Pledge as golf course gets go-ahead
The green light for a £100 million golf resort on the fringes of the Giant’s Causeway will not endanger the famous landmark’s world heritage designation, Northern Ireland’s Environment Minister has pledged.
Granting the long-sought planning permission for the 18-hole championship links course and five star hotel complex on the spectacular sand dunes near Bushmills, Co Antrim, Alex Attwood insisted extensive restrictions on the development would ensure the status of the popular nearby visitor attraction would not be adversely impacted.
Mr Attwood approved the application for the Bushmills Dunes Golf Resort and Spa in the face of fierce opposition from the National Trust, which owns the Giant’s Causeway – Ireland’s only Unesco World Heritage site.
Announcing the outcome of the 10-year bid for planning permission, Mr Attwood said he had carefully weighed the environmental implications against the potential economic and tourist benefits of the luxury development.
The complex, comprising the course, a 120-bedroom hotel, 75 villas and conference facilities, will employ around 360 people.
“I will not, and would not, do anything that compromises all the designations that exist in respect of these lands,” said Mr Attwood. “I think that’s why the planning conditions have been so exhaustive and extensive.”
The resort, which is set to open in 2014, is just over a mile from the 38,000 hexagonal volcanic basalt columns that make up the myth-shrouded Giant’s Causeway.
Mr Attwood, who faced tough questions from environmentalists at an event in Bushmills to announce the planning outcome, said his decision had been a demanding one and he had not taken it lightly.
He said he was prepared to fly to France to meet Unesco officials or host them in Northern Ireland if they wanted to raise any concerns about the move.
“Before deciding, I wanted to ensure that I was fully aware of the environmental aspects of the proposal – the likely impact on the setting of the World Heritage Site at Giant’s Causeway, the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the local wildlife – and so recently spent time at the site assessing it from a number of different vantage points including the system of sand dunes,” he said.
Article source: http://uk.news.yahoo.com/pledge-golf-course-gets-ahead-162318075.html
Pledge to protect World Heritage site as golf course gets go-ahead
Pledge to protect World Heritage site as golf course gets go-ahead
The green light for a £100m golf resort on the fringes of the Giant’s Causeway will not endanger the famous landmark’s world heritage designation, Northern Ireland’s Environment Minister has pledged.
Granting the long-sought planning permission for the 18-hole championship links course and five star hotel complex on the spectacular sand dunes near Bushmills, Co Antrim, Alex Attwood insisted extensive restrictions on the development would ensure the status of the popular nearby visitor attraction would not be adversely impacted.
Mr Attwood approved the application for the Bushmills Dunes Golf Resort and Spa in the face of fierce opposition from the National Trust, which owns the Giant’s Causeway – Ireland’s only Unesco World Heritage site.
Announcing the outcome of the 10-year bid for planning permission, Mr Attwood said he had carefully weighed the environmental implications against the potential economic and tourist benefits of the luxury development.
The complex, comprising the course, a 120-bedroom hotel, 75 villas and conference facilities, will employ around 360 people.
“I will not, and would not, do anything that compromises all the designations that exist in respect of these lands,” said Mr Attwood. “I think that’s why the planning conditions have been so exhaustive and extensive.”
The resort, which is set to open in 2014, is just over a mile from the 38,000 hexagonal volcanic basalt columns that make up the myth-shrouded Giant’s Causeway.
Mr Attwood, who faced tough questions from environmentalists at an event in Bushmills to announce the planning outcome, said his decision had been a demanding one and he had not taken it lightly.
He said he was prepared to fly to France to meet Unesco officials or host them in Northern Ireland if they wanted to raise any concerns about the move.
“Before deciding, I wanted to ensure that I was fully aware of the environmental aspects of the proposal – the likely impact on the setting of the World Heritage Site at Giant’s Causeway, the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the local wildlife – and so recently spent time at the site assessing it from a number of different vantage points including the system of sand dunes,” he said.
“I particularly interrogated the issues around World Heritage status, the role of the World Heritage Centre (WHC)/Unesco and the approach that may be taken by the WHC. I have acted with a high vigilance and challenging approach.
“I have carefully considered both sides of the argument but given the boost to tourism and the economy that the proposal will bring, I have decided to grant planning permission.
“To ensure that the environment is fully respected, my decision will be accompanied by stringent conditions which will mitigate the impacts of the development on the ecology of the site and the local landscape.”
Friends of the Earth was one of the groups which voiced opposition during today’s announcement in Bushmills Inn hotel.
The organisation’s Northern Ireland director, James Orr, said: “A sensible approach to managing our economy would protect the assets of our most important tourist attraction – the Giant’s Causeway.
“There is a sustainable supply of jobs in conservation and heritage. Why put this at risk? Many discerning tourists will not expect to see a new hotel, practice greens, lighting, new houses and manicured lawns so close to the spectacular wildness of the Giant’s Causeway.
“By all means build another golf resort and hotel but not here. Is it too much to ask that we build it in the right place and in a way that is supported by planning policies?
“Planning policies for that area are very clear – the landscape around the Giant’s Causeway should be protected. Instead, a form of landscape trauma is being permitted at Northern Ireland’s only World Heritage Site. It’s like building a drive-through burger bar at the Taj Mahal.
“The precedent set today is that our planning system still cannot protect our most special places.”
But Mr Attwood said planning policies allowed for development in such areas in “exceptional circumstances” – insisting that the resort proposal met that criteria.
The investment is headed by a New York-based Northern Ireland management expert and scientist Dr Alistair Hanna, 67, originally from Holywood, Co Down – the home town of US Open golf champion Rory McIlroy.
Open champion Darren Clarke lives a few miles from the proposed course, close to neighbouring Royal Portrush golf club where the Irish Open will take place this summer.
Graeme McDowell, a friend of both players and winner of the US Open in 2010, also comes from Portrush.
The first planning application was submitted in 2001 and then renewed six years later.
Dr Hanna said: “This is a unique project which will be world class in every aspect. The dunes are phenomenal. Every course architect who inspected the landscape have raved about the place. They’ve said: ’The piece of earth is just made for golf’. It’s amazing. There just isn’t anywhere else like it in the world.
“With Royal Portrush, Portstewart and Castlerock (golf clubs) in the same area, I want this part of the world to become a golf resort on a par with Pinehurst and Pebble Beach (in the USA).
“I know this is a difficult time economically, but times will get better. We are not building for today. We are building for tomorrow. Golf in 2020 will be in a different place from where it is today and I want this place to be among the top 10 golf destinations in the world. There is no better time than now, especially in terms of developing Northern Ireland’s golfing profile.
“Darren Clarke, Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell have done their bit. Now it’s my time. We’re in the golfing map and this is going to make it even better.”
Dr Hanna’s consortium has held talks with the Ritz Carlton, Four Seasons and Capella Hotels about their potential involvement in the hotel development.
Complex designer Richard Hunter, from nearby Ballymoney, insisted that the development was “environmentally sensitive”.
He said the built up parts of the resort were some distance from the causeway.
“We have designed the buildings in such a way that they create the lowest possible visible impact,” he added.
“There is no part of it more than three storeys, it’s been developed along the side of an existing slope so we’ve designed it in such a way that it blends in very sensitively with the existing landscape, we’ve used local stone for walling generally and the roofs will be grassed so it will create a low level sweep.”
North Antrim MP Ian Paisley jnr urged local people to get behind the development.
“The Bushmills Dunes course will be a significant asset for the region and a significant tourist facility,” said the Democratic Unionist.
“It will become one of the most iconic golf courses in the world, generate employment and write a new chapter in the history of this ancient coastline.”
Stormont Tourism Minister Arlene Foster also welcomed the move.
She noted that golf tourism generates upwards of £14m each year for the local economy.
“Today’s announcement will not only bring major economic benefits and much needed jobs to the north coast but it will also significantly boost our reputation as a golf destination in the Republic of Ireland, Great Britain and in Europe,” said Mrs Foster.
Scotsman David McLay Kidd designed the 18-hole course. He has previously worked on courses at St Andrews, Oregon and San Francisco.
Former Northern Ireland Policing Board chairman Desmond Rea has been working on the project as an adviser since the initial application was lodged.
Article source: http://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/ireland/pledge-to-protect-world-heritage-site-as-golf-course-gets-go-ahead-540675.html
Vigan In The Mix For World's New 7 Wonder Cities
VIGAN CITY, Ilocos Sur, Philippines – This city, which gives the Philippines pride as a World Heritage Site, has been chosen as one of the nominees for the New 7 Wonder Cities of the World (N7WCW), Mayor Eva Marie Singson Medina revealed Friday.
Vigan City had been nominated for the search of the N7WC with 15 other cities in the country such as Manila, Bacolod, Cebu, General Santos, Vigan, Legaspi, Marikina, Makati, Quezon, Baguio, Davao, Iloilo, Zamboanga, Taguig and Tagaytay.
It was also reported that Vigan is one of the 38 cities nominated worldwide for the said search.
Earlier, the Underground River of the Puerto Princesa in Palawan was voted as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature (N7WN).
To enlist Vigan in the new seven wonder cities of the world, anyone can vote on-line.
To note, Vigan is a prominent city globally due to its existing Spanish ancestral houses; its delicious delicacies such as ‘longganisa’ (native sausage), ‘empanada,’ (deep-fried rice dough filled with egg and vegetables), bagnet (deep fry pork) and various ricecakes; its attractive “burnay” jars; native woven cloth called “inabel;” horse-drawn carriages or “kalesas;” the Archbishop’s Palace of the Nueva Segovia and Saint Paul Metropolitan Cathedral; and other cultural traditions.
It is also noted that Vigan City has been the recipient of several prestigious national awards.
To name a few are the national hall-of-fame awardee as Most Child Friendly Component City of the Philippines and Best Performing Local Government Unit of Region 1.
Article source: http://ph.news.yahoo.com/vigan-mix-worlds-7-wonder-cities-120321030.html
‘Piece of world heritage’ lost after thieves raid Ancient Olympia
Robbers wielding hammers stole dozens of artifacts Friday from a museum at the birthplace of the Olympics in Greece.
The masked thieves tied up and gagged the only guard at the antiquities museum in Ancient Olympia, where a ceremony will be held on May 10 to light the flame for the 2012 Summer Games in London. They smashed display cases and stole more than 60 bronze and pottery artifacts from the UNESCO World Heritage site, which dates back 2,800 years.
Efthimios Kotzas, the mayor of Olympia, criticized lax security at the museum, saying: “A piece of world heritage has been lost. I think [authorities] should have been more mindful and the security should have been more serious.”
Pavlos Geroulanos, Greece’s culture minister, offered to resign. A government spokesman said Lucas Papademos, the prime minister, would decide whether to accept it when all the facts were clear.
The museum documents the history of Olympus, the site of the ancient Olympic Games, held every four years from 776 BC to AD 394.
Article source: http://www.vancouversun.com/Piece+world+heritage+lost+after+thieves+raid+Ancient+Olympia/6174926/story.html
Wyndham Vacation Rentals Expands Relationship With RBC Heritage for ResortQuest Sponsorship
HILTON HEAD ISLAND, SC–(Marketwire -02/10/12)- Wyndham Vacation Rentals, the world’s largest professionally managed vacation rental business, has broadened its relationship with the RBC Heritage golf tournament, being held April 9-15 at Harbour Town Golf Links in Hilton Head Island, S.C.
ResortQuest® by Wyndham Vacation Rentals, one of the Wyndham Worldwide family of brands (NYSE: WYN – News), has signed on in 2012 as a sponsor for the general spectator bleachers on the world-famous 18th green, which is located across the marina from the iconic Harbour Town lighthouse, and as a sponsor for the lively tip-up seats along the driving range.
Now under the banner of its new title sponsor, the RBC Heritage boasts a decades-long tradition of championship golf in Hilton Head Island. Recognized as one of America’s top courses and long considered a player favorite, the Pete Dye-designed Harbour Town Golf Links is located at 11 Lighthouse Lane near the southernmost tip of the island. Admission prices start at $35 for a Practice Round Ticket, and tickets may be purchased online at RBCHeritage.com/tickets.php.
“As one of the largest providers of vacation rental accommodations on Hilton Head Island, ResortQuest by Wyndham Vacation Rentals believes strongly in supporting the Island’s major events and other charitable organizations,” said Cheryl Spezia, vice president of sales marketing, ResortQuest by Wyndham Vacation Rentals. “And by sponsoring these types of events, it provides our guests with an opportunity to attend a premier PGA TOUR event while vacationing in one of these comfortable properties.”
As a proud sponsor of the RBC Heritage, ResortQuest Hilton Head is offering two complimentary bike rentals with a week-long stay during the tournament. This special offer is available on seven-night stays from Saturday, April 7 through Monday, April 16, 2012. To book RBC Heritage accommodations with ResortQuest, guests should call 855-761-2042. Availability is limited, and some restrictions may apply.
ResortQuest Hilton Head professionally manages more than 300 vacation rentals on Hilton Head Island with a range of property types, from oceanfront private homes to villas with golf course views. Available amenities, such as fully equipped kitchens and spacious living areas, make ResortQuest vacation rentals an excellent choice for families traveling to the tournament, and numerous ResortQuest-managed properties are available along the RBC Heritage course or within close proximity of the tournament action.
Examples of currently available lodging include a seven-night stay in a 3-bedroom, 3.5-bath Sea Pines villa for less than $3,000 including taxes and fees, or a 2-bedroom, 2-bath villa in Sea Pines with ocean views for $2,306. Learn more about these and other available vacation rentals online.
All ResortQuest guests enjoy discounted golf rates at the island’s top courses, including Sea Pines, Shipyard, Port Royal and Palmetto Dunes. While tee times are unavailable for Harbour Town Golf Links during the RBC Heritage, guests still may play two other notable Sea Pines courses during the week: the Ocean Course and Heron Point by Pete Dye.
The host organization of the RBC Heritage is the Heritage Classic Foundation, a non-profit organization whose driving force is to improve lives. According to the Heritage Classic Foundation, every dollar of profit generated by RBC Heritage, The Players Amateur and The Junior Heritage is distributed to charitable organizations. Since 1987, more than $20 million has been distributed to South Carolina and Georgia non-profits in need.
About Wyndham Vacation Rentals
Wyndham Vacation Rentals, the world’s largest professionally managed vacation rentals business, is part of Wyndham Exchange Rentals and the Wyndham Worldwide family of brands (NYSE: WYN – News). Backed by the world’s largest hospitality company, Wyndham Vacation Rentals provides access to more than 94,000 vacation rental properties in over 500 unique destinations worldwide. Specializing in the managed vacation rental segment, Wyndham works closely with property owners to ensure all rentals meet its standards for customer service, quality and comfort. With a diverse and celebrated collection of more than 25 rental brands including Canvas Holidays, Hoseasons, James Villa Holidays, Landal GreenParks®, Novasol®, ResortQuest® and The Resort Company, Wyndham Vacation Rentals delivers distinct vacation experiences, ranging from beachfront condos, private homes, villas, castles and houseboats, with many properties offering kitchens, washers and dryers, maid service, spa and fitness centers, and golf courses. For additional information visit our media center or wyndhamrentals.com. Wyndham Vacation Rentals also can be found on Facebook.
About ResortQuest® by Wyndham Vacation Rentals
Headquartered in Fort Walton Beach, Fla., ResortQuest by Wyndham Vacation Rentals is a leading provider of full-service vacation condominiums and home rentals in the U.S., with a portfolio of approximately 6,000 vacation rental properties. For more than 20 years, ResortQuest has provided full-service vacation rentals in some of the most desirable beach, ski, golf and tennis resort destinations across North America. ResortQuest is part of Wyndham Vacations Rentals, the world’s largest professionally managed vacation rentals business providing access to more than 90,000 vacation properties in over 500 unique destinations worldwide, and one of the Wyndham Worldwide family of brands (NYSE: WYN – News). For additional information visit our media center or wyndhamrentals.com. ResortQuest by Wyndham Vacation Rentals also can be found on Facebook.
About Heritage Classic Foundation
The mission of the Heritage Classic Foundation is to provide the highest quality PGA TOUR golf event that generates significant economic impact and promotion for South Carolina while contributing funds for local charitable causes that enhance the quality of life of all. Since it was founded as a 501(c)(3) in 1987, the Foundation has donated more than $22 million to people in need. For more information, call (843) 671-2448, visit www.rbcheritage.com or Facebook (Heritage Classic Foundation) and Twitter (@WillieHeritage).
Harbour Town is a registered trademark of Sea Pines Company, Inc. Harbour Town Golf Links is not affiliated with ResortQuest by Wyndham Vacation Rentals.
Palmetto Dunes is a registered trademark of Greenwood Development Corporation.
Article source: http://finance.yahoo.com/news/wyndham-vacation-rentals-expands-relationship-143700949.html
