http://www.articletrader.com/ Articles at ArticleTrader en-us http://www.articletrader.com/entertainment/monaco-film-festival.html http://www.articletrader.com/entertainment/monaco-film-festival.html Wed, 28 Mar 2007 00:00:00 -0500
Within the last decade, Monaco has set her sights on producing and sponsoring one-of-a-kind international events like the Monaco Charity Film Festival, the Monaco Grand Prix, and the Top Marques Monaco car show. Their efforts have paid off in spectacular and growing numbers of visitors, sponsors and participants.

The year 2007 offers the second Monaco Charity Film Festival, a venue that brings worldwide attention to new, emerging filmmakers as well as raising money to help impoverished and abandoned children around the world. This dual-focus event transcends the Cannes Film Festival in its humanitarian efforts and scope, and provides a wide variety of film workshops to gifted men and women from around the globe.

The Monaco Charity Film Festival 2007 will take place May 14-19 in multiple locations around the delightful principality, including the Casino de Monaco and the Hotel de Paris, providing elegant backgrounds for the hopes of international talents. Directors, actors, writers and the creative talents of those who transform ideas into film from around the world are converging on Monaco for the second annual film festival that has already taken the entertainment industry by storm.

In the span of two short years, the festival has grown in reputation and loyalty. Founder Vincent-Andres Zaragosa says of the second upcoming anniversary festival, "We are fortunate that our festival takes place in such a culturally dynamic principality… and with this in mind, our intention is to ensure that the festival continues to consolidate its position as a vibrant, world-class event."

Offering independent films, documentaries, and full length features, the Monaco Charity Film Festival offers visitors and viewers from around the world a glimpse into the untapped talents of film makers from around the world, and awards for best film, director, actor and promising film makers of the future. Awards are presented this year at the Charity Gala Dinner at the Hotel de Paris, Salle Empire, while His Royal Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco hosts the entire event.

As both an entertainment and economic forum, the event serves to attract the eyes of the world to the educational, medical and housing needs of children everywhere. This year, heads of state from around the world have been invited to attend the festival, including those from the United States, Bahrain, Rwanda, Jordan and the Philippines, as well as Ambassadors from dozens of other countries around the globe. Participants of the Monaco Charity Film Festival can expect the event to continue to grow in both scope and size while at the same time remaining grounded in its prime efforts to address serious global issues that affect every nation in the world.

Closing night festivities will include a charity auction and a fashion show by Italian designer Mirco Giovannin, of Yoon Couture. The seven-day film festival events will also include opening night festivities as well as live performances, parties galore and, of course, multiple film screenings and workshops.

Money earned at the festival is donated to charities led by the Prince of Monaco, who focuses his efforts on the plight of poor children of the world. This unique approach helps to address world poverty, and proceeds are donated to ISS (International Social Services UK), the Fonds Méditerranéen pour la Culture et l'Environment, Project Artist, a prisoner's rehabilitation program, and the Pentium Fund Foundation.

Visitors who arrive for the second anniversary festival event will more than likely remain to witness another world-class event that takes place in Monaco the following week on May 25-27, the Monaco Grand Prix, one of the most prestigious Formula One racing events in the world.

So move over, Cannes, the Monaco Charity Film Festival has made its presence known and is here to stay.

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For a guide to Monaco and Monte Carlo including Monaco banks and hotels in Monte Carlo visit YourMonaco.com

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/travel/vacations/new-technology-keeps-ski-resorts-going-despite-global-warming.html http://www.articletrader.com/travel/vacations/new-technology-keeps-ski-resorts-going-despite-global-warming.html Sun, 25 Mar 2007 00:00:00 -0500
Andorra, a small country in southwestern Europe, is bordered by France and Spain, only two and a half hours from Barcelona in the eastern Pyrenees. To reach this mountainous region, travel is either via Spain or France. Here the people have the longest life expectancy in the world, at 83 years; maybe the outdoors and the skiing play a factor.

Andorra depends on tourism for its main support. Their duty free shopping, well known tax haven status, and the summer and winter resorts are what attract the tourists in such large numbers. It is estimated that between 9 and 11 million tourists visit Andorra each year. With such a high dependency on tourism, the lack of snowfall can essentially cripple the ski season, causing a dire affect on the economy.

However, it was a smart investment in snow making machines, called snow cannons, which have enabled Andorra to be open this season. Their ski season runs from mid December to April. Had they not invested in these machines, there would be no skiing. Visitor numbers are estimated to be down only 10% to 15% this year (one Andorra travel guide estimates as high as 40%), but had the runs been closed those numbers would be a lot higher. Other resorts in the Pyrenees had to close down due to the warm weather and lack of snowfall.

It is because of smart thinking, and good business sense, the mountain runs are being maintained by more than 1,000 snow making cannons, keeping up to 20 centimeters of snow on the 60 kilometers of slopes.

One thing this winter has proved is that even if the climate continues to change, and the snow refuses to fall, Andorra has the technology to make plenty of snow. This means the ski slopes of
Andorra can open each year, while others may not have the technology or funds available to do the same.

At one time, Andorra was known as one of the cheapest places to ski in Europe. Are they concerned they are no longer the cheapest? Not at all, in fact, they are trying to rank themselves with the French and Austrian resorts, classier in stature. By improving their skiing, increasing the amount of four and five star hotels, and opening gourmet restaurants and spas they are hoping to achieve that upscale allure.

Now with restaurants that can compare and compete with those in Barcelona and Madrid, Andorra has the whole package. They are not just a resort that sells skiing; they are selling an experience, one that will be remembered for a lifetime. If you are trying to decide where next to take a vacation, if you want someplace beautiful, and unique, with mountainous views that will take your breath away, think Andorra.

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Tribune produce a series of travel guides, including the European tax havens of Andorra and Monaco.

The Monaco guide includes details of the Grand Prix and the Monte Carlo casino and for those thinking of visiting Monaco tips on how to learn French

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/travel/andorra-ski-resort-welcomes-spring-snow.html http://www.articletrader.com/travel/andorra-ski-resort-welcomes-spring-snow.html Sat, 24 Mar 2007 00:00:00 -0500
Andorra has spent millions of Euros upgrading her ski facilities, and millions more improving her infrastructure to cope with the extra tourists, with new luxury hotels opening in recent years in ski resorts such as Soldeu.

But the one thing that ski resort needs, Andorra failed to provide at the peak of the season, mid December to mid March. Snow!

In response the Andorra tourist authorities turned to snow cannons providing a good cover of snow, and in the process nearly emptied the lakes, but for many skiers the artificial snow isn't the same as the naturally falling snow.

The result was conflicting claims from the authorities who claimed a ten to fifteen per cent drop in ski holiday tourists, while some local businesses were saying it was closer to forty per cent. Whichever figure it is is bad news for a country that has invested heavily in the ski holiday market, and who has an economy relying on good tourist numbers.

The tourists who did arrive in Andorra were those brave enough to book a ski holiday in advance of the ski season starting, but based on the last twenty years they had no reason to doubt that Andorra's ski resorts would have good levels of snow.

For those who didn't mind skiing on artificial snow the runs were bliss, with few people on the slopes compared to the normal number during what is normally peak season.

Andorra Property

As well as being a top European ski destination, Andorra is a tax haven with no income tax.

Buying a property in Andorra is often seen as a route to residency, which entitles people to live in Andorra and benefit from her tax haven status.

To obtain residency in Andorra, applications need to be submitted in Catalan. A notarised copy of the applicants passport, birth certificate and a certificate of good conduct from the home country are submitted at the same time. According to a local travel guide residency normally takes between three and six months to be approved.

Once residency is granted, residents are supposed to spend six months a year in Andorra, but this isn't policed.

One of the drawbacks for those looking to become a resident in a tax haven when considering Andorra has been that the country has no airport of its own, and is unlikely to have ine future given that it is located in the Pyrenees. The nearest airports are Barcelona and Toulouse.

Recent improvements in the road from Barcelona to Andorra though have cut the travelling time by some thirty minutes to two hours fifteen minutes.

'Given the tax advantages Andorra has', note the guide, 'A two and a quarter hour trip to the nearest international airport could be viewed as a small price to pay for those who will be saving substantial amounts of money in tax. Especially when you consider that their properties could be rising in value quite significantly in the years to come, and for those who like skiing it's a holiday and tax paradise in one!'

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For details of current properties for sale in Andorra requests can be made via propertyandorra.com

Tribune properties also produce a guide for Europe's other tax haven, Monaco, which includes details of the Monte Carlo casino and the banks in Monaco

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/sports/australian-grand-prix.html http://www.articletrader.com/sports/australian-grand-prix.html Fri, 23 Mar 2007 00:00:00 -0500
The World Championship event Formula One race, held every March, has been delighting spectators since 1996, when the Australian Grand Prix hit the race circuit calendars. It hasn't slowed down since. Not only does the racing event draw thousands of travelers and visitors from around Australia, but around the world as well, and every visitor is rewarded with more than just a car race.

Australia, especially Melbourne, Australia's second largest city, has much to offer visitors, including great weather, friendly people and world-class restaurants, hotels and amusements. Melbourne also offers a laid back atmosphere that caters to any budget. Visitors who come to see the now world-famous Formula One racing event often stay to enjoy the vistas, foods and sites that Australia has to offer.

For racing fans, the Australian Grand Prix is part of a Formula One racing circuit that includes the United States' Indianapolis 500, the Malaysian Grand Prix in Kuala Lumpur, the Grand Premio de España Telefónica in Catalunya and warms up audiences for the ultimate in Formula One racing in Monaco with the Monaco Grand Prix held at the end of May 25-27 of 2007. The Monaco Grand Prix has gained the reputation of being the ultimate in Formula One racing as the most difficult and prestigious of the circuit. That one event within the Formula One racing circuit draws more people every year to a principality that is known for brilliant sunshine, fantastic beaches and unequalled luxury.

The Australian Grand Prix racing event takes place over several days and starts the annual Formula One World Championship. Held in the Albert Park, the site has long been popular with native Australian racing fans since the 1950s, and the race is viewed by millions of racing fans around the world. Known for its love of sports, Melbourne offers events and entertainments to suit any taste, all in an atmosphere known for its blend of rugged history and ‘Outback' serenity with the newest and most popular in business and technology.

Pricing for event tickets are fantastic and offer visitors the choice of three different ticket pricing ranges and grandstands or flat grassland to enjoy the sights and sounds of one of the world's greatest racing events. The Australian blue sky and warm weather offers world travelers a respite to brutal winters elsewhere, and Melbourne nightlife offers treats and events to visitors who want to enjoy everything Australia has to offer after the engines have cooled and it's time to relax and enjoy the ambience.

Thousands of travelers flock to Melbourne every year to witness the spectacular Australian Grand Prix and are also treated to the Carrera Cup, the Celebrity Challenge and the Aussie Racing Cars, as well as a myriad of events and entertainments that take place away from the asphalt and racing grounds. Melbourne pulls out the red carpet for this yearly event, and everyone is welcome to the Land Down Under for exquisite landscapes, great food and more than enough entertainment to please anyone.

This year's race was won by Kimi Raikkonen in a Ferrari, but the Finnish driver's exploits didn't make as many headlines as debutant British driver Lewis Hamilton who finsihed third, the best Formula 1 debut for years.

The four days that cover the Australian Grand Prix provide spectators, no matter where they sit, with the fastest, loudest and most gifted Formula One race car drivers in the world as they rev their engines and prepare to battle for position on the track. Off track, tourists can enjoy the seashore or venture inland to see exotic wildlife, mingle with native Australians and enjoy the great outdoors in a land that offers a blend rustic ruggedness and the finest in luxury.

If you missed the Australian Grand Prix in 2007, make sure you clear your calendar for next year's Formula One racing event, as the Australian Grand Prix is an experience that everyone should enjoy at least once in their lives.

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YourMonaco.com offers details about Monaco, including her Grand Prix. The Monaco hotels are already fully booked for the Grand Prix so anyone wishing to attend should consider hotels in Nice and make their way to Casino Square, Monte Carlo by train.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/travel/aviation/cheap-malta-flights-hope-for-holiday-numbers.html http://www.articletrader.com/travel/aviation/cheap-malta-flights-hope-for-holiday-numbers.html Wed, 21 Mar 2007 00:00:00 -0500
But where the government's tourist board has failed to promote Malta as a destination, private enterprise Ryanair, the Irish based low cost airline, has transformed the island's chances of staying a mainstream vibrant destination in 2007.

'There have been some complaints from islanders', comment Malta travel guide YourMalta.com, 'that the government or the airport authorities have helped Ryanair, and that their costs could be lower than other airlines have had to pay in the past. But to be honest, compared to the millions poured into the tourist board that has produced declining visitor numbers, it's a drop in the Mediterranean and money well spent compared to the authorities past lame efforts of their own.'

Official statistics appear to bear this out.

Ryanair started their London Luton to Malta service in November. Tourist numbers have picked up year on year since then. In the month before Ryanair started cheap flights to Malta tourist numbers dropped by some ten per cent.

'If promoting Malta was left down to the tourist authority, the island would disappear from UK travel agent brochures and Malta would be relegated to niche travel status. The tourist authority has spent a lot of money on ineffective campaigns, and it has taken a private enterprise company like Ryanair to reverse the trend of less and less visitors. Perhaps Ryanair could offer to take some of the people who work at the Malta Tourist Authority on a six month secondment to teach them how to be effective at their jobs.'

Malta Real Estate Prices Rise

With the arrival of more holidaymakers, the possibility of increased property sales to overseas buyers becomes more of a reality.

Tribune Properties, a UK company specialising in Malta property, agree that property prices could rise in 2007.

'With lower fares, Malta becomes a destination viable for 3 and 4 days trips a few times a year from the UK, and that will attract buyers to look at Malta in the same way they do France and Spain when considering where to buy a holiday home abroad. The Malta weather and low fares could be a magnet for buyers.'

There is a warning however from YourMalta that property prices on the island might not necessarily escalate in the same way that regions of France have seen when low cost airlines have started flying to their region.

'The Malta government has allowed more land to be used for property, and we anticipate a lot more apartment blocks being built short and medium term. Supply might well meet demand. Unless the Malta map changes politically and with it a change of policy towards her environment, there is a danger of Malta becoming the Tower Hamlets of the Mediterranean, or 1970's Spain where development spoiled much of the coast.'

Concern has also been expressed on the island about the infrastructure, with some tourists and potential property investors berating the state of the roads and - compared to mainland European and UK standards - dangerous construction sites.

'The real winners from the low cost flights could be the Malta hotels rather than the property industry', conclude YourMalta. 'We envisage a lot more people taking short three and four day Malta holidays, often booking their flights and hotels on the internet rather than via a traditional high street travel agent chain'.

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For Malta flights , a map, the weather and Malta holidays visit YourMalta.com

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/society/politics/new-capitol-hill-embassy-for-monaco.html http://www.articletrader.com/society/politics/new-capitol-hill-embassy-for-monaco.html Wed, 21 Mar 2007 00:00:00 -0500
Until now the world's second smallest country has been content to co-operate with French embassies around the world for any necessary representation.

But Monaco has just opened her first independent embassy outside of Europe - in Washington D.C.

Commenting on the new embassy, local Monaco travel guide YourMonaco.com say that despite the population equivalent of a small US town, other reasons could be behind the move.

'Forget about this being primarily for Monegasques running into trouble in the US and needing assistance. We think this is more to do with Prince Albert wanting to influence the movers and shakers in the world as he is very concerned about global warming and the environment generally. And where better for that than Washington? It's Monaco's greenhouse next to the White House.'

The new embassy, chosen after a visit by Prince Albert, is in the Kalorama district of Washington.

The Principality's representative at the United Nations, Gilles Noghes, is to double up as her ambassador.

Since Prince Albert assumed power in Monaco, he has been campaigning to push the environment and global warming up the political agenda to his fellow world leaders, and recently joined Britain's Prince Charles on his birthday at his Poundbury project in England, designed with the environment in mind.

'Prince Charles and Albert have similar views on the environment,' comment YourMonaco, 'And Prince Charles has found a fellow European Royal who has a similar outlook - soul mates'.

Green Credentials

Prince Albert visited the North Pole last year to publicise how the arctic regions are changing with global warming, and one of his first acts was to sign the Kyoto Protocol - along with the US, Monaco was one of the few countries in the world not to endorse it before Prince Albert put pen to paper.

As well as the Monaco Grand Prix , the principality is Europe's best known tax haven, with residents enjoying a zero rated income tax.

With property prices among the highest in the world, residents of Monaco normally need to spend six months a year there to maintain residency.

An announcement has been made recently that a new island is to be built off Monte Carlo, and this will provide more land and property in the world's second smallest country.

Bidders for the development have been asked to take the environment into account - and also the Monaco Grand Prix. Which suggests a possible new route for the race.

Despite being one of the world's most glamourous sporting events the Monaco Grand Prix is notorious for a lack of overtaking opportunities, and the new space might in time address the historical criticism of the race.

Property prices in Monaco are high due to the lack of land - in the past one of the districts, Fontvieille, had much of its area reclaimed from the sea, but property prices there equal those of the better known Monte Carlo.

One of the most popular buildings in Fontvieille, Seaside Plaza, has average prices of three to four million Euros for a three bedroom apartment, and a four bedroom four bathroom one is currently on the market at close to ten million Euros.

One property company who specialise in Monaco property doubt that prices will ease much.

'By the time the development is finished prices would probably have gone up in Monaco anyway, and this new development on the housing side is likely to be aiming for quality rather than quantity', they claim. 'It's almost certain that the properties will be snapped up by investors off-plan, and then come back to the market with a premium once the buildings are complete. The development in itself will attract more attention to the Monaco property market. In the short and medium term prices are likely to rise in Monaco rather than fall'.

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For more information about Monaco including today's Monaco weather visit YourMonaco.com

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/travel/powerboat-grand-prix-in-malta.html http://www.articletrader.com/travel/powerboat-grand-prix-in-malta.html Tue, 20 Mar 2007 00:00:00 -0500
The event takes place on the weekend of May 5 and 6, and the tourists attending the event will be a welcome boost for the island's holiday industry.

In an important year for Malta's hotels and holidays, events like the Powerboat Grand Prix in May and the International Air Show in September help the island gain extra publicity outside of the mainstream holiday news, and as well as attracting extra visitors as a direct result helps give those who are on holiday in Malta at the time an impression of activity, something Malta has lacked for some time compared to the Spanish Islands who compete for the same holidaymakers.

With the arrival of more holidaymakers, the possibility of increased property sales to overseas buyers becomes more of a reality.

A UK company specialising in Malta property agree that property prices could rise in 2007.

'With lower fares, Malta becomes a destination viable for 3 and 4 days trips a few times a year from the UK, and that will attract buyers to look at Malta in the same way they do France and Spain when considering where to buy a holiday home abroad. The weather in Malta and low fares could be a magnet for buyers.'

There is a warning however from a Malta travel guide that property prices on the island might not necessarily escalate in the same way that regions of France have seen when low cost airlines have started flying to their region.

'The Malta government has allowed more land to be used for property, and we anticipate a lot more apartment blocks being built short and medium term. Supply might well meet demand. Unless the Malta map changes politically and with it a change of policy towards her environment, there is a danger of Malta becoming the Tower Hamlets of the Mediterranean, or 1970's Spain where development spoiled much of the coast.'

Concern has also been expressed on the island about the infrastructure, with some tourists and potential property investors berating the state of the roads and - compared to mainland European and UK standards - dangerous construction sites.

'The real winners from the low cost flights could be the Malta hotels rather than the property industry', conclude the guide. 'We envisage a lot more people taking short three and four day Malta holidays, often booking their flights and hotels on the internet rather than via a traditional high street travel agent chain'.

Malta Flight Time

With a flight time of over three hours from their main market, Malta has always had a starting disadvantage compared to her main holiday competitors of Spain and her islands.

But Malta does appeal to visitors from the British Isles who want a holiday in the Mediterranean with a location that speaks English and drives on the left.

And for this both the islands of Malta and Cyprus fit the bill.

Malta is a slightly shorter flying time from the UK than Cyprus, but critically the UK has a large Greek Cypriot community able to urge friends and work colleagues to take a first holiday to the island.

But critically Cyprus has beaten Malta on price in recent years, and a recent report by the World Economic Forum indicates that 2007 will see no change. Indeed the report says that as well as Cyprus, Greece, Portugal and Spain are all set to be cheaper for UK holidaymakers than Malta this year.

The report says as well as price, Malta's environment acts as a deterrent to many potential tourists.

The report comes as a surprise to many on the island as low cost flights started in November 2005 from London's Luton Airport, and in February from Dublin with Ryannair, while competitor Air Malta have a new route from Liverpool.

Some 85,000 extra tourists could be visiting Malta in 2007 due to the new low cost routes, and anything below this figure will be disappointing for the island's hotels and holidays industry.

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YourMalta.com offers information about Malta and flight to Malta times plus a Malta map .


Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/sports/football-andorra-can-beat-england.html http://www.articletrader.com/sports/football-andorra-can-beat-england.html Sat, 17 Mar 2007 00:00:00 -0500
The game has been moved from Andorra to the Olympic stadium in Barcelona, home ground for Spanish team Espanyol, and owned by Barcelona City Council. Barcelona is a two and a half hour drive from the Andorran capital, Andorra la Vella.

'It comes as no surprise that the game has been moved from Andorra to Barcelona', comment an Andorra travel guide, 'Andorra's national stadium has a capacity of 1,800 while the Olympic stadium holds 55,000. Wisdom has decreed that Andorra's national stadium is not fit for international football. Many will regret that Andorra's team cannot be judged in the same way.'

But the guide considers that there is a possibility that Andorra will secure one of the shocks of recent football history by winning on March 28 - if the circumstances are right.

'Andorra have nothing to lose except three points when they play England in Barcelona - and they lose three points in virtually every game anyway, but for England it wouldn't just be a national disgrace but quite possibly the end of their campaign to reach the Euro 2008 finals in Switzerland and Austria. It all depends upon whether England play politics or football.

Dropping David Beckham from the England side was perhaps more of a political decision taken by a new England regime intent on showing a break from the past rather than for sound footballing reasons.' Say the guide, lamenting the loss of England's former captain who has been playing in Spain for Real Madrid in recent years, and is now set for a move in the summer to California.

'England have a game against Israel a few days before playing Andorra, and will be viewing the Andorra game as the easier of the two. The England manager could be tempted not to play his best possible team in Barcelona.'

In addition to playing an understrength team, the Andorra travel guide consider that the England manager could have one eye on the game, and another on the Premiership managers back home nervously hoping their star players won't be picking up injuries.

'Andorra sometimes try to make up their lack of talent by being physical. There could be pressure on the England manager Steve McClaren from Premiership managers such as Sir Alex Ferguson not to risk star players such as Wayne Rooney in what should essentially be an easy game. The Premiership will be entering a critical stage with just a handful of games left, plus European games and the FA Cup final stages coming up. We can't imagine Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea and Germany's Bayern Munich being happy at seeing Steven Gerrard, John Terry, Frank Lampard, Owen Hargreaves and Wayne Rooney picking up injuries at such a critical time. The temptation will be to play a second fiddle England team. Even then England should win comfortably. But if the players who get chosen decide to do just enough to secure the three points it could allow Andorra the chance of a shock draw or even victory, however unlikely that may seem'.

Andorra The Country

Andorra has a population of 70,000 and is best known for her ski resorts, relegating football to a minority sport, and as a European tax haven.

The country's resident population enjoys a tax regime similar to Monaco, with a zero rated income tax.

Property in Andorra is around a quarter of Monaco's prices, despite the similar tax structure, with wealthy individuals moving to the Principality to minimise their tax bills.

In the eighties Andorra ski holidays were cheap and cheerful, but investment in the infrastructure and ski fields has seen the country become increasingly popular with skiers and snowboarders.

Over ten million tourists visited Andorra in 2006, but a lack of snow for the first eight weeks of this year's ski season has seen a fall in visitors of some fifteen per cent.

With Barcelona a two and a half hour drive away, YourAndorra hopes that some of the travelling England support might venture up for a few days skiing.

'The end of March and beginning of April is an ideal time for a ski holiday in Andorra,' they comment, 'And if Andorra do produce a miracle in Barcelona and secure a draw or all three points they wouldn't have to return to England for a few days.'

Andorra's best known ski resorts are Soldeu, Pas de la Casa and Arinsal. Soldeu has some of the best new hotels in Andorra, and Arinsal the best night life.

And if the England players wives and girlfriends, often referred to as WAG's in the English media, fancy a few days tax free shopping, the capital Andorra la Vella is full of department stores stocking luxury items at reduced prices compared to Barcelona and England.

'Perhaps the best scenario for England would be to make David Beckham captain for the Andorra game', conclude the guide, 'Although he hasn't played much for Real Madrid recently he is used to playing in Spain. Even a half match fit David Beckham committed to winning the game would be too much for Andorra, and it would be a good opportunity for England supporters to say farewell before he leaves for the US.'

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YourAndorra is one of a series of travel guides for European tax havens including Andorra and Monaco.

The Monaco guide at YourMonaco.com includes details of the Casino in Monte Carlo and hotels in Nice France

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/sports/monte-carlo-supercar-show.html http://www.articletrader.com/sports/monte-carlo-supercar-show.html Sat, 17 Mar 2007 00:00:00 -0500
Nestled between the French Maritimes Alps and the vast, warm waters of the Mediterranean, Monaco has proved enchanting and delightful for travelers since the small country was founded in the thirteenth century. The principality has proven to be a favourite destination for the rich and famous for decades. It’s major city, Monte Carlo, is know for gambling and its white, sun-bleached beaches, fine dining, luxurious hotels and, of course, the Monaco Grand Prix, held on city streets every May.

In more recent years, another event has captured worldwide attention in Monaco: the Top Marques Monaco car show, held this year from April 19-22. This isn’t your typical car show. This show is the crème de la crème of the elite in automobiles and these cars are the fastest, most luxurious, most chic and desired in the world.

Most of the cars displayed at the fourth Top Marques Monaco car show will be limited edition models, as were the cars displayed the previous three years. While the Top Marques Monaco car show is still in its infancy, it has already succeeded in drawing worldwide attention to various models and luxury automobile makers and designers invited to display their engines, their sleekest designs and the hottest cars in the world!

The four-day car show, held at the Grimaldi Forum in close proximity to the world famous Larvotto beach quarter, provides visitors of Monaco plenty of time not only to covet the cars, but also to enjoy everything Monaco has to offer.

The Top Marques Monaco car show, also known as the Luxury Super car show in the world, is followed by another world class event, the Monaco Grand Prix, which has been celebrated in the principality since 1929. The 2007 event is planned for the end of May.

The Monaco Grand Prix is a famous Formula One racecar event considered to be one of the most prestigious around the globe. Drivers must stay alert while they complete 78 laps around a racecourse, just a bit over two miles long, along Monaco’s narrow streets, which vary in elevation and are dotted with tight corners, making it one of the most dangerous, and physically demanding, for racecar drivers in the world.

While most famous for highbrow gambling and the rich history of the Grimaldi family, Monaco has long held the status of being high-class, high-end and highly popular with movie stars, moguls and millionaires.

The new century, however, has shown Monaco to be highly accessible to everyone, and their citizens and government open their arms in welcome to those from around the world. You don’t have to be rich and famous to visit Monaco any more.

The principality has made sure that they are equally accessible to average travelers from around the globe as well. Almost 20,000 hotel rooms are available for a wide range of tastes, and budgets, as are traditional fine dining restaurants that now share beachfront space with opportunities for less causal dining, including beach restaurants and snack bars for those who prefer more simple fare.

This year’s Top Marques car show, as have the last three, is expected to draw thousands of observers from around the world who come to the principality to admire not only the most luxurious cars in the world, but to soak in the ambience and charm of one of the most coveted places on earth to relax, play and simply enjoy the best that life has to offer.

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YourMonaco.com is a travel guide for Monaco and includes a map of Monte Carlo and the roulette tables of Monte Carlo.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/finance/taxes/andorra-real-estate-records-sharp-rise-in-2006.html http://www.articletrader.com/finance/taxes/andorra-real-estate-records-sharp-rise-in-2006.html Wed, 14 Mar 2007 00:00:00 -0500
Not well known outside of the skiing and financial communities, the small European tax haven of Andorra has seen some startling rises in her property values in the last two years, with a repeat performance in 2007 possible.

In 2005 property inflation hit 19 per cent, and in 2006 the official property inflation reached sixteen per cent, and according to Andorra property specialists Tribune Properties 2007 is likely to see a further ten per cent rise.

'There are three streams of buyers for Andorra', say one local estate agency, 'An active local market, second home buyers looking for ski apartments, and international buyers who want to gain residency in a tax haven. The international buyers add pressure on prices and often buy three or four bedroom apartments and chalets, making sure that the top end of the market is as active as the low and mid range properties.'

With a lack of snow for the first eight weeks of the Andorra ski holiday season, the second home buyers could be thinner on the ground than usual. The number of tourists is down by some fifteen per cent, and that could impact the property market as some visitors like it so much they buy a property in popular resorts such as Arinsal and Soldeu. So we feel a ten per cent rise in Andorra property values could be realistic for 2007.'

Andorra as a tax haven destination has been benefitting recently from the high cost of real estate in Monaco. Monaco recently became the most expensive country for property in Europe, and while a 32m2 studio in Monaco will cost close to a million Euros including the closing costs, Andorra offers over 100m2 three bedroom two bathroom apartments at less than half the price - with the same tax advantages as better known Monaco, bringing out a map of Andorra for many investors recently.

The different type of buyers tend to head for different areas of Andorra, with the ski apartment buyers tending to purchase in the key ski resorts of Soldeu and Arinsal.

Those looking for residency go more for the year round villages and towns which have a resident community.

Outside of the capital (la Vella) these tend to be La Massana and the upcoming village of Anyos, Ordino and Arinsal, although Arinsal's nightlife during the ski season early December to late April tends to steer many newcomers to La Massana and Ordino.

Andorra Infrastructure

In addition to attracting international buyers in increasing numbers for residency, the Andorra authorities have invested heavily in their ski infrastructure, boosting the country's tourism potential and subsequently Andorra's real estate market.

And for this year's ski season Andorra has opened a new family friendly ski park in Arinsal, moving away further still from her old image of a cheap and cheerful ski holiday for 18-30 year olds to one that caters well for all.

One of the few drawbacks when taking residency in Andorra compared to Monaco has been access to a major international airport. While Monaco enjoys close proximity to Nice Airport, with a ten minute helicopter ride available, Andorra's nearest airports have been Barcelona and Toulouse, three hours away, with no direct flights to Andorra.

Recent road improvements between Barcelona and Andorra has cut this by thirty minutes, and there is a possibility of a scheduled helicopter service, Andorra weather permitting, or more likely ten minutes from the Spanish Andorra border, allowing quicker access to international flights for business people considering Andorra residency.

Other improvements within Andorra include new tunnels, allowing quicker access to the ski fields, and driving around Andorra easier.

With more demand from international buyers who want to take advantage of Andorra residency, the Andorra government announced in February that it was increasing the number of residency applications from the previous 200 year a year to 500.

'Andorra is becoming more popular among the international buyers', comment a local travel guide, 'And with Monaco real estate prices sky high it comes as no surprise that the government has moved favourably by allowing more residents. But it's not just the tax free living they come for - it's the Andorra weather as well for many who see the ideal opportunity to live in a tax free environment and enjoying winter sports activities too.'

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Tribune properties produce travel guides for Andorra and Monaco, and include the Monte Carlo casino and banks in Monaco .

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]>