RUSSIA: Crazy Toilet Cafe

Following in South Korea’s footsteps is Moscow’s newest eatery, ‘Crazy Toilet Cafe’.

The place offers its customers a highly realistic toilet-themed dining experience, complete with faecal-inspired dishes served in miniature lavatories and urinals!

The cafe, which opened late last month on the busy Arbat street, features about 50 real toilet bowls
that serve as seating.

The tables are mini bathtubs propped on legs and covered with glass, showing cartoon characters using the toilet.

Cafe management says they’re solely relying on the novelty of the place to attract one-time customers, as people are highly unlikely to pay the cafe a second visit.

TOGO: Togo Tourism

Togo gathers together a series of natural, cultural and human atractions which, if given importance constitute a 'tourist product' very well appreciated by the tourist from issuing big markets of Europe and America.

1. Cultural and Human Strong points
The people of Togo have kept, all across the centuries, an authentic and deep tolerance, a mutual respect towards the other races, cultures and regions, very solid family ties and also between work an leisure.

A very important part of adults among the population speak non only French, but also German and English, this facilitate agreeably communication with visitors. One of the most fascinating attractions to visitors in Togo is also the possibility of watching the spontaneous explosion of joy about life, friendship and hospitality.

Togo is rich with cultural expressions such as songs, dances, arts and crafts, musical, spectacles, religious ceremonies, dress, clothing fashions and others. These cultural expressions present a very marked diversity from one region to another.

This causes the visitors to benefit from a varied and interesting stay. Numerous celebrations and ceremonies reflect the living customs and traditions of the peoples, and give chance to colourful manifestations.

2. Natural strong points
A country of flat land rather than high mountains, Togo is however, crossed by a big and long chain of mountains and plateaus which alternate each other and whose tallest summit reaches an altitude of 986m. The massif of Lama, in the core of Atakora chain, draws the attention of tourists by its romantic breaks and the beauty of its landscapes.

In the North of the country, lies the savanna region where a plateau is erected with picturesque cliffs. The coastal region also presents attractions with its fine sand seashores and the lake of Togo, for practicing nautic sports and a pleasant weather almost all the year. Moreover, tourist places and sites are found in each of the five regions of the country.

These cultural, human and natural strengths which are original or inputrescible, some of which are subject to equipping so that they can be contemplated and allow access for visitors, are completed by series of derivative strengths which are tourist and hotel trades, communication, telecommunication and transport infrastructures.

Tourist regions and wealth
Despite its average size, Togo provides travellers with a diversity of physical and human features, a variety of wild life and flora. It is Africa in miniature. These help tourism in Togo to be in tune with the entertainment world and attract many visitors.

1. Maritime Region
Renowned all along the coast of the Gulf of Benin, Lome the capital is known for its fine-sand beaches and shadowy walks along the littoral.

The only capital city on an international border (Ghana), Lome is outstanding for its neatness and hospitality of its population. It offers the following:

- Adawlato big market; it is known for cloth business where the Nana Benz reign supreme in Africa.
- Hedranawoé market is known for its second-hand trade.
- The Akodessewa fetish market is the spot for pagan curiosities and the traditional medicine of the sub-region.
- The cathedral of Lome, dating back to the German era stands near the Central Market of Lome. Of gothic style, the beautifully painted frescoes inside portray a few saints of the Catholic Church. It is part of the colonial heritage of Togo.
- The National Museum of Lome; built at the back of the Conference Hall, it gives an idea of the Togolese identity. Behind the well-lit windows are exposed historic and ethnographic objects as well as excellent samples of the traditional art.
- The international museum of the Gulf of Guinea is located on the boulevard du Mono opposite the Atlantic Ocean. It has a collection of art and ethnographic objects from various African countries.

Other sites and monuments include The Independence Monument, Colombe de la Paix, the Centenary Monument of the friendship between Germany and Togo and the art craft village.

At about 30 km from Lome on the road to Benin, is Togo Lake, ideal for water sports, or tours in canoe and the village of Agbodrafo. It is a fantastic place for relaxation away from the noisy city.

The visitors will also have the opportunity to discover slave sites like la Maison des Esclaves (slave house),Maison Wood Gatovoudo "the well of those in chain" at Nikaya, Lolame black smith, Joachim D'Almeida's Memorial at Ahoeta.

You will also discover on the northern bank of Togo Lake the historical village of Togoville with the Marial Sanctuary, royal museum of Mlapa, the barter market square, Dekpo slave market (Blokotissimé) and traditional practices like the cult of Maman Tchamba and the Voodoo Hlan.

As to the historical city of Aneho, it presents the glamour of the colonial time. It was the capital of Togo from 1887 to 1897 and from 1914 to 1920. Surrounded here and there by the lagoon and the sea, it is an ideal site for walks and relaxation on its beaches.

Accommodation wise Hotel 2 fevrier, Hotel Ibis Lome-centre, Hotel Mercure Sarakawa at Lomé, Hotel Le Lake at Agbodrafo and Hotel Natchigal at Togoville provide a whole range of air-conditioned rooms and entertainment such as tennis, swimming pool and dancing.

Beside the restaurants of the major hotels, restaurants and food joints in the area serve various dishes from local, foreign, European, Eastern and Asian. These include Marox, Alt Munchen, Lotus, Malesan etc.

2. Plateaux Region
The Plateau region is accessible in two ways, either through the national N°1 linking Lome to Atakpamé or the national N°2 Lome-Kpalimé to Atakpame city.

The west side is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful tourist sites in Togo. The western Plateaus are in contrast with the maritime region because of their green landscape. Some miles away from the coast would take you away into the heart of nature and luxurious vegetation.

Main region for coffee and cocoa farming and a holiday resort with Kpalimé city serving as a weekend rest area. It has many tourist attractions; Agou Peak (986m of altitude) the highest summit in Togo, coffee and cocoa nurseries at Tové Koloto art center, Viale Castle, kloto camping, Dzogbegan monastery on Dayes Plateaux and the cascades the biggest of which is Aklowa with its waters allegedly endowed with therapeutic virtues. The western Plateau region is an exceptional natural framework that offers many ecotourism opportunities.

The eastern part of the Plateaux on its side affords interesting urban centers such as Atakpamé, a city built on hills with magnificent panoramic views of the surrounding valleys; Tado and Notse, the historic cradles of the Adja-Ewe people.

The hotels like: Le Berceau at Notse, 20th august and Cristal at Kpalimé, Roc hotel and the Sahalien at Atakpamé are open for your stay in the said region.

These hotels and others, highly recommended, like Bel Air and the Gournet at Kpalimé, the Pentagone and the Madone at Atakpamé provide exquisite services.

Several associations and NGOs are at work on the field to promote joint tourism, ecotourism and responsible tourism.

3. Central Region
The central region covers an area of 13000 km2 more than 20% of which are reserves and classified forests including that of the Fazao-Malfakassa National Park covering about 476.903 acres and managed by Franz-Weber Foundation.

The central region presents significant cultural assets. The regional capital Sokodé, the greatest Islamic city of the country is renowned for its weaving used in the making of tunics and big booboos. It has inherited a horse-riding tradition transmitted by influential chieftaincies including that of Kparatao who founded the city and its surrounding communities.

In the Far East is the Tchamba city, specialised in pyrography on calabashes and flasks. These art objects are found in the market animated by the local population including the many Peuhl women with their beautiful weaving and tattoos.

The following accommodation facilities will possibly welcome you during your stay are Hotel Aléhéridé and Hotel Central, Hotel Essofa, Hotel Ave Kedia and restaurants such as Chez Marco

4. Kara region
The Kara region is probably on of the richest in Togo through its diversity both natural and cultural. The tourist sites are many. They are accessible through Aledjo Mountain Gap, a spectacular human masterpiece. Female potters and blacksmiths, in Kabyeland perpetuate very laudable ancestral art and techniques.

The region is equally known for its terraced cultivation techniques on hilly slopes. The Kara region is also a spot for tradition where traditional fights: Evala are organised every year in July. Mainly agricultural, it produces yams, millet, ground-nuts and others.

Highly animated and colourful markets likethat of Ketao are all over. They provide many meeting opportunities with the local population.

The populations of the region have been able to keep their traditions as in Bassar district with the high funaces of Banjeli and Nangbani; a proof of an ancestral know-how in iron work.

The visitors will be able to go on excursion to Sarakawa Park close to that of Djamde.

5. Savanna region
Exceptionally flat, with curiously scattered green mountains, rich in "danams" of rocs this region is tehe region by excellence of wine palm trees. The visitors will discover the Sacred Pit of Doung, the cave paintings of Nanoundjoga, the Nok grotto (Nano), a historic and cultural vestige.

The Sacred Pit of "Tanlona" on Karyata Bank at the Togo-Ghana border, and the Mandouri Hunting Reserve can also be visited. The Oti Which crosses the region waters a vast plane.

Accommodation facilities include Dapaong Hotel, Caroli Hotel, Dapaong Camping and Leota Yendoubé hotel for the tourist's stay.

Traveler's Guide
Are you from abroad down to Togo? Are you resident in Togo and leaving for abroad? This guide is for you, it gives a brief description of the requirements you have to meet. Traveler's Customs control

1. Generality
In crossing the border, both at the entrance and exit of the country (article 80 CD) and in moving across the country around the check points (article 50 CD) you can be controlled by the customs officers recognizable by their uniform; some customs officers in charge of controlling the travellers do not wear uniform. In any case, customs officers must show at first requisitioning their professional card called Commission d'emploi (employment commission)

2. Objectives
The customs control of travellers aims at ensuring:

- The protection of the national economy
- The preservation of the national economy
- The preservation of the national heritage
- The regularity of the transactions
- The safety and health of the traveller
- The protection of the fauna and the flora

Customs check is therefore necessary, yet it must take place in a mood of mutual respect and understanding.

Therefore, any related misunderstanding has but to be solved amicably.

In this situation, the traveller has an important role to play by facilitating the opening of the luggage and the car boot.

3. Authorities of customs officers
Customs officers in charge of the control of the travellers can check the luggage in cars.

They can also check the identity of the traveller by asking their id papers (Passport or id card)

4. Nature of Control
The customs control is not systematic; it is done unexpectedly and by survey. At any control, the customs officer asks the usual question: "do you have anything to declare?"

You answer constitute a verbal declaration , a real customs declaration that involves your responsibility.

BENIN: Ganvie Lake Village

In colonial Brazil, runaway slaves and free natives formed communities deep within the Amazon as a means of escaping the brutality of Portuguese slavery.

A combination of dense vegetation, waterways, and perilous wildlife and disease separated these societies from the slave traders who pursued them.

A small group of people outside of what is now Cotonou, Benin, took advantage of a different set of circumstances to evade capture by the Portuguese.

At the time, the powerful West-African Fon tribe was hunting and selling other native tribesman to the Portuguese. While there were few physical impediments protecting the ancestors of today's Ganvie village from outside attack, Fon religious practice forbade their raiders from advancing on any peoples dwelling on water, laying the groundwork for the Ganvie Lake Village.

Ganvie is a village of roughly 20,000 people that stands on stilts in the middle of Lake Nokoue. The founders of the village fled there to avoid Fon warriors, and in the roughly 500 years that have passed since, Ganvie has developed an intricate and prosperous culture within the constraints of life on the lake.

A school is the only one of Ganvie's 3,000 buildings that exists on land, although a cemetery mound is currently under construction.

The villagers of Ganvie travel almost exclusively by boat, and the few domesticated land-animals they maintain live on plots of grass that spring up from the water. Without a good supply of domesticated animals, Ganvie relies on a complicated network of underwater fencing to corral and farm various fish populations.

The village sits several miles from the nearest shoreline and is about a 4 hour journey from the capital. Ganvie is Africa's largest lake village.

GHANA: Arts And Crafts Tour

Ghana is especially well known for its arts and crafts, which reflect our traditions and cultures. Discover villages that specialize in kente cloth, woven by the Ewe and Asante people for centuries. Witness the process of adinkra printing.

There are 60 Adinkra signs used in these cloths that are credited to proverbs.

As a visitor to Ghana, you will find stalls throughout the country selling masks and sculptures from Ghana, Togo, Benin, Mali, Burkina Faso and other West African countries. Don't miss out on this opportunity to visit bead markets, to traditional ceremonies, dances, character and many more.

Below is a sample tour to showcase what Ghana has to offer. Contact us for your customized itinerary.

DAY 1 Accra
Arrival at the Kotoka International Airport. Then to the hotel for the night where guests will be welcomed with a tropical cocktail. Spend the night at a beach rersort in Accra

DAY 2 Accra
Travel to Aburi Botanical Gardens, relax and experience the large amount of indigenous plants/flora. Visit the wood carvers of the mountains for viewing and possible purchasing. Spend the night at the Akwaaba Beach Resort

DAY 3 Accra - Akosombo
Visit the Akosombo Dam the largest man made dam in the world with a possible boat cruise on the Volta Lake. Spend the night at a riverside resort in Akosombo

DAY 4/5 Akosombo - Elmina
Travel to Cape Coast (capital of the Central Region) with visits to several fishing villages en route. Visits to the 16th century Castles and slave dungeons, declared as World Heritage monuments by the UNESCO. Experience the canopy walk of the Kakum National Park (360 square Kilometers of natural rain forest and home to many rare birds, butterflies and man.) Spend the night at a beach resort in Elmina

DAY 6 Elmina - Abonu
A visit to Kumasi will include the craft villages where traditional craftsmen apply their skills and talents. The Owabi Bird Sanctuary, which abounds with birds and butterflies is a place worth visiting once in this region. There will also be a visit to Bobiri forest Reserve, which covers approximately square Kilometers. This game reserve is superb for photography. Spend the night at a lakeside resort at Abonu

DAY 7-8 Abonu - Damongo
We shall forge ahead through the Brong-Ahafo Region on the way to the north with visits to the Kintampo falls and Mole National Park which is the largest national park in Ghana, home to large of elephants, bucks and monkeys. Spend the night at the in Damongo

DAY 9/10 Damongo - Nkwanta - Volta
Head back south, while enjoying the beautiful countryside along the way. We shall change route and pass through the Nkwanta to Ada Foah, Where the Volta Lake meets the Atlantic Ocean. Spend the night at a Riverfront resort

DAY 11 Volta - Accra
Return to Accra and visit the Centre for National Culture, the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum then spend the rest of the afternoon at one of our numerous sandy beaches. Spend the night at a beach resort in Accra

DAY 12 Accra
Last minute shopping for souvenirs and last night per-departure party Spend the night at a beach resort in Accra

DAY 13 Accra
Departure from Ghana with the most superb memories.

TOGO: Togo Tourism Investment

In the run-up to the first Africa Hotel Investment Forum in Lomé, the organiser, Bench Events, has praised Togo’s commitment to far-reaching infrastructure improvements destined to boost economic growth and transform the country into a strategic transport hub in west Africa.

Matthew Weihs, Bench Events managing director, said: “We’re very pleased to be hosting an additional AHIF in Togo at this decisive time, as the country embraces a number of important projects that will enhance its standing as a significant investment destination”.

Among the new projects are the newly-opened terminal at Lomé International Airport and the landmark Radisson Blu Hotel du 2 Février which will host the AHIF conference, as well as the major expansion of the capital’s sea port in the coming years.

AHIF conferences bring together high-profile, international investors, business leaders, government ministers and top officials from across Africa and will include the prime minister of Togo, Komi Sélom Klassou.

Weihs added: “We are looking forward to an exciting AHIF in Lomé.

“Togo has dynamic plans to develop and expand trade and tourism and AHIF will provide an excellent platform for delegates to discuss the way ahead.

“Our conference programme is packed with influential speakers who will share their insights on highly topical issues and we’re looking forward to some lively and enlightening discussions.”

Togo attracts a variety of visitors keen to explore its beautiful scenery and enjoy its tropical climate.

Figures from the World Travel & Tourism Council show that travel and tourism directly accounted for 3.1 per cent of total GDP in 2014 and was forecast to rise by six per cent in 2015, and by a further 2.2 per cent each year from 2015 to 2025.

VENEZUELA: La Colonia Tovar

Venezuela is one of the last places you would expect to find a picturesque German alpine village, and yet… La Colonia Tovar, also known as ‘The Germany of the Caribbean’, is conspicuous for its white houses with timbers and red roofs surrounded by flower gardens, carefully tended fields and creeks with water mills, and its hearty German cuisine of sausages and sauerkraut and large slices of black forest cake followed by a cold pint of beer.

It’s hard to imagine such a place actually exists in a South American country with a predominantly tropical climate, like Venezuela.

But travel north to the state of Aragua, about 1,800 meters up in the forests of the Cordillera de la Costa, and you’ll reach this quaint little town reminiscent of alpine Germany. Founded in 1843 by a group of 300-odd immigrants from the Schwarzwald (the Black Forest) of the Grand Duchy of Baden, on the eastern bank of the Rhine River, the town still maintains the original cultural imprint of this centuries-old community.

Travelling The World With No Money

Most people would love nothing more than to quit their jobs and travel the world, but they simply lack the courage, and most importantly, the funds to do so.

A young woman from Alabama has managed to do it though, by meeting rich men on the internet and having them pay for dates in some of the most exotic places on Earth. She’s now in a serious relationship with one of them, and he might just turn out to be ‘the one’.

It all started in December 2014, when 25-year-old Monica Lynn decided that her life was too boring and lacked adventure. So she quit her high-flying job as a financial advisor at Merrill Lynch in order to find something more interesting. Soon, she stumbled upon MissTravel, a website where people search for partners to go on holidays with.

“I came across Miss Travel in an article about weird websites,” Lynn explained. “I thought, ‘Yes, that sounds weird – but also kinda cool.

This website attracts very successful men who don’t have the time to date in the normal way, so this allows them to accelerate the whole thing.

They’re going on trips anyway, and they can afford to search through profiles and afford to bring one they like with them.”

PERU: Boiling River Boils Animals Alive

There is a mysterious river flowing deep through the Amazon rainforest in Mayantuyacu, Peru, that can literally boil small animals almost instantly.

While water temperatures along the 6.4-km-long river range between 50 and 90 degrees Celsius, in some parts almost reaching the boiling point of 100 degrees. That’s hot enough to cause third-degree burns in a matter of seconds.

The local Asháninka people have known about the mysterious Boiling River for centuries, referring to it as ‘Shanay-timpishka’, which translates to ‘boiled with the heat of the sun’.

Ancient legend has it that the hot water is unleashed by a giant serpent named Yacumama (mothers of the waters) and a large boulder shaped like a serpent’s head lies at the river’s headwaters, as a testimony to the primitive tale’s veridity.

For the rest of the world, however, this natural oddity was just that – a legend. Apart from a few references dating back to the 1930’s there was no scientific documentation of the boiling river and most geologists simply dismissed its existence based on the fact that it would take huge amounts of geothermal heat to boil entire sections of a river, which would be impossible because the Amazon basin is located 400 miles away from the nearest active volcano.

Except for a few tourists who visit Mayantuyacu each year to experience the traditional healing methods practiced by the Asháninka people, the civilized world was oblivious to the existence of a real boiling river.

INDIA: Discover Stone Of The Sky God

For over 1,300 years, this large rock has been confounding the locals of Mahabalipuram, a beach town near Chennai, in Southern India.

The mysterious landmark is perched on hill at a 45-degree angle, balancing off an extremely small surface area without slipping or even budging an inch. Men and even elephants have tried moving it from its precarious position , but every attempt so far has failed.

The locals call it ‘Vaanirai Kal’ (Stone of the Sky God), but the rock is more popularly known as ‘Krishna’s Butter Ball’, referencing Lord Krishna’s favorite food, butter, fallen from the heavens.

The gravity-defying rock, measuring 20 ft high and five meters in diameter, is estimated to weigh over 250 tons, which makes it heavier than the monolithic stones of Machu Picchu, or Ollantaytambo.

Despite its massive size and weight, Krishna’s Butter Ball is firmly anchored on a four-foot base along the slope of a small hill located on the outskirts of Mahabalipuram.

It looks like it might slip any moment and come crashing down the hill, but it has stayed that way for several centuries now.

TOGO: Akodessewa Fetish Market

Togo’s Akodessewa Fetish Market is recognized as the largest fetish market in the world, a place where Voodoo practitioner can find anything they need for their rituals.

The practice of voodoo began in West Africa, before being taken to America by slaves, and in countries like Togo, Ghana, or Nigeria the religion is very much alive. Many people believe healers using animal parts and strange talismans can invoke spirits with their bizarre rituals, and solve their problems. And if there’s one place where voodoo priests can stock up on their creepy supplies, it’s the Akodessewa Fetish Market, in Togo’s capital city, Lome. Just think of it as an outdoor pharmacy where various animal parts, bone statues and herbs take the place of conventional medicine.

The practice of voodoo began in West Africa, before being taken to America by slaves, and in countries like Togo, Ghana, or Nigeria the religion is very much alive. Many people believe healers using animal parts and strange talismans can invoke spirits with their bizarre rituals, and solve their problems. And if there’s one place where voodoo priests can stock up on their creepy supplies, it’s the Akodessewa Fetish Market, in Togo’s capital city.

Lomé is the birthplace of the largest Voodoo market in the world – a kind of super supply store for fetishes, charms and anything else one might need for a ritual. The Akodessewa Fetish Market, or Marche des Feticheurs, is recognized as the largest fetish market in the world, a place where Voodoo practitioner can find anything they need for their rituals. From leopard heads to Voodoo priests who bless and create fetishes or predict the future and make medicines to heal whatever ails you.

Although from afar it might look like just a dusty deserted lot lined with wooden tables, as you approach and see the piles of heads, tails, skins and limbs of various animals, you realize you’ve arrived at Akodessewa Fetish Market. You’re soon greeted by the place’s voodoo chief who offers to give you a tour of the market, and before you know it you’re bargaining over an ape paw or a gazelle head. It’s a crazy place, and the people here know how to get under your skin and make you buy at least a souvenir. Voodoo merchants have products gathered from all over West Africa and no matter your problem they’re bound to have something for you. They claim they can help everybody in the world, and whenever someone has a problem and runs out of options they come to Akodessewa to look for solutions.

Couples that can’t have babies, goalkeepers who want to do wonders in a football match, people who want extra stamina to run a marathon, they can all be helped at the world’s biggest voodoo market. All it takes is a black powder made from ground up animal parts and herbs that has to be rubbed into the flesh of the “patient”. Sure the person has to be cut on the chest or back three times before they apply the magic powder, but you didn’t need to know that.

Even if you’re not into voodoo, the Akodessewa Fetish Market is one of those exotic attractions that pulls you in and doesn’t let go. If you don’t like animal heads staring at you, you can just check out the protective statues and talismans, or learn about the various herbs voodoo priests use. As the merchants say, there’s something here for everybody.

Deep in the heart of West Africa, Vodoun, or more familiarly, Voodoo is not only alive and well, but it is thriving.

Togo's capital city of Lomé is the birthplace of the largest Voodoo market in the world – a kind of super supply store for fetishes, charms and anything else one might need for a ritual. The Akodessewa Fetish Market, or Marche des Feticheurs, is a place where you can find anything from leopard heads and human skulls to Voodoo priests who bless and create fetishes or predict the future and make medicines to heal whatever ails you.

Though many people think of Haiti as Voodoo's biggest stronghold, the religion originated in West Africa. Vodoun is the official religion of neighboring Benin and is still the largest religion in the area, which is obvious given that the outdoor market's location is in the heart of Togo's capital. The Akodessewa Fetish Market is a mecca to local practitioners and they travel there from all over the African continent. Many believers view the Marche des Feticheurs as a kind of hospital or pharmacy – it is the place you go when you either cannot afford traditional treatment or traditional treatment has failed you. Here you can find talismans and charms good for treating everything from the flu or infertility to removing the blackest of curses.

In the practice of Voodoo every single creature is potent and divine, whether alive or dead, and in the Akodessewa Fetish Market you may find them all – monkeys, alligators, goats, leopards, gazelles, and many, many more – in various stages of decay and stacked up in macabre piles for blocks. The outdoor location doesn't quite suppress the stench but at least the huge market is in the open air. It is a jarring place for tourists who are not used to the idea of animal sacrifice as part of worship or using pieces of the dead as talismans, but for locals who practice the religion, it is a treasure and a necessity.

Western Tian Shan Is UNESCO World Heritage Site

Mountains of Western Tian Shan were included to the UNESCO World Heritage List, reports the press-service of the international organization.

The Committee made the decision at the 40th session in Istanbul held from July 10 to 17.
Natural border is a part of Central Asian mountain system of Tian Shan, one of the largest mountain ranges out of seven in the world. Its western part is located in the territories of Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. The height of the various peaks of celestial mountains in this area varies from 700 to 4503 meters.

The highest point is the Chatkal peak on the territory of Kyrgyzstan, in the eastern part of Chatkal ridge. The region outstands with various landscapes, specific flora and fauna. The western Tian Shan has an international significance as this is where many kinds of fruit trees originate from.

New Flights To Connect Chelyabinsk And Bishkek

As of June 8, direct regular flight of Air Kyrgygyzstan has started operating from Manas Bishkek International Airport to Chelyabinsk International Airport, reports information portal of Yuzhnouralsk panorama.

Flights are operated on Wednesdays weekly until 26 October. Flight AYU 831 from Bishkek departs at 11.00 and arrives in Chelyabinsk at 12.35. Return flight AYU 832 from Chelyabinsk departs at 14.00 and arrives in Bishkek at 17.30.

Flights are run on comfortable airbus Boeing 733.

KYRGYZSTAN: Google Street View Now Available In Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan became the first Central Asian country listed in the online-service of Google Street View, reports the information agency Sputnik Kyrgyzstan. Now anyone can virtually see architectural monuments of Bishkek, Osh, Jalal-Abad, Cholpon-Ata, Issyk-Kul and other regions.

The idea was realized via 3D-photos with 360 degrees view done from the height of 2.5 meters. You can study elements of architecture in details and observe the surrounding objects. Within the project, Google staff filmed the most popular touristic spots of Kyrgyzstan during the period of October-December 2015. The final processing of data and its upload to web took more than half a year.

The Google street view service was first launched in few states of the USA in 2007. Today the program consists of more than 3000 destinations around the world. For now Kyrgyzstan is the Central Asian country presented in this list.

Kyrgyzstan And Azerbaijan In Top Rating

According to the recent report of the World Travel and Tourism Council, the touristic boom and the fastest growth of this industry within the next decade is expected in the Republic of Kyrgyzstan, — informs the Daily Telegraph.

The World Travel and Tourism Council is an international non-governmental organization that consists of more than hundreds of representatives of the travel industry from different countries. The experts report that an annual growth of the tourist segment in relation to the GDP of Kyrgyzstan is forecasted at the level of 8,2%.

Every year Kyrgyzstan attracts thousands of tourists from all around the globe. 94% of the country is covered with mountains. It makes this land an ideal place for active holiday and rest in the nature. Due to difficult access to many mountainous regions of the republic, there are pristine picturesque landscapes that have been preserved and attract fans of horse riding. Thanks to horses and experienced guides, travelers can discover amazing blooming valleys and lakes hidden behind the mountain peaks. In total, there are more than 1923 lakes on the territory of the country. T

he most famous one is the Issyk Kul Lake, often called as the Pearl of the Tyan-Shan Mountains. Those who are willing to discover Kyrgyzstan have an excellent opportunity to dive into the real world of nomads that still keeps ancient traditions and unique culture for centuries.

Myanmar (7,7%) and India (7,5%) took the second and the third places.

The World Travel and Tourism Council report also included the list of the largest growth of the tourism segment in relation to the country GDP in 2015. The second in this category came Azerbaijan with the growth of 27,3%.

The land of fire attracts tourists with its colorful mixture of European and Asian civilizations, beauty of Caucasian mountains, grandeur of architectural monuments and rich history.

The first place in this ranking is taken by Uganda with the growth of 36,7%, and Qatar is in the third place with the rate of 23,7%.

Kyrgyzstan To Host 2nd World Nomad Games

The dates of the Second World Nomad games have been set, reports the official website of the games worldnomadgames.com. The unique event will be held this autumn, from September 3 to 8 in the Issyk-Kul region.

Currently Issyk-Kul gets ready for the games; the roads and hippodrome are being reconstructed. At the Second World Nomads Games the audience will enjoy such national games as Salburun (hunting with eagles), kok boru (equestrian games), ordo (dice), the alysh fight, toguztorgool (strategy game).

In total, 26 types of the national sports and the same quantity of teams from different countries, Kyrgyzstan, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Russia, are expected at the event. The games will be traditionally accompanied by a variety of ethnic and cultural activities.

KYRGYZSTAN: First Mountain Skiing Center Opened

The first skiing center was opened in the Suzak district of the Jalal-Abad region, - reports the information agency “Sputnik Kyrgyzstan”. It is located at the attitude of 1400 meters above the sea level, 30 km away from the city of Jalal-Abad. The skiing center “Markay” was launched on 16 December 2015, but just got to the full extent of its power.

The new center is equipped with three trails: two of them are for skiers and stretch for 250 and 450 meters, and the third one was created for snowboarders and tubing lovers (inflatable sledge); its length is 150 meters. The slopes are equipped with ropeway and night lighting.

Winter in this region is relatively warm, but there is snow on the slopes of the mountains and melts rather slowly despite warm temperature. It is also noted in the message that it is planned to add few more paths in the future for fans of skiing runners.

KYRGYZSTAN: One Of Countries To Visit In 2016

Choose Kyrgyzstan as one of the travel destinations for 2016. International business newspaper published on its website a list of seven countries worth visiting in 2016. Else than Kyrgyzstan, it also includes Sri-Lanka, Peru, Greenland, Brazil, Cuba and South Africa.

It is also noted in the message that every year Kyrgyzstan is attracting more and more tourists with its interesting nomad culture, breathtaking mountain landscapes, crystal clear lakes and forests. Moreover, as of 2012, Kyrgyzstan introduced a visa-free regime for citizens of many western countries that also influenced the development of the tourism industry.

In 2016, Kyrgyzstan promises to be even more interesting for newly arriving tourists. Apart from untouched natural landscapes, traditional hikes to the Tyan-Shan Mountains, bike rides along ancient Silk Road and night stays in yurts, Kyrgyzstan offers many other entertaining events dedicated to the 25th anniversary of independence. There will be held festivals, traditional games and nomad contests across the country.

KYRGYZSTAN: “Aitysh” In UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage

Kyrgyz improvisation art “Aitysh” was inscribed to the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage. It was reported by the National Commission. According to it, nomination of “Aitysh/aitys” was presented by Kyrgyzstan along with Kazakhstan.

One of the traditional forms of the folk song poetry “Aitysh” is a competition of two people in art of oral-poetic improvisation. Listeners gather around the performers and put forward themes to them. Contestants start reading poems composing them on the spot to the accompaniment of traditional national musical instruments, such as dombra or komuz. The winner is the performer considered to have demonstrated talent, wit, the best musical skills, and originality.

“Aitysh”, as the Kyrgyz state, is not simply a form of folk entertainment, but rather a symbol of national identity of the people of Central Asia. The genre of this oral art is common among Kazakhs, Bashkirs, Uzbeks and Turkmens.

Earlier, the UNESCO List of Kyrgyzstan included the art of akyns (performers of epos) and the holiday of Navruz.

KYRGYZSTAN: Kyrgyzstan Is Best Photo-tour Destination

Kyrgyzstan won the National Geographic Traveler contest in the nomination “The best destination for photo-tour”, - reports the official website of the National Geographic. More than a quarter of million Russians participated in the survey to vote for the most touristic countries in 18 nominations.

The awarding ceremony was held on 18 November in Moscow, where the Second Secretary of the Embassy of the Republic of Kyrgyzstan Ayimkan Kulukeeva highlighted rich of touristic resources of Kyrgyzstan. These are, firstly, picturesque high-mountain lake Issyk-Kul and its surroundings well known for warm sand beaches, thermo-mineral radon springs, Alpine meadows and coniferous forests. “Flights to Issyk-Kul have been launched from Bishkek and Kazakhstan. Moreover, visitors can visit mountain resorts on a helicopter”, - noted the Second Secretary.

In 2014, Kyrgyzstan won the National Geographic Traveler contest: it was then recognized as the best “Recreation holiday destination” outrunning Israel and Vietnam.

SOUTH AFRICA: Hotel And Tourism Sector Visitors Go Up

New visa regulations had a sharp impact on the South African tourism industry.

South Africa’s hotel industry is set for steady growth in the next five years driven by an increase in the number of foreign visitors to the African continent.

Pietro Calicchio, industry leader of hospitality and gambling, PwC Southern Africa (PwC.com), says: “Although the South African economy has weakened considerably, the overall outlook for hotels in South Africa is expected to remain positive.”

According to PwC’s 6th edition Hotels Outlook 2016 – 2020, revenue from hotel room accommodation in South Africa rose 8.1% in 2015 to R14.2 billion, reflecting an increase in stay unit nights and a 6.5% rise in the average room rate. Overall, hotel room revenue is projected to expand at a 7.8% compound annual rate to R20.6 billion in 2020. PwC’s report features information about hotel accommodation in South Africa, Nigeria, Mauritius, Kenya, and Tanzania.

“The devaluation of the rand and the relaxation of certain visa regulations has had a positive impact on the tourism industry in South Africa, making the country a more attractive tourism destination. This has also had a positive impact on the number of foreign visitors to South Africa over the past six months,” says Calicchio.

The new visa regulations had a sharp impact on the South African tourism industry. After growing at an 8% compound annual rate between 2009 and 2013, the number of foreign overnight visitors rose only 0.2% in 2014 before falling 6.8% in 2015 – the biggest decline in six years, according to official statistics. China had the largest decrease of 46% in 2014, while the decrease from India was 23.5%. Visits from China edged up 2.2% in 2015, but remained 45% lower than the peak in 2013, while visits from India fell an additional 8.5% in 2015 for a cumulative 30% decline over the past two years.

A key factor cited as contributing to the decline was the requirement that foreign travellers appear in person at South African embassies to have their biometric information taken. However, some countries such as India, Russia and China have very few South African visa processing centres.

In October 2015, some of these regulations were eased and the Department of Home Affairs is considering introducing further amendments.

Overall, in 2015 there was a decline in the number of foreign travellers to South Africa from every region except the Middle East and North Africa. Of non-African countries, the UK is still the largest source of visitors to South Africa at 407 486 in 2015, an increase of 1.4%. It was one of the few countries from where visitors increased in 2015, but that gain did not offset the overall 6.8% decline from 2014. Visits from the US dipped below 300 000 in 2015, down 3.9% from 2014. Germany was down 6.5% in 2015, while Australia fell 10.8%.

Of African countries, the largest numbers of foreign visitors to South Africa in 2015 came from Zimbabwe (2.1 million), followed by Lesotho (1.5 million) and Mozambique (1.3 million) but all were lower than in 2014.

On a more positive note, the number of monthly overnight tourist visitors to South Africa started picking up towards the end of 2015 and rose above the one million mark for the first time in January 2016, with international visitor numbers up by 16.8% for the months of January to April 2016 when compared to the same period in 2015. Visitor numbers from Europe have increased by 13.6%, China 38.0% and North America 16.4% through to April 2016 when compared to the first four months of 2015. For 2016 as a whole, a 12.4% increase in foreign visitors is anticipated.

Hotel accommodation: South Africa – Nigeria – Mauritius – Kenya - Tanzania

The number of hotel rooms planned in Africa has increased from prior years in the wake of a number of developments across the continent.

Overall, room revenue in South Africa, Nigeria, Mauritius, Kenya and Tanzania rose 6.7% in 2015, the largest gain since 2011. Tanzania had the largest increase with a 14.4% gain, the result of a large increase in the average room rate that offset a drop in stay unit nights.

“It is promising to see a growing number of new hotels that are planned for the South African market over the next five years. We are forecasting an additional 2 600 hotel rooms to be added over the next five years,” says Calicchio. “We forecast that hotel room revenue will grow by 11.9% in 2016 to R15.8 billion.” The interest in new hotel developments in Cape Town reflects its strong growth rates and its appeal as a tourist attraction.

Five-star hotels had the highest occupancy rates in the market at 79.5% in 2015, up from 70.7% in 2014 as stay unit nights increased by 12.5%.

The hotel sector in Mauritius experienced an increase in stay unit nights in 2015, but a drop in the average room rate that resulted in a 6.7% increase in room revenue. Nigeria’s long-term prospects for the hospitality sector remain positive, though the impact of its current weaker economy is likely to reflect in near-term hotel performance. Kenya’s economic growth has been strong and a number of initiatives have contributed to a recent increase in the tourism industry.

With occupancy rates and visitor numbers on the rise, there is renewed activity in the hotel sector. There are a number of major hotels expected to open in the next five years and several others in the planning stage. The number of available hotel rooms are projected to rise at a 0.8% compound annual rate to 63 700 in 2020 from 61 100 in 2015.

Stay unit nights are expected to increase at a 1.9% compound annual rate to 14.6 million in 2020 from 13.3 million in 2015. With stay unit nights growing faster than room supply, the occupancy rate for hotels is forecast to rise from 59.6% in 2015 to 62.6% in 2020.

The hotel market in Nigeria has not fared as well as South Africa with stay unit nights dropping 12% and room revenue down by 3.6% over the past two years. There are a number of new hotels planned or under construction and we forecast an additional 4 700 rooms to be added in Nigeria during the next five years. Hotel room revenue is expected to grow to US$ 507 million in 2020 from the US$321 million achieved in 2015, due to increases in both stay unit nights and average room rates. The number of tourist arrivals to Mauritius increased by 10.9% in 2015, the largest increase during the past five years. The number of available hotel rooms is expected to increase at a 2.8% compound annual rate, rising to 15 600 in 2020 with hotel room revenue forecast to grow at a 10.6% compound annual rate to Euro 920 million in 2020 .

Kenya’s hotel market is recovering, with growth being achieved for the first time in four years due to an increase in the average room rate even though stay units fell 2.8% in 2015. Revenue is projected to grow at 6.1% compounded annually to 2020. Tanzania’s hotel room revenue amounted to US$222 million in 2015 and is expected to grow by 10.8% compounded annually to US$371 million in 2020.

“The hotel market in each country is affected by both the local and global economy, with some countries being more dependent on foreign visitors than others. The growth forecast is therefore dependent on how well both the local and global economy performs and grows over the next five years.”

“The tourism industry continues to be one of the fastest growing sectors of Africa’s economy. In spite of recent challenges, including the change in visa regulations in South Africa and the contraction of the global economy, the sector has significant potential to create jobs and uplift inclusive economic growth across the continent”, concludes Calicchio.