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Cruises may have become more affordable over the past few decades with the arrival of low-end offers, known for their kitschy shows and all-you-can-eat buffets. But on the opposite end of the spectrum, certain cruise lines focus on ever more exceptional and extravagant ships for the most demanding vacationers. Below is our selection of luxurious cruise ships offering a level of comfort and service worthy of…
Every year since 2003, the UNWTO Awards for Excellence and Innovation in Tourism have honored tourism initiatives that contribute to advance tourism through knowledge and innovation, in line with the principles of the UNWTO Global Code of Ethics for Tourism and the United Nations Millennium Development Goals. The following is the list of finalists, in alphabetical order, of the 2013 UNWTO Ulysses Awards for…
Dubai, UAE; December 11, 2013: Emaar Properties PJSC, the global developer of iconic projects, has signed a memorandum of understanding with Dubai World Central (DWC), the world’s first purpose-built aerotropolis, to develop an integrated urban centre and golf destination in a prime location at Dubai World Central, the home to Expo 2020 and the Al Maktoum International Airport (AMIA). The MoU was signed by His…
The Salina Turda Salt Mines of Romania have been converted into a museum that showcases its history. Visitors use a trio of elevators to reach a cavernous space filled with carnival-like contraptions that are glowing with LED lights. The elevators also lead to three exhibition chambers showcasing artifacts that include mining equipment. Those less interested in mining can take a boat tour on the…
A curtain of thick fog across the south-east of England has forced a number of flight cancellations at airports across the region. Airports affected include London Heathrow Airport and London City Airport. A total of 40 flights had been cancelled by 09:00 at Heathrow, with officials urging passengers to check with their airlines. At London City Airport, 20 departing flights were cancelled while…
Although Canberra is Australia’s capital city, many people living outside of Australia know very little about it—some have not even heard of it. After a long time of being outshined by Sydney and Melbourne, the city of Canberra decided to do a rebranding campaign that aims to change its dull image. Australian agency Coordinate designed a new logo for the city, comprising of its name in the…
Abu Dhabi is moving closer to having a permanent cruise terminal at Mina Zayed, delegates at the Seatrade Middle East Cruise Forum heard today. Welcoming delegates to the Forum, which runs at the Rosewood Abu Dhabi hotel until Wednesday 11th December, His Excellency Mubarak Al Muhairi, director general, Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority, said a decision on the concept design is expected next year.…
Canada's WestJet has given back to their customers this festive season. In this feat, it looks like the team has managed to enlist the help of “Santa”, asking their passengers what they want for Christmas. Although it looks like a typical festive activity to do, these passengers were pleasantly surprised as the airline really fulfilled their customers’ Christmas wishes. Watch the video to see…
The Sydney Opera House has come up with a novel new way to raise funds and boost the building’s profile by selling “virtual” ownership of the tiles on its tallest sail. On Monday, 125,000 of the tiles went on sale, with Hollywood star Hugh Jackman among the first to put his money behind the initiative which hopes to raise Aus$15 million (US$13.7 million). Under the scheme, people can buy a tile online…
Visitors to Paris over the holidays are being offered a special shopping passport that can be used at more than 270 stores across the French retail mecca for a 10 percent discount. The Paris City Passport Shopping is being offered to visitors who’ve already spent €80 worth of tourist goods. The card is valid for three days in December. Participating retailers include Adidas, handbag shop La Bagagerie and…
Sharjah-UAE: December 9, 2013 - During an extraordinary ceremony held on Sunday at Al Majaz Waterfront, Sharjah launched its logo as the Islamic Culture Capital of the Arab Region 2014 (SICC 2014) in the presence of Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qassimi, Chairman of the Executive Committee for the Sharjah Capital of Islamic Culture 2014 Celebrations, Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah…
Dubai is set to take centre stage later this month as it seeks to break the world record for the most spectacular fireworks display ever seen on New Year’s Eve. Hosted by Atlantis, The Palm, the event will welcome internationally acclaimed pyrotechnic firms to the emirate for a spectacular show. The hotel guarantees guests “an unforgettable night”, with Atlantis, The Palm, hosting a royal gala dinner…
On the street of Blackfriars Road, London, sits a building that looks like it was turned upside down. Something that would get the fictional couple, Mr and Mrs Twit, from Roald Dahl’s The Twits standing on their heads, the overturned building is actually an installation by London-based artist Alex Chinneck. Chinneck revamped the façade of the derelict building— that was previously used as a stable…
The 2014 Michelin Guide to Hong Kong and Macau has been announced. The big news this year is that there are three new three-stars in the guide. Sushi Shikon, The Eight, and Bo Innovation join the exclusive three-starred club in the sixth edition of Michelin Hong Kong and Macau, bringing the overall triple-star count to seven dining destinations deemed worth the journey. At Bo Innovation, Chinese…
A campaign is now underway to find the seven wonders of the Islamic World. Public voting combined with expert opinion will be used to narrow down a list of the most popular monuments that represent Muslim heritage worldwide. Contenders could include any form of architecture or symbol that was constructed by Muslims anywhere in the world - from the Grand Mosque in Makkah to Alhambra in Spain and the Imam mosque in…
After looking at industry insights, and past consumer habits and trends, Cruise Critic (TripAdvisor) has come up with a list of trends they predict will define 2014. One of the top destinations next year will be the Panama Canal, which celebrates its 100th anniversary next year, the report points out. Given that Japan can be expensive and tricky to navigate by land, trendspotters also predict that cruises…
Located in Siberia, Russia, the world’s “most extreme” toilet rests on the edge of a cliff 8,500 feet above sea level. This washroom only serves the five people working at the weather station on the Altai Mountains. For their other necessities, such as food, water and firewood, a helicopter visits them once a year to stock up. A postman visits them once a month to collect the weather data as well.…
According to the latest travel report out of TripAdvisor, the Cuban capital took the top spot for seeing the greatest increase in positive traveler feedback and traveler interest. Havana beat out 53 other destinations around the world, including La Fortuna de San Carlos, Costa Rica and Kathmandu, Nepal, which took second and third place respectively. According to figures from Cuba’s national…
