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(photos courtesy Alternative Holidays)
UK Gay News 'City Pages' CANADA
POLAND SPAIN
USA
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Where the Boys Are This Summer Yes – it’s Alternative Holidays Summer Spectacular time yet again… This year’s sensational event takes place from September 24 to 01 October 1 in Bodrum, on Turkey’s Aegean Coast. Known as the Pearl of the Aegean, Bodrum is an exotic mix of ancient and modern. Narrow white-walled streets, ancient ruins and a stunning castle sit alongside fabulous shops, modern restaurants and hot bars and clubs. Set in front of a vista of a deep blue sea with islands stretching to the horizon, it is a stunning location for what can only be described as Alternative’s best event ever. But wait a minute … Turkey’s human rights record is not exactly good when it comes to gays. True. Alternative Holidays thought long and hard about this. Minds were made up to go ahead with Bodrum when the gay community in Turkey insisted that a few hundred gay men from Europe should come for a week’s holiday. The reasoning of gay Turkey was simple. If the government accepts tourist gays, then this will help Turkish gays in their quest for equality. And the government is accepting gay tourists on a gay package holiday. “We are delighted to welcome Alternative Holidays to Bodrum in 2006,” said Tolga Tuyluoglu , director of the Turkish Tourism and Culture Office. “Hos Geldiniz or Welcome is a phrase you will hear time and again in Turkey,” Tuyluoglu pointed out. “Turks pride themselves on their friendly hospitality, and those of you who have visited before will know the warm welcome which awaits you. Bodrum is one of Turkey’s most chic resorts. Famed for its cosmopolitan nightlife, it has been the haunt of artists, musicians and writers since the 70’s.” Gabriele Neroni, chairman of Alternative Holidays, promised that their summer event will be the best ever. “Bodrum is an incredible destination, and we are thrilled to be working with the Turkish Tourism and Culture Office in ensuring our clients enjoy this event more than any to date,”. Neroni said. “We are securing some internationally renowned performers to entertain our clients and the food this year will be from chefs to tempt all tastes. We will provide first-class facilities and a celebratory ambience.” And it is up to individuals as to how much – or, indeed, as little – as they want. A luxury four star deluxe holiday village is the venue. And it’s all inclusive. And when we say the holiday is ‘All-in’ we’re not saying jump in the pool! Included are free drinks at the bar and all meals and snacks. Just think, no bill at the end of the holiday. How good is that? That is just for starters. A private beach for sunbathing together with masses of on-site sports and leisure activities: pool and gym; sailing and canoeing; wind-surfing; tennis; football; archery; and volleyball. And the icing on the cup-cake? Gorgeous, fit instructors come with the package too! And one must not forget party time! On the pulse DJ’s from the best venues across Europe and the US will set the groove. International stars and exciting new performers will work their magic with a single theme – Let Me Entertain You! The pièce de résistance will be the legendary masquerade ball. This year’s theme is Arabian nights. All that ‘Eastern Promise’ on show and hopefully some Turkish Delight – unmissable! ■ Prices for one week start at £395 (€568, $US668) per person, based on four sharing. Note: price does not include flight to Bodrum.April 10, 2006
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