Since 1997 volume 17, issue 4, April 2014

TOURISM IS A PRIORITY FOR CÔTE D’IVOIRE!

FIJI - TOURISM TOP OF ECONOMY

FIRST WORLD WAR CENTENARY

CROATIA SEEKS INVESTORS

THE COTSWOLD… THE BEAUTY OF GREAT BRITAIN! BURUNDI PUTTING TOURISM FIRST

PARIS TARGET SOUTH EAST ASIA

DA NANG MUST-SEE DESTINATIONS IN ASIA

LUXURY SUITES BOOMING

NEW: CHINA XI’AN SILK ROAD INTERNATIONAL TOURISM EXPO

MITM EUROMED IN CADIZ, SPAIN

TOURISM IS PILLAR OF GROWTH FOR GUYANA'S ECONOMY

NAKED IN MACHU PICCHU

IRAQ TURNING ITS PAST AROUND

THE M.I.C.E DESTINATION OF 2014

CHIBA JAPAN - MEETING PARADISE

NO CARBON CHARGE FOR NON-EU AIRLINES

Mt. Fuji, Japan - TATW Monthly 2014 © www.tourismaroundtheworld.co.uk

The Basi l i ca of Yamoussoukro.

TOURISM IS PRIORITY FOR CÔTE D’IVOIRE by Dimitri Laspas - publisher & founder

The Côte d'Ivoire, also known as the Ivory Coast, is located in western Africa on the Gulf of Guinea. It is bordered by Liberia, Guinea, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Ghana. The country is made up of a southern coastline, dense forests in the middle and savannas in the north.

The Cote d'Ivoire, is definitely one of the more ‘off the beaten track’ destinations, and is famous for its ‘Senoufo’ and ‘Dan’ people, both of which produce some of Africa's finest craft work. Man is the centre of the ‘Dan’ people; one of the most interesting tribal cultures of western Africa. The Dan is especially known for their traditional masks and stilt dances. Man is surrounded by spectacular natural beauty of thick forest and mountains, where you can visit the striking rock formations of La Dent. The ‘Senufo’ are a traditional agricultural people of the northern savannah, renowned globally for their woodcarving. The Senufo masks are used in ritual forms of ancestor worship. The Senufo are also celebrated for their music, which includes ‘marimbas’ and tuned iron gongs.

Although it is oil and gas which are the key industries in Cote d’Ivoire, it is also the world's largest producer of cocoa, accounting for two thirds of all supply.

Prior to its colonisation by Europeans, the Ivory Coast was home to several states, including Gyaaman, the Kong Empire, and Baoulé. In 1893 the Côte d'Ivoire became a French protectorate. It took its independence in 1960 and from then until his death in 1993, was led by Félix Houphouët-Boigny who helped the country become very prosperous through its continued close relationship with its former colonial leader. However, in the 1980s the country's economy started to decline and till today continues to struggle. This has not been helped by military coups and civil war more recently.

The Dioulatiedougou Vi l lage, Ivory Coast.

However, there is a dedicated government willing to bring the nation back on the international tourism map. With its tropical climate and pure white sandy beaches as well as being the only place left in the region to have primary tropical rainforest, the Cote d’Ivoire is again ready to become a top tourist destination. It is often said that a destination has ‘great tourism potential’ and this is certainly very true of the Cote d’Ivoire.

There is much to see in the Cote d’Ivoire. There are 3 wildlife conservation areas on the World Heritage List; the Mount Nimba Nature Reserve, the Tai National Park and the Comoe National Park, one of the largest protected areas in West Africa. The cities are modern and have led to the nation being known as the ‘Paris of West Africa’. One other must see attraction is Yamoussoukro’s famous basilica, an amazing replica of Rome’s St Peter’s.

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Letter from the Editor

Dear Friends,

‘’Fair Business’’

v/s Greediness

With many families planning their annual vacation, the subject of getting value for money is always a major decision factor. It is therefore not surprising that many families opt to book packages and flights prior to the end of the school term and/or half terms, as the difference in price is huge. The same holiday if to be taken a few days before the end of term can cost UK£750 (EU€900) for the family, but if it is taken a week later, in the first week of the summer holidays, the cost can rise to around UK£1,800 (EU€2160) and more.

This situation has caused many problems, especially in the UK, where children are 1) taken out of school in term time for the benefit of cheaper family holidays, 2) holiday companies are cashing in very unfairly on the secured demand for holidays during the 6 week summer holiday period (and during half terms) and 3) Schools are being forced to give out penalties to parents for taking their children out of school 4) Holiday companies say they are making up for lack of demand in other periods of the year. There are plenty of people who purposefully opt to go on holiday outside of the school holidays as they can and do not wish to be swamped with families while on vacation.

So why the huge increase in prices for travel in the school holidays? A hotel will still have the same outgoing unit costs for running its facilities; a plane still uses the same amount of fuel on a flight and the same cost, so it would seem that it is over zealous tour operators who are taking more than they should? If we all had a choice of when to go on holiday with our families, for sure we would all choose different times of the year outside the restrictive 6 week summer holiday period, due to weather preferences, activities available at the destination, etc, but ultimately we also do not wish to disrupt the education of our children, but it does seem that as tourists, we are not winning at all when it comes to this over hiking of holiday prices. Of course there is a level of supply and demand, and so with such a huge demand in summer, surely prices should be lower? If collectively the UK travel sector tried this strategy, maybe all parties; schools, families and the industry would benefit. Happy reading of Your e-journal!

Caroline-Artemis Laspas editor & co-founder

Abidjan, the Capi tal of Ivory Coast.

In 2012 the country saw approx. 300,000 tourists. The aim is to reach 500,000 by 2015 and 1 million by 2020. It may sound like an ambitious goal but work is already well underway to meet the high target. Improvements are far reaching with not only an international promotion on the image of the country and what’s on offer, but also promotion to attract investors as well as tourists. With this in mind, improvements to the business environment and the state of nation’s infrastructure are taking place with roads and airports being renovated in order to maximise the country’s workable tourism destinations. One key area that the Cote d’Ivoire needs to work hard on is the level of security within the country. Many countries have until recently advised their citizens not to travel to the Cote d’Ivoire, but much of the country is now just as safe as anywhere can be.

Toukouzou Beach, Ivory Coast.

This has led to tour operators once again offering holidays to the Cote d’Ivoire and slowly tourists are returning. In fact, the demand is growing at such a pace, that at times it outstrips the current supply available! During the past troubles in the country, many international hotels closed completely and left the country, but now they are coming back and occupancy rates are high. Indeed, Radisson is planning to open a hotel near the airport. These vital investments in the hotel sector will allow for an additional 500 rooms by the end of 2015.

It is clear that the Cote d’Ivoire is to become a top tourist hot-stop in Western Africa and with one of its key target markets for tourists and investment being the UK among other European nations, it will not be long before British Airways will re-launch its route to the country.●

global e-news for tourism, travel, m.i.c.e, exhibitions and aviation

TOURISM AROUND THE WORLD MONTHLY is a global e-journal for the travel and tourism, M.I.C.E, exhibitions and aviation industries. It provides accurate, detailed, informative and useful information and is produced in English. Started in 1997 it has an ever-growing circulation. It is also the official global media support for several key exhibitions within the industry.

环球旅游全球电子新闻 月刊 是针对旅行与旅游业、航空公司, M.I.C.E.行业，

在全球范围内发行的英语版本电子刊物。

它提供准确、详尽的行业资讯，自1997年创刊以来发展迅速，并成为业内几

大卓越展会的官方全球媒体支持方。

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TOURISM News

Moscow, Russia .

RUSSIA AND CHINA CONTINUE TO GROWTH AS SOURCE MARKETS FOR EUROPEAN CITIES Figures indicating that while the USA, UK, and Germany are

maintaining their positions as the leading bed night source markets for European cities, Russia and China are showing the highest growth rates among the leading source markets in 2013. Total foreign and domestic bed nights increased by 3.6% over 2012, international bed nights increased 4 times the rate of domestically-sourced bed nights. Leading source markets USA (+2.6%), Germany (+5.0 %), UK (+8.8 %), and France (+5.6 %) remain strong. Spain and Italy continue to decline in terms of total bed nights contributed to European cities, but both markets maintain their positions as two of the strongest sources for European city tourism. Russia now nearly matches the number of bed nights contributed by all of Spain in 2013. London, Paris, Berlin, Rome, and Barcelona are the top cities for foreign and domestic bed nights. Madrid, Prague, Vienna, Hamburg and Munich are in the top 10 cities for total foreign and domestic bed nights. Other cities which are not top ranking have in fact shown bigger growth rates year on year for bed nights, like Leuven (Belgium) up 26%, Zagreb and Split (Croatia) up 12% and 22%. Bratislava saw an increase of almost 17% over 2012, exceeding 2 million bed nights in 2013.

INTERNATIONAL TOURISM UP IN 2013 In 2013, international tourist arrivals

grew by 5% reaching a massive 1.087 million arrivals. Despite many global economic difficulties, the result is above expected figures, with an additional 52 million international tourists travelling in 2013. The forecast for 2014 is for a 4-4.5% growth. International tourism was strongest in Asia and the Pacific (+6%), Africa (+6%) and Europe (+5%). The leading sub-regions were South-East Asia (+10%), Central and Eastern Europe (+7%), Southern and Mediterranean Europe (+6%) and North Africa (+6%). In 2014 regional prospects are strongest for Asia and the Pacific (+5-6%) and Africa (+4-6%), Europe and the Americas (both +3-4%) and the Middle East (0-+5%). Europe saw an additional 29 million international tourist arrivals in 2013 reaching a total of 563 million. Central and Eastern Europe and Southern Mediterranean Europe saw the best results. In Asia and the Pacific international tourists grew by 14 million to reach 248 million. South-East Asia was the top performing sub-region, with South Asia, Oceania and North-East Asia seeing steady growth. The Americas saw an increase of 6 million arrivals, making a total of 169 million. Destinations in North and Central America did well with +4% growth each, while South America grew +2% and the Caribbean by +1%, which was a slower growth rate from 2012 figures. Africa attracted 3 million additional arrivals, with a new record of 56 million. North Africa was top with steady growth in Sub-Saharan destinations. Russia and China led growth in 2013 with China becoming that largest outbound market in the world. Russia is the 5th largest outbound market with growth of 26% Emerging markets with substantial growth in outbound expenditure were Turkey (+24%), Qatar (+18%), Philippines (+18%), Kuwait (+15%), Indonesia (+15%), Ukraine (+15%) and Brazil (+14%).

FIJI - TOURISM TOP OF ECONOMY For the small island of Fiji, the tourism

industry contributed about 37.8% towards the GDP which equates to UK£1.6, (EU€1.90) billion last year, an increase from 2012 figures. The increase in tourism was partly due to a transformation of the local tourism scene on the islands and the creation of brand Fiji. It is now not just Fijians promoting tourism there are Australian and New Zealand companies promoting Fiji in their country.

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TOURISM News TOURISM ARRIVALS UP IN GREECE Greek tourism continues

to improve with positive reservations from traditional markets like the UK, Germany and the USA. Also boosting efforts is the new significant increase in availability of airline seats from abroad as well as new flights. Already total air arrivals from abroad have increased by 16.9% compared to 2013 figures, but there may be a shortfall in the strong markets of Russia and Ukraine. The aim in 2014 is for 18.5 million tourists, up from 17.9 last year and a revenue of UK£11, (EU€13) billion from UK£10, (EU€12) billion. Average bookings have increased from Germany by 20% and the UK by 10% The Nordic, Balkan nations and China are also showing growth in higher bookings. The unrest in Egypt is also still having a positive effect on Greek tourism as tourists choose Greece rather than Egypt as a destination. Back in the 1950’s Greece was a top tourist destination and boasted 33,000 tourists. It has come a long way to reach over 17 million a few decades later.

Santorini Island, Greece

The number of tourists that visited Greece in the 1960s significantly increased (1,098%). Between 1961 and 1990, mass tourism started to dominate globally. Tourists came to Greece in the early days primarily interested in visiting Athens in order to see the cultural monuments firsthand. It was in the 1970s, tourists started to head out to Greece’s islands and coastal regions. In the early 1990s, mass tourism began declining and a plan was put in place in order for alternative forms of tourism to develop. In 2000, more than 13 million tourists came to Greece on holiday. Until 1990, Greece’s development in the tourism

sector was the fastest in Europe and at a worldwide level. However, from 1999 to 2012, the Greek tourism industry developed slowly compared to that of both the Europe and the international tourism industry. It is well known that as a tourist destination, Greece has it all and it is a spectacular destination with a wide variety of tourism forms which it can easily exploit, but as of yet has still not achieved. Tourism is a pillar of its economy and it can achieve further development and stability, with the right approach and management in this sector in order to make the Greek tourism market even more competitive.

MEDITERRANEAN CRUISE FIGURES Over 27 million people took a cruise in the

Mediterranean in 2013, up 4.22% than in 2012. There has been significant growth in the cruise market, from approx. 24% since 2009, with double-digit growth in 2010 and 2011. Only in 2012 did passenger numbers drop by 3.6%, mainly due to the Concordia accident which affected the whole Mediterranean region. However, the decline was temporary and growth is back. In 2013 the number of stops rose by 3.78% to 14,428. The large ports that cruise ships stop in experienced average growth of 10%. In the top 5, Barcelona was top with 2.6 million passengers, followed by the Italian ports of Civitavecchia (2nd with over 2.5 million passengers), Venice and Naples. The best performance last year in terms of passenger volume was Marseilles (6th port, +33%), followed by Genoa (+32%), the 9th port for cruise ships in the Mediterranean.

FIRST WORLD WAR CENTENARY This year is the commemoration of 100 years

since the 1st World War. To mark the occasion, there are a number of countries involved in various projects to remember the fallen nad to educate today’s societies on the events involved during this period of our history. Many of the commemorations cover 2014 and 2015. Last year the Brussels Government launched a call for projects to commemorate the centenary and received over 170 applications. As a result, 130 projects were chosen to benefit from the Region’s support for a total amount of €2.5 million. The projects come from various backgrounds, including municipalities, museums, archive centres, libraries, cultural centres, etc. The projects meet the values set out by the Region, such as education of the very youngest members of society, the evocation of the social evolution which ensued from the conflict, the conveyance of positive values and the duty of memory. An exhibition, entitled ‘14-18 it’s our history’ has opened at the Royal Museum of the Armed Forces in Brussels and is aimed at both children as well as enthusiasts of the history of the Great War. For 4 years Flanders Fields, in the north west of Belgium, was the scene of some of the bloodiest clashes of the First World War, a war which involved not only European citizens, but citizens from countries around the world with respective ties to Europe as colonies, dominions, protectorates and territories. By 1914, a landscape of peaceful homes and fields was transformed into a mass battlefield on which a million soldiers were wounded, missing or killed in action and where thousands of citizens were made homeless and left as refugees. The war destroyed entire cities and villages. Today, the region’s landscape tells the story of the war through hundreds of monuments and cemeteries of great historical significance for people from all over the world. Over the next 4 years many events, exhibitions, historic walks, ceremonies, etc are to take place in Belgium to commemorate 100 years since the start of the Great War as part of a 4 year remembrance project set up by the Flemish Government entitled ‘The Great War Centenary’. Visit Flanders is a key destination for the many events taking place. 5 www.tourismaroundtheworld.co.uk

TOURISM News

Grand Resort Lagonisi , Athens, Greece .

LUXURY SUITES BOOMING Many hotels used to be fitted out with one or two

presidential suites, but now there is a huge demand for them and many hotels cannot keep up with demand for such luxurious rooms and suites. The change in trend is due to a growing number of wealthy visitors travelling all over the world and the increasing popularity of multigenerational travel. One hotel group Rosewood Hotels & Resorts is increasing the percentage of suites at its resort properties to more than 40% of total rooms, an increase from 30%, due to consistent demand. The Mandarin Oriental in Barcelona is seeing occupancy rates of about 80% in top suites, higher than regular rooms. With the hotel expanding, 17 of the 22 new rooms there will be suites. Peninsula Hotels and Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide with its luxury St. Regis brand are increasing the number of suites as they build new hotels and renovate existing ones. The Maybourne Hotel Group built the Apartment at the Connaught Hotel, it couldn't keep up with demand for the UK£14.365, (EU€17.378) a-night room, so it developed two more to avoid guests going to competitive hotels. Although not booked as often, the suites are more profitable for hotel companies, as guests tend to stay longer and use other hotel facilities a lot. Another change is that guests pay the list price, before hotels would have offered discounts just to get the rooms filled, but that is no longer necessary. Luxury hotels in general have recovered well from the global recession with occupancy rates at luxury hotels reaching 74.6% in 2013, up from 63.7% in 2009. The average daily rate was UK£175, (EU€211) in 2013, up from UK£146, (EU€177) in 2009. The way these suites are configured is also changing to avoid prying eyes, the press and often taking up an entire wing of a building for extra security and also separate entrances. Hotels are increasingly competing with lavish private rental homes.

NEW TOURISM SCHOOL FOR SOLOMON ISLANDS The Solomon Island

Visitors Bureau (SIVB) has a new school of Tourism & Hospitality in Honiara. It is hoped that it will be a catalyst for the destination’s economic future. Tourism is a key driver of the islands economy and the establishment of a dedicated sector school can only help improve the industry over the coming years. The new school forms part of the Solomon Islands National University campus and houses conference rooms, a lecture theatre and several tutorial rooms. Travel and tourism requires a broad range of skills ranging from business management to hotel specific hospitality management and operations and in order to progress, a trained labour force is required.

BURUNDI PUTTING TOURISM FIRST Burundi’s tourism the official tourism

body for the East African country, is celebrating its successes at bringing tourism to the forefront of the industry and gaining a share in tourism arrivals. The tourism body is aware that the tourism industry has the possibility to create jobs faster than any other economic sector; attract foreign investment in hotels, resorts, and safari lodges; and can vastly improve the foreign exchange earnings for the country. The Burundi Tourism Board aims to work closely with the public and private sector in Burundi to first and foremost help re-brand the country as a favourable tourism and investment destination that should be the pride of all Burundians. The country’s only national park of Ruvubu and the nature reserve of Rusizi near the capital of Bujumbura are just 2 of the many places tourists can visit, besides exploring the shores of Lake Tanganyika or the south of the country where the Karera Falls are located inside the Nyakazu-Nkoma national monument, playing a round of golf, or shopping for the unique arts and crafts.

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THE UNION OF AFRICA TOURISM

The African Union Ministerial Working Group on tourism sector development strategy met recently to see how best they can work together on how to make an African brand through tourism while attracting visitors to Africa. The group is in the process of speeding up develop-ment and integration of the continent. The strategy which envisages Africa’s prosperity in the next 50 years since 2013 is known as the ‘African Union (AU) Agenda 2063’. It will be comprehensive and articulate on the aspirations of the African peoples in all their socio-economic endeavours. The African Union Commission is well aware of the huge direct and indirect contribution of tourism to the economies of African countries at both macro and micro levels. All African union member states need to strengthen the role of tourism within the political arena so as to build on the African brand by harmonising policies on the tourism sector. One key discussion was the vital one of air connectivity among other infrastructure issues within the continent. This will then better connect the countries to create shared opportunities. Africa has a huge tourism potential in all aspects of the sector such as natural environmental wonders, exotic wildlife and plants, ancient cultures and historic relics and as of yet these have not been exploited and promoted to the benefit of African countries. Some of the plans of the African Union Agenda 2063 framework are: undertaking joint marketing including packaging and promotion of cross-border tourism attractions; promoting joint projects for infrastructure development and investment, like African cross-border investment in hotels, airport, roads, ports; capacity building for people working in the tourism industry; and removing tourism visa constraints among others.

CROATIA SEEKS INVESTORS

Croatia is searching for private investors to upgrade the tourist infrastructure on the largest of its 14 Brijuni Islands in the northern Adriatic Sea. Famous for their scenic beauty, the islands are a holiday resort and a Croatian National Park. The plan, valued at UK£165-248, (EU€200-300) million aims to transform the island of Veli Brijun into a luxury worldwide tourist destination. Environmental protection will remain under national park jurisdiction. The idea is to create a totally new concept aimed at the luxury tourism of the future that will incorporate tourism with the environment, history and the sea.●

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Fai r ford and St Mary's Church .

The Beauty of Great Britain…

THE COTSWOLD by Caroline-Artemis Laspas, editor & co-founder

As anyone who has travelled to Britain will know, there is much to see and a wide variety of destinations and attractions on offer. London is not all there is!

For a real ‘chocolate box’ experience of quiet villages, old cottages and streams and grazing sheep, head for the area called the ‘Cotswolds’. Easily accessible from London for a day trip.

The area is popular with both the English and visitors from all over the world. It is a typically English experience visiting the Cotswolds. The main feature across the region is that all the buildings are made from a lovely honey-coloured limestone which can be seen in cities like Bath.

While travelling between the small villages, the fields full of grazing sheep are separated with ‘dry-stone walls’ an ancient technique of wall building without using cement to fix the stones in place. Many walls date back to the 18th century. They make up an important historical landscape and still mark farm boundaries.

During the 13-15th centuries, the Cotswold sheep were famous across Europe for the high quality of their wool and heavy fleeces. The ‘Cotswold Lion’ provided more than half of England’s cloth production and the wool trade made the area very affluent and saw many wonderful churches, known as ‘wool churches’ and houses built that still stand today.

One of the most famous of the villages is Bourton-on-the-water or the ‘Venice of the Cotswolds’ with its babbling stream running through the centre of the village with several low bridges. Tea shops, craft shops, pubs, and galleries line the main street. It is therefore not surprising that the Bourton-on-the-water is regularly voted one of the prettiest villages in England.

However, there are many lesser known villages like Painswick, Biddestone, Winchcombe or Woodstock all with a sleep charm. The Slaughters are some of the prettiest villages in the region and maybe the most photographed. Indeed it is hard to believe that people actually live in these idyllic cottages.

Over time, larger villages have become market towns but still have a wonderful atmosphere and are famous for their independent shops and markets, selling local produce, like those in Stow-on-the-Wold, Cirencester, Chipping Norton and Tetbury.

The spa town of Cheltenham is one of many who offer walking routes so visitors can enjoy the Cotswolds more. Cirencester is the capital of the Cotswolds and dates back to the Roman era. The wonderful Corinium Museum, tells the town’s history and with little left from the Roman period, the large grassed over amphitheatre is still worth visiting. The church of St. John Baptist at the centre of town is huge and

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earns the church its title of ‘Cathedral of the Cotswolds’. Cirencester is an important tourism and crafts centre.

Stow-on-the-Wold, located on a hill-top is famous for selling antiques. The town dates back to a prehistoric fortified settlement located on top of the hill. It is host to some of the Cotswolds’ largest sheep fairs, with up to 20,000 sheep herded into the market square for sale. The medieval market cross is a symbol of its long past. The village Green is complete with 19th century stocks and there are many alleyways and passages leading onto the Square well worth exploring. The oldest Inn in England is in Stow and dates back to 947AD and is called ‘The Royalist’ in Digbeth Street.

The Broadway Tower

Chipping Campden is often described as the ‘jewel in the crown’ of the Cotswold towns. It is well preserved and of most historical importance. Dating back to the late 12th century, its original layout can still be traced. The oldest properties are Grevel’s House and Woolstaplers Hall, dating to the 14th century. The market hall was built in 1627 for the sale of butter, cheese and poultry. The church of St James is one of the Cotswolds’ finest wool churches. The town is a mecca for arts and crafts, in which it boasts a long tradition.

In Tetbury, at the centre of the town is the ‘Market House’, built in 1655 for the sale of wool and yarn. It is still used for markets today. The town’s origins certainly date back to the 7th century. There is also lovely row of 17th century weaver’s cottages. The tall spire of St Mary’s church is a town landmark and inside the church is a Gothic style with a fabulous plaster ceiling.

These are just highlights of a few towns and villages, but there are many more delights waiting for you to discover.

Bourton On The Water

There are many varied museums to visit around the region including; Cotswold Motoring Museum; Chedworth Roman Villa which gives visitors a chance to see roman Britain at its best and imagine what life was like in the 3-4 centuries; Cotswold Woollen Weavers is a working woollen mill and museum; Court Barn Museum is a collection of arts and crafts from national and international craftspeople; Gordon Russell Museum celebrates the work of the 20th century furniture designer, Sir Gordon Russell MC; Hailes Abbey was built in 13th century in the countryside and today’s ruins are the perfect picnic location. There is an audio tour that tells of how a phial, containing Christ’s own blood, attracted pilgrims from far and wide. The museum is interesting with sculptures and other artefacts; The Old Mill, is a watermill dating from 1880 with a working water wheel. It also offers a museum, shop, ice-cream parlour and riverside tea room, all in a typically picturesque village atmosphere; Wellington Aviation Museum is a collection of Royal Air Force treasures with real planes and related artefacts and history; Keith Harding’s World of Mechanical Music includes musical boxes, self-playing musical instruments and automata.

There is plenty to see and do in the Cotswolds with many walking and cycling trails. Horse riding, fishing and golf are also on offer as well as craft or hobby centres and activities.

Lower Slaughter

The Cotswolds has some of the finest gardens and arboretums in the country. Many are huge in design, but there are a lot of smaller gardens full of old-fashioned tradition. Many are open all year round and others as part of a National Gardens event. There are also Manor House Gardens, which typifies the Cotswolds, visit Hidcote Manor Gardens or Kiftsgate Court Garden. Bourton House Garden and Mill Dene Garden are two more not to be missed. For world famous arboretums visit Westonbirt and Batsford, which are grand in design and complement the grand houses they belong to.

The regional tourism board has developed 4 vintage routes in maximise your visit to the region; Vintage North- a rural route in the valley of the River Severn and the hills; Vintage East- a classic route through the villages and towns; Vintage South - undiscovered Cotswolds across 5 valleys; and Vintage West – focuses on the City of Gloucester and the spa town of Cheltenham

The Cotswolds is crisscrossed by rivers, streams and canals and is a great place to relax and refresh in spectacular surroundings. Combined with the magical English Country Gardens and traditional pretty villages it is a must visit region on your next trip the England.●

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ASIA News CHINESE COMPANIES IN GREECE LAUNCH OWN CHAPTER Chinese

companies operating in Greece, of which the number is steadily rising, are to launch a new, exclusively Chinese chamber of enterprises. The aim is the common protection and promotion of their interests and to establish themselves as a group on the Greek business scene. Their collective sectors are mainly transport, shipping, telecommuni-cations, energy, tourism, commerce and real estate. Chinese banks are also wishing to enter the Greek market in activities beyond shipping, where they already have a significant share.

Place Vendome, Par is, France

PARIS TARGET SOUTH EAST ASIA

The Paris Convention & Visitors Bureau is focusing strongly on its marketing efforts in Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand in order to tap into the growth these South-east Asian source markets offer. On a recent trip to Kuala Lumpur, 13 exhibitors met 44 buyers from Malaysia for a buyer-meet-seller workshop. Next stop Jakarta and Bangkok. This is the 2nd year the Paris Convention & Visitors Bureau has run a sales gathering in 3 South-east Asian countries. Singapore is a long standing market for Paris and represents a mature market.

Macau, China

CASINO OPERATOR GALAXY TO BUILD CHINA RESORT One of Macau’s

gambling company’s Galaxy Entertainment is to build a UK£962 million (EU€1.16) billion resort on nearby Hengqin Island. Macau is a UK£27 (EU€33) billion gambling market and this resort aims to complement Galaxy's business in Macau as well as helping to strengthen the islands position as a global tourism center. China plans is to turn the quiet Hengqin Island into a diversified hub to supplement the world's casino capital. Hengqin Island is 3 times the size of Macau and located at the crossroads of that city, Guangdong and Hong Kong. The University of Macau's new campus, costing UK£781, (EU€945) million has been built on the island. Other projects on the island include a massive marine-themed resort and a hotel, office and residential comlex. There are over 50 projects in Hengqin across 7 industries including tourism, financial services, education and technology, attracting over UK£22 (EU€26) billion in investment. Galaxy's new luxury resort, is to be built along Hengqin Island's waterfront and will incorporate luxury ‘Maldives style’ bungalows. Galaxy is due to open the 2nd phase of its flagship property in Macau's Cotai area, nearly doubling the size of the casino-resort. All 5 of Galaxy's competitors; Las Vegas Sands, Wynn Resorts Ltd, MGM Resorts International, SJM Holdings Ltd and Melco Crown Entertainement Ltd all plan to open new casino-resorts in Cotai over the next few years.

The actual Rai lway Bui lding in Yangon, Myanmar

AGREEMENT TO DEVELOP ‘THE PENINSULA YANGON’ In a joint agreement, the

Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels, Limited (HSH) and Yoma Strategic Holdings Ltd, are to restore the former Myanmar Railway Company headquarters into a hotel to be called ‘The Peninsula Yangon’. The former Myanmar Railway Company headquarters is an iconic building in Myanmar dating back to the 1880s and is one of the oldest existing colonial buildings in Yangon. Located on Bogyoke Aung San Road in the central business district of Yangon, a short distance from the Yangon River and adjacent to the tourist attraction known as Scott’s Market, the new hotel will aim to attract luxury travellers.

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ASIA News

Manado, Indonesia

THAILAND AND MEKONG TOURISM OFFICES JOINT PROMOTIONS The

Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office (MCTO) are working together to promote destinations linking Thailand’s bordering provinces to 3 countries in the Greater Mekong Sub-region (GMS), including Cambodia, Lao PDR and Myanmar. TAT has been heavily working to build, promote and facilitate the tourism industry of the GMS for almost 3 decades with positive results. The development of the transportation infrastructure with cross-border roads, bridges and checkpoints opening for both local and international visitors, as well as the newly completed Asian Highway, makes it much easier to travel and explore the Mekong region. It has also allowed Thailand to become established as a hub due to its geographical location in South East Asia. Further building on joint efforts, TAT and MCTO have introduced 6 tour itineraries that directly link provinces in north, northeast and eastern Thailand with destinations in the 3 neighbouring countries of Cambodia, Lao PDR and Myanmar. With such dedicated work together, travel and tourism will remain a major sector for the economy, as well as social and cultural development for many years to come.

NEW ZEALAND TARGETS VIETNAM In a new contest to help promote New

Zealand in Vietnam, the New Zealand Embassy in Vietnam and the Vnexpress e-newspaper have joined forces to allow readers to pass on their thoughts about New Zealand via the e-newspaper. The contest called ‘New Zealand - New Horizon’ will help enhance people-to-people exchanges between the 2 countries, and help the tourism sector build on existing and new partnership. Approx. 15,000–20,000 New Zealand tourists visit Vietnam each year and figures are increasing in terms of Vietnamese visiting New Zealand.

CHAMPASSAK TOURISM IMPROVEMENT In an effort to help promote

improvements in tourism for the Champassak province in Laos, Swisscontact is investing UK£1.15, (EU€1.38) million. The main aim of the project is to allow businesses to be more competitive in the tourism sector. It will also help to improve the living conditions of approx 2,500 local families. The project will run for 3 years and cover 27 villages in the 6 districts of Pakxe, Champassak, Pathoumphone, Khong, Pakxong and Bachiangchaleunsouk. Other aspects of the project include product promotion, developing products for the tourism market and empowerment in the tourism sector. Located in South Laos, Champassak has over 206 tourist sites to discover including natural, historical and cultural attractions. The best known are the Khonphapheng waterfalls and the Vat Phou temple complex; a World Heritage site. Last year over 150,000 foreigners visited the Vat Phou temple complex. Laos has a fast developing tourism industry and saw over 3 million tourists in 2013, a 13% increase on 2012 figures.

DA NANG MUST-SEE DESTINATIONS IN ASIA Da Nang is a popular destination

for Japanese tourists as it is the gateway for 3 top World Heritage Sites; My Son Sanctuary, the ancient imperial capital of Hue and Hoi An ancient town. From Da Nang, it is also less that an hour’s flight to some of Vietnams other popular cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh, Hai Phong, Vinh, Nha Trang, Buon Me Thuot, Da Lat and Pleiku. In 2013 tourist numbers from Japan to Da Nang increased by 53% year-on-year to 41,000, making it the 3rd tourist market in Da Nang. To attract more tourists from Japan, as of July 2014 Vietnam Airlines will start a direct flight from Da Nang International Airport to Narita (Japan) operating 4 flights per week. To help build on this important tourism source market, road shows, fam trips, press trips will take place in Japan to promote the tourism sector in Da Nang. 11 www.tour ismaroundtheworld.co.uk

In an attempt to better serve Japanese tourists, Furama Resort Da Nang has recruited a Japanese Relations Officer, is offering Japanese foods for breakfast, buffet and on à la carte menus. All promotion materials are also in Japanese among other languages.

The Mekong Ri ver , Laos .

MALDIVES TOURISM INDUSTRY SUCCESS OVER 5 YEAR PLAN The

Maldives tourism industry is expected to see continued growth and success throughout the next 5 years with the government aiming to expand the sector and open 10 more resorts and inviting foreign investment to help boost the economy of the Maldives. The aim is to also double the number of bed capacity on offer at present in view of increasing visitor numbers. At the end of October 2013, the islands welcomed 925,413 tourists, an increase of 18% on 2012 figures. A total 284,926 Chinese tourists visited the Maldives representing 30.8% of total arrivals, making them the top single source market, followed by Germany at 8.3%, UK at 7.8%, Russia at 6.6% and Italy at 5%. Other top tourists come from France, Japan, India, Switzerland and South Korea. Turkey, USA, the Middle East and Australia have seen increases in arrivals. Ukraine, Denmark, Portugal, Spain and Taiwan are also showing potential. Overall growth from Europe was 1.2%, while the Asia region contributes 47.2% of total arrival to the Maldives.

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EXHIBITION News NEW: CHINA XI’AN SILK ROAD INTERNATIONAL TOURISM EXPO TO RELIVE THE GLORY DAYS OF THE GREAT SILK ROAD The glory

of the ancient Great Silk Road originating from China will be relived in a new international tourism exhibition to be staged in the historic city of Xi’an, capital of ancient Chinese empires, from 19-21 September 2014, at the Xi’an Qujiang

International Conference & Exhibition Centre. The event will cover 20,000sq.m and attract some 500 exhibitors from 30 countries, as well as 30,000 trade and public visitors. Organised by Conference & Exhibition Management Services (CEMS) of Singapore, the CSRITE 2014 is being strongly supported by the Shaanxi Provincial Tourism Administration, the Tourism Administration of Xi’an and the Shaanxi Tourism Association. Xi’an, being one of the 4 great ancient capitals of China, is rich in its heritage and home to countless historical sites and cultural relics such as the Terracotta Warriors. Coupled with the rapid urbanisation of the North West region of China, Xi’an has brought forth new heights in the tourism market thus far, making it one of the most lucrative, competitive as well as the fastest-growing industries in the region. In 2013 Chinese outbound tourist numbers reached 97.3 million, up by 14 million more travellers than in 2012. That figure is expected to break the 100 million mark in 2014. The momentum of China's tourism market in recent years bodes well for Xi’an’s tourism sector. “CSRITE, as a new addition to our current cluster of tourism exhibitions, will cater to the growing needs of tourism markets in Northwest China,” said Mr Edward Liu, Group Managing Director of Conference & Exhibition Management Services (CEMS) Pte Ltd Singapore, the exhibition organiser. “I believe that Xi’an, as the origin of the

BITE 2013, Bei j i ng , China

historical Silk Road, is a strategic location to hold the China Xi’an Silk Road International Tourism Expo and will offer an excellent opportunity for the growth of the region’s tourism sectors, both locally and internationally.” The Great Silk Road was the economic and cultural bridge that connected the eastern and western regions of the world. With roots that run deep in the Silk Road, the province of Shaanxi will play a new strategic role in contributing to the region’s rapidly developing tourism sector, especially with the addition of China Xi’an Silk Road International Tourism Expo (CSRITE) 2014. CSRITE 2014 will provide the ideal B2B networking platform for domestic and international exhibitors to explore lucrative business prospects and opportunities across an extensive interconnected network of trade and tourism routes across the Asian continent connecting East, South, and Western Asia with the Mediterranean world, as well as North and Northeast Africa and Europe - the original countries of the Great Silk Road.

SURGING TOURISM MARKET IN CHINA DRIVES THE 11TH BEIJING INTERNATIONAL TOURISM EXPO Following the success of its 10th edition last

year, the Beijing International Tourism Expo (BITE) will take place from 27-29 June 2014 at the China National Convention Centre (CNCC). BITE 2013 saw close to 1,000 domestic and international exhibitors from 81 countries and regions, as well as 26 provinces in China. With a total exhibition area of 35,000sq.m, over 53,000 public and trade visitors were present during the 3-day tourism extravaganza. In recent years, China has opened up countless business opportunities for tourism stakeholders in view of its emerging affluent middle class, new government policies that are travel and trade friendly and its hugely improved transportation, both for domestic and international travel.

For example, plans have been drawn up to build 97 new airports over the country to cater to the large surge of domestic and international travellers crossing provinces and country borders. As the country rises to be the No.1 market for outbound tourism in Asia, millions of Chinese tourists are also driving the international luxury products market, a large benefit that has stemmed from the thriving tourism industry. The purchase of luxury products is one of the main motives for Chinese citizens to travel abroad. Beijing, being the capital and cultural heart of the country, continues to be the place for international companies and organisations to promote their services and products to the Chinese public. As one of Beijing’s largest and most established tourism events, BITE 2014 will continue to offer the ideal platform for the international showcase of destinations, tourism attractions, travel packages, products and relevant services. Exhibitors can take advantage of the Buyers-Sellers Meeting Sessions, the Pre-Scheduled Appointment system, Destinations’ Presentation Sessions and other on-site activities to maximize their participation. As the Chinese market continues to flourish with the country’s increasing economic growth, developing social mobility and affluence, BITE 2014 is a must attend event for key industry players. BITE is organised by Beijing Municipal Commission of Tourism and Tourism Development and co-organized by the Conference & Exhibition Management Services (CEMS) Pte Ltd Singapore.

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EXHIBITION News

MITM Guadala ja ra , Mexi co , Argen t i na presen tat i on

MITM EUROMED IN CADIZ, SPAIN The 18th edition of MITM Euromed, Meetings

and Incentive Travel Market, will take place this year in Cadiz, Spain, from 11-13 June. It is sponsored by the Provincial Council of Cadiz and its Convention Bureau. The fair consists of 2 days of business appointments between exhibitors and buyers, mostly from European countries. These meetings are complemented with an exclusive social programme, where all participants will enjoy the wonders of Cadiz. The programme includes 1 welcome reception with dinner, 1 working lunch, 3 coffee breaks and 1 closing ceremony with dinner and entertainment. After the fair, hosted buyers and press will enjoy the 2 outstanding post -tours of the province of Cadiz, visiting its wonderful beaches, natural narks, charming villages. Participants will surely discover the essence of Andalusia. The organisers affirm that this trade show system works: "Participants find a comfortable atmosphere to do business, where quality stands over quantity, making of MITM a real success". MITM asks each and every participant to evaluate the fair after its completion. The results are notarized to prove they are trustworthy. To date, a large number of requests from buyers from all over the world have been received to participate in MITM. As spaces are limited, buyers need to pass a selection process to be able to participate. Every year, MITM has to discard an average of nearly 30% of requests from buyers.

TAP INTO GUILIN’S HOLISTIC TRAVEL MARKET The 5th China Guilin

International Tourism Expo (CGITE) 2014 will be held from the 29-31 August, 2014 at the Guilin International Conference and Exhibition Center. CGITE 2014 is Guangxi’s most prominent exposition tailoring to both business and leisure travel sectors in the region. Last year’s event saw 800 exhibitors from 51 different countries and regions, as well as 30,000 trade and public visitors.

Tourism numbers are still on the rise as China continues to expand in its tourism sector. The China Tourism Academy observed some 98 million overseas trips were made by mainlanders in 2013 and predicted that the outbound market can anticipate 114 million trips in 2014. Macao and Taiwan will be the leading destinations for travellers, with foreign travel becoming increasingly popular due to a sound economy, favourable visa policies and appreciation of the yuan.

Picturesque in its landmarks and the encompassing exquisite backdrop and scenery, Guilin is an attractive and popular tourist destination. The prefecture’s 5 million odd strong population and rising GDP per capita over the years has also allowed the prefecture to become a significant outbound travel and tourism market as the nation’s outbound tourism market also experiences tremendous growth. CGITE 2014 has strengthened its position in Southwest China as the ideal platform for domestic and international tourism stakeholders to develop new business relationships and build on existing partnerships. CGITE 2014 is expected to attract 820 exhibitors from 65 countries and regions, as well as 32,000 public and trade visitors. The show will offer Buyer-Seller Meeting Sessions and networking events, as well as trade seminars. CGITE is organised by The People’s Government of Guilin, China Guangxi Tourism Administration and Guangxi International Expositions Bureau; co-organized by The Guilin Convention & Exhibition Bureau, Guilin Municipal Tourism Bureau and Conference & Exhibition Management Services (CEMS) Pte Ltd Singapore.

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ATTA ATMEX 2014 In support of

Mexico becoming a premiere adventure travel destination, the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA) has partnered with Visit Mexico and the State of Veracruz on the 3rd ATMEX trade fair. This year, from 27-30 August, over 400 inbound Mexican operators, outbound tour operators, international buyers and media will gather to learn more about the benefits of offering adventure travel in Mexico. Through a B2B marketplace and educational sessions on adventure travel best practices and trends, ATMEX attendees will be well equipped with new partnerships to grow their business in the adventure travel industry in Mexico. The ATTA is a global membership organization to a Community of more than 800 responsible, profitable businesses, destinations and media who transform customers and businesses alike into supporters for sustainability worldwide. ATTA is driven to help adventure tourism businesses and destinations worldwide succeed.

The 3rd Chengdu International Travel Fair (CITF) 2014 will open at Century City New International Convention and Exhibition Centre (CCNICEC) from 21-23 November 2014. CITF is an all-inclusive platform to meet market demands and needs of Western China’s tourism sector, centring on enhancing business exchange and cooperation between domestic and international tourism stakeholders. Chengdu is unmistakably a fast-developing city, rated 11th among 30 of the most developed tourism cities in Mainland China. Tourism in Chengdu is also hitting a new high with the aim of receiving 186 million tourists and generating tourism revenue of UK£16.50, (EU€20) billion; a 25% rise this year. Inbound tourists numbers are projected to reach 2 million, up by 20%. 4 major projects initiated by the government will further build on the growth of Chengdu’s tourism industry; tourism policy reforms and innovations, elevating the industrial structure of tourism, encouraging collaboration between tourism and other industries, as well as refining tourism services. These projects will significantly boost both inbound and outbound tourism industries in Chengdu and the surrounding regions.●

LATIN AMERICA News

Demerara River Guyana

TOURISM IS PILLAR OF GROWTH FOR GUYANA'S ECONOMY The government

of Guyana has highlighted tourism as a priority sector of the economy; being the key to drive development and economic growth. Guyana has a huge variety of top class natural tourism attractions including a vast wilderness, rainforests, rivers and mountains, as well as a variety of cultural and historical attractions. Guyana's tourism product continues to grow and attract investors and tourists alike. Over the past decade visitor arrivals have continued to rise and in 2013, it was 1 of 3 countries in the Caribbean to record an 11.7% increase. Visitor arrivals were from across the Caribbean region, especially from Suriname, Brazil, and Jamaica. A dedicated promotion around the world by Destination Guyana has included familiarisation trips, attendance at the British Birdwatchers' Fair in London, and Trade Shows in New York and Canada. The National Geographic Traveller Magazine listed Guyana among the top 21 places to visit in 2014 while the BBC ranked it in the top 5. In 2014 4 cruise ships are expected in Guyana. Over 50 visiting yachts moored in Guyana in 2013, and already over 10 have visited in 2014. The yachting rally 2014 is hoped to attract over 50 yachts by the end of 2014. With cruising and yachting being a growth sector, plans are ahead to build a marina in Guyana. Other plans for tourism expansion are for a ‘Tourism Market’ on the banks of the Lamaha Canal, offering craft, culture and food outlets which will attract cruise passengers.

FALKLANDS IS PORT OF CALL FOR NORWEGIAN AND WINDSTAR CRUISES

The Norwegian Cruise Line operating in South America will dock at the Falkland Islands for the 2015/16 season after a 4 year break. The Falklands have been working closely with several partnerships in the cruise industry with positive results including finalising details of a new cruise that will be based in Stanley and provide a 7 day Falkland Islands itinerary. This will be the 1st step to providing passenger exchanges that will further support air links, deep water port development and deliver the goals set out in the Tourism Development Strategy. Cruise ship Norwegian Sun has a maximum capacity of 2,150 passengers and has scheduled ten calls in 2015/16. Windstar Cruises is also including the Falkland Islands in their itineraries in 2015-2016.

PARAGUAY IS DAKAR DESTINATION Southern Paraguay is the new location for

the latest Dakar series car and vehicle race. The Guarani Challenge, which begins in July from Asuncion, adds another dimension to the world renowned race. Cars, trucks, motorcycles and other vehicles will travel through the many varied geological climates of Paraguay, putting the country in front of a global audience. The Guarani Challenge consists of 2 races in Latin America; Route 40 Challenge in Argentina, and the Inca Challenge in Peru. By hosting this event, Paraguay aims to show the country through the wide media coverage that organisers estimate will reach 100 countries. Heat, humidity and rainfall promise to feature during the race that travels from Asunción to the city of Philadelphia, in the arid Chaco, take in the capital and the southern city of Encarnación, as well as travelling near the border with Argentina.

NEW S&M DIRECTOR FOR BAHAMAS RESORT The Abaco Beach Resort and

Boat Harbour Marina have appointed Brent Ingraham as the new director of sales and marketing. He will be responsible for developing and implementing initiatives to increase overall sales and create strong marketing campaigns for the resort’s group, leisure and marina offerings. Ingraham has more than 20 years of experience in the industry and has lived on the island, so knows what’s needed to succeed.

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CTO AND UNWTO JOIN TO PROMOTE CARIBBEAN TOURISM

The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to promote the tourism sector in the region as a key driver of sustainable development. The aim is to enhance cooperation between the UNWTO and CTO in areas such as development of sustainable tourism, tourism investment, market intelligence and capacity building. The CTO is the Caribbean's tourism development agency, with membership of more than 30 countries and territories as well as many private sector members.

NAKED IN MACHU PICCHU In a new

trend, tourists are keen to strip off naked while visiting the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. Authorities have yet to be able to stop this unnecessary behaviour.

International tourists feel it necessary to get their photo taken naked and then post it online. Authorities in Cusco rightly say that it is an attack on decency and threatens Peru’s cultural heritage. The situation is so bad that new regulations are now in place which state that ‘practicing nudity and obscene acts contrary to morals and good customs’ is one of 27 acts of conduct that are prohibited. However travellers still seem to defy the authorities.

TRANSFORMING HAITI’S TOURISM

In a plan to continue to build the

Caribbean island of Haiti, a small island off the southern coast of the mainland is to be developed into a luxury resort creating over 2,000 jobs, and help change the international image of the nation. The small island known as Ile-a-Vache is the most ambitious tourism project yet. The UK£156, (EU€190) million project is a joint foreign aid and private investment plan and is hoped to open in 2 years time. It will include an international airport, villas, spas, and a community radio station. Work on the airport is underway, funded by a gift of UK14, (EU€17) million from the Government of Venezuela. The island is mainly inhabited by farmers and is it is expected that 100 homes will need to be relocated to allow the planned resorts to be built.●

Desert v i l lage, I raq.

IRAQ TURNING ITS PAST AROUND by Dimitri Laspas, publisher.

The Middle Eastern country of Iraq, which has recently come out of a long war, is slowly seeing its glory return. Iraq is a fascinating and attractive country with lots to offer tourists, such as historic monuments, beautiful cities and an ancient history dating back over 4,000 years. As stability and security grow and investment returns as well as increased international flights, Iraq will soon be a re-established tourist destination.

Iraq is the birthplace of many of the world’s oldest civilisations, including the Babylonians and the Assyrians. It has been part of the Ottoman Empire and under British control and gained independence in 1932.

Lower Mesopotamia is the ‘Cradle of Civilization’ itself and is home to major holy cities and sites, such as Karbala, Najaf, Basra and Nasiriya, as well as the legendary ruins of ancient civilisations, including Babylon and Sumerian Ur.

Such spectacular places to visit are; the city of Ashur which was the former capital of the Assyrian Empire and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is one of the country's few great archaeological sites that has benefited from the latest war as the previous government had planned to create a dam nearby that would have flooded and completely destroyed the site.

Babylon has suffered over the years at many hands, but the ruins of ancient Babylon are still some of the most impressive in the Cradle of Civilization. Ctesiphon is the ancient capital of the Parthian and Sassanid Empires, which left magnificent, towering ruins, like the Arch of Ctesiphon. Iraqi authorities have announced plans to restore the Arch of Ctesiphon in order to increase the country’s appeal to tourists. The arch is the world’s largest brick-built arch, and the last structure still standing from the ancient Persian imperial capital of the same name. Also just across the River Tigris is the archaeological site of the ancient Hellenistic city of Seleucia.

The temple o f Ha tra.

Hatra is a UNESCO World Heritage site as it is a superbly well preserved Parthian city located in the desert. These are arguably Iraq's most magnificent ruins.

Nineveh is a 3,000 year old city and was for a time the capital of Assyria. The reconstructed ruins and archaeological site is located across the River Tigris from Mosul.

Finally, Ur which is home to the ruins of the ancient Sumerian city, best known for its giant step pyramid, the Great Ziggurat of Ur.

It is here that major international tourism is to boom. The site has seen archaeologists return recently in order to discover more of its ancient history and with great success, one which will attract tourists in great numbers to see the treasures found. The original excavation of the royal cemetery took place over 90 years ago

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and the treasures found then were to rival those of the Egyptian Tutankhamen’s tomb. Located in a tranquil corner of Iraq, special permits are needed to travel to the site as well as security required. As a potential magnet for tourists in the heart of Mesopotamia, the golf buggies wait to transport tourists around the site.

Artefacts found to date include jewellery, daggers, lyres and other items made from gold, silver, bronze and lapis lazuli. Ur is also thought to be the site of the Great Flood depicted in the Bible with Noah’s ark. Although not for sure, over time, the story has brought many visitors to the area including the author, Agatha Christie, who wrote ‘Murder in Mesopotamia’, based on her visit to the site.

Despite its recent troubles, Iraq has still been able to clock up tourist arrivals of just of 1.5 million in 2010.

The tower o f Babel .

But there are moves in the government to turn things around like the Arab Bridge Maritime, which is a joint venture project, established in 1985 between the governments of Iraq, Jordan and Egypt. It plans to operate a 2 ferry service between Basra and Dubai. If successful the company hopes to buy the ferries which it will be hiring initially to try the service.

Iraq’s southern marshes have also been highlighted to become a centre of eco-tourism based around floating hotels and guided wildlife tours.

It is clear that Iraq is on track to regain its place on the international tourism map, with various unique tourism attractions covering religious, cultural, eco and business.

Throughout history either ancient or more recent, Iraq has also been centre stage and will shortly be again with the rebuilding of the nation and tourism being a driving economic force for its future.●

M.I.C.E News

Qui to, Ecuador

THE M.I.C.E DESTINATION OF 2014 Meeting Tourism has become one of the

most competitive in promoting cities and countries throughout Latin America to expand its participation in the hospitality industry. The ICCA state that during the past decade the M.I.C.E sector has tripled in Latin America, however the region still only takes 10% of the global market. The Uruguayan ICCA chapter confirms that the average cost of a convention delegate is 4-6 times less in Latin America than a sun and sea destination with the average cost being UK£336, (EU€429) per day, whereas in Latin America it would average at UK£222, (EU€269). Meeting Tourism in Latin America has seen huge advances in cities and regions due to a change in strategies and specific actions to offer better conditions for the M.I.C.E sector. In Latin America for M.I.C.E tourism destinations listed by ICCA, 1st is Brazil with 360 events in total, of which Buenos Aires hosted 99 events, Rio de Janeiro 83 events, Bogota 50 events, Quito 30 events.

DAEGU HOSTS GREEN EXPO Since the 1st International Solar Cities Initiative

(ISCI) Congress in 2004, Korea’s leading renewable energy event, Daegu is to host the ‘11th Green Energy Expo’ from 2-4 April 2014. Korea aims to be the world’s 5th largest renewable energy powerhouse by 2015 with photovoltaic (PV) and wind power being the next generation growth areas for the country with 15% global market shares by 2015. The Expo is expected to attract 45,000 visitors from Korean and Asian Renewable Energy markets. Organised by the Korea Photovoltaic Industry Association, Korea Wind Energy Industry Association and Korea Energy News, the Green Energy Expo will feature approximately 1,000 exhibitor booths from 300 companies and 24 countries. Daegu is not new to hosting renewable energy events. Daegu’s sustainable venues and innovative approach have put it on the map as a M.I.C.E destination where its green convention infrastructure and a track record for hosting large-scale international events have made the city an attractive choice for business events and especially of the environmental type. The Green Energy Expo is Korea’s oldest and largest international trade fair. Since its launch in 2004, the Green Energy Expo has expanded its focus beyond wind and solar energy technologies to include fuel cell technology, energy storage systems, e-mobility and other areas of renewable energy. The event will be held at the EXCO Daegu Exhibition and Convention Center, which offers a wide variety of state-of-the-art equipment and facilities all powered by various renewable energy sources. The venue represents Koreas Green Growth. It is the 1st green convention centre in Korea.

QUITO TO HOST WORLD TRAVEL AWARDS The 2014 ‘World Travel Awards’

(WTA), is to host its South & Central America Gala Ceremony in the historic city of Quito, Ecuador on August 9th 2014. The who’s who of Latin American travel will attend the VIP ceremony to celebrate and acknowledge their achievements over the past year. The evening is being held in partnership with the Quito Turismo, and will include a dinner and entertainment, as well as the presentation of awards. It will take place at Centro Cultural Itchimbía, a magnificent glass-and-iron building which forms the centrepiece of Quito’s Parque Itchimbia. It will be the 1st event to be held by WTA in Ecuador, a decision that reflects the crucial contribution that tourism makes to the national economy. The Ecuadorian tourism sector is enjoying solid growth as a result of the government programme to improve tourism-related infrastructure, most notably Quito’s new state-of-the-art airport. Quito is a beautiful city bursting with ancient history, a thriving cultural scene and world-class gastronomy. Quito was also the 1st city to be declared a World Cultural Heritage Site by UNESCO over 35 years ago.

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HOW TO BOOST YOUR CONFERENCE BUDGET The Kuala

Lumpur Convention Centre’s 9th Association Seminar saw leading Professional Conference Organisers (PCOs), decision-makers of national associations and industry professionals brought together to share knowledge and experience on international best practices in the delivery of successful meetings. Under

Pet ronas twin towers , Kuala Lampur

the theme ‘How to boost your conference budget’, it was highlighted that by having local and regional sponsors can further boost one’s event budget while not compromising the meeting or event. This year’s forum also included discussions on ‘How to attract sponsorship for your event’, ’The benefits of using a Professional Conference Organiser’, ‘From local to global association conference planning’, and ‘International conference and its impact on local associations’, as well as 2 workshops ‘Bid Clinic’ and ‘Association Development Clinic‘. More than 110 participants from over 42 national associations and meeting industry partners participated in this year’s 9th Association Seminar.

INCREASE IN MEETINGS IN MIDDLE EAST OVER PAST DECADE In the

past 10 years regular, international association meetings have more than tripled in number in the Middle East. This is quicker growth than other areas of the world. These new figures are part of the ICCA’s 50-year statistics report ‘A Modern History of International Association Meetings: 1963-2012’. Overall the figures show that the world is experiencing hugely rapid growth in terms of meetings and passing on knowledge within the sector.

M.I.C.E News BUSINESS TRAVEL GROWTH IN EUROPE Following the last few years

to financial struggle in Europe, business is back on track with new figures from the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA). The results show that economic conditions in Europe’s 5 most important business travel markets - Germany, the United Kingdom, France, Italy and Spain are quickly improving and as such business travel in those markets will increase 5.1% and 6.5%, respectively, in 2014 and 2015, to UK£112, (EU€136) billion and UK£119, (EU€144) billion. 2014 is the transition year and business will really pick up after that across the continent.

COLUMBUS CONVENTION CENTER RENOVATION With many

new convention centres opening and being refurbished in Nashville, Cleveland and Indianapolis, The Greater Columbus Convention Center is next to a face-lift if it is to remain competitive in the sector. The convention center is to undergo a UK£15-18, (EU€18-22) million reno-vation that will improve the centre, allowing it to blend well with the more-modern Hilton Columbus Downtown and Hyatt Regency hotels, which are connected to the convention center. The renovation aims to be completed by the end of 2015. The convention center expanded in 2001 and is about 1.7million sq.ft in size. The UK£24, (EU€29) million renovation of the Battelle Grand ballroom, the largest ballroom in the state, was completed in 2010. Central Ohio hotels attracted nearly 14% more visitors in 2013 than in 2012, which is due partly to the opening of the Hilton and the booking of additional conventions.

BRUSSELS GREEN FUTURE PROJECT In a recent consultation in

Brussels headed by the Belgian Secretary of State for Mobility the ideal future capital would have an aerial cableway and cargo trams, boats and drones and all by 2040. Along with shared vehicles, cars and bikes all taking their part. Such advancements would allow Brussels to become a ‘city of proximity’; a city of short distances, where everything is quickly and easily accessible. The ideas focus on the needs of inhabitants and visitors for efficient daily work, shop or leisure transport. Key to the plan is to keep traffic away from the city centre and underground if possible. More efficient public transport, living space and a lot more greenery would replace the newly available extra space.

Brussels Green Pro jec t

CHIBA JAPAN – MEETING PARADISE Chiba City, the capital of Chiba Prefecture

is one of the most convenient places to hold a conference in Japan as it is just 30mins from both Narita International Airport and Tokyo Station. With many shopping and entertainment options close by and incredible transportation with 8 different train lines converging in one area, including the world’s longest suspended monorail, accessibility is perfect! Chiba offers seaside parks with windsurfing as well as lush green parks for camping. The Chiba City Museum of Art’s is home to an excellent art collection and exhibitions attract visitors far and wide. Chiba City is an excellent place to live, work and play.

SOUTH KOREAN MOVING FORWARD ON REGIONAL M.I.C.E INDUSTRY The

Ministry of Culture, Sports & Tourism and the Korea Tourism Organization has been working towards a region-specialised convention since 2012 to raise competitiveness and balance industry growth in the M.I.C.E sector. 11 local cities have been designated as M.I.C.E cities and or have installed convention bureaus. The idea is to examine the business strategy within the region, the local socio-cultural brand and how best to provide support for growth. Through cooperation with the Korea Tourism Organization, regional convention bureau and organisers; the tourism organisation provides advisory support on budget, management and operation while regional bureau’s together with the organisers help to develop, market events and promote tourism. In 2014, there are 13 conventions scheduled to be held in 6 different regions across various industries; welfare, water, marine, science and technology, and information display. The government’s ‘International Conference Industry 5 Year Growth Plan’, will provide further support to strengthen the region-specialised convention business in which they aim to reach 20 in number of conventions by year 2018.

MILAN TO HOST 2019 LIONS CONVENTION The Lions Clubs International, with its

1.3 million members, is to hold its annual convention in Italy. One 3 times in the history of the organisation, has the convention been held in Europe; Hamburg (Germany), Birmingham (UK) and Nice (France). Milan won over the other cities of Boston (USA), Calgary (Canada), Johannesburg (South Africa) and Singapore. The Italian bid involved Fiera Milano Congressi - the official bidder and manager of the convention centre MiCo, that will host the convention; Lions Club Italia - the organization’s local chapter in Italy; and AIM Group International - which will be the official PCO of the event. The convention will be held in July 2019, bringing to Milan 25,000 people, including delegates and their guests, for 4 days. The Lions Club estimates that this convention will generate about €60 million revenue for the destination. To meet the accommodation needs, an initial 6,000 rooms in 45 hotels in 3 different categories have been secured. AIM Group International devised a transportation plan with a partner that can cover the complicated logistics. The Mayor of Milan has also ensured the visiting delegation the availability of the historic centre for the Lions Club famous 2km Parade and benefits for the participants, including public transportation and entrance to museums and other attractions in the city.

NEW GENERAL MANAGER FOR HAWAII CONVENTION CENTER AEG Facilities,

the new operator of the Hawaii Convention Center in Honolulu, has named Teri Orton as the venue’s new general manager. Previously the vice president of condominium resort marketing for Outrigger Enterprises Group, Teri is the 1st woman to manage the facility since its opening in 1998. Hawaii’s state tourism agency, the Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA), selected AEG Facilities to manage the Hawaii Convention Center last summer, will help

HTA market Hawaii as a meeting destination, especially in Asia-Pacific.

18 www. tour ismaroundtheworld.co.uk

AVIATION News

NO CARBON CHARGE FOR NON-EU AIRLINES The European Union has stopped

plans to start a carbon charge on non-EU airlines using its airspace. The cancellation of the charge is due to pressure by Airbus and the EU governments of France, Germany and the UK where the majority of Airbus’s components are built. Non-EU governments, like China, had halted its orders with Airbus in protest over the emission plans. The carbon charges will still apply to flights operated by European airlines through the European Emissions Trading Scheme (EETS) and would be extended to all airlines using EU airspace from 2017 if a global agreement on airlines’ carbon emissions could not be reached by 2017.

JOINT BUSINESS ON FLIGHTS BETWEEN EUROPE AND JAPAN Japan Airlines,

British Airways and Finnair are to start their planned joint business between Europe and Japan this month. The 3 airlines plan to share revenue and cooperate on scheduling and pricing between Japan and Europe, providing customers with more flexible routing options and an attractive range of fares. The plan opens up all 3 airlines’ networks between Japan and Europe and allows the airline partners to cooperate on expanding their presence in this growing and important market. As the airlines all belong to the oneworld alliance, the deal enables it to compete more effectively around the world with other global alliances.

SOUTHWEST AIRLINES EXPANDS American Airlines is to sell 104 takeoff and

landing slots at Reagan National Airport as part of its merger with US Airways. Recently, Southwest Airlines Co. took 27 slot pairs allowing it to grow from the current 17 daily departures to 44 daily departures by the end of 2014. This will allow Southwest Airlines to add services to cities where it has a high market share, which have until now seen American Airlines hold a monopoly on most of the routes.

AEGEAN AIRLINES ADDS NEW DESTINATIONS‏ Aegean Airlines is to expand and

link Greece with a total of 87 destinations in 32 countries. The 2014 strategy will offer 13 million seats this year, up 1,150,000 compared with 2013. The airline is also strengthening its fleet with 5 Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft, totalling 50 aircraft. It is also to create a new base in Chania, Crete giving it a total of 8 bases around Greece. Aegean is also increasing its domestic and international flight schedule to 256 flights (205 international and 51 domestic). Aegean will launch 5 new flights to Denmark, Sweden, UAE, Jordan and Lebanon along with 14 new destinations from Athens to: Birmingham, Marseille, Nantes, Zurich, Hamburg, Hannover, Nuremberg, Catania, Copenhagen, Abu Dhabi, Beirut, Stockholm, Izmir and Amman.

GARUDA INDONESIA JOINS SKYTEAM SkyTeam has seen a new member in the

form of Garuda Indonesia. This is the alliances 20th member and 2nd airline from Southeast Asia. Garuda’s membership adds Jakarta as an alternative gateway to and from South East Asia, as well as 40 new destinations to SkyTeam’s global network served uniquely by the alliance. SkyTeam now offers 1,064 destinations covering more than 90% of the most used routes in the world. With the entrance of Garuda, it strengthens the alliances’ presence in the Asia Pacific region for its 588 million global passengers. Garuda Indonesia is now able to offer customers global reach with a seamless and even more convenient travel experience, while at the same time establishing Indonesia firmly on the map of global air travel. Garuda Indonesia can now connect SkyTeam’s extensive network to one of the largest economies in Southeast Asia via its hubs in Jakarta, Denpasar, Makassar, Medan, Surabaya, and Balikpapan. Garuda flies to 64 destinations in 12 countries, including 40 domestic destinations.

GREECE SEES NEW FLIGHTS FROM BA From the beginning of May; BA is to fly

direct to the Greek islands of Santorini and Mykonos. The two famous Greek islands offer crystal blue seas, whitewashed villages, ancient temples and a fabulous nightlife. Both flights will operate twice a week out of Terminal 5 at London Heathrow. 19 www.tour ismaroundtheworld .co.uk

HYDROPLANES TO TAKE 1ST FLIGHTS 2015 could be the start date

of the 1st hydroplane flights of the ‘K2 Smart Jets’. The company has been given the approved license for a total of 16 waterways in the country through its subsidiary ‘Greek Waterways’. The company’s 10-year plan, with a budget of UK£140, (EU€170) million, hopes for a total of 48 connections with 19 hydroplanes. A cooperation agreement has already been signed with a waterways/hydroplanes manager in Turkey. With the go-ahead for a waterway in the northern Greek Vegoritida Lake, it is awaiting approval, to schedule services in Katerini, Kassandra and Porto Karras (Halkidiki), as well as Alexandroupoli. The next phase of licencing requests will be to operate in Kerkini Lake, northern Greece, and Mount Athos as well as to Kavala, Kastoria, Volos, and the islands of Skiathos, Skyros, Skopelos and other regions.

AIR INDIA TO JOIN STAR ALLIANCE

It is expected that by mid 2014, India’s national carrier, Air India will have joined Star Alliance It will be the first Indian airline to join the alliance and in doing so will help boost its revenue by increasing global connectivity through partner airlines. Star Alliance has a combined fleet strength of over 4,700 aircraft. Air India was accepted as a future member of Star Alliance back in 2007; however that stopped when it was merging with Indian Airlines in 2011. The final integration process should be complete by June this year.

BRUSSELS AIRLINES FLIES TO NEWCASTLE Brussels Airlines is to

add Newcastle to its European network due to a code share partnership with bmi regional. The Newcastle to Brussels route started in March and connects passengers twice a day between Newcastle International Airport to Brussels Airport. The deal is the 1st code share agreement for bmi regional since its independence 20 months ago. The schedule also allows business travellers to make return trips between the 2 cities in one day, ideal for meetings and conferences, as well as allowing for connecting flights to America, Africa and Asia

AIR NZ INCREASES CAPACITY TO JAPAN Air New Zealand is to increase

its capacity on services to Japan by 30% from November in response to demand. The airline will then operate a year-round daily direct service between Japan and New Zealand for the 1st time since 2007. The airline will operate a daily service between Auckland and Tokyo Narita, and a 3 times a week service between Christchurch and Narita.●

20 www.tourismaroundtheworld.co.uk