FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Eleanor Hardy:
(502) 454-0277
The International Railway Traveler® Wins Gold “Magellan Award”
Friday, Sept. 4, 2009; Louisville, KY — The IRT Society’s Best-Loved Railway Journeys - 2009™won top honors this week in Travel Weekly’s annual Magellan Awards, joining the likes of Crystal Cruises and The Travel Channel.
“The Travel Weekly Magellan Awards honors the best in travel,” said TW, the industry’s top trade journal.
The IRT Society won a Gold Award in the category “Travel Agent Organizations - Marketing - Print Advertising.” The Society was the only rail-based company to win an award, Gold or Silver.
The Society is out of physical copies of this year’s Best-Loved Railway Journeys. Please click to get a digital version.
“We believe in what we do,” said Owen Hardy, Society CEO & Publisher. “We love great rail travel. The IRT Society’s Best-Loved Railway Journeys is one way to convey that passion.”
He praised Angela Walker, VP of Operations, and art director Stephen Sebree, all of Louisville, for their excellent, creative work. “All elements of the publication made it special, useful and beautiful. But our original photographs by staff, writers and Society members made it spectacular,” Hardy said.
Judges for the 2009 Magellan Awards included Bob Dickinson, former President & CEO of Carnival Cruise Lines; Peter Greenberg, Travel Editor, Today Show-NBC News and Patricia Schultz, author of 1,000 Places to See Before You Die.
In business over 26 years, The Society of International Railway Travelers® began its own award program many years ago. “The World’s Top 25 Trains” honors trains as diverse as the Royal Canadian Pacific and India’s Toy Train.
“We know how difficult it is to cull thousands of great trains down to just 25. So we’re honored the Magellan judges chose us to be at the top of their list,” Hardy said.
Of necessity, the Society limits production of its Best-Loved Railway Journeys, a special edition of The International Railway Traveler magazine. Click here for details on purchasing an IRT Society membership, which includes a subscription to the magazine.
The Society of International Railway Travelers® is a membership organization whose benefits include an annual subscription to The International Railway Traveler. Regular annual U.S. membership dues are $85 ($95 for Canada; $105 elsewhere). To join, contact The Society of International Railway Travelers®, 2010 Edgeland Ave. #100, Louisville, KY 40204; telephone (502) 454-0277 or, outside Kentucky, (800) 478-4881; fax (502) 458-2250, email tourdesk@irtsociety.com. The web site is www.irtsociety.com.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Eleanor Hardy:
(502) 454-0277
THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 2009
(Washington, DC) President Obama, Vice President Biden, Secretary LaHood Call for U.S. High Speed Passenger Trains
President Barack Obama, along with Vice President Biden and Secretary LaHood, announced a new U.S. push today to transform travel in America, creating high-speed rail lines from city to city, reducing dependence on cars and planes and spurring economic development.
The President released a strategic plan outlining his vision for high speed rail in America. The plan identifies $8 billion provided in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) and $1 billion a year for five years requested in the federal budget as a down payment to jump-start a potential world-class passenger rail system and sets the direction of transportation policy for the future. The strategic plan will be followed by detailed guidance for state and local applicants. By late summer, the Federal Railroad Administration will begin awarding the first round of grants.
Additional funding for long-term planning and development is expected from legislation authorizing federal surface transportation programs.
The report formalizes the identification of ten high-speed rail corridors as potential recipients of federal funding. Those lines are: California, Pacific Northwest, South Central, Gulf Coast, Chicago Hub Network, Florida, Southeast, Keystone, Empire and Northern New England. Also, opportunities exist for the Northeast Corridor from Washington to Boston to compete for funds to improve the nation’s only existing high-speed rail service.
With a boost from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the Obama administration launched a competitive process to drive local communities to develop their high-speed rail potential. The President, Vice President and Secretary of Transportation are urging states and local communities to put together plans for a network of 100 mile to 600 mile corridors, which will compete for the federal dollars. The merit-driven process will result in federal grants as soon as late summer 2009.
President Obama’s vision for high-speed rail mirrors that of President Eisenhower, the father of the Interstate highway system, which revolutionized the way Americans traveled. Now, high-speed rail has the potential to reduce U.S. dependence on foreign oil, lower harmful carbon emissions, foster new economic development and give travelers more choices when it comes to moving around the country.
“My high-speed rail proposal will lead to innovations that change the way we travel in America. We must start developing clean, energy-efficient transportation that will define our regions for centuries to come,” said President Obama. “A major new high-speed rail line will generate many thousands of construction jobs over several years, as well as permanent jobs for rail employees and increased economic activity in the destinations these trains serve. High-speed rail is long-overdue, and this plan lets American travelers know that they are not doomed to a future of long lines at the airports or jammed cars on the highways.”
“Today, we see clearly how Recovery Act funds and the Department of Transportation are building the platform for a brighter economic future - they’re creating jobs and making life better for communities everywhere,” said Vice President Biden. “Everyone knows railways are the best way to connect communities to each other, and as a daily rail commuter for over 35 years, this announcement is near and dear to my heart. Investing in a high-speed rail system will lower our dependence on foreign oil and the bill for a tank of gas; loosen the congestion suffocating our highways and skyways; and significantly reduce the damage we do to our planet.”
“President Obama's vision of robust, high-speed rail service offers Americans the kind of travel options that throughout our history have contributed to economic growth and enhanced quality of life,” said Secretary LaHood. “We simply can't build the economy of the future on the transportation networks of the past.”
The plan identifies two types of projects for funding. One would create new corridors for world-class high-speed rail like the kind found in Europe and Japan. Another would involve making train service along existing rail lines incrementally faster.
Under the plan, high-speed rail development will advance along three funding tracks:
• Individual Projects. Providing grants to complete individual projects that are “ready to go” with completed environmental and preliminary engineering work – with an emphasis on near term job creation. Eligible projects include acquisition, construction of or improvements to infrastructure, facilities and equipment.
• Corridor programs. Developing entire phases or geographic sections of high-speed rail corridors that have completed corridor plans, environmental documentation and have a prioritized list of projects to help meet the corridor objectives.
• Planning. Entering into cooperative agreements for planning activities (including development of corridor plans and State Rail Plans) using non-American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) appropriations funds. This third approach is intended to help establish a structured mechanism and funding stream for future corridor development activities.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Eleanor Hardy:
(502) 454-0277
FRIDAY, JAN 16, 2009
Europe Advances, U.S. Recedes on 2009 World’s Top 25 Trains List™ -- The U.S. and Mexico gave way to Norway and Britain this year as The Society of International Railway Travelers® today announced its annual list of “The World’s Top 25 Trains.”
The selections appeared in the just-published Special Edition of The International Railway Traveler® magazine: The IRT Society’s Best-Loved Railway Journeys – 2009.™ The Society of IRT, an organization of travelers who love the comfort, romance and fun of great trains, celebrates its 26th year in 2009.
Two Norwegian routes appear this year: the stunning Flåm Line, a steep mountain railway connecting a pristine fjord at the tiny town of Flåm with Myrdal, a stop on the equally magnificent Oslo-Bergen Railway.
The Norwegian trains are government-run, first-class (but not luxury) and do not bear individual names, as is the case with most of the other World’s Top 25 Trains. But they do offer a window on some of the world’ most magnificent scenery.
New to the Top 25 is the British Pullman, which completes the British leg of Venice Simplon-Orient-Express journeys between Paris and London. It also offers myriad day trips and special excursions.
Gone from the list are N. America’s GrandLuxe Express and Sierra Madre Express, victims of the economic downturn. The U.S. luxury train GrandLuxe Express ceased operation last summer. The U.S.-owned, first-class Sierra Madre Express, which ran in Mexico’s Copper Canyon for over 25 years, also shut down when a major U.S. tour company pulled its entire 2009 program from the train.
“The North American train closings had nothing to do with their quality,” said Owen C. Hardy, CEO & Publisher of The Society of IRT. “Both were exceptional and extremely popular with American travelers.” Negotiations are underway for each to be sold and reopened with new management, according to IRT Society sources.
Listed here, in geographical order, are the winning trains and principal countries or areas of operation.
Selection Criteria
"The World's Top 25 Trains list is based on our own experience and that of our writers, editors, members and staff," said Mr. Hardy. "The trains met stringent standards for service, accommodation, scenery, itinerary, off-train experiences and passenger enjoyment. Trains cannot pay to be included on this list. We choose them."
The Society is a membership organization whose benefits include an annual subscription to The International Railway Traveler. Regular annual U.S. membership dues are $85 ($95 for Canada; $105 elsewhere). To join, contact The Society of International Railway Travelers®, 2010 Edgeland Ave. #100, Louisville, KY 40204; telephone (502) 454-0277 or, outside Kentucky, (800) 478-4881; fax (502) 458-2250, email tourdesk@irtsociety.com. The web site is www.irtsociety.com.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Eleanor Hardy:
(502) 454-0277
Royal Scotsman Offers Rare Country Homes & Gardens Tour
Wednesday, Sept. 24 2008 — Want to be an honored guest at the home of a Scottish clan chief, estate owner—or even a laird?
If so, join The Royal Scotsman’s June 5-9, 2009 tour: “Country Homes and Gardens of Scotland.”
The five-day, four-night tour covers familiar ground along some of the most scenic rail routes in the UK on one of the loveliest trains in the world, but focuses on Scotland’s spectacular manor houses, castles and exquisite gardens.
t’s the best of both worlds: The Royal Scotsman’s impeccable service, cuisine and accommodation—it only carries 36 guests—and private visits to the region’s finest cultural treasures, with the owners as your hosts.
With British garden writer Sue Chivers as on-board guide, guests will make private visits to:
• Edzell Castle and Gardens, at Montrose, a late 16th century castle ruin. Its Renaissance walled garden is the only one of its kind in Scotland.
• Foulis Castle, at Invergordon, built in the 18th century, the seat of Clan Munro. The tour guides? Mrs. Munro herself, and her son, Hector, Clan Chief.
• The 30,000-acre Attadale Estate, on the West Coast near Plockton. Accompanied by Mr. & Mrs. Macpherson, owners of the estate, guests will view the grounds and gardens and then join them for a glass of wine in their 250-year-old home.
• Logie House, at Carrbridge, located high on a bluff overlooking the river Findhorn. The hosts are the estate’s owners, Mr. & Mrs. Alastair Laing. In addition to showing Royal Scotsman guests their home and garden, they’ll explain the challenges and rewards of running a 21st-century working estate.
• The Rothiemurchus Estate, at Boat of Garten. Owners Philippa and Johnnie Grant conduct a private tour of their 20,000-acre estate, in the family for some 450 years.
• Pitmuies Garden, near Forfar, considered one the finest small private gardens in Great Britain. Following the tour, guests will enjoy tea in the splendid drawing room with a member of the family.
Best of all, guests will enjoy this exquisite itinerary from their rolling, five-star hotel, The Royal Scotsman, whose two intimate dining cars are considered among Scotland’s best restaurants. The meals are truly gourmet, featuring local produce and game, and they are accompanied by wines from the train’s distinctive cellar.
Compartments, meanwhile, are paneled in rich woods and feature lower beds, a dressing table, private toilet and shower and—a must for any luxury rail travel aficionado—windows that open.
The rear lounge car, however, is where guests probably will spend considerable time, and no wonder. Its rear, open platform is the perfect place to drink in Scotland’s pure air and brilliant sunshine while nursing a rare Scotch from The Royal Scotsman’s well-stocked bar.
“Eleanor and I have accompanied countless rail tours in our company’s 25-year history, and we both agree: The Royal Scotsman is among our favorite trains, and Scotland is one of our favorite places to visit. Even if, like us, you’ve ridden The Royal Scotsman before, we think this rarely offered “Country Home and Gardens” itinerary is a winner.
“And with just one departure next year, we expect this trip to be a sell-out.”
For prices and more information, contact the Society at (800) 478-4881 or tourdesk@irtsociety.com. For information about The Royal Scotsman and other top trains in the world, ask for a copy of the Society’s annual publication, The IRT Society’s Best-Loved Railway Journeys – 2008.
The Society is a membership organization whose benefits include an annual subscription to The International Railway Traveler. Regular annual U.S. membership dues are $85 ($95 for Canada; $105 elsewhere). To join, contact The Society of International Railway Travelers®, 2010 Edgeland Ave. #100, Louisville, KY 40204; telephone (502) 454-0277 or, outside Kentucky, (800) 478-4881; fax (502) 458-2250, email tourdesk@irtsociety.com. The web site is www.irtsociety.com.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Eleanor Hardy:
(502) 454-0277
The International Railway Traveler® Wins Prestigious “Magellan Award”
Wednesday, Sept. 26 2008 — The Society of International Railway Traveler’s official magazine The International Railway Traveler won a Travel Weekly “Silver Award,” it was announced recently. IRT won in the category of “Travel Agency Client Newsletters.” The honors are bestowed annually by Travel Weekly magazine, a journal for the travel industry.
“From design to marketing to services, the Travel Weekly Magellan Awards honors the best in travel and salutes the outstanding travel professionals behind it all,” the magazine said.
All winners are featured in the Sept. 29 issue of Travel Weekly in a special section.
“This award belongs to everyone who’s made IRT a success over the past quarter century,” said Owen Hardy, Publisher and CEO. “That includes editors, writers, suppliers and, most important, IRT Society members, who have been so generous with their articles, photographs and frank opinions.”
The Society of International Railway Travelers® is a membership organization whose benefits include an annual subscription to The International Railway Traveler. Regular annual U.S. membership dues are $85 ($95 for Canada; $105 elsewhere). To join, contact The Society of International Railway Travelers®, 2010 Edgeland Ave. #100, Louisville, KY 40204; telephone (502) 454-0277 or, outside Kentucky, (800) 478-4881; fax (502) 458-2250, email tourdesk@irtsociety.com. The web site is www.irtsociety.com.
to top
|
