Cyprus Holiday Bookings Double with Outstanding Offers from Sovereign Luxury Travel
A return in consumer confidence together with fantastic offers from Sovereign Luxury Travel has seen a rise in holiday bookings to Cyprus in recent weeks. Compared to bookings in March to the island, the luxury travel specialist saw sales double. This comes after travellers were reassured Cyprus’ domestic economic developments would have no effect on holidaymakers.
With its sunny weather and vast array of sandy beaches, British travellers have proved undeterred and continue to favour Cyprus as a destination hotspot. Perfect for beach breaks, August in particular saw huge demand, whilst there has also been a recent flurry of late luxury holiday bookings. In the last two weeks, 40% of Sovereign’s bookings have been May departures, whilst 20% depart in June.
Cyprus luxury holidays by Sovereign ranging from family getaways to quiet beach breaks have seen a saving of more than £1,800. In addition to this, customers have benefited from inclusive offers such as free nights, complimentary upgrades and early booking offers.
Sovereign is delighted to offer a saving of up to £1,807 on a five star luxury family holiday to Cyprus, staying at Le Meridien Limassol Spa & Resort for seven nights from just £4,379 per family of four, which includes a free child place and complimentary upgrade to half board with flights departing on 27 July from London Gatwick. Le Meridien Limassol Spa & Resort boasts an enviable beach front location, whilst offering a complimentary shuttle for guests who wish to explore the sights and sounds of Limassol. Kids can enjoy the fantastic Penguin Village Kids Club whilst adults can relax at Le Spa, voted the 'World's Leading Spa Resort' for three consecutive years at the World Travel Awards.
Couples can enjoy a luxurious romantic five star getaway at the Annabelle Hotel in Paphos, Cyprus. The gorgeous views of the fishing harbour and Mediterranean Sea are wonderfully complemented by the tropical flowers in the hotel’s garden. Guests can unwind by taking a dip in the outdoor swimming pool or relax at one of the hotel’s five bars. As part of Sovereign’s Luxury Collection hotels, guests will experience first class service, fine cuisine and beautifully decorated rooms to enjoy a peaceful night’s rest. Sovereign is offering a seven night stay starting from £899 per person. The offer includes a complimentary upgrade to half board with flights departing 12 July from London Gatwick.
For more details on these offers, visit sovereign.com or call our expert travel advisors on 0843 770 4013.
Friday, May 10, 2013
Thursday, May 9, 2013
Kenya Airways To Increase Capacity To Mozambique - Aviation News - etravelblackboard.com
Kenya Airways To Increase Capacity To Mozambique - Aviation News - etravelblackboard.com
National carrier, Kenya Airways has announced the introduction of an additional flight to Maputo in Mozambique to meet rising demand on the route.
Commencing June 10th 2013, the airline will introduce an additional flight from its hub at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi to the Southern African nation. This brings to four the number of flights operated by the airline.
Kenya Airways will operate the additional flight under two flight codes – KQ740 and KQ741. KQ740 departs from Nairobi on Mondays at 1050hrs to arrive in Maputo at 1355hrs, and KQ741 departing from Maputo at 1445hrs to arrive in Nairobi at 1950hrs.
The additional capacity is aimed at meeting the rising travel demand to the Southern Africa country, while allowing its customers in Mozambique to take advantage of the airline’s growing route network.
Kenya Airways’ Chief Executive Officer Dr. Titus Naikuni said that the additional capacity is expected to meet the surge in demand from trader traffic and to give the airline an edge in attracting travelers to the Southern African country. Dr. Naikuni noted that the airline’s presence in the Southern African region has continued to grow steadily, adding that flights to Maputo had commenced only in 2006.
“There is increasing demand for air travel in the continent which makes Africa the new growth frontier in the aviation industry. It is, therefore, important for us to continue to grow our presence across the continent to meet this demand,” added Dr. Naikuni.
He added that the airline was progressing well with its planned expansion programme by significantly increasing its fleet and network of destinations. Within the Southern African region and in addition to Maputo, Kenya Airways flies to Nampula, Luanda, Harare, Lilongwe, Gaborone, Johannesburg as well as Ndola and Lusaka in Zambia.
FCm expands into Tanzania and Mozambique - Industry News - etravelblackboard.com
FCm expands into Tanzania and Mozambique - Industry News - etravelblackboard.com
Tuesday, 30 April 2013
FCm expands into Tanzania and Mozambique
FCm has signed off on two new partner agreements in Africa with the global travel management company (TMC), now offering local services in Mozambique and Tanzania.
FCm has extended its partner arrangement with Alive, an affiliate of OnTourism Capital Investments, to offer on-the-ground travel management services in Mozambique. FCm is already partnered with Alive in Portugal and Angola, and now has expanded the relationship to offer local travel management services in Maputo.
Located in southern Mozambique, FCm’s new travel team offers end-to-end corporate travel management services as well as meetings, incentive, conference and event (MICE) travel expertise.
In Tanzania FCm has partnered with Antelope Tours and Travel Services Limited, which operates five business travel centres across the country. Three offices are located in Dar es Salaam with one in the Benjamin William Mkapa Tower and another branch office located in Julius Nyerere International Airport Terminal II. The company’s head office is in Upanga.
The company also has branch offices located in Arusha and Dodoma.
FCm’s new partner in Tanzania was established in 1993 and works with a portfolio of companies across a broad range of sectors including government, finance, mining, oil and gas companies. The company also manages the travel for a number of international companies.
FCm’s General Manager Middle East and Africa Network, Ciaran Kelly, said FCm’s African network had experienced significant growth in the past year, which had been well received by FCm’s regional and multinational clients.
“The spotlight has been on Africa for a while now as a continent that offers major opportunities for growth and development for international companies,” Ciaran said. “From the mining, oil and gas industries to offshore, property development and MICE travel, there is broad commercial interest in Africa which is steadily increasing inbound and outbound business travel for the region.
“It’s critical that global TMCs like FCm can offer on-the-ground travel management services to clients looking to fly into places like Mozambique, Tanzania, Nigeria and Angola. These are very unique markets that require in-depth local knowledge to ensure corporate travel for companies is cost and time efficient, and safe.”
FCm now has partner agreements with nine leading corporate travel agencies in Africa as well as a regional head office in South Africa.
Travel Clinic: Mozambique beach, Montenegro | The Sunday Times
Travel Clinic: Mozambique beach, Montenegro | The Sunday Times
How do Mozambique’s coast and islands compare with Zanzibar’s? We like Zanzibar hugely, but are toying with the idea of pushing on further south for our next holiday.
John Gilchrest, Brighton
Mozambique has few hotels on its 1,500-mile coastline, but the sands are a brilliant white and the water is astonishingly blue. The Bazaruto and Quirimbas archipelagos are especially exotic. It’s a longer and costlier flight to Mozambique than to Zanzibar, though, and its hotels are more expensive.
How do Mozambique’s coast and islands compare with Zanzibar’s? We like Zanzibar hugely, but are toying with the idea of pushing on further south for our next holiday.
John Gilchrest, Brighton
Mozambique has few hotels on its 1,500-mile coastline, but the sands are a brilliant white and the water is astonishingly blue. The Bazaruto and Quirimbas archipelagos are especially exotic. It’s a longer and costlier flight to Mozambique than to Zanzibar, though, and its hotels are more expensive.
Cambodia enjoys travel growth : TTR Weekly
Cambodia enjoys travel growth : TTR Weekly
PHNOM PENH, 8 May 2013: Cambodia’s tourist arrivals registered a 19.9% growth in February according to the country’s statistics and tourist Information Department.
The country welcomed 385,760 visits compared to 321,870 during the same month in 2012.
Released by the Ministry of Tourism, Monday, data showed neighbouring Vietnam was the top supplier with 58,750 visits, an increase of 4.4% over 56,297 visits in February last year.
Other top suppliers were: China (55,482; +104.9%); South Korea (49,330; -9.4%); Laos (29,984; +83.1%); and Japan (19,276; +7.0%).
Thailand ranked sixth supplying 18,964 visits and improving 35.0% compared to 14,050 visits during the same month last year.
In February, 52.8% (203,453) of all international visitors arrived by air. Siem Reap airport received the major share, 34.9% (134,465), while Phnom Penh Airport received just 17.9% (68,988) mainly business travellers who needed to contact government departments or budget travellers who starting or finishing their overland trips.
Overland travel accounts for 45.1% (174,036) of all travel through checkpoints with Thailand, Laos and Vietnam while sea travel is a small at 2.1% (8,271).
Siem Reap province welcomed 231,369 tourists, or 60.0% of all arrivals including air and overland. The province’s tourism increased 6.6%.
Data hints of the massive imbalance between tourist arrivals to Siem Reap and the rest of the country. The tourism authority has urged travel enterprises to provide more information and tour programmes on other destinations to encourage visitors to Angkor Wat to explore the country in more detail.
By region, Asia Pacific accounted for a 72.1% market share and posted a growth of 22.0% supplying 278,021 arrivals.
Africa grew 25.4% to just 519 visits followed by the Ameircas (+16.0%; 28,205); Europe (+14.4%; 77,610); Oceania (+4.6%; 10,854); and the Middle East (+0.0% 1,405).
Outbound trips by Cambodians in February reached 65,259 trips increasing 10.5% from 59,042 during the same month last year.
January to February, the country welcomed 789,866 foreign travellers improving 19.6% from 672,127 visits during the same period in 2012.
Outbound trips reached 136,979 growing 4.9% for the first two months of this year when compared to 130,583 last year.
Tourism and civil aviation forming crucial alliance | ArabNews
Tourism and civil aviation forming crucial alliance | ArabNews
DUBAI: K.T. ABDURABB | ARAB NEWS STAFF
Thursday 9 May 2013
Last Update 9 May 2013 1:44 am
The Arabian Peninsula has always been the crossroads for different civilizations and these days those roads are in the sky rather than on the ground, said Prince Sultan bin Salman, president of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA).
Stressing the region’s geographical importance to the tourism sector at the second annual UNWTO & Ministerial Forum at Arabian Travel Market in Dubai, he said: "The same role that Arabia has played in the past is now similarly happening with airline networks."
He added: "The alliance between tourism and air transportation is very much a non-separable alliance, and it is a very important focus on aligning these two sectors to make places more accessible and affordable. “
He was participating in a discussion on "Tourism & Aviation: Building a Common Agenda for Growth."
The event, which was attended by more than 25 ministers from different countries was opened by UNWTO Secretary-General Taleb Rifai and Mark Walsh, portfolio director, Reed Travel Exhibitions.
Other ministers also stressed the need to identify the links between tourism and aviation and set structures where tourism, civil aviation and airlines can work together.
Participating in the ministerial forum were the ministers of tourism of Bahamas, Chad, Egypt, Eritrea, Gambia, Lebanon, Maldives, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Morocco, Niger, Oman, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Saint Lucia, Seychelles, Sudan, Tanzania, Tunisia, Tuvalu and Vanuatu, the director general of the National Council of Tourism and Antiquities of the UAE, the vice-minister of tourism of Azerbaijan, the director general of the Jordan Tourist Board and the CEO of the Mozambique Tourism Authority.
Representing the aviation industry were the vice president international and public affairs of Etihad Airways, the CEO of Dubai Airports and the senior vice president, revenue optimisation and distribution of Emirates Airlines.
Rifai highlighted that tourism and aviation need to move out of working in silos. "Tourism and aviation are siblings, and have been working together in parallel lines. We cannot see them separate from one another; with 52 percent of world travelers reaching their destination by air, their growth is intrinsically linked," he added.
"There are visa regimes still belonging to a century that has past. Despite the fact that the UAE and Dubai are leading the way in opening up in terms of visa accessibility, the Middle East is still lagging behind as 70 percent of people still need visas to enter the region," Rifai said
Highlighting the potential of regional cooperation, Reem Al-Hashemi, minister of state and managing director of the Higher Committee on International Expo Dubai 2020, said: "For mega events, we have to build synergies and expand the traveler experience. Expo 2020 is not just about Dubai, the region will benefit with visitors going on to explore Muscat or Petra, for example. We are promoting the region as a whole, expanding the picture, becoming more attractive and appealing — both to visitors but also to other airlines."
Helal Saeed Al-Marri, director general, Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing of Dubai, mentioned the Middle East as a prime example of how tourism and aviation can work together, and what the rest of the world can learn from the region.
Other issues highlighted were the need to extend the principle of liberalization to more and more countries, the opportunities existing for regional cooperation in the Middle East, particularly in view of attracting long-haul markets and the importance of aligning tourism objectives with airlines' profitability.
Stressing the region’s geographical importance to the tourism sector at the second annual UNWTO & Ministerial Forum at Arabian Travel Market in Dubai, he said: "The same role that Arabia has played in the past is now similarly happening with airline networks."
He added: "The alliance between tourism and air transportation is very much a non-separable alliance, and it is a very important focus on aligning these two sectors to make places more accessible and affordable. “
He was participating in a discussion on "Tourism & Aviation: Building a Common Agenda for Growth."
The event, which was attended by more than 25 ministers from different countries was opened by UNWTO Secretary-General Taleb Rifai and Mark Walsh, portfolio director, Reed Travel Exhibitions.
Other ministers also stressed the need to identify the links between tourism and aviation and set structures where tourism, civil aviation and airlines can work together.
Participating in the ministerial forum were the ministers of tourism of Bahamas, Chad, Egypt, Eritrea, Gambia, Lebanon, Maldives, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Morocco, Niger, Oman, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Saint Lucia, Seychelles, Sudan, Tanzania, Tunisia, Tuvalu and Vanuatu, the director general of the National Council of Tourism and Antiquities of the UAE, the vice-minister of tourism of Azerbaijan, the director general of the Jordan Tourist Board and the CEO of the Mozambique Tourism Authority.
Representing the aviation industry were the vice president international and public affairs of Etihad Airways, the CEO of Dubai Airports and the senior vice president, revenue optimisation and distribution of Emirates Airlines.
Rifai highlighted that tourism and aviation need to move out of working in silos. "Tourism and aviation are siblings, and have been working together in parallel lines. We cannot see them separate from one another; with 52 percent of world travelers reaching their destination by air, their growth is intrinsically linked," he added.
"There are visa regimes still belonging to a century that has past. Despite the fact that the UAE and Dubai are leading the way in opening up in terms of visa accessibility, the Middle East is still lagging behind as 70 percent of people still need visas to enter the region," Rifai said
Highlighting the potential of regional cooperation, Reem Al-Hashemi, minister of state and managing director of the Higher Committee on International Expo Dubai 2020, said: "For mega events, we have to build synergies and expand the traveler experience. Expo 2020 is not just about Dubai, the region will benefit with visitors going on to explore Muscat or Petra, for example. We are promoting the region as a whole, expanding the picture, becoming more attractive and appealing — both to visitors but also to other airlines."
Helal Saeed Al-Marri, director general, Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing of Dubai, mentioned the Middle East as a prime example of how tourism and aviation can work together, and what the rest of the world can learn from the region.
Other issues highlighted were the need to extend the principle of liberalization to more and more countries, the opportunities existing for regional cooperation in the Middle East, particularly in view of attracting long-haul markets and the importance of aligning tourism objectives with airlines' profitability.
Friday, May 3, 2013
Philippines highlights its travel destinations | ArabNews
Philippines highlights its travel destinations | ArabNews
RIYADH: RODOLFO C. ESTIMO JR. | ARAB NEWS STAFF
Saturday 27 April 2013
Last Update 27 April 2013 2:16 am
The Philippine Embassy is participating in the 5th Riyadh Travel Fair 2013, which opened last Tuesday and ends today, at the Four Seasons Hotel at the Kingdom Center.
“This is the Philippines’ first-ever participation in the Riyadh Travel Fair and we are delighted to tap the huge Saudi tourism market by showcasing the Philippines' travel destinations,” said Consul General Marshall Louis Alferez.
Other participating countries are Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Singapore, Morocco, Turkey, UAE, Egypt, Poland, Austria and Switzerland.
Alferez said that several travel agencies in the Kingdom had chosen to specialize in Philippine destinations and expressed confidence that “our unique branding will result in a further increase in the number of Saudi travelers to the Philippines.”
Through its booth, the embassy has been providing information, brochures and some giveaway items on tourism destinations in the Philippines and promoting the Department of Tourism’s slogan “It’s More Fun in the Philippines”, with the assistance of Bizgate, DOT’s marketing arm in the Middle East. Besides showcasing top destinations in the country, the booth also promotes tourism activities and Philippine products.
Alferez thanked the travel agencies for promoting the country as a tourist destination since tourism promotion is one of the major thrusts of the Philippine government at present.
Manila has allocated 13 billion pesos to develop what it calls as “tourism roads” all over the country next year.
The organizers expect some 20,000 local and foreign visitors to visit the fair. Last year’s fair drew 11,652 visitors.
“This is the Philippines’ first-ever participation in the Riyadh Travel Fair and we are delighted to tap the huge Saudi tourism market by showcasing the Philippines' travel destinations,” said Consul General Marshall Louis Alferez.
Other participating countries are Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Singapore, Morocco, Turkey, UAE, Egypt, Poland, Austria and Switzerland.
Alferez said that several travel agencies in the Kingdom had chosen to specialize in Philippine destinations and expressed confidence that “our unique branding will result in a further increase in the number of Saudi travelers to the Philippines.”
Through its booth, the embassy has been providing information, brochures and some giveaway items on tourism destinations in the Philippines and promoting the Department of Tourism’s slogan “It’s More Fun in the Philippines”, with the assistance of Bizgate, DOT’s marketing arm in the Middle East. Besides showcasing top destinations in the country, the booth also promotes tourism activities and Philippine products.
Alferez thanked the travel agencies for promoting the country as a tourist destination since tourism promotion is one of the major thrusts of the Philippine government at present.
Manila has allocated 13 billion pesos to develop what it calls as “tourism roads” all over the country next year.
The organizers expect some 20,000 local and foreign visitors to visit the fair. Last year’s fair drew 11,652 visitors.
Portugal elected top country to visit in 2013 - The Portugal News
Portugal elected top country to visit in 2013 - The Portugal News
Portugal has been elected the number one country to travel to in 2013 by the Spanish edition of the prestigious Condé Nast Traveler magazine, one of the most important travel publications available in Spain.
It is the first time Portugal has taken the title, this year singled out for its “charm and friendliness.”
The decision was made by magazine readers who considered Portugal the best destination for 2013, ahead of five other competitors: Argentina, Spain, USA, Italy and Thailand.
In a statement to website Boas NotÃcias, the Portuguese Institute for Tourism stressed that “a special charm that is visible in Portugal’s traditions, in cities that combine modernity with history, landscapes and beaches” was responsible for it taking the top spot.
As well as what it offers tourists, Portugal was complimented in the prize-giving ceremony for its environmental richness, “which blends with nature”, and for the Portuguese people, “who seduce with their charm and friendliness.”
The national tourism board Turismo de Portugal is confident that “this distinction will reinforce Portugal’s visibility as a tourist destination of excellence within Spain, which is one of its main international markets.”
The fifth Condé Nast Traveler Awards attributed accolades in fifteen different categories, including hotels, resorts, spas, cities, transports, technological products and fashions and beauty accessories connected to tourism and travel, among others.
This year’s awards were delivered in a special ceremony that took place last Thursday in Madrid and saw LuÃs Matoso, administrator of Turismo de Portugal, accept the gong from Spanish writer Javier Moro.
DIA explores forward-thinking digital trends in travel and tourism prior to PATA Annual Summit in Bangkok
DIA explores forward-thinking digital trends in travel and tourism prior to PATA Annual Summit in Bangkok
Digital Innovation Asia (DIA) has partnered with the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), as well as the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) to increase relevance to the industry when it comes to digital innovation in travel and tourism in the Asia Pacific region. Delegates of the PATA Annual Summit in Bangkok from April 25-27th, can take advantage of attending the China Boot Camp and Digital Aid Asia at a 40% discount.
Located alongside, the Digital Innovation Asia events are deliberately timed to lead into and support the PATA Summit at the end of April, and follow TTM+ in June, to stage digital events, which include the Digital Innovation Asia Awards, Digital Aid Asia, Blogger Match-Up Asia, Speak-Out Asia. Kicking off the series of events, the China Boot Camp on April 23rd at Pullman Hotel G Bangkok will help travel companies understand the Chinese travel market, and how to market to affluent Chinese consumers, followed by Digital Aid Asia Forum on April 24th at zuma Restaurant (at St Regis Hotel Bangkok).
China has become the world largest single source market for international tourism revenues – but how to market to the most valuable, high-yield affluent Chinese consumers?
The China Boot Camp on April 23rd will help companies understand how to reach and connect with “the new Chinese tourist” and affluent consumers, by leveraging the complex social media landscape in China. Delegates will be able to hear about the latest trends in marketing to Chinese consumers, and learn about the rapidly changing and evolving Digital and Social Media Landscape in China, including the latest start-ups. Taking a deep dive into the complex and unique digital and social media landscape in China, the April 23rd China Boot Camp will feature the unique opportunity to engage with three top Chinese bloggers, sponsored by Chinese travel social media website Tripshow.com. Interested travel companies can apply to be part of a Chinese mini blogger match-up the morning prior to the China Boot Camp.
Every participant will receive a hard-copy version of the latest Essential China Travel Trends Book, and a special offer for a one-year Basic membership from TripShow.com, valued at RMB 5,000 or USD 800 (Note: Sina Weibo account is required).
According to the latest data from the UNWTO from April 2013, Chinese nationals spent a record US$102 billion on overseas travel 2012, taking it to the top of the international standings and making it the first country ever to achieved nine-digit spending in US dollar terms. The result marks the culmination of a sharp rise in Chinese outbound travel over the past decade. International travel from China has become a major source of growth for providers in the destination countries. There will be an average of 25 million first-time Chinese travellers every year, or 70,000 every day, for the next 10 years. An increasing number of second and multiple times Chinese visitors are more likely to travel independently, and not part of a group, meaning that they have a greater choice of timing and destinations. They have the opportunity to explore ‘off-the-beaten-track’ venues and can look for holidays and activities that suit their personal interests.
Jens Thraenhart, Founder of Digital Innovation Asia (DIA) says: “The way many Chinese consumers are finding out about new destinations and travel services, as well as hotel or cruise brands is via the Internet. With over 564 million Internet users in China in April 2013 (an increase of 40 million new Internet Users in just the last year) which represents over 42% of their population and almost double the population of the US, more than 80% of Chinese travellers research and educate themselves about destinations and brands online. Chinese consumers are increasingly being influenced by digital and social media marketing, and any travel suppliers looking to enter the Chinese market need to lead with digital, mobile, and social media marketing.”
Sustainable Tourism 2.0 - digitally powering and taking responsible tourism development to the next level. First ever conference focusing on responsible tourism development and capacity building via technology, social media, and mobile.
On April 24th, the Digital Aid Asia Forum is the first ever conference focusing on helping emerging tourism regions across Asia to learn how to leverage technology and digital media for capacity building to develop tourism in a responsible way and drive poverty alleviation. Linked with the 2013 PATA Annual Summit (PAS) in Bangkok from April 25-26, Digital Innovation Asia (DIA) is organizing the first ever Digital Aid Asia Forum on April 24th at trendy zuma Restaurant at the St Regis Hotel in Bangkok. Emceed by media and global tourism personality Ms. Anita Mendiratta of CNN T.A.S.K Group, speakers including Google, Mekong Tourism, PATA, BeMyGuest.travel, WIT, DIA, Cambodia e-Visa, Future e-Learning Resources, and Backpacker Magazine Southeast Asia, will discuss the issues from crisis management, human trafficking, human resources development, capacity building from micro-financing and e-Visa, and how internet and emerging technologies, mobile, and social media can act as an enabler and catalyst to drive positive economic growth supporting the visitor economy.
Mr. Martin Craigs, CEO of PATA says: “We are naturally motivated to partner with Digital Innovation Asia. These events are a perfect primer for next gen minded mentors the day before our summit. Mobile, digital, and social media in Asia are "m-powering" the complete Visitor Economy, clearly a catalyst for balanced travel and tourism growth in the region. The China Boot Camp and Digital Aid Asia will be inspirational, thought provoking covering issues like crisis management, e-Visa, and human trafficking.”
Nominations for the Digital Innovation Asia Awards are being accepted from now until May 31st, and the DIA Awards Celebration will be on June 10th at famous Bed Supperclub in Bangkok. There is no charge for nominations, and it is open travel and tourism organizations, content creators, and agencies, as well as travelers. The Digital Innovation Asia Awards recognize the most forward thinking yet performance-oriented digital innovations in the Pacific Asia travel and tourism industry.
Categories include “Most Engaging Website”, “Most Viral Campaign”, “Most Creative Use of Technology”, “Most Inspiring?Content”, “Most Impactful Startup”, and “Most InnovativeDigital Organization”.
The DIA Awards are overseen by members of the new Digital Innovation Asia Council, an invite-only forum of the most senior e-commerce executives and digital marketing thought-leaders from hotels, airlines, and tourist boards from all corners of the Asia Pacific region. We encourage all travel and tourism organizations to submit their best digital work, and work they have admired over the past 15 months from January 2012 to April 2013. Please visit our DIA Awards partner TravelDailyNews.Asia to submit your nominations at http://goo.gl/rRVwS.
Digital Innovation Asia is endorsed and supported by the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the Association of South East Asian Nation (ASEAN), the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office (MTCO), the Tourism Technology Association (TTA), the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA), the International Federation of IT in Travel and Tourism (IFITT), and the International Association of Travel and Tourism Professionals (SKAL).
Digital Innovation Asia (DIA) has partnered with the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), as well as the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) to increase relevance to the industry when it comes to digital innovation in travel and tourism in the Asia Pacific region. Delegates of the PATA Annual Summit in Bangkok from April 25-27th, can take advantage of attending the China Boot Camp and Digital Aid Asia at a 40% discount.
Located alongside, the Digital Innovation Asia events are deliberately timed to lead into and support the PATA Summit at the end of April, and follow TTM+ in June, to stage digital events, which include the Digital Innovation Asia Awards, Digital Aid Asia, Blogger Match-Up Asia, Speak-Out Asia. Kicking off the series of events, the China Boot Camp on April 23rd at Pullman Hotel G Bangkok will help travel companies understand the Chinese travel market, and how to market to affluent Chinese consumers, followed by Digital Aid Asia Forum on April 24th at zuma Restaurant (at St Regis Hotel Bangkok).
China has become the world largest single source market for international tourism revenues – but how to market to the most valuable, high-yield affluent Chinese consumers?
The China Boot Camp on April 23rd will help companies understand how to reach and connect with “the new Chinese tourist” and affluent consumers, by leveraging the complex social media landscape in China. Delegates will be able to hear about the latest trends in marketing to Chinese consumers, and learn about the rapidly changing and evolving Digital and Social Media Landscape in China, including the latest start-ups. Taking a deep dive into the complex and unique digital and social media landscape in China, the April 23rd China Boot Camp will feature the unique opportunity to engage with three top Chinese bloggers, sponsored by Chinese travel social media website Tripshow.com. Interested travel companies can apply to be part of a Chinese mini blogger match-up the morning prior to the China Boot Camp.
Every participant will receive a hard-copy version of the latest Essential China Travel Trends Book, and a special offer for a one-year Basic membership from TripShow.com, valued at RMB 5,000 or USD 800 (Note: Sina Weibo account is required).
According to the latest data from the UNWTO from April 2013, Chinese nationals spent a record US$102 billion on overseas travel 2012, taking it to the top of the international standings and making it the first country ever to achieved nine-digit spending in US dollar terms. The result marks the culmination of a sharp rise in Chinese outbound travel over the past decade. International travel from China has become a major source of growth for providers in the destination countries. There will be an average of 25 million first-time Chinese travellers every year, or 70,000 every day, for the next 10 years. An increasing number of second and multiple times Chinese visitors are more likely to travel independently, and not part of a group, meaning that they have a greater choice of timing and destinations. They have the opportunity to explore ‘off-the-beaten-track’ venues and can look for holidays and activities that suit their personal interests.
Jens Thraenhart, Founder of Digital Innovation Asia (DIA) says: “The way many Chinese consumers are finding out about new destinations and travel services, as well as hotel or cruise brands is via the Internet. With over 564 million Internet users in China in April 2013 (an increase of 40 million new Internet Users in just the last year) which represents over 42% of their population and almost double the population of the US, more than 80% of Chinese travellers research and educate themselves about destinations and brands online. Chinese consumers are increasingly being influenced by digital and social media marketing, and any travel suppliers looking to enter the Chinese market need to lead with digital, mobile, and social media marketing.”
Sustainable Tourism 2.0 - digitally powering and taking responsible tourism development to the next level. First ever conference focusing on responsible tourism development and capacity building via technology, social media, and mobile.
On April 24th, the Digital Aid Asia Forum is the first ever conference focusing on helping emerging tourism regions across Asia to learn how to leverage technology and digital media for capacity building to develop tourism in a responsible way and drive poverty alleviation. Linked with the 2013 PATA Annual Summit (PAS) in Bangkok from April 25-26, Digital Innovation Asia (DIA) is organizing the first ever Digital Aid Asia Forum on April 24th at trendy zuma Restaurant at the St Regis Hotel in Bangkok. Emceed by media and global tourism personality Ms. Anita Mendiratta of CNN T.A.S.K Group, speakers including Google, Mekong Tourism, PATA, BeMyGuest.travel, WIT, DIA, Cambodia e-Visa, Future e-Learning Resources, and Backpacker Magazine Southeast Asia, will discuss the issues from crisis management, human trafficking, human resources development, capacity building from micro-financing and e-Visa, and how internet and emerging technologies, mobile, and social media can act as an enabler and catalyst to drive positive economic growth supporting the visitor economy.
Mr. Martin Craigs, CEO of PATA says: “We are naturally motivated to partner with Digital Innovation Asia. These events are a perfect primer for next gen minded mentors the day before our summit. Mobile, digital, and social media in Asia are "m-powering" the complete Visitor Economy, clearly a catalyst for balanced travel and tourism growth in the region. The China Boot Camp and Digital Aid Asia will be inspirational, thought provoking covering issues like crisis management, e-Visa, and human trafficking.”
Nominations for the Digital Innovation Asia Awards are being accepted from now until May 31st, and the DIA Awards Celebration will be on June 10th at famous Bed Supperclub in Bangkok. There is no charge for nominations, and it is open travel and tourism organizations, content creators, and agencies, as well as travelers. The Digital Innovation Asia Awards recognize the most forward thinking yet performance-oriented digital innovations in the Pacific Asia travel and tourism industry.
Categories include “Most Engaging Website”, “Most Viral Campaign”, “Most Creative Use of Technology”, “Most Inspiring?Content”, “Most Impactful Startup”, and “Most InnovativeDigital Organization”.
The DIA Awards are overseen by members of the new Digital Innovation Asia Council, an invite-only forum of the most senior e-commerce executives and digital marketing thought-leaders from hotels, airlines, and tourist boards from all corners of the Asia Pacific region. We encourage all travel and tourism organizations to submit their best digital work, and work they have admired over the past 15 months from January 2012 to April 2013. Please visit our DIA Awards partner TravelDailyNews.Asia to submit your nominations at http://goo.gl/rRVwS.
Digital Innovation Asia is endorsed and supported by the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the Association of South East Asian Nation (ASEAN), the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office (MTCO), the Tourism Technology Association (TTA), the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA), the International Federation of IT in Travel and Tourism (IFITT), and the International Association of Travel and Tourism Professionals (SKAL).
PATA Launches Asia Pacific Visitor Forecasts 2013-2017
PATA Launches Asia Pacific Visitor Forecasts 2013-2017
The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) and The Hong Kong Polytechnic University's School of Hotel and Tourism Management (PolyU) released their joint publication, the Asia Pacific Visitor Forecasts 2013-2017, today. The new forecasts on the complete visitor economy will make it easier for tourism organisations to anticipate demand trends and manage supply.
For the first time, PATA's Asia Pacific Visitor Forecasts 2013-2017 have been produced in collaboration with The Hong Kong Polytechnic University's School of Hotel and Tourism Management. The annual and quarterly forecasts cover a five-year horizon (up from three) and include price elasticity variables for most of the destinations covered.
High-level snapshots from the forecasts show that:
- Visitor arrivals to the Asia Pacific region will continue to grow with an average annual growth rate of 4.1% over the period 2013-2017 and reach 581 million by 2017
- Northeast Asia will maintain a dominant position in the inbound market of Asia Pacific, and its market share will reach 53.52% by 2017
- China will continue to be the top inbound destination in the Asia Pacific, peaking at 147.4 million visitors in 2017
- Hong Kong SAR will surpass the USA to be the second largest inbound destination in Asia Pacific in 2015
- Visitor arrivals to the Asia Pacific from China will exceed 100 million by 2015
- Cambodia, the Maldives, Chinese Taipei, Bhutan and Mongolia are the top five fastest growing destinations in terms of visitor arrivals over the period 2013-2017.
Taken together these projections provide essential information for tourism planners and operators alike.
The forecasts aim to help destinations set strategy for the coming years by supporting the complete visitor economy in both long-term decision and policy making by predicting arrivals, tourism receipts and departures according to country/region of origins for 41 destinations.
"I am delighted to recommend these next generation forecasts to PATA members and associates. The scope and quality of the forecasts will add value to our many different members across 17 time zones and many different functional groups," said Mr Martin J Craigs, PATA CEO.
"We are very pleased to be part of the new PATA NextGen forecasting initiative, as transferring our knowledge to practice has been high on our school's research agenda," said Professor Kaye Chon, Dean of the School of Hotel and Tourism Management at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University.
Published annually with a quarterly breakdown, the Asia Pacific Visitor Forecasts 2013-2017 will include information about visitor arrivals to select PATA member economies from key source markets, visitor expenditures in PATA member economies, and visitor departures of member economies. The annual edition of the forecasts will also feature reports analysing the forecasts and their implications, taking into account particular trends for certain regions.
Though it is clear that demand for inbound and outbound travel in Asia Pacific is growing, it is the details shown by forecasts of travel demand that will guide the visitor economy in the measurement of tourist arrivals and expenditure. Forecasts can help justify decision-making in terms of planning investments in visitor infrastructure, human resource management, marketing resource allocation decisions and new product development.
The forecasts have been created using a combination of statistical and judgmental methodologies, with a view to generating more accurate and reliable forecasts. In other words, this forecasting system incorporates advanced econometric techniques as well as expert opinion in forecasting the demand for travel from various source markets to destinations within the Asia Pacific region. The outputs of this forecasting system will provide useful information on the future trends of the complete visitor economy (measured by tourist arrivals, departures and tourist expenditures).
PATA government members and Premier Partners will have access to the forecasts included in their membership benefits through PATA's insights tool, PATAmPOWER. Other members may purchase the forecasts. Customized forecasts are also available upon request, for an additional fee.
India one of the top tourism destinations in Asia - The Times of India
India one of the top tourism destinations in Asia - The Times of India
BANGALORE: India is one of the top tourism destinations in Asia, according to findings from aCNN global travel survey released recently. The results also position the country as the region's fourth fastest growing tourism destination and the third most attractive business for investment opportunities, right after China and Hong Kong.
One-fifth of CNN's audience of global travelers considering a visit to Asia Pacific, would consider visiting India in the 12 months and experts say its celebrated culture could be a prime reason. The destination fended off competition from Japan and Thailand to rank as the no. 1 destination in the region with the second richest culture and heritage, with only China scoring more in this category.
The study, entitled 'CNN Consumer Connect - Travel and Tourism 2013', looks at consumer travel trends, perceptions and behavior, and was hosted on all CNN websites worldwide. It polled more than 3,000 readers based in over 70 countries around the world and included 25 Asia Pacific destinations.
Duncan Morris, vice-president of Research at Turner International Asia Pacific, said, "These results are great news for India and the Asia Pacific region as a whole. CNN consumers are discerning, affluent global travelers and they clearly indicate a desire to visit this part of the world to enjoy a particular brand of hospitality, food, culture - everything that makes a travel experience distinctive. At a time where money in the household is perceived to be tighter, spending on travel is still obviously a priority for many".
A look at 'travel perceptions and behavioral trends' reveals that safety and security issues are of greater concern for two-thirds of global respondents when choosing an international travel destination. Asia Pacific-based travelers prioritize price slightly more than the global average, while reputation is third in their list of considerations.
BANGALORE: India is one of the top tourism destinations in Asia, according to findings from aCNN global travel survey released recently. The results also position the country as the region's fourth fastest growing tourism destination and the third most attractive business for investment opportunities, right after China and Hong Kong.
One-fifth of CNN's audience of global travelers considering a visit to Asia Pacific, would consider visiting India in the 12 months and experts say its celebrated culture could be a prime reason. The destination fended off competition from Japan and Thailand to rank as the no. 1 destination in the region with the second richest culture and heritage, with only China scoring more in this category.
The study, entitled 'CNN Consumer Connect - Travel and Tourism 2013', looks at consumer travel trends, perceptions and behavior, and was hosted on all CNN websites worldwide. It polled more than 3,000 readers based in over 70 countries around the world and included 25 Asia Pacific destinations.
Duncan Morris, vice-president of Research at Turner International Asia Pacific, said, "These results are great news for India and the Asia Pacific region as a whole. CNN consumers are discerning, affluent global travelers and they clearly indicate a desire to visit this part of the world to enjoy a particular brand of hospitality, food, culture - everything that makes a travel experience distinctive. At a time where money in the household is perceived to be tighter, spending on travel is still obviously a priority for many".
A look at 'travel perceptions and behavioral trends' reveals that safety and security issues are of greater concern for two-thirds of global respondents when choosing an international travel destination. Asia Pacific-based travelers prioritize price slightly more than the global average, while reputation is third in their list of considerations.
New world travellers are changing the tourism map | Opinion | Comment and Analysis | Mail & Guardian
New world travellers are changing the tourism map | Opinion | Comment and Analysis | Mail & Guardian
South Africa's stellar reputation as a tourism destination continues to grow. In 2012 South Africa's tourist growth rate was more than double the global average (about 4%, as estimated by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation). Visits by tourists from outside the African continent grew significantly at 15.1% – one of the highest rates in the world last year.
Europe remained the highest source market – more than half the total number of overseas tourists. The United States and Germany followed, with China becoming South Africa's fourth-biggest overseas tourism market, 55.9% on 2011 figures. China's growth is significant, showing that we, the Brics countries (Brazil, China, India, Russia and South Africa), are in the process of remapping the contours of tourism globally.
It is expected that over the next 20 years international tourist arrivals in emerging economy destinations will grow at double the pace (4%) of those in advanced economy destinations (projected at 2%). The former will surpass the latter very soon: the projected crossing point at which tourism to emerging market destinations exceeds tourism to the advanced economies is 2015 – a mere two years from now.
Emerging market destinations boast offerings unparalleled in the world (and are great value for money). There are natural treasures such as the Amazon Rainforest and the Kruger National Park; there are world heritage sites such as the Great Wall of China, the Taj Mahal in India, Sugarloaf Mountain in Brazil, Table Mountain in Cape Town, and the Isimangaliso Wetlands Park in KwaZulu-Natal. The emerging markets are becoming more vital source markets even as emerging destinations change travel patterns around the world. Much of the new outbound tourism growth will be from Asia, Latin America and Africa.
The Brics summit in Durban recently highlighted the economic potential of our affiliation with this bloc, especially the tourism industry. We are currently in the process of negotiating a joint memorandum of understanding among Brics tourism ministers to take forward our co-operation in tourism. Greater collaboration at this level can only help South Africa be even more accessible to visitors from these markets.
Marthinus van Schalkwyk is the minister of tourism
World Travel Awards (WTA) in Kenya Kenya Tourism Board to host Africa's “Oscars of the Travel ...
World Travel Awards (WTA) in Kenya Kenya Tourism Board to host Africa's “Oscars of the Travel ...
Kenya’s profile as a preferred tourist destination has received a boost with the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) winning the bid to host this year’s World Travel Awards (WTA) Africa region on 16th October this year. The WTA nominations will recognise excellence in the travel, tourism and hospitality industry, thus encouraging nominees to uphold constant improvement in products and delivery of service.
Kenya as a host destination comes hot on the heels of KTB’s award as the Africa’s leading Tourism Board by WTA in December last year. In February this year, KTB was also honoured as “Best African Tourism Board” in the Africa Safari awards held in London England.
“World Travel Awards (WTA) is coming to Kenya at the right time after a successful and peaceful general election under a new constitution. This has further raised the country’s profile as a safe destination” Says KTB Managing Director Muriithi Ndegwa. “That WTA has chosen Kenya for the African region ceremony as part of the world grand tour, is an endorsement of the country as a preferred tourism destination in the world”, added the Managing Director.
Graham E. Cooke, President and Founder, WTA, added, “The selection of our hosts is fundamental to the success of our awards programme, and Kenya as a nation has all the ingredients to rise to the challenge of hosting our Africa Ceremony – a warm, vibrant and progressive nation, brimming with enthusiasm and creativity. Tourism is vital to Kenya’s economy, contributing 12 percent to its GDP and sustaining one in ten jobs. The future is bright for Kenya, given the nation’s overwhelming natural resources, its unrivalled wildlife experiences and pristine beaches.”
Kenya is located in East Africa and boasts white sandy beaches bathed by the Indian Ocean as well as the majestic snow-capped Mount Kenya. It is increasingly emerging as an Adventure destination offering activities from hot air ballooning, to authentic cultural interactions with the local ethnic communities, as well as visits to the world renowned Masai Mara, with breath taking safaris and wildebeest migrations, supported by a miscellany of unique superior class accommodation.
For further details, including entry forms and closing deadlines for nominations, visit www.worldtravelawards.com/nominate.
WTA’s 2013 Grand Tour will include regional events in the Dubai (UAE), the Maldives, Turkey, Kenya, Peru, Antigua and Singapore throughout the year. The winners of these regional events will progress to the Grand Final, which will take place at the end of 2013.
The ceremonies are widely regarded as possibly the best networking opportunities in the travel industry, attended by government and industry leaders, luminaries, and international print and broadcast media.
The 2012 WTA Grand Tour ceremonies were attended by more than 3,000 guests from 92 countries, as well as media from 194 TV channels and publications.
South Africa visitors climb 10.2% | News | Breaking Travel News
South Africa visitors climb 10.2% | News | Breaking Travel News
A total of 9 188 368 international tourists visited South Africa in 2012, 10.2% more than the 8 339 354 tourists who travelled to the country in 2011, President Jacob Zuma has revealed.
South Africa’s tourist growth rate in 2012 was more than double the rate of average global tourist growth of about 4% estimated by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation in 2012.
South Africa saw particularly good overseas tourist growth (tourists from outside of the African continent), which grew by 15.1%, one of the highest growth rates in the world last year.
Europe remained the highest source of overseas tourists to South Africa, growing by 9.5% on 2011 figures and attracting a total of 1 396 978 tourists to the country last year – more than half the total number of overseas tourists.
The United Kingdom continues to be South Africa’s biggest overseas tourism market, with 438 023 UK tourists travelling to South Africa in 2012 (4.2% up on 2011 figures). The United States is South Africa’s second biggest overseas tourism market, with 326 643 tourists from the USA visiting in 2012 (up 13.6% on 2011 figures), with Germany the third biggest overseas market with 266 333 tourists (up 13% on 2011 figures). China has become South Africa’s fourth biggest overseas tourism market, 132 334 (up 55.9% on 2011 figures), with France now South Africa’s fifth biggest overseas tourism market with 122 244 tourists in 2012 (up 16% on 2011 figures).
allAfrica.com: Africa: Search On for Africa's Top Travel App
allAfrica.com: Africa: Search On for Africa's Top Travel App
Kenyan developers will have the chance to win about KSh.840,000 (US $10,000) in the Africa App Quest, which is being sponsored by Visa and South African Tourism. The Quest, which went live recently, challenges talented developers across Sub-Saharan Africa to build a home-grown travel app, specially designed for the tourism sector in Africa.
The Africa App Quest is built on the growing use of apps for travel and to capitalise on the continent's growing popularity as a global tourist destination. According to research commissioned by the World Bank, even with the economic slowdown, Sub-Sahara Africa's travel and tourism industry is expected to achieve an annual growth rate of 5.5 percent over the next ten years. The world average is 4.1 percent.
"Visa is excited to be involved with the Africa App Quest as it has the potential to reach out to a wider, global audience and strengthen inbound travel," said Jodie Schorn, Head of Cross-Border Marketing for Visa Sub-Saharan Africa.
Schorn added: "We encourage all developers - whether up-and-coming or already established in the industry - to get involved in the Africa App Quest. This is a great way for developers to make a name for themselves in the global travel and tech community.
South African Tourism's Global E-Marketing Manager, William Price added: "This is an opportunity for developers to step into the broader development arena and use their expertise to contribute to the fast growing tourism industry and build a uniquely African app that enhances every tourist's travel experience."
Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) Managing Director, Muriithi Ndegwa, said the Africa App Quest was a great opportunity for the Kenyan tech sector, "Kenya is widely known as one of Africa's innovative hubs of application development. He further added: "In line with growing demands of the modern traveler, we have embraced e-tourism and recently launched our own mobile app at the just ended ITB 2013 in Berlin".
Entries for the Africa App Quest can include anything from online safari guides and urban directories to game spotting and recording apps, online booking and shopping tools, or apps interpreting local cultures. Any application from an African company, that uses technology to improve and increase travel in Africa will be eligible.
The competition closes on the 16th of August 2013, after which the judges - including representatives from Visa, South African Tourism Board, Betapond (an approved Facebook developer), Kenya Tourism Board and Trip Advisor - will announce the three shortlisted entries. A representative for each of the shortlisted entries will be flown to the 6th Annual E- Tourism Africa Summit in Cape Town for the final judging by the audience on the 9th and 10th of September 2013. The winner of the Africa App Quest will receive a cash prize of US $10,000.
AHIF organiser welcomes pro-tourism government in Kenya | News | Breaking Travel News
AHIF organiser welcomes pro-tourism government in Kenya | News | Breaking Travel News
Organisers of the Africa Hotel Investment Forum and other leaders of the hotel investment community have welcomed the new pro-tourism administration in Kenya, hot on the heels of the announcement by the president of several ministerial candidates.
The new government stood for election with tourism highlighted in its manifesto and since Uhuru Kenyatta’s inauguration, commitments have been made to increase the intensity of Kenya’s tourism marketing activity, to double the number of tourists to three million a year and to provide incentives to encourage investment in tourist accommodation.
According to the World Travel & Tourism Council, the total contribution of tourism to Kenya’s GDP in 2012 was KES448.4bn, 12.5 per cent of the total.
The figure is forecast to rise by 2.2 per cent in 2013 and to rise by 4.5 per cent per annum over the next decade to KES714.8bn in 2023.
Phyllis Jepkosgei Kandie has been nominated as the new cabinet secretary for commerce and tourism, with useful experience to draw on from a career that has embraced banking and enterprise promotion.
She also has academic qualifications in business and economics.
Improved transport infrastructure is also high on the new government’s agenda.
Michael Kamau, a prominent civil engineer and a key architect of the infrastructure upgrade in the last ten years, has been proposed as the cabinet secretary responsible for constructing a series of commuter railway networks in Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu, including a link to Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
One gathering that will have a bearing on the speed of tourism growth will be AHIF 2013, which takes place in Nairobi on September 24th-25th.
It brings together the leading international hotel investors in Africa with local operators, ministers, government officials and industry experts, who will discuss all aspects of hotel investment and operation in Africa.
In 2012, the event attracted 426 delegates from 38 countries who represented 310 organisations. Several networking contacts made at AHIF have since resulted in promising new business relationships and the event attracted considerable media attention, with around a hundred reports appearing in the Kenyan media and around the world.
Jonathan Worsley, chairman of AHIF organiser Bench Events, said: “The pro-tourism stance of the new Kenyan government is evidently increasing the country’s investment appeal and the proactive nature of the Kenya Tourist Development Corporation is a factor too.
“Even though there was pressure to stage AHIF 2013 in another African city this year, it made a strong and successful case to keep the event in Nairobi.”
Thursday, May 2, 2013
Explore Denmark's Viking history - Telegraph
Explore Denmark's Viking history - Telegraph
The Vikings are coming! Exactly 1,000 years ago, that must have been the cry along the coasts of England as Danish king Swein Forkbeard and his son Canute mounted a conquest of our green and pleasant land.
The helmeted bunch had been making forays across the North Sea for many years, but this time Swein managed to send English king Ethelred the Unready scuttling off to Normandy and declared himself ruler.
A common perception of Vikings is of bloodthirsty warriors but, whatever the truth, their Danish descendents today are among the friendliest folk you’ll find anywhere – and keen to celebrate the more romantic aspects of their ancestors.
I joined in the fun by taking my own car on the overnight DFDS Seaways ferry from Harwich in Essex to Esbjerg on Denmark’s west coast.
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And once I‘d enjoyed all the dining and entertainment facilities on board, I drove straight off on my Viking adventure.
If you follow in my wake this year, in between discovering Viking history, you can indulge in Denmark’s fantastic sandy beaches, picturesque countryside, charming villages, excellent museums and galleries and fine cuisine.
I’d suggest Ribe as the first stop. The oldest town in Scandinavia – just half an hour from Esbjerg – it has a huge cathedral and lovely cobbled streets filled with shops and cafes.
There’s also the VikingeCenter, a brilliant family park with recreations of a Viking farm, longhouse, market and more, with lots of hands-on activities such as archery and regular falconry displays. Volunteers dress in costumes of the age to enhance the whole effect.
Meanwhile, I found the Ribes Vikinger to be a well-thought-out museum stuffed with Viking-era artefects that were discovered nearby and depictions of scenes from a millennium ago and from the Middle Ages. The model of how Ribe looked in Viking times sets the scene well, and youngsters will enjoy sitting in the full-size boat recreation, guessing the weight of a suit of chainmail or dressing up in period togs.
My next visit was to Jelling, the place to get a real feel for the Viking era just before their invasion of England. One of Europe’s most important historical sites – and now a UNESCO World Heritge Site – it is home to two huge rune stones. The smallest was inscribed by King Gorm the Old – grandfather of the marauding Swein Forkbeard – and is often called the nation’s birth certificate because it is the first recorded mention of the land of Denmark.
The smaller stone is that of Harold Bluetooth, his son; it’s known as Denmark’s Certificate of Baptism as it reveals the country’s conversion to Christianity.
The rune stones are outside a beautiful white church that dates back to around 1100; it lies between two Viking burial mounds. As you’d expect, the whole site is on Unesco’s World Heritage List.
Make sure you pop in to the Kongernes (Royal) Jelling visitors centre opposite. It gives a detailed explanation of the significance of the monuments; if that’s too deep for children, they can try writing their name in runic letters or play a Viking game.
If you happen to be in the area on the first weekend in July, there will be a spectacular Viking Market on the lawns next to the mounds with craft workshops and all sorts of warrior activities.
In summer, there are trips on a reproduction Viking ship on Fårup Sø, a pretty lake close to the town.
Jelling is little more than an hour’s drive from Esbjerg. Don’t tell the kids, but it’s also close to Legoland, the major theme park devised around the little plastic bricks.
A few miles west of the town of Vejle is Ravning Enge, site of a huge bridge built across the river valley by Harold Bluetooth’s men. Two of the giant pierheads have been reconstructed.
I found Vejle to be a convenient overnight stop. From here, it’s worth heading north-east to the next monument, Fyrkat, thought to be the oldest of the Viking ring fortresses and built by Harold Bluetooth around 980.
Once, 16 identical longhouses were established within the circular ramparts – their positions have been marked out by archaeologists so you can imagine how it would have looked. There’s a very good oak reconstruction of one of these buildings along with a farmstead where Viking crafts are demonstrated during the summer.
A little further north is another fascinating sight – almost 700 graves scattered on a hill that make up Scandinavia’s largest Viking burial ground, Lindholm Høje, near the city of Aalborg. Vikings tended to be cremated on their ships and their remains buried here, which is why many of the stones are arranged in oval ship shapes. Look closely and you can still see markings that were preserved under drifting sands for centuries.
Heading back towards the DFDS Seaways ferry that will take you home, I would suggest taking the route to Ringkøbing, on the coast a little more than an hour north of Esbjerg.
This town is on the Ringkøbing Fjord – more like a giant lagoon – and its contribution to our theme is Bork Vikingehavn (Viking Harbour). Another vibrant depiction of life 1,000 years ago, it’s an open-air museum with a special focus on the sturdy ships the Vikings sailed from here to raid and trade across the seas.
Probably the highlight is Havørnen – Sea Eagle – a 60ft reconstruction of a ship whose remains were found in a Norwegian fjord. It is joined by a longhouse and activities include archery with a traditional longbow, baking bread and making jewellery.
Every August the celebrations are ramped up with a special fair featuring hundreds of wannabe Vikings.
All these attractions and more can be enjoyed on a tour of Jutland, which is the largest of the three main geographical landmasses that make up Denmark.
With more time, or to try a different route, the large islands of Funen and Sealand are also easy to reach from Esbjerg and have several more excellent Viking sites.
On Funen, these include the Viking Museum at Ladby. When a chieftain died, his ship was hauled ashore and covered with a burial mound, along with his worldy goods. Today, the imprint of the ship is still clearly visible.
Zealand is the name of the easternmost large island, where you’ll find Denmark’s capital Copenhagen.
In the city, a major exhibition will open on June 22 at the Danish National Museum, called simply Viking. The highlight will be a huge shipwreck from the era, plus important finds from Viking sites including chess pieces from the Outer Hebrides.
Around Roskilde, which is a short drive from the capital, there are outstanding attractions in addition to the impressive cathedral where Viking kings and queens are buried.
The Viking Ship Museum features five restored ships that were recovered from the nearby fjord. It’s possible to take a sailing trip on the fjord on a reproduction ship – great fun for children.
A few miles away there’s Sagnlandet Lejre, the “Land of Legends”. Once an important Viking settlement, it is now an open-air museum with a recreation of the original market town of Ravnsborg that will transport you back to the year 900.
The largest farm from the Viking age was found at Trelleborg, also on Zealand. Here is another example of King Harold Bluetooth’s work – a huge circular fortress, the thick, low walls of which are remarkably well preserved. Expect to find more displays of significant finds that are 1,000 or more years old, plus games for kids and even the chance to try the beer of the day.
Denmark is not a large country and, with my own transport, I found it very easy to combine an appreciation of Viking history with plenty else to see and do, all in one leisurely tour.
Hospitality Biz India :: Czech Republic to promote J&K’s tourism potential
Hospitality Biz India :: Czech Republic to promote J&K’s tourism potential
The Czech Republic would depute its tour and travel operators and mediapersons on a Familiarisation trip to Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) for encouraging its citizens to visit the state, as per an IANS report. This information was revealed by Miloslav Stasak, Ambassador of Czech Republic, during his meeting with Ghulam Ahmad Mir, Minister for Tourism, Government of J&K in Jammu recently. He also offered his support to the J&K government for "promotion and showcasing of the abundant tourism potential of the state".
The Ambassador appreciated efforts of the state government for promoting tourism by "creating world-class tourist infrastructure and offering Adventure and Golf Tourism for high-end tourists".
He also hailed "the government's efforts to restore peace and normalcy in the state", and added that J&K was as safe as other parts of the world, "so there should be no reservations to any tourist to visit the state".
Mir briefed the Ambassador about the overall tourism scenario of the state. He said that J&K offered varied attractions for tourists round the year. Mir apprised Stasak that the J&K government was focusing on promotion of tourism in the state. "We have not only developed new tourism spots but upgraded world-class infrastructure facilities for the tourist," Mir said.
"Unfortunately, J&K has passed through hard times in the past, but the resilience of the people of Kashmir has helped tourism to pick up yet again," the Minister added.
The Czech Republic would depute its tour and travel operators and mediapersons on a Familiarisation trip to Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) for encouraging its citizens to visit the state, as per an IANS report. This information was revealed by Miloslav Stasak, Ambassador of Czech Republic, during his meeting with Ghulam Ahmad Mir, Minister for Tourism, Government of J&K in Jammu recently. He also offered his support to the J&K government for "promotion and showcasing of the abundant tourism potential of the state".
The Ambassador appreciated efforts of the state government for promoting tourism by "creating world-class tourist infrastructure and offering Adventure and Golf Tourism for high-end tourists".
He also hailed "the government's efforts to restore peace and normalcy in the state", and added that J&K was as safe as other parts of the world, "so there should be no reservations to any tourist to visit the state".
Mir briefed the Ambassador about the overall tourism scenario of the state. He said that J&K offered varied attractions for tourists round the year. Mir apprised Stasak that the J&K government was focusing on promotion of tourism in the state. "We have not only developed new tourism spots but upgraded world-class infrastructure facilities for the tourist," Mir said.
"Unfortunately, J&K has passed through hard times in the past, but the resilience of the people of Kashmir has helped tourism to pick up yet again," the Minister added.
More tourists from Latin America visit Armenia
More tourists from Latin America visit Armenia
YEREVAN, April 19. / ARKA /. More and more tourists from Latin America are visiting Armenia, according to Armine Adamian, head of Amistad Tour travel agency, who spoke to a news conference today.
She said tourists from Argentina, Uruguay, Ecuador, Puerto Rico and some other Latin American countries choose Armenia as a tourist destination and many of them are not Diaspora Armenians. She said an increasing interest in Armenia may be motivated by search for new experiences, as well as by a desire to visit a new faraway country.
"So far, they are not very many, but in view of the fact that each of Latin American tourists visiting Armenia may act as a "live advertisement" for their country fellows, it is extremely important for Armenia", she said.
She said many of foreigners who visited Armenia last year had planned originally to visit Syria, but then refused to travel to that country because of the clashes between the government and opposition forces.
She said the major obstacle to the development of tourism in the country is the high cost of airfares.
"Prices for flights to Armenia are much higher than to many neighboring countries, and this makes foreign tourists to choose other than Armenia countries,’
she said.
The executive director of Eurasia travel agency, Gagik Mkrtchyan, said another obstacle to tourism development is lack of advertising and low level services in eateries outside the capital city.
According to the National Statistical Service of Armenia, some 843,330 foreign tourists visited Armenia in 2012, an increase of 11.3% from the previous year. -0-
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