Monday, December 19, 2011

The ‘Honeymoon Bouquet’ - An Exquisite Offer For All Newlyweds


From the very moment newlyweds arrive at Kilindi they are made to feel as if they are the only couple staying on the island. From flowers to champagne, and from specially prepared menus to incomparable dining locations, our newlyweds will feel the warmth and beauty of this inspirational hotel. Our Honeymoon Bouquet will enthrall and delight at every turn.


In addition to the all-inclusive package, The Kilindi Zanzibar Honeymooners will receive the following special touches at NO EXTRA CHARGE:
• On arrival to Kilindi Zanzibar our couple will receive a warm and welcoming ‘Meet and Greet’ which includes a vanilla fragrance cold towel, a welcome Champagne cocktail, and a bouquet of flowers for bride.
• The Pavilion room will be dressed with fresh flowers and Methode Champanoise on arrival.
• A one-hour couples massage at Ushwari Relaxation Pavilion can be taken during the stay.
• Each couple will be assigned a dedicated Kilindi Butler for the duration of their stay.
• All room service is included within the ‘Honeymoon Bouquet’ offer at no extra charge.
• With seven different intimate evening dining options to choose from.
• Enjoy the romantic beach dining experience with a table for two on the pristine sands of the Indian Ocean.
• Private dining is available on request in your Pavilion any night that you choose, with our Head Chef catering to your culinary needs.
• On the final evening our newlyweds will receive a ‘Turndown Surprise’ in the form of a special ‘keepsake’ from the Kilindi Zanzibar team.

Plus Kilindi’s very own ‘Wedding Present’ to the happy couple :
For honeymooners who stay 10 nights or more at Kilindi Zanzibar, we are delighted to give our newlyweds a special ‘Wedding Present’ - Sailing on the Indian Ocean in a Traditional Dhow.
Following a short 10-minute transfer arranged by the hotel, our honeymooners will join their dhow crew who in turn will warmly welcome the newlyweds aboard a wooden sailing dhow. This hand-crafted dhow, constructed with the same traditional techniques that have been used for a thousand years, will then take sail to begin what will be an undeniably memorable 2-3 hour journey along the coastline of north-west Zanzibar. During this experience our honeymooners can relax and enjoy the views across the sparkling Indian Ocean as well as the gentle breeze that wafts the dhow along the crystal clear waters. As part of this exotic and iconic experience, our honeymooners will also have the chance to snorkel in the warm and soothing ocean and admire the marine life that can be found along the Kendwa reef. Then our newlyweds will be invited to sit back and watch yet another magical sunset with a complimentary bottle of French Champagne and a delicious snack platter which has been specially prepared by our Kilindi Chef. Never has there been a better time to visit Kilindi Zanzibar.

Thursday, December 15, 2011

The Last Lions on NatGeo WILDTV on December 16 2011



If you have listened to One Voice From Africa, you will recallKenneth Hieber’s exceptional interview with filmmakers Dereck and Beverly Joubert covering The Last Lions.

Finally, The Last Lions will air on NatGeo WILDTV at 8:00PM on December 16th, 2011. The Last Lions is a masterpiece in cinematography with a gentle yet thought provoking story line. The filmmakers Dereck and Beverly Joubert are an exceptional couple whose artistry touches all who view The Last Lions. And no more fitting storyteller than Jeremy Irons narrates the story of Ma di Tau (“Mother of Lions”) as she battles to protect her cubs against a daunting onslaught of enemies in order to ensure their survival.

Dereck and Beverly Joubert are award-winning filmmakers from Botswana who have been National Geographic explorers-in-residence for over four years. Their mission is the conservation and understanding of the large predators and key African wildlife species that determine the course of all conservation in Africa.

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Meet Women of the World



Women of the World is an international vocal ensemble led by eight innovative women representing Japan, Italy, India, Mexico, and the United States of America. The ensemble is living proof that different cultures can coexist in harmony and that the world is more powerful when united.

Combining original compositions with unique arrangements of traditional folk music, Women of the World performs a vast repertoire including Bulgarian, Ladino, Italian, Brazilian, African, Middle Eastern, Indian and Japanese music intertwined with spontaneous improvisation and a cappella interludes.

Since 2008, Women of the World has created a stir on the world music scene, receiving support from renowned artists such as Grammy-award winning maestro, Bobby McFerrin. In 2010, they shared the stage with the iconic African vocalist, Angelique Kidjo. In March 2011, they made their New York debut at the prestigious Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall.

Having supported various causes including fundraisers for disaster victims of Haiti, Pakistan and Japan, Women of the World is now gearing up for a world tour in 2012.

LIKE Women of the World on face book by clicking here to learn more about their upcoming world tour and concert series. Hear Women ofthe World by clicking here. Visit the official Women of the World website to learn more by clicking here.

Monday, November 28, 2011

Excellent Tanzania Safari available for April 2012



$3,799 p/p and you get …

2 Nights in Arusha at Onsea House
2 Nights in Karatu at the Plantation Lodge
3 Nights in Serengeti National park at the Simba Safari Lodge
3 Nights in Zanzibar at the Kasha Boutique Hotel

This amazing 12-Day Safari departs daily in April from Kilimanjaro International Airport and includes:

The accommodation as shown
3 Meals daily on Safari
2 Meals daily in Zanzibar
Visits – Arusha National Park, Lake Manyara National Park, the Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti National park and the exotic island of Pemba in the Indian Ocean

AN EXOTIC JOURNEY AND AN UNBEATABLE PRICE – CONTACT 2AFRIKA FOR MORE DETAILS

Safari Savings at 2AFRIKA



Until December 09, 2011 there are incredible Safari Saving opportunities, and here's ours ...

Review our best-selling 7-Day Affordable Kenya Safari which originates every Friday at Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your convenience. When making your reservation for ANY Friday departure in 2012, please add booking code CMD001 to the reservation and SAVE $100.00 pp AND enjoy an Afternoon Out Of Africa Experience and Dinner at The Carnivore (a $165 value), On Us!

Good for ALL Friday departures in 2012
Book and pay by December 09
May not be combined with any other offers
Does not apply to existing reservations


Only a handful of spaces available to join 2AFRIKA's Kenneth Hieber onSafari in May 2012 - so sign up as soon as possible for only $3,999 p/p.

Brilliant Botswana - book NOW and SAVE $100,00! When making your reservation for ANY daily departure in 2012, please add booking code CMD001 to the reservation and SAVE $100.00 pp!

Good for ALL daily departures in 2012
Book and pay by December 09
May not be combined with any other offers
Does not apply to existing reservations

TAKE A SAFARI IN AFRICA IN 2012

Friday, November 25, 2011

2AFRIKA endorses Ethiopian Airlines services to Addis Ababa and beyond



Ethiopian Airlines
 serves Washington Dulles International from Addis Ababa several times weekly and 2AFRIKA endorses their superior in flight services and African route network.

Ethiopian Airlines (Ethiopian) is the flag carrier of Ethiopia. During the past sixty-five years, Ethiopian has become one of the continent’s leading carriers, unrivalled in Africa for efficiency and operational success, turning profits for almost all the years of its existence.

Operating at the forefront of technology, it has also become one of Ethiopia’s major industries and a veritable institution in Africa. It commands a lion’s share of the pan African network including the only daily east-west flight across the continent. Ethiopian serves 62 international destinations.

Furthermore, it is working diligently to make the Ethiopian Aviation Academy the leading aviation academy in Africa. Ethiopian is one of the airlines, in the world, operating the newest and youngest fleets.

Saturday, November 19, 2011

Mario Frangoulis plays York, PA



The atmosphere in the auditorium was electric. The level of excitement high - almost crackling. The patrons were dressed elegantly, everyone looking radiant and beautiful - effervescent if you will for we were moments away from seing Greek tenor Mario Frangoulis perform live. And we know that there would be songs from his soon to be released album, Beautiful Things.

The house lights dim and the Maestro takes place before The York Symphony Orchestra and welcomes on stage two dignitaries for a short introduction and then, Mario Frangoulis took to the stage, walking toward his eager audience smiling – no beaming – and ready for his performance.

Immediately he performs NIGHTS IN WHITE SATIN followed by VINCERO, PERDERO. I sat, staring. There is nothing finer than hearing ‘The Voice’ that one is so very familiar with perform the masterpieces that one knows, virtually by heart. It is almost as if one were listening to the record whilst watching. What a thrill that was – two great songs at the top of the bill.

Mario says, “OK, this is it … you have been waiting for this – here it comes … BEAUTIFUL THINGS", and the audience gasps with sheer delight. He performs ‘Beautiful Things’ magnificently at the end of whish, the crowd applauds with a well deserved standing ovation – one of many to come that evening still.

You can tell that Frangoulis is pleased. He beams at the generous applause from the audience. And the night progresses, becoming finer and finer with each performed note. Next up is UN JOUR, UN ENFANT also from ‘Beautiful Things’ after which Mario takes a short break and leaves the stage to soprano Lisa Williamson.

Back again, he performs a BROADWAY MUSICAL MEDLEY of TONIGHT (West Side Story), ALL I ASK OF YOU (Phantom of the Opera), I HAVE DREAMED (The King and I) and SO IN LOVE (Kiss Me Kate).

The audience shows their unending appreciation for this man they love so, and he shares that sentiment right back at his audience. You can easily tell that Frangoulis is very relaxed at this time in the program for he is beaming, chatting, laughing, and thanking the audience and the members of The York Symphony Orchestra.

“And now,” he says, “A special song for my Spanish-speaking friends,” as he performs (so beautifully and so delicately but with enormous power) HIJO DE LA LUNA. Another standing ovation as Frangoulis introduces THE FACE and begins to perform another spectacular piece from ‘Beautiful Things’. The crowd rises again at the end of THE FACE and once the unending applause dies down, Frangoulis approaches the microphone, leaves it docked, draws his mouth in tight and performsHERE’S TO THE HEROES. Simply stunning! From the first note to the last, this performance is delicate, articulate, powerful, Frangoulis – at the end of which the already highly stimulated audience once again stands their ovation.

He leaves as the orchestra plays the OVERTURE and returns for (what seems to be his finale)BECAUSE WE BELIEVE. The audience is electric and expresses gratitude with yet another standing ovation. And with that, he is gone. But the crowd is not leaving and as a befitting spectacular finale to an already perfect evening, Mario returns to the stage and presents NEVER ON SUNDAY and a medley of Greek classics whilst dancing, beaming, laughing, and engaging his audiences each emotion.

The crowd applauds feverishly at the end of the performance and by looking at Frangoulis, one can instantly tell that he is pleased. Pleased with his performance. Pleased with his audience. Please at how well received the new songs were. Simply pleased.

But for Frangoulis, the night is simply beginning. After this powerful performance, he spends time with his friends and fans signing autographs, taking photos, chatting, hugging, giving, loving …. all trademarks of the Mario Frangoulis that the world has come to admire, respect, and love.

Unquestionably the tenor of the 21st Century, Frangoulis is just getting started. With the launch of ‘Beautiful Things’ rapidly approaching, this gentle yet fiercely determined performer stands at the threshold of the next chapter of success and this patron can think of no one more deserving.

Thank you Mario for the gift of music that you give, with such grace. 

Monday, October 17, 2011

Last chance to join Kenneth Hieber on Safari in Kenya and Tanzania


Warm greetings to you - I do as always hope that my message finds you well.

You may or may not know that I will be accompanying a group of guests to Kenya and Tanzania in May 2012. I am taking a maximum of 42 2AFRIKA guests along with me and there are only a few spaces left at this time, which is why I am writing - to remind you that if you would like to join me, you should make your reservations right away.

A detailed itinerary is available on our website now. For all of the information that you need to make an informed decision, please Click Here.

At $3,999 (excluding air) per person with no single supplement applicable for guests who would like to enjoy the privacy of their own accommodation, this is one of the very best 'limited offer' safaris available at this time. And all of my guests will accompany me for a balloon flight over the vast plains of the Serengeti National Park, followed by a full English breakfast.

The safaris that I accompany are enormously enjoyable safaris and I do hope that you too will consider joining me on this amazing adventure of a lifetime.

I look most forward to hearing from you and to assisting you with your reservation and as always, I assure you of my very best and most personal attention both here at home before we leave and whilst we are on safari together in Africa.

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Gloria Gaynor on One Voice From Africa



Kenneth Hieber
 is delighted to announce that Ms. Gloria Gaynor will be his special guest on One Voice From Africa for an exclusive interview spanning decades of ‘incredible music’.

Gloria Gaynor has very generously taken time out of her concert series to spend time on One Voice From Africa onThursday October 27, 2011 at 7:00PM EST.

As busy as always, Ms. Gaynor will appear in Choachella, CA., Toronto, Ontario, new York, NY, Rome -  Italy, Frankfurt – Germany, Gorzia – Italy, New York, NY., and Beverly Hills, CA, before jetting off to perform in Mexico, Ukraine, Russia, Holland, and back to Florida and Dallas, TX.

“I am deeply honored to have her as my guest on One VoiceFrom Africa and as always, I assure you of a show that will bring you closer to the heart of the performer – in this case, the incredible GLORIA GAYNOR … a living testament to a true SURVIVOR!” said Kenneth Hieber.

Ms. Gaynor is live on One Voice From Africa on Thursday, October 27, 2011 at 7:00PM EST (or On Demand once the show has aired). You will also be able to listen to One Voice From Africa as a free podcast subscription in the Apple iTunes Store… simply search Gloria GaynorKenneth Hieber, or One Voice From Africa.

ENJOY THE SHOW!

Kenneth Hieber launches his 2012 Memorial Day Safari


2AFRIKA
’s President, Kenneth Hieber, will accompany one of his company’s safaris to Kenya and Tanzania in May 2012, the company announced today in New York City.

KENNETH HIEBER’S KENYA AND TANZANIA will commence in Nairobi on Friday, May 18, 2012 and visits Mt. Kenya Forest, Shaba National Reserve, Lake Nakuru National Park, the Maasai Mara National Reserve, Nairobi, Lake Manyara National Park, the Serengeti National Park, Olduvai Gorge and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area as well as the “Eighth Wonder of the World” the Ngorongoro Crater.

Hieber enjoys traveling along with his guests and on this special safari, he will treat each guest to a complimentary Balloon Flight over the world famous Serengeti National Park at no additional cost.

“I plan to have no more than 42 guests with me,” he said, “for that is a manageable size group to which we will allocate a maximum of 7 safari vehicles. Seven safari vehicles will ensure that each guest has a window seat throughout as well as access to the roof hatch for optimum game viewing.”

With a maximum of seven safari vehicles, Hieber ensures his guests that he will be able to occupy the ‘7th’ seat and thus be able to spend quality time with all of his guests.

THE PRICE IS THE HIGHLIGHT – only $3,999 per person (excl. air) and NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT applies!

To better advise all of his guests, by way of 2AFRIKA’s online radio show ‘One Voice From Africa’, Hieber will air a special episode on his special safari at 7:00PM EST on Wednesday October 26th, 2011. To listen in, all you need do is CLICK HERE to go to the show page minutes before the airing time.

“Do not be concerned if you cannot join me at that time,” says Hieber, “for the episode is available On Demand (using the same link) and will also load into the Apple iTunes Store within 90-minutes of airing.”  

This episode of One Voice From Africa is also available on the SAFARI PAGE on 2AFRIKA’s website.

Hieber looks most forward to welcoming his guests on board and as always, assures every one of his guests of his very best and most personal attention at all times.

Saturday, October 8, 2011

Katerina Polemi – ‘Spread the music AND the name’



This young woman is ‘big’!

In a previous episode of One Voice From Africa with Katerina, I mentioned that in size she is a ‘small woman’ and yet, when she walks into a venue, ‘she is not big – she is enormous’. I stick to that.

Last night at Café Vivaldi in the West Village of New York City, Polemi performed. I had arrived an hour earlier to enjoy a light meal and be ready for Katerina’s 8:30PM performance. The room, while cozy with the fireplace ablaze, was sparse. There were ten patrons at best!

Minutes before Polemi’s ‘session’, as if by invitation, the room filled with enthusiastic patrons eagerly awaiting her arrival. When she did, her enormous effervescent presence filled the remaining space.

Ever the masterful performer knowing exactly how she wanted her performance to play out, Polemi handed out last minute notes and instructions to her band, and then, it was show time!

Katerina is charming, warm, endearing, and BIG in spirit. She opened with “Hat’s relate to the wind,” followed immediately by “If you don’t, I don’t mind,” both her own compositions from the album “Spread the music – not the name.”

I heard her perform “Mona Lisa” for the first time. Delivered with such power, a magnificent arrangement, and yet, with her Brazilian undertones … BIG and yet so sweet and gentle with brilliant accompaniment. The crown went wild! Then another – ‘Sing’ performed in a soothing ‘jazzy’ way which she ended with “Just sing, sing your song.”

Her parents were in the audience and yesterday being her mother’s birthday, we all joined in singing Happy Birthday and the show continued.  

The applause was deafening and the audience, delighted!

Polemi wants her audience to “Spread the music – not the name” but this diehard fan requests that you “Spread the music AND the name” for this remarkable young woman is indeed destined for greatness! It is my unbiased opinion that soon, Polemi will be playing to sold out venues in New York City and beyond so SPREAD THE MUSIC AND THE NAME and keep watching the media for upcoming performances of which there will be many in the very near future.

Katerina’s music is available at Amazon.com, the Apple iTunes store and her official website www.katerinapolemi.com. Get It! 

Friday, September 30, 2011

Women Of The World – performing LIVE in Boston – October 02, 2011


Please join Women of the World on Sunday, October 2nd 2011, for an evening of unity, sharing, and celebration.

We are proud to present our concert in collaboration with ZUMIX, a non-profit, 501(c)(3) cultural organization dedicated to building community through music and the arts. Located in East Boston, MA, ZUMIX provides top-quality cultural programming as an alternative way for young people to deal with frustration, anger and fear, and as a method of building cultural understanding and acceptance in one of Boston's most diverse neighborhoods.

ZUMIX is located at 260 Sumner Street, just a few blocks from the Maverick Square Subway Station on the Blue Line. (www.zumix.org)

Doors open at 4pm
4.30pm - Multicultural presentation
5-6pm - Women of the World concert

Entry is free!
Please bring family and friends!
Do help us spread the word.
We thank you for your continued support.

ABOUT US:

Women of the World is an international vocal ensemble that came together three years ago to bring musicians from all over the world onto a common platform.

Led by four women vocalists, the group was founded by Ayumi Ueda (Japan) who was joined by Ali Rapetti (USA), Giorgia Renosto (Italy) and Annette Philip (India). Together with their eclectic band, Women of the World has performed in over a dozen of the world’s languages. From Bulgarian, Cuban, Latino, Brazilian, Italian, African, Indian and Japanese music to spontaneous improvisation and a-cappella interludes, the unique music which stems forth from this mixture of artistry has created for a sound which is all its own- borderless, spirited, and carrying the undeniable message of unity.

The group has also supported various causes including fundraisers for victims of natural disasters in Haiti, Pakistan, and most recently, Japan.

Following their recent New York debut at the Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall, NY, Women of the World is now gearing up for an international tour next year. (www.womenoftheworldmusic.c­om

Thursday, September 29, 2011

L’Shana Tova – For a Good Year


To all of our Jewish friends, guests, and passengers, all of us here at 2AFRIKA and One Voice From Africa extend our most sincere greetings to you - L’Shana Tova … may the upcoming season bring with it, peace, light, and love.

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Lee Lessack on One Voice From Africa



Lee Lessack
’s graceful lyric baritone vocals and sophisticated yet endearing persona have made him a shining star of the international cabaret scene. Billboard Magazine calls his singing, “Cabaret romanticism of a high order”. Lessack has proven himself both as performer and recording artist.
His album “In Good Company” is intimate and impeccably produced, beaming with outstanding duets with music notables Michael FeinsteinMaureen McGovern,Amanda McBroom, and Stephen Schwartz.
Lee Lessack, has just releasedChanteur, now available atAmazon.comApple iTunes and LML Music.

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Nobel Peace Laureate, Betty Williams on One Voice From Africa



Today, Wednesday September 21, 2001 is celebrated worldwide as INTERNATIONAL PEACE DAY and to honor the celebration, One Voice From Africa will air a 'special episode' at 12:00PM (EST) from New York City.

Joining presenter Kenneth Hieber today is Nobel Peace Laureate, Betty Williams from Ireland. Mrs. Williams is the President and Founder of with World Centers of Compassion for Children International.

“The Nobel Peace Prize is not awarded for what one has done, but hopefully what one will do!” are the words of Betty Williams who in 1976 along with Mairead Maguire was awarded the Prize for her work to bring peace in her native Northern Ireland.

In the thirty-five years since the award, Mrs. Williams has devoted her life to creating a new way forward, a movement to begin a reversal of thinking on how we deal with the injustices, cruelty, and horror perpetrated on the world’s children.

“I had no concept of the depth of the children’s suffering until witnessing their pain. Yet in a world that we know can feed itself, upwards of 40,000 children die every day from conditions of malnutrition. Surely we must question why we are allowing this carnage to continue,” Mrs. Williams says.

Because of many years of work In Italy, World Centers of Compassion for Children International is building the first City of Compassion for children in south Italy in the Region Basilicata.

Greek tenor Mario Frangoulis lends his voice to the episode and performs IMAGINE, a John Lennon composition.

Thursday, September 15, 2011

An Evening With Italian Singer Giada Valenti



After a sold out concert in Long Island, NY, Italian singer Giada Valenti returns to New York City on Tuesday, September 20, for a one night only show at the Piano Room at Etcetera Etcetera in the Theatre District.

This performance will be in an intimate setting with only 90 seats. Giada’s show is truly a unique and entertaining show that appeals to the romantic in all of us. With her great storytelling and emotional vocal skills, she takes her audience on a romantic musical journey, performing timeless love songs from the 60s, 70s, and 80s.

Besides several Italian favorites, Giada will sing her own rendition of hits of the Beatles, the Carpenters, Perry Como, Anne Murray, Edith Piaf, Frankie Valli, Shirley Bassey and many more.

An Evening With Italian Singer Giada Valenti
Tuesday, September 20 at 8pm
Piano Room at Etcetera Etcetera
352 West 44th Street, NYC (between 8th & 9th Ave)

(212) 399-4141

Sunday, September 4, 2011

TripAdvisor under investigation ... they SHOULD be!


Since 2005, I have been haunted by KAREN BLIXEN (excuse my ignorance - but I thought she was dead) who posted this on TripAdvisor....



Tanzania is great. 2Afrika is not. After paying in full for my September safari, the company changed the advertised itinerary at the last minute downgrading hotels, adding travel time, and requiring additional border crossings. Several daily itineraries were not accurate, and hotel descriptions were sometimes completely false. Although all accomodations were advertised as luxury lodges, the company moved us to an economy tented camp for one night and billed it as luxury although it was clearly budget and my Lonely Planet travel guide said it was $30-50/night. Caution when booking with 2Afrika.

And then - everyone chimed in .... and I took the brunt of it! Someone posted this (below) and I was immediately held accountable ....




Baroness,
I’d be interested to know the name and location of the economy tented camp where 2Afrika moved you for one night.
Thanks
BTW, you husband’s twin’s son’s horse is buried just a few kilometres from where I live.

Then someone else (between the negative posts) posted this and I was immediately help accountable ...



I most of the americans complain all the time, i am French and i went to tanzania with 2afrika, it was a wonderful trip and the president of the company was all the time there with directions. we have to take into account that a safari means a trip to the third world. i am planning this year another safari with 2africa.
Marie Durand
Miami.
See - you can call yourself GEORGE W. BUSH and post something on TripAdvisor and just 'get away with it' which leaves me with a question and an observation ....
QUESTION - Karen Blixen came to life in October 2005 and posted something derogatory about my company .... now in 2011, it is STILL one of the first listings that you see when you Google 2AFRIKA ...can you imagine the damage that the Baroness has caused over 6-years?
OBSERVATION - people who posted 'other' sarcastic remarks about 2AFRIKA 'appear' to be me ... finally after no activity, for a long time TripAdvisor CLOSED the topic and yet, it still remains at the TOP of the search engines ... why is that? Are we all just obsessed for the want of BAD NEWS or the DESTRUCTION of other people?

I had never intended sharing my voice against TripAdvisor but now, since they are under investigation ... COUNT ON ME TO BE OUTSPOKEN EVERYWHERE I POSSIBLE CAN and Karen ... may your tormented soul rest in peace (you fool)! 

TripAdvisor under investigation after complaints

Britain's advertising watchdog has launched a formal investigation into travel review website TripAdvisor after complaints that some of its reviews are made up or defamatory.

The Advertising Standards Agency (ASA) has decided to investigate after more than 2,000 hotel and restaurant owners approached a company called KwikChex.com, claiming that some reviews, purportedly written by travellers, were either fake or defamatory.

KwikChex.com, which helps companies manage their online reputations, approached the advertising watchdog. An ASA spokesman confirmed that an investigation is underway.

KwikChex.com co-founder Chris Emmins said that he is also mounting a civil action in the United States on behalf of hotel and restaurant owners, and has submitted a formal complaint to the Federal Trade Commission, the US equivalent of the ASA.

A TripAdvisor spokesperson said the company does not comment on "current or potential regulatory investigations or litigation". The Daily Telegraph

Friday, September 2, 2011

TripAdvisor under investigation

"Not a moment too soon.” Said 2AFRIKA’s Founder & President, Kenneth Hieber who has been slandered detrimentally on the supposed ‘advisory’ site by none other than Karen Blixen who died way before TripAdvisor."

“The investigators have my fullest support in this matter,” he said.

The user-generated travel-review site has been surrounded by controversy regarding the verity of its reviews for years. Now the UK’s Advertising Standards Agency is going after the travel giant, the Telegraph reports. The investigation focuses on two aspects: TripAdvisor encouraging companies to use “unverifiable testimonials" on their websites, and the possibly misleading use of the word "trust" on the TripAdvisor site. The hope is that TripAdvisor will be forced to verify which statements are legitimate and which are fraudulently created by competitors! Chris Emmins, the cofounder of KwikChex.com, a company dedicated to helping companies manage their online reputation, said he is also mounting a civil suit against TripAdvisor in the US on behalf of hotel and restaurant owners. 

Patrizio Buanne is Kenneth Hieber’s special guest on One Voice From Africa


Concord Jazz is proud to announce the release of Italian singer Patrizio Buanne’s newest album, PATRIZIO. Having sold over one million albums worldwide, and already making a mark on the UK album charts with his first two albums of Italian standards, the Italian crooner will release his third and newest album on his birthday September 20, 2011. Known for his engaging and spectacular performances, Buanne will be touring in support of PATRIZIO.

For Patrizio Buane, it is all about the voice, and an instinctive ability to convey real emotion. The dark, ruggedly handsome singer has already won over a legion of fans with two previous albums rooted in the pop traditions of his Italian homeland that he released internationally. Buanne has also performed for such luminaries as The Pope, The Royal Family, and former President George W. Bush.

Patrizio Buanne and Kenneth Hieber take you on a delightful musical journey during this episode of One Voice From Africa - PATRIZIO: A true voice of Dolce Vita.

This special episode of One Voice From Africa will air on September 14th - visit One Voice From Africa for more information.