Hong Kong: Old Town Central

THE #HongKong Tourism Board (HKTB) launched a new programme earlier this year – “Old Town Central”, consolidating unique tourism hotspots in Central and Sheung Wan.

To provide visitors with a unique perspective when exploring this area, five themed walking routes have been thoughtfully designed, highlighting historical architecture and landmarks, arts and culture, dining outlets and lifestyle boutiques.

The HKTB will also work with trade partners to promote guided tours focusing on the richness of Central, and local celebrities as well as long-time expats to introduce the district’s charms and hidden gems through PR campaigns and digital platforms.

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What's hot . . .

Sri Lanka – Offering excellent value for money and improvements to the infrastructure on the island's east coast, as well as political stability, its popularity looks set to remain.

Tourists are looking for somewhere new to discover in the Indian sub-continent and are re-assured by the country's stability. 

In a relatively small country, there is so much to see.  There is a fascinating cultural heritage as well as wildlife, colonial towns, and tropical beaches.

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Picture Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/96739039@N00/4834472314">Aadivel Festival 2010</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/">(license)

Brits flock to Eastern Europe

RESEARCH by payment card company Visa has found that #EasternEurope and the Baltics are becoming increasingly popular with British travellers. #Croatia, #Romania, and #Lithuania are said to be among the top five fastest growing destinations for UK holiday spend.

The research was based on debit card use statistics at point-of-sale and ATMs overseas as compared with travel money bought from bureau de change before departure.

It also found that spend by UK Visa cardholders on summer holidays abroad grew 25% between 2012 and 2014.

Spend by UK cardholders in Romania, Lithuania, and Croatia increased by 80%, 61% and 57% respectively between 2012 and 2014.

Spending in bars and restaurants has seen the fastest growth across these countries, with Croatia leading the way.

Kevin Jenkins, managing director UK and Ireland for Visa Europe, said: ‘Our data suggests the appetite for domestic holidays remains strong, but there’s clearly a renewed desire to grab the passport and get exploring again.

‘A third of Brits tell us they’re taking more overseas holidays than five years ago. The difference though is in the choice of destination. People are looking beyond the traditional Mediterranean holiday spots for new experiences. Croatia’s exploding festival scene, low prices, and stunning scenery are making it highly attractive and there’s a similar halo effect across Eastern Europe’s new tourist hotspots. Lithuania, too, has become a real hotspot.’

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Picture Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/89108678@N00/4684684707">Trstenik_4</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/">(license)

US top holiday choice in France

THE US, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Thailand, and Mexico topped the list of ‘dream’ holiday destinations in a poll of 44,000 French people by market research company, Ipsos.

This year, the average vacation budget of French travellers is expected to return to the same level as 2013 at €4,900 (£3,500) per couple per year, after falling last year, says Ipsos.

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Picture Credit: Grand Canyon South Rim Sunset by I, Jonathan Zander. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons, Tasman Valley - Aoraki Mount Cook - Canterburyby David Briody from Edinburgh, Scotland - Tasman Valley (by Lesley). Licensed under CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons 

Happy islands in the sun

TRINIDAD & TOBAGO is the ‘happiest’ Caribbean nation, according to the World Happiness Report published by the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network.

It was ranked highest in happiness in the Caribbean and 41st in the world.

The report aims to help country leaders recognize the importance of

happiness and well-being in achieving sustainable development. Researchers examine 11 areas essential to happiness and well-being, including health, 

education, localgovernment, personal security, income, and overall satisfaction with life.

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Picture Credit: Pigeon Point beach by Kp93 - Own work. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons 

Orlando, London rated top summer hotspots

ORLANDO is the most popular destination in the US for the summer season, according to bookings by members of the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA). 

Orlando was chosen as the top domestic destination by respondents in ASTA’s 2015 Hot Spots for Summer survey, followed by Las Vegas.
Internationally, the hot spot is London.

The top 10 international hot spots for summer were London, Rome, Paris, Cancun (Mexico), Punta Cana (Dominican Republic), Barcelona, Florence, Venice, Dublin, and Riviera Maya (Mexico).

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