World News

With the summer holidays just around the corner, new research* has exposed worrying disparities between the perceived and the real costs of holiday healthcare, as well as confusion over what the EHIC card actually entitles travellers to. In light of the findings, HolidayExtras.com warns that many holidaymakers are potentially exposing themselves to crippling financial costs in the event of an accident or illness while away.

An article on lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgender (LGBT) travel in the Caribbean has copped the top award at the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO)’s Caribbean Travel Media Awards programme. The article by Joe Pike of Travel Agent magazine won the Best of the Best award at today’s awards luncheon at the Marriott Marquis in New York, part of the programme for Caribbean Week New York organized by the CTO.

This palatial work of art – inspired by respected Thai architect Charupan Wiriyawiwatt of Hong Kong-based Naga Concepts – mixes elements of classic Thai architecture and a dazzling collection of contemporary art with an ultra–luxury design approach.  Pamper your soul in seclusion and privacy at Villa Yin. Situated on Kamala headland's water edge, this spectacular half-acre site overlooks the breathtaking turquoise waters of the Andaman Sea.

One of Tenerife's most long-awaited festivals, Starmus Festival III, has just unveiled its events programme, including the presence of leading personalities including Prof. Stephen Hawking, Dr. Brian May and many Nobel Prize winners; the launch of the Stephen Hawking Medal for Science Communication; and a 'Sonic Universe' concert by English artist Sarah Brightman and the Tenerife Symphony Orchestra. The Starmus Festival III will take place between 27th June and 2nd July 2016 at the Mare Nostrum Resort complex in Playa de las Américas. 

The Amazon Rainforest is known as the 'Lungs of the Planet'. The lush and tropical South American jungle spreads across over half of the continent and provides the world with 20% of its oxygen. Each year 78 million acres of the Rainforest are cut down – a fact that devastates cruising specialist and wilderness enthusiasts, Aurora Expeditions. And with World Environment Day just around the corner, on the 5th June, it has never been a better time to discuss the important contribution the Amazon makes to our planet.

Golf widows know the feeling all too well – head for an idyllic holiday destination and then they are left alone for hours while their partner enjoys the challenge of a new course. Sports and activities abound in the Caribbean island of Aruba – for those who can resist the lure of white sand beaches and the lapping blue sea. And the choice is so great, some couples might split over who does what. So tourism officials have now drawn up a list of activities for two, so couples can enjoy some get up and go together.

The Ghan train embarked on a record-breaking journey yesterday when it departed Adelaide as Australia's longest passenger train in over a decade. Taking off with 44 carriages and two locomotives, Sunday's Ghan service bound for Darwin stretched a total length of 1096m – more than 200m longer than a standard Ghan service and a staggering 6.5 times the length of Adelaide Oval.

Located at the southern tip of Ari Atoll in the Maldives, Maafushivaru is the idyllic retreat famed for providing peaceful holidays in its beautiful setting, and its inimitable secret; the neighboring private Island, Lonubo.Lonubo invites guests to escape reality and create their own world on the resorts' very own private desert islet (complete with more than a few luxuries).

A hundred thousand caribou face starving bears and wolves, deadly frozen rivers and rugged mountains as they undertake the world's longest land migration - 5,000 kilometres through the frozen Arctic wilderness of Canada and Alaska. Liz Bonnin leads a team of scientists and film-makers using cutting edge technology to follow the herd, providing insights into the individual lives of the animals.

Aruba's expertise in tourism management is being sought by Cuba as it continues to develop internationally. The islands' two governments have signed a memorandum of understanding on tourism and transport, which was ratified during a recent official visit to Cuba by a delegation from Aruba, including its Minister of Tourism, Otmar Oduber.

From May to November the waters along the NSW coastline will become a living, moving spectacle as more than 20,000 whales make their annual migration. This winter follow a do-it-yourself whale trail along 2000km of scenic coastline between the Tweed and Eden offering a multitude of vantage points and experiences to spot these majestic mammals.

Tradition, nature and modernity intersect at the Sheraton Hua Hin Resort&Spa in Thailand. Guests can relax amongst tropical landscaped gardens, lagoon shaped pools and beachside restaurants. Outdoor activities range from kite surfing and golf to horseback riding. And visitors can wonder at summer palaces frequented by Thai Royalty, seaside villages and nearby Khao Takiab (Chopsticks Mountain), renowned for its resplendent 20-meter-high statue of Buddha set on rocky headland facing the sea.

Three Caribbean hospitality businesses and one business advisor received excellence awards today in the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO)’s first-ever Hospitality Assured (HA) Caribbean Awards Programme. Awards were presented to Atlantis Submarines of Barbados, Round Hill Hotel & Villas and Tryall Club, both of Jamaica for outstanding service and business excellence in tourism and hospitality.

Cat Island-born artist Ancient Man wowed the crowd at Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival with a spirited performance. His gangly and somewhat awkward dance moves endeared him to the spectators. Andros native Elon Moxey’s melodic voice soothed the crowd, while D-Mac amped up the crowd during an electrifying performance of the Junkanoo Carnival theme song and other Bahamian hits.

With two weeks to go until the world's largest festival of light, music and ideas, Vivid Sydney, illuminates the city, 141 artists from 23 countries are working to create more than 80 light installations and projections that will appear in more than eight Vivid Sydney precincts spread across Sydney.

IBEROSTAR Cancún is dedicated to protecting native Sea Turtles that are in danger of extinction and preserving their ecosystem. The resort has a Conservation and Protection of the Sea Turtle program in place that involves the participation of staff and tourists alike. Business partners of the resort also attend courses conducted by the Department of Ecology about steps they can take to contribute toward the conservation of the turtles.