World News

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.

Volunteers from PepsiCo Pakistan took part in organizing a cheerful and bright evening at the SOS children’s village in Lahore as a part of its Lighting Up Lives CSR campaign. The campaign aims to bring the ‘gift of light’ through solar powered LED lamps installed in Pepsi bottles to communities in need across Pakistan.

At this year's World Travel Market in London, Poland will present an impressive range of holiday offers, including the Lubelskie region, an eco-positive space ideal for the realisation of your passions and interests in culture, art and nature. The diversity of landscapes makes it impossible to feel bored here. Enjoy a stroll along romantic streets of Zamość Old Town, a bicycle ride in the scenic Kazimierz Landscape Park, a canoe rally on the meandering Bug River and all the other attractions awaiting tourists in the Lublin Region.

True Japanese culture can be no better expressed than through the sacred temples of Kyoto city. Home to over 1600 Buddhist temples, of which 15 were awarded UNESCO status in 1994, Kyoto is one of the finest destinations in the world to immerse oneself in ancient religious ritual, blissful tranquillity and beauty. The Kyoto Convention and Visitors Bureau is therefore encouraging UK visitors to include a selection of these world heritage sites in travel plans for 2017.

Scottsdale, a desert oasis located in the heart of the Valley of the Sun, is a melting pot of culture and history, which truly embodies where the old Wild West meets the new modern West. It comes as no surprise that the destination was recently listed in the top ten most attractive cities to visit in the United States*, and Instagram-worthy shots can be taken every minute.

In discussions at the Deputy Prime Minister's Port Louis Offices in Mauritius, it was confirmed that there has been a 100% increase in the number of cruise passengers for the 2015/2016 season. A total of 29,000 cruise passengers have been recorded compared to 14,000 for the 2014/2015 season. Just days before the opening of the new cruise season, the Deputy Prime Minister of Mauritius, Xavier-Luc Duval, who is also the island’s Tourism Minister and President of the Vanilla Islands Organization, gave an update on the positive developments in the cruise tourism industry of the Indian Ocean region.

"The Ministry of Tourism of Haiti, the Haiti Tourism Association (ATH) and the National Network of Solidarity Tourism Operators (RENAPROTS) would like to express their sympathies to all the victims of Hurricane Matthew that severely affected the southern peninsula of Haiti on the 3rd and 4th of October 2016. As a nation we are already working relentlessly to bring support to our fellow citizens in this difficult time.

"The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life and the extensive damage inflicted on our member countries and neighbours by the dangerous Hurricane Matthew, described as the most powerful storm to hit the Caribbean in a decade. Even in its weaker form as a tropical storm it inflicted loss. Our prayers are with the Government and People of Haiti where the death toll has soared to more than 400 and where there is still not full recovery from the destructive earthquake of 2010.