The Benefits of Visiting Guangzhou

Nestled along the banks of the Pearl River in southern China, Guangzhou emerges as a vibrant metropolis, seamlessly blending a rich history with a dynamic present. Renowned as the capital of Guangdong Province, this sprawling urban landscape serves as a testa..

Why You Should Visit Surabaya

Surabaya, Indonesia’s second-largest city and the capital of East Java province, stands as a vibrant metropolis that seamlessly blends a rich historical heritage with modern urban dynamism. Known as the “City of Heroes” due to its pivotal role in Indonesia’s ..

A simple guide to Melbourne

As a first-time visitor, you’re in for a treat as Melbourne unfolds its diverse charms. Nestled on the southeastern coast of Australia, this dynamic metropolis is celebrated for its thriving arts scene, world-class dining, and distinctive laneways adorned wit..

Discovering the Pulse of Vietnam

When in Vietnam, travellers naturally veer to the beating heart of the country; Saigon. A city with an incredible, dense history with paramount evidence to show for it, here is everything you need to know about your visit to Ho Chi Minh City. Explore Historic..

Photography Tips for Exploring the Beauty of Mauritius

Exploring the enchanting landscapes of Mauritius offers endless opportunities for breathtaking photography. With the following photography tips in mind, you’re ready to embark on a visual adventure across the stunning landscapes of Mauritius. Remember to stay..

2025 European Capital & Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism Launched

The 2025 edition of the European Capital of Smart Tourism and the European Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism competitions has been launched by the European Commission. European tourism destinations are encouraged to showcase their smart and sustainable tourism practices to establish themselves as influential models in the field of European tourism. Tourism, being the third largest eco-system in the European Union, is vital for economic growth and employment opportunities. The Smart Tourism program acknowledges cities that adopt innovative digital strategies to provide equal access and opportunities for visitors, foster sustainable development, and promote creative industries and local talent. Through these competitions, the European Commission encourages and honors the advancement of smart and sustainable tourism in Europe. To be eligible for the 2025 titles, cities must showcase their innovative tourism strategies and apply through an online form. A group of independent experts will assess the applications initially. Shortlisted cities will then have the opportunity to present their candidacy to the European Jury. In November 2024, the European Jury will announce the winners of the ‘European Capital of Smart Tourism 2025’ and the ‘European Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism 2025’, selecting two cities for these prestigious titles. Both contests accept entries from cities in the EU and non-EU countries participating in the Single Market Program (SMP), which was formerly known as the COSME Program. European Capital of Smart Tourism 2025 – Smart gets you further The European Capital of Smart Tourism competition has a successful track record. The 2025 European Capital of Smart Tourism is the sixth edition of the competition. Dublin was chosen as the 2024 Smart Capital. prior winners include Pafos and Seville as 2023 Capitals, Bordeaux and València as the 2022 Capitals, Gothenburg and Málaga as the 2020 Capitals, and Helsinki and Lyon as the winners of the inaugural competition and holders of the 2019 titles. Starting in 2024, there is only one winner of the European Capital of Smart Tourism competition due to a change in competition rules, while previous editions had two winners each year. Throughout 2025, the European Capital of Smart Tourism 2025 will receive communication and branding assistance to showcase its exceptional smart and innovative practices, which led to its victory. This support will involve creating a promotional video, installing a prominent hashtag sculpture, organizing various promotional activities, and gaining visibility at both EU and international levels. Moreover, the winner will have the opportunity to join a vibrant network of smart destinations that were shortlisted in the competition’s previous five editions, enabling the exchange of best practices and mutual learning. The European Capital of Smart Tourism competition is open to cities with a population of over 100.000. Dublin Named 2024 European Capital of Smart Tourism European Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism 2025 – Green leads the way The European Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism is the next iteration of the European Destinations of Excellence (EDEN) competition. The European Commission initiated the EDEN competition in 2007 to recognize emerging sustainable tourism destinations in Europe that deviate from traditional norms. The competition is based on the idea of fostering the growth of sustainable tourism in smaller locations that contribute to the economy, the environment, and the community. Winning the title of European Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism 2025 will inspire other tourist destinations in Europe, boost the reputation of the winning city as a top travel spot, attract tourists, and stimulate sustainable economic development. The Green Pioneer competition is open to cities with a population between 25.000 – 100.000.SOURCE: 2025 European Capital & Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism Launched BY: eTurboNews | eTN

Football icon Cristiano Ronaldo to play in Abu Dhabi this April

Siuuu at the Saudi Super Cup in Abu Dhabi… Global football greats Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal and Frenchman Karim Benzema could potentially lock horns in Abu Dhabi at the Saudi Super Cup, after it was revealed today that the tournament would be played in th..

Wellness Resorts in South Africa

Wellness retreats provide a transformative and rejuvenating experience. They are also a great way to nurture your physical and mental well-being. Across the country, there are a number of wellness retreats which provide rejuvenation for mind, body and soul. H..

Major 10 Places to Visit in Gatlinburg

Whether it’s the beauty and adventure of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the thrills of theme parks and outdoor attractions, or the laid-back charm of mountain-side chalets and cozy cabins, Gatlinburg is a favorite of many travelers. This includes myself,..

German were” strongly” warned against visiting Russia.

Current travel advice for German nationals regarding traveling to Russia has been revised by the German Foreign Ministry, with a stronger emphasis on discouraging German citizens and individuals holding dual citizenship, from visiting Russian Federation. Before, the government of Germany had only advised against visiting Russia. A press release from the ministry, issued yesterday, states that the decision to make the change was prompted by the ongoing severe deterioration of civil and human rights and disintegration of law and order situation in Russia, which include a soaring frequency of arbitrary arrests. “In this context, [long] prison sentences are repeatedly imposed arbitrarily for public statements critical of the government — sometimes due to private statements on social media,” German foreign ministry officials warned in the release. “In connection with unauthorized rallies and demonstrations, massive, sometimes violent actions by security forces can occur throughout the country,” the ministry press release read. Germany’s Russia travel advisory revision comes only days after memorial events honoring the deceased opposition activist Alexei Navalny, who died under suspicious circumstances in an Arctic penal colony last month, hundreds of individuals in Russia were detained. The latest advisory additionally cautions against traveling to the Russian regions bordering Ukraine. These areas, along with Moscow, have experienced several drone attacks in recent months. The press release emphasizes the possibility of further attacks, including on the public transportation system. The US Embassy in Moscow has also issued an urgent warnings for Americans in Russia’s capital city. Warning of an Imminent Attack in Moscow concerns the US Embassy SOURCE: Germans ‘Strongly’ Warned Against Traveling to Russia BY: eTurboNews | eTN

People in Tourism Celebrates at the World Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre

During the recent 2nd Global Tourism Resilience Day held in Montego Bay, Jamaica, the GTRCMC hosted a dynamic panel discussion titled “Women in Tourism Resilience.” This engaging session brought together influential women who shared their expertise and insights, emphasizing the pivotal role of women in shaping the tourism sector. The panel explored three crucial themes: Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Empowerment and Leadership, and Networking and Collaboration. Throughout the event, attendees witnessed the extraordinary achievements of women as trailblazers and innovators, leveraging technology and driving transformative change in the tourism industry. Minister the Hon Edmund Bartlett, Founder and Co-Chair of the GTRCMC, remarked, “On this International Women’s Day, we celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit of women in tourism and their pivotal role in building a sustainable and resilient global tourism sector.” “Their innovative approaches and dedication are essential for driving progress and shaping the future of tourism.” Professor Lloyd Waller, Executive Director of the GTRCMC, emphasized, “Women play a critical role in building resilience within the tourism industry. Their resilience, adaptability, and leadership are instrumental in navigating challenges and ensuring the sustainability of tourism destinations.” As we commemorate International Women’s Day, the GTRCMC applauds the countless contributions of women in tourism and reaffirms its commitment to championing gender equality, diversity, and inclusion. Together, we strive to create a future where every woman has the opportunity to excel and leave a lasting impact on the world of tourism. Happy International Women’s Day to all the phenomenal women in tourism and beyond! Jamaica Tourism Minister Speaks at GTRCMC – JICA Event on Tourism Futures SOURCE: Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre Celebrates Women in Tourism BY: eTurboNews | eTN

Sexually Transmitted Infections on” Troubling” Rise in Europe

The European Union (EU) agency has issued a warning about a concerning increase in sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in Europe. The 2022 findings for the member states of the European Union and the European Economic Area (Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway) were revealed in the Annual Epidemiological Report published by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) on Thursday. As per the document, there has been a concerning and notable surge in bacterial infections, namely syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia, throughout the EU/EEA. The number of gonorrhea cases increased by 48%, syphilis cases by 34%, and chlamydia cases by 16% compared to 2021. However, the report did not include data on viral STIs like HIV and Hepatitis. ECDC Director Andrea Ammon suggests that addressing the issue can be achieved through measures such as promoting sexual health education, enhancing availability of testing and treatment services, and combatting the stigma surrounding sexually transmitted infections (STIs). She stated at a press conference yesterday that the numbers present a stark picture that requires our immediate attention and action. According to Euractiv, the reported numbers for syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia may not accurately reflect the actual extent of these infections. Variations in testing methods, access to sexual health services, and reporting practices across countries contribute to this underestimation. If not treated, sexually transmitted infections like chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis can cause severe complications such as chronic pain and infertility, as highlighted in the report. STI rates in the EU/EEA have been increasing for several years. However, the COVID-19 pandemic from 2020 to 2021 temporarily halted this trend as governments implemented social distancing measures, which required individuals to stay home and refrain from interacting with others. The ECDC has identified an ongoing increase in risky sexual activity, improved surveillance, and a rise in home testing as the factors responsible for the continuous rise. The EU agency noted that there has been a rise in infections among young heterosexual individuals, especially young women, in the most recent data. This increase may be linked to changes in sexual behavior after the pandemic. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Europe experienced a record-breaking increase in reported cases of bacterial STIs in 2019, prior to the pandemic. SOURCE: Sexually Transmitted Infections on ‘Troubling’ Rise in Europe BY: eTurboNews | eTN

Police arrest group that falsifies go documents

Following a months-long investigation that also involved the cooperation of Europol, police have busted a criminal gang and seized some 4,650 counterfeit travel documents that were intended to facilitate illegal migration.