A flip of the switch, some oohs and ahhs from a crowd of onlookers, and a giant decorated Christmas tree went up in lights on Vienna’s town hall square as the Yuletide season got rolling in Austria’s capital on Saturday evening. Mulled wine was poured, frosted gingerbread cookies dangled from the roofs of vendors’ stalls, kiddies rode a carousel and a brass band tooted out Johann Strauss II’s “The Blue Danube” waltz as the holiday merriment set in. Vienna Mayor Michael Ludwig joined the ceremonial illumination of the 30-meter (about 100-foot) spruce that bedecked the square in front of town hall, which also was bathed in light. This year Vienna upped the ante by decorating the tree with 2,000 LED lights and 1,000 Christmas baubles at the market, which drew 3.3 million visitor...
Read MoreYear: 2024
Swiss chocolate giant Lindt serves up Middle Eastern flavors Hundreds of curious shoppers, some equipped with camping stools and rain gear, lined up for hours on a drizzly Thursday in the western German city of Aachen. They weren’t waiting for the latest phone or luxury handbag release: they were after a taste of a new chocolate bar. Swiss chocolate giant Lindt has drawn the crowds with a new treat — a confection known as “Dubai chocolate” that features a crunchy mixture of chocolate, pistachio cream and knafeh, a crispy filo dough that is better known for its use in baklava. Lindt executives want to show the nearly 180-year-old Swiss chocolatier can mix it up with a product first concocted by an Emirati upstart and expand the boundaries of a centuries-old industry largely do...
Read MoreAfrican elephants are Earth's largest land animals, remarkable mammals that are very intelligent and highly social. They also are in peril. Fresh evidence of this comes in a study that documents alarming population declines at numerous sites across the continent over about a half century. Researchers unveiled on Monday what they called the most comprehensive assessment of the status of the two African elephant species - the savanna elephant and forest elephant - using data on population surveys conducted at 475 sites in 37 countries from 1964 through 2016. FILE PHOTO: A bird flies over elephants as it walks at the Amboseli National Park in Kajiado County, Kenya, April 4, 2024. REUTERS/Monicah Mwangi The savanna elephant populations fell by about 70% on average at the surveyed sit...
Read MoreDiscover the 55 new Best Tourism Villages by UN Tourism where rural communities are shaping the future of sustainable travel Rural destinations consolidate their position as key players in sustainable tourism and community development as UN Tourism announces its Best Tourism Villages 2024. In this fourth edition, 55 villages from all regions received the recognition, chosen from over 260 applications from more than 60 UN Tourism Member States. Another 20 villages were chosen to join the Upgrade Programme. “Tourism is a vital tool for inclusion, empowering rural communities to protect and value their rich cultural heritage while driving sustainable development,” said UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili. “The Best Tourism Villages initiative not only recognizes the r...
Read MoreWhere travelers spent the most in 2024 With 2024 coming to a close, Squaremouth.com, the leading travel insurance comparison site in US, is revealing where luxury-loving travelers spent their money in 2024 and which destinations were the most costly. Trips to Africa, Antarctica, French Antarctic Territories, and the islands of Oceania cost the most. This year, travelers spent 34% more on trips to these 10 destinations compared to any other countries. Travelers spend millions on most expensive destinations Over 15,000 travelers spent over $82 million to visit the 10 most expensive destinations. This year, Squaremouth saw a 43% increase in spending to expensive destinations compared to 2023. The average individual trip cost to these destinations in 2024 was just over ...
Read MoreCircus meets skiing as Fabian Bösch’s ‘Circus Bösch’ thrills in the heart of the Swiss Alps
Bouncy Balls, Trapeze Swings, and Freeskiing Alpine Peaks: Bösch's Creative Flair Reimagines the Circus on Snow Forget clowns and traditional tents: in Circus Bösch, it’s Swiss freeskiing star Fabian Bösch, a trapeze, some balloons, and the iconic peaks of The Schilthorn, a summit in the Bernese Alps of Switzerland, that takes centre stage. Using trapeze swings, bouncy balls, and snow-covered railings, Bösch performs a circus act like no other, blending athletic precision with a playful touch. His new YouTube video brings audiences along as he leaps between swings, balances on bouncy balls, and executes daring tricks - all within the stunning winter wonderland of the Swiss Alps. Fabian Boesch performs at Circus Bösch in Mürren, Switzerland on March 2nd, 2024. Photo: Jan Cadosch / Re...
Read MoreEchor Hotels grows Himachal portfolio with new opening at Palampur
Echor Hotels Pvt. Ltd. has announced the opening of its 15th property, Echor Hill Farm Cottages in the picturesque town of Palampur, Himachal Pradesh. Known for its focus on offbeat locations, Echor Hotels has crafted this new property to offer luxury within the serene beauty of Himachal’s lesser-explored regions, setting a new standard for peaceful getaways. Echor Hill Farm Cottages consists of six spacious 450-square-foot cottages, designed for ultimate comfort and relaxation. Each cottage features elegant furnishings, large windows that capture panoramic views, and private balconies where guests can immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the Himalayas. The property is ideal for nature lovers and adventure seekers, offering opportunities for exploring tea gardens, guided treks, ...
Read MoreUN Tourism, UN-Habitat, and UNESCO came together at the World Urban Forum to host a side event under the theme Urban Tourism: Policies and Governance for More Sustainable, Inclusive, Creative, and Resilient Cities. From the interconnection of their mandates, this is the first time that three UN Agencies join forces at the World Urban Forum to stimulate dialogue and call for cooperation to help drive sustainable urban tourism. The event builds upon the innovative and successful partnership between UN-Habitat and UN Tourism. The agencies organized, with the support of the Basque Government, an Expert Group Meeting on Advancing Sustainable Urban Tourism: Tools for promoting good practices in cities and territories" (Bilbao, 21-22 March 2024) where UN agencies including ...
Read MoreJ1 Beach, Dubai's newest and most exclusive destination, has opened its doors, redefining beachfront luxury and elevating the city's renowned culinary scene. Nestled in the heart of Jumeirah, J1 Beach by Merex Investment showcases 13 world-class restaurants from celebrated culinary capitals—Paris, New York, Miami, London, Tulum, and the French Riviera. More than just a dining destination, J1 Beach takes guests on an immersive global journey, with diverse flavours and experiences that set a new standard for coastal elegance in Dubai. Restaurants now open to welcome guests include Gigi Rigolatto, bringing the essence of Italian lifestyle to Dubai's shores; Gitano, offering a modern Mexican menu with signature mezcal cocktails; and Almayas...
Read MoreLiza Gonzalez Hamilton-Smith is the new resident healer, blending yoga and sound healing for a balanced retreat Anantara Mina Al Arab Ras Al Khaimah Resort has introduced its new resident practitioner Liza Gonzalez Hamilton-Smith, a certified yoga instructor, energy and sound healer who leads guests on highly personalised journeys of wellness. Liza Gonzalez Hamilton-Smith is a citizen of the world. She has spent her entire life travelling and immersing in new cultures, including different healing traditions from East to West. Now in residence at Anantara Mina Al Arab Ras Al Khaimah Resort, she blends these healing traditions together to help guests restore balance to body and mind. Physical healing is presented in the form of yoga, adapted to each guest’s personal needs...
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