African 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 MoreYear: 2024
Discover 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...
Read Moreatlys unveils five AI-powered features to transform the visa application process
atlys, a visa processing platform, introduces five AI-powered features aimed at making visa applications faster, easier, and more accurate. These tools address common challenges such as repetitive tasks, complex requirements, and document errors, helping applicants complete their applications with less hassle and greater efficiency. Visa applications are often delayed due to issues like non-compliant photos, repeated document uploads, unclear instructions, and poor-quality passport scans. atlys’ new AI-driven features tackle these obstacles by automating critical steps like document verification and providing real-time guidance, making the application process smoother and more reliable for travellers. “With every feature, we’re addressing the common frustrations that visa applic...
Read MoreSeveral international airlines cancelled flights to and from Indonesia's resort island of Bali on Wednesday, after further eruptions of a volcano that has spewed ash clouds as high as 10 km (32,808 ft) and forced thousands to evacuate. Jetstar and Qantas said they had stopped flights to Bali on Wednesday for safety reasons because of volcanic ash, while plane tracking website Flightradar24 showed flights to the island by AirAsia and Virgin were also cancelled. Singapore Airlines said it had cancelled a flight on Wednesday from Bali to Singapore due to the eruption. Bali is Indonesia's top tourist hotspot and is a popular destination for Australian visitors. All flights to and from the island of Lombok in the West Nusa Tenggara province, another popular destination for tour...
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