World News

Qatar Airways, the national carrier of the State of Qatar held a strong presence on the first day of the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) conference. Showcasing the FIA World Endurance Championship hyper car, Qatar Airways garnered heavy attention around the stand.

The World’s Best Airline offered ATM visitors a chance to drive the vehicle through a simulation, and also provided a relaxing lounge area reflecting the airline’s standards on luxury and comfort, quality and hospitality all in one stand. As recently announced, the airline significantly grew its network to over 160 destinations and focused on expansion in the Gulf region.

There were huge crowds outside working automated ATMs amid a disruption in the financial institutions after an attack on a Beryllium Limited security team in Jamaica.

The National Commercial Bank (NCB) ATMs in New Kingston and the Scotiabank ATMs on Half Way Tree Road are among the numerous machines that were out of service up to early in the afternoon, much to the inconvenience of persons seeking cash and other banking services. It resulted in long lines and huge crowds at the few working ATMs across the Kingston Metropolitan Area, while many people also flocked inside banking halls.

There is a reason why Johannesburg in South Africa is now the most cultural and most vibrant town in Africa. Research shows 12 African cities support and enables the arts, culture, and creative industries.

The 12 African cities that support and enable arts, culture, and creative industry include:

The Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) has sent a letter to the Prime Minister to request incentives to restore the tourism industry. Specifically, IATO President Mr. Rajiv Mehra has written to the Prime Minister requesting him to restore the Service Export Incentive Scheme (SEIS).

The Wealth of Nations Index is an innovative measure of economic development created by the Warsaw Enterprise Institute. Out of 38 classified countries (EU+OECD), United Kingdom ranks 15th. This is a rise of one notch compared to the previous edition. Ireland along with Switzerland and the United States are the top 3 countries on WNI.

Seven years after the death of Papa Wemba, the Congolese government has finally acted on its promise.

The arts and heritage minister officially handed over the late superstar's Kinshasa home to the Institute of National Museums of Congo, who are turning it into the house of Congolese rumba.

Syria has begun granting visas again for US citizens, after a period of difficult travel conditions to the country for Americans. Syria closed to tourists when the COVID pandemic initially struck 2 years ago and gradually reintroduced visas for visitors from certain destinations – including the UK and EU. 

However, restrictions remained in place for US citizens, with no visas being issued, until last month. The country has now relaxed its US ruling and it means Americans can now join us on our fixed date group adventure in September to Syria, as well as private trips at any time of the year.  

With a little over a month to go for the 52nd Asian Area Congress in Bali, Skal has issued a special subsidy for attendees. This will be the first Congress held in person since 2019, and the organization wants to see all clubs represented.

Skal realizes that air fares have increased over the past 4 years, and as such, to encourage clubs to attend, the SIAA Board at its recently concluded Board Meeting decided to offer a subsidy of US$200 per Skal member for registration, up to a maximum of 3 registrations for each Asian Area Club.

Noted American jazz performers used music to support African Americans’ struggle for civil rights during the mid-20th century.

In 1958, jazz saxophonist Sonny Rollins recorded ‘The Freedom Suite’ with drummer Max Roach and bassist Oscar Pettiford. The song’s theme was groundbreaking, and its length — nearly 20 minutes — was unusual.

The 2nd edition of the World Sports Tourism Congress (WSTC), organized by UNWTO, Government of Croatia through its Ministry of Tourism and Sport, and the Affiliate Member Croatian National Tourist Board, brought together experts and leaders from across the sports and tourism sectors, alongside representatives of destinations and businesses.

The countdown to the 25th Annual St. Kitts Music Festival intensifies with 19 electrifying new musical acts revealed. The Festival - from 22-24 June at Warner Park Stadium - showcasing a mix of Soul, Soca, Jazz, R&B, Reggae, and more.

The musical versatility unites A-list musicians, island visitors, and locals for a memorable celebration of culture and entertainment. The latest performers named to the Festival schedule include: Burna Boy, AkaiiUSweet, Kollision Band, Small Axe Band, Stadics, Erica Edwards, Anthony B, Romain Virgo, Teejay, Nicha B, 313 Family, Mr. Bagnall, Kes the Band, Nailah Blackman, Preedy, Gramps Morgan, Nu Vybes Band International, Ricardo Drue and Dexta Daps.

The Ministry of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Sustainable Development and Culture further advanced its focus on Domestic Tourism by partnering with passionate creative Digital Content Creators.

On the 17th April, 2023, the Ministry held an award ceremony and launched an Our Islands, Our Vibes Content Creators’ Competition to increase local patronage of the tourism products and services offered in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Yas Island Abu Dhabi, the world's leading leisure and entertainment destination, appoints Jason Momoa to be the destination's newest Chief Island Officer. American actor Jason Momoa assumes the former role of stand-up comedian Kevin Hart who announced the end of his reign as Chief Island Officer earlier this year, after making Yas Island hart-to-beat.

Renowned author, professor and political commentator, Dr. Michael Eric Dyson, has been invited to be the keynote speaker at the University of the Virgin Islands’ 59th Commencement Ceremonies on May 11 and 12, on St. Croix and St. Thomas, respectively.

Dr. Dyson currently serves as the Centennial Chair at Vanderbilt University. He holds positions as the University Distinguished Professor of African American and Diaspora Studies in the College of Arts and Science, as well as the University Distinguished Professor of Ethics and Society in the Divinity School.

Entrepreneur Bonnie Naua, of Papua New Guinea, displays her designs at the first regional U.S. Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) Summit in Malaysia in March. (State Dept./Amelia Shaw)

Bonnie Naua has felt a connection with clothing since she was 19 and earned runner-up in the 1992 Miss Papua New Guinea pageant. Now, as owner of Saroni Tailoring Services, she designs clothes that reflect the vibrant cultural heritage of her island home.

The first Cities Summit of the Americas the week of April 24 in Denver will bring together leaders from city, state and regional governments across the Western Hemisphere. President Biden announced the event at the Ninth Summit of the Americas in Los Angeles in June 2022.

In addition to government leaders, the summit will include representatives from the region’s youth, arts and culture groups, as well as indigenous and previously underrepresented groups. The summit will build relationships and advance regional cooperation in a wide variety of subject areas.