www.hovedsteder.blogg.no is a Norway-based blog about the capitals of the world, with a focus on tourism and travel, the environment, diplomatic affairs, lifestyle, culture and entertainment, food and drink. See also our travel blog at www.minbestereise.blogg.no – Contact us at [email protected]
I Aserbaidsjans hovedstad Baku er det store idrettsarrangement The 2015 European Games – også kjent som Baku 2015 European Games eller kort og godt Baku 2015, kommet godt i gang etter åpningsseremonien 12.juni. Det var president Ilham Aliyev som stod for den offisielle åpningen av lekene på Baku National Stadium.
6067 utøvere fra hele 50 land deltar i lekene som består av 253 øvelser i 20 idrettsgrener. Norge deltar med 57 utøvere. Lekene blir avsluttet 28.juni.
www.hovedsteder.blogg.no is a Norway-based blog about the capitals of the world, with a focus on tourism and travel, the environment, diplomatic affairs, lifestyle, culture and entertainment, food and drink. See also our travel blog at www.minbestereise.blogg.no – Contact us at [email protected]
The Tongan Government has indicated that international flights between Nadi and Vava?u, operated by Fiji Airways, are expected to commence in November, the www.fijisun.com.fj website reports.
This has been revealed following a Meeting between the Prime Ministers of both the countries.
Tongan Prime Minister, Akiliki Pohiva, is said to have met Fiji Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama in relation to Fiji Airways and the possible international scheduled flights between Nadi and Vava’u.
Tongan Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, Etuate Lavulavu, Tongan Minister for Public Enterprises, Poasi Tei and Tonga Airport Limited chief executive, Viliami Ma’ake, met with the Fiji Airways officials in Fiji to discuss the proposal.
Mr Lavulavu, in a Tonga Government media release, said the outcome of the negotiation was very satisfying.
Tonga sees the new service will open up international access to Vava’u from Asia and Australasia via Nadi.
Mr Lavulavu further indicated that Fiji Airways would also commence direct flights between Apia, Samoa, and Tongatapu.
www.hovedsteder.blogg.no is a Norway-based blog about the capitals of the world, with a focus on tourism and travel, the environment, diplomatic affairs, lifestyle, culture and entertainment, food and drink. See also our travel blog at www.minbestereise.blogg.no – Contact us at [email protected]
Ambassador Pieter Jan Kleiweg De Zwaan of the Embassy of the Kingdom of The Netherlands in Dakar has said that they expect about 25,000 Dutch tourists to come to The Gambia next season, the www.thepoint.gm website reports.
The Ambassador, who was speaking at the Kairaba Beach Hotel during the signing of a bilateral air services agreement between the Gambia government and The Netherlands, said they are the second major contributor of tourists to The Gambia.
Because of the Ebola outbreak in Africa, he said, there was some fear in much of Europe, and as such last year’s tourist figures dropped.
“The good news is that the fear seems to have gone and bookings are going really well for next season, which will start in October,” he stated, adding that they expect about 25,000 Dutch tourists in the 2015/16 season, which is more than the number of tourists that have been coming to The Gambia prior to the Ebola outbreak.
He went on to describe the agreement as a win-win partnership for both countries, and looked forward to implementing the agreement so that more Dutch tourists could come to The Gambia.
Signing the agreement is a very important step for The Netherlands, he said, since thanks to the agreement planes from The Netherlands could easily land and work in The Gambia, as well as the other way round for Gambian planes.
www.hovedsteder.blogg.no is a Norway-based blog about the capitals of the world, with a focus on tourism and travel, the environment, diplomatic affairs, lifestyle, culture and entertainment, food and drink. See also our travel blog at www.minbestereise.blogg.no – Contact us at [email protected]
Prince Carl Philip of Sweden (36) yesterday married his longtime girlfriend Sofia Kristina Hellqvist (30) at Slottskyrkan – the Royal Palace chapel – in Stockholm in the presence of 500 royals and other guests. Photo credit: Claudio Bresciani / TT / kungahuset.se
The former Miss Hellqvist, now Princess Sofia of Sweden, Duchess of Värmland – is a former yoga instructor, model and reality television contestant. She’s been in a relationship with Prince Carl Philip since 2010.
She is running the charity organization Project Playground, founded in 2010 by herself and Frida Vesterberg. The organization, whos main activities are in South Africa, where Sofia has spent long periods of time – is helping children and youth having a meaningful sparetime after school.
Prince Carl Philip Edmund Bertil, Duke of Värmland, is a naval officer and a graphic designer. Both he and Princess Sofia will work full-time for the Royal House.
Thousands of well-wishers – both locals and tourists – lined the streets of Stockholm, and gathered in front of the Royal Palace – for hours on Saturday 13 June to catch a glimpse of Prince Carl Philip and Princess Sofia.
www.hovedsteder.blogg.no is a Norway-based blog about the capitals of the world, with a focus on tourism and travel, the environment, diplomatic affairs, lifestyle, culture and entertainment, food and drink. See also our travel blog at www.minbestereise.blogg.no – Contact us at [email protected]
Guyanese bus drivers transporting persons across the border to Paramaribo must now first apply for the necessary licence, according to Suriname,s Ministry of Transport, Communications and Tourism (TCT), www.stabroeknews.com reports.
This announcement was made following a protest recently by Surinamese bus drivers, who are accusing the Guyanese of taking away their business. However,the Guyanese bus drivers that Stabroek News spoke with said the licence does not apply to them as they do not pick up passengers in Suriname.
A report by CMC stated that the Ministry made the announcement earlier this month after Suriname’s bus drivers called on the authorities to find a solution to the problem where Guyanese bus drivers transporting passengers to the Suriname-Guyana border now travel to the capital, Paramaribo.
The TCT, according to the article, said it has requested the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to help arrange a meeting with its transport counterparts in Guyana and it has also requested information from the Guyana embassy about what is required from Surinamese bus drivers who want to take passengers beyond the western border.
Two weeks ago, bus drivers in Suriname blocked the road to and from South Drain in District Nickerie, where the Canawaima Ferry berths, protesting the action of their Guyanese counterparts, CMC said.
The bus owners say they have been complaining of unfair competition from the Guyanese drivers for four years and it was time for the government to take action.
The Canawaima Ferry Service began operations on November 1, 1998, transporting vehicles, passengers and cargo from South Drain in District Nickerie over the Corentyne River to Moleson Creek in Guyana.
The ferry provides for lively traffic between the two countries, with buses loading up hundreds of people in the capitals Paramaribo and Georgetown daily, to take them to the borders. Buses are not supposed to cross over with passengers though.
According to CMC, the local bus drivers complain that at least six Guyanese drivers who come over with the ferry daily charge their passengers to take them all the way to the capital.
The TCT said it would update the bus drivers this week about their options. It stated too that when Suriname joined Caricom, it amended its public transportation legislation so bus owners from other member states of the regional bloc could also operate in Suriname.
But the TCT said before foreign bus owners are allowed on the roads in Suriname, they first have to apply for a permit and have their vehicles inspected to ensure that they meet the requirements for operating on the roads.
However a Guyanese bus operator who has been plying the route for the last ten years told Stabroek News that no passenger is picked up at the ferry stelling in Suriname. While noting that he doesn’t do the regular transport of passengers but rather is a tour operator, the man asserted that his Guyanese counterparts are doing nothing illegal.
He explained that like Guyana, bus drivers in Suriname require licences to operate in the respective zones/district. He said a problem has developed because Guyana’s Route 63 minibuses are now completing the journey to Paramaribo.
Buses would pick up persons from their homes in Georgetown and transport them to the Moleson Creek Stelling to board a ferry across the Corentyne River.
Those same buses would also use the ferry to cross and after paying the required charges for the vehicle to cross, the drivers would transport the passengers to the capital. If a person is heading to Nickerie, the arrangement is somewhat different as the journeys ends at Moleson Creek and once they have crossed there are designated bus drivers waiting to transport them.
There would be communication between Guyana bus drivers and their counterparts on the other side of the river to ensure a smooth flow of arrangements.
The bus driver told Stabroek News that many times while Route 63 buses are on the ferry, they get passengers. He said oftentimes passengers have big bags and lots of luggage and that is how they would end up boarding a bus on the ferry.
He insisted that the licences do not apply to Guyanese bus drivers as they do not pick up passengers on Suriname’s soil.
It was explained that things escalated last week when one of the Surinamese bus operators tried to block the road and in the process hit a Guyanese bus.
The driver stated that this problem only arises during the off peak season, when less persons travel to and from Suriname.
According to him the only solution to this issue is to separate the bus passengers from those who board the boat without transportation.
www.hovedsteder.blogg.no is a Norway-based blog about the capitals of the world, with a focus on tourism and travel, the environment, diplomatic affairs, lifestyle, culture and entertainment, food and drink. See also our travel blog at www.minbestereise.blogg.no – Contact us at [email protected]
The government of Guinea-Bissau is partnering Romanian group Tender to launch its own airline called Air Guinea-Bissau, said Thursday in Bissau the Secretary of State for Transport and Communications, the www.macauhub.com.mo reports.
João Bernardo Vieira said that for now the government holds a 40 percent stake in the airline with the remaining 60 percent in the hands of the Romanian group.
Air Guinea-Bissau will start operating with two aircraft and, according to the secretary of state, the routes identified by the Civil Aviation Agency are Bissau / Dakar / Bissau, Bissau / Lisbon / Bissau and Bissau / Praia / Bissau.
“We have an ambition to link the sub-region, specifically Conakry and Banjul and we think that within a year we will be able to make the connection between Bissau and Fortaleza in Brazil,” said Vieira.
The Secretary of State said that, pending the approval of the new airline by the International Civil Aviation Organisation, “we will continue to develop the necessary steps so that the Air Guinea-Bissau is able to start operating.”
The Tender group controls several companies operating in areas such as energy, oil and gas industry services, geological prospecting, road infrastructure, real estate, agriculture, tourism and aviation, and is present in African countries such as Senegal and Ivory Coast.
www.hovedsteder.blogg.no is a Norway-based blog about the capitals of the world, with a focus on tourism and travel, the environment, diplomatic affairs, lifestyle, culture and entertainment, food and drink. See also our travel blog at www.minbestereise.blogg.no – Contact us at [email protected]
With its Low Carbon Development Strategy and increased public and private investment, Guyana is ready to become South America’s premier eco-tourism destinatio, the www.theworldfolio.com website reports.
There are perhaps few countries left on earth as undiscovered by tourists as Guyana, but thanks to a new push to develop its tourism industry, the South American nation hopes to become the continent’s next eco-adventure hotspot.
Guyana looks to emulate the success of places like Costa Rica, which has successfully utilized its outstanding natural beauty and stunning biodiversity in recent years to create one of the world?s greenest vacation destinations.
With the country sharing a similar wealth of incredible landscapes and unspoiled wilderness – as well as historic cultural charm – Guyana is today putting forward a tourism plan that will not only draw growing crowds of international visitors, but also help develop the economy in a sustainable manner.
The eco-tourism vision is aligned with Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy; an all encompassing national plan that has set out to protect the country’s 18 million hectares of forest resources (which cover 85% of the country) in order to promote national development and combat climate change.
“Our entire development trajectory is based on a low carbon approach,” says Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Mohamed Irfaan Ali. “Modern-day tourists and high-end tourists are looking for strong eco-based destinations that take the protection of the environment seriously. It is a very important hallmark of our tourism sector.”
However, with less than 200,000 visitors to Guyana in 2013, the country knows it has to do more than just protect its natural assets if it is to procure the greater number of tourists that it desires.
“Investment in tourism and the expansion of tourism as a dominant sector of the economy requires private and public investment,” says Mr. Ali. To this end, the government has already spent more than 53 billion Guyanese dollars on “modernization and expansion” of tourism infrastructure.
“We also need to have other infrastructure invested in by the public sector,” adds the minister. “That is why we are building a new airport. The existing airport has worked well but because of the growth in the sector, the growth in travel and our futuristic ambition of making Guyana a hub for South America, it is essential that we invest in this new infrastructure.”
The US$150 million expansion of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, which is being largely bankrolled by the Chinese government, is set to be completed in August 2015. The idea is to turn the now sleepy rural airport – located 25 miles south of Georgetown – into a busy regional transport base that will eventually link Guyana with destinations all over the world.
The government has also been busy collaborating with foreign firms to bring new hotels and resort facilities to the country. “We are seeing, for example, a new Marriot resort almost completed; we are seeing a local hotel that is being rebranded; we are seeing investment out of Asia, Dubai and the Middle East in the Sea & Sand Hotel. These are all new investments that will definitely add to the tourism sector,” says Mr. Ali.
Additional public money has been put into developing Guyana’s tourism credentials. Aside from a new hospitality institute established to train locals with the knowledge and capabilities of working in the tourism sector, a biodiversity facility is being set up to help Guyana position itself as a regional centre for biodiversity studies.
Efforts like these will only help the country polish its eco-tourism brand. The Caribbean Tourism Organization, for example, has awarded Guyana its “Best Eco-Practices” prize for the past three years running. In winning such acclaim, it is surely only a matter of time before Guyana begins to grab the attention of tourists looking to experience one of the world’s most unblemished natural environments.
The Minister of Tourism likewise believes that the country, while still developing, holds a big opportunity for discerning investors looking to take advantage of the growing trend in eco-tourism services. “The nature of tourism is changing internationally; more of the high-end tourists are going for eco-nature based products,” he says.
“Therefore, a sustainable investor in the tourism sector must see Guyana as a lucrative market in which they can invest in tourism to meet the future demand of the industry. American investors should really make use of the opportunity of investing in Guyana now.”
www.hovedsteder.blogg.no is a Norway-based blog about the capitals of the world, with a focus on tourism and travel, the environment, diplomatic affairs, lifestyle, culture and entertainment, food and drink. See also our travel blog at www.minbestereise.blogg.no – Contact us at [email protected]
Group Pestana will open a new hotel in Amsterdam. With this new hotel, the largest Portuguese hotel group adds another European capital, in addition to Lisbon, Barcelona, London and Berlin and consolidates its international footprint with 16 countries in its Portfolio, the www.rustourismnews.com website reports.
The future Pestana Amsterdam will be located in one of the city’s most noble areas over its main canal and the mythic Amstel Hotel. Less than half a mile away from Amsterdam’s famous museums and Congress Center, it will have easy access to its historical centre and its exciting night life. The new hotel is set to open in early 2016.
Located in Amsteldijk, the new five star hotel will honor the building’s ancient history but will be updated with two modern wings. The project was designed by a renowned team of Danish architects. This hotel represents another major step in recovery of heritage sites that Group Pestana has been implementing for more than 10 years.
With an investment of 35 million euros, the new hotel is perfect for both leisure and business. It will feature 157 rooms, including 32 suites, various meeting and venue halls, restaurant, bar, winter garden terrace in the historic patio, spa with indoor pool and gym.
The Group’s goal in the last 15 years has been international growth in Europe and South America, using a consistent strategy to promote the Pestana brand within the main hotel markets in the world.
Amsterdam is the 5th European city/capital in the Group’s portfolio, in addition to Lisbon, Barcelona, London and Berlin. Outside Europe, Group Pestana is the largest Portuguese hotel group with a presence in the US, Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Venezuela, Cuba, Mozambique, South Africa, Morocco, Cape Verde and São Tomé and Principe.
www.hovedsteder.blogg.no is a Norway-based blog about the capitals of the world, with a focus on tourism and travel, the environment, diplomatic affairs, lifestyle, culture and entertainment, food and drink. See also our travel blog at www.minbestereise.blogg.no – Contact us at [email protected]
The Simpson Bay Resort & Marina in Sint Maarten is taking renovations to the next level. Almost $22 million has been spent to renovate most of the resort, elevating it to a 5 star rating. The marina building is being revamped, scheduled to finish by year’s end.
And these changes are not just cosmetic. In addition to the roofs and exterior areas, every unit’s kitchen, bathroom, air conditioning, and furniture is brand New, the www.travelpulse.com website reports.
The marina waterfront area is also getting a full makeover with improved sightlines, more accessibility, and more food and entertainment choices for the guests.
The infrastructure is not being neglected, with new phone lines throughout the resort, Wi-Fi receivers in every room, a new redundant water delivery system, and air conditioning improvements in the villas building.
Simpson Bay is one of the largest resorts on Sint Maarten with 342 suites. There are many different configurations, with studios sleeping two, one and two-bedroom units sleeping four and six respectively and a few three-bedroom units accommodating up to eight people.
One of more unique setups is an upstairs/downstairs configuration perfect for putting the kids (or mom and dad) to bed while the night owls party away. Almost every suite has a stunning view of Simpson Bay and the Caribbean.
In addition to the suites, there are also the villas attached to the main building which are right on the waterfront with sunset views. All villas have kitchens or kitchenettes and a private furnished balcony. Simpson Bay wants guests to get a good night’s sleep so there is an additional feature that is very unique to the island and resorts in general.
Instead of a pull-out couch, the living spaces include two single pull-down Murphy beds. The best part is they have the same memory foam mattresses as all of the full size beds. You will sleep well even if you are relegated to the living room.
Simpson Bay has a perfect location on the shore of its namesake bay, with easy access to beaches, water sports, restaurants, bars, casinos, and shopping.
Philipsburg, Sint Maarten’s capital, is a quick 10-minute drive and Marigot, the capital of the French side of the island, is only 20 minutes away. You can prepare meals yourself or enjoy the “gourmet capital of the Caribbean” with outstanding meals and vibrant nightlife just steps away.
www.hovedsteder.blogg.no is a Norway-based blog about the capitals of the world, with a focus on tourism and travel, the environment, diplomatic affairs, lifestyle, culture and entertainment, food and drink. See also our travel blog at www.minbestereise.blogg.no – Contact us at [email protected]
It is common knowledge that air pollution negatively affects your health, as well as ecosystems and living organisms, however thanks to technological advances, some companies and/or enterprises can contribute to improving the environment by using ecologically friendly machinery, the www.georgiatoday.ge website reports.
Hotels & Preference Hualing Tbilisi, a 5 star hotel located at Tbilisi Sea, has implemented HVAC, so called absorption chillers, instead of old fashioned electronic ones, which uses heat to drive the refrigeration cycle and produces chilled water while consuming just a small amount of electricity to run the pumps on the unit.
According to Petter Lillvik, the General Manager of the hotel, the primary advantages of absorption chillers are lower electricity costs, higher efficiency, elimination of environmentally harmful CFCs, quiet operation and being vibration free.
As stated by the 2011 report of GEO-Cities Tbilisi: status and trends, integrated environmental assessment, direct linkages were identified between air pollution and human health effects which called for long-term observations on air quality and specific epidemiological studies, which has not been conducted in Georgia for a long time.
According to the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs of Georgia statistical data of the National Centre of Disease Control and Public Health [2010] suggests that the number of registered diseases which, among other factors, can be associated with poor air quality, such as lung and larynx cancer, respiratory, blood and vascular diseases have been increasing in Georgia and its capital, in particular.
“Eco-friendly hotels have grown in demand in the 21st century all over the world and being such a hotel has given us the chance to protect nature, save costs, prolong the life cycle of the hotel equipment and recover the ozone layer. All these factors are vitally important for contributing to our healthy future,” explains Lillvik adding that being located on the ecologically clean shorelines of Tbilisi Sea, the hotel offers a perfect gateway to fresh air and a calm, relaxing atmosphere.
Built in a modern European contemporary style, the hotel offers 247 guestrooms and suites providing a natural, comfortable and elegant stay. In addition, the hotel comprises a Western restaurant with International cuisine, serving organic food lounge, authentic Chinese restaurant, recreation center with indoor swimming pool, sauna, gym, yoga and 3D golf simulator.
With its high standards and environmentally oriented management, housekeepers use non-toxic cleaning agents and laundry detergents for 100% organic sheets, towels and mattresses.
Furthermore, the hotel offers a special selection of pillows for a healthy sleep. All pillows are ecologically clean and healthy and the guest can choose from a variety of buckwheat, rose, bamboo, charcoal, memory foam, antibacterial and neck protection pillows.
