Four Seasons Resort Sharm El Sheikh unveils exciting expansion plans

Written by Gill Dewar on August 24, 2021. Posted in Destination news, Hotel.

Travel news from around the world

August 5, 2021 – Four Seasons Resort Sharm El Sheikh unveils expansion plans

Along a kilometre of private beach where the southern Sinai desert meets the Red Sea, Four Seasons Resort Sharm El Sheikh has been a favourite of sunseekers since opening nearly 20 years ago.

Now, a major expansion and enhancement project will add 22 hectares (54 acres), doubling the size of the current property and making room for more guest accommodations, dining options and pools.

The Four Seasons Resort Sharm El Sheikh will also be an all-new fitness facility and a large conference centre for meetings and destination weddings.

A full service on-site PADI centre offers immediate access to one of the leading diving and snorkelling destinations.

Four Seasons Resort Sharm El Sheikh

“Since opening nearly 20 years ago, Four Seasons has been the leading luxury resort on the peninsula, a favourite holiday destination for families, friends and couples from across Europe and the Middle East,” said Simon Casson, president, hotel operations, Europe, Middle East and Africa for Four Seasons.

“Now as we embark on one of the company’s most ambitious expansion and enhancement programs ever, Sharm El Sheikh is poised to become a truly world class destination for those who crave sun and sea in an authentic luxury setting that only Four Seasons can create.”

The enhancements will be complete later this year.

“We can’t wait to introduce this exciting destination to a new generation of travellers from around the world,” said Four Seasons Resort Sharm El Sheikh general manager, Sam Ioannidis.

“For the many guests who come back again and again, we have so many surprises in store.

“Over the years we’ve watched families grow, celebrated important milestones together, set the stage for the most romantic moments, explored the abundant natural world and immersed ourselves in desert culture.

“Now we have the opportunity to offer our guests so much more, and our team is more dedicated than ever to ensuring that each and every stay with us is fully tailored and completely memorable.”

Blessed with year-round sunshine and an ideal location just ten minutes from the international airport, guests of the newly expanded and significantly enhanced Four Seasons Resort Sharm El Sheikh will have their toes in the sand in no time as they settle in for a holiday to remember.

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Amazing travel facts India

Written by Gill Dewar on August 24, 2021. Posted in Amazing Facts.

AMAZING TRAVEL FACTS

There have been large events organised all over the world. But did you know the largest event ever, attracted 120 million people and was held in 2013?

Amazing, right?

Do you know where we need to travel to watch this event taking place?

It is indeed the Kumbh Mela festival in India.

The Kumbh Mela gathering of 2013 was the largest peaceful gathering of people ever recorded. This Hindu ceremony is celebrated four times out of each 12-year period.

The site of each gathering rotates between the four rivers that are held sacred by those of the Hindu faith, and draws people from all types of lifestyles to celebrate their faith. Among those who attend are sadhus: Holy men who undergo intense physical trials and remain naked year-round.

The 2013 gathering at Kumbh Mela was so massive that it was considered high-risk by the local healthcare system.

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Amazing travel facts Italy

Written by Gill Dewar on August 24, 2021. Posted in Amazing Facts.

AMAZING TRAVEL FACTS

Did you know that Romeo and Juliet, the famous play by William Shakespeare was set in an Italian city? The story was fictional, but the two families who were fighting really existed and even today you can see Juliet’s balcony.

Do you know which city we need to visit in order to see the famous balcony?

It is indeed Verona.

Romeo and Juliet is a tragedy written by William Shakespeare early in his career about two young Italian star-crossed lovers whose deaths ultimately reconcile their feuding families. It was among Shakespeare’s most popular plays during his lifetime and, along with Hamlet, is one of his most frequently performed plays.

WHY IS ROMEO AND JULIET SET IN VERONA?

Romeo and Juliet made Verona famous, turning a lovely but unremarkable town in the shadow of Venice in northeast Italy into one of the world’s most romantic destinations. Many visitors wonder why Shakespeare chose this setting to lay the scene of his most popular play.

The answer is quite simple: he kept to the source material. William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet is based on Italian writer Luigi da Porta’s A Recently Re-Discovered Story of Two Noble Lovers with Their Pitiful Death Occurred at the Time of Bartolomeo Della Scala.

Da Porta set his play in 14th century Verona, writing about two young nobles living in neighbouring castles who fall in love but are torn apart by their warring families, to tragic effect. Da Porta wrote the original story after having his own heart broken, and Shakespeare discovered and reinterpreted his own version just a few decades later—keeping the devastating conclusion and setting the same.

While it’s a fictional story, the two families (Montague and Capulet) really existed, and they were 2 influential families of Verona.

“In fair Verona, where we lay our scene” is how Shakespeare describes the setting of his most famous love story, Romeo and Juliet. So poignant is the tale that modern-day lovers still flock to the cobbled streets of Verona, if not for historical accuracy, then certainly for the romance it embodies.

If you visit Verona, you can visit Juliet’s house, and the famous balcony. You’ll also see a bronze statue of Juliet, and tradition has it that rubbing the right breast of the statue will bring love and fertility.

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Where in the World Belgium

Written by Gill Dewar on August 24, 2021. Posted in Where in the world.

Where would you find this unreal piece of engineering?

Sart Canal Bridge, Belgium.

Weighing in at a whopping 65,000 tons, the Pont du Sart Aqueduct is located in western Belgium, near the town of Houdeng-Goegnies. This massive structure was built to carry the Centrumkanaal water channel, and is one of the longest of its kind.

For centuries, Belgians have wanted an inland waterway to connect the Meuse and the Scheldt. However, the height difference of about 96 metres (315 ft) between the two rivers would require as many as 32 locks, which was not feasible. In 1879, the Ministry of Public Works adopted a proposal by Edwin Clark which used boat lifts instead of locks. The first lift (Houdeng-Gœgnies) was built between 1885 and 1888. It was inaugurated on June 4, 1888 by King Leopold II.

The three other boat lifts were finally finished in 1917 and put into service in 1919. There were several reasons for this delay. From 1894 to 1911, the economic need for the canal was repeatedly called into question. Then in 1914, when the three lifts were practically finished, World War I began.

The old canal could accommodate boats with a displacement of up to 350 tons. In 1957 the Belgian parliament passed a law providing for a major expansion of the canal, increasing the maximum displacement of a boat that could use the canal to 1,350 tonnes (1,490 tons). In the event, it was decided to alter the course of the canal rather than to enlarge it along the full extent of its existing length. A defining feature of the enlarged canal was the Strépy-Thieu boat lift which replaced the four smaller boat lifts and one or two locks which had been part of the former canal.

The Canal du Centre was opened to boats with a displacement of 1,350 tonnes in September 2002. Between 2000 and 2004 the annual ship transits increased from 1,531 to 4,041 while the tonnage carried increased from 282,000 to 1,513,000.

The lifts on the old parallel canal remain in position, having in 1998 been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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Where in the World Portugal

Written by Gill Dewar on August 24, 2021. Posted in Where in the world.

Where, what, how – anyone seen this before?

This amazing island is situated in the Azores in Portugal.

Being the largest island in the Azores, there’s so much to see and do on Sao Miguel such as kayaking, paddleboarding, diving, surfing, canyoning, coasteering, sailing, fishing, hiking, road cycling and mountain biking.

The Azores are also Europe’s number one destination for whale and dolphin watching – whether you’re looking for a dedicated week focussing on sealife or if you’d simply like to add a day-trip to your stay, and our crews are the best in the Azores.

Sao Miguel is one of the more-obviously volcanic islands in the archipelago. To east is Furnas: one of the island’s oldest calderas. There are over thirty geysers and mineral-rich springs in and around Furnas village and on the shores of it’s crater lake. It’s this hot earth and a giddy-mix of aromas from the wild aloe, the ancient cedars and the bubbling aquifers that give Furnas a semi-tropical feel. Nowhere more so than at the 200-year-old Parque Terra Nostra: home to Sao Miguel’s famous geothermal swimming pool.

To the west is the island’s largest caldera Sete Cidades – a must-see destination for most visitors to the islands for it’s extraordinary beauty. For the more energetic, Sete Cidades has an excellent variety of walking trails and cycling routes, and it’s twin-crater-lakes are a breath-taking kayaking spot.

In town, the capital Ponta Delgada is a welcoming, friendly city where everything is accessible on foot, including many of the island’s best restaurants.

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Africa tourism summit set for September 2021

Written by Gill Dewar on August 24, 2021. Posted in Featured events, Destination news.

Events around the world

The Department of Tourism and South African Tourism will host the first ‘Africa’s Travel and Tourism Summit’, from September 19 to 21, coinciding with Tourism Month in South Africa.

Africa’s Travel and Tourism Summit aims to be a catalyst for engagement on the current state of tourism on the African continent. Taking into account challenges facing the global tourism industry, the summit will, through various engagement sessions, gather the tourism sector to share insights and ideas to explore collaborative efforts that can lead to recovery.

With an array of issues currently facing the sector, the summit aims to attract African community delegates, African tourism ministers, industry associations, tourism boards, DMOs as well as various partners across the tourism value chain.

Some of the major topics for discussion will include aviation, innovation, technology, the health and safety protocols currently in place, as well as the continent’s positioning post the COVID-19 pandemic.

SA Tourism acting ceo, Sthembiso Dlamini, said Africa was resilient and that the summit would contribute to picking up the momentum within the sector as it worked toward an inclusive recovery.

“The COVID-19 pandemic may have dealt tourism, both business and leisure tourism, a heavy blow, but we are now in the recovery phase, and a summit of this nature is critical in ensuring that we are aligned as a continent whilst reigniting the tourism industry,” said Sthembiso.

Hybrid format

The summit will be hosted in a hybrid format over a two-day period. Delegates will have the option of attending virtually, or at identified venues across South Africa, or at three additional locations on the rest of the African continent – depending on COVID-19 lockdown regulations. All venues will have COVID-19 health and safety protocols in place.

“We have opted for the hybrid format in order for us, as a continent, to lead the way in demonstrating how tourism can be enjoyed safely whilst adhering to health protocols. It is important that we are diligent in reigniting the sector, as it contributes significantly to the African economy,” added Sthembiso.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of Tourism as well as South African Tourism were not able to host the MICE-focused Meetings Africa and leisure-focused Africa’s Travel Indaba 2021 editions, which usually take place in February and May annually.

While Africa’s Travel and Tourism Summit should not be seen as a replacement, it does provide a platform to showcase Africa’s leisure tourism offerings and business event capabilities.

“In the absence of Africa’s Travel Indaba in 2020 and 2021, Africa’s Travel and Tourism Summit is an innovative initiative for promoting intra-Africa tourism and also for sharing insights into the ‘state of readiness’ for South Africa and the rest Africa to welcome the world during and post-COVID-19 pandemic,” said Kwakye Donkor, ceo of Africa Tourism Partners.

“I commend South African Tourism and the South African National Convention Bureau, for once again showing commitment and leadership in tourism promotion across the continent. It will be so great to meet traditional and emerging trade partners again during the summit. Well done to Team South African Tourism! We look forward to a very fruitful summit,” he said.

Dedicated SME day

Committed to ongoing transformation and development of the South African tourism industry, Africa’s Travel and Tourism Summit will feature a dedicated day to empower SMMEs in the sector on September 19.

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WTM London (physical and virtual) November 2021

Written by Gill Dewar on August 24, 2021. Posted in Featured events, Destination news, MICE.

Events around the world

Your new travel success story begins here

There’s never been a greater hunger for escape and discovery. So much about travel has changed, and yet for those inspired to reconnect, rebuild and innovate, the new potential is breath-taking.

Now is the moment. With WTM London we’re bringing the world of travel back together, applying our experience as the world leader to deliver — safely and responsibly — one of the first live, face-to-face events for our sector.

We cannot wait to welcome you back. It’s time to reunite and reconnect properly with each other. Time to rebuild thriving businesses and uncover the innovations and ideas that will reshape travel. Together, let’s rekindle the inspiration that makes this the ultimate industry to be in.

This year we are running a hybrid event, the physical event will take place in ExCel London 1-3 November with a virtual event taking place the week after on 8-9 November.

WTM London show features

On the show floor, WTM London is an experience to bring the senses alive: a collection of the world’s most exciting destinations and travel experiences.

The exhibition floor is organised by geography and sector, making it easy to meet people that share your interests and goals.

Discover the regions of the world and explore the international hub for global exhibitors. You’ll also find dedicated feature areas showcasing companies who specialise in travel technology, luxury travel and many more.

Hear from industry leaders about travel trends, issues and innovations. A rich programme of seminars takes place across two stages this year where we help talk about the future of travel.

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ITB Asia Singapore and Virtual – 2021

Written by Gill Dewar on August 24, 2021. Posted in Featured events, Destination news, MICE.

Events around the world

ITB Asia, Asia’s Leading Travel Trade Show, is an annually held B2B trade show and convention for the travel industry; it is designed to be the primary event for the Asia Pacific travel industry, much like its parent event – ITB Berlin.

Now in its 14th year, ITB Asia will be held in virtually from 25 – 29 October 2021 on ITB Community in Asia .

Expect virtual business meetings, networking, on-demand conferences, live streaming and a knowledge library designed as an added value for greater outreach during the virtual event.

ITB Asia is organised by Messe Berlin (Singapore) Pte Ltd and supported by the Singapore Exhibition & Convention Bureau. Today, ITB Asia is the premier meeting place for the travel trade industry and a forum for establishing high-quality customer contacts and conducting businesses. This is where international exhibitors of all sectors within the travel-value chain commerce, and Asia Pacific’s leading travel companies and emerging small and medium-sized enterprises meet with top international buyers from the MICE, Leisure, Corporate Travel and Travel Technology markets.

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IT&CM Asia Thailand – September 2021

Written by Gill Dewar on August 23, 2021. Posted in Featured events, Destination news, MICE.

Events around the world

MICE & CORPORATE TRAVEL VIRTUAL EVENT
28 TO 30 SEPTEMBER 2021

Back With Greater Business Focus, Wider Reach and Even Bigger Value!

The Leading International MICE Event Centered in Asia-Pacific

Established in 1993, IT&CMA is at the forefront of fostering MICE growth opportunities for the Asia-Pacific and beyond.

Its multi-faceted programme engages regional and international industry suppliers and buyers in the realms of business, education and networking. IT&CMA also features dedicated platforms designed around the interests of valuable MICE niche segments, enabling the event to consistently deliver a delegate profile that is both relevant and dynamic.

IT&CMA remains uniquely positioned as the only global event with the largest exhibition showcase of Asia-Pacific MICE suppliers.

Co-located with CTW Asia-Pacific as Asia-Pacific’s Only Doublebill Event in MICE and Corporate Travel, IT&CMA is part of the IT&CM Events series organised by TTG Events, a business group of TTG Asia Media.

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Ryanair partners with the Greek National Tourism Organization

Written by Gill Dewar on August 23, 2021. Posted in Destination news, Airline.

Travel news from around the world

Ryanair announced its latest partnership with the Greek National Tourism Organization in a bid to boost tourism recovery in the Hellenic country.

Ryanair and GNTO will partner in a joint communications campaign with the aim of strengthening Greece’s positioning as a tourist destination in the British, German and Italian markets and attract more tourists from here.

The campaign “All you want is Greece” will promote the Greek Islands as a must destination for a summer getaway through Ryanair’s owned channels as well as external digital platforms. Famous for their amazing beaches, clear-blue waters, incredible sunsets, ancient temples and mouth-watering food – the campaign is sure to attract many holidaymakers eager to enjoy a long-awaited sun break.

Ryanair’s Director of Marketing, Dara Brady said: “We are delighted to partner with the Greek National Tourism Organization and work together to rebuild Greece’s leading tourism industry.

“We have significantly increased connectivity to/from the Greek Islands with new routes and additional frequencies from all across Europe. This partnership will promote the wonders of this beautiful region and highlight each of Ryanair’s routes to the Islands, which have proven to be a clear favourite among our customers. Europeans can now enjoy a well-deserved sun break travelling on the lowest fares to the likes of Mykonos, Santorini, Chania, Kos and Rhodes.”

GNTO’s Director for UK & Ireland, Emy Anagnostopoulou, said: “We are very excited to announce this international collaboration with Ryanair in the UK, Italian and German markets respectively, and to introduce to their clients, all that Greece has to offer. We are sure that the Ryanair customers will enjoy the crystal-clear waters and sandy beaches as well as the mouth-watering gastronomy of Greece. Undiscovered island gems are waiting to be discovered and unique cultural treasures can be explored throughout the breath-taking landscapes of both the mainland and the numerous Greek islands.”

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Amazing travel facts Uganda

Written by Gill Dewar on August 20, 2021. Posted in Amazing Facts.

AMAZING TRAVEL FACTS

Some are fortunate enough to own a Rolex watch, but did you know that there is a country where people eat a Rolex? There, it is a “street food” that is immensely popular.

Amazing, right?

Do you know where we need to travel in order to eat a Rolex?

It is indeed Uganda.

A rolex is similar to a vegetable omelet. Cabbage, tomato, and onion are cooked with eggs and then rolled into a chapati, a tortilla-like unleavened flatbread. Rolexes are omnipresent in the local daily life. Grabbing a rolex on the way to work gives Ugandans time to exchange the daily news while they’re waiting to be served. Many people end their adventures at the roadside rolex stall after a night on the town, too. The name is a play on the phrase “rolled eggs.”

The origins of the rolex are unclear, but the most widespread story claims that the dish can be traced back to a single creative chapati seller named Sula, from Busoga, a region in eastern Uganda. He was likely the first person to pair chapati with scrambled eggs.

According to Uganda’s Daily Monitor, when the snack appeared at Makerere University in Kampala, its popularity boomed, driven by the students’ non-stop quest for a fast, cheap, and delicious on-the-go meal.

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Where in the World Germany

Written by Gill Dewar on August 20, 2021. Posted in Where in the world.

WHERE IN THE WORLD?

Where is this beautiful castle?

Eltz Castle in Germany is a medieval castle nestled in the hills above the Moselle between Koblenz and Trier and is still owned by a branch of the same family (the Eltz family) that lived there in the 12th century, thirty-three generations ago.

The castle is surrounded on three sides by the river Elzbach, a tributary on the north side of the Moselle. It is on a 70-metre (230 ft) rock spur, on an important Roman trade route between rich farmlands and their markets. The Eltz Forest has been declared a nature reserve by Flora-Fauna-Habitat and Natura 2000.

It has incomparable architecture and original furnishings from eight centuries. It offers an armory and treasury with world-class gold and silver work. It stands on a rock and still lies in the valley. It is embedded in the Eltz Forest, a nature reserve of great scenic beauty and full of rare plants and animals. It is also located in the middle of an attractive hiking area, with the award-winning dream path “Eltzer Burgpanorama” and other beautiful paths for every requirement.

The greatest attraction of Eltz Castle is its architecture: With its eight up to 35 meter high residential towers, its bay windows, roofs, half-timbered structures and peaks, it is the epitome of a knight’s castle for the spontaneous viewer, yes the “castle par excellence”

Its location is unique: hidden in a side valley of the Moselle, built there on a 70 m high rock, surrounded on three sides by the Elzbach and surrounded by a natural paradise, it alone allows the perfect medieval dream.

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Where in the World Scotland

Written by Gill Dewar on August 20, 2021. Posted in Where in the world.

WHERE IN THE WORLD?

In which country would you find this amazing cave structure?

Known as Fingal’s Cave, Isle of Staffa, Scotland it bears a history and geology unlike any other cave in the world.

At 72 feet tall and 270 feet deep, what makes this sea cave so visually astoundingly is the hexagonal columns of basalt, shaped in neat six-sided pillars that make up its interior walls. These fractured columns form a crude walkway just above the water level so that visitors can go far inside and explore the cave.

Known to the Celts as Uamh-Binn or “The Cave of Melody,” one Irish legend, in particular, explained the existence of the cave as well as that of the similar Giant’s Causeway in Ireland. As both are made of the same neat basalt columns, the legend holds that they were the end pieces of a bridge built by the Irish giant Fionn mac Cumhaill (a.k.a. Finn McCool), so he could make it to Scotland where he was to fight Benandonner, his gigantic rival.

The legend, which connects the two structures, is in effect geologically correct. Both the Giant’s Causeway and Fingal’s Cave were indeed created by the same ancient lava flow, which may have at one time formed a “bridge” between the two sites. Of course, this happened some 60 million years ago, long before people would have been around to see it. Nonetheless, the deductive reasoning of the ancient peoples formed the connection and base of the legend that the two places must be related.

One can visit the cave via cruise (though boats cannot enter the cave, they make regular passes by it) or can travel to the small island of Staffa and hike into the cave by stepping from column to column. By the way, northern shores of Staffa host a puffin colony during the summer months.

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Africa Travel Week 2022 set to go ahead

Written by Gill Dewar on August 20, 2021. Posted in Destination news, Featured events, MICE.

Travel news from around the world

Africa Travel Week 2022 will go ahead in Cape Town from April 11 to 13, bringing together Pan-African and international exhibitors as well as buyers from across the globe at the headline shows, World Travel Market Africa (WTM Africa) and International Luxury Travel Market Africa (ILTM Africa).

The three-day live event – being planned to include in-person and virtual events – will include all the highlights delegates have come to expect from previous events, including a robust speaker programme and associated events like International Business Market Africa, EQUAL Africa, Travel Forward, Sports and Events Tourism Exchange (SETE) and the Africa Tourism Investment Summit (ATIS).

EQUAL Africa will bring together travel suppliers and buyers as well as lifestyle brands targeting the LGBTQ+ community. For the meetings, incentives, conferences and events industry, there’s IBTM Africa and stakeholders working in the sports, events and tourism industries won’t want to miss SETE.

Lastly, Travel Forward is the leading travel technology show where travel executives and innovative solution providers gain access to cutting-edge insights, open debate and unrivalled networking opportunities.

Tourism investments across the continent will also be in the spotlight at the Africa Tourism Investment Summit, which WTM Africa will be co-hosting with the International Tourism and Investment Summit (ITIC).

“Our 2021 event was a resounding success, virtually bringing together investors and development projects to unlock a diversity of investment and business opportunities in tourism and travel destinations around the world that can be aligned with the UN 2030 Agenda – Sustainable Development Goals,” said Megan Oberholzer, Reed Exhibitions Africa portfolio director travel, tourism & creative industries.

For the 2022 event, Africa Travel Week will renew its partnerships with organisations like the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association, the Africa Tourism Association and Africa Travel and Tourism Association to ensure that the themes addressed at the event will reflect those pressing issues for tourism stakeholders seeking to reignite tourism to the continent.

“Our partnership with the City of Cape Town is particularly noteworthy. We are privileged to be able to host a world-class event in a world-class city and can’t wait to welcome back all delegates to experience the best of Cape Town,” said Megan.

Executive Mayor Dan Plato, said the South African vaccination programme was gaining momentum, bringing the city a step closer to hosting large-scale events.

“We are pleased that Africa Travel Week 2022 will be part of those events. The City of Cape Town has worked with the tourism industry and other government counterparts to put together health and safety protocols to ensure we can safely welcome international visitors to our shores.

“Africa Travel Week is the perfect platform for us to showcase, to the international market, how our tourism sector has adapted to the times and improved on our already world-class offerings,” said Dan.

ATW buyers have indicated their commitment to and excitement about attending a live event in April 2022. “We saw the pent-up demand from buyers with our virtual event in 2021, which saw over 5 000 successful 1-on-1 meetings held, 4 300 minutes of speed networking and 4 000 views of content sessions. Bringing the live and virtual together for 2022, we’re expecting even greater engagement, so watch this space,” concluded Megan.

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Anakonda Amazon Cruises Specials

Written by Gill Dewar on August 20, 2021. Posted in Destination news, Cruise, Travel Deal.

Travel news from around the world

More and more people are planning their post-covid vacations and a cruise in the Ecuadorian Amazon is the perfect experience to offer your guests. In addition, our itineraries are designed to be easily combined with the Galapagos Islands.

Book early and receive a discount of up to 20% on all our 2022 and 2023 departures!

Special offer valid only until October 31st, 2021

Does not apply for Christmas and News Year’s Eve departures.

Special conditions apply.

Click here for more information.

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Where in the World India

Written by Gill Dewar on August 18, 2021. Posted in Where in the world.

WHERE IN THE WORLD?

Where is this beautiful facade?

Dwarkadhish Temple in Dwarka, India, is believed to have been established more than 2500 years ago by Lord Krishna’s great grandson, Vajranabh.

The ancient temple has been renovated several times, especially leaving imprints of 16th and 19th centuries. The temple stands on a small hill accessed by 50 plus steps, with heavily sculptured walls that cocoon the sanctum with the main Krishna idol. Around the complex lie other smaller shrines. The walls have intricately carved mythical characters and legends. The impressive 43 m high spire is topped with a flag made from 52 yards of cloth that flutters in the soft breeze from the Arabian Sea behind the temple.

It is believed that Lord Krishna arrived in Dwarka from Braj in Uttar Pradesh to build the city. The temple was established by his grandson. It is at the cusp of the Gomti River and the Arabian Sea, providing a scenic backdrop to the spiritual site. It is said that Dwarka was submerged under the sea six times and what we see now is its seventh avatar.

The temple itself has a fascinating legend. The original structure was destroyed by Mahmud Begada in 1472, and subsequently rebuilt in the 15th-16th century. It was also feted by Adi Shankaracharya, the 8th century Hindu theologian and philosopher.

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Where in the World Japan

Written by Gill Dewar on August 18, 2021. Posted in Where in the world.

WHERE IN THE WORLD?

Where would you find this huge art work in a field?

As part of a revitalization effort in the early 90s, the village of Inakadate, Japan, decided on a novel way to boost tourism in their town: large-scale rice paddy art.

Now, using seven different kinds of rice as their colour palette, over a thousand local volunteers come together each year to help with the planting process. Over time, the designs have evolved in complexity and now draw in hundreds of thousands of tourists every year.

The city even took the Guinness World Record back in 2015 for creating the world’s largest rice field artwork.

In honour of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, this year’s rice paddy artwork features a depiction of the famous Hokusai ukiyo-e woodblock print ‘The Great Wave off Kanagawa’ along with an image of a kabuki actor, similar to the one seen at the Olympic opening ceremony.

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Where in the World New Zealand

Written by Gill Dewar on August 18, 2021. Posted in Where in the world.

WHERE IN THE WORLD?

Where is this beautiful lake and waterfall?

New Zealand: Situated on the west coast of the South Island, Milford Sound is a fusion of spectacular natural features with amazing visual cues around every corner.

Described by Rudyard Kipling as the ‘eighth wonder of the world’, Milford Sound was carved by glaciers during the ice ages. Breathtaking in any weather, the fiord’s cliffs rise vertically from the dark waters, mountain peaks scrape the sky and waterfalls cascade downwards from as high as 1000 metres. When it rains in Milford Sound, and it often does, those waterfalls multiply with magnificent effect.

Boat cruises – during the day or overnight – are an excellent way to experience the Sound. Adventurous types might also like to head out sea kayaking, diving or flightseeing. To learn more about the local marine life, visit the underwater observatory at Harrison Cove and marvel at the black coral, 11-legged sea stars and delicate anemones.

Many people visit the Sound on a day trip from Te Anau or Queenstown. The small village of Milford Sound also has limited places to stay so pre-booking is advised or choose from the many options in Te Anau or Manapouri. If you’re hungry there’s a café in the village, or you can enjoy food and drink onboard your boat cruise.

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Amazing travel facts Hong Kong

Written by Gill Dewar on August 18, 2021. Posted in Amazing Facts.

AMAZING TRAVEL FACTS

Did you know that the world’s highest bar and rooftop bar is at an altitude of 480 meters on the 118th floor of a luxurious hotel? Not only that, the hotel is also the highest in the world.

Amazing, right?

Do you know where we need to travel in order to have a drink in this rooftop bar?

It is indeed Hong Kong – the Ritz Carlton.

The hotel opened its doors in 2011 and has been the highest hotel in the world since.

It also has the highest rooftop bar in the world.

Designed by Masamichi Katayama, the bar’s large space is split up into an open-air terrace, a long marble bar with stools, lounge areas, and a mini sushi restaurant. The glass-panelled terrace offers almost dizzying views over Victoria Bay and Hong Kong Island – at 8pm, ICC Tower lights up with vibrant designs as part of the Symphony of Lights show.

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Amazing travel facts USA

Written by Gill Dewar on August 18, 2021. Posted in Amazing Facts.

AMAZING TRAVEL FACTS

Did you know that there is a place which is called the diving capital of the world? It has sunken ships, and coral reefs. It even has statues, like a 4500 lbs bronze statue called the “Christ of the Abyss”.

Amazing, right?

Do you know where we need to travel in order to dive here?

Frequently called the diving capital of the world, Key Largo, which runs from mile marker 90 to 112, has all the underwater flair you’d expect including sunken ships, statues and coral reefs you have to see to believe.

Hundreds of years ago Florida Keys became 200 smaller islands, of which Key Largo is the longest. This is how it was in the 1500s when Spanish explorers visited the region and named the island “Cayo Largo,” largo meaning long in Spanish.

Fortunately there was a corps of ecological pioneers in South Florida in the late 1950s who realized this underwater gem was in need of preservation.

On December 3, 1959 the control of the ocean bottom to the three mile limit was transferred to the Florida parks system, and on March 15, 1960 President Eisenhower placed the remaining waters beyond the three mile limit to the edge of the Continental Shelf under the control of the Department of the Interior. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park was now a reality and spearfishing and coral collection were prohibited.

Travel to Florida

Author: Gill Dewar

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