Avocet Travel Announces Non- Stop Charter Service from New York to Bahia, Brazil; Avocet Travel Names VARIG Airlines as Its Exclusive Carrier for the Bahia, Brazil Travel Experience.

NEW YORK -- Avocet Travel announced today its new vacation packages, including non-stop charter air service from New York to Bahia, Brazil - the most historic state on Brazil's breathtaking Northeast Corridor. In addition to charter flight service, Avocet will provide hotels and tours for guests. Beginning April 28, travelers will fly VARIG Airlines directly into Salvador, Bahia instead of Sao Paulo - eliminating nearly 5 hours of additional travel time from their journey. In operation for nearly 80 years, VARIG Airlines is the largest and most experienced air transportation company in Latin America, currently operating 115 aircraft. Avocet received Department of Transportation approval to operate this charter program today.

With the support of Brazilian government agencies Emtursa, Bahiatursa and Embratur, the Bahian "experience" is customized by Avocet's team of veteran travel planners, who connect their guests with cultural, spiritual, historical and "fun" tours for singles and families. Widely-known as the birthplace and first capital of Brazil, Bahia's rich ethnic heritage is demonstrated through its diverse cuisine, signature drinks, samba and capoeira dance, and rhythmic blend of African percussion and Caribbean reggae music.

"We are happy to lend our support to Avocet Travel in bringing the Brazilian experience to a new group of travel enthusiasts," says Eduardo Sanovicz, President of Embratur, the national tourist agency of Brazil. "Our agency looks forward to assisting in the promotion of Avocet's charter flights as well as working with the other governmental agencies involved in Avocet's operations."

According to the American Society of Travel Agents, Bahia is the third leading tourism destination in Brazil. The state boasts of over 620 miles of tropical coastline, 100 tranquil islands and a yearly average temperature of 78 degrees.

Clarence O. Smith, founder of Avocet Travel and co-founder/president emeritus of Essence magazine, explains, "Our mission at Avocet Travel is to ensure that our guests enjoy a unique and authentic travel experience that is enlightening and entertaining, and will engage them on an emotional, physical, intellectual and spiritual level."

The former publishing mogul, turned travel guru first visited Bahia several years ago as a delegate on various Congressional business and cultural missions and found an instant connection with its people and cultural institutions. He soon enlisted the support of the city of Salvador, Bahia and its Mayor, which further enhanced the development of Avocet Travel.

"When we first created Essence in 1970, the magazine emerged as a bridge between African-American women and the mainstream public," Smith declares. "The creation of Avocet is a natural extension of my continued mission to build bridges between cultures."

"Awaken in Brazil. The Adventure Begins in Bahia"

Discover Brazil's birthplace - Bahia - with Avocet Travel! The Avocet travel team provides their guests with unique, authentic and enlightening experiences as the best way to experience Brazil. Avocet Travel's mission is to connect their guest's lives by engaging them on an emotional, physical, intellectual and spiritual level. The array of sights and sounds in Bahia stimulate the five senses.

An Operator-Participant Contract setting forth in detail your rights and further details of this charter program is available by contacting Avocet's reservation agents or by visiting www.avocettravel.com. Tour packages from New York to Bahia, Brazil will launch April 28. For reservations and travel information call: 1-866-TO-Bahia (1-866-862-2442)