World News

It's  the last chance to see one of nature's most awe-inspiring sights – the majestic 'Aurora Borealis', or 'Northern Lights' – at their most spectacular until the next decade and a Fred. Olsen cruise aboard Balmoral, departing from Southampton could be your best bet. The intensity of the Northern Lights is based on an 11-year solar cycle, and NASA scientists have predicted that the current period of solar activity will start to decline in 2016, although this year still presents great potential for some very large solar flares.   

For the first time ever since the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) began keeping records, the Caribbean  outperformed every major tourism region in the world in setting new arrival and spend records in 2015 while exceeding expectations. International tourist trips to the region grew by seven per cent to 28.7 million visits, much higher than the projected four to five per cent growth. Visitors spent an estimated $30 billion, a 4.2 per cent rise over the $28.8 billion spent in 2014.

The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), the region’s tourism development agency, will announce today how the Caribbean’s tourism sector performed in 2015. CTO’s secretary general Hugh Riley will reveal the numbers at a news conference at the organization’s headquarters in Barbados. An analysis of the numbers will also be done by the acting director of research, Ryan Skeete.

Bird watching in Grand Bahama has taken flight after 30 birdwatchers from the US and The Bahamas recently found 178 bird species in two locations on the island. Erika Gates of the Garden of the Groves organized a Christmas Bird Count that took place from December 15-January 4. The Christmas Count was established 115 years ago globally and has been conducted in Grand Bahama for the past 15 years.

In 2016, Wales celebrates its Year of Adventure and everyone is invited! What will be your adventure? Mountain-climbing, zip-wiring, conquering castles, trying new Welsh recipes, or celebrating the centenary of Roald Dahl’s birth? Wales has three National Parks, five Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, over 600 castles, and 870-miles of Wales Coast Path – so there is plenty to do and explore.

The Samaya Ubud Bali is set in a tropical paradise alongside the Ayung River in Indonesia and has recently received Green Globe re-certification for the third time. Guests can relax in spacious villas and enjoy the gentle attributes of Balinese hospitality, while the acclaimed Swept-away restaurant attracts many patrons with its modern and eclectic dishes imbued with authentic flavors created from locally sourced produce.

An initiative of the Tourism Development Company Limited, the Visitor Guides Program is designed to meet the needs of our locals and visitors, more specifically; those who prefer to walk and experience the splendor of Trinidad and Tobago’s Carnival. Travelers to the City of Port of Spain now have the opportunity to explore a wealth of Carnival activities with the assistance of Tourism Visitor Guides, strategically positioned throughout the streets of Port of Spain, from February 5 to 9.

From tomorrow, Asia's World City will be an explosion of colour and energy as visitors and Hong Kong locals alike will welcome in the Year of the Monkey. From praying in the temples for good fortune, browsing the markets for auspicious foods and blooms, to admiring the red lanterns that cover the streets, Hong Kong is alive with celebration.

Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, the former Nigerian President, and over 18 Heads of State and Government are expected to join over 500 business and society leaders at the 3rd Commonwealth Africa Summit 2016 in London from the 14th to the 16th March to discuss the theme 'Shared Prosperity, Mutual Security'.

The spread of the Zika virus in the Americas, with Brazil as the epicentre, and the possible though not yet proven accompanying link to microcephaly has, understandably, caused concern. The Level 2 alert issued by the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has created doubt among some potential travellers to the Caribbean as to whether or not their health is at risk and whether or not they should continue with their travel plans.

With more and more travelers seeking the cultural appeal, enticing climate, spectacular coastline and surprising value of Indochina, Asia specialist tour operator Insider Journeys has come up with new ways for travelers to explore this phenomenal part of the world as an insider. 

The stunning city of Hangzhou, the capital of China's Zhejiang province is preparing to celebrate the start of Chinese New Year from 7 – 13 February 2016. 2016 marks the year of the monkey and as part of the celebrations, the city will welcome thousands of tourists to its stunning West Lake, which is one of the most popular tourist destinations in China during the holiday. However, there is more to Hangzhou than Chinese New Year.

These are the worlds when the Turkish Tourism Minister was addressing challenges in Turkey this morning. The message of Turkey's Minister of Culture and Tourism, HE Mahir Unai, said at a fully-packed EMITT opening conference: Tourism has a healing effect on international conflicts. The Governor of Istanbul, Vasip Sahin, and a representative of the Mayor, both acknowledged challenges through terrorism but each claimed his city is as safe as any major city and listed New York, Tokyo, London, Brussels, or Paris among others.

Group Chief Executive of Hamad International Airport-Qatar, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, was joined by Engr. Badr Mohammed Al Meer, Chief Operating Officer of HIA-Qatar and Mr. Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, Chairman and Member of the Executive Board at FC Bayern Munich, to announce the sponsorship, alongside a special surprise appearance by FC Bayern Munich team member Mr. Franck Ribéry together with Ms. Lena Lotzen of FC Bayern Munich Women’s Team and the German National Women’s Team.

Qatar Airways wrapped up a successful presence at the airline industry’s first air show of the year in Bahrain on Saturday. Hundreds of guests were welcomed on board the three Qatar Airways display aircraft, dozens of high-level meetings with industry and political leaders took place and many international media interviews were conducted at the airline’s premium chalet.

Tourism Australia has launched its latest campaign, which is focused on highlighting the country's world-class aquatic and coastal experiences, in a bid to lure more international visitors to Australia. The new creative, the latest instalment in Tourism Australia's global There's Nothing like Australia campaign, was officially unveiled at an event in New York on Australia Day eve attended by Australia's Minister for Foreign Affairs the Hon. Julie Bishop.