Colors: Yellow Color
Colors: Yellow Color

High consumer demand for a Caribbean travel experience and increased tourism investments in hotels and airport improvements bode well for the future of the Caribbean's tourism sector, which is exceeding 2018 expectations despite the fact that some hotels in six of the Caribbean's 32 major destinations are still in rebuilding mode following last year's hurricanes.
"A growing number of travelers are understanding that the Caribbean is a vast region comprising many diverse destinations all rich in natural beauty but each distinct in its history, music, culture, food and welcoming hospitality," said Frank Comito, CEO and Director General of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA). "Just like a winter blizzard may affect the northeastern United States while people are sunbathing on Miami Beach, a weather incident in one part of the Caribbean does not affect the overwhelming majority of the Caribbean."
Thanks to the robust upturn in the tourism sector, many parts of the region are seeing corresponding growth in employment, visitor spending, government revenue, and public and private sector investments to upgrade and expand the tourism product. "Capitalizing on these trends and getting the region to work together on marketing and addressing other matters which can cause tourism to be an even greater economic engine for the region is a challenge which the region's public and private sector leaders must embrace," states Comito.
Comito echoed a challenge by Frank Rainieri, the noted developer of the Punta Cana region in the Dominican Republic, to attendees at the Caribbean Hotel and Resort Investment Summit (CHRIS) in Miami last month to work together on common matters which impact the entire Caribbean region, in particular aviation, marketing and sustainability. Rainieri, chairman and founder of Grupo Puntacana, received CHRIS' Lifetime Achievement Award at the event.
A CHTA study earlier this year revealed that 58 percent of hoteliers have a positive or extremely positive outlook for the industry's future. This was reinforced by the record level of attendees at CHRIS as investor interest in the Caribbean has strengthened since the two Category 5 hurricanes of 2017. According to data recently collected by the World Travel and Tourism Council, hurricane-affected destinations themselves anticipate annual tourism spending growth of 8.7 percent in 2019 through 2021.
"In all of our discussions with industry stakeholders from destinations such as Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, the British Virgin Islands, St. Maarten, Dominica and Anguilla, we fully expect them to be showcasing to the traveler a completely revamped, fresh new product. We're already beginning to see that in several of the destinations and, later this year, expect it to accelerate as more refurbished and rebuilt hotels come on stream," Comito stated.
Attendees at the CHRIS conference were pleasantly surprised by data from a just released KPMG study which shows the boost in lender confidence: "We felt post-hurricanes that there might be a diminishing of confidence, but it's stronger than it's been since post the recession, with a significant shift by commercial lenders," the CHTA CEO noted.
Bolstering the healthy growth and rapid recovery from the storms is the increased airlift coming into the region from North America and Europe, which Comito asserted is at a record pace. "An increase in arrivals and activity, as well as the amount of hotel investments points very positively to where the region is headed."
Over the past several months all the major carriers serving the region have announced plans for new and expanded service into the Caribbean. However, it was among regional carriers where Comito saw a significant rise. He pointed to InterCaribbean Airways as an example, which four years ago served a dozen locations in five destinations and currently covers 22 airports in 13 countries.
The CHTA chief reported on the completion of several airport expansions in recent years and cited more than a dozen other airports which are under construction or are in the planning stage.
CHTA also reported on a major expansion thrust by leading hotel brands and chains and the debut in the region of new independent boutique and luxury hotels as well as the growth of the sharing economy.
Hurricanes Irma and Maria, despite the devastation they wreaked, Comito contended, also delivered critical messages for the future of the region - more than 70 percent of which was unaffected by the storms: "The hurricanes taught us that the Caribbean is viewed as one brand in the minds of the public and the consumer. The lesson learned is that we've got to work more closely together as a region, public and private sectors, to let the world know about the lifetime of experiences and destinations which our vast region offers."
But Comito, whose association comprises private sector hospitality and tourism stakeholders, cautioned against complacency: "While we've been on a good growth curve in both the hotel and arrivals side of it in terms of the data, it doesn't take much to swing positive numbers to negatives. We are working with our industry and public sector partners to build a new spirit of collaboration. The need for this became even more apparent in recent years as we've worked to counter the negative impacts, largely due to mistaken public perceptions of storms and other natural occurrences. We need to be diligent, to be ready to bounce back and respond as effectively as possible."
These and other Caribbean travel and tourism issues will take center stage at CHTA's fourth Caribbean Hospitality Industry Exchange Forum (CHIEF), taking place at the Hyatt Regency Miami from June 22 to 24.

With Father’s Day around the corner on 17th June, challenge your Dad to an afternoon at The Crystal Maze LIVE Experience. After all, doesn’t he deserve more than just socks this Father’s Day?

Get the whole family involved as teams of eight are lead around the maze’s four themed zones: Aztec, Medieval, Industrial and Futuristic, by a charismatic Maze Master (Tip: Befriending them early on is a wise move if you want to beat Dad and gain their insider knowledge).

Inside each zone are different challenges: skill, physical, mental and mystery for the competitive Dad and it’s up to each team captain to decide who takes on which challenge.

Whether your Father loves a bit of Richard Ayoade, you’re looking for an antidote to the usual boring voucher or if you know Dad’s a sucker for a challenge, then this is the ideal Father’s Day gift.

The whole experience is deliciously daft and hilariously funny, not only will Dad be crawling and running, he will be sliding his way around the maze with the ultimate goal of winning crystals to bag a spot on the coveted leader board!

Qatar Airways has launched an exciting new on-board dining experience for its Premium customers, starting with its European routes. The new concepts include newly-designed tableware, in-flight dining menus, cutlery and chinaware that are specially crafted to meet travellers’ high expectations and elevate their experience on board the airline’s award-winning aircraft.

Qatar Airways has also put a greater focus on featuring regional influences within the menu design process, which now sees the inclusion of new signature dishes to the in-flight menu based on route destinations, such as the offering of porcini and truffle risotto on Italian sectors. Traditionally prepared Arabic main dishes such as kabsa, biryani and flame-grilled meats, which offer a taste of the Middle East, will feature as a choice option across most routes.

New signature warm desserts will be introduced to passengers in the Business Class cabin, in addition to a luxurious afternoon tea experience on board selected routes. Attention to detail has been given to every new concept, from the mini condiment grinders dispensing ground black peppercorns and Himalayan pink salt, to tableware such as the linen-lined bread baskets that house a freshly baked trio of bread.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: “Qatar Airways is thrilled to introduce a whole new on-board dining experience that will push the boundaries of Premium travel for our esteemed passengers. Every new concept was designed and produced with the highest attention to detail and quality, to meet the exacting standards of our passengers.

“Qatar Airways is collaborating closely with local farms and suppliers to produce products for our specific needs, promoting a ‘farm-to-table’ approach. Our in-flight dining menus are designed to align with the four seasons, better incorporating the use of locally-grown produce and tapping into authentic foods of local provenance delivering the very highest international standards.”

The national carrier of the State of Qatar has recognised the emerging trend of its travellers being more aware of their dietary needs and expressing interests in healthier food options. Qatar Airways supports its customers’ desires and will now feature lighter options, such as fresh crisp salads, woodland berries, warm breakfast oatmeal and more. Healthier drink options such as “cold pressed” juice with great flavour combinations will also be available on selected menus to revitalise during a long flight.

The airline has also improved its indulgent treats, including an enhanced caviar service offering for First Class passengers, which is perfectly accompanied with a Balik-style salmon and showcased on a bespoke crystal plate.

Qatar Airways launched a highly-successful pre-select dining option last year, whereby passengers travelling in First and Business Class are able to pre-select one main course from the à la carte on-board menu as far as 14 days in advance and up to 24 hours before take-off. This is in addition to the existing Dine-on-Demand service already available for valued First and Business Class passengers. The pre-select service enables First and Business Class passengers to now enjoy even more choice and freedom to create their own personalised dining experience while travelling on selected long-haul flights from Doha.

To pre-select a meal, passengers simply need to log into ‘My Trips’ on the Qatar Airways website and choose from the seasonal menu available on their flight. Meals can also be ordered through the Qatar Airways mobile app.

The Pre-Select Dining option complements the airline’s award-winning Business Class experience, Qsuite, which offers an unparalleled level of luxury and privacy on board a Business Class cabin. First and Business Class passengers can now board their flight in the comfort and knowledge that their pre-selected dish is reserved and waiting for them whenever they are ready to dine, giving them more time to relax and enjoy the airline’s superior on-board entertainment and amenities.

As well as enjoying unrivalled five-star service, premium customers can also be pampered with amenities from world-class brands such as BRIC’S, Nappa Dori, Monte Vibiano and The White Company. Meanwhile all passengers have access to Oryx One, Qatar Airways’ award-winning in-flight entertainment system, which offers passengers up to 4,000 entertainment options from the latest blockbuster movies, TV box sets, music, games and much more.

Situated in the South Pacific between Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu, the population of about 550,000 is predominantly Melanesian but includes other smaller groups. Exotic local customs and traditions remain a very important part of life for Solomon Islanders.

The Solomon Islands tourism industry registered for the first Quarter 2018 a 29 percent increase of visitor arrivals over the same period in 2017.

What is it about the Solomon Islands. Here is the answer perhaps:

Visit the villages in the outer islands and step back in time. Experience life much as it was a hundred years ago. No electricity, no internet, no running water supply, no shops, few roads. And no noise – except for the sound of the waves!

The Solomon Islands are an archipelago of 992 tropical islands and atolls, scattered in a gentle curve. They comprise two major parallel island chains extending some 1800 kilometers from the Shortland Islands in the west to Tikopia and Anuta in the east.

The islands and waters are still a little known pristine paradise. They are particularly special for their remarkable biodiversity, containing thousands of different plant and animal species, especially the marine life. Many species are known only to the Solomons.

Tourism figures released by the Solomon Islands National Statistics Office (SINSO) this week show international visitation for the increased from 4881 to 6296 with January, February and March all showing positive growth – respectively, plus 33 per cent, plus 13.5 per cent and plus 36.3 per cent.

Australian visitor arrivals continued to dominate, the 2195 figure recorded for Q1 a 17.6 per cent increase over the 1867 result achieved in 2017 and representing 34.8 per cent of all international visitation.

A strong New Zealand result saw arrivals increase from 301 to 356, an 18.3 per cent increase, in the process firmly cementing the country in place as the second largest source of visitation.

Papua New Guinea and the US maintained their third and fourth positions, increasing 39.3 per cent and 35 per cent, respectively.

If you’re on a quest to find your Zen, The Crystal Maze LIVE Experience has released exclusive, limited-availability tickets to yoga classes in both its Manchester and London attractions to help you feel calm, cool and focused this summer.

The Crystal Maze LIVE Experience is encouraging all to wave goodbye to the gruelling gym and try something new that still keeps you active in a cool setting. From only £25 per person, book into one of its unique classes, only available on the 16th, 23rd and 30th June, and find your inner peace whilst having a giggle with your friends at the same time.

Crystals are commonly used in meditation to channel energy, promote healing and to feel connected – what better crystal for the job than the iconic crystal dome?

Classes commence at 8am and will leave you feeling that little bit smug that you’ve started off your day right. You’ll even receive a souvenir Crystal Maze crystal (retail price of £10.00) to prove it to your friends and family.

With only 40 places per class, experience a full 60 minutes of tranquillity and peace taught by yoga industry professionals in the unique setting of the iconic Crystal Maze dome.

Experienced yoga instructor and head of yoga at London-based studio ‘FLY LDN’, Fiona Clark, comments: “I am so passionate about the importance of letting yourself relax in today’s hectic world. I’m incredibly excited to be leading the Crystal Maze LIVE yoga class in London as everyone can benefit from a little R&R.

“I’ll be leading the attendees through the most popular class at my studio. This is a 60-minute vinyasa flow style session accompanied by upbeat tunes, followed by a breath-lead practice that is suitable for everyone from first timers to regular practitioners.

“After starting with a gentle warm-up, we’ll move into a mellow flow to target all areas of the body with some balances to challenge the body and mind. The class will finish with a series of vital stretches before a final deep relaxation to leave you feeling completely and utterly blissed out.”

Psst…before you get lost in the bliss, we’d advise arriving early to make sure you have time to snap that all important picture for the ‘gram to make your followers envious. We guarantee that with the setting of the iconic crystal dome, and on-trend art of finding your inner zen you will seriously be upping your insta-game.

This year’s Arabian Travel Market, the leading global event for the Middle East inbound and outbound travel industry, celebrated its 25th anniversary in style with 39,000 travel, hospitality and tourism professionals from across the world, with previous records being broken across the board by the time the four-day show closed on 25 April 2018.

For the second year in succession, the numbers of attendees reached the 39,000 mark, indeed, the show has witnessed a 40% increase in visitors since celebrating its 20th year in 2013.

ATM 2018 also showcased the largest exhibition of local, regional and global hotel brands in the history of ATM, with hotels comprising over 5,000 square metres, 20% of the total show area.

Simon Press, Senior Exhibition Director, ATM, said: “The continued growth of ATM is testament to the robust strength of the travel and tourism industry in the Middle East. ATM provides an ideal platform in that sense, bringing travel and tourism professionals together to discuss the potential of the inbound and outbound markets of the Middle East,” added Press.

ATM has grown to become the largest event of its kind in the region and one of the biggest in the world. The 2018 edition, on the theme of responsible tourism, boasted more than 400 main stand holders with over 100 new exhibitors making their debut. The number of countries represented at ATM 2018 totaled over 140.

Colorado is a playground of outdoor activities for intrepid explorers, with mountainous landscapes to traverse by day and dark skies for stargazing at night. There is an abundance of locations across the state to provide visitors with the perfect stargazing opportunity, from live music venue, Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre, to the peaceful San Luis Valley. Nothing quite beats looking up to the star specked night sky of Colorado, with some of the top locations listed below.
  1. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Montrose: Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park has always been an incredible location to see the stars and in 2015 it officially received the title of International Dark Sky Park, with its majestic canyons being the perfect backdrop for visitors to spend a night amongst the constellations. The Black Canyon Astronomical Society, in partnership with local star-gazing groups, regularly leads night-time programmes with experienced astronomers and astro-photographers to capture the action in the night sky. As one of the most under-rated national parks in the US, Black Canyon of the Gunnison offers solitude whilst camping under the stars, with three campgrounds for visitors to pitch up in. colorado.com / nps.gov
  2. Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs: Located far enough from city lights for a clear view of the night sky, yet a short distance to the cultural hub of Colorado Springs to enjoy in the day, the vast space at Garden of the Gods provides visitors with a perfect view of the starry sky, which lights up the summit of the 14,114ft Pikes Peak against a backdrop of towering boulders. The unusual large sandstone red rock formations set the scene for an enchanting night of stargazing in which travellers can lie back and admire the constellations. Colorado Springs also has an Astronomical Society which holds public stargazing events – also known as Public Star Parties – in which telescopes are set up for visitors to view planets, galaxies and star clusters. colorado.com / gardenofgods.com
  3. Grand Lake: The namesake lake of Grand Lake is ideal for spotting the constellations amongst the stars. Whether stargazers are searching for Cassiopeia or the Big Dipper, minimal obstacles stand in the way of catching a glimpse of these views as light pollution levels in the region are extremely low. Known as the Western Gateway to the Rocky Mountain National Park, Grand Lake has a charming lakeside setting with quaint cabins lining the shore of the state's largest natural lake. In the winter months, visitors can ice skate under the star-lit sky or take part in night skiing at Ski Granby Ranch. colorado.com / visitgrandcounty.com
  4. Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, Alamosa: The USA's largest sand dunes at Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve provide travellers with a rare spectacle during the day and by night become even more mysterious. As one of the only wild places in the world where rangers actively encourage visitors to do a self-guided exploration in complete darkness, intrepid explorers should plan their visit to coincide with a full moon to hike without the aid of a torch. In addition to the night sky, travellers can spot an array of local wildlife at night, including owls, kangaroo rats, and coyotes. colorado.com / nps.gov
  5. Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre, Denver: Not only does Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre provide visitors with the opportunity to watch some of the biggest musical stars live on stage, it also has an incredible night sky which hosts its own set of stars every single night. Framed by the park's natural red rock topography and views of Denver's skyline in the distance, the amphitheatre has all the ingredients for an incredible night of stargazing. colorado.com / redrocksonline.com
  6. Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park: Travellers can gaze up to the night sky in Rocky Mountain National Park – Colorado's most popular National Park – and watch the stars whilst looking across the park's renowned landscape. During the summer months a team of park rangers lead after-dark activities, such as Astronomy in the Park and Stories behind the Moon and Stars. The pinnacle of the parks stargazing events is held in July during the Rocky National Park Night Sky Festival – over the course of three days – as park rangers host late-night stargazing, as well as a daily show, Spirit of the Mountains. colorado.com / nps.gov
  7. San Luis Valley: San Luis Valley is not only a great location for stargazing, locals also claim it's a hot spot for alien activity. Dozens of unexplained flying objects have been sighted in the area since 2007 with the nearby watchtower providing information on previous extra-terrestrial encounters. The unobstructed views of the sky without any light competition means there isn't anything getting in the way of the starry night-time show. colorado.com / sanluisvalley.org
Colorado is a year-round destination offering unparalleled adventure and recreational activities, an abundant arts scene, Western heritage, distinctive cuisine and 25 renowned ski resort areas. The state's diverse landscape boasts natural hot springs, the headwaters of four major rivers, numerous peaceful lakes and reservoirs, 11 national parks and monuments and 58 mountain peaks that top 14,000 feet, known as 'Fourteeners'. Colorado is the gateway to the West with direct flights from the UK to Denver served by British Airways, Norwegian and United, as well as indirect with Icelandair.

Visitors are invited to hop along to Birdland Park & Gardens over the May Half Term holidays (May 26th – June 3rd) and join in their Penguin Week celebrations.

There's a packed programme of penguin-themed events and activities taking place throughout the holidays.

Join Birdland's keepers as they introduce you to everybody's favourite flightless bird with a whole week dedicated to their most popular residents.

Learn all about the inhabitants of Penguin Shore, meet some feathered film stars as well as the UK's oldest penguin plus be in with a chance to help out at feeding time.

The Bourton-on-the-Water wildlife attraction is home to England's only breeding colony of king penguins. The kings share their beach-themed home with a group of comical Humboldts.

Head Keeper Alistair Keen said: “This really is the best time to come and see the king penguins as they are just starting to show off their beach bodies in search of a mate.

“They've shed their winter coats and have been busily feeding up to get the extra energy needed to produce a beautifully sleek summer plumage.”

Keepers will be putting your penguin know-how to the test with a special quiz about everybody's favourite flightless birds, plus visitors can win the chance to join the colony feed the penguins.

There will be twice daily feeding displays at 11am and 2.30pm with herring for the king penguins and sprats for the Humboldts.

“Each of the penguins definitely has its own unique personality and they love to play. Our two hand-reared penguins; Spike and Charlotte, are particularly friendly.

“As the colony is now beginning to pair up we're also likely to see lots of bizarre courtship rituals on display,” said Alistair.

With its combination of woodland, riverside and gardens, Birdland features more than 500 birds, ranging from birds of prey and parrots to cassowaries and cranes in a mix of free-flying and aviary displays.

Accolades continue for Grenada's premier all-inclusive luxury Spice Island Beach Resort as the family-owned and operated retreat was honored for the fifth consecutive year with the prestigious Six Star Diamond Award by the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences (AAHS). The Six Star Diamond Award is the most prestigious honor of true excellence in service, hospitality, gastronomy, attitude, quality and cleanliness. The American Academy of Hospitality Sciences specializes in reviewing hotels, resorts, spas, airlines, cruise lines, automobiles, products, restaurants and chefs, and is most notably known for its Six Star Diamond Award. "We are extremely proud to be honored for the past five years with the Six Star Diamond recognition as it is a direct reflection our commitment to upholding service levels that transcend guests' expectations," said Sir Royston. "For over 30 years we have worked to perfect our guest experience. Awards strengthen our belief in our service-oriented philosophy," added Sir Royston, who is pictured right with the award plaque. AAHS receives a large number of possible recipients for the award from respectable sources around the world. The selection is then refined by the Board of Trustees and the final evaluation is a visit by an anonymous inspector to review the destination and its services.

The presentation of the AAHS Six Star Diamond Award follows the resort's receipt of the AAA Five Diamond Award for the second consecutive year in March.

For the first time ever in Australia, a wild dolphin has been caught live on camera giving birth. This amazing and inspiring footage was captured in April 2018 in Mandurah, Western Australia and is further proof that Mandurah and the Peel Region has some of the heathiest and most vibrant wetlands in the world.

Just one hour south of Western Australia's capital city, Perth, nature loving visitors to Mandurah and the Peel Region can find an abundance of things to do to indulge their wildlife and ecological passions.

The Peel-Yalgorup Wetland System was declared of International Importance in 1990 by the Ramsar Convention. It covers over 26,000 hectares and includes Peel Inlet, Harvey Estuary and multiple lakes, rivers and conservation reserves.

A vast array of animals and birds inhabit the wetlands which includes the Peel Inlet, Harvey Estuary and surrounding rivers and lakes. It's a breeding ground and nursery for dolphins, crabs, fish, native animals and birds, including a colony of quendas (bandicoots). Over 20,000 birds travel up to 26,000 km a year to feed and shelter in the wetlands from spring until autumn.

The estuary, twice the size of Sydney Harbour, is the largest and most diverse estuarine complex and the most important area for migratory and resident waterbirds in south west Australia. It supports unique and critically endangered communities, including the thrombolites at Lake Clifton. Scientists believe thrombolites are the earliest form of life on earth, dating back about 3,500 million years. They are mostly extinct and living examples can only be found growing in just a handful of places in the world.

The wetlands have special significance for the Noongar people, the original Aboriginal inhabitants of the region, as they are important sources of food, used for ceremonial purposes and are part of the dreaming and their natural beliefs.

With new tourism experiences complementing its superb natural assets, significant redevelopment and recently being recognised as Western Australia's 2017 Top Tourism Town, Mandurah has come of age, offering award-winning waterfront dining, aquatic adventures, world-class golf courses and plenty of places to shop.

It is also the perfect base to take day trips to explore the wider Peel Region. In an easy half hour drive you'll find beautiful wineries, winding waterways, rolling green hills and tiny timber towns nestled in the forest.

There are hiking, horse riding and mountain bike trails throughout the region and a number of options to explore the waterways including guided cruises and boat and kayak hire.

With extensive wilderness and waterways to enjoy, native animals can easily be spotted as you explore by water or land.

More often than not you'll see dolphins in Mandjar Bay, right in the heart of Mandurah.

Kangaroos graze every afternoon at Melros Beach Reserve in Dawesville and emus are often spotted walking along the shores of Lake Clifton.

To get even closer to Australian wildlife including kangaroos, koalas, even holding and feeding them, visit the Peel Zoo in Pinjarra and Cohunu Koala Park in Byford. Peel Zoo also has Tasmanian devils.

Bring your binoculars and grab the 'Birdwatching Walking Trail Guide' at the Mandurah Visitor Centre or download from visitpeel.com.au and start exploring by land, boat or canoe.

A visit 65 million years in the making…

Dinosaur fans rushing to see Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, as it hits cinemas in the UK on 6 June 2018, can then take a trip to Scotland to explore its many paleontological links and dino fun!

Among Scotland's prehistoric discoveries, the Isle of Skye has unearthed many fascinating finds, including rare dinosaur prints from the world's largest dinosaur, the sauropod (which is said to have been 15 metres tall – over twice the size of the famous Tyrannosaurus rex!)

Scotland is home to a life-size skeleton cast of a T.rex at the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh. Also, in Glasgow the Hunterian Museum will delight dino hunters with Scotland's first dinosaur footprint; as well as the city's Kelvingrove Museum and Art Gallery, which has various fossils on display.

Covering an area about the size of Spain, with a population of just 40,000 (or so), more than 80% of the Yukon is wilderness. But it's still easy to reach, with access by land, sea and air. Major airlines offer daily flights from the UK. Several cruise lines and the comprehensive ferry system serve neighbouring Alaska. And historic, scenic highways lead from British Columbia, Alberta and Alaska with hotel or camping options along the way.

All year long the Yukon has spectacular skies: the magical midnight sun in summer and clear starry nights with northern lights (early autumn through to early spring)! Every season offers rich cultural experiences, stunning scenery, and its own unique wildlife viewing.

  1. Yukon's 11 iconic highways rank among the world's premier driving adventures. With over 3,000 miles of scenic roadway, road-trippers will be enchanted by the Yukon's stunning, unspoiled wilderness
  2. From bears to lynx, wildlife abounds in a land where there are more moose than people
  3. Whitehorse, Yukon's capital, boasts plentiful boutiques, galleries, festivals and a lively arts scene
  4. Visitors marvel at the magnificent aurora borealis (northern lights) - visible late August to April
  5. From November through March, this is a winter wonderland, where visitors enjoy dogsledding, snowmobiling, ice fishing and snowshoeing
  6. From May through July, the splendour of the Midnight Sun is a treat to behold
  7. The Klondike Gold Rush boasts larger-than-life history and memorable characters. Visitors discover the past and more in Dawson City
  8. The living heritage of Yukon First Nations peoples is thriving here – and offers guests a glimpse into ancient and honoured traditions
  9. Yukon is an adventurer's paradise – where novices and experts alike can canoe, kayak, hike, bike, fish, and camp - without the crowds
  10. Flightseeing tours in Kluane National Park offer the chance to soar over Canada's highest mountain peaks, and some of the largest icefields on the planet

From solar-powered vegan Beet-BQs and sunglasses for dogs to voice-enabled travel assistants and fermented condiments, the #SmileItsSummer Trends Report reveals the hottest products that look set to characterise summer 2018. The independent report, commissioned by Amazon and informed by Steve Tooze from Stylus Innovation Research + Advisory Company, also reveals how the great British summer will evolve in the years to come.

To bring the report to life and help customers make the most of the season, Amazon.co.uk has launched the #SmileItsSummer store, full of the latest on-trend products – including luxury outdoor sofas, dog sunbonnets and kimchi – expected to become a huge part of this year’s summer celebrations.

“This year, a travel tech revolution will propel our great British summer into the future,” said Steve Tooze, Trend Expert at Stylus Innovation Research + Advisory Company. “From Alexa finding our flights and checking the weather at our destination to bluetooth locators and smart fingerprint locks for our luggage, there is a high-tech gadget to make every element of our summer holiday easier.  Which is just as well, as even our pampered pooches are getting in on the action, with sales of pet travel products like ‘doggles’ rocketing.”

“And it’s not just technology that is evolving summer traditions,” continues Tooze.  “We’ll also see big changes in al fresco dining with the arrival of the ‘Beet-BQ’, as meat-free alternatives to traditional burgers and sausages enter the mainstream.  Our choice of condiments is expanding too, with kimchi soon to be found on every picnic table and, as gardens are tended to by robotic mowers, there’ll be plenty of time to perfect these popular new vegan BBQ recipes.”

Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) has opened a representative office in Mumbai, India at an event held on the 3rd May. The 11th in a network of offices around the globe, the office is set to tap into one of the fastest-growing outbound tourism markets in the world, second only to China.

According to United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) estimates, India will account for 50 million outbound tourists by 2020. And, the market for travel and tourism in India is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 7.23% during the period 2016-2021.

Rashed AlQurese, Chief Marketing and Promotion Officer at QTA commented, “The rapid growth of India’s outbound tourism market in recent years, coupled with QTA’s intensified efforts to diversify and grow visitor source markets makes it the right time to establish our on-the-ground presence in India.” He added, “The steps taken to make accessing Qatar easier are particularly targeted at visitors who are seeking to experience our country’s luxury hospitality and unique cultural offerings, all while benefiting from the convenience of relatively short flights.”

QTA’s representative office in India will oversee a wide range of promotional initiatives, including workshops, sales visits, travel agent destination training through QTA’s online Tawash programme, partnerships with tour operators, familiarisation trips, media campaigns and a variety of innovative activities to raise Qatar’s profile as a leisure and business tourism destination among Indian tourists.

Qatar has become an increasingly accessible destination for Indian travelers, especially after Qatar waived entry visa requirements for Indian citizens last year. In the first quarter of 2018, Qatar welcomed more than 110,000 visitors from India. The country’s award-winning national carrier has 100 weekly direct flights connecting the capital Doha to thirteen major cities across India. These are matched with another 67 weekly flights on board Indian airlines Indigo Airlines, Jet Airways and Air India Express bringing the total to 167 flights a week.

QTA’s office in Mumbai closely follows the opening of a representative office in Moscow, Russia last March. It joins an international network currently covering the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, Turkey, the United States of America, China, Russia, the GCC markets and South-East Asia.

All Indian nationals can enter Qatar visa-free, with an allowable length of stay of 30 days. Indian nationals do not require any prior visa arrangements and can obtain a visa waiver upon arrival to Qatar upon presentation of a valid passport with a minimum validity of six months and a confirmed onward ticket. The waiver will be valid for 30 days from the date of issuance and entitles its holder to spend up to 30 days in Qatar, during either a single trip or on multiple trips. The waiver can also be extended for a further 30 days.

Air India is increasing the frequency of its non-stop service to Amritsar from twice weekly to three times a week from 5th May 2018, just a few months after starting the route.

The additional service is scheduled for Saturday evenings, arriving into Birmingham at 18:15 and departing for Amritsar at 19:45. This means the service now operates every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

Amritsar allows direct access to the major commercial and cultural centre in the heart of the Punjab and it is home to the Golden Temple.

Air India has been a successful partner at Birmingham Airport for over four years after launching a Delhi flight in August 2013. This service alone has already carried over 600,000 passengers since its launch.

Tom Screen, Acting Aviation Director at Birmingham Airport, said: “Amritsar was a new route which Air India launched from Birmingham in February this year. It’s great to see the airline increase the frequency of flights within only the first few months of this route starting.

“No other UK airport currently operates a direct service to this destination and so we expected it to be popular. With over 200,000 British-Indian people travelling to India each year to visit friends and relatives, and for tourism and business interests, this additional flight shows the large demand within the region for direct Amritsar services from the Midlands.”

Mr. Pankaj Srivastava, Commercial Director and Board Member of Air India, said: “Air India is committed to serving the needs of Indian Diaspora settled worldwide and the long-standing need for direct connectivity between Punjab and Birmingham.

“We are delighted to add one more frequency per week between Amritsar and Birmingham from 5th May 2018 making it a three times a week operation. We are confident that with the strong partnership with Birmingham Airport, we together will be able to grow traffic flow from the Midlands to India”.

The additional Amritsar flight will be operated by the new Boeing 787-8 ‘Dreamliner’ aircraft. The cabin comprises of 256 seats with 18 lie flat business class seats and 238 in economy class.

With two bank holiday weekends in May one 7th and the other 28th don’t risk being bored and stuck at home, when instead you could be having the time of your life with friends and family at The Crystal Maze LIVE Experience!

With two locations, one in London* and one in Manchester**, it doesn’t matter which half of the UK you hail from. Take your pick or even tackle both in the same month as an all-weather attraction, the inevitable showers won’t rain on your parade, wreaking havoc on your bank holiday plans.

Whether you were a die-hard fan of the iconic 90s show or if you are someone who never seems to have exciting plans, then this is the perfect way to spruce up your bank holiday and make your colleagues green with envy when reporting back about your weekend antics.

Guaranteed to sell out, tickets for May maze madness at the Manchester attraction go on sale 5th March and are already available for the London Maze, so grab a team and book your slot.

Teams of up to eight dash through the Maze’s Medieval, Aztec, Industrial and Futuristic adventure zones guided by an eccentric Maze Master. The aim is to win as many crystals as possible by completing various challenges; skill, physical, mental and mystery. Each crystal won means more time in the iconic dome, where the goal is to catch enough golden tickets to bag yourself a spot on the coveted leader board!

At the end of the show celebrate your successes and laugh at your failures with a cocktail in the exclusive Maze bar available at the London attraction***.

The whole experience is frantic and fun. Expect to be crawling, running and even sliding your way around the maze. It’s the ultimate way to spend your bank holiday!