It's almost impossible to believe that 2008/09 sees Island Holidays' 21st birthday. In fact I could swear it was only yesterday that the late Bobby Tulloch and I went to visit Falkland Islands Tourism in York and, days later, set up the partnership which was Island Holidays (the name was Bobby's idea - he was a sucker for islands!). Our first tour went to the Falklands in January 1988 and so we can celebrate over two years - once for the formation of the business and once (at least) for the anniversary year of the first ever tour.
One of the celebrations will be a very special expedition cruise around the Scottish Islands in June 2009 including St Kilda and a day in Shetland to celebrate Bobby's life and work on his home island of Yell. This was announced in our newsletter which was posted out last week (and you can see it on our website if you are interested) and we already have 10 firm bookings with less than 50 available! My problem is that I have to commit to the charter with a hefty deposit on 01 February so I really do need to know quickly - and clients have been very understanding about that. You never know, if it really gets popular I might take the ship for a second week. Now there's a thought - but another which needs to be confirmed or denied by the end of the month.
As part of the celebrations I'm running a prize draw for two free places on the birthday cruise - worth nearly £4,000!!! Tickets will cost £10 a shot and, after a small deduction for adminstration costs, the bulk of the proceeds will go to the British Birdwatching Fair's project to save some of the world's critically endangered birds. Let's hope lots of peole join in the fun and we raise lots of money. No worries if you're already booked and then win the prize - we simply refund all the payments you've made!
Details of the birthday cruise will be up on our website in the next few days but meanwhile you can give me a call to find out more. Hurry while stocks last (as they say)!!
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