UK tourists have been told not to travel to parts of Indonesia as a new ‘exclusion zone’ is in place. The British Foreign Office extended its ‘do not travel’ list in a travel update issued to holidaymakers on Wednesday, November 6. The Foreign Office already advised against all travel to several areas of Indonesia due…
European business travel spending is projected to reach $391 billion this year in a 10% rise over 2023, according to the Global Business Travel Association (Gbta).Europe is also estimated to account for 26.4% of total global business travel spending of $1.48 trillion in 2024.However, Europe’s share of global business travel remains slightly below pre-Covid levels as economic factors and global political uncertainty continue to impact the sector.Accommodation remains the largest category of business travel spending of European business travellers, followed by food and beverage and air travel, new regional analysis released by the Gbta showed.The report also found that European business travellers are increasingly prioritising sustainability but may not always choose more sustainable travel options.Almost a quarter of European business travellers (23%) say they are traveling “more frequently” today than they did five years ago. Conversely, one in five (22%) say they are travelling for work less frequently now. Globally, a larger number of business travellers today are travelling for work “more frequently” (28%) than “less frequently (20%).The study noted that 45% of travellers booking airfares through a retail channel such as online travel agencies (OTAs), rather than managed corporate channels (31%). They were also more likely to use retail (41%) than managed channels (28%) when booking a hotel. Additionally, when it comes specifically to the type of retail channel used, European business travellers (27%) were more likely than their North American counterparts (17%) to use an OTA when booking their last flight, while North American travellers are more likely to book directly with an airline.European spending on business travel is expected to grow faster than most global regions over the next five years but slower than Asia Pacific and is expected to reach $517.2 billion by 2028. Europe is expected to account for 25.8% of anticipated global business travel spending of $2 trillion by that date.Catherine Logan, Gbta regional senior vice president for EMEA and APAC, said: ““We can see in this regional analysis that the value and demand for business travel in Europe continues to be strong. “At the same time, it also shows the critical importance for accelerating efforts to build a more sustainable industry. The future prosperity of business travel relies on embedding sustainability across all aspects of the travel experience.”
Tui UK and Ireland was among the winners of this year’s Global Responsible Tourism Awards announced on Monday.The operator won the tourism inclusivity award, one of six awards announced at the launch of the International Centre for Responsible Tourism (ICRT) Global in London. The awards, now in their 20th year, have previously been announced on the opening day of World Travel Market.Tui’s accessible holidays strategy team won the award after partnering with AccessAble to develop hotel access guides for guests and with Sign Live to provide interpreting services for sign language users.More: Special Report: Global Centre for Responsible Tourism launched in LondonThe Grootbos Private Nature Reserve, Lodge and Foundation in South Africa won the award for upskilling local communities. The lodge trains and mentors staff, supports local producers, and provides free skills and business training through its Green Futures College.Jetwing Hotels, Sri Lanka, which secures 60% of its energy from renewable sources, won the award for climate action. In 2023, the company generated enough solar energy across its properties to power 13,490 households.Crees Manu in Peru won the Nature Positive Award for its tours and volunteering in the Manu Biosphere Reserve. Crees has conserved over 600 hectares of forest and works with educational programmes to benefit local people and conserve biodiversity.Sivatel Bangkok Hotel in Thailand received the award for local sourcing. The hotel sources 70% of its food ingredients organically and achieved zero food waste to landfill in 2023 through partnering with local farmers and producers.Rajasthan Studio in India, which curates art experiences with master artisans in Rajasthan, won the award for championing cultural diversity.The six winners were selected from among 33 regional gold award winners in Africa, Latin America, the Indian subcontinent, southeast Asia and a rest of the world category.Harold Goodwin, founder of ICRT Global, said: “Too often the term sustainable is used only in an abstract sense. Responsible tourism requires us to say what we’re doing to make tourism better and to be transparent about what we achieve.”The awards were sponsored by Sabre whose head of sustainability communications Tess Longfield said: “Judging the awards has once again left me in awe of the extraordinary work being done.”
Education Minister Dr. Ismail Shafeeu has expressed concerns over poor student performance in science subjects, noting a national pass rate below 50% in recent O Level exams. Speaking at the inauguration of the National Teacher Training Programme, Dr. Shafeeu emphasized that limited access to science education in rural areas contributes to these low results.He stated that out of 6,000 students sitting for O Level exams, only between 2,000 and 2,500 choose science subjects, with pass rates in subjects like chemistry, biology, and physics near 40%.Dr. Shafeeu added that under President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s guidance, the Ministry of Education is intensifying efforts to improve access to and performance in science subjects, aiming to address these disparities in the education sector.
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The Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) has successfully concluded its participation in the 43rd World Travel Market (WTM) in London. The three-day event, which attracted thousands of professionals from the global travel and tourism industry, helped SCTDA to reinforce Sharjah’s position as a rapidly growing destination for international tourists. WTM 2024 provided SCTDA with a prime platform to highlight its diverse and rich tourism offerings to a diverse audience of industry professionals, particularly those from Europe, which represents a significant and growing tourism market for Sharjah.
His Excellency Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of SCTDA, highlighted the strategic importance of the EU market to Sharjah’s tourism ambitions. “With almost 350,000 European tourists visiting Sharjah this year, which accounts for 7% increase from last year this shows that the Europe continues to be a vital market for us. We anticipate even stronger growth by the end of 2024, driven by our active engagement in platforms such as WTM.”
At a well-attended press conference held at WTM on November 7, SCTDA unveiled significant advancements in the emirate’s tourism infrastructure alongside new hospitality projects that promise to enhance Sharjah’s appeal as a destination of choice for cultural, leisure, and adventure tourism. Key highlights included the Sharjah Safari, the largest safari park outside Africa, and the Moon Retreat, an innovative desert glamping experience, which offers a new concept and style of accommodation experiences amidst nature. “Sharjah Tourism” will also highlight the natural and topographical diversity that characterizes Sharjah’s tourism product, ranging from cultural, leisure, environmental, and beach experiences to adventures, alongside hotel accommodation experiences. These projects underscore the emirate’s commitment to expanding its offerings and products in the fields of eco and adventure tourism.
Salim Al Midfa, CEO of Corporate Communications at Sharjah Asset Management, discussed the importance of global events in showcasing strategic investment projects and expanding international relationships: “Sharjah Asset Management’s participation in the Sharjah Pavilion at the World Travel Market in London forms part of our efforts to showcase key investment projects that fall under the company’s umbrella. This initiative reflects our commitment to enhancing our presence at global events, which provides us with the opportunity to exchange knowledge and expertise with leaders in the travel, tourism, and investment sectors worldwide. Furthermore, it allows us to access new markets, explore investment opportunities that expand our network of strategic relationships, and strengthen Sharjah’s position and competitiveness as a leading investment and tourism destination, both regionally and internationally.”
His Excellency Ahmed Obaid Al Qaseer, CEO of Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), stated: “At this year’s World Travel Market, we emphasized the vital role of tourism in advancing sustainability and preserving cultural and historical heritage. Our showcase featured successful projects, such as Mleiha National Park, Nomad, and hospitality experiences within the Sharjah Collection, which reflect our commitment to responsible tourism and reinforce Sharjah’s global appeal as a destination that harmoniously blends natural beauty with rich cultural heritage. The increasing global preference for sustainable travel reinforces our strategic focus on sustainability as a core element of future projects, motivating us to innovate and create destinations that seamlessly integrate sustainability, competitiveness, and success.”
His Excellency Ali Salim Al Midfa, Chairman of Sharjah Airport Authority (SAA), stated that the World Travel Market in London represents one of the most significant international platforms for exchanging ideas and insights among leaders and experts in the global travel and tourism industry. He highlighted that the SAA’s participation in this prestigious event underscores its commitment to reinforcing Sharjah Airport’s leadership in the aviation sector, expanding its network of strategic partnerships, and supporting the growth of the travel and tourism sectors regionally and globally. He further noted that Sharjah Airport’s pavilion will showcase the airport’s latest projects, competitive services offered to passengers, and the innovative technologies used in operations. The pavilion will also feature the airport’s expansion project, which aims to increase its capacity to 25 million passengers annually by the end of 2028.
His Excellency Dr. Abdulaziz Al Musallam, Chairman of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage (SIH), stated that the exhibition was an outstanding opportunity to highlight the SIH’s efforts in preserving and promoting cultural heritage both locally and internationally. He added: “Through this participation, we aim to showcase the SIH’s most prominent projects and global initiatives to promote heritage tourism, as well as strengthen ties with international cultural and tourism institutions and strategic partners. This contributes to reinforcing the role of cultural heritage as a key element in supporting sustainable tourism development. The exhibition serves as an ideal platform to introduce visitors and experts to the SIH’s major heritage projects, which reflect its deep commitment to preserving the cultural identity of the Emirati community.”
His Excellency Eisa Hilal AlHazami, Chairman of the Sharjah Sports Council, highlighted the event’s role in fostering inter-institutional collaborations that enhance both sports and tourism sectors in Sharjah. He stated: ‘Participating alongside the Sharjah Tourism and Commerce Development Authority at the World Travel Market 2024 is an honor and a direct reflection of the strategic directives set by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council, Ruler of Sharjah, patron of Sports and Athletes.This event is not merely a promotional opportunity; it is a key platform for fostering substantial inter-institutional collaborations that support our broader goals in sports and tourism. We recognize the importance of building upon our past achievements to continuously enhance the cultural and infrastructural landscape of Sharjah.”
The event also served as a showcase for Sharjah’s natural beauty and commitment to sustainable tourism. New projects like Al Heera Beach, which stretches over 3.5 km along the Arabian Gulf and offers comprehensive leisure facilities, and the Mleiha Archaeological Centre, an important natural history site, were highlighted as key tourist attractions.
Watch more of our videos on ShotsTV.com and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565Visit Shots! nowTwo roads are closed this morningCounty DownThe Belfast Road in Comber remains closed this morning following a serious two vehicle road traffic collision.Roads closed this morningDiversions are in place however road users are advised to seek alternative routes for their journey as delays are expected in the area.The Lisnaskea Road in Lisnaskea is currently closed following a serious road traffic collision.The road is likely to remain closed for several hours so please seek an alternative route for your journey.
Owosso Graphic Arts, a printing company in Michigan, has made a significant contribution to the world of Harry Potter by creating a unique version of the beloved book.
Their involvement is a special one, combining high-quality printing with a magical touch that Potter fans will appreciate. Let’s dive into how this small business has managed to put its stamp on one of the most famous literary franchises in the world.
The Role of Owosso Graphic Arts in the Harry Potter Book
Owosso Graphic Arts is well-known for its expertise in printing and graphic design. Recently, they worked on a special edition of the Harry Potter book series, adding unique features that make this edition stand out from others.
This includes custom illustrations, special covers, and other artistic elements that enhance the reading experience for fans.
Why This Edition Stands Out
This particular edition of the Harry Potter book is not just another reprint. The Owosso team has added their signature touch, using advanced printing techniques to create a high-end, visually stunning product.
Fans of the series can now enjoy the magic of J.K. Rowling’s world in a new way, thanks to Owosso’s careful craftsmanship.
How Owosso Graphic Arts Combines Tradition with Innovation
While Owosso Graphic Arts is dedicated to maintaining high-quality traditional printing methods, they also embrace modern technologies.
By combining both, they are able to produce books that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also durable.
This balance between old-school artistry and new-age innovation has helped them stand out in the competitive world of book publishing.
The Impact on Fans and Collectors
For Harry Potter fans, this special edition is a dream come true. It offers a new way to experience the books while also becoming a valuable collector’s item. As a result, Owosso Graphic Arts has contributed to the lasting legacy of the Harry Potter franchise, creating something that both new and old fans can treasure.
Owosso Graphic Arts’ work on the Harry Potter book shows how businesses can play an important role in bringing new dimensions to beloved stories.
Their creative efforts have helped add a new layer to the magic of Harry Potter, giving fans and collectors a one-of-a-kind edition to enjoy.
Their unique blend of traditional printing with modern design techniques ensures that their stamp on the Harry Potter series will be remembered for years to come.
What makes Owosso Graphic Arts’ edition of Harry Potter unique?
Their edition features custom illustrations, unique covers, and advanced printing techniques that make it stand out.
Is this Harry Potter book limited edition?
Yes, this version is a special collector’s item, making it a unique addition for Harry Potter fans.
How did Owosso Graphic Arts get involved with Harry Potter?
Owosso was chosen to help print a special edition of the Harry Potter series, thanks to their reputation in high-quality printing.
Can I buy this special edition Harry Potter book?
Depending on availability, the book may be available through specific retailers or as part of a special event.
How do Owosso Graphic Arts balance traditional printing and modern technology?
They combine old-school methods with modern technology to create books that are both beautiful and durable.
Your phone knows more about you than even your closest friends. University of Wisconsin-Madison Junior Jackson Antonow explores this reality in his book “Enemy in Your Pocket,” which details his journey with phone addiction and the benefits of breaking this dependence.
From ages 12-19, Antonow averaged upwards of eight hours a day on his phone. But it wasn’t until he was a freshman in college that he realized he had an anxious addiction to scrolling aimlessly on his phone throughout the day.
“I was really having these overwhelming feelings of anxiety, and it got to the point where it just really bothered me. And I don’t think it was like this huge revelation at one point. But I was like, ‘my anxiety is interfering with my daily life,’” Antonow told The Daily Cardinal. “This just makes no sense on paper, and I wanted to look around and think about what I was doing in my life that was causing harm and causing these emotions. I started using my phone less, and everything changed dramatically.”
Antonow was inspired to write this book to help individuals who were experiencing anxiety and missing out on life like he was because of their phones.
Antonow had researched extensively and read other books on phone addiction, but he felt as if all the books and articles were missing the perspective of a younger person.
In “Enemy in Your Pocket”, Antonow combines personal stories with research to explore the impact of phone addiction. He conducted a study surveying individuals’ screen time between the age range of 13 and 23. He found the average screen time is five hours and 32 minutes a day, which, spread over a lifetime, would total 15.05 years spent on your phone.
Now, Antonow has limited his screen time to an hour per day, spending roughly 2.72 years of his life on his phone. He cut his screen time by redesigning his phone to make it less engaging — deleting unnecessary apps, including social media, and turning off notifications for non-immediate apps.
Antonow’s improved relationships and mental health result from limiting his screen time and staying away from social media, he said. With less time spent on his screen, he has found more time for new interests, increased productivity and strengthened connections with friends and family
“I think it really improved my relationship with my parents because when I was coming home in high school, I’d be texting my friends, doing something on my phone. But now when I come home, it’s like there’s nothing on my phone or like my phone is away,” Antonow said. “It’s not like I have things to do besides talk to my parents or watch TV. I come home, and I have a conversation with my dad for around like four hours every single day in the summer.”
As our lives become increasingly consumed by technology, “Enemy in Your Pocket” serves as a timely reminder of the importance of balance and connections outside of a screen.
“I think conversation is super important because it’s almost like a book. At a certain point, it’s like a lens of learning. That’s how I think about conversation. And when you ask questions about people, you really get to understand their world views, and I talk about [this] through the book. But when you’re on your phone, when you’re in the car, with the Uber driver, you’ve lost every potential of any life experience they’ve ever had,” Antonow said.
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An air hostess has shared her top tips and tricks to make flying more enjoyable as well as how you can even maybe bag yourself some nice mid-air freebies. Kamila Jakubjakova shared advice for passengers planning their flights, including what to say to airline staff in order to stand the best chance of getting yourself…
Algerian-French novelist Kamel Daoud holds his book Houris after being awarded with the Goncourt, France’s most prestigious literary prize, Monday, Nov. 4, 2024 in Paris. (AP Photo/Aurelien Morissard)