World News

This December, Philadelphia will be expanding its world-class shopping credentials with the opening of the first Bloomingdale's Outlet Store in Philadelphia at Liberty Place, so why not pack an extra suitcase and hop across the pond to the City of Brotherly Love for a pre-Christmas shopping break? Alternatively, visit Macy's to take advantage of the tax-free shopping on all shoes and clothes, and in addition, all international visitors can enjoy a 10% discount off purchases.

Just a hop across the Channel, whether you're looking for some family fun or a relaxing holiday à deux, Normandy will surprise and delight even the most dedicated Francophile. History buffs will discover a rich heritage from William the Conqueror to WWII D-Day sites.  Art lovers will recognise the landscape that inspired the Impressionist movement and with miles of lush countryside and pristine coastline, even the most dedicated of foodies will be impressed.

The largest island in the Canaries is gearing up to host the second Tenerife Walking Festival. Set to run from 29th March – 2nd April 2016, the event will showcase Tenerife's astonishing natural beauty and diverse visitor experiences over four days of incredible hiking, with the aim of establishing itself as one of the leading rambling events in Europe.

The usually still waters of the Negombo lagoon played host to an event quite unlike any other, with thrills, spills, laughter and much fun. Jet Water Sports began its operations at the picturesque Jetwing Lagoon in grand fashion, with the opening of the first water sports center to be situated in a lagoon.

Advanced and novice runners, even walkers, will want to mark their calendars for what is surely one of the most picturesque courses as the 2016 Marathon Bahamas Race Weekend gears up with exciting events. The race courses were designed to showcase many of the focal points of this amazing destination including quaint and scenic downtown Nassau with its historic buildings, the glitz and glamour of Paradise Island, the business districts, a small portion of exciting Cable Beach and the life of the residents hugging the northern shore of the Island.

One of Taiwan's hotly awaited annual festivals is fast approaching. The Sun Moon Lake International Fireworks-Music and Come!Bikeday Festival will be held from 23 October to 22 November 2015. Held annually every October and attracting visitors from all over the globe, the event takes place on the shores of Taiwan's largest freshwater lake and one of the country's 13 national scenic areas, Sun Moon Lake.

2016 will be an important year for pilgrims to Rome and also Santiago de Compostela, as the year has been declared a 'Holy Year of Mercy' by Pope Francis; and special events will be taking place in both cities. Santiago Cathedral officials have also confirmed the Holy Door of the cathedral (Porta Santa) will be open for the Year of Mercy.

Nigerians have been congratulating countryman Wellington Jighere, who has become the first African to win the English-language World Scrabble Championship. The 32-year-old beat Englishman Lewis MacKay 4-0 in the final in Australia. Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari was among those to congratulate him, saying he has "done the country proud".

Qatar Airways showcased the best of its ultra-modern fleet, with three of the airline’s latest generation aircraft on display on the opening day of the Dubai Airshow. A senior delegation of Dubai Government officials accompanied His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum on the VIP tour of the state-of-the-art A380.

Destination NSW has prepared a list of 11 of the most recognisable film destinations made famous by classic and new Australian films to celebrate two of Sydney's biggest film events Tropfest Australia (6 December) and the 5th AACTA Awards (9 December).

The Caribbean Tourism Organization has announced that its newly redesigned website (www.caribbean.co.uk) for the UK is now online for consumers and trade. This dynamic website, designed by Experience Engine, a full-service digital agency, will provide users with a wealth of information about the Caribbean region. 

A very large number of participants including delegations from Seychelles, La Reunion, Mauritius, and Rodrigues paraded together as they danced their way into the People's Stadium in Victoria, the capital of the Seychelles.

The Martinique Promotion Bureau is making a strong push to attract U.S. travelers this winter by hosting its annual Martinique Magnifique Travel Show in five key markets – New York, Boston, Baltimore, Washington, DC, and Miami – October 22–29, 2015. The special events tout the latest developments in air service, hotel development, cruise options, and attractions.

This debate surrounding the climate has polarized the world into two different groups for a long time; some theorists maintain that an intrinsic characteristic of climate is that it changes while a large percent of others support the theory that global warming is anthropogenic or caused by human action.

Always a highlight of the State of the Industry Conference, the Youth Tourism Congress took place on the final afternoon of this years conference, bringing Junior Ministers and Commissioners of Tourism from 14 Caribbean destinations together to present on a prepared topic, as well as on a mystery topic. This years congress was presided over by last years winner Rol-J Williams  from Nevis.