WILDLIFE TOURISM

Tapping the ‘green

There has been a spurt of media reports on tourism promotion in the country. Wildlife reserves and areas of outstanding natural beauty would be the obvious attractions. Though this enthusiasm is encouraging, certain issues have to be taken note of or else unregulated tourism will be another serious threat to the list of problems to our wildlife and their habitats.

In India, tourism to wildlife destinations in the garb of “eco-tourism” is already a popular concept. However, the term is by and large misused. In practice, it is used as just another “eco-sell” marketing tool. Wldlife tourism is carried out in an unsystematic and unscientific manner with no clearly laid out policies. For instance, carrying capacity is undefined for most of our protected areas, neither have there been scientific rules defined on visitor discipline. Enforcement of existing regulations has been very frail. Many of our natural wonders are seen as ideal locations to be unruly, play loud music, for gambling or as locations for recreational activities with little interest in experiencing natural environments.
Emphasis on conservation

Eco-tourism is defined as “Environmentally responsible travel to natural areas, in order to enjoy and appreciate nature, that promotes conservation, has a low visitor impact and provides for beneficially active socio-economic involvement of local peoples”. Mere use of the prefix “eco” does not lead to eco-tourism. Eco-tourism can be distinguished from other forms of tourism by its emphasis on conservation, education, traveller responsibility and active community participation.

In our country eco-tourism is largely unfamiliar and is restricted to washing linen in an environmentally friendly manner or building thatched huts as lodges. A luxurious wildlife resort in Rajasthan charging over US$ 1,000/guestnight does not even have a conservation policy, depicting poor corporate behaviour. Tourism also has undesirable side-effects. In many areas it has led to negative social and cultural impacts, conflicts between local communities and investors, and also increased living costs for locals.

There are very few examples where eco-tourism is carried out in its true meaning. In the Periyar Tiger Reserve, the forest department has set up tourism eco-development committees. One of the committees is run by local Mannan, Paliyan tribals and carry out wildlife, birdwatching walks, sharing the benefits among its members. This is real eco-tourism.

In Karnataka, places such as Bannerghatta Biological Park or Tavarekoppa Tiger Safaris attract far more visitors than Nagarahole National Park. For a sizable segment of visitors who want “quick” wildlife tourism, we should promote such safaris to educate people on wildlife and utilise the revenue generated to protect larger, more ecologically sensitive wildlife habitats where small-scale, low-impact tourism should take precedence.
Benefits for local communities

The State provides substantial publicity and subsidies to tourism entrepreneurs. However, there is always scope for betterment and we need novel ideas that can provide viable economic development alternatives for local communities with tourism promotion. In places like Nagarahole National Park, where forest dwelling communities have been resettled outside the park, support should be provided to develop their own low-key tourism activities such as guided walks in reserved forests outside the national park limits. People like hands-on activities. Birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts would be attracted to such innovative programs. Non-governmental organisations can help train tribals in communication and also support in running their programs.

In areas where agriculture is no longer profitable due to wildlife crop raiding, farmers adjacent to protected areas can form co-operatives and develop tourism activities in their land. Alternatively tourism companies can lease (not buy) farmland and carry out nature tourism in private lands. I am certain such tourism can bring in better revenue than agriculture and improve community attitudes towards wildlife.

Eco-tourism should promote conservation ethics and generate public awareness through accurate scientific information and not “story telling” which is the current trend. This needs trained, motivated education officers and attractively designed interpretation centres which is currently lacking both in the Government and private sector. Eco-tourism should motivate visitors to a more “active” contribution to wildlife conservation.

Nature tourism is growing at 10-12 per cent annually. With the neo-classical economic development bringing increased disposable income, advances in transportation, advanced information technology and corporatisation of this industry, low impact wildlife tourism has great potential; however it has to be well regulated. In its current form, it lacks focus, discipline and sensitivity to both wildlife conservation and local cultures. Wildlife landscapes should be more seen as outdoor educational classrooms rather than recreational locations. Well-implemented, scientific and environmentally sustainable wildlife tourism can bring in larger public support for conservation. Government and private entrepreneurs should solicit NGOs and academic institutions to provide technical and educational support. Monitoring sustainability, developing objective indicators, systematically tracking short-term and long-term tourism impacts through research that would help in developing appropriate policies and management guidelines, could all be the role of wildlife tourism researchers. Building awareness about the negative impacts of tourism among tourism entrepreneurs, guides, safari drivers has to be another key activity for NGOs. A nascent effort in this direction is taken up by Travel Operators for Tigers (TOFT), a non-profit joint venture of U.K.-based India-focused travel operators and Global Tiger Patrol through eco-labelling of wildlife resorts in six tiger reserves in north India.
Towarsds fair distribution

Is there a linkage between promoting tourism and wildlife conservation? Though the volume of park-based tourism has substantially increased, there is little direct linkage between the benefits reaped by tourism entrepreneurs and wildlife conservation. Tourism is an economic activity and it cannot be a one-sided transaction. There should be fair distribution of benefits for preservation of the attractions that are the source of tourist interest, which are wildlife in this case. Urgent steps have to be taken to encourage the tourism industry, including hotel and resort owners, restaurants, souvenir shops, travel agents and all others benefiting directly or indirectly from wildlife tourism, to contribute for conservation efforts through setting up a separate protected area conservation tax under the local forest department. This would also enhance the non-use value of protected areas.

Eco-tourism should provide genuine development opportunity for local communities and involve them in planning, development, operation and benefit sharing. Focus should be on optimising local economic benefits, developing leadership and skills of local communities for higher paid jobs rather than restricting them to jobs such as cooks, drivers, gardeners or cleaners. Though such jobs are certainly helpful, the ratio of revenue sharing is minimal. Eco-tourism should offer jobs that provide an alternative to agriculture, animal husbandry or other forms of land use that are causes of wildlife habitat degradation. However we need to be cautioned that over-dependence, unplanned tourism can be risky and can cause severe damage to ecological integrity.
source:http://www.hindu.com/mag/2007/12/30/stories/2007123050320700.htm

Holiday hotspots: where are we heading in 2008?

Forget glitz, crowds and over-development: the key holiday destinations in 2008 will be those remote corners of the globe that offer comfort, solitude and authenticity, writes Mark Jones.

Once upon a time, writing an article of predictions such as this would have been a straightforward task. Name-check some big openings, whisk around the atlas with a style thermometer naming what's hot, where's cool, where has gone tepid and who's been frozen out.

No longer. Now you can't look forward in the travel business without grappling with the Big Issues: global warming, geo-politics, China, international security. Many of these issues came together at the Bali conference this month - and what a choice of venue that was. Only a few years ago, nowhere better symbolised the innocence of modern multicultural travel: a place where young Australians flocked to get drunk and rich Britons fled to chill out. Now Bali - sadder, wiser, bombed, more wary Bali - will become shorthand for nothing less than the battle to save the planet.

Greener travel

The great hope for 2008 is that tourism, like other global industries, can find a way to be both green and profitable. At present, niche operators such as hotelier Campbell Gray (One Aldwych and Carlisle Bay, among others) can safely target the sliver of wealthy travellers who really do prefer a single perfect apple in an earthenware bowl to a huge basket of waxy fruit wrapped in cellophane. Still, a decisive shift is taking place and any hotel-owner who thinks that going green means putting a little card in the bathroom asking you whether you want your towels washed has spectacularly missed the point.

The World Tourism Organisation (WTO) says that tourism accounts for 10 per cent of global GDP. International tourism will triple in next 20 years and international arrivals are expected to rise from 700 million to 1.6 billion by the year 2020. That's a lot of people on the move burning a lot of fuel. But no sane environmental campaigner can simply set up camp outside Heathrow and tell us to stop flying.

More WTO figures: tourism employs over 250 million people. It is the main money-earner for a third of developing nations and the primary source of foreign-exchange earnings for the majority of the 49 least developed countries. So by all means choose Norfolk rather than The Gambia for your summer holiday if it eases your worries about air miles. But be aware that a tourism drought in these countries will be just as devastating as any other kind.

We will see more travellers opting for the so-called "gold standard" carbon offsetting schemes (too complicated to go into here, but it's about more than planting a few trees).

Where we'll be going

The indications are that we will be choosing our big holiday more thoughtfully, opting to keep it real and low-scale in Africa or Latin America. The success of Namibia and Botswana in limiting developments to a few high-quality lodges and responsible operators is encouraging others to follow suit. The coming year will be a landmark one in Zambia, where Abercrombie&Kent plans to open no fewer than seven new camps (four of them in 2008).

In Botswana, Colin Bell, the founder of Wilderness Safaris, has gone into partnership with Mark Read (the former head of WWF in South Africa) to create the Selinda Reserve (due to open in April). While in July, the celebrated Zambian guide Robin Pope is opening Pamulani in July, a new lodge on Lake Malawi, set inside a World Heritage Site.

South America will continue to supplant south-east Asia as the destination of choice for intrepid long-haulers and gap-yearlings. The Atacama Desert will get the boutique treatment with the new Tierra Atacama Hotel and Spa, while long-standing Latin American experts Cazenove+Loyd are beginning tailor-made hiking trips into the remote areas of the Torres Del Paine National Park in Chilean Patagonia. They have also spotted that Machu Picchu is becoming overworn and are starting treks through remote Andean villages avoiding the tourist trail.

Even before regime change happens in Washington, the hawks are in flight. That makes the prospect of visiting Iran or Syria, say, much more palatable. In fact, as anyone who has travelled in those countries knows, it's hard to feel safer and less hassled anywhere in the world; and it will take huge increases in visitor numbers to make magical places like Isfahan, Persepolis, Palmyra and Aleppo feel crowded.
source:http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/main.jhtml?xml=/travel/2007/12/31/et-hotspots2008-131.xml

New business model needed, vendor says

A San Diego gift shop operator has drawn the ire of cultural watchdogs after ousting island artisans from one of Hawaii's most popular tourist attractions.

Some fans of the Polynesian Cultural Center, which draws about 700,000 visitors each year, complain that many authentic crafts have disappeared from the center's gift shop on Oahu since San Diego-based Event Network took over retail operations last year.

“I tried to go Christmas shopping and couldn't find the local crafters that I normally find at PCC,” said Kathy Connors, a resident of Windward Oahu. “I'd say at least 90 percent of it is made in China or overseas. I'm originally from Hong Kong, and I just can't send Made-In-China Hawaiian gifts to friends in Hong Kong.”

Event Network, which operates gift shops in museums, aquariums and other attractions nationwide, acknowledged that the previous handful of local artisans and vendors who ran several center shops were let go when the company took over.

The center, located about one hour from Waikiki, is a top tourist destination. It consists of seven native villages that are designed to give visitors a glimpse of native Hawaiian and other South Pacific cultures.

But the perceived influx of look-alike crafts not produced on the islands has miffed cultural purists. The issue landed Event Network on the front page of The Honolulu Advertiser last week.


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Larry Gilbert, president of Event Network, maintains that the center's gift shops and crafts remain “very authentic” to the cultures the center showcases. He said the shops source many of the same items from the displaced vendors as well as new ones.

“There are people who create crafts all over the Hawaiian and Polynesian islands, and there are many different people we buy from,” said Gilbert, whose company operates gift shops in 48 locations, including the San Diego Air &Space Museum in Balboa Park. “There isn't just one source of product. Our job is to bring together the best and most authentic and most interesting assortment possible. It is no different from any retail environment – sources change.”

The center does offer products made in Hawaii and the Pacific, including tapa cloth made in Hawaii and Fiji, according to Event Network. Other items are produced elsewhere to keep them affordable – for instance, the center's Hawaiian-style quilts are made in the Philippines.

Susan Kunz, director of PCC's retail stores for Event Network, said the company required a “different business model” when it took over operations for the center, according to the Advertiser article that ran Thursday.

“There were a lot of unhappy feelings. For some of these people that was their whole livelihood. So that's a tough thing,” Kunz said. “But it just becomes a different business model. You just have to adjust. It's a different way of doing business.”

Kunz told the newspaper that the challenge is maintaining a product balance that serves everyone from Saudi princes to everyday tourists. Because PCC is a major cultural attraction it needs a steady supply of quality products, she said.

“I need to find people who can supply me and who can keep me in product and who can deal with a company,” Kunz told the Advertiser. “We don't do cash on delivery, for example. And we're not a craft fair. We're not one-time buyers. So we deal with purchase orders. And we pay with a check after 30 days – that kind of thing.

“And some of that becomes very difficult for our local crafters because they're not used to it,” Kunz said.

Cultural watchdogs who are championing some of the local artisans said the “mainland” business model doesn't always work for one-of-a-kind items. Kona Hahn, a native Hawaiian whose family practiced the art of lauhala weaving, said a compromise should be found.

“We are trying to keep part of our heritage alive by doing the authentic things that were done generations ago,” Hahn said. “So many tourists make the PCC a destination. They've paid all this money to come to Hawaii and they want to bring home something made in Hawaii – not the Philippines.”

source:http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/business/20071218-9999-1b18hawaii.html

New Year revellers not visiting Maoist land

Raipur, Dec 27 - With hills, caves and waterfalls, Bastar makes for a picturesque getaway, yet there has been a sharp drop in the number of New Year revellers in the region that was virtually the epicentre of Maoist violence in Chhattisgarh throughout 2007.

'New Year revellers, a majority of whom consists of families, are shying away from Bastar,' a top official in the tourism department told IANS.

Till Tuesday, around 5,200 people had booked hotels, motels and government guesthouses to usher in the New Year at various tourist spots in Chhattisgarh. Out of these, just about 18 percent (756 people) had booked at Bastar locations.

Last year about 8,000 people had gone to various tourist spots for New Year celebrations, of which 80 percent visited Bastar despite spiralling Maoist violence.

The revellers' reluctance this time to celebrate in Bastar is blamed on rising violence in the region, which includes the worst hit Dantewada and Bijaur districts.

Overall, about 95 percent of the Maoist violence in the state has been recorded in the Bastar region, which is spread over some 40,000 sq km in five districts. The violence has resulted in some 300 deaths, including 202 policemen, this year.

'They seem to be preferring the state's northern region's hill station Mainpat in Surguja district, the wildlife-rich forest location at Barnawapara in Mahasamund district and Achanakmar forest reserve in Bilaspur district.'

He, however, pointed out that tourist spots in Bastar have never seen any Maoist violence.

The Bastar region is home to ancient monuments, rare wildlife, waterfalls and rock paintings.

One of the places known for its natural beauty is Chitrakote, where the Indravati river abruptly drops 96 feet, resulting in a spectacular horseshoe waterfall often compared with the Niagara Falls.

Bastar also boasts of the Kailash and Kutumsar caves that are said to be three billion years old.

Left extremists have stepped up their activities in Bastar this month. They blew up a police station Dec 12, engineered a daring jailbreak Dec 16 from Dantewada prison in which 299 inmates, including nearly 100 Maoist cadres, escaped and killed 12 policemen Dec 20 in Konta block in Dantewada.

source:http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/164854.html

Switzerland-The Dream Destination

It’s truly a stunning and an astonishing fact that how a small country likes Switzerland possesses extraordinary varieties of attraction. The country is the land of natural treasure and hence it is the dream destination of every tourist. The country Switzerland is located in Central Europe. The total land area of the country is equal to 41,290 sq. km. The capital city of Switzerland is Bern. The total population of the country is 7,554,661. The largest city of Switzerland is Zurich. The prominent language of Switzerland is the German language.

The history of the place is truly interesting. In the ancient times in 1291 the country, Switzerland is called as Helvetia. It consisted of only three districts. Later in 1798, the French revolutionary troops occupied the country and they named it as the Helvetic Republic. Later in the year 1815, the country was guaranteed the neutrality and recognized as the independence of Switzerland by the Congress of Vienna. But again in the year 1847, in the revolutionary period the Catholic cantons were defeated and rejoined the federation.

The country Switzerland is one of the fabulous touring places on the earth. The alpine beauty of the high beautiful peaks and the breathtaking sceneries of the place will never fail to allure you. The panoramic view of the Mount Pilatus in Lucerene is simply gorgeous. There on you can enjoy an amazing journey to a height of about 7000 feet on a cable car. Switzerland is a land of mountains. Most of the mountains peaks remains covered with snow.

One of the famous mountain peaks is Jungfraujoch, which is popularly known as the “Rooftop of Europe”. This panoramic sight is situated in the Swiss Alps at a height of about 11,333 feet. It has been one of major tourist places in Switzerland, since time immemorial. Hold your nerves to explore these beautiful and magnificent glacier mountain peaks. Also never get baffled if you find a village on these mountain tops. Alps in Zermatt are one of the famous peaks of Switzerland and it is a popular destination for the mountaineers. The tourists also enjoy skiing adventure in the Matterhorn that is located in Zermatt.

While travel to Switzerland, one can never afford to overlook the natural treasures and adventurous thrills that one can experience in the Mount Matterhorn. The principal rivers of the country are the river Rhine, Ticino, and the river Inn. The other attraction of the place is the picturesque views of streams and lakes. These water bodies provide sensational pleasures to the travelers. The Lake Geneva, Lake Lugano, Lake Maggiore, Lake of Neuchatel and Lake of Lucerene are some of the other attractions of the country, Switzerland.

You can assure a comfortable stay in Switzerland. There are many 5 star, 4 star and 3 star hotels in Switzerland. The Switzerland airline is a big and reliable network, which ensures to make your Switzerland travel more comfortable and luxurious one. You can experience the extreme pleasure of your Switzerland tour by taking the assistance of the travel agents in Switzerland.

Switzerland - a cool spot for a festive vacation

GENEVA - There's nothing like a steaming pot of vegetable soup on a chilly winter night, especially when spiced with a dash of history.

It's something citizens of this Swiss city have been sharing with visitors since 1602, when the first hot serving was poured over the head of an unfortunate soldier. The trooper was part of the Duke of Savoy's invading army. He got in the way of an angry housewife bent on doing her bit to save Geneva with the only thing she had at hand. While residents were fighting off the assault on their city with artillery and rocks, a certain Mme. Royaume stepped into the picture, adding her cauldron of deadly soup to the city's arsenal.

Now, every December, the Swiss city-canton of Geneva celebrates L'Escalade, or "scaling," an event recalling the time when Savoy troops used ladders to storm the city's walls.

n honour of the formidable lady who helped defend the city, Geneva's citizens sip cups of soup during an annual torchlight parade celebrating the city's great victory. Visitors can join in the parade as it makes its way along a traditional path through the streets of the old city along both banks of the River Rhone. Thousands of enthusiasts, many geared out in military costumes from the period, pack Geneva's streets in an event of celebration and pageantry held over the mid-December weekend.

Prominent among the period-costumed marchers is old Madam Royaume, still carrying her marmite, or cooking pot as a reminder of the culinary armament that helped save Geneva. These days, her aggression has been replaced with hospitality, and the soup she serves in souvenir bowls comes with a smile. At stops along the parade, a messenger on horseback reads out the victory proclamation amidst great fanfare, before the whole procession eventually winds up at St. Peter's Cathedral about three hours later to sing patriotic songs. Nobody throws cauldrons of vegetable soup on anyone's head these days, even if they are from Savoy, but trust the Swiss to come up with a chocolate substitute for madam's hot soup weaponry.

These days, L'Escalade's cooking pots, or marmites, are made of chocolate and filled with marzipan "vegetables." On the night of big parade, the marmite is traditionally cracked open by the youngest and oldest person in Geneva's households, and the shattered pieces gleefully eaten by everyone. Throughout December, Geneva is adorned with lights, colour and music, but an important focus for residents of the city in southwest Switzerland is their annual Christmas market.

For about a month leading up to Christmas, Geneva, like many cities and towns across the country, opens its heart, and collective pocket book, to the commercialized delights offered up at these local festive markets. The tradition attracts thousands of visitors, not just from Switzerland, but, thanks to cheap discount airfares, from all across Europe. Weekend specials bring in shoppers from London to Moscow who want to get an early start on Christmas gift-hunting. Even if you're just into window shopping, watching buyers and sellers wheel and deal under the glitter of lights and good cheer is a great way to warm the spirit. It's worth a visit just to watch the joy in children's eyes as they build up excitement for the coming holidays. Handmade wooden toys, nativity figurines, Christmas ornaments and tasty gingerbread are some of the popular items on sale.

Held at Place de la Fusterie, Geneva's Christmas market provides lots of fun for locals and visitors alike, but it's not the biggest in Switzerland. Zurich, Montreux, Basel and Bern hold elaborate month-long Christmas markets, operating until Christmas Eve, while smaller towns often prefer holding weekend events. Wherever you find yourself in Switzerland in December, it seems crowds are gathered around the brightly lit Christmas market stalls, which are housed in little wooden huts nestled close together and decorated with garlands of spruce.

Basel, in Switzerland's north, hosts its Christmas market at the Markplatz, where toy stalls, hot mulled wine (gluhwein) and Christmas music help the crowd soak up the Advent atmosphere. It also gets them in the holiday mood to happily part with an abundance of Swiss francs.

Zurich's annual festive market runs Nov. 23 to Dec. 24, and if you're arriving by train you don't have to look far to catch the action. With all the aromas of freshly grilled bratwurst, savory roasting chestnuts and the heady fumes coming from the gluhwein stalls, you just have to follow your nose to track down the action. Called the Christkindli Markt, the event is held in the city's main railway station and it is the largest covered Christmas market in the country. Check out the traditional Christmas tree in the centre of the station concourse. Decked out with 5,000 crystal ornaments, the tree is an annual creation erected by the famous Austrian crystal maker, Swarovski.

When night falls, take a peek outside the station, where the 1.3-kilometre Bahnhofstrasse is a waving sea of light, thanks to the city's $2.5-million illumination project brightening Zurich's principal shopping road.

On the banks of Lake Geneva, the city of Montreux has a huge holiday market. Famous for its summer Jazz Festival, the city generates almost as much enthusiasm for its Christmas Market, with an expected 300,000 visitors expected to tour the 120 or so chalet-style stalls set up for this year's shopping extravaganza. If you're looking to Montreux's market for creative inspiration to help in your Christmas shopping, you will be stepping in some famous footsteps. The centre of the country's main wine production, Montreux and its neighbouring community, Vevey, have proven as big a magnet for artists and writers as the French Riviera. Personalities as diverse as Charlie Chaplin, Victor Hugo, Graham Greene and Igor Stravinsky have all lived, and no doubt shopped, in this beautiful region.

If You Go;
From late November to Christmas Eve, continental Europe is a hotbed for Christmas markets. In Switzerland, the traditional outdoor shopping spree has become as much a part of the festive season as Christmas trees, roast chestnuts and jolly old St. Nicholas.

Zurich, Switzerland's commercial and banking capital and its largest city, is also the nerve centre of the country's highly efficient rail system, making it a great base for visiting other regions of the country.
A Swiss transportation pass, which covers the country's extensive rail network, plus travel on urban trams, busses and trolley systems along with free entry into 400 of the country's museums and galleries, can save a lot of money and hassle.
source:http://www.canada.com/topics/travel/story.html?id=25ec22fc-1327-44e6-83b9-5c8018013822&k=2997

48 hours in New York for the holidays

Got 48 hours to explore New York over the holidays? Reuters correspondents with local knowledge help visitors make the most of the shopping and holiday attractions on offer in the Big Apple.

FRIDAY

6 p.m. - Arriving in Manhattan for a weekend of holiday shopping or to do the sights, what better way to start than with a cocktail. The Campbell Apartment in Grand Central Terminal on 42nd Street at Lexington Ave is offering two new drinks for the holiday season -- The Sugarplum Martini and The Campbell Apartment Holiday Eggnog.

7 p.m. - Walk up Fifth Avenue to take in the holiday lights, including the Rockefeller Christmas Tree which is celebrating its 75th anniversary and draws about 500,000 people a day. Watch the ice skaters below and don't miss the spectacular window displays across the road at the upmarket Saks Fifth Avenue store.

8 p.m. - Try dinner at Tavern on The Green (www.tavernonthegreen) at Central Park West at 67th Street which prides itself on its festive atmosphere with a holiday dinner menu which ends with plum pudding.

10.30 p.m. - End the evening with a ride in a horse-drawn carriage around Central Park, pure magic on a snowy night.

SATURDAY

8 a.m. - With children in tow, a trip to Santaland at Macy's, the massive department store on 34th Street at Broadway, is a must. Wind your way through a wonderland of trains, talking trees and busy elves to the North Pole where you can have photos with Santa. A seasonal puppet show, "Moose Crossing," is in the store's Christmas department. There are fantastic display windows too.

Other stand-in Santas are available for photo opportunities at Bloomingdales on Third Ave at 59th Street, Saks Fifth Avenue at Fifth Ave and 50th Street, Manhattan Mall on 33rd Street at Sixth Ave, South Street Seaport at Pier 17, and the World Financial Center at Winter Garden on Vesey Street.

12 noon - Walk up to Times Square to join the crowds squeezing into Toys 'R Us which has a ferris wheel inside the store and three floors of toys. For a family lunch try Carmines (www.carminesnyc.com) at West 44th Street, an Italian eatery which serves family sized portions of various pastas.

2 p.m. - Time to shop, with New York full of tourist shoppers this time of year enjoying the strength of their currency to the dollar and spending it at designer discount stores like Century 21 (www.c21stores.com) at 22 Courtlandt Street, which is a haven for the truly committed shopper.

There are numerous holiday markets as well to enjoy:

- Bryant Park on Sixth Ave at 42nd Street has over 100 booths with this European-style holiday market one of the biggest in town with free ice-skating on the park's rink.

- Grand Central Holiday Fair in the Vanderbilt Hall has stalls and a kaleidoscopic light show in the main concourse

- Holiday Gift Shops at St. Bartholomew's Church on Park Avenue at 50th Street is a pretty market

- Holiday market at Union Square on 14th Street at Broadway where red and white tents have been put up for various stalls

- Holiday Market at Columbus Circle at Central Park South and Central Park West is an ideal location for foodies

6 p.m. - Aim for an early dinner then pick one off the list of holiday shows in New York.

8 p.m. - There is a show for everyone. From the traditional high-kicking Rockettes at Radio City Hall (www.radiocity.com), to the Nutcracker ballet at the New York State Theater, LincolnCenter (www.nycballet.com), to the more modern musical "The Grinch on Broadway." Other holiday productions include The Big Apple Circus and Cirque du Soleil's Wintuk, a new winter story about a boy's search for snow. Book in advance.

SUNDAY

9 a.m. - What better way to start the day than a trip to Central Park for a ride on the carousel, to see the polar bears and penguins in the zoo, and for a skate around the picturesque Wollman Rink (www.wollmanskatingrink.com). Go early as the rink is packed by noon.

12 noon - Grab a pretzel off a street stand for lunch and head down Fifth Avenue, making the upmarket toy store FAO Schwarz your first stop. Virtually every shore along Fifth Avenue has holiday windows to enjoy including Cartier, Bergdorf Goodman, Tiffany & Co., and Henri Bendel.

2.30 p.m. - St. Patrick's Cathedral on the corner of Fifth Avenue and 51st Street is worth a stop and break from the crowds, regardless of your denomination or religion. It is an architectural beauty and a nativity scene with life-sized statues adds to the holiday spirit.

4 p.m. - Finish off the weekend with the final holiday windows at department store Lord & Taylor at Fifth Ave at 38th St, which are usually the most traditional of them all.

Happy Holidays.

Source:http://www.canada.com/montrealgazette/news/travel/story.html?id=af8fab9f-5989-4bee-a521-a78529b8f332&p=2

Top 10 must-see tourist attractions in Tainan County

Indulge in a hot spring vacation

Guanzihling Hot Spring is one of four major hot spring areas in Taiwan, along with Peitou, Yangmingshan and Sihchongsi. Guanzihling Hot Spring includes alkalinity carbonate and other minerals, which make the local spring water look a bit murky and muddy. It is believed, however, to have a curative effect on various skin diseases.

Observe black-faced spoonbills

Starting in September each year, black-faced spoonbills fly in groups from northern Asia to spend the long, cold winter along the Zengwu River in Tainan County. The bird's name comes from their spoon-like black beak. In March, they return to the north to breed.

Experience the Tainan County Lantern Festival

During the Chinese New Year -- also known as the Spring Festival -- local governments hold lantern exhibitions throughout cities starting on the 15th day of the lunar calendar. In Tainan County, the coming lantern festival will be held in the "Solar City" district of the Southern Science-based Industrial Park, already dubbed, "The World's Most Brilliant Lantern Festival."

Visit the Tower with eight angles

The Ba-jao Lo -- or tower with eight angles -- was built in Yen shui Town in the Ching Dynasty. The wooden structure was designed by master carpenters from Fu Zhou, and later became the center of the borwn sugar trade in the region.

'Bai-Bai' at Nankunshen Daitianfu Temple

Built in 1662, Nankunshen Daitianfu is the oldest and largest Wangye temple in Taiwan. The religious edifice, made of wood, brick and Laojhensheh stones, is dedicated to the worship of Wufu Ciansuei, of the Li, Chih, Wu, Jhu, and Fan families. The outer walls of the temple are richly decorated with artwork depicting mythological animals, gods, historic figures and renowned military officers.

Legendary Yuan Shui firecracker ceremony

Also held during the Chinese New Year, the Yuanshui Fongpao -- Yuanshui firecracker ceremony -- takes place in Yuan Shui Township to commemorate the end of a cholera epidemic that hit the area in the 19th century. Local businesses thus called on "Guan The Holy Sovereign" to visit the town and end the epidemic by setting off firecrackers.

Ride through Hsiaolung Culture Park

Hsiaolung Culture Park, also known as Chiali Sugar Factory, includes a 13.8-hectare recreational area. The factory's red-brick main building was built in 1906 by Meiji Sugar Manufacturing Cooperation during the Japanese colonial era, and is surrounded by hudred-year-old trees. Trains from the sugar factory used to provide transportation for sugarcane and local residents, but nowadays only tourists enjoy the picturesque ride on a traditional coal-locomotive thorough the park.

Hiking the salt mountains

Located in Chiku town, Chiku Yunchang is the largest sun-dried field of sea salt in Taiwan, with a total area of 1,800 hectares. Today, Chiku Yunchang has become a famous scenic spot, where tourists can enjoy salt mountain hiking and bathing in a sea salt swimming pool.

Nap by Hsikou little Swiss

Hsikou little Swiss takes its name from a quiet, Swiss-like scene upstream from Coral Lake, which is surrounded by a forest of maple trees, bamboo, acajou and evergreens. Located by the lake, Hsikou camping ground offers a quiet and relaxing environment for the family in the heart of nature.

Meditate at Hsikang Cing-an Temple

The temple, located in Hsikang Town, is also called "Jinda Temple" because it is richly decorated in gold foil. The temple's vivid artistic representations of local deities show them posing in colorful postures. The main structure of the building dates back to the Ching Dynasty.

Source:http://www.chinapost.com.tw/supplement/2007/12/14/134925/Top-10.htm

Tainan County blends culture and nature into top tourist attractions

Tainan County's top tourist attractions are a blend of local culture and nature, the county's first-magistrate said yesterday in an exclusive interview with The China Post, while noting the region has a lot to offer foreign visitors during the various festivals held year-round.

For instance, the Taiwan international orchid show, the Taiwan coffee festival, lantern festival, and bird-watching for "black-faced spoonbills," and the Yuan Shui firecracker ceremony, all top the list of Taiwan's most popular tourists attractions.

"It is a little bit painful if you don't wear appropriate protection," said Tainan County Magistrate Su Huan-Chih about the Yuan Shui firecracker festival, which he has taken part in for the past three years. Further, he strongly recommended wearing a safety helmet and appropriate clothing before participating in the event.

Hundred of thousands of people from all over the island go to Tainan County each year to join in the annual events held on the 15th day of the lunar calendar after the Chinese New Year. The Yuanshui Fongpao -- Yuanshui firecrackers Festival -- takes place in Yuan Shui Township to commemorate the end of a cholera epidemic in the 19th century. Other famous religious festivals held in Tainan County include the Sigong Shaowangchuan -- a ceremony to burn a Wangchuan boat, or the Pingpu Yeji -- a night festival.

Moreover, some theme exhibition halls such as the Chimei Museum, Donglonggong Culture Exhibition Hall, and Tainan Museum of History are places you wouldn't want to miss when you go to Tainan County, he said.

Su added that Tainan County has come a long way in Taiwan's history. During the Japanese colonial era, hot spring water was first used for treating skin ailments of wounded soldiers before it eventually evolved into its current health and leisure industry. Guanzihling Hot Spring is currently one of the four main hot spring areas in Taiwan, along with Peitou, Yangminshan, and Sihchongsi.

Because this "murky hot spring" is unique in Taiwan -- only Japan and Italy have the same kind of hot spring -- Tainan County has integrated spa treatments with various tourist sites and attractions, such as the Lingding Park or the Haohanpo Hiking Trials, and succeeded in attracting a new crowd to the region.

Source:http://www.chinapost.com.tw/supplement/2007/12/14/134923/Tainan-County.htm

What makes Costa Brava such a popular tourist destination?

According to the INE statistics growth in the Catalonian tourist sector kept growing in 2007 with a 4,1% increase respect to the previous year. That maintains it to the second most visited area in Spain just after Baleares. Catalonia represents 21, 7% of foreign tourism in Spain and more precisely, it is Costa Brava that is the second most touristic region in Spain. Accommodation in Costa Brava is already in high demand and is still growing. That is why www.barcelonapoint.com has invested in offering both hotel and private holiday apartment accommodation.

The factors that make Costa Brava so appreciated by tourists are many. First come the geographic particularities of the area. Costa Brava is such a surprising diverse region, it offers a wide range of rugged mountains, cliffs, unique preserved beaches, bays and many famous harbors. It also has very particular interior cities and villages.

The climate is also one of the main attractive criteria that benefits to Costa Brava. The region has nearly year-round warm temperatures and sun-drenched beaches.
Then, Costa Brava’s history and culture is one of the richest and most interesting of Spain. The region is affluent in theatres, museums, castles and artistic historic places. It is without counting that Costa Brava has one of the best golf courses, beach activities facilities, shopping areas, restaurants, bars and nightlife.

Moreover, the proximity with Barcelona brings even more value to Costa Brava. Barcelona is possibly the most internationally famous, exciting and stunning city in Spain. This is why www.barcelonapoint.com has become an expert in both Barcelona and the Costa Brava.
Last but not least, Costa Brava lastly improved significantly its accessibility to the rest of Europe thanks to a huge amount of competition among low cost airlines that made it much easier and cheaper to travel to and from Spain.

Tourist industry in Costa Brava is then clearly growing up by taking advantage of Costa Brava popularity. Nevertheless, holiday trends are evolving, moving away from travel agent booking towards direct online holiday accommodation booking services.

Source:http://www.openpr.com/news/33877/What-makes-Costa-Brava-such-a-popular-tourist-destination.html

Forget Phuket

You've seen the pictures of one of Thailand's main drawcards: shimmering blue water lapping along the shores of the white-sand beaches, limestone outcrops rising out of the ocean.

You may have even seen movies set around the picturesque islands. Think of The Beach, where Leonardo DiCaprio and friends discover their own island 'paradise'.

Then there's Ko Phing Kan, better known as James Bond Island since its feature role in The Man With The Golden Gun in the 1970s.

So where exactly are these postcard-perfect gems in Thailand?

It must be the tourist mecca of Phuket, right? Or Ko Samui?

Try Krabi.

"The crystal clear water and limestone and beautiful clear beaches ... for me personally I thought it was Phuket, because Thailand is always Phuket, Phuket, Phuket," says Edwardo Iswandl, a relatively recent inductee to Krabi's charms.

"But when we came here, they are all Krabi in fact. They are in the Krabi province."

Located about 800 kilometres south of the Thai capital of Bangkok, Krabi is probably best described as a younger version of Phuket.

It's Phuket 10 years ago - less commercial than its more well-known big brother.

It's a good way to be, particularly in these days of heightened environmental awareness, according to Sofitel Phokeethra Krabi Resort & Spa general manager Ove Sandstrom.

"I mean Krabi is now, it's fresh, this is really Thailand like it was in Phuket 10 to 15 years ago.

"I think they can keep it like this. Today you know you have global warming, people are becoming more and more conscious about the environment.

"So now the nature is the biggest attraction. If you want the nightlife, OK you go to Bangkok."

The local government, Sandstrom and Iswandl say, is keen to keep it that way.

"It's not exploited, because the local government had made it stricter than anywhere else," Sandstrom says. "It's the only region in Thailand where you're not allowed to exploit the beach."

Source:http://www.theage.com.au/news/thailand/forget-phuket/2007/11/29/1196037034302.html

Egypt Attractions - Top 10 Tourist Attractions of Egypt

Egypt is located in North Africa and is among the top most tourist destinations of the world. No other country comes even closer to Egypt when it comes to the number of magnificent monuments, activities and historical attractions. More than ninety percent of all Egyptian attractions are lined up along the river Nile. Many places can therefore visited by taking a cruise in the Nile river (besides road and air travel). Since it is a popular tourist destination Egypt offers extensive facilities for tourists.

Top 10 attractions of Egypt are:

1. PYRAMIDS: There are more than 80 pyramids in Egypt which were built mostly between 2600 BC and 1500 BC and all are situated close to the Nile river. After the ruler died (or other prominent royal figures like queens), their bodies were wrapped and preserved as a mummy, and placed in the Pyramid. The most popular pyramids are the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx: An estimated 20,000 to 30,000 workers built the Pyramids at Giza over 80 years. Giza also has the largest pyramid also known as "Great Pyramid" which rises an amazing 481 feet.

2. CAIRO: It is the capital of Egypt. Popular attractions of Cairo include:

a) Khan al-Khalili market: Khan al-Khalili is one of the largest markets in the world which attracts both local's and international tourists. This is a great place to but exotic perfume bottles, Arabic clothing and other souvenirs.

b) Egyptian Museum of Antiquities: It have over hundred thousand artifacts in 107 halls. The most popular attraction is the Tutankhamun Gallery.

c) Other attractions are Pyramids of Giza (mentioned above) and Old Cairo.

3. ABU SIMBEL: It was carved out of sandstone cliffs high above the River Nile. The most famous attraction are the four colossal 20m-high statues of Ramses II guarding the entrance. When the waters of Lake Nasser to rise, UNESCO relocated them to a high ground between 1964 and 1968.

4.KARNAK TEMPLES: It is a huge complex comprising of three main temples and many smaller ones, most famous among them is the Temple of Amun. It is estimated that they were built in a time span of 1300 years.

5: LUXOR TEMPLE: The modern town of Luxor is the site of the famous city of Thebes,( or the city of a hundred gates). A row of sphinxes line the entrance to Karnak Temple. The most famous section of these temples is a huge all called the Great Hypostyle Hall.

6: SIWA OASIS: The area is famous for its dates and olives, and is one of the most beautiful landscapes and springs in Egypt. It was the most inaccessible oasis until recently. It lies 60 feed below sea level.

7: NUBIAN MUSEUM OF ASWAN: It is designed to house the fantastic collection items unearthed from the archaeological excavations during the Nubia Campaign.

8. VALLEY OF THE KINGS: The Valley of the Kings is located on the West Bank of the River Nile in Thebes. There are 62 tombs in the valley. It has two components - the East Valley and the West Valley. It is the East Valley which most tourists visit and in which most of the tombs of the New Kingdom Pharaohs can be found.

9: ALEXANDRIA: Best places to see are - Pompey's Pillar,Bibliotheca Alexandria, Alexandria National Museum, King Farouk Palace and the Roman Amphitheater.

10: SHARM EL SHEIKH: Best places to see are - Sinai Mountain, Na'ama Bay,Tiran Island, Terrazzina Beach and White Lagoon.

Other attractions of Egypt include the White Desert, Hurghada and Felucca on the Nile.

SAFETY INFORMATION: There were some terrorist bombings reported in Egypt in last few years. Check travel.state.gov for additional information. Overall the crime rate in Egypt is low. Visitors should consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling. Egypt has high road fatalities rate so you should prefer not to drive yourself unless you feel comfortable.

Source:http://ezinearticles.com/

Cheonggyecheon to get facelift

Cheonggyecheon, the restored downtown stream that celebrated its second anniversary last month, is to undergo a facelift to attract more tourists by highlighting its history and culture.

The stream has become one of Seoul’s most popular tourist attractions since opening in October 2005 and has attracted more than 56 million visitors.

However, most visitors mainly stroll around the stream because Cheonggyecheon lacks facilities for cultural experiences beyond sightseeing.

To counter that, the Seoul Metropolitan Government has recently unveiled a project aimed at making the stream a center for tourism and culture in the city. It has called for the construction of a traditional Korean village, floating catwalk and other cultural facilities near the stream and spread throughout the capital by February next year.

City officials say that the project aims to draw more foreign visitors by establishing diverse cultural facilities based on Cheonggyecheon’s unique features and location.

One of the most distinctive features of the project is the planned restoration of some of the shacks, which lined the stream up until the 1970s to feature the everyday life of post-war Korea.
Shantytowns made of wooden planks covered the banks of Cheonggyecheon in the 1950s and 60s after the Korean War. Restored versions of the shabby dwellings will be displayed along with tools, such as carriers for water buckets and soft coal, a key source of home heating at the time.
Also, part of the project is "the cultural and digital Cheonggyecheon," the city said it will create a digital screen by Dec. 21, using Cheonggye waters for romantic events and a floating stage for entertainment.

People can also make romantic proposals by using the digital screen. They can run UCC images or text messages for their lovers on the so-called "wall of digital proposals" by making applications in advance.

When there are no proposal plans reserved, the huge digital screen will show artistic graphic images every night, made with water and multi-colored lasers.

In the block near the Dongdaemun fashion town, a runway stage with lighting facilities will be set up on the water. The floating catwalk and fountains will be used as a debut stage for aspiring young fashion designers and artists to showcase their works.

On another bridge near the Sewoon electronics arcade, an artsy lighting tower named "Sotdae" will rise to underscore the history of Korea`s electronics mecca in the 1970s and 1980s.

A creative studio will also open near the cluster of hardware stores alongside Cheonggyecheon to develop and showcase products of unique design and metallic processing technology.

A second-phase development plan will follow to make Cheonggyecheon a more captivating part of Seoul, according to city officials.

Source:http://www.kois.go.kr/News/News/NewsView.asp?serial_no=20071123022

Like it or hump it at tourist mecca

FROM my balcony at the Noosa Crest Resort, I cannot hope for a more spectacular view across Noosa, Laguna Bay and the Noosa River. It has been years since I visited this tourist mecca nestled between the crystalline waters of Noosa Sound and the national park.

Our double-storey villa has a distinct Mediterranean feel. It sports uneven terracotta tiles, wrought-iron railings and Tuscan-style pottery and furnishings.

I fold back the entire top-storey glass doors to draw in the view. Out on the private balcony are sun lounges and an extensive barbecue area. Not far away, a rooftop swimming pool, spa and sauna glitter.

It is the perfect spot to hole up for a weekend, but it's not to be. I have the family in tow, and this weekend is all about Noosa with kids.

We start our adventures at the end of Noosa Crest's private boardwalk, where stand-up paddle surfing is taking off. The traditional Hawaiian sport promotes balance, strength and fitness. Chris de Aboitiz and Grant Cunningham have the only surf school in Australia dedicated to it.

We join their free demo day, held on the second Sunday of every month from 7am to 9am at Noosa Lions Park. It's a family affair. Even the dogs are invited, catching a ride on the front of boards. My kids are eager to hit the water and, equipped with paddle, board and a little instruction, are off to discover the calm waterways, learning to manoeuvre, turn and control their craft.

I sense that our instructor Chris, who once worked on Waikiki Beach, could cut a mean wave. But he enjoys the tranquil ripples of the Noosa River. "Many surfers also enjoy this sport," he says. "It's great for cross-training, and it brings together core strength and balance."

There's also a delicate balance between exercise and the stomach, so after some excellent fun and fitness we head to Noosa's Hastings St, where fine food abounds.

The famous precinct is undergoing a $10 million makeover, due to be completed by July 2008, so we dig deep to see what we can find.

Sure enough, the chic and the hip are all still tucked into sidewalk cafes, sipping glasses of vino.

The Massimo ice cream and gelato shop fights for best treat among fresh juices and rich baked delights.

Noosa restaurateur Jim Berardo says few places in the world have the ability to offer both "paddock to plate" and "sea to plate".

"The amazing synergy between grower, fisherman, primary producer and chef has made Noosa Australia's leading regional culinary destination," he says.

The main road through nearby Noosaville is also lined with restaurants. Indeed, the new edition of Lonely Planet Australia gives Gusto's Riverfront Restaurant, Noosaville, the thumbs-up, saying: "It trumps Noosa's classy competition with effortless style, superior service and breezy water views."

We couldn't agree more as we dined on the likes of seared Hervey Bay scallops, Mooloolaba prawn and garlic ravioli and barbecued baby veal fillets. The service is top shelf, and my daughters giggle at the charming waiter who calls them "Madam".

Back in Hastings St, we park the car and hit the beach. There is also a line-up of holiday shopping to be explored -- hats and sunnies, a new surfboard, flowing resort wear and surfer-chic swimmers.

But the kids don't put up with this for long, eager for a camel ride along the quieter Noosa North Shore.

Dave and Lyn Madden have operated Camel Safaris since 1989, winding their camel trains through melaleuca-lined bushland and out on to the huge expanse of sand and ocean of 40 Mile Beach.

Our camel, Menindie, rolls his large rubbery lips and presents a set of yellow teeth. We jump on his back and stroke the coarse hair between his ears, but are rudely rewarded with a jerking from side to side as he gets up clumsily from his knobbly knees.

From here on it's smooth sailing. We set a leisurely pace through shady bushland and on to the beach, enjoying views of seashells, coloured sands and distant Noosa.

This area has so much to offer the family: koalas and scenic walks through Noosa National Park, surf and still water activities, boats to hire, ferries to catch, markets to explore, mountain bikes and kayaks to conquer.

By the end of it, you may be exhausted and sitting on your paddle, but you will be happily grubby: it's standard procedure to get dirty on a top-notch adventure.

Source:http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,22796393-17102,00.html

Mana Live in Costa Rica Tonight

The popular Latin American rock band, Mana, will be performing tonight at the Ricardo Saprissa Stadium in Tibas, North San Jose, Costa Rica, performing a variety of tracks off their new album “Amar Es Combatir” (To Live is to Fight).

Fehr Olvera, the lead singer, recently told a national newspaper the message behind the rock group’s new album stating that life to love is to fight because things in life should be accomplished through love. Life should not be a combat of violence, but a combat of feelings, illusions and soul.

The Mexican band has come to Costa Rica after having already performed at venues across the Europe and the United States as part of the world wide tour and they promise that this gig will be as entertaining as the rest.

Olvera said that he admired Costa Rica a great deal and respected it as one of the most progressive nations in Central America with less corruption and violence than the others.
Source:http://www.costaricaholiday.co.uk/blog/?p=280

Coronado Beach California

Just over the bridge from San Diego is a small, tree-lined beach haven known as Coronado. The "island," as many locals call it, is really a peninsula connected to the mainland by a neck of land named the Silver Strand. Coronado is about a mile from downtown San Diego and is linked to the city by the Coronado-San Diego Bridge. Crown City, as it is called (Coronado means "crowned one" in Spanish), regards itself as a friendly, small town of wide leafy streets lined with Victorian homes and Californian bungalows ... and regards San Diego as somewhere else.

Along with the amicable, small-town atmosphere and near-perfect weather, Coronado proudly touts itself as a car-optional environment. The island is small enough to walk almost anywhere — it's only a mile from the San Diego Bay side of the peninsula to the ocean — and the Coronado 904 Shuttle (fare is $1) loops past most of the hot spots. There are also 15 miles (24 kilometers) of relatively flat paths fit for both cyclists and skaters and even more miles of bike routes along city streets.

The emblem of Coronado is the Hotel Del Coronado — a Victorian pleasure dome that instantly turned Coronado into a beach resort when it opened on the oceanfront in 1888. Other resorts followed, but today the military, not tourism, represents Coronado's largest industry. The North Island Naval Air Station, site of America's first military flying school, occupies the entire north half of Coronado, and Navy SEALs train at the Naval Amphibious Base on the south end of town.

For well over a century, Coronado's beaches have been its fortune. The main beach, Coronado Central Beach, stretches 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometers) behind the great houses along Ocean Boulevard. The morning crowd here includes the SEALs who run along the beach. Later in the day swimmers, bodysurfers, boogie boarders, sand sculptors, tide poolers and, from December through February, whale watchers all take to the sand and sea. North Beach attracts surfers in the morning, and at the extreme north is Dog Beach, where leashless canines can frolic in the surf.

Other beaches include Silver Strand State Beach along the road connecting Coronado to the mainland, where fire rings are provided and overnight RV camping is welcome. Coronado also offers less-crowded beaches. Glorietta Bay Beach is a grassy park and playground with a small sandy beach, and there is a vest-pocket patch of sand beside the wooden pier at the Ferry Landing Marketplace that's a good bet for a barren beach.

Source:http://travel.discovery.com/ideas/best-beaches/guides/coronado.html

Fewer tourists visit Britain

One million fewer tourists visited Britain during the three months to September, compared with the same period last year, as sky-high prices, poor airports and bad weather deterred people, official figures showed.

Overseas visitor numbers fell by 10 per cent to 9.25 million – the largest quarterly fall since the fall out of September 11, 2001, when American tourists numbers ground to a halt. This time, the weak dollar, rather than terrorism, is behind the fall in numbers.

Added to this, is Britain’s increasing reputation as an unexciting, troublesome destination, compared to more exotic places in Asia.

Elliott Frisby at VisitBritain, the Government-backed agency that promotes the country to tourists, said: “The exchange rate is seriously starting to bite for many North Americans. Visits from that region are predominantly driven by price, and many Americans are choosing to stay at home.”

Americans are the most important visitors to the UK as they tend to spend the most and stay the longest, frequently travelling outside London to the Lake district and other areas that are very reliant on the tourist dollar.

Tour operators and analysts also cite “Heathrow hassle” and the increase in air passenger duty as contributors to the fall, with this summer’s airport delays and dire weather all helping to persuade visitors to travel elsewhere.

The emergence of China, Turkey, India and other exciting locations competing for international visitors is another factor.

“Competition is hotting up and people want to go to new destinations that have got the 'brag factor’ – where you can take the photos and come back home and tell all your friends. Britain just doesn’t have that,” said Mr Frisby.

David Else, the author of Lonely Planet’s guide to Great Britain, said he was sad that tourist numbers had fallen after a resurgent few years.

“My view is that Britain is not boring at all. Yes, it is expensive compared to many other countries, but it is a great place and the tourist facilities have all improved enormously in recent years – the cafes, restaurants, attractions, the transport links. Everything is getting better.”

Source:http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/main.jhtml?xml=/travel/2007/11/14/et-tourism-114.xml

Cemeteries as tourist attractions?

The idea of a cemetery as a place to visit in the course of a vacation, may not exactly resound with Jamaican sensitivities, but Mayor of Kingston, Desmond McKenzie, has raised an interesting idea: making the May Pen Cemetery a tourist attraction.

The fact is we're not a 'cemetery people', despite our penchant for elaborate funerals and mourning rituals. There are, however, other places where cemeteries do attract tourists, particularly if they are the final resting place of celebrities.

One of the famous sightseeing spots of Europe, for instance, is the Pére Lachaise Cemetery in Paris, wherein lie some of the world's most celebrated artists and artistes, from centuries past up to contemporary times.

In other places, where celebrities are interred also, some tourists do find it interesting to visit the site as part of the experience of another culture.

But is our May Pen Cemetery ready for that? Most Jamaicans associate the area with inner-city neglect which we seem unable to put right.

It has been said that members of some of Jamaica's older families were interred at May Pen in the days when it was the major site for burials in Kingston.

It is posited also that the history of such families and the context of the times in which they lived could be presented in a way to attract visitors who like that sort of thing. Would that be enough of an incentive, however?

There are practical considerations which would have to be dealt with. It is not just the physical state of the cemetery which has to be improved, but the environs which surround it.

Mayor McKenzie is no stranger to the condition of the Spanish Town Road and adjacent communities. He knows, even more than most, the extent of the urban decay and blight which will require more than wishful thinking to reclaim and bring it to a standard which would make visitors, as well as locals, feel enough at ease to go in the cemetery. Perhaps, with time and effort, such an idea could bear fruit, but it certainly is not a short-term fix.

The current effort to clean up and attract public support for May Pen is but one of many in a series of several such drives. It has been tried before.

As he makes yet another go at it, this time using prisoner labour, Mayor McKenzie would do well to use his considerable leverage to put in place systems for continuity in the ongoing maintenance of the cemetery.

It is only when the facility can be accorded respect by our own people that we will have the confidence to indicate to others that we regard it as an important part of our national heritage and thus worthy of being an attraction.
Source:http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20071110/cleisure/cleisure1.html

AGRA FORT

The great Mughal Emperor Akbar commissioned the construction of the Agra Fort in 1565 A.D., although additions were made till the time of his grandson Shah Jahan. The forbidding exteriors of this fort hight an inner pardise. The fort is crescent shaped, flattended on the east with a long, nearly straight wall facing the river. It has a total perimeter of 2.4 k.m., and is ringed by double castellated ramparts of red sandstone punctuated at regular intervals by bastions. A 9 mt. wide and 10 mt. deep moat surround the outer wall.

There are number of exquisite building like the Moti Masjid-a white marvel mosque akin to a perfect pearl, Diwan-e-Am, Diwan-e-Khaas, Jehangir's Palace, Khaas Mahal, Shish Mahal and Musamman or Samman Burj-where Shahjahan was held captive in 1666 A.D.

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Costa Blanca

Costa Blanca

The Costa Blanca, with its beautiful beaches, attracts millions of tourists every year. In northern coast of blanca begins with Denia and Javea two wonderful towns at the bottom of a mountain.

In southern coast blanca down to the Guardamar and Torrevieja. With these wonderful city like Elche, Palm capital of the world.

You can basically travel along the Costa Blanca as la carretera national go away all together the coast. Make sure that when you come along sometimes these beautiful small villages in search of holiday homes Costa Blanca, you have enough time to spend at

There are many attractions of the Costa Blanca, some of which are specifically for tourists, such as the Terra Mitica theme park in Benidorm or the bays of Altea and Calpe. Others are smaller towns and villages as Villajoyosa just south of Benidorm, famous for its historic center and its chocolate.

For me the greatest beauty of the Costa Blanca seavill comes from. Its beaches, along with its small villages to the Costa Blanca, the only attraction.

Further north along and Gandia Oliva between Moraira, Benissa, Teulada and Denia find the city of Javea, with the Cabo Nao, one of my favorite places on the Costa Blanca. One of the areas where lots of new Costa Blanca and Costa Blanca property is sold. You can also find some villas in Costa Blanca sale.

Costa Blanca tourist

For more on Costablanca make sure you have a good map and Costa Blanca tourist information. If you want to play a nice game of golf at one of the finest golf resort Costa Blanca, please find a list of golf clubs here. The best way to do this is the Airport (Tourist Information is before leaving the building date), or in the center of Alicante. So I always ask for information Costa Blanca.

Aruba

Aruba is an island located in the Lesser Antilles in the Caribbean Sea, 15 miles north of the coast of Venezuela.It is in the Realm of Kingdom of the Netherlands, which consists of a European part (The Netherlands) and a Caribbean-American part (Aruba and the Netherlands Antilles). There are two official languages: the Dutch language and Papiamento (local). Capital city is Oranjestad (English: "Orange City"), with a population of 26,355 (2000), it is also most important city of Aruba, it is located on the southern coast near the western end of the island. In the local language, Oranjestad is often referred to simply as "Playa". Only airport in Aruba is Queen Beatrix International Airport and it is located near Oranjestad, most of flights are flights to United States, but it also connects Aruba with Canada and South America, with daily flights to the international airports of Venezuela, Colombia, Peru, Brazil, Spain, England and most of Europe through the Schiphol Airport in the Netherlands.

With an area of approximately 70 sq. miles (184 sq. km) this small, flat, riverless island is famous for its beautiful white sand beaches. Because of its location south in the Caribbean there is very strong sun, but a light breeze keeps the temperature pleasant and almost constant at about 81°F (27°C). This climate has helped tourism as visitors to the island can reliably expect warm and sunny weather. From the tourist point of view, Aruba is divided into the southeast coast witch has the white sand beaches, turquoise seas, and warm waters, and northwest coasts witch is exposed to the Atlantic, it has a few white sand beaches, rough seas with strong currents and rocky coastline. With beautiful weather all year round and blue Caribbean waters the best thing to do in Aruba is to enjoy the sunshine on one of the many beaches:

Baby beach, is on south end of island, it’s called Baby Beach because it is very shallow and no more than five feet deep at any point, this beach is also one of the best for snorkeling on the Aruba. The water in the deeper areas, as well as around the rest of Aruba, is pretty cool and very refreshing even in August. Marine life includes Barracuda, squid, blowfish, parrot fish, angel fish, eels, snakes and a lot of other small fish, although most of these stick around the inlet. There is a small snack stand at the beach, and chairs and umbrellas for rent. This beach is a fun place to rent a Jeep Wrangler and head out to for the afternoon.

Eagle beach is near the La Cabana Resort and some timeshares. Shallow water right off the beach gives a whole different perspective to Caribbean beauty. You can relax under a palm tree, go snorkeling out and maybe see some colorful fish or take a cruise on one of the local boats. Eagle Beach is home to all this plus breathtaking hotels and resorts. So, you have white, soft and very clean sand, shade huts, palm trees, umbrellas, to get out of sun, calm water to go swim or snorkeling your is just to enjoy.

Palm beach is placed along the best resort hotels and timeshares on the island. If you are staying in one of them you'll have one of the most spectacular views of beautiful Palm Beach and the blue waters of the Caribbean. Next to Hadicurari beach, Palm beach is great for swimming, snorkeling, fishing, and sailing. You will spend over an hour walking from one end to another, while walking you'll be able to visit the high rise hotels or many bars at the beach, some have beautiful gardens and waterfalls. If you like you can visit several places along Palm Beach witch offers water sports, you can rent jet skis, go windsurfing, or rent scuba gear, they also offer instruction in each of these areas. If your hotel is not on Palm Beach, make sure you visit it.

There are more beautiful beaches on Aruba, like Hadicurari Beach, Malmok beach, Arashi beach and so on, but beaches are not only attractions on Aruba, if you are going there on vacation, you should also visit the rest of the island.

Arikok National Park, takes up approximately 20 percent of the island, it is an area of unique scenic beauty. Here are also located the Tunnel of Love and Guadirikiri Caves. Inside the park are some of the island's oldest Arawak(ancient tribe) paintings, and it draws many tourists attention. Designated as an important national area in the 1980s, Arikok National Park becomes popular for hiking, covering all kinds of terrain from hills to gold mines, and even plantation ruins.

Alto Vista Chapel is a small Catholic chapel that is located on the hills at the north shore and to the northeast of the town of Noord, original chapel was built in 1750 by Domingo Silvestre, he was an Indian from Santa Ana de Coro, Venezuela. Early in the 18th century a small group of Indians, who were Catholic began to gather at the spot where the original chapel was later built. In World War II when Aruba was attacked by German submarine , Catholics in Aruba decided to rebuild a chapel at the very site of the original chapel at Alto Visa, it was finished in 1952. Now every year in October there is a pilgrimage to Alto Vista.

California Lighthouse. If you are going to the northern shores of Aruba you should visit the light house California. It is near the Tierra del Sol golf. This lighthouse was named after a steamship called the Californian, which wrecked nearby on September 23, 1891. and to this day the ship is a popular dive site. Around the lighthouse are acres of stoned-filled flat land, and an area called California White Sand Dunes is very popular for tourists who go dune surfing. For those who don't know what is that, well it involves sliding down the dunes in any way that seems comfortable. A restaurant called La Trattoria el faro Blancois can be found near the lighthouse.

The Natural Pool or "conchi" called "Cura di Tortuga" is a secret, hidden, small pool of water hidden in natural rock formation and is perfect for a moment of total relaxation, and a getaway from crowded places. The Pool and it's surroundings are untutched so visitors can truly enjoy in total wild beauty. Diving from the rock cliffs into the protected pool of ocean water is the main reason why so many adventurers come here. It is great place for day trips.

Natural Bridge. There are 7 “Natural Bridges” in Aruba. The original (biggest and most famous one that people are referring to when they say Natural Bridge) collapsed on September 2, 2005 leaving a pile of rubble in the sea. This was one of Aruba's most popular attractions. The natural bridge was a formation of coral limestone cut out by years of pounding surf, and was one of the largest of these types of spans in the world. It standed some 23 feet (7 meters) above sea level and spans more than 100 feet (30 meters).

There are more point of interest if you are traveler in Aruba, like: Quadiriki Caves, Fort Zoutman And Willem III Tower, De Oude Molen / Windmill, Bushiribana Ruins,
Casibari Rock & Ayo Rock Formations, Aruba Aloe Factory, Aruba Ostrich Farm, and if you have time you should visit it all, and if not, well, then you must go there again.