Focus Page 327
Stuck in the Sand: Tunisian tourism seeks way forward
When Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali fled Tunisia in January his departure was greeted with scenes of jubilation across the country. Power, it appeared, was flowing back into the hands of the people. Now, six months later, these first assumptions, while still valid, have been tempered with a hint of cold reality. Breaking Travel News here assesses the situation on the ground as Tunisia seeks out its future.
Breaking Travel News Interview: Tony Romer-Lee
Tony Romer-Lee caused quite a stir earlier this year, outlining a number of perceived failings among the South African tourism community in an open letter to Hotel & Restaurant magazine. Here Breaking Travel News catches up with the chief executive of The Collection by Liz McGrath to get his thoughts on what needs to change for the sector to achieve its full potential.
South Africa seeks to maintain 2010 FIFA World Cup momentum
In the past few years, South Africa has considerably raised its profile as a world-class host of international sports events, from the 2003 Cricket World Cup to the 2010 Confederations Cup and, of course, the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Still riding the crest of the 2010 wave, South Africa now hopes to become a first-choice destination for sports events - hosting Sports & Events Tourism Exchange as an important first step in ensuring it continue its hosting successes.
Recession? What recession!? Money saving websites are increasing retail footfall!
According to the Economics textbooks, a recession is a business cycle contraction - a general slowdown in economic activity. During recessions, employment, investment spending, capacity utilization, household incomes, business profits, and inflation all fall, while bankruptcies and the unemployment rate rise. Basically, a pretty sorry state of affairs, with the knock-on effect being the average person is being forced to stay in to save money.
Travelling England By Train: 5 Ways To Kill Time En Route
Train travel in the UK can be an utter joy: imagine the train arriving fashionably late, the beautiful English countryside (as seen through a dirty, smeared window), while you raid the buffet car (if your train has one) for an overpriced stale sandwich or a cup of tea that has the same temperature and a similar taste to molten lava.
Flying or Falling? The Future of the Global Aviation Industry
While perhaps the most global of industries, aviation has failed to create a truly global airline. But with rising fuel costs, falling prices and natural disasters all taking a toll, the crunch for legacy carriers across the globe is fast approaching. Here Breaking Travel News looks at the various strategies open to airlines as they seek to survive.
Breaking Travel News Interview: Cheval Residences
Over the past three decades Cheval Residences has established its position as the undisputed leader in the provision of luxury serviced-apartments in London. Here Breaking Travel News sits down with director George Westwell to discuss the future of the brand, the new Cheval Three Quays and why the London 2012 Olympic Games may not be the bonanza the accommodation sector his hoping for.
Johannesburg looks toward Sports & Events Tourism Exchange
Johannesburg Tourism Company has been busy preparing for the inaugural Sports & Events Tourism Exchange to celebrate its position as the leading business, sports and mega-events destination in Africa. Taking place from July 27th-29th, the event will focus on the world-class facilities and services that South Africa has to offer as a host for all top level international events and the exchange between sports tourism and the events industry.
New challenges for Caribbean Airlines
World Travel Award-winning Caribbean Airlines will face new competition later this month when the Barbadian short haul, low-cost carrier, REDjet, begins its commercial operations to Trinidad. Here Breaking Travel News looks at how the airline will differentiate itself from its competitors.
If You Were Stuck On A Desert Island…
If You Were Stuck On A Desert Island…Where’s the first place you’d want to be able to fly back to? Ideally, it would be somewhere with luxurious hotels, friendly people, delicious food and superb weather, as well as being fairly close to home. One destination that ticks all of the above is Majorca.
Breaking Travel News Interview: Embratur chairman, Flávio Dino
Brazil is set to take its place at the centre of the international tourism sector over the next five years, with both the Olympic Games and FIFA World Cup scheduled to arrive in the country. Here Breaking Travel News sits down with the new head of the Brazilian Tourist Board (Embratur), Flávio Dino, to see how preparations are going.
New Zealand gears up for Rugby World Cup 2011
Over a million sporting enthusiasts are expected to descend upon Auckland in New Zealand in September as the destination plays host to the Rugby World Cup 2011, one of the biggest international events in the sporting calendar. Here Breaking Travel News examines the growing role of mega sporting events on the tourism industry.