip planned? Got the tickets and everything? Did you remember to reserve a hotel room? Not to worry if you haven’t. Its quite a simple task especially in the Internet world. Here are some quick tips for you to consider.

First of all, if you want to find a great deal on a hotel, you should think about being as flexible as you can be. If you stay at certain times of the week, month, or even year you can possibly get a better deal. If you can’t be that flexible, how about thinking about staying a little farther from your destination. Now, this only works if you are going someplace where there are many people wanting to stay as close as possible. Instead of staying really close, stay a few miles out. This can save you a bunch of cash. You may need to drive a little farther, but a few cents in gas compared to the extra in the hotel is nothing.

Finding a hotel is as simple as going online. You can often find just what you are looking for just by searching for your desitnation. But, never settle on the first place you find. Compare several different chains and even think about the mom and pop places.

While your checking out what’s available in the area you are traveling to, also think about the amenities they offer. Its nice to stay at a hotel that has a swimming pool, but if you don’t have time to use it, what’s the point? Same goes for other services. Think about them carefully as you don’t want to pay more for something you will not use.

Hotels are everywhere. They are all competing for your dollar and by shopping around you are likely to find just the right one for you. Being as flexible as you can will also improve your chances of getting a great deal. Take the time to research. In the end, it will pay off.

Visit http://www.e-travelpromos.com to make your hotel reservations.

Sandy Baker is staff article writer at http://www.e-travelpromos.com . sbaker@e-travelpromos.com

Snorkeling: Yes, there are many costly tours for snorkeling in and around Cancun. But major expenses are not really necessary. And snorkeling in Cancun’s crystal clear waters will be an experience one will never forget. The different coral and fish put you in another world. REMEMBER: All beaches in Mexico are public. This is federal law. So you can snorkel where you want. I recommend the following places:

Punta Cancun at the Camino Real Hotel; here I have often seen sea turtles as well as squid (which appear to swim backwards) and shrimp and loads of colorful tropical fishes. Some fish appear to be like little monsters. Once I saw a green star fish.

The beach at Punta Nizuc at the Club Med. The folks at Club Med are somewhat closed to outsiders using their facilities, but once again the beaches are public (this is Mexican law) and all business here must respect the law. So take the bus to the Westin Regina Hotel; enter the beach there and walk about a half-mile along the beach until you come to the Club Med beaches. Walk over some slate rock up a few steps and you’re in the snorkeling area. Here you’ll find lots of grunt (yellow and blue stripped fish and nice brain coral)

The best snorkeling is to be had at Cozumel which is reached via ferry at Playa del Carmen or via direct flight from Cancun on a small propeller plane.

Night Life: The heart of the night life centers around Punta Cancun (the area of the Camino Real Hotel; Fiesta Americana Coral Beach; Hotel Krystal; Salvia condo/hotel which we rent . Discos here include the new Coco Bongo as well as Dady-O and Dady Rock; Sr. Frogs and countless others. Just walk around and take in the night scene. In the same complex as Coco Bongo you will find Hard Rock Cafe and the special Rain Forest Cafe for one of the best burgers in Cancun with special jungle effects (worth a visit).

Downtown bars center on Avenida Yaxchilan and a few on Tulum Ave. The bars on Lopez Portillo are not generally frequented by tourists and can be on the sleazy side. (So I’ve heard; can’t say I’ve gone there myself as my wife is watching me write this). Archeological Sites:

Chichen Itza is the most famous site in the Yucatan (about 3 hours from Cancun by car). You can rent a car or take a tour $$$ or a local bus downtown at the bus terminal. A visit here would not be complete without seeing these marvels from the past. Did you know that in the ball court of Chichen Itza there are two small structures about 300 feet distance. If your friend talks in a normal voice standing in one of the structures and you stand in the other you can hear every word perfectly. How did the Maya understand so much about acoustics so long ago? And during the spring equinox the rising of the moon causes a light-form of a serpent to appear on the steps of the great pyramid there. Chichen Itza was founded in 445 AD

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