Second Australian teen dies in tainted alcohol case in Laos that has killed 6 tourists

Travel

VANG VIENG, Laos (AP) — A second Australian teenager who fell critically ill after drinking tainted alcohol in Laos has died in a hospital in Bangkok, her family said Friday, bringing the death toll in the mass poisoning of foreign tourists to six.
Holly Bowles, 19, had been in critical condition on life support following the poisoning in Laos more than a week ago.
“We are so sad to say that our beautiful girl Holly is now at peace,” her family said in a statement sent to Australian Network 10 and other Australian media. “We find comfort and solace in knowing that Holly brought so much joy and happiness to so many people.”

This photo shows the exterior of Bangkok Hospital, in Bangkok, Thailand, Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

An officer at Vang Vieng’s Tourism Police office, who refused to give his name, told The Associated Press on Friday that a “number of people” had been detained in the case but that no charges have yet been filed. Staff at the Nana Backpacker Hostel, which was still operating but not accepting new guests, confirmed that the manager and owner were among those taken in for questioning.
Tourist police offices are common in Southeast Asia and are set up specifically to help with incidents involving tourists and other foreigners.
The U.S. State Department on Friday issued a health alert for citizens traveling in Laos, warning of “suspected methanol poisoning in Vang Vieng, possibly through the consumption of methanol-laced alcoholic drinks,” following similar alerts from other countries whose citizens were involved.
Australia’s prime minister announced Thursday that a 19-year-old citizen, Bianca Jones, had died in a Thai hospital where she had been evacuated for emergency treatment, and that her friend — Bowles — remained in a hospital “fighting for her life.” A 28-year-old British woman, Simone White, also died from suspected methanol poisoning in Laos, the British Foreign Office said.
An American and two Danish tourists also died, though specifics about the causes of death have not been released.
New Zealand’s Foreign Ministry said one of its citizens was sickened in Laos and was a possible victim of methanol poisoning.
Laos is a one-party communist state with no organized opposition and the government keeps a tight lid on information. In this case, officials have released almost no details.
The Foreign Ministry has refused to comment, and in Vang Vieng the small hospital where some of the victims are believed to have been treated initially referred all questions to the town’s health office on the hospital grounds. The town health officials refused to comment, saying they lacked proper permission.
Methanol is sometimes added to mixed drinks at disreputable bars as a cheaper alternative to ethanol, but can cause severe poisoning or death. It is also a byproduct of poorly distilled homebrew liquor, and could have found its way into bar drinks inadvertently.
Landlocked Laos is one of Southeast Asia’s poorest nations and a popular tourist destination. Vang Vieng is particularly popular among backpackers seeking partying and adventure sports.
Neil Farmiloe, a New Zealander who owns the Kiwi Kitchen restaurant in town, said a lot of his customers were very worried about the incident.
“I think it’s never happened before, so it is hopefully just a one-off incident,” said Farmiloe, who has lived in Vang Vieng for 20 years. “It’s very sad all around. I’m sure nobody intended to cause injury, but it’s happened.”
The two 19-year-old Australian women who have both now died fell ill on Nov. 13 following a night out drinking with a group.
They failed to check out from the Nana Backpacker Hostel as planned and were found sick in their room and then taken to Thailand for emergency treatment.
Thai authorities confirmed that Jones had died by “brain swelling due to high levels of methanol found in her system.”
Duong Duc Toan, the manager of the Nana Backpacker Hostel, told the AP the day before he was detained that the two women had joined other guests for free shots of Laotian vodka before heading elsewhere and returning in the early hours of the morning.
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Rising reported from Bangkok.

Business News | Unimoni Makes a Resounding Debut at the World Travel Market in London

Travel

PRNewswireKochi (Kerala) [India], November 22: Unimoni, a global leader in financial and travel services, proudly marked a significant milestone by debuting at the prestigious World Travel Market (WTM) in London. This landmark participation underscores Unimoni’s commitment to expanding its horizons and strengthening its international travel and financial ecosystem presence. CA. Krishnan R, Director & CEO, Unimoni India, and John George, Vice President & Business Head of Unimoni Travel and Holidays, represented the company at this three-day event held at Excel London from 5th Nov – 7th Nov 2024. WTM London, renowned as one of the most influential travel expos in the world, provides a premier platform for businesses to showcase their innovative solutions to a global audience.Also Read | Supreme Court Notice to Gujarat Government on Asaram Bapu’s Plea Seeking Suspension of Sentence in 2013 Rape Case.Unimoni’s first-ever participation in this international event, featuring thousands of exhibitors and tens of thousands of attendees, demonstrates its readiness to offer exceptional services and customer-centric solutions on a broader global stage. As part of the India Tourism contingent, Unimoni India showcased India’s diverse tourism offerings under the ‘Bharat Dekho’ campaign. This featured special packages for ecotourism, weddings, adventure, spirituality, wellness, MICE, and more, catering to a global audience.Showcasing Excellence at WTMAlso Read | Rajasthan: Man Declared Dead Wakes Up Before Cremation, 3 Doctors Suspended.At WTM London, Unimoni India showcased its comprehensive suite of services that cater to the diverse needs of international travelers. These include:* Travel and Holidays Services: We offer customized holiday packages, flight ticket bookings, hotel reservations, and travel insurance to make every trip, whether international or domestic, memorable and worry-free.* Visa Assistance and Certificate Attestation: Expert support for visa processing and documentation, simplifying the complexities of international travel.* Foreign Currency Exchange: Competitive rates and a hassle-free process to exchange currencies for a smooth travel experience.* Forex Cards: Secure and convenient prepaid cards designed for travelers, ensuring easy access to funds anytime, anywhere.* International Money Transfers: Seamless and secure outward remittance solutions tailored to support education, family maintenance, medical expenses, and travel and more.Visitors to the Unimoni booth were introduced to its end-to-end solutions that blend cutting-edge technology with personalized customer service.A Commitment to Customer-Centric ExcellenceUnimoni has earned its reputation as a trusted financial partner through its unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction. By placing customer needs at the core of its operations, the brand has successfully created a wide-reaching network that spans over 300+ branches and 15,000+ partner locations across India.This robust infrastructure, combined with an extensive global partner network, allows Unimoni to provide seamless cross-border solutions that are fast, secure, and reliable. At the WTM, this commitment to service excellence was reflected in the brand’s innovative offerings, drawing admiration from both industry experts and attendees alike.Forging New Partnerships and Exploring OpportunitiesUnimoni’s debut at the WTM was more than just an exhibition–it was a strategic initiative to forge partnerships, explore new opportunities, and expand its footprint in international markets. The event allowed Unimoni to connect with global travel experts, industry leaders, and potential collaborators.A Legacy of Trust and InnovationWith over 25 years of experience, Unimoni has continually evolved to meet the changing demands of its customers. Its innovative use of technology, coupled with its customer-first approach, has made it a preferred choice for millions of individuals and businesses.Unimoni’s focus on transparency, security, and efficiency has enabled it to deliver top-notch services, particularly in areas such as education-related remittances, medical payments, and travel expenses. Its offerings align perfectly with the needs of modern-day travelers who seek convenience, affordability, and reliability.Expanding Global Reach Through International PlatformsUnimoni’s participation at the WTM marks a crucial step toward its ambition of expanding its global presence. By leveraging international platforms like WTM, the brand aims to bring its expertise to customers and businesses worldwide.This move aligns with Unimoni’s vision of becoming a one-stop solution for financial and travel services on a global scale. With a strong foundation in India and growing recognition abroad, Unimoni is poised to redefine the standards of excellence in the industry.Looking AheadAs Unimoni India concludes its inaugural presence at the World Travel Market, the brand looks forward to fostering the connections and opportunities established during the event. With plans to further innovate its services and expand its global footprint, Unimoni is set to play a transformative role in the international travel and financial sectors.Unimoni’s debut at WTM London is not just a celebration of its achievements but also a testament to its commitment to enabling seamless global connectivity for its customers. By integrating financial expertise with a deep understanding of traveler needs, Unimoni is set to continue its journey as a trusted partner for millions worldwide.About Unimoni IndiaUnimoni India is a leading provider of financial and travel services, offering a wide range of solutions, including outward remittances, foreign exchange, travel and holiday services, gold loans, forex cards, and more. With over two decades of experience and a customer-centric approach, Unimoni is dedicated to delivering secure and reliable services that empower individuals and businesses alike.Pratheep [email protected] Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2565179/Unimoni_WTM_London_2024.jpgLogo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2543135/5043397/Unimoni_Logo.jpg(ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PRNewswire. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)

Iranian, Belarusian tourism ministers meet on facilitating tourist movement 

Travel

Iran’s Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts, Seyed Reza Salehi Amiri, met on Thursday with Belarusian Minister of Sports and Tourism Sergey Kovalchuk on the sidelines of the COP 29 Tourism Ministers’ Summit in the Republic of Azerbaijan focused on climate actions. 

The ministers emphasized the importance of strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation in their respective fields.
Salehi Amiri invited the Belarusian Minister to visit Iran and proposed the mutual visa waiver between the two countries to facilitate easier travel.
The Belarusian minister highlighted the natural attractions of Iran and proposed establishing group visa exemptions among Iran, Russia, and Belarus.
He underscored the need to improve and simplify travel conditions for tourists, which would significantly enhance tourism exchanges.

How NANTA spent ₦742m to boost Nigerian tourism — Ex-president

Travel

The National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies has invested ₦742 million in marketing Nigeria as a premier tourism destination over the last three editions of the annual World Travel Market in London.
The immediate past president of the trade association, Mrs. Susan Akporiaye, disclosed this while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria in Lagos on Thursday.
Akporiaye said the expenses covered costs for exhibition pavilions at the travel market, magazine publications, and members’ logistics to attend the trade show.
“In three years, NANTA has spent ₦742,226,100 to deliberately put Nigeria on the global tourism map at the WTM. This was achieved with only skeletal support in 2022 and 2023,” she said.

She explained that in 2022, La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort and Air Peace contributed by placing advertisements on the Nigerian banner and magazine at WTM.
“In 2023, Ibom Air came on board to support. That year, La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort supported us with advert placement in our magazine, but Air Peace did not.
“For 2024, for the first time, we had good support in terms of co-exhibiting, not just adverts. Eko Hotels supported us with advert placement, while Ibom Air went beyond adverts to co-exhibit at WTM.
“Sabre Travel Network also supported us, so we had their graphics, as well as Ibom Air’s, displayed on our stand. Their contributions made our 2024 participation very grand,” she said.
Akporiaye highlighted that 90 per cent of the funds for WTM participation came from NANTA members, demonstrating their patriotism. Related News
“This shows that we are true patriots, and we deserve national recognition for our efforts,” she said.
She noted that NANTA began attending WTM after Nigeria had been unrepresented at the event for a decade. The association made the decision to attend in response to its mandate to create new business opportunities for its members and promote Nigerian tourism.
“It’s been a wonderful and successful three years that NANTA has participated in WTM, filling the gap left by Nigeria’s absence for over 10 years.
“We are glad to have handed over the baton of Nigeria’s participation at WTM to the Nigerian government this year. As an association, we are happy that our labour and sacrifices were not in vain,” she said.
Akporiaye added that NANTA’s efforts at WTM have enabled the association to secure international affiliations with various tourism boards, organise product training, and raise awareness of new destinations.
“Our participation at WTM has helped members’ businesses grow significantly. We have formed partnerships with airlines and travel boards worldwide.
“Our greatest achievement at WTM is drawing Nigeria’s attention back to the need to exhibit at the global travel market,” she said.
Akporiaye further noted that NANTA’s involvement at WTM had inspired members to expand their businesses beyond Nigeria and explore opportunities in Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) events globally.

Record number of travelers expected over Thanksgiving holiday period, AAA projects

Travel

AAA is expecting a record number of travelers over the Thanksgiving holiday period this year with nearly 80 million people expected to travel 50 miles from home or more. This year’s projection is an increase of 1.7 million people compared to 2023.“Thanksgiving is the busiest holiday for travel and this year we’re expecting to set new records across the board— from driving to flying and cruising,” Stacey Barber, Vice President of AAA Travel, said. AAA is projecting 71.7 million people will travel by car and 5.8 million will take to the skies. A spokesperson for the Sacramento International Airport said they’re expecting the holiday travel rush to begin on Friday and last through the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. KCRA 3 spoke with travelers on Thursday who were getting a head start on the holiday crowds. “I definitely didn’t want to fly during Thanksgiving,” Kili Silafau said. “I didn’t want to deal with all the rush and things like that, so I thought it’d be a good idea just to get ahead of it, go before the holiday.”“It just made more sense to beat the rush,” Christina Rubio said. “We’ve traveled on Thanksgiving before, and that’s why we’re not doing it again,” Bob Davis said. Wherever you’re headed, travelers say it’s important to be patient. “Allow time and be especially kind because it’s a holiday weekend and everybody’s trying to do the same thing,” Davis said. “You can only control what you can control. Be comfortable and expect it and yeah, hopefully everything ends up smooth,” Silafau said. SMF recommends getting to the airport two and a half hours before your flight takes off. They also recommend downloading your airline’s app and checking for flight updates at least 24 hours in advance.See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — AAA is expecting a record number of travelers over the Thanksgiving holiday period this year with nearly 80 million people expected to travel 50 miles from home or more. This year’s projection is an increase of 1.7 million people compared to 2023.

Five Tourists Die After Suspected Methanol Poisoning in Laos

Travel

Suspected methanol poisoning in Laos has claimed the lives of five tourists in the town of Vang Vieng. 
Among the deceased are Simone White, a 28-year-old British lawyer, Bianca Jones, a 19-year-old Australian, two Danish women aged 19 and 20, and an unidentified American man. 

Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles, victims of the Laos methanol poisoning tragedy. (Image: Beaumaris Football Club via Facebook)
Authorities believe the victims consumed alcohol contaminated with methanol, a toxic substance commonly found in counterfeit spirits.
Tainted Drinks Suspected in Laos After Five Tourists Die
The backpacking town of Vang Vieng, Laos, is at the centre of a tragic methanol poisoning case. Over the past week, five tourists have died, and others remain hospitalised after consuming tainted alcoholic drinks.
Reports suggest the victims consumed methanol-laced spirits at local hostels and bars. Methanol, often used in counterfeit liquors to boost alcohol content, can be fatal even in small amounts, causing nausea, vision loss, organ failure, and death.
The hostel manager has denied that the spirits served at his establishment were tainted, stating that the alcohol came from a certified supplier. Nevertheless, police have launched an investigation, closing the hostel and confiscating bottles for testing.
This is not the first time methanol poisoning has happened. Earlier in 2024, over 50 people in India died after consuming methanol-laced alcoholic beverages. Similar cases of mass poisoning have also been reported over the years in Indonesia, Philippines, and across the world.
How Does Methanol Poisoning Happen?
Ethanol vs Methanol chemical structure. Methanol has only one carbon atom, while ethanol has two.
Methanol is a toxic substance commonly found in industrial solvents, antifreeze, and some household products. It can get into alcoholic beverages in a few ways.
Traditional brewing methods may inadvertently generate methanol, depending on the materials used in the process of fermentation. Sometimes, it is added deliberately and illegally as a way to increase the alcohol content in a drink
What Happens When You Ingest Methanol?
Simplified diagram of the methanol pathway with the resulting signs and interventions. Source: Frontiers in Medicine
Once methanol enters the body, it is absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract and processed by the liver. Here, enzymes such as alcohol dehydrogenase convert methanol into formaldehyde.
Formaldehyde is then rapidly metabolised into formic acid, which is responsible for the majority of methanol’s toxic effects. Formic acid interferes with mitochondrial function, leading to a buildup of lactic acid and metabolic acidosis, a dangerous condition where the blood becomes excessively acidic.
Symptoms of Methanol Poisoning
The symptoms of methanol poisoning often begin subtly and progress over hours or even days. Early signs include headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. These non-specific signs can be mistaken for less serious conditions.
As the poisoning advances, more severe symptoms emerge, including confusion and difficulty breathing. In extreme cases, methanol poisoning can result in seizures, coma, or death. Drinking just 25-90 mL of methanol can be fatal if not treated in time.
A unique feature of methanol poisoning is its effect on vision. Methanol’s metabolites are particularly toxic to the optic nerve, leading to visual disturbances often described as “snowstorm” vision. The patient may experience blurred vision and partial or complete blindness, If untreated, this blindness can be irreversible.
Treating Methanol Poisoning
Treatment typically involves administering ethanol or fomepizole, which compete with methanol for the enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase, slowing the production of toxic by-products. Haemodialysis is also used to remove methanol and formic acid from the bloodstream.
Early recognition of methanol poisoning and prompt treatment is important. This significantly improve outcomes for individuals exposed to methanol.
Safety Advice for Avoiding Methanol Poisoning Overseas
Methanol poisoning is a persistent issue in countries where counterfeit and poorly regulated alcohol is common. In recent years, large-scale poisoning incidents have been reported in countries like Indonesia, India, and the Philippines, leading to dozens of deaths.
The latest tragedy in Laos has drawn attention to the ongoing risks for travellers, particularly young backpackers visiting budget-friendly destinations.
To minimise risk, take the following precautions:

Purchase Alcohol From Reputable Vendors: Always buy spirits from licensed stores, bars, or restaurants. Avoid consuming free or suspiciously cheap alcohol.
Check Bottles for Tampering: Look for poor-quality labels, spelling errors, or broken seals, which may indicate counterfeit products.
Be Cautious With Cocktails: Opt for sealed, branded bottles of beer or soft drinks instead of cocktails made with unverified spirits.
Stay Informed: Check travel advisories for the latest warnings and updates about food and drink safety in your destination.

Global Warnings Raised After Laos Methanol Poisoning
The tragic deaths in Laos have sparked international concern, with governments issuing urgent warnings to their citizens about the dangers of consuming alcohol in the region.
Australia’s Smartraveller website warns travellers about methanol poisoning risks, especially from cocktails or spirits in Southeast Asia, urging caution:  “Several foreign nationals, including Australians, have been victims in November 2024 of suspected cases of methanol poisoning through consuming alcoholic drinks.”

Several foreign nationals in Laos have been victims of suspected cases of methanol poisoning through consuming alcoholic drinks. Be alert to the potential risks of spirit based drinks including cocktails. For further advice see:https://t.co/pIE08JgYknhttps://t.co/F2eRlt2Ecw
— Smartraveller (@Smartraveller) November 19, 2024

In federal parliament, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese paused question time to reflect on the tragedy, stating: “Bianca’s trip should have been a joyous time and a source of fond memories in years to come, memories that she should have carried with her into the long bright future that lay ahead of her. It’s beyond sad that this was not to be.”
The UK Foreign Office has updated its travel guidance, advising travellers to avoid consuming unregulated alcohol.
Similarly, the US Embassy in Laos issued a health alert, recommending tourists purchase alcohol only from licensed establishments and avoid homemade spirits. The embassy emphasised checking liquor bottles for signs of tampering, such as poor-quality labels or incorrect spellings.

Methanol poisoning can cause symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, blurred vision, or difficulty breathing within hours of consumption. If you or someone you know experiences these symptoms after drinking alcoholic beverages, seek immediate medical attention.