PHILIPPINES: Government To Tackle Manila Bay, A Magnified Cesspool, The Same Way It Did With Boracay

Philippines government will soon tackle Manila Bay the dirtiest water body in the Philippines.

Government,in the same way it did to rehabilitate Boracay, will begin next month to make Manila Bay safe.

The bay is known for the spectacular bright colours during sunsets.

It is known for its noxious garbage and heavily polluted water.

Swimming in Manila Bay is like drinking another persons urine, and that is how dirty it is.

Swimmers in Manila Bay water risk diarrhoea, cholera, typhoid fever, hepatitis B and skin allergies.

A government task force will soon begin an operation by shutting down factories, oil depots and other establishments dumping untreated wastewater and toxic chemicals into Manila Bay.

Informal settlers living along the shoreline will also have to be relocated.

The environment department and 15 other government agencies are already putting the final touches on a master plan to coordinate all efforts to rehabilitate Manila Bay.

The government shut down Boracay, famed for its powdery white beaches and shallow azure water, in April to fix sewage and environment-related problems that led to what President Rodrigo Duterte described as the island's degradation into a cesspool.

"You go into the water, it's smelly. Smells of what? Shit," Mr Duterte had remarked.

Over six months, the government undertook a massive cleanup of Boracay.

Illegal pipes that dumped untreated sewage straight into the sea were removed. More sewage plants were built and others refurbished.

Buildings were bulldozed, and businesses pushed back to create a 30m buffer zone from the waterline. The island was reopened in October.

Manila Bay presents an altogether different challenge, in terms of scale and complexity.

Boracay, for one, has a land area of just 10 sq km. Yet Manila Bay is a giant waste dump for roughly 13 million people living in the capital, according to advocacy group Greenpeace, which also called it a hideous cocktail of sewage, toxic industrial wastes, oil spills, leachate from garbage dumps, and run-offs from farm chemicals.

Greenpeace estimates that the degradation of the bay itself and surrounding coastal areas lead to at least 4 billion pesos (S$100 million) in damages each year, including costs arising from waterborne diseases.

While we welcome the pronouncement to clean up Manila Bay, we have yet to see a clear plan on how government will do it in a more holistic manner. The degradation and pollution of Manila Bay is a systemic problem, and change has to be addressed at source.

Corporations would have to be held responsible for producing excessive amounts of single-use plastics.

Greenpeace this year set off on a campaign to shame consumer giants to force them to find environment-friendly alternatives to cheap, disposable plastic products.

A week-long cleanup of a small marine sanctuary along Manila Bay in September yielded more than 54,200 pieces, or about 1,040 kg, of plastic waste. There were also a good amount of nappies, sanitary napkins and glass.

A brand audit showed Nestle, Unilever, and Procter & Gamble were among the worst offenders.

The government could also have to strictly implement the law on ecological solid waste management, and compel companies to disclose their use and discharge of chemicals and other wastes.

It is a step in the right direction, albeit delayed, and must be done with full participation of impacted communities who get their living from Manila Bay. A more comprehensive road map must be in place involving all stakeholders.

Located in the heart of the country’s capital city, the DENR announced – or should we say threatened – to undertake a massive rehabilitation of the Manila Bay of Boracay-scale.

It took almost six months during which the government closed down for rehabilitation the world-renowned Boracay island resort. It was re-opened back to business and tourists only last October.

In 2008, the High Court issued a continuing writ of mandamus, ordering 13 government agencies to clean up Manila Bay and restore its water quality to Class SB or safe for recreational activities such as swimming.

Class SB waters are also suitable for commercial propagation of shellfish and as spawning areas for milkfish and other similar species.

Manila Bay is a natural harbour which serves the Port of Manila on Luzon, in the Philippines. Strategically located around the capital city of the Philippines, Manila Bay facilitated commerce and trade between the Philippines and its neighbouring countries, becoming the gateway for socio-economic development even prior to Spanish occupation.

With an area of 1,994 km2 (769.9 sq mi), and a coastline of 190 km (118.1 mi), Manila Bay is situated in the western part of Luzon and is bounded by Cavite and Metro Manila on the east, Bulacan and Pampanga on the north, and Bataan on the west and northwest.

Manila Bay drains approximately 17,000 km2 (6,563.7 sq mi) of watershed area, with the Pampanga River contributing about 49% of the freshwater influx.

With an average depth of 17 m (55.8 ft), it is estimated to have a total volume of 28.9 billion cubic metres (28.9 cubic km).

Entrance to the bay is 19 km (11.8 mi) wide and expands to a width of 48 km (29.8 mi). However, width of the bay varies from 22 km (13.7 mi) at its mouth and expanding to 60 km (37.3 mi) at its widest point.

Coastal and marine habitats in the area include upland forests, mangrove, mudflats, sandy beaches, sea grass and coral reefs.

A total of 19,139 birds belonging to 330 families and 99 species were observed at various monitoring sites along the bay area. The endangered Chinese Egret or Egretta eulophotes and Black-winged cuckoo-shrike were sighted in the area.

A large number of migratory birds, catfish and mackerels were once abundant in these waters. Their decline ushered in the appearance of squid, shrimp, and small pelagic species such as herrings and anchovies.

The mangrove ecosystem around Manila Bay has both ecological and socioeconomic uses with its association of unique plant and animal species. Of the original 54,000 hectares of mangroves existing at the turn of the 20th century, only 794 hectares are remaining as recorded in 1995.

A few of the mangrove swamps remaining in Pampanga Bay are of considerable value for research and conservation education. As natural habitats, mangroves considerably help in acting as a protective buffer against cyclones and storms.

Predominant in the bay area are Avicennia marina - gray or white mangrove together with 15 species of mangroves belonging to 9 families that grow there. In the Bataan area, species of mangrove swamps that are found thriving include:

- Rhizophora apiculata (bakhaw lalaki in Filipino)

- Rhyzophora mucronata (no common name found)

- Avicennia marina (gray or white mangrove)

- Nypa fruticans (nipa palm)

- Sonneratia alba (no common name)

- Scyphiphora hydrophyllacea (nilad in Filipino)

- Sonneratia acida (pagatpat in Filipino)

- Acanthus ilicifolius (holly-leaved acanthus)

- Excoecaria agallocha (milky mangrove)

Plantations of Cocos nucifera (coconut palm) co-exists with the mangroves found in these areas.

Covering about 4,600 hectares, wetlands around Manila Bay are useful in:

- providing food and habitat for fish, shorebirds and wildlife;

- maintaining and improving water quality of rivers, lakes and estuaries,

- acting as reservoir for watersheds, and

- protecting adjacent and downstream properties of the area from potential flood damage

Mudflats, sand flats, swamps, beaches and rocky shores form part of the wetlands in Manila Bay. Found mostly along the coast of Bataan and Pampanga, mudflats are suitable habitats for shellfish.

Contributing to the balanced functioning of the ecosystem around Manila Bay, coral reefs in the area provide sanctuary for fishes. Consequently, its decline through the years has directly affected the fish yield.

As a diverse ecosystem, seagrass beds provide shelter for fishes and other marine life forms. Like the coral reefs, most of the seagrass beds in Manila Bay are found near its mouth, most notably in the areas of Malolos, Orion, Mariveles, and Corregidor Island.

Within the watershed of Manila Bay upland forests abound which are sources of food, timber, fuel wood and other products, as well as habitats for wildlife. These forests provide protection from soil erosion and help maintain the water levels and water quality in rivers and streams.

Mount Makiling, Angat Dam watershed, La Mesa Dam watershed, Mounts Palay-Palay / Mataas na Gulod Protected Landscape, Mount Arayat and other portions of national parks located in Bataan, Bulacan, Rizal and Tarlac form part of these upland forest ecosystem.

Largely intended for use in human settlement and industrial development, land reclamation projects contributed to the reduction of mangroves around the area, as well as significant reduction in Metro Manila's shoreline. From 1944 to 1991, approximately 600 m of shoreline have been reclaimed in the northern part.

In 2009, the Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya) said that there are 7,000 hectares of foreshore areas in Cavite and 5,000 hectares of shallow coastal waters to expand Sangley Point naval base as part of reclamation projects which are mostly funded by foreign investors.

Conversion of mangrove and mudflat areas into fishponds have impacted the physical features of the bay whereby what used to be irregular shoreline in 1944 has become more linear by 1977. Shoreline retreat continued as man-made structures such as fish pens occupied the coastal areas, with progradation dominant from 1977 to 1991.

Most area of the bay, except those near the ports, are largely used as a major fishing ground, with fisheries and aquaculture as the dominant source of livelihood for the inhabitants in the coastal areas.

From 1990, approximately 1,200 hectares of mangroves were cleared, with the land converted for aquaculture or used as salt beds. In 1993 much of the fisheries resources steadily declined due to over-fishing and over-harvesting.

Successive changes in and around Manila Bay are largely due to the intertwining impacts of continued industrialization, unrelenting increase in population, and the incessant human activities catering to livelihood and habitation.

These factors are directly degrading the overall environment of Manila Bay and these impacts are manifested in the continued deterioration of the water quality within the bay.

Several industries operate along the bay in the highly urbanized Metro Manila area, while there are shipyard facilities in Cavite and in Bataan, several more heavy industries, refineries and a power plant are present.

At the shipping ports and ferry terminals, an average of 30,000 ships arrive and depart annually to transport passengers, manufactured goods and raw materials.

Industrial waste discharges and discharges of untreated domestic wastes from drainage and sewer outlets have contributed to the severe decline in the quality of water and sediments in the bay as well as impacted on the existing marine habitats.

With the presence of ports, sea-based sources of pollution around the bay are from ships and motorized boats. Twelve oil spills were recorded in 1995, but it was in 1999 where the highest total volume of oil spill occurred in the Manila South Harbor and Limay, Bataan.

Increased presence of oil and grease in the waters are attributed to maritime activities at the harbors, together with the presence of oil terminals and the discharges from industries. These factors directly impacted the health of Manila Bay's waters.

Aside from oil spills, trace metals such as copper, cadmium and zinc at the surface of the water were found at the bay coming from sea-based and land-based e.g., domestic sewage, industrial effluents, runoff, combustion emissions, and mining operations sources.

In 1996, concentrations of 16 commonly used pesticides in surface sediment was found including dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane (DDT). Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) found in Manila Bay sediments have been influenced by human activities.

PAH come principally from petrogenic sources e.g., oil discharges from ships, refineries and industries and pyrolytic sources - from combustion sources.

Pesticide residues from rice paddy water draining into irrigation canals, which later on empty into river systems and eventually flowing into the surrounding lakes reaches the waters of Manila Bay.

Compounds from these pesticide residues find themselves in food items with metamidophos, endosulfan, chlorpyrifos and diazinon among the common contaminants. While chronic toxic effects on inhabitants of the bay are not found, impairment of marine biota were more evident.

In 1997, polychlorinated biphenyl congeners (PCBs), compounds common in transformers, hydraulic fluids, paint additives and pesticides were determined in sediments and oysters sampled from Manila Bay.

The increase in the nutrient concentration and presence of nitrate, ammonia and phosphate in the bay,from the '80s, through to the '90s and beyond are not only attributed to agricultural runoff and river discharges but also on fertilizers from fishponds.


Tourism Observer

CHINA: Langfang City Bans Christmas Celebrations

A city in Hebei province has canceled Christmas. Langfang, which borders on Southeast Beijing, has banned stores from putting up decorations like Christmas trees and Santas, while also prohibiting the sale of Christmas decorations and from holding outdoor Christmas-related events.

This is according to a paper circulated by the city’s Urban Management Bureau on Saturday, December 15. While the ban seems to be an outright prohibition of Christmas in the city, representatives at the Urban Management Bureau have stated that it comes as the city gears up to take part in the National Civilized Cities competition.

The notice additionally states that religious events taking place in parks, squares and other public venues will be prohibited, while also encouraging people to report any such gatherings to officials. No specific religion was mentioned in the statement.

Street hawkers selling goods such as Christmas apples, socks and other ornaments will also be punished. According to the notice, all law enforcement staff will be on duty on December 23, 24 and 25, to ensure that none of these regulations are flouted.

The above notice translates as:

“Each law enforcement unit should enhance supervisions and ban Christmas decorations on the streets in their entirety, including Christmas trees, Santas and other related objects. Remove Christmas-related stickers on shop windows, banners, decorative lightings, billboards and other publicity apparatuses. Shops are strictly prohibited from staging promotional shows during Christmas and law enforcement should fully control religious events taking place in parks, squares and other public venues. If discovered, they should be closely monitored and reported to superiors. During the holidays, especially on the 23rd, 24th and Christmas Day, all staff at city law enforcement units should be on duty. They are responsible for investigating and penalizing street hawkers who sell Christmas Eve apples, Christmas socks, Santa Claus-like goods, etc.”

Langfang, is a prefecture-level city of Hebei Province, which was known as Tianjin Prefecture until 1973. It was renamed Langfang Prefecture after Tianjin became a municipality and finally upgraded into a prefecture-level city in 1988. Langfang is located approximately midway between Beijing and Tianjin.

At the 2010 census, the population of Langfang was 4,358,839, of whom 868,066 lived in the built-up (or metro) area made of Guangyang and Anci districts; its total area is around 6,417.28 km2 (2,477.73 sq mi). Langfang borders Baoding to the southwest, Cangzhou to the south (both prefecture-level cities of Hebei), Beijing to the north and Tianjin to the east.

Sanhe City and Dachang Hui County are now conurbated with Beijing, so that they form part of the same built-up area. Langfang is the smallest prefecture-level city of Hebei Province by land area.

Considering Langfang's position between these two prominent cities, it is a relatively green city. Every 300 to 500 m (980 to 1,640 ft) along the city's major streets are parks where local people stroll and take exercise. Langfang's five-kilometer long pedestrian street is now the longest in China.

On the other hand, air pollution is a severe problem and in 2013 it was ranked among the 10 worst cities in China for air pollution, along with 6 other cities in Hebei including Xingtai, Shijiazhuang, Baoding, Handan, Hengshui and Tangshan, are among China's 10 most polluted cities.

Langfang's economy emphasizes computers and technology and manufacturing. To that effect Langfang is home to an export processing zone, an area for factories, and the Oriental University City, a 4-billion yuan investment that began construction in 1999, where some 30 universities enroll about 50,000 students.

There are two national oil and gas companies based in Langfang. The China Petroleum Pipeline Bureau, the primary builder of pipelines in China, and the ENN Group, a natural gas company, are both based in the city.

Langfang does not have its own port or airport, but is well connected. It is only a one-hour drive from Beijing Capital International Airport and the Tianjin New Port. Langfang Railway Station is situated on the Beijing–Harbin Railway.


Tourism Observer

Enjoy Lemongrass In A Drink, Food Or As An Insect Repellent

Cymbopogon, better known as lemongrass, is a genus of Asian, African, Australian, and tropical island plants in the grass family.

Some species mostly Cymbopogon citratus are commonly cultivated as culinary and medicinal herbs because of their scent, resembling that of lemons or Citrus limon. Common names include lemon grass, barbed wire grass, silky heads, citronella grass, cha de Dartigalongue, fever grass, tanglad, hierba Luisa, or gavati chahapati, amongst many others.

Lemongrass is widely used as a culinary herb in Asian cuisines and also as a medicinal herb in India. It has a subtle citrus flavor and can be dried and powdered, or used fresh. It is commonly used in teas, soups, and curries. It is also suitable for use with poultry, fish, beef, and seafood.

It is often used as a tea in African countries such as Togo, south eastern Ghana Volta Region and the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Latin American countries such as Mexico. Lemongrass oil is used as a pesticide and a preservative. Research shows that lemongrass oil has antifungal properties.

Lemongrass is a plant. The leaves and the oil are used to make medicine.

Lemongrass is commonly taken orally, applied directly to the skin, or inhaled as aromatherapy for many different conditions. But there is limited scientific research to support any of its common uses.

In food and beverages, lemongrass is used as a flavoring. For example, lemongrass leaves are commonly used as lemon flavoring in herbal teas.

In manufacturing, lemongrass is used as a fragrance in doedorants, soaps, and cosmetics. Lemongrass is also used in making vitamin A and natural citral.

Lemongrass might help prevent the growth of some bacteria and yeast. Lemongrass also contains substances that are thought to relieve pain and swelling, reduce fever, improve levels of sugar and cholesterol in the blood, stimulate the uterus and menstrual flow, and have antioxidant properties.

Despite its ability to repel some insects, such as mosquitoes, its oil is commonly used as a lure to attract honey bees. Lemongrass works conveniently as well as the pheromone created by the honeybee's Nasonov gland, also known as attractant pheromones.

Because of this, lemongrass oil can be used as a lure when trapping swarms or attempting to draw the attention of hived bees.

Citronella grass such as Cymbopogon nardus and Cymbopogon winterianus grow to about 2 m (6.6 ft) and have magenta-colored base stems. These species are used for the production of citronella oil, which is used in soaps, as an insect repellent most especially mosquitoes in insect sprays and candles, and in aromatherapy.

The principal chemical constituents of citronella, geraniol and citronellol, are antiseptics, hence their use in household disinfectants and soaps. Besides oil production, citronella grass is also used for culinary purposes, as a flavoring.

Citronella is usually planted in home gardens to ward off insects such as whitefly adults. Its cultivation enables growing some vegetables e.g. tomatoes and broccoli without applying pesticides. Intercropping should include physical barriers, for citronella roots can take over the field.

Lemongrass oil, used as a pesticide and preservative, is put on the ancient palm-leaf manuscripts found in India as a preservative.

It is used at the Oriental Research Institute Mysore, the French Institute of Pondicherry, the Association for the Preservation of the Saint Thomas Christian Heritage in Kerala, and many other manuscript collections in India.

The oil also injects natural fluidity into the brittle palm leaves, and the hydrophobic nature of the oil keeps the manuscripts dry so the text is not lost to decay due to humidity.

East Indian lemongrass or Cymbopogon flexuosus, also called Cochin grass or Malabar grass, is native to Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, India, Sri Lanka, Burma, and Thailand, while West Indian lemongrass or Cymbopogon citratus is native to South Asia and maritime Southeast Asia.

While both can be used interchangeably, C. citratus is more suitable for cooking. In India, C. citratus is used both as a medical herb and in perfumes. C. citratus is consumed as a tea for anxiety in Brazilian folk medicine, but a study in humans found no effect. The tea caused a recurrence of contact dermatitis in one case.

Lemongrass is also used as an addition to tea, and in preparations such as kadha, which is a traditional herbal brew used in Ayurvedic medicine.

Many people believe that lemongrass tea offers multiple health benefits, but researchers have not yet conducted enough large-scale studies to prove these benefits.

Doctors do know that the tea can help fight against free radicals, thus reducing the incidence of inflammation in the body. Lemongrass contains the inflammation-fighting compounds chlorogenic acid, isoorientin, and swertiajaponin.

Inflammation is a factor in many adverse health conditions, including pain and heart disease. As such, lemongrass tea could be a beneficial drink for people to incorporate into their diet.

Health benefits from drinking lemongrass tea.

1. Relieving anxiety

Many people find sipping hot tea to be relaxing, but lemongrass tea may offer further anxiety-reducing properties.

According to the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, smelling lemongrass may help people with anxiety. Although some people already inhale lemongrass essential oil to relieve stress and anxiety, researchers still need more evidence to be able to confirm this benefit.

2. Lowering cholesterol

According to an article in the Journal of Advanced Pharmaceutical Technology & Research, consuming lemongrass extracts appears to lower cholesterol in animals.

The study notes that the reaction is dose-dependent. This means that larger quantities of lemongrass might lower cholesterol further.

3. Preventing infection

According to the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, study results suggest that lemongrass may have some infection-preventing capabilities.

For example, the herb seems to reduce the incidence of thrush, a fungal infection that commonly affects people with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV.

4. Boosting oral health

In many countries where the lemongrass plant is native to the area, people will take the lemongrass stalks and chew on them as a way to improve dental health and keep the mouth feeling clean.

The Food Chemistry journal published a study confirming these findings. The authors looked at 12 herbs and found that lemongrass herbal extracts were one of the most potent inhibitors of bacterial growth in lab samples. They used bacteria that can cause cavities in the mouth, including Streptococcus sanguinis.

5. Relieving pain

According to one study, lemongrass may be able to block pain. This means that drinking lemongrass tea could potentially help to prevent a person from sensing pain.

6. Boosting red blood cell levels

The results of a 2015 study suggest that drinking lemongrass tea infusions daily for 30 days can increase hemoglobin concentration, packed cell volume, and red blood cell count in the body.

The researchers took blood tests from 105 human subjects at the start, and then at 10 and 30 days into the study. They concluded that drinking lemongrass tea boosts the formation of red blood cells.

While they did not identify precisely how lemongrass does this, they did suggest that the tea's antioxidant properties could play a role.

7. Relieving bloating

Drinking lemongrass tea can have diuretic effects, which means that it stimulates the kidneys to release more urine than usual.

According to a small-scale study in the Journal of Renal Nutrition, drinking lemongrass tea increases urine output more than other beverages.

This diuretic effect on the body can be beneficial in cases where water retention leads to bloating. This is a common symptom of premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

Lemongrass tea recipe

It is possible to make lemongrass tea at home. After purchasing the stalks at a grocery store or herbalist, people can take the following steps to brew their tea:

- cut the stalks into 1- to 2-inch pieces

- boil a cup of water

- pour the boiling water over the lemongrass stalks to steep

- leave the stalks in the water for at least 5 minutes

- strain the liquid from the stalks and pour into a teacup

- Adding ice cubes will create a cold lemongrass tea.

The tea should have a fresh, citrusy taste. A person should start with one cup of lemongrass tea per day, then add more to their diet over the next days if they wish to.

Alternatively, most grocery and health food stores sell lemongrass tea. It is also available to purchase online.

Lemongrass tea can be a delicious beverage that also offers health benefits.

While most of the studies to date on lemongrass tea are small-scale or lab-based, results show that lemongrass tea can help to improve oral health, lower cholesterol, and relieve bloating.

In addition to drinking lemongrass as a tea, people can add the herb into dishes such as soups and stir fries.

Tourism Observer

UNITED KINGDOM: Passengers Stuck At Gatwick Airport After Two Drones Were Spotted Flying Over The Airfield

The runway at Gatwick remains closed on Thursday morning following reports of drones flying close to the airport – despite briefly reopening overnight.

Flights in and out of the airport were suspended at about 9pm on Wednesday after two drones were sighted near the airfield.

Gatwick announced that the runway had reopened at about 3am on Thursday – but just 45 minutes later it was shut again.

Thousands of passengers at one of the UK's busiest airports are experiencing flight disruption after drones were seen over the airfield.

Gatwick's runway remains closed after two of the devices were seen nearby.

About 10,000 passengers were affected as flights were unable to take off and incoming planes were redirected with some landing in Paris and Amsterdam.

Moreover the law says:

- It is illegal to fly a drone within 1km of an airport or airfield boundary

- Flying above 400ft (120m) - which increases the risk of a collision with a manned aircraft is illegal

- Endangering the safety of an aircraft is a criminal offence which can carry a prison sentence of five years

Chief operating officer Chris Woodroofe said staff were trying to find a drone reported as still being in the air.

The airport said 110,000 passengers were due to either take off or land at the airport on 760 flights on Thursday.

Passengers faced delays to their travels on Wednesday night as some flights were unable to leave the tarmac while others were diverted to alternative airports.

Some people reported being left stuck on planes for several hours while they waited to find out what was going on.

Gatwick advised anyone flying from the airport, or collecting someone, to check the status of their flight.

A spokeswoman added that airlines were working to provide affected passengers with hotel accommodation or transport for those whose flights were diverted.

Those due to travel have been told to check the status of their flight, while Easyjet told its passengers not to go to Gatwick if their flights have been cancelled.

European air traffic management group Eurocontrol said the runway would remain closed until 11:00 GMT.

The shutdown started just after 21:00 on Wednesday when two drones were spotted being flown over the airfield.

The runway was briefly reopened at about 03:01, the airport said, but forced to close again about 45 minutes later amid a further sighting of drones.

Police units and a helicopter were still hunting for the drone operator after another device was reported just before 07:00.

Two drones had been seen flying over the perimeter fence and into where the runway operates from, sparking significant disruption.

Police did not shoot the devices down because of the risk from stray bullets.

It is illegal to fly a drone within 1km of an airport or airfield boundary.

Planes were diverted to other airports including London Heathrow, Luton and Manchester.

Some services were re-routed to as far away as Cardiff, Paris and Amsterdam.

Crowds of passengers waited inside Gatwick's terminal for updates, while others reported being stuck on waiting planes for several hours.

Gatwick Airport said airlines were working to provide affected passengers with hotel accommodation or provide alternative travel options.

A spokesman apologised for any inconvenience and said staff were working alongside Sussex Police to investigate the drone sightings.

British Airways said a very small number of flights had been diverted.

The airport expects to welcome a record-breaking number of passengers over this year's Christmas period.

It predicts 2.9m people will pass through its gates during the festive getaway, with 73,000 of those due to depart this Sunday.


Tourism Observer

World Travel Awards Honours Sandals Resorts International

Sandals Resorts International (SRI) says it is thrilled to have been recognized at the prestigious 25th Annual World Travel Awards Grand Final Gala Ceremony.

According to the resort, this demonstrates the brand’s continued commitment to excellence.

Most notably, Sandals Resorts International took home the World’s Leading All-Inclusive Company award for the 23rd consecutive year, SRI said in a news release Tuesday.

The Luxury Included® resort company noted that it rose above other highly acclaimed hotel brands throughout the world with recognition across award categories.

They included – World’s Leading All-Inclusive Company 2018 – Sandals Resorts International World’s Leading All-Inclusive Family Brand 2018 – Beaches Resorts World’s Leading All-Inclusive Resort 2018 – Sandals Grenada Resort & Spa.

General Manager Sandals Halcyon Beach Resort Chris Elliott, was quoted as saying that it is customary for the resort to win awards.

We invest in training for our team members and we are on a constant mission to upgrade our resorts. In fact, right now, we are excited to have just added a world class pool which is by all accounts the longest meandering pool in the Caribbean.

Our Honeymoon Hideaway Village has been totally upgraded to a world class level for our Guests. This is why we will continue to win accolades. We understand our guests, and how to take care of them, Elliott explained.

The World Travel Awards were established in 1993 with the purpose of acknowledging and celebrating achievements in all areas of the world’s travel and tourism industry.

Today, the World Travel Awards brand is globally recognized as the ultimate hallmark of quality, the SRI release noted.


Tourism Observer

ST. LUCIA: Butler In Sexual Assault Law Suit After Hugging Guest

John & Ashley Reid Pascarella
Former Sandals butler, Moral Adderley, who is at the centre of a sexual assault lawsuit against the resort in the Bahamas, said in a weekend interview that the bride to be who is his accuser asked him for a hug.

In the exclusive interview with Eyewitness News in the Bahamas, Adderley suggested that the $30 million lawsuit filed by America nationals Ashley Reid Pascarella and her husband John Pascarella against Sandals was part of a gimmick.

According to the news reports, court documents allege that Adderley entered the couple’s bedroom and proceeded to take sexual liberties with her, including fondling and groping the woman.

The husband to was said to have been in the bathroom at the time.

The incident allegedly took place on the night of April 15, 2016, the eve of the couple’s wedding.

Adderley has denied he claims made against him.

He told Eyewitness News that the couple always commended him on the service he provided as a butler and introduced him to their entire family who were in the Bahamas for the wedding to let them know what a ‘wonderful butler’ he was.

Adderley, who had a number of awards he had been given by Sandals for outstanding work on display during the television interview, recalled that after a cocktail party, the couple said they would turn in for the night.

He said the husband to be asked him to bring a couple of bottles of water.

Adderley said after obtaining the water he observed protocol by knocking on the door to the couple’s room and asserting his name as the butler.

“Within a few seconds, if there is no answer, then you enter the room,” the former butler disclosed.

He told the television station that in this case, the husband to be opened the door.

“I then asked him where would he like me to place the bottles of water. He said I could place it on both ends of the bed.”

According to Adderley, the wife to be was laying on the bed, awake.

He said he asked her whether she was happy about getting married, to which she replied in the affirmative.

He said before leaving the room he asked her whether she wanted to place a breakfast order which she did.

“As I proceeded to take the breakfast order she said ‘Moral, you are the best. Can I have a hug before you leave?'” Adderley disclosed.

He explained that the husband to be was in the bathroom area at that time.

Adderley observed that the butler suite at Sandals is small.

“It’s really small so one can see what another one is doing at all given times and like I said, he was in the bathroom area and when I hugged her, he walked out and when he walked out I said ‘Mr. Reid, would you like to place a breakfast order as well?’ He said ‘Sure’.”

“After I took his breakfast order, he let me out of the room. There was never any issue.”

Adderley told Eyewitness News that as he was completing his duties that night, he heard a big commotion outside the butler lounge.

“I walked out and I saw Mr. Reid. I said ‘Mr Reid, is everything okay?’ He said ‘No. Everything is not okay. My wife said you touched her butt’. I said ‘That’s obscene. Your wife asked me for a hug.”

Adderley pointed out that it would be hard for him to touch someone’s butt while they were sitting on a bed and he is hugging them.

He said the next morning he was asked to see the General Manager of the resort.

Adderley told Eyewitness News that the resort told him to make a report to the police station, not knowing that when he left Sandals he had been fired ‘immediately’.

“They never took a statement from me. I was fired immediately.”

He recalled that the driver manager and the butler manager drove him to the police station.

“I never made a report. I got arrested immediately after walking into the station. I never had a fair opportunity,” the former butler told Eyewitness News.

He lamented that Sandals took the oath of their guests over one of their star employees who had won numerous awards and did the best he could for the resort.

Adderley is reported to have pleaded guilty to indecent assault in a Magistrate’s court.

Explaining why, he told Eyewitness News that his initial plea was not guilty.

“I made a hasty, unwise decision at the time by not taking a lawyer with me to court because I didn’t know the extent of this case,” he stated.

He explained that he was remanded to prison for three months.

Adderly explained that he is the sole provider for his family, just three months into his marriage and his father had passed away around the same time, being cremated by mistake in a body mix-up.

“There was so much going on at the time – his funeral would have been that Saturday which I initially explained to the Judge and she could not have given me bail,” he told Eyewitness News, explaining that he would have missed his father’s memorial service.

“My wife and my daughter would have been by themselves for three months because I would have been remanded,” he stated.

He observed that even if he had applied for bail he would have missed his father’s memorial, since there was never a body.

“When I made the not guilty claim and she remanded me to Her Majesty’s Prison, I asked her if I was to change my plea,” Aderley said, at this point becoming emotional and wiping away tears.

He said the Judge informed him that should he change his plea it would go on his record and he would have to pay a fine.

He said his family told him not to go that route.

But he told Eyewitness News it was easier for him to change his plea from not guilty to guilty, pay the fine and walk.

He said he pleaded guilty for the sake of his father and his family.


Tourism Observer

SOUTH SUDAN: Female Pilots Of South Sudan

Women in Africa are taking over the skies, and the latest woman to set her eyes on this prize is Amel Ajongo, South Sudan’s second female pilot.

At just 20, Ajongo went to aviation school in Nairobi, Kenya, where she spent two and a half years training.

Ajongo says she ended up as the only woman in her class even though it had started out with eight women in a class of eleven.

Although she successfully completed her courses, she is yet to start piloting as she is working on a different project that might take months.

The daughter of the country’s former defence minister, James Ajongo Mawut, has also encouraged other women not to limit themselves and continue to work harder to achieve their goals.

Ajongo now joins the ranks of the first female pilot of South Sudan, Captain Aluel Bol, who made history in 2011. She had worked at Ethiopian Airlines and Fly Dubai before joining Delta Airline.

The first South Sudanese pilot, Captain Aluel James Bol is on a history making spree after she became a pilot at Delta Airlines, a leading global airline company.

Captain Aluel first made history in 2011 when she graduated as the first female pilot in the whole of Sudan.

"I feel extremely delighted especially at the mere thought of achieving my dream. As a child growing up, I always wanted to be a pilot and my late dad made sure that he did all what it takes to make me succeed,” said the 34-year old from Lakes State at a State reception held in her honour.

The reception was also used as a platform to encourage Sudanese women to ‘get out of the kitchen and fly high.’

Aluel worked with Ethiopian Airlines after graduation and later Fly Dubai where she was a first class pilot.

After her stint at Ethiopian Airlines, she took up an advisory role with the Ministry of Transport and Roads in South Sudan government.

Aluel got her aviation training in the United States through the support of her government.

She is the daughter of the late Justice James Bol.


Tourism Observer

JAMAICA: Bob Marley Museum

One Love

The museum is situated on the site of the legendary musician’s home, which he purchased in 1975. This house, featuring 19th-century architecture, was Marley’s home until his transition in 1981. It was converted into a museum six years later by his wife, Mrs Rita Marley. The main museum displays Marley’s personal treasures.

The property also features a well-equipped 80-seat theatre, a photographic gallery, a record shop and a gift shop filled with a wide array of Bob Marley memorabilia.

Relax and enjoy a sumptuous meal from the One Love Café after you’ve completed your tour which offers a peek into every aspect of Bob Marley’s life.

Tour Availability

Combo “One Love” Tour reservations are valid for same day tours of Bob Marley Museum and Tuff Gong International. Tours are offered every half hour from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM at both iconic locations. When you arrive on-site for check-in, your group will join the next available tour.

Please note that transportation from one location to the other is not included in our package. We are however happy to assist you with procuring transportation from a reputable taxi service.

Bob Marley Home Tour

Starting at $25 | Explore the home of reggae legend Bob Marley!

Tour Duration

1 hour and 15 minutes (including a 20-minute video presentation)

Tour Availability

Tours are offered Monday through Saturday, every half hour from 9:30 AM until 4:00 PM.

Please note: The museum is closed on Sundays and some major public holidays.

Tour Summary

The Bob Marley Museum is the former home of the reggae legend. Bob’s home is filled with rich memories and treasured mementos, which seek to preserve the life and accomplishment of this great Jamaican and outstanding musician.

Enter the Museum and allow us to envelop you with the sights and sounds of Bob, as you take a guided tour of this Jamaican Heritage Site. Our friendly, charming and knowledgeable guides will escort you through the grounds, which include the main house, exhibition hall, theatre, gift shops and the One Love Café.

All the original rooms have been kept as they were when Bob lived here to ensure authenticity. The displays include a life size 3-dimensional hologram of Bob from the One Love Peace Concert in 1978, his Grammy Lifetime Achievement award, his personal recording studio, his bedroom, favourite clothing, a vast array of gold and platinum records received from all around the world, as well as the costumes of his back-up singers, the I-Threes.

The air-conditioned theatre boasts modern state-of-the-art projection equipment, where live performances of Bob are showcased to each guided tour. The One Love Café serves Marley inspired recipes and juices, and you will find a variety of Bob Marley souvenir items available at the Bob Marley Gift Shop.

Tour Accessibility and Activity Level

This 75-minute cultural excursion is a leisurely walk and is partially handicap accessible for guests with collapsible wheelchairs and walkers. Please be mindful, however, that the house itself is a two-storey building with narrow stairs.

Three restrooms are available to patrons along the tour pathway. We suggest international guests wear comfortable clothing including walking shoes. As with all tropical climes, insect repellent, sunscreen and attention to hydration are encouraged.

Bob Marley’s “Making of the Music” Tour

Starting at $20 | Tour the legendary Tuff Gong recording studio.

Tour Duration

1 hour

Tour Availability

Tours are offered Monday through Saturday, every half hour from 9:30 AM until 4:00 PM.

Please note: Tuff Gong is closed on Sundays and some major public holidays.

Tour Summary

Experience Bob Marley’s visionary legacy via Bob Marley’s “Making of the Music” Tour; an “edutaining”, 60-minute interactive behind the scenes look at the record-making process, from rehearsal to album, in the Caribbean’s most famous state-of-art facility.

As the springboard in the preparation and perfection of an artiste’s performance and recording, our rehearsal room is the first stop on this guided, interactive revelation of music making intricacies.

Replete with stage, microphones, keyboards, drums, control board and other instruments to include one of Bob’s very own grand pianos, our rehearsal room has been the ideal honing space for many of the greatest names in the world’s music industry.

Along your musical journey, you will see and hear about “Ride Natty Ride” the tour transport truck purchased by the Legend himself. Follow internationally famous footsteps into our artiste’s lounge, engineer’s room and our recording studio, one of the Caribbean’s largest live recording spaces.

View photographs and learn about the family, the band, and the many other international icons in the company of the great man himself.

Globetrotting mega-stars consider the validation of any credible resume in reggae must include a recording in this space, so steeped in the Legend’s history. Discover first-hand how records are made, from the original acetate disc and vinyl pebbles, to the final pressed 45 or LP.

See automatic and manual pressing equipment and learn how they work.

Secure those must have gift items including vinyl records or compact discs. Sign our visitor’s book and enjoy some great reggae music.

Uncover your own island identity during this “One Love” excursion.

Tour Accessibility and Activity Level

This 60-minute cultural excursion covers about 1,380 feet in an easy leisurely walk and is handicap accessible for guests with collapsible wheelchairs and walkers. There are only three steps or stair like fixtures of which only one is greater than one step up.

Three restrooms are available to patrons along the tour pathway. We suggest international guests wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes, and use insect repellent and sunscreen.

Museum Attractions

Museum Gift Shop

The gift shop supplies a wide variety of Bob Marley paraphernalia, including a vast selection of Marley clothing, footwear, keychains, posters, postcards, mugs and more!

Museum Record Shop

Stop by our record shop and you’re sure to find your favourite Marley albums from our extensive vinyl and CD collections.

Tuff Gong Record Shop

The Tuff Gong Record Shop offers one-stop shopping for all Marley and Tuff Gong merchandise. Check out our selection of books, apparel, posters, CDs, DVDs, headphones and classic vinyl records including:

• Products from House of Marley
• Marley coffee
• Books on Bob Marley
• Cedella Marley’s children’s books

Bob Marley Foundation

The museum continues to honour Bob Marley’s life and legacy through the Bob Marley Foundation which implements social intervention projects. These projects aim to preserve the spiritual, cultural, social and musical ideals that guided and inspired Bob Marley throughout his life. Since its inception, the Foundation has successfully implemented several projects all geared towards transforming lives.

Marley for Education

To date, the Marley for Education programme has awarded scholarships of school books, school fees and school uniforms to approximately 2,000 students, aged 3-17, from depressed inner-city communities such as Seaview Gardens, Trench Town and Tivoli Gardens.

Help us to continue to educate our youths.

Marley for Music

Through the Music in School programme, the Foundation has renovated and outfitted music rooms at the world renowned Alpha Institute, and in the inner-city community of Paradise Gardens, downtown Kingston. These music rooms will assist talented youths to realize their musical dreams.

Help us to continue this mission.

Marley for Youth Empowerment

The Bob Marley Foundation has, since 2015, partnered with Partners for Youth Empowerment and Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream to host the One Love Youth Camp. Each year, the camp brings 50 at-risk youths and facilitators together for a five-day life-changing and empowering residential camp experience.

The Bob Marley Foundation also partners with Women’s Centre of Jamaica Foundation to provide computers to facilitate distance learning for girls living in rural Jamaica.

Help us to continue to empower our youths.

Marley for Health

The Marley for Health programme, has donated over JA$15.4M in equipment to the Bustamante Hospital for Children, The Victoria Jubilee and St. Ann’s Bay Hospital and the Women’s Health Network to boost healthcare delivery across Jamaica.

Help us to continue this mission.

Bob lived true to the words, “My life no important to me, but other people life important. My life only important if me can help plenty of people.” Join us as we seek to fulfill the vision of The Honourable Robert Nesta Marley O.M. while reaching those in need through love and brotherhood.

Bob Marley Museum’s Address

Come join us for your tour at

56 Hope Road in Kingston, Jamaica

Tuff Gong’s Address

Come join us for your tour at

220 Marcus Garvey Drive in Kingston, Jamaica

Tourism Observer

BOTSWANA: Nearly 90 Elephants Murdered, Ivory Stolen

Nearly ninety elephants have been killed close to a famous park in the southern African country of Botswana, conservation group Elephants Without Borders have disclosed.

Almost all of the dead animals had their tusks removed stressing the view that the incident was directly connected to the activities of poachers.

Botswana has the world’s largest elephant population but according to Dr Mike Chase from Elephants Without Borders, the incident could have a devastating effect on its tourism industry. He is the scientist carrying out an extensive survey of the deaths.

I’m shocked, I’m completely astounded. The scale of elephant poaching is by far the largest I’ve seen or read about anywhere in Africa to date,Dr Mike Chase said

When I compare this to figures and data from the Great Elephant Census, which I conducted in 2015, we are recording double the number of fresh poached elephants than anywhere else in Africa, he added.

He also linked the incident to the disarming of Botswana’s anti-poaching unit since the coming into office of President Eric Masisi. The current deaths are said to have happened weeks back and further in the country close to the protected Okavango Delta wildlife sanctuary.

The Okavango Delta is a vast inland river delta in northern Botswana. It’s known for its sprawling grassy plains, which flood seasonally, becoming a lush animal habitat. It is described as Africa’s last eden.

The government at the time of disarming the anti-poaching unit did not give a reason for the move and has also yet to respond to the latest report. The survey is still underway and it is feared that the final figure could be higher.

This requires urgent and immediate action by the Botswana government. Botswana has always been at the forefront of conservation and it will require political will.

Our new president must uphold Botswana’s legacy and tackle this problem quickly. Tourism is vitally important for our economy, jobs, as well as our international reputation, which is at stake here as being a safe stronghold for elephants. said Mr Chase.

ETHIOPIA: Ethiopian Airlines Expanding Routes In Africa

Ethiopian Airlines is accelerating its strategy of weaving a patchwork of new African routes to soak up traffic on the continent and fly customers towards its more lucrative flights to rapidly expanding Asian markets.

With a long-delayed African “open skies” revolution still mired in red tape, Ethiopian has been snapping up stakes in small carriers around the continent to pre-empt potential rivals and become the dominant pan-African airline.

The carrier is in talks with Democratic Republic of Congo, Congo Republic and Djibouti about either launching airlines or securing landing spots, CEO Tewolde GebreMariam said.

He also said in May the airline was looking to set up carriers in Equatorial Guinea and Guinea through joint ventures.

The task of African integration is not easy, Tewolde said in an interview. The context is the need for air transport. There is huge demand. We are responding to it.

Ethiopian’s push comes as Middle Eastern rivals who expanded heavily in Africa are feeling some pain from overcapacity, while African carriers such as South African Airways and Kenya Airways are on the back foot after losing money for years.

The success or failure of Ethiopian’s plan is being watched by long-haul competitors such as Turkish Airlines and suppliers led by Boeing and, more recently, Airbus.

Ethiopian’s fortunes are also important for Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s government, which has said it plans to sell a minority stake in the airline to domestic and foreign investors as part of broad economic reform pledges.

Ethiopian unveiled its 15-year expansion strategy in 2010, and started small. First it helped launch ASKY Airlines in the West African country of Togo and then acquired a 49 percent stake in Malawi’s flag carrier in southern Africa in 2013.

Since May, Ethiopian has announced plans to launch an airline in Mozambique, relaunched Zambia’s flag carrier, established a new airline in Chad to cover West and Central Africa and resumed flights to Somalia after a 41-year hiatus.

The prize is growing fast. Air traffic in Africa is forecast to grow 6 percent a year, twice as quickly as mature markets and faster than any other region over the next two decades.

Ethiopian is hoping to snare a greater share of capacity on flights between cities in Africa, which are already 90-percent controlled by African carriers.

In most cases so far, Ethiopian has taken minority stakes in start-up airlines and tried to implant its management culture, often in nations haunted by costly failures of state carriers.

Tewolde also wants to claw back market share on routes to and from the continent, dominated by Turkish and Gulf carrier Emirates. This year, 61 percent of capacity to or from Africa has been controlled by non-African carriers.

There are big risks.

Ethiopian is spending tens of millions of dollars in some of Africa’s toughest markets and the strategy of buying minority stakes to get a foothold abroad has failed spectacularly for some, such as Abu Dhabi’s Etihad.

Analysts worry accelerated expansion may spread Ethiopian too thinly if traffic doesn’t pick up fast enough at its new hubs in Togo, Malawi and Chad.

The regional hubs are designed partly to channel customers to Ethiopian’s main hub in Addis Ababa and so fill its direct flights to the Middle East and Asia.

Open skies?

There are also concerns that none is in a major African city. Lome is far smaller than west African cities such as Nigeria’s economic capital Lagos, or Abidjan in Ivory Coast, while Chad’s dusty desert capital is even smaller.

You want to build (a hub) in a place where you are going to get local traffic and connecting traffic, said Craig Jenks, president of consultancy Airline/Aircraft Projects Inc

Tewolde said the new airline in Chad would draw in passengers from Cameroon, Central African Republic, Niger, northern Nigeria and Sudan.

Yamlaksira Getachew, a management professor at Loyola Marymount University, warned Zambia’s relaunched flag carrier could steal traffic from Ethiopian’s existing southern African hub in neighbouring Malawi.

Ethiopian has been forced to adopt the piecemeal approach to expansion because full air transport liberalisation has failed to materialise, despite several attempts.

In 1999, 44 African countries signed the Yamoussoukro Decision in Ivory Coast’s capital giving airlines freedom to ferry passengers between two foreign countries.

But the agreement was barely implemented as governments moved to protect domestic carriers.

To try to revive the stalled process, 23 African governments signed another deal this year to forge a single aviation market.

So far, Ethiopian’s plan appears to be working. It says it has clocked average growth of 25 percent a year since 2010 and expects to carry nearly 10.6 million passengers this year, up from 3.7 million eight years ago.

Unlike many African rivals, it is also making money. Net profit rose 2 percent to $233 million in its 2017-18 fiscal year.

It says Western banks are helping to fund plans to boost its fleet of 108 planes, with 66 more on order.

Highlighting the potential riches at stake, Chinese banks are involved too, partly reflecting Beijing’s drive to build a new trade corridor to the Middle East and Africa, bankers said.


Tourism Observer

BOTSWANA: Tourist Visa On Arrival Introduced In Botswana

In an effort to improve the ease of doing business in Botswana,Botswana will offer TOURIST VISA at point of entry effective 24th November 2018. This announcement was made by HE, The President of Botswana, Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi at the HLCC meeting held today( 15-Nov-2018)

Botswana has become the latest African nation to relax visa requirements in a bid to improve tourism and the ease of doing business in the country.

The Southern African nation will offer tourist visas on arrival effective November 24, the president announced.

President Mokgweetsi Masisi, who is expected to attend this weekend’s extraordinary African Union summit in Ethiopia, announced the new visa development on Thursday.

While the African Union (AU) set a 2018 deadline for the removal of visa requirements for all African citizens in all African countries, a recent AU report found that Africans can travel without a visa to just 22% of other African countries.

Rwanda, Benin and recently Ethiopia, are some of the African nations that relaxed visa requirements for all African citizens this year.

It is exactly 53 days before the year comes to an end and we usher in 2019. Many of us made resolutions in the beginning of the year, well we have a few days left to accomplish our goals. With this in mind I would like to go back to a major goal that encompasses our continent.

The African Union set a 2018 deadline for the removal of visa requirements for all African citizens in all African countries.

The Free Movement of Persons and the African Passport policy was adopted by the African Union at the 27th ordinary session held in Kigali, Rwanda in July 2016.

African states were expected to adopt the African passport and work closely with the AU Commission to facilitate its issuance at the national level based on international, continental and national policy provisions and continental design and specifications.

How far along have we come one may ask? A recent AU report found that Africans can travel without a visa to just 22% of other African countries.

What is Visa?

A visa is the authority given to foreign nationals to enter Botswana.

Who is eligible to apply for this service?

All Citizens of Commonwealth countries do not require visa except those from Bangladesh, Cameroon, Ghana, India, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. Foreign nationals whose countries have signed a Visa Abolition Agreement with Botswana are also not required to apply for a visa.

N.B. Those who have permits but decide to stay outside the country for more than six months are required to apply for a visa when they come back to Botswana.

What is required for application of this service?

- Covering letter from the host.

- Certified copies of permits (work and residence) from the host or the National Identity Card (Omang).

- Application form filled by the applicant.

- Itinerary or flight schedule

- Copies of business documents (if the host is running a business).

- Copies of marriage certificate, birth certificate, and ordination certificate (pastors)

- Bank statements and hotel bookings.

Where can I apply for a visa?

There are 20 diplomatic missions in 17 countries around the world where visa applications can also be made: Australia, Belgium, Brazil, China, Ethiopia, India, Japan, Kenya, Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa (Pretoria, Johannesburg, Cape Town), Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United Nations(New York), Zambia and Zimbabwe.

List of countries whose nationals/citizens do not require a visa for entry into Botswana.

- All Commonwealth countries (except for Bangaldesh,Cameroon,Ghana, India, Nigeria, Pakistan and Sri Lanka).

- Agentina

- Angola

- Austria

- Bahrain

- Belgium

- Brazil

- Bulgaria

- Chile

- Czech Republic

- Costa Rica

- Croatia

- Cuba

- Denmark

- Dominican Republic

- Estonia

- Federal Republic of Germany

- Finland

- France

- Greece

- Holy See

- Iceland

- Israel

- Italy

- Japan

- Kuwait

- Latvia

- Liechtenstin

- Luxembourg

- Mexico

- Monaco

- Netherlands

- Norway and Colonies

- Oman

- Paraguay

- Peru

- Poland

- Portugal

- Qatar

- Republic of Ireland

- Romania

- Russian Federation

- San Marino

- Slovak Republic

- Slovania

- South Arabia

- South Korea

- South Sudan

- Spain

- Sweden

- Switzerland

- Turkey

- United Arab Emirates

- United States of America

- Uruguay

- Venezuela

- Zambia

- Zimbabwe

NB: All countries that are not listed require visa for entry into Botswana.

Applicants can also submit applications at Regional and District Offices around the country.

How long does it take to get a visa?

7 - 14 days

NB: Customers are expected to collect their passports within seven days and if they don’t they are phoned to come and collect them. Those who applied at the Regional and District Offices are posted back to the responses at their respective offices.

Downloadable Form


Visas for Botswana

IMMIGRATION AND VISAS

Passport Requirements
A passport is required by all travellers except the following:
1. Travellers with a 'Laissez Passer' that is issued by the United Nations.

2. Travellers with a document issued to people without nationality or citizenship and refugees according to the UN Convention.

Document Validity

Passports and alternative papers, or either of them, must be valid on arrival.

Visa Issuance

Before arrival: A visa may be issued, if necessary, by the Immigration and Passport Control Office (Post Office Box no. 942, Gaborone); or by representations of Botswana abroad; or by British embassies or consulates in countries where Botswana hasn't representation. However, applicants from South Africa may apply directly to the Immigration and Passport Control Office (Post Office Box no. 942, Gaborone, Botswana).

Visa Exemptions

All travellers must hold a visa except the following:
1. Citizens of Botswana.

2. Travellers staying for no more than 90 days for the following travellers:

2.1. Travellers with British passports regardless of endorsement in passport concerning their citizenship.

2.2. Travellers with passports issued by Hong Kong (A Special Administrative Region of China).

2.3. Citizens of Antigua & Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Belize, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Estonia, Fiji, Finland, France, Gambia, Germany, Greece, Grenada, Guyana, Iceland, Republic of Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Kenya, Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Kuwait, Latvia, Lesotho, Lichtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Namibia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Samoa San Marino, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Spain, St. Kitts-Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Tanzania, Tonga, Trinidad & Tobago, Tuvalu, Uganda, Uruguay, United States of America, Vanuatu, Vatican City, Venezuela, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

2.4. Travellers with United Nations travel documents so long as such documents are issued by the Botswana Government and endorsed with a return clause; other travellers with United Nations travel documents need an entry visa.

2.5. Travellers with documents issued to refugees and people without nationality or citizenship according to the UN Convention. However, a visa before arrival is required if those travellers are not visa-exempted according to their nationality.

3. Travellers with a residence permit that is issued by Botswana.

TWOV (Transit Without Visa)

TWOV is permissible for travellers continuing their trip via the same or first connecting plane without leaving the airport.

Additional information

1. Travellers must have enough money for their stay in Botswana and return or onward tickets.

2. Any traveller, whether requiring a visa or not, who wants to stay in Botswana for more than 90 days should apply for a prior permission for an extended period. This permission should be applied to the Immigration and Passport Control Office (Post Office Box no. 942, Gaborone). No visitor is allowed to work or to look for work.

CUSTOMS AND FOREIGN EXCHANGE

Import regulations

Travellers are allowed free import of:
- 50 millilitres of perfume and 250 millilitres of toilet water.
- One litre of alcoholic drinks and two litres of wine.
- Gift articles up to a total value of BWP 500.
- 250 grammes of tobacco, 50 cigars and 400 cigarettes.

Export regulations

Free export of souvenirs and presents up to a value of BWP 500.

Pets

Pets are allowed to enter. As for cats and dogs, they must be accompanied by an import permit from the Director of Veterinary Services (located at Private Bag 0032, Gaborone, Botswana). Furthermore, a health certificate is required indicating that the animal was immunized with the Flury or Kelev vaccine against rabies not less than 30 days and not more than 3 years before importation for dogs; and not less than one month and not more than one year before importation for cat.

Baggage Clearance regulations

A traveller's luggage should be cleared at the airport of final destination in Botswana.
* Exemptions:
Luggage of transit travellers whose destination is outside Botswana.

Airport tax

Travellers are not required to pay any airport tax upon their departure from the airport.

Currency Import regulations

There are no restrictions on importing local currency (Botswana Pula-BWP) and foreign currencies provided imported sums are declared.

Currency Export regulations

Travellers are allowed to export local currency (Botswana Pula-BWP) up to BWP 50.

Travellers are allowed to export foreign currencies up to the amount that is imported and declared.

Additional Information on regulations

Travellers have to declare all articles with serial numbers by means of form no. DA65. On their departure day, travellers have to endorse that form by the Customs Officer on duty. On the other hand, all valuable commodities without serial numbers have to be declared via an NEP-form, which travellers can acquire, fill in and stamp at any commercial bank. On their departure day, travellers have to endorse that form by the Customs Officer on duty.

Arms and Ammunition regulations

Ammunition and firearms have to be declared upon arrival. If goods are re-imported, the traveller must show the DA65 form or the NEP form that was issued on his/her departure.



a href="http://www.tourismobserver.com">Tourism Observer

ESWATINI: Prime Minister Bans Lavish Travel For Officials

The newly-appointed prime minister of the tiny kingdom of eSwatini on Friday banned first-class air travel for top government officials as part of a slew of measures to control spending.

Prime Minister Ambrose Dlamini, who took office a month ago, also announced that he will not buy a new car for himself but inherit the old one used by his predecessor as the economy battles slowing growth.

Following the current economic challenges facing the kingdom, the cabinet has decided to implement major interim fiscal decisions to enhance financial prudence and controls so as to spend as little money as possible, he said in a statement.

Dlamini said all senior officials including himself and ministers will no longer travel first class but in business class when flying on national duties.

All other public servants will fly in economy class.

All foreign trips by government officials would be vetted to ensure they were of national importance.

A former banker and national executive of Africa’s leading mobile operator MTN, Dlamini was last month named prime minister by King Mswati III, to replace Sibusiso Barnabas Dlamini who died in September.

Dlamini said he was preparing an economic recovery plan for the country which suffers dire poverty and has struggled to lift its economy.

The World bank says that eSwatini’s GDP is projected to contract by -0.6 per cent this year mainly as a result of worsening fiscal challenges and the government’s fiscal consolidation efforts.

Declining government revenue and high expenditure have resulted in high fiscal deficit and cash flow problems.

The king, Mswati, one of the world’s last absolute rulers, who has 14 wives and more than 25 children, has a reputation for lavish spending on private planes and royal palaces while 63 per cent of his subjects live in poverty.

Without warning in April, Mswati III marked 50 years since his country’s independence from British colonial rule by announcing that it would now be known as eSwatini meaning land of the Swazis.

The landlocked kingdom, which has close economic ties with South Africa, faces international criticism that the government stifles dissent, jails its opponents and denies workers’ rights.


Tourism Observer

UAE: Dubai Safari Park Welcomes New Animals

Dubai Safari will soon open its doors to public with scores of new animals, an Adventure Village and many more attractions.

Spanning 12.8 million square feet of landscaped land, Dubai Safari was home to more than 2,500 animals when it welcomed visitors on December 12, 2017.

The wildlife park that closed on May 15 to undergo an upgrade has welcomed several new animals over the summer months, a top executive said.

Spanning 12.8 million sqft of landscaped land, Dubai Safari was home to more than 2,500 animals when it opened last year. Dubai Safari

These include a group of moon bears, African elephants, chimpanzees, otters, a young Komodo dragon, and a range of new birds for our aviary and new bird show, said Frank Rietkerk, general manager.

Four African elephants, three females and one male, were flown in from Zimbabwe in late April.

Komodo dragons are the largest and heaviest lizards in the world.

The animals are in the process of adapting to their new environment and cohabitants, said Rietkerk.

He said the park has been undergoing a programme of upgrades to expand and improve visitor experience, education, animal diversity and welfare since May, and considerable progress has been achieved.

The park was scheduled to reopen on October 1. While there has been a delay, the park announced on October 10 that it had decided to do a little more upgrade to create the best experience for everyone.

Whilst the new opening date will be revealed in due course, Rietkerk said members of the public can keep up-to-date on Dubai Safari Park’s enhancements and opening via its website and social media channels.

Visitors can also look forward to an enhanced attraction with new additions such as a streamlined hop on-hop off bus service that will take them to each area of the park, as well as an upgraded Adventure Village and a range of new restaurants and kiosks, he added.

Earlier this year, Meraas signed an agreement with Dubai Municipality to manage Dubai Safari.

The company then appointed Parques Reunidos, a world-renowned operator of animal parks, to oversee the day-to-day running of the destination in line with international best practices.

Visit Dubai Safari Park


Tourism Observer

UAE: American Tourist Raped In A Dubai Marina Hotel

An employee has been jailed for six months for engaging in sexual intercourse with a tourist, who claimed that she was raped in her hotel room after inviting him over for a drink.

The 24-year-old American tourist was in town for a three-day holiday when she met the 29-year-old Moroccan employee on board a Dubai-bound flight in December.

The 29-year-old defendant and the American woman became friends and she invited him over for a drink at her hotel room in Dubai Marina.

Having obtained prior permission to bring over his cousin, the two Moroccans visited the tourist at her luxurious hotel room where they drank liquor all night.

When the 24-year-old woman woke up in the morning, she claimed to have realised that she had been raped.

Once she went out of her bed and walked into the main hall, the two men left the hotel immediately.

The American woman complained to the police and alleged that the accused had asked her for a phone charger and, when she took him to her room, he punched her and forced himself on her.

The Dubai Court of First Instance convicted the accused of having sex with the 24-year-old American.

Presiding judge Fahd Al Shamsi said the accused, who contended that he had consensual sex with the victim, will be deported.

The 24-year-old tourist testified that she invited the accused over to her room after they became friends on the aircraft.

He took permission to accompany his cousin and we drank liquor all night. When he asked me for a phone charger, I accompanied him to the bedroom to give him the charger … he punched me and I lost consciousness. As I woke up in the morning, I noticed that I had been undressed and raped.

There were traces of semen on my thigh … once I walked out to the room, they both left instantly. I went out of the room and alerted the hotel’s security about what had happened. I also told them that my Dh5,500, earrings and passport were stolen, she testified.

A policeman said the hotel’s front desk manager notified them that a problem happened between the tourist and her Moroccan visitors after they got drunk.

The ruling remains subject to appeal.


Tourism Observer

UAE: Emirati Off-duty Pilot Threatens To Blow Plane

An air hostess waived her assault and cursing complaint against an off-duty pilot, who will be sentenced next month in his case of drinking and threatening to have an aircraft shot down.

The Emirati off-duty pilot had pleaded not guilty before the Dubai Court of First Instance where he was being tried for drinking, threatening to blow up an Emirates aircraft, assaulting a stewardess, wrecking parts of the plane, gesturing indecently in front of passengers and behaving disruptively.

The suspect’s lawyer argued before the court that prosecution witnesses’ statements were full of inconsistencies and asked the presiding judge to acquit his client and dismiss the charges.

In his defence argument, the lawyer contended that the witnesses’ statements before the court contradicted their original testimonies before prosecutors.

He further provided the court with a written waiver that his client had obtained from the Romanian air hostess, whom he was accused of assaulting and insulting.

In an earlier hearing, the Romanian hostess testified in court that the suspect joked when he was first brought on to the aircraft in June.

Four staff from the UAE embassy in Spain escorted him to the plane. I was told that he could not stay anymore in Madrid because of residency issues. When he first walked into the plane, he addressed me jokingly by saying - I haven’t smoked in 15 minutes. I replied that smoking was not permitted on the plane.

He acted rowdily and ran towards the aircraft’s kitchen, took two beers without permission. He disturbed the passengers, shouting at them and cursing. He also threatened to kill me and claimed that he would blow up the plane because he was carrying explosives, the hostess testified in court.

Her Uzbek co-worker testified: The suspect had been behaving in an unruly manner. He took four beers without permission. When we were cruising above Iraq, he said that he had called his friend in Baghdad and asked him to shoot down the plane with a missile. He shouted that we were all going to die.

During her statement before the three-judge bench, the Romanian witness requested permission to imitate how the suspect committed an indecent gesture — that had a sexual connotation — on-board the aircraft.

She also told the court the exact curse words he used.

The defence lawyer asked the court to acquit his client or treat him with leniency when it hands out a judgement.


Tourism Observer

UAE: Abu Dhabi Food Festival Coming, December 6 To 22

Abu Dhabi Food Festival (ADFF) will return this year from December 6 to 22.

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi initiative will see visitors entertained with food trucks, markets, movies, photography workshops and celebrity chef appearances.

Events include World of Food Abu Dhabi at the Corniche, Big Grill on Yas Island, the Abu Dhabi Food Festival Scavenger Hunt, Festember and Abu Dhabi Restaurant week.

This year there will be a Vegan Market that will feature plant-based cuisines from the UAE’s hotspots, along with activities promoting a holistic and healthy lifestyle, such as yoga and reiki sessions, as well as food photography sessions.

Art studio workshops will also be on offer to this year’s attendees with activities where Art Studio will adapt its drop-in workshops on these dates for adults, juniors and children.

Abu Dhabi Food Festival is undoubtedly one of the premier culinary events in the region, said Sultan Al Mutawa Al Dhaheri, executive director of the tourism sector at DCT Abu Dhabi.

Events such as Abu Dhabi Food Festival position the emirate as a culinary attractive destination for tourists to visit and have a positive impact on our industry growth in terms of the number of visitors arriving.


Tourism Observer

IRAQ: Iraq Rail Service Is Back

At Baghdad’s grand but half-empty railway station, a single train is sputtering to life. It is the newly revived daily service to Falluja, a dusty town to the west once infamous as a Sunni insurgent stronghold.

The driver and conductor assure that the tracks running through Anbar province are now clear of mines planted by Daesh and of collapsed bridges the group blew up when it marauded through western and northern Iraq in 2014.

The rapid advance of the militants shut down the line, before US-backed Iraqi forces drove them out of Falluja in 2016 and defeated them in Iraq in late 2017.

After a four-year hiatus, hundreds of rail passengers now travel the 50km between Baghdad and Falluja in just over an hour. By car, the journey can take several.

The train saves time. The Baghdad-bound leg arrives at 8am, which suits my schedule. It’s also cheaper than by car at 3,000 Iraqi dinars ($2.50) for a ticket.

The revival in July of the daily service, once a feature of an extensive rail network dating back to the Ottoman Empire, is a vivid example of Iraq’s attempts to recover from decades of unrest.

Passengers see it as a metaphor for the country’s state: security has improved enough to allow unhindered passage through countryside dominated for years by Daesh and Al Qaida militants. But the train is dilapidated and shudders as it gathers speed.

The state of the tracks allow a steady pace of up to around 100km/h, but no more. Dozens of windows have been smashed by children who play in the dirt in poor Baghdad districts and pelt carriages with stones as they cruise by.

I hope the service will keep running, but in the last few days there have been delays. Sometimes it runs out of fuel on the journey, or has technical failures, Mohammad said.

Abdul Sittar Mohsin, a media official for the national operator Iraqi Republic Railways, said the company was in dire need of funding to keep the service running.

We did this with the company’s money and we’re operating at a loss, he says.

Regular passengers include unemployed youth looking for work, a perennial problem in Iraq where demonstrations over lack of jobs, water and power turned violent in the southern city of Basra in September.

I had a job interview with an NGO today in Baghdad, but I’m not holding out much hope, said Yassin Jasem, a recent graduate with a degree in medicine. I try to get casual work in Falluja, but there’s little and it’s low pay.

Jasem and his family moved to the relative security of Erbil in Kurdish-controlled northern Iraq while Daesh held Falluja.

The city and fertile countryside along the Euphrates river suffered a series of bruising battles after the US invasion in 2003 that toppled Saddam Hussain. Falluja became infamous in 2004 when four American security contractors were killed and their bodies hung from a bridge in the city.

Everywhere are reminders of a delicate security situation.

Armed police patrol the train, which runs past a scrapyard of cars destroyed during fighting and the remains of a road bridge blown up by militants.

Railway officials hope to restore services all the way to the Syrian border. Iraq’s rail network, developed during the British mandate period and under Baath Party rule in the 1960s, used to stretch to Istanbul and Aleppo in Syria via Mosul in northern Iraq.

Conflict with Iran in the 1980s, UN sanctions in the 1990s and violence since then have wrecked most of the old network, apart from regular services to Basra and now Falluja.

Plans to extend beyond Falluja might be ambitious — tracks are buried in sand and Iraqi forces have been reinforced at the border after recent Daesh counter-attacks in Syria.

For now, the Falluja line is a big step forward.

It’s great, I can regularly see my daughter now who is marrying a man from Falluja, one woman said. At the moment, things are very okay.


Tourism Observer

BOTSWANA: Over 400 Stampeding Buffaloes Drown

More than 400 buffaloes believed to have been chased by lions drowned in a river in northern Botswana this week, the government said.

The mass drowning occurred on Tuesday night in Chobe River on the border with Namibia.

Investigations by authorities in both countries suggest that an exceptionally large buffalo herd was grazing in Namibia when they stampeded into the Chobe River, Botswana's Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources Conservation and Tourism said in a statement late Wednesday.

Initial indications are that they were being chased by a pride of lions, it said.

It is estimated that more than 400 animals drowned due to the massive movement of buffalo trampling, and falling from steep river banks.

Buffalo river drownings are not uncommon in the region, but the numbers are usually small.

Namibia's Environment Minister Pohamba Shifeta said that the incident was unfortunate but due to natural causes.

About 1,000 buffalo had struggled to get over a river bank when the stampede started, he said. Three lions were seen in the area.

Namibia said the buffalo meat would be donated to the local community and carcasses were being collected.


Tourism Observer