Wales has gained recognition from national and international travel experts as being among the best in the world. Duncan Craig the travel editor of The Times and The Sunday Times chose Wales for the Travel Editors Award at the News UK Travel Awards 2019 in London recently. In presenting the award, he commented; Its small but perfectly formed, accessible and welcoming Wales continues to go from strength to strength as a destination.

The Wales Way, which is the initiative focused on Wales family of touring routes, has been named among 25 of the best trips in the world to take in 2020, according to the National Geographics international editorial teams. The Wales Way featured number 3 in the Adventure Trip category, and was hailed for its far reaching routes that get the blood pumping . Wales was topped by Tasmania, Australia (1) and Grossglockner High Alpine Road, Austria (2), and ahead of Tohoku, Japan (4), Kamchatka, Russia (5), and Zakouma National Park, Chad (6) https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/features/best-trips-2020/ . In addition to this, Adventure Parc Snowdonia won the One for the Kids (family experience) award at the National Geographic Traveller Reader Awards last week.

During the World Travel Market, an international travel trade fair in London, Visit Wales won a Silver Award in the International Travel and Tourism Awards for Best Destination Marketing Campaign Country , in a hotly contested category which also included Puerto Rico, Azerbaijan; KETCHUM INC; Tobago; India and Buzz4Trips.

These accolades follows on from Castle Beach in Tenby winning The Sunday Times best beach in the UK award this summer and with eight beaches in the top 40, it was a standout summer for the Welsh coast. Marloes Sands and Rhossili made the top ten. Barmouth came in at number 12, the Llyns Porth Iago at 22; Swanlake Bay at 26; and Tor Bay and Mwnt at 36 and 37 respectively.

Wales has also been named in the Lonely Planets top 5 best sustainable trips for families, with special mentions of Pembrokeshires Green Campsites; The Centre for Alternative Technology and the worlds only people powered rollercoaster in Greenwood Forest Park near Felinheli.

Deputy Minister for Culture, Sport and Tourism, Lord Elis-Thomas, said;

Im delighted that Wales is getting international recognition for what we see as our inherent strengths the quality of our environment, sustainability, adventure, accessibility and welcome. This is brilliant recognition for the hard work of the industry and to the team at Visit Wales for working together to make sure that our best is world class. Of course, weve always known that were the best in the world and its fantastic when others agree.

Wales has also been seen on TV screens in Germany. Following a visit of the crew from Tellvision, Munich arranged by Visit Wales in the summer, a programme which had an audience of 590,000 featured farmer Gareth Wyn Jones in north Wales.

Last month, Conwy and Gwynedd also starred on BBCs Countryfile looking at north Wales as an adventure playground and spending time with inclusive activity groups for girls and those with learning disabilities. The programme also featured an interview with those maintaining the Snowdonia Slate Trail and Matt Baker had a go at Zip Worlds quarry karts.

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Wales is World Class - and the Destination of Choice for 2020 - Business News Wales

Manipur joins its three other northeast sister states to become the fourth state where Inner Line Permit is now applicable. Now, if you want to travel to northeast Indias Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, and Mizoram, you have to follow the procedure of obtaining an Inner Line Permit. The new rule was signed by President Ram Nath Kovind two days after the decision was first announced in the Lok Sabha.

The Inner Line Permit is basically an official government document that will allow you to travel inside a protected area. Therefore, you are required to seek permission, and a valid permit to enter the states of Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Mizoram, and Manipur as well. The idea behind such a rule of law is to protect tribal cultures of the northeastern states and to respect the unique tribal culture of these states.

You can obtain an Inner Line Permit to visit Manipur or the other three states mentioned above, by applying online, or even physically. Your permit will be issued by the state government of the state you want to visit, and it will mention the dates of travel and specify the places you can visit.

The Inner Line Permit was first introduced during the Colonial rule, under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation Act, 1873. It was designed to restrict and regulate entry of British subjects (Indians) in certain designated areas, mostly to protect the commercial interest of the British. After independence, the term British subjects was replaced with Citizen of India, and the Inner Line Permit continued to exist for certain parts of the country.

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Youd now require an Inner Line Permit to visit Manipur; what does it mean for a traveller? - Times of India

Bringing together more than 50,000 travel and tourism representatives, the World Travel Market helps industry figures adapt to match the top trends in the travel and tourism sectors. And on that train of thought, the London-based event underlined India as being one of the top destinations on peoples bucket lists thanks to the countrys wide array of wildlife and breathtaking landscapes that lend themselves excellently to adventure travel as is Tokyo, with next years Olympic Games encouraging a surge of sports enthusiasts.

Elsewhere, the conference shone a spotlight on climate change and the importance of sustainable travel and, as such, luxury tourism development The Red Sea project in Saudi Arabia was celebrated for its use of smart green technologies, as well as its commitment to 100-per-cent renewable energy, zero waste and carbon neutral operations. Morocco was also hailed as being a leader in the luxury travel sphere, having welcomed over 12 million tourists in 2018 and being able to offer relatively low price and niche luxury experiences, such as a luxury tent in the desert, or a tour in a hot air balloon.

In Greece, despite its iconic historic landscape, adventure travel is beginning to take centre stage, while, in Valencia, having a unique experience is important to travellers, including cultural activities such as food, festivals and interacting with the locals.

A tourist is a person, were all tourists. We want to experience something new, something pleasant, that also has contact with people, with the local population," said Ximo Puig, President, Valencia Regional Government.

The event also emphasised the growing popularity of health and wellbeing travel, estimated to be worth around 575 billion a year, which is synonymous with Bulgarias tourism market. Last year, more than nine million people visited the country for this purpose. We have everything, starting from beauty procedures and massage, and continuing to everything pre- and post-treatment regarding rehabilitation and all needs with the different parts of the body, said Nikolina Angelkova, Minister ofTourism for Bulgaria. We have more than 1,600 hot water natural springs, but we only use 600 of them. So we really have a really huge opportunity to expand this part of our sector and to attract investments in that."

The World Travel Market will return at the same time next year.

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Key takeaways from the 40th World Travel Market - ITIJ

Royal families, CEOs, celebrities and hedge fund moguls all rely on Black Edge Concierge to perfect their travels. Founder Nacer Tazi has been planning trips for family and friends since his days studying hospitality management at Switzerland's Glion Institute of Higher Education.

Black Edge Concierge Founder Nacer Tazi & COO Ghita Tazi pictured at Faena Hotel Miami Beach

Nacer Tazi grew up in Morocco, helping his hotelier parents at work since he was six years old. I would welcome VIP guests at the door, dressed in traditional Moroccan clothes and help the waiters carry small salad plates, he recalls with a smile. By nine, he was giving full property tours of the riad and imperial palace.

Travel and hospitality are in Tazi's blood and he's been planning trips for family and friends since his days studying hospitality management at Switzerland's Glion Institute of Higher Education. After management training with brands like Ritz-Carlton, Park Hyatt and Viceroy, Tazi founded Black Edge Concierge in 2016 and a year ago, his sister Ghita Tazi left her corporate job to join her brother.

Nacer Tazi with VistaJet

It took me a full year of non-stop traveling to establish all of the connections for Black Edge, Tazi explains. He's personally tried every place he recommends. Each time he's in a new city, he'll visit all of the top hotels in town for a meal, spa service or an overnight stay to understand each property's strengths and weaknesses. Over the past decade, he's lived in five different countries and speaks English, Arabic, French and Spanish fluently.

Four Seasons George V Paris

The luxury travel management business is all about the smallest details, Tazi says. We exceed the client's expectations and create unforgettable memories that will last forever. Since we've started, we haven't had a single client stop booking with us.

Other exclusive travel agents, likeFischer Travel, charge rates of up to $100,000 just to get your foot in the door as a new client. Tazi upends this business model by giving away the same attentive, 24/7 luxury lifestyle concierge services these travel agents pride themselves on for free.

Giraffe Manor Hotel Kenya

There is no Virtuoso agency offering a complete full concierge service while you're traveling like us without charging, he says. Others charge per year or per task. Typically, agents will tack on fees for their time and depending on how challenging client requests are to execute.

Our clients don't pay anything extra, Tazi says But they get so many extra amenities, including VIP perks from Virtuoso. Everything is manageable. Tazi organizes bookings and clients make payments directly to the hotel, restaurant or supplier.

Orient Express Venice-Simplon Luxury Train

Recently, on my first visit to Dubai, Tazi gave me a taste of what it's like to be one of his VIP clients for a few days. I had booked a superior king room a theJumeirah Zabeel Saray, an opulent Ottoman palace on Palm Island. Upon arrival, I was greeted with a bouquet of flowers from the Black Edge Concierge team and upgraded six room categories to an imperial suite with a lavish platter of Turkish sweets and champagne as a welcome amenity. I can only imagine what kind of perks clients get when they book the imperial suite to begin with.

Founder Nacer Tazi

Throughout my stay, Tazi was always available via WhatsApp to answer any questions, from where to buy the best dates for gift-giving (Bateel) to a last-minute request to find atraditional henna artistto visit me for an appointment at my hotel. He was even able to get me a great deal on front row seats toLa Perle by Dragone, which Tazi recommended as Dubai's most spectacular show.

Royal Mansour

Unfortunately for most travelers, if you are booking standard rooms or junior suites, Tazi simply doesn't have time for you. The commissions he would make from hotels on lower-priced rooms wouldn't be worth the effort. We make the most of our money in villa rentals, private jet charters, yacht charters and hotels, he explains. Usually it's around 7-10% commission and it's not much when you have people who take just standard rooms. We do not focus on small travelers. We focus on high net worth travelers who travel at least once a month, usually staying 10-12 days a month in suites.

La Mamounia

For these high spending frequent travelers though, Tazi can move mountains. He can even get clients into the Oscars, Grammys, any fashion show and events that aren't open to the public. This kind of access is something that money can't buy. We'll get you a ticket and deliver it to you anywhere in the world, he says. People appreciate these kind of gestures and continue booking more and more. This kind of repeat, high volume business, plus word-of-mouth has helped Tazi grow Black Edge Concierge to 200 members globally.

Around 60% of our members are American and the rest are a mix between European and Middle Eastern travelers, he says. We have royal families, government delegations, entertainers, fashion models, CEOs and private equity people in New York. We work a lot with delegations from Africa when they go to the Middle East. We have contacts in every single luxury hotel in the world.

Black Edge Concierge arranges luxury yacht charters

Nothing is out of reach when money is no object, whether you're looking to plan a million-dollar honeymoon in the Maldives, want a tailor-made multi-generational African safari or need to book a last-minute yacht on New Year's Eve in St. Barts.

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The Best Travel Agent In The World Is...Free? - Forbes

Theyll travel the country in an RV visiting technical centers, to Europe to understand the work of Leonardo da Vinci, and to the Galapagos Islands to study animals.

Nineteen Richmond-area teachers are receiving grants from the Community Foundation and the R.E.B. Foundation to discover the world and bring what they learn back to the classroom.

The Community Foundation and the R.E.B. Foundation announced Monday that they have given $210,000 to 28 teachers in the Richmond region 19 winners and nine finalists from a pool of 102 nominees. The annual R.E.B. Awards for Teaching Excellence, which started in 1988, are given to top teachers in the area.

The 19 winners each won grants between $8,300 and $12,000. The finalists each received $750 that can be used how they see fit.

This years winners are:

John Barclay, Franklin Military Academy in Richmond, $12,000 to chase Global Solar Phenomena including the Aurora Borealis in Iceland and Solar Eclipses in Africa, Southern Asia and the Southern Pacific Ocean.

Caroline Bare, Hanover High School, $11,900 to study the Transatlantic Slavery Triangle through the prisms of history, memory and reconciliation in relation to Richmond, England and Ghana.

Caitlyn Carpenter, Glen Allen High School in Henrico County, $9,000 to travel the U.S. to visit mentorship models for youth and gain insights into the collective understanding of historically marginalized communities.

Mandelia Fisher, Chimborazo Elementary School in Richmond, $10,300 to attend the National Conference for Creating Trauma-Sensitive Schools in Atlanta and explore the architecture, culture and cuisines of New York, Egypt and Singapore.

Nicole Fleming, Miles Jones Elementary School in Richmond, $11,200 to make text-to-self connections through childrens literature by traveling to New York, Alabama and California.

Amy Gregory, Chickahominy Middle School in Hanover County, $12,000 to discover and explore geographical features and biomes across the U.S. and Canada.

Amanda Hach, Glen Allen High School in Henrico, $9,000 to cultivate empathy and community by visiting historically significant and culturally relevant sites relating to the African American experience in the U.S.

Adam Hawkins, Chesterfield Technical Center, $12,000 to travel the country in an RV visiting technical centers that offer work-based learning, with a focus on the culinary industry.

John Holland, John B. Cary Elementary School in Richmond, $11,500 to understand the life and work of Leonardo da Vinci as an example of STEAM in action by visiting Portugal, Spain, France and Italy.

Kimberly Jackson, Echo Lake Elementary School in Henrico, $9,000 to study the animals of the Galapagos, the islands intricate ecosystem, and the importance of reducing the environmental footprint on the islands.

Heather Leise, Atlee High School in Hanover, $11,900 to compare and contrast benevolent dictators of the past and present by traveling to Singapore and the former states of Yugoslavia.

Christopher Morris, Swift Creek Middle School in Chesterfield County, $10,000 to explore the music and sounds of Spain.

Elizabeth OShea, L.C. Bird High School in Chesterfield, $9,000 to explore the western front of World War II Europe.

Rachael Pifer, Robious Middle School in Chesterfield, $11,700 to obtain the Childrens Yoga Teacher Certification with an emphasis on making yoga and mindfulness inclusive and accessible to children of diverse abilities.

Kathryn Regan, J.A. Chalkley Elementary School in Chesterfield, $11,500 to engage in immersive and authentic experiences in Mexico and southern Europe.

Beth Sawyer, Evergreen Elementary in Chesterfield, $11,500 to expand knowledge of learning through play by observing innovative play and outdoor-based instructional programs in China and Switzerland.

Natasha Thomas, Southampton Elementary School in Richmond, $11,300 to embark on the African American experience through the lens of black artistry in Los Angeles, and to make heritage connections in South Africa.

Timothy Towslee, Glen Allen High School in Henrico, $10,800 to obtain certification as an outdoor ethics master educator and to apply these skills by backpacking through the Alaskan wilderness.

Denise Yancey, William Fox Elementary School in Richmond, $8,300 to experience Spanish immersion in Panama and to observe the ecosystems and biodiversity of Panama, Costa Rica and Mexico.

Teacher Mandelia Fisher helps A'meera Dock-Moore with an arithmetic lesson at Chimborazo Elementary School Tuesday, November 12, 2019. Nadya Bright, left, and Davondre Martin, right, work on the problem. Fisher won $10,300 from the Community Foundation on Monday to attend the National Conference for Creating Trauma-Sensitive Schools in Atlanta and explore the architecture, culture and cuisines of New York, Egypt and Singapore.

Mandelia Fisher teaches an arithmetic lesson at Chimborazo Elementary School Tuesday, November 12, 2019. Fisher won $10,300 from the Community Foundation on Monday to attend the National Conference for Creating Trauma-Sensitive Schools in Atlanta and explore the architecture, culture and cuisines of New York, Egypt and Singapore.

Mandelia Fisher taught an arithmetic lesson to students (from left) Alijah Pace, Mekhi Carter and Ameera Dock-Moore on Tuesday at Chimborazo Elementary School.

Mandelia Fisher teaches an arithmetic lesson at Chimborazo Elementary School Tuesday, November 12, 2019. Fisher won $10,300 from the Community Foundation on Monday to attend the National Conference for Creating Trauma-Sensitive Schools in Atlanta and explore the architecture, culture and cuisines of New York, Egypt and Singapore.

Teacher Mandelia Fisher helps A'meera Dock-Moore with an arithmetic lesson at Chimborazo Elementary School Tuesday, November 12, 2019. Nadya Bright, left, and Davondre Martin, right, work on the problem. Fisher won $10,300 from the Community Foundation on Monday to attend the National Conference for Creating Trauma-Sensitive Schools in Atlanta and explore the architecture, culture and cuisines of New York, Egypt and Singapore.

Teacher Mandelia Fisher helps A'meera Dock-Moore with an arithmetic lesson at Chimborazo Elementary School Tuesday, November 12, 2019. Nadya Bright, left, and Davondre Martin, right, work on the problem. Fisher won $10,300 from the Community Foundation on Monday to attend the National Conference for Creating Trauma-Sensitive Schools in Atlanta and explore the architecture, culture and cuisines of New York, Egypt and Singapore.

Mandelia Fisher teaches an arithmetic lesson at Chimborazo Elementary School Tuesday, November 12, 2019. Fisher won $10,300 from the Community Foundation on Monday to attend the National Conference for Creating Trauma-Sensitive Schools in Atlanta and explore the architecture, culture and cuisines of New York, Egypt and Singapore.

Mandelia Fisher taught an arithmetic lesson to students (from left) Alijah Pace, Mekhi Carter and Ameera Dock-Moore on Tuesday at Chimborazo Elementary School.

Mandelia Fisher teaches an arithmetic lesson at Chimborazo Elementary School Tuesday, November 12, 2019. Fisher won $10,300 from the Community Foundation on Monday to attend the National Conference for Creating Trauma-Sensitive Schools in Atlanta and explore the architecture, culture and cuisines of New York, Egypt and Singapore.

Teacher Mandelia Fisher helps A'meera Dock-Moore with an arithmetic lesson at Chimborazo Elementary School Tuesday, November 12, 2019. Nadya Bright, left, and Davondre Martin, right, work on the problem. Fisher won $10,300 from the Community Foundation on Monday to attend the National Conference for Creating Trauma-Sensitive Schools in Atlanta and explore the architecture, culture and cuisines of New York, Egypt and Singapore.

Originally posted here:

Richmond-area teachers get grants to travel the world to improve their instruction - Richmond.com

(CNN) If you've ever wondered who runs the world, it turns out it's a man called Nick Butter.

Butter, a former banker who hails from Dorset in the south of England, ran his first marathon at the age of 11.

Later, he competed at a high level while keeping up an office job, but eventually decided to become a full-time runner.

The idea for his 196-country challenge came when Butter met a man at a race in the Sahara desert who had been diagnosed with terminal prostate cancer.

Kevin Webber imparted a powerful message that inspired Butter to raise money for Prostate Cancer UK and, when he realized that nobody had ever run a marathon in every country in the world, he set off to become the first person to do so.

"You've got to value your time, you cannot just assume that you're going to get to retirement and live this life, you've got to go and do what you want now," Butter told CNN.

Butter filled 10 passports over the course of the trip, sometimes returning home to the UK for just 24 hours to pick up a new visa.

"I was bitten by a dog, I was mugged, I was robbed at knifepoint, I was put in a cell," he said, but there were plenty of good memories.

"I ran with a thousand people in El Salvador, I ran around erupting volcanoes," Butter said, adding that he had completed marathons along beaches on unspoiled Pacific islands and even ran an entire marathon up and down an airport runway.

Webber joined Butter for the final marathon in Greece, with the pair crossing the finish line together.

Having now run a total 592 marathons, you might think that running would be the last thing on Butter's mind, but he's not planning on taking much rest.

"I'll have a couple of days off but I actually am kind of itching to get running again," he said. "It's my thing."

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UK man runs marathon in every country in the world - CNN

ONE OF Ireland's best cities has been recognised for something a little unusual.

Ireland is often recognised for being super-friendly, having incredible scenery, amazing beaches or just being the best place to visit in general-- but now a travel company has highlighted us for having one of the best destinations for hipsters.

Cork city has been named by travel magazine Days to Come in it's list of '6 Off-Piste Hipster Travel Destinations' alongside iconic cities such as Naples and Osaka-- and if you've ever visited this southern city you'll already know why.

The magazine, which is part of umbrella travel company TourRadar, praises Cork's "flourishing food and brewery scene and a roster of festivals", and says Cork's massive appeal for hipsters comes from its "neighbourhoods, small pockets of culture, history and Irish traditions that fuse to bring home an authentic and off-beat city adventure".

The city's Huguenot Quarter, Opera House, Crawford Art Gallery, French Church Street and Coal Quay Plaza's farmers market all get a special mention in the travel magazine's review, and they recommend Summer, autumn and Christmas as the best time to visit-- so basically year-round.

While we always appreciate Ireland being recognised for being the great place it is, we knew Cork was cool before this list-- which I guess makes us the hipsters.

For full reviews of the 6 'Off-Piste Hipster Travel Destinations' you can visit the website here.

'Days to Come': 6 Off-Piste Hipster Travel Destinations:

1 Victoria, Canada

2 Naples, Italy

3 Nakazakicho, Osaka, Japan

4 Cork, Ireland

5 Glasgow, Scotland

6 Arequipa, Peru

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Irish city named one of the best hipster travel destinations in the world - Irish Post

(CNN) A train speeds across the checkerboard tracks of Chicago's bustling Tower 18 junction, sparks flying from wheels that you can almost hear screeching.

The limited light conditions make nighttime photography both a challenge and a reward.

"We never use flash and rarely use a tripod, so we have to work with whatever light is available," says Coombes.

Rail as a window to the world

The photographers took this shot of a Class SY No. 1771 on a local passenger train at the Tiefa Mine Railway in China.

Courtesy Robin Coombes and Taliesin Coombes/Amberley Books

Throughout his career, retired rail manager Robin worked with trains. His son Taliesin, 25, shares his father's love both of the railways and photography.

In Chicago, the Coombes men took this photograph at Tower 18 Junction.

Courtesy Robin Coombes and Taliesin Coombes/Amberley Books

So what's it like working together?

"Competitive, but great fun," says Robin, who adds they both rely on one another -- and challenge each other.

The duo also enjoyed expanding their remit beyond their home country this time round.

Sometimes they just happen to be in the right place and the right time. On other occasions, they tried to capture specific shots while in a particular country.

On a rainy night, a British Rail train Class 168 No. 168216 enters Moor Street Station, in Birmingham in the UK.

Courtesy Robin Coombes and Taliesin Coombes/Amberley Books

Viewing a country through the lens of their railway is enlightening, says Robin.

"In most cases a railway reflects the culture and prosperity of the country, so a railway in Austria is very different to Eritrea, but no less interesting or exciting to ride," he says.

In Paris, a line 6 train on the Metro is captured crossing the Pont de Bir-Hakeim across the Seine.

Courtesy Robin Coombes and Taliesin Coombes/Amberley Books

What's often striking about the Coombes' shots is the way they play with perspective and viewer expectation. They rarely shoot simply a chocolate-box, picturesque shot -- although when they do, they do it well.

On New Year's Eve, fireworks explode overhead as a Czech Railways express train approaches Prague.

Courtesy Robin Coombes and Taliesin Coombes/Amberley Books

Or the photographers focus on their backdrop, take a shot of a train pulling into Prague station -- the viewer's eye is first drawn to the purple-hued New Year fireworks exploding overhead, beforethe railway below becomes apparent.

While the images often speak to an old school romanticism of the railway, they're also usually grounded in realism, as demonstrated in a shot of a British rail train entering Moor Street station in Birmingham, in England, shrouded by pouring rain.

Capturing a scene

A bi-level rail car at Chicago Union Station.

Courtesy Robin Coombes and Taliesin Coombes/Amberley Books

This new collection of photographs spotlights a variety of different railways, including trams and subway cars alongside traditional steam railways, glistening high speed services and hefty bi-level American trains.

Often Robin and Taliesin find themselves waiting for hours for that perfect shot, sometimes in freezing, wet conditions. Usually they'll go to a location and get a feel for what's there first, and try and get as many frames as possible.

In the UK, a BR (WR) Modified Hall No. 7903 train dubbed "Foremarke Hall" passes through the Green Tunnel on the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway in England.

Courtesy Robin Coombes and Taliesin Coombes/Amberley Books

"You never know in advance what the shot will be like, so many things can go wrong, but that is what it is all about, the anticipation -- maybe this time, maybe, maybe, click?" says Robin

There's always an element of spontaneity in their shots, the photographer adds, even when they look perfectly composed.

"We are not 'technical' photographers, who worry about white balance, exposure settings etc, our view is that while you are fiddling with the camera you are not focused on capturing an unfolding scene."

The father-son team enjoys photographing steam most of all. Pictured here: BR Britannia No. 70013 "Oliver Cromwell" train shot at Sydney Gardens in Bath, England.

Courtesy Robin Coombes and Taliesin Coombes/Amberley Books

They're also not afraid to include people in their shots, whether they're shadowy figures waiting on a platform as a train pulls into a station, or tired commuters crammed into subway cars.

"People are always at the heart of railways, we want to capture not just cold steel but the stories that are played out, the people who travel and work on the railway," says Robin.

"Mix and variety"

A tram and a bike riding through the streets of Amsterdam in the Netherlands.

Courtesy Robin Coombes and Taliesin Coombes/Amberley Books

There are still "hundreds, maybe thousands" of railways across the world that the Coombes hope to capture.

"The US 'Big Boy' is high on the bucket list," says Robin, referring to the Union Pacific Big Boy steam locomotive.

Built back in the 1940s, only eight remain and most are on display in museums, but recently Union Pacific restored one and it's now operational.

A London Midland and Scottish Railway steam train spotted through the fog at Aisgill, Cumbria in the Lake District in England.

Courtesy Robin Coombes and Taliesin Coombes/Amberley Books

The duo also hope to capture a French main line steam train in future projects.

"The joy is always in the mix and variety," says Robin.

Although, he adds, nothing beats the sight of steam billowing into the darkness.

"Steam at night, the sound of it working hard on a clear frosty night, the warm glow from the firebox reflecting on the white billowing steam," says Robin. "Anything that makes the hairs stand up on the back of your neck."

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Trains at night: Amazing pictures of railways across the world - CNN

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--TourRadar, the worlds largest online marketplace for multi-day tours, announced today its new marketing solutions division, an in-house digital agency that works with the world's most inspiring travel brands and tourism bodies to deliver impactful marketing solutions on their platform. TourRadar Marketing Solutions (TMS) allows partners to access TourRadars wide audience of travelers, increasing their brands visibility to drive consideration and bookings. TMS campaigns are fully managed and produced in-house by an expert team, leveraging exclusive insights from an audience that visits TourRadar.com over 3 million times each month.

To lead the TMS division, TourRadar has hired global marketing expert, Kerstin Kraakman as Vice President of Marketing Solutions & B2B Marketing. Kraakman brings over 13 years of experience in the travel, e-commerce and technology sectors including senior roles at Google, eBay, PayPal and TravelClick.

The formation of TMS is a response to a growing need in the tourism industry. Tour operators and Destination Marketing Organizations realize marketing solutions play a pivotal role in their business success and are looking for new, innovative and scalable ways to reach globetrotters. According to a recent Skift survey of businesses in the tours and activities sector, 84% said operations play either a crucial or very important role in delivering marketing priorities, yet only 21% stated operations were very effective in achieving its outcomes.

We listened to our partners and realized we had an opportunity to help them grow their brands in a more impactful way, said Kraakman. With TourRadars experience as an industry innovator, were applying our knowledge through TMS to accelerate growth for our partners.

TMS offers a variety of different packages to help partners achieve their marketing goals while staying within their budgets. Current TMS partners include Kenya Tourism Board, Trafalgar, Intrepid Travel, Jordan Tourism Board, Travel Alberta, Europamundo, TruTravels and many others.

"From the very beginning of our partnership, TourRadar has demonstrated an ability to understand the intricacies of our own internal KPIs, and then overdeliver in a way that is wonderfully refreshing for a media partner, said David DiGregorio, the North American Representative for the Kenya Tourism Board. The team demonstrated from day one that they really cared about the work we were doing together and has remained incredibly responsive throughout the entire process."

To learn more about TourRadar Marketing Solutions and how it can help boost your sales, visit http://www.tourradar.com/tms.

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TourRadar Announces New Marketing Solutions Division To Focus On Impactful Growth for Travel Brands and Tourism Boards - Business Wire

"Art Basel is a multi-faceted, dazzling event that transforms Miami Beach each year and adds to the city's already storied reputation for art, culture and entertainment," says Steve Adkins, Chairman, Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority (MBVCA). "As we edge closer to the Fair and the premiere of Miami Beach's satellite art fairs, the energy and buzz in the air is palpable. Miami Beach, which is like no other place in the world, continues to be the perfect city to host Art Basel, which is like no other art fair in the world."

In addition to the main Art Basel exhibition, dozens of prestigious art fairs will expose audiences to edgy, creative and original visual and performance art. Miami Beach welcomes this year's satellite fairs including:

Design Miami/: Since 2005, Design Miami/ has become a global forum for design. Each fair brings together influential collectors, gallerists, designers, curators and critics from around the world in celebration of collectible design, design culture and commerce. Located next to the Miami Beach Convention Center it is accessible and in the heart of the action.

PULSE Miami Beach: It's their 15th anniversary and PULSE Art Fair is dedicating this edition to experienced and budding art collectors. They are inviting visitors to experience the energy of stimulating art, balanced with cocktails in hammocks and engaging conversations with friends.

SCOPE Miami Beach: Celebrating its 19th edition, SCOPE Miami welcomes 134 diverse contemporary exhibitors featuring OASIS, an experiential multidisciplinary program as well as FOCUS | ART CHINA, the new premier showcase of Chinese Contemporary Art in Miami.

AquaArtMiami: In the past 14 years, Aqua Art Miami has become a destination for prominent collectors and art aficionados to procure works by young, emerging and mid-career artists.

Art Basel has also officially partnered with a number of local hotels, encouraging residents and visitors to take advantage of special accommodation rates.

"Beyond Art Basel, visitors to Miami Beach can choose from a varied number of fabulous hotels offering Art Basel-specific deals that are sure to enhance their experience with us," notes Grisette Roque Marcos, Executive Director, MBVCA. "Visitors can also check out the trendiest, buzziest restaurant and entertainment venues Miami Beach is famous for, when in town."

Located near the Miami Beach Convention Center (MBCC), these hotels have partnered with Art Basel and will offercompetitive rates during this year's edition. Official Hotel Partners include (but are not limited to):

Beacon South Beach,book early for Art Basel now through November 30, 2019 and receive 25% off an entire stay.

South Beach Group Hotels is offering 15% offwhen guests book 4-nights or more, between 12/3/2019 and 12/9/2019. Offer includes free late check-out and a possible room upgrade.

Cadet Hotel guests will receive a 7% discount off a total stay when booking directly. Use code BASEL19.

The Culinary scene on Miami Beach is a hot one and caters to a wide variety of tastes. These are some of the newest and trendiest restaurants to sample during Art Basel:

Sushi By BouTucked away on the second floor of The Villa Casa Casuarina, in Gianni Versace's former suite, is Sushi By Bou, an exclusive sushi bar bringing experiential omakase to South Beach.

Mandrake Miamiis a sophisticated restaurant and lounge with a modern Asian menu. Here, giant turquoise doors with antiquated Chinese door knockers lead the way to a hidden Asian palace. The 5,000-square-foot space has a sushi bar, a formal dining room and a lush outdoor garden.

Led by Chef Jose Icardi, Diez y Seisis an innovative Mexican concept in the Shore Club South Beach. This indoor-outdoor spot is a tribute to Mexican Independence Day. Diners can revel in tortillas made in-house, a specialty tequila and mezcal bar, custom mezcal carts, sharing plates and more.

For more information, download the Miami Beach app at http://www.miamibeachapi.com/ and follow @ExperienceMiamiBeachon Facebook, Instagram and@EMiamiBeachonTwitter.

ABOUT MIAMI BEACH Miami Beach is an award-winning destination, with first place in the 2019, 2018 and 2017 edition of the Travvy Awards, presented by travAlliancemedia in the categories of 'Best Honeymoon Destination, U.S. & Canada', 'Best Tourism Board U.S. & Canada', and 'Best LGBTQ Destination'. Also recently named 2019 and 2018 North America's Leading Tourist Board by the World Travel Awards, and a winner in the 2018 Magellan Awards by Travel Weekly in the categories of "Best Overall Honeymoon Destination in the United States and Canada", "Best Overall Beach Destination in the United States and Canada", and "Best Overall Spa Destination in the United States and Canada" respectively. Miami Beach is a favorite destination among travelers worldwide. Renowned for its unparalleled culinary offerings, extravagant nightlife, rich culture, luxe shopping and plush hotels, Miami Beach is home to unique museums, the New World Symphony, Miami City Ballet, Miami Beach Convention Center, international festivals and art exhibitions, boat and auto shows, over 187 boutique and resort hotels and 12 public parks; it is no wonder the beautifully diverse city is one of the world's most popular vacation destinations. Boasting seven miles of breathtaking beaches, Miami Beach is easily accessible from the Port of Miami and Miami International Airport. The City of Miami Beach has been named one of the top cities worldwide for 'walkability' and is equally easy to navigate by bike or boat. Known for its year-round sunny skies, the vibrant destination has been ranked by TripAdvisor as a Top Winter Sun Vacation Rental Getaway Destination, Top Romantic Destination, Top 25 Beaches in the World and Top 25 Destinations in the U.S. Miami Beach is like no other place in the world! In 2019, the MBVCA introduced new handles on Instagram and Facebook @ExperienceMiamiBeach and on Twitter @EMiamiBeach to provide visitors with real-time information and recommendations.

SOURCE Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority

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Miami Beach: One of The Hottest Destinations In the World Welcomes Art Basel 2019 - PRNewswire

The city of Lyon, France, is hoping to cement its reputation as the cradle of French gastronomy with the opening of a new cultural gastronomy center that is being described as the first of its kind in France, and the largest of its kind in the world.

Six years in the making, the Cit Internationale de la Gastronomie de Lyon (International City of Gastronomy) opened its doors last month inside the Grand Htel-Dieu, a former hospital that dates back to the 12th century.

Spanning four floors and 43,055 square feet, the center, which cost 20 million (around $22 million), is designed to be an interactive and sensorial experience for visitors: The smell of chicken bubbling away in a casserole pot wafts through the space dedicated to traditional Lyonnaise cuisine, while a virtual exhibit recreates the sights and sounds of an open-air farmers market.

The centers opening adds to an already rich gastronomic landscape in Lyon: The city is home to Bocuse dOr, the real-life Iron Chef international cooking competition; bouchons, traditional Lyonnaise restaurants; and the celebrated chef Paul Bocuse, who died last year.

Florent Bonnetain, project director and general manager, said that the culinary center aims to draw on the buildings heritage as a former hospital by exploring the connections between food and nutrition, along with sustainability, economics and international food culture.

Were looking at the subject of gastronomy as a whole, Mr. Bonnetain said. There are thematic food museums around the world, but here we wanted to take gastronomy and approach it from a cultural and educational point of view.

Indeed, thematic museums centered around a single food item have been around for decades, be it chocolate, ice cream, French fries or ramen. Then there are the branded food museums from SPAM, Guinness, Coca-Cola or Jell-O. They can tend to be cartoonish or self-promotional, and verge on kitsch.

But in recent years, conversations around food security, climate change and public health have led to more ambitious and thoughtfully curated exhibitions around the world.

After first launching as a mobile exhibition in 2013, the Museum of Food and Drink found a permanent space in a 5,000-square-foot studio in New York City in 2015. It has explored natural and artificial flavors in the food industry, the evolution of Chinese-American restaurants and, next February, will open an exhibition on the contributions of African-American chefs, farmers and producers to food culture.

The executive director, Peter Kim, began pitching the idea in 2012, and said he was met primarily with skepticism and bewilderment. But since then, hes noticed a sea change in the museums reception, and the way people think about food, thanks to a confluence of factors: food-related public policies, immigration, media attention, climate change and growing interest inside academia.

All these things feed into each other and reinforce an understanding of food as being much more than just gustatory experience. Instead, theres an understanding that when you take a bite of something, you plug into the world every time, he said.

International media interest also helped the Disgusting Food Museum which opened last fall as a temporary exhibition in Malm, Sweden become permanent this January and organize pop-up versions globally. Despite its name, the exhibition is meant less to provoke revulsion, but to challenge peoples notions of whats edible and whats not, as one persons trash, be it maggot-infested cheese or bull testicles, could be another persons delicacy. Moreover, curators point out that changing our ideas of disgust could help us embrace more environmentally sustainable foods notably bugs and insects in the future.

In Europe in recent months, the Museum of Mankind in Paris opened the exhibition I Eat, Therefore I Am, exploring the evolutionary, ecological and cultural role of food in civilization, and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London just wrapped up Food: Bigger than the Plate, which looked at urban farming, gastronomy, politics and sustainability.

At the Cit, working kitchens, experimental laboratories and spaces for conferences and debates are designed to enrich the visitor experience. The overall concept mirrors Bordeauxs Cit du Vin, a wine museum which opened in 2016 and explores winemaking throughout civilization and also hosts industry conferences.

We know that gastronomy is a big tourist attraction for Lyon, Mr. Bonnetain said. With the museum, our hope is that visitors will be able to experience gastronomy differently here. We want to be a complementary experience to restaurants in Lyon.

Cit Internationale de la Gastronomie de Lyon; citegastronomielyon.fr/en

4 Grand Clotre du Grand Htel-Dieu, 69002 Lyon, France

Open seven days a week, except holidays, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Tickets: 12

52 PLACES AND MUCH, MUCH MORE Follow our 52 Places traveler, Sebastian Modak, on Instagram as he travels the world, and discover more Travel coverage by following us on Twitter and Facebook. And sign up for our Travel Dispatch newsletter: Each week youll receive tips on traveling smarter, stories on hot destinations and access to photos from all over the world.

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At Museums Around the World, a Focus on Food - The New York Times

BARCELONA - Business travel management platform, TravelPerk, announced that it has been recognised as the worlds fastest growing Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) company, according to the 2019 edition of SaaS Mags acclaimed ranking, the SaaS 1000.The SaaS 1000 is an annual ranking of the world's top growing SaaS companies. Using a proprietary algorithm, industry publication SaaS Mag ranks the fastest-growing SaaS companies based on hiring trends, growth indicators and the number of employees. According to this algorithm, TravelPerk has achieved 122% growth, making the company the worlds fastest growing SaaS provider over the last 12 months. TravelPerk was ranked 5th in 2018s SaaS 1000 and is one of only two European companies in the top ten in 2019.

The recognition from SaaS Mag follows a landmark year for TravelPerk. Key milestones for the business in 2019 included:

Avi Meir, CEO and co-founder of TravelPerk, said: We created TravelPerk in 2015 because we knew that business travelers needed a dramatically better experience. The industry had been dominated by outdated tech and outdated thinking and we believed there was a big opportunity for a startup that could use technology to give travelers a seamless experience while providing businesses with more control and visibility. The rapid growth we have experienced since then shows that we were right - but were not done yet. We have ambitious growth plans for 2020 and we're working on some really exciting innovations that we believe can take business travel into a new era, and drive the next stage of our company growth.

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TravelPerk named the world's fastest growing SaaS company in 2019 SaaS 1000 - Travel Daily News International

Leading provider of tailor-made tours, Authentic Vacations, has analysed popular destinations around the world using a number of metrics to reveal the world's most tourist-friendly cities. The cities have been analysed by a series of metrics including tourist to local ratios, airports close to the city, the quality of the local airport, overall happiness of the destination, English proficiency, how much accommodation is available, and safety. You can view the full findings here.

Theres nothing better than heading to a new city for a long weekend, business trip or family holiday and feeling welcome from the offset. A mixture of accessibility, including travelling to and from the city, as well as how welcoming the people who call it home are , all contribute to whether a city feels tourist-friendly or not. But which cities make tourists feel the most at home?

The top ten most tourist-friendly cities are below:

Amsterdam is the most tourist-friendly city in the world

With its brightly coloured, picturesque streets and abundance of history and culture, its easy to see why Amsterdam is a favourite for tourists from all over the world. However, the Dutch Capital isnt just a pretty location but also comes out on top as the most tourist-friendly city, with an overall tourist-friendly score of 70/100.

The city is also home to some of the happiest locals with a score of 14.4 out of 20, and arriving into Amsterdam will be as seamless as your stay, as Amsterdam Airport got 4.1 out of five for airport quality.

Europe is home to eight of the most tourist-friendly citiesEight European destinations are in the top 20 list for the most tourist-friendly cities including Vienna (2nd), London (4th) and Copenhagen (5th), to name a few. London scored 20/20 for accommodation in the city, with over 109,00 places for you to stay in whilst you visit, meaning whether youre looking for a night stay in Camden, or a long weekend in Chelsea, theres an abundance of rooms on offer that cater to every need.

Vienna is a favourite for romantic getaways and the locals are accustomed to this with a tourist to local ratio score of 11 out of 20, so if you get lost down one of its many cobbled streets, its likely someone will happily point you in the right direction. Similarly to Amsterdam, Copenhagen also scored highly when it comes to the locals happiness levels with a score of 15 out of 20, so visitors can expect a warm welcome when wondering its beautiful streets. In addition, Copenhagen comes out as the safest tourist-friendly city with a score of 85 out of 100, meaning you can soak up the culture and views with this in mind.

The US is home to three of the most tourist-friendly citiesTourist-friendly cities are not unique to Europe, as three of the top 20 cities featured are in the US. New York (6th), San Francisco (20th) and Chicago (13th) all placed on the list and have a huge amount to offer to visitors. New York is one of the most famous cities in the world with tourists flocking each year to see the iconic skyline, a show on Broadway or to soak up the bustling city vibe unique to the Big Apple.

San Francisco is famed for its iconic Golden Gate Bridge and skyline whilst Chicago is known for its deep-dish pizzas and the Chicago Bean, but whichever US city you choose to visit next, youll receive a warm welcome as one of their many tourists.

So, which tourist-friendly city will you visit next?

Leslie Intriago, Head of Digital Marketing at Authentic Vacations comments: Everybody is looking for something different when planning a trip to a city, from wanting some retail therapy, learning about the history and culture, or simply wanting to take in some new sights. However, we all want to feel welcome and safe in the destinations that were exploring and its great to see so many iconic cities in the top 20 most tourist-friendly cities around the world.

Its often important for tourists, especially when making a long journey, that their end destination is close to the airport, as well as there being lots of places to stay for ease and accessibility. But ultimately, its the friendly faces and knowledgeable locals that guide us along the way, that really makes our experiences abroad all the more special."

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Amstardam is revealed as the most tourist-friendly city in the world - Travel Daily News International

2019 is quickly coming to an end, which means it is time to plan your holiday travel before it is too late!

In an effort to help, FlightHub and JustFly, two Montreal, Quebec-based online travel agencies, have put together their list of the top European cities to visit before the end of the year. So, pack your bags, grab your passport, and see which European cities are topping the charts as we approach the end of 2019.

The ancient city of Rome is a place where rich history is a gift that keeps on giving for those who love to see the world. Featuring some of the most notable landmarks on Earth, Rome is a must-see for anyone with an inclination towards travel. Some landmarks you cant miss include The Colosseum, St Peters Basilica, The Trevi Fountain and The Parthenon.

Considered one of the European Unions most beautiful cities, Krakow is a time capsule of history without the same overcrowding you may see in some of Europes other major attractions.

Beginning as a stone age settlement, Krakow has endured it all, including World War II, to remain a look into the past of Poland and European history. Krakows Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that served as the countrys political heart from 1038 to 1596, is a must-see. Some other places you cant miss in Krakow include the Wieliczka Salt Mine, Tatra Mountains and Pieskowa Skala.

London has something for everyone. History buffs can enjoy the Tower of London, sports fans can catch a football match with the local hooligans, and those who prefer urban exploration can take a ride on the famous tube public transit system.

One thing you wont find though is peace and quiet, with tens of millions of people visiting the city every year. That combined with a thriving urban population in one of the worlds biggest cities means London may not be for the traveller seeking some relaxation. Some famous sites include Buckingham Palace, The Tower of London and The British Museum.

Like Krakow, Prague is another ancient city of Europe that despite intense action during World War II retained much of its historical and cultural architecture, making it a must-see for those with a penchant for history.

One unique thing to see is the Prague Astronomical Clock. This clock was installed in 1410 and is the oldest operating clock in the world. So, what separates an astronomical clock from a regular clock? An astronomical clock can track, in addition to time, of course, the movements of the sun, the moon, zodiacal constellations, and sometimes even the locations of planets. Some other spots to see are Prague Castle and The Church of Our Lady Before Tyn.

Those looking to spend time with their special someone can find numerous romantic-type hideaways to enjoy. Those looking for some historical landmarks will find no shortage with The Notre Dame Cathedral, The Eiffel Tower, and the banks of the Seine River.

For those who love museums, Paris is of course home to one of the worlds most famous, The Louvre Museum. This museum was established in 1793 and is home to famous pieces like The Mona Lisa and the Venus De Milo among countless others. Some other things to see include The Palace at Versailles and Arc de Triomphe.

Link:

Top European cities to visit before the year ends - Travel Daily

A CORNISH couple converted their 1,000 minivan into a cosy home to travel the world in.

They have lived out of their tiny vehicle while visiting 25 countries - surviving on just 20 a day.

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Ben Fuery, 26 and Lucy Pinell, 24, from Hayle, Cornwall spent 10 months and 5000 transforming their 2002 LVD Convoy.

They have decorated their van with items from their trip - Indian sheets, a handwoven rug from Greece, a Mexican blanket on the bed and Thai elephant patterned curtains.

Ben used to work as a chef and Lucy used to run her own Airbnb but now work on the road as photographers and filmmakers.

Lucy said: Ben wanted to visit the Middle East and I have always wanted to see more of Europe- wed both always fancied the idea of owning and travelling in a van so it was only a matter of time until our ideas came together and we ended up buying a van.

The conversion wasnt easy as we knew basically nothing about DIY and the van wed bought was rusty, leaky and covered in tie dye spray paint, so every process was a learning curve.

As money was tight we used a lot of reclaimed and upcycled materials such as pallet wood, coffee sacks, scraps of plywood and driftwood for decoration.

Our life on the road to us feels like we are living our real lives, doing what we want to be doing and pursuing our passions, whereas when were back in the UK it feels like our lives are on hold while we save up money for the next trip.

Living in a van also enables us to save money quicker when were working, as we have no electric, water or council tax bills to pay, just diesel for the tank- all of our power is generated by solar or when driving, and we fill up our water tanks from taps or springs.

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Things dont always go smoothly, though; theres always things to fix, engine maintenance to be done, and a lot of cleaning and tidying, but these are all fair trade-offs for a life on the road.

The pair are going back to their hometown to work over the summer and save some money and then they are back on the road.

They have travelled to 25 countries so far, across Europe, as East as Ukraine and as far South as Greece.

Their van has enabled them to live completely off the grid as it has a gas oven and cooker, heating and hot water, a shower, a fridge and a toilet, a solar panel on the roof, leisure batteries and big water tanks.

Their next trip will be a seven month road trip across the Balkans, including 13 countries in between and after that they will heading to Asia.

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They added: Our van has taken us to places we couldve never imagined an LDV minibus would go and she continues to be our reliable companion on this journey.

For us, challenge is what makes life worth living, a chance to push ourselves further and build character, and although we dont always appreciate it when a situation goes wrong we always come out the other side stronger and wiser.

Our aim is to continue travelling the world, telling the stories of the people we meet and working remotely to fund our lifestyle, and as such we have big ambitions for our lives."

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The rest is here:

Cornish couple convert 1k minivan into cosy home to travel the world and live off just 20 a day - The Sun

News Roundup: Its Malaysia in the spotlight in the run-up to Visit Malaysia 2020 with two leading players spearheading the charge to drum up arrivals to the country Tourism Malaysias partnership with Chinese travel-focused social network Mafengwo and Malaysia Airlines new promotional campaign

Destination: Tourism Malaysia partners Mafengwo to tap Chinas outbound tourism market

News that the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has downgraded Malaysias air safety rating to Category 2 (from Category 1) due to its shortcomings as an aviation regulator on the eve of Visit Malaysia 2020 has sparked fears it will have adverse impact on tourist arrivals to the country.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) has stressed the move would not affect local airlines, airports or air traffic services. However, with safety uppermost on the mind of most travellers the Category 2 questionable safety could lead to negative perception of Malaysian carriers, said an analyst in a Bloomberg report.

Regardless, tourism players in the country are still going full steam to promote the special year and aim to achieve the 2020 target of 30 million international arrivals and RM100 billion (US$24 billion) in tourism receipts.

Tourism Malaysia is in the forefront of the marketing efforts. It recently formed a partnership with China-based travel SNS (Social Networking Service) platform, Mafengwo, to boost arrivals through digitalisation and social media.

Mafengwo, popular among Chinese consumers, enables users to share travel experiences with each other. It boasts more than one million entries of user-generated travel guides and over five million ratings and reviews.

According to Mafengwos senior vicepresident Yu Zhuo, its estimated 1.3 million users have been sharing theirexperiences, travel trips and guides on their trips to Malaysia.

The platforms core product, Travel Guide, has covered more than 95% travel destinations globally with over 100 million downloads. It has also integrated booking services such as Trip, eLong, Booking and Agoda.

The collaboration will see Mafengwo help Tourism Malaysia in its pursuit of smart tourism, which the latter has identified as a key thrust to promote Malaysia to the growing independent traveller segment and cultivate the Chinese outbound tourism market.

Mafengwo will also create richer online content for Chinese travellers

With the emergence of individualised demands from users Mafengwo shall employ a point of interest (POI) system to perform content customisation aimed at providing tourist from China better service, while establishing opportunities for merchants in Malaysia, she added.

Chan Hon Mun, Tourism Malaysias deputy director of the International Promotion Division (Asia/Africa), said the partnership would give the opportunity for Malaysia to increase its share of China market from 2.94 million arrivals to a potential target of 3.48 million in 2020.

According to data from Tourism Malaysia, last year tourist arrivals from the Middle Kingdom to Malaysia totalled 2.94 million, a growth of 29% over 2017. The travellers contributed RM12.3 billion (US$2.96 billion) to the national coffers.

From January to July this year arrivals from China increased to 1.87 million from 1.76 million over the same period in 2018, an increase of 6%. This makes China the third biggest tourist source market to Malaysia after Singapore and Indonesia.

Marketing: Malaysia Airlines invites the world to Fly Malaysia

Malaysia Airlines (MAS) launched its new campaign Fly Malaysia at last weeks World Travel Market in London, funding a range of activities to promote the country in key overseas markets and hike up international arrivals.

To run until end December 2020, the campaign celebrates the countrys proud history and reaffirming the airlines status as a national icon said the carrier.

Featured as part of the promotions are Home of Hospitality videos with well-known social media influencers discussing what they love most about Malaysia. These will run concurrently to numerous social media initiatives, pushing the Fly Malaysia message out to a wider audience.

In addition, the airline will publicise the Malaysian experience in target markets around the world through travel partner cooperation, consumer activities, press visits and the launch of MH Holidays.

We have been flying passengers aroundtheworld for over 70 years, and look forward to welcoming many moreaboard in 2020 and beyond toexperience Malaysia with this campaign, saidIzham Ismail, Malaysia Airlines Group CEO.

The carrier is supporting Tourism Malaysia in an expanded partnership deal for 2020 alongside its cooperation with the Sarawak Tourism Board.

MAS is also the global airline partner for the Malaysian Healthcare Travel Council and the SuperGT racing series.

Featured image credit: Sushiman/Getty Images

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The Wrap: Tourism Malaysia partners Mafengwo to tap China's outbound tourism market - Web In Travel

Its sunrise and my cares seem to float away as I lie on my back on a mountain in Madeira, listening to sticks gently beating on a drum, simulating the noise of rain.

My mind and spirit are being washed by a sound bath where instead of water vibrations produced on instruments, from gongs and shamanic drums, to chimes and shakers, aim to coax the brain into a relaxed, meditative state.The great outdoors brings inner calm (iStock/PA)

Immersion in beautiful sounds and vibrations can clear the chakras [centres of energy within us] and soothe the body, mind and spirit, promises Emilie Mangoni, an international yoga teacher whos conducting my yoga session, finishing with the potent auditory healing experience.

The surroundings couldnt be more peaceful an idyllic glade in the heart of the Laurissilva Forest whose origins are said to date back 20 million years.

Calm and healing experiences are what I crave and have come for. An overload of work and family problems have left me feeling low mentally and physically, and Ive escaped to this island to rescue my battered wellbeing.

The Laurissilva Forest, near Funchal, Madeira (Andre Carvalho/PA)

Unable to spare the time for a long holiday, all I have is three days to reboot my karma, which makes Madeira a lush, beautiful giant rock in the Atlantic just off the west coast of Africa the perfect destination.

Its only a three-and-a-half hour direct flight from London and is rapidly gaining a reputation as being ideal for a wellness break. It was recently named Europes leading island destination 2019 by the World Travel Awards.

Im hoping that its sub-tropical climate, spectacular mountain skylines, crystal clear waters and sandy beaches will instantly plunge me into sun-soaked serenity.

My base is the lively, cosmopolitan capital, Funchal. Facing the sea, its flanked by verdant mountains behind, and is in the southern part of the island.

On my first night, Im enveloped in elegant luxury at the uber-contemporary, Vine Hotel, located in the historic centre close to the marina.

The islands winemaking history is the inspiration for the interior design. Dark, moody settings feature materials such as volcanic rock, contrasted with rich purple fabrics, while furniture has been crafted to resemble twisted vines.

There are almost too many ways to relax, with an indoor pool, solarium and fitness centre. A spa offers a wide range of treatments, including vinotherapy: a red wine bath with antioxidant wine extracts promising skin and health benefits.

After months of no me time, its blissful to simply laze on the rooftop beside outdoor infinity pool, gazing out at the view over the bay. Wrapped in thick white towels after a long swim, I can feel my muscles relaxing and tension falling away.

Refreshed and more energised the next day, I take a two-and-a-half-hour sea trip by ferry to the tiny neighbouring island of Porto Santo.

Its dubbed Madeiras sandy little sister because of its spectacular uninterrupted 9km-long beach, which fringes its south side.

My first experience here is another therapeutic bath but in sand rather than in sound.

The renowned Hot Sand Therapy (Psamotherapy) uses the islands fine, silk sand, which is renowned for its health-boosting qualities. Rich in minerals, including calcium and magnesium, it also contains a natural anti-inflammatory, strontium.

Buried up to my neck in hot, heavy sand in a wooden bathtub. I feel cocooned and totally relaxed. My sweat apparently releases minerals from the sand which my skin can absorb.

During the 30-minute session, I doze off and reluctantly awake to extricate myself and lie on a lounger, to allow the absorption process to continue for a couple of hours, before I can shower and swim in one of the pools.

A feast for the eye and the palate (Gabrielle Fagan/PA)

Literally glowing inside and out, I leave the resort for lunch at a simple beachside caf a few kilometres away.

Its a far cry from my normal lunchtime routine a rushed sandwich at my desk. Here, I sit barefoot, listening to the sound of the waves and seabirds as I feast on freshly caught shellfish and finish with a Portuguese speciality, pasteis de nata (a custard tart).

Im able to enjoy maximum time on the island sunbathing and walking beside the shore by cutting short the length of my return journey, thanks to Binter Airlines new service, which returns me to Funchal in just 15 minutes.Gabrielle Fagan feels the sand beneath her toes on the beach at Porto Santo (Gabrielle Fagan/PA)

In the evenings, strolling through the charming Portuguese stone streets of Old Town Funchal, its fun spotting eye-catching front doors which local artists have imaginatively painted as part of a restoration project.

Whats so notable in this city is the warm, laid-back atmosphere wherever you go day or night as Madeira has long welcomed and cherished tourists. Its one of the most popular stopovers for luxury cruises.

My only stress is choosing which of the many bars and cafes to visit for a shot of Poncha a local rum mixed with honey and lemon.Front doors charmingly decorated by local artists in Funchal Old Town (Gabrielle Fagan/PA)

To gain a sense of the history of this Portugese island, theres no better place to visit than the yellow Forte Sao Tiago. It hugs the shoreline and was built in 1614 to allow the residents to watch out for pirates and potential invaders.

Within its stone ramparts nestles the Restaurant Do Forte and a gourmet dinner there by candlelight is an experience not to be missed.

Afterwards, I join locals and tourists on the forts roof to view a spectacular fireworks show, one of many which take place throughout the year as companies compete for the privilege of lighting up the sky over Funchal on New Years Eve.

Forte de Sao Tiago at sunset, an historical touristic attraction in Funchal (iStock/PA)

My final two nights are spent at the Quintinha de Sao Joao hotel, which has the old-school charm of a rather grand Madeiran home, where the highly-personalised service makes you feel like an honoured member of the family, rather than a guest.

While I could have spent hours in the landscaped gardens surrounding it, and even longer in the spa where I had a super-soothing full-body massage, I dont want to miss the opportunity for more exploring.

Landscape gardens surrounding the hotel, Quintinha de Sao Joao, Funchal (Quintinha de Sao Joao/PA)

For a birds eye view of the city, I take a 15-minute cable car ride from the Old Town, which lifts me nearly 2,000 feet up to the parish of Monte.

Its home to the intriguing Monte Palace Tropical Gardens, which boast 100,000 plant species from all over the world. Time slips by unnoticed as I wander for hours marvelling at the quirky landscape of oriental temples, Buddha statues, and ornamental gardens.

Its all interspersed with lakes where koi carp glide beneath the surface and stately black swans glide elegantly on top, and the sound of fountains is the only noise disturbing the quiet.Monte Palace Tropical Gardens, Madeira (Madeira Tourist Board/PA)

My Madeiran cocktail of two healing baths, a generous helping of sun, sea and sand, and a dose of pampering have lifted my spirits and recharged me. My island escape although brief has worked wonders on my wellbeing.

How to plan your trip

To plan your own Madeira getaway, visit madeiraallyear.com.

British Airways (britishairways.com) flies from London Gatwick to Funchal from 47 each-way, including taxes/fees/carrier charges.

Forest Yoga sessions with Emilie Mangoni start from 80/69 per person. Visitemiliemangoni.com/classes/.

Doubles at the Vine Hotel start from 120/103 per night with breakfast; doubles at Quintinha de So Joo start from 144/124 per night with breakfast.

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The Portuguese island promising to deliver instant inner karma - Irish Examiner

A piano plays by itself in the main reception area while a large stag with feathered wings flies over the bar.

A spider-like structure takes centre stage in the courtyard and Queen Victoria sits regal in a corner of the library.

No, this not a strange dream I had last night. This is the weird and wonderful world of The Fife Arms in Braemar.

The stunning hotel was given a dramatic makeover after being bought by Iwan and Manuela Wirth, co-presidents of Hauser & Wirth.

Officially opening in December last year, the owners have breathed new life into the 19th Century coaching inn and hotel, built by the Duke of Fife.

And we were lucky enough to enjoy a nights stay there.

From the outside, it looks fairly typical of a village hotel. But once you are through the door, it is something youve never seen before.

It is a feast for all the senses. You will feel like you are a child again walking around this hotel, stopping every couple of seconds and uttering the phrase, ooh whats that? at every turn.

Russell Sage Studio masterminded the interior design and has created a charming blend of old and new. Even with the knowledge that some of it is new, it all feels very original, like this is how it should have always looked.

I wont give it all away as part of the magic of this establishment is walking its corridors and discovering all the magical elements yourself.

There is one art piece that really stuck with me that was truly impressive. And all I will say is the artist has taken something completely ordinary, an everyday object, and turned it into something extraordinary. And you dont have to be a guest to enjoy it the hotel holds regular art tours which are also open to the wider community.

Upstairs, the 46 bedrooms have all been individually designed. We were staying in the Heather, part of the Nature and Poetry collection, which had a lovely, calm decor and artwork and objects made from natural materials including a beautiful wooden headboard.

Our night began with some cocktails in Elsas Bar and it felt like we had been transported to a scene from The Great Gatsby.

Then we headed for the main event in the stunning Clunie dining room. A large stag isnt our usual view for dinner but it is when you are staying at The Fife Arms.

For starters, I went for the Arisaig lobster and heather-smoked blue mussels while my husband tried the seared red deer haunch with sweet pea emulsion.

Like the hotel itself, my starter was an explosion for the senses. Every bite revealed something different and it was beautifully cooked. Given how quickly David finished his choice, it was safe to say he enjoyed it.

For mains, I went for the birch-smoked Highland beef fillet with coco blanc beans and David chose the west-coast halibut. The beef was cooked to order and the chargrilled taste was just unbelievable. Ive never tasted something so flavoursome. While I did miss some potatoes to go with the meal, the beans were a great accompaniment to the dish. The halibut flaked away as my husband tucked in.

We were stuffed but still managed to squeeze in some dessert by sharing a coffee and cream creation and some chocolate ice cream. Once again, the pudding was full of strong flavours that married up beautifully.

In the morning, the culinary feast continued with a hearty breakfast, complete with game sausage, and later a trip to the Flying Stag bar for a pub lunch. And yes, as the name suggests, there is a flying stag above the bar.

It was Braemars original village pub and has now been re-imagined but still very much the first stop for locals in search of a pint and pie which was evident from how busy it was on a weekday lunchtime. It had a lively atmosphere and the decor a mix of comfy armchairs and benches gave it a communal feel.

For lunch I had the beer-battered fish and chips and it was bangers and mash for David.

It may have been your typical pub grub menu, but the food was anything but. The batter was so light and fluffy and the fish just melted in my mouth.

For dessert I couldnt resist a dark chocolate brownie with elderflower ice cream, which was as incredible as it sounds.

Eventually we were able to tear ourselves away from the wonder that is The Fife Arms to explore the rest of our surroundings.

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There really is something for everyone in the area including hiking, fishing and stalking for the outdoor lovers and a visit to Braemar Castle for the history buffs. Nearby Ballater is also worth a trip to explore the Old Royal Station, and whisky aficionados shouldnt miss a tour around the Royal Lochnagar distillery at Crathie, by Balmoral Castle.

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TRAVEL: Experiencing the weird and wonderful world of The Fife Arms - Press and Journal

Looking for a change of scenery? Why not consider a holiday deep in the jungles and wilderness in some of the most exotic places on earth?

Hotels.com has rounded up the best jungle hotels across the world for those wanting to become their very own jungle VIP.

What better place to learn the ways of the jungle than in the largest rainforest in the world The Amazon.

Hotel Enai is located in the remote area of Las Piedras, in south-eastern Peru. This modern and stylish hotel uses traditional Peruvian artwork and design to create a light, airy space. From the hotel, guests can explore the rich biodiversity of the surrounding rainforest.

The island of Borneo is the third-largest in the world, and it is almost entirely jungle.

Just off the coast of Malaysia, it is the perfect destination for wildlife enthusiasts and one of the only places in the world to see the distinctive proboscis monkey. Stay at the Swiss-Belhotel Danum in the city of Palangkaraya, located within the Central Kalimantan area, known as one of the lungs of the world thanks to its sprawling jungles and forests.

The hotel features a beautiful outdoor pool area surrounded by palm trees, luxurious bedrooms, and a restaurant serving a spread of local and international specialities.

Ella is a small town nestled in the hill-country of Sri Lanka, where the land is rich with tea plantations, dramatic waterfalls and stunning temples. Explore the dense countryside via the many hiking trails, including routes to Little Adams Peak and Ella Rock, which offer beautiful views of the lush Sri Lankan countryside.

Stay at the Ella Jungle Resort nestled on the banks of the Kirindi Oya River and surrounded by wild jungle, where you can find your jungle feet. Choose from an Eco Jungle Chalet, Cottage or Cabin each offering spacious, breezy rooms with balconies and wake up to the sound of the nearby mountain stream.

Where better to embrace your inner jungle queen, than in Springbrook, the area of Queensland, Australia where a popular jungle reality-TV show is filmed.

Stay at OReillys Rainforest Retreat to discover the best of Springbrook; a forest wilderness, with deep canyons, cool rock creeks, and some of the oldest trees in Australia. Located within World Heritage-listed Lamington National Park, OReillys Rainforest Retreat is run by third-generation OReilly family members whose ancestors pioneered eco-tourism in Australia in 1926.

Choose from daily activities including bird walks and tree-top walks. In the evening, guests can relax in the Lost World Day Spa or dine in the tree-house bar.

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Welcome to the jungle: Best hotels in the wilderness revealed - Travel Daily

NEW YORK, NY The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), the global body that represents the private sector of the Travel & Tourism industry, in conjunction with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), brought together over 50 CEOs, Heads of State, ministers and industry leaders at its first-ever Climate and Environment Action Forum this past week and called for climate-neutrality by 2050.

The event, taking place during New York Climate Week, included the announcement of an action plan called 0SCARS to encourage its members leaders from a sector that spans airports, airlines, hotels, GDS, tourism boards, travel, technology and cruise companies to adopt and accelerate sustainability programs and to share best practices.

The framework for 0SCARS is as follows:

A (Act) WTTC and its Members will:

Identify and implement new sustainability strategies and innovative business models.

Seek to align sustainable development efforts with the UN SDGs.

Commit to prioritise sustainability by setting ambitious, time-bound sustainability targets.

Collaborate and share data and best practices to improve sustainability.

Engage consumers in efforts to make travel more sustainable.

WTTC will produce an annual report of action that will articulate and show demonstrable movement towards Climate Friendly Travel and progress towards sustainability commitments.

R (Recognition) Through the Sustainable WTTC Travel & Tourism Partners, WTTC will invite all companies, large and small, to sign up to the programme so that they can be recognised for their commitments and progress towards sector sustainability. - S (Share) WTTC will launch a Sustainable Travel & Tourism Hub which will fuel our research, drive best practice sharing, and foster collaboration with key partners including the UNFCCC and UNEP and other experts to find climate solutions that are applicable across the sector.

Gloria Guevara, President & Chief Executive Officer, World Travel & Tourism Council, called the new program a culmination of nearly two years of work, building on a partnership with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change [UNFCCC] to accelerate towards climate neutrality for a sector that has climate and environment action as a top priority.

As the leaders within the Travel & Tourism industry, we have the power to drive real change, said Guevara. The WTTC has the opportunity to convene the industry so we can move faster, contribute, and address the significant environmental and sustainability challenges facing our world."

From a consumer standpoint, 0SCARS aims to help travellers recognise, with a simple and visible stamp in the form of a turtle, the suppliers with sustainable practices.

Within a year, the WTTC plans to establish this identifier and with the involvement of experts, members, UNFCCC, and UNEP, will create future higher levels, based on performance. WTTC, UNFCCC and UNEP will invite experts including the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, NGOs and academia to join the efforts to define different levels of sustainability within STTP.

Climate change is outpacing us, outpacing our collective ability to get a handle on it, and could soon outpace global business and have a devastating impact on the global economy itself, said Patricia Espinosa, UN Climate Change Executive Secretary.

The WTTCs Sustainability Action Plan is a timely and important initiative and a welcomed opportunity to work together to identify ways to achieve climate neutrality in the sector by 2050.

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World Travel & Tourism Council, UNFCCC and over 50 member CEOs call on sector to be Climate Neutral by 2050 - Travel Daily News International