For Halloween, the European Southern Observatory (ESO) reveals this spooktacular image of a dark nebula that creates the illusion of a wolf-like silhouette against a colourful cosmic backdrop. Fittingly nicknamed the Dark Wolf Nebula, it was captured in a 283-million-pixel image by the VLT Survey Telescope (VST) at ESO’s Paranal Observatory in Chile. This collage highlights some details within the huge Dark Wolf Nebula, such as the wolf’s “head”, seen here in the top-centre image. The pillars in the images to the right form when intense radiation from young stars encounters dense pockets of dust and gas. This radiation erodes and blows away the lighter material around these dense pockets, creating these pillar-like structures. Credit: ESO/VPHAS+ team Found in the constellation Scorp...
Read MoreYear: 2024
-Currently 12 private destinations in the Caribbean, more on way -Royal Caribbean's CocoCay helps lift ticket revs 48% since 2019 -Carnival plans $600 million investment in Celebration Key -Direct bookings rise, reducing reliance on travel agents -Public Caribbean destinations see decline in cruise visits Major cruise operators are steering their ships - and millions of dollars in investments - into their own private destinations packed with excursions, beaches, bars and restaurants. The phenomenon appears to have started with Royal Caribbean Group, which in 2019 opened "Perfect Day at CocoCay," an amusement park-like private destination in The Bahamas that has caught the eye of Wall Street. By operating their own private destinations on small Caribbean islands, Roy...
Read MoreKwon Young-doo, owner of a private art gallery in Seoul's historic Bukchon Hanok Village, is concerned about an impending curfew policy aimed at mitigating overtourism in the area. The curfew, set for a trial in November and to be officially launched in March next year, will limit tourist access to specific areas of Bukchon from 5 p.m. (0800 GMT) to 10 a.m. Fines of up to 100,000 won ($72) will be imposed on violators. Kwon Young-doo, the owner of the Asia Cultural Art Museum in Bukchon Hanok Village, introduces traditional collectibles during an interview with Reuters in Seoul, South Korea, October 18, 2024. REUTERS/Kim Soo-hyeon "Who would want to visit?" said Kwon, the owner of the Asian Cultural Art Museum, who moved to the historic area 18 years ago. "They'll leave with a ba...
Read MoreYear-end festivities position Thailand as a world-class event hub Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, together with the National Soft Power Strategy Committee, have officially launched the Thailand Winter Festivals at the Government House today. Running from November to December, these events aim to highlight Thailand's rich cultural assets and foster tourism growth. Under the '7 Wonders of Thailand' theme, the festivals will showcase an impressive range of traditional celebrations, arts, sports, and other events nationwide. The initiative, organised by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports through the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and in collaboration with public and private sector partners, is intended to boost local tourism while ele...
Read MoreThe International Air Transport Association (IATA) and its partners have successfully demonstrated that the industry is ready to deliver a fully digital air travel experience. This was achieved in a proof-of-concept (PoC) involving two passengers using different digital wallets and travel credentials on a round-trip between Hong Kong and Tokyo. IATA partnered with Cathay Pacific, Hong Kong International Airport, Narita International Airport, Branchspace, Facephi, NEC, Neoke, Northern Block and SICPA for the travel which took place on 21 and 22 October. The airport elements of this PoC were conducted in a live environment, building on an initial PoC carried out in a test environment in 2023. In the PoC, two travelers used digital wallets containing their digital passport, company...
Read MoreFCC Angkor by Avani and Herbal Kulen Gin unite for unique offer FCC Angkor by Avani announces its collaboration with Unn "Pari" Sophary, the visionary behind Herbal Kulen Gin, to bring a unique, organic taste of Cambodia to its celebrated Scribe Bar. Through this partnership, guests can now savour cocktails that not only embody the essence of Cambodia, but also promote a mission rooted in sustainability and environmental rejuvenation. Nestled in the foothills of the Kulen Mountains, Herbal Kulen Gin is the brainchild of Pari, whose dedication to restoring Cambodia’s natural landscapes through ethical and sustainable practices has resulted in a premium handcrafted gin. The gin’s unique flavour profile is shaped by botanicals cultivated in the medicinal forest garden Pari has nurtured...
Read MoreNEOM Board of Directors showcases progress with opening of its first destination Sindalah has welcomed its first wave of invited guests, marking the official opening of the island – NEOM's first destination As the 'Gateway to the Red Sea,' Sindalah will play a key role in building a luxury travel industry for NEOM, as part of the Kingdom's national tourism agenda Sindalah, the luxury island destination and first physical showcase of NEOM, has been unveiled by the NEOM Board of Directors. First announced by Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Chairman of the NEOM Board of Directors in December 2022, Sindalah's opening marks an exciting milestone in NEOM's progress. Transforming Sindalah from idea to reality has been the result of an extensive two-year effort...
Read MoreAustrian wingsuit pilot Peter Salzmann creates a new 12.5km BASE world record Austrian wingsuit pilot Peter Salzmann has taken human flight to a new level, debuting an innovative wingsuit foil at Switzerland’s Jungfrau mountain. With this new technology, Salzmann flew without engine propulsion for nearly six minutes, covering a distance of 12.5 kilometres that included an altitude difference of 3,402m, setting world records for Longest BASE Flight Time, Furthest BASE Flight Distance, and Biggest BASE Jump from start to landing. Peter Salzmann seen during the Red Bull Wingsuit Foil Project in Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland on October 24, 2024. Photo: Joerg Mitter / Red Bull Content Pool Snapshot: Historic Achievement: Austrian wingsuit pilot Peter Salzmann set thre...
Read MoreThe Nature Positive Tourism Partnership (NPTP), made up of the World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism), the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), and the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance (the Alliance), will address world leaders at the UN Biodiversity Summit (COP16) in Cali, Colombia, as it continues its drive to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030. Officially launched at COP15 in 2022, the Nature Positive Tourism Partnership brings together key tourism stakeholders, including policymakers and leading private sector players in travel, tourism, and hospitality. The NPTP will call on governments to engage strategically with the global Travel & Tourism sector in order to achieve the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) targets. Showcasing tourism’s biodiversity su...
Read MoreHalloween – a time for thrills, chills and wonderful traditions. But did you know that everyone’s favorite spooky holiday began in Ireland? Trace Halloween right back to its origins and you’ll find yourself in the mists of pagan Ireland over 3,000 years ago – a time when the ancient festival of Samhain was celebrated in the heart of Ireland's Ancient East to mark the beginning of winter. Marking the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter, Samhain was a time when the Celts believed the veil between the living and the dead was at its thinnest. Bonfires were lit, costumes were worn to ward off spirits, and offerings were made to appease the otherworldly beings. Why not go back there this year where festivalgoers and fans of folklore are in for a treat as Púca Fest...
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