The Falkland Islands have been given a new online look

The tourist board of the Falkland Islands (FITB) has launched a new-look website at www.falklandislands.com. The site introduces the Falklands as an authentic and interesting destination for travellers looking for a fresh alternative for their holidays.

An essential resource for anyone travelling to the Falklands, visitors to the site can virtually explore the Islands navigating through things to see and do, wildlife information and an events calendar plus a comprehensive accommodation search facility. From a close encounter with wildlife, to wilderness trout fishing, hiking and self-exploration to guided tours of our key cultural and historic sites, this site couples inspiring ideas with practical information.

Visitors arriving via cruise ship can learn about shore excursions in the capital Stanley and beyond, with links through to more than 35 cruise operators who offer the Falklands as part of wider South America or Antarctica itineraries.,/p>

“Our engaging new website allows people to easily access the information they need whilst showcasing the Islands and all the activities and adventures waiting to be discovered. One of my personal favourite parts to the new site is the Islander profiles where you can learn more about the fascinating lives of people who reside here.” commented Jake Downing General Manager of FITB.

The site also has a handy ‘scrapbook’ facility where you can save snippets of interest and share functions through the likes of Digg, Delicious and Twitter and destination guides, birding checklists and factsheets are all available to download. The site also links through to the dedicated Falklands Facebook page - www.facebook.com/naturesbestkeptsecret. With over 2,300 fans, users can share their Falklands stories, travel tips and photos of the Islands.

And that’s not all. Blogs, podcasts, interactive maps and forums will all be available on the site soon.

Along with the new consumer site make-over, there is a brand new media section where the latest press releases can be viewed alongside fact sheets and up-to-date events listings in the media kit. Press can register through the site to gain direct access to a comprehensive online gallery. The new website is part of a wider tourism marketing strategy to continue to develop the industry.

Island Highlights – wildlife, wilderness and discovery. The collection of over 740 islands which make up the Falklands archipelago are a haven for all sorts of wildlife including penguins, seals and sea lions. Coupled with the beautiful sunsets and varied landscapes, walking and photography are two passions which many visitors indulge.

Visit one of the outer Islands such as Weddell Island for complete relaxation and rejuvenation as more often than not, you will be the only visitor there! The capital, Stanley, has a range of restaurants, pubs and cafes serving tasty, often home-cooked, food.

Media enquiries should be directed to Suzanne Holiday and Tryph Greenwood at Keene on 020 7839 2140 or falklandstourism@keenepa.co.uk.

Notes for Editors:
•    The Falkland Islands have a raw, unspoilt quality that entices locals and tourists back time and again.  Visitors to the Islands are spoilt for choice with more than 227 species of identified birds (including several of the world’s largest endangered breeding colonies), as well as whales, dolphins, elephant seals, sea lions, delicate flora and rugged geographical formations.
•    The best time to visit the Islands and experience the local culture and wildlife is October to April. The average summer temperature (December to March) is 15º Celsius (59º Fahrenheit) and the Falklands has more sunshine hours and less rainfall than the UK.
•    There are over 40 international tour operators offering tailor-made packages and escorted tours to the Falkland Islands. See www.falklandislands.com for the latest list.
•    Visitors can reach the Falklands on the weekly LAN Airways flight via Chile or the charter flight operated twice weekly from RAF Brize Norton in the UK by the Ministry of Defence.