The Department of Tourism calls on all service providers and the public at large not to be lured into a tender fraud scam which requires an upfront payment in doing business with the department. These fraudsters use fictitious departmental documents like letters of appointments, purchase orders and contracts, supposedly from the department with a false signature of the Director: Supply Chain Management and/or the Director-General.
The department would like to set the record straight that no service provider is expected to pay any fee upfront to be awarded a tender. All tenders are advertised within the context of prescribed prescripts.
Services providers and the public are urged to remain vigilant to the tender scam and other scams and further advised to report such to law enforcement agencies.
Enquiries:
Trevor Bloem
Spokesperson
Cell: 082 771 6729
Email: tbloem@tourism.go.za
Tourism, Travel, Hospitality, Conservation: News,Stories And Experiences From Allover The World
Thursday, 28 July 2016
SOUTH AFRICA: Eco Tourism Grows In South Africa
South Africa is prioritising the green economy as a sector for economic growth to hopefully verify the country as more than just a pleasant place to visit.
The South African government has committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 34% in 2020 and 42% by 2025.
“Investment into the green economy is also seen as key to helping the country achieve its greenhouse gas emission reduction targets. The Western Cape specifically has adopted the "Green is Smart" roadmap with the aim of positioning the Western Cape as the green economic hub on the African continent,” says Annelize van der Merwe, Green Economy Investment and Finance Liason, Wesgro.
She also added that in order for this to be achieved, investment from the private sector is essential.
It is needed for technological growth and solutions to existing challenges that would ultimately stimulate green growth. Thus far, South Africa's Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer's programme has attracted more than R192bn of investment, with thousands of jobs having been created.
The Western Cape is being pushed as the focal region for promoting the country as a green hub, primarily because Wesgro and GreenCape are both funded by the Western Cape government and the City of Cape Town.
Currently, more than 70% of these manufacturing facilities are based in the Western Cape. In addition, the Western Cape will also be host to the first greentech Special Economic Zone in South Africa with a focus on attracting investment into green tech manufacturing.
However, it is not only the Western Cape that’s contributing to SA’s green reputation… Uber recently partnered with Nissan and BMW for UberGREEN, giving their Johannesburg customers the option of having a ride in a 100% electric powered vehicle in effort of reducing carbon emissions.
Tourism Minister, Derek Hanekom told parliament during his annual Tourism budget speech in May this year that project ‘Working for Tourism’, will be executed this year. The programme will comprise of 200 young people who will assist in retaining the blue flag status of the South African beaches and also keeping the environment clean and safe.
He also added that the government is supporting SA’s key destinations with installing renewable energy sources as part of the Tourism Incentive Program. These destinations include the Robben Island Museum, the Skukuza and Lower Sabi rest camps in the Kruger National Park and the Karoo Desert, the Hantam and the Free State National Botanical Gardens.
Likewise, Kimberley Airport in the Northern Cape became South Africa's second airport to operate on solar power after George Airport earlier this year. According to Airports Company South Africa News, The solar farm is located on 0.7 hectares of land within the airport precinct and uses an 11kV substation as it its main source of supply, which is also located on the airport's land.
Shortly thereafter, the Minister of Transport, Dipuo Peters, publicised a solar plant at Upington International Airport in the Northern Cape last week, marking the third green energy airport in South Africa.
Hotel Verde in Cape Town serves as a prime example of an independent pioneer in best eco-tourism practices. This hotel opened for business in 2013 and was built on the fundamental principles of 'green-only'. The hotel is the very first hotel in the world to be awarded double platinum for Ledership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) from the United States Green Building Council (USGBC).
Blue Rock Village, labelled ‘Africa’s first green village’ is in the process of expanding by adding the Santa Luzia Lifestyle Centre. “The Santa Luzia Lifestyle centre is a vibrant hub of Cape life where sophistication and chic collide with history and tradition. Its universal appeal makes it one of Cape Town‘s foremost attractions for both locals and international visitors. The centre will be home to boutique shops, doctors’ centre, clinics, professional office space, and gastronomies” said Mr Reichmuth, director of Swisatec and owner of Blue Rock Village.
The South African government has committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 34% in 2020 and 42% by 2025.
“Investment into the green economy is also seen as key to helping the country achieve its greenhouse gas emission reduction targets. The Western Cape specifically has adopted the "Green is Smart" roadmap with the aim of positioning the Western Cape as the green economic hub on the African continent,” says Annelize van der Merwe, Green Economy Investment and Finance Liason, Wesgro.
She also added that in order for this to be achieved, investment from the private sector is essential.
It is needed for technological growth and solutions to existing challenges that would ultimately stimulate green growth. Thus far, South Africa's Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer's programme has attracted more than R192bn of investment, with thousands of jobs having been created.
The Western Cape is being pushed as the focal region for promoting the country as a green hub, primarily because Wesgro and GreenCape are both funded by the Western Cape government and the City of Cape Town.
Currently, more than 70% of these manufacturing facilities are based in the Western Cape. In addition, the Western Cape will also be host to the first greentech Special Economic Zone in South Africa with a focus on attracting investment into green tech manufacturing.
However, it is not only the Western Cape that’s contributing to SA’s green reputation… Uber recently partnered with Nissan and BMW for UberGREEN, giving their Johannesburg customers the option of having a ride in a 100% electric powered vehicle in effort of reducing carbon emissions.
Tourism Minister, Derek Hanekom told parliament during his annual Tourism budget speech in May this year that project ‘Working for Tourism’, will be executed this year. The programme will comprise of 200 young people who will assist in retaining the blue flag status of the South African beaches and also keeping the environment clean and safe.
He also added that the government is supporting SA’s key destinations with installing renewable energy sources as part of the Tourism Incentive Program. These destinations include the Robben Island Museum, the Skukuza and Lower Sabi rest camps in the Kruger National Park and the Karoo Desert, the Hantam and the Free State National Botanical Gardens.
Likewise, Kimberley Airport in the Northern Cape became South Africa's second airport to operate on solar power after George Airport earlier this year. According to Airports Company South Africa News, The solar farm is located on 0.7 hectares of land within the airport precinct and uses an 11kV substation as it its main source of supply, which is also located on the airport's land.
Shortly thereafter, the Minister of Transport, Dipuo Peters, publicised a solar plant at Upington International Airport in the Northern Cape last week, marking the third green energy airport in South Africa.
Hotel Verde in Cape Town serves as a prime example of an independent pioneer in best eco-tourism practices. This hotel opened for business in 2013 and was built on the fundamental principles of 'green-only'. The hotel is the very first hotel in the world to be awarded double platinum for Ledership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) from the United States Green Building Council (USGBC).
Blue Rock Village, labelled ‘Africa’s first green village’ is in the process of expanding by adding the Santa Luzia Lifestyle Centre. “The Santa Luzia Lifestyle centre is a vibrant hub of Cape life where sophistication and chic collide with history and tradition. Its universal appeal makes it one of Cape Town‘s foremost attractions for both locals and international visitors. The centre will be home to boutique shops, doctors’ centre, clinics, professional office space, and gastronomies” said Mr Reichmuth, director of Swisatec and owner of Blue Rock Village.
SOUTH AFRICA: Tourists Flock South Africa’s Game Parks, Beaches And Vineyards
Tourists are flocking back to South Africa’s game parks, beaches and vineyards as a weaker currency and easing of visa rules make holidays cheaper and more accessible.
The number of visitors to South Africa from outside the continent increased by 19 percent over the five months through May, the Tourism Ministry said on July 20. The surging popularity among travelers from markets including the U.S. and Germany can be largely attributed to a weak rand, according to the head of Africa’s largest hotels and casinos company, Tsogo Sun Holdings Ltd.
South Africa is on an absolute fire sale, Tsogo Chief Executive Officer Marcel Von Aulock said.“We’ve always been a cheap destination relative to international markets,” and the falling currency has taken that to extremes, he said.
South Africa’s international tourism boom represents a rare note of optimism in an economy hampered by an unemployment rate of 27 percent and projected by the Reserve Bank not to grow this year amid low commodity prices and after the worst drought in more than a century. The rand is the third-worst performer against the dollar among 16 major currencies tracked by Bloomberg over the past 12 months, having declined 12 percent, and reached record lows against both the U.S. currency and euro earlier in 2016.
While the currency had firmed to 14.4115 against the dollar as of 5:04 p.m. on Tuesday, that’s still weaker than its level in November.
South Africa’s government has softened rules introduced in 2014 that required travelers from countries including China to apply for visas in person, hurting demand in one of its fastest-growing tourism markets. For prospective visitors from China, for example, that meant an often lengthy and costly trip to either Beijing or Shanghai.
Those restrictions, together with a condition that visitors accompanied by children must present a detailed birth certificate, contributed to a slowdown in international tourism arrivals in 2015.
With visas now easier to obtain through tour operators, Chinese numbers were 50 percent higher in May than a year earlier while those from India increased by 37 percent, according to the Tourism Ministry.
“Those markets will recover quite quickly, I think, and will continue to grow,” Von Aulock said.
While the birth-certificate rule has been relaxed, the entry requirements for children remain vague enough to deter some families, said Mmatsatsi Ramawela, CEO of the Tourism Business Council of South Africa. And although overseas tourist arrivals in 2016 to date are up from the past two years, they are still only the highest since 2013, according to Statistics South Africa data.
Events like the International AIDS Conference in Durban this month have increased the number of visitors, and concerns that terrorist attacks have made Europe more dangerous are also diverting traffic to the southern hemisphere, Ramawela said.
City Sightseeing, which operates hop-on-hop-off city tour buses, has sold more tickets in Cape Town this year and has had to add vehicles and drivers on some days, according to General Manager Paul Nel. Additional direct flights to the city have helped traffic, he said, with Emirates adding a third daily service between Cape Town and Dubai earlier this month.
The number of visitors to South Africa from outside the continent increased by 19 percent over the five months through May, the Tourism Ministry said on July 20. The surging popularity among travelers from markets including the U.S. and Germany can be largely attributed to a weak rand, according to the head of Africa’s largest hotels and casinos company, Tsogo Sun Holdings Ltd.
South Africa is on an absolute fire sale, Tsogo Chief Executive Officer Marcel Von Aulock said.“We’ve always been a cheap destination relative to international markets,” and the falling currency has taken that to extremes, he said.
South Africa’s international tourism boom represents a rare note of optimism in an economy hampered by an unemployment rate of 27 percent and projected by the Reserve Bank not to grow this year amid low commodity prices and after the worst drought in more than a century. The rand is the third-worst performer against the dollar among 16 major currencies tracked by Bloomberg over the past 12 months, having declined 12 percent, and reached record lows against both the U.S. currency and euro earlier in 2016.
While the currency had firmed to 14.4115 against the dollar as of 5:04 p.m. on Tuesday, that’s still weaker than its level in November.
South Africa’s government has softened rules introduced in 2014 that required travelers from countries including China to apply for visas in person, hurting demand in one of its fastest-growing tourism markets. For prospective visitors from China, for example, that meant an often lengthy and costly trip to either Beijing or Shanghai.
Those restrictions, together with a condition that visitors accompanied by children must present a detailed birth certificate, contributed to a slowdown in international tourism arrivals in 2015.
With visas now easier to obtain through tour operators, Chinese numbers were 50 percent higher in May than a year earlier while those from India increased by 37 percent, according to the Tourism Ministry.
“Those markets will recover quite quickly, I think, and will continue to grow,” Von Aulock said.
While the birth-certificate rule has been relaxed, the entry requirements for children remain vague enough to deter some families, said Mmatsatsi Ramawela, CEO of the Tourism Business Council of South Africa. And although overseas tourist arrivals in 2016 to date are up from the past two years, they are still only the highest since 2013, according to Statistics South Africa data.
Events like the International AIDS Conference in Durban this month have increased the number of visitors, and concerns that terrorist attacks have made Europe more dangerous are also diverting traffic to the southern hemisphere, Ramawela said.
City Sightseeing, which operates hop-on-hop-off city tour buses, has sold more tickets in Cape Town this year and has had to add vehicles and drivers on some days, according to General Manager Paul Nel. Additional direct flights to the city have helped traffic, he said, with Emirates adding a third daily service between Cape Town and Dubai earlier this month.
KENYA: What About Kenya Airways
The news from Kenya Airways is bad. It registered a staggering Ksh26.2 billion ($262 million) loss this past year. M
ore than the staggering loss of the previous year. Despite reports that its passenger numbers were up by 4 million.
That its income from handling was also up. That, relative to the previous year, its revenues were up by Ksh6 billion ($60 million).
It took drastic cost-cutting measures. It sold its parking slot at Heathrow Airport. It sold two of its planes. None of which has made a difference.
The public has a stake in KQ. Partly because we still publicly own about a quarter of it. Partly because individual Kenyans are shareholders in it. Partly because, as its slogan proclaims, it’s meant to be the “Pride of Africa.”
But it isn’t. Anecdotally, that accolade is increasingly given to Ethiopian Airways.
Both airlines, together with South African Airways, have significantly opened Africa up to itself. No more travelling to Europe to come back down in West Africa.
No more matatu-like, nerve-wracking (if entertaining) experiences in cross-continental travel on the infamously named “Air Peut-Etre” – Air Maybe, meaning maybe the plane will arrive, maybe it won’t.
Maybe your suitcase will make it on board, maybe it won’t. Maybe it’ll take off on time, maybe it won’t. Maybe it’ll get you there safely, maybe it won’t.
Travelling west was hair-raising till the mid-1990s, when finally those three airlines made it a predictable process. In KQ’s case, enabled by the KLM partnership.
Initially, at least, that partnership also ended the political annoyances that previously accompanied any KQ travel.
Like heading to the airport for a plane down south, only to be held hostage at the airport, together with a couple hundred other passengers, for almost half a day. Why? A Kenyan minister had commandeered the plane.
So the goings-on of the past year or so are disturbing. Many explanations have been given. That the investments in new planes to service all the new African routes (as well as new routes into Asia) always meant a dip in profitability.
That loans for those investments, being dollar-denominated (at interest rates inexplicably well above European averages) meant huge exchange losses as the shilling steadily depreciated.
That fuel hedging — to protect us from oil price volatility — instead locked us into fuel prices well above the current prices.
It’s hard to make sense of. But what we can make sense of is relative costs and relative comforts. From a consumer perspective, KQ is increasingly not the best bet.
Its tickets are consistently higher than other options; it only retains its customer base because many like flights that are as direct as possible. Its comforts are ever more Spartan, annoyingly so.
KQ’s cost-cutting gurus may think we don’t notice the absence of salads or cheese or the overall shift in airline food suppliers to companies associated with the political who’s who. But we do.
They may also think we don’t notice the headsets that never get fixed. But we do. Or the second-rate entertainment products (despite the admirable push for more Kenyan content). But we do. Or the steady creep back of flight delays. But we do.
Unless delays and pricing go down, while services go up, KQ’s supposedly increased customer base will not be sustained.
ore than the staggering loss of the previous year. Despite reports that its passenger numbers were up by 4 million.
That its income from handling was also up. That, relative to the previous year, its revenues were up by Ksh6 billion ($60 million).
It took drastic cost-cutting measures. It sold its parking slot at Heathrow Airport. It sold two of its planes. None of which has made a difference.
The public has a stake in KQ. Partly because we still publicly own about a quarter of it. Partly because individual Kenyans are shareholders in it. Partly because, as its slogan proclaims, it’s meant to be the “Pride of Africa.”
But it isn’t. Anecdotally, that accolade is increasingly given to Ethiopian Airways.
Both airlines, together with South African Airways, have significantly opened Africa up to itself. No more travelling to Europe to come back down in West Africa.
No more matatu-like, nerve-wracking (if entertaining) experiences in cross-continental travel on the infamously named “Air Peut-Etre” – Air Maybe, meaning maybe the plane will arrive, maybe it won’t.
Maybe your suitcase will make it on board, maybe it won’t. Maybe it’ll take off on time, maybe it won’t. Maybe it’ll get you there safely, maybe it won’t.
Travelling west was hair-raising till the mid-1990s, when finally those three airlines made it a predictable process. In KQ’s case, enabled by the KLM partnership.
Initially, at least, that partnership also ended the political annoyances that previously accompanied any KQ travel.
Like heading to the airport for a plane down south, only to be held hostage at the airport, together with a couple hundred other passengers, for almost half a day. Why? A Kenyan minister had commandeered the plane.
So the goings-on of the past year or so are disturbing. Many explanations have been given. That the investments in new planes to service all the new African routes (as well as new routes into Asia) always meant a dip in profitability.
That loans for those investments, being dollar-denominated (at interest rates inexplicably well above European averages) meant huge exchange losses as the shilling steadily depreciated.
That fuel hedging — to protect us from oil price volatility — instead locked us into fuel prices well above the current prices.
It’s hard to make sense of. But what we can make sense of is relative costs and relative comforts. From a consumer perspective, KQ is increasingly not the best bet.
Its tickets are consistently higher than other options; it only retains its customer base because many like flights that are as direct as possible. Its comforts are ever more Spartan, annoyingly so.
KQ’s cost-cutting gurus may think we don’t notice the absence of salads or cheese or the overall shift in airline food suppliers to companies associated with the political who’s who. But we do.
They may also think we don’t notice the headsets that never get fixed. But we do. Or the second-rate entertainment products (despite the admirable push for more Kenyan content). But we do. Or the steady creep back of flight delays. But we do.
Unless delays and pricing go down, while services go up, KQ’s supposedly increased customer base will not be sustained.
SOUTH SUDAN:Kiir Substitutes Machar With Deng Gai
Machar left the South Sudanese capital Juba earlier this month after an eruption of violence in the city when forces loyal to Kiir and Machar battled each other for several days with tanks, helicopters and other heavy weapons.
An August peace agreement states that the vice president must be chosen by the South Sudan Armed Opposition. Machar was sworn in as vice president in April.
However, Kiir replaced Machar on Monday with General Taban Deng Gai, a former chief opposition negotiator who has broken ranks with Machar and has the support of some other opposition members.
"Any political appointments need to be consistent with the provisions outlined in the peace agreement," UN spokesman Farhan Haq told reporters in New York on Tuesday.
US State Department spokeswoman Elizabeth Trudeau said some members of the South Sudanese opposition had met in Juba on Saturday and agreed to appoint Deng Gai as vice president.
"In terms of this and whether it's allowed under the peace agreement is going to be a question for the leadership of South Sudan," Trudeau told reporters.
Kiir's appointment of Deng Gai - a former minister of mining - came after Kiir issued an ultimatum last week, demanding that Machar contact him within 48 hours and return to Juba to salvage the peace deal, or face replacement.
Deng Gai, who was the chief negotiator for Machar's SPLM-IO group during the peace talks, and some other opposition members backed Kiir's ultimatum. Machar said on Friday he had fired Deng Gai and accused him of defecting to Kiir's party.
"We call on all parties to ensure that the ceasefire is maintained and that any divisions within the opposition or between the parties be dealt with peacefully through dialogue," Haq said.
Machar has said he would only return to Juba after international troops were deployed as a buffer force to separate his forces from Kiir's.
South Sudan, which gained independence from Sudan in 2011, descended into civil war after Kiir fired Machar as vice president for the first time in 2013.
More than 10,000 people were killed and some 2 million displaced, many of whom fled to neighbouring countries.
Wednesday, 27 July 2016
SOMALIA: Mogadishu Airport Attack
Thick smoke could be seen rising from the area, where there is also a base for African Union (AU) peacekeepers.
Local journalists said one of the bombs was detonated by a suicide attacker near a checkpoint. Another blast hit the airport's perimeter wall.
Those killed were believed to include security guards at the checkpoint.
The militant Islamist group, al-Shabab, has said it was behind the blasts and its target was the AU force's headquarters.
The AU mission in Somalia condemned "these senseless attacks that aim to disrupt and cripple the lives of ordinary Somalis".
Al-Shabab has carried out frequent attacks in Somalia, including in Mogadishu, in an attempt to oust the UN-backed government.
The group, which is allied to al-Qaeda, has been pushed out of most of the main towns it once controlled, but analysts say it remains a potent threat.
It has been increasing its attacks ahead of planned elections in Somalia.
Hotels have been attacked by car bombs and then armed assault teams over the past few weeks.
The large airport area in Mogadishu is a secure "green zone" for UN operations, the AU peacekeeping force and foreign embassies.
The Somali government, with the help of AU forces, is fighting al-Shabab militants in several parts of the country.
Tuesday, 26 July 2016
First African Biofueled Plane Takes Off And Lands
The first ever of its kind in South Africa, took off from Johannesburg two days ago and landed in Cape Town with no issues whatsoever.
Powered by a fuel which is blended from jet fuel and tobacco, South Africa Airways CEO Musa Zwane told the press that the crop is locally grown and viable for this project.
With the push on anti-smoking, SAA hopes to help the main anti-smoking doctor, Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi to get rid of tobacco while earning the country income.
Mr. Zwane said that SAA hopes to have half of their fleet flying on biofuel by 2022.
The fuel which was used for this first flight is refined in the United States of America (USA)
UGANDA: Busoga Twegaite NileRun Boosts Tourism In Busoga
Rt. Hon. Rebbeca Kadaga thanked everybody who participated in the Run and commended all those who had trekked the journey by road and air to take part in the event. She further thanked the Uganda Tourism Board for bringing animals to the event and therefore, giving an opportunity the children in Jinja who had never seen live animals.
“Each of us has a personal responsibility to promote our country,” Kadaga said. “As you have clearly noticed, Busoga and the eastern region has a lot to offer to the rest of the country. I am grateful to all Ugandans who have participated in this Run,” Kadaga said.
She informed the residents that Twegaite International in partnership with Uganda Tourism Board are going to start up a Zoo in Busoga so that people do not have to travel all the way to Entebbe to see wild life.
“I thank Twegaite International for remembering and honouring their country and their tribe; for they could have chosen to live comfortably in Europe. They have instead decided to return home and do such a thing,” Kadaga said.
The Speaker also acknowledged the poor state of roads in Jinja town and promised to task government to repair all roads in the different municipalities throughout the nation.
“I thought the loan we passed in Parliament was meant to construct roads in all municipalities but I have been informed that the funds released were intended for construction of 10km only,” she said.
Hon. Moses Balyeku (NRM, Jinja West) thanked the Speaker for supporting the Busoga region and for tackling issues that affect them both in Uganda and abroad. He however, asked the Speaker to back him up in Parliament when he begins to task the government to construct better roads in Jinja and the greater Busoga region.
“Madam Speaker, I saw you jog today on our roads and I know they haven’t done justice to your shoes. Please support me to see infrastructural development in our municipalities,” Balyeku said.
He concluded by applauding Twegaite International for its efforts to change Busoga’s health sector.
The Chair of Twegaite International, Dr Fred Bateganya, said the Twegaite Run is geared towards creating cancer awareness in Busoga, and also to promote Busoga as a tourist destination.
“Twegaite has been supporting the Jinja Cancer Ward for the past three years. Through this support, the ward has been renovated and equipped with new beds and linen, among other things,” Dr Bateganya said.
He explained that this year’s proceeds will specifically be channeled to the acquisition of a van for the hospital to facilitate easy transport for the staff.
This is the first time the Run was done on the shores of the world’s longest river, the River Nile.
Twegaite International is a not-profit corporation based in the USA, which brings together children and friends of Busoga, both in the diaspora and in Uganda.
The Expo which will be held annually, is also intended to give opportunity to the residents of Jinja and beyond to enjoy Uganda’s wildlife animal potential from Entebbe Zoo, and this will promote tourism by driving traffic to Jinja from other parts of country and beyond.
Officials from the Uganda Tourism Board reported that Travel and Tourism had attracted a capital investment of about Ush1.8bn in 2015. The Tourism regulator said this is expected to increase by 7.6% in 2016 and by the same figure per annum over the next 10 years.
The event featured a series of post-race entertainment and a dinner for the participants. There was live entertainment, an animal exhibition by Uganda Wildlife Education Centre (UWEC), children’s activities, and a Jinja reunion party at the Sailing club.
Kenya To Attract 1m Chinese Tourists
According to Muriithi Ndegwa, managing director, Kenya Tourist Board, more and more Chinese tourists are contacting the local tour operators in China and tour marketers from Kenya who are based in China to enquire about planning a visit to the renowned Masai Mara National Park as well as other places in the country.
The board, responsible for promoting the East African nation as a tourist destination across territories, expects that the launch of direct flights by China Southern Airlines and increased activities of the local as well as international hotels in Kenya would drive a larger number of Chinese tourists into the country.
Ndegwa said that Chinese tourists in large numbers will visit the country because of China Southern Airlines’ enviable fantastic track record around the world. In August, China Southern Airlines introduced three weekly flights to Kenya. According to Ndegwa, the growth potential is very high because the number of outbound travelers from China is 110 million.
In order to showcase the different tour packages offered to travelers, Kenya held the Magical Kenya Travel Expo for the fifth time in October 2015 (from 15 to 17), hoping that it would attract at least 1% of the 110 million Chinese travelers annually.
Ndegwa added that the goal of the Expo was to bring to the attention of the Chinese tourists the varied attractions available at the 59 national game parks in the country. He added that Kenya’s safari product is known all over the world for its diversity. The Kenya Tourist Board official also said that facilities at the airport are being expanded in order to accommodate the increase in the arrival of international tourists.
In fact, the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport located in Nairobi is being upgraded to handle as many as 20 million passengers annually. Additionally, the hotels are also being pushed to upgrade their facilities by the tourism authorities. For this purpose, a hotel grading system, including the creation of additional market segments within the tourism sector, has also been introduced. According to Ndegwa, a new system of pricing for national game reserves is also being planned to attract more premium visitors.
ETHIOPIA; Ethiopia Tourism Revenue More Than Kenya And Tanzania Combined
Ethiopia’s tourism revenue jumped 20.7 percent in 2015 to a record high of $3.5 billion from $2.9 billion in the previous fiscal year lifted by increased number of foreign tourists visiting the East African nation, data from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism showed.
The country’s revenue was more than what it more tourists established neighbours, Kenya and Tanzania, earned last year combined. The two east African neighbours cumulatively earned $2.77 billion.
Kenya’s revenue from its tourism sector dropped about 3 percent in 2015 to $837 million as visitors numbers continued a four year drop due to increased insecurity caused by frequent al Shabaab militants attacks, Reuters reported.
In Tanzania, a reduction in number of visitors last year also saw a fall in foreign exchange earnings from tourism to $1.93 billion, from $2 billion in 2014, The Exchange reported.
The number of visitors to Ethiopia increased by 136,000 to 910,000 in 2015, an estimated 88,000 foreign tourists per month, as the country hosted a number of high profile international business conferences and exhibitions, Ethiosport reported.
Ethiopia, home to nine UNESCO World Heritage sites, wants to become one of the top five tourist destination in Africa by tripling the number of foreign tourists visiting the country to 2.5 million in 2020.
This will make tourism making the leading sector in one of Africa’s fastest growing economies. It had targeted to raise $3.5 billion from the sector this fiscal year.
On average visitors to the country have rose by 12 percent annually over the last decade as the country economic growth picked up and the government introduced incentives to attract investors into the sector.
Ethiopians living in abroad have built more than 200 luxury hotels in the country making it easier for the country to market itself as a upmarket tourist destination.
Tourism contributes about 4.5 percent of the country’s GDP and generates about a million jobs according to the World Bank.
Landlocked Ethiopia does not have any beaches to promote like the other two, but its cultural wealth like its 13th century underground churches of Lalibela, hewn from solid rock and the hill castles of Gondar are its big selling point.
It’s also grown more and more popular for travelers as it’s a safer and affordable destination.
The country has in recent years embarked on massive infrastructure spending that saw Africa’s first light train cutting though the sprawling city of Addis Ababa launched in September.
“What Ethiopia offers to tourists, different from Kenya and Tanzania, is history and culture,” Tony Hickey, an Irish tour operator who first arrived in Ethiopia in 1973, said.
The country’s revenue was more than what it more tourists established neighbours, Kenya and Tanzania, earned last year combined. The two east African neighbours cumulatively earned $2.77 billion.
Kenya’s revenue from its tourism sector dropped about 3 percent in 2015 to $837 million as visitors numbers continued a four year drop due to increased insecurity caused by frequent al Shabaab militants attacks, Reuters reported.
In Tanzania, a reduction in number of visitors last year also saw a fall in foreign exchange earnings from tourism to $1.93 billion, from $2 billion in 2014, The Exchange reported.
The number of visitors to Ethiopia increased by 136,000 to 910,000 in 2015, an estimated 88,000 foreign tourists per month, as the country hosted a number of high profile international business conferences and exhibitions, Ethiosport reported.
Ethiopia, home to nine UNESCO World Heritage sites, wants to become one of the top five tourist destination in Africa by tripling the number of foreign tourists visiting the country to 2.5 million in 2020.
This will make tourism making the leading sector in one of Africa’s fastest growing economies. It had targeted to raise $3.5 billion from the sector this fiscal year.
On average visitors to the country have rose by 12 percent annually over the last decade as the country economic growth picked up and the government introduced incentives to attract investors into the sector.
Ethiopians living in abroad have built more than 200 luxury hotels in the country making it easier for the country to market itself as a upmarket tourist destination.
Tourism contributes about 4.5 percent of the country’s GDP and generates about a million jobs according to the World Bank.
Landlocked Ethiopia does not have any beaches to promote like the other two, but its cultural wealth like its 13th century underground churches of Lalibela, hewn from solid rock and the hill castles of Gondar are its big selling point.
It’s also grown more and more popular for travelers as it’s a safer and affordable destination.
The country has in recent years embarked on massive infrastructure spending that saw Africa’s first light train cutting though the sprawling city of Addis Ababa launched in September.
“What Ethiopia offers to tourists, different from Kenya and Tanzania, is history and culture,” Tony Hickey, an Irish tour operator who first arrived in Ethiopia in 1973, said.
Monday, 25 July 2016
ZIMBABWE: Pangolin Trade Capital
According to quarterly crime incidence statistics for the period January to April 2016 released by the Tikki Hywood Trust in May, pangolin poaching crimes are still rampant in Zimbabwe, “This year alone, Zimbabwe has handled 20 criminal cases involving pangolin poachers and 41 accused persons countrywide. Of those, 16 have already received the mandatory 9-year sentence and 4 have been acquitted. Two warrants of arrest issued (in the same period),” the trust said.
An analysis of recent arrest trends and court cases shows that most of the poaching cases recorded in the period 2015-2016 originated around game reserves in the Mashonaland, Midlands and Matabeleland North provinces. However, the capital Harare remains the pangolin trade capital where live pangolin and product buyers and trafficking kingpins with external links to the South-East Asian and Middle Eastern markets allegedly operate from.
In Zimbabwe, one only needs to read the newspapers to see that despite the laudable law enforcement successes of the past year, there remains a crisis when it comes to the illegal capture, trade and trafficking in pangolin products.
While noting the high prevalence of pangolin poaching, the trust has praised the efforts of the law enforcement agencies and the long duration jail sentences handed down by the judiciary as active deterrents to the scourge. According to prosecution analysis figures released by the trust on April 22 this year, 84 people were arrested for crimes linked to illegal dealing in live pangolins and pangolin products in 2015.
In a statement circulated on World Pangolin Day in February, the Tikki Hywood Trust expressed concern that despite tough laws against illegal exploitation, Zimbabwe’s pangolins are still being poached to satisfy the foreign market:
“The pangolin is on the Zimbabwean list of specially protected endangered species. There is very strict legislation around the trafficking of any animal on the list and poachers can expect a minimum of 9 years in jail. The pangolin is of important cultural significance in Zimbabwe. The fact that they are being poached at such a high rate of late is frightening. What is most disturbing is that our natural heritage is being killed to satisfy a foreign market,” the trust said.
In its 2015 poaching crimes report, the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (PWMA) said it handled 22 cases of illegal possession of pangolins.
However, Zimbabwe Conservation Task Force (ZCTF) chairperson Johnny Rodrigues told CAT that while the arrest and long-term conviction of poachers is encouraging, the problem would continue if the crackdown excluded the Harare-based syndicates, which are seen as the drivers and enablers of the trade.
“The arrests and sentences are good, but should we take a close look at who is getting arrested and ask ourselves about the value of the targets we are incarcerating. From recent cases I have observed, its just the small boys – the runners and the couriers – who are getting jailed. The leaders and financiers of the syndicates roam free because the law is not building on information gathered from the runners to get to the syndicates and financiers of the trade.
“Several Chinese, and in one case, a Malian citizen, have been arrested while trying to smuggle ivory and live pangolins through the Harare International Airport in the past few years. While the crackdown on these low-level links of the trafficking chain is a positive development, it won’t help unless it goes after the syndicates which finance and which sustain the demand for the animals,” Rodrigues said.
The Tikki Hywood Trust and international wildlife conservation organisation TRAFFIC recently held a workshop to train aviation
staff and security officers from the Harare International Airport on advanced cargo inspection techniques to detect and prevent the smuggling of live pangolins and pangolin products by air.
The fight to save the eight species of endangered pangolin received a boost in April when the United States announced plans to join Nigeria, Senegal, Vietnam, India and the Phillipines in co-sponsoring a proposal asking the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) to upgrade the protection all species of pangolin to Appendix 1.
The proposal is set to be presented at the 17th edition of the CITES Convention of Parties (COP 17) meeting to be held in Johannesburg from September 24 to October 5 this year. All four African pangolin species – namely the Black-bellied pangolin (Manis Tetradactyla), white-bellied pangolin (Manis Tricuspis), giant pangolin (Manis Gigantea) and ground pangolin (Manis Temminckii) will be covered by the proposal.
LATIVIA: Riga Airport Leading In The Baltics
In the first half of the year, over 2.52 million passengers were carried, which is a 6.3% increase compared to the first half of the previous year.
The number of flights has increased by 2.1% and over 33 thousand flights have been performed in total.
Serving 45% of Baltic air passengers, Riga's Airport has maintained its leading position in the Baltics.
The "Riga" Airport has recorded a sharp 18.4% increase in the number of transfer passengers, thanks to the success of the national airline "airBaltic" in attracting transfer passengers.
In the first half of the year, transit and transfer passengers accounted for 26.6% of the total number of passengers. The main transfer destinations are Tallinn, Vilnius, Helsinki, Moscow, St. Petersburg, Stockholm, Kiev, Berlin, Amsterdam and Copenhagen, but the largest increase in transfer traffic has been in the direction of Moscow, St. Petersburg, Tallinn, London and Kiev.
This year, the most popular destinations in terms of number of passengers are London, Moscow, Frankfurt, Oslo and Helsinki, while the largest growth has been for flights to Berlin, London, Kiev, Moscow and Stockholm.
In the first half of the year, two new airlines have launched routes - "Vueling" (Riga-Barcelona-Riga) and "Aegan Airlines" (Riga-Athens-Riga).
Currently, the airport is successfully carrying out the terminal's development. The new terminal is expected to be completed by this year's winter flight-season.
LATVIA: Pullman Hotel Opened In Riga
The hotel is located in a renovated historical building in one of the most attractive streets of Old Riga.
“Pullman Hotels & Resorts” luxury hotel “Pullman Old Town Riga” consists of three parts. The façade building was built in 1789. It is connected to two modern parts of the building with glazed courtyards.
The riding theme is used in the hotel interior, remembering the famous fantasy master of the 18th century Baron Munchausen, who had horse stables located in this place. Another distinguishing feature of the hotel style is modern art and design.
“Pullman Riga Old Town” hotel has 155 rooms, a 24-hour restaurant, a bar, five meeting halls, one private catering room and two conference halls for 150 and 200 guests, as well as a wellness centre with a swimming pool.
“Pullman Hotel & Resorts” in the “AccorHotels” chain. Over a short period, three “AccorHotel” chain hotels of different categories were opened in Riga, Latvia — including four-star hotel “Mercure Riga Centre Hotel” and three-star hotel “Ibis” in lively, easy-to-reach streets of our capital.
This summer, another two high-class hotels will be opened in Riga. “Park Inn by Radisson Residence Riga Barona” will have 78 apartments specifically adjusted for guests planning to stay in Latvia longer. “Park Inn by Radisson Riga Valdemara” will offer 178 rooms, a 500 m2 conference hall that can be divided into 3 rooms, a gym centre and a wide parking lot. The hotel will be located in just a 12-minute drive from the airport.
“Pullman Hotels & Resorts” luxury hotel “Pullman Old Town Riga” consists of three parts. The façade building was built in 1789. It is connected to two modern parts of the building with glazed courtyards.
The riding theme is used in the hotel interior, remembering the famous fantasy master of the 18th century Baron Munchausen, who had horse stables located in this place. Another distinguishing feature of the hotel style is modern art and design.
“Pullman Riga Old Town” hotel has 155 rooms, a 24-hour restaurant, a bar, five meeting halls, one private catering room and two conference halls for 150 and 200 guests, as well as a wellness centre with a swimming pool.
“Pullman Hotel & Resorts” in the “AccorHotels” chain. Over a short period, three “AccorHotel” chain hotels of different categories were opened in Riga, Latvia — including four-star hotel “Mercure Riga Centre Hotel” and three-star hotel “Ibis” in lively, easy-to-reach streets of our capital.
This summer, another two high-class hotels will be opened in Riga. “Park Inn by Radisson Residence Riga Barona” will have 78 apartments specifically adjusted for guests planning to stay in Latvia longer. “Park Inn by Radisson Riga Valdemara” will offer 178 rooms, a 500 m2 conference hall that can be divided into 3 rooms, a gym centre and a wide parking lot. The hotel will be located in just a 12-minute drive from the airport.
LATVIA: Tickets For Jubilee Concerts On Sale
Although the Republic of Latvia will reach a hundred years only on November 18th, 2018, one can already feel the celebration approaching.
It is already possible to purchase tickets to the concert dedicated to Latvia's hundred-year jubilee "Latvian century" and the rock opera "Lāčplēsis".
Tickets are available in all "Biļešu paradīze" offices, as well as on their website: www. http://www.bilesuparadize.lv/.
The updated staging of legendary composer Zigmars Liepins' rock opera "Lāčplēsis" will take place on November 9th, 2018, in "Arena Riga", where it will performed by the Symphony Orchestra and a rhythm group directed by the composer himself. For the title role – the latest generation’s brilliant singer Daumants Kalnins!
The Latvian rock opera about the popular mythic hero Lāčplēsis was created in 1986 - in 1987 - at a time when the craving to reclaim the Republic of Latvia's independence, established in 1918, grew stronger and stronger every day. The Rock opera "Lāčplēsis" strengthened our determination and will, and in 1991 we did it - the occupation following World War II and the imposed Soviet regime were finally washed away into the gutters history.
Today we can say that the Republic of Latvia has regained its independence and is successfully developing together with other countries of the European Union. And yet, the rock opera "Lāčplēsis" still touches the deepest strings of our souls, and when staged in 2018, it shall undoubtedly ring out with tremendous emotional force.
Lighter moods will be created in the popular music concert "Latvian century" which will take place in November 8th, 2018. It will be attended by dozens of the most popular Latvian actors, singers and pop legends – where, together with the audience, they shall go on a century-long musical journey.
The Republic of Latvia's centenary celebrations will take place from 2017 to 2021. One of the most important festive events will be the XXVI Latvian Song Festival and the XVI Dance Festival, to be held in from July 7th to July 15th, 2018.
More than 1,600 amateur art collectives are preparing for the Song and Dance Festival.
Gradually coming to an end is the creation of Likteņdārzs in the wonderfully gorgeous location near Latvia' river of destiny - Daugava. It will be a special place not only for memories, but also for faith and hope.
It is already possible to purchase tickets to the concert dedicated to Latvia's hundred-year jubilee "Latvian century" and the rock opera "Lāčplēsis".
Tickets are available in all "Biļešu paradīze" offices, as well as on their website: www. http://www.bilesuparadize.lv/.
The updated staging of legendary composer Zigmars Liepins' rock opera "Lāčplēsis" will take place on November 9th, 2018, in "Arena Riga", where it will performed by the Symphony Orchestra and a rhythm group directed by the composer himself. For the title role – the latest generation’s brilliant singer Daumants Kalnins!
The Latvian rock opera about the popular mythic hero Lāčplēsis was created in 1986 - in 1987 - at a time when the craving to reclaim the Republic of Latvia's independence, established in 1918, grew stronger and stronger every day. The Rock opera "Lāčplēsis" strengthened our determination and will, and in 1991 we did it - the occupation following World War II and the imposed Soviet regime were finally washed away into the gutters history.
Today we can say that the Republic of Latvia has regained its independence and is successfully developing together with other countries of the European Union. And yet, the rock opera "Lāčplēsis" still touches the deepest strings of our souls, and when staged in 2018, it shall undoubtedly ring out with tremendous emotional force.
Lighter moods will be created in the popular music concert "Latvian century" which will take place in November 8th, 2018. It will be attended by dozens of the most popular Latvian actors, singers and pop legends – where, together with the audience, they shall go on a century-long musical journey.
The Republic of Latvia's centenary celebrations will take place from 2017 to 2021. One of the most important festive events will be the XXVI Latvian Song Festival and the XVI Dance Festival, to be held in from July 7th to July 15th, 2018.
More than 1,600 amateur art collectives are preparing for the Song and Dance Festival.
Gradually coming to an end is the creation of Likteņdārzs in the wonderfully gorgeous location near Latvia' river of destiny - Daugava. It will be a special place not only for memories, but also for faith and hope.
LATVIA: Riga Will Host Baltic Connecting 2016
The aim of the international tourism forum "Baltic Connecting" is to inform tourism industry professionals about tourism opportunities in Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia, by acquainting them with the tourism offers and services in the region, as well as create the opportunity for foreign tourism professionals to meet with potential cooperation partners in the Baltics and establish new contacts.
For the first time “Baltic Connecting 2016” will focus on the growing significance of long-haul markets, inviting to the Baltic region travel trade professionals from Japan, USA, China and South Korea.
The largest and most important event in the Baltics for tourism professionals "Baltic Connecting 2016" will be organized for the 10th time. The event will gather travel trade representatives to promote Latvian, Lithuanian and Estonian tourism products and acquire new business contacts.
The programme will include: a workshop (4.10.2016 Latvia), consisting of destination presentations, scheduled individual B2B meetings and networking with Baltic travel agents and professionals from the different fields of the tourism industry, as well as socializing with representatives of travel companies from long-haul markets; international tourism conference(4.10.2016 Latvia) focusing on market trends, destination marketing and cooperation in attracting tourists from distant markets and study trips to Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania (05.-08.10.2016) for travel trade professionals from long-haul markets, with the aim of introducing the attendees to the diverse tourism opportunities in the region.
LATVIA: Riga Zoo Attracts More Visitors
The Riga Zoo is located in one of the capital's greenest neighbourhoods - Mežaparks, on the coast of Lake Ķīšezers. This is already reason enough for the city's residents and guests to enjoy visiting this place, so suitable for leisurely recreation.
The Riga National Zoo's birthday is October 14th, 1912. This means that the Zoo has already developed considerably and now is able to delight visitors with 380 animal species.
At the same time, our Zoo may be considered fairly new, because there are several Zoos in Europe that have reached a much more respectable age. The Riga Zoo continues to evolve, and from time to time a new animal-dwelling is created, or an existing one is upgraded.
Since 1992, the Riga Zoo is a member of the European Zoo and Aquarium Association and is among Europe's 100 best zoos.
Last year, the Riga Zoo was visited by more than 336 thousand visitors, which is one of the best attendance figures in recent years.
This year, it seems, there will not be a decrease of visitors, because, especially for children, getting to know the animal kingdom is very exciting and cognitively significant. The Giraffe house, the Tropical house, the Tiger's lair- these are only some of the most popular visitation places in the Riga Zoo.
The Farmstead's visitors can get acquainted with traditional Latvian domestic animals and not only see them up close, but also stroke or pet them. Lambs, rabbits, piglets and other domestic baby-animals will make everyone smile.
Pines grow in the spacious garden and their soothing rustle makes one forget the everyday rush and tension. Mežaparks with the Riga Zoo and Ķīšezers is an excellent choice for those who wish to feel close to nature in our green Capital.
The Riga Zoo also has an external branch "Cīruļi" in the Aizpute region, Kurzeme. Also in "Cīruļi" - the number of visitors is growing. Last year it was visited by more 15 thousand vacationers, particularly – by families with children.
LITHUANIA: Lithuanian Travel Agencies Increase Sales
The year 2016 is successful for Lithuanian travel agencies
Most of them have increased their sales and the number of tourists. There is a tendency of amalgamation and strengthening of the largest agencies. Travel agencies “Novaturas” and “Omnituras” would be the best examples of this successful cooperation.
According to the business daily made by “Verslo Zinios”, the biggest sales are counted in “West Express”: its sales in 2002 comparing to 2001 increased by 20 percent, “Baltic Clipper” grew by 30 percent, “Novaturas” – by 15. The data of all the agencies show that the biggest companies have become stronger, at that time the smallest ones have become weaker.
According to the number of the inbound tourists in 2002 the biggest travel organizing agencies are as follows: Liturmex, Lithuanian Tours, Delta Tours, West Express and etc.
Foreign guests are welcome in the Lithuanian country tourism
Travelers from the European countries make only a few percent of all the visitors of the Lithuanian countryside. The most usual guests there are Polish and German visitors, people from Scandinavia frequently ask about a country holiday in Lithuania.
Good example of an effective marketing could be Czech Republic, where the Lithuanian country tourism association has its representative. After the information about Lithuania in the Czech language was distributed, 800 tourists from this country came to spend a holiday in 48 farmsteads of Lithuania. According to the Lithuanian country tourism association, Diplomatic Missions of Lithuania could help a lot in advertising the traveling and leisure possibilities in the Lithuania’s countryside.
New Hotels
A new hotel “Audenis” was opened in Birstonas this February. Till that time the hotel service in the resort was provided only by sanatoriums. The hotel “Audenis” was established by the textile enterprise “Kauteksa” in Kaunas. It has decided to take up in tourism as the alternative activity. The 10-room hotel could pretend to be given a 3-star category. The prices there are much lower then in Vilnius and Kaunas.
Besides, the owners of the “Audenis” expect to revive the tourism service market in Birstonas. They plan to organize the flights by hot air balloons, the sightseeing excursions by aircraft (the air port Pociunai is located near the city).
A completely renovated 5-star hotel Congress was opened near the Neris river by the Green Bridge. The hotel has 85 rooms, a 45-seats conference hall. Also there is a European food restaurant in the cellar. A bar will be located on the top floor from which the guests will enjoy the panorama of the center of Vilnius.
After the reconstruction the hotel “Vilnius” will become a luxurious “Marriot” group hotel. The 5-star hotel will have 178 rooms and a 500-sq. m. conference hall. It will aim at the big groups of the business class visitors. The reconstruction should last for 16-18 month.
New entertainment and services
Lithuanians are not very frequent visitors of the largest sanatorium in country “Egle”. 40 percent of the visitors of the Druskininkai sanatorium “Egle” were from Poland, 30 – from Germany. Lithuanians made up only 18 percent of all its clients.
9.3 thous. people visited the sanatorium during the last year. The heads of “Egle” expect at least 10 thousands visitors this year. Despite the season fluctuation the sanatorium worked profitably. Last year it had profit of 996.8 thousands litas.
Privatized in 2002 the sanatorium “Egle” is going to be not only the largest in Lithuania but also the most modern one. Its owners have ambitious development plans and foresee huge investments. This year they are going to assign 2.7 million litas for the modernization of the enterprise, in the next two years the investments should make up about 5 million litas.
Broker of the charter flights “Navis Expedita” began to render the service of the air taxi in 2002. The service of the air taxi could be described as a carrying of single persons or small groups of passengers according to order without any preliminary timetable. The company has 3-4 such orders per month.
Air taxi is usually ordered by the businessmen, sportsmen or by pop artists. The plane has 5 or 6 seats, the flying speed is 350 km/hr. The price for one hour’s flight – 600 EUR.
“Lithuanian Airlines” started to operate the route Vilnius – Brussels. The need for this direct flight appeared because of the EU integration process. At that time there are intensive tourist flows in this direction. This year the 49-seat SAAB 2000 will carry passengers 3 times a week. In 2004 “Lithuanian Airlines “ plans to increase the number of flights up to 5 times per week. The trip will take 2.40 hour.
Since the 31 of March the Aircompany Lietuva is operating a new route Kaunas – Palanga – Malme every working day.
The new entertainment, sport and business center “Forum Palace” was opened in Vilnius. There is a modern sport club “Forum” with its fitness hall, 3 rooms for aerobics and fighting arts, swimming pool and jacuzzi.
The nightclub “Galaxy” is located even throughout tree floors of the palace. There are 550 seats in its amphitheater hall. Over 1000 people can tape part in disco-parties. Also there are several conference halls. Two rooms could be used for seminars for 20 people, one hall has 100 seats, other two – 180 seats each. Conferences with 500 participants can take place in the nightclub’s premises too.
The first casino “Casino Planet” to be opened in Palanga on Basanaviciaus street this summer. Many other attractions are planed in the resort, because this year Palanga is celebrating its 750-year anniversary. Besides traditional events such as season opening festival, car racing, concerts and sports competitions will be organized especially for the anniversary.
The anniversary summer festival will take place in Palanga on the 6-8 of June, the classic musical project “The Fishs’ song or the incantation of the ship” will be performed in the park on the 30th of August.
Most of them have increased their sales and the number of tourists. There is a tendency of amalgamation and strengthening of the largest agencies. Travel agencies “Novaturas” and “Omnituras” would be the best examples of this successful cooperation.
According to the business daily made by “Verslo Zinios”, the biggest sales are counted in “West Express”: its sales in 2002 comparing to 2001 increased by 20 percent, “Baltic Clipper” grew by 30 percent, “Novaturas” – by 15. The data of all the agencies show that the biggest companies have become stronger, at that time the smallest ones have become weaker.
According to the number of the inbound tourists in 2002 the biggest travel organizing agencies are as follows: Liturmex, Lithuanian Tours, Delta Tours, West Express and etc.
Foreign guests are welcome in the Lithuanian country tourism
Travelers from the European countries make only a few percent of all the visitors of the Lithuanian countryside. The most usual guests there are Polish and German visitors, people from Scandinavia frequently ask about a country holiday in Lithuania.
Good example of an effective marketing could be Czech Republic, where the Lithuanian country tourism association has its representative. After the information about Lithuania in the Czech language was distributed, 800 tourists from this country came to spend a holiday in 48 farmsteads of Lithuania. According to the Lithuanian country tourism association, Diplomatic Missions of Lithuania could help a lot in advertising the traveling and leisure possibilities in the Lithuania’s countryside.
New Hotels
A new hotel “Audenis” was opened in Birstonas this February. Till that time the hotel service in the resort was provided only by sanatoriums. The hotel “Audenis” was established by the textile enterprise “Kauteksa” in Kaunas. It has decided to take up in tourism as the alternative activity. The 10-room hotel could pretend to be given a 3-star category. The prices there are much lower then in Vilnius and Kaunas.
Besides, the owners of the “Audenis” expect to revive the tourism service market in Birstonas. They plan to organize the flights by hot air balloons, the sightseeing excursions by aircraft (the air port Pociunai is located near the city).
A completely renovated 5-star hotel Congress was opened near the Neris river by the Green Bridge. The hotel has 85 rooms, a 45-seats conference hall. Also there is a European food restaurant in the cellar. A bar will be located on the top floor from which the guests will enjoy the panorama of the center of Vilnius.
After the reconstruction the hotel “Vilnius” will become a luxurious “Marriot” group hotel. The 5-star hotel will have 178 rooms and a 500-sq. m. conference hall. It will aim at the big groups of the business class visitors. The reconstruction should last for 16-18 month.
New entertainment and services
Lithuanians are not very frequent visitors of the largest sanatorium in country “Egle”. 40 percent of the visitors of the Druskininkai sanatorium “Egle” were from Poland, 30 – from Germany. Lithuanians made up only 18 percent of all its clients.
9.3 thous. people visited the sanatorium during the last year. The heads of “Egle” expect at least 10 thousands visitors this year. Despite the season fluctuation the sanatorium worked profitably. Last year it had profit of 996.8 thousands litas.
Privatized in 2002 the sanatorium “Egle” is going to be not only the largest in Lithuania but also the most modern one. Its owners have ambitious development plans and foresee huge investments. This year they are going to assign 2.7 million litas for the modernization of the enterprise, in the next two years the investments should make up about 5 million litas.
Broker of the charter flights “Navis Expedita” began to render the service of the air taxi in 2002. The service of the air taxi could be described as a carrying of single persons or small groups of passengers according to order without any preliminary timetable. The company has 3-4 such orders per month.
Air taxi is usually ordered by the businessmen, sportsmen or by pop artists. The plane has 5 or 6 seats, the flying speed is 350 km/hr. The price for one hour’s flight – 600 EUR.
“Lithuanian Airlines” started to operate the route Vilnius – Brussels. The need for this direct flight appeared because of the EU integration process. At that time there are intensive tourist flows in this direction. This year the 49-seat SAAB 2000 will carry passengers 3 times a week. In 2004 “Lithuanian Airlines “ plans to increase the number of flights up to 5 times per week. The trip will take 2.40 hour.
Since the 31 of March the Aircompany Lietuva is operating a new route Kaunas – Palanga – Malme every working day.
The new entertainment, sport and business center “Forum Palace” was opened in Vilnius. There is a modern sport club “Forum” with its fitness hall, 3 rooms for aerobics and fighting arts, swimming pool and jacuzzi.
The nightclub “Galaxy” is located even throughout tree floors of the palace. There are 550 seats in its amphitheater hall. Over 1000 people can tape part in disco-parties. Also there are several conference halls. Two rooms could be used for seminars for 20 people, one hall has 100 seats, other two – 180 seats each. Conferences with 500 participants can take place in the nightclub’s premises too.
The first casino “Casino Planet” to be opened in Palanga on Basanaviciaus street this summer. Many other attractions are planed in the resort, because this year Palanga is celebrating its 750-year anniversary. Besides traditional events such as season opening festival, car racing, concerts and sports competitions will be organized especially for the anniversary.
The anniversary summer festival will take place in Palanga on the 6-8 of June, the classic musical project “The Fishs’ song or the incantation of the ship” will be performed in the park on the 30th of August.
TAIWAN: Tourism Exhibition Opens In Kaohsiung
An exhibition on domestic travel and tourism in the 1930s during the Japanese colonial period opened at the Kaohsiung Museum of History on Thursday.
The exhibition explores the city’s relationship with the Japanese and tourists from other parts of Taiwan through historical films, photographs and artifacts, the museum said.
The museum said that as a result of developments such as the 1908 opening of the western rail line connecting the north and the south, the referendum on “the eight sights of Taiwan” in 1927 and then-Japanese crown prince Hirohito’s tour of Taiwan in 1929, travel agencies and domestic tourism became a phenomenon in colonial Taiwan, culminating in 1935 with the Taiwan Exhibition that brought domestic travel to new heights.
The exhibition is to focus on the historical conditions that gave rise to travel within Taiwan; the growth of tourism as a popular and commercial activity; the preparations that were made by travelers in those times; the sights and attractions a visitor to Kaohsiung was likely to experience and the historical significance of tourism, it said.
The exhibition is to feature items such as archive footage of the 1935 Taiwan Exhibition and tickets for one-pass-boarding for trains and ferries and other transport memorabilia, as well as paintings of sights in Kaohsiung, including Shoushan, Sizihwan and the Chiaozaitou mud volcano by Taiwanese and Japanese artists, such as Shusei Ozawa, Chang Chi-hua, Liao Chi-chun and others, the museum said.
The exhibition explores the city’s relationship with the Japanese and tourists from other parts of Taiwan through historical films, photographs and artifacts, the museum said.
The museum said that as a result of developments such as the 1908 opening of the western rail line connecting the north and the south, the referendum on “the eight sights of Taiwan” in 1927 and then-Japanese crown prince Hirohito’s tour of Taiwan in 1929, travel agencies and domestic tourism became a phenomenon in colonial Taiwan, culminating in 1935 with the Taiwan Exhibition that brought domestic travel to new heights.
The exhibition is to focus on the historical conditions that gave rise to travel within Taiwan; the growth of tourism as a popular and commercial activity; the preparations that were made by travelers in those times; the sights and attractions a visitor to Kaohsiung was likely to experience and the historical significance of tourism, it said.
The exhibition is to feature items such as archive footage of the 1935 Taiwan Exhibition and tickets for one-pass-boarding for trains and ferries and other transport memorabilia, as well as paintings of sights in Kaohsiung, including Shoushan, Sizihwan and the Chiaozaitou mud volcano by Taiwanese and Japanese artists, such as Shusei Ozawa, Chang Chi-hua, Liao Chi-chun and others, the museum said.
TAIWAN: Is Turkey Safe After Coup Attempt?
Turkish Office Representative Ismet Erikan yesterday said that Turkey is a safe travel destination, despite an attempted military coup on Friday last week, adding that the impact on the economy has been minimal.
“Turkey is totally safe, as safe as any other country in the West, no more, no less. Istanbul is as safe as Paris and London,” Erikan told a news conference in Taipei yesterday morning.
Erikan was responding to questions on whether now is a suitable time to visit Turkey following the recent coup attempt, which prompted the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to raise its travel advisory for Turkey on Saturday last week to “red,” the highest in the ministry’s four-color alert system.
The “red” alert was downgraded on Wednesday to “orange,” which advises visitors to be highly cautious and avoid unnecessary travel.
Erikan said he understands the ministry’s concerns and why it decided to increase the travel alert, but that he was optimistic that the travel advisory would be further downgraded soon.
More than 1,000 Taiwanese tourists were in Turkey during the coup, Erikan said, but only a small number of them returned to Taiwan because of the event. All the others continued their trips.
The Turkish representative also dismissed a reported link between the coup attempt and EVA Air’s decision on Thursday to suspend flights between Taipei and Istanbul until next summer.
“This is the company’s decision… It has nothing to do with recent developments in Turkey, but rather a financial issue and decision of the company,” Erikan said.
Asked whether the Turkish government would consider waiving visas for visitors from Taiwan to boost tourism, Erikan said that while he is open to discussion about such a proposal, the current e-visa system has proven effective in attracting Taiwanese visitors because it takes less than two minutes to apply for a visa online.
Meanwhile, the Turkish representative also predicted that Taiwan’s investments in Turkey would increase to US$1 billion in less than two years.
“The failed coup’s effect on the economy is very limited and very minor, which shows that the Turkish economy is strong enough to weather this shock,” Erikan said.
The representative’s remarks came after Standard & Poor’s on Wednesday cut Turkey’s credit rating to “BB,” two notches below investment grade, with a negative outlook, over concerns that political uncertainty could trigger an exodus of foreign capital.
Moody’s on Monday put Turkey’s credit rating on a review for downgrade as it needs time to assess the medium-term impact of the failed coup, it said.
Turkey’s GDP is expected to grow 3.8 percent annually this year, slightly lower than last year’s 4 percent expansion, the IMF forecast in April.
Taiwanese companies have been leveraging Turkey’s geographic position to sell their products to European countries, Erikan said.
“I have seen very strong indicators and interests from Taiwanese businessmen conducting more businesses and making investments in Turkey,” Erikan said, declining to disclose company names.
Taiwanese companies — including Hon Hai Precision Industry Co, Wistron Corp and Teco Electric & Machinery Co — have invested about US$100 million in Turkey, according to the trade office’s tallies.
Taiwanese investments will go up to US$1 billion very soon, Erikan said.
eco set up an office in Turkey three years ago and the company intends to invest more, he added.
Turkey has imposed a state of emergency for three months, but Erikan said that would not affect the daily activities of the financial sector.
Taiwanese businesses in Turkey are under the guarantee of the government. They are very secure and their businesses are well protected, he said.
“Turkey is totally safe, as safe as any other country in the West, no more, no less. Istanbul is as safe as Paris and London,” Erikan told a news conference in Taipei yesterday morning.
Erikan was responding to questions on whether now is a suitable time to visit Turkey following the recent coup attempt, which prompted the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to raise its travel advisory for Turkey on Saturday last week to “red,” the highest in the ministry’s four-color alert system.
The “red” alert was downgraded on Wednesday to “orange,” which advises visitors to be highly cautious and avoid unnecessary travel.
Erikan said he understands the ministry’s concerns and why it decided to increase the travel alert, but that he was optimistic that the travel advisory would be further downgraded soon.
More than 1,000 Taiwanese tourists were in Turkey during the coup, Erikan said, but only a small number of them returned to Taiwan because of the event. All the others continued their trips.
The Turkish representative also dismissed a reported link between the coup attempt and EVA Air’s decision on Thursday to suspend flights between Taipei and Istanbul until next summer.
“This is the company’s decision… It has nothing to do with recent developments in Turkey, but rather a financial issue and decision of the company,” Erikan said.
Asked whether the Turkish government would consider waiving visas for visitors from Taiwan to boost tourism, Erikan said that while he is open to discussion about such a proposal, the current e-visa system has proven effective in attracting Taiwanese visitors because it takes less than two minutes to apply for a visa online.
Meanwhile, the Turkish representative also predicted that Taiwan’s investments in Turkey would increase to US$1 billion in less than two years.
“The failed coup’s effect on the economy is very limited and very minor, which shows that the Turkish economy is strong enough to weather this shock,” Erikan said.
The representative’s remarks came after Standard & Poor’s on Wednesday cut Turkey’s credit rating to “BB,” two notches below investment grade, with a negative outlook, over concerns that political uncertainty could trigger an exodus of foreign capital.
Moody’s on Monday put Turkey’s credit rating on a review for downgrade as it needs time to assess the medium-term impact of the failed coup, it said.
Turkey’s GDP is expected to grow 3.8 percent annually this year, slightly lower than last year’s 4 percent expansion, the IMF forecast in April.
Taiwanese companies have been leveraging Turkey’s geographic position to sell their products to European countries, Erikan said.
“I have seen very strong indicators and interests from Taiwanese businessmen conducting more businesses and making investments in Turkey,” Erikan said, declining to disclose company names.
Taiwanese companies — including Hon Hai Precision Industry Co, Wistron Corp and Teco Electric & Machinery Co — have invested about US$100 million in Turkey, according to the trade office’s tallies.
Taiwanese investments will go up to US$1 billion very soon, Erikan said.
eco set up an office in Turkey three years ago and the company intends to invest more, he added.
Turkey has imposed a state of emergency for three months, but Erikan said that would not affect the daily activities of the financial sector.
Taiwanese businesses in Turkey are under the guarantee of the government. They are very secure and their businesses are well protected, he said.
TAIWAN: Premier Urges Tourism Sector Reform
Premier Lin Chuan yesterday paid his respects to the 26 victims of Tuesday’s tour bus fire, vowing to reform the tourism industry to avoid similar incidents from occurring.
Accompanied by Taoyuan Mayor Cheng Wen-tsang, the premier yesterday attended a ceremony at a mourning hall for the 26 victims — which included 24 Chinese tourists, a Taiwanese bus driver and a Taiwanese tour guide — at a public funeral home in Taoyuan’s Jhongli District.
Lin bowed deeply and offered incense in front of the victims’ portraits.
“I came here to offer incense to the victims to express my sorrow about the fatal accident that took 26 precious lives,” Lin said outside the mourning hall.
“The president has asked the government to ascertain the cause of the accident as soon as possible,” Lin added.
In addition to offering condolences and assistance to the victims’ families, Lin said that reforms are needed to improve the quality of service in the tourism industry to avoid similar incidents from occurring.
“With the number of Chinese tourists visiting Taiwan growing rapidly in the past few years, many travel agencies have prioritized making a profit over safety, which is an issue that must be addressed,” Lin said. “It is not just about the management of tour buses, but also about whether bus drivers are overworked and whether there is negative competition that leads to a decline in the quality of travel services or a so-called ‘integrated travel services’ problem.”
The government is to look into the issues and come up with reform plans, which are to be announced to the public, Lin said.
During a Cabinet meeting yesterday, Deputy Minister of Transportation Wang Kwo-tsai said that many tour bus operators have installed electrical devices, such as karaoke machines and water dispensers, in their vehicles, adding to the risk of electrical short circuits and fire.
To improve safety, Wang said the ministry would demand that the Vehicle Safety Certification Center improves inspections of electrical systems on tour buses.
In addition, all large passenger vehicles, regardless of age, are to be required to show their maintenance records when undergoing routine inspections, he said.
Only vehicles 10 years and older are required to show their maintenance records.
A funeral service is to be held on Monday for the victims. The remains of the victims are to be cremated on Sunday, after which, the families of the Chinese victims are to take their ashes to China.
The families of the Chinese victims arrived in Taiwan yesterday.
Yang Jing, vice general manager of the Ping An Insurance Group’s Dalian branch in China, said that 12 of the victims were insured by the company, which had as of Wednesday paid out more than 1.2 million yuan (US$179,740) in insurance claims to the families of four of the victims.
Accompanied by Taoyuan Mayor Cheng Wen-tsang, the premier yesterday attended a ceremony at a mourning hall for the 26 victims — which included 24 Chinese tourists, a Taiwanese bus driver and a Taiwanese tour guide — at a public funeral home in Taoyuan’s Jhongli District.
Lin bowed deeply and offered incense in front of the victims’ portraits.
“I came here to offer incense to the victims to express my sorrow about the fatal accident that took 26 precious lives,” Lin said outside the mourning hall.
“The president has asked the government to ascertain the cause of the accident as soon as possible,” Lin added.
In addition to offering condolences and assistance to the victims’ families, Lin said that reforms are needed to improve the quality of service in the tourism industry to avoid similar incidents from occurring.
“With the number of Chinese tourists visiting Taiwan growing rapidly in the past few years, many travel agencies have prioritized making a profit over safety, which is an issue that must be addressed,” Lin said. “It is not just about the management of tour buses, but also about whether bus drivers are overworked and whether there is negative competition that leads to a decline in the quality of travel services or a so-called ‘integrated travel services’ problem.”
The government is to look into the issues and come up with reform plans, which are to be announced to the public, Lin said.
During a Cabinet meeting yesterday, Deputy Minister of Transportation Wang Kwo-tsai said that many tour bus operators have installed electrical devices, such as karaoke machines and water dispensers, in their vehicles, adding to the risk of electrical short circuits and fire.
To improve safety, Wang said the ministry would demand that the Vehicle Safety Certification Center improves inspections of electrical systems on tour buses.
In addition, all large passenger vehicles, regardless of age, are to be required to show their maintenance records when undergoing routine inspections, he said.
Only vehicles 10 years and older are required to show their maintenance records.
A funeral service is to be held on Monday for the victims. The remains of the victims are to be cremated on Sunday, after which, the families of the Chinese victims are to take their ashes to China.
The families of the Chinese victims arrived in Taiwan yesterday.
Yang Jing, vice general manager of the Ping An Insurance Group’s Dalian branch in China, said that 12 of the victims were insured by the company, which had as of Wednesday paid out more than 1.2 million yuan (US$179,740) in insurance claims to the families of four of the victims.
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