World News

The Apia Waterfront Development (AWD) Project is a nationally significant initiative for Samoa. It is led by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and Samoa Tourism Authority.  On 1 September 2016 The Draft Waterfront Plan was announced by Tuilaepa Aiono Sailele Malielegaoi, Prime Minister of Samoa. The Plan is a strategic document that guides government planning and waterfront users on future development along the Apia Waterfront. It also gives a vision on how it will be transformed in the next 10 to 15 years.

Alphonse Island has appointed Gordy Rankin as the new General Manager of Alphonse Island Hotel, Seychelles, a private island located 400 km from the mainland of Mahé and just 7° south of the equator.  Alphonse Island, which made its debut into the luxury travel sector in October 2016, is the ultimate island for guests seeking Indian Ocean seclusion and extraordinary experiences that cannot be encountered anywhere else in the Seychelles.

Apple the Wallaby, the first wild wallaby to claim her own hashtag, has developed a devoted social media following thanks to her adorable antics. Thala Beach Nature Reserve is excited to announce that #AppletheWallaby has a new joey emerging from the pouch, adding another winsome wallaby breaking hearts across the globe. Free to roam 58ha of unfenced native forest, for the past 18 months Apple has been making unscheduled visits to the lobby of Thala, thrilling guests with her friendly charm. Now her joey looks likely to follow her Insta-famous mum.

It's an astronomical sight that hasn't been spotted in the night skies in 70 years and lucky stargazers in Scotland could be in with the best view, as the much-anticipated “supermoon” is set to light up on Monday, 14 November (just think of Elliott riding his bicycle across a full moon in E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial for an idea of the magnificence).

Qatar Airways’ first daily regularly-scheduled Airbus A350 service to London Heathrow arrived in the United Kingdom on Sunday 30 October, as the airline introduced the state-of-the-art aircraft on the route, complementing the existing ‘best of fleet’ on its six daily flights from Hamad International Airport. The Qatar Airways Airbus A350 represents the pinnacle of modern aviation technology, offering enhanced benefits for both passengers and an environment that provides a unique and unrivalled experience.

Ricky Skerritt served as Minister of Tourism in St. Kitts and Nevis for more than ten years between 2004 and 2015. Now, he has been named the new Chairman of the Antigua&Barbuda Tourism Authority. The Honorable Minister of Tourism, Economic Development, Investment and Energy, Asot Michael, has announced the appointment of Richard ‘Ricky’ Skerritt as Chairman of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority (ABTA) Board of Directors.

The Korea Tourism Organisation is exhibiting once again at World Travel Market – London the flagship event in the exhibition calendar, as part of its strategy to help it reach its global visitor target of 20 million tourists by 2018. The big news this year is two-fold; firstly, the announcement and our involvement in the 'Visit East Asia Campaign' that was recently announced by China, Japan and Korea.

Long inaccessible, Al Jabal Al Akhdar, Arabic for “The Green Mountain”, is a towering massif on the Sultanate of Oman's vast Saiq Plateau. The arrival experience takes guests on an adventurous drive – two hours from Muscat International Airport or four and a half hours from Dubai – past date plantations, historic forts and dry riverbeds known locally as wadis. The resort echoes the fortified architecture of the region, ensconcing guests in modern ramparts inspired by the commanding mountain citadels and re-imagined with sophisticated contemporary interiors. 

In Japan, Valentine's Day connotes sharing special treats and moments with treasured family and friends, a lover, or even by yourself. Owing to its unspoilt charm and beauty, Kyoto is a fabulous city to visit this Valentine's Day. Whether travellers are part of a couple, family or even going solo, there is a plethora of cultural attractions and special treats to experience, from ancient temples to exquisite cuisine. Kyoto Convention and Visitors Bureau (KCVB) is therefore encouraging all travel lovers to choose the former capital of Japan this February and feel the real romance of the city.

On Friday 28 October, three Halloween Monsters led seven face-painted children from the Starlight Children's Foundation (Starlight), in a unique rendition of The Monster Mash, after they trick-or-treated their way to the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The Halloween celebrations saw the children and their families enjoy some spooky ghost and ghoul stories, integrated into regular BridgeClimb commentary.

To celebrate MTV Beats & Eats festival, Destination NSW has prepared a guide for weekend wanderlusters to experience the best of Wollongong's vibrant food and cultural scene, adventure activities and natural beauty. MTV Beats & Eats will bring tunes and foodie treats to North Wollongong beach on Saturday 26 November. Throughout the day local and international musicians, including Grammy nominated superstar Steve Aoki, will dish out the hits, while Motti + Smith have curated a line-up of boutique food outlets to serve up an assortment of delicious festival food. 

From 1st November 2016 until 31 March 2017 visitors Cumbria can buy a card and get access to over 40 exclusive offers either online before they arrive, or at a participating outlet around the county. The Love Cumbria card includes '2 for 1s' and up to 30% off entrance to popular attractions, cafes and restaurants. For just £10, the card gives 2 people easy access to the offers for a 2 week period from the date of arrival in the Lake District, Cumbria.

Festive traditions are flourishing at seven Corinthia Hotels this holiday season, filling the hotel lobbies, restaurants and bars with the magical sights, sounds and smells of the colourful Yuletide season. Guests in Budapest are transported back to Edwardian London and to Clara and her enchanted Nutcracker doll's fantasy adventure in the Land of Snow.  This Christmas ballet's score plays in the Brasserie and Atrium restaurant at Corinthia Budapest as a backdrop to a festive Santa Claus brunch on December 4th and there are also fabulous festive dinners on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

If you are looking for somewhere exciting to travel next year, look to Canada. Lonely Planet's number one destination for 2017. Each year, the leading travel media company ranks destinations based on the diversity and quality of travel experiences offered.