History Creates Tourism

WORLD Tourism Day 2019 will be celebrated on September 27 and Cambodia and Djibouti have won the honor to be global examples in the tourism and cultural world for 2019, according to a string of key decisions for tourism and culture future in 2019 taken by the global tourism institutions.

Phnom Penh, the capital of Kingdom of Cambodia and Djibouti city, the capital of The Republic of Djibouti were selected as the official model cities for World Tourism Day celebrations and official hosts of global tourism events.

Both Djibouti and Phnom Penh where in previous years selected as World`s Capital of Culture and Tourism and globally recognized as centers of heritage, tourism and culture.

The  theme was decided to be History and Tourism: A symbiotic relationship!, destined not only to enliven tourism during 2019, but also to emphasize that tourism is inextricably linked with historical legacy.

History is the main attraction that is creating tourism demand and visitors expectation is linked with the existence of historical and cultural heritage.



Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk
All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

Return to Islamabad

BRITISH Airways has today announced that it will fly from Heathrow to Islamabad, the capital city of Pakistan, from June 2nd next year.  

It is the first time the carrier has flown to #Pakistan in more than a decade.  The airline stopped flying to the country after the Marriott hotel in the capital, #Islamabad, was bombed in 2008, killing more than 50 people.

It is a hub for culture with a rich heritage and has an impressive collection of museums, markets, mosques and hiking trails, as well as restaurants which serve a variety of cuisines from local Pakistani dishes to food from around the world.

The airline has a long history of flying to the city and offered its first scheduled flights between London and the Pakistani capital in 1976.  Islamabad is one of four long-haul routes being launched by British Airways in 2019, its centenary year.


Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk
All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK
Picture Credit: By Imrankhakwani -wikimedia.org 59418092

Celebrate the North East's Arts and heritage this Autumn

CELEBRATE 100 years since the Right to Vote; explore rural Wearside, and get involved in a whole host of festivals, all in the North East. The summer season might be drawing to an end, but the North East’s cultural offering is going from strength to strength, with an exciting programme of events planned for the whole of Autumn.

Twelve local authorities, the region’s five universities, the North East Chamber of Commerce, and individuals from Historic England and Arts Council England are working together under the North East Culture Partnership (NECP) banner – with the aim of championing, promoting and supporting the North East’s arts and heritage sectors.


Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk
All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

European Capital of Smart Tourism nominees

A new EU initiative aims to promote smart tourism in the EU, foster innovative, sustainable and inclusive tourism development, as well as spread and facilitate the exchange of best practices. The European Capital of Smart Tourism initiative recognises outstanding achievements in four categories: sustainability, accessibility, digitalisation as well as cultural heritage and creativity, by European cities as tourism destinations.

The following cities have been shortlisted as finalists in the competition for the European Capital of Smart Tourism 2019 are:

Brussels (Belgium), Helsinki (Finland), Ljubljana (Slovenia), Lyon (France), Málaga (Spain), Nantes (France), Palma (Spain), Poznań (Poland), Tallinn (Estonia), and Valencia (Spain).


Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk
All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

Puerto Vallerta's center now a protected area

PUERTO Vallarta's Historic Centeris now a protected Cultural Heritage of the Mexican State of Jalisco. The declaration was made by the state's Department of Culture on July 21 via the official journal of Jalisco and makes the center of the city a protected area, with all the rights and privileges of a heritage protected by state and federal laws.

The recognition includes the area from the beginning of the Malecon - where the oldest hotel in Puerto Vallarta, the hotel Rosita, stands - and continues to the cobblestoned Romantic Zone and up to the historic Conchas Chinas neighborhoods. Each area is of special historical significance to Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco and Mexico, as well as the essence of the port city, which is in the midst of celebrating its centennial.


Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk
All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK
Picture Credit: By Adam Jones from Kelowna, BC, Canada - Facade of Hotel Rosita with Pelicans - Puerto Vallarta - Jalisco - Mexico, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=64119845

San Antonio celebrates like no other

WHEN it comes to Día de Los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, there's no place in the United States that observes this traditionally Mexican holiday quite like San Antonio. This year, as the city celebrates its Tricentennial anniversary, there will be more than 20 unique events from October 20 through November 3 -- more than any other city in Texas, and likely any other city in the country. 

Mexican roots run deep in San Antonio (which is a previous colonial capital of New Spain and state capital of the Mexican state of Coahuila y Tejas). The city is a three-hour drive from the U.S.-Mexico border, and more than 60 percent of the city's population is of Mexican descent. This cultural heritage is evident through San Antonio'sunwavering celebratory spirit -- the city hosts a seemingly endless roster of festivals and events each year, including the 10-day-long Fiesta San Antonio in April -- and also is distinctly felt when it comes to Día de Los Muertos.

This year's events run the gamut, from small gatherings with traditional altars and face painting to multiple-day festivals featuring live music, stilt walkers, Mexican cuisine and festive parades. In addition to official celebrations, restaurants and cafes across San Antonio will showcase altars, customary décor and fresh-baked pan de muerto, a popular type of sweet bread that is also used as an offering to loved ones who have passed. This collective spirit offers an unforgettable way to experience the city, as well as to gain insight into this unique, historic holiday which views death with lightness and humor rather than fear. Most events are family friendly, allowing children to learn about the rich traditions of the holiday, helping it continue for generations to come.


Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk
All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

Ireland by car

ONE of the industry’s first global car rental companies Auto Europe, reveals the top 5 destinations in #Ireland for North American tourists exploring by car.

Killarney - A storied stop along the scenic Ring of Kerry Tour, Killarney offers travelers a chance to experience authentic Ireland. The city and surrounding country are the complete embodiment of mythical Ireland: a Celtic kingdom of misty mountains and snowcapped summits complete with a vibrant nightlife scene and customary Irish flair.

Nestled along the Wild Atlantic Way, Galway is the perfect destination to start a tour of Ireland’s west coast and see world-famous natural attractions as well as the country’s most significant historic sites. While in town, be sure to walk the Salmon Weir Bridge to watch the fishermen haul in their daily catch.

Referred to as the ‘real capital of Ireland’ by the locals, Cork is home to some of the best seafood restaurants, pubs, and breweries. Of course, no trip to Cork would be complete without a quick trip to the famous Blarney Stone, just one of the 7 best historic places in Ireland within driving distance.

Shannon’s close proximity to many of Ireland’s most significant attractions makes the city a hot spot for travelers. Visitors can easily visit the stunning Cliff’s of Moher which are only an hour’s drive from the city and King John’s Castle, just a quick jaunt from Shannon, all in one day.

The Historic City of Dublin is a UNESCO world heritage site – meaning that in addition to the fantastic pubs, restaurants, and museums available in the city, the city itself is a landmark of historic interest. It’s also home to the Guinness Storehouse making it the perfect place to start a beer tour of Ireland.


Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk
All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

Unique trail for whale watching in Scotland

SCOTLAND'S west coast offers excellent opportunities for accessible, land-based whale watching, with a remarkable range of species to be spotted. The region’s seas are home to around a quarter of the world’s whale and dolphin species – including bottlenose, Risso’s and common dolphins, harbour porpoises, minke whales and Orca.

People are being asked to contribute ideas for top sites for spotting whales, dolphins and porpoises from land on Scotland’s west coast, to help create a Hebridean Whale Trail that will be the first of its kind in the UK. The high-profile trail will be a network of around 25 world-class whale-watching and whale heritage sites. Its development is being led by charity Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust.

The project will promote #Scotland as one of Europe’s best destinations for spotting whales, dolphins and porpoises – collectively known as #cetaceans – and champion conservation of the Hebrides’ unique, globally important marine wildlife and environment.

Due for a summer 2019 launch, the ambitious initiative will connect and support existing wildlife tourism businesses and heritage sites of national cultural significance that showcase the history of people’s relationships with whales in the Hebrides. Many of these will be small, community-run visitor centres at spectacular sites.

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk
All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

Great Northumberland

THIS summer, the great county of #Northumberland will demonstrate why it’s one of a kind when it serves up a summer of arts, culture and heritage to tempt visitors to enjoy and discover this unique and stunning corner of Northern England.

Great Northumberland 2018 is an eight-week extravaganza of events, exhibitions and activities starting from Saturday 7 July. Great Northumberland offers something for everyone, regardless of age, whether they’re families, art lovers, history buffs or they're simply looking to explore and find adventure.

Spurred on by the Great Exhibition of the North 2018, Northumberland County Council is bringing together, for the first time, a diverse range of summer activities under ‘Great Northumberland’, with a variety of the county’s best-loved visitor attractions playing host to events, including Lindisfarne Castle, Cragside, Vindolanda, Cherryburn and many more.

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk
All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

Djibouti: World capital of culture and tourism

THE induction of Djibouti as World Capital of Culture and Tourism will take place on April 18, 2018, on the occasion of the official handover ceremony to be held at Presidential Palace in #Djibouti.

The country encompasses ten world heritage sites on tentative list ranging from natural treasures and natural protected areas such as: Lake Assal and Lake Abbe, National Park Foret du day to the tumulus of Awellos, cave paintings of Abourma.

The capital city: Djibouti is home to a treasure trove of architectural marvels from the historical Haji Hamoudi Mosque, European Quarter (Malik Square) and African Quarter, Djibouti Cathedral and Ethiopian Church Saint Gabriel of the Sun and the cultural blending space of Les Caisses.

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk
All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

Awards for Tai O Heritage Hotel

TAI O Heritage Hotel recently garnered three titles at the 2017 World Luxury Hotel Awards, including Country Winner in Luxury Historical Hotel, Country Winner in Luxury Heritage Hotel and Regional Winner for East Asia in Luxury Cultural Retreat.

Tai O Heritage Hotel is run as a non-profit social enterprise by the #HongKong Heritage Conservation Foundation. Since opening in 2012, Tai O Heritage Hotel has received more than a million visitors and guests. 

By conserving the structure that housed the Old Tai O Police Station and participating in more than 100 community events, the hotel not only strives to preserve the unique landscape and livelihood of the fishing village, but also works with the local community to turn Tai O into one of the most popular tourist destinations in Hong Kong. 

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk
All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

Picture Credit: Pintrest

Udaipur’s City Palace Museum

ONE of India’s finest heritage destinations, the City Palace Museum in Udaipur, #India is unveiling a packed programme of events, festivals, celebrations and exhibitions for visitors. The schedule taking place in the heart of regal Rajasthan includes a recital by world-renowned French cellist Sonia Wieder-Atherton and lecture by Professor John S. Hawley.  

Special exhibitions commemorating the bicentenary of the Mewar-British East India Company treaty, Eternal Mewar festivals, celebrations, guest lectures and youth events are all set to take place over the coming months in and around Udaipur’s spectacular 450-year-old palace complex, along the shores of Lake Pichola. 

The 200,000 sq ft City Palace Museum is hailed as a jewel in India’s heritage crown and is Udaipur’s prime tourist attraction. In 2014 a record-breaking one million visitors passed through its gates. The museum houses exceptional collections of paintings, photography, silver, armoury and textiles.

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk
All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

Picture Credit: By ArishG - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=19387745

Count those Castles

RESEARCH has revealed that almost half (49%) of Brits have never visited a Scottish Castle, VisitScotland is encouraging visitors to get castle-bagging.

The research - which comes as the 2017 Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology comes to a close - also reveals that the Queen’s Holiday Home, Balmoral Castle, is Scotland’s second best-known castle (53%) after the iconic Edinburgh Castle, which 80% of British people were aware of.

In total, #Scotland is thought to have around 3000 standing #castles, ruins and documented sites. Of these, about 1050 are merely sites, including those where a house has been built on the site of a previous castle and about 825 are standing ruins. At the last count, around 660 were in use (private house, hotel or wedding venue) and around 469 were open to the public, though some only for a couple of weeks each year.

Aberdour Castle in Fife and Castle Sween in Argyll are thought to be two of the oldest datable standing castles in Scotland, dating from around 1200 and the youngest castle in Scotland is thought to be Carbisdale Castle which was built in 1907.

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk
All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

Kona Coffee Cultural Festival

THIS 10 day festival celebrates the harvest of Kona’s 200 year old coffee heritage each year in November on the Island of Hawaii. 

Recognised as one of the world’s most expensive coffees, Kona coffee is a must-try for visitors travelling to the volcanic archipelago. 

Historical information about the importance of farming is exposed and visitors can walk among the coffee trees, meet a ‘Kona Nightingale’ and watch how farmers mill and dry the famous coffee. The event also features live music, dancing and entertainment as well as a coffee recipe contest. 

konacoffeefest.com

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk
All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

Picture Credit: By Ekrem Canli - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=61641996

Icelandic culture and stunning Arctic scenery

AKUREYRI is Iceland’s second largest city it is still something of a hidden gem, not yet on the main tourist trail. You can enjoy Icelandic culture, heritage and cuisine in the city’s museums, restaurants, shops and bars, all the while surrounded by stunning Arctic scenery. Explore the culture and scenery of the Arctic north with an Incredible Iceland break.

Flying from Exeter Airport on Friday 19 January 2018, this three night break to Akureyri is exclusive to Super Break.

Search for the Northern Lights – a four hour tour on your night of arrival. Being just 60 miles from the Arctic Circle, #Akureyri is one of the best places in #Iceland to view the famous Aurora Borealis. Watch the incredible displays of light dance across the night sky, one of earths true natural wonders.

The Lake Myvatn Adventure – Land of Ice and Fire. A full day adventure led by an experienced local guide visiting some of the best natural wonders in Northern Iceland. Highlights include the mythical Godafoss Waterfall, the boiling mudpools of Namafjall and a stop at Vogafjos working farm. There is also the opportunity to visit Myvatn Nature Baths – the Blue Lagoon of the North or take part in a Snowmobiling Experience (extra charge applies).Add extra excursions to your Incredible Iceland break. Spot whales and seals in the Eyjafjörður fjord, visit the Bjorbodin beer spa or explore the local cuisine with an Akureyri Food Walk.

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk
All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

Kuélap Citadel recognised as 2018 hotspot

PERU's Kuelap Fortress was named as the winner of the ‘far and away overseas attraction’ award by the readers of National Geographic Traveller, whilst the Wall Street Journal recently featured Kuelap as number three in its top 10 'hot destinations'. 

The pre-Inca Kuelap Fortress was built and developed at an altitude of over 3,000 meters between the 6th and 16th centuries by the Chachapoyas people and is the largest stone structure in South America. It was rediscovered in 1843 and declared a cultural heritage site in 2003. 

The ruins of the pre-Inca city of Kuelap became more accessible earlier this year with the opening of a £18.5 million cable car in March 2017. The cable car takes just 20 minutes and is expected to increase tourist numbers significantly in the years to come. 

www.peru.travel

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk
All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

Amazing Thailand Tourism Year 2018 launches

THE Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is launching an ambitious calendar of events in support of the ‘Amazing #Thailand Tourism Year 2018‘ featuring an action-packed schedule of unique Thai local experiences and marquee of international events.

Starting from 1 November, 2017, TAT will spotlight activities categorised as follows: Sports, Gastronomy, Maritime tourism, Wedding and Honeymoon, Medical and Wellness, Community-based Tourism, Leisure, Green Tourism, Night Tourism, MICE, Trade Fairs, B2B Marketing Activity and Logistics.

Though too numerous activities to list here in the beginning of 2018 include:

• Wat Arun Ceremony/Wonderfruit Festival (Bangkok/Pattaya December 2017); 
• Thailand Tourism Festival (January 2018); 
• Thailand International Kite Festival/Thailand Marathon (Songkhla/Bangkok, February 2018);
• International Balloon Festival (May 2018); 
• Chiang Rai Flower Festival (July 2018) 
• Queen of Thai Silk Exhibition (August 2018); 
• Nationwide Vegetarian Festival (October 2018) and
• Bangkok Art Biennale (November 2018). 

Night Tourism activies include:

Ong Bak and the Siam Niramitr Muay Thai Live exhibition at Asiatique and Festival of Lights along the Chao Phraya River (Wat Arun).

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk
All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

Going Wild

NEW responsible wildlife packages have bolstered Adventure World’s newly released 2018/19 India and Asia portfolio. As a longstanding partner with World Animal Protection [WAP], Adventure World strictly adheres to a policy of no elephant rides in any of its programs and in partnership with The TreadRight Foundation and Wildlife SOS, Adventure World is supporting the development of an Elephant Conservation and Care Centre in Mathura, Uttar, India. 

New for 2018 is a dedicated Wildlife of Sri Lanka program where clients explore the lesser known Wilpattu National Park, home to a vast number of Sri Lankan leopards. Along with big cats there is the chance to see elephants, sloth bears and an array of other wildlife and flora on a thrilling Jeep safari. The program also includes an infrared night safari in Yala National Park and a day at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Horton Plains. 

Birding enthusiasts will be drawn to the new Jungles, Wildlife & Temples itinerary in Cambodia which features a lodge stay in the isolated village of Tmatboey, famous for the conservation of the giant ibis, Cambodia’s national bird. Clients can enjoy a series of wildlife and birding treks with local naturalists. 

In Indonesia, the new Kaliman tan Orangutans by Houseboat allows travellers to explore the wonders of Tanjung, putting by houseboat, cruising languid waters, surrounded by jungle and encounter wild orangutans. 

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk
All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

Scotland: Year of History, Heritage and Archeology

FROM the Iron Age to the Roman Empire, from Vikings to Jacobites, from epic battles to great escapes, September has been a month of historic proportions with a jam packed calendar of events celebrating Scotland’s 2017 Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology.

Rounding off the month is a three day festival, set to take place in Stirling, History Live (29 Sep – 01 Oct) will showcase Scotland’s rich and diverse history and cultural heritage in the heartland of Scotland’s historic past. From the exciting opening concert at the Church of the Holy Rude to tours of buildings not previously open to the public such as Bannockburn House, the action packed weekend is the perfect way to end a spectacular September of historical events.

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk
All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

Festivities in Samoa

A TRUE celebration of Samoan and Polynesian culture, the Teuila Festival is an annual event now in its 27th year, with many activities and shows being held across the country, particularly in Apia, Samoa’s capital city. The festival is named after the bright red teuila flower, the national flower of #Samoa and is frequently seen around the islands. This year’s festival will be running from 3rd to 9th September. Visitors will experience Samoan dance, arts, gastronomy and even traditional tattooing.

Every year thousands pour into the capital to witness the extravanganza that is the Opening Ceremony, held this year on 3rd September. The opening is a proud display of Samoan culture with a floral parade, the Siva Afi fire knife dancers and native music setting the scene for a further five days of festival fun. Another spectacular display is the Chief’s Fiafia show, where iconic dances and entertainment represent the cultural heritage of different South Pacific Islands.

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk
All your holiday needs: IN PRINT - ON-LINE - DiGiMAG - SMARTPHONE -TABLET - BLOG - TWITTER - G+ - FACEBOOK

Picture credit: pintrest