Focus Page 283
Thailand’s leading spas to be recognised by World Travel Awards
In recent years, Thailand has emerged as one of Asia’s most popular spa destinations, with its traditional ancient healing techniques that draw visitors from all over the world.
What will you do to make the most out of your gap year?
Taking a gap year is likely to be one of the most exciting and memorable years of your life. You may be taking a break from work, a year out from studying or some time off between leaving education and finding your first job. Regardless of your position, there has never been a better time to take a gap year as work can be tough to find and having that extra ‘life experience’ on your CV can be invaluable when you return to the world of work.
Are the Portuguese embracing the ‘staycation’ phenomenon?
The term ‘staycation’ may have been applied more liberally to people from the UK opting to stay and holiday at home, rather than head off to foreign climes, but it’s not solely a UK phenomenon it seems. A revealing report from the Portuguese National Statistics Institute (INE), showed that in comparison to 2010, residents of Portugal have travelled significantly less.
My Vietnam Visa establishes Strategic Partnership with Vietnam Online
Vietnam’s most popular visa agency My Vietnam Visa has recently entered a strategic partnership with Vietnam Online, a primary information gateway to Vietnam, for both travellers and businessmen. The official deal was confirmed on September 15th 2011, marking an important turning point in the operation of both companies.
Breaking Travel News Interview: Joburg plays host to youth forum
Johannesburg Tourism Company (JTB) which has been nominated for World’s Leading Tourist Board at this year’s World Travel Awards, recently announced that it will play host to the high profile youth forum, One Young World in 2013. Lindiwe Kwele, Chief Executive, Johannesburg Tourism Company, explains to BTN what it is that makes this vibrant destination an ideal host for such a wide range of international events.
New Zealand on the up ahead of Rugby World Cup
Interest in New Zealand continues to surge, as sports fans search for the best travel deals ahead of the Rugby World Cup, which kicks off tomorrow.
South Africa looks to bright tourism future
Following the undisputed success of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, tourism leaders in South Africa have good reason to be optimistic about the country’s future as a leading destination for visitors from all over the world. Here Breaking Travel News catches up with industry leaders from top brands – including Mantis Collection, Sun International and Legends Lodges, Hotels & Resorts – to see what the future holds.
easyJet: Redefining low-cost travel
With the launch of new Flexi fares aimed at business travellers, easyJet Holidays and a comprehensive spring timetable, easyJet has been going from strength-to-strength in 2011. Following the airline’s victory at the World Travel Awards Europe Gala Ceremony over the weekend, Breaking Travel News here takes a look at what separates the carrier from its competitors.
West Africa: The Case for Hotel Investment
The contribution of tourism to African economic and social development should not be underestimated, according to the hosts of a new tourism industry event designed to explore possibilities of investment in the region.
Travel Agents Successfully Utilise Direct Marketing Techniques to Boost Holiday Bookings in 2011
Recent years have witnessed a dramatic increase in online bookings from holidaymakers across the globe and the data collected from such bookings is now being used by savvy travel agents to target niche groups of customers for their next vacation.
Enbe Band rock Mardan Palace
When Mardan Palace opened in 2009 even the most hardened critics admitted it was something special, something new, not just for the Turkish resort of Antalya, but for the global tourism marketplace. This was made clear earlier this week when Enbe Band – among the most sought after acts in the Mediterranean – took to the stage to wow guests with a two hour set.
Breaking Travel News Interview: Marthinus Van Schalkwyk, minister of tourism, South Africa
South Africa showed solid signs of growth in 2011, with a near ten per cent rise in international visitor numbers during the first quarter. New markets - including India, China and Brazil - are emerging, while traditional feeder markets hold steady – with loyal guests wanting to return to the world class destination again and again. Here South Africa’s tourism minister, Marthinus Van Schalkwyk, gives an exclusive update to BTN.