Development of tourism infrastructure is necessary for tourism development: President Dhakal

Travel

Chandra Prasad Dhakal, President of Federation of Nepal Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said that the development of tourism infrastructure is necessary for the development of tourism.Speaking at the Maghe Sankranti Mela-2081 and the 30th anniversary of Sikles Youth Club held at Myagdi Rural Municipality Sikles in Kaski District with the slogan “Sikles Festival for Rural Tourism Promotion”, he held the view that tourism is an important sector for economic development.Stating that there is immense potential for tourism in Nepal, he said that tourism can make the overall economy of the country sustainable, create jobs and create economic development. He also said that a new Kevalkar is under construction in Sikles and with the construction of Kevalkar, a new dimension will be added to the tourism of that area.”Sikles is famous in the country and abroad as an iconic tourist destination. Construction of Kevalkar will add new tourist infrastructure to Siklas.Cable car will not only make a significant contribution to the economic, social and cultural development of this region, but will also become a supporter for the promotion of tourism, economic development and prosperity of the entire region.He said. Informing that the process works for the new Kevulkar to be built from Sikles to Kori have been completed, he said that the construction of the Kevulkar will have a positive impact on the social and economic development of the area.Similarly, he said that the preservation of local art and culture is necessary for tourism and praised the role played by the local youth club for the preservation of art and culture.Inaugurating the fair, Minister of Information and Communication Technology Prithvi Subba Gurung mentioned that tourism is the basis of economic development and said that the government is always ready for infrastructure development and other facilitation.Sikles village, which has majority of Gurung caste, is located in Madi Rural Municipality-1 of Kaski. Annapurna and Lamjung snow ranges can be seen nearby from Sikles tourist village. Sikles is located in the northeastern part of Kaski district, at a distance of about 40 km from Pokhara.

SFO’s new sensory rooms helps neurodivergent travelers fight flying jitters

Travel

Airports are a whirlwind of activity: long lines, blaring announcements and the never-ending stream of travelers racing to their gates. While most take it in stride, for 29-year-old Nico Ambata, it’s always been a little too much. “It took my wife three years of convincing me to finally go on vacation,” he said.Ambata has debilitating ADHD. For him, the unpredictability of flying isn’t just stressful, it’s paralyzing.”I like to explain that I have a million channels playing in my head at the same time,” he said.But this time, Ambata and his wife Jhasmine are taking their first step at conquering the chaos of travel. They’ve boarded a plane at San Francisco International Airport. Or least it seems that way. With two rows of seats, overhead bins and even working lights, it’s a cabin simulator, the centerpiece of SFO’s new sensory room designed for neurodivergent travelers looking to ease some of those flying jitters. Christopher Birch, SFO’s Guest Experience Director, said the $1.2 million space includes soundproof walls, dim lighting, and sensory tools to help travelers decompress before their flight.”The reason to do this is almost like a rehearsal,” he said. “To go through the boarding and the sitting process before you actually do it and to give a sense of familiarity when the time comes to actually board the airplane.”

Airports across the country are dedicated spaces for neurodivergent travelers. While anyone can enjoy them, they’re designed for those who need it most,  like Jono and Marie Miller, whose two boys, 8-year-old Will and 10-year-old Johnny are on the spectrum.”Just letting kids know what to expect helps with that transition a lot and probably helps to not have so many meltdowns,” she said. As for Ambata, this space is all he needed to feel, well, grounded.  “I’m ready,” he said. The sensory room is located at SFO’s Harvey Milk Terminal but can be accessed from all areas of the airport. 

Jamaica Tourism Announces USD221 M for Negril Water Shortage

Travel

Making the announcement to loud applause from stakeholders, Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett said the required water would come from connecting sources such as the Bulstrode Treatment Plant and Roaring River with Trelawny’s Martha Brae River, providing adequate water supply all the way to Llandilo. He said the procurement process had begun and construction for the laying of the pipes would commence in three months.

He further explained that Negril accounted for approximately 20% of Jamaica’s stopover visitors, adding that the water supply project, which would be the biggest investment by the government in water development, was aimed at giving back to the town. 

Mr. Bartlett made the announcement recently during his keynote address at the official opening of the innovative attraction, the Red Stripe Experience at Rick’s Café in the famed Negril Westend. The official opening of the Red Stripe Experience celebrated Rick’s Café 50th year of operation and a 25-year relationship with Jamaica’s world-renowned beer.

“This collaboration is set to create some 146 new jobs, bring in 60,000 additional visitors and generate about US$1.5 million in annual revenue.”

“But beyond these figures, the Red Stripe Experience is creating opportunities for local vendors, artists and musicians to showcase their talents and share in tourism’s benefits. This is how we build sustainable tourism – by ensuring our communities grow along with our visitor numbers,” Minister Bartlett stressed.

Mr. Bartlett welcomed the addition of the Red Stripe Experience to Jamaica’s list of attractions, noting: “Through art, music and digital displays, locals and visitors alike will journey through the almost 100-year history of this iconic brew, all while experiencing the authentic Jamaican culture and people that make our island unique.”

Minister Bartlett pointed out that since 2017 the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF) had committed over J$500 million to various projects in Negril, including road rehabilitation, beautification efforts, drain cleaning and the renovation of the Negril Fire Station.

Mr. Bartlett highlighted other major projects on stream that will benefit Negril, including the development of the Royal Palm Reserve into an eco-tourism destination supporting sustainability; the revitalization of the Negril Beach Park to enhance its appeal; upgrading of the craft and artisan village; the Lucea bypass road from Hopewell, and an international airport. 

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Minister Bartlett also revealed that ground is to be broken “in this quarter for the 1,000-room Viva Wyndham Hotel in Orange Bay” and that “in addition to infrastructure we’re talking about, we’re going to be building and expanding the capacity in the area to drive more visitors here.”

Meanwhile, CEO of Rick’s Café, Steve Ellman disclosed that “the number of tourists we get each year is growing; I’m proud to announce, especially for tourism, we served 394,000 people in 2024.” In a pledge to continue to support the tourism sector and give back to the wider community, Mr. Ellman said: “Over the years we’ve given back to Jamaica whenever we could” and announced that: “We have just formed the Rick’s Children and Community Foundation.” He said he expected that given the establishment’s impressive patronage “that we are going to be able to generate some significant dollars that we can contribute back into the community.”

SEEN IN IMAGE:  Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett (centre) cuts a red ribbon signalling the grand opening of the Red Stripe Experience at Rick’s Café in Negril, on Saturday, January 18, 2025. He is flanked by (from left) Head of Commerce, Red Stripe, Sean Wallace; Managing Director of Red Stripe, Daaf van Tilburg; CEO of Rick’s Cafe, Steve Ellman and Member of Parliament, Westmoreland Western, Morland Wilson. – image courtesy of Jamaica MOT

Jamaica and Spain to Sign Tourism Resilience and Sustainability MOUThe Secretary of State for Tourism of Spain, HE Rosario Sanchez Grau, and Jamaica Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, met today at the Ministry of Tourism in Castellano, Madrid, and discussed the areas of agreement for an MOU on Tourism Resilience and Sustainability. The Memorandum of Understanding will also address Human Capital Development, Gastronomy, and Professional Development and Training. @media (max-width: 1200px) {

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First Uganda-China Tourism and Cultural Symposium Opens

Travel

This important event explored avenues of economic/tourism growth, investment, cultural cooperation, development, and the strengthening ties between the two countries. From fashion, to technology, construction, cuisines, and to health products, the Chinese influence has largely impacted and enriched the Ugandan populace. China, which is a major economic power and ranked among the top 10 tourist destinations worldwide, is of major interest to Uganda when it comes to investment and development.

Explore Uganda – Explore UgandaTop Attractions

With it’s unique flora and fauna as a primate capital with vast virgin and breathtaking landscapes, as well as a variety of bird and animal species, fertile soils, a warm and friendly people, and a unique culture, Uganda offers potential in areas of tourism growth, development, and investment.

Through such a symposium, this vision to partner with the people of the Chinese community to promote and develop Uganda’s tourism sector comes to fruition and is a very welcomed initiative. 

In his remarks, Uganda Tourism Minister Hon. Tom R. Butime extended his appreciation to the Chinese Ambassador and general Chinese community at large for their positive impact on most Ugandan projects they’ve undertaken, plus the smooth collaboration shared between the two nations.

He invited more Chinese to visit Uganda to witness it’s beauty, and he promised support from the government along with a conducive environment for all those that wish to invest in the tourism industry or any other sector in Uganda. The Minister wished the Chinese community a joyous and prosperous Lunar New Year – the year of the snake.

Uganda Tourism Board First To Join African Tourism Board USAWhen the African Tourism Board USA opened its doors on January 6, Kenya-based Beyond the Plains Safaris will be the first private company to join. At the same time, the Uganda Tourism Board will be represented in the United States in this Africa-wide marketing and PR opportunity. The idea is to combine resources and costs to reach the potential and high-spending US tourism market beyond their key cities.

By bridging cultures and enhancing cooperation, the Uganda-China Tourism and Cultural Symposium aims to position Uganda as a top destination for Chinese travelers. This inaugural symposium began on January 20 and will run through January 26, 2025.

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WA named on BBC’s top places to travel in 2025 list

Travel

The BBC has listed Western Australia (WA) among its 25 best places to travel in 2025 list. This is the first BBC list of its kind. It highlights destinations that are not only welcoming to visitors but also support their local communities, protect the local environment or preserve unique cultural heritage. BBC says this is to combat travel and overtourism’s negative impacts.WA was listed at number eight for its connection to the rest of the world, celebration of Aboriginal culture and other unique features.Despite being the most isolated capital city in Australia, it is the only Australian city with direct flights to Europe. This is with the Perth airport undergoing a A$5 billion airport upgrade and creating new connections to Asia.“Perth is positioning itself as Australia’s western gateway and a global aviation hub,” BBC travel editor Ellie Cobb wrote.The BBC article also pointed to WA’s rich cultural heritage with its A$20 million Jina Aboriginal Tourism plan that champions authentic Indigenous-led experiences for travellers.For the sustainably minded road-tripper, Cobb also pointed to the newly opened 6,600km Electric Vehicle Highway, which is the world’s longest EV charging network.Alongside these features are other tourist destinations like the Swan Valley Wine Region and Rotness Island where you can visit quokkas.Atop the BBC’s inaugural list was Dominica, where people can swim with whales ethically and sustainably.The list was created by BBC travel writers in collaboration with some of the world’s leading travel authorities. These include the United Nations World Travel Organization, Sustainable Travel International, the Black Travel Alliance and the World Travel & Tourism Council.    

WA named on BBC’s top places to travel in 2025 list

Travel

The BBC has listed Western Australia (WA) among its 25 best places to travel in 2025 list. This is the first BBC list of its kind. It highlights destinations that are not only welcoming to visitors but also support their local communities, protect the local environment or preserve unique cultural heritage. BBC says this is to combat travel and overtourism’s negative impacts.WA was listed at number eight for its connection to the rest of the world, celebration of Aboriginal culture and other unique features.Despite being the most isolated capital city in Australia, it is the only Australian city with direct flights to Europe. This is with the Perth airport undergoing a A$5 billion airport upgrade and creating new connections to Asia.“Perth is positioning itself as Australia’s western gateway and a global aviation hub,” BBC travel editor Ellie Cobb wrote.The BBC article also pointed to WA’s rich cultural heritage with its A$20 million Jina Aboriginal Tourism plan that champions authentic Indigenous-led experiences for travellers.For the sustainably minded road-tripper, Cobb also pointed to the newly opened 6,600km Electric Vehicle Highway, which is the world’s longest EV charging network.Alongside these features are other tourist destinations like the Swan Valley Wine Region and Rotness Island where you can visit quokkas.Atop the BBC’s inaugural list was Dominica, where people can swim with whales ethically and sustainably.The list was created by BBC travel writers in collaboration with some of the world’s leading travel authorities. These include the United Nations World Travel Organization, Sustainable Travel International, the Black Travel Alliance and the World Travel & Tourism Council.