World News

Initially believed to have been discovered in 2013 by Magnus Robb and the Sound Approach and confirmed using sound analysis, Omani Owl has created a stir among both birders and biologists. That a bird around the size of a Barn Owl Tyto alba had evaded discovery was extraordinary. That it was described and named only using sound recordings and photographs was controversial. 

According to research by the University of Southampton*, travel-related activities account for the number one bucket list spot for almost 50% of the 2,076 respondents. Thanks to the competitive rate of the Japanese Yen against the British Pound, there has never been a better time to visit Japan Kyoto Convention and Visitors Bureau has released a snapshot of some of the most desirable experiences to be enjoyed on a trip to Japan's cultural capital in the New Year.

Mary Vrolijk and Nicole Chirino are among confirmed speakers for this year’s lineup for the upcoming Statia Sustainable Conference, which will be held on September 24-25. Organised by the St. Eustatius Tourism Development Foundation (STDF), the conference’s focus will be on the economic value of tourism. Vrolijk is listed on the conference itinerary this year to give a presentation on 'The value of tourism as an economic pillar.'

For the most part, Serbia's natural landscapes are a great unknown to travellers. One of Europe's best-kept secrets, Serbia boasts crystal clear lakes, forest clad mountains, ice-cold rivers, deep gorges, and countless national parks and conservation areas. In short, this is a landscape crying out to be discovered by walkers and hikers of all levels of aptitude. 

Conserving the natural beauty of an island entails a lot of effort, and recycling is one process which can contribute greatly towards keeping it pristine and clean. Sustainable practices are being adopted to help in the preservation and conservation of the islands in the Seychelles archipelago. Bird island is one of the islands which is putting conservation at the top of its list of priorities.

The Volcanoes Safaris Partnership Trust (VSPT) officially opened their first café, the Bwindi Bar located near Volcanoes Safaris' Bwindi Lodge on the edge of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, the café is staffed by disadvantaged youths living near the Bwindi National Park in Buhoma. It is hoped that the training they receive will boost their future prospects.

Qatar Airways is continuing its rapid growth across Africa and the Indian Sub-Continent with an increase in flight frequencies to Asmara, Eritrea, and to Dhaka, Bangladesh. From 7th September 2015, flights from Doha to Asmara will be increased from four to five times per week, representing a 25% increase in capacity and enhanced connectivity, in particular for customers from North America and Europe. 

The highly anticipated third edition of Dominica’s Nature Island Challenge (NIC 3.0) premiered in the USA and Canada yesterday on Outside Television. On Tuesday, August 18^th, 2015 the one-hour show will be released digitally at www.14dd5266c70789bdc806364df4586335-gdprlock/nichallenge. In April 2015, six teams of four competed in NIC 3.0, a four-day hiking competition, covering more than 40 miles predominantly along Dominica’s Waitukubuli National Trail, the only long distance hiking trail in the Caribbean. 

It's hard to overestimate the cool factor when it comes to motorcycle events in Daytona Beach.  The beaches beckon, the bikes are works of art, the crowds come from around the world, and the fashion is, well leather-clad cool. October 15-18, The Original American Beach will host more than 100,000 motorcycle enthusiasts and casual observers for the 23rd Annual Biketoberfest® motorcycle rally and festival.  

The Impossible Project have produced an instant film collaboration with Skateistan, an international non-profit organization that uses skateboarding to change kids lives. Since saving the last Polaroid factory back in 2008, Impossible have been creating new instant film for the 200 million classic Polaroid cameras still in circulation. Influenced by Afghan textiles, the special edition B&W instant film features eight white frames decorated with the signature Skateistan details.

The Maldives is famous as a picture-perfect holiday destination, but sadly most visitors remain marooned on the white sandy beaches and crystal clear lagoons of their luxury resort islands – oblivious to the rich and diverse local cultural experiences they could be enjoying. For those seeking an insight into the real Maldives beyond the manicured beaches, an eye-opening trip to see Eid Kulhivaru – a four-day national celebration of the Islamic holiday Eid Ul Adha featuring spectacular street performances, Mashi Maali 'ghosts of mud' parades, feasts, and Bodu Beru drumming and dancing.

For millennia Tokyoites have looked to the stars during the harvest moon celebration. More recently though, it's the stars that look to Tokyo for the latest in fashion inspiration. As the autumn moon waxes above Japan, guests of Palace Hotel Tokyo can experience Tsukimi, a moon-viewing celebration that dates back a thousand years. Between September 1 and October 31, “Moon Over Tokyo” guests will enjoy a bottle of 1-1-1 daiginjyo sake crafted exclusively for the hotel by the famed Hakkaisan brewery.

Barbados, this is a deep island. While so much goes on above ground, there’s a lot happening under the surface as well.  And far underground in the heart of inland Barbados lies Harrison Caves, subterranean caves formed by erosion of the limestone and shell rock left behind as Barbados rose out of the sea. The island of Barbados is unique to all other Caribbean islands by the way it was formed.

For the fifth year now since 2011, the famous Marie-Antoinette restaurant, one of the top Creole restaurants in Seychelles, has scooped another Certificate of Excellence from TripAdvisor, a feat which can only be achieved by a dedicated team. Located not far from the Victoria capital, the Marie-Antoinette restaurant is renowned for its unique authentic local cuisine and traditional architecture.

The head of one of the world’s most acclaimed airlines will keynote the region’s most valued tourism gathering. The president and chief executive officer of JetBlue Airways, Robin Hayes, will address the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO)’s State of the Industry Conference (SOTIC), which takes place from 21 -23 October in Curaçao.