Luxury Real Estate

Courtesy of Kirsty Bryson of Luxury Homes by VAPF

The President of the Valencia Region of Spain, Mr. Francisco Camps, said that the launch of the new high speed railway this December, linking the Spanish capital Madrid to the coastal city of Valencia, and the construction of the Mediterranean Corridor will multiply wealth expectations and competitiveness in the tourism sector. Mr. Camps expressed these words during the presentation of the Global Strategic Plan of Tourism of Valencia for the next ten years, which will reach 27 million tourists.

Thanks to this new fast connection with the capital, Spain is soon to overtake France and have the longest high-speed rail network across Europe and rank third in the world, something likely to create jobs and boost the country’s profile as a place with great transport links and accessibility. The new service will mean that Spain will then have over 2,000 kilometres of rail track compared to France which has 1,900 kilometres of rail track. The new link to Valencia will make the journey from Madrid only 90 minutes long, down from the current time of four hours. President Camps also made reference to the diversification of tourism that has taken place in the Valencia Region, noting that "the sector has been able to look into other fields and different ways to continue growing strongly into the future."

Specifically, the President Camps stressed that, in addition to maintaining traditional European markets, the tourism industry has opened up new markets like Eastern Europe or North America.

Referring again to the high speed train, known as the AVE, Camps pointed out that this infrastructure also must eventually reach the cities of Castellón and Alicante creating the “Mediterranean Corridor ", because only this way will the high speed railway effectively reach the Valencia region, made up of 3 provinces, Castellón, Valencia and Alicante. The AVE is a further boost to the tourism situation in Valencia.

Courtesty of Whistlerheather of seatoskynation.com

Now we completely expected the market in Whistler to cool during the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic period of February and March. We also expected that January would be slow due to infrastructure that still needed to be realized; and of course April to start cleaning up after the party… May and June are known as the shoulder months so a slight slow down was also expected during this period. That would bring us right through to the third quarter 2010.

However looking at the number of sales year to date we can clearly surmise that January – May & June have been consistant in terms of sales. By the end of June it appeared Whistler was well on its way to a great summer in real estate. Then July finished and our balloon had a slow leak… No pun in tended. Trying to figure out why was not hard…

For full article click here

Courtesy of: Mr. Francois Duplantie

As a tourist area that combines all the dynamism of city life and proximity to the wilderness, Ottawa invites you to discover its unique charm and to explore its many facets, both natural and cultural!

Located in extreme southwestern Quebec, the tourist region of Outaouais is bordered by Ontario, Abitibi-Témiscamingue, Laurentides and the city of Ottawa, Canada's capital. The Outaouais is an administrative region of Quebec, on the north shore of the Ottawa River, sharing a border with Ontario. It consists of 4 regional county municipalities (MRC) and 75 municipalities.

• Population: 349 835 (2008)
• Area: 30 504 km ²
• Density: 11.5 inhabitants / km ²
• Birth rate: 11.4 ‰ (2006)
• Mortality rate: 6.3 ‰ (2006)
(Source: Statistical Institute of Quebec)

If Quebec is recognized as a real paradise for nature lovers, wait to discover the Outaouais: a destination of choice for practical activities such as fishing, hunting and family vacations.

With its 20 000 lakes and reservoirs beautiful - Ottawa will certainly meet the needs of the most ardent fishermen. Hunters are not left since the abundance of large game (moose, deer, bears) and the presence on the territory of small game allows everyone to find their account.

Know that family holidays are possible in most outfitters of the Outaouais. Families who wish to escape the bustle of the city will take it easy in Ottawa, because you do win, it's in our nature!

Spotlight on Lake Échouani: Outfitter, LE PAVILLON RICHER 400 kilometers from Montreal. It is located at Lake Échouani (22 km. Long). Territory of 240 square, with lease rights to exclusive hunting and fishing. Accessible by road or by seaplane.

Well established for over 35 years, LE PAVILLON RICHER site offers a completely private. For fish, making a quality unmatched. A rustic lodge with all the comforts and amenities (bar / restaurant, convenience store, garage ect ..) 21 cottages were built near the main lodge and 25 outpost camps. The PAVILLON RICHER has an established clientele, and offers tremendous growth potential! Ideal for a snowmobile center. (No approximate center) FUN ON THE EARTH ... YOU HAVE FOUND !!!!!!

Finally, a little background on the Arms (a city of Gatineau The Outaouais)

Coat of Arms

The three green pines of heraldry Gatineau represent the timber industry. The color gold symbolizes wealth and prosperity brought by the industry. The green charge of billets of gold reminiscent of bygone days of the drive that was on the Ottawa River and Gatineau. The motto Fortunae meae multorum faber (Artisan my fate and that of several) applies to the forest industry, the main industry of the city at the same time as the work of a large number of citizens Gatineau.

Official signature

For the arms that fix the origin and history of a community shall secure a signature that characterizes the institutional personality. The city of Gatineau has a logo and adopted a comprehensive program of identification. The result is measured by the design of a signature showing clearly the name accompanied by the emblem. The "G" stylish high end dedicated to the territory where the population evolves. The dark green underlines the seriousness of the institution to greater fame and recognition beyond the borders. The Navy reinforces the uniqueness of the personality of the municipality. Both elements, emblem and logo in their official colors, acting as the sole identification of the municipal government of Gatineau.

Less than two hours from Montreal, Ottawa and learn enjoy the rhythm of its festivities. In order not to miss anything, tell you about the many packages available all year round! Ottawa, live it!

Outfitting Lodge for Sale

 French:

Étant une région touristique qui allie harmonieusement le dynamisme de la vie citadine et la proximité de la grande nature, l’Outaouais vous invite à découvrir son charme unique et à explorer ses multiples facettes, tant naturelles que culturelles!

Située à l'extrême sud-ouest du Québec, la région touristique de l’Outaouais est bordée par l’Ontario, l'Abitibi-Témiscaminque, les Laurentides et la ville d’Ottawa, capitale du Canada.

L'Outaouais est une région administrative du Québec, sur la rive nord de la rivière des Outaouais, partageant une frontière avec l'Ontario. Elle est composée de 4 municipalités régionales de comté (MRC) et de 75 municipalités.

• Population:349 835 (2008)
• Superficie:30 504 km²
• Densité: 11,5 hab./km²
• Taux de natalité: 11,4 ‰ (2006)
• Taux de mortalité: 6,3 ‰ (2006) (Source: Institut de la statistique du Québec)

Si le Québec est reconnu comme un véritable paradis des amants de la nature, attendez de découvrir l’Outaouais : une destination de prédilection pour la pratique d’activités telles que la pêche, la chasse et les vacances familiales.

Avec ses 20 000 lacs et ses magnifiques réservoirs – l’Outaouais saura certes répondre aux besoins des plus fervents pêcheurs. Les chasseurs ne sont pas en reste puisque l’abondance des gros gibiers (orignal, cerf de Virginie, ours) et la présence sur le territoire de petits gibiers permet à tous de trouver leur compte.

Sachez que des vacances en famille sont possibles dans la plupart des pourvoiries de l’Outaouais. Les familles qui désirent s’éloigner des tracas de la ville pourront se la couler douce en Outaouais, car vous faire décrocher, c’est dans notre nature!

Pleins feux sur le Lac Échouani : La Pourvoirie, LE PAVILLON RICHER à 400 Km. de Montréal. Elle est située au Lac Échouani (22 km. De long).Territoire de 240², avec bail, à droits exclusifs de chasse et pêche. Accessible par la route ou par hydravion.

Bien établi depuis plus de 35 ans, LE PAVILLON RICHER vous offre un site complètement privé. Pour le poisson, une qualité de prise inégalée. Une auberge rustique avec tout le confort et les commodités (bar/resto, dépanneur, garage ect..) 21 chalets sont construits, près du pavillon principal et 25 camps éloignés. Le PAVILLON RICHER a une clientèle établie, et offre un potentiel de croissance extraordinaire! Idéal pour un centre de motoneige. (Aucun centre approximatif) LE PLAISIR SUR TERRE… VOUS L’AVEZ TROUVÉ !!!!!!

Pour conclure, un petit historique sur L’Armoiries (Gatineau une ville de L’Outaouais)

Armoiries

Les trois sapins verts du blason de Gatineau représentent l'industrie du bois. La couleur or symbolise la richesse et la prospérité apportées par cette industrie. La bordure verte chargée de billettes d'or rappelle les temps révolus de la drave qui se faisait sur la rivière des Outaouais et la Gatineau. La devise, Fortunae meae, multorum faber (Artisan de mon sort et de celui de plusieurs) s'applique à l'industrie forestière, principale industrie de la ville, en même temps qu'au travail d'un grand nombre de citoyens et citoyennes de Gatineau.

Signature officielle

Aux armoiries qui fixent l'origine et l'histoire d'une communauté s'adjoint une signature qui caractérise la personnalité institutionnelle. La ville de Gatineau s'est dotée d'un emblème et a adopté un programme global d'identification. Le résultat se mesure par la conception d'une signature claire affichant la raison sociale accompagnée de l'emblème. Le « G » stylisé aux extrémités fortes consacre l'étendue du territoire sur lequel évolue sa population. La couleur vert foncé souligne le sérieux de l'institution pour une plus grande notoriété et une reconnaissance outre-frontières. Le bleu marine renforce le caractère particulier de la personnalité de la municipalité. Les deux éléments, emblème et logotype, dans leurs couleurs officielles, agissent comme seule identification du gouvernement municipal de Gatineau.

À moins de deux heures de Montréal, découvrez l’Outaouais et vivez au rythme de ses festivités. Afin de ne rien manquer, informez-vous sur les multiples forfaits disponibles en toute saison! Outaouais, vivez-le!

By Jim Walberg
From his blog: A Different Type Of “Caribbean Hurricane” Disaster Has Been Averted!

American Airlines has agreed to restore flights this Winter San Juan and St. Thomas!

You may recall from a past article about the “Hurricane” that was coming to the Caribbean the first week of September. That impending disaster was having American Airlines cancel almost 40% of their winter flights to St. Thomas and San Juan, Puerto Rico. It would be have been devastating to the tourist industry of the Caribbean, since the “high” tourist season is about to begin the end of next month. Well, the disaster has been averted because of the hard work of the Virgin Islands Tourism Commissioner Beverly Nicholson-Doty and Gov. deJongh’s Public/Private Sector Airline Committee.

Last month, Ms. Nicholson-Doty and the Airline Committee from the USVI flew to Miami to personally request the American Airlines senior vice president for the Caribbean and Latin America regions to reconsider. They met with Peter Dolora with the intention of not leaving the meeting until American Airlines renewed their commitment to reinstate the winter flights to the Caribbean.

American Airlines’ once-a-day flight between Miami and St. Croix will begin again on November 2nd. The daily flight between New York’s JFK Airport and St. Thomas will resume November 20th, and a second flight will be added on Fridays starting December 18th. American’s flight between Boston and St. Thomas will run on a twice-weekly schedule starting November 2nd, and on December 18th, it will be back to flying five days a week.

There is a piece of the transportation puzzle to the Caribbean that has yet to be solved with American Airlines that is troublesome. American Airlines’ inter-island connecting flights, served by American Eagle, WILL NOT continue to go from San Juan to the USVI! “We are looking at various options,” Nicholson-Doty said, declining to be specific because of ongoing negotiations. So, three weeks ago American Eagle cut its eight daily flights between St. Thomas and San Juan to only three, and there is no agreement if the American Eagle flight schedule will ever re-instate the five flights they are abandoning. American Eagle is also eliminating five of its eight daily flights between San Juan and St. Croix. Again, it is a very difficult situation for the USVI and the Caribbean, because there was an increase in tourist visits to the Caribbean the past 12 months, and now American Airlines is faced with the reality that their business model still cannot make a profit, even with the increased numbers of passengers from last year! Oil prices are still a critical issue for all of the airlines.

The USVI Tourism Department is “putting its money where its mouth is” by investing $1.5 million of its money into partnering with American, Delta and, “to a lesser degree,” Spirit Airlines to advertise the territory and the airlines! This is BIG news! The USVI knows that it is a win-win scenario if they can drive more traffic to these airlines in order to keep these routes as full as possible – even though they have cut back many of their flights. Their marketing efforts include radio and newspaper advertisements, billboards and airport signage. Additionally, in Atlanta buses were wrapped with ads touting the U.S. Virgin Islands and a tagline to call Delta Vacations.

In return for the USVI advertising investment, Nicholson-Doty said the airlines provided complimentary airplane seats for travel agents, travel writers and sweepstakes winners. One of the target cities for this ad program is Charlotte, North Carolina. “The USVI Tourism Board is spending $375,000 to advertise St. Croix in radio, newspaper and Internet ads,” Nicholson-Doty said. U.S. Airways flies to St. Croix from Charlotte on Saturdays. “The ad campaign encourages early bookings to the USVI,” Nicholson-Doty said. Some of the other airlines thinking of serving the Caribbean have contacted the USVI Tourism Board seeking revenue guarantees, but Nicholson-Doty stated, “The USVI could be paying for empty seats, and we are only developing marketing relationships that are a win-win for both sides.”

Another Hurricane has been averted by the foresight and determination of the current USVI administration to face the issues head-on and find solutions. So those of you who were worried about how you were going to get to your favorite spot in Paradise – have a rum punch at Duffy’s Love Shack in Red Hook, instead. Until next time… your Caribbean lifestyle reporter remains on duty!!!


Editor’s Note:
Jim Walberg is the co-Broker/Owner of The Bay Area Team, the most-successful team at Keller Williams Realty-Danville. He is also a member of the global Luxury Real Estate network. Jim is an exceptional blogger, as you can see by visiting his blogs, East Bay Real Estate and Caribbean Islands Realty, and reading his great blog entries like the one above. He is the master of fractionals and other luxury homes in the Bay Area and the Caribbean, and he always has a lot of great opportunities to share. Whew! That is definitely good news. Many Caribbean countries depend upon tourism for their economies, especially during the winter when U.S. travelers want to escape the cold for the “isles of perpetual June.” As I mentioned in my last blog entry, I just finished writing a City Spotlight on Nassau, Bahamas for the winter 2009 issue of LuxuryRealEstate.com Magazine. It’ll be out in December.