Category - Tourism

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Zambia hosts CAF Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations

7 years ago

Zambia hosts the 2017 CAF Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations from February 26 to March 12. Zambia is in Group A with Egypt, Guinea and Mali to play matches at Heroes Stadium in Lusaka. Levy Mwanawasa stadium will host Group B involving Cameron, South Africa, Sudan and Senegal. This will be the country’s first ever staging of a CAF tournament. The top four teams will qualify for the 2017 FIFA U20 World Cup to be held in South Korea from 20th May to 11th June. The Local Organizing Committee has left...

West African online travel agency eyes UK

7 years ago

African online travel company, Wakanow, has announced plans to formally launch commercial operations in the UK as part of their efforts for global expansion and in a bid to consolidate their foray into Europe. The announcement is coming barely months after it launched DestinationsAfrica®, a global booking platform that aggregates the best of African packaged holidays from over 23 African countries. This has, needless to say, caught the eyes of the continental tourism offices now keen to engage...

Marriot International chain of hotels enters Zanzibar

7 years ago

Marriott International is in final talks with Pennyroyal Gibraltar for the management of Zanzibar Amber Resort in Zanzibar, Tanzania. The new luxury hotel whose development began this year will be among leading tourist facilities with a world-class golf course. The US$330 million Zanzibar Amber Resort will be one-of-a-kind in sub-Saharan Africa, developers Ritz Carlton said. President for Marriot Middle East and Africa, the parent company of Ritz Carlton, Alex Kyriakidis, said the hotel will...

Milan ranks as the top economic city of Italy

7 years ago

In Milan, it has produced 10% of the national GDP, confirming a city in constant development, including high density of creativity, innovation, and numbers steadily rising in tourism, with a significant nod by congress. This is the outlook traced to Fiera Milano Congressi from Milan By Numbers 2015 work of the Lab on the International Meeting Industry (LAMCI), an initiative developed by the High School of Economics and International Relations at the Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore...

Understanding Chamorro and Micronesian culture on Guam

7 years ago

Remind me how this World Peace thing is supposed to work. You just take a bunch of people from around the world and strand them on an island until they’re all friends. Right?! 2 Of the 1.3 million tourists to visit the island in 2013, Guam Visitors Bureau said half came from Japan, 169,000 from South Korea, 65,000 from the U.S. mainland, and some 39,000 from Taiwan. The island is also home to some 12,000 military personnel, and according to The World Factbook, a local population of 160,000...

Put Climate Resilience, Green Growth and “Impact Travel” in curricula, ICTP President Lipman urges deans

7 years ago

The President of the International Coalition of Tourism Partners (ICTP), Prof. Geoffrey Lipman, recently addressed 350 business school deans at the EFMD Conference. He said that the 2015 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) provide a massive opportunity for the academic world, but they need to be approached with a big reality check on the tensions between aspiration, implementation, and finance. He also drew attention to the 15-year timeframe for delivery, with a bottom-up local action...

Mineta San José International becomes first airport partner with immigrant integration program

7 years ago

A new partnership between the City of San José, Mineta San José International Airport and New American Workforce will make citizenship services available onsite for city and airport employees. Mayor Sam Liccardo announced the initiative during a press conference today. Other speakers discussed immigrants’ economic contributions to the region and workforce and highlighted how this partnership will bolster local immigrant integration efforts. San José was a founding municipal partner of New...

Cunard presents 2017 Westminster Kennel Club show winner with Transatlantic Crossing on Queen Mary 2

7 years ago

Cunard, the only line to carry pets across the Atlantic, presented Rumor, the Westminster Kennel Club’s Best in Show winner, with an invitation to sail on a Transatlantic Crossing on Queen Mary 2 today in New York’s Times Square. Rumor will have an opportunity to take his place in history among celebrity dogs who have sailed with Cunard including Elizabeth Taylor’s pampered pooches and Hollywood film star Rin-Tin-Tin. Cunard sponsored the 2017 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show...

Choice Hotels International reports 10% increase in Q4 earnings

7 years ago

Choice Hotels International, Inc. today reported its results for the three months and year ended December 31, 2016. Net income for the fourth quarter of 2016 was $31.8 million or $0.56 per diluted share, compared with $29.2 million or $0.51 per diluted share for the fourth quarter of 2015. Fourth quarter adjusted earnings before income taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) was $56.0 million, compared with $50.6 million in the prior year, an increase of 11 percent. “We are pleased...

Century Plaza Hotel in LA to be refurbished

7 years ago

Luxury hotel operator Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, now part of the AccorHotels Group, and Next Century Associates today announced the signing of definitive agreements for the revitalization and management of the historic Century Plaza Hotel, located in the heart of Century City in Los Angeles. The iconic, crescent shaped hotel has hosted generations of Hollywood celebrities, foreign dignitaries and every United States President since its opening in 1966. The hotel is currently closed for a...

New credit agreement for Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER)

7 years ago

The Flughafen Berlin Brandenburg GmbH (FBB’s) Executive Board informed the Supervisory Board that implementation of the finance concept for Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) has been successful. The Supervisory Board was happy that financing could finally be implemented and that better conditions had been achieved. The finance concept of Flughafen Berlin Brandenburg GmbH (FBB) has been implemented successfully: the investment pledged by the partners Berlin, Brandenburg and the Federal Republic...

World’s best cruise ships for 2017 rated by travelers

7 years ago

Cruise Critic today announced the winners of the 2017 Cruisers’ Choice Awards, based on ratings and reviews collected during a 12-month period. “With these awards we consolidate the thousands of reviews submitted to Cruise Critic each year and honor those lines that received the best ratings from cruisers,” explained Colleen McDaniel, Senior Executive Editor, Cruise Critic. “Reviews offer incredibly helpful insights for those planning a cruise but also highlight the...

WHO: Yellow fever outbreak in Angola and Democratic Republic of the Congo ends

7 years ago

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) declared the end of the yellow fever outbreak in that country today following a similar announcement in Angola on 23 December 2016, bringing an end to the outbreak in both countries after no new confirmed cases were reported from both countries for the past six months. “We are able to declare the end of one of the largest and most challenging yellow fever outbreak in recent years through the strong and coordinated response by national authorities, local...

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Oceania Cruises announces additional voyages to Cuba

7 years ago

Oceania Cruises announced an additional series of journeys to Cuba in November and December 2017. Ranging in length from six to thirteen days with departures from Miami, these voyages include the line’s first calls to Cienfuegos and Santiago de Cuba, in addition to Havana. These new itineraries will open for reservations today, 15 February 2017. “There is tremendous demand from consumers for voyages to Cuba and our inaugural voyages to the island have been a sell-out success,”...

Tom Hanks and Jennifer Aniston are most desired celebrity travel buddies, the Kardashians – the least

7 years ago

Love may be in the air this season, as the celebrities we’d most love to jet off and spend a vacation with are revealed! Tom Hanks and Jennifer Aniston are officially the nation’s most desired travel buddies, but what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. Sin City is the place we’d most want to take our favorite stars, but it seems we’re more interested in shopping than showing off. Over a third admitted they’d rather be taken on an all-expenses-paid shopping spree...

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Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora celebrates 50th anniversary of overwater bungalow

7 years ago

Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the overwater bungalow. “This is a historic occasion, and we’re celebrating the overwater bungalow all year long,” said Maria Jagla, general manager of Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora. “These unique accommodations have a come a long way since 1967, and we’re proud to offer the ultimate version, full of luxury and comfort, here at Four Seasons.” The first overwater bungalow was built by the...

5 reasons the cruise lines’ private islands are most favorite port

7 years ago

Nothing says luxury quite like an exclusive experience, and with their pristine beaches, aquamarine waters and a variety of adventures both in the water and on the shore, a visit to a cruise line’s private island certainly qualifies. In fact, per cruise experts CruiseCompete, private islands rank “Number One” on cruisers’ to-do lists. What makes a private island such a sought-after destination? 1. A private island offers a unique opportunity for relaxation; one that completely sweeps you away...

Grand Hotel Kronenhof unveils new rooms by Pierre-Yves Rochon

7 years ago

Grand Hotel Kronenhof in Pontresina has unveiled 13 newly-renovated rooms and junior suites by the award-winning French interior designer Pierre-Yves Rochon, who has previously worked with other luxury brands such as Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts and The Peninsula Hotels. All of the rooms are in the historic part of the hotel, which dates to the very late 19th century, but all have a contemporary feel incorporating calming colours that reflect the local landscape. So, for example, one...

AccorHotels strengthens its presence in the Anglophone Africa

7 years ago

AccorHotels has entered into 3 partnerships with Ethiopian investors for the construction and management of 3 hotels in Addis Ababa. A 162 keys Mercure located in the vicinity of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa will be built by Tihnat Investments PLC and is expected to open its doors in 2020. The hotel will include 156 standard rooms, 6 suites, 400 square meters of meeting and banqueting spaces, several f&b outlets, as well as a gym & spa. A 135 keys ibis Styles has...

Portugal commits to partnering with International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development 2017

7 years ago

Portugal has committed to partnering with the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development 2017. The commitment was presented to UNWTO Secretary-General Taleb Rifai, during his recent official visit to Portugal. Among the initiatives to celebrate the Year, Portugal is promoting the rehabilitation of historical buildings in the interior of the country and routes through natural areas. On the occasion, Mr. Rifai and Portuguese authorities discussed the role of tourism in advancing...

Korea Ambassador Dho revisits UN “Thank You Small Libraries” in South Africa

7 years ago

On February 10, 2017, Ambassador Dho Young-shim, Chairperson of UNWTO ST-EP (United Nations World Tourism Organization Sustainable Tourism for Eliminating Poverty) Foundation & UN SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) Advocate and former GET Coordinator in Metro South District, Mr. Fadli Wagiet, revisited four UN SDG “Thank You Small Libraries (TYSL)” in Cape Town, South Africa. The purpose of the visit was to conduct an evaluation of the four TYSLs in Western Cape established in May 2011...

Happy Valentine’s Day! Don’t forget the lettuce!

7 years ago

With the big freeze, a snowstorm, and torrential rainfalls in Spain last month, the supermarkets in the United Kingdom, are now showing empty shelves in the grocery’s produce section. The solution? Send lettuce. Best before the summer and to help our all-year-round salad consumers to survive, make restaurants happy, and keep sandwiches crispy fresh. Some supermarkets are rationing the number of iceberg lettuce and broccoli that customers can buy, reported the BBC, blaming poor growing...

Visit Japan Travel Seminar a success in India

7 years ago

Continuing its aggressive promotion drive to boost arrivals from India, Japan organized a Visit Japan Travel Seminar 2017 in Delhi, India, today, February 14, 2017, which was attended by tourism attractions, suppliers, and regions of Japan representatives. Those in attendance told the Indian agents they should promote the “Land of the Rising Sun” among India travelers, whose numbers have been going up every year. Yoshiaki Kinugasa, Manager of International Sales for the Hotel Universal Port in...

Direct flight coming in the fall: Jakarta – Moscow

7 years ago

“We are trying to accelerate plans regarding the launch of direct flights to Moscow in August. We will fly three times a week using wide body aircraft Airbus A330-200,” said Arif Wibowo, commenting on Garuda Indonesia airline’s announcement of direct flights from Jakarta to Moscow this fall. National flag carrier Garuda Indonesia plans to launch direct flights from Jakarta to Moscow in August 2017. Operated by Airbus A330-200, this route will be served 3 times a week. The plan was...

Exhibitor training key for successful Sanganai World Tourism Expo

7 years ago

The Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) will be conducting exhibitor training workshops on exhibitor participation ahead of the Sanganai/Hlanganani 2017 World Tourism Expo in Harare, Bulawayo, Victoria Falls, and Nyanga at the end of February 2017. The training programs are meant to assist exhibitors on how they can maximize value out of their business exchange and interactions with international buyers during Sanganai/Hlanganani. The training, which will cover marketing (exhibition planning...

Kingston set to welcome more cruise ships

7 years ago

Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, has announced that Kingston is set to welcome more cruise ships, with the next vessel set to dock in the first quarter of 2017. While addressing the Kingston and St. Andrew Corporation (KSAC) today (February 14, 2017), he shared that the Ministry of Tourism has placed great emphasis on expanding cruise tourism in the island, with special focus being placed on the restoration of the ports of Kingston and its environs. “We are going all out to...

“Closing borders risks jobs,” World Travel & Tourism Council warns US administration

7 years ago

“The United States (US) is in danger of taking the same path it took after the 9/11 terror attacks, which led to a decade of economic stagnation in the Travel & Tourism sector”, said David Scowsill, President & CEO, World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), while speaking in Las Vegas today, 14 February 2017. “Strict visa policies and inward-looking sentiment led to a $600 billion loss in tourism revenues in the decade post 9/11, as previously reported by the US Travel Association...

Cuba travel projected to grow in 2017

7 years ago

Demand for Cuba travel is not slowing among American travelers despite the continued US government restrictions limiting approved travel to the island nation via 12 authorized categories, based on trend information being released today. According to Cuban officials, the combined total number of visitors from the United States was more than 614,000 in 2016 – a 34% increase over the previous year. Corroborating those statistics, Travel Leaders Group has now released recent survey data in which...

Think you know where this is on Guam?

7 years ago

Ague Cove is a hidden gem in Guam’s suburban village of Dededo. Find the old FAA housing area, park, and walk a quarter of a mile to the trailhead. As with any hike on Guam, it is best to get permission before hiking on private land and respect no trespassing signs. According to NOAA Science and Operations Officer Roger Edson, Jesus Pangelinan is the contact for those who wish to hike on this private land. Mr. Pangelinan can be reached at (671) 477-9269. Stop just before the trailhead to...

Dubai to introduce world’s first pilotless passenger aerial vehicle aircraft

7 years ago

The world’s first pilotless aerial vehicle (AAV) aircraft capable of carrying passengers is set to fly across Dubai as early as July, the city’s transport body has announced. Electrically powered by eight propellers, the aircraft, commonly referred to as an Autonomous Aerial Vehicle (AAV) has already undergone test flights, according to the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). Developed in collaboration with a Chinese drone maker, EHANG, the aircraft, called EHANG184, can carry a passenger for...