FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE BELLA ITALIA ANNOUNCES 2009 TOUR
LOS ANGELES– (December 21, 2008) – BlackGirlTravel.com announced the 4th annual Bella Italia tour itinerary for 2009 today. This unique all female tour, formerly of Blackweekly.com, which alternates between Northern and Southern Italy annually, will tour Rome, Pompeii, Sorrento, Naples, Capri and Sicily from September 2-11, 2009. The tour was created by Fleace Weaver, founder of Blackweekly.com, the Los Angeles area destination website featuring events and activities for affluent African American consumers. “As a woman who loves to travel and who has traveled extensively, I wanted to expose black women to the world and, conversely, expose the world to the beauty of black women—inside and out,” says Weaver. With that goal in mind, she created a tour where a group of women or “Bellas” from all over the USA converge upon Italy to take a comprehensive tour of the country, catching not only the historical sites, but also participating in shopping expeditions, parties and other social gatherings in each city. Each year, the tour has proven more and more successful, growing from 36 to over 50 participants. In fact, the Bella Italia tour is not only popular in the United States, but has also grown in popularity in Italy. “Our all-male guided Vespa tour is one of the most recognizable in Rome,” says Weaver. “During the ride we are constantly met with shouts of “Belle Americane” wherever we go.” This year, on the heels of the successful 2008 tour, BlackGirlTravel.com has partnered with Travelista.tv co-founder, Andrea Adams, as well as the Italian Government Tourist Board to enhance the experience of the “Bellas”. Adams will serve as tour guide for the 2009 trip. Says Weaver, “Andrea brings a rich, cultural understanding to the Bella Italia tour, which in turn will create a more profound knowledge of Italy for the participants. Our association with the Italian Government Tourist Board will open more doors for the types of activities in which our group can participate. My goal is to create unparalleled experiences for this year’s tour and to build upon it annually.” In addition to the strategic partnerships, Weaver wanted to instill a sense of social consciousness as part of the Bella Italia 2009. To that end, three percent of the proceeds of the tour will be donated to the Girl’s Town of Italy (www.cittadelleragazze.it), an organization that aids underprivileged homeless and hungry children, and orphans of war. “Most of the children come from countries that are politically and economically troubled, while many are subjected to human trafficking, slavery and abuse. The children’s stories are heartbreaking" says Weaver. The Bella Italia tour group will make the check presentation while in the country. Weaver believes that giving back will not only benefit Italy, but will also build a strong connection to the country for the Bellas. The tour's scheduled stops are as follows: For more information on the 2009 Bella Italia tour, pricing and booking, please visit www.blackgirltravel.com/tours/BellaItalia2009.html or call 323.252.1779. Additionally, the website offers photos, video, and stories from previous tours. About BlackGirlTravel.com
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