World’s most prestigious superyacht showcase acts with a conscience

This year – the show’s 20^th – event organizers add the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation to its social and environmental awareness program in an effort to bring the issue of deforestation to the forefront of the yachting community’s attention. This comes following the event’s carbon neutral efforts, sustainable development projects and support of the Monaco Association against Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

The Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation aims to “act as an accelerator of projects and solutions for the environment. It promotes sustainable and equitable management of natural resources and places the individual at the center of its projects. It encourages the implementation of innovative and ethical solutions in three main areas: climate change, biodiversity and water,” according to its mission statement. The Monaco Yacht Show has committed to contribute financial support and  to act as a “communication channel” to promote the Foundation.

Monaco Yacht Show maintains its continued support for the research of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Its contribution to the Monaco Association against Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy since 2001 comes by way of organizing thematic auctions (the Joconde Project, Only One 1 and 2, and since 2005, the biennial charity auction ONLY WATCH that has become a world renowned charity event praised by the most prestigious watchmakers). The Monaco Association against Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy was created in 2001 by parents of children suffering from the disease in an effort to support scientific and medical research progress for the one in 3,500 boys born with the rare genetic disease.

In association with The CarbonNeutral Company, MYS started offsetting its C02 emissions in 2005 by contributing an eco-tax to help finance international green projects. The CarbonNeutral Company aids companies in reducing their carbon footprint through complete carbon reduction programs.

In addition, MYS partnered with Camper & Nicholsons International in 2005, and over the subsequent five years invested almost €200,000 in sustainable development projects. With offices around the world, CNI specializes in all things yachts: the sale, purchase, charter, management and construction.

Besides its partnerships with various organizations, Monaco Yacht Show takes care to tread lightly by printing on recycled paper, sorting recyclables within the show itself, supporting fair trade and using organic cotton for its show clothing line.

The 2010 edition of the Monaco Yacht Show takes place September 22 to 25, at Port Hercules in the Principality of Monaco and will showcase more than 100 superyachts in the water, 56 percent of which are larger than 130 feet.

Resources

Monaco Yacht Show | www.monacoyachtshow.com | Sept 22-25, 2010

Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation | www.pa2f.org

The Carbon Neutral Company | www.carbonneutral.com

Camper & Nicholsons International | www.camperandnicholsons.com

Monaco Association against Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy | www.amm.asso.mc

Photo Courtesy of Monaco Yacht Show

Italian newbie Arcadia Yachts offers up sleek, Italian style packaged within an 85-foot green-minded motor yacht.

Debuting earlier this year is the Arcadia 85 from startup eco-conscious yachtbuilder Arcadia Yachts. The first in a line of stylish motor yachts with a green and socially conscious agenda, the 85-foot Arcadia 85 sports an edgy exterior and a sublime interior, while at the same time showcasing some innovative eco concepts.

To start, the Arcadia Yachts built almost the entire superstructure in dark, double-glazed windows with Schüco solar panels within, providing the yacht’s onboard electrical needs with 4 kilowatts of electricity on a sunny day. In addition to powering up the yacht’s electrical grid, the dark windows provide thermal insulation to the same elements and supply guests with incredible views on deck. When guests are ready for privacy or shade, a motorized Ocean Air shade system envelops the whole deal.

On the main deck, ample interior space in combination with the massive windows give a sense of openness, especially when the shades are open. Furniture from Poltrona Frau Group creates a comfortable, yet high-style main salon. A 42-inch plasma TV keeps the entertainment rolling when the shades are drawn. An eight-seater dining room sits just steps from the galley and wheelhouse.

On the lower deck, four staterooms, including a midships master suite and a stunning VIP, accommodate eight guests, while two double crew cabins in the bow house four. Low lighting and furniture keep the mood cozy yet refined throughout the accommodations level.

Photo Courtesy of Arcadia Yachts

Even without a sun deck, the Arcadia 85 musters up enough outdoor space that even sun worshipers will appreciate. Sunpads on the main deck’s forepeak provide sunning space, as well as a little spot near the radar arch. Shade lovers will appreciate the shaded cockpit, designed for dining and hanging- out. The swim platform can be accessed via twin steps and features a shower for a refreshing post-swim rinse.

Two MAN R6 730-hp diesel engines live in the engine room aft of the staterooms and give the fuel-efficient NPL semi-planing 85 an 18-knot maximum speed. Or if chosen, the hybrid propulsion system powers the yacht along at 8 knots. A blackwater treatment system keeps dispels clean water, and a sound-insulation system keeps things quiet while underway.

The Arcadia 85 is the first of three models in planning and construction mode at Arcadia Yachts. The company aims to build yachts in the 75- to 175-foot range as eco-friendly and hip as possible, while still providing the high comfort and impeccable design for which the Italians are known. Based in Torre Annunziata, Italy, Ugo Pellegrino heads up the company in design partnership with Francesco Guida. Arcadia Yachts is a subsidiary of the Italian industrial group Tre Ti.

Designed by Guida Design + Engineering, the 85 is built in composite to RINA standards. Pricing starts at 3.8 million euros. The first 115 model will launch in the spring of 2011, and Arcadia has technical plans on the books for a 135-footer.

http://www.arcadiayachts.it

For the uninitiated, a brief intro – Tom’s Shoes has donated over 600,ooo shoes to the underprivileged in Argentina, Guatemala, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Haiti and beyond since 2006 by abiding by their guiding principles and furthering their One-to-One movement of donating a pair of shoes for every pair purchased. This concept of eco-friendly, socially responsible, “conscious capitalism,” has proven to be not only rewarding, but also profitable, and is now carrying over into other industries.

Today (May 5^th), Tom’s Shoes celebrates their 4th birthday and are urging everyone to perform One-for-One acts of kindness.  We hope you’ll join in the celebration by picking up the toll for the person behind you on the bridge, or paying for the latte of the person behind you in line.

Toms styles are cool, hip, groovy, bad, and all the other appreciative adjectives that span the generations.  Great colors.  Great designs.  Comfy, we’re sure.  Vegan or hand-painted canvas.  Nautical-inspired Bimini stitchouts or fleece-lined botas. Fashion for you, and a life-saver for foreign families in need.

Toms.com reels you in with its savvy use of social media.  Submit photos of how you style your Toms, whether it’s for bowling, the prom or a wedding.  If a shoe is out of stock, Toms will let you know via Twitter when it’s available. Feel good about buying a stylish sneak, supporting a sustainable model of social entrepreneurship and contributing to the global community at large.

Happy Birthday, Tom’s!

“I Will Reflect” campaign aims to create local awareness, encourage prevention and raise funds for skin cancer research at Medical University of South Carolina

CHARLESTON, S.C. – May 3, 2010 – As the Lowcountry heats up, The Spa at Charleston Place and Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) are launching their third annual “I Will Reflect” campaign, a global melanoma skin care initiative during Melanoma Awareness Month. Started in 2008, the local cause program is designed to start a movement across Charleston and create widespread awareness around the dangers of melanoma, educate residents on prevention, and raise funds in support of cancer research.

“This year, we’re spreading the ‘I Will Reflect’ message further throughout Charleston with the goal of arming residents with useful information about skin cancer to help them make intelligent choices when enjoying the outdoors,” said Annette Sandford-Lopez, Spa Director at The Spa at Charleston Place. “The Spa and MUSC are collaborating to reduce the impact of melanoma skin cancer in Charleston and offering people a variety of ways to make a difference.”

The “I Will Reflect” initiative is part of a worldwide cause founded by SpaFinder, Inc. in 2007. Gaining momentum around the globe, the initiative seeks to educate the public about melanoma detection and prevention. The cause began in response to the death of one American nearly every hour due to melanoma, and because early detection significantly increases survival rates. In 2009, more than 68,000 people were diagnosed with melanoma and nearly 11,000 people died from the disease, according to SpaFinder.

“Melanoma is a serious yet preventable skin cancer, and through ‘I Will Reflect,’ we have the opportunity to significantly reduce the impact of this terrible disease throughout Charleston,” said Bruce Thiers, M.D., MUSC’s Department of Dermatology chairman. “We are honored to be involved in this cause and encourage everyone to take the ‘I Will Reflect’ pledge this summer.”

The campaign encourages residents to pledge “I Will Reflect” and join the movement to help reduce the impact of melanoma, which is the most serious, often life-threatening, form of skin cancer. This year the campaign invites Charleston residents to “reflect” through a series of events, merchandise, spa services, testimonials, tips and more, including:

•     Accessorize for a Cause: Purchase chic bracelets that change color from white to purple when exposed to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays. Bracelets feature a metal faceplate engraved with the motto, “I Will Reflect,” and are available for $3 each at The Spa and MUSC Dermatology Department. Proceeds will benefit MUSC Foundation’s Department of Dermatology.

•     Education Never Felt So Good: Treat yourself to The Spa’s “I Will Reflect” facial or massage and receive a complimentary skin consultation and sun safety tips from a therapist. Patrons receive 25% off a treatment when wearing “I Will Reflect” bracelets, and The Spa will donate 10% of its proceeds to fund skin cancer research at MUSC.

•     Spread the Word and Sunscreen: Expanding the cause in 2010, The Spa and Charleston County Parks and Recreation Commission have partnered to collect donated sunscreen for park employees and patrons this summer to help them avoid harmful UVA exposure. Throughout May, “I Will Reflect” participants can donate sunscreen for a variety of benefits, including 25% off their “I Will Reflect” treatment at The Spa. This “bottle of prevention” will also serve as admission to The Spa’s exclusive soiree party on May 3, 2010.

•     Fight Melanoma with Social Media: Follow the “I Will Reflect” initiative on Twitter @CharlestonPLSpa to receive tweets offering skin cancer prevention tips and advice during May. The Spa will also create a Twibbon , allowing people to place an “I Will Reflect” banner on their Twitter profile photos. Participate on Facebook by joining The Spa at Charleston Place fan page for event invitations and facts about prevention, statistics, tips and more throughout the “I Will Reflect” campaign.

•     Celebrate for Prevention: The Spa will host a “I Will Reflect” soiree cocktail party at The Spa at Charleston Place on May 3, 2010 from 5:30 pm to 8 pm. Invitations will be distributed through The Spa’s Facebook page or via email to spa patrons.

For more information or to schedule an “I Will Reflect” treatment, please visit The Spa at Charleston Place website, send an email to spa@charlestonplace.com, or call 843-937-8522.

About The Spa at Charleston Place

The Spa at Charleston Place has been rated by Travel + Leisure readers as the “Top City Hotel Spa in the United States and Canada” and recently voted by the readers of Conde Nast Traveler magazine as one of the “Top 10 Spas in the United States, Canada and Caribbean.” The Charleston Place Hotel has been selected as one of the best hotels in North America consecutively for the past nine years by Condé Nast Traveler readers. Learn more about The Spa at www.charlestonplace.com/web/ocha/spa.jsp.

About Medical University of South Carolina

Founded in 1824 in Charleston, The Medical University of South Carolina is the oldest medical school in the South. Today, MUSC continues the tradition of excellence in education, research, and patient care. MUSC educates and trains more than 3,000 students and residents, and has nearly 11,000 employees, including 1,300 faculty members. As the largest non-federal employer in Charleston, the university and its affiliates have collective annual budgets in excess of $1.3 billion. MUSC operates a 700-bed medical center, which includes a nationally recognized Children’s Hospital and a leading Institute of Psychiatry. For more information on academic information or clinical services, visit www.musc.edu or www.muschealth.com.

With arguably greater access to financial resources and progressive, environmentally-friendly options, the affluent also own more cars, clothes, houses and travel more often than the rest of us, making them larger consumers, and potentially, polluters.

This begs the question, “How ‘environmentally responsible’ are the affluent?”

Well, to answer this question, Ron Kurtz and the American Affluence Research Center surveyed the wealthiest 10% of US households to reveal the extent of their commitment to a “green” lifestyle.

Today, forty years after the first Earth Day on April 22, 1970,  Ron reveals his findings:

Top 10 findings:

* 90% recycle regularly
* 56% believe they are doing their part to help the environment
* About 3 in 10 feel they should be doing more to help the environment
* 70% report using energy efficient light bulbs and/or other products to reduce energy consumption
* 30% purchase organic foods whenever they are an option. Only 6% buy fashions that use organic materials
* A third of the respondents currently own none of the 7 eco friendly products listed
* Most commonly owned “green” items are compact fluorescent light bulbs (45%), low flow toilets or faucets (44%), and EnergyStar appliances (40%). Green cleaning products (27%) was the only other item owned by more than 10% of the respondents
* Half of the respondents do not expect to buy any of the 7 listed “green” products during the next five years. The most frequently anticipated purchases are a hybrid automobile (24%) and EnergyStar appliances (22%)
* Two-thirds have done none of the 3 listed eco friendly activities during the past 5 years. The most frequently mentioned (31%) activity was the purchase of hormone-free meat, dairy, or produce.
* Almost 8 of 10 respondents do not anticipate doing any of the 3 listed activities during the next 5 years. The most frequently anticipated activity (15%) is an eco friendly vacation or resort.

This is the 17th in [a] series of twice yearly surveys of the wealthiest 10% of US households that account for about 50% of total consumer spending and a third of gross domestic product.

It is not an online survey of people who are compensated for responding to regular and frequent surveys, and it includes only respondents who qualify to be among the wealthiest 10% of US households, based on net worth.

Similar to the Consumer Confidence survey of The Conference Board, [this] survey is conducted by mail and is sent to a randomly selected sample.

Authenticity and experiences are of key importance to the upscale traveler

NEW YORK (March 8, 2010) – Asian and Latin locations rose to the top of the list as up-and-coming destinations in the 2010 Virtuoso Luxe Report released today.  India, Vietnam and Cuba are the top emerging destinations in this year’s report, which provides invaluable insight into the future direction of high-end travelers.  Rounding out the top emerging-destination selections were the Galapagos Islands, China and Chile.

Based on expert feedback from its sought-after network of travel providers and advisors, the Luxe Report results reflect booking trends, new travel destinations, comparisons to travel in 2009, and above all, forecast the travel aspirations of some of the most upscale travelers in the United States.

The top three trends ranked by Virtuoso travel providers as influencing clients’ vacation choices included: seeking authentic experiences in new destinations; rest & relaxation; and spending time or reconnecting with loved ones.  Interestingly, the survey also found that private villa rental is booming, with 41 percent saying that this sector will increase in 2010 over 2009 bookings, supporting the trend towards connecting with loved ones in a private group setting.

Travelers in 2010 are booking longer vacations to more distant destinations. Of the travel professionals responding, 71 percent said clients are seeking international travel for 10+ days. Weekend getaways to domestic destinations garnered the smallest share with only 18 percent.

The primary reasons for Virtuoso clientele booking their travel through a Virtuoso agent as opposed to booking directly were cited as: expertise; the comfort level of working with their travel provider; the pre- and post-trip support they receive; and the ability of the travel provider to fully customize the trip for them.  The largest influences on consumers’ travel decisions are word of mouth, travel magazines and lifestyle magazines.

“The Luxe Report findings confirm people’s continued drive to travel – to see and experience the world firsthand,” said Virtuoso CEO Matthew D. Upchurch.  “Although favorites such as Italy and Australia appear on this year’s list of popular vacation locations, the results point to new interest in emerging destinations such as India, Vietnam and Cuba, the latter of which is revealing, given the current US restrictions.  The Luxe Report also affirms the value that high-end travelers place on working with a professional travel advisor.  In this era of on-line marginalization, experience, knowledge and personalized service still emerge as the very things travelers’ value.”

Key findings from the 2010 Virtuoso Luxe Report are outlined below:

What are the five most popular international destinations for travelers in 2010?

1. Italy
2. Mexico
3. South Africa
4. Australia
5. France

What are the top five U.S. destinations where you expect to send travelers in 2010?

1. Maui
2. Alaska
3. New York City
4. Napa Valley/Sonoma
5. Las Vegas

Which of the following do you see as “emerging destinations,” meaning those on the cusp of becoming popular, either for the first time or all over again?

1. India
2. Vietnam
3. Cuba
4. Galapagos Islands
5. China
6. Chile

What do you anticipate are the top five most popular destinations for family travel in 2010?

1. Italy
2. Mexico
3. Hawaii
4. Orlando
5. Australia & Costa Rica (tied)

Which luxury cruises saw the biggest increase in demand in 2009?

1. Mediterranean
2. Alaska
3. European River
4. Caribbean
5. Baltic Region

Which itineraries do you anticipate being popular in 2010?

1. Alaska
2. Mediterranean
3. European River
4. Caribbean
5. Greek Isles

Rank your clients’ motivation in choosing a vacation:

1. Seeking authentic experiences in new destinations
2. Rest & Relaxation
3. Spending time or reconnecting with loved ones
4. Discovering new experiences in previously visited (or more familiar) destinations
5. Personal enrichment (e.g. voluntourism, cultural experience, learning, etc.)
6. Seeking adventure

Rank the most important determining factors for your clients’ when choosing a vacation:

1. The right destination
2. Value for money paid
3. The right activity (activities)
4. Price

For socially and environmentally conscious travelers, which aspects of their travel are they most concerned about?

1. Accommodations
2. Activities or excursions
3. Means of transportation
4. Giving back to local communities through monetary donations
5. Giving back to local communities through voluntourism

Advisors from Virtuoso travel agencies were invited to take the survey in November and December 2009.  Results were tabulated from more than 250 responses from the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Latin America.  The sampling represents 10,000 of the Virtuoso network’s 1.3 million-name database of affluent clients.

About Virtuoso

Virtuoso^® is the industry’s leading luxury travel network.  This by-invitation-only organization comprises over 300 agencies with more than 6,000 elite travel specialists in 22 countries in North and South America, the Caribbean, Australia and New Zealand, as well as over 1,000 of the world’s best travel providers and premier destinations.  The network’s member agencies generate over $5.1 billion annually in travel sales, making the group the most powerful in the luxury travel segment.  Their relationships with the finest travel companies provide the network’s affluent clientele with exclusive amenities, rare experiences and privileged access.  Virtuoso is the exclusive network of travel services and benefits provided by MasterCard^® for participating World Elite MasterCard^® programs. For more information, please visit www.virtuoso.com.